Nexus Chronicles Mega Crossover (RT/SRW/ & Many Others!)

This is my first and only story in fanfic form. It started out as a personal musing of "what if" and grew larger from then.

FS2: Beyond Redemption/
The Nexus Chronicles


Arc1 - The Call of Destiny



Chapter One:


Lt Maya Reet's voice sounded from the darkness, "Attention all forces, Operation Normandy has been initiated, Moon group fold!"

Moments later, hundreds of shimmering spacecraft disappeared from orbit around the planet Fantoma (The Tirol System/Southern Cross constellation). Two individuals stood on the bridge of the largest starship in orbit admiring the cascade of flashes.

"Well Rick, its started." Declared a blue haired man, slim of build wearing aviator glasses and sporting Colonel's stars.

"Yeah Max, and God go with them..." The emblems on this person's uniform suggested that his companion show more respect, being the rank of Major-General, but there was an undeniable informality between these two.

"Well in that case they won't need us huh?" Was Max's feeble attempt at humor to lighten up Rick's dark mood.

"Nice try Max, are your people ready? We go in one hour."

Rick and Max were a part of Jupiter group, the last of a three-wave assault on the Invid occupation of Earth (their home world).

"Yep, everyones itching to go. This is the first big operation for a lot of our forces since the REF finished its purpose here. I'm sure there are many who feel that they have to 'Prove' themselves and you gotta admit, if you were them you'd be nervous too."

Max began cleaning his glasses, he had a habit of taking them off in the middle of a conversation and sometimes it really annoyed Rick even after fifteen years of friendship.

"I suppose your right Max. It's just that I can't shake this feeling that something's not right. Maybe it's just that this battle is so important. I mean it's not everyday you liberate your OWN homeworld!" Turning towards the bridge crew and flicking a lock of hair out of his eyes, "I want the latest status intel from moon base ASAP and have Mars group standing by to fold!"

"Sir" Spoke blond haired LT Marc Reynolds "Moon base has lost transmission, looks like their being jammed by the Invid."


Rick turned back to Max, "Well, it had to happen sooner or later. I'm surprised they even let us talk to them for so long. You'd better get to the flight deck Skull Leader." Rick tapped Max's shoulder, saying much more.

"Ok boss, see ya when I see ya!" Max saluted and hurried from the bridge. This was definitely an appointment he wasn't going to miss!

Ten minutes later Reynolds reported again, "Sir, still no word from Moon Base and Mars group is ready to fold."

Rick, "Understood, tell them to go ahead and that we'll be right behind them so don't stand in the door!" A bit of humor as Moon group folded to the Moon, Mars group folded to Mars, and Jupiter group was going to Jupiter. This arraingement was so that an initial beach head was made at Earth orbit while a command post was set up at Mars and could send reinforcements. Jupiter group held overall command authority but was a mop up and last ditch effort wave. If the battle went badly, they would bomb the planet all out like the Zentreadi did twenty years ago. This was more preferable than the domination of the Invid.

He turned to his XO Commander John Davies who was sitting second station. In reality he was Lisa's XO, but since the Admiral was in sickbay now of all times, he was now serving under Rick for the moment. "Are we good to go?"

Davies shook his head, "Yes Sir, all ship sections reported in, we are go."

LT Reet also reported, "Sir, Mars group has folded and our fold engines are at 80%"

Rick replied, "Roger, send a signal to Jupiter fleet that when we get a 100% fold ready consensus they are to fold"

"Acknowledged Sir." She deftly passed on the word.


Rick could imagine the fierce fur ball that would be taking place in Earth orbit Ten days from now and prayed that some of them would survive. The projections were that the first wave would be utterly destroyed unless they could miraculously destroy the Invid Reflex Point (Central Hive) and cause a collapse of their command structure. But it was necessary to pave the way for the cruisers so they could bring their heavy weapons to bear without merely destroying wave after wave of fighters and not reaching their surface targets (minor hives, protoculture farms, etc.)..

Lt Reet appraised him once more, "Sir, we have a green light across the board. Initiating fold as ordered."

The great ship (The SDF-3) hummed as it vibrated and slowly entered hyperspace. The moment it began to move the entire fleet started fold operations. They would soon be in Jupiter orbit as fold technology was advanced after trading technological skills with the races liberated from the Invid during the Sentinels campaign. Though travel time would be many days (vice years) it would only feel like a couple of hours. Then something occurred...

"Sir I'm getting an anomaly from the engine indicators...They're starting to SURGE!"

"During a fold? Dammit! Signal the fleet to continue and initiate an emergency shut down NOW!" Rick shouted.

Reet's voice was very strained, "Sir fleet acknowledges go ahead, but engines not responding, now passing 120% capacity!"


*What the hell is going on?* Rick thought. "Dr. Lang, can you tell me what in space is going on down there?"

Dr. Lang replied, "General, there seemz to be a problem with the interlock mechanizim. It will not disengage and unless we can..." The communication went dead and the huge fortress was rocked by some sort of impact. Bridge personnel were thrown about like rag dolls. *Damn, should've use the seat belts* Rick thought as someone was gently touching his shoulder and helped him off the deck.

"General, are you alright?" It was Lt Reet, apparently she was one of the few individuals who used their belts during a fold (smart girl).

"Yes, I think my pride is bruised more than I am, thank you." He jumped to his chair comm, "LANG do you read me? Engine room respond."

Nothing... Rick barked, "Status report."

Reynolds chocked back, "Sir, multiple injuries scattered across all decks. Indications of some casualties from heavy objects. We are on backup power, secondary power NOT responding and inertia has stopped, we are no longer in hyperspace."

Glancing out the window Jupiter could be seen in the distance, it's unique appearance left no doubt that the SDF-3 was in the Sol system. But hours/days early???

The comm panel on the command chair came to life startling him, "Rick! It's Max, what the hell is going on? I got planes all over the deck and my men are pretty banged up, others aren't so lucky. It's a real mess down here!"

"I don't know yet Max, Lang got cut off at that bang and haven't heard from him since. Meet me in Engineering, I'm gonna have a look."

The panel lit up, "On my way boss! He'd better have a damn good explanation!" The light went out.

"Commander Davies, YOU have the con!" Rick shouted as he ran for the elevator.

It took considerably longer to reach main engineering with the power shortage blocking transit routes, but eventually the two officers got there.

Rick and Max stepped through the doors and were rendered speechless Dr. Lang was there yelling orders at his crew, it was apparrent that most of the back up power was going to the pinpoint barrier system cause that was the only thing that was keeping the people in the room from being sucked through the gaping hole in the bulkhead!

Lang noticed them, "Gentlemen give me a moment to stabilize the barrier, or as you say, we're scruood!"

Minutes later he was able to address them, "Best that I can figure is that some unknown force in hyperspace reacted with the Engines of the SDF-3. The system went wild and threw itself into full capacity. Then it reached a breaking point and it was like slamming into a brick wall. BANG!" (claps hands) "The SDF-3 stopped and the result is this...", He ended by pointing at the hole.

Rick gasped out, "You mean the engines tore away and are traveling on?" A blank expression was forming on his face while Max also had yet to say a thing.

Lang muttered, "Not exzactly, more like a sense of they were ripped away by that force! More clearer than that I can't be at this time. This is very much different than the inzident on the SDF-1 though the after-effects are similar. Regardless, if we hadn't had the pinpoint barrier system tied into to the backup power supply so thoroughly, many more would be dead..."

Rick sputtered, "Alright Dr, try to get something going here though I have no illusions of getting full power anytime soon. Max, get whoever is able to man what planes are flight capable and standby. We may be out of the fight but that doesn't mean we are out of danger. In fact we are in Jupiter's orbit as I speak and that means we're early!"

Max exclaimed, "What?! Dr, how can this be?"

It was Lang's turn to be caught unawares (a rare event), "I...I don't know this should not be possible, but if Rick says we are at Jupiter then maybe we were catapulted at a speed we cannot fathom to our destination... I will try to figure this out as quickly as I can General." He turned towards the engineering crew and began status checks and repair priorities...

"Well that's my cue then." Max took off back to the flight deck. Rick wanted to go to the infirmary to see for himself his injured soldiers but also cause Admiral Lisa Hayes-Hunter (his wife and Commanding Officer) had taken ill just before the operation began and he was going to fill her in personally about their situation...

She practically met him at the door the way she moved from the bed to intercept him. "And what do you think you're doing with MY ship mister?!" Though she was angry at him, Rick couldn't help but feel attracted to Lisa. It seemed that they were always fighting about something, it didn't matter what. In the end however, they always made up and that's what he looked forward to each time, but not now.

The instant Rick opened his mouth Lisa shot, "And don't start with 'I can explain'! You've used that too many times before..."

Switching gears mentally, "Lang says 'something in hyperspace ripped away the engines', right now we're on emergency backup power only. Secondary power is shot to hell cause they we're directly connected to main power. The crew got banged up pretty damn badly and we've got casualties. Btw, I'm glad you're in one piece..." Rick embraced his wife, a serious breach of PDA and rank, but Lisa didn't feel like disciplining him serverly in public.

"Ahem, near death experience is no excuse for lack of protocol, consider yourself reprimanded." Lisa smiled.

Rick saluted his wife, "Yes Admirial!"

Lisa continued, "Well we better get to the bridge, I've goldbricked enough, you think?" Nodding in agreement the couple carefully returned to their stations.



[Cut to mining station based near jupiter]

Unified mining platform JS1 was a long boring and (as is often the case with space mining) a dangerous assignment. Their purpose was to land on Jupiter's moons and mine the rare elements there when their orbits made it safe. Jupiters gravity as too dangerous to continuous mine the same site 24/7, 365 days. So once a month a mixed cargo of minerals was sent to earth by robot tug. Once received the tug would be sent back (with much needed supplies,etc..) and the process started anew. So at any one time there were 6 tugs going to Earth and 6 on Route to Jupiter. Each one taking 1 year to complete their circuit.

"Captain? The satellite is picking up a weird signal."

"What, you got an episode of friends again?" laughing.

"No sir, seriously, it's a comm signal but according to the computer it's close!"

"let me see that," Leans closer to the screen, mumbles "This can't be right" Hitting some buttons to enhance and triangulate source again for confirmation. "Damn, it's real. Ok people get everyone on alert. we got a visitor in the area and if anyone was supposed to drop by I would've heard about it from the company!"

This wasn't good. An unknown signal this far out probably meant pirates. The minerals normally were worthless to normal people, BUT if a group had a corporate sponsor they could make a good profit by hijacking tugs or even taking over entire platforms. There was nothing to be done except for going completely silent and hoping the pirates (or whoever) goes about their way and passes them by before a tug shows up and gives away their position (since one was due in a few days)...



Chapter Two:


A few hours after arriving 'early' in Jupiters orbit the crew of the SDF-3 was making some progress with repairs. Dr Lang had ordered the removal of protoculture engines and power cells from a whole fighter squadron (which didn't please Rick or especially Max very much) In fact the two were in a heated discussion on the Prometheus hangar deck.

Rick, "Max calm down I understand how you feel."

Max, "General you know at a time like this we need every pilot and fighter we can get our hands on and now I got a whole squadron grounded!"

Rick, "I know, I know. Look I understand where you're coming from and it's gonna be hard on Eagle Squad. And I know it was hard for you to tell them to hand over their planes. This wasn't one of my favorite orders I can tell you that."

Max, sigh "You're right (as usual) it's just that if you had seen the look on their faces. Dr Lang is gonna be very unpopular for awhile on the flight decks."

Rick, exasperated "If only the power system wasn't so hosed I never would have agreed to jury rigging the reactors of 24 veritechs and all their power cells. But Dr Lang is right we need to keep the pinpoint barrier system up and God help us if we need to fire the main gun!"

Max, though still angry was somewhat mollified by this predicament, "Have we got word from the fleet or any indication of Invid activity?"

Rick "No, and that's got me real worried. It's too early to come to any firm conclusions so I am ordering a full sweep of the area. At least it will give you and Skull Squadron something to do and get you outta my hair." trying to be humorous to hide his nervousness.

Max "I just hope that however we got here that the Invid haven't picked up on our presence yet. This could screw us badly especially if moon base couldn't hold out."

Rick"Exactly. If you do find Invid and are detected, kill them quick!"

Max, turning to leave with a hurried salute, "Don't I always?" Smiling.

Rick watched his friend go saddle up Skull Squadron for the recon mission and knew that he couldn't ask for a better X.O. and Wing Commander. Not only was Max Sterling an ace pilot, but in many different kinds of situation he was a tactical genius. Also he was a good friend and over the fifteen years they had known each other proved that no one would be as able an officer as Max in this position.


Minutes later after the briefing, the members of Skull Squadron boarded their planes and took off into the void. For most of them Jupiter was just another gas giant (many of the crew were born in deep space or on the worlds of the sentinels in the constellation of The Southern Cross).

Few of them remaining on board had ever been from Earth, but being their parents and grand parents home it was their duty to finish the battle against Invid domination. It was a long five years as world after world was liberated from the Invid starting with Fantoma (The home of the Robotech masters), and continuing to all the others that were formerly part of the Robotech Empire. The Battle was taken even to Optera the Invid home world (where the Invid Regent was destroyed in single combat by Commander Breeti) but too late as half of the planet's forces had left for Earth not three years earlier.

Max spoke up, "Ok people look sharp and keep your power levels as low as possible. We want to see anything FIRST, combat is NOT the priority. Lets not make this more than a Recon mission if we don't have to!"

The squadrons formed up with Skull taking the lead, followed by: Viper, Ghost, Vermilion, and Sepia. Eagle was grounded for lack of power cells and the other squads had taken losses of planes or personnel so their remnants stayed behind to protect the ship.

Vermillion and Sepia were older style VF-1S's so they didn't run on Protoculture but instead had Fusion engines. Skull had Alphas but also VF-1S's as backups so they were currently in those while Viper adn Ghosts were in standard Alpha fighters.

"Sir, Viper 1 here. I got a reading near Europa."

Max replied, "Roger Capt. Thompson, Viper can check this out. All other Wings maintain your vectors and watch your scopes."

Capt. Quince Thompson expidited, "Acknowledged Skull Leader, Viper Wing let's go."


Viper Wing proceeded to the source of the signal cautiously. Just because the signal was quite small didn't mean that a whole battle group couldn't be hiding behind the moon. A few minutes later they reached visual capability.

Capt. Thompson, "Sir we've got a visual. Looks like some sort of installation. Looks very Terran."

Invid structures were mostly Organic in nature, unlike actual combat units.

Max acknowledged, "I read you Viper 1, Proceed with a long range scan and then a flyby to see if anyone's home."

"Roger Sir."

Viper Wing activated scanners which determined that the installation had noting organic (living) except for the crew which appeared Terran. Viper 1 ordered the Wing to circle while he went in for a closer look."



"Dammit!" Jones shouted, "Even with generators on low they found us..." (Not knowing that the sensors of the VF squadron were superior to any known by this Earth) "Lee, wait for optimal range and then power up all defense turrets starting with ones closest to the intruder."

Lee replied, "Aye Sir!"


Viper 1 closed and began a sweep near the front of the installation.


Thompson mused out loud, "Strange. For an installation of this size the power readings are extremely low. Permission to hail.."

At that moment indicators on board began to light up threat status. "Sir, Power levels have spiked and I am being tracked!"

Max yelled, "viper 1 get out of there! All wings converge on Viper 1's signal!"

The veritech squadrons began in earnest to reach their comrade who by now was under fire.



"Sir! Target evaded first volley. The turret couldn't power up and lock on fast enough. It's speed is incredible."

Jones sighed in frustration, "It's not your fault Lee, our visitor is unlike anything I've ever seen. Let's keep the defense grid up for now and restore power levels to normal. If he comes back then we'll try to give him a fight!"

*Brave words* Jones thought, *but if IT comes back you might as well be throwing stones. If we couldn't hit it even when we had surprise then we're dead.*



By now the fighter groups had met up and Max's Blue VF-1S took the lead.

"Ok pilots, we're going in slow and easy. I'm gonna try to get through to them. But if things stay nasty, then we're gonna level the place."

Four Sets of V-formations approached the station.


"Sir!" Lee exclaimed, " My scope is picking up the intruder AND lots more of them!"

Jones tried to sound resolute, "This is it. Maintain lock on any targets and..."

"Transmission incoming from lead intruder Sir..."


Max spoke firmly, "This is Col. Max Sterling, of Skull Squadron. Hold your fire, repeat hold your fire! We detected your power signature and were looking for Invid forces. We mean you no harm, but if you insist upon firing at us I will have my fighters blow you to dust!"


Jones held hsi hand up to his staff and thought a moment, "This is Capitan Jones of Unified Mining Station Jupiter 1. I have received no information about a military force in the area and I have no idea what these Invid forces you are talking about. You are ordered to stay clear of the station until I get authorization from Earth that you are who you say you are!"


Max replied, "Very well Captain, as long as you hold your fire we will only fly within 1km of your station to ensure your safety while we sweep the area. As for authorization from Earth. My orders come from Major-General Hunter aboard the SDF-3, not Earth. In case you didn't notice the planet's been invaded by the Invid for the last three years! We are the last wave of the Expeditionary Force returning from Fantoma to liberate the planet."


Jones couldn't help thinking, *This man is either insane or in need of serious medication!*, "Roger Col. Sterling that is acceptable."


Max continued, "Major-General Hunter would probably like a word with you about your current situation and whats been happening out here. He can answer any questions you might have about who we are and our authority."


Jones smirked, *Great, I can't wait to meet this fruitcake*, "I will be looking forward to hearing from your C.O. then Col, Captain Jones out."


"SDF-3, it's Max."

Rick got on the horn personally, "Go ahead Max, we've been monitoring you."

Max sighed, "Is it my imagination or is something REALLY wrong here?"

"You know miners" Rick started, "Maybe they've been out of touch with Earth so long they might not even KNOW about the invasion. Besides, even you could go 'Space Happy' after crushing rock after rock for a few years."

Max smiled, "Roger that! Well, we've completed a full sweep of the area and the mining station is the only thing on the scopes so I'll leave Sepia on station and bring the rest home, rotating the wings out to relieve each other in case something turns up."

Rick replied, "Sounds like a plan Max, see you soon."


"Aye boss man... Sepia 1, you guys got the duty for four more hours and then you'll be relieved. All other wings return to base."

Sepia 1, "Roger that Skull Leader, safe trip home."

Chapter : 3
---------
(Jupiter Mining Station)


Shock... No, not just shock, SHOCK & AWE...

Captain Jones's mouth literaly hung open as the SDF-3 came into view of the stations observation bay. The sight of the green and white monstrosity was overwhelming and frightening. Looking like a nightmarish growth it was a bulbous rear module with two gigantic arms that overreached it's keel. In a word, it was Alien. It also was no doubt the largest space vessel he had ever seen, it must have been almost 2-3 miles long.

"Mining Station, this is command shuttle requesting permission and a vector to dock, over."

Lt Lee responded, "Command shuttle this is mining station, activating flashing strobes to mark landing pad, touchdown at your discretion, staff is ready for your arrival."


The shuttle in contrast looked human in design. It was white and angular with the appearance of a late 20th centry space shuttle, but visibly armored and armed with some sort of cannons projecting from the main body.

Touching down without incident the shuttle attached itself to the airlock and the entrance way was pressurized to human tolerances. The lights were green on both sides and the shuttle doors opened with a whoosh as the pressure evened out. Six individuals exited the shuttle and approached the greeting party.

A tall swarthy skinned man with light brown (and greying) hair was in the lead and introduced himself first with a German Accent. "I am Dr. Emil Lang and mission leader of the Robotech Expeditionary Force. To my right is Admiral Lisa Hayes-Hunter, commander of the REF Navy and her husband Major-General Rick Hunter, commander of the air and ground units. To my left is Col Max Sterling, commander of the Fighter Wings.

"We've met earlier, just not formally", Max quipped with a half-smile.


"I am Captain Emery Jones of the Unified Mining Station, and this is my right hand man Lt Scott Lee. Perhaps we could have this discussion in the conference room, Lord knows I could use a drink about now."

45 mins later...

Max had given station personnel the 'short version' of the Earth-Zentreadi conflict, the Robotech Masters, the Invid, and now their journey home.

"And that's how we ended up here in orbit around Jupiter." Max finished the briefing prepared by Dr Lang for the miners.

Captain Jones got up as Max returned to his seat, it was an amazing story. Almost unbelievable except for the fact that the ship in the story WAS real, the people who crewed it WERE real and they were HERE in his station!

"Thank you for that briefing Col Sterling. It's an awful lot to digest and seems incredible but I will not dispute it. However it's my turn to tell you the history of this station and the company that owns it as well as the government which allowed it to be built here."

"Unified Mining holds the rights to all 'legal' mining of celetial bodies in the Sol system. Before the break up of the United nations in 1992 the American based company managed to get funding from it's international partners and agreed to split the profits for support of their country's governments.

The stations were built and then all hell broke loose. It was around 2001 the first use of a 'labor mech' for terrorism was against the golden gate bridge. Many lives were lost and America declared a war on terrorism. Unfortunately this ended up becomming a vritual WWIII. Sides were chosen, Those looking to rid the world of terrorism, those who harbored terrorist, and those who simply wanted to get out of the way.

America and it's allies became the Coalition and the terrorist states became the Soldiers of Allah (SOA), there are too many neutral fractions to mention but many are just small countries. If the situation was bad enough already it seems there were some research projects that had already advanced beyond the level of the 'Labor mech' that were coined as 'Super Robots'.

Most of these were controlled by madmen, while some were more benevolent. Regardless of who controlled them where ever they fought it ususally caused great damage and loss of life. The military began development of Mechs to be used as weapons and so began the decline of support for orbital stations such as us. Now everything is automated from the supply drones to our infrequent communications. Out here we are basicly safe but the closer to Earth the bigger the chance a pirate vessel belonging to either or none of the factions might try to strike for the mined ores or other supplies. We though you might be pirates when your fighters buzzed us earlier. I can see now you are not. Were we to contact Earth, such as it is, they would no doubt have the same reaction to you at first as we had." Captain Jones sat down.


Dr Lang addressed the miners and the SDF-3 crew, "We are gateful for you explaining the situation we find ourselves in Captain. It seems we are now in a universe were Earth is still in the throes of global war. They have no idea 'what may be out side their doorstep' as they say. We should immediately head for Earth and make contact with any of the Democratic nations that are willing to talk and try to resolve this wasteful conflict.

Meanwhile we should try to figure out exzactly how we got 'here' and if there is a way back to where we belong. For the moment we have to assume it was an event that can be duplicated, BUT we must be prepared for the possibility that it might not be so..."

Both sides were stunned at this train of thought. The universe, as they all have known it, had changed.


Preperations were made and the SDF-3 bid it's farewell to the mining station's crew. Without the main fold engines the SDF-3 had to 'limp' on it's secondary drive systems. This would normally not be a problem but many of the conduits for them were ripped loose by the disappearance of the mains.

They had to alternate usage otherwise the temporary fixes would rupture so the going was slow, estimated travel/repair time was one month. They used this time well to examine all the data the mining station had graciously donated to the command staff about Earth after getting "the 10 cent tour" of the SDF-3.



Chapter: 4 (Chaos reigns)
-------------
Planet Earth


"Striker 7, I need backup! One more hit on the rear grid and I'm toast!"

Pure desperation filled the cockpit of the Hunchback as smoke and sparks threatened to engulf the pilot. Like a drunken sailor the mecha tried to align it's backside to a building tall enough to shield it.

"I'm comming hold on!"

Like it's namesake, the Panther quickly tore up the pavement as it's pilot tried to come to his lancemate's aid, however the enemy units weren't making this easy. Fire Lance Alpha of the Storm Rider Company (a Brittish unit) had walked into an ambush and was paying dearly for it. The unit had come to Egypt after the government there informed the coalition of terrorists passing weapons through the Alexandrian port so a lightning raid was drafted.

"I hate to be a ninny old chap but there isn't much to hold on to!"

Already the targeting computer had reacquired the Hermes, Urbamech, and Catapult that had lit him up earlier and tore him a new A-hole. The two lighter mechs had distracted the Hunchback with minimal small laser fire and when he had tried to move in closer to unlease his deadly AC20 point blank the Catapult pilot jumped in behind him from concealment and two LRM 20 salvos ruined his day!

Quick thinking, he used counter measures, ecm jammed, and used the temporary smoke created from the explosions to side step out of the kill zone. Even with lowering his radar to passive only and almost no engine power it was a scant few minutes till they would close in for the kill. 3-1 odds is never good if you are the 1, especially if you can't turn your back to any of your opponents! Now he had no where left to run and doubted his opponents would be kind enough to come down the alley one at a time into range, Hell, the Catapult alone would do it as soon as it turned the corner as it would be optimal range for the LRMS.

"Striker 3 I got you on radar, I am almost there!"

*Pity, he wasn't gonna be able to return the 10 bucks he had borrowed before last payday* That and other stray thoughts one has when one faces certain death went in the back of Striker 7's head.



"Damn you bastards! Just a few more seconds..."

Striker 7 was already charging his hand mounted PPC, the weapon was so massive on the light mech it was actually half of it's right arm so he could do noting with it like grab things just point and shoot, though in an emergency he could use the arm to cradle things or shoulder block. He could see the enemy formation ahead rounding the corner where Striker 3 was trapped, the Catapult in the lead with the Hermes and Urbamech backing it up. He wouldn't get past the other two in time!



"Here goes nothing!" Just as Striker 7 was about to charge the Catapult and hopefully be close enough as it turned towards him so the LRMS wouldn't arm in time, a deafining roar came from above.


"Not on my watch! GETTER BEAM!"

A crimson lance split the ground and snaked toward the catapult and it's escorts in a fraction of a second. All three were serverely deformed where teh beam washed over them, then moments later exploded as their super heated ordinance and engines went critical. The two Mechwarriors were stunned...

"Hey you two, your unit is regrouping South, three clicks. I suggest you get a move on!"

Looking up from the shadow that raced over them into the sky they saw, in thier words, "Something Incredible" An armored Red LAM.

Striker 3 wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he recovered from his stupor quickly enough to ask "Not that I'm complaining, but who the HELL are you?"

You could almost feel the amusement in the reply, "You can call me Star Dragon, and that would be MAJOR."

"Right-to, Good show Major, thank you for the assist we will be going now!"

The two Brits had heard the briefing about the American experimental mecha by that callsign that would be 'around' the theater of operation and although he technically wasn't in their chain of command, when someone has blown away the three units (with one shot) about to frag you and is friendly, are you going to argue with him?

"No problem, mates, leave anything North of here to me, just keep going south."

*Damn that limey was lucky I saw that, 2 more seconds and he was a goner*


Major Carl Crocker (c/s Star Dragon) was here for a more specific reason then just to bail out mecha teams. There were still two factions that had "Mech Monsters", bastard creations of science run amok.

Dr Hell (sometimes referred to as Dr Demon) had uneartherd the prototypes of his evil seeds in the ruins of ancient Crete. Apparently the legends of Atlantis had some fact after all about being an advanced civilization long ago only to have been destroy by some unknown event.

The other faction was led by Commissar Krell and his "Krell Corps" Krell was once a respected Physicist and when it was discovered the planet Promete was capable of supporting Human life and was in the nearby star system of Alpha Centuri the governments of the world kept it a secret and collaborated on a means of designing a powersource and spacecraft to reach this jewel in the heavens, dubbed "The Promete Project".

Krell betrayed Humanity and sabotaged the project at a critical stage. Trillions of dollars wasted and with the war on terrorism beginning meant not much could be done about it. Krell took the plans for the semi-stable power source and traded it to Dr Hell as the other madman had offered secrets of the ancient war machines in return for the ability to make them live again. Now Krell had built purely mechanical mechas based on the schematics and writings of the ancients, while Dr Hell uses the power source to awaken the organic constructs and mastered them.

Reports had indicated something beyond the norm in the area, and the fast amount of unconfirmed casualties indicated destructions before the pilots could radio back their situations, that was a bad sign.

Flying towards the coast line, it didn't take long to spot a sispicious shadow lurking under the water of the city's deep port.

"Yeow!" The threat indicaters lit up in spades as numerous missiles erupted from the waters surface and closed on his position. Trusting in the computer, the Major set the controls to transform into mecha mode. During this three second operation, the handgun and the head mounted turrets took out the incoming missiles as they were programmed to do.

This was not a standard mecha by any means! In fact it had been a bastardized version of a Land-Air-Mech (or LAM for short), and the technologies salvaged from a mostly destroyed Getter unit.

The Saotome Institute of Japan had created a "Super Robot" called Getter Robo G (before the disappearance of most of the Super Robots overnight!) so it never bothered to reclaim the lost unit that still orbited the Earth as so much space junk. The American military used one fo their last remaining space shuttles (Independance) to bring back anything they could find to advance their mecha projects. The results of this effort was ONE prototype that can not be replaced as they have failed to duplicate the technology, only re-install it in a new frame.


"There you are you fugly thing!" Though no intelligeble reply ever came back from these monsters besides some type of roar, it always pleased the Major to get some type of response during a battle.

It looked like a giant squid as tenticles lashed out with blinding speed and caught the unit within it's grasp. "Sorry not only do I not kiss on the first date, but hugging is out as well! ARM BLADES!"

A whirring sound like a circular saw began as both lower forearms revealed huge versions of those blades and began to slice through the tenticles in short order, but not before the mecha was dragged below the water and closer to the monster.

Just as the last tenticle was about to be severed the monster glowed bluish-white and massive jolts of electricy surged into the unit. "SHIT!" The insulation for the systems would be fried in no time not to mention the pilot's flesh, there was no time for fancy tactics.

"EAT THIS!" The right arm had freed itself and managed to direct it's gunpod into the monsters chomping mouth. (CLICK!) The muzzle flashes lit the interior of the beast's maw as auto cannon rounds penetrated deep into lightly protected areas and it quickly released it's prey with a distorted howl.

"Oh stop your whining, it wasn't exactly cricket, but what did you expect?" Ok fun was over, now the LAM was as badly damaged as the monster. If he couldn't put his opponent down now or get away it was over. *think man THINK!*


"Got it! Follow me tall dark and squishy!"

The foot thrusters engaged and launched the robot out of the water. The beast was enraged that it's prey was about to escape and angrily pursued. As soon as he hit the surface the Major switched to the hybrid mode (how the LAM got it's name) or Air-mech, as it was now appearing as a fighter plane sprouting arms and the engine/feet angled down to the water.

"You want me, come and get me!"

If his plan worked this monster was as good as dead, if not... *Sucks to be me...* His target was a tanker he saw in the deep water port, hopefully it was still filled with crude oil headed for a refinery.

Within seconds he was just above and past the tanker and turning about to face his opponent (hovering in the air as a trademark LAM manuever)

"Yeah that's it, you know you want to smash the boat and eat me up!" By now the Squid Monster was soaring on the surface of the water at an unbelieveable rate practically ignoring the obstacle in front of it, it's attention almost totally on it's target. There was no margin for error, this would use up that last of his energy for weapons and movement for a long time.

"GETTER BEAM!" Once more the crimson ray erupted from the black crystal embedded in the mecha's head and struck the deck of the tanker, only impeded for a moment before reaching the oil in it's hold.

The monster had almost no time to realise it's mistake as it was practically on top of the tanker, so intent on reaching the taunting enemy it had half climbed over the tanker and now tried to reverse course as it felt the massive explosion rip into it's underside.

"Now or never, Double Tomahawk!"

As the LAM began to decend (its power draining to zero in a few moments) the two arms pulled two bars from the legs and axe heads extended from the ends just as they arced back to throw them. Both hit dead on and both of the squid's eyes now had an axe buried into it. Blinded and mortally wounded the creature floundered about in frustration and perhaps fear(?) as the Major eyeballed the manual targeting reticle and launched a missile salvo just as his console went dead.

Twelve Missiles streaked out to their predetermined target and ten hit home. The LAM hit the water hard and jarred the pilot roughly just as the squid monster went critical and blew its bio-mechanical body all over the bay causing a tidal wave to slam some tanker debries into the cockpit.

The force of the water made the wreckage penetrate the canopy with a crack and now water was rushing in as the LAM started to sink. Normally mechs are waterproof as he had planned on waiting a bit till the generator had rechaged enough to simply walk to shore, but this was NOT part of the plan! He grabbed the emergency oxygen mask and before he managed to get it clear of water he felt a tug.

*Great, it's alive and gonna finish me off now?* As the LAM was lifted high enough so that the cockpit was above the water line he could finally see what had a hold of his mech. It was an Atlas!

"No Worries! I saw the tail end of that bugger and thought you needed a hand." Her voice was definately Brittish, and VERY nice. "BTW my name is Capt Jennifer Storm, but you can call me Jenny for short" The bay had settled now as the two quickly approached the waters edge.

He just had to ask, "Well Capt Jenny your timing is excellent! How did you manage to save my bacon?"

"Seems like you met up with two of my boys who were in trouble so I wanted to see if I could return the favor." she replied with soem humor.

By now the Atlas had made it to shore and gently settled the LAM on the ground.

Laughter came over the radio as the Major realised he was talking to the CO of the Storm Riders, "I'll take that as even, but please don't mention the part about carrying me alright? I think it would be detrimental to my macho image, even if the only one who believes it is me!"

More laughter "Your one of those funny Americans huh?"

He smirked, "Yep..."

"Well Mr comedian how about buying me a drink at the club later?"


He thought about it for a moment, "That can be arrainged."


This was a relatively normal end for this type of day, but that was soon to change...

Chapter: 5 (Whispers in the Dark)



Darkness... But was it really dark or just an absence of light?

Cold, or just the lack of heat?

Insanity, or just the omission of rational thought?

It did not matter, the darkness cried, *We shall be FREE*

The chorus of millions of voices echoed in the void that was their home/prison. Already they could feel the barriers weaken. Perhaps someone had found the portal and was foolishly powering it up?

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[The USS Defiant in Bajoran space outside DS9]


Cmdr Benjimin Sisko was sweating slightly.

The air circulating on the small bridge actually felt good against the back of his neck. But this was no time to be distracted.

"Dax, arm all mines and cloak them."

This was it, the Dominion fleet was preparing to move and reinforce their footholds in the Alpha Quadrant. If that were allowed to happen it would be nearly impossible to resist their invasion.

"Mines armed and now cloaked, this should make things very difficult when they get here Ben!" Dax had a half smile on her face. Though the situation was about as serious as it could get she still derived some pleasure that the brutal killers (The Jem Hadar) would lose MANY ships in their exit of teh anomally called The Wormhole.

"Major, any sign of the Dominion fleet?" Turning his head Sisko could see Kira intently manipulating the sensors giving total concentration to the detection and tracking of any enemy vessels. "No sir..." she started, then corrected herself, "WAIT! Picking up a reading from our DQ probe. Multiple warp signitures heading for the wormhole."

"Damn" He swore, "Dax, if it looks like they are getting through the mines we are to fire the quantums and collapse the wormhole."...


As his order finished, time stopped for the Defiant crew and Sisko found himself in a realm of light.


"What? You? No, not now!... Any moment the Dominion is going to try to overwhelm our position at DS9. Send me back!" He cried.

Two men and a familiar woman surrounded him, "You are the SISKO, you are needed."

His frustration was starting to mount, "I am needed on the bridge of the Defiant! Please send me back."

"That is not the path of the Emissary"... The one who looked liek his deceased wife, Jennifer, spoke.


"Dammit I am not just the Emissary, I am also a Starfleet Officer! And if you've failed to notice there is a war going on!"

"We told you this war was not for you Benjimin, you are of Bajor."


"Fine, you don't want to send me back? We'll guess what. The Dominion is about to send over a thousand ships through the wormhole. I am willing to fight, and probably die, but at least I will die defending Bajor the best way I can." His temper up now Sisko wasn't holding anything back,"Not only that but after we are killed Bajor will most likely be totally destroyed! And what will you do then? You have been unwilling to lift a finger this entire war and now it's on your doorstep. If you want to pretend to be Gods, THEN BE GODS!"


The trio hadn't changed their mannerisms or tone (like all other conversations), but this time thier words alone impacted him as never before, "Very well. But there will be a price Sisko."

"What?!" Before he could finish asking, Benjimin found himself back on the Bridge of the Defiant. "Commander?" Kira had spoken, "Last reading I had was about 1500 Dominion ships entering the wormhole...Now I have no readings at all?"


In the pitt of his stomach he knew that the prophets had done it. The Gods of Bajor had delivered a miracle. *But what will they ask of me in return?* "It's over." He sighed.

All eyes turned to him, the questions reflected in thier curious expressions, "I'll explain later. I just spoke with the Prophets it's all right now the Dominion forces are gone. Lets head back to DS9."


Chief O'brien was slightly sarcastic, "Thank you Prophets!.. Aye aye, course laid in we'll be home in three mins."


For them it was over. But for others, this was only the beginning...




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Chapter 6 (Devils an Angels)
[Imperial Sector 001] Three years later...


The ISS Enterprise (1701) hung in orbit around Jupiter, a relic of an age long past now brought back to life as the mythical phoenix.

The Vorta spoke, "Mr. Laforge, are we ready to begin?"

A black male with a prothetic VISOR looked up from his engineering panel, "yes all systems appear nominal and engine power is stable. We can go at any time."


The grey being with the small pointed ears sat in the Captain's chair and gave a wave of his left hand, "Then by all means, it's your show Lieutenant. Let us hope it is not a disappointment."

*Come on Geordi you CAN do this!*, "Aye sir venting plasma and modulating warp field."

The reason this Terran ship and crew were here was due to the Founders. Three years ago the Dominion fleet appeared at Bajor as expected, Only no one was waiting for them and the station. Not long after they were shocked to discover the Cardassian's (supposedly their allies) running the station were hostile.

Not only that, but Major Kira was now "The Intendant" and was the CO of DS9 , or rather "Terrok Nor" as the Cardassians originally called it. Further interaction and research revealed that the entire history of the Alpha Quadrant had changed. Humans were called Terrans and were brutally subjegated about seventy years ago. The largest power in the AQ was now called The Alliance and was made up of Klingons, Romulans and Cardassians.

The wormhole was no longer working (or had collapsed), so there they were confused and isolated in the AQ. The Founders accompanying the invasion fleet came up with a cunning idea. After securing "Terrok Nor" and freeing the Terrans they presented themselves as a benign race serving a 'higher power', whose goal was to liberate the Terrans and restore their empire (under their guidance of course).

Terra and most of the Human colony worlds were retaken with minimal trouble as no one expected an unknown fleet of a thousand ships to attack them. Five hundred ships were left at Bajor to secure the station and also in the event the Wormhole started working again.

The madness behind this method was in their assesment of the AQ powers it was determined that Humanity was the biggest threat due to their conviction, and their creativity. If the Dominion could harness that here in this 'twisted mirror universe', then prehaps they could find a way to get back to where they belong, or at least to the Gamma Quadrant.

One such effort was the reason the Enterprise was near Jupiter. The aging wreck was taken out of mothballs and given priority repair. As the Dominion gained access to the knowledge of the Empire's history from a liberated Earth, they discovered this wasn't the first time a crossing had occured.

Records they found that implied that Tiberious Kirk had been transported to another reality and in his place a double who had engineered the downfall of the Empire had briefly corrupted the first officer of the ISS Enterprise (Spock the Traitor) before returning to his home reality hours later.

Intrigued and hopeful, the Founders sought Terran engineers to duplicate the occurrence. If this could come to pass maybe they could make the effect bigger and get their fleet back to their AQ.

During this time they had not been idle. Where Utopia Planatia once orbited, it's scraps were used to build a mega shipyard. The Dominion had close to five hundred additional ships constructed during their exile so far and the numbers continued to rise.

Using their databanks of AQ knowledge they sought out Terran survivors whose doubles were talented people in various fields. Given training by the Dominion, it was hoped they could emulate their 'other selves' in ability (though they were not told about the other universe, simply that this was a different type of transwarp experiment).

One such person was now controlling the engineering bridge panel, Lt Geordi LaForge. Rescued from a Klingon forced farming colony Geordi had always been 'bright' and absorbed technical knowledge like a sponge (almost).

The colony was a harsh place under Klingon rule but with his status as a technician he was given a few privilages denied most of the other slaves. The comming of the Dominion was like divine intervention, the forces of the Alliance outnumbered and overmatched lost battle after battle.

Now the tide had passed and the situation more or less stabilized. The Dominion almost controlled about the same amount of territory as the other Federation did in it's universe. The Alliance had rallied holding firmly to Qonos and Romulus but Cardassia was hanging by a thread.

When the dominion moved, their former 'allies' were their first targets as they were intimately familiar with ships, tactics, codes and personalities of the Cardassian war machine.

In short it was astounding how fast they were brought to the brink of utter subjugation before Alliance forces were able to relieve the battered world. Leaving only token forces near the Cardassian system the Dominion then sent skirmish teams to make the Alliance feel their other homeworlds were threatened to push them back as much as possible and give them breathing room.

The tactic worked, and the Aliiance became paranoid. Relations between the Klingons and Romulans became strained as each began withdrawing support of Cardassia in favor of securing their own regional borders.

Now a new plan was conceived, the Dominion would put everything it had into the Transdimensional effort or they would be trapped here forever. Using the data recovered from Imperial intelligence archieves it was decided to try the first experiment with the original Enterprise including the state it was when the event happened.

At first they had used the famed engineer (and 'miracle worker') Captain Montgomery Scott (who had been recoved from a transporter stasis of seventy-two years). After numerous failures, which caused the death of a dozen 'volunteers', he was summarily executed for gross negligence and the event was broadcast throughout the AQ. Showing although the Dominion had saved the Terran Empire, it would not allow such a disgraceful failure to be tolerated from it's best people after expending vast resources.

Now it was Geordi's chance. At first he was daunted and feared he would be the next 'example' of failure, but after a flash of insight and weeks of study on the problem he came to a conclusion of WHY Captain Scott had failed. All previous attempts were to duplicate teh incident that happened all those decades ago but Captain Scott ahd failed to take one factor into consideration.

There had been an cosmic storm in BOTH universes during the transporter use in the same coordinates simultaneously. What if the failure was due to the fact that this effort was ONE SIDED? No one on the 'other side' was trying this experiment, and especially with no cosmic storm on the other side to facilitate it of course it would fail. It was a once in a googleplex chance! With this new realization LaForge utilized Dominion computer models to come up with new variables and concepts to approach the translocation. Now six months of work was about to be put to the test.

Well he would know in a few minutes if he was to be executed like his predecessor or be hailed as the new hero of the Dominion & the Terran Empire.

"Activating warp field... Field stable" Though faint the whine of the engines could be felt as maximum power was applied and the ship was ready to move like a bat outta hell.

"Initiating Neutrino beam" A pale green shaft of light sprang from the ancient ship and struck the vented plasma.

"Now reading anomolus reaction". The area in the middle of the plasma begam to buckle and warp as if being pushed and pulled simultaneously. The Vorta, Weyoun, leaned forward in the Captain's chair. They had never been so close and he could feel sucess! *Blessed be the Founders!*

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The tiniest of ripples, insignificant in the vast void but felt none the less drew their attention. *Again? The barrier is being weakened, we must try to use this!*

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The violent reaction of the artificial anomoly reached a crescendo and LaForge was estatic "We ahve a breech!" his voice was loud and joyful, "it's small barely there but definitely holding. How long I can't say, maybe a few minutes max." The Vorta turned toward the science officer quickly, "Launch probe into the anomoly NOW!"

The class five probe streaked from the Enterprise and vanished into the vortex. "We have telemetry, recieveing video signal."

This would be the proof Weyoun needed to show the Founders, "Maintain recording of probe data and put it on the main screen."

They were not prepared for what the saw. It was a vast fleet of ships colored blue & white of a species they didn't recognise though Jupiter could be seen in behind them. Suddenly many of the ships began to shimmer and dissapear like so many cloaked Romulan ships but instead of fading to transparency the glowed brighter and brighter until they shown like tiny stars and then faded away.

The sight was breathtaking. Alarms and indicators flashed angrily at the engineering panel "Sir, something is overloading the engines?" The guages began to redline and creep dangerously higher to the critical level. "We got imminent warp core breech in sixty seconds! Initiating emergency shut down proceedure!" Crewmen ran to emergency stations and donned radiation gear.

The Vorta stood up and shouted, "Eject the core and move us away at maximum impulse!" For once the crew had heard fear in Weyoun's voice, but there was no time to register this event. "Negative!" LaForge screamed, "The relays are not accepting the eject command or the shut down ones either. CARLISLE! have your people smash open the warp inhibitors manually!" 20 seconds remained till warp core breech, the bridge crew held it's breath.

The feverish whine of the engines that was almsot deafening by now, had started to subside as guages lowered and systems powered down. "They did it." Geordi sigh with relief.

Weyoun had regained his composure and barked,"Report!"

Laforge was first, "Eninges shut down completely, we have no impulse and are on battery power only, multiple systems are shorted out. Fire crews are responding all over the ship, we lost a lot of eps conduits but we should be able to hold together."

The Enterprise was practically a dead husk once more, but regardless they HAD created a pinhole and obtained proof of anohter place beyond the anomoly however briefly. Weyoun smiles in the dim atmosphere of the emergency lights, *The founders will be pleased*...

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The dark conciousness concentrated and used all their will to batter the walls of their prison. The effort of a whole race focus into one act of assisting and enhancing the efforts of the unknowing Terran Empire. *YES! Now We shall use tham all!* Taking control of the Enterprise's engines they forced the breech open wider and sense the massive folds taking place within the REF fleet. As the SDF-3 began it's fold they siezed their engines as well as this construct was vastly more powerful then the pitiful wreck they now withdrew their will from.

The SDF-3's engines went hyper critical and started to be dragged across dimensional boundaries far beyond what they are normally capable of as they slammed from one universe to a completely different one. the event left the main body in this strange place while the fold engines were able to be dragged into two or three more realities before the strain finally destroyed them utterly.

It was done *Now we sleep* the effort was so draining it threatened to obliterate the race as they fell into a mass coma, the weakest of them dying in the thousands. But the damage had been done, the spiders have woven their web and now awaited their prey to make the first tentative steps into doing their bidding. It was just a matter of time and no one was more patient than them...

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sounds like a great read, will check it out later tonight

Chapter: 7 (New Dawn)



The world was shocked when the SDF-3 transmitted it's message of peace and goodwill through the existing satellite network. For some it was heralded as "the end of days", most looked to the sky and prayed it would deliver them from the rotted cesspool their everyday lives had become. The many nations of the world began to bicker as each prepared their own agendas and preparations to welcome and treat with the visitors from beyond.


Major-General Hunter was not having it "Oh HELL no!"

Lisa Hayes-Hunter grinned openly at the conference table, as unlike her, her husband was never shy about his feelings.

He almost ranted, "There is no way we should allow any nation to seem above the others or that we would deal with them one on one. These people are almost barbaric! I was just a kid then, but I still remember the global war and if we were to start separating nations it will only feed their paranoia and deepen their divisions."

Most of those around the table nodded in agreement though some were lost in thought. Lisa turned to Dr Lang, "Are you ready to meet with their representatives?"


Shuffling of papers accompanied his affirmation "Yes, I have been gathering my notes and journals from the beginning of the UEG (United Earth Government). The appearence of the SDF-1 brought us together as one world and hopefully the SDF-3 can have that same effect here for these troubled people."

Captain Jack baker counldn't resist adding, "At least we aren't dragging a Zentreadi armada after us!" Then his counternance changed with, " Ow!" As Captain Karen Penn elbowed him firmly with a stone face.

"Indeed." Lang continued, " I have devised a set of guidelines for them that, if they are willing, will enable their world to copy ours in a much shorter time than it took us to get sorted and economically stable."


Admiral Hayes gave the documents a once over flipping through them, "And what is the time table you are projecting for the best outcome possible?"

Lang started rubbing his chin, "Provided they are open to the idea of global peace and unity, I would say two to three years."

"Wow!" Rick Exclaimed, "It took us probably six years and that was purely with political divisions, UEG didn't even have full support for rebuilding SDF-1 till the last four years of the project."

"Be that as it may." Lisa interjected, "We don't have time to babysit or wait for these people to grow up. We need to find a way to get home, and they might want what we have to offer, so I think we should just lay it all on the table and see if they go for it."


"And if they don't?" Lang asked tentatively.


"Then we say have a nice day and get the hell out of here and taske our chances searching this universe for the improbability that we can find a race we are familiar with that can help us. Or barring that, accept the inevitable and settle a planet somewhere."


That cast a pall on the meeting as no one in the room relished the thought of giving up and packing it all in to retreat to some planet. It would feel too much like running away.

She tried to change the mood, "But lets not dwell on that until we have to. When you are ready Dr Lang, you can send the transmission stating that each interested party may send one unarmed representative to be brought on board and meet with us."

Lang nodded, "I shall be ready to make the announcement by this afternoon. We can begin scheduling shuttle transfers by tomorrow morning."

"With full fighter escorts of course?" Col Max Sterling added.

Rick was quick to join in, "Of course, no way I'm allowing diplomats into any of our shuttles without a wing to cover each of them. Last thing we need is to have them shot at by someoen with a petty grudge while in our custody!"

"Well then..." Lisa asked, "If there is nothing else?" Pause "Then this meeting is adjourned until 0900 tomorrow." Admiral Lisa Hayes-hunter got up from the table and the others followed in turn.




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The following chapter contains a rewrite of previous history involving the Golden Gate. Ignore the previous reference of the "Labor MECH" incident (that occured against a different landmark in another city)


CHAPTER 8 (Warm Welcome)


The sun had just risen over the Brittish Isles, and stationed nearby coast was the Carrier USS Enterprise.


"Dammit!" Former Major Crocker swore as he cut himself shaving (yet again). In the explosion of the tanker a month ago, debris had ripped into his cockpit and though injured he hadn't noticed how badly until afterward.

Reinforced canopy shards had pierced his forearm and only now the doctors were talking about green lighting his flight status. Not to mention being promoted to LT Colonel was really pissing command off as his latest success brought him higher into the ranks of the Confederation. Though he had no direct problems with any particular member of the chain of command, it often irked the Joint Chiefs and their overseas counterparts that one man (still alive) had so much authority and autonomy over the raw power of the Getter system.

Of course the other reason he was so despised was the fact that he was specifically chosen to be the pilot after his two successors died while trying to master the newly reconstructed system. Converting an unknown technology was hard enough (as the US was not about to let anyone know of the exact details of ts recovery, at least for a while), but trying to adapt it on a smaller scale to a manageable airframe was murder.

He remembered when he was visited in the hospital. It was seven years earlier and his plane had crashed from the shockwave of San Francisco being all but wiped out. Though his squadron tried vailantly to defend the city from one of Krell's monsters, the devastation was the stuff of nightmares.

The monster had attacked during the noon rush and later it was surmised that his wife had been traveling over the Golden Gate. Thousands were killed in the initial attacks as the monster destroyed the momument to early engineering as well as teh surroundign area. It was months later before final DNA confirmation would be made for some casualties of the attack.

And that was for the lucky families, most would never know for sure except that they were gone with no trace. The radioactive renmants or energy releases scouring evidence of the slaughter in most areas.

SD had known she would be running errands and didn't need to be told she wasn't comming back, at least after the first month went by of having military agents search for her in hospitals or shelters. Then he got a visitor that would change his life and give new meaning to his existence...


