<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Antioch City Ruins.....<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->




Hespante walked through rubble amazed that there were still people fighting against the pounding the aliens were giving them.



<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The Capricians were always a stubborn people..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, the Retainer to House Stettin of Tyscio Clan thought.


It was heartwarming to know that some things still bore the test of time...



<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> But for how long?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Hespante watched with the dispassionate view of a historian chronicalling the Rise and Fall of Darth Bane.


He could not help it for that is how he was created.


His was not to cast moral judgements on how what took place between living entities, but then, as Korban had once told him, so long ago on Almania..


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "Sometimes a man must take a stand, Hespante."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


The Commonwealth simulacrum watched the decaying bodies of those caught in the onslaught and wondered how long their stand lasted.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "My Lord, sometimes the odds are so overwhelming the chances of success are..."


Korban smiled wryly, "Never tell me the odds, Hespante. If you do not wish to come, that is your decision...but mine has already been made."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Another plasma volley blasted the remains of structures that stood standing, some quite old. As he made his way into the city, the number of buildings increased, but so did the look of destruction and mayhem.


To his right, large lumbering creatures treaded to find better ground to continue the assault.


He sensed the masters of those creatures nearby...he could hear their breathing and so took measures to avoid them.


He could also hear the breathing of the frightened, huddled into small spaces of rubble, some with weapons in hand (waiting to spring out upon an unsuspecting enemy), some with their children huddled with them (waiting for salvation that looked oh so distant) and some, crying (awaiting the inevitable to claim them).


Hespante was surprised no such sights existed within the Yuuzhan Vong lines, and even though their language was unfamiliar to him, he still expected the usual sights of war to be evident in both parties.


For if one thing remained constant between alien cultures, it was the sights of war.


The Yuuzhan Vong narrowmindedness and ruthlessness in purpose gave Hespante pause for he had never encountered it's like.


Almost...<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Religous?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


If it was indeed zealotry that drove these creatures, the Capricians would have a hard time of it indeed.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> And history repeats itself....<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Yet Hespante was puzzled. In the Union's long reign, not once had Capricia ever been invaded. Attacked, yes..but never had an enemy force landed on the planet's surface..


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> What was missing?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


The Sim patiently waited for the information to present itself, and as the proper data was arranged, he began to see this war in a new light.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> I've been dormant far too long...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Highlands...<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



"Sir, the Regent signals!" Jorrum Gerrard's personal aide informed him.


"Very well, Kass, let me speak to him." the Parliament Member responded as he went over the reports of section commanders.


The holographic projection of Leantre Vio appeared.


"My Lord," Gerrard replied, not really looking up from the reports.


"Representative Gerrard." Leantre's soft voice responded.


"What can I do for you?"


"I have heard that you are denying Capricians sanctuary.."


"Infected Capricians, Regent."


The Regent nodded his head, "I stand corrected. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> infected<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> Capricians sanctuary?"


"Correct, My Lord. What sort of sanctuary would this be if I allowed the Invader bioweapons into our haven?"


"Spare me your soapbox, Jorrum." the Regent interrupted.


"If the Regent wishes to take on the infected, that is, of course, his decision. Our situation is secure for now and I will not endanger that security."


Leantre's eyes narrowed slightly, "I have heard that your soldiers have also charged for admission into your little empire."


"Lies!" Jorrum suddenly shot back, his voice raising. "If you are going to accuse me because of every rumor that is going on, then I must say, my Lord, I've not the time!"

During the tirade, Leantre spoke briefly to someone out of viewing range. This enraged Jorrum even more so he continued harshly, "I am doing the best I can, and if your predecessor not lost the Battle of the Line, we'd not be having this discussion."


"Leave Gomorran out of this."


Jorrum Gerrard leaned forward, facing the hologram. "Leantre, let's not continue with this charade. I've always been an opponent of the Clan's power. Your martial rule and laws were supposed to be the great answer to our problems.. and now look at where we are at?

