Sagittarius Ep. 1: The Arrow

Sagittarius Arrow1

Webisode #12

The Arrow3

"We were a silent, hidden thought in the folds of oblivion, and we have become a voice that causes the heavens to tremble." 4

-Kahlil Gibran, "Children of Gods, Scions of Apes"5

***** 6

“Everyone knows how the story goes. It’s the same old thing as always, man sets out on a quest to conquer his demons, to throw down the enemy that threatens his kind, an emblematic knight in shining armour going of to slay the emblematic dragon.7

Those were the days, weren’t they Oberon? The good old days when legends of fire breathing dragons and invulnerable heroes like Achilles were just that, legend. But no more, we found our dragons, found out the truth we’d so long forgotten, waiting for us among the stars as a tiger waits for its prey in the veil of the jungle. And like the vain and proud people of stories we went out to slay our dragon… only things did not go as we had planned.”8

Here, the old admiral paused in his commentary, as though considering where to go next. “You know what happened next, Oberon,” he continued at last. “War. An ongoing war between our two great races. The cost? Countless lives, more planets falling to the enemy with each passing day. Even our own stronghold, the great cradle of humanity – earth, the heart of our realm, comes into danger now. How long can we hold them back from our capital? How long can we continue in a war in which we are continually outnumbered and outgunned? For a long time, we were lucky, but not forever. Unless someday soon, something changes, our great race and all its morals, principals, and all its great history will be wiped away by the savagery of the dragons! All this is the cost of our ignorance, the fast dismissal of rumour as legend. It was a costly lesson, but one well learned, it would seem.” 9

For a second time, the old man paused, his weather and war lined face contracting tensely, his vibrant green eyes drifting out of focus as his mind wandered. All at once, like a cadet at the approach of his drill sergeant, the old man snapped to attention.10

“Now, Captain Sabine,” he barked, “We come down to the assignment you’ve been given, your first as Captain of the Earth Endeavour. You’ve worked hard and done well in all your other command assignments, the war council is confident you will do equally well in this.11

“Another legend has begun to surface, on the outer edges of our realm is where it began, and it has travelled fast, carried to our very core by the power of its implications. Whispers of fear and doubt, but also of curiosity and hope have begun to circulate throughout the Alliance worlds. This time, we will not make the same mistake as with the dragons, we will not dismiss rumour as legend as we did with the dragons, and pay for our folly in blood.12

“The rumour of which I speak originates from non-alliance worlds. It is the rumour of the passing of a giant, a behemoth thought long dead, now resurrected by a power whose alliances are unknown. You know of what I speak, Oberon, one of the lost giants, whose secrets are now lost to us. In the depths of unclaimed space it is surfaced at last, what none thought to ever behold again. A supership. 13

“Here is your mission, Captain Sabine, search out the source of this legend, search out this ship, rumour places its origin to one of the pirate or mercenary home worlds. I know, not the most hopeful place to find and ally, but we must determine if this ship could be brought under Alliance control. Find the ship, learn all you can of it, learn if it has even the smallest intention of helping our enemy. This could be a pivotal point in the war, if we can recruit this ship into our alliance, it could mean victory, and if we do not stop them from joining the enemy it could be our demise.14

“It will be up to you and your crew, Oberon Sabine, to judge whether we need to recruit these people or see to their destruction, I will expect you to contact me with the answers to the Alliance’s questions as soon as possible. Our fleet is mobilized, and we are awaiting your decision, Captain. Of all things, Oberon, this is most important to your mission, act with haste, for it is likely the Dragons have likewise heard the rumour, and we cannot allow them to get the upper hand in this as in all other things of late. Good luck, Captain Sabine.” 15

The message over, the image of the old admiral faded and the screen went black. Oberon Sabine, a man in his early forties, but without a speck of grey in his light brown hair to show for it, stood from where he had watched the message, behind his desk, and stretched his five foot ten frame, blinking his dark blue eyes tiredly. It was not the first time he had watched that message, so much rested on him! Straitening his uniform - the grey fabric seemed to wrinkle so easily - he walked out from behind his desk. Even as his did so, the hatch to his office glided open and a straight faced private stepped into the room, snapping off a salute that Oberon quickly returned. Obviously a new recruit, he stood ramrod straight and stared straight ahead at the wall opposite the hatch.16

“Sir, we are entering the last phase of our jump, we will be exiting the portal soon, in orbit of Alpha 462-9 Omega.” The private said, rattling off the information in a most machine-like manner.17

“Rimvii?” Oberon asked, picking up the data card on his desk and scanning it.18

“This is its unofficial designation sir, yes.” Mumbled the private, turning slightly red.19

“Well, it will be that designation we’ll refer to it by.” Oberon said, “Don’t forget, we want to be as inconspicuous as possible here, many of these independent sectors are not friendly to the Terran Alliance, we don’t want any unnecessary fighting on our hands.”20

With a shudder, the Earth Endeavour exited the space fold, and, nervously, the private broke his rigid stance and grasped the doorframe, clearly still unfamiliar with the everyday hiccups and shivers that were a part of life on a star-ship. Oberon smiled, remembering when he had been the same way; likely this was the boy’s first space mission. With a frightening groan that whipped the smile off his face, the ship pitched again, nearly throwing Oberon off his feet. That was not a standard hiccup!21

“Sir,” spoke the voice of Madeleine Edrick, his first officer, its tone broken by the crackling of the comm. “We’re under fire, sir! Two warships, unknown markings, they look like Mercs!” Oberon was passed the space-sick private and out the door before the message was half over. Having just come out of a space fold, the dampers that protected the ship from deadly laser fire would not yet be online, and yet, they were alive, and the ship in one piece, and that meant only one thing, the pirates weren’t using lasers because they intended to capture his ship! 22

Everything was in chaos on the bridge when he arrived, personnel, all clad in the grey tabards of the Terran Alliance, were working busily at their various consoles and scattering in an attempt to follow Madeleine’s orders. The Endeavour’s first officer stood in the centre of that chaos, shouting commands and profanities at the top of her lungs, her normally alabaster face red to her honey-blonde bangs.23

“Get those engines online!” the first officer was screaming, “We can’t fight if we can’t move! And hurry up with those dampers, if they decided to use us for scrap instead of booty we’ll all be dead!”24

“I can’t get the dampers online!” One of the engineers on the deck wailed, composure gone. “Something is wrong, their weapons are EMP based, it’s disrupting the emitters.” Oberon’s stomach churned, without dampers to protect them from laser blasts, they would be in big trouble if their attackers decided that the prize of another ship was not worth the effort of a fair fight.25

“Status?” He queried, coming to stand beside his first officer as yet another hit rocked the ship. Eyes blazing indignation at the unprovoked attack, Madeleine looked at him.26

“Operations report!” she screamed at the nearest officer.27

“Not good sir! Engines are still offline, that first hit crippled us severely. They haven’t resorted to laser weaponry yet, but their solid shots are tearing holes in us… they’re using unfamiliar weaponry, the shots seem to contain some sort of nanobot… a virus, maybe… its penetrating all our systems, we can’t contain it.”28

“Impossible!” Oberon said, but inwardly knew that it was, how could it not be after all. Closed-mindedness had gotten men killed in the past, he did not intend to join their ranks. “How?”29

“I don’t know sir.”30

“Bring laser batteries online!” Oberon barked, “If they decide to risk shedding their dampers, I want to be ready. As for the moment, return Solid Fire. And get those engines online!” The officer bowed assent and rushed away. Another hit rocked the ship, and another, sending everyone on the command deck staggering drunkenly.31

“We’ve got partial power in engine one,” and engineer reported, “Generating a Grav wave now. Shall we make a run for Rimvii sir?” Oberon opened his mouth to reply in the affirmative, he did not know what kind of help an independent planet would provide for a T.A. vessel, but if there were other options, he didn’t see them. Before he could speak, several more blasts rocked the Endeavour, and the consol the engineer manned exploded, sending the man with a scream onto the flat of his back, clutching his burned face desperately. 32

“The engines have been taken out by a laser blast!” reported a private, taking the engineer’s place, the same private who had been space sick in his office only a moment before. “They’re sick of playing nice it seems… We have major hull breaches on decks four through six, and minor ones on all others. Artificial gravity is failing on all decks!” Even as he spoke, his feet lifted, and only by clutching the consol did he keep from drifting away. Oberon and Madeleine, near no such handholds, had no such luck.33

“Get the gunners on the laser batteries!” Oberon screamed, “if we’re going down, we’re taking at least one of those basterds with us!”34

“Activate our distress beacon!” Madeleine was saying to another private. Oberon did not know what good it would do; there were no Alliance ships within a dozen jumps of them, even if they did receive the distress signal. Still, perhaps someone would help.35

“Can’t,” reported the private Oberon had been speaking to, “The decks where our laser batteries are located are a vacuum, there is no one left. I can’t even gain minimal control from here, the virus is spreading, all of our systems are down… the outside of our hull appears to be… crystallizing, it is brittle, another couple of hits and we’ll be finished… escape pods are down, their systems are fried.”36

“Our beacon is active.” Reported the other private. Then, with a fear cracked voice, she continued. “Heavy personnel loses. Heavy damage taken, the gunners can’t even get to the cannons. All systems failing… We’re dead in the water sir, what are we going to do?”37

“No!” Oberon shouted, “There has to be something we can do, this is a warship for god’s sake!”38

“So are they!” Pointed out Madeleine, trying to point at the veiwscreens and careening wildly as a result. An explosion rocked the ship, shaking many of those who clung to their consoles free.39

“Losing life support!” someone screamed, and then, though there was still a tolerable amount of air left, let their panic take control and began choking and gasping as though in the middle of a vacuum. 40

“Set the Self destruct sequence.” Oberon ordered, trying to kill the mad spin his squirming had thrown him into and failing miserably. “Wait until those sons of bitches get close and then blow them out of the water.” Managing to get a hold on a nearby consol, he clung to it tightly as alarm claxon’s began to sound… by their slurred sound, the virus had managed to interfere with them as well. “Well, this has been a successful mission.” He uttered.41

“Sir, the self destruct function is not working!” a female private wailed, then another blast rocked the ship, some conduit or another was ruptured, sparks flew, and Oberon was thrown into darkness.42

*****43

Oberon Sabine, Captain of the Earth Endeavour, did not understand why he was waking up. If his memory wasn’t playing tricks on him, he should, by all rights, be dead now. Yet here he was. With a groan he tentatively explored the swollen, bleeding welt on the right side of his face. The motion sent him spinning across the deck, and bouncing off an unconscious crewmember. The air was thinning, and he had to inhale deeply just to get enough air to last him for what a normal mouthful usually did. Looking around him, he saw several of the crewmembers on the deck were conscious, including Madeleine, who floundered in the decompressing air.44

“What happened?” he asked, again clinging to the nearest consol to steady himself. “Why are we still alive?”45

“Give me a minute.” Madeleine said, “I’ll see if I can get the veiwscreens online.” Managing to achieve one of the consoles, she tampered with it, unsuccessfully. “No good.” She reported, “The system is fried, I can’t get veiwscreens online. I could open the veiwports, but we’d be vulnerable, and we’d only be able to see something if it was very close.”46

“We are already vulnerable. We need to know what is out there. Do it.” Oberon ordered. Madeleine nodded and a few moments later a hydraulic hiss sounded as the drop-shields on the veiwports began to roll back.47

“Captain…” someone uttered, their eyes turned up to the view revealing itself. Oberon jerked wildly until he managed to turn himself around. Seeing what had caused the crewman’s distress, he gasped. Not forty kilometre’s distant; a great silhouette was visible against the closest of Rimvii’s binary suns. Long and narrow, it hung there in space, miles upon miles in length. The legend he had been sent in search of had found him it seemed.48

Also visible were the two ships that had attacked them, or rather, what was left of them. In the shape of escape pods and debris, they were being collected and towed by miniatures of the supership hanging above. Tiny specks against the sun, another swarm of ships was visible, making their way towards the Earth Endeavour. With painful ease they made their slow approach, and then, with all manner of sinister looking hooks and claws, began to grapple the dead hulk of the Endeavour. With a groan of strained metal, the beat up ship lurched into motion, moving towards the looming supership.49

