RPG Silver One

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Pacing back and forth in the small room that she had been confined to, Sandra was doing her best to control her temper. It was not the Earthlings that she was upset with but rather those who were her own people who were assisting them. She had tried to understand why they would go against all that they had been raised to believe in, but in the end she did not. And though they were not outright rude or mean to her, she could see it in their mannerisms and the way they talked down to her that she disgusted them.

Though that didn't really bother her, Sandra had always been treated different since she could remember. It was one of many things really, either they fawned over her to get attention, treated her like an equal or as if they were superior and the last one, they disliked her and showed it. And normally for the most part it did not bother her. But being stuck in the tiny room with no window and nothing to do was starting to get on her nerves. Or perhaps it was not knowing when she would be free of the tiny room that bothered her the most.

She sighed for what seemed like the thousandth time. Sandra had always accepted that one day she might end up dead, after all serving in the military was not without danger. But she had never thought that she would be locked up by the resistance no less! Nor that she would be denied access to absolutely everything. She had tried requesting access to some of the news but all her captors had done was remind her that she was in no position to request anything. Something that had infuriated her since she had tried to phrase it as a request and not a demand.

It was equally annoying since they asked every time they checked on her if she needed anything and her response was always along the lines of reminding them that she had already told them what she wanted. In the end she wondered if they enjoyed asking her that question, just to remind her that they were in charge and she was not. With a sigh she quit pacing back and forth in the tiny room and sat down on the small bed. [I]I wish they would hurry up and find me already,[/I] she thought. A thought that was immediately followed by another...
[I]
I wonder if Darren has been found yet?[/I] Sandra didn't really know him on a personal level, but she had been impressed with what he had done. It was one thing for her to be stuck here, she was a member of the military, it was an accepted risk that came along with the job, but Darren? Even with his new job he was not expected to place himself in danger, at least not in the same manner that she was. Sandra sighed yet again, reminding herself to be patient. Fretting over things wasn't going to get her released or found any quicker. No matter how much she wished it would. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]"This one seems to have heavier shielding," Daego said, "but it's not uniform." [/color][color=#483d8b]The [i]Transcendence[/i] was currently over another safe house. This one was just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. And this particular safe house, it seemed, had bettershielding. But the non-uniformity suggested that the stronger shielding wasn't complete.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"They must still be in the process of upgrading the shielding," Kiva said. "That's why there's variation. It won't be uniform until instalation is complete. Anyways, are you getting anything?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yes. It's a fainter signal, thanks to the heavier shielding, but I've definitely got a locator beacon, and the frequency matches Sandra's. It looks like we've found her. I'm also getting something odd from underneath the city."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"We'll worry about that later. Do you have a shot at the shield generator?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego nodded. "I do. Firing... now."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]As before, it only took a couple shots to destroy the shield generator. With the shielding down, it was easy to grab Sandra with a transport door, and like with Darren, she was relayed to appear on the bridge.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Greetings, Commander Sandra," Kiva said.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Elite Specialist Kiva," Sandra replied. She was suprised at the sudden change in surroundings, but she recovered a lot faster than Darren had. "Good to see you. I assume thios man is your crew?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Indeed. This is Daego Kelse. He and I were assigned to retrieve you and Darren. Darren has already been located and returned to the [i]Creator[/i], and you'll be back there shortly. Daego, has the [i]Creator[/i] responded yet?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"They're standing by to receive," Daego said. "Opening transport door now."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Please enter the transport door, Commander" Kiva said as a transport door opened in front of Sandra. Sandra nodded and walked through the door, which closed behind her.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Okay," Kiva said, "what's this odd reading you're getting?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]'Take a look," Daego said. "It's distorted both wby the natural rock formations and by what can only be high-level shielding, but it's definitely there."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"It looks like the readings we got from the last base," Kiva said. "Did they put the third base under Salt Lake City?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"That seems likely. You're right, these readings are like the ones we got from the last base. I think we've found it."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Okay, then we've got work to do. Contact the [i]Creator[/i]. We need them to make sure the next transport coming to this area has a full assult team. Hopefully, we'll have a way in by then."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yeah, I guess we can't use our last trick again, can we? They'll have modified their sensors to flag disturbances of the level we'd make."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Yes. So we'll need a new method of entry for this one. I'll start working on one while you contact the [i]Creator[/i]."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Got it," Daego said. As he contacted the [i]Creator[/i], Kiva quickly hacked into the base's systems and left a brief message, marked as high priority:[/color]
[indent][i][color=#483d8b]The final Earth base has been located. Entry method undetermined, but attack will likely commence soon. Presence of important personell in base is expected, so evacuation ahead of time would risk compromising my position. I will attempt to trigger the alarm prematurely, though this may not be possible. Regardless, evacuate as soon as alarm sounds, prioritizing important personell.[/color][/i]
[/indent][color=#483d8b]With her message planted, Kiva withdrew from the base's network and began attempting to determine an entry method. Hopefully, they'd have their mathod of entry by the time the assult team arrived. Although the loss of this base wouldn't completely eliminate the Resistance presence on Earth, it would be a severe blow, one that would at the very least present an enormous setback for what Resistance forces would remain.[/color]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It had taken her a while, but the reports on all who had died were finally done. It was a bit depressing to look at the numbers. Not only had quite a few of the troops died, but mixed among that was a fair number of humans and Versilans who had to be working for the resistance. Something that on some level had her feeling a bit sad, it was yet another part of her duty that she despised, handing over the records of who they were to the High Council.

Crystal hated it because of their harsh and what she considered unfair treatment of family members of the resistance. Especially when so many of them didn't even know that their loved ones were a part of the resistance, or only suspected it like Daniel's mother had. And though most of them were not dealt with as cruelly as she had been, it still pained her since a good number of them ended up executed for high treason, even if they were completely innocent.

But regardless of her feelings, Crystal always did her duty and she sent the information with the list of those whose genetic remains had been found on Earth and then since doing so always made her feel a bit depressed she left the bridge of the Tempest and headed towards her quarters. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to anyone when she was feeling like this. Usually she was pretty good about keeping her opinion to herself, but not always.

But that was not to be as the moment she entered her quarters a chime indicating there was an incoming transmission sounded. Irritated she went to answer it. Not bothering to hide how annoyed she felt when it turned out to be Stevens.

"[B]What do you need Stevens,[/B]" She said a bit impatiently.

Other than to raise an eyebrow at her annoyed expression Stevens said nothing about it. "[B]I'm sorry to trouble you Commander Crystal, especially when you've been working so tirelessly to make sure all who perished are properly identified for their families.[/B]"

Crystal sighed, "[B]Would you get to the point please?[/B]"

"[B]I need you to review some genetic material that was found in sector seven.[/B]" He said even as the message received chime sounded indicating that he had sent her a file. "[B]Even though most of the facilities were destroyed completely, a few fragments of the buildings were blown clear of the craters.[/B]"

"[B]I see, very well then, I will start on them first thing tomorrow, anything else?[/B]" Crystal asked, impatient to be done.

"[B]Oh I don't know,[/B]" Stevens said taking on that tone he did when he was about to tease her a bit. "[B]Perhaps I could exercise some of that bluntness you are known for and inquire as to what has you so annoyed.[/B]"

"[B]Only if you wish for me to remind you of how I feel about the High Council's stance towards family members of the resistance,[/B]" She retorted.

Stevens nodded his head in understanding, "[B]Ah, so you've finished the death reports I take it, along with figuring out the identity of those who were members of the resistance who died in the attacks.[/B]"

Crystal just nodded her head, indicating that she had done so.

"[B]I'll leave you to your much deserved break then.[/B]" Stevens said all traces of amusement gone. "[B]We may not agree on this Crystal, but I do respect your opinion as well as your professionalism in dealing with tasks that are unpleasant.[/B]" He nodded in respect and closed the transmission.

She wasn't sure why he didn't discuss it with her a bit since usually he did, prying more into why she felt the way she did, but for what ever reason, this time, Stevens left it alone. Crystal got up and headed for the restroom in her quarters. She leaned over and started the water for a bath, she could use a good soak to help her relax. Another moment to find some of the scented oils that she liked and then once they were added she quickly undressed and got into the water. It was the one luxury she did like having as a Commander. Other quarters were only equipped with a shower and she liked taking a good hot bath. [/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Both Jason and Celestia had been taking advantage of Daniel's absence to make use of the workstations in the conference room just off the Command Center. The accommodation's were much nicer for work than what was in the Command Center and the additional privacy made working all that more fun since they could sit closely together without getting teased by the others they had come to know since they had been on Earth. Not that Celestia minded being teased, but sometimes it was nice to work sitting right next to Jason since she found his presence soothing.

Daniel it seemed was concerned that it was only a matter of time before they found the base and to that effect he had been leaving the base for several days now, organizing the resistance so that it could operate without the base. As well as preparing some of the more remote safe houses for them to simply hide in as well. Or so he had told her and Jason when she has asked him what he was up to.

Celestia hoped that he was wrong, but then they had found two of the bases already and when the Elite Specialist had returned, or rather the ship had, she had been startled to realize that the name had changed from the Catalyst to the Transcendence when the information from the hacked update system had come back. Something that had confused her until she realized by checking the sensors more carefully was due to it being a different ship. But other than to determine that it was slightly larger than the previous ship the sensors didn't detect anything else.

"[B]Do you think Daniel is still mad that we used the update to send Darren those transmissions between him and his sister?[/B]" She asked him when her attention wandered from what they had been working on.

"[B]I doubt it, usually Daniel doesn't stay angry over things that can't be changed.[/B]"

"[B]True, it's just that,[/B]" Celestia grimaced. "[B]I didn't think about it letting them know we managed to get past such a high level of security. As much as I wanted to send him the information. I kind of feel like an idiot for doing so.[/B]"

Jason turned slightly to face her, "[B]Don't let it bother you, even if I had realized that we bypassed such high security, I still would have sent it.[/B]"

Celestia smiled warmly, "[B]I know, that's what I love about you.[/B]"

Jason eyebrow arched upwards, "[B]Is that all you love me for?[/B]" He teased.

"[B]Oh I'm sure I can think of other things,[/B]" She said mischievously. Only to giggle when Jason reached over and tickled her until laughing she begged him to stop. With a contented sigh she leaned into him as he put his right arm around her shoulders.

"[B]What I really want is for this to be over.[/B]" She reached under her tunic pulling out the gold chain that had her ring on it. "[B]I want to have a real wedding instead of our simple vows to each other.[/B]"

Jason reached up with his left hand fingering the chain that he wore with his ring on it as well. "[B]I know, me too. It's a shame that Versilans don't do weddings like we do. It seems rather boring to simply agree to having one's status tied to another person. Well other than those of the nobility or the High Council. Still their ceremony is rather drab and dull since the bride doesn't even bother to get dressed up.[/B]"

"[B]Oh, I don't know, some of the uniforms those of the military wear do look nice.[/B]" She said with a wink.

