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Silver One: Civil War


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Having the information for sector thirteen would help to give them the same advantage that they had experienced in sector fourteen. Especially since the forces there were much stronger than what they had encountered in sector fourteen. William and the others had been certain that they had more than enough to do the job, but it was better to know in advance if that were really so. Shortly after they had left the previous sector Daniel had contacted Williams as well as some other sources to get any updates that were available. Though a good chunk of the fleet in sector one had left the area, they were positive that they were heading for either sector seven or eight.

[I]William was right,[/I] Daniel thought as he reviewed the information in his hand held computer. [I]They did go for sector seven first, instead of sector nine.[/I] He shifted a bit where he was comfortably situated on the sofa in the center of the main room of his quarters. Something that he did not like, having quarters that were in his opinion, excessive. About the only good thing was the level of security it provided. Once those doors were shut he was on his own, leaving him free to go over the rest of the plans for handling sector thirteen as well as to reflect on what Kiva had said.

As much as he wanted to follow Kiva?s advice and only have security personnel who cleared all the checks, it just wasn?t possible, there just weren?t enough people who had been completely cleared. And considering how well she rose in the Imperial ranks without being detected, a complete check was not a guarantee that the person was trustworthy. It was something he had discussed at length with William as well as the representatives. Those who?s backgrounds came up clean were needed in leadership positions, like Alexander Franklin. They were being put to use in command positions and even then that wasn?t enough to cover all the more important sections.

There was another thing to consider as well, William had gathered information that the High Council wasn?t after his life, but rather they were after him to get to William since it was clear that he was the head of the Resistance now that the previous leader had been arrested. Daniel?s name was back on the top of the list of the most wanted individual in the entire Versilan Empire and the bounty was for a live capture only. No, he wasn?t worried about being killed, the rumors floating around that he was wanted dead were just a rumor and nothing more. He was more worried about falling into either Steven's or Jared's hands.

With a sigh he got back up and left his quarters to head back for the bridge. In just a short time they would be arriving at Earth. It had taken them a few days, but everything was in place, the teams to be transported to Kiva?s ship were already standing by and waiting for the word. It would be the first time they would be using the new transport technology developed by Celestia in battle, using the feature that caused the doors to simply appear above the person in question and move down so they did not have to actually walk through the door. It was quicker and would be more effective for a tight transport time since they would have mere seconds to get things done right.

Daniel ignored the security following along as he entered the bridge and took his seat. He took a moment to pull everything up, initiate Amber Alert and then once all sections reported in as ready he finally turned to Spencer.

?[B]All right, you know the drill. Once the demolition teams are transported to the [I]Transcendence [/I]you are to exit from hyperspace on the appointed mark.[/B]?

?[B]Right. All secondary military bases on Earth that are not actively protected by distortion shields according to the recon information have been programmed into the targeting computers for the main disruptors. By the time they realize we are there it will be too late to raise the disruptions shields.[/B]? Chris turned to face Daniel,

?[B]It?s a pity that we can?t do the same for the main city in Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA. It would be much simpler if we didn?t need to send down transports to take the former capitol of those countries.[/B]?

?[B]We?ll be to busy taking care of the space forces in this area for that to matter. What will be important is to keep them away from the transports when they launch.[/B]? Daniel turned back to his terminal, it was almost time to send the teams to Kiva. He waited patiently for the right moment and then when it arrived he gave the word. Moments later he got the acknowledgment from the transport room. The teams had been sent. [I]Now it?s our turn. [/I]

?[B]All right people, look lively, this will be a lot harder than the last sector.[/B]? Then on Daniel?s mark they dropped from hyperspace, and like before they did not give the startled space forces a chance to react as the powerful disruptors on the [I]Liberator[/I] opened fire immediately. Strategically taking out military bases before they even knew they were there. And then switching all of their attention on the Battle Ships in the area once the forces on Earth responded and raised the powerful distortion shields.

They would not fire on other areas and risk harming the slaves, but military targets were fair game. Daniel looked at the numbers, it wasn?t as much as he would have hoped for, but it was enough to make launching the transports possible.

?[B]Take us closer, use the Liberator as a shield for the transports.[/B]? Daniel ordered, even as he watched the fleet moving to intercept them. It was a pity they would not run. There was a lot of ships, but they couldn?t take the punishment that a flag ship could.

?[B]Understood sir.[/B]?

Moments later the[I] Liberator[/I] took the lead, mercilessly pounding on the Battle Ships that were too slow to get out of the way. Daniel watched the progress of the transports sent to first Australia, then the United Kingdom and then finally the one to the USA. He couldn?t help but smile at the thought. It had pained him to be unable to stop the invasion when it happened in the first place and though it was unlikely that they would be able to hold the sector for very long, he would at least be able to offer those who had been enslaved the chance to leave Earth and join the fight.

Then once it was clear that the transports had landed safely he turned his attention back to the battle at hand. It would be messy, but it was a done deal. And as soon as Kiva sent him the signal, he'd launch the assault teams to support her and her intended target. The whole reason why they were even in the sector to begin with.
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[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Kiva had been busy during the trip back to sector 13. In order for her plan to work, she had needed to go through the [I]Transcendence[/I]'s sensor records to find the information she required. Then she had to set the [I]Transcendence[/I]'s systems accordingly, as she was going to pretend it was an older-model messenger ship. She worked out the activity levels in advance, but waited to make the changes.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Daniel sent the three demolition teams over to the [I]Transcendence[/I] before the fleet exited hyperspace. Kiva adjusted the [I]Transcendence[/I]'s systems to match those of the old messenger ship she would be pretending it was, then waited. Arriving with the fleet would have looked suspicious to anyone watching, since the [I]Transcendence[/I] was pretending to be an Imperial vessel, so Kiva waited until she felt enough time had passed, and then the [I]Transcendence[/I] emerged from hyperspace, pretending to be the messenger ship [I]Exorcist[/I]. That ship had belonged to Kuro Talmresec before its destruction by the [I]Transcendence[/I], but Kiva's target was undoubtably in full lockdown, and her encounter with Kuro was highly classified, so it was unlikely anyone at the target would know the ship had been destroyed. And since it had frequently visited sector 13 and the target on its patrol assignment, nobody would question its sudden arrival.[/FONT][/COLOR]


[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]As the [I]Transcendence[/I] entered Mars orbit, a signal sounded to signal an incoming transmission, which Kiva had expected. The Imperial facility on Mars was protected by a class X shield, which was almost impossible to penetrate. However, the facilitiy's sensors, looking out from inside the shield, worked fine, although their range was reduced somewhat. But they'd have seen the [I]Transcendence[/I] coming, just as they'd have seen the battle currently happening. However, the shield also disrupted communications to the extent that a ship had to be in orbit before communication with the facility was possible. Now that the [I]Transcendence[/I] was in Mars orbit, the ship was being contacted by the facility. Kiva accepted the transmission, and a woman she recognized appeared on the other end.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"[I]Exorcist[/I]," the woman said, "what the hell is going- wait, what the- Kiva?" She turned to the side and said, "Take another scan of that ship."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"That won't be necessary, Lesera," Kiva said. "This is indeed the [I]Transcendence[/I]."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Lesera Krales turned back to face Kiva. "Okay, well, now I'm definitely confused. Could you please tell me just what's happening?"[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma][I]Do they not know I fled from the Empire?[/I] Kiva wondered to herself. [I]Maybe I didn't have to sneak in [/I]Aloud, she said, "Well, I assume you've been in security lockdown. When did that start?"[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"When sector 9 broke away from the Empire," Lesera said. "It looked like things were going to get nasty, so Admiral Stevens sent orders for us to enter full lockdown."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma][I]They really don't know. I thought for sure theyd know, but if they've been in full lockdown since before I fled, then they don't. Not that it matters.[/I] "Well," Kiva said aloud, "things have indeed gotten nasty, and sector 9 isn't alone any more. Other sectors have joined sector 9, as has the old Resistance."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"What are they calling themselves now?"[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]The computer link was ready. Kiva sent her program, then said, "They're calling themselves the New Alliance. And as you've probably noticed, they're attacking this sector."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"This facility must be a target. I assume they'll be here soon. Do you agree?"[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Kiva laughed. "You've got the right idea, certainly, but you're missing one key piece of information. I am not here as an Elite Specialist. I am claiming this facility for the New Alliance. Your shields will soon be taken offline, after which a fully armored assult team will enter the facility to take control of it. I wouln advise you notto resist. Oh, and don't think about blowing the place up, either. I think you'll find that your self-destruct system is currently inoperable. Kiva out."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Kiva signaled Daniel to send the assult transport, then called the demolition teams waiting inside the [I]Transcendence[/I]. "Okay, people, I've done my part of the job. Now it's your turn. You'll appear as close to your targets as the shield lets me get you. You've got terrain maps, and you know where your targets are, so proceed to them and take them out. I don't think you'll run into any trouble, but be ready just in case. She opened the first transport door. "Team one, go."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]When the first team was through, Kiva opened another transport door for the second team, and then a third one for the third team. All three teams were outfitted with hostile environment-configured heavy armor, complete suits designed to work in almost any environment, including one without an atmosphere. The assult team would be similarly outfitted, just in case someone desided to depressurize the facility. Kiva was taking no chances. Before long, that facility would belong to the New Alliance.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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Darren was trying to not laugh at the irony of the situation. Here he?d been denied the right to walk around the ship since they left for sector seven and yet shortly before they arrived Stevens authorized a feed to his quarters, giving him access to see what was happening during the battle. And Stevens cryptic message about paying attention since he would learn something didn?t make any sense to him at all. The only thing that made sense as he watched the unnecessary slaughter was that his desire to have nothing to do with any of it was even stronger than before.

[I]What am I suppose to be learning here?[/I] Darren thought as he watched all the readouts from both the [I]Creator[/I] and the [I]Conqueror[/I]. It hadn?t taken long to figure out what the different color tags were for, green for the military, gold for the medical ships and then red for those who were considered the enemy. There were other notations, but he didn?t understand what they stood for. Though considering the types of ships that were active he figured it had to do with whether or not they were combat ships or not.

[I]Why did they resist? It?s obvious that they were outmatched here! What could they possibly hope to gain?[/I] It just made no sense! Sandra had issued a call for them to surrender the moment they had arrived and yet they had attacked instead. Making him wonder just what was going on in their minds. Even if they were split between three planets, with two flag ships and fifty Battle Ships the fifteen that were there didn?t stand a chance in hell. [I]Gods, all those people, they died for nothing. [/I]And if he did what Steven?s wanted, even more were going to die.

Darren watched as the transports landed on the main world and did his best to not cringe at the thought. Just as he knew about Jared from when he was a simple merchant, he also knew who Vallon Drace was as well. Word always got around fast when it came to knowing who to avoid in the military whenever possible. [I]If they really want the representatives alive, they should have sent Jared instead. [/I]He shook his head at the stupidity of whoever decided to put Drace in charge. Though since they were likely to be executed for treason, it didn't really matter in the long run.

Then just when he was beginning to think Stevens had been wrong about him learning something the system flagged something going on at both the world where the plants were grown as well as where Stevens was located. [I]What the hell is that? [/I]Puzzled he watched the data feed and then nearly choked when he realized just what it meant. [I]So that?s what I?m suppose to learn?[/I] Darren looked away, disgusted with what he had just seen and then looked back as if to see if his mind was playing tricks on him.

[I]How can they live with themselves?[/I] He wondered as he finally pulled up the information that Stevens had given him earlier, checking to make sure he had remembered correctly. And then, though he wished otherwise, he began to transfer the data from the battle to his location. Somehow he got the impression that Stevens expected it since one way or the other, now that he knew, he was going to need it. If he was to follow the orders he had been given that is.
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[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]For now Jared was pretty much ignoring most if not all of what was going on. There was nothing left that required his supervision. Though he smiled ever so slightly when he noticed that Darren was obtaining a copy of the battle data, but then he knew what Stevens had assigned him to do. Just as he was certain what Darren's reaction would be. Civilians were surprisingly ignorant as well as unrealistically expecting something different from a society that as the New Alliance was now declaring, were nothing more than enslavers.

Jared was not interested in the so called morality of the situation, he never had been. And most Versilans weren't either. They were hiding behind the shield of slavery when in reality, it was likely that their true motives was to use the corruption of the High Council simply to seize power for themselves. Especially since Stevens and the others had been willing to overlook what had happened so long ago so long as it was no longer happening. No, the cry to end slavery was merely a front for others to attempt to seize control of the Versilan Empire for themselves.

"[B]What the hell? Are you certain of this?[/B]"

Startled Jared turned his attention back to Sandra who according to the data was talking to someone back in sector one. [I]They must have ended the jamming at the border. But what could be so important that someone would interrupt a battle?[/I]

"[B]I see,[/B]" Sandra was saying coldly. "[B]No, that's not necessary, I'll pass the information on to Stevens. Sandra out.[/B]"

"[B]What's going on Sandra?[/B]" Jared asked as soon as she finished. She looked up, clearly furious over what she had just received.

"[B]I'm forwarding it to your location, it would be easier to simply read the report, both of you.[/B]" She indicated Stevens as well.

Jared pulled up the file as soon as it arrived, it didn't take long to read what was in it, but it was certainly a bit surprising. The New Alliance had attacked sector fourteen. The report indicated that they had not only seized the scientists there but had also leveled the place by virtue of razing the research center along with the military outpost and the establishments there. [I]Well now, [/I]Jared thought, [I]that's far more aggressive than I would have expected from them. I wonder how many died when they razed the place?[/I]

A task force had been sent to analyze the damage, but unless they moved the people there elsewhere, it didn't fit what the Resistance had always done. [I]I wonder if this is the influence of the representatives of the different sectors? [/I] It would certainly change the stance of the war if they were ruthlessly slaughtering anyone who got in their way instead of sticking to military targets only like they had done in the past.

