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From: Ellagon the Dragon <ellagon@newtalos.org>
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Subject: {ASSM} Raptor Squadron Chapter 2
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Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 17:10:02 -0400
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<1st attachment, "Raptor SquadronCH2V1.txt" begin>

Version 1.0edit Copyright 2003-2004; Ellagon the Dragon, All rights
reserved.  Edited By LVWolfman.

   Raptor Squadron Chapter 2

   The world that Sasha was in was a holographically generated view of
space outside of the ship.  Currently she was looking `ahead' or at least
what the computer told her was that direction.  She had never been able
figure it out herself.  She had activated and armed both cannon turrets
after she had gotten powered up and gotten Cindy's approval.  She listened
to Lissa's count as she watched the swirling colors begin to twist into an
interface point with `real' space.  She never really understood hyperspace
physics, so the damn thing only looked like a clenching sphincter to her.

   The computer knew the plan as well as she did and would assist her in
keeping the weapons locked on target.  She began firing ultra high velocity
projectiles as soon as she saw something that looked like normal space. 
The computer adjusted the velocity of the rounds to compensate for their
own speed and by the time interface was complete she had already fired 9000
times.  The plan called for the use of only the cannons but she had armed
the lasers as well.  All she had to do to fire them was change her hand
position.  Therefore when the blinding flash from the enemy ship hit her
she jerked in an unconscious effort to shield herself...  and fired every
weapon the Damocles carried.

   Cindy was watching too.  She saw the pulse of light and tried to evade.
She actually managed to get the Raptor to start turning.  She heard Lissa
scream and felt the Raptor shudder, smoke and sparks leapt from the control
boards in front of her.  She watched in horror as every single light and
readout in front of her died.  The Raptor began to tumble.

   `If I survive this, Ian's gonna fuckin' kill me.'

   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---

   Imperial weapons technology was lacking in many ways; targeting systems
being one of them.  They compensated by modifying the gunners.  The optic
nerves are modified in such a way that, once plugged in, the ships sensors
became their `eyes'.  The weapons systems assigned to each gunner tracked
with eye movement.

   The Imperial light cruiser Treel had two gunners; one forward and one
aft.  The flash of a jump point forming almost right in front of them could
not help but catch the attention of the forward gunner.  He glanced up at
it just as the first rounds from the Damocles slammed right through the bow
of the ship, through the Captain behind him, and continued on to expend the
remainder of their energy deep in the bulk of the ship.  He didn't feel the
rest of rounds that shredded his body as well as the forward third of his
ship.

   The only weapon that was armed when he spasmed from the round going
through his head was an ION cannon.  Meant for the sole purpose of
disabling a ship's electrical systems, it had a very pronounced effect on
the Damocles.  No one on the bridge was alive when the Damocles lasers cut
completely through the aft sections, severing engineering from the rest of
the ship.

   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---

   Dealing with bureaucratic rhetoric had quickly become old for Ian. 
Constantly shuttling between the Pleiades Stations in orbit around the
colony world of Centauri IV; the Minotaur training base on the airless moon
of that planet, then to Phoenix base, and back to Star Dancer had long
since traded it's novelty for routine.  He had thought that getting
promoted to Admiral would lighten his load.  It quadrupled it.  He had
three aides, but still had to do most of the work himself.  Now he was
guiding a tour of all their facilities for the visiting members of the
Talosian High Counsil and Fleet High Command.

   For the last three days Ian had been playing host and translator to the
visiting dignitaries.

   "Admiral Williams, I have noticed the conditions out here are rather
primitive when compared to New Talos.  When are you planning to bring the
conditions up to a more bearable level?"

   Councilwoman Norek had been a condescending pain in Ian's ass since she
got off the transport on Centauri IV.  Admirals Pan and Goya had quickly
pulled Ian aside and warned him not to antagonize Norek.  She was a highly
placed and respected member of the High Counsel.  Ian had a hard time
believing the `respected' part.  What a Bitch.

   "With respect Norek, with the exception of the base on Earth's moon,
everything you have seen has been built in the last three months.  We
simply haven't had the time to add the improvements and conveniences that
New Talos has.  Give us a year or two and we'll get up to speed."

   "Please see that you do.  I have a hard time believing that so many
people would want to come here with the abysmal living conditions and
shoddy entertainment.  Imagine; actually walking to the restaurant last
night!  I'd have thought you would at least have slidewalks built."

   "My deepest apologies for your inconvenience, Norek.  I will forward
your suggestions to the colony governor as soon as I am able." Ian replied.

   He hoped the fact that he was grinding his teeth hadn't been noticed:
before she turned away, he thought he saw a ghost of a smile on her lips.
Naw, he thought to himself, a smile would shatter that face.

   "Excuse me Admiral, there is an incoming message for Counselor Norek."
The pilot said via the comm.

   "Thanks Smith, I'll tell her." Ian answered, but Norek, having
overheard, had already turned to the communit.

   "You're doing great Ian.  I don't think she even realizes just how
irritating she really is.  I feel sorry for her aide; the poor girl has to
practically live with her after all." Admiral Goya said after making sure
Norek was engrossed in her conversation.

   "Thank you sir.  She does tend to get on the nerves after a time.  Would
you like a cup of coffee sir?"

   "I like the very much, thank you."

   Admiral Pan was at a console, reading.  He had a packet of messages was
waiting for him after completing the inspection tour of the Terran defense
network.  Ian and Goya went to sit by him after getting a cappuccino and
two coffees from the replicator.  Pan was so engrossed in the message he
was reading he absently picked it up and took a drink.

   "Ahh, thank you Ian." He said.  "I was scanning through the rest of
these messages looking for more information, but I haven't found any.  I'm
afraid I have some bad news; Raptor Damocles is missing and presumed
destroyed."

   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---

   "I am here my Lord." Glump spoke, from her kneeling position by the
door.

   "It's about time!  Get over here and explain some of these dispatches to
me.  Why hasn't High Command been informed of this new weapons facility?"
Shalo asked, controlled anger clear in his voice.

   "My Lord, we have not been able to confirm its location or even its
existence.  We would have checked it out as soon as the first rumors
reached our spies, but the simple fact is; we have had eight different
reports of similar `new facilities' in the Alliance.  I was going to send
units to investigate once the impending assault on the Rataac Sector was
complete."