He wore a biege overcoat and underneath looked the part of a business man.

Sd barely looked up, "Hmmph, Don't tell me you're with the IRS and want to ask why my taxes are overdue..."

There was something about this man that was, off? It was almost as he was examining SD, evaluating him with those blue eyes. He didn't like it, not a bit.


"Well" The stranger began, "At least you have SOME sort of humor left in you. The question is, do you have any fire left?"

Was this was a game? SD didn't want to play, but this person had picked the WRONG time to be soem sort of cryptic asshole.

He decided to share his sentiments, "Just what the hell do you want Mister? You've got three seconds to explain yourself, otherwise burns or no I will ass end you out of this room!"


For just a fraction of a second the stranger smiled.

"Excellent! First let me apologise for antaganizing you. I wanted to be sure you had spirit enough to listen to my proposal. We've never met, but we are distantly related."


*?!* SD had never laid eyes on him before so as his brain was working in overdrive the man solved the mystery for him.

"I am Thracia's uncle, Dr. William Thompson, I'm with Special Projects..."


SD was stunned for the moment. A relative of his wife's here? Now?

Turmoil was apparent on his face. Being bed ridden was bad enough, but dealing with her loss so recently as well as meeting a previously unknown relative so suddenly was taking it's toll on the battered pilot. In a subdued voice he slowly replied, his eyes threatening to loose control over the wall of tears that could erupt at any moment.

"What do you want from me, an apology for not saving her?" Then louder, "For not saving the city?" Then yelling, "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT FROM ME NOW?"


There was a pause. Perhaps Dr.Thompson was not quite prepared for SD's reaction, but he quickly recovered.

"It's not what I want from you. It's what I can possibly give you a chance to get."

At this he leaned in closer to the bewildered SD and whispered the word that would dominate his life up to this point.

"...Revenge..."




The electric whine of his second alarm clock broke SD from his painful nostalgia.

"Shit! If I'm late it's my ass!"

The Lt. Colonel roughly reset the alarm and finished getting ready. It was 6:45am and he had to really haul it to get to the office in 15 mins.


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In contrast, this one never needed to worry about such minor nusencenes as shaving.

Commissar Krell was a bald man, and when I mean bald I mean totally hairless. Continuous exposure to his greatest achievement had robbed his body the ability to grow and maintain it's hair folicles but what's a little vanity compared to being master of the Earth?

The man seated on the throne of solid gold was dressed in the finest black silk with matching cloak. Normally, he would be exuding an aura of complete confidence, his posture one of utter control of the situation at all times

But not today. His posture on the throne now was not that of one in control, it was of one in bedlam. Defeat after defeat had built his frustration to it's limits. At first it was a great boon when Getter Robo, Danguard Ace, Grendizer, Great Mazinger, and all those other *DO GOODERS* were destroyed/disappeared on that day seven years ago (along with one of his BEST warriors Cpt. Stache). But then those *Damn infidels* played God (Trampling on HIS domain!) and created that abomination called Getter GX.

It was laughable.

How could anyone take that fraken-mech seriously? They salvage some of Saotome's technology and slapped it in a primitive airframe intending to defy him? The mere audacity of it!

However, it proved to be more than just a annoyance as mech-monsters were being defeated faster than they could be manufactured. Working hard to win the support of third world countries and the extremist factions, he had began offering his support militarily and minor technicological improvements to their gear, but it wasn't enough. It was just a matter of time before all his forces would be out numbered... And outgunned.


Now these *ALIENS* from the cosmos threaten to take his dream away forever and deny him his true destiny! They are a threat, and there was only one option left to take. It was a final solution and there would be no going back...

He called out, "Are the preparations complete Dr. Monocle?"

The blue skinned man with pointed ears and a monocle over his right eye turned to his master, "Yes Commissar! Even now Colonel Harkin has his squadrons ready in the hangar and waiting for your command."

"Excellent! Keep us in cloud cover as long as possible then drop the cloaking screens and launch the attack when the shuttles get in range. These peasants will taste my wrath for defying me once and for all!"

Dr. Monocle cackled with fiendish glee, "Yes my Lord! They sky will be covered in blood I can assure you!"


Meanwhile in the hangars of Krell's sky-fortress, quite a different outlook was apparent...

"Damn his twisted heart!"

Colonel Harkin of the Krell Corps was usually above reproach when it came to military bearing. At this particular moment however, this was NOT the case, "It's the end of us all and he KNOWS it. This is just a last ditch act of desperation!" Adjusting his cap he prepared to address the men of his squadron.

The young lieutenant beside him in the matching blue Krell Corps Trooper uniform was very nervous at that outburst, "Sir?!"

Harkin smile from the side of his mouth, "Oh don't worry Alex, I fully intend to do my part for Commissar & Corps, but make no mistake, IF we get through this there WILL be a reckoning."

The leuitenant was wide eyed at the flagrant sound of treason in the Colonel's tone.

Harkin threw him a bone, "Don't be so shocked, I would have given up by now if I was the Commissar. These aliens were the final straw. With Cpt. Stache killed by Danguad Ace, and now that bastard child of Getter Robo has plauged us until we have one last monster. Basically it's over... (Sigh) So be it..."

He took one last look at his squadron and then gave teh command, "MEN, to your positions!"

The Sky Troopers of the Krell Corps manned their planes and started their engines. It wouldn't be long before the signal to attack would be given and their final fates sealed.

Reminder, in general:
* denotes speech in thought
[] indicates a particular song



CHAPTER: 9 (Meetings of fate)



After checking into "the office", SD made his way to the hangar, the smell of burning metal and sounds of powered equipment felt like coming home. As he made his way past the plane berths he heard a familiar voice barking out instructions to a newb mechanic.


"Dammit Jimmy, if you don't take a second reading with the laser..." The speaker was a graying man in his late 50's early 60's, "Never mind I'll take care of this later. Why don't you recheck the loadouts for Pilgrim Wing." As the young engineer departed the man turned to SD. "What are you thinking of doing, Colonel, scratching my paint job?"

SD chuckled, "Sparkplug, you know I never intend on bringing him back damaged... How are things otherwise?"

He replied with mock indignation, "Oh right, damage happens... Well I've upgraded the canopy so it should take a little bit more pressure to bust. Now the frame would more likely give before the actual glass does. So... How's the arm?" Pointing.

"Meh, the Docs still need to write off on it, but as far as I am concerned it's good to go!" Holds it up and balls a fist, then ignores the smallest twinge of pain.

Sparkplug watched his face durign the display, "...Well, he's ready when you are. In fact, I got a little surprise for you." Taking a set of headphones off the worktable, "Here try these on."


SD took the headphones and inspected them, "Seems like a set of standard issue... Hmm what's this?" He noticed the dual input plugs on the end as well as the inner set of ear inserts.

"He he, after (the "incident) when taccom caught the volume on that walkman, I know you've been jonesing for some flight tunes."

He smiled at the mechanic, "Yeah, probably why I couldn't concentrate enough last fight. It's just not the same when I'm not feeling it."

"Well, with this configuration the normal headphones both disguise the ear inserts as well as contain the sound." He grinned.


William "Sparkplug" Whitwickey was a civilian engineering specialist who was recruited by Doc Thompson long before SD was. In fact "Sparkplug", as he liked going by, was a mechanical wizard who could seemingly fix things other mechanics would scrap as hopeless wrecks. Though his previous military background was limited, it really didn't justify the amount of sealed files and level of security clearence this relatively unassuming man possessed.

When SD asked him one time about what got him interested in special projects he cryptically replied, "One day remind me to tell you about my son Spike."


This was a much needed gift as SD found his concentration in battle much more focused listening to his favorite songs. "This is sweet, thanks a lot Sparkplug!" Oh yes, this day was looking up indeed!

"No problem Sir, just doing my part for the cause."

"Damn Sparkplug, you're a civillian, I think you could call me by my c/s by now. Especially since our 'Unit' is not quite what you would call normal."

Both laughed. It had been a rough start at first with Whitwickey being a retired non-conformist civillian and SD being a spit and polish pilot. It had been a long six years of trials together that had brought their working relationship closer then most people would have thought possible.


The loudspeaker announced escort operations were starting and pilots began arriving for final pre-flight checks.

That was SD's cue, "Well, I better get back to Ops. Keep'em warm for me!"

"Alright Dragon, but lets hope things stay quiet."

SD let out an amen as he proceeded to leave the hangar deck and head to the operations area.


It was going to be a busy morning. Numerous representatives were scheduled to meet with the command staff of the SDF-3 and commence negotiations as what role these visitors would play in interacting with all parties. To help facilitate this "Cluster-F", it was decided that grouping the representitives in like-minded groups for transport was best to both conserve space and yet still get them all there in one trip with as little friction as possible, as not all of them got along with their peers.

The plan was for the Diplomats shuttles and their escorts to meet the honor guard from SDF-3 halfway and the native fighters would return to base.

At least it looked good on paper...


On the SDF-3, preparations had been made to receive the diplomats, but as usual there were always loose ends to finish. Major-General Rick Hunter was leafing through a request document in his quarters.

"Seating requests, oh this is rich! Hmm musta been lost in the transmission." He took a marker and blacked out the section. "If they are going learn how to get along they might as well learn now! Umph!" He grunted as a three year old ball of energy slammed into his leg.

"Daddie play!"

It was little Roy. Unlike most ships, the SDF-3 was remodeled as a generational ship complete with family facilities. While it was a great comfort knowing their families were at hand, it was always still a risk since the SDF-3 was also built for war in cases where diplomacy failed. Many of the families of Jupiter group were aboard SDF-3 as the other ships of the fleet were mainly warships and as such provided little to no room for civilians or bulk passengers. That would only degrade their combat capability and create hazards. This was an unforeseen misfortune as now those families were trapped in this alternate dimension and far away from their loved ones, who most likely, were fighting for their lives to retake their home from the Invid.


Lisa Hayes-Hunter, Admiral, mother, and all around miracle worker was there to run interference. "Sorry Roy, daddy is too busy to play right now." as she picked up the pouting child. Little Roy Hunter looked NOTHING like his namesake Roy Fokker with his mop top of black hair, but had plenty of the same personality somehow. Balancing her bundle of joy on her hip she turned to Rick, "How's it going?"

Rick held up the packet of documents and she could see occasional areas of black marker obscuring them, "That well huh?"

His reply obviously had a sarcastic tone,"You know it, it's gonna be a barrel of monkeys alright. Remind me again how I got stuck helping Dr Lang with the diplomats?"

Lisa pointed her thumb at the epilet on her shoulder that denoted rank and branch. He grinned, "Oh yeah, I remember now..."

*He definately is not looking forward to this* She thought, then tried to lighten the mood. "Like they said 'only Nixon could go to China'.

" Rick growled and kissed his wife and son as he got ready to leave their quarters, "First of all I don't have a dog named Checkers, second, that doesn't even make sense!"

"Doggy!" Roy chimed in. Lisa was not so amused,"Great! You mentioned the D word..." It was a well established fact that pets and starships do NOT mix (much to the irritation of the newest generation of REF offspring). Many on board had made requests for shore leave or brief visitations when that subject could finally be addressed. Getting the crew some fresh air, as well as letting the children run around a bit would do wonders for morale.


Rick decided leaving five minutes earlier was best since Lisa now had the uneviable task of explaining to Roy WHY he still could not have a dog, as he had be told "When we get to Earth, you can have one.". However, this was not their Earth and they weren't free to just stroll the countryside and start settling in like new neighbors quite yet.

A three year old has not the understanding of time or geo-political diplomacy an older child might so this "betrayal" of a promise was going to be quite upsetting.

Lisa's eyes narrowed both in irritation and amusement as Rick casually retreated from the room with, "Love you both, but gotta run. A General's work is never done! Cya!"

*Oooo that man!* She thought as she tickled little Roy *If we could have traded places once, especially during the pregnancy and birth I'd show him some work!*. She gazed at erh son, "You know Roy, no one can annoy me like your father does. But I still love him."


Rick was in such a hurry he almost bowled into Skull Leader around the corner from his quarters.

Max urped, "Geesh Rick, what's your hurry? You got an armada after you or something?"

"Worse" He mumbled, "CODE D..."

Max's face changed to instant recognition, "Uh-oh, she's gonna have her hands full today!" At that both men laughed at their inside joke about Ricks inability to stay out of trouble with his wife for very long. (Code D for example is whenever Rick slipped up and said the word Dog in front of Roy).

"So" Rick quered, "How's the Sterlings so far?"

"Oh just PEACHY. Dana is bored out of her skull so much she ALMOST volunteered for escort duty. But then she realized it's diplomats and loathes that kind of babysitting, plus she's a ground pounder. I swear Rick, Miriya and I can't imagine a life without flying and our Dana never had eyes for anything but her Hovertank MKII! Was it something WE did?"

The wounded tone of his voice was mocking as Rick KNEW Max and Miryia were as proud of their eldest daughter as any parents could possibly be.


Dana Sterling had been left behind initially when the SDF-3 began it's quest to secure peace from the Robotech Masters at the age of Eleven. She and Bowie Grant, who was the nephew of the deceased Claudia Grant, were watched over at that time by General Rolf Emerson of the Army of the Southern Cross.

Being a celebrity of sorts as the FIRST half-Human half-Zentreadi, Dana always craved being the center of attention. This was both a blessing and a curse, but despite this personality flaw she got in with little fuss into the Army at age fifteen (she had "Uncle Rolf" sign a waiver for her) and firmly established herself by age sixteen as a talented Destroid pilot. Eventually she was assigned as the XO of the 15th Armored Tactical Corps (ATAC15).

By her Eighteenth birthday the constant escapades of Sean Phillips finally got his command stripped from him permanently and Dana Sterling was Promoted to Lieutenant and Commanding officer of the 15th Squadron.

Not long after that, the Robotech Masters appeared and began trying to secure the scattered ruins of the SDF-1's last battle (as the protoculture generators deep in the bowels of great ship had a supply of seeds of the flower of life, the last known to exist in the universe!).

The conflict was short and ended with the death of her soulmate Zor (The recently freed clone of Zor Prime), the defeat of the Masters, and the accidental release of the seeds into the ecology of Earth. The seeds took root and it was only a matter of time until the Invid would come in force to harvest it.

Just before the Invid invasion two years later, a REF ship with an experimental fold system appeared commanded by Colonel Wolfe (leader of the Wolf Pack ground Cyclone commandos). The ship had been dispatched in haste to test the system first of all but also to gather intel about Earth and let them know the REF had secured a peace with the Masters of Tirol (albiet too late to save more than a remnant of the once great empire). Due to oaths and promises made during their voyage, the REF was still in the process of freeing the worlds of the Sentinels (the deaths of the Invid Regent and the traitorous Colonel Edwards had just occurred, but still more hostile forces remained to be mopped up.), but would begin heading home shortly.

Dana met Colonel Wolfe and they had a torrid affiar. The colonel was a ladies man with an eye for exotic women and Dana enjoyed the air of scandal their relationship produced. But eventually she realized their pairing was just running from her feelings about the deceaced Zor and broke it off.

Instead she volunteered to go on the return trip and join up with her family in the Fantoma system (as the REF had made the Planet Tirol, the Master's former homeworld, their headquarters). Wolfe likewise decided to stay on Earth and try to prepare the Army of the Southern Cross against the Invid with his tactical knowledge gained from fighting them (which as we all know proved almost useless as Commandant Leonard was an egotistical idiot and was one of the main reasons Earth fell so quickly to the Invid!).

Dana travelled a year (though percieved less) through fold space and was eventually reunited with her parents, as well as her new "little sister" Aurora. However due to strange forces on Haydon V Miriya's pregnancy was complicated and she gave birth very early. Also a result, Aurora Sterling grew at an accelerated rate which alarmed evryone.

Dr Lang assured that he could tell the phenomenon would eventually slow down and stop, though this meant that she would age rapidly till end of puberty (biologically she was 12-13) Chronologically she was like 6. Dana swore that once in the SDF-1 Ruins she had a vision of her sister Aurora and was warned about the Invid. Of course her Earth superiors laughed at her but once among the forces of the REF, her friends and family took her seriously as Aurora seemed to manifest amazing powers of precognition and awareness. Sometimes this was a clear and precise warning, but most of the time it was more like a feeling. Dr Lang categorized Aurora as a very powerful Empath with the possibility of becoming a telepath later in life.


"Um Rick" Max begn slowly as they we nearing the SDF-3's command center, "Aurora had one of her bad feelings again."

Rick froze in mid-step, "Damn! In that case double the fighter escort and to hell with the plan. Send them WITH the shuttles on the way down. If this bruises anyones feelings, then tough cookies!"

Max nodded, "Roger that. I'll go make sure things are good to go below, later boss."

That was Max's favorite way of referring to Rick even from the first day he was assigned to Vermillion Wing by Commander Roy Fokker (Along with Ben Dixon). It became contagious and soon Ben was calling Rick Boss as well (before Ben's untimely demise over Ontario) and it sorta stuck, even now over fifteen years later.


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

Not much later...


Commissar Krell was getting impatient, soon he would make the leaders of the Earth taste his wrath and nothing would stop him. "Monocle, status of the cloud generators?"

The demonic, elfin-looking scientist double checked the gauges, "All generators at maximum output and holding. We have complete cover and a very nice thunderhead is forming!" (Cackle).

Krell invented a device that obscured his fortress 24/7 in a radar defeating blanket of clouds and when pushed to it's limits could also cover additional areas around the fortress (like his launching fighters) and also generates hazardous weather that MOST planes avoided at all costs. It was the perfect disguise for hiding in plain sight.

"My Lord, sensors show shuttles and escorts decending to planet surface."

Krell smiled, it wouldn't be long now. "Excellent! The moment they launch from the surface have out fighters attack. We will squash them like insects!" Krell slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne for emphasis.

The airspace around the flying fortress was occupied by the fighter jets of the Krell Corps. Morale had grown higher since the actually took to the sky and with the final moments till the attack began confidence was rising.


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


On board the Enterprise, SD and the command staff were tracking the departing shuttles. All was well until seventeen minutes into the flight.


The radar operator broke the silence, "Sir! Multiple contacts from out of nowhere bearing for pilgrim wing and the shuttles! Range fifty miles and closing!"

Captain Lancing of the Enterprise was shocked, "Fifty miles! Launch the Alert five fighters" He turned to SD, "It's him isn't it?"

The look on SD's face, jaw clenched and eyes narrowing said it all. "Then get going son and Godspeed!" He yelled into the com, "Whitwickey! Raise GX's platform for emergency launch CODE RED!"

SD was out of the conning tower by the end of the Captain's order. The sound of his dog tags and crystal snowflake neckless (the last survivor of a pair he had of his wife's) made a tinkling sound as he ran through the hatchways to the flight deck.

The Alert five planes launched with a roar and began closing the distance, but the battle would be well underway before any backup could arrive. SD emerged outside and agonized for the minute or so it took for the birth to reach the top of the deck and latch into place.

He climbed into the cockpit and strapped himslef down muttering, "All debts are paid in full today Krell!"

The engines had been keep in low power mode at all times and were set for atuo start the moment the platform began raising so he already had greenlights across the board and punched the accelerator as the ground crew were clear. Plugging his new phones into the jacks he pushed play on the mini MP3 player in his flight suit as the GX climbed into the sky...

[ Running where boys run free, burning up the sky, chasing the angels! ] - Iron Eagle II


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


It was the Veritech squadron of mixed Alpha's and old Valkyries that detected the oncoming bogies first.

"Skull Leader to all SDF-3 fighters, launch missiles and engage unknowns. Pilgrim Wing stay with the shuttles. we'll handle this!"

"Roger that Skull Leader, Pilgrims Stay Put!"


The Veritechs peeled off on an intercept course while Pilgrim Wing drew closer into escort formation and tried to cover all the angels around the shuttles.

"Rick!" Max yelled into his com, but Rick was already comming on the monitor "Yeah we got them Max, about three hundred of them! Plus something else but we can't get a fix on it, there's something in those thunderclouds, but it was clear not two minutes ago!"


By now the initial missile volley had taken out about half of the approaching hostiles and it was dogfighting time.

Though it was hard to pay attention to others while enaging in one to one combat, Max managed to sneak a peek at the red Skull 2 (his wife Miriya Parino Sterling) as the former Zentreadi Quadrano saved an Alpha fighter from certain death by firing her gunpod to the right while using her head lasers to the left destroying both attackers that were about to hammer it.


*Showoff* He smiled, then set out to make sure he at least would have a respectable number of kills. Age was slowly creeping up on him at thirty-eight, but as a fourty-two year old Zentreadi, Miriya was still as sharp as ever and would be even well past sixty.

The fighting intensified and explosions of flaming jets and robotech ordinance littered the surrounding airspace. The Veritech squadron had taken some losses to the unknown fighters but were more than holding their own.



On board the flying fortress...


"Commisar, the enemy is engaging with the fighters and only a token guard force remains with the shuttles."

The bald one hissed, "Yes... Now Monocle, release the monster upon them. Have it target the shuttles!"

The blue abomination cackled with delight as he activated the auto launch sequence. "It is away my lord, your will be done!"



On board SDF-3...


Rick started at the monitor in disbelief, "What the HELL is that? MAX, watch your six, something BIG and fast is headed your way. All wings have launched and will be backing you up in about two minutes."


In the chaos, not many noticed the approach of a single fighter heading up from the surface. At the same time both friendlies and hostiles saw the enormous form of the Mech Monster fly past their conflict and make a bee line for it's objective.

It was huge about sixty meters tall and had jagged wings like some mechanical dragon and on it's serpentine neck it had a skull type head unit. Black Scales and protrusions dotted it's body but that was all they had time to see, as it was VERY fast.

Unfortunately, Pilgrim Wing was the first to find out how deadly this new threat was. It opened it's mouth and flame like energy disintegrated two planes instantly. The shuttle crews had their hands full as diplomats panicked as well as trying to avoid both the flaming gout of energy and debris from the destroyed escorts.

Lost in the screams and shouting of orders was the faint sound of music.


[What the hell we fighting for? Just surrender and it won't hurt at all. Just got time to say your prayers, while you waiting for the hammer to fall...] - Queen


The monster screamed out as it was struck from behind. "Oh I see I got you attention, I certainly hope I've pissed you off BONEHEAD!" SD grinned as the monster's head rotated behind to face this new opponent. The modified AGM-64 bunker buster was set for dumbfire mode and with the additional rocket engines it could be fired at anything right in front of the pylon accurately for up to a mile and deliver a devestation payload for a non-nuclear device. A weapon practically useless in a normal dogfight, but against huge opponents the size of a barn at the right moment it was perfect.

"Pilgrims... Getter GX here, push it as fast as you can and get your escorts out of here! Do not engage, repeat do NOT engage. Leave this to me!"

With no urging needed, the Star Goose shuttles were at maximum burn already and it's escorts activated their afterburners to keep up. The monster was not having this and before they could get out of range the spikey protrusions that covered it's body shot out as fragmentation missiles and destroyed another three planes of Pilgrim wing and damaged both a shuttle as well as GX.


Meanwhile the Veritechs were dominating the battlefield and the Krell fighers (despite their better than normal weaponry) could not compete with the tactics of the REF fighters ability to change forms and gain unique VTOL combat abilities. Soon they would either be routed or outright destroyed.

"Leader of the alien forces. This is Colonel Harkin of the Krell Corps. I will order my men to stand down if you give them quarter? However, I wish to face you in combat"

The Colonel's radio activated immediately, "Sir no! WE will fight to the last with you!"

Harkin was quick to counter, "No Alex, this war is lost but you are still young and have a full life ahead of you. It's time to end this... But where I go you cannot follow. Promise me you will find a new way for yourself and do something with your life."


Max answered, "Colonel Harkin, your men are to land immediately and surrender. If ANY of them fire a weapon or runs from the formation all will be destroyed. As for a one on one combat I will be glad to oblige you! Alpha Fighters surround and escort the Krell Fighters to the surface, all other Veritechs proceed to that THING imediately!"


On board the fortress things were not looking good...


"That BASTARD Harkin!" Krell raged, "He has betrayed me!.. Monocle, break cover and prepare to reach orbit! IF they want this miserable world that is fine by me. I wash my hands of this rabble, but Promete will be mine and mine alone to rule!"


The flying fortress began its ascent and emerged through the clouds, all its engines engaged and burning at maximum output as all power was diverted to them and the cloaking screen fell.


Back at the shuttles the monster was in full pursuit with SD close behind...


The monster was beginning to close the distance to its prey when an open transmission came over the Tac Net. "Spawn of Getter... Before I depart this sorry excuse of a planet I just wanted to say farewell. Especially before you die, as I've ordered the monster to self destruct. You can't reach me in time and your forces can't save your precious diplomats from the explosion!" Krell burst into maniacal laughter...


For about three seconds...


The Commisar was bathed in golden light as if it was a religious experience for about 1/10 of a second before he realised it was a burning sensation. Most of the flying fortress was disintergrated as the main cannon of the SDF-3 powered down.

*Thank you!* SD thought... *One asshole terminated, one more to go.*

Now the monster was beginning to glow. It was evident it was building up to a critical mass. *screw it there's no time!*, "All shuttles DIVE DIVE DIVE, pull out at the last second at least that might buy you some time!" SD shouted into the com and hit the advance button on his player.


[Gan Gan Gan Gan, The fire of youth blazes, Getter spark rising to the heavans...] - Getter Robo


The shuttles dove and the monster was suprised by the unexpected maneuver. It was probably more surprised when over 20 tons of the GX slammed into it's back when it prepared to dive after its targets. Whipping its head back it opened its mouth to disgorge its energy weapon, but SD grabbed the upper neck and forced it up while trying to stay on it's upper back by wrapping the GX's legs around it.

The arms joints squealed in protest against the power of the monsters head as SD kept the mouth pointed away from him. The energy weapon was boosted by its reactor going critical so the discharge was even greater than normal and already the proximity of the GX's hands to the mouth was causing the metal to boil and beginning to melt off the inner skeleton.

The temperature in the cockpit was rapidly rising but the worse part was the blinding light as SD had to keep his eyes closed at this point while in this position. He reached into his flightsuit and grasped the miniature crystal carved into the form of a snowflake. *Soon... I will see you in a few moments my love...*


At that moment the calvary came in the form of a red Valkyrie that ironically enough could be mistaken for a twin of the GX (with minor outward differences) who launched a pair of reflex torpedoes, one striking each of the monsters wings. The monster jerked and stopped forcing its head down and directed its still firing weapon at the new arrivals. SD took the opening by activating and overcharged his most powerful weapon.

"GETTER BEAM!" At this range there was no chance of missing now that he had a clear shot. The crimson ray tore through the monster neck joint just under the head and before it realised its error and could direct the energy beam back onto the GX the head was already falling away from the body, its weapon silenced forever...

Unfortunately this meant the GX was totally out of power and was falling out of the sky and all he had time to do before the controls went dead was to let go of the monster's corpse.

Miriya saw this, "Hey you! Change modes or something, you're going to crash!" Of course she didn't know that with no power, even his radio was dead. So after a few seconds she radioed the Veritech closest to her, which was Sepia 1 (Captain Quince Thompson).

"Hey Q-Man!" (his c/s) "Give me a hand with this guy, go for the left I got right!"

Sepia 1 dived and moved in from the side, "Roger that Skull 2, nice and easy..."


The two Veritechs edged close to their Terrestrial "cousin" and managed to grab it. Activating their jets they began to stop its spin and slow its decent. Hovering in the air they all saw the flash from below as the monsters main body had exploded and the shockwave momentarily shook them. The shuttles had reached the surface and had pulled out of their dives. the added speed had enabled them to gain enough distance to outrun both the explosion as well as its shock wave. Now that the emergency was over they would regroup with the veritech squadrons and head back to the SDF-3


A few minutes later Miriya and Quince (carrying the GX) landed on the SDF-3 and were soon joined by Skull 1. Max appeared no worse for wear from his dogfight with the (now deceased) Colonel Harkin, but his Veritech had some fresh laser scorches that was testament of the fallen warrior's skill.

They managed to pry open the cockpit of the GX and medics standing by attended to SD as he was half blind, slightly burned, and promptly passed out .


===========================================================================


CHAPTER:10 (Mergings)



It was many days later before SD's eyesight returned to normal. He first awakened in a panic, the memory of almost being burned alive in the cockpit fresh in his mind as he came back to consciousness.

Even with the wonderful painkillers the medics of the SDF-3 gave him, it was still a trial not to scratch as his skin was regrowing over the burnt areas. In time even those would heal as mostly it was limited to his hands and face.


A surprising amount of progress was ongoing since the destruction of the Krell Corps and it's insane leader. Perhaps it was being in a near death situation that helped to forge a common bond amoung the delegates, but the meeting aboard the SDF-3 went much smoother than most anticipated.

When all the data was given to the representatives of this Earth about the history of the visitors and how they had faced similar conflicts and divisions politically, but overcame them in the face of the alien threat, it truly transformed their outlook and they all swore to go back to their leaders and try to lobby for as peaceful a co-existence as possible.

Just in case any other disruptive factions decided to take advantage of Krell's downfall the SDF-3 announced that ANY aggression on the face of the Earth by ANY force would be instantly delt with. They also released Veritech gun camera footage to back up their claims. It was notable how much violence decreased after CNN and all the major networks began broadcasting the clips.


One of the nurses popped her head in to SD's room, "Colonel, are you up for a visitor?"

They informed him earlier that he would be transferred in a few days back to the surface once the doctors were satisfied about his progress, but to tell you the truth SD was going stir crazy already.

"Oh heck yeah, please!"


A man walked in who had swarthy skin and light brown hair. However the feature that stood out and was almost impossible to miss was his eyes. The parts of the eye that is normally white were black. It gave him an almost demonic appearance. Entering behind this man was a familiar figure though.

"Sparkplug! 'you're a sight for sore eyes!' He he, get it?"

Whitwickey groaned, then approached bedside and shook SD's extended, but bandaged hand. "Hey col, I mean Dragon. They said you were finally awake, minor concussion and all that."

"They won't really tell me anything (these doctors), how's GX?"


Sparkplug sighed and his voice lowered a little,"Honestly..." Sparkplug saw SD set his jaw and was braced for the news. "The hands are melted off, as well as most of the canopy. The shielding was damaged from the heat in so many places that when the shockwave hit, the EMP fried hundreds of circuits. So far it doesn't look like any of the Saotome Systems were damaged. I'm sorry, but the airframe itself is a total loss."

SD's head drooped and he was silent. While it was good that the irreplaceable systems could be salvaged, it still was the loss of a machine he had grown fond of and had mastered its operation.


Sparkplug directed attention to the man on his left, "This man is Dr Emil Lang. He's been conferring with Doctor Thompsom and myself and he has quite a proposal to make that you should hear."


SD looked Dr Lang in the eye, "What kind of proposal are we talking about ?" A sense of deja-vu washed over him for a second, as this felt so similar to the events of several years ago when Dr Thompson came into his life.

Lang began, "When we first looked over your mecha it was mis-identified as a radiation hazard. Further analysis was warranted and when your people contacted us about yourself and the machine we began a dialogue. It is a most interesting design and it's power source still eludes us. Your military has agreed on a technology exchange. They will recieve four Veritechs immediately in return for the study of this mecha..."

SD struggled to sit up, the look on his face instantly agitated, "Your taking Getter!"

Sparkplug interjected,"Wait! Hear him out there's more!" His hands on SD's shoulder urged him back down to the more comfortable angle.

Lang apologised, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like that... We want you to be transferred as part of an exchange program for pilots. Eventually the militarys of the Earth will have access to our technology both as a sign of our good faith, but also for the purposes of defending the planet should the need ever arise (hopefully not).

It is remarkable that the airframe you used for it is so close to our Veritechs in principle although the development was totally independent of our history or technology. Nevertheless, we would like to help rebuild 'Getter GX' with one of our airframes and possibly unlock the secret of these 'Getter Rays' that power it.

It is most facinating as what you were able to accomplish against that mechanical beast and could rival, if not surpass our standard veritech designs." Dr lang leaned in closer. "But of course as the only pilot ever to succesfuly master this system how do you feel? Would you continue as pilot for us and let us try to make this happen?"


SD was stunned. *Rebuild Getter?* At the moment he felt nothing. Although his revenge had been complete with the destruction of Commissar Krell and the foiling of his last act of terrorism, SD still felt empty inside. "I want to see him" SD pulled out the IV needle from his arm, "Now. If you please."


Against the medics judgment the group made their way to the hangars of the SDF-3. SD was lost in thought, but on some level was impressed with the alien vessel. When they finally got to the berth that contained the mech SD approached it slowly.

As his bandaged left hand reached out and reverently touched the scorched hull, the memories of all their battles and victories flashed through his mind. A single tear beaded down his cheek as the full impact of avenging a loved one meant the loss of yet another that was almost equal.


"Alright... All I have left is flying. If you really want to rebuild Getter... I'm in, but I have two requests. First, I am the ONLY pilot of Getter. Second, Sparkplug is included on this project."


Dr Lang walked next to SD, "Excellent! I truly hoped a pilot of your courage and skill would accept. Dr Thompson will be arriving later on and while you finish convalecing we will draw up plans for the rebuild as well as begin your simulator training as an REF Exchange Officer." As for Mr Whitwickey here" he turned to Sparkplug, "His experience will be greatly appreicated as well as expanded as we offer him training as a bio-maintenance engineer which will be vital for the new systems of the airframe." He offered his hand to both and they shook.

He added, "I stepped down as REF mission leader, but in the spirit of diplomacy I think Admiral and Major-General Hunter will greenlight this immediately."

SD had a thought, "Oh and Dr Lang could you relay a message for me?"

"Of course, who would you like to contact?"

He stated flatly, "I would like to thank the people who brought me aboard, I heard how they risked their lives to keep me from being radioactive road pizza."

Lang smiled, "That is not a problem, but a later time perhaps would be better? When we are ready to initiate the exchange program formally no doubt we will have an official ceremony. As most personel on SDF-3 will likely attend, that would be the best time I think as right now they are very busy."


SD's knees buckled slightly and Sparkplug grabbed him before he swayed too much, "Ok tough guy, back to bed now!"

With no resistance SD let himself be led back to the medical bay "Promise me you'll stay in bed till the docs say otherwise and I'll tell you a little story about my son Spike and a planet called Cybertron..."

SD mocked playfully, "Ooo boy a story!"


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

Months later...


A rough document was hammered out called The Earth Charter. It created the founding and mandates of operation of the United Earth Government and was very close to the copy provided by the SDF-3.

For the military, The Earth Defense Force was formed. This would replace the forces of the United Nations and give them more authority to settle conflicts and also mainly to protect the planet from ANY outside threats.

Part of the deal for learning to co-exist peacefully in a productive manner was that the REF would start sharing it's military and civillian technology with the nations of the Earth.

While some strides in medicine would be made, the greatest advances would be in the fields of manufacturing, computers, and communications. While anti-gravity units and fusion plants would alliviate pollution and dangerous fission plants for providing power, discussion was still going on about possibly allowing the flower of life to take root on this Earth.

Using Zentreadi cloning technology, endangered species would soon be on their way to flourishing once again. This also would impact the livestock and fishing industries as there would be little fear of food shortages for now on.

Soil samples had been brought to the SDF-3 on a whim (and under laboratory conditions) a single seed was allowed to be grown. It blossomed normally. This set off a fierce debate between those who felt that the protoculture they needed could be harvested on this Earth versus the people who felt that their new allies should NOT be made a target by any Invid that MIGHT exist in this universe.


While all this was going on the best officiers of the EDF were selected and sent to the SDF-3 for the exchange program. A huge get together was arrainged and the incoming officers got to meet the REF ones that were to fill their vacant slots on Earth. One slot however would not be filled. Instead it was a complete transfer.


*Great, it's a real dog and pony show!* SD thought as he stood on one of the observation balconies that dotted the sides of the main gathering hall. The commencement was still a few minutes away and he was gazing out into the heavens, as for atmosphere, the SDF-3 had climbed to a low Earth orbit (to the delight of those Earthers gathered). A vaguely familiar voice broke him from his reverie.

"You learn to swim yet Major... Oops! I mean Colonel?"

SD turned his head and a blond woman had stopped next to him with a British accent and a grin on her face. One he had shared a drink with not long ago.

"Ouch!" he teased, So they invited you to this little 'shin dig' Captain Storm?"

"More like volunteered. Once I heard about their 'Destroid' operators, I put my request in for the program. With all that has happened I figured it was my chance to get away from everything for a while. Besides, it will be a remarkable experience!" She grinned widely.

SD nodded in agreement and the loudspeakers came to life announcing the beginning of official greetings and those assembled took their assigned seats. It was a relatively short ceremony as they touched on the purpose of the program, it's development earlier during their Sentinel Campaign against the Invid. Also how the applicants were chosen.

The official part ended as those seated to the right were Earth officers and to the left were REF enchangees (think boy-girl seating). Many others not involved were also present. The officers rose and then introduced themselves to their counterparts.

After initial pleasantries were exchanged, the assembly was directed to the command lineup and both newcomers and current crew made their way down the line greeting the command staff. It was here that SD met those who had saved his life, but he waited till the gathering was basicly finished to have more than just a greeting and a handshake

As the people left or coalesced into smaller groups he approached the Sterlings. He addressed Maj Miriya (The Red Queen/Skull 2),"Excuse me, we just met officially but I wanted to thank you, not only for saving me, but for saving my mecha."

Miriya had her trademark stunning smile on her face and gave her husband a glance as she replied, "Anytime Colonel, Your selfless act saved many lives. Max have you ever heard of a pilot as dedicated as this one? Anyway it's a pleasure to have you aboard with us and I hope things go well for you in the program. BTW, this is my Husband Colonel Max Streling (Skull 1/leader), and our daughters Major Dana Sterling (Rabbit 1/CO), and Aurora Sterling."


While her mother had been conversing, Aurora had unintentionally read SD's aura.

When he looked to her their eyes met and to her it felt like an eternity had passed before hearing the words "Nice to meet you." She had felt a great sadness as he had approached their group and for a moment there she sensed a longing as he looked at her, but almost instantly an iron shell clamped down and she read nothing more but cold discipline (and maybe a tinge of self loathing).

Unfortunately for her, her older sister Dana (bane of her existence at times) noticed the momentary attention her little sister was paying to the older man. "Aurora!" This shocked Aurora back into the present, "You really surprise me little sister, but I think you need to start thinking younger" Turning to SD, "No offense!" Poor Aurora was mortified as he face became absolutely flustered. Meanwhile SD grinned as he was actually a little amused although equally confused as to how Dana could have interprited that her little sister had that kind of interest in him.

Without missing a beat her mother interjected, "Dana dear, when Aurora decides she needs advice on relationships I'm sure she knows who to come talk to." Dana immediated went into pout mode while Max just shook his head.

It seemed that Dana was the total carefree one and refused to grow up while Aurora (in contrast) had a muturity and studiousness that most grown people lack. Physically they looked similar, but personality-wise they were like night and day. Plus it was almost common knowledge that the elder Sterling sister was not the most stablist person to date.

SD tried to leave gracefully with, "It was very nice seeing you again and meeting your family. Goodnight." As he was leaving earshot he heard Dana complain, "What did I do? And her mother returning, "We'll talk about it later!" He hadn't been aware, but Aurora hadn't taken her eyes off him despite her sister's embarrassing remark until the hall's doors closed behind him. Miriya looked to her youngest with quiering eyes as Max blew it off as typical Dana behavior and went to get a drink.

CHAPTER:11 (Sleeping Dragon)


Despite the enthusiastic beginning, things were not going as well as hoped for in regards to the exchange program.

Earthside, some nations were feeling heady about the power "loaned" to them in the form of veritech squadrons. It took some rather brutal conversations on the part of the Hunter's to the respective leaders to put their attitudes and responsibilities back into perspective.

REF side, the Earth pilots for the most part did well, but there were still problems with prejudices not only with each other, but with the aliens among the compliment of the SDF-3. Especially when these outsiders were instructors or commanders of classes.

Of course students were disciplined and it would be awhile for attitudes to start changing, but that's what growing pains are. Unfortunately the people of this Earth had a lot of growing up to do still.


As for SD, well, it was another story. Frequent failures in the REF simulators had cast a pall on his standing. While he learned their new control setups and operating procedures, for some reason he just could not reach a level of acceptable ability to their standards.

This was a serious issue and there was talk of removing him from the GX project. In contrast while the pilot himself was having difficulties, the GX was ready to go. In the passing months a VF-1S chassis was refitted with the Saotome technology under Dr thompson's, and Whitwickey's guidance. Computer models all checked out and apparently the systems meshed together with little to no problems (so far). It was even repainted.

GX would be far superior than it was before as this time it's main weapon system would retain it's original power source, but engine and all other systems would be Protoculture based.

This meant that after exhausting it's most powerful weapon, the mecha itself would no longer become a useless piece of scrap and thus a liability to the survivability of the pilot. That and the ability to use additional secondary weapons systems would multiply its combat effectiveness exponentially.

Dr Lang participated when possible, but his main focus was trying to figure out HOW the SDF-3 was forced into this dimension, as well as HOW to return to where they belonged. While the research into the origins and harnessing of the Getter Rays was fascinating, most of the actual work was left to the Earth experts of Dr Thompson and newly graduated Bio-Maintenance Engineer Whitwickey.

Unfortunately, aside from adapting the existing systems to the Robotechnology of the new frame, little to no advancement was made on Getter research. The Getter Rays were developed by a Japanese scientist (Dr Saotome) and with the apparent death of the Getter Team, he had all but washed his hands of anything to do with the work.


So far, the only clue as to how they worked was that only particular persons could operate the devices. Before SD, the last two pilots to try could not make the mecha obey eithers commands and it caused a fatal crash. Almost From the very first moments of SD's piloting, the mecha behaved beautifully. Apparently it chose it's own master.


That piece of data was the main mitigating factor that saved SD from being taken off the project by the REF leadership as while this was the modification of a single Veritech, it was STILL a expenditure of research materials and time of talented people that could be used for solving their more criticals problems. Lack of progress and poor performance ratings were not very attractive at this time.

To say that SD was depressed was an understatement. His first chance to get into the new mecha would come tomorrow but it was also his LAST chance to perform to their standards.

It seemed insane, how could he be failing their damn simulators anyway? *Christ! It's just a damn video game, it isn't real!* He was lying in his bed and couldn't sleep. In a few more hours it would be decided if he was to be cut from participation or not.

Turning restlessly once again, his mind was racing. The GX was all that mattered now as he no longer had the power of vengeance driving him to succeed. At first he had felt so lost and out of place without a true goal to work towards that didn't revolve around defeating his enemies or at least making them suffer in pain and blood as he had suffered.


*Is it over? Maybe I should just resign...* That thought lingered a long time as he continued to suffer from insomnia. Deep within another thought bubbled to the surface. *I'm alive right now only cause of GX, a destiny forged in sacrifice, I will not be replaced!*


"Screw this!" he said out loud to no one, as he tumbled out of bed and got dressed. Minutes later he was getting outfitted in flight gear and boarded the GX. The ground crew was a bit perplexed that the pilot wanted to board the mecha long before the test was ready, but relented when he simply stated, "If I fail today I will never see GX again. I want some time alone with him."

No one stopped him from getting inside though many thought he was "touched" for calling a piece of Robotechnology "him". Granted the protoculture sometimes added a feeling of intuition to a mecha pilot, but to refer to a mecha as a living thing was pretty much out there (in their opinion).


SD plugged in and turned on his player after he sent a email to Whitwickey (to make sure he was awakened an hour before the test), it would be embarresing to be snoring in the cockpit when everyone would be waiting for the event to start.

The file started playing.

[You had a dream you once believed in, it burned inside you like a fire.
The big wheel kept on turning, somehow the dream it passed you by.

Now the fire just keeps on burning, leaves only hunger and desire. Better find yourself a new dream, just leave the rest behind.] - Eddie & The Cruisers II



Sitting there in the cockpit listening to the song, SD was actually falling asleep. Though the body was new, this was still Getter his longtime friend and reason for existence. *It's like comming home.* Before the song was finished, SD was sound asleep... The sleep of the just.



Three hours later, "Ok Sleeping Beauty, WAKEY WAKEY!" The voice over the TacNet stirred SD from his sleep. Already his memory of REM sleep fading. Though he certainly felt a lot more rested then he would have been staying in his quarters, there was still an unsettling feeling.

The final hours of pre-flight went quickly and all systems checked out. Dr Lang was present for this test as well as Admiral and Major-General (M-G) Hunter, the Sterlings, and all the staff of the REF Mecha Research Group as well as Sparkplug and Dr Thompson.

Rick turned to Max, "I certainly hope this hasn't been a total waste of time." Max nodded, "Yeah the sim results were not good. The good news is the mecha seems excellent, but it all comes down to the pilot."

Whitwickey got the word from control and passed it on, "Ok Dragon, you are cleared for launch. Take him out to the test range and approach the marker bouy. From there it's all your show, good luck!"

"Roger that Sparkplug."

SD gunned the engines and moved the stick forward. For a fraction of a second the mecha did not move. The hesitation was very disturbing and SD almost panicked, but then he was surrounded by sky and his confidenced returned as he felt in control again.

A few minutes later he was at the predetermined coordiates, the marker bouy floating in the air.

A remote spot over an African desert was chosen for the live fire test. Once SD targeted the bouy it would begin the preprogrammed scenario. The bouy sent out the start signal when SD got it in his crosshairs and the test started...

Hostiles appeared from under the sand as battlepods burst from concealed positions and radar painted them and their approaching missile ordinance.

"Shit!" SD proceeded with evasive maneuvers and popped chaff to try to avoid the incoming missiles and began to use the new GU-13 REF issue gunpod to take out as many of them as possible.

Hearing a lock-on establish on the closest pods he also lauched his short range missiles, which streaked away from him like angry hornets who's hive have beed disturbed.

The oncoming missiles were nullified and the first battlepods exploded from his SRM volley. The remaining pods took to the sky and began to close to dogfight range. Suddenly the controls went dead and GX began to fall.

Witwickey was on the horn, "Dragon what's wrong? You're descending out of control!"

Battle pods were taking potshots at the GX as it spiraled towards a crash into the desert.

"I don't know!" Sd shouted, "I'm getting no response from the controls at all, 100% systems failure, but main power is still on?" The observers were pouring over the real time data telemetry.

Lang spoke up, "The relays are refusing to pass along the flight command imput from the stick."

Whitwickey pointed to the screen,"Look at that coding, it's more like a virus than a protocol conflict!"

That was a startling comment that was seconded by Lang, "Mien Got! He's right, it almost looks like a corrupted program. This should not be in the operating system!"

Rick interjected, "Can he reboot? If not he will have to eject, I'm pulling the plug on the pods now!" As he was speaking M-G Hunter had been typing command codes into the master simulator coordiating program. Within a fraction of a second all the battle pods stood down from hostile mode and landed on the surface, promptly powering down to maintenance mode.


SD heard the Major-General's comment and knew there was no time to try a system reboot so he activated the ejection system... *fuck* and he pulled the handle...Nothing... He waited a second and pulled the ring again, still noting! "DAMIMT!! Ejection system failure, I'm along for the ride this time guys."


Those on the SDF-3 exchanged solemn looks. There was nothing they could do and no way to stop the mecha from crashing in mere seconds. Dr Lang continued to attempt hacking into the GX system and fight the malicious coding, but so far was ineffective.

With moments left before impact, SD almost gave in to despair but fought it. He rashley hit his player and started to yell, "Getter! Do you want it to end like this? A failure?"

Ever since Lang said the word virus he could almost feel a presence inside the GX beside himself. It had grown strong enough to make him feel nausious like some sort of evil infection invading his own body.

Then he saw it in his mind, a shadowy figure reaching out with its will to sieze control of the GX and kill him. It spoke in a voice only he would hear, 'We are the Invid, and you will die!'

SD turned up the volume to max and the GX was flooded with sound,

[Even though there was something shouting in my heart I pretended not to be aware of it.
Whipped by strong rain and wind My heartbeat woke me up]


They were about to die, but SD would not give up fighting this enemy. No not only would he not quit, he urged Getter to fight as well focusing all his will to coerce the mecha to resist this invader.


[No one can hold down My heart full of desire.
If I do things to the best of my ability, That's all I need to know.]


The SDF-3 crew was unaware of the mental battle taking place but the readings coming from the GX were not only confusing, but were nothing ever seen before.

"What in the hell is that?" Lang was beside himself with a feeling of being utterly powerless to solve this tragic mystery. As the code was changing, Dr Thompson noted it, "I think it's the Getter Rays, see how they are interacting with the protoculture engines? It's not losing power at all, it's building it!"

Meanwhile in the plummeting mecha, the power was building to maximum output and beyond. With no control it would soon bypass safety mesures due to the invader, even parts of the mecha remaining after the crash would soon overload and explode.

SD screamed both in frustration as well as an act of defiance to the dark prescence that was engulfing him, "GETTER!!!"

[Burn your passion, Start running towards your dream
Burn your hands with your passion
Climb up without taking your eyes off of it
To make sure your still alive]

Something else stirred... A memory, or just an act of creation (who could really know), but something did happen inside the GX. Those monitoring the dataflow were stunned, a new code appeared, and it was fighting the virus.

They could see the GX start to glow (as if burning up on re-entry) though there was no explanation for it). Suddenly the invading code was eradicated and full control was regained. SD engaged the leg thrusters at full burn while changeing to guardian mode.

[Burn your desire, Engulf it in flames
Move forward with no hesitation
Then you can become the wind and change the world] - Heats (Shin Getter)


The song ended just before touchdown. It was a rough landing, granted, but at least it was in one piece. For a long time the only sound in the cockpit was SD's breathing as his mind was dealing with what had just happened as well as still being alive.



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



The GX was retrieved and placed under lock down. An immediate round table discussion of the test events ensued...


SD was adamant, "I don't care if you believe me or not! All I know is that this INVID tried to kill us!"

Many faces had the look of disbelief, while few were supportive. Dr Thompson addressed those seated, "I believe the Colonel's account is factual. In fact now we have been able to go over the data and I have seen how these protoculture engines work I have a theory." All edged forward a bit as this was starting to sound interesting.

Protoculture cells are the miniature reactors used by the REF for 99% of it's power requirements. Protoculture is derived from the chemical manipulation of the seeds from 'The flower of life'. This reaction is equivalent to a small fusion reactor in output.

Getter Rays," He contnued, "Are still an unknown quality but it does involve evolution according to Dr Saotome's writtings. Could this mixture of power sources create an Invid weapon?"

Murmurs went around the table and then Lang spoke up, "Hmm, actually that is a very good theory. In fact it may be the ONLY explanation. I think your Getter Rays affected the Protoculture in a way we never thought possible. The Invid not only use it for energy production, but the flower of life is mainly used for thier spiritual evolution. Perhaps there was some sort of racial memory that was cultivated or made manfest by the Getter radiation? This of course would become hostile to a non-Invid presence. The only part of this I can see no explanation for is how it was defeated?"


All eyes turned back to SD (making him feel really self concious). "Umm" He stammered, "I really don't know. I could feel that virus in my mind and wouldn't give in to it. I didn't want to let it have Getter, that's all I know."

