“It's strictly short-term, mate,” Ibram assured the unsteady pilot sitting across from his mahogany desk. “Just for, say, a week. Two at the most.”

On the opposite side of the table sat Phineus Gage. The young, skillful, and semi-incoherent Viper pilot. Recent injuries- multiple injuries to the head- had caused Phineus some concussions and have made flying, or working of any sophisticated machine, slightly impracticable at the moment. So the Imperial Navy came to an agreement on strongly suggesting- if not ordering- Phineus to take a brief vacation on Zeltros; one of the most luxurious worlds in the galaxy; having many recreational and stress relieving activities such as amusement parks cities wide, classic and modern theaters, night clubs for the young and old. There was almost always a planet-wide party occurring; and if there wasn't, the Zeltrons were looking for a reason to throw one. It was, undoubtedly and without question, the planet one would go to for a little rest and relaxation; or to just get lost in the massive amounts of identities.

“But sir,” Phineus struggled to fight back; the pain still throbbing like a metronome in his skull, “I think I'm clear to fly.”

“No,” Ibram fired back; though more-so in a friendly, 'dealing with Phin,' matter. “Last time we tried trusting you with a medical droid, you completely rearranged it's memory core. Then, last night, when we left you with a human medical tech, you ended up wooing her; dragging her down into your sick little game and convinced her to clear you against her orders.”

Phineus couldn't help the sly smile; surely his trademark- even more-so now that his hair had been cut down to merely an inch around due to medical examinations; which he of course had to fashion into a mohawk with 3 inch hair atop his head. His modus operandi was to get the job done, and look good doing it. But Ibram was a veteran, a guy who had to deal with every kind of personality from Coruscant to Nar Shaddaa, so Phineus rarely ever got to him. However, Phineus was very proficient at smiling- if not all out laughing- at his own humor, and he could barely hold back from doing so now.

“Oh, come on,” he began deviously, “that droid had it coming. You guys clearly programmed it to over exaggerate my injuries. And that med-tech? She wanted me from the day I stepped foot on this vessel.”

Ibram shook his head, trying to keep his own smile on the inside, “Phineus, she never saw you prior to your evaluations.”

“Well,” Phin shrugged, “she must've sensed me somehow. Maybe it was my scent, or my popularity around these parts.”

It was too much, even for someone like Ibram. He just had to crack the slightest of smiles and Phin's conceited attitude; which was all just for show, and everyone who took the time to know Phin as Ibram had, knew it.

“Yeah, sure. Look, these are unofficial orders. We'll put a paid leave stamp on your record. Take some time off, go have some nice, stress-free fun, maybe see one of those operas you love so much. Just give your brain some time to recuperate and catch up with the rest of the world. You're spot will still be here when you get back, obviously.”

Ibram's words sort of made Phineus feel a bit more confident about this 'paid vacation.' Maybe getting away from the pressures of the galaxy for a bit would be a good, rejuvenating experience for his mind and body. Not to mention where exactly he was going, Zeltros. The planet that had recently been invaded by the Empire again, yet survived  simply by having its natural pheromones and party atmosphere prevail against the Imperial forces; overwhelming them, and eventually turning the invaders into the invaded. So Phineus was finally warming up to this whole idea.

“Alright,” Phineus nodded a bit less reluctantly than Ibram anticipated, “I'll do it.”

Ibram nodded back and stood, opening a file in his data-pad, “Now we do have some restrictions-”

“Restrictions?” Phineus butted-in, vexed by the extended terms.

“Sorry, but these are the rules,” Ibram confirmed. “They're simple really, and be grateful; I fought for this, the original draft was quite harsh.”

Ibram walked to the right of the desk and sat on the end corner, closest to Phin, “Upon leaving, one must only carry one pack,” he began to read over the restrictions in as un-monotonous a voice as he could, “for ease of transporting bare necessities such as clothing, bathing items, person items, and knick-knacks.”

