RPG Silver One: Civil War

[Rachmaninoff]

Kerstin couldn’t get the images of all that had happened in the last while out of her mind, from her initial run in with the local authorities, to the more prominent take over of sector eight by the Imperial Fleet. It was one thing to read about war and yet another to actually see it right before your own eyes. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get the image of the transport system collapsing into the city below, crushing the buildings that were underneath, out of her mind.

Even if she couldn’t see the people, just realizing that they had to have been there was still enough to make her feel sick inside. It made attempting to focus on her assignment from Stevens next to impossible. After all, she was suppose to recreate portraits of the people who had been in those meetings. But all she could concentrate on was wishing Darren hadn’t been sent elsewhere, wishing he was around to talk to. Somehow, she knew he would understand why it bothered her so much. [I]I wonder what Stevens sent him to do… [/I]

Her thoughts scattered as a chime indicated someone was at the door to her quarters on the [I]Conqueror[/I]. Kerstin was surprised when she voiced the command to open the doors and it turned out to be Jared. She hadn’t really talked to or seen him since the whole mess started and knowing that he had led the invasion didn’t help. It may have been his duty as an officer but she had a hard time accepting it.

“[B]What did you need Jared?[/B]” She didn’t bother to get up from her position on the sofa, keeping her feet tucked up under her. She kept looking out towards the view of space, even when he sat down next to her.

“[B]Let me guess, you want to know how I’m coming along with the sketches right?[/B]” She finally turned to look at him, surprised that he seemed a bit uncomfortable. Kerstin frowned. “[B]I sent a message to Stevens, I know he needs them as soon as possible, it’s just a little hard to concentrate at the moment.[/B]”

“[B]That’s not why I’m here.[/B]”

“[B]Then why are you?[/B]”

“[B]It has to do with Darren…[/B]”

Once again Jared looked uncomfortable and Kerstin felt her heart sink. Her throat constricted painfully and she found herself unable to say a word. Jared took her silence as an indication to continue.

“[B]He was sent to retrieve some important data, data that only he could sort through. We’ve learned that not only was this information gone, but that his ship the [I]Wilkey[/I] was destroyed.[/B]”

Jared hurried to explain when she started to cry silently, tears running down her face. “[B]The only way someone would have known about what he was up to is if someone leaked the information to the New Alliance. We believe that Darren was taken as well since he’s the only one who could sort the information.[/B]”

“[B]I see.[/B]” Kerstin choked out between her tears.

“[B]I’m sorry Kerstin,[/B]” Jared said. “[B]Even if we believe he’s alive, we have no idea where they took him. As soon as we hear anything I’ll be sure to let you know.[/B]” Kerstin just nodded not trusting herself to speak, waiting until Jared had left to hang her head and cry.

[CENTER]-------------------------------------[/CENTER]
Things had certainly taken a rather ironic twist, one that had surprised Darren. He had laughed at the secrecy of his assignment. As well at how serious Stevens had been about not only upgrading his ship but actually assigning members from the Elite Task Forces to escort him and Mike. But now? He felt like an utter fool. A naive and foolish one at that.

He should have known better, they were at war and Stevens, for all that he appeared like an airhead, was no one's fool. He would not have wasted the resources on his ship or in assigning personnel to him that could have been used elsewhere. And Kiva's words right before she shot him?

[I]-I find this rather amusing. I rescued you from the Resistance on Earth, and now I'm capturing you. Quite ironic, isn't it?-[/I]

Obviously whatever was in the data he was sent to retrieve and then sort had to be crucial in some manner. Why else would the Resistance or rather the New Alliance bother to capture him? Even if she had turned out to be an undercover agent, Kiva had been an Elite Specialist, one of the Empire's finest. They wouldn't waste her time or her skills if what was in the data wasn't important.

Now the only question on his mind was where in the world he was being taken too. Since he had woken up in the tiny cell, no one had spoken to him and his attempts to get an answer, especially in regards to what had happened to Mike had gone unanswered. After watching Kiva ruthlessly gun down his escort, he could only hope she hadn't done the same to Mike. Darren sighed and resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall from his position of sitting on the small bed in the cell, for all he knew, he wasn't even on Kiva's ship but someone else's.

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]Kiva was contacted by William shortly after arriving in sector 9. "Welcome back, Kiva," he said. "I trust all went well?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Indeed," Kiva said. "I have the equipment, and I have Darren. I also have a man named Mike, Darren's old partner."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"So he was there, too."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yes. I also destroyed Darren's ship, the [I]Wilkey[/I]. Also, Darren does not know I have Mike. I haven't spoken with either of them since capturing them."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"All right. I've prepared a section in the city center, and I'd like you to transfer Darren and the equipment there. Put Mike there, as well."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Understood. And allow me to make a suggestion. I don't know what this data is, but it's obviously important, so I believe we should take whatever measures are necessary to ensure Darren's cooperation. I know we don't use torture, but this data is clearly important enough that I think using such techniques, if necessary, would be... advisable."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Don't worry," William said. "We'll secure Darren's cooperation, one way or another."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Good. Then allow me to recommend you make use of the equipment on board the [I]Catalyst[/I] or the [I]Transcendence[/I], which is far more efficient than anything else we have."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I'll make a note of that. Now, I have another job to you. The data I'm sending you includes all the details, but let me give you a brief overview."[/COLOR]

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

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Basically," William said, "our attempts to convince sectors three and four to break off from the Empire continue to be unsuccessful. I believe our efforts are being sabotaged."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Any idea who's responsible?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]William nodded. "I believe it's someone here in sector 9. Specifically, one of the sector's representatives or someone on their staff."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Ah. Well, that won't make this easy. They'll know I'm asigned to investigate them, and whoever's responsible will take extra care."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Which is why your investication will not be official. Officially, you'll be taking a well-earned break planetside after your recent successes[/COLOR][COLOR=darkslateblue]. Your investigation will be completely covert."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]"I see. Well, certainly solves that problem, but this still won't be simple. Not that it's anything I haven't done before. I'm assuming that's why you chose me for this particular task."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Indeed it is," William said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Then I'll take care of it. Kiva out."[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva transferred Darren, Mike, and the equipment to the designated location, then familiarized herself with the data William had sent her. She transferred the data to her handheld, along with her various programs she used for hacking purposes, then made arrangements to transfer down to the planet. Once planetside, she found a rather nice hotel to stay at, then got set in her room and began making plans. She'd have to act like she was actually taking a vacation, so she'd need to be careful. This was going to be tricky as it was, and she didn't need the culprit catching on and making it even trickier.[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Commander Daniel Landers was taking a moment to finish looking through the reports before giving the order to head for sector four. The repairs were finished, the supplies were on board and their numbers had been strengthened by the arrival of new battleships to take the place of those that had been lost in the previous battles. Even Greydon Kreid had sent him a message along with the details of the investigation in regards to the missing personnel on Gallana. Something that had even him grimacing a bit with distaste. It was a pity that the report indicated that they hadn't caught the real Dr Mikhail Phantaxian, but only one of his many copycats.

It was one thing he would never understand, why anyone would do such horrible things to another person, slave or not.[I] Once we get this Civil War taken care off, I'm going to make sure priority is given to dealing with scum like that.[/I] Landers looked up when the door to the side observation room off the bridge of the [I]Liberator[/I] opened to admit Kreid. With a small smile he stood up, grasping his hand held computer. It would only take a short time to do a brief check of some of the heavily damaged areas for the [I]Liberator[/I]. It was formality really since all repairs had been completed.

"[B]Right on time Kreid,[/B]" Daniel said warmly as he moved to head for where they would check first, Kreid automatically falling in line as the security normally with Daniel stayed put.

Which was fine with Daniel after all, he had taken a few minutes to observe Kreid working with some of the newer recruits and he understood why Franklin had referred to him as being better. It was the truth, he was easily far better than the rest of them. It was a pity really, if not for the Civil War and the mess with the High Council, Kreid could have risen to the rank of Elite Task Forces. Daniel just sighed inwardly, so many people messed up by the High Council, he was sure Kreid would not be the last.

"[B]Any concerns Kreid? Anything that needs to be addressed before we leave for sector four?[/B]" Daniel watched him out of the corner of his eye as he frowned slightly before responding.

"[B]Only one sir, and that would be Tarika Zaidin. I don't like having someone assigned to your security when I don't know if they are truly qualified or not.[/B]"

"[B]Why would you say that?[/B]"

"[B]Well it's just that she hasn't done any security work for over twenty years and even then, no disrespect to the Internal security sir, but they don't get extensive training like the military does.[/B]" He looked directly and Landers, catching his gaze, his expression intent. "[B]And Special Investigations agents get even less training since they rely in the local law or the military when it comes time to move in on someone like Dr Mikhail Phantaxian.[/B]"

Daniel broke eye contact, looking back towards where they were going. "[B]And that's why I like you Kreid, you look into things instead of blindly relying on others, even if they tell you you're wrong.[/B]"

"[B]Sir?[/B]" Kreid sounded puzzled.

"[B]Never mind Kreid. Ironically you touched on something I was going to bring up once we were done with the inspections, but since you have I'll just tell you now. Even though Tarika Zaidin answers only to me, I have told her that I intend to have you run her though a basic rundown as if she were applying to work for security, like any recruit.[/B]" Daniel paused for a moment as they approached one of the sections they were headed for, talking to the crew there as he and Kreid looked things over before leaving to check the next area.

"[B]Anyway, as I was saying, run Tarika Zaidin though the required tests, all of them and don't go easy on her, I'll be relying on her to keep me safe after all.[/B]" Daniel continued down one of the expansive corridors of the Liberator, occasionally acknowledging the salutes from the crew as they passed the pair.

"[B]Of course sir. She'll get nothing less than my full consideration, even if she was assigned to you by the New Alliance, if she's not fit I'll say so.[/B]"

Daniel smiled. "[B]Excellent and Kreid.[/B]"

"[B]Yes sir?[/B]"

"[B]Good work on dealing with the copycat killer on Gallana that was targeting the crew on leave, it's only a shame you didn't catch the true killer, Dr Mikhail Phantaxian.[/B]" Daniel continued in a cold voice. "[B]Anyone who would do that to children is scum that should be dealt with.[/B]"

"[B]I agree sir, and to be honest, just between the two of us... If I had caught him, I'm not sure if I could have brought him in alive.[/B]" Kreid's own voice turned hard. "[B]I would have killed him on the spot.[/B]"

Daniel sighed, "[B]You and me both Kreid.[/B]" The two continued on in silence for a bit. [I]We could use more men like Kreid,[/I] he thought as they came to the next area they were going to inspect.

Then a few hours later once they were done, Daniel was back on the bridge, giving the order for the fleet to make the jump to hyper space. William had talked to him about how his attempts to get sector four and three had been meeting with resistance.[I] If we're lucky, when we show up in sector four, they'll fold instead of fighting.[/I] A moment later and the fleet was on it's way, leaving Gallana and sector eleven behind.

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Stevens had been avoiding the request from Erica Kendrick that he come and speak with her, for the simple reason that he was constantly tied up with dealing with matters in regards to the fighting that was taking place. Even if for the most part the borders weren't all that busy, they were still having random skirmishes on a regular basis, each one often requiring his attention or some form of response. The break off and beginning of Civil War hadn't even reached a half a year and already their resources were being drained.

