Christine along with the Birmingham's Duty Officer had got all the passengers and crew into make shift quarters. They were being kept in the two storage bays on the Birmingham and a societal was set up for them to get food in the Mess. Christine was close to exhaustion when a crewman came to her and said,

"Mam, the Captain would like a word with you."

Christine grudgingly got up and followed the crewman to the bridge.

Walking on to the bridge she at once knew the Captain. He was dark both of hair and skin with an aura that said he was in command. He walked over to her.

"Dr. Coleman, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am just sorry it has to be under such unpleasant circumstances. I have to tell you of another potential problem. You see Huntly, the Captain of the Warbird is a suspected pirate. Now that in itself is not a problem, but when your ship exploded it knocked out our sensors. We have been trying to keep them in visual range but we lost them. I am pretty sure she will not hurt them but wee do not know where they are or where they are going."

"Why would she not bring them to the Union of Sol base on Telemechus?"

"We think she wants Ms. Martine Ispetet. Her father posted a large reward for her safe return. I think your friends are just along for the ride."

Christine looked around at all the activity on the bridge and said,

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No. We just have to wait until the repairs are made and then try and find them. You did not get any hint as to where they may be going?"

"No. I did not even get a chance to meet the woman."

"Well, it was worth a try." I will call you when we find out anything."

Denise, Pogo, Yalp, Connor, Linda, Graham and Martine were sitting around a table in the mess having coffee when Huntly came in.

"It is almost time for Dione to starfall. Would you like to see it?"

They all nodded as she lead them to an observation area. Once there she pointed out the planet and started a count down. At zero the gold funnel of light formed and the planet slid into it and was gone.

Denise said,

"If I had not seen it with my own eyes I would not have believed it!"

Huntly nodded her agreement then added,

"I had another reason for getting you all together. It seems when the Empress exploded it sent out a radiation cloud that has knocked out all sensors for about 2 A.U.'s. We have lost the Birmingham, but I am sure it is alright. After all, we were closer and sustained minimal damage. The only other thing affected is communications but we believe as soon as we get out of this cloud it will return to normal." She continued. "We have set a course for Telemechus and should be there in less than 24 hours. So please, just relax and enjoy the ride." Huntly left them alone and they all stretched out for some rest.

Huntly got back to the bridge and took her seat. She had duty for another eight hours. Just before her shift was to end, the Communication Officer came to her.

"I have a high security message from Ice Walker."

She nodded towards her ready room and made her way to the desk. Hitting the button the message came up on the screen. It was the face of a man Huntly had known. There was blood all over it from a gash on his forehead. He also looked to have a burn from a laser on his shoulder. The message was brief.

"This is Ice Walker base. We are under attack by unknown hostile forces! They are not any law enforcement agency we know of. They have high energy weapons of unknown origin. Please help us!"

Huntly started thinking who would attack Ice Walker and would she make any difference to the cause? What the hell, it is home. Pushing the intercom button she told navigation to head for Ice Walker at top speed. Then she called for Suran, and as usual he was there before she finished yelling. She looked at him.

"Set a course for Ice Walker and get as much as you can get out of those dogs in the engine room."

He looked at her and saw the look on her face - and was gone.

She got up and headed down to where her guests were being roomed. Walking in she spotted Denise first.

"We have to make an emergency stop. My base of operations is under attack."

"Who would attack them?"

"I do not know. This is a very lawless area of space. It could be anyone."

"If we are going into a combat zone I need weapons and armor for my people and we will help."

"I don't know. What if you get captured? We have no way out of your base area. It is in our best interest to keep you alive and well."

"Ok. Follow me." They all headed down toward the Armory.

Walking into the Armory after Huntly had opened it with his access code, Denise was amazed at the array of weapons. She watched her group move and get weapons of their choice. It was surprising to watch them arm up. Denise was surprised as well to see how well they already knew their chosen weapon. When everyone was done the group looked like a para-military unit.