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Today was unique, in so many ways. For not only did it mark the return of full power to the High Council, and the appointment of the newest members to replace those who had been executed for treason, it also was the day that the push to retake the sectors that had broken off would begin in earnest. Stevens, as he stood in the grand chamber in the Council Center along with the other newest members to be inducted into a full Council member, gave Sandra the tiniest of satisfied smiles as they were required to recite the oath as one who would serve loyally and rule with the best if the Versilan Empire in mind.

It was also a day to be remembered for never before had a member been appointed who had not served as a candidate for the position on the High Council for at least ten years first. Stevens had already served as a candidate for over five years, but Sandra less than one. Still as they stood there, now fully dressed in the darker blue and silver that only members of the High Council could wear, it was a sight that made Stevens smile a little more as they finally came to a close, the proceedings finally ending. Once again the Council was fifty strong and those Council members who had dared to betray the trust of the people had been dealt with.

As the meeting ended and everyone began to mingle to chat and gossip about the latest news in regards to the sectors that had broken off, Fleet Admiral Stevens and Commodore Sandra left the Council Chamber to head for the main transport door to return to the Conqueror and the Creator. Two of the five flag ships of the Versilan space forces. Idle gossip and congratulations were of no concern when it was time to take the fleet that had been gathering in sector one and head for the first sector they would retake. There was far too much to be done now that the borders had been secured as much as possible. They had to stop the attempts by the former Resistance and the dissenting sectors to take over those sectors who had remained loyal to the Empire.

No one could have foreseen that the Resistance would back the sectors that had broken off. For all intents and purposes all of them were traitors and considered a part of the Resistance no matter how they tried to claim they were merely accepting their help in stopping those who were ruling unjustly. It was a bit unsettling how easily so many sectors had broken off and allied themselves with the first sector to break off, sector nine, home of the four factions of the High Council who’s ancestry had become mixed with those of the lesser races, who’s only purpose was to serve the Versilan Empire.

“Is everything ready?” Stevens asked Sandra as they walked through the massive corridor leading to where the transport door was located.

“Other than the transfer of my newest sub-commander Vallon Drace, all is ready. Once the envoy sent to retrieve him arrives and the remaining briefings have been done we can begin retaking the dissenting sectors.” Sandra did not bother to glance at Stevens as they approached the permanent transport door. The security there already making the call to both flag ships upon seeing them approaching to request the transport door to be opened.

“I have another order for you Sandra.” Stevens said as they came to a halt right before where the door would appear. “I need you to transfer Shipping Expert Darren Anderson and his sister Kerstin to the Conqueror.” He smiled when she turned at last to finally face him, her expression guarded.

“Why?” She asked reluctantly, sensing perhaps that Stevens, as always, was toying with her.

“I have my reason’s dear Sandra and Council member or not, I am not required to explain them to you.” Stevens grinned at the flash of irritation that crossed her face before it was quickly hidden.

“Very well then Admiral, I‘ll have them transferred immediately.” Sandra said with a slight mocking bow before turning and stepping through the door of light that had appeared.

Then a moment later when the door had been reset to go to the Conqueror, Stevens gave the security the briefest of nods before he too stepped through and then immediately headed for the bridge of the Conqueror. Even if most of the preparations had been done, there was still much to be taken care of before they left. He pulled out his hand held computer and opened it up, turning it on so he could start reviewing the information on the resources available as well as the military that had remained loyal to the Empire.

He along with James, the Commander of the Elite forces, had already set into motion missions and tasks to ensure their success in taking the Resistance apart from the inside. They might have the advantage of numbers over those who had broken away, but it would be sheer foolishness to rely on that edge. Four of the five flagships of the Empire were in sector one and the fifth one was suppose to be on it’s way but had yet to arrive. Once the final ship arrived along with any other personnel they would begin.

With yet another satisfied smile Stevens closed his hand held computer as he entered the bridge and sat down at the command chair overlooking the bridge. A few short commands to the crew and then he accessed his terminal to review other reports that required his attention as well as to issue any orders that required his authorization.

Had it only been six weeks since the sectors broke off and Kiva had chosen to run instead of turning him over to Fleet Admiral Stevens? In many ways, with all that had happened, to Daniel, it felt more like an eternity. And now, here he was in sector nine at the former military station orbiting the main world of that sector, working with the representatives of each sector that had allied themselves with the Resistance. Organizing the part of the fleet and the regular military that had also chosen to break off, tired of the betrayal as well as the oppression of the other races.

"Are you sure it's really necessary that I take your place?" Daniel asked William. "I know you plan on going to check out something you say is vital to the war effort, but..." Daniel stared blankly at the screen to the terminal in his quarters, even though there was nothing to see as William was only broadcasting the audio part of his transmission. Why the secrecy? William had been keeping himself out of the publics eye since the sectors had broken off.

"It's necessary Daniel." William replied. "It's too soon for people to know who I really am. You on the other hand have the necessary command experience to work as my liason but also to co-lead the forces that have gathered under the New Alliance."

Too soon for us to know who he is? Even I don't know who William is. Daniel shook his head a bit, "You do realize that we are outnumbered. No matter how confident the people may be, if they bring all five flag ships to bear, we will not be able to stop them, even with the Transcendence."

"Ah yes, the flag ships. A visitor will be arriving soon so it's best that you go prepare to greet them. I'll talk to you later Daniel. William out." Daniel just stared stupidly at the screen as the transmission ended. Then, resisting the urge to sigh he turned it off and left his quarters to head to the command center of the space station he was on. A visitor? What is he talking about? Daniel thought as he entered the command center.

He didn't have to wait long as moments after entering the officer in charge approached him quickly, a concerned look on his face. He came to a halt before Daniel, keeping his voice low as he spoke.

"Sir, we have an incoming ship due to arrive in a just a little bit. It's not on the list of expected arrivals though they did send the appropriate clearance codes to bypass the border security."

"When did this happen?"

"I just got the confirmation sir, I was about to contact you."

Daniel opened up his own hand held computer and pulled up the clearance codes that the ship had broadcast to gain entry into sector nine. Everything appeared to be in order though there was a bit added on at the very end. What the?

"I don't know what that part is sir. It looks like some sort of code, but I've never seen it before."

"It is." Daniel started to say, but he was halted by the base going into full alert when the unknown ship finally arrived, dropping out of hyper space not too far from their location. Before anyone could begin to panic and wonder how one of the flag ships had managed to get into sector nine, Daniel took over.

"Stand down." He ordered.

"But sir!"

"Sir!" The communications officer spoke up. "They're hailing us."