"[B]Not anywhere as nice and beautiful as you will look in a dress. Though truth be known you look beautiful no matter what you wear.[/B]" Jason chuckled slightly when she blushed from the compliment.

"[B]In that case we should get back to work, the sooner we deal with the High Council, the sooner we can have that white wedding. Who knows? If things go well it just might be a double one.[/B]" Celestia carefully tucked her necklace with the ring back under tunic as she turned her attention back to the screen of the workstation.

"[B]Who would be the other couple?[/B]" Jason asked confused.

Celestia turned back to Jason and poked him in the side, "[B]Your sister and Glen of course![/B]"[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

It didn't matter that she knew that for someone to hold out against being tortured and drugged for more than two weeks was unheard of. It didn't matter that Kim had spent months resisting being interrogated, even when it had reached the point that the information sought was gotten anyway. She still felt as if she had betrayed those who were members of the resistance, those who had died in the effort to bring about change. Those who she considered her friends. But she had reached the point where she had literally lost the will to fight. Dully answering the questions with little to no resistance what so ever.

Sometimes it had been easy, when the questions were something she really didn't know anything about. Like when her captor, who she still had no name for, had asked her about the resistance base in sector fourteen. Kim knew nothing more than what she had put in the report when she had investigated it as a sub-commander of the Tempest. Or when he had showed her a number of pictures of resistance members a while back. That had been easy too, she hadn't known any of them.

Kim still had bad days since that stubborn spark would surface, resulting in her exchanging smart sarcastic remarks. Ones that she always regretted later. Especially now that she had been stuck in this place for so long. Because as her captor had indicated in the beginning, whether or not things would be done the hard way or the easy way was completely up to her. And when she simply gave him the information, that had held true.

It still shamed her though, to be so weak as to simply answer the questions. It was probably what was fueling her stubborn streak since every couple of days it would surface. Only for her to endure another more painful and drawn out session. It was like a vicious cycle that she couldn't seem to break. Just like her thoughts of hopelessness and despair.

[CENTER]----------------------------------------------------[/CENTER]
It had taken quite a bit of restraint to not fully dress both Jason and Celestia down for what they had done with the update system. Sending Darren the information had been reckless and foolish. Even though they were probably pretty certain that they knew who had bypassed the high security due to what they had done with Crystal's hand held computer. But since the security on the third project had been even tighter, and since it had not been released it had left the military in the dark as to whether or not they had gotten past the final level of the security. But now there would be no question.

It had required reminding himself that neither Celestia or Jason were officers or truly trained military personal. On some level, they really didn't understand why it was such a problem. Like the squad that had gone off mission and killed so many innocent people when the attacks had been done. They were from the former US military and as a result all contact with them had been severed. Members who had done what they did were of no use. They knew better.

Daniel sighed from his vantage point of the deck of the safe house that Jason and Celestia had taken a break in a while ago. The view of the mountains and the lake further down as well as the pine trees was peaceful. And once he had the engineers finish modifying it to include a simply transport generator as well as a few other embellishments, ones that would be well hidden by the simple virtue that unless in use they would never be turned on. Rendering them invisible to sensors due to the light shielding. He would make the place a destination in the transport system to put Jason, Celestia, Sara and Glen here should the need to evacuate happen. Or rather when it did happen since he had no doubt that it would.

He turned and headed back inside, to finish organizing even more setups and cells. Daniel had been doing this for days now, getting up early, briefly checking for messages and then heading out as early as five am, working all day, sometimes not getting back to the main base until after midnight. It was exhausting, but at the same time Daniel couldn't rest until he knew things were as ready as possible. He was positive that the remaining base under Salt Lake City, Utah would be found.

At least Celestia and Jason seemed to enjoy making use of the side conference room that he had turned into an office. It had been his suggestion since it was obvious to him how much they cared for each other. And though it wasn't as good as time off to relax together, at least they could work privately. He had spoken to them briefly the other day and it had been quite clear to him that they liked it. It was a pity he couldn't let them have the conference room on a regular basis. Still it would require a few more days to finish what he had in mind. And he was positive that they would enjoy a few more days of using it.

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Sandra was relived to finally be out of that tiny room that she had been confined to. As well as relived to hear from Elite Specialist Kiva that in addition to locating her, she had also already retrieved Darren as well. But what pleased her the most was that once she had transported back and had a chance to get cleaned up and back into uniform she had immediately gone to meet Stevens only to find that Jared had transported over to the Conqueror as well. She joined them both in the observation room only to be surprised by them discussing arrangements for a full assault team to be on the next transport for the US city Salt Lake City, Utah.

At first she found it hard to believe that the resistance would have been so foolish as to keep her in a safe house so close to their remaining base. That is until she remembered that they compartmentalized their knowledge and command structure, something that made it hard to get any useful information when a member was caught and interrogated. But this time it had proven detrimental. Daniel had probably handed her over to someone else, someone who decided where she would be held without telling Daniel where. The chances that he did not know her location was a real possibility. Either way it did not matter.

What did matter was that Kiva had found them and once she determined a method of entry since the base was protected by shields that would prevent transport doors, they would take the final base and hopefully catch those responsible as well, putting an end to the more serious resistance factions here on Earth. They will still exist of course, but with out the more advanced bases and better trained officers like Daniel to lead them, they would be little to no threat at all.

"[B]I've made arrangements for an Assault Team to be on the transport that is headed for that area, it will be a simple matter to send the team instead of the medical and food supplies that were originally scheduled to arrive. I don't want to send one out of the normal schedule since doing so might alert them that we are on to them.[/B]" Stevens told both Jared and Sandra as he finished.

"[B]Good,[/B]" Sandra said, still a bit angry over finding out what had happened in the attack that had led to her being captured. The sheer amount of deaths and damage that had been done that day were staggering. As well as the nearly simultaneous attack in sector seven. Dealing with Earth would mean that her and Stevens could move back to other sectors to help with tracking down William, who it was looking like was the actual leader of the resistance.

She was starting to get up to go and start going through what she had missed while she was gone when Stevens spoke.

"[B]I realize that you are eager to get back to work Sandra, but protocol requires that you give a full report of what happened as well as being checked out by the doctor and waiting a full twenty four hours before returning to duty.[/B]"

Sandra started to protest and then stopped. He was right. And even though she wanted to get back to work immediately she would have to wait. So she nodded to Stevens and headed for the sickbay instead. At the very least she would not be stuck in that tiny room and there was nothing stopping her from using her time off to review the news and updates. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Rachmaninoff]

Darren hadn't even been back on board the Creator for a day when the chime of an incoming message sounded in his quarters. Since he had already talked to Kerstin and briefly reviewed a few things, he was not expecting anyone to contact him. He was still under orders to take a day off. The chime did not indicate that the message was of high priority and he could simply ignore it, but in the end his curiosity got the better of him and he went over and sat down to take it.

To his surprise it contained an update just for him. Darren didn't usually get updates, at least not from the system designed for the fleet and the military. His usually came straight from sector one. But nothing could have prepared him for what was contained in the update. Even though the actual contents were pretty harmless, it still chilled him to realize just what they were. He would have no choice but to report it to Jared. Darren could be mistaken but it represented a serious breach of security.

Regretfully he contacted Jared who indicated that he would come to his quarters immediately. Darren thought about changing from his simple pants and shirt to a uniform but changed his mind. He was considered off duty and he hated wearing the damn thing. [I]Hell,[/I] he thought with frustration. [I]I know they meant well but now Jared will end up seeing what's in those communications. [/I] Something that unless the military had been lying to him was considered private.

He gave the command for the door to open when the chime indicating someone was there sounded, and without hesitation Jared joined him at his desk. Darren groaned inwardly, even though he was glad to finally be free he was less than thrilled to have to deal with Jared again.

"[B]So Darren,[/B]" Jared asked once he had situated himself. "[B]What's this breach of security that you were telling me about?[/B]"

Darren pulled up the update and showed it to him. "[B]This just came for me. The problem is that I saved those transmissions to my hand held computer and then deleted them from the workstation here.[/B]" Something that was common practice for personal communications. "[B]So unless I'm mistaken this means that the resistance hacked into my hand held computer that they took from me as well as into the update system to send them to me. If they got this information then I'm sure they must have gotten the report I was preparing for the High Council in regards to William and the fragmented reports.[/B]"

Jared took a look and then paused turning to Darren, "[B]You do realize that I will be required to check these transmissions correct? A breach of security overrides your privacy when it comes to personal communications.[/B]"

Darren looked away, "[B]I know.[/B]" And for most of them it did not matter but some of it had been about Jared. Darren carefully clasped his hands together in his lap. As much as he did not want Jared to see it, not reporting the breach would have been even worse.

"[B]Good, since contrary to popular belief the military does respect the privacy of the citizens.[/B]"

Darren just nodded, refusing to look as Jared started checking the transmissions and playing the ones that were both visual and audio. It was profoundly embarrassing and in the end he would have rather lost the transmissions permanently. Especially when one part played:
[INDENT][SIZE=1]"[B]By the way, will you thank Jared for me? I know Daddy and the merchants think he's a sick bastard and all, but since you started working for the military at Earth he's kept me informed as to how you were doing the whole time. Jared even made the arrangements so I will have the security clearance to call you anytime I want.[/B]" She smiled. "[B]I don't know why you guys don't like him, but he seems nice enough to me.[/B]"

Kerstin smirked, "[B]Unless it's because he likes guys instead of girls and you are adorable Darren. Even if you are a bit of a prude.[/B]"

Darren felt himself flush hotly. "[B]Kerstin![/B]" He protested.

She just giggled at him again. "[B]I'm just saying! After all Jared is pretty damn adorable as well. And unlike Daddy I'm not narrow minded or a prude. Anyway, I really do need to run. Take care Darren.[/B]"[/SIZE][/INDENT]
Darren couldn't help it he flushed just as hotly as he had when Kerstin had talked to him then. Something that once Jared had finished he still hadn't gotten under control and though he had not laughed when he heard that part of the communication Jared did have that amused look that he always got when Darren was flustered.

"[B]I've sent a copy of this to our computer specialist to take a look at it. I doubt that he will find anything, but you are quite correct this is definitely a security breach. Though we've already known for quite some time that the resistance has been hacking the update system.[/B]"

That was news to him! Though once Darren thought about it, he realized that it wasn't surprising. It would make sense to use what ever methods necessary to get information.

