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Sebastian Part 1

Dasher shook his head as Bane walked up to the transporter pad. Seamus, Ron and himself had already arrived at the transporter and were only awaiting their friend and lover. Bane smiled, seemingly pleased with himself. Seamus shook his head ruefully as he said, "Bane you do realize that we are only supposed to tour the training facility and new ships, right? We aren't actually going to take a ship out?" Bane chuckled and replied, "Seamus I am perfectly aware that we are only supposed to tour the facility and our newest ship. If we do not leave now we will be late." Dasher nodded as he eyed Bane with a tiny smirk. The wolf wasn't fooling any of them. This was a welcome way of skipping out on all the formal responsibilities of being emperor and getting to be out in his familiar surroundings aboard a ship. The four friends stepped onto the pads and the cycle was initiated.

The four friends appeared on the transporter pad located in the receiving area of the training facility. As the cycle finished Dasher looked around the room. There was a transporter chief standing at the console of the transporter but what caught his attention was the four large dragons standing in military uniforms. Dasher eyed the nearest one and smiled. Bane leaned forward and whispered into Dasher's ear, "Alright, down kitty." Dasher chuckled and repressed the thoughts that had crept their way into his mind. Bane seemed to know him almost as well as he did Bane.

As the four stepped down off the transporter pad, the door of the chamber opened and in stepped a human. Bane smiled as he approached them. The human bowed briefly before addressing the visitors, "Greetings! My name is Jonathan French. I am the commander of this facility. I welcome you to the Bane." Bane smiled and extended his paw while saying, "Greetings Jonathan, my name is Bane Accendo. These are Dasher Cheetah, Seamus Accendo, and Ron, my ministers and advisers." Jonathan once again bowed a little more gently and said, "It is an honor to have you visit. Please, if you will follow me I will begin by showing you the command center." Bane nodded and followed the human's lead.

Dasher looked around curiously as they walked through the hallways of the top secret facility. Jonathan informed them as they walked, "You are walking in the hallways of the most secret facility in the Empire. We have taken great pains to ensure that not only is it completely undetectable but that it is also as secure as possible. The receiving area is the only transporter in the entire facility. We are well over a mile under water as well as being shielded constantly with a self-contained and powered shield generator. It is only controlled by the transporter console so it can be dropped for cleared incoming or outgoing traffic. The room is at the very edge of the facility. It does make for a considerable walk but the passage way is lined with small explosive charges. They are more than enough to cause a hull breach. The water from the outside would quickly implode the walls and fill the transporter hall. Any intruder would quickly drown if the concussion didn't kill them first."

Bane nodded and said, "Indeed. I would call that secure. Multiple layers of protection are wise, where our enemies are concerned." Seamus nodded and added, "We designed the whole thing to be the most advanced training facility in the empire. Only the very best of the best train here. Those that do have no idea where they are." Ron nodded then added, "It's also the primary production facility for our ships. Combining the two gives us more defenders to draw on." Jonathan chuckled, "I forgot that I was in the company of those who made this place possible. Indeed you are all absolutely correct."

The five leaders approached a door. Jonathan entered a code into the key pad and the door opened to reveal an elevator. He told them, "For security purposes we do not utilize transporter technology inside the facility. Old fashioned elevators do slow down travel but it allows us to control the movement of anybody inside. Additionally, there are automated guns stationed in every hallway." Jonathan pointed to a hatch located in the roof of the hallway. "They are more than capable of repelling any unauthorized visitors that manage to make it out of the reception area." Ron chuckled as he teased, "Jonathan are you expecting any unauthorized visitors?" Jonathan smiled and said less formally, "Ron, you of all people should be aware of the danger that visitors can pose to a facility. We hope to never have to use any of our security measures but better to have and not need then the converse. With that said, we are more than prepared to destroy the base rather than allow it to fall into the hands of the enemy."

Bane nodded, "Jonathan I do so hope that it never comes to the point where such a sacrifice is needed." Jonathan nodded, gratified to hear the emperor did not consider their lives as expendable. The elevators doors opened once more, allowing the group to move into yet another hallway. Jonathan smiled as they walked and told the following dignitaries, "There are also multiple scanners in each hallway. They scan down to your genetic signature. It's a new technology that was made possible by Ron and Seamus. They have helped us to fully secure the facility."

As Jonathan approached a door at the end of the hallway it opened to reveal the command center of the Bane. There were many computer terminals filling the room. Each station had an individual at it. Some were fox, some wolf, and some human while others were dragon. Jonathan smiled proudly as he announced, "Gentleman, what you see here is the best of the best. Each console controls a unique system here in the facility. Additionally each system has a redundant backup system with yet another individual manning it at all times. Should we come under attack and lose one system, the backup will automatically kick in. Because the backup system is being monitored in real time, its operator will be fully aware of the condition of the primary system as well as the circumstances surrounding its failure."