"On screen." Daniel said even as he took his seat. Within seconds the bridge of the Eclipse appeared, but instead of the Commodore who commanded it, there was only a handful of people there.

"Commander Daniel," One of them spoke up. "I trust you have room in your fleet for one more?" He smiled and then laughed a bit. "I'm afraid you'll have to find a crew for her though. We had to leave most of them behind."

So this is what William was up to all this time! Daniel just shook his head a tiny bit, wondering how he had managed to get enough personnel on the Eclipse to seize control. Gaining one of the five powerful flag ships would really tip things in their favor.

"I think we can manage that. For now hold your position, I'll get back to you momentarily." Daniel ordered as he terminated the transmission to open up a new one to the representatives on the planet. He couldn't help but smile at the spontaneous cheers among the crew of the space station. He felt like cheering himself.

As soon as he talked to the representatives for the New Alliance, then they could begin the process of selecting the necessary crew members, it would delay their next move, but it would be well worth the wait. But at the end of the day as the excitement finally died down over the news of one of the flag ships being taken, Daniel could only shake his head in disbelief, of all things, he had not expected to be put in charge of the now newly named flag ship, the Liberator.

Maybe we can win this after all.

Marc exited his ship with two of his crew tailing behind him. They were sent to Sector 11 to drop off some of the military supplies they lifted from a Versilan supply ship. Marc watched as some of the ground crew started to unload the supply crates and his crew was directing them with it. A uniformed man came up the ramp towards Marc brandishing a personal computer.

"I need to speak with Sargent Marc Nazarian, he has new orders." He belted out in somewhat of a proud tone.

"I am him," Marc replied taking with personal computer from the man's hand. He looked it over with an awkward expression. "It says here that we are supposed to supply security while your men are handing out the supplies to the freed civilians."

"Thats correct."

"And my I ask why your men cannot supply the security?"

"Because your men are better suited for security than my men, I will expect your men in uniform and ready within the hour." The man took the personal computer back and gave a salute to Marc, turned and left. Mark turned back to his ship and entered his crew's quarters where the majority of the crew was already gathered.

"We have to supply security detail at the distribution point for the recently freed slaves, suit up in light armor and side arms. We aren't expecting anything we are just a comfort the men would like to have in case someone gets a little rowdy. Suit up we report for duty in an hour." Marc finished with a nod to his men and they all left for the armory.

His men were dressed rather quickly and they were off to the supply point. They arrived and they were separated into groups of two. Marc and his second in command Blaine were in a group. Marc liked Blaine, both from earth they had a decent amount in common. Blaine was from Ireland which was obvious from his thick accent and general demeanor. They patrolled through the crowds of people when Blaine started to laugh.

"What are you laughing about?" Marc asked starting to chuckle himself.

"Its amazing isn't it?" Blaine replied looking up at Marc. "I mean ever since earth was invaded i never really have felt any hope for our situation, and when I see this." He paused. "It is just beautiful, this gives me hope. It makes me think maybe we have a chance in this war, maybe we have a chance at returning to the lives we once lived."

"Yeah... I guess so." Marc started walking again with Blaine right at his side. Marc thought about it and maybe Blaine was right maybe they did have a chance of returning to what once was.

She had gotten what she wanted, so why wasn't she happier about it? Commander Crystal had objected from the very beginning to being put in command of a smaller Battle Ship. But now with the war she had finally been transfered to the Creator to take over as the chief medical officer as well as continue to care for the former Resistance's leader Erica Kendrick. Being a doctor was what she preferred to do, but still, even as she settled into the main office of the sickbay of the Creator she was still feeling displeased.

Crystal shoved the feelings aside as she took her seat at the desk and activated the terminal to start reviewing the crew records. The system was designed to remind the staff of crew members who were in need of their required checkups as well as any other important matters that required her attention. Surprisingly the list that required her attention was small as the previous doctor had made sure to stay on top of things. A fact that she could appreciate since nothing irritated her more than to take over only to find that the previous resident had been sloppy.

She was looking through the names of the crew scheduled to come in over the next couple of days when two of the names caught her attention immediately. Celestia Henderson & Jason Sanders. They've been transfered to the Creator? What in the world for? Crystal looked up the records to see just where they had been assigned, her eyes narrowing in anger as the thought occurred to her that they would have been placed in quarters that countermanded her standing orders in regards to those two. A moment later the information pulled up, showing where they were located and assigned.

Both had been placed directly under the computer specialist for the Creator and thus under the direct command of a Vallon Drace. Who the hell is that? It seemed familiar and sure enough when she looked at the list of those due for a check up his name was on the list as the newly appointed Sub-Commander of the Creator, due to arrive later that day. What happened to the previous Sub-Commander?

Crystal went back to checking out the details surrounding Celestia and Jason, once she was satisfied that they met with her approval, only then did she move back to checking the other files. I'm sure those two will not be happy to see me again. She thought, but then how could they be happy? No slave really was.

With a shake of her head she closed the file on those two and pulled up the one for Vallon Drace since it was flagged with a notation indicating there was something important that she needed to read. Crystal opened it up expecting to find something along the lines of previous medical experiences only to be surprised by a nearly complete lack of any type of check up. Along with various notes from the doctors of different ships he had served on. The notes were nearly identical and resulted in Crystal sighing inwardly.

Vallon Drace: Clearly exhibits a hostile tendency towards any form of medical treatment or checkup. With said hostility extending to having altercations with previous doctors on the various ships he has served on.

So he's one of those. Crystal hated dealing with those members of the military who believed they did not need the required medical check ups. As well as the ones who could and would argue over it to the point of nearly coming to blows. Spending more time avoiding the checkup than it took to simply submit to it. And based on the notes? Vallon Drace was going to be an interesting challenge. We'll see about that. Crystal thought as she closed the reports down in favor of checking to see if there were any new medical updates to review. There wasn't a member yet who had managed to get out of a checkup while she was their assigned doctor. And Vallon would not be the first, she would see to that.

Greydon Kreid was busy shifting a number of supply crates that had been delivered a number of hours ago, but as yet no-one had moved them. They were white crates with large red crosses on the sides, so Greydon assumed that they must have been medical supplies, bandages, anesthetics and antiseptics. He lifted them, and although it was difficult work, he never did this grudgingly, always with a smile on his face.

He was halfway through loading up a motorized trolley with crates when the announcement came through. The Resistance had captured the Versilan flagship Eclipse, now renamed Liberator, and a crew was needed.

"You should go sign up, Greydon," said Kyson, one of his fellow crew members, "They could use someone with knowledge of Versilan flagships like you."