"[B]I don't like it.[/B]" Jared finally said when he was done. "[B]And I'm not referring to the attack but rather the fact that they actually razed the place. The Resistance has never used such ruthless tactics.[/B]"

"[B]Oh I don't know about that.[/B]" Stevens spoke up. "[B]The Resistance has never had the firepower to mount such an attack. I suspect that we are merely seeing their true colors now that they have the backing of the sectors that have broken off.[/B]"

Sandra shook her head. "[B]No I agree with Jared, if the information we obtained about former Commander Daniel Landers being put in charge of the military for the New Alliance is accurate, there's no way in hell that he'd approve such a tactic. Unless the people were evacuated first, then he might do it.[/B]"

"[B]It will be interesting to see what the task force finds out when they examine the remains.[/B]" Jared closed the file before looking up at Sandra and Stevens. "[B]I will be greatly surprised if they actually did kill those who were there, Sandra is right, Daniel would never agree to outright slaughter like that.[/B]"

"[B]Are you sure about that?[/B]" Stevens asked.

"[B]Very,[/B]" Jared confirmed. "[B]I was in charge of his interrogation when he was first discovered to be a traitor. Daniel is honorable in the same sense that Darren is too honest for his own good.[/B]"

Stevens sighed, "[B]Then that leaves us with only one problem then, and that's where they went after they finished in sector fourteen.[/B]"

"[B]You'd better hope they didn't head over to sector thirteen, if the data is accurate, the forces there aren't enough to stop them and with the knowledge that Kiva has, it would be a simple matter for the Liberator to seize the facility there.[/B]" Jared pointed out.

"[B]I know,[/B]" Stevens said darkly. "[B]I've already requested that some reconnaissance teams be sent to the border to gather what information they can, unfortunately, the closest one is several days away. Anyway, for now there is nothing we can do about it since my attempt to contact the fleet there has not been answered yet.[/B]"

Jared just looked at Stevens and Sandra, he didn't need to voice what both of them had to be thinking. If they really had gone to sector thirteen, it would present a problem if the New Alliance got their hands on the top research facility there. It was one thing for them to have the experimental ship the [I]Transcendence[/I], but to get their hands on the rest? Jared shrugged it off, even if they did, being able to fully utilize it would take time. [I]We'll just have to make sure they don't get the chance to actually use the information. [/I] He turned back to finalizing the rest of the take over that he was responsible for. [/SIZE][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=darkslateblue]The assault shuttle had arrived, and the team was ready. The first two shield generators were down, and the third would be taken out shortly. Once the shield was down, Kiva would use transportation doors to retrieve the demolition teams as the assault team made its landing. Kiva would join them eventually, but first she had to make sure nobody tried to escape. Normally this wouldn't be a concern, as the base was equipped only with standard shuttles, which were incapable of entering hyperspace and thus couldn't run very far. Catching them would be easy, and it was likely that nobody would try to use them, anyways.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]In this case, however, it was probable that the facility had at least one hyper-capable vessel. Kiva was hoping nobody would think of using it, because she didn't want to destroy it, which she'd be forced to do if it launched. She was hoping the people down there were smart enough to realize this. As a precaution, the assault team would make its landing where the ship would be, but if anyone tried to launch it before then, Kiva would have no choice but to open fire. She'd try to disable it, but she knew she would likely end up having to destroy it. She just hoped it wouldn't be necessary to do so.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]"This is Squad Leader."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Go ahead," Kiva said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"We've secured the landing site. The vessel is present and unoccupied. I've detached some men to secure it. The rest of us are spreading throughout the facility. So far, there's been little resistance from the people here. Most have surrendered immediately. A few have opened fire, but they've all been neutralized quickly."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Excellent. Contact me again upon completion. Kiva out."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva then sent a transmission to Daniel. "Kiva," Daniel said, "what's your status?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Everything's going as planned," Kiva said. "The assault team is in the facility and is proceeding without problems. The presence of the [I]Catalyst[/I] has been confirmed, although its status is currently unknown, since nobody on the assault team knows much about the specifications of the messenger ships. I'll inspect the [I]Catalyst[/I] myself. I plan to head down there as soon as the facility has been secured. How are things on your end?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"As messy as we expected, but it's basically a done deal. We'll have control of the sector before long. You just focus on your end. After all, it is the reason we're here to begin with. We don't want anything to mess this up."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Don't worry about it," Kiva said. "Everything is going as planned. I'll contact you once I've inspected the [I]Catalyst[/I]. Kiva out."[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]The [I]Catalyst[/I] had been Kiva's messenger ship when she was first made an Elite Specialist. While in sector 13 to assist in the invasion of Earth, Kiva had been assigned to go to the facility on Mars, where she took command of the [I]Transcendence[/I], the prototype for a new model of messenger ship. The Catalyst, however, had been left at the facility, and as Kiva had expected, it was still there.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva was on the bridge of the [I]Catalyst[/I]. It had been one of the old messenger ships, but then Kiva left it at the facility on mars, and as she'd expected, the people at the facility had made use of it. Based on Kiva's evaluation and performance data of the [I]Transcendence[/I], some changes had been made before the new model was finalized. When it was, the facility began modifying the [I]Catalyst[/I], upgrading it to the new model. And it seemed as though that process had been completed. The upgraded [I]Catalyst[/I] was ready for use.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Upon completing her inspection of the [I]Catalyst[/I], Kiva again contacted Daniel. "Operation complete," she said. "The facility is under our control. All of its personell are in custody. Most surrendered, and the rest were stunned. Since there's no actual brig here, they've been locked up in an empty storage room; this facility design can hold a lot more stuff than they apparently needed here."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]""Well done," Daniel said. "And the [I]Catalyst[/I]?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Online and upgraded. There've beem some modifications to the design based on operational data from the [I]Transcendence[/I] and my own feedback. The design has been finalized, and the [I]Catalyst[/I] has been upgraded to the new model. Information in the facility's computers indicates that the Empire planned to cycle[/COLOR][COLOR=darkslateblue] the old messenger ships through the facility for upgrading, but I don't think that's been started yet. If it has, we can expect a Specialist to arrive within a couple days, but I'd bet against it. Even so, it's a good idea to be ready."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I agree," Daniel said. "We don't want them taking us by surprise here after we went through the effort to capture the facility in the first place."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Indeed. I recommend the instalation of fixed defenses as soon as possible; this facility's primary defense was secrecy, but the Empire knows exactly where it is. I realize we don't exactly have resources to waste, but the importance of this facility should make it a top priority, and the Empire's bound to try to retake it."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yes, and they'll want the [I]Transcendence[/I] back now more than ever. Actually, they'll probably want the [I]Catalyst[/I] more, since it's the finalized design and an improvement over the [I]Transcendence[/I], even if it's just a slight improvement. We'll need to be sure to give it to someone we know we can trust."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yeah. Actually, I'd like to take command of the [I]Catalyst[/I] myself. After all, I am someone whose loyalty you're absolutely certain of. Plus, with the assignments you've been giving me, I think I need the absolute best ship I can get."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I was actually thinking the same thing," Daniel said. "All right, then. Transfer yourself to the [I]Catalyst[/I]. I assume you'll want to copy the [I]Transcendence[/I]'s database."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Yeah, but it won't take long. I'll get that done right away. The assault team and I will remain here until further notice, so tell me as soon as you have something new for me to do. Kiva out."[/COLOR]
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The transports dropped in the city as the second force was moving in. The mission was clear, move in and supply support, then hold the zones we have taken control of. Marc was moved from his unit and placed as a team leader in a fireteam. There were about ten of them, all of which were highly trained. Marc wondered why they would place him as leader when any of these soldiers could do as good if not better.

One of the ships broke off from the convoy and that was a sign that they were coming up on their target. Marc stood up and looked at his team, all men except one. She seemed too young for being with this lot and then he noticed why. Silver eyes peered at him from under her helmet. For all he knew she was a hundred. He bit his lip and got back on track.
[B]
"Check your weapon and gear, we are landing soon. You know our part in this. We aren't expecting the whole Versilan military but we can't keep our guard down, they might be weakened by our bombardment and assaults but that still leaves a sizable amount of them still in the urban areas." [/B]Marc announced this with an unusual amount of spirit and emphasis. He was excited to be back on earth, he couldn't hide it and he knew that if they took it back he might find his family, maybe even start his life where he left off.

The soldiers saluted him and a smirk grew across his face. But it was quickly wiped off as the transport shook tremendously and then made a jolt that flung him across the cabin.
[B]
"WE HAVE... HIT... ANTI AIR... TRYING... LAND!"[/B] The intercom screeched, it must have been damaged. Suddenly the ship jolted again this time a loud crackle came followed by a deafening rip. The back hatch had been hit and the cabin was left wide open.

They could now see the city below, thy must have flown over a area with a heavy concentration of enemy. Then they saw the heavy trail of smoke trailing the transport. Marc was able to grab hold of a adjacent seat and pull himself up into it and was struggling to strap himself to it.

He finally was strapped in and the ship made a accelerated decline to the ever approaching earth. He closed his eyes and started to take deep breaths the entire time repeating in his head "Stay calm, stay calm, nothing comes from panicking". Then the worst feeling Marc had ever felt came over him. The ship made the biggest jolt yet and started spinning out of control.

[B] "HAVE WE BEEN HIT!?" [/B]Marc head one of the other soldiers shout most likely uncontrollably, but Marc couldn't answer. His vision started to blur and all he could hear was muffles. He had blacked out.

Marc opened his eyes. He was still strapped in. Obviously at an angle. He blinked a couple times and noticed all the soldiers still strapped in around him. Some were mumbling while other stayed eerily still, laying limp. Then he looked at the entrance and saw a figure appear followed by another. He knew their ordeal wasn't over.
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Daniel finished talking to Kiva and then turned back to the ongoing battle, the forces in the area were determined to not give up even though they were outnumbered and things had gotten quite heated. [I]We're going to need to do some repairs when we get done here.[/I] He thought as he looked at the readouts of the damage done to the [I]Liberator[/I]. It wasn't enough to interfere with hyperspace, but they had taken quite a bit of punishment in order to shield the transports.

"[B]Sir! A number of the transports in the US were shot down while attempting to land.[/B]" Spencer spoke up. "[B]Should I send in a task force to retrieve them sir?[/B]"

"[B]Don't break from procedure sub-commander. Taking down the generators for the distortion shields takes priority, any other ships sent into the area would face the same problem with the anti-air craft defenses. Wait until we can simply transport troops directly to the location where they crashed.[/B]" Daniel reminded him even as he gave the go ahead for additional troops to be transported to the former capitol of Australia since the generators to the distortion shields had been destroyed.

"[B]Right sir, its just that with it being in their winter season there...[/B]"

"[B]I know Spencer, believe me I know, I was stationed on Earth when it was initially taken over. But we won't do them any good if those sent to help get shot down as well. Focus on the task at hand.[/B]"

"[B]Sorry sir.[/B]"

Daniel just smiled a bit and turned back to what he was doing, most of the space forces were for all intents and purposes dealt with, now it was just a matter of running down the patrols in the sector. As well as another unpleasant task that he was not looking forward to dealing with. Lesera Krales, the director of the facility on Mars. [I]She won't be happy to see me again.[/I]

"[B]What's the status for the UK?[/B]" Daniel asked.

"[B]The transports landed without incident and they're currently moving to take down the shield generators. There's some jamming going on in the area so at the moment we are unable to contact them.[/B]" Sub-Commander Spencer replied.

"[B]Other than the transports that were shot down, the groups in the US are doing well, they estimate that the remaining shields will be down in approximately twenty minutes.[/B]"

Daniel just nodded, "[B]Good, once the remaining shields are dealt with we will be moving the [I]Liberator[/I] to Mars.[/B]"

"[B]Just what did the Empire have stationed at Mars? Besides something to do with the Messenger Ships that is. I mean it is kind of obvious that there is more to it than that.[/B]" Spencer and quite a few of the bridge crew all turned to look at Daniel, curious as to what had been put in a sector that until recently didn't even belong to the Versilan Empire.

Daniel just smiled. "[B]You'll see soon enough, now back to work everyone![/B]" He couldn't help but chuckle just a little bit. This was one thing that he would have loved to see Steven's expression when he found out. Especially when he learned that they took it intact. Even if they couldn't hold the place for long, they only had to keep it long enough to get the information and process down.

If only he didn't have to deal with Lesera Krales. Still if anything, that alone was bound to create quite a stir once people realized who she really was. And in a way, that would make it worth while. If only for the shock value.

Then before he forgot he pulled up one more bit of information that though personal in nature he wanted to make sure it was looked into, and that was the whereabouts of Sara Sanders, Jason's sister. He had been forced to leave her behind on Earth when he had left for sector one. Last he had heard she was fine, but still if he couldn't do anything to save Jason at the moment, the least he could do was make sure that his sister was alright. [I]I'll need to assign someone to look for her,[/I] he thought. [I]As soon as we get the main sections on Earth dealt with.[/I]
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[FONT="Tahoma"]The mini-fleet of transport ships landed one after another at the set point on the outskirts with the main base in view over the mountain range. Eight ships had landed, three followed behind including Vallon's ship. After a few more minutes, the troops has flooded out and awaited the sub-commander as he met up with the battalion at the foot of the mountain range.

[b]"So, they need me to take out those shield generators do they?"[/b] Vallon rhetorically asked to himself. Pheonia nodded, being able to hear him.