From the re-supply and deployment of troops to re-establish Versilan rule in sector's seven and eight and thirteen as well as the group investigating sector fourteen. In terms of making progress, things were going well for them to have re-secured so much ground but doing so had required unbelievable expenses. It was unfortunate, but they were going to have to head back to sector one to deal with not only repairs to the two flagships but to pick up more troops to replace those that were now stationed in the two sectors they had reclaimed. As well as additional battleships to replace those that had been lost in battle.

Still even with those that had been lost Stevens was pleased, he was expecting a message shortly indicating that the second force he had sent to sector twelve had finished it's job. Once he had that they would leave for sector one to prepare for moving to seize the rest of the sectors that had broken off. He already had the strikes ready, those would be set in motion and soon, potentially crippling the New Alliance forces that remained.

He was almost to the door leading into the main sickbay for the [I]Creator[/I] when a chime indicated that he had an incoming message. Stevens paused briefly to look at what had been sent, a moment later his expression darkened with anger.[I] How is that possible?[/I] He caught himself starting to grip his hand held computer tightly and forced himself to relax, destroying his computer wouldn't change the message. Even if he might wish that it would.

With a snap he closed the computer and tucked it back into his side pouch and entered the sick bay, heading straight for Erica Kendrick's room, eager to get the meeting over with while simultaneously wondering why the hell he even bothered to keep her alive. She was a former High Council member and use to be the head of the Resistance before she had been arrested. It was her careful leadership of the Resistance that had lead to the current Civil War. And since her illness left any form of torture or coercion out of the picture, he was starting to see her more as an unnecessary burden since he couldn't force her to tell him what she knew.

With a sigh he entered the code and entered the room where she was clearly resting, it didn't take her long to wake up, it never did. "[B]It's about time you showed up fool.[/B]" She said with the usual hint of disdain in her voice. "[B]You're late.[/B]"

"[B]And you're as charming as ever Erica.[/B]" He hid his irritation, even though he was sure she could see it just the same, she always did. Making him uncomfortable with how she always seemed to be one step ahead, even in her current position of being a prisoner.

"[B]It's not like you couldn't have stopped by before you re-took sector eight and sent someone to deal with sector twelve.[/B]" She smirked knowingly and then paused as a bought of coughing overtook her.

Stevens just waited patiently for it to end since he knew she had no control over it and sure enough it finally passed. He ignored the blood on her hands as she used the small towel just for that purpose to clean up and then take a drink of the medicated water that was sitting by her bed.

"[B]Anyway,[/B]" she said after leaning back weakly, the bed still in a half sitting position. "[B]Which ship was it? The [I]Intrepid[/I] or the [I]Crescent?[/i][/B]" She cracked a half grin at his slight start of surprise.

"[B]Honestly Stevens, I would have thought you would have figured it out by now. I don't need someone to tell me, I set things up based on which sectors were likely to break free if given a chance.[/B]" She paused to catch her breath before continuing.

"[B]I already know about the trap that was prepared in sector twelve and since the [I]Eclipse[/I] was seized by the New Alliance and both the [I]Creator[/I] and the [I]Conqueror[/I] are here, that means that it has to be either the[I] Intrepid[/I] or the [I]Crescent[/I]. So which is it? Which one was destroyed by the New Alliance?[/B]"

Stevens just sighed inwardly. [I]I hate how she does that.[/I] It was utterly annoying for her to be so accurate as to how things were going and even though letting her know that it was the [I]Intrepid[/I] that had been destroyed was meaningless, a stubborn part of him refused to be so forthcoming with the information. After all, even he didn't know the full details just yet.

"[B]Let's see...[/B]" She reached up and grasped her chin with her right hand, clearly thinking and then she let go. "[B]I'll tell you something in exchange for that useless bit of information, after all, I know I'm right and it changes nothing if I know the name of the ship that was lost.[/B]"

Stevens yawned, "[B]What makes you think I care what you know?[/B]"

"[B]The fact that you're here?[/B]"

"[B]I could be here to finally order your long overdue execution.[/B]"

"[B]Fine by me,[/B]" Erica said dismissively. "[B]I won't be sorry to leave this diseased body behind, after all you've denied me the right to chose to die like so many who suffer from it chose to do.[/B]"

"[B]You never asked.[/B]"

"[B]So what?[/B]" Erica countered. "[B]Anyway, you're tiresome Stevens, I was going to tell you to check into Commodore Nazar of the [I]Intrepid[/I] since he's got some very interesting and shady deals going on. But if it was the [I]Intrepid[/I] that went down you have nothing to worry about.[/B]"

She smiled, "[B]Unless it was the [I]Crescent[/I] and Commodore Brian who was destroyed... I'm sure you understand, if Nazar is still around, I'd keep my eye on that one if I were you. He'd love nothing better than to stab you in the back personally.[/B]"

"[B]Why would you bother to warn me of shady deals on Nazar's part?[/B]"

"[B]I would have thought that was obvious, even if it's beneficial to you to put an end to it. It is also good for the New Alliance. Take a look and see, it's not like you can't look the other way once you find out.[/B]" Erica pressed the controls on the bed, shifting it so she was closer to a lying position.

"[B]Now, leave. I'd like to get some rest.[/B]" Erica closed her eyes and then smiled at Stevens final words he shot in her direction as he left.

"[B]It was the [I]Intrepid[/I].[/B]"

And then the doors closed behind him and she turned the lights off while also pressing the button to request more of the painkillers she was allowed to take. Something that the automatic controls on the bed administered via the lines that were hooked up to her.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]The data William had sent Kiva included the decision for Daniel to personally travel to sector four. Kiva didn't like having Daniel take the risk of traveling to an Imperial sector, even one that might be breaking off. But since the decision was made, Kiva was going to take advantage of it. If someone was indeed sabotaging efforts to convince the sectors to break off, Daniel's visit to sector 4 would be important to him or her. But the only people who could reasonably be behind it were the representatives and their staff, none of whom were going along with Daniel. Thus, the traitor would have to rely on someone else to get the job done. And since Daniel was already gone, anyone who would be able to do anything was not in sector 9. Transmissions would be required, and transmission control was something Kiva was quite capable of doing.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]As an undercover agent, Kiva had made a name for herself within the Empire as an expert at uncovering spies and traitors. As a result, she'd gotten such assignments frequently, and she'd developed several useful tools. One of her favorites was a rather simple program for transmission control. It was small and very hard to detect, and what it did was simple. As far as anyone else knew, the transmission would have gone out without a problem. But Kiva's program blocked the transmission from being sent and connected to her handheld, prompting her for approval. If approval was recieved, the transmission would go out as normal, and only Kiva would know that anything else had happened. If, however, she denied the transmission, its contents would be erased, and although the transmission would still be sent, it would be completely blank.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]The program did have a couple problems, of course. For one, if a lot of transmissions were denied, someone was likely to notice all the blank transmissions going out. But the main problem was that the program had to connect with Kiva's handheld, a connection that was traceable. The basic program also required almost constant attention because of routine message traffic, but Kiva solved that problem with a filter that requested approval only for transmissions meeting specified parameters and allowed all others to go out unhindered. The program was still unsuited for general transmission monitering, but Kiva knew what transmission she wanted to catch. Her program would simply tell her if it found it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]The other difficulty with the program was getting it installed without anyone knowing, but Kiva was skilled at that sort of thing. Transmission installations weren't hard to get into, as they were meant to recieve signals. The trick was getting the program it without tripping any alarms. But Kiva knew how to do that, too. She sent a blank transmission into the installation, but did not specify a destination. She made it look like a corrupt transmission, which would be automatically deleted. But the transmission would be used to get Kiva's program into the system where it could do its job. Even this wasn't easy, but Kiva'd done harder. She was able to insert the program without any problems. Now, all she needed to do was wait. She'd pursue other methods of investigation, but getting a transmission would make her job one hell of a lot easier.[/COLOR]

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]The copycat killer in sector eleven had proved a useful method of clearing up a few loose ends. Tyrell had been knocked out cold and left at the door of one of the many copycats scattered across the planet, and sure enough, he had taken the bait. Tyrell was dead before the security team had managed to get to the killer, who was now locked up securely in one of the most high-security prisons on the planet.

But now Kreid had another obstacle in his path - the testing of this new security recruit, Tarika Zaidin. He had enough tasks to complete for the Alliance, not to mention his undercover work, without this hassle. But if Daniel needed it done, then he would do it - anything to gain his absolute trust.

She was sitting patiently in his office when he got there, this miniscule streak of a Versilan, her jet black hair tied in a tight ponytail, her silver eyes flitting from one side of the room to the other, as if she was trying to take in every single detail of the place as quickly as possible.

[B]"Ms. Zaidin?" [/B]Kreid asked as he stepped into his own office, [B]"My name is Greydon Kreid, Head of Security. I understand that you've been assigned to the Commander's personal security detail, is that correct?"

"That is correct. The New Alliance Representatives sent me here to deal with Commander Landers' own security exclusively," [/B]she replied, her voice powerful, but cold as ice.

[B]"Well, I'm sure you understand that as the Head of Security aboard this ship, I cannot allow any member of the security force to go about their duties untested. So I'm afraid I will have to put you through the standard security tests, as well as a number of extra ones which you require to become part of the Commander's security team."

"Of course. I would expect no less from the Head of Security."

"Excellent. Well, if you would follow me, I'll take you to the testing area." [/B]Kreid got up and strode out of his office. Zaidin followed, almost wraith-like in her fluid movements, until they got to the testing area.

[B]"First, I'm going to run you through some physical tests. Strength, speed, endurance, that sort of thing. I assume you are familiar with the Alliance's testing protocols?"

"Of course."

"Good. Well, if you would like to begin with the strength testing." [/B]Kreid sat down and began inputting Zaidin's results to his computer.

As she ran through more and more of the tests, Kreid gradually came to the realisation that this innocent-looking young woman was a machine when it came to security. She knew the security protocols back to front, she was stronger, faster and fitter than most, if not any of the current recruits, and she was more methodical.

[B]"Looks like you'll be after my job soon enough, Ms. Zaidin," [/B]said Kreid, joking on the outside, but internally he was beginning to feel nervous. Zaidin was good, almost too good to be assigned to Landers' personal security detail by chance.

[B]"Congratulations, Ms. Zaidin," [/B]said Kreid, [B]"You've passed with flying colours. Now, if you will accompany me back to my office I will ensure that you are fully prepared for your duties."

[/B]He would definitely have to keep an eye on her...
[/SIZE]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Crystal was pleased to hear that they would be returning to sector one soon. If only because the last few weeks had tested her patience past the breaking point. From dealing with the overly smug and annoying Vallon Drace to setting up the work to identify those who were killed in the take over of sector eight... she was tired of any and all aspects of war. Enough that if not for her sense of duty, she would be tempted to throw her hands up and walk.

Things had gone as expected, even if the trip in the tiny freighter had tried her patience. Pretending to be Elania Ceris hadn't been that hard, nor had convincing the current representatives that she needed to scan Kerstin Anderson for an illness that didn't exist. That part had been easy, making it possible for her to use her hand held computer to create a map to Kerstin's location. And though the security had made it hard to get to her in a timely manner when it was time to rescue her a few days later, it had still worked out. Even though it had left them in the position of fleeing during the invasion. Drace had issued the clearance code when they had been challenged leaving the planet. Making sure the fleet did not attack the tiny freighter.