Nearing defeat by the same.. THE SAME invaders that nearly defeated us the last time! We fought them off before, and by my life, I mean to accomplish the same now!

Your incompetence, the Government's incompetence is showing and it's up to people like me to take matters into our own hands. You've bumbled things up for the last time!"


"Are you finished?" Leantre asked absentmindedly when Jorrum paused to catch his breath. As he shook with rage, Leantre continued. "A contingent will be holding Thessonia as long as possible. I signaled to let you know that...that men and women, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> civilians<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, whom you denied entrance into your damned <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> kingdom<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> will fight to their last to defend you."


Inside Jorrum smiled at the news but outside he remained impassive. "That is their decision."


"Jorrum, we do not feel the Highlands will hold on long..."


"Yes, you'd like to see me fail. That would give you quite an excuse for your handling of the war so far. Tell me? Where are you retreating too now?"


Leantre's eyes suddely blazed with rage but he controlled himself. "Dammit Jorrum! This is not a political debate! This is Capricia we are talking about! The enemy's strength far surprasses what it was five years ago!"


"Retreat Leantre. I will win this fight and I will make sure the people see the Clans for what they are! Cowards!"


The Parliament House leader switched off the communication before Leantre could respond.



*


"Kass? Did you record that?"


"Yes, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> My Lord<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->." the smaller man answered and Jorrum smiled. He liked the sound of that.


"I am not Regent yet... but soon, Kass, very soon."


"Yes, My Lord. You will win a great victory while the cowards flee once more."


As Jorrum stood up, tired from his reading he looked at his aide. "Kass, have you spoken with our section leaders and gauged their moral? Do they think we can hold?"


Kass looked astonished. "My Lord, they expressed nothing but confidence in their ability. The reinforced ramparts are impregnable."


Jorrum chuckled at his aide's pronouncement of the word. "Come then, let us get something to eat and then speak to the people. Our moral must remain high."


Kass nodded, "Yes, My Lord. Soon the Clans will be seen for their failures and you will be hailed as the People's Hero."


Jorrum's mind was already picturing the parades. "People's Hero... yes, that does have a nice ring to it doesn't it, Kass?"


"Yes, Lord."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> You fool..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Vinda-Corp Third Fleet - Orron III

The shuttle Starry Night launched from the hanger bay of the Third Fleet flagship with a soft shudder. As it cleared the hanger bay, the captain pushed the craft forward, shooting out and behind the VC fleet, hidden from the advancing CSA armada.

"Captain?" A troop was standing behind him, pointing outwards and down.

TIEs

A trio of TIE Starfighters were flying in close formation, obviously on an extended patrol of sorts.

"Should we hit them, sir?"

Hitting them will give away our position... but if they know we're here, then so does whoever's on that fleet.

The captain shook his head.

"Have two of the fighrers peel off and engage. I'm going to see if we can jump ahead." He hit a few keys on the console, then, sighing in frustration, slammed the hyperspace levers forward.

A split second later he brought them back and looked out. The four starfighters were behind him. Sensors showed four blips, meaning the TIEs were gone.

Then he spun the ship around and made full speed towards the planet and the source of the emergency beacon...

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Capricia<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Thessonia<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



*As Leantre extended his hand , Vinda shook it and nodded solmenly, he hadn't wanted to think about that particular possiblity, but it was definately one that needed to be planned for, especially under the current climate.
His eyes focused on the man, and felt a little better about things. There were options, and where there were options there was hope, the elderly Clan Leader appeared to know his tactics , and his forward thinking had impressed Vinda...*

".. I had been wondering how to go about it myself..." (he murmured) as he watched Leantre walk away...

*Bringing himself out of his thoughts momentarily , he glanced around the room, as if suddenly aware of being the only one who wasn't Caprician, and feeling a little out of place he tried to spark up conversation*

"..so...anyone here see the Oseon Flamewinds this cycle?..."