"[B]Anyway,[/B]" Jared continued. "[B]You were correct in contacting me immediately. We also suspected that they possessed the ability to get around high level security and this update they sent you confirms it. It's my guess that either Jason or Celestia sent this to you since Daniel would know better.[/B]"

Darren hadn't thought of that. He just assumed that they were trying to be nice since they had to have known that personal communications like that were often stored on one's personal hand held computer. Most citizens did it. Transferring such information before removing it from the main communication system.

Jared started to move to get up and stopped. "[B]There is one other thing Darren,[/B]" he said.

Darren cringed a bit since Jared was definitely smirking at him. And the look in his eyes...

"[B]Your sister is correct. You are adorable.[/B]" Jared leaned forward until their faces were nearly touching, "[B]And if you weren't such a [I]prude[/I]...I'd give you a much better welcome back than a simple statement.[/B]"

Darren thought his heart was going to give out as it pounded painfully in his chest and his cheeks turned even redder.[I] It's never going to end,[/I] he thought miserably as Jared got up and left his quarters. [I]So long as I'm stuck here on the Creator he will never leave me alone. [/I]

Once the doors had shut and he was alone he unclasped his hands, and looked down at them not even bothering to try to still the trembling and shaking. The only question on his mind was would he be finished here before Jared finally did as he wished with him? Darren took a deep breath in an attempt to calm his nerves.[I] I wish Crystal would tell him to get lost. [/I] It was a thought that did little to comfort him since he already knew she would not.

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Daniel was out yet again, working on a few final details, finishing setting up the independent resistance cells for when the need would come. As well as overseeing some of the final upgrades to some of the safe houses. It was barely mid-morning when he got a chime indicating that a high priority message had been forwarded to his hand held computer from the base. Curious he opened it up wondering just what the message could be. Quickly he read though it, not realizing that he had turned pale until one of the engineers in the safe house asked him if he was all right.

Startled he looked up, "[B]No,[/B]" he stammered. "[B]I'm fine, I just need to step out and get a bit of fresh air. I'll be right back.[/B]"

He left immediately, not bothering to wait for a response. It only took him a moment to reach the deck of the mountain safe house, but he could not still the shaking of his hands as he opened up his hand held and read the message again:

[INDENT]The final Earth base has been located. Entry method undetermined, but attack will likely commence soon. Presence of important personell in base is expected, so evacuation ahead of time would risk compromising my position. I will attempt to trigger the alarm prematurely, though this may not be possible. Regardless, evacuate as soon as alarm sounds, prioritizing important personell.[/INDENT]
He read it for a third and then a fourth time before he finally closed his hand held computer. [I]How had she found them so quickly?[/I] Daniel had thought it would take longer. Sandra hadn't even been found yet. But then the chime sounded yet again. This time the report indicated that Sandra had been found. [I]Damn! [/I]He thought.

Daniel fought the urge to panic, he could understand that evacuating in advance would compromise Kiva's position, especially since they would expect him and the others to be there, but hell! If she ended up not being able to trigger the alarm prematurely and they caught him, Daniel knew he would not be able to stop them from getting that information out of him. Daniel forced himself to take several deep breaths. [I]Calm down idiot and think! [/I]

If he couldn't evacuate everyone in advance he could at least immediately make some changes to put those who were truly important in the position of being closest to the main transport door as well as the emergency ones. Though in Jason, Celestia, Sara and Glen's case that was already true. All four of them had quarters that were close to the emergency transport doors. [I]All right,[/I] he thought, [I]those four are taken care of.[/I] And if he was lucky the attack would happen while Sara and Glen were out on patrol.

Frustrated Daniel went back into the safe house, curtly explaining that other business required his attention before preparing to open a transport door to the base. Then, he stopped,[I] I should send a report to William first, [/I]he thought. [I]Once I get back I don't want to get to busy and forget.[/I] It wouldn't take him too long.

This was the part he hated most about being a Commander, making decisions that left others unaware of what was going to happen. Just like he had done with the base in the UK, he would be leaving a good number of the people there in the dark. He knew perfectly well that it would end up with them being caught and dealt with by the military. Something that he explained in his report to William. Taking full responsibility for the decision to not order an immediate evacuation of the base. Then once he was finished with the report for William he sent it to the base to be sent off world.

Then he finally opened up a transport door to the base and stepped through. Even if he was not evacuating everyone, there was still a lot to be done to make the evacuation once they attacked go much smoother. They already had a good plan in place, but he would go over it just to make sure. They couldn't afford a mistake, not when the stakes were this high.

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=DarkRed]When Crystal starting going over the scans of the genetic material found from the blast in sector seven, it surprised her to find out that the material was from some form of plant and not from a Versilan or one of the lesser races. The remains were nearly distorted beyond recognition due to the nature of how powerful the explosives were, but there was no mistaking a couple of the markers. The genetics were definitely from plants. Something that the person who had left brief notes on it indicated.

This confused Crystal since it made no sense why Stevens wanted her to even take a look. Until she pulled up the information on the planet in sector seven. The harsh volcanic environment was fairly barren and those who had originally decided to build the facilities there for building parts for ships and other computer equipment had installed huge air processing plants that put out a thin layer of oxygen, just enough that exposure to the outside would not be lethal. Since there was no vegetation on the world in question.

It was rather fascinating but in the end there shouldn't have been any plants in the facilities that were blown up. Those who were required to work there lived in dorms built on the moon, they were transported down at need and then back again. Though those dorms were now empty as the slaves had been moved elsewhere since the facility was not designed to hold all of them at the same time. Still the point was that if there were any plants to be found they would have been in the living quarters on the moon not in the facilities where they worked.

It was quite puzzling and she continued to isolate the few remaining markers as well as putting together those that were a likely match. Again she hit a wall since though the other person had noted that the genetics were from a plant, they had not bothered to try and identify the plant. And a moment later she understood why. Based on the most likely combinations the plant in question was artificially created. It was used for all sorts of materials, including the very explosive that had destroyed the facility. As well as all sorts of medical treatments. It was widely used and knowing about it didn't help narrow down the search.

Crystal was preparing to write up a report and send it to Stevens when she decided to look a little further to identify the markers for the plant. But she couldn't find all of them, in the end she could only say that she was about eighty percent certain that it was indeed the plant in question. Until a thought crossed her mind and she pulled up some information and then went back to what she had.

What she found surprised her. The markers did not exist since the remains was from the plant, not from an artificially created one. Distorted or not there could be no mistake and that plant was only grown on one world, or rather use to be before making it artificially became possible. Even with their technology some things just did not grow elsewhere and this plant was one of them. There was only one world in sector seven where it could be grown.

Crystal wrote up her report for Stevens, detailing her findings. It had taken her several days to put everything together, but she was fairly certain that without examining the remains directly there wasn't much left for her to do. Who ever had looked at the material before had assumed the lack of markers was due to being distorted by the blast. Instead of an indication that it was the real deal. If she was correct, it would make tracking things down easier since the grown plant material was far more valuable than it's artificially created counterpart. The records for what it was used for would be a lot simpler to sort though. And it probably wouldn't hurt for them to check out the planet where they were grown either. [/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]Daego could see Kim's suprise as she entered the interrogation room and saw what was there. In front of the usual chair was a desk with an image pad on it. Image pads, as their name implied, were only for working with and displaying images. They coulsn't be used for anything else, so it was safe to allow Kim to use one. And she would need it, because this time Daego needed more than just a verbal response.[/color]
[color=darkslateblue][/color]
[color=darkslateblue]"I need you to do more than just talk today," Daego said as he secured Kim in the chair. "As you can see, that image pad is displaying a layout map. I assume that you can figure out what it's a map of, right?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yes," Kim said. "It's one of our bases."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Correct. However, as you can see, the map is incomplete. There are a few blank spots, and I want you to fill those in. Complete the map."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Just what makes you think I remember the base's layout well enough to draw a map? You know how long I've been here for."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yes, and I don't expect perfection, but I think you remember enough to do a decent job. So how about you get started?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Any luck?" Kiva said as Daego returned to the bridge.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"It's not perfect," Daego said, "but I think Kim did a good enough job. I loaded the completed image into the computer when she finished."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Good." Back when Kim had just been captured, Kiva had managed to recover most of a map from the remains of her handheld. It had appeared to be a map of a Resistance base, but neither the Australia base nor the UK base's layouts had matched the map, so Kiva had assumed that it was a map of the US base. There were a few blank spots on the map, as Kiva hadn't been able to recover the entire file from the damaged handheld, but with those spots filled in by Kim, it would be more than sufficient for Kiva's needs.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego displayed the map. It was pretty easy to identify where the transportation area was located. It was further inside the base, not near the outside, so an entrence at that area wasn't possible. Instead, Kiva and Daego used the map to identify the best areas to enter from in order to block access to it as soon as possible. With that information, they were ready to begin the attack.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]As with the UK base, the US base would be accessed by digging tunnels to the base and blowing holes in the wall. However, it was likely that the sensors had been modified to flag a disturbance of the level that would create, so stealth was being abandoned. When it was time for the assult to begin, the drones would dig their tunnels at full speed. When they reached the base, they were programmed to trigger the explosives they carried, making holes in the base's walls. The assult force would then transport into the tunnels and enter the base.The entry points had been selected to allow the cutting off of access to the transportation area as quickly as possible. Three teams would do that, while the fourth team, along with Kiva and Daego, would enter as close to the command center as possible and proceed there immediately. This base wouldn't be taken completely off-guard, but if all went as planned, the Resistance wouldn't have much time to react before the assult force entered.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]The assult force was divided into four teams, one per tunnel. The drones were underground and standing by. The troops had just assembled and were proceeding with equipment checks. When they were ready, the drones would be signaled to activate.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva's handheld began emmitting a loud alarm noise. Kiva rabbed it and checked to see what the problem was. "Shit!"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"What's the problem?" Daego said.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Drone C just had a power surge. It's still functional, and the bombs are fine, but there's no way the base's sensors would have missed it, and that kind of thing would definitely be flagged. Every alarm in the place'll be going off now."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"What do we do?" team C's leader asked? "Should we move in now?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"No," Daego said. "We can't break procedure."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"He's right," Kiva said. "Everyone, finish your equipment checks as quickly as possible. We no longer have the time to replace gear, so anyone with malfunctions in essential gear stays behind. Everyone else goes in. I'm activating the drones now. The tunnels'll be there when we're ready. As soon as all teams have completed equipment checks, we move."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Drone C's malfunction had been deliberate. The Resistance agent Kiva had caused it, triggering the base's alarm before the assult force was ready. This would give the Resistance a little more time to evacuate. The Imperial operative Kiva could only hope that some of the higher-ups would still be there when the assult force entered. Hopefully, they would still be able to come out of this with some important prisoners.[/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Something was bothering Daniel. Celestia was sure of it. She didn't know what, but her instincts were screaming at her that something was upsetting him. But when she had tried to pin him down on it he had shrugged it aside as being concerned about getting everything set up. Though she wondered if it was because he was still annoyed with her for sending the update with the transmissions to Darren on the Creator. Either way he had at least promised her that only a few more days and then he would be back at the base as everything would be ready.