And Drace's assignment to assassinate the representatives had also gone without a hitch. Making Crystal wonder just what they had known that had the High Council wanting them dead instead of being brought to sector one for a public trial and execution like they had done with the others in sector seven. Still at least she was no longer required to share the same quarters with that arrogant fool Drace, like she had in sector eight to maintain their false identities. She still intended to give Stevens an earful over that aspect of her assignment.

"[B]What's got you sighing so much?[/B]" Crystal looked up to see that her assistant was standing in the doorway leading into her office.

"[B]All these damn reports on the dead.[/B]" Crystal said as she closed the program down, after all, she had been so busy thinking about things that she hadn't worked on the reports in over thirty minutes.

"[B]Yeah, a lot of people died this time, the fools. They should have known better than to resist. It's their own fault so many people died.[/B]"

Crystal just said nothing, there was no point really. Even if she was loyal to the Versilan Empire, it didn't mean she wasn't blind to the reasons behind what the New Alliance was doing. It was easy to think someone who was fighting for the right to live freely was stupid, especially when you had never experienced having that freedom taken from you.

But she knew better, after all, before Erica had turned out to be a traitor, she had been one of Crystal's most loyal supporters in the High Council when she pushed for better living conditions and medical supplies for the enslaved races. In many ways, even though she didn't want to admit it, her and Erica were alike. Pushing for similar goals. Though both of them were on opposite sides of the spectrum. Erica for total freedom and Crystal for more freedom or rather care within the confines of the current system.

Crystal turned her terminal off and stood up. "[B]I'm going to call it a day. If i look at another death report I'll end up going to the bridge and clobbering Jared for taking out the transport system.[/B]"

"[B]Uh...[/B]"

"[B]Oh relax will you?[/B]" Crystal laughed at her assistant's dumbfounded expression over the idea of her doing that to Jared. "[B]The Commander and I go back a long ways.[/B]" She grinned. "[B]I only smack him when he deserves it. And though I wish it hadn't been necessary, I know he is doing what duty requires of him.[/B]"

"[B]Oh.[/B]" Her assistant couldn't hide her look of relief.

"[B]Don't worry over it.[/B]" Crystal said kindly. "[B]Keep working on the reports, even if we are heading to sector one soon, I want to the medical crew to get as much done as possible before handing it over to the group set up planet side.[/B]"

"[B]Of course doctor.[/B]"

Crystal just smiled sadly and left to head for her own quarters. Later, once she had gotten some much needed rest, she would have that talk with Stevens, not that it would do any good. And at least the trip to sector one would give her time to focus on regular duties, though she'd be busy enough with the medical checkups for the replacement crew they would be picking up once they arrived. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[Rachmaninoff]

Darren didn’t really know what to expect when someone finally came to retrieve him from the cell he had been transferred to not to long ago. The only thing he was certain of was that it was not likely to be pleasant. Just as he had a feeling that he would be expected to cooperate, whether he wanted to or not. Not that he had any love for the High Council, but at the same time he had no interest in doing what the New Alliance wanted either. After all it was partially the Resistance’s fault he was required to work for the High Council in the first place.

His thoughts scattered as the door to his cell finally opened to admit a security team of four, two of them immediately coming his way, a set of binders in their hands. He offered no resistance when they forced his arms behind him and bound them fast before ushering him out of the room and down a long narrow corridor. The flat gray metal walls telling him he was probably planet side since most ships were more open. Though he had no real experience with the prison transport ships that were used when dealing with criminals so he could be mistaken.

It took them very little time to reach their intended destination and upon entering through the large door that opened automatically, it was with a shock that he realized it was an interrogation chamber. Of the type that the New Alliance claimed that they would do away with, one meant for torture. Darren tried to clamp down on the rising feeling of fear that ran through him as they took him over and forced him to sit in the chair meant for interrogation. Hoping it was nothing more than a scare tactic since they had not bothered to unbind him and strap him in.

There was a tall, slender Versilan with long silver blonde hair sitting on the control panel for operating the powerful disruptors used to cause pain. Darren tried to take a small measure of comfort in the obvious fact that the equipment was not running, but as his eyes met with those of the unknown man, he got the feeling that he would not hesitate to do what was needed. The only jarring thing was that for some odd reason, he looked familiar, but he couldn’t think of when or where he would have seen him.

“[B]Darren Anderson,[/B]” he spoke up when it because apparent that Darren would not. “[B]I’m sure I don’t have to explain how this will work. Or what it is that we expect of you.[/B]”

He waited as if giving Darren a chance to speak and then continued, “[B]I will be frank, we expect you to sort the data for us, just like you were going to do for Stevens.[/B]” The man leaned forward a bit, his expression serious. “[B]As much as I would prefer to avoid using the drastic method of torture, I can and will follow through with it if you refuse to cooperate.[/B]”

Darren didn’t doubt it and at the same time he didn’t know what to do about it. “[B]What did you do with Mike?[/B]” He finally asked. “[B]Did Kiva kill him like she did the others?[/B]” He wasn’t sure why he even asked since he wasn’t expecting an answer.

“[B]And does that matter? You’ll still be required to do as we ask, whether I answer you or not.[/B]”

“[B]Of course it matters, if he’s still alive, this has nothing to do with him. If you’re thinking he knows the shipping protocols, then you’re mistaken. Mike did not help me write them. Torturing him will get you nothing.[/B]”

The man just looked at his hand held computer as if checking something and then he looked back at Darren. “[B]Putting that minor detail aside, the real question here is whether or not you will sort the data and piece it back together so we can see what was sent.[/B]”

“[B]Why? Why should I help you? Or anyone working for the New Alliance for that matter?[/B]” Darren knew it was the wrong answer by the flat look in the eyes of the Versilan facing him, but part of him was still furious over what had happened when his clearance had been hacked by the Resistance. At how that incident had led to him eventually being forced to work for the High Council.

The man finally sighed as if he had expected nothing else from Darren. “[B]You certainly have cause to dislike the New Alliance, especially after all that has happened to you.[/B]” He stood up. “[B]It still doesn’t matter though.[/B]” He motioned to the security who hauled Darren to his feet.

“[B]You have one day to make up your mind. Either you help us of your own free will or I use whatever methods are necessary to ensure that cooperation.[/B]” His eyes turned a bit cold. “[B]Don’t make me break you Darren. Don’t let the petty grievances over what happened in the past cloud your judgment. Don’t make me give you a real reason to hate the New Alliance.[/B]”

Darren had no answer for that and it seemed that he was not expecting one since the Versilan merely motioned to the security who took him back to his cell, removing the bindings once the door was open and merely shoving him back inside. Once the door was closed Darren sat down on the bed and leaned back until he was touching the wall. [I]Now what do I do? [/I]

He had no illusions as to his ability to withstand any form of torture. Even if he was the Shipping Expert, he was still a civilian in the sense that he had no military training. And he was certain that if even if Stevens and the others knew where he was, it was highly unlikely they would attempt to rescue him. He knew how that worked, he wasn't [I]that[/I] naive. They'd simply silence him given the chance to keep the New Alliance from getting their hands on the information.

Darren sighed, it should have been simple, cooperate and avoid being tortured or not cooperate and get tortured and eventually be forced to cooperate in the end anyway. [I]If only my clearance hadn't been hacked... [/I]but that was a useless thought and he thrust it aside. It wasn't like he'd ever get to clobber the one responsible or rather the one believed to be responsible for doing it. The chances of him ever meeting William, the head of the Resistance was non-existent. With a sigh he went back to trying to decide what to do, before they came for him again.

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]William was expecting objections to the decisions he had made recently so it was no surprise to him when he was contacted by the current Representatives of the New Alliance, demanding an immediate response. Something that once he was ready, he answered from onboard the [I] Astera,[/I] among those of the Resistance that he knew he could trust. It was one thing to back the New Alliance, and yet another to blindly allow them to command those he had been entrusted to lead by Erica Kendrick. He would not let her hard work go to waste by being too trusting.

He did not bother to disguise himself or rather it was not necessary since he had done that a while ago. Perhaps it was paranoia, to be so secretive about his true looks and identity, but with so much at stake, he was unwilling to take that risk. He paused to tuck his long silver blonde hair back out of his face after sitting down in the command chair for the bridge and then opened the transmission, smiling at the Representatives.

?[B]What can I do for you?[/B]? He inquired politely, even though he already knew what they were contacting him about.

?[B]We have a concern,[/B]? The oldest of the group spoke up, his expression one of disapproval. ?[B]Why did you send Commander Landers and the fleet to sector four?[/B]?

?[B]Why? We discussed this already, our attempts to get sectors four and three to break off from the Versilan Empire have not been successful.[/B]? Williams kept his on expression neutral, since he knew why they were objecting, or at the very least he thought he did.

?[B]Discussion and approval for such a move are not the same thing.[/B]? His voice was cold, dispassionate and hinted at a stubbornness that William did not like.

?[B]Approval? Surely you jest.[/B]? William answered just as coldly. ?[B]The Resistance agreed to back you in your bid to separate from the High Council and the rest of the Versilan Empire. We did not promise blind obedience to your orders. I told you that Commander Landers would be heading to sector four once the repairs to the[I] Liberator[/I] were complete.[/B]?

He waited while the four whispered among themselves for a moment and then finally turned back to address him once again.

?[B]You are correct, and though we disagree, it?s already done so there?s no reason to continue the discussion at this point. We can only hope you won?t regret that decision.[/B]?

[I]Kiva needs to find out which one of them is a traitor,[/I] William thought as he faced the group.[I] At this rate, we?re going to lose the war and all they care about is?[/I] he thrust the thoughts aside, he didn?t have time for it at the moment.

?[B]You?re disagreement is foolish, the High Council has already secured sectors seven, eight and twelve, bringing them back into the Versilan Empire. If we don?t get sectors four and three and soon, we will lose this war.[/B]? He shook his head. ?[B]My information indicates that the Imperial fleet is heading back to sector one to regroup and then head for sector nine. Our position is precarious. We have to have those sectors to serve as a buffer between us and the Imperial fleet.[/B]?

?[B]They won?t do us much good if we have to take them by force! How likely are they to defend the borders if they don?t even agree with us?[/B]? One of the other Representatives objected.

?[B]It will buy us much needed time.[/B]? Williams pointed out patiently.

?[B]For what? Do you have something up your sleeve that you?re not telling us about? It?s not like you?re being forthcoming on whatever you?ve got set up in the City Center. We have a right to know just what you are doing and why.[/B]?

William resisted the urge to smile. [I]So that?s what this is about, they want to know about Darren Anderson and the equipment with the transmission on it. [/I]It could mean only one thing for them to mention that since it was not the only thing he was doing that he had not told them the details. It was the only thing they had formally brought up though, telling him that it was likely that the traitor he was sure was in their midst had managed to find out who was being held there.[I] I?d better move him or else he?ll end up dead, and the data on the equipment deleted. [/I]

?[B]My apologies, if that bothers you I will have everything moved to a different location immediately.[/B]? A statement that seemed to annoy the one who objected as her mouth was set in a hard straight line. ?[B]You have your secrets and this is one of mine. There will be no discussion on this, that is my final word on the matter.[/B]?

