RPG Silver One

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=goldenrod]True to his word Stevens had done as he had promised and Crystal had been able to get samples from the storage facility for the High Council and their immediate families. As well as putting out the request for samples from different ships in the fleet in sector one. It had taken her a while but Crystal had taken over the genetics lab in the Council Center and set up the necessary tests to be run. With the help of a few doctors in the fleet that she had selected, the first set of tests had been started. It shouldn't been too hard to confirm since the data Erica had in her time line clearly detailed just what had been changed. And once the first set had run she would begin the next. Though since it was getting late that would not happen till tomorrow. Crystal took a moment to check in with Dakar since he was handling the security to ensure no one got in and messed with the results. Then once she was at the transport area for the Council Center she went back to the Tempest.

Crystal immediately headed for sickbay to pick up what she would need to go and administer the treatment to Erica, her mind still on the tests she had been preparing. Unless she found something radically different, it was looking like what Erica had found was true. As part of the preparation process she had run what was known as a quick test. A quick test basically checked the major genetic points of a person's genetic code. And the one she had done earlier, of her own genetic code compared to Erica's had indicated that she had been altered where Erica had not. What she was running now for not only her own code and Sandra's but quite a few others, was a program that would map the entire genetic code. It would check to see if the alteration had been done on all levels of the gene.

She sighed as she gathered the equipment for scanning Erica as well as the medication she would be giving her. Even though Crystal would do her duty, part of her didn't know what to think. It was bad enough that of all people Erica had been leading the resistance. Crystal had not forgotten that the resistance had kidnapped her on Earth to not only get her research data but to delay the research in sector fourteen. Had Erica actually been the one to order her abduction? In a way the thought that she had been the one hurt. Even if Crystal was helping with the research, Erica of all people would have known that if it was too invasive Crystal would have never agreed to help. It would not have been the first time Crystal had refused an order from the High Council.

A short while later Crystal was back at the transport room, requesting to be transported to The Transcendence. A moment later she was standing just outside the door the Erica's cell. With a sigh she reached up and opened the door, using a setting that would allow the door to open once more before resetting and staying locked. In her condition, Erica lacked the strength to attempt an escape, and she had shown no interest in doing so. Crystal found her curled up on the lounging chair, under a blanket half asleep. Something that didn't surprise Crystal since she had upped her pain medication. Most people only used the stronger stuff to help them sleep at night, but with nothing to do in the cell Crystal had decided that it was pointless for her to be more alert and in pain with nothing to do to distract her from that pain. It wasn't enough of an increase to put her out, but it did make her drowsy.

Today though it seemed that Erica was determined to finally say something as she stirred at the sound of the cell door opening and after a moment she moved and adjusted the lounging chair so she could sit more upright. Erica waited for a moment as if to see if Crystal would say something but when she simply pulled out her medical scanner after setting the equipment down Erica spoke up.

"[B]I must admit Crystal, I'm surprised that you've yet to say a word. You of all people have never been the type to keep what they think to themselves.[/B]"

Crystal unconsciously gripped the scanner she was holding tighter before snapping a bit. "[B]Perhaps it's because I have nothing to say.[/B]"

"[B]I doubt it,[/B]" Erica said. "[B]Would you prefer that I voice what you must be thinking?[/B]"

Crystal looked up from her scanner for a moment and into Erica's eyes. [I]Just what is she getting at?[/I] "[B]If you already know what I must be thinking then there's really no point in voicing it is there?[/B]" She turned her attention back to the scans and calculating the dose for the medication. Surprised at how angry she was still feeling towards Erica.

"[B]Ah, but there is. Still if you wish for me to not touch upon the questions of [I]why did I choose to lead the resistance[/I] or [I]why did I do nothing to stop your abduction[/I], then so be it. There are plenty of other things to discuss after all.[/B]"

"[B]You've missed the point Erica, I've no desire to talk with you at all.[/B]" Crystal finally said as she started getting into the small chest she brought with her to prepare the dose for Erica.

"[B]Fair enough,[/B]" Erica replied, "[B]However, unless you intend to stop me I want to talk with you. It is rather boring and dull in here. Though it is at least nice and quiet.[/B]"

"[B]Fine.[/B]" Crystal said through clenched teeth. "[B]Talk all you want, just don't expect an answer.[/B]"

"[B]An answer is not necessary, your actions as well as the crew of this ship tell me all I need to know. For starters, the fact that you took a genetic sample from me tells me that someone believes that what they found in my computer system may be true.

Second, I am still on board The Transcendence. Unlike others who have graced a cell on this ship I know who both Kiva and Daego are. I may not have been responsible for Kiva being chosen to be an Elite Specialist or for approving her choice of crew, but I still knew of them. And switching out the stuff in my cell indicates that I will most likely be here for a while.

And lastly, the fact that I have not been moved to a high security cell in the Council Center indicates that there is a high possibility that the information Kiva would have found was not suppressed by the rest of the High Council. That when she released the evidence against me as is required when arresting a member of the Council, someone found out before the other High Council members were able to remove that information.[/B]"

Erica paused for a moment while Crystal administered the medication and then continued while Crystal started putting things away.

"[B]All of this leads me to believe that those who lead the Military forces, Stevens, Dakar, Zach and James have declared martial law and seized control from the High Council in order to investigate the allegations that there are other members who are guilty of treason. They would have never left me on board this ship or allowed you to take a genetic sample from me.[/B]"

Erica smiled wanly, "[B]I suspect that Stevens would have been the one to assign you to my care. I know perfectly well that those fools would have made sure I was silenced. Even if interrogation is out of the question, they would not have wanted to risk the possibility of my giving up damming information willingly.[/B]"

Crystal finished closing the chest and stood up to leave. "[B]I hope your finished, since I am leaving whether you are or not.[/B]"

Erica laughed a bit. "[B]Oh I'm done for now Crystal. I do have a request though. And there's no need to answer since I know you can't. But if you are allowed to pass a message on. Tell that fool Stevens that if he wants to know more, all he has to do is say please.[/B]"

Crystal turned and left without a word, the door opening when she approached it and the closing and relocking behind her. With a sigh she sent the signal indicating she was done and then stepped through the door that appeared to take her back to the Tempest. Then before heading for her quarters, she went to sickbay, put all the equipment up and then sent Stevens a message telling him what Erica had said. Then, still feeling annoyed she headed for her quarters to call it a night.[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

After forwarding the video that had been waiting for him at the front desk of the hotel he was staying at to Jared, William took his things and went back to his ship. Even though order was being maintained in sector one, there was still incidents of violence and the university campus as well as the hotel were not immune. They were quickly taken care of but still, in the end he decided it would be best to stay on the ship where the security there would keep anyone from bothering him or his crew. William made sure to leave news at the front desk should Jared wish to contact him. As much as he'd rather not, failure to do so would attract far too much attention.

In the end he was far more comfortable on his ship than he had ever been at the hotel. The crew had been recalled and due to the chaos, dealing with and sending reports out was fairly easy. There was too much traffic in that respect for anyone to even come close to keeping track of things let along intercept those few encrypted messages. So far what he had learned was that sectors one, five, six, seven, thirteen and fourteen were under control. But the rest had widespread riots that the military was still working to contain. Many citizens were beyond outraged and calling for the execution of the entire High Council. It was not a huge majority, but their protests were only adding to the general unrest.

As much as William would have loved to do away with the High Council, he knew how impractical that would be. Without some form of replacement government things would be worse than they had been before. And Martial law never worked for more than a brief period of time. History had proven that. It was always tolerated at first but before long people would rebel against that too. William wondered just how those who lead the various forces intended to actually find out just who was guilty. Even Erica had not been certain. The information she sent him listed those who she suspected, but nothing more.

With a sigh he began working through the reports from his agents in regards to Daniel and Kerstin. They were no closer to finding them today than they had been at the beginning. Every lead kept going to something else. And the confusion was making it harder to track Blaine down. William hoped that Blaine had not figured out who Daniel really was. He knew perfectly well that Blaine would simply use Daniel and the potential information he had to wiggle his way out of the trouble he was in. And getting their hands on someone who not only knew who the next leader of the Resistance was as well as the identity of some of their top agents like Kiva, would be too good of a deal for the Military to pass up. If Blaine figured that out...William shook his head. There was nothing he could do about it. He turned his attention back to what he had been sent.

[CENTER]-----------------------------------------------[/CENTER]
Daniel had been waiting for Blaine to talk to him alone so when his goons showed up midday and took only him to see Blaine, he had not been surprised at all. They took him to the same office where they had first met, forcing him to sit in a lone chair that was facing the desk, Blaine already sitting on the front edge of the desk. His eyes calculating as Daniel was brought into the room. Daniel just said nothing, waiting for Blaine to speak.

"[B]I must say Daniel, you're a bit of a mystery. There's nothing in your information or Kerstin's to even indicate that the two of you know each other and yet you persist in enduring punishment on her behalf. I find that rather curious.[/B]"

Daniel stayed silent, focusing on keeping his expression as neutral as possible. He didn't know what Blaine was thinking and the last thing he wanted to do was give him any ideas.

Blaine tilted his head to the right slightly, "[B]You disappoint me Daniel. Your silence only confirms my guess that there is more going on than what is in your public records.[/B]" Blaine shifted a bit, crossing his legs, his expression taking on a colder feel. "[B]It seems to me that perhaps it would be better if I simply asked Kerstin.[/B]"

"[B]Leave her out of it Blaine.[/B]" Daniel snapped. "[B]I would have thought it was obvious that any gentleman would never stoop so low as to harm a woman or to do nothing while some [I]scum[/I] is harming her.[/B]"

"[B]Scum is it? Gentleman is it?[/B]" Blaine laughed. "[B]Please tell me that you're not going to fall back on that tired old fashioned drivel to explain your actions.[/B]" Blaine stood up from sitting partially on the desk. Walking over until he was right in front of Daniel, forcing him to look up.

"[B]You don't behave like a gentleman Daniel, you behave more like someone who has been entrusted to care for Kerstin. I've dealt with so called gentleman before and not one of them has ever kept interfering to the point where they could not move.[/B]" Blaine leaned forward and down a bit. "[B]You behave as if she is your duty, your responsibility. There are only two type of people who would do as you have, one who really is duty bound due to their oath as an officer in the Military, or one who's status is tied.[/B]"

Daniel went cold all over at the mention of an officers oath. If Blaine figured out that he had been in the military...

Blaine pulled back and went back over to his desk, taking a moment to pull up a live shot of Kerstin who was still in the room, sitting on the sofa. The huge display on the far wall making it easy to see what was going on in the room. "[B]It's really quite simple Daniel, either you tell me just which it is or I'll get the information from Kerstin.[/B]" He smiled nastily. "[B]I'll even let you watch the fun.[/B]"

[I]Gods...What do I tell him?[/I] Daniel wondered. [I]What would he believe? [/I]

"[B]You have one minute to decide, I am not a patient man and my men have been longing for a chance to educate Kerstin.[/B]"

Daniel froze. [I]Not again...Gods...Not again. [/I] He unconsciously reached up to his pocket that had held his locket with his picture of his mother. The locket that Blaine's goons had destroyed.

"[B]It's true.[/B]" He finally said. "[B]I do know who she is. I've known who she is for months, it's part of why William and I chose to attend the university she's at. Kerstin doesn't know who I am though.[/B]"

"[B]That still doesn't explain it to my satisfaction Daniel,[/B]" Blaine said. "[B]You'll have to do better than that.[/B]"

Daniel looked away, "[B]I thought you knew. William came to Reflection to find someone to tie his status to. To get married if you will. He's had his eye on her since he discovered her art. William's been working up the courage to talk to her.[/B]" Daniel held his breath, wondering if Blaine would even believe him or not.

