NationStates Jolt Archive

The Alversian Demilitarized Zone. A three way section of space divided between the Alversian People’s Republic, the Danaversian Empire and the Alumina Pridelands. It was the sight of eleven wars with the Danaversian Empire on one side and the other two nations. Relations between the two sides were cool at best and both lived in constant expectation that a twelfth war could break out at any moment. Massive fleets sat and stared across the barren space, awaiting the first shot that would launch both into war.

One of the nations that held 55% of the border and had planted a considerable percentage of her navy on her DMZ was the Alversian People's Republic. One of those vessels was the C-Class Dreadnought APS Castiron. The Warship was on patrol between the various defence stations and minefields that marked the boundary. She droned on slowly, her tri-engined design made her stand out and her glistening hull gleamed in the light from a nearby star. Her twin ion-turrets aimed out at 45 degrees to the hull, ready for any nosy raider peeking across the border for a look.

On the bridge, Captain Stacey Smith, stood and watched her crew perform the various roles needed to keep the ship in running order. The Alversian Navy prided itself on the quality of it's Officer Corps and Stacey was a model of the system. Qualifying from the Academy with full honours, she had taken up position as a Lieutenant on one of the Dreadnoughts on the DMZ and now she had her own, she had spent her entire career here. She knew this complex of stations, minefields and sensors like the back of her hand.

But Stacey was not happy, she had joined with the rest of her University friends, young, full of energy and enthusiasm. But now, out of the 5 of them who had joined, she was the only one left. The rest had been killed in the defence of the Republic. As she was an orphan, Stacey was alone in the universe.

Her First Officer was off duty, preparing to take the second shift. Her Tactical and Flight Officers were to take the third and her temperamental Communications Officer would only come out of her Department only when summoned. She was alone on the bridge for the moment.

Now she was snapped out of her daydream by an alarm ringing from console behind her. She cursed herself for not paying more attention and turned to the Ensign to see what the story was.

"Ensign," She demanded, "Report"

"Vessel approaching, Ma'am" He reported dutifully, "Vessel is unidentified. It's not Alversian, Alumina or Danaversian."

"Where is it?" She asked again, trying to think of who would be brave or stupid enough to travel through the DMZ alone.

"Danaversian side, Ma'am. Heading our way"

"Set a course to intercept. We'll have to escort them out before they annoy the Danaversians."

"Yes, Ma'am"

So the vessel turned cleanly and swiftly and headed towards the DMZ and a vessel she had never encountered before. And one they may not have a chance to encounter if they were unlucky.

The New Federation Starfleet.

Every ship being built in Anagonia now had the awesome capability to go above and beyond exploration and discovery. The Call of the time was to reach out to new worlds, explore strange and new civilizations, and embrace the galactic brotherhood at large. No longer was war a reality, everyone was at peace. No longer did hate fill the minds and hearts of the many, for everyone embraced unity. All was well, and all was ready to start a new beginning and find new partners on the Galactic Stage.

Yet in its embrace of peace and brotherhood, now nation would be complete without adequate defensive and offensive measures. Such was the case for the new Federation Marine Corps. Their Official name was now the Colonial Marine Corps, after their ancestors in the Colonial Union so many generations before. Their history a long one. Faithfully serving the People and Constitution of all forms of governments for over four thousand years, never wavering, never faltering. They deserved something of their own, something to branch out from the rest.

Like Anagonia itself, embracing the right to freedom and liberty, so too did the Generals and Admirals of the various Military Branches see fit to finally enable the Marines to have their own branch, and their own fleet. The Colonial Marine StarShip Titan was the first to show the power, glory, and protection provided by the new Colonial Marine Naval Fleet. She was the first of five to be constructed, the pride of the Marine Corps Fleet, the arm of power and authority, and the first responder to threats to the Federation. Her purpose was resolution, was absolution, and nothing was meant to stand in her way.

And yet she was here, on an exploration mission. Not that Colonel Samuel Vong minded, he had always had a soft spot for discovering new things. It was just the unsatisfactory fleet numbers in Starfleet that had him peeved. His men should be in Federation territory, patrolling contested regions, providing the military protection of the Federation to the People he swore to serve to his dying breath. While he considered exploring space a valued objective, there was nothing military about it. This was the job of an adventurer, someone who wanted to be out here. Not his men, nor his ship. There were thousands of planets in the Federation that still had internal problems in which his ship, just its presence, would resolve.

He sighed as he tried not to sag in the Command Chair. Military doctrine must be maintained here, and sagging in a chair out of self-pity would not provide an example to his marines. Taking the time to look around the bridge, he found his mind drifting again. The Titan was a model of the Defiant-Class (http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Defiant_class) starships found in the Jedi Archives, one of a few that had enough complete data to actually construct the design. These ships were directly spartan compared to even the Constellation-Class starhips that were now being constructed, and were roughly considered barren compared to the Old Republic ships still in use.

The bridge layout of the Titan was compact, but nonetheless accommodated the familiar engineering, tactical, science, conn, and ops stations that the new Starfleet vessels were designs with. Although compared to the new Constellation-Class starships, like the Rebirth, the Titan was considered more spartan. This bode well for Samuel, as he hated excess of anything more than necessary to complete a mission.

The main bridge of the Titan acted as the nerve center of the vessel, and the entire module was sunken into a much larger deck one(1) to provide added protection during combat situations. Access to the bridge was provided by two doorways at the back, located on both port and starboard sides. Just forward of the starboard entryway was the location of the ship's dedication plaque, as well as an auxiliary computer access panel.

The port side of the bridge housed the engineering and tactical I stations, while the starboard side featured the science and tactical II consoles. While understandably a Marine Assault Ship didn't need science facilities, the new Starfleet agena for exploration required it in first contact to discovery scenario's. Thankfully, because of the Titan's nearly exclusive role as a combat vessel, stations aboard Defiant-class vessels were designed with speed in mind, which took mind off the non-military stations.

The center of the bridge featured the lone captain's chair, designated the Commanders Chair by Colonial Command, which was on a raised platform and had a clear view of all bridge stations, as well as of the main viewscreen. On both sides of the command chair were separate control panels, allowing Samuel access to virtually every system aboard the ship.

Between the command chair and the viewscreen was an integrated flight control and operations panel, capable of performing the joint duties of those stations' larger counterparts that were constructed on the newer line of Starfleet starships. Like all of the bridge stations on Titan, the conn had been designed for maximum speed and efficiency of commands input by the operator, allowing the craft to be handled almost like a fighter when under the hands of a skilled pilot.

The engineering station allowed for a direct link to the fusion drives and Hyper-Warp engines, as well as monitoring of the other various systems vital to the operation of the ship. This single station was capable of mirroring all the readouts and consoles located in main engineering, allowing the chief engineer or another engineering officer to issue commands from the bridge.

Mirroring the engineering station on the port side of the bridge was the science station. Normally occupied by the ship's chief science officer, the panels and readouts on this station allowed direct access to the ship's sensor systems. Capable of taking high resolution scans of both natural and artificial phenomena, this station played a vital role during reconnaissance missions, or in missions such as exploration in which the Titan was now on.

Flanking both sides of the viewscreen were two tactical stations, which had primary access to the ship's powerful pulse fusion cannons, photon torpedo launchers and various other special ordinance packages. Working closely with conn, the officers stationed at these consoles were responsible for firing the various weapons aboard Defiant Class vessels during combat operations. The purpose of the Tactical II station was to lighten the load on its sister station, particularly in battle.

During Battle, the Titan was unmatched. Various weapons modifications had been done to make it a particularly powerful vessel in combat situations. The normal design retrieved from the Jedi Archives called for Pulse Phaser Cannons, which were later remodeled and made after the Blazing Blue Class Scout Ships (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=Military&action=display&thread=1103679193&page=1#1121547932 ) Pulse Fusion Cannons. They proved more power per damage than the phaser cannons, and bode well in combat situation. The Photon Torpedoes were kept, because nothing the Federation had in torpedo technology matched their firepower.

Manning the stations on the bridge was members of Colonel Vong's Company, a total of forty brave marines on board the Titan. Everyone on the bridge either commanded one of the three platoons, or a squad, and were all cool under live-fire actions. No one on board, with the execption of ten Marines, had come straight out of the Academy. Like Samuel, they had prior combat experience in multiple campaigns.

Major Ur'Sa was a dedicated Komodren (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=gi&action=display&thread=1205653586) to his people, and an extremely reliable Marine to Samuel. Standing at least seven feet tall, his composure and natural strength created an atmosphere of compliance to Samuel Marines, whom he had second command over. Numerous engagements between Imperials in the years before the rise of the Federation accounted for many of his accommodation's in war, not recieveing command until twelve years later only to loose it to a surprise pirate attack near the Rudavian border. Shortly after, he served under Samuel for two years and chose, willingly, to serve as his right hand man. He manned the Engineering Console, both acting as Second in Command and Chief Engineer.

Captain Alaso Muko had served with Samuel in two battles, and his Elven intellect had proven valuable when he and Samuel were the last two men a live during a Pirate raid in the Confederate Territories. They successfully defeated overwhelming odds, and both had earned each others brotherhood on that day. His calm and logical self-composure served him well as the Chief Science Officer, while his ability to counteract enemy tactics made him a reliable commander to boarding and raiding parties.

On Tactical, with his counterpart at the second station, First Lieutenant Gorvan was undeniably the best weapons expert the ship had. This wasn't said lightly, as Gorvak came from people whose tendency to violence was basically none. Coming from a race of Dolphin-like humanoids called Delphinians, their ability in telekinesis and empathy mainly provided them positions of counseling and instant entrance in the Jedi and Sith Academies. Never before Gorvan had a Delphinian willingly applied to the Marine Corps, and never after has the Marines regretting allowing it. His counterpart at Tactical Two was, also, a Delphinian. They having numerous past engagements with enemy forces together and having some kind of untold bond which was commonplace in the Delphinian Culture.

On Helm, First Lieutenant Yuri Mansolvi provided a firm hand to guide Titan during combat situations. His past experience in battle manning countless vehicles, flying numerous craft, and being on board many starships provided the experience necessary to outdo, outmaneuver, and out play many an opponent in combat. Next to Samuel himself, he was one of a few humans on board the Titan.

At Operations, Captain Nemesis was of the newer generation of Droidekans. His body frame modeled that of the Super Battle Droid, and his capability in battle allowed him every use of it. Unlike most Droidekans, he was created by an unknown person and served in countless Pirate raids against the Old Republic until two years before the formation of the Federation. His combat experience entirely came from his operations during piracy, which were forgiven once he joined the Marine Corps. Surprisingly, because his existance was confirmed by Droidekans themselves, he was embraced as a second race in the Droidekan culture and was immediately modeled during the creation of the newer generation. He was asked to lead them, represent them, like Prometheus did as the first Droidekan to ever be created. He declined out of respect for the Marines.

And it was Nemesis that spoke up first about the contact. The Titan had just left Hyper-Warp following a scouting run in a Contested Territory. Now, they were well away from any help from the Federation, but on course for a long patrol route. His mechanical voice gave deception to the extremely intelligent and self-aware mind beneath the metal and circuitry.

"We have an unidentified craft ahead," said Nemesis as his head extended from his body, "Unknown origin and configuration."

"Very well," Samuel responded. He then opened a channel.

Galactic Federation of Anagonia
Colonial Marine Starship
CMSS Titan under the command of Colonel Samuel Vong

Attention Unidentified Ship:

This is the Colonial Marine Star Ship Titan on long patrol mission for Federation Starfleet Command. We are on a mission of discovery and exploration, and ask that you identify yourselves for the benefit of relations to the Federation

END MESSAGE

Samuel made careful care not to mention Assault under the class designation. While he had little experience in diplomatic relations, or politics for that matter, he felt his message was to the point and what any marine would ask. After all, they had send marines to discover new worlds. What did they want? Cake icing?

"Ma'am? We're still a half-hour from the vessel at maximum speed." An Ensign began to report. Then an alarm rang out from his console and the Ensign stopped in mid-speech to find what had caused the disturbance.

"Ensign? Report" Stacy demanded, twisting in her chair to get a better look at the young man who was stationed there. Like most of Stacey's crew, and Stacy herself, the Dreadnought was mostly manned by an inexperienced crew and Officers. They knew what they had to do well enough and their training was more than extensive enough to ensure the Dreadnought fought to it's full potential in battle. However, they were still only fresh from the Academy most of them and, in fact, Stacy was junior in years to many of them. She was actually one of the youngest people on the ship.

"Well?" She asked again, impatiently.

"Ma'am, three Sentries have broken position and are on an intercept course with the vessel." he reported.

"Red alert!" Stacy ordered without hesitation, feeling the familiar goosebumps as the lights dimmed and their place taken by the glowing red bars in each corner and the repeating klaxon that would wake crew and drag others from recreational activities to their stations. It was her first Red alert command as a Captain.

"Head for the vessel, maximum warp!" She ordered. Then sat back in her chair as her senior staff arrived on the bridge to take their stations.

First into the bridge was non other than her First Officer, Lieutenant Commander John Ashbourne also known as Steele to the rest of the crew. He was one of those who was many times Stacy's senior, yet found himself serving pretty much a teenager. He was tall, imposing and wore the tunic that bulged with muscles. There was a large scar running from his left cheek to the right of his forehead. Old hands said he had gotten the wound in the 10th Danaversian War, from a shrapnel wound. There were other rumours that he had been approached first to take command of the Castiron but he had turned it down.

Next was her Flight Officer, Lieutenant Dervish Benjani. He was a rarity on the ship because he was only a week older than Stacy herself. He was young, enthusiastic and, although he could be temperamental at times, there was no doubting he had talent. Even if he did treat the ship like a Student's bedroom sometimes.

The Tactical Officer was next and Stacy watched with pride as Nexus stepped onto the bridge. Nexus was another rarity in the People's Navy and that was because she was an Alumina. A race of humanoids who resembled Cats and had been travelling the stars when most other races were still in caves. They were telepaths and also formidably smart. They were also tall and Nexus had to stoop to enter the bridge, as she had to stoop to enter every room on the ship. Like the Alumina, she was cold and aloof but Stacy was proud to have one of only a handful who served in the APN on her ship.

Next up was Voss. Voss was yet another rarity as she was a Xiscapian, and thus could have joined her own Navy like her Brethren. However, her family lived on Alversia and so it was the People's Navy she had joined. Her long, blue hair flowed behind as she swapped places at the tactical console, her katana bumping slightly against her pale grey trousers. She was another telepath.

They were also formidable fighters and Stacy knew she could trust this motley collection as they exchanged places with the Ensigns and Lieutenants who made up the Third Shift.

"What've we got?" Benjani asked as he settled down in his First Officer's chair and brought up a small screen.

"Looks like a Vessel's got lost on the wrong side of the border," She replied as she watched the stars melt into one, "Lieutenant," She said, referring to Voss, "Do we have any information on the vessel yet?"

"No, Ma'am" came the reply, "Not yet"

"Message coming through, ma'am!" One of the Ensigns reported. The Communications Officer, refusing to leave her post in the bowels of the ship. The message was played and Stacy's mind was racing,

"Send a reply" She ordered, then waited a few moments for the channel to be opened. Then she spoke in a loud and clear voice,

"Colonial Marine Star Ship Titan. This is the Alversian People's Starship Castiron. Be warned that you have strayed into hostile space. We are on our way to provide assistance but please travel on an intercept course with us to avoid a very diplomatically messy situation.

Captain Stacy Smith"

So the Castiron sped on, hoping to reach the Federation Vessel before the Danaversian Sentries found something was amiss.

Titan's Position,
Danaversian Side of the DMZ

However, they were too late. At the Titan's position there were three flashes as three vessels dropped out of warp. The ships were modelled to look a lot like manta rays in their appearance and their outer armour did suggest green scales.

However, the turrets lined down each side permitted no mistaking on what these vessels were designed to do. They were Barracudas of the Danaversian Fleet and now they surrounded the Titan. Their shields were raised and two small stripes down each side of the bow glowed with a bright green.

A Danaversian appeared on screen, an ugly creature that resembled a human with a black frog's head. He stared around the Titan's bridge with a sense of menace,

"Enemy vessel! You have trespassed into the Danaversian Empire! Lower your shields and prepare to be boarded" He hissed, sounding slightly like he was underwater.

Message coming through, Gorvan said telepathically. It was the only way their people conversed, as the vocals were still quite primitive at best. Seems we've started to explore at a bad time.

"Which ship is the ally," asked Samuel in a strict tone.

"Already transferring to your armrest console," Alaso Muko said as his elven fingers raced across the console. He then looked up to the viewscreen, stood, and placed his hands behind his back as he observed something. "I believe we have more visitors."

Samuel, who was concentrating on the aft of the bridge, looked forward at the viewscreen he saw ships he believed he recognized as Luunarian. The Federation of Luunar had long since been dissolved into the Galactic Federation, but their ships were of majestic and unusual designs and considerably more powerful than most anything Anagonian. However, at second glance, he knew these weren't one of theirs. Totally, unmistakably, alien.

Message coming through from the new guy's, Gorvan mind-said again. They have viewscreen capability.

"Put her through," Samuel said.

And he was quite shocked by what he saw. An ugly creature that tried to resemble a human appeared on screen. From his past experience in classes such as Terran Biology, he believed the features resembled something of an amphibian. Even the two Delphinians dared stare longer than normal, noticing the aquatic features themselves. Then Samuel saw it, saw the telltale sign that this was nothing friendly. He saw this amphibian creature glare around the Titan's bridge with a sense of menace.

Immediately, before the humanoid creature could speak, Samuel quickly pressed in commands on his command chair console. So fast, so instinctive, that it was barely noticeable. His response was a friendly pressure from the direction of Gorvan and his delphinian counterpart at tactical two. They would relay the commands given telepathically to the crew, which was the most covert action he could take right now.

"Enemy vessel," the amphibian began with a sharp tone, "You have trespassed into the Danaversian Empire! Lower your shields and prepare to be boarded."

Samuel noted the voice sounded like he was underwater, a gargling of sorts barely noticeable even to the trained of hearing. He sat upright, straightening his Mandalorian Scout Armor (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=spacemilitary&action=display&thread=1121709345&page=1#1121709345), the only uniform accepted on a Marine vessel. His helmet was placed near him. He gingerly reached for it, and placed it on with a "hiss" from the environmental controls of the suit. The entire bridge followed suit, either using a button near the neck to enable an automatic armor to cover non-humanoid heads or placing their helmets on like Alaso. They were now ready for battle, and the signal was placed through-out the ship for everyone to be combat ready.

"Attention enemy vessel," spoke Samuel through voice modification of his helmet. "You will surrender immediately under the jurisdiction of the Mighty Colonial Marines. Our history is a proud one, one we shall relay to you our respected size boots." And now the kicker, "For we shall put these Mighty Marine Boots so far whatever you call an ass that you will have no choice but to ask for mercy!"

That comment got a resounding "OORAH" from the bridge, and probably from the entire ship as his message was put on open channel. Everyone near him in space could see his defiant message, and the intent of his boot to go up this aliens rear-end. Following seconds later, the shields of the Titan, already charged and ready before the message from the Amphibians, came to life with a breath-taking display of red and blue, followed by the usual melding into nothingness as the shield settled. Weapons systems came online as the Titan fired a heavy burst of its Fusion Pulse Cannons at the Manta Ray-like ships, a few photon torpedoes following suit to finish up the fusion burst.

The Titans engines came to life as it flew forward in space at unimaginable speeds, the inertial dampeners keeping everyone from becoming mush. It flew like a fighter of sorts, it flew like it was designed to fight, and as its Fusion Arrays recharged it went into a wide arch to come around and finish the job of placing said metaphorical boot up the aliens metaphorical rear-end.

The torpedoes and pulse fire impacted with one of the nearby Barracudas. The shields flickered a pale green before vanishing again. They now split up and started to circle the smaller vessel, targeting it from above, below and behind as best they could. They were nimble for vessels of their size and no matter what way they twisted, at least two fierce green beams were emitted from the bows of the warships and were fired at the shields of the Titan. They were also firing their own torpedoes, again, a strange colour of green again.

Aboard one of the vessels another message was sent to the Titan, it was the same creature except he was now looking a lot more smug,
"You will surrender now! We have reinforcements on the way and we ensure your destruction!" He gloated with barely contained glee, "Our vessels are powerful, you will be destroyed!"

With that, he cut the link and another one of the vessels passed over the darting Titan emitting two beams of light from each of it's phaser banks as well as firing with it's lower mounted turrets. At the vessel, each shot and phaser round hit the Titan and they knew they had to be damaging it. Barracudas were massive warships, with a crew over over 2,000 to a vessel.

"Do you surrender?" The Danaversian returned and looked at Samuel, "We will destroy you!"

As the Titan streaked across space, firing its Fusion Pulse Cannons once more at the same Barracuda it had first attacked, she rocked against the constant raking of enemy fire. Her shields lit a bright green with each initial impact as she finished her Fusion Pulse Volley with two more Photon Torpedoes, streaking over her targeted Barracuda just in time to have the other two enemy ships gain the advantage to be above and below the Titan.

She rocked again, this time heavily, as some sort of energy torpedoes struck her shields. Instead of the casual green, signaling shield strength at maximum, her shields glimmered a bright yellow before dimming after the first few energy torpedo attacks. The Titan was made for punishment, but going up against vessels of this class for too long would definitely mean the loss of her shields, and perhaps part of her hull, if Colonel Samuel Vong did not think fast enough.

He held onto the Command Chair, as did everyone on the bridge, as the Defiant-Class' fusion drives were pushed to the limit, streaking past one green torpedo to only take a powerful beam emitted from the Barracuda's. The Titan rocked again as a second beam of greenish hell struck home at her aft shields as she managed to escape the two Barracuda's being above and below her, for now.

"Shields at fifty percent," exclaimed Major Ur'Sa as he glared through his armored helmet at the tactical display on the viewscreen. "Another torpedo hit, no matter where, and were done for!"

"Send out a distress signal to the nearest ship," ordered Samuel as he scowled at the shield display on his armchair console. "Manslovi, get us away from those damn weapons!"

The entire bridge rocked again, this time feeling like an earthquake as a few people lost balanced at their stations. Nemesis almost fell backwards at the Operations station, but managed to regain his footing quickly. Samuel cursed openly at the shield display before him as he smelt smoke from sparking stations somewhere behind.

"Shields buckling!" Ur'Sa was doing everything in his power to keep those shields active, and Samuel knew it as he turned his head to respond to the Major. "Damnit, I don't care how you do it, give me some defensive capability!"

As the Titan turned in space, the firing seem to cease. A little respite, Samuel supposed. He cursed himself silently as another message from the damn amphibians came through. Everyone on the bridge heard it. More reinforcements, more destructions. And surrender. At first, Samuel declined as he signaled Gorvan to deny the surrender.

"Marines never surrender," he exclaimed to Gorvan, "let's show them why!"

The Titan spun around in space, heading for another attack run. The three Barracuda's, one obviously damaged severely, had regained their attack positions and were readying to again surround the Defiant-Class should it attempt another Attack run. Samuel saw through it.

"Gorvan, make this ship seem dead in the water once we finish the first volley." He looked over to Ur'Sa, "make every Marine ready for boarding. If we can't win it by force, we'll take their damn ship down with us." He looked to Nemesis, "Give me all the power you can to shields for one more volley, I don't want to pay for another damn paint job."

The Titan, having a moments peace, zoomed forward directly in the wake of the enemy ships. Overloading her photon launchers, she fired five in simultaneous order, at each ship, with a Fusion Pulse barrage at the most damaged ship. As the first enemy counterattack came, rocking the Titan, Gorvan initiated the plan. Almost expertly, the Defiant-Class slowed almost to a halt after taking a few more beams directly to her shields. Lights started to flicker across her hull as if she were damaged severely, and her shields flickered to nothing as she started to twirl as if derelict, right in the middle of the three barracuda's.

His plan in motion, he grabbed Alaso and placed him in the Command Chair. Then he signaled for Nemesis, Ur'Sa, and the russian-born Yuri to come with him as they left the bridge. Almost immediately afterward, a message was sent. The elven-born Alaso Muko putting the icing on the cake of deception.

"Attention enemy vessels," he said in a calm, composed voice. "Our Commanding Officer, Second-in-Command, and almost half our bridge crew have died in the initial attack. As the last Officer of rank, I take over command and surrender this vessel and her crew to you. We are ready to be boarded, have mercy on us."

He tapped off the communications unit, the last message from the barracuda's again demanded surrender. They got it, but not in the way they would want. In all respects, the Titan looked beaten. But she wasn't. And with a crew of Marines, it would be a cold day in hell before she was taken. Alaso only wish he could be there to see the amphibians reaction as they got the surprise of a lifetime.

The Barracuda's came forward, preparing to board the vessel. However, two of them them remained behind with weapons pointing at the Marine Vessel. The damaged one stayed behind while another, relatively undamaged one approached with shields up. When she lowered her shields, she would beam hundreds of Marines aboard Titan to secure her.

Aboard one of the vessels, a Danaversian stood on his bridge, with crew working around him in what looked like a kind of mist. He had four Danaversians on consoles in front of him and another two on ether side of his chair. He was smiling, the Barracuda's coming in were still twenty minutes away but by the looks of it, they wouldn't be needed. He suspected that the crew would not surrender and they were just waiting for a chance to board one of his vessels. He wasn't concerned, that was why the others were hovering nearby. A quarter of a Barracuda's crew were Marines. That was a 1,000 Marines on each vessel just waiting to have a crack at these Federal Marines.

Then a series of red beams impacted with the damaged Barracuda from above. The phaser fire, rather than bouncing off the shields, just impacted with the hull, throwing metal and debris into the air. Flame spat from the vessel at various points along the hull as it slowly turned away before tearing itself apart.

The Barracuda Captain looked suitably stunned and barked at his Crew to find what had caused the attack. It didn't take long to find out.

An Alversian Battleship, a Dreadnought, dived down on the Barracudas from above. She was firing red phasers into both vessels as well as tiny streams of torpedoes. The triple engined design could not be mistaken by the Danaversians.

Under fire, the two survivors turned past the broken wreck of their comrade and jumped into warp without so much as another word to the Marines.

On her bridge, Stacy was delighted,
"Well done, Pantheria-Lieutenant, excellent shooting,"

"If you say so Ma'am" The Alumina replied stiffly,

"I think we've taught the Danaversians a lesson anyway" Ashbourne sighed from the First Officer's chair.

"Yep, and I don't intend to stay around long enough for a second one. Hail that vessel." She waited until the channel was open before speaking,

"Colonial Marine Star Ship Titan, this is the Alversian People's Starship Castiron wondering if we can provide assistance and advice to leave these borders as quickly as possible"

Nemesis readied his wrist blaster with a cock of his upper arm, standing beside him was Ur'Sa in full Marine armor handling a blaster rifle. They waited with Colonel Vong, who readied his wrist rocket for demolitions work. The enemy ships were getting closer, Samuel knew they were about to send dedicated killers over. If the enemy Captain was as experienced as he was, he wouldn't fall for such a tactic that Samuel did. By the way he acted, Samuel hoped he was stupid enough.

"Captain we are being hailed by a friendly vessel," came the communication through his helmet unit. Samuel cocked his head as a new display, directly connected to the viewscreen, replayed the events of the now-classified Alversian Peoples Ship Castiron. Samuel sighed in relief, every Marine behind him that him that had readied themselves abruptly lowered from their assault postures.

"Very well," Samuel replied, "Were on our way to the bridge."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Colonel Samuel Vong came to the bridge, Captain Alaso Muko vacated the Commanders chair and returned to the Science station. Samuel sat back in the Command Chair, noting that the visible damage on the bridge had been repaired enough to be presentable. He smiled inwardly, Marines were very productive no matter the circumstances.

"They request we vacate this territory," Alaso reported. "I assume its to prevent future events in which we were a part of."

"Seems like someone we can trust," Major Ur'Sa said from the Chief Engineer station after reviewing the viewscreen recording and data on his helmet visor. "By the power of their weapons I think we might not have a choice, anyhow."

"Agreed," Samuel plotted a course after ordering all systems powered up, "Let's get out of here."

The commands transfered through ships systems to the tactical and helm stations, where the repaired systems of the Titan came to life, and she wobbled as if half-drunk from some overnight party. Her fusion drives came online, and she thrust forward at a reasonable rate, coming alongside the Alversian Dreadnought and assuming an escort position. It was the least friendly gesture Samuel could do.

He quickly sent a reply, finally taking his Mandalorian helmet off and replacing it near the Command Chair.

This is the Colonial Marine Assault Ship Titan to friendly Alversian Vessel Castiron. We have received and understood, and have now assumed escort position.

He didn't say it, no one did. Whether or not this was another hostile entity remained to be seen. Samuel didn't call down the alert status, the shields were still recharging but the weapons were fully online. Here, after what they went through, trust would be something showed and earned, not given. The Colonel didn't intend to just give his ship away on a gesture of goodwill from another aggressive faction.

A soft beep caught his attention on his armchair console. He looked to find an incoming Anagonian ship to their location. It didn't show when they'd arrive, just that they responded. He sent an update, making sure to include the Titan's Galactic Friendly or Foe signal so the Anagonian vessel could track and come alongside. At this range, the Defiant-Class sensors couldn't estimate the class, nor the mass to assume a class. But either way they weren't alone now.

He sat back, finally taking a moments rest. Whatever happened, they wouldn't die alone at least.

Stacy watched as the Titan came alongside her and sent the message

"This is the Colonial Marine Assault Ship Titan to friendly Alversian Vessel Castiron. We have received and understood, and have now assumed escort position"

She frowned at the vessel that had come up just alongside her bow. The Titan was barely a fifth of the size of the Dreadnought and it was obvious that she did not trust her new Allies. That was fair enough, she had already broken regulations by coming over the DMZ to rescue them, now she waould have to run back to her post.

"We need to get back across the DMZ and quickly" She said to Ashbourne, who gave a grim nod in response, "Voss. How are the ship's weapons?"

"The vessel has suffered moderate damage but is still capable of defending herself, Ma'am" The Xiscapian responded.

"Can we get them on view screen?" She asked and when the response came back positive she stood up and faced forward, "Open a channel"

Colonel Vong would see a Human woman, barely twenty-one years old with a handsome face, small nose and bright green eyes. Her long black hair glistened in the light. There was a youthful aurora about her as she gave a small nod,

"I am Captain Smith of the Castiron," She said calmly, "Welcome to Danaversian Space. Not the happiest place to be in the world" She gave a small shrug.

"Put it on screen," ordered Samuel after receiving the message information from Gorvan. He stood, coming forward and standing there, a defiant man about fifty-eight. Streaks of gray went through his brown hair, as he kept it buzzed-cut enough not to be bald. His complexion was stern, a commanding face, with years of experience across his aged expression. His eyes were a stern blue, penetrating, and serious. Only those on the ship knew him as a sometimes-joker, knowing that moral always needed a boost.

The image that came up was nothing he expected. Even the academy recruits in the Federation looked much aged than this, more capable, more professional. Hell, this was a child! She was a woman, which wasn't a problem in his mind, but too young for the job she had. Although, he thought, the way she commanded that rescue showed some capability. She was pretty, however, which made Samuel smile back at her welcoming gaze.

"I am Captain Smith of the Castiron," She said calmly, "Welcome to Danaversian Space. Not the happiest place to be in the world." She gave a small shrug.

Smith. That was a mans name. Unless she was married to Mr. Smith, then she would be kickass. Then again, if she wasn't married, she'd be Mrs. Vong. That sounded nice. A wife. Wait! How could he settle down now? Damn women! He couldn't bring kids in the world yet! Not yet?! When would he?! AHHHHH!

Samuel kept his composure, the thoughts not coming through to his complexion. She was too damned hot. And he was too old. Damnit. Damn, damn, damn. The mind of a marine, he actually sighed, shrugging himself.

"Yes," he actually laughed, "Quite a welcome. So whats someone like you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in the modeling industry?"

Oh shit. Too late to take that one back. He hoped she took it as a complement. Everyone on the bridge looked at him, and Gorvan, knowing his thoughts, would have been rolling on the floor laughing had it not been for his Marine training. Humans were so confusing.

Stacy watched as the Captain of the Titan came onscreen and she gave a low, sad sigh. She felt her age worse than ever when he came on. He looked like a veteran, a battle-hardened leader of men. She was little more than a Recruit in charge of 3,000 men.

But the Alversian People's Navy did not promote people they did not think were ready for their position. Stacy had shown excellent potential during her Officer training and when the role of Captain came up, she was the logical option, even though she had only been a Lieutenant prior to this. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end. She woke up from her daydreams in time to hear her response,

"Yes, quite a welcome. So whats someone like you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in the modeling industry?"

Stacy gave a rueful smile as the bridge crew reacted to the statement.

Benjani, the Flight Officer, gave a small snort of laughter, then tried to contain his laughter, Voss gave a small giggle while Ashbourne just smiled. Nexus looked like she wanted to carve the man's head off,

"It seems I am here to keep you from making a nuisance of yourself, Captain," She said, raising her eyebrows as well as giving her sad smile,
"We had better get back to Alversian space quickly, the Danaversians do not like visitors and us especially."

Every single Marine on the bridge witnessed the reactions of their brethren in the bridge away, and they SERIOUSLY wanted to laugh. Samuel was known as a womanizer, sure, but that was on the vacation planets. When he was off duty. Ur'Sa was perhaps the only one beside Nemesis that didn't have an expression of laughter or shock, because he personally knew Samuel, and merely shook his head sighing.

Nemesis started to catalog this male/female interaction. It would be beneficial to understand human social conversations for future use.

Samuel kept back a snorting chuckle at the response of the young bridge crew beyond the viewscreen, and noted that one looked ready to kill. He grinned, stared at that one for the longest moment, daring her to react, and looked kindly back at Captain Smith as she responded.

It seems I am here to keep you from making a nuisance of yourself, Captain. Samuel noted her sad smile with raised eyebrow. We had better get back to Alversian space quickly, the Danaversians do not like visitors and us especially.

"Agreed." Samuel nodded, "More time for foreplay later."

This time his expression was shock. Did he just say that? Was that even legal? What the hell was going on? His expression defied the hardcore marine, and now presented someone genuinely confused and apologetic. He cleared his throat, trying to get his voice back as he wavered.

"Mr. Manslovi," he said weakly, his voice breaking, "follow Captain Smith's ship please."

His eyes still wide in shock at what he just said, he heard a THUNK on the floor behind and turned slowly to see the Delphinian Gorvan on the floor with his dolphin-like mouth open with what he could assume was laughter, telling by the silent rasps that came out. Samuel gulped, looking around to even see an amused expression on Ur'Sa's reptilian face, and turned back to the viewscreen. There was no where to hide, damnit.

OOC:

I looove torturing characters...

OOC: So I can tell.

"Agreed, More time for foreplay later."

Stacy just gulped and sat down out of the picture. There was silence on the bridge this time. Not even Benjani laughed. She may have been young and she may have been good lucking, but she still their Captain and they looked out for her in the same way that she looked out for them.

Her place on the screen was taken by Ashbourne, her first Officer. His face suggested decades of fighting, not just for the massive scar and his rapidly greying hair betrayed his age, the muscles were barely contained within his blood red tunic,

"Listen," He said in a highly offended voice, "That is our Senior Officer you are referring to and we would prefer if you tried to talk to her as an equal and not an item" There was a resentful look on his face as he said it.

Although it couldn't be seen by the Colonel. Stacy was sitting in her chair looking very dejected. Her youthfulness was going to stand in the way of first contact? Not if she could help it.

OOC:

As a note, I have had an good laugh. I needed it after spending all week doing 10-hour shifts...yea..hope you did too.

ANYWAY, back to sanity.

IC:

Samuel had to salvage the situation. Somehow. He didn't know how. Gorvan had recovered his composure and, thankfully, had been off screen. Nemesis had been on screen, but showing no obvious stance of emotional state or expression, and therefore had a good indication of how to solve the situation. He spoke softly to Gorvan, who in tern spoke kindly through telepathy to their very confused Colonel.

Nemesis suggests you should express a difference of dictionary usage of the word 'Foreplay'. Perhaps this would solve the situation.

Samuel couldn't help but detect the laughter that was well hidden in Gorvans mind. He would be the laughing-stock of Starfleet, of Anagonia, for this first contact. But Nemesis advice gave him an idea. He might not be the proper man for the job, but he was a Marine. And Marines were good at solving situations.

He looked at the First Officer who had expressed his obvious disgust at Colonel Vong, now standing more sure of himself as he replied to the First Officer on the viewscreen.

"You misunderstand," he spoke firmly, years of experience coming back to his face, matching the one of the screen. "In our culture, Foreplay is an expression of discussion, allow my Droidekan friend to explain."

On cue the imposing figure of a B2 Super Battle Droid came on screen, his neck extended, as he observed the First Officer. His robotic voice spoke, calm, efficient.

"Logically there would be a misunderstanding, and I apologize." A very human gesture of a hand in supplication, "However our terms must be quite different than yours. Obviously your using Terran standards, we have our own. In our culture, Foreplay is an expression of happiness with a conversation, or joy over the frame of the speech implied and therefore used between two parties." His finger came up in a knowing manner, "The logical and explanable conclusion is that Colonel Samuel Vong did not mean any sexual interaction between your Captain and himself, instead implying in our terms that he was satisfied with the composure and frame of conversation and that it was pleasing to talk to someone he can respect."

He bowed his head and left off-screen to return on screen at his station, Samuel nodded thanks at the save, looking back at the viewscreen. "I am a Marine, not a womanizer." That was a lie, "Forgive me if our first encounter cannot fully explain the differences in our cultures. I am born to fight, bred to kill, not to be a diplomat." He sighed, shrugged, "And I apologize if our culture offends yours. I will take note, and do better to correct these wording mistakes."

OOC: Well, got a reaction anyway

"In that case, your mistake will be forgiven," Ashbourne nodded, he did look far more formidable than anyone else in the Alversian Navy, "My apologies if My reaction seemed harsh but in our language, that word is..." he stopped then turned to someone off screen. He muttered a few words, then he nodded again.

He took a step away from the view screen and settled down. He was replaced on screen by Stacy, who's eyes were slightly red as though she had been crying.

"Forgive me, Captain," She sighed sadly, "I needed to attend to a few matters. However, now I would like to ask why you are here. This must be quite a distance from your homeworld?" She asked patiently.

They were now both heading through space at the speed that could be attained by the damaged Titan, the Castiron was like an older brother beside it, acting like a deterrent and the Danaversians were staying away for now.

They were now passing through what looked like a vast minefield and that was indeed what it was. The Danaversians and Alversians had lain vast minefields to try and deter each other from attacking their enemies.

"Steady as she goes, Lieutenant" Ashbourne muttered off screen to Benjani sitting in front at the Helm, "Keep her steady."

Benjani was squirming and his face was screwed up on concentration as he maneuvered the massive battleship through the tight alley.

Samuel nodded, sensing the potential crises was over. He sighed inwardly, relieved that he didn't do much damage. Yet, that assessment was pushed away when he saw Captain Smith. Her eyes red from what looked like crying, and Samuel went into a deep depression. He had hurt her, and he never knew her. For a first contact, he had failed miserably, and basically traumatized a young mind. That was not his intention.

Samuel didn't allow his emotions to go to his expression, and he remained stern. This moment in time would torture him forever, just like so many others. Yet, this one would make him feel worse about who he was. He wanted closure, but knew it wouldn't come. The price of being a human.

"Forgive me, Captain," He noted her sad sigh. "I needed to attend to a few matters. However, now I would like to ask why you are here. This must be quite a distance from your homeworld?"

He nodded again, clearing his throat silently. "Exploration, Basically. The Federation wants to explore, and we got a handful."

And, in an unprofessional manner, he looked at the Captain, his expression soft. "I'm sorry if I hurt you," he said just enough for her to hear. "I studied Terran for a long time, I should have known better." He looked down, then back at her. "From one human, or sentient being, to another, I beg your forgiveness. I cannot stand to see a woman cry."

It was the only plea he could think of, to make the pain go away. He remembered his past wife, which he told no one, not even his closest comrades, about. He remembered her face, when she cried. He remembered holding her bloody body when she died. Those images he could barely stand. He couldn't stand hurting another, not intentionally, not by irrational actions. Not again.

Major Ur'Sa was already directing the Titan to follow the Dreadnought closely, so there was no worry of getting hit by mines. So long as the Dreadnought didn't intentionally do any erratic maneuvers, the Titan would survive. Everyone on the bridge was silent as the Defiant-Class drifted closely to its protector.

"From one human, or sentient being, to another, I beg your forgiveness. I cannot stand to see a woman cry."

"Thank you, Captain, you are forgiven. I am easily agitated," She whispered back softly, wiping her eyes again to clear away any erratic tears that may have remained on her pale cheeks. When she done, she looked back at the screen and smiled,

"You have not chosen your location very well Captain, you are in an area known as the Danaversian Empire. As you may have noticed, they aren't exactly friendly"

A few moments later, the sensors of the Castiron lit up, illuminating another ship approaching fast. However, there was no alarm on the Alversian Bridge, Stacy merely turned to Voss and raised her eyebrows,

Voss sighed and looked down at her instruments, after a few moments of analysis,
"It's the APS Invincible, Captain, she's just on patrol. She should pass us by"

Sure enough, the ship shuddered for a moment as the two warp fields collided together when the Alversian Cruiser passed overhead and continued on her patrol. There was a brief greeting between the two Alversian warships before the two ships were on their own again in space.

Stacy again appeared on screen,
"Well, Captain, we are safe for the moment," She stated, "Is your ship badly damaged? Do you need to put in to a Station for repair?" She asked patiently.

For a First Contact mission this was going badly, she had saved the Titan but now the Captain saw her as a joke, most of the APN saw her as a joke. She was barely old enough to be a Lieutenant, never mind a Captain. Her crew were loyal and kept silent but she knew she had a lot to prove to her Peers and to her Crew. The Captain's jibe, even if unintended had struck that home to her now more than ever.

She was struck with how unfair the whole situation was. She hadn't wanted to be a Captain, but there was no one else to do it. Ashbourne had turned down the Command and so she had been enlisted as his replacement.

Samuel felt the shudder of his ship, more prominent than the Dreadnoughts, as the two warp fields passed each other by. Time and Space were simply looking for a way out of collapsing, so they took their anger mostly on the Titan. No injuries reported, thankfully. Samuel stood stood, and was thinking over her acceptance of the apology.

By the time his mind comprehended reality from thought, Stacy again appeared on screen. "Well, Captain, we are safe for the moment" She said, then asked, "Is your ship badly damaged? Do you need to put in to a Station for repair?"

Samuel thought this over for a moment, wording out his response just right. He had already pushed an indignity on her, now it was time to make up on it. He casually, in full view of the viewscreen, looked back at Major Ur'Sa.

"Major, place all automatic control under the jurisdiction of Captain Smith. I trust her judgment with the lives of my crew." Ur'Sa stood and saluted, "Yes Colonel."