He didn?t even wait for the meeting to end, bringing the built in terminal in his chair online and sending out the command to one of his most trusted agents, all it took was a single code. One that he would know what was for, William was always prepared for things like this. By the time the meeting was done, he would have the equipment, Darren and Mike moved to one of the Battleships in the area manned by those few who were utterly trustworthy. William had been planning to send it elsewhere, but he would manage.[I] I should have done that to begin with instead of setting things up in the City Center.[/I] He had not expected the traitor to find out so quickly.

?[B]Very well William, though we do not agree with that either, as you said, you did not agreed to back us blindly.[/B]? He nodded. ?[B]I think we can all agree that we?ve gotten enough of that from the High Council over the centuries. It?s going to take a lot of work to undo that sort of mentality.[/B]? The others laughed a bit nervously at that statement.

?[B]Somewhere down the line we will need to draw the line on proper procedure,[/B]? the woman who had objected finally relented a bit. ?[B]It makes us look foolish when something happens that we did not approve of.[/B]?

William just smiled a tiny bit. ?[B]In time, in time. Now if you?ll excuse me, like you I have a lot of work to be done, even if we did take out the [I]Intrepid[/I], we have a long way to go if we are going to finally stop the High Council.[/B]? He waited for mummers of agreement before ending the transmission.

The moment the connection was cut he immediately moved to check on the progress of the equipment and Darren and Mike. [I]It?s a good thing I decided to handle this myself,[/I] he thought as he contacted his agent. [I]If I had let someone else handle it, Darren would already be dead.[/I] [/FONT][/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=#483d8b]As expected, Kiva's program had intercepted a transmission soon after she had installed it. The transmission was brief and used what were presumably codenames, so it didn't provide any information itself, but Kiva had anticipated that. She'd had her program wipe the transmission. She had to continue the day's activities to keep up the fiction of her vacation, but when she got back to her room, she immediately went to work. Although she hadn't gotten anything useful from the transmission's content, she knew when it had been sent, and from where, enough information to point her in the right direction.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]As expected, the guilty party had been very careful to cover his or her tracks, but although Kiva wasn't able to identify the person responsible, she was able to trace the person's access and determine what he or she had used the computer systems for. She was also able to confirm the system's location as being within the representatives' office complex, which essentially confirmed that the traitor was a representative or staff, as access to the offices was restricted to just those people and security was tight enough to make it virtually impossible to sneak in.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]What Kiva needed was access to stored security footage. With what she already knew, she could use the security recordings to determine who was responsible. But getting that access would be impossible without ruining the fiction of her vacation; the data was stored on a seperate system and couldn't be accessed from outside. She had the authority to access it, but she'd have to tell at least one person what she was doing, and anyone could be the traitor. But there was a solution. She'd just need a little help. And she knew just who to go to.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva didn't have to disguise this visit to maintain the fiction of her vacation; she was visiting an old friend and colleague, something she'd been planning on doing anyways. The only difference was that now she was asking for his help.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"This is the first time we've seen each other since we first arrived here," Daego Kelse said. "Can't we just catch up?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Unfortunately," Kiva said, "this is important. We can catch up some other time. I know you're not ready to fight against the Empire, but this is different."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"You're wrong about that," Daego said. "I'm fine with fighting the Empire. It's the citizens I don't want to fight. Even those in the millitary just follow their orders. And whoever this traitor is certainly isn't following orders. You're right, Kiva. This is different, and I will be glad to help. The only reason I haven't joined the fight is because I'd be fighting the ones who just follow orders. So I'm in."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Good," Kiva said. "Okay, what I need from you is simple. We're going to..."[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

The fleet was due to arrive in sector four shortly and though Daniel was hoping that William would have managed to persuaded them to break off, he wasn?t counting on it. He would carry out his orders to secure the sector by whatever means possible though. With that in mind he already had a battle plan set out and the last detail would be handled by Kreid. He needed Kreid and a group from the task forces and the security forces to lead the assault ships which were designed for sweeping a sector and taking out the automated defenses. He on the other hand would be dealing with the fleet and securing the main home world.

It was essential that the automated defenses were taken out since the small stations would fire on any ship in the sector that did not have the necessary codes to indicate that they had the clearance to be in a sector. Each sector had approximately fifty of them, evenly spaced so that it?s was next to impossible to get through a sector without running into one of them. They were designed to deal with smugglers and pirates not the military. So they weren't really a threat to the fleet.

But Daniel had a number of transport ships waiting on the border between sector four and ten. The New Alliance didn?t have enough military transports and though civilian ones would do the trick, they couldn?t get past the automated defenses. If sector four wasn?t secured, it would take far too long to hack into their system to disable them, it would be quicker and safer to simply destroy them.

In the end when they dropped out of hyperspace on full alert and he was challenged by the fleet there and ordered to halt, he knew at that point that the issue was not resolved. That William had not convinced them to break off. He had enough manpower to deal with the forces there, but it would be a shame to engage in battle and lose the chance to add the fleet there to their numbers. Since the fact that the forces there were holding their ground between his fleet and the home world in sector four was an indication that at least they were willing to talk. After all they could have attacked immediately. He issued the order to bring the fleet to a halt facing the smaller force before them.

?[B]Your orders sir?[/B]? His Sub-Commander asked. ?[B]They?re demanding that we leave the sector.[/B]?

?[B]Open a channel,[/B]? Daniel wasn?t going to attack without at least attempting to talk to whoever was in charge, not when there was a chance he could avoid it.

?[B]Commander Landers,[/B]? the commander of the fleet facing them spoke the moment the channel was open. ?[B]I am Commander Peterson. I?ll get straight to the point, you are to leave sector four at once.[/B]?

?[B]That?s not possible, I wish to speak to the Representatives immediately.[/B]?

?[B]I can?t do that,[/B]? Peterson replied. ?[B]I have my orders.[/B]?

?[B]I see, and there?s no way you?ll re-consider?[/B]? Daniel stood up. ?[B]I?d like to avoid any unnecessary engagements here.[/B]?

?[B]No, you have thirty minutes to leave this sector before we open fire.[/B]? Peterson ended the communication.

Daniel sat down with a sigh. ?[B]Well that was a bust. Bring the fleet to full Amber Alert.[/B]?

He opened a channel to Kreid. ?[B]Get ready Mr. Kreid, you?re group launches in thirty minutes.[/B]?

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

He ended the transmission and then watched the countdown, if only they could have avoided a confrontation. Though after what William had told him when he was in sector eleven, until he tracked down whoever was sabotaging their efforts, it was unlikely that they would be able to get either sector without using force and as a Commander, he agreed with William?s assessment of their situation. They couldn?t afford to sit by and do nothing or they really would lose the war.

[Rachmaninoff]

Kerstin did not care that they were back on their way to sector one, all she cared about was what had happened to her brother Darren. Whether or not he was still alive. She believed Jared when he kept insisting that the New Alliance would need him alive, but she couldn't help but worry what would happen once he was no longer useful. After all, with so many rumors and unconfirmed reports as to how each side behaved, she didn't know what the truth was anymore.

So she did the only thing she could do, she worked on the portraits of those who had been in the meeting she had attended. On the off hand chance that those involved were not in sector eight when it had been retaken. Stevens would need to know anyway and though it was hard to think straight with all that had happened, it didn't affect her ability to recall faces or to draw portraits.

She had been doing that long enough that on some level it was a habit, one she could do in her sleep. If she worked hard enough, by the time they got to sector one, she would be finished. With a sigh, she continued working on one.

[CENTER]**********************[/CENTER]
Darren had been surprised when shortly after being put back in his cell, he was once again moved. He hadn't even been sitting down on the tiny bed for long when someone had ordered him to stand up and walk through the transport door that opened inside his cell. He had done as asked, only to find himself in yet another tiny cell. Leaving him wondering just what was going on.

He was not left wondering for long when the same tall, silver haired Versilan who had initially spoken to him arrived, only this time, other than to make a point of indicating that any move on his part to get off the bed would result in him being stunned. The door to the cell closed behind him and once it had done so Darren spoke up.

"[B]I thought you said I had a day to decide.[/B]" He reminded him.

"[B]I did.[/B]" He acknowledged from his position of standing just inside the door. "[B]I have a question for you, a rather simple one at that. Tell me Darren, what do you think would happen if an undercover agent working for the High Council were to know that you are here?[/B]"

A chill ran down his spine as he pulled back a bit, stiffening. "[B]I know exactly what would happen.[/B]" He looked around nervously, the direction the question was going only served to make him feel even more helpless. "[B]It's likely they would simply silence me, to keep you from getting the information.[/B]"

He frowned, his eyes narrowing. "[B]It's also likely that if I do as you ask, once I'm done, you'll do the same to me as well.[/B]"

The man simply pulled out a simple reader, something that could hold very basic information, but couldn't be used to contact anything. It was something every Versilan child had, before they were old enough to start using a regular computer. Parent's often put simple videos on it, or reading materials. To Darren's surprise he tossed it so it landed on the bed next to him.

"[B]You already know that getting that information is important, just as convincing you that absolutely nothing will happen to you once you're done is also important.[/B]" He paused as if searching for the best way to put it.

"[B]I can't guarantee that nothing will happen to you, after all, spotting an undercover agent isn't exactly easy.[/B]"

Darren nodded cautiously, agreeing with the statement. After all, he had believed that Kiva was who she claimed to be and she had turned out to be an undercover agent for the Resistance.

"[B]What I can guarantee you is that I would do everything in my power to see that you are not harmed, even after you are done sorting the information; whether you did so willingly or not. The Resistance may have agreed to back the New Alliance and though we may still use some of their methods that we intend to put an end to, we do not execute those who are innocent of wrongdoing.[/B]"

Darren said nothing, not sure where the conversation was going at this point. After all, what was the point? Was he trying to convince him to trust him? The whole thing felt more like he was being toyed with a bit, the [I]you have a day to decide[/I] and now this implication that he was in danger.

"[B]I can see that you are perhaps thinking I am toying with you.[/B]" The man sighed at Darren's guarded look. "[B]I am deadly serious Darren, and to prove that I am, look at what's on the reader. I think you'll find it enlightening. Once you've done that, if you change your mind, simply speak up and someone will contact me so we can get you started.[/B]"

Darren watched as he left, and then once the door had closed, he finally turned his attention to the small reader that was still sitting on the bed. Cautiously he picked it up, wondering just what in the world could be on it. With a tap, he turned the power on to see that there were two things in the memory. Clearly some type of video, and if the date was correct, both were made recently. For the longest time he just stared at it and then, as his curiosity got the better of him, he finally opened the first one.

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]Kreid was overseeing the last of the preparations to launch his small battle squadron when he got the call.

[B]"Get ready Mr Kreid," [/B]Landers' voice crackled through on the comms, [B]"Your group launches in thirty minutes."

"Understood, sir!" [/B]Kreid shouted before disabling the channel, [B]"We're on our way out, everybody! Perform final safety checks and be ready to launch on my order!" [/B]The squadron began swarming around their ships, pilots leaping into their positions and performing the last safety checks that were required by the Alliance, there were engineers checking all systems were working to as high a level as possible, and the launch co-ordinators in their console room were busy at their computers.