“They’re taking us into their hold!” exclaimed Madeleine as the entire veiwport was dominated by the enormous craft. The rectangular maw of an opening hold appeared on the side of the great ship as she spoke, grey against the black hue of the ship’s haul. Slowly they were enveloped, and then, with a metallic clang the great doors of the hold snapped shut behind the Endeavour and as the smaller ship came under the influence of its host’s gravity field, Oberon and the rest of the crew fell to the ground. Groaning, Oberon climbed to his feet, then turned to help Madeleine.50

The sound of the large hold compressing was next, followed by the slower, less steady hiss of air seeping through the holes in the Endeavour’s hull. Across the deck, the abandoned intercom station crackled with an incoming message. “Att…tion…. rran…vesse …this…s…aptain…Analex…. organ of the Mercenary…ip …Sagi…rius Arrow. We have medical staff on hand to…eat your wound… please be ad…sed…ey will be escort…en your airlock…pare to be board…. come to Rimvii.”51

Oberon looked at Madeleine, eyebrows raised. Across the large hanger bay that contained them, a large hatch slid open, admitting a parade of men and women who where indeed heavily armed. In no specific uniform, they proceeded towards the Endeavour, some carrying medical supplies, while others were clearly the “escort” and carried large swords of glowing alloys or bows, primed and ready to fire. Dampers were in effect then, for there was not a laser-based weapon in sight. “Open the Airlocks.” Oberon ordered. “Then give me ship wide intercom.52

“Attention crewmen, this is Captain Oberon Sabine. If you can hear me, I am ordering all Endeavour crewmembers to stand down. A potential ally is boarding us, and I want no hostilities destroying that possibility. Lay down your weapons and comply with our guests. Have patience and take courage, this issue will soon be resolved. That is all.” At the comm. consol, the private flicked the switch for the intercom off, nodding to affirm that he was off the air.53

“They are here sir.” Said another private shortly. At the door, a metallic squeal sounded as the boarders forced the door. With a rush of equalizing air pressure, they were in. Foremost of all who entered was a man of considerable height, five or more inches taller than Sabine himself. He bore no weapon, but by his bearing, size, and considerable musculature, he didn’t need one.54

His hair was blonde, almost white, and he looked to be in his mid thirties. He was clad in nothing but black trousers and a like-shaded leather vest, his well toned arms borne out for all to see. Striding across the room with his elbows turned out aggressively, he spotted Oberon’s rank and swerved to come and stand directly in front of him. Distastefully, he looked down on the Captain, expression no different than it might be if he looked down on a bug he was preparing to crush.55

With equal Vehemence, Oberon now looked back at him, for upon meeting the gaze of this man, he saw the trade mark slit pupils that provided the only outward sign to distinguish man from Dragon. With those cat-like yellow eyes, the man stared back, seemingly sensing the Captain’s discomfort and by all signs, taking pleasure from it.56

“Dragon!” Oberon spat, betraying his anger, and face contouring in hatred he crouched and, having lost all sense of reason, moved to ram his head into the alien man’s gut. He never got there, for only halfway through the charge the dragon laid him out flat with a solid punch to the jaw.57

Head snapping back, Captain Oberon Sabine landed in an unruly heap on the deck of his ruined ship. Upon impact, his eyes rolled up in his head and there he remained.58

“Wretch!” sang Madeleine, beginning to draw her weapon. She was subdued and pressed to her knees by the nearest of the invaders to her. Likewise actions were being taken with other, suddenly rebellious bridge crew. “Dragon filth!” the first mate went on, and would clearly have gone on further had she been given the chance.59

“Mordecai!” spoke a small woman, cutting Madeleine off. A mere five feet or less, she walked up to the tall dragon man and faced him fearlessly. “We were sent to help these people, not hurt them! Was this really necessary?”60

“Or course.” Replied the man called Mordecai, “he was ill with a common disease… insufferablity, now he is cured.” The woman’s only answer to his sarcasm was to glare at him. Then, turning, she bent and examined the prostrate Captain. 61

“Well,” she sniffed a moment later, “He doesn’t look too badly damaged… Take him to Analexii, she wanted to see him.” Then, standing, the little blonde woman looked at the rest of the Earth Endeavour’s crew, paying no more attention to Mordecai or the unconscious man he was carrying off the bridge. “The rest of you line up!” she snapped, “And let us take a look at you!”62

***** 63

When Oberon Sabine regained consciousness, he found himself in unfamiliar surroundings. Gone were the regulation walls of grey and the order and regularity of the Earth Endeavour Bridge. Instead he was in a darkly coloured room, painted in blacks and reds, and everywhere he looked was clutter, the nature of which assured him that he was no longer on the Earth Endeavour, or any ship governed by military codes for that matter.64

Head spinning and jaw aching, he sat up, searching angrily for his aggressor with every intention of resuming the fight. He did not find Mordecai Douglas though, or any face he knew, and yet he was not alone.65

Sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed on which he found himself, was a woman. As tall as Oberon himself, she stood when she saw he was awake and surveyed him. Long red hair unbound and hanging over her shoulders, and green eyes lucid and cleaver, she reminded Oberon more of a wood nymph than anything else. Though there was something about those eyes…66

“I am Analexii Morgan.” She spoke, “Mercinary Captain of the Sagittarius Arrow. Rest easy, you took a blow to the head… again. A foolish move, attacking a dragon, especially one who helped save your life. Are you alright?”67

“Yes, I’m fine.” Oberon managed at last, “What happened?”68

“Mordecai clocked you.” Analexii replied, smiling mischievously. “But you mean before that, don’t you? Rimvii is an unstable system Captain…”69

“Sabine. Oberon Sabine.” Oberon supplanted. “Of the Earth Endeavour.”70

“Captain Sabine. The ships that attacked you were of a rebel faction on the planet. We have been employed by the Rimvii government to quell that rebellion, you are fortunate that we were near, and that we recognized your distress codes to be of Terran origin. It is not uncommon for them to ambush ships coming into the system by commonly used routes. They have a lot of business; most people are too stupid or lazy to take the time to calculate an entry different from the one on the standard star charts.71

Oberon was silent for a long moment, considering a retort for the jab that had clearly been aimed at him. Thinking better of it, however, he rattled off a quick “Thank you for saving my ass,” – in a very formal, military way, of course – instead.72

“If you were really thankful, you would not have attacked one of my security officers.” The woman snapped back, vanquishing all gratefulness Oberon had been feeling towards her and re-igniting his anger.73

“He was a Dragon!” he spat back, “A villain, and enemy of our people!”74

“Your people!” Captain Morgan corrected, “I want no part in your petty squabble! As for your behaviour, he is a member of my crew, and will be treated with the same respect as me or anyone else!”75

Oberon did not speak immediately. He needed time to consider what to say. He was entirely unused to dealing with such a stubborn, spoiled, and overly opinionated woman as this, and found it hard to believe he was actually speaking with the captain of a star-ship… a super-ship yet.76

“Look,” said Oberon at last, and for the first time since being knocked off them, he climbed onto his feet. Wobbling slightly, he approached the woman until he had her eye to eye, and then began the lengthily process of staring her down. “As hard as this is for me to believe now, I came here looking for you. Obviously this was a big mistake, but I was under orders. I was sent to assess the threat your ship posed my government. Obviously, if you are hiring on dragons, I have my answer. The Earth Endeavour will be out of your bay by this time tomorrow.”77

“Yes it will. But for future reference, Captain, I do not hire on Dragons or Humans, I hire on people.” Captain Morgan affirmed. “Since your business is concluded, I see no reason to keep you… Gwnfor!” At her call, the doors to her quarters opened and yet another dragon entered, this one dark haired, dark eyed, and undoubtedly more than a match of Oberon. He carried a sword of silver alloy, fixed to his back by a magnetic holster of some sort. Hatred for the dragon race seething within him, Oberon gaped, open-mouthed, at the leather clad Dragon and then glared at the Captain Analexii Morgan.78

“Gwnfor,” she said, smiling sweetly at Oberon, “Captain Sabine wishes to return to his crew. Escort him please.” Gwnfor nodded, and gestured for Oberon to follow him, then turned and left the room without a word. Equally silent, Oberon Sabine followed; frown still deeply imprinted on his features.79

***** 80

“I don’t know, Captain,” spoke Austin Lee, Oberon’s long time friend and the Earth Endeavour’s chief engineer. “It’ll take a lot longer than a day to get her flying again, if ever she can.” Sadly, the slight man shook his head. “Even Noree and Templeton don’t think it can be done.” He finished.81

“Noree and who?” Oberon asked, bewildered.82

“Templeton.” Austin returned, flipping a thumb over his shoulder to indicate the two mercenary crewmen Oberon had been pointedly ignoring until then. “They’re crew of the Arrow, a mechanic and an Engineer, they’ve been helping us assess damages. It doesn’t look good boss, for one, she’ll need a whole new haul… and then a complete rewiring, and even so, the structure sustained considerable laser damage.”83

Waving him to silence, Oberon looked over his companion’s shoulder to the individuals indicated. Noree was female, and human, barely. She was slight, but tall, with purple eyes and blue hair spiked up all over her skull. Dressed in a tight jumpsuit of shimmering pink, she had not failed to draw the eyes of several of the Endeavour’s crew. Templeton had the same eye drawing effect, but in quite another way. Shorter than Noree by and inch, he was a mysterious figure, only his hands and the top part of his face showing around the distinct desert garb and turban he wore. All Oberon could tell of him was that he was human, white, and that he had blue eyes. Oberon did not like him anyways.84

“And you let them?” he quizzed his engineer. The man looked confused. “Never mind. Listen, whether it is possible or not, I want this ship off the ground and travel worthy in twenty-three hours. And Austin, watch them carefully.” So saying, Oberon turned and walked away.85

***** 86

“The Terran ship is irreparable.” Gwnfor Whiteryder stated. “The second they try to fly the thing it will fall apart.”87

“I know.” answered Analexii Morgan, twirling a long strand of her red hair absently around her finger. Thoughtful expression on her face, she looked at her second in command. “Do you respect me Gwnfor?”88

“That’s off topic.” The dragon pointed out.89

“I’m aware of that. Answer my question.” Smiling slightly, an expression that showed he would humour her request, Gwnfor leaned against the bulkhead and stared at her from across the room.90

“I respect you,” he answered, “As much as any sensible Dragon is able to respect a species he considers his inferior.” Analexii did not know whether to smile or frown, and wound up doing a little of both. “If this is about that Captain Sobbing,” the dragon when on, “Put it out of your mind, this crew is loyal to you, we have no reason not to be.”91

“Captain Sabine,” Analexii corrected, “And what about when this crew does have a reason to betray me?”92

“Worry about it then.” Said Gwnfor with a shrug. “And now, back to the matter at hand. That junk heap in bay one, how do you want to deal with it?”93

“Strip it, Vacuum what we can’t recycle into space.” She answered, “But get a sample of the nanobots used in the rebel weaponry to Lorcan, tell him to analyze it, design a Anti-virus, and add it to our library.”94

“And what of the ship’s crew?” asked Gwnfor, “If Captain Sabine got upset over our half-breed…” his voice lowered as he spoke of Mordecai, “He will not take kindly to us ‘recycling’ his ship.”95

“I’ll deal with Captain Sabine.” Analexii said. “We’ll keep him and his crew onboard until we pass an Alliance planet.” Absently she fiddled with the loose strung collar of her shirt and then surveyed herself in the full-length mirror attached to her wall. “In the meantime, continue patrolling the sector, we’ve wasted enough time with this ordeal, the Rimvii government won’t be pleased if we miss our deadline.”96

“You intend to take those… governmentals with us?” Gwnfor asked, raising a sceptical eyebrow. His Captain ignored the gesture and shrugged.97

“If we don’t run into an Alliance ship between here and the system core… unlikely… then I don’t see as we have much of a choice. Unless you want to give them the Firehawk.” At the mention of his personal spacecraft, Gwnfor scowled darkly and shook his head. “Besides, I don’t know why we shouldn’t, Oberon Sabine was sent to observe us in action, I say we let him. Besides, he has it in his head that we’re a threat, and if we don’t want every Alliance ship we come across opening fire on us, we need to do our best to change his mind.”98

“I don’t see why it matters,” Gwnfor returned, speaking around a disdaining sneer, “We don’t exactly frequent Alliance worlds, and unless there is something your not telling me we’re not going to start.” Analexii looked at the reflection of her first mate standing behind her in the mirror. Almost unnoticeably the corners of her mouth twitched and tightened. Turning, she walked to a nearby veiwscreen and looked at the image the hull sensors were broadcasting onto the screen.99