He smiled, looking back at Captain Smith on the screen. "I do believe your are an extremely capable warrior," he nodded towards her. "We need repairs, and another one of our ships is en route. I think you-" he put heavy emphasis on you "-should decide when it is safe for me and my brethren to dock for repairs. If you wish, we can meet, as I would be honored. If not," he shrugged, "my ship awaits your orders."

He started to turn towards the Commander Chair, then turned back slowly. "After all," he said with a gentle voice, "your the expert in these waters."

Technically no foreign power was allowed command of an Anagonian vessel. But under the Colonial Marines, any decision was up to the Commanding Officer. As such, she knew the space here better than he, and he knew she would lead them to safety. He strolled to the Command Chair, sat, and looked to check over his ships systems. It was as if he truly was awaiting her orders, casually going about the ships business as somehow he paid full attention to the Captain on the screen.

"Well,"

Stacy was startled that he had suddenly given her full control over his vessel, claiming that she knew the area better than he did and that she should make the decision. It was a rational decision, she had spent of her fledging career on the DMZ, she knew where it was safe, where it was active and were a vessel was more likely to be attacked or left in peace.

She was also touched that he had that amount of trust in her. She looked young enough to be his daughter and yet he was placing his life and his crew's life in her hands. She had never been given that kind of power before by a superior, even as a Dreadnought Captain, others always thought they knew better than the young, quiet Captain.

"Captain," She said over the view screen in a serious tone, "I would suggest your other vessel turn around. It will be coming through Danaversian Space, the same as you did and the Danaversians will not be caught off guard again" then she gave a sad, reluctant sigh, "I have already risked my career for coming to your rescue and I cannot take the same risk. The chance of another war flaring up over this is too great."

She then turned to Voss, manning the sensors, "Well, Lieutenant? How badly damaged are they?" She asked patiently, kindly.

Voss spent a few seconds checking before she could give an answer,
"They do not require docking at a Station, Ma'am, we have the tools they need to repair out here"

Stacy nodded, "And we can't really abandon our position here, can we?" She asked Ashbourne, her First Officer,

He shook his head, "Be careful, Stacy," He was the only one who could use her first name and get away with it, "That Captain has placed the lives of his crew in your hands, you will have to think about this"

Stacy was torn then, did she hand the ship over to a Cruiser and have it escorted to the nearest Defence station or did she keep it here for repairs? She cursed herself for not having the experience to chose the correct course of action. In truth, she like the Captain and she wanted to keep his ship close for even a little while longer.

"I think repairs can be made here" She said to Captain Vong in a gentle tone, as if seeking approval "We have materials to rebuild our own vessel in case of battle damage so I think we could repair yours. And I would be delighted to meet you for the repairs. What do you think?"

Samuel listened intently to her decision process, keeping a close eye on the arrival of the other ship. He sat back, understanding her desire to keep the other Anagonian ship out of Danaversian Space, but also understanding he had no control to stop them. Procedure dictated that the allied ship coming to answer the call of assistance was to arrive on scene regardless of the situations outcome. It was a cautionary measure, just in case the crew of the ship had been captured and forced to say something to keep the allied ship away. Common sense at work, of course.

He listened to the talk on Captain Smith's bridge, hearing her first name for the first time. Stacy. Stacy Smith. Nice name, he thought to himself. He smiled, and it showed, but somehow kept his expression professional. He understood perfectly her situation. Risking everything for coming to the aid of a foreign vehicle, and God-Knows what else might happen as a result of that. He respected her for that, he truly did. But ultimately once he issued that distress call, there was no going back.

Finally, as she concluded her conversation and inquiry on the possibility of repairing the Titan here or somewhere else, he looked up to see her speak towards him.

"I think repairs can be made here," She said to Samuel in a gentle tone, which made him believe in some way she was seeking approval. Perhaps she was inexperienced, but she was open about seeking help. He admired her for that. She continued, "We have materials to rebuild our own vessel in case of battle damage so I think we could repair yours. What do you think?"

Samuel Vong shrugged reluctantly, "I believe the best course of action is to keep away from any hostile territories, in which we are doing now. Assuming we make it, which I believe we will, repairs in space are in the best interest of my ship." He smiled, "Your crew is experienced in damage, as most people wouldn't be able to decipher any resulting hull fractures with just a simple look-through. So I will conclude with your assessment that we do not need the assistance of any orbital dry dock, and therefore patching up will do the job." He smiled again, "I think-"

Suddenly the viewscreen split in two, on one side the image of Samuel and his bridge, and on the other the face of a man older than Samuel, with an expression telling of countless decades of experience. His hair was fully silver, cut perfectly in line with Military standards. Although wrinkles were apparent on his face, they did nothing to hamper the atmosphere of sudden authority he presented. His eyes were dark green, while his features could be closely related to Asian/Oriental. Perhaps Japanese. Though, when he spoke, he clearly had a good line on English.

He voice was hardened, forceful, as if a Drill Sergeant from some unknown company leaped out from his body. "What the hell is going on here?!" The comment was clearly directed towards Samuel, and the mans eyes squinted as if inspecting an Ant, "Do you realize I have a ship full of sorry excuses for maggots who, might I add, still wet their pants each time they get in fighters?!"

On Samuels side of the screen, he slumped down and put a hand to his forehead as if a massive migraine just hit. He looked like he knew the other man. "Nice to see you again Admiral."

"Yes it is," the Admiral said. His expression remained the same, but his tone became more conversational. "How have you been? Haven't seen you crawl in the mud since training."

Samuel seemed to welcome the change in topics, "I've been fine, just meeting some new comrades here."

The Admiral nodded, "So I see, and a nice few comrades these are. By the way the records state, they should be Marines." He grinned, "And you should be in the brig and beaten to death."

Samuel cleared his throat, straightening in his Command Chair. "Absolutely sir, I've been overdue for a bit of motivation." The Admiral laughed, and the atmosphere of authority seemed to vanish with the welcoming gesture. "Marines, gluttons for punishment till death." His eyes looked across the Captain Smiths bridge, then landed on her. "I'll make sure this pathetic excuse for a Marine dies painfully soon, don't you worry." He nodded respectfully, "Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth at your service."

On Samuels side, anyone could see Ur'Sa's expression at the last name. He looked down at Samuel, who looked up at him knowing something that the Komodren didn't. An unanswered question being answered, Ur'Sa looked shocked for a moment, then took himself back to his panel. Asgard, seeing that expression, took his words over to Samuels side. "Major Ur'Sa, is there a problem?"

Immediately Ur'Sa stood his full seven foot height, at attention. "No Admiral." But the Admiral wasn't satisfied, his expression hardening back to the authority earlier presented. He said his words slower, "I didn't ask a question, you lying drake."

Ur'Sa seemed taken back by the insult, keeping in a primal snarl that would have escaped. Everyone on Samuels bridge tried their best to keep out of it, with only Samuel looking as if he knew what was going on. After a few moments, Ur'Sa regained enough self-control to answer. "Your name is Komodren."

"Very good for a dumb, unintelligent, racist scum like yourself." He kept his gaze on Ur'Sa, "If you have a problem with my mother being human I suggest you shoot yourself dead, otherwise if I ever meet you in person I'll kill you myself."

"Strong words from a weakling," Ur'Sa snarled. Asgard merely grinned, "We shall see who is weaker, pureblood." He concentrated back on Captain Smith, "Excuse the cultural confrontation, some beings still don't accept the fact that Anagonians love unconditionally, whether your a pureblood Klu'Den'Ka-" Ur'Sa immediately leaned back against the Chief Engineer's console, obviously taken a back by the proper usage of some language other than human, then went off screen as Asgard continued "-or human. Either way we are supposed to be a very tolerant people."

Samuel hadn't said a word nor expressed a feeling at the exchange that just went on, nor did he show expression as his Second-in-Command left the bridge as he went off screen. What went on was something deeper than a Foreigner could understand, and he had done his duty and stayed out of the personal affair. Samuel knew what had happened, and it was deeper than face value. He leaned forward and smiled as if nothing had ever happened.

"Grand Admiral, Captain Smith requests that you stay back to prevent any continued hostilities with the recorded race." Asgard nodded towards Samuel formal report, even as he already had every single bit of information and conversation that had went on since the Titans arrival. He merely nodded, "Very well. Captain Smith, I will be on standby per your orders."

The Admirals half went off, replaced by Samuel, and one less Marine on the bridge. No one seemed to notice, or care. It was as if they had ignored the entire affair. Samuel leaned back in his chair and stretched an arm, "The Grand Admirals ship, the Yorktown, has been in service for thousands of years now. It is the only carrier surviving the Colonial Era, and its full of trained recruits who are on their first voyage for the Anagonian Defense Forces." He shrugged, "Having her here would be a great diplomatic advantage merely because of her presence, so I'd reconsider your request on not having it arrive." He gave a encouraging grin, "While I might have authority to open official relations, only the Grand Admiral has authority to open full relations, of any kind."

He straightened his Mandalorian chest-plate, "Something to think about." He changed the subject quickly, "How about them repairs?"

Stacy watched the exchange without expression although inside she was shocked. The Alversian Republic prided itself on it's open-mindedness, the fact that all were welcome to her surface and no one was shunned. Unless, they happened to be causing trouble.

Stacy tossed her long, black hair out of the way and frowned,
"That may be, Captain, but I cannot allow him to risk his vessel in Danaversian Space. A Barracuda would easily be able to overrun a training ship. The Empire is vast and cruel, it would think nothing of destroying the ship."

She turned to Voss, "Go down the Repair Rooms. Have a Damage Control team beam over to the Titan, I'll be with you in a moment."

Voss saluted, her tail perked up as she departed from the Bridge and headed into the lift to head down to recruit a few crewmen to help with the repairs.

Stacy turned back to Vong and gave a little, shy smile,
"I will join you on your vessel in a moment, I just need to see to a few things"

With that, she cut the link and headed from the bridge. As she did so, though, she turned to Ashbourne and nodded,
"You have the Bridge, Commander"
He nodded and turned back to the screen, which now showed the Titan.

He sent a message to the Titan,

"Our Captain and Damage Repair Teams are on their way to your vessel. Where do you want them to be beamed to?"

Samuel nodded as the screen went blank, replaced the beautiful image of the Dreadnought. A majestic ship, hiding such power and death. He felt a bit of nervousness at the fact that Stacy was on her way over, not that he should care. Should he? Then the message for where they should be over came, and he replied in prompt for them to the Mess Hall.

Samuel looked around for Ur'Sa instinctavley, then remembered the exchange, and sighed. He turned to Nemesis, signaling for him to follow, and looked to Captain Alaso Muko.

"You have the Bridge," he said as Nemesis and he left the bridge. The Eleven simply nodded, going to take his position at the Command Chair.

A few seconds later as they entered the Mess Hall, Samuel looked around. It was well known that the designs of the Defiant-class lacked any sort of recreational facilities, and the only place for informal gathering were the two mess hall areas located on the port side of Deck 2. Samuel was in the first mess hall, about the same size as its companion room on the other side of the small ship.

Like all the equipment and materials aboard the Titan, the mess hall was spartan and compact. At the head of the room were three open slots that served as dispensers for the replicators, something new to any Anagonian. A counter extended from the underside and was used for the placement of trays, mugs and eating utensils. Seating inside the mess hall was provided by four metallic tables arranged in a semicircle at the wider end of the room. These tables were approximately one meter square, and each had four stools connected to its legs. In addition, the mess hall doubled as a makeshift meeting area that could be used to conduct crew briefings and mission profiles. A tall screen panel located on one of the walls could be used as a visual aid to display tactical graphics.

In this case, it would serve as a temporary meeting area. Since the Major was unavailable, the Master Engineer under the command of the Major was present. He was a Raptorian, shorter for his species. His armor encompassed his reptilian figure, keeping his killing talons on his feet open as custom to the Raptorian race. His scales were a darker black, with only his eyes giving any sense of color to his body beside the greenish mandalorian armor he wore. Like all non-human marines, he didn't need a helmet. It was built it, and would extend to cover his snout and reptilian head in battle situations like a normal helmet. He waited silently beside Colonel Vong and Nemesis.

A brief buzzing and the flash that signaled an Alversian beaming system and three people materialised directly in front of the three Marine crewmen. Three very different beings stood in the centre of the Mess Hall.

To the left was the Xiscapian, Voss. She was short, just over 5'5'' and she was Kitsune, with the ears, eyes and tail of a fox. She looked slender in the blood red tunic of the People's Navy. She had tied her blue hair into a ponytail and it fell to just below her neck. The katana hung at her side as did a standard issue Alversian Blaster.

The other Officer was the Alumina, Nexus. She was tall, over 7ft in height and she looked not unlike a cat. Apart from an average sized head, her neck was long and slender. Her short fur was a dark grey while her Uniform barely fitted her. She had a large double bladed sword, draped across her back.

Then in the centre, taller than Voss but smaller than Nexus, was Stacy herself. She was short and very slender, her Uniform looked as though it simply hung off her. The light grey trousers were tight against her legs, revealing their shape and size. She looked nervous and she was. Her long black hair seemed to glisten in even the darkest of light and her face was radiant.

She came forward and gave a salute to Vong, followed by Nexus. Voss simply bowed,
"I am Captain Smith," She said, the nerves clear in her voice, "I believe you were looking for repairs?" She gave weak smile.

Samuel looked them over. The fox-woman looked serious, and quite deadly. He remembered her prior disagreement with the first comment he made to Stacy when First Contact had been established, and understood then she wasn't one to play around with. The next one, he didn't have an opinion about. Although he resembled a cat in many respects, he wasn't sure about her stature or stance, as he never encountered her species before or knew anything about her during First Contact. Then, his eyes settled on Stacy. They softened, and he smiled, openly. He was getting used to smiling again.

As the two saluted, and the fox-lady merely bowed her head, all three Stood at attention and saluted swiftly, going to at-ease with hands behind their backs. "Welcome to the Galactic Federation Colonial Marines Assault Ship Titan," Colonel Samuel spoke for the group, "Colonel Samuel Vong of the Colonial Marines, commanding the best of the damn best."

Nemesis spoke second in the greeting with his mechanical tone, "Captain Nemesis of the Colonial Marines, Chief Operations Officer and bringer of Hell."

The Raptorian last, with a lizard-like voice. "Firssst Lieutnenat Sssh'Ka of the Colonial Marinesss, Massster Engineer and Bringer of Dessstruction."

All as one, they proclaimed "Oorah!" in a monitored tone then went back to their casual stance. Samuel nodded towards Stacy's offer of repairs, returning the salute as he came forward. "We are honored to have you on board." He motioned to Sssh'Ka, "Sssh'Ka here will detail you on the repairs needed, and assist you when you so see fit."

At the invitation, the Raptorian took on a pleasant expression. "Captain Ssssmith, we require ssssuperficial repairsss to the outside hull, with moderate repairsss to the circuitry near Main Engineering. The Fusion Core isss unsstable, and we need assissstance with modulating the containment field." He nodded in respect, "As Massster Engineer, you are hereby granted permisssion to meddle in the affairss of Engineering."

"Very Good," Samuel said while looking back at Stacy. "As Commanding Officer and Master of the Cannon Fodder on board here, I grant you all access to my ship."

Nemesis, his voice taking a lighter tone, nodded his already extended head. "As Operations Officer and useless machinery, I grant you permission to operate the computers and learn of the Anagonian culture."

Samuel couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, and looked the three of the guests over again. "As you can see, we are delighted to have you on board. What supplies do you have with you, and what do you know how to do?" He tilted his head kindly, "Don't want you to start fixing something and end up getting shocked."

"Thatssss my job sssir," said Sssh'ka with a grin. Samuel held a laugh, "Very well, then you get shocked and the Captain watches you burn to ashes for amusement." He shook his head slightly, "Anyway. Here's a PAD of the total damages and repairs needed."

He handed her a thin pad resembling a PDA in all respects, with touch screen capability and information on the Titan, from its construction date to the damages and crew capacity. "Thats your now, use it as you wish."

Stacy nodded at the exchange, amused by their cheer in the middle of it.

'They sound like three old Musketeers' She thought, remembering a television show that she had loved as a child.

The Reptile and Machine seemed to get on well with the Captain and they all knew their places on the vessel. On the other hand, they also seemed to be quite blunt in their language. But then, they were Marines and her own were no different.

She shook hands with Nemisis and nodded at Samuel's announcement,
"I can assure you, we will give her back in one piece. My two Comrades here shall assist you in repairs and call over material and crew from the Castiron as they see fit"

Then something Samuel had said connected and her eyebrows arched slightly,

"Assault ship? That was left out of our original greetings Colonel?" She gave a teasing smile and turned to introduce the two Officers she had brought with her,
"Lieutenant Voss, Chief Engineer aboard my ship. An Engineer's dream, she should be more than able to help you with your problems."
Voss bowed again and went back to her normal stance just behind Stacy, acting almost like a bodyguard, she was only just older than Stacy and they had known each other a long time.

She then turned to the tall Cat-like figure on her left,
"Pantheria-Lieutenant Nexus of the Alumina Defence Forces attached to..."

However, before she could finish, Nexus cut across her,
"Is your hull made of a compacted alloy design or is it carbonic based armour? We shall need to know for the repairs" She looked at the three Federal Crew, ignoring her Captain's rolling eyes as though she wasn't there. The Alumina were famous for their apparent arrogance and aloofness.

"As I was saying," Stacy continued, "The Pantheria-Lieutenant is attached to the APN as a Tactical Officer, however, she is equally as proficient as a mechanic and she will aid Lieutenant Voss in the repairs.

Stacy took the pad and, after a brief glance, handed it over her shoulder to the two Officers standing behind her. They started to mutter to each other, Nexus having to bend down to see the screen with the shorter Xiscapian. They beckoned for Samuel's two Officers to join them and help analyze the damage, something Stacy had limited knowledge of.

Instead she approached Samuel and gave him a friendly smile,
"I'm sorry I cried earlier at what you said," She whispered quietly, so that the busy Engineers couldn't hear her, "I didn't mean to startle you. Just..." She gave a deep sigh,
"It was the cherry on the cake for me."

Amused by the exchange the followed, Samuel chuckled at Stacy. "This is a Marine vessel," he said. "In the Colonial Marines, there are only two fleets. The Colonial Assault, and the Colonial Exploration. The Titan is one of five intended assault ships." He shrugged, helpless for more explanation, then watched the conversation that followed.

Nemesis of course, took the hand and shook it, gently. The continued conversation interested him. Human and organic interaction was quite fascinating, including the cataloging of new organic species like the two before him. He was already recording their biometric readings for future reference and study. Not studying their physical features, of course, as he understood in organic culture that was quite improper.

Samuel nodded towards Voss, the Chief Engineer, and smiled as Stacy continued. Her introduction cut off by Nexus, he arched his own eyebrow at her question. "Novarium Carbonite, similar to Titanium but lighter." He said the answer quickly, not to interrupt Stacy further as she finished the introduction, nodding to Nexus formally as she finished.

When the offer for Sssh'Ka and Nemesis came, they quickly went over to offer an interesting distraction with mechanical lingo far beyond the understanding of Samuel himself. He watched, interested, as they all four studied the PAD and his two Marines gave explanation after further explanation. His head turned towards Stacy, hearing her low tone and matching it as he sighed himself. Time for the truth.

"I understand," he said in a low voice. "That word slipped out, you remind me of my past wife. And you are beautiful." He smiled slightly, "I know what your going through, you look like a newtype to command, so don't feel pressured. So long as you pretend to know everything, the people that do know usually give you the answers so you don't have to continuously bluff about it."

Stacy smiled at the complement, it was one she heard often. Even the Alumina had given her beauty grudging praise and that was high indeed from Alversia's allies. At his advice she gave another small sigh,
"There was considerable opposition to my appointment," She said quietly, although it was not really needed, the Engineers were locked in their own little world,
"Admiral Reynolds personally insisted that I was ready for it but my twenty-first birthday was only three weeks ago and I command 3,000 men. You can see where they're coming from, I can see where they're coming from. The Alumina were horrified by my appointment," She gave a small, sarcastic chuckle, "The reason the Pantheria-Lieutenant is aboard my vessel is because the Alumina don't trust me to make the correct decision. My First Officer is there because my own Navy does not trust me. Not even the SASM Wa..."
She cut herself off, as if horrified by some past memory. Her head dropped slightly before raising it again,
"I remind you of your past wife?" She asked gently, tenderly, "What happened to her?"

Samuel was pleasantly distracted by the fact that Stacy quite ignored his comment on his wife, concentrating rather on explaining herself. He was intently listening, nodding and giving a chuckle when she explained her appointment. In the Colonial Marines, twenty-one year olds usually made perfect squad or company leaders due to their charisma. He didn't see no reason why any Military power wouldn't trust this woman, specifically because of the way she handled herself in the crises earlier. He had full trust in her command capability, no one complained on his ship. Then again, no one really did complain unless someone threatened them.

He was ready to reply when she halted for a moment, and asked about his wife. His expression grew dim. He watched her head dropped slightly before raising again. "I remind you of your past wife?" He heard the tender tone she used, "What happened to her?" He sighed, heavily. Not enough to alert the engineers, just enough for the expression to get out. He cleared his throat softly.

For many long moments he just looked down, away from her, trying to make her get the subject off. When finally her inquiry wouldn't go, he sighed again, looking up at her. He supposed it was time.

"We were happily married for twenty-three years," he said softly as his eyes went distant, looking into a past life. "She stood by me, gave me strength, and was always there after my half-year tours." He gulped, "Then Civil War hit, when the Galactic Republic was at its weakest. It tore Anagonia a part, every member-empire waging a war against another." He looked away, "It came to my homeworld, out there in the Confederate Frontier. It was a farming planet, with beautiful oceans, salt air that tasted divine, and the perfect place for children." He shuddered to restrain the memory, "I had two kids, a son and a daughter."

For another few moments, he didn't say anything. This was a pain so deep, so hidden, so buried that he planned never to let it out. Now that he was, and he wasn't sure why he was, moisture filled his eyes and he had to blink a few times to make it go away. Somehow, he continued.

"Because the Confederacy was basically full of farming worlds, and the food source of Anagonia when the Republic was in power, the Republic Navy had to take over for the small Confederate Defense Forces. When the Civil War broke, there was no longer enough protection for the Confederacy." He looked at her, eyes boring into her. "Anagonia has a long history with the Galactic Empire, one that is horrible and monstrous. Even today Imperial Remnants plague us, but not like in those years of civil war." He grew angry, "They came to my homeworld, they landed their cursed ships, and they-"

He croaked, looking away, remembering the image forever indented into his mind. He cleared his throat, head held high as he breathed deep, trying to keep the image away. The then-strong Marine now looked helpless, unsure, and insecure. He stared at the Mess Hall wall, trying to continue. "When I heard the Imperials had returned en mass, I was sent by the Marines, the only established military presence left, to try to defend the Confederate Frontier. I landed on a beautiful day, when the salt mist should have soothed your skin." He looked at her, a tear on the hidden side of his face now visible sliding down his cheek. Though he barely noticed, "There was no paradise, no soothing mist. Only blood, clouds that rained blood. Everywhere, on our uniforms, on our ships, on everything." He cleared his throat for the third time, still looking at her, "The Imperials had managed to destroy all sentient life with some power unknown to me, and I ran to my homestead in direct violation of orders."

He sighed, it was almost over, almost there. He stood straight, still in a low tone, he closed his eyes, and continued. He refused to cry, it wasn't like him to cry, even before someone he now just understanding to trust. "When I came, my home was destroyed, and my children were-" he croaked again "-torn in pieces. My wife lay on what remained of the living room, and I held her in my arms as she told me how my kids died...screaming for me."

He opened his eyes, he had managed to keep back the tears, and his expression was hard. "I held her as she died, and I never got to say I loved her one last time. I still remember the blood." He cleared his throat, a final time. "All the blood. It was so inhuman."

His eyes lowered, and he suddenly realized he had explained, in detail, his memory of the event. It surprised him. He was just going to tell her she died in a genocide, but not the full story. A tear escaped his eye again, but he refrained from anything further. How could he betray his Command by explaining this to someone who basically knew NO discipline? He looked back at her.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, "I didn't intend to say all that. It just-" he closed his eyes, sighed, and opened them "-it just came out."

Listening to Samuel's story, Stacy wanted to cry herself. She listened to the horror, how this hardened Marines had had the thing he held dear snatched from him. She felt so sorry for him and all her own problems melted away, even her worse ones, the ones that had brought her up for promotion in the first place,
"I'm so sorry," She whispered, putting her hand on his shoulder for support, "I am so so sorry I brought that up. Please forgive me" She looked at the four Engineers chatting away without a care in the world,
She looked directly in his eyes, wiping the tears from her own,
"I lost my Family in a war too. A devastating war. A war that nearly destroyed our people..."
She stopped again and looked up at the four again, a perfect example of multi-cultural interaction,

"So, what government do your people have now? Are you a democracy?" She asked, standing up, changing the subject entirely.

He was thankful for the change of subject, all aspects of his former emotions and memory wiped from his face. He looked to the four, proud that even foreign cultures could get along. He looked back at Stacy, keeping note of her comforting hand, and smiled again. "We are a Federation of Planets, simply put." He explained it to her, "In the past there were Seven Empires connected by one aspect, one central government. The Empires retained their sovereignty, with the exception that their military forces were united. However, this led to greed and hunger for supremacy in the region, and the civil war led to a true Unification, with all sovereignty abolished and the seven empires merged into a Galactic Federation."

He grinned, "And guess what? The Army, Navy, and every other force collapsed except for the Marines. We stayed true, and we got our prize." His grin widened, "Our own fleet, our own division, our own department, and our own sovereignty from the Navy."

He looked back at the four, then at her. "I told you my horror, now tell me yours." It was a blunt request, not a demanding tone present. He understood her desire to change the subject, but perhaps her getting relief from memories would help her command.

She listened to the story of the Federation and nodded, Alversia was not much different to the Federation, peaceful, with peaceful intentions. I w

"Our own Marines are an individual branch as well" She smiled, "and they do like to remind us at every opportunity that they are our offensive edge."

At Samuel's request, she smile dropped and a frightened look replaced it,
"Have, have you ever heard of a race known as the SASM?" She asked in a terrified voice. She seemed to have completely changed in terms of personality was now more like a frightened child than a Captain, as if remembering a nightmare.

He chuckled at the Marine comment, "Seems Marines everywhere are the same." He managed a soft laugh, then saw her complexion change at his request to know more about her own personal history. His expression grew sympathetic, and he shook his head at her question.

"No, I have never heard of such a race." He watched her intently, worried about the change that just happened.

"The SASM," Stacy shivered even at the name, "were a Race, a powerful and terrible race that we defeated only months ago. They worked by 'intergrading' species into their unified race. They would remove the brain and place it in a metal skeleton. A Bioroid. Their ships were known as Pathfinders, advanced beyond anything we could imagine. Our weapons couldn't penetrate our shields yet they could wipe our biggest warship with a single shot."
Her eyes grew moist as she brought up memories of the horrific months in which the SASM had operated,
"We sent fleet after fleet against them and one by one they were destroyed. They attacked our colonies, we were powerless to stop them, all defending forces were brushed aside and the people integrated or killed..."
She choked and stopped, looking away so that he wouldn't see the fresh stream of tears running down her cheeks. She sighed, which quickly turned into a sob.

At that point Nexus approached the two Captains and, with only the briefest of glances at Stacy, began to speak,
"We have analyzed the damage to your vessel. We can repair it with the materials from our ship. However, we shall need to start quickly to avoid further damage being inflicted on auxiliary systems"

Stacy did not say anything or turn around but gave a small wave of her hand to signal her agreement. Nexus raised her eyebrows and looked at Voss, who was watching the Captain with concern.

"Of course," he quickly told Nexus, unbelieving the story he just heard. "Please, take my Marines and get to work." He looked at Stacy with a very concerned look, "Please excuse us," he said to Nexus as he placed his hand on Stacy's shoulder and motioned her away from the group, keeping his voice low.

"Listen," he said, "war is war, things happen, I know that and you know that." He cleared his throat, on the verge of allowing his emotions control again as he saw her sob, he tried another route. "I have been in countless battles, engagements, and wars. My Empire was helpless when the Remnants engaged us during our weakest hour," he placed both hands on her shoulders, leaning down to her level, eye to eye. "What saved us was hope, hope for a better tomorrow, hope that we can achieve the unthinkable, that we can create a world for our children to grow safely!"

His voice still urgent, but hushed. He had positioned her so it looked like the two were discussing something else, not expressing any sorrows. He didn't want her crew or his seeing them her like this. His facial expression was still stern, but up close it looked gentle and comforting. "How did you defeat them," he asked softly while holding her shoulders gently, too afraid to comfort her in any other manner. "What did you do?"

Nexus gave a grim salute and looked around at the others,
"We need to get to work immediately. The Fusion Core is our most vital objective at the moment, shall we have a look?" She said, looking impatiently at the two Marines.

Stacy nodded and wiped the tears away, she was aware that Samuel had placed his hands on her shoulders and even through the tears it felt comforting to have them there. She shook her head,
"One of our Crew was taken by the SASM and partly Integrated. We managed to save her before they could completely overrun her body and she was able to give us the frequencies for their shields and weapons. We fought a final battle not far from Alversia and were able to destroy them. 20% of our fleet was destroyed in the war and, when they rebuilt it, there was no Officer's corp to take over the ships. That was how I got my Promotion."

She looked at him sadly,
"My fortune was because of other's demise. How can I accept that?"

Then, Voss appeared and gave a salute, Stacy had stopped crying and just nodded,
"Yes Lieutenant?"

"Ma'am. Permission from both Captains to begin beaming materials across to help with repairs."

Stacy nodded, "Proceed"

Voss nodded and quickly looked away to Samuel for his permission.

"Permission Granted," he placed his hands at his sides and stood, looking down at Stacy again. "You were promoted to achieve destiny, to continue the long tradition of your Navy. Let that be your guiding force."

He gently extended his hand, "Shall we get to the repairs?"

Sssh'Ka and Nemesis guided their counterparts towards the Mess Hall exit, establishing the Mess Hall as the beam location for supplies that other Marines on the ship would retrieve. They passed the two Captains without a second glance, leading the way to the Engine room.

Stacy gave a sad nod and turned to her two Engineers who were still in deep conversation with their Marine equivalents. It seemed as though the language of machinery was universal, even to races that had never even met. The tall Alumina was shaking her head stubbornly on something and that made Stacy sigh again.

She liked the Alumina in a strange way, like all Alversians did. They were rude, aggressive, stubborn and aloof with problems that did not concern them and they rarely saw fit to show their own emotions. However, she could not deny that the Alumina were amongst the smartest Races in the known universe and that Nexus had detailed knowledge on both quantum Mechanics and advanced Tactics for both her own Navy and the Alversians. It was because of her race that the Alversians were here in the first place.

The Alversians and Danaversians may have fought eleven wars over the past two centuries but the Alumina and Danaversians had fought thousands. The Empire was determined to take the planet into her collective and the Alumina were equally determined to avoid that. In true Alumina fashion, they had only asked for help at the last moment and Alversia had duly delivered. The People's Republic prided herself on standing by her Friends.

Stacy was now looking over the ship and gave a low whistle as she surveyed the Mess Hall,
"Not exactly luxurious, is it?" She gave a cheeky smile as the first materials began to arrive on the Titan.

Samuel was polite enough to take a hint, resting his hand on his Mandalorian Armor's equipment belt. With both gloved thumbs shoved down on the inside of it while the rest of his hand rested on the outside, almost as if he were a rancher or something. He looked around the Mess Hall at Stacy's whistle, inwardly laughing at the observation. He looked back at her and her cheeky smile, unable to hold back and smiling back.

"Yea, well, we Marines like it this way." He chuckled, "If you get comfortable on a warriors ship your not much of a warrior, are you?"

He was surprised Stacy hadn't noticed before, quite amused at that fact actually. He took one look at the Engineer's, unsure what to do if Stacy and him were left alone in the Mess Hall. They were leaving for engineering and he thought Stacy would want to also. He wasn't sure what it was, but he was glad she decided to stay behind a few more moments.

He took one last glance at Nemesis, who quickly returned the glance but returned to his own conversation at hand. Droidekans were an interesting species, self-aware droids that started out generations ago as an experiment in weapons technology. Prometheus, the Father of the Droidekan Race, had been built first. He was constructed by a human Doctor, and damn if Samuel couldn't remember his history lesson on that. Through Prometheus spawned two more Droidekans, Zeus and Thor. Then, as the years past, their numbers started to grow until they were a fully integrated part of society.

It took a long time for that to happen, people not trusting simple droids of war back then. It was only through the help of Drakomis that Prometheus was fully recognized as a potential Sentient Being. Then, through that blessed event, the rest of the Droidekan race followed. Samuel wasn't sure if it was for the fact that Droidekans had a soft spot for humanity and their emotional states, or for the fact they blatantly refused their original programming. But Either way something happened along the line that obviously pleased whatever government was in power at the time and allowed a new species to be cataloged as official.

If anyone was to speak about the beginning of their own race, it would have been Prometheus. Nemesis, on the other hand, was just as unique as Prometheus was. He was the light to the dark, created by malice and greed for destruction of anyone that got in his creators way. Fortunately, whatever bastard decided to make a Droidekan for profit and gain was quickly killed, as described by the recently recovered file memories that Nemesis had been gaining through techniques.

From his own account, his desire to serve and to kill led him into the Pirate trade. He served under a notorious pirate for many years, plundering helpless victims and killing anything that got in his way. Fortunately he had been captured when the pirate vessel had decided to plunder a Droidekan Defense Ship, and from there a long story of growth and commitment followed. Whatever the Droidekans did he never told anyone, but he did explain to Samuel on one occasional that they gave him the gift of "understanding who he was and why he was here". Samuel never understood, he wasn't the religious type, and didn't think droids would be either.

Whatever happened on that day was for the better, Samuel admitted to himself. Nemesis was a devoted Marine, doing everything he could to serve and protect the People and the Constitution. His open military file suggested many occasions of heroic bravery to save lives, instead of killing them. He had achieved the rank of Captain only a few years back, and from there somehow managed to get under Samuel Vong's command. Personally, Samuel never regretted it, and he liked having an imposing Droidekan on the scene. From what he understood of Droidekan culture, Nemesis was as one of a kind as Prometheus is still to this day.

The starting of a new race of Droidekans, and the starting of a new hope for the ever-desirable continued evolution that Droidekans talked about so often. They wanted to be more human, more understanding of human culture. How they did it Samuel didn't know, but he did know they didn't kill to achieve it.

"You know," said Samuel finally, "Its surprising how they get along when they never met each other before." He chuckled at the Engineers who were just leaving the mess hall.

Stacy chuckled as well,
"It's a miracle the Alumina are talking full stop" She glanced around and noticed that they were about to be left alone. She quickly glanced back up into Samuel's eyes, the Marine Veteran who had lost everything but his eyes were so sensitive to her. She felt a strange tingling in her stomach before she hastily leapt forward,
"Shall we have a look at the Fusion core?" She suggested, a little too enthusiastically, "That's where the repairs are being carried out so..." She shrugged, as if not sure how to put her words across.

Then the Titan shuddered violently for a few seconds before settling and Stacy, alarmed that they were under attack, tapped the earpiece that was embedded in her ear, it was like a simple radio piece that fitted snugly around her ear to leave her hands free. When she had it on, like now, she could talk to anyone in the APN if they were within range,
"Commander?" She asked, addressing Ashbourne on the Castiron, "What was that?"

She waited for a few seconds then nodded, "Right then, very well, thank you Commander. Smith out"
She removed her hand and looked back at Samuel, "That was the Black Panther, an Alumina warship passing by. There is a lot of activity about this area. Sorry" She shrugged again, a little embarrassed, "Shall we continue?" She indicated to the back of the Engineers.

When their eyes met, and they gazed into each other, Samuel felt a sensation he hadn't for a very long time. It wasn't one of lust, or desire, but something else. Something gentle, tugging at his mind, and his heart. An easy feeling, a feeling he hadn't allowed himself to feel in quite some time. It felt foreign, barely understood, and Samuel's eyes widened a bit as he finally comprehended it. Peace.

Time stopped at the word, he could literally feel it stopping. Around him, the noises of footsteps echoed as if in a great hall, and he could hear the hum of the Titan's fusion drives, feel the vibration of the hull as it withstood stress unimaginable by common folk. And slowly, ever so slowly, the ship began to rock. He felt that too, but every tug and jumble at a time. Then he shot his head up, looking around as the rumble of the ship took hold for a very short period. He raised his wrist-pad and looked over the readings from the bridge.

If it had been serious, as in anything attacking them, the bridge would notify him. But they hadn't, and by the readings indicated it was a similar phenomenon to the Alumina ship passing by earlier and warp-fields colliding and battling to maintain the Space-Time order. He didn't understand much science, but he had a memory good enough to assure him this was just something that happened when two objects came too close and battled over scientific theory mumbo-jumbo.

He looked back in time to see Stacy end her conversation with her ship, and let a grin sneak up. She took matters into her own hands, that was good. He watched the four Engineer's walk away, then looked back at Stacy to see her ever so enthusiastically suggest to follow suit with their Comrades. He chuckled inwardly at that. He was not used to feeling at peace, perhaps she wasn't either.

"Of course," he said while leading the way, looking back to make sure she followed.

The way to Engineering was simple, they were already on Deck 2 because of the location of the Mess Hall. The two Marines Nemesis and Sssh'Ka led the way to Lower Main Engineering. They passed by Sick Bay on their way, and the door open to reveal no one inside. That was a good sign on any ship, because no one was injured. Samuel looked towards the Officer Quarters hallway, inwardly wondering where Ur'Sa could be. It was a simple matter that Officers had the ability to take time off if they felt their emotions were getting in the way of rational thought, such was a precaution for any Marine. Perhaps he was just cooling down.

Though Samuel couldn't help but feel somewhat sad at the fact that his Second-in-Command took so harshly to the Admiral. He sighed, openly, and started to take his mind off the thought as he looked towards Stacy.

"There are three decks on the Titan," he started to explain. "Deck one has, of course, the Main Bridge and all other facilities doing with swift command capability." He handed her his own Personal PAD after looking up the specifications for his ship, the screen showing Stacy the Interior Design (http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Defiant_class#Interior_design) of the Defiant-Class, "We are currently on Deck two, where the lower main engineering is. Upper is on Deck one." He motioned towards the Officers and Crew quarters they had passed, "Along with Sickbay, we have crew quarters here. Only Officers get their own rooms, while the rest bunk." He shrugged, "Hell even Officers tend to bunk with one another to save space and make some quarters weapons lockers and such." He pointed to the PAD, "Though that should explain everything, just give it back when your finished."

He gave a sly wink, just a joking gesture, as they neared the Lower Main Engineering door. It hissed, opening as the panels retreated to the walls that held it, revealing the lower part of the Fusion Core in the background. The four talkative engineering specialists entered first, followed by Stacy and Samuel. He gestured around at the Spartan Settings. "Like most of the ship," he said in a joking manner, "we take pride in how useful our settings are." He stopped in front of an engineering panel showing the status of some device, "No need for useless center panels that show useless information. We keep everything to the point, and all information can be accessed at any panel on the Bridge or here."

He pressed a button on the panel as he stood in front of it. It was embedded in the wall, out cropping at the bottom where the long keypads where for easy use. The screen itself changed, and he looked at Stacy. "I've always wanted to try this," he grinned widely and looked at the screen, "Computer give me detailed damage information of the Fusion Core."

For a short few moments, nothing. Then, a feminine voice as smooth as wind started to speak. "Fusion Core is at Ninety-Nine point Zero-Six efficiency."

Samuel wasn't no expert, but that didn't sound right. Wasn't there supposed to be something wrong with the Core? He tried another route, "Computer what is wrong with the Core?"

"Please specify," came the response. Samuel frowned, "The Fusion Core, what is wrong with it?"

"Please specify," came the response again. Samuel grumbled, "What is the Damage to Fusion Core?! If you answer again that like I'll blow your circuits!"

The computer seemed to have a new life after that comment, "The Fusion Containment field is at Fifty-point-zero one efficiency and falling due to gravitational disturbances."

"Gravitational Disturbances? Please specify," he hadn't realized he repeated what the computer said earlier until the Computer spoke, almost in a mocking manner. "The Warp-Field is currently stressed to point-three-three units. Without availability from back-up systems, the Containment field has been rerouted to maintain Warp-Field Stability."

"Well get power from the Fusion core then, or back up systems." Samuel was trying to solve the problem himself, though he didn't realize it. The computer merely chimed, "Unavailable, all power is directed to weapons and shields." Now Samuel looked pissed, "That wasn't an suggestion! That was an Order! If you don't make damn sure we don't vaporize right now I'll tear your sorry excuse for machinery out and sh-"

He was instantly cut off by the computer, "Rerouting now." After a few moments, the Computer showed a display of the containment field. "Fusion Containment Field is at one-hundred-percent efficiency. All power rerouted from life support."

Suddenly Sssh'Ka loudly cursed in his own language, banging a clawed fist on the panel that he and the others were on. Samuel didn't catch on to what the computer said, even when the Raptorian expressed anger at obviously detecting the anomaly in the computer subsystems that made it reroute power. The Colonel merely gave a weak smile towards Stacy.

"I think the computer hates me," he said with a rather weak voice. Then he suddenly realized what had happened, "Wait a minute, did that damn computer say Life Support?!"

Stacy stared with amusement at the tiny ship in comparison to her own leviathan of a warship. The Titan has three decks? Her bridge complex alone had four and that was without entering the main hall. Needless to say, a team from the bow could go their entire careers without seeing someone from the stern. It was a mini-city, the C-Class, designed for long range patrols with all the luxuries one would expect of a hotel: baths, holodecks, sports centre, recreational areas as well as three vast canteens and a ballroom for special occasions. The crew all paired up on a Dreadnought or had their own rooms. Stacy's itself was not far from the auxiliary bridge, in case the ship was attacked while her First Officer slept just two decks from the main bridge. Stacy frequently annoyed Ashbourne by taking long walks at night to clear her thoughts. Well, she thought it was night.

Then she was shown the Fusion Core and watched with amusement as Samuel argued with the computer. She didn't feel in any danger. She felt safe with the four engineers and Samuel beside her. She didn't know why, but he seemed to be a comforting presence to her, more than just another Captain, safety, hope. She even felt elation and when they had connected for that brief moment, Stacy had felt her problems melt away, her horrors melt away. She could not focus on those feelings now though. She had a job to do.

She handed back the PaDD and nodded,
"Not bad," She said, looking around the small engine room and thinking of the massive complex, spanning several floors that made up the Castiron's engine room. Voss was Chief Engineer. She had at least 600 Engineering personnel who helped her with the ship.

Then she heard Sssh'Ka curse in a language unknown to her while Nexus looked at the roof and muttered something in Alumina. Voss just shook her head. Then something in the back of Stacy's mind clicked,
"Life support?" She said it at the same time as Samuel, "That's not good is it?" She asked ruefully.

Nexus removed a scanner from her belt and ran it quickly over one of the nearby consoles. It gave a series of musical beeps until Nexus had obviously seen something disturbing,
"It appears some of your power distribution nodes have been damaged" She said in a light voice that made it sound like the most obvious thing in the world, "The Computer is taking power from areas that it shouldn't be. Can you lock down the life-support grid?" She demanded, looking back at Sssh'Ka while Voss just began to type in one of the keyboards.

