Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Katie and Claron�s group journeyed into the ruins on Veles and Xawin, seeking whatever lay within as their prize. Each group encountered different dangers during their exploration of the ruins.
Katie�s group was met with a pitfall and monsters, having to fight their way through the jungle ruins of Veles. In the Xawin ruins, a trapped puzzle room needed solving, Luna choosing to brave the danger as she made her way across the tiled floor to trigger the correct sequence.
Once the two groups passed their obstacles, they entered the ritual chambers. There, two of the 12 legendary swords awaited; Andrasil, Sword of the Dawn; and Valdris, Sword of Dusk. Katie and Claron retrieved these two blades at the same time, triggering a group wide teleportation.
Teleported to a ceremonial chamber in an asteroid in between the two planets, they were transported out by Alexei. However; the Terran Alliance taskforce was on approach and it would be a fight to escape the system.
*Time passed: None*
The flashing lights of the general quarters illuminate the hallways in a strobe of red. Over Ettik�s ship-wide coms comes the stern demanding voice of the Alliance commander, �Gul-Qian vessel, power down your weapons and surrender. Comply or be considered hostile and be dealt with accordingly.�
Alexei looks at Sikozu on the ship-to-ship and sighs, �They mean business. Two cruisers and four assault frigates, this won�t be pretty.�
Sikozu nods, �We�ve got agility on our side�shall we engage?�
�One fight to the next...all in a day�s work,� Tabris sighs as he notices the flashing red lights.
DracBlue sighs and rolls his eyes, realizing that they get out of one pickle into another.
�Oh looky.� Katie sighs in resignation. �We arrived just in time for a battle. What a nice change.� She rolls her eyes.
Alexei pauses for a moment, then goes on the com, �Alliance vessel�this is neutral space, you have no jurisdiction here. If you�re looking for something, perhaps we can assist you in finding it.� He takes a breath, wondering if he could get the Alliance commander talking before the guns blaze.
Tzaphiel looks around the ship. �So, what do we do?�
Valrash looks for a moment at Stryder and wonders what he should do about him.
Ettik�s ship-wide continues to relay the conversation, �You sent two teams planet-side, and our scan indicated they returned to your vessel, what did you find down on the surface?� The Alliance commander crosses his arms, watching the rounded view screen in front of him displaying readouts on the two ships.
Kyra peers around Katie. �Ugh.�
Shadow looks around. �Well this is fun. More trouble.�
Katie hears the conversation. �We found meatballs. Feel free to go get �em.�
Stryder returns Valrash�s gaze, a sly smirk playing at the edge of his mouth.
Luna looks at Eclipse, �You think we should go to the bridge?�
Cara watches Kyra closely, certain that something is going on where she is concerned.
Eclipse shrugs, �Probably. See what this is all about. Clearly they�re after our recent finds.� He motions at Katie and Claron�s new weapons.
�I don�t see where it�s any of his business,� Claron grumbles as she looks down at Andy.
�That is confidential information of the Gul-Qian Republic,� Alexei lies, though his voice does not falter as he does. �If you wish to engage us, the Republic will consider it a breach of treaty and an act of war.�
Valrash returns the sly smirk and decides he knows what he will do.
Arwyn stands quietly back, listening and thinking to herself. �Trouble seems to follow these Warriors.�
Luna glances at the girls. �It doesn�t sound like they know what we got.�
Katie feels an itch in her skull and tries to blink it away.
Clarice looks around at the others, still haunted by her past memories with her father. As well as a more recent one concerning Tewyn and his family.
Alliance Commander Halcyon rubs his chin, this captain was playing the right cards. �Very well�if both sides stand down, I would request a meeting with you, Captain.� A meeting would let him get a better understanding of them, perhaps even learn if they had found the two artifacts.
Alexei switches the com channel so that he can talk on ship-wide, �You heard him, guys. What do you say to a meeting with this Alliance commander? Fighting won�t be easy, this is our best option at the moment.�
Tzaphiel walks quietly out of the transport room and heads to her quarters.
Katie nods. �It would seem to be the better course, Alexei.�
Luna looks around and sighs. �Sounds good to me.�
Sikozu tilts her head, thinking for a moment, before giving a reply over the view screen, �I say we agree, the little one desires I stay to ensure Ettik�s safety.�
DracBlue watches Tza leave and takes a step towards her. But then, stands back at Cara�s side, deciding the danger isn�t over.
�First they wanna shoot us, now talk to us�� Syne shrugs, politics, never cared for them. �Might as well�if it goes bad, we�ll have a commander as hostage.�
�I suppose if we refuse then�we will look like we have something to hide,� Claron adds.
Katie takes Valdris to her room. �Can�t let them find you, dear one.� She looks around for a likely place to put it.