[b]"Yes sir, the order was to do it as discreetly as possible so it would be easier to storm the base."[/b] she added as a reminder. Vallon just smiled as he surveyed the area, placing his hand above his eyes.

[b]"Hm...discreet. I have a better idea."[/b] he answered, taking some more time to calculate something in his head. He turned away with a flip of his coat and walked passed a group of soldiers and stopped infront of two ships parallel to one another. He reached his hand up to his ear and activated his ear piece.

[b]"Coordinates 151.09 for shot one, 560.11 for shot two. Lock on and fire when I say."[/b] he ordered, raising his hand in the air. Pheonia stepped forward slightly as if motioning to protest, but held herself back knowing better than to follow through. The soldiers began forming lines of fifty next to one another, preparing a charging formation. Vallon grinned at how well the soldiers carried themselves, playing off of his motions and the briefing he gave on the way down to the planet.

[b][i]'Fool...he'll give us away...'[/b][/i] Pheonia thought to herself. She knew that she wouldn't be able to stop him, but somehow she had expected Vallon to understand well what he was doing at the same time. Vallon swung his arm downward and let out a bellow at the same time as the the two ships infront of him fired out series of drone like missles engulfed in disruptor energy into the air, they quickly turned into the image of flickering stars quickly descending over the mountain range.

A series of loud explosions came booming through the air, as the shield turned into irrelevant static before completely fading a matter of seconds later. The soldiers charged at Vallon's command over the mountain and with full force intended to break through the first line of defense outside the base gates and blow themselves an entrance.

[b][i]'Both of them hit...amazing, how did he know the right coordinates just by looking over the mountains!? It couldn't have been just a lucky guess...did he mean to do that or did he simply not care where they hit?'[/b][/i] Pheonia thought to herself, trying to figure out further the thought patterns or her superior.

The charge of versilan soldiers indeed met a force of resistance upon becoming visible over the summit of the small mountain range. Projectiles flew in both directions, as well as other members of the new alliance charging forward with bladed weapons in true warrior spirit form. The alliance's first thread of defense was menial at best however, it took all of five minutes to dispatch of with little injury to the versilan side.

Vallon hurried himself to the center of the soldiers and ordered for the breach of the gate. A group of soldiers charged down to the gate and set explosives into place, while others began burning through with long distance beam rifles.

[center]* * * * *[/center]

Disarray had become noticeable within the walls of the base as an alliance commanding officer came running with a platoon of his own troops to witness the situation himself.

[b]"Commander Guillard! The outer gate defenses have been defeated and the shield generators have been severely damaged. We are currently working on back up power and the repairs to the main generators themselves!"[/b] one of the alliance members reported. The tall, dark-skinned commander in charge of the base's defense let out a grunt and admonished the soldier.

[b]"Isn't the purpose of back up power to be effective following the shut down of the main generators? What good is it if we leave the enemy any window of opportunity! Now gather the rest of the unit and..."[/b]

As if on cue, Commander Guillard found himself cut off by the sound of transport technology fading in and out as versilan soldiers appeared within the confines of the base now as well. Alliance members found themselves accosted in mass as they tried to fight back in a scattered fashion. Those who tried to attack the alliance's veteran commander however found it to be a difficult task, as Guillard fended for himself well enough to induce some sort of injury onto his attackers.

[b]"Damn these scum! They've already taken advantage of the shields being down! Create a tripod formation and concentrate forces in the center of the base and the main gate! Protect the control room and at all costs protect [i]them[/i]![/b] Guillard ordered, referring to the three high council traitors Vallon was charged with retrieving.

[center]* * * * *[/center]

Moments after the scurrying of the alliance soldiers, the main gate was fully breached as Vallon lead the forces through as the concentrated numbers fell upon them as another melee in the fray began. Vallon rushed his way toward the center of the military yard, dispatching of any alliance soldier in his way with thrusts of his arm and momentum diverting tactics which he used to hammer people into the ground. He simply kept walking as if they were minor inconveniences as Phenoia followed, barely needing to see much combat herself.

Vallon turned abruptly and grabbed Pheonia by her shin and forced her close to him, causing her to nearly lose her footing. He brought her face close to his so their lips were almost touching, but weren't. [b]"Pheonia, don't dissapoint me."[/b] he said, as he forced her focus now infront of him toward the giant red double doors. Pheonia muffled out a [i]yes sir[/i] before being released. She proceeded to charge forward with her double sided disruptor staff drawn as she elegantly cut through the first soldier that approached her.

[b]"The woman, she's headed for the sanctum quarters!"[/b] one of the higher ups yelled as she drew a good deal of attention to herself. She did the least necessary to incapacitate those who would approach her, only needing to violently tear one person's leg off who came close to taking her down to the ground. She loomed over the alliance member who cried in pain at the unclean tear of his flesh, while blood flowed from it like a dam had broke.

Vallon smirked as he advanced forward toward the alliance commander who was fighting off his troops.

[b]"Tall, dark, and strong. Good thing they didn't send Jared down here or else it would be an orgy instead of a battle. He may have his own ideas about what to do with this guy's face....I however...have something drastically different in mind."[/b] he spoke to himself as he advanced on him.

Vallon took a step forward before being surprise attacked by a long haired member of the resistance. He quickly reacted and side-stepped his leap and wrapped his left arm around his assailant's shoulder and grasped the back of his head in a half-nelson. He took his free hand and broke his captive's jaw with a single swing with his elbow, leaving it disconnected and hanging by nothing but flesh. Vallon dropped him to the floor, maintaining control of his shoulder and promptly jerked it upward by his elbow, dislocating that as well.

The detailed dismantling of his underling caught the eye of Commander Guillard who took a few steps toward Drace. He took notice to the decor of Vallon's attire and gritted his teeth.

[b]You are the commander of this invasion, are you not?[/b] he demanded to know. Vallon wiped the blood from the soldier off on the sleeve of his coat and stepped forward to respond.

[b]"I am. So nice of you to notice..."[/b]

Vallon's answer was brief as he charged forward toward the opposing commander, his first strike was dodged, Guillard tried to swing back but his arm was caught by Vallon's free hand and felt his body spun around using his momentum, soon being stopped by a high roundhouse kick to the head knocking the alliance's commander flat to the ground. Vallon knelt soon after and grabbed his foe by his hair, not giving him any time to breathe or recover. He held him upright on his knees and sharply jabbed his fist into the ribcage, the sound of a crack following.

Vallon looked around and noticed the military yard was practically taken over as soldiers retreated further into the base. Pheonia stood over a guard with her boot lodged into his throat, her staff pointed at him. She forced him to tell her the code to open the door of the sanctum and then simply knocked him unconscious with the steel part of her staff.

He looked back down at the once dominating alliance commander as he had a fighting look on his face, trying to hold back the pain. Vallon simply jabbed him again in the ribs, one shot followed another, and another until cries of pain could be heard.

[b]"Idiot. The empire can't be defeated, not as long as I fight. Now why don't you help me out and tell me where I can find those turncoats you're protecting?"[/b] Vallon demanded. Seconds later his answer came in the form of being spat at. Vallon's eyes widened at the sign of disrespect and disobedience and promptly jabbed his hand into the ribs once more, this time breaking the flesh. He stared into Guillard's eyes intently as he moved his fingers about and grabbed hold of his injured rib, and broke it off with great force.

It didn't take long for a mix of shock and blood loss claimed his life as Vallon shoved him off with his boot and spat back onto his dead body. He looked over at Pheonia who was patiently awaiting his presence. Vallon just re-adjusted himself and walked over as if nothing had happened.

[b]"Sir, according to one of the soldiers they are in fact being held here. I've received the code and will input it at your command."[/b] [/FONT]
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[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]James, the Commander for the Elite Specialists and Task forces was trying to do his best to not sigh. Even though order had been restored and the High Council was back in power, it did not change the fact that many of them still resented that he along with the other Commanders of the military had seized control when news of treachery and treason had been confirmed. James just leaned back a bit in his chair, semi-tuning out the proceedings since most if not all of what they dealt with really didn't concern him. Given a chance, he would have rather skipped all of the meetings he was required to attend.

At first he had thought Stevens was an idiot for continuing to serve on the [I]Conqueror[/I] once he had been promoted to full Council Member status, now, he knew better. And though he understood the need and the requirement that by law he or one of the other four Commanders were required to attend the meetings, he had come to greatly dislike it. James was just glad that they were almost to the closing part of the meeting that would deal with the status of the Civil War. He already knew what was going to be discussed though.

"[B]Are they always this...[/B]" James turned his head slightly towards his aide who was sitting next to him, the usual one being called elsewhere. He smiled at the young man's look of embarrassment upon realizing that he had voiced his thoughts.

"[B]Even worse,[/B]" James replied, just loud enough for him to hear and no one else. Then he turned his attention back to the meeting as the next member spoke up, his voice carrying clearly though the massive chamber.

"[B]As many of you are already aware, the top research facility in sector fourteen along with the settlement and the military outpost has fallen to the New Alliance. We can only assume that all knowledge of the three projects there were seized as well.[/B]"

James just rolled his eyes and interrupted, "[B]There's no assumption about it. Kiva Salqarian was the one responsible for heading the investigation when it was originally discovered that information was being leaked from the facility. Whether or not the New Alliance obtained the information or not is irrelevant. Kiva had access to it as her role as an Elite Specialist.[/B]" James stood up, taking over for a moment, ignoring the irritated look sent his way by the Council member who had been speaking.

"[B]It's obvious that the only reason the New Alliance did not release the information was to avoid compromising Kiva's undercover role as an agent working for the Resistance.[/B]"

"[B]Commander James,[/B]" He started to reply, the irritation in his voice evident.

"[B]Spare me the small talk and get to the point gentlemen. The real issue here is where did the New Alliance's fleet go next? Unless they are complete fools they would have headed to sector thirteen immediately. They already had the information for the research projects in sector fourteen, there was no need to bother with that sector unless you wished to secure it to keep your own forces from being surrounded on all sides.[/B]" He looked at each of them, waiting for what he was saying to truly sink in.

"[B]Their original target was sector thirteen.[/B]" One of the other members finally spoke up as it became clear what he was referring to.

"[B]Exactly,[/B]" James confirmed. "[B]And this brings up another point that I wished to cover, we are at war and the time for secrecy needs to end. In the past depending on what was happening only certain factions dealt with an aspect of our government, we need to end that.[/B]"

"[B]I assume you are referring to full disclosure of all special projects like the one in sector fourteen?[/B]"

James smiled, "[B]Of course, after all, seizing the facility in sector thirteen could tip the balance in their favor if they have the time to implement what they find.[/B]" He looked at each of them. "[B]Haven't you wondered why the New Alliance has not bothered to build more Messenger Ships like the [I]Transcendence?[/I][/B]"

"[B]Because without the process for creating the Perfect Crystals necessary for the operation of the new Messenger Ship, they would be useless. Very well then, I am in agreement, we don't have time for dealing with requests to gain clearance for information of this nature. If anyone objects I suggest you speak now, otherwise I will approve this immediately.[/B]"

James sat back down, smiling inwardly when the rest of them started to argue and bicker a bit among themselves. And in a way it was not surprising, even with a war going on, even with the prospect of being overthrown, they still had the instinct to protect their secret projects. But that same secrecy was going to hurt them if they weren't careful.

An hour later, it was finally settled, though some were still clearly opposed to the change, James just made a note of which ones so he could keep an eye on their activities. Council member or not, he was not going to let one fool interfere with order being restored. Now if only the rest of the war would go smoothly, though he doubted it. At least Stevens was in charge of all fleet movement, even if he annoyed him to no end, James knew he could trust him to do what was best for the Versilan Empire and not his own interests. [/FONT][/COLOR]
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Kerstin was less than thrilled to be in sector eight. Even though they had managed to pass the border without incident, in spite of being in but a simple freighter, she still kept expecting to be stopped and arrested at any time. It wouldn't matter that she was technically considered a civilian. The moment she had done what Fleet Admiral Stevens had requested was the moment she lost some of the protection that came from simply being a civilian.

And though the Resistance had always taken the stance of leaving civilians out of things as much as possible, the sectors that had broken off to join with them to form the New Alliance would most likely have no problems with sticking to standard methods, which meant if she screwed up, there was no telling what would happen.

It was a thought that weighed heavily on her mind as she casually strode through the main capitol of the world in sector eight, carefully attempting to play the role of a paid escort by holding on to the arm of the undercover agent she was suppose to go along with. Walking as if she had no care or thought beyond her current job. It wasn't easy. Kerstin was not use to wearing the high heels or the soft silk that clung to her like a second skin.

Nor was she use to getting stares either. It was horribly uncomfortable to be wearing something that not only was sleeveless but exposed her shoulders, most of her back, and her legs as well with the high slits going up the sides nearly to her waist. And the front of the monstrosity that they dared to call a dress? Never had she been so barely covered.

[I]Be calm,[/I] she thought as they approached the building that would take them below to where the meeting was being held, or rather to the location where they would transport to the real meeting. The agent with her merely ignored her nervousness and talked with her about things of no consequence as they finally entered the complex, showed their ID to the security and then stepped through the transport door taking them to the meeting.

The room itself explained nothing as it was but a mere circular table with others sitting around it, their expressions guarded as everyone took a seat once they had all arrived. As was required she was fitted with ear pieces that would keep her from being able to hear what was said. Not that she wanted to hear anyway. Kerstin just did her best to pretend to cling to the man she was with while carefully taking in what everyone looked like.