   He took a deep breath to calm himself.  She had done exactly as she
should have he shouldn't criticize that.  Though he wanted to prove his
superiority over her, he had to remind himself she had been running this
assault for the last standard year.  "Very well.  When does the attack
begin?  I haven't gotten to that report yet."

   Glancing at the universal chronometer she said, "Early in our morning
tomorrow.  About eight hours from now.  Scouts are already in-system to
warn of enemy locations.  So far the Alliance fleet is still grouped near
Minas Gar.  It is apparent they do not expect attack or they would be
spread out more."

   "Good.  What of this report that this new facility is producing new
weapons systems?" Shalo asked.

   "Again my Lord, we have heard that before.  The Alliance has not
produced a completely new weapon in almost two thousand cycles.  That
report in itself is enough to call the reliability of the previous one into
question.  Our analysts have recommended that we discount the reports
completely.  However, I do not believe that is a wise course of action, so
I have checked out every report.  So far, they have all proved false with
one exception; a small research facility had been constructed at the
reported location.  We do not know what kind of research as it
self-destructed before we could discover its secrets."

   "Very well, I want to see the report as soon as the investigation is
complete.  Is the Rataac assault the only one currently planned?"

   "No my Lord, we are also planning to assault the Benesian home world by
the end of the month.  We did discover the High Priestess of the Benesian
people was in transit back to Benese after visiting a colony near our
insertion point.  A light cruiser, the Treel, has been ordered to capture
the ship.  We should have confirmation by the end of the day."

   "New orders to the Treel: They are to treat her as a captured dignitary.
Treat her with respect due a head of state.  From what I've read of the
Benesian people, if we harm her in anyway; they will become fanatical and
we really don't need that at this point."

   Glump retrieved a pad and writing tool from the desk and wrote down his
orders.

   "Okay, what else do I need to know about?" he asked her.

   She had dreaded that question.  She closed her eyes, took a deep breath
and began to tell him of their mating rituals.

   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---

   Cindy fought against panic as her suit's internal systems started up
automatically.  She knew it was a normal reaction to the loss of external
systems, but it still upset her.

   "Report!  Sound off!" She barked into her comm.

   "Sasha here!  Can someone get me out of this damn closet?"

   "Sam here.  I'm okay, what the hell happened?"

   "Jerry here, I'm okay."

   "Ben here, the bastards woke me up!"

   "Jerry, you and Sam get unstrapped and get Sasha out of the weapons
chamber.  Ben, come up here and help me carry Lissa back to her bunk.  Her
suit reports her as breathing but unconscious.  We'll get her plugged into
the `autodoc' as soon we figure out if it's working." Cindy ordered as she
unstrapped herself from the pilots' chair.  She floated up as soon as she
was free.  Artificial gravity had failed as well.  This was not looking
good.  What the hell hit them?

   She glanced up as first Ben and then the other two men came floating
through the hatch.  "Ben, since we are weightless, I can manage Lissa.  Get
below and do a damage assessment.  The AG unit's out, I think we can assume
our main reactor is off line.  Turn off all systems as you go.  I'll come
down as soon as I get Lissa secured and see if we can't get it back on
line." She saw him nod and reverse himself to float over the men working on
the access hatch to the gunnery chamber.

   Cindy went to work on getting Lissa unstrapped and back to her bunk.  It
stood to reason if the Raptor was knocked out that Lissa was unconscious as
well, but why?  How was she going to cover the fact that Lissa was an
android?

   "Uh...  Major?  I'm not sure, but I think I'm blind." Sasha said.  Her
voice quavering with fear.

   "Just relax Sasha.  You're in a dark room; what makes you think you're
blind?" Cindy asked reasonably.

   "I cannot see my suit lights.  All I can see is big bright ball no
matter where I turn my head.  I was looking right at the enemy when they
fired.  Now all I can see is the after image of that blast."

   "Sasha, when you are in that room, you are using the Raptor's sensors as
your eyes.  They would have cut out before a bright flash could do
permanent harm to your eyes.  You know that.  The after-image will pass and
you'll be able to see again.  Don't panic, just relax and let the boys get
you out of there.  You can relax on your bunk until your sight clears. 
That's an order." Cindy said.  "Sam, Jerry, make sure you shut off the
weapons systems after you pull her out of there.  If we power up with
systems already turned on we could damage something more then it might be
already." She had freed Lissa and was floating her back out the hatch as
she gave the order.  She got a `thumbs up' from Jerry as she floated past.

   She got Lissa strapped into her bunk as Sam guided Sasha to her bunk and
began to help her get strapped in.

   Cindy headed for the ladder down to the hold and engineering section.

   "Hey Ben, what've you found?" She asked as she glided over to him.

   "We have a small problem.  Whatever knocked our systems out activated
and armed all of the plasma mines.  We've got three cases of armed mines
ready to blow at the slightest bump.  The problem is; they are designed for
use in gravity.  I don't think I dare try to disarm them without gravity.
However, if we restore gravity, they will probably blow."

   "Can you get them out the airlock?" She asked.

   "That's what I was thinking.  But I wanted to wait for you before
sealing off the living area.  I've checked all I can and shut down the
systems that weren't already off.  The rest are in the engineering
section."

   "Okay.  Let's get this bay sealed then, and bleed off the atmosphere.  I
need to try to get the Raptor fixed.  Can you get these by yourself, or
should one of the boys come down to help?"

   "If we each take a case it should lessen the chance of a bump setting
them off." He suggested.

   Jerry, Sam!  Get down here!  We've got work to do!" She ordered.

   "On our way."

   "Good.  Seal the hatch after you.  Be careful with those damn mines!"

   "Yes mother." Came the smart-ass comment.

