Rating: R

Spoilers: Yes.

Note: This is a crossover story of Farscape and Babylon 5.

Disclaimer: I did not create Farscape, the universe of Farscape, or its characters. Nor did I create the universe of Babylon 5 and its characters. I merely borrowed them for this story, for which I will receive no monetary compensation. No infringement of copyright intended. Some of the characters in this story were created by me. There use by any other writer is prohibited without my permission.

Time Frame: Takes place one year after the end of "the Invasion". Farscape-25 years after end of Season 2. Babylon 5-Earth Year 2287, six years after "Sleeping in Light".

************************************

Chapter 1: Opening the Door

*

Royal Planet, Sebacean Royal Colonies:

Earth Force Brigadier General James Hancock looked out the window of his shuttle as it descended into the atmosphere of the Royal Planet, capital of the Sebacean Royal Colonies. He had been here before, the first time as a Lieutenant on the EAS Indefatigable under then Captain Robert McGregor's command. That was an expedition that would jumpstart many careers, including his. Hancock returned many years later as General McGregor's flag Captain when the General and his wife paid an official visit to the Royal Colonies.

Now, Hancock returned on the Indefatigable as a General himself, and charged with a diplomatic mission of dire importance. He was here to secure permission from the Empress to use the Royal Colonies as a staging area for an Interstellar Alliance fleet. This fleet's mission would be to invade Peacekeeper territory with the goal of taking down their regime.

It would not be an easy task. The Royal Colonies were noted for their tenacious grip on neutrality in matters of wars and conflicts between other systems. They had reluctantly agreed to open relations with the Interstellar Alliance twenty years ago, doing so for the benefits that would be gained in trade and eventual access to hyperspace jump technology. This same technology now made the Royal Colonies a prime staging area for the ISA's fleet, which would use the Royal Colony jump gates to access the Uncharted Territories.

It had been a year since the Peacekeeper invasion of the Earth Alliance had been defeated. In that time, ISA President Delenn and Earth Alliance President Schroeder have pushed for a counter-invasion of Peacekeeper territory to permanently remove the Peacekeeper threat to the galaxy. The call was answered by four member worlds of the ISA: Earth, Minbar, Centauri Prime, and Narn. The rest of the member worlds were too small and not powerful enough to send military forces as far away as Peacekeeper space.

In the previous year's time, these worlds prepared a massive fleet of 180 warships to mount the invasion of Peacekeeper space. As the warships assembled, they were all equipped with the latest weaponry available, and were all outfitted with hetch drives to allow them to travel faster through normal space. The ships were also modified to operate at a much longer range capacity.

The plan was to use hyperspace travel to get to the Royal Colonies, cutting the travel time to get there from 5 months to 1 month. Once there, they would use their hetch drives to proceed through the Uncharted Territories to Peacekeeper territory. They would rely upon navigational data provided by John and Aeryn Crichton, previous expeditions to the Uncharted Territories, and information they could hopefully secure from the Royal Colonies.

This would be a multi-faceted conflict fought against the Peacekeepers. Even with the fleet they had assembled, the ISA can not take down the Peacekeepers alone at such a long distance. It was hoped that cooperation and military support could be secured from other races who lived in this region of the galaxy that would gladly see the Peacekeeper threat removed. So besides fighting an open conflict with the Peacekeepers, this would also be a diplomatic and intelligence war in which the ISA would use its powers of persuasion to get other worlds to sign on.

Hancock's mission to the Royal Planet was the first step. After his shuttle touched down on the landing pad at the Royal Palace, the General stepped out of his shuttle and was greeted by Counselor Barusa.

"General Hancock," said Barusa, as he greeted the Human with a handshake as called for by Earth custom. "It is good to see you again."

"And you, Counselor," said Hancock, returning the handshake. "Its been, what...five years, sorry, cycles, since my last trip here."

"That's right," said Barusa. "By the way, congratulations on your promotion."

"Thank you," replied Hancock. "Now, if I may speak to the Empress. It is urgent."

"Of course," said Barusa. "Follow me."

Counselor Barusa led General Hancock through the corridors of the palace to the Empress' personal office. Upon entering the room, he was greeted by the sight of Empress Novia, who rose from her chair and walked over to greet the Earth Force General warmly.

"General Hancock," said the Empress. Hancock bowed before the ruler of the Sebacean Royal Colonies, who quickly motioned for him to right himself. "Welcome back to our world."

"Thank you, Majesty," replied Hancock. "It is an honor to be in your presence again."

"Yes, well, I must say that it was a surprise to us all when we received a communication from Earth, telling us to expect the Indefatigable to arrive on official business," replied the Empress. "Since the matter seems urgent, I thought we might forgo the pleasantries and get to the business at hand."

The Empress motioned Hancock to sit down at a conference table with her and Counselor Barusa. "Now, General," she said, "What has brought you here with such urgency?"

"As you know, Majesty," began Hancock, "the Earth Alliance was invaded by a Peacekeeper fleet a cycle ago. We took heavy losses, but were able to destroy almost all of their fleet and send the remainder of it back to where it came from."

"Yes," said Empress Novia. "Word of your victory has spread throughout the territories and beyond. It is not often that a Peacekeeper fleet returns nearly obliterated and defeated. My congratulations to you and your people. But what has this to do with your visit?"

"Empress Novia," said Hancock. "The Interstellar Alliance feels that the Peacekeepers will continue to be a threat to our security in the future. We have decided not to live in fear of a future Peacekeeper threat, and have committed ourselves to take the initiative. The ISA has organized a fleet of 180 warships to strike at Peacekeeper territory."

Empress Novia and Counselor Barusa were both shocked by what they just heard. Half startled, Barusa barely managed to speak. "With...with what goal?"

"The destruction of Peacekeeper High Command, and their armed forces," replied Hancock directly. "We are going to take them down."

"You don't know what you are saying," said Empress Novia. "The Peacekeepers have been a force of power and strength for a thousand cycles. No other race has been able to defeat them entirely. And now, your Alliance intends to swoop in from another part of the galaxy and do it. Impossible."

"Majesty, our alliance draws strength from the fact that we are combined force of several worlds," replied Hancock. "Hopefully, with the help of other powers in this region of the galaxy, we can lift the yoke of Peacekeeper oppression and end generations of fear of the Peacekeepers."

"Wait," said Barusa. "You mentioned the cooperation of other powers in this region. Is that why you are here, hoping we will join you in this fight?"

"General," said Empress Novia. "If that is the reason you are here, you might as well leave. You should know that the Royal Colonies maintain a policy of not interfering in outside conflicts. We will not aid you in this fight."

"We are not asking for that, Majesty," said Hancock. "What my government is asking for is permission to use your space as a staging area, a jumping off point, to attack the Peacekeepers. We need to use the beacons in hyperspace parallel to your territory. Our fleet will jump into normal space in your territory, regroup our forces, and move on. That's all."

"That's ALL," said Empress Novia with astonishment. "If I allowed you to do this, we would still be committing ourselves to your side. If you loose, the Peacekeepers would exact a price against us."

"Empress Novia," replied Hancock, "the Peacekeepers will not act directly against you. That would risk provoking other powers like the Scarrens into a conflict with them. You hold a strategic position in the Uncharted Territories, and the powers out here would not allow a Peacekeeper move against you to go unchallenged. Now, the Peacekeepers might be able to handle them, but not them and US."

"That may or may not be true," replied Empress Novia. "I am reluctant to take that risk. I am also reluctant to support a war against the Peacekeepers for other reasons. Namely, the fact that you would be directing a war against fellow Sebaceans, against Sebacea itself. I can not support that."

"Majesty," said Hancock. "Our war is not with the Sebacean people. Our war is with the Peacekeepers, and their military structure. If we can take down their regime, we would also be liberating the Sebacean people themselves, allowing them to live free. Empress Novia, the Sebaceans would be far better off without the Peacekeepers, you know that. That is why your ancestors founded these colonies to begin with, to live without the oppressive boot of the Peacekeepers lording over them. And there is something else to consider. The Peacekeepers invaded our space to get at hyperspace jump technology. Now, they haven't tried to get it from you probably because of the problems an invasion of your territory would cause with other powers like the Scarrens. But, since their invasion of Earth failed, they may change their mind."

"Majesty," said Barusa, "what he is saying makes sense."

"Barusa," said Empress Novia, "are you advising me to go along with this."

Barusa was hesitant to respond, but finally did so. "Majesty, since we opened contact with Hancock's people, we have found them to be friends to our people, a power we could trade with and work with. But above all, you have said before, that the Humans and their allies have proven to be people we can trust. Now, they wish to end the Peacekeeper threat to the security of the galaxy, and free our brothers and sisters from their regime. Yes, Majesty, I advise you to provide the aid requested by the ISA."

Empress Novia looked at Barusa for a long moment. She then rose, and walked over to a window and looked out on the capital of her beloved colonies. Her actions in this matter could decided the fate of not just her world, but many others.

"My Counselor," began Empress Novia, "is not a man given to hasty decisions or advice. He is a contemplative, and thoughtful man, and one whom I have relied upon for his informed council. But, I need more time before I decided."

"Majesty," said General Hancock. "I don't want to pressure you, but...our fleet is already on the way. It should arrive in a weeken. If your decision is no, then I will have to jump into hyperspace and tell them to turn back. If it is yes, then they will arrive here in a weeken's time. I know this is a difficult decision, but I beg of you to make it as soon as possible."

Without turning around, Empress Novia replied. "I will decide as soon as I can. Thank you General. You are dismissed."

**

Peacekeeper High Command, Sebacea:

In a conference room within the headquarters of the Peacekeeper High Command, Admiral Talkron Mattoc, head of the High Command Council, stood looking at a holo-diagram of Earth Alliance space. It had been seven months since Scorpius had returned to Peacekeeper space in defeat, coming back with only four command carriers when he started with fifty. Since then, the High Command Council had been in debate as to what action to take next in regards to the Humans and their allies.

He was in a meeting with the High Command Council, Admiral Scorpius, and a Peacekeeper Disruptor named Alastra Tial. She had been a deep cover operative who had lived on Earth for 3 cycles, and was there to advise the Council about the Humans.

"So, Disruptor Tial," said Admiral Mattoc, "it is your conviction that the Humans and their allies will attempt to strike back at us."

"Yes, sir," replied Tial. "The history of the Humans points to a species that is resilient, and one who strikes when provoked into action. We have invaded their territory, killed many of their people, destroyed many of their proudest ships. They will strike back."

"Admiral," broke in another member of the Council, Admiral Lanis Jol, "I find it hard to believe that these Humans could mount an expedition to our territory. They rely on hyperspace travel for long range expeditions, yet do not have beacons near our territory. They have been dealt a heavy blow to their forces, one that will take them time to regroup from. I do not believe the Humans have the capability or the will to strike back."

"Admiral Mattoc, sir," said Tial, "if I may speak freely."

"Of course, Disruptor Tial," replied Mattoc. "That's what you are here for."

"With all due respect to Admiral Jol, he does not know the Humans like I do."

"Oh, I would be I don't," said Jol sarcastically. "I'm sure Disruptor Tial knows quite a lot of 'intimate' information about Humans. Well, Human males at least."

"I am a Disruptor," said Tial in response. "We are charged to use whatever means necessary to accomplish our mission. I am a woman, and I have used my femininity to gather information. It is a good tool, because when men are distracted in bed, they often don't know what a tongue can be good for." She said that last part with a direct look at Admiral Jol.

"Enough," said Mattoc. "Tial, you were going to provide some 'relevant' information before on the Humans. I suggest you do it."

"Of course, sir," replied Tial. "The Humans are a people will go to any length to strike back when angered. Their history is filled with circumstances where they are attacked without warning, and angered into a holy crusade to exact revenge from their enemies. If angered enough, the Humans will find a way to strike."

"Admiral Scorpius," said Mattoc. "You have had much experience with the Humans. Would you agree with the Disruptor."

"Yes, sir," said Scorpius. "The Humans will not simply leave the situation as it is. They will strike."

"Admiral Mattoc," said Admiral Jol. "I simply can not agree. Logistically, it is nearly impossible. Admiral Scorpius and Disruptor Tial are speaking based on conjecture and supposition. Where is the evidence to back up those assumptions?"

"I must agree with Admiral Jol," said Admiral Mattoc. "Until more evidence of some kind of threat from the Humans and their allies comes before us, we will consider the matter closed. This expedition to Earth space was a disaster, and we can't afford to waist resources and time preparing for what is most likely a nonexistent threat. We have other concerns to deal with."

***

(One Week Later)

Sebacean Royal Colony Space:

Empress Novia, Counselor Barusa, and several other Sebacean Royal Colony officials and military officers stood on the bridge of the Indefatigable as guests of General Hancock. The General approached the Sebacean party with news.

