Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Acquaintences ❯ Chance Meeting ( Chapter 1 )

Dangerous Acquaintances

Written By Dranger and Shanejayell

Tenchi Muyo and Gallforce is copyrighted to AIC. Unreal

Universe is copyrighted to Epic/Legend.

This fanfiction is set in the Tenchi Muyo OVA universe.

It also has some elements of other AIC anime...as well

as bits from the Unreal game universe. Enjoy!

Guide:

'Means thought'

<Over ship board network channel: between humans>

<<Same as humans except it's between androids or

AI>>

Chapter One: A chance MEETING

NEG PATROL SHIP ALEXIS

2330 AD. Orion Sector

The angular ship with a large engine section floated past a blue

yellow gas giant. It was on an intercept course of a small scale battle

between two ships. The whole ship was on level A standby. All crew and

staff was ready for possible combat.

The captain sighed as he looked at the bridge crew. All were clad

in navy blue uniforms polished leather boots, gloves, "oversea" uniform

caps with various badges on their chests. Though they did have headsets

around their ears each also had subdermal implants for 'unsaid'

communication between crew members.

His interim executive officer was the ships security officer,

Sierra Talores. She knew the ship like the back of her hand and had

experience at navigation and fleet tactics.

"What do we have Kurama." Dan asked as he looked to the tall,

sliver-haired lieutenant at the tactical station.

"We have two ships that appear to be firing at each other sir."

Kurama Niojima nodded "The first ship is unknown never seen anything

like it. The second is...that's odd....why is a Juraian vessel all

the way out here."

Dan looked very surprised at first but looked a bit concerned...

and slightly curious as well. He wondered why the planet jurai would

send a ship all the way out here.

"Janice, Hail both ships." Dan sighed. "Put it on the main screen

as well."

"Aye" The silvery haired dusky skinned woman nodded and tapped on

the controls "No answer from the first hail."

"Keep trying." Dan frowned.

"Sir...they've stopped trading shots." Kurama blurted "They're

also coming about."

The two ships floated towards the bulky Terran vessel and halted

at a safe distance.

"Well..this is odd." Janice murmured as she kept on sending the

hailing signal.

"Your telling me." Dan nodded.

"We have a response captain..."Janice looked back at him.

Dan nodded and the image of a beautiful woman with gold eyes, cyan

hair and a light blue and a pink outfit with puffy shoulders.

"I am Daniel Wisner. Captain of the New Earth Government patrol

ship Alexis." He nodded to the the cyan haired woman. "May I...."

"Butt out of this, Earth boy!" The Cyan haired woman scowled.

"This is a private fight!"

"What the..." Dan uttered. Moments later, an image of a beautiful

woman with Royal purple hair appeared on the screen before him. She had

red-brown eyes and was wearing a tunic which looked like a heavy kimono

and a hair piece around her forehead.

"Ryouko, you don't need to be so impolite!" The woman scolded over

the line.

Dan blinked at other woman's interruption.

"Get off your high horse." The space pirate blurted "This isn't

his business, princess."

"Of all the nerve..." Ayeka trembled.

"Excuse me!" Dan ahemed quiet loudly as he stood up from his seat.

They both glared at him. But the captain didn't back down-almost anyway.

"Well." Dan sighed as he regained his composure. He folded his

hands behind his back and stared at their images "Your both In Terran

territory now. Could state who you are and what your doing here."

'He's quite nosy for a human.' Ryouko thought as her mood shifted

slightly. 'But he's quite cute for one too..'

"I am Princess Ayeka of the planet Jurai," Ayeka said with a great

deal of dignity," I am here persuing the most wanted criminal in the Galaxy!"

"Hi," Ryouko smiled and gave him wave

"Hrm." Dan uttered and nodded as he looked at Ryoko's image "I see.

That must be her then. What can I do for you, Princess?"

"You are on a patrol correct?" Ayeka mused and then gestured to the

screen. "Arrest Ryouko."

"I'm Sorry. I take orders from Tokyo." He sighed and shrugged his

shoulders. "Besides, I don't think Terra has a treaty with Jurai yet,

Princess."

"What? Well.." Ryouko's eyes lit up, "Then I am officially

requesting sanctuary!"

"What?!" Ayeka blurted and looked adamant. "But..Earth..Terra is

one of our colonies. Surely..."

"I'm sorry, Princess," Dan made a face, then shook his head. "but

we don't recognize Jurai as our mother planet. As for Ryouko I'm

officially required to accept a request of this type."

"Princess, you can't touch me," Ryouko smirked.

"What!? Why you...!" Ayeka shuddered then became more irate when

Ryouko made faces at her.

"However." Dan sighed and both glanced up at him.

"I'm a bit worried about your record, Ryouko." Dan frowned and

looked to Ayeka. "Princess, is she being pursued by Galaxy Police?"

"Of course," Ayeka snapped, "she's their most wanted as well!"

"Very well," Dan nodded and looked Janice "Contact Galaxy Police!

I want to see this record myself."

"Right away." Janice nodded "It shouldn't take long. Sending

request for data via hyperpulse stream now."

"But you don't have to do that." Ryouko uttered making doe eyes

at him.

"Sorry. Its a formality" Dan shrugged. "I have to ensure our

borders are safe from internal and external threats."

'What's with this guy?' Ryouko frowned.

'He's quite thorough.' Ayeka noted 'But why is he aiding a wanted

criminal?!'

'I don't get it.' Dan thought as the minutes went by 'Why are

_they_ here. I... No, no. I can't think like that. If this is a

diplomatic mission then I must act accordingly.'

"Sir we have it." Janice the comm tech nodded and then smiled "On

your terminal."

"Yep." He brought up a file on his terminal and looked at Ayeka

"She's got a impressive record."

"Ah...you don't have to look at that." Ryouko waved at him. Ayeka

was looking a bit smug though as if everything was going to go in her

favor. "Hrm. Can't arrest her by Galaxy Police standards."

"What?!" Ayeka blurted.

"It seems the statute of limitations on her crimes ran out," Dan

read, "several minutes ago."

"How can this be?!" Ayeka demanded, "one such as Ryouko should be

persued for all eternity!"

"I didn't make the rule, ma'am," Dan sighed, "Jurai did."

"Well yes but..." Ayeka sighed and turned to a round Log like

contruct."Is this true Azaka."

"That is correct" The construct spoke up. "The Elders of Jurai

did, in co-ordination with the Galaxy Police did place a statute of

limitations on Ryouko's crimes."

"Which means you can't do a thing unless I break the law again,"

Ryouko smirked. "Tough luck eh?"

"Very well," Ayeka scowled, "Then I will follow you until you do!"

"Hm," Dan blinked wildly and then sat back. "Well...this is an

interesting turn of events."

"Hey, Captain," Ryouko offered him a grin, "where you headed?"

"A small colony known as Regul 7." Dan nodded. "Its at least two

light year from here. Couple of days with our drive."

"Good," Ryouko grinned, "it'll give us a chance to get to know

each other better."

"Wait a minute," Dan protested, "I can't.."

"I'll be accompanying you," Ayeka broke in forcefully, "to watch

this..space pirate trash!"

"Oh?" Ryouko smirked, "You like to watch, Princess?"

"Hold your tongue you.....you monster woman!" Ayeka blurted.

"Ah...well...I guess it'll be all right." The captain sat back

with a sigh. "I mean its not everyday when Jurai visits Earth"

"It has happened in the past." Ayeka murmured.

"Oh...I see." Dan hummed and then looked to the space pirate.

"As for you..."

"Yes?" she gave him a saucy grin.

"I'll have to keep a close eye on you." Dan sighed.

"Sounds like fun," Ryouko grinned, "open your shuttle bay, I'm

coming aboard."

"Not alone you're not," Ayeka scowled.

"Right. We'll have an honor guard out." Dan sighed 'Normally i'd

have a pair of heavy fighters escorting something like this...but...'

"I'll be there shortly."

"Meet you there, cutie." Ryouko laughed before disconnecting.

"R...Right." Dan sighed as the bridge crew stifled a few laughs

and looked at the princess. "I'll see you there, Princess. Whomever

is onboard is welcome as well."