“Knick-knacks?” Phin asked with a sarcastic raise of his right brow.

“Aye,” Ibram affirmed, “souvenirs from Zeltros apparently. Anywho, you're personal items may only contain your data-pad, C3Pod, and jewelry. One cannot carry any personal firearms, staffs, swords, etcetera. Droids must remain on the ship, or may be sent to  the vacationers home or other such destination aside from the vacationland destination. Ask the vacationer if he or she understands and complies with these restrictions.”

Phineus didn't budge, allowing his sarcastic nature to practically transude from his pours.

“Well,” Ibram said with a roll of his eyes, “do you understand and comply with these restrictions?”

Phineus nodded with a grin, “Sure do.”

“Well then,” Ibram began as he lymphatically arose from the desk's corner, and lackadaisically returned to his position behind it, “that's that. Your shuttle leaves in 0200 hours. If you miss it, the Navy brass will take it as though you're repudiating the orders, and basically doing what you want. Which, will pretty much get you placed on a non-paid leave, will be put on your record, and people will bother me about it.”

Phineus stood, his muscles still feeling moderately precarious, “You don't have to worry about me.”

“No?” Ibram asked satirically. “I usually have to.”

Phineus returned the satirical attempt with a crooked grin that clasped tightly to his clean-shaved face, and a quick wink with his right eye, “Most of the time.”

Phineus turned to leave, and began to tighten the bantha-hide straps on the black leather glove that hid his false, robotic right hand. Ibram fit in one final jab, “Don't lose the left one, then we'd have to spend more credits fixing you up.”

“I think I'd be worth it, eh?” Phineus asked from the corner of his mouth, not bothering to completely turn his head to Ibram.

Ibram nodded, more to himself than to Phineus, and slowly slouched back into his seat. As comfortable as the leather was, as relaxing as it may have been with it's auto-massager setting, it still couldn't help suppress the pressure currently being thrown onto him. Another pilot was on his way out, and they were still half-way in the middle of their mission. If only he had someone- someone special- to go to for a sense of safety, security, and calmness.
Someone, he thought, someone.

-Later-

The craft had entered the surrounding atmosphere a good twenty minutes ago, and had finally received approbation to dock within the Imperial ship. Its matte-black frame came to a trademark smooth landing inside the guest hangar bay betwixt a few spare TIE fighters, and let out a hiss of decompression as the shocks settled down, giving up pressure to allow for the bulk weight of the ship to lower closer to the durasteel meshed floor boards. The docking pad dissevered from the vessel, and lowered softly onto the ground. Two men- both suited in brown leather jerkins accustomed with matching white shirts beneath and black traveler's pants- appeared from the hatchway, and began descending down the ramp. A meter ahead of the sloped ramp stood Phineus Gage- in his custom Mustafarian dress- awaiting them.

“Well, well,” Phin began welcomely, “if it isn't the two scummiest, scruffy-looking pilots this side of Nal Hutta.”

The man standing to Phin's left smiled and glared back at Phineus, darted his eyes around the hangar, and returned his gaze, “So this is where the Imperial Navy calls home? I've seen better décor in a rancor's stomach.”

“Yeah,” the man to Phin's right cut in, “and to think this guy,” he thumbed in the direction of Phineus, “is flying for them.” He shook his head mockingly, “I don't feel too safe.”

The three shared a slight laugh, then informally greeted each other in an embrace of hand-shaking hugs. Phineus' smiled seem to radiate and brighten the entire hangar, “Jules,” he nodded to the man on the right, then to the left, “Dice.”

“Good to see you, Captain,” Keiji Dyson admitted, “it's been too long.”

“Agreed,” Phin said, “unfortunately this isn't for long.”

Dice nodded, “So we figured, we packed light. What can we help with?”

Phineus shifted his bottom jaw to the right in a contemplative sort of look, “Firstly, how's the crew?”

