Outlaw Rising (Frelance & darkangel76)

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Destination, Planet Themis.

Space was so cold, nothing like the warmth of Helios. Laelestra Quentin paced back and forth dreaming of the warm rays of the sun back on her home planet. How she longed to be back there, walking through the gardens on the palace grounds. She could almost smell the sweet scent of lilacs and gardenias as she closed her blue eyes and allowed her mind to drift. But the air on the ship was cold, her body shivering with each step she took. Just how far was it to Themis? Her parents had said it would take a few days to reach the vacation planet. But that was far too long and she was growing impatient. As it was, they'd already been traveling for over a day. She wanted to be back home where it was familiar, where it was safe.

Laela's lips twisted into a pout as she meandered toward one of the windows looking out into the black void. In the distance, she saw tiny dots winking at her. Odd. They didn't look like stars. Just what were they? Suddenly, the lights turned to red and the sirens began to blare at a deafening sound.

"ALERT! ALERT! SYSTEMS ARE DOWN!" came the artificial voice over that was the ship's.

"What?" Laela whispered mostly to herself, her hands moving to cover her ears.

"Incoming!" came a shout, one of the royal security guards. People began to race about the ship. Laela was more than confused. Just what was going on, what was happening?

Frightened, Laela began to head toward her parents' quarters. She knew they'd know what to do and their room wasn't far off. Her copper-colored skirts swished about her tiny body, skimming across the floor as she ran. Her dark hair fell down and out of place due to all the chaos and confusion. But it hardly mattered. Too much was going on and she was terrified and uncertain of anything any longer. When she reached her parents door, she tried to call them using the comm button.

It didn't work. Tears welled in Laela's eyes. Frustrated, she banged against the metal door, screaming and hoping it would just somehow open. But, it didn't. Suddenly, strong arms pushed her away from the door, a swarm forming in the corridor.

"Escape pods are being jettisoned," came a gruff voice that Laela didn't recognize. She glanced at his arm and saw the Illuminati seal emblazoned on the band he donned, marking him one of the elite guards. She just nodded, letting him lead her to where she knew she needed to go.

"My parents!" Laela shouted once they reached the pods. The guard remained silent as he shoved her into the pod, readying it to be jettisoned to what was hoped to be safety. They were near enough to Themis. Maybe she'd be lucky enough to land there.

As the pod door shut, she looked into the face of the guard. He held up a hand in a gesture of 'farewell'. Just as he was about to hit the button promising escape and safety, she saw him brutally wrenched away. Her eyes went wide and she let out a scream, crouching down as fear coursed through her and the dim lighting in the pod turned to black.


STARSHIP NIGHTSHADE, MILITARY CLASS, ILLUMINATI ELITE VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Reisa Amis could barely feel her arms or her legs any longer. The manacles they used to hold her down were the strongest steel and hardwired to a machine that could send a whopping voltage coursing through her body at any time they wished. She hated the shocks most of all. They made her see things, things better left unseen. Her vision clouded as she peered through the barely see-through hood that had been thrown over her eyes. It was silly really, the whole get-up. She knew exactly where she was—above her home planet, above Themis. She thought about her parents as she let her body slump against the rigid platform rigged to hold her up.

It was cruel really. They'd told her that her parents had been alive, had done it to keep her hopes up, make her believe she had a life worth striving towards if she let them into her mind...work their magic. The taste was so bitter now, all those damnable lies! She remembered when she first realized that her parents were actually dead and that the whole time they'd been using her, trying to turn her into their perfect puppet, a killing machine for the Illuminati.

Reisa wasn't one to be trifled with and her parents would not die in vain. Until her last breath, she'd see to it that their legacy lived on. And time was certainly running out. Her blue eyes fluttered shut, but she refused to shed tears. Not in front of these people. They didn't deserve to see her cry. No. She would not break for them, not ever. She remembered the cruel words of Dr. Sophie Bracken, that woman's voice like acidic poison. 'If we can't rehabilitate you, then we'll eliminate you.'

"We're orbiting Themis," came a voice.

Reisa just smiled. She knew her fate. It wouldn't be long now. She'd heard whispers about the cruel broadcasts the Illuminati were preparing to make. Yes, she was to be the example to any and all who dared broach the idea of standing up against the Illuminati.

The Illuminati. The very word sickened Reisa. Everything they stood for was a lie. They prospered while everyone under their rule lived in poverty and fear. To speak up got you killed or worse, thrown to their doctors where they scrambled your brains. It was horrific! And it had to be stopped! She hoped that her death only caused more to rise up to the cause. The flame could not be extinguished now. It needed to burn brightly. Now, more than ever!

"Prepare the traitor," came another voice, a rough hand pulling the hood off of Reisa's head. Her blonde hair was a wild tangle of curls as it framed her face, her blue eyes squinting, taking in the harsh light from inside the ship. "We will be going live soon."

STARSHIP DARK STALKER, RETRO FITTED CARGO HAULER, REBEL MILITARY VESSEL - Mission capture of Gypsy Dancer

"Victor get ready to launch. We have just been instructed to back away from the gypsy dancer. So we will be launching our attack in 60 seconds. Keep your flight path tight as we will be firing the ion cannon past you." Victor listened to the captains update in silence. "Yes sir, we are buttoned up and ready to launch. As stated we will cause minimum casualties to the crew and focus on the ships guard." Turning in the pilot seat of the heavily modified shuttle he was piloting and spoke to the men and women who had been chosen for the initial boarding party. "Hold on tight we launch in forty five seconds." He turned back and signaled to the hanger crew to move the shuttle into the excel oration tunnel that was little more than a rail gun that had been specially built to accelerate the shuttle out of the ship at high speed. Finishing off his previous launch check he listened to his brother in the back as he spoke to the boarding party. "Remember we are there to take the ship not kill it's crew. So watch your fire and only take out targets that are firing back. Also if I see anyone stopping to take trophies I will kill them myself. Greed will kill you either at the hand of the Illuminati or at my hand."

"Launch in five, four, three, two, one." Victor grinned as he was slammed back into his seat from the force of the acceleration as they launched.It took only seconds before the shuttle was out of the ship but it would have taken Victor a couple of minutes to gain the same amount of acceleration if he had launched from the shuttle bay. Running dark he kept his hands off the engine controls relying on the shuttles maneuvering jets to make slight adjustments to their course as the cargo bays of the Dark Starker opened and the ion cannons hidden inside them started to to rain fire down on the gypsy dancer. It focused its fire on the communications array, engineering sections as well as any weapons that attempted to target the rebel ship. "Elex. Get your men ready I will be landing and burning through the haul once I get a seal on the portable air lock." Victor spoke over his shoulder as he spin the ship in a tight roll to avoid hitting an escape pod as it launched from the ship. The two ships passed by each other with just inches to spare. Less than a minute later Victor pulled up hard on the controls bringing the nose of the shuttle up hard just in time for the bottom of its haul to slam into that of the Gypsy Dancers. A second later the airlock had punched into the haul and welded itself in place creating a perfect seal as a plasma cutter fired to life and started cutting through the haul.

Elex stood from his seat and stepped up to the air lock located in the center of the ships floor. "Seal suits and get ready to board. Toss flash bangs first then we enter. I will head for engineering while Victor and his team heads for the transporter room so we can bring in more reinforcements." Everyone waited in tense silence until the chunk of haul fell into the ship and five grenades were tossed inside. As soon as they went off the twenty boarders jumped down the hole splitting into two groups. The rest of the boarding went quickly and like clock work as they found that most of the ship had been evacuated although Elex paused for just a moment as he walked down a corridor that had just a moment ago had a Elite guard reaching for a escape pod release that was until one of the other men had fired his weapon spearing the man with a foot long harpoon of steel effectively impaling the man to the bulk head at the end of the hall. The weapon was crud but every effective which summed up most of the weapons that the rebels had built for themselves.

Twenty minutes later the ship was in rebel hands and Victor sat at the pilots station on the bridge as he spoke to his sibling over the ships intercom. "It all looks good from here Elex. The systems are coming back online just fine."