There were twelve people total and by the time the meeting was done she had gotten a look at each one of them. It would take her a little time, but she would be able to sketch each and everyone of them. [I]I hope Stevens is happy with this.[/I] She thought as they finally got up and left when the meeting came to a close. As they walked through the transport door and back into the city, all she could think about was getting back to the ship and out of the sector as soon as possible. She did not think to watch or even notice if anyone was following them.
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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Kreid watched on silently as another of the Versilan military bases was demolished, flames ripping through the structure and the building collapsing from a lack of structural integrity. He sighed a little - he wanted this undercover work to be done with - he wasn't sure how much more the Versilan army could take from the Resistance.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"We've done it, Kreid," [/B]said Hirtius, one of the few men who was still with him since the attack on the research facility, [B]"We've almost liberated London. We're so close now, can't you feel it?"[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Couldn't have done it without you, big guy," [/B]said Kreid, feigning ecstasy and clapping his colleague on the shoulder. He laughed along with the man, but he knew that the triumph wouldn't last long.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Come on, we've got to get to the next military base," [/B]said Hirtius, jogging out ahead of Greydon. Kreid began to follow, but then his communication device went off. He hooked it into his ear and answered the call.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Kreid, this is Commander Landers," [/B]came the voice from the other end, [B]"Can you hear me?"[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Loud and clear, sir."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Good. You've done good work so far on those military bases, Kreid. Now I have a special assignment for you - you're to leave the others to handle the rest of the military bases."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Yes, sir?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"You're to join a team I've assigned to find the Resistance safehouses across the USA. You're to find any members of the Resistance and bring them in safely - there could be some high-ranking members in there, so you need to be careful. Do you understand?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Absolutely, sir."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"But there is one more thing which I need you to see to personally. Do not divulge any information of this to any other members of the team. I need you to find the sister of Jason Sanders, a certain Sara Sanders, and give her special priority. She should be in one of the safehouses, but we don't know precisely which one. We need you to scour each of them to find her and bring her back to the flagship as soon as you find her. Is that clear?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Crystal, sir."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Good man. You'll need to rendez-vous with the US team at the coast - there should be some transports close to get you there. Good luck, Kreid."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Thank you, sir," [/B]replied Kreid, switching his communications device off and heading towards the transports.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]---[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]It was only a few hours later that Kreid touched down in the USA - the transport ships were a lot faster than the old styles of conventional travel. Kreid jumped out of the transport ship and his feet landed on crunchy ice. He lifted his rifle and ran towards a large warehouse a few hundred metres away - the first of the safehouses. He was the first in, knocking the door down with a swift kick and running inside, flicking the torch on his rifle on and shining the beam into the thick darkness ahead.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Hello?" [/B]he called out, trying to find anyone within the building, [B]"We're Resistance - we're here to help you."[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Resistance?" [/B]came a reply, reverberating around the large, empty room, [B]"Are you sure?"[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"We're here to help," [/B]said Kreid, shining his torch towards the voice, and it found a young, frightened-looking man, his brown hair tousled, his sunken cheeks pale and his eyes bloodshot, standing at the top of a flight of stairs.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Thank god you're here," [/B]he said, [B]"There's dozens of us upstairs - we've been here for weeks, trying to avoid the Versilans."[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Don't worry - we're here to help. Can you tell me where the highest-ranking official is?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"I'll take you to him. His name's Delano - he'll be so pleased you're here."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]The panicked-looking man seemed to relax a little, and began to run through the network of corridors that formed the upstairs of the warehouse, with Kreid following behind him. Eventually they got to an office-like space, which presumably used to belong to the owner of the warehouse, where there was an old man with silver hair and a soft, kind-looking face.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Sir, this is a soldier of the Resistance. He says he's here to help us."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Ah!" [/B]said the old man, delight showing in his eyes, [B]"Thank the lord you're here! Leave us, Benjamin." [/B]The younger man rushed out of the room, probably to tell everyone that their salvation was here.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Mr Delano, sir, we're here to evacuate you all. But I need to ask you something first."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Anything, dear boy, anything at all, just ask."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"I need to know if you know the whereabouts of Sara Sanders. She should be in one of the safehouses on this continent, but we don't know which one. Do you know where she is?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"My dear boy...didn't you know? Sara Sanders has been shipped off-world."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Off-world?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"Yes. She's one of the most wanted people in the galaxy - the Versilans would burn this planet to the ground if they thought it would lead to the capture of Sara Sanders. We thought it safer all round if no-one knew the whereabouts of her. The galaxy is a lot safer this way."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"She's not even on Earth?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm sorry that your work here has been misled, but your objective is not here."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"In that case..." [/B]said Kreid, pulling a phial of a strange, translucent-purple fluid from a container strapped to his leg, [B]"This should be enough for my superiors."[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"What are you doing? Daniel Landers must have sent you, am I correct? So he is your superior?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"That's what they believe. I work for a higher power than Daniel Landers, or even the New Alliance itself."[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]"You're one of them! A Versilan! How did they infiltrate you into the Alliance?"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"I work for no-one but the High Council themselves," [/B]replied Kreid, filling an injector gun with the purple liquid.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"You're...you're an operative..." [/B]said the old man, gasping for air through panic, [B]"They've sent an operative in..."[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"That's right. And I've seen enough Versilan work destroyed today - I'm doing this for the grand Versilan Army." [/B]He finished filling the gun and grabbed the old man by the scruff of the neck, jabbing the needle into the soft flesh of his neck, [B]"Don't worry. You are but the first of many Alliance casualties today."[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]The old man looked into Kreid's eyes with pure fear across his face, and began to choke on his own breath. He began to spasm, and Kreid dropped him to the floor, where his arms and legs flailed, slapping against the concrete floor. He foamed at the mouth, and then he fell still. Kreid waited a few seconds before walking over to him and wiping the foam from the corners of his mouth.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"What's happened?" [/B]came a voice from the doorway. Kreid whirled around and saw Benjamin standing there, shocked.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"He...he got so excited about getting off-world," [/B]said Kreid, injecting his words with sadness and shock, [B]"Then he...he collapsed. I tried to resuscitate him, but I couldn't. His old heart was too weak. I'm so sorry."[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Delano?" [/B]gasped the man, kneeling next to his superior, [B]"Delano?!"[/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]"Benjamin, come on," [/B]said Kreid, hauling the man to his feet, [B]"There's no time right now. You can mourn when we get off-world. Right now we need to get everyone out of here, ok?" [/B]The young man nodded. Kreid led him out of the office and down to where the other fugitives were staying, and he could barely keep a smile from crossing his face...[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Jared was watching the progress of the troops taking over the base where the three representatives were when the head piece he was wearing gave off a tiny chime indicating he had an incoming transmission. He reached up and touched the receiving indicator to accept it.

"[B]Sir, we've finished securing all of the military bases and processing facilities here.[/B]"

"[B]And the Commander of the forces there?[/B]" Jared inquired.

"[B]My men are bringing him here even as we speak sir. Should I have him transported directly to a cell on the [I]Creator?[/I][/B]"

Jared smiled. "[B]No, hold him at your current position, I will be there to pick him up myself. Scorer out.[/B]" He tapped the ear piece again, cutting the transmission and then after glancing briefly at the progress again to see that Sub-Commander Drace would have the representatives within a short time he left the observation room on the [I]Creator[/I] and then after nodding briefly to both Sandra and Crystal he left the bridge to head for the nearest transport room.

Now that the battle was for all intents and purposes over, there was no reason why he couldn't transport directly to the world in question. There was no longer a need to maintain a tight anti transport shield on the[I] Creator[/I] as troops were already been transported down to support Sub-Commander Drace's current operation. Nor did he need to wait for them to be finished either, since Sandra would be handling any issue that came up in regards to that particular detail.

Jared gave the coordinates to the transport technician and waited patiently while he opened up a door where the commander of the troops was located on the slave world responsible for growing and manufacturing the plants essential for key medical treatments and the more lethal explosives that they used. It was a good thing he was in charge of this part of the operation.

And he couldn't help but snicker a bit as he stepped through the door and immediately headed towards the main temporary headquarters of the troops who had seized the world. There was very little in the way of activity as the fighting was clearly over. The wounded were being attended to and prepped for being sent back to their respective ships. Those who had surrendered were also being dealt with as well. It was far too quiet or rather a clear indication that the newest Sub-Commander Drace was not a part of this operation.

"[B]He may be good in battle,[/B]" Jared said softly to himself as he entered the temporary Command Center. "[B]But that fool would have leveled the place instead of realizing how important the resources here really are.[/B]" It was not his decision though and even if he felt otherwise, he would have no issues working with Drace, for now that is. So long as he didn't give him a reason to put him in his place. Jared turned his attention back to where he was as he came within view of the commander.

"[B]Sir![/B]" He saluted Jared briskly before continuing. "[B]All resistance has been dealt with and we're currently seeing to the wounded and replacing the command structure for the military bases here.[/B]"

"[B]What of the regular troops?[/B]" Jared pulled out his hand held computer to check a detail. "[B]There should be at least three hundred thousand regular troops.[/B]"

"[B]Yes sir, those that remain have been rounded up to be dealt with as well.[/B]" The commander was interrupted by the sound of someone attempting to order those who were forcing him along to release him, making quite a fuss.

Jared turned and then smiled when four soldiers dragging the former Commander of the military on that world into the room where he was located entered. The tall blonde Versilan was a little roughed up as he was sporting bruises along the right side of his face and his uniform was dirty and torn. Probably from struggling against being bound in the first place. But the moment his eyes met Jared's the struggling stopped and he stood rigidly, glaring at Jared in defiance.

"[B]Well, well, if it isn't Commander Scorer.[/B]" He spat in Jared's direction. "[B]Why the High Council ever allowed you to be promoted is beyond me.[/B]"

Jared just laughed. "[B]Oh I'm afraid that won't work Commander Chevast. Unlike Sub-Commander Drace, I'm not so easily goaded into killing you for disrespect.[/B]" He walked over, smiling even more at Chevast's barely concealed look of panic as he approached. Jared stopped when he was less than a foot away.

"[B]No rest assured, I'll get every last little bit of information you've got since you turned traitor.[/B]" Jared reached up and ran his fingers through his blonde hair, smiling over how Chevast attempted to pull away, a look of disgust mingled with fear on his face. Jared let go with a laugh and then activated his communication headset to contact the head of the prison block on the [I]Creator[/I].

"[B]This is Jared, I have an incoming prisoner for level one detention for you.[/B]"

"[B]Understood sir. Do you want a transport door at your current location?[/B]"

"[B]Yes.[/B]" Jared waited a moment and then smiled when a few seconds later a door opened within a few feet of his position.

"[B]Do be sure to think about just how much fun you wish to have while you wait for me to get around to debriefing you Chevast.[/B]" Jared nodded to the men holding him and then watched as they first removed his restraints and then shoved him through the door which promptly closed behind him.

Jared turned back to face the commander of the troops. "[B]Now lets go over getting things back to normal here.[/B]" He walked over to the makeshift table that was set up with all the information as to the facilities, troops and other aspects of how the New Alliance had been running things. It shouldn't take too long to set things back up to be under Versilan rule as it should be.[/SIZE][/COLOR]
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[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Crystal wished that she had not heard about the New Alliance taking over sector fourteen and simply destroying the place. It pained her since never could she have imagined that Daniel Landers would agree to such a ruthless move. [I]If I find out that he did so without evacuating the personnel there first...[/I] Crystal resisted the urge to smash something. In all honesty she was worried about Tessa, the genetic specialist that she herself had selected to work as the director of the facility there. [I]I hope she's alright.[/I]

The soft chime of an important update sounded and with a tiny start Crystal came back to what she was doing, cursing inwardly that she had allowed herself to be distracted by thoughts of Tessa and the other researchers at the facility, many of them people that she knew and had worked with at one point. Crystal pulled up the information with the critical update and then groaned when she saw what it said.

She knew it was going to happen, though some tiny part of her had wished that it would not, but still, to have it confirmed just irritated her to no end. The reports on the incoming wounded from where Drace had already been through was as expected a higher percentage than normal. But then Crystal had been sure that it would be like that and was not surprised. She had heard about that little stunt he pulled when delivering the speech to rally the troops before being sent down, getting them all worked up before the battle.

[I]What a waste! There was no way in hell the forces down on the planet would have been able to stop us! [/I]Crystal sighed as she contacted the chief doctor over at the Conqueror as it was time to move into the clean up phase and save as many lives as possible and to do so meant that it was time for her to go and do what she did best, work as a doctor.

"[B]Commander, all resistance at the facilities where ship parts are made has ceased, as well at the planet where the plants are grown as well. The only place left is the main world where the three representatives are located.[/B]"

Crystal sighed. "[B]I'm transferring control of this operation to you Doctor. Continue coordinating the retrieval of any escape pods as well as making sure any excess is directed to the Conqueror instead of the Creator. We are getting close to capacity over here and as such I need to go and oversee the incoming wounded.[/B]"

"[B]Understood Commander.[/B]"

Crystal terminated the communication, pausing only briefly to nod at Jared as he left the bridge. If he was heading down to the planet he had been responsible for then it was clear that other than their location, it was just a matter of cleaning up. Crystal stood up and after briefly nodding to Sandra she left the bridge, entered the closest lift and set the destination to take her to the main hanger bay where the transports with the wounded and the troops were arriving.

Within minutes she has arrived and from the barely contained chaos it was obvious that it was not a moment too soon. Without hesitation she headed out into the fray and with but a few quickly issued orders she took over, pulling out her hand held computer as she coordinated with the crew already there, working quickly to make sense of the chaos among all of the incoming ships as well as those departing after dropping off the wounded onboard.