Luna crosses her arms. �I think the galley might be a good place for a meeting, plenty of room there.�
Claron looks at Tabris, �If Eclipse is correct, and they are seeking to learn if we found the swords�I best not be seen holding one of them.� She turns and heads towards their quarters to hide it with the wacky weed.
Katie secures it inside the black dress, hanging the dress up in her closet. �There we go. Hopefully it will suffice.� She changes into a clean tunic and leggings, then walks to the galley to grab a cup of coffee.
Kyra shifts from one foot to the other.
�Alright, I�ll let him know we agree,� Alexei switches the coms again. �Agreed, Commander. Your shuttle can land in cargo bay four.� He nods to Sikozu�s image on the view screen and sighs, hoping this meeting would go smoothly.
Cara continues to look at Kyra. ~You are trying to hide something from everyone. I know it, no matter how much you try and deny it to me.~
Skirmir watches everyone moving about, �My presence is probably not required at this meeting of yours.�
Luna looks at Cara. �Maybe we should all put our swords away for now. They may mistake one of ours for the ones Katie and Claron received.� She glances at Eclipse as she turns to leave the room.
Kyra�s eyes widen, then she flips her hair, shrugging and walking down the hall. ~I�m sure I don�t know what you�re talking about, Cara.~
Eclipse nods and follows Luna, �A good idea, they don�t need to know about more swords if two is what they came for.�
Cara turns and follows after Kyra. �Oh yes you DO know what I am talking about.�
Katie pulls her hair down as she walks, combing her fingers through it nervously.
DracBlue turns and follows after Cara.
The heavy Russian accent comes over the ship-wide again. �Can I get a pair of you to meet me at cargo bay 4, to see to the arrival of our guest?�
Luna nods. �My thoughts exactly,� as they move towards their room.
Katie peers around the curtain of hair. �Who do you want there, Alexei?�
Cara turns around and sees Drac. �If you don�t mind, Drac�I�d prefer to be alone with Kyra. GO away.�
�Shuttle ready to launch, sir!� A small tech nods over his shoulder to Commander Halcyon, a veritable giant in the cramped shuttle interior.
�Good, tell our stealth vessel to remain on standby, should this be a ruse I want their ship disabled swiftly.�
Kyra sighs. �Best hide your sword, Cara. You don�t want them trying to take it.�
DracBlue raises an eyebrow at Cara, but says, �As you wish,� as he turns yet again. He walks in the direction of the cargo bay, deciding to watch the person coming instead.
�Whoever,� Alexei says as he leaves the bridge, sliding the small com set over his unscarred ear.
Katie sighs. �Would probably look better if we had a couple bruisers. Don�t think us girls would intimidate them into behaving.�
~Take me�heh, I�d love to see them try.~ Elexorian chuckles childlishly in Cara�s head.
Cara smirks at Kyra. �Only if you tell me what�s REALLY up with you.�
Luna opens the door and takes off her leather sheath, laying Luciendar on the altar carefully. She turns to wait for Eclipse to go with her. �Maybe we should go meet the visitor with Alexei.�
Kyra blinks. �Oh well. Leave it on, then.� She continues on to her quarters to put her own normal sword away, before heading to the galley to listen in on the meeting.
Syne listens to the com. �Guess I can go, nothing better to do.� He steers himself towards the cargo bays.
Cara glances at Elexorian, ~Is that your way of telling me, they can�t?~
Eclipse sets Morthoseth down next to the bed, ~Far enough away for you?~ He muses as he glances back at the altar, �If you want to, Luna, we can.�
Katie reaches the galley and orders her coffee, then curls up in a corner to sip it. She idly plays with a section of her flowing tresses.
~What�s that charming expression�oh yes, �over your dead body�. ~ Elexorian mentally smirks.
Luna steps close to Eclipse and purrs, �There are other things I would rather do.� She winks at him playfully, �But we don�t have time for that now, do we?�
�Probably not. Alliance humans are not known for patience,� Eclipse comments as he reaches up to touch Luna�s cheek. �Later, purrhaps,� his purring is crude, but he smiles regardless.
Kyra steps into the galley. Spying Katie, she smiles at the sight of her unbound hair, but doesn�t bother her, since she looks lost in serious thought. She orders a glass of juice and sits at a table in another corner.
Cara pauses for a second as Kyra heads towards her quarters, then moves ahead into her own. Looking around her room for a spot to hide her sword, Cara sighs. �Better safe then sorry, I suppose,� as she tucks Elexorian under her mattress.
The sleek gray hull of the shuttle reflects the distant sunlight as it slides in closer to Ettik�s starboard cargo bay. Alexei watches the external monitor through his mental link, nodding as he reaches the doors, �Shuttle is docking.�
DracBlue reaches the cargo bay and nods at Alexei.