Stacy looked from one face to another,
"What's happening?" She asked timidly.

Sssh'Ka started speaking in Raptorian as his claws flew across the console where Nexus and Voss were. Nemesis went to a vacant console, only one of eight in the entire lower engineering section, and starting moving his robotic fingers so fast it was a blur. After a few moments, Sssh'Ka and Nemesis nodded towards each other, and the Raptorian sighed in relief.

"It sssseemss that sssomeone made the computer malfunction," he didn't give a glance in Samuels direction, but the Colonel knew who he was talking about. "Nemesssiss hasss rerouted the the power dissstribution to enable the computer to properly allocate the demand."

The Raptorian gestured for Nemesis, who came back to the group, and pointed towards the Fusion Core. "We need to repair thessse nodesss asss sssoon asss posssible." He gestured towards his Droidekan friend, "Nemesssiss will take over from here, I'll head to Upper Engineering to sssstart my repairssss there."

As quickly as that, with a gentle bow towards Nexus, the Raptorian left to head behind the Fusion Core, where obviously some lift took him to the next deck. If anyone followed, that was their priority, and it was a simple enough path to follow. Nemesis looked to the two engineers and nodded his already extended head, "If you will follow me I shall direct you towards the nearest Power Hub where repairs to the nodes can be made from there." He gestured towards a panel somewhere in the vicinity around the Fusion Core. The Core itself was at the center, and a walkway of similar panels with different uses all the way around. Mainly barren of any information, he specifically pointed to one that had locks on the side of it. He led the way for the two others, while Samuel contemplated his mistake.

"I must say," he said with a dry mouth, "this has to be the biggest screw up I've done yet." He sighed, "Or the nodes could have already been damaged. Either way, the Computer obviously doesn't take lightly to threats."

He looked back at the panel only to discover it was locked out manually. He grinned, "Seems like someone doesn't want a repeat of what happened earlier." Then he looked back to Stacy, "I don't think I'm much use here, for obvious reasons. Want a tour of the ship?"

Nexus gave a low graceful bow to the Raptorian as he departed from the Engineering Section. She looked over at Voss as though asking for permission. Voss sighed and gave a nod, Nexus did not look at her again but headed behind the fusion core to join the Raptorian while Voss moved over to talk to Nemesis. Stacy rolled her eyes. She knew the two had just had a telepathic conversation so that she could not hear them. It always made her paranoid when those two engaged in non-vocal conversation. It usually meant that it was something they didn't want her to hear.

Stacy instead looked back at Samuel and smiled,
"I would never dare interfere with the Engine Room of the Castiron," She said, "They would kill me on the spot"
At Samuel's request, she thought about it for a few seconds then nodded,
"Why not? I don't think I'll be any more use down here than you" She glanced over to where the Alumina had disappeared. She could guess what they were talking about,
"What's first?" She asked happily.

Samuel thought about it for a moment. Something interesting that no foreigner would see at first glance. He contemplated showing her the mundane of the ship, things the PAD had supplied and she probably already looked over. There was no sense in showing her those things, wouldn't be of any interest. Then he began to think about science. Yes, that would be perfect, and it had a holographic display there too!

He smiled at her, "Follow me."

They walked across Deck 2 back towards Sickbay, where it was still empty. Turning left down a short corridor, they ended up in a large expanse of a room. Considering all they had seen, it was large, and full of instruments for science and medical. It was about as big as the bridge, stationed just under it actually. Most of the interior design was redone to allow at least a simplistic display of courtesy for relaxation hours, and the Science and Medical Laboratory served as a make-shift after-hours theater and gaming center. Actually, it had more uses.

Near a large circular panel, the top flat with grid-lines, was the Chief Medical Officer. She was a Droidekan, having blue across her silver metallic skin to symbolize the medical and scientific jobs she had. It wasn't unusual to find Droidekans choosing male or female personalities, as many thought it enhanced the evolutionary experience to better understand humans and organics a like. While they lacked the animalistic desires of procreation and other central tenants to organic culture, they tried their best to act the part of whichever sex they chose to experience. It was something Samuel couldn't explain in detail, but something he understood. You would have to be Anagonian to actually try to comprehend Droidekan culture and thinking.

At their entrance as the Laboratory doors hissed open, the Medical Officer turned her head towards them. Her body was the original design, a B1 Battle Droid frame. Like all Droidekans, she was far from stupid or in need of direction. She nodded towards the Colonel, taking a long moment to look at Captain Smith before looking back at Samuel.

"Colonel Voss," she said in a rather robotic feminine voice, "I take it your leg is healing nicely?"

"It is," Samuel responded rather amusingly, "I have taken the precautions you set." He gestured towards Stacy, "This is Captain Smith of the Alversian ship."

"Pleased to meet you," the Medical Officer said, "I am Lieutenant Colonel Athena." She extended the casual mechanical hand towards Stacy for a shake, "I'm the Chief Medical Officer on board, and despite my rank I keep out of Command unless needed."

Stacy looked around the science lab with both amusement and fascination. Her ship lacked a Science Officer for the moment so, for the meantime, Nexus filled in that role as well. Stacy watched the Droidekan with respect and took the hand, shaking it gently. Droids were also given full rights on Alversia, except they were known as Androids, however, most preferred not to join the Armed Forces but remain on a more peaceful Alversia.

"I'm glad to meet you" She giggled, enjoying her trip around the Titan, "What kind of things do you look at here?" She asked, a little more seriously.

Athena took a more menacing tone, voice changing to a Souther Accent from some disturbed part of history. "I take them good eatins' and scrap'em up here, like them there road kill that hits mah winshield!"

Samuel laughed, a Droidekan attempt at humor. He watched as Athena lowered her hand from the shake and motioned around the Laboratory. Her voice returned to the normal, friendly accent she had before. "Besides the casual experiment here and there, I am Research Lead for discovering new organic life-forms on the microscopic level, and assisting and translations of new dialects that we have yet undiscovered." She motioned towards some panels on the far wall, mocking panels seen on the bridge. "These here are where I and a small staff research new particles, and the likes." She looked back at Stacy, "Basically everything here has to do with research, and assisting in research."

Samuel motioned towards the holographic projector at the center of the room, Athena nodded in understanding. She led the two over, pressed a few commands in, and the room suddenly turned darker than night. Then, abruptly, light, as the Holographic Projection came up. It was a perfect display of the Titan, with information on the sides scrolling across and down. Athena looked to Stacy, "This projector is connected directly to the Computer Core. Here you can access all known information from the Federation Library, via Sub-Space link. The Computer Core stores flash memory of information received, so anything you want to know can be projected here in extreme detail."

Athena nodded as Samuel and her stood back a pace, "Go ahead, try it."

Stacy was a little taken aback by the menacing tone of the Droid for a while but gave a genuine laugh when she spoke. She listened intently to Athena's explanation of what she did and nodded in approval. Her own Science Department was little different in terms of mission. Only the scale changed between the two ships,
"You should meet my Tactical Officer," She told Athena lightly, "I think you two would get along nicely"
When the holographic image of the ship came up, Stacy made a small noise of amusement before approaching the hologram. She was staring at the ship intently, taking in every small detail. She smiled, laughed and turned to Samuel,
"Can you show me how to use it? I'm useless when it comes to technology like this" She gave a helpless shrug and gave a youthful giggle.

Samuel looked down at Stacy, hearing her youthful giggle, and suddenly feeling a hundred years older. He smiled in return, she was cute, but he felt too much her senior to be of any support to her. Perhaps time would tell, she had made him feel so content in the Mess Hall. Made him feel away from the horrors of his duty as a Marine. Made him nearly cry, letting his memories melt away in the comfort of her words. That moment, when everything froze, would last with him forever. He sighed, and finally nodded after gently looking down at her for a few moments. That giggle had entranced him.

"Yes, well," he cleared his throat while looking to the Hologram. "I think a bit of Anagonian history is in order." He leaned forward to press in a few commands on the circular panel that surrounded the holographic emitter, then looked up as the room went dark again. Finally, after a few moments, the room came back to the brightness of the projection.

Words started to appear, scrolling, and Samuel started to explain. "This is the Order of the Force, encompassing both Jedi and Sith orders under a unified body of Knights, Masters, and Apprentices." He looked to Stacy, "It is the oldest established Order and sense of governing power that Anagonia has, being around even before we set to the stars." He smiled, looking back as an image appeared, showing a human figure in customary Jedi robes.

"That is what Jedi look like, and Sith-" he pressed a button, and another human with a dark robe appeared "-is what these are. Force users come from every race, every creed, and every backround. They are the foundation, the building block of our Society." He looked to Stacy, "Even in the times of the new Galactic Federation, they still hold much sway and power. But the unusual thing is they never use it." He shrugged, looking back as images of various species appeared in Jedi and Sith attire. "Our main religion, you could say, is the belief in this Force. While no one is forced into it, its existance is proven time and again by the training that is mostly public. Even our Chief President, Drakomis Reign, is one with the Orders." He gave an approving nod, "He's over four-thousand years old and maintains a presence with both the Sith and Jedi Academies. Some people call him a Gray, someone who can use both."

He pushed a button on the console as a voice responded similar to the feminine computer in engineering, "Voice activation enabled. Please specify search parameters."

Samuel looked back at Stacy, "Go ahead, ask anything about anything or anyone. All our knowledge is available to you."

"Wow, I don't know" Stacy stated, overwhelmed to suddenly have the knowledge of an entire race at her finger tips. She looked thoughtfully at the hologram for a few moments, what would she like to find out most of all about her knew Friends? Alversia's new friends? She didn't know. She had seen Samuel's smile as she had giggled although she had instantly regretted it. She was a Starship Captain, not a little schoolgirl, although a few would contest that claim. She tried to act seriously but she was just in a happy mood and so she would act like she hadn't in months.

"Uh..." She gave a playful sigh, like a child who had been let loose in a toy store, "...can I...look at your Homeworld, please?" She asked politely, looking over the holoscreen again.

"Accessing," came the computers response. The room went dark, then, suddenly, lit up brightly. A solar system with seven planets came into view, revolving as if something was gazing down at it on some live television camera. The Image started to fly forward, past the last planet which was a huge ice world, then down the line past many gas giants, and finally settling on a beautiful tropical world with two moons orbiting it. Both moons were almost half the size of the planet in question, one bright red as if a desert planet, the other a lighter pale of tropical beauty.

Samuels face grew grim in the light, he would have noticed her happy tone, her happy voice, had it not been for the question given. He was ready for the pain though, and braced for the explanation that followed. Athena herself looked stiff, if you knew a droidekan well enough to tell outward emotion expressions through body language. The image of the planet revolved, one moon close, the red moon far in orbit around. The soft feminine voice took over.

"Novar, Nova Kretani Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy." Numbers started to form at the side of the image, with detail on land masses and the like. "Population: Three-point-six Billion. Status: Captured, Location: Imperial Territory. Current Use: Imperial Droid Factories."

A moments silence, then a history review followed. "Novar was once the heart of the Republic of Anagonia, Pre-Galactic Republic. Charged as the seat of Republic Power, housing the Jedi and Sith Orders, and primary production planet for the Republic Navy, Novar was the seat of both governmental and spiritual authority." A slow progression of destruction followed, with explosions along the surface, and the moons turning from tropical paradise to a surface looking like some alien race assimilated it. Novar itself followed suit after the radioactive atmosphere settled enough to see the surface.

The Computer finally offered an explanation, "Anagonia rebelled against the Galactic Empire, and was severely punished with the verdict of destruction. Only a fleet of Fifty-thousands ships made the Exodus from Novar and the other member-planets of the Republic at that time." The feminine voice remained soft, emotionless. "Casualties are estimated beyond two-point-six billion lives."

Samuel remained in his grim expression, "Computer show all four planets that were a member of the Republic of Anagonia at the time of the Exodus."

The holographic image changed to show a magnificently beautiful water planet, with only a few land masses and clouds. One moon circled it, out of the way of the ring of fragments that made something as beautiful as the ring that orbited the Sol System planet Saturn. Then, a slow progression of nuclear blasts turned the surface from water-world to barren landscape. "Planet Delphi, homeworld of the Delphinians, seat of Paradise and Vacation. Taken by the Galactic Empire as a Droid Factory."

Two more planets followed, equally beautiful, and equally tragic in the way they were destroyed. Each planet became a droid factory, a production of mindless minions that would never really be used. Such was the evil of the Galactic Empire. Samuel looked down to Stacy, barely managing a smile. "These planets were our home," he said, "Taken before my time. Its sad I'll never get to see my homeworld, and sadder that the Raptorians, Komodren, and Delphinians will never again see theirs."

He sighed, looking back at the image. "How about another topic."

"Oh..." Stacy's mood evaporated in an instant, watching the devastation that had been wreaked upon the planets of Anagonia. She could feel her eyes starting to go moist at the sight of the planets being destroyed, one after the other. She looked away, unable to watch the devastation any longer. She felt so guilty that she had asked about that question.

She looked back to Samuel and gave a small weak smile, her mood had evaporated entirely,
"What about these Jedi and Sith?" She asked, hesitating as though she was afraid of asking another question that would cause her new Friends more pain, "What are they like? What is this Force you talk about?" She asked innocently.

He smiled at Stacy, assuring her that she had caused no harm. It was a part of history that could never be repaired, never be taken back. He placed a hand on her shoulder as he took a step near her, patting it, then looking back at the Holographic display as it turned back to information on the Orders at Stacy's request. Although not directed at the Computer, the computer was programmed to be easy-to-use. Such was the mind of a Marine, someone must have thought.

"The Force is something I cannot explain," he said helplessly, "but from what I was told it is a binding energy that surrounds every living being, and encompassed everything." He shrugged, "Somehow the Orders are able to use it. The Jedi use it for good, the Sith for bad. Though, not like other Sith, ours doesn't use it to kill, only to build character, like a Marine." He chuckled at the silent joke, looking back at Stacy. "We have a force user on board, but he's not an official member of the Orders. I could ask a favor if you like."

"I would like to meet him," Stacy asked, eyes widening, she would love to meet a real force user." She knew the Xiscapians used something not remarkable different to what Samuel was describing, however, she was very enthusiastic for a meeting, youthful enthusiasm.
"Can I please meet him?" She asked again, looking about her. Her hair was thrown about as she did so, catching the limited light and making it gleam. She threw it over her shoulder out of the way as she glanced shyly at the information as well as Samuel,
"Can I please see him now?" She asked innocently.

All around her, all that could be heard was the sound of modern tools and people moving materials about the Titan. Her crew were now helping the Marines to repair their vessel. They were making good time on the repairs.

Samuel was surprised by her insistence to see the Force user on board. He chuckled softly at that, quite amused she was acting her age. He didn't even think to tell her that, watching as her hair flowed the way her head moved. He watched it, it was beautiful in the light the holographic image created.

Again it happened, that moment when time stood still. She looked around slowly, her hair in motion, it was beautiful. She was beautiful. The way she did that, the thing she did. He didn't know how she did it, how easily her odd motions captivated him. That feeling again, that feeling, of peace. It surrounded him. He couldn't stop looking at her, even as she shyly looked his way.

Athena meanwhile noted Samuels reaction, and gave a quick feminine chuckle, decided that turning on the lights would serve the better. She knew what was going on, a better understanding of human interaction than Nemesis could fathom to have. Quickly seizing the moment, she used the holographic panel to contact the person in question, and ask him to report to the Laboratory. It was the only space on board big enough for the display of force usage that the person in question needed. Athena merely walked away after that, going to a science station to continue previous work.

And all the while Samuel looked at Stacy, a calm expression, not saying a word.

Stacy continued to glance around the room excitedly, as if the Force User was going to come through the wall at any second. She was clicking her fingers at the same time. Then she finally turned and noticed that Samuel was staring at her. She stopped and calmed down slightly, her cheeks going a delicate pink with embarrassment.

"Ahem" She cleared her throat gently before standing as she had done before, in a calm manner with her hands behind her back,
"Anyway, Captain," she was still blushing, "What can you tell me about this ship?" She asked, indicating with her hand, that she meant the Titan, "Where was it built? What class is it in?"

She was trying to be a serious captain again, even though she knew she had acted like a child in the past few moments, a child she still was.

OOC:

Mental Note: I forgot how old he was...damn

IC:

Samuel noted the gentle tone of her cheeks, and looked away just for the sake of her comfort. What was he thinking? He was more than forty years her senior, nearing his fifty-first birthday in a few months. She was, what? Twenty-two? One? Sure there had been stories of younger women accepting older guy's, despite age. But surely there was enough sense in this universe for two people to be NEAR the same damn age. This was improper, and not acceptable.

He stood straight, at attention, hands folding behind his back in almost a mock fashion of Stacy's manner, and he nodded around. He turned then from comforting figure to an authoritative person, the atmosphere changed with it. "This is a Defiant-Class vessel," he nodded around. "She is an Marine Assault Ship, designed for fast action landings and attacks in both space and air." He never once looked back at Stacy, keeping his eyes averted.

Athena looked calmly back, noting the Colonel's change of state. She knew he liked her, and believed that the Captain had a return feeling. It was a sad state of affairs when command came in the way of mutual friendship. Of course, knowing the Colonel, he was looking for more than friendship. Athena had looked up the classified history long ago, and understood perfectly the Colonel's mental state. It was one of buried emotions and scarred memories, and from the looks of how he acted around this Captain Smith, he was starting to recover from his usual bouts of seriousness. Perhaps it would be beneficial to add a something suggestiv-...no, she should stay away.

Samuel looked towards the entrance to the Laboratory, thankful for a distraction as a Raptorian, slightly taller and of lighter texture than Sssh'Ka, came in. His tail thunked the side entranceway in a irritated fashion as he gazed at Athena, then he stopped and saluted towards Samuel. He wore the same Mandalorian Armor as everyone else, with the exception of the killing claws at his feet. Samuel returned the salute.

"Reporting as Ordered," came a very composed and understood accent of basic english. Samuel nodded, "At ease, Master Sergeant."

At once the Raptorian composed himself in a very profession at-ease position, clawed hands behind his back, and his head forward. Samuel looked to Stacy, then back at the Raptorian. "Master Sergeant Duntan, this is Captain Smith of our friends in the big ship. She wants to know about the Force." He gave a moments time for the request to sink in, then nodded slowly in a suggestive fashion. "Are you able?"

Duntan gave quite a show of a smile across his snout, exposing lines of sharp teeth. Though his expression was friendly, he did seem imposing. He merely nodded, and went from professional to laid back in an instant as he walked closer and looked down at Stacy. His smiled remained, and Samuel took the time to walk over towards Athena, who welcomed him by starting a conversation too low to hear.

"What would you like to know," asked Duntan.

Stacy listened to the specifications with the Titan with slight blushes. She also noticed that Samuel was no longer looking at her but rather looking everywhere but she. She did feel uncomfortable with her feelings. She knew that a relationship of any kind would not work between them. The Alversians would accept it readily enough but she was not so sure. So she listened to the specifications and purpose of the Titan but her mind was elsewhere. If Voss had been in the room, she would have shaken her head. Stacy was too young to get into this kind of relationship.

Then the Raptorian entered and she again noticed his height. The reptile looked brooding but friendly. She saw he was kindly but she was intimidated at the same time. She was a Captain, she couldn't be intimidated by him. What would she be like when she met a Danaversian for the first time.

She gave him a nervous look but managed a smile,
"Well..." She paused in thought, "...what is the force? How does it help you?" She then cringed internally, it was a stupid question and she knew it. How she was showing her immaturity.

"Good question," said Duntan. Then, so easily, he leaned against the Holographic projector, getting every so comfortable as he studied Stacy. "I believe the first thing to say is that the Force is as alive as you and I are. It is the binding force that keeps things in motion, that sometimes sets the course of events, and even at rarer times sets the destinies of one individual." He positioned his tail so it would sag off the projector so he could sit more easily, and placed a claw at his snout to scratch there for a few moments while he thought.

"The Force," Duntan continued after a few moments of silence, "is a power, is something omnipotent but at the same time not." He sighed, he was going no where with this. Perhaps past lessons, "I'm going to quote after a long-dead Master now." He cleared his reptilian throat, "He said it more perfectly than I ever could."

He thought for a moment on how to say it, then finally continued. "Life creates the Force, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. We are Luminous beings, not this crude matter that you see before you." He nodded, "A very rough translation, but at the time it was said things were different. I believe his name was Master Yoda, or something like that. I learned that when I was training to be a Padawan at the Academy."

Positioning himself again on the holographic projector panel, he tapped his clawed hand on the console, offering a seat for Stacy. "Come," he beckoned in a friendly fashion, "Let me teach you. That is how I learned, perhaps you can understand better that way."

Stacy listened to the explanation blankly. It was obvious that Duntan was doing his best to explain the Force but it still made no sense to her. They were illuminous beings? That was one of the most confusing things she had ever heard, she shook her head slightly to indicate that she had no idea what he was talking about, it was omnipotent but it wasn't?. Maybe it was just her being stupid, maybe it made perfect sense to everyone but her.

She sighed as she accepted the seat from Duntan, shifting her weight a few times to get comfortable. When she was satisfied that her tight trousers weren't going to rip, she turned back to Duntan and gave a small nod,
"If you could show me," She began delicately, "maybe I will understand better." She repeated his words, unsure of what else to say.

Duntan recalled memories from days long past, when the days of hope were high, and when his childish ambitions lifted his spirit. Those days were numbered, forgotten, and unable to be grasped again. But the possibility of training someone to understand the things he was taught was just as inspiring, and he relished when the human accepted the responsibility to understand the things she obviously didn't understand at all.

"Concentrate, if you will, and close your eyes." He closed his reptilian eyes to give her motivation to follow suite, folding his clawed hands on his lap. "The Force is around us, created from my life and yours. It is produced by that life, it is created by that existence. It flows from me, to you, to the Colonel. Even to Athena, at some limited level." He breathed softly now, slowly concentrating on his own ability to control the force. "What I will show you is a technique that is used to train Students and Younglings at the Academy. It is the best I can do to help you understand."

Duntan concentrated on the Force then, his breathing easy for the first few moments. He concentrated on the strings that linked life to death, and death to the very existence of everything. He began to feel the welcoming embrace of the Force, after so long without a proper meditation. It was as if he was home again, as if a long journey came full circle. He felt stronger than the youngling he was at the Academy, more able. That gave him confidence, and he knew his emotions, and his support would flow over to Stacy.

He concentrated on that empathic link, and felt her. Not just who she was, but who she was on the inside. Her heart beat first, then the blood flowing from her heart to her body, the breath that gave her life, and the very energies that sustained her. She was ignorant to them, and Duntan felt that. He would change that, he would open her eyes just as Master Yugato did to the students.

Around the two time, through the Force, slowed down. Everything changed around them, the feeling of life, the feeling that you were there. Reality itself began to bend to something more, something else. And slowly, softly, Duntan concentrated on that too. He took it all in, everything on the ship. Feeling the Titan as she groaned from the pressures of space, and feeling the Fusion give off life-saving energy to her systems. It was a wonderful experience, so joyful. And as he did this, a mental hand took Stacy's, touched hers, and took her along for the ride. Everything that Duntan felt, saw, and heard she would too. This was a co-operative experience.

He nudged her consciousness over to space itself, and expanded his own concentration to her ship. He took her as his own self made way over, and felt her ship, felt her crew, felt the life there.

And then he opened her eyes.

Before them they were above the two ships, not in a simple view, but a much wonderful view. Duntan held firmly to Stacy's self, keeping her anchored as he motioned for her to take in the experience. Through Duntan's eyes Stacy could see the awesome spectacle of the Force, of how every life shown brightly, and some shown as dark as night. There were two side to the force, Light and Dark, and through his experiences he showed her to understand them both. One was for justice, for order. The other for chaos, and disorder. But not all chaos is evil, not all disorder is improper. He gave her the experience of the Dark Side.

Energy unsurpassed flowed through Duntan as he took in the breath of the Darkness, the feeling of the eternal dark flame. It was estactic, beckoning for the most primal emotions and tendencies to come forth and take over the Order that so anchored Stacy and himself. But he was ready, trained to resist the disorder, trained to resist the darkness, for it, too, was his ally. Just as the Light was his ally, just as the Force was his ally, everything was coming to a conclusion.

There is so much more I want to show you, said Duntan to her through gentle whispers of the Darkness and the Light, But you are young, untrained, and easily wavered to tendencies of hate and self-righteousness. I was trained through both paths, yet you were trained for none. To show you anything more would be improper.

Yet they stayed where they were, in a mind-set above the two ships, in a reality where time stood still and nothing but life itself flowed. Duntans mind nudged hers again, Yet I can show you more, if you feel you must know.

OOC Note:

Anagonia trains its Force Users in quite a different manner from most Nations, but retains the basic principles. Its more like a religion to them, something to be cherished, thus the mush mush meditation your character experienced.

Stacy watched as Duntan closed his eyes and, with a little nervousness, closed her own. She waited patiently for a few moments, hearing his gentle breathing and her own. She was still waiting, it was not that she doubted the Force or his ability just her own ability to understand it.

Then she gasped as she felt something she had never felt before in her life. A strange feeling, a wonderful feeling, she loved it, she embraced it, like a warm, comforting bath. She never wanted it to end. Whatever he was doing, she could feel it. She could feel her own ship, she could feel it's beating heart, feel each and everyone of her crew as they went about their business.

Then she was above it with her eyes open. She could not help it gasp again with shock and delight at the beauty that she faced. She could not help but stare at the two vessels with delight. She listened to his warning of her youth and the danger with that but she was so taken in by the sight in front of her that she could pay it little attention,

She nodded eagerly when Duntan asked her if she would like to see more,

"Please," She thought happily, "please show me more"

Duntan checked himself, and his abilities, over once more. He was able to retain this mental link with her so long as he was able to contain himself, and properly channel the Force to show him the way. He chose the path of the Jedi, the path of embracing the Force instead of bending it to your will. For a first time experience, it was better to feel the Force embracing you, rather than feel your mind twisting it to your ends.

So he took Stacy on the adventure of a lifetime, overcome with the pure joy she was experiencing. Duntan knew that while their bodies were safely on board the Titan, their minds and very essence were traveling among the stars. Only by his ability could he show her, and only by his continued restraint to overwhelming tendencies to give into the Force could he keep Stacy here, safe. He chose a nearby star, something full of life, not so far away, and he took her there.

The Star itself was very similar to Sol's sun, in every way. The Life Force eminating from the Star was overwhelming, and through his eyes he showed Stacy this, showed her the strands of existance that flowed from the continued cycle of life being done inside and outside the Star. And he pointed, tugging her to watch, encouraging her to take in the feel and embrace of the Star, of the Force that was within it, that came out of it. Duntan felt it, and he could see the Force as it twirled in joy at an unhindered cycle of life. No unnatural thing expect the Darkness could challenge this, and there was no darkness around.

The Force came and embraced the two journying souls, as if they were a part of it. Duntan welcoming it, tugging at Stacy to embrace it. When it touched Duntan, welcomed Duntan, and embraced Duntan as its own he could feel every part of himself recharging, coming back to life. He hadn't done this in a while, and it seemed like the Force knew it. It encouraged him to stay, to come back with it, to become a part of the existance of all. And he didn't turn it down for a second.

In the sense of emotional bliss and joy Duntan was experiencing, those feelings would pass onto Stacy through the grasp and gentle handle Duntan kept on her. But not too much, for he wanted her to experience it as well. The Force was an ally, was a companion, and he was trying to show her the welcoming and embracing side, the part that wanted you as much as you wanted it. And for a time, he believed he succeeded.

And Duntan basked there, in the radiant life of existance flowing over his mind-body. Like water flowing past you as you got in its way, expect this water went around you, and through you. Like a supernova going off, the strands of destruction passing by you, into you, and grasping you as its own as it took your very breath away. To Duntan, it was the closest thing to paradise he had ever felt in a very long time. And he loved it. Truly loved it.

Then, as if the Force had sentience beyond imagination, it tugged at them to return. It knew something they didn't. It felt them, knew them as its own. It didn't want them to stay out here, not forever. The welcoming feeling past, but the embraced tugged tighter like a mothers love. It beckoned them to return, to go back for the time being. Duntan wasn't one to object, and while he said his personal blessings, he thanked the Force for gaining him back as its ally, its friend.

"Now open your eyes," Duntan said as he took in a long breath, looking over to Stacy. He smiled, this time geniunly, and gave a small chuckle. "I haven't done that in a while," he sighed happily and looked into space, "The Force is your Ally too, Stacy. It is something that loves your very life as much as you love it. No matter how much you search for it, it searches back equally, and is already there. You just have to welcome it, to embrace it, like we did." He looked back, the smile returning. "Tell me, what did you experience?"

"I..." Stacy had come back from the experience and, for the first time in a while, she was speechless. She had no idea what to say or how to express what she had felt. She had felt it as much as Duntan had wanted her to feel it. She had loved it.

She had felt such wonderful peace as it had flowed over and around her. She had been at a loss to explain what had happened to her in the past few moments, but while she was in the midst of the Force, she felt such peace, perfection. It was like all of her problems had been magically solved for she felt no pain, no anguish and no horror for what had happened in her life. When he opened her eyes, she felt it was too soon.

"I..." She tried again, trying to find the words to express the paradise she had just returned from, "I..."

She was interrupted as Nexus stormed into the Science Room, followed closely by Voss. They were both streaked with oil from somewhere, although it was their concerned faces that stuck out the most for her. She stood up and straightened out her uniform,
"Yes?" She asked, looking from one to the other.

Nexus shook her head in disbelief, "Where have you been?"

Stacy frowned, "Right here. Why? How are the repairs coming al..."

"...The repairs are almost complete, the Titan's own crew can take over from here" Nexus snapped, causing Stacy to shrink back slightly from the big Alumina, "And the Lieutenant Commander has been called you for five minutes. He thought you were in trouble"

"No," Stacy replied, absentmindedly, "I was busy. Why? What's the emergency?"

"A distress call from the Merchant vessel Socrates. She claims she is under attack from Danaversian forces and we are the closest ship able to respond"

"What?" Stacy leapt into the air, "When was this?"

"Five minutes ago"

"My God," Stacy turned to look at Samuel, still standing nearby, "I'm so sorry I've got to go" Her face was wrought with guilt, that she had been in so much when one of the ships she was supposed to be defending was in peril.

Then her face lit up,
"Why don't you come along? It'll probably be a false alarm but I would like you to see us in action? What do you think?" her eyes were desperate, pleading, looking up at Samuel.

OOC:

Going to work, I'll reply tomorrow.

OOC: Cool

"How could I ever pass up such a wonderful opportunity?" Samuel smiled towards her pleading face, or perhaps only he saw the plea in it. Inwardly he laughed at the innocence she kept, and envied her for retaining that. It was a hard thing for a Marine to maintain the innocence, almost impossible. You would rarely find a Marine who wasn't battle-hardened, who hadn't seen death up close, or who hadn't experienced it. Unfortunately Samuel was already Baptized by Fire long ago. His innocence, the happiness from within, was already stolen away.

And somewhere deep down something told him Stacy was the key to getting that back. He liked that thought.

He nodded towards Stacy, and gave Athena a hand-shake as she returned it. Their conversation had been fruitful, and her advice was always something Samuel could count on. He walked towards Duntan, signaling for him to follow as he gave Stacy a farewell wave and headed from the Laboratory to the corridor. There, he talked in private, more concerns on his mind than how Nexus got that oil on her.

"Where's the Major," he asked the Master Sergeant as they walked side by side. "I haven't seen him since the debacle on the bridge."

Duntan shrugged, "I have no clue." He looked at the Colonel, "What happened on the bridge?"

Apparently questions were welcomed on this ship, Samuel didn't mind it though. "I have no clue really, just that Ur'Sa found out that Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth is part Komodren." He shrugged, "I guess he didn't like that very much."

Duntan shook his head, "Everyone knows the Grand Admiral is half-Komodren. Ur'Sa even told me once about it and never complained." He seemed at a loss for an explanation, "I have no clue why he would be angry about something he already knew."

And that tipped Samuel off to something more. Perhaps, in all likely-hood, it was something he did. Or was there something else to this, something that Samuel didn't catch on to. It was common for Admirals to entrust information to individuals that others were not supposed to know. Perhaps Ur'Sa was, indeed, a close Comrade to the Admiral and they had shared something in some kind of warped way. He sighed, giving up, nodding towards Duntan.

"Better get back to your Marines," Samuel said. "I'll take over from here."

"Yes Sir," Duntan responded before giving a swift salute while he turned down another connecting corridor. Alone now, Samuel made his way to the lift that would take him up a level. His mind still thinking on the events before-hand. Then that feeling came back again.

Ahead of him, he could see, hear, smell everything. This was a battle sense, the type only hardened warriors get when they can tell danger lay around the corner. It was Samuels primal instincts at work, something telling him his surroundings was wrong, or something was out of place. Enough so that it was a danger to him. But his conscious mind intervened, telling his age-old instincts that nothing could possibly be wrong on a ship full of Marines.

And then it hit him, literally. As he passed an empty corridor something smacked him hard upside the head, and he did a back flip at the sheer force of it as he landed hard. He tried to get up, but by the time he thought he was recovering some hard clawed hand grabbed his throat and pulled him up as if he were lighter than a feather. What he saw made his eyes go wide, in shock. It was impossible.

Ur'Sa held the Colonel by the throat, his Komodren strength unmatched by any normal human. He growled deeply, squeezing so as the Colonel had no time to talk, or to think. He was holding Samuel just off the floor, and Samuel could do nothing about it except reach his two hands up and grab Ur'Sa wrist, trying to do something, anything. When everything started to go black, his mind lacking the vital oxygen and blood it needed to function, his eyes rolled back, and he passed out.

Ur'Sa released the death-grip, satisfied the Colonel was passed out. He didn't want to hurt him. He lifted the Colonel over his shoulder with ease, and headed down the empty corridor away from prying eyes.

Stacy and Voss had already returned to the Castiron and now they were standing on the bridge, Stacy had loved her time on the Titan but now it was time for her to be a Naval Captain again. She knew she had acted like she hadn't for years, for a while she felt like a young girl again, the girl she should have been instead of a Naval Captain with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Ashbourne was a hardened veteran, he knew what war meant and what had to be done to endure it, she didn't. Then there was Nexus, she had been in so many wars that she no longer bore any reaction to it.
Stacy frowned,
Where was Nexus? If the Alumina was still on the Titan then she couldn't go anywhere, the Alumina was the Tactical Officer and she couldn't fight without her Chief manning the weapons station.

But Samuel had said yes! She was still overjoyed that he had said it, she enjoyed his company and she badly wanted it to continue. She sighed,
"Full Speed ahead. Red Alert" She ordered and watched as the lights dimmed and the sirens came on. She would head on, the Alumina could beam over when she was finished.

"Titan, We've plotted our course to the Merchant Vessel. Please follow us if you could please. Thank you"

--

On the Titan, Nexus watched in the shadows as the Colonel was attacked and taken away. She had been following him to get his approval for her work. Not that she needed approval, but Lieutenant Commander Ashbourne had warned that their new friends would like to confirm her repairs. She had tacitly agreed.

She had not shouted his name because Alumina never raise their voices, if she had to track him the whole way to the bridge, she would. She moved steathly in the shadows, using her remarkable lightness to float from cover to cover, like a cat stalking it's prey. Then she stopped and watched the assualt with widened eyes. She should have stopped it and most people would have. She was more logical, she would wait until the time was more opportune, that was the logical thing to do.

She she remained in the shadow and stalked her way forward, watching what was happening.

We would if we could find our command staff, came the reluctant response. Though the Titan did follow in close formation as the computer directed the path. I think we have a problem.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ur'Sa went down to the end or the deserted corridor, and into a room that looked reinforced. You could hear the sounds from out, but not too far. Thats the way things needed to be done. The Komodren grabbed the Colonel and threw him against the wall, instantly waking him as he gagged for more breath after taking a direct hit against the wall. He breathed heavily, looking up to see the Komodren grab a suitcase and set it on a table. The room he was in was the storage locker, full of nice toys for the nice Marines. Or it was supposed to, this one was stripped. Only a table and empty gray walls lined this.

"What are you doing," he coughed as hints of blood dripped from his mouth. Komodren were strong, too strong. "Major, what the fu-"

Before his rage could take over some intense beam of energy hit him, throwing him against the wall trapping him, sending every nerve ending alive as he screamed in agony. It was a torture device, used only by one race. His body started to involuntarily shake, he had no control. After a few moments, it was over. He left breathless and full of pain as he managed to look at his once-trusted second-in-command.

And it wasn't Ur'Sa. "How did you get on my ship?!"

Before him wasn't the Komodren, but something else. Something dark, something evil. No longer Ur'Sa, the entity had changed into an Imperial Uniform, just now putting on black leather gloves of some kind in a mock display. It was a human, but where did a human get so much strength, and how did he charade as the Major for this long? Samuel held his head, the pain still not going away. On the table was one of the torture devices used in interrogation by the Imperial Remnant.

"Quite a show it was," said the man. "Sith powers can be very useful."

That explains a lot, especially how their sensors, nor their resident Jedi-Trained Marine, didn't detect his presence. But it didn't explain how he got here. Or what he wanted.

"You'll find out in due time," said the man as if reading Samuels mind. "For now, I'll get every ounce of information I came here to get." He looked around, the twisted and warped powers of the dark side now becoming apparent on his complexion. His eyes turned red as he gazed back at Samuel, "This ship presents a threat to our dominance, and so do you." He grinned, "I should have waited to kill your family off when you were there."

Samuels eyes went wide, memories of his wife, their children, now coming back. This was the Killer? But those Imperials were dead, every ship! He couldn't have survived. He just...couldn't have. There was no way. No way in hell.

Samuels strength returned, and he stood, almost by super-human powers. The pain throughout his body increased, but he didn't care. He roared in defiance of his circumstance, and ran towards intending to kill the son of a bitch. But the Sith had other plans, and with the twisted powers of the Force, he grabbed Samuel and with the flick of a wrist, threw him against the wall again. Samuel heard the tail-tale signs of a lightsaber igniting, but he could do nothing about it. He tasted blood in his mouth, sagging against the wall.

"One way or the other Colonel," said the Dark Sith, "I will get the information I want. Whether I have to kill every single one of you, or I take it from your mind." He could hear the evil in his evil, "I'm going to enjoy finishing the job I started. And this time, you won't survive."

Samuel, in all his training, wasn't prepared for the pain as the Sith came up suddenly and arched the lightsaber down across his right arm. He screamed in absolute pain and misery.

OOC:

Might as well spice things up.

OOC: How am I to stop a Sith? :(

OOC:

Um...good question. I had planned the moment you intervened to do something, but heck.

This is just a basic outline of past history here, to better understand Samuel and his enemies and whatnot...basic action stuff.

IC:

The screams of agony and pain continued in the room, as the sounds of a lightsabre slicing through air became more rapid and animalistic. For the unfortunate one to be listening outside, it sounded like a massacre of body and soul. Torture, pain, misery, the things an true Sith thrives on. It makes the grow, makes them stronger, makes them want to kill. The fact was apparent on the Otherworld Sith's face as he continued to delicately apply his lightsabre to slice through Samuels Armor, sometimes to the bare bone. He often used the Force, just for the fun of it. But what he wanted was far more important.

"I'll n-never tell y-you," gargled Samuel through a blood-soaked mouth. He had endured torture at the hands of countless enemies. He had been captured, interrogated, even treated like guests to others. But never in his life had he been purposely been brought near death just for the sake of it. This was hell, and every part of his body told him he was supposed to be dead. Yet he wasn't, for some godforsaken reason, he wasn't.

"I think you will," sneered the Sith, "eventually."

Samuel grabbed the smooth metallic wall with a bloody hand, managing to stand even through the countless incisions the Lightsabre had brought upon his body. A small pool of blood lay down where he was forced to sit, forced to endure the psychopathic tendencies of a madman. His right shoulder was cut to the bone, somehow he managed to move it, placing it against his chest in a mock fashion of stinting it. He coughed up more blood, his forehead had been burned, sliced precisely. He knew he was dying.

Finally he managed to stand, leaning against the wall as his body took in breath to stay alive. His chest heaved at the effort, and he tried not to choke on his own blood. By now, his Marines would be looking for him. That was his only comfort, his only salvation. The most he could hope for was to be found dead, in one piece. He closed his eyes, too weak to fight. He had to stall to give his men the time they needed to kill this bastard once and for all. He took in a breath, then looked directly at the Sith.

"You were Anagonian at one time," Samuel managed without shuddering the words through the pain. "Why go back against the teachings."

It wasn't a question, but a demand. The Sith knew it, and probably out of respect for the continued resistance to death from Samuel, he decided to answer. He shut off his lightsabre, placing it under his uniform where he had it hidden. Probably something there to keep sensors away. "To serve Palpatine is better than to Serve your pathetic rebellious brethren."

"Palpatine is dead," Samuel said instantly. "He always will b-" he coughed up blood again, gagging at the taste. "He always will be," Samuel managed to finish.

Obviously truth wasn't something a Sith liked, and his facial features grew angry. He started a slow walk towards Samuel, intent now on finishing his life once and for all. "I was once Darth Furi of your Sith Order," the Sith said as he came closer. Samuel had to find something to fight with. "Then the whispers called me," his eyes grew distant even as he came closer, step by step. Samuel desperate now, searching the room. Only the tortorue device on the table, and it was too far away. Damn!. He looked back at the Sith, trying to devise a plan. "I can still hear them," continued the Sith, "hear them demanding blood in return for my servitude."

This guy was nuts! Anagonian Sith were nothing like he is. They cherished life, rather than casting it away. Something had Changed this man for the worse, and it wasn't a pretty thing. Samuel checked his belt one last time, still nothing to use. Not much he could use against a trained Force user. He went back to the years of training he went through as a Marine, trying to find something he could use. His body rebelled, too weak to even consider it. The madman was nearing him now, and he could tell he was about to finish the job.

"Too bad you can't hear them," said the once Darth Furi while raising his hand. Samuel knew what was coming next. "Time to die," and then an impossibly strong grip on his throat started to tighten, and he gagged up more and more blood in an attempt to compensate for the lack of air. This was one helluva way to die.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Major Ur'Sa had been away relieving stress with the sister of a well-known Master Engineer on the ship. It was common for someone of his stature to, when angered by something, find an appropriate release. And what a release it was, as always. He felt better now, his troubles gone, his mind and body fit for duty. The shower had helped also. He was heading towards the bridge, along the pathway everyone took on Deck Two. Casually looking down a deserted corridor to the weapons rooms, he spotted one of their Guests, hiding in the shadows.

Quite fascinated that one of the foreigners would be snooping around, he casually walked down the corridor and stopped mere inches from Nexus. Then, in an authoritative voice, with a slight hiss, he spoke.

"What are you doing here?"

And then he sensed it. Something he wanted to get away from for a long time. Something that called him every living hour of his life, and made him dream every time he slept. It was the power so unimaginable that you had to be trained to feel its embrace. Ur'Sa had spent half his living life trying to escape the sweet whispers of destiny that the Darkness brought to him, it was just too much for him. But this was different.