   Cindy chuckled to herself.  A little humor helped to ease the building
tension.  She headed to a storage locker for the tools she knew she would
need.  Once equipped, she moved to the hatch separating the engineering
crawl space from the hold.  She pulled the hatch open and smoke billowed
out.  `That's not a good sign' she thought to herself.  As she squatted
down to enter the tunnel, her suit warned her of the decrease of external
atmosphere.  She ignored it as she made her way to the control unit of the
main reactor, shutting down every system prior to a restart.  She checked
them off in her mind as she went along.  Finally, she arrived at the
control panel for the main reactor.  Sure enough it was in stand-by, not
completely powered down.  She hesitated before turning it back on; trying
to make sure they hadn't missed anything.  The only system Cindy could
think of was Lissa.  She glanced up the `tunnel' to where she knew Lissa
really lived.  It was listed as the main memory section for the Raptor's on
board computer systems.  Cindy later learned that was where Lissa's higher
function processor units were stored as well.  She moved up to the access
panel and removed it.  Lissa had a separate power unit from the Raptor.

   She noted it was in standby as well.  There was a display screen set
above the control suite, and she located the switch she knew to be there
and turned it from `AVAT' to `DISP' thus disabling the Avatar and
restricting it to Display only.  She then re-activated the power unit. 
Lissa's face appeared on the display screen, she looked a little panicked
and was opening her mouth to speak.  Cindy hastily put a finger up to the
outside of her faceplate where her mouth was to indicate silence.  Lissa
nodded understanding.  Cindy pulled out the keyboard under the control
suite and typed; `Be patient Sweetheart.  We are trying to get the ship
back up and running.'

   `What happened?' was printed under Lissa's image.

   `Don't know yet.  Ship is completely down.  `You' are unconscious on
your bunk upstairs.  Sasha is worried about you.  She was temporarily
blinded.  Now let me get this ship fixed before we get into real trouble.'
Cindy winked at Lissa who gave a tentative smile back and nodded.

   `Have you checked the armor charge?' Lissa asked.

   `No.  Have no way to do so.  I will as soon as I can.' With that Cindy
moved back down to the main reactor panel.

   "How are you doing, boys?" She asked.

   "The last case is out the lock.  We are trying to get it closed now."
Ben reported.

   "Well then, how about I turn the lights back on?" She said as she turned
the main switch back to `ON' "Now, I'll go through the list to power
everything back up and get out of here.  I hate this little hole." She
admitted.  "Now get yourselves set, I'm gonna turn the gravity back on."
She said as she went from system to system turning them back on.  The last
two were the propulsion systems and weapons.  She got red lights on the
laser cannons, and no lights at all on the hyperdrive system.  Unable to
locate the malfunction from here, she moved back up to Lissa's control
unit.

   `I'm going to re-enable your avatar.  Play dead for awhile so as not to
cause suspicion, Okay?' She typed.

   Lissa nodded and Cindy turned the selector switch back to `AVAT'. 
Lissa's image stayed on the screen long enough to smile and nod to Cindy
then went dark.  Cindy replaced the cover to the unit and began making her
way back to the exit.  She replaced the hatch and moved to put her tools
away.  She noticed her suit reporting atmosphere had been restored.  She
opened her faceplate as she reached the locker.  She put her tools back and
returned to the main cabin en route to the cockpit.

   "How are Sasha and Lissa doing?" She asked.

   "I am getting my vision back, but slowly.  I can see things to the side,
but I still only see white blob in front of me." Sasha said.

   "Lissa is still unconscious" Sam said softly.

   "Have you checked the autodoc yet?" he shook his head.  "Okay, please do
so, and if she hasn't come out of it by then, stick her in there." Cindy
said.

   She got back to the cockpit and fired up the engines to stabilize their
flight.  She checked the armor readings and found them almost to the
overload point.  She tried to arm the lasers and fire them to discharge
some of the energy but the weapons were still unresponsive.

   She got up and moved over to Lissa's control panel.  She began to
reroute the power grid to use energy from the armor to power the ships
systems.  That stopped the build up of energy and even decreased it some.
She returned to her own seat and began to figure out how far they had
drifted.

   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---

   "Wh..  " Ian choked back the emotion threatening to overwhelm him.  He
cleared his throat as Admiral Goya placed his hand on Ian's shoulder. 
"Where?  How?" Ian finally said.

   "Raptor Damocles was responding to a distress call by a Benesian
civilian liner while transit to the Adonis.  The report from the Adonis
states the Benesian was under attack by an Imperial light cruiser.  Admiral
Tomiakin approved their intervention but suspected either an ambush, or an
overly panicked pilot.  He dispatched three Centurions to assist, but they
are still 20 hours away.  The Benesian hasn't answered messages and Raptor
Damocles hasn't reported back in.  That was four hours ago.  Ian, I...  I'm
sorry son."

   Ian let the tears flow from his eyes.  Cindy was gone.  How could he
tell Beth?  How could he face Talena...  Something was nagging the back of
his mind.  A thought was nagging at him to come forward.  Like a note in a
song that rang wrong.  It was resonating to the point of disrupting his
thoughts.  She isn't dead.  He could still feel the warmth of her love and
knew, instinctively, she was still with him.  He jerked with the force of
that realization.  He could still feel her.

   "She isn't dead." He said.

   "Ian, I know it's hard to accept..." Goya began.

   "No Admiral, I think you misunderstand.  I can still feel her.  I know
she isn't dead.  She's...  worried, but not dead." His certainty was
becoming stronger as he tried to explain it to the two men.

   Unknown to the three men, Norek was watching them carefully and
listening intently.  She had finished her communication with Serina about
the time Pan told Ian the Damocles had been destroyed.

   "Something else is wrong here.  Something is pestering my mind." Ian
said, and rose to start pacing.

   "Just start talking son, it'll sort itself out.  Maybe we can help you."
Admiral Goya told him.  He didn't quite believe Ian's proclamation about
the Damocles, but he needed to know if the young man had cracked.

   "Thank you sir." He paced for a moment more.  "Computer: dim the lights
and give me a 3-D representation of the Rataac sector.  Include known
positions of both enemy and Alliance forces." He ordered.

   In seconds the room went dark and a compressed view of the Rataac sector
appeared in the room.  Ian noted the position of the Adonis and its fleet.
He also noted the enemy fleet in the next sector.  He studied the positions
for a moment.  "Computer; what was Raptor Damocles' course into the
sector?"

   A yellow line traced into the image ending well short of the Adonis. 
Ian noted the position and the hair on the back of his neck began to rise.
Oh no...

   "Computer; display the last known position of the Benesian Liner." Ian
ordered.

   "Ian?  What's the point of this?  What's wrong?" Goya asked.