"Majesty," he said to the Empress. "They are jumping in now."

General Hancock turned to match his gaze with those of his guests to the forward bridge viewscreens. The Sebaceans watched in wonder as 180 hyperspace jump points opened into normal space. Out of each one of these jump points came a warship of various types.

The fleet was made up of fifty Earth Force destroyers and cruisers, forty Minbari war cruisers, twenty-five Centauri warships, twenty-five Narn heavy cruisers, thirty White Stars, and ten ISA Victory class destroyers. The fleet was under the overall command of Entilza Susan Ivanova, with commanders from each government commanding their respective military's forces.

Empress Novia had decided to allow the ISA fleet to use Royal Colony space as a staging area. It may not have been the safe decision, but she felt it was the correct one. She gave her trust to the Humans and their allies, and now the door had been opened for the ISA forces to reawaken the now dormant war with the Peacekeepers. Only now, the war would be taken to the Peacekeepers.

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Chapter 2: The War Council

*

Entilza Susan Ivanova made her way to the main conference room aboard her flag ship, the Excalibur. The previous day, all 180 ships of her fleet arrived at their destination in the Sebacean Royal Colonies after a month in flight through hyperspace. Since then, the ISA, Earth, Minbari, Centauri, and Narn warships of the fleet have formed up according to plan and have all reported ready for deployment. Now, Ivanova needed to speak with the principal officers of her fleet about the operational plan for their invasion of Peacekeeper territory.

When she entered the conference room, the group of officers rose from their seats to welcome the Entilza. Ivanova looked on a room occupied by members of several races both from ISA territory and the region of the galaxy near Peacekeeper territory. She motioned for them all to sit, and they did so around a large conference table.

The mixed group of officers included Ivanova's fleet commanders. General Abduhl Kemal, the commander of the Earth Force fleet, was a Turkish officer who had served under General Robert McGregor during the Peacekeeper invasion. He had distinguished himself in the Battles of Signet and Delphi, and was appointed commander of the Earth fleet after General McGregor was relieved of his command. Admiral Lakhat was the commander of the Minbari fleet, having led the Minbari forces in two victories against Peacekeeper forces during the invasion. The Centauri and Narn fleet commanders, Admiral Rollo Tukari and War Leader G'Stan (respectively), also led forces against the Peacekeepers at the Battle of Delphi.

Besides the fleet commanders, there were several others who joined the meeting. Brigadier General James Hancock was there as head of Fleet Intelligence and Covert Operations. Captain John Crichton and newly promoted Captain Aeryn Sun-Crichton were there as fleet advisors. Ka D'Argo, a crewmate of John's and Aeryn's from Moya, was there as an official Interstellar Alliance Ambassador appointed by President Delenn. Rygel XVI, deposed Dominar of the Hynerian Empire (and also a crew member of Moya), was also at the meeting. As part of the conditions of allowing the ISA's fleet to mobilize in their space, Empress Novia has sent Counselor Barusa to be a part of this strategy session in order for the Empress to be informed about how this war would be conducted.

Entilza Ivanova now sat at the head of the table in front of this mixed group, and began the meeting. "This is a meeting of what I will call the War Council of this fleet. All of you are here for a specific purpose, and all but Counselor Barusa accompanied this fleet through a month's journey in hyperspace because you will play a vital role in this conflict. I will begin with the order of battle for the fleet itself, before going on to intelligence and diplomatic operations."

Ivanova activated a holographic display, that hovered over the conference table and displayed a map of Peacekeeper territories. Their space itself was not that massive, but it was a concentrated one, made up of the various world settled by Sebaceans and ruled by the Peacekeeper government. Plus, there were other areas that the Peacekeepers controlled inhabited by other races who have hired them to maintain order, or have had order thrust upon them by the Peacekeepers.

"Okay," began Ivanova, "this is how we are going to go about this. The fleet will be divided up into three sections. I will command the main section of the fleet, which will consist of the ISA destroyers and White Stars, as well as the Centauri and Narn sections of the fleet. We are going to advance towards the center of Peacekeeper territory, starting with taking their colonies here and here." She said the last part while indicating the areas she was referring to with a laser pointer. "The other two sections will be the Earth Force fleet and the Minbari fleet. Your jobs will be to move on the relative flanks of Peacekeeper controlled territories, starting by liberating several non-Sebacean worlds controlled by the Peacekeepers, before moving on Peacekeeper home territory to the left and right of the main line of advance. Admiral Lakhat, your Minbari forces will move on the right flank, taking Delvia and several other worlds before moving on Sebacean territory. General Kemal, you and the Earth Force contingent will move on the left, taking the Peacekeeper held worlds here, before moving into Sebacean territory here. Hopefully, if all goes well, our forces will converge on the Peacekeepers third largest population center, Latrios. From there, we move on their innermost colonies and, finally, Sebacea itself. Are there any questions?"

"Yes," said War Leader G'Stan, the Narn commander. "Entilza Ivanova, we are not going to be able to move against that much territory on our own for long. Perhaps, if we concentrated our forces, we could do it, but..."

"No," said Ivanova. "Look, we need to divide the Peacekeeper defenses, keep them off balance by attacking on multiple fronts. One thing we learned at the Battles of Signet and Delphi is that the Peacekeepers are more vulnerable if they have to defend against multiple threats. But, you are right, we are going to need some help. That's where intelligence and diplomacy will come in. General Hancock, if you will explain."

"Yes, ma'm," he said. "This is not going to just be a war fought on the fleet level. We are going to do some old fashioned counterinsurgency ops, and rely on a little bit of wrangling to get other races on board for this fight. What we do know is that there are plenty of races out here that don't like the Peacekeepers. Several of these races could contribute significantly to this war, but they won't out of fear, or timidity, or because their governments are in bed with the Peacekeepers. Now, we've been in consultation with the Crichtons, Ka D'Argo, and Rygel XVI, and we've come up with a way to hopefully get two, maybe three powerful governments out here in the fight on our side. Ka D'Argo has been appointed as an Ambassador for the ISA. He is going to make contact with the Luxan government, and hopefully get them to sign on."

"If I can convince my people," said D'Argo, "with both the promise of a treaty of alliance with your governments, and other concessions, the Luxans can also call on the Illonics, our genetics cousins and closest allies, to join the cause. Neither my people or the Illonics like the Peacekeepers, but are not powerful enough to act on their own. But with the ISA's help, I can hopefully convince them that we can win. If the Luxans and Illonics commit, other races may as well."

"There is another government that we can hopefully secure help from," said Hancock. "But, this is were covert ops is going to have to come in. We are hoping to secure an alliance with the Hynerian Empire."

"Wait," said General Kemal. "I thought Rygel here was the 'deposed' leader of that government. Why would that government now follow him?"

"Because," began Hancock, "we are going to put Rygel back on his throne."

With a smile, Rygel joined in the conversation. "I was wrongly deposed from my throne, both by the laws of our monarchy and by tradition. With the help of the ISA, I can be returned to my throne. Once that is done, I pledge the full support of the Hynerian Navy to this enterprise."

"Why would your people follow you?" asked Admiral Tukari, the Centauri commander. "You have been off of your throne for a long time."

"True," said Rygel. "But my cousin has not been a kind and generous ruler from what I understand. He is a brutal tyrant, and was never fit for the throne. I can trace my lineage directly to the greatest rulers of the empire. My people will follow."

"We hope," added Hancock.

"Are there any questions on that front?" asked Ivanova.

Several questions were brought forth by various members of the council, and discussed over a period of about a half hour. When this was done, Ivanova turned the briefing over to John and Aeryn, who were going to go over some technical details about Peacekeeper military technology and tactics.

Counselor Barusa opted to leave the meeting early, not needing to hear a briefing on Peacekeeper tech and tactics. As he did so, the Counselor walked over to General Hancock, and whispered to him.

"Is there somewhere we can talk privately, General?" asked Barusa.

"Yes, of course," said Hancock with an expression of curiosity on his face.

**

Hancock led Barusa through the Excalibur's corridors to the bridge. They entered the smaller bridge conference room, and Hancock asked two Rangers who were there to leave him and Barusa alone. After the two officers left, Hancock closed the glass door to the conference room.

"Have a seat, Counselor," said Hancock. Both men sat down. "What's on your mind?"

"General, the Empress asked me to speak with either you or Entilza Ivanova about this," said Barusa. "Since you are the head of intelligence for your fleet, I choose you, since this matter falls within your area."

"Sounds interesting already," said Hancock. "What's up?"

"Empress Novia was reluctant to have you know about this, but felt that it might be helpful to your people since you seem determined to go through with this invasion. In recent monens, we have heard rumors about a renegade Peacekeeper command carrier that has taken refuge somewhere in the Uncharted Territories."

"A renegade command carrier," said Hancock with great interest. "Have any of these rumors been confirmed?"

"There are two pieces of evidence that have come to our attention," said Barusa. "The first was a report from the Jenaians that renegade Peacekeepers had traded with them for a large amount of supplies, such as food and medicines, about a monen ago. The other was a report we received several days before you arrived. A Sheyang vessel arrived here with products to sell that were Peacekeeper in origin. They claimed to have salvaged them from the wreck a Peacekeeper Vigilante class warship that had been destroyed by a renegade command carrier."

"How did the Sheyangs know this?" asked Hancock.

"They watched the battle," said Barusa. "The Sheyangs are scavengers. They hover near the site of battle, wait for one side to destroy the other, and then swoop in and take what's left. They watched the two Peacekeeper ships fight one another, and waited for one to win."

"Like vultures sweeping in on a carcass," said Hancock.

"Vultures?" asked Barusa.

"Never mind," said Hancock. "Do you know where this renegade carrier may be found?"

"Not exactly," replied Barusa. "But we can give you the information about where the Sheyangs last saw the carrier."

"Good," said Hancock. "I need to tell Ivanova about this immediately."

***

Later, General Hancock met in Ivanova in her quarters, along with John and Aeryn. He told them what Counselor Barusa had told him about this renegade carrier. Their reactions were ones of shock and disbelief.

"I can't believe it," said Aeryn. "There must be some mistake. Peacekeeper command carriers don't just go renegade."

"Um, Aeryn," broke in John. "Remember your old buddy Crais."

"That's different," said Aeryn. "He was obsessed with capturing you. But why would this carrier go renegade?"

"Look," said Ivanova. "We don't have a lot of facts here. Just rumor, for the most part, and a battle allegedly witnessed by these Sheyangs."

"True," said John. "The Sheyangs aren't exactly the best one's to be relied upon for truthful information. But why would they lie?"

"I just still can't believe it," said Aeryn. "I won't believe it until I see it."

"Good idea," said Hancock. "That's exactly what we should do."

"What are you talking about?" asked John.

"Here's how I see it," said Hancock. "We potentially have a renegade Peacekeeper command carrier. If we could confirm this, and make contact with them, maybe they would join the war on our side. I could take the Indefatigable, along with a Special Forces team, that could work with them as sort of a liaison outfit. Just think, if we can get one Peacekeeper crew to sign on, others might as well."

"I don't know," said Ivanova. "What about operations to put Rygel back on his throne?"

"That's primarily being handled by the Rangers," said Hancock. "I've helped them plan it, but they are handling it from here. If there is truly a renegade carrier out there, I need to be the one to make contact."

"He would be the logical choice," added John. "He's an Earth Force General, he has experience with the Peacekeepers, and he is the head of Fleet Intelligence and Covert Ops."

"Come on, Susan," said Hancock. "This may be a golden opportunity. What do you say?"

Ivanova thought quietly for a moment before replying. "Alright," she said. "You can take the Indefatigable, and a Special Forces team. What else do you need?"

"I need John and Aeryn," said Hancock. "As advisors. Plus, they could be valuable liaisons with these renegade Peacekeepers. After all, Aeryn IS a renegade Peacekeeper."

"What do you two say to that?" asked Ivanova.

"I'm game," said Crichton.

"As am I," said Aeryn. "If there truly is a renegade carrier, I want to see it for myself."

**************************

Chapter 3: The First Steps

*

Entilza Susan Ivanova stood on the bridge of the Excalibur as her fleet entered Peacekeeper territory. It had been about 4 weeks since the War Council meeting, where the plans for this war had been outlined and the final details worked out. A couple of days after that meeting, General Hancock and the Crichtons set off on the Indefatigable in search for the renegade command carrier. She hadn't heard from them since, but she didn't expect to.

Now, the section of the fleet under her command was about to make the first strike against a Peacekeeper base on a planet called Yarga. She had ten Victory class destroyers, 35 White Stars, 25 Centauri warships, and 25 Narn heavy cruisers under her command. An impressive force to be sure, and she was about ready to release it at their first target.