It hadn't been easy to reorganize everyone after the attacks they had done. Though they had done some serious damage, quite a few safe houses had been found and quite a few people had died that day. She couldn't imagine just what went into deciding who and where people were placed as well as who to put in charge. Celestia had no command experience at all. Still she would be glad when he was finally finished, she hated to see him working so hard that he looked exhausted. Even when he had come back earlier, other than to briefly check on both her and Jason he had immediately headed over to where some of the equipment that ran the transport doors were located.

It was almost dinner time, and she was thinking that it would be a good idea to finish up and head over to drag Daniel away from his work since she knew he was bad about forgetting to stop and eat. Decided, she shut down the terminal she was working at in the conference room just off the Command Center and turned to talk to Jason. But she didn't even get a chance to speak as the harsh glare of the base's alarm system went off, bathing everything in a red light.

Without a word, both of them immediately got up and ran into the Command Center to see what had triggered the alarm. There was barely contained chaos in the main room and as Celestia moved to ask what had happened, the officer on duty pulled up the information on the screen showing that the sensors had picked up a power surge. One that was not only close to the base but underground as well. A split second later a communication popped up on the main viewer, down in the corner of the main screen. It was Daniel.

"[B]What happened?[/B]" He demanded.

"[B]I'm checking right now sir, it seems that there was a power surge in the ground outside of the base. I'm locating it right now.[/B]"

Jason and Celestia just stood there watching as he pulled up more information by using the other sensors. Then as the information came back on what had caused the power surge three more spots showed up in red, moving quickly towards the base at the same time the first spot did.

"[B]Damn![/B]" The officer swore. "[B]The surge was caused by a drone Commander! There are four of them, heading for the base at full speed![/B]"

"[B]How long until impact?[/B]"

The officer didn't respond immediately as he was already requesting more information. Information that moment later flashed back on the screen as a count down started.

"[B]Impact in 90 seconds, they're loaded with explosives sir![/B]"

"[B]Sound the evacuation immediately and then get the hell out of there! All of you![/B]" Daniel ordered. A moment later the emergency evacuation alarm began to sound.

"[B]Daniel![/B]" Celestia started to say.

"[B]Not now Celestia! You and Jason need to get over to the transportation area immediately, those drones are are going to hit before you can get here. So there's no time to talk![/B]" He closed the transmission.

Celestia turned to head for the transport area only to look in surprise at Jason who was running towards the side conference room. "[B]What are you doing?[/B]"

"[B]Grabbing our hand held computers![/B]" He yelled back. "[B]We can't let the military get the information on them.[/B]" Then after what seemed like an eternity but was in reality only thirty seconds he was back, both computers in hand.

Without hesitation both of them began to make a mad dash for the transport area where Daniel was located. They were about half way there when the base shuddered from the impact of the drones which had exploded upon contact. A split second later the third set of security doors slammed into place blocking their path.

"[B]What the hell![/B]" Jason pounded on the door. "[B]What are you guys thinking? Open the damn security doors![/B]"

Her mind thinking quickly, Celestia realized that no one had triggered the doors. "[B]We have to go back to the Command Center Jason! One of the drones must have destroyed part of the relay system along the south wall when it hit, triggering the doors! If we don't override it manually we won't be able to get to the transport area![/B]"

"[B]But![/B]"

"[B]No time to argue! If we don't hurry they'll catch us![/B]" Celestia turned and ran for the Command center, only to find when they got there that the officer had also returned and was working on manually releasing the third set of doors.

"[B]What are you doing? Get back to the doors! I'll open them from here![/B]"

But Celestia was not paying attention as a sight that made her heart catch in her throat was on the screen. When the evacuation notice had been sounded, the screen had split into over a dozen sections each showing what was happening from the vantage point of several security cameras. When they had left other than those who were evacuating there was nothing else, but now, she could clearly see that troops had entered the base and were swiftly moving to cut everyone off, stunning anyone who wasn't fast enough.

They moved with a speed and sureness that was frightening. But what had terrified her was one group in particular. One that in the brief time they had taken to head back to the Command Center to manually open the security doors was now between them and the transport area and they were heading straight for their location. She knew it was useless but she reached over and triggered the first set of security doors. The ones meant for securing the Command Center.

The officer started to protest until he looked up and saw what was on the screen. "[B]Shit![/B]" He swore even as he started pulling up the screen to enter the command to destroy the computers.

"[B]Get into the side conference room, both of you. I'll take care of this.[/B]"

"[B]What about the codes? I thought only Daniel had them.[/B]" Celestia protested.

"[B]No, he gave them to me the other day so that I could take care of things should he not be here. Now quickly! once I destroy the computers those doors won't work anymore.[/B]"

"[B]No![/B]" Celestia cried tears running down her face.

"[B]Idiot![/B]" The officer snapped at her. "[B]Both of you need to run the deletion routines for your hand held computers! Those doors aren't worth much but they'll buy you a little extra time![/B]"

Celestia didn't resist as Jason grabbed her and took her into the conference room, locking the door behind them. Then once he was inside he did as the officer requested, starting the deletion routine for both of their hand held computers. Then he set them under the main table and out of immediate sight.

He grabbed Celestia and moved over to the farthest spot from the doors and sank to the floor holding her tightly as she cried, tears running down his own cheeks as well. They had nothing to take their own lives with and nothing to use to stop those who were coming.

A moment later the lights switched to emergency ones as the explosion destroying the base's computers was triggered causing the walls to shudder a bit. Then Jason and Celestia could hear another explosion as someone blasted their way into the Command Center. Terrified they watched the doors to the conference room when moments later they heard people moving outside of it. They were out of time.[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Daniel was in the main transportation area working on the codes for sending people to specific safe houses when the base's alarm sounded. He knew even before he quickly went over to the terminal to switch on the screen for the internal security cameras and to contact the command center just what was wrong. There could be only one reason for the alarm. The attack was either about to begin or was underway. He could only hope that Kiva had been able to do what she planned. To trigger the alarm prematurely giving them more time to evacuate.

When he contacted the officer on duty at the Command Center he didn't know what to expect as far as how the attack would be carried out, but when the officer linked him to the data feed showing the four drones headed for the base, even he was chilled by the efficiency of the attack. If the data held true the points of entry had been chosen to enable the assault teams that would be transported down to quickly move in and cut off the escape routes to the transportation area.

And the fourth entry point was picked to enable them to quickly cut off anyone trying to escape from the Command Center. Even though the drones were not using any type of stealth systems, without the warning from the power surge, something he knew that drones did not do, the brief time it would have taken them to pinpoint the drones activities would have left them with even less time than they had. They would have had little to no warning at all since a drone at full speed could easily tunnel through the ground at frightening speeds.

Daniel continued to watch the progress as well as note how people dropped what they were doing and simply ran. There was no hesitation as they quickly abandoned what they were doing and ran for the transport door that he had opened up permanently. And even though he saw Celestia waiting on Jason as he ran to the conference room and then came back with their hand held computers, they still had enough time to make it to the transportation area. The drones would hit before they could get to his location, but it wouldn't matter.

Everyone else of importance was already out when the drones hit, even Sara and Glen as they were currently out on patrol. Once he transported out with Jason and Celestia he would contact them and they would go into hiding. But then something happened that even he could not have foreseen. When the drones exploded the third set of security doors were triggered. Cutting off Celestia's and Jason's path.

"[B]Shit![/B]" He swore even as he attempted to access the main Command Center to override the fool who had triggered them. But a split second later the data came back. No one had triggered them, when one of the drones exploded to open an entry hole on the south side, the relay in that area that passed along the orders from the main computers was partially destroyed. The resulting short in that part of the system had triggered the third set of doors. And with the relay damaged, the only way to open the doors would be to do so manually from the Command Center.

To his horror he saw Celestia and Jason turn and run for the Command Center. Daniel tried to activated the base's announcement system to tell them to stop but it was not working either. [I]Gods! This can't be happening! [/I]He thought, his mind in shock. Somehow they had realized what had happened, but at the rate the assault teams were now pouring into the base they would be cut off! Even if they got the doors open it would be too late.

Desperately Daniel tried to get the doors open, intending to go after them but one of the other officers there grabbed his arm and started pulling him towards the transport door.

Daniel pulled free, "[B]Let me go![/B]" He said furiously. But another one along with the first one grabbed him as well.

"[B]There's nothing you can do sir! We have to get out of here, the assault teams are almost here![/B]"

Daniel lost it, struggling furiously but several of them ganged up on him and dragged him through the transport door, holding him down at the new location until the transportation door closed, cutting them off from the base. Then when he went limp they let go and he fell to his knees.

Daniel knew he needed to pull himself together, that he needed to organize those who had managed to escape but the knowledge that both Jason and Celestia had not managed to escape overcame him and he wept, not caring that the others saw him breaking down.

He could hear the sounds of activity as the other officers who had escaped took over, implementing the plans he had put in place. But still he could not pull himself together. Sickened by what had just happened.[I] I should have evacuated them,[/I] he thought with despair.[I] It's my fault for not telling anyone what was going to happen.[/I] He choked up even more as another thought crossed his mind. [I]How will I ever explain this to Sara? I failed her. [/I]

Daniel looked up when someone touched his shoulder. "[B]We need to go sir, I've already sent everyone to their designated group and safe house.[/B]"

Guiltily Daniel looked around to see that nearly everyone was gone.[I] Pull it together fool![/I] He thought. [I]These people need you.[/I] He nodded and got up.

He started to apologize but the officer remaining stopped him. "[B]There's no need for that sir. I understand how you feel, I have a daughter myself.[/b]"

"[B]All the more reason for me to apologize.[/B]" Daniel asserted and then he sighed. "[B]We need to contact Glen and Sara to let them know what happened.[/B]"

"[B]I already did that sir, I didn't explain what happened since there wasn't time, but I did instruct them to meet us at a safe house near where they are patrolling. It's a bit of a walk but we should be able to get there before they do.[/B]"

Daniel just nodded and headed towards where the safe house was. Doing his best to keep the tears at bay since a grown man walking though a city sobbing would only attract undue attention.

