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Supernova

Episode 3A, Special 05

IDP 2017-2019, 2020

Edited by Saurex Conoway

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In a remote binary star system, outside both Confederation and Urthean space, the Raptor sat a safe distance away observing the phenomenon. Soon a nova would occur for the first time since the Confederation had formed and Lt. Commander Harry Martinez jumped at the chance to witness it.

Everyone who wasn't on duty was in the Raptor's forward lounge. The hatches were open and Harry had ordered the ship positioned to have the best view of the phenomenon so that it filled the viewports.

A Confederation science team had been put in their charge to test some experimental equipment and record all the data they could of the phenomenon. It was not exactly a discovery, just a rare chance to put some new technologies to the test.

A small party was being held in the mess hall to celebrate the launch of the new probe. Harry and his bridge crew were attending, as they were off duty. It was an informal party, something that didn't happen often on this small ship, but a welcome event nonetheless.

Harry was talking to a rather attractive Cornerian rabbit named Aspen Cordell. She was the same rank as him and was the team leader of the development team of the new probe the Raptor had launched earlier. She had shoulder-length red hair and her fur was cream-colored, with a very light grey color in her ears and muzzle. She had the loveliest amber-colored eyes. He found himself lost in those eyes as they spoke quietly under one of the windows out to the stars.

"I have to thank you for taking my team along on this trip, Captain. It's so hard to get any ship-of-the-line off the beaten path to help with something like this."

"It's no problem. I was more than glad to help. We also happened to have a convenient potential nova within a day's travel," Harry replied.

"I'm surprised a ship like this had the facilities we needed to do our work," she smiled and scooted close to him. "I can't thank you enough...Captain."

Harry smiled and noticed the gesture. "It's my pleasure entirely. I joined partly to just see things like this. I used to be an engineer, not that long ago."

"Do you like having your command?"

"Yeah," Harry said, "it can be a bit lonely sometimes, but that comes with the job."

"Tell me about it," Aspen said, coyly sipping her drink. "I have to babysit a bunch of first-year science and engineering techs. I barely get any time to sleep."

"Well, maybe you'll get a break after this probe test is over."

"Maybe," Aspen smiled, "but we both know that's a lie. The pursuit of knowledge and progress is never over."

* * *

"I wonder what they are talking about," Fara Phoenix mused, sipping her synth ale, trying to act like she wasn't watching, but she was.

"I don't know...could be anything," Terri said, "I didn't know the Commander was such a smooth operator."

Aspen laughed as the two shared a joke and they seemed to move closer together as they looked out onto the spectacular view.

"Th-th-they certainly got chummy q-q-quickly," Michele O'mara giggled.

"I think that's an understatement," Fara snickered, quickly grabbing an appetizer off of the food table and wolfing it down. "You don't need a tricorder to pick up those signals she's putting off."

"So what are you three up to over here," asked Dr. Okan with Jack Land accompanying him. Fara motioned with her paw as she grabbed another couple of morsels and quickly devoured them. Both he and Jack looked and then looked back.

Land chuckled. "And why is that so interesting?"

"Indeed, why shouldn't our C.O. have a good time?" Dr. Okan asked.

"We've just never seen him in action is all," Terri giggled.

"What Harry?" Land smirked, "he's always been a bit of the charmer as long as I've known him." Land stopped and paused to think about it. "For crying out loud, are you guys jealous?"

"No!" They all said in a quiet reply seeming a bit embarrassed.

"I think you found the root of the fascination Mr. Land." Okan chuckled.

"Maybe a little," Terri admitted.

Michelle and Fara both gave her a strange look of admonishment.

"What? At least I can admit it." Terri said, taking a drink.

"Anyways, this is my first nova. The science team says it should happen within the next thirty four hours. I can't speak for the rest of you, but I'm pretty excited," Okan said.

"Me too Doctor. I've only s-s-seen simulations on a holodeck," O'mara added, "it should be quite a sight."

"Aren't we short a crew member?" Jack asked.

"A couple," Fara said. "Jakar and Rivas decided to skip out."

"What? And miss this?" Jack said, startled.

"Maybe they are going to have a scowl contest and see who is the grumpiest cuss on the bridge?" Fara cackled.

"That's not funny," Terri scowled at Fara. "They are just a little stoic is all!"

"I think little is an understatement," Fara said. "Seriously, Rivas wasn't that bad until our new commander came around. Now between the two of them they can just suck the life out of a room."

"Don just has a lot on his mind lately," Terri said, "the Raptor was supposed to be his, but Fleet Command decided otherwise."

"So? New ships are rolling off the line every day. He can get over it." Fara shrugged. "He can get any one of those he wants."

"He has been with this project as long as the rest of us have," Terri said patiently. "Excluding you and the Commander," she said pointing at Jack Land, "wouldn't you be a little upset if you were taken off the project?"

"The ship wouldn't ever fly again, that's for damn sure," Fara muttered darkly, wolfing down another morsel.

* * *

The bridge was sparsely crewed with the soiree underway and being in relatively peaceful space, there was not a need for a full crew at the moment. Jakar sat at Operations while Rivas manned the conn. Ensign Rosa sat at the helm. Over the speakers, they had an old Cornerian opera playing. Jakar seemed to be relaxed, although his eyes were constantly checking his displays as he kept the Raptor's sensors watching everything around them. Rivas couldn't blame him though, with Xox still out there somewhere.

He looked at the bloated star in the distance on the monitor. It loomed on the Raptor's screen like a giant, orange, overripe fruit with plumes of flame leaping off it. He checked his instruments and just made sure the warp engines were on standby to get them out of there at a moment's notice. He had never seen a supernova before and was honestly curious, but he didn't want to get caught in one. This one was located on the extreme edge of the galaxy and there were no habitable worlds near it.

"So, Jakar, what do you think about all this?" Rivas asked.

"I think, considering we are in unclaimed space, it's a prime place for an ambush while we are distracted."

"True, but not with us on the lookout," Rivas smiled.

Jakar smiled slightly and went back to looking at his board. An alarm sounded on his board.

"What's that?" Rivas asked curiously.

"Subspace disturbance," Jakar said, looking at the readout. "Appears to be a vessel, no, multiple vessels at warp."

Rivas spun around. "What course are they....?"

"LATERAL HARD! MARK 270 BEARING 180!" Jakar suddenly barked.

Rosa hesitated.

"DO IT!" Rivas barked.

"HANG ON!" Rosa said quickly punching in the commands.

The Raptor suddenly lurched to life as its engines roared and it careened towards its new position in space just as two vessels emerged from warp space. One was a smaller transport ship, and it barely had time to avoid the Raptor. One of its nacelle pylons glanced off of the Raptor's engines, sending up sparks and sending both vessels careening out of control. The larger vessel emerged shortly after. It was an Urthaen Battlecruiser, but the Raptor was clear of it.

Rivas held on for dear life as the Raptor spun from the impact. Alarms filled the bridge and he fought against the g-force as he typed in commands into the attitude controls to get the vessel to stop reeling. Gradually, the ship responded to his commands and came out of its spin. Jakar sounded the red alert and brought the ship's defenses online.

"Damage report," Rivas snapped, feeling nauseous.

"Damage to the starboard nacelle. We are venting drive plasma. Trying to lock it down. Engineering has been informed."

"What the hell hit us?" Rivas demanded.

"Some smaller vessel, that's all I know," Jakar responded, noticing the Urthaen vessel starting to turn toward them on the screen. "They are charging their weapons."

"Red Alert! All hands to battle stations!" Rivas said hitting the com.

No sooner had he called it than Harry Martinez entered the bridge, sporting a nasty cut above his right eye. "The next time you take my ship for a spin warn me first!" He snapped at Ensign Rosa, who was manning the helm.

Ensign Rosa tensed, feeling her superior's gaze burning a hole through her.

"I ordered the maneuver, Captain." Rivas said.

The rest of the bridge crew piled in, save for Fara, who had bolted for engineering after the collision. "What happened?"

"Near collision with a small vessel that a Urthaen battleship was chasing in warp space, that's about all we know so far!" Rivas said quickly, pointing to the screen.

"Ms. Lu, open a hailing frequency," Harry said, trying to staunch the bleeding from the cut with a napkin he had brought with him. "Also, I want a report on the ship they were chasing."

"Hailing frequencies open," Terri reported, "working on it sir."

"Urthean vessel, this is Confederation Starship Raptor. You are in neutral space. Stand down or we will defend ourselves."

Land finally arrived, much to Harry's relief. As squirrely as the Raptor was, he didn't want to take it into a firefight without his helmsman where he belonged. Land relieved Rosa and quickly set to work trying to make sense of the alarms on his console. Apparently Rosa had panicked and entered the wrong commands. He quickly cleared them out and decided to have a word with her about using the macro's he had set up again.

"Damage report," Harry asked, still trying to staunch the bleeding with the napkin, while using his free hand to look at his own readouts.

"Minimal, seems to be mostly on the starboard nacelle," Rivas reported. "Injury reports coming from all decks."

The Urthean ship loomed close, but it was stopping. Finally, over the speaker, a voice rumbled with amusement. "Is that you, vermin? Oh, what a wonderful day this has turned into...yes."

The screen flickered and Xox appeared in the center of it with his eyes glowing and a wicked grin upon his muzzle. "And you are right, this is yet unclaimed space by the Urthaen empire, but I do have a reason for being here. What is yours?" He asked, leaning forward.

"Exploration," Harry said bluntly, realizing he didn't look that intimidating with a bloody napkin pressed to his head. "Expanding our understanding of the universe. You should try it sometime."

Xox's glare narrowed on screen.

"What is your reason Commandant?" Harry queried, refusing to stoop to Xox's petty name-calling.

"I am pursuing a known criminal of the Urthaen Empire and perhaps one of your Confederation's," Xox said levelly. "She has evaded us this long, but she will not today."