"Lennock," she said, speaking to her Minbari aid. "Open a channel to the fleet."

After a few moments, Lennock replied. "Channel open."

"Attention all ships, this is Entilza Ivanova. We are about the engage the enemy for the first time. Our forces may have the advantage of surprise, although I'm sure they have detected us by now. Remember, if we engage command carriers, don't let them keep to their formations. Separate them, single out a target, and destroy it, then move on the next one. The Victory class destroyers will take the center, while the Centauri move against the left flank and the Narn against the right. White Stars, your job is to get in there and mix it up with their forces at close proximity. Concentrate your fire on their smaller capital ships and colonial defenses. This is our first step, let's make it a good one. Ivanova out."

**

"Is it confirmed?" asked the Peacekeeper commander of the Yarga base to his tactical officer.

"Yes, sir," replied the officer. "The configurations match those of warships belonging to the Interstellar Alliance and their member worlds. Nearly one hundred of them."

"Order all ships to engage!" yelled the base commander. "And open a channel to High Command."

The Peacekeepers activated their base defense screens and weapons systems, and launched their squadrons of Prowlers and Marauders to defend against the attack. Four command carriers and two Vigilante class warships berthed in orbit also came about to engage the enemy.

Ships on both sides launched their fighters, and the smaller ships headed for each other like two swarms of insects on a collision course. The fighters opened fire against each other first, and began to engage in dog fights across the area of battle. The White Stars accelerated past the larger warships of Ivanova's fleet and swooped in on the Peacekeeper forces, raining down fire on their orbital defense platforms and base defenses.

Meanwhile, the main warships of both sides opened fire. Bursts of heavy weapons fire filled the sky as the two fleets engaged one another. Fire from Peacekeeper frag cannons crashed into the defense screens of Ivanova's ships, while her forces returned fire against the carriers and Vigilantes. Ivanova's ships did as they were instructed, and forced the Peacekeeper ships to break formation and engage them on all sides. The ISA forces used the fact that they outnumbered the Peacekeepers to their advantage. Some of the ships swooped into the Peacekeeper formations causing them to break and engage, while others waited to single out a Peacekeeper target. Once an enemy ship was separated from the main group, anywhere from six to sixteen warships would pounce on it and pound their way through the Peacekeeper defense screens. When they broke through the screens, one of Ivanova's Victory class destroyers would finish off the carrier with their main guns.

The Peacekeeper warships were separated from their brethren, ganged up on a destroyed, like a herd of wilder beasts being ravaged by a pride of lions. At the same time, the White Stars punched through the defenses of the Peacekeeper base, and were now pulverizing the Peacekeeper landing fields and military buildings on the planet below.

The battle was over in twenty minutes, and Ivanova's fleet gathered in orbit around Yarga. The Victory class destroyers targeted their main guns on the Peacekeeper base. Ivanova had one of her ships fire on a target close to the main Peacekeeper base, pulverizing it with a massive burst of destructive energy. She then signaled the Peacekeeper base.

"This is Entilza Susan Ivanova, commanding the ISA fleet, to the Peacekeeper base commander. That last shot was a warning. We will not give another one. Surrender your forces and your base at once, or I'll have all ten of my Victory class destroyers fire on your base, pulverizing it and you. Comply at once."

At first, their was no response. Ivanova was about to give the order to fire, when she heard a voice reply to her command. "This is Captain Gregrin," said the Peacekeeper with a defeated tone. "We...surrender."

"Good," said Ivanova. "All personnel on your base will form up on the Northern perimeter of your base. Prepare to receive our forces when they arrive. No weapons, Gregrin, or my ships will open fire. Ivanova out."

When the channel was closed, she turned to Lennock. "Have the 2nd and 3rd ground assault units secure the base. Tell them to expect anything, and not trust those Peacekeeper bastards for a moment."

"Yes, Entilza," replied Lennock, before turning to carry out the order.

Ivanova turned and looked at Yarga, the first Peacekeeper held world captured by her forces. They had lost two White Stars and a Narn cruiser in the battle, but had taken down four carriers, two Vigilante class ships, and an enemy base. "Not bad at all," she thought. "But next time it won't be so easy. The Peacekeepers know we're here now, and they'll be ready next time. This is only the first step of many."

***

"Admiral Jol," said Admiral Mattoc, in a meeting with the Peacekeeper command council. "Have we heard anything more from Yarga?"

"Negative, sir," replied Jol. "Nothing else since their initial message. We have repeatedly tried to contact them, but with no success. We must assume the base has been captured by ISA forces."

"ISA forces that I believe YOU said would never come," said Mattoc angrily.

"With all due respect, sir," replied Jol warily. "It was an assessment you agreed with."

"So we are both FRELLING NERFS for it!" yelled Mattoc. "Sitting so smug in our complacency. Now, the enemy has taken us by surprise!"

A Peacekeeper Lieutenant brought in a message to another member of the council, Admiral Karsten Polise. After reading the message, she spoke to Mattoc. "Sir, we have just received a report from our forces in the Delvian system. They are under attack by a large fleet of Minbari war cruisers."

"What?!" asked Mattoc in disbelief. "Are they sure?"

"They have sent data to confirm it," replied Polise. "At least thirty Minbari ships, perhaps more."

"That means at least two major fleets are involved," said Jol. "The ones that attacked Yarga were, according to the message received, made of up White Stars, ISA destroyers, as well as Centauri and perhaps Narn warships. Now, the Minbari are attacking in another area of our space."

"That means one thing," said Polise. "Full scale invasion."

"Wait," said Mattoc. "We have received reports of attacks by ISA, Centauri, Minbari ships. But none about attacks by Human warships. Why?"

"Perhaps they were part of these attacks," commented Jol, "and were not mentioned in the messages we received."

Just then, another Peacekeeper officer came into the room and handed a message to Mattoc. He read it, and sighed. "No," said Mattoc. "My fears have been proven correct. This message states that a fleet of Earth Force destroyers and cruisers have attacked our forces in the Turenda system." He activated a control, and brought up a holographic chart of Peacekeeper held space. "The enemy seems to be undertaking a three pronged attack, coming at us from the directions of Yarga, Delvia, and Turenda. Polise, what would you estimate to be their numerical strength?"

"Taking into account the numbers seen at Yarga and Delvia, estimating comparable numbers of enemy ships attacking Turenda, at least 150 enemy ships, likely more?"

"It seems they are making an attempt to throw us off balance," said Jol. "Attacking from three directions. But can they sustain that?"

"For a while," said Mattoc. "My guess is they will probably converge on one point eventually, bringing their forces together. We must stop that from happening."

"Where would they converge?" asked Jol.

"If they stay on a similar trajectory," said Mattoc. "It looks like their eventual destination could be Latrios. That would be the most valuable target on those converging vectors. We will form three battle groups to engage each of their fleets. Our goal will be to wear them down, force them to push harder and harder to get to Latrios. This should weaken them, allowing us to force their withdrawal from our space. But we have to keep them from coming together at Latrios, at all costs."

"Sir," said Polise. "What if they have other forces they haven't committed yet? Most of our fleet would have to be use to meet each of the enemy battle groups."

"We will have to hope they don't have another fleet at the ready," replied Mattoc. "If they do, we will have to reformulate our strategy. Any questions?"

When no questions were forthcoming, Mattoc continued. "Very well. Now, let us go about the business of selecting fleet commanders."

****

"Sir," said Commander Gregory, General Hancock's second in command. "Captains Crichton and Sun-Crichton's shuttle has just returned from the planet's surface."

"Thank you commander," said Hancock. "Have them report to the bridge."

"Aye, sir," replied Gregory.

The Indefatigable had been scurrying about the Uncharted Territories for several weeks now, searching for this renegade command carrier they have heard about. They had started with the place where the carrier was last sighted by the Sheyangs, and then proceeded to follow up on any leads they came across (sightings, rumors, etc.). So far, no trace of their quarry.

John and Aeryn stepped onto the bridge and were greeted by General Hancock. "Well, anything?" asked Hancock.

"No, sir," replied Aeryn. "No one down there claims to have seen a command carrier in this area. Of course, they could be lying."

"Yeah, but I don't think so," said John. "As soon as we mentioned a command carrier, they got pretty spooked, and seemed to want to cooperate. Peacekeeper command carriers skulking around tend to be bad for commerce in an area, so they'd love to tell us where to find them hoping we get rid of them."

Hancock turned and sat down in his command chair. "Dammit," he said, pounding his fist on the arm of the chair. "That trader we ran into in the last system seemed sure the carrier had been seen in this area. Its been four weeks, and no trace. I'm starting to think this is turning into a useless enterprise."

"Not necessarily," said Aeryn. "We have found a number of people who have heard about this carrier, a few who have even seen it. That tends to lend credibility to its existence."

"If these Peacekeepers are on the run," added Crichton, "they are going to make it hard for anyone to find them. I mean, they aint going to take out an add with the Uncharted Territories Tourist Bureau. 'Come one, come all, to see the renegade Peacekeeper ship. Only $9.95, plus tax, per visit.'"

"True," said Hancock. "But we could be back with the fleet, helping them. Instead, we're out here in the boonies, out of contact with the fleet. We don't even know how the war's going."

"Its hard being away from the action," said Aeryn. "We're warriors, and we want to fight alongside our comrades. But if we can make contact with this ship..."

"I know, I know," said Hancock. "I made these same arguments to Ivanova to get her to agree to this expedition." He sighed. "Alright, let's move on to the next system."

************************************

Chapter 4: Making Contact

*

General Abduhl Kemal, the commander of the Earth Force contingent of the Interstellar Alliance fleet, stepped off of a shuttle that had landed him on the surface of a colony they had just captured from the Peacekeepers. This had been the third one to fall to Kemal's forces since the invasion had begun a week ago.

Since the initial engagements, the Peacekeepers had offered scant resistance to the advance that Kemal and his forces had made on this front of the invasion. In his last communication with Entilza Ivanova, Kemal had found out that the same was true on the other two fronts of the ISA invasion. It had made things easier for them in the short run, but it was the long run that Kemal worried about.

Kemal walked over to a young ground forces Lieutenant, who saluted the General as he approached. Returning the salute, Kemal spoke to the young woman. "Lieutenant, where can I find Colonel Santana?"

"He's over in the main hanger, opposite of the control tower," replied the Lieutenant.

The General thanked the Lieutenant, and headed in the direction of the building she had indicated. On the way, he passed a group of about 30 Peacekeeper prisoners who were in the process of being searched, tallied, and separated into smaller groups by a detail of Earth Force troops.

When Kemal reached the hanger, he stepped into the building and saw Colonel Santana, the commander of the regiment that had secured the base, talking to one of his officers. Santana saw Kemal enter the building, and immediately headed over to greet the fleet commander. After an exchange of salutes, Kemal spoke first.

"Report, Colonel," said Kemal.

"Sir, the base has been thoroughly searched, and all Peacekeepers located and accounted for," replied Santana.

"What about the civilian population center nearby?" asked Kemal.

"Two companies are securing the town as we speak," replied Santana.

"Fine work, Colonel," said Kemal. "Have you or your men been able to find anything that might indicate future Peacekeeper plans for resistance?"

"None, sir," said Santana. "The Peacekeeper data stores have all been wiped clean. All documentation they may have had seems to have been destroyed. We are still sifting through the material we have captured, but I don't expect to find anything."

"I see," said Kemal.

"Sir, if I may speak freely?" requested Santana.

"Absolutely," replied Kemal. "What is in your mind?"

"Sir, this base...its as if the Peacekeepers expected it to fall to our forces, and didn't make much of an effort to defend it. They've destroyed anything that might have provided any intel to us. It was a preplanned, deliberate effort to rid this base of all useful data, in my opinion. And there is something else. This base was built to accommodate forces probably three times larger than what we encountered. I'd say that a normal compliment of Prowlers assigned to this base was probably somewhere near a hundred. Instead, we run into maybe twenty. Same thing with ground troops, assault vehicles, weaponry."

"What your saying is that it seems that the Peacekeepers deliberately cleaned out most of their troops, weapons, and material from this base, and left only a skeleton crew to defend it," commented Kemal. "Does that sound about right?"

"Yes, sir," said Santana. "But why?"

Kemal was quiet in his contemplation, putting together all of the pieces of the puzzle he was being presented. Very little Peacekeeper resistance to our invasion to date, a base easily captured with only a small compliment left to defend it, and every shred of information from this base's records disposed of. All of this came together to paint a picture that made Kemal nervous.

A bleep from his hand link stirred Kemal from his musings. The General raised his hand, and activated the communications device. "Kemal here," he said into the link.