"I don't know, Kyson," replied Greydon, pushing his fringe backwards, running a hand through his now long, untidy hair, "I doubt they'll let me on the crew. A lot of the higher-ups don't like having me around." He scratched the growth of stubble on his beard - he didn't like looking this scruffy, but it was all part of the facade.

"Like it or not, you're one of the few Resistance members who's actually been on board a flagship. They'll realise that your knowledge is indispensable. Go sign up, it'll get you out of carrying crates around with the rest of us navvies."

"Fine," said Greydon, giving in and piling the last couple of crates onto the motor trolley, "But don't come crying to me if you break your back trying to push this thing alone."

"Just go," said Kyson with a smile, waving him on. Greydon gave a tiny wave and began to make his way to the bridge, where Daniel Landers would be. He ducked quickly into a side room, a maintenance room for the various vents and pipes that ran around the station, and pulled the small hand-held computer out of his pocket, flipping it open and pulling the stylus out. He tapped the keypad on the screen, unlocking it and began to write a message.

RESISTANCE HAVE CONTROL OF ECLIPSE - NOW NAMED LIBERATOR. SIGNING UP WITH CREW - PRIMARY TARGET WILL BE ABOARD. WILL UPDATE.

He sent it through an encrypted channel to his superiors on the High Council, then locked the computer and slipped it back into his pocket. He exited the room and continued on his way to the bridge.

"Sir, an encrypted transmission has just been sent out from somewhere on the station," was the first thing Greydon heard as he entered the bridge, "We can't tell where it's headed, but I can make a pretty good guess."

"You think we have a mole aboard the station?" asked Landers from his seat in the centre of the bridge.

"It is highly likely. The Versilan Military has an extensive network of undercover operatives - it would be stupid to assume that they wouldn't at least try to infiltrate one into the Resistance."

"Search the backgrounds of all crew members, and see if anything doesn't check out. Report to me if there is anything out of the ordinary, and I mean anything. Yes?" Daniel Landers said, swiveling in his chair to face Greydon.

"Commander Landers, sir," said Kreid, "I am reporting to request to be placed on the crew of the Liberator. I have knowledge of Versilan flagships, and I feel I could be of more use on board the ship than here."

"And your name?"

"Greydon Kreid, sir."

"Kreid...Kreid...ah yes, we were just about to notify you. It's already been suggested that you become part of the crew. So, if I can take this offer as an acceptance of your position, then welcome aboard, Mr Kreid."

"Thank you, Commander Landers, sir," Kreid said with a broad smile, "And, if I may, congratulations on your new position as commander of the flagship."

"Thank you, Kreid. You will be called to board the ship soon. Dismissed." Greydon turned and walked out of the bridge, his smile hiding a deep sense of disgust. This man, Daniel Landers, had given up such a promising career in the Versilan military, all to join this worthless cause. But he was an opportunity for Greydon - he could use Landers to get to the real head of the Resistance, William. And with his removal, the Resistance would be headless, and the Versilans could destroy them with ease.

He felt privileged to be playing such a pivotal role in this operation. He would bring down the Resistance soon enough...

By now, Darren would have thought that he would have finally been allowed to transfer to his office on the home world near the Council Center. Ever since the sectors had broken off his work had almost doubled as it required constant monitoring to keep up with the changes needed in the shipping throughout the Empire. With all the skirmishes happening along the borders, most recently the attack of the Ru-xu-kou, along the border of sectors one and seven, the need for supplies to be shifted was constantly changing. It didn't help that there was also a fair amount of outright raiding going along in sectors four and three. The Resistance or New Alliance as they liked to now call themselves, was quite skilled at hijacking shipments.

But that didn't seem to matter as both him and Kerstin were still on board the Creator. Darren sighed softly and turned from his position of watching the rest of the fleet from the view in his quarters to head back to his desk and continue with his work. Maybe I should ask Sandra about it again. But as he sat down the chime indicating there was an incoming transmission sounded. Curious as to who it was he answered the call, the screen coming to life as he accepted it. It was Sandra, now attired in the dress of a Council member. That's right, she was made a full member today.

"Darren," She didn't waste any time. "Both you and your sister are to transfer to the Conqueror immediately."

Darren couldn't hide his surprise. "What? But why? I thought..." But Sandra's expression just darkened in anger, causing him to falter and go silent.

"I don't know why Darren, you'll have to ask Stevens since he is the one who ordered your transfer."

Stevens? But... Darren shook his head, suddenly depressed. He knew what Stevens was like. "I see. I'll gather my things immediately and head over."

Lovely, Darren thought once Sandra had ended the transmission. What in the world does Stevens want? It had been bad enough being required to stay on the Creator and still run into Jared from time to time, but Stevens? He resisted the urge to hit something, anything as he gathered what little possessions he had with him. Not much really, just the stupid uniforms for being a shipping expert along with some regular clothing and the hand held computer he had been issued. They didn't even fill the small bag he had for carrying such things.

As he headed for the door to his quarters, Darren gave the place one final glance. He wouldn't miss them, of that he was positive, even if they were elaborate and excessive in his opinion. I'd better go and inform Kerstin, he smiled at the thought of all the things she had. A move would not be so simple for her. She would require assistance to move her art supplies since most if not all of them had ended up on board since she had been kidnapped. Even though she still attended classes at the University on Reflection, she did not like staying in her room at the university unless she had no choice.

It took him little time to get to her quarters since they were both housed in the guest quarters for the Creator, but when she answered the door, he was surprised to see her with a small bag herself and ready to go.

"So why are we being transfered Darren?" Kerstin asked as she stepped out from her quarters with her small bag in tow.

"Sandra already told you did she?" Darren asked as he fell into step along with Kerstin as she headed towards the nearest transport room.

"Yes, just as she told me to let the housekeeping crew move my art supplies once I was assigned to my new quarters." Kerstin glanced at her brother as they continued through the corridors of the ship. "She didn't say why we are being moved though."

Darren just shrugged. "I don't know either. The only thing I do know is that it was ordered by Stevens."

"Well I can understand why you might be moved, but me?" Kerstin just sighed a bit as they entered the transport room and Darren put in the request to be transported to the Conqueror. She sighed again. Why haven't they moved both of us to the home world? Darren has an office there and that includes living accommodation's.

Kerstin politely smiled and thanked the technician working in the transport room and stepped through the door after her brother did. She'd find out soon enough what was going on. As soon as she was on board and the door had closed behind her, she turned her attention to the deck officer who was waiting for both of them in the transport room on the Conqueror.