“Perhaps that was true, but not necessarily so any longer.” She answered, “We’ve been hiring out the Sagittarius Arrow for nearly three years now, but rumour of our existence has only begun to get around. We are known of now, in more than just a few independent sectors. As our reputation grows, we will only have more and more situations like this one, it will be better if we deal with this now.”100

“Surely you don’t mean too…” he began falteringly; “Hire this ship out to the Alliance?”101

“No, of course not.” Analexii assured, “Hiring out to any large factions is a bad idea, we won’t survive too large a conflict, not without loosing the Arrow to whoever we ally ourselves with.” Now she looked at her first mate, “Don’t worry, I have everything under control.”102

With a hiss, her chamber door opened even as she spoke, and Colin Pelham, the ship’s primary pilot, entered. Blue eyes full of concern and body rigid with stress he came to stand before his Captain. For a moment he stood and stared at her silently, perhaps unsure of where to begin, and dread growing in her, Analexii stared back, certain that something was wrong.103

“Captain,” the man gasped at last, “A dragon Man’o’war and two battleships have just exited a fold on the starboard side of the Arrow, They’re requesting permission to come aboard.” Eyes wide, Analexii looked to Gwnfor, and, one eyebrow raised, he stared back. On the veiwscreen, a picture of the three ships materialized where only a moment ago there had been nothing portrayed but stars.104

“I think things just got a lot more complicated.” Gwnfor spoke, voice flat and calm in spite of the evolving situation. “Still think you can make Oberon Sabine change his mind?105

***** 106

“They have dragons on this ship!” Oberon spat, making no attempt to mask his hatred as he spoke of the Alliance’s long time enemy.107

He was back with his crew now, relaxing in the large quarters that had been afforded to them. The décor was quite different from that in the Captain’s room, the walls lighter, the bulkheads bare, and the furniture a collection of assorted styles. Still, though not so lovingly decorated, their accommodations were more than acceptable, all except for their hosts.108

“Dragons!” he repeated, sitting across from him, Madeleine frowned, an expression mirrored in varying degrees by all other crewmembers present. Most of the crew was present, only Austin Lee and his engineers were absent, still working busily on the Earth Endeavour.109

“You’ve seen them?” asked the first officer.110

“Of course, two of them, and I don’t doubt there are more on board!” Oberon returned.111

“I don’t see how this is of any consequence.” Stated Kieran, the endeavours own medical officer, from where he sat, healing body riddled with braces and slings. Ironically, the doctor had been on of the most severely injured in the rebel attack. Trying to face Oberon, his body was twisted around to compensate for the brace on his neck. “They saved our lives, they didn’t have to do that, nor would they have if the situation on board was as dire as you make it out to be.”112

Some of the crew agreed, some disapproved, strongly, and Oberon had to stop the escalating argument with a firm command for silence.113

“I’ve already made my decision,” he said, “As soon as the Endeavour is flight worthy, we’re leaving. We’ll return to command and tell them the Sagittarius Arrow is already under the sway of the enemy.”114

“You have no proof of that!” protested the doctor.115

“They’re here, what more proof do you need?” Madeleine hissed. The doctor couldn’t see her, but managed to send a glare towards her general vicinity regardless.116

“Even if there are dragons on board,” said Bonnie, the only engineer whose injuries had kept her from working on the Endeavour. “There is no proof that they’re anything but mercenaries or pirates, just like everyone else on this ship. If humans can segregate themselves from the Alliance, there is no reason Dragons can’t live independently of the Empire. They could have nothing to do with our war!”117

“Or everything!” Oberon returned, and then broke off his argument to look at the door, through which Austin Lee and the other engineers were filing. Disturbed by the look on his friend’s face, he stood.118

“Is the Earth Endeavour ready to leave?” he asked. Hesitant to answer, Austin looked at Oberon and then at every member of the remaining crew in turn.119

“She’s more than ready to go.” He answered at last, voice grim. “She’s gone.” Waiting for the chorus of questions to die, the engineer came further into the room and sat down next to Madeleine. “The mercs came in and booted us out of the hanger.” Austin explained, “What they haven’t stripped and recycled, they’ve vacuumed into space.”120

“What?” Oberon cried, anger flaring up once again, this time far beyond anything it had been previously. His anger, though, along with his cry, was drowned out by the equally upset raging of the Endeavour’s surviving crew. Only Doctor Kieran remained stubbornly silent.121

“I have more news.” Austin spoke, by his tone betraying that the Endeavour’s destruction was only the beginning of their problems. “Before we were hustled away, we saw a party of dragons being escorted from another bay. One of them was Luther Redaunis.”122

“Redaunis, Luther!” Oberon said, unconsciously quoting the intelligence files on the Alliance’s enemies. “Admiral in the dragon battlefleet, brother of the emperor, Mateyis Redaunis? That Luther Redaunis?” Austin only nodded.123

“Damn!” Madeleine exclaimed, then she looked furiously between doctor Kieran and the engineer, Bonnie. “So, still think our hosts are as innocent and well meaning as they’ve been pretending to be?” Bonnie reddened, either in embarrassment or anger, Kieran continued to ignore his superior, staring pointedly at the nearest veiwscreen, on which no ships were visible, and not even twitching and eye to acknowledge he’d heard any of the things just said.124

“Now what do we do?” Madeleine asked, ignoring the doctor with the same determination he held against acknowledging her. “Our ship is gone, we can’t warn the Alliance command, we’re stuck here, and who knows how long it will be before they get sick of humouring us and dump us out the airlock too!”125

“I don’t know.” Oberon admitted, “but somehow we’ll stop them, even if it means destroying this ship.” As the last words left his mouth, the hatch opened and a single crewman entered. In spite of his being alone, there was not a man in the room who did not take a large step back.126

This was because the crewman was green, eight feet tall, and had another eight feet of tail trailing behind his body. He was Quain of course; many of the crew had seen them, for they were a common sight and a common species. No matter how many Quain one saw in a lifetime however, it was always difficult for a person to stop being startled by them, and this Quain was no exception to the rule.127

He was sixteen and a half feet long in total, not nearly as large as some, but formidable all the same. His reptilian face was fat with youth still, so he could not be over one hundred. Like the Cobras of earth, he had a hood of flesh that stretched down the back of his head; it was folded now though, thankfully, for it only extended in anger. His whole appearance was snake-like, all but for his arms and upper body, which resembled somewhat the body of a human, only bigger and stronger… his shoulders were over three feet wide! 128

In spite of their frightening size and strength, Quain were normally gentle, and with the exception of the Quain order of light, the Terran Alliance had never had a problem with them, nor had anyone else for that matter.129

Now though, to see a Quain on the crew of the Arrow was disconcerting, for if he were as peaceful and gentle as others of his race, why would he be on a Mercenary ship? Even Oberon leaned back in his seat, not at all sure what to expect.130

“Captain Sabine.” Hissed the snake-like life form, folding his hands over his chest. Trying not to tremble, Oberon stood. “Captain,” said the Quain, and nodded his head respectfully, “The Lady Captain Morgan calls for you. She wishes for you to have a tour of the ship, and then join her on the command deck. I have been sent to guide you, and answer those of your questions that I am able.”131

Quain had a way for being long-winded, if anyone else had been sent, man or dragon, his instructions would have been more along the lines of “Hey, you, Follow me!” On the other hand, had his assigned escort been anything but Quain, Oberon may have refused the offer. As it was, he thought better of it, and looking over his shoulder, surveyed his crew. 132

“I’ll be back.” He said.133

***** 134

“I am Lorcan, of Stilidan, of the house Silverscale. Here, I am munitions supervisor, among other things…” spoke the Quain as, a few moments later, he led Oberon down the long hall of the Sagittarius Arrow. Feeling small and alone, Captain Sabine followed, doing his best not to step on his guide’s massive slithering tail.135

“Why…” began Oberon falteringly, when the few moments of silence following the Quain’s introduction grew uncomfortable. He had been about to ask why the Quain was on board the Arrow, but thinking better of it, snapped his mouth shut. Face twisted in an expression somewhat like a raised eyebrow among humans, the Quain looked at him inquiringly. 136

“Why don’t you tell me about your ship, it seems a remarkable piece of work.” Oberon supplemented at last, following the Quain as he slithered off the main corridor and into a large lab hosting several consoles and a large lab station.137

“It is a remarkable piece of work.” The Quain affirmed, “The only known super-ship left in the universe.” Nimbly his large fingers worked a consol that was obviously specially made to accommodate him. A moment later, an image materialized on the nearby screen. It was a super-ship, but not the Sagittarius Arrow. Oberon knew because he recognized it, as would have any officer of the Terran Alliance.138

“The Quest of Galahad.” He uttered. Lorcan nodded.139

“The Quest of Galahad.” Affirmed the Quain, “The largest Super-ship ever built. Terran vessel, forty-eight miles in length, six thousand Cannon ports, auxiliary laser banks, forty hanger decks, carrying capacity of a maximum of sixteen thousand crew members. Disappeared fifteen years ago at the onset of hostilities between the Terran Alliance and the Dragon Empirium while in transit to the battle front.”140

“Yes, I remember. Numerous searches were conducted for it, but it was never found.” Oberon stated. “It is the third of four super-ships that have disappeared without explanation. None of the crew was ever recovered.” He paused and frowned, “Do you mean to say…” Lorcan nodded, and pressed a few more keys.141

The super-ship, a pencil-like design, now melded into the Sagittarius arrow, a still lengthily, but more curvaceous shape. The hull expanded, and the wings disappeared, replaced by the eight pointed extensions of the arrow that grew up out of the hull in three rings down its length. Its shade darkened to the black and red, completing the transformation.142

“The Sagittarius Arrow.” Lorcan said. “Emerged five years ago under the command of one Analexii Morgan. Super-ship and Mercenary vessel.” The snake-man paused, “Forty-nine miles long, six-thousand cannon ports with auxiliary laser banks, forty hanger decks, carrying capacity, sixteen thousand… Current crew compliment, one hundred hands.”143

“That’s less than a tenth of its capacity!” Oberon exclaimed. “She shouldn’t even be able to run!”144

“We have mad considerable modifications.” Lorcan returned. “We have added an extra hull, bringing the total to three. We have also modified our gravity sails to a more efficient design. All technology onboard has been modified, technology that once needed dozens of hands to function needs only one technician.” 145

“How?” Oberon asked.146

“Various technologies have gone into this ship.” Lorcan explained, voice full of pride. “While your fleets and the fleets of your enemies center all your technology around your own discoveries, the Arrow is a combination of different technology, developed throughout the entire universe. With no prejudices to limit who why buy from, our ship can easily be considered the most advanced in this entire galaxy!” 147

“I still don’t see how so few people can operate a ship of this size.” Oberon stated, unable to keep the awe out of his voice. Obviously proud of his ship, Lorcan flicked his tongue out of his mouth and raised himself still higher on end.148

“We do rely heavily on the computer to run our unmanned systems.” He said, “As a result, to prevent any kind of A.I. development, we have to purge our systems daily rather than bi-weekly, and reprogram our mainframe monthly, instead of yearly. It can grow a bit tedious, but what is necessary is necessary, and it saves us the trouble of having to take on unreliable crew, and of having to pay them.”149

“Is it that much of a problem?” Oberon asked, “Keeping extra crew?”150

“We’re a mercenary ship, sir.” Lorcan said, “Every extra hand is an extra share to be taken from our winnings. We don’t have an interplanetary government, or even a planetary one to pay our maintenance costs, we have to earn our own way. Everything that doesn’t go into our pockets goes into this ship, and the fewer pockets there are, the better. Once you see the whole ship, you’ll understand why it has to be so, and why our price tag is so high.” Again, Lorcan flicked his forked tongue, “Should we continue with our tour?”151

*****152

Despite the effort involved in touring such a large ship, Analexii Morgan’s crew never got tired of showing her off to guests. The Captain of the star-ship watched from consoles on the command deck as two such tours took place. On one screen was Lorcan, his enthusiasm plainly visible on his face as he guided the Alliance Captain Oberon Sabine through the bowls of the ship, showing him propulsion technology and power generators as if there was something more than their size that made them unique. On another were Adina Moratura and Danaut Blacklaw, two of the fifteen dragon crewmen on the Arrow, walking Luther Redaunis and his entourage through one of the starboard hanger decks. This always seemed to be a favourite of the crew, if only because they got to show off the assortment of junky little ships and shuttles that had been their homes before they’d signed on with the Arrow.153