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]It had been quite some time since Stevens found himself in the position of being impatient for a mission to be completed. It had been a long time since he himself had led an assault team and over the years he had gotten use to accepting that his position required him to wait. He had long since developed the mindset of moving on to other matters that needed to be dealt with instead of constantly wondering how things were going. But today...Today he found that he could not do so. Once the transport with the assault team had been sent down to Earth he was unable to concentrate on [I]anything.[/I]

Finally he had given up, taking a position of standing in the observation room right next to the view of Earth, calmly watching it as the Conqueror slowly continued it's orbit around the planet. His hands clasped together behind his back. Perhaps the reason he was so preoccupied with wondering how Kiva's mission to take out the final Earth resistance base was doing, was due to how difficult the resistance had been to deal with. Never in the history of the Versilan Empire had the take over of a planet been so difficult and costly. Even once the final base, or rather the ones built using technology from his race, was taken care of, there would still be problems. Though he was certain that without the better technology it would be much harder.

It could have also been due to the recent blatant attacks in sector's four, six and seven. Those too were unprecedented. The first sign that there were resistance forces within their race started two hundred years ago. Back then, according the the records they had been far more ruthless, using more outright terror tactics to bring about change. But in the end it had backfired, generating public disapproval when officials and civilians alike were killed. Within ten years the movement seemed to die down. But then a few years later they were back, using tactics that avoided civilian causalities as well as doing away with targeting high ranking officials.

Stevens sighed a bit. Back then, though it was long before he had been born, even with the change in tactics they had gained little to no support, until some of the more ruthless practices towards the lesser races was brought to the people's attention. And it was unfortunate that the High Council had been slow to remedy things. Still for over a hundred years the resistance presence made little to no difference, they were merely an annoyance that was ruthlessly crushed when found.

Then about thirty years ago things changed again, more resistance cells began to spring up and even more problems started to crop up. The resistance learned how to attempt to run other races through their enhanced learning program something that had resulted in not only Celestia being born, but successfully taking in the information. And it didn't help that she was also highly intelligent since a number of the things she had done were beyond some of his own people. The program she had written that had been used to disable both the Crimson and the Tempest had made it clear to Stevens that if something was not done and soon, the High Council would have a real problem on their hands.

Stevens sighed a bit, shifting a little to get comfortable. In the end, he knew why he was anxious. Ever since that incident with the Crimson and the Tempest, he had been almost driven in his push to have those responsible caught and dealt with. And now that it was down to the final moments he was eager for the news that they had finally been caught.

Once again he shifted slightly and then he continued to watch the planet below. He could wait, after all if he could handle boring sessions with the members of the High Council, he could certainly handle waiting for Kiva's report. At least, unlike the sessions with the High Council, he wouldn't have to endure listening to some of those arrogant old fools. Some of them were rather long winded at times. Making him glad that he was still in the space forces. And even then, once the time came for his candidacy to be completed, if he choose to, he could continue as the Fleet Admiral for the space forces instead of residing in sector one. He would certainly not be the first Council member to do so. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]The command center was sealed by the time the team got there, but that didn't hold them up for long. Daego blew up the doors, and he and Kiva followed the team into the command center. The computers had been destroyed, but there was nobody in the command center. There was a conference room sealed off, though. Daego blew a hole in the door, and he and Kiva antered the room.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]There were two people in the room. Kiva's guns were on stun, and she shot both people immediately. It was only afterwards that she bothered to look over the pair. She quickly realized that they were Jason and Celestia. "Excellent," she said. "Looks like we will be getting some important prisoners out of this.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yeah," Daego said. "These two are certainly a good find."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva grabbed her communicator and contacted team B. "Team B, this is Kiva," she said. "What's your status?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Transportation area is secure," team B's leader replied. "Team C reports success in taking the shields down. They've joined team A in sweeping the base. All charges have been placed. We can blow the base as soon as we've swept it."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Good," Kiva said. "Any sign of Daniel? We know he was in charge here."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"He went through a transport door just as we had him in our sights."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Damn. Well, you did what you could. Continue as planned." She turned to Daego. "Okay, Daniel escaped, but we do have Jason and Celestia. The High Council will want to know as soon as possible. You take them back up to the [i]Transcendence[/i]. I'll be there as soon as I'm done down here."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Got it," Daego said. He signaled a transportation door, throwing Jason and Celestia into it. They were relayed directly to a cell. Standing orders regarding them said that if captured, they were to be kept together, so they were both depositied in the same cell. Daego closed that transport door and signaled for another one, which took him to the [i]Transcendence[/i]'s bridge. Kiva gathered up the remains of the base's computers, then followed him through the door, which closed behind her.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Message sent," Daego said as Kiva emerged on the bridge. "We'll probably be getting a reply shortly."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yeah, no kidding." Kiva said. Nobody had a bounty higher than that of Jason and Celestia. Daniel may have escaped, but the pair's capture would hurt the Resistance, not to mention their last base had been destroyed. Things in sector 13 would go much more smoothly now.[/color]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Crystal was suppose to be going over the plans for the rest of the medical facilities to be built in the US with Stevens. Even with the attacks that had been carried out those that were already built had been left alone and both Australia and the UK were finished. But the US was a lot bigger and had a much higher population. So long as they kept most of the citizens there, it would require nearly three times as many facilities. The rest of the world did not matter since everyone who would not be staying would be shipped off within the next three months. If not for the delay caused by the attacks in sector four, six and seven, it would have been close to being finished already.

But when Crystal arrived at the Conqueror and entered the observation room, it was to find Stevens preoccupied, watching Earth as they slowly orbited around the planet. In fact he didn't even seem to notice her until she spoke, startling him a bit.

"[B]Ah, Crystal[/B]," Stevens said as he turned to face her. "[B]Sorry about that, I was thinking about something.[/B]" He gave her his full attention. "[B]So what did you need?[/B]"

[I]What do I need?[/I] Crystal thought with surprise. [I]Surely he hasn't forgotten our meeting? Has he? [/I]

"[B]I'm here to discuss the supplies needed to finish building the medical facilities in the US remember?[/B]" She reminded him. Stevens chagrined expression was all that she needed to know that he had forgotten about it.

"[B]Of course,[/B]" he nodded and indicated the conference table in the room even as he went over to take a seat. Waiting for her to take one first. "[B]Now, what exactly are you going to need?[/B]"

Crystal pulled out her hand held computer and tied it into the terminal located in the table, pulling up a holographic display with all the information. Then she carefully explained just what was needed since Stevens had told her that he wanted a more detailed report to explain a bit as to why the facilities on Earth required more advanced and expensive equipment than other occupied worlds did.

It was something that didn't really require her to actually explain in person, but Stevens still insisted that she explain it in person as well as write up a report. And she did so, going into detail about how the people on Earth had severely damaged their own genetics by poor management and lots of harmful chemicals used for all sorts of things.

As a result treating them so that they would be healthy enough to actually serve the empire required far more extensive and expensive procedures than it did for worlds that had not distorted and destroyed their genetics. It didn't take her long but when she was finished she realized that on some level Stevens was tuning her out.

"[B]Stevens! Pay attention![/B]" Crystal said sharply. Annoyed that he was allowing something to divert his attention from the information that he had requested.

He looked back at her and then with an impish grin recited everything she had just gone over. "[B]My attention may have wandered, but I did listen enough to get everything you just told me.[/B]"

"[B]It's still considered rude to stare off into space when someone is explaining something to you, especially when the person requested the information.[/B]" Crystal said still annoyed.

"[B]You are quite correct Crystal,[/B]" Stevens said as he downloaded a copy of the report. "[B]My behavior was quite boorish and I only hope that you can forgive me for it.[/B]" He gave her yet another one of his mischievous grins.

Crystal closed the report and shut down her hand held computer before folding her arms and giving Stevens a stern glance. "[B]Perhaps you could explain to me just what has you so preoccupied?[/B]"

"[B]I'd love to Crystal,[/B]" Stevens said as he stood up, "[B]But until I get further information that isn't possible.[/B]"

Crystal stood up as well, "[B]I hope you get it soon then since it is not like you to actually forget a meeting with someone.[/B]"

"[B]So do I Crystal,[/B]" Stevens said as the chime indicating there was a message sounded. "[B]Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do.[/B]"

She nodded and left, if there was one thing Crystal knew, Stevens would tell her nothing until he was ready to do so and even then if it was something that she did not need to know, he simply would not tell her. But she had to admit, something that had Stevens distracted enough to actually forget a meeting had to be something big. He was not the type to leave anything undone let alone a simple meeting. And even though she was not keen on following developments with in the military that did not directly affect her. Crystal knew she would make a point of asking him about it later. She wanted to know just what in the world could distract Stevens like that.[/COLOR]

[Rachmaninoff]

Even his encounter with Jared a few days ago wasn't enough to keep Darren upset for very long. As he continued with the work he was responsible for his mind kept going back to the conversation he had with his sister Kerstin after he had been rescued by the Elite Specialist Kiva and her crew Daego. A small part of him had been frightened at the prospect of being locked up for months or even years since he had thought that recovering him wouldn't be very high on the list of things to be done. And now that he had been in contact with Kerstin on a regular basis, the idea of having contact with her cut had been painful. She was one of the few people he cared for.

But fortunately he had been wrong and seeing her troubled face change to one of tearful joy when she realized that it was indeed him contacting her had been a bittersweet moment. And to his relief, just as he had hoped, Jared had made sure to keep her informed. As much as Jared frightened and disgusted him, Darren couldn't deny that when he had been held by the resistance it had comforted him to know that Kerstin would be seen to.

Hopefully the remaining resistance base would be dealt with and soon. Darren wanted more than anything to leave Earth and to get back to his work as a merchant. Though he would be required to spend time in sector one first. He had been quite angry when he learned about it, but now, he was looking forward to it since Kerstin was on Reflection. Easily within transport range of the High Council and where his office was located on the main planet. He hadn't seen her in person in well over a decade. She was far more social than he was, but in a way he was looking forward to her dragging him around once he got there.

Darren pulled his mind back to what was going on to check the updates. Sandra had finally been found and rescued as well and things were running smoothly in spite of what had happened when the attacks that had resulted in both of them being taken prisoner. So far it looked like they didn't have any other high grade explosives or weapons, though Stevens was taking no chances, nearly a third of the troops stationed in sector fourteen had been shifted to Earth.

The additional troops had easily brought things back under control and replacing all the facilities that had been destroyed was well under way. As well as starting construction on the remaining ones that were required for the US. If only the resistance could be dealt with. Things were close to being done enough for Darren to be able to leave Earth and head to sector one. It would definitely be worth dealing with the High Council if it meant getting away from Jared and getting to spend time with Kerstin. For the first time in quite a while Darren smiled.

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]When the doors to the Conference Room had been blasted open and the troops had entered, one of them, a woman, had instantly taken aim and shot both him and Celestia. Jason had hoped that they wouldn't realize just who they were and kill them, but when he first woke up in what had to be a cell, he knew that they would not have risked killing him. The bounty on his head as well as Celestia's was higher than anyone in the Versilan Empire. And that bounty was for a live capture only. Daniel had told him that those serving in the military were allowed to collect on a bounty so they wouldn't dare risk killing him, not when the money offered for capturing him was so high.