"Good I will be heading for the observation deck with the last of the sweeps. Plot the interception course then give control over to the Dark stalker then come meet me in the observation deck." Heading out of engineering Elex walked back along the corridors as he had taken with a flashlight in one hand and an old lazpistol in the other. His rail-gun was slung over his shoulder where it had been for most of the battle since most of the ships corridors were to just to confining for him to use it effectively. As he walked he shined the light into the remaining escape pods checking to see if anyone was hiding inside. He was about to stop searching when he turned a corner and saw a few men pulling the unlucky guard from the wall where he had been impaled. Suddenly curious Elex walked over to the escape pod that the man had been about to launch then flashed his light inside and was only slightly surprised when he saw a girl crouching inside. Reaching over he slammed the butt of his pistol into the door controls and with a hiss the doors opened. "Come on get out here." He gestured with his pistol as he spoke but never took his light off the girl. He realize that she was not part of the crew as soon as he got a good look at her clothing while he lead he up to the observation deck. As he gestured for her to go through the door he nodded to Victor who stood beside the Captain with a very thin knife slowly spinning a few inches above the palm of his left hand. "Go and kneel with the others girl. Your choices will be explained to you in a moment." He waited just long enough for her to join the rest of the crew before going and standing beside his brother. While Elex looked to be in his mid twenties and Victor looked no older than seventeen the brothers were twins who had just had their eighteen birthdays a few weeks earlier. As their stood to the by the Captain of the Dark Stalker it was obvious that they were his sons.

All three of them shared the same jet black hair with Victor wearing his very short on the sides with just a few inches on top, while Elex has his shaved to just stubble and Damion having his longer than the boys and slicked back with a few streaks of grey in it. Elex being the shortest of the three stood at 5'11" while his father was 6'3" and Viktor stopped growing at an even 6'. Their eyes were what set them apart, Damion's were a deep blue and usually ice cold while Elex's were a light brown and usually quite warm. Viktor's eyes had never seemed to stay one one color since depending on the light they would appear deep green or a mix of green and yellow.


Damion Kalliso cleared his throat once the girl his son had escorted in had knelt. Taking a step forward he spoke. "I know most of you probably believe the rebellion is just a myth or if you are very educated you may know that we exist but have never seen proof of our fight." Pausing he pointed above him and spoke once more. "Well above us is my ship that effectively brought yours to its knees in less than an hour." As he spoke the Dark Stalker powered up all its running lights revealing it to be a ship of at least twice the tonnage of the Gypsy Dancer. "We are not here to harm you unless you become a threat to our mission. So in a few moments you will be given a choice. You can join me and my crew as we leave the inner system and head to the outer planets were we have made our home and start your lives over were you will have the same rights as everyone else. Or if you are afraid of breaking the chains that the Illuminati call laws you will be transported to the surface of Themis as we stop there before headed back to our homes." He gave them a few minutes to think over their options before he started going down the line with Victor at his side. As they stopped at each person and their were asked to make a choice Damion would glance at his son to see if he had any feelings on the persons sincerity. Most of the time Victor just shrugged and the person would be escorted out of the observation deck but the ones who that he sensed were lying and probably spies were left where their were. On one occasion as they neared the end of the line Victor was about to shake his head when he froze and the knife he had been levitating above his hand shot up and through the mans neck severing the prisoners spine. As the body fell to the floor Victor knelt down and pulled the knife from the mans throat as he answered his fathers unasked question. "Elite guard. I believe he was going to try and kill you. Ah here we go." Rolling the man over he picked up a nano sharpened stiletto from the mans hand and slipped it into his own pocket he stepped up to the girl that Elex had escorted into the room while his farther was speaking with Elex. "So what have you decided? Will you join us or would you like to be dropped off at Themis?" He had barely finished his question when one of the crew who had joined them and was being escorted out of the room spoke up. "Don't give her a choice she is Illuminati royalty. Just kill her." Victor had looked almost happy as he spoke to the girl but his eyes lost all their warmth as he looked her over once more with a more critical eye. "Father looks like we might just have a bargaining chip to delay the execution while we fight our way to Reisa."

Damion looked the girl over before gesturing to a few of the guards. "Bring her to the bridge with use. Victor you head to the transporter room with your brother and get ready. You will be the first wave to transport into the ship. We will get you are close as we can to her." Leaving the room he made his way to the bridge and took a seat in the Captains chair. "Take a seat child. Keep quite and behave yourself and you will not be harmed." He turned his attention to the crew on the bridge which was a mix of crew from the Dark Stalker and the original crew of the Gypsy Dancer who had defected to the rebels. "Display transmission from the surface of Themis. Both official and pirate feeds." That had gotten word that the current leadership on the planets surface was some of the worst to take the seat of power on the planet in the last few decades. Over the next few minutes on one side were official government broadcasts while on the other side of the screen low quality pirated signals showed running battles in the rural sections of the planet as rebels ambushed convoys stealing the supplies and in the slums of the cities where the Illuminati seemed to be leveling block after block with large artillery only to have troops walking through the area and executing anyone who had survived the destruction. "Bastards. Once we have secured our objective plot a firing solution with the all our ships and attempt to take out their largest concentrations of military forces on the ground."


Half an hour of tense waiting Victor stepped onto the transporter pad and knelt on one knee with his rail-gun raised just as the technician started the process and a few moments later he found himself in the middle of a corridor. At the end of the long hallway there were a group of Elite guards who were just raising their weapons when the first of rounds from his weapon slammed into them. While the entry wounds of a needle like rounds of a rail-gun were only a few millimeters wide the exit wound was at least the size of a mans fist if not bigger since the round broke apart as soon as it pierced the body and ripped its way through. "Move. Take the door and lets get it open." As they fought their way down the corridor the rest of the ship was kept busy as the Dark stalker came around the planet and did a hard burn to slow its self down while it opened fire with all its weapons paralyzing sections of the ship with its ion cannons and exposing others to vacuum as its rail guns slammed holes in the Nightshades armored haul. The Gypsy Dance held its fire but continued to transport squads into the Nightshade keeping the Elite guards busy as Victor's squad took the door and worked to open it.

Once it had opened it took only a few seconds to kill the armed guards inside. Slinging his gun over his shoulder Victor walked up to the Reisa's bound form. He flashed her a quick smile but his attention was focused on her manacles and the machine they were hooked to. He made a quick flicking gesture with his hand and the machine flew through the air smashing against the wall but as soon as it left the ground Victor hand brought up both his hands and was manipulating his fingers in quick but very specific gestures. He did not think about the fact that he man be exposing himself and painting an even larger target on his back by showing the Illuminati just what he was capable as he expertly pulled the pins holding the maniacal closed out and let all four fall the floor as he stepped forward to catch Reisa in his arms. Opening a coms channel he spoke as soon as he wrapped around her. "Objective acquired beams up back."


As Victor lead the assault on the NightShade Damion had opened communications with their captain and was attempting to distract them as he held a gun to the side of the princesses skull. "I will hand here over safely as soon as you surrender your prisoner and stop the slaughter of innocent civilians on the surface." He was not expecting to get anything from the Illuminati on the ship or the surface but as long as he kept them from focusing all his attention on his sons attack he would be happy.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Destination, Planet Themis.

Darkness. It consumed Laela entirely as she shivered, crouching low with her knees hugged to her chest. She remained still and quiet in the escape pod, terrified and confused and...so very cold. She had no idea what was happening or why, but she could hear the muffled shouts outside, the sound of gunfire. There was a moment when she'd almost decided to peek and see what was going on. But she thought better of it, that vision of the guard being hauled enough to jar her back to reality.

Just what was happening? Why would anyone want to harm Illumati royalty? It didn't make any sense! Laela buried her face against her knees, tears welling in her blue eyes, her dreams of finally going to Themis for a vacation completely dashed in an instant! What was more she felt the impending dread that whatever or whoever was trying to harm her family, her guards had no regard for morality or life. How could they if they were targeting the Gypsy Dancer. Butt she had to hold onto hope. Hope that her people would put these unwanted guests in their place or that they'd leave just as quickly as they'd come, not noticing her in her quiet hiding place.

Just then the door to the pod opened and a harsh streak of light flooded inside. Laela looked up to see unfamiliar faces and to hear unfamiliar voices. Terror shot through her in that moment, the cold reality that her guards hadn't managed to defend the ship. It had been hijacked! Her eyes widened and before she knew it she was kneeling on the floor with several others—all of them either guards or servants of the ship. But where were her parents? Had they managed to escape on the pods or... She didn't want to think on the 'or'. It was enough that she was stuck on the ship with people she didn't know. Her eyes moved down to her lap, her copper skirts rumpled from the earlier chaos. How she longed to change and she didn't even want to think on what the rest of her looked like. No doubt she looked ghastly. Her eyes pricked with tears.

She wanted to home!

Laela barely listened to the man who seemed to be in charge. She was too frightened and upset, too overwhelmed by all the new faces to truly take it all in. She tried, but only heard parts of what he'd said. Her eyes drifted to the man who seemed to be levitating a knife. People could do that? She'd never heard of such a thing! Magicians and tricksters had come to entertain the royal family at times in the palace, but it was well known that their tricks were illusions, skilled sleight of hand and other such cleverness. Never had she seen anyone do that, not without proper aid. She became transfixed, watching the knife spin around and around and around and...