"[B]I still think it's more than that[/B]." Blaine smiled a bit. "[B]If I were to guess, based on your actions, I would think it was you who were interested in her. After all you've gone out of your way to reassure and comfort her. Hardly the actions of someone simply looking out for a woman his best friend is interested in.[/B]"

Daniel just clasped his hands together and looked at them, hoping that Blaine really was believing that Daniel liked Kerstin in that manner, even if he did not. "[B]It doesn't matter. I would never stand between my best friend and someone he was interested in.[/B]"

"[B]We'll see.[/B]" Blaine replied. "[B]Take him back to their room. Be sure to give him another lesson for Kerstin's benefit though.[/B]"

Daniel looked up at Blaine in surprise. [I]What the hell? Why would Kerstin need to see me get tortured again?[/I] But Blaine just smiled smugly at him as his men dragged Daniel to his feet and took him out the door. [I]What is Blaine up to?[/I]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]Soete hadn't known anything.Elos was simmply a friend of his. Elos had wanted somewhere safe to stay until things setled down. Sure, there wasn't much violence in sector 1 yet, but Elos had said that he didn't expect that to stay true for much longer. So Soete had agreed to take him in for a while. He hadn't known that Elos was involved in a kidnapping.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Elos was out at the moment, so Kiva and Daego returned to the [i]Transcendence[/i]. There, they found Jared's message regarding the actions of Andris Raster. He'd placed a hold on the terminal so Kiva could take a look at it if necessary, but she didn't need to. She'd asked Soete about recent visitors, and Andris Raster had been one of them. He'd come as a business associate, but it would have been easy for him to make contact with Elos.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"It doesn't look like Elos is much more involved than Loe," Kiva said.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego nodded. "Yeah, I think he just did this for money. I've checked his records. He was in pretty poor shape financially, so I'm betting he agreed to help in the kidnapping just because he desperately needed the money. Still, he, unlike Loe, knew what was happening. Loe's fully innocent; he didn't even know why Elos wanted the elevator moved. Elos knew he was aiding a kidnapping."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"True. All right, then. We now know one of the main players here. Andris has undoubtedly made contact with Blaine. Okay, I'm going to access full surveilance records and track Andris's movements after the kidnapping. That should lead us to Blaine's location, or at least to someone who can lead us to Blaine."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva was right. She accessed surveilance records using Erica's personal code. With the Council under house arrest, she didn't know how cooperative local authorities would be in allowing an Elite Specialist access, so she decided not to chance anything. And with surveilance records, she was able to track Andris until he went underground to what had to be Blaine's hideout.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Daego, contact Jared," Kiva said. "Tell him we have Blaine's likely location and are ready to move in. Give him the location and tell him to meet us there in, say, one hour with an assult team. There's no telling how well defended the place is, so we take no chances. Also, tell Jared to order Elos' arrest. Then we get our gear on. Full armor. We take no chances. Blaine will not get away."[/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=goldenrod]It hadn't even been a week since Erica's arrest and yet to Stevens if felt like a lifetime. The moment he had seen the nature of the information he had realized that suppressing it would be a complete and total disaster. So in spite of his own initial desire to remove it he had done what he knew had to be done. Stevens had moved to make sure the High Council didn't do something even more stupid. The damage that suppressing it and silencing Erica would have caused would have been far worse than what was happening due to the information being released and the Council arrested. Something like that if it came out would have implicated everyone and not just the few who were guilty of hiding the fact that alterations had been done.

And there was no doubt of that now. Crystal had finished the first set of tests and in each case, every single Council member or their family had turned out to be unaltered compared to someone else. She wasn't done, only about a fifth of the Council and their families genetic code had been completely tested, but in just a few more weeks the rest would be done as well. Crystal was now testing the complete gene to compare it to what everyone else had. As well as looking into how to reverse the process.

Stevens turned from watching the view out into space as the door to the observation room on the Conqueror opened to admit James, Zach and Dakar. Without a word all of them took a seat at the conference table even as Stevens moved to join them.

"[B]Thank you for coming,[/B]" Stevens said even as he turned on the built in monitor in front of his seat and then proceeded to activate the ones in front of each one. "[B]Before we get started I think you'll want to see the results of Crystal's first set of tests.[/B]"

Stevens waited patiently for them to read it, until all three looked back up in his direction. "[B]As you can see it's true. Crystal will be testing everyone in the Council as well as their immediate families, but after seeing this I would be surprised if the rest of them are not altered.[/B]"

"[B]Those fools,[/B]" James growled. "[B]You realize that this gives you grounds to use harsher interrogation methods if needed right?[/B]"

"[B]I do.[/B]" Stevens confirmed. "[B]As you already know each of the ten factions has a member on the High Council who is considered the leader of that faction. When I got Crystal's report I made a point of talking to each one of them since their personal code overrides the code of the other members of their faction.[/B]"

Stevens pulled up another report for each of them to see. "[B]Two of them as you can see here finally agreed to give up their personal code for the investigation. That is, after I made it clear that failure to do so would result in them being personally interrogated by Jared.[/B]"

Zach shook his head in disgust, "[B]Jared is hardly appropriate for a task like this. His methods are not acceptable for a Council member.[/B]"

"[B]On the contrary,[/B]" Dakar disagreed. "[B]Jared is perfect. Even if I find his methods deplorable, he of all people would not be intimidated by the fact that the one being questioned is a member of the High Council. If anything, using him would show that we mean business.[/B]"

James just laughed, "[B]Oh I agree, Jared is perfect. Especially when you consider that it was the High Council who looked the other way when Commander Alan adopted him when he was a teenager.[/B]" James narrowed his eyes in anger, "[B]If anything it's poetic justice. I have never agreed with allowing one such as Alan to get away with what he did to Jared. If Jared had not killed that fool I would have done it myself. Anyway, you said two of them surrendered their code, what about the other eight?[/B]"

"[B]I've made it clear that if they do not surrender their codes within forty eight hours that they will be transfered to a holding cell on the Creator. I'm sure you can imagine the protests I received about overstepping my authority and such.[/B]"

"[B]Well I can assure you Stevens that you have my full support on this.[/B]" James spoke up, the others nodded in agreement.

"[B]Good, but should they still refuse to cooperate and those who's personal data storage we have access too prove to be innocent, I want you to continue with your efforts to hack into the data vaults.[/B]" Stevens insisted.

"[B]Ah yes, speaking of the teams, right now they are working on modifying a program that Celestia and Jason used to get around Grade Alpha security as well as the fleet updates. The team is using Erica's personal vault as a test for the program since we've already downloaded all the data to another location. When I checked with them this morning, the initial test showed that they've already figured out how to get around the first couple of security layers.[/B]" James shook his head, biting his lower lip a bit.

"[B]Make no mistake though, even though that sounds promising, it could still take them weeks if not months to eventually get around everything without triggering the program for erasing the data altogether. And even then, they may never figure it out. Now that you have cause to use stricter methods, getting the code from the faction leaders would probably be quicker.[/B]" James leaned back a bit. "[B]I still intend to have them working on getting around it though.[/B]"

"[B]Agreed,[/B]" Stevens replied. "[B]Now if there's nothing else we need to go over the problems occurring in other sectors. Right now sectors two, three, four, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve are experiencing riots as well as food shortages due to the disruption in shipping. It is my intent to move to declare the next level of martial law and bring in the next level of reserves. This needs to be done before we release the information to the news that the accusation of the people being altered is true.[/B]"

The other three looked at Stevens and then finally nodded in agreement.

"[B]Good, now that that's settled lets get to work gentlemen.[/B]" Stevens pulled up the reports on the chaos going on in the other sectors as well as the necessary information for moving to the next stage of martial law. [/COLOR]

[Rachmaninoff]

Kerstin still did not understand it and in all honesty she'd rather die than understand how anyone could be as heartless and cruel as Blaine was. It had worried her terribly when they had taken Daniel away but when they came back, just thinking about what happened still had her in tears. How had someone like Blaine managed to become a representative? How could someone who would not only allow torture but willingly participate in it even be human? Or even worse, allow what had happened to Daniel when they brought him back? There was no need for them to use the disruptor restraints on him until he couldn't move. There was no need for them to laugh at her tears or to make lewd jokes about what would happen when it was [I]her [/I]turn to be [I]educated[/I]. It was frightening since she knew it was only a matter of time until they did to her what they were threatening. Just the thought of them touching her was making her sick.

Was this why people joined the Resistance? To stop this kind of senseless torture and cruelty? Kerstin had heard the rumors, all citizens had. In addition to protesting the treatment of the lesser races, the Resistance also objected to the High Council looking the other way when powerful businessmen and representatives cheated the people or committed all sorts of crimes. But Kerstin had never believed it. All her life she had seen the law take care of criminals, even the treatment of the lesser races had been improved with better living conditions as well as days off and better medical care. In the end, she had thought that those who were members of the Resistance were fanatical, people who were obsessing over the High Council not being perfect, that their expectations were unrealistic.

Especially after they had made her brother the shipping expert and he had exposed the three most powerful shipping companies in the entire empire. If the High Council was really as corrupt as the Resistance claimed, they would have never changed the shipping protocols to what her brother suggested. Darren was too honest. To straightforward. If anything Kerstin was positive that his promotion to shipping expert proved that the Resistance was wrong about the High Council. That even if they were far from perfect they weren't as corrupt as those in the Resistance would have you believe.

But now she was no longer sure. Kerstin couldn't understand how a kidnapping in the university could have even happened. She was in sector one, the most secure and safest place in the entire Versilan Empire. Or so she had thought. Jared had poked fun at her a bit, calling her naive. At the time she had not taken him seriously. [I]Gods... I should have listened to him and stayed on the Creator.[/I] She thought for the hundredth time. Still racked with guilt over what had happened to Daniel. Even if he claimed that Blaine would have come after him eventually. [I]Why does Daniel keep interfering?[/I] It baffled her that in spite of so much pain he still kept doing it. [I]Why? [/I]

Kerstin looked over at Daniel from her position on the sofa. He was still unconscious from what they had done to him. And once Blaine's goons had finished torturing him and tormenting her with threats of what they planned to do with her, she had moved Daniel to the bed once they had left. Even if Daniel was heavier than her, like all Versilan's she had no trouble simply picking him up. It was a pity that she had no training. At that moment Kerstin had wanted more than anything to kill those responsible for hurting Daniel. She reached up and wiped the tears from her face, exhausted from crying. Then Kerstin curled up on the sofa, she didn't think she'd fall asleep but moments later she did.

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]Jared was in Sandra's quarters going over everything he had found out in regards to the video that Blaine had sent to both Darren and William. Even if the co-owner of the bar Larry hadn't known anything, confirming that Andris Raster was involved was a good start. All they would have to do is track his movements since it was likely that he'd eventually lead them to Blaine.

Getting into the full surveillance records normally would be an easy task for someone like Kiva, but Jared wondered if local authorities would even allow her access due to the High Council being under arrest. He could get it, but unlike an Elite Specialist, for him it would take time. Not a lot but still it would require time to get that type of access.

"[B]That pretty much covers it Sandra, the only thing we need to do is track Andris's movements since he's likely to lead us to Blaine. Normally I'd leave that up to Kiva since as an Elite Specialist she'd get instant access to the surveillance records, but with all that's going on it's possible they'll refuse to recognize her authority.[/B]"

Sandra just smiled from her position on the sofa across from the chair Jared was sitting in. "[B]Oh that's really not an issue at all, if she does encounter a problem Kiva can simply have Stevens authorize it, at the moment, due to Martial Law being issued. Stevens, Dakar, Zach and James have that authority.[/B]" Sandra paused to set down her drink on the small side table.

"[B]However, I seriously doubt that Kiva will need Stevens' assistance. I would be very surprised if she did. She's proven to be extremely resourceful as well as good at her job. Honestly, if I'd known how skilled Kiva is I would have recommended her to be promoted to the position of Elite Specialist a long time ago.

Even if I am just a candidate I can offer recommendations if I think the person has the necessary skills and demeanor for the job. I may not be happy with the information about the alterations being exposed, but I find no fault with the degree of professionalism she follows.

In a sense it's supremely ironic that Kiva has surprised everyone with how through she is with her job. I'm quite certain that those who are responsible for hiding the truth about the alterations would have never agreed to her appointment if they had realized what would happen.[/B]"

Jared laughed, "[B]True, and even if it is surprising as hell that the leader of the Resistance turned out to be Erica no less. I have to agree. I think it's fair to say that she's probably one of the best if not the best of all the Elite Specialists.[/B]" Jared got up.

"[B]I need to get going, I think I'm going to go directly to Stevens to see about the surveillance records since I'm in no mood to deal with the bureaucracy to get them.[/B]" Jared bowed slightly and left Sandra's quarters, he hadn't gotten very far with a chime indicating he had a new message sounded.

Without stopping he pulled out his hand held computer and retrieved the message. Moments later he did stop, [I]well, well, well. Sandra was right.[/I] Jared immediately contacted Stevens.

"[B]What is it Jared?[/B]"

"[B]Kiva has located what she believes is Blaine's hideout. I need a full assault team to meet her in one hour.[/B]"

"[B]Done. I don't care where you yank the team from I'll give this mission top priority.[/B]" Stevens took a moment to send Jared the authorization. "[B]Anything else?"[/B] Stevens asked when he was done.

"[B]Issue a warrant to arrest a citizen named Elos I'm sending you the details. I could do it when I get back but I'd rather it goes out immediately since once Elos gets wind of what's going down they'll vanish."[/B]

"[B]Got it I'll have Zach get on that immediately. Stevens out.[/B]"

Jared pulled up the records of the locations of the assault teams, finding one that was the closest and would cause the least disruption when pulled from their current assignment. Then he sent the order for them to meet him in transport room number four in fifty minutes.