"What is her crime?" Harry asked.

"Smuggling Confederation weapons and supplies into our space," Xox replied.

"Captain," Terri said quietly. "The other vessel is hailing us using Fleet encryption, band seven."

"One moment Commandant, do you have any validation of this?" Harry asked. As he spoke, he tapped his interface to the left. Terri picked up the signal and transferred the message directly to him.

"Indeed I do. However, she is a vermin like yourself and she is charged with multiple offenses of bringing weapons into our space."

"Captain," Jakar said, "the other vessel is powering back up. The Urthaens are locking weapons onto it."

Harry glanced down at the message it simply read.

OPEN YOUR BAY DOOR. GET READY TO RUN. 5542

Harry's eyes widened at the code at the end of the message and with the use of channel seven. Harry quickly keyed in the command to open the bay doors and he made a quick gesture to Rivas to stay quiet. The ship was a bit big. It would be a rather tight fit in their shuttle bay, so he ordered an evacuation of the shuttle bay.

"I doubt your federation would be interested in prosecuting this smuggler," Xox noted smuggly, "even though they are violating both our laws."

"That depends on the case. You tend to violate our laws quite regularly, Commandant," Harry said, sending a quick text message to the helm with a course and speed. He heard it beep and Land looked down, read it, and quickly began making the course correction. Harry glanced at his system readout. The doors were almost open, so he said, "While we're at it, we could discuss multiple incidents of piracy and destruction of Confederation property, for start."

Xox glared darkly. "I don't find it this amusing at all, rodent...no."

"I wasn't trying to be funny," Harry said sternly, watching the count until the doors were fully open.

He quickly typed up a message to the crippled ship.

NOW OR NEVER. 5537

"Fine, I'll have to just dispense justice in my way then," Xox said nodding to someone off-screen.

The smaller skiff suddenly powered up its engines and barrelled towards the Raptor's shuttle bay just as the Urthean's repulsor cannon fired, missing it by inches. The small ship slammed sharply into the bay, tearing its nacelles off and sending a torrent of sparks flying as it skidded across the deck before an emergency net sprung up and caught it. The Raptor suddenly jumped to maximum warp, blasting past the Urthean ship.

* * *

"They've left the system," D'jonn reported.

"For now," Xox growled. "They were here for a reason. I'm sure they'll be back and we shall wait here. Scan for anything out of the ordinary. If they were doing exploration they probably left something very expensive behind."

* * *

Harry stepped into the ruin of the shuttle bay. There were several small fires and extensive damage. Repair crews and the ship's fire suppression systems were working hard to make sure nothing got out of hand. The vessel appeared to be a skiff of some sort, a heavily modified long-range shuttlecraft, or at least what was left of it. Jakar and a security team accompanied him.

"It's one of ours, sir," Jakar said, "although it doesn't have a registration."

"Noted. Life signs?" Harry said.

"One," Jakar replied.

They suddenly heard the seal on the door on the side of the skiff pop and it opened. A figure climbed out and dropped to the deck. It was a female echidna with bright red head fur, beaded spines, and black fur. Her hair was a bit unkempt and she had a blaster at her side.

"Thank you all for the lift. You helped a girl out back there," she said, tossing her hair about to get it out of her eyes. "Name is Sonya Jax, and I take it this serious looking bloke is the one I was texting too?" She said nodding at Harry.

"Yeah, it would be," Harry said.

"Ya look a little disappointed luv," she said. "Not what you were expecting?"

"No," Harry admitted, "and until we get this sorted out, I'm going to have to ask you to go with my security chief."

"For what?"

Harry gave her an incredulous look.

She looked behind her and shrugged. "Well if you say so."

She grabbed her blasters, flipped them in her hands and handed them to Harry, grip first. "I hope I can at least get a hot meal and a shower after all the trouble I've been through, eh?"

Jakar cracked a rare, amused smile. "Come with me, Ms. Jax."

Harry, however, didn't smile. "Chief, confine her to one of our spare quarters until we can figure out what's going on."

Jakar nodded and led her off.

Harry watched them go and then looked at the damage to his shuttle bay and shook his head. Just what did he get himself into?

* * *

"Aren't ya just the picture of tall, dark and handsome?" Sonya said to Jakar as they walked down the corridor. "Where'd you get that scar?"

"I got it a long time ago," Jakar said, "out on the frontier."

"Sounds exciting."

Jakar's stoic facade cracked faintly with a smile as he remembered something and then his face showed a bit of sadness. "It was, but that was a lifetime ago then."

"What type of man is your captain?"

"An interesting man," Jakar said, "to say the least."

"Oooh, interesting?" Sonya chuckled. "Well, they say our lot are, that's for sure."

"Your lot?" Jakar asked.

"Aye, your Captain and I got something in common," Sonya smirked. "Probably why he helped me as he did."

"Is that so?"

Sonya shrugged. "It's a long story. This ship is pretty small for a capper. I hope these quarters you're confining me to got some decent accommodations."

"They serve their purpose," Jakar replied as they stopped outside of some quarters. "Don't give me a reason to come looking for you."

"You'd be welcome to join me in getting cleaned up and having some dinner if ya wouldn't mind luv," Sonya grinned.

Jakar blushed. "I'm on duty," he quickly stammered.

"It's okay. I won't hold it against ya," she winked, "I'll just be here waiting for the captain then."

She stepped inside and the doors closed behind her.

"Sir?" Jakar heard the Catarian security officer behind him.

"Stand guard until the captain says otherwise," Jakar said gruffly. "I'll be on the bridge."

* * *

Harry arrived back on the bridge. "Did he follow us?"

"No, Sir," Rivas reported. "So, mind filling us all in on what exactly that was about earlier?"

"I will when I get a moment to catch my breath," Harry replied, pacing around the bridge. "Ms. Lu? Can you pull up anything you can on a Sonya Jax for me."

"Yes sir. I'll get right on it." Terri said.

"Engage the cloak and bring us back around," Harry ordered. "We need to try to make sure we can save the science team's probe, if we can."

He heard the bridge doors open and close.

"Well, that's a relief to hear that Captain," Aspen smiled as she turned to her. "That's what I was coming to see you about...and to figure out what happened."

"I'm working on it," Harry said, "but I fully intend to make sure your research is protected."

"I appreciate that," Aspen smiled. "So, I saw the battlecruiser. Is everything ok?"

"Not exactly. That particular Urthean ship likes to harass us on a routine basis," Harry sighed. "It's just rotten luck that our paths have crossed today."

"What's the actual threat to the probe Captain?" Aspen asked.

"Other than the nova, not too much," Harry said. "If you remembered we encountered a lot of turbulence to get close enough to that star to deploy. I doubt that an Urthean Battlecruiser could handle the stress if they tried to get close enough to tractor it."

"Well, it figures something would go wrong. It started too good to be true." Aspen sighed.

"Doctor, I will do everything within my power to make sure you are able to complete your work," Harry said reassuringly.

Aspen smiled and she stepped up to him so she could talk quietly. "Well, you were proposing a nightcap before we got interrupted. I'm still interested."

Harry smiled. "The offer is still there."

"Might want to get that cut taken care of first," she said.

"I'll get to it." Harry smiled, dabbing at it with the dinner napkin he had grabbed earlier.

"Commander, we have the situation at hand. Get that cut taken care of." Rivas insisted. "I can handle things up here."

Fara entered the bridge and activated her console.

"Is the damage we've sustained going to affect our cloak?" Harry asked her as she took her seat.

"It shouldn't," Fara said, "but if you keep bleeding everywhere that will take longer to get out of your chair than patching the shuttle bay up."

"Ok, ok I got it! I'll go to sickbay," Harry relented, getting up out of the command chair. Rivas slid into it.

Dr. Cordell smiled and they left the bridge together. "Hey, don't grouse! At least they care about you."

Harry nodded. "I suppose so. I'm tired of hearing about it though," he chuckled, wincing as he pulled the napkin away from the cut.

* * *

A bit later

Sonya sat in her quarters. They were sparse, very utilitarian, not what she expected. Usually Fleet ships were a bit more luxurious. This room gave her a small shower, a bunk, a desk, a terminal, and a replicator. It reminded her of an older type ship with an extensive refit. She'd showered and then changed into a loose-fitting civilian blouse, slacks, and a pair of sandals. She stowed her belongings in the small locker under the bunk and ate a pretty hearty meal.

She was a bit sad she had to trash the Ghost as she did. Maybe they'd be kind enough to get it working for her if they didn't throw her in the pen for the destruction of Fleet property or some other nonsense. It had been a while since she'd dealt with the civilized parts of the galaxy. When you spent a decade in the Badlands, you got used to living with your hand on your blaster and your eye always looking for trouble. She'd made a decent living as it was being a smuggler and trader out there. It's just this one time she'd happen to stumble across a Urthean Commandant who bothered to do his job and give chase.

Of all the rotten luck.

She'd taken a chance using that code when she transmitted it to the Raptor. She knew she'd have a chance if it had been one of her former teacher's students who would at least try to help her. That panned out for her for the most part. She'd have some protection, at least she hoped she would.

She'd tried the door and found it wouldn't open, so figured she was being caged for the moment, until they figured out what to do with her. At least it wasn't a brig.

"Fair enough treatment ya be giving me...I suppose," she said, flicking her spines and running her hand through her hair. "If I hadn't wrecked your ship a wee bit I'd probably gotten better."

She turned on the terminal and flipped through the vast database of entertainment programming for something to watch. With the ship's amber alert lights flashing, she figured it might be some time until they got to her, so she may as well get settled in.

The door chime went off.

"Come in," she said.

Harry stepped into the quarters and looked her over.

"Ah Captain," she grinned, "if I knew you'd be paying me a visit I'd 've set something out for ya."

Harry waited for the doors to close before he spoke.