It didn't take her long to organize those who were already there so that she could not only take a moment to stabilize those who were critically injured so they would survive the short trip to the infirmary, but to also re-direct those that though injured could wait until the more critical cases were taken care of.

As she often did, Crystal became totally focused on what she was doing, issuing orders, quickly patching someone up before sending them on their way while also making sure those who had brought the injured up to the ship were immediately sent back down to retrieve others who had been injured. Later she would be sickened by all that she had seen, but for now that aspect had been shoved aside enabling her to put everything she had into getting things done.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[size=1][indent]Dr. Mikhail Phantaxian was a playboy, a scientist, and above all, a criminal. His experiments on human beings made him famous, but it was the ones on his fellow Versillans that made him a legend. Like few others before him, Mikhail pushed the limits of Versillan physiology to the extreme, removing one body part at a time until ultimately he would lose the patient. Mercy was never an option, and neither was anesthesia. His first victims were his own parents, and when their bodies were discovered he packed up his research and went into hiding before he could be captured.

Over the years many more of his “experiments” have been discovered in different Sectors, each more horrific than the last. Sadly he has inspired an entire generation with his work, creating a slew of imitators across the entire galaxy. Local peace officers are strained enough with the brewing civil war, and sadly too many of these cases simply fall through the cracks of the justice system. With the recent freedom of millions of undocumented slaves, Sector 11 has attracted this new breed of killer and endangered the live of citizens across Gallana.

It was late in the afternoon, and Colin and Bright Eyes were growing very tired. Teela had promised the two that the Tribune would meet that day and discuss his family, but the young boy wondered if they were ever going to arrive.

“[b]When are they coming?[/b] Colin asked, frustrated from waiting the entire day in the small church, “[b]We’ve been waiting all day![/b]”

Teela smiled and patted Colin on the head, “[b]Just be patient. The Tribune are the only ones who might remember who dropped you on our doorsteps so many years ago, and they should be here any--[/b]

A small group of men and woman entered the Joyous Church of the Republic quietly, each wearing a colorful robe and hood. Teela turned to the strangers and kneeled.

“[b]Praise the elders,[/b]” she whispered as she clasped her hands together, “[b]They are here, Colin.[/b]”

Not sure what to do, Colin decided to kneel as well. Several others in the church, mostly elderly men and woman, bowed their heads as the Tribune passed by.

“[b]Let us begin this meeting of the Tribune immediately,[/b]" one of the hooded figured announced, “[b]Who among us are in need of faith?[/b]”

Teela stood up, and motioned for Colin to step forward.

“[b]Um, I think I am, sir.[/b]” He said sheepishly.

“[b]What is your story, boy?[/b]” another one of the hooded figured asked, “[b]What drew you to our humble church?[/b]”

“[b]My name is Colin, and me and my dog Bright Eyes are looking for our family. When I was a baby they dropped us in front of your church…[/b]”

The hooded figured spoke amongst themselves as Colin told his story. He wasn’t even sure they were listening.

Teela approached the Tribune, “[b]Is there anything you know that could help the child?[/b]”

“[b]You must understand, it has been many, many years since this incident happened,[/b]” a voice from within the group replied, “[b]Only a few of us have any recollection of finding you on that fateful day.[/b]”

“[b]Your story is all too familiar. During the time of your birth Gallana was filled with tragedy. The children of a thousand brave men and women were orphaned in such a short time. We can provide you sanctuary for the night, but we have just as many unanswered questions as you do. I don't know if we can be of any help to you.[/b]”

Colin’s eyes began to well up and he immediately started running out of the church. Bright Eyes followed closely behind.

“[b]Colin, wait![/b]” Teela pleaded, “[b]You don’t have to run![/b]”

“[b]Let him go,[/b]” a member of the Tribune said callously, “[b]Gallana is full of hard luck cases. Helping them all is simply beyond our means.[/b]”

The boy exited the church and immediately burst into tears. He had placed so much hope in traveling to Gallana, now what was he going to do?

Colin suddenly felt a hand placed on his shoulder. He looked up to discover a fair-skinned man in a business suit. He had long black hair, penetrating silver eyes and a welcoming smile.

“[b]Hello there,[/b]” the stranger said, “[b]I heard your story… Colin, was it?[/b]”

Colin nodded. The man patted Bright Eyes on the head and motioned for both of them to follow them as he walked down the dark city streets.

“[b]I’m very sorry to hear that the Tribune can’t help you, but I may be in a position to. You see, I’m a doctor who runs a small trust created to reunite children with their families. If, for some awful reason, you can‘t be reunited with them we‘ll take care of you until you‘re old enough to take care of yourself.[/b]”

The boy wiped the tears from his eyes as the man spoke, “[b]W-w-what about about Bright Eyes?[/b]”

“[b]You mean the dog?[/b]” he asked with a laugh, “[b]Yes, we’ll take care of Bright Eyes, too.[/b]”

"[b]Oh, good![/b]"

The stranger extended his hand towards Colin, “[b]We can do great things together, Colin. What do you say?[/b]”

“[b]Okay, it’s a deal, mister![/b]”

“[b][i]Mister?[/i] There’s no need to be so formal now that we’re friends. Please, call me Mikhail…[/b]”[/size][/indent]
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“[B]You’re certain of this?[/B]” Daniel asked the group leading the liberation of the former capitol of Australia.

“[B]Yes Commander Landers. Even though the data is incomplete the only match for the emissions of the ship that attempted to take off under full stealth is that of a Messenger Ship. With the two High Council members visiting Earth missing…[/B]”

Daniel shook his head. “[B]It’s likely that they were on board. In the case of an invasion such as this, it would not be unusual for an Elite Specialist to attempt to get them out of the area.[/B]”

Daniel pulled up the battle data from when the incident had occurred. The timing for when the ship attempted to take off from Earth fit with what an Elite Specialist would have done. Choosing the moment when the confusion was the highest with the battle in space and all of the energy emissions on Earth as a result of the fighting. If not for a stay shot hitting them during their take off, it would have worked. They would have managed to slip out during the confusion.

“[B]Sir, what do you want us to do? Even though we concentrated our fire on the wayward readings we were unable to stop them from getting clear of the planet.[/B]”

“[B]Nothing, I’ll take care of it. Continue securing your area. Landers out.[/B]”

He pulled up the rest of the battle data that had been sent to him by the team on Earth, taking a moment to examine all that had happened. The data indicated that the ship had taken serious damage, enough that it was unlikely that it would still be able to enter hyper space. And yet, it had still managed to slip away. The question was… How? It was then that Daniel realized what had to have happened. They had taken the only route open, the one going in the opposite direction from Sector One.

Until things calmed down their stealth systems would be good enough to hide them and by the time it wasn’t they would most likely be running silently until they could repair the ship well enough to escape the area via hyper space. Unless Daniel found them first. But even with the flagship the [I]Liberator[/I], that would not be an easy task and it was possible that they wouldn’t be able to detect them. However hiding from a ship like the [I]Catalyst[/I] was another story.

Daniel hailed Kiva who hopefully was finished transferring from the [I]Transcendence [/I]to the [I]Catalyst[/I]. He certainly hoped so, the last thing he wanted was for the two Council members to get away, his orders were to secure their capture if possible.

“[B]This is Kiva,[/B]” Daniel looked at the screen built into his chair.

“[B]Kiva how close are you to being finished with transferring to the Catalyst?[/B]”

“[B]I’m almost finished.[/B]”

“[B]Good, I need you to hunt for a Messenger Ship that attempted to slip away during the battle. Our data indicates that the ship was damaged enough to prevent it from entering hyper space, but it’s entirely possible that they’ll be able to repair the ship and still leave the sector.[/B]” Daniel paused to send the data they had on the ship as well as the two High Council members.

“[B]I need you to find it since it is either running under stealth systems or silently as we have been unable to find it. It is likely that the two High Council members visiting Earth are on board and if at all possible, I need them taken alive. I’ve sent you the details from when they made the attempt to leave Earth as well as the information on the two Councilors.[/B]”

Kiva turned away from the screen momentarily at the sound of a chime indicating she had gotten the file and then she turned back. “[B]Understood, as soon as I’m finished I’ll get started immediately. Kiva out.[/B]”

Daniel turned back to the incoming reports from the various sections on Earth, wondering just how Greydon Kreid and the search for Sara Sanders was coming along. It was too soon to know if he had found her yet. Though they were probably close to being finished.

“[B]Sir, the distortion shields are down in the USA and though we’ve transported teams to the location where the ships were shot down, other than those who did not survive the crash, the rest are not with their ships.[/B]”

“[B]Did they join the other units Spencer?[/B]” Daniel asked.

“[B]No sir, some of them are missing.[/B]”

“[B]I see, I’ll take care of it then, carry on.[/B]”

Daniel pulled up the contact for Greydon Kreid’s group, even if they weren't finished with checking the safe houses, sending them to check into what had happened to those who were on the transports would be the perfect task. Daniel would have rather sent someone in sooner, but for now this would have to do. He pressed the button to hail Greydon Kreid.
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[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][CENTER][IMG]http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/961/silverone02jj8.jpg[/IMG][SIZE="1"]Banner by [/SIZE][URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=20994"][B][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][SIZE="1"][u]indifference[/u][/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/URL][/CENTER]
"[B]Everything is in place sir.[/B]" The Sub-Commander of the [I]Astera[/I] said from his position at the helm of the ship, the main viewer showing one of the worlds where slaves toiled for the Versilan Empire. Though the view was centered on the shipyards that orbited the world in question.

William, the current leader of the Resistance as well as one of the top leaders of the New Alliance was thinking about something besides their current mission. He had been reviewing a report from sector eight in regards to some of the meetings going on there. Meetings meant to get some of the more wealthy merchants to side with the New Alliance. It wasn't terribly troubling, but it did leave him in an awkward position.

"[B]Sir?[/B]" The Sub-Commander prompted when William did not reply.

William set his hand held computer down and looked up. "[B]Sorry about that, even if we are ready, I need to deal with this first. Hail our agent in sector eight.[/B]"

"[B]Yes sir.[/B]"

A moment later the main viewer came to life as one of the members from a meeting that had just ended answered. "[B]Sir! What can I do for you?[/B]" He stammered, openly surprised that William was contacting him directly, even if he couldn't see him since William was only sending the audio part of the transmission.

"[B]How long ago did the meeting end and is anyone following the merchants who attended?[/B]"

"[B]It ended about ten minutes ago sir. I have all three merchants being followed. Why?[/B]" The man was puzzled.

"[B]I've been looking over the files and the snapshots that were taken before they entered the secured location. The one with the paid escort is an Imperial Agent. Bring him and the girl in immediately.[/B]" William ordered.

"[B]What? Are you sure?[/B]" He flushed a bit. "[B]I mean we did a complete check on both of them and everything came back okay.[/B]"

"[B]Of course it would, the High Council is every bit as good at forging records as we are. I actually have no proof beyond the fact that the woman escorting him is not a paid escort but the sister of the current Shipping Expert Darren Anderson.[/B]"

"[B]I'll issue the order immediately sir.[/B]" He moved to do so and halted when William spoke again.

"[B]Before you do that there's one thing I want absolutely clear here. The Agent is one thing, but Miss Anderson is not to be harmed.[/B]"

"[B]But sir! What if...[/B]"

"[B]You have your orders. If anything happens to her those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Williams out.[/B]" Williams pulled up the view of the world they were about to strike at and then gave his Sub-Commander his full attention.

"[B]I'm curious about one thing sir,[/B]" The Sub-Commander finally said, the confusion in his voice evident. "[B]And that is why are you concerned about Miss Anderson's safety? If she's helping the High Council, she is no longer a civilian, making her fair game as a military target.[/B]"

"[B]I could argue otherwise, but frankly we don't have the time for that right now. Besides,[/B]" William continued softly. "[B]It's personal.[/B]" He looked back at the screen before them and the shipyards as they slowly orbited around the planet.

"[B]Now forgetting about that for the moment, we need to get this strike taken care of before the military realizes that we are in this sector. Issue the codes in stages of ten second intervals in exactly one minute.[/B]"

"[B]Understood sir, the codes are loaded and ready.[/B]" And then when the appointed time came, the codes were sent.

William watched as the alarm went out among the shipyards in sector three. It wasn't possible to destroy them, but by obtaining the override codes to release the locking mechanisms for the corridors connecting each section together, it had resulted in the nine major areas drifting apart.

It would take quite a bit of effort for them to get everything back online and reattached. And the outcry when they realized that the New Alliance had not only gotten the codes and used them would result in a lock down of the sector. Forcing the High Council to divert extra resources to that sector.

"[B]Everything went as planned sir.[/B]" His Sub-Commander smiled. "[B]It'll take them weeks to sort that mess out. It's too bad we couldn't destroy the shipyards though. That would have caused a much greater stir.[/B]"

"[B]True, now get us the hell out of here. We've got other things to take care of. Once you send our usual broadcast taking responsibility and reminding them that such disruptions will end once they have freed the enslaved races that is.[/B]" Williams leaned back in his chair with a wry grin and simply watched as his Sub-Commander first sent out the transmission taking credit for the accident at the shipyards and then put the [I]Astera [/I]into hyper drive.

William would have liked to have done more, but it just wasn't possible with the heightened security since the sectors broke off. Still by now the High Council had to be aware of what was going on in sector thirteen, and the more time he could give Daniel to finish up there, the better. Getting the process for the perfect Crystals from the facility there was crucial to the war effort.

