The ship soared out of the planet's atmosphere.  Alan hastily entered in the co-ordinates of the Vast Empire Headquarters.  He knew that the rebel cruiser, Indomitable was still out there somewhere.  True enough, he suddenly noticed it on his sensors but she was too slow and quite some distance away.  Before the Indomitable could intercept them the ship lurched into hyperspace and was gone.  Alan peered behind him into the hold of the ship and noticed that everyone had drifted off to sleep.  They deserve it thought Alan.  He knew that the squad had done one hell of a job and he was very happy to be bringing them all back alive.

The ship finally docked at Tadath and the squad exited the ship, still weary from the mission.

"Go get yourselves some sleep, you deserve it" said Alan.  The squad nodded and made their way back to their bunks.  Alan was just about to head off himself when he noticed Kairo enter the hangar deck.  Alan quickly saluted him and Kairo returned the salute.

"Nice job" said Kairo "you led the squad well".

"Thank you Sir" replied Alan, "just glad to get the mission accomplished and have everyone back in one piece".

"You'll be interested to know that you have been assigned a new Squad Leader, fellow by the name of Yillis" said Kairo.

"Yes Sir" replied Alan.  He had never heard of Yillis before but was looking forward to meeting him.

"Now go get some sleep" said Kairo "I've just been informed that we'll shortly be sending the Paladin squad to the planet Abregado-Rae on a very important mission".

"Yes Sir" replied Alan as he saluted once more and left, heading for his apartment.  He was looking forward to being on another mission and to working with their new Squad Leader, Yillis.

The End.