"I'll say I took the liberty of looking up what I could about you," Harry said. "In addition to the several warrants out for your arrest for various acts of smuggling contraband, you haven't exactly been a model citizen."

"So sue me! I never been one for followin' the rules much," she shrugged.

Harry raised his recently scarred brow. "You used to be. You graduated from the academy with high marks. You had a bright future ahead of you until..."

"Until I spit on ol' Stoneface, and ya don't be minding me of that," she scowled. "First time in jail, good times, never slept better." She sneered.

Harry was bemused by this. "Stoneface" was the nickname given by their mutual teacher at the academy, Admiral Kramer. He was a rather formidable instructor that took on unique individuals whom he thought could serve the Confederation. Harry had been sponsored by him, as many others had, but only 55 of them had made it to graduation under him. They were called the "Fab 55" throughout the fleet.

"So...just to be candid with me. What possessed you to do that?" Harry asked.

"I'll be supposed you think it's a great honor to have that little tattoo on your wrist don't ya?" Sonya scoffed.

"I do," Harry said, "why don't you?"

"It's a mark of a torturer, you twat," Sonya glared. "What he put us through? The mind games? The manipulation? It's sick. I didn't take kindly to it."

Harry processed this. To pass, you had to be put through an elaborate simulation that showed you could survive the rigors of command. Even his test had been an ordeal, but he didn't feel that way about it. However, he could see her point.

"Fair enough," he managed.

"Look, all it tells me is I can trust you and you'll help me if I ask," Sonya said. "That's all I can count on it for."

"Of course. I'll do what I can, but I want to know what you are doing with these," he said, tossing her a datapad that landed on her lap. Sonya's cocky smirk faded as she looked it over. "I had my security chief go through your ship and he found a few suspicious items. Care to explain?"

"Just a few odds n' ends folks need on the frontier," Sonya shrugged.

"Phaser rifles are hardly 'odds n' ends'," Harry glared. "A whole shipment of MK III rifles, boxed and stored carefully."

"Well maybe they like collecting antiques," she said.

Harry slammed his paws down on the desk, startling her. "Tell me what you are doing with them or I will put you in the brig and turn you over to Confederation Security without a second thought!"

Sonya tried to stare him down, but found herself unable to.

"Fine, be that way then," she sighed. "There're a lot of folks living out on the edge of space in uncharted colonies that the Confederation don't give a second thought to because they aren't within their borders. They have to fend for themselves a lot of time with little to no help, especially out there in the Badlands. Ya think it's so easy to be looking at me violating your laws and judge, but I look at ya all in your fancy ships and monkey suits and wonder why ya let your government turn a blind eye to their plight." Sonya said. "If ya don't believe me, check my flight logs. I don't have anything to hide from ya. Take a look and judge for yourself."

"I will, you can count on that," Harry said as he started for the door.

"I just got one question for ya now skipper," Sonya said as the door parted in front of him. "If the Confederation been so good for ya, why ya only got the two bars and a hash when you were one of the good ones?"

Harry didn't say anything and left the room. That little barb hit deep.

He hit his combadge. "Jakar! I want the flight logs off that ship as soon as you can get them."

"Aye, sir. Anything else," Jakar replied.

"No. Not at the moment." Harry said curtly. "Martinez out."

He stopped in his tracks realizing he'd been so upset that he'd lost track of where he had been heading. He was technically off duty at the moment and so far the situation hadn't gotten out of control. He headed back to Dr. Cordell's quarters. He'd promised he'd swing by after he'd finished with their new passenger. He was there in a matter of moments, pressing the door chime.

After a moment the door opened and Cordel Aspen stood before him in a revealing negligee. "I hope you don't mind, but I figured I'd speed things along...with you being so busy being Captain and all."

Harry's scowl turned into a stupid grin. "No...I don't mind at all...."

She grinned, grabbing his arm and pulling him inside.

* * *

The Executor pulled close to the star.

"Anything on the scanner sweeps?" Xox asked as he paced around the ridge.

"There is some sort of array located inside the star's corona," D'jonn responded. "It is of Confederation origin."

"Would it be even worth our time to retrieve it?" Xox snapped.

"Probably not Commandant," D'jonn responded. "If its purpose is to study the star they probably intend for it to be destroyed when the star goes nova."

"Maybe so, but they'll want to be close to extract the data at some point," Xox said, smirking. "Yes...we'll stay close and keep an eye on it then."

"Hoping it'll draw them out in the open?"

"Exactly," Xox nodded, "so we'll keep a synchronous orbit with that device and keep our eyes open for that rodent's ship to return. Also, try to keep an eye on that star. If it starts to blow I want to be out of this system. Even my little game with that contemptible rat isn't worth being blown up over."

"Understood, Commandant," D'jonn nodded, "I'll have sciences monitor the star's activity."

Xox stood still now as he thought. How could he use this to his advantage? Sure, he could just destroy the array, but that wasn't satisfying enough. He could try to force Harry's hand into handing over the fugitive, but he honestly didn't care if they kept her or not. There had to be some angle he could work to bend all this to his advantage.

* * *

The next morning

Harry sat on the bridge staring at the viewer. He did not like what he saw. Xox's ship was holding orbit near the star.

"Dr. Cordell, how much time do we have till the star supernovas?"

Dr. Cordell sat at the auxiliary station behind him, monitoring her equipment. "Roughly another 10 hours tops. We're going to have to get close at some point and get the data dump soon."

"Understood," Harry nodded. At least they had some time to work with, but knowing Xox, he would be as obnoxious as possible. "I'll figure out something and I've got enough time to do it."

Xox's battlecruiser was still in the area, keeping a safe distance, orbiting the sun. Harry knew that if they got too close the cloak would fail due to all the radiation from the star.

"Jakar? What's the status of the Urthean ship?" He asked.

"Their weapons are currently powered down," Jakar said, "and their deflectors are up, but not at full defensive power."

Harry drummed his fingers on his chair. He had a decision to make. The only certainty he had was that Xox had it in for him and may attack however he approached this situation.

"Drop the cloak," he ordered with a slight sigh. "Helm, take us in nice and easy."

"Sir? Are you sure that's wise?" Rivas asked.

"We're here to help the science team," Harry said, "and I don't want to make a scrap of it, but we can't sit here pondering what may or may not happen. Take us in Jack."

The fox nodded and the Raptor moved slowly forward as its cloaking device dropped.

"Incoming transmission," Terri reported, almost on cue.

"And there it is..." Jakar grunted.

"Put him on," Harry said.

"There you are, rodent! I suppose you have come for your little toy?" Xox said with genuine amusement in his tone.

"That's partly why we are here, yes," Harry said, ignoring the insult. "You could stick around if you like, maybe learn something."

"The Urthean Empire existed long before your Confederation was even a dream. This is not the first star we've seen explode," Xox replied. "If anything, we would be helping you if we felt inclined to do so."

At least he's talking instead of shooting, Harry thought. He glanced over to Jakar, who shook his head, showing no change in Xox's ship's status.

"Well," Harry said, standing up and walking towards the screen and adjusting his uniform. Xox's brow furrowed as he approached. "This could be an opportunity for both of us to engage in a joint scientific endeavor that could benefit both our peoples."

"I'm listening, rodent," Xox said, raising a brow.

"The purpose of the array is to gain a better understanding of the energy output of the star and see how we can take that knowledge and put it towards developing new sources of energy." Harry let that sink in. "That is something that both of our peoples could make use of. Surely you can appreciate that."

"Indeed," Xox allowed, "I will admit I am intrigued. There is definite value to that, if what you are saying is true, yes."

This is going better than I expected. Still, I can't trust him, Harry thought, pushing his gamble. "Dr. Cordell's research is classified as public record. I assure you we have no other intentions out here."

"I would be interested in seeing this research," Xox said. "If it isn't classified, then you can surely share it."

"We can send what she has published so far," Harry offered.

"I'll be waiting," Xox replied coolly. "If it's of value, I may consider letting you near your array."

The channel cut out.

"Ms. Lu, send the requested material over to his ship." Harry said.

"Aye, sir," Terri said, collating the data packet and then sending it for transport.

Xox's ship acknowledged the transmission and accepted it.

"Thank you, Commander." Dr. Cordell smiled from the back station.

"It's the only thing I could think to do," Harry admitted, "and it's not like him and I are on the best of terms. I'm shocked he even listened."

"One for the History book," Rivas smirked, "I don't think there's been a lot of times--if any--a Confederation ship and a Urthean vessel exchanged words instead of fire. Although, I wouldn't advise letting it get our hopes up, Commander."

"Noted. Let's keep our eyes peeled at all times. I don't want any surprises." Harry said. "Ms. Lu, contact Fleet Command and let them know our situation out here."

"Aye, sir," Terri nodded.

Harry walked over to Terri's station. "Have our teams been able to extract our passenger's ship's flight recorder yet?"

"Yeah, they have, they just got the data dump done this morning," Terri replied. "Do you want to see the info?"

"Yes. Send it to my terminal so I can review it later. One thing at a time," Harry said.

"As you wish, sir," Terri said, turning to get all her tasks accomplished.

* * *

Sonya paced in her quarters, bored and restless. The doors were sealed and she was sure the ship's computer wouldn't let her out unless it deemed her life was in immediate danger. She knew she was screwed one way or the other, but at least Confederation prisons were comfortable. Maybe she'd take up sewing as her nan wanted her to, as a rehab project.

She could probably break out if she wanted, but she was still hoping maybe Harry would help her out. Being stuck in the room for the last day, however, was starting to make her very anxious. She checked the wall chronometer. It was about 0900 hours. She wondered exactly what the hell was going on out there.

* * *

Xox sat in his command chair reading the research. It was intriguing, he had to admit. A lot of this female's notes seemed sound. She seemed convinced that if the conditions of a dying star could be replicated and harnessed on a smaller scale it could potentially provide boundless energy that could last for decades at a time. The equations appeared sound from what he could understand of them. Xox muttered to himself in thought as he kept reading.