Kreid himself took the opportunity to leap into the cockpit of his small assault ship and begin to prep the engines. He pulled the headset radio system out from its nook just next to him and hooked it into his ear. The microphone extended down to just in front of his mouth, and a receiver pressed up against his eardrum.

[B]"All pilots, sound off!" [/B]he shouted over the roar of engines firing up. His team all responded with their callsigns, and Kreid fired up his engine. He grabbed the steering columns and swivelled his ship towards the hangar doors, and waited for the rest of the team to get into formation.

[B]"All systems ready?" [/B]asked the head launch co-ordinator from his booth, and Kreid answered in the affirmative, [B]"Alright, launch in thirty seconds."

[/B]Kreid took a deep breath and stared out into the blackness of space that lay before them. The signals that each of the automated defence points were emitting had been programmed into the NaviComp system, so the pilots just had to follow the screens.

[B]"Launch in five, four, three, two, one," [/B]counted the co-ordinator, [B]"Launch! Move out, all teams! Go!"

[/B]Kreid fired up the thrusters and blasted out into the void, his team following him in close formation.

[B]"Keep in formation until my mark," [/B]said Kreid, [B]"Then split off and destroy the targets." [/B]The rest of the team sounded off, and Kreid pushed on towards the first automated defence turret. The barrel swivelled to face the team as they got closer, and a siren went off in Kreid's earpiece.

[B]"UNAUTHORISED ACCESS! NO MILITARY CLEARANCE! YOU HAVE THIRTY SECONDS TO VACATE THE AREA!" [/B]came the shrill, automated voice through the comm system, and Kreid grabbed the control sticks and opened fire. Blasts of red light lanced from the cannons on his ship and tore the automated defence system apart.

[B]"Go! Go! Go!" [/B]shouted Kreid, [B]"All units, move out!" [/B]The ships behind him scattered, hurtling towards the nearest turrets. Laser blasts flew every which way, red light arcing towards turrets and back towards ships. The turrets would give no warning now that one of them had been destroyed, and simply open fire on all unauthorised transports.

Kreid soared towards the next defence system, all guns blazing, the lasers ripping the rather primitive defence sytems apart. The counter in the corner of his HUD showed that there were only thirty-two out of fifty units remaining, and that number was diminishing quickly. This job would be over in a matter of minutes.

Kreid roared through the checklist, blasting apart every turret that came in his way, until he saw that there was only one left. He soared towards it and ripped it apart in a few seconds. The sector was clear.

[B]"All defences disposed of," [/B]said Kreid, reporting back to the flagship, [B]"Returning to the fleet to provide assistance with further planetary defences." [/B]He turned the ship around and headed back to the flagship, the rest of the assault team falling into formation once again.
[/SIZE]

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Security was understandably tight in sector one when the fleet finally arrived. Even with it being clear that it was the [I]Conqueror[/I] and the [I]Creator[/I] they were still challenged many times, something that both Sandra and Stevens calmly answered as they issued the necessary clearance codes. Then when they were finally in orbit and progress was underway for the repairs to both ships, Jared took that moment to run the portraits that Kerstin had finished through the main databases. He could have been working on helping with the troop replacements but instead he had handed that task solely over to Sub-Commander Drace.

For now, Stevens felt it was more important that they track down who had been in those meetings and when one of them came back with a positive match, he had to agree. Of all people, he would have never expected them to have been there. It certainly helped to explain some things, including part of how the New Alliance was getting their hands on so much information that they shouldn?t have. Just as it also indicated how much they really needed to clean house so to speak, to root out all of the would be traitors. Jared had always known about the dishonesty present in the government, but even he was finding himself a bit surprised at the depth or rather level of corruption in both directions.

He had no illusions, if they didn?t trim out the excess on both sides, no matter how well they fought to reclaim the sectors, the Versilan Empire would in time, tear itself apart from the inside out. It also explained Erica?s cryptic comment to Stevens about Commodore Nazar, who had survived the destruction of the [I]Intrepid.[/I] At least a little that is since if any of what he was checking into made sense, it explained part of how the [I]Intrepid[/I] had managed to fall for such an obvious trap in the first place. It spoke of treason on Nazar?s part at the highest level, allowing a flagship to be destroyed just to cover his own treachery.

Jared frowned a bit at the implications of one of Commodore Nazar?s personal aides being at a top meeting for the New Alliance. [I]Just what is that fool up to? [/I]He sent an inquiry out and it came back, indicating that the aide in question, a David Barak, was suppose to be on the main home world here in sector one. Jared toyed with the idea of sending a security squad to pick him up and changed his mind. If information was leaking from the fleet, it was possible that such an order would be picked up and the spy would warn him. Jared stood up and handed command of the bridge over to the officer just below Drace. He would pick the man up himself.

?[b]Continue overseeing the repairs and troop replacements.[/b]? He ordered even as he pulled up the information as to where David Barak was located, not bothering to explain why he was heading planet side. The officer didn't need to know anyway.

?[b]Understood sir.[/b]?

Jared left the bridge to head for the closest transport room, pausing only long enough to ensure that his disruptor was fully charged and ready. Setting it to the highest stun setting to ensure that no mistakes were made. After all, he didn?t want him to get away and since Commander Chevast had been such a disappointment when it came to interrogations, he didn?t want to miss out on the chance to see if this David Barak would be any better.

But as the transport technician opened a door to the location he specified, he doubted that Barak would be any better, traitors rarely were. They were often too willing to fold just to avoid unnecessary pain, eager to turn in information and sell someone else out just to save their own neck. As he stepped through the door, he couldn?t help but wonder what it would be like if they finally managed to capture Daniel Landers or even Kiva Salqarian, those two he had a feeling would not disappoint him by being cowards. He put it out of mind as the door closed behind him and he started heading for where Barak was suppose to be located.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]The trip to sector one was proving to be uneventful, but then Valencia was not expecting anything to happen. She had all the necessary clearance codes and even if she didn?t, the sector defenses weren?t anything she couldn?t handle. The real problem would be the military or rather any Elite Specialists. It may have just been a joke with William, but what she wouldn?t give to have a ship like the [I]Transcendence[/I]. [I]It would make my job a lot easier, that?s what it would do. [/I]With a wry grin she shifted in her seat on the bridge as she overlooked some information she had received. No matter what, staying on top of things always came first.

[B][I]-Valencia, you do realize who you have onboard right?-[/I][/B]

Valencia smiled at Cassandra?s question, she had been expecting it for some time now. ?[B]I was wondering when you would get around to hacking into the system, checking his likeness against the official databanks.[/B]?

[B][I]-You knew.- [/I][/B]Cassandra said flatly, in that tone she used whenever she disagreed with Valencia.

?[B]Of course I did, after all I haven?t lived this long by being a complete idiot.[/B]? Cassandra started to object but Valencia raised a hand for silence and got it. ?[B]We are not going to argue over this, whether or not you approve is irrelevant.[/B]? Valencia smiled. ?[B]Besides taking the good doctor to sector one could be rather profitable for us in the long run.[/B]?

[B][I]-Only if you turned him in. That would be worth more than whatever he is paying you for passage.-[/I][/B]

?[B]Now Cassandra, you know me better than that too.[/B]? Her voice grew cold and to the point. ?[B]I do not betray a contract once it has been agreed on, it?s bad for business.[/B]? She would have said more but stopped at the sound of the doors to the bridge opening to admit the little slave boy along with his dog.

He was certainly cute to watch with his never ending curiosity about everything, it had taken him very little time to lose his initial fear over actually being in space for the first time. And his dog was a rather agreeable creature as well, making things easier in the long run. Even Cassandra was polite to him, answering his questions, which was a bit odd. Computer program or not, she could and often would ignore passengers, other than to answer only what was necessary and nothing more. She certainly gave the doctor the cold shoulder, though Valencia got the impression that he didn?t care.

?[B]Uh? Valencia?[/B]? It was Colin, looking a little less starved than when she had first met him, it was amazing how well someone did on more than simple rations, as well as better clothing to wear. Even if it was inexpensive stuff that she had no use for, other than to provide for passengers as part of their fare. She pulled her thoughts back to the present as he approached.

?[B]What did you need Colin?[/B]?

?[B]I asked Cassandra if she knew how to find one?s parents but she said it?s not so simple.[/B]? He took a seat in one of the spots facing her with his dog sitting down on the floor next to him.
[I]
Passing that one on to me is she? [/I]If Cassandra had been real, Valencia would have been giving her a sharp look right about now. But instead she was looking at the serious expression on the boy?s face and sighed inwardly as it was far from simple in so many ways.

"[B]That's correct, even if you weren't a slave Colin, right now with the war, the public records are not open for one to access.[/B]" She leaned back a bit, wondering how to tell him the next part. "[B]There is also the matter of you not having a true record but rather an identification number, those records only specify gender, name and planet one is assigned to. They do not indicate relationship status.[/B]"

"[B]I don't understand.[/B]"

"[B]Until recently, families were not considered important for slaves Colin. When you were born, unless there were records on Gallana, other than your identification number, nothing was entered into the official records.[/B]"

She could tell that the answer upset him and cursed Cassandra inwardly as she moved to explain even more. "[B]Don't let that bother you, all it means is you have to use other means to hunt down who your parents are.[/B]"

She could see him trying to figure that one out until he finally nodded. "[B]Okay.[/B]"

Valencia turned as the door to the bridge opened again to admit the doctor. His expression as always, was guarded. She smiled and tossed him a data chip before he could realize what she was doing, catching it without giving it a thought.

"[B]What is this for?[/B]" He finally asked her when she said nothing.

"[B]Those options I mentioned to you when we left Gallana, I've included the details on there, we won't arrive for a little time yet so you have plenty of time to look things over before telling me what you wish to do.[/B]" She stood up. "[B]Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the view, I have work I need to do right now.[/B]"