   "Admiral, what was an Imperial light cruiser doing that far past the
fleet?" Ian asked in return.

   "Ian, we don't know it was a light cruiser.  It could have been
anything!"

   "Sir, with respect, I know how much fire power it would take to disable
a Raptor.  Accidental explanations cannot justify the reason for Damocles
not to have reported back in.  It had to have been attacked.  Now, what
craft do the Imperials always use for advanced scouting missions?"

   "Light cruisers exclusively.  We've never seen them use anything smaller
and anything bigger would be too easy to detect." Admiral Pan answered.

   "Exactly.  Now, what would happen to our fleet if a large strike force
were to jump into this system?  We have nothing there to detect them.  They
would be able to close to within a few parsecs of our fleet before anyone
even knew they were there.  If the other enemy fleet also began to assert
itself at the same time our forces could be wiped out in a few minutes. 
Granted, it would take the enemy a few days to get into that position, but
the damage would be considerable"

   It was quiet for a few moments as the two men analyzed what Ian had told
them.

   "Computer; get me Admiral Tomiakin aboard the Adonis.  Flash priority.
Relay this star chart to him as well."

   An image appeared above the table in front of Goya.  "Tomiakin."

   "Admiral, I am sending you a star chart we've been looking at.  I want
you to order those Centurions you sent after the Damocles to drop out of
hyperspace and take up sentinel positions.  They are to remain cloaked.  We
have reason to believe you are being set up by the enemy."

   "You expect an attack from the rear?  We've had no reports of enemy
activity..."

   "Yes you have Admiral.  They are just unconfirmed.  Raptor Damocles was
disabled or destroyed by something."

   "Sir, accidents happen all the time.  After all it was a new ship, and
unprov..."

   "Admiral, A specially designed ship with an elite crew and an expert
pilot had an accident?  I don't think you understand what the disappearance
of the Damocles really means.  That little ship and her six man crew could
wipe out your whole damn fleet by themselves and you wouldn't know they
were even there.  I've seen their training and their equipment.  You have
trouble coming, Admiral: If you don't prepare for it, we will lose your
entire task force.  Do you understand me?" Goya said.

   "Yes sir.  I understand.  We will make ready to retreat to another
system immediately." Tomiakin said.

   "Sir, may I make a suggestion?" Ian said.

   "Please do."

   "Leave a drone for every ship in the fleet.  Equip them with a
holographic generator capable of simulating the ship leaving it behind. 
Then sow the entire area with nuclear proximity mines.  Add a cloaking
device to them so only we can see them.  That way, when the enemy fleet
tries to attack, they will find a warm welcome." Ian finished.

   "That is a very dishonorable thing to do.  Cowardly in fact." Tomiakin
said.

   "Honor is a very thin blanket against the coldness of space Admiral.  We
are losing this war.  Its time we started to fight back." Ian said.

   Turning back to Admiral Goya, Tomiakin said, "Is there anything else
sir?"

   "Tomiakin, consider Admiral Williams' advice; he does have a point. 
Good luck."

   "Tomiakin out" And his image vanished.

   "I don't think he liked your advice, Ian." Pan said, chuckling.

   "Computer; resume normal lighting.  Remove the hologram.  I am finding
most of the other commanders don't care for my thoughts either.  I am too
`dishonorable' or too young to know what I am talking about.  Sirs; I don't
mean to criticize, but if we continue to fight along those guidelines;
we're going to lose the whole damn galaxy.  We are `honorably' fighting an
enemy that delights in taking advantage of it and we are loosing." Ian
said.

   "I agree Ian.  That's why I approved your promotion to Admiral.  The
rest of us have been raised to be `honorable in all things'.  Yes your
ideas are not what could be considered `honorable' but because we have been
raised differently we can't even think of those kinds of things.  The
thoughts just never occur to us.  Tomiakin calls it dishonorable, but I
call it creative thinking.  I just wish I could turn you loose with a few
battle fleets of your own and tell you to kick the enemy out of our
galaxy."

   "Why don't you?" Norek asked.  Admirals Goya and Pan jumped at the
unexpected comment from a forgotten quarter.

   "Norek!  You startled us." Goya replied.

   "Exactly my point Admiral; I didn't startle Admiral Williams.  He has
not grown complacent nor rooted to some outmoded code of honor.  He thinks
of things our current field commanders won't even consider doing.  He is
next to impossible to coax into loosing his temper, yet refuses to yield
his integrity in supplication.  Turn him loose.  Give him the authority to
command what he needs and get our worlds back."

   "Impossible!  No one would listen to him!  He's too young!" Goya said.

   "No Admiral.  He will be listened to.  He has the ability to make people
listen to him."

   "What are you talking about Norek?  I'll admit you've lost me this
time." Goya asked.

   "Have you read the profile reports from his old ship's A.I.?  He has
special abilities that died out of our race years ago.  Many of his people
do." Norek replied.

   "What do you mean?  I've read no such reports.  What `abilities' are you
talking about?" Goya said.  Admiral Pan was also interested and indicated
he didn't know what she was talking about either.

   "May I call you Ian?" Norek turned to Ian.  Confused, he nodded.  This
was not the same bitch he had been giving a tour to for the last three
days.

   "I believe we shall have to demonstrate a use of the abilities you have,
Ian.  I trust you will not let this demonstration go to far?" She raised an
eyebrow in question.

   "Just what exactly did you have in mind?" Ian asked.  His ability had
always made him nervous.

   She glanced at the two seated men, but spoke to Ian, "My preferences are
well known.  Certain unusual activities would definitely prove your
abilities." She said.

   Ian closed his eyes and swallowed.  He nodded and concentrated.  "Norek,
provide oral sex for Admiral Goya.  Now."

   Stiffly, she stood up and walked over to the seated Admiral.  She knelt
and pushed him back so she could get to front of his trousers.  As she
started to undo the clasp, Ian said, "Norek, Stop.  Return to your seat."

   The Admirals stared in awe as she stood up and returned to her seat
across the cabin.

   "How..." Goya gulped and refastened his trousers.  "How did you do
that?" he looked to Ian.

   "I am told I have an ability called `command'.  It's basically limited
mind control.  Others from my planet have abilities as well.  We don't know
if it works on nonhumans though." Ian answered.