Now, the only question remaining was what in the world was he going to do with Kerstin Anderson once she was picked up. That was a development he had not been expecting. And yet after what had happened with Daniel, he couldn't afford to let her return to Stevens and draw them portraits of those who were at that meeting. Not after they had gone to such lengths to keep their identities a secret. William resisted the urge to sigh as he went back to reviewing the information he had been sent in regards to the meetings in sector eight.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=darkslateblue]Finding the messenger ship would be hard enough, but there was another problem. The Elite Specialist onboard would likely destroy the ship rather than allow it and the two Council members to fall into the hands of the New Alliance. Fortunately, it hadn't been able to fully evade detection during its escape. It had gotten away and engaged stealth systems, but during the escape enough readings were picked up to determine its unique emmissions signature, allowing it to be identified. And the [I]Catalyst[/I]'s database had a match for it. The vessel was the [I]Hunter[/I], under the command of a Dalek Krimoe.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]The fack that the vessel was under Dalek's command was fortunate, because Kiva knew him. She hadn't been surprised when he'd been made a Specialist; he was good. He'd been Kiva's division head on her first assignment in the Imperial millitary, but their relationship had gone beyond that, and once Kiva was reassigned to security, they let all pretenses drop. Relationships of that type were forbidden between individuals in the same chain of command, but after her transfer to security, Kiva and Dalek had no longer been in the same chain of command.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva and Dalek had continued their relationship even after Kiva had been reassigned elsewhere. However, when Dalek had been made a Specialist, they hadn't been able to see each other as often. They'd done their best to keep in touch until Kiva was made an elite Specialist. With both of them on Specialist duty, even just contacting each other had become nigh-impossible, but Kiva's feelings for Dalek had remained, and she was sure his feelings for her had remained as well.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]As much as Kiva knew it would hurt to go up against Dalek, she also knew she could use their prior relationship to her advantage, which made his presence fortunate despite Kiva's feelings. Kiva was certainly able to put aside her feelings and do what she had to, but that didn't mean she liked it. And in this case, taking advantage of Dalek's feelings could be her only chance of getting the Council members alive. Even though he had to know she'd turned traitor, he'd be likely to at least give her a chance to explain, and he's be more likely to accept any lie she told. It was a slim chance, but it was the only chance Kiva had of getting the Council members alive.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]It had taken some work, but Kiva had managed to find the [I]Hunter[/I]. She'd followed the couse she thought Dalek had taken in the [I]Catalyst[/I], and has deployed drones to cover other potential directions. But Kiva had beeen right about Dalek's choice of escape route. Even so, without the [I]Catalyst[/I]'s upgraded sensor systems, the [I]Hunter[/I] would probably have remained undetected. But now Kiva had him, and since the [I]Catalyst[/I] was running under normal power levels, the [I]Hunter[/I] had likely detected it even with its advanced stealth systems.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva sent a transmission request to the [I]Hunter[/I]. It was clear that she had been spotted, as Dalek responded almost immediately. "[I]Catalyst[/I], this is [I]Hunter[/I]. What's your sta- Kiva?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Hi, Dalek," Kiva said, laughing at the expression on his face. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"That it has," Dalek said. "To be honest, I never thought I'd see you again after you turned traitor. At first, I couldn't believe you'd done it. I thought I knew you better than that."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Then you may have already figured it out. I was glad when I say it was your ship that had tried to escape. I knew you'd probably have guessed the truth."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Then you haven't turned traitor?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I've betrayed nobody," Kiva said, which was actually true. She'd been a Resistance spy since she first entered into Imperial service. Not that she told Dalek that. Instead, she said, "Stevens needed a spy in the Resistance, so he had me begin leaking information to them-under his supervision, of course. Then, when I had Daniel Timbers on my ship, we staged my defection to the Resistance and escape from sector 1. I've been undercover since then."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I knew it," Dalek said under his breath. "Well," he said aloud, "I've got two Councilors on board, and we need to get the hell out of here, but our hyperdrive was damaged. We've been trying to repair it, but after repairing more critical systems, such as stealth and life-support, we just don't have the parts we need."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I should have what you need," Kiva said. "I'll transfer the parts to you, then I'll continue with my search while you repair and escape. That way, you'll get the Councilors out without compromising my position."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Works for me. Contact me again when you're ready to begin the transfer, and I'll send you the code to poen a transport door in the [I]Hunter[/I]. Dalek out."[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva didn't transport any replacement parts. She transported herself onto the [I]Hunter[/I]'s bridge in full battle armor, immediately firing on Dalek at full stun. She then accessed the [I]Hunter[/I]'s computers and saw that the Councilors were in the crewmen's quarters; Dalek had gone solo as a Specialist, so they'd been available. She made her way over there. She opened the door to the first room and immediately stunned its sole occupant, then did the same in the other. She returned to the bridge and transported the Councilors to cells on the [I]Catalyst[/I], then did the same with Dalek. She then sent a transmission to Daniel: "Primary objective secured. The messenger ship [I]Hunter [/I]has also been secured. I've set the autopilot; the ship is following me back to Earth. I'll contact you again when I return. Kiva out."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva set the [I]Hunter[/I]'s autopilot to follow the course she'd take in the [I]Catalyst[/I], after which she opened another transport door and returned to her ship. She set a course back to Earth, then leaned back in her chair. The whole thing had gone extremely well; Kiva just wished she hadn't needed to make herself feel like shit in the process.[/COLOR]
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Kerstin and the undercover agent, Timothy Zeldias, were just over halfway back to where his ship as a merchant was docked. Once they arrived she would be transported directly to the transport ship that she had arrived on and they would leave to head back to sector one. Now that she had seen those who were at the meeting there was no reason for her to stay any longer. And the sooner she got back to sector one the better.

As they continued to walk through the city, Kerstin couldn't help but think it was a shame that she just didn't have the time to truly enjoy where she was, like all sectors in the Versilan Empire, each one was unique when it came to the type of architecture and as an artist, she was always looking for new things to paint. All thoughts of that vanished when she felt Timothy tense and then lean over a bit as if talking to her casually.

"[B]We've got a problem.[/B]" He told her. "[B]The New Alliance is cautious, they've been having each merchant followed to keep tabs on them. But some new one's have arrived and they're armed.[/B]"

Kerstin involuntarily clutched his left arm tightly even as she kept her expression as neutral as possible and tried to hide how her heart had started racing at his words.

"[B]What do we do?[/B]"

"[B]At the moment, nothing. Just as they've been keeping tabs on me, we've also been keeping tabs on them, so the others will already be aware of this.[/B]" He turned and gave her a false smile as if they were simply chatting.

"[B]However, should anything happen I need you to make a run for where the ship is docked. You'll be given priority and the others will do everything in their power to see to your safety.[/B]"

"[B]I see.[/B]" Kerstin replied and would have said more but halted when out of the shadows several men moved to block their path, their hands resting on the weapons they were carrying, though they did not draw them. There was no need really, in order to attend the meeting, both Kerstin and Timothy had been required to show up unarmed.

"[B]Stand aside please.[/B]" Timothy asserted in a forceful tone as he stood with both feet apart just a bit, his arms casually to the side as he readied himself to launch at the closest one if need be.

"[B]I have no business with any of you."[/B]

The foremost one merely drew his weapon and smiled as others arrived from the sides and behind them, for a total of eight. Timothy didn't wait for the one drawing his weapon to get a chance to take aim. With trained precision he launched himself at him even as he shouted at Kerstin to run.

Kerstin barely had time to see Timothy grab one of the men's wrist and wrestle the disruptor gun from his hand as she ditched the high heels in favor of running barefoot though the streets. A flash of movement as Timothy dragged the man sideways and into one of the other men to give her a clear path to run and then they were behind her and other than the sounds of them struggling and voices calling to someone to catch her, she was on her way.

Her heart pounding Kerstin ran as fast as she could, wincing at the sound of disruptor fire behind her. Then as she ran around a corner she looked back briefly to see that Timothy had taken care of two men and was struggling with a third when one of the others struck him from behind and he crumpled to the ground.

Kerstin ignored the calls of the two in pursuit of her to halt and continued to run; doing her best to not stumble as the hard material of the streets began to make her feet hurt from the harsh contact of her running. She was not accustomed to going without shoes, but she already knew she could not run in high heels. She could barely even walk in them.
[I]
I'm not going to make it![/I] She thought frantically as the citizens of the world turned their back on her plight, ignoring that there was now four men chasing her. Several of them attempting to shoot her as she ran, their shots barely missing her. One of the laser blasts was close enough that it burned the skin of her left arm as it passed by and slammed into a building.

Kerstin was developing a stitch in her side from the continuous running, she was fit, but unaccustomed to such strenuous activity for any length of time. Her breath was coming in harsh gasps and her vision was blurred from the tears in her eyes. She was running on pure fear as she attempted to lose those who were pursuing her.

A flash of red arching towards Kerstin from on top of one of the buildings off in front of her, nearly made her stumble and fall as it barely missed her and took out one of the men following her. Cries of alarm from the remaining three went up as they scattered as more disruptor fire came from the same location. Kerstin heard one of the frantically calling for backup before she was out of range.

[I]That must be the others that Timothy was talking about! [/I] With a rush of renewed determination she put on more speed, feeling more secure in her chances of making it to where the ship was located. [I]I hope they helped Timothy too.[/I] She thought as she passed by the building where the shots that had helped her had come from.

But then as she was just getting past it a high pitched shriek filled the air and an explosion rocked the top of the building, the shock wave catching her by surprise as it knocked her and other civilians off their feet. As quick as possible Kerstin got back to her feet, ignoring the blisters that were forming and the panicked screams of the civilians who were taking off. She looked up to see that the top of the roof was in ruins.

With a sob Kerstin turned and continued her flight, fighting to keep the tears from flowing down her face. She was almost to the ship when she realized that a party was waiting for her, blocking her path to where the ships were docked. [I]Hell![/I] Frantically she turned to look for someway to escape only to stagger as a light stun shot hit her, forcing her to her hands and knees. The last thing Kerstin remembered as she saw them coming for her and then felt them seize her was someone telling the others to be careful to not hurt her.
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[FONT="Tahoma"]The Versilan sub-commander of The Creator stood in place and watched as his soldiers gathered the remainder of the New Alliance soldiers and other inhabitants of the sanctum quarters of the base. There were roughly fourteen soldiers, and eighteen civilians all seated at gunpoint by the versilan army. Vallon began walking slowly, surveying the men and women he had captured, wishing he could just simply slaughter them all and be done with it. Unfortunately for him, he must bare the amount of patience necessary to take in his targets.

Vallon looked over to Pheonia and gave her a nod, as if saying to proceed. She looked a bit confused at first but figured that she would have to use her own judgment to figure out what to do. She stepped up to the middle of the room and cleared her throat.

[b]"We seek the traitors to the Versilan High-Council being kept here, step forward now!"[/b] she yelled out loud enough for everyone to hear. Vallon grimaced with disapproval and sighed as he walked up to Pheonia and placed his hand on her shoulder.

[b]"Now what will we ever accomplish by asking like that? It seems I must do everything."[/b] he said as he roughly pushed Pheonia behind him. Vallon took a brief look to his left side and proceeded to grab the closest female civilian and forced her up to her feet. He held her by her chin and forced her to her knees in front of him, his hands prepped to snap her neck in an instant. The civilian did not scream, but rather made a whimper sound and showed slight signs of struggle.

[b]"My officer here i'm afraid is still new to these situations, but in any case i'm sure she had gotten across what we are here for. So my little twist on it goes like this...either the three of them step forward or I break this one's neck, and then simply move on to the next. I'll give it about.........three seconds."[/b] Vallon tightened his grip and began counting down. As he reached two however, one man jumped to his feet, a heavy set gentlemen with dark hair and a beard.

[b]"Stop! I am one of the three you seek. I am Joseph Steiner. This man here is Garrick Kublai and the brown haired lady is Ana Crowe."[/b] he admitted in a haste.

[b]"Joseph, what are you doing!?"[/b] Garrick objected, grabbing hold of his arm.

[b]"Fool, you would put innocent lives at stake? I won't stand here and watch this man kill these people infront of our eyes."[/b] Joseph explained himself. Vallon smiled slightly and let go of the woman's neck, letting her drop to the floor, panting and almost in tears.

[b]"Thank you for making it easy for me...however, I should mention that easy isn't really my style either. I'm afraid before I take the three of you with me i'll have to jazz things up a bit."[/b]

Vallon turned his head to one of the soldiers and gave him a nod. [b]"Kill all of the soldiers."[/b] he ordered, the Versilan soldiers guarding them acknowledged cohesively and executed the Alliance soldiers, shooting them in the back of the heads. Ana covered her eyes and turned away while the other two watched on in disbelief.

[b]"You son of a bitch, I won't let you take me!"[/b] Garrick yelled out, as he leaped forward in a desperate attempt to escape. He charged through one of the soldiers using his body weight as a battering ram, but fell short as Pheonia tripped his legs out before he could get too far. She lifted him up to his feet, flailing arms and all. Vallon walked over to him and motioned for Pheonia to let him go.

[b]"Well, you are definitely my favorite one of the group. You just want to let me some more fun don't you? Well how can i possibly turn down such an offer?"[/b] Vallon asked rhetorically as he reeled his arm back and jabbed Garrick in the gut with a straight and open hand. He managed to avoid the blood that spewed from the mouth of his captive and went to lift his head up after it slumped from the after effect of the blow. He held it in place as he reeled back again and this time thrusted forward at the side of the face, connecting with deadly impact forcing the neck to snap.

Garrick slumped down to the floor, dead instantly from the blow. Pheonia wore a bit of a concerned look on her face at the fact that Vallon had just blatantly killed one of the targets they were meant to bring back alive.