She didn't wait for either of them to respond as she left the bridge to head for the security of her own quarters to take care of something that did not relate to either one of her passengers. And therefore, was something that they did not need to know about.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]It wasn't much of a plan, but it didn't need to be. There were more complicated methods Kiva could have used, but she preferred to keep things simple if she could. Less could go wrong with a simple plan. All the other options could fail in any number of ways; this one couldn't. The only problem was that Kiva couldn't do it alone. That was why she needed Daego.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva and Daego entered the representatives' office complex and approached the front desk. The woman at the desk looked up as they approached. "Hello," she said. "What can I do for you today?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I need access to the security recordings," Kiva said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Um, you need to go through proper channels for something like that. I don't have the authority to give access."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I don't need you to give me access. I already have that authority. I just need you to open the room for me."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Um, please allow me to confirm your identity, then," the woman said, placing a small device on the desk. Kiva placed her hand on it and waited as it checked for a match. The womans eyes went wide when it found one. "My apologies, Ms. Salqarian. One moment, please."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"No," Kiva said. "Do not log anything or notify anyone."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I'm sorry, but I have to follow procedure."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I don't," Kiva said. She raised her hand, allowing the woman to see the well-concealed ML-SS.7 firearm she was carrying, a weapon which was currently pointed at the secretary. "Take me to the recordings now."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I- what is the meaning of this?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I'm here to identify a traitor. All I know is that it's someone here, either a representative or one of their staff. Anyone here could be the traitor, even you. So you see, I can't let you notify anyone. And to be sure of that, I need you to come with me. If you don't, I will be forced to shoot you."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"You wouldn't dare fire a weapon in this building."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva laughed. "Yes, I would. I am here on assignment from none other that William, the Resistance's leader. You know the level of clearance I have; the scanner should have listed that. So you should also know that I am acting within my own authority. Besides, my weapon's set to stun; it's not like I'd kill you. And even if I wasn't authorized to take these actions, I would, because I need to. Now, are you going to cooperate, or not?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]The secratary didn't like it, but she knew Kiva was right. "I- very well. Follow me."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Good choice," Kiva said. "Just don't try anything."[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]There were two guards outside the security storage room at all times. They watched carefully as Kiva entered her authorization code into the keypad, then relaxed when the door opened. Then Daego was pointing guns at them, and they froze. "Into the room," Daego said. "And don't try anything."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]'I- what- no!"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Rethink that," Kiva said. "If you refuse to cooperate, I will have to consider you a suspected traitor. I know there's one here, either a representative or staff. I'm here to identify the traitor. My partner here," she indicated Daego, "will ensure you don't try anything while I'm going through the records. I'm sorry I have to use such brute-force methods, but I can't take any chances. Now, enter the room, please. You too," she told the secretary. All three of them reluctantly entered the room, followed by Daego and Kiva. Daego lined them up along the wall by the entrance, allowing him to cover them and the entrance all at once. Kiva had needed someone to do this; that was why she couldn't do this by herself. It was hardly a complicated situation; Kiva just couldn't do it all on her own, as she had to focus on the security recordings. So she took a seat at a console and went to work, using the information she already had in conjunction with the recordings. And a while later, she had her target.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=#483d8b]Representative Koles looked up as the door to his office opened, then shot to his feet as Kiva and Daego entered with weapons drawn. "Don't move," Kiva said.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"What is the meaning of this?" Koles said. "And who the hell are you?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"My name is Kiva Salqarian. Representative Koles, you are under arrest for treason against the New Alliance."[/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Celestia was paying little attention to the fact that the fleet had returned to sector one. She was more concerned about finishing up all the checks and rechecks of the new update system that was in place. So far, there had been very few bugs and things were running smoothly. It was to be frank, discouraging. Between her and Jason's improvements, it ran faster, quicker and was more secure than the previous system. Her original program she had written on Earth, for hacking into it, was now useless. Something that pained her greatly since anything that made it harder for either the Resistance or the New Alliance... She sighed to herself.

She glanced sideways at Jason who was still focusing on the improvements on Kenath's program for hunting down illegal or unauthorized activity on the ship. There was something she could do about that, even though she knew she shouldn't. If she was caught... Celestia shook her head. [I]I have to do something. I can't sit by.[/I] With another side glance at Jason to make sure he was busy she pulled up a secondary window, hiding it behind her current work, accessing the exploit in the system. She knew who was using it and she knew that they would understand the message. It was short and to the point.

[I]They are on to you.[/I]

She encoded it and shot it off, making sure to erase what she had done before backing out of the program as quickly as possible. Before Jason noticed she was doing more and before Kenath came over to check on them. Even if the program was designed to run without leaving a record that someone was logged in, if he saw it up on her screen... Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. [I]Why did I do that? What if they find out that I warned the agent?[/I] She fought the urge to shake as she finished up her checks and shut down her terminal for the day.

She gave Jason a tiny half smile as he finished sending the improvements for Kenath's program to him. Celestia had been so focused on stressing over the fleet update system and whether or not she should warn the agent that they were hunting for them, that she hadn't realized that Jason was virtually finished with it. [I]It's a good thing I sent that message[/I] she thought as the two of them got up and left for their assigned quarters. [I]If I hadn't, it's possible that Kenath would have caught them using the exploit.[/I]

"[B]What's the matter with you?[/B]" Jason finally asked her once they were in their quarters. "[B]You've really been out of it today.[/B]"

Celestia didn't have an answer for that, she hadn't told Jason that she had learned who was using the exploit and she wasn't planning on telling him that she had sent the person a message, warning them. She felt her heart begin to race, now that she had done it, she was thinking it had been such a foolish move on her part. [I]What was I thinking?[/I]

Jason sat down on the sofa in their quarters, pulling her along so she was sitting next to him. "[B]Well it doesn't matter, I finished doing what Kenath wanted. I made the improvements to the program that he wanted.[/B]" He sighed.

"[B]I was able to avoid putting in a direct routine to hunt for potential exploits, but I couldn't get around the request to flag recent deletions of unauthorized messages. Even if they don't find the exploit, it's likely that they'll pick up on messages that shouldn't be sent.[/B]"

Celestia stiffened as her heart caught in her throat. [I]He did what?[/I] Jason frowned at her. "[B]It won't pick up someone using the exploit to look at files they shouldn't but unless the person is exceptionally skilled at hiding messages, anything direct is likely to be picked up.[/B]"

She pulled free, her heart racing.[I] I have to go back and fix that! The message I sent... Gods! I should have said something to Jason first! If Kenath runs that program tonight...[/I]She hadn't gotten more than a foot towards the door when Jason caught her arm, pulling her up short.

"[B]Hey! What's the matter?[/B]" He was confused by the panicked expression on her face. "[B]Celesita![/B]" He said sharply when she tried to tug free and said nothing. He was wondering what in the world was going on when suddenly she nearly collapsed and started sobbing, the words I'm sorry escaping her lips over and over. [I]What in the world?[/I]

He took her back over to the sofa, holding her, stopping her from leaving in spite of her struggles to pull free. Doing so until she finally calmed down enough to stop struggling and talk to him. But when she finally spoke up, he felt like panicking himself, when he learned what she had done. [I]Oh hell![/I]

"[B]I'm sorry Jason,[/B]" She was saying. "[B]I should have told you.[/B]" She tried to pull free again only to be halted by him holding her tight. "[B]Let me go Jason! I have to go and fix it![/B]"

"[B]You can't.[/B]" He said miserably. "[B]There's a small chance that he won't run the program tonight or that it won't pick up the message you sent.[/B]" He held her at arms length, "[B]But if you go back to the lab after hours, that will draw far too much attention.[/B]"

"[B]But...[/B]" He could see the desperation and fear in her eyes.

"[B]You can't Celestia![/B]" He nearly shouted at her. "[B]Gods...[/B]" He pulled her close again and held her tight. "[B]You can't.[/B]" He understood why she had done it, and at the same time he hated the position they were in. Tomorrow morning he would help her to remove any traces of what she had done, provided it wasn't too later by then. Even if they didn't know it was her, they would know it came from the lab. And who else but them had a reason for doing such a thing?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Tarika Zaidin's mind should have been focused on the battle to secure sector four, but even though she was on the bridge as Commander Landers directed the battle, she found her mind focusing on her investigation of Greydon Kreid instead. On the surface it seemed that there was nothing to worry about. It was true that part of his story could not be verified but with the lock down on all public records due to the war, that was true of a lot of those who were serving in the military for the New Alliance.

Even the obvious discrepancy in regards to his current skill could be explained by an undercover agent erasing his own records in order to better blend in, to avoid exposure. Just as his obvious skill could easily be dismissed, but at the same time, that more than anything, made her nervous. He was too good, something that as she watched him lead the assault ships to take out the sector defenses really showed.

There was no deviation from his approaches, there was no movement that was wasted when he went from target to target. He moved like one who had spent decades in the Elite Task Forces, not as someone who would have been currently being considered for such a promotion. Her and Landers had discussed it just the other day, though Lander's had been unconvinced that there was a problem. If not for the fact that she couldn't find any records of him even existing at all, she probably would have dismissed it as well.

It was with a start that she realized the battle was over, the assault ships under Kreid's command returning to the [I]Liberator. [/I] Mentally she kicked herself for not paying attention, even though her job was only to see to Lander's safety, it wouldn't do for her to get sloppy. From the look of things, most of the forces there had surrendered instead of forcing Commander Landers to destroy them.

Once Daniel had had sent the appropriate forces over to secure the ships that had surrendered, to Tarika's surprise he got up to leave the bridge once the [I]Liberator [/I]was in orbit around the main home world of sector four. [I]Where in the world is he going? [/I]It was at that moment that it hit her. [I]He can't be serious![/I]

"[B]Please tell me you are not considering what I think you are sir.[/B]" She moved between him and the door leading off the bridge.

"[B]Ms. Zaidin, the representatives have agreed to surrender without a fight provided I accept that surrender in person. I understand your concern, but this is my call to make.[/B]" He moved to go around her but she countered, shaking her head.

"[B]I have my orders sir.[/B]" She gave him a measuring glance, unwilling to bring it up in front of the rest of the bridge crew who were all watching with curiosity at this point. [I]Don't make me force your hand... [/I]she thought furiously in his direction.

"[B]Yes you do Ms. Zaidin and those are to see to my security so gather the rest of the squad and meet me in transport room one.[/B]" He placed a hand on her shoulder and then moved past her and out the door.

[I]Damn! [/I] She opened up a com channel and contacted Kreid to request a full security detail for Commander Landers as per procedure required. If she was lucky, he'd move to stop the Commander or at the very least insist on more than a simple squad to accompany Landers to the surface.

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]It didn?t take Jared long to realize that he had a problem on his hands. He had not expected to run into trouble and now as he considered extracting himself from the situation, he found himself wondering how the hell someone had known he was even coming. At first when he had entered the rundown section of the town that David Barak was supposedly living in, he had given little thought to the odd glances his uniform had gotten. That in itself was nothing new, civilians always tended to stare at the military, especially when they weren?t use to seeing them in their neighborhood.

But now with four people attempting to follow him without being noticed, people who were doing a fair job of it too, he knew he needed to fall back and call for reinforcements. Though it was likely by now that David Barak was long gone. [I]What is Commodore Nazar up to? [/I]He checked his handheld as if pulling up an address when in reality he was preparing to open an emergency transport door, but when he went to contact the [I]Creator[/I], the signal was jammed. [I]Damn.[/I] That settled it, it had to be more than a group of would be thieves. People like that wouldn?t go to the trouble of blocking communications.

Casually he stuck it back into his side pouch, resisting the urge to draw his disruptor, he needed to be in a better position for that. One of the buildings he was walking next to was only a story high and as he came to the point between it and the next building, he slipped into the gap between the two. Instantly taking advantage of the tiniest of protrusions in the form of a decorative ridge that went all around the building, quickly climbing up onto the roof. But as he moved to pull his disruptor and take out those who were following him, a hint of movement barely gave him enough warning to dodge the fist moving to strike him.

He felt it graze his right cheek and ignored it in favor of striking his opponent hard in the chest, making the man stagger backwards a bit. Jared moved in to finish the job, coming up with a swift undercut to his jaw, this time sending him flying to land hard on his back. Before he could recover Jared pulled his disruptor free and stunned him. He had barely done so when the sound of feet on the roof behind him drew his attention, he pivoted in place to meet the new threat, wincing inwardly when he realized there were five of them.

At the same time Jared stunned another one, he himself was hit with a stun blast, causing him to stagger backwards, his mind reeling. If not for the lightweight body armor he always wore under his uniform, he would have been rendered unconscious. In his dazed state he managed to get a few more shots off before something hard struck him from behind at the base of his neck, sending him to his knees. Another strike to his right hand and he lost the disruptor before hands seized him, pinning his arms behind his back as he was forced to his feet. In his half stunned state he couldn?t fight back as the group took turns delivering punishing blows before he was finally released, falling to the ground.