"Sir," said Captain MacKenzie, his flag ship's Captain, "scanners show a large number of Peacekeeper warships closing on this system. They are coming in at full speed and on an attack vector."

"Estimates as to numbers?" asked Kemal.

"We place estimates as to around twenty command carriers and about a dozen Vigilante class warships," replied MacKenzie.

"Damn," said Kemal. "That's why they didn't try to defend this place and left us nothing to capture. They wanted us here, to be occupied in securing this base while they moved a large fleet in position to attack! Captain, have all ships form up to meet the enemy fleet. Recall all units from the colony. And have two squadrons of Thunderbolt starfuries readied for a bombing run."

"Aye, sir," replied MacKenzie over the link.

Kemal turned to Santana. "Recall all of your men, and prepare to evacuate this base. We'll evacuate the base, and bomb it to the ground after we leave, making sure the Peacekeepers can't use it against us."

"What about the prisoners, sir?" asked Santana.

"No time," said Kemal. "Have all of the prisoners already processed brought with us. Leave the rest here in a safe place away from the bombing area."

"Yes, sir," replied Santana.

**

John Crichton and Aeryn Sun Crichton stepped into a dark drinking establishment on a commerce planet in a remote part of the Uncharted Territories. They and the rest of the crew of the EAS Indefatigable had spent the last five weeks scouring the territories for the renegade Peacekeeper command carrier they had heard so much about, questioning beings on every commerce planet and trading outpost in hopes of acquiring information on their quarry.

In that time, word about the invasion of Peacekeeper space by an alien fleet had spread to the Uncharted Territories. From what the Humans aboard the Indy had been able to gather from the rumors, it seemed their side was winning for now. That was good news to them, although they treated it with some skepticism considering it was just rumor.

Finally, two days ago, they had found a definite lead. The Indefatigable had been contacted by an anonymous source which stated that someone wished to meet with John Crichton and Aeryn Sun-Crichton about the renegade carrier. A meeting was set up at the establishment John and Aeryn now walked into, where they would be met by two men.

The husband and wife team were wary about this meeting as they proceeded into the dark room full of drunk aliens. For all they knew, this was some kind of Peacekeeper trap that they could be stepping into, so they kept their hands near their weapons. General Hancock had made the extra precaution of sending down a squad of Earth Force Marines dressed in civilian garb down to the planet. They were stationed just down the street in case they were needed.

John and Aeryn were dressed in their civilian attire, temporarily trading their Earth Force uniforms for their customary leather coats and dark clothing. They made their way through the patrons, waiting for their counterparts to make contact. Finally, after about twenty minutes of waiting, John and Aeryn were about to give up. But that was when they were approached by two Sebacean men.

"Are you John and Aeryn Crichton?" asked one of the men. He was dressed in a black cloak, and had dark hair. The other, a younger man dressed in a similar cloak, looked around nervously.

"Who wants to know?" asked John.

"Look, just answer the frelling question," said the dark haired man nervously.

"Yes, we are," said Aeryn. "Now, who are you."

"Not yet," said the man. "Come with us to the table in the back corner. We can talk there."

John and Aeryn warily followed the two men to the back table. The Crichtons made sure to take the chairs facing the room so they could keep an eye on the door. Once seated, the younger of the two men took out a device from his coat.

"Whoa!" said Crichton sternly. "What the frell is that?"

"It's a medical scanner," said the young man. "I need to scan you, Crichton."

"I'm sure your, um, companion, can confirm what it is," said the other man.

"They're telling the truth, John," said Aeryn. "It's a standard Peacekeeper issue medical scanner."

Crichton looked at the device, and the young man holding it with some scrutiny. He finally nodded his head, indicating the man could use the scanner.

The young man ran the scanner over Crichton, and looked at the readings that registered on the device. After a few moments, he turned to his companion, and nodded his head.

"He is Human," said the young man. "His scans match our biological records for his species."

"Satisfied," said John. "Now, could we dispense with the pleasantries, and get to business. Who are you?"

"My name is Meltra," said the dark haired man. "This is Staan, a med tech. We have come from the ship that you seek."

"You are from...you are from the renegade carrier?" asked Aeryn in disbelief. "What ship is it?"

"One thing at a time," said Meltra. "First, tell me why you have been looking for us."

"We are here on behalf of the Interstellar Alliance," said John. "We heard about your ship going renegade, and we wanted to make contact in the hopes that we could be helpful to one another."

"How did you know we were looking for you?" asked Aeryn.

"We heard about an Earth destroyer searching the Uncharteds for our ship from various traders," replied Meltra. "Then, we heard about your fleet's invasion of Peacekeeper territory from...other sources."

"Are you in command of the carrier, or has your Captain led this mutiny?" asked Aeryn.

"Our ship is under the command of Fleet Captain Jani Atrios," replied Meltra. "I am her second."

"Jani Atrios," said Aeryn in shock. "She led a section of Scorpius' fleet in their invasion of the Earth Alliance. Why did she go renegade? How did she get her crew to go along with it?"

"It's a long story," said Meltra. "One that my Captain is willing to tell you herself. But we had to be sure you are who you say you are before we would agree to that. Captain Atrios proposes a meeting between us and you, along with your commander, at a small moon in this system. Here are the time, coordinates, and instructions for the meeting." Meltra handed Aeryn a data chip. "You and your commander must come alone, in a transport. The Captain and myself will do the same. Our command ships remain at least one million metras away from the moon."

John and Aeryn looked at each other for a moment before replying. "Our 'commander' will have to agree to it," said John. "We'll have to talk to him."

"Those are the terms," said Meltra. "Follow them, or no meeting, and you never find us."

Meltra and Staan rose from the table, and left without saying another word. John and Aeryn sat silently for a moment before one of them spoke.

"So, what do you think?" asked John.

"Not sure," said Aeryn. "A Peacekeeper Fleet Captain, a full carrier, going renegade. It sounds too good to be true."

"Well, we'll find out," said John, as they got up to leave.

"Do you think Hancock will agree to the meeting?" asked Aeryn.

"Yep," said John. "We haven't been on this duck hunt through space for the past five weeks just to back down now." They continued out of the bar, going unnoticed by the drunken alien patrons around them.

***

"Sir," said a Minbari Captain Tastrony to Admiral Lakhat. "Peacekeeper forces closing on attack vector. Estimated time to arrival: ten standard minutes."

The Minbari fleet had been surging into Peacekeeper territory for a week. They had liberated Delvia after a fierce engagement with Peacekeeper forces, but had since then run into little resistance as they secured several more Peacekeeper bases. Now, they were detecting a large formation of Peacekeeper ships entering the latest system the Minbari had captured.

"How many enemy ships are there?" asked Lakhat.

"At least twenty-five command carriers and fifteen of their Vigilante class warships," replied Tastrony.

"That's the largest enemy fleet we've encountered since we began this operation," said Lakhat. "This must explain why they have offered little resistance since we secured Delvia. They have been preparing for this moment. Very well, Captain. Contact all ships, order them to make a full attack on the enemy fleet."

"Yes, sir" replied Tastrony.

************************************

Chapter 5: Bogged Down

*

"Keep firing!" yelled Entilza Susan Ivanova. Her section of the fleet was engaged in a fierce firefight with a force of fifteen command carriers. This was the third such battle that the crew had fought with the Peacekeepers in a two day period. Each time, the Peacekeepers would send a massed force of warships against Ivanova's forces, inflict what damage they could, and then break off contact at maximum speed. These hit and run tactics being used by the Peacekeepers were taking their toll, weakening Ivanova's fleet a little with each attack. At the same time, the advance of the ISA's forces were being delayed.

It was not just Ivanova's front that was being subjected to these attacks. General Kemal and Admiral Lakhat reported similar engagements on their fronts. The Peacekeepers make a massed assault, inflict damage, and then break off. All fronts of the advance were being slowly weakened, and all had been seriously delayed in their advance.

In the present engagement, Ivanova's forces has managed to destroy one of the enemy carriers so far, after suffering the loss of one of the Victory class destroyers and two Centauri ships, whose forces had born the brunt of the initial enemy attack. Now, Ivanova's fleet was beginning to break the enemy's attack. Another command carrier fell under the guns of Ivanova's forces, and the Entilza and her forces were closing in on the enemy.

"Lennock," began Ivanova, "have the White Stars close in on the enemy and..."

"Entilza," interrupted Lennock. "Your pardon, but the enemy is breaking off the attack. All of their carriers are increasing to hetch speeds and retreating."

"DAMMIT!" yelled Ivanova. "Every fucking time! They attack, kick the crap out of us, we start to kick their asses back and get an advantage, and they scurry off like a bunch of jackrabbits! I'm sick of this shit! Lennock, have all White Stars pursue them out of this system. Tell them to blast away at the Peacekeepers until the enemy leaves the sector, then return to the fleet!"

"Yes, Entilza," replied Lennock.

"Entilza," reported another Ranger, the communications officer. "We are receiving a signal from our supply transfer point in the Royal Colonies with an update on incoming shipments."

"Very well," said Ivanova. "I'll take it in the bridge conference room."

**

"Sir, the enemy forces have left the system," said Captain MacKenzie to General Kemal. The Earth fleet had been attacked by a force of enemy command carriers and Vigilantes less than a half an arn ago. A cruiser and a destroyer had fallen in the attack, but Kemal's forces were just managing to beat the enemy back, taking out one of their Vigilante ships and inflicting serious damage on one of their carriers. But just as the Humans gained the upper hand, the Peacekeepers began their all too familiar withdrawal.

"Not again," said Kemal. "Ahh! Allah be merciful, when are these bastards going to stand and fight?!"

"I wish I knew, sir," replied MacKenzie. "If we could pin them into an engagement, we could clean their clocks. We've outnumbered each force they have sent by at the very least two to one. But these hit and run assaults...."

"I know," interrupted Kemal. "Each time they attack, they delay our advance. In the times between attacks, our people are on edge waiting for the enemy to strike. If this goes on long enough, WE may have to be the ones to retreat."

"Any word from Ivanova?" asked MacKenzie.

"Not since yesterday," replied Kemal. "She said that her fleet and the Minbari fleet are experiencing this same pattern of Peacekeeper attacks. The enemy is making a concerted effort to delay, confuse, and steadily weaken our forces. And what worries me the most is that they may be succeeding."

***

An Earth Force shuttle launched from the EAS Indefatigable began its descent into the atmosphere of a small moon orbiting a gas giant in an isolated area of the Uncharted Territories. On board the shuttle were General James Hancock, Captain John Crichton, and Captain Aeryn-Sun Crichton. They were heading for their scheduled meeting with Fleet Captain Jani Atrios, the commander of the renegade Peacekeeper command carrier that the Indefatigable had been seeking for the past five weeks.

Aeryn was at the controls of the shuttle, and brought it in for a landing at the coordinates given them by Meltra in the bar two days before. After the shuttle touched down, the three occupants of the ship donned heavy coats, as well as sidearms. The conditions for the meeting allowed the members of both parties to bring pistols, and Hancock, John, and Aeryn made use of that allowance. Hancock carried a standard issue Earth Force PPG pistol, while John and Aeryn opted for pulse pistols.

The three of them exited the shuttle, and stepped onto a barren, rocky landscape. The moon had an oxygen atmosphere, small bodies of water which probably sustained oxygen producing algae, and a standard air temperature of around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. There was not much precipitation to speak of, so the land was completely devoid of life.

Hancock, John, and Aeryn made their way to a large cave that was within sight of the shuttle. That was where the meeting would take place, and the three of them could tell that the other party was already waiting for them because a Marauder was parked about 1000 yards from the cave entrance.

When the three of them got inside the cave, they saw two people in Peacekeeper uniforms waiting for them. One of them was Meltra. The other was a blonde Sebacean woman who looked in Human terms to be in her early thirties, but was probably older due to differences in Human and Sebacean aging. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid, and she wore a jet black leather coat with insignia that indicated she was a Peacekeeper Fleet Captain.

Hancock, John, and Aeryn approached the pair of Peacekeepers warily. Aeryn kept her hand near her sidearm, not willing to trust the other side until she knew what was going one. Both sides stood and looked at each other silently, each side appraising the other before they began to speak.

Fleet Captain Atrios looked at the three Earth Force officers who stood before her. She had never been this close to Humans before, and was curious about them. The man who seemed to be in charge was a tall man, with brown hair that was tinged by streaks of gray. The other two she knew from Peacekeeper fugitive files to be John Crichton and Peacekeeper defector Officer Aeryn Sun, who now called herself Aeryn Sun-Crichton, John Crichton's wife. It was Atrios that broke the silence.

"Identify yourself," she said to Hancock.