   "Does it work over a communit?" Pan asked.

   "I don't know.  I've never tried.  Frankly sirs, this thing has always
scared me.  I mean I could really cause a problem with it.  Not to mention
the removal of free will from the victim." Ian answered honestly.  He
glanced at Norek, who was smiling at him.

   "I don't believe you would, Ian.  Though, I know others who wouldn't be
as careful with it." Norek said.

   "Well, we need to see if it'll work over a communit.  Computer;
reestablish communication with the Adonis, Admiral Tomiakin please.  Ian, I
want you to command Tomiakin to do those suggestions you made, okay?" Goya
asked.

   Ian did as was asked and Tomiakin nodded in agreement.

   "Well that works." Goya said.  "Now all we need is a ship for you to
work from."

   Admiral Pan just smiled.  "Well, we DO have that pretty little
Battleship just about ready to launch..."

   "With all due respect gentleman," Ian interrupted.  "Riding around in
that big battle wagon would be fruitless.  You need that thing up where the
fight is.  That's what she was designed for.  I'd like to keep the Star
Dancer."

   "How did I know you'd want to keep your ship?" Goya asked rhetorically.
"Very well, Ian you keep the Star Dancer.  You can also stay based out of
this system so you won't break your oath.  It's a damn good thing she's
launching today.  I assume the first thing you would want to do is go
looking for your lost wife?"

   "Well sir, there IS a battle brewing in that area..."



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   "Okay folks, listen up." Cindy said.  "We've take considerable damage.
Currently, I've laid in a course for an airless planetoid in the closest
system.  We'll set down, and effect repairs.  Lissa, Sasha and I will work
on the ship.  I want you three to test our personal weapons and equipment,
make repairs if needed, and assist us if we need it."

   Jerry indicated he had a question so Cindy nodded to him.  "Major, what
exactly happened to us?  And what all is wrong with the ship?"

   Cindy looked thoughtful for a moment, then replied; "From everything
that is damaged, we took a massive power overload.  Every system that gets
at least some power from the armor is either fried or unreliable.  The jump
engines are down.  The lasers are off line, and our communications suite
and IFF module are dead.  Damocles is crippled, and we aren't gonna go
anywhere anytime soon"

   "Okay, were do we start boss lady?" Ben asked.

   Sasha, I would like you to go below and start working on the comms. 
I'll stay in the pilots chair and try to assist from there.  I would like
the rest of you to talk to Damocles and begin to replicate the parts that
most likely got destroyed for the jump engine and the lasers.  We'll be at
that planetoid in about three hours; I'd like to have the parts ready when
we get there."

   As everyone got up to their separate tasks, Cindy pulled Sasha aside. 
"How are the eyes?  Are you okay to do this?"

   "Da...  er, yes, my eyes still hurt and I have headache, but I think I
can handle this."

   "Okay, feel free to take breaks or ask for help though." Cindy paused
while Sasha nodded, "Now you have one extra task while you're down there,
the targeting computer reports a malfunction between the holographic
interface unit and the sensors.  You'll need to go forward and see if you
can fix those as well."

   "Uhg!  I hate those interface units!  They remind me of Moscow road map;
everything tangled and going nowhere.  Can I have Lissa to help?  That
interface will take time to figure out."

   "Sure, I'll get one of the boys to help me outside."

   "Thanks.  I'll get Lissa, and get to work."



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   "Hey boss; how's it goin'?"

   Cindy had heard Ben enter the cockpit, so she wasn't surprised when he
spoke.

   "Well, Sasha and Lissa have gotten the communications unit repaired, but
we still aren't getting anything.  The computer says the pod has been
damaged too.  It looks like you and I get to replace that while we are
outside as well.  They're still working on the targeting systems.  How are
things going back in the hold?"

   "Pretty good actually, they've got three of the four laser generators
ready, and about half of what we'll need for the jump engine.  Something's
been bothering me about this battle we were in though; what was an Imperial
cruiser doing all the way out here without any other support?  We're still
way behind the battle group.  I'd think they'd know coming here was a
suicide mission."

   Cindy sat thoughtfully for a moment.  "That has been bothering me too
and I can't think of a good answer.  I have a really bad feeling that we
need to figure it out though, and fast."

   A quiet beeping interrupted them.  Cindy checked the controls to find
they had reached their destination.  She switched on the comm; "We're there
folks, everybody stand by for landing." She turned to Ben.  "Strap in. 
This might be a little rough."

   A few minutes later, Cindy received word that everyone was strapped in
and ready.  She had found a flat, smooth place to set down, and began their
descent.  The planetoid wasn't much more then a large round rock.  It was
so far from its primary that a person couldn't tell which of the glittering
points in the sky was its home star; at least, with the naked eye.  Two
things would make this landing rough; its rotation was very fast, and it
was composed mostly of iron.  Cindy hoped that, if there were other enemy
units in the system, the magnetic field generated by this rock would help
hide them.

   Cindy was trying to keep the bucking Raptor on course, a feat made more
difficult by the fluctuating magnetic field.  Just 5 feet from touchdown
the Raptor dropped hard, and slammed into the surface driving the grounding
spike deeply into the ground.  The impact was unexpected, but was not
enough to collapse the landing struts.  During shut down, Cindy noticed
that the armor charge was draining down, but much slower then [RC1]she had
hoped.  They could still work on the Raptor, but they couldn't touch the
surface of the planet at the same time.  Their suits were insulated against
such a contingency, but the armor charge was still too high even for that.

   Cindy unstrapped and, with Ben following, went back to see how the rest
of the crew was doing.

   "That was one of your better landings, Boss." Jerry quipped.

   "Smart ass.  How's everyone doing?" Cindy replied.

   "No one's hurt.  What was with that landing?" Sam asked.

   "This dirt ball is mostly Iron, and its magnetic field was a bitch.  One
more thing; if anyone goes outside, do not touch the Raptor while standing
on the surface.  We aren't discharging very fast.  Ben, I read in your file
that you have the power of levitation?"

   "Uh yeah, I do.  But, I can't lift a lot of weight.  The heavier the
object is, the shorter period of time I can hold it up."

   "Can you lift yourself?  Suited?"

   "Yeah, but not for very long; a minute or two at most."