He took another moment to shoot off a message to Kiva that he would be at the specified location in one hour with a full assault team. Finished he headed towards the weapons locker to switch into full body armor. Blaine was likely to have all sorts of defenses and security in place and his usual light armor just wouldn't do.

Finally fifty minutes later he was facing the team that had assembled. Jared took less than five minutes to explain who the target was and who they were looking for and one other thing.

"[B]One final thing to remember, once we arrive you are to follow Kiva's and Daego's orders without question. Their orders are absolute. Kiva is in command here. Understood?[/B]"

Jared waited until they all nodded indicating that they did.

"[B]Good, then lets get going. And remember we want them alive, Blaine has a lot to answer for.[/B]"

Jared turned to the transport technician who at a nod opened up a door to the specified location. Without hesitation Jared went through the door, closely followed by the assault team. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=goldenrod]Now that the first tests had come back confirming that the alteration had indeed been done. Crystal had handed over testing the rest to some of the other doctors she had pulled for this assignment. Now she had been focusing on examining the differences as well as how to reverse it. But unless the direction of her research took an unexpected twist, it wasn't looking good.

The very nature of the alteration was something that became more permanent once someone matured. If she were to change it back for an adult there would be all sorts of unpleasant side effects. It was a chilling example of why such mental alterations were illegal in the first place. Whoever had designed the changes had made no attempt to ensure that it could be reversed.

Crystal wished the person responsible was still around, or even their notes since it was looking like the change was done to prevent reversing the change. In many ways it reminded her of Erica's disease. Even though doctors had isolated the cause, attempting to restore the genetics back to normal was even more harmful than the damn disease was. Instead the research was more on stabilizing the gene that would essentially go wild and cause her body to fall apart. Though without knowing what triggered the degeneration in the first place that wasn't an easy task.

Crystal reached up with her hands to massage her temples, tired of staring at the different holographic screens up at the terminal in the lab. She hated research where it was something she couldn't fix it. Oh she could, at least for children and those who hadn't been born yet. But the rest? Many would not believe that there was little she could do.[I] I should have never agreed to the research in sector fourteen. [/I]

She knew that she was ethical, but what of the next researcher? They could take all of her careful work and simply ignore how she had been careful to make modifications that could be easily reversed. She dropped her hands to her lap and then reached up to contact Stevens. A few minutes later he answered.

"[B]What did you need Crystal?[/B]"

"[B]I'm not finished Stevens, but the initial indications is that this alteration is not reversible. At least not without causing serious problems that would be worse than the alteration is.[/B]"

"[B]Hell! Are you sure?[/B]"

Crystal nodded, "[B]At this point I would be surprised to find otherwise. I can fix young children and those who have yet to be born as well as changing how the genetics are done so further generations will not be altered. But for the rest of us. We're stuck with it I'm afraid.[/B]"

"[B]Damn, that's not going to go over very well.[/B]" Stevens exclaimed, his expression one of pure frustration. "[B]I've already had to go to the next level of Martial Law to get things under control. Dammit it Crystal, I need something positive to tell the people or this is going to end in civil war![/B]"

"[B]I know that Stevens. Just as I'm sure you realize that if you don't follow through with the law and execute those who have been allowing this to happen civil war will be the last of your concerns.[/B]" Crystal glared at him just a bit, starting to get angry.

"[B]There's another thing as well, after this, I refuse to continue helping with the research in sector fourteen. Other than to increase their lifespan I am done with any form of mental alterations[/B]." Crystal began to curse colorfully before finally calming down a bit. "[B]I don't expect an answer immediately , but this whole damn affair only shows why it was banned in the first place![/B]"

Stevens looked away, "[B]I know and to tell you the truth I've already been thinking it would be best to halt project two.[/B]" He sighed. "[B]I need to go. Even if you are angry, please keep trying to find a way to reverse it. I promise, we'll discuss what to do about the research in sector fourteen to determine what to do. Stevens out.[/B]"

Crystal went back to her work, still fuming a bit. Thinking that it was probably a good thing she was in sector one since at that moment, if she were in sector fourteen... she would have used the Tempest to level the damn facility there. And to hell with the consequences. Especially since she had never fully agreed with it in the first place.[I] I was foolish for thinking that by being in charge I could keep it under control. I should have told the High Council to get lost when they first ordered me to do it. [/I]

Finally, when she realized she was still too angry to really focus she got up and headed to the gardens in the deeper part of the Council Center. It had been a long time since she had been too angry to follow through with her duties. [/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]Kiva and Daego were far from idle in the hour leading up to the attack. Their first task was sending a stealth drone down to the location of Blaine's hideout. Kiva relayed a signal through it to hack her way into the place's computer network. She first copied a layout of the facility, setting Daego to work on devising the plan of attack. She then located various electronic systems within the facility. The transport door shield was seperate from the main network, so she couldn't deactivate it, but she was able to insert a routine into the sensors[/color]
[color=darkslateblue][/color]
[color=darkslateblue] The facility's sensors were strictly short-range, meant to detect approaching individuals or anyone using a transport door nearby. They couldn't detect the stealth drone, and Kiva's routine would disable them entirely. Such a routine was easily detected when active, so it was only useful for blocking sensors for a short period of time. Kiva set the program to activate fifteen minutes before the attack began. Unless Kiva was unlucky, the routine wouldn't be detected before the attack had begun. Kiva inserted a similar routine into the base's alarm system. It was also easily detected when active, but it would be active for an even shorter time. It would activate five minutes before the attack began, disabling the facilty's alarm system. Kiva only wished she could've done this with the Resistance bases on Earth, but those had their sensor and alarm systems seperate from the main network for just that reason. It was a standard set-up in most large facilities, but this one wasn't of that size, making it much easier to take by surprise.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva and Daego transported to the site about ten minutes before the attack was to begin. Jared and the assult team were already there. Daego tried to avoid looking at Jared; he knew he had to work with the man, but he wasn't happy about it. Kiva, seeing that everyone was present, decided to get started.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Okay, listen up, everyone!" Kiva announced. "As I'm sure you all know, we have two objectives: the rescue of the captives Kerstin Anderson and Daniel Timbers, and the apprehension of Blaine Uratak. You will be divided into three teams. Your team assignments have been sent to your helmet HUDs. I have also uploaded a map of the facility."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I will be leading Team Alpha. Our objective is the capture of Blaine Uratak, who should be located here." She tapped the relevant area on the map displayed on her handheld. The location blinked on the HUD maps of the assult team. "Allow me to place emphasis on 'capture'. Do not kill Blaine Uratak. All weapons are to be on stun settings unless absolutely necessary. This goes for all three teams.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Alpha, we will proceed to Blaine's assumed location. In the event that he is not there, we will attempt to locate him. In the event that he manages to escape the facility, it will be up to Team Gamma to capture him. I will get to that momentarily.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Jared will be leading Team Beta. Beta's objective will be the rescue of the prisoners, who are being detained here." She indicated the relevant area. "In the event that they are elsewhere at the time, they will likely be undergoing interrogation in this location, so proceed there. If they are still absent, do your best to locate them. If they are taken outside the facility, it will be Team Gamma's duty to intercept the escape party and rescue the captives. Also, know that Kerstin Anderson is to take priority over Daniel Timbers.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Team Gamma will be led by my crew, Daego Kelse. Gamma's objective is to secure the surrounding area. We have identified all normal and emergency exits. You are to secure each exit, ensuring that nobody escapes. If Blaine exits the facility, Team Gamma is to ensure that he does not escape. If the prisoners are brought outside, Team Gamma is to rescue them. In either case, notification is to be sent to the relevant team immediately."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]At that moment, Kiva's handheld beeped. "Okay, that means it's time," Kiva said. "You have your assignments, everyone. Form into your teams, and let's get this done."[/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Celestia had that look about her, one that Jason was quite familiar with. A hint of tightness around the mouth a narrowing of the eyes. It was something he had come to recognize when he had first been hired to work for her so many years ago. Celestia was normally a very patient and easygoing person, but even she had her moments of irritation as well as outright anger towards what she perceived as stupidity. And being required to help with the programming to hack into the High Council's systems was in her opinion, stupid. It was something they had discussed in their quarters. She did not see the point.

Because as she had said it wasn't like they were going to really get into trouble for it. Jason agreed with her, but in the end he just didn't see the point in getting upset. The Versilans had been conquering other races for over a thousand years; the mentality that they were better than others wasn't something one could get rid of so easily. Jason could easily see how in their eyes they considered their treatment of him and Celestia as more than they deserved. He could see on some level how they would expect both him and her to simply do as they were told, even if the whole thing was absurd.

But for Celestia that was not so easy. Most of the team, who they had learned were top experts in their respective fields, had no issues working with her. Matt in particular was especially fascinated with everything she had done and the two of them would get chatting over stuff, leaving Jason wondering just what in the world they were talking about. But a few of them were more like Jethra had been. And though they were careful to keep their comments to a minimum, their disdain was all to easy to see.

It was, at least to Jason, apparent that it wouldn't be long until Celestia ended up arguing with them. Something that as they started for the day was all too clear when one of their snide remarks resulted in Celestia muttering under her breath about telling them to do their own god damn hacking. Something that she immediately cut short when the door to the lab opened to admit James. Jason just breathed a sigh of relief that she had kept quiet. He did not want a repeat of what had happened before with Jethra.

"[B]Jason, Celestia, come with me please.[/B]"

Jason swore under his breath as he and Celestia followed James into a side office attached to the computer lab. Taking a seat when told. [I]Hell, if he heard that...[/I] James just gave them a strange look and laughed a bit.

"[B]Don't look so alarmed. I know perfectly well whats going on. If not for their skills, like Jethra they would not work in the Council Center. Besides, unlike Dakar, I really don't give a damn if you don't get along. So long as the snipping and arguing is kept to a minimum that is.[/B]"

James pulled up some information on the display on the right wall. "[B]More important is this. We've obtained the master access codes for ten of the council members. I want you two along with Matt to write a routine to analyze how it accesses the system. I understand that such information would make it easier to tailor the routine for bypassing the security.

I intend to move the three of you to another lab to work separately on this. I'm sure that on your world you've worked with people who have an exaggerated sense of importance. If those who think so little of you two knew you had been given this part of the assignment instead of them, like Jethra who changed your calculations, they would not be above interfering.

And frankly, I do not have time for that sort of nonsense. So I'd like for you two keep that to yourselves as well.[/B]" He looked to both of the, waiting for them to finally nod in agreement.

"[B]Good, now that we've settled that, I'd like to clear something up. Just as I know about what's going on out there among the team, I also know that the two of you are under the mistaken assumption that those who are guilty will get away with it.[/B]"

James leaned forward a bit, placing his hands on the desk as if to emphasize what he was going to say next. "[B]The punishment for what has happened is death. If any of the Council members are indeed found guilty they will not be receiving a slap on the wrist. They will be executed for their crimes.[/B]"

Jason didn't know who was more stunned by the news, him or Celestia. Neither one of them knew what to say, they just sat there, staring at James in disbelief. [I]Execution? Of a High Council member?[/I] Jason found it hard to believe.

"[B]Also, regardless of what happens, the two of you will not be separated. I realize that this is something that troubles both of you and I assure you, it will not happen. Just as Crystal petitioned for better medical treatment as well as recreation days for all of the lesser races she also petitioned for the practice of allowing families to be separated to end. It is not official just yet, but it will be formally put into place once this mess is dealt with. And I understand that by your customs the two of you are tied to one another.

Anyway, if either of you have questions for me, be sure to bring them up. But in the mean time,[/B]" James stood up to get ready to leave. "[B]Lets get you two and Matt over to the other computer lab.[/B]"

Still stunned by what James had said Jason along with Celestia simply got up and followed him back out to the other room and then to the new location along with Matt. And though Jason was glad that they would not be working with the others since they frustrated Celestia. He couldn't get James's words about families out of his mind. Was it true? That they really wouldn't separate them? Even if they were still essentially prisoners, could he really trust him?

That more than anything frightened him the most. To be separated from Celestia. Part of him wanted to feel relieved but part of him could not accept it. Or rather he did not trust any of them to keep their word. He certainly hoped that it was true though. [/COLOR]

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Jared didn't waste any time, immediately taking his team to the entrance Kiva had specified on the map, the one closest to where the map indicated that both Kerstin and Daniel were being detained. Without hesitation he motioned for the member in his team that had the explosives, and a moment later the electronic lock had been blown, resulting in the door opening up. Moments later they were in and it came as no surprise that the alarm did not sound. Jared had already figured that Kiva would have disabled as many systems as possible when she obtained the map of the facility.