Swish...slice! That knife suddenly sunk into the flesh of a man standing nearby. Laela felt the bile rise into her throat, her tummy turning queasy as she watched the blood spill. He'd killed him! That trickster man killed him! And he hadn't lifted a finger! Her blood suddenly turned to ice, her body trembling as her mind turned numb. She could barely make out the voices ridiculing her station, the fact that she was Illuminati born. Why did that matter? Her eyes stung, her heart thumped hard. Never before had she felt such fear.

Looking at the man, Laela tried to form words, but her mouth had gone instantly dry. What did he ask? If she'd join them? She looked at the man who'd crumpled on the floor. She knew she had no choice. None. A tear rolled down her cheek and suddenly she found herself being told she'd be heading to the bridge. "I..." she stammered, the first thing she uttered since being found. But her words were cut short and once again she was forced to follow like a servant. What did these people have against the Illuminati anyway? She didn't understand it!

Laela's parents kept her out of the political arena entirely, sheltering her away in palace life and even keeping her away from court. Though she'd known that this vacation to Themis would be ending those wonderful days of freedom. She was coming of age soon and would need to marry, her role within the royal family needing to play its part. Her parents had someone in mind for her. She'd yet to meet him. But they'd assured her the match was perfect, one they'd approved of entirely. A part of her desperately detested this. She'd always wanted to marry for love—one full of furious passion—but this was something she was told she could not have. It was the one choice that was not her own to make. Despite this, she knew her parents had the best of intentions. They had a system to run, one that was crawling with outlaws trying to take over planets! Her parents and the Illuminati elite wanted to better the system and they'd started with the Inner Sanctum of planets—Helios being the first and then Themis. They had a vision! They wanted peace! If everyone could only just understand this...

It seemed like a long walk as Laela made her way to the bridge. She sat down when told and kept quiet. She didn't like the way people seemed to be waiting for something as if something 'bigger' was being planned. She eyed the new captain, blue eyes narrowing into slits. She'd never forgive him for ruining her life, for ripping her family apart and turning her world upside down. Life as she knew it would be forever changed. If only she had the power to alter time!

Minutes passed and suddenly there was a voice coming through on the comm device of the ship. Laela perked up, her muscles tensed as she glanced around and gripped her seat. She looked at the captain, her eyes widening when she distinctly heard him mention that her very own life was on the line.

"What?" Laela shrieked, completely in shock.


STARSHIP NIGHTSHADE, MILITARY CLASS, ILLUMINATI ELITE VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Reisa just grinned at her captors as one of them moved toward her, another punching buttons on a control panel. It wasn't long before the screen came to life and she was able to see it break up into four quadrants—one for Helios, another for Themis, another for Thallassa and yet another for Charon. She knew other planets were able to view the room she was being held in, but those four planets always came on screen in every military ship. They were the default unless settings were changed to view more windows or different ones.

"Glad to know I'm such a star," Reisa spat out.

One of the guards looked her way and slapped her across the face. The blow stung and left a red mark across her cheek.

"Feel better?" Reisa added, which resulted in another strike, this time causing her nose to bleed.

Reisa just giggled before abruptly stopping. She tilted her head and watched the one sitting at the control panel, her fingers flying over the keys. How she longed to be sitting at something like that. Just then, her fingers twitched and she felt a spasm run along her arms. Oh, how her muscles ached!

Suddenly, there was a voice coming through the communication speaker. Reisa bit down on her lip, her blue eyes closing for a moment as she listened and just smiled.

"No," the woman at the control panel stated plainly. "We're under strict orders." She looked at the Elite who'd struck Reisa, her eyes showing worry.

"Turn off the screens, you idiot! Turn them off!" he shouted.

Reisa just laughed as the woman punched at the buttons.

His gaze showed malice as he stalked over towards Reisa. "I'll kill you with my bare hands, girl. Mark my words. I don't need a public viewing to see you're dead!"

Reisa just looked up at the guard, unaffected by his words. But she could see his eyes flashing, the corners of his lips twitching. Out of the corner of her eye the woman at the control panel looked stunned, her pretty features turning ashen as she watched the scene before her. If only she had that job. But it wasn't meant to be—for now. This ship was Illuminati, but something deep in her bones told her that things were about to change. The demand just made over the speaker had said it all and the way everyone was reacting only made things even more evident.

Just then, Reisa was pulled away from her thoughts and back to the moment. The guard who'd struck her suddenly crumpled to the floor, his body fallen at an odd and disjointed angle. She stared for a moment, studying the brutish guard who'd made her time on the Nightshade less than pleasant, memories flooding her mind of all the things he'd done. Illuminati Elite indeed! But no more. Never again. She smiled then, looking up as she was approached by the one she was certain was her rescuer. Without any effort, he freed her from her bindings, her body falling forward and into her rescuer's arms.

"Are you my escort off this ship?" Reisa asked, her blue eyes bright and sparkling. In the distance, she could hear scuffling and gun fire, the woman at the control panel stood up, her hands in a gesture of surrender.


PLANET THEMIS – Illuminati Science Labs

Dr. Sophie Bracken watched with great enthusiasm as the execution of Reisa Amis suddenly was about to air on all the channels of Themis. She knew it would be airing on every planet in the system—on Helios, Thallassa, Charon...all of them. Reisa was of particular interest since she'd been a former patient. The dark haired woman sighed as she remembered the young girl fondly. The bitty thing had shown such promise at being rehabilitated. It was a pity that it didn't hold. Instead, she'd turned monstrous, so unpredictable. It was a shame that such a prodigy had to be thrown away.

But such was the way of things. Reisa was too dangerous to allow to linger. Her name was linked to notoriety and it was something that the Illuminati could not afford. The girl's parents had already caused enough trouble. Allowing her to live would only further the cause and drive the rebels into a fit of frenzy. It wasn't needed nor wanted.

Such a shame.

Sophie watched as the camera focused on Reisa. The girl seemed a bit dazed and confused. But wasn't that the way of things! The doctor smiled, her dark eyes glittering as she remembered the fits that Reisa sometimes consumed the young girl. She shook her head and frowned. "Oh!" she gasped as she watched the guard strike her twice. A sadistic smile crossed her face. Suddenly there was an interruption. Rebels! The execution went off air.

"Oh no..." Sophie muttered.

Sophie stood up and headed for her transport shuttle. It wasn't much, but it was something she had in case she needed to evacuate on short notice. As she boarded her shuttle, she quickly alerted for a small assembly team to assist. It wasn't long before she settled herself and was leaving Themis. Her destination—Charon.

"Send a message to the Royal Official of Charon," Sophie stated to her guard. "Let him know that I'm coming and that Reisa Amis may be at large." She paused and tapped her chin. This could be very bad for the Illuminati, for the entire system. "Rebels are in the Inner Sanctum."

STARSHIP NIGHTSHADE, MILITARY CLASS, ILLUMINATI ELITE VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Chuckling at Reisa's question he gave her a grin. "I will be and under different circumstance I would find a more interesting way off this ship but we are opting for the boring way of transporting." Once he finished speaking he turned to one of the other fighters who had come into the room with him. "Get her," He gestured in the direction of the woman who had was attempting to surrender. " to open her the system wide stream and broadcast the message then start the pull out. The Captain will want everyone off the ship asap." The fighter nodded and walked over to the women. "You heard him open the stream ." He gestured her back to the console with his rifle just as Viktor felt the transporter lock onto him and Reisa.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.


The next moment Viktor was standing on the transporter pad in the gypsy dancer. "See just fucking boring but quite effective." He walked off the transporter pad and pulled off the helmet he had been wearing as he turned to the women operating the transporter. "Contact the Captain and let him know that we have secured our primary objective and the remaining troops are exacting stage two of the mission." The women glanced at Reisa for a quite moment then went to work raising the bridge. Viktor headed for the door as he spoke to Reisa over his shoulder. "We should leave this room as it is going to get rather busy in a few minutes. Would you like to get cleaned up or go straight to the bridge to watch the rest of the battle?" He knew he would be waiting until they had broken orbit and they were heading back to the outer rim of the system.