Instead of the calling, of the desire to warp mind and body, it felt so....deadly. His eyes widened as he looked to the locked door that Nexus had been gazing at, and he looked back at her, "Whats going on in there?"

Nexus just put a silent finger to her lips in an impatient sign for the Major to be quiet. She still crouched in the shadows and had been so occupied with the noises coming from within the room that she had not heard the Major creep up on her. That was annoying for an Alumina, they hated to be bested, at anything. She had taken the double bladed Katana from her back and had been thinking of the best way to enter the room and rescue the Captain.

The screams would have torn the heart out of an Alversian or any other sentient Species, but the Alumina did not have emotions in the same way as other races did. To use their emotions was frowned upon by the Elders of the Alumina Race. Ultimate control was what one needed in life. Nexus knew she was quick, knew she was silent and knew she was skilled but she doubted her ability to take this Villan out. She had heard the noise of flesh being burned open and the hum of energy. The 'Sith' must have an energy blade of some kind, a type that was crytal-powered no doubt.

If that was true then she would be at a disadvantage. Her blade was made of a special alloy that seemed resistant to these blades but even so, she knew this one had the 'Force' with him. She didn't believe in it but she was shrewd enough to know it would give him an advantage in any fight.

"Your Captain is being held in that room" She hissed silently, "He has named himself Darth Furi. Are you aware of this person?" She asked with raised, mocking eyebrows. A commom Alumina trait.

Ur'Sa knelt beside her, the whispers turning into a pain now. He held his head for a few moments, then looked towards Nexus as she mentioned the fabled Darth Furi. Of course Ur'Sa knew him, he was a legend at the Academy. Melkos himself had come to his initiation into the Sith Order! But then everything went to hell, and Ur'Sa wasn't about to remember the events that led him to be banished from the Order. It was a dark time, and he wasn't in the mood for thinking over past mistakes.

"Yes I know him," Ur'Sa said softly. "He was once a faithful member of the Order of the Sith, attaining the Rank of Dark Lord in only a very few short months." The Komodren sighed, "I also know what broke him."

He shook his head, shaking the memories away. Whoever was in that room right now was not Furi, but something darker. Ur'Sa had been tempted by the same twisted trance that Furi had been long ago, and vowed never again to let himself be tempted by Chaos. After both he and Furi were banished for their sins, they went their separate ways. Ur'Sa hadn't heard the name Furi in almost a two centuries now. While it was not uncommon to find a Komodren living to be over two hundred, it was almost impossible to find a human who did. If Furi gave into the same twisted powers that Ur'Sa almost succumbed to, then that explained a lot.

He looked casually at Nexus weapon, similar to a viroblade. It would help, but knowing Furi and his primal tendencies, she would be crushed by the Force before she could get near. Only two people on board knew of the Force, and out of those two, Ur'Sa had been truly trained in the arts of combat. He didn't like the thought that crossed his mind.

"I will return," he said softly. He quickly made his way back the way he came.

After what seemed like a few moments, he returned, with something in his hand. Unlike Jedi, Sith were granted to keep their weapons after being banished. Something to do with tradition, and the strong versus the weak. Ur'Sa had kept his double-bladed lightsabre as a reminder of what never to do again, not to come back. He held it to Nexus and pointed towards the door.

"Follow closely behind, get the Colonel, and get the hell out." He hissed the command, already showing the effects of accepting the Darkness. His reptilian features warped again, showing twisted lines from his eyes, to his muzzle, down to his neck and below his Mandalorian Armor. His eyes were a crazed orange mixed with red, slitted, gazing away at the door as he concentrated. "Do not get in my way," he gave a final warning as he summoned and used the Force, rather than worked with it.

The door began to groan to the stress, and Ur'Sa's pupils turned into lines as the metallic bulk started to twist inward on itself. Quickly, almost silently, the door started to break the restraints that kept it in place. Then, before it broke, Ur'Sa ignited one half of his Lightsabre, then the second, stood, and thrust his clawed hand outward. The Door flew back with an explosion, hitting the vacant wall. Ur'Sa flew in the room, twirling his lightsabre, and Darth Furi released his grip on the already unconscious Colonel. The sound of a Lightsabre igniting, and two lightsabres hitting, resounded through the Corridor.

For the first time in two hundred years, Ur'Sa was once again with the Dark Side.

Nexus gave a reluctant nod. Another thing the Alumina hated was being told what to do by someone who was not a superior Officer. She was also humble enough to know that this Ur'Sa was better equiped to deal with this man than she was. So she waited until he blew the door out with his hand, which she dismissed as telekenisism, then darted behind him to grab the Colonel.

He looked bad, and Nexus was a good enough doctor to know that he needed immediate assistance to avoid a fatality. She felt his arm and shuddered, for a brief second, she felt his pain, pain that was overloading his senses and threatening an immenant failure of his nervous system. She sighed as she went to work.

She pulled a small veil of liquid from her belt and unbuttoned it. The putrid stench of it caused her to wrinkle her nose as always. It was not the smell she wanted. She tipped it up and slowly began to pour small droplets onto Samuel's arm. The syrum was from a carnivarous plant in the Alumina Jungles, one that caught it's prey by spraying them with this syrum and stunning their nervous system, killing them instantly. A normal dose was fatal, the small amounts that the Alumina carried were brilliant anesthetic and removed the pain entirely for hours at a time. To prevent Samuel's death, she would have to give him enough to put him in a coma but not to kill him.

She counted the drops.
1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

Just as she was about to let the ninth drop fall, she pulled away the veill and replaced the lid, tucking it neatly back into her belt. She felt his pulse and checked for breathing before she put a hand on his arm again. This time nothing. He was dead to his pain and in a controlled coma, a small amount of anti-syrum would wake him up easily enough and the Castiron had more than enough. She had saved him for the moment but he needed a proper Medical Bay and so she easily lifted him and carried him through the ship to the Medical Bay.

"Time to die," the Sith said casually, yanking whatever will Samuel had as his mind started to drift. So this was how he was going to die, at the hands of an Outcast. Not in glorious battle, not in protection of innocents or his galactic nation, not in the arms of the one he loved. Then she popped into his mind. Of all people, not his dead wife or children, but her. He wanted to die in her arms, not here. Not here, he begged whatever gods listened, please not here. I want to die with her.

And then darkness took him, and the pain overwhelmed him, as life boomed into nonexistence. Dreams of his past life took over.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ur'Sa countered Furi's thrust with a parry, twirling his double-lightsabre and striking his opponents left leg. He heard the cry of victory. Then the Outcast struck again, but Ur'Sa was ready. His stance was defensive, and he carried his double-lightsabre in a defense posture, easily parrying the attack, thrusting it away, and striking again. He didn't know how easily his memories had come back, but he was enjoying every moment. The feeling of darkness, the feeling of triumph, the feeling of dominance over his enemy. How sweet it tasted to his soul to be back where he belonged.

He roared with a victory roar, easily heard on this ship with his amplified voice. The Dark Side flowed through him, and he commanded it to his will. Thrusting forward his vacant claw to his opponent, he let loose the Lightning of the Force, every ounce he had within him.

And, oh sweet Melkos, he enjoyed watching the Outcast cry as he slowly died. The smell of burnt flesh like a long-forgotten dish to his soul.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Athena happened to be back in the Medical Bay, unaware of the current events on the ship. She was amused by the way the Colonel and his new friend reacted to each other. They obviously had interest in each other, and it puzzled Athena as to why Samuel didn't act on his instinct. Though she didn't question the actions taken, it just seemed that they'd make the perfect couple.

Or was that her emotions, or this "females intuition", that decided this? She chuckled in her mechanical mind, aware that she was becoming more female every day. This pleased her, as it would any Droidekan choosing the path to experience humanity. Soon her results, her evolution, would progress to the next generation. She liked Nemesis, approved of his programming, overlooking his obvious faults. His strong experience and her intellectual data would cross well with a new Droidekan. All they had to do was exchange data through a computerized process, she taking her critical information in, then his. That experience would evolve into a new Droidekan chip, central to the sentience of all Sentient Droids in Anagonia.

The process would be, to say the least, most pleasurable to experience. She would understand him better, and he understand her. And that nasty organic process of procreation was left out, more efficient, and Athena certainly didn't want to experience that. She preferred knowing her life-partner rather than guessing. Much more progressive.

Lt. Colonel Athena turned around to find that curious visitor from the alien ship come in with the Colonel. By her biometric readings, Athena theorized she had just saved him from something. Instantly her Medical training and programming kicked in, shoving aside the intellectual thought for a more preferable time. She had yet to express interest in Nemesis, and that would be a more fitting time.

She quickly took the Colonel from the alien female, nodding her head in thanks. Her strength, like all Droidekans, was unmatched because of mechanical components and therefore made her perfect for gently taking Samuel and placing him on a medical table. Quickly scanning his vitals, she found it curious he was in a coma by some toxin. Though the toxin seemed to be designed for this, it intrigued her. Research later, she reminded herself as she went to work, still having much more thought open to converse with this new alien.

"What Happened," she asked in a soft feminine mechanical tone, "and can you tell me why the Colonel is in a Coma with severe internal injuries?"

OOC:

Medical Bay description later.

Nexus let the Droid take the unconscious Captain and set him down. She regarded the Machine with interest. The Alumina liked to stay in contact with nature and thus, bar a few small cities, they still lived in isolated clans and small villages were everyone knew everyone and the day was taken up by hard farming while the night was spending time with family or friends. Or, in Nexus' case, fighting for her life along the DMZ, where she fought to repeal an Empire hundreds of times it's size and trying to protect her people.

She watched as the Droid scanned the Captain and internally, she smiled at her quick thinking. The Alumina were incredibly smart and had photographic memories. She was a Soldier first and foremost but she was also an Artist and a Doctor as well as a Mechanic. The Alumina could learn in months what would take an Alversian years to learn. They were smart.

"The Colonel was attacked by a Sith Assailant," She reported in her low voice, "He suffered severe trauma and I was forced to put him into a coma to prevent his nervous from collapsing"

For a short moment Athena froze. She turned her droid-like head towards Nexus in a slow deliberate fashion, tilting it as if hearing something so foreign it confused her. Which it did. Sith Assailant? But she recovered quickly, gazing around the Medical Bay to find the right instruments to stabilize the Colonel further. There would be more time later to further compute that information, even more so time when Colonial Command heard about the rare Imperial Encounter. She concentrated on her surroundings.

The Medical Bay was located on Deck 2 between the second mess hall and somewhere around the main Laboratory. Containing four biobeds, this room served as the primary crew support facility during emergency situations. This was definitely one of them. The room was equipped with limited surgical facilities and was primarily intended to stabilize patients until they could be delivered to a nearby friendly starbase medical facility, not actually intended to heal internal injuries the likes that Samuel had.

In its limited role as a reconnaissance starship, the Titan was equipped with a dedicated science and medical laboratory for field testing and investigations. That room mirrored their counterparts on larger Federation starships by making use of scaled down devices that could commonly be found on those ships. Which, intern, was a very bad thing. Athena had nothing to work with, nothing at all.

Finally with an internal sigh, she gazed back at Nexus. "I can't treat him here," she said in a concerned tone. "Were not equipped for it."

Going swiftly over to the far wall after putting up a bio-shield to further stabilize the Colonel, she tapped the wall as a screen appeared from it. Quickly she inputted some commands on the touch-screen, and a Map of known space in the vicinity was shown. Twenty light-years distant was Asgard Ha'Goth's ship, the Yorktown, still on standby even though the distress signal was far from over. She looked back at Nexus.

"Grand Admiral Ha'Goth's carrier has the only advanced medical facilities that I know of," she turned fully towards Nexus, "Unless you want to send him over to your facilities."

The Alumina just rolled her eyes, turned her back and walked towards the other side of the Medical Bay. While most species would see this as a very rude gesture of aloofness or ignorance, the Alumina didn't think of it like that. In fact Nexus did not intend to cause offense but if it was said that she was being offensive, she wouldn't even bother to shrug.

Instead she thought, her back still to the Medical Droid. Then, without a word, the Alumina stalked forward to one of the consoles and tapped a few buttons, when she was complete, only then did she turn to the Droid and nod,
"I believe that the Castiron has sufficient Medical Facilities to treat his wounds. However, we shall need to hurry and beam him as soon as possible." She didn't ask permission. Alumina did not ask for permission unless prompted by someone else.

"Very Well," she would smile if she could. She went over to the Biobed and disabled the field, and grabbed something from underneath the bed and injected it in the Colonel. Swiftly, yet gently, she started to lift him. Then she turned her head to find Nemesis at the entrance of the Medical Bay. For a microsecond, she calculated the odds of conversation on a personal level. In that split second, she also considered her duties. The Colonel was more important, and without a word Nemesis saw her gesture for assistance, coming over to gently help with the organic load.

"We have capture the Outcast," he said with a mechanical droid tone. "He is being interrogated, and any information will be relayed to you Lieutenant Colonel."

Athena nodded, "As the highest entity of rank, I will take the bridge." She handed Samuel over completely, "I shall assume my duties now."

With only the most basic of conversation between the two, only the most intelligent would comprehend what meaning the two had conveyed. Not only did Athena just take command, she took command completely and without resistance from one of Samuel's top officers. Nemesis had not stated any person in command, nor stated any bridge officer not on duty to the crises. Therefore, he had requested her guidance. Droidekans knew when there was a time for asking and doing, and now was a time of doing.

Athena gave a curt nod towards Nexus, leaving for the bridge. Immediately in her wake, a human Nurse would soon arrive to assume responsibility in the Medical Bay. Nemesis then looked in the direction of Nexus, urging her with a gesture of his extended head to follow. Together they would go to the transporter room. Which was only a short ways across Deck two, entering to find a Sergeant at the controls who somehow already knew the situation.

Either word traveled fast on this ship, or they all had a telepathic connection. The most logical assumption would be to conclude that they had a streamlined way of communicating, but the truth was far simpler. Marines always kept in touch, either out of earshot or in direct line of sight. Sometimes people just didn't understand it, and probably never would. Communicators, built into Droidekans and on the suits of organics, were so silent to use that one just needed a moments grace to place the situation into grasp with code words.

Nemesis gazed at Nexus, "If you will give the proper transporter coordinates, we will be on our way."

Nexus looked from one Droid to the other and followed without emotion as they headed for the transporter room. She didn't really care about this ship or it's crew. All she did care about was keeping her home safe, that and her crew. Alumina built strong emotional connections only with those close to them. This crew was not close to her and neither were the crew of the Castiron.

She handed the co-ordinates over to the sergeant,
"That will beam you directly to the Castiron's Medical Bay"
Satisfied, She pressed the earpiece that she carried,
"Nexus to Castiron. Medical Emergency. Prepare for EBO to the Medical Bay"

Nemesis urged Nexus onto a transporter pad, as he followed suit. These devices were relatively new to Anagonia, just recently perfected to the point that people didn't get their atoms shredded across space. Of course thats what was supposed to happen, and soon more advances would be made to make these Starfleet-Grade Transporters obsolete. Already the Federation was doing experiments on some new kind of transporter, coming from a race called the "Asgards". It was more efficient, and more reliable, and tended to leave everything in one piece.

He looked to Nexus, "You remind me of someone."

But before Nexus could respond, the Sergeant started the transporters, and everything turned bright as their entire bodies, atoms by atoms, was sent across space to the Castirons Medical Bay.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Athena stood on the bridge, Ur'Sa and almost half the command staff was absent doing protocol elsewhere. Their previous mission took priority over the Colonel's situation, and it was far too important to let it go to waste. The Grand Admiral expected a report as soon as possible about their previous covert mission. Besides, Gorvan and his Delphinian Counterpart on Tactical could take over Helm and almost every other system from their stations. From where Athena sat, she could take over the rest from the Command Chair.

"Report," she requested to Gorvan. While although his telepathic abilities lack the power to send messages to a robotic mind, he did have a universal translator on his self that translated the telekentic waves into verbal speech. Which, of course, he was to use should a Droidekan be in command of anything. Gorvan swiftly went over the tactical console before responding. "Nothing of interest besides the Officer Debriefing of the Imperial Incursion."

Athena looked at Gorvan, "Any knowledge yet that the Danaversian's are in league with the Imperial Remnant?"

Gorvan tilted his head slightly, "Only that there was a transporter activated when we passed by the third Danaversian Ship." He looked up at Athena, "Its possible the Outcast used them as a way to get to us. Though that doesn't place them in league, per say, it does have implications."

"What about the Interrogation, how is Duntan and Ur'Sa coming with it?" Athena looked back at the viewscreen.

"No information as of yet," Gorvan responded. "I assume the Outcast was well trained. Though, knowing the Major, the information will be found."

"Excellent," Athena straightened her posture in the Command Chair. "Make sure to keep all information of our previous mission privy. It would compromise the objective."

"Yes Ma'am." Gorvan went back to his duties.

The previous mission was intended to be the first train run of the Titan. Gathering intelligence was always a good shakedown procedure. Origionally, the mission was to find the base of operations for the Imperial Remnant still causing mischief in the Federation, even after so many centuries of the Galactic Empire loosing interest in Anagonia. Once the Remnant was finished off, Pirate activity would finally be controlled, and no long would surprise attacks from those rogue Imperials waste valuable time and resources.

To the credit of the crew of the Titan, they had sneaked into the sector of space where the Imperial Base was located and logged their efforts. Then, they retreated to an unknown sector of space, this sector, in hopes of meeting the Grand Admiral to safely relay it to Command. The only thing that screwed up the entire process was the fact that they got involved in more than they bargained for. Once the information was relayed to the Admiral, they could proceed for First Contact with these new friends, hopefully allies.

But if the Danaversians were in league with the Imperial Remnant, as information suggested, then the Federation would have a lot more to deal with than a band of Pirates and what was left of the origional Imperial Incursion. Command would not take lightly to finding allies to the Imperials, and steps would be taken to ensure that no further threat from the Danaversians would come to pass. Anagonia had been through centuries of this, and it would stop now, with the birth of a new Galactic Federation.

And the Colonial Marines were heading the way.

Within seconds, they were in the Medical Bay and surrounded by Medical Personnel. The Medical Bay of the Titan had been small because only a crew of 50 manned that ships. The Crossfire-Class Dreadnought had a total crew of 3,000 and in a battle, many of those could be badly injured. Thus well over a hundred biobeds were lined along two floors with more based in the centre and a massive surgical section at the far end. The walls were alive with instruments and the whole room was spotless.

The Alversians took the Colonel and laid him down on the nearest bed. They set upon him with Medical Scanners and other complex equipment, shouting stats to each other and typing instructions into panels. While it all looked like a disorganised rabble, each Medic had been trained to perform a certain function on the Triage table and so this 'mess' was actually a well drilled procedure.

An Alversia was watching the drama unfold, not interfering or speaking but just watching the crew get to work on their guest. He wore a long white lab-coat and his hair was starting to rescind as the years caught up with him. He had a kindly yet worn face.

Now he approached Nemesis and smiled offering a lazy salute,
"I am Doctor Max Nova. I am the Chief Medical Officer."
He turned back to Samuel and tutted,
"Such damage...what happened to him?" he asked.

Nemesis studied the interior of the Medical Bay with little interest. He had been on board the Starcarrier Discovery and had taken the full tour. It took almost a day to roam around with the Admiral on Board's blessing, but it had been worth it. The Knowledge he gained was invaluable, and the Medical Bay was a wonder to behold, even to a Droidken. This Medical Bay was perhaps half that size, the Starcarrier designed for extended missions that had it taken on long courses where it would be out of contact with civilization at years at a time. But he did notice the medical crew, how well they acted with each other, and how well they managed the organized chaos.

He was impressed.

Noticing then an Alversian with a well-worn yet friendly face, wearing a long lab coat, and Nemesis then theorized he was the Chief Medical Officer. He was right, the man introduced himself as such. He nodded kindly in return, trying to go around the obvious explanation of how an Outcast Sith would want to retaliate.

"We were attacked by an Imperial Sith," he said in a mechanical tone. "The Outcast probably made way from a Danaversian Vessel onto ours, and attacked our Colonel for critical information valuable to the Federation." He scanned the spotless Medical Bay again, "Thankfully we still retain the information."

"I see"
Dr. Nova raised his eyebrows at the statement and shook his head,
"From what I gather, he will make a full recovery although that may necessitate a trip to one of the ODS in the area. There are a few but I think the Trajan is the closest. They have the most advanced Medical Facilities available to us"
At the news of the Danaversians and the Imperial Remnant, Nova merely shook his head with the sigh of a man who has heard it all before,
"I have never heard of the Danaversians being subtle about anything before. They tend to come at something with all guns blazing. That's why we manage to defeat them"

"Indeed," and Nemesis went quiet for a moment as if listening to something. Then he slowly turned his head towards Dr. Nova. He tilted it, as if about to say something that would shatter his world. It probably would, and Nemesis was reluctant to say it. But it was the Grand Admirals Orders, and he was essentially programmed to follow orders.

"I have an unfortunate message to relay," Nemesis said reluctantly, as if droids were capable of emotion. "I must speak to your commanding officer."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Athena looked directly at Ur'Sa as if he finished his debriefing. The Sith had been shattered, both in mind and body, and would have a follow up interrogation at the hands of someone in the Orders. They had found only theories, but enough possible evidence that would doom the Danaversian Empire. Grand Admiral Ha'Goth had decided it was in the best interest of the Federation to begin the assault on the Imperial Remnant here, by establishing a base of operations directly in Danaversian Space. And he had contacted the Chief General himself, and the Chief General had ordered the Enterprise to establish an outpost.

Athena would sigh if she could, "I take it our Alversian friends are going to hate us." She held her droid-like hand to her elongated head, her chassis resembled a B-1 Battle Droid. It was a mock expression of human stress, "Does the Chief General understand the implications?"

Captain Alaso Muko nodded, he had been there at the briefing with First Lieutenant Yuri Mansolvi and later with the Major and the Master Sergeant. "He understands and expresses apology." Alaso shrugged, "However if we are to take this seriously, I cannot object to taking out a potential enemy in the war against the Imperial's."

"So its agreed then," she would sigh if she could. "Inform Captain Nemesis that he is the designated Federation Diplomat for the duration. All issues go through him directly."

"Understood," replied Yuri as they all went to the bridge.

Nova looked baffled for a moment, then turned and signaled to one of his Medics. The Medic gave a nod then turned to one of his consoles. The two then stayed and waited for a few moments nervously, they could sense something was wrong.
Stacy was not long in coming to the Medical Bay, she was a short contrast to the tall Alumina who had accompanied her to the Bay. Nexus sauntered over to where Nova was waiting while Stacy nervously approached Nemesis,
"You called for me?" She asked suspiciously.

"I did," he stated simply. "I must apologize for the following, but due to recent events, the Danaversian Side of the DMZ will be under Galactic Federation control until further notice."

Before she could say anything, Nemesis placed a hand up to silence her quickly. He looked at her, as if he could look with the metallic frame that hid his optic sensors. He bowed his head carefully, respectfully. "I am officially designated the Diplomatic Envoy to the Alversians, and therefore able to tell you classified information that may or may not clear the situation up."

He looked around, as if making sure no one was near, then looked back at her. "The Titan did not come here by chance, although meeting you or the Danaversians was not intended to happen. This area of space was uncharted, and therefore an optimal meeting place for a Highly Classified mission." He retrieved a PAD from his B2 chest, it sliding out from a port it was hiding in. He handed it to Stacy, "This information is Classified Zeta, the highest level of secrecy in Starfleet. I will give you a rundown of the information provided."

The PAD came to life as she was to take it, the screen automatically telling vital information to the security of the Galactic Federation. Nemesis explained, "Colonial Marines Assault Ship Titan, Designated Zero-Zero-One and classified as top-assault vessel was sent on a mission of reconnaissance deep into Imperial Remnant territory. The mission was to find the Base of Operations for continued Imperial raids against Federation worlds. The mission was a success," the PAD screen turning from scrolling information then a screen revealing maps and the like. "The Titan was to send one man, a member of the Jedi Order, to find and retrieve all information. That man you have already met, according to ship records. His name is Master Sergeant Duntan, and he is a highly trained agent of Starfleet Intelligence. To operate, he had to have minimal history in the Order, and therefore cast out his record and sacrifice all his life's work to complete the mission." Nemesis took on a sympathetic tone, "You may have noticed some emotional disturbances border lining depression if he expressed history to you, that would be because he was cast from the Jedi Council for violation of Code." Nemesis took back his normal tone, "Relevant to the information is the fact that we did not expect a counter-attack so soon. Therefore, the only conclusion as to how the Sith Assailant boarded our vessel is from the Danaversian ships we encountered." The PAD finished its information summary, as did Nemesis. "And therefore, Starfleet and the Office of the Presidency can only assume that the Danaversians are in league with the Imperial Remnants."

After such a long speech, one would expect a deep breath. But none came to relieve the tension, and Nemesis could only stand and wait for the Captains response. Finally, he added for comfort, "If it means anything, we apologize deeply. We will not initiate incursions into your territory, that we promise."

Stacy stared at the PAD for a second, she did look slightly concerned but also amused at the declaration that the Federation was going to take control of the DMZ from Danaversia. She looked up with a youthful glance and sighed,
"The Danaversian Empire is the largest single nation we have encountered in our five hundred year history. Using Terran Terms, if Our space and the Alumina space was to be compared to a country, they would be Belgium and Holland respectively"
She took a breath as if trying to convey the scale of what they would be facing,
"If the Danaversian Empire was to be compared to an old country, it would be the Russian Federation. It's fleet is almost unknown in terms of quantity. One just cannot takeover their space"
Now she frowned,
"Do you have a few thousand spare ships? I know we don't" she said it in a childish slur as if taking a huff.

"I believe we have more than that," he gazed around the medical bay, then back at Stacy. "You should prepare for political repercussions."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deep in Danaversian Space there was nothing but a field of stars, empty and safe. No hint of aggression, no hint of possible invasion. The obvious Superior forces of the Danaversian Navy would make short work of any incursion, so what possible insane Admiral would risk their ship here? An unknown enemy, unknown forces, and the possibility of total defeat? Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth was a man who's tactical mindset perhaps outweighed most in the Old-Republic Admiralty. These new Admirals knew little of the Imperial Wars. No use sending a rookie to a veterans job.

And that was why, so suddenly, the Attack Carrier (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.c.cgi?board=gfmc&action=display&thread=1206818374&page=1#1206820092) Yorktown appeared from Hyperspace. It was the ultimate let down to anyone tipped off to a huge Federation assault force. Almost everyone on board the Yorktown was still training to get their wings. If they already had it, they were training to become full-fledged Pilots on better and more modern ships. But now, everything had changed. Where the Yorktown was the oldest and most out-dated ship in the fleet still commissioned, she was the spearhead of the coming storm.

"Were just testing the waters," said Asgard as he looked around the bridge. Unlike the Titan, the Yorktown was designed for some comfort due to long-range deployment on training maneuvers. The bridge was designed with that in mind, expressing the space that the ship herself had. It was stationed forward, right above the two main ion turrets and far below the beginning of the designed "spearhead". Originally conceived as the main Carrier of the fleet, in the middle of the bridge was a tactical table with touchscreen capability displaying all sensor readings and keeping tags on all friendly, enemy, and unknown ships. Everything was built around this tactical table, including the forward Operations consoles located before the Viewports that spanned the forward part of the bridge.

The Commanders Station was located behind the Operations Console to give the commander a good view of space. Beside the Commanders Console was tactical stations that lines the walls going back, and on the right side there was an elevated part where the Flight Operations Officer monitored all craft and acted as Command for docking and undocking. On the left side, above the tactical and critical stations, was a large display of monitors keeping track of the Yorktown both internally and externally. In the back of the bridge was two sliding bulkheads, in the center was some more stations. Above the Tactical Table was an array of monitors in a circular fashion, displaying sensor logs and readings to everyone around.

It was all positioned to be a tight arrangement, not too far a part but not so close to not allow someone to walk around. It gave the sense of importance, of duty, yet lacked the ability to let anyone get lazy or sleepy. Everything was designed to make sure you kept attention, even in the four hangers which lined the front "spearhead" of the Yorktown and two in rear where the engine assembly was located. Crew quarters were primarily stationed in the "spearhead" along various decks, and the officers and Captains quarters located behind the bridge, with a mess hall behind that. Various other mess halls and crew recreation and exercise facilities were located around the ship. The Critical compartments such as the Medical Bay was located in the rear, one secondary Medical Bay in the front for easy access should both half's become inaccessible during combat.

And everything could be monitored from here. Asgard enjoyed it that way, looking up towards the Flight Operations Officer with a nod as the status of jump completion was conveyed. This was the hard part, putting his family in danger. They had been on a training mission for nearly two years now, putting the old fashioned Navy Discipline into the recruits through various missions, making them into competent pilots and crewmen and women. He was proud of them, and they looked up to him for guidance when everything went to hell. But in the extreme, they could take care of themselves, that he knew by now.

The Officer of the Watch walked up to the Admiral, taking care to obey procedure. Asgard noted him immediately, not one for procedure, and smiled. "Is everyone ready?"

It was a simple question, with not so simple an answer. The crew of the Yorktown was expecting to return to port after their two-year training run. Another batch of trainee's expected to come aboard for another two years. What had happened over the course of the Alversian affair was stressful and unexpected. But the Admiral had been firm about it, told them how proud he was, and told them he was glad to have them, and only them, as his best. They had been perceptive to it, even admired the Admiral for his trust. Yet Captain Uri Orion knew most of them was wanting a chance at the bigger and better ships, a chance to go ahead. He was one of them, and he knew the Admiral had sympathy.

Uri sighed, "Yes Admiral. They understand."

"I know being assigned permanently to an outdated carrier doesn't mean much," Asgard said in a rough voice. He was old now, much older than Orion. "I know it, but I need a reliable crew, and you guy's are my best I've had so far."

Uri smiled, "Thank you." He meant it, too.

"Just telling the truth," Asgard smiled back. "Now, wheres my message being sent?"

At once Uri saluted, and went about sending the message that could make, or break, this operation.

Colonial Attack Carrier Yorktown
Attention Danaversian Ships in the Vicinity of the Yorktown

We are here on behalf of the interests of the Galactic Federation. You have been found on suspicion of assisting an enemy power to invade the Federation. To ease tensions, we have been sent as a diplomatic envoy, desiring to begin talks at once to assure that war is averted. We ask you send your best Captain, competent and willing to cooperate.

We also warn you that any attempts at hostilities will result in your annexation into the Federation.

Yours respectfully,
Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth
Admiral of the Seventh Sector of Operations
Message End

The Danaversians listened to the message and almost choked with laughter. Annex the Empire? Impossible. The Danaversian Navy was not thousands of ships strong but TENS of thousands. No one knew exactly how big but big enough to ensure a victory in any war. It's crews were battle-hardened veterans from wars with dozens of Races, Empires and Sovereignties. This Federation could blow all it liked. They would thousands of ships in system within a week.

But one thing did concern them. This mention of helping a Federation enemy. They had never even met the Federation, didn't know they existed and sure as hell didn't care about annexing them. But the cheek of their message was offensive to the Danaversian Empire and they were going to show that they did not take threats to their Empire lightly.

At the Yorktown, no less than eight Barracudas dropped out of warp with another vessel that would have been longer than all eight combined. It was an immense ship, dwarfing the Yorktown easily and drowning her in her shadow. This was a Marlin and she was the Empire's major type of warship.

MESSAGE TO THE 'FEDERATION'

Rest assured we have never heard of you and do not care about your enemies or your problems. What we do care about is threats to our Empire. Rest assured that if so much as another vessel enters our space, we shall be at war. Wither it be your vessel or one of your 'enemy' vessels, we will destroy it .


---

Stacy was about to say something when she finally glanced over at the bed and saw that it was Samuel. Her face seemed to blanch and her normally rosy cheeks seemed to lose all colour. She mouthed his name a few times in shock then turned to Nemesis in horror,
"What happened to him?" She asked in a small voice.

Nemesis looked to Samuel, then back at Stacy. He computed the odds of him bluntly stating the fact of the matter, of how bad the situation was. Then he comprehended the fact that humanity in a situation like this was advisable. Droidekans hated not being able to sigh.

"He was badly injured during the Imperial attack on our vessel," he looked back at Samuel. "The Doctor assures me he will recover, however what he endured was..." Nemesis trailed off, looking back at Stacy and staring for a few moments.

When he found his voice again, it was softer. "It was hell, I would assume, for him to be interrogated like he was. But he revealed nothing, and is a credit to the Colonial Marines."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes Chief General," said Asgard into the direct sub-space link. After the Danaversian warning, and the ships responding to the ultimatum from the Yorktown, Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth reconsidered the tactical strategy of the moment. Though the Danaversian Super-Ship could easily be outmatched by a Starcarrier, it wouldn't be enough to face numerous ships of that class. It would be slaughter, on both sides, needless and pointless.

Then again, they could be deceptive in their message, not revealing the entire truth. Asgard had considered that, and with the change in tactical plans had called up Chief General Oscar Vladinchi on the situation. Protocol still held true even when you were Commander of an entire sector fleet.

"What is your position on this new change of events?" The Chief Generals russian accent influence his english heavily, revealing his history with the previous Union of Soviet Socialist Planets. Asgard merely sighed, it was a voice-only link, so no need to worry about posture. "I believe that with the forces that warped in from their side, and the fact that they haven't attacked yet, they may be cautious and truthful."

For a short few moments there was no reply, and Asgard took a chance to relocate himself with his surroundings. He was in his Quarters, formally stationed for Captains. It was a good sized room, about the size of an apartment. Though it didn't feel as such with how space out everything was. Currently, Asgard sat at his personal computer station, where he could monitor almost anything from here. It was the old keyboard type of input, with a good sized touch-screen above it. It felt like a computer desk, from where he sat, and his military-grade chair felt comfortable to his sore body.

To his right was his private bunk, embedded in the wall and spaced just enough to show privilege of comfort. Beside that was his uniform closet, where private belongings were stationed and many of his civilian clothes were kept. Looking to the left was the bathroom, with standing shower and private utilities for human needs. Beside that was a huge screen that followed the rest of the wall, giving Asgard a good reading on current sensor logs and ship activities. Below that was a Starfleet Replicator, about the only thing modern that had been upgraded through-out the entire ship to allow two-year voyages without wasting away food stores.

In the center of it all was a square-like upbringing, used for dining and briefings should the situation call for it. An overhanging monitor provided entertainment or briefing information, a three-hundred and sixty degree vantage point coming from the circular monitor. Asgard looked back at the computer console screen, following information received from the Starcarrier Enterprise as the Chief General responded finally.

"Perhaps you are right and they knew nothing about our mission," Oscar huffed, easily audible over the line. "However I cannot whisk away the fact that they openly threatened a Federation vessel for no simpler reason than accidentally wondering in their space. While I understand the Colonel's reaction was a bit harsh, it was needed. And I cannot ignore that."

"I understand Chief General," Asgard said in a monotone, as if he had repeated this a thousand thousand times. But the Chief General wasn't convinced, and merely chuckled. "Alexi, come now, we know each other." Asgard smiled, Oscar was the only person knowing his middle name, and allowed to say it. He nodded, somehow thinking the Chief General could see it. "I know Oscar, I know. It just doesn't seem right at the moment, like were missing something."

"Situations like this always have something missing, always have something hidden. You should know that by now." This time Asgard chuckled, "I know Comrade, I know." A moments silence, then he continued with a sigh. "What should we do then?"

"You should wait, and see. Act as if they don't exist, ignore them. By my thinking, we have every right to be in their space because of what they did to one of our ships." Asgard looked confused, "What are you suggesting?" He heard the scratching of a beard, "I'm suggesting you patrol there, and if thy interfere with it, then we have reason to invade."

There was a lot of objections Asgard could state at this point, particularly about a nations sovereignty and the ability to not interfere with it. But he knew the Chief General, and somewhere in that ancient mind there was a spectacular plan unfolding. With a nod, Asgard agreed. "I will see to it at once."

"Good. The Enterprise will be near Danaversian space for the time being, and I've already called for a Battlecarrier Task Force to assist us should things come to worse."

"Let's hope they don't Comrade," Asgard tone went somber, "I have but children to war with."

"They must become Warriors sometime, Alexi. Be safe Comrade Brethren, Oscar out."

----------

As the Grand Admiral came from the sliding bulkhead, everyone on the bridge came to attention. He returned the gesture with a salute, everyone returning to their duties. He walked up to the Tactical Table, looking at the monitors above and the tactical readings on the tables flat display. On the other side stood the Officer of the Watch. Uri simply looked at Asgard, "What is the situation?"

Asgard huffed in defiance, "We are to patrol this space, and act as if they have no Sovereignty."

Captain Uri Orions features went pale for a moment, then he swallowed the emotion and stood straighter, clearing his throat. "I suppose the fact that we are an outdated ship with a newtype crew didn't phase the Chief General."

"No," Asgard said sadly, "No it didn't"

For a long moment they stood, Uri gazing at the Tactical display as his Commanding Officer did. They stared at the readings, each noting the large warship in the vicinity. It was preposterous to assume that they could go against such might, but then again their assignment was about strength, but about resolve. Asgard had noted the Danaversians were stubborn, and straight forward. He believed they thought themselves stronger than anything. What a surprise it would be to find a smaller, out-classed ship acting as if they were nothing but flies to be shooed away. And then he understood the Chief Generals mission, and at once as if both minds received the same meaning, Uri and Asgard met gazes.

"I think thats a damn good plan," Uri said with a grin. "Think we can pull it off?"

"Oh hell, why not?" Asgard grinned too, thinking of how the Danaversians would react.

Incoming Transmission from the Yorktown
To our Danaversian Brethren

We respect the fact that you state your truth to us, and we will comply to your demands for the time being. However, for us to be sure of this, we must patrol this sector to gain accurate sensor logs to be sure that you are not in league with our enemies. Rest assured we will more than likely find you innocent, and rest assured we will leave you unharmed. But until further notice, the Yorktown is stationed on patrol in this sector, and we ask you to kindly move aside.

By the way, we like your dreadnought there. Nice to see someone else enjoying Super-ships for a change. Hope this leads to a diplomatic exchange so we can trade, as I'm sure you'd like to see what we have to offer soon enough.

Hoping for your good wisdom,
Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth
Admiral of the Seventh Sector of Operations
Newly Stationed Commander of the Danaversian Investigation Committee
Message End

Stacy gave a few mutterings then turned away, her eyes glistening with tears. She couldn't bear to see him like that, she couldn't bear to watch the Medic surrounding him and working on him, trying to keep him alive. Every time she glanced behind her, all she saw was that troubled face that had so fascinated her on the Titan. She didn't want him to die. She knew he wouldn't but he still felt like he would and it was agony.

Then she stopped as a message came through her earpiece. She frowned for a few seconds, then opened her mouth in shock and shook her head,
"No," She pleaded, "That can't be right. It is right. Yes Ma'am."

She stopped and waited for a few moments, facing away from Nemesis. Then she turned, her face was pale but at the same time, her small mouth was tense in anger.
"One of your ships has entered Danaversian Space and is threatening war" She was now shaking, "Why?"

----

The Danaversian fleet had been joined in that short time by more than a dozen more Warships including another Marlin. They were standing and waiting for this Federation to respond to them. They didn't care about these enemies and they didn't care about this so called mighty Fleet that was on it's way. Their

MESSAGE TO THE 'FEDERATION'

You will leave our space immediately, we will have no hostile warships within our borders and we will crush you if need be. We have another 500 ships en route and they will be here in less than an hour. Do you really want to face the might of the Danaversian Empire? We can assure you that these 'Enemies' are not within our space and if they are, we will find them and crush them ourselves.

Nemesis saw her human facial features shift from shock to agony, pain, and sadness. He felt sad too, felt for her, and felt for her situation. As much as she cared for Samuel, Nemesis looked up to his Colonel. Samuel had been the one to show Nemesis what being a Marine was about, what serving the People of the Federation meant. He had turned a known pirate into a loyal warrior. And as much as Stacy didn't want Samuel to die, neither did Nemesis.

Her short pause caused Nemesis some concern, then overhearing her words added to it. Finally her question, expected but not so soon, gave him a shock of his own. War was not in the briefing, only the overall plan. This didn't seem to be going well.

"I only know what you know," Nemesis would sigh if he could, instead he shrugged helplessly, a funny gesture coming from a B2. "I am told there will be no war, no harm to anyone. Were just trying to get them to the diplomatic table the only way they seem to know how."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Asgard read over the reply, it was expected. He and Uri exchanged grins again. Everything seemed to be working in the Chief General's favor. So far the results were like clockwork, and every action was being analyzed and sent to the Enterprise for tactical analysis. As the old saying went, so far so good. Though these fleet numbers were quite the overkill for a lone ship. Perhaps they believed the Galactic Federation was willing to actually commit to such a devastating war.

"You think we should take the bait," asked Uri from one of the Tactical Consoles lining the wall. Asgard laughed softly, "What bait? They seem to want it. Why should we take it?"

"Agreed," Uri looked back to the large display of monitors above the consoles. "Should we start with phase two now?"

"The Chief General has been right so far," said Asgard, "Why not this time?"

Response from the Yorktown
To our dear Brethren, the Danaversians

Be reminded that your talking in a language that represents war. We are not here for that, nor are we here to commit over fifty-thousand war ships to a war that would be as useless as walking over a dead body. We are here for our own reason, and will remain unless provoked. In return, we simply ask that you allow us to remain here, as a sign of good will.

Should you accept that good will, the Yorktown will be open to your diplomatic envoy's and we can begin discussing possible relations with your Empire while you freely tour our vessel. We welcome you, in hopes that you will welcome us.

Be reminded, as we understand you are Warriors, understand we are Warriors too. We simply ask patience on your part, and are willing to allow you to look over our scans, our readings, and even come on board for whatever reason you should have. Just to prove we are not here for harmful intentions, of course.

Your friend in the Federation,
Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth
Admiral of the Seventh Sector of Operations
Newly Stationed Commander of the Danaversian Investigation Committee
Message End

Of course the Fifty-Thousand ships (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.c.cgi?board=Military&action=display&thread=1103679193&page=1#1147366071) was a bluff, but in their defense the old Exodus fleets had been called up and assigned as a Battlecarrier Task Force should this mission go haywire. It would take time to assemble just one of those fleets for defense measures, but hopefully the Chief Generals overall plan to bring the Danaversians to the talking table would bore some fruit. Whether it took force or talk, only time would tell.

Stacy tapped something on her earpiece before scowling at the Battledroid,
"I don't know what big headed game you think you're playing but rest assured. If you do think you can declare war, I have been told to tell you that all diplomatic ties will be cut and any ships that trespass into our territory will be treated as hostile"

She hated saying it but she knew it was what was needed. They didn't understand the Danaversians. They would happily go to war over a spilled drink never mind an unknown ship trespassing in their territory. If it did go to war, the Federation would be on it's own. Neither Alversia nor the Alumina had the strength to fight a full war with the Empire. She stared over at Samuel again,
She wanted to able to focus her concern on him rather than the situation. However, it seemed that their new Allies were playing a very very dangerous game.