[b]"S...sir?"[/b] she muttered. Vallon silenced her with a hand motion and began walking back out to the yard.

[b]"Load the other two onto a transport ship, kill some of the civilians if you want to...it doesn't matter to me. Let's head back and relay word of our victory here. That is what is most important."[/b] he ordered, as Pheonia reluctantly followed behind. [/FONT]
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[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]It was with great relief that Crystal finally got word that the fighting had finally come to an end, the last of the transports and the wounded would be arriving soon. The timing couldn’t have been better as all of the previous occupants in the hangar bay; other than those with legitimate reasons or medical staff waiting for the last of the ships to dock; had been cleared out. Crystal was checking her handheld computer and viewing the updates via the fleet system as the first of the final ships landed. The troops were boisterous and loud, boasting about the victory as they dispersed and headed to their quarters. Even the remaining few who were hurt were in good spirits and whispers of the antics of the newest Sub-Commander were spreading like wildfire.
[I]
Did you see how he dealt with the base’s Commander?[/I] One excited soldier was saying as his group walked past Crystal, she didn’t get to hear the rest as the last and final ship docked, it’s ramp opening up for the remaining few to leave. Crystal was considering leaving to head for the infirmary as it became apparent that there was little left for her to do, when a commotion caught her attention as two prisoners were escorted off the ship. The first a heavy set man with dark hair and a beard, a hopeless expression on his face. The second a brown haired woman with tears running down her face as they lead both of them away.

But the biggest surprise was yet to come when a few minutes later both Pheonia and Vallon exited the transport. Crystal just stared at both of them stupidly, surprised that both of them had bothered to come up on the transport instead of using one of the doors to come back to the ship directly like most if not all high ranking officers would have done. All thoughts as to why they would have done such a thing were shoved aside when Crystal realized that both of them had blood on their clothing. Her reaction was instinctive as she moved to intercept them, already moving into a medical frame of mind as she observed both of them as they moved to look for signs of injury.

Neither one seemed to move as if they were hurt, but still, it was her duty to inquire as to their health. Just as she would be doing so shortly with those who had been taken prisoner. Though that just made her sad as she would only be treating them and getting their medical information for the interrogation process. Crystal was almost to where the two of them were as they headed towards the nearest lift, when her eyes caught Pheonia and for the briefest of seconds Crystal could have sworn she was trying to indicate that she turn around and leave. But then Vallon’s attention was caught as he stopped and turned to the right to see what Pheonia was looking at.

“[B]Are either one of you hurt?[/B]” Crystal inquired as she came to a halt several feet from the two of them. Pheonia shook her head frantically, indicating that they were fine, but Vallon’s eyes just narrowed as he stared at Crystal for a moment and then motioned to Pheonia.

“[B]Go ahead to the bridge and wait for me there Pheonia. The Doctor and I have something to discuss.[/B]” Pheonia was obviously distressed but other than to utter a quick [I]yes sir[/I] and to give Crystal an odd look she did nothing and left via the closest lift.

“[B]Now, I’d like to show you something Doctor,[/B]” Vallon indicated the closest storage area where replacement panels for the outer hull of the various ships were stored. Crystal was confused as to what he was referring to and then surprised when he gave her a shove in the small of her back towards the door.

Inside were rows of the different panels made from the special metal all Versilan ships were made from. Once Crystal was standing with a set of them just in front of her she turned around to see just what Vallon wanted to discuss, but instead she let out a terrified squawk, stepping backwards and hitting the back of her head into the panels as she realized he was attacking!

A split second later the disruptor knuckles he had slipped on without her even noticing, slammed into the panel just to the left of her face, close enough that she could feel the heat from the weapon as it almost grazed her cheek and then hit the panel with enough force to punch a hole in it. Terrified by the look in his eyes Crystal fought to keep her hands to her side, to not provoke him further, even as she wondered just what she had done to get this type of reaction from him.

Her heart pounding in her chest Crystal pulled back as far as the panel she was leaning into would allow as Vallon brought up his other hand and lightly ran his forefinger along her insignia indicating her rank as a Commander. Crystal gave out a tiny gasp of fear when Vallon caught a handful of her tunic just at the base of her neck and then brought his right hand back until it was close enough that she could feel the heat from the disruptor energy. With a jerk he pulled her forward until their faces were mere inches apart.

“[B]I warned you once Doctor,[/B]” He growled at her, causing Crystal to shudder. “[B]This time I’m telling you as a Commander, I won't warn you again.[/B]” Vallon finished.

Vallon let go, ignoring Crystal who collapsed until she was sitting on the floor, her legs underneath her as she leaned back against the panel and watched him leave. It was a long time before her heart finally quit pounding and she was able to get up and return to her duties. [/FONT][/COLOR]
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[SIZE=1]Kreid watched as the last of the refugees were helped onto a transport ship, to be taken back to the flagship, and could barely contain his disgust as he watched the endless human scum be led to safety. He had managed to dispatch a number of higher-ranking Alliance individuals, not too many so as not to raise any suspicions about his motives, but enough to keep the Alliance wary.

As he loaded the last few onto the ship, his communicator buzzed, and he moved a few feet away to respond to the call. It was Commander Landers, calling with yet another new assignment.

[B]"Kreid," [/B]he said, [B]"We've just received some information that there are some troops surviving from the transports that were shot down. They're pretty near you right now, so I need you to go and pick them up. And do it quickly, we're not going to be around here for much longer."

"Understood, sir," [/B]said Greydon, [B]"I'll do my best."

"Good man," [/B]said Landers, and he cut the transmission. Kreid rounded up a few of his men, loaded the co-ordinates that Landers sent him through onto his computer and jumped onto a transport ship that was laying nearby.

---

Not long after, the team had located the survivors, some of whom were injured, but they were all pinned down by Versilan gunfire.

[B]"Two people stay on board, and take out those Versilans," [/B]Kreid ordered, [B]"The rest of you, come with me!"

[/B]He and six others leapt from the craft onto the ground, and the craft veered off towards the Versilans who were shooting at the Alliance members. Kreid looked back, and saw the ship fly low over the Versilans, the downdraft of the ship knocking them all off their feet, and sending their weapons skittering across the floor. Kreid ran over to the Alliance members, and helped the injured ones to their feet.

[B]"Come on!" [/B]he shouted, laying down covering fire with his one free hand, while the other helped a wounded man to the transport. He loaded them all on, then watched as the Versilans retreated towards their own transport.

[B]"Where are you going?" [/B]he muttered, watching them climb aboard, then quickly pulled a cartridge from his belt which glowed with a soft blue light, and slammed it into his rifle. He took aim quickly, and fired it towards the ship, which was now taking off. The shot lodged itself into the base of the craft, and now Kreid could track their movements from his computer.

He leapt back on his own transport as it took off, barking orders to the pilot as it did.

[B]"Load the program from my computer into the flight computer," [/B]he shouted over the engine noise, [B]"We need to follow that transport!"

[/B]The pilot nodded to him, and signalled for the co-pilot to load the information in, while Kreid moved into the back and activated his comms. He hailed Landers, who answered.

[B]"Sir, we've got the survivors on board," [/B]he shouted, the roar of the engines all but drowing his voice out, [B]"But the Versilans escaped. I've attached a tracer to one of their transport ships, so we should be able to trace them from here. Requesting permission to persue."

"Permission granted, soldier," [/B]replied Landers, [B]"But whatever it is you're planning to do, do it quickly."

"Thank you sir!" [/B]he shouted, deactivating the comms and heading into the cockpit, where the flight information had been loaded.

[B]"From their current path, it looks like they're heading towards the moon, sir," [/B]the pilot yelled, [B]"There must be some kind of safehouse for the Versilans there!"

"I know where it is - there's only one, and it's pretty small. There's probably only the Versilans from that transport heading there - we should be able to apprehend them easily, and try to find out if they've taken any prisoners. You just need to land a fair distance away so we can take them by surprise!"

"Yes, sir!" [/B]shouted the pilot. Although no official chain of command had been established for this team, they all seemed to have adopted Kreid as their captain - he was the most experience man here, and they all recognised this. Kreid sat down in the back of the transport, where members of his team were tending to the wounds of the injured, bandaging them up as best they could.

[B]"Just try and keep them alive for as long as you can," [/B]said Kreid to one of the medics, [B]"The medical bay back on the flagship should be able to handle this." [/B]The man nodded in reply, and went back to his work. The back of the ship was disgusting now - there was dirt everywhere from repeated boardings, and the smell of sweat was now mingling with the stench of blood from the wounded. Kreid himself was dirty, the smog from the air plastering itself to his face with sweat, and his clothes hadn't been changed in days. He was disgusted to be in this place, in this condition.

[B]"Sir!" [/B]came a call from the cockpit, [B]"We're about to land - we've just located the safehouse!"

"Excellent," [/B]replied Kreid, [B]"Everyone who doesn't need immediate medical attention, and anyone who isn't qualified to give it, you're all coming with me. There are weapons in the landing bay - you'll need to tool yourselves up as best you can. Expect resistance!"

[/B]A few minutes later, the craft was landed, and everyone except the injured and the qualified medics was outside the Versilan base, each member of the newly-enlarged team equipped with a pistol at the very least.

[B]"Stand back," [/B]said Kreid as he sent one of his men towards the door, ready to place an explosive pack on it. The man clamped the device to the door and then retreated swiftly, diving behind the rocks that Kreid was behind as the detonation occurred. Flames spewed out, the doors buckled and broke off their hinges.

[B]"Go!" [/B]shouted Kreid, forcing his team to charge towards the safehouse. As soon as they reached the door, however, laser bolts began flying towards them, hurling the first few to the floor. The fire continued to blast towards them, knocking Kreid's team to the floor. Kreid managed to get inside, with one or two others, but the rest of the team had been slaughtered as they had reached the door.

[B]"Return fire!" [/B]shouted Kreid, raising his own rifle to blast at the opposition, taking out a number of them as he went. He continued to fire, as the men with him followed suit. They managed to take out the Versilans who were guarding the doors of the safehouse, but Kreid expected that there were many more further inside. He ran over to one of the groaning Versilans, and rolled him over onto his back. He was bloodied and bruised, and gasping from a smoking laser burn in the centre of his solar plexus.

[B]"Did you take any prisoners from Earth?" [/B]Kreid shouted, [B]"Were there any prisoners?!"

"Y...yes..." [/B]gasped the ailing Versilan, [B]"There are three...in this safehouse. You'll never get the...them..."

"That's what you think," [/B]snarled Kreid feigning rage as he aimed his pistol directly at the Versilan's head and pulled the trigger.

[B]"There are three prisoners in here!" [/B]Kreid shouted to the other two men who had survived the initial onslaught, [B]"We need to get to the central control room of the safehouse - that's where they'll be!"

[/B]The men nodded, and Kreid grabbed the keycard that was hanging from a dead Versilan's lapel, swiping it across the door sensor, allowing the door to hiss open and reveal the central chamber, where a number more Versilans were waiting, armed and ready to kill.

Kreid grabbed the weapon off one of the dead Versilans, and ripped the power core out of it's socket, breaking the casing as he did. He threw the broken power core into the room, and simultaneously fired a shot at it, causing it to burst into flames, throwing smoke into the air of the small, cramped control room. As the Versilans inside were blinded, Kreid closed his eyes, and looked into his memory to remember where they had all been standing, firing four shots into the room, one for each Versilan inside. He heard four grunts, and four thuds as they each hit the ground, then he stood up and stepped inside the room, where the smoke was just beginning to clear.

There were three hostages, all strapped into seats, and four wounded, groaning Versilans lying on the floor, their weapons a few feet away. Kreid stepped into the room, pulled out a small knife and cut the hostages free. Then he grabbed the bindings that the Versilans had used, and strapped the Versilans themselves together.

[B]"Take the four of them back to the ship," [/B]said Kreid coldly, [B]"And knock them unconscious - we don't need four babbling Versilans ruining our trip back to the flagship." [/B]The two team members did as they were ordered and frogmarched the Versilans out of the building and back towards the ship.

[B]"You three come with me," [/B]said Kreid, leading the hostages back to the ship, through the trail of dead bodies that lay between the control room and the ship.

As soon as everyone was on board, including the now-unconscious Versilans, Kreid ventured up to the cockpit, and told the pilot:

[B]"Take off. And let's get back to the flagship."[/B]
[/SIZE]
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Things were going well at Earth, far better than Daniel had expected them to. The research facility at Mars had been successfully captured intact and most if not all pockets of resistance on Earth had been dealt with. The refugees and other able citizens of Earth were being given the chance to relocate and the transports that had been just behind the fleet had already arrived and left the area. There would be a token attempt to hold the sector, but it was impractical to assume that it was even possible to do so for any length of time.

Daniel had not even ordered that the defenses of the research facility be strengthened. He had a gut feeling that it would be a waste of time and though he couldn?t pin the feeling down, he followed his instinct and instead had Kiva working on finishing retrieving all of the data from the facility while arrangements were made to transport all of the perfect crystals currently in storage there to the Liberator. In that respect things were going well and even the repairs to the ship itself was coming along nicely.

As soon as the groups on Earth finished up they would be able to fall back and reevaluate their position. Which left Daniel in the undeniable position of needing to take care of something that he would rather not. Speaking to the head of the research facility, Lesera Krales. Security would be present and though he would wish it otherwise, it wouldn?t be long before everyone knew just who she really was. Something that he was sure she herself would rather they did not know either.

With a resigned sigh he gathered the two security personnel currently assigned to him and headed for the detention cells. Daniel was not expecting a warm welcome when they entered the cell and Lesera upon realizing just who had come to debrief her snapped at the trio.