"Sir, if you'll both come with me. I've been sent to show you to your new quarters." Both Darren and Kerstin followed along as he led them towards the guest quarters for the Conqueror. Though considering that the layout of the flag ships was the same, they could have easily have found it on their own. Once they arrived and he gave each one of them the code for their quarters he had one more thing to say before heading back to his other duties.

"Both of you are scheduled for a meeting with the Admiral at seven this evening. He'll be expecting you in the observation room just off the bridge. If you need anything else, just let me know." And then with a small bow he turned and left.

Both Kerstin and Darren looked at each other and then with a small sigh they entered their separate quarters to settle in before heading to see why they had been moved.

Jared had ignored the proceedings at the Council Center in favor of checking out the details and records of the new Sub-Commander assigned to the Creator, Vallon Drace. Especially since he had not been the one to decide to promote him to serve as his second in command. That order had come from elsewhere when the previous Sub-Commander had been called to serve in another position instead. Jared didn't know why he was transfered and on some level he did not care. What did matter was understanding more about the new Sub-Commander, if only to ascertain just what his skills were.

There were some interesting notes in his file, seemed that he was a bit aggressive and perhaps a bit overconfident as well. It was hard to know without meeting him directly. That would happen soon enough as the envoy sent to pick him up had already signaled that they were on their way to drop him off. There was one thing that did concern him just a tiny bit in regards to his assigned duties. It was the job of the Sub-Commander to oversee any slaves who were working on a ship. He would need to make sure that this Drace understood the circumstance surrounding Celestia and Jason.

Since Drace had been serving as the Sub-Commander on the Battleship Baron under the command of Commander Sergei Bale, he was most likely use to standard methods of dealing with slaves. Jared toyed with the thought of talking to Sandra about having those two answer directly to her instead. As much as he would enjoy tormenting the two, both Celestia and Jason, he knew better than to counter the wishes of the High Council. So taking up that task himself was not an option. In the end he decided it would simply be best to inform Drace of what was expected and then keep an eye on him.

"Sir," one of the officers on the bridge approached his location. Jared looked up from the file he had been reading to see what they wanted.

"All supplies and transfers other than the arrival of the new Sub-Commander are complete. Your orders sir?"

"Maintain our current position until further notice." Jared replied.

"Understood sir," He bowed and then turned to head back to his station.

Jared watched him go and then glanced down at his screen as a soft chime indicated he had an incoming transmission. It was from Fleet Admiral Stevens and he opened it without hesitation.

"It seems we have a problem Jared." Stevens said, looking displeased. "I've just received word that the Resistance managed to seize the Eclipse. It was not headed here as ordered but instead to sector nine where it has now been renamed the Liberator and drafted into their fleet."

"How did that happen? And why did we not hear of this sooner?" Jared was surprised, seizing a flagship intact would have to mean that there had been traitors on board the ship. And even then...

"I don't have all the details yet, most of the crew is still missing, regardless, I want you to alter the intended plans for our next move to compensate for the loss of the Eclipse, since we will only be taking the Creator and the Conqueror."

Jared nodded, "Understood, I'll start rearranging the ship assignments immediately. Anything else?" Stevens just shook his head and then terminated the transmission.

Jared pulled up the details for where they would be striking in force first. It wouldn't be too hard to shuffle resources to accommodate the loss of the flagship but still, it wasn't going to make them look very creditable to have lost one of the ships without a fight. I wonder who was behind that operation? With a tiny smile he started taking a look at how he could allocate the remaining space forces. He could find out who had been responsible later, though he was willing to bet that it had to have been either the elusive William or Daniel Landers.

It was massive. Its frame was intimidating to say the least, it almost shone like a star in space. It was at the point where the transport ship was close enough that there was nothing within the screen's peripheral vision but the ship itself. Even further away, it was easy to tell how the giant flagship dwarved the common Versilan battleship by far. It's elongated and transformed quadratic design gave the ship a strong foundation and a fort like atmosphere, and plenty of places to station armaments and storage containers. The pictures of the ship in reports, briefings, or books did it little to no justice.

"This is The Creator...how magnificent. Much more fitting for an officer of my calibur. Commander Scorer must be very proud indeed." Vallon said, admiring the ship and imagining himself taking his rightful place.

The dark haired woman dressed in the Space Forces security uniform glanced over at him momentarily and then turned her head back as if staring into the sun. The pilot of the transport patched a connection through to The Creator and promptly announced their ETA of fifteen minutes. Time passed as the crew of The Creator went about any business they had to attend to, meanwhile the transport ship docked safely in the bay of the ship.

Workers and other crew members alike began gathering around the area after hearing about the impending arrival of the ship's new sub-commander. A commotion started outside as those who have heard of Vallon spoke of him and those who havn't, wondered aloud what kind of person he was. The envoy were the first to leave the ship and make way through the crowd. Vallon stood up in place and cracked a satisfied grin on his face, his left eye twitching slightly from the pent up excitement. He looked over at the woman, who only just stood up as he did. Vallon raised his eyebrow slightly and turned to her.

"Perhaps you'd like to explain to me why you've been keeping such an interested eye on me since we've left the base, hm? I don't need any security if that's your role here." he commented. He moved a bit closer to her, keeping the grin on his face. She just stared at him and stood still.

"I do my job, just like you will do yours, sir. Please do not be angry with me." she responded. Vallon couldn't help but laugh to himself as he put himself within arm's reach. He extended his right arm and placed it on the woman's shoulder, as if assuring her of something. He closed his eyes and dipped his head in enough to take in her scent, rather blatantly at that.

"Angry...what a silly thing to say. Surely i'm not so monstrous?" Vallon facetiously inquired. He turned away and began walking toward the platform, followed by the woman. The tall dark-haired figure emerged into sight of the crew of the Creator, warranting a mixture of reactions. He smiled mischieviously as he walked down the path his envoy cleared for him, taking in the atmosphere of what he perceived as a warm welcome.

They stepped onto the bay turbo lift and headed up to the top level of the ship where Jared's personal quarters was located. Vallon observed each level as they passed it through the transparent walls of the lift, taking in the basic designs of each level and noting any noteworthy places of more detailed visits from just sight alone.

One of the lieutenants of the envoy cleared his throat to gain Vallon's attention, and handed him a folder. Vallon eyed the man oddly and slowly took it. He had thought it was weird that he had yet to receive any sort of paperwork concerning his appointment, but then he also figured that probably would have been handled by Jared himself.

"Hm, what's this?" Vallon wondered as he opened it up only to find the lift and detailed profiles of slaves on board the ship. He raised his eyebrow and flipped through them before turning to the Lieutenant.

"Commander Scorer will speak to you personally about all of your major duties of course, but you will be needing these files once you've left his quarters." he told Vallon. 'Why in the world...'