In many ways, it really was a facility. Jared was sure that Blaine had altered things for his own comfort, but many of the wealthy liked using an older style of military bases for building estates. Taking advantage of the ability to turn them into their own personal fortress. And the room they were in indicated that Blaine was no exception, the storage area was full of supplies, most of it illegal. He could arrest him on the spot for what was in that room. Representative or not Blaine had no reason for keeping restricted military weapons on the premises. Jared didn't need to tell the squad what to do as they immediately took out the surveillance in the room as well as the security defenses with well aimed shots.

Jared left four members of the squad there to secure the room and to take out any of Blaine's hired help since they were bound to come there for supplies once they realized what was going on. Especially since by now he was sure that Daego had set up a distortion shield to prevent Blaine from simply turning off the transport shield and escaping. Just as distortion shields were designed to prevent ships from orbit attacking a ground based location, or transporting troops directly to a location, they were also used in sting operations such as this one. It was something that had the Resistance bases on Earth been on the surface instead of underground would have been supremely useful. But distortion shields did not work very well through solid dirt and rock. But here, it would be perfect.

A moment later after glancing at the map Jared took the rest of the team out into the main hallway, instantly stunning anyone they saw while simultaneously taking out all surveillance and security defenses as they headed for the back up stairs should the lift malfunction, using the stairs to head for the third level where Kiva had indicated that both Kerstin and Daniel were being held. When they got to the third floor it was just as Jared had thought. The inside was done like the inside of a massive estate but more importantly Blaine's security had finally responded and were waiting for them.

Even so, they were no match for a well trained assault team and within a few minutes all of them were sprawled on the floor stunned. Jared took a moment to study the map and then he split his small team into three groups. There were three possible routes for getting to where Kerstin and Daniel were being held and he did not want Blaine's security to escape with them via one route while they were coming down a different one. With a nod to each Jared took the center hallway leading to the spot while the others each took the hallway's to the right and left of the center one.

It took them a little time since there were still pockets of security moving to cut them off as well as other employees simply doing their business. Jared was almost to the location when a party came around the corner of the hallway, clearly in a hurry. It was a party of seven, two of them carrying Daniel who appeared to be unconscious while the others were keeping an eye out, their weapons drawn. While the one who seemed to be leading the group was steering Kerstin down the hallway, tightly gripping her right arm with his left hand. It was a toss up as to who was more surprised. But Jared and the team gave them no time to respond, instantly stunning those who were carrying Daniel as well as the others. Clipping Kerstin with a stun blast when one of them attempted to grab her and use her as a shield.

At the same time Jared got to their location and pulled out his hand held computer to check both Kerstin and Daniel the other two teams showed up from the same direction Blaine's security had with Kerstin and Daniel. Jared looked up after determining that both of them were simply unconscious.

"[B]Finish sweeping this area of the facility and then fall back to the entry point.[/B]"

The two smaller teams nodded and left. Jared opened up a line to Kiva. "[B]Team Alpha, this is Team Beta. We've secured both Kerstin and Daniel. Once we've done a sweep of the area we'll be pulling out.[/B]"

"[B]Got it Team Beta.[/B]"

Jared turned his attention back to both Kerstin and Daniel. Before they did anything those disruptor restraints had to be dealt with. He took a moment to pull up the override codes and then transmitted the signal to release the locks. He nodded to one one of the team members who took all of them off. Then they picked up both of them and headed back the way they came. Meeting the other team who was still keeping the storage area secure.

"[B]We're pulling out,[/B]" Jared told them.

"[B]Got it sir.[/B]"

The others who were doing the sweep would await instructions from either Kiva or Daego as he had left them with instructions to continue guarding the storage area. But not before briefly contacting Daego to inform him that they were now under his command. Other than those who were carrying both Kerstin and Daniel, the rest would stay until they were no longer needed. Moments later they were outside and heading towards the edge of the distortion shield. Seconds later Jared's hand held computer beeped indicating they were clear. Jared immediately requested a transport door to the Creator, stepping through it the moment it opened. Then once they had helped him take both Kerstin and Daniel to the sickbay he dismissed all of them.

Then once they were under the doctor's care he contacted Stevens letting him know that both Kerstin and Daniel had been recovered. Hopefully in just a short while he would get confirmation that Blaine had been caught as well. But more importantly, now he could finally give Darren some good news for a change. As well as William who was bound to be pleased that they had been able to recover Daniel as well. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]When the assult began, drones from the [I]Transcendence[/I] that had been on standby activated, producing a disruptor field that would prevent the usage of transport doors to escape. This field was different from shields used by the Resistance bases on Earth, which simply didn't allow transport doors to be opened in the covered area without the proper [/COLOR][COLOR=darkslateblue]code. The disruptor field generated by the drones simply didn't allow transportations from inside to outside unless you had the proper code. You could transport into the field from outside, but not to outside from inside. The range for broadcasting was short, which was why three drones were needed to cover a sufficient area.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]When the field went up, Daego double-checked to make sure it had properly activated. When he confirmed proper activation, he joined the group at the nearest entrance. Team Gamma had split up to cover all the possible exits. Their weapons were on stun, and if anyone tried to run, they would make sure that the runers didn't get far.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]As Kiva had expected, team Alpha encountered little resistance as they made their way through the facility. Because the alarm had been disabled, nobody knew they were under attack, and Kiva and team Alpha were able to take down anyone they saw quickly. But eventually, it seemed that someone had gotten an alert out, as the team was met with a somewhat organized resistance. They couldn't do much to a fully armored assult force, though, and they went down without a fight.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]As Team Alpha was closing in on Blaine's location, Jared reported the successful recovery of the captives. "Okay," Kiva said to Team Alpha, "the captives are secure. Now it's our turn. I believe Blaine's still in there, so let's go pay him a visit."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva didn't bother with subtlety. She could've gone in through the door, but instead, she had one of the team blow a hole in the wall. Blaine was caught by surprise. He seemed to know about the attack, as he was armed and looked to be preparing to make a run for it, but he hadn't expected anyone to come in through the wall. He raised his gun, but Team Alpha had its weapons trained on him almost instantly. Blaine dropped his gun.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Smart move," Kiva said. "All right, Blaine. You're under arrest. I assume I don't need to tell you the charges."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I know why you're here," Blaine said. "I must say, I didn't expect you to find me so quickly. The millitary normally isn't that good, so- wait, that's not millitary armor you're wearing. You- are you an Elite Specialist? What the hell are you doing here? This isn't an arrest, is it? This is a cover-up. But I don't know anything, I swear!"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Shut up. This is no cover-up operation. This is my current job."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"You can't fool me. I know damn well that the High Council is under house arrest."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"True. This was an official request from Fleet Admiral Stevens. You kidnapped a woman under the millitary's protection, and they weren't happy about it. Stevens requested that I participate in the investigation."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Bull****! Stevens wouldn't trust a Specialist right now!"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva laughed. "Oh, he knows he can trust me. You see, I'm the one who arrested Erica and released the information."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]blaine looked surprised, but pleased. The pleasure faded a moment later, though. "And just why does your assult team seem passive about this?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Because they all know already. They were all informed before joining the assult team."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Nobody would trust a Specialist who betrayed the Council!"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Oh, but not even the Council is above the law. Besides, evidence suggests that only a small minority of Councilors knew, so my actions actually did not go against the Council as a whole."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yeah, yeah. We're all impressed at your abilty to rationalize. So, you're here for the millitary. Well, you might not want to be so hasty."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"And you might want to shut up," Kiva said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Oh, but I have information you might be interested in."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I don't care."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"You probably should," Blaine said. "Daniel Timbers has been taking excessive measures to protect Kerstin. His actions are consistent with either someone who has an emotional attraction or an officer of the millitary. He claims that it's the former, but I'm wondering if it's the latter."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"And I'm wondering why you're still talking."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Can you afford to trust this 'Daniel'? What if he is a millitary officer? What if-"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Shut up," Kiva said. She shot Blaine at full stun, then grabbed his unconcious body. "Fan out and sweep the facility," she said. "Coordinate with Daego. He's in charge now."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva contacted Daego. "This is Kiva. Blaine has been captured. I'm taking him back to the [I]Transcendence[/I]. You're in charge of the force now. They are to sweep the facility. Upon completion, signal for pickup."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Got it," Daego said. Kiva ended the transmission and signaled the[I] Transcendence[/I]. The ship transmitted the code to the disruptor drones and opened a transport door. Kiva carried Blaine through it, emerging in front of a cell on the [I]Transcendence[/I]. She put Blaine in the cell, then removed and stored her armor before heading to the bridge to report the operation's success to Stevens.[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

At first Daniel did not know where he was when he woke up. The last thing he could recall was Blaine's men running him though another one of what he referred to as a '[I]lesson[/I]' when they had taken him back to the room after Blaine had interrogated him. But unlike the other times when they had used the disruptor restraints on him, this time it felt different. It had been a long time but it felt like he had been stunned as well. And for a while he just stared at the ceiling from the bed he was lying in. His thoughts still a bit sluggish.

Then as if someone had tossed cold water on him everything hit all at once. Daniel recognized the unique layout as well as the material that was used to build spaceships. He was on board a battle ship. [I]What? [/I]He started to sit up only to realize that the disruptor restraints were gone as well. [I]How did I get...?[/I] His train of thought was interrupted by the door opening and a medial officer entering the room, sporting the insignia of the Creator.[I] I'm on the Creator?[/I] Daniel froze. [I]Did Blaine figure out who I really am? Hell![/I]

"[B]Relax![/B]" The doctor spoke, misinterpreting his panicked expression. "[B]You're on board the Creator. Blaine Uratak has been taken care of.[/B]"
[I]
Relax? Being on the same ship as Jared is hardly relaxing![/I] Daniel thought. Though he kept that to himself. "[B]What about Kerstin? Is she alright?[/B]" He asked when a quick glance showed that he was alone.

The doctor smiled, "[B]She's fine. I have her resting in the next room. It will be a little longer before she wakes up since she was caught by several stun blasts. She'll be just fine though. You on the other hand are lucky to have been found when you were.[/B]" He frowned a bit.

"[B]It took very little for me to fix it, but using disruptor restraints on someone to the point that it causes nerve damage is unacceptable.[/B]" He shrugged and waved his right hand slightly in a move of dismissal. "[B]Not that I couldn't have fixed it anyway, it just would have taken a lot longer. Still I'm recommending that you stay here overnight and then once I check you over again tomorrow you'll be released.[/B]"

[I]Unacceptable? What the hell?[/I] Daniel just wanted to laugh at the irony of that statement, after all the military was not above using torture to get the information they wanted from someone.

"[B]I see, thank you doctor. I do have one request though. I need to contact my friend William to let him know I'm all right.[/B]"

"[B]Commander Jared has already seen to that. Once I release you tomorrow both of you will be required to give a statement to Jared in regards to Blaine. Once you've done that you both can go back to Reflection. Now any more questions for me?[/B]"

Daniel shook his head. There was no point in requesting to be allowed to leave immediately.

"[B]Good,[/B]" The doctor said even as he gave Daniel a shot. "[B]Now before you ask what that was for, it's to make sure you get some rest. After what happened your nerves need a break. I'll be back later to check on you.[/B]" And with that the doctor left.

As much as he wanted to leave, as the sedative the doctor gave him started to work Daniel finally just resigned himself to being stuck on the Creator for a while longer. Concerns about being found out as well as dealing with Jared were his foremost thoughts until a few minutes later he fell back asleep.

[Rachmaninoff]

Kerstin had barely fallen asleep on the sofa in the room with Daniel when Blaine's men had returned, this time there was seven of them and when they came straight for her, for one horrible moment she thought that the promise of [I]educating [/I]her was about to come true. But two of them had immediately went to the bed and gotten Daniel and the leader had yanked her to her feet by virtue of grabbing her right arm with his left hand. Ignoring her protest as they took her and Daniel out the door to the quarters and down the hallways. As they went around a corner, Kerstin barely had time to register that it was Jared who was leading what appeared to be a heavily armed team when the one who had her by the arm jerked her sideways, placing her between him and Jared. And then everything went blank.

She didn't know how long she was out, but as she slowly came to she couldn't seem to think and as she stared stupidly at the ceiling she couldn't figure out where she was. But then as the stun blasts started to wear off and she started to look around she realized that Darren was sitting in a chair by the bed, A tentative smile on his face.

"[B]Darren?[/B]" Kerstin struggled to sit up, a terrible urgency filling her as she looked around and didn't see Daniel. "[B]Where's Daniel?[/B]"

Darren got up and helped her to sit up. "[B]He's fine, he's in the next room.[/B]"

Kerstin just looked at Darren for a long moment and then threw herself at him bursting into tears. "[B]I thought I would never see you again.[/B]" She cried as Darren simply held her, tears running down his face as well.