"[B]Get out! Unless you plan on forcing me to divulge my information as the head the research project then I have nothing to say to you traitor.[/B]"

"[B]It's nice to see you too... [I]Aunt[/I].[/B]" Daniel said deliberately.

Lesera's reaction was immediate and swift, taking two steps forward, raising her right hand to slap Daniel. Just as the two security personnel with her were equally as swift, stepping forward, their weapons drawn. With a look of pure hatred she stopped, letting her had fall back down to her side.

"[B]Don't ever call me that again. The day your father turned traitor is the day he was no longer my brother.[/B]" She spat.

Daniel just sighed inwardly. "[B]And I suppose the fact that you mysteriously vanished thirty years ago is irrelevant.[/B]" He ignored her startled intake of breath. "[B]How could Nathan not suspect foul play when being one of the top leaders of the resistance himself, he knew that the High Council's claims that you had been killed by the resistance were not true?[/B]" He asked rhetorically.

"[B]That had nothing to do with it! That was only a security measure![/B]" Lesera protested but Daniel cut her off.

"[B]You left your only surviving relative in the position of thinking his only sister had been killed. Even if he was not a resistance member, security measures or not it was inexcusable. Especially when the stories about key dissidents being taken care of quietly are indeed true.[/B]"

At that moment Daniel's communicator went off and he answered it. "[B]Lander's here.[/B]"

It was his second in command, Spencer. "[B]I'm sorry to bother you sir, but you're needed on the bridge immediately.[/B]"

"[B]Understood, I'll be right there. Landers out.[/B]" He looked back up and Lesera. "[B]We'll finish this later, I suggest you consider just where you stand. Nothing will happen to you, but failure to cooperate will require that you remain detained until the war is over.[/B]"

"[B]Don't bother to come back.[/B]" Lesera said as Daniel was leaving. "[B]I would never betray the High Council as you have done.[/B]"

[CENTER]------------------------------[/CENTER]
Spencer didn't waste any time, the moment Daniel entered the bridge he was at his side. "[B]We have a serious problem sir, long range scanners have detected a fleet coming this way.[/B]"

"[B]What? So soon? How is that possible?[/B]"

Spencer waited until they were standing next to Daniel's spot and out of hearing range of the others. "[B]You remember how you we're convinced that the mole was not gone? Though we were unable to trace who sent the transmissions, the computer specialist was able to determine that twice since we left sector fourteen, an unauthorized message was sent.[/B]"

"[B]How many ships are we talking about and when will they arrive?[/B]" Daniel asked.

"[B]The signature trace is that of a flagship along with at least thirty battle ships, I don't know which flagship, but all of them will be here in just over one hour.[/B]"

"[B]Damn![/B]" Daniel swore. "[B]Get everyone back on board immediately! Start sending everyone back to sector eleven at once![/B]"

"[B]We're still missing some of the troops on the planet.[/B]"

[B]"It can't be helped.[/B]" Daniel declared, "[B]We'll stay as long as we can but it's important that we take the data and everything else that we have gotten here back to sector eleven. Issue the order to withdraw no later than one hour from now.[/B]"

Spencer nodded and asked just one more question before turning to issue the retreat. "[B]What about the High Council members that Kiva captured?[/B]"

"[B]I'll take care of that, you worry about getting everyone back on board before the deadline.[/B]"
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[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Though the battle to retake sector seven had ended the other day, the fleet was still present as they finished reestablishing Versilan rule. Celestia and Jason did not know where they would be heading next though the rumors running around on the [I]Creator[/I] indicated that they would be heading for the next sector closest to them. Sector eight. It did not matter to them though as they were still working on the revised update program for the fleet and though things had seemed quiet when they reported to work that morning, Celestia couldn’t shake the smug look that Kenath had given her when they arrived. But other than that brief glance nothing had been said and as the day went on she forgot about it entirely.

It was later on after taking one of the few breaks they were allowed that Celestia’s patience snapped. All morning long she had been hearing the crew bragging and boasting about how they had crushed the members of the New Alliance. It hadn’t been easy to ignore how they relished the details surrounding what had happened, especially that of the newest sub-commander; Vallon Drace. Time and time again Jason had in quiet tones told Celestia to tune it out, to let it go, but when one of them laughed over how he had executed prisoners after they had surrendered, she lost it, snapping at the Versilan who had spoken.

“[B]That’s nothing to brag about.[/B]” She said coldly. “[B]Executing someone by virtue of shooting them from behind after they have surrendered no less is the act of a coward![/B]”

The computer technician turned to see who had spoken, startled that a fellow crewmember would speak like that. But when he saw just who had spoken he sneered instead.

“[B]I hardly expect one of the inferior races to even begin to comprehend just what constitutes a cowardly act.[/B]”

But Celestia was not done, her anger roused as she stood up and glared at him even more, ignoring Jason’s frantic attempts to get her to sit back down and let it go. She brushed Jason’s hand off of her sleeve and moved until she was standing closer to the Versilan in question.

“[B]Comprehend? Understand? Are you stupid?[/B]” She asked rhetorically. “[B]Or is it that you’re unwilling to admit that a member of an inferior race who is capable of understanding your technology, is also capable of knowing when someone is a cold blooded murderer?[/B]”

The technician stood up to face her, his face turning red at her accusation of his stupidity. Flustered at her words for the simple reason that there was no question as to her ability to work with their technology. He opened his mouth to reply but Celestia, in a rare display of anger shoved him back down into his seat and continued from the position of standing over him and lecturing him.

“[B]You’re newest Sub-Commander is a monster! Deliberately killing others when it was clear they had no means of fighting back! Only the most cowardly of men would use an innocent civilian to get his way, would order the execution of unarmed prisoners and kill someone for daring to think differently than he did![/B]”

“[B]Celestia![/B]” Jason grabbed her pulling her back to their seats. “[B]Let it go![/B]”

“[B]I am sick of letting it go Jason![/B]” She cried as she turned to face him and then look beyond him when she realized that Kenath along with four security guards were approaching. “[B]Oh hell.[/B]”

Confused Jason turned, the color draining from his face when he saw who was approaching, he started to say something, anything, but Kenath motioned for him to be silent.

“[B]Both of you have been summoned by Sub-Commander Drace,[/B]” He shook his head with disgust. “[B]Rest assured I’ll be informing him of this shameful display of yours as well. You were warned to behave.[/B]” He motioned to the security who moved to surround Jason and Celestia and then herd them out of the main computer lab. Celestia did not miss Kenath's smug look as the security took both of them away.

Instead of calming down as her and Jason were taken through the corridors of the[I] Creator[/I] to wherever Drace was located, Celestia just kept getting even more angry. She was not the one who enslaved other races, she was not the one who killed others just for the sake of killing. And Jason’s attempts to get her to calm down only made her angrier.[I] It’s not fair! [/I]She thought angrily as they continued on their way with two guards in front of them and two following along behind.

Celestia did not know what to expect when they finally came to a door that lead to what appeared to be some sort of office, inside was of course the new Sub-Commander, Vallon Drace. Sitting behind a large desk with his feet up and an older styled weapon in his hands that he was lazily looking over. To his right was the dark haired woman who had been with him when he had barged into their quarters a while ago. Celestia didn’t know what to expect but Drace simply ordering the security to wait outside was not it and the moment the door closed behind them she started in on Drace, ignoring Jason’s urgent grip on her right arm as he harshly whispered for her to calm down.

“[B]I won’t take it back![/B]” She growled at him, referring to how she had called him a monster earlier in the labs, assuming that Kenath had already told him what had happened. “[B]I heard about what you did to those innocent people. You're a monster![/B]”

“[B]Celestia![/B]” Jason jerked on her arm until she was facing him. “[B]Please! Let it go![/B]”

“[B]Why should I Jason?[/B]” She declared angrily, forgetting for just a moment where she was. “[B]It’s true, he killed those people in cold blood. He murdered them![/B]” She started to say more and then jumped a bit at the sound of Drace shifting a bit. Startled she turned back to face him and halted at the look in his eyes, wondering if in that moment she really had gone too far. [/FONT][/COLOR]
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[SIZE=1]Kreid stood under the jet of hot water that gushed forth from his shower, and didn't move for at least twenty minutes. He wanted the sweat, the grime, the dirt to wash from his body before he did anything else. He hadn't even reported to Landers yet, although he knew that the Commander would be expecting him.

He toweled his hair and body dry and put on a fresh set of clothes, before switching on his personal video screen to see a message waiting from Landers. He played it, and immediately the Commander's face appeared on-screen.

[B]"Kreid, we have another assignment for you. There is a Versilan fleet incoming, and we still haven't picked up all the refugees from Earth. We need you to help with the runs to and from Earth to pick up the rest of them. Head down to the docking bay as soon as you get this." [/B]The transmission cut out, and left Kreid alone in his silent room. He picked up his belt and a few other belongings, strapping them to his person, and left the room, heading towards the docking bay as Landers had ordered.

[B]"Kreid," [/B]shouted Hirtius from a nearby ship, [B]"You're with us! How about getting the old team back together!"

"Couldn't choose finer men to be with if I tried!" [/B]lied Kreid, jogging towards the ship and hopping on board, strapping himself into the passenger seat in the cockpit, Hirtius taking the controls.

[B]"We'll try and do this without anyone dying this time, right?" [/B]he joked, and Kreid smiled and nodded. He wasn't sure how much longer he could continue pretending to get along with these people.

[B]"Ready for take off?" [/B]asked Hirtius, looking around, and, receiving nods from all the passengers, he radioed in to the bridge with the same question.

[B]"Absolutely," [/B]came the voice of one of the security detail through the communicator, [B]"Just remember to send all further comms through a private channel. Franklin's taken all other comms off-line to search for the origin of those messages we tracked. Apparently they were sent by someone in security, so as you can imagine, they're being pretty anal about it."

[/B][I]What? [/I]thought Kreid, [I]How the hell did they manage to trace those messages? They were encrypted far beyond the level of anyone on board the flagship. I definitely need to look into this further once we get back from Earth.

[/I][B]"Lift-off!" [/B]shouted Hirtius in his own boorish way, slamming the power on the ship and blasting out of the hangar doors, speeding back towards the home planet of the human race.

[B]"Can't believe those messages they found were sent from security. If you can't trust you lot, who can you trust, eh Kreid?" [/B]Hirtius asked with a wink in Kreid's direction.

[B]"Who knows?" [/B]replied Kreid, getting his composure back, [B]"Least we get to save some refugees while they're doing all that."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," [/B]replied Hirtius, [B]"Proper military work, that's what I signed up for. None of that poncing about with computers that lot are doing."

"Damn right," [/B]said Kreid with a smile, [B]"Now let's get these people rescued!"

"I like the way you think, Kreid!"[/B]yelled Hirtius with a joyous whoop, and he plunged the ship down towards Earth.
[/SIZE]
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[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Kiva still had the two Councilors on board the [I]Catalyst[/I], but she'd gotten rid of Dalek as soon as possible. He was currently on board the [I]Liberator[/I], which had also secured the [I]Hunter[/I]. The [I]Catalyst[/I] was back in orbit around Mars. All data from the facility was being transferred to the [I]Catalyst[/I]. The data transfer was almost complete when the [I]Catalyst [/I]received a transmission from the [I]Liberator[/I], which Kiva accepted.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"Kiva, the situation just turned urgent," Daniel said. "Our Imperial agent's been using a different method to make his or her transmissions, but we know that transmissions have been made. In particular, the Empire was notified of our destination. An Imperial fleet will be here in about an hour, and against the numbers we've confirmed, we can't hold the sector. We're pulling out as fast as possible, but it's likely we'll have to fight our way out. I want you and those Council members out of here before that happens. How's the data transfer coming?"[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"It's just about finished," Kiva said.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"Good. Get the facility evacuated, then as soon as the transfer is complete, destroy it."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"Understood."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"We'll make for sector 11, but I don't want you to head directly there. I want you to enter sector 14. I need an update on the situation there. Get in, get as much information as you can without being detected, then get out."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"I can do that," Kiva said. "In the meantime, you might want to do something about this Imperial agent."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"We're trying," Daniel said, "but we're not having much success. Whoever this is is good."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"Place a tight lockdown on all transmissions sent from the [I]Liberator[/I]. And I mean tight. Have security constantly at alert, with electronic monitering systems active at all times. The electronic systems themselves should be locked, allowing no access without a code known only to you and those you're absolutely certain are on our side. It'd be nice if our agent tries to make a transmission and is caught, but the true objective of this is to force him or her to lie low. Upon your arrival in sector 11, fake a general systems failure and go to emergency power only. The security systems won't be completely inactive, but there'd be plenty of opportunity to make an unauthorized transmission. SoO keep passive monitoring systems online. Our agent seems to prefer more frequent transmissions than I did, and the lockdown will have cut him off. Presented with an opportunity, he or she will likely take it. The monitoring systems probably won't get enough to confirm the agent's identity, but it should be enough to work with. It may just be the information we need to find out who the hell the agent is."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"Do you think it'll work?" Daniel said.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"I think it's better than nothing, but if you don't think it's a good idea, or you don't think you could do it well, then you don't have to do it. Use your own judgement. Either way, I'd suggest assigning me to locate the agent when I return from sector 11."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"I'll think about that."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]"And, Daniel? Make sure Dalek's treated well, would you?"[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=darkslateblue][/COLOR]
[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]Daniel nodded. "I will. Daniel out."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue][FONT=Tahoma]The transmission ended. Kiva checked the status of the data transfer and saw that it was finished. She then contacted the facility and issued the evacuation order. When the place was clear, she'd destroy it, then move on to sector 14.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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