Vallon just squinted and closed the folder hastily with one hand. "Why would a bunch of worthless slaves concern me? If they aren't doing what they are supposed to be doing then have the security team dicipline them." Vallon spoke harshly, putting a directional emphasis on the last part of his comment toward the female security member across from him.

The Lieutenant went to speak again but was silenced by a wave of Vallon's hand.

"Don't misunderstand, I'm quite aware of the general duties I will have aboard this ship. But if I am to be bothered by every little detail concerning such matters, well what good are those I am to command? Surely, the soldiers aboard this ship aren't as needy. I'm here to win this war for the Empire afterall, not babysit." Vallon explained as he tucked the folder into his side pocket and adjusted his collar.

The lift came to a halt and the six members stepped off. They led the way for Vallon and received contact from Jared to allow him entry. The security team member was allowed entry along with him, while the retrieval envoy returned to their posts. While inside, Vallon observed Jared's quarters and considered himself somewhat impressed by the kind of atmosphere he surrounded himself in. Jared was nowhere to be found though. Vallon walked in a little more and took it upon himself to be seated in the center of the room.

"Do you like it? Your room will be very much to your liking as well then." came a voice toward the right side of the room. Vallon jerked his head around and noticed Jared standing in a doorway.

The last time that either Celstia or Jason had been on the Creator, was when they had been brought on board to meet with Erica Kendrick. The former head of the Resistance and former High Council member. Neither one of them had expected to be actually transfered and assigned to work with the computer specialist in the labs on the massive ship. But then, ever since they had been captured when the last hidden Resistance base on Earth had been taken, they had been given no choice or say in what they did or where they were sent. Like all who were slaves to the Versilan Empire, their lives were no longer their own. Celestia knew that even being given better treatment than most slaves was not something she could depend on. Especially now that war was a reality. She only hoped that her father and the others would be able to win.

Both her and Jason were allowed a limited amount of free movement, but it was made painfully clear by the security one had to bypass to even get into the different sections of the ship, that any attempts to go where they were not authorized would be harshly dealt with. It may have been several months since the last time they were disciplined but such painful memories were not so easily forgotten. Now as her and Jason were escorted to the computer lab for the first time since they were brought on board, she wondered what the person would be like. That more than anything made things difficult, being assigned to work under someone who held all slaves, especially ones like her who were half Versilan in contempt.

Her thoughts scattered as the main doors opened and the security detail escorted them in. A tall dark haired Versilan turned to look upon their arrival and with a nod dismissed the security before he motioned for both of them to join him. He was standing by one of the computer terminals in the huge room, there were others there as well, but they were carefully staying at their stations and continuing to work on their assignments, but it didn't stop many of them from sending curious glances their way. Once both of them had come to a halt before the man who was most likely the specialist he spoke.

"Jason and Celestia I presume?" Once they nodded in response he continued. "I am Kenath, head of the computer department for the Creator, though you will address me as sir." He waited for them to nod and then motioned for both of them to take a seat.

"Now your first assignment will be to modify the security for the fleet update system. Since you were the ones to write the program for exploiting the holes and hacking into the updates, you will be the ones to fix them so they can't be hacked into. Do you have any questions before you begin?"

"No sir," Celestia replied.

"Good. Also, keep in mind, any attempts to do stuff beyond your assigned tasks will be dealt with accordingly. Just as the two of you wrote the program that hacked into the updates, I am the one who wrote the program that caught it in action. I will be closely monitoring your activity, remember that. If I catch even the slightest hint of foul play you will be immediately handed over for discipline."

"I understand sir." Celestia looked down at her hands which were carefully clasped in her lap. "We will not do anything that would require the Commander's attention."

"Commander?" He laughed a bit at both of them, causing both Jason and Celestia to look at him in confusion. "I suppose it can't be helped that the two of you are ignorant as to how procedure is done. Should the need arise I won't be reporting you to Commander Jared Scorer, but to Sub-Commander Vallon Drace."

"Unlike the Commander, I understand that the new Sub-Commander has no interest in dealing personally with the slaves under his command. He'll simply hand you over to the appropriate department should discipline be required." Kenath sighed just a tiny bit. "Now get to work, both of you, I'll be back later with a detail to send you over to sickbay for your required check up."

Celestia waited until he had walked back over to his own station in the room before turning to speak to Jason in a hushed tone. "I wonder who Vallon Drace is." She commented as she also turned on the work terminal before them.

Jason just gave her a small smile in return. "I don't care really. I'm just glad to hear that we aren't assigned to Jared." He turned to the display as the system booted up. If he never saw Jared again... It would be too soon.

The Transcendence exited hyperspace a lot farther out than was required. It could've gone further in hyperspace, but then the exit would have been detected by the sensor systems set up in sector 14. Not even the Transcendence's stealth systems, the best there were, could hide an exit signature at that range. So Kiva'd set the ship to exit farther out. She wasn't beyond the reach of the sensors, but she was far enough out that the Transcendence's stealth systems masked its exit. Now came the hard part.

The Transcendence was currently the only ship with stealth capabilities sufficient to beat the sensor systems in sector 14, but it would be tough. Going in under full power would be suicide. The only way to evade detection was to have full stealth systems active and turn off all other non-essential systems, engines included. Momentum would carry the Transcendence further into the sector.

Kiva's objective was the retrieval of Tessa, a genetics speciallist working at the research facility in sector 14. Tessa had, through the hidden Resistance presence at the facility, requested extraction by the Resistance. She was one of only two people with the expertise to work out a way to even partially reverse the mental alterations that had been done at birth to nearly all Versilans, the other being Crystal. Since Crystal was with the Empire, it was extremely important that Tessa be successfully extracted.


A lot had happened very quickly. As an undercover operative within the Versilan Empire, Kiva, in the position of Elite Specialist, had disabled a Resistance vessel attempting to flee sector 1. Among the vessel's occupants was Daniel Landers, a high-ranking Resistance member who had known of Kiva's position as an undercove operative. When ordered to transfer Daniel to the Creator, Kiva knew she was as good as exposed, so she'd fled to sector 9 with both Daniel and her crewman, Daego.

Though Kiva had been givin new assignments soon after arriving in sector 9, Daego had remained in the sector. He had supported the Empire, but when the information about the mental alterations was exposed, he began to seriously doubt that decision. He no longer supported the Empire, so he'd made the decision to attempt to flee to sector 9. But even though he was certainly not going to support the Empire, Daego wasn't sure whether he wanted to fight against them. So Kiva'd left him in sector 9.