*As everyone in the room stared at him blankly, Vinda , (suddenly feeling the urge for a Cigarra ), simply nodded, pointed at the door, and excused himself from the chamber...

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...didn't think so...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

*As he walked down the hallway, Omar appeared at his side...*

"..how did it go?..."

*Vinda stopped for a moment and considered his reply...*

"..it was......enlightening..."

"..ah..well, just to inform you the supplies have been unloaded, and comms has been set up ,we have established a temporary ground command centre, we can correspond with the core fleet and the fighters..."

*Nodding as he listened Vinda looked pleased..*

"..good, we have to time to regroup and prepare for eventualities..."

"..eventualities sir?..."

"..yes, we have to make provisions in case we need to evacuate this planet....quickly..."

*Starting to walk again he continued...*

"..as much as I like these Capricians , and have faith in their abilities, I think it best to prepare a contingency...<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> just in case<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->..."

*Omar acknowledged, grimly...*

"..things are that bad then huh?..."

*Vinda simply glared at him, and changed the subject *

"...Have the evacuees started to regroup yet?..."

*Omar nodded his face brightening a little from being the bearer of good news..*

"...yes, we have over a thousand already, troops are coming in by the hour, the air-support has worked greatly..."

"..good..many casualties?..."

"..yes, just over a hundred at the moment, the Vong took that manouvre of yours personally, but numbers-wise , its hard to tell, seeing as they were scattered everywhere, we should know by this time tomorrow..."

*Vinda grunted a little at Omar's reply...*

"...you see this is the problem with this galaxy, it full of damned religous freaks...How do you reason or argue with someone whose whole belief, whole reason for being alive, is that they are right?...

...would they even stop to think for one second they are wrong?...

...One cannot use a standpoint of logic and reasoning against those who don't believe in it..."

*Omar paused a moment reflecting on what Vinda had to say...*

"..I take it this means you aren't religous sir?..."

*Vinda simply laughed...*

"...me?..religous?...personally I think its just something more for us all to argue over...
...(call me a cynic), but if it wasn't Religon , it would just be something else..."

*Omar watched as Vinda Walked away and started to attach his enviro-suit's helmet back on, and after taking a moment to reflect on Vinda's comments , whispered under his breath, a little taken aback...*

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "...I'm religous..."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Orron III<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> CSA Data-Center<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



Gliding through the halls of the Center, Kaneda's feet seemed to hardly touch the ground , almost as if in flight..

A laser blast impacted on a wall near him, sending showers of sparks spraying everywhere, lighting up the dark corners of the long corridor, that too was followed in turn by a chorus of shouts and yells...

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...frell...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

..shooting down a corridor, Kaneda glanced around for anything that looked like an exit, the entire facility was on lock-down...He stopped suddenly, noticing a stairway, and cut a quick glance over his shoulder to see if he was being followed, he could feel his heart pumping in his throat as he flew up the stairs..

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...The roof!...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

After running up what seemed like an endless tirade of stairs, kaneda reached a small entryway to the roof. As he tried to open it , the door responded with a dull alert, indicating it was locked.

Out of frustration he kicked it, and took a moment to rifle through his back-pack..

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...oh no...please no......frell<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Realising he'd left his decoder in the computer room, Kenada started to worry...

As he could hear footsteps coming up the stairwell ...

Frantically he searched in his bag for something else of use, as he did, (mouthing his thanks) , he took out a small charge and attached it magnetically to the door...

Both covering his ears and shielding himself from the explosive he activated the charge. The huge blast seemed to shake the entire stairwell. Coughing from the dust and debris kicked up by the explosion, he darted through the enormous hole where the door had once been..

Outside it appeared as if all hell was breaking loose, sirens were ringing, searchlights were frantically flooding the building with light, as they searched for the escaping intruder in the dark of the night.