Bane nodded and said, "Jonathan I am extremely proud of you. You have taken this facility and made it your own. You have justified my confidence in appointing you too this position." The human nodded and smiled as he bowed respectfully and said, "It has been my honor to serve the empire." Dasher cleared his throat and asked mildly, "I hate to look like a party crasher here but where did you come from Jonathan? Bane has mentioned nothing of you to us."

Bane laughed as he answered, "I met Jonathan shortly after we first colonized the capital city. He served as a ship captain in Earths fleet. After looking up his records and asking questions of those who had served with him, in the utmost of secrecy I appointed him the commander over the training program. I have watched him carefully as he has expanded it to its current state."

Jonathan nodded to Bane and said, "I was deeply saddened by the destruction of Earth. It was a shock but it has not shaken my faith in Bane or his cause. The war was not good for either side and had to be ended. I fear if Earth had won, destruction, slavery and death would have spread instead of the equality and advancement Bane has brought. I assume that is what you were getting at Lord Dasher?"

The cheetah shook his head and said, "First of all, do not call me Lord Dasher. Second, yes that is what I was getting at. However I do apologize, I had no intentions of coming across as..." Jonathan chuckled forth, "Sir, you have come across as nothing except concerned. I would have expected nothing less. Its not a secret that humans have become an endangered species in much of the empire. Many blame Bane for this, however I do not count myself among their ranks. I have worked hard to get where I am. I will not lose it for petty feelings of loss or anger. Besides, after working here I know that humans are not the only intelligent and compassionate beings in the galaxy. Fur, scale or skin does not make its wearer any more or less. Only actions do that."

Bane nodded agreement and smiled as he said, "Additionally having a human as the commander would alleviate any tension that might ensue, given the mix of races that are present here." Bane smiled as he looked at his watch and said, "Jonathan, I believe it is time that I examine the trainees." Dasher looked at Bane and gave a subtle nod of his head. His talent for reading people had told him that Jonathan was just as he appeared to be. The group exited the command center and a short walk brought them to a large reception hall. It was large enough to accommodate the entire training class.

Bane smiled as he stepped up on stage. His entire reason to visit was actually to see this class and address them. He had no doubts regarding the quality of the facility or its leadership. He only wanted to see the men and women who would soon be commanding the empire's newest class of battleships. He smiled as he examined the men and women while he approached the podium and cleared his throat.

"Ladies and Gentleman. I stand before you not as a leader addressing his troops but as a proud parent addressing his children. Throughout your classes, you have been given the tools you need for success. You have been carefully crafted into what you are today. We have not done so because you were flawed. We have done so for just the opposite. We have trained you because of who you are, and the skills you possess. You are all the best of the best. You have passed many trials on your way to this academy. You have been honed to perfection. I am extremely proud of each and every one of you as you should be of yourselves! I urge you to go forth not as graduates but as leaders! Together as a team we can work together to secure a future for our children. We can shape the universe into something we are proud to leave to our offspring. In closing, I want to ensure all of you-" Before Bane could finish his sentence, alarms sounded. Cadets scurried to their posts as Jonathan ran up to Bane and announced, "Sir, a fleet of enemy ships has been detected approaching the planet! The capital city went on full alert and the defense systems are responding."

Bane nodded and asked, "How many ships are ready for launch?" Jonathan examined his data pad before answering, "Two sir, why?" Bane smiled as a gleam lit his eye and he shouted out as he began moving, "Dasher you take Ron and take command of one. I will command the other. Get the cadets to the ships and prepare for departure." Dasher raised his paw to protest but was cut off as Bane told him, "Dasher now is not the time. We both know that the defenses will NOT hold. There are no other ships in the area so damn it, we must try!"

Dasher gave a sloppy salute and a thumbs up to Bane as he began moving towards his assigned ship. He knew better than to argue when Bane was in fight mode. Ron moved quickly to try and keep up with the faster cat, with a wave over his shoulder to his friends. Seamus stood beside Bane, holding onto his upper arm as he mentioned, "Hun I don't mean to challenge you but the entire government will be in those ships. If both are lost?" Bane turned and looked down at the smaller male gently before telling Seamus, "If the scavengers destroy the capital city it won't matter if we survive. This has become the very heart of the empire and they know it. If we lose, it will not make one bit of difference if we are alive or not." Seamus nodded and ran alongside, towards their assigned ship.

Bane stepped onto the bridge of his battleship. It wasn't even named yet but its systems were fully functional. It was ready for whatever fate could throw at it. Bane sighed as he took the commanders chair. Seamus moved over to his engineering station. Cadets had taken the remaining stations. Bane turned to the comm officer and asked, "Is the other ship ready?" The wolf consulted his station before addressing Bane, "Sir, Dasher reports that all is well." Bane nodded and ordered, "Helm, take us out. Navigation plot an intercept course. I want everyone at their battle stations." The crew rushed to carry out Bane's orders. All knew that this was a maiden voyage they may never return from. The fact that the Emperor himself was leading the assault steadied their nerves. Bane sighed deeply looking at the view screen as they began their ascent into the heavens.