"Thank you," the princess seemed much more dignified, now that she

wasn't dealing with Ryouko.

"Your welcome." Dan nodded "Is there a way our ship can connect.

Or do you need transport from one of our short distance shuttles."

"I will be coming over in a transport sphere," Ayeka smiled

slightly. "simply have your shuttlebay open."

"I'll do that...it'll be in Shuttlebay 3." Dan nodded.

"Good," and with that Ayeka disconnected.

"Right then." Dan uttered and then looked to a tall pale looking

woman. "Sierra, get the honor guard to bay three on the double...and a

good security team."

"Aye sir" The Lieutenant commander and the head of security

nodded as the captain slipped out of the seat. Angelo turned to him

as he walked past "Good luck though, Looks like a odd situation."

"Yeah." Dan nodded to him and smiled "But don't worry..we have

countermeasures."

Dan walked off of the bridge and walked down the metallic

corridor. As he did, the honor guard dashed from their stations

and dashed down the corridor.

Dan sighed as he walked into the cavernous space of shuttle bay.

Heavily armored shuttles and other vehicles sat in the bay. Ensigns

dressed in parade uniforms stood at attention, there was a squad of

security officers, also in dress uniform.

"Sir?" One of the security officers asked as the honor guard lined

up in two rows. "what should we expect?"

"Two women who seem to be...arguing for some reason." Dan sighed.

"I think we'll be fine, though."

There was a moment of silence..then a LARGE ship,spiky black and

red dove right at the bay! Almost before an accident occured it shrunk,

even as Ryoko herself appeared, smaller and smaller, until a small,

furry creature appeared.

"Myah!" the small creature said proudly,

The guards settled down a bit but a few were still muttering to

each other. Dan sighed and then walked towards Ryouko. As he did the

honor guard came to attention and not only saluted him but the Alexis's

new guest.

"What.." Dan asked softly as he pointed at the small furry

creature that looked like a cross between a terran cat and a rabbit,

"....is that?"

"Ryo-Ohki, my ship," Ryouko grinned as the cabbit bounded over.

"Myah." Ryo-Ohki nodded.

"I wish you would have told me earlier about that...particular

boarding procedure." Dan frowned at her.

"Aww....." Ryouko purred at him. "But that would take the fun out

of it."

"Really now." Dan sighed.

"So what is this ship anyway.." Ryouko wondered as she looked

curious. "Its too big to be just a patrol ship."

"Its actually a medium destroyer and a light carrier." Dan

nodded to the compartment and looked back. "But we just call it a

heavy patrol ship."

As they talked the Juraian vessel glowed, then a shining sphere

of light emerged, moving through the void of space. It settled down

on the deck, dissipating to reveal it's occupant. It was the princess

who he spoke to minutes before. Two spheroid shaped objects floated

next to her. Dan idly wondered what purposes they served as she

walked toward them.

"Welcome aboard the Alexis, Princess Ayeka" Dan nodded and then

nodded to Ryouko. "...and you as well."

"It's such a.....quaint vessel," Ayeka noted. She frowned, "Too

bad it has such a distasteful passenger aboard."

"Oh you should talk." Ryouko grumbled and the captain sighed as

he tried to stave off the fight.

"I'm sure our jump to Regul Seven will be uneventful..." Dan

began but was cut off by the princess.

"Not with someone like -that- on this ship," Ayeka gave Ryouko a

look.

"Well, who asked you to come along anyway, Princess!?" Ryouko shot

back.

The crew looked uneasy and Dan sighed before clearing his throat.

"Ladies..."

"Yeah?" Ryouko shot him a dangerous look.

"I think its time the both of you came to my ready room." Dan

frowned. That look unerved him though. "I'd like to know why your

bickering and firing on each other out there."

"Of course," Ayeka followed him gravely, "though I would think

her flaws would be obvious just looking at her."

"Mmmm. Not so sure about that." Dan shrugged his shoulders as

they walked out of the hangar and down a corridor "Hmm. Any passengers

on board that ship of yours Princess?"

"My sister, Sasami. is still aboard Ryo-oh." Ayeka said simply.

"Hm. That's all?" Dan frowned slightly as they walkedto a turbo

lift. "No crew?"

"Where was this guy born!?" Ryoko grumbled and then chuckled. "Oh

wait thats right in the boonies. How idiotic of me."

"Hold your tounge Miss Ryouko" Ayeka demanded but the pirate kept

on laughing. The turbolift came to a stop at Deck 2 and they poured

out of the small confines of the maglev car. Ryo-Ohki stopped following

them, sniffed and hopped away in the opposite direction. Dan said

nothing as they walked down the hall for a bit, nodding to the

officers and crew who walked past, until they reached a short flight

of steps.

"Where does this lead?" Ryoko wondered.

"The bridge." Dan sighed and turned right. Almost immediately

there were a pair of double doors.

"We're here." He stepped inside as the doors slid open with a

soft chime. They followed him in and noted that his ready room had a

comfortable feel to it. A large desk was not to far from the back

wall. A thick pane of Ferroglass gave a good view of the gas giant.

"Nice place you got here," Ryoko drawled.

"It will do." Ayeka noted and then gazed at the captain.

"Thank you." The captain sat at his desk and sighed. "So now....

what started all of this."

"I don't know," Ryoko tried to look innocent, "this evil woman

has been chasing me for no reason at all!"

"I have seen your record, you know," Dan reminded her. Ryoko

winced and pouted at him.

"Surely you don't believe that I did all of that?" Ryoko moaned.

"Well you did have a powerful ship with you." Dan sighed not

knowing the full scale of her powers. He did have an inkling of her

abilities though. No ordinary human could _just_ emerge from her

rather odd ship and pass through a shuttle bays force barrier.

"But really," Ryouko cooed some more, disappeared and reappeared

and floated into his lap. "You really don't think I did all of _that_?"

"Ryouko," Ayeka protested, a bit of a flush to her cheeks.

"Did you say something, Princess?" Ryouko grinned at her.

"Now see here." Dan frowned.

"Aw," Ryoko smiled down at him, incidentally giving him a good

look at her bust, "I'm just being friendly."

"I'm on duty..." Dan frowned at her. Blushing slightly.

"You.." Ayeka looked almost incoherent, and oddly a dozen or more

Six inch logs appeared in front of his very eyes.

Dan looked at Ayeka...and then got the drift. "Get off me will

you! You're making her Irrate...and I haven't heard your full story

yet."

"Oh, all right," Ryouko said with a smirk. "You see, Ayeka and I

met on a colony world many years ago. I was innocently gathering

flowers when..."

"Not that story again," Ayeka groaned.

"Not the right story I take it?" Dan wondered looking at the midly

frustrated Princess.

"No," Ayeka sighed, "it's just entirely false. Ryouko participated

in an attack on Jurai.."

"Unwillingly," Ryouko was dead serious.

"So you claim," Ayeka scowled, "and my brother went in pursuit.

Sadly, we've found no trace of him, only her."

Dan looked thoughtfully...and then leaned in.

"Interesting. So...you went in pursuit of her?" Dan asked the

princess.

"No," Ayeka shook her head, "I've been looking for my brother."

She shot Ryouko a look, "Removing this Space scum from the universe was

merely a bonus."

"I see." Dan sighed and looked to Ryouko "Anything to add? Seems

like you were forced to do so."

"It's a long story," Ryouko said. She paused, giving the captain a

thoughtful look, "Maybe we can talk about it later? In private?"

"Ryoko," Ayeka growled warningly.

"With all due respect princess...I think this time she's serious."

Dan sighed and then sat back. "So what now? Keep fighting in open space.

That's going to get the Galaxy Police on you, y'know. Not to mention

more New Earth Government Military Patrols...and The Terran Colonial

Authority."

"Eh?" They both blinked at him and the captain sighed as he sat

back in his chair.

"We have our own...concerns to deal with." Dan sighed. "Hostage

situations. Rival corporations fighting for this or that planet..."

"And now we've dropped in your lap," Ayeka noted.

"Right right." Ryouko nodded with a grin and tried to look scary.