No matter how grand the Arrow was, it seemed she always had competition as the pride and joy of the crew with that motley little fleet of shuttles and cruisers.154

“Captain,” spoke Gwnfor from above. Tearing her eyes away from the screens, Analexii looked to her first mate where he stood on the platform that hosted the pilot’s chair. Other than the two of them, there was only Colin on the command deck. “All is ready to depart quickly, should the need arise. As soon as the dragons are on their way… or perhaps a bit sooner, we can leave.”155

“Our job here is not done.” Analexii reminded. “The Rimvii tribune will not pay for only half of the rebel forces.”156

“But can we risk staying here? With both Alliance and Dragon forces aware of our position?” the dragon asked, frowning deeply.157

“Don’t worry, neither party wishes to offend us, I think that they will give us time to consider their proposals, by the time they run out of patience, we’ll be long gone.” Analexii replied. “The tours are almost done with now, soon they will be gone, and we can continue with our hunt.”158

“The sooner the better.” Gwnfor said, tone bitter enough to make Analexii check the drift of her eyes towards the veiwscreens before her and move them back to rest on him. “I have no love for the Redaunis Dynasty, I’ll breathe easier when they are off my ship and on their way.”159

“Your ship?” Analexii quizzed, and her first mate’s expression hardened.160

“You know what I mean.” He growled.161

“Captain,” crackled Adina’s voice over the intercom, preventing the conversation from going any deeper. “Just out of curiosity, you wanted us to keep the Dragons away from the Endeavour crew, right?”162

“Yes,” said Analexii, “Why?”163

“Oh, no reason. You might just want to warn me though, before you send them out to roam the halls.” Adina said. Racing back to the consol, Analexii watched as the scene in the hanger deck dissolved into chaos. Oberon’s first mate, as well as at least six others, had, it seemed, found their way into the hanger deck. Now, both sides being unarmed, they fought like savages, hand-to-hand, Luther’s men fighting to protect their leader and Oberon’s to destroy him164

“Do you need back-up?” Gwnfor asked, now able to hear the sounds of the scuffle over the comm. Still unable to see it over the screen though, he had no idea how foolish his question seemed.165

“Well, you know…” said Adina, tone droll, “Need is a strong word, but yeah, in this case it fits pretty well.” In spite of the situation, her voice was typically calm and her sarcasm typically dragon.166

“Hang on Adina, we’re on our way.” Analexii said, then, depressing a button on the consol, continued in a stronger tone. “Security squad to hanger thirteen, repeat, all available security to hanger bay thirteen.” Now she stepped away from the consol and picked up her own weapon from where it lay, strapping the sword to her back and heading for the door. “Gwnfor, you’re with me. Colin, you have command.” She shouted over her shoulder.167

***** 168

“What’s going on?” Oberon asked, looking down the length of the corridor as the lights dimmed and a long tone sounded.169

“Lockdown.” Lorcan stated, reaching into the belt he wore slung four feet down his length, the Quain drew out a small silver sphere and threw it into the air. It sailed three feet and then stopped, hovering at the Quain’s eye level. “Gwnfor.” Spoke Lorcan, and a moment later, an image of the Arrow’s first mate materialized in the form of a small holographic rectangle that sprouted from the bottom of the sphere.170

“Trouble?” the Quain queried. 171

“A couple of guests are knocking heads in hanger thirteen.” The first mate answered, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Clearly he found the situation funny. “Suppression teams have already been dispatched, it will be over before you can list the participants.”172

“Wait a minute.” Oberon said, coming between Lorcan and sphere and rising himself up on tiptoe to be sure the dragon saw him. “Does this involve my crew?”173

“You aren’t the brightest bulb on the tree are you?” Gwnfor returned, “Yes, your crew has decided to thank us for our hospitality in a very original way.”174

“I’m coming, where are they?”175

“You should stay here.” Hissed Lorcan, dragging out his S’s more than usual. Oberon started to protest, but Gwnfor got there first.176

“Oh bring him! He can smack his face into Mordecai’s fist again, seven or eight in the brig, it makes no difference to me!” in the background, the Captain’s voice sounded as she called for her first mate’s aide. He glanced over his shoulder, then back at the screen. “See you soon!” he sang, then reached his hand out to grab the camera, obviously a similar device. For a moment, the screen was black, then the hologram fizzled out of existence altogether. Reaching out, Lorcan caught the silver sphere and replaced it in his belt. 177

“Let’s go.” Spoke the Quain.178

***** 179

The scene in the hanger bay had played out by the time Oberon arrived in tow of Lorcan. The ship’s security officers had suppressed the fighting and now a sturdy wall of well armed and mean looking mercs stood between the two quarrelling factions.180

Having been outnumbered from the start, the Earth Endeavour crew had gotten the worst of the brawl, and now sat about on various crates and junk heaps, nursing their welts and bruises. On the other side of the hanger, the Dragons stood, eyes on fire with lust to finish the battle. A little more willing to let the Arrow crew handle things, their leader, Luther Redaunis stood behind their protective ranks, yelling insults and threats passed them to Analexii where she stood a few feet away.181

His technique did not appear to be working, and this was no surprise. In the first place, the great Admiral Redaunis had such a rank for one reason only, his brother was Emperor. He was not in any way an impressive specimen overall, for though he was tall, his build was rather lanky. His face, though he had to be at least in his late thirties, was still boyish and fat.182

Secondly, while Luther was not a prime specimen, Analexii Morgan was. Though three inches shorter than the Admiral, she looked more than capable of taking him, and there was no doubt that she would if she had to. Even Gwnfor, just as tall as the Admiral but of far better build, would likely find a near even match in the Arrow’s female Captain.183

The only thing Luther did have going for him was that he was an admiral, that and the fact that the three ships of war floating off the Arrow’s starboard side were under his command. In spite of his general incompetence Luther knew this, and seemed determined to exploit it to its uttermost extent.184

“I was sent here in good faith, Ms. Morgan…” He was saying185

“Captain Morgan!” Analexii corrected, “And nobody asked you to come, what we’re doing and who we have on board is none of your business!”186

“Until they attacked me it was none of my business… Now, I’m making it!” Luther shouted. “These are Alliance troops, I know it, and unless you hand them over to me immediately, I’ll be forced to declare you a collaborator and cut off all business dealings between us!”187

“We don’t want your business anyways!” Analexii cried, “We’ve never wanted dealings with you or the Terran Alliance. That hasn’t changed!”188

“The Imperial forces are a powerful enemy, Captain, you’d do well to consider what the implications of your refusal are, now, while I’m still feeling generous.”189

For a long moment, it looked as though Analexii meant to continue the argument, after a long pause though - in which it was plain she was going over her options - her shoulders slumped and the pride and anger faded from her eyes.190

“We will discuss this later.” She conceded, looking towards the Endeavour crew and spotting Oberon. “Elsewhere.” added the Arrow’s Captain. Sensing that he had won the immediate argument, Luther smiled and bowed courteously.191

“Of course.” He murmured, tone only just loud enough to carry to Oberon. “I will return to my ship and await your convenience.” Now the Dragon Admiral looked expectantly at Gwnfor, who had stood all this while next to his Captain. The Arrow’s first mate glared back.192

“Gwnfor,” Analexii spoke, tone wary. “Escort the Admiral back to his shuttle.” Seemingly displeased with his assignment, Gwnfor uttered a sound that was half growl, half groan, and with a gesture that indicated Luther and his men should follow, turned and left the deck.193

“Well,” spoke Madeleine, coming to stand by Oberon and drawing his attention from the Captain. Her tone was low, and Oberon had to lean in to catch what she said. “I guess that makes it pretty clear where we stand. What do you want to do?”194

“Not go home with the dragons as a trophy of war.” Oberon returned. Glancing around him to make sure none of the Arrow’s crew was within earshot, he leaned still closer to his first officer. “Listen, I’ve been talking to the Quain, he says there are only about a hundred mercs on board.” Madeleine exclaimed in disbelief, “I think he is telling the truth.” Oberon rushed on, “If that is so, the Alliance may add the Arrow to her ranks yet. Spread the word, when I give the order, we’re taking control of this ship.”195

“How?” Madeleine queried. Over her shoulder though, Oberon saw Captain Morgan approaching.196

“You let me worry about that.” He replied, “Now go, and be careful, walls have ears.” Glancing over her shoulder, Madeleine saw the Arrow’s captain and scurried away. Eyebrows raised, Analexii came to stand before Oberon.197

“I hope you were finding out why your crew was roaming the halls of my ship unsupervised.” She said, tone flat. “Because I’m rather curious about that myself.”198

“They were looking for me.” Oberon answered. For a moment there was silence between them. “Captain Morgan,” he began at last, “My crew, they’ll be returned home safely, won’t they?” Turning her face away from him, the female captain sighed.199

“Captain Sabine, I wish I could give you a definite answer on that.” Again there was a long pause of silence. “We will see,” she went on at last. “You have put me in a hard place, certain decisions may be needed to get me out of it again. In the meantime, keep your crew out of my hair.”200

***** 201

“They’re driving me insane!” Analexii spat, several minutes had passed and at last all in hanger bay thirteen had been brought under control, allowing her to return to her place on the command deck. She sat in the pilot’s chair, now vacated by Colin since the likelihood of going anywhere soon was an ever-decreasing one.202

Before her, Gwnfor gazed absently at the images the hull sensors broadcast onto the bridge’s veiwscreens. Ahead was empty space, on one side the three dragon ships that Analexii was referring to, and behind, the small ball of earth, air, and water that was Rimvii prime.203

“We could have had this system cleaned out by now, and be halfway home, if it wasn’t for them holding us up!” the captain went on, “They’re causing us to lose money… I don’t like it.”204

“Luther Redaunis is off our ship, we should just go.” This came from Gwnfor, who did not even turn from the screen to voice his opinion.205

“And have the whole Dragon fleet up in arms against us because we helped Alliance soldiers escape them?” Analexii asked. “Call me crazy, but that sounds a little like choosing sides to me.” Gwnfor shrugged.206

“So give them what they want.” He said, “Put Captain Sabine and his men into the care of Luther and make for home.”207

“That’s hardly and option.” The Captain argued, “The Alliance would find out we’d dumped their boys and we’d have them riding our backsides all across the galaxy. Luther would probably make a point of telling the Alliance command about it, just to insure our fealty. Then it would be only a matter of time before we were tied to the Empire forever. Even if they didn’t, the Earth Endeavour was searching for us when it was destroyed, it won’t take the Alliance long to put two and two together.”208

“Not necessarily,” Gwnfor returned with a shrug, “It is a long way between Earth and Rimvii, things happen. Besides, the Endeavour’s remains won’t last long to prove she even got here, there are already a dozen scavenger ships fighting over what we shot out the airlock.”209

“Things happen,” Analexii agreed, “but people who see them talk about them. Rimvii isn’t exactly a close-knit community, the rebels would do a lot to get rid of us, even talk to the Alliance. Don’t forget, Captain Sabine’s ship isn’t the only scrap metal floating around out there. The rebellion lost a couple as well, and they won’t forget it.”210

“Analexii, I don’t see as you have much of a choice.” Spoke Gwnfor, “Luther wants blood, and it will either be theirs or ours. As much as I dislike the Redaunis clan, I’m not going to risk my hide just to thwart their bloodlust. If you want to give them a sporting chance, put the Alliance crew in escape pods and let them take their chances, if Luther catches them, good for him, but of he doesn’t, at least it’s no fault of ours.”211

“Gwnfor, did it ever occur to you that once we brought these people onboard, they became our responsibility?” Gwnfor shook his head, and Analexii sighed, “I don’t like this any more than you do, I wish neither Captain Sabine or the dragons had found us, but they have, and we have to deal with it, the right way.”212

“There is no right way!” her first mate offered, “We are not soldiers, we are not bound by some obscure moral code! What we do doesn’t need to be the perfect solution, only the perfect one for us. Meaning,” he pressed on, “Whichever one gets us out of this situation alive. Now, if we have to sacrifice a handful of Alliance soldiers to accomplish this, then so be it!”213