One Alversia wanted no part of.
--

Within Danaversian Space however, the Federation had underestimated just how much the Danaversians disliked enemy ships being in their space. It wasn't what they were doing or who they were, it was the intent and the symbolism. A warship flying a different flag in their space was not something they had ever tolerated and they were determined that this point would be made.
From one of the many many Barracudas, the green phaser banks flashed to life as a beam of light flew across the bow of the Yorktown. A warning shot.

MESSAGE TO THE 'FEDERATION'

No compromise. You can commit your scans from outside of our space as long as the information is not shared with scum or Cats. A Shoal will remain on our side of the DMZ at all times and any attempt to enter our space will be dealt with severely. The ball is in your court. Do I summon another 500 ships? Or are you going to back down?

OOC:

Oooh...do I destroy them and loose valuable allies? Gosh...so tempting.

IC:

Everything piece of information available was going to plan. The Chief General had been right, these would be easy targets. Too easy, in fact. Just by pressuring them had the Grand Admiral succeeded in finding all the information he needed. The Scans had been completed, the results sent to the Enterprise. If any war was to break out between this hostile race and the Federation, they would know where to strike first. Long range scans with Silent Service ships would follow next, probing the Danaversians. But for now, with the Hyperspace routes and potential sectors for exploration scanned, along with the new ships cataloged with Microwave Scans, the scouting had been a terrific breakthrough.

And Asgard didn't have to do a thing. The Danaversians basically revealed everything themselves, giving vital psychological information and leaving their ships open for probing. Asgard didn't even think they realized what kind of plan the Federation had in store for them, and hoped he wasn't around when it came to fruition. He turned to Captain Orion as a beeping sound came from the tactical display.

"First shot Admiral," Uri said. Asgard nodded, "Very good, that means were finished here." Uri looked puzzled, "Admiral?" Asgard chuckled, "We have to make friends of the Alversians first, you know. The Chief General isn't stupid enough to waste that."

"Then what were we afraid of in the first place?" It was a legitimate question, one related to the Alversians. Asgard shook his head, "They were patient enough to wait for the Danaversians to make the first move. The Chief General was afraid they'd hold bar against us sooner, but it appears we finished everything we needed."

"Ah," Uri still didn't understand the implications. He shrugged, "Shall we, respectfully, get the hell out now?"

"Of course," Asgard responded with a smile.

Response from the Yorktown
In relation to your demands

It seems you misunderstand anything diplomatic. So, I bid you farewell. We will monitor from this new "DMZ" you seem to want to create, and hope you come across for a good cup of coffee every now and then.

Take care,
Grand Admiral Asgard Ha'Goth
Admiral of the Seventh Sector of Operations
Newly Stationed Commander of the Danaversian Investigation Committee
Message End

The Yorktown turned on its axis, softly making the move to point back towards Federation Space. Again, everything seemed to point that the Yorktown was ignoring the Danaversians, as if they didn't pose a single threat. Which was odd coming from an out-dated ship that had just been sending heavy sensor readings to every Danaversian vessel in the vacinity, including deeper into their territory. It was as if this Federation vessel was spying on them, investigating them, tempting them in some way. Yet, in all the effort, no weapons had been fired, and only the Danaversians were left to wonder exactly what the Yorktown had been scanning for.

The Imperials or the Danaversians themselves? No one would know now. The Yorktown jumped to Hyperspace.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nemesis cocked his metallic head, looking at Stacy. "All is well, the Yorktown has left, and we got what we wanted from them."

He looked to Samuel, "You will be able to spend more time with him now. Don't worry about the Danaversians." He looked back at Stacy, "The Chief General expresses his apology for scaring you."

OOC: They are my Archnemesis, I would prefer they are not destroyed. What were you going to do anyway?

The Danaversians may have been pigheaded but they weren't stupid. They knew that the Yorktown was only stalling for time and, as their own long range scanners had found no ships approaching, they knew they weren't waiting for reinforcements. In fact, these Barracudas had been dragged from the depths of the Empire to this area for a reason. The Hyperspace routes headed to nowhere and these 'modern' ships were in fact, twenty years old. Defences hidden in scanner proof bunkers on planets were also safe. If the Federation thought it had the data it needed to win a war they were sorrily mistaken. For now the Danaversians were happy to let the ship go. One did not leave the Danaversian Empire relatively often. And if they thought Stealth ships could pierce the Empire's borders secretly they were badly wrong. The Danaversians had developed technology to pierce the cloaks of both the Alversians and the highly advanced and complex Alumina. No ship could enter the Empire, by stealth or not.

--

Stacy was still staring at Samuel as she answered,
"Those Danaversians have claimed over a billion of my people since the start of these wars so don't you dare tell me not to worry" Her voice had lowered and it was now threatening,
"This area of space may not mean much to you but we live here. Our families are here and you think you can flaunt yourselves and play with the superpower of the region at considerable risks to ourselves? It's our homes on the line of you annoy them. You can leave anything you want! If I was Alumina I would cut you to pieces," She was speaking through clenched teeth,
"But I will satisfy myself with throwing you out"

She looked up in time to see a dozen armoured Alversian Marines enter the Medical Bay, each wore white armour with a blue stripe across the chest and rifles slung over their shoulders. A furious looking Nexus was at their head,
"Your Colonel shall remain here until he is recovered. Until then get off my Ship" She hissed the last statement as the Marines approached. Her gaze dropped back to Samuel then.

OOC:

I have no clue, I was being random and hoping a story would come around. Apparently none did.

As for your ArchNemesis, I'm content to leave them alone.

IC:

"The repercussions weren't as bad as I thought they would be," Nemesis said while looking at the Marines coming towards him. He would have laughed if he could, but under the circumstances things weren't as they seemed. Nemesis was going to obey, but he wasn't going back to the Titan. Another ship was nearby, and it would suffice. He clicked a metallic hand to the right side of his chest, where the Colonial Insignia was. "I will make sure to inform my superiors the Alversians are a worthy ally."

And just as suddenly, without a trace of sensor readings whatsoever, a blinding and powerful light took Nemesis from their ship. And he was gone, leaving Samuel in the hands of the Alversians.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

In space the Titan started to turn around, away from the Alversian Dreadnought, and just as suddenly entered HyperWarp towards the Federation border. Without a word, without any notification, and seemingly without care to the Colonel, the Titan left for good. But unknown to the Alversians and the Danaversians, help was nearby. Not in the form of another Marine vessel, or anything of the likes. It was one of the Silent Service ships, assigned to the Sector after the brief encounter with the Danaversians the first time around.

And it was under silent running. The technology available to the Federation gave the Gregory Saint the ability to have sensor-resistant armor, while not lacking in protection. A cloaking field was used, utilizing experimental theory in Sub-Space mechanics. While the Sub-Space Drive was used as an FTL Drive, it had the uncanny ability to "phase" ships. They could not normally be detected while under phasing, seemingly because the ship existed in Sub-Space while retaining an echo in real space. It was the main Silent Service ship used for Dark Operations into known hostile territory, and going deep into unknown territory to discover and explore.

The Gregory Saint was modeled after the Blazing Blue (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.c.cgi?board=Military&action=display&thread=1103679193&page=1#1121547932) Class Scout ships, slightly larger to accommodate more than three crewmen and Dark Operations facilities. It was practically undetectable under normal running conditions. But considering the ability of the Danaversians to detect almost anything, phasing in Sub-Space seemed a better choice, and a better way to keep a ship around that would retrieve Samuel at a moments notice.

This was where Nemesis had been transported to, using the same Sub-Space mechanics utilized in the phasing process, he had to be phased into Sub-Space to fit in the ship. Else, he would be floating in space, in a million useless atoms. The light vanished as Nemesis stood before the viewports, following the Dreadnought in its engines wake. Everything was in order, and Captain Scott Riley patted Nemesis metallic shoulder in welcome.

"I see things went as planned," he said in a soft tone. Even if no one could hear them, the Silent Service still had the tradition of its seafaring brothers. "How is the Colonel?"

"In capable hands," Nemesis said. "Are we the only ship in the vicinity?"

"Aye," came the response. Scott looked young for command, but didn't show any youth in his worn expression. This was his twenty-second mission in the Silent Service, and an unusual one at that. Keeping track of potential allies was a cause for war, and he didn't like how advanced these two cultures were. Nevertheless, he rubbed a hand through his brown hair, and sighed. "The Enterprise has set up an outpost near the Danaversian border, so we got a supply base should we need it."

Nemesis noted the complete lack of crew on the tiny bridge, "Where is the rest?"

"Only me," he said with a shrug. "They put in a new AI to assist, and it works fine. But until this mission is over, they only wanted me in charge."

"I take it I'm to help now," Nemesis shrugged. "Very well." He took a seat at one of the two Tactical Stations that had every potential ship command available. Scott took the second, and the bridge seemed less smaller. "Hopefully we can monitor events from here?"

"Thats what were here for," Scott said with a chuckle. "Sneaking and thinking."

OOC: Well, you've soured relationships with the Alversians and Alumina already. Well done

Stacy watched as the Droid disappeared and then turned in shock as Nexus gave a loud groan. She looked concerned for a moment until she saw that the Alumina's expression was not one of sorrow but of frustration,
"What?" The young Captain was puzzled, "What is it?"

"A phase matter transporter" Nexus explained in disbelief, "Like the system the Defence Forces use. I don't know where he's gone but it's not back to his ship. I think they're in a phased ship nearby and if it's smaller than a Destroyer they're in trouble."

Stacy shook her head at the information, the Alumina had technology that put the Alversian's to shame but they were very selfish when sharing it. Stacy did not know about this information nor did she care, what she wanted to know was wither or not her new 'Allies' were going to do something else stupid,

"Can you modify our scanners to detect the vessel?" She asked without looking up. The Marines had long left, baffled by the sudden disappearance.

"Possibly" Came the typical Alumina answer, "I would need an hour to scan our systems and see if we have the power to make the modifications"

"Do it," Stacy was now sitting beside Samuel's bed, staring into his closed eyes, a great sorrow in her own. The tall Alumina merely saluted and left the Captain with her new passenger in the Medical Bay.

APNHQ, Illesia City,
Alversia

Ashley Reyes sighed as she read over the latest report from the DMZ, it seemed to be charting an encounter with a Federation and the Empire. She didn't like it. As the Grand Admiral of the Alversian Navy, it was her job to keep the Navy straight and that was what she was doing now.

It was a warm day in Illesia and all the windows of her office were open, letting the scent of roses and freshly cut grass circulate around her large glass desk. Light poured in from the vast windows and Ash could see the skyscrapers of the city gleam in the sunlight. She knew that most people would be on Illesia's beaches, or talking on her plazas or just lying in their gardens and enjoying the summer weather. She wished she was out there, even in the gardens with the other mix-match of personnel who were chatting, reporting or sharing data amongst the flowerbeds and fountains.

She set the PAD down and pressed a button on the console behind her chair. Three walls of the Office were made of marble while the forth that opened out into the rest of the building was made of glass. She was now waiting for a connection to the DMZ, she was hoping for a relay through to the Commander of the Federation forces via one of the many OSD's that were dotted across the border.

With luck she wouldn't have to wait long for this conversation, then she could finish her report for the Senate then go out and enjoy the sun.

---

The Silent ship had been found. At first, the Danaversians had mistaken it for an Alumina Destroyer as they were infamous for the subspace cloak that made them invisible to normal sensors. The Alversians didn't know how they did it and the Danaversians didn't know how they did it. They just knew they could detect it and that was what they had done now.

But the ship, although they couldn't scan the interior of it, they knew from the layout of the engines that it wasn't Alumina, it must be someone else. Who they were was a mystery for the moment. For now, they let it continue on it's way but the Danaversians were watching and waiting for something to provoke them to attack.

OOC:

Oh I don't think so, this RP is turning out to be one of those political books. Lmao.

Btw, its not my intention to do anything but make the RP fun. So whatever happens, I've had a darn good blast! Hope you have too.

Also, Samuel will wake after this post. XD

IC:

Nemesis and Scott shared a gaze, and they both shrugged. They had been detected, Melkos knew only how. But now Samuel was on his own, and since there was no other advanced technological techniques for getting him out, all was up to politics. After all, he wasn't needed on the Titan. Nor was he needed elsewhere. As far as anyone knew he was now assigned as missing in action, and there was a prime reason for that.

With a nod, Scott completely phased the Gregory Saint. Then, with a blinding flash of light signaling where the ship was, the Silent Service ship vanished to go deep into Federation Space.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chief General Oscar Vladinchi could care less about the Danaversians or the Alversians. They were useless in his eyes, and his mission remained the same. The readings indicated that no Alversian or Danaversian ship had retireved the vital information needed to finally rid the Federation of the Imperial Remnant, and better was the fact that the only person left out of the loop was a Colonel Samuel Vong. As far as anyone knew, he was Missing in Action, placed that way to enable an inside source to level the diplomatic playing field.

After all, he was supposed to go on leave, so why not now? He had no family, no friends, and no one to mourn him expect those few that knew him. And they followed orders like good soldiers, understanding the situation. Yet there was one thing that bothered him, the President himself. While the Chief General understood that having valuable allies was a must, he didn't understand having to explain himself to two minor powers that could easily be crushed or shoved off. He sighed, and resigned himself to the fact that there wasn't much he could do.

When he saw the incoming signal, he immediately jumped. The Alversians were contacting him. Per orders, he transfered the signal to the Office of the Presidency, where things would hopefully be smoothed over.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drakomis Nokomis Reign had been the Leader of every known Anagonian Government since the beginning, over four thousand years before. While everyone else went, he remained. While governments changed, he remained the same. Fair, resolute, with ears and heart towards the People. In truth, he was among the oldest living Komodren still in existence. And he hated to have internal squabbling happen inside his military.

Which is what was happening on the Alversian Border. His closest Brethren, Oscar Vladinchi, had just recently updated him on the situation. Needless to say, Drakomis was pissed, and angerly told the Chief General that even if the Danaversians were in league with the Imperials the Federation would not violate any sovereign powers right to govern themselves. This reminded Drakomis of the days of the Republic, when both the Alversians and the Danaversians would have been destroyed just because a whisper of Imperial intent had gone around.

Things had changed, Drakomis had seen to it. Things would change, and he would take care of this himself. As the screen before him came to life with the image of the Grand Admiral, he quickly composed himself. His reptilian features betrayed his age, yet his eyes showed wisdom, and he gave what could be considered a smile.

"Good evening, I am the President of the Galactic Federation." The smile faded, seriousness on his face. "I was just recently told about the Alversian situation, and I personally apologize."

OOC: How would you have wiped out the Empire? :confused:

Ashe sighed at the image of the ancient reptile apologizing on her screen. She knew she looked young for she was. Ashley Reyes was only 26 and Commander of the entire Alversian Navy, but Ashe had been promoted because of her talent and her experience. Few were as knowledgeable as she was, having fought against the SASM and in two Danaversian Wars. She simply gave a small elegant nod of her head and sighed again,

"I am Grand Admiral Reyes of the Alversian People's Navy. I am curious as to what your people thought they were doing today? The Danaversian DMZ requires diplomatic caution and, from what I hear from my frontline, there was little from Federal Ships"

OOC:

Danaversians? Oh, well, I have no idea. I just like thinking my starcarriers can someone outdo anything. :D

IC:

"I was not filled in on the situation until sometime a few moments ago," Drakomis said. He noted the Grand Admirals age, and inwardly felt sorry for her. From the reports, everyone seemed so young, so full of youth. It was a shame to see so many in the military, and not living in peace as the citizens of the Federation did. He clasped claws on the desk in front of him, giving an assured posture. "When I did find out, I personally took care of the situation."

He lifted a claw to his muzzle, scratching as he contemplated the next words carefully. He looked back at Admiral Reyes, "You must understand that I and the Chief General come from a dark time, a time where our Homeworlds were taken and we ran for our lives." He sighed, openly. "Oscar Vladinchi is...direct, and lacking in Diplomatic abilities. When he heard of the Sith attack, I presume he wanted to destroy whatever harbored such a monstrosity."

Again he reached to scratch his muzzle, this time with all five claws, making a raking sound as he seemed to think. "I must say that I am embarressed, and shamed, by the action of my Comrade Brethren. We have had countless centuries to court destiny, each time we took it on as warriors and did our job for our People." He finished scratching, and looked back at the Grand Admiral. "Today is probably a sign that his age is catching up, and perhaps a sign that paranoia about the return of the Empire is far from his mind, as it is in most of the Federation now."

Finally, he sighed again. "Although it could be just the fact that we are still reorganizing our command structure and not enough information came from all sides. That might make him act as such," he tilted his head, "but it doesn't excuse what happened."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The darkness began to feel less of a burden, and he felt his body once more. Where he was, he couldn't remember. But he did have the feeling he met someone important, that someone urged him back. Who it was, he didn't know. Slowly, ever so slowly, he opened his eyes. Samuel Vong adjusted to the light, groaning at the effort to concentrate. Then he saw her, and his breath was taken away once more. She was sitting beside him.

"Stacy," his words were weak. He didn't say anything for a few moments, then managed a weak smile. "I...where am I?"

OOC: Maybe not :p

Ashe clasped her own hands together on the desk and listened intently to the Federation Leader, she nodded a few times in understanding and sighed when it was finished,
"I understand what you are saying, Sir. However, I have my own concerns to consider and, if I'm honest that was the closest we have come to war with the Empire in four years. The DMZ situation is tense and requires careful navigation. I accept you have been through difficult times as have we. I hope we can put this incident behind us, but for now I would appreciate if you stopped sending Stealth Ships through the border for now. Our allies are becoming increasingly,"
She smiled as she thought of the word,
"disturbed by the aggressive moves of your armed forces"

----

Stacy had been daydreaming when Samuel had woken up but as soon as he had spoken, she leapt up in fright as the Colonel was instantly set upon by a dozen Medics with scanning equipment. They began their usual teamwork of analysing him while Stacy fought through to his side, giving her own gentle smile
"You're on my ship," She said softly, "A Crossfire-Class Dreadnought. Welcome to my world" She gave a small smile.

"STEALTH Ships?!" Drakomis was taken back, and he looked as if he never heard the words before. Then, just as suddenly, anger filled his face, and he growled. He was growling away from the screen, looking at something distant. Then, he closed his eyes, sighing, and looked back at the screen. "I did not know our Stealth ships were still in service. But seeing as I was, once more, not informed, I will deal with this personally."

Slowly he returned to the maintained posture, looking at the Grand Admiral. "The situation is behind us, and I look forward to a diplomatic conference between our peoples." He smiled now, "Can this be arranged?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel was taken in shock by the amount of people all around him at once. He had been through this countless times, but seeing Stacy shoved away made him near panic. Everyone looked different, he wasn't on board his own ship, he wasn't near anything familiar. He wanted to cry out, in such a vulnerable state, but then she returned. And he relaxed as she spoke, in a soft voice with a gentle smile.

"Oh," he said weakly again, catching his breath from the panic. "Where did the Titan go?"

A small look of surprise flickered across Ashe's face before it melted back into it's normal neutral gaze. She gave a small nod,
"Of course, I can arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister. Would you like the meeting to take place on Alversia? If so I think it would be better to...."
She gave a cheeky smile,
"...avoid the Empire, given the currant situation and go around it. I can have a Cruiser meet you if you need a guide" She gave another sly grin.

Castiron

Stacy's smile slipped slightly as she answered the Colonel's question,
"It's gone back into your own space," She replied softly, her voice sounding more like a gentle breeze, "I am to look after you until you are fit again"
Even as she said it, most of the Medics, satisfied that Samuel was in no mortal danger, turned and left leaving just two to finish the job,

"At least you get to look around my ship", She gave a cheeky grin

"Yes, I would enjoy that." Drakomis gave a grin of his own, "I think it would be beneficial if I come with more Moderate company."

He chuckled, scratching his neck again. Then he looked away from the screen, taking a moment to say something too low to hear, and he turned back. He had a smile on his reptilian face, "I believe as Grand Master of the Orders I can represent the Federation better, with the help of someone who knows diplomacy." He chuckled, "Where shall we meet?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel, thankful everyone left the two alone, looked into the eyes of Stacy and gave a soft sigh. Her voice was so beautiful, or was that him dreaming? He couldn't help but feel thankful that something willed the two together here, and he wanted to be close to her. She gave him comfort, and he hoped he did the same for her. He tried to lift from the bed, but groaned, and laid back down.

"Seems I can't get a tour yet," he said and gave a weak chuckle. He looked at her again, "I take it the Federation pulled out. Seems someone must have whipped them into shape."

Ashe thought carefully for a moment, her entire demeanor seemed to ooze authority and confidence. It was this amazing ability to inspire the best in others that had seen her promoted to the top position in the APN. Right now she gave another small smile,
"I think that Alversia would be a nice place to meet no? The weather is fantastic at the moment and the city's never looked finer" She gave a wistful look out the window as she said that, wishing more than ever that she could be outside in the gardens of the APNHQ,
"Does Alversia sound okay? Or shall we choose a more neutral location?"

-----

Stacy gave a small giggle of her own, her heart soaring to hear him laugh again. She had been so scared when he had been unconscious. She didn't really know him and yet she had been as scared as a loved one when she had seen him. She gave a small sigh,
"I don't know why your ship withdrew" She said, then her smile slipped, "You almost plunged us into a twelfth war" She said openly and a little resentfully.

"That sounds perfect," he gave a nod, "Be there within the hour?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I did?" He gruffed and looked away, "Why would I harm something that I lo-"

His voice halted for a moment, and for a long time he didn't say anything else. Then, he sighed again, looking back at Stacy. He couldn't just upright and say it, they just met anyway. It wouldn't be proper, and this news about the Federation almost bringing a war upon them was probably weighing heavily on her mind. He looked at her face, so beautiful, even when stern. He chuckled again, "You know your cute when angry."

Ashe shrugged,
"It may take longer than that if you mean to go around it. However, I will send you a series of co-ordinates. If you follow them, then you will avoid the Empire. One of our Cruisers will be there to meet you. Does this arrangement suit you?" She asked politely.

----

Stacy's smile faltered slightly as the words escaped his mouth then stopped. Her heart was flying high as he said them but then she was forced to bring herself back to reality. She was a Captain and this man was an Allied Officer who had been wounded. She had to act professionally, even though her heart pleaded for her to be completely immature and act like the youngling she still was.

Instead she giggled,
"I've been told" She gave a cheeky smile, then placed her hand gently on his arm,
"And I get to show you around" She gave another smile. Her anger had vanished entirely in Samuel's presence and she was enjoying herself with him.

"We can bypass their sensors in Sub-Space," Drakomis said. "So long as we don't enter real space, we can't be detected." He chuckled, "Now we use HyperWarp which is detectable, funny how technology degrades?"

For a short few moments he reviewed the coordinates, and then he looked at the screen again. "Alright, I'll see you there."

The link went off.

Minutes later, a private Han Taik Aerospace J-900 Passenger Jet (http://hawk.proboards1.com/index.c.cgi?board=civilian&action=display&thread=1121649214&page=1#1129145179) modified for space flight and having a FTL drive lifted from the Presidential Complex. On board a few Members of the Jedi and Sith orders, but none so much important as Melkos Unchanos.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

"I can't wait," he felt her arm, and looked at her, gazing into her eyes. These last few moments had been heaven, just having the time to talk to her was wonderful. He couldn't think of a better way to loose his way home, because he believed he found a new one. With her. Somehow, it had to make sense, it had to work out. After all, why had he been left here?

"Maybe when I can move again," he said softly, still looking at her.

Ashe gave a small nod,
"I will see you then Sir" She cut the link and leant back in her chair sighing. This was an official state visit and so arrangements would have to be made and a warship diverted to escort them. On top of that, the Prime Minister would have to be informed and prepared for his meeting. The sunshine could wait. It would last all summer anyway.

----------------

Stacy stared into Samuel's eyes and such a peace she had never felt before, like an irrational joy that she gathered simply from looking at him and taking in every detail of his features, she couldn't stop herself smiling,
"When you can move" She whispered softly in his ear, leaning forward to do so, but she was close enough for a command in her earpiece to be audible to them both,

"Captain to the Bridge"

Stacy jerked back and gave a small, childish sigh of annoyance. She glanced longingly down at Samuel,
"I have to go" She said sadly, "But I'll be back as soon as possible"

She turned and strolled to the entrance of the Medical Bay and turned to face him, her hair swirling as she did so. She blew him a kiss, then disappeared.

Her place was taken by Doctor Nova. He gave a small smile as he held a scanner up,
"Medical Scan, Sir. Routine. May I?" he asked

It was a short trip from orbit around New Novar, where the Anagonian Defense Force and Orbital Patrol basically asked everyone aside as the Presidential Star-Liner moved into high Orbit, then suddenly turned a blazing flash of blue light. One would think it exploded, someone might need to investigate. But no, it hadn't. Sub-Space took the craft, and Sub-Space would quickly warp time and space to make the trip much shorter than normal FTL Drives.

So much shorter that they neared the Federation/Danaversian DMZ within minutes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel shuddered as she leaned down and started to whisper in his ear. It had been a long time since a woman could do that to him, and now that she did, he knew she was the one. He felt at ease around her, and her voice was as enticing as anything. Strangely enough, his thoughts weren't of a sexual nature. Instead, they dwelled on her, and how happy, how peaceful she made everything. This was odd, especially for a human. But, hell, he was kinda old and didn't expect much less anyway.

Then he heard her called to the bridge, and sighed heavily. Watching her go, then seeing her blow that kiss, suddenly turned him a live again. The Medical Officer would probably be able to tell his body was getting better, just by the sudden jump in readings. He felt so alive, and he took the kiss with an open hand and placed it on his cheek.

He looked to the Medical Officer, "Go ahead."

The ship would be greeted by a traditional three engined warship of the People's Navy. While this one was smaller than the Dreadnought, it was still many times bigger than the transport vessel. It seemed to magically appear out of space but in fact it had just dropped the cloak that all Alversian warships carried,

"This the Alversian People's Starship Vampiric Dread standing by for escort to Alversia."

--------------

"Thank you" he took the scanner and started to run it up and down his torso for a few moments in silence. The room was filled with the sound of machinery gently humming a small symphony of sounds.

"So," Nova asked calmly, not taking his eyes off the scanner, "You and the Captain then?" It was an inviting yet conversational tone.

The Presidential Transport had appeared in a brilliant flash of light, the temporal time and space fluxes of Sub-Space and Normal space colliding to provide a window back into real space. Once that was completed, the Transport made way into escort position to the Vampiric Dread. A voice came over the communications after the communications was received from the Alversian ship.

"This is Federation One to Vampiric Dread, we are assuming escort position to follow"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel watched for the moments that the scanner passed over him, watching without interest. He expected this Medical Officer to just find his information, and leave. Samuel knew he felt better, knew he was getting better. He also knew he was in love with someone, and he didn't believe that could be detected by scanners. Hopefully everything would pass over and she would return.

The Sounds of the Medical Bay seemed monotone and basic, having the usual conversational sounds and basic equipment sounds. Something to help you sleep, at least in Samuels case. He had gotten used to the senseless chatter he couldn't decipher, and gave up after a while. When the Medical Officer spoke, he looked questionably at him. However, it wasn't probing, or not intended to be. So, what the hell.

"I don't know," said Samuel in a polite response. "I don't know how she feels as of yet." He sighed, "I don't know why I'm here, or why this happened, but I can say I'm happy it did."

The Vampiric Dread turned into a certain direction and jumped to hyperspace without another word. They knew the Transport would follow and that they were only really there to keep the Danaversians from poking their noses in. They wouldn't of course, but just in case. Alversia was only another hour from the DMZ but that was because they would have to pass a few ODS's at minimal speed.

----------------

"Aha" Doctor Nova simply made a hum of approval and continued with his scans. He was running the small device across his entire torso. He was using it like the seasoned professional that he was.
"If it means anything, Sir, I can't remember the last time I saw the Young Captain looking so ...young" he paused to think of the word, "She's had a lot on her mind recently."

The Federation One simply transfered FTL power to normal Space, initiating Hyperspace and easily following.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel didn't take notice to the scans anymore, he was looking at the Medical Bay exit, waiting for Stacy. Though he did hear the Medical Officer, he simply smiled at the thought of Stacy acting like the person she should be. Instead of a Captain, she was more fitting as a friendly person, perhaps even a doctor, or therapist. Samuel didn't seriously think she was fitting for such duties, it seemed too much for her. Yet he couldn't deny her potential, and how she commanded, and how she acted. It was the entire Military and Civilian complex piled into one person, and what a reaction it made.

He looked back at the Medical Officer, noting where the scanner was being waved around at, and merely shrugged it off. "I'm kinda glad she is," he said simply. "I haven't met someone that made me feel at peace in a long time." He smiled, looking back at the door, "No one has been able to, but her."

Then he looked back at the Doctor, "Is she okay?" He was referring to what was on her mind.

Doctor Nova shook his head,
"Sorry sir, but I can't tell you that, patient confidentiality. However, she has been rather depressed recently." Doctor Nova was still running scans and listening to the rhythmic beeping of the machine that would tell him if there was a problem. For now there was none and so it just continued to beep happily.

The Medical Scans would find numerous joint replacements, with his right leg being artificial, and his left arm having a piece of Medical Novarium to replace a missing bone. His insides looked like some had been replaced, almost as if every single inch of his body had some sort of medical procedure done, as if the guy had been through hell and back and somehow managed to survive. But the most interesting thing the scanner would detect was what was in the side of his head, just inside the brain, a chip of some sort, connected to his nerve endings and electrodes, as if serving as a replacement for something up there.

But all this had been in the past, either during the Civil War or before during the Imperial Remnant wars. It would have to be a good scanner to detect parts he had not been born with. Although one would suspect it would detect the artificial parts.

"I suppose your right," he sighed. "I hope I'm helping in some way to get her mind off whatever is depressing her."

"You are, Sir," Doctor Nova stated, frowning at the readings he was getting, "The Captain appears to have brightened up considerably since your arrival in our system."
He continued to scan for another while, looking through his readings and shaking his head. While there was nothing physically wrong with him, it seemed there had been in the past. Nova had never seen anyone with the amount of repairs that this man had been given in his lifetime. He sighed, it was not his place to complain about the amount of damage that this man had suffered during a lifetime of war,
"I think you would be a good influence on our young Captain."

"You are, Sir," Doctor Nova stated, frowning at the readings he was getting, "The Captain appears to have brightened up considerably since your arrival in our system."
He continued to scan for another while, looking through his readings and shaking his head. While there was nothing physically wrong with him, it seemed there had been in the past. Nova had never seen anyone with the amount of repairs that this man had been given in his lifetime. He sighed, it was not his place to complain about the amount of damage that this man had suffered during a lifetime of war,
"I think you would be a good influence on our young Captain."

"Tea Mr. President?"

Drakomis looked up from the Holographic PAD he was viewing, seeing one of many flight attendants that usually kept things going when the Presidential Transport had a full crew. Now, however, it was just this beautiful woman and another attendant that served the two passengers on board. Drakomis gave a smile, accepting the tea and thank her as she walked off. He went back to reading his Holographic PAD. On it was a review of the full situation up to date with Alversia, and just how close war had come.

He sighed, then took a sip of the tea. It tasted wonderful, and his delightful expression told it. He wondered how these attendants knew what drinks were right to serve certain passengers, but then again he was the President. Almost everyone knew his likes and dislikes by now. For as long as he lived, you couldn't hide much of anything. Especially the fact that you never had kids, which was a well known secret kept within Anagonian borders. Contemplating the PAD before him, Drakomis took another sip, and relaxed back in the comfortable leather chair stationed in his personal Presidential Suite on the Transport.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You are, Sir," the Doctor stated, frowning at something while he looked at his scanner, "The Captain appears to have brightened up considerably since your arrival in our system."

Samuel gave a warm smile, he wasn't expecting such a warm compliment. Though if he was responsible for that, he was thankful his people did at least one good thing while here.

"Thanks," he said a little stronger, his throat not feeling so stricken anymore. "I try my best to spread the love."

Samuel Vong had come to the conclusion that something happened to make the Titan leave the system. He had also, correctly, concluded that an ordeal had transpired in which perhaps one or both parties was offended. He didn't know the details, but his intuition told him that being left alone here had to take a considerable amount of paperwork. You never left a man behind, expect when you screwed something up. He sighed, looking away for a moment, then back.

"So what happened to make the Titan leave exactly?" He probably already knew the case, he just wanted to confirm his suspicions. "Seems like we were getting along pretty well."

The Vampiric Desire led them to a strange station that was orbiting nearby. The station's purpose could not be mistaken by anyone as layers and layers of turrets as well as dozens of missile launchers and phaser banks. It was no doubt an Orbital Defence Stations. One of the many that littered the area to defend against an attack. The Alversian Cruiser slowed down to show the Station that no harm was meant.

------

"One of your vessels went into Danaversian Space and tried to provoke them into war" Nova was scowling fiercely, "You could have sent us to war. For nothing except you wanted to be a pain in the ass" He was now visibly shaking with anger,
"You're fine" He snapped, "I'll be in my office if you need me" with that, he turned and stormed from the Bay.

Drakomis pressed a button on the desk in the Presidential Suite, a flatscreen monitor appearing from the desk. He looked at the view of the orbital defense station, grinning. He remembered when Anagonia had been littered with such platforms, back when the Empire and other threats constantly attacked. He shook his head, how sad it must be to be under such paranoia. He thanked the gods that such peace had befallen his empire.

"Were slowing down Mr. President," the pilot came over the Transports communications system. "Not to worry, were still in position and following the Alversian escort."

Drakomis pressed a button on the flatscreen as it displayed the live communication, "I understand. Thank you."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel sighed, suspecting as such, but not expecting the violent tone. Whatever his people had done, it had nearly ruined, if not trashed, relations. Whatever relations they had gained, Samuel corrected. Thinking back, he wondered where everything went wrong, and why he was here. Was he supposed to fix this mess? Was he supposed to do something? He groaned and braced himself as he tried to lean up.

Pain went through his body, and he gritted his teeth. He hissed at the effort, forcing his legs to the floor, forcing himself to sit up. He coughed, not tasting blood anymore. Then he sat there, upright on the table, in pure pain for a few moments. He breathed heavily.

"Damn battle wounds," he said weakly to no one.

Very soon they were past the line of OSDs and approaching the Alversian system. They were approached on dozens of occasions by a variety of warships of both Alversian and Alumina origin. It seemed that unknown warships were not welcome in Alversian space.

----

Nova dashed over with his scanner again. His anger had subsided with the desire to aid the Colonel. He scanned him briefly and sighed,
"Yep, I thought so" He said more to himself, "Lymphatic, the poison that was used to save your life" He walked to a nearby table and began to prepare a spray of some kind to help with the pain.

Drakomis looked at the live feed from the flatscreen and sighed. These people needed to know peace, needed to know that there were others out there willing to help them attain it. They also needed to see that the Galactic Federation could atone for its past mistakes, and he would surely make up for it. Drakomis wasn't one to let friends go past his reach, and he certainly wasn't going to let this event go without a formal apology.

---------------------

Samuel growled at the Doctor as he diagnosed his condition, and forced himself to stand. He would not be helped by someone who thought of him as an aggressor. He was here for her, not to harm her. His mind started to grow dim, his thoughts flowing, and his vision started to blur as he stood there for a few moments. He groaned at the effort, groaned at the pain coming back.

"Maybe this was a bad idea," he said as he collapsed again.

Finally, they approached Alversia and the first thing visible in her orbit was the Sparrowhawk. The only Nano-Dreadnought ever built. Sitting at a massive 32km long it had a crew of over 21,500 people and it was packed with weapons along it's entire length. It was the OSD that rested over Illesia. It was too big to enter orbit and too useless for deployment and so they used it as a space defence station. The Vampiric Dread darted beneath it and signaled that the Transport follow.

-------------

"Triage!" Nova shouted and took a step back as the Alversian Medical staff swarmed over him, using scanners and injections to ensure that he would be saved. Nova's face was creased with worry,
"Summon the Captain" He ordered one of his Medical Staff as Samuel was carefully lifted onto one of the beds.

Drakomis looked in awe, and nodded. Such ships were common in Anagonia, yet not this big. He smiled, feeling the Transport follow the escort easily.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I don't think I didn't do well," Samuel said in a daze. "I'm not ordered to die yet, no ones gave me permission."

Samuel cough, oblivious to being lifted, oblivious to being injected. He tried to struggle at first, but being too weak he could do nothing. He sighed in defeat, looking straight up, eyes in a daze, his mind going places unknown. Everything was going out of reach again, his body feeling numb to him.

"I think I," he sneezed. "I think I feel like sleeping."

The Cruiser continued onward for a little longer until eventually, the Transport found itself flanked by two sleek twin-engined Fighters. Their delta wings painted a delicate red while their hulls were brilliant silver. The pilots inside gave a small wave before falling back. The Vampiric Dread, too big to land on the surface without causing major geological events turned to head back into orbit, signaling for the Transport to follow the Fighters down.

----------

"You will," Nova said in a soothing tone, "you will." He turned to snap at one of his Medics while others continued to work on the Colonel. They were calling things to each other and relaying scanner readings at the same time as injecting him with items or using other medical tools,
"Relax Colonel," Nova said again, as the sedatives began to take effect, "The Captain's on her way"

The Pilot gave a small wave back, and urged the Transport to follow. The Atmosphere played havoc on the hull, but it was made for it. The President merely watched with interest as the screen went fuzzy with static, lowering it and preparing for his encounter with the special guest on board.

---------------

"Stacy," he said weakly now. "Stacy is coming."

Then everything started to return to normal, his thoughts returning, the pain subsiding. Expect he could feel anything, no pain, no nothing. He sighed happily. He wasn't going to die. He was going to see her again. Before he died, hopefully. He felt so bad, he felt so bad to represent a situation. His arm had a mind of its own, grabbing the doctors firmly as he looked with a desperate expression.

"Were not all like them," he said in a frantic voice. "I'm not like them. We don't do things like that." His mind was truly gone, because he was almost in tears. "Don't blame us, don't blame us for mistakes. Don't take her away from me."

And then he let go, weak again, thoughts returning, not even thinking that he made a fool of himself. Something was wrong with him.

They came lowered and lower until, eventually they were in a light blue sky, clear as far was the eye could see. Below them was a vast city that seemed to gleam white in the fierce sunlight. Small roads were visible as well as bigger structures such as the one they were heading for. Small patches of green broke up the white at various points while small blue snakes of rivers winded themselves through the structures. In front of them was a large round building which seemed to be stocked with long, sleek transports. In front of the city was a vast golden beach and beyond that the clear blue sea that glistened like diamond against the light.

-----

"Don't worry" Nova was frowning, "You'll be fine. She'll be here any moment" He looked up,
"Is that table ready yet!" He roared and an innate response was returned. He looked back down at Samuel,
"We have to put you to sleep, Colonel. Relax, everything is going to be fine. Stacy will be here any moment. No one will take her away from you"

With a sudden jolt Drakomis looked out the viewport to the beauty of the planet. It reminded him of a distant world long forgotten, and he sighed happily at seeing a reminder of it. He walked from the Presidential Suite to up front, near the exit doors, there waiting beside him a dark cloaked figure. He nodded, and the figure nodded back.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel nodded, "Stacy."

Then slowly, he drifted to nothingness, his eyes heavy, his mind dreaming. She was going to be here, to be beside him again. Maybe one day it would be when he wasn't injured, when he didn't feel crazy. He enjoyed knowing he wasn't the enemy, at least he had a chance now. At least-

He went to sleep.

They came closer and closer and soon had landed on a runway just in the centre of the city. Beside it was a large elegant building of silver metal and see through glass. Palm trees dotted the runway and there seemed to be even more in front of what was obviously the terminal. A mass crowd of cheering people seemed to have gathered just outside where the Transport touched down. The crowd was full of beaming men and cheering women as well as laughing children, all brightly illuminated by the strong sun.
In the centre of the crowd, just where the door of the transport was based, two thin lines of armoured Police stood facing the crowd and so creating a pathway through to the building. Standing at the door was an elderly man with a kindly face and thinning hair, the young Grand Admiral that had already been introduced and another tall, young man in a black cloak. Behind them were four men in armour standing rigidly still, Alversia's elite, the Democratic Guards.

------------

"Is he awake?"

"He should be soon, Ma'am, the sedative will be wearing off"

"What happened?"

"His system merely collapsed. His lungs were under the worse pressure and I had to puncture one just to reduce the pressure on his chest."

"You punctured a lung?!"

"Only a controlled puncture ma'am. It's sealed now and he's breathing fine. His cortic nerves were also repaired"

"I see,"

Stacy stood with Nova over the sleeping Samuel, her eyes were wet with tears and she was staring at the Colonel with a strong longing. She longed for him to get up, she wanted to see his eyes again, hear his voice, see him smile. She had taken a while to come to the conclusion but now that she had, she knew what to do.

She leant closely to his ear again and, whispering so that Nova could not hear, she whispered the words that had so lifted her heart,
"I love you"

Drakomis stood straight, clothed in a nice Jedi Robe that he wore instead of Terran clothes. They hid most of his lower body, but were tight against his frame, revealing how well he kept his physic. His tail drifted behind him in an interesting motion, and the Dark Clothed figure followed, having no tail and nearly no face visible. Just two red orbs that looked across the crowed, the line of police, and the guards.

The two walked up to the Grand Admiral, and Drakomis reintroduced himself. "Chief President of the Terran Federation," he motioned towards his guests who spoke for himself. The voice was ancient, hoarse, as if bone. "I am Melkos Unchanos, Dark Lord of the Anagonian Sith." Both of them bowed their heads respectfully.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I love you," said the dream of Stacy. She was beside him, he swore it, leaning down to whisper the words to his ear. He could feel his own lips move, he could speak the words. He heard himself say, "I love you too," in response. But did she hear it, could he do it? Everything felt like a dream, everything felt so...foreign.

And then it hit him again, that feeling that the person who sent him back was near. And he awoke instantly, yet slowly, eyes opening to look at stacy, still weak. "I love you too," he repeated.

"An honour" The elderly man in the centre gave a gracious bow to both Anagorians before introducing himself, shouting to be heard over the crowd,
"Prime Minister Aidan Mallon" He called then turned to his two comrades on either side,
"Grand Admiral Ashley Reyes, Commander of the Alversian People's Navy" She gave a respectful bow of her own, all the while keeping her eyes on the two visitors.

"Senator Ronan Clarke, currant Head of the Alversian Senate" The man gave a small dip of his head to acknowledge their presence. Mallon was beaming happily,

"Shall we go somewhere to get out of the sun?" He said jovially, indicating to the sky, "You picked a fine day for your visit. Or maybe you bring your weather with you?" he laughed.

-----------------

Stacy leant over him, taking in every detail of his face, she was so close that she could smell his breath and she could smell his. She leant closer and closer to him, her lips closing in on his. The moment she had dreamt of since she had first met him was about to come true.

Then Doctor Nova tapped her on the back,
"Sorry Ma'am," He said in an apologetic voice, "But I need to ensure the Colonel is here to stay. May I have a moment?"