BRIDGE OF THE GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL


"Captain. Viktor has returned with Reisa and reports that the rest of his team are uploading the our message to all interplanetary communication channels.The teams are also uploading the virus to the Nightshades systems." The man manning the communication station finished speaking just before Laela spoke up. He shot a glare at her but kept his thoughts to himself. He had been part of the original bridge crew as a spy and had heard enough gossip about the little princess even though he had never come face to face with her until she had been brought to the bridge. Damion noticed the mans look but other than making a mental note to look up the mans record. "Good, once Elex has setup the backup get our fighters back on board. Contact the Dark Stalker they are to target the Illuminati forces and military bases on the planet."


"Sir, there is a small craft breaking atmo. It took off from the Science labs on Themis." Damion looked over at the crew member who had spoken and gave them a tight smile. "Tell the Dark Stalker to send its stealth shuttle to follow the craft but they are not to engage it."


Once his orders were being followed he finally looked over at the princess as he slipped his gun back into its holster. "I am not going to kill you. Not unless you give me reason so its in your best interest to do as your told and not attract attention to yourself seeing as how your family and the other Illuminati who are in control of this system have been responsible for killing at least one family member of most of my crew and I can't watch you at all times." He had little sympathy for the Illuminati but he considered himself to be better than them as he avoided killing anyone not directly involved with his fight.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Reisa had almost forgotten what it was like to transport. The Illuminati were too afraid of her now that they'd tampered with her brain to transport her via any other means than the old-fashioned way of shuffling her about. And that usually meant with rough hands by the rough Elite guards. How she hated them. All of them! For a brief moment, she thought about her parents, the fact that they were gone, had been murdered for doing nothing more than standing up for their rights as people. They'd been admirable, noble...and she missed them. But she'd have time for grieving later. It had been years since she'd lost them, but not once had she been allowed a moment to dwell on their memory. Now that she'd been freed from the clutches of those scum who thought themselves better than all the rest, she knew she'd finally get her reprieve.

But not yet. Not yet. Now, Reisa had other things to worry about. She wouldn't truly be safe until they were away from Themis and the whole Inner Sanctum of planets that were under the Illuminati's thumb.

"You call that boring?" Reisa soffed, a tiny smile playing on her lips. She tucked her wild blonde hair behind her ears and followed her rescuer.


STARSHIP NIGHTSHADE, MILITARY CLASS, ILLUMINATI ELITE VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Back on the Nightshade, the woman at the control panel just stood there, fear taking over as she listened to the demands being made. She knew she had no choice as she looked over at the Elite who lied on the floor, a crumpled heap. He was no longer the massive man he once was, something to fear and obey. He was dead, lifeless, his eyes staring up at nothing, his lips no longer able to bark commands.

The woman nodded and sat back down at the control panel. Her fingers flew over the keys as tears began to roll down her cheeks. What was to become of her now? She had no idea. As she finished the codes that would inevitably alter her life once and for all, she let out a resigned breath. She looked over at her captors and nodded. Finally, she pressed the button that made the broadcast go live once more. Her fate...was sealed.


STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Reisa tilted her head, blonde curls falling in front of her blue eyes. She pushed at them and smiled. "I think I'd like to become a bit more presentable before meeting the rest of those responsible for aiding me and interrupting what had to have been the most vile experience—no, I'll amend that—second most vile experience in my life." She nodded, her eyebrows furrowing as she became lost in thought.

Dark memories of her time in stark white rooms, men and women poring over her body as they studied her, searched her mind and invaded. She could feel them reaching inside, poking and prodding, looking for things that weren't their own. It was far worse than when the Elite had invaded her body before bringing her on board the Nightshade. Her nose crinkled as she thought about that disgusting man, his breath had been wretched, his weight overbearing as it smothered her tiny body. She wanted to wash up, to clean herself of the filthy remnants of a life she wanted to be rid of once and for all. No longer would she bow to an Illuminati or anyone following their banners.

She was free. She was Reisa Amis.

Meanwhile, on the bridge, Laela's face had blanched. So many things were happening all at once and she didn't understand any of it. Viruses? And who was Reisa? Clearly she was important to these people, these rebels. All her life she'd heard about the people trying to snuff out the light the Illuminati tried to provide the people, the hope for a better life, a better future. And now she was amongst them, in a den of wolves with nowhere to run or hide. It was a matter of staying alive now, long enough for one of her people to find her, help her. Something.

Laela's blue eyes glistened with tears. This was all too much. People she'd thought were her friends, protection were suddenly helping the enemy. She no longer knew who to trust or what was right. Everything was falling apart! If only she was back on Helios! She could be sitting in one of her gardens, strolling through the hedges of flowers, feeling the warmth of the sun against her skin. Instead, she was cold, afraid and so very alone. She shivered as she looked into faces she'd once thought of as familiar. No longer did she recognize them and it made her heart twist. Looking over at the captain, she knew her fate resided in his hands now. And his alone.

How had her life suddenly come to this?

Mind spinning, tummy lurching, Laela wondered if the captain meant to kill her or do worse. She trembled at the thought...how little she'd done in life, how little she'd seen. She hadn't really thought about how meager an existence she truly had until her thoughts started to sort themselves one by one in her head. Her life had meant so little...so...

Looking at the captain, Laela felt a rush of gratitude when he said he didn't have plans to kill her. Though just what kind of plans were in store for her then? Everything seemed so bleak, so dark. Just what kind of life had she lived all her years on Helios? Confined to the fineries of the palace? The world was so much bigger...so much more terrifying than she had imagined.

"Thank you, sir," Laela mumbled, letting simple etiquette take over. She was too numb to think, too frightened. She curtsied low wishing she could just go somewhere quiet, somewhere to be alone and away from hateful eyes.


STARSHIP DOUBLE HELIX, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI SCIENTIFIC SHUTTLE – Destination, Planet Charon.

Sophie was restless, her thoughts going wild as she thought about what it could mean if Reisa somehow was no longer in the custody of the Illuminati. Her family was known for its terrorism, for the hope it inspired in the rebels trying to rise up against the regime. That had to be extinguished at all costs if life was to proceed and carry on as it did. There was a fine balance in power. The Illuminati ruled the people, governed the system. They provided hope when none could be found and showed a light to be followed. They were the saviors of all and she was glad to be among their most gifted researchers.

Sophie had worked hard to achieve her standing within the scientific arena, gaining notoriety amongst not only the Elite, but the royals. It hadn't taken her long to earn a position in their Scientific Labs, assisting and eventually leading the rehabilitation research that would put an end to all who'd compromise the message that the Illuminati wished to spread throughout the system it ruled. Reisa had been a part of that experimentation...a failed experiment, a trial gone wrong!

And now she was out there somewhere in the wrong hands! It was a disaster!

"Has my message gone through?" Sophie asked one of her guards. She received a curt nod. "Any response?" she followed up. The guard shook his head, which made Sophie frown. She could only hope that her message to Charon had been properly received. So far, her trip seemed uneventful. But, she wasn't a fool. That would only last for so long. But she'd be damned if her love on Charon wasn't warned before the others. He needed to know. He needed to prepare.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Viktor slowed until he was walking beside Reisa as they left the transporter room. "Maybe boring is the wrong word. I just prefer the thrill of controlling a ship. Whether it's a shuttle or a ship this size. It's such a rush navigating a ship. The transporter is just to fast I guess." He glanced over at Reisa as his system started to burn the rest of his adrenaline it was starting to sink in that he really didn't actually know anything about the women he had just rescued. He knew that his father had been warning him not to project his own ideas of what she would be capable of and who she was. He looked away as they walked down the hall pausing only to speak to one of the crew about where they had set up a barracks on board. Heading to it he asked. "What can you do? You saw that I am not an A stream human. The Illuminati never got their hands on me though so I don't think I have as many abilities as you might have." It didn't occurred to him that it might be rude to ask her about the very thing that made them different from the rest of humanity. He had grown up in an environment where most of the people he interacted with on a daily basis were B line humans. Now he rarely saw more than a few others like himself together in one place. B strain humans were to valuable to the resistance and their numbers were too low for more than one or two to be on the same assignment or ship.