"James Hancock, Brigadier General, Earth Force," he replied. He then introduced his two companions. "This is Captain John Crichton and Captain Aeryn Sun-Crichton, also Earth Force officers."

"So you did accept a Human military commission, Aeryn Sun," said Atrios.

"Aeryn Sun-Crichton," she replied proudly. "I am John Crichton's wife."

"I...apologize for the offense," replied Atrios. "I am Fleet Captain Jani Atrios of the command carrier Krandolia. I believe the Crichtons have met my second, Lt. Meltra."

Meltra bowed slightly when he was introduced, then spoke. "I see you followed our instructions."

"Yes," said Hancock. "I hope it was worth it. Perhaps, Fleet Captain, you could tell me why you and your ship have gone renegade."

"It's a long story," she replied. "As you may know, I led a section of command carriers under Admiral Scorpius' fleet command when we invaded your territory. It was my command ship that led the remaining carriers in saving Scorpius' carrier at the final battle of that invasion. On the journey back to Peacekeeper territory, my crew and I began to take stock of our losses in that invasion, and whether the objectives were worth those losses."

"You spoke with your crew about the correctness of High Command's orders?" asked Aeryn in disbelief.

"I am not typical of my fellow Captains," said Atrios. "I have always encouraged independent thinking among my crew. It makes them better soldiers if they know why they are doing something, if they feel like they are important. This has often earned me the ridicule and disdain of my fellow Peacekeeper commanders, but I have risen through the ranks because the victories and successes my crew and I have produced have far outshone any "differences" High Command may have had with my style of command. All I ever wanted to be was a successful Peacekeeper officer, to serve my people and protect them from any threats to their safety."

"You see," she continued, "I was not born into the Peacekeeper elite. I was the daughter of a mining engineer on a Sebacean colony. My Father was killed in an accident when I was eight. Having no family, I was left all alone, without a home or a purpose. I had always heard about Peacekeepers, about how they were the vanguard of warriors that kept the peace and protected our people. So, I joined up. Volunteered. I had to prove myself, to be the best at everything to fit in. But I did, and I rose through the ranks. But, I slowly began to see that, perhaps the greatest threat to the Sebacean people were the Peacekeepers themselves. With the atmosphere I generated on my ship, Meltra and many other Peacekeepers who served under me secretly admitted to similar feelings. Then came the disastrous invasion of the Earth Alliance, the losses we had suffered, all for nothing. And then, when we got back, Scorpius, a half-breed, was not even held responsible by High Command. Oh, he got a slap on the wrist, but nothing more. High Command values that monster above the deaths of so many Peacekeeper soldiers! They don't care about us! We are just tools to use to conquer other worlds, to dominate and terrorize! So, most of my crew and I, decided to leave the Peacekeepers. We fled to the Uncharteds, where we have been ever for six monens now, on the run."

"So what are your plans now?" asked John.

"Survive," replied Atrios. "Perhaps, go to the Royal Colonies, hoping they give us refuge. But that just doesn't settle right with me."

"Why?" asked Aeryn.

"Because, I am still a soldier, and I still want to help my people," said Atrios. "I just...don't know how to do that entirely."

"Perhaps we can offer you a way to do that," said Hancock. "According to Meltra, you have heard about the invasion of Peacekeeper territory by the ISA's fleet."

"Yes," said Atrios. "I expected it to come sooner or later. Of course, High Command did nothing to prepare. They wallowed in their sense of superiority, their complacency. It serves them right."

"Our goal is to help your people," said Hancock, "and to rid the galaxy of the Peacekeeper threat. We want to take down Peacekeeper High Command, to free the people of the galaxy from fear of the Peacekeepers. Our people also want to liberate the Sebacean race from the dominance of the Peacekeepers, to allow your people to grow and flourish as a free society among many other societies. It seems to me we have the same goal."

"Its as I thought, Captain," said Meltra. "They want us to join the fight against our own people."

"No, not against our people," said Aeryn. "Against the Peacekeepers."

"How can you claim to still be one of us?" asked Meltra. "You are married to a Human, have conceived a child with a Human, and have joined the Human's military. Yet, you still claim to be one of us?"

"I am a Sebacean," replied Aeryn with growing anger. "I have NEVER renounced my race, or my heritage as a Sebacean! The only thing I have renounced is my ties to an organization that oppressed me, and oppresses everyone they touch, including you! I may have married a Human, and I may serve alongside Humans, but I AM a SEBACEAN! And it is for that reason, above all others, that I support this war! I am fighting to save my people! Will you do so as well?"

"We accept your point, Aeryn Sun-Crichton," replied Atrios with a smile. "Forgive Meltra for his remarks. I can explain them. I asked Meltra to challenge your identity as a Sebacean, to see if you had indeed renounced your race as well as the Peacekeepers. We predicted that you wanted to meet with us to get my ship and crew to sign on with your forces, but many of my crew were concerned about doing so, as was I. We fear that if we did sign on with Humans, that your people may try to make US Human, make us renounce our identity as Sebaceans. To test this, I decided to see if Aeryn here was still a Sebacean in her heart. I see now that she is, and that being married to a Human and serving with Humans has not changed this."

"Our people have no wish to erase the Sebaceans' culture or identity," said Hancock. "We only wish to help your people, to free them from the Peacekeepers, which you yourself identify as the greatest threat to Sebaceans. It is my hope that someday, Humans and Sebaceans can work together as close friends, allies. But, we need your help to do that. For your people, will you join us in this crusade?"

Atrios and Meltra stepped away for a moment, and whispered to each other. After a hurried discussion, Atrios turned back to Hancock, John, and Aeryn, and gave her reply. "Yes," she replied. "We will join you. For the good of our people, we will stand with you."

Hancock stepped forward, and held out his hand to Atrios. She looked confused, and John knew why.

"Its called a handshake," said John to Atrios. "Warriors on Earth for centuries have done this to show they are not carrying weapons. Our people commonly do it as a gesture of friendship and mutual understanding."

Atrios reached out her hand to Hancock's, and took his in hers. They shook hands firmly, and looked at each other and smiled. Both saw in the other someone they could identify with and trust, and knew that this new alliance was a good one. They broke the handshake, and Atrios spoke again.

"Now that we are allies," she said. "There is something you need to know, something that will help us in the task ahead."

****

"Entilza," said Lennock to Ivanova. She was sitting in the bridge conference room on the Excalibur, going over reports from General Kemal and Admiral Lakhat on the latest attacks by the Peacekeepers on their fronts. This invasion, after getting off to a swift start, has gotten bogged down, and they were already almost a week behind in their projected timetables.

"Yes, Lennock," replied Ivanova.

"We are receiving a message from Ambassador Ka D'Argo," replied Lennock. "He is calling from the Luxan home world."

"Good, pipe it in here," she said.

"Very well," replied Lennock.

After a few moments, the viewscreen in the conference room activated, and the image of D'Argo faced Ivanova on the screen. "Ivanova," said D'Argo. "How is it going?"

"Not well," said Ivanova. "The fleet's been bogged down, slowed by Peacekeeper hit and run tactics on all fronts. You'll be getting a copy of the updated briefings when I send them back to ISA command."

"This is not good," said D'Argo. "It will certainly not help things here."

"Any word from your people yet on whether they will sign on with us?" asked Ivanova.

"Chiana and I spent the first weeken here just trying to prove our diplomatic credentials, in order to see the Luxan ruling council of Clans Leaders," he said. "Since then, we have met only resistance on our requests for their support. They will not join the fight until we can definitively prove to them that the ISA can defeat the Peacekeepers. The Illonics will not fight unless the Luxans agree to it first. I am beginning to doubt the courage and will of my own people!"

"Do they know about our current situation?" asked Ivanova.

"They insist on having as much information as I can provide about your progress," said D'Argo. "The lack of it is not helping my argument."

"I know," said Ivanova. "We need to find some way to strike at the Peacekeepers where it hurts, but I just don't know how to do that yet. I've been discussing it with Kemal and Lakhat, but...I just don't know."

"Any word from John and Aeryn?" asked D'Argo.

"Yes," she replied. "A day ago. They were going to meet with the Captain of the renegade carrier, but I haven't heard back yet to hear how it went."

"I hope it goes well," said D'Argo. "We could all use some good news right about now."

"Agreed," said Ivanova.

*********************************

Chapter 6: A Hero Returns

*

Brigadier General James Hancock was standing in the docking bay of the Indefatigable, waiting for a ship to arrive. The ship he was expecting was a Peacekeeper Prowler, piloted by Fleet Captain Jani Atrios, the commander of the renegade command carrier they were now working with.

It had been two days since the meeting between Hancock, the Crichtons, Atrios, and Lt. Meltra in the cave. In that time, the Indy had rendezvoused with the Krandolia, Atrios' ship, and they were now stationed side by side in orbit around the moon where the meeting had taken place. Atrios had informed her crew about their new alliance, and had met with mixed reactions. A good number of the renegade Peacekeepers on Atrios' ship didn't trust the Humans or their allies, and were unsure about taking a hand in this war. To prove to her crew that Hancock and his officers could be trusted, she accepted an invitation to visit the Indefatigable, and she decided to do so alone.

In the meantime, Hancock had been in touch with Ivanova, and had informed her about their new alliance with Atrios' ship. He also told the Entilza that this new alliance brought possibly more support than they bargained for. Atrios had informed Hancock and the Crichtons that there was a small, but widespread resistance movement among the Sebacean population under Peacekeeper control. There were maybe one hundred members of the whole movement, but they were scattered all over Peacekeeper controlled territory. Many were Peacekeepers, but many more were civilians, all of them trying to find a way of freeing their people from the boot of Peacekeeper High Command. Atrios had been contacted by this movement when their members had heard about the defection of the Krandolia. Atrios was going to make contact with them, to request their help in this war.

While Hancock had good news for Ivanova, the Entilza could not make the same claim to General Hancock. She told him about the Peacekeeper hit and run attacks, and about how the fleet was being delayed by the advance. Ivanova also told Hancock about D'Argo's report from the Luxan homeworld, that both the Luxans and Illonics were dragging their feet, unconvinced of the ISA's ability to win. Both Ivanova and Hancock felt that a way had to be found to hit the Peacekeepers where it would hurt, and the General began to think about a way to do that.

Hancock was signaled by the landing bay officer that the Prowler was arriving. The sleek black and red fighter made an impressive sight as it shot into the landing bay, and came to a landing not far from where Hancock was standing. After a few moments, the canopy of the Prowler opened, and a figure in a black flight suit and helmet stepped out of the ship and onto the deck. The figure removed the helmet, and the face of Fleet Captain Atrios was revealed.

The host approached his visitor, and reached out his hand. Atrios, now used to the gesture, accepted it. "Welcome aboard the EAS Indefatigable, Fleet Captain," said Hancock.

"Thank you," she replied.

"I would have had a full honor guard here, but you said you wanted this to be an informal visit," said Hancock.

"Indeed," said Atrios. "I often find that people can hide too much behind formalities, so I prefer an informal atmosphere for a meeting of such importance. I thought, though, that the Crichtons would be here."

"They'll join us later," said Hancock. "I wanted to meet with you one on one first, since you were coming alone. I felt you would be more comfortable at first with just me."

"Very perceptive," commented Atrios. "Well, I'm very interested to see more of this ship. I've only seen them from the outside."

"Please, follow me," invited Hancock.

After Atrios left her flight suit in the landing bay, she went with Hancock on a tour of the ship. Many of the Earth Force officers and crewmen on board stared at a Peacekeeper Fleet Captain walking the halls of their ship, but Hancock and Atrios ignored them for the most part. They were too busy talking with each other about their ships, military structures of the Peacekeepers vs. Earth Force, systems, etc.

Their tour ended on the bridge, where the officers not on station came to attention. Hancock welcomed Atrios to the bridge, and introduced her around. Afterwards, they went into the bridge conference room, where they would have a private discussion.

"Please, have a seat, Captain," said Hancock. He poured her some coffee, and handed her the cup. She eyed the liquid for a moment, taking a quick sniff. Seeing her consternation about the alien beverage, Hancock decided to set her at ease.

"Its called coffee," said Hancock. "Aeryn drinks it, so it should be fine for Sebacean physiology. Try it."

She sipped it, and found it tasted somewhat bitter, but something in the beverage made it sweet. "What is the taste enhancer in this called?" she asked.

"Sugar," said Hancock. "A food additive that makes something sweet."

"I see," said Atrios. "Well, its...interesting. Much like your ship. I must say, I am impressed with its systems. It doesn't have the...oppressive atmosphere that command carriers do."

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour," said Hancock. "But, perhaps we can now get down to business. Have you made contact with the resistance?"