Stacy suddenly jerked upright again and gave an embarrassed nod. She sighed and continued to stare longingly at Samuel as Nova's Medical scanner came out again.

"Absolutely," Drakomis said after they welcomed the three with a nodding greeting again. They would follow the Prime Minister.

-------------

Samuel could feel their lips near, feel her breath, smell how sweet it was. Anything she did was sweet, anything she acted like was beautiful. He closed his eyes, ready for the kiss. Ready for the moment that would bond them forever, or just a bit. And then.....nothing happened. He opened his eyes as the Doctor parted them. Then he grew angry, but didn't show it. What the hell was all this teasing for?!

"Fine," he said kinda grumpy, "Whatever."

The Prime Minister led them through the crowd and into the cool slightly darker building. Once they had passed through that, they settled into a motorcade, escorted by a half-dozen squad cars and including three limocars. After a brief journey through a city littered with dazzling glass buildings and tree lined boulevards.
They were soon at the vast building that was the Alversian Senate. The building was arranged in a semi-circle with a fully glass side. They were led through into one of the cool rooms at the back and top of the building, out of the way of preying eyes.
In front of them was a dark wooden table and now Aidan Mallon settled down in one chair with Ashe and Ronan on either side.
"So," Aidan clasped his hands together, "It seems you have been causing some fuss on our front lines"

APS Castiron

The Doctor ran his scanner over Samuel and after a few moments he gave a small smile,
"You are fully fit for duty" He announced with delight, "You shouldn't have any trouble now with that internal damage."
Stacy gave a little smile of her own, delighted with the news,
"Do you want to stand up for me?" She teased, giggling lightly.

The ride to the Senate Hall went without event. Drakomis admiring the buildings that went by, and how beautiful everything was. He occasionally waved at someone who waved at him, but other than that he kept his business to himself. When they arrived at the Senate Building, he made a mental note to inquire on how a similar construction could happen. This was a beautiful building in itself, standing out.

In the room, Melkos and Drakomis sat. Drakomis having to adjust where his tail went, sliding it away from the back of the chair to prevent anything uncomfortable from happening. These chairs weren't made for interspecies sitting, and he didn't expect them to be. Thankfully he was experienced in going places where no Komodren had gone, and easily slid his tail to the side. It was funny how he looked, but that was hidden underneath the table. He slid his claws together, leaning forward, comfortable.

Melkos, finally away from too many watchful eyes, rose a skeletal hand that had been hidden by his dark robes. It looked human in origin, but no organic skin or muscles covered it. It was just bone, and it flowed as if it had movement, purpose. The hand rose the hood, and just as suddenly the red orbs Melkos had for eyes disappeared, and he sighed an eternal sigh in relief at being alone enough to do this. Melkos hated hiding himself, hiding away from the light. His head was like a skeleton from an anatomy class, human-like, and the eye-sockets were pure darkness.

The red Orbs lit back in the sockets, and they gazed about as if eyes were within them. He sat back in his chair, quite comfortable, as an eerie darkness of energy flowed about his head and exposed hand. The life force of his being. He looked at the Prime Minister as the blunt statement was spoken, Drakomis scratching his muzzle in a Komodren expression of embarrassment.

"Yes he have been unfortunately," Drakomis stated in a rough reptilian tone, "But I assure you I have taken steps to make sure it doesn't happen again." He bowed his head in respects, slitted eyes closing for the gesture. "I apologize again."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel looked at the doctor, thankful that there was good news. He felt good again, felt like he could move. He tested that by moving his head and arms quickly, then slowly. Nothing. He felt fine. He looked up to Stacy in time to hear her sweet comment, and beautiful chuckle. His face flushed, and he simply nodded. "I might fall on you if you keep doing that," he joked with a grin as he started to sit up.

First he placed his legs over. Nothing, he still felt fine. He went further, placing his entire weight on his legs as he stood. Nothing again, still feeling fine. Then he realized he was standing close to Stacy. He met her gaze. This time, something. Expect it wasn't a bad feeling at all.

"Thank you," he said gently, a smile replacing the grin. "You saved my life you know."

Aidan sighed and nodded, he was old. Very old, 86 this year and he had been Prime Minister for ten of those years. He had led Alversia through her golden age of peace and prosperity. He had opened relations to nations that no one had known even existed. He was getting old and it would not be long before he chose to step down and a new leader take his place. There were already a few talented Politicians that he could see slip into the role just fine.

He watched Melkos' little trick and gave away little except a casual rising of the eyebrows. He then gave another sigh,
"I understand. I wish I could say your foray had repercussions but I cannot. That is for Grand Admiral Reyes to decide"

Ashe gave a little nod to signal that she was to take over. She looked much more tired since she had last spoken to Drakomis as though the weight of the world was on her shoulders,
"The Danaversians have tripled the number of ships on their border and skirmishes are becoming more common. They do not plan a war, they are just testing the waters"

APS Castiron

Stacy looked away bashfully for a few seconds, then looked back into his eyes with her own wide ones. She gave a small grin,
"I wouldn't say I saved your life" She giggled again, "You have Doctor Nova to thank, and you did most of the work yourself" She put her hand into his and gazed into his eyes,
"I didn't save your life" She insisted.

Drakomis nodded, noticing the fact that the Alversians seemed used to seeing Dark Beings. He gave a quizzical look towards Melkos, who only shrugged. They must have seen Dark Jedi before. Melkos turned his gaze to the Admiral, the spirals of darkness on the skeletal head turning into something like long hair as it settled. It gave the impression that he had a face, hiding the "trick". Yet it wasn't a trick, it was real, and it seemed only he and Drakomis knew it.

They could care less though. "I believe that as Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces of the Galactic Federation, Admiral, I can say that this has been an event that was both unsuspected, and unworthy of our protocol." He sighed, "Then again I told you that our protocol is still forming from our golden age, so we ourselves are just gaining experience into what a Federation truly is."

He scratched his muzzle while tilting his head, Melkos choosing to speak now. His voice was raspy, as if old, as if not having any muscles to cause the noise. He looked at the Prime Minister. He had been open to their thoughts ever since he entered, and was used to giving justice to his People should they need the support. Since they weren't surprised by his appearance, he supposed they knew who he was. Almost everyone in Anagonia did, why not them?

"Ten years is a good enough time to meet a lot of new brethren in the galaxy," he said smoothly. "Don't feel so worn, humans can live longer then you are and still rule with just as much Justice and Peace." He bowed his head in respects, "I believe this situation, under your guidance and our submission to fault, can be resolved."

And then he went back to being quiet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel gripped her hand, tightly, yet gently. He held it, enjoyed her touch, looking at her firm eyes, even after her beautiful episode of looking away and blushing. Even though he knew the Doctor had saved him physically, he knew something else. The one who brought him back, the urge to return.

"It was you," he said softly staring back as intently. "You brought me back."

"I hope it can be" Aidan stated, touched by the words of encouragement "I severely hope it can be. But for the moment, let us focus on what is happening today. We are here now to discuss, I hope future relations with your Federation and see if we can work together for the benefit of both our peoples" He said this part with decisiveness but not too much so as to cause offence, just enough to let the Anagorians know that their mistake had been forgiven.

---------------

Stacy looked up into his eyes, clasping her hand around his. She felt as this moment would never end and she never wanted it to, she had never felt like this in her life, so perfect, as though everything in her life had just slotted into place for the first time.

Then the lights in the Medical Bay dimmed and a loud siren began to wail. Crew tore up and down the corridor outside, rushing to positions as a female voice rang over and over again,
"Red Alert. All hands to Battlestations. Red Alert. All Hands to Battlestations"

Stacy paled and let her hand slip reluctantly out of his,
"Come with me to the bridge," She pleaded, "I don't want to leave you"

"And we will," Drakomis caught the intentions of his speech, being the age-old diplomat and leader. He gave a smile, if it could be seen as such. "Do not fear, the Galactic Federation can and will see to it that relations will happen." He then sat back, placing a finger to his muzzle as he crossed his leg, almost in a thinking posture. "The question is, how can we do this? I have the benefit of a Congress just forming, and I myself leading." He tilted his head, still maintaining the posture. "What about you?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel repeated age-long curses in his mind that every time they tried to kiss, they connected, that they felt perfect together something happened to interrupt them. It was as if fate and destiny were teasing their emotions, teasing their newfound love, not allowing them to fully express it. It was as if destiny was reminding them of their duty.

He sighed, wanting to cry again at the defeat. Everything had came together, life had felt so right just then. He didn't want to leave the feeling again.

"Yes," he smiled, "I want to stay by your side as long as I live." He gestured toward the medical bay door, "Seems like fate keeps reminding us of our duties, huh?" He smiled again.

"Our Senate was recently elected, just three years ago" Aidan replied, thinking, bringing the needed facts to his mind, "The Senate has been in control of Alversia for over a thousand years. It is a democratic organisation, we have no need for dictators or tyrants here, we merely like to live our lives in an atmosphere were no one's opinions are ignored." He gave a rueful smile, "I also won my fifth term in office. Impressive no? That comes to 20 years as Prime Minister although I am little more than a jumped up Senator with a little more power." He gave a little laugh, "When the time is right for a successor to step up, I shall gladly stand down."

------------------

"Seems so" She said sadly as she strolled from the Medical Bay and into the corridor. The crew were rushing about into positions, Marines ran in small formations rifles at the ready. Stacy had no idea what was going on and that made her guilty, she was the Captain after all,
"Commander?" She asked into her earpiece, "Report" She demanded, very much the Captain again.

She may have the love of her life beside her but for now she had a job to do.

"Ma'am" It was Ashbourne's voice, "The Hadrian has called for back-up in Sector 203443. She says there's a lot of activity in her area and she's calling all ships to act as a counter"

"Received that. I'm on my way"

"How's the Boyfriend?"

"John!" She looked horrified at the statement and glanced up and Samuel with an embarrassed sigh. Despite this, she was smiling,
"I would like you to keep your manners with Guests. We're on our way"

"Roger that"

They got into a lift at the end of the corridor, "Bridge!" She commanded then listened as the lift started to hum.

She also started to remove her blood red tunic. Beneath it was a small, figure hugging grey t-shirt that was too short for her, revealing a small strip of porcelain like flesh below her naval,
"My lucky Ensign's top" She said by way of explanation, "I always wear it when I'm on duty"

"I'm not a tyrant," said Drakomis in a polite voice. "I've just been as Commander in Chief for over Four-Thousand years now for some godforsaken reason." He laughed at that, "But usually I don't do crap. I leave it up to the Senate, Congress, or if you want to go WAY back...Colonial Council." He chuckled, "But either way I understand what your saying."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel couldn't help but overhearing her conversation, only her end. When she resounded with surprise, he chuckled. Someone must of slipped up somewhere, talking about Samuel himself or someone else. He shook his head, these people were young. Almost too young. But then they entered the turbolift, and then she took off her overcoat. And then he saw some revealing part of her. It wasn't anything seductive, but he looked at her with surprise, then back at her face and almost broke into laughter.

He felt so old in that moment he wanted to cry himself to death with laughter. But he somehow retained his composure, somehow retained who he was in that moment, and flushed again, slightly.

"Makes you look imposing," he said with a grin, "or are you just showing off for me?"

"I never meant to cause offense" Aidan replied, "I was merely explaining our own political system. As for hard cold facts, we have a population of 3 billion beings and poverty is at less that .5% thanks to replicator technology and plentiful resources." He gave another smile, "Perhaps you could take a tour of the city? Or the Forests and mountains outside the city on the other continents? They beautiful this time of year"

------------

In response Stacy merely stuck her tongue out in a very childish way and looked forward again. She had been accused of showing off before with it but she had been able to convince them that it was really a lucky charm.
She looked at Samuel, a terrifying thought just coming into her head,
"What will you do?" She asked nervously, "When your people come back? Will you leave me?"

Drakomis shook his head, "Your world is the type I have seen thousands of times over. While I respect the offer, I think things must begin here." He placed a firm hand on the table, "Before the tourism starts, we must establish a common bond, and a common purpose." He gave a straight-forward look, "Before I can see your people, and you see mine, Our Combined Peoples must agree on something in common knowledge before anything of the sort can happen."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel chuckled at the childish display of her sticking the tongue out, and looked forward with her. He thought about his future then for those first few quiet moments, wondering what he would choose to do after this ordeal. If everything went smoothly, he could retire or maybe become a diplomat. He could also exercise his freedoms and decide to wander the galaxy. Or he could stay here with her. He smiled at the thought, age and experience had its privileges.

He turned to her when he saw the terrified look, and heard her unsung plea. He smiled kindly, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "No." He braced a thumb across her cheek before returning to his normal attention pose. "I think I'll stay here, with you."

"As you wish" Aidan relaxed again and leant back in his chair, "What were you thinking of?" He asked politely and calmly, still staring directly into Drakomis' eyes. Not in a hostile way, but in the way that suggested that he was listening with every thought in his mind focused on the words that were coming from his mouth.

------------------------------

Stacy's face lit up as he answered her question and gave a little shudder under his touch. She looked longingly into his eyes,
"I want to be with you for the rest of my life" She said happily, clutching his arm and hugging it, "Maybe it's time I hung my tunic up for good," She gave a mischievous smile.

Then the door opened and they were on the bridge. The Senior staff were already in their positions and looked around amused by the arrival of the two Officers to the bridge. Benjani even whistled 'here comes the bride' under his breath as Stacy took her seat, quickly vacated by Ashbourne who returned to his own position.

Stacy stared out at the OSD in front of them, identical of the Alumina version except that it had slightly more missile launchers and less turrets. Stacy gave a low whistle at the sight of the station, there had to be at least a half-dozen vessels in the immediate area,

"Report!" She called behind her to the Tactical Station.

The Alumina, Nexus tapped a few buttons into her console and gave a brief report,
"One Battlecruiser, two Cruisers and three Destroyers Ma'am" came the stiff response.

"Right then," Stacy's nerves were evident in her voice, "We're the biggest ship here? Let's see what the Danaversians do now" She shuffled nervously again in her chair. Her first proper battle could be just over the horizon.

OOC:

Look up the Region "The Galactic Republic". All nations are a part of the Federation.

IC:

"I suggest I should start with an Offer that all diplomats give," He leaned forward, staring back with the same intensity. "I give you an offer to join the Galactic Federation, to help us create a better tomorrow, and help us draft our constitution and way of life." He grinned, knowing it had to be denied. "We have over eighty planets that were once one with Sovereign Republics and Empires, now formed into this new Federation." He nodded, "We have experience, but also welcome change."

Then Melkos spoke, as if he had the authority to do so, and Drakomis didn't show the slightest of objection. "If this is unacceptable, we request a Non-Aggression Pact, or some sort of familiar treaty of friendship that can lead to a proper Alliance between our two Peoples."

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Samuel hugged her back as she clanged, "I want to, too Stacy. Trust me." He smiled, closing his eyes and enjoying the moment, suddenly aware that the doors were open and someone was whistling "Here comes the bride". He found the culprit and with all the Marine left in him he gave a Battle-Face, one looking like it could kill with a single word towards the person who said it. Though he also showed a sly grin, as a sign of friendship.

Samuel respectfully took position near the turbolift doors, not feeling commanding enough to just waltz in and act as if he had authority over these kids. He immediately assumed a Military At-Ease position, legs parted in a good manner, body erect and straight, and arms clasped behind his back. Only moving his head, watching the viewscreen and seeing the OSD. When he heard the reports of ships, he knew that something might happen. Similar events happened during his lifetime, and he had experience in dealing with them.

For now, he kept quiet, and watched the bridge, and how Stacy commanded her fellow crew.

"Part of the Federation?" Aidan gave a chuckle, "I thank you for the kind offer but we would prefer a non-aggression pact or maybe a trade agreement? Perhaps both?" he gave another chuckle.

-------------

Stacy watched as the vessels drifted around the Hadrian from her chair. She knew that Samuel was on the bridge and Ashbourne was by her side. She had all the support she would need for a battle if it were to occur,
"Are we ready for battle?" She asked,
"For the third time, Ma'am, yes" Nexus snapped, "We are as ready as we could be"
"Sorry," Stacy seemed dejected by the rebuke from the Alumina and she stared straight ahead through the front window.
Benjani gave a sigh,
"False alarm," He said, "I bet the Station Commander just got jumpy."

"Better safe than breached Lieutenant," Ashbourne replied thoughtfully.

Stacy kept silent and watched ahead for a sign, any sign of the Danaversians breaching the DMZ, the Commander wouldn't have called all these vessels here unless he knew there was a danger. She continued to fidget nervously.

"Agreed, Free Trade and NAP." He laughed, "I had to offer it though."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I don't like this," Samuel said after everyone finished their reports.

He looked straight ahead at the situation. If it was a false alarm, someone wouldn't be jumpy about it. That wasn't very military like. Samuels internal commander's alarm sounded when he could swear he felt everyone being drawn away from something. Or was that paranoia? He would have to break rank and ask the obvious.

"Permission to question, Ma'am." Samuel had a very military tone, but continued his question either way. "What if this is a distraction of some kind? I understand most of these ships employ crew's new to war, and I understand the probability that someone jumped the gun. However, what is the possibility that seven ships, including your's Ma'am, was called away from the lines to here?"

OOC: Did you create all those nations?

"True," Aidan smiled, "It's always nice to know what your Guests have in mind before you state your own claims. That way we can work on the same frequency and not fight all the time" He sighed, "So we're agreed then? Trade and Non-Aggression Pacts." He stretched his hand out, "Deal?"

----------------------

"Possible Colonel," Stacy conceded, "Entirely possible. I think we should reverse course and return to our patrol route. If we are needed again, then we can be summoned. There's enough firepower here to repel an attack."

"Stacy," Ashbourne leant over and whispered in her ear a few times. When it was over, he shook his head unhappily and watched as the Station and it's fleet drew back into the distance,

"I hope you're right, Colonel" Stacy stated to Samuel, "If not, I might have just cost 8,000 people their lives," She looked nervous even saying it. The stress of being a Captain was starting to weigh heavily on her shoulders.

OOC:

Drekamythia and Nodea Rudav way back in the day, the others just recently. I got tired of them, and just use them now as a economic thing. Military is entirely based on Anagonia.

IC:

Drakomis extended his hand, the scaled texture might be new to a person unaccustomed to reptilian hands. He shook, smiling. "Deal."

He retreated from the shake when it was over, "Anything else we can do to help? Military protection?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel hated being the person to speak up, but it was just a hunch. He sighed heavily, making sure no one noticed, and looked back at the station intently. Something was odd here, either the fact these were just kids or the fact that no one knew a damn thing. On a Marine ship, you knew when things were going to go bad. Here, you just didn't, because no one knew anything. He straightened, went to attention, and looked at Stacy.

"Ma'am, permission to board a fighter of some sort?" He looked dead serious, "If I'm wrong, I will be able to send a transmission with accurate readings of enemy forces, and die knowing I made the mistake." He wasn't playing with Stacy, he was being a Marine. He yearned to be in command, yearned to be there in the action, know what was happening. And there was no Anagonia vessel in sight to help in that yearning to be a Marine.

"I mean no disrespect," he said shortly after. "I just intend to look at both solutions with one eye, and help out any way I can without violating the chain of command." He stiffened, "Here, I can do nothing. Out there, I can do something."

"Our Military is more than capable of meeting our needs," Aidan stated, "We are not a warrior race. We only need what we have"

---------------

Stacy looked anxious, and turned to stare into his eyes, pleading, begging him not to go and possibly die out there and leave her alone. Then she saw that she wasn't going to convince him and instead gave a gentle nod,
"Do you know how to operate an XX-30 Fighter?" She asked in a hollow voice.

Ashbourne was not a happy man at that stage. Like Samuel, the instinct of a lifetime was telling him that something was wrong. Badly wrong. What was annoying him was the fact that he couldn't place it. He hadn't wanted to go to the Station and then he hadn't wanted to leave. He cursed himself for being inconsistent and hesitant. He needed to focus and try to piece together the evidence to reach a proper conclusion.

"Very well," he said softly. "I just want to make up for a past mistake if that mistake turns into a tragedy."

Melkos looked to Drakomis then, staring.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel nodded, "I've piloted plenty of Fighter Craft, and I see no reason why I cannot pilot the XX-30."

He had noticed the pleading eyes, wanted to react, but now wasn't the time. He didn't notice the ally he had a few meters away, and if he had he would probably ask for advice. This was a trickery situation, and Marines acted on trained impulse during wartime situation. The funny thing was, this wasn't wartime, and this wasn't supposed to be a situation. So what then was the distress signal?

"Wait a minute," he said softly, "Could the signal had been faked?"

"Don't worry" Aidan smiled, "The OSD Line is like a mini-fortress, the Danaversians have never pierced it in all the time we have been running it. Hopefully it stays that way" he sighed.

------------

Stacy shook her head,
"It was a secure signal," She replied, "Only Alversian and Alumina warships know the code sequence. The Danaversians could never break it."

Then it was Nexus who broke the silence. She muttered something in Alumina, then muttered it again shaking her head,
"What? What is it?" Stacy turned to look at the Alumina, her voice filled with nerves,

"Three contacts 500,000km of our port bow. They are Danaversian Signatures"

"Damnit!!" Ashbourne burst out angrily while the rest of the bridge crew, including Stacy looked completely dejected,
"Plot an intercept course and call all ships in the area as reinforcements but not those at the Hadrian! If the fleet leaves the station, the Danaversians will just overwhelm it!"
Oh how he hoped this was just a raid into Alversian Space. Both sides carried them out all the time and his instinct told him that was all it was. They would not be here for much longer and hopefully, a lone Dreadnought would be enough to turn them back.

Drakomis nodded, "Very well."

Melkos spoke next, "Then at the very least welcome the Jedi and Sith Orders into your borders. We can help out in many ways."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel cursed himself openly, watching the viewscreen, going back to at-ease. He was used to yelling, and quite used to most of what the experienced voice had said. He didn't know who, but he sounded like he knew what he was doing. Finally someone that had voice, authority, something to follow guidelines with. He looked to find Ashbourne in an angered mood, and nodded in his direction. It was more of a gesture of respect than anything else, and he looked to the rest of the crew to see them still in Shock.

He would have started yelling like a Marine, calling them profanities and giving them motivation to get going had it not been for Stacy being there. He shut his jaw tight, stern, looking at the screen. Standing firm, standing as if he guarded the turbolift with his very life.

"By all means," Aidan stated happily, "We would be delighted to welcome both Jedi and Sith to our borders. Perhaps a Temple could be opened in the city?" He suggested, looking at him, "I have no doubt that your input will help to improve the Republic."

----------------

Stacy and Ashbourne watched as the three Danaversian Barracudas drew closer and closer. They were above and behind them but for now, neither side was going to fire on the other it seemed. A screen was opened for hails and soon the familiar image of an amphibian like creature appeared,
"Danaversian Barracuda" It was Stacy who seemed to have found her voice, "You have trespassed into Alversian Territory and are in direct violation of the Treaty of Alumina. We will escort you back to the DMZ."

"You?" The Danaversian gave a course bellow of laughter, "But you are only a child!"

"Very observant of you" Stacy sneered in reply, "Now. Are you going to withdraw?"

"You led an invasion against our Empire, why can't we do it to yours?"

"Very well," Stacy gave the signal to cut the link. She then walked back to her chair and sat down, tunic draped over the back of her chair, "Prepare for attack"

Melkos nodded slowly, "I would be honored to head such an effort. We could teach your people many things, and guide your Republic to a better path."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel watched the familiar face, the familiar voice, and scowled as the Danaversian said "child" to the one he loved. He almost barked orders again, but refrained. He huffed his anger out, face red by keeping his rage in. He wanted to rip that godforsaken smirk off that ugly creatures face, and shove it down his neck with a grenade. And then he had an Idea, but then rejected it. Lone warriors usually got killed. He wasn't as experienced as a Jedi, and he sure as hell couldn't take on a ship full of two-thousand marines and whatnot.

He sighed, defeated, looking outward and still not saying a word. He would not interfere, he would not pass judgment. Keeping his mouth shut was the best thing to do right now. Else he'd start barking orders at these poor youngsters.

"Remember though" Aidan stated, "The people here have a right to chose wither or not they listen or take note of your teachings. If they do not then you cannot persuade them. It is against our democracy to do so"

----------------

The Danaversians ships continued on their path into Alversian space and so Stacy gripped the edge of her seat and nodded at Nexus,
"Fire at will" She commanded.

The Dreadnought dived onto the three vessels, beams of red light clashing with the vivid green shields of the Barracudas as they split off to avoid the attack. Benjani's face was screwed up in concentration as he focused on maneuvering the Alversian Warship into position to use her phasers again.

The Danaversian warships had also turned and now the bridge of the Castiron trembled under the impact of phaser fire from three separate ships.

"Shield's down to 75%!" Voss called from her position on the scanning station.

"Reroute power from auxiliary grid!" Stacy replied as she gripped her seat and watched the battle continue, she had taken over control and watched anxiously as the three warships spread out to avoid being hit by the red phaser fire as well as the small strings of torpedoes that were being fired from the launchers in front of both engines.

"Firing Phasers" Nexus reported as she pressed a couple of buttons on her panel. The beams hit the Barracuda and, rather than another light show of light green, an explosion was thrown from the hull as debris and fire were thrown out.

"Good shooting!" Stacy called ecstatic from her position. The Alumina just ignored her and continued to fire. Then a large shudder threw everyone from their positions as the ship seemed to keel over for a second,

"Report!" Stacy demanded, getting back into her chair and rubbing her head,

"They have destroyed our bridge shield generator!" Voss reported as a strange whirring started on the bridge.

Then suddenly, in a flash of light no less than two dozen massive Danaversian Marines had appeared on the bridge, bayonets at the ready.

"Of course," Melkos said smoothly, or as smooth as he could. "We do not force anyone to join, only offer. Unlike our wayward Sith brothers everywhere else in the known Galaxy, we allow people to make a choice between our Brother Jedi-" he motioned at Drakomis "-and ourselves."

He sat back, if only a bit. "There are many paths to enlightenment, and we understand that."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel watched the drama of battle unfold, overjoyed once he saw the damage to a vessel, worried when the damage was returned. He held firm, watching Stacy command her ship. He also held firm when Nexus reported the bridge shields were down. This he did not understand, and assumed that the Alversians did not have a primary Shield Generator that encompassed the entire ship. Assuming, therefore, they did not have that advanced of technology. But he did shrug that thought off. After all, the Titan had five shield generation points for different directions and sides.

Yet only the few Star Destroyers still in serve, whatever was left of the Empire-era, had bridge shields because of the mounted bridge. He shrugged it off, but not before he saw something transport on the bridge, and scowled with hatred as the ugly frog-like beings came into view.

Instinct took over then, and Samuel quickly leaped into action. Without asking for permission, and before the Danaversians could get bearings, he ran towards the nearest one and reared his fist upward in an attack, trying to go for an uppercut as he attempted to retrieve the weapon from the Danaversian before the others had time to react to his assault.

"Of course," Aidan nodded, "I just needed to ensure that our own beliefs would be upheld. I think this may be the start of a strong Alliance, no?"

---------------

The Castiron did indeed have an overall shield but that was offline and the smaller shields for each engine and subsection were preferred as too many ships had been lost from the shields being damaged and the hull breached. As a result, the whole shield was now used as a backup. It had gone up almost as soon as the bridge shield had been destroyed. However, it was too late to prevent the Danaversians from beaming onto the ship. Now they spread out to engage the bridge crew.

One was knocked back by the force of Samuel's punch, but he was barely stunned as he lunged forward, screaming in some unknown dialect.
Elsewhere, three of the Invaders twisted and collapsed as Benjani, Ashbourne and Nexus fired into the crowd with their pistols.

Elsewhere, Vo9ss had drawn her katana and leapt out of the way, allowing a Danaversian to bury his bayonet into her console while she cut up elegantly into his stomach and let him fall back.

Elsewhere, one of the Alversian Ensigns drew his own blaster but was sent flying as one of the Danaversians turned his rifle on the man and fired. The bridge dissolved into a brawl as people engaged in hand to hand, using whatever weapons could be found,

"Computer!" Stacy called, ducking out of the way of a Danaversian fist, "Reroute controls to the Auxiliary Bridge!" Her hair was matted and wild now as she ducked out of the way of another attack, pistol in hand.

OOC:

Going to work!

IC:

"I do believe so," Drakomis spoke again. "I think we will be getting along just fine after today." He smiled.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Training. Hard earned by a Marine after months of torture to push forth proper actions during situations where the conscious mind would surely take too time to react. That was where Training and Instinct became one, where actions of the body became so blurred that a person had no time to think, only react to certain danger. This was one of those times, and everything else blurred out of his view, only the Danaversian in front of Samuel mattered.

The weapon was the first grab, and Samuel twisted to the side so the force of the Danaversian lunging forward would release it. As soon as the alien would realize where he was, a hard elbow would slam against the Danaversians Back as Samuel arched himself in the proper manner to retain the grip on the weapon, while at the same time trying to immobilize the beast.

Samuel would try to force the Weapon away, and arch it so he could grip the trigger and handle properly and concentrate on aiming and firing on other Danaversian threats. Part of his mind kept track of his current target, his body starting to turn for another blow.

"I think so" Aidan nodded, "Would you like to remain on planet or have you ither arrangements?"

----------------

The Danaversian held on to his weapon in a vice-like grip. The Danaversian may have been slower and only slightly taller than the Marine, but he was much much stronger and more endurable than seemed normal. The elbow in the back not only bounced off the armour but also the thick skin of the Invader. Samuel would hurt himself more than the Danaversian Marine.

Elsewhere on the bridge, Nexus was still behind her console and now she ducked as a red beam of Danaversian phaser rifle fire exploded behind her. She calmly rose up again and fired a few shots with her own long, slender pistol. The Marine trembled as he was hit and collapsed backwards.

Voss rolled out from under her console and sliced upwards into a slower Danaversian. He fell backwards as the rest of his comrades pushing forwards. Benjani was leaning backwards over his console, firing at will with his weapon while Ashbourne and Stacy fought Danaversians hand to hand in the centre of the bridge.

"Sure," nodded Drakomis, "I believe we could."

Melkos nodded as well, "I'd like to scout out a place for the temple."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuels scream of rage resounded across the bridge. "GOD F****N D****T!"

His elbow hurt like hell, and he couldn't take away the gun. Instead, he stayed close and tried another tactic. He lunged forward as the two recovered and tried to grip for the head, in any way possible. His hands outstretched and his face contorted in supreme anger at the fact he'd been made a fool of. Any way possible, he would made this creature pay for what he just did.

And the only thing on his mind was killing the Danaversian now.

"Certainly," Aidan and his two colleagues, who had said little, rose,
"May I suggest north of the city? It is wonderfully cool this time of year and there are many beautiful spots that would fulfill the role for a temple. Or perhaps you prefer to be Urban based?" He asked, smiling slightly.

---------------

The Danaversian now showed his strength and dropped his rifle, letting it hang on a small rope connected to his waist and put both hands on Samuel. Without effort, he lifted the Marine over his head so he was just scraping the roof. He prepared to throw him against the wall but suddenly stopped and gasped. His grip on Samuel loosened and he dropped him to the ground and crashed to the floor himself. Nexus stood over him, double bladed weapon in hand and one of the blades smeared in pale blood.
"You can thank me later Colonel," She stated dryly before raising the weapon to block a swinging rifle butt.

Elsewhere, the brawl on the bridge was still in the balance, Stacy and Ashbourne still fought for their lives, using their speed and reflexes to avoid the Danaversian blows and try to wear down their opponents. The Marines were trained to deal with this kind of thing, fighting on ships to repel attackers and they were now rushing to the bridge. Stacy was sure of it. On the other hand, the bridge complex could have been taken and so her Marines would have to fight up floor by floor. She was using her wits to survive, same as Ashbourne.

Voss and Benjani had met up and now, Voss was cutting down any Danaversian who approached them while Benjani was cutting down the Danaversians with his pistol. The bridge was still swarming with Danaversian troops.

"Certainly," Aidan and his two colleagues, who had said little, rose,
"May I suggest north of the city? It is wonderfully cool this time of year and there are many beautiful spots that would fulfill the role for a temple. Or perhaps you prefer to be Urban based?" He asked, smiling slightly.

---------------

The Danaversian now showed his strength and dropped his rifle, letting it hang on a small rope connected to his waist and put both hands on Samuel. Without effort, he lifted the Marine over his head so he was just scraping the roof. He prepared to throw him against the wall but suddenly stopped and gasped. His grip on Samuel loosened and he dropped him to the ground and crashed to the floor himself. Nexus stood over him, double bladed weapon in hand and one of the blades smeared in pale blood.
"You can thank me later Colonel," She stated dryly before raising the weapon to block a swinging rifle butt.

Elsewhere, the brawl on the bridge was still in the balance, Stacy and Ashbourne still fought for their lives, using their speed and reflexes to avoid the Danaversian blows and try to wear down their opponents. The Marines were trained to deal with this kind of thing, fighting on ships to repel attackers and they were now rushing to the bridge. Stacy was sure of it. On the other hand, the bridge complex could have been taken and so her Marines would have to fight up floor by floor. She was using her wits to survive, same as Ashbourne.

Voss and Benjani had met up and now, Voss was cutting down any Danaversian who approached them while Benjani was cutting down the Danaversians with his pistol. The bridge was still swarming with Danaversian troops.
OOC:

Samuel still has his armor on, right? Or did the Doctor take it off? I forgot.

IC:

Drakomis stood, as with Melkos, and both nodded in agreement. "Somewhere peaceful and secluded would do for a race not used to the ways of the Force," Melkos said. Drakomis gave a short nod in agreement, "It would usually do best to have a place that feels safe and secure." Drakomis smiled, "Is there any way we can view the location?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel was about to curse himself for getting himself nearly killed a second time when he was dropped, suddenly, and thankfully landed on his two feet. Nexus stated the obvious, and Samuel gave a curious nod back. During the short fight that nearly killed him, he had forgotten he still wore his Mandalorian Scout Armor. Or did he? The Doctor probably found a way to take it off to better heal the Colonel, but he didn't have time to think. After he killed a few more Danaversians he would find out either way. Now wasn't the time.

He grabbed the Danaversian Marines rifle, looked it over quickly, got used to the feel and trigger, and positioned it in the proper offensive stance. Placing the butt of the blaster to his shoulder, pointing the deadly end towards his target, one hand as a brace and one on the trigger. He crouched to avoid being an easy target and raced behind an empty Console. Lifting himself just above it to not give himself totally away, he searched quickly for possible targets.

He noted that Stacy and the other guy were fighting heavily with Danaversians. How easily they fought hand-to-hand, he thought. It probably wasn't a clear shot, and he didn't know how off-balance the shot would be and if it would hit. So he decided to test the accuracy of the rifle, turning his upper body with the gun to point at a Danaversian a few meters off across the bridge. Within not even a second, he had aimed, and fired off two shots towards the head and chest.

If that worked, he would continued to act as gunner support and start killing everything that didn't belong on this ship, himself the exception.

OOC: I think it was removed.

"Certainly" Aidan nodded and looked around, "I'm sure some transport could be arranged to take you to the area. Would you prefer to fly or drive?" he asked politely.

---------

The red phaser fire from the rifle connected with the Danaversian and he was thrown back into his back, burning marks smoking away in his back. Two of his comrades noticed the attack and, snarling, raised their own weapons to their shoulders. Narrow red beams of light hit the consoles behind Samuel and exploded in a flash of bright light.

One of the Alversian Ensigns gave a cry as a bayonet rammed deep into his shoulder and he turned away, blood pulsing onto his tunic. The Danaversian was about to administer the killing blow when someone kicked him hard in the back. The Danaversian Marine was knocked off balance and turned, snarling to see who had denied him his kill.

It was Stacy facing him, panting heavily and her eyes fixed solely on the Enemy in front of her. He was grinning at the sight of the young Captain preparing to fight someone many times her strength and experience. He lunged forward with the bayonet, blinking with surprise as Stacy easily leapt to the side to avoid it. However, she was then hit from behind by a falling Danaversian Marine, victim of the Alumina spinning her dual bladed weapon rapidly through her hands.

Giving a small cry of surprise, Stacy fell forward into the Danaversian's hands. Delighted, he dropped his weapon and drew his knife instead. While he pinned Stacy's arms with one hand, he put the blade to her throat and hid behind her.

The fight on the bridge stopped immediately, revealing burning panels and dead bodies littered all over the bridge. All were staring at the Alversian Captain in horror and the knife held to her throat. Stacy's breath was ragged and she looked down at the knife with wide, fearful eyes.

Drakomis shrugged, "Flying or driving, either one." He motioned towards Melkos, "However my Comrade Brethren here doesn't really need to be transported. He can meet us there-" Melkos looked at Drakomis and cut him off politely, "I will ride."

Drakomis nodded, "Its settled then, whichever you choose Prime Minister."

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Samuel fired back two response shots as the two Danaversians returned fir for Samuel killing their Comrade. However, he didn't have time to actually aim, as in the moment of battle things hurriedly took their course. He had hunched behind the Console for the moment awaiting the second counter-attack from the two Alien Marines, when everything seemed to stop. It was then he noticed he was wearing some sort of civilian out-fit. He cursed, crouching to see what was going on.

And he stood, wide-eyed, at the image before him. Stacy was being held hostage, and everyone had stopped to see the Commanding Officer in peril. How she allowed herself this curse of a situation, Samuel didn't know. But Battle had its moments when things got confusing, even for an experienced Marines. So he didn't place blame on her, he couldn't.

In that moment of personal horror, every inch of him cried to run and fire like crazy at the Danaversian holding her hostage. Yet he couldn't do that, the enemy Marine wasn't stupid. From what battle experience he had just went through, he truly believed the Danaversian would rather kill the Captain than be shot first, or taken hostage. They seemed to value the honor of battle, and death. Samuel had no doubt that if he made the wrong move, Stacy would die.

And he had no armor on, whatsoever. He was defenseless expect for the rifle he carried. The weapon wasn't what made the Marine, it was the extension of his will. What made the Marine was what was inside, what was formed, fine-tuned, and transformed. It was the Honor, the Loyalty, and the Sacrifice that made the Marine. It was Duty.

In that Moment Samuel decided the best course of action. He would be putting Stacy at risk, and his own life. But he saw no alternative. If he must become a Prisoner of War to make his love live another day, he would gladly take the torture of a thousand levels of hell just to see her breathe another second. He walked a few feet towards the Danaversian, raising his rifle, pointing at the Marines head. He walked with purpose, in a combat stance, ready to fire, ready to kill. One wrong move and he would pull the trigger before the Danaversian could react.

And so he plotted his own demise. "In the name of the Galactic Federation of Anagonia, I offer myself up as a Prisoner of War in exchange for her life." Samuel dared another step, staring point blank in the enemy Marines eyes. "I am of more value to you than her or this ship, and my Nation would pay anything you desire in exchange." A hint of emotion hitting his eyes, "Just let her go, let everyone go. Take me, kill me, I don't care."

Then the kicker, "From one Marine to another, I give you my honor that if you should do this, I swear upon my death I will have no resistance."

"We shall drive," Aidan stated, "I think you will see the beauty of our planet from the air rather than the ground." He indicated to a door politely, "Shall we go?" He asked.

-------

The Danaversian looked around at the rest of the bridge, as if he wasn't even aware of the young woman that he held in a life or death situation. She was helpless and looked as though she was about to cry. He didn't care. He nodded with his head at both Samuel and Nexus behind him, double blade still in hand.

"I want you and the cat" he growled, "All three of you will be Prisoners or she shall die" He tightened his grip on the Captain, "Now"

"No" Nexus was growling from the bottom of her throat but kept her weapon at the ready, "I'll never surrender to you. Not today, not tomorrow, never"

"Foolidh Cat," The Danaversian replied, "You will do as ordered or you will all die."

Ashbourne looked on helplessly. He knew that Stacy's life was at risk and, as much as he couldn't afford to lose a Dreadnought, he didn't want the young girl to die either. He stood and watched, his own hands raised, along with the rest of his exhausted bridge crew.

There was no choice now. Samuel gazed around the bridge briefly, looking at everyone in shock. No one seemed to know what to do, and yet he already had a plan. He didn't want to do it, but if the Danaversian wasn't going to accept his terms, and was going to threaten everyone with death, Samuel had to act. Even though it hurt him, even though he couldn't bare the consequences, Samuel was torn between Duty and Love. And for a Marine, even in the hardest situations, Duty came first when the lives of the many outweighed the one.

But sometimes the life of the one outweighed the many, just for the sake of Love. And in that moment, his emotions showed, his rifle pressed tightly against his shoulder, his aim true. The moment he fired, there would be no moment to react for the Danaversian. Only his Comrades, who would likely kill Stacy. Who would likely kill him. But to save her, he would do anything. He would kill himself to make sure she lived. He loved her. He didn't want to loose her.

Softly, a tear came down his cheek, followed by a second. By the third, his mind was made up, and he pulled the trigger, screaming at the top of his lungs for Stacy to run, to get out of the way, to do something. God forgive him.

The round hit the Danaversian between the eyes and he immediately fell back. Stacy gasped as if a massive weight had been lifted from her throat and fell to her knees in shock. Her hands were trembling and her face had gone a pale white.

The battle had flared up again instantly, but Ashbourne was by Stacy's side in a flash, picking off Danaversians with his pistol and shoving Stacy beneath a console to keep her safe. Nexus had also leapt into a group of Danaversians and within moments all had fallen to her rapidly moving double blades. Voss was on one knee, gasping for breath, one hand hanging limp, the other over her shoulder, blood running through her fingers. Benjani stood next to her and was using her katana to clumsily fight off her attackers. The battle had begun again.

Drakomis nodded, "Lead the way."

But Melkos stood still. The Force was a powerful thing, even at great distances. Emotions, especially ones through trails and tribulations, could be felt. They could be seen, like ripples in a pond. Instinctively, Melkos looked upward, in the exact direction of a certain vessel, and his eyes grew brighter in the sockets. Drakomis noted it, and stopped too. This usually meant something was going on, or something was happening that needed attention. He walked up to Melkos, placed a reptilian paw on his shoulder, and tilted his head.

At the invitation, Melkos looked at Drakomis, and nodded. Suspicions confirmed.

"Who is it?" Drakomis asked. Melkos shook his head, "I know not, just that its one of our people."

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Samuel felt a gaze from far off, something watching him, something powerful. He shook the feeling a moment later, back to reality as the Bridge went to chaos. He looked over to see Voss bleeding badly, and again training kicked in. Crouched low, he began cover firing for himself as he headed over to the injured party. Nearing, he aimed directly, firing at any nearby Danaversians. Closing in he lowered his rifle for a split second, ripping off fabric tough enough to do the job.

Without speaking, he grabbed Voss and steadied her. The ripped fabric immediately was tied tight around the open wound to stop the bleeding, a makeshift strap. He raised his weapon, now close to the two, and began cover firing for the two, at the same time calling "MEDIC!" as loud as he could. He used his body as a shield, trying to take any fire that went their way.

Aidan looked from Drakomis to Melkos in puzzlement. It seemed as though one of his people was in trouble. But who? He didn't know and he didn't think it applied to him at this moment. He hoped it didn't apply to him at the moment. Even so, he had a terrible feeling that Alversian blood was being spilled around this individual.