M-G Hunter asked, "Ok wierd as this all is, what's the deal with that music?"

"Oh, well" he blushed, "I seem to be able to perfrom better when I have my music on, timing and concentration ect. That's probably part of the reason I did so badly in your simulators, I wasn't allowed to play it then."

Dr Lang looked pensive, "That is VERY interesting, some feel that music is a highly spiritual thing. Perhaps there are some factors of this event we will never truly understand, but considering you regained control it is extraordinary!"


M-G Hunter interjected, "We're all glad your alive Colonel, but what's to keep this from happening again?"

Dr Thompson answered that question, "We did a full search of the systems. So far there are no more disrupting code strings or fragments. It is as if the virus was totally eradicated and it never existed."

"I concur" Lang added, "Though prudence is advisable I see no reason to continue not only with the current project, but in light of it's rather remarkable properties it may be a suitable testbed for the new interactive control systems?"

Admiral Hunter rarely spoke unless it was to make a decision but she commented, "Would that be wise? I mean is this happens again wouldn't the pilot be totally at the AI's mercy and it would gain 100% control?"

M-G Hunter was quick to add, "That's right! It would be insane! Last thing we need is a out of control Veritech with reflex weaponry running amuck on the SDF-3!"

Lang tried to calm things down, "Comrades, I see little to no danger if we proceed slowly and closely monitor the situation. We have learned some fascinating things from this event, and no one was hurt. I think we should continue."

The Admiral thought it over before replying, "Alright, you have permission to continue and expand your project. However I want some assurances. First I want that unit disarmed as much as possible due to it's unique configuration, strip off what you can. Second, the moment things look like they are going out of control the unit is to be terminated immediately. That is non-negotiable."

SD was NOT happy with that, but bit his tongue. He was in no position to challenge the Admiral on that last point. He was grateful to her however, as this meant he would be able to continue piloting the GX.

She continued, "Also what is your progress about OUR situation?"


Lang had some documents he was flipping through, "Though I haven't gotten much further in figuring out WHY we were brought here I do have some preliminary designs for a new type of engine. I call the process Quantum Sliding. If we can perfect it, it will enable us to breach the barrier that exists between seperate dimensions and then pass through the opening it makes. I should have a small prototype ready soon."


The meeting adjourned and while Dr Lang went back to working on a way to get the SDF-3 home, Thompson, Whitwickey and SD collaborated on the new control system as well as trying to find out how NOT to let any disruptive influences take over the GX again.


===========================================================================

Chapter:12 (Dinner at Eight)



The following weeks passed quickly. SD poured over technical manuals and spent more time in the REF simulators. Though the GX was the same on the inside, it still took a lot of getting used to for better control and it now had a lot of advanced systems that he had to become familiar with from enhanced sensor systems to precision targeting.

At the same time Dr Thompson and Sparkplug were adapting Dr Lang's prototype of the AI interface into the GX. In theory, it would enable the pilot to control the mecha purely by thought. SD wanted an addition made to the program, a voice interface as well.

When he wasn't working, he made good use of the facilities aboard the SDF-3. There was so much to do that he hardly bothered going Earthside since he came aboard. He did keep a low profile however and didn't associate with others much, often using the areas like the gym or swimming pool in off hours.

It had been eight months now since he had come aboard (it went so fast it seems), and the anniversary of "that day" came once more. On Earth he always took a week off, as unless there was a rampaging monster, there was no way he was functional during this time. Finding the SDF-3's multi-denominational chapel, he lit a candle and said a short prayer. He hadn't noticed at the time but the elder Sterling sister had seen him exit the area.

Dana was always as curious as a cat and since SD was relatively new she decided to follow him a bit. He had gone into the gym and had quickly changed into sparring attire (minus the head gear). She watched for about ten minutes as he struck and kicked the body bag and was not very impressed.

*He looks like an anger management course would do wonders!*. Quickly becoming bored she left thinking although he seemed to have a decent body, that male pattern baldness really wasn't her style at all.


After his leave, work progressed on all fronts. SD spent some time learning about the various races that comprised the SDF-3's crew. In particular he was most interested in their different combat styles. For example, the warrior women of Praxis lived in a Amazonian state and physical combat was very important to them.

Likewise the Micronized female Zentreadi (the Melteandi) kept their traditions alive of hand to hand combat via martial arts style tournaments. During his research he was able to see a bout in which Miriya Sterling defeated a woman a whole 2 foot taller than herself. When it was over she had noticed him near the front row and came over.


"Hello Colonel, did you enjoy the bout?" She was toweling some of the sweat of her body and drinking a bit of water. Despite being what Humans would call 'middle aged' she had quite a muscular (although VERY femanine still) physique and definately not one bit of fat anywhere.

"Quite" he replied, "Though I am not really a martial artist myself I do like to observe and maybe pick up a few things here and there." While SD was disciplined as a pilot, he never really had the commitment to stay with any sort of physical training program or combat regimen besides that required for military fitness (just lazy like that).


"My husband tells me the AI program is coming along nicely. Normally he would be top dog, but I'm a little relieved he's sitting this one out." She started stowing her fight gear in her bag.

He smiled, "Yes, it's a great honor to be the first test monkey to try out the new system in real time, but it could be really dangerous if things go wrong. I'd rather be the one to take that risk. I hope He isn't to put out by that."

That evoked a light laugh, "Don't fret at all. Max may be a little disjointedness true, but he's way past the stage as a pilot that his ego would be bruised." Her gear was packed and she was ready to hit the showers.

She added, "Why don't you come over for dinner tonight? Say eight o'clock. I'm sure Max would love to have you over, thought I can't vouch for my older daughter's behavior. " She Chuckled.


SD felt a little nervous, "Thank you I would appreciate it. I certainly wouldn't want to be an imposition though."

Waving her hand, "Not at all. Your one of the few Earth pilots who seem to really try and fit in 9-5, but I'm sure many of our crew would like to get to know you better, especially out of work." They reached the door to the ladies locker room, "See you tonight deck 5 section C28."


As she disappeared past the door SD wondered if accepting was a good decision. It wasn't that he disliked any of the Sterlings, but more to the point that he really didn't feel like a 'people person'.

Aside from Thompson and Sparkplug, he basicly kept to himself.

*bah, a little socialization won't kill me. Besdies, if I refused and pissed her off she could wipe my ass all over the deck!* He grinned at the image of his broken body being thrown about by the older woman No doubt to the cheering of bloodthirsty Praxians and Meltrandi warriors.



Not much happened besides picking out a suitable attire for his dinner appointment. *Definitely NOT the master of social situations!* he commented to himself as he gazed into the mirror.

Not really sure what would work best he settled for the classic balck dress pants and white shirt with black tie and his favorite leather jacket. He was ready to go when he finished brushing his hair *or what remains of it* he thought dryly, and put his rear locks in a ponytail.

After his transfer to special projects, Dr Thompson could care less about his appearance as long as he could pilot. SD had let his hair grow and was glad that aboard the SDF-3 hair styles were a respected personal form of expression and were not regulated except for pining it back on duty.


"What?" Dana excalimed when her mother informed her of an extra person, "Hey sis, your MAN is coming to dinner!" (laughter)

Her mother was not very amused, "Dana, really now. It's not nice to tease your sister like that. The Colonel seems like a nice man and since he and you father had been working together off and on I thought it would be nice to have him over."

Not even pausing in her cooking she added, "Besides, if you can't be civil then there is no reason you have to eat with us tonight. You know the Hunters are joining us also."

Dana rolled her eyes, "Big surprise, we must all eat together like a bazillion times." She saw her mother's exasperated look, "OK, ok, I PROMISE I won't be a pain in the ass!"

"Don't make promises you can't keep!" Max's sarcasim chimed in from the next room.

"Dad!" Only mock hurt was in her tone though. "How can you say that to your loving daughter?"

"Cause ONE I live here, and TWO I know you oh so well...." Both Max and Miriya burst into laughter as poor Dana put on her pouting face again. It lasted only about 10 seconds as the door chime announced visitors.

Then her excited face came on again, "I'll get it!!!" She jumped to the door control and opened it. Excitement gave way to disappointment as it was just the Hunters (Rick, Lisa and little Roy). Seeing her changing expression Rick ventured, "Something wrong? Or were you expecting someone else?"

"Kinda, come on in folks. Hey Roy, wanna play tanks?" The Hunters came in and no sooner did Lisa get Roy's jacket off did he run off with Dana into the next room and start playing with her collection of miniature mechs, particularly hovertanks.


Miriya yelled into the family room, "Dana don't get him too worked up in there, dinner will be ready soon." and then down the hallway,"Aurora are you almost ready?"

"Yes mom!" was echoed almost simultaneously from both rooms.


Rick had sat down next to Max While Lisa helped Miriya in the kitchen. "Hey Rick, Mir invited Colonel Crocker over."

The Major-General had just opened a bottle of American brewed beer and taken swig. "Hmm, Come to think of it I haven't really talked to him since that first test. You guys have been interacting a lot though, what's his deal?"

Max pushed back his glasses, "Well for starters I can honestly say don't let his performance in the simulators fool you. This guy is a very good pilot! It's really strange, in training he can't measure up beyond our raw cadets, but when he's actually in the cockpit, for real, it's like he's a whole different person. I can't explain it, it's just wierd like that."

Rick was halfway through his bottle now, "Whatever, we've all seen and been through some really 'wierd' things so I guess we can deal with it. By the way, just how GOOD do you think he is?"


Max was pensive for a moment, "Real good. In fact, he's probably in our league." Max was being a little generous at that and Rick knew it. Rick still kept his flight qualifications and took to the sky whenever possible, flying was in his blood, but he hadn't flown in real combat for almost three years now.


At 7:50pm SD was at the door to deck 5 section C28. Most of the command staff's quarters were on this deck and he had ensured that despite the enormousness of the vessel that he wouldn't get lost and would be there on time. He paced nervously for a second before pressing the door buzzer. It wasn't long before a big grinning Dana Sterling had opened the door and invited him inside, or was that more like pushed? He almost did a double take as he noticed the Major-General kicked back with a beer next to his superior in the AI project, Colonel Sterling.

"Sirs!" He got out.

Both Rick and Max enjoyed the Colonel's discomfort for a second then Max said, "At ease soldier, It's dinner. When your off the clock and in my home it's Max and Miriya". Rick added, "Likewise it's Rick and Lisa here."

"Um," SD chocked out, "I prefer to go by Colonel, or SD. I really don't go by my given name usually."

Rick and Max just shrugged and the ladies announced dinner was ready. Everyone was called to the table and SD was introduced to little Roy, who was now four.

When Roy asked him, "You fly planes?" SD smiled and said, "Yes I fly planes."

Roy grimiced, "Oh... Tanks are better!"

Everyone laughed lightly as Dana held up her hands, "Yes, my corruption of youth is complete!"


Miriya and Lisa then brought the dishes to the table as Max and Rick pulled out the seats for their spouses SD got up. Momentarily, the men seated themselves after the ladies as the smell of the dinner began wafing over the table.

"Your in for a treat tonight SD, Mir made her famous Beef Stew and Dumplings." Max pointed at the pot.

Rick cleared his throat and turned to SD as people started helping themselves, "So , SD. How are you getting along? I hope you are enjoying your stay aboard the SDF-3?"

"Yes very much so. Your ship is amazing and I've never had the chance to work with such diverse and interesting people before. Plus..." he added more slowly, "I can't tell you how grateful I am that you believed in the GX enough to rebuild him. That alone puts me in your debt more than I could ever repay." There was a sincerity in his voice that all took note of.


Miriya interjected, "Don't be shy SD, if you don't fill your plate up now I'm afraid my eldest here will make sure you don't get the chance later!"

SD took her advice and piled the food on. They had corn, string beans, and mashed potatoes as sides dishes. "I must say" he blurt out, "This is one of my favorite meals. It's excellent!"

Max laughed, "Yeah Mir has come a long way from cooking coffee pots!" the rest of the table laughed while Dana groaned in protest, "That is like so old dad!"


After a few minutes of enjoying the meal Lisa (Admiral Hayes-Hunter) was curious, "SD, do you have any children of your own?"

He managed to look her in the eye and smile slightly, "No, I never had."


Dana chimed in, "I was wondering if you were particularly religious? I noticed you were at the chapel a few weeks ago."

SD was beginning to pick at his food as he slowly answered, "Uh, not really. My wife had passed away on that day so each year I light a candle for her... It's just something I do."

Dana became subdued (a rarity), while Aurora, who had been successfully paying as little attention as possible to SD suddenly turned to him. There was no way she could avoid sensing the amount of pain he still carried inside. It was almost tangible like a ball wound tighter and tighter.

SD tried to get past the awkward moment, "Please do let that ruin the mood. It happened a long time ago and now all my energies are focused on the GX."


Rick inquired, "Have you noticed anything unusual so far in your handling of the mecha?"

He replied, "Negative, and for your peace of mind I had Dr Thompson install a VERY small nuclear device for self detonation in the event that any irregularity should appear." SD's tone was casual now.

Rick balked, "But wouldn't the AI simply deactivate or take control of a self detonation system?"


"Not this one." SD continued, "See it's a dead man system. If something goes wrong I can hit the button and the second my finger comes off it, it goes off... It's totally independent of any system and with no connections at all to the wiring of the GX. There is no way anything can take control of it or prevent its functioning."

"He's right Rick," Max added, "That system is fool proof. There's only two catches. It can't be used after ejection, and there is no time to eject after activating it..."

"That's... Pretty extreme, wouldn't you say?" Rick stammered.

"Not to me it isn't." SD stated, "If something goes wrong there is no way in hades I will let anyone become endangered while I am piloting. It's simply the risk one takes, especially as a test pilot..." SD realized he might have made a Fax Paus, "I'm sorry no one knows that better than you all, it's just how I feel about it."


The group ate in silence till near the end of the meal. Dana then promptly excused herself as she "Had plans" immediately after dinning involving ATAC members (which wasn't an unusual occurance).

After some more small talk, SD excused himself, "It was a wonderful meal and I enjoyed being here tonight." He shook hands all around while Miriya said, "We enjoyed having you. Don't be surprised if you get asked again soon."


Not long after the door closed Rick turned to Max, "Nice enough guy, but he does need to loosen up a little... But do you think if push came to shove, would he really hit the button?"

Max offered Rick another beer (Which he accepted), "Well I've gotten to know him a little and been to his quarters once. Honestly I think in his personal life he's a bit of a slacker, but when it comes to his job, he's all business... Yeah... I think he'd do it. In a heartbeat."


Unaware of his evaluation of character, SD wandered down to the hangar, as he usually did before bed. It was almost a nightly ritual that he checked on the mecha and said a silent goodnight.

Sparkplug was still up and noticed SD. "Hey kid, what's with the threadz?"

SD laughed, "Had dinner at the Sterlings."

That raised an eyebrow on the grizzled mechanic "Bout time you got to hanging out with real people more."

SD grunted in acknowledgement. Sparkplug had finished up for the night and was heading out. "Don't stay up too late." The door opened and Sparkplug started to leave.

SD waved a wordless goodnight from behind his shoulder to the older man knowing he would probably sense it and got in the cockpit once more. He kept a spare SDAT in his quarters but the main MP3 player was here (where it belonged). Thumbing the button, the unit came to life.


[Can I play with madness!]


SD was still bothered by his momentary distraction on the way out. Once again he had been captivated by the eyes of the younger Sterling sibling.

*Those eyes are so blue, you can get lost in them... Like hers...*

Thracia had blue eyes, SD would spend minutes at a time just staring into them when they cuddled or we out about town. He had never felt whole before she had come into his life, and once the were married he never had any regrets to speak of.

In short, it was as perfect as a mortal could hope for.


[I scream loud to the old man, I said 'don't lie, don't say don't know'. I said 'You'll pay for this mischief, oh in this world, or the next!']


Then Krell's sickness destroyed everything and everyone he loved. It took so long but he finally got his revenge. *Rot in hell you bastard, you sent me there for seven years...*


[Oh, and he fixed me with a freezing glance, and the hellfire raged in his eyes.]


He had to let it go. *It's been eating me up inside...*

The only thing he had to live for was Getter and now they both needed a new mission. Vowing not only would they succeed in the AI test, he promised silently that they would both help their new friends find their way home... No matter what.


[He said you wanna know the truth son? Lord I'll tell you the truth, your soul is gonna burn, in a lake of FIRE!]


He had picked up the new detonator switch and examined it. Hopefully it would not be needed. *But I will do what I have to...*

The people on board SDF-3 gave him and Getter a new lease on life and he would not allow them to become endangered by his actions or Getter's. A second later after scrutinizing the control, he had replaced the detonator back into the console holder.

Once more his thoughts drifted back to Aurora. *Damn... What am I some sort of cradle robber? Besides, there will never be anyone else.* He fingered the crystal snowflake hanging at the top of his chest to that lingering sentiment as the song ended.


[The prophet looked at me, laughed at me. He said, your blind..Too blind to see... Can I play with madness!] - Iron Maiden

Chapter: 13 (Heritage)



Dana Sterling was sitting on a swing, legs idly swaying slowly. To her left was a similarly positioned micronized Zentreadi, both attired in ATAC uniforms.

Her companion's serious tone broke the silence of the moment. "So... How long do you think we can keep avoiding everyone?"


Considering they were in a public park area, it wasn't the most clandestine location for a get together.


Dana sighed and ran her hand through her neck length blonde hair, "Tell you the truth Kierin" (pronounced Kir-rin) "I was thinking of just telling all of them right now!"

"Are you serious?" He gasped.

She replied flatly, "Well, it's getting harder to meet like this and I'm just tired of feeling guilty or that I have to hide how I feel. You were there for me, after I made a total idiot of myself with REM"


Dana and Kierin had a common Zentreadi connection but were also near in age (Dana older by almost three years).

Kierin had gone with the REF while Dana had stayed with General Emerson's family on Earth and they had gotten reacquainted ten years later when Dana took Colonel Wolfe's ship back to Fantoma and joined the Sentinel Forces. Not long after arrival she encountered the spitting image of her dead love ZOR Prime, REM (Who was in fact an exact clone).

Shocked would be an understatement for her reaction. For his part, REM was totally unprepared for a hybrid girl to totally become unglued in his presence. Members of the 15th squadron and Kierin were her rock during this period and she eventually learned to stop both obsessing and hating REM.

Dana had always liked Kierin, especially his detached and analytical demeanor towards her. He never took her for granted as an object or even made a pass at her, but at the same time never made her feel invalid or not worth his companionship.

In short he was the perfect guy friend.

Not long after this new adventure started, Dana had come to realize she had feelings for him and decided to complete moving on over ZOR/REM. Re-examining their relationship, she had told Kierin about her romantic interest in him.

It was a big chance on her part, for if he had rejected her it would have been another crushing blow to her fragile ego. But luck was with her as kierin had often thought of Dana in their time apart and was quite taken with the older girl who was now a vibrant and outspoken young woman.

They had been meeting in secret to keep their relationship as low profile as possible. First for Dana's peace of mind, but also cause Kierin had an issue as well which up to this moment Dana was not aware of...


"There's something I have to tell you then." He paused, "I do care for you Dana, but after this you may not want me around anymore, hell, maybe everyone would rather I just leave."

Dana stared intently and could hardly draw breath. She couldn't fathom what Kierin could possibly say that would alienate him from her and their people.

"You know I was orphaned and raised by Breeti and Exedore." That was common knowledge among the RDF/REF who cared to inquire so Dana shook her head affirmative.

"There is something that Exedore told me shortly after Breeti was killed by the Invid Regent.. Being the last person alive to know the secret he felt pressured to tell me in case something happened to him. He and Breeti KNEW who my parents were. In fact they are... well known."


Dana's thoughts were whirling *How could his parents be well known? Breeti shows up one day with a newly born Zentreadi baby mysteriously, saying that the parents were dead.*


He continued slowly, "My mother was Strike Commander Azonia, and my father was her lover, Khyron Shadakun. More infamous as Khyron the Back-Stabber."

*Gasp* Dana was speechless.


"I will understand if you wish to cease our relationship." Kierin's tone was much more subdued then he had ever been and indicated that he was expecting her to reject him.

She came to her senses, "I'm sorry, it's just a shock. I remember stories mom and dad's told about missions they went on to find Khyron and stop him. Plus Mom always mentioned Azonia when I was little and told me about her life as a Quadrano under her command... All this time, and They never told you?"

Kierin shook his head, "No... Exedore said they were about to tell me when I was fifteen, but I had already joined the REF by then and they reconsidered waiting till I was twenty-one. They felt that I didn't need the distraction in the beginning of my military service, I don't know maybe they were right. I mean, it's not everyday you find out your parents were Earth's most wanted!"


Dana took Kierin's hand in her own, "Look, it sucks that there is a bad history and all but I don't care. The past is just, that ancient history. You are your own person and always been reliable, especially to me. Not only can I say that I honestly love you Kierin, but if you think I'm letting you walk just because your parents weren't perfect, then I'm gonna have to disappoint you!"


Her outburst caught him off guard, "I... I love you too Dana and thank you." He was getting choked up for about the second time in his life (the first when his co-guardian Breeti died) and held Dana's hand firmly. A second later they were embracing as their mouths searched for each other, their passions sharing a language beyond words.


It was a night that would remain very special to both of them for many years to come. The night Kierin finally shared his secret and Dana shared her heart once more.


Unfortunately that night was also special for quite a different reason, a shuttle arrived to the SDF-3 from Earth with the latest batch of academy recruits. The young fresh faces were full of eagerness and exuberance, especially for a new avionics technician. He was here for a specific reason.

And only time would tell if his agenda would be completed...


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


Due to Dr. Lang's unavailability, Louie Nichols, (famed for inventing a eye targeting interface for the second Robotech war and also a member of Dana's 15th ATAC squadron) was slotted to take over the AI project in concert with Colonel Sterling.

Recently promoted, Dr. Nichols, was a computer genious and programming was his special talent. He could write new code for almost any purpose as easily as most people breathe. It was only three weeks later that a viable framework was completed and trials for the GX were scheduled in a few days.


One Saturday SD had gotten a message inviting him to join the Sterling's at Lynn Minmay's Karaoke Restaurant. Not wanting to be rude (but amatuer performances were NOT his thing) he accepted out of courtesy but was feeling a bit uncomfortable about what might happen there.


Lynn Minmay was a young girl who had become a famous singer, and who's songs during the First Robotech War touched the Zentreadi so deeply that 99% of them gave up their former lives of warmongering to become Micronian citizens.

After accidently being included on the journey with the SDF-3's mission to Fantoma, Lynn Minmay was captured by the twisted Colonel Edwards and after being rescued she became a recluse for almost two years. Having an epiphany, she reinvented herself and joined the military, but was shunted by officials into a division more suited to her talents, PSY-OPS

(Psychological Operations, a subdivision of the Intelligence branch). On the side she used her immense influence to open a Chinese eatery that featured an open mic karaoke facility that was a HUGE hit with the crew of SDF-3.

Though she was now about 32 years old, she still make quite a stunning figure on stage especially in uniform. Now that the crew had taken many liberty's to the planet she had collected a large number of new songs to include for recreation at the restraunt.


It was a VERY popular establishment as was evident by the patrons that night, including the Sterlings, the Hunters, and the 15 ATAC squad as well as dozens of others. The crew of the SDF-3 were enjoying the expanded selection of new songs thanks to the artists of alterante Earth. One of the most entertaining aspects (though not good role models) was most of the 15th squadron getting totally plastered and then trying to perform hits.

Sean Philips and his wife (Marie Crystal-Philips) had just finished a slightly slurred version of [Endless Love] to the delight of many. As they held out the mic towards their friends there didn't seem to be any one eager to claim it. Both Lieutenant Kierin and Chief Master Sergeant Angelo Dante both shook their heads no.


"Oh come on Angie!" Dana exclaimed, "Get up there and shake that money maker!" Angie was Dante's nickname given to him by Dana when she first took command of the unit almost five years ago.

"Sorry Dana, you got as much chance of getting me up there as you do with Kierin!" Dante and Dana looked over to Kierin who immediately shook and added, "Oh HELL No!"

She sighed, "Oh you guys are such wimps!" Dana always tried to get the two 'stone faces' to get on stage and repeatedly failed to ilicit their cooperation, much to the amusement of the other patrons.


"Fine!" she exasperated, as she then spied SD walking in, then thought, *Hmmmm..*

He approached their table and was greeted. Dana was quick to snatch him up, "Hey SD, you're just in time here's your mic!"


He looked at her as if she had grown a second head, "Excuse me?"

"Oh come on! New guy has to sing, it's the law!" She had her hands on her hips.

SD looked around those seated,"Is this true?"


Giggles from Lisa and Miriya were indicating he was about to be had and Rick merely said,"How the heck would I know, I'm just a soldier, not an entertainer."

Max just shrugged while Kierin and Dante both kept conspiriously quiet. Dana was not about to be put off again, "Ok so stop wasting time newbie and get up there pronto!" Slapping the mic into SD's hand she then turned him to the stage steps.

He eyed her in an annoyed manner but then sighed and started to climb the steps muttering, "Might as well get this over with." He climbed the steps slowly and laboriously (as if he was Frodo bringing The One Ring to Mount Doom). Open laughter was now heard as Kierin and Dante finally lost their composure of Dana finding a new "Victim".


Luckily by now there was a VAST amount of mp3's collected in the club's general database and it was possible for him to choose a song he knew he could sing (albeit badly), but at least he knew the words. The lights dimmed and the music started.


[I've been alone, since I was a young young boy.
Gonna live and die in the streets I cry, since I was a young-in.
It's been 20 long years, the fire's still burning.
The wax on the candle melts like tears, you know it don't come easy.
Road of the Gypsy.] - Iron Eagle


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


The newcomer had gotten familiar with his quarters and the best place to hide his gear. He had just finished stripping down the issued energy pistol and pointed it at the wall imagining his target.

'Click' broke the silence as he pulled the trigger (not firing cause the powersource was absent)

"you're dead."

Methodically reassembling the pistol, the technician went about memorizing duty logs and deck plans of the SDF-3. He was in no rush, and knew that an opportunity would show itself eventually.

"I have all the time in the world." he spoke to no one in particular, lost in his thoughts.

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


The music ended and SD retreated from the stage (as if it was a leaper). Dana and company were clapping (politely).

When SD sat down Dana stood up grinning, "Ok now that SD's initiation is over (loses grin) I have a serious announcement to make, actually make that two announcements." This took the table mostly by surprise as the word serious barely existed in Dana-world.

"I've been seeing Kierin for a while now and decided make it more permanent."

Miriya smiled and asked, "Is this his idea or yours?"

Dana chuckled, "Oh totally mine, I finally found someone that doesn't bore me to death or piss me off, so I might as well keep him around."

Max interjected, "Sounds like valid reasons to me." and promptly was nudged in the rib by his loving spouse (herself all smiles), who added, "Well daughter of mine, when is the date of this wonderous union?" (with the actual unspoken thought being *It's a wonder any man would tolerate her,
he he*)

Dana waved her hand, "Oh not for at least a year. I may like the guy, but I'm not crazy enough to get hitched until I know we can stand living together." SD was out of the loop so he didn't get the reason smirks were flashing all around.

Dana sat back down oblivious to the groups expression and continued, "But there is one little major 'thing' we should talk about."

"You're not pregnant are you?" Miriya asked suddenly.

"Mother! NO, I'm not pregnant. And don't get any wrong ideas, I don't plan on being so for a good long time." Max sighed suddenly feeling old at the thought of possibly becoming a grandfather in the immediate future.

"Any-way, WE (she emphasized) found out something about Kierin's past we did not know about till a little while ago. To me it's no big thing but I think it's better to just air it in the open now and get it over with."


Max patted her hand softly, "It's ok Dana you can tell us anything, we love you no matter what and since you feel that Kierin is special enough for you to want to be with him then the same goes for him as well."

Dana breathed a long exhale and looked to Kierin. He slowly nodded and smiled slightly. She then began, "you know how Kierin is full Zentreadi, but Exedore said he was orphaned and his parents were unknown?"

This part got the table interested as most leaned forward unconsciously, "well Exedore and Breeti KNEW who his parents were, but didn't tell him for a long time. In fact it wasn't till after Breeti had , passed on, that Exedore finally spilt it."

Noticing that everyone was giving her their full attention was making the attention hog unusually nervous as she cleared her throat, "Well it turns out that Kierin's parents were Azonia and ..." she stumbled.

"...Khyron!?" Lisa and Miriya Burst out almost simultaneously as they mentally made the leap of logic.

"Say what!?" Was Ricks reply while Max was momentarily stunned.

Kierin spoke up, "Let me add some details." He slowly added, "Apparently they began having micronian urges during their extensive time exposed to each other and it turned into a relationship.

They concieved me and then went secretly to Breeti and Exedore for 'help'. They assisted and arrainged for Azonia to have me and then took me in as my parents felt they could not care for me and did not want me involved in their battles.

My father especially had no opinion other than I was a great waste of time and 'inconvenient', while my mother wanted to give me another option."


Most were practically speechless... "Wow!" was Ricks reaction, while Lisa reflected, "Hmm I always thought it strange that you were the ONLY full Zentreadi orphan generally known about."

"Well" Max added, "I just thought it was strange that Breeti and Exedore had raised you!"

That elicited a few laughs as the group imagined the trials that a young Kierin must have put the two clueless Zentreadi bachelors through in dealing with child rearing customs (such as wondering which one wore the bottle mounted bra for feedings or dealing with diaper changes!)


Kierin smiled, "My Uncles did a fine job I think, despite their 'difficulties'. After all, I'm still alive aren't I?"

"And I thought my whole upbringing was a military operation" Lisa said dryly.

Rick motioned with his hand, "Look, you can't CHOOSE your parents. It's unfortunate the events they had a part in and that most of us here have 'unpleasant' memories of them, but that's not a reflection on you. I know you're a good officer and have served the REF with honor."


"Likewise", Max continued, "We don't get to see much of you, but I know your a great tanker, and if my daughter thinks your ok, then I think so too!" He held out his hand and Kierin too it firmly.

Dana had water forming in her eyes but quickly changed the subject, "Now that that's over with, lets order some FOOD! All this melodrama has made me ravenous!"

That evoked laughter all around as they then began ordering from Club Minmay's dinner menu.



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



The crowd was jumping and the band was performing nicely but something was still nagging Nikki Basara (lead vocalist and guitarist).

FIRE BOMBER (their band) were more popular than ever and were loved by the people not just for their music, but also because they had saved the population of Macross 7 from the plans of the Protodevlin and their sinister "spirita Farm'."

Mylene Jenius (bass player) noticed his distraction and kicked him in the shin to get him to focus on the final set of the evening. (Disappointing the crowd was not on her agenda!) Her constant companion Guvava on her shoulder chirped at him in symbiotic annoyance with his mistress.


Guvava is a Gyarashi from the planet Pukirases V. an intelligent rodent whose fur is so thick he resembles a tribble with eyes. He also has a tail, which he can use to swing and propel
himself with, and short legs.

Guvava was rescued from his predator-rich
environment by Mylene's Father Maximilian Jenius, injured and alone while on a mission.

Mylene nursed him back to health and for years they have been inseparable, even during a concert!


After the curtain fell she was quick to follow up...



"What's with you Basara? You make us practice saying how we can't become complacent and then you zone out like that!"

He smirked, "You're kinda cute when your angry. Probably cause it gives you more color."

She had her angry face on, "Don't change the subject."


He turned from her, "Ray I'm taking off for a bit." He grabbed his jacket and proceeded to walk out of the room after Ray gave him the nod.

Mylene stopped herself and breathed counting to five. "Now where are you going?"

"I don't know..." Basara closed the door behind him.


"That's NOT an answer!" Mylene yelled after him. Sulking she turned to Ray Lovelock (Keyboardist and default band leader), "Ray, do you know what's going on?"

He grinned, "Nope" and promptly began working on some new arrangements to try in the studio. Mylene turned to Vidfeddas but the Female Zentreadi was already drumming on the table lightly (a
good indication she was not in her 'communicative mode').


"Argh!" She exclaimed and stormed out of the area.



===========================================================================


Chapter: 14 (awareness)



It had been nearly a month since Dana's engaement announcement and things were looking up.

Dr Lang had produced a prototype dimentional engine and it successfully left the continuim with no trace. The REF council green-lighted the start of contruction of full-sized models but settled for a radical new idea.

Instead of just equipping the SDF-3 and it's escorts, they decided to build a giant version and then build a dock, command facility, and lab all into one structure. This would be a HUGE station encompassing 20 km.

Most of the space would be interior berths for the escort contingent of ships but the rest would be crew/passenger quarters. Spacedock repair and refit facilitires, and an laboratory both for future research and computer archive that contained the current records from SDF-3 as well as Earth One (the dimension they currently resided in).

This new class of Orbiter would be designated MDF or Mobile Dimensional Fortress. The name of this and future vessels would be taken from legendary places from Earth history. The very first one was to be called MDF Xanadu.

A second one was also being constructed simultaneously in the event Earth One ever needed to be Evacuated (as a last resort), and was to be named MDF Atlantis. Other names floated for future use were listed as Avalon, Hyperboria, and Babylon.

For now construction of the stations were the priority, but new Earth designs for ships were being evaluated and tested (those records would be included in the stations libraries).

These were not the only new developments. Earth's new spacefleet defenses were forming as construction was completed on the Lancer Class Carrier (EDFCa Yorktown) and Segomo Class Battleship (EDFBs Vigilant). Many more were planned to both keep the populations at work as well as to prepare for any future "visitors" that may be hostile.


In the meantime SD had been taking classes and training in simulators for basic bridge proficency. This was standard for all senior offciers regardless of branch or specialty. The theory was in an emergency even a fighter pilot may have to take over for a short time and at least should get some exposure to commanding a starship no matter if they found themselves on a shuttle or a Battlecruiser.

If the worse should happen at least someone would be able to step in temporarily and keep command functions onine until a replacement could be found (often not possible during a battle).

Regarding ground forces, many similair mecha designs were now being replaced by REF versions. For example, the Earth Warhammers were now phased out for REF Excaliburs. The LRM20 bearing Archers were to be succeeded by REF Gladiators, and the list goes on.

It would still take many weeks of training for the Destroid Pilots (mechwarriors) to get 100% confidence operationally with their "new" mechas, but it was going to be far faster than if they had been totally unfamiliar frames.

The REF armors were many times more resiliant and damage absorbing then the native terrestrial mechas plus the output and targeting abilities of the various weapons systems had nearly 99% of the military won over immediately.

It wasn't long before units had repainted their logo's on the new frames, as evident by some noted ones in the SDF-3's main mech bay that sported a Black Horse atop a storm cloud (The Storm Riders).


However things were not as rosey as it sounded at first. SD was still being plauged by insomnia (which became slightly more prominent), and it was affecting his performance in the Bridge Command Course. This was very upsetting to his instructors and failure to perform satisfactory below minimum would take away his flight status (as if he needed more pressure).

Not only that, despite the winning of hearts and minds of various militaries, there was a bit of a backlash from certain groups (no doubt instigated by those who simply would not walk away from terrorism or would not support peaceful co-existence). Rallying around the cry of being forced into conformity and fear of being culturally abosrbed into a "Terran Hegemony", these instigators fired up the populations of various third world nations and it was becomming a problem for the UEG.


On one hand, the REF could step in and systematically root them out and neutralize the malcontents as they had on their Earth decades ago, but that was the jurisdiction of the UEG. They would have to learn on their own that unless one was willing to go the distance and find the resolute will in themselves to put an end to such instances of violence, it would never simply go away. Peace has to be won, it doesn't just "happen" no matter how much one prays or begs for it, you have to earn it.



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



Not much later it was time for the test of the mental interface (the Louis Nichol's "Jacksuit"), which consisted of a full body suit worn under the pilot's normal clothing. It was imbedded with hundereds of sensors that monitored the firing of nerons not only in the brain but in all the major muscle groups of the head, torso, and limbs as well as the general EGG readings of the brain.

"This really makes me feel uncomfortable, probably cause I don't have a rubber fetish." SD complained...

Witwicky was quick on the fly, "You're a big boy, so stop your whining."

People in the hangar control area could see the grin on his face as the engineer imagined SD squirming around in the cockpit since the occasional squeek of rubber could be heard.

Colonel Sterling spoke up, "You're approaching the waypoint, hows the status?"

SD eyeballed the indicators, "Sir, I'm all green."

"We're good to go here also Colonel." Dr Nichol's added.

"Alrighty then, switch the interface to active and lets see if this prgram works." Max's tone was cool and calm but inside he was more than a little excited. If this program worked it could give the REF pilots an edge in the future when combat was needed.

A human can only react so fast, but even with a fraction of a second better response time it could make the difference in some instances and technologically this would be a major breakthrough.


Meanwhile, on the crew levels, Aurora Sterling was starting to get a bad feeling. Often she would try to ignore it as it did not good to worry about something she couldn't pinpoint more than a general "something bad is going to happen" it was often not specific enough to do any good but put people on edge and possibly make a bad situation worse.

In this instance however it was starting to both increase in intensity as well as becomming more focused.She stopped what she was doing and almost unconciously started to leave her quarters and make her way to the main hangar. Her pace would match the rising dread that was slowly overtaking her.

One other was making his way to the hanger as well, but this one had a different agenda. Not of preventing a tragedy, but of causing one. He had studied floor plans and duty rosters and picked this time as ripe for his revenge.

It was all though out, from the arrival time at the hangar to the assembling of his concealed weapon in the maintenace area (with sceduled work as a cover). Time, location, and equiptment was all joined. Now the only element needed was the will to carry it through.


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


Dr Nichols hit the switch on the console and the command to activate the interface was transmitted to the GX. At first SD would later describe the feeling as "being crawled on by 1000 ants" as the program ran and the moment by moment neural activity of his body was being scanned.

*Time to see if this was worth it* "Control I'm initiating rudder imaging." Which meant although he still ahd his hand on the stick maintaing a level flight path, he would attempt to turn left and right by mind thought alone.

"Damn, it isn't working..." SD was trying hard not to become frustrated as Dr Nichols told him before the mission that maintaining a clear though pattern was crucial.

In control Dr Nichols had an idea, "Ok SD, try focusing on turing the plane left with the stick and concentrating on that motion. Perhaps if we can get the system to recognise your pattern for left it will kick in."

It certainly sounded reasonable to SD so he calmed himself and concentrated on turning left as he moved the stick appropriately. Back in Control the readouts were showing his movements as SD turned the plane left 90 degrees and then straightened out.

"Good." Louis said, "Now try to think of what you just did and do it again without actually moving, think of yourself moving it."

SD concentrated again. He imagined his right hand holding the stick and turning it to the left as he just had done. In that moment he felt it, not just the stick but more. He began to feel the rudder as if it was a part of him. The GX began to turn left.

There were gasps in the control room. Louis was almost beside himself in excitement, as Max uttered, "Unbelieveable, it actually works." Sparkplug added, "Way to go kid, the brass is all smiles."


After a few moments of elation things died down a bit, Max got on the mic "Ok SD, go through all the basics and when that's done prep for live fire tests at waypoint bravo."

"Affirmitive" SD put the GX through all the manuevers flawlessly. Right left turns, bank up and down, even a barrel roll and split S turn, all to the enjoyment and pride of the project team.

In minutes he was in position and with a mere though of his hand actualy pressing the buttons the different weapon systems of the GX were powering up and awaiting use.

"Now we're at the crucial part" Louis added, "Can SD fire the weapons and if so can he still pilot the GX effectively enough while engaging targets as well as evading return fire?"

That question was about to be answered.


At point Bravo threat indicators appeared on the GX's sensors and SD began to prioritize them. From control they could see him choose his approach vector and then the icon of a missle appeared as he had though of a missile activation and it flew from it's rack to obliterate it's target moments later.

As programmed the target drones began to return fire as he entered their preset minimum range for testing purposes. Was this actual combat in full they would have no restrictions but this was a very special test and safety has paramount.

A squad of six pods approached and was now engaging him in areial combat as he noted two remained below, probably as an ambush tactic should he go to ground.

The GX began to evade as soon as his eye detected the missile threat warnings and incomming icons. He returned fire as his GU-13 gunpod spit rapid fire slugs into the first pod in his sights as he mentally invisioned squeezing the trigger.

Back on the SDF-3 all were pouring over the real time data as it came in. While most of it would undoubtably be useful for implementation fleet wide, this was still a unique project and all were praying that no unexpected occurances like before would come to pass. The results they were getting were simply too damn good.

The ariel targets were destroyed in about two minutes with none scoring more than a few close missile locks and some laser scorched paint. "I'm going to urban comabt mode." He said into the mic.

SD had noticed a pair of targets waiting in ambush behind some buildings and wanted to try getting up close and personal. First the GX changed to Gerwalk (or guardian mode) as he approached the ground level and hovered to the targeted block of the mock city test range.

Then as he approached the ambush point he changed yet again to full battloid mode. It appeared effortless in the control room as it had grown completely silent aside from the hum and beeps of the machinery. Those assembled continued to be awestruck at this achievement.

SD had gone from hovering to running as the mech's feet touched ground and he approached the building concerned. He was sweating a lot now. This was taking a tool on him as he had to keep concentrating on controlling the GX.

He realized how much easier it was to actually do it by hand, but could not deny that although mentally taxing, it was far faster to do it with his mind. As soon as the thought appeared the mecha was responding, and it was getting faster *and hotter,or is that just me?* he thought.

He departed from norm REF enaggement proceedures and reverted to his prefered methods. A one-handed axe ejected from the side and upon reaching his hand, the blades extended to combat use.

Max asked, "Is he thinking what I think he's thinking?"

To which sparkplug replied, "Oh yeah, he sure is. I love this part."

Still running the GX rounded the building and as the two REF pods open fired he threw the Tomahawk at the faceplate of the right one while simultaneously jumping up and to the right and then pushing himself with his feet off the bulding he executed a kick to the left one as he came down.

Reaching out for the axe imbedded in the now downed right pod he pulled it free and spun around catching the staggered left pod in the leg severing it. It fumbled around for a fraction of a second and in that awkward moment SD had jumped up and was bringing the axe down dual handed. Upon contact it split the pod in twain.

Breathing heavy SD spoke, "Control this was fun but I think I should come home now."

"Affirmative SD, good job, Bring it on home." Max turned to Louis and Sparkplug, "Congratulations to both of you as well. On paper it looked good, but to see it actually worked in the field was amazing."

As they shook hands all around Louis interjected, "Thank you Colonel, but as Dr Thompson
suggested to me the GX is 'special' it was his opinion that we would have the best chance of success using it first and now the challenge will be to duplicate these results with our standard REF mecha.

It may not happen right away, but I am confident using this data we got today will be the template for the effort." Sparkplug added, "Exactly, I knew he could pull it off. You made the right choice letting the kid take first crack at it, thank you for believeing in all of us Colonel and especially in the GX."

Max surpressed a chuckle as Sparkplug often referred to SD as "The Kid" despite the fact that SD had recently past Thirty-four (incidently only two years his junior). "Not a problem Sparkplug, You guys have amazed us all from the beginning and the dedication and courage shown by you team when we got here indebtted us to you."


SD had reached the hangar and guided the GX down. Louis told SD, "Please leave all the systems on, we want to run more simulations on the active system."

He replied, "No problem, but can I take this ballon off? I feel like I got a gallon of sweat on me."

Louie's laughter came over the radio, "Yeah go ahead, in fact why don't you take the rest of the day off. We're going to be studying this data for a while."


As SD was climbing out of the cockpit Aurora had run into the hangar and was desperately looking for someone. Max saw her first, "Hey Honey! What's got you in a state?"

His daughter was obviously out of sorts and for a Moment Max thought maybe something had happened to Dana or Miriya and Aurora had come to tell him personally.

"Father!" Aurora yelled as she began to run to him as a man stepped out from the maintenance area with a weapon drawn. "Stop right there!" She froze in fear, the premonition she had been recieving now crystalized to clarity. This man was going to kill her father!

"What's this all about!?" Max Shouted, the armed man was Human and appeared to be from the Areo-tech enlisted branch according to his insignias.


"Actually it's about you."He calmly replied as he pointed the gun at the Colonel. "You killed Colonel Harken my mentor. The man who was like a father to me. Now it's your turn..."

Sparkplug almost didn't notice the monitor as the readout changed to a quiery, "Is this still a simulation?" Perplexed he typed, no.

"Awaiting Command" was displayed. *It couldn't be* he thought as he looked up to the GX. Almost as a response the eyes flashed. In that moment he KNEW, he suspected all along but now it was staring him in the face. Getter was aware...

"Please don't kill my father!" Aurora pleaded as she moved between the man and Max.

"I said Don't Move!" He now pointed the gun at Aurora "Fine, maybe it would be more fitting if you were to die instead. I lose a father and in return he looses a daughter!"

SD shook both in rage and helplessness. He was unarmed and too far away still and it looked like this psycho had come to kill Colonel Sterling, but now was going to shoot Aurora instead.

Sparkplug took the biggest chance he ever thought of and typed in [ACTIVATE] and shouted, "Now Kid!" Startled, the armed man fired at Sparkplug and the engineer went down.

It was then everything went to hell as the world turned red. He heard screams and later realized one of them was his own. He felt the energy wash over him, the crawling of the ants. Then it changed, it was a feeling of enormity of power, It was like being outside himself and most of all, it felt good.

He could see himself in his mind reaching out with his hand and crusing the life out of this bastard who endangered the people he'd come to care for (wether he'd admit it or not). And the most surreal thing of all was the incredulous look on the man's face when he turned around as the metal fingers enveloped him and a second later crushed the life out of his body, a horrified expression left on battered the corpse.

It wasn't till the thud of the jellied remains (as every major bone in the body was pulverized) hit the floor that he noticed the silence, and then the world turned back to normal.

That is except he still ahd his hand outstreatched and fingers mostly grapsed. For an instant those that witnessed the event could swear they saw the devil himself in SD's eyes. But as for SD himself it was a fraction of a second before the feeling of limitless power left him and it was replaced by another feeling.

Or rather a memory of a feeling, of crushing another living thing in his own hand. Of feeling his fingers constrict until the snapping of bones and the life was squeezed out of his victim.

It was not more than three seconds after the body had hit the floor that SD also fell to his knees and started to retch, vomiting uncontrollably on the hangar deck. His mind overloaded with the utter diusgust of this traumatizing experience, mercifully shut down and darkness took him into its embrace.

Chapter: 15 (The Fallen)

B5 Space
1:58 a.m. Epsilon Eridanni


(Voice of Ivonova "The news is spreading all over the place Captain. We got every ambassador on the station ready to sign on."

(Voice of Sheridan) "I should stop by see Kosh, thank him for his help."

(Voice fo Ivonova) "It's almost 2am, you're exhausted. My Grandfather had a saying - Good news can wait, bad news refuses to leave. Get some sleep."

The door opened to ambasador Kosh's inner quarters, his private sanctum. Kosh was already alert, in fact he had been expecting this event ever since the Vorlon strike force destroyed the Shadow one raiding Brakiri space earlier that day. In a minute it would be over, but he had enough time for one final thing. Quickly he reached out with his mind and connected to the one who he chose to be the force of change beyond the circle.

John Sheridan started to toss in his sleep. His normal REM sleep about to be interrupted.

"John...Johnny..."

Sheridan turned to the familiar voice and answered, "Dad?" His father was with him in his quarters, but he didn't rememebr him entering or the reason for the visit.

"I don't have much time son. I want you to know... you were right. I, didn't want to admit that.. Just pride I guess. You get my age, you get kinda set in your ways. It HAD to be done, don't blame yourself for what happened later."

The senior Sheridan started to collapse but John reached out and supported him. "Dad are you?"

"It's too late for me, I'm sorry for what I did before. I knew what was ahead I guess, I guess I was afraid. When you've lived as long as I have, you kinda get used to it. Uh! I wish I could have done more for you, so many things I should have said, now it's too late. You're right, it's time you started fighting this war your way!" Collapsing again as if his body lost all control "UH! Got to go now John."

Shaking his head as realization started to dawn on Sheridan as to who he was really talking to, "No NO! Don't leave!"

Turning his head to look at John and smiling, "It's ok son, see, long as you're here, I'll always be here..."

The dream ended abruptly and Sheridan found himself sitting up in bed, a great emptiness had decended upon him. One that can only occur when one you care about is taken from you. With tears in his eyes he whispered, "Kosh...KOSH!"


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


SDF-3: Earth 1 orbit



Though his eyes were closed, when SD regained consciousness he knew where we was. It was from the smell. That smell of a steril environment that made him sick to his stomach. He opened his eyes thus confirming it, he was in the sickbay. A nurse noticed his activity and notified a doctor.

"Good Evening... You were out for five hours in case you were about to ask, also I couldn't find out any reason as to why. However at first your EEG was unusual, but it returned to normal after the first hour."

"When can I get out of here?"

"How about tomorrow morning? barring anything occurring I'll sign you off then as fit for duty. Oh, and someone arrived who would like a word with you." He pointed at the window and Col Sterling was visible in it. "you up for it?"

"Sure..."

Still writing on the chart the doctor motioned for the Colonel to enter and then left to tend his other patients. Max approached SD's bed and fought for words.

"There's something Sparkplug wanted you to know. He said it was very important to tell you... He wanted you to know 'you did good'. It was his last words."

As Max looked at SD he could see no expression on his face at all now, in fact his face seemed like a cold steel mask as hard as the deck alloy. One would get the impression that he was an uncaring bastard, except for the beading tears that fell first from one side and then the other.

Flashes of what happened started to replay in his mind and SD fought against it. He DIDN'T want to remember, any of it. Max had been talking after, but he had heard none of it.

"...so thank you." Max finished and realised that SD probably didn't hear a damn thing he had just said. "Look, doc's releasing you tomorrow but I think you should be on leave till next Monday ok."

SD nodded.

"I'll take off now, if you need anything... Right, I'll see you next week Colonel." Max stepped out of the room leaving SD to his thoughts, or rather lack thereof.

Aurora was waiting for her father outside. When he came out he had the look of disappointment on his face. "I'm sorry honey, he's definitely not in the mood for another visitor even though you mean well."

"I just wanted him to know how much I appreciated what he did and how sorry I am."

Max hugged her as they walked, "I know sweetie, but I am sure he knows. He just needs some time alone right now."

Aurora didn't doubt he knew, but as for the being alone part that didn't feel right to her.



The next day there was a meeting to discuss what had happened and Dr Thompson was worried, very worried.

*I can't let them stop the research. Not NOW, not when the very thing predicted by Dr Saotome has started to occur undeniably!*

He gathered his relevant notes and entered the meeting chamber. The Hunters as well as Colonel Sterling, Dr Nichols and Dr Lang were already present. Admiral Hayes spoke up, "Now that we are all here let's begin. First of all do we know WHO this gunman was and why he came to sdf-3 and also HOW he got past security?"

Max answered, "I can cover some of those things Sir. This individual was named Alex Marshall. He was formerly part of the Krell Corps under a Colonel Harkin, yes the same one I defeated in the battle almost a year ago.

He blamed me for his death (rightly so) and took it upon himself to have revenge against me, but when Aurora came in to warn us, he started to act and then decided to kill her instead. At that point somehow Colonel Crocker had used the AI control system to stop Mr Marshall. That's all I had to add."