"Commandant?" D'jonn said, approaching carefully.

"This woman...she has some valid research here," Xox said thoughtfully. "I'm surprised our minds haven't thought of this. Is it true, this information is readily available on their network?"

"Yes, it is. They did not deceive us," D'jonn said. "I had our spies check and they confirmed it. The information was deemed of minor importance."

"It is minor. For now, these are all just theories," Xox said his red eyes dimming a little. "In time, however, it can be much more."

D'jonn regarded his old friend with a small crack of a smile. At times, he could see the fox he once knew peaking through what he had become.

"So what do you suggest we do?"

Xox pondered for a moment.

"We do what the rodent suggested. I can put our little game aside for now. It would be a waste to let this research be destroyed." Xox then grinned. "Why kill the seed when we can steal the fruit later? Open a channel to the Raptor."

D'jonn nodded and walked over to a control station and opened the channel.

"Congratulations, rodent, I have agreed to let you continue your little experiment," Xox said to Harry as his image appeared on the screen. "You may do whatever you need to do. I will maintain my position and ensure that you will have no interference from the Urthean Empire. However, any findings you do have we would hope that you would share with us in the spirit of," he nearly choked on the words and tried to force a smile, "mutual cooperation, yes?"

"Thank you, Commandant, your cooperation is appreciated," Harry said. "We would be glad to share the information with you."

Xox merely bowed. "If you require any assistance, please let us know. Executer out."

The screen switched back to starfield and they saw the Raptor move towards the star.

"Are you serious about keeping the other ships away?" D'jonn asked.

"Of course I am," Xox said impatiently. "Send out the order."

D'jonn nodded and did as instructed. He couldn't tell if Xox was being sincere or had something up his sleeve.

* * *

The door chime sounded and Sonya was awoken from her nap.

"Come, in." She said.

The tall, older, handsome echidna from earlier came in with a tray of food.

"The captain thought you might want some lunch while he's reviewing your situation," Jakar said.

"That's sweet of him luv. Put it down on the table."

Jakar did. The truth was he was intrigued by Sonya and just wanted to talk to her a bit more. Sort of an informal interrogation if need be.

"So, it's been like a day. What's taking so long for him to decide what to do with me?" Sonya asked, getting up and going over to the table.

"Your arrival made our situation much more," Jakar chose his words carefully, "interesting."

Sonya started digging into the food. The replicator had only been programmed to give her basic rations and water or juice. Actually getting some food was nice for a change.

"Have a seat big guy." She ordered.

Jakar sat and said, "So you are a smuggler? I used to do that myself when I was younger and dumber. What routes do you run?"

"The most profitable one: the Kalista run along with the Badlands, hitting all those little independent worlds," Sonya said.

"I'm familiar with the route," Jakar replied. "I used to run dilithium back in the day."

"Wow, a big risk-taker," Sonya said, adding a little flirtatious trill to her tone. "That's a lot of money to be had. Why'd ya put the uniform on?"

"It's a long story. Let's just say I had a change of heart," Jakar said. "Why are you running guns?"

"Like I told your captain, colonists need to be able to defend themselves is all. Things break and need to be replaced. Look, ya know as much as I do ya just take the cargo and the pay, no questions. Plus, they are discontinued surplus, legal by Confederation rules."

Jakar nodded. "Yeah, but they are supposed to be obtained through proper channels."

"An ya know as much as I do, luv, that no one is going to check into it unless someone gets caught," Sonya replied with a wink.

"And you claim ignorance as to why your buyer needs so many?"

"Look tall, dark and ruthless," Sonya teased, "I said I don't ask questions. I don't care who needs them. I just need the money to keep my ship going and put a little towards retirement. Speaking of, if he does let me go, how much do ya think he'll let me keep?"

"Probably not enough to recoup your damages," Jakar said flatly.

"Shit," Sonya said. "Look luv, I got no reason to lie to ya. I'm telling ya all I know and if ya don't want to believe me that's just fine. I'd just like to know if you're gonna to let me go or put me in the clink."

"That's not my call," Jakar grunted, but one of his rare smiles had broken through, "but I'll do what I can."

"I appreciate that," Sonya said, "and I think you're kinda takin' a shine to me. Is that why you're down here?" She chuckled and wagged her fork at him. "I see how ya look at me big guy. It's pretty obvious.

Jakar flushed. "I find you interesting," he allowed.

"Well, that's the most awkward compliment I've ever gotten," Sonya chuckled. "How old are you?"

"Old enough to know better," Jakar replied.

"Oh good, 'cause I'm not," Sonya smirked.

* * * '

Harry sat in his office reviewing the flight logs and Jakar's notes on them. He wasn't that familiar with this area of space, especially the Badlands, or exactly what the situation was with the scattered colony worlds out there. The only one he knew of was Illaria, and that was because he had been there and one of his friends from the academy was from there. He was aware that a lot of contraband was sent to these worlds due to their independent nature. They refused citizenship and simply kept violating the laws because that's how things had always been done before. Illaria was at least considered a protectorate, but never really had made the effort to become a member. That same planet was also one of Sonya's last stops, although it was only for medical equipment and a shipment of stem bolts.

If anything she did log, what, where, and when, and kept accurate records on her manifest. The exception was the phaser rifles. There was no record of who was paying her, but her stops while moving them were along known routes.

He could bust her for the rifles alone, collect the bounty, and add it to his ever-mounting pile of shore leave credits. Maybe it's what she needed to turn herself around. But, then again, it didn't work the first time either. He wondered what Admiral Kramer had seen in her. He called up her records and began to read over them when the door to his ready room chimed.

"Enter," he said.

Dr. Cordell entered with a big smile on her face. "We got the data dump in time. You wouldn't believe the things the array is picking up!" She said cheerfully, sitting in the chair across from him.

"That's good news," Harry said looking up with a smile before going back to reading Sonya's records.

"It is. The array is performing better than I could have hoped," The doe said happily. "What have you got there that's got you so obsessed," she said, getting up and walking to his side of the desk.

"It's our passenger below decks," Harry said, relaxing a bit as Cordell began rubbing his shoulders. "I need to figure out what to do with her."

"Well, she's a criminal isn't she? Put her where she belongs."

"That's the easy answer, but it's a bit more complicated than that," Harry replied, reading Sonya's record. "Her and I have a lot in common. We both started as troublemakers, got admitted to an advanced placement program in the academy," he sighed, "except I graduated and made a career for myself and she threw it all away."

"You were a troublemaker when you were younger?" Aspen chuckled, running her fingers through his spines.

"You have no idea," Harry said with a slight grin. "I'm not too proud of it, but I used to get in scraps all the time, ran with a hoverbike gang for a bit, and wrecked my brother's precious art project."

"What was that?"

"An old grav car. I decided to ditch it in a canyon just to piss him off." Harry chuckled. "I don't think he's forgiven me yet."

Aspen laughed softly. "I wouldn't have guessed you were the rebellious type."

"We all have our phases we go through," Harry said, reading a bit more and enjoying the shoulder rub.

"I suppose I was always a good kid who stuck to her books and grades," Aspen admitted. "Anyways, when I get done with this analysis, you want to come by for dinner? I make a mean diced bee-root salad."

"Sounds good to me," Harry said as his door chime sounded again.

"I'll be waiting for you at 9," Aspen said, smiling.

"I'll be there," Harry said. "Come in."

Jakar was at the door and he stepped back to let Doctor Cordell leave.

"Captain, if I may, I am sorry if I interrupted."

"No, Chief, come on in. We were just discussing the survey," Harry lied. "What did you find out from our guest?"

"Anything I assumed appears to have been true," Jakar said. "Other than the weapons, there's not much else to charge her for."

"I agree," Harry said, "what are your impressions of her?"

"Anyone that can make it as long as she has, doing what she does, is a very talented and competent individual," Jakar stated. "It's a shame she's not a Fleet officer."

"Yeah, it is," Harry said, interlacing his fingers and resting his muzzle on them in thought. "The minimum sentence for arms smuggling is 15 years in a penal colony. Did you get anything out of her about her contacts?"

"She swears she just drops them off. It's someone different every time and they just pay her to take the goods and leave," Jakar said, "no questions asked."

"Would she be willing to assist us in finding out?" Harry asked.

"She said we may as well just slap the cuffs on her if she did because her reputation would be ruined," Jakar replied.

"How bad is this activity out here," Harry asked.

"It's always been there, even when I did it," Jakar shrugged. "Most smugglers stick near the Badlands because Confederation ships can't get too close to it. Most of the time it's not worth the Confederation's time to chase them due to the damage it does to the vessels." Jakar smiled. "Occasionally you'll get the hot-headed do-gooder hotshot captain who thinks he can put an end to it, but it only results in a wrecked ship and a nice blemish on your record."

"Noted," Harry said, silently making a note to never do that. "So what do you think we should do with her?"

"Taking her in won't change anything." Jakar shrugged. "Another smuggler will just take her place, and her customers."

"Jakar, I'm surprised at you," Harry said with a tiny smirk. "Normally you are all for upholding the law."

"I am, but I left the business years ago and it didn't change anything," Jakar said firmly. "It's your collar sir, because the charges are legitimate. I only ask one thing: I don't think she'll pose a flight risk. She's too smart for that. We have her ship, her ship's data tracks, and she knows if she does run it'll just make things worse for her. You could at least let her have access to the ship's general areas, while you are making up your mind."

Harry mulled it over. "Fair enough. The computer won't let her go anywhere she's not supposed to. I want her to at least have an escort, just in case."

"That's reasonable," Jakar nodded.

"It will be at least one less thing to worry about, anything else?"

Jakar shook his head. "No, sir."

"Dismissed."