"What is it?" He asked, pressing for more details, hoping he would be proven wrong.

---------------

The Xiscapian winced as the tough material was wrapped around her wound but as soon as Samuel had finished, she checked it and found that it had stopped bleeding. She nodded her thanks and pulled a pistol from her belt, she began to fire beneath Samuel's shoulder into the ground.

Another Alversian was thrown over the console next to Samuel, a burning hole in his chest where he had been hit. The Danaversian attempting to leap it to get at the trio. However, as he got close, he turned in time to see a katana slide across his cheek and send him flying. Nexus landed next to the console and turned to Voss,
"Someone call for a Doctor?" She asked sarcastically, Voss merely nodded and indicated to her shoulder. Nexus knelt over and examined it closely before giving a small nod,
"You have suffered no major damage. You will recover"
With that, she was gone again.

Elsewhere, Ashbourne had managed to pull a combat knife from somewhere and the Danaversians were eying the wild eyed Alversian wearily as he glared from one to the other, teeth bared. Beneath the console behind him, Stacy cowered in panic as she tried to regain control of herself, the screams and explosions that filled her bridge.

But the Danaversian ranks were thinning. Quickly.

Melkos eye sockets became darkness, the red orbs that were his eyes falling dimmer and dimmer until they became oblivion. He concentrated on the force, and the force expanded around him, encompassing the room. Anyone able to detect the waves would feel a humming sensation, as if a thousands hands embracing you suddenly came out of no where. His mind stretched the cosmos's, the Dark Side guiding his way to the blood, and the Light showing him the pain. He felt around him in a close space, seeing blood, pain, and the fury of battle. And then he was the one, he was the man he had sensed.

Melkos looked through his eyes, for all Anagonians had a sense of the Force. He used that hidden sense, he used the untapped potential. And he saw where he was, and searched the minds of the many for an explanation. On the bridge, everyone present who could feel would sense the Darkness flowing, and the Light giving comfort. It was only a short feeling, a short moment, and Melkos understood.

The red orbs returned as if he opened his eyes, and he breathed deep. A ragged, heaved breath. He looked to the Prime Minister.

"The Demilitarized Zone," he said simply. He looked towards Drakomis, "Colonel Samuel Vong." He nodded slowly, "He is a live."

Drakomis nodded, eyes full of hope. "I'm glad the reports were false."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

For a moment after Nexus left, reassuring both Samuel and Voss that her wounds were superficial at best, he felt time stop. Everything around him seemed to lack any motion, any meaning, and his eyes darted around as if controlled by something else. It was the same feeling when he first felt like he died, like something telling him to go back for Stacy. It was a controlling feeling, and comforting. And his entire body didn't feel like it belonged to him.

Then the moment passed, his eyes placed upon Stacy. Not by his control, but by someone else's. Whomever it was, whatever it was, apparently believed she mattered more at this time. He wasn't about to argue.

Samuel raised his rifle to attack position after checking that Voss and her companion would be fine. He crouched and came forward in a fast manner, aiming at the Danaversians that surrounded Ashbourne. He began to fire, first two at the first enemy marine, then three at the second. He was intent on getting to her, kneeling to check if she was alright.

Aidan's face blanched as Melkos delivered his report, as did Ashe. His head snapped to face his Grand Admiral while she placed her hand to the earpiece that kept her in constant contact with the Personnel beneath her. There was silence as she listened to the reports coming from the DMZ as well as all over Alversian Space. She shook her head,
"Nothing about an attack on report" She simply stated, although her face suggested that the whole story wasn't being revealed to her.

----------------

On the bridge, Ashbourne took advantage of the distaction caused by Samuel and lunged forward with the knife. He rammed into the stomach of a Danaversian, hitting him just beneath the armour. He dragged it out again and watched as the Marine collapsed backwards. He gave a grim nod of thanks to Samuel and turned to engage the next Marine.

But he found that he was already dead. Stacy had recovered her wits at last and had emerged from under the console, now using one of the Danaversian Bayonets like a sword and blocking strike after strike from the enemy Boarders. Stacy looked over at Samuel and her eyes filled with delight and gratitude. Then she was straight back into action and could not spare a glance in any direction other than straight ahead.

Then a brilliant flash. Stacy, Samuel and Nexus, the Alumina, would found themselves in a strange place. They were inside a Danaversian Barracuda. The walls were dank and greasy, with strange liquids running down their sides like a waterfall. The floor was saggy and wet, small black puddles having formed in different places all along the length of the corridor they were in. The whole corridor was dim, just bright enough for the two humans to see, Nexus, who had night vision could see perfectly in any light.

Stacy was scared and now she clung to Samuel for support. She had no idea how they had managed to beam the three from their own vessel to this one but she bet it wasn't good. Nexus had lowered her sword and was looking around, muttering in Aluminan.

"There is something," Melkos looked to the Admiral as if she were crazy. "And their in more danger every second."

Drakomis looked between the two, unsure of just how to go forward with this. He thought about bringing in an Anagonian vessel, but telling by how last time that came out he sure as heck didn't want a repeat. He scratched his muzzle again, thinking, hard at thought. Was there any way to get around a ship with the flag of the Galactic Federation? Or was there any way to get past the obvious hypocracy going on between the Admiral and her subordinates?

Or perhaps they just didn't know. He looked to Melkos and placed a firm hand on the shoulder, revealing bone. Neither seemed to mind the sudden appearance. Melkos looked to Drakomis, then back to the Prime Minister. "Perhaps it is best to let them die." There was a hint of resignation in his voice.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel nodded back towards Ashbourne, smiling wide at the look Stacy gave him and returning it towards her. The fact that both of them went back to action so quickly was a credit to their training. He was surprised, no proud, to be in battle with these Alversians. They seemed so devout, so intent on getting the job done. Hell, they could be considered Marines. He grinned proudly at the thought.

But the second of thought passed, and he raised his weapon to attack position, firing at any other Danaversians. The only problem was he felt dislocated for a short second, as if his body wasn't his. Yet instead of feeling that someone was inside it, it felt like something had moved it. His gut feeling was shown to be correct when he looked around at the disgusting interior of what he could only assume was the Danaversian Ship.

His civilian issued boots met saggy and wet flooring, and he softly cursed as he gazed around. Only the cat-lady, Nexus, and his love Stacy were here. They had to have been transported, perhaps as prisoner's. Whether it was intentional or not would need to be seen, but looking around he believed the Danaversians were a race that required some amount of water to survive, or at least feel comfortable. The water wouldn't bother Samuel, he had thousands of hours of underwater missions and training missions under his belt. What bothered him was the safety of the one who clasped onto his arm.

He looked down to see Stacy, obviously by instinct she grabbed Samuel. He smiled at that, lowering his weapon, and holding her close in an embrace for a few short seconds, daring to kiss her forehead in an expression of comfort. He didn't give a damn if Nexus could see it, he just wanted to do it. More for her sake than his, though he enjoyed having her close. "It's going to be alright," Samuel said softly after gently kissing her forehead, "Just don't think too much about it. All you do is act, and survive." He gave a reassuring nod to Nexus as well, "Stay close to me, both of you. If anyone gets shot, it'll be me first."

He patted Stacy on the shoulder, and gently urged her to let his arm go. As they parted, he gasped her hand strongly, not enough to hurt, just to comfort. And then he broke it, in favor of the only thing able to protect his love, and that cat-lady. But then again, he thought as he inspected the blast rifle and checked the ammo of the energy cartridge, she could probably take on an entire damn ship and survive. He grinned at the thought. Nexus presented her race in a fashion not so unlike the Raptorians. He shook his head from the train of thought, satisfied that he believed the rifle still had a good charge in it.

He looked to Stacy and Nexus, "Unless you two have a better idea on what to do, stay behind me like I said." He nodded towards Nexus, "Protect my Stacy for me, She needs to survive this." He looked to Stacy, "Whatever happens, if I fall here, you do not come back for me. Understand?" He knew it was a hard thing to demand, and he knew it was impossible, but right now he wouldn't accept no as an answer. His stern face at saying that told it all. He expected her and Nexus to live, and did not expect himself to live after he got them out of this. Because deep down, he knew he was going to get them out of this. Whether he had to kill the entire ship, or just find the damn transporter room.

He cocked the rifle, reloading the cartridge, and looking forward. Standing beside Stacy, he tried to not think of what might happen, of how a thousand ways he could die here. The emotion of the moment took hold of him, and he knew, just knew, that something awful was going to happen that might separate them forever. He took one last look at Stacy, smiling down at her, yet serious. And he spoke the words of his heart.

"I love you Stacy, whatever happens, I love you." He tried to grin, "Ready?"

Ashe frowned and put her hand to her ear again. If Melkos had known Ashe, he would have known that Ashe prized the lives of her crews above their ships any day. She was amongst the most caring and considerate Grand Admiral there had ever been. Her statement had merely stated that no Alversian Warship had reported it was going into action. Without the benefit of the force, all that Ashe could do was rely on what her troops at the front told her. At the moment that seemed to be nothing.

Then she stopped as new information came in, she looked up, her face pale with worry,
"The Dreadnought Castiron left the OSD Hadrian some thirty minutes ago and has reported to her position yet" She gave a heavy sigh, "Excuse me," She gave a small bow and strode from the room, almost at a run.

---------------------

Stacy gently bit the knuckle on her finger, betraying her worry. Even though she had spent months looking over the DMZ at the Danaversians, she had never been on one of the vessels and she was finding it difficult to breath in what seemed to be an atmosphere very heavy with vapour.

She looked down and found that all she had with her was a bayonet. Her pistol had been dropped well earlier in the battle and now she was virtually defenceless. Unlike the Alumina, the Alversians did not carry weapons unless by choice. Most experienced Officers like Ashbourne did carry knifes or swords in case they got involved in a brawl, Stacy was younger and had yet to learn that lesson.

Nexus, on the other hand, looked as though she couldn't have cared less where she was. She was merely looking around, taking in her new surroundings, weapon slung across her back.
"I will protect the Captain," She snapped rather harshly, "As I always have done. I do not need instruction"

Even though she was frightened, Stacy still managed to roll her eyes, the Alumina were still showing that diplomatic streak that so annoyed other species. Now she looked up at Samuel with wide eyes,
"Please," She begged, "Don't leave me in here"
She hadn't bought his "leave-me-behind" speech for one second and he must have known that she would stay with him until both of them were safe.

Then a series of footsteps echoed in the dark hallway and large batches of Marines approached them from both sides, weapons raised. Nexus growled but was forced to drop her weapon after one look from Stacy. The first Marine to reach her jammed the butt of his weapon in her stomach, forcing a gasp from the Alumina who also crumpled to her knees. She was breathing heavily and looked up into the barrels of her attackers.

The look of pure hatred that radiated from the Alumina was evident even from a distance.

Then Marines had surrounded Stacy and Samuel, pointing at them with wicked bayonets ready to kill them if needed. Stacy simply gulped and raised her hands, indicating surrender.

Drakomis looked to Melkos, hiding the grin from everyone else, then looked back with a neutral face. He had been right. Never doubt the Dark Lord of the Sith. Melkos merely exchanged glances with the Prime Minister and Admiral, before gazing back up in the direction of the Castiron far out in space. He kept his gaze there, watching. Drakomis noted, and shook his head.

"It wouldn't help relations if you popped in there unannounced," he stated simply. Melkos looked down, nodding. "Very well."

-------------------------------------------------------

Samuel nodded, "I'll never leave you." He gave a grin towards Nexus, but heard jackboots coming and raised his weapons, turning both ways of the corridor as he suddenly realized the position he was in. He grumbled under his breath, unable to accept his fate. He could activate "the chip", a strength and life enhancement implant that allowed a Marine to go beyond ones life expectancy even when shot or stabbed multiple times. But that would serve no good, as he would be forcing Stacy to watch him die in a thousand horrible ways. And she might die if he resisted.

Samuel kept his weapon aimed at a Danaversian in front of him, slowly lowering it as he heard Nexus being kicked into submission. He started at just how many of them there was. He cursed himself for allowing himself to get into this situation.

"I deserve to know why you are capturing us," Samuel said. "At least tell me why your risking a Galactic War with the Federation."

He never once let go of the weapon, even if they were to stab him, he would be defiant till the end. He kept Stacy close, one hand on the weapon, one hand keeping her to him. He was keeping his promise, and he'd be damned if they were to take her from him. He scowled at the Danaversians. He scowled at them all.

"Well, Gentlemen" It was Aidan again, who had been silent after the brief conversation with Ashe and now looked from one to the other, "Shall we head to the cars? I believe that Grand Admiral Reyes can handle the situation far better than I could"

-------------------

The Marines were staring at them all with big and hateful amphibious eyes. The bayonets looked dull in the darkness of the corridor but they were as dangerous as anything in the space faring world. One of them looked Samuel straight in the eye,
"You trespassed into our space. You attempted to declare war on us. You claim we are trying to start a war? Why do your vessels keep trying to cross our borders?" His voice was low, deep and sounded more like a constant growl.

"Colonel" It was Nexus, communicating with Samuel telepathically, using his link to the Force. Although the Alumina did not need the force to communicate telepathically, they were capable using it to talk to species that did depend on it,
"Lower your weapon. They will kill us all of you do not. It is me they want. Not you" Another rifle butt to the back silenced her as she fell to the floor.

Stacy was now standing in front of Samuel, although she looked bold and defiant, her body language suggested nothing other than fear,
"I demand you take us to your Captain" She ordered in a firm voice that contained only a hint of a tremor.

The Marine nodded but then pointed his weapon at Samuel,
"I would like that rifle back" He growled at the Danaversian rifle in Samuel's hands.

"Of course," Drakomis and Melkos were to follow the Prime Minister now, seemingly forgetting the earlier event.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel gazed at Nexus for a short moment, then heard her grunt in pain as she was hit again. He understood Telepathy, the Delphinians used it a lot. He sighed, and then watched as Stacy conversed with the Danaversian, and then the enemy marines asked for the weapon. He grinned, although he ignored the earlier response to his question about the Federation trespassing, it had been an innocent mistake, he shrugged and handed the weapon over.

"I'm glad I got to kill a few of you bastards," he said softly. "Hopefully you won't make the same mistake twice."

And he stood closer to Stacy, looking back to Nexus. "If expect that she will be treated right." He said with a worry in his tone, "Because if she isn't, you'll all have hell to pay."

He looked back forward, at the Danaversian who took his weapon. Samuel wasn't one for threats, but somehow he was sure that he could, and would, take all these bastards with him to the grave. There was no doubt in his mind. What kept him was Stacy, and the love he had for her. He didn't want to sacrifice that for a Galactic War.

"Shall we see your Captain?"

They headed outside to one of the many cars that seemed to remain in the area and Aidan opened one of the car doors himself,
"May I?" He asked politely to Drakomis, offering him the seat inside the hovercar.

------------------

"She is a cat," The Danaversian spat the word out, "She will be treated as such."

Then a small batch of Marines gripped Nexus by the arms and dragged her away from the others while another, larger group of Marines formed a box around the other two. Stacy gripped to Samuel's arm for comfort and protection as they were led through the corridors. Every now and then, the ship would shudder, indicating that it was still in action. Stacy prayed that her own Marines would be able to launch a counter attack and rescue them. She wasn't hopeful.

Then they arrived on the bridge. It was entire different to the Alversian one with only one floor then a strange dip directly in front of the view screen. This dip was wide and long enough to hold four Danaversians who were typing commands into their respective consoles. Along either flank of the room were four more Danaversians with panels and another one on either side of the door. In the centre of the room sat a lone chair, in which a Danaversian who could not be seen was barking out orders to those working the ship.

Stacy felt elation at the viewscreen that was no longer showing just her Dreadnought buy also one of the long, slender, narrow, twin-engined Alumina ships. Red, green and purple beams filled space as the three Barracudas fought the Alvo-Alumina forces.

The chair spun around and Stacy tightened her grip on Samuel's arm slightly. The Danaversian looked nearly identical to the others around him except for dwarfing the Marine and the Captain,

"Welcome to the Barracuda Tetraodontidae" He stated, spreading his arms wide in a mock gesture of welcome.

Drakomis bowed his head, believing the seat was offered for himself. He hadn't had this kind of welcome in a while. He accepted the offer, and sat, making sure his tail didn't get in the way. His height seemed to be somewhat of a problem, but he lurched forward, making himself somewhat small in the back. Melkos looked around, unsure what to do. He wasn't one to fly in hovercars. If anything, he flew himself. He just gazed at where he would seat, dumbfounded.

Drakomis noticed and laughed, "Oh come on you big sack of force-waste, get in." Melkos seemed to shrug, and looked at the Prime Minister for where to sit.

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Samuel wasn't one to let a man, or fellow Comrade Brethren, go. No matter the species, gender, creed, culture, or what-have-you, Anagonian Marines were known to sacrifice hundreds just for the cause of one to come home. He clenched his teeth at the sight of Nexus, helpless, being taken away. Oh how he missed the sight of the Star Destroyers coming out of Hyperspace, above a planet, signaling that you were coming home no matter the cost. He was in such a case decades ago, and a small but experienced fleet had come to make damn sure he was breathing and capable of coming home.

And then Stacy gripped him again, and Samuel held firmly back. He wasn't about to let her go either. Torn between duty and love, Samuel didn't know what to do for the first time in his career. He resigned himself to Stacy, knowing all too well that the Alumina would want that. He kept her close, if only for her sake, and the sake of his own heart. And he reached his mind out, as he did with the Delphinians, just to try to talk to her, just to try to comfort Nexus. Maybe it would work, maybe it wouldn't. He closed his eyes for the briefest moments.

I swear to you Nexus, he said in his thoughts, I swear that whether hell or high water I'm coming back for you. Either alone or with help. You will not suffer in vain.

He sighed, opening his eyes, and seeing the bridge. To a Marine, it was Spartan settings, adequate to just get the job done. Not too many stations, not too many distractions. The Commanders Chair was sitting in the middle of what could be considered a bridge, and he felt a feeling of admiration for the Danaversians for creating such a straight-forward craft. He kept hold of Stacy as she clung to him, noting her reaction to seeing more ships, which Samuel assumed to be friendly, on the viewscreen.

The Captain spoke, making a mock gesture of welcome, probably not truly intended to be one. "Welcome to the Barracuda Tetraodontidae."

Samuel kept hidden a snarl, trying to make his brain work instead of his desire to kill everything around him expect Stacy and Nexus. He gained control of his emotions for the time being, they would be useless right now, even if he were to get angry at their situation. Finally, he nodded back at the gesture of mock welcome. Perhaps a Commanding Officer to a Commanding Officer could get some sort of diplomacy done.

"Colonel Samuel Vong of the Galactic Federation Colonial Marines," Samuel said just enough for the Danaversian Captain to hear. "Why have we been taken captive?"

Aidan smiled at the sight of the mighty Sith Lord unsure of what to do when getting in and out of a simple hovercar. He indicated to the seat beside Drakomis,
"If you wish to travel with us, Sir, then may I suggest this seat? If not we have other modes of transport if you wish to use them?" he looked from one to the other curiously.

------------------------

"Do not worry about me", came the reply from Nexus, "I am nothing. As long as the Captain is..." Her link was mysteriously cut, as if by force.

On the bridge, the Danaversian Captain looked from Samuel to Stacy and noted with interest how the smaller woman was hiding behind the tall intimidating Marine. He was also amused by her youth. He knew little of Alversians but did no that she was ridiculously young for someone in her position.

"Captain Stacy Smith, of the Alversian People's Starship Castiron" She stated in response to Samuel's declaration, "Why have you taken us prisoner?" She asked again.

"A few reasons" The Captain stated, sitting back in his chair, it had revolved around so he could sit with his back to the viewscreen and stare at the two captives,
"Her, the Cat" He, like the other Danaversians, seemed to spit the word as though it was disgusting just to have it coming from their mouths, "Because she is what she is. You, because you are an Alversian Captain and there are somethings I would like to know and you,"
He turned to Samuel,
"Because my superiors want to know why you are trying to start a war"

"Of course," if Melkos could show embarrassment, he would have now. Instead, he seemed to shrink to fit the interior of the hovercar. Unlike Drakomis, he would not be uncomfortable. He sat, beside Drakomis, and nodded towards the Komodren. Drakomis couldn't help but attempt to restrain a laugh, chuckling instead. Melkos gave a hard stare, but said nothing.

The Sith Lords mind was elsewhere, belonging to the Anagonian who was in trouble. While it was true you couldn't just "appear" anywhere, so long as you had the blood of an Anagonian, Melkos was there in some respects. They were as much his people as they were Drakomis', Melkos sworn to protect and ensure their survival. Wherever an Anagonian was, he could be there. For a scientist to explain, it was more than logically the fact that Melkos chose these people, as they chose him. Their force, however natural or unused it was, was still there. And he used that.

Melkos gazed at the roof of the hovercar, as if he could see through, and sighed. Time was running out.

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Samuel gazed from the Danaversian Captain to Stacy, and back again. His explanation seemed to be one of hate, as if Nexus and her species were something foul and wretched. Samuel didn't approve. Anagonians prided themselves on acceptance of other species and races. Hell, Anagonians often enough married into inter-species relationships. It didn't matter who you were, so long as you were Anagonian, or accepted Anagonia, you were considered one of them. The old term for this was Comrade Brethren, something that arose during the Colonial Era to describe the newfound unity between the newly discovered races of the once-Colonial Union.

And that saying was still said today, a proud saying, signifying belief that unity worked. Here, in this sector, Samuel truly believed unity had no part. He scowled at how the Danaversian described Nexus as nothing more than something to kill. He knew that tone, he knew that hate. Whatever the cause, Samuel didn't approve.

But when the Captain directed a question towards him about starting a war, Samuel kept his composure, preferring to scoff but resisting. if anything, he stood at the same level of attention he did a moment ago. Samuel nodded, trying to be as diplomatic as possible.

"We didn't know this was your sector of space," Samuel said truthfully. "But when your ships threatened to board ours, we had no choice but to resist." He gave a slight bow of his head, "As a Captain, I'm sure you understand that Marines don't take lightly to being assaulted."

Aidan slid into the front seat of the car and chuckled at the Sith Lord's discomfort,
"Don't worry, it's a short journey, you will be able to stretch your legs soon" With that, the car took off into the traffic.

-------------------

"That? That was nothing," The Danaversian waved away the explanation with a flick of his webbed hand,
"That was a mere fly swot on our massive empire. I am talking about the vessel that entered our space and tried to claim the Empire as part of their own" He almost laughed but managed to keep his composure,
"You will explain why you think you can take our mighty Empire so easily. And she had information I want. Both of them" He growled. Stacy seemed to shrink behind Samuel a little more.

Melkos grumbled, but decided to wait it out. Finally Drakomis couldn't stand it, and laughed as the hovercar took flight.

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"What vessel?" Samuel was at a true loss. He had been out during those events, and had no knowledge of them. He thought this a Danaversian trick, and stood forward in defiance. He'd be damned if his honor as a Marine was at stake, even if he were to die here. Then he remembered Stacy, and held her ever more firmly, giving her comfort. He looked back to the Danaversian Captain.

"I was attacked on my ship, and awoke on her vessel." He motioned toward Stacy, "If anything happened I have no recollection of it."

He then heard the Danaversian demand to question Stacy, and he stood at a stance questionable to being both attacking and defensive. He knew matrial arts, some forms of it. He would use it till his dying breath to protect Stacy. "If you have any questions for her, you'll direct them at me."

It wasn't the fact of him trying to supersede Stacy's command, it was the fact of trying to protect her. Once this situation was resolved, he would finally get Nexus, whether he died or not. Ever since he went on the bridge he had this feeling that something greater was watching over him, protecting him, assuring him that if, at a moments notice, these newfound enemies dared anything Samuel would be unmatched. He didn't understand it, but he believed it. He truly did.

They passed through the clean and clear streets of Illesia with the rest of the Home Coming traffic. Every street was lined with trees and the glass and metal buildings gleamed in the evening sunlight. They were heading through a city with little crime and almost no poverty. People called Illesia a utopia and it was not hard to see why.

--------------------

"My questions will to her and her alone" The Danaversian snapped in his growling voice, "And the ship I refer to is this,"
He turned to one of the panels and up popped an image of the Yorktown as well as several of the transmissions that had traveled between peoples.
"As you can see," The Captain said when he was finished, "Your people tried to start a war with the Empire. Are you so foolish that you thought you could overwhelm us? We would crush you with ease."

He turned back to Stacy who seemed to wither under his gaze,
"And she has some facts that should prove to be very interesting. Her and the Cat" Despite the spit, there was a hint of menace in his voice that suggested he wasn't telling the full story.

Outside, it seemed the Danaversians had broken off their attack and were now tearing back towards their own space. Somewhere the pursuing warships could not follow them

Drakomis looked out the window, taking his gaze off of Melkos for a short moment. He enjoyed watching the normalcy of time pass by. So much of his life was spent in either war or diplomacy, politics or just random events. Rarely did he get a time to breathe and enjoy the smell of the "flowers", so to speak. He was enjoying this moment. When he turned his head to Melkos, he groaned. The Sith Lord had gone.

"I suppose I'm alone now," Said Drakomis awkwardly, "Apparently Melkos had something to do."

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Samuel didn't budge, but when he saw the aged and outdated Yorktown, along with the messages from the very Admiral he admired, he nearly crumbled to his knees. The only thing that saved him was an overwhelming feeling of power, of superiority. Something had grabbed hold of him, and the dormant power of the Force that lay within him. Something not of himself. Samuel welcomed the surge of power, welcome the strength it provided. He didn't question it. Often in battle soldiers of past era's reported such feelings of heightened strength and determination. It was always called an "Anagonian Thing", something that each and every Anagonian was capable of doing. The chip aside, almost everyone that experienced it had done extraordinary feats without the help of technology.

Samuel felt one with them, and stared at the Danaversian Captain in a death glare. Something told him not to fear, not to be afraid, and to stand up to what was wrong. No matter how your country acted, you were here now. You must hold up, when others faultered. You must be the protector of those who cannot protect themse-

Where were these thoughts coming from?! He didn't faulter outwardly, but inwardly he questioned himself. Those thoughts weren't his. He started to fear for a moment, but the fear seemed to add power to his feelings. Like a darkness overflowing his strength and will. He knew then that whatever spoke to him had to be destiny. Hoping he was sane, he spoke.

"You won't do anything," he said simply with a tone of authority. "You won't touch Stacy, and you won't touch Nexus. Whatever your intentions, you've stated that you do not desire a peaceful end to this." He stood straighter, more resolute. "You will release us."

"Looks that way. Where has he gone?" Aidan asked patiently, interested in what the answer would be.

----------------------------

"Sorry, Colonel but I'm afraid you are coming with us wither you want to or not. Modern Barracudas like this have a crew of 3,500. You cannot and will not fight your past them all and if you even try, I will kill the cat in the Brig with ease. Make your own life easier and do not resist us" The Captain growled calmly. His bridge crew, now that fighting had ceased, abandoned most of the panels and instead were now staring at the two Prisoners.

"Don't" Stacy pleaded from beside him as she looked into his eyes, "Don't...do anything stupid please. I don't want you to die." There were tears starting to well up behind her eyes and obvious terror in her voice.

"Probably to be superman again," Drakomis sighed.

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Samuel looked from one Danaversian to another, looking back at Stacy to see her tears, her pain. He felt it, actually felt it. He didn't know how, a moment before he couldn't feel anything of the sort. But now. Now he could sense everything around him, feel the life that surrounded everything. If he had been trained as a Jedi, he would understand it immediately. But he wasn't, and had a bare-bones understanding of what the Force was. But something was changing rapidly inside Samuel, as if the thing that gave him the thoughts also understood what the Danaversian was saying.

His outside appearance began to change. When darkness, whether welcomed or not, came upon you everything would conform to that darkness. His complexion began to pale, and deep lines of twisted madness began to form from his head down to his neck. Undoubtedly his entire body was experiencing the change. Samuels eyes turned from life, to something else. Deep orange, with a hint of red around the iris. He seemed not to feel the change, nor be aware of it.

The truth of it all was that if he wasn't Anagonian, the entity could not enter. If he didn't belong to Anagonia, the entity could not help. It was purely a matter of blood, of heritage, and of belonging. The entity did not cross paths with other peoples saviors and gods, it only conformed to those it protected. It was the Dark Side, Anagonia's Dark Side. A representation of the unity of Light and Dark, and belonged to every Anagonian. Should Samuel one day betray that heritage, the entity would be hard-fought to return and watch. Now, thankfully, he hadn't.

But his attention was now on Stacy, and Samuel couldn't betray her. Even with the inner workings of the Anagonian Orders, he couldn't do anything but watch and wait for the right time to make his move. He knew he could, he didn't know how. So he softly looked to Stacy, ignoring the Danaversians for the time being, and smiled. His warped features did not betray his love.

"I will wait, if not for you." His voice was distorted too, but just slightly. Something had changed in him, and he didn't even know it.

"Superman?" Aidan was interested, "What exactly is it that he does to make him superman? He wondered out loud."

----------------

The Captain indicated behind him and suddenly, a multitude of rifle muzzles were poking into the backs of both Officers. Whatever Samuel was doing, the Danaversians were not going to be intimidated and he gave a small shake of his head,
"Take them to the Brig, they will get to meet their Friend there" He mocked the phrase, as it were the most ridiculous thing he could have said in the universe.

And so they were led down the series of dank and dark corridors always with a group of Marines. The entire ship seemed to be deserted for some reason and no one was seen until they reached the Brig.

Like the rest of the ship the walls were a slimy green and all that made if different from the rest of the ship were the metal bars that divided the Brig into cells. The bars made up three walls of each cell with the fourth being part of the hull. Along this wall were long, thick metal chains that curled around the floor before splitting into a pair of handcuffs. Only one cell seemed to have them and, at the moment, the unlucky creature with her hands restrained firmly behind her back was Nexus.

She looked up as the two were thrown into the cell beside her and gave a small nod,
"Captain, Colonel, I am glad you could join me" She stated as calmly as ever, then, to Samuel she added something further, "What did he ask you?"

Stacy watched as the metal door to their cell was slammed shut and curled up in the corner. She was terrified, both of where she was and who she was with. The man who had been on the bridge was not the Samuel she loved. The dark skin and those eyes. He had scared her more than the Danaversian Captain and so she wrapped herself into a ball in the corner of the cell, still without her tunic and thus she shivered in the cool interior of the cell.

Melkos appeared as suddenly beside Drakomis, when the Prime Minister had blinked, as if he had been there all along. This time, however, he held out his skeletal hand, and in it was a tiny chip, about the size the Alversian scans detected in Samuels brain. Drakomis noted it and, pulling out a personal PAD from within his Jedi robes, gently grabbed the chip with two finger claws and placed it into a slot. Numbers and random images played across the PAD's screen, and Drakomis politely looked up to the Prime Minister.

"Excuse me a moment," Drakomis looked back down at the PAD. A holographic display popped up, and suddenly the air around Melkos and Drakomis seemed to be heavier than normal. When Drakomis spoke, even if it seemed loud, it seemed more like a whisper. The two of them had used some kind of ability to talk in private, and if you seemed to have the telekinetic abilities the Alumina had, you probably could hear in too.

"Did you retrieve the information?" Drakomis was reviewing the information from the chip. While it was legally a strength enhancer, temporary, it had been placed for a very different reason in Samuel. Melkos merely nodded, "I had to probe his mind for it, but I found out who is responsible."

Drakomis looked up to Melkos, already the images of the Danaversian encounter were being recounted. "What of the Colonial Marines?"

Melkos shook his head, "There is no proof that the Imperial command capability goes that far."

He nodded, scratching his reptilian muzzle. The information from when Samuel had been out was already in the PAD, they just had to fill in the blanks. A lot of blanks. Whatever it was that Drakomis was reviewing, it was something heavy. He sighed after a few moments, reluctant to ask the obvious. Instead, he opted for the full review. "What branches are loyal to this traitor?"

"As far as I know, the Anagonian Defense Forces and some of the Colonial Marines." Melkos seemed unhurt by the fact that a traitor was in their mist. So high up was this person that he met Drakomis head on in command capability. What Melkos did show emotion about was who it was, and how long it had been going on. His red orbs seemed to blink, gazing at the PAD and back our the Hovercar.

Drakomis again scratched his muzzle, contemplating, thinking. The Imperial Mission to destroy the Remnant base of operations had been a success, from the tactical review the chip provided. Samuel did his job well, interrogating and gaining information, and finally using the bombs stored on the Titan to rid the last base from which Imperial attacks would commence. But this new information, that someone else led the Imperial attacks, was disturbing. Someone he knew, and trusted, from the information. Finally, after a few moments, he resigned himself to accept the truth, sighing, and looked at Melkos. "Who is it?"

"Oscar Vladinchi," Melkos said with a break in his voice, if that was even possible. "Perhaps time has taken its toll."

Drakomis seemed hurt, very hurt, for those first few moments. Slowly, he looked back at the PAD. He turned it off then, replacing it back in his robe. His eyes seemed to water for a moment, but he quickly gained control of his emotions. Closing them tightly, he sighed again, letting out the sadness, the obvious pain. He took a few moments to regain his composure, then looked at Melkos. "What of our agent?"

"Samuel?" Melkos seemed to be in a happier mood, "His destiny lies with the Force, and whatever happens from now on no one can interfere."

Understanding, Drakomis nodded. "Very well, we will let his life take its course. As for this traitor...."

"I shall call the Council of the Orders, and see which course of action must be taken." Melkos gave a curt nod, and Drakomis returned it after a moment. Just as suddenly as he had appeared, Melkos went again, one with the Force, back somewhere far from Alversian or Danaversian space. What would happen here now was totally up to Drakomis, and Samuel was on his own again. Looking up towards the Prime Minister, Drakomis managed a smile. The Force Ability used to silence the words between the two gone.

"Sorry about that Mr. Prime Minister," Drakomis gave a slow nod, "Some business arose with the Federation, and I had to address it." He gave a grin, "Either way I believe I understand the situation a bit more now, and I promise you I will not screw it up so much as the Colonial Marines did."

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Samuel had a complete lapse of memory, until he reached the brig. The first thing he noted was Nexus, then Stacy. But after that, he felt his nose, and saw blood streaming from it. His head was on fire, and he fell to his knees in pain. Something, or someone, was reaching inside his mind. He placed two hands to his head, holding it as if it were going to explode. His facial features started turning normal, the Samuel Stacy knew returning. It was a painful process to acquire information from someone as trained as Samuel, but not this painful. It felt like someone had ripped something from his brain, taken it, and left an empty space.

He gritted his teeth for the next thirty seconds, his lungs on fire begging for air. He couldn't breathe, couldn't scream, couldn't react. He tried to resist whatever was stealing his thoughts, whomever was now stealing the vital information to the survival of the empire. But after the first ten seconds, he gave in, and the process went smoother. The blood pouring from his nose seemed to lessen, and the blood that dripped from his ears seemed to stop.

Finally, after the full thirty seconds, he collapsed on his stomach to the floor, content to just lay there gasping for breath. Everything had returned to normal, and he found himself wondering what had happened and why he was on the floor. He felt his strength returning, and however why his head hurt seemed to be going away. He felt his nose. Dry blood, it seemed. His ears showed the same results. But he felt fine, and after another twenty to make sure everything worked properly, he stood without any side effect.

Looking around he could only guess how he got here. One moment the Danaversian Captain was saying something about how a ship- the Yorktown? -had done something. He couldn't remember now, but he remembered everything before that clearly, just certain things missing. He recalled the mission, felt it was a success, and felt as if his mission had been completed. After a few moments, the thought of Stacy returned to his mind, the woman he loved. He gasped loudly and looked around.

He wasn't on the bridge. He was somewhere else. Nexus was here too. But why had the Captain sent them here? Looking to the corner, Stacy was huddled as if she was afraid, he instantly went over, the real Samuel returned, and real concern in his eyes.

"Stacy!" He yelled in worry, "Stacy whats wrong? Where are we?"

He came close, trying to hold her, trying to comfort her. "Whats wrong? Are you okay?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nexus would have found the conversion from weird, forsaken Samuel to returning to normal Samuel was a painful process. Whatever had possessed Samuel had turned its attention briefly to Nexus, and was now hovering above her. He wasn't clear enough at this distance, nor should he be. But his words had the same effect, and he seemed amused by the fact she was restrained. But enough of that, he found everything he needed, and now had to tie up a loose end.

I took whatever information I needed, came an ancient, raspy voice through telekinesis to Nexus, and I also made sure he can't remember it.

The feeling of darkness weaker as it started to go, There are no injuries to his person, I only took the information and the chip. He knew the risks when he signed for the previous assignment, but with this situation he is alone.

It was a simple statement. Whatever this entity had done it was for a previous mission, perhaps the mission the Titan had been on earlier. The entity simply stated that whatever was happening now was of no concern to him, or Samuels nation. He was alone, and was free to form his own destiny. After a few brief moments, the entity exchanged memories of who he was, and why he had taken the information. But only the Nexus, only to her.

I give you this just in case he has any side effects, and ask you remain silent of the rest. The darkness faded, quickly. I take my leave, strong one.

And with that, Melkos returned to Drakomis, to give the information vital to the continued existence of the Federation possible. Gaining whatever was gained from Samuel, which Nexus was gifted to know, was a critical part of an internal restructuring plan. No longer would the tendrils of the Imperials control so far deep into Anagonia, and whatever happened from here was quite privy to the Chief President and those still loyal to him. And Melkos had made it quite clear to Nexus, that he would not, and no one else shall, try to change the course of destiny being formed around the three. It wasn't his place.

OOC:

I had to plan to death of Oscar somehow, but this is for future role plays. And, according to our Telegrams, I decided to clear things up about it.

Aidan watched as Melkos left and returned without a single expression betraying his eternal shock. The Defence Forces were in league with a Traitor? That was never a good sign. Of course the People's Armed Forces were not loyal to him personally but to the State of Alversia. That way, if the Commander's felt that the Prime Minister was betraying Alversia's Democratic or peaceful ways then the Army would remove him with ease. That was how Alversia had never suffered a Revolution in her history. Balancing Diplomacy and force to bring about the most peaceful way of life. Alversia had found the balance.

"So, what does this mean?" He asked, looking from one to the other.

----------------------

Stacy watched as her loved one underwent some kind of horrifying experience, she watched the blood pour from every opening on his head and on the ground with pain. She felt like crying and all she wanted to do was run over and comfort the Colonel, to hold him in her arms and try to guide him through his agony.

Then he returned, he looked at her and gave a simply statement,
"Stacy whats wrong? Where are we?"

In response, Stacy merely moved forward from her corner, wrapped her arms around him and hugged him like she had never done before, she clung on tightly as if her life depended on it. Tears leaked down her face and down his back as she sobbed luxuriously into his shoulder.

--------------

Nexus watched from the cell opposite and gave a sad sigh, her arms were starting to ache from being behind her back for so long as she sat on her knees so the cuffs did not dig into her wrists. She tested the handcuffs again for the dozenth time since she had been thrown into the cell. They were tight. She had been in communication with a being, of whom she has spoken, she had no idea. All she knew was that the Colonel was now free to make his own destiny and that she should keep an eye on him.

Both were easier said than done from the cells of a Danaversian Barracuda,

"Tell me, Colonel" She asked again mildly, "How was your trip to the Bridge? Productive?"

"No," said Drakomis mildly, "This isn't good. My Chief General, whom is in control over all the Armed Forces, has apparently been in league with the Imperials." He sighed sadly, "We've been gathering evidence for years now, and today was the last straw of it." He shook his reptilian head, "But of all the people, my Comrade Brethren whom has lived as long as I, has turned his back on democracy and the People."

He sighed, daring to say no more. Oscar and Drakomis were like blood brothers. Despite their differences in species, Oscar had stood beside Drakomis during their hardest trails, and had been the most hardened individual when the Galactic Empire had come to destroy Anagonia. Their friendship had been born through blood, sweat, and tears. Their combined leadership had led generations. And now, it was as if your own brother had shot you in the back without saying a word of sympathy. It was as if everything had fallen a part.

"I don't know anymore," he sighed again. "All I know is that the people continue to elect me Chief President, so I'll do my job here."

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Samuel gripped back tightly to Stacy, starting to cry on his own. Tears went down his face, from the sudden fear, sudden emotion of the moment. He would hold her like this for a long moment, keeping her to him. He felt free now, free of obligation, free to do what he wanted. His loyalty to the Marines didn't halt his emotions, not even now. It was all for her, all for the one he wanted. And then he took a deep breath, and let out the happiest sigh he ever had managed.

"I love you Stacy," he said while holding her to him. "I love you more than anything in the world."

Then reality seemed to return, and Nexus' voice came from across the way. He looked from the cell to hers, and his eyes went wide. They were in a brig of some kind. At least his military training hadn't been forgotten. He recalled her question quickly, and held to Stacy with on arm, not daring to let her go.

"I'm not sure," he said simply. "Maybe I blacked out and did something to scare them....but other than that..." he shook his head.

And then he recalled the images about his nation had handled the Danaversains, and looked to Nexus again. A look of shock, of something that hit him like a train. He gaped for a moment, blinked, then understood why he was here, somewhat at least. He sighed then, holding Stacy tight still.

"I think the Federation screwed up diplomacy for the first time," he said weakly. "I think I'm now a prisoner of some secret war."

"That is all one can do" Aidan nodded wisely, "Shall we continue are do you need to attend to this matter. Your own Nation is more important than diplomacy."

----------

"Apparently," Nexus stated calmly shifting her weight slightly and making her chains clank, "But I believe the Captain and myself are the big Prizes. The Captain, because she is both a Captain of Alversia and a young Woman whereas I am the Enemy and a Female. Both are very valuable on Danaversia" She said in a toneless manner.

Stacy for her part just nodded and held on,
"I love you too" She sobbed, "More than anything in the Universe," She was holding on as if for dear life, holding him like a child would hold it's parent, it's guardian. At her core, that's what Stacy still was, a child, wither she wore Captain's insignia or not.

"No," Drakomis said simply. "My Comrade Brethren, the Sith Lord you met, is taking care of this matter personally."

He gave a short smile, "After all, what is a nation without allies?"

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Samuel nodded, he understood that very well. In conflict with primitive cultures, or in this case Warrior Cultures, the most prized captives were women. Not only for their beauty, but for other things as well. Samuel grimaced as he thought of that, and swore he wouldn't let it come to pass. He looked back to Stacy, who was holding him as if he was a protector, a guardian, and extended her love back to him through sweet words. He smiled, kissed her forhead, and held her to him so she could see his face.

"Stacy," he said calmly, "I'm going to need you to concentrate. I'm going to need you to be a Captain again." He smiled sympathetically, "I know it hurts, and I know your not ready, but every soldier, every person, who serves in any Military has to have a time when things just happen and they got to prove themselves." He nodded, "This is that time."

He held her hand firmly, "Will you help me?"

"I understand entirely" Aidan smiled, "I know that a Nation is only as good as it's allies" He stated wisely.