"Yes," replied Atrios. "Well, at least on cell of the resistance. I told them about our alliance, and they were amenable to cooperating with us. But, they have to contact the other cells, to make sure they will also support us."

"Do you think they will?" asked Hancock.

"I'm sure they will," replied Atrios. "They see me as sort of their defacto leader, a unifying symbol. Where I point, they will likely follow. I pointed to your people."

"I see," said Hancock. "I bet being an idol of worship is a hard road to hoe."

"If you mean that it is difficult to deal with," said Atrios with a smile, "it is. I don't much like being a symbol, but it suits our interests on this occasion. Besides, it often comes with command. You should know."

"True," agreed Hancock. "Tell me, what information do you have about the defense of Peacekeeper High Command headquarters?"

"Not much," said Atrios. "Last time I was there was about four cycles ago. We don't have anything in the data spools, in case our carrier were to be captured. A security measure."

"Damn," said Hancock. "Wait. What about the resistance? Are there any members of the resistance on Sebacea?"

"A few," replied Atrios. "Ten from what I understand."

"Could they get close enough to High Command to get some details on their defenses?" asked Hancock.

"Perhaps," said Atrios. "Security is not as tight on Sebacea itself. Its where High Command feels safest. Why do you ask?"

"Let me show you something," said Hancock. He activated a viewscreen, and a chart appeared on it. "This chart shows the last update we received on the progress of our forces on the three fronts of our invasion of Peacekeeper territory. As you can see, they have been stalled on all fronts. The Peacekeepers have been making massed hit and run attacks on each front."

"Delaying your forces, and slowly weakening them," commented Atrios. "Sounds like a plan conceived by Mattoc and Polise."

"Mattoc and Polise?" asked Hancock.

"Mattoc is the head of the High Command council," replied Atrios. "Polise is perhaps the most brilliant strategist on that council."

"I see," said Hancock. "Well, I'll get to the point. Ivanova and I feel that we need to hit the Peacekeepers in such a way as to strike a blow to their confidence, and at the same time bolster ours. We also need to show potential allies, like the Luxans and Illonics, that we can win this war so they will come in on our side. So, I've come up with the idea of hitting High Command headquarters with an air raid."

"Are you capable of such a strike?" asked Atrios in shock.

"Possibly," said Hancock. "I've got some ideas, but I'm not near specifics yet. But I sent a report on the idea back through the transfer station in the Royal Colonies to Earth Force command. A reply I got from them says that they are amenable to it, and have some of their strategic planners working on it."

"Even if you do get there," said Atrios. "The aerial defenses are quite imposing. The Peacekeepers may feel safe on Sebacea, but they are not stupid. Would you lead this assault?"

"No," said Hancock. "Ivanova and I have been talking about that as well. We need someone who not only has the experience to do it, the mind to plan it, and the ability to inspire others to follow him. Like you, we need a symbol as well as a leader, someone that my people will jump at the chance to follow into hell. Ivanova and I could think of only one person who could do this, and we sent our recommendation to Earth Force command. The question is whether or not this person will take the job."

**

It was a beautiful early autumn day near the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia on Earth. The heat of the summer was beginning to taper off, and the cooler temperatures of autumn were beginning to prevail in the air. In the middle of the green fields and hills of the countryside stood a large, two story ranch house, with a nearby set of stables, all surrounded by a set of open fields and some wooded areas.

Two riders on horseback approached the house from one of the fields. They were a man and a woman, both dressed in jeans and button up shirts left loose at the collar. The woman looked in Human age to be in her thirties, but was actually older, because she was in fact Sebacean. Her long, brown hair, flowed loose in the breeze. The man who rode on the horse beside hers was in his fifties, his brown hair slowly turning gray and his handsome features included a few wrinkles.

Robert and Jenavia McGregor had just finished a daily ritual of taking their horses out for a leisurely ride through the lands of the McGregor ranch, where they had lived with their children for many years. Their tranquil appearance on the ride belied the fact of the ordeals they had endured in the recent past. Their oldest daughter, Katherine McGregor, or "Katie" as they called her," had been killed in the Peacekeeper invasion, during the massacre at Drathnor. In his rage and in search of justice, McGregor had exacted a toll on the Peacekeepers who had launched the attack. His actions in doing so were extreme to say the least, but McGregor had felt they were justified. Many of his superiors in Earth Force disagreed.

As a result of his actions, McGregor had been relieved of his command, and faced court martial on a variety of charges, including murder, assault, violating regulations regarding the treatment of prisoners, and several other violations of procedure. These charges were pressed by General Jonas Achebe, the Chairman of the Earth Force Joint Chiefs of Staff, the man who had replaced McGregor in that position the day the invasion started and someone who McGregor had one called a friend. Achebe took it upon himself to try and seek the maximum penalty for McGregor, feeling the General had brought shame on the service by his actions. Fortunately for McGregor, most Earth Force officers supported him, as did a majority of the public. Both parties flooded President Schroeder's office with messages containing demands ranging from leniency for McGregor to restoring McGregor to command to firing Achebe for prosecuting their hero.

The President made McGregor an offer. If McGregor plead guilty to the lesser charges, Schroeder would see to it that only a reprimand appeared on his record, and that he would be allowed to retire with full rank and honors. The proud General considered fighting the charges in court, but the President assured McGregor that if he did fight the charges, he would not succeed. Schroeder would see to it. The President wanted to dispose of the case quickly, so as to save his office and Earth Force further embarrassment. Schroeder was also fond of McGregor, and wanted to also spare the General's reputation further slander. McGregor finally decided to take the offer, and he retired as he had intended to do before the invasion started.

Robert and Jenavia rode up to the stables near their house, and dismounted. As they unsaddled their horses, and put them back into the stables, Robert took a long look as he often did at his wife. She had been his strongest ally through their times of trouble. He remembered an incident where a reporter from ISN had approached the two of them and questioned Robert's integrity in no uncertain terms. Jena raged at the reporter, calling him every curse word she could think of in both English and Sebacean. Robert had to hold Jena back to keep her from ripping the head off of the squirmy little reporter.

"Jena," said Robert.

She looked at him with a smile. "Yes, my love," she replied.

"I don't know if I've told you in the past hour, but...I love you more than life itself," he said softly.

Jenavia walked over to her husband and let herself be taken into his strong, loving arms. "I love you, too," she replied. "I always will."

They began to kiss, but heard someone run up to them. Robert and Jena broke the kiss, and saw their teenage daughter, Elisa, approach from the house. "Oh, sorry," she said, realizing that she had caught her parents in a private moment.

"Its alright, dear," said Jena. "What is it?"

"Daddy," she said. "Someone is at the house to see you. From Earth Force."

"Earth Force," said McGregor with shock. Jena had a look of concern and slight consternation. She has never forgiven Earth Force for its treatment of her husband, after all he had done for his people.

"Yeah," said Elisa. "Its General Zuchov. He says its urgent."

"Alright," said McGregor. "I'll be right there." Elisa ran back to the house, while Jena put her hand on Robert's arm.

"What could he want?" asked Jena.

"Maybe he just wants to visit," said Robert. "Nicoli was one of the few on the Joint Chiefs to give me his full support."

"Elisa said his visit was about something urgent," countered Jena.

"I know," said Robert. "I'd better go see what it is."

***

Several hours after Atrios arrived on the Indefatigable, she joined Hancock for a private dinner in his quarters. They had met with each other first, and were later joined by John and Aeryn Crichton. The meeting had lasted for hours, on topics ranging from the readiness of Atrios' ship, the strength of the Sebacean resistance, and about this plan Hancock and Ivanova had begun to cook up.

Hancock had decided to invite Atrios to join him for a quiet dinner of just the two of them. He knew they would be working closely together, and he wanted to get to know her better. She had agreed to join Hancock for dinner because she too wanted to learn more about her new partner in this alliance. As they ate, they talked about a variety of different topics, much of it of a personal nature. They found they genuinely liked each other, and found that although they had come from opposites sides of a war, they had much in common. Hancock and Atrios found it easy to talk to one another.

Eventually, the topic of discussion went back to this plan Hancock had conceived to strike High Command headquarters. At one point, the conversation about the plan focused on the person Hancock and Ivanova had recommended to lead the attack, General Robert McGregor.

"General..." began Atrios.

"Please, call me Jim," interrupted Hancock.

"Alright, Jim," she said. "Can you tell me more about McGregor? How well do you know him?"

"I've known him for almost twenty years," replied Hancock. "I served with him as a Lieutenant, later as his executive officer, and finally as his flag ship Captain. He was the one that signed my promotion to General before he stepped down as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Why do you ask?"

"Among Peacekeepers, General McGregor is the most feared and most reviled of all of your leaders," said Atrios. "His actions in destroying Fleet Captain Yusanan's command carrier, his brutality."

"HIS brutality," countered Hancock slightly angered. "How can you compare his actions with the actions taken by those same Peacekeepers on Drathnor? How can you compare that to the massacre of those Rangers, to the raping of those women?"

"I don't intend to," said Atrios. "I'm sorry. Believe me, I never would have condoned such actions. Yusanan was a savage brute, but High Command liked him because of the results he produced. But McGregor's actions...how can you excuse them and condemn Yusanan's?"

"There's something you may not know," said Hancock. "One of the Rangers killed on Drathnor was Katherine McGregor, his oldest daughter."

Atrios stood up with a start, and put her hand over her mouth with a gasp. She said something in a low whisper that Hancock couldn't pick out, and then walked to the window. Hancock rose, and followed her.

"What's the matter?" asked Hancock.

"I...I didn't know," said Atrios. "McGregor's...daughter. Was she one of the one's..."

"No," said Hancock. "She wasn't raped. Thank God for small mercies."

"Jim, tell me more about McGregor, the man," requested Atrios. "What's he like, as a person? Is he a good person?"

"Why are you so curious about him?" asked Hancock.

Atrios was slow to reply, but turned away from the window to face Hancock. "Do you remember how I said that I was not accepted by my fellow trainees when I was young because I was not one of the elite, not born into the ranks?"

"Yes," said Hancock.

"Well, there was one exception, one person who did accept me," said Atrios. "She stood up for me with the other cadets, and we became...friends. Inseparable. She was already a rebel of sorts, stretching regs and doing crazy things. We were quite a pair."

"What does this have to do with McGregor?" asked Hancock.

"When I was sent to fleet training school, and assigned to my first regiment, we had hoped to be assigned together," said Atrios. "We weren't. You see, although she was a bit rebellious in her temperament, she had a cunning intellect and a high aptitude. She was selected for special operations. Eventually, she became a Special Directorate Disruptor. Her name...was Jenavia Chatto."

"Jena," said Hancock in shock. He had to return to his table and sit down. Hancock did not know what to say. He was one of the few people who even knew of Jenavia's past as a Peacekeeper spy. It had been a secret Robert had sworn him and the few others who knew to, to protect Jena.

"Now you see why I want to know about Robert McGregor," said Atrios. "He is married to my friend."

****

"What the hell is going on here?!" asked McGregor. He had been speaking with General Nicoli Zuchov, the Chief of Earth Force Fleet Operations. They were in McGregor's den at his house, and Zuchov had informed Robert that Earth Force wanted him back.

"Robert, just listen..."began Zuchov.

"NO! You listen!" interrupted McGregor. "Look, Earth Force pushes me aside, tells me to retire or face court martial. Now, a year later, you come here and tell me that they want me back in the saddle. What the hell is with you guys? Can't you make up your fucking mind?!"

"Robert, you know I always supported you," said Zuchov. "I'm sorry about what happened...."

"You won't even tell me what the hell you want me back for," said McGregor. "Well, you know what. I don't give a damn. You can take whatever job you've got, and shove it up Achebe's and Schroeder's asses! I'm 'retired', and I intend to stay that way."

"General McGregor," said Zuchov. "We need you. Earth needs you, the Force needs you."

"Don't give me that shit, Nicoli," said McGregor. "I may have answered that call once, but not anymore. You can keep the king and country bull, and get the hell out of my house!"

"Alright, I WILL!" yelled Zuchov. "But before I go, I have something to say. I knew a man once who everyone in Earth Force loved like their Father, their Brother, and their hero all at the same time! I knew a man that inspired every man and woman who wore the uniform to do great things! They...we all worshipped you like a god! You were General Robert McGregor, one of the greatest officers the service had ever known! Where is that man now? The Robert McGregor I knew and admired would never have turned down a chance to serve his people! To hell with Achebe and the suits at Earth Dome! Don't come back for them! Come back for the Lieutenants and Commanders and Captains and Crewmen and GROPOS that need your leadership! Do it for the officers who even now lead troops into battle against our enemies and strain to hear the sound of your footsteps, to be half the leader you were! Will you let them down? Ask yourself that before you make your decision, and if you decide to get back in the saddle, be at Earth Dome in two days. Good day, Robert."