   Cindy thought for a moment.  "That should be enough.  Sam, Jerry; we'll
need you two to carry the parts outside for us.  Let's get this done."



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----



   "Where is the report from the Treel?  It should have completed its
mission by now." Shalo asked in a calm, controlled voice.

   "My Lord, the Treel has not yet reported in.  Attempts at contact have
failed: We can only assume the Treel has been destroyed." Glump answered
from her desk across the room.

   "WHAT?!"

   "Admiral Gront has dispatched two more light cruisers to the system to
investigate.  However, they will arrive only an hour before the battle
group.  The Admiral didn't seem overly concerned sir, accidents do happen."

   "Now I can see why we haven't made any progress in this war!  You get
the Admiral back and tell him I want the whole battle group in that system
and on red alert as soon as possible.  Recall those two cruisers before he
looses more assets.  From now on, I want every single `accident' treated as
if it's an attack!  I want that system scanned so well we know the name of
every microbe!  He better hope if he looses one more ship it's the one he's
on!"

   "Yes sir!"



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   " ...  It has been 2400 cycles since the Talosian people have
commissioned a new class of vessel.  Now we are commissioning two.  Today,
we launch our first Battle Cruiser; the Federated Star Ship Star Dancer. 
Though this has been only a refit for this ship, she will be the first of
her kind.  The hulls for two more are being laid in other facilities.  This
ship will be remembered for many `firsts'.  I would also like to announce
the formal acknowledgement by the Talosian High Counsel of the artificial
life form "Star" as a sentient being, as are her `children'."

   Norek paused in her speech as the assembled crowd applauded and cheered.
Her speech was being televised to the rest of the Federation as well.  A
message on the lower portion of her teleprompter told her that it was being
well received.

   "So without further delay, I ask for blessings on this ship, and hope
her re-creation will bring us peace.  Thank you."

   Again the crowds cheered; Norek, and Admirals Pan and Goya turned to
watch Star Dancer leave the gantry.

   Aboard the ship, Ian looked down on the new bridge at Jenny, and
smiling, said; "You heard the lady, Captain."

   "Aye, Sir.  Gold squadron, what's your status?" Jenny asked.

   Talena's voice sounded through the bridge speakers; "On station and
holding.  Ready when you are, Captain."

   "Very good, standby.  Dock Control, this is Captain Jennifer Williams,
requesting permission to disembark."

   "Star Dancer, This is Dock Control.  Permission granted.  Stand by for
docking clamp and mooring release."

   "Navigation; set escape trajectory.  Launch Nav Drones." Jenny ordered.

   "Trajectory set."

   "Nav Drones away"

   "Star Dancer, Docking clamps released and retracted.  Mooring lines
released.  You are free to depart.  Good hunting." Dock Control reported.

   "Thank you Dock Control.  Navigation; ahead point three, take us out."

   "Aye sir, Main reactor is idle, Armor charge at 35%."

   "Steady as she goes, Con.  Gold squadron, we're moving." Jenny replied.

   "Aye sir, we're matching velocity at point three."

   As the ship began to move, the cheering of the small crowd of people
aboard the docking lounge with Norek could be heard through the still open
comm.

   Ian looked forward out the huge viewport to watch as the ship left dry
dock, but his eyes fell to the lone person standing directly in front of
it.

   Star stood staring out the big window, her hands clasped behind her
back. Ian walked over to the stairs and descended to the bridge.  He walked
over to join her.  "You're quiet."

   "This is just so much, Ian.  I never thought I would ever see this day.
I never thought I would ever be considered...  Alive.  I know you have done
so for some time, but to have that officially acknowledged is..." She
hesitated.

   "...  a little overwhelming?" Ian finished for her.

   "Yes.  Now that it's official though, I think I might take up the offer
to have a body built.  Lissa tells me that there is no describing the feel
of a lovers touch, and that is something I have wanted very much to feel
lately." She finished.

   "May I ask why you didn't when it was first offered to you?"

   She nodded slightly, "It still was not real to me.  I had not accepted
the situation myself.  I have been slowly working toward it though.  Now
with the official recognition, I can no longer deny it."

   "The official announcement is important, but I'm afraid there is still
work to do.  I've received many communications asking for permission to
`investigate' the `anomalies' in your programming.  All of which I have
turned down with a strongly worded reply informing them to direct such
inquiries to you, and further suggesting that they investigate the
anomalies in their own children first."

   "Thank you, Sir.  I hope that now those sorts of requests will stop."

   "Don't count on it.  If anything there will be more.  I just hope the
Empire isn't in the habit of watching civilian Talosian broadcasts.  I
argued for three hours with Norek, Pan and Goya about that transmission. 
They insisted on it being televised.  I couldn't even get them to delay the
broadcast.  I just hope we won't be running into a big trap."

   "We have orders already?  We just launched!"

   Ian smiled at the astounded expression on Star's face.  "Command staff
meeting in twenty minutes in my office.  Before then I want you to see
Ensign Beloh in engineering; tell him I sent you to see him."

   "Aye Sir." Star said as she faded out.

   Ian took one last look out at the panorama of space, once again awed by
the cold beauty, then turned back to face the bridge staff.

   "Captain, recall Gold squadron, and set course 234 by 198 by 45 speed
point eight.  Assemble the command staff in my office in twenty minutes."

   Jenny gave him a look of surprised concern but nodded, and Ian returned
to his office to get ready for the meeting.



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   "Thanks for coming out to repair that sensor pod, Lissa.  There is so
much to get done out here." Cindy said, as Lissa settled to the hull beside
her.

   "No problem, Major.  After all, you asked Sasha and me to fix the
sensors."

   "Still, it's one less thing I have to worry about.  Okay Ben, lift that
first laser generator, then come up yourself so we can get it installed."

   "Okay, here it comes." Ben replied.

   Cindy caught the heavy cylinder and laid it down on the hull beside the
access panel for the port side lasers.  She had the panel almost removed by
the time Ben settled softly beside her.

   "How ya doin' Ben?  Is this too much weight for you to lift?" Cindy
asked.

   "I've a slight headache, but I'll be fine in a minute.  If we can take
short breaks between the lifts, I should be okay."

   "Okay, let me know if you're getting too tired to lift things."

   "Will do."