“Well, excuse me if I don’t see things in such simple shades as you do!” Analexii snapped, “The fact of the matter is…” she began, but never finished, as she was cut off by the sounds of the command deck’s hatch sliding open. A moment later, Fleur Jefferson, the Arrow’s security chief, sauntered up onto the upper platform of the command deck, the ship’s secondary pilot, Danaut Blacklaw trailing behind her. As she approached, she looked to her companion214

“Don’t you just love it when you walk into a room and everything goes deadly quiet?” she quizzed, speaking loud enough for all present to hear her. Danaut, in his usual quiet way, only smiled at the remark. “Well Cap’n,” the security chief went on as she drew closer, “You going to let us in on the joke?”215

“It is not of your business.” Gwnfor snapped. The dragon glared at the two invading crewmembers, his gaze resting primarily on Danaut as he obviously moved to assert his dominance over the other dragon.216

“This business concerns the whole ship.” Analexii corrected, “Every one of us is going to be impacted by this decision, so I don’t see why they shouldn’t at least know about it.” Ignoring the subsequent shift of Gwnfor’s glare from Danaut to her, Analexii spoke briefly of their situation. 217

“Tough call,” Fleur said when the explanation was complete. Throwing her blonde, but greying, hair over her shoulder she sighed. “And Gwnfor wants to dump the Endeavour crew I guess.” Analexii nodded affirmation, “There are those that might say a fox shouldn’t sit on the jury at a goose’s trial. In this case, I have to go with Gwn though; we can’t afford to have the dragons as an enemy. They are too powerful, whereas the Alliance is too busy fighting the dragons to bother with us.”218

Analexii slumped her shoulders and looked uncertainly between her first mate and her chief or security. “Do you really thing so?” she asked, then, without waiting for an answer, groaned. “Maybe you are right…”219

“They are not!” spat Danaut, the dark haired dragon staring defiantly at Gwnfor and Fleur, his usual shyness momentarily forgotten. “You’re talking about people’s lives, not a debate over who gets the biggest heap of scrap metal!” Analexii frowned and Gwnfor stepped closer to the other dragon, stance intimidating.220

“We’re mercenaries, Danaut, it’s not exactly the kind of career to be in if you’re squeamish about taking lives.” Fleur pointed out. “It’s nothing we haven’t done before.”221

“Oh yes it is!” the pilot argued, “We fight for a living, against those who fight back. These people don’t have a chance, turning them over to the dragons would be as good as murder. We may as well be humane and vacuum them into space.”222

“I’m all for that.” Gwnfor said, drawing a glare from Danaut. “Or would be, if I though it would solve any of our problems.” He added, returning the other dragon’s scowl.223

“Hey! How about this!” Fleur said, “Luther only saw a few of the Alliance soldiers, why don’t we just turn them over to him and hide the others?”224

“I don’t think Oberon would stand for it.” Analexii stated, “He’d be more likely to risk the whole lot of them in a fight rather than complacently turn a handful of them over. Alliance Captain’s tend to think that way… no wonder I never lasted at the university.”225

“It doesn’t make sense,” Gwnfor argued, “Sacrificing a few for the greater good of all is nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes it is necessary, to try and avoid it by risking other lives needlessly displays a stupidity only the Alliance could be capable of. It disgusts me to think their government promotes such behaviour.” Shaking his head he snorted, “I don’t understand it.”226

“I wouldn’t expect you to.” Danaut said, “How could I? You are every bit as barbaric as Luther! There is such a quality as selflessness however, and such a thing as loyalty, and if it is stupid to believe in such things, well then I’d much rather be stupid.”227

“You already are!” spat Gwnfor, “If you are so in love with Alliance Morals, you should join them and stop wasting your time with all of us immoral mercenaries.”228

“Perhaps I already would have, if I thought they would take an arrogant dragon.” Now, his former shyness returning, the pilot snapped his mouth shut. Lips pressed into a thin line and eyes flaming, he faced the three collaborators a moment and then turned and retreated to the farthest edge of the dais on which the pilot’s chair rested. For a moment he stood there in brooding silence while the others present continued the conversation without him.229

“Damn it this is complicated!” Analexii spat. “No matter what we do, someone is going to be displeased by our decision. I should have picked an easier job.” For a minute, she too was silent, clicking her fingers on the arms of her chair while she thought. “I don’t want to turn them over, but at the same time…”230

Fleur nodded to show her understanding. Gwnfor stood solidly, his arms folded over his chest as he waited, almost patiently, for his inferior companions to come to the same conclusion as he had. Then there was Danaut, still standing off to the side, his back turned rebelliously away from his companions.231

“Perhaps we should turn to the crew.” Gwnfor suggested at last, “As you’ve already stated, it should be as much their choice as ours. I can speak for most of the dragons; they and anyone with sharp wits will choose their own survival over that of the Alliance men.”232

Sharp and intrusive, a tone sounded, signalling a hail and banishing all thoughts of their current topic from the minds of the crew. Danaut disappeared down onto the main floor of the command deck and a moment later his voice drifted up to them. It was the dragons. Analexii gave the order to put it through.233

An instant later, a holographic image of Luther Redaunis leapt up from the projector on the floor in front of the veiwscreens. The dragon admiral looked as much his part as anyone with his physique was capable of being. For one, he wore a full suit of armour of the typical dragon style, but modified to befit one of his station. He also stood ramrod straight, his hands folded behind his back, his pointy chin proudly raised.234

“Captain Morgan,” he spoke, tone rigid, “I realize that I told you to contact me at your convenience, but I am growing impatient. I am a busy man and I do not like to be kept waiting. I have no wish to harm you, or any of your crew, but you are making it increasingly difficult for us to conduct our business in a reasonable way. The seven soldiers who attacked me, I want them, and any other Alliance men you have on board. I trust you will have no problems with satisfying my request?”235

Clenching her fists to keep her fingers still, Analexii met Luther’s gaze, then looked from him to Gwnfor, Fleur, and Danaut, who had returned to the upper command deck. Flexing her fists and grind her teeth, she at last looked back at the image of Luther.236

“Of course not.” She spoke from between clenched teeth, “I’ve meant to turn them over to you all along. It is just a matter of how to go about it.”237

“If it is troops you need…” Luther began, but Analexii waved the suggestion off, forcing a smile to her face.238

“No, it is not problem, we’ll have them ready for transfer within the hour.” She said. Squinting his eyes, the Admiral glared at her suspiciously.239

“An hour is along time to change ones mind.” He spoke, tone warning, “But in the interest of our continued friendship, I’m willing to give you the benefit of doubt. Very well, in sixty minutes exactly, I’ll be expecting your call.” He frowned, “Do not disappoint me!”240

With a sharp snap, he disconnected the communication, and his hologram rolled into oblivion, the light it had cast fading rapidly to leave the bridge in darkness. Danaut, who stood behind the pilot’s chair, remained stiff and still for only a moment, then turned on Analexii.241

“I will have no part in this!” he snapped, then spun and stormed off the dais. Standing, Analexii called for him to return, but Danaut wasn’t listening. “Go to hell!” he shouted in parting, and then was off the command deck, the hatch hissing shut behind him.242

His departure left the bridge in temporary silence. The Sagittarius Arrow was a mercenary ship, and it was undeniable that it lacked certain military discipline found on other ships. Still, as rag-tag as the crew was, they had always respected the chain of command, a tradition that Danaut had just broken.243

At last, Analexii regained her senses, and turning, looked at the two remaining crewmembers. As shocked as her, Fleur stood open mouthed, while unmoved from his former position, Gwnfor only looked contemptuous of the whole affair.244

“Let him go.” Said the Dragon, “We don’t need him… so, do you really mean to give Luther the prisoners, or were you just being stupid?”245

“I guess that depends on how you would define stupidity.” Analexii answered. “Put it this way, Luther may not get what he asked for, but he’ll get what he deserves.”246

***** 247

“Bloody Damn hell!” Madeleine spat, and jumped down from the chair on which she stood. Oberon grabbed her arm as she tottered unsteadily. “The ventilation grates are wielded in place. We won’t be getting out that way.” She sighed, and rubbed her hands, red where the sharp corners of the grate had dug into his flesh. This done, she looked at Oberon. “There is no way out.” Only a few minutes before, the hatch to the room in which the fifty some survivors of the Endeavour crew were being detained had abruptly locked. “It looks like we’re going to be paying Luther a visit after all.”248

Oberon shook his head. “No, we’ll wait for him here if we have to, but we’re not going anywhere but home.”249

“I don’t see how that’s going to work, we don’t even have weapons to defend ourselves with, we’re screwed.” And folding her arms over her chest, Madeleine turned away from her Captain, biting her lip to keep it from trembling.250

“Someone is coming!” hissed Austin, and the engineer retreated from the door against which his ear had been pressed. “I don’t know how many there are.” Everyone in the room held their breath.251

“Alright everyone!” Oberon spoke, “Get ready, if we die, we die like Alliance soldiers, fighting.” Then even he held his breath and turned anxious eyes towards the door.252

After a significant pause, it hissed open even as Austin moved to place his ear against it again. One of the Arrow’s mercenaries stepped through it, eyeing the crew cautiously. He was Dragon, over six feet tall, Dark haired and blue eyed. There looked to be no one with him. Frowning, Oberon stepped forwards, and immediately the Dragon’s gaze flew to rest on him.253

“What do you want?” Oberon quizzed, “Have you come to take us to your filthy dragon Admiral?”254

“My name is Danaut.” The dragon replied with frown, “I’ve come to get you out of here.”255

“Why?” exclaimed Oberon. Face contorted in a struggle to contain his distrust of the Dragon, he went forwards and cautiously peered out into the hall, expecting to see other members of the Arrow’s crew waiting to spring some kind of trap. The halls were empty.256

Stepping back he faced the dragon man, eyeing him suspiciously. Behind him, he knew his men did the same thing. It was not easy thing, even in the hour of their need, to trust their deliverance into the hands of one of the race that had caused the human race so much trouble and pain. Not one of the people in this room had not been brought up to hate and distrust dragons.257

“What is this?” Oberon asked, “What kind of scam are you trying to pull? Does your Captain think that it is funny, toying with us like this?” he took a threatening step forward, but the dragon’s frown only deepened slightly and he remained unflinchingly still. Okay, so trying to intimidate a dragon was a pointless exercise in futility. Noted. 258

“Analexii has decided to turn you over to Luther.” Spoke the dragon that had named himself Danaut. “Arrangements are currently being made to turn you over to them. If you come with me now, I can save you. I have a ship, in hanger bay fifteen, only a small transport, but big enough for all of you, you can escape in it!”259

“Why?” Oberon asked, “Why should you do this for us?”260

“Why should I not? Because I’m a dragon? Not all of us follow the rule of Mateyis, or believe in the biases he promotes.” Oberon raised a dubious eyebrow. “What do you have to lose? If you stay, you’ll be turned over to Luther and killed, no worse will happen if I am deceiving you, but at least, in coming with me, you have a chance.”261

“Whatever your going to do, do it quickly, Analexii is not stupid, it will not take her long to figure out what’s going on.”262

Oberon considered this, looking about the room at his crew and at their lack of other options, then at last, slowly nodded his head. “Alright,” he said, “Lets get out of here.”263

***** 264

The halls of the Sagittarius Arrow were long, and it was with cautious speed that they made their way down them, knowing that at any minute they could be discovered and their attempt at escape foiled. Still, miraculously, they ran into no one.265

Most of the Arrow’s crew were on duty just then apparently, and thus, there were few people just wondering the halls to be tripped over. Oberon and his crew did not know this however, nor would then have cared if they did. All that mattered was that they actually had a chance of getting away from Luther.266

Danaut led them, certain he was their only chance of escape, and unaware of the sign language exchanged behind his back as they proceeded down the hall. The Endeavour crew’s plan of escape was a little more ambitious than his.267

They had gone on at a dead run for several minutes, and were far from their makeshift cell when the fugitives acted. Oberon gave the signal and Austin and another engineer, large and muscular, jumped their guide from behind.268

The dragon struggled fiercely, but even he was no match for the two, well-muscled men on top of him. At last he relented, and was disarmed, both of his weapon and communication sphere. Glaring, he stood silently in the grasp of the two men.269

“Should we kill him?” Austin asked. An affirmative answer rose on Oberon’s lips, but he did not have a chance to give it.270

“No!” Kieran spat, shrugging away from the two men who had carried him this far. “No! If do this you must then at least show some gratitude to the one who has enabled you! He did not have to let us out! Dragon or not, he deserves some form of gratitude for that action. Oberon!” eyes pleading he looked at Oberon, ignoring the glares the rest of the crew gave him, and for a moment all was silent and still.271