She tried to tell Darren what had happened, but Kerstin couldn't control the sobs enough to be coherent. And after a while she stopped trying. Until a while later when she had cried herself out she finally pulled away a bit from Darren.

"[B]Sorry about that.[/B]"

Darren just sat down on the bed next to her and pulled her close, kissing her on the forehead. "[B]Silly, there's nothing to be sorry about.[/B]"

"[B]You don't understand Darren! I should have listened to Jared,[/B]" Kerstin choked. "[B]The things Blaine and his men did.[/B]" She stopped as the tears started all over again.

"[B]It's all right. The doctor already explained what happened to Daniel.[/B]" Darren smiled a bit. "[B]He's going to be just fine.[/B]"

Kerstin just choked again. "[B]It's all my fault.[/B]" She said miserably.

"[B]Kerstin, it's not your fault. If anyone is to blame it's Blaine.[/B]"

"[B]That's not what I mean,[/B]" Kerstin said tearfully. "[B]What I'm talking about is Daniel. Every time Blaine's men would do anything to hurt me, he would interfere.[/B]" She choked at the next part. "[B]They tortured him repeatedly, even when he couldn't move, until he was unconscious.[/B]"

Once again Kerstin lost control and cried all over again while Darren just held her. Waiting for her to calm down again. When she did he reached up and brushed the tears away.

"[B]It's okay Kerstin. Please don't blame yourself. Not only were you and Daniel recovered, but Blaine was caught and arrested. Jared assures me that he won't get away with what he did.[/B]"

Kerstin nodded leaning into Darren, still feeling the urge to cry. "[B]I'm sorry.[/B]" She said all over again, allowing the tears to simply flow down her face. "[B]I just can't help it. They were so horribly cruel to Daniel.[/B]"

Darren just held her close, relived beyond words that she had been rescued. "[B]Like I said silly,[/B]" he teased her slightly. "[B]There's nothing to be sorry for.[/B]" He hugged her tightly, his own voice tight with suppressed emotion. "[B]I'm just glad that you are okay.[/B]"

He finally let go when Kerstin pulled away again. "[B]Gods, I'm so tired.[/B]"

Darren just chuckled a bit as he moved back to the chair by her bed and sat down. "[B]Get some rest then. I'll stay right here. I promise.[/B]"

She smiled a bit as she lay back down, curing up on her side so she was facing Darren and then even though she didn't think she would fall asleep, Kerstin did just that.

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Stevens was feeling rather pleased, as was Sandra and Jared. The investigation to not only recover Kerstin but to find and arrest Blaine had gone down perfectly. And from what the ships doctor had told them, other than the damage from the disruptor's, which the doctor had already fixed, used on Daniel, both of them would be just fine. Stevens opened up a priority message that he had gotten from sector fourteen and then addressed both Sandra and Jared who were with him in the observation room of the Conqueror.

"[B]Now that the mess with Blaine is taken care, and another head of one of the ten factions of the High Council handing over the master access code, there is another problem that needs to be addressed.[/B]" Stevens sent the message to the terminal in front of both of them.

"[B]I received this this morning. As you can see, even though we moved to the second level of martial law to restore order, it seems that a number of citizens after learning that illegal research was being conducted decided to take advantage of the chaos to head for the facility and attempt to take matters in their own hands and destroy it.

Normally this would not be a problem, but there just isn't enough resources to shift enough of the military to that area to secure it, especially since I authorized shifting most of the resources that were there to other sectors to quell the riots. Now I can't shift them back and as a result quite a few of them got past the defenses and into the community there that supports not only the military outpost but the researchers.[/B]"

Sandra looked at the information and then back to Stevens, "[B]There are actual riots going on there? Surely you can afford to siphon of some of the resources from the nearest sectors to deal with this. I'm curious as to why you are even bringing this up with us instead of with Zach.[/B]"

"[B]Because that's not an option. I've already talked with the others and though it looks like things are under control, it's a very fragile control. Also Crystal's research is far from promising, once the news gets out that the alterations cannot be reversed, things are going to get ugly, I'm going to need everyone to to stay where they are to keep things from spiraling even more out of control.[/B]"

Stevens sighed a bit. "[B]I tried talking to some of the other Elite Specialists since they have informed us that due to a conflict of interest that they will simply sit things out until the investigation is completed. And none of them are willing to assist with problems like what's going on in sector fourteen. The only one I haven't talked to yet is Kiva since she was already helping with locating Kerstin and Blaine and incidentally Daniel.[/B]"

Jared laughed, "[B]What did you expect Stevens? After all their lives are in as much if not more danger than the High Council's. People are furious. Kiva is protected by virtue in being in sector one where things are the most heavily patrolled, and you've made it quite clear that any action taken against her would amount to treason. And even then, she's got the most advanced Messenger ship there is, so long as she's on board, she's untouchable. But elsewhere? Those Elite Specialists are better off staying in their ships where no one can get to them and waiting. It's the smartest thing they can do.[/B]"

"[B]I know Jared,[/B]" Stevens agreed. "[B]Believe me, I know. And that's where you two come in. I want both of you to start analyzing our resources to see how we can better shift them to keep things running smoothly. But I want you to do this without favoring sector fourteen. Because even in the military many people want those researchers dead. And frankly, compared to the rest of the Empire, there just aren't enough citizens there to warrant moving military resources to protect thirty scientists.

I intend to see if Kiva would be willing to go to sector fourteen. Both her and Daego are in my opinion the least biased and unmoved by whether or not the scientists are doing illegal research. And seeing that a number of them have gone into hiding, they'd be perfect at tracking them down. Besides. I've also talked with Dakar, James and Zach. We've all agreed that due to the alterations that it's best to halt project two permanently. I'd also want Kiva and Daego to collect the data and then destroy the computers that held the notes for project two.[/B]"

Sandra stood up, "[B]Very well then, if you're looking for my approval on this, you have it. That research needs to end. And those scientists need to be protected. They cannot be held accountable for simply following orders.[/B]" She started to turn to leave and then turned back. "[B]One other thing, it would probably be wise to have both Erica and Blaine transfered to cells here on the Conqueror. I understand that she requires being checked twice a day and Crystal is needed here.[/B]"

Jared got up to leave as well. "[B]I agree, and once I finish debriefing both Daniel and Kerstin I'll be able to focus solely on assisting with making sure resources are shifted to where they need to be.[/B]"

Both Sandra and Jared stood there, waiting for Stevens to speak. Which once he stood up he did. "[B]Then lets get to work. I'll take care of contacting Kiva. If she says no, then we'll need to think of something else.[/B]"

He nodded to both of them before they turned and left and then Stevens went over to the desk and started pulling up all the information he had gotten in regards to the chaos in sector fourteen. Not only would he need to write up full authorization for her orders to be followed, should the need to arise. But he also would provide her with the master code of the head of Erica's faction. Because even though Erica's code would access pretty much anything. The ten codes assigned to the leaders of the factions of the High Council would quite literally access absolutely anything in the Empire, the only thing they would not access was the data vaults for the other factions of the High Council. And though he didn't think Kiva would actually need it. It was better to play it safe. Now if she'd only agree to do it. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]It was her duty, and as always Crystal did her duty, but lately it was trying her patience. If it wasn't the frustration over seeing how the modifications were designed to be permanent it was dealing with Erica. She wanted to understand, if only because the modifications were so wrong on so many levels. But Crystal kept find herself stubbornly staying angry with Erica. She was too much of a doctor to allow it to affect her judgment or to interfere with treating Erica. But what she wouldn't give to hand the responsibility over to someone else.

With a sigh Crystal turned her attention back to another line of research she was following. Since there was a slight possibility that another modification could be made that would help to reduce the effect of the first. But to do that she needed to talk to Tessa Landers the director of the research in sector fourteen. But her message to her had gone unanswered and when she had tried to contact the facility earlier she had of all things gotten a message that until further notice contact with sector fourteen was off limits.

Crystal had immediately contacted Stevens, or rather she had tried, but he was in a meeting. But as the chime of an incoming message sounded at her terminal in the lab in the Council Center Crystal answered it. Hoping it was Stevens.

"[B]Sorry for the delay Crystal, what can I do for you?[/B]"

"[B]I need to contact Tessa Landers, but communication with sector fourteen has been shut down. Just what the hell is going on Stevens? I need her input on a modification that would help to balance out what was done to everyone. Even if we can't reverse it it's possible to counter the effects a bit. But the modification I want to consider is something that Tessa is an expert at. I [I]need [/I]her input.[/B]"

Stevens gave her an odd look before speaking. "[B]It's unfortunate, but sector fourteen is experiencing problems. Some of the more aggressive and outspoken citizens have taken it upon themselves to attempt to destroy the facility and all who work there.

I'm currently working on seeing what can be done since the military presence there is not enough to quell the riots. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that resources have been moved around a lot to keep up with the confusion caused by the arrest of Erica and the house arrest of the High Council.[/B]"

Crystal just shook her head.[I] Lovely. [/I] "[B]No Stevens, you don't. But I do want to know just what you plan on doing about it. Because even if the research was banned, those researchers were just doing their job. I sincerely hope you plan on doing something, especially since it would take a hell of a lot longer for me to work on the modification with out Tessa's help. I may be an expert at genetics, but she has specialized in the area I want to modify so her knowledge in that respect is better than mine.[/B]"

"[B]I'm sorry Crystal, I do intend to do something, even though it's not possible to shift resources back to sector fourteen. I can't give thirty researchers priority over an entire planet. Even if one of them is crucial to assisting with your research.[/B]" He held up a hand to stop Crystal's protests.

"[B]Rest assured, I've already issued the orders to what little military is there to do their best to protect the researchers, and some of them have taken it upon themselves to go into hiding. If I can get the help I need they should be fine.[/B]"

"[B]What do you mean if?[/B]"

"[B]I intend to ask Kiva and Daego to go. Now that Blaine had been caught and Kerstin and Daniel recovered, she'd be the perfect choice. She has the fastest ship in the entire empire and even though other military ships are closer, she'd beat them there.

Plus Kiva's excellent and finding people who are missing, also, I was going to inform you of this anyway, but I intend to have her retrieve the data from project two and destroy the computers that housed it. We've decided to halt project two for good.[/B]"

Crystal shook her head a bit. "[B]I see, then I certainly hope Kiva is willing to take the assignment. Though I'd move Erica to the Conqueror first. I can't make a routine for treating her. It requires someone with medical experience to make a decision as to what each treatment dose should be.[/B]"

"[B]Understood, I'll let you know what happens. Stevens out.[/B]"

Crystal turned the terminal off and stood up. [I]What a mess. I finally find a way to possibly counter the modifications and this happens.[/i] With a snort of disgust she got up and left the lab. Heading once again for the internal gardens to take a walk and calm down. Lately she was needing to do that way too much. [I]I think when this damn mess is finished I'm going to look into retiring from the military.[/I] [/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]Kiva wasn't surprised when the signal sounded to indicate an incoming transmission. And she wasn't surprised that it was Stevens calling, either. "Ah, Fleet Admiral Stevens. I've been expecting to hear from you."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yes. First of all, allow me to thank you for your aid in recovering Kerstin and Daniel, and for capturing Blaine. I understand you have him on board your ship."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "That's correct. Would you like him transferred to the [I]Creator[/I]?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"That's correct. I also have another request to make of you."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Another one already? What is it this time?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Well," Stevens said, "I want you to go to sector 14. You would have two objectives there. First, you would ensure the safety of the facility. In all the confusion, it seems that several armed civilian vessels have departed for sector 14. We believe they have hostile intent, and with the need for millitary units elsewhere, the garrison there has been significantly reduced. The civilian vessels seem to be organized, coordinated. We don't think the remaining forces in the sector will be sufficient to repel that force. Also, none of the remaining vessels have systems that can coordinate efficiently with the fixed defences, so as things are, they wouldn't be of much help.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I want you to proceed to sector 14. The [I]Transcendence[/I]'s firepower will be a significant aid, and your onboard systems can properly interface with fixed defences, so your aid would boost the sector's defences to a level that should be more than enough to repel the civilian attack."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Got it," Kiva said. "Now, you said there were two objectives?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yes. The decision has been made to terminate the mind-alteration research being conducted in sector 13. While you're in the sector, I want you to collect all data related to the project, then destroy that project's computers and other equipment."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"About damn time," Daego said. "That project should have never been started."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Perhaps that's true," Stevens said. "However, it may have had a beneficial result. Commander Crystal tells me that a Tessa Landers there may know how to counteract the mental alterations."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I remember her," Kiva said. "We met her when we were there tracking down the traitor."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yes, well, Crystal needs to communicate with her, but communication lines are tied up. However, if you're in the sector, we can use one of your communication drones to receive Crystal's transmission and relay it to Tessa."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Understood," Kiva said. "Consider your request accepted."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Excellent. In that case, you will need to transfer Erica Kenrick as well as Blaine. We need her to remain in the sector so Crystal can properly treat her illness."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Understood. Daego, you heard him. Get down there and get the prisoners transferred. I'll set our course."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Got it," Daego said, heading down to the confinement cells. Kiva turned back to Stevens. "Will there be anything else?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"No. Stevens out." The transmission ended, and Kiva plotted the course to sector 14. As soon as Daego got the prisoners transferred, they were off.[/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]So much had happened, making it hard for both Celestia and Jason to keep track of what was going on. Since James had moved her and Jason along with Matt to another lab they had been working on a routine to analyze how the code of a council member accessed the data vaults. Specifically a code of a faction's leader since their code over rode the other four members of that faction that were on the High Council. The actual work wasn't all that hard, but it was time consuming and tedious. It was by far the most complicated routine she had ever tried to write and even with Jason and Matt's help they kept running into problems. The very nature of accessing the data vaults was strictly designed to keep any and all intrusions out.