Kiva calculated when she'd be optimally positioned, then sent a tight-beam message to Tessa's handheld computer, using the unit's ID to mark the message's destination. That way, the message was virtually certain to remain undetected. The message contained the time Kiva had calculated, with instructions for Tessa to be alone in her quarters at that time, with everything she would be taking with her ready to go.

At the specified time, Kiva would open a transport door in Tessa's quarters. When she entered it, Tessa would be transported to the Transcendence. But the transport door would be detected by the sector's sensor systems, and though it would take a bit of time to pinpoint where it had been opened to, it would be easy to identify where it was opened from. And though the millitary presence in the sector wasn't huge, it was more than enough to make things difficult for a single ship, even the Transcendence. So as soon as Tessa was aboard, Kiva would have to get the hell out of the sector as fast as possible.

As always, Daniel took a moment to look at the new locket with the picture of his mother in it before heading out for the day. His day just didn't seem right if he hadn't, and if things went well, never again would someone innocent like her be executed for merely having family members who were a part of the resistance. It was what he lived for, as well as eventually freeing his daughter Celestia and Jason as well as Earth. The last message he had gotten from the Resistance members there indicated that Sara, Jason's sister was still carefully hidden from the Versilan presence on Earth.

If only his father had not been so foolish as to hide the fact that he was his father, in the end, all it had done was make him look like he was a member of the resistance too. Daniel sighed a bit, it was so ironic, most did not know and simply did not care that when he was arrested and accused of treason, he had not been a member at that time. And even though the resistance did rescue him, saving him from execution, if they had not killed Anna... He probably would have simply gone into hiding and ignored the resistance altogether. But, other than William and a select few, no one knew that and in the end, he saw no reason to make an issue of it. He had since then dedicated himself to the fight, so it didn't matter.

He took a moment to put the locket back in his tunic where he always kept it and headed for the transport room of the space station. Today, now that a crew had been chosen, would mark the completion of transferring all the necessary personnel and supplies over to the Liberator. Most of it was already done, but the final command structure had not been completely decided on. There were a few questions remaining as to who should be placed in the various positions. Many of the background checks were not complete and some, thanks to the war, were impossible to check completely.

Daniel pulled out his own hand held computer and turned it on as he went to the transport room to transfer over to the new flag ship. Among the remaining few was the one called Greydon Kreid. Even if they had not been able to completely check his background, like the others, so far, everything had checked out and matched what he had told them. It was clear that he was proficient at hand-to-hand combat as well as with a number of the various weapons the military used.

Ideally, he would fit in best among the security for the Liberator, perhaps as an assistant to the head of security, even though he seemed to have superior skills. But the one chosen as the head of security had already been completely checked out, making him more ideal for the position. Decided, Daniel put a notation next to his name to assign him as the assistant to the head of security. Seeing how he reacted to being in charge of overseeing security with the one directly in charge as well as assisting with training would tell them soon enough if he was truly trust worthy or not.

There were so many that were questionable, it was a shame they simply couldn't make sure that all of them were who they said they were, and in the end, if one really was an operative for the Empire, it would not have been easy to spot that even if they had full access to the necessary records to check. As he entered the transport room, Daniel absent mindedly nodded to the technician who opened up a door for him. Then with a single step he was through, the Sub-Commander waiting for him as he entered the Liberator.

"Welcome aboard sir," He said, falling into place along side Daniel as he immediately started for the bridge. "Everything is in order, the last of the supplies are being sent up even as we speak and most of the crew is on board as well. The only thing left is your final decisions in regards to who will command what sir."

Daniel smiled a bit. "I've made those decisions, once we get to the bridge I'll transfer the list to you so you can get started on informing everyone of their respective assignments."

"Understood sir, anything else I need to know?"

"No, once those who have been selected take a moment to look over their departments, then I'll inform everyone as to what we will be doing next." Daniel closed his hand held computer as they entered the lift to take them to the floor where the bridge was located. Once he handed the list of assignments over to his Sub-Commander he could go and set things up in his new quarters as well.

After the short but quick ride in the lift, both Daniel and the Sub-Commander exited the lift to head for the doors leading to the bridge. Once inside, Daniel immediately went to the command seat and then transfered the list from his hand held computer to the terminal for the Sub-Commander.

As the man pulled up the list and started issuing the orders and messages to those who had been selected to serve, Daniel wondered how they would react to their first major move against the High Council. He doubted that any of them would have guessed where they were going to move first. He suspected that Kiva might know, but then her mission was tied into it, in a roundabout fashion. Then when it was apparent that things were running smoothly, Daniel left to go and set things up in his quarters as well.

It did not take Crystal long to finish reviewing the most recent medical updates or to oversee the few checkups that were due. Most of them were handled by the staff on hand since no one doctor could possibly keep up with all of the crew on the massive ship. There were just too many of them. Most of what she did was the checkups for the main officers as it was part of the requirement surrounding their rank or rather continuation of said rank.

Overseeing Jason and Celestia, who according to her appointment list were next, was more because she was the one responsible for genetically modifying them to live longer like all Versilan's did. And being a half breed meant that Celestia had unusual needs that required careful monitoring. It would not surprise her to learn that she had been transferred solely to care for Erica's illness as well as keeping an eye on Jason and Celestia. Crystal looked up as her new aid entered her office as the door was open.

"Your next appointment is here Doctor." The aid turned to leave and then halted and turned back. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course. What would you like to know?" Crystal watched as the young woman squirmed a bit as if uncomfortable with what she was about to ask.

"Well, I just don't understand. Why are they wasting your time by having you check two of the slaves? Isn't such a task better suited to one of your assistants?"

Crystal just smiled sadly as she stood up. "Have you looked at their files?" Her assistant shook her head, indicating that she had not. "Then perhaps you would do well to take a look instead of assuming that I am wasting my time."

She left her assistant standing there just inside the doorway and headed across the sickbay to where the examination rooms were located. It wasn't too hard to spot which room they were in, what with the security detail having taken up position on both sides of the door. With a short nod to the two security personnel she pulled the medical scanner she had out of her pocket and turned it on as the door opened when she approached it.

Both Jason and Celestia looked up from where they were sitting in the two chairs next to the examination table as she entered the room, the door closing behind her. As she expected, neither one looked very happy to be there and on some level she felt the tiniest bit of guilt for having altered both of them. A feeling that was quickly suppressed as she spoke.

"Jason, Celestia." She looked to each one as she began the scan. "Is there anything I should know about since your collapse Celestia?"

"No. Nothing has happened since then." Celestia answered her in a quiet voice. Crystal looked to Jason who simply shook his head indicating that there was nothing to talk about.