It had been a long time since he had been stunned and it took a moment for the rest of the disorientation to fade enough for him to sit up. It took him a moment to realize that Celestia was lying on the floor next to him.

"[B]Celestia![/B]" He moved as quickly as he could to check her. Confused that she was even in the same cell with him. Jason no longer had his hand held computer so he couldn't scan her but she seemed to be alright and as he picked her up to move her to the bed she began to stir, opening her eyes as he set her down.

"[B]Jason?[/B]" Celestia was clearly confused and then understanding hit and tears formed in her eyes as she struggled to sit up. Gently Jason helped her and then sat down next to her holding her protectively when she moved over to be next to him.

"[B]I don't understand,[/B]" She said tearfully. "[B]Why didn't they separate us? I thought Daniel said it was standard procedure.[/B]"

"[B]I don't know.[/B]" Jason replied unsure of what to say and not wanting to voice the thought that they would be seperated.

He could feel tears in his own eyes and he did nothing to stop them. After all that had happened, they were back where they had started nearly a year ago, prisoners of the Versilan Empire. He wondered if Daniel had been caught as well. At least Sara and Glen would have been safe since they had not been at the base when the attack happened. [I]This is all my fault. [/I]He thought. If he had not gone back for their hand held computers they might have made it before the third security doors malfunctioned.

"[B]I'm sorry.[/B]" Jason finally said.

"[B]What for?[/B]"

"[B]If I hadn't gone back for our hand held computers we wouldn't have been stopped by the security doors that messed up.[/B]" Jason replied, miserably.

"[B]There's no way of knowing that Jason,[/B]" Celestia said. "[B]What if it also triggered the fourth doors? Even if you hadn't gone back we wouldn't have made it through them in time.[/B]"

"[B]But...[/B]" Jason started to say.

"[B]No buts Jason,[/B]" Celestia said as she hugged him tightly. "[B]I just hope the deletion routine finished before they found our computers.[/B]"

Jason didn't know what to say and neither did Celestia. He continued holding her his thoughts racing. He didn't want to think about what would be next. He remembered all to well being interrogated before and with all that had happened he was sure they would do so again. They would want to know all about the new programs he and Celestia had written since they had joined the resistance.

Celestia tightened her grip on Jason as she fought the urge to cry again and lost. It was her worst nightmare come true. They would interrogate her and then once they were done, they would take Jason from her and lock her away for good in some laboratory, forcing her to work for them.

Jason just held her as she cried. He didn't need her to tell him what had upset her. He didn't know why they were being kept together, but once they were done interrogating him and her, unless things had changed she would be shipped off to sector one and he would be handed over to Jared. A thought that terrified him and had him in tears just thinking about it. [/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

They weren't far from the safe house when Daniel sent the others ahead. He needed to take care of something before he saw Sara and Glen. The others weren't happy but they did as they were told. Then once they were out of sight and he found himself a niche that offered some privacy between several tall buildings he pulled out his hand held computer. He didn't dare transport down to the storage facility since the military would be focusing on that area for a while, but when he entered the codes to contact the computers there he got a signal, indicating that they were still functioning. He doubted that the place had been found. Unlike the base there wasn't equipment running all the time so the shields didn't have to hide the same amount of activity.

But that was not why he tapped into the computers. Now that the base had been found the military was likely to deal with all the sensors and relays still left on Earth. If he didn't move soon, the ability to send a semi secure transmission wouldn't be possible anymore and he needed to let William know what had happened. Seconds later he had the connection set up, routing it to the relays that were still functioning, sending the message out, hoping that William would reply. If he did not respond he would just send the message since it would be brief and to the point. But he was in luck and a moment later William showed up on the holographic screen that his hand held was projecting.

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

"[B]I'm sorry sir, but both Jason and Celestia did not make it out in time.[/B]"

"[B]Damn![/B]" William swore. "[B]How did that happen?[/B]"

"[B]The military used drones loaded with explosives to tunnel to the base, making four points of entry that they used to transport assault teams down to immediately. When they hit, one of them damaged the computer relays and triggered the third set of security doors, cutting off Celestia and Jason from the transport area.[/B]"

"[B]I see, I take it that everyone else got out?[/B]"

"[B]No, but those who had critical information did. Most of them have been situated in safe houses for now. What I want to know, is what do you want me to do?[/B]"

William looked thoughtful for a moment and then replied, "[B]Sit tight for now. Go as deep as you can and hide. So long as the Transcendence is in that sector I cannot retrieve you or anyone else. It will take some time but I'll start looking into what was done with Jason and Celestia. I'll contact you as soon as I find anything out.[/B]" He terminated the communication.

Daniel put the computers in the storage facility back on standby and shut down his hand held computer. Once again making sure no one was around when he emerged from where he had been hiding. Sara and Glen were probably at the safe house by now and if the others hadn't told her what happened yet he would need to do so. He gathered his resolve and headed towards the safe house.

He barely noticed his surroundings other than to avoid any troops in the area. Even with the treatment to his eyes hiding their silver color, Daniel couldn't hide the fact that like Celestia and Jason the bounty on his head was quite high. Not as high as theirs was, but still high enough. And like them his was for a live capture only. The military knew he was here and all it would take is just one to spot him.

Daniel reached up to feel the picture of his mother on a chain around his neck, reassuring himself that it along with the poison was still in his possession. He hoped that he never had to use it. Then with a turn around a corner he saw the safe house. Daniel swallowed hard and then started heading for the door.

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Once Crystal had left Stevens opened up the message that had been sent to him. It was from Elite Specialist Kiva's crew Daego. He read through it and smiled broadly. Oh this was just perfect! Even if Daniel had gotten away, catching both Jason and Celestia was far preferable. In his opinion their programming skills that they had been using to aid the resistance was a far greater threat than Daniel's military experience. Stevens closed the message and opened up another communication, intending to contact the High Council when they contacted him. It too was but a brief message, telling him to contact them again in one hour with both Sandra and Jared present.

An hour later, with all three of them present, Stevens opened up a channel to the High Council. He knew just why they had called this meeting. Now that the final resistance base on Earth had been dealt with it was time to reorganize the fleet and make the final preparations.

"[B]Stevens, Sandra and Jared.[/B]" The member who was the speaker for this meeting spoke. "[B]We will come straight to the point. It is time to finish putting things in place and return the flagships to sector one. With all that has happened it is time to attend to internal affairs to make sure another attack like those in sectors six, four and seven do not happen again.

It is our belief that with the final base built on Earth using our technology gone and with Kiva's success in securing both Jason and Celestia that the resistance on Earth is no longer a serious threat. If any of you disagree with this assessment, then speak up so we may address any remaining concerns.[/B]"

Stevens was the first to speak. "[B]Other than to stick around for say a week or two, so long as we do not lower the level of troops and security set in place I concur. Losing their best programmers is going to seriously hurt the resistance. Based on what my own experts have said. Most of the things they have done such as hacking into the top security and into the fleet updates could only have been done by both Jason and Celestia. In my opinion, their ability was a greater threat than Daniel or even their leader William.[/B]"

The members of the High Council looked to Sandra who nodded in agreement. "[B]I concur. Even though Daniel is still a serious threat. Without the necessary equipment and technology to aid him in launching attacks, his movement will be severely limited. And since we know that the weapons used when both Darren and I were captured were part of a stash that was gotten from sector one before Ryan was caught and stopped. It is unlikely that they have more since the recent attacks as well as what they did has accounted for nearly all that was sold illegally on the black market. So I find it highly unlikely that he posses the means to create more trouble. It's more likely that he will go into hiding, waiting for the moment when a ship comes to pick him up.[/B]"

"[B]What is your assessment Jared?[/B]" They finally asked him as well.

"[B]So long as we leave the rest of the fleet here to maintain order while the remaining facilities are put in place I see no reason why both the Creator and the Conqueror can't return to sector one.[/B]" Jared stated. "[B]There is also the matter of the attack in sector seven. Based on the information the Elite Specialists requested from me earlier I am convinced that you have a spy within your midst. This is something that is far more serious than dealing with Daniel.[/B]"

"[B]We have come to the same conclusion as well. Once all three of you have finished wrapping things up you are ordered to return to sector one immediately. Also, we have sent Kiva a message instructing her to bring both Jason and Celestia to sector one immediately as well. And Jared, we are sure that it is unnecessary to quote protocol to you in regards to dealing with Jason. As well as the possibility that his status as to who he belongs to may be changed based on what we learn from interrogating him.[/B]"

Jared bowed deeply before responding. "[B]But of course. Just as I am sure it is unnecessary to quote my record showing that when it comes to matters concerning the Versilan Empire I have always given it priority over my personal wants or desires. Only a fool would fail to realize that allowing one's personal agenda to interfere with the security of the Empire is unwise.[/B]"

"[B]Excellent. Unless there is anything else, that will be all.[/B]" When none of them said anything a moment later the Council terminated the transmission.

"[B]I'd better get to work then.[/B]" Sandra said. "[B]I have a lot to do to get us ready to head back for sector one.[/B]" She bowed and left.

Stevens turned to Jared. "[B]Well, that must bother you. After all before this mess Jason was your property. Are you really not bothered by this?[/B]"

"[B]I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me,[/B]" Jared said truthfully. "[B]But after we found out they bypassed grade alpha security as well as the other things both Jason and Celestia have managed to do as far as programming goes, I knew there was a possibility that the High Council would do this. However, I meant what I said. Duty always comes first.[/B]" It was a statement that he truly meant.

Stevens nodded. "[B]Very well then, I suggest you get to work immediately as well. I'd like to have things done within a week if possible. If we are to find the spy in sector one our presence is going to be needed as well as Kiva's as she has proven to be exceptional at her job.[/B]"

He waited until Jared bowed and left to turn back to his former position of watching Earth as the Conqueror continued to orbit around the planet. All was going according to plan. Failing to capture Daniel was in his opinion irrelevant. Earth had been taken and now that they had caught both Jason and Celestia, it was only a matter of time until they finally destroyed the resistance. Stevens smiled, pleased with how things had turned out. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Rachmaninoff]

Kerstin hummed contentedly as she stood on the balcony of her suite, the view overlooking the ocean was as always enchanting. She especially loved how it looked when the view included that of their main home world where the High Council was. It always gave her such wonderful ideas on what to paint next, she was already working on one of her brother Darren to surprise him with. Even if he was always fidgeting in his new uniform he looked positively adorable in it. It would make a wonderful present to give him.