Tabris leans on the doorframe and watches Claron put her new weapon away. �Wonder if they knew the swords were here, or if they just followed us from that space station?�
Luna turns her cheek into his hand and kisses his palm. She leads him out the door into the hall, �Let�s get this over with quick.�
Having hidden Elexorian, Cara heads for the galley. ~I�m not going to let you off the hook that easily, Kyra. I think you are trying to bluff me, and I hear by give you notice. I�m calling your bluff.~
Syne stretches as he watches Drac and Alexei as the outer cargo bay doors clang shut and the inner doors slide open. The Alliance shuttle sits quietly in the cargo bay, landing jets sending soft jets of steam into the air.
Kyra smiles serenely. ~Call whatever you wish, Cara. It changes nothing. There�s nothing for you to worry about.~
Shadow heads to the galley, orders a tall ale and sits down.
Teleporting into the galley, Stryder leans against the bulkhead near the windows, gazing out into the starry void for a moment, then drifting his gaze towards the others.
Katie lays her head against the wall behind her, a dull ache starting at the base of her skull.
Valrash thinks to Stryder. ~How long will you go on masquerading as this measly human when you can do so much more?~ now turning to go to his room.
Claron turns to look at Tabris, �I dunno. I wouldn�t be the least bit surprised though�if they did know about the swords from the very beginning.�
The shuttle door opens, a small ramp extending to the deck plating of the cargo bay. A pair of black and gold armored guards exit the shuttle, followed by Commander Halcyon, stern features and a shaven head accompany his hazel eyes as he surveys the cargo bay.
Alexei speaks up, �Captain Alexei Petrov, welcome to the Ettik, Commander?� He studies the Alliance commander, having not had any contact with the Terrans before.
�Commander Terrus Halcyon,� Halcyon shakes Alexei�s hand, then nods. �Lead on, Captain.�
Syne gives a look to Drac, then glances over Halcyon and his guards, trying to determine the best way to disable them should the need arise.
Cara growls lowly in her mind. ~Don�t you see, Kyra...I do care what happens to you. Stryder doesn�t want to be near me, let alone talk to me. I need someone to talk to me that isn�t family. And I thought you wanted to be my friend. I guess you really don�t.~ The disappointment and a hint of sadness is heard in her voice.
DracBlue returns Syne�s look and decides that he should be ready for the worst as he follows close to Syne.
~As long as is required, demon. Tread softly, whelp, should you value your life.~ The dark voice whispers to Valrash, tone seething with contempt.
Kyra frowns. ~I DO want us to be friends, Cara. I truly do. And as to Stryder�I don�t know anymore. I feel like I don�t even know him, these days.~ Her own mental voice is laced with worry, sadness and fatigue.
Clarice looks up and realizes everyone left. �You better try and get yer act together. You keep this up, and you�re liable to get yourself killed because you can�t focus on the here and now.�
Valrash thinks to Stryder. ~I mean only to see what you are capable of, nothing more,~ as he lays on his bed.
Tzaphiel enters her room and sighs loudly. She checks the door, making sure it�s closed, then shifts into her human form. She plops down on the bed and stares at the carvings Drac gave her.
�An impressive vessel, Captain.� Halcyon comments as they head down the corridor. �The living vessels of the Republic are a great feat of bio-engineering.�
Alexei tilts his head slightly, trying to read the Commander�s motives, �The larger vessels are truly sights to behold, Commander.�
Cara enters the galley as she hears Kyra in her own mind. ~I feel the same way, and wish I could talk to someone about it.~
Kyra smiles and waves Cara over to her. �I agree. I�ve been dying to talk to someone about it.�
Eclipse glances around the galley, motioning to empty seats at the largest table in the galley, �That one will be good, Luna.�
Luna nods and moves to sit where Eclipse suggested. �Purrfect.�
�Coming?� Tabris calls out to Claron as he leaves the doorframe to start down the hall.
Alexei speaks into com set, �Anyone who wants to be part of this meeting should meet us in the galley.�
Katie sips her coffee again. She looks around as the galley begins to fill up, nodding at Kyra, then stares down at her cup, her hair hanging down and obscuring her face.
�You seem to be missing quite a few crewmembers, Captain.� The commander noticed the lack of Gul-Qian soldiers, and this vessel would typically have a hundred or more personnel.
�We have enough,� Alexei replies, not wanting to divulge specifics about the crew. �This way.�
Clarice hears the sound of Alexei�s voice as she starts to leave and decides to go to the meeting in the galley instead of seeking solitude in Katie�s quarters.
�Well, not at the moment. I�m not,� Claron teases Tabris as she moves towards him.
Cara moves over towards Kyra and sits beside her.
Arwyn enters the galley and takes a seat near the viewport.
Shadow keeps drinking his ale, watching who enters the room.
Alexei enters the galley, followed by Commander Halcyon and his two guards.
Syne follows behind the group, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall by the door.