“On the Fortis?” Dice asked rhetorically, referring to Phin's lead Bothan Assault Frigate. “Fine. Perfect actually.”

“And what of the mission to Zonama Sekot?” Phineus inquired.

Jules answered proudly but sternly, “Fine. Conversations between the Sekots have gone well, although they keep pushing for your arrival.” Phineus nodded in understanding. “The moon is doing well; we're starting to increase population and plant-life.”

Phineus was happy of the current sit-rep of his crew and his moon. If life on the Fortis was going well, then that meant one last thing for the twenty-two year old pilot to worry about.

Behind Phineus came a cacophony of pleasant beeps and whoos. It was the first time T3-K1 had seen Phin since he awoke from his second coma, and he was quite delighted.

“Hey buddy,” Phin said, giving a pat on the cheese-wheel shaped head that was TK's. “I have to fly over to Zoltros; you're going to spend some time with Jules and Dice back home.”

Dice gave a firm slap on the droid's head, as if he were jokingly punching a human friend, “Yeah, we could use your assistance in fixing up the ship. We've missed your expertise in engineering.”

“HK has been trying to fix things himself,” Jules chimed in, “but ah man, lemme tell ya.”

TK let out a saddened sigh at the news of Phin's departure, but quickly cheered up. If there was one place he truly loved to be in this galaxy, it was certainly the Fortis.

“I should get going,” Phineus said as Jules and Dice gave a loose postured salute, “you make sure to contact me upon your arrival back home.”

“Aye,” Dice affirmed, “you take it easy now.”

Jules began his back-pedal towards the Validus' boarding ramp, “Yeah, Cap, wouldn't want anything else happening to that poor, frail body of yours.”

The slim smiles cracked on the faces of the three friends as they departed from each other. Phineus stayed back a bit, watching as the Validus took off from the landing bay; all in it's subtle-black beauty. Once he was certain that it the ship's  safe departure was unassailable, he took a final look around then head for his shuttle.

-Later-

Zoltros was all it was hyped up to be. There were entertainment zones on every corner; mens entertainment on every block; spas, day treatments, dining restaurants,  and every other form of satisfying and appeasing form of entertainment and relaxation known to the galaxy. Phineus, oddly enough, wasn't at home here. He didn't like the big lights , the flashy signs, This wasn't a place he'd like to stay at for long. But he had time to waste, and the Navy was generous enough to spare him some creds just for this purpose.

Phineus stopped by the Polygamous Diner, a hot-spot for any local wanting to take all their wives out for fun night. Seriously. The restaurant had tables that fit no less than four people, of all species. The prices were always at a discount due to the excess of meals that were to be bought. All this? It wasn't anything out of the ordinary; eatery's such as this were quite commonplace on Zoltros. It was one of those risqué planets you went to for a few weeks to satisfy all those you could. And monogamy was certainly a lost art. Phineus chose the joint mainly due to its amazing appetizers and main dishes; which it was well known for. Also, Phineus wasn't in the mood for a quiet, lonely, tenebrific sort of place right now. He wanted to be away from any sort of crooks or thugs, and just enjoy a good meal with a not-too-shabby price.

As he ordered his bantha-steak, and sat in salivating anticipation; Phineus contacted the most merited massage parlor in the city; set an appointment; and took a deep breath. The taste in the air wasn't sour like Aargau, stuffy like Coruscant, or torrid like Mustafar. The air, quite literally, tasted relaxed- a common theme among the planet and her inhabitants. It was rejuvenating to say the least, and Phineus- for the first time in quite awhile- was able to slacken.

-Later-

The meal set the Navy back a hundred credits or so, but Phineus didn't mind. The taxi-shuttle was another few hundred, and the Opera- entitled The Unceremonious Shore; a calming, soothing story of a man and women falling in love beneath a Manaan ocean- was another few hundred credits; and still, Phineus had enough money to last him at least another three, maybe four days and nights.