With that, General Zuchov stormed out of den, leaving a speechless Robert McGregor standing in his wake. Robert turned and sat down in his favorite chair by the fireplace, and buried his hands in his face.

Jena walked into the room, and saw Robert sitting in the chair. She walked over to him, and sat down in his lap. He pulled her into his arms, and she rested her head on Robert's shoulder.

"What happened?" asked Jena.

"They want me to come back," said Robert. "They have some special operation they want me to plan and lead. No specifics, just asked me to be at Earth Dome in two days."

"Mmm," said Jena. "I see. And, are you...are you going to do it?"

"I don't know," said Robert. "At first, I said no, but now...Jena, I never liked the way I left the service. Although I retired with full rank and honors, I...I just felt that there was something not finished. I felt that my reputation was broken, and if I could just have one chance to repair it."

"You have nothing to prove to them," said Jena.

"Not to them," said Robert. "To the men and women in the field. To all the people who served me so well. And to myself."

**************************************

Chapter 7: The Raiders

*

General Robert McGregor, again in uniform, walked up the steps in front of Earth Force Command Headquarters in Earth Dome, Geneva. It felt eerie to him to be back here, back to the building where he had served for many years at the height of his career. The last time he had left the building, it had been in disgrace.

Now, as he walked in the main entrance to the building, McGregor felt like he was standing on the threshold of a chance for redemption. It was a chance to erase the blot on his name. He was quickly ushered into the building by the officers posted at the reception desk, and directed to report to the Joint Chief's conference room on the top floor.

When McGregor arrived at the main hall outside of the conference room, he ran into the man who had been one of his leading condemners. General Jonas Achebe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, halted his stride when he saw McGregor. Achebe wore an expression of anger on his face at seeing McGregor. Robert wore a blank expression at seeing the man who had pushed for McGregor to receive maximum penalties for what he did.

Finally, it was Robert who spoke. "General Achebe," said McGregor. "Its...good to see you again."

"I wish I could say the same," replied Achebe in his thick Kenyan accent. "So, here you come striding back like Christ come to clean the temple. Everyone just looks the other way, and says 'welcome back, conquering hero'."

"I see you haven't changed your opinion about me since we last met," said McGregor. "I would have thought my forced retirement would have been enough for you. I guess it wasn't, was it?"

"It sure as hell was not!" replied Achebe. "Before you come back to Earth Force, I have a few words to say to you!"

"I think you've said quite enough," replied McGregor. "Now, if you will excuse me..." McGregor tried to walk past Achebe, but was grabbed by the arm.

"YOU WILL LISTEN, MCGREGOR!" yelled Achebe. Other officers passing through the hallway stopped and watched the two Generals in their confrontation. "Unless you don't want what I am going to say to you heard in front of our fellow officers. I wouldn't want to 'embarrass' the Jesus Christ of Earth Force!"

"Alright, Achebe!" replied McGregor. "If you have a point, make it!"

"I WILL!" yelled Achebe. "How can you stand there in that uniform, when your actions disregarded everything that the uniform of an Earth Force officer stands for?! Earth Force officers are supposed to be defenders of our race, yes, but also defenders of the principles of honor, freedom, and the rule of law! ALL of which YOU violated! Too many times in Human history have we seen demagogues in military uniform decide that they are above the law, that they can do what they want because they have the POWER to do so! Well, I wouldn't stand for it in Earth Force under MY watch! So, I did my damndest to make sure you were punished for it! But I should have known better than to challenge the GREAT General McGregor and his cult of personality that protects him! So, here you stand!"

"Alright, you've spoken!" yelled McGregor. "Now let me tell you something! Those bastards deserved exactly what they got! The Peacekeepers on that ship violated every code of decency, and the actions I took were to attempt to make sure they never did such a thing again! Now, those actions may not have been pretty, but war rarely is! You know that! The only thing I'm sorry about is that my actions somehow created a rift between us. I have never tried to be a god, or even a great man. I've just tried to be a good man, and a loyal servant of our people! As have you. Now, we have to work with each other..."

"No we don't," interrupted Achebe. "I have just given the President my resignation, in protest of your being re-commissioned. I am on my way to pack up my office."

"General, don't do this," said McGregor. "Look, I know that you are upset, but we need you, your wisdom..."

"I have to pack," said Achebe. "Good luck to you, 'General'." Without another word, Achebe stormed past McGregor towards his office. McGregor stood in stunned silence for a moment, watching Achebe until he turned a corner and left his field of vision.

McGregor then turned, and went to the door of the conference room. He entered, and found President Schroeder and the members of the Joint Chiefs waiting for him.

"Ah, General McGregor," said President Schroeder. He walked over and shook McGregor's hand. "I was glad to hear you agreed to come back."

"Thank you, sir," replied McGregor. "I just spoke to General Achebe..."

"Yes," said Schroeder. "I assume he told you about his resignation."

"Yes, sir," replied McGregor.

"Well, its unfortunate," said Schroeder with a sigh. "But he made it a choice between him and you. We need you more. General Zuchov has been appointed the new Chairman."

"Congratulations, Nicoli," said McGregor. He walked over to a smiling Zuchov and shook his hand.

"Thank you, Robert," said Zuchov. "I only wish it would have been under better circumstances."

"Well, gentlemen," said Schroeder. "Why don't we brief McGregor on what his mission is, and start getting down to planning it."

**

Several days later, Lt. Joe Taylor was adjusting his dress uniform, making sure every part of it from ribbons to belt to collar were absolutely perfect. The fair haired, handsome young Texan looked at himself in the mirror, satisfied with his uniform's appearance. At that moment, a dark haired young woman with tan skin and dark eyes came up behind him, and wrapped her arms around him.

"Yalon, honey," said Taylor in protest, gently removing his lover's hands from around his waist. "Not now. You'll mess up my uniform."

He turned and faced Yalon Marst, former Peacekeeper officer and pilot, whom he had met when they shot down each other's fighters and landed on a deserted planet. They had learned to survive by working together on that planet, and their relationship had changed from one of adversaries to friends. When they were rescued by an Earth Force patrol, Marst became a prisoner of war. But Taylor made sure he could still see her, and did so every chance he could while she was in detention.

The two of them eventually fell in love, and Marst decided to defect from the Peacekeepers permanently to be with the man she loved. As a result of her declared defection, and cooperation with Earth authorities, she was granted conditional release. Taylor and Marst have lived together since that day.

"Joe, don't be so obsessive," said Yalon. "I just wanted to hold you for a moment."

"I'm sorry, Yalon," replied Joe. "But we are meeting with General Robert McGregor today. I mean, General McGregor. The hero of Epsilon, the first to make contact with the Sebacean Royal Colonies, the scourge of the Scarrens, the liberator of Outpost 470 during the Drakh War, the wall of Signet. I have always wanted to meet this man. Now, I am. We both are."

"His record is impressive," said Marst. "I admit, I'm a little nervous. But more to the point, I am curious. Why the frell does he want to meet with both of us?"

"Don't know," replied Taylor. "But we'll soon find out."

They left their guest lodgings in Geneva, and boarded a transport tube for Earth Dome. The ride over was a quiet one, both Taylor and Marst feeling nervous about their meeting with General McGregor.

When they got to Earth Force Headquarters in Earth Dome, they were directed to General McGregor's office. A lieutenant outside greeted them, telling Taylor and Marst that the General was expecting them.

Taylor and Marst stepped into an office, and saw a tall man with graying brown hair and a firm build standing with his back to the door. He was looking out a window, as if he were waiting for Taylor and Marst to announce themselves.

"Sir," said Taylor, as he snapped to attention, and saluted. "Lt. Joseph Taylor reporting as ordered, sir."

McGregor turned around, and returned Taylor's salute. Marst, who also stood at attention in the presence of the General, stood speechless, not knowing what to say. McGregor spoke to Marst first.

"You are Yalon Marst, I presume?" asked McGregor.

"Yes, sir," replied Marst. "Yalon Marst, former Officer, Spearstone Company, Krelstar Regiment."

"At ease, both of you," said McGregor. "I'm glad you both could come, because I have a job in mind for both of you. If you are willing to volunteer. But first, I need to know something about Marst here."

"Yes, sir," said Marst in an inquisitive.

"I understand you have renounced your loyalties to the Peacekeepers," said McGregor. "Care to explain to me why?"

"Well, sir," said Marst. "I...I'm sure I could never go back there. And...I wouldn't want to."

"Why?" pushed McGregor.

"Because I have..." she looked at Joe. "I love him. I never want to leave him."

"I see," said McGregor. "So, you have defected for love, is that about the size of it?"

"Yes, sir," said Marst. "I know that may be difficult to understand..."

"No, it isn't," said McGregor, thinking of his wife, Jenavia. "Believe me, it isn't hard to understand at all. Very well. I must ask you to take an oath, a word of honor. Will you do that?"

"Yes, sir," replied Marst.

"Taylor, will you vouch for her word?" asked McGregor.

"Yes, sir," said Taylor.

"Good," said McGregor. "Yalon Marst, do you swear to uphold the constitution of the Earth Alliance, and to defend the Earth Alliance against all enemies, foreign and domestic?"

"I do, sir," replied Marst.

"Very well," said McGregor. "Under special authority from the President, I herby offer you a field commission of Junior Grade Lieutenant in Earth Force. Do you accept?"

Marst was startled at first, not knowing what to say in reply. After a few moments, she managed to mutter a reply. "Yes, sir."

"Are you sure?" asked McGregor. "Accepting means taking on a dangerous assignment."

"I will do it, sir," said Marst. "To prove myself."

"And you, Lt. Taylor," said McGregor. "Are you willing to volunteer for a dangerous mission? Its classified, so I can't give you the details unless you volunteer."

"Yes, sir," said Taylor. "It would be an honor to serve with you, sir."

"Good," said McGregor. "You're herby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. You are going to be my second in command. LtJG. Marst, here, will be our tactical advisor on the Peacekeepers. Now, let's get to work. I'll start by briefing you on the mission."

***

"Why you?" asked Elana Renaes-Crichton of her husband, Jack Crichton. The son and daughter-in-law of John Crichton and Aeryn Sun-Crichton were talking about a decision Jack had made to volunteer for the mission that General McGregor was putting together. No one in Earth Force outside of a few people knew what the mission was, but everyone was talking about how General McGregor was asking some of the best pilots in Earth Force to join him on it.

Jack Crichton had received a field commission as a Junior Grade Lieutenant in Earth Force during the Peacekeeper invasion. The commission had been signed by both McGregor and General Achebe. During the invasion, both Jack and his wife, Elana, a former Peacekeeper Technician, were key advisors to the fleet on Peacekeeper systems and technology. After the invasion, Jack stayed in Earth Force and was accepted into Starfury flight training. A month ago, Jack graduated from flight school at the top of his class.

Meanwhile, Elana had given birth to their first child, a daughter they named Aeryn, after Jack's mother. Elana now held little Aeryn in her arms, as she pleaded with Jack not to volunteer for this mission.

"Why not me?" asked Jack. "I have vital experience in fighting the Peacekeepers, I am a skilled pilot. Uncle Robert could use me out there."

"So you are going to leave me, leave little Aeryn?" asked Elana in tears.

"I have to do this, honey," said Jack. "Elana, believe me, I don't want to leave you and our baby. But, a lot of people have gone to fight this war, and left families behind. My parents are out there in this war. I want to be, too. I feel like I can contribute to this mission that McGregor is leading, whatever it is. He needs good pilots with experience fighting Peacekeepers. That's me."

"I can't change your mind," said Elana.

"No, you can't," said Jack. He walked over to Elana, and took her and their baby into his arms. "I will come back. I promise you."

They kissed for a long moment, and Jack lowered his lips to his baby girl's forehead. He then held his wife and child in his arms for a long time, enjoying the closeness of his family. Quietly, Elana sobbed, leaning into her husband's embrace while still cradling her baby.

****

"General McGregor, sir," said the voice of McGregor's aid over a comm unit.

"Yes, Lieutenant," replied McGregor.

"Sir, LtJG. Jack Crichton is out here, requesting to see you," replied the Lieutenant.

"Very well," replied McGregor. "Send him in."

McGregor wondered why the son of his good friends was here as Jack entered the office. The young Crichton came to attention, and saluted. "Sir," said Jack. "Lt. Junior Grade John Robert Crichton, III, requests permission to speak with the General, sir?"

"Permission granted," said McGregor with a smile. "At ease." McGregor reached out his hand, and Jack took it in a firm handshake. "How are you, Jack?"