Even if he couldn?t seem to shake the stunned feeling as he struggled to get up, Jared couldn?t help but laugh inwardly. He had always known that something like this could happen. He sighed a bit as he waited for them to finish him off since he knew they wouldn't give him time to recover from being stunned. Instead he was surprised by what was said.

?[B]That?s enough.[/B]? A rough voice ordered. ?[B]We?re suppose to deliver him alive remember?[/B]?

He barely had time to be surprised by that statement before he heard the sound of a disruptor going off, the tone indicating it was still set on stun. And then as darkness claimed him, his last thought was one of satisfaction. That Sandra would make sure those who were responsible would be dealt with. It would be easy for her to see what he had been checking into before he vanished. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]Kreid was just hauling himself out of his assault ship when his communicator buzzed. He answered it, and heard a vaguely familiar voice chirping out of it.

[B]"Mr. Kreid, do you copy?"

"Ms. Zaidin, what can I do for you?" [/B]he answered, expecting not to like the answer all that much. Tarika was already getting on his nerves slightly - he didn't much care for her getting between himself and the Commander, and her training had taken up valuable time. He was also beginning to suspect that she had other motives for being on the ship than just to take care of the Commander.

[B]"Mr. Kreid, the Commander is heading down to the planet."

"What?" [/B]asked Kreid, stopping in his tracks, [B]"I can't allow this - it's too high a risk letting him go down there."

"I've tried to stop him, Mr. Kreid, but he's insistent. Apparently the Representatives down on the planet will only surrender to him in person."

"It's got to be a trap. Are you taking a team down to the surface with you?"

"Yes, I'm just going to gather them now."

"Alright. Take a team of six and form the Commander's personal security detail. I'll be down at the security command centre in a few minutes to arrange another team to provide cover. Make sure the Commander doesn't know about my presence, but remain in radio contact with me. If there's any trouble I'll give the order to protect the Commander."

"Why do we need to keep the Commander in the dark about this? Why can't we just tell him?"

"Any kind of formidable military presence there could jeopardise the surrender agreement and scare the Representatives into fleeing. If they think that the only presence there is Landers' personal detail then everything should be fine, but Landers will never allow this if he knew about it. We've got to do this under the radar - do you think you can keep this a secret?"

"Of course. I don't really agree with the sentiment, but my duty is to keep the Commander safe, and I concur that this is the most sensible way to do that. I'll rendezvous with you once we're all back on the flagship."

"Good luck, Ms. Zaidin," [/B]said Kreid, and cut off the comm channel. He knew that this could be an opportunity to take his chance and grab the Commander, but it was an even more important opportunity to increase Landers' faith in him. If he could defuse a delicate situation easily, then perhaps it would allow him to get closer to Landers, upon which he could make his move. Plus, he had something else to organise before that moment. But it would be soon...

---

A few moments later, Kreid was gathering his team, and equipping them. He had access to the Alliance's most top-of-the-range weapons and armour, and was making sure not to take any chances with his team. They were all wearing laser and disruptor-dispersing armour, and were carrying disruptor rifles as well as secondary laser weapons.

[B]"We need to take this one quietly. I've uploaded schematics of the meeting point to your computers, and a rough idea of where your positions are. If you see any hostiles, take them out immediately and as quietly as possible - no questions asked. Commander Landers should be down on the planet by now, so we need to get through another door as quickly as possible. Move out."

[/B]The team followed him down to the transport room, and stepped through the door, scattering as soon as their feet hit the surface. Kreid flicked the safety off his rifle, and moved quickly into position, getting inside the council meeting chambers for the planet's capital, and running up the stairs onto one of the many balconies overlooking the central chamber, where Kreid could see the Representatives, and the Commander walking towards them with his detail in tow.

Kreid looked around the chamber, taking in as much information as possible in a short amount of time. He glanced up to a higher balcony, and briefly saw the glint of light off a rifle scope. Looking closer, he saw a young man dressed entirely in black aiming at the Commander. Kreid opened a comm channel to Zaidin and whispered the order.

[B]"Zaidin, get the Commander to safety now!" [/B]As soon as he could see that Zaidin had moved the Commander, slowly and subtly, as though she just wanted to whisper a word in the Landers' ear, he aimed and squeezed off a shot at the hidden assassin, knocking him to the floor. But his shot attracted attention, the attention of the squad that was protecting the Representatives, as well as the men who had been put in place to take out the Commander.

All hell broke loose.
[/SIZE]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=darkslateblue]"...although you could have been a little more... diplomatic about it," William said. He'd contacted Kiva soon after her return to the [I]Catalyst[/I].[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Not without risking the mission," Kiva said. "All I knew is that I was looking for someone in that building. We had to keep an eye on everyone who knew we were there."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I know," William said. "And for the record, I agree with you. But the representatives resent your methods somewhat, and I've already gotten complaints."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Yeah, that's a surprise," Kiva said. "I'd never have guessed they'd object to me holding members of their staff at gunpoint in their own office complex while I viewed secure footage before arresting one of them."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I think they're probably more pissed than you expected."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I don't," Kiva said. "I've had my fair share of complaints from polititians. Remember, I did this kind of thing a lot when I was undercover. Some of my methods were... less than appreciated by certain of my superiors. But seeing as how I did better than anyone else, my superiors were willing to offer me a bit of slack. Oh, there were complaints, but it never went further than that. It'll probably be the same thing this time."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Most likely," William agreed. "And I expect their protests to die down once you've left the sector."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Another assignment already?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]William nodded. "Yes. This one's important. I'd have sent you out sooner, but it's only now that there's a chance for success. See, I want you to hack the millitary database in sector 2 and retrieve all personell files from it."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Um. Yeah, that's going to be tricky. I take it you have something in mind, though."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I have a way in," William said. "The rest is up to you."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Getting in's half the battle. What's the plan?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"You're going to pretend to be the messenger ship [I]Phoenix[/I].I realize that the [I]Catalyst [/I]has been upgraded to the new model, but the [I]Phoenix [/I]is also the new model. Apparently, it was under construction when the new model was approved for production after your report of readiness from your experience with the [I]Transcendence[/I]. There's no reason they needed the Mars facility to make the things, so when the new model was approved, the [I]Phoenix[/I] was modified to fit it."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I see. When was construction completed?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"Just a couple weeks ago, actually. The ship was close enough to completion that they had to take it apart a ways to modify it to the new model. I'm pretty sure that's why it got the name [I]Phoenix[/I]. Anyways, the [I]Phoenix [/I]is assigned to patrol, but we don't know what its assigned area is. We do know, however, that there's no other ship you can pretend to be. I know you can imitate one of the old messenger ships, but that wouldn't be enough. You'll need authentication codes, and we have [I]Phoenix[/I]'s."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"What? You got a Specialist's authentication codes?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]William nodded. "Yes, I did."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]Kiva knew that there weren't many sources the codes could come from, and after she used them, all of those sources would undoubtably be investigated. "William," she said, "I have to remind you that if I use those codes, the agent who got them to you will most likely become unable to continue in undercover operations."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I know, but we need those personnell files. Once we get them, we'll know who in our forces is actually with the Empire."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#483d8b]"I see," Kiva said. "I doubt you'll get someone like that agent on board the [I]Liberator[/I] we've had problems with, but you're right about the importance of this assignment. All right. I don't know how I'll do it, but I'll get it done."[/COLOR]

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

OOC: I hope that stuff about the [I]Phoenix[/I] is okay. Don't hesitate to tell me if you want anything changed, SunfallE.

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5527/pharuswq5.jpg[/IMG]
[SIZE="1"]Copyright [URL="http://airage.deviantart.com/"][COLOR="goldenrod"][U][B]aiRaGe@DeviantArt[/B][/U][/COLOR][/URL][/SIZE][/CENTER]
They hadn’t been back in sector one for long when Crystal received a message from Fleet Admiral Stevens, ordering her to go to Pharus, the first moon orbiting the main world. Crystal knew all about the moon, every Versilan did. It was where all of the main military training facilities were built, where all recruits for whatever branch of the military they were going to be in came to prepare before being deployed. The entire moon was a gigantic city of buildings, from the offices of the military, to the training facilities to even some of the basic storage and construction of all weapons used by the military.

It was also home to the finest research laboratories in the entire Versilan Empire, from medical research, weapons research to genetic research. If something was being looked into, the facilities that oversaw everything were located in Pharus. Only a few other facilities on the main world in the Council Center were better. Most if not all traffic and information for maintaining and controlling all other branches of said services was located on Pharus. It even had it’s own representatives for dealing with the High Council like other sectors did.

Just as there was someone who was the Shipping Expert like Darren Anderson for the High Council, there was someone who was appointed for these facilities. One for the medical, for genetics and so forth. Though those who served in that capacity had their own offices planet side, close to the Council Center instead of on the first moon. Crystal’s destination was rather specific. She was going to one of the labs that was now housing the remaining projects that had been halted in sector fourteen when the New Alliance destroyed the facility there.

Not only did they have to redo some of the original work that had been interrupted, they had to replace the scientists who had been captured by the New Alliance as well. Since she had worked closely with the scientists in sector fourteen, even choosing the director of the project, Stevens wanted her to go and make sure those who were being selected were up to the task of handling such delicate work

Not for the first project, that one didn’t worry her so much, but rather for the third one. Even though it was forbidden, Stevens and the others had not discontinued it like they had the one for mentally altering the slaves. Personally, Crystal felt it was foolish, especially since learning that the Elite Specialist Kiva Salqarian was really an undercover agent, and the capture of the scientists as well as the destruction of the previous facility; meant that the New Alliance had that information.

Once news of what was going on got out, the uproar would be even worse if they learned that they were still conducting the research. But like always, her objections were overruled and since it was not the same as project two, the one that had been halted, she stifled her objections and went through the proper channels to transport down to the facility in question. Taking the time to interview each of the scientists who had been hired so far, taking the time to question the new director of the project.

They didn’t like her questions and there was a certain amount of resistance, but Crystal did not care. She would, as always, do her duty, she always did. Even if this particular task would require her to spend the next couple of weeks overseeing everything until she was satisfied that those who were working there were up to the task. She had already found one researcher who needed to be replaced, their knowledge not quite up to par. She would not be the one firing them though, that would be handled by Stevens, she would simply send her recommendations to him based on her findings.

Crystal finished taking notes from the office she had commandeered for her visit and then once the person in question had left, she had the next one sent in. Not bothering to offer the scientist who entered a smile, there was no point when she was essentially re-interviewing them over their current job. She motioned for him to take a seat facing her from the other side of the desk. Crystal glanced at the list of people again on her hand held computer. There were so many to talk to and with all of them taking several hours each, it was going to be a while before she was done. With an inward sigh she looked back up and began the next interview. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[Rachmaninoff]

For the longest time Darren just stared at the reader that the blond Versilan had given him, warring between relief and anger over what he had just watched. Relief that it seemed that Mike was still alive; anger that they had used the truth drugs to interrogate him. Sure it was better than using torture but still, Mike had given up a lot of information that he?d rather the New Alliance didn?t know about. It was likely they knew anyway, but the personal questions that were nothing more than a means to find out how he felt about certain things and individuals?