Then, several of the fifty crewmen in tow uttered their desire to kill the dragon, the murmur of their voices rippling violently in the silence. Kieran’s begging stare intensified and he held Oberon’s gaze steadily.272

“No,” Oberon replied at last, “they could be monitoring his life signs, we don’t want to set off any alarms.” He hastily added, feeling suddenly that he needed and excuse for his leniency. Raising his gaze, he looked around him, and then gestured towards the nearest door. “Put him in there, and bind him so that he can’t go for help.”273

Sighing disappointment, Austin nodded and together he and the other man moved their captive towards the door. Opening it, they found that they had stumbled upon a weapons locker, chock-full of not only lasers, but also the weapons that substituted them under the influence of the dampers. Bows of various sizes, styles and materials lined the walls, each equipped with a quiver of various styles and function of arrows. In the foot lockers that lined the corners of the room were the swords. These also were of various sizes and styles, though most were wavy edged with a bulge in the semblance of an arrowhead at the peak of the blade. Each sword had a magnetic scabbard to affix it to ones side or back.274

When the room was cleaned out and each of his men armed in one way or another, Oberon pushed Danaut into the room, and using the keypad on the outside, managed to seal him in. Finally he turned to face his now armed and dangerous crew.275

“Come on,” he spoke, “It is time to return The Quest of Galahad to its rightful owners!”276

***** 277

Mordecai Douglas was only half dragon, it was true, and so, some of his senses were not as sharp as, say, Gwnfor’s. Still, during his time of the Sagittarius Arrow, he had proven himself time and time again to be a capable security officer and fighter pilot. He was an apt warrior, with exceptional reflexes, he was trained in several fighting styles and martial arts, and capable of wielding just about any weapon put in his hands. He was good at his job; he had an instinct for it, one that had saved him many times before.278

Now, as he walked down the halls of the Arrow, on his way back from the flight simulators, his instinct did not fail him wholly. His gut tightened even before he rounded the corner in the corridor and saw the Endeavour crew. His momentum carried him into plain sight anyways, but almost before he had time to register what was going on, his training was kicking in.279

Ears filled with the violent buzz of flying arrows, he threw himself into a spin, taking the arrow meant for his heart in the thick muscle of his upper arm instead. Still spinning, he ducked back around the corner. Still wearing his armoured flight suit, he knew the arrow had not done as much damage as it might have.280

However, he could feel the nanites in the high tech arrows beginning to spread –in the form of numbness – all up and down his arm. All the Mercenaries serving aboard the arrow were immunized against the bots used in the ship’s weaponry, so he knew the machines would not complete their purpose, which was to kill him.281

Still, the Endeavour crew would likely do a good enough job of that themselves.282

Pulling the arrow out to stop the abundant flow of nanites, Mordecai winced. Drawing out his comm. sphere, he stood and ran back down the hall to the flight simulation room, knowing that as soon as they figured out he was unarmed the Endeavour crew would follow. He reached the sim room under a hail of arrows, closing and sealing the door against any follow-up attack. Hs whole arm was numb now, and unusable. With his other, he threw the communications sphere into the air.283

“Captain Analexii Morgan.” He said, and a moment later, his Captain’s face materialized under the hovering sphere. A blue light lit on the sphere, letting him know she could see him. Behind him, the doors began to sing with the sound of metal on metal as the intruders attempted to foil his escape.284

“What’s going on down there?” Analexii asked.285

“Our guests are demonstrating our need for better locks on our doors.” Mordecai said blandly, “I’m locked in the flight sim room, and there are about fifty dragon-hating people beating the doors to get in. I don’t think they want to use the simulators.”286

“What?” exclaimed the Captain and Mordecai shrugged.287

“I don’t think they’ll be getting in anytime soon, unless they can hack our system, but in the interest of self preservation, I though I should let you know, just in case.”288

“Right,” Analexii said, “We’ll have things under control in a flash.”289

“Doubtful, they’ve found a weapons cache, they’re armed pretty well.” Mordecai replied, twisting his mouth in distaste. The numbness in his arm was growing painful now, but he did his best to keep from showing it.290

“Bloody damn hell! Why’d they decide to do this now?” Analexii asked, “Alright, sit tight, we’ll have you out as soon as we can.” Before Mordecai could answer, the hatch gave a threatening hiss behind him, and lurched open an inch.291

“I seriously doubt that’s an option.” He replied. “Listen, just protect yourselves, I’ll find a way out of his somehow. Out.” Snatching the sphere, Mordecai stuffed it in his belt and looked around him at a room with very few options of escape. He sighed. “I am so glad I didn’t vacuum the lot of them into space when I had the chance!” he murmured sarcastically.292

***** 293

“Damn them all!” Analexii raged as the holographic screen of the bridge flickered out of existence. “How’d they get out?” Gwnfor had already been working on the problem. On the floor he was busy with one of the consoles. A moment later, he cried triumph and once again the holoscreen came online, this time broadcasting the surveillance video from the corridor outside of the Endeavour crew’s former cell. Gwnfor joined her and indicated the image.294

“This was taken by the camera outside their door.” He explained, and even as he spoke, Danaut came on screen, using his security codes to open the door. A short time later, the Endeavour crew exited, him at their head, and soon disappeared out of the view frame of the camera.295

“Why was no one on guard?” Analexii asked, after a string of curses.296

“They were all busy, one of the disadvantages of having so few crew.” Gwnfor returned. 297

“Why would Danaut do this? He can’t possibly be helping them take over our ship?” Gwnfor snorted something about stupidity, grumbled angrily, and then shrugged.298

“Maybe he’s dead. He is a dragon after all, and if memory serves, Captain Sabine isn’t too fond of us.”299

“Danaut Blacklaw!” Analexii shouted. A moment later, the screen changed from the loop depicting the Endeavour crew’s escape. It was not Danaut’s face that took its place though, but rather that of Oberon Sabine.300

“What the hell do you think your doing?” she screamed at the image, “Desist this attack on my crew this instant. Stand down and return to your quarters or I swear by any power you worship I will vacuum you into space!”301

“I don’t think so Analexii.” Oberon spoke, “We won’t be traded off to the dragons like some kind of bargaining piece. We know what your planning, and you can go to hell. We’re taking control of this ship, surrender now and we might give you the same mercy we showed your dragon.”302

“What have you done with him?” Analexii quizzed, tone still vehement. 303

“Don’t worry, Analexii, he’s safe. I don’t know why you’re so anxious to save him though, after all, he did betray you. That is what you get for taking dragons onto you crew. Now though, I’m busy, and you are distracting me. If you don’t make us shoot you, we can talk later.”304

“I won’t stand for this.” Analexii said, “Ship-wide.” She uttered, and Gwnfor flicked a switch on the only consol on the dais and nodded. “Code Omega Yellow, intruder alert.” She stated. “Captain Oberon Sabine has decided to extend his stay. His crew is armed and dangerous, mobilize and engage, disable or destroy.” She nodded, and Gwnfor closed the line.305

Analexii looked back at Oberon as both on the command deck and on the other end of the line, yellow lights flashed and a loud buzz began to emanate from the speakers. The Alliance Captain looked slightly rattled by all the fuss, and Analexii was determined to exploit that uncertainty.306

“My men are mercenaries, and well trained, if you force them to, they will kill you.” She spoke.307

“Then,” returned Oberon, “I guess you’ll be giving us to Luther in body bags.” Reaching out, he clutched the comm. sphere and the holoscreen and resorted to its former image. She looked at Gwnfor.308

“Shut down all access to main systems on all decks but command.” Analexii ordered. “See if you can track them and keep the crew updated on their locations.”309

“Are you going somewhere?” Gwnfor asked, his usual dragon calm faltering to betray his concern.310

“Yes,” she answered, “I am going to go and find Danaut Blacklaw, and I am going to kill him.” Now she paused to strap her sword to her back.311

“Be careful.” Gwnfor said, “And have fun.” Winking at him, Analexii proceeded out the door, and frowning, he sealed them behind her.312

***** 313

“Intruders have entered the simulation room. Half have broken away from the main group and are proceeding to another sector of the ship. One group is proceeding to level four, another to level six; all others are remaining on deck five. Be advised, they are armed.” Spoke the voice of Gwnfor over the ships intercom. It had been going on for several minutes, and the first mate was doing a good job of keeping track of the Endeavour crew’s progress.314

No doubt it was grating on Oberon’s nerves to have his every move reported to his enemies. Analexii was grateful for it, she did not have to be so cautious about her enemies. Still, she was careful, groups were easy to track, but it would be easy enough for one man to escape notice.315

She was on deck two, and proceeding downwards. She had seen several groups of her mercs running to contain the damage, but had not joined them. She wanted to take this one alone, Danaut had betrayed her, and she didn’t like that, and she was going to deal with him personally.316

She did not think Oberon’s crew had much of a chance, her crew had dealt with bigger problems, and though most had taken place outside the Arrow, she knew her crew to be capable. On the other hand, she imagined Oberon was more than capable as well. At her waist, her comm. sphere beeped, and ducking into a side corridor, she drew it out and threw it out before her. Gwnfor appeared on the holographic screen a moment later, his expression betraying the fact that he was incredibly cross.317

“Guess what.” He began, tone flat and unimpressed.318

“Luther is wondering why we haven’t started prisoner transfer and is threatening to open fire of we don’t cooperate at once.” Analexii guessed. Gwnfor raised an eyebrow and then frowned.319

“Yes.” He said.320

“Screw him.” She murmured, “His sensors are probably picking up the power transfers. Have all the systems been successfully routed to the command consoles?” Gwnfor nodded.321

“Colin and Gye are here helping.” He added, “So far we have everything under control, except for Luther… Do you want us to do a pre-emptive strike?”322

“Try to reason with him.” She suggested.323

“It is no good Analexii. He’s out of patience. I say we just give him the Alliance soldiers. Invite him over and let him help us contain them, they’ve already caused more trouble than they’re worth.”324

“I’m sure Luther would be willing to send a whole task force over to relieve us of our prisoners… as well as our ship.” Analexii sighed. “Somehow, we have to make our plan work. Get Colin to help you, and Gye, and whomever else you have on hand. You’re going to have to pull this off with a skeleton crew.”325

“And you?” Gwnfor asked.326

“I’ll take care of Oberon and his men.” She answered, raising a hand when he opened his mouth to object. “Don’t worry about me, worry about Luther, now go, tell him you’ll begin the transfer immediately. I get the feeling he’s not going to wait much longer.”327

With a frown and a sharp nod, Gwnfor ended the transmission. Analexii pocketed the comm. sphere with a sigh of exasperation. Things were getting complicated now, and it was likely they would get even more chaotic before long. Features a tight mask of unease and anxiety she stepped into the main corridor again and continued on her way. It was an eerie walk, the lights still flashing yellow, though the alarm klaxons had long since died out. Controls for all systems having been routed to the bridge, there were many hatches left half ajar or all the way agape, opened manually be the grew and left to hang open until the hydraulic systems were brought back online.328

It was one of these half open doors that Analexii was passing when she knew she was no longer alone. Turning, she faced the empty blackness beyond and waited. The lights shouldn’t have been offline, exactly the opposite during such a situation, meaning they had been intentionally put out, and that was what had tipped her off to the ambush.329

With a minor clatter, one of the silver comm. spheres rolled out of the darkness, coming to rest against Analexii’s foot. Still watching the door she stooped and picked it up, turning it over in her hand and depressing the small button on one side, she spoke.330

“I.D.” it was all she had to say, and the sphere flared to life, projecting a small hologram of a ramrod straight Danaut to stand atop the device. He stated his name, and would have gone on with his I.D. number had Analexii not released the button. Clenching her teeth, she looked up to where Oberon now stood, sword in hand, in the doorway. Standing, she faced him.331

“Captain Sabine.” She spoke, “I did not expect to find you so far away from your men.”332

“And I,” he returned, “Did not expect the great Analexii Morgan to fall into my ambush personally.”333

“That’s Captain Morgan to you. What do you want?” Analexii asked, moving in a circular motion to keep the now prowling Captain on the opposite side of the hall from her.334