Rick was skeptical, "I find this very hard to believe even though we can see the security tape. HOW did he manage this?"

Louie cleared his throat very embarrassed, "I'm sorry sirs, I have no idea at this time. I was there and that's exactly what happened."

"I think I can explain SOME of it" Dr Thompson interjected. Lisa motioned with her hand and Thompson stood up and walked a bit.

"Let us start first with the premise that the GX is NOTHING like you are used to. It STILL may have capabilities that defy conventional science. With that in mind I will narrate events according to the tape." He began a slow motion playback.

"As you can see here the Colonel is about ten feet from the cockpit, but still has the interface suit on. Also Mr Whitwicky is occupied with the control panel as if something caught his interest." he points at the screen as the engineer can be seen looking at the console with a puzzled look momentarily.

"A moment later he can be seen manipulating the controls and yells to the Colonel to take action. The Colonel then commands the GX to grab the threat, neutralizing it. And that is what happened."

Lang can be seen scrutinizing Thompson, his eyes narrow as he's trying to figure out just what it is the good doctor is NOT telling them.

"So are you saying this is NOT another out of control event?" Rick inquired.

Thompson held up his hands, "Absolutely NOT. This was a deliberate, although maybe slightly unconscious act FROM the pilot TO the mecha and thus the mecha acted on the wishes of the pilot. Pilot sees threat, wants to act but can't, suddenly the opportunity is there so the mecha lashes out as willed by the pilot. It's as simple as that."

Lisa turned to Lang, "Dr what do you think?"

Emile thought for a few moments and then started, "I agree."

Rick was shocked, "You do?"

"Yes." The German scientist continued, "Without any other evidence aside from what we see and the console command logs provided by Dr Thompson I can only concluded that the GX was NOT out of control, although maybe the PILOT was momentarily..."


Anyone looking at Thompson for that second would have seen a victorious smile being repressed *YES! Now to follow up.*

Thompson added, "Sirs, as unusual and tragic as this event was, it in NO WAY should affect continued resaerch both into the AI program as well as the GX itself."

Lisa turned to him, "What are the chances that an AI system in an Alpha fighter would do something like this?" She had a concerned look on her face.

"I can tell you right now the chances of duplicating this with one of your regular fighters right now is almost zero. From my experience only something as incredible as the Getter Rays could make such a quantum leap with the AI system and thus is worthy of continued research. Also," he added, "I think the Colonel is to be commended both for preserving lives and for making such a breakthrough with the aid of Mr Whitwicky. We should not ignore that achievement and his selfless sacrifice."

The Admiral nodded her head, "I agree, and as long as no one else has any objections we can put that part to rest." She looked around the table. Rick and Max nodded their heads, Louie nodded nervously, Thompson was smiling, and Lang had his poker face on.

"Now how did this Alex Marshall get on the SDF-3?"

Rick had some documents he referred to, "Preliminary security report indicates he was in a training program for aero techs. He passed a Earth background check and after finishing school was transported with his graduating class as trainees.

I can see right now if there are any more ex-Krell people that slipped through Earth security we can be in for more trouble. I recommend ALL Earth liasons and transfers be rechecked immediately and have their clearances TEMPORARILY revoked."

"Hmm" She mused out loud, "This could create some schisms we don't want, but I guess it can't be avoided.... Very well make it so and inform all involved WHY this is being done. I don't want anyone to feel like we are targeting them personally or at random."

"Finally, how is the Colonel doing?" she asked.

"Ahem," Max cleared his throat, "I visited him and he's awake and alert, although understandably out of sorts. I put him on a weeks bereavement leave, I figured with what happened plus the loss of his engineer he needed a few extra days."

"Granted, any idea why he collapsed like that?" She asked.

Thompson spoke up, "I think it's safe to assume that due to the special nature of that particular interlink that it must have been overwhelming and his system just couldn't take it. After all he had just completed the real time test superbly and indicated that he was already fatigued from the exertion. This threat was enough to give him an adrenalin rush momentarily and then his system most likely just crashed." He finished confidently.

Eyes turned toward Lang, "Again I concur. For the moment, it is the most reasonable explanation."

"Well then," Rick added, "let's hope can get past this soon."

"Any other business?" Lisa Inquired.

Dr Lang was the only person to add more, "Final installation and calibration of the Quantum Slide Engine is nearly complete. Charging will be then begin with your approval and then by the end of the month we will be ready for the actual operation."

Lisa thought for a moment, "Alright proceed unless there is a change. Also do not inform anyone outside the loop about the departure schedule until all new background checks are complete. Last thing we need is someone that might sabotage us feeling like they now have a time limit to act within IF there is a threat still among us."

Lang nodded, "A wise precaution Admiral."

Thompson spoke up, "Admiral, would be Joint Chief's be authorized? I have a meeting with them later."

"Yes, as long as this information is considered CRITICAL. I've noticed your forces use 'Top Secret' for a much broader range than we do, no offense."

He smiled, "No offense taken, and you are absolutely correct. They have used it for far too many things a lower classification could be rated for it, you could say it's almost become a cliche."

"Well then," she finished, "If there is nothing else this meeting is adjourned."

The meeting ended and as those involved filed out Dr Lang caught Thompson. "Can I speak with you a moment?"

"Certainly Emile, what do you need?"

Lately the two men had gotten close enough to skip formality as Lang was teaching Thompson about the Shapings of Protoculture and he in turn had described the basics of the Getter Rays to Lang in long discussions.

"I want you to be perfectly honest with me" he said it slowly and his German accent had become more pronounced. "Vhat are you NOT telling them?"

He looked Lang in the eye, "What makes you think I know something more?"

"Call it intuition, or as the Major General would say, 'my BS detector is red -lining.'."

Thompson held the other man's gaze for a few more seconds then sighed, "Alright Emile, I'll tell you but I want a promise first."

Lang was doubtful, "I can't make a promise on information I don't know."

"Fine... Just try to keep an open mind then, as a fellow scientist..." He sat down and motioned for Lang to follow suit.

When his colleague had seated he began, "I wasn't lying when I said at no time was the mecha out of control. As far as I can tell there is no more danger of that at all, unless we bring it upon ourselves."

"What do you mean by that?" Lang was concerned.

"I'll get to that in a moment. What I didn't tell them was I knew exactly why this happened." Lang's silence prompted him to continue, "Whitwicky saw something in the readout....THIS!" He slid a paper over to lang. After a moment his apparent pupiless eyes grew imperceptibly wide, "Mien GOTT! This can only mean..."

"Yes Emile, the GX itself initiated an inquiry based on real time events. It analyzed the situation, determined there was a threat, and asked for instruction on how to proceed. It ONLY took action when Whitwicky activated the system and then yelled at the Colonel."

Lang was floored, "So it's...Alive?"

Thompson spread his hands, " I don't know, possibly, I prefer to say Aware. I think this is incredible but I don't think this should be revealed to anyone else, at least not yet. Don't you agree?"

Lang thought hard, "Possibly. But first what did you mean by 'bring this upon ourselves'?"

"Well look at it this way. For now it follows the orders of the pilot. What if the mecha becomes aware of the attitude of others around it? See what I mean? If it analyzes that it is among a impending threat THEN it could conceivably start to go out of control.

IE if I am surrounded by enemies that intend me harm why not take action to prevent that harm? I submit that even though Whitwicky and the Colonel installed the self-destruct device the mecha did NOT react to it while I believe it has had ample opportunity to do so. Why, because it's pilot felt it necessary so the mecha does also. Do you understand?"

"I think so, what you are saying is an adverse reaction from the rest of the command staff could influence the GX?"

"Precisly! IF Admiral Hayes orders the research aborted or WORSE seperates the Colonel from the mecha THAT could initiate an adverse reaction. I'll tell you the other thing no one has mentioned yet Emile. The first two pilots we chose for the GX, were killed.

Officially it was pilot error, unofficially I believe the GX rejected them even then with a primitive form of awareness. It was fortunate indeed that the Colonel was not killed the day he got into the cockpit or in the seven years since.

Dr Saotome had a saying once, 'One dose not CHOOSE to become a Getter pilot, the Getter chooses HIM'. Please help me Emile, believe in me and this work and keep this to yourself at least for now. There is so much more we can learn and I honestly believe now that the Getter has overcome the Invid seed memory take over attempt, that it is NO danger to us what so ever, as long as we don't choose to become the enemy."


"That's a dangerous assumption William... Alright. I'll keep this confidential , for now. Don't make me regret this, I have a duty to the REF but I can concede your points as a scientist. Eventually they will have to be told."

"Thank you Emile. And you're right, I want to be the one to tell them though, soon." *Soon is a relative term my friend*

"I'll hold you to that then... Good day."

Lang left the conference room leaving Thompson alone with his thoughts. *Sorry Emile, I couldn't tell you everything. But you know more than enough... For now.*


Things were happening far quicker than Thompson could imagine, it had to be the Protoculture. Somehow it had awaked the Getter far sooner then predicted by Dr Saotome. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time that he would live to see this day. The day the life form known as Getter would begin it's OWN evolution.

For seven years now the Rays have saturated the pilot but otherwise lay dormant. It had formed an unconscious bond with SD and now thanks to the REF it would instantly obey him even with him outside of the cockpit.

*this is far beyond what I could have dreamed of, oh Saotome if you could have see this...*

But no, with the death of his daughter Michiru in a 'training accident' and then the 'day of light' when all of Earth's Mightiest Machines disappeared, Saotome and many others abandoned their work and either became recluses or transferred to other defense projects like the Battlemechs.

Much more beyond that he could only guess at. But more there certainly was... Only time would reveal what the Rays would become, or even more interesting how much more they would affect the pilot.

Still things were proceeding roughly as his hidden accomplice had said it would.

The sword and shield of Humanity would embrace their destiny, by the Emperor!


===========================================================================


Chapter 16 (Empty Soul)


(Thump Thump THUMP!)...

For the second time security was called to the level that SD's quarters were located at with a noise complaint.

*Maybe they should move him near the engine room* MSG Dante mused as once more they asked the Lt Col to please lower the volume on his system and he grunted back an affirmative.

SD was a mess, one look at him and you could see the bags under his eyes and he definitely let himself go with 3 days of beard stubble (and still with 4 more days left of his 'leave' to go it would get denser). "Please Colonel (Angelo implored), keep it down or I'll have to confiscate the system..."

With that MSG Dante lead the MP squad back to the garrison. Security, while important, was rarely called upon to deal with a situation on the SDF-3 as it's crew was mainly a well disciplined force.

Angelo was also second in command of the 15th ATAC quadron so in Battle would be operating a hovertank, but he also cross-trained for ship security under Nova Satori when times were 'slower' as he enjoyed helping to solve problems of his fellow soldiers and to keep their home peacefully efficient.

It wasn't long before the troops returned to their operating center and one of his subordinates quireried, "Hey MSG, why didn't you bust that officer the second time around?"

Dante sighed, "Kid you got a lot to learn. Sure it's our job to keep order on the ship but remember we're here to SERVE and protect. Dropping the hammer is not always the best thing to do. One, cause it's combat guys like the Lt Col who bolt to the front lines when we need them without hesitation. And Two, he just lost a member of his squad. I know from experience what that's like in a combat situation, but it happened from a damn terrorist attack practically, so he probably feels even more helpless at the situation."

He continued, "Give the guy a break, it could be worse.... He could be drunk off his ass and shooting up the decks or crashing a mech all over the bay, I've seen stuff like that before (he grinned as the memory of Marie Crystal , four sheets to the wind in a jeep, was bailed out from getting arrested by her future husband Sean Phillips.

When they found her drunk and sobbing over her issues it was Sean who had removed her from the vehicle and then trumped eveyone else there by jumping into the jeep, taking it on a fast vector out of the area just as the MP's were arriving. He took the heat and it was one of the most selfless things Dante ever witnessed as a soldier.)

He began adding to the event log of the day, Hoping that the Lt Col would get through his personal hell before he'd have to press the issue and enforce some regs...



On Earth Dr Thompson was about to address the Joint Chiefs. This was never a thrilling occasion for them and the anxiety levels of the members were about to rise.

"Sirs, as you know the Mobile Dimensional Fortress Xanadu, and it's escort compliment, will be initiating the Quantam Slide at the end next month. Before that comes to pass I want to make a recommendation for leadership of the Earth Forces that will be included in this operation."

This brought a murmor from the table as Chief Johnson of the US Army spoke up with his southern drawl, "And let me guess Doctor, you want to nominate Lt Col Crocker dontcha?"

Smiling Thompson continued, "I'm glad to see the thought has crossed your minds as well."

"Now HOLD ON a minute!" Johnson interjected, "Why should we allow that mech head misfit (though there were more colorful and inflammatory words he was wanting to say but while in session wouldn't express them) to repsent OUR contingent? He has NO practical experience in large unit operations, is unaccustomed to TRADITIONAL chain of command, and overall I for one don't even like him." (that much he was willing to admit)

The scientist cleared his throat, "I'm glad you asked General... Col Crocker has been in training with the REF in fleet operations, particularly in starship command protocol.

Not only that but his loyalty to EARTH is unquestionable. Lastly, he's one of OUR OWN, even aside from whatever personal feelings YOU may have.

Isn't it true that a Flag Offcier will have to be included because of the number of Earth personnel and equipment involved? Not only that, but because of what we might see or learn don't we need someone on the inside we can trust who will represent the interests of our Earth?

I mean seriously, would ANY OF YOU be willing to risk your lives in a experiment that may very well kill everyone instantly when the switch is thrown. Or even if it does work, who's to say we will EVER be able to return. This could be a one way trip and being that this mission is entirely voluntary, now the question is WHICH one of you is going volunteer....?"

The murmor now turned into an uproar. Thompson always irritated the Chiefs with his arrogance and the feeling that he never told them quite everything. Now he had basically called them on the carpet and was gonna force someone to step forward on this potentially suicidal endeavor.

Needless to say the next few hours would include much arguing and heated debate...


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


"We are intercepting the transmissions again." The alien fighter sent to it's companion scout ship.

"Scans are detecting patrol craft, fall back behind the nearest planetary body for cover. We must not be detected. Proceed with recording."

"I obey."


With that the two Zentran ships continued their surveillance of the LUX system. Unaware that they were under observation, two members of Emerald Force maintained their patrol route through the locl area around the planet Lux's space.

Over the radio the broadest range of frequencies carried the transmission of interest to the Zentran scouts. "Hey Everybody! Jump into the planet dance!" *This enemy also sings* the pilot thought. *Lord Ingues will know what to do*

The Marduk fleet had begun resupply operations a few systems away. Should invasion be decided it would easily be in the LUX system by the end of the month.

Chapter: 17 (Remembrance)



The Isle of Crete is a beautiful and successful spot for tourism, and has been for many decades, however this tiny and tranquil spot on Earth harbours a dreadful secret...



In the near dark the Albino sat, slightly leaning back in his chair. The surrounding was pierced by the echoes of footsteps slowly approaching from beyond the corridors of the great stone complex. A figure cloaked in a blue and purple outfit came into view as he came in range of the flickering torchlight. The smell of the scented oils they burned lightly filling the air with a musky odor.

The Cloaked figure stopped and prostrated himself before the albino, "Dr Hell, your instructions have been carried out."


On closer inspection the features of this arrival were now visible. It was not a man, or rather not a whole man. This person also had the appearance of a woman on one side of it's body! As if someone had taken a man and a woman, cut them down the middle, and spliced the opposite sides with man form on the right and female form on the left.

That is exacly what Dr Hell had done with the two ancient mummies he found fifty years ago. Neither alone was intact enough to survive the ritual he had learned from the great darkness, so he spliced the two remains into one creature. The result was the incompetent, but occasionally useful servant that now bowed before him...

"Devleen" The Albino known as Dr Hell spoke, "I have more tasks for you to accomplish. The Great one has spoken to me and our work will begin for the ritual when the newcomers leave."

The melded personage called Devleen looked up at his...? her..? er, IT's master and inquired, "If I may ask why are they so important to our goals master?" Devleen remembered some of it's prior existence millennia ago as separate individuals serving the ancient Minoan civilization before Krakatoa destroyed it and buried their ancient technology. Even then they had served the great Darkness, as they called it.

Dr Hell laughed ecstatically, "That's the beauty of it, they are the key to everything! I will do nothing to dissuade or impede their lofty goal of returning... (and then slowly) Home..." He continued, "That idiot Krell got what he deserved. Had he succeeded in destroying them our plans would have been foiled beyond recovery!"

"what are your commands for me now my master?"

Dr Hell stroked his white beard and an evil twinkled could be seen in his eyes. Have GENOM assure our agents are in position still for the great experiment. We can't have the increased security levels recently weed out any of our carefully placed personel. When the time comes for our sleepers to awaken I want them to be wherever the newcommers journey to.

The GENOM corporation was the most techncally advanced private business on Earth. Before the world changed forever they were the foremost supplier of arms and technology to the entire world and often played countried and factions against each other. Now that the Earth was truly united their business had suffered greatly, but the mega corporation adapted and survived. Now they made their profits with domestic servants called AI Companions. Instances of them running amuck were rising and now the public had a nick name for these rogues, BOOMERS.

Some considered GENOM a faceless evil corporate entity who were responsible for engineering these death machines on purpose, and they were right. The CEO of GENOM was in fact an acolyte of Dr Hell's twisted religion and would faithfully carry out the twisted wishes of the albino horror, whatever they may be...

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



It was Friday and LT Col Crocker had taken control of Sparkplug's final arrangements.

Aside from himself and Dr Thompson, Whitwicky had no family left except for his missing son, Spike. *Well not missing, fighting in a war halfway across the universe according to the old man* He mused.

No one else was there to take care of his personal effects and his home in West Virginia. SD contacted a local law firm the previous Tuesday listed in Sparkplug's will and discovered he had been left with power of attoney.

The only thing he could think of was to have the house put up for sale and also acquired a self storage unit to be paid for with the proceeds.

It was his hope that after spending a day sorting through the decades of memorabilia his friend had collected, the items he had set aside for storage in the unit would be valued by Spike should he ever return to Earth. He could only imagine what it would be like on such a return to be left with practically nothing aside from the meger contents of the unit and a statement that his father had died years ago.

The bulk of the house funds would go into a trust that would cycle in five year increments for withdrawal or reinvestment, (in case Spiek should ever return), at least it would be something


It was also during this grim (but necessary task) that SD had found some interesting things in Sparkplug's quarters on the SDF-3. There were some journal entries and a 'to do list' on the computer he stumbled accross when deciding what data should be saved or deleted.

It almost felt like an invasion of privacy to read these private thoughts of a dead person but the more he read, the more SD realized that the older man had considered him almost like a aurrogate son.

Also that he and Spike had parted on less than amiable terms and he had regretted that their last period of time together was not better. It was his hope that someday his son would still know how much he had loved him and that no matter what he was proud that he stood by his beliefs regardless of what his father thought.

It was a hard read and by the end SD was teary eyed. He flagged this for inclusion to the storage unit and later, when he got to the 'to do' list this was the entry that caught his eye.

ITEM 3: Mount CD for SD's BDay

*Damn, he was gonna put something in the Getter for me, God bless him. I've been such a selfish prick. When was the last time I did anything for anyone?* The guilty thought stuck in his head.


It didn't take long after that to clean out the quarters. Most of the contents would be shipped to the storage unit on Earth but SD kept a stack of data disks and CD's for examination later. As he opened the door he turned one last time and glanced at the desk imagining his friend hard at work, but the phantom image lasted only a few seconds.

"It's only a room now..." SD softly said to himself out loud and then he turned out the light and the door closed behind him...


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


The REF shuttle docked safely with the SDF-3 and it's passengers disembarked. Among them were two notable personages, Dr Thompson and a Air Force General.

The General was Eric Massey, a medium height black man in his 40's. He had been the commanding offcier of the San Francisco Combat Wing and his visit here was for a very special event.

Both men took pains to ensure that knowledge of their arrival was limited as they had a surprise for SD as well as the REF. Dr Thompson's plan has succeeded and now it was practically assured that very shortly his work would NOT be purely be at the control of either Earth OR the REF.

Oh yes... Things were looking up indeed...


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


The Marduk fleet hung in space around an relatively unimportant world. Their forces taking what they needed to replenish their stores and also various operation were undertaken by ship tenders ferrying munitions and other goods from ship to ship as the manufacturing centers created them.

On the HUGE fortress, Lord Feff listened to the report from their scouts along with the Great Lord Ingues. When the scouts were finished and the data reviewed he was witness to a rather unexpected reaction from his liege.


"Excellent!" the booming voice of the Marduk leader filled the room. Feff was stunned for a moment. This was almost a joyful reaction from the traditionally conservative entity, it was defiantly energetic regardless.

"What troubles you Feff?"

He stumbled for a second, "My Lord, you seem rather, pleased?, at this development. May I inquire why?"

"Of course, you know such an enemy is the most deadliest we have to face and they MUST be destroyed, ALL of them. But at the same time it will be good for our soldiers to fight a worthy foe again. It had been cycles since they had a decent challenge. It would not be good for the troops to get complacent because of the pathetic drivel we've exterminated lately."

"I understand."

"Good. When operations have terminated plot a fold to the enemy's system. We shall eradicate them from the universe for the glory of the Marduk Empire."

Feff bowed his head, "For the Empire it will be done!" Soon he would lead the Zentran into battle and the emulators would sing the song of war. It will be glorious...


===========================================================================


Chapter: 18 (Great Expectations)



Dr Thompson mysteriously had called a meeting of all REF staff and SD as well.

*frig me* SD thought, *I bet something's come up with Getter and I'm still grounded*...

That thought resounded in his head as he entered the council room, and was shocked speechless...

It was like he was the absolute last one to arrive. Either he was imbecilicly late or this was a set up.

A number officers of the REF were packed in two sections while the flag officers were up front with Dr Thompson and the main source of his astonishment, an Air Force general he immediately recognised.

"Eric?" Was all he could gasp before Admiral Hayse grinned and took the podium, "Now that we are all here we can begin. Lt Col Crocker would you front and center please."

Feeling a bit embarressed at the attention of all eyes moving to him he stoically approached the small stage and presented himself. Thompson and Massey were particularly enjoying the look that escaped SD's control momentarily of a rabbit ready to bolt.


"The UEG on this day recognizes the deeds and service Lt Col Carl Crocker and posthumously civilian engineer Whitwicky. Each is to be awarded for Meritorious Service and Lt Col Crocker is to be promoted to Full Colonel. Presenting the award is General Eric Massey who is now the Official CO of the Earth contingent. General Massey..."

At that the General smiled and approached SD. He handed him the Meritorious Service medal as SD already had earned one and later would attach a cluster to it. Then he removed the Lt Col insignias and replaced them with Full Birds. When he finished he shook SD's hand and saluted him, "Congratulations Colonel".

As the Admiral started to appluad the rest of those took her cue and joined in immediately and it was quite loud (at least to SD). She then spoke into the podium again, "There will be a short reception in the main hall till 1400 to celebrate these appointments."


It wasn't long till SD was in the main assembly hall for the mandatory "hobnobbing" one must perform when publicly cornered. First Admiral and Major General Hunter greeted him, and then of course the Sterlings.

It wasn't long till General Massey made his way to SD and grabbed his arm again. "Looks like you'll be a pain in my ass again real soon."

SD had some burning questions as he started with, "As good as it is to see you Eric, how the HELL did you end up here? ...Sir?"

Massey held up his hands in mock defence, "Oh no I had nothing to do with it." He then pointed at Dr Thompson, "Blame HIM! He put the Joint Chiefs in a bind and basicly conned me into this as well. I tell you one thing, thank God that man is a scientist and NOT a politician... He could talk mud off a hog!"

Hearing the laughter and noticing Massey had pointed at him Dr Thompson came over to the group. "Yes yes, no doubt I am probably the target of some derogatory remark hmm?"

SD was still chuckling as he spit out, "Oh no, not at all Doctor. In fact I would consider it a very high compliment!"

"Indeed." Though Thompsons eyes narrow slightly there was no extinguishing the gleam they held. "Has the good General here told you the news about our re-assignment?"

"Um, I was about to ask about that... What's going on?"

Massey spoke,"Well since I was put in charge the Station and it's Earth escorts, it was decided that as Earth personnel your temporary TDY be ended and you come back into the fold so to speak. So starting tomorrow you, the Doctor and the GX will be transferred to the Station pending further assessment."

"Oh." was his unenthusiastic response. SD had gotten used to life aboard the SDF-3 despite the large number of people it carried.

Thompson leaned in, "Plus we are almost ready to leave. I suggest wrapping up any business you have with Earth and then I believe there are some station SOP's as well as ones for the Yorktown and Segomo you can pass the time with learning."

"That's true." Massey added, "I'm almost in the same boat as you Carl. The Yorktown may be a Carrier and the Segomo a Battleship but they are certainly not the terrestrial craft I am familiar with.

It's a whole new world and I just got charged with making it run smoothly as possible. Of course you've been with the REF for nearly a year, I bet you got their procedures down by now."


SD asked, "And how does Susan feel about this twilight zone we're living in now?"

Massey blinked a second, "Um, you see Sue isn't coming. We were divorced three years ago."

SD felt like garbage. Had he kept in touch with his old CO instead of letting his thirst for revenge consume him, cutting him off from everyone and everything except from fulfilling that purpose he probably would have known what his old friend and fellow officer had gone through.

"I'm sorry Eric.."

Massey didnt look concerned, "Hey no big, these things happen, we just grew apart. I'm fine with it now. Besides now that I got my hands full, I literally wont have any time to think about anything else.

I'm really looking forward to the challenge, who would have thought a lowly Air Force General would be tapped to be a Space Force General? It's like somethig out of sci-fi, right?" he grinned.


The next day SD had received permission to take the GX Earthside and then he visited some places that he probably would never see again. First stop was Hong Kong and in particular the anime district. True Japan was the source but eventually everything flowed into Hong Kong, like hard to find films.

Next stop was a quick fly by some of the wonders of the world like the Great Wall, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Piza, the Pyramids of course, and the Statue of Liberty.

Finally there was one last destination, and former wonder of the modern world he had to visit, the remains of San Francisco. A memorial had been built at the edge of the radiation zone. Because of the Holocost and staggering number of dead a mass wall covered with placards had been erected.

About 20 mins of searching he found the name he was looking for and he ran his fingers over the marble plate. *It's still like I am leaving you behind* He thought.

He placed a single Red Rose on the ledge and paused momentarily, as he considered placing the snowflake neckless he wore next to it. *No my love, this whole world could burn before I leave all that I got left of you behind*

Having reached his decision he wiped the stream of a single tear that somehow escaped his notice earlier and turn to leave. In minutes the GX was powered up and escaping Earth's Atmosphere for what SD thought was the last time.


The next three weeks were a blur as Both SD and General Massey got settled in to their new positions. The Xanadu station was enormous and teams were constantly checking the miles of corridors and conduits that made up the various decks and machinery for errors or other problems. Some of this inspection duty was taken up by technicians for the Genom Corporation.

Having many warehouse areas to themselves it was fitting that they not only run and maintain them, but inspect them as well to free up military personel for other critical areas. This mission was the greatest in Human history and the Genom Corp was gonna have their people in position no matter what if any benefit could be gained from this effort.

It was through these technicians that certain nefarious individuals passed Earth checkpoints and personel clearances. Far more subtle and insidious than the poor hacking done by Alex Marshall, one slightly talented individual could not forge an identity as completely as a whole company full of computer whizes.

With little notice the groups got on board the station and sequestered themselves deep in Genom's areas. Their contacts met and with their cover identities still holding they were to be "sleeper agents" awaiting the call of their master to becoem active. Till then they were to observe and remember anything that could further his goals in the future.



The day finally arrived. Now the great engines of the Xanadu Station were fully charged and almost ready to engage the "Lang Quantum Slide". There was electricity in the air as the excitement grew amoung the crews of both the station and it's escorts.

For many of them this was possibly the door to home and long lost loved ones who could still be under the yoke of the Invid. For others this was the greatest adventure of their lives. regardless of the reasons, hardly anyone met that day could not be seen without a smile or an eagerness in their voice as they went about their duties as the clock continued it's short countdown. It would be a matter of minutes until this incredible journey would begin, or end disasterously.

The SDF-3 was nestled in between the enormous outer docking rings as the ship simply could not get into the inner concealed spacedock. The Battleship Segomo, and Carrier Yorktown (with fighter compliments for each) were already inside in their custom docks. The beauty of having an inner dock was that crews could work in a pressurized envoriment without the need for space suits like on a planet.

The Bridges of all ships and the control tower were alive and buzzing with activity. Even off-duty personel were augmenting any post they could just to say they were witness to the amazing event.

There was an open comm line to all ships as the final countdown reached the 20 second mark. General Massey recieved the latest real time monitoring report that all systems were in the green as he turned to Dr Lang, "Since this project was your baby I would like to hand over the final command for this first jump to you Doctor."

Lang was almost beside himself as in mere moments his greatest work would be activated, "This is an unexpected honor General, thank you."

The computer was now at 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... as Lang gave the order "Execute Quantum Slide!"


There was a collective gasp as the vortex formed. and more than one person was quoted that day as uttering, "My God, it's beautiful".



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



Sensor probes had notified Lux control that unknown ships had entered the system by folding. Had they entered by conventional means like the scouts did earlier it may had bought the enemy more time but it was irrelevant.

"Report!" A micronized Zentran in a Captain's uniform was at the helm of battle 7 as warning indicators flashed and comm traffic from Lux increased.

A brunette female human spoke up, "Sir! sensor net detected a group of unknowns defolding mid-system. Apparently there are more ships defolding and arraigning themselves in a formation."

"Can the computer identify any silouettes yet?" *Please let them be just transient Zentreadi* the captain silently pleaded. It was a horrifying few moments before the newest data came back as his prayer had been answered.

"Sir computer has ID'ed a few ships, Analysis indicates Zentreadi Construction."

*Oh thank the gods, no more Protodevlins!*

"Contact Admiral Jenius, with his approval I want to prepare Operation 200"

The Captain smiled as a look of recognition flashed on the comm officer's face...

"That's right, The Minmay Attack! (TM) Oh and after that let Dr Chiba in City 7 know Sound Force MAY be needed."

While he doubted the new Zentreadi would be as effected by Basara as they would be by the female micronian's recording still he learned from his new culture to 'not put all your eggs in one basket' aside from the fact that he detested eggs, it was still good advice.



On board the Marduk command ship, Lord Feff observed his new prey's preperations. "What activity are you detecting?"

One of the generic looking helmed Zentrans spoke up, "My Lord, one ship approximate to Battleship class, one Carrier class and several escorts are forming up in between us and the primary target. There is a geo synchronous facility and some smaller craft separate from the armed ones, analysis indicates it's for manufacturing."

"That's it? Nine ships... This will hardly be a challenge at all. Very well launch the Warriors and as soon as the Emulator begins her broadcast begin the attack! I won't need any more forces than this. I'll simply destroy this puny force and then bombard the planet into submission. It will be a victory for myself and the Marduk Empire with the expenditure of minimal forces."


In moments the order was given and the Marduk Warriors flew their assault craft out fo the hangars and assumed attack positions. On the rear most capitol ship an attendant whispered to the Emulator, "It is time My Lady."

The Emulator herself has silver hair that reached halfway between her shoulder and her waist. Eyes of yellow/amber flickered open as she rose from her rest only to then begin a meditative trance. A trance that would enable her to perfectly sing the song of War that would propel the warriors listening to her to victory yet again.

Still someting was bothering her. On occasion she would have a vision/dream of finding that which defied all reason. Something inspired by a legend, the tale of the Alus.

Lady Ishtar had tried once to explain this to Feff, but the Closed minded warrior merely scoffed and told her myths of a defeated culture are not to be given a second thought. The Alus was not real and that she should only be concerened with supporting the warriors in battle. "For the glory of the Marduk Empire" she unconciously muttered as she began her song and it was transmitted openly to all the Marduk as well as the enemy.



In City 7 Admiral Max Jenius was Coordinating with his wife (and Mayor of the city) Millia to get the civilians into shelters and have planet based military forces readied for combat. They were riding on encouragement that the enemy were transient Zentreadi and that the Minmay Attack would successfully rout and confuse them enough not only to defeat them but to possibly take them alive and then the survivors could be assimilated into the culture as their ancestors had been decades ago.

"Admiral Jenius to Battle 7 (now Max was wishing he was back up there in the command chair in stead of the micronized Zentran) we're ready down here, it's up to you to get the party started."

Captain Barton (no relation to asshole Col Barton) had great confidence in his voice, "Acknowledged Admiral, this should end very quickly by the numbers. Comm, launch all Valkyries and have them deploy ordinance at range. All other units will support the fleet until otherwise directed."

"Roger sir, all units responding. Fire Bomber has launched from City 7 and will rendevous in 3 mins with fleet."

"Excellent." Barton folded his hands in his lap. He would try to make this as bloodless as possible but these were uncultured war mongers as his people once were. The Zentran knew many might need to die but no matter the cost to these fellow Zentreadi Barton would NOT allow his own men and City 7 itself to fall before hostile forces.

A ring of satellite stations that were used for GNN (Galaxy News Network) also doubled for military purposes such as Operation 200. The most powerful transmitters possible were installed in their cores and right now all the capability of these facilities were being controlled by City 7 Defense Headquarters.

Moments later the Valkyrie leader (Major Nexx) signaled to fleet they were nearing extreme range. Fleet relayed that to City 7 and they brought all the stations online at once and operation began.

Each station produced a 100 foot tall hologram just beyond itself of Lynn Minmay as she was forty years ago at the end of Space War One (S.W.O.). The holograms began to sing the song that won helped win that war [Do You Remember Love?]. The enemy fighters started to fly semi-erratically which indicated the operation was working.

Major Nexx yelled into his comm, "All fighters WEAPONS FREE!"

At that dozens of reflex ordinance streaked to their predetermined targets and it wasn't long before the flash of explosions tore through the enemy formations. Things were going according to plan, until they heard it. Later, pilots would say it reminded them of a Gregorian Chant but at the time they were too busy dodging weapons fire to pay it much attention.


"So they think their culture is any match for us? Ishtar sing, sing loud and strong for the Marduk!" Feff's fist was clenched as he saw the first wave of his warriors fall before the reflex missiles and waiver slightly under the influence of the alien culture. Almost at that time Istar began her song and the tide began to turn...


Nexx was having a hell of a time now as the alien fighters apparently recovered and started to swarm his forces. he couldn't help himself and it slipped out, "What the HELL is going on?" An explosion behind him reminded him he needed to be more aware as a familiar insignia went by his cockpit, "Thanks Sylvie."

Her melodic voice teased him, "Well you know, I'm not quite ready for your job yet Nexx!" Yeah that was his XO Sylvie Gena. Two years younger than him but at age of 17 almost twice the pilot he was.

"Screw this!" Nexx yelled, "Back to back!"

Sylvie knew the maneuver Nexx was contemplating and moved into position effortlessly. "Fire!" She yelled and then both Valkyries let loose their short range missile pods.

It was a crude tactic invented by Max Sterling in S.W.O. , but very effective as it was unexpected as testament to the dozens of alien fighters that disappeared from existence and the area around them erupted into momentary plasma bursts creatign a zone of death around them.

"Ah" he sighed, "That's better, a little room to breathe." Then he cupped his hand to his helmet pressing it closer to his ear as he faintly picked up something that was growing stronger ever second. "What the? Impossible, the Zentreadi have developed a musical defence???"



The Zentran operation reported, "My Lord, the enemy broadcast units are in range of particle cannons."

Feff had his arms crossed in annoyance that the prey had tried to impede his warriors in such a pathetic manner. "Very good. Fire and destroy them all! What is the performance ratios now?"

The operator responded, "No more than 20% deviance and now is rapidly increasing to normal. Estimating 2 mins till full performance is regained."

The Marduk frontline ships charged weapons as their cannons glowed blue and lashed out, incineration each and every braodcast satellite on that side of the planet. Operation Minmay was almost a complete failure.

Many were stunned as survivors of S.W.O. gaped in astonishment as the hostile Zentreadi proceeded undeterred in their assualt and hologram after hologram winked out of existence.

"My God.." Max swore.


Captain Barton was also deeply troubled, *Never could I have imagined the Minmay Attack failing us so soon. Now we have to defend ourselves from THEIR song...* Still although they were vastly out-numbered the battle wasn't over yet. "Launch all reserve forces and inform the guard units to assist the Valkyries!" The fighter compliments guarding the fleet, led by Emerald Force, sped off to reinforce the Valkyrie strike teams.

BY this time Sound Force had reached the fleet when things took their turn for the worse. Basara and company heard the Zentreadi transmission. "Coo!" was his first comment.

Mylene was not as enthusiastic, "What's so great about this again?"

Niki sighed, "It means they can be reached. they just have to realize what they are doing is wrong. Lets go, FIRE!"

With that he shoved the throttle forward and his custom red, Kai-Fire Valk flew ahead of the others. Already Veffidas began banging her drums guessing he was gonna begin singing [Planet Dance].

Mylene sighed, "Ray someday he's gonna get us killed." Ray Lovelock popped up on her comm monitor and winked, "Possibly, but hopefully not today!" as he began playing his keyboard.



Feff was getting impatient, "what's the status of our warriors?"

"My Lord, the first wave is almost defeated. The enemy seems determined."

This was not what he wanted to hear especially with Ishtar singing the Song of War. Still warriors die, that's what they are for. "Send in the second wave. This should not take much longer."


Thanks to the reinforcements, the line held. just as the last of the Zentreadi orangish pods were getting waxed new contacts appeared on the radar. Docker was the first to see them, "Shit! Nexx we got MORE bandits incoming!"

Nexx was already sweating hard, it was a rough fight and they lost a lot of good pilots already. "We got any more help comming?"

"Not really, all we got is a few more wings from City 7..." Docker corrected himself as a Fire Valk flew past the front line, "Oh yeah and HIM!"


The rest of Sound Force were hot on his heels as Basara changed to Battroid mode and fired off a few rounds of speaker pods into the nearest units of the second wave. Confused pilots stared as the non-explosive ordinance opened up on the inside and they were assaulted with the sound of an electronic harmonica and guitar,

[Hey Everybody! Jump into the Planet Dance!].


Once more many Zentran units were performing less than expected and incensed Feff to no end.

He yelled, "Increase output of the Emulation to maximum!"

With that the Emulator ship began humming with power as it's transmission boost began to increase. Unlike other Zentran ships this one was special. It functioned primarily as a transmitter, a very powerful one. Consisting of minimal armaments and a fold engine, the rest of the ship function as a power generation and broadcast facility. In moments Basara was all but drowned out by the huanting wordless drone of the Zentran forces.


"This SUCKS!" He wailed...

Mylene popped up on his monitor, "Not only that, she's off key!"

Ray popped up next, "Maybe they use a different scale?"

Basara yelled, "Someone think of something!"


Docker popped up, "I think we're screwed... Royally..."


At that moment a gigantic bright blue vortex appeared. Neither side was prepared for what emerged from it 30 seconds later...

Chapter 19 (The wheel begins to turn)



The Marduk advance was momentarily delayed as the fighters also witnessed the enormous 6km diameter vortex. Concerned they circled their present location until they could reform into formation and confirm their targets.

A blocky construct that looked more like a station than a ship came through. It appeared heavily armored and could posibly contain thousands of troops within. On the side in between many arm cradles was a large reddish ship that one would think of as a Zentreadi design.



The defenders of planet Lux were quickly becoming demoralized even as they shut their gaping mouths at the over whelming spectical of the newcomer's appearance.

Hot on the heels of Emerald force and the remaining fighters wings of City 7, came a civilian Valkyrie with Galaxy News Network markings. It was currently being piloted by one Hibiki Kansaki (17 year old scoop reporter and winner of the scandal of the month award three times running!) and riding shotgun on camera was Dennis Sloan (A seasoned war correspondant who was unfortunately nursing a really bad hangover).

Right now Kansaki was trying hard to pay attention of where he was going as he kept peeking at the new arrivals. "Tell me you got that on tape!"

"Of course I got it.(Dennis groaned) Though I doubt we will be able to get very close to that monster, but be ready. IF we get the chance, try to get near one of the smaller ships. Arrrrgh!"

Another sound of discomfort escaped from the backseat as Kansaki threw the valkyrie into a series of evades as stray missiles almost cilpped the plane.


Dr chiba had reached City 7 control as soon as able and had monitored the phenomenon that had all but neutralized Sound Force. Admiral Jenius was hoping he could get some answers from the scientist, but from the look on the man's face he didnt have very good news.

"Doctor, can you tell what's happening to Sound Force?"

Chiba continued to look at the readouts and didn't take his eyes off the screens, "Partially Admiral, apparently an intense jamming field that is piggybacking a carrier wave so only their transmission dominates is emanating from the rear most capital ship in the enemy formation.

Basara seemed to have little effect on the enemy earlier but now for all intents and purposes he is nullified."


Chiba's tone had been despondent and full of anguish, Sound Force was both his dream and life's work. Coming from amazing victory over the Protodevlin to almost complete failure against transient Zentreadi was heart crushing to the scientist.

Max had his eyes closed as his head slowly lowered, his cap feeling suddenly very heavy. "Dammit!" He slammed his arm down on the right armrest as some of the crew flinched from the sound. The Admiral was very good at controlling his emotions in battle but his frustration was so great it burst through.

"We had a chance before, but with that jamming and now those reinforcements I'd be a fool to think we can hold out."

He was actually thinking of sending a message of surrender. Battle 7 was ready to fire but it was only one battleship and had been totally rebuilt after the Protodevlin conflict two years ago. It's meager escort fleet was all that stood between the Zentreadi and the fledgling colony of City 7.

Max HAD to think of the people first and not his pride, maybe there would be an honorable way out of this that could save lives if they could not win victory. But would these Zentreadi accept a surrender?

On board the Station and it's compliment things were very chaotic.
What they were able to see out the windows was not at all encouraging as missiles and beam weapons passed each other into two groups.

General Massey shouted, "Report!"

One of the male operations responded, "Sir we got almost no power, sensors went down and we're trying to get them online again. Comms blacked out but are coming online now. SDF-3 seems to have slipped from the moorings and has drifted a few hundred yards ahead of us."

He palmed his earpiece against his head for a moment, "Signal from SDF-3 sir!"

"Put it on screen."


Admiral Hayes-Hunter appeared. She had a very unhappy look on her face , "Looks like trouble. We suffered a power drain and only have comms and short range sensors. Minor damage due to snapping of mooring lines. How about the station?"

Frustration was clear on Massey's face as he answered her, "We are experiencing a massive power drain and have almost no sensor capability. Suggest you get into a guard position for us until we can figure something out."

He asked aloud, "Can we launch Yorktown or Segomo?"

"Negative, not enough power to open the interlocks, the're stuck to us sir. However, they can launch fighters!"

Massey slammed his fist on to the nearest panel, "Do it, make sure they get the GX out there as well... I want them to screen SDF-3 until further notice... Admiral Hunter, since this seems to be a hostile situation the ball is in your court."

Massey was in charge of the Station and overall mission as the slide technology was lodged within it, but all naval or escort combat operations were purely under command of the REF, namely Admiral Hayes-Hunter.

Roger that General, we are getting some comm signals now, we'll keep you informed. Tactical what do we got?"

"One group of capital class vessels with vague Zentreadi profiles, unknown pod configurations most likely Zentreadi and non-Zentreadi fighters and a capital group defiantely not Zentreadi with a possible comm/repair/or manufacturing station behind them. Numerous debris from various fighter units and possibly defense platforms scattered around the planet."

The operator continued, "Sir, we are getting a signal from the second group. It's very weak though cause of a signal from the Zentreadi formation is almost drowning it out."

She moved a strand of hair out of her face, "Let me hear the first signal."

"Aye." a moment later the wordless dirge of the Marduk emulator filled the control room. Lisa was both captivated and frightened at the same time by the haunting melody. It evoked powerful feelings within her that she could feel herself struggling against.

Regaining control of her faculties when she signaled the transmission to be cut off she remarked, *Well, I'll never complain about Minmay again!* Lisa momentarily chuckled inside. "Now can you get the second one through?"

"...There, best I can do sir." The faint signal came over the speakers. At first no one could make it out. Then seconds later Lisa came to a realization, "That's Japanese! Damn, who's fluent in Japanese amoung us?"

SDF-3 had already launched fighters and Col Sterling was listening to the tac channel. "Admiral I can translate for you."

She sighed with relief, "Do it Max, find out if they need our help. Last thing we need is to get involved in someone else's fight but we just landed smack in the middle of it. I'd be hard to just standby while watching someone under Zentreadi guns."

Max addressed his wings, "All fighters maintain guard formation." He then switched to Japanese and focused a narrow beam transmission to the closest Non-Zentreadi unit. "REF Fighter Wing to Defending Forces do you read?"

By chance that unit was Lt Gena's Valkyrie. She thought she heard something over the radio so after a second or two of messing with the tuning she was able to lock onto the new signal.

"Repeat REF Fighter Wing to Defending forces do you read over?"

*REF?* She puzzled, "What's going on here? Who are you guys?"

Col Sterling shouted into his comm, "Not much time to explain can you patch this signal through to your command, I am barely reading you as it is."

*Oh hell, why the F*#$ not?* "City 7, Strike two here patching through unknown fighter wing's signal per their request, holding the line till further orders. Go ahead Fighter Wing."

That got the Admiral's attention. *Unknown Fighter Wing?* a moment later a distorted but somewhat familiar sounding voice came over the line.

"Colonel Max Sterling of the REF here. If you're wiling, we can coordinate between our command and yours to try to hold off these Zentreadi? Sending tac frequencies now of SDF-3."

Admiral Jenius was taken aback, *Did he say SDF-3?*, but recovered quickly. No vessel had ever had the designation SDF since SDF-2 and that had be reassigned as Megaroad01 thirty years ago.

This mystery could be addressed later, right now they had a battle to win. "Affirmative Colonel, though your designations are unknown to us any help we can get would be welcomed!"

After indicating to the operators to link their networks to the additional frequencies he added, "REF Forces we intend to fire the Macross Cannon into the bulk of the Zentreadi, advise your units to stay clear."

As this was taking place, SD and the GX had emerged from the 1st hangar of the Yorktown and rocketed at full burn towards the Enemy formation. Getting the word about adding channels he did so in a distracted manner. The GX began to drift off course waggling, as if the Emulator's dirge were acutally waves upon the ocean of space and were battering the craft.

Dr Lang had been recalibrating the sensors of the station and sent the new settings to SDF-3 when he noticed this odd response from the GX alone, as none of the other guard fighters seemed to be effected by this transmission aside from an decreased ability to comunicate.

Concerned, he told the General,"Sir, Col Crocker may have a problem, I suggest we get Dr Thompson online to monitor this."

Massey looked in the direction Lang had pointed and he could barely see the exhaust of the GX in the distance erratically maneuvering, "Comm, tell Dr Thompson to get to control immediately!" This was not good as he thought, *Thompson you Bastard, if he dies cause you played God in the name of science I'm holding you alone responsible!* But now was not to time to dwell on things he couldn't control, there was a planet on the verge of falling and the hostile force had begun to turn their ships towards the new arrivals.

Things were defiantely not right for SD, it felt like he was being physically assualted as he continued a round about course towards the main enemy formation. Playing his music couldn't seem to help him concentrate much better either and for once in his life he was almost on the verge of panic.

That was until a strange feeling came over him, *Let go*....

"what?" He couldn't help asking aloud.

*Trust*...

That second time it seemed he heard it inside his head, as if comming from a place of calm and peace. He did the irrational thing... He let go...


And suddenly he was in the eye of the storm. He could still feel the alien influence trying to prevent him from coming closer but now it barely registered.

Not really comprehending he felt an odd sense of cold detachment. At first he had become numb but now there was a rising sense of heat. No, not heat, anger... And in moments he knew the source of that anger. The target was locked and like an arrow shot from bow the GX headed straight for it. And in the silence of space Roared...

"ping!"

"Nani!?" Dr chiba was surprised as his monitor began to register a signal on the Spiritia meter. Invented by him, the Spiritia meter measured Sound Force's Anima energy output in units called Chiba's, of course, and now it was registering that Anima Spiritia was being expended.

Normally this would be a very good thing, except for one thing. Sound Force was not playing!


On board the Marduk flagship it's commander was barking out orders, "Ready all cannons! Fire on the alien Battlecruiser!"

Dozens of gunports that had been charged and ready to fire on the tiny Macross 7 fleet were now pointed at SDF-3 and blue bolts of energized death range out with a 'VREEE" sound.


As Feff had just finished giving his orders a translucent blue bubble had formed around the target. When the first volley of fire from the Zentran ships struck it, it flared light blue in an arc but was not penetrated.

"what!? What is the meaning of this!"

A moment later the scanning operative responded, "My Lord, a powerful energy shield has enveloped the target." He spoke his next words as neutrally and carefully as possible, "From these readings it might not be able to be breached with the units available at the moment."

"Intorlerable!" Feff raged, "I wont be denied this victory!"

While the Zentran fighters had reached the defensive line formed by the Macross 7 fighters, the REF Wing was moving in and in minutes would join the furball.

As blue fire continued to be rained down upon the SDF-3's barrier, a lone fighter appeared to challenge the green Zentran behemouths. It wasn't long before someone noticed the small contact, "Lord Feff, enemy fighter on intercept course."

Feff was almost stunned by the concept, *One fighter dares to fly into our guns. Is the pilot mad or simply suicidal?*

"Gunners target that fighter and eliminate it."

However the GX had other plans. It dove hip deep into the enemy formation with apparent disregard for it's own safety. The GNN Valkyrie had been trying to work it's way towards the newcomers but was nearer the Zentran formation now and noticed this crazed maneuver, "Holy Shit!" Was the first thing out of Kansaki.

"Hmmm this may be interesting." Was Sloan's comment, "Hey kid, think you can follow that action?"

Clearly it was a taunt, but it was one Hibiki couldn't refuse. "Of course I can, but think We'll survive much longer than that guy?"

Dennis sighed, "True, Life can be a high price to pay for our craft, we can go back if you want to..."

Flashes of dying horribly versus fame and wealth that a pulitzer could bring danced in the young reporters head.

"Damn, that tears it. Who wants to live forever anyway?" and tried to be as inconspicuous as possible and yet at the same time fly paralel to the huge battleships of the Zentrans while keeping within camera range of the red fighter who dared these Goliaths to squash him.

Then he heard it. "Dennis, am I imagining things or is that like regular music?" The cameraman concentrated on listening aside from the Zentran's transmission and began to make out what Kansaki was hearing. "Looks like things just got a whole lot more interesting..."

Things were less than interesting on the Marduk flagship, they were downright unbelievable.

Lord Feff was clearly getting angrier, "Why haven't you destroyed that fighter yet?"

"Sir, it's flying too close to our ships and the weapons cannot get a clean shot without threat of damaging our own ships. It will take a few more moments to space ourselves out a safe distance."

Feff was raging. He had kept his ships in assualt formation intending on focusing the enormous firepower to destory the enemy fleets as the enemy's fighter wings were well beyond engagement range and yet a single fighter has made a fool out of him by a simple error of being too close together. It was all he could do from lashing out in fury at those around him.