"Were, the 'alien invaders' who've come to maim, pillage and destroy

your beautiful cities...and cause total havoc, right?"

Dan sighed...she was right in a way. He looked to Ayeka for...

guidance?

"Jurai has much the same troubles, though our perspective is rather

different," Ayeka said gravely.

"You have indeed dropped in our lap, as mine as well." He nodded

and paused a bit "You said a different perspective. What do you mean

by that?"

"Well," Ayeka gave him a sweet smile, "To Jurai, you and your

people are the invading aliens, sir."

Dan just sat back and frowned a bit.

"She's got a point," Ryouko smirked as she leaned towards him a

bit as her voice dropped to a purr. "You are the new kids out here and

there are all sorts of dangerous things out here."

"Tell that to the marines seven levels down." Dan frowned. "Some

of them aren't even 'earth boys', Ryouko."

"I hope that you won't need them," Ayeka said calmly. She raised

an delicate eyebrow, "Where would you like us to stay while onboard?"

"We could always share a room," Ryouko purred to Dan.

"Erm." Dan blushed and sighed "I'll have two rooms set up for

you. One for you, Ryouko. The other for you Ayeka."

"Thank you," Ayeka smiled gently.

"Too bad," Ryouko sighed. She smirked, "Well, I can always sneak

into Dan's room once he goes to bed."

"YOU WILL NOT!" Ayeka protested

"Well..." The captain sighed "This has been rather enlightening.

Though I do feel that I'm in for much more soon."

Ryouko chuckled and winked slyly at him.

"Please don't give her lines like that," Ayeka sighed.

"You're no fun." Ryouko smiled.

'We did seem to ruffle his feathers a bit.' Ayeka noted. 'Still,

he's nice to talk to. Not to mention being quite handsome.'

"Now that you know a little about us." Ayeka started then looked

a bit bashful "Could you tell us about yourself."

"Yeah, I'm sure you'd like that." Ryouko tossed Ayeka a look, She

looked back at Dan, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Miss Ryouko," Ayeka protested, "that's a very personal question!"

"Oh come on," Ryouko smirked, "tell me you don't want to know."

"I.." Ayeka blushed.

"I do have a few admirers on board." Dan sighed. "But most have

their own...admirers themselves. Then there's Kiyo....."

Dan turned to a small holo-projector on his desk and tapped on it.

A six inch holograph of a women rezzed to life. She had waist length

Teal hair and was dressed in TCA uniform."

"She's the best damned partner I could ever work with." Dan sighed.

"She was a marshal.....and I was her XO."

"Are you.. still in touch?" Ayeka asked gently.

"Hai...we are." Dan nodded and smiled "She's a part of the TCA's

and GPs exchange program. Last memo I got from her noted that she still

has her old ship."

"And you're still carrying a torch for her," Ryouko mused. Oddly,

her voice wasn't mocking at all, just thoughtful.

"I was for a while." Dan sighed. "But she's more or less high

society on her planet..."

"But does she care for you?" Ayeka asked. "If there is true

feeling there, such things as rank should not matter..."

"You sound like a bad romance comedy, Ayeka," Ryouko made a face.

Moments later something caught Ryouko's eye, a holo photo on his

desk.

"Who's this?" Ryouko picked it up, looking at the hologram

thoughtfully.

"Hrm..." Dan uttered and nodded "Oh that's Achika. She's like a

foster mother to me."

Ayeka was about to say something when a soft chime rang out from

the ceiling.

"Captain. Your wanted on the bridge." Janice called out. "You

should see the readings from the gas giants largest moon."

"On my way." Dan called out.." Dan nodded and nearly leapt to his

feet. "Would you care to join me?"

As he left the room Ayeka picked up the image of Achika

thoughtfully. "Now where have I seen her before?"

"What are you mumbling about?" Ryouko asked and peered at the

picture.

"Nevermind," Ayeka put the photo down, then followed Ryouko out

onto the bridge. They both blinked as the bridge crew was totally

focused on the largest moon which appeared to be covered by a large

biomass. It was one large organism...the Captain guessed it was probably

playing host of smaller 'parasitic' organisms as well.

"We just can't make any sense of it." A slender man uttered as he

sat at the sensor and sciences station.

"I can," Dan sighed and nodded. "There are planets that support

a creature of this size...as can moons. Anything else, Seto? A

landmass maybe?"

"None so far." He sighed. "We can't locate any discernable land

mass on the moon yet."

"You'll need to screen out the organic readings first," Ayeka

offered calmly.

"We have been....Its like one giant sea...of material...." The

lieutenant sighed.

"Well this is interesting." Dan sighed. "Hard to approach

though."

"They can be fairly dangerous," Ryouko nodded, looking warily

out at the creature.

"You've got that right." Dan sighed. "You have to wear powersuits

to be in their environment for one. How would you know about them,

anyway?"

"I've been around," was Ryouko's dry answer.

"A most unpleasant creature," Ayeka murmured, but she was looking

at Ryouko.

Ryouko glared at her for a moment...then chuckled.

"If you do send anyone down," Ryouko said and smiled "It would be

best left to the professionals. Why don't you send Ayeka down there.

She can handle it."

"What?!" The princess bleated making everyone wince. "How dare you!

What are you trying to pull now."

Dan just sweatdropped as they started to bicker again.

"Would you two be QUIET!" Both Ayeka and Ryouko stopped to stare

at him in surprise.

"You may be Royalty and Space pirates," Dan said crisply, "but I

am the captain of this ship, and you will behave! Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Ayeka murmured, a bit of a flush to her cheeks.

"Yeah," Ryouko was giving him the oddest look.

"Now! Am I going to have to separate you two?" Dan sighed.

"We'll play nice," Ryouko smirked.

"I'm sure you will.." Dan said dryly.

"Do you intend to land on the planet?" Ayeka asked curiously.

"I am quite curious about its nature now." Dan frowned then looked

to the princess. "But I'd rather do a global scan of this moon...then

head on to our next point. I don't relish the idea of finding any

useful materials here really."

"These things do sometimes contain useful materials in their

flesh," Ryouko offered. She grinned, "Good eating, too."

Dan and Ayeka blanched and some of the crewmembers sweat dropped

at her remark.

"What?" Ryouko wondered as they all stared at her looking a bit

blue in the face.

"Tell that to the Izanagi Corporation."Dan sighed. "They tried

to terraform one planet with a similar biomass like this one sixty

some odd years ago. Needless to say, the planet wide biomass reacted

adversely to the process."

"They are notoriously difficult to tame," Ayeka acknowledged.

Dan raised an eyebrow at that....but said nothing.

"So where to next, handsome?" Ryouko smirked at Dan.

"The ninth planet," Dan sighed and looked at the both of them.

"Sorry...I can't tell you anything more right now."

"Well, well," Ryouko looked out the screen as the ship moved past

the moon. "this might be interesting."

Dan sighed and looked to the both of them.

"I hope not," he answered softly.

"Why?" Ayeka looked surprised.

"Interesting," Dan noted, "usually involves us being fired on,

I've found."

"Someone aggressive then?" Ryouko wondered and then grinned at

him. "It's not one of your internal squabbles is it?"

Dan sighed wondering if he said too much and turned to the both

of them.

"What is it, captain?" Ayeka anticipated him with a gentle

smile.

Dan blinked and rubbed his forehead wondering if he should tell

her about the Solenoid colony on the 9th planet. Then again, the

information may be useful to them.

"Have you heard of a race called the Solenoids?" he asked them

curiously.

Ayeka shook her head. Ryouko looked curious.

"They were originally from one of our colonies. But a virus on

the planet wiped out entire generations of men...leaving only women to

fend for them selves." The captain sighed. "We did support them....."

"But?" Ryouko prompted.

"They've become rather xenophobic, ESPECIALLY about men," Dan

sighed.

"That can't be fun." Ryouko drawled.

Dan ignored that and continued on for a bit.

"They are going with what they have now...they had the means and

the methods to create their own society." He nodded. "They've spread

to the stars recently...and have a few colonies here and there."