“To live!” Oberon snapped, “Not as a slave of the dragons, but free, as Captain Oberon Sabine. You took my ship from me, and I will be recompensed. Give me control of The Quest of Galahad, access codes, everything, anything I may need, and I might let you live, in spite of your treachery!”335

“Treachery?” Analexii quoted, “We saved you, we took nothing from you, and we had no intention of turning you over to the dragons!”336

“Liar.” Oberon hissed. Now he frowned, “You are a mercenary, what could you know of honour? I will protect my crew and I will do it at any cost. If you won’t turn this ship over to me, then I’ll take it from you.”337

Analexii didn’t reply, only raised her sword into a defensive position and then gestured that her opponent should come and try. Come Oberon did, and a moment later the corridor was filled with the sound of clashing metal.338

***** 339

Holding his numb arm to his chest, Mordecai Douglas made his way through the service tunnels of the ship, struggling to crawl with only one hand. In spite of his difficulty in this area, he was glad to have the chance to practice, for if it hadn’t been for these tunnels, he would have been left at the mercy of the Alliance soldiers.340

He was also thankful for Noree, whose prompt arrival and access codes had gotten him into the service tunnels in the first place, a highway usually restricted to the engineers and mechanics of the Sagittarius Arrow. Her arrival had been unexpected to say the least, but welcome. Having been chased into the access tunnels herself by the Endeavour crew, she had, out of curiosity, come to see what it was that had them all gathered at the door to the simulation room. She had arrived to let him in just as the hatch to the room had given away.341

Now, together, they wound their way through the service tunnels, dark, as the power to the lights had been diverted to more important systems. So they were guided by only Noree’s memory and the lipstick sized flashlight the chief mechanic had been carrying on her.342

So far, there was no sign of pursuit, meaning that the Alliance crew had either not found or managed to open the maintenance hatches, or that they had, and were lost in the dark and confusing maze of tunnels. Noree didn’t care either way, but came along behind Mordecai, talking non-stop of one trivial thing after another, apparently desiring to teach him everything about the mechanics of the ship in a single day. She would only stop occasionally, to give him directions as to which turn to take. Now, for instance, came one of those pauses.343

“There should be a left turn ahead, can you see it?” she asked. Mordecai shifted all his weight onto his knees and used his one good hand to direct the flashlight. In the tunnel wall ahead, a dark square that was a hatchway appeared twenty feet along the tunnel. He told Noree so. “Okay, we go through that, up the ladder three decks, and from there we should be able to get to command.”344

“Ladder?” asked Mordecai, “Maybe you should go alone. I don’t think I can climb.” He paused to test his arm and found it was still without feeling. “Why do we need to get to command anyways?” Noree shrugged, but of course, Mordecai didn’t see it, “Noree?”345

“Can you think of any other place to go?” the Mechanic asked.346

“The nearest weapons locker?” Mordecai returned.347

“Everybody is going to be doing that.” Noree reasoned, “But how many people will think to go to command? The Captain may need our help. Now come on, I’ll help you up the ladder.”348

Mordecai frowned arrogantly and raised himself as high as the ceiling would allow him to. “I don’t need help.” He said, cocking his head and twisting his body around enough that she could see his glare. Once again, he drew his numb limb to his chest, which was about all he could really do with it, and crawled on.349

*****350

“Flight squad A, reporting to hanger five.” Spoke several, identical voices as one. “Hunters; Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, and Theta primed and ready for combat.” On the command deck holoscreen, the eight pilots were visible, already clad in their black flight suits.351

They looked identical, even to Gwnfor’s eyes, four females, four males, all with plain brown hair and plain – but sharp – brown eyes. All were in their twenties, twenty-three exactly, and if one examined them closely, he would find the similarities wouldn’t stop there. They all stood exactly five feet, eight inches, had the same bone structures, stood the same, talked the same – all at once even – and thought exactly the same.352

They were Magda, a collective of eight, all linked in mind and identical in body. Still closer examination would show they shared the same DNA, the only difference in them the single chromosome that had made half of this collective the opposite gender of the other.353

“Good.” Gwnfor spoke, his voice almost unsteady. The idea of eight people sharing the same mind was enough to intimidate even him it seemed. “Stand-by hunters.” There was a collective nod and then the view changed to show the cloth swathed chief engineer, Templeton Culea. “Report.” Gwnfor snapped.354

“Almost done sir.” Said the engineer, shifting to face the comm. sphere that was broadcasting his image. “We’ll be able to go soon. I sure wish Noree was here though. I’m a little worried about the kid.” Noree was in fact three years his senior, but she didn’t look it, and almost everyone aboard had trouble remembering that she was all grown up.355

“Focus on the objective.” Gwnfor ordered, “When everything is ready, report to me.” The engineer nodded and cut transmission.356

Now, Gwnfor sighed, and turning, walked across the deck and back before realizing he was pacing and stopped himself. Folding his hands behind his back, he looked to Colin on the floor below.357

“Are all our gunners on weapons decks?” he asked.358

“Lorcan is on the main weapons deck, but he reports that no one else has arrived. It’s no use sir, they’re all too busy with the alliance men.” Gwnfor nodded, it was understandable, the Arrow had limited crew, and none of them could be in two places at once. 359

“Let us see if we can help them.” He stated, “Is there any place where the Endeavour crew is grouped together, away from our men?”360

“In the simulation deck there are twenty.” Reported Gye from her station. “Our men have them blockaded in, but they’re not doing well, they won’t hold out forever.” 361

“Right.” Gwnfor said, “And there are no airlocks in the sim room, right?” the doctor turned tactician shook her head, “Then… increase artificial gravity on that deck. Can you do that?”362

“I can do that.” Gye replied with a smile. Changing consoles, she worked for several seconds, and then turned back to Gwnfor. “It worked sir. All twenty are incapacitated; our men are standing by to take them into custody.”363

“That can wait.” Gwnfor said, “Ship-wide… Attention, all available crew report to starboard gunnery decks one and two.” He ordered. Cutting the comm., he looked at Gye. “Can you do that again?”364

“If I can find another group of them, individuals will be too hard to track, and isolate.365

“Do what you can.” Gwnfor said. Behind him, the holoscreen snapped to life and, whirling, he found himself facing Luther.366

“I am growing impatient.” Said the dragon Admiral. “I was under the impression your shuttles were powering up.” The man leaned forwards, “If this is some kind of delay tactic…”367

The nearby console beeped, and followed by Luther’s angry gaze, Gwnfor went and looked at it.368

“Hail from hanger five.” The screen read. “All is go. Awaiting orders.” Gwnfor looked at Luther and smiled. “Hold please.” He said, and flicked a switch that made the Holoscreen black out. “Captain Analexii Morgan,” he spoke, waiting a few seconds for a response and trying again. Still no answer. “Where is she?” he spoke to thin air, then slammed a hand on his console. “Damn!”369

*****370

With a cry and the clatter of her sword sliding from her, Analexii hit the deck, hard. His own weapon still in hand, Oberon stood over her, lips moving with some order or taunt that she was too dizzy to comprehend. Then, at her belt, her comm. sphere beeped. Oberon bent, and taking it from her, threw it into the air. By the time Gwnfor had materialized on the holoscreen it projected, Analexii was on her feet, held there by the tuft of hair Oberon held.371

“I have your Captain.” He was saying, and on the screen, Gwnfor looked purple with rage. “You will order your men to stand down, or I’ll kill her. This ship is mine now.”372

“You son of a bitch!” Gwnfor spat, “You won’t live to see the day. Let her go, or you die!”373

“Then she dies with me!”374

“Fine!” her first mate spat, “And then you’ll lose the Arrow to me, one way or another you loose. Make your choice quickly.” Analexii was beginning to regain control of her limbs again, but a glance at Oberon told her he was aware of it, and ready for any move she might make. He did look uncertain, however, about whether or not Gwnfor was truly willing to sacrifice her. Analexii was not too certain herself.375

“I think you’re bluffing!” the Endeavour Captain said at last. 376

“Please, Oberon.” Analexii spoke, drawing his glare. “He isn’t. But don’t you see you are making a big mistake? I want to help you, I have no intention of turning you over to the dragons, and right now you are jeopardizing both the safety of your crew and mine. Call your men off, I swear we mean you no harm.”377

“No harm?” quizzed Oberon, “Is that why you are mobilizing against us? Is that why you gave your crew the command to kill us? Is that why one of your own crew members came to warn us of your intent to sell us off to the dragons?” snorting he looked back to Gwnfor, who was rather resembling a thundercloud at the moment. “Make your choice, dragon filth. Your Captain or your ship.”378

“It would appear.” Gwnfor said after a pause. “That you have severely underestimated me, human. I am Captain of this ship now… do as you deem with Analexii Morgan.” With that the screen went black. Eyes on fire, Oberon turned to look at Analexii as the Comm. sphere fell unheeded to the ground. 379

Before he could say, or do anything, the hiss and clatter of an opening access hatch drew his eyes around. Analexii, too, turned to look at the source of the noise. A scarce twenty feet down the corridor, Mordecai Douglas, one arm clutched tightly against his chest, was climbing from the open access way. Oberon’s eyes lit with rage at the sight of the half-breed dragon, all of his attention draining to the other man. At the same time, Mordecai sighted him, took in the situation, and snarled.380

“Freeze Dragon. Or I’ll slit her throat.” Oberon snapped as Mordecai took a menacing bound forwards. He moved his blade towards Analexii, but even as he did, taking advantage of his distraction, she tensed, and lashing out with an elbow, struck him hard in the abdomen. Expelling all his air in a grunt, he bent, but before she could strike again, pushed her savagely away from him and into the bulkhead.381

The commotion was all Mordecai had needed, and even as Oberon straightened and brought his sword to bear, the Dragon leapt at him. Having come down the corridor at a run, he jumped up, kicking the Endeavour Captain square in the chest and sending him sprawling back onto the deck. Then, arm still clutched against him, he lashed out with his legs and vaulted onto his feet again.382

Oberon, though wheezing and gasping, was not far behind. Eyes on fire, the two men squared off, and still leaning against the wall, Analexii looked to where her sword lay, a mere handful of feet away. Clutching the wall to steady herself, she began to edge her way towards it.383

***** 384

“Admiral Redaunis,” Gwnfor spoke, voice cold, “Your package is on the way, leaving bay five now. Please stand by to receive.” On the holoscreen, Luther Redaunis scowled darkly, while behind him, against the backdrop of stars, four shuttles moved towards the Dragon battleships at a leisurely pace.385

“We read you loud and clear, Arrow,” spoke Luther over the holoscreen, “And it is about time, I was beginning to think you weren’t going to comply.” Gwnfor forced a smile to his face and shrugged.386

“We are a Mercenary crew, we are best at warfare, such procedures are unfamiliar to us, it took us a while to get things straightened out is all.” He replied, balling his fists tightly behind his back. “Please be assured, we never had any intention of going against your wishes, Admiral. We may not be fleet admirals, but we aren’t stupid either.”387

“That remains to be seen.” Luther returned. “We have not yet negotiated the terms of your employment under us. Now that this affair with the earth men is over, I do hope to amend that… is the Captain Morgan nearby, I would like to speak to her if I could.”388

“You will.” Gwnfor said after only a miniscule pause, “She is accompanying the prisoners over in one of the shuttles, she wished to speak to you privately.” A sinister light lit in Luther’s eyes, one poorly veiled by a friendly smile. 389

“Really. Well, then, I mustn’t keep her waiting, must I?” he queried and a moment later the screen went blank. Gwnfor inhaled sharply, allowed himself to roll his eyes, and walked to the edge of the pilot’s dais, looking down to where Gye and Colin worked on their individual Consoles.390

“How is containment going?” he asked. Grinning, Gye looked at him.391

“Well. We have thirty of the fifty Alliance crew contained by artificial gravity, and another ten sealed into bay five, I have cut gravity all together in that sector, as well as reduced oxygen by half. Let them remember just what it was we saved them from, eh? The last ten have separated, I can’t contain them, but I’m doing my best to keep the crew appraised of their locations, they are being rounded up now.”392

“Fatalities?” Gwnfor queried.393

“Only minor injuries on our side, three on the Alliance crew.” The medic reported, shaking her head slightly in distaste of the needless slaying. “Hallem has reached the sector 5-15-B weapons locker, he reports Danaut Blacklaw to be unharmed, and has taken him into custody.” 394