A few minutes later and the scan was finished, and other than a slight indication that Celestia was stressed, something that Crystal was beginning to think was normal for her, there was nothing amiss in the scans. It probably would be best if I check them once a week just to make sure. And with that thought in mind she shut the scanner down once she transfered the results to her hand held computer and then made a note to have them scheduled to be brought in every week.

"Both of you are in good health, however, I am picking up signs of stress with you Celestia. You know what happened last time, if you feel off in any manner, you are to inform the security immediately. I don't want you collapsing again."

"I understand." Celestia responded.

"Good." Crystal turned and left the room, pausing only briefly to inform the security that she was finished. She did not bother to look back and watch them leave, there was no point.

Moments later she was in her office once more and transferring the results to their medical files in the database. A quick look showed that she had only one more appointment that day, for Vallon Drace. Though she highly doubted that he would actually show up. Crystal just smiled to herself, after all, if it came down to it, she'd go straight to Jared and have him drag the fool to sickbay for her. It would be a good excuse to talk to Jared again anyway since she had not seen him for well over a month.

Greydon stepped through the door onto the Liberator, and was immediately filled with a sense of the familiar. He had been aboard this ship back when it was the Eclipse, just the once, but it had the same feel as the other Versilan flagships - a feeling of immense power rushing through every circuit, every wire and cable on board, and it comforted Greydon.

"Name?" asked a particularly abrupt individual the moment Greydon was through the door, holding a personal computer in the crook of his arm, cradling it like a child, with the stylus poised above it.

"Uh...Greydon Kreid," he replied, feigning the timidity of a new officer, "I'm not sure what position I'm supposed to be in - I've only just been told that I'm part of the crew really."

"Assistant Head of Security," replied the officer, "Follow the yellow lines on the floor and walls to the security area." Then, as abruptly as the "conversation" had started, it was over, and Greydon was left on his own. He began to follow the yellow lines to the security area, making sure it looked as though he wasn't entirely sure of where he was going. He rounded a sharp bend into a large group of consoles and chairs, surrounded on all sides by panes of glass, or something like glass, with a marking on the wall proclaiming this the "Security Area." He knocked on the glass, and the officer inside waved him in. The door hissed open and Greydon stepped inside.

"Kreid?" asked the officer, a tall, solidly-built man, his black beard and hair flecked with silver, and Greydon nodded, "I'm Alexander Franklin, Head of Security. Everything you do will go through me first, is that understood?" Greydon nodded, "Good. Now, your main responsibilities will be assisting me in both overseeing existing security and training new recruits for security purposes. Commander Landers assures me you have a fair amount of both hand-to-hand and armed combat, so the training should provide no problems for you. You will be required to go through a fitness test, but from the looks of you you shouldn't have any problems with that. Do you have any questions thus far?"

Greydon shook his head, and the afternoon continued, filled with tedious fitness tests and having to pretend he was unaware of how the security monitors worked. It made him sick to his stomach that he was being forced to work under a man who had far inferior expertise to himself, but he made himself grin and bear it, focusing instead on the bigger picture - the fall of the Resistance.

He retired to his quarters - a small, cramped affair, though it was better than his accommodation on the space station - and made his daily report back to the Resistance. He would have to start being more careful about this, though - there was a record of his last transmission back on the space station, and the Resistance could start to notice a pattern if he wasn't careful. So he added a few extra layers of encryption to his message and sent it, then sat down at the small desk in his quarters, switched the lights off and sat in the darkness. He never slept in a bed any more, preferring to sleep sitting down, so he was able to respond to any hostile action a lot quicker. He closed his eyes, and eventually drifted off to sleep...

Jared waited until he saw Vallon Drace's response to his quarters. The way he simply took it upon himself to get comfortable instead of standing and waiting for him to appear spoke volumes as to the type of man he was. With the huge main room, the side conference room, where he was standing in the doorway, along with the door to his office, kitchen and bedroom, it was clear that they were excessive compared to other ships. With a touch of a switch, all of the walls except the one to his bedroom became nothing more than simple metal square columns about a foot apart as the metal panels between them moved till they lay flat against the columns. Unless he was in a meeting, Jared preferred the more open mode it as it showcased the sheer amount of space he had even more.

A few steps so that he was in the main area of the room and Vallon Drace was on his feet, offering the salute that was due, his eyes meeting Jared's briefly before he looked down. But Jared had not missed the hint of insincerity in his gaze. Though he did not care, those who sought power or raised to the rank required to even be considered for a command position on a flagship usually had their own agenda. He was about to speak again when he noticed a hint of white from what had to be a folder tucked into his tunic. They gave him paperwork? Jared sighed ever so slightly and turned to Pheonia Roth, who was patiently waiting for her orders.

"Paperwork?" He chastised her. "Or was it one of the others who handed out such sensitive material in such an unsecured format?"

Pheonia Roth bowed deeply before responding, "My apologies sir. I accept responsibility for the mix up."

"Mix up?" Vallon Drace inquired even as he shrugged indifferently. "It was nothing more than the files for the worthless slaves on this ship. Hardly information that would be considered sensitive sir."

Jared just held out the new hand held computer for Vallon and upon him taking it explained as he also handed him a data chip. "Usually you would be correct, however, on that chip is the details for two of the slaves under your command and it is expected that you review their files. The details to their treatment and placement come directly from the High Council so you would do well to be familiar with them." Jared cracked a small grin, after Vallon's statement of slaves being worthless, he would not like what he had to say next.

"If anything were to happen to those two, you will be held directly responsible, so I suggest you make sure nothing does." He ignored Vallon's well hidden look of surprise and then Jared motioned for the file Vallon had been given and he tucked it into his own pocket once he handed the papers to him. He would destroy them when they were done.

"Now that you will be working on the Creator, you will be using your new hand held computer along with the fleet update system for all information." Jared smirked just a tiny bit. "Paperwork is strictly out of the question for a Sub-Commander. Most if not all of the files you will be given will require high level security, which is provided on your hand held computer." Jared tossed him another data chip which Vallon caught with ease.

"On that is the details regarding the loss of the Eclipse to the Resistance or New Alliance as they now call themselves." Jared ignored Pheonia Roth's wide eyed look of surprise at the news. In just a short while everyone would know about it, one couldn't keep the loss of a flagship a secret after all.

"They seized it intact?" Vallon inquired. Jared nodded. "Then it's Commander must have not been much of an officer for such a thing to have happened." Vallon concluded coldly.

"We have not heard from him since it was taken, so it is likely that he is dead." Jared explained. "No matter, the details to how the fleet has been reorganized for our first strike is on that chip as well, you'll need to review the details as to what is expected since we will be leaving shortly for sector seven."