Others began to hear the faint transmission as well including Sound Force as Basara became transfixed by it and the others pondered what it could mean.

This song also had no words but it's meaning was clear, it would drive the one sending it out to his goal and not stop until it had been achieved. The GX swooped and rolled and evaded countless bolts of blue fire that the gunners of the Zentran ships tried to score on him. Almost all of them ended up hitting their sister ships and causing significant damage. It wasn't long before the fighter reached the rear of the formation, and it's ultimate target.

As the song reached it's creshendo a crimson beam shot out from the underside head mount and gutted the Zentran ship from bow to stern. The energy ripped through the Zentran hull easily as a hot knife trough butter and caused massive explosions as charged energy emitters released their potential and munition piles were ignited.

Immediately the alien transmission stopped, the ship was unable to continue it's jamming broadcast and communications were no longer impeded amongst the Macross 7 and REF forces.

"ISHTAR!!!" Was Feff's reverberating cry as the sound of "Energy Spike!" spit into the air. One third of the Zentran ships vanished in the yellow glow of destructive energy as Battle 7's Macross Cannon had come into range and sent them to oblivion.

The Fighter wings were no longer fighting for their lives as the enemy began to loose all tactical cohesion and in their confusion were destroyed to the last fighter by both the City 7 Forces and the joined REF Squadrons.

The red fighter had abandoned the derelict it created and began to evade more Zentran fire as now the remaining ships had a lot more field of view to shoot at it without danger of hitting friendlies and the GNN Valkyrie decided the belly of the beast was a great place to hide in and get some good footage from such a vantage point.

After a few moments of capturing spectacular footage of the daredevil fighter Hibiki spotted something above them, "Dennis look at that! It's a person."

"Huh?" the Cameraman gaped and focused the lens on the location his pilot pointed to, "My God, it's a Meltrandi!". Seeing that she had a suit and helmet on he popped the cockpit and proceeded to exit the plane in an effort to reach her.

Habiki shouted paralyzed with doubt, "What the hell are you doing?"

Dennis had reached the girl and though he detected breathing, "Look sometimes you can't just report the news, sometimes you got to reach and and grab it so to speak, he he."

*This guy is totaly nuts* though Hibiki as he shook his head unconsciously.

At that moment a power conduit lost containment and exploded. The blast struck Dennis from behind and he reflexively cradled the girl in his arms tighter and tried to shield her, "AAAHhh!".

"Dennis!" Hibiki floated up to meet his short time partner and tried to patch his suit as it was leaking air seriously.

Dennis struggled to speak as he felt these were his final moments and his suit continued to expend preciuos oxygen with a violent hiss sound, "Hibiki, get the girl and get out of here now... Make sure you get our footage..."

It was over, Dennis Sloan had lost his struggle against the creeping darkness of mortality.


"DENNIS... NO!"


The ship started to come apart now. Maybe it was a delayed self destruct or just a cascade failure but there was no time to mourn for his comrade. A man who he had just met had died. A man who's reputation as a solid news correspondent was something Hibiki had always wanted to strive for but always seemed to let petty scandals and lazy reporting be the hallmarks of his journalistic career.

Gathering the girl and the camera into the back seat, he closed the canopy and left the ruined remains of both ship and man behind. Heading back to City 7 as fast as he could and Hibiki vowed he'd get the story out right and make Dennis proud. This was not just his story, it was their story.


Feeling like he was comming out of a trance SD noted that SDF-3 was yelling at him to "Get the F*#$ out of the way!" as the bow was now pointed at the Zentran ships and the tell-tale glow of the charged Macross Cannon was staring him right in the face.

"Oh F*#$ me..." He pulled up hard and hit the burners and held it on that heading for all it was worth as the blinding flash of yellow blocked almost everyting else out of his sight. Even with his eyes closed it was damn bright still. Somehow he was far enough away that only some slight singeing was scorched on the the hull as the GX escaped the SDF-3's main cannon.


"My lord, we must fold now! We only have 4 ships left."

Out of a task force of seventeen ships and hundreds of fighters all that remained were these four capital ships and a few dozen reserve fighters not yet launched. This was a disaster unhead of in all the the thousand year history of the Marduk. To so underestimate an enemy like this was as humiliating as it was inconceivable. Feff barely recognised his own voice as he asked, "And what of Lady Ishtar?"

"Sir, the Emulator's ship was destroyed."

Feff paused a few gut wrenching moments. The struggle deciding to stay and fight to the death out of revenge, or to go back to Lord Ingues and report this dangerous enemy waged within him. The crew released their collected tension as he finally said, "Begin Fold now."...

As the hum of the engines whined powering up and the familiar rippling effect began to play over the viewports Feff stared at the Planet Luxx and these unknown interlopers. *This is not over scum. I still live and because you took from me their can be no surrender, only oblivion. For all of you.*


Unknowing of Feff's dark promise, SD continued to head back to the Yorktown, unconciously still humming the song that had played in his head the entire time. [" Hmmm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm.
Hmmm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm..."] - Toki Wo Koete - Cybaster.


The glow that had been in the cockpit almost since the beginning had gone unnoticed by the pilot and by the time the GX had taxied back into the hangar, it had completely faded again.


Fate, Luck, or just damn coincidence? These were Admiral Jenius's musings as the last enemy ship retreated and disappeared from the scanners and all combat groups were stood down from alert status. *Whoever these people are, they just saved our asses...*


With few words Hibiki Kansaki answered the challenge by the remaining defense line fighters as he brought the GNN valkyrie into a vector that would eventually let it land on planet Lux. No one could know about his cargo until he could ensure the girl would be taken care of and his film processed. This story was big and he owed it to Dennis to do it up the best he could.



The REF squadrons had returned to their ships and the grateful City 7 defenders had also bugged out, leaving only Sound Force to float alone in the void.

Basara continued to listen to the hum of the red fighter until it finally left his scanner, all the while being bothered by Mylene's insistence to head back cause "It's boring out here".


===========================================================================


Chapter : 20 (Evolution1.1)


The flight back to the Yorktown was agonizingly short as SD brought the GX in for landing. Never had he felt so good before as in this last battle. *Maybe this last month made the difference?* he thought. *No, there was more than just that. I'll have to see Thompson about this.*

As he touched down and taxied into his berth he noticed more than a few persons in the vicinity. Climbing out of the cockpit one of them spoke as both feet reached the deck plate.

"Colonel Crocker, by order of General Massey we are to INSURE you report to him at once!" The speaker and his companions were armed MP's.

*F*#$, now what the hell is going on?*, but he answered with, "Very well lets go."

In silence, except for the the normal background sounds of the space borne vessel, they made their way to the Yorktown's conference room. Entering alone while the MP's stood guard outside he saw the General in a conference call with Admiral Hayse-Hunter as Dr Lang and Dr Thompson were also seated in the room.

"Colonel Crocker Reporting as ORDERED Sir!" he was a little miffed at the type of escort and tone used in relaying the order to report and couldn't help mouthing off a little as he saluted.

Massey returned the salute but did NOT put him at ease, leaving him at attention. "Colonel, Admiral Hunter here is wondering WHY you disobeyed the order to screen SDF-3, and in fact almost caused a delay in the firing of the main cannon?"

"Shit..."

Admiral Hunter learned forward towards her monitor, "I'm sorry I didn't quite make that out mister."

Clearing his throat, SD tried to order his thoughts better. "Sorry Admiral, what I meant to say was that something unexpected happened. If I may I was going to discuss this with Dr Thompson alone" at this point he almost mumbled, " but since everyone's here..."

She ALMOST had an amused look on her face, "By all means, this should be good."

Thompson intensely scrutinized SD as he bid him to begin.

"Doctor, not long after launch I felt, well like I was being prevented from approaching the enemy formation which I now gather was somehow due to the enemy transmission."

Dr Lang interrupted, "Yes I could see you experiencing some trouble from the control tower that's why I had Dr Thompson summoned."

Nodding his head he continued, "This is probably going to sound crazy...." Then he thought about it a second, "Scratch that, It's nuts, but I swear to you I felt Getter tell me to let go!"

Thompson was already taking notes and looked up, "Can you tell me exactly what you heard or felt?" Meanwhile Massey was getting visibly upset as Admiral Hunter had a doubtful look on her face.

"At first I didn't know what to feel, the GX was almost fighting me and I couldn't fly straight. Worse, I couldn't concentrate on anything. But then I thought I heard a voice say to let go, then a few seconds later it said to trust. At first I thought I was hallucinating , but then I felt it was real and that I SHOULD just go with it, so I did."

The scientist was estatic, "Then what?!"

"Then I KNEW what was causing the interference. I could see it in my mind and it was targeted as I engaged the after burners and proceeded to engage it with extreme prejudice. I could now act normally but I didn't feel as if I was in my body. In fact I was very numb, but soon it changed to anger. I can't say why I was angry, but that anger was directed at the target.

Evading fire from its escorts I activated the Getter Beam as soon as I reached optimal range which did massive damage to the underside of the vessel and must have hit a critical component cause in moments it erupted in several locations and the transmission ceased. not long after that I felt more myself and then realized SDF-3 needed me to clear the area I was in immediately, And that is my report."

Dr Thompson had a smile on his face but Massey did not.

"Tell Him..." the General began.

Thompson spread his hands with upturned palms, "Surely this isn't the time to get into", but Massey interrupted him, "This damn well IS the time you self righteous BASTARD! Now you tell him what you told me to get into this little extended field trip of yours and what you did to him!"

That last remark especially got Admiral Hunter's attention.

Thompson looked at Massey first and stoicly replied, "Very well, but I hope all here understands this conversation should be considered Omega Level." Omega was the classification above even Top Secret Umbra. Then he looked to SD who was beging to wonder what Massey meant.

"I'm sorry, but it seems you were able to achieve a level of ... Proficiency with the GX beyond that of an ordinary pilot."

Bang! Massey slammed his fist down on to the table top. "Don't patronize him Doctor, tell him straight!"

A now exasperated Thompson almost sighed, "Colonel your long exposure to the Getter Rays these almost 9 years have made you a far better pilot than you were before and now it seems you have developed a concious link to it's inner core. Basicly I mean rudimentary communication both ways."

Massey was silent while Admiral Hunter emulated him and SD was confused.

She asked him pointedly, "What do you mean by the 'inner core'?"

Thompson was not happy but tried to hide his reaction. It would be difficult, but he tried to explain the bare minimum Lisa demanded and still keep some cards close to his chest.

"Well, for all intents and purposes... You can consider the GX a barely sentient lifeform, thanks to you piloting it for so long. Also I believe a side effect of the protoculture components also had a major hand in bringing this about FAR sooner than doctor Saotome's data with the original Getter team."

SD was stunned with the thought *It's alive*, but somehow he'd always known or rather FELT that there was something more to the Getter than just bolts and wires. He was special...

"Be proud of yourself, you managed to accomplish this in only 9 years and it took nearly TWICE as long for Ryoma Nagarae to reach that level of competency!"

No longer at attention SD pointed a finger at himself, "But what does this mean about me? How has this affected me medically!"

Thompson's palms shot up defensively, "No need for concern! You are completely normal in all aspects, with the exception of having a slightly more active Alpha wave pattern (brainwave activity) and of course having better hand eye coordination while in the GX according to my data."

"Now explain what happened!" Massey demanded.

The scientist looked very uncomfortable, "Erm, well apparently the aliens transmission was upsetting the unit greatly so it needed the Colonel here to let it take decisive action to end that discomfort. By allowing himself to cooperate with the GX on a mental level as well as surrendering flight control. the unit was able to achieve it's directive and come out unharmed."

"It's directive, you mean it's now choosing it's own actions?" the Admiral asked loudly.

Thompson was quite for a few momemts before he answered.

"...Yes. However it is not forcing decisions on the pilot. It is using logic to plot the best course of action and letting the pilot know. In this case the unit needed to eliminate that particular target and in a primitive way communicated that need best it could. No doubt Colonel you've felt these urges and intuitions for years getting stronger, and these contributed to your successes against the mechanical monsters of Dr Demon and Krell. This is not a threat to us, in fact this is exactly what I had hoped would happen, eventually. "

The Admiral was shocked, "What do you mean you WANTED this?"

Thompson's tone was defensive, "I had a mandate given to me by the government. Make a weapon system we knew practically nothing about work for US. I did that, if I happened to tap into it's full potential as its' creator intended then even better."

He then stood and pointed at SD, "HE is that full potential, in control of the most amazing weapon ever devised by mortal man. Having achieved symbiosis I dare say together they are the PERFECT WEAPON!"

Looking at the deckplate SD was lost in his thoughts, *I've always known... I'm just a weapon now...*

"Dr Lang", Concerned, Admiral Hunter addressed him as he had been silent the whole time, "Do you believe we are in danger from this development?"

"Azide from the Nucular bomb in the GX, probably not." He joked, but then in a serious tone continued. "I would like to make a confession though Admiral, Dr Thompson shared some of this earlier with me in confidence shortly after the hangar inzident. I have been independently analyzing this situation and personally don't believe we are in any premeditated danger, providing of course that what Dr Thompson has told us IZ accurate."

Massey however was not mollified, "Now tell him the last part, why it was so important the GX be returned to Earth control and how they can't be separated... EVER! Then be so kind as to remind me why I haven't spaced you yet."

This was not going well. It seemed that all his secrets were coming out and he'd have nothing left to protect later. Thompson thought, *I had no idea the Colonel's 'dear friend' would force this into the open so soon!*

"Ahem, very well. The same symbiosis that makes the pilot even more exceptional also relies on the pilot for moral and command guidance. While I seriously doubt a command would ever be refused by the unit at this point , there is no denying that the pilot cannot be kept from interacting with the unit for long periods of time without the unit taking steps to re-establish contact. In essence they are one and the same."

No one else said anything as the gravity of that statement began to sink in.

"If I had come forward sooner I was afraid the REF would scrap the program causing considerable harm not only to our decorated soldier here, but to anyone else in the vicinity should the GX react to that situation now that the truth was revealed in the hangar. I had to take steps to protect not only the project, but the pilot as well."

He turned toward SD looking him square in the eye.

"Nine years ago I came to you and gave you what you wanted and what WE needed to protect our country as well as our allies. Now it seems the price of saving all those lives is this. Hate me, demonize me, or forgive me I dont care which, but you CAN'T deny that one man's life is not equal to the many thousands that were spared. All of you commanders more than understand that, and HE" now pointing at SD, "Accepted the assignment of his own free will, though there was no knowing what the final result would be."


Massey was the first to speak, "So now we all know. If I may suggest Admiral that a verbal reprimand be appropriate for this incident under the circumstances. Also in case future situations occur I move that the Colonel here be transferred under my command so we can try to avoid as many of them as possible."

Admiral Hunter nodded, "Good idea General, and for the record Colonel while I DO trust you I DON'T trust the good doctor here."

Which brought a "Hrmmph!" from Thompson.

Massey continued, "As for YOU Thompson, unless it's in the hangar or your lab I don't want to see you for a LONG time, is that clear."

The scientist matched Massey's hard gaze, "Perfectly." Then he got up and left the conference room.

Taking a few moments to calm himself Massey spoke, "Now that that's settled we should see what we can do about this Zentreadi situation and if that planet needs more help. We could get some intel as well as scientific data hopefully. Dr Lang, are we in your home universe?"

It was Lang's turn to clear his throat, "No General, I am sorry to report that we are NOT in the home universe of the REF. I am very sure of that as a measurement I call the 'Quantum Signature' does NOT match.

It is close however, compared to own own, your Earth, and this universes I have been able to see there are variations in the reading. To be quite honest I think we will have to try more slides, as for now the random factor rules this technology."

Admiral Hunter was clearly dissapointed, "Well that's unfortunate. I guess we will have to try agin then, how soon can we slide."

"As soon as we begin the countdown again the power sequence will have to run 30 days. It cannot be interrupted. We can stay here as long as we need to but once the decision is made to go it has to be final. If the count is aborted we will have to resume it from scratch. This technology is very fragile and the calculations and power balancing MUST be precise."

*plus I barely understand how this works as it is* but he kept THAT thought to himself...

The Admiral addressed Massey, "Well then General I suggest that we get a handle on what's going on here, last thing we need is to come under attack by whatever remnants these Zentreadi have while trying to get out of here! Colonel Sterling has volunteered to translate for us so I suggest sending a diplomatic group to the planet to make official contact."

"You read my mind. How about Col Sterling, Myself, Dr Lang" and then he looked over at SD, "And it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get Col Crocker away from that thing for a short while so him also. If you wouldn't mind how about rotating SDF-3 with Segomo and Yorktown as patrol ships around the station in case our wandering Zentreadi friends show up again."

She didn't think long on it, "Sounds like a good plan to me. I'll have Col Sterling bring a shuttle over to pick up the group. Hunter out."

And a moment later the conferance screen went dark...

Chapter: 21 (Dopplegangers)

Planet Lux
Macross 7 Colony



It wasn't long before City 7 was contacted and agreed to have a diplomatic party visit them by shuttle.

Most of the pilots were surprised on BOTH sides as the REF VF-A6 Alphas turned over escort duty to the City 7 VF-17 Nightmares of Diamond Force at the halfway point.

The differences in their designs were noted as many wondered what it would be like to pilot those 'neat looking fighters'.


When they had touched down on the newly established colony's areoport, a welcoming party awaited them consisting of Major Gamlin, Lt Docker, and Dr Chiba. Basara and company was about to reach the group as well as they had heard about they visitors comming down to the city so they HAD to try to find out who that red fighter pilot was!


Filing out of the shuttle Dr Lang (who while not fluent, was pretty passable himself in Japanese and would rely on the Colonel to help him out if he got stuck) took over as Ambassador and introduced the party. Knowing that the REF group spoke mostly English, the City 7 escorts tried to accommodate as many of their citizens spoke English (as well as other Earth languages and Zentran). There was a collective gasp when Colonel Sterling came into view and was introduced.


"Admiral!?" came from Gamilin, Docker and Chiba.
"No way!" was Basara's remark.
and "Daddy?!" came from Mylene.

The other members of the party turned towards Colonel Sterling who was clueless as to why they were reacting this strangely towards him and only shrugged as SD queried, "Daddy?".

"I swear, you can tell Miriya I've never saw this pink haired girl in my life!"


Dr Chiba was the first one of the city's escorts to recover and merely said, "Your Colonel Sterling has a remarkable resemblance to, well, someone we know. Shall we proceed to the headquarters building. I'm sure Admiral Jenius will find this meeting even more interesting than I already anticipate."

The Doctor had a big smile starting to form on his face.

As they made their way from the aeroport the REF group marveled at City 7. Dr Chiba gave them a brief history of the Macross Colony ships and some of their exploits on the way to their new home, the planet Lux.

Not much later they had arrived at the City 7 headquarters. Awaiting inside the main conference room would be Admiral Jenius, Mayor Millia, and Minister Exodore. The odd thing was as the group made their way deeper into the building the guards would salute Max Sterling. Dr Chiba just chuckled and told him to "Go with it."

Finally they reached their destination and entered the main conference area. Needless to say the shock value was priceless as Sterling, Jenius, and Millia stared at each other while Mylene joined in and the REF group stared at Jenius and Millia.

No one said anything for a few minutes as the staring of disbelief continued. Until Basara broke the mood with, "So are you guys gonna say hi or what... This is getting boring."



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


When he could rationalize his thoughts Kosh found himself within a radiant area of indeterminate size. It was a very strange feeling at first as he felt incomplete for a long time, and then suddenly he found himself in this place. As he looked around he noticed something bizzare and shocking. His encounter suit had turned totally white just as his surroundings! As focus and clarity returned to his newly awakened senses, figures appeared out of the glow around him.

The synthesized voice of his encounter suit activated, "Who are you?"

A soft male voice answered him, it was full of warmth and compassion but it seemed like it was comming from far away, "We are the guardians of this realm. You have ascended to a new plane of enlightenment. In fact, you are the first Vorlon to reach this place."

He looked around at the stark blankness and equally white shrouded guardians and slowly asked, "What is to become of me?"

The middle figure spoke again, "That is entirely up to you Kosh. This is a place of transition. You can choose to continue on to the next stage of your spiritual existance or you can remain here as an aide to the guardians in maintaining this realm. You don't have to decide right away, in fact we can pair you up with someone who's been here for a short time as well but has made her decision to stay."

He then indicated another figure who came into view walking towards them from the billowing whiteness.

She stopped and pulled back her hood revealing her long blonde hair as the male guardian added, "This is Thracia, and she will be your companion until you make your decision Kosh."

The Vorlon was more than a little frightened. "How do you know my name?"

"There is no need to fear, we know everything about you, which is why you are here. Thracia will now answer your questions as you think of them until you have decided. We wish you a good journey Kosh." At that the male and his companions left fading from view as if all along they were a mirage.

Kosh turned to his new 'companion' and examined her. She appeared to be Human who was in fact smiling at him.

She said nothing until he thought of the first thing he wanted to ask, "Where do we begin?"

Smiling even wider she replied, "Why at the beginning of course."



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



Sterling, "Oh"

Millia, "My"

Jenius, "God!"


For some reason out of the blue SD was reminded of a tv show called 'My Two Dads'...

Dr Lang took control of the awkward moments and began introductions for the stunned individuals.

It was gonna be a long story so he suggested they all sit down so he could begin. With the occasional clarification by Colonel Sterling the next three hours was spent detailing many events from the crash of SDF-1 to the REF's slide in to the vicinity of Planet Lux.

Most of those gathered were enthralled at the story that varied slightly from the experience of those who survied 'The Rain of Death', but were truly astonished at all the differences their counterparts went through with the Invid and Robotech masters as those groups did not exist in their universe (as far as they knew). And then to hear about how they ended up in a completely alternate reality only to then later end up here in a parallel one to their own here!

One of the most confusing parts was when Lang started to describe Protoculture. Jenius almost fell out of his chair when he was told that in the REF's universe it was a power source while he tried to expalin that 'The Protoculture' was a Race who created the Supervision Army (The Zentreadi) in his.

Admiral Jenius then took the floor and began to relate to the REF group the history of ASS-1 (Alien Space Ship 1, with appropriate chuckle from Basara...) and the events that led to Space War One (S.W.O.). Continuing with the Megaroad programs and ultimately ending with the Macross Colony ships, their conflict with the Protodevlin and subsequent settling of planet Lux.


Basara regretted not bringing popcorn.


When the generic briefings of their histories were done both groups were quite impressed with the other. Dr Chiba was just bursting to ask Dr Lang all sorts of questions about 'Protoculture Cells' while Millia had been discreetly admiring Colonel Sterling's backside (as he was a bit more fit being an active fighter pilot, than her husband was from sitting in a HQ building constantly).

Mylene was excited at the possibility of meeting more 'sisters' (Though technically they are not actually related), while Gamlin and Docker were asking SD about the battle with the Zentrans.

Col Sterling was enjoying a discussion with Minister Exedore (on Battle 7, via conference screen) as he related the exploits of his counterpart, the micronized Ambassador Exedore on the planet Fantoma. They quite impressed the giant, particularly the part about being a co-parent with Breeti and raising a Zentreadi child (Keirin) from infancy to teen years.

Basara was finally getting bored of all the military and sci-fi talk and asked Dr Lang, "Who's the pilot of that red fighter?"

The REF group grew silent as SD spoke up, "Why do you want to know?"

In true Basara style he replied, "Cause he got the mad notes and I thought it was groovy."

Meanwhile Mylene facefaulted.

Dr Chiba joined in, "Actually, I would like to talk to that pilot myself. We have a technology that is based on sound, or music if you will, and your pilot registered on my scanners so I would VERY much like to have a talk with him or her and possibly run some tests if they were willing."

SD grew a little disturbed (borderline angry) and sternly replied, "I'm sorry Doctor, but I've had my fill of 'mad scientists' for now." And he stormed out of the room, not realizing he didn't know where he was going.

Chiba was embarrassed, "I didn't mean to offend him. Please relay my apologies to the Colonel."

Dr Lang answered him, "He has his reasons, though it was a little unprofessional of him to leave like that so I apologize as well for that."


Seeing red, SD was walking down a narrow corridor and accidentally bumped into another officer.

"Christ! Please excuse me sir. I should have been watching where I was going." Then as he looked around, "Actually, I have no idea where I am at the moment."

The other officier was a little pissed himself, "Where are you supposed to be?" Glancing at his collar insignia, "Colonel?"

SD was a little embarressed now, "I'm with the REF group. I was in the main conference room but I sorta had some words with your Dr, Chiba (was his name I think), and I had to get some air. I'm terribly sorry about this sir."

Suddenly the other officer was all smiles, "Now now, no harm done. So you're with the diplomatic party eh? Outstanding... You folks did a spectacular job assisting us against those miserable Zentrans. By the way my name is Barton, Colonel James Barton."


Meanwhile in the Conference room the City 7, staff and Sound Force were invited to take a tour of the Xanadu Station as well as the SDF-3. Dr Chiba offered to take the REF group on a more extensive tour of City 7 which they agreed to when they suddenly remembered that SD had left.

Dr Chiba turned to Sound Force, "Basara, why don't you youngsters see if you can find the Colonel eh? Then we can get these people off on the tour."

Sound Force had clearence to be in the headquarters building as civilian VIP's and Chiba thought it would be better to send them rather than himself or the other military officers for the moment. He was still dying to get a chance to hook the Colonel up in his lab though and hoped that he'd find a way to cool the pilot down enough to agree to it.

Spreading out, Basara and Mylene took one area while Ray and Veffidas went in the opposite direction. It wasn't long before Basara and Mylene spotted SD. Unfortunately, he was talking to the person they liked least in all the universe COLONEL BARTON!

Barton heard them approach and when he saw them he locked eyes with Nikki and they both said one thing.

"Basara..."

"Barton..."


While the psychic duel continued a few more seconds, Mylene talked to SD.

"That was really immature running out like that. I'd expect that sort of thing from Basara but not from a soldier."

Something struck SD as funny as it sounded like he was being admonished by the 5 foot tall pink haired girl.

Looking to her side instead of straight on he replied, "Yes well I had my reasons. Are you here to collect me? I didn't hear any sirens or pages yet."

"Yes." Mylene answered, "We get to take you all on a complete tour! Isn't that wonderful."

She then looked at Basara who was still staring down Barton, "I said isn't that wonderful Basara?"

Which she emphisized by nudging him in the side with her elbow as the little blob of red fur with eyes named guvava squeaked and tried to maintain his balance on his mistress's shoulder..

His reaction was less than enthused, "Ummph! yeah great... So you ready Col Crocker?"

SD nodded, "yeah I better head back. It was nice meeting you Colonel Barton."

Hearing that almost threatened to make Nikki puke. Seeing his discomfort, Barton had to play to it.

"Believe me Colonel, the pleasure was ALL mine. Until next time." He held out his hand and SD shook it as they parted.

Barton walked back to his office in a good mood, so good he started to humm one of the Jamming Bird's songs.

*Now that's a real soldier, something that weak coward Basara could never be!*

Though they had only talked a few minutes before being interrupted, Barton got a good feel of what SD was like and what kind of pilot he was.

*Triple ace! I bet only 2-3 of our own are that good, what a body count!*

Wrapped up in his daydreams of rebuilding the Jamming Birds and throwing that disgrace Basara out on his ass, Barton closed his door.

Making their way back Mylene leaned towards SD, "That person is not the nicest one to be around."

"Oh really?" SD thought he seemed fine, "Why?"

She deadpanned, "You want the long version or the short version?"

Basara clarified it, "Here's the short version, He's a DICK!"


===========================================================================


Chapter: 22 ( Roll out the welcome mat)


Hibiki whistled as he strolled down the busy corridors of the main GNN building. Fianlly he would be lauded as a real reporter and not just some kid who got lucky with his first scoop having broke the story of Protodevlins invading City 7 with his mini-cam.

There were some rough moments the day before, getting his passenger out of the GNN hangar and then main building especially with all the activity due to the attack, but he had done it!

Currently she was in the capable hands of one of his social contacts, MOSH. Mosh was rather, well strange, but then again what would you call someone who revelled in ambiguty of their own gender?

A White haired person, with silver highlights and Light puple nail polish to boot! preferring to be called "HE", but on more than one occasion had implied Hibiki was MORE than welcome to "spend the night".

Not wanting to be embroiled in any "drama" that could get him in someone else's "Scandal of the Month" report, Hibiki always politely declined, besides he really didn't swing that way no matter how tolerant he was!

In his hand he held the precious footage that Dennis had captured and that Hibiki had stayed up all night editing. He wanted to do it up right and not in a amatuerous hack way that marked his journalistic Modus Operendai.

This was a chance to be taken seriously and to aim for anything less would be not only a waste of his own talents, but would be an insult to the one who died for this film, Dennis "Lone Wolf" Sloan.

Spotting a phone booth he dialed a memorized number and the splash page of Mosh's salon was displayed on the monitor, in seconds the man himself answered the call.

"Ah Hibiki" the very soft and slightly feminine voice continued, "So soon, is this business or pleasure?" A Mischivious twinkle was always in Mosh's eye whenever the young reporter was involved.

"He he, sorry this is purely business." Then in a quiet voice, "How's your 'guest'?"

The androginous one ran a hand through 'his' hair, "Sleeping beauty is just fine. She's still out, but I've dressed her wounds and everything's fine."

Hibiki sighed, he had been caught by the girl's unexpected beauty when he got her helmet off. The nickname of 'Sleeping Beauty' evoked a vision of her in his mind as Mosh described. "Thanks Mosh, your a PRINCE amoung men, and then some!" While grateful for his help with this unexpected problem Hibiki still couldn't resist the playful jibe.

Mosh leaned forward into his camera unit so his face would be filling Hibiki's display, "Yes as much as that is true I'm not cheap either, you'll be getting my bill."

Hanging up the phone with a smile, there was one thing left to do before he could head off to the salon and see his future story.

About fifteen mnutes later, he entered the main executive producer's office and didn't bother with the secretary, as he burst in and put the footage cassette on the desk of the startled man. "Sir this is the legacy of Camera man and War Correspondant Dennis Sloan. He paid the ultimate price a reporter can in order to bring this story to the public. Please treat it as you would have, had it been you making that sacrifice."

Then without letting him catch a breath Hibiki left. Excusing himself to the apologetic assistant on teh way out. The Exec tentatively took the cassette and then slowly put it in his office player.

What he would soon see would be as disturbing as it was wonderous.



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



"So Kosh" Thracia softly asked, "Are you ready to abandon your encounter suit?"

Slowly the synthesized echoing answered her, "Noooo."


Her friendly smile did not diminish, "That's entirely your choice. You can stay inside it as long as you feel comfortable. However you should understand that it isn't really here, it's a projection of your will that's telling yourself you deisre it's presence. Because that is your desire of how you see yourself and WANT to be seen, that is how others WILL see you."

She paused a moment, "Well except for the first guardians, they see everyone as they truely are no matter what. It's not meant as an invasion of privacy, it's naturally part of how they understand all that dwell in creation."

Kosh was a little unnerved at this revelation that the beings in control of this dimension had seen right through him (so to speak), and that everything here was a reflection of one's will and how it is imposed.

For long moments, though time was rather hard to track here (as it flowed somewhat differently), Kosh would think of a question to ask or ponder the response. He had a new inquirey now but didn't want to offend his guide. Seeing his growing discomfort she made it easier for him.

"I assure you, if it is within my experience to answer, feel free to ask me anything."

She could see his posture change, though his mind was projecting a encounter suit, albiet a white one, it still swayed slightly like a child who was about to ask a parent something possibly upsetting.

"Can you tell me when or how you got here?" He reasoned that perhaps knowing her history may help him reach a decision about this place and what role, if any, he should play in it.

"I can. As my people measure time, I think it was about ten years ago? I was killed as a result of a living weapon created by an evil force exploding in the city I resided in..."

Slowly but steadily, Thracia began the telling of her lifestory and many other things under the gentle prodding of the Vorlon...


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


The tour of City 7 was winding down now as they now made arraingements for a similar tour the next day of Xanadu Station and the SDF-3. Basara was just itching to try to get SD to swing by their apartment building but he was afriad of setting him off again like when Chiba did.

Carefully he whispered a few moments to Mylene who frowned, as she didn't like being used as a messenger.

Sighing she spoke up, "SD, would you mind swinging by our place. There's something WE want to show you."

Mylene still thought this was a stupid idea, but when Basara gets an idea in his head it's better to just go along with it.

Lang turned to SD, "We can send the shuttle back for you Colonel if you want to stay for a bit."

Ray Lovelock spoke up, "Actually, it wouldn't be a problem getting him back in my plane, it seats two."

Basara almost mentioned his did also, however his backseat was full of 'crap'.

Correction he though, *Important crap!*


Wondering what Basara had in mind, SD considered for a moment and then agreed to stay. The diplomatic party boarded the SDF-3's shuttle and returned to the ship. Plans were being made in route to allow shore leave in rotations as well as possible strategies to help defend City 7 from orbit as well as using the REF's ground forces.

Basara and company led SD to a rather run down looking section which he explained were really old buildings that were orignally slapped onto City 7 as additonal housing section. Most ended up getting abandoned in route, but now groundside they were being used again. Once the main city was finished getting situated groundside this section would be demolished and new building would be constructed.

About 20 minutes later they entered a 6 story building that had an impressive electronic lock despite it's crumbling appearance. Navigating the well worn stairways was a treat as a further surprise awaited SD. They had reached Basara's apartment on the 4th floor but he then pointed to a ladder that lead up to a hole in the ceiling to the 5th floor.

"I'll say this much, you're rather excentric huh?" SD commented while Mylene rolled her eyes, "Look it up in the dictionary sometime, his picture is there."

At the top of the ladder, Basara went to the far wall framed by some double doors and threw them open. The afternoon sunlight filtered in as a shining red metal object was indicated as SD's head came just above the hole as he climbed up fully into the room.

Looking out at the edge of the room SD could see a courtyard that held 3 Battloids. One Red, one Green, and one Pink.

"What are you civillians doing with battloids?!"

Ray explained, "They were gifts from corporate sponsors of the band. Fire Bomber was a very good way of exposing their planes. By the way, these are unarmed of course." (for now, as components were not disabled, just removed...)

SD was confused, "Interesting, but why did you want me to see them?"

"Heh heh" Basara chuckled, "I'm sorry man. I had an alterior motive."

Mylene cut in as she turned to Ray disbelivingly, "He actually used the word alterior correctly!"

Apparently not hearing he continued, "I wanted to show you what we do and maybe hear that song again."

Feeling a bit ambushed SD floundered, "Um... What song?"

Nikki put his figners to his temples for emphasis, "Dude, those righteous notes you were jamming out there in space, remember?" He then started to humm the first 2 bars.

"Oh, that...." He said softly, but then in a firm voice, "That's classified."


The rock and roller was dumbstruck, "HUh? How the hell can a song be classified?"


Even now the memory was fading but he could still recall the feeling that came over him as the GX initiated the music on it's own. Though he couldn't place the source, somehow it sounded familiar as if he had heard it before.

"As ludicrious as it may sound, it's true so I won't talk about it..." Was SD's reply.

Nikki was getting upset, "Come on man, don't be a dick like Barton. If bastards like him had their way I'd be in some uniform and saluting all day."

SD seemed unmoved by Basara's plea, "I'm sorry, but you'll have to get clearance before I will devulge anything about that encounter."

"Man" Nikki groaned,"What a killjoy!"

Ray put his hand on Nikki's shoulder, "Let it go for now..."


Nikki was depressed now but wasn't finished yet. "I just wanted to get a hold of that song cause it seemed really interesting and I wanted to try jamming to it. So you think I could get a hard copy of it somehow."

More subdued SD replied, "Um, it's complicated."

*WTF am I gonna tell him? It was in my head and made from a machine?*, "But for now defiantely not... Sorry."

"Bummer. Oh well, would you like to sit in with us for a session now? We were gonna try to get in some practice tonight."

"Ah..." SD mumbled, "I appreciate the offer, but I am not a musician."


The occupants of the room facefaulted, "HUH!?"


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

On the taskforce falgship Feff brooded.


*How can I face Lord Ingues?*

This defeat was particularly bitter in that initially Lady Ishtar was believed killed when he saw her ship explode. At the time Feff felt like something had died inside and would have been inconsolible but as their journey back to Marduk controlled space continued Feff had recieved sensor reports from the battle that showed a enemy craft had entered the hull of the crippled vessel minutes before it's final detonation.

Perhaps they had palnned all along to steal their Wmulator right out from under Feff's nose. That thought especially irritated him, but it was better than the alternative.

*I'll probably be looked upon as a fool now.*

Never in Marduk history has a Emulator been captured, killed yes, but not captured by an enemy.

The only solace in that thought would be that Ishtar could still be alive.

*If Lord Ingues doesn't kill me I swear I'm comming back for you Ishtar!*

Being defeated was bad enough, but having such an important part of their war machine taken from him with such ease was simply intorlerable. There was something more however, and it began to eat away at Feff's innards as he continually thought of Ishtar being abducted and then possibly tortured by the inferior maggots who had not the sense to become conquered by the great empire.

These thoughts would continue all the way back to the Marduk staging area as the crippled task force journeyed on through subspace.



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EDF Yorktown
Lux orbit


"What the heck?" A ground crew member exclaimed as he checked the outer panel of the GX. The indicator showed full power to all systems, which definately would be strange after seeing action in combat.

{01010000001010 0101010101 001010101 000111101001010}

At the speed of electricity, the CPU continued to delve into different programs and access terminals of the hangar of the Yorktown (where the GX was situated in). Although it had been left by SD in stand by mode, the system powered itself back up shortly after his departure with his armed escort.


Bewilderment plauged the technician as more confused data was displayed by the exteior data port.

"Balls! The pilot left the damn system on. Doesn't he know it just drains the ship like that through the ambilical?"

The hangar chief heard the exclimation and walked over to the GX's berth, "What's up?"

"Oh hi Chief, not much. Seems our 'Maverick Colonel' left his wonder plane powered on. No big but I thought this thing used an hell of a lot of juice cause of that beam weapon. According to the log it fired but there's no way the emitter would have recharged that fast from our ambilical!"

The older man thought a moment, "Better get in there and check the boards, there could be a false reading on power management and it's saying it has more juice then it really does. last thing we need is to launch a plane in an emergency that's not juiced up all the way."

The tech grabbed his scanner and some alligator clips, "Aye I'm on it." and climbed into the cockpit of the GX.

{unit occupied by non-component}

The technician had opened one of the bus panels and started to connect the clips to the power management system when he noticed something.

The main CPU was not ony on, but was processing data.

{Non-component must not interfear with input}

Curious as to what kind of data the fighter CPU was processing he called up the main display and was floored. Multiple windows were open, indicating a plethora of connections to things like medical files, weapon and ship schematics and other data as well. he had only a moment to take this in as the screen went dark and a synthesized voice came over the comm.

{voice module activated, transmitting message} - "LEAVE!"

A little shaken but not really convinced it had come from the inside he called out, "Good one Chief, you had me going for a sec. By the way something is not right. This CPU is downloading data through the ships's firewall! Where the hell is it storing all this data though?"

Unfortunately for the tech, things became more active as a minute later the voice came on again.

"LEAVE !!!"


Suddenly the hydrolic controllers on the landing gear began to alternate and piston up and down as if the GX was some sort of street car modification bouncing up and down.

"Oh shit!" The Human was bounced around inside as he hadn't been strapped in the seat, in fact he was slumped down still with his head halfway inside an access panel.

The activity of the GX was clearly noticeable to all in the hangar...

It wasn't long before Dr Thompson was escorted to the hangar to "fix" the malfunction. The Hangar crew particularly had narrow eyed looks for the scientist as he approached the Deck Chief.

"What happend?" an innocent enough question one would think.

However the Deck Chief was irate, "I'll tell you what happened, that THING of your almost killed one of my techs. THAT'S what happened!"

*apparently I'm not going to get a purely factual stement* he thought, "I see, can you go through step by step the events as they occured?" Slowly Thompson approached the GX noticing one of the outside access panels were still exposed.

Sighing the Chief began, "Alright... First my guy goes in to check for problems with the main board and then come across some unusual data transfers going on with the CPU. Then he thought one of the boys were fooling around with the comms and then all hell broke loose."

He gestured at the GX, "The plane started to buck like a bronco. After a few minutes it stopped and we got him out. His head got busted open and knocked him out. That was 20 minutes ago, he just now regained conciousness."

The Deck Chief was clearly upset and frustrated, "What can I say Doc, I just want to space this thing but I'm afraid to let my people get near it cause it DOES have a nuclear bomb inside, plus it closed the canopy on it's own after we got the tech out. What should we do?"

Thompson tried not to grin as he finished looking at the data display, "Nothing, but in the future if it says leave it alone then I think it would be wise to do so immediately... Other than that I'm not reading any problems and all systems are functioning perfectly. The GX is NOT just another piece
of machinery so don't treat it like one. If you don't respect it then it won't respect YOU!"

*unf*#king believeable* the Chief thought, "I can't believe that's all you got to say."

The scientist turned to him, "I wasn't gonna mention it CHIEF, but when we had a civilian working on it we didn't have any problems, EVER and that was for over eight years. Looks like your people are off to a bad start. Just a suggestion, but maybe your should think about playing nice. If that's
all, I got some things to get back to."

Ignoring the stares of the surrounding crew Thompson exited the area.

*Self-righteous bastard* was the Chief's thought.


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


In the SDF-3 conference room a semi-heated discussion was taking place...

"So are you saying we shouldn't help them?" the question was posed by Major-General hunter.

Dr Lang tied to calm things down a notch, "No Rick, I'm not saying that at all. What I AM saying though is in the future we may slide into a universe that is virtually the same as our own with minor differences, like maybe one or two people not existing. Or worse, what if we end up in an identical one but years before SDF-1 appeared? What do we do then? Every action in another universe has the popential to alter space time history..."

Lisa thought a moment, "And your worried what the consequences would be?"

"Exzactly! think of all you've gone through from those events. Now think what might have happened should your future counterparts come to Earth and warn you of the last say 20 years of history? True many lives could be saved but what of history? Would you be where you are now?"

Rick looked at Lisa, *He didn't say it but he implied would we be together...*

Rick sighed, "Ok I get it now, but unless we stumble into that situation lets not worry about theorics. Let's worry about the here and now and how best to deploy forces in case these 'transients' show up again."

Lisa spoke up, "I think first order of business is to get Xanadu armed as soon as possible. If anything happens to the station our ride home is gone. Lang I want you to make it your top priority. If our new 'friends' can help us with a tech exchange then do so, but I want as many guns and launches under construction as possible."

With the distinct probability of the hostile forces returning, they burned the candle long into the night discussing battle plans...


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


Ray was the first to recover, "Well in any case we'd like to put on a concert for your people. I'm sure we can reserve a good seat for you."

SD smiled, "I think the REF would enjoy that Mr Lovelock."

Ray interrupted and held up his hand, "Please, it's Ray, and that's Veffidas, Nikki, and Mylene, and that on her shoulder is Guvava of course." The red puffball with eyes Squee'd happily at the mention of his name.

Nodding his head in acknowledgement SD felt more at ease around them now that Nikki's questioning had stopped, "Ok. Oh and by the way, maybe you should pass the word on to the SDF-3 first. Since you people know about Minmay. Maybe she would like to host you guys although her place is a bit small."

"MINMAY!?!?!" They shouted collectively.

Still covering his ears SD grimiced, "Did I say something wrong?"

Basara was all smiles, "No way man, Minmay is like my all time hero! You're saying she's alive and on that ship?? Friggen Radical!"

Looking a bit lost SD just stood there while Ray leaned over to him and quietly whispered, "Our Minmay died in a shuttle accident fifteen years ago while on tour."

"Oh, I'm sorry..."

Nikki was all smiles again, "So you'll be able to introduce us, yeah?"

Something in his eyes made SD think of a kid on Christmas Eve, "Sure, she runs a little Kareoke bar on board SDF-3, it's a very popular hangout. I'm sure it will be part of the tour."

"Radical!" a moment later he continued, "I'm sorry about before. Look, Chiba can be wierd sometimes, "

At that Mylene and Ray shared a look Basara was oblivious to (that said basically 'and you're not?'),

"But he's really an ok guy. He's not one of those Frankenstien types. The reason we all seem to be bugging you, is we thought maybe you produced sound energy."

SD had a look of contemplation, "What you mean, like a sonic power source?"

Nikki held up his hands, "All I know is when we sing we can direct feelings that can influence people, and Chiba calls it 'Anima Spiritia', or Sound Energy. With it we were able to stop the Protodevlin from rampaging through the universe and they were able to evolve into a new state of being. When Chiba was monitoring us out there he claimed his scanners picked up a SECOND sound energy source. We all thought it had to be you, but if you are not a musician of any kind then this is more than a little bizzare."

*I have no idea what to tell them* SD thought.

"Um" He started,"Maybe we can figure it out later, but for now lets just drop it ok?"

Sensing SD's resolve Basara capitulated, "Alright, but if it's ok with you I'm gonna work on this myself. I still think it has some more potential then just an instrumental. In fact I should start writting now!"

"Sure, knock yourself out..."

Suddenly SD had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Er, I think I should be getting back now. I'm not feeling well." This was strange because it came on so rapidly with no warning or apparent reason.

The change in body language and tone defiantely showed that either SD was a great actor or what he had said was true. In any case Ray took charge, "Right lets get on board, the Green one is mine."

Minutes later they were on board and lifting off. The rest of the band waved from the ground and began to get smaller and smaller as the city receeded below them.

"You know," Ray began, "That's the most I EVER heard Basara say at one time in ten years. You made quite an impression on him."

"Ah, I'm sorry to have dissapointed him then."

A chuckle came from the front, "Don't worry about it. Nikki is the eternal optamist, plus he can write music from memory after hearing it once. I'll bet he has complete pages for each of us by tomorow."

They flew in silence after that and as they approached Yorktown SD began to feel better immediately, almost like someone had thrown a switch from crappy to fine.

After getting dropped off SD decided to turn in. They were going to have guests tomorrow and he had the sinking feeling he might have to socialize some more. *Oh that's funny, make the anti-social person socialize...*

He'd also have to stop by Dr Thompson's at some point and try to make sense of why they would confuse him with some sort of sound energy BS. Another thought that sprang to mind as he was exiting the hangar was a feeling of beign watched, but he chalked it up to his normal level of paranoia.

*Stop it, no one is staring at you..*

However many eyes did track his progress to the door and some of them were defiantely unfriendly...

Chapter: 23 (Star Struck)




In unknown space a desperate gambit is taking place. One that will either buy much needed time, or fail with catastrophic results.


Three of the titans had approached within spitting distance of one another as blue and red fire began to leap the scarce void between them, while a forth proceeded to back away from the immediate vicinity at best speed...


Within that retreating dark grey vessel, the control area was shadowed. Only a single overhead light shone down upon it's commander's raised chair.


Baltar had already faced death once today at the hands of the Battlestar Pegasus and was in no hurry to chance fate a second time. His raiders had all but been wiped out but Cain's cunning tactic depriving Baltar of what was to be his greatest triumph.

So confident in his ultimate victory over Adama, Baltar had personally led the Raiders against the all but helpless fleet as the vipers were swarmed in the greatest furball since the armistice.

Baltar gloated and was ready to destroy the Galactica, that was until his pilot mentioned a warning about the second Battlestar.


For many seconds Baltar was shocked speechless and barely gave the retreat order in time to survive the battle. Even now in the safety of his Command ship, he still shuddered at the memory of how close he came to being slaughtered by the legendary Commander Cain.


His IL series Cylon aide (and second in command) Lucifer found his "superior's" fear distasteful.

"By your command, we have retreated for two Centons out of range of the Pegasus's weapons. However unlikely the chances of the Pegasus surviving a two-pronged battle, would it not be wiser to make it a three-pronged attack?"

Although the IL series had barely any personality and a voice with rather limited range of expression, Baltar was able to read Lucifer's blatant wording. It was stated in a manner a teacher would lecture a child as if he was tactically retarded.

"Yes Lucifer my dear friend, however you still don't have a true understanding of Humans. While three ships garauntees total destruction of the Pegasus, her Commander Cain would do everything in his power to take ME with him!"

He paused a moment as Lucifer digested yet another of Baltar's self preservation speeches, as Baltar casually brushed some imagined lint of his sleeve and continued,

"No no, TWO ships are more than enough to send him on to his just reward. If somehow they are found insufficient, THEN we will re-engage, NOT before."

The IL was unreadable as he merely stated, "By YOUR command." Inwardly however, Lucifer yet again questioned the wisdon of the Imperious Leader's choice of continuing to have Baltar as supreme military commander of the Galactica situation.

Despite many setbacks and failures he continued to escape death or abandonment by the Cylon leader. Baltar's luck could not hold out forever he mused happily,

*And then the idiot will bow before me, right before his execution.*.



Despite the aches and pains of age, the intensity of combat made Commander Cain feel 20 yarens younger. That is until another hit made the bridge lurch to the left with almost enough force to throw him down.

"Umph! Are our pilots clear?" Using his station's hand rails he steadied himself upright.

The bridge was filling with the stench of fried circuitry as more systems overloaded into useleness. Already the smoke was piling up on the ceiling and it wouldn't be long before the ship's air supply began to reach toxic levels.

Colonel Tolen however, would not be distracted and was one of the many absolute die hards who wouldn't evacuate to Galactica when Cain gave the order earlier. Even now he was dutifully watching his scanners and taking readings simultaneously.

"Yes Sir! Silver Spar, the crew shuttles and our extra Vipers just reached the edge of the combat zone. They should reach the fleet with no problems, but IFF is reading two Galactica Vipers on intercept course with the engaged Basestars!?"

*Starbuck and Apollo, it must be... Bless their hearts.* Cain's intuition was on the money.

He opened a channel, "Mighty nice of you boys to keep us company, but aren't you supposed to be with the Galactica?"


Apollo's voice came over the comm barely, with all the ECM and energy distortions from three capital ships exchanging fire at near point blank range it threatened to cut off at any second.

"Sorry to disobey orders Sir, but if we live you can recommend a court-martial after."

Starbuck quickly cut in joking, "If we live he says, is it too late to change our minds?"


The Vipers each split off around the Pegasus and quickly closed the distance to the two double disked shaped behemoths. They strafed the facing side of each enemy ship.

Each Basestar tried in vain to tag the nimble fighters as they darted amoung the edges of the respective superstructures. Designed primarily as a Carrier and Anti-Capital ship platform, the Basestar's relied on the fighter compliments to prevent what was occurring now.

Apollo eradicated yet another of the side turrets of his target as more explosions from flak batteries threatened to end his run.

Fighting to keep his Viper steady he focused on the last remaning objective. In a few seconds more there wouldn't be anymore fire from the lasers targeting the Pegasus plus they were too close to use the Mega-Pulsars mounted on the top and bottom of the ships.

Even though the Basestar's had more turrets on the other sides, it would simply take too long to rotate them into position. Before that could happen the battle would be over, one way or the other.


Tolen gave the latest update, "Reading heavy damage to both Base Ship's weaponry. Approaching Blank range in 10,9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,..."

Cain gave the order"Launch!"

Anticipating the command, Tolen's hands flew over the console and activated the prepared sequence. Ports on both sides of the Pegasus began to open and smoke plumes erupted from them into space as their contents started to emerge like slumbering giants.