"Would they be more comfortable dealing with a female?" Ayeka

inquired.

"Yeah more or less," The captain sighed and looked at the

princess and the space pirate "I'll have to ask you to go to your

quarters. At least for a while. Things could get hairy in a

while; a Terran Colonial Authority officer is dealing with a....

situation on the ninth planet."

"Let us know when we arrive," Ryouko grinned, "I'd like to see

it."

"I'll have a couple androids guide you there." Dan sighed. 'We

may not have direct contract...but theres always AI driven freighters

trading with us. I hope the new shipment works.'

"Thank you very much," Ayeka bowed.

"Later." Ryouko winked at him saucily.

"Interesting guests we have," Dan finally sighed once they left

the bridge.

"You've got that right." Sierra sighed.

Kurama made a face, "Is it a good idea having them on board?"

"Not much choice," Dan sighed, "we're bound by law to give

sanctuary."

Moments later Janice turned and gazed at the Captain and the

interim XO.

"Captain...the Marshal down on Heavenly Mother is requesting

Marine support."

"Right." Dan sighed and gestured to the screen. "Go to Alert

1. Make a jump to the ninth planet. Get resources necessary to

support her and her ship!"

As they did as they were told Ayeka and Ryouko trotted after

two little girls in ensigns uniforms.

"I'm Kei." The little brunette nodded and gesture to red haired

associate as they ran just a little ahead. "This is Mai. We'll be

your guides to your quarters."

"You're artificial beings, aren't you?" Ryouko wondered

thoughtfully.

"How did ya know?" Mai asked.

"Enhanced senses," Ryouko bragged.

"Really?" Mai asked.

"Well..." Ayeka sighed and looked back at the almost child

soldier. "The captain did say something."

"Oh," Mai pouted.

'I wonder if it was a slip of the tongue.' Ayeka thought, 'or

intentional.'

"Well, lead on," Ryouko grinned. She paused, "and if it helps,

I'm bioengineered."

"You are?" Mai asked.

"So she claims." Ayeka grumbled. "I still say your just a lowly

mummy woman."

"Ah but I'm very attractive." Ryouko grinned at her and winked at

her. The space pirate was about to taunt her some more when Kei heard

something approach from behind.

She glanced back and grinned when she saw Ryo-Ohki bounding their

way.

"What is that?" Kei squealed happily.

"Myah!" Ryo-Ohki bounced up happily.

"Oh there you are Ryo-Ohki." Ryouko smiled and scooped the

creature up. "And where have you been?"

"Myah! Myah, myah!" Ryo-Ohki answered.

"Riiight." Ryouko made a face then loked over at Mei, "Do you have

a Galley on this level?"

"Sure!" Mai nodded

"Well, according to Ryo-Ohki you don't have any carrots left there,"

Ryouko explained.

"None at all?" Mai blurted. "How?!"

"Ryo-Ohki ate them all," Ryouko sighed as she stood in front of a

cabin. "By the way whats with all the sirens."

"Oh we're at alert 1!" Mai nodded. "The Marshal down on Heavenly

Mother's asked for back up. Major Merc offensive."

"Are we in any danger?" Ayeka asked curiously.

"There should be a small contigent of Solenoid ships in orbit

around heavenly mother." Mai sighed. "That and the Yagami."

"But don't worry. "Kei beamed at them. "Heavenly Mother is home to

the Fifth Attacker Regulars."

"I'd best inform Sasami," Ayeka noted. She touched a simple

wooden decoration on her robes.

"Why?" Kei blinked

"She told me she intended to keep an eye on me from Ryo-Oh,"

Ayeka explained, "she's probably following us now."

"Well this is new." Ryouko sighed. "You gonna get involved

Princess? Its one of their squabbles you know."

"If this vessel is fired upon," Ayeka gave Ryouko a cold look,

"responding would be appropriate."

"Right," Ryouko gave her a smile, "or is it because you want

to impress Danny-boy?"

"Impress him?!" Ayeka blinked and turned on her. "Now see here!

I am not doing that to 'Impress' the captain. I just want to help."

"Yeah right." Ryouko grinned.

"Ano...' Kei blinked.

"Excuse me" Mai waved.

"What!?" Ryouko and Ayeka growled, eyes flashing.

"EEP!" Kei hid behind Mai. Ryouko blinked.

"Sorry." Ryouko softened her tone.

"In any case we'll have to get to both of our ships." Ayeka

frowned.

"Not a problem," Ryouko grinned and petted Ryo-Ohki, "Ryo Ohki

seems to be ready."

"Myah!"

"Your not thinking of..." Kei began and Ayeka turned to her.

"Only if needed," she reassured the girl. Ayeka's eyes shone

eagerly, "How long until we reach our destination?"

"Hrm." Mai thought a bit and nodded. "Eleven minutes max."

"Good," Ryouko nodded firmly. She looked over at Ayeka,

"Going to change first?"

Ayeka really didn't want to take that suggestion, but she

nodded.

"It will take just a moment," she touched a simple ring she

wore.

There was a moment of distortion, as if light were sliding over

her body, then Ayeka was sheathed in a brown and grey battle costume,

juraian styled. Two black streaks appeared on her face.

"Not bad." Ryouko grinned then touched one of the gems on her

forearm. "But mines better than yours."

She glowed red a bit and she was sheathed in her own red and

black battle costume.

"Cool," Mai blinked.

"I want to do that," Kei cried cutely.

"Myah!" Ryo-Ohki agreed.

"Are you sure the Captain won't mind?" Kei asked worriedly as

they strode down the hall.

"It'll be fine," Ryouko grinned.

Kei shrugged and then lead them back to the lifts. Mai just

stood there, wondering why Mai didn't report this in. Ayeka looked

back and frowned slightly.

"Are you coming?" Ayeka asked mildly.

"One moment." Mai nodded and turned to speak in her headset.

"Sorry," Ryouko flickered out, only to reapear beside Mai "we

want this a surprise."

She pulled the headset away, crushing it in her hand.

"Now wait a minute..!" Mai blinked and Ayeka just shook her

head.

"Savage," Ayeka muttered.

"Sorry, kid," Ryouko repeated.

"Lets go now." Ayeka frowned "The longer we stay here.."

"Yeah, yeah," Ryouko scowled.

"This is a bad idea," Mai cautioned as they moved out together.

"Your telling me." Kei sighed.

"But we were assigned to keep an eye on them," Mei nodded, "we'd

better tag along."

"Hey cool you can be our subordinates then!" Ryouko chuckled.

Ayeka sighed and looked back.

"You do not have to come along, you know," she said gently.

"She's right in a way." Kei sighed as they boarded a lift. "The

captain will be upset."

"Oh yeesh." Mai whimpered

"Tell you what. We'll bring you as far as the shuttlebays. Our

duty lies here." Kei gazed up at them.

"Awww," Ryouko pouted. Ayeka just smiled gently at this.

"That will do." The princess nodded and they smiled back at her.

<<What are you two doing?>> A curious query rang calmy through

their mind<<Are you not to deliver them to their quarters?>>

<<AAAHHH!>>Both Mai and Kei cried <<Lieutenant Itokase!>>

The lieutenant they were refering was a member of the Alexis's

chief intelligence officer. She was android as well.

<<Its Itokase-Mama.>>The lieutenant tsked dissaprovingly.

<<Itokase-Mama.>> Mei agreed sheepighly, A moment's pause

<<Something's come up.>>

<<Well..>>Mei hesitated <<Our guests have decided to go out on

an excursion.>>

<<An 'excursion'? Where to?>> The intelligence officer

frowned. As far as she knew Ryouko and Ayeka were asked to go to their

quarters.

<<They're leaving the ship.>>Kei sighed. <<They want to..help

us.>>

<<They're rather strong willed>> Mai sighed.

<<I've noticed that when they first contacted us.>> Itokase

thought.

<<They seem determined to help out>> Mei finished,as the lift came

to a stop at deck 16, the shuttle bay level. <<and I see no way to stop

them>>

<<I'll inform the captain>> Itokase sighed. <<He won't be

pleased.>>

<<Sorry>> Mei sighed.<<We're take them as far as> the shuttle

bay>>

<<I'll inform the captain>> Itokase signed off. Mei sighed when

she did so.