It took a lot of effort for him to simply put the thing down instead of smashing it into one of the walls, especially after the second video, which was nothing more than a reminder that there was no reason for him to endure torture when they?d get what they wanted anyway. It reminded him painfully of how the military had done the same, given him no choice but to cooperate. Making him wonder just what was in the message that would warrant so much effort to coerce him.

[I]I?m screwed,[/I] he thought. [I]No matter what I do, I can?t win. Even if I resist, it won?t matter to the High Council. I?ll still be considered a traitor.[/I] The only problem with that was how it would affect Kerstin, he was fairly certain that she would never believe that he was a traitor. She knew him better than that. And he was fairly certain that nothing would happen to her, if she had even returned to the fleet that is. That bothered him more than anything, not knowing what she was up to.

Darren hadn?t realized just how much time had passed until the door to his cell opened again to admit the silver haired Versilan. Darren didn?t bother to get up off the small bed, there was no point really. He just waited for him to speak.

?[B]It?s time Darren, what is your decision?[/B]?

Darren laughed, ?[B]You speak as if I really do have a choice.[/B]?

?[B]We always have choices Darren, even if we don?t like what they are.[/B]?

?[B]Bullshit.[/B]? Darren said bitterly. ?[B]Not that it matters.[/B]? He looked away. ?[B]You can keep telling yourself that lie? [I]Hell [/I]you might even believe it![/B]? Darren turned back and glared at him.

?[B]You?re no better than the damn High Council, twisting others to get what you want.[/B]? He fought to keep his anger under control. ?[B]They didn?t give me a [I]real [/I]choice either so I hardly expect the same from you.[/B]?

Darren picked up the reader and tossed it at the Versilan who merely caught it, saying nothing. Something that just made him even angrier for some reason, forcing him to attempt to clamp down on that anger before he said something he?d really regret. Even if it made him feel like a traitor towards a group he felt had betrayed him in the first place; he didn?t want to get tortured when they?d get what they wanted anyway.

[I]God damn stupid? [/I] It took the pain of his fingernails digging into his own palms to bring him back to his senses a bit. Darren took several deep breaths before finally finishing, not looking at the Versilan who was patiently waiting for him to get his anger under control. He didn?t want to make eye contact or he really would yell at him, something that in his position, wasn?t a bright idea.

?[B]Fine.[/B]? He said through clenched teeth, ?[B]I?ll sort the damn data for you.[/B]? He finally looked at the man who was watching him, his expression unreadable. Darren waited for him to speak and then snapped when it became apparent he wasn?t going to say anything.

?[B]Unless you intend for me to start right now?[/B]? He glared at him. ?[B]I?d rather be alone, so unless you object, I?d like for you to get the [I]hell [/I]out of here.[/B]?

The man just raised an eyebrow at that and nodded. ?[B]Fair enough, I?ll be back for you in a little while.[/B]?

Darren watched as he turned and left, taking the reader with him. Once the door was shut he slammed his fist into the wall of the cell, cursing under his breath.[I] I just can?t win, no matter what I do, I keep getting caught up in these messes.[/I] With a sigh he curled up on his side on the small bed, ignoring the food he had been given earlier in the day since he still had no appetite. Then, because he was more exhausted than he realized, he feel asleep.

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Celestia was dreading returning to the computer lab that morning. Even if Kenath didn?t know the message came from her or what it had contained, he would know it was sent from the computer lab. Just thinking about her and Jason being taken for away for disciplinary measures and interrogation to find out what was in the message as well as who it had been sent to, was enough to make her sick, literally. She found herself fighting for control as her and Jason headed for the lab like always. [I] I?m such a fool![/I] She thought as they entered the lab and took their seats, simply pulling up their work, trying to not draw attention. Celestia?s heart sank when she heard Kenath approaching from behind.

?[B]Come with me you two,[/B]? He didn?t even wait for them to answer but turned to head for his office, trusting that they would follow.

Puzzled by his calm manner, both of them did as they were told.[I] Has he not run the program yet? [/I]Celestia wondered as the two of them entered his office and took a seat across from where he was sitting at his desk. She glanced briefly at Jason before giving Kenath her full attention.

?[B]I ran the program last night.[/B]? Kenath explained, his expression was puzzling as he seemed angry but it didn't seem to be directed towards them. ?[B]I was expecting to find traces indicating messages were deleted, but I was not expecting to find so many from the lab.[/B]?

Celestia couldn?t hide how surprised she was, after all, the person she had warned did not work in the computer lab. She had expected him to find plenty of traces for unauthorized messages being sent, but not from the main computer labs of the [I]Creator[/I]. Plus, she had only sent the one message. She was starting to feel a tiny bit relieved and then froze briefly in fear at what he said next, at least for a moment that is.

?[B]When the first one came up I was certain it was one of you, but the data indicates that it?s likely the messages were sent from multiple terminals. The two of you other than one time have never been allowed access to any of the other terminals, so it?s not possible for you to have done it.[/B]?

Celestia couldn't believe their good luck.[I] Does he think all of the messages were sent by the same person?[/I] His angry expression seemed to indicate that. Those who were loyal to the High Council had a very dim view of those who would even think of betraying their own kind. She wondered if he was offended by learning he had a traitor under his command. Celestia just kept quiet, if he wasn't going mention the possibility of it being more than one person, she certainly wasn't going to say anything.

He looked at both of them for a moment, ?[B]The program doesn?t tell me which terminal it came from, but based on the time imprints it narrows it down to only the ones which were currently active. Also, nearly half of the messages were sent when the two of you weren?t even in the lab.[/B]?

?[B]I need both of you to improve the program, or rather to start eliminating who could have been responsible. I have no intention of possibly handing the investigation over to a traitor.[/B]? He snarled in irritation.

?[B]This assignment is not to be discussed with anyone but me, is that clear?[/B]?

"[B]Yes sir.[/B]" They both replied at the same time.

?[B]Good, I?ll send you the relevant data to help you narrow things down. In addition to that I want you to also work on the other unauthorized messages that were sent from other areas of the ship.[/B]? He looked to each of them and then dismissed them both.

"[B]Unless you have questions for me, we're done.[/B]"

Both of them shook their heads, indicating they did not have a question for him. Getting up to hastily make their way back to their terminals with Kenath motioned for them to leave. Only when the door to his office had closed behind them did Celestia breathe a sigh of relief. Not that she wanted to do the work in question, but rather that she hadn?t been caught. If she was careful about it, she would be able to remove any trace data in regards to the message she sent.

That would come later though. For now, she was merely relieved that she hadn't been caught. Though as they took their seats she wondered if some of the deleted messages had been sent by the person she had warned. She certainly hoped not, based on where they were situated on the [I]Creator[/I], she knew the person was unlikely to attempt to run unless they had no choice. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Daniel knew that Tarika Zaidin was far from happy with his decision to accept the surrender of the Representatives for sector four in person. However, even with her duties to see to his security and to investigate Greydon Kreid, she was not privy to the information that William was working to get the sector to break off. She was not aware of the investigation to pin down a potential traitor in sector nine. So she couldn?t know that their eagerness to surrender was unlikely to be a trap, or rather not in the sense that she was thinking.

No, if it happened, it was more likely to be a case of the person responsible taking advantage of the situation to possibly kill him. However, being in transit had prevented him from being able to verify if William had found the problem, but still, it was a risk he was willing to take. The idea was to take over with as little blood shed as possible and no one Commander?s life was more valuable than another?s life. He ignored her frustrated glances as they transported to the surface, the security detail in tow.

?[B]You?re making a mistake sir.[/B]? She said forcefully as they moved to greet the delegation that was waiting for them, all of them dressed plainly and unarmed. The team was understandably nervous as they surveyed the area, but true to the agreement, everything seemed to be in the clear. At least on the outside of the representatives meeting chambers.

?[B]You really think so?[/B]? Daniel smiled slightly. ?[B]Tell me Ms. Zaidin, what is your take in regards to ordering an attack against a force that has expressed a desire to surrender?[/B]?

Daniel watched her mull the question over as they entered the building and followed the small party sent to guide them to the meeting chambers. It was clear she didn?t have an answer for that one, after all, one could not operate on the stance that any and everything was a form of treachery, it simply didn?t work.

?[B]It?s simple Ms. Zaidin. A Commander who knowingly orders troops to participate in crimes against peace betrays himself and those who serve under him.[/B]?

?[B]But sir!?[/B]

?[B]How many people are on a battleship Ms. Zaidin?[/B]?

Her brow furrowed as she searched for the information as well as for the purpose behind the question, but it was more rhetorical than anything else and Landers continued without giving her time to answer.

?[B]The exact number isn?t so much important as it is that each and every one of those people have undeniable rights as a citizen. And that includes the opportunity to lay down their arms and come to a peaceful solution.[/B]? He finished and then caught her gaze briefly just as they were about to enter the main chamber.

?[B]No single life is more valuable than the lives of millions of soldiers who are only doing their duty. Never forget that Ms. Zaidin.[/B]?

?[B]How can you say that sir?[/B]? She was clearly puzzled. ?[B]Especially after everything that has happened to you? I mean, no offense but, I?ve seen your file sir, before the war broke out. I know what happened to your family.[/B]?

Daniel just smiled sadly, ?[B]That is precisely why it?s so important. There?s no point in attempting to overthrow the High Council if we aren?t going to change anything.[/B]?

And then there was no more time for questions as they began to approach where the Representatives were waiting. They were almost there when Tarika Zaidin moved over as if to whisper something and then with a nod to the others dragged him sideways under the partial cover of the balcony and the chairs for those attending the meeting. The simultaneous sound of a shot going off was more than enough to tell him that things had gone wrong and he offered no resistance when they suddenly moved him.

He looked around quickly to see that there was obviously something going on in the upper balconies as even more shots were fired. As all hell broke loose and Zaidin moved to get him further back and into some form of better cover, he cast a quick glance to the three Representatives who were moving back themselves to dash for cover. He caught a glimpse of their faces before they turned to run, seeing the briefest flash of irritation for one, sharply contracting the surprise on the faces of the other two. He made note as that look made it clear that they were likely the one responsible for the treachery.

As the group keep themselves between him and whoever was trying to take him out, he wondered who was up there providing cover for them, though knowing Zaidin? He resisted the urge to laugh in spite of the desperate situation, it was in a way rather ironic that she had ignored his orders. Then as they moved to barricade themselves in one of the stairways leading up to the next level, the thought crossed his mind that if they didn?t get out of there alive, at least he knew he could trust his second in command, Spencer to step in and stop any pointless retaliation against those who would have known nothing about the decision to attempt to kill him.

Then there was no more time for thought other than to take out those moving in on their position, something that with their armor made it difficult as they were not equipped with the more powerful rifles necessary to penetrate their armor. Instead Daniel focused on hitting exposed equipment such as the tiny receptors on their helmets for communications. Even if it would only scramble things for a bare second or two, the distraction of being hit in the head, even if you knew it wouldn't be lethal was enough to make most soldiers hesitate, dodging out of the way.

He kept moving with the group when it became apparent that their position was far from secure and in danger of being overrun by a group coming down from the balcony above. Daniel just kept getting off shots with his disruptor whenever possible, hoping he'd help to give whoever Zaidin had called in... time to take them out.