Slow to start, but now impossible to avoid these missiles would at the very least deliver a crippling blow to their targets.

Starbuck's frantic voice filled the cockpit, "Apollo! I got mine but The Pegasus just launched her missiles!"

*Frak* Ignoring the stray thought he responded, "I missed one but we're out of time. Hit you turbos and don't stop until we got nothing on scanners!"

Both of the Starhound Vipers peeled off as turbos were engaged and proceeded back 180 degrees on the vector they had come from originally.

It wasn't long before a series of intense flashes forced the pilots to cover their eyes.


Starbuck's voice was concerned, "I can't see the Pegasus, can you make out anything?"

Apollo couldn't see into the battlefield as still more explosions of enormous energy rippled like pebbles dropped into a pond. Not only that, but he was momentarily dazed, "I can't see anything right now but spots, I've never seen a flash like that." Even his scanner was showing nothing but energy displacements.

"No, I dont read anything. The Basestars are gone and so is.." He just couldn't bring himself to say it. `

"So what do we do now?" Starbuck asked slightly frazzled.

Apollo's sight began to clear more and what he saw alarmed him, "Here comes their entire fighter attack force, we have no choice... We go home as FAST as we can!"


Hitting their turbo's, both starhounds vectored for Galactica. With luck they would be able to avoid the now returning fighters and make their way out of the sector to a Cylon free area.

With the Base Ships destroyed, the fighters would have no where to land and run out of fuel before they could return, yet again, to Gamorrey.


Starbuck couldn't help speculating a few minutes later, "It's possible he jumped at the last moment, like at Molecay, using the explosions as cover."

There was an urgency in his friend's voice that Apollo knew he shouldn't challenge, least not yet. So he mused slowly, "Yeah, that would be something just like him now, wouldn't it?"

Starbuck added to his hopeful theory, "Sure, he probably headed off to deep space again. Then when they least expect it he'll give the Cylons a kick in the ass."

Apollo knew Starbuck was still torn about the complications between himself, Cain, and the woman they both loved. Now that Starbuck's romantic rival was gone, yet again, Cassiopea may very well have to grieve a second time.

So he merely finished with, "Anything's possible... Let's go home buddy."



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

MDS Xanadu
2315 hours



"BEEP!"... "BEEP!"...

Thompson's terminal alerted him to suspicious activiy so he scrutinized his workstation closely.

"What have we here?"

Who ever the intruder was, it was clear that they had an intimate knowledge of machine code as the Doctor's (personal) firewall had virtually no effect on the probing activity.

The scientist's face soon gravitated to a scowl as the trace program he intiated was coming back negative contact. On a whim he tried an open message and typed, [I am Dr Thompson, who are you?]

Activity ceased for exactly 8 seconds before a reply was sent.

... [USAF R&D Project Number 1024 Omega] ...

The nomenclature displayed was code for the GX.

Stunned, his mind raced with the possibilities as he tried another approach, [What is the purpose of intrusion into secured data archives?]


... [Evaluation] ...


With the identity of the hacker now known (to him) his curiousity would not be abated,
[Evaluation of what?]


... [Everything] ...


Needless to say, Thompson would be enaged in some most intriguing dialogue long into the night...




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


On Planet Lux

0800 hours


The next morning Ishtar opened her eyes and found herself in a strange dream. She was in an unknown chamber with equally strange coverings on her . In a few moments she had realised that it was NOT a dream and in fact the memory of her ship exploding rushed into her consciousness.

"{Where}"? she gasped as she shook with fear. That fear was intensified when she noticed someone looking at her and coming closer to her with a white colored device in hand.

Seeing his subject slump to the bed corner and pull her sheets up in fear Hibiki tried to calm her, "It's alright, I'm not going to hurt you."

"{Please no!}" She started saying over and over.


"Oh hell! Should've remembered the translator first."

He fumbled in his pocket for a moment and then pulled out a small silver device the size of a nickle that had a conic attachment. He reached for the girl still shivering and now incapacitated with fright expecting the stranger to torture her in unspeakable ways.

Hibiki merely placed the translator device in her ear and activated a similar one for himself.

"There now is that better?" he asked with a grin.

Ishtar was stunned that this unknown person was speaking to her in the servitor language of the Zentran. "How is it I can understand you?"

Hibiki pointed to his ear, "Translation devices, we're each speaking our own language but hearing it in our own so we can communicate. There is no reason to be afraid. My name is Hibiki, what's yours?"



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

Due to the Visit to Lux and later his patrol duties It had been a long night.

Because SD was such a night owl he jumped at the chance of taking the Graveyard shift (Midnight to 6am E.S.T. - Earth Standard Time) so now that it was finally over he stopped by the mess for some half conscious shoveling of food into his belly and then arriving at his quarters, flopped on the bed and promptly passed out.



About 1 hour later...


The SDF-3 shuttle had landed on Lux and boarded passengers set to tour the REF facilities.

Among those assembeled were the members of Fire Bomber (Basara, Mylene - with Guvava of course, Ray, and Veffidas), Admiral Max, Mayor Millia, Dr Chiba (for techinical observations), and an honor guard of Lt Gamilin and Major Nexx.

The Delegation were very impressed with all the areas they visited but most important amoung them was the hangar bays where fighters of not only S.W.O. (like the VF1s) were still being used, but new ones like the Hovertanks of the Armored Tactical Corps, the A6 Alphas, and Shadow fighters (completed just before the fateful jump. The intention was to test them at Moon base, but because of the anomaly they were tested in secret while on Earth 1).

Cleared by command, the SDF staff answered questions by the visitors about combat capabilities and armaments as they were now to be considered military allies should any any conflicts occur while the REF forces remain in Lux space.

Though Miriya and Dana were warned they still were in for a bit of a shock actually seeing the other Max and Millia. Likewise for Mylene, seeing another ten year younger version of a parent was a little disconcerting (especially since Miriya's combat level physique was apparent through her near skin tight flight suit.)

As the day wore on Miriya couldn't resist a quiet jibe as she casually leaned into her husband's side and whispered in his ear, "Well Max darling, at least it looks like you've kept your hair."

One of Max's few vanities was the Medium blue locks he kept trimmed and pulled back (when on duty) and he unconsciously ran his fingers through it and whispered back, "And it doesn't like you'll hit the wall anytime soon my love."

The playful pinch he received in turn was the price paid for that observation.

Admiral Max was reminded how much he missed his friend Hikaru. Despite the language spoken and the more self assured personality (no doubt brought about by the rigors of command) being near Major-General Hunter was like a door opening in his memory and thoughts buried for a decade came to the forefront.


*10 years with no word from Misa and Hikaru... and yet in a way they ARE here. At least who they COULD have been.*


Megaroad01 had unexpectedly changed course and disappeared en route to the center of the Galaxy all those years ago. Max said a silent prayer once more hoping that his friends had found some sort of safety and happiness there.

Miriya had caught Mayor Millia checking out her husband's butt. Capturing the slightly older woman's eye she winked with amusement causing the normally refined and controlled politician to blush momentarily at her indiscretion.

Herded into the main causeway it was decided that a break for lunch would be appropriate. As they walked, Basara had an idea.


"Um, Minmay owns a eatery here correct? Any chance we can swing by there?"

Taking a cue from the urgency in his voice, The Hunters acknowledged and started to lead the way through the massive vessel to the civilian sector.


Earlier that morning Lt Lynn Minmay was called into the Psyops conference room for a rather unusual briefing.

A video file had been carried over on the shuttle, compliments of Admiral Max Jenius. Colonel Yoshi Harumi (Her superior) indicated that since the REF would be in this space for an indeterminate time, Minmay should at least get an idea of what her counterpart had been like as this was the record handed down.

For the next hour and a half she sat in silence as she absorbed the movie (DYRL) that had become a cultural treasure for the inhabitants of this universe. The expression on her face gravitated from shock to amusement, and at some points pure anger. When the lights can on and the Colonel asked about her thoughts and assesment she had plenty to say...


It was Just past noon when the delegation reached Minmay's place and had settled in ordering some lunch. Monitors covered the area and had been monitoring broadcasts from Galaxy News network (GNN) giving the patrons something to watch. At the moment a news program came on.

"This is GNN, and now a special report by ace reporter Hibiki Kansaki"

The narrated footage began to roll.

"yesterday a fleet of now identified 'Transient Zentreadi' entered the Lux system and proceeded with hostile intent against our population."

Images of the ships warping in via satellite feed were graphically shown.

"In a pitched battle, the Macross 7 forces of UN SPACY held off the first wave, until surprise reinforcement was provided by a nearby, but as yet unidentified task force from Earth."

Xanadu Station and the SDF-3 were predominately shown, but at a great distance.

"During the battle, we were witness to an incredible display of piloting by someone in an antique fighter. This craft not only weaved between the massive cruisers of the Zentreadi with ease, but delivered a crippling blow to one of their rear vessels, ultimately causing it's destruction!."

The GX was then shown weaving in and out of fire until it reached the rear cruiser and belched forth a crimson ray, seemingly to gut the Zentreadi ship as one would a fish.

"No information about this craft or it's pilot has been released, but most shocking of all was an audio pickup as you can now hear."

Basara and many others recognized the very faint tune as the one they had heard in the fight.

The report continued, "As seen earlier Fire Bomber had entered the fray but apparently their effect was minimal, as they soon stopped broadcasting. This unknown fighter however continued it's broadcast throught out the entire conflict.

As we have seen, it's weaponry is quite formidable and begs the question... Has UNSPACY finally succeeded in making the exalted Fire Bomber obsolete? Only time will tell, cause no one offical is talking and the band's agent, Akiko Houjoh, had no comment at the moment.

This was Hibiki Kansaki on behalf of Dennis Sloan, who died in the process of bringing you this footage, and this was our report."


Quite a few eyes turned to the band as Basara began to shudder. It was one thing to see it first hand, but now to actually have someone voice that very real probability of an Anima Spiritia weapon system for offense instead of defense was... Disturbing.


Just as he was about to ask Admiral hayes a question, SHE walked in...


The door had opened and the vocal volume in the area raised a bit as the newest person entered the establishment. Turning in their seats, everyone saw someone they had all known in one form or another, 'Minamy was in the house', as they say.

She approached the table as Lisa had waved to her. Still in her uniform she was about to go in the back to her quarters and change having just got off shift, but could spare a few minutes 'hobnobbing' with her old friends who were apparently hosting some sort of gathering as many new faces were at the large table.

"Admiral" She saluted playfully

Lisa returned her salute "Hello Lt Minmay, sorry to grab you just in the door, but there are some visitors here who would like to talk to you if you can spare a bit of time.?"

She smiled, "I just got off duty, but always have time for fans. I was going to change... Or is this more of a military function?"

Basara's jaw dropped. For a moment he had thought she was merely dressed for some sort of role, but the words finally registered in his brain, 'LT, off duty'.

The others in the Macross group were not as severely surprised, but did have startled looks at her comment.


Feeling the strange vibe Minmay prompted, "Er, was it something I said?"


"You're..." He stammered for the words while she stood there patiently smiling, "You're IN the military?"

"Oh yes, I have been for about four years now. Do you find that surprising?"

This was getting to be too much for Basara to take. Between the news report and now this Military Minmay, he felt like snapping in two.

Minmay had just noticed that Max and Miriya had identical duplicates sitting next to them and she shot them an amused look. Hearing how people had alternate versions of themselves here and seeing video footage was one thing. But seeing it in person was kinda freaky to her, well in a nice way.

"I can't believe you would sell out, You were my idol!" The words came out of Basara's mouth while Ray became uncomfortable and Mylene turned red with embarrassment.

"Excuse me?" It had been a while since she had dealt with anti-military views about her life choice so she was a little caught off guard.



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

GTVA Space
Epison Pegasi System
1730 hours



With the destruction of Capella, the two jump nodes it contained had become unstable.

Good news was, with the exception of the Sathanus class vessels, the Shivans (As far as GTVA knew) would not be able to send more forces toward GTVA systems.

The bad news was, IF the Shivans ever returned, it would be with great numbers of those vessels since they appear to have the ability to jump independently of nodes.

*And now we sit here on the front line, this first line in the sand.*

Admiral Douglas Carpenter was alone with his thoughts in the Arcadia class station that had been built to guard against a THIRD Shivan incursion.

Being a stop-gap measure, this station would remain until some of the newest technologies developed from the last Shivan attack could be proven reliable and also plans were on the board for the Arcadia II which would be focused more as a Battle Fortress, and not a Jack of all Trades the standard (now obsolete) design was.


Aside from a regular patrol of the system's node to Capella, only scientific missions and tourists broke the monotony of the past four months.

That was about to change...


"Comand this is Tyco Leader. Nothing to report (as usual)..."


"Roger that Tyco, maintain primary flight path, Command out."


Tyco 3 chimed in a few seconds later, "Hey chief, do we get anything for the 1 millionth boring pattern flown?"


Tyco 2 answered first, "Yeah a repramand and a day in the brig for mis-using comms so knock it off."


Tyco Leader's laughter was heard but suddenly cut off as all were startled by their scanners indicating the unthinkable, an incoming vessel from Capella!


Tyco Wing was witness to the horrifing site of the blue shimmer of an active gate forming in the Capella node. A moment later a shape began to emerge from it.


"No way!" Was Tyco 3's first comment.


Tyco Leader was a hardened veteran and quickly took charge, "86 the chatter! Command this is Tyco Wing, Gate Crasher! I repeat we have a Gate Crasher situation, and God have mercy on us all..."



=========================================================

[Warning! This is one of the truly dark, offensive, and disturbing delvings into the Human psyche I've ever written. Part of this chapter abut Minmay was only hinted about in the novels, but is a reality here. Rated (R/X).

I do NOT condone violence against women! (Unless they are evil-psychotic-bitches... Then I guess it's ok?)]



Chapter: 24 (Covenant)



In a void, tranquil timelessness, three figures were goatherd gazing upon a reflection of what has been occurring in facets of space and time.

The female figure known as Thracia posed a question.


"Why is this so disturbing to you John?"


The elder, Human looking, male sighed and cocked his head, "Because my dear, the more space/time is disrupted the weaker the prison gets. More and more disruptions are occurring and it's like the domino effect, to borrow a Human phrase."

She considered this for some time.

The Vorlon beside her inquired, "Why not intervene?"

John looked knowingly to Thracia and she in turn answered Kosh, "Because of Free Will. We are forbidden to interfere in mortal affairs. Even if we did, John taught me the balance would correct itself. We tip that balance and evil will be allowed to raise it's hand in turn. Thus, by getting involved we could in turn destroy the very things we wish to protect."

Kosh did not like the feelings of powelessness but only uttered,"I see."

The truth was simplicity itself. The more power one wielded the more responsibility one had to take. Here in this realm any rash, careless act could bring devestation and death to untold numbers of innocents.



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

GTVA Space
Epsilon Pegasi
1735 Hours



The warp glow faded as the last of the intruder's shape entered the system.

Tyco Wing had wheeled into position and was preparing to fire, that is until James Martinez noticed something odd. Make that two things.

First they hadn't come under fire yet, and second the craft now visible was unlike any Shivan or known craft (as far as he knew) ever recorded.


"Wing hold fire!"


"Roger lead, holding fire..."


"Command this is Martinez, I'm going in for a closer look there's some sort of writing on one of the vessel's protrusions."


"Roger Tyco Leader, watch yourself."


Reducing to dead slow, he carefully approached laterally.

Activating his forward spotlight, the glow danced along the hull following his movements. It was obvious that where ever this craft came from it had just been in one hell of a fire fight as plumes of smoke belched forth from the many gashes and punctures in the outer areas.

Approaching the spot that had caught his eye, he focused the light and was stunned as the writing could still be visibly read underneath blackened scorch marks.

James mumbled out loud as he read the lettering, "P..E..G..A..S..U..S.. Holy Christ!"


Tycho 2 was concerned at his leaders outburst, "Chief you ok?"


"yeah hold on... Command, visitor appears Terran, repeat designation is Pegasus. Advise craft is uncontrolled and sensors say life support almost non-existant. No vocal comms yet so I recommend tugs be dispatched to bring it under control and to augment the power and life systems."


"Affirmative Tyco Lead, dispatching frieghters now. Maintain escort positions. "


The trajectory of the ship meant that it would coast in a slow rotation until it would eventually slam into the station unless something stopped it in a few minutes. Ships capable of rectifying the situation were dispatched in time however.

Additional fighters that had been launched when the alarm had sounded were now reaching intercept position and assumed escort formation until things calmed down.

Within minutes some Triton Freighters were turned into makeshift tugs and brought the hulk to rest. It was then towed to the station while crews figured out where power and atmosphere intake ports were located.

Shaking their heads, some of the crews had to jury rig some connectors once the correct ports were identified. One crewman was shocked when incorrect voltage was applied to a line and all the power couplings had to be rescanned to make sure the correct power flow formulas were applied. These strangers used non-standard power levels it seemed.


Tyco took the initiative and found what appeared to be landing bays at the end of the protrusions so they carefully explored them. Having a small air supply with their flight suits, they disembarked from their fighters and started looking for the craft's occupants.


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

SDF-3
Lux Orbit
1500 hours



Lang got an ambiguous message from Admiral Hunter and arranged to meet her, Ray, and Veffidas at his lab. It wasn't long before the trio reached the research facility. Lang was at his desk going through some paperwork when they entered his office.

He turned in his chair to face them and stood up, "Well Admiral, Mr Lovelock, and lady. What can I do for you."


"Ray is fine. I wanted to make a medical inquiry."


"Oh? Can you be more specific?"


Ray took a few breaths and then began, "Amoung the first generation of micronized Zentreadi there were.." He paused,

"complications... The process was never intended to reduce their sizes but increase them at stages to make them more powerful as a form of promotion and evolution. What UNSAPCY did was reverse that process to ease the minds of a fearful populace.

Not that they were FORCED to undergo micronization, but it certainly was encouraged. In order to get the majority of Zentrans/Meltrans to do this however, it needed to be proven safe."

He motioned to the Zentran female next to him, "My friend Veffidas was part of that first generation as well as a few hundred of City 7's populace. In short, they have suffered varying bouts of cellular degradation. A very slow, painful, and terminal condition. I am hoping that maybe you can do something at least to ease their pain, as conventional medications can only do so much."


Lang was stunned, "Mien Gott!"

He quickly composed himself though, "Forgive me, we too struggled with such issues in the past, but we had better results."

He indicated to Veffidas, "If you don't mind young lady, I'd first like to do a complete analysis of your condition immediately and then we vill have something to start with."

She turned to Ray and for only the second time in his life he saw fear in her eyes. He took her hand and after giving it a reaffirming squeeze, placed it in Lang's,

"Doctor I would be in your debt if you can help my friend and the many more suffering as she does, please do your best."

Lang looked Veffidas right in the eye holding her gaze, "I most assuredly vill try."



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

EDF Yorktown
Lux Orbit
about 2km away...



SD raised his head and looked at the clock (15:15). *Too late for lunch and too early for dinner* he thought.

*Ah hell, I'm up now...* He rolled slowly out of bed and started puttering around the room unconsciously.

He really wasn't that tired. In fact he still felt good like when the battle had ended. Actually that was wrong, he didn't fell good until about the middle of the battle.

*Whatever*

He dismissed that line of thought as he happened to spot the cover of the CD Sparkplug left him. Despite the last month and a half, he hadn't done more than simply unpack it.


Slowly he reached for it and picked it up turning the case around to view the back. His eyes moved from line to line scanning the track titles...

*Bye bye my crisis, Run with anger, gee... I hope this isn't some angst theme like Alanis Morsiette* he joked to himself...

*Ah here's one, Victory*

Curious, he put the disc in the player hit play and grabbed his studio headphones.

He was surprised by the beat that had him swaying as the music started.

(In the night the searchlights shine, playing over the cornered angels.
Something is wrong, everyone writhes in the grip of nightmares...
I don't want to believe, that I was born to fight, thought it would be so easy to say that it's too late.)

Although the lyrics were in Japanese, SD could almost fathom their meaning.

Something strange was happening however. Much like when he had used the sync suit on that day, as once more his body tingled with the sensation of fire ants, but this was much worse.


[Don't hide your eyes from the bitter facts spreading before you.

Turn them into courage and BLOW up, BLOW UP!

Never say give up, never again. Be the light that shines through the storm...]


Grabbing the headphones in a futile gesture, the last thing he remembered was the screaming...



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

SDF-3
Lux Orbit
1520 hours



After Basara viciously insulted her, Minmay graciously excused herself and retreated to her back rooms. It wasn't long before she was seated at her dressing table holding some tissues.

Granted the old Minmay would not be so crushed, unless that kind of abuse had come from 2-3 more people, but that was before.

She had endured so much since then. She looked into the mirror, *did I really 'sell out'?*

True, she would have never dreamed that she of all people would be in the military.

*Oh God, how we can change...*.

Once more she was catapulted into the past and the visions that still haunted her waking moments. Like when Rick finally chose Lisa over her the day Khyron took from so many.

And when she swallowed her pride years later and made peace with it by singing for the couple on their wedding day, but those were the least of her ghosts.

Kyle vanishing, after one drunken rage too many left her with a black eye, a swollen lip, and a broken heart.

And then the Scariest ghost of all...


Colonel Edwards kidnapping her and trying to break her to be his love slave.

*He NEVER touched me*

She used to chant in the dark.

*He touched my body, but he never touched ME!*.

Until he killed her first or she took her own life, she didn't know how long that hell would have lasted, were it not for the day of her salvation.

Janice, *Dear sweet Janice*, had come and rescued her. Picking her up and handing her gently to the helmeted pilot behind her saying, "Go now!" as she pushed him toward the door.

His muffled voice replied, "you'll be behind us right?"

In her place stood a doppleganger of Minmay. Janice's holographic projection was flawless, even the recent bruising and blood trails showed.

"I'll always be here.." As she stroked the good side of Minmay's cheek, "Now get the HELL out of here!"

Nodding the pilot took her to the hidden plane and they made their escape from Edward's fortress. All along the way Minmay had whimpered "Janice..."

She never saw her true friend again...


Edwards heard the silent alarm and rushed to his chambers to make sure his prize was still secure. When the door opened he was pleased to see her cowering on the floor trying to cover herself.

He leered at her and approached, "Were you a bad girl and trying to open the door?"

Frantic she replied, "p-please, no more!"

"Hmm, I thought we stopped that nonsence. Looks like you need a refresher then." He then unzipped himself and grabbed her head.

That was the last, fatal mistake he ever made as unimagined pain shot from his groin as he looked down to see Minmay's bloody and smiling face.

Hunched over he grabbed himself where the blood was pouring out and could only stammer.. "Y-you!!"

Now standing behind him she whispered in his ear, "I believe the phrase you are looking for is 'That Android BITCH!' as someone said you called me once."

She Droped the holoprojection as Edwards gaped in astonishment and felt his head get grabbed from behind and pulled back hard.

Reflexively his mouth opened and she had taken what was left of his 'manhood' and shoved it down his throat and then pushed him from behind down to the floor.

"Just thought you might like to know what it was like for a change." She then deadpanned, "Was it good for you?"

After he had vomitted Edwards spat out, "You're all DEAD!"

"Actually" she reached down for him again and grabbed him by the throat, "you go first!"

The crunch was very audible as his entire windpipe was destroyed and his arteries popped.

Edwards died as he hit the floor a broken and destroyed monster as Janice activated her self destruct, knowing that Minmay had gotten away forever.

She went in silence with the only sign of life emitted were the tears of love that steamed down her artifical face for her friend.



Minmay was inconsolable "Go back, Janice..." She pleaded continuously, but the pilot would not be moved. His concentration broke only once, when the explosion rocked them from behind. "I'm sorry, she's gone Minmay."

The rest was a blur as they got to a ship and then she was recieved by medics as the pilot turned to his plane. "Wait! who are you?"

He slowly took off his helmet, "Please forgive me Minmay, You're the only woman I ever truly loved..." With that he got back in his plane and closed the canopy donning his helmet again.

"Noooo! Kyle come back!"

It was him Lynn Kyle. She never dreamed she would see him again but it was him in the flesh.

Later, she learned that he had bumbled around some more just wasting his life but eventually got convicted once too often for both public drunkenness and disordely conduct and got enlisted by the judge in a pilot program (pardon the pun).

Amazingly enough he took to the discipline and once he got the attitude of stupidity knocked out of him, he started to respect himself again and so did others around him.

He finally saw the military for what it was, one of the hardest most worthy professions in the world. When Minmay was abducted he had earned enough respect to get assigned to the rescue mission and helped with the planning.

Captain Lynn Kyle had come to her rescue, and now he was gone too. He never returned from the field. He had died helping to eradicate the remains of Edwards forces that had pursued them. The Dark time of Insurrection was finally over...


Minmay was still looking in the mirror. Her dark times always threatened to engulf her, but she learned she had more strength then she believed.

Her friends Lisa and Miriya became her rock and her pillar and they would not let her fall. First afraid she's commit suicide, they almost never left her alone, then later they helped her face her demons and she in turn wanted to give back.

Inspired by Kyle, she too had joined the military. All the people who ever truly loved her were connected to it in some way and it seemed only fitting.


She looked at an old picture of Kyle his wingmates gave her, his Captain's bars gleaming in the sunlight the day of his promotion party as she gently stroked the side of the frame.


"Sold out?" She said aloud,"Hell no, I haven't even begun yet!"

Chapter: 25 (Inner Light? )


GTVA Space
Epsilon Pegasi
1700 hours



James and his wingmates had boarded the Terran ship and had discovered pockets of survivors. He was concerned at how few they found as a ship of this size should have held many hundreds more, maybe even a thousand.

The vast fighter bays had what appeared to be launch catapults and berths that were eerily empty. Most of the survivors they found were unconscious in secured areas, blast doors and reinforced hatches had contained what little atmosphere the ship had left.

Boarding parties quickly brought oxygen and gurneys to carry out the ship's compliment. Some of the crew however were awake, but dazed. Some effort of communication was tried but they spoke a strange dialect that seemed familiar but couldn't really be placed immediately by any of the station's rescue personnel.

Opening their helmets and using calming tones and sign language, the SAR (Search and Rescue) crews were able to calm the new Terrans sufficiently enough to evacuate the ruined vessle.

Once the ship was determined to be cleared of survivors, specialists in enviro suits began to explore the critical areas of the ship (as they were identified) and computers were analyzed and attempts to power equipment for analysis began though they proceeded slowly and carefully for fear of activating a weapon or self destruct system.

On the station one of the Doctors immediately recognized that the new Terran patients were
speaking in a form of Latin/Greek. Unable to truly communicate, the only information they were able to impart to the new Terrans was that they were Doctors (as medical terms are mostly based on ancient Latin) so at least that put their charges a bit at ease.

The commutations officer of the station had an idea and with some help from the Vasudans,
began using their translation protocals and queried Beta Aquile for all data of the Latin and Greek languages.

This was in the hopes of creating a new translation matrix that incorporated current Terran English, Vasudan, and a form of Latin/Greek the newcomers could understand so they all might be able to communicate.

This was an ambitious attempt, as work on the original matrix was concluded over 34 years
ago. In the short term some linguists from the closest systems (mostly from Ivy League branch institutions) were to be immediately ferried to the station for translation and escort duties.

All eyes of the GTVA began to look toward Epison Pegasi as word had already been leaked of the "unknown Terran vessel" appearing from the Capella node. High Command dispatched two whole task forces to blockade and ensure security of the other four nodes from the system, especially the Polaris node.

The quadrant was going to explode soon with curiosity, but GTVA would ensure no more leaks occurred. This event had to be thouroughly anlazyed to determine a response so no comment was forthcomming at this time.

How a vessel could have arrived from the Capella node, with survivors no less, was as frightening as it was miraculous. In the backgorund, SOC also began to quietly mobilize some assets. Only time would tell what this all meant and how this would affect the future of the GTVA...


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

(Flashback)
SDF-3
1500


Despite Basara's unexpected hostility and rudeness, Minmay managed to wear a fake smile
and excused herself from the group.

As she disappeared into one of the inner doors Admiral Hunter stood and she faced him with hard eyes, "Mr Basara, not only is that woman a cultural icon to my people, she is also one of my officers and I for one do not appreciate your comments."

Nekki frowned and momentarily flushed with a trace of embarrassment at being so closely
scrutinized by those seated around him and the very angry woman chastising him.

Ray chose this moment to stand up, both to take some heat off Basara (to whom he would be
having a talk with later himself) as well as take care of some needed business. "Admiral Hunter, I do not wish to take away from this wonderful tour you've allowed us, but I and Veffidas would like a few minutes of your time to discuss a personal issue if that would be possible?"

She glaced over to Rick who gave her a nodding smile and told her, "Go ahead, I got
things covered dear."

Lisa turned to Ray, "Not a problem, lets relocate then to a quieter room."

With that the trio left the group and as an uncomfortable Gamlin tried to make some small talk with the Major-General for a few minutes, when a piercing beep started to echo from the table. The unexpected commotion was noticed by most of the patrons in the establishment as it startled those seated around the table.

"What is that?" Rick said loudly.

Dr Chiba fumbled with his coat and quickly pulled out a hand held device, silencing the audio. After a fraction of a second he exclaimed, "My word! It's a strong Spiritia signal 2km east of here!" His head snapped up as he turned to Rick, "Major-General, can we determine what is 2km East of our current position?"

Rick grabbed his comm, not really understanding but acting on impulse to the scientist's excitement, "Hunter to bridge, locate any object or signal 2km East of our position then report."

A moment later the radar tech replied, "Sir, scan shows one object in that location, MDS Xanadu, only detected signals are our normal inter-ship communications that are ongoing."

Rick looked at Chiba and could see the slightly older man's eyes were bright and eager.

Anticipating his next question he continued into the comm unit, "Have Bay five prepare a shuttle and clear a visit of Lux dignitaries to Xanadu." The comm crackled an affirmative and deactivated.


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

MDS Xanadu
1520


Commander Nathan Holmes was on bridge duty admiring the view of the pristine planet they had recently defended when some alarms began to go off.

"What in space is going on?" He directed at no one in particular.

The first one to answer him was the bridge engineer assigned to monitor engines, life support, and operating systems.

His quick response ended with puzzlement, "Sir, extreme power spike of unknown source detected in... Crew Quarters, level 7?"

Holmes took no chances barking out, "Shut down that whole section, reroute all energy feeds, and have repair and medical teams standing by to go in."

He activated his station comm, "General Massey to the bridge please." Clicking it off he continued, "Tactical!"

The weapons officer snapped back, "Sir!"

"If something even remotely hostile shows, open fire."

"Yes sir!"

The Comm officer broke in, "Sir message from SDF-3, Major-General Hunter and party from Lux incoming."

Holmes turned to her, "Please tell them abort, we have a situation here."

A second later there was another transmission, "Sir, they say someone with them detected it and insisted on investigating. Major-General Hunter recommends they be allowed to board."

He though it over a minute, "Fine, they want in on the party it's on them. Let them board."


In his office, Dr Thompson was at his workstation when he also received an alarm notice, Unlike the bridge crew, this particular alarm brought a slight smile to his face as he mused, *It's progressing much faster than I thought it would*.

He got up and headed for the door grabbing a scanner and some filled hypodermics on the way out.

The Lux shuttle had landed and the group followed Dr Chiba through the station as he held his tracker in front of him as if it were the leash of a bloodhound. By this time the response teams had entered the cordoned off section and deactivated the sprinkler fire suppression system. (since the room was listed by the computer as occupied it had not activated the air to space venting).

Thompson had reached the end of the corridor as the teams pried the door open and there was SD on the floor (now soaked with his headphones melted around him and stereo system shorted out). As a response member reached out to check the prone figure Thompson yelled out, "Stop! Look at the puddle, it's still boiling!"

True enough, on closer inspection it appeared that the water around SD had just started to cool and both he and the water were still extremely hot. "If you had touched him, you probably would have burned yourself..." He muttered, checking some readings on his scanner.

Thompson had just finished a cursory examination of the room as the Lux group arrived which surprised the scientist.

"Major-General Hunter? This is rather unexpected... And who are these people?"

Rick narrowed his eyes at the Doctor's casual demeanor as SD was now being slowly placed on a portable gurney, "I'll let Dr Chiba explain that as I am wondering that myself."

All glanced at the be speckled man in the white labcoat as he held some sort of scanning device towards SD,

"Aha! Oh, pardon me. I am Dr Chiba and I forced the Major-General to bring me here cause I detected an incredibly strong spike of Anima Spiritia. Now it's confirmed, in both cases since your arrival it came from that person!"

The newcomer pointed at SD as Thompson lost his slight grin. He wasn't too thrilled that another scientist might be encroaching on 'his' project, but then again he wasn't familiar with this term called 'Anima Spiritia'.

He decided to probe the man for more information, "Dr Chiba, why don't you accompany us to my lab and tell me all about this 'Anima Spiritia'?" He motioned to the response teams, "Please bring the Colonel to my lab, I've scanned him and he is in no real danger but your sickbay is not equipped for his condition.

This made Ricks now scowling face became more prominent as he shared General Massey's dislike of this 'man of science', "So why in particular can't the station's infirmary handle it Doctor?"

Thompson looked to him without batting an eye, "Frankly General, the Colonel here just had some sort of episode that caused him to radiate an energy field much like a form of Plasma (on first analysis). I won't know more till I do some tests... Now, unless there is anything else?" His tone nded dangerously close to condescending.

Rick sighed inwardly keeping his temper, "No that will be all, carry on." Though he was not directly in the station's chain of command he STILL was a Major-General and the response crew had halted in the corridor until Rick waved his hand indicating they were to follow Thompson, with Chiba and company in tow.

As the corridor cleared, Rick took one last look inside the soaked and partially burned outline on the carpeted floor.

*What in the world is happening with him?*

Lately it seemed that the universe (make that Universes?) had gone insane. First they end up in a world that mirrors their own partially and now there were people spontaneously combusting.

*It's like something out of one of the comic books I used to read as a kid. Must remind myself to talk to Lisa about instituting an Insanity Leave Policy!*


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

Restored Earth
Sol System
1300 hours


The Argo drifted leisurely by Saturn's rings headed toward Earth. Things were blissfully slow for the Earth Defense Force since the defeat of the Comet Empire two years ago and that's just the way Derrick Wildstar liked it.

Now here he was, Captain of the legendary ship that help saved the Earth twice. First by retrieving the Cosmo DNA from Iscandar and then later destroying the wounded Imperial Comet after it was weakened by the Andromeda and it's fleet.

Derrick was leaning against the railing in the observation dome and stared out at the dazzling spectacle beyond as he felt he wasn't alone anymore. He noticed reflective movement behind him in the reinforced glass. It was a lovely female figure in a familiar yellow and black uniform.

She spoke up, "Am I disturbing you?"

It was his wife (and ship's radar operator/sometimes nurse) Nova Forrester Wildstar.


"Not at all, I was just enjoying the view." he motioned for her to come closer.

Nova came close from behind and wrapped her arms around Derrick, "It's very lovely."

He agreed, "Yeah, I always like seeing the sunlight filter through the ice particles. There are so many things in our own system that just take my breath away, I'm glad I'm out here and especially with you."

He leaned over slightly and kissed her cheek and she in turn tilted her head and turned it into a passionate kiss. Their peaceful, private moment was interrupted however.

"Wildstar to the Bridge!" It was the panicked voice of Mark Venture, ships navigator.

Derrick grabbed a hardline, "Venture what's wrong?"

"Derrick we just got orders to return to Earth IMMEDIATELY. We got a big problem!"

Derrick hadn't heard his friend so concerned about orders in a long time.

He was about to press for more details when he was distracted by the Sunlight. It was as if someone turned a dimmer switch and now he could only see about half the radiance one could normally see at this distance.

Both officers gasped at the sight...

Derick wasted no time, "Full speed ahead, tell Orion skip the Mars jump and warp for Earth orbit at the soonest time possible!"

Mark knew it was a dangerous maneuver this far out, but it was logical, "Already computed, soon as we clear Saturn's Gravity well we can jump, in about ten minutes."



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


The Neutral Zone
3 years after Shinzon


The USS Titan (first of it's class) was engaged with the first border exercise ever between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. Captain Riker was very pleased with the performance of his crew, and as the day's schedule of events was concluding he was about to make an announcement when...

"Captain" Lieutenant JG Sandra Barnes, the communications officer, pre-empted him, "I am receiving an audio only communication, source unknown." Her tone was laced with puzzlement.

Riker knew she still had some breaking in to do as altough she was very highly placed in her class (in order to be assigned to the Titan) this was still her first posting, "What's the message Lieutenant?"

She fiddled with some panels and replied, "I still can't get a fix on a point of origin but it says 'Please meet me in your ready room - Q.' "

Riker's head turned to Commander Deanna Troi (his wife) who was also the Ship's Counselor. She had the same shocked expression he was now wearing. It had been nearly eight years since they last had dealings with the entity when his 'nephew' Trelane ran amuck and Q was only able to destroy him with the help of Admiral Picard.

He motioned his hand toward his eager security officer to stay at his post as Deanna gave him a knowing nod and they walked over to the Titan's ready room, not really knowing what to expect.


===========================================================================




Chapter: 26 (Dreams Alpha)


The Neutral Zone
3 years after Shinzon



Riker and Troi had entered his ready room and saw the unwanted person (or rather 'Entity') they expected.

In the low level lighting, Q was seated in Rikers chair, slouched back as if he was exhausted. He still, however, appeared in the uniform of a Star Fleet Admiral.

He was the first to speak, "Hugs and kisses all around... There, now that the mandatory
schmoozing is out of the way we got serious business to discuss. I am only going to tell you this one time so pay attention."

Q shifted his weight in the Captain's chair, "I say Riker, this is even better than Picard's old chair. Looks like you finally got the big money."

Riker was firm, "Q, I don't have time for games. We are in the middle of an friendly exercise between the Federation and the Romulan Empire so we don't need your childish disruptions right now!"

Q tilted his head slightly and mocked him, "Oh... You think that's important then, putting the past behind you and trying to work toward a better future for both your governments?"

"Damn right I do" Riker scowled.

Q slowly smiled, "Well CAPTAIN Riker, why don't you put the past behind US and give me your ear. Cause unless something drastic changes, you, me, and everyone else in this little universe of ours won't have a future at all!"

Riker couldn't help being a little doubtful, "What are you babbling about?"

"Look." Q seemed serious, "Despite how much you all crave my presence, I won't be able to help you much at all. In fact, you probably won't see me again for... A while. This is critical stuff I'm going to tell you, so you better write this down for the Klingon, Romulans, Federation, and anyone else you think would be useful to tell."

Riker looked at Deanna. He knew she wouldn't normally be able to sense him truly unless he allowed it, but a second later she said, "Well he SEEMS sincere. But of course he could be faking it on purpose."

Q merely gave a wordless exasperated sigh...

"Very well... Computer." Riker's tone was neutral, "Begin log recording, statements by Q entity follows." He looked at Q indicating he should begin.

Q slowly folded his hands in front of him and leaned forward over the desk, "This story begins as most do.. 'In the Beginning', however this story starts before all others.

And in the beginning... There was WAR."



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

MDS Xanadu
2200 Hours


He was first aware of a floating sensation.
After that he half-dreamed whispers of disembodied voices.


"You do have a choice .You can ignore it and continue with your life as you know it now. Or you can sacrifice it, and gamble that you succeed in the mission."


"Will I remember anything?"


"Doubtful at first... I am sorry to say even if you manage to recollect anything initially, it will likely be mere flashes or feelings. A smell here, a sound there, like echoes across a great distance."


"...Alright, lets do this..."


[Drip] - The sound of a single water drop hitting a pool of water reverberates...


"Ahhhh!" He woke up thrashing in a panic at feeling wetness all around him and a heavy weight on his head.

*Am I drowning?*

A moment later as he came to full consciousness as he realised that the weight was an air mask and he was in a medical sauna.

"Oh, you're awake. Good..."

The voice came from behind him and sounded immediately familiar. SD turned around in the pool and saw Thompson talking to the scientist called Chiba.

*This is probably a bad thing* he mused to himself...

Thompson was finishing, "You can remove the mask and come out when you feel like it."


SD began to extricate himself from the water when he noticed something...

"Ahem... Doctor, where are my clothes? Also should I be contacting the JAG lawyer? I don't feel sore, but if an anal probe is involved you can bet your ass your getting sued."

Thompson sighed, "Robe just other side of the rim there, no anal probe was performed, and I am glad to see your feeble sense of humor has come through unscathed."

Donning the robe SD got out of the pool shivering as his feet touched the cold deck. He spied a pair of slippers and snatched them up quickly using them before he approached the two men.

"Ok, Mind telling me why last thing I remember is a searing pain in my quarters and then waking up in the hot tub here?"


Thompson smiled, "I have a theory... Were you listening to music?"

SD crossed his arms and stared at him, "Are you telling me or just guessing?"

"Fine... You were listening to a song and it triggered an event. This event caused a great amount of energy discharge to occur on the surface of your body (no the room did not blow up) and was enough to set off the fire fighting systems. You were found nude with melted headphones around you and a scorch mark on the carpeting. Having a hunch, I placed you in the sauna so your body would absorb the radiant heat energy and viola, you regained conciousness as I predicted... Satisfied?"

Soaking this in (no pun intended) SD was silent for a few moments. "I was naked?"

Thompson raised an eyebrow, "That's usually what happens when your clothing spontaneously
combusts..."

SD was frustrated now, "Fine, now have this make some sense. WHY did I 'spontaneously combust' listening to music? Nothing like this ever happened before."

Thompson pointed to Dr Chiba, "Consulting with Dr Chiba here, WE have a working theory. Of course it will need confirmation, but we can worry about that later. The Getter Rays you've absorbed over the years are the main culprit.

A good guess is that the mixture of protoculture near the core speeded up some process and produced a latent or new ability. In this universe there exists 'Sound Energy" as a tangible force. You may have evolved into a state that can tap into this ability exhibited by the members of Sound Force (Fire Bomber). You may have had this ability all along, but only now with exposure to this universe has it become unlocked and made itself known."

"Great..." SD moaned as he tilted his head into his raised left hand, "The walking freakshow deserves higher billing. 'See the combusting officer!'..."

He defiantly felt a headache comming on.

"Now now, "Dr Chiba interjected, "It's not like that really. This ability erupted within you instead of a slow building up. You didn't have a lifetime like Basara or Mylene to discover and harness this. More like it forced itself to be known and active regardless of the circumstances."

"So what does this mean?"

Thompson smiled, "For starters... It means you just got a lot more dangerous Colonel..."



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


GTVA Space
Episilon Pegasi System
One month after Pegasus arrival


With a supreme effort, the translation martix was completed enough to allow 70-80% ease of communication. Had resources from Earth been available, things might have been more successful. At least now, the members of the GTVA could converse in a meaningful way with the people who called themselves the "Colonials"...

It had been very frustrating at first for both sides. The Terrans and Vasudans tried to keep the visitors calm and situated on the station while the Colonials were anxious about their ship and trying to warn their saviors of the Cylon threat.

Lt Daniel Hawthorne was assigned as liaison to the Pegasus crew, now that communications had been established and was constantly available as the need arouse. At this moment he was in the company of Commander Cain and Col Tolen.

An aide brought some food and a pitcher of fruit juice to the table and poured glasses for them.

Hawthorne had some important documents to present to and discuss with the two Colonial officers.

"Simply astonishing," Cain spoke, "If Adama ever found out about Earth I'd never hear the end of it!".

Tolen merely smiled as he recalled the many tense conversations between Cain and Adama over the proper course of action once they had found each other's Battlestars in deep space near Gamorray.

Cain had advocated a precise attack into the Cylon Empire all the way to the Capital, thus sending the Cylons into chaos and eventual defeat. Adama had argued such a plan was too bold and out of reach of a mere two Battlestars responsible for a fleet of 221 Civilian ships that contained the last of their people.

Cain had called Adama a coward and that pursuing some myth was a fool's quest. Luckily, both men came to their senses when Baltar forced their hands into cooperating to save the fleet. Cain had the Pegasus evacuated of all non-intergal personel and as much equipment as the Galactica could hold and then bought the time the fleet needed to get away. Plus taking out two BaseShips in the process was a decent turn of events in his book.

Cain's thoughts were brought back to the present, "So Earth has no records of a planet named Kobol or of the 13th tribe?"

"I'm sorry Commander," Hawthorne replied, "there are no records or ever having such knowledge. Also the fact we have scientific proof Humans of Earth evolved on Earth over four million years ago from lower life forms even older than that which make up our DNA, makes our genesis from an extra-terrestrial '13th tribe' VERY unlikely."

Somewhat bewildered Cain asked, "What possible explanation could there be between our peoples then?"

Hawthorne was hesitant, "Sir, I understand how much your religious history means to the Colonial people so PLEASE understand I mean no disrespect at all with what I am about to tell you." He had more papers in his hand from the station's medical report on comparisons between Terrans and the Colonials.

"Lets have it son, I won't take it personal." Cain absent-mindedly swished his gaffe stick against his leg on the chair.

"Well... According to the best DNA analysis we have, it APPEARS that our DNA is very similar, but markers in yours suggest that the population was removed from Earth's evolutionary development around 20-30 thousand years ago. Again this is JUST an estimation."

When he finished he didn't raise his eyes from the report now lying on the table as he awaited the Commander's reaction to this news.

After a few moments of silence Cain started to laugh.

Tolen was concerned, "Sir?"

He waved his hand, "Sorry, it's just typical. So our great historians LIED to us, ow were possibly mislead themselves. Earth is not a lost colony, but is more likely OUR ancient homeworld... How Ironic. Looks like the sacred scrolls aren't so sacred anymore." He grinned but then saw the look on Hawthone's face.

"Oh don't worry Lieutennant, we're a resilient adaptable people. This will come as a blow to some but they will get over it. More important to us is what your Admiral had to say about my request?"

Hawthorne shook his head, "Ah that, well the Admiral assured me he will stress how important it is to the GTVA council. I can give you my word since my family has known him for a very long time. If he says he's behind you, then he's behind you 100% and you'll find out the answer as soon as he gets it."

Cain reached for a juice pitcher and refilled their glasses, "Here's to the Admiral then," he raised his and the others followed suit, "May the Lords help him to convince the GTVA!"

[Clink]



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


Restored Earth
Sol System
A few hours later


The Argo came out of warp in the L-4 point despite the hazards. The crew gave a collective sigh of relief that the non-standard warp succeeded with no problems.

Homer the comm officer, noticed his panel flash as a familiar audio tone played in his headphone.

"Wildstar, Earth is calling."

Derick stood up and looked to the screen, "Put it up on main monitor."

Homer acknowledged and in a moment Commander Greyson of the EDF HQ was on screen.

"Commander!" Wildstar was concerned, "What's going on?"

The elder man who once stood tall even when the Argo had disobeyed orders and left Earth to investigate the Comet Empire and jepordized his command, now looked tired and slouched just a little.

"Wildstar, things are very grim. A few hours ago a hideous weapon was fired, we think from one stellar power targeted at another. Normally this would not involve us at all since neither side knows of our existence (as far as we know).

However, we think there was a malfunction and instead of continuing on it's normal trajectory, it
slammed into our sun... It..." He faltered for words appearing to be overcome with emotion as the Argo's bridge crew gasped.

Derick calmed down and tried to rouse the commander from his breakdown, "Commander, please continue. What did it do?"

Greyson took a few more moments and composed himself then began again, "The weapon has
caused some sort of chain reaction in the nuclear process. It's being eaten from the inside out. In short, it's turning into a black hole."

Sandor thought about this a few moments and then spoke up, "Commander, we all agree this is an outrageous act. But I would like to know how you were able to gather such detailed intelligence so quickly?"

Greyson indicated to his left and a figure approached the monitor, "We have someone here you should be familiar with."


When the person walked into the video frame Venture was the first to gasp out loud, "Trellaina!"


It was her. That same blue gown, long blonde hair, and regal blue eyes that would sparkled when the light hit them just right. Venture's heart leaped in his chest as he thought she had been killed to ensure their escape from the Comet Empire city ship two years ago.

"Hello Mark, and to you all. I am so sorry this has happened. I did not know what had occurred until after the fact or I would have intervened. Please believe me."

Mark stood up, "Trellaina, I'm sure that everyone here knows you would never allow harm to come to us if at all possible... Is there anything you or we can do about this?"

She was quiet for a moment, head bowed down in great sadness. She sighed then looked back up, "For your sun no. For your people, maybe. It will call for great sacrifice and I cannot promise anything."


===========================================================================

Chapter: 27 (Exodus I)

Restored Earth
Sol System



"Please Trellaina," Mark asked softly, "What can be done for our people?"

She blinked and was silent for a few moments, "I will open a doorway... You must then evacuate your people into it as quickly as possible. However, first you must negotiate with the people you find on the other side for IF they will allow you to come through. But, I want to ask of something, although it is very selfish."

Wildstar answered her, "I'm sure we'd approve anything YOU could ask for Trellaina, we already owe you so much."

She almost hesitated, "I... I would like one day with Mark Venture, as after this I can never see him again."

"Commander?" Wildstar addressed Greyson.


The senior officer slowly nodded his head, he foresaw such a request as he knew the Argo's mission reports by heart.


Wildstar turned to Homer, "Have the launch bay prep a shuttle to Earth HQ." Then he reached out and placed his hand on Venture's shoulder, "Mark, you're on leave for 24 hours. Now get going."

Venture slowly nodded his head and placed his own hand momentarily on Wildstar's, "Thank you Wildstar." A second later he was headed for the elevator.

Before he knew it, Venture was in the shuttle and entering Earth's atmosphere. His heart was racing a million miles an hour as his head finally concieved the fact that he was going to be with Trellaina again, even if it was just for one day.

He died a million deaths inside when she had apparently been destroyed along with her planet by the Comet Empire Cityship. Broken inside he still found the strenght to carry out his duties in the last hectic days of the emergency.

Afterward he was inconsolable, only Wildstar and Nova could get him out fo his shell. Following an extended leave and a few weeks of intense therapy he was finally returned to duty.

*This still could be a dream...* He thought, *God if it is, please don't ever let me wake up!*.


Soon the shuttle landed at the EDF HQ building and the smell of fresh clean air filled the small craft when the door opened. Mark exited the shuttle and saw her standing there at the top of the building's outside staircase, her long blonde hair stirring slightly in the light breeze.

"Mark..." She voiced barely above a whisper gazing down at him in his stark white EDF uniform emblazoned with a red downward arrow.

"Trellaina.." He also gasped out, as if afraid he would wake at any moment to find he had been dreaming and tus dispel the illusion. He quickly ascended the stairs and reached out to her, taking her in his arms and holding her slender frame very firmly. "Oh Trellaina" and passionately kissed her.

On board the Argo, Derrick whispered out an order gently, "Monitor off."
Homer complied and the view of the re-united couple was terminated.

"That was so beautiful!" Nova tearfully exclaimed from the radar station.

For once IQ9 kept his mouth shut, as he had been trying to behave in the manner Nova previously requested (Via a VERY large wrench) of him despite his burning affection for the human female. (Most illogically)

Needless to say, among a crew that had served together long enough to consider each other family there were more than a few misty eyes on the bridge.