   Cindy had finished removing the access panel, and turned on a wrist
light to look into the laser mount.  "Gods!  What a mess.  Both generators
are melted.  That must have been some power surge!  Well, lets get these
out of here."

   They had removed both generators, and had begun the installation of the
first replacement when Lissa and Sasha reported the sensor repair was
complete.

   "Good work you two.  Lissa, could you begin the removal of the other
laser generators on the starboard side?  We should be done here soon and
that will speed us up."

   "Sure, but what about the hyperdrive?  You want me to start on that
after the lasers?"

   "Good idea.  I just don't want to strain Ben here, and that hyperdrive
is gonna be heavy."

   "I'll be ready for it Major." Ben said, smiling through his helmets
visor.

   "Major?  This is Sasha, I was testing the sensor array, and have
detected multiple large jump points forming near this systems primary. 
We're about to have company."

   "Shit!  For a deserted system, this place sure is busy today!  Gimme an
ID, and an ETA as soon as possible.  Ben, lift the rest of those generators
up here if you can.  We're on the clock now folks, lets get busy."

   "Major, I count four heavy cruisers, eight light cruisers, five
destroyers, and hundreds of fighters.  They are deploying in what looks
like a search pattern."

   "Great, the Emperor's heir must have been on that light cruiser we took
out.  How long do we have?" Cindy asked.

   "They'll be on top of us in 45 minutes.  Major, can't we hide here until
they pass?  I mean, we are invisible to their sensors."

   "Are you sure about that Sasha?  If we are invisible to them, then what
the hell did they hit us with when we attacked the light cruiser?  No, I
want to be gone from here before they get close enough to detect our heart
beats from orbit.  We lift in 35 minutes."

   As Lissa disappeared over the curve of the hull, she asked; "But Major,
the hyperdrive will take longer than that to repair.  It takes an hour just
to align the power couplers."

   "We won't be able to repair it yet.  I would rather be up there where we
stand a fighting chance then trapped on this gods forsaken dust ball."



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   "Come in." Ian responded to the rap on his door.  The door slid aside to
admit the bright smile of Star, as she walked into the room.  She walked to
a point in the middle of the room came to attention, and saluted.

   "Star, reporting for duty, sir!"

   Ian returned her smile and her salute.  "How do you like it?"

   "I do not know how to explain it, sir.  I cannot begin to express my
gratitude to you for having this constructed, and brought along.  So many
sensations to feel!  It is almost overwhelming!"

   Ian chuckled.  "Well, I need you to be at this meeting, but once it's
over you are dismissed for an orientation with Janet.  There are a few
things you're going to need to know about being a woman that she can help
you with.  So, though you need to be at this meeting, consider yourself off
duty."

   "Thank you, Ian.  I do have a few dozen questions."

   "I am sure you do.  Talk to her before you experience the `lovers touch'
you mentioned earlier though.  I'd hate to have you thinking that something
isn't working correctly." Ian told her.

   "Yes sir."

   Chimes announced more people arriving; Star moved to her traditional
position behind and to the right of her commander and friend, as Ian said,
"Come".

   The command staff walked in and took their seats quickly and quietly. 
In the twenty minutes since Ian had told Jenny about the staff meeting,
rumors and speculation had made it all the way back to engineering and down
to the belly-gun turrets.

   Ian stood, with a serious expression on his face, and said, "Ladies and
Gentleman, we have new orders, but first I have an announcement: Roughly 7
hours ago Admiral Pan received a communication from Admiral Tomiakin aboard
the Adonis.  The Raptor Damocles is overdue, and presumed destroyed.  It
dropped out of hyperspace into an unoccupied system in the Rataac sector to
answer a distress call from an ally.  The last communication from them was
just before they dropped out of hyperspace.  Since then, no one has heard a
thing." He paused to give Beth and Jenny time to recover.  Beth stood, and
turning her back to the conference table, walked over to wall.  It was
clear she was crying.  Jenny was crying too, she lay her head on her arms
and let the tears flow.

   Star moved over to Beth, and put her arms around the distraught women,
as Janet Laskar moved to comfort her daughter.  No one noticed that Star
actually put her arms around Beth.

   Ian continued to the shocked looks and tears of others in the room. 
"This might sound crazy, but I know our wife's alright.  I can feel her. 
We are going to find out.  Admiral Goya has given us a special assignment;
we have a free hand to wreak havoc among the enemy.  We have the authority
to use whatever resources we need, and our goal is to free alliance worlds
from the Empire.  Our first destination is the last point of contact with
the Raptor Damocles.  It'll take us the better part of a week to get there,
but by the time we drop out of hyperspace, I'll want every single
department battle ready.  I not only intend to confront the dragon; I
intend to pull its tail out through its fucking mouth!  Any questions?"

   "Cindy's alright?" Beth asked.  She had turned at Ian's words.  She
still held onto Star as if clutching a life raft in a hurricane.  "You have
proof that she's okay?"

   Ian walked over to his red-eyed mother, took her hands, and looked her
in the eyes.  "I have no proof other then the absolute surety she is safe.
Please believe me my love; I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is
okay."

   Beth threw her arms around Ian and cried into his shoulder.  "I hope
your right Ian, I really want to believe...  I can't lose any of you."

   Ian felt another set of arms surrounding them, and turned his head to
see Jenny trying to hold them both.  It reminded Ian that they were in the
middle of a meeting.  He lifted Beth's chin, and kissed her.  Then he
kissed Jenny as well, gave them both a brief hug, and turned back to the
briefing table.  "Now, about those questions?"

   "Sir, do we have any intel on what kind of force we might expect?"

   h "The only thing we've gotten is a sketchy report of one light cruiser.
It was attacking a civilian Benesian transport when Damocles intervened. 
We have confirmed the light cruiser has been destroyed, but have no further
information about the system.  However, we have reason to believe the
Empire is planning to use that system as an insertion point for an
offensive action against the Adonis' battle group.  So expect the worst. 
That's the reason I want every system on this ship double checked for
combat readiness."

   "Sir, is High Command bringing in another ship to assist the Prometheus
in system defense?"