"[B]Jason,[/B]" Celestia said as she finished getting ready for bed. "[B]Don't you find this whole situation rather odd?[/B]"

"[B]How so?[/B]"

Celestia crawled into bed and moved over until Jason put his right arm around her shoulder as she rested her head against him. "[B]It's just that I don't get it. They were more than willing to do research to alter the other races to make them passive and yet they are against doing it to themselves.[/B]"

Jason just laughed, "[B]Celestia, our own people are guilty of doing that. Remember at one time we enslaved other humans, treating them like animals.[/B]" He kissed her gently on the forehead. "[B]Not everyone is like you, unwilling to treat others in a manner they wouldn't like to be treated.[/B]"

"[B]I know, I still don't understand. And frankly I hope I never do. But more than anything, I just want to go back home and settle down. I want to see how Sara and Glenn are doing.[/B]"

With a sigh Jason pulled her closer, holding her tight. "[B]You and me both. Just as I wonder how Daniel and William are doing. I also wonder about Erica Kendrick, by now she must be dead. High Council member or not I can't imagine that they'll be forgiving towards one of their own leading the resistance.[/B]"

"[B]I would have liked to have met her.[/B]" Celestia said with a wistful smile. "[B]I can only imagine how hard it must have been to work from within to try and change things.[/B]"

"[B]Me too.[/B]" Jason said even as he started shifting a bit to get comfortable. Tired from having spent so long in the lab that day. They talked for a bit before finally falling asleep.

[CENTER]---------------------------------------------[/CENTER]
Stevens was far from amused. Even though things were going as well as could be expected and Kiva had accepted the request to assist in sector fourteen, things were still chaotic. He needed something to show the people that things were being take care of.[I] I wonder if the crew James has actually going through the data vaults that we have the access code for is done? [/I] He had read a report yesterday that one of them had information that indicated an awareness of the illegal mental modifications that had been done.

Stevens contacted James who answered immediately. "[B]Ah, Stevens, I was just about to contact you. The team I have working on reviewing the data in the vaults is finished with the one that was under suspicion.[/B]"

"[B]Well, go on! Don't keep me waiting.[/B]" Stevens snapped when James paused and then didn't continue.

"[B]It's simple, even though the information is circumstantial in nature, a confession is all you need. At this point I am going to recommend that the Council member in question be interrogated. Starting with the drugs since I'm of the opinion that using torture would be ill advised unless there is no other option.[/B]"

"[B]Bah![/B]" Stevens waving his hand as if dismissing James's concerns. "[B]Those fools hardly deserve such consideration. However, since it is likely that most of them are innocent, at least as far as this goes, I will do as you suggest. I want you to make the arrangements for them to be transfered to the Conqueror since I intend to oversee that interrogation myself.[/B]" He smiled nastily.

"[B]Besides, I'm sure the threat of being handed over to Jared is more than enough to get them to tell me what I want to know. Especially since in the end, if that's what it takes, it's exactly what I'll do.[/B]"

"[B]Stevens,[/B]" James said warningly.

"[B]Oh stuff it James.[/B]" Stevens snapped in a rare moment of anger. "[B]You know damn well that if I did that it would be because there was no other choice. I didn't get this uniform by sleeping around despite the rumors. I would have thought that by now you'd have figured that out.[/B]"

"[B]Very well then, I'll make the arrangements for the Council member in question to be transfered immediately. James out.[/B]"

Irritated Stevens switched the terminal off and then got up and went to stand where he could watch the view of the home world. This whole mess was irritating as hell and he was tired of dealing with it. Or rather he was tired of it interfering with what little free time he had for himself. At the moment he may as well be celibate since he barely had time to sleep let alone have time for anything else. Stevens couldn't help but laugh at that thought. [I]I should be worrying over other things.[/I] Still, it was maddening to be so close to so many that he enjoyed spending time with and yet not have the time for it. With a sigh he turned and went back to the desk. The longer he moped around the less time he would have should the opportunity arise to take a little time off.[/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]Just after arriving in sector 14, Kiva and Daego knew that something was going on. Everything they'd expected to find was there: the research facility, the remaining millitary presence, and the fixed defenses. But there was another ship in the sector, one that wasn't supposed to be there.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"The ship's been identified as the [I]Exorcist[/I]," Daego said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Interesting name," Kiva said. "Who's on board?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Let's see here... Elite Specialist Kuro Talmresec and his crew, Solara Tanner and Oles Esoth."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Send a transmission request."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Sending... sent."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Good. Deploy a communications drone. We need to contact Stevens."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]A signal sounded. "Request accepted," Daego said. "Opening channel." A man, presumably Kuro, appeared on the screen.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Greetings," the man said. "I didn't expect to see another Specialist here. I'm Kuro Talmresec."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I didn't expect to see another Specialist, either," Kiva said. "My name is Kiva Salqarian. Now, I'm going to be direct. What's your assignment?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I don't really have one at the moment," Kuro said. "I was on patrol when martial law was declared and the Council placed under house arrest. I was actually in transit when it happened, and didn't learn about it until my arrival in sector 12. At that time, I also learned of the departure of multiple armed civilian vessels, and evedence seemed to suggest that they would head here. I came here to aid in the sector's defense. I assume that has something to do with why you're here, too."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"That's correct. Fleet Admiral Stevens requested that I come here to reinforce the sector's defenses."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Admiral Stevens? He actually made a request to you? And why'd you accept? You shouldn't have, you know. I took enough of a risk coming here without an official assignment. What if you're accused of participating in a cover-up?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I won't be," Kiva said. "I'd explain, but it would take a little while."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Then we'll talk more later. I'm occupied right now. We're testing the integration of the fixed defenses with my ship. I'll contact you when we're done."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Understood," Kiva said. She terminated communications. "Daego, what's the status on that drone?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"It's launched. Encryption protocol is set. The drone's on standby."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Good. We need to contact Stevens. Code Delta."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"On it."[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]A communication drone sent and received messages on a channel different from the main channels. They were most useful when the main channels were clogged with huge numbers of transmissions or when usage was regulated. They were also useful because it was harder to intercept comm drone transmissions. Daego used the drone to send a transmission, including the Code Delta. Code Delta had a simple meaning: treasonous activity suspected. Stevens responded quickly. "Kiva. What's happening?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I need the current status of Elite Specialist Kuro Talmresec. I know you have access to the Council databse. What is Kuro's current assignment?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]There was a pause while Stevens accessed the information. It didn't take him long; after all, Erica Kendrick's code was still in the system. "Kuro Talmresec's ship is the [I]Exorcist[/I]. No idea why he chose that name. His crew are Solara Tanner and Oles Esoth. They have a patrol assignment, sectors 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, and 14. Full knowledge of all operations within those sectors. They probably don't know that you have the advanced messenger ship, but they know it exists. They also know about the three research projects in sector 14. Patrol schedule shows that he would've been en route to sector 12 when martial law was declared. I'm sending you this information."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Damn," Kiva said. "His story checks out. Stevens, the [I]Exorcist[/I] is in sector 14. Kuro claims that in addition to learning about recent events upon his arrival in sector 12, he learned of the departure of multiple armed civilian vessels. He says that he guessed they were targeting sector 14 and came here to aid in its defense. With the timing as it is, it's likely he arrived yesterday, and I don't think his stated reason is the truth."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"What do you think his real objective is?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"LIkely the recovery of the research data from the mind-alteration project. It wouldn't be hard to guess that the project would be cancelled. I think Kuro's here to recover the data for the High Council. He won't have been ordered by them to do it, of course. He's probably doing it because he thinks they'd want it done, and he's probably right. But since his story checks out, we can't move against him."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I think you're right. Does he have the data yet?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I don't think so," Kiva said. "As I said, he probably arrived yesterday, and since his official reason for being here is the defense of the sector, he's been busy coordinating with the garrison. In fact, he's working with them right now. I don't think he's had time to visit the facility without looking suspicious. But he doesn't know our job yet. Once he learns that we're here to retrieve the data and then eliminate all traces of it, he'll have to act. Our presence here will force his hand. He'll have to get to the data before we do. Knowing this allows us to be ready for him. If he goes for the data, we'll know."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Do what you can," Stevens said. "You are authorized to use whatever means necessary, even if you haven't managed to aquire proof. If he aquires the data, do not let him get it out of the sector. If necessary, you may destroy the [I]Exorcist[/I]. Try to take Kuro alive, but he is secondary."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Understood," Kiva said. "Now, I've got work to do. Kiva out."[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Daniel had known that Jared would debrief him after what had happened. And though he tried to hide it he knew that Jared could tell he was uneasy around him. Even if it was obvious that he was not under suspicion, he worried that his nervousness would result in Jared investigating him. But instead as he sat in a chair across from Jared in what was an office in the sickbay it was obvious that Jared was more interested in Blaine's actions. His questions clearly centered around proving that Blaine was guilty of kidnapping among other charges. [I]Kerstin was right. Blaine won't be getting out of this one. [/I]

He kept his gaze directed towards his hands carefully folded in his lap, only looking up occasionally. Answering everything he was asked, describing everything that happened, leaving nothing out. Not even when Blaine's men had taken his locket and destroyed it. Explaining that it had contained a picture of his mother who had died when he was young. Kerstin had seen it, but only briefly and Jared would have no reason to show her a picture of his mother, or rather the one for his fake identity. And even then Kerstin was unlikely to realize that they were not the same picture.

They continued for a bit until Jared seemed to be wrapping things up. "[B]I'd like for you to clear up one more thing for me Daniel.[/b]" Jared said. "[b]Blaine is claiming that you took excessive measures to protect Kerstin. Something that you have admitted to doing without giving any reason as to why you would do that for a total stranger.

Blaine is convinced that your claims that you've been doing so since you are attracted to her are incorrect. He is quite insistent that your actions are consistent with someone who is or has been an officer in the military. Based on my experience I'm inclined to agree with that assessment. And yet your public record shows no such service. Perhaps you could explain to me just why you did it?[/B]"

Daniel froze.[I] Hell! What do I tell him? [/I] He looked up to see Jared waiting patiently for his answer. It was one thing to face Blaine, but Jared? [I]If I don't answer this correctly Jared will keep me here until he finds out the truth.[/I] No matter what he thought of Jared, even Daniel knew that when it came to interrogations, Jared never left anything in the dark. He always followed every line of reasoning until an answer was found. And that was something he could not afford. If he truly investigated him...

"[B]I don't know why.[/B]" Daniel finally said, looking back down. "[B]It is true what I told Blaine about why William and I are here at Reflection. His silly hunt for a wife and all that. And before we were kidnapped I had never met Kerstin.[/B]" He looked back up. "[B]And yet some part of me just couldn't stop myself from trying to stop them from hurting her. I don't understand it. Even though those disruptor restraints hurt I just couldn't sit by and do nothing.[/B]"

Jared gave him an interesting look. "[B]And you're sure there was nothing else to it? After all it is highly unusual for anyone to keep taking punishment of that nature.[/B]"

Daniel nodded. "[B]Quite. I'm sure you saw in my public record that I did attend a year at the military academy, but I did not finish. I was not there long enough to graduate let alone learn how an officer is expected to behave. Or what their actions would have been in a situation like that.

Unless it is similar to to what is expected of a true gentleman. And that is that one would never stand idly by why a lady is in distress. I may be old fashioned Commander, but regardless of who it was I would never stand by and do nothing.[/B]"

He waited to see what Jared would say, but then he surprised him by chuckling at him.

"[B]I would imagine that for someone like Blaine the idea of being a gentleman is a concept beyond his understanding. Anyway, what matters is that both of you were recovered before Blaine had a chance to complete his idea of education. Not that it will save him from execution, but had he done to Kerstin what he has done to others...[/B]"

Daniel shivered at the hard cold look in Jared's eyes. He knew full well just what Jared was capable of.