As they reached the barracks that had been set up in some of the passengers quarters that were no longer needed. "Alright so just choose a room and grab a shower. Unless someone changed the plan each room should have some basic clothes in every size. This is the barracks on this ship at least until we bring it back to the outer belts and repurpose the ship. I will wait here for you." Just as he finished speaking a girl that looked like she was barely into her teens stepped out of one of the rooms pulling a cart behind her that was full of various items that the room had been stocked with. She glanced there way and grinned when she saw Viktor but her grin faltered as she saw Reisa. She stood there for a moment before quickly focusing on Viktor again. "Um, the Captain said that when you were back on the ship that you were to stand down and um, show our guest around." She glanced at Reisa then quickly turned and started hauling the cart down the corridor towards one of the shuttle bays. Viktor ground his teeth for a minute as he forced himself to relax. Sighing he started to strip off the body armor he was wearing. "Okay well I guess I will take this room." He nodded to the room on the left side of the corridor. As he unlocked the last buckle on the torso section of his body armor he touched the door control and stepped inside the room. Shrugging his shoulders the chest piece lifted over his head and he tossed it to a chair with a flick of his fingers just as he knelt and started to manipulated the controls on his boots. It only took a few seconds for each to loosen then split open letting him step out of them. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure Reisa did not need anything else before he stepped into the bathroom and stripping out of the rest of his clothes and got into the shower. He stood under the water for quite a while before he stepped out and dried off. A few minutes later he stopped back into the hall now dressed in a pair of simple grey pants and a black t-shirt. He was just strapping a few knives to his left thigh just in case he needed to defend himself. Now that he had fresh ended up he was thinking about going to get something to eat as he was starting to feel peckish now that his body had worked the adrenaline out of his system.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Damion listened in silence as reports came in from the different teams assaulting the ship and the Dark Stalker as it continued it's attack. Finally he sat down in the captains seat near the center of the bridge. It took him a few moments to realize that he could not seem to get comfortable but that was because there was more padded than the seat he was used to on the Dark Stalker. He studied the material of the seat for a few moments before looking up and over at one of the bridge officers. "What is the status on the escape pods launched from this ship during out attack."

There was only a slight pause before he was given an answer. "All of the pods have made it into orbit and most are descending towards the planets capital as we speak." The coms officer spoke up then. "Captain there has been a repeating message being broadcast from one of the pods still in orbit. The pod in question is asking for information on Laelastra Quentin. I recognize the voice as that of her father's from the time he spent here on the bridge." Damion glanced at the girl before speaking to the coms officer. "Send them a transmission. If they are willing to surrender themselves to us I will release her and she will have safe passage to the planet's surface. If they refuse my terms or try to negotiate advise them to leave orbit as the Illuminati have lost control of the planets orbits." He didn't expect them to take his offer so he was not surprised when the pod started its re-entry. He glanced over at the girl as he started to think about what he was going to do with her. Taking Illuminati royalty had not been part of their plan but she could be a valuable bargaining chip if they ran into a tight spot.

"Elex has finished his mission and the troops are being recovered Sir." Damion nodded and aloud himself a tight smile before responding. "Good, inform the Night Stalker to start targeting military targets on the planet's surface. If possible it the illuminati armor with emps if friendly forces are nearby them.Once the last of our people are back on board break orbit and head for the outer system. Viktor will plot a course once were are underway."

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

The air on this new ship was much colder than the Nightshade, less stifling. Reisa looked at her rescuer from the corner of her eye and nodded. It felt nice to be free, no more guards, no more Illuminati running the show. For once she was free to roam as she pleased, make her own choices. Her life was finally her own. She listened to the man as he spoke, focusing on his voice, the lilt in the tone she was certain he didn't even notice. She wondered if he knew it was soothing. Probably not. But no matter. She watched him carefully, listening as he mentioned that he was B-class. Just what capabilities did he have? He wasn't 'made' like she was; she got that much. Oh what the scientists would give to get their hands on someone like him!

"I'm not B-class born," Reisa stated plainly, though her voice was soft. Her blue eyes darted back and forth on instinct, making sure that they were the only ones there. But her thoughts were interrupted. There was a flash of white and she felt a shiver course along her spine.

For a moment, Reisa remembered the scientists...

"This will hurt, Reisa," Dr. Bracken explained. There were chuckles in the background. "But we're learning so much. You're brain..." she went on, her expression showing one of awe and wonder. "It's quite marvelous." The woman's eyes narrowed as she pushed a few buttons and a device swung close, the buzzing sound loud to Reisa's ears. It was a laser. It was going to cut...it was going...to hurt!

Reisa's entire body tensed as she watched the girl speak to her rescuer. After a few moments, she began to relax, visions of doctors and scientists flitting away. The girl seemed familiar with the man next to her and she seemed disappointed. Arching a brow, she wondered what had her panties in a bunch. But it was a question that could wait. After all, she'd just boarded, nearly avoiding death. A hot shower was all that she wanted in that moment.

When the girl had gone, Reisa followed her rescuer into the barracks. She entered the room that would be hers and smiled when the man entered his—adjoined to her own. In a way, she felt sorry for him. No doubt he didn't want to babysit and, quite frankly, she didn't need a babysitter. But, she had to admit, it was nice knowing there would be a familiar face nearby while she acquainted herself with this new ship's surroundings. If only it hadn't been Illuminati-make.

But beggars couldn't be choosers.

Meanwhile, on the bridge, Laela was in knots. She was grateful that her life had been spared for the time being, but the uncertainty of what changes were coming frightened her terribly. More than anything, she longed to be back home. This certainly wasn't the sort of adventure she had in mind when she'd been planning on going on vacation. She should be on Themis. But instead, she was now a prisoner on her own ship! And her parents...

Laela's heart sunk as her parents ignored the message from the new captain, their decision more than clear. She wasn't worth it to them.

Tears filled Laela's eyes. She was being left behind, to a fate unknown. Did anyone care? As she stood there, her blue eyes cast down, she already knew the answer. And it hurt. The air suddenly felt colder than before and she knew the likelihood of feeling the warmth of Helios was slim to none. She'd never see 'home' again.

On another part of the ship, Ava Quinn found herself suddenly being transported from the Nightshade to the barracks of the Gypsy Dancer so that she could change and be properly introduced to the captain. She'd served on the Nightshade for a few years as one of the communications officers. Now that the ship had been attacked and commandeered, the Elite who'd abused Reisa one too many killed before her very eyes...she knew it was a sign. When the others finally made it to where she was stationed, she surrendered without a fight and found herself quickly hauled off to where she found herself in that moment.

Ava raked a hand through blonde hair and moved into her room. She found the clothes and went into the bathroom so that she could shower and then change. Once finished, she gave a tap on her door. It opened and she was given a tiny shove to move quickly down the corridor toward the bridge. Though the shove hurt, Ava didn't make a sound. She just followed until she got to where she was supposed to go...to meet the captain leading this crew.

Back in her room, Reisa finished taking her shower and got dressed. Once done, she decided to see what her rescuer was up to. She knocked on his door and pressed the call button, wondering if he'd answer or ignore her.


STARSHIP DOUBLE HELIX, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI SCIENTIFIC SHUTTLE – Destination, Planet Charon.

"Almost there," Sophie mumbled, her expression showing a hint of triumph. Fortunately, her travels to Charon seemed uneventful. So far. Though she wasn't sure if this was a good sign or not. She could only hope they remained so and that not only her transmission went through, that she'd be able to help her love once she arrived. If not...she didn't want to think of the possibilities of what could happen.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Viktor looked up as he heard someone at his door. "Open." Smiling he slipped on a t-shirt and headed for the door. "If your ready we should see the Captain before we get you settled. I am not sure if we will be staying here or if he will want you to transfer to our original ship. Personally I prefer it to this." He gestured around at the room as he walked to the door and slipped into the hall. Glancing down the hall he watched the guards chatting in the hall started opening doors one by one and started to escort prisoners to the bridge. "If we head up now you can help make sure everyone of these people we should bring to the outer system. I recognize the tech who was in the room with you but you might recognize someone." He started following one of the pairs but stayed relatively quite as he started rubbing the back of his neck working the kinks out of it as he tried to think if what he could talk to her about. It wasn't until they reached the bridge and he was standing beside his father that he was able to get a good look at the defectors who had been lead to the bridge. His eyebrows raised slightly as he recognized the technician who had been in the room with Reisa and the Illuminati elite soldier.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Bridge. Damion looked up as Viktor as Reisa walked onto the bridge with a few soldiers and a few defectors from the sieged ship. "Viktor, Reisa it's good to see that you are both unharmed. Once we deal with them." He gestured to the defectors as he spoke. "Then I will debrief you and your brother he should be back any minute." Turning to the defectors he looked them over for a few moments before he spoke. "I hope that you understand that even though we will accept your service you will not be trusted until we think you have proven that we can trust you. As long as you work with your assigned units you will have all the freedoms that the rest of us have. But if you attempt to harm my ships or my crew I will have no regrets when I space you." He glanced to the entrance to the bridge as Elex shoved the Captain of the seiged ship through the hatch he had a pistol pointed at the man but it was obvious that there was little fight left in the man at the moment. "Elex what are you doing?" Elex looked up and even before he started to speak just a brief glance at his twin had Viktor swinging himself over the railing separating the upper and lower sections of the bridge. As soon as he was on his feet he flicked his fingers and the man's head snapped up as Viktor knelt down to look the man in the face. "It's the basted who was in command of the Lights Truth." There was a paused as he watched his father for any reaction before he continued. "What you don't remember his face when he tried to take our home from us. This bastard almost destroyed the Dark Stalker." Damion glared at his sons for a few moments before speaking. "Gaurds take the prisoner to the brig. No one is to have access to him until further notice. Elex get down to the barracks and clean up. We will talk about this later. Viktor let him go before you snap his neck." Viktor glanced at his brother then his father before he released his hold on the man's head and took a step back but he didn't turn around until the guards escorted him off the bridge and Elex followed a moment later. Viktor stayed where he was not realizing that he was standing right behind and above Laela. He started to drum his fingers over the railing as he stared at his father and waited for him to continue. For a few minutes Damion went to each of the deserters and spoke to them for a few minutes before assigning them to a unit.