The hotel that the Navy enlisted him in was ironically quite the anti-norm. It was cheap and dusty, small and damp. It's as if the Navy sent him to the most luxurious planet known to the galaxy, and as a joke, dumped him in the most wretched, odious stay in the rim. A message was sent by Ibram to Phin's data-pad, explaining.

Gage,

Jokes on you. Navy wanted to influence you to slow their spending. You're their for two weeks, remember?

~Tyrol

Yeah, Phineus mused, good one.

Phineus slumped in the repugnant mattress around 0100 hours. He spent the poor attempt at getting some rest wincing the night away. The resonance created by too-close rooms were loud fits of banging and clanging, the occasional argument, and the all too common loud knock on the door opposite him. At around 0300, Phineus gave up hope, and settled on an innocent perambulation through the still brightly lit city of the northern province. The sights to be seen were expected; late night gamblers, newlyweds exploring and looking for fun, and the occasional older lot star gazing in each other's arms. None of this aroused Phineus. Nothing, bar the Dejarik Keep; an all-night cantina featuring the much loved games of pazaak, dejarik, and sabaac. Phineus' early mood from before had changed; he was in the mood for the scummy kind, and a few games of luck wouldn't hurt either.

He passed a few taverns and no-good shops on his way down the block. The Dejarik Keep was now in clear sight- a mere ten meters away, across the walkway- but Phineus would never reach it. Within seconds- no, more accurately mili-seconds- the brightly lit yet clearly night sky enkindled with a bright flash of orange and white. The cacophony was barely heard by Phineus, as the blast had hit a mere four of five meters from his present position. His ears began to ring, though not as sharply as he would've expected. His sight was blurred and he saw only a bright white vision, though it calmed down sooner than he anticipated. His thoughts cleared, his vision returned, his hearing repaired much sooner than the other patrons around the block; who were still currently stunned and dazed by the apparent explosion; which was soon followed by another, a  few meters farther away.

Before he realized what was happening, Phineus found himself sprinting into the now burning Dejarik Keep; which had been hit by one of the blasts. His peripheral vision was blurred, but his senses lead him. Into the Keep, he witnessed the panic which had ensued. Bodies- forty, maybe fifty- lay sprawled out on the deck, clutching wounds or frozen in the dead position they were now in. Screams of terror and fright, anger and confusion sounded from every direction. Many who had a limb to spare reached for their blasters or blades in some mock defense of some enemy they had yet to bare witness to. The reports of fractures in the burning wood rang throughout the cantina. Burning game boards and cards sputtered in the sky, slowly wavering down to their ultimate demise. Overhead, starfighters could be heard roaring by, engines at full blast, and a bit too close to the ground for Phin's liking. The screams began to die down; not due to the realization that screaming would help the current predicament, but because of the pandemonium resonating from all corners; and in the corner of the Keep, farthest from Phin's position at the entrance, was a man most recognizable. A man he had been close friends with. A man he had flown with, and one of the few men he had trusted.

“Anden?” Phineus shouted out across the cantina, a saddening attempt at overdoing the clamor that surrounded.

“Phin!” Anden yelled back, as loud as his vocal cords would allow.

“Hi! Long time no see,” Phineus admitted amidst the chaos.

“Tell me about it! What's going on?”

Phineus shrugged through the bright, burning wreckage, “I don't know!”

Anden helped an elderly Zabrak couple to their feet, though it appeared as though their time was running short. “We have to get out of here!” He announced.

The overhead roaring of ion engines were now accompanied by ion cannons. Phineus and Anden exchanged a confused glance before finally taking the appropriate steps towards each other.

“Well,” Phineus began half-sarcastically, “I'd say this isn't too relaxing.”

“No,” Anden replied, “and I'd say we're forked.”