* * *

Jakar left the ready room and spotted Terri Lu and Jack, who were a bit too close to being just talking professionally and they stepped up when they spotted him. He was pretty sure he caught them kissing.

"I trust you both are on a break at the moment?" He grunted.

"Yeah, we're just going to the mess chief," Terri said, acting like nothing was going on although Land was acting a bit more suspicious.

Jakar glanced at the wall chronometer. "Then stop loitering in the corridors. You only have 45 minutes before you're back on the bridge.".

"Right, besides, all the food might be gone before we get there," Land said nervously as Jakar glared at him.

"Get moving," he said, "and I won't report this to the captain."

They both nodded and hurried off towards the turbolift.

Jakar personally didn't care, but the regulations were very clear about fraternizing in public spaces. He was a bit disappointed that Terri of all people was breaking that rule when she knew better.

He was relieved Harry saw things his way. He was hoping maybe he could get Sonya out of this jam if possible. Although, if not, that was just the way it had to be. He felt a little torn about it. Sonya was very attractive and they had a lot in common. Despite their age difference he felt that the attraction was mutual. He liked her honesty; it was quite refreshing and only made her that much more appealing. He headed for a turbo lift and went down to Deck 3 to her quarters.

"Crewmen Gaita," he said, addressing the guard by the door, "you are relieved for now. Captain has given our guest permission to leave her confinement."

"Sure, Chief. I take it you got it from here?"

Jakar nodded, unlocked the door, and activated the chime.

"Come in," Sonya said.

She smiled at him as he stepped inside. "You've been granted a brief reprieve," Jakar said, "I don't believe you are a flight risk, so you have permission to walk around with an escort."

"Well, that's better than being stuck here, luv," Sonya said excitedly. "Are you that escort?"

"For now," he said, "I'll show you around."

"I'd like that," she said, heading for the door and he placed an arm across it barring her path.

"I'm putting my trust in you," he said, "and so is the Captain. Please don't ruin that trust."

"I think it's a little bit more than that, don't ya think?" She said, leaning in towards him.

"I just want to make that clear is all," Jakar said.

She smiled up at him and patted him on the cheek. "It's clear and ya got nothing to worry about. I promise."

Jakar hesitated, but he nodded. He wanted to believe her. He dropped his arm and let her pass. "Where do you want to go first?"

"Well, a good drink would be a nice start." Sonya said, "Ya got a place to get a drink here on this bucket?"

"Synthale, in the mess."

"Good enough," she nodded, "lead the way!"

* * *

The rest of the day passed without incident. Xox appeared to be keeping his word and kept his distance. As far as they could tell, no other Urthean vessels had entered the system. Starfleet had offered to send back up, but Harry decided that as long as Xox was holding up his end of the deal he would as well. They were still sharing the information with the Urtheans, who readily accepted it.

Doctor Cordell was ecstatic over her findings and the fact that the project was allowed to continue. She was talking about everything she could remember that they'd found in the most recent data dump from the array. Harry was listening with interest from the couch as she insisted she prepare the meal without any help. So, he had set out the utensils and dishes instead. She was in one of the larger quarters on Deck 3 set aside for V.I.P individuals which were nicer than his own, except being in the middle of the ship they lacked any viewports. However, the walls had simulated ports that could show specific views from any angle on the ship. She had it set to keep a view of the star they were studying.

"You know, Harry, when I found out we'd be getting this ship for this project, I was very thrilled. Why Starfleet stuck something this important on a little vessel like this," she said, bringing the salads and setting them in front of them on the coffee table, "however, this couldn't have worked out better. It just happened that the Raptor was just right for this. Although, you might want to consider upscaling at some point."

Harry chuckled. "You don't get to pick what ship you want 'till you are a full captain or admiral. You have to put your dues in first and make the best of what they give you."

"Well, I hope they consider giving you something nicer once we complete this."

Harry took a bite, chewed, and then smiled. "Again, it doesn't quite work that way. Besides, the Raptor is ok. I like the smaller size. I know my crew by name for the most part. This is pretty good by the way."

"Thanks," Aspen said. "It's almost a shame we're almost done isn't it," she noted with a sigh.

"Yeah," Harry muttered. They both knew that their time together was limited and the burden of having two different career paths would make it very hard for them to maintain a relationship unless one decided to stay with the other, but they both knew neither would budge."Let's cross that bridge when we get there," he said, "everything's good now, right?"

Aspen smiled and nodded. Suddenly something shook the ship violently, and then another shock hit the ship again. Silverware and dishes clattered to the floor.Harry knew it, the truce was a ruse when he heard Aspen gasp. "Harry look! The star!"

On the wall panel, the star had shifted to a deeper red and the surface seemed to be fluctuating wildly.

"Captain to the Bridge please, your presence is requested immediately" Terri Lu's voice came in over the com.

"Come on, let's get to the bridge and find out what's going on," Harry said, getting up and heading for the door.

They arrived on the bridge and Harry took the command chair as Lt. Commander Rivas went back to his station.

"Status report," Harry said.

"That wasn't an attack, Captain," Rivas responded, "it's a gravimetric wave shift caused by the collapse of the primary star."

Aspen ran over to the science station and looked over O'mara's readings. They conversed and then came to a consensus.

"Onari's prime has started the nova process earlier than we suspected," Aspen announced.

"Incoming hail from the Executor," Terri reported.

"On screen," Harry said.

"Ah, There you are, rodent," Xox said on the screen. "I take it you are aware of what's transpiring?"

"Yes, is your ship undamaged?"

"Nothing a ship of the Urthean fleet can't handle, our damage is negligible," Xox replied. "What is the next move now?"

"We need to move the array if possible and get one final data dump from it," Harry replied.

"I would advise caution if doing so. Your ship could be torn to sunder by the forces at work getting too close to that star," Xox said coldly. "Neither one of us would want that, would we?" Harry had a feeling that the statement was less out of the concern and more out of Xox preferring to be the one doing the sundering. "We may be of assistance, stand by."

The screen went blank for a moment.

"Commander," Aspen said worriedly. "We have a problem."

"What is it?"

"The array has been damaged. I can't get it to increase its orbit around the star. Also, the subspace antenna appears shot...it's not even accepting commands."

"How vital is it that we get those last readings doctor?" He asked.

"Very," she said, "I hate to say it, Captain, but this is what we're here for. If we don't collect the information now, who knows when our next chance will be...if it's even in our lifetimes."

Xox popped back up on the screen. "After conversing with my crew we've agreed to let you have something we use for situations like this, yes," Xox said cooley. "We have a technology that allows our Scuttas to deal with high gravity worlds when deploying troops. I don't believe your vessels need such modifications, but we are willing to share the technology. The Executor is too large to get that close and even your vessel might have problems. What you do with it is up to you, transmitting now."

"Much obliged, Commandant," Harry said.

Xox dipped his head and the channel cut out again.

"What did they send?" Harry asked Terri.

"Looks like schematics of some sort for something...I'm not sure," Terri said. "I haven't figured out how to read Urtheae yet."

"Get it over to Fara ASAP and have her people take a look at it," Harry said. "Helm, move us in and let's see if we can retrieve what we can from the array."

"Aye skipper, taking us in," Land replied.

"Diverting power to the shields as needed," Rivas reported.

As the Raptor moved closer to the star to try to get within range of the array, the ship's hull groaned. A few tense moments passed and then the ship lurched to the side, then lurched again.

"Mr. Land," Harry said, "I said nice and easy."

"I'm trying to skip, but there is some serious mass shifting going on out there and it's just tossing us around," Land said, bracing himself against his console and reversing the engines to keep them from plunging deeper into the unstable star's orbit. The screen was aglow with the filtered reddish-orange color of the star ahead of them.

"Shields at maximum," Rivas said as the ship lurched again.

"Are we getting anywhere close to transporter range?" Harry asked as the ship lurched again.

"Negative, sir. With all the interference we can't even get a lock without getting closer," Rivas said. The ship shuddered violently. An overhead conduit ruptured, raining sparks down on them. "Shields are down to 72% and outer hull plating has heated to 300 degrees."

The ships shuddered again more violently.

"52% Captain," Rivas said, a bit more alarmed, "hull plating reaching 450."

"Ok, take us out," Harry said. "We're getting torn apart."

"No argument from me," Land said, bringing the ship around and taking it away from the star.

* * *

"Woo! That was excitin', wasn't it?" Sonya said, surprised she'd managed to keep her glass from spilling all of its contents. Jakar wasn't as lucky. "So how come ya didn't go running off to the bridge."

"No Red Alert." Jakar shrugged. "So no worries." He grabbed a napkin and tried to sop up his drink from his uniform. "I would say it's safe to assume they were trying to retrieve the array's data and we had a problem."

"So what are ya doing out here anyway?"

"Helping a science team study that star's collapse," Jakar said, pointing out the two stars now hovering in the center window of the viewports of the mess hall as the Raptor repositioned itself.

"So, what did ya do about that Commandant that was chasing me?"

"Nothing for now," Jakar said. "His ship's still out there. The captain talked them into sticking around for the show and not harassing us somehow So far they've been cooperative and have dropped the matter of handing you over altogether."

"Well, that's a shock," Sonya said, cocking her head to the side. "Well good for me then?" She said, raising her glass.

"Perhaps, but you still broke confederation law," Jakar grunted.

Sonya shrugged. "How many did ya break while ya were out there?"

Jakar said nothing and took a drink.

"That silence proves my point," Sonya chuckled.

"Attention: Command Staff meeting in the Observation Lounge in 5 minutes." Terri Lu's voice announced and repeated over the com speakers.

"Sounds like things got interestin'," Sonya said, downing her drink. "I probably got to go back to my cage then?"

Jakar nodded.

"Alright. It's been fun. Thanks for the drinks," she said smiling. "We should be off."