   "Yes and no.  Three more heavy cruisers are arriving later tonight for
refit.  The battleship Tiamat will be launching tomorrow.  She will not be
leaving this system until we return.  Prometheus will be going in for refit
next week after the launch of the two cruisers at Pleiades three.  We won't
be leaving the Sector undefended.  I have communicated with Commodore
Hawkins, and he has agreed to take over as administrative Commander of the
military portion of the sector.  Senor Captain Serena will be acting
commander until he arrives.  Yes, this switch is sudden.  We are testing a
new concept for the High Command.  I feel this idea is a good one, and we
will succeed.  Now, Captain, I want the ship in full stealth mode until
after we jump into hyperspace.  Complete radio silence, I even want the nav
beacon turned off.  Then set course for the Rataac sector, I want to be
well out of the system before we make the jump though; I don't want anyone
to see the jump point.  Ladies and gentlemen; you have your orders.  Let's
do this; dismissed."



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   "Cindy!  Star Dancer is hailing us!" Sasha called, excitedly.

   "Sasha, the Star Dancer is still in space dock getting her refit.  Why
would she be hailing us?" Cindy asked.

   "Major, she was scheduled to be done with refit this morning.  She could
be calling us." Lissa suggested.

   "Either way, if we answer that call, our `friends' out there will hear
the call and come running.  Maintain radio silence, that's an order." Cindy
said.  "Now let's get this finished."

   Jerry had come out to help them get the laser generators replaced, and
was with Lissa on the other side of the fuselage.

   "We're about done here.  How are you and Jerry doing, Lissa?" Cindy
asked.

   "Just need to connect it up and we'll be done, Major." Lissa replied.

   "Good.  Sasha how long until our visitors arrive?"

   "Eight minutes until your deadline, Major."

   "Okay, Lissa; we'll get the cover back on and head in.  You should be
getting close to being done yourself by then.  Just holler when you want
Ben to lift you down."

   "We will." Lissa replied as Cindy was refastening the cover.

   She nodded to Ben who was standing beside her and he nodded.  She
smoothly rose off the wing and settled to the ground behind the Raptor.

   "I'll wait up here for them to finish, Major.  By the way, when's
dinner?"

   "You keep confusing me for your mother.  You know how to feed yourself."
Cindy replied.

   "Well the mistake is easy to make, she is beautiful too." Ben replied.

   "Yes she is, and damn good in bed too!" Cindy replied grinning.

   "Oh, Ouch!" Ben answered to the chuckles on the comm.

   Cindy cycled through the airlock, and headed for the main cabin.  She
stopped by the replicator to get a granola bar and continued on to the
bridge.  She entered the bridge to see the hatch to the holographic chamber
open.  Cindy stuck her head down through the hatch, and saw that Sasha was
replaying the last few seconds before the Raptor was hit.

   "Whatcha doin' Sash?" Cindy asked.

   Sasha jumped.  "Major!  You startled me!  I am reviewing the last few
moments before we were hit.  I don't think the Imperial ship actually saw
us.  See here; the Imperial ship didn't actually fire until the first
rounds from our guns hit it.  There!  You see this?  Our rounds hit the
bridge!  Where the weapons control would be.  I think the jump point was
targeted, but the weapon wasn't fired on purpose."

   "That would mean the Imperials can't detect us.  But how sure can we be?
If you're wrong, we're all dead." Cindy replied.

   "Major, at this point if they can see us, we are dead anyway.  Once we
leave the surface of this rock, they'll have us on their scanners."

   "You're right.  Do you think we should just stay here then?"

   "I do not know.  I think our chances are about the same either way.  But
if we stay here, and play dead, we may have a better chance if we need to
surprise them.  I also feel that we should at least report in.  Command
will think we are destroyed." Sasha replied.

   "If we call anyone, it'd be like sending up a flare." Cindy said.  "I
wonder...  Hurry, come up out of there!  We don't have much time!"

   "Huh?  Okay, what are you planning?" Sasha asked.  But Cindy had already
hurried back to the main cabin.

   Mumbling to herself about crazy women, Sasha hurried back to the main
cabin.  Cindy was already calling up images and asking the computer for
data.

   "Sasha, what's the E.T.A.  on our visitors?"

   "About seven minutes, Major.  Whatever you do, it better be fast."

   "Okay.  Computer: Record the following and compile with ships logs for
burst transmission to the Star Dancer.  Notify when ready.  Okay folks
listen up: Sam, Jerry, You to unpack that class 6 nuke, set it outside, and
get it armed.  The rest of you, battle stations, and strap in tight, once I
send this transmission we will be blasting out of here as fast as this
buggy can go.  Move!" Cindy said.

   "Transmission ready." The computer announced.

   "Stand by." Cindy said as her crew scrambled to carry out her orders. 
She followed Sasha and Lissa to the cockpit.

   Three minutes later the men reported ready.

   "Damocles; Emergency acceleration on my mark.  Transmit message now!" as
she launched from the surface under full throttle.  The Raptor shook and
shuddered but quickly broke free of the gravitational pull of the
planetoid.

   "Transmission complete." Reported the computer.

   "Enemy is changing course to intercept.  E.T.A.  now one minute!" Lissa
called out.

   "Emergency acceleration NOW!" Cindy ordered.



   ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---



   "Ian!  We just received a message from the Damocles!  It came in as a
data burst." Jenny called from the bridge.

   "Thanks, I'll look at it right away." Ian answered.



   Ten minutes later, Ian was at the rail over looking the bridge. 
"Captain!  Make the jump now!  Get us to that system as fast as possible!"

   "What's going on sir?" Jenny asked after making sure his orders where
being carried out.

   Ian had started down the stairs, and Jenny met him at the bottom. 
"Cindy is engaging an Imperial battle group.  They don't have a hyperdrive,
and they aren't real sure the armor fools the enemy.  She needs us there
now."

   "Ian, even with the reactor at 100% plus the energy from the armor
routed into the engines, it'll still take us almost two days to get there."


   "I know Jenny, but the Damocles could be in serious trouble without our
aid.  This isn't the mission they've been trained to do." Ian closed his
eyes and took a deep breath.  Opening his eyes, he said loud enough for the
bridge crew to hear; "Best possible speed, Captain."

   "Aye sir.  Con; Full emergency speed.  Route all power from the armor to
the engines."

   Very softly Ian continued, "...and pray we get there fast enough."


   === === === === === === === === === == [RC1]tha

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