Jared just shook his head a bit and continued. "[B]Anyway, you're free to return to Reflection. However I expect you to stay in sector one. Once things are cleared up I may require your presence when Blaine is formally charged.[/B]" Jared stood up. "[B]For now return to your room. I'll send someone along to escort you to a transport room in a bit[/B]." And with that he left.

Once Jared had left he breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment there he had thought Jared wasn't going to believe him. Still as he got up and headed back to the room he had first woken up in the thought crossed his mind that the sooner he was off the [I]Creator[/I], the better.

[Rachmaninoff]

To Kerstin, it still felt a bit unreal to be on board the Creator. Even though she had already told Jared everything that had happened and talked briefly with Daniel before he went back to Reflection, it still felt like it was only yesterday since she had been rescued by Jared as well as the Elite Specialist Kiva who according to Jared had tracked down where Blaine had been holding her and Daniel. The thought of what would have happened if they had not found her still bothered her quite a bit. So when Jared had suggested that she stay on the Creator until the other representatives after Darren were caught she had done so without hesitation. It was embarrassing to admit that she didn't want to stay alone in her room on Reflection.

[I]Jared was right[/I], she thought for the thousandth time.[I] I am naive. I really thought nothing would happen.[/I] Kerstin looked over to her art supplies that had been brought to her new quarters. Even though like Darren's they were far to spacious she just couldn't bring herself to appreciate it. Even the view of the home world from space, something that would normally have her wanting to paint it, wasn't calming.[I] I need to do something to get my mind off of what happened.[/I] Kerstin turned and went over to the terminal at the desk in her quarters, taking a moment to pull up the current updates. Reading though them.

It didn't take her long, even though things were under control, there just wasn't much to report with everything under martial law. She was about to turn it off when as an after thought she requested the public records for Daniel Timbers. Taking a moment to read through what little information there was. It wasn't much. But more importantly, she didn't see anything about the woman who's picture had been in his locket that Blaine's men had destroyed.

Daniel had lost his mother when he was young but when Kerstin requested the public records for her it had been a different woman altogether. The picture did not match, something she was positive of with her perfect memory for faces. With a sigh she turned the terminal off.[I] I guess it was someone else important to him.[/I] Kerstin got up and went over to the corner of the quarters where her art supplies were set up. She picked up a sketch pad and a set of pencils taking them over to the sofa to sit down and start sketching. [I]Maybe if I upload a sketch I'll find a match in the system.[/I] Though why she wanted to know who the woman was she wasn't sure.

[CENTER]----------------------------------[/CENTER]
Now that Kerstin had been recovered Darren found it easier to concentrate on what he was suppose to be doing. And that was monitoring the shipping since even with martial law being declared things were still a mess. It was rather ironic since before all hell had broken loose he had gotten a rather surprising request for materials for the planet in sector seven where the attack had occurred. In addition to rebuilding facilities on other sections the engineers had rebuilt inside the lava craters. Even now looking at the visual he found it hard to believe.

[CENTER][IMG]http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5097/sectorsevenes1.jpg[/IMG]
[SIZE=1]Copyright [URL=http://www.dylancolestudio.com/][U][B] dylancole @ Dylan Cole Studio[/B][/U][/URL] [/SIZE][/CENTER]
Sometimes he still found it amazing what the engineers could do. And now that they were nearly complete it was time to put the newest facilities in operation. Darren pulled up the necessary information to finish approving things. Later once he was done he would go and check up on Kerstin. Even if she was just down the corridor in her own quarters, it was clear to Darren that she was still upset over what had happened.

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Crystal still had not heard from Fleet Admiral Stevens about Tessa Landers, other than the knowledge that Elite Specialist Kiva had accepted the assignment to go to sector fourteen and that Erica had been moved to the Creator. She had recommended the Conqueror, but in the end it didn't really matter. It made no difference which one she transported to in order to treat her. [I]I just wish she'd keep her mouth shut when I visit. [/I] Part of her understood it, if only a little bit but the other. Crystal was still angry over all that had happened.

With a sigh she once again opened the cell door, her supplies in hand as she entered the cell. Erica was sitting up in the lounging chair a sort of half-smirk on her face. [I]Great, she's in the mood to talk again.[/I] Crystal thought with resignation.[I] Maybe I should ask that someone else oversee her care.[/I] But even as she thought it Crystal knew she would say nothing.

Erica gave a short little half laugh, "[B]If seeing me is so distasteful Crystal, by all means have that fool Stevens assign someone else to my care.[/B]"

"[B]You know I would [I]never[/I] shirk my responsibilities Erica,[/B]" Crystal said with a hint of reproach in her voice.

"[B]Oh I know. Why else would Stevens have recommended you for commanding the Tempest? You never object to your duties unless there is a good reason.[/B]"

Crystal couldn't hide her surprise, [I]Stevens is the one who is responsible for my assignment to the Tempest? Hell! He knows I have no interest in command![/I] Erica just gave her a funny look before speaking again.

"[B]Ah, and here I thought you already knew about that.[/B]" Erica gave off a tiny little sigh. "[B]You really are easy to read you know.[/B]"

"[B]It doesn't matter who was responsible.[/B]" Crystal finally said as she set her equipment on the floor next to Erica and pulled out the scanner to check her. "[B]What does matter is I already told you I have no interest in discussing things with you and yet you insist on doing so.[/B]"

Erica leaned back a bit, an amused look on her face. "[B]What can I say? It's not like there's anything to do here on the Creator. And yes I know I'm on the Creator. It's simple logic after all, for me to be moved means that Kiva was needed elsewhere. And since I am on board a ship that means it has to be the Conqueror or the Creator. Stevens has yet to come and talk to me so I find it unlikely that he would trust my care to anyone else.[/B]"

"[B]What makes you so sure that you're on the Creator? You could be on a Council Ship or even the Tempest for that matter.[/B]"

"[B]Honestly Crystal, the cells on a flagship are a tad bigger than other ships. That and the fool who brings me my food talks too much. You really should talk to Sandra about that. Former Council member or not, talking to a prisoner is really not very bright.[/B]"

Crystal just ignored her as she gave her the treatment and started to put the equipment away. She stood up to leave only to halt when Erica reached out and gently grasped her tunic. Curious she turned back to look at Erica. [I]What does she want now?[/I]

"[B]One other thing Crystal, I grow impatient. I know perfectly well you already gave Stevens my last message. So I'd like you to tell him this as well. That if he thinks I am the only Council member who has served as a member of the Resistance he is sadly mistaken."[/B] Erica let go and adjusted her chair so she was more in a reclining position, watching Crystal who was standing there with a stunned expression on her face.

[I]What? There are more?[/I] Crystal knew she should leave but she couldn't bring herself to move. [I]Why is she telling me this? I don't want to know! [/I]But even as she thought it, Crystal knew that she did. She had never been the type to hide from the truth no matter how harsh it was. [I]Hell![/I] It took her several minutes but finally she spoke.

"[B]I'll tell him.[/B]" Then not trusting herself to say anything else she practically ran from the cell. Leaning against the door once it had closed and locked, taking deep breaths to calm herself.[I] If what she says is true... [/I]Crystal shook her head and composed herself. She would think about the ramifications of it later. For now she needed to talk to Stevens. Then once she had composed herself she hurried as fast as she dared to the transport room. [/COLOR]

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Sandra did not want to talk to Erica, even if it was her duty as a Commodore and a candidate for the High Council. Until now it had been easy to put it off since getting things back under control had taken priority. But now, especially after Stevens had contacted her and told her what Crystal had told him, Sandra had no choice. The implication that there were others on the High Council who were members of the Resistance could not be ignored. But if some of them were, why would Erica expose them? It made no sense. [I]She has to be lying. I don't know what her game is but it just can't be true.[/I] And if there was one thing Sandra was sure of it was that Erica, even to the end was far smarter than any of them had given her credit for. Cleverly using even her own illness to shake the very foundation of the Empire.

Sandra ignored the glances being sent her way as she headed for the cell where Erica was being held. She knew she was angry and frustrated and for once she did nothing to hide it. Ignoring the security's startled looks as she passed by the checkpoints for the cell blocks as well as other crew members who hastily moved to get out of her way. [I]How did it come to this? [/I]It was a question she had been asking herself for quite a while as she tried to reconcile the contradiction of the High Council's actions. From one end of the extreme with members hiding the information that they had been illegally modified to the other with one of them leading the Resistance in secret.

Finally as she stood before the cell Sandra took a couple of deep breaths to steady herself. It would do her no good to talk to Erica if she couldn't compose herself. Then she finally reached up and entered the code to open the door, wasting no time, entering as soon as the door opened. A few steps inside and the door shut behind her. Sandra started to speak but Erica beat her to it.

She narrowed her eyes a tiny bit as if reevaluating her intent. "[B]My message was for Stevens, however since it does concern you I suppose you'll do. For now.[/B]"

Sandra caught herself clenching her hands together into fists, it was with a strained conscious effort that she relaxed them. [I]I can't let her get to me. [/I] But Erica missed nothing.

"[B]Short tempered today are we?[/B]" She tiled her head forward a bit as if looking down on a small child in spite of being in a sitting position. "[B]I would have thought by now that you would have dropped that arrogant attitude of yours Sandra.[/B]"

Sandra unconsciously stepped back, her head jerking back a bit, stung by Erica's words. "[B]If your only intent is to insult me then this is pointless.[/B]"

"[B]Sit down![/B]" Erica barked at Sandra. "[B]I don't have time for your childish anger. It's unnecessary and misplaced. Save the hurt feelings for later.[/B]"

For a moment Sandra was speechless and at that moment she almost turned around and left, but then stubbornly she refused.[I] I won't be bested by her[/I]. It was with great irritation that she finally did as Erica asked taking a seat on the edge of the bed facing her.

"[B]Lets get to the point then shall we? You told Crystal that if Stevens thought you were the only High Council member in the Resistance he was mistaken. So who else is involved?[/B]"

Erica wasted no time either. "[B]It's not so much a matter of who is involved but rather of who [I]was[/I] since they are no longer alive.[/B]"

"[B]You're wasting my time then.[/B]" Sandra started to move but stopped when Erica shook her head indicating she was wrong.

"[B]I think not. Unless you're conveniently forgetting what happens to members of a Resistance members family. I have no remaining family, but the Council members I speak of do. And being a member of the Council or a family member would make no difference. They would be found guilty by association. Even if they knew nothing.

You of all people should know this, after all when it was discovered that Commander Daniel Landers's father Nathan was a member of the resistance his mother was executed and he was stripped of his command and would have also been executed if not for being rescued by the resistance.

Nathan was serving under you on the Crimson when Jared discovered who he truly was. He was the only one who was a member of the Resistance. Daniel and his mother were completely innocent. Before that moment Daniel was not a member, he didn't even know that Nathan was his father.[/B]" Erica leaned back a bit in her recliner chair and folded her arms across her chest.

"[B]Is that your intent? To get more people executed? To continue disrupting our government?[/B]" Sandra shook her head. "[B]Unless you have some form of proof or something more useful to tell me this really is pointless.[/B]"

Erica laughed. "[B]Open up your handheld computer and I will give you the proof you need. I have set aside sealed records with the necessary evidence.[/B]" She waited patiently for Sandra to finally open her hand held and then once she had done so she rattled off several account numbers along with the access code for them.

"[B]Now before you get any bright ideas, that is not the only location where I have stored the evidence, so don't think you can simply erase it.[/B]"

Sandra saved the information and then stood up once she had closed her handheld computer and put it up. "[B]What makes you think I would do something like that? Unlike those fools on the High Council I don't conceal information.[/B]"

"[B]Because the so-called accident that claimed the life of your grandmother was no accident.[/B]" She paused at Sandra's stunned look of disbelief. "[B]Your father made the arrangements to have her silenced to avoid the fallout should it be discovered what she was up to.[/B]"

"[B]Your lying.[/B]" Sandra said through clenched teeth.

"[B]Am I? The evidence I've provided proves that he made the arrangements as well as why he did so. Go and see for yourself.[/B]" Erica turned away. "[B]We're done. Don't come back until after you've checked out the files for yourself.[/B]"

Sandra opened her mouth to protest and then stopped. Turning to stalk out of the cell angrily. [I]Dammit! She has to be lying! [/I] Furious she headed back to her quarters, barely aware of her surroundings or the alarmed glances she got from the crew. She didn't even feel the pain of her nails digging into her palms as she clenched her hands together tight enough to draw blood.