Behind the two; outside on the street, past the entrance; stood about six or seven  Trandoshans, accompanied by two Wookies. They spilled out from their now landing starfighters, of a make Phineus could not recognize, and more fighters began their descent. The gang began to open up fire on any that stood in front of them, mercilessly destroying lives. One of the Trandoshan's reared its head toward the two pilots standing inside the Keep, and cried orders to his wookie men.

“Uh-oh,” Phineus muttered.

“Yeah, we're forked!” And replied as the two of them turned, sprinting for the exit.


__________________________________________________

Words- 3,117

The streets were covered in soot and rubble from destroyed buildings and land-crafts; the skyline’s exuberant, fluorescent lighting was replaced with reds and oranges from the kilometer high flames scorching through the evening air. Laser fire screamed through the night, adding to the illuminated scene with vivid hues of red, blue, and green. The scent of battle, even in this short time, had already become crisp and ripe with burning durasteel, singed flesh, and the metallic, rubbery stench of laser fire. A cacophony built from sharp cries in the night, grunts of men in battle, and the shrieking of emergency beacons added the perfect orchestra for the ongoing events.

As Anden flanked to the left of their current position, looking out on the street fight, Phineus turned to come up on the right rear flank of the unsuspecting Mercenaries, hoping they would be able to come up undetected on the attackers and help the novice level planet security force.

Phineus, dressed in his casual Mustafarian garb, gripped tightly to his Stormtrooper rifle- while wondering just how Anden got his hands on one- his left hand balancing the barrel, his right firmly grasping the handle, with his trigger finger resting on across the side of the gun. He scampered through the entrance of the now completely ruined building, in a crouched position as he moved throughout the wreckage to give himself more cover as he prepared to attack; not so much running as making quick, deliberate, well thought out extensions of his long legs. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Anden signal to him and waved back in reply to confirm the beginning of their two man assault.

As one the two began opening fire on the rear of the attacking group. Screams went up in the air along with the smell of burnt-through armor and flesh. Methocially weaving back and forth all while keeping his line of fire directed on a target Sic and Anden soon came together again as the mercs finally caught on to their plot and started to return fire. They took cover behind an out-of-commission speeder. In the flash of sparks Phin caught a hardened look of focus and determination on Anden's face.

”What the frak happened to him? Where has he been?” Sic asked himself as he returned a volley of fire, seeing another one of the mercenaries fall to the ground clutching at his chest with his one good arm. All he knew was that Anden had left suddenly- with barely a goodbye, something about his family being in trouble....Phin couldn't recall. But from the look Anden had on him- it must've been something big.

In a short time they could see the security force begin to advance on the now decimated mercs and the two of them joined in. Moving low in fast controlled steps the remaining numbers of enemy trying to retreat. Phin saw that the security force had hemmed them in from their side. The mercs must have decided that going through Anden and Phin would be a path of less resistance and soon they were nearly close enough to begin hand to hand  combat, which would become difficult since the security force would have no way of knowing if they were friendlies or not.

“This...could get a little tight.” Anden said speaking what Phin had just been thinking, but still held his ground.

“Yeah, seems that way, don't it?”

When finally they were forced to go back they held their ground back at the speeder. Anden chuckled and said something under his breath which Phin couldn't hear, shaking his head, then looked to Phin.

“Well, I think it is about time we ended this little gimmick... what do ya say?” He asked with a grin.

Phin leaned up over their cover to see how many there left. At least six. They had been up against worse odds before and came out on top. He just hoped that the planet security didn't end up shooting him and go an ruin his vacation. Not that it hadn't been already. All in all, considering that Anden was here now- there was still a small...small small chance that they could actually have a little fun.

They slid out on opposite sides of the speeder and opened fire on the remaining. Finally Phin took out the last of the mercs with a head shot that knocked the guys feet out from under him, his back slamming to the unrecognizable street that had been gleaming and filled with eager money-spending tourists only a few hours before.

“Hold your fire!!” A voice came up from the security force.