"Is something the matter?" Ayeka asked as they walked down the

corridor.

"No, no," Mei stammered.

Kei rolled her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Ryouko asked looking a bit suspicious.

"Just a bit of a power surge," Mei shrugged.

"Huh," Ryouko gave her a look, "maybe."

Moments later they felt a soft shudder run beneath their

feet.

"We've come out of hyperspace." Kei reported.

"I know," Ryouko agreed, "I can feel it."

"We have to hurry." Ayeka offered.

"I have some news to relay to the captain." The CIO looked to

her staff. "I'll be heading to the bridge."

"Ma'am," her second saluted, "we'll relay any updates to you

via internal communications."

"Thank you," Itokase Masaki nodded. She then slipped out

of the small control room and walked down the corridor. The Briefing

/intel room was on Deck 1....so it was just a short jog to the bridge.

Not that Itokase needed to.

Dan looked up with a smile when she entered the bridge, then

frowned when he saw the look on her face.

"Briefing room?" he asked as he rose.

"Not quite yet." Itokase Masaki sighed and walked over to him.

She leaned in and whispered the news in his ear.

"You have got to be kidding me," Dan wimpered softly.

"Sorry," Itokase smiled wryly.

"Didn't they even try..." Dan began but stopped when Sierra

called out.

"Four Izanagi ships!" She cried. "One heavy, Two mediums

and one picket ship."

"No time for briefings." Dan sighed and the Intel officer

nodded and leaned in.

"Good luck, son," Itokase murmured softly.

Dan's face went beet red. "Thank you," he hesitated,

"Itokase-mama."

Sierra cocked an eyebrow but decided not to comment.

"Go to Yellow alert," Dan called out as Itokase left the bridge.

"Janice contact Aeora Station...and the Marshal."

"Roger." Janice nodded.

"Weapons check," Dan added, "let's be ready, people!"

"All offensive weapons on standby" Kurama noted "secondary

batteries and point defense are also on line as well. Shields

at maximum."

"The CO of the 12th brigade will be up shortly." Sierra noted.

"I see." Dan sighed

"I've made contact with the station," Janice called out.

"Put it on screen," Dan ordered.

"Aye." Janice nodded. Moments later, a young woman with brown

hair and wearing a beret appeared on screen.

"Well if it isn't our -Terran- brothers." The young woman frowned

slightly. "I'm Scarlett. The commanding officer of this installation."

"May I ask what the situation is?" Dan asked crisply.

"An invading force has landed 3 kilometers from our position."

The Solenoid soldier nodded. "They've already sent out two light

squads. Recon types. We've deterred both, Captain. Unfortunately

their recon drones are still out there."

"Do you want us to deploy our marines?" Dan asked, giving her

the option to decline.

"Its -your- Marshall that called for assistance." She said crisply.

"We can handle these corporate -lackeys- ourselves. Aeloa Station out."

Dan nodded as the signal disconected.

"Opinions?" he asked the bridge in general.

"I don't like the looks of that captial ship." Sierra frowned.

"Agreed," Dan said, "but do we have justification to act yet?"

"Well the Marshal down on Heavenly Mother -has- called for

support." Kurama Najoma noted.

"And we just had a planetary government tell us to bug off,"

Dan said dryly. Janice...get ahold of the Marshal," Dan sighed, "We

need to know what's going on."

"Aye" Janice nodded and to him and tried to link up with the

Marshal. "This is NEG Patrol Ship Alexis. Come in TCA Marshal. TCA

Marshal Please respond. This is the NEG Patrol Ship Alexis..."

There was a burst of static, then an irritable voice,

"What the hell is going on up there?!"

The captain paled a bit. He knew that voice.

The image on the screen cleared, and a dark haired woman glared

out of the screen irritably.

"I asked for support, you.." She began then trailed off when she

realized who she was speaking to.

"Leona Ozaki," Dan felt a headache coming on.

"You." She said quietly and then leaned at the screen "You!"

"It's been a long time," Dan said, forcing a smile.

"YOU BLEW UP MY TANK!" Leona roared. "Bonaparte was one of

the best custom tanks that's ever built. Bonaparte was -my- baby

...and you blew it up!!!"

"Still carrying a grudge over that?" Dan sighed.

"Don't change the subject, '3rd place'!" Leona barked.

Janice smirked, "Third place?"

Dan ignored that. "What's the situation down there?"

"We're stuck in this service corridor." Leona reported

"Looks like the Corp Mercs are trying to take this installation."

"We...?" Dan blinked.

"Yo, Dan!" A busty blonde with cat ears waved, nearly pushing

Leona off the screen. "Long time no see sugar."

"We're hungry," A matching blonde, her twin apparently, added,

"d'you think you could get us some food?"

"What?!" Leona blurted. "We're trapped in here and all you

can think about is food?!"

"An a way to get out of here." One of them mused

"Anna...Uni?" Dan muttered. He'd met the half Wau women in

his fourth tournament. "What are you doing there?"

"We're th' Marshals Deputies." Anna nodded and smiled at him.

"So can ya do us a favor an' back us up."

"Sir. Our guests seem to be leaving" Janice looked at him. "We

have a camera feed from Shuttle bay 3. Bay doors are open."

"Put it on my terminal." The captain nodded. He blinked when

Ryouko picked up the cabbit.

"Go, Ryo-Ohki!" Ryouko cried as she and the cabbit disapeared,

reappearing outside. The cabbit expanded, flesh changing into crystal

as a angular starship appeared.

"Picking up energy spike from the Ryo-Oh," a voice added as a

sphere of energy engulfed Ayeka, ferrying her out as well.

What should we do?" Sierra asked.

"Mark them both as friendly...." Dan sighed and looked at the

comm officer "Janice, send a short burst of our SITREP to the Aegis."

"What? What's going on?" Leona demanded. "Your not being fired

upon, are you?"

"No." Dan sighed. "Just some more excitement. Don't worry about

it."

The lift opened and the commander of the Marine force stepped

on the bridge. She was a lion faced female Wau that had short dark

hair. "Prepped and ready to go, sir,"

"Right." Dan nodded and sighed "Your on standby for now, Major

Aruna."

"What." The lion faced Major blinked "Why is that?"

"Solenoid PlanetGov told us to bugger off." Dan sighed and shook

his head. "We're in a tight situation."

"Hey what's a Wau doin' on board?" Leona blurted.

"He's kinda cute..." Anna butted back in.

"Oh, yeah," Uni agreed.

"Would you two knock it off," Leona glared at them.

"Umm.." Aruna stammered. "I'm actually a woman..."

Anna and Uni blinked at that, then gaze at the Major thoughtfully.

"Never stopped them before," Leona muttered.

The major's eyebrow twitched a bit.

"Never mind," Dan shook his head, "We'll try to help your

situation, but things are a bit hectic up here..."

"How hectic?" Leona demanded.

"Multiple cruisers, a planetary government that doesn't want

me here, and two loose cannons," Dan summarized.

"Looks like you've got your work cut out for you 3rd place,"

Leona admitted.

"Yeah." Dan nodded and was about to say something when Janice

looked back at him.

"Sir...we're now getting another signal from the installation

that the Marshal is holed up in." Janice reported. "Its audio only

for now. Can't get a live video feed. Sounds pretty bad."

"Lets here it." The captain sighed.

"This is Heavenly Mother Substation. Can anyone hear us?" The

voice sounded healthy, though a bit harried through the static.

"We're trapped down here. Heavily armed mercenary forces have us

pinned down. We have a lot of wounded. I repeat...this Heavenly

Mother...."

"Pretty odd situation isn't it?" Sierra hummed

"Major...you might not be on standby for long." Dan sighed. "Get

the best Assault teams down there. Limited deployment. Back the

Soldiers up and get the Marshal the support she deserves."

"Understood," the major saluted and pulled the Mike of her head

set close to her muzzle.

"Marshal you're going to get the support you need. Hang tight

and cut your feed." Dan nodded then noticed the sour look on her face.