---------------

Stacy looked into his eyes and wiped her tears away,
"I promise" She said with a sad sigh and nod of her head, "I need to be responsible" She turned away to wipe her tears. She need to leave no sign to the Danaversians that she was scared. No sign at all.

Nexus watched this event with interest,
"Curious" She stated simply, "How Human Relationships can give strength to those that would have none" She was analysing it with the same emotional detachment that all Alumina had,

"What is our currant situation?" She asked, "Are we still in Allied Space?"

Drakomis nodded, "I think were going to enjoy each others company, Mr. Prime Minister." He smiled.

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Samuel placed a hand on her shoulder, then let it slide off. She needed to be strong, and he didn't need to give her any excuse to slip back into depression again. He looked at himself and cursed. If only he had his armor! He would be able to blast out of here, no problem. This was a ridiculous situation, having had his armor, and his mind, taken. He grumbled under his breath, looking to Nexus after she made her observation and asked an obvious question.

"I have no idea," he said. "I don't even know what happened to put us in these cells!" He sighed, defeated, looking around for anything to use. "If we don't find a way out of here soon, I'm afraid I won't have much a choice but to fight."

"I think so too," He looked ahead to see they were leaving the city behind and were now in quiet, deserted and rolling countryside with green hills and forests as far as the eye could see,
"We're getting close" he stated.

-------------------

Nexus was about to say something when the door to the Brig swung open and the Captain, along with a dozen Marines entered. The tall Amphibian spared only a second's glance to the two Humans before allowing his gaze to fix on the growling Alumina,

"You are guilty of crimes against the Empire. How do you plead?"

Nexus simply growled and struggled against her bond,
"We are not part of the Empire and We never will be. Not as long as we have a breath between us"

"You will fall one day, any day and when you do," The Captain gave an expression that could have been interpreted as a smile, "You will discover the meaning of pain."

The Marines opened the door to her cell and entered, removing the chains from her wrists. Before she could recover, they had grabbed her arms and were pulling her from the cell towards a metal table directly across from Stacy and Samuel's cell.

"You will want to watch this" The Captain growled to the two.

"I see," he looked around at how beautiful the landscape had become. No longer under civilized rule, it was nature here. He smiled. "I can't wait." He meant it, too.

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Samuel turned his head, holding Stacy behind her. When the Marines came in, Samuel listened closely. The lead exchanged words with Nexus, and the Alumina obviously resisted in return. Then she was unshackled, and shoved onto a table in a position that Samuel knew all too-well through his life experience. If it had been the female doing it, then Samuel wouldn't have done nothing but look away. However, this was different, and these bastards were about to degrade Nexus in the most evil way. Samuel stood, the lead demanding he watch.

Samuel came close the bars of his cell, or whatever held him there. "Your nothing but a coward," he said simply. "A true Warrior would never do that, nor would a Marine." He looked at all of them, "I've seen better foes in combat, with more honor, who would gladly exchange my death for yours!"

He slammed his fist against what held him in, "I challenge you, you stupid creature." He pointed at the lead, "I want your head."

Samuel was pissed, but it was only logical to be. He had to have a plan. He looked at Nexus quickly, too quickly for anyone but her racing mind to notice, and let her know of the plan he was making. If it worked, he would probably get killed, but she would get to Stacy and they would escape, somehow. His eyes darted around, looking back at the lead marine. "If you don't accept, your more of a coward, and you shame whatever you call blood."

"Well, we have to enjoy Nature while we can" Aidan stated mildly, "I love to get to the country, it helps me to get away from the stresses of the job y'know" He said fondly.

-------------

"What?" The Danaversian looked amused, "Do you think I would spoil my merchandise by degrading her like that?" he laughed,
"Relax, I am only going to ask her for information" he turned back to the table where the Alumina's arms and ankles had been secured to the four corners of the table and she was struggling in vain.

"Do not," She said to Samuel, "I will endure this. You must have patience"

The Captain had taken out a long thin silvery needle pointed it at Samuel,
"Do you know what this is?" he asked him with relish.

"Oh yea, I know." He chuckled, "Life as a leader isn't one that one can call enjoyable in the least." He sighed happily, "But I tell ya, going to the farming worlds and vacation planets has its benefits. There, nature is untouched, for the most part." He smirked, "And there is where a lot of the fun is."

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Samuel went back a few paces, huffing in defiance, but finally submitting at Nexus' plea. If she wanted to endure it, he wouldn't stop her. He couldn't anyway. He looked back to Stacy, and sat on the table provided for them in their cell. He looked back in time to see the silver needle thing, and wondered what the hell that was used for. In Anagonia, the Marines didn't use devices for torture. It was considered inhumane in all branches of the military, and only an authorized Force User was conscripted to do that hard job.

This was something he wasn't experienced in, so he shook his head in unspoken answer to the Dananversian. At least they weren't going to degrade Nexus. Samuel had been tortured plenty of times in his lifetime, so he just watched helplessly.

"I know" Aidan nodded, "This is where the peace is, not in the City like people think. If you want to get back to your routes and look at yourself with honesty the this is where you need to be"

-------------

"This is a pain stick" The Captain replied, "I jam this into her leg and it will stimulate her pain receptors to unbearable levels." He gave an evil grin, "I can even kill with it. For now, all I want is some information regarding the Cat's Defences. Once I have that, I can see her and the Female." he indicated to Stacy.

He walked slowly towards Nexus, licking his lips and watching the brief expression of fright that flashed across the Alumina's face. Then he asked the basic question,
"What are the codes to your Defence System?"

Nexus remained silent, staring up at the cold, wet ceiling.
The Captain waited a moment then dug one of the sticks into her leg just above the kneecap.
Nexus' face screwed up in pain and she looked as though she was about to be sick but she kept control and managed not to scream out. However, in her mind and Samuel's, she gave a long loud, ear-splitting scream with seemed to echo even in the mind.

"I know it," Drakomis chuckled. "I hate them there city folks," he said in a mock-southern accent.

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Samuel grimaced as he heard the scream, and shuddered. He remembered pain sticks all too well, and suddenly burst into laughter. It wasn't towards Nexus, but the fact that this was happening. Pain sticks?! What the hell were these people, weaklings?! The Colonial Marines used pain sticks to give motivation to new recruits, and Samuel had been no exception. He remembered his Sergeant well, always finding an excuse to give Samuel a taste of pain. After a while, Samuel had welcomed it, occasionally shouting "Thank you sir!". Then, it became addictive at his young age, thriving on it. Until such a time when pain wasn't a factor anymore, and he understood why Marines lasted longer than any other branch.

He looked to the Danaversian, "You guy's are wimps." He whipped tears from his eyes from laughing so hard, "That thing couldn't harm a fly."

He started a fit of laughter again, still hearing the screams, but something was so funny about this. "I mean," he wheezed almost out of breath, "these are training tools!"

Aidan chuckled as well, "We're almost there now"
They were in the mountains by now, stretching through the snow covered peaks and calm, quiet forests of tall pine trees.

----------------

"Training tools?" The Danaversian almost laughed now as well, "Your pathetic one's maybe. Shall I give her a double dose to prove my point?"
He jammed it into her leg again and this time Nexus' eyes widened in pain and she gave a low whimper straining against her bonds hard. The internal scream was worse than ever and now it was joined by something else,
"Shut up!!! For the love of the Gods Don't say another word!!"

Drakomis watched, looking from one side of the hovercar to the next, enjoying the view. The planet with similar features to this one was Hyperion, a part of the Core Worlds of the Federation, in the center of the power spectrum so-to-speak. It was beautiful, had plentiful wild lands and mountain ranges, and presented it self as a beacon of what environmentally friendly should be. He smiled at the thought.

"Well, take your time, I'm enjoying the view."

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At this point in time Samuel did hear Nexus' plea, but considered her pain almost as if it were something to be shunned upon. Training tools or not, the ones the marines used for punishment and training were like this. They had to be to make a killer, to make a soldier, to make a Marine who could bypass a blown-off leg in favor of continued fighting. While it had been a long time past, Samuel did remember the days, and whatever the Danaversian was doing reminded him of it. He shook his head, managing to gain control of himself.

"Look," he said simply, "How about you use that on me for a while." He shrugged his shoulders, "I mean, by your standards, I'll pass out and you can do whatever you want to the ladies."

He was serious about it, if not casual. Something about his voice told the Danaversian he was not impressed. He probably wouldn't be for a while to come. So far, they were entirely presenting themselves as lacking in technique. They were using basic tools to get the job done. And, most importantly, they were stupid and violent. Although, Samuel did admit, some of them seem to be patient.

But this? Using a pain stick? Even if it did light every nerve ending on fire, it didn't matter. More than likely it was a joke. You didn't gain information from torturing someone. You gained it from kindness, and seduction, and whatever other method that averted violence. At least, thats how Samuel was trained.

"Seriously," he said simply. "Hurting her to prove a point isn't showing me anything." He patted his chest, "You got to prove it to me by using it on me, then I'll believe you." He huffed, "Otherwise your wasting your time."

He had a plan in all this, but it wasn't obvious. He hated doing this to Nexus, but hell, they were using something that he was used to dealing with. Who better to take it than him?

"Yeah? I must admit I have never been to this area before" Aidan stated, "It's nice for me to look as well"

-------------------

The Danaversian glanced down at the struggling Alumina then at the pain stick then shrugged,
"As you wish" He stated calmly then stabbed the pain stick into Nexus' leg. She gave a whimper again and a few pearly tears fell from her face.

Tears were falling from Stacy's eyes as well. To see the proud Alumina degraded to such a level was too much for her to bear and she turned away unable to bear her Security Officer's pain.

The Captain vanished for a moment then returned with another device, larger than the stick which was still protruding from her leg and settled it down over her head.
He shrugged,
"I don't want to destroy my Prize but you seemed determined to make me do it" He was looking at Samuel, "You call us Barbaric and warlike when you tried to force us to invade you and now you dismiss pain like it is nothing. If I can not break her with physical pain then perhaps mental pain will do the job more likely. And with her telepathic link, I can torture all in the area with a link to her." he gave an evil grin.

"It is nice," Drakomis stated matter-of-factly.

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Samuel groaned inwardly. Already the mental pressure from the link was enough to burst his brain wide open. He struggled to maintain his composure, and seeing Stacy crying wasn't helping. Why was he the only one not crying, or not showing any emotion? What was he doing instigating this man? Was Nexus less valuable than Stacy? He sighed, he didn't know the answers. After this, if she survived, he knew Nexus would try to kill him. But he had tried every route, ever possible road to freedom. All had failed.

"Your just proving yourselves the monsters my Nation called you," he said as he held his head, hiding the sadness in his face. "I've given you the chance to be civilized and you won't even take it. I doubt you'll even sit down and talk to me like a normal respectable being."

Somehow he had maintained his composure. Somehow he believed he had to be the one not to falter. He knew evil, and this Danaversian was evil. He wanted so much to break him in half, but he didn't know what to do. He stood then, looking at the bars, resolution in his face. He grabbed two, and using all his might, he tried to pull them, to break them.

"So if you don't mind," he said groaning, "I'm going to try to do something more productive than watch a monster kill."

OOC: We're on fire with this part aren't we? :p

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The Danaversian removed the device and placed it down the side of the table,
"She is too valuable to waste like this. I will fetch a fine price for her on Danaversia" Instead he brought out a box of Pain sticks and picked up four or five of them,
"Maybe she will give me the information I need like this" He suggested, ignoring the condemnation of his species, "I must say, I like to see these Cats in pain. Gives me satisfaction"

OOC: Damn, I mean, I've never typed so much in my life! :p

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Samuel continued to try to break the bars with his bare hands, then grumbled. They wouldn't budge. He kicked the bars, then went back to the table. He looked at it, then at Stacy. He grabbed Stacy gently, setting her to the side, and picked up the table as if it were paper. He roared and gathered all his strength, and flung it at the bars, huffing afterward.

"Would you just shut up!" He said to the Danaversian, "Your f*cking annoying me!"

OOC: Can we just assume that they found a lovely spot and set up a nice temple :)
This part is murder!

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The Danaversian started to jam sticks into both of Nexus' legs right up to her waist. Nexus, even for all her self-control, could not keep the pain in and gave a long loud cry of terror, straining hard against her bonds and begging in her own language. The Danaversians were ignoring her and instead jamming the pain sticks in relentlessly.

"Do me!"

The Danaversian Captain stopped and turned to the cell, where Stacy was now standing by the door. Her eyes were red but her voice determined,
"Leave my Crew alone. If you want to torture someone from my ship. Torture me"

Before anyone could react, the cell door had opened and Stacy dragged from it's interior and the door slammed shut again.
Nexus was untied from the bed and thrown back into her own cell where she couldn't even move and they prepared to strap the frightened young Alversian to the torture chair instead.

OOC: Let's just concentrate on the situation with Nexus and them, then go back to the Jedi stuff. Agreed?

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Samuel screamed in terror, a primal yell, as much defeat as in fatigue. He screamed because his love was about to be sacrificed for her own ideals. He was going to break, going to go insane. Despite the obvious, seeing someone tortured was killing him. But seeing Stacy was going to break him. Why was this happening, why?! It was senseless. It was useless!

"NNNNNOOOO! Stacy!" He shoved the table aside, he was too slow to get out with her. He shook the cell door, as hard as possible. He wouldn't let this happen, he couldn't. This was impossible, this entire situation. His mind was helpless, he was going to have to watch it.

"Why are you doing this to me," he finally asked in a whisper, head against the bars, helpless. "Why is any of this happening."

OOC: Agreed. Much better I find.

---------------

Stacy blew him a kiss as she was thrown onto the table and roughly held down. The Danaversian Marine tightened the straps on her wrists and ankles and instantly she felt a real panic. A real fear. She knew they were going to question her and, if she was not as strong as she hoped she was, she was going to give them what they wanted.
At least Nexus would have remained silent.

The Danaversian Captain turned around,
"Well, well, well" He taunted in a gleeful voice, "Our tough Marine has a weak spot eh? That's not I'm interested in. You were right. Torturing a person for information is counter-productive. Torturing a loved one always brings better results. Now you are going to tell me. How many warships do your people have? If I think you are lying I will really teach her the meaning if pain."

He held the first pain stick menacingly over her leg, Stacy whimpering in fright.

So all this was about me, Samuel thought in resignation. Everything that transpired was because of the Galactic Federation, and the stupid bastards that tested the Danaversian resolve. And Samuel was in the middle, with information critical to the Danaversian Empire. Tears strolled down his cheeks, he wouldn't stand to see Stacy hurt. He barely stood, slamming his head against the bars once, and looked up. He had no choice.

"Melkos forgive me," he said softly.

He tried to think through the emotions, through everything that clouded his mind. How many ships did Anagonia have? It very well depended on the Military branch, even then it was hard to tell. But then again it was hard to tell anything anymore. He wanted so much to break these bars, to save Stacy, and not to reveal this information. But what good would it matter? Invading the Galactic Federation was suicide at best, even the Danaversians had seen that. Or had they?

He whipped the tears from his face, sensing that he was showing weakness, then stood. He cleared his throat, as if reciting in front of a superior officer.

"We have-" his voice croaked, and he cleared it again. Never before had he been so easily forced to reveal information. Why was he doing it now? What punishment would the Federation give him. What punishment would the marines give him? But one look at Stacy, remembering how she blew that kiss, and his resolve crumbled. They had indeed found a soft spot.

"We have as much as five thousand ships, but only around two thousand are active at one time." His head lowered, he sighed.

"What calibre of ships are these?" The Danaversian asked, "What quality? What troops do you have? How many? Defence Stations?"
he was asking these as he let the stick hover over Stacy still, one moment and he could destroy this man's life. He knew it and he loved it. He was going to enjoy every moment of this. The macho Marine was giving all the information he needed. All for the sake of one little, pathetic girl.

Samuel wasn't enjoying it, but this information was public in the Jedi Archives to every friendly nation in the Galaxy. All one had to do was waltz in, read on, and go out. He seriously didn't feel he wasn't neglecting his duty, but this was a combat situation. One look at how close he was coming to loosing his future told him he had no choice. He sighed unhappily.

"We have eighty-three planets, mostly all with defensive stations, space station, and heavily fortified ring stations." He shook his head, "I'm not sure the caliber of the stations, but they used Electro-Magnetic weaponry of various types." At the next series of question, he faltered. He shrugged then, "We mostly deploy Battleships and Pocket Battleships in battle, but have various sorts of destroyers, heavy cruisers, battle cruisers, and other types."

He shrugged again, now guessing at troop numbers. "I actually don't know the number, but at any time there can be around 1 billion troops in service under wartime conditions."

"That," The Captain gave a malicious grin, "Is all I needed to know" With that, he realised the pain stick and watched it drop into Stacy's leg.

At first, she felt nothing. For that split second, she hoped that she would be immune to the effects of the pain stick and that she could be alright. Then the pain hit her and she screamed like she had never screamed before. A long, agonizing, heart-wrenching scream as every pain receptor in her leg was stimulated at the exact same time. She tried to trash in her bond, she tried to curl up, but the restraints stopped her doing all these things. Her screams continued but this time they were broken with strangled sobs and she looked at Samuel, tears flowing from her eyes and her face screwed up in pain.

"Well, well. What do you think? Shall I leave this here" The Captain seemed quite unaffected by the screams and was talking to Samuel, referring to the stick in her thrashing leg, "Shall I come back in an hour?"

Samuel watched his love in pain, watched her look at him screaming and crying in agony. He twitched and fell to his knees, holding the bars for support. He shook it violently and screamed for it to stop, he didn't want this! Why?! He based his hands against the bar, then suddenly just sobbed. Why was this happening. Why did it need to happen?!

"FINE DAMNIT!"

He sobbed softly, not caring to look up. "The Galactic Federation has eight thousands ships, four thousand active at one time. Two billion military personnel. The various Military Branches carry their own fleets and own weapons systems, but thats all I know!" He looked up now, pure anger on his face. "I don't know anymore damnit! I DON'T KNOW!"

"Fine" he ripped the stick out and Stacy gasped with it as it left. He was staring at her with interest,
"What do you think she would tell me if I dropped this back in again?" He asked aloud but still looking at the crying girl, "What wonderful secrets would she tell me? How I would love to know" The Captain was enjoying himself, "Shall I drop this back again and see what she tells me about the Alversian Military? There's a lot we would like to know"

"Please," It was Stacy whimpering from the table in a quiet voice, "Please, I beg you. No. Please"

Samuel gripped the bars of his cell, shaking it again to no avail. He was useless, having to watch Stacy be tortured, and watching the Danaversian enjoy himself. He swore that at the end of this day he would kill that bastard. With his bare hands or with whatever was left. He would get his revenge, and he would enjoy it. No doubt, after the Galactic Federation heard of this, they would intervene. No doubt it would be the Grand Army of the Federation. No doubt whatsoever. These bastards would die, and he would enjoy every moment.

And yet he still cried, for Stacy, for the fact that the madman was still at it. He gritted his teeth in anger, tears flowing as he watched her in pain. "I'm going to enjoy killing you," he said in a low voice. "I'm going to enjoy ripping your head from your body and shitting down your neck, you bastard."

"Fine then," The Danaversian growled and dropped the pain stick again. This time the scream was weaker, there was less, resistance and there was less crying but it was obviously just as painful. Stacy merely shook her head in pain and cried louder than ever,
"Please! Please! Mummy! Please just make it go away! I want my mommy! Please help me! Please!" She pleaded through gritted teeth.

"Pathetic, isn't it?" The Captain stated, "Such beings were not designed to rule. Only to be ruled. That is what we do and that is what we shall do" he hissed as he ripped the stick out again. Stacy was lying across the table, crying.

The bars began to rattle, not by his strength, but by something else. What had been awakened and released earlier, in the time he couldn't remember, was becoming more prominent with each passing moment of growing rage. It gave it power, not so much to kill thousands, but just enough. His eyes flared evily at the Danaversian, and he spit as he talked through gritted teeth. His anger was unsurpassed at seeing this evil, and he wanted it to stop. Just to stop. All of it. He roared in primal anger, a madman now.

"I'm going to kill you!" He said in a hoarse voice, "I'm going to kill all of you!"

Stacy's cries had only gave him more anger, more power, and slowly the bars began to part. He roared in defiance, the bars breaking slowly, creaking. He stood, his only objective to kill, his only mission to make them pay. A sound of vibration resounded around him and the Danaversians, his anger was rising, and the gift that Melkos unlocked in him was only now becoming apparent. Whatever was done was giving him the strength to do the unimaginable. His expression told it all, he wanted to kill the Danaversian causing Stacy harm. His eyes locked on him.

"I'm going to rip out your eyes," he said in a psychotic fashion, "and I'm going to rip off your legs, and I'm going to beat the living SHIT out of you!"

The Danaversian simply laughed and indicated to his Comrades,
"Throw this creature back in her cell and make sure that one does not get out" He pointed to Samuel, "I think I have made my point"
Stacy was unstrapped from the table and supported to the cell door but before it was opened a simple statement was made,
"You will move to the other wall of the cell. If you attempt to move while the cell door is opened, we shall shoot her. Do you understand?" he grunt the whole thing while Stacy's head simply rolled on her shoulders and her eyes were half-closed.

Samuel looked like someone gone over the edge, breathing heavily as he pulled on the bars, trying to rip them. He banged his hand against the bars, bending them further, his fists going bloody at the attempts. He wanted to kill the bastard, wanted him dead, nothing was going to stop him. The vibrations increased, especially when the Danaversian laughed, but slowly, as Samuel saw Stacy and how weak she was, something snapped.

His eyes went wide and he gasped, his love was hurt. Was she dead, was she gone? Did he loose her? She must be dead, that was the only conclusion. His mind was in a primal state, and he looked at the Danaversian who had the pain sticks, and despite the pain from his hands, he gripped the weakest bar, and started to pull.

The bar creaked, groaned, bended. He pulled again, using all his might, and tapping into something deeper. The bottom half broke, the top about to break. His eyes shut tight with the effort.

"I'm going to kill you!" He repeated, "You killed her!"

A dozen Marines took up position around the cell and raised their weapons ready to fire on the enraged Samuel. Then Stacy coughed,
"Don't" She whispered, her every word filled with pain, "Please." She struggling and her teeth were gritted hard, clenching down on each other, seemingly ready to shatter.
There was just one Marine holding her limp body now, her long hair was still bright as diamond even in the darkness and her slim figure was easily supported by another Marine who was staring grimly at the scene in front of him. His mission was to kill her if he even attempted to break out and that was what he was going to do. Even if the sight of one so young moved him slightly. Only slighty.

Then something else happened, he saw her speak, he even heard her. He finally took in the situation around him, how hopeless it was, and finally, ever so slightly, let go. He stumbled back, his face in shock, and he hit the wall, slumping. His face went in-between his knees. He breathed heavily, trying to regain the sanity that had left him moments earlier. He was too shocked to cry, too angry to say anything. He just sat there, looking down, unable to move.

Though his mind still remembered those precious moments, it was the sight of Stacy's beauty that had brought him back. Her words, telling him to stop. He had to, she had said to. He would listen, so long as she was alive, so long as he could hold her again. He loved her, he didn't want to loose her.

He held his head now, unable to do anything but rock back and forth. He had been broken, a shadow of the man he once was. Nothing in his life had ever done this to him. What had happened to him?

The Danaversians untensed slightly and the Captain released a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He watched as the cell door was carefully opened and the Alversian Captain lowered to the ground. He only truly relaxed when the door was slammed shut again and the damaged bar replaced by a spare nearby. When he was satisfied he nodded,
"I will see you again" he said then turned and left with his Marines, leaving them alone.

Stacy was still lying limp on the ground, there was movement from her shoulders but she was too weak to even crawl. Her eyes were red from the crying and her hair spread out behind her. She tried again to crawl to Samuel and instead fell to the ground again.

Her every breath stung, every thought seemed to spark pain from somewhere, she felt like she would never be without pain again. She almost wished she was dead. The only thing that kept her was the thought of Samuel, how far he had been willing to go to help her, to save her. She had to stay. She loved him and she wasn't about to leave him now.

When she was lowered, and the door shut, and the Danaversian Captain left, Samuel went to Stacy, seeing her try to go to him. He held her, helped her to him, and Samuel leaned against the wall, sitting there as he placed Stacy in his lap and...just held her. He started to cry then, thousands of memories flooding his mind, thousands of ways he could have seen her die. He didn't want her to die, he didn't want her to go. He held her head to him, kissed her forehead like he always seemed to do, and willed himself to give all his strength to her. He knew it wouldn't work, that he couldn't heal her.

But a funny thing happened. His will had been answered. Somehow, he felt himself weaken, and his strength...he could swear it...was flowing over to her. He could feel her pain, somehow. He could tell what was wrong. And as he rocked back and forth with her, he willed himself to make her pain stop, make her better, make her alive again. He spoke softly through the heavy sobs of tears.

"Please," he sobbed, "Don't leave me. I don't want you to die."

He sounded like a child to his mother, begging her not to go. He kissed her forehead again, rubbing her hair, trying not to cry on her too much. He felt himself weaken further, but he didn't care. She was the one that mattered, not him. How he was doing it didn't matter either. All he wanted was her love, and somehow he knew he had it. And he returned it, kissing her forehead again.

"I'll do anything for you," he said through tears. "I promise I'll make it all better, somehow."

Stacy felt herself cradled in his arms and she just stayed there. It hurt too much to talk, it hurt too much to look up into the eyes of the one she loved so much that it hurt more than the torture she had just endured for a member of her Crew. Her breath was ragged, uneven and sharp. She really did feel like she was going to die.

Then she felt strength. She didn't know what it was but it was giving her life, preventing her from falling even further from her lover. She could feel him kiss her forehead and it filled her with a will. A will that no matter how bad it got, she would not abandon him. Not now, not for eternity. Her lungs seemed to have taken the strength and she could breath again. She knew it was from Samuel, she knew her Lover was helping her.

She glanced up into his eyes. The eyes she had fallen for as soon as she had first seen them. She ignored the pain and managed a weak smile, showing her perfect teeth,
"I...I'm not g-g-going anywhere, Silly" She stuttered then she let her gaze fall back to the floor where it was most comfortable. She lacked the strength to say any more.

He smiled, he felt happy, he felt joy! She was feeling better, he could feel it. She could breathe better, she could almost talk. He saw her look up at him, she was still weak, but she assured Samuel in a shuddering tone that she would stay here. He felt overjoyed! Then he saw her teeth, impossible! He almost wondered how the hell she could do that. He needed to know her dental secrets for him-

He shook away the thought, and finally regained enough composure to look around. The bar had been replaced, and the guards were still there. How did one get past these people? How could he escape? He groaned in defeat, sitting in this cell for the rest of his known life wasn't going to help. Eventually someone would find him, someone had to. Who would rescue him and his love? Who would come for them?

"I just wish someone knew where we was," he said in defeat. "I want so badly out of here."

"Do not worry"
The strained answer came from the neighbouring cell in which Nexus had managed to regain most of her senses and was now sitting by the table. Her expression still suggested pain but she looked calmer, more under control, more like an Alumina,
"If there is one thing I have learned of the Alversians, Colonel, it is that they never abandon one of their own" She grunted slightly, "My people on the other hand, would have no difficulty in doing so." She sighed, "Do you know how many Marines are in this Brig?" She asked.

Samuel was shocked to see Nexus still a live, even more shocked to see that there wasn't any marines guarding them. He shuddered, and then looked in disbelief again. He took off his civilian jacked and shirt, his fine-tuned muscles showing as he placed them on the table that he righted. He gently picked up Stacy, and used his clothes as a make-shift bed for her, laying her down and kissing her forehead again. Then, he went to the cell, and looked both ways.

"There is no one here," he couldn't believe it. "Holy hell." He looked to Nexus, "Whats the plan?"

He was whispering, softly.

Stacy grunted as she was lowered onto the table and when she was placed down, she fell instantly asleep. Her body badly need to recharge after the battering it had taken and while her breathing was still uneven, there was longer a hoarse rattling to it. She was now merely sleeping.

Nexus sighed again
"Contrary to appearance, Colonel" She had decided it safer to talk this way than risk a Danaversian bug intercepting their little plan, "I am not strong enough to walk to the edge of my cell and neither is the Captain. Unless you are willing to leave one of us behind, I suggest we wait until we can recover our strength" She said this logically although she knew that if anyone was left behind it would be her, not the young Captain.

Samuel nodded, resigning himself to the fact at hand. He sighed, looking to Stacy, and smiled. Although hoarse, she was sleeping. He looked for a spot on the ground, instead choosing to lean against the wall near the table. He placed himself between the cell door and himself, closing his eyes. Training kicked in, and he went to sleep instantly, only to wake when something came in or made him wake.

Fine then, he thought back before sleeping, But your coming with us, whether you like it or not.

It was morning, or near enough morning, before they were disturbed and it was by a Marine slapping through the Brig with a bucket of what looked like slop. He threw a bucket down just in front of each cell,
"Breakfast. Captain sends his regards" He sneered before he walked off back through the thick brig door that slammed shut in his wake. The sound of a dozen bolts sliding into place could be heard before silence came back over the Brig, save for the dripping of the water onto the floor.
Stacy woke with a start and, despite the jacket and shirt of Samuel's and her own t-shirt, she shivered in the cold cell. The intense pain of the previous day had receded slightly but each shiver brought fresh pain along her body and each cough felt like her lungs were on fire.

Samuel woke slowly, stretching as he stood. He had nothing on from the belt up, and his muscles were showing, including how well-kept his body was. He stood, stretched again, his arms first then his neck, and looked at the slop. He wasn't about to eat that. He looked to Stacy, smiling as he saw her. Samuel wasn't cold at all, either for some damned reason or just the fact he was a Marine. Either way, he grinned.

"Good morning," he came over to sit beside her on the table. "Why you shivering?"

Stacy tried to turn over but the pain made her groan and she quickly reverted back to her original position. She was still shivering but delicately. Everything Stacy seemed to do was delicate. She still couldn't roll her eyes and she still felt like she had been hit by a freight train at full speed.

"I...I..." She forced the words out, overjoyed to hear her Lover's voice and badly wanting to reply to him, "...I'm cold" She finally managed to say, even though her throat burned from the effort.

"Well let me warm you up."

Samuel took her into his arms and hugged her gently, placing her cold form against his surprisingly warm body. He willed himself to share the warmth, like he willed to share his strength. He did feel himself get colder with each passing minute, but he didn't mind. He simply smiled, enjoying holding her. He felt her pain again, and that made him grimace. But he didn't say anything, not spoken anyway, after telling her initially.

He looked over to Nexus, Wake up kitty-cat. He laughed in his thoughts, Samuel seemed to have changed since last night. Can't cat-nap all day.

He would have groaned in an earlier time at the puns, but he felt he could use them. After all, he seemed to be the only one that could bend bars. That made him feel good.

Stacy felt herself being hugged and she enjoyed being close to Samuel again. She let him hold her and felt warmth flood from his body into hers. She had had a dreamless sleep. Even dreaming felt painful and that was never good. She knew she was a Danaversian ship heading into Danaversian space where, at the end of their journey, Samuel would be sent to a mining planet and she would be sold as a slave to a wealthy lord. That was how it worked. She wasn't afraid though. With Samuel's muscular arms around her, she felt as if she could defeat the whole Danaversian Navy and her torture felt like it had been a distant, bad dream.

Nexus rolled over from her own slumber and gave a groan,
"Usually we see the term 'Cat' as a derogatory statement" She replied to Samuel with her thought as she tried to stretch, "But I shall overlook it on this occasion on the assurance it will not be used again" The rebuke had been firm but light. A mere reminder more than a telling off. She glanced at Stacy
"How is the Captain?" She asked aloud.

Samuel had dreamed too, but something much darker. A look into the future maybe, of death, of destruction, of war. He had seen something, had felt the tendrils of time consume him, and force him to look at the outcome of his decisions. He had cried for mercy in the dream, felt like he was in everlasting pain. But the dream had assured him that Stacy and Nexus would live, they would survive, and no matter how much pain they went through, they would be happy.

The dream had also told Samuel that he was destined for something far greater, far grander, than this. Words spoke to him, someone else, or something else. The words told him he was going to die. Whether physically or just mentally, he didn't know. But right now those thoughts were far from him.

Samuel laughed softly at Nexus gentle rebuke, He shook his head and rubed through Stacy's hair.

"She's fine," he said so Nexus could hear. He looked at Nexus, "You two will get out of her, I know it."

His voice spoke as if he knew it were true, and he rubbed Stacy's shoulders to get her warmer. He sighed happily, he was enjoying this moment. He looked back at Nexus.

So kitty-cat is bad, gotcha. He chuckled again as he thought to her, Whats the plan after your...nap?

Stacy felt her pain ease away and she was enjoying having Samuel's hand stroking through her smooth, shiny hair. She had always been proud of her hair, it was one of her redeeming features.
She snuggled closer to Samuel, wrapping herself in a ball to stay as close to him as possible, noticing with delight it was the most she had moved since her torture. She closed her eyes and let him stroke and rub away.

Nexus sighed and rolled her eyes but did not rebuke him again. Instead she frowned at his activity,
"What are you doing?" She asked curiously, watching him rub Stacy's shoulders, "What is it's purpose?"
"I am unsure yet what to do. I shall have to meditate to clear my thoughts and so come up with a solution"

"Its what two people do when they love each other," he said simply. "They keep each other warm."

Samuel noticed she was edging as close as she could towards him. He accepted it without rebuke, and held her as close as she wanted. Surprising that the civilian clothes didn't keep her warm. He kept stroking her hair softly, occasionally her shoulders, but nothing suggesting in his movements. His thoughts purely on her well-being. He looked back towards Nexus.

I suggest you do it quickly, he thought. We don't have much time as it is.

"I cannot be rushed and you must have patience" She replied as she crossed her legs and settled down on the floor, allowing her hands to rest on her knees and her eyes closed. She was as good as dead to the world.

Stacy stayed in her position until she felt her stomach rumble and she looked up at her Lover with wide eyes,
"I'm hungry" She managed to say without stuttering or gasping. She said it gently, like a child asking for her bottle. She was still in a ball around Samuel, the coldest part of her body were those exposed. The strip of skin below her shirt as well as her arms and legs.

Yea well I can hurry you, he said with a huff then when silent.

He looked down at Stacy as she presented herself as quite childish. He cocked an eyebrow and looked around, then back at her. He shrugged his shoulders helplessly. What was he supposed to do, give her a bottle? He sure as hell wasn't going to cook himself for her to eat. He didn't care how much he loved her, he wasn't going to sacrifice himself for anything.

Then he remembered the slop, and sighed. Damn, life was cruel. He stood up and went to the bars of the cell, grabbing the bucket as it slid into his hands. He didn't know how he did that, just somehow the bucket came to him. He looked himself over once again. Nothing had changed, how the hell did he do that?!

He groaned, looking down in the bucket, walking back to Stacy and setting it down. He looked at her like a Sergeant in the Marine Core.

"This is all you and anyone else gets," he stated. "Sorry, not a five-class hotel here."

She managed to sit up and stare down into the bucket. She went slightly green for a second before she shook her head,
"If needs must" She sighed, she eaten in over a day and even slop was preferable to going hungry. She lifted the bucket to her lips and took a sip. She screwed her face up as the liquid hit her mouth and she forced herself to swallow it, sticking her tongue as she did so.
"Delicious," She giggled, "Now you" She offered the bucket to him.

Samuel shrugged, "As you wish."

He took the bucket to his lips, and gulped. And gulped, and gulped, and gulped. It sounded inhumane. He was actually drinking the stuff. He stopped halfway down the bucket, setting it down and whipping his lips. He held back a burp, no expression whatsoever of how it tasted.

"Actually thats better than the slop in training," he laughed then. Patting his exposed belly. "I haven't eaten in three days."

He looked back at Stacy and smiled, no hint of the slop in his smile. His teeth looked alright, almost as if he missed brushing them a few times, but not so much that they looked disgusting. He then sat beside her, and motioned towards the bucket. "If you don't want it, I'll eat it."

She smiled and shook her head,
"Eat away," She pushed the bucket toward him while she fell onto her back on the table and stared upwards at the dark, wet roof. She sighed, then glanced up again and saw him smile. The smile that had so enchanted her. The smile that continued to do so, even at this very moment.
"Do you think..." She tried to ask before the ship gave a violent shudder, a great ripping and jarring noise rang throughout the Brig, like metal being torn from metal,
Stacy forgot her delight and clung to Samuel again. He was her support and she needed him now. For it sounded very much like they were under attack.

Samuel gazed down at Stacy as she laid back. He chuckled softly, wanting very much to join her, but shaking his mind from everything else. He took the bucket and set it down, sitting down beside her legs, and then listening as she began to speak. He started to smile, then the ship shuddered as if under assault, and Stacy instantly clung to him. He held her firmly, looking around to make sure the ship wasn't falling a part. He grumbled, holding his love.

"What the hell is going on..."

He looked over to Nexus, still meditating.

The ship shuddered violently again, this time the echo of an explosion could not be mistaken. It shuddered again and and again as if under repeated from something. Consoles along the far wall of the brig exploded in flashes of sparks and flames. The heat was intense and Stacy clung even harder to Samuel, holding on to her lover and waiting for the inevitable strike that blow one of the cells out and send them to their deaths. The smoke from the flames was constricting her lungs, brining back the pain she had suffered earlier and she coughed violently.

Nexus was smiling in her meditation stance. Her eyes were gently sealed and she looked like she was smiling at a dream. In a few seconds, they all knew why she was smiling. A bright light engulfed them all and they vanished from the brig.

The next thing Stacy knew they were on the dimly lit bridge of another vessel and Stacy recognised it instantly. She breathed a sigh of relief as she spotted the unfriendly gaze of a tall Alumina. The Alumina bridge was organised differently to an Alversian bridge. There were two tiers on this vessel's bridge, the first held a half dozen consoles arranged in a half circle, each of which was a manned by a rapidly typing Alumina. The second tier was occupied only by two chairs, one of which had a tall, intimidating Captain sat and stared at the three with an intense dislike. The viewscreen was showing a badly damaged Barracuda that seemed to be falling apart with fire being thrown from every section of her hull.

Nexus stood and gave a low bow to the Captain of the vessel, a strong and powerful male,
"Beksaamma Debpeek" She stated in Alumina, "Saeks yat"

The Male shook his head,
"Yat Eta Rudsy Wa Wama Derah Lama, Ema saana saa Ika’n wa wama Nakp Gim?" He was looking at Samuel and Stacy now, "Laep ema Saay ketah?"

Nexus looked back to Samuel and Stacy,
"He says we are lucky his ship was in the same area to intercept this vessel. He want to know your names."

Telepathically, the two were exchanging a fearsome amount of information with regards to the Danaversian warship, results of the raid, ship status, crew casualties, and a lot more intelligence.

Everything happened so fast, even Samuel couldn't notice. One moment his lungs hurt because of smoke, the ship shuddering under attack. Then the next he was engulfed by transporter, he knew what it felt like. Stacy was clinging to him for dear life, and in that moment he felt everything about her, and around him. Whatever engulfed his soul to give her strength and warmth reached out and touched everything as he rematerialized on the Alumina bridge. He noticed many different Cat-People, even before the beaming over finished.

His entire spectrum of reality shifted back to normal, and whatever had reached out had obviously liked what it sensed. He felt normal again, and he patted Stacy on the shoulders and stood at attention. Even though he had nothing on from the waist up, he still presented himself as a formidable and respectable Marine. He urged Stacy to do the same, helping her gain her own footing and whatnot before looking at Nexus.

The exchange of information in a different language was interesting. Samuel knew Draconic, and this wasn't that. Obviously something Federation scientists haven't explored yet. When Nexus spoke the Captains question, for Samuel had instantly recognized who was in command, he stood straighter at attention and looked directly into the Alumina Captains eyes.

"Colonel Samuel Vong of the Galactic Federation Colonial Marines." He nodded slightly, just slightly, just to acknowledge the authority.

Stacy tried to stand but found that her strength had deserted her and so she merely sat on the floor and looked up,
"Captain Smith, APS Castiron, Alversian People's Navy" She gave as much of a bow as was possible without causing herself pain, "Thank you for rescueing us"

"It was not of our own choice" The Captain replied, with cold unfriendly eyes on Samuel, "An Alversian vessel was willing to chase you into Danaversian space and we thought it more logical and effecient to do the job ourselves. So we have. We shall need to withdraw quickly."

Stacy was surprised and at the same time, not surprised by the statement. Almost all Alumina were fluent in at least two languages and his exchange with Nexus may have just been something that he did not wish to reveal to them.

"What injuries have you sustained?" he asked all three of them, looking from one to the other,

"E et geka, saa Debpeek len cak pimpumah axpaknejary" Nexus replied, obvously feeling more comfortable speaking in her own language.

Samuel looked to Stacy, seeing that she couldn't hold her own self up. After she had spoken who she was and made her statement of thanks, Samuel disobeyed standard procedure and leaned down, holding onto Stacy, and helping her stand by reaching a strong arm around and keeping her up. He wasn't about to leave her, or make a show of accepting standard procedure over her. Those felt like the past, somehow. She felt like his future.

It was about this time that he turned his head to gaze into the cold, unstaring eyes of the Alumina Captain. His gaze seemed trained on Samuel, and the Colonial Marine was more than happy to return an emotionless, thoughtless expression. He stared at the Captain for a few moments, returning whatever reason that made the Captain look at him, and looked at Stacy, making sure she was okay. He had to support her now, and he wasn't going to leave that role.

The funny thing about their language was that he swore he heard it before. As Nexus exchanged once more a conversation, and the Alumina Captain asked how everyone was, something poked at his conscious mind that this language was simpler than someone else's. But he didn't know who. He shrugged it off and kept hold of Stacy as he looked at the Alumina Captain, making sure to give that cold, emotionless stare in return.

"Captain Smith," he held Stacy and motioned to her with his head, "has suffered at the hands of Danaversian pain sticks." He motioned to Nexus, "The respectable Alumina named Nexus has suffered the same, while I have been left mostly unharmed."

For some reason he felt he needed to just report. Thats what he did. Even so, if the Alumina Captain could sense anything, he would tell that Samuel himself had been tortured. Perhaps not physically, but emotionally and mentally. To the breaking point, and beyond. Remnants of his past self would be sensed, if the Captain was powerful enough. And something new, refreshingly new, would be there. If the Captain had sight, he'd see strands of light connected towards points far off, as if some living "force" traveled from Samuel to other people, connecting everything in sight, perhaps even the Alumina and Stacy themselves.

The most surprising revelation would have been when Samuel looked up towards the Alumina Captain for the final time, the "force" spiking unconsciously, perhaps involuntarily, as his emotions rose for the first time. He seemed to look around the Bridge, then back at the Captain. Then he sighed and looked back at Stacy.

"I think were safe now," he said so she could only hear. He obviously didn't understand the full situation, not after everything that had happened. He wasn't about to let his lover fall into the hands of a madman again. "I promise not to leave you," he whispered as he looked to the Captain one last time.

"Permission to use any codded transmitters, Captain." He asked respectfully. "I don't trust the Colonial Marines with this, but I know someone in our Grand Army." He gulped, looking at Stacy, then back at the Captain. "I just need to update them that I'm still living, sir."