“Funny...” Anden said looking at Phin as he slid his blasters into their holsters at his sides, “I was just about to say the same thing.”

Phin smiled and chucked that carbine at him, which Anden deftly caught with one hand and as he put it away in his pack security forces surrounded them, holding them at gunpoint.

“Seems a bit over cautious...wouldn't you say Anden?” Phin said grinning but slowly raising his hands up, palms first, “Considering we just saved...oh at least half of their lives.”

“True...true...” Anden sighed as he stood back up, raising his hands as well, “You'd think at least one of them would at least say thank you.”

“Thank you.” Said a voice from beyond the line of guns aimed at them.

Phin was sure he had heard the voice before- albeit much louder and more exasperated...and over the barrage of the fire fight. The man was older, at least in his fifties. Despite his aged appearance his suit was in pristine condition- or at least had been before the mercs had arrived. The tell tale creases in the pants and crisps lines in the shirt made it obvious this was a disciplined man.

Too bad he is in charge of these undisciplined louts.

“Thank you for...as you put it... saving our butts.” He eyed the two of them evenly, not giving any sign if he was really happy they had or not.

“My name is Jephram, who might you be?, if I may be so bold to ask.” Folding his arms as fidgeting sounds came from the row of guns behind him.

Phin looked at Anden who didn't return the looked and instead answered easily, “Pilots in the Vast Empire Navy.”

Jeprham raised an eyebrow as Phin looked back to him. It was clear that he didn't buy that. Not that Phin blamed him what with the clothes he had on and Anden who was apparently heavily armed- even for a pilot- it was definitely something he himself would dismiss.

“That so.”

“Yes...of a sorts. At least on leave or on mandatory rest” Phin said, with a slight hint of bitterness.

He still couldn't believe that Ibram had done this to him, and he was pretty sure that so far this trip hadn't been all that relaxing for him. Not to mention prove that he really was ready for action. He made a mental note to give Ibram a piece of his mind when he got back.

“Well...I guess we couldn't ask you to do anymore than you already have.” He said, finally the hardness in his face and eyes beginning to fade, motioning to his men, “Stand down.

You can go on your way. There are transports leaving if you would not like to extend your stay here. I would understand.” Jephram's data-band beeped, “Now if you excuse me...it seems duty is calling once again. Gentlemen.” he said with a nod, dismissing them.

As Anden and Phin began navigating their way away from the scene of the attack, more and more areas seemed to be nearly untouched, or unharmed. Almost like a checkered board game. Strategical.

“So Anden ol' buddy. When the hell have you been?” Phin asked with a slight grin.

“Heh- Phin, you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you.” Anden replied, shrugging his shoulders once.

“Try me.” Phin persisted.

“Alright....” Anden paused and turned to face Phin, stopping their progression, “My Father and I, along with some of his old squadron buddies run an attack in retribution against an organization that had nearly killed them all. Made off with near twenty million credits and obliterated one of their flagships in the process.”

Phin stood silent, blinked, then laughed, “Ha! Not too bad a story to come up with on the draw.” he said, punching him on the shoulder.
Anden smiled back and shrugged his shoulders again, “Told you you wouldn't believe me. So you going to stay here on this rock or what?”

“Well seeing as I technically have quite a few days left of paid leave, and now that I have got a bit of action in the Ibram had denied me- I think I just might. What about you? You going back on duty?”

“We'll see,” Anden started, “I mean...I do have all those credits to my name now. I might as well make use of them.”

“Right....the whopping twenty mil.” Phin joked.

It was still a toss up for him, he couldn't tell if Anden had or hadn't been serious about his exploits since his quick leave from active duty. Vipers had seen their own hard times...but none of them had away from it with quite that amount of pay.

“What about you? Why did you get the mandate for R&R?” Anden asked pointedly.

“Ah...well you see-” Phin began to say when he was cut short by a shout from behind them.

“YOU THERE!!...Hold up!” It was Captain Jephram again, with a handful of the planet guards.