“And the Captain?” he asked.395

“Still alive. Mordecai and Noree have joined her, Mordecai is in the process of… suppressing Oberon Sabine.” Colin reported, a slight grin flickering to his lips. “Should I send re-enforcements?”396

“We need all available crew on the gunnery decks.” Gwnfor returned. “I think that our mutt can handle things with the Captain Sabine.” Colin nodded, frowning disapprovingly, but not objecting to the sentiment. “In the meantime. I want you up here and ready to go if this plan goes to pot. If you would be so good as to humour me?” still frowning, Colin hit a few more keys on his console, then climbed up the ramp to the dais, taking his seat in the pilot’s chair. “Good.” Gwnfor returned, “now cross your fingers everybody, and lets hope this works.”397

***** 398

“This is the hunter collective.” Hunter Alpha spoke into the mouthpiece of her comm. set. “We are nearing destination point. All systems functioning normally. The unit Delta reports scanning pulses emanating from the dragon man’o’war. The packages are safely bundled, repeat, the packages are safely bundled. Shall the collective proceed?”399

“Affirmative Alpha, all is go.” Spoke the voice over the intercom. Hunter Alpha squirmed in her seat slightly, then let the calm of the collective envelope her.400

“Understood.” She said, and unfastening the harness that held her in her seat, stood and walked back along the length of the shuttle. Climbing into the vehicle’s single escape pod, she refastened her harness and took hold of the jerry-rigged controls before her, pressing the throttle experimentally and smiling when the shuttle accelerated slightly. Her comm. beeped and she activated it.401

“This is the D.X. Avenger. Shuttle, we have your landing coordinates.” The voice was deep, grating. Alpha inhaled deeply, then spoke in the deepest voice she could manage.402

“This one hears you, Avenger. We will be docking shortly. Speaking on behalf of Captain Analexii Morgan, this one is requested to inquire after the Admiral Luther Redaunis. She greatly desires to meet with him.” There was a long pause on the other end of the connection, and while she waited, Alpha inputted the coordinates being sent to her into the autopilot of the shuttle.403

“The Admiral will meet with her shortly after docking.” Spoke the voice at last. “Please proceed to designated landing coordinates. Avenger out.” 404

“Collective out.” She returned, and seeing the looming dragon Man’o’war on her veiwscreen, punched the button that sent the escape pod hurtling into space, aware as she did that the other members of he collective, those piloting shuttles anyways, did the same. As all the systems formerly connected to the shuttle fizzled and went dead, she was aware of a teeth-jarring explosion that accelerated her pod’s hurtle still further, and then nothing.405

***** 406

Swinging his good arm, Mordecai sent Oberon Sabine staggering back from a blow to the head. It was not a perfect hit, the Captain had moved to soon, and so it did not, as it might have, bring the brawl to a conclusion. Mordecai did not dwell on the failure but rather charged back into the fray, ducking a blow from the Alliance captain and smacking a fist into his face, again sending the man staggering back.407

Oberon Sabine, surprisingly, did not collapse, but rather, blood streaming from his nose, only stumbled slightly, stood, and came on. More blows were traded, Mordecai doing his best to block and throw them with his single good arm. Oberon was good, he had to give him that, but Mordecai was better. Even injured as he was, he knew he was better.408

A few more minutes of fighting passed, the human and dragon males trading punches and kicks, dancing away from some, blocking others, and falling pray to still more. All the while, the throbbing pain in Mordecai’s arm grew, until it bordered on being distracting. Then, at last, through luck more than skill, Oberon managed to get through his guard, and with a growl and a head butt to Mordecai’s chest, sent him sprawling to the ground.409

Retrieving his sword from where it had fallen in the fray, Oberon returned to stand over him, even while, gasping, he pushed himself to his knees. The Alliance Captain levelled the sword against his heaving chest, and slowly, beginning with just a smirk, Mordecai laughed.410

“I find it odd that you think your impending death so amusing, sir.” Oberon spoke, scowling darkly. Mordecai struggled to think of an apt retort, but someone else got there first, accompanied by a sword levelled at the Alliance man’s throat.411

“I find it amusing that a revered Captain of the Terran Alliance would so easily find himself fallen prey to tunnel vision.” Analexii spoke; voice mocking, “Or is it short term memory loss that you suffer?” Oberon’s formerly triumphant expression darkened to a scowl. “The sword, if you please.”412

“I would rather die!” Oberon spat. Twisting sideways, Mordecai leaned in, and grasping the mans wrist, twisted it fiercely until he dropped the sword, turning his own body at the same time to sweep the man’s ankles out from under him. Then, taking up the fallen sword, he looked down on him. 413

“That can be arranged.” He said, then, eyebrow raised, he turned to his Captain. “Shall I?” he growled.414

“No.” Analexii returned, tone sounding slightly bemused. “Thank you Mordecai, your arrival was most prompt… Are you injured?” trying to flex his arm and finding himself incapable of even that, he swallowed his pride and nodded his head.415

“Damn governmental used one of the Necrosis arrows on me.” He replied. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Like a distant thunder, a deep pulsing sound began from somewhere far beyond the corridor walls, making the ground beneath their feet tremble. On the ground, Oberon frowned.416

“What is that?” he asked, sounding cross. From down the corridor, where she had stood and watched the conflict, Noree answered first.417

“Don’t you recognize the sound of Cannon fire?” she queried. Still holding her sword on him, Analexii smiled down at the prostrate Captain.418

“That is the sound of your assumptions being flushed out the airlock!” said the female Captain. 419

*****420

Gwnfor stood on the command deck of the Sagittarius Arrow, watching the veiwscreens where the three dragon ships were being enveloped by fire. He smiled. Behind and below him, the hatch hissed open, and turning, he watched as Analexii entered, Mordecai, Noree, and a tightly bound Oberon Sabine in tow. 421

“Captain.” He greeted, bowing his head slightly as, scowl on her face, Analexii mounted the dais and came to stand directly before him. “I see you had a productive day.” The comment only deepened the scowl.422

“No thanks to you, Gwnfor.” She replied. “Or is it Captain Gwnfor now?” Gwnfor’s lips twitched in a small smile.423

“Would you have had me surrender the Arrow?” he queried, and she glared at him. “Besides, I know you can handle such things well enough on your own.” 424

“You are lucky I can. Otherwise I might just have had to haunt you.” She retorted. “Report, first mate Gwnfor.” The smile on his lips grew and he bowed in mocking subservience and gestured to the veiwscreens.425

“The Hunter’s mission was successful.” He replied, “The jammers were successfully dispensed and the enemy dampers are offline. Lasers have already taken out their weapon ports and propulsion systems; we are finishing them off now. As you requested, there will be no survivors.”426

“The Hunters?” Captain Morgan quizzed.427

“Being towed in as we speak.” Gwnfor acknowledged. “I must say this is rather enjoyable, it gave us the opportunity to test out a great many items of our new equipment.”428

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Analexii returned, tone sarcastic. “The LSG’s worked alright, the dragon’s scans didn’t uncover the truth?”429

“They didn’t even have a clue that the life signs their scans were picking up were artificial.” Gwnfor acknowledged. On the screen behind him, and especially large explosion rocked the dragon Man’o’war, or what was left of it. For the most part, only slag was left, white-hot glowing metal, brilliant against the black of space.430

“I don’t understand.” Oberon spoke up, receiving a cuff from Noree for his trouble. Noree received a glare from Analexii for hers.431

“It is quite simple really, Captain Sabine.” Analexii replied, walking to face him, eye to eye, so that their faces were only inches apart. “I do not like to be threatened, or pushed, or blackmailed. I do not like to be told what to do, or when to do it. It is why I became a Mercenary instead of a… you.” She smiled, a cold expression, betraying no friendliness. “And you better be damn glad that Luther Redaunis proved more annoying than you. Next time you may not be so lucky.”432

“Won’t Mateyis here of this?” Oberon queried, “Does this mean you’ve decided to side with the Alliance.”433

“I am siding with no one. And unless you tell the dragon Emperor, I mean for him not to find out.” Analexii replied. “The Sagittarius Arrow shall remain, as it always has, neutral to your conflict with the dragons. We are a Mercenary ship, sir, and that is exactly how we like it.”434

“Then what is to happen to us?” Oberon asked, scowling. “Do you mean to flush us out the airlock along with our assumptions?”435

“I should, I really should.” Analexii replied. Behind Oberon, Mordecai smiled, visibly amused by the idea. “After all the trouble you caused me, you certainly deserve it… However, I think that it would severely void the point of the actions I’ve taken today, so no, Oberon Sabine, your crew will not die, those who have not already gotten themselves killed will not anyways.” She paused, and then looked to her first mate again. “Finish up here quickly, then begin salvage, we keep everything for now, I want no signs that the Dragon ships ever even made it to Rimvii. We will have a powerful enemy if Mateyis ever finds out about how his brother died.”436

“Aye Captain, and then?” Gwnfor asked.437

“Then find the remaining rebels and blow them to hell.” Analexii growled, “Then set a course for Iridenim, we’ll leave as soon as our… guests, have been escorted off the ship.”438

“Off the ship?” Mordecai spoke, eyes lighting as his thoughts returned to the airlock. Analexii shook her head disapprovingly.439

“Yes. Danaut seemed eager to give them his ship before; I think it only fitting that his promise be kept now. Ready it for us, please Noree.” 440

“He won’t like that.” The mechanic said.441

“I don’t care what he does or does not like. I will be having a long talk with him as soon as we have these people off our ship and far from where they can cause me any more trouble.” With that, Analexii turned back to Oberon Sabine. “I do not suppose I can ask you to keep quiet about all you have seen this day, but Oberon, what has happened here, between the Arrow and the dragons, must never be allowed to reach Mateyis’ ears, for your sake and ours. Your crew does not know, and if it is necessary, I will take measures to keep them from finding out.”442

“You are a cold woman, Analexii.” Oberon replied, and then bowed his head slightly, “But it shall be as you wish. I owe you that much at least. I will not speak of this, to anyone, ever, I swear it… I do, however, have one condition.” Analexii’s face darkened into a scowl, and Oberon almost took a wary step back. “A small one.” He assured.443

***** 444

“Are you certain you wish to do this?” Austin Lee asked, facing Oberon with an evaluating glare. The Engineer had spent a great majority of the battle on the Sagittarius Arrow stuck to the floor of one of the ships many rooms, and so, had not sustained any more damage than he had acquired in the wreck of the Earth Endeavour. “If they are forcing you into this…”445

“They are not.” Oberon replied, “It was my choice. I made a hasty judgement of them before, and I do not wish to do so again. After all, even with what they did, they… kept us from the dragons.” Biting his lower lip, Austin nodded slowly. Then patted Oberon soundly on the shoulder, wished him luck, and sauntered away to where the rest of the Endeavour crew was busily loading a large, somewhat battered transport of Quain design. Madeleine soon took his place.446

“What shall I tell Alliance command?” she asked, though her face betrayed the concern for him her words did not show. Oberon smiled at his first officer, looking her over, noting the tender way she cradled an injured arm against her abdomen. 447

“Tell them that Captain Oberon Sabine is no fool.” He replied, “I will be back, Madeleine, but I am not ready to abandon the Quest of Galahad as lost just yet. She could still be an ally to us, I just have to prove them we are worthy.” She nodded sombrely. “Look after everyone, Maddy, make sure they get home alright.” Again she nodded, then, snapping off a quick salute that looked odd, clad as she was in the torn and patched remnants of her uniform, she pivoted and followed Austin. 448

“For what it is worth, I think you’re doing the right thing.” Kieran said as, seated on a hover stretcher, he was pushed towards the loading transport, trying all the while to brush off the Arrow’s doctor as the short woman attempted to make him lay down. Oberon only waved to the doctor, then turned and found himself facing Analexii Morgan, clad in a simple outfit of black, clean where he had not yet had a chance to wash.449

“You do not have to stay.” Spoke the Arrow’s Captain, squinting at him. “It won’t do you any good anyways. The Sagittarius Arrow is independent, and I intend to keep her that way.” Oberon frowned, then forced the expression away. Licking his lips he leaned in close to the other Captain.450

“I pay my debts Analexii.” He uttered. Then, moving passed her, walked towards the hanger bay door, and after a moment she followed. It was standing together before the viewscreen in the corridor outside, from which they watched the crew of the Earth Endeavour leave the bay, cruise through open space, and then disappear through an opening space fold. Then they were alone, just the wide and dangerous universe, and the Sagittarius Arrow.451