"What?"

"Limited deployment? Limited deployment?!" Leona blurted. "I need

a full company or whatever you have on board. There's a whole mess of

Izanagi on all levels."

"How much?" Dan wondered.

"Two full companies." The marshal reported.

The captain blinked at her then looked to the Major, "Can you

handle it?"

The Major closed her eyes a moment, "Can I get air support?"

"We still have our automated bombers on board." He nodded to her.

"We can do this," the Major said firmly. She paused, "It's going

to be bloody, sir."

"Do what you have to," Dan said simply.

"The 12th Brigade will give it there all," She smiled at him.

"I'm touched," Leona's sarcastic voice came from the screen.

Dan made a face and gazed back at the Major.

"Good luck." He nodded to her.

"We'll deploy immediately," the Major agreed. With that, she

turned and strode out of the bridge. Dan looked to the screen and

sighed.

"You best stay put." Dan nodded.

"Not like I have any choice," Leona muttered, signing off.

Dan sighed and looked to Janice.

"Contact Ryu-Oh and Ryo-Ohki," Dan ordered, "They might be able

to help out." A pause, "Or at least serve as cannon fodder."

"That rather cut throat." Kurama mused.

"And they decided to act on their own," Dan responded dryly.

"On screen." Janice sighed.

"We're deeply sorry." Ayeka murmured.

"Hey, Danny-boy!" Ryouko grinned.

Dan winced. "WE've got a situation, ladies."

"Right, right. One of you little squabbles." Ryouko said

nonchalantly.

"Your wrong!" Dan blurted and gestured to the Ninth planet

"Heavenly Mother Is Solenoid territory. We may be breaking a few rules

here to get our Marshal out...and to help the survivors on Heavenly

Mother Station."

"Really?" a blue haired girl popped up beside Ayeka.

"Who?" Dan's eyes widened.

"My sister, Sasami," Ayeka shrugged.

He looked a bit concerned at Ayeka and nodded.

"Right." Dan nodded. "Princess you might want to send a blurb to

your home planet...things could get difficult intergalactically in a

few moments."

Ayeka nodded, "Already done."

"I don't want to get you involved...but..." The captain sighed

as he gazed at his display. "It looks like your flying in formation

with us. Do your best. We'll work things out later."

"Got it," Ryouko waved, "they won't know what hit 'em!"

"We'll follow your lead," Ayeka nodded.

"Right." Dan nodded. "Ahead full."

"Aye!"

The NEG patrol ship surged forward towards the barren and almost

Lifeless ice planet. Crewmen and women dashed to their assigned

stations. Gun turrets powered up and swept the sky for inbound

bogeys. As they did, pilots scrambled to their twin engine, slender

star-fighters while the flightdecks were being prepared for rapid

departures.

The security teams were on high alert, ready for possible boarding

Parties. At the same time, sick bay was also on high alert. In combat

There were always wounded, after all.

As the ship prepared for conflict, The major strode out of the

turbolift. She too was on this battle. All of her men were.

The drop ships waited, and she moved forward purposely where her

men and women were waiting. They had taken their positions on the ships,

knowing that go-time was coming soon.

She boarded the lead ship and nodded to her commanding officers.

Most were in combat armor, weapons waiting at their sides.

"We're good to go," her first lieutenant nodded.

"Good." She nodded and nodded when the second lieutenant handed her

a side arm.

"Take your positions everyone," she said as she belted the weapon

on, "this is going to be fast and rough."

"Just like normal," a voice remarked to general laughter

The Major sighed as she surveyed her troops. All looked ready and

fresh. 'And too damn young,' she thought sadly. 'War should be a game for

the old, not these children.'

One of the lieutenants looked back and gazed at her.

"What are we expecting, Ma'am?" He asked.

"Corporate Mercenaries," she said crisply, "We'll be outnumbered

down there, but we'll have some air support."

"Any back up from the locals?" another officer asked.

"Unsure," the Major admitted, "they may not want us down there."

"Oh that's just great..."

"Button it." The Major said crisply. "We have fighter support

and those..."

A few of the soldiers looked to where she nodded. Their battalion

was a mechanized infantry division…and had in their possession a few

light tanks and Light attack vehicles

"Isn't the Marshal supposed to be an ex-tank jockey?" the Major said thoughtfully.

"Only in that damned tournament..." an officer murmured.

"Bring a spare down," the major grinned, "just in case."

They shrugged and the first officer called for 'addition supplies'

namely one Gremlin 30 Light Tank.

"Sir the picket ships breaking away from the battlefield...."

Kurama reported. "Its on an intercept course...wait what...Sir the

heavy cruiser.....she's powering up her main guns.

"All right thats it. Put us on an intercept course..." Dan

ordered crisply "Prepare for ship to ship combat." Launch the

gunboats and the Falcons. Ready all guns and batteries."

"Aye sir," Janice nodded and tapped in a message to airboss.

"Should we offer them a chance to surrender?"

Dan nodded, "Hail them."

"This is the NEG Patrol ship Alexis..." Janice began, when the

ship was rocked by a detonation.

"They're firing on us!" Kurama blurted "It's the picket ship.

Shields are holding."

"Obviously they don't want to talk," Dan growled. "Sierra go to

red alert. Janice, contact the Aegis. Kurama target the picket ship

and the medium cruisers."

"Aye!" both replied and winced as the picket ships plasma cannons

tore at the shields.

"Shit," Dan swore as the smaller ship moved towards Ryo-Oh and

Ryo-Ohki. "Return fire!"

The picket ship shuddered a bit as the secondary batteries raked

its body. But the picket ships shields held. The photion torpedoes,

precision guided missiles with plasma warheads, however tore through

the shields...as Ryo-Ohki moved in. The energy burst exoploded from the

larger vessel, scything into the other crafts hull. Secondary

explosions rocked the vessel as it began to list...

"Yes!" Ryouko laughed.

"Watch for the other ships, Ryouko" Ayeka reminded her as two

stubby, yet powerful ships left the shuttle bay. The Hellcat mark

II Gunboats had twin engine pods and heavy plasma cannons. They also

had a battery of linear cannons for point defense.

"Hey!" Ryouko blurted "Don't tell me what to do, Princess!

Let -me- back him up, kay?"

"I will do what I think is best," Ayeka shot back.

"Big sister," Sasami's voice was mildly scolding as Ayeka gazed

at the ships in front of them. "Don't argue."

"Oh what can you do with that puny ship?" Ryouko retorted.

"Ladies this -no- time to argue." The captain blurted. "You have

two gunboats backing you up."

"Sir the drop-ships are ready for deployment." Janice noted.

"Right, have the Ospreys escort them in once when we're in range"

Dan nodded to her "Any word from Fleet command?"

"Operate at your own discretion," Janice reported.

"If it goes bad they'll be hang me out to dry," Dan murmured as

the gunboats flew in formation with the Alexis's new 'allies'. The

Falcons flew ahead and tangled with seemingly outdated Raptor and Eagle

Starfighters.

"Sir, the gunboats and our friends are laying down supression

fire." Kurama blurted. "Also The light cruisers are vectoring to our

position."

"Odd." Sierra blinked and leave the Izanagi capital ship to fend

for itself?"

"Hrm..." Dan frowned thoughtfully. "Defensive engagement. Alter

our course to heading 114."

"That'll still get us to a planetary orbit." Sierra nodded.

"Power spike from the Capital ship." Kurama shouted as the main

screen zoomed in on the ships maw "Its their main gun."

"Wait a minute," Dan's eyes narrowed, "I've seen that design

before..." His eyes widened, "Warn all ships, evasive, now!"

"What the..." Ryouko blinked as the cannons muzzle glowed

brightly. It was unlike a standard weapons blast, more like a river

of distructive fire unleashed into the void. It missed Ryo-Ohki by

a few feet and clipped the gunboat which was trying to get away. The

small ship was simply gone, a fireball left in it's wake.

"Captain! Ayeka!" Ryouko's voice came through the comm channels

on the Alexis and Ryu-Oh. "we've got to target that bastard out there!"

"She's right." Dan nodded. "Arm the main gun. What's your status,

Ayeka."