Especially since in less than a month he would be coming to sector one. He had contacted her earlier to let her know. The horrible resistance who had taken him prisoner in the first place had been dealt with. And though she understood that there were still members of the resistance on the planet in sector thirteen, it was all over the news how the military stationed there had eliminated the last of what had been three hidden bases there, capturing two of the most wanted criminals in the entire Versilan Empire in the process.

It was no secret that the elimination of the three bases as well as the capture of the wanted criminals Jason and Celestia was due to the efforts of the Empire's newest Elite Specialist Kiva Salqarian and her crew Daego. At least it wasn't any more since the High Council had formally announced to the people that the resistance presence in sector thirteen for all intents and purposes had been dealt with, giving Kiva and Daego credit as well as declaring the bounty on the two criminals as closed. Kerstin wondered just what Kiva and Daego, were going to do with the reward. It was unreal what the High Council had been offering to pay for the capture those two. She wondered just what they had done to be wanted that badly. After all surely the rumors that they had written a program that disabled a battleship was just a rumor, wasn't it?

Kerstin turned from watching the view of the ocean and reached up and pulled the binding keep her hair up free, allowing her blond hair to fall to it's usual position of halfway down her back as she walked back into her room. In the end it didn't matter, that now the most wanted criminal in the Empire was a former Commander in the military, a Daniel Landers, who ironically was the father of Celestia. It didn't matter since Kerstin was not a bounty hunter, though she did enjoy keeping track of who was wanted and how they were caught. And she had been especially fascinated by the one for Jason and Celestia, especially since it was forbidden to have children with those of the lesser races. So for a bounty to be on a member of the lesser races as well as one who was a half breed was unheard of.

She glanced at the half finished portrait of Darren sitting in the corner of her workshop in the other room just off the main one, it was coming along nicely just as other paintings she was working on that were also in the room. A soft breeze entered the room tugging at her hair and she turned and walked back out onto the balcony, enjoying how it teased her hair as the cool air was soothing. It was almost dark out and the first hints of stars were beginning to appear on the horizon. In a little while she would change into one of the elaborate ball gowns she had made for herself and pull her hair back up. There was an old fashioned ball being held and she wouldn't miss it for anything since just like the view inspired her so did seeing what the other artists created.

Kerstin turned and went back into the main room and then into her bedroom slipping out of the clothing she was wearing before pulling out the dress and getting dressed. It was a simple matter for her to then carefully brush her long hair and put it into place. She had become quite skilled since she often did the same for those she was painting portraits for. Then at the sound of a chime indicating her escort was at the door she left and went to answer it. She couldn't wait until Darren arrived. Even though he did not care for dances she was sure she could convince him to attend at least one with her.

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]As predicted, it wasn't long at all before a reply from the High Council arrived. Kiva and Daego were ordered to bring Jason and Celestia to sector 1 as quickly as possible.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Well, I can't say I'm surprised by this," Daego said. "Of course the Council wants these two in sector one. With a bounty as high as theirs, they have to be more important than we know."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Yeah, you got that right. Shit, I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do with the money I'll get from this. Even with you getting half, it's still a huge sum."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Indeed. I'd just love to know what's so important about those two."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Well,they seem to have managed to delete everything on their handhelds. I'll see if I can recover anything, but we probably won't learn much from those. But maybe Jason and Celestia themselves could tell us. We'll have to turn them over to the High Council when we reach sector 1, but we might just be able to get something out of them while in transit."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"That's true. Of course, we could just ask about it when we arrive."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yeah," Kiva said, "but there's no garuntee we'd get a response. And even if we did, it could be incomplete, or it could be bullshit. And even if it's complete and accurate, it'd probably still be enlightening to hear what Jason and Celestia have to say about it."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"True. Okay, I'm assuming that'll be my job."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yes, seeing as how you seem to enjoy it."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I don't," Daego said. "I know why we're doing it, but I still don't like it. But I have to admit that it's fun to play the bad guy, even if I don't like what the bad guy does. So yes, I do enjoy at least a part of it. And even if I didn't, I'd still do it"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"All right, then. You take care of that. In fact, why don't you go get started? I'll put us on course for sector 1."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego opened the cell door and immediately had his gun trained on Jason and Celestia. "Hello there, you two. Nice to see you're awake."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Who are you?" Jason asked.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I see no reason to tell you that. Now, you're going to come with me. If either of you refuses or tries anything, I'll stun you both and carry you, and I assure you that if I have to do that, your experience will be a lot less pleasant. In a way, I hope you do try something. I'd particularly enjoy an excuse to spend some time with you, Celestia. Anyways, let's get going."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego took the pair to the interrogation room. Standing orders regarding Jason and Celestia included that they were to be kept together, and Daego was extending that to interrogations. Instead of the usual one seat, there were now two of them in the room, both with full interrogation equipment. Daego secured Jason and Celestia in the chairs.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"You may already know this," Daego said to the pair, "but the bounty on you two is the largest there's ever been, and I'd really like to know why. Your handhelds gave me some information, but I'd like to hear what you two have to say about it." The part about the handhelds was a lie, of course, but Jason and Celstia didn't need to know that. After all, a little misinformation could often help an interrogation along.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"If you answer my questions," Daego continued, "then this will be easy and painless. But if you refuse to do so, then you will find this to be most unpleasant. For your sakes, I suggest you be cooperative. Now, let's get started."[/color]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=DarkRed]When Crystal finally got the update indicating that the final resistance base had been destroyed as well as the news that both Jason and Celestia had been captured she finally understood just what had Stevens so distracted. The mission to take the final base had probably been underway when she was there for her meeting with him. She was glad that the final base had been dealt with as was most of her crew as many of them were still quite angry from when they had taken her prisoner. But she couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for both Jason and Celestia. Even if they were members of a lesser race both of them were in her opinion kind people.

She closed the update and instead went back to the information she had gone over with when she talked to Stevens earlier. Crystal was fairly positive that they would approve her recommendations for better equipment and to that effect she had already drafted up a plan to implement the rest of the set up. She was sitting on the bridge when the chime of an incoming transmission sounded. Crystal paused and looked up as her second in command spoke.

"[B]Commander, there's an incoming priority one transmission for you.[/B]" He paused as his voice took on a tone of surprise, "[B]It's the High Council.[/B]"

"[B]Send it to the conference room, I'll take it there.[/B]"

"[B]At once Commander.[/B]"

Crystal got up and immediately headed for the conference room curious as to why they were contacting her instead if simply sending a message. She sat down at the table and activated the holographic screen in the middle, opening the communication.

"[B]How may I assist you?[/B]" She asked.

"[B]Commander Crystal, we have reviewed the report on the genetic remains from the disaster in sector seven. In order to make sure that there is no mistake you are to head to sector one immediately to do a more though investigation of the remains. We will have them waiting for you when you arrive.[/B]"

"[B]What about finishing the medical facilities here in sector thirteen?[/B]" Crystal asked.

"[B]We figured you would ask this and have assigned the task of finishing setting things up to the crew of the Crimson who will be remaining at Earth. Please send any and all information to the doctor of that ship as your request for move advanced facilities that you presented to Stevens has been approved.[/B]" They paused for a moment and then continued. "[B]We expect you to be in route for sector one within one day Commander. Any other questions will be answered upon your arrival.[/B]"

Crystal knew a dismissal when she heard one. "[B]Very well then, as soon as I send the information to the Crimson and retrieve those of my crew who are currently on Earth we will leave immediately.[/B]" A moment later the High Council terminated the transmission.
[I]
What in the world is going on?[/I] She wondered. [I]Do they have other remains for me to look at?[/I] Because unless they had withheld information, there wasn't anything to check for mistakes. She sighed as she pulled up the information for the medical facilities and prepared a report and sent it to the doctor over on the Crimson, waiting only long enough to get a confirmation that they had received it and would take care of it.

Then she went back on the bridge and issued the order for all personal to return to the Tempest immediately before finally contacting Stevens who answered her promptly.

"[B]Ah Crystal, I thought you might contact me. I already know that you have been reassigned to sector one. Finish recovering your crew and then get going. I will see that replacements for those you recalled are taken care of.[/B]"

"[B]I see, I take it that you will also make sure that the medical facilities are taken care of as well?[/B]" She asked him.

"[B]I have already authorized everything, by the time you arrive in sector one, construction will have already began.[/B]"

"[B]Very well, Crystal out.[/B]" Then she turned to address her crew. "[B]All right you've gotten the order for everyone to be recalled. As soon as it's verified that all personal are on board you are to set a course for sector one immediately.[/B]"

Then a few hours later, the Tempest broke orbit and began to head away from Earth, once it was far enough away, the ship shimmered and seemed to vanish as it made the jump to hyperspace. [/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Jason couldn't help but cringe when the cell door opened to reveal the man who had been with the woman who had stunned him and Celestia when they had been captured at the base. They certainly weren't wasting any time as he refused to answer Jason's only question as to who he was and then proceeded to bluntly explain how refusal to cooperate would not be tolerated, resulting in things being unpleasant for both of them. And when he had said: [I]In a way, I hope you do try something. I'd particularly enjoy an excuse to spend some time with you, Celestia.[/I] And Jason felt Celestia shudder he knew just why they were still together and he cursed himself for being so stupid as to not realize it.

Why else would they even bother to do as he was, taking both of them together to an interrogation room, one that even though the equipment seemed to be far more advanced than what had been on the Crimson was still something that haunted him and gave him nightmares. No, it was all to clear as he secured them in the chairs, it was simple. They were going to use the threat of harming the other one to force them to cooperate. Jason wondered, as he saw Celestia's frightened expression, if this man realized that he had already won? He had already seen Celestia tortured before when they had first been captured by Commander Sandra and Jared. He didn't want to see it again. And what would be the point? Since he already knew that he lacked the ability to resist the drugs they would use.

But when he went on to explain how the bounty on their heads was the largest ever offered and that he wanted to know why as well as informing them that he had already gotten information from their hand held computers Jason was a bit speechless. Unsure as what to say. Didn't he already know? But then as he thought about it he realized that he probably didn't. After all William had once told him that news of them being responsible for writing the program that had disabled the Tempest and the Crimson as well as the other programs they had written was mostly spread by the resistance. He had told him that for the most part the High Council suppressed the knowledge that so-called inferior races were actually smart.

But when the man told them to get started, the last thing Jason expected was for Celestia to burst into tears. "[B]What's wrong with you? Why can't you just leave my people alone? What you're doing is wrong![/B]" She cried.

Jason felt tears forming in his own eyes as he saw her breaking down and the look in the man's eyes was all it took for him to speak. Regardless of what Celestia said, he would do what was needed to get the answers he wanted. And if he didn't say something he would start with Celestia.

"[B]It's probably because of Silver One,[/B]" Jason said. "[B]Or at least that started it, when they discovered that program.[/B]" He said miserably.