Alexei moves over to the table, taking a seat at the far end. Halcyon takes a seat, his guards standing just behind it to either side of him. �Everyone, this is Commander Halcyon. Commander, my crew,� Alexei motions a hand around the table.
Claron kisses Tabris on the cheek, �But I�m ready anytime you are.�
Tabris smirks, then nods. �Almost there, I think I hear them talking already.� He nods his head towards the galley.
Katie raises her cup in their general direction without looking up.
DracBlue stops at the doorway and notices Cara in the room. He stands in the doorway with Syne.
Clarice enters the galley and stands off to the side as Alexei introduces Commander Halcyon.
Shadow raises his mug in their direction.
Luna looks at the Commander and blinks. �Commander, what exactly do you want of us?� getting right to the point.
Commander Halcyon looks at the felinoid. She was straightforward, he respected that. �You recovered something from the binary planets during your exploration, something of value.� Crossing his hands, he studies each person at the table in turn.
�I got hemorrhoids, dunno what everyone else got.� Katie murmurs from her corner softly.
Luna remains calm and passive. �Really? And what might that have been?�
Eclipse watches Halcyon as he and Luna speak.
Clarice glances around the room, nods to Cara and Kyra, and finds herself experiencing a mixture of both disappointment and anger at not seeing Tewyn there.
Claron looks at Commander Halcyon, �And what exactly would be of value on a planet that was hot, dry and full of dirt?�
Shaking his head softly, Halcyon looks at Luna, �You already know. The artifacts started emitting an energy signature once you returned to your vessel.� He decided he could tell them that much, but perhaps another question, �It has come to our attention that similar energy signatures have been recorded on other worlds, is the Republic responsible for this as well?� He looks to Alexei.
Luna stares at Halcyon, �Why are you so interested in energy signatures?�
DracBlue determines that this one man came to talk them to death and rolls his eyes.
Katie tunes her ears to the conversation, while keeping a bland expression on her mostly concealed face.
Wraith silently enters the galley, his gaze drifting over the table at everyone before pausing at the Commander. Moving quietly to the replicator, he continues to listen to the meeting and the air around him.
Turning his attention back to the felinoid, he questions in return, �Are you aware that a rogue fleet of starships is assembling under the banner of a �Lady Velarenyssa� ?�
Katie�s head snaps up.
Claron gasps.
�Sonuva bitch�� Tabris curses under his breath.
Cara curses under her breath, her eyes searching out Kabal�s.
Kabal nods from his spot across the galley, having just entered in time to hear the bad news.
Luna looks around the room at the group, then turns her attention back to the Commander�s. �I was not aware of that. But you did not answer my question.�
�Two of our recon vessels went missing after we sent them to investigate two of these energy signatures, and the rogue fleet was spotted in both areas after we lost our ships.� Halcyon notices the recognition on their faces, clearly they know about this woman, �Since the Republic is not responsible, we must assume the rogue fleet is also looking for the artifacts.�
�If she�s gathering a fleet, that means she�s planning to attack,� Eclipse glances around the table.
Luna taps a silvered claw on the table top as she listens, �How long ago did you lose your ships?�
Halcyon glances around, deciding to trust these people, despite orders from his superiors, �Less than a month.�
Wraith turns, interrupting, �And you know about these energy signatures because you already have one��
DracBlue decides that this man and his lackeys are no threat and leaves them to the rest of the crew to deal with. He turns and walks to Tza�s room and knocks on the door.
Halcyon glances to Wraith, a mysterious looking boy, but he knew. How did he know? �And how would you know about that?�
Luna�s ear twitch as she listens to Wraith. She tries to remember how long ago Cara and Eclipse got their weapons.
Tzaphiel jumps, a little startled at the sudden knock. �Yes?� she calls out as she sits up slowly.
DracBlue calls out, �It�s just me. May I come in?�
Wraith tilts his head, invisible wind still blowing around him, �I know because I must�� he shifts his gaze to the others again, then goes silent.
Tzaphiel chuckles. �Who is me?� She runs her fingers thru her hair. �Come on in.�
�That�s about as good as an answer you going to get from him, Commander.� Claron smiles slightly. �He�s not much of a talker.�
Luna looks at Wraith. �Is that energy where it should be?� she asks a bit concerned.
Kyra sighs and thinks wistfully of the last time she cuddled with Stryder, on Velyn�s world.
DracBlue walks in. �I am me.� He smiles at her. �They all are just talking out there, so I decided to come see you.� He shuffles his feet.
Wraith looks at Luna, �They have one, but it has yet to awaken. That is why they came here�to find the keys.� He turns from the table to leave.
Tzaphiel sits on the bed and smiles at Drac. �What was so important that we almost went to war?�
Luna nods and looks at the Commander, but doesn�t speak.