* * *

Fara, Doctor Okan, Jakar, Jack Land, Terri Lu, and Rivas all sat around the table in the observation lounge with Harry at the head of the table as Dr. Cordel and Michele O'mara reviewed the situation.

"So, after reviewing the largest of the two star's readings, it's only a matter of time before it reaches its final stage. If it does so before we retrieve the array's data, we'll have incomplete readings for my research." Aspen said, wrapping up her presentation.

"How long do you estimate till total collapse?" Harry asked.

"Seven hours t-t-tops," Michelle responded. "Maybe less."

"Any ideas," Harry said.

"Well, I looked at the schematics the Urthean's sent us," Fara spoke up. "I can rig something that would work, but they only sent us schematics for small vessels, not something as big as the Raptor."

"What exactly did they send and how do we know we can trust it," Land asked. "I mean, these guys are only constantly trying to kill us, so how can we just assume it will work?"

"Because it's just a slightly different take on an antigrav reYeppulsor unit. The technology is the same for the most part," Fara explained, "and there are only a few tweaks that our minds haven't come up with to deal with powerful gravity wells. The technology is sound from what I can tell. Besides, it's not like they gave us the actual device, just the means to construct one."

"Ok, that's great and all, but most Confederation shuttles aren't made for that type of wear and tear," Land pointed out, "at least the ones we have onboard aren't."

"Mr. Land does have a point," Harry said. "Not an issue if we were a larger class of ship."

Fara thought for a second. "What about that smuggler's ship that's crashed in our bay?"

"If it's even operable," Harry said steepling its fingers.

"Oh, it is, as far as I can tell I even got a spare set of shuttle engines slapped on it." Fara said matter of factly.

Harry blinked, paused then glared. "Why?"

Fara realized she just threw herself under the bus. "Well...I haven't had anything else to do lately since damage to the Raptor has been pretty minimum and well...I was bored." She was grinning nervously.

"So you misappropriated my ship's resources without discussing it with me first," Harry asked flatly, keeping his cool.

Fara chuckled nervously, drumming her fingers on the table. "Maybe," she coughed, "it's a souped-up smuggler ship...I figured I'd just ask for forgiveness rather than permission if we were just going to impound it."

"What possible use could you have for it?" Harry asked.

"Hey, no one calls you out on your hobbies!" Fara snapped, grasping at nothing at this point.

"Mine don't involve questionable property," Harry spat back.

The room was awkwardly silent for a few moments. No one enjoyed it when these incidents happened between Fara and the Commander and they were very awkward for anyone involved.

Harry rubbed his forehead exasperatedly and sighed. "Can you modify the ship?"

"Yeah, no problem," Fara said, avoiding looking him in the eyes.

"Make it so. You are confined to quarters once you're done with that."

"Fair enough," Fara nodded before excusing herself and heading for the exit.

"Chief," Harry snapped before she departed from the room. Fara stopped and turned to look back at him. "Don't assume there won't be further repercussions." Harry glared.

"I wouldn't expect anything less out of you," Fara said flatly, showing her usual defiance. "Sir," she added coldly before she exited.

"Captain if I may," Jakar interjected.

"Yes?" Harry said, turning his attention back to his chief of security.

"It is Ms. Jax's vessel. Why not ask her to pilot it for us?"

"What makes you think she won't just bolt?" Harry said.

"I don't think she will," Jakar said. "I've gotten to know her a bit in this short time. I think she's tired of running."

"That's a lot to assume," Harry said.

Jakar shrugged. "You wanted solutions, I have one. It's your call whether you want to see it through or not."

Harry mulled it over and then hit a com button. "Commander Martinez to security. Bring Ms. Jax to the Observation Lounge at once."

* * *

Later

Sonya had been brought to the Observation Lounge and the situation had been explained to her. She listened intently to Dr. Cordell and Commander Martinez. The rest of the staff had been dismissed, save for Jakar, who stood behind the Captain.

"Well, that's a fine story ya be tellin' me Harry," Sonya said, her elbow resting on the conference table and her head in her palm, drumming the side of her face with her fingers, "but like they say out in the Badlands, what's in it for me?"

Jakar struggled to stifle a chuckle.

Harry raised a brow. "Leniency, for one. If you help, I'd be willing to look the other way on the smuggling charges. You haven't been charged with anything else."

"Yeah, but ya know I'm finished right?" Sonya continued unphased. "Being charged is one thing, being caught is a different matter. I got nothing doin' going forward from this point, so ya need to make it sweeter than that."

"Very well," Harry said. "What about a second chance?"

"I'm listening," Sonya said, her face a mask. She could tell he was choosing his words carefully.

"I can offer you a provisional position on my crew...a chance to start over, whatever you want to do," Harry said. "Given time, based on what you do with this privilege and how you perform, I might be able to reinstate you. That's the best I can do. It's that or the brig. Mind you, I am putting my career in jeopardy offering this to you. However, time is limited and this research is important. I'm willing to risk it.

"That's more like it," Sonya smiled, slapping the table. "I'll take that deal!"

"Good," Harry said, "I only ask that you take Dr. Cordell and Jakar with you."

"That's not a problem. I'll bring them back in one piece," Sonya said, getting up and stretching. "The cockpits a wee bit cramped, but I got room in it for both of ya. The only thing left is my ship."

"It's repaired and being modified for the trip," Harry said flatly. "Our engineer tends to get a bit overzealous. If you want to check it out it's still down in the shuttle bay."

"Thanks, Harry," Sonya grinned at him, "you're a fine man an' I won't let you down."

Harry merely nodded. "Assist Dr. Cordell in retrieving the data and we'll call the rest even."

"You got it!"

"I'll accompany Ms. Jax to the shuttle bay," Jakar spoke up and Harry nodded.

"I need to round up my backup retrieval system," said Dr. Cordell. "I'll need it to get the readings. I have no idea whether or not that ship will even have the capability to handle it or not."

"My ship is at your disposal," Harry said. "If you need something, we have everything we need to fabricate it on board."

"It's probably going to be a bumpy ride," Aspen smiled, "I wish you could tag along."

"Normally I would, but I'd feel more comfortable on the bridge keeping an eye on our guest out there," Harry sighed. "The worst part is now I have to figure out a way to spin this to keep them from firing on the ship when we do this."

"I'm sure you'll figure something out," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "You've done great so far."

Harry gave her a reassuring smile. The truth was that time was running out and he hated having to work in a crunch. But, if you didn't want the hassle, you didn't take the job in the big chair.

* * *

Shuttle bay

Sonya was a bit perturbed seeing the modified engines that had been added to her ship, but at least it could go for one last ride. She let it slide for now. Sure, it was just an old, heavily modified Cornerian Interplanetary Skiff from god knows what decade, but it had been hers for many years.

It took a lot of effort to bite her tongue listening to what this vixen--the Raptor's Chief engineer--had done to it.

"Ok ok...I don't need all the details," She spat, putting her hand up. "Will it fly or not?"

"It should," Fara said flatly, looking up from the open cowl of the nacelles she was making the modifications to. "Look, I need to get this done quickly. I don't have much time to chat. If you want to help, I'd suggest you at least make sure the preflights are done while I try to get this thing ready to get uncomfortably close to those stars."

Fara's combadge beeped and she tapped it. "Knackt! I swear if they can't get that compensator fabricated I'm going to take it out on you!"

"Relax toots! Everything's going fine. We just need you to swing by and do one final look-see is all," the rat replied.

"Fine, I'll be right over," Fara said, setting her tools down. "If you'll excuse me," she said hurriedly rushing to the shuttle bay door.

"She always like that?" Sonya asked Jakar as Fara left.

"Only when she's in trouble with the Captain," Jakar grunted.

"Well, let us see if this old bird will fire up then I suppose," Sonya said, walking up the gangway into the interior. It didn't take that long to get to the cockpit and Jakar started going over the ship's defensive systems as Sonya did the preflight checks.

"You managed to find a Type 10 shield generator," Jakar grunted. "Wish I knew you back in the day."

Sonya chuckled. "Cost me a shiny credit, it did, but kept the Urther's off me for many a tussle."

"It looks like it's been repaired and Fara's already made the modifications needed to it," Jakar noted as he ran a few diagnostics on the simplified console. "Everything looks good so far. We'll probably end up burning it out doing this."

"Well, I suppose that's the price I pay for trying to save my hide," Sonya said sadly, checking the impulse controls and structural integrity field generator. "I suppose when ya impounded everythin' ya took my belongings too?"

"They are safe in storage," Jakar replied. "I'm sure you will get them back."

"Good! There's some stuff I'd hate to lose," Sonya said. "Ya know, old pictures, knick knacks, the junk one carts around for ol' times sake."

"I'll make sure it's well cared for," Jakar said with a very small smile.

"Thanks."

Jakar noded and then dug into his pocket while she turned back to her instruments. He fished out a three-pointed chevron combadge of the fleet and looked at it for a second.

"Sonya?"

"Yeah luv?"

He tossed the badge to her. She caught it out of the air and held it gingerly in her gloved hand.

"What's this for?" She asked.

"When you asked why I left life, I told you I had a change of heart," Jakar said quietly. "Someone offered me a chance to be part of something greater when I had nothing to live for except whatever credits I could scrounge up from run to run." He paused, a faint smirk appearing on his face. "I was much in the same position as you are in now. I know it's a bit frightening, but it's worth it."

Sonya turned the combadge in her fingers. The feel of it brought back a lot of memories.

"And who was so grateful to do this for ya?"

Jakar paused for a moment, "I think you know who."

Sonya stopped spinning the badge.

"And I think if he was here," Jakar continued carefully, "he'd want you to try again. The Fleet, and this ship, can always use good people."