Moments later she entered her quarters, the door shutting behind her automatically. Sandra pulled out her handheld computer, her hands shaking. [I]It can't be true! [/I] With a clatter her handheld computer fell from her hands to land on the floor and skid away a bit before coming to a rest. She fell to her knees and bent over, covering her face with her hands. [I]Please tell me you didn't do something so foolish father. [/I] Sandra fought to control the shaking. [I]Gods, if Erica is correct. [/I]She would be guilty by association along with her father. And even if he had been wrong, he would still be guilty of murder. [I]Hell! [/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]"[B]So you've finally done it.[/B]"

"[B]Yes, though we can't guarantee that it will work.[/B]" Celestia, who was sitting across from James in his office along with Jason and Matt handed over the data chip with the routine they had written.

"[B]It will access the vaults, but each code for each faction has separate encryption keys. We know the keys for the three you already gave us, but the others? Even though we wrote this to take that into account since they are similar, it could still result in triggering the programs designed to erase the information.[/B]"

"[B]So what you're saying is we'd be better off getting the actual code.[/B]"

Celestia nodded. "[B]Unless you're willing to give us several years to work on it, I don't see a better solution. We'll continue to working on the remaining seven, but it's just not that simple.[/B]"

James sighed a bit, "[B]No it's not. Keep working on it for now.[/B]"

Celestia indicated that she would and then her along with Jason and Matt got up and went back to the lab. [I]What a waste of time. [/I] Celestia thought as they took their seats in the lab once again.

"[B]Hey, why so depressed?[/B]" Jason asked her.

"[B]I want to go home.[/B]"

"[B]I know.[/B]" Jason moved his chair so he was next to her and pulled Celestia close. "[B]I want to go back as well."[/B] He kissed her on the forehead before finally letting go. Ignoring Matt who was uncomfortably waiting for them to finish.

Celestia however was not finished. "[B]Jason, I'm trying to be patient but it's not working. I don't give a damn about their stupid internal politics. I'm sick and tired of being treated like property.[/B]"

"[B]Celestia[/B]," Jason said warningly. "[B]Please, save it for when we're done for the day.[/B]"

Celestia shot him an irritated glance before kicking the equipment in frustration. "[B]I know dammit! I know![/B]" She turned her attention to the routine they had been working on. [I]God damn stupid Versilans! [/I] She worked on getting her anger under control, since in the end, they didn't give a damn what she thought. With an audible sigh Celestia went back to analyzing the data.
[CENTER]----------------------------------------[/CENTER]
"[B]Your sure about that?[/B]" Stevens asked James. "[B]That we'd be better off getting the actual codes?[/B]"

James looked to each of them, Stevens, Dakar and Zach. "[B]I am, the other group hasn't even figured out how to partially hack the system at all. You've already secured a confession from one member who is guilty so we can afford to take a little more time in getting the codes from the rest.[/B]"

"[B]What about their family?[/B]" Stevens asked. "[B]Are we in agreement to drop the standard policy of holding them responsible as well?[/B]"

"[B]I never agreed with that policy in the first place.[/B]" Dakar spoke up. "[B]I've said it before and I'll say it again. Punishing those who are innocent has done nothing but make things worse.[/B]"

"[B]You'll get no argument from me on that Dakar. Even if the information Erica gave to Sandra was wrong, which it is not. Still unless we are willing to execute everyone involved it's better to do away with that practice altogether.[/B]" Stevens sighed. "[B]I've had my doubts about that as well, especially after the events surrounding Daniel Landers. I have to wonder if he would have never joined the resistance if we hadn't allowed the execution of his mother or assumed he was guilty.[/B]"

"[B]So it checked out then? Pity. Even if Sandra will not be held responsible, there's no way we can over look what her father did.[/B]" Zach shook his head. "[B]I'm beginning to wonder if we'll be able to return control to the High Council or not. I'm quickly losing faith in their ability to rule.[/B]"

"[B]Oh I don't see that as a problem. At least not once the public execution is carried out. Though I have every intention of making sure the policy changes we've discussed are followed up on. It's painfully clear that they've had too much of a free hand up until this point.[/B]" Stevens paused for a moment, looking as if he was exhausted.

"[B]Anyway, I have an execution to prepare and I need to talk to Sandra. Once we finish the investigation of her father, unless something turns up I'll be returning command of the Creator to her. Anything else gentlemen?[/B]"

When all of them indicated there was not Stevens terminated the transmission. [I]What a mess. [/I]He thought. In the end he didn't agree with changing the policy in regards to family members of resistance members and yet even he could see that it needed to be done away with. And the fact that he really didn't want to hold Sandra responsible had nothing to do with it.

"[B]We really are fools,[/B]" He said to himself. "[B]It's going to take a lot of work to fix this mess.[/B]" Stevens stood up and went over to stand and watch the view of space. It really was ironic in a sense. Some of what was happening was stuff he intended to do once he became a Council member. As annoying as it was, having so many things brought out in the open by what Erica revealed was only going to make that easier. Since the fools on the High Council would have never agreed to some of the changes he had in mind. [I]I need to go and talk to her.[/I] He thought.[I] If only because in many ways we are alike.[/I] Well other than some of his vices. Stevens smiled at the thought and then resolved to go and talk to her first thing tomorrow morning.[/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]"Okay," Kiva said, "we could easily retrieve and destroy the research data before Kuro can copy it, but that's not good enough. We need to catch Kuro in the act."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yeah, but how?" Daego said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Well, remember that we don't actually have to catch him in the act. We just need evidence that he intended to copy the data. He'll certainly take measures against the facility's surveilance system, but we can put a drone down there. There are ways to beat drones, of course, but they're not as easy to do,, especially not without being noticed. Still, I think the best option is to set up a direct vision stream from a drone, get the recording sent directly to the [I]Transcendence[/I]. That way, there's no stored data to mess with, and our level of signal encryption is damn hard to crack. However, Kuro will likely notice this, so he'll know we're onto him. He'll gethimself back abord the [I]Exorcist[/I] and try to get the hell out of here. Either that, or he'll try to fight. Remember, he probably doesn't know we've got the advanced messenger ship, so he thinks his ship and ours are the same, and if he thinks he has a good strategy, he may very well try to take us, in which case we'll engage the [I]Exorcist[/I], disabling it if possible and destroying it if not. If Kuro tries to flee, we'll pursue him and disable or destroy the [I]Exorcist[/I]."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Sounds simple enough."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yeah, but remember that Kuro's a Specialist. He won't be easy to beat. He's better than the people we've been up against in the past. He may very well have a few tricks in store. Also, I think it's best if we've retrieved the data and destroyed it before Kuro goes down there. That way, there's no chance he'll escape with it. I'll head down there as soon as I can. Daego, you coordinate with the garrison and test the interface with the fixed defenses. I'll handle the data. Just be ready for action at any time."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]It was then that an incoming transmission was signaled. Kiva accepted it and was not surprised to see Kuro. "Okay, I'm done for now," he said. "I assume you'll want to set up the interface from your ship."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Yes. My crew's working on that right now. Also, I have to say that since we're here on an assignment, I have to insist that we be the primary interface with the fixed defenses. Your ship can serve as a backup."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"That's fine with me. I still find it strange that you're here on an assignment, though. Why is Admiral Stevens willing to trust you?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Because I'm the one who led the arrest of Erica Kendrick, and I'm the one who released the information that resulted in the surrent situation. And before you object, yes, I know that Specialists answer only to the High Council, but not even the Council is above the law."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Sometimes the law must be broken. The research being conducted in this sector is a good example. It's forbidden, but the result of such research would be beneficial."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva knew that Daego heard Kuro's remark, but Daego managed to control himself, and didn't say anything. Kiva did, though. "Funny you should mention that. See, I'm here to aid in the defense of this sector, but I have another objective, too. The mind-alteration research project is being cancelled. I am to retrieve the data and then destroy the data banks and equipment for the project."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kuro didn't show any signs of surprise or anything like that, but Kiva knew he was concerned. Now he couldn't wait. If he was to get the data, he had to do so before Kiva eliminated it. "I see," he said. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I didn't think you would be," Kiva said. "Now, I'd love to talk more, but I have work to do. Kiva out." She terminated communications.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"That bastard better hope he dies," Daego said, "because if I get my hands on him, he'll wish he had."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yeah," Kiva said. "Anyways, you keep working. I'm taking a drone and going down to the facility. Oh, and contact Tessa Landers. Let her know that Commander Crystal on the [I]Tempest[/I] wants to speak with her, and tell her that she can use our comm drone to send her transmission."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Got it," Daego said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]As a precaution, Kiva suited up in full combat armor before going down to the facility. If Kuro showed up before she'd finished uploading the research data to the [I]Transcendence[/I], she'd be ready for him.[/COLOR]

[Rachmaninoff]

It had taken her a while, but Kerstin had finally finished drawing the picture of the woman Daniel had a picture of in his locket, the one that Blaine's men had destroyed. Part of her wasn't even sure why she wanted to know who the woman was, but as she looked at the black and white portrait she had sketched Kerstin made up her mind. It was only a matter of seconds to scan it into the system. And even then Kerstin couldn't help but pull it up into one of the digital programs she used for editing, making changes and cleaning the drawing up. Until finally, several days later she was satisfied with the results.

Now as she sat at the desk, hovering between leaving it alone and searching the public records for a match, Kerstin wondered if she should leave it alone. Did it really matter? Even if Blaine's men had destroyed the locket, it wasn't like Daniel couldn't replace it. [I]What right do I have to pry into his affairs? [/I] She wondered. After all, when she had helped herself to the locket and looked at what was inside, Daniel had been quick to take it back and insist that it was no one. Still... With a flash of irritation at herself Kerstin hit the key, starting the search of the public records. [I]It's not like I'm hurting anything.[/I] She finally decided. Irritated with herself she got up and went over to the floor to ceiling windows and watched the view of the home world as the Creator traveled around the planet.

[I]I wonder how Daniel is doing? [/I]She hadn't seen him since he briefly said goodbye before leaving to head back to Reflection. Kerstin had thought about contacting him, but each time she ended up doing nothing. She didn't even know him, but still, even though things had worked out, she still felt guilty. Kerstin knew it wasn't her fault, but those feelings were hard to reconcile with. Kerstin didn't even realize she had spaced out a bit until the chime from the system indicating a match had been found sounded, startling her.

Curious to see just who it was Kerstin immediately went to the desk and took a seat. But as she looked at the picture and the public record that had been brought up... [I]What the hell? Why would Daniel have a picture of her? Anna Landers? [/I] Kerstin started reading through what little information there was about her. In the end it just made no sense whatsoever. Why in the world would Daniel have a picture of someone who had been executed for being involved with the Resistance with him? The two of them couldn't possibly even know each other. Their public records indicated that they had never even been in the same sector. But still, there was something else that bothered her. Kerstin opened up another program and started checking something else altogether.

[CENTER]-----------------------------------------[/CENTER]
Darren had tried to contact Sandra, much like he always did when he had a question for her, but this time he was given a message that until further notice all communications with Sandra were prohibited. [I]Huh? [/I] Confused Darren contacted Jared who answered immediately.

"[B]What is it Darren?[/B]"

"[B]I needed to speak to Sandra, but I got a message indicating that until further notice she's not receiving communications. What's going on?[/B]"

Jared gave him an odd look before replying, "[B]It's no secret, she's temporarily under arrest until the investigation of her father is completed.[/B]"

"[B]What?![/B]" Darren exclaimed. "[B]Her father was one of the ones responsible for hiding the information about the illegal modifications? Hell![/B]"

Jared shook his head negatively, "[B]No her father was responsible for killing her grandmother when he found out that she was working for the Resistance.[/B]" He ignored Darren's shocked expression.

"[B]Gods...[/B]" Darren finally stammered. "[B]That means she'll...[/B]" He stopped looking away from the screen. [i]They'll execute her. Dammit! That's not right![/i] Still, there were more Council members who had been working for the Resistance? [I]This is so confusing. [/I]Darren turned back when Jared spoke again.

"[B]It means nothing. The policy towards family members who were involved in the Resistance is changing. So long as she was not a part of it, and seeing that she was only five at the time of her grandmother's death, it's unlikely that she was involved. The investigation is merely a formality.[/B]"

"[B]I see. Can I see her?[/B]" Darren finally asked.

Jared shook his head. "[B]No. However, I'll let you know when the investigation is finished.[/B]"

Darren nodded. "T[B]hank you.[/B]" He reached up and terminated the communication.

[I]Great, just great![/I] He thought with irritation. Frustrated Darren kicked the desk in anger before getting up and heading over to the windows in his quarters. With a snarl of rage he slammed his fist into the window. Cursing under his breath at everything in sight. Until finally he managed to compose himself. [I]What if she's found guilty? What if she found out later and kept the information to herself? [/I]It was an ugly thought, one that no matter how hard he tried he couldn't shake. [I]Why? Why did it have to be her family? [/I]She was one of the only people he'd dealt with since this mess that he actually liked. [I]Hell! [/I]