"Ok people." Wildstar was back to all business, "Lets get back to work! Homer, coordinate with any incoming ships to set up a staging formation. Sandor... You know what to do."

The ship's main scientist acknowledged, "Take more readings and try to figure out how much time we got? I'm on it, I'll give you a report as soon as I can."

Derrick's thoughts turned to his best friend, *The world may be ending, but at least you deserve a day of happiness my friend*.


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

Fed/Romulan Border


Q had spent nearly two hours with an enthralled Riker and Troi regaling them with a story about the big bang, Gods, Goddesses and the forces of pure Creation/Entropy in conflict and Q was still speaking,

"After that last great battle HE (who shall not be named) was separated from his forces and as his lesser leuitennants were put down and the bulk of their minions encased in a far flung dimension.

Ultimately his essence or 'core if you will' was cut from his form and isolated as well. All borders to them were sealed and in fact many other dimensions were sacrificed to make a buffer zone around them.

Now it seems some small numbers of the 'anti-life' have slipped through the cracks and seek to be reunited with their master to restore him. That cannot be allowed! Long have we looked for the signs of this possibility and here and now they have appeared.

It is my sad duty to inform you that the Q have decided to isolate any and all dimensions that could have been compromised in any way by them. Since this means alternate versions of your own universe as well, there is the possibility of 'dimensional-spillage'.

We will try to limit that from happening as much as possible, but in the event everything goes to hell, this universe and everything in it, will be sacrificed for the greater good."


After that shocking revelation Riker could only blurt out, "Your joking, about the Gods part I mean..."

"Oh no mon Capitan, I'm quite serious. There were many 'God-like beings' your Galxy used to worship upon reaching sentience long after the great war."

"So you are saying that the Apollo Captain Kirk met was the ACTUAL GOD APOLLO?" Riker was stunned.

Q merely smiled, "Him? Hardly.... He was just a stand-in. Regardless, most REAL GODS haven't had any interest in your Humanity for Eons (so don't get all paranoid about it)."

Something about his tone concerned Riker, "What do you mean by OUR Humanity?"

"Lets just say that right now, somewhere in the Multi-verse the Gods are still worshiped as they were long before your kind first struck flint with a stone and proclaimed it a gift from Prometheus. Or better, when some poor ape-liek schmuck got fried by lighting, it was judgment from on high!..."

Q suddenly became very still and had a distracted look on his face, "Oh no..."


Riker wondered what could worry Q this much, "What is it... The Borg, The Dominion?"

Q rubbed his temples, "Worse... Guess what? I'm out of time and things are going get hectic for you people a lot earlier than I thought. I'm doing you one last favor and then... Well, we'll see how things turn out later."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Icksnae on time travelae. You'll find that planet Gateway's been shut down as well as the other Guardian (you haven't found yet). Anyone who tries 'temporal incursions' will more then likely cease to exist before they complete the journey, but hey try it if you got a deathwish. Also the Bajorian wormhole is no longer in business, and you can partially thank the Prophets (f-ing newbs) for getting you people involved in this."

He let that bitl slip out in frustration, but held back from adding, *Yeah and sisko too! Great call on the Be Gods speech there, asshole...* But he regained his composure.


With that Q waved his hand and the Titan was orbiting a familiar blue marble.

"Bye kids, I should probably say something inspiring or profound right now, but that's so not me, so I'll leave you with this... Break out the good china, you're having guests soon. Cheer up Riker, you get to make first contact AND be a hero at the same time. I'd kill for five more minutes in this chair, but I got to run now, ta!" With that Q exited with the telltale flash.


The comm in the ready room whistled and the panicked voice of the helmsman called out, "Captain, we're orbiting Earth?!"

In a frustrated but calm voice Riker replied, "I know, get me a priority one channel to Starfleet HQ."

He didn't know how the Titan's disappearence was going affect the Romulans, but if Q was right, and he hoped not, that was the least of their worries to come. In the mean time he had to find a way to convince the Federation and possibly others about the "anti-life" that could possibly start an incursion into their dimension...


In incomporeal/dimensional space Junior had rolled his eyes at his father's lame comments and tried to keep a straight face when Q joined him in transit. The elder Q sensed his son's suppressed thoughts.

"Alright son, what's bothering you?"

"Well... Did you have to tell them nearly everything? I mean HE isn't going to be too happy." Q knew who his son was referring to.

"You let me worry about him. Most he'll do is yell a little, it's not like the old days when I was dodging thunderbolts. Besides, I owed it to them for once. Who knows if I'll ever get the chance again and they're pretty smart people. Eventually they'll put two and two together (even with Microbrain). HE may put his faith in The One, but as the humans say 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'... That's not all is it?"

The (psuedo) teenager was slow to answer, "Well, er. No father. It's about my name. I mean why can't I have a real name. Junior is nice when it's just with Aunt Kathy and Voyager, but seriously that's just a term of endearment when one is named after another."

"There's also the Junior Mint!" Q couldn't help himself.

"That's not helping." His son said dryly, "I mean I hate being called Q, or Q's son. I want my own identity."

His father's voice was firm, "We've been over this before.We are now the Q until otherwise dictated. You want to take this up with HIM be my guest."

The conversation was almost as instantaneous as the travel as both Q reached their destination. They proceded through the gate of the cloud level mountain past the guardian's dressed in their glittering chainmail and deadly spears, which were far more than they appreared.



-------------------------------------------------------------------
GTVA Space
Epsilon Pegasi
1630 hours



Out of ninety-three Colonial survivors, sixty-seven stayed on board the Pegasus had been briefed by Cain on the findings of the GTVA in regards to the relationship between Earth and the Colonies.

Some took it hard while others were merely confused.

Cain had appealed to them to overcome their individual religious dilemmas.

"Look, I am no priest, I'm a warrior... They seem to have proof that Humans originated on Earth millions of years ago while we only have moldy scrolls from two THOUSAND years. Obviously something is not right about this, but it's not our job to worry about it.

Our job is to assimilate as much as needed with this ENORMOUS Human culture and try to find the Galactica. I hope and pray she and the Civilian fleet can be located and brought to the safety of GTVA space. After that, then we can worry about resolving religious or philosophical debates on Humanities origin and all that felgercarb [bullshit].

I am counting on all of you to be true to yourselves, but still be flexible enough to put aside any internal conflicts long enough to make this happen. I promise as soon as possible we will then strike out back to home and retake our beloved Colonies. Till then, until that glorious day is possible can I count on you?"

Every warrior took a breath, and then they unanimously shouted, "Aye!"


Later, Hawthorne informed Cain that the Admiral wanted to discuss something important before a dinner at 2000 hours. Cain was all spit and polish as usual and a bit anxious when the time came and they were assembled in the admiral's office.

When Cain and Tolen entered the admiral was seated with Hawthorne to his right.

He used the new form of Terran Saluting, "Commander Cain reporting as requested. I hope you don't mind I brought the Colonel with me."

The Admiral saluted him handed Hawthorne a folder replying, "Not at all (at ease), this affects him as well. I got a communicae from Command not long ago..."

"And?..." Cain's voice was laced with anxiety.

"And... They agreed to some of what you proposed WITH some changes."

Cain was used to getting his way most of the time, but tried to control his readable emotions, "What kind of changes did they make?"

The Admiral was slow to respond, "For one thing, Pegasus will only be allowed to try the Capella node after one of two conditions are met. Either Earth is contacted, or your light-speed drive is duplicated.

That part is non-negotiable. We will do anything needed to help you repair the Pegasus and upgrade her as well with Beam weaponry and anti-fighter missile systems in return for your anti-ship missiles and Viper designs for testing.

Command is also very interested in your Battlestar design. Your people seem to use incredible amounts of armor plate and your carrier is twice the size of our Orion Destroyers, our most heaviest plated Terran chasis in use.

As for the final change... GTVA will not engage the Cylon Empire unless they cross into our recognized borders. IF that happens and they do not withdraw, then all bets are off and war will be declared.

The last thing we need right now is another conflict. We have been under siege TWICE in the last twirty-two years by the Shivans. As frightening as that prospect was then, today we STILL do not know why they are so hostile and how many of them there really are out there. With no clue as to the location of their homeworld or bases and their true numbers GTVA has to err on the side of caution. Is this acceptible to you Commander?"


Cain folded his arms and thought quickly, "Well, it's not exactly what I was hoping for, but beggars can't be choosers. Alright Admiral, you help us strip the Pegasus down to the bulkheads and rebuild her and we'll give you (help) with lightspeed and the weaponry. I'm a little disappointed about not having anyone look for the rest of our people, but I can understand you have issues of your own. A population of trillions does outweigh a mere fifty-seven thousand refugees."

That last sentence was ended sharply, but Cain did try (to his credit) not to sound too bitter.

"Look Cain, I can appreciate your feelings on this, but it's out of my hands. We can begin tomorrow if you are ready for this. Here's the agreement in writing and an additional proposal." He motioned to Hawthorne who then approached Cain and handed him two folders both with the official logo of the GTVA on them. The first was Labeled (GTVA/Colonial Contract) and the second one took Cain by surprise, (Battlestar Gaia).

Cain looked up at the Admiral inquisitively, "What's this Battlestar Gaia?"


He looked Cain in the eye and folded his hands, "That my dear Commander, is the future."




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


SDF-3
Lux orbit
0930 Hours


"Dammit, itz right in front of me and I can't zee it!"

Dr Lang slammed his fist onto his desk in frustration. He then leaned back in his chair in thought as he absently rubbed his pained right hand with his left.

*Think Emil... What are you missing?*

It had been a few days since he had given Veffidas a complete work over and he still could not nail down a specific cause or cure for the cellular degredation. This was very bothersome to him cause some of the Zentreadi of City 7 were already approaching the stage where they were becoming bedridden with illnesses and from then it would not be more than a few years before they started to die in masses.

This was one of the most irritating puzzles he had be presented with for a while, and it was starting to get to him.

Lang reached over and turned that monitor off. If an answer could be found, it wasn't going to come from the results he had now. Seeing no other recourse, he called up a list of names from the medical computer of ten Zentreadi males with no families.

Turning on his comlink, Lang spoke into it, "This is Lang, get me Admiral Hunter please." He had a grim report to deliver and an even more disturbing solution.

He had an idea, but if it didn't work nothing would help short of feezing the entire affected population in stasis, and even then, one of the ten on his list potentially could die regardless.


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

MSD Xanadu
0930 Hours


Due to the conspiracy between Thompson and Chiba, they had bullied SD into an 'Experiment' with Basara (which thrilled the singer to no end).

The two scientists were behind a protective shield while the two subjects were facing each other about ten feet apart.

"...." SD let out a low closed mouth growl from his throat as he was very annoyed. No one particulaly seemed to notice.


"Ok gentlemen" Thompson addressed them over a PA speaker, "We are going to have Basara perform some song segments to see what effect they might have and if there is any variation of waveforms due to different circumstances. This test will probably not take more than an hour so please be patient Colonel."

Bringing his guitar up Basara strummed it once checking the notes. "When do you want to start?"

Chiba answered him, "We are ready when you are Basara, just give us 3-4 lines then wait a minute before going to a new song."

Smiling he turned to SD, "You ready?"

SD was not smiling and had his arms crossed, "Let's just get this over with."

At the controls Thompson had a few monitors up and running. One for Basara and SD, and on a whim, one more for the next lab over that contained the GX.

Basara pushed his glasses back onto his face more firmly and then broke out, "Alright.. F-I-R-E!!!

[Saa hajimaruze Saturday night,
Choshi wa doo dai, Let's stand up, Beat o kanjiru kai.

Koko wa sora tobu paradise,
Wasurekaketeru energy, Now hurry up, Torimodosou ze.

No more wasting time!
Marude yume no you ni, Nanimo kamo Nagasareteshimau mae ni.

Hey everybody!

Hikari o mezase,
Odorouze,
Dancin' on the Planet Dance.]"

At that Basara stopped. SD just stood there although he had been looking at Basara at the time. He just realised that his fists had slightly clenched.

Thompson isolated a data stream and brought it to the main monitor for Chiba, "Look at that, heartbeat and respiration changed to become synchronous with the music."

"Interesting..." Chiba proposed, "How about elongating exposure time?"

Thompson got on the mic, "Basara go to another one and continue longer."

Basara shifted his stance and a second later let out a loud scream, "[Aaaaaaaaaaa haaa!

Niju yon jikan ugomeku machi o, Tonight tonight, kakenukeru
Hijo kaidan hitomi no mure ga, Sign of the times sagashiteiru

Me ga kurami sou na, Aoi di-amond
Gurasu ni kawatte shimau, Kiotsu-ke-ro

Holy light!
Isoge jibun o shinjite
lonely night, Yami no naka kara kotae o
Mitsukedase

Uchuu no zembu kuretatte, Yuzurenai ai mo aru
Nani ga honto ka nani ga uso ka, Wakaranai toki mo aru]"

"Something is happening there." Thompson pointed to the barometer which began rising. Also room temperature was rapidly climbing as well on SD's side.

Chiba let out a panicked cry, "STOP! It's building too fast! We have to separate them NOW!

Going on the other man's experience with sound energy, Thompson hit a failsafe switch that would raise a barrier between the two subjects. Except for one thing... It failed to activate when he hit the button.

SD had his eyes closed and could feel the sound waves flowing around him like before. This time they were long enough to interact with and unconsciously he began to funnel them into himself, absorbing them.

Basara was now feeling a little weak. This reminded him of when Sivil had kissed him and was draining his spiritia directly. Collecting himself, he began to sing harder.

[Mitsumeau dake jaa, Asa wa tooi sugiru
Dakishimetai konya dake, Hirotsukero

Holy light!
Moyase karada no shin made
Lonely night, Nido to kokoro wa ushiro o, Furimuku na]"

By now the readings were apporaching red line and a tiny glow started to emanate from SD.
Chiba yelled into the mic, "Basara STOP, there's an approaching Anima backlash!"

Basara could see the glow now and was surprised as it reminded him of what happens when the sound boosters are engaged on his Fire Valkyrie when singing. This also concerned him as it probably meant that the energy he just released was about to come back at him. So instead of simply stopping, he switched gears and started a very slow song.

"[Kamisamawa isogashikute
Ima tega hanasenai
Kono sekai wa, chotto fushigi na
Marude merry go round

Iikotobakari aruwake ja nai shi
Arashi mo yatte kurukedo

Love will save your heart
Yume o egaku massugu na hitomitachi yo

Love will save this world
Itsuka kitto hikari wa mieruhazu]"

The glow around SD did not diminish and in fact became brighter. Howerver now it started to change color from a red glow to a blueish radiance... He also was visually being effected by his uncomfortable stance and his arms were now by his sides fists shaking.

Whatever Basara was doing the two scientist couldn't complain as the readings began to fall off but SD looked even more uncomfortable.

[Kanashimi to hohoemi no
Balance o toru machi de
Tachidomari miageta sora tsuduku
Long and winding road

Hitori no chikara nante yowaike do
Sou suteta mono ja nai sa

Love will save your heart
Yuuki o mune ni kegarenaki hitomitachi yo
Love will save this world
Itsumo sobani iru sore o wasurenaide

Touku narihibiku kane no otoni
Kisekiga me o samasu

Love will save your heart
Yume o egaku massugu na hitomitachi yo
Love will save this world
Itsuka kitto hikari wa mieruhazu]

SD's glow had gone out and he turned starting to walk away. Basara continued however.

[Love will save your heart
Yuuki o mune ni kegarenaki hitomitachi yo
Love will save this world
Itsumo sobani iru sore o wasurenaide


Love will save your heart...

Love will save this world...

Love will light the light...]


Chiba turned to Thompson, "What just happened?"

"I have no idea. The barrier failed (suspisiously) and apparently your man countered the waveform backlash that had been generated."

"But why did the Colonel leave?" Chiba inquired.

Thompson smiled, "You'll have to ask him that, but I don't think he's up to telling you right now... Anyway, we got some good data to work with now and a barrier to fix. Lets get on it!" He hit the mic, "Thank you Mr Basara, that will be all for today."

Basara didn't acknowledge him and was still looking at the door SD had exited through...

A few minutes later the com buzzed and Thompson answered it, "Yes?"

"I'm going out for some air, please open the hangar." It was SD.

Thompson smiled at the irony of SD's comment and then hit the control. On the monitor the adjacent lab's hangar opened up exposing the room to vacuum, "Just be back by 1300, I want to go over some of this with you.." .

With no reply the GX engines ignited and SD was soon plunging into the void, distancing himself from the station...


In the cockpit, SD was troubled.

In the beginning he felt such a rush of energy but later when Basara had changed songs it felt like he was not only losing the energy, but it was like being drained. The best way he could describe it would be like a hot summer day when you step out of your door and instantly feel the life sucked out of you, but this was worse, it almost felt like a violation.

All he wanted to do right now was to get as far away from Basara as possible. Not really having a destination in mind he ended up vectoring to an asteroid belt. Losing himself amoung the floating masses, he busied his mind with not crashing into them while increasing his speed. He was feeling better now but still was shaken. He reached for the mp3 controls but hesitated. What would happen to him or the GX if he had "an episode". The hesitation passed as the display turned on autonomously, leaving him only to decide what file to play.

"Oh, and you got a suggestion as well?" he said out loud bemused. On the readout Erasure's 'Always - Techno Remix' was highlighted.

"Heh, why not. Play file then."

A moment later the pulsing beat echoed into the cockpit. This was new as additional interior speakers had been installed since he last was inside the GX, *Thompson's been a busy boy it seems*.

[Open your eyes I see, your eyes are open.
Wear no disguise for me, come into the open.

Melting the ice for me, jump into the ocean
Hold back the tide I see, your love in motion


When it's cold outside, and the heat in vain
Hold on to the night, there will be, no shame...

Always. I want to be with you and make believe with you
and live in harmony, harmony Oh whoa..]


The fighter began skimming the surface of some of the larger bodies as the display's chonological digits ticked by, showing in less than three hours he would have to return, something SD was not looking froward to...


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

Planet Lux surface
1030 hours



"Move it left ten more feet." Dr Louie Nichols was directing a soldier operating a vaguely crane-looking piece of machinery, "There you go, stop! Right there, shut the hover down and switch it to SAT link target mode."

The vehicle was one of dozens that were being positioned all over City 7's critical locations and in some surrounding areas outside of it's borders (like the vast cattle farm and crop fields).

Louie frowned for a moment.

They were halfway finished getting the cannons into their predetermined positions as he had a flashback to how their new manual targeting system originated. It seemed like a lifetime ago he was designing a new add-on (called the Pupil Pistol) to his favorite tank simulation in order to beat Dana's high score on the range. Due to it's unbelievable success the military took it over and installed it on every tank and weapon system they could think of.

In time he got over it, but it was very hard. He had to let some of his idealism dim that his invention was used to kill others more effectively, but that's part of the ugliness of war, it sucks no matter how you look at it.

Gamlin ran a hand through his cropped silvery-white hair as he observed the placements and stirred the Soldier/Scientist out of his reverie, "Are these things really going to make a difference for the city? What did you call them again?"

Louie did not stop working on a data pad as he explained, "The're called Synchro Cannons. And yes, if the enemy units try to wage atmospheric combat or simply bring larger ships too close to the city itself, they are going to be in for a rude surprise."

"The Synchro Cannon is the most powerful artillery piece ever designed. Basically, it is a small version of the SDF-3's main cannon mounted on a hover platform. The cannon operates by running a fusion reactor off the protoculture cells.

When a shot is fired, a relative large amount of the fusion plasma is drawn from the reactor and injected into a plasma expansion chamber, pre-loaded with a small slug of matter, which is quickly super-heated; this process produces a larger amount of cooler plasma, which can be more easily handled by the cannon stage. That stage consists out of an ion extractor and divider, which separates the plasma in positive and negative ions."

" Both stream are then lead to dedicated synchrotrons, which accelerate the matter streams. Both beams are then rejoined in the barrel, and the result is a plasma stream of very high speed and tremendous destructive power.

Each blast is capable of delivering energy equivalent to about 60 kinetic tons in the line of fire out to a maximum range of 15 km Targets within about 20m of the direct line of fire will sustain heavy damage from residual radiation and energy discharge."


Gamlin gave a low whistle. "Impressive, but it doesn't seem to be able to move very fast if you need to reposition it."


"Ah well," Louie gave a smal laugh, "I said it was the most powerful ever designed, not the most maneuverable. besides, that's what Destroids, like Hover Tanks, are for. While not as powerful, they at least have full mobility and will protect the ground implacements. By the way... Did you like the Cyclone system demonstration?"

Gamlin smiled, "Very much so. It's quite formidable on it's own, but I can appreciate how your pilots like having it as an emergency system as well. I wouldn't mind getting a hold of one myself."

"Well" Louie began to list,"We have a few more designs beyond the basic VR-052 BATTLER model for pilots and standard infantry. If you want later on I can go over them with you in more detail.

In short there is: the red VR-038 Light for recon missions, and if you look over across the park to the other cannon you can see that black and grey Cyclone. That's a VR-122 PROTECTOR basicly a MP or police model.

The grey and yellow striped beefy model digging earthen ramparts around that cannon is actually a civillian one for construction the VR-112 Sampson. There are also VR-177 Firefly's for rescue and fire fighting.

There is a handful of VR-064's or Shadow Cyclones, but unless we run into any INVID here it's not worth breaking them out. Finally, Special Ops has the VR-041 SABER (utilizing the CADS system).

Dr Lang has been working on a new design (I think he calls it the VR-155 Devestator) but I guess it will be a while before it can take the field as he says it has lots of problems at the current time."

Gamlin sputtered, "That's an awful lot of options... If you don't mind I'd like to start with a BATTLER, (it's better to walk before you run) ."

Nichols laughed, "Heh yeah. Just let me get the rest of these jokers into place and we'll see about getting you some CVR-4 armor and a VR-052 Unit."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." from his tone Louie could tell that the pilot was sincere.


Not far from the park, Destroids were beginning to be paired with cannons and each other. One typical pairing was a MAC III Monster and Zentreadi Battle Pod. The theory behind such a tactic was you had one long range unit and the other for close in support. Some other pairings were Excaliburs with Spartans, and Gladiators with Raidar-X's. A fair number of Zentreadi Officer pods also were sprinkled around pockets of Cyclone infantry areas.

If and when there was to be a rematch, the aggressors would not find City 7 to be an easy objective to take.


========================================================================


Chapter 28: (Weight of the world)


Restored Earth
Sol System



Since their tearful reunion in front of EDF Head Quarters, the
couple had an armed escort shadowing them. This was purely for their
protection as people were quite concerned about the solar anomoly.

Tensions were high, but not at the boiling point yet as the government
had made an announcement that families traveling abroad should return
home and that all industries except for food/power production and shipyards
should send their workers home to await further instructions.

Mark had brought Trellaina to his family's home and met his
mother, father, and little brother Jordi. They were quite taken with
her and surprised that she seemed much smaller than life from what was
known to the people of Earth of the "Heroine" who sacrificed her
homeworld to buy time for Earth's Defense.

After a time they left the Venture home and travelled to a nearby park.
Mark had laid out a blanket and they spent the afternoon lying in each
other's arms staring at the sky with little conversation.

When it began to get dark they packed up and Mark suggested a
fancy restaurant. Though it was closed, that was not a problem as Mark
had the guards open the facility and he himself (being a chef waana be
on the side) cooked the meal. They ate by candlelight which caused the
empty establsihment to unfortunately take on an errie atmosphere.

Finishing their meal, the couple retired to a hotel at Mark's
prompting. They had appropriated a VIP suite, the best avaialble. A
somber mood had fallen over them as they opened the curtains wide so
the stars and the glow of the city filled the room with a dim light. He
drew her close to him and they kissed. Niether knew who started, but
soon they were slow dancing in the dark.


I've never been happier than right now." He whispered into her ear.


Trellaina smilled, "That's about to change I can assure you." as she moved them towards the bedroom.


What started out as slow and gentle caresses eventually turned to
frenzied and passionate lovemaking. Though they only had one night
together, they literally loved for a lifetime...



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

MDS Xanadu
1300 hours



SD had returned to the station and was now seated around the
conference table along with Basara, Chiba, Thompson, General Massey,
and a conference call screen with Admiral Lisa Hayse-Hunter.

Thompson started, "Due to the nature of our findings and possible
impact militarily I've assembled you all here for this SHORT briefing."

He continued, "When we began the experiment it was observed that
Col Crocker's physiology literally 'synched' with Basara's performance.
Merely an observation, as I had only expected his Alpha Waves to be
affected. At the moment we don't know the significance of this."

"Not long into the experiment, it appeared that we were
approaching a critical overload of this 'Anima Spiritia' that was being
generated by the Colonel. The lab safeguard failed (for unknown
reasons) so Mr Basara produced a counter-rhythm which contained the
impending backlash. Most effectively I say."

"It is OUR opinion that Col Crocker is very much similar to Mr
Basara as a generator of 'Spiritia Energy' despite the fact he is NOT a
musician.

It is possible he is more of an amplifier than a pure
generator, but more study is needed. I also noticed later when he went
for his little trip that he had generated Spiritia with no overload or
ill effects, in fact his status was calm and he appears rested as well."

SD was a little sheepish as he looked at Thompson, "What are you
implying?" and silently, *Aside from the fact you're spying on me old
man.*

He chuckled, "Heh, what I mean is Basara nearly made you reach a
critical point, then backed you off apparently with the effect of
making you angry so you stomped off. then you take off in the GX, and
in spite of recent events generate yet MORE Spiritia near to the same
power levels but with entirely different after effects... WHY?"


SD grumbled, "I'd rather not say." He was obviously starting to get irritated.

Massey spoke up, "Carl, if it has any bearing on helping the
Doctors figure out what's going on and how we can use it to our best
advantage, then please tell us."

*Sigh* Taking a breath SD replied, "Fine. Yeah, I was getting into
the songs at first and felt something, and I LIKED IT. BUT then when he
(pointing his closed fisted left thumb at Basara seated beside him)
changed over it was... Different... Ok more like sucking me dry, in
fact it felt like a violation and I didn't like it one bit!"

"Interesting..." Thompson mumbled as he was jotting notes down.
While Chiba queried, "Basara played 'Light the Light' one of Mylene's
love songs. That felt like a 'violation' to you?"


SD was getting a little defensive, "Yeah. Don't ask me for an explination, I'm just telling it like it is."


Wierd" Basara mumbled to the ceiling as he kicked back and counted tile lines.

"That may be true Basara" Chiba interjected, "But the Colonel here
generated as much power as you do WITH your sound booster. That's very impressive considering the situation." That statement made Basara blink.


Massey held his hand up for attention, "So Doctors, how does that help us?"

The two scientists looked at each other for a moment, then
Thompson answered, "We're not sure, YET." This elicited a silent groan
from the officers present. "However, we DO have a theory. The enemy
seems to be virtually immune to the music defense of UNSPACY.

Colonel Crocker being sensitive to the emissions detected AND more
importantly neutralized the enemy transmitter unit enabling both our
forces to rout the hostiles. This has to be connected somehow.

I
suggest we have SD and Basara spend more time together. I'm sure
eventually we will get more data for analysis and come up with
something more tangible in the future, hopefully before another
offensive."

"What!?" SD merely stammered... Basara simultaneously brought his chair
back to normal with a thud and asked, "You want us to hang out
together?"


Massey looked unwell as he didn't relish the though of having (yet another civillian) running wild on his station.

Thompson didn't give them long to digest the suggestion, "Oh and
Colonel, wear this if you wouldn't mind..." He put what appeared to be
a bracer on the table and slid it over to SD.


"What is it?" momentarily sidetracked, SD picked it up and examined it.

"It's a modified REF com unit in an extended base. I cobbled
something together that also will act as a beacon so I can track your
'incidents' better. Also it should not be affected IF something does
happen. So please keep it on as much as possible."


SD put it on his left forearm, "It's a little weighty." He commented.


"Oh I'm sure a big strong soldier like you will get used to it." Thompson smiled.

"Hey!" Basara interrupted and all eyes turned to him, "I almost
forgot, since we're going to be hanging out officially can I get like
clearance for that 'classified song'?."


"Classified Song?" Just about everyone blankly repeated.

"Yeah, he" Thumbing at SD, "Told me the song I wanted to know about
was 'classified' . So like, can you give me access or whatever?"

SD suddenly felt very very exposed and simply looked down at the table.


Massey was the first to lose it. Admiral Hunter merely smiled and
Dr Thompson cut in, "What the DEVIL are you talking about? There is no
such thing as a 'classified song'. Honestly, haven't you people heard
of the first amendment?"


A hurt looking Basara pointed his figner at SD, "Hey! You lied to me. You owe me a song."

Massey had an idea, "Actually, since his quarters need to be
'repaired', why don't YOU start by helping him move to the lab. No
doubt you'll find he has an extensive collection." He didn't try to
hide his smile but surpressed more laughter.


SD simply gave Massey a look that read (You Bastard, die.)...

Unphased, Massey continued. "Then it's settled. Basara you are
'assigned' to be Colonel Crocker's room, I mean, Wing Mate" (chuckle), "And if that is all?"


The Doctors both nodded and Massey thanked them all for coming and severed the com link after dismissing the meeting.


They slowly got up from the table with SD basicly in shock. On
automatic he headed for the door as Basara followed in tow and asked,
"When can I..."

SD turned on a dime with left figner pointed and
barked out, "Not ONE word!... Just walk, NO talking!"

The pair entered the corridor beyond and as the door closed Basara
could be heard complaining, "Gee what a grouch! You need to mello out
more!"

General Massey, Chiba and Thompson looked at each other in that
odd moment as all three noticed the others smiling and started
laughing, loudly...



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


*This is odd*, Kierin thought.

He had recieved an order
to report to medical first thing in the morning and after letting Dana
know he proceeded to the medical deck.

Nearing the section, he ran into a few others also on their way to
medical. He inquired as they walked along together, "So, they screw up
people's physical dates or something?" One of the others mumbled, "No
clue guy."

It wasn't long before they got to medical and upon entering found
out the ten of them had all recieved orders to report. When Doctor Lang
came in the room they all stood at attention. (Although he was always a
doctor, Lang held honorary rank and was now a Lt Col)


"Goot morning gentlemen. I'm sure you all are wondering why..." He then
noticed Kierin in line and then quickly looked down at the automated
list the computer made for him the night before that he hadn't paid
close attention to.

*Shieza!* He silently exclaimed to himself. Obviously the entry of marital status hadn't been updated somehow. Plus Dana would crucify him...

He
tried to ignore the stray thought and continued, "Why you vere called
here. I'll be frank. I need one volunteer vith your specific qualities
to allow himself to be 'exposed' to the same circumstances that has
affected the local Zentreadi populace. It is my hope that vith this
action I will then be able to help them from their impending early
deaths."

The room was silent. Lang spoke again, "I can make no assurances
that I will find a cure or that if one is found that it will then work
on the populace or the volunteer himself. If need be, take some time to
think this over. Like I said, I am asking for a volunteer, I am not
ordering one."


A few mnutes later two men raised their hands, one of them was Kierin.

Lang told the group, "Thank you gentlemen, the rest are
dismissed." Soon as the room was cleared Lang turned to the pair, "I
applaud your conviction men but I only need one volunteer."


Kierin took the initiative, "And that why it's going to be me Doctor. Ensign Smitt, you are dismissed!"


The younger Zentreadi looked at Doctor Lang who mournfully shook his head and then the Ensign saluted Lang and left the room.


"Why?" Lang asked plaintively..


He didn't answer right away...

"Doctor, I've been coddled my whole life. I had to deal first with
people knowingly or unknowingly going out of their way for me cause of
Breeti and Exedore.

Then later on finding out the truth of who I am and
what I am, the son of the worst villian in the history of modern Earth.
To tell you the truth, it was better at that point for people to spit
at me then put on kid gloves around me for fear of 'hurting my
feelings' when they talked."


"And this iz relevant how?" He was confused.

Kierin continued, "It doesn't matter what other people think, I
feel I have a debt to repay to our society or (in this case) the
Zentreadi of this place. If I can help them in any way, then I should
be the one to do it, regardless of other reasons."


"What about Dana?" Lang asked slowly...


"I'll tell her myself, don't concern yourself about it Doctor."


"So, there's no way I can change your mind?" Lang asked against hope.


Kierin forced a smile.


Lang sighed, "I zee. I should have known better by now."


Keirin held out his hand, "When do we begin Doctor?"



"Now." Lang took Kierin's hand and they shook to commemorate this dangerous undertaking.



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

GTVA Space
Epison Pegasi


Work began on the rebuilding of the Pegasus and simultaneously a
new keel was laid for the GTVABS (Battlestar) Gaia. Lt Hawthorne was at
the moment taking a tour of the Pegasus to check in on how the
installation of the new systems were progressing.

Teams comprised jointly of both GTVA and Colonial personnel
assembled at all major stations to insure the technology was understood
and used safely by all. Pegasus was slated to have over a dozen small
beam cannons placed over the general hull while two BFREDS (Immensely
powerful weapons of destruction the Shivans arm their largest ships
with) salvaged from a Sathanas, would replace the aging (and MUCH weaker) twin bow
particle cannons she had sported for so long.

The Lt had noted that things were progressing rather smoothly
despite the occasional miscommunication or minor lack of vocal
understanding. The translators were learning however, and getting
updated frequently. The initial 70% fluency ratio of Terran and
Colonial languages was bumped to 85% due to the intense dedication of
both crews working day and night to make this effort succeed.

For the Colonials, this was especially important as they had blood
brothers out in the unknown, searching for the safe haven that the
Pegasus had found unintentionally. For the GTVA, these were long lost
cousins fleeing a desperate existence against overwhelming odds. Their
people's had both been through hell and back and as greater
understanding seeped in, they grew closer together as a united force
slowly but surely.

The rebuilding was done in modular sections, which was aided by
the inherent design flexibility of the Battlestar. First they
overhauled the FLT engines replacing much deteriorated parts for new
ones already compatible or built from scratch. Next they added standard
"Jump" drives so Pegasus could now utilize subspace.

Fuel had initially been a worry, but scouts soon reported that the
familiar Tylium mineral was present in the system, although at a vastly
smaller quantity then they had hoped for. In the weeks that followed
many more scouting missions would be run in the other systems under
GTVA control to find Tylium deposits for the Battlestars that the
Alliance may need to construct. How many they would plan for would be
dependant on how well the class accounted for itself as well as the
ability to mine and refine the Tylium.

Now that they had a supply of Tylium that solved a smaller
dilemma, Missiles for the vipers and anti-ship ops. The consumption of
Tylium created a reaction that broke it down into clumps of fused
crystals (Called Solonite) that would end it's existance with a bang as
they became highly explosive.

This is why tylium mining is so very
dangerous. Should the fuel be ignited improperly (like a random fire or
weapons discharge did on planet Carilon) the fuel would be rapidly used
up and chain reacted to it's end stage, thus exploding destructively.

Using a gas GTVA had identified as Deuterium, the Colonials are
able to pack the crystals densely and then place it into a weapons
package like a small or large missile. The gas surrounds the crystals
and upon impact or proximity fuse, is ignited which then causes the
crystals to explode (causing a significant amount of damage to the
target).

By itself the Gas is merely fuel for standard GTVA reactors, but
when used in this manner for missiles it added a little more
enhancement to the overall detonation. It appeared that both GTVA and
Colonials were reaping tangible benefits technologically in spite of
this alliance still being in it's infancy.

Chapter: 29 (Parting is Sorrow)

Restored Earth
Sol System



Mark was still asleep with a blissful expression visible on his face.

Trelaina studied his countenance for a few moments longer before she quietly slipped from the bed. Already, the pre-dawn light was beginning to illuminate the suite with it's pale glow.

*Oh Mark* she mused, *Ours was a love not meant to be. I wish I had known you long ago.*

She resisted the urge to caress his face and stopped her hand from reaching outward.

Instead she went into the next room and used the message recorder she had noticed the night before. Minutes later, she was finished and went back into the bedroom to take one last look at her lover.

Emotions swelled within her as she fought to concentrate her mind energy, soon she would need all her attention on the task at hand. She kept her gaze on him as she spoke barely above a whisper but loud enough to make him stir, "'I'm sorry Mark, but our time is past, farewell my love."

The stirring form of Mark Venture reached over to the other side of the bed. "Mmm Trelaina... Trelaina?" His hand moved slowly up and down the bed searching. A second later he opened his eyes and popped up on an elbow to survey the bedroom.

Mark slid to an sitting position and pivoted to place his feet on the floor. He stood with a leisurely stretch taking in the sunrise or the tranquil appearing city and then walked around the suite.

When he didn't find her in any of the adjoining rooms he became concered."Trelaina!" He shouted insistently and still there was no reply.

He opened the outer door and the guards were already facing it as they were debating weather to respond to the shout or not immediately. As one of then opened his mouth to inquire, Mark beat him to it.

He stepped over the threshold keeping the door open, "Have you seen Trelaina?" His tone was serious and to the point.

"No sir, no one has entered or exited since last night."

Before he could start a new line of questioning the guard's radio squawked with static. After raising it to his ear the sentry handed it to Mark, "It's for you sir."

Almost timidly Mark reached for it and spoke into it, "Mark Venture here."

"Mark, it's Wildstar. Get your ass back here ASAP. The 'Door' is opening and we just received an encrypted message on the recorder."

With bowed head Mark answered slowly, "I understand, I'll be there. Venture out."

Turning his head he absorbed the image of the suite he and Trelaina spent the night in. He would etch every moment of that last day forever in his mind.


"Ok", He turned back to the guards with a more resolute voice, "Get me to the Argo."

"Yes sir!"


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


MDS Xanadu
Lux Orbit



SD exclaimed, "This sucks!" as he continued to his old quarters with some packing crates.

"What's the matter guy?" Basara inquired.

SD stopped for a second with a bit of sarcasim, "Oh sorry. That was my inner voice."


Needless to say SD was not thrilled that he and Basara had been 'assigned' to spend time together for some (insane) reason.

*At least we won't be in the same room!*

That was the main demand he had made on Thompson. The pair would be using two store rooms as quarters and use the bathroom off the main lab. Maybe not as luxurious as nornal crew quarters, but at least they would be functional.

On the way to the room the pair had stopped off at ship stores and drew some modular crates and a few military issue duffle bags. SD had finished stuffing the last of his clothing in a bag when he spotted Basara's grin. The cause of the wild-haired youth's grin was the drawer he had opened that was almost overflowing with CDs and DVD's.

SD sighed and tried to ignore the rocker as he busied himself with collecting more personal items like the precious photo albumn and other mementos. During that time he could hear the occasional "Ooo." and "Ahhh" from that corner of the room as well as the sound of hard plastic being piled on plastic.

"Hey, just be careful with those ok?"

Basara never looked up, "Sure sure. You know, musicians usually know how to handle this sort of stuff."

SD bit his tongue, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to resist the urge to say his current thought, *And when one comes in to pack that stuff, I'll stop worrying!*

Basara missed the momentary evil grin SD sported.


Basara had something in mind himself as he causually threw out, "You have a rather 'interesting' range of music."


That made SD turn to look at him as Basara seemed to be visually analyzing the collection.

Falling for the bait SD replied, "How so?"

"Well.." He started slowly, "From what I know of rock history, this one" He held up an Iron Maiden cd "Is Heavy Metal... While this one, heh" He chuckled, "Is easy listening... This is ABBA, right?"

"...And your point is?" Came out forced.


Hands held up Basara soothed with, "Absolutely nothing. It's just, intriguing that's all... It's all cooool baby."


"Nani!" Came from the hallway as a head of a certain pink haired girl peeked in through the door. "Oops, sorry!" As she had momentarily lapsed into Japanese (Nani loosely means 'What!?')...

Her eyes were narrowed as she looked at Basara and dead panned, "How do you know the word 'intriguing'?"

*What the fuck, is up with these two?* SD couldn't help thinking...


--------------------------------------------------------------
(a few minutes later)


Mylene had come to remind Basara that Akiko (their manager) and Ray were starting preparations for the Moon Festival concert and that his customary 'loafing around' wouldn't be tolerated (by her at least).

"Moon Festival?" SD muttered curiously.

Mylene explained, as they all carried SD's stuff through the station, that while Lux had no moon, the citizens would still celebrate the Earth holiday of victory over Gorg Boldoza. Over time, that day had evolved into what was now known as the Moon Festival for that was the first population center to establish it.

Thankful for the short history lesson, SD was happy to part company upon reaching his door.

Mylene had turned to Basara. "Remember, don't let yourself get caught up in any of your usual foolishness!" She waved her figner at Basara and turned to go.

"And where are you going now?" Nekki asked.

She stopped a moment, "Not that it's any of YOUR business, but I was invited to dinner with my parents, by their alternates."

SD was in the process of closing his door and interjected, "A word of advice then, that Dana is fast with a fork! Good afternoon to both of you." and then it was closed.

It opened a sec later as he looked at Basara still holding a crate and a bag slung on his shoulder, "Just leave that there I will get it later, thanks... Here" He shoved a small stack of CD's at Basara, "One of them has the 'classified song' " The door then reclosed.

"Hmmm" Mylene started critically, "Still kinda rude, but at least he said thank you... That's a step up from someone I know." With that she turned on her heel and left.

Nekki smirked, and before he decided to enter his own 'luxury' storeroom to explore these CD treasures he noticed something.

Thompson had eyed the odd company's entrance through his lab and soon as SD and Mylene was out of sight had waved Basara over with his figner.

Nekki quieried as he walked over to the scientist, "Did I forget to wipe my feet or something?"

Thompson sighed mentally, *Oh yeah, this WAS my idea*...

"Mr Basara,. when you get the opportunity it would be a good idea to have a look at this." He indicated an encased mini-video disk in his right hand. "Of course it would be an even better idea to keep this just between you and me, at least for now."

"Eh?" He took the disk and flipped it over noticing it had military markings. "Why the secrecy? Is this like your dirty laundry or some super wierd Human experiments?"

The Doctor just gave him a look, "You almost say that TOO eagerly... No!.. Dr Chiba was gracious enough to provide me with footage of some of Sound Force's exploits, so I in turn gave him some as well or our own, er, Progress. This tape however, is from my personal collection. I think you will find it most, enlightening, in regards to how someone with your potential would become when faced with the contents."

Nekki asked quietly in a rare moment of perception, "You mean HIM?"

Thompson merely smoothed out his labcoat and turned back to his work area with, "Enjoy the tape Mr Basara, and when you are through, please return it to me."


---------------------------------------------------------
(Later that evening)

Planetside (Lux)


Akiko and Rey finished hammering out the details of the Moon Festival concert. This involved timing their performance to commence after the introduction of Wendy Rider (an up and coming singer). At the end of Wendy's song the 7th 'Fleet' (such as it was) would form up and unleash a volley of energy towards unoccupied space (harmlessly) as a symbolic show of strength.

They even contacted Minmay to see if she'd be willing to add her prescence for a morale boost.

Initially she was uneasy about such an appearance, but after conferring with the senior officers of the intelligence division (and of course Lisa) she agreed to perform ONE song (The tune made famous by her counterpart "Do you remember Love?").

Minmay had become interested with her 'double's' career and saw a slightly more mature (but still flawed) lifestyle. Instead of becoming offended or intimidated by this legacy, she decided to embrace it and try to get something meaningful out of it, not only for herself, but for her/their fans.

She was at the moment touring the City 7 concert hall, where Fire Bomber attained their greatest fame during the journey to Lux.

At the moment she was staring out at the stars just starting to show beyond the clamshell (The military decided to test the shell down mode for defense on a nightly basis since the crisis started).

"Am I intruding?"

The deep male voice stirred her from her mental wanderings. She turned her head and noticed the keyboardist of Fire Bomber.

"Oh no, not at all Mr Lovelock."

He grinned and held up his hand, "Please, it's Ray."

She Acquiested, "Ray it is. I find this 'shell down' mode fascinating technology."

"Yes it is, they can simulate any background from a sunny day to moonless night. The military insisted we keep the shell operational instead of removing it for scrap in case of a emergency. I guess they were right. I had thought they were being a bit paranoid."

"Ah" she sighed, "I used to think the military was a little repressive sometimes when I was younger, but now I understand what it's all about. As long as they remain focused on the needs of the populace, then it's justified. It's their job."

Ray bobbed his head, "I know the feeling. I used to get in trouble all the time till I was lucky enough to get recruited as a Valkyrie pilot."

He noted her cocked head and continued, "Yeah image that, I was part of the 'Pink Pecker' squad. That made me grow up pretty fast dealing with various situations.... What's so funny?"

Minmay has just looked at him and lost it...


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


Alone in his storeroom (temporary quarters), Basara had picked up the disk Dr Thompson had given him and inserted it into a player and turned on the monitor. Both of those items were 'loaned' to him as a bribe to stay on for a short time for the collaboration of the scientists.

He kicked off his shoes and layed back in his bunk as the picture stabilized from a colored countdown and then a security banner momentarily appeared. *Heh* he thought, *If I mention the contents it says they can shoot me, cool.*

Video clips that were marked by dates were shown on the screen. The player was on auto play and the first began.

(-July 3rd, 1996-)

Some personnel in old style military uniforms were mucking around a metal framework. The camera focuses on an approaching group. Two of the members are quite familiar looking to Basara as a younger Dr Thompson and (the then) Captain Crocker.

Thompson is the first to speak when they reach the edge of the metal staging. As the group stopped the now familiar outline of the GX can be seen in Battloid mode

"Here we are Captain, or I should say Major! One of the surprises I mentioned... This posting automatically advances you one grade...(mumbles) with appropriate combat and hazzard pay, ect..."

Carl seems totally unenthused, "Lovely, now what the hell is this thing, it looks like one of those new Battlemechs?"

Thompson raises his spreading arms towards the mecha, "Yes! Or more precisely much more than that. While we based the exterior framework and main control systems off the revolutionary BattleMech concept, this model has yet to be announced."

He continued, "This," he motions at it, "is directly based off the mold for the new Phoenix Hawk LAM, or 'Land-Air-Mech'. Meaning this model can transform into 3 configurations depending on the changing needs of the battlefield."

"LAM huh?" Carl forced out, "And how do you expect me to pilot this piece of junk. I'm a fighter pilot, not a tanker!" He shoved his hands into his pockets in an agitated manner.

"Patience" The scientist said smoothly, "The beauty of the design is that in Air mode it is controlled exactly as you would expect any air/space fighter to be. In L-A-M or hybrid mode it is roughly 60% the same. They only mode you will have to be firmly educated in is Full Mech mode as 75% of the controls will work differently at that time."

He leaned in closer to the pilot in a slightly lowered voice, "And trust me, you will want to learn how to operate the unit as effectively as you can. Did I not promise you that I would give you a chance to strike back? THIS is your opportunity! If you can survive as the operator you will make a real difference, and the government will only keep me funded and keep this program online if we can deliver results, soon..."

Carl looked skepticly at the hulking mass of metal that was currently in mech mode. "Well, I've known about Getter Robo for years (I even got my callsign from that tv show, yeah I used to watch it when I was a kid), this looks nothing like it!"

Thompson laughed out loud, "Looks can be deceiving! Oh it appears to be a Phoenix Hawk on the outside (aside from the head, and the color scheme), but rest assured... On the inside it's a whole other creature indeed!"

His expression didn't change..."Meaning?"

"Meaning we took whatever salvage we could get our hands on from the original Getter Robo G as well as a wreck discovered in orbit! What you see before you may not be what Dr Saotome created (and yes, it may be inferior), but is truly our last hope! That is," He paused, "If it doesn't kill you first..."

After a few uncomfortably silent moments...

"Heh" With a new determined look, Carl leans over the railing towards the mecha, "Hey!" He shouted getting some strange looks from ground crew near enough to hear him, "Can you hear me in there? Looks like I'm your new pilot, so if you do try to kill me I'm gonna be very pissed off!"

Thompson smiled, *Oh yes... He defiantely has potential!*. His thoughts known only to himself.


Basara was glued to the screen as other clips flashed by, his intrigue soon to be replaced, by horror...


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


A chime sounded out that visitors had arrived and a cheerful voice exclaimed, "I got it hun!".
With that the door opened and once more Admiral Jenius was faced with his 'younger self'.

"Well, come on in! It's so good to see you again. Please, make yourselves comfortable." With that Max motioned to the living room with an outstretched hand and arm.


Slowly the Admiral, Mayor, and Mylene Jenius entered the quarters. Except for Mylene, they still were a bit uncomfortable being near each other as well as their 'doubles'.

Max ushered them to the plush leather furniture and they began to seat themselves. "Mir, how much longer?"

Max didn't have to shout as the open area design of (most) senior offcier quarters had a clean and unobstructed view of the kitchenette, where the target of that question was indeed puttering around boiling pots and ingredients. "Bout 5-10 more minutes dear. Please let the kids know."

Excusing himself, Max poped his head into the next room, "Guys we got company here and dinner is almost ready."

From the doorway behind him three figures emerged. The first was a blond girl about Mylene's height and hair length, the second an older looking and taller blonde with cropped hair, and a man with silvery white hair slightly taller than the older girl.

Max grinned for a second, "May I present our Daughters Aurora, Dana, and her fiancee Kierin."

The visitors arose as Max continued, "Kids, these obviously are Admiral Max Jenius, Mayor Millia Jenius, and their daughter Mylene."

"Actually" Admiral Max interrupted, "We have several daughters, Mylene is our youngest."


'Whoop!' Dana chortled, "Hey mom, you hear that? Sounds like you're a little behind in the reproductive quota!"

Miriya's 'Death Glare' bounced off Dana's ignorance shields, but she merely replied, "Nonsense, I found two daughters to be quite sufficient, especially with a Dana Sterling in existence. You would think the universe owes me one for that..."

"Are they always like?" The Admiral turned to Max as Col Max finished for him, "Yup, trust me this is a good day!"

Miriya started bringing containers to the table, "Alright Max, if you would please help everyone seat themselves, we can talk more over dinner."

"I dunno... Should we sit on one couple per side, or go Max/Miriya/Max/Millia?" He had a stupid grin on his face that was almost contageous.

"The Micronian knows he can provoke me only so far..." Miriya stated to no one in particular with her best Donna Reed voice without interrupting her culinary ministrations.


Max indicated three chairs on one side and the new arrivals sat down as Aurora, Dana, and Kierin also seaten themselves. Max however remained standing and helped gather items from the kitchenette.

A timid Mylene whispered to Aurora, "What happens if?..."

Dana answered that unfinished question before Aurora could open her mouth, "Pain, lots of pain! But don't let them worry you! My parents are so in love with each other that even I sometimes get embarresed by them! I think it's like some sort of verbal foreplay for them..."

Keirin was, unfortuantely, in a life and death struggle to not spit his water out he had been sipping at that exact moment! 'cough'


No one reacted for quite some time as the rest of the meal was layed out on the table and they began to eat.


Admiral Max thought he had a safe subject to initiate a pleasnt conversation when he innocently asked, "So... Aurora, are you in High School?"

Dana smirked, while Mylene's interest was peaked a little.

"Uh" she stammered... "I currently take college courses. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have my Bachelor's in English Literature & Astrophysics. It's Godfather Lang's fault really, he would only accept my English program enrollment if I took a Science one simultaneously."


Mylene gave her a critical once over before leaning toward her a bit, "Isn't that a bit much for you?"