Clarice shifts her gaze up from the floor to look at Wraith. �Oh great! And what happens if he doesn�t like the type of keys used?�
DracBlue closes the door. �I think they were looking for the swords we found at the ruins.�
�Interesting�� Commander Halcyon nods, listening to Wraith, �Your companion is correct. We found one of the artifacts on Earth. It emits the same energy signature, but not as strongly as the others.� Alliance command would not be happy, but they already seemed to know everything that was considered top secret. �Clues at the site we found it at, spoke of twin worlds holding the key.�
Tzaphiel nods. �Those may be some hot items, and the more this group gets the hotter it will become.�
DracBlue nods back. �But if we find much more, then everyone will be after us. Not just�oh, what did they call them? Terrans?�
�So you began searching, decided to follow us and found it,� Alexei says, then looks around the table, �but we got them before you could. It seems to me we�ve got what you need, Commander.�
Luna goes back to tapping her claws on the table top. �Twin worlds doesn�t necessarily mean these two planets.�
Tzaphiel chuckles. �Some like it hot.�
DracBlue smiles back. �I don�t mind it hot. But if getting hotter means less time off�� his words trail off after that.
�She�s right there. But even if it did end up being on these two planets, what makes you think that we would just hand it over to you?� Claron leans back against Tabris.
Katie twists her hair up and sticks a coffee stir-stick through it. �Exactly.�
The commander unfolds his hands, �We know you have three more artifacts onboard this ship. With five, the energy signature will be very detectable. It is only a matter of time before the rogue fleet discovers this.� He looks to Alexei, �Return with us to Earth and aid us with our artifact, in return I guarantee your safe passage. This rogue fleet would appear to be a common foe, a partnership between Alliance and Republic forces would aid in the eventual fight.�
Claron glances over at Katie and winks.
Luna stares at Commander Halcyon. �You would be better off to just give it to us.�
Katie cocks a brow.
Halcyon looks at Luna, �Were that possible, it is still Alliance property. The artifact is still at its original discovery site, so you would have to go to Earth to get it. Having an Alliance escort ensures that you would enter the Sol system in one piece.�
DracBlue slowly loses his smile as he seems to think what that will mean.
Clarice sighs. �Commander, say that we agree to follow you back to Earth and help. What happens if this so called Alliance property chooses not to stay with you? What then?�
Tzaphiel watches Drac as she pats the bed next to her. �Don�t worry about what may never happen.�
DracBlue sits down next to her. �It�s hard not to think about it, but I�ll try.� He turns his head to her.
�Then we shall cross that bridge when we get to it.� Commander Halcyon sighs. �To be completely honest, I don�t give a damn about the artifacts, only stopping that rogue fleet. So, what is your answer?�
Luna leans closer to Eclipse. �What do you think?� she asks him softly.
�It would seem in our best interest to find out about this artifact.� Katie says coolly from her place in the corner.
�If that bitch is after these things, I say we get them before she does,� Tabris pounds a fist on the table.
�I agree, Tab.� Katie stands and stretches, walking toward the table.
Eclipse turns to Luna, �If they indeed have one, it is worth investigating.�
Shadow looks around, seeing things coming together, and just nods to himself while drinking his ale.
�Well, I don�t see where we have any other choice, but to go to Earth with you then.� Clarice shrugs.
�Sounds like trouble to me, but hey, I didn�t sign up for a pleasure cruise. I�m for it,� Syne comments from his spot near the door.
Luna sighs and nods as she returns her gaze to Commander Halcyon. �Well, it sounds like you have a deal.�
Tzaphiel nudges Drac playfully. �What will it take to get your mind off that subject then?�
�I agree. We can�t let the likes of Lady Velarenyssa get her hands on them.� Claron lays her hand down on top of Tabris� fisted hand.
�Good,� Commander Halcyon nods, then stands. �I will return to my ship. I will supply you with the coordinates where we shall rendezvous with my fleet, from there we shall jump to Alliance space.�
DracBlue smiles. �Another subject. Hmmmm�what could take my mind off it? I wonder, can you show me your wings again?�
Alexei stands and returns the nod, �Alright, Commander, let us hope this deal is worth it.�
Tzaphiel tilts her head and looks at Drac questioningly. �Why do you want to see them again?�
DracBlue looks down at the ground, shuffling his feet. �I don�t know. I just want to see them.�
�Let�s hope it is,� Commander Halcyon nods to everyone, then motions to his guards as he leaves the galley with them in tow.
�Well this should be fun�� Tabris looks to Claron, then at the others.
�Then if this is all settled for the moment�� Claron shifts her gaze to Tabris, �I�d like to get out of these wet clothes.�
Katie turns to get another cup of coffee. The stirrer snaps audibly, sending her hair cascading back down to her shoulders, back, chest and waist. She grumbles and tosses it behind her.