"[B]Explain.[/B]" The man ordered him.

"[B]I'm sure I don't need to explain how your people spend anywhere from ten to fifty years checking out a world before you take it over right?[/B]" Jason asked.

"[B]Correct.[/B]" He said.

"[B]About a year and half ago when the Crimson was making final checks before ordering the invasion of Earth they detected Celestia's Silver One program, a program,[/B]" Jason said bitterly, "[B]That was just a holographic video game to test her newest development in making holographic programs feel solid and real. But Commander Sandra thought it was a military program designed to prepare Earth against an invasion since it was about the player stopping aliens with silver colored eyes taking over.[/B]"

Jason paused a moment and then continued. "[B]She thought this since all the details of the game involving your people, the uniforms, the ships...all of it was accurate, even the energy signature for disabling your nervous system. It wasn't until later after capturing and interrogating both of us, that they realized the resistance had set up groups on Earth over thirty years ago. Running children through the enhanced learning programs you have in an attempt to advance Earth's technology enough so they could resist being invaded.

But the resistance thought it didn't work and quit, erasing the memories of those they had run through the learning program, including Celestia. But her father is a Versilan and removing her memories didn't work completely. She didn't know where her ideas for the game came from at the time though.[/B]"

"[B]Continue,[/B]" the man ordered when Jason paused for a bit.

Jason looked briefly at Celestia who was still crying before looking back. "[B]They decided to test both of us, to see what we could do, ordering us to write programs for them, ordering us to take ones that had never been finished and to finish them. Together, both of us did as they asked. Making the programs work. After several months they decided to ship Celestia to sector one to work in one of their labs where I,[/B]" Jason choked a bit. "[B]Was registered as being Jared's property and was due to be handed over to him.[/B]"

He paused for a moment to gain control, shoving thoughts of Jared out of his mind as best as he could. "[B]What we didn't know was that the computer specialist on the Crimson, Nathan, was a member of the resistance who had been sending all the programs we had completed to their leaders. When the time came for Celestia to be sent to sector one, the resistance hijacked the task force sent to pick us up and then under the guise of sending updates to both the Crimson and the Tempest, instead sent the program we had written, erasing the computer banks of both battleships. Disabling them completely, enabling them to open transport doors and rescue Celestia, Daniel and myself. They also took Kim who given the choice joined the resistance as well.

I can only imagine that the reason the bounty is so high is that the High Council intends to continue with their original plan of forcing Celestia and I to work for them as well as to hand over the improvements we have made on existing programs since we joined the resistance, such as the transport doors.[/B]" Jason finished.

He waited to see what the man's reaction would be, wondering if he would even believe him. Jason looked to Celestia who seemed to have finally quit crying. [I]I told him the truth. I hope he believes me.[/I] Jason thought.[/color]

[Rachmaninoff]

Darren was pleased to see the update with the report that the resistance had been taken care of. Though he was sure there were still members on Earth, losing the last of their bases would, like it had in Australia and the UK, keep them from being able to do much of anything. But more importantly, it meant that soon he would be allowed to leave for sector one. The plans for setting things up would not require his input with the resistance out of the picture. And though he had already told his sister that it was possible he would be there within a month now he knew that he would.

He was curious about one thing though, he couldn't resist as he looked through the information to see if Sara had been captured. But the only ones listed were both Jason and Celestia. The ones that if he remember correctly were the two most wanted criminals in the entire Empire. Darren pulled up the current bounty information at the terminal in his quarters and sure enough they were not longer listed. The person who now was the most wanted was Daniel and though the bounty for him was high, it wasn't anywhere as high as the one for Jason and Celestia had been.

He closed the bounty listings and went back to reviewing the update. Then he closed that and got to work on making the final preparations. As soon as possible he wanted to leave and head for sector one. Unless Stevens objected in only a few days he should be able to catch a transport headed that way. And just the thought of finally getting to leave the Creator was enough to make him feel a bit giddy. He would finally be able to put some distance between him and Jared.

He sent the final preparations to Stevens and included a request to head to sector one as soon as possible. Darren did not expect to get a reply immediately, denying him the request and to direct any questions he had to Jared. [I]What?[/I] He thought with disbelief. [I]Why? And why the hell do I need to talk to Jared? [/I] Furious he opened a channel to Jared, but it too was redirected, instructing him to leave a message. Frustrated he did so, doing his best to hid his irritation and simply request an explanation as to why he couldn't head for sector one and if there was something he had missed that needed to be done first. It was the only reason he could think of, that Jared had something he wanted him to do first. Or rather there was something he was required to do, but for the life of him he couldn't think of a single thing.

Darren got up and walked over to the view of Earth, slamming his fist against the window, cursing under his breath. After all this time, to be so close to being able to leave Earth and dealing with Jared behind and he was still being blocked. And all the unpleasant things that came to mind due to what Jared liked to do didn't help. Darren knew he was being irrational but all the teasing and intimidation over the months still got to him, even just thinking about it. Finally he went and fixed himself something to drink. [I]You're such an idiot.[/I] He thought.[I] It's probably some stupid little thing you over looked and like always you're assuming that Jared has an ulterior motive. [/I]

He had made that mistake a while ago, opening his big mouth and it had ended up with Jared actually touching him. Even if it had only been on the outside of his clothes it had still given him nightmares later. Darren downed the drink he had fixed and got another one. [I]Get it together idiot, unless you want him to humiliate you again.[/I] Since Darren knew all to well, that Jared was an expert at picking up on when he was upset. Like how he had teased him about his sister saying he was adorable was correct. Darren sighed. There was no way she could have known that Jared would end up hearing what she said. And Kerstin, though a bit of a busybody, would never say something to intentionally hurt someone. Darren finished the second drink and then went back to looking out in space. He'd find out soon enough what the delay was and hopefully it would be something that would be quickly resolved.

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Jared was doing his best to hold his irritation in. Even though he could and would put duty first, it was still annoying that after all this time Jason was going to end up out of his reach. The fact that the High Council had even bothered to bring up a matter that he already knew about meant that it was likely they had already decided to keep Jason with Celestia. And the logical and cold side of him saw it perfectly. Everything they had seen indicated that the two of them working together were unbelievably smart. Altering the transport doors so that they were capable of movement. Something that their own scientists had been trying to figure out for centuries. Fragmenting transmissions of complex programs, the one that had been used to disable the Crimson and the Tempest, in spite of all the security precautions in place to prevent such a thing.

In the end Celestia's and Jason's skill was far to valuable to risk losing. Especially since the specifics from the shielding of the resistance base showed that it had been modified as well. Making it possible to hide without needing the harder to get and far more expensive shielding. Even the newest messenger ship the Transcendence had not detected it until it was practically on top of the location. Researching new technology as well as making improvements on current technology was expensive. Requiring not only high tech laboratories in order to test things, but also paying lavish salaries to the scientists doing the research, and even then that was no guarantee that anything would come of the research.

Ironically, if they had not been planning to take over Earth, it would have only been a matter of time until one of the governments on Earth did as they had, capture both of them to in order to make them work for them. They would not have enjoyed freedom as they had for much longer. Jared had extensively checked them out before they had moved in and seized both of them. Many of the superpowers on Earth already had both of them in their sights. Though he doubted that either Celestia or Jason had realized this.

Jared sighed a bit as he continued with the preparations to leave sector thirteen and head back to sector one. Even though the professional side of him understood the decision just fine, the other side of him, the one that had been looking forward to having Jason again was angry. And even then that side was also angry at himself for allowing it to affect him. It wasn't like he was forced to be celibate, Stevens had certainly made sure of that. He was even more active in that respect than Jared was. Then because he was finished for the day he wrapped things up and headed for Darren's quarters.

He could have just left a message to answer the one Darren had sent him earlier, but he chose not to. It would, at least for him, be amusing to see Darren's reaction when he told him that he would be staying on the Creator for the trip to sector one. He was so impatient to be elsewhere that it was rather funny. And as he waited for the door to open to Darren's quarters, he smiled as he knew perfectly well that Darren was unbelievably fun to tease since he made it so easy. It would make a nice ending to his day to have a little fun at Darren's expense. Well at least before he went to Stevens quarters that is. That would be more fun than teasing Darren. Once he was inside, Jared wasted no time at all since it was obvious that Darren was upset and trying to hide it.

"[B]Darren,[/B]" he said with a mock bow. "[B]I presume you wish to know why your request to head to sector one was denied and if there is anything else you need to take care of correct?[/B]"

Darren, who was standing next to the view of Earth merely nodded.

"[B]It's simple, in about a week the Creator will be returning to sector one, and since a transport will not have the security clearance that we do, even if you left on one, we would still get there before they could, making taking one pointless.[/B]"

"[B]If there's nothing for me to do here then why can't I take the transport instead?[/B]" Darren asked clearly frustrated.

"[B]Because the security on the Creator is better. Surly you don't think we'd entrust your safety to a mere transport do you? Your sister would never forgive me if I allowed anything to happen to you.[/B]" Jared smiled at Darren's reaction to him mentioning his sister. "[B]Besides, I know how much you [I]adore [/I]spending time with me as well and who am I to [I]deny you that pleasure?[/I][/B]"

Jared laughed when Darren flushed at the implication. And then caught up in the moment he slowly began walking towards him, noting how he still got the same look of panic as he backed away. Once he was a few feet away he stopped.

"[B]I told you before Darren, to stop being in a hurry to get back to your ship or to your other duties. Just as I also know that you feel as if you are being harassed, but what you don't know is that if I had really wanted to, you would have been mine a long time ago. Even if you are innocent of any wrong doing.

I had hoped that you would be smart enough to realize the politics behind forming alliances that you disagree with, but obviously you are not. Were it Stevens who had taken a fancy to you, this conversation would have never happened, he would have already had his way with you.[/B]"

Jared ignored Darren's obvious distress as he collapsed to the floor sitting there with tears running down his face. "[B]I can't![/B]" Darren said. "[B]I don't understand how anyone can. It's one thing to agree to work together, but why must you and Stevens make it more than it has to be? Forcing others to do things they don't want to?[/B]"

Jared just smiled. "[B]I would have thought that was obvious. We do it because we enjoy it.[/B]" He turned to leave and then stopped and turned back to face Darren. "[B]One other thing Darren, I have been charged with seeing to your security once we arrive in sector one. So if you have any special requirements, such as visiting your sister on Reflection, you'll need to run them through me.[/B]"

Then feeling rather pleased with himself he left. Because if he stayed, innocent or not, he would have had his way with Darren. That and he was due to meet Stevens in his quarters in a short while. Jared sighed contentedly. At least if he couldn't have Jason, there were other things he could enjoy. And tormenting Darren was definitely one of them.[/COLOR][/SIZE]