When he came to Ava he studied her for a minute before speaking. "Who are you and what was your position on the ship?" Viktor spoke up then. "She was the one that uploaded your message and the virus for my team." Damion glanced at Viktor but turned his gaze back to Ava as he awaited her answer.

STEALTH SHUTTLE, BENT LIGHT, REBEL CLASS – Destination, Planet Charon.

Jace reached out to key the Com and send a tight beam transmission to the shuttle as it headed for Charon. "This is the craft Deep black hailing the crew of the Illuminati shuttle. Power down your engines and hand over Dr. Bracken for questioning and the rest of you will be spared. Fail to hand her over to me and I will be forced to cripple your ship and take her by force. You have one minute to reply." He made a few minor adjustments to the ships path before he powered up the weapon systems lighting his ship up on the shuttles sensors light a sun sitting just behind and off to the side of their ship. A few seconds later he achieved multiple locks and waited to see how the crew would react.

CHARON, GOVERNORS RESIDENCE - Planet surface

"Sir, a ship just appeared on our sensors in close proximity to the Doctors ship. We have already diverted a patrol of fighters to escort her shuttle to the ground. They should be intercepting the unknown vessel in a few just under a minute." The governor looked up from his work. "If that shuttle does not land safely I will find the most remote out post for you and ever other person who was responsible to getting that shuttle here safely." The Soldier nodded and left the room rather quickly.

STEALTH SHUTTLE, BENT LIGHT, REBEL CLASS – Destination, Planet Charon.

Jace swore as his sensors lit up with multiple contacts heading for a fast intercept with his shuttle. He thought for only a second before he fired off a micro rocket before he poured all his power into his engines and skimmed just under a meter away from the shuttle he had been about to board. A few seconds after his engines would have scorched the paint of one side of the shuttle the micro rocket found its target and striking the shuttle taking out one of its engines. Jace grinned as he saw the damage his rocket caused but it was a brief smile as he had to focus his attention back on the flight of interceptors barreling down on him. He adjusted his flight path and shot for the surface as he broadcast a coded message to any rebels on the planets surface.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis.

Reisa felt all of her muscles twitch, tensing as if ready for a fight, for...something. She watched Viktor—her rescuer—move with fluid grace as he swung over the rail and identified one of their crew's worst rivals. She recognized the name as he all but spat it out. It was one she'd heard her parents mention time and again before they'd been separated, before they'd been murdered. Her teeth ground together as her thoughts flitted back to a time when she'd been strapped down, immobilized, while faces loomed over her with malicious smiles. Their syrupy voices filled her ears as they did horrible things to her brain. Her blue eyes fluttered shut and her breaths began to quicken. Such memories, fresh and raw. She could hear the lasers as they sliced, the words of praise as the Elite patted themselves on their shoulders for a job well done.

One voice had stood above them all...that one...that vile bitch who oversaw everything.

Reisa opened her eyes, an Illuminati girl—royalty—standing before her. She looked timid, scared as she glanced her way. Her small body was trembling as the Captain barked orders and his crew busied themselves with their duties. Viktor's twin just gave a nod and took the man away, the one who's name she recognized, the one who not only was high on this group's list, but her own. She knew he had a part in her family's capture, of delivering her to Dr. Sophie Bracken.

Laela just watched, terrified at everything she saw. She didn't understand, wasn't sure that she wanted to. If only she could hide, go somewhere safe, alone. Just somewhere no one would find her! That alone would be enough. As it was, she no longer knew whom she could trust. People with Illuminati insignias on their clothing were exchanging them for something else. Those with faces she'd recognized, some familiar, were turning out to be faces she realized she didn't know at all. Faces belonging to people with a different agenda, leading different lives than what she'd thought or dared to dream. She was confused and couldn't take any more of this being in the dark. Then again, she was beginning to wonder just how much of her life, even back on planet Helios, had been in the dark. Swallowing hard and holding back tears, she watched one of the twins—one of the Captain's sons—leave while the other took his place by his father's side. The blonde girl who'd walked in with him seemed to move closer to his side or maybe it was her own desire to move farther away.

Across the way, Ava stood there donning her new attire and hoping to start a life of purpose. For years she'd been waiting for a sign, some sort of signal letting her know that the time was finally right for her to make that move, take that risky plunge. Fear had coursed through her veins in the moments it had happened, doubt filling her heart and mind. But the moment she saw that Elite drop to the floor at Reisa's feet, the hood hiding her eyes as she was about to be executed by the hand of the vicious Dr. Bracken, she knew. She knew what had to be done and she'd comply with anyone brave enough to stand up to those who'd hurt her family for so very long.

Ava nodded as the Captain's son mentioned that she'd uploaded the virus. Yes, she had. It had been a frightening moment, but a liberating one too. Everyone on Helios and Themis, on all of the planets in the system got to see what occurred in that moment as the rebels rescued Reisa Amis and took control of Gypsy Dancer. Now they had one of the Illuminati's own. Princess Laelestra was indeed precious commodity to be bartered. But the girl's family would never give up their power for her. Her use would only take them so far. She wondered if the girl actually knew that.

Probably not.

But the rebels more than likely did.

"I did," Ava answered as she looked directly at the Captain. "I was the communications officer aboard Gypsy Dancer for the past three years." Her blue eyes suddenly weren't able to hold the man's gaze. Suddenly, a pang of guilt took hold and she found it easier to stare at the floor. "It was expected. I...I..." She stammered slightly, a wave of nervousness coming over her. "It was expected I serve." She frowned and looked back into the Captain's eyes again. "But I knew it wouldn't be forever," she added, a small smile playing on her lips.


STARSHIP DOUBLE HELIX, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI SCIENTIFIC SHUTTLE – Destination, Planet Charon.

"Transmission received," one of the guards stated causing Sophie to smile. Her face lit up and she immediately readied herself as the ship fast approached Charon's atmosphere. It wouldn't be long before they'd land.

As the coordinates were set and the shields readied, Sophie did a quick check of the scans to make sure that her little jaunt to the Outer Rim would stay, for the most part, unnoticed. She was already taking a risk by leaving a hostile hijacking as she did. The chances that a rebel would pursue her were fairly high and she knew it. But luck had somehow been on her side until...

The ship jolted, Sophie letting out a small yelp as she nearly toppled over one of the chairs. Her expression was furious. "What was that?" she shrieked, a hand tugging on a dark curl.

"We were fired upon, doctor," one of the guards said.

"Well, fire back!" Sophie commanded.

"We're not that kind of ship, m'am. This is a scientific vessel. We only have..."

Sophie fumed, raising up a hand to cut the man off. "Shut up! Just do something!"

The guard leaned over his panel and smiled. "We don't have to. Looks like your man has us covered," he stated.

Sophie's heart swelled as it hammered hard in chest, adrenaline pumping through her veins. Of course he did. He always did. It was why she loved him, would do anything for him. It was why she'd die for him.


PLANET CHARON – surface, outskirts of rebel base camp

There was static coming through the comm device attached to Aeryn's hip. "Shit," she hissed as she grabbed it and began pushing buttons and turning dials trying to tweak the signal that was trying to come through. She was out on a scavenging run, trying to find supplies from a wreck that had occurred not too long ago. A bit of a tiff had broken out between Illuminati Guards and the pirates that liked to run the place and, in the end, a whole lot of ruined metal was what now scarred a good several yards of one of the nearby ravines.