"Now before you go and take a moment to become more familiar with your own quarters, there is one other detail we need to take care of." Jared motioned to Pheonia Roth who was still waiting patiently for him to assign her to her next task. She came over and stood next to Jared and then turned and bowed directly to Vallon.

"This is Pheonia Roth, she has been assigned to be your personal security and assistant while you are the Sub-Commander of the Creator. From this moment forward she answers directly to you as you have full authority over her." Jared watched Vallon's response with interest. It was a combination of perhaps distaste that he would even need security for his safety as well as curiosity as to even being given an assistant.

"Her quarters are next to yours so that you can call on her at any time. Now unless there are any questions..." Vallon shook his head indicating that there were none. "Roth will show you to your quarters then, she has the schedule of when we will be leaving sector one, I'll see you on the bridge at the appointed time. Dismissed."

Jared watched with interest as both of them left his quarters. He could be mistaken, but he doubted that he was. Vallon Drace was going to be interesting to watch in action. In time a bit of that arrogance that he seemed to hold would be properly knocked out of him. And if not, well Jared would make sure he wished that he had. As the doors closed behind the two his last thought before he went back to finishing the details for re-taking sector seven, was that it was a pity that Vallon was straight. He had not missed the acquisitive glance that Vallon had directed towards Pheonia Roth upon learning that he had full authority over her.

"I wonder why Fleet Admiral Stevens had both of us transfered to the Conqueror." Kerstin wondered aloud as her and her brother Darren took the lift to the floor where the bridge was located. She smiled at Darren who merely shrugged his shoulders.

"I can understand why they transfered you, but it seems pointless that they would keep me on board, I am a civilian after all."

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." Darren replied as they left the lift and headed for the bridge doors, once inside the deck officer who was waiting for them directed them to the doors to the left leading to the observation and conference room just off the main bridge. Watching them only long enough to make sure they had entered.

Fleet Admiral Stevens was sitting behind the large desk at the other side of the massive room, with a huge table to the left with chairs around it and the floor to ceiling windows along the right with an impressive view of space. With a wave of his hand he motioned for both of them to take a seat across form where he was sitting. Darren did as he was told but not before both he and Kerstin gave the Admiral the bow of respect that his position as both the fleet Admiral and a member of the High Council required.

Stevens smiled at both of them, Darren in his formal uniform of the Shipping Expert and Kerstin in her usual old fashioned styled ball type dress, both of them equally as beautiful in his mind. He set a data chip on the desk and pushed it towards Darren who cautiously picked it up.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I had both of you transfered," Stevens said as he stood up, motioning for both of them to stay put. "Your instructions Darren are quite simple, everything you need to know is on that data chip."

Stevens smiled as he walked around the desk and then sat down on the corner right next to Kerstin and looked down at her. "What's not so simple is the assignment I have for you Kerstin."

"What do you mean assignment?" Darren protested nervously. "She's a civilian, not an officer." But Stevens sudden serious look silenced him.

"She's a civilian who failed to inform the military that she knew that Daniel Landers was posing as Daniel Timbers. I hardly need to remind you that harboring information about a known Resistance member is a serious crime." Stevens reminded both of them, ignoring Kerstin's sudden intake of breath as well as how she looked down, clenching her hands together in her lap and trembled a bit.

"Why you." Darren started to say but Stevens cut him off.

"Don't get me started on the time you deliberately lied to Commander Jared Scorer about Jason's sister Sara, or how you warned her to leave so she would not be arrested."

Darren went cold all over, freezing in place and then he too looked away. "You and Jared are the same, sir." He said bitterly. So it's come to this has it? Dammit! He had known it was only a matter of time before something was demanded in return for Kerstin not getting in trouble for what had happened. He turned back when Stevens laughed out loud.

"I'm like Jared am I?" He smiled mischievously. "I am nothing like Jared. Had I been the one to deal with you when you were first assigned to the task of assisting with the shipping, I would not have been so reserved." Stevens smiled at the way Darren turned red when he realized just what he was saying.

"Now before both of you get so worked up, perhaps you should listen to what I have in mind first." He turned his attention to Kerstin who was still fighting to still the trembling.

"It's quite simple really, I intend for you to go with a task force that is infiltrating secret meetings that have been taking place in sector eight. Though we've managed to get people in there, no recording or any form of technology is allowed for the meeting, making it next to impossible to identify those who are a part of it."

Hesitantly Kerstin spoke up, "I take it that even with someone to draw a likeness based on their descriptions you are not finding a match in the databases?"

"Exactly, I intend for you to be placed in the group that is attending so you can personally see their faces. Once you have done that you will immediately be returned to either the Conqueror or sector one to draw up the necessary pictures so we can determine just who these people connected to the New Alliance are." Stevens smiled a bit.

"You've already proven that simply seeing someone once, even if merely a photograph is enough for you to draw a perfect copy of their appearance."

"I understand sir," Kerstin said. "When do I leave?"

"Kerstin!" Darren protested.

"Immediately, you are to gather your things and head to the first docking bay." Stevens smiled as she stood up to leave. "Remember Kerstin, I will be taking care of your brother Darren for you while you are gone."

"Thank you sir." Kerstin said and then before Darren could utter another word she turned and practically ran out of the observation room.

Darren moved to follow her and was halted by Stevens grasping his right arm. "Let go of me!" He hissed at him as he tried to pull free but Stevens did not let go.

"Let's get something straight Darren. So far both you and your sister have been granted quite a bit of leniency in regards to your foolish actions in the past. Far more than either one of you really deserve."

Darren went cold all over as Stevens continued coldly. "You know perfectly well that what you both have been asked to do in return is far from unfair. Your position alone as the Shipping Expert grants you privileges that others would literally kill to have, so don't play stupid with me."

"But..." Darren squirmed in an attempt to get free, but Stevens was not done.

"Yes I know... You didn't ask for it." He rolled his eyes a bit. "The point is, you do have it and with all that has happened, if I were to hand it over to someone else, your life would be forfeit and you know it. There would be no reason to continue providing military protection for both you and your sister and there are many more like Blaine Uratak who would only be too glad to deal with both of you."

"I..." Darren stopped trying to pull free and looked away. "I understand."

Stevens let go. "Good, whether or not you believe it, I have no intention of placing your sister in any more danger than is necessary." A moment later the doors to the observation room opened to admit two security personnel.

"Shipping Expert Darren Anderson is not feeling well. Escort him to his quarters and see that he stays there undisturbed while he rests." He ignored Darren's startled look. "Once you've rested Darren, we will go over your new assignment. Dismissed."