Luna looks out the viewport at space, mumbling. �I feel like I�m forgetting something�.�
�Earth, huh? Never been there,� Syne comments, his gaze drifting to Katie�s hair falling around her shoulders. �Should try something sturdier there, Kat.�
�What did you forget?� Eclipse questions Luna, catching her mumbling.
Katie bends over and picks up the stirrer. As she stands back up, her hair covers her face partially, leaving only one eye revealed to glare at Syne. �Up yers, Rogue.� She laughs and gets her coffee from the replicator.
Tzaphiel shakes her head at him as she reforms her wings behind her. She turns around and shows them to Drac.
Luna shrugs. �I don�t know,� as she turns away from the window.
DracBlue feels the wings. �They�re so soft. I envy you. Mine are nothing but lumps of metal formed together.�
Commander Halcyon boards his shuttle, motioning to the pilot as they undock and take off. He looks to one of his guards as he removes his helmet, �What did you sense during the meeting?�
The guard looks at him from behind locks of slate blue hair, �The humans were meta-humans, sir.�
Commander Halcyon rubs his chin, �Meta-humans...very interesting.�
Tzaphiel shivers as Drac runs his hands over her wings. She stands and moves across the room as her wings blend away.
Claron stands, her wet clothes clinging to her form. �I just hope they can be trusted.�
Syne smirks, �Personally, it looks better worn down,� skirting the counter, he hands Katie another stirrer.
DracBlue looks up at Tza. �Is something wrong?�
Tzaphiel still faces the window. �Nothing is wrong with me.�
Tabris leads Claron out of the galley, �Yeah, lets get these clothes changed. I don�t think everyone needs to see your wet t-shirt contest.� He winks at her slyly.
Claron giggles, �Or everything that you have too, dear.�
Luna moves away from the window. Pausing next to Eclipse, she leans down and whispurrs, �I think I need to have a talk with someone.� She walks slowly out the door and back to her room.
Katie pulls her hair away from her face. �Aw yer a spoilsport, Nuffing.� She winks at Claron and Tab�s retreating figures.
Returning to the bridge, Alexei glances over at Sikozu on the com, �We�ve made a deal. We�re getting coordinates to meet their fleet, then jump to Alliance space. Keep an eye on them, Sikozu. Wish I could say I fully trust them, but I can�t.�
Eclipse raises a brow and follows Luna, wanting to be there for her, but not to interrupt.
Claron winks back at Katie, �Enjoy it while ya can, I know I sure do.�
Syne shakes his head at the exchange between Katie and Claron.
Katie blushes and turns to scurry to the table. �Where the hell is my clip?�
Syne looks around at the galley, �You mean that thing in yer hair that�s glowing all the time?�
Luna reenters her room and moves to the altar. She lays a paw on her sword Luciendar, and thinks. ~I have some questions for you.~
Kyra looks at Cara. �So you�ve noticed how weird he�s been, too?� Her whisper is only loud enough for Cara to hear.
Eclipse sits on the bed, looking over at Luna before deciding to lay down and stare at the ceiling lost in thought.
Katie looks up through the veil of hair. �Oh, not you, too? My clip doesn�t glow, does it?�
DracBlue sighs, gets up, and looks at her expression. Unsure of what it is, he walks to her uncertain of what to say.
�Well unless I�m going blind, which can�t happen because I don�t have eyes, it�s glowing every time I see it,� Syne says. �Need help finding it?�
Cara turns to look at Kyra. �I most certainly have. It�s like he�s possessed.�
Kyra nods. �Yeah. Possessed is a good word for it.�
Stryder looks over at Kyra and Cara, watching them whisper to each other.
Clarice looks at Katie, �I dunno, Kat�since bunking with ya. It doesn�t seem to glow all the time.�
Katie blows hair out of her face. �It glows, but not all the time? What the hell is setting it off?�
~Hmmm?~ Luciendar questions Luna softly.
�We�re not the only ones that have noticed, too. Valrash has even made it point to tell me there is something strange with Stryder.� Cara continues.
Kyra purses her lips. �But then, Val might just be jumping at shadows, because of what Stryder did when he was so sick��
~See, boy...even now they distance themselves from you, from us.~ The dark voice whispers to Stryder inside his mind. A soft smile playing across his face as he returns his gaze to the starry sky.
�I don�t think he is jumping at shadows. And I don�t believe that the Stryder I knew and grew to love back at the citadel would really want me dead.� Cara whispers softly to Kyra, her eyes glancing up at Stryder.
Alexei watches as the coordinates download into the computer, �Alright, we�ve got them. Ready to initiate jump on your mark Alliance cruiser.�
�I�m glad you feel that way. Because I truly don�t believe he does, either. He�� Kyra�s eyes hold a trace of sadness. �He really does care very deeply for you. And whatever it is that holds him, it doesn�t bode well. For ANY of us.�
Katie sips her coffee thoughtfully.