But the hisses and bleeps on her comm were going to give away her position if they didn't shut up. Scowling, Aeryn tried to silence her comm. But it wasn't going to happen. In the distance, she saw some of the Illuminati stationed near the wreck and she groaned. This just wasn't her day. Slowly, she backed away knowing she'd have to take her chances on scavenging once she dealt with her comm. After finding a nice outcrop of rock to hide behind, she looked at the device and shook it.

"So, why are you so angry, hm?" Aeryn asked the gadget knowing full well the thing wouldn't answer in return. She heaved a heavy sigh and slid down into a low crouch until she was finally sitting on the dusty ground all together. She pulled her auburn hair back into a sloppy knot and began adjusting the knobs until the signal began to clear.

Aeryn listened, taking in the sound of the call. Her green eyes widened as recognition took hold. She knew the code. It frightened some that she was able to pick out patterns like she did, but it was one of the reasons why she was allowed out alone. Staring at her comm, her lips parted and she gasped.

"Someone's in trouble." Aeryn looked up into the sky, the horizon tinted slightly red due to the dirt and dust. Without hesitation, she began flicking a dial back on her own comm device, warning of the wreck, to steer clear and head for specific coordinates. Sucking in a sharp breath, she knew her mission would have to wait. Bigger things were at hand. Without giving it another thought, she began racing back to camp.

"Good, It will be good to have more people who know how the Illuminati's system works. Take over for coms, the shift will change over will happen in less than an hour. You can rest then." Damon gave her a brief but tight smile before moving on to the next person in the line. After getting the basics out of each of the other people in line. He assigned them each to a group that their skills were suited to before then letting one of the officers escort the others out of the bridge to their assigned stations.

Viktor had turned his attention to Reisa after Elex had left the bridge with the prisoner. He wasn't sure what he sensed but he knew that something had changed with her. He stepped in front of her and put his hands on her arms as he tried to keep her gaze. "Reisa, look at me. Your safe now. I don't know what they did to you but you are safe now and I promise you I won't let them near you again." He spoke low doing his best to make sure only Reisa could hear him. "Be strong for a few more minutes then we can go and you can sleep or eat. Just speak for a few minutes with the Captain then you get to make the choices." He didn't know if he was helping her but he felt he needed to do something. He got momentarily distracted as his father spoke to Ava but he turned his attention back to Reisa where he kept holding her arms until he heard Damon clear his throat. Quickly dropping his arms Viktor looked up as Damon came back to them. "Everything okay?" Viktor shrugged not sure what to say to his fathers question since he was not sure if Reisa was okay or not.

"Right, Reisa I just wanted to tell you we are going to head to the outer system. It should only take a day or two. Once we are there is a place you can stay if you want to learn to hone and control whatever skills you may have. Viktor spent a few years there so he should be able to answer any questions you may have about it. Until we arrive back at our home you are free to pick a room on the ship here or we have space on our ship. If you would like to see it before making a choice we will be running shuttles between the ships between our FTL jumps. Just let Viktor know and we will get you on one of the flights." He paused before speaking in a softer tone trying to be as friendly as he could. "I met your parents a few times. They were good people. I am sorry we were not able to save them but we will do everything we can to avenge them." He set his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gently squeeze as he spoke the last part before he turned to Viktor. "Make sure she gets anything she needs and stay away from the brig. I want nothing more than too see that man pay for what he did but you know that's not how it works. Elex knows as well but all three of us know that you are the one that could make it happen. So don't be childish, be the man you have been raised to be and wait." He waited until Viktor gave him a nod knowing it was all he was going to get from the boy. He couldn't blame his son and really he was proud that both his boys had grown to fill the roles that life had forced upon them with.

He started to walk back to his seat when he glanced at the princes. "Viktor, that our guest down to the galley. Tell the cooks to find her something suited to working there to wear." He then spoke directly to Laela. "You may not be here of your own free will but you will work to earn your keep. You will soon learn that nothing comes for free. Your air, food, water and heat are produced by someone on this ship. So you will earn your keep by making sure they are fed. We will not work you like a slave the way your family treats its citizens but you will work until I know what else to do with you."

Viktor listened to his father explaining things to the princess but he watched Reisa to see if she might have any questions before they left. When his father was finished with the girl and he felt that Reisa was ready he turned to the girl and made a soft pushing motion with his hand in the air causing Laela to feel a hand press against her back and guide her to the bridges lift. "Move girl. I am tired and so move fast so I can go relax."


Once Viktor, Reisa and Laela were off the bridge Damon sat back down at his seat. "Bring up the Nightshade on the main viewer and give me an update on what its doing." He watched the view screen but he glanced over at Ava a few times catching the eye of the coms officer that was watching her. When he gave a nod Damon would look away knowing his people would keep an eye on her. He hoped he would not find out she was conning them but he would space her if he needed to.

"The Nightshade has vacated the its atmosphere and is flooding the rest of the ship except the bridge and a few rooms close to it where our people are stationed with radiation from its reactor. That should kill off any of the remaining crew. Our people are ready to make the jump here, the Nightshade and on the Dark stalker."

"Good complete the first five jumps then have all ships go dark and wait. Lets make sure this works before we go any farther." Damon sat back as his commands were followed and all three ships jumped. The crew would feel a slight sensation but nothing that would cause them to stop what they were doing as the sensation should only last a few seconds at most. Once the first five jumps were made Damon spoke up. "Alright change the shifts. All bridge personnel are ordered to report to the galley. We may not have another chance to eat if this goes south. So eat a meal then you can go and catch some rack time." He stood and waited until most of the crew had filed into the lifts before he walked over to Ava and her chaperon. "I will take responsibility for her. GO get something to eat." As soon as the man headed for the lift Damon turned to Ava. "I would be interested to hear about your experiences in your postings. I try keep this crew disciplined but I am never sure if I am doing the proper things or not. You see I was the captain of a cargo vessel for most of my life so the informal way it was run is what I am used to."

Planet Charon - surface
Jace pulled his attention away from the radar that showed at least a couple fighters rounding the planet in pursuit to look at his coms panel. He quickly input the coordinates of the crash site and the site he was supposed to meet his contact at. "Shit." He angled the shuttled heading for his final landing site then flicked a few controls activating the mini guns embedded in the nose of the craft then sent a few countermeasures back behind him as he dove for the planet's surface. Opening the Com he broadcast over a few frequencies as including the frequency that he had received the landing location. "Clear the crash site it's about to get unfriendly to anything not armored." Killing the Com he pulled back on the throttle as he let the planet do the heavy lifting as it pulled him down and let the fighters on his tail get closer and closer. Once they got to just within weapons range he opened the thrust let and put the ship into a dangerously steep dive. Within a few seconds the fighters had taken the bait and followed him in the dive. He gritted his teeth against the g forces he was subjection self to and forced his hands to stay on the controls as he watched the altitude since the view screen had shut down after its heat shield had slammed shut. He felt a sharp pain in his neck a split second before he felt the drugs designed to keep him from passing out hit his system. Then the display came back to lift and he saw the what was left of what must have been a skirmish between the locals. He didn't have time to get a good look since as soon as he saw the view screen come back to life he pulled and held the trigger letting loose a hail of metal rain down on anyone within the wreckage in just a few seconds before the ships flight computer took over and send the ship into a tight cork screw that pulled the ship out of its dive and kicked the afterburners.

It took all his will power to keep himself from passing out as he was crushed into his seat. But the ship managed to pull up just enough to miss the top of the trees around the clearing. In only a few seconds the ship forced it's nose almost straight up to avoid the mountain in front of it. Jace watched the radar as one by the points of light of the fights blinked out. Smiling he let his eyes close for just a moment as the ship cleared the mountain and dived back down until it was flying under the planets radar. He made sure to fly lower for the rest of the trip before he dropped the ship into a river not far from the spot he was supposed to meet his contact.

The shop slowed and then dipped under the water of a large lake. With a sonar ping he found a cave just big enough for him to slip the ship into before he powered it down. Once it was listening for an emergency beacon he unstrapped himself from the seat. It took him a few minutes to pack up his gear and the medication he would need for any prolonged period on a planet's surface. He opened up the air lock and tossed in a water proof bag then climbed in with an assault rifle and a long sealed case. Closing the lock he reached behind him and pulled are breather off his back and slipped it on before cycling the airlock. He waited patiently for the water to fill the lock before opening up the outer door and swam outside. He took his time swimming to the surface. It was once he was up and was sure it was face for him to get out, he climbed onto the bank and groaned softly as he felt the gravity pulling on his bones.

It took him about half an hour to get to the coordinated he had received. He turned his radio on and hit the transmission button a few times to transmit a few short burst to get the demand of anyone on the channel.