“You have been requested...to meet with Governor Liltiah, Leader of the Governing Body of Voltros.” He said in an official voice to them, and looking like it was a request that should not be denied.

Anden raised an eyebrow, looking to Phin before asking, “Why does she want to meet with us?” he asked, a bit unbelieving.

“It seems that these mere mercs were more well organized than we thought. The attacks on the city were only diversions. The true attack was aimed at the palace. I'm afraid that is all I can tell you. I explained your actions in coming to our aide, and who you are...then we were asked to bring you in.”

He looked from one to the other, “In truth, that is all I know. And that in meeting with the Governor- you will also be invited to stay at the Palace regardless of the outcome of the meeting with her, upon her own request.”

“We're in.” Phin said, clapping Anden on the shoulder immediately and moving as if to go with the captain, “Staying at the Palace sound like a few steps up from where I was going back to.”

“What do you mean by, regardless of the outcome of the meeting?” Anden asked, not moving quite as quickly as Phin.

“Oh come off it, we get to stay at the Palace either way...right?” Phin said, in a strongly convincing voice, “Does it really require that much effort?”

Anden still looked unsure, but finally gave in. But his question had made Phin think too. Why had the Governor asked to meet with them? To thank them? Letting them stay at the Palace seemed to be thanks enough, and he was sure that whatever was going on was more than enough to make her time precious enough than to meet with them. Whatever the case...Phin was just glad to at least get a little high quality relax time...and not have to worry about getting any annoying messages about his spending on the VE bill.

“And yes we will help.” Phin said almost instantly, and mabye a little louder than he intended.

He looked immediately at Anden who had gently folded his arms and was still looking at Liltiah. Not unkindly, it looked more like he was trying to look into her inner most thoughts. Anden was sure that this woman was honest, she was a good person. She was good for this planet. What stumped him was why the attack had happened in the first place. Why had her daughter been taken captive. Whoever it was behind this, if it wasn't just the mercs, had something much greater in mind. He was sure that this was only a pawns move in the great game they had planned, and he wanted to be sure of what exactly he was getting himself into before agreeing to help.

“Anden!” Phin said fiercely under his breath at him, “Come on mate, who knows what could happen to the Governor's daughter... you really want that on your hands?”

He placed a hand on his shoulder, “Easy Phin. I just think there are a few points that need to be clarified.” he said still looking at the governor who returned his searching look.

“What is it you want to know?” She asked easily. It was obvious she was ready to give them all the information he would askfor. A fact that seemed to bother Izan greatly.

“Have there been any demands?” He asked finally looking towards at the holo display, walking over to it to inspect the class and formation of the different ships.

“Yes.” Governor Liltiah said, walking to Anden's side, “They have demanded a renegotiation of the Tricontract. The contract that effects our planet and the two others in this system that offer visitors entertainment, relaxation...amid other things. Okinia was present in my place at the last negotiating.

They have demanded a precentage of our profit margins, seventy five percent, be paid to a certain organization, of which we do not know. It is the renegotiation- or my daughters life.” She said with a certain finality.

As Anden nodded, Phin stepped up to his other side taking in the view of ships, “Will they bring your daughter to the renegotiation?” Anden asked, pointing to a certain ship in the display, to which Phin nodded.

One would think that hearing that the Governor's daughter's life was on the line that Anden might show something leaning towards sympathy. In Anden's mind there was no room, no time for sympathy.  And once every preparation was completed, once the mission objective proved successful then the need would be forgotten. No, there was no time for him to allow his mind to become distracted. Now was the time for careful and difficult, albeit quick, actions to ensure the mission did succeed.

“No. They say they will bring her back to the Palace after the signing of the renegotiation. The other planet leaders have already agreed to meet at the appointed time. They...they are willing to submit to the demands...as they too have members of their families who are also being held captive.”