"We're preparing all batteries." Ayeka reported back, her face

grim yet determined. "We're ready when you are, Captain."

"Good." Dan nodded and sighed as one of the light cruisers turned

into a fireball.

"Izanagi losses are mounting.." Kurama noted. "Mostly fighters.

Looks like the remaining light cruiser is taking a few hits."

"All thanks to those two..." Dan sighed as he gazed at Ryu-Ohki.

The space pirate grinned to herself after hearing his admission. She

gestured to the small battle field and nodded. "Recall half of the

fighters..."

"Let's go, Ryo-Ohki!" Ryouko grinned and the ship let out a cheerful

cry. The large craft bobbed and weaved through enemy fire and shrugged

off a barrage from a half dozen Raptors.

Meanwhile Ryu-Oh was trading shots with the light cruiser...and

splashing a few Raptors here and there.

"Well looks like things are going well for now." Dan hummed.

"The Heavy Cruiser is hailing us." Janice looked back.

"Open a link," Dan said, putting on his best poker face. "Keep

Ryouko and Ayeka's transmissions silent."

"Will do sir," Janice nodded and posted a 'busy' sign to Ryo-Ohki

and Ryu-Oh.

"Whats going on here?!" Ryouko blinked at the message.

"Why are we being blocked?" Ayeka frowned.

"This is Captain Daniel F. Wisner the NEG Patrol Ship Alexis." the

captain said crisply to the screen. The screen switched from starscape

to a large bridge. A young woman in a dress uniform sat on the con.

She studied the image a moment, then a slight smile.

"Wisner."

"Who might you be?" Dan wondered. Mean while both Ryouko and

Ayeka worked frantically to regain contact.

"I am Erica Kokora." She nodded to him "Captain of the Yukazi."

"How do you know my name?" Dan asked.

"I remember you," she smiled slightly, "Wisner."

"Now," She leaned forward, "I want you to vacate this system."

"Can't do that," Dan said simply, "But I'll give you the same

option."

"Sorry but we have a few....vested interests on this planet."

Erica shook her head.

"Suppose we couldn't pass this on to the diplomats?" Dan

offered.

"I'm surprised to see a warrior of your caliber suggesting

diplomacy, captain." Erica grinned wryly at him.

"We all grow up sometime," Dan said dryly.

"Ah...but will you live to your old age." Erica mused.

"I could ask the same," Dan answered. He tilted his head to the

side, "Do you really want this kind of incident, ma'am?"

"There's a lot interest in this world." Erica grinned.

"...and your not even a merc grunt." Dan sighed.

"Last chance, captain," Erica said, her voice a dangerous purr,

"Leave, or face destruction."

"Capatin Kokora...I fear that you will be the one to face destruction

..." The NEG captain nodded. "Leave and recall the ground troops."

"Oh my dear captain...you don't know the full scheme of things

do you." She said with a dangerous smile.

Finally Ryouko and Ayeka seemed to break through the blocks.

"Hey what's going on here!?" Ryouko demanded.

"Eh?!" Erica's face.. visibly paled. "The Demon!? The Demon is

working with you, Captain?!"

"Eh?" Ryouko blinked.

"We've heard of you...." Erica murmured "From stories and legends

..."

"You certainly got around, Ryouko," Ayeka muttered.

"Well, if you want to see if I can live up to those legends,"

Ryouko gave Erica a look, "get out of here."

Surprisingly, Erica smiled.

"Killing the Demon would win me my reputation," she murmured.

"Hah! I'd like to see you _try_!" Ryouko boasted. "You can't

harm me, earth girl."

"Oh, dear." Ayeka muttered softly as she palmed her face.

"Lovely," Dan agreed.

"Very well then, I will bring you down!" Erica grinned at them

and gestured to the to the screen. "Izanagi forces: attack the Demon's

ship. Bring her down!"

"Sir..the Izanagi Eagles and Raptors are vectoring towards

Ryo-Ohki." Kurama noted. "The ships are also laying down surpressive

fire and sending out the rest of their fighter wings and more gun

boats…"

"The first squadron has returned for re-armament and repair."

Janice nodded. "The second squadron is still engaged with the the

Izanagi's."

"Be ready to re launch as soon as possible," Dan said crisply.

"Aye aye." Janice nodded.

Dan wanted to ask about the fighter losses, but he kept his

mouth firmly shut. That would come later, assuming they made it

through all this.

"More enemy craft, Ryouko." Ayeka mused over the comm. channels.

"Good," Ryouko smiled coldly, "more targets for us."

"Be careful, Miss Ryouko." Sasami called out.

"You too, kid." Ryouko smiled slightly.

"Don't get yourself killed, Ryouko," Ayeka said gravely, "I want

that pleasure for myself."

"That is if you can kill me." Ryouko grinned at her.

The captain just sweatdropped.

"They're both crazy," Dan muttered.

Sasami just shrugged helplessly at his remark.

"Lets go," Ryouko grinned, and Ryo-Ohki swept into the enemy forces,

weapon blazing.

"Reckless," Ayeka muttered and then shook her head. "I might as well

follow her in."

Ryu-Oh plied through the thick swarm of fighters with its guns

blazing.

Dan looked worriedly at Ryo-Ohki's and Ryu-Oh's progress...but

they were doing a LOT of damage. Even better, Ryouko's chaotic fighting

style and Ayeka's well aimed shots were throwing other vessels into

confusion.

"Their fighters are reeling sir." Kurama noted.

"Good." Dan nodded and sighed. "Have the gunners lay down surpressive

fire as well."

"Aye sir." Kurama nodded then sighed

"Sir...we're in range." Angelo noted.

"Swing us by the target area, then do a fast drop," Dan ordered to

Angelo, "then use cover fire."

"Got it," Kurama and Angelo agreed. The Alexis, with her guns blazing

plied into a tight orbit. As it did, Dan looked at the main screen to

find the Izanagi heavy cruiser.

"Now where is that lead ship?"

"Too many of their fighters out there, maybe? Can't use that big

gun."

"Damn." Dan sighed, then nodded "Neither can we."

"So what's our objective, Major?" A seargent asked as they

waited patiently for the drop.

"Retrieve the Marshal and offer support to the Solenoid forces,"

the Major summarized.

"Gonna be a looong day." The first lieutenant sighed.

"We'll be earning our pay today," her second agreed.

A siren wailed through the bay..

"Approaching Drop Point." A tech sergeant called out.

"All right!" the first lieutenant barked "Everyone, buckle in!"

"On my mark!" The major said crisply into the microphone as she

listened to the computerized voice that called out the countdown. When

it reached 00:02 the spoke up. "Drop!"

The clamps on each landing craft clanked open and the drop-ships

descended from the bay. Powered by four dual phase induction turbines,

the four blocky gunmetal gray drop-ships descended in to the chaos.

Laser and plasma fire lanced out into the darkness firing at

enemy fighters and assault craft. Salvos of anti ship Missiles

spouted from their turrets.

At the same time, a squadron of unmanned heavy bombers left the

Alexis's hangars.

"Drop ships are away." Sierra noted. "Most of first squadron is

following them in."

"The unmanned bombers are ready for launch, sir." Janice reported.

"Have them in the air in five minutes." Dan sighed. "The drop

ships should be landing close to the substation."

"Enemy forces holding position," Sierra called out, "probably

waiting to see what we'll do."

"Incoming message from the Solenoids," Janice said. She paused,

"They sound irritable."

"Put them on hold," Dan said dryly.

"Enemy vessels?" Dan asked.

"Still tangling with our 'allies' sir." Kurama mused, sounding

rather amused.

Ryo_ohki was tearing through the enemy fighter craft, vessels

flaming out behind her. The less maneuverable Ryo-Oh exchanged salvos

with the larger vessels, keeping them back.

"right..." Dan nodded and looked to Janice. "Send a small blurb

to the Aegis asking for support."

"Aye, sir," Janice went to work.

"I want targeting solutions on the enemy cruisers," Dan ordered,

"vital points, please."

"Vital points sir?" Kurama blinked. Dan didn't answer. The

tactical officer nodded and turned back to his control pad. "Yes

sir."