STARSHIP GYPSY DANCER, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI ROYAL VESSEL – Orbiting Planet Themis

Warm. Safe. Those were the words invading Reisa's mind when Viktor reached out to touch her arm. Without realizing it, she took a couple of steps closer to him, letting his heat wash over her as she listened to the kind words of the captain. She was truly grateful for everything these rebels were doing...and all for her, in honor of her family. She smiled inwardly knowing that there were good people who truly knew the risks and sacrifices her entire family had made over the years. Looking up at the captain and relishing Viktor's heat, she gave the man in charge a nod. They were heading toward the outer rim. She remembered her parents speaking of a hidden base out there, so remote that the Illuminati had a difficult time locating its whereabouts. A feeble attempt to show their iron will and strength, the Illuminati royals had a stronghold built out there. As far as she knew, they'd been unsuccessful in locating the camp.

Reisa then turned toward the princess. Princess Laelestra looked just as pathetic as she'd expected—sheltered and naïve. So, how did a bratty princess like having the tables turned on her for once? Reisa smirked, but then suddenly felt guilty when she saw the tears in the Illuminati princess' eyes. She looked confused, shocked...innocent. It was disconcerting to say the least. Did this princess have any idea of what her people were, what horrors they were capable of? Laela's silence, that look in her eye, made her decide that she was more than likely clueless. At that, anger surged in her veins. How cruel to grow up knowing nothing and then learning your people were monsters. Still, it wasn't her job to babysit. She had other things to do, to prepare for.

Laela had never felt so confused in her life. Everyone looked angry and she didn't know who was who any longer. She watched one of the twins leave, her heart beating faster and faster as she knew the inevitable was approaching. She was certain that she'd be executed or, worse, thrown into some cold prison where she'd suffer alone in the damp dark. Shivering, she recoiled when the captain told her what she'd be doing now that she was a part of the ship. She'd be miserable, a failure! She had no idea how to prepare food or anything of that nature. But in that moment, she knew she needed to accept her fate. Perhaps that would buy her time before her family found a means to rescue her.

Rescue. Laela didn't want to, but she had to admit that she wasn't even sure what that would mean, if her family would even bother at this point. As she was shoved out off the bridge and took in the faces of everyone, she found herself hoping that they'd be able to achieve their cause.

Ava's eyes connected with Laela's before she was gone from sight. She looked up at the captain, her tummy fluttering, and smiled. He was going to trust her to take over a role in communications. This show of trust overwhelmed her. After living a life judged and scrutinized by the Illuminati, she hadn't known what to expect. But, she'd taken a chance, renouncing her status and traversing down a path of no return—one she'd never regret.

"Thank you, captain," Ava spoke, her voice soft as a small smile tugged at her lips. "I won't let you down." It was a promise, one she'd never break.

As Reisa walked alongside Viktor, she watched the whimpering princess as she was nudged to keep moving. She glanced at Viktor, skin flushed, and she smiled. "Do you think she'll be any trouble?" she asked, though she already knew the answer: she'd be trouble, but not the sort they'd anticipated.

Laela jerked her head and glared at Reisa. It stung that others saw her as trouble. She was good for nothing. A worthless royal, a mere toy to be played in everyone else's game.


STARSHIP DOUBLE HELIX, CIVILIAN CLASS, ILLUMINATI SCIENTIFIC SHUTTLE – Destination, Planet Charon

The escort fighters made quick work of the unknown ship that had tried to threaten her. Her! Dr. Sophie Bracken was not one to give in to idle threats! Still, this had been close. Too close. She let her small crew work their gadgets as they made plans to be escorted planet side.

It wasn't long before her shuttle was landing in the docking bay. Sophie saw the smoke billowing up from where she stood just outside the Governor's Palace. Palace...now that was one way to describe things. The Governor's Palace wasn't like the grand homes on Helios or even on Themis. No. On planet Charon, the palace looked more like a bunker, a mighty fortress dripping with guards and donning the Illuminati crest. It might lack the finer luxuries and aesthetics of the elegant Illuminati architecture on the Inner Sanctum planets, but at least this place was safe. It needed to be strong, send a message to the cruel rovers wandering the black. Yes. The place spoke of dominance, of respect. It was one place she knew where nothing would harm her.

"Where is he?" Sophie sniped, her dark hair mussed from the intense skirmish that had happened while orbiting. "Where? I need to see him." Her demands were short and to the point.

"Soon, doctor. We're bringing you to him now," one of Sophie's crewmen stated.

Sophie placed her hands on her hips, her entire body trembling as she tried to steady herself on her feet. She wanted to seem stern, though she knew she was failing. Even still, her crew would remain loyal. They always did. At that, she was escorted off the ramp and into the palace.


PLANET CHARON – Surface, outskirts of rebel base camp

The wind was picking up and that meant the inevitable—a ship would soon be crashing. Aeryn glanced over her shoulder and saw the fireball careening toward the planet's surface, the friction of entry making the thing pulse and glow. But, from the size of the flames and the color it emanated, she could tell that thing wasn't going to get incinerated. That only meant one thing. Whoever was piloting that thing was skilled...scarily so. This wasn't the first time she'd seen a ship come tumbling through Charon's atmosphere and it probably wouldn't be the last. Wrecks were common and she was typically the one sent to salvage any supplies she could from the wreckage. Yes. Life was rough on the Barbaric Rim—as the outer rim was aptly called—normal rules as seen on the Inner Sanctum had no place. It was a do or die way of thinking, survival the driving force of everyone. Life on Charon was exactly as one would expect. It meant dealing with the horrors the Barbaric Rim had to offer and they were plenty—pirates, smugglers, criminals. But those weren't what was really nasty. The worst part was that the few Illuminati that had sunk their well-manicured fingers into the dust didn't follow their own code. Their greed and aggression were boundless, merciless.

It was why Aeryn was with the group of people she was. She'd been fortunate enough to be found after her own family's ship had gone down. She'd been a child then—scared, alone, coping with the loss of her parents. But she was taken in and cared for...trained.

Aeryn knew she had to brace for the impact. There was no way she'd make it back to base camp. That thing would send tremors for miles. But that wasn't what worried her. The guards had been watching, staring up into the reddened sky. No doubt they'd send their own team to inquire after the ship that had been unfortunate enough to swing by Charon. The only good thing was that it would take the guards time to assemble and they had a harder trailer to follow in order to get to that ship. It gave Aeryn some hope. Hope that she might get to it first.

"Base...base...do you copy?" Aeryn spat into her comm. She was running for safety now, her plans altered. Base would have to wait. "Do you copy? Over." The static hissed in her ears as she leaped over a large rock jutting out from the surface. She crouched down deciding she was far enough away, yet still close enough to reach the ship once it crashed before the guards.

The comm continued to hiss static. Aeryn's face contorted. Frustrated, she slapped her comm hard trying to get it to pick up her base's signal.

"Goddamnit!" Aeryn mumbled. "Please..." her voice was a whispering plea.

"Copy that, Aeryn," came a muffled voice over the comm. Aeryn let out a soft sigh.

"Plans have been altered. I repeat, plans have been altered," Aeryn stated.

The comm crackled a little. "Copy that, Aeryn. State reason."

Aeryn bit down on her lip and peeked over the edge of her rock. The ship was about to make impact. "Crash!" she shouted. At that, she cut signal and covered her ears. When the ship crashed, the entire ground trembled and she found herself falling to the ground, her face pressed hard against the dirt. No doubt base even felt the impact of this thing.

When everything went still, Aeryn sat up. Her face stung a little, so she raised up a hand and touched it. Looking at her fingers, she saw the blood, however it wasn't that bad—just some scrapes. It could've been worse. Brushing herself off, she knew she had to act quickly. She reached for her comm and started adjusting the knobs. Silence. Nothing. She pounded her fist against the ground causing it to bruise. Her heart in her throat, she peeked over the rock once again. The guards were gone, but she knew they'd be back. They always were and always with greater numbers. Licking her lips, she kept on adjusting the knobs, calling over various frequencies in hopes to contact whoever might have survived on that ship. She was beginning to worry. All the frequencies the rebels were known to typically used weren't getting her anywhere. This meant being creative. She—and whoever might still be on board that ship—couldn't delay. The illuminati were always quick to assemble.

"Come on," Aeryn begged after what felt like forever has passed. Just then, she adjusted the knob and...she heard it. That faint blip. She smiled broadly and tried t hone in on the signal. "Gotcha," she whispered, feeling rather proud. She let the rest of the tech she had do its work and she zeroed in on the coordinate where the signal was coming from. Once she had them, she opened her channel. "I read you, do you copy? I read you. I'm coming."