Sonya thought back to her time at the Academy and how Admiral Kramer had picked her to be sponsored out of the blue, how he'd mentored her, always been supportive of her and pushed her to be the best she could be. He'd been a sort of stand-in father to her. Even though that god damn final test of his had caused her to have nightmares for years, it had toughened her up for the life she had lived up to this point. She'd just been so resentful for all these years and never made the connection. When she was younger, all she had felt humiliated and embarrassed and she wanted to get him back, to take him down a peg and make him feel the same.

Through the lense of experience she looked back through her memories of that day. Her whole life had gone sideways because of her actions. She could see the look he had wasn't arrogance that he'd bested her, but pride that she'd completed her training.

A tear welled up in her eye and she closed her hand around the badge. Shame for her actions shook her core. It was always jarring to realize you'd been fooling yourself for so many years. After a while, you start believing your own nonsense. She sobbed a few times and then composed herself.

"Ya know," she chuckled, "I think ya may be right."

She grabbed her lapel and pinned the badge to her holster above her right breast. "How's it look?"

"Works better with the uniform," Jakar teased.

"Yeah, it does," Sonya smirked, "maybe I'll have to see about gettin' one."

* * *

Bridge

Harry had explained the plan to Xox as best he could, hoping it would be convincing enough to keep them from swooping in and destroying the skiff just to claim the bounty. Harry had offered to turn over the weapons shipment--deactivated of course--and any other contraband that they were after, that way the Urtheans could collect whatever reward they saw fit. All Harry got out of it was extra spending credits or leave time and he had enough as it was

He kept his expression neutral as he gently drummed his fingers on the arm of the command chair, waiting for Xox to respond, hoping it was enough to get him to allow them to do what they needed to do. Xox stared coldly at him, his cybernetic eyes glowing a dull smokey red with his fingers steepled in front of him.

"The condition of the weapons is not important," he finally allowed, "all we need is everything that matches the falsified manifest." He paused. "The ship is not as important. I doubt even with the refit from that we supplied it would be of much use, if it even survives the trip." Xox finished cooley. "Either way it will be out of commission...yes. I'll accept your deal, rodent."

"You may bring your ship into transporter range," Harry said, "and we'll transport it right into your cargo hold."

Xox nodded and the screen went off.

"Ugh, I think I like him better when he's trying to kill us," Land groused from the helm.

"Well, I'm still not entirely convinced he won't try," Harry said. "I'm just hoping he wants the reward more than I do."

"You know I would like more time off," Land said hopefully. "I was looking forward to my cut out of that stuff."

"You would have more time off if you'd stop putting in for days off all the time," Harry replied, watching Xox's ship draw near. "Just keep a close eye on them and be ready to pull some of your fancy flying at a moment's notice."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Land replied.

"Martinez to cargo bay two," Harry said tapping his combadge, "prepare to beam the captured cargo over to the Urthean vessel once they are in range."

"Aye, sir," transporter chief O'bren replied over the speaker.

Harry drew in a breath as the ship drew closer. "Mr. Rivas, what's their status?"

"No weapons are charged...they seem to be keeping to their word for the moment," Rivas reported.

"Good," Harry nodded, "as long as they play it cool, we will too."

"Captain, they are transmitting coordinates for transport," Terri replied.

"Send them down to the cargo bay and have them begin transport at once," Harry said, letting out a breath and keeping his eyes on the screen.

* * *

Another hour passed before Jakar was satisfied the ship could make the trip. Even with a full engineering crew it took time to get the shields augmented and get the ship fully operational. Jakar had managed to get them all transporter enhancing armbands in anticipation of a way out in case the ship was unable to survive the trip.

Even though they were at a safe distance, the gravitational shifts caused by the primary star's continual degradation were still felt. He and Sonya both were knocked into each other as another such shockwave shook the Raptor and their ship.

"I think things are getting a wee bit exciting out there," Sonya said matter-of-factly.

"It's probably the star," Jakar said. "Did you get the engine diagnostics done?"

"Aye," she nodded, "I think we're good to go."

"Doctor? Are you all set," Jakar asked.

The doe nodded. "Yeah, I think so...as long as the ship's communications relays don't get fried."

"Jakar, this is Martinez," Harry said patiently over the coms. "I hope that ship is ready to fly. We are quickly running out of time."

"I think we're good to launch," Jakar said, hopping into the copilot seat. "Jakar to shuttle launch control, we're ready to disembark."

"Ok, we'll move in as close as we can before you depart," Harry said. "We'll signal when we're ready."

Sonya settled into the pilot seat while Dr. Cordell buckled in at the auxiliary station.

"I guess this old buckets as ready as she can be," Sonya declared as she started to fire up the primary systems. "This should be exciting. Ya better strap in there doc, 'cause the dampeners on this thing aren't the best."

"Thanks...I will," Dr. Cordells said, double checking her straps.

The craft's engines powered up as Sonya finished bringing it online.

"Hey Jakar, I don't like the readings the compensators are giving me," Sonya said.

"Fara assured me they'll hold long enough," Jakar grunted.

"Glad ya have some faith in her," Sonya huffed. "You know, last time I did this, I was trying to avoid some raiders and my ship wasn't all busted up and slapped back together. I barely pulled it off then and that's when she was in top form."

"Ok, Jakar we're in position," Harry announced, "you may launch. Good luck."

"Thank you, Captain. We will be getting underway," Jakar responded, looking out the viewport and seeing the open shuttle baydoor filled with the bright red glow of the star.

"We're going to need all the luck we can get," Sonya swallowed, activating her ship's repulsors and easing them out of the shuttle bay. "Here goes nothin' then."

As soon as they exited the Raptor another gravimetric shift shook the small vessel. They plunged rapidly towards the star, but Sonya was able to regain some control.

"Ok, Doctor I hope you know where this thing of yours is at, because if those are gonna get worse I won't be able to keep us flyin'," Sonya said as she tried to keep the Ghost's descent under control

"Yes, I have them. They should be loaded to your console." Aspen replied

Sonya quickly pulled them up and whistled, quickly muting the warning Klaxon about the outside hull rapidly heating up. "Way closer than I care to get. Off we go then."

The Ghost dove deeper into the star. In a matter of moments they were there, but things were getting worse. The shields were holding, but the ship was getting uncomfortably hot.

"There's the array!" Dr. Cordell called as she went to her station and started to work. "It's as I thought...the subspace relay got damaged! It only has the short wave transmitter."

"Not interested in details," Sonya said, her eyes on the decaying star as she sweat profusely. "Just get what ya came for!"

"I would suggest haste, Doctor," Jakar said. He'd already stripped off his tunic and zipped down his undershirt.

"Right right, downloading now," Aspen said.

Another shift rocked the vessel violently and something exploded toward the back of the ship.

"Son of a--" Sonya yelped as the power began to flicker, "take control an' I'll see what happened!"

Jakar nodded and hopped into the pilot seat as Sonya disappeared into the back of the ship.

Sonya reappeared in the cockpit after a minute, reeking of ozone and coolant. "One of the shield generators is cooked. I hope ya got what you came for Doc," she said.

"I have it now," Aspen confirmed, "I got the last readings. We can go now."

"Good, then do you mind letting me fly my ship luv so we can get out of here?" Sonya said to Jakar.

"By all means," Jakar replied, hopping back into the co-pilot's seat.

Sonya brought the ship around and started to climb away from the star, but her ship's engines strained and protested.

"Come on, come on," she coaxed, seeing all the readouts climb into the red.

"Jakar to Raptor, we might not be able to pull away," Jakar said, also looking at the readings. "We're down a shield generator and we're losing power quickly."

"Understood. We're on our way," Harry responded.

* * *

Back on the Raptor's bridge, Harry hopped into the command chair. "Red Alert! All power to the shields."

"Right into the fire it is then...here we go," Land said, shaking his head and firing up the Raptor's main impulse reactor. "Skip, we'll intercept in a few minutes if they can just hold their position."

"Jakar, can you climb out any more?"

"We're trying, Captain, but I don't think the ship can handle it. I would suggest haste on your part," Jakar said coolly.

"C-c-captain? We got a p-p-problem," Michele O'mara reported.

"What is it, Lieutenant?"

The ship shuddered violently as the star began its final collapse. Power dimmed and anyone standing was tossed about.

"The star is beginning the final process to supernova. We need to get out of here," Michelle shouted over the noise.

On-screen they all looked in horror as the surface of the star began to change color. It's core had begun to collapse.

"Mr. Land! Move this bucket! We don't have time for sightseeing," Harry shouted.

He could hear the various warnings and protests of the ship's systems as its shields strained against the star's radiation.

* * *

Xox watched from afar as D'jonn reported what their sensors could pick up. It would be easy to just take the rodent out and be done with it, he thought. However, then the research would be lost and if they were willing to just give it to him then he was willing to sit around and wait for it, provided the vermin could be trusted.

"Commandant, the star has begun its final stage of collapse," D'jonn said quietly. "Perhaps we should get underway?"

Xox thought about it. That troublesome Commander could be killed if they didn't get away in time. The plan to retrieve the data had to have gone astray for the Raptor to move in as it had. What Xox hadn't told them was his ship could have easily done it, but why should they have to do any of the work?

He hated to admit it, but if the Raptor was destroyed in the process of retrieving the data then the game would be over. He wasn't quite ready for that.

"Navigator, move us in to intercept. What is the Raptor's status?" He said getting up out of his chair.

D'jonn checked his station. "Power levels are fluctuating...their engines are running in the red. At the rate they are going, they may not be able to escape. They have almost intercepted the pirate vessel."

"And it's status?"

D'jonn shook his head. "Its core is going to rupture...or it will just fly apart at any second. It's barely maintaining altitude."

The star grew in the forward viewer as they moved in towards it after the other two vessels.

"Commandant, what is the plan if you don't mind me asking." D'jonn spoke up.

"As much as it pains me, I feel obligated to rescue them," Xox spat, "I have a grievance with that vermin and if anything is going to kill him or destroy that ship of his it shall be me and nothing else."