"That space pirate's really cutting through them." Sierra

murmured quietly.

"Keep an eye on the debris," Dan noted, "it'd be pretty funny if

we were hit by something like that."

"We've established a link," Janice reported.

"On screen." Dan nodded, waiting a moment before the image cleared. A slender woman with long dark hair stood in the middle of the image. She

was gazing thoughtfully at something else, then glanced in his direction.

"Hello, Captain." The commanding officer of the 3rd fleet nodded. A

pause and a smile, "How much trouble are you in this time?"

"I have two loose cannons out there...and Heavenly Mother Station

sending us an irate response from Aeloa Station." The captain sighed.

"We've sent the 12 brigade to retrieve the Marshal..."

"Loose cannons?" she raised a single elegant eyebrow.

"Ryouko and Princess Ayeka of Jurai." Dan said.

"The Jurai?" The admiral blinked and then sighed. "Well this is an

odd situation."

"We've gathered as much." Dan nodded and winced as Ryouko blasted

her way through a squadron of assault craft.

"What of the Solenoids?" the admiral mused.

"Want no part of us being here," Dan admitted. "Still...there is

a group trapped in Aeloa station....which is where the Marshal is."

"Then we're obligated to act," she nodded. A pause, "There's no

way support vessels could reach you in a useful time?"

"Not really," Dan shook his head, "we're on our own."

"Very well," The admiral nodded. She hesitated, clearly wanting

to say something more...

"Yes?" Dan asked softly.

"I wish you the best of luck." she finally said, then cut the link.

Dan stood there a moment…then shook his head.

"Tactical status?" he asked.

"The light cruiser is reeling." Kurama noted, "the fighters are

depleted, thankfully."

"Ryouko and Ayeka?" He asked.

"Still doing damage," Kurama sounded admiring.

"True." Dan sighed "I wonder why they're being so quiet..."

"Erm.."Janice smiled sheepishly, "Actually, I've just been

screening their communications. They're mostly just shooting insults

at each other. Sasami has been trying to play referee..but…"

"Hoo boy." Dan sagged.

"However, they're shooting down enemy vessels quite efficiently."

Sierra noted

"Let's give them a hand, then," Dan said.

"Let's give them a hand, then," Dan said and sat down in his

chair. "Any reports from sick bay?"

"We've taken a few hits," the calm report, "two crewmen lost to decompression, and one casualty. No chance of revivification, though."

"I see." The captain sighed. 'It hurts, to think of these losses..'

"Put us on a intercept course with the Izanagi ship," he ordered.

"Fire a barrage from the primary plasma batteries."

Angelo and Kurama blurted an affirmative and set to that task. The

The Alexis accelerated and turned to starboard in a lazy arc. It plied

Though space and debris fields while Ryu-Oh and Ryo-Ohki traded shots with

The Izanagi ships. In moments, the smaller light cruiser was listing after

A chain reaction tore through the ship.

Sensing victory, the Alexis's allies veered towards the Yukazi.

"You fight admirably," Erica smiled grimly as she stood in the bridge

of her ship. "But I have to wonder…do you always hide behind women? Hm,

hm, hm! Right then! Time to finish this! Helm, hard to starboard at

maximum power. Tactical…bring the Wave Cannon online."

"Aye!" Both reported and set the Yukazi's next move in motion.

"Sir the Izanagi ship…" Sierra began.

"..Is on an intercept course as well." Dan frowned.

"Sir…Power spike from the Izanagi ship!" Kurama blurted. Dan

looked to see the Yukazi's bow glowing bright orange. "She's

preparing to fire."

"Prepare the negative singularity cannon!" Dan blurted and

looked to Angelo. "Hard to starboard…as much speed our drive

can."

"Aye!" Both nodded and went to work.

"The Yukazi's tracking us." Sierra frowned looking at her

screen.

Moments later Janice gasped and looked back at him. Dan noted

that she looked panicked.

"Sir! Its Ryu-Oh!" She blurted. "She's gonna…"

Dan looked back at the screen instantly in time to see the tree

Ship swerve into the Yukazi's line of fire.

"Pitiful." Erica smiled coldly and nodded. "Fire."

The energy bolt was like a wave of power cutting through the

blackness of space. Ryu-Oh was lit up, the vessel becoming a black

silouette, then it simply shattered.

"She intercepted the blast..." Janice uttered.

"No." The captain whispered quietly.

"No life forms in the vicinity of the wreckage." Someone

reported.

There was a moment of stunned silence on the bridge, the crew

going about their tasks numbly.

"Fire the main gun…" Dan said crisply yet quietly.

"Eh?" Kurama blinked.

"Do I have to repeat myself?" Dan asked.

"N-no, Sir," Kurama stammered and looked to his control board

"Targeting the remaining cruiser."

"I'm warning the fighters to clear the way," Janice reported.

"Targetting solution in 20 seconds." Kurama blurted.

"They're evading." Sierra blurted.

"Helm track them." Dan blurted.

"Aye!" Angelo nodded and activated the thrusters. "Almost there."

On board the Yukazi the crew looked panicked. Alice blinked at

Their demeanor…as if they knew what was coming.

"Locked on!" Sierra and Kurama blurted. "Firing."

"Ayeka…princess of Jurai…" Dan said quietly. "This is for you."

Moments later a wave of greenish energy erupted from the bow

Of the Alexis.

"The Alexis…" The Yukazi's tactical officer stammered "Has fired

its main gun. It's a singularity charge"

"On screen." The captain uttered quietly. The image switched to

a large ball of energy cutting through the debris.

Alice saw it coming, feeling a moment of fatalistic certainty.

"Launch escape pods! Evacuate as much of the crew as we can!"

She barked. With that, the crew did indeed leave their stations

As a klaxon went off.

Seconds passed like hours as the energy filled her viewscreen as

she sat back

The wave of energy tore through shields aas if they were paper.

It splashed against the Yazaki's portside, faded to a single point,

Then burst out explosively, obliterating the portside launch bays,

Anti air cannons, side cannons and other decks.

Alice braced herself as the shockwave tore through the ship…

...only to find herself still alive. Alarms wailed across the

smoke filled bridge as her remaining bridge crew was rocked by

secondary explosions.

"Damage report.." She uttered weakly

"Unknown," her second managed. "Damage to all decks, primary

weapons offline..."

"Damn..." She frowned "What's the enemy doing?"

"Mopping up our fighter wings," he reported bitterly.

Alice closed her eyes a moment, weighing the situation.

"Retreat," she ordered softly. "Tell the mercs down on Heavenly

mother that we're leaving."

"We're at 50%.." The helm sighed as the Comm officer wordlessly

nodded. "We can't jump…"

"Just get us out of here." She sighed. "The White Bone Sect will

make them pay..."

"Right…" He nodded and made a new heading.

"Hail Ryo-Ohki." Dan sighed.

"Aye." Janice nodded and tried to make a connection. She looked

back at him. "We've got it. Audio only though."

"They're alive," Ryouko's voice reported, "I've got them on

board."

The crew relaxed a bit and Dan gazed at the Izanagi vessel which

was limping away from the battlefield.

"Should I take it out?" Ryouko asked.

"Mmm.." Dan shook his head, "We've won, I think."

"I dunno…" Ryouko frowned at the view of the Alexis…and then looked

to the Yukazi. "Leaving live enemies behind you is a bad idea, Wisner."

"My call to make, I think," Dan answered calmly.

"Still a bad choice." She frowned and nodded. "Anyway we're coming

aboard."

"Docking bay's will be ready," Dan nodded.

"Fighter retrieval continuing,"

"We've heard from the Marines." Janice nodded. "They're on the

ground safetly."

"Have our probes and automated platforms reached the surface."
Dan asked.

"Aye." Sierra nodded as she gazed at her display. "Vapor WeP

VI platforms are standing by. Autonomous Defense sites have also

Landed near the Marine's Drop ships."

"They've probably already formed a perimeter." Dan nodded and

gazed thoughtfully at the Ice planet. "Give them hell Marines."

End Chapter one.