Luna asks her sword, ~Do you know where the others like you are?~
Claron pushes Tabris back against their quarter�s door immediately after they enter. �Damn, you look hot in them wet pants,� placing gentle kisses along his neck and up to his lips.
~No�I can feel them like a distant star, but not where.~ Luciendar mentally shakes her head. ~I have been in the godly realms since our creation...finding those in this realm is beyond me.~
Tzaphiel looks at Drac�s reflection in the window. She doesn�t remember swallowing the butterflies that seem to be living in her belly now.
�Well I was debating wearing them like this all the time.� He smirks after the kiss. �I�m glad you approve. Now about your wet clothing�� Tabris slides Claron�s shirt off, tossing it to the floor with a loud soggy slop.
Cara nods. �I agree with ya.� Problem is�I believe he cares just as deeply for you, too. We have to do something to help him. If I tell Va or Kabal about it�I�m afraid of what they might do.�
Luna closes her eyes as she thinks about what was discussed. ~Do you know anything about a key?~
�Well if I happen to see that clip anywhere, I�ll be sure to let you know,� Syne says to Katie, having had no success in finding it.
~A key? What do you mean?~ Luciendar questions, sounding puzzled.
Luna mentally sighs. ~I don�t know. The Terrans think they have found one like you on Earth. And they think there is a key hidden in the twin worlds.~
DracBlue looks into the viewport to see what is so interesting about it. Standing behind her, he wraps his hands around her waist and smiles. �Well whatever it is, its got to make a window very interesting to stare at it so.�
�Thanks.� Katie leans back against the wall, stretching her feet out into the chair across from her.
Claron peels Tabris� wet t-shirt off, tossing it on the floor next to hers. She presses her naked chest up against his as her hands slide down to the waistband of his pants. �MmmMmm, I wouldn�t mind that at all. But it might make it rough on Kat.�
~Ahh, I see,~ Luciendar pauses for thought. ~It is possible that Andrasil and Valdris were used to seal another of us. It can be done.~
�You�re probably right...hard for her to save the universe if she�s distracted,� Tabris smirks at Claron and helps her hands with his pants.
Luna bows her head. ~What about you and Morthoseth? My first thought was you are the key to the rest. And Aventine would be an opposite to the dark world he probably came from.~
Syne yawns, �So, that stuff any good? You�ve had like, what, 3 cups so far?�
Tzaphiel feels her body quiver as Drac�s hand slides around her waist. �I was just thinking.�
Kyra nods. �Yeah. We can�t tell them. In fact, I don�t know who we COULD tell. Everyone is divided on the whole Stryder issue.�
Katie nods. �Not as good as I make, but it�s not too bad.�
~Perhaps our presence enables the others to awaken, but I am not sure.~ Luciendar sighs, sounding lost for once.
DracBlue smiles. �About what?�
Luna opens her eyes and nods. ~I see, thank you.~
�Well that�s good, I suppose.� Shrugging, Syne leans against the wall and looks at Katie, �So, you ever been to Earth? It is your home planet, right?�
Tzaphiel shrugs. �Just things.� She steps back slightly, pressing her back into his chest.
Still nodding her head, Cara thinks for a moment. �Do you suppose we should talk to his parents, though? But maybe you�re right�maybe we shouldn�t. Claron�s had such a rough time herself. And if we can�t, then looks like you and I have to figure out what to do and how to help him.�
�Aye, I�ve been there a time or two.� Katie looks sad. �And aye, t�was my home, once.�
�Yeah. I think it�s going to be up to us.� Kyra sighs and closes her eyes.
�Anything worth seeing there?� Syne questions again, thinking about his own home world.
DracBlue holds her in his arms as he begins feeling around, not knowing he is doing so. �Things are good to think about.�
�Not like there used to be.� Katie�s voice is regretful.
Clarice moves over to the replicator, punching in the button for a cup of coffee. Grabbing the coffee, she stands, thinking to herself. �My father is right about one thing�I do seem to avoid finding answers to my own problems.�
Quietly, Stryder teleports from the galley. Reappearing in his quarters, he sits on the edge of the bed, staring at the stars. ~The time draws closer�~
Tzaphiel gasps as his hands feel her up. �There are a lot of things to think about,� she stutters.
�But if something is wrong with you�what will I do then?� Cara looks at Kyra with concern in her eyes.
DracBlue presses the rest of his body against Tzaphiel. �Too many things to think about, not enough time to think about them,� as he brushes his lips against her neck.
Tabris falls back on the bed with his arms wrapped around Claron, �That�s better��
Luna slowly removes her paw from her sword. Glancing over at the bed where Eclipse is staring at the ceiling, she quietly turns and crawls onto the bed. �It�s later,� she purrs in his ear.