"Fine, Uncle Robert," said Jack. "Congratulations on your re-commission, sir."

"Thank you," said McGregor.

"How is Aunt Jena handling it?" asked Jack.

"Well, she isn't thrilled that I'm back in the saddle," said Robert. "But, she understands, just like she always has. And how are Elana and that darling baby girl of yours?"

"They're wonderful, sir," said Jack. "Elana told me to give you her best."

"Thanks," said Robert. "Now, what did you need to see me about?"

"Sir," began Jack, "I understand that you are signing on fighter pilots for some kind of special mission. No one knows what it is, but its pretty much understood to be some action against the Peacekeepers."

"I might be, and I might not be," said McGregor.

"I'm inclined to think you are, sir," said Jack. "If so, I would like to volunteer."

"Come again?" asked McGregor.

"Sir, I have a great deal of experience in fighting the Peacekeepers," said Jack. "My parents and Uncle D'Argo have been training me to fight them since I was 13. I have seen action against them sir, both on the ground and in my Mother's Prowler. I graduated at the top of my class from Starfury flight school. Before that, my parents trained me to fly when they started training me to fight. You need me, sir."

"Jack, you have been out of flight school for about a month," said Robert. "Granted, your parents taught you well, and you have combat experience against the Peacekeepers. But I need Starfury pilots who have had combat experience in Starfuries. I'm signing on pilots who have been flying for years, with hundreds of flight hours and multiple combat missions. Frankly, you just don't have the experience."

"Sir, may I speak frankly?" asked Jack.

"Go ahead," said Robert.

"Sir, is this about me or about my parents? Are you protecting me for their sake?" asked Jack.

McGregor was silent for a moment before replying. "Partially, yes," said Robert. "Your parents are out there now in the field. You and your wife have just had a baby. I've known you since you were a kid, and I don't want to see you hurt."

"Sir," said Jack. "There have been three men who I have respected during my lifetime. One is my Father, another is Uncle D'Argo. The third person is you. I want to help you, Uncle Robert. Please."

McGregor turned around and walked towards the window. He stared out the window for a few moments, lost in thought. Robert finally spoke after a full minute of quiet contemplation.

"You can go on two conditions," said Robert.

"Name them, sir," replied Jack with a smile.

"One," said Robert. "You demonstrate to me personally that you can drop ordinance on a ground target from a Thunderbolt Starfury under a certain set of parameters. Two, you fly with me. You're my backseater."

"But sir," protested Jack. "I'm a pilot, not a backseater."

"Those are my conditions," said Robert. "Take em, or leave."

Jack was slow to reply, but finally nodded his head. "Alright, sir. I accept."

*****

A day later, a group of Earth Force officers stood on the airfield of a small base in the mountains of Montana. Behind them on the field were a group of twenty SA-24 Thunderbolt Starfury fighters, lined up in a row. There were thirty-eight pilots and backseat officers standing on the field, waiting for their commanding officer to show up with the details as to why they were there.

They were approached from a nearby hangar by a group of three men. These three individuals were General Robert McGregor, Lt. Commander Joe Taylor, and a Minbari Ranger. McGregor was dressed in a brown leather jacket, one given to him by his Uncle when he had graduated from Starfury flight school. Pilots on Earth had been wearing jackets of this type for centuries, and the General decided to pull it out of mothballs now that he was back in flight ops. The trio approached the group, and Taylor yelled for them to fall in.

The officers who fell into line and dressed their ranks included Lieutenant Junior Grades Yalon Marst and Jack Crichton. Crichton had been given the okay by McGregor when the General saw the young man conduct an impressive practice bombing run. When the officers were standing at attention, their ranks dressed and aligned, McGregor spoke.

"This mission which I have selected you for will be a dangerous one," began McGregor. "It is very likely that many of you, or most of you, or all of us, may not come back. Before I go into details about what this mission might be, I give you one last chance to back out. It will not be held against you if you do decide leave. If you decide to stay, you will not be allowed to leave this base until we depart Earth for our destinations. That's why you were told to make your goodbyes to your families before you came here."

Everyone looked around, and saw no one moving to leave. After a few moments, McGregor smiled. "Well, I wish I could say that you were going to be greatly rewarded for your bravery in staying. All I can promise you is mortal danger and the possibility of capture by the enemy or death. But, I am also offering you the chance to strike at the Peacekeepers where it hurts! Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to hit Peacekeeper High Command headquarters on Sebacea!" This statement stunned every man and woman on the field. Murmurs filled the ranks of pilots as McGregor continued. "We will be launched by five White Stars in the atmosphere of Sebacea. They will make a direct line jump through hyperspace to Sebacean low orbit. The White Stars are not made to normally accommodate Thunderbolts, but they are being modified as we speak. Once launched, half of our forces will move on a Prowler base near their HQ, and bomb the crap out of it before they can launch. The rest of us will make a direct run for Peacekeeper headquarters, drop our fire, and do as much damage as we can to the building, and hopefully kill as many of their top officers as we can! The White Stars will give us orbital cover while we strike. Those who make it through, will return to the White Stars, and they will then jump back to hyperspace. Ranger Dakonni here will be our liaison with the White Stars. It is hoped that this strike will deal a serious blow to the enemy's morale, and at the same time prove to our people and potential allies that we are going to win this war!"

"When Lt. Colonel James Doolittle launched a similar raid on Japan during World War II," continued McGregor, "he called the pilots under his command his 'raiders'. You men and women are my raiders! And together, we can hopefully pull off what Doolittle and his boys did so long ago! Our people need a solid victory right about now. Let's give it to them!"

***********************************

Chapter 8: Preparing to Strike

*

General Robert McGregor and Lt. Commander Joe Taylor stood in the landing field tower at the base where they and their raiders had been training for about two weeks. They were watching the flight crews in the squadron make practice bombing runs in their Thunderbolt fighter-bombers using concussion missiles.

After one of the fighters made a run and hit their target, McGregor spoke to them over the comm. "Raider 10, your getting it now. Remember to hold the stick steady until you fire your missiles, otherwise they'll go wide."

As they prepared for the next crew to make their run, Taylor spoke to the General. "Looks like we'll be ready to go tomorrow as planned, sir," commented McGregor.

"These men are as ready as they'll ever be," said McGregor. "You can practice all you want to. We could put these pilots through ten more weeks of practice runs, but...they are all experienced pilots, and they have practiced the mission parameters. At some point, nothing more you can do will prepare them for the real thing. I think we've reached that occasion."

"Yes, sir," agreed Taylor. "Sir, may I make a personal request?"

"Depends on the request, Joe," said McGregor. "If you're about to ask for a weekend in Vegas, I can't help you."

They both chuckled at the joke. "No, sir," replied Taylor. "I need your permission to marry a fellow officer under your command."

"I guess I don't have to ask you who it is," commented McGregor. "Permission granted. You and Yalon should be happy together. When are you going to do the ceremony?"

"Don't know, sir," replied Taylor. "I haven't screwed up the courage to ask her yet. Probably while we're in transit to the transfer point in the Royal Colonies. Have any advice about being a Sebacean woman's husband?"

"Yeah," replied McGregor with a smile. "PMS is a killer, so when its that time, don't do ANYTHING to piss her off. But, you will never find a more loyal spouse. Now I can't speak for Marst, I don't know her that well, but what I've just said applies to my wife and to what I've observed in Aeryn Sun-Crichton."

"Thanks, sir," said Taylor.

"Good luck," replied McGregor.

**

One Month Later

Entilza Susan Ivanova was reading the latest tactical reports in her quarters on the Excalibur. The war is going better than it was a month ago, but not by much. The ISA fleet was certainly not winning any big victories. But thanks to a change in tactics, the hit and run strikes being made by the Peacekeeper forces were not taking the toll they once were.

The new tactical idea started on General Kemal's front. He came up with the idea of sending a group of destroyers into hyperspace on short, direct range jumps. This can be accomplished if your intended destination is within range of direct, long range scans. Then, it is a matter of using the right mathematical calculations to plot the jump.

When a Peacekeeper fleet strikes, and finally retreats, the force sent into hyperspace jumps back to normal space within the line of retreat used by the Peacekeepers. Then, the enemy force is caught between this force and the main fleet. The first time Kemal used this, he pulverized the entire attacking Peacekeeper force. Since the idea worked, Ivanova began using it on her front as did Admiral Lakhat on the Minbari front. It came to be called the Kemal Maneuver, and Kemal became known as the "Tricky Turk".

But each time they do it, the tactic becomes less effective. For every action, there is a reaction, and the Peacekeepers have reacted by adjusting their tactics in attacking. They haven't found a way to totally avoid Kemal's maneuver yet, but they will. Ivanova knew that was one thing they could count on. The ISA fleet was advancing at a greater pace now, but it was still a long road ahead. Ivanova felt that the success of the fleet would inevitably come down to General Robert McGregor and his strike force, which would be arriving in the Uncharted Territories any time now.

***

The EAS Indefatigable and the Former Peacekeeper Command Carrier Krandolia waited at the transfer point in the Sebacean Royal Colonies. The Empress was not pleased with seeing a command carrier, even one allied with the ISA forces, enter Royal Colony space, but General Hancock used his tact for persuasion to convince her it was necessary. The transfer point in which all communications and ships went back and forth between this region of the galaxy and ISA territory was a space station constructed using ISA funds and Royal Colony materials and labor. It was guarded by four White Stars and four Earth Force Hyperion class cruisers, along with the station's own defense grid.

The Empress sold it to her people as an employment opportunity for Royal Colony citizens. When the war was over, control of the station would be transferred to the Royal Colony Defense Forces. The Indy and the Krandolia had arrived the day before, and now waited for a rendezvous.

Finally, in the middle of the second day, the ships they had been waiting for arrived. Five White Stars jumped out of hyperspace, each one carrying four Thunderbolt Starfury Fighter bombers. McGregor's Raiders had arrived after a month's travel through hyperspace.

General Hancock watched from the bridge of the Indefatigable as the White Stars formed up alongside his ship and the Krandolia. The bridge communication's officer informed Hancock that a signal was coming in from the lead White Star.

Hancock gave orders for the signal to be received on the main viewer. The image of General Robert McGregor appeared on the screen. "General Hancock," said McGregor. "You sent for the cavalry?"

"Yes, sir," replied Hancock. "Welcome to the Uncharted Territories."

****

Later, Hancock, John and Aeryn Crichton, and Fleet Captain Atrios waited in the landing bay for a shuttle that was being sent from the lead White Star. The shuttle arrived, and settled onto the landing bay deck. After a few moments, General McGregor and several other officers stepped out of the shuttle. A full honor guard piped General McGregor aboard.

As McGregor approached Hancock, the latter rendered a smart salute. McGregor returned the salute, and heartedly shook Hancock's hand. "Jim," said McGregor. "Its damn good to see you again."

"And you, Robert," replied Hancock. "Welcome back to the field, and welcome back aboard the Indy."

"I see you've taken good care of the old girl," said McGregor. "I've also read your reports on what you've been up to. Outstanding performance, General."

"Thank you, sir," replied Hancock.

McGregor then approached the Crichtons. "John, Aeryn," he said in greeting.

"Its good to see you, Robert," said John, as he and Robert exchanged a firm handshake.

"It certainly is," said Aeryn, as she too shook McGregor's hand.

"General Robert McGregor," said Hancock. "Allow me to introduce Fleet Captain Jani Atrios of the command carrier Krandolia." Atrios and McGregor shook hands.

"Your reputation proceeds you, sir," said Atrios.

"I hope that's a compliment, Fleet Captain," replied McGregor.

"It is, sir," said Atrios. "General Hancock has told me much about you. If possible, sir, I would like to speak with you alone, later."

"I suppose we can," said McGregor. He turned to Hancock and the Crichtons. "Allow me to introduce my second in command, Lt. Commander Joe Taylor." Taylor walked up and shook hands with each of the members of the Indy's greeting party. "And this is another officer in my squadron, LtJG. Yalon Marst-Taylor."

"Yalon Marst," said Atrios. "Sebacean?" She asked the question with an expression of shock.

"Yes, ma'm," replied Yalon. "I am Commander Taylor's wife. We were married during the journey to get here."

"Were you a Peacekeeper?" asked Atrios.

"Yes, ma'm," replied Yalon. "Formerly of the Spearstone Company, Krelstar Regiment."

"Under Captain Metari's command, I believe," said Atrios. "You must have been captured during the invasion."

"It's a long story, ma'm," replied Yalon.

"Perhaps we should adjourn to the conference room to start our discussion," said Hancock.

"Oh, wait, before we go," countered McGregor. "John, Aeryn, I have a little surprise for you." McGregor whistled to the shuttle. "Alright, Lieute