* * *

Back on the Ghost

Sonya cursed as another explosion belched smoke up from the back of the ship. "That's all she's got, luv!" She cried. "The core is gonna to blow any second now!"

"Put it in autopilot," Jakar said, "all we need is a second or two. Doctor?"

Doctor Cordell grabbed her device off the console and stood by Jakar. "Ready to go."

"Get in close," Jakar ordered Sonya as she locked the controls and he activated the armbands. "Jakar to Raptor, do you have a lock yet?"

Chief O'bren responded, "We have a lock, sir, stand by."

Sonya looked forlornly at her ship as it began to come apart at the seams. Now there was no going back.

"Energising!"

She heard the voice say over Jakar's combadge and suddenly the ship disappeared in a blue haze that was replaced by the Raptor's transporter room.

"Transporter room to bridge, we got them, Captain," Chief O'bren reported.

Jakar headed off to the bridge without a word. The bridge was a hive of activity. They only had a few scant moments to get away as he stepped back onto the bridge.

"Welcome back," Harry said.

Jakar nodded. "Status report?"

The ship shook violently.

"Well, we're not doing too much better than you were," Harry shouted over the roar of the engines as they tried to pull away. The Raptor lurched again, more violently than before.

"Three minutes until supernova!" Michelle O'Mara reported from the science station as Fara appeared on the bridge, catching herself as the gravitational forces again tossed the ship about. She was supposed to be confined to quarters, but Harry wanted her at her post during alert situations because no one knew the ship better than her.

"Fara! Tell me you have some good news," Harry asked.

"No good news at the moment, Commander. Pushing the engines to the limit as we are, and if you want more power we're going to have to get it from somewhere."

The Raptor shuddered again and conduits overhead rained down sparks.

"Reroute all available power to the engines!" Harry ordered.

Fara quickly pulled every ounce of juice she could from life support, impulse engines, internal lighting, currently inactive systems, and anything else she could think of. "I'm giving it all she's got!"

The engines screamed against the strain and the Raptor struggled to climb away.

Doctor Cordell and Sonya entered the bridge. Aspen stood by the command chair, bracing herself. Sonya grabbed the chair at the ancillary station in the back.

"Skipper, we are pushing warp 8 and we are barely gaining any ground," Land screamed over the sound of the engines.

"Ninety seconds till supernova," Michelle reported.

Harry felt Aspen squeeze his shoulder worriedly.

"Captain" Jakar reported, "The Urthean vessel is closing in on us."

"On screen," Harry ordered.

Xox's ship filled the viewer as it moved in rapidly behind them.

"Vermin, we have one shot at this," Xox's voice announced, "so adjust your warp field to match ours on my mark, yes. I don't have time to explain. Transmit your exact course and heading"

"Do it," Harry said to Fara and Land.

Fara quickly made the adjustments, despite the protests of the ship's systems.

"Forty-five seconds!" Michele O'Mara reported.

"It's done!" Fara shouted.

"We're ready, Commandant," Harry yelled.

"Twenty-five seconds!"

"Get ready to punch it Mr. Land, on the Commandant's order!" Harry ordered.

"Mark!" Xox bellowed.

Jack slammed the throttle forward and the ship's engines screamed in protest as time seemed to stand still.

* * *

The star finished its death throes and expelled gasses violently outward into space. A shockwave of enormous magnitude--enough to shatter planets and vaporize ships--rolled through the system. The expelled gasses hauled in by the remaining star's gravity, adding to it, beginning the process anew.

* * *

Several light-years away, space began to warp and then it expelled the Raptor and Executer tumbling into real space.

"Oh...fuck me!" Land growled, crawling back up to his station, choking on the smoke from a fire on the bridge. "Let's not do that again! Anyone else alive?"

"I am and I concur," Rivas groaned, fishing out the extinguisher from his station and putting out the fire.

"Where are we Mr. Land?" Harry asked as he picked himself up off the floor and looked around for Aspen.

"Blow me if I know! Navigation burned up, skip," Land coughed, unable to bring his console up.

"Captain, I can't get a fix on our position either," Michelle wheezed, "all sensors are down."

"Any good news?" Harry rasped as he found Aspen and helped her to her feet. Other than a few scratches and bruises she was unharmed.

"Internal communications still function. I'm working on getting the main computer back online," Terri said from the back of the bridge.

"We have backup life support running," Fara said, "Captain....I need to get down to engineering and see how bad it is."

"By all means Chief," Harry replied and Fara disappeared through the bridge's aft doors. "Well, since we are blind and crippled for the moment, we can only assume Xox's ship isn't in much better shape."

"We can only hope," Rivas said, tossing the extinguisher aside, the fire put out.

"I have partial tactile sensors," Jakar reported, "and from what I can tell we are traveling at sublight speeds, but I suggest we find a way to get ourselves stopped before we collide with a planet...or anything else."

The Raptor suddenly made a strange rumbling sound and the power flickered again. A few consoles began to power back on as the ship's repair systems activated and did what they were supposed to do.

"Took her long enough," Harry said, getting back into his chair and activating his console.

"I've got flight control back," Land reported. "Bringing us to all stop."

"Where are we?" Harry asked. "Any readings yet?"

"Working on it," Land replied.

The viewer activated, showing the starfield directly in front of them.

"Ok skip, I got a fix on our location. We're about five light-years into our space," Land said. "We are clear from being in any danger from the shockwave."

One by one, more systems came back online. With the sensors back up, they discovered that Xox's ship was drifting several thousand kilometers away. Its lights were still on and its engines appeared damaged, but it didn't appear to be dead.

"Hail them, Ms. Lu," Harry ordered, "and ask if they need assistance."

Terri nodded and did so. After a bit she reported, "They are declining our request for help but say they can handle repairs themselves."

"Hmph, too proud to ask for our help," Rivas grunted.

"Well, at least we offered," Harry said. "Let's get our ship fully operational and if they want help, we'll give it." He turned to Doctor Cordell and smiled. "Did you get the readings?"

She nodded. "Yes! I haven't had time to read them yet, but I was able to download the last bit of data that I needed. Thank you so much Commander! And you too Ms. Jax," she said, turning to Sonya, "I'm sorry about your ship."

Sonya smiled sadly and shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I was due to gettin' a good deed in for once. Think nothin' of it." Sonya walked up to Harry. "So, I held up my end of the deal. Are ya gonna to hold up yours?"

"Of course I will," Harry said. "Crewmen. It's not official yet, but I'll make it so. I'll assign you to security for now, under Jakar's watch." He looked over at his tactical officer. "I trust you will see she's properly trained and acclimated?"

"Aye," Jakar said with a small grin.

"Fair enough, at least it's a start." Sonya smiled.

"Just keep your nose clean and don't cause me any headaches," Harry added.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Sonya replied with a wink. "And thanks."

* * *

Captains Log:

With repairs complete to both vessels and the mission a success, we are preparing to depart for home. Dr. Cordell was able to complete her research and we are currently having a celebration that I reluctantly invited Commandant Xox to attend, which he accepted. If it wasn't for his help, we would not have succeeded. I'm sure, despite his cordiality, he probably feels the same due to our prior history. I feel that since, for once, we resolved the situation diplomatically maybe this could serve as an example for sewing peace with the Urtheans in the future, who knows what ramifications could come from this one act of cooperation.

Harry and Xox stood near the back of the room as the Urthean looked at the results of the research. Jakar stood not too far away, as well as Xox's first officer that Harry recognized from their encounter on Nebulous. Needless to say, pleasantries were not exchanged.

There was an air of unease in the room because everyone could sense the underlying tension between the two captains, but everyone was trying to have a good time.

"On behalf of the Urthean Empire, I thank you for holding up your end of the deal rodent," Xox said, pocketing the datapad, which contained the final scans of the array before it was destroyed. "However, I feel you will have a much easier time explaining this to your superiors than I will mine. I think, with this information, they might show some leniency, yes...."

"As I said, Commandant, it wasn't anything we were trying to hide," Harry said coolly.

Xox nodded and there was an awkward pause.

"Might I ask something?" Harry asked.

"What is it, vermin?" Xox growled.

"Why did you jump in and help us?"

Xox's eyes narrowed and he stepped up closer to Harry, but Harry waved Jakar off.

"Let's get one thing clear, rodent," Xox said quietly. "You and I are far from done, far from it yes..." He took a breath. "I wasn't going to let anything stop our little game from ending prematurely, for the last move shall be mine...is that understood?"

"Loud and clear," Harry said, looking him dead in the eye. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Anything else?"

Xox grinned wickedly and then stepped back. "Our business has concluded. I shall be off to my ship. We shall meet again."

"Jakar, see the Commandant to the transporter room," Harry said, "he wishes to return to his ship."

Jakar nodded and motioned for Xox and his first officer to head for the mess hall's doors. Harry walked up to the forward viewports to look out at the stars. The scowl on his face ensured that the crowd parted to let him past. Dr. Cordell came up to Harry and nudged him.

"You look like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders."

Harry took a drink from his glass and watched as the Executer pulled away and blasted off into warp, back towards Urthean space. "I guess I had hoped maybe something positive would have come out of working with them. I guess I was wrong."

"I wouldn't worry about it. It's up to them what they do with the research," Aspen replied.

"We don't even have a working prototype yet," Harry noted. "We just now got the hard data."

"I know you did what you did to help, and I appreciate it Harry," Aspen said squeezing his arm. "You are a good man, but I want you to take something to heart my grandmother taught me."

"What's that?"

"When you dance with fiends, they don't change...you do." She said with a wan smile and a small kiss on the cheek. "You need to find better dance partners."

Harry looked down and then back up at her. "I'll keep that in mind."

She nodded and headed back into the crowd.

Harry sighed, watched her go, and then looked out the window, deep in thought.

The End