Kyra pats Cara�s hand. �You will be strong, and see this through. Stryder will need you more than ever.� Her eyes glisten with tears.
�MmmHmm,� as Claron presses against him and nibbles softly on his ear.
Tzaphiel closes her eyes as Drac gets closer, but her eyes fly open as his lips touch her skin. She jumps away from him and moves to the other side of the room quickly. �Where did that come from?�
Cara sees the tears glistening in Kyra�s eyes. �But what if I find I can�t be?�
�You have to be.� Kyra�s voice is strained with fatigue. �I�ll be with you as long as I can.�
Cara leans in close to Kyra. �I can hear it in your voice, please tell me what is wrong. Maybe I can help?�
Katie eyes Clarice and Syne over the rim of her cup.
DracBlue looks confused at her quick jump away from him, but answers, �I don�t know,� as he looks down at his feet.
Kyra shakes her head. �It may be nothing. Let�s not get bent out of shape until there�s reason to freak out, k?�
Tzaphiel�s eyes flit around the room, not focusing on him. Her hands cover her belly self-consciously as she tries to calm the butterflies growing there.
Clarice stands frozen in front of the replicator. The coffee cup in her hand shaking slightly, slopping its contents onto the floor. The image of her father jerking her head back, ripping her shirt, and bruising her lips with his unwanted kiss enters her mind. The cup crashes to the floor.
�Yes it is,� Eclipse smiles and reaches over to Luna and pulls her close to kiss her.
Syne raises a brow at Clarice, then looks at Katie, �Is she alright?�
Katie looks at Clarice, startled. �Clarice?�
Luna falls on top of Eclipse as he claims a kiss.
DracBlue briefly looks up and sees Tza. Unsure of what to do, he stands there.
Clarice doesn�t seem to hear as she kneels down on the floor and tries to pick up the broken cup with trembling fingers.
Tzaphiel finally looks at Drac. �I�m sorry, you surprised me,� she mumbles.
Katie gets up and kneels down to help Clarice clean up.
Claron whispers softly in Tabris� ear, �Have I told you lately how much I love you?�
Syne watches Katie help Clarice clean up, wondering what happened to her.
�No, but you can say it as often as you want,� Tabris smirks as his hands caress her curves.
DracBlue can�t help but feel that he did something wrong. He finds that he can�t bring himself to look at anything but his feet.
Katie tucks her hair behind her ears. �What�s the matter?�
Clarice collapses against Katie.
Katie falls over, holding Clarice. �I think I just got intimately acquainted with your coffee cup,� she wheezes.
Syne moves over to Clarice and Katie, kneeling down to check on both, �Kat? Clarice? You guys okay?�
�Yes, Rogue. Never been better.� Katie says dryly. �Thanks so much for asking.�
Tzaphiel moves back to Drac and leans her head gently against his. �I�m sorry,� she whispers.
Clarice shakes uncontrollably.
DracBlue sighs. �It was my fault.�
�Looks bad�we�d better get you to the med-bay,� Syne says, noticing all the glass Katie landed on. Lifting Katie up, he carefully avoids further injury, securing Katie in his arm, he looks at Clarice. �Clarice? Don�t tell me I have to carry you, too.�
Cara gets up and rushes over towards Katie, Syne and Clarice. �I�ll help get her to med bay.�
Tzaphiel barely shakes her head. �No, you didn�t do anything wrong. I was just surprised.�
�Alright,� Syne nods to Cara then turns to ferry Katie to the med-bay, turning his head he comments, �You know Kat, there are less painful ways to get the company.�
Katie smiles weakly up at him. �Well, a girl can�t be too obvious��
Cara helps Clarice off the floor and guides her to the med-bay behind Syne and Katie.
�Roger Alliance cruiser, initiating jump,� Alexei replies over the com as Ettik�s jump engines hum to life, the low thrumming once again filling the ship. As the Alliance taskforce, along with Ettik and its offspring jump, the universe tears itself apart in massive sprays of rainbow colors.
As the sleek grey hulls of the Alliance ships slide into the yellow blaze of hyperspace, Ettik seems hang in space for a moment, as if enjoying the beauty of it all before diving into the yellow folds itself. �Time to closest Alliance system, Athens star-system, one galactic standard day.� The readout in front of Alexei says with quietly scrolling announcement.
�Looks like we�ve got some time folks,� Alexei says on the ship-wide. �So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.� Sitting down in his own pilot�s chair �one he rarely found himself using� he stares at the yellow blaze of hyperspace with a nod, �Let�s hope it�s worth it��
Elsewhere; a masked figure steps into a beam of light, staring at the darkened silhouette on the holo-screen above.
�They�ve retrieved two more of the swords and are returning with the humans to Earth, m�lady.� The silhouette speaks, unheard by any but the masked one, who bows deeply, �Of course, m�lady. I shall attend to it personally.