"Ha!" Dana excalimed, "That's my genius sister... She may be short of stature, but she towers over us intellectually."


Admiral Max asked another question, "How old are you girls?"

"I'm 26" Dana wasn't shy and sounded off proudly, "Been in the ATC since I was 16"

Attention of course then went to Aurora who merely bowed her head and mumbled, "I guess you could say I'm 9".

"NANI!?" Mylene exclaimed and looked at Aurora's chest, then down at her own. *WTF?* Her mind screamed to herself, *I'm built worse that a child?!*

Miriya spoke up in a practiced voice, "Aurora's physical development is now around that of a teenager. Her condition is one of accelerated aging."



========================================================================


Chapter: 30 (Dark Musings)



MDS Xanadu
2130


Dr Thompson sat in his chair lost in thought with his hands folded
together at his chin, a single finger raised to his lips. A few moments
later he resumed typing the entry he had started earlier that day.

"I took the precaution of deleting all 'relevant project files'
from the mainframe in case the Getter hadn't found them yet and
transferred them to my laptop. Damn lazy of me keeping all that data
relatively unsecured (for 512bit encryption that is) for so long, but
I'd been too absorbed in the unit's growing awareness to fully grasp
the new reality I find myself dealing with."


"I WAS RIGHT!"


"And that's something that fool Saotome would never fully
appreciate since the day he had me removed from the institute as a
'fanatical nut case'... Ironic how the 'Father' of Getter Rays let his
own fear overtake him in the end (Tragic though the incident was) and
just walk away from his life's work, while I have gone far beyond him."

"The Colonel continues to unknowingly absorb additional Rays from the Core
Splinter I installed into his wrist comm. Call me paranoid or even
downright devious, but I will no longer let any chances to get both
pilot and Core to advance to the next stage of their evolution pass by.
Already the Core has revealed that which Saotome had kept secret for
decades."

"The Core is growing!"

"Not only that, but I now understand the real reason of the three
units. They are three who act as one. The Core itself appears to have
started a form of mitosis replication and very slowly has begun
splitting. The structures even in the sub-atomic range are triad-based,
'a simple triple redundancy' I thought mistakenly at first."



He paused for a moment and briefly looked up at the door to the room currently occupied by the lead singer of Fire Bomber.

"I am mixed about current events. On one hand Col Crocker
continues to show more startling changes not just physically, but
mentally as well, however it seems that these new abilities were
initiated by exposure to the natives of this universe. Namely the alien
transmitter, and Nekki Basara."

"Speaking of which, the Getter itself has searched the databases
of all nearby sources for information on him (surprisingly scarce for
such a public figure) using my command codes I provided so it's cyber
hunts would not draw any undue scrutiny.

"If anyone asked I could simply say I was
looking for any such information. The less people truly know of the
awareness's capabilities the better for all of us."

"I have a uneasy feeling as to the true nature of this curiosity.
If my fears are justified it is unfortunate that I will be powerless to
interfere regardless of my wishes on the matter. We were incredibly
lucky with the Colonel, but the saying is true all the same."

"One does not choose to be a Getter pilot, the Getter chooses you..."



He underlined the last sentence and saved the entry. His gaze diverted
to the lab's hangar monitor and it's occupant. Scrutinizing the image
displayed as if willpower alone could reveal what was happening deep
inside the machine that was more than it appeared to be...

Oh if only to have his true form back! But no, the work must continue and the facade maintained. It was the only way he can continue striving for a similar goal, to get himself home.



The near inaudible whir of a focusing lens hidden in the upper wall
vent passed unnoticed by the 'Doctor' as it finished scanning what his
laptop had been displaying. Obviously being manipulated in real time,
every keystroke had been visually observed and recorded, by someone...

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

Planet Lux Surface



"Hmm, I think you've sampled enough types of Ice cream for one day Ishtar."

The Marduk Emulator had downed her 5th cone today and now the
feeling in her belly made her concur as she unconsciously rubbed it.
"And I can have more tomorrow?" She asked, in the innocent little girl
voice Hibiki never got tired of listening to.


"Ha ha, of course you can. That is if you didn't already eat it all!" He gave her his trademarked stupid grin.


Ishtar was worried, "Oh no! Did I really consume it all... Wait" She thought for a moment, "Is that one of your 'jokes' you were explaining to me?"


He smiled, "Darn you're catching on." He glanced at his wall clock.
"Tell you what how about tomorrow I take you to Culture park? That way
you can see in person, so to speak, some of our historical landmarks."


Her body betrayed her fatigue as she yawn and then replied, "That
sounds wonderful, I want to learn more about your people and this
'culture'..."


She had a bad habit of falling into rapid sleep, this time in her
chair, so Hibiki gently carried her to the bedroom. The only regret he
had about his otherworldly visitor was that for the duration of her
stay, it was couch city for him...

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


SDF-3
Lux Orbit



Not very far away, another scientist was deep in thought.


Emil Lang, survivor of the Global World War and the First Robotech War pondered the latest dilemma's.

The thought echoed in his head, *I think I've come as far as I can
on my own*...

The stress of both the Marduk attack and the Zentreadi's
medical condition had the Doctor at the limits of his endurance. Deep
rings under his eyes were testament to the days he had gone without
closing them.

He groaned as he got up from his chair and stretched, then began
pacing the room back and forth slowly. It didn't help much however as
the solutions to these problems just wouldn't come.

Once more he looked to a certain cabinet, and then averted his
gaze. He had promised Admiral Hayse-Hunter that he would abstain from
his 'addiction' (as she called it) as much as possible.

Decades before
when he explored the broken remains of the ASS-1 (Alien Star Ship -1,
later to be renamed SDF-1 Macross) he had accidentally caused a power
surge of the main computer and somehow had the core of the ship's data
banks partially downloaded into his brain, a feat that he had not been able to duplicate since.

The good news was it enabled him enough understanding of how the
basic ship's functions worked to train others in it's reconstruction
and operation. Also it was the inspiration of the creation of off-shoot
technologies like the Veritechs and Destroids, not to mention the
ARMD's and then much later the Cyclone and Synchro Cannon weapon
systems.

The bad news was that the "data" was far from orderly to
access (more on an unconscious level), was mostly incomplete, and was
an excruciating experience that had him bedridden for days not to
mention the permanent changing of the normally white area of his eyes
to black, giving him a very unnerving appearance (some would say
Demonic).

One of the secrets this download revealed to him was that Zor had
practiced the consuming of a plant called the 'Flower of Life'. This
plant was instrumental to the spiritual and evolutionary development of
another race (that was not part of the data).

Lang emulated Zor (as he
Emulated the Invid) and tried this method himself and was exposed to
what he called "the Shapings". Once he began, he experienced more mind
alterations and minor premonitions. He suddenly understood that the
protoculture had a will of it's own and would not stand to merely be a
tool, but would in fact assert itself in very subtle ways according to
some great plan.

Captain Gloval had known he had been 'on the plant', as the Russian
jokingly called his friend's new obsession, but didn't care as long as
he produced results and produce he did.

First with the Veritech program
and then later with the Pin Point and Full barrier systems Lang proved
time and again the value of his 'Organic Assistance'. That changed much
later when Lisa discovered this little secret.

She had learned from the
Tirolian scientist Cabell that the most decadent of The Masters practiced
this (after learning of his experiment from Breeti's first hand
accounts during his debriefing) and she had a firm talk about it later
with Dr Lang.

In the end he convinced her that he was NOT addicted to it and
could stop at any time (and in fact rarely consumed it). She made him
promise emphatically that he would abstain from it unless there were
dire circumstance and he thought it would be of help. A compromise she
grudgingly agreed to knowing it was best to have a tried and true
friend as Lang on her side than as an enemy by making an ultimatum.

Slowly he walked to the wall and raised his arm to open the
cabinet. Inside was a small bio-sealed box. He took the box out and
walked back to his desk seating himself with the box now on the
desktop. A small puff sound of air was heard as he unsealed the box and
took out a small green leaf with pink veins. He placed the leaf in his
mouth and chewed slowly as he leaned back and drifted into an exhausted
sleep, trying to focus his last conscious thoughts on their current
troubles.

It was like the nearly four years of abstinence didn't matter as
he felt the shapings take over his dreams and he began to see what they
would reveal to him...


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


Dana Sterling and her XO left her parents quarters citing an early
schedule. The pair had said their goodnights and had traversed a few
meters when Dana asked a question. "Ok bub, so what's the big idea
about getting quietly dropped off the squad's duty roster? Kinda ironic
since you're supposed to be the one keeping me apprised of stuff like that."


"Er.." He began in a hushed tone, "How about we get to our quarters first. I'd rather not get into this in a corridor."


That set off some alarms for her, but Dana complied as her curiosity
now began to build in ever increasing amounts. It was only a few
minutes later they had arrived and entered their rooms.


She feared the worst as she began quietly, "Are you leaving me?"


That clearly shocked him, "No! It's not like that at all.
I've temporarily been assigned to Dr Lang. I just didn't manage to
approach you about it before you found out, I couldn't think of a way
to tell you so you wouldn't worry."


Dana was confused, "Now why in the world... Wait, what's wrong?"


He did a pretty good monotone, "What makes you think something is wrong?"


She breathed hard, "Cause is that was just the case you could have just
said so, so you obviously have something else to say about it... So
what is it?"


"Dana.." He began slowly, "The First generation Zentreadi here are dying. Dr Lang thinks he might be able to help them and he needed one Zentreadi volunteer to"

She cut him off


"To experiment on is that it?.. Furthermore it's probably dangerous to boot isn't it?" She lost it, "What were you thinking?
There must be dozens of others who could do it, why did he have to
choose you. Wait, you said volunteer... Why Kierin?" She was ready to
break into sobs as her voice cracked.


For moments he just reached out and held her close. Her fists beating
his chest and then losing strength quickly. They were both quiet for a
long time before Kierin spoke again.


"Look Dana" He said softly, "I felt I had to do this because in some
way if we could succeed then maybe just maybe the books would be
balanced. This is how I truly feel and I won't let anyone else do this.
I love you with all my heart, but this is what I decided I need, and I
need you to understand that even if you don't accept it."


Her sobbing slowly subsided and eventually she regained her voice.


"Fine" She started, "But you owe me mister, big time."


He chuckled, "Sure thing Boss Rabbit (the 15th's nickname for Dana), just name it."


She got a funny look on her face he couldn't quite place as she responded, "Ok, then prove it. Lets get married."


"Huh? What do you mean? We're getting married in like seven more months."


"No." Her voice got close to normal now, "Lets get married NOW. Before anything else happens, I don't want to waste anymore time... Please."


He held her tightly and stroked her hair, "Ok Dana, if that's what you
really want, we'll get married as soon as we can. I promise."


"I love you Kierin." she crooned.


He echoed the sentiment, "I love you too Dana."



She whispered, "But you're still a Bastard. Sometimes..."


Kierin smiled silently.

Chapter: 31 ("I have to WHAT!?")


SDF-3 Pioneer
Lux orbit


Dinner had wound down and the Sterlings and guests were enjoying some wine (except for the girls of course). Max took particular notice of how guarded his "alternate" the Admiral had been, not only about himself, but more telling in how his body language was in proximity of Mayor Millia.

He was slightly troubled by the vibe he'd been feeling and couldn't help thinking, *Damn, it's been 3 hours and he hasn't held her hand even once.*


His musings were interrupted by Mylene's girlish outburst, "No way!"

"Huh? I miss something?" He uttered as Max diverted his attention.

Both girls gave a conspiratory look at Max and replied in unison, "Nothing..."

Then Aurora spoke up, "Dad, could Mylene stay over tonight?"

"Eh? She's.." He stumbled for a moment and almost said 'older than you', but recovered fast, "Probably got a lot of things to do tomorrow sweetie."

"Nah," Mylene explained, "Basara's off playing 'lab rat' until it doesn't amuse him anymore and then he'll eventually care about the band again." She then stretched he head out and down a little in a lowered voice, "He's really flighty like that..."


"Well" Max started, "If it's ok with her folks..."

Millia interjected with her hand holding the wine glass, "Ever since she was thirteen I had very little say in regards to 'running her life'." That comment actually got a silent smirk from the Admiral.

"Well, ok then.." He capitulated.

Miriya offered as the girls excused themselves, "She can use Dana's old bed, Just don't be up ALL NIGHT!"


(a few minutes later)...


A conspiritory voice could be heard only if you were inside the room, "ok SPILL! Who is it?"

Mylene was inquisitive. Right after dinner the girls started talking and it sorta of came up about guys because Mylene was curious if Aurora had actually liked anyone. Apparently from her red color and expression at the table she did!

So now they were in the bedroom that Aurora had shared with her elder sister Dana (who spent about half her time between her parent's quarters and Kierin's).

Normally Mylene wouldn't 'hang out' with a girl as young as Aurora, but there was something about her that she actually warmed up to pretty quickly. Maybe it was because of this freaky 'Other Universe' thing, but regardless she was staying over for the night doing what girls normally do, GOSSIP!

Aurora let out timidly, "Promise you won't laugh or tell anyone?"

Mylene held up her hand and in a stoic voice said, "Wild Zentreadi won't be able to pry it from me..."

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

(Outside the room...)


"No Way!"... Mylene's exclamation could be heard by the adults.

"I guess they're getting along fine." Miriya added.

She gave Max a look and in some unspoken understanding in his eyes he slightly nodded.

After a few moments and a sip of wine later she tentatively asked, "Millia, I'm sorry to ask a favor, could you help me with some deserts I have left in the kitchen?"

"Eh?" Now THAT was a novelty, she had basically everything done for her last four years by Micheal, from shopping and laundry, to meals. "Sure, I wouldn't mind at all." She got up and both ladies went across the room to the kitchen leaving the men in pseudo privacy.


"So" The Admiral was the first say something. "What shall we talk about?"


"Anything you want." Max responded in an innocent (at least to him) voice.

"Heh...Your tactics are transparent 'Colonel', and please don't try to deny it. So go ahead and ask me."

Max took a breath, "Ok... When did it start?"

Admiral Max gave a slight frown, "Start? Or end? Not really sure. It's funny... If you were anyone else I'd be insulted and so forth. But I'm not blind, I see how you two are still, well, how we USED to be.

It's too similar not to be significant or coincidence."... He paused for a few moments, "I really don't know, it's like one day we both realized we had grown apart and wanted different things out of life." He took another sip and then refilled his empty glass.

In the Kitchen a very similar conversation was taking place.


"...and that's when he held my hand at Mylene's concert." Millia was talking softly, "Since then I dunno what to think."

Hmm Miriya thought out loud, "It's not just about what you're thinking, it's about what he's thinking too. And the only way you're gonna know is if you TALK to him."

Millia pondered that for a moment, "True...Maybe I will... Ah well, it's getting late. We should go."

"Sure." Miriya reached for a cabinet, "But when you do, use this to break the ice." She handed MIllia a very nice bottle of wine.

Millia looked at her suspiciously, "So, I'm to get him drunk and take advantage of him?"

"Ok, that sounds like a plan." She chuckled, "But I was just suggesting this would get your guard down first. Lisa is a good friend of mine, and she used to say that Claudia's tea was a good 'ice breaker'. Now, no disrespect to my dear Admiral, but I think this works better. Especially in this case."

The absurdity of her statement made Millia laugh. "I see... Very well. And how much do I owe you for this 'personal assistance'?"

Firmly Miriya spoke, "For 'sisterly' advice, nothing... For the wine $45"

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

MDS -Xanadu


SD woke up with a start. Looking at the clock he had only gotten three hours sleep. He slowly pulled himself up and grabbed his forehead covered with sweat.

*Fuck... Had the damn dream again*

"Well," He said to no one in particular,"I'm up now." After a short stretch he arose and gathered some clothes and a towel. Slipping out his door he saw Thompson asleep at his desk.

SD had the juvenile urge to sneak over just to see if he had anything on his comp still displayed but it was a fleeting thought *and it could be porn, like really fucked up, over 60 or 80 shit* he both laughed and shuddered internally and made his way to the shared bathroom..

*These Genom folks did a good job in such a short amount of time*

He was thinking of how they expanded the Lab area to include the new quarters sandwiched between the work area and the test hangar. For logistical reasons it was simply easier to build one large bath instead of three seperate ones.

After a refreshing, but short shower (as the hot water seemed to run out quicker than he remembered) he started to go back to his room but paused at the door. For a moment he stood there and to an outsider observer he appeared to be deciding something. "Aw hell"...

With that he moved over and softly knocked on Basara's door. (Knock) "You awake Basara?"


A muffled "Come in." was heard from the other side.

SD entered and found Basara on his bed legs crossed tuning his guitar.

*of course* SD thought.

Nekki looked up, "What's up?" SD felt that question was annoyingly cheerful in tone.

Taking a deep breath he gathered himself and sat on the bed and looked squarely at the musician, "I know sometimes I can be a dick, and yes occasionally" *mostly* "It's intentional, but I'm not an idiot and I need to ask you for help."

This caught Basara almost completely by surprise, "Eh?"

"Maybe this would be better if I explained something to put things into perspective." SD began, "Oh and this is just between us, if I even get a hint someone else knows, someone's getting an ass-beating ok?"

Basara lightly strummed his guitar while he considered this event, SD sharing something versus threat of physical violence...

"Sure.." Yet another well thought out Basara response.


"Alright..." SD began slowly, "For a long time now I've had the same dream that occurs roughly every 4-5 years. In this dream I'm in a black and white environment that occasionally changes to color, but the surroundings are a mix of modern and 50's Tokyo. The city is on fire in many places and people are panicking. I look around and see a large familiar green creature rampaging through sections of the city in the distance." He paused.

He gave Basara a curious look, "You are familiar with Godzilla, yes?"

"Never met the guy but I heard of him, yeah, Gojira!" Basara smiled as he started strumming the intro to the Blue Oyster Clut single [Godzilla].

SD continued, "Anyway, yeah it's Godzilla and for some reason I am really.."He paused thinking *afraid* but continued, "Concerned... I make my way away from the direction Big G is going, but he turns and no matter which way I go he seems to change course so that we'll intersect.

Going deep into buildings or underground doesn't seem to help as he smashed them or starts to dig. Eventually I find my way to Tokyo Central HQ and report in. Turns out they have been monitoring the situation and state 'He's following you', as if I didn't figure that one out already..." SD emphasized that with an eyeroll.

"After a short discussion I decide to lead G away from the city until they can figure something out. I go back outside and he's waiting for me. I run and he follows. soon as we are just outside the city limits I turn around and try to think *what am I gonna do now* when I suddenly realize something. I'm as large as he is, and more importantly, I have his full attention."

SD took a sec to examine Basara's expression. Gratefully he wasn't in hysterics and was actually looking riveted by the story.

"Ok, so we're standing there looking at each other and I can't help but feel this is 'fucking nuts' I mean, I'm about to go hand to hand with Godzilla. I know I won't win, but then again if I don't more people could die if I simply run and he follows.

We charge each other and start trading blows. He bites me once and then throws my ass into a building. I know at that point I'm totally fucked and things get fuzzy. I sense something else coming and it gets G's attention. I think I recognize it as Mecha-Ghidora. They start duking it out and I pass out in the dream. Then I wake up for real."

Basara had been playing the Godzilla theme lightly and stopped, "Wow..."

"Is that all you got to say, 'wow'?"

"That," he smiled, "and you need some therapy! Now I know why you look mean all the time, you need a happy dream." He starts playing the intro notes to [Starlight Dream].


"Ha ha very funny... NO, what I mean is maybe I feel under pressure and I am over my head and need some.... help.... From you."

"I'm right here, what do you need?"

SD stood up, "Look, I don't know how/why I can do what I can. But you do, I need you to show me HOW to do the things you can do. If we are somehow similar enough then I should be able to also. If I can learn this then I have to, people could die otherwise."

*He does make a good point* Basara thought..

"What about Thompson and Chiba? Don't they have an agenda or whatever for us?"

"No offense to Dr Chiba" SD replied, "but fuck Thompson. We do this now and don't stop until something happens. That is," He smirked, "if you think you can handle it?"

Basara smiled, "Groovy, alright lets do it. One question though." That made SD wince as Basara continued, "Why did my song get you so angry before?"

..."Because you made me...Feel something... And let's just say you don't want to do that."


"Wierd." Basara got up, "Ok I'm ready."

Together they snuck out and went into the testing area and locked the door.


Taking their positions Basara asked, "Now what?"

SD had his hands out fingers cupped opposite one another, "Dr Chiba said you can make a defensive shield. I think we should try that first since I'm not really into the thought of messing with another person's emotions."

Basara thought about that for a minute, "Alright, but you're gonna have to sing."

..."Ok... But what do I sing?"

Basara looked at SD blankly, "How about Row Row Row Your Boat?

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Yep." Basara cracked the grin he had been holding back.


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

Restored Earth
Sol System


Mark Venture quickly piloted his launch up to the Argo, the "doorway" far above was visible from the ground and looked like a giant blue cosmic eye floating in the sky. After landing safely he made his way to the bridge and could tell people were already discussing the anomalous even before the bridge doors allowed him entry with a whoosh of air pressure.

"... says we are good to go Wildstar." Homer had finished saying.

Mark scrambled to his navigators seat, "Reporting for duty!" While inside he felt like dying, his ship needed him in the here and now so he tried to focus on just getting through this event best he could and vowed to have a break down *LATER*.

Derek couldn't help it, "Better late than never, Venture take us out and into that thing. Someone's gotta do it first and I'd rather it be us."

"Wait!" shouted Sandor, "We know it's a portal but we still don't know the physics involved. We should send a probe in first, even if it's for a short time before we go. It certainly couldn't hurt."

"Agreed. Mark, Keep us just in front of it three hundred meters, Homer set up a probe and send it through the doorway."

Both men replied in unison, "Aye!"

Slowly the great ship rose in the air and settled the stated distance away holding position. A front torpedo hatch opened and a grey torpedo shaped probe shot out from the opening and streaked to the doorway leaving a slight smoke trail that rapidly dissipated.

Homer (as usual) had his hand up to his one ear head set to help muffle outside noise as he listened to telemetry.

"Probe has entered the portal. I'm getting no outside transmissions."

Sandor was also scanning probe data. "Hmm, Hull is taking a beating though. Gravitational forces must be intense... Ah it's through the other side."

A few moments later Sandor continued, "It's in realspace, but that's all I can say. It wasn't rugged enough to take the pounding and maintain data integrity. That's it, it's done for..."

"So in other words?" Derek inquired.

"It's gonna be a bumpy ride." Sandor smiled, "Remember the Octopus Vortexes?"

The crew collectively shuddered at the memory of being trapped in the middle of various blackholes and the narrow, turbulent path found between them that allowed their timely escape.

"Great... Ok Venture, take us in dead slow... Attention all crew, batten down everything vital and strap yourselves in!"


Below crew members rushed to stow items and seal drawers/cabinets for turbulence with others already in seated positions secured themselves.

With an adrenaline rush, Venture was brought out of his stupor for awhile and his wit surfaced.
"Wildstar" Mark drawled, "This may be a bad time, but I just saved a fortune on my insurance by switching to Geico!"

(Groan!) Collectively...

"Noted." Derek deadpanned, "But thank goodness you're piloting is better than your comedy. Lets do this!"

Everyone seemed to hold their breath as the Agro began to penetrate the swirling blue field of energy and in a few moments it was completely engulfed by the vortex. The ship began to vibrate and occasionally lurch.

"Gravitation waves hitting us from all sides!" Sandor shouted, "But their seems to be a main 'current' and runs basically from point A to point B. It seems to be a matter of just riding it out best we can!"

In the navigator's seat, Mark Venture was giving his all to hold the Argo on as straight a course as possible. The Argo was buffeted at random vectors and times but the waves ans he knew that flowing with the current was better than letting the ship go wildly out of control.

"Mark!" Derek cried with concern.

"It's ok" Mark slowly breathed stressfully, "I... can... hold... this!"
Despite his statement, the control levers that controlled the auxillary thrusters were buckling hard and visibly threatened to slip from his grasp.

Sandor shouted, "Just five more seconds and..." The turbulence stopped as the ship ceased to try to tear itself to pieces, "That's it, we're safely through." He collapsed back into his seat while more than one person sighed with relief. That was until they got a look at the main view screen.

"Oh my God!"

The whole ship seemed to have made that exclamation simultaneously...


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

Federation Space
Sector 001
Earth



Like a great white tower, SpaceDock1 stood sentinel above the blue marble hanging below it. Usually the space it shared was limited to a few weather control sats and the usual commuter traffic coming and going from system, but today was an exception. Many white ships with blue grilled nacels hovered about like worried offspring seeking their mother's comfort.

One of these vessels was labeled USS Titan under the command of Captain William T. Troi (formerly Riker).

"Quite a turnout eh?" He mused out loud.

"Sir" Carlos Vasquez the navigator stated, "I programmed the restricted coordinates SpaceDock1 transmitted."

Will nodded, "Good, it would be unfortunate if one of our ships accidentally bumped into one of our 'escorts' " He joking referred to the 4 Klingon 'Birds of Prey' who had recently arrived in system to provide assistance and cloaked, surrounding the huge Starbase at four equal points.

"Captain," the tactical officer interjected, "Welcomed asss they are, I asssure you we are more than capable of handling thingsss ssshould it become needed!"

Will just grinned at the Gorn's confident optimism. *They and the Klingons have much in common*

For some time now a trickle of the scaly green reptiles had been joining and graduating from Star Fleet Academy. LT Kirosh was one of the 'second' generation of these pioneers to let go of the prejudice the Cestus III incident had created between Gorn and Humans.

Fifty years after those events, the Gorn Hegemony officially petitioned for entry into the United Federation of Planets. This was a bold move and shocked some of the local races as it was rather unexpected that such a headstrong and independent race like the Gorn would do such a thing.

The first Gorn were under a mere dozen and proved ten years later after full membership was granted that they had something to offer to Starfleet and could overcome the stereotypes of being 'stupid lizards' or 'slow brutes'.

His thoughts of historical nostalgia were interrupted by LT Commander Talia his Vulcan Science Officer.

"Captain, I have detected an unknown disturbance 20km away, mark 45 off starboard. It has some characteristics or a wormhole, but it's defiantly NOT the same thing."

*This is it, Damn you Q what are we in for this time*

Will's dark thought fled as quick as it flashed through his mind, "Alright, lay in intercept, quarter impulse, engage!"

The blue laced nacels of the Titan pulsed with energy as the ship immediately leaped forward for 1.2 seconds. Warp inside a solar system could be very hazardous, however, under certain circumstances the risk was taken (usually by pirates and other never-do-wells).

While his anomaly could be the start of an invasion or other significant threat to the Federation, it's proximity to Earth itself made travel tiem almost insignificant tactically.

Talia adjusted her instruments slightly now they were almost on top of the area. "Sir, an object just emerged from the event horizon... About 2 meters, with extreme metal fatigue, I don't think it's a weapon."

"Probe." Will stated out loud, "Alright, yellow alert shields up! are you detecting any signals from or to the object?"

"No Sir, it appears incapacitated and heavily damaged, as if it wasn't designed to traverse the anomaly."

"Hmmm." Will had grabbed his right elbow and was stroking his beard right handed, "focus all sensors on the anomaly, Tactical, keep weapons ready for intercept in case another object comes through that isn't friendly. Comm, inform Command what we have so far."

Will had great confidence in his crew, but situations can change in an eye blink. It couldn't hurt to expect the worst.

Needless to say what happened next was something he wasn't expecting at all...


==========================================================================


Chapter 32: (Speak up!)


Sector 001
Federation Space



Captain Troi had seen a lot of of things in his Starfleet Career, however, this event took the cake.


"That can't be what I think it is..."

His statement hung there for a moment until Talia chimed in.

"Sir I'm reading traces of weathering and biological indicators that confirm that vessel has been on the surface of a salt water body some time in the recent past. Curious, they appear to have a variant of fusion reaction (very advanced).

The hull of the vessel is very thick tri-tanium, and weaponry consists of rapid fire laser mounts, HE missile tubes, and probable plasma turret main armaments. It's worth noting that frontal hollow serves no practical purpose unless they vent the main drive through it since it directly connects to the engines. I'm reading 457 lifesigns, all HUMAN."

"Oh brother is this going to be interesting." Will glanced at the comm officer, "Desilva, send a message to Space Dock we are initiating first contact procedures, include our scans."

"Aye Sir, 'Space Dock One this is Titan...'"

While she was transmitting the data, Will was coming to grips with the anomaly hanging before his ship. It was beyond him why anyone would outfit such a ancient type of surface vessel with advanced technology.

*Really* (He thought to himself) *What kind of idiot would have three (apparent) bridges with all those exposed windows! One phaser would probably take that ship out...*

"Lets see if anyone's home. Try to hail them (all frequencies)."

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

(Main Bridge of the Argo/Yamato)


Nova was the first to catch her breath, "They're so beautiful." She referred to the white long mushroom shaped structure and the numerous ships that looked like graceful swans flocking around the structure as in a slow dance.

Derek still had his eyes glues to the main screen, "Sandor is that?" He failed to finish his question but the engineer was already working on it.


"Yes, that's not an illusion Wildstar. It IS Earth, just not OUR Earth. Astounding... Hold on I'm detecting." He never got to finish as power fluctuated and the ship momentarily shuddered as relays blew and the inertial dampeners malfunctioned going offline for three seconds.

While unexpected, it was nowhere as turbulent as the passage was, nonetheless it was disconcerting.


"What the hell was that?" Derek demanded.


Sandor frowned, "I was going to say we are being scanned. Our ECM is shot and radar is useless until we reset all breakers. I'd suggest Homer check his main board I'm afraid we'll have to replace it and quick if we want to tell these people we come in peace. They have a different technological base and it would have been a lot worse if we hadn't hardened our systems after the Comet Empire attacked."

Homer was irritated and slightly scared as he responded, "Confirmed, comms are down I'll do it now." He slid out of his restraints and deftly slid under the station removing the panel with practiced ease. Not smelling any burning he manually reset his breakers and reseated himself. Rebooting his station it came up after a minute. "We're good to go, no apparent damage Wildstar."

Derek was about to say something when in mid word Homer broke in, "Sir we're getting a signal on all upper em bands."

"Lets hear it then" he managed to get in.

"Aye aye." with a flip of a switch the audio part of the signal came through in a female voice, "...repeat this is the Federation Starship Titan to unidentified vessel. You have entered our space and we require immediate communications."

"Get a lock on that and match, lets get this started." Derek waited for Homer to give him the nod he had finished and began.

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

"Hmmm" Will mused out loud, "Maybe they don't even have radio? Maybe we should have tried morse code with running lights."

The bridge crew shared a momentary chuckle as Teresa Desilva then reported from the communications station, "Sir they are replying, up now."


Despite being just an audio carrier, Will still turned back toward the main screen as it was piped in.

"Hello? If you can hear me this is Captain Derek Wildstar of the Earth Defense Force Ship Argo. We bring greetings and are of peaceful intent, our presence is not meant as any sort of intrusion or military offensive."

Will took a moment as well as a deep breath before responding, "This is Captain William Troi of the USS Titan. Do you have visual capability?"

Argo acknowledged, "Yes we have Digital Transmission and Reception. We almost didn't get your audio as it was on a very high em band. We're on 120khz"

Will held back a smirk as that would have put them near the beginning age of television transmission. Nodding to Teresa she altered her settings accordingly and glanced back to him.

Will stated, "Argo we are transmitting now."


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

The main screen flickered as the sensor grid picked up the transmission and displayed it above the bridge.

*Well, they sure got a lot of space on the bridge* Were Derek's first thoughts.

He then got up and gave the traditional salute, right arm outstretched and then fist brought over the left breast.

"On behalf of the Starforce I ask permission to contact your government directly. We have a 'situation' and were informed we would be able to find possible assistance on the other side of this 'doorway'.

There is a time factor involved and this method of transportation is not of unlimited duration. Of course you have many questions, but I would appreciate needing to relate the information at one seating instead of many times over. At your convenience of course."


Will pondered this quickly. Humans from 'Earth' with an issue and supposedly a time limit possessing radically clashing technology.

"Captain I was 'partially' informed of this meeting, though not the exact nature it would take. IF you would indulge me, I can escort you or a small delegation to our headquarters and you can present your case and simultaneously we can get our answers. You chose a particularly sensitive spot to arrive in our space as you can imagine, so you'll defiantly be under close scrutiny.

Furthermore, I will require your permission to have a team beam aboard your vessel and examine it and your crew before allowing you to proceed. We have come across many other species and while you appear to be Human, there still may be a medical situation we need to be aware of. Is that agreeable to you?"


Wildstar tried not to sound desperate, plus the last thing he wanted was to submit to a medical examination not to mention having his ship picked apart while the clock was ticking, "Agreed, but I implore you to please keep in mind we are on borrowed time and I hope no such problems or dangers are found. What is this beaming you mentioned?"


Will turned to Talia, "Can we get aboard that ship safely?"

The Vulcan reviewed her earlier scan, "Yes, ideal places are bridge and three other larger areas deeper inside and one to the rear of the vessel."

"Captain Wildstar, if you don't mind please keep your bridge personnel as they are and our team will be there momentarily, don't be alarmed it's a form of matter transmission and is a common form of travel for us."

Sandor blurted out in spite of himself, "Matter Transmission!? One error and they'll be killed (or wish they had been)!"


A few minutes later a humming/tinkling sound was appearing along with forming columns of energy that shaped and turned into people in slim spacesuits with various hand held gear. The suits were mostly white with the same gold chevron as displayed on the Titan's hull.

One of the suited people was a black man who had a small squarish angled beeping device and held up his hand. "Captain, I'm Dr Clark. No need to be alarmed, I'm just taking a few readings on site for accuracy and then will scan the bridge crew. Do you have a physician or a medical database aboard with crew info?"


Despite being stunned by the surreal arrival of the Away team Derek managed to reply, "Yes we have one. Homer have Dr Sane prepare to brief the team on crew status and provide access to medical records."

Will heard that over the link and stifled a laugh, *A doctor called sane?*

A few minutes later the team released their helms. "There that's better. We noticed you had some power fluctuations when our ship scanned you so Captain Troi decided we come over full hazmat and do a thorough on site scan instead.

Everything seems to check out and you are all definitely human. I am very intrigued about one reading though and if I could I would like to discuss it further later on with you in private (he indicated with his hand toward the science station) Mr..."


Sandor spoke up, "Lt Commander Sandor... I can well imagine you are Doctor, and yes I'll accommodate you later with more details. As long as it doesn't delay our diplomatic mission, it's very critical. You probably noticed my artificial limbs, long story short, childhood accident."



The Doctor turned to the main monitor since it was still holding a connection open to the Titan during the scanning. "Captain Troi, medically things check out and the bridge crew are safe enough for close contact."

Will Responded, "Very well Doctor thank you. Captain Wildstar, when you have chosen your representatives we can take you to the surface to Starfleet Command after that you can speak with the President."


Derek looked around, "I'm ready now, I want to take Sandor, Nova, and Venture with me."

"Acknowledged." Will continued, "Please stand together and we'll lock on to you and beam you down. I'll meet you on the surface as well."


Derek announced with nervous bravado as he moved to center of the bridge, "Last chance for anyone to back out."

Nova demurely took his arm, "Where you go I go mister, even in pieces."

"I couldn't be disassembled in better company." Sandor smirked.

"I don't think my insurance covers this." Mark weakly added.



"Right, Talia you have the Bridge. Transporter Room, Five to beam down."


As the light began to form around them, Derek definitely knew he wasn't in Kansas anymore...




--------------------------------------
Planet Lux orbit
MDS Xanadu



SD and Basara were in the main lab of Dr Thompson. Nekki had just told him he had to sing and visualize a shield in his mind. SD was not too wild at this idea, but still it had to be done. He couldn't help himself however, and after a moment nervously began:

(Soft piano music began to accompany him)

["I miss you more than Micheal Bey missed the mark, when he made Trans-formers.

I miss you more than that movie missed the point... And that's an awful lot girl.

And now, now you've gone away... And all I've got to say, is Transformers sucked, And I miss you..."]

Initially the piano chords had him interested, but then the lyrics started to sink in and Basara netted his brows in 'WTF?' mode wondering if SD was playing with him.


SD continued, ["I need you like Barricade needs-acting-school (He was terrible in that film!).

I need you like little Frenzy needed-a-bigger-part (He's much better than Barricade).

And now, all I can think about is your smile (and that shitty movie too). Cause Transformers sucked, and I miss you..."]

Unfortunately, SD was channeling Kirk as he spread his arms for the next and final verse while Basara started shaking his head in a 'NO' motion.

["Why does Micheal Bey get to keep on ma-king movies??? I said, Transformers sucked... Just a little bit more, than-I-miss, Youuuuuuuuuuu."]



The music stopped and Basara waited a moment before commenting in an unusually serious tone,

"Are you done fooling around?"


SD had a shit eating grin, "Sorry man, it just popped into my head."

"Is that even a real song?" Basara was mildly curious.


"Oh yeah... Sorta, I made a change or two in the lyrics, but essentially it's the same."

Basara continued to mess with his guitar settings, "What's it from?"

SD cleared his throat, "Team America, World police." And seeing the blank look on Nekki's face he added, "It's about freedom... and puppets.. and stuff."


Nekki just rolled his eyes, "Whatever... Look You really ought to stop screwing around and just do it. unless your serious you're not gonna get anywhere and this is pointless. I'll tell you one more time. You've got to find something your passionate about and start from there. But if you're not willing to put some effort into it then I really don't need to hang around."


*Great, I just got chastised by a hippie* SD thought humorously...


"Fine..." He thought for a few more moments quietly as he looked towards one of the lab windows.

"Ok, give me a minute..."


Letting his mind wander, SD really was drawing a blank on what he would possibly try to sing. At first it was very difficult because he almost never sang anything even alone. That one time for Dana on SDF-3 was sort of a joke and it was all in the spirit of fun but this felt very different.

He had gone and acted silly now in front of Basara out of nervousness but Nekki had tried to make him feel like he wasn't even there. It was go time now, get serious or forget about it entirely.

Nekki had said, 'something you are passionate about', well apart from flying there wasn't much he was passionate about (in his opinion). There was something bothering him though, apart from the recent resurgence of the Godzilla dream, he had been getting some strange images of himself in medieval attire.

They were really detached experiences that were hard to recall when awake and he was starting to get them more and more lately (since he woke up in Thompson's hot tub) which was really pissing him off. He didn't know if there was some Freudian cause, but on top of everything else it was getting him more on edge than usual so he wondered if he could somehow use that.

Instantly something popped into his mind -Gravity Kills/Goodbye -

*perfect...*

The music emanating suddenly from his comm unit startled Basara as SD had not indicated anything for several minutes and then started slightly swaying to the music.


[In... a mirror of you, reflections of you. You're showing what you feel like inside. Me... The power of two, just me and you, an image that you hold.. in.. your.. mind.

Sometimes your wrong and then sometimes you're right, you don't expect me to put up a fight. I'm sick and tired of all of your lies, I'm sick and tired and I'm saying goodbye...

I yi yi don't need your poison, I yi yi don't need your soul, I yi yi don't need forgivenes, I yi yi don't need... you..."]


*This was certainly unexpected* Nekki thought.

It definitely had an edge to it and although he wasn't sure, it felt like this could be possibly directed at him? Rather than interrupting SD to ask stupid questions he let him continue and could see SD was starting to get into it properly.

["Your, a shadow of me, what I used to be. I'm fading as the light ends outside. I, I know what you need, because I can see, I'm taking over thoughts in your mind.

Sometimes you're wrong and then sometimes you're right, you're in the dark so i'll put on a light. I'm sick of tired of all of your lies, I'm fucking tired and I'm saying good bye!

I yi yi don't need your posion, I yi yi don't need your soul, I yi yi don't need forgiveness, I yi yi don't need... You!"]


All this time SD basically had his eyes closed and was feeling a build up he recognized from days earlier. Instead of fearing it, this time he forced himself to accept it and started to visualize a roundish hemisphere in front of him.

Since Nekki was to his side about 20 feet away he felt this would not be a problem, and he was facing a wall in addition to that. Although he kept his eye closed, he definitely thought something was happening as he head Nekki utter, "Whoa..."

He tried to ignore 'the hippie' as he let the final chorus wash over him and mentally channeled it out of his body via his arms and outstretched hands (in his mind) shaping it as a protective shield.

Basara felt the waves emanating from SD immediately and was amazed to actually see something translucent and red forming in front of him similar to what he himself managed only with Dr Chiba's sound boosters.

SD finished the last verse louder than the others, "I yi yi don't need your poison, I yi yi don't need your soul, I yi yi don't need forgiveness, I yi yi don't.. need... you!"]


The music ended just as SD opened his eyes and saw the emanation before him fading away and almost fell to the deck exhausted. Basara rushed over to him as if to help but was waved away.

"It's alright, just a little dizzy... Give me a sec." SD was a tiny bit pale, but seemed no worse for wear from this first successful test.


Immediately the room's speaker chirped, "Is anyone in the lab? This is CnC!"

Basara and SD looked at each other as SD took the initiative, "Yes, this is Colonel Crocker. I'm here with Basara, is there a problem?"


The radio was silent a moment then sputtered, "No problem sir, a energy spike was detected in the lab area and we just wanted to make sure everything was alright, is it?"

Before either could answer, an irate voice did it first, "Oh yes everything is just fine... For now on please ignore any spikes in the lab area unless you're also detecting explosions... And what not."

The speaker was Thompson, who directed his glare at both of the lab's occupants.

"Gentlemen, next time you want to fool around in my lab, it would be courteous to tell me first. Aside from safety issues there are protocols I would like to have followed."

Soldier and Musician looked at each other, then back to Thompson and inexplicably started busting out laughing.

"I'm glad you find this amusing..." From his tone Thompson did not. Unfortunately, this only made their giggle fit worse.

"Out... Get the hell out of here you ungrateful wretches!"

Still chuckling as self control started to return to the duo, they both filed out of the lab area and with no clear plan, took off walking.


Thompson was really angry because it was always best to view a phenomenon live, but things could have gone drastically wrong with the two of them acting without proper supervision in the station.

*At least it's on video* he mused, as the lab cameras were set to activate each time entry is recorded and stop when exited.


It wasn't long before the pair made their way to Minmay's as SD felt maybe a bite to eat was in order, that and the establishment was closer to them then the ship's main mess hall.

Basara was all grins. "See, I knew you could do it. Don't know how you did it, but does that really matter? By the way... That wasn't directed at me was it?"

SD had gotten a ham sandwich and was halfway through his first bite as he thought about the off hand question.

"Eh? What you mean the song?" At Nekki's nod he continued, "Nah, actually I dunno where that came from. It just felt right."

"I didn't notice you do anything. When did you chose that song?" Nekki asked.


"Well." SD pointed at his comm unit, "Actually it was Getter. He picked the song and I guess he felt it was appropriate. Can't say he was wrong now huh?" SD went back to attacking his sandwich.

Nekki was pondering for a little while and then shrugged, deciding not to elaborate other than, "Whatever, we should celebrate."

He checked with the management and then got on stage, "This is dedicated to my new friend, who'd rather not be singled out right now, but has reason to celebrate... FI-YA!!!"


His guitar burst into a rendition of (Starlight Dream).

["Nakitai hodo sukitotta hosizora
Kirameku machi toozakaru zawameki
Hitori kanasimi wo kaze ni makase
Yureru omoi wo kanjiteitai

Hikari to kage kousasuru reality
Ginga no nami osiyoseru energy
Sorani ahureru kagiri nai ai wo
Sousa, uchuu ni subete ni kaesu tameni

I can do it, I can do it now!
I can do it, I can do it now!

Tomadoi mo mayoi mo sutete
Kono Shunkan kakeyou

Come on get up
Remember Starlight Dream!"]


SD was able not only to sit through the song without incident, but was surprised he actually enjoyed it.

He made a mental note that he'd have to explore some more of Fire Bomber's repertoire in the future...



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


Earth 1
(Isle in the Med)



Julian Hell sat on his throne lost in thought. His ancient looking brow further afflicted with the wrinkles of stress as well as age. Things were not going very well for the would be 'Overlord of the World' and it was the direct fault of 'The Visitors'.

"Damn them to the Abyss!", He ranted out loud.


Numerous operations that would have been successful now failed because of the advancements world organizations were making due to the 'Robotechnology' distributed to them by the REF forces. Not only had the various militaries started production of much more dangerous weapons systems than ever possessed before, but their intelligence agencies were getting more capable as well.

Too many agents were getting caught and resources lost to seriously consider continuing his plans. Fortunately he had been developing a backup plan based on an old discovery he had made when he first arrived on the isle.


Dr Hell chuckled to no one, "He he, The Book will be their Doom and my salvation!"

He stood up suddenly causing his black cloak to ruffle around from his change in position.

"Devleen!" He shouted for his lieutenant.

Not long after, the he/she stumbled into the room in a rush and prostrated itself before it's lord and master.

"Dr hell, I live to serve..."

Hell eyed his servant with a combination of disgust and impatience, "Be that as it may, how are the preparations for my master plan?"

Devleen hesitated for a moment then started, "The Iron Masks have transported the devices to the designated locations and await your signal to exposed and detonate them. The Isle itself has been rigged as you ordered and will be at your leisure to destroy via your can communicator shortly. My lord," It tentatively began, "If I may ask, why destroy the seat of your power?"

Hell thought for a moment, then decided it wouldn't harm his plans to share some of it with his oldest servant, "The noose of the world draws ever closer around our necks. It is time to find a new world to conquer, some place that is unaware of my greatness and my brilliant designs."

"A... new... world? Devleen muttered.


"Yes you simpleton! We shall burn all our bridges and leave the world with a just departure gift. My swan song will never be forgotten by this miserable excuse for a planet!" Hell chuckled with glee as visions of his plans impending fruition danced behind his eyes.


Devleen pushed a bit more out of curiosity, "But how?"


"THAT is of no consequence to you! Just be mindful I will be more than merely displeased should you fail (yet again) in this simple set of arrangements..."

What Hell did not mention, was that he formulated this emergency exodus due to 'The Book'.

It was the true source of his power, this ancient tome from an age long forgotten.

A lesser person would have gone completely insane and lost to the madness it induced in the mere mortal mind. Hell was more than a mere man, he was a genius, one touched already by madness that the book ignited into something truly monstrous. using the book he began to create minions not only fueled by lost technological secrets, but abilities and properties that could only be described as 'magic'.

Case in point was his servant Devleen. Using the power of the book for the first time he robbed the tombs of two ancient guardians of the isle and recited the incantation that merged the remains not only into one grotesque being, but restored it to life under his complete control.

Only minor magics beyond that worked however, until he discovered a ritual for the summoning of power from a being termed as 'an old one'.


Soon the time to enact the final stage of his plan would come to pass and the thought of his vengeance leaving his mark on the world made him chuckle for many minutes as he stood in his throne room before his now quivering servant...


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

Unknown Reality
Federation Battle Station
Minos Corva


It was 2:15 am (local time) when Admiral Picard was roused from slumber by both the blaring red alert klaxon and the sensation of his face meeting the floor. This event crystallized a short list of possibilities for him.

First, that the inertial dampeners must be offline or malfunctioning. Secondly, that the outpost must be under attack. Thirdly, it was some rude joke worthy enough for the initiator to get permanent TDY as security liaison to Rura-Penthe (an Infamous Klingon Penal Planet).

Unfortunately for the elder Flag officer, it was quickly confirmed to be situation number two...


He didn't need to acknowledge the CnC's comm beep as he 'heard' the transmission as a long ago side effect of his experience.

*We are the Borg. Resistance is futile. You biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own...*

"Admiral Picard!" The panicked voice of the commander currently sitting in 'the chair' so to speak emitted from his speaker.

Jean-Luc was already up and throwing on his uniform in practiced haste half out the door, "I know, The Borg!"

"42 cubes and 3 spheres exited transwarp and set off the auto alert. We're taking hits and being jammed."

"I'm on my way carry on, Picard Delta-1!"

Delta-1 was an all out counter attack meaning any opportunity to fire and continuous firing on any targetable bogey.

The Minos Corva station was one of the Federation's premier defense installations specifically designed for battle and had the best armaments and defenses currently available.

However, against the amount of Borg ships stated it was doubtful they would last more than a few hours (at best). If the Borg attacking them had wised up to the standard 'tricks' Picard and Janeway used in their past encounters then that time limit would be much shorter indeed and eventually they would all be drones.

Picard vowed he would rather detonate a point-blank Tri-Colbat when that moment was nigh.

On his way to the nearest lift a familiar flash appeared before him. Someone not seen in nearly two decades and certainly worse for the wear was in front of him rather unsteadily.


"Q!" Picard cried out, both to convince his stunned mind that he was actually seeing the entity before him, and bring home his need need for an explanation quickly.

The person in question hugged the wall for support, "Hello mon ami, it's been awhile no?" Then raised a hand to head off the predicted tirade about to erupt from the elderly Starfleet officer, "Yes yes, no time for games and all that. For once I agree so listen!"

He gave Picard a stern look he had not seen since the 'Judgment Trial',

"This is not right, in fact it's very wrong, all of it. Also, the Continuum is damn near impotent to do squat about it! I wish I had time to tell you so-many-things, and for that I am truly sorry for many reasons. I hope that this will make up for some of that even if you don't understand why I do what I do. The enemy moved faster and stronger than we expected on too many fronts, reality and continuity as WE KNEW IT are practically FUBAR.

What we have done now is drastic, a handful of realities (and their alternates/parallels) have been 'locked down'. It's do or die time. If we lose, it all goes bye bye, and by that I mean wiped from existence. It has to be this way to protect the 'Mega-verse' and no there's no time to explain the what's or why's of it all, just take my word for it."

Picard was torn from continuing on to the lift or letting Q explain as the station was rocked again by impacts (no doubt by more Borg torpedoes).

"Q! Can't you stop this?"

For once he thought there was actual concern in the entity's eyes.

"Yes I can, but only this. Which means I won't be there to help you later."

Shakily he moved closer to Picard and proceeded to embrace him. The surprised admiral allowed it and returned the gesture out of confusion.

"What?" He began.

Q barely whispered now, "Please remember, I chose you not because of the Federation or the Prime Directive, I chose you because you were the right person, at the right place, at the right time, but a wrong future. A lifetime of experience with the means to bring light to the darkness for others who still have a future...

The needs of the many..."

Picard unconsciously joined in, reminded of his meld with Sarek so long ago, "Outweigh the needs of the few."

"Or the one..." Q finished, "I am sorry Jean-Luc, 'the many' in this case is probably beyond your comprehension and this reality...

Is over. My hope is that you and this station escape their notice (at least for a time). Use that time well, become an army Picard, an Army of Light! And by Army I mean it! Goodbye Jean-Luc, it was truly an honor to both manipulate and then later experience mortal life with you!"

Before the Admiral could respond the tell-tale flash of the Continuum enveloped him as well as the station, leaving the Borg momentarily perplexed, then they adjusted priorities and continued on to the next predesignated target...


*Strikeforce 33 of 500 initiate Transwarp to the Bynar sector...*

The Borg vessels entered the conduit while a unseen individual floated in the place of the now vanish fortress.

In a moment he too would be gone, "I am truly sorry Picard..." He said to no one in particular before fading away himself.


==================================================================