More complications.... Anden thought setting his chin in hand, contemplating. Of course, complications could be made to serve their side as well. With members of three different leaders family being held captive- the people who held them would have to be watching three different areas at the same time. Which could give them the advantage.

“And by submitting...you mean they will not be helping in trying to rescue their family members?” Phin asked. The tone in his voice had given the question a rhetorical sound to it. Only the Governor answered the affirmative with a single solemn nod.

“When will the renegotiation be?” Anden asked his final question.

“In two days time.” Governor Liltiah said.

”A long two days,” Anden thought to himself.

He leaned forward putting both hands on the edge of the holo-display unit. It was elegant up close. Intricate in design. The subtleties in the curves of the minute leaves and vines raised off the gold plating. It was beautiful. It had no doubt taken a considerable amount of time to create, and was a shame that it's beauty was only visible to one who was fortunate enough to view it up close.

In a way it would be much like the task of rescuing the Governor's daughter and the other family members. It too would take many hours of preparation, intricate design would be called for. Anden closed his eyes and envisioned how they would need to proceed. He could see the succeeding in what would be a beautifully executed mission, but the beauty would only be seen by those who saw it happen up close. To the rest- it would merely be seen as great justice that had been done- nothing more. And that- like the holodisplay- would only add to the elegance of it.

Izan cleared his throat, apparently irritated at the long pause Anden had taken. Perhaps Izan thought that he was reconsidering. That thought couldn't be farther from the truth. While he didn't know the whole of their plan, he knew that between Phin, Jephram and himself they would be able to come out the victors.

Opening his eyes, he straightened and turned to look at Jephram, “We will need ten of your most well trusted and well trained men Captain... My Lady Governor, We will need to meet with your most experienced pilots- all of them. If you have simulators- I will need complete access to them. Any of your engineers, we will need to meet with them as well.”

There were no questions, even the doubt in Izan's eyes began to lift as Anden's voice filled and resonated with in the room. The only feeling of questioning was Phin's confused look at Anden's last request. He knew that his friend was wondering what the hell he was planning now. There was a silence as the three council members stood looking at the two pilots.

“...There is little time.” Anden said with, allowing a small smile to form on his lips and raising an eyebrow.

Jephram gave a chuckle, turned on his heel and was on his way as he said to Izan, “Cuts right to the chase doesn't he.”

Izan gave both Anden and Phin half a scowl, which Anden took to be a compliment. That and the fact that his lips remained sealed as he too left the room. Anden turned to Phin, “I hope you are ready for very little sleep.”

Phin grinned and patted Anden on the shoulder, “I'll bet I could go on less than you old buddy, I'm going to catch Jep. I want to take a look at who we have to work with. You have fun with your Engineers.” he said, then disappeared out the door.

Liltiah and Anden held each others gaze and he could tell that she was close to saying something. He knew there were a hundred different things she could say. The one thing he hadn't expected was the exact thing she did.

“Why?” She asked. It was a demand. Her tone was imploring, “Why did you decide to help?”

For a long moment Anden just held her gaze. For an instance it almost seemed she would loose her nerve and look away, afraid to hear the truth of it, but she didn't.


“I'm not a father. Though I hope to be one someday. And if...if I were ever in your position and did not know how to proceed, I would only hope that some one would and that they would help me.” Anden gave her a soft smile, then gave her a slight bow.

“Please have the engineers meet me in...” He took a moment at the computer console, “Hangar Four in an hour. My lady.” Then he too was gone from the room.

Governor Liltiah walked to the tall bay windows in the conference room to look out into the sky in the direction where some where was her daughter. She hadn't known these two pilots from the Vast Empire past a half hours time, and yet she felt for the first time since Okinia had been taken that she would once again see her daughter. Looking to the door where the rest had left she discovered that she could not have agreed more with Captain Jephram's words about this Anden. And Phin, well... if she did see her daughter again she might have to watch him closely. Then again, she might have to watch herself too when it came to his friend.