Seamus took the second in command chair and looked at his wolfy lover. "Bane, I know you're worried about this. Share with me your concerns" Bane nodded and spoke softly back, "Seamus, this is a battle we may not win." Seamus asked, "Are you regretting your decision to lead the assault?" Bane shook his head to deny that as he said, "Hun, these are the only two ships in range that can respond to this. The attacking ships will be here in mere hours and the nearest ship is a day away. The cadets are nothing but kids. They have never led a battle, let alone fought against this enemy. I see no other choice but for us to lead this."

Seamus knew Bane was right and said, "Just remember one thing for me, please baby? We have fought with the odds against us this entire time. Yet through it all we have built this empire. A miracle is what seems impossible but happens anyway. You are the miracle worker. You have shaped this universe and now we will stand by your side as you defend it." Seamus then kissed his wolf on the muzzle gently and walked back to his station. Whatever came, they would follow Bane into the gates of hell because they were confident he would bring them out again.

Bane smiled at his foxy lover. Seamus was so much more than he could have ever hoped for. Seamus then stood up and headed for the turbolift, "Bane I'm going to head to engineering. We still have some time before the battle ensues and I want to try to get everything I can from the defensive systems." Bane nodded, "Seamus do what you can. See if you can arrange it with Ron so that we can get everything possible." Seamus nodded then departed. Bane then activated his holoscreen that was attached to the command chair. The new interface would allow for the commander to see the real time status of his ship, as well as anything else he required of it. Bane sighed deeply as he looked over the ships roster. He then stood up and walked over to the communications officer. The officer looked up and immediately went to attention. "Sir, I am ready for orders!" Bane chuckled, "at ease. I want Dasher as well as his security officer and my security officer in my ready room as soon as possible." The officer nodded, "yes sir, right away sir." The young cadet quickly went to work getting in touch with the other ship.

Bane smiled as his friend and two dragons walked into his office. Each ship had an office area attached to its bridge. Capitan's generally called this area their ready room. The three visitors took a seat in chairs that had been prearranged for their comfort. Bane sipped a cup of coffee as he looked at each one. Dasher was quite at ease, but the two dragons were obviously nervous. Bane smiled and chuckled, "I have asked you here to discuss a worse case scenario. There is a possibility that the enemy will attempt to board our ships. If this occurs I will need a plan in place to deal with them." The two dragons nodded as Bane continued, "I want both of you to work together and formulate a plan to protect the key areas of the ship in case that happens. Engineering and the Bridge should be the chief priorities. All other areas are considered secondary." The two nodded, "we will examine the ships schematics and develop a plan to defend the ship. We will have it to you as soon as we are done." Bane nodded and continued, "Use whatever of the ships resources that you need. I want this a top priority." The two nodded and walked out of the room. Bane and Dasher both locked their eyes onto the dragon's asses. Dasher laughed as the door closed.

"You know, if we got any hornier they would have to lock us away." Bane laughed at the outburst of the cheetah, which of course was the intent of the kitty in the first place. Bane shook his head, "every damn time I try to be serious you go and destroy the mood!" Bane smiled and chuckled, "if I didn't then I wouldn't be a very good friend." Bane nodded, "Dasher this is a fight we must lead but one I fear that we will ultimately lose. We have a completely unexperienced crew. Most of them have never been in a fight let alone with this enemy." Dasher nodded, "alright I will give you that one. But I argue that a crew is as strong as its leadership. And they have you and me to lead them. We stood side by side in the hole after the gun exploded in the old base. Side by side we killed the enemy and cut out their throats. We became famous as the two who cannot die. While we both know we can, we have an image as immortal. As long as we don't lose faith, neither will they." Bane nodded and smiled at his friend. Dasher had never abandoned him, never hurt him, and was always there for him. Dasher was everything he had ever wanted in a friend. He was more than a friend, more than a friend to all those he touched. Bane could see the pain in his eyes remembering the fight that had cost them both so much. Bane was well aware the blood they spilled that day. It was a horrific act, but one that had to be done. The right thing wasn't always the easy thing. That was certainly the case here. The right thing was for Bane and his friends to stand up against the evil headed their way. The easy thing was to use their power and hide from the battle. Bane had never been an armchair general and would not be one now. Dasher knew Bane had no choice but to lead the fight. He, however, did have a choice. But ultimately he wouldn't have it any other way. If this would mean his end, he would rather it be here beside his friend than hiding in a hole somewhere cowering in fear.