Breathing in the fresh air , Kaneda caught sight of a fire escape leading to the very top of the roof. He glanced back to the doorway he'd just created in time to see four beleagured guards stagger out, clutching at their ears, the narrow stairway had amplified the sound of the blast almost deafening them.
Despite hiding in the darkness, the security guards caught sight of him, immediately the entire area was bathed in light, it wasn't hard to spot the lone figure jump and sprint across the roof of the complex.

Keeping a careful eye on the guards as they squinted to catch sight of him in the intense light, Kaneda scaled the fire escape and was on the very top of the building in no time... looking around the completely flat roof for somewhere to hide, he reached for his blaster...
Seeing there wasn't any, he took a step close to the edge and glanced down at the sheer drop below him.
Wincing at the height...and silouhetted by the floodlights, Kaneda knew he was in trouble....


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ..too far!...looks like the end of the line...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


...his grip tightened on his blaster as he waited for the guards...

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Space... Capricia Proximity...<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->




"I swear it's dropped 50° in the last five minutes." Tyscio Zier complained as he fell in with the men and women on C-deck hauling battery packs to those critical systems that were desperate for power.


"The cruisers to our right have stopped their beacon. Looks like they froze to death.." Zier's exec said, walking up.

"Are those damned hunters out there?" Tyscio barked out angrily, inwardly cursing their damaged and slow equipment.

The Yuuzhan Vong had not been content to let their "missle" creatures from Minos take out the Caprician Fleet. If anything, they knew how resourceful their prey was and, remembering times when this prey bit back, they released packs of corralskippers to move through the wreckage, debris, and ships floating about.

Tyscio knew the last wave of missle creatures would have been the straw that broke the bantha's back. The Fleet would be learning whether the religionists were right or not about an afterlife.


But that last wave had not come.


The Fleet was still hurting though, and hurting bad. The invaders had flanked <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> their<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> flank and ripped into the ships.


Those left with some power either pulled away, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> perhaps to the hidden shipyards<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, or were found and destroyed by the corralskipper packs.

The Imperial Star Destroyer design was one of utmost efficiency and he was glad the Capricians copied the design. However, the old Imperials who first deployed these mighty ships envisioned few instances where such vessels would be rendered powerless.

Bringing one down was hard enough, but bringing it back up? That task was monumental.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> If the ISD's failed, then the war was not worth winning<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->..the old Imperial adage went.


There were more ships that Tyscio could call but to do so would be to show their hand when they knew not the situation on the planet. To do so would make those ships targets before an actual plan was agreed upon.


The problem with their situation is that while the mighty <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Tribune<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> could power up, it would be slow in doing so. Deck by deck, the most important systems running diagnostics and automation centers rerouting the damaged portions to other locations.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The enemy would have time to make several passes before we possessed shields, weapons, or even thrust.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


So, timing was everything. Because once they made their presence known, there would be no turning back.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> And what would do it? What would alert us around them of our living existence?


Our damn lights!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Try sending runners deck by deck to detach the lights as gravity begins slipping away. It was only on a few decks that the gravity plates had gone cold sending people, tools, and objects adrift.


And yet, the fleet people were determined.


Tyscio Zier ran his fingers through his short cropped white hair and turned to some commotion happening near a grav lift.


"Make way.. Make way! Water coming through!"


Tyscio's eyes went wide and yelled a warning down the corridor as a floating blob of liquid suddenly came up from the open doors of the grav lift's shaft.

"Get out of the way!" he shouted as people scrambled, the diminishing gravity making their movements exaggerated.


Once the floating water crossed into the corridor, it felt the pull of the weak gravity plates and fell onto the cold floor where it instantly flaked.


"ICE ON DECK!"



The leader of Tyscio Clan turned to his Exec Officer. "Check the status of the rest of the corridors. Once this deck reports ready, we act."


"Aye Sir!"


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> This had better work..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Orron III - Datacenter - Roof

The shuttle set down with a rather loud thump behind Kaneda. Before it had settled the ramp was lowering, two of Vinda's troops standing at the bottom.

"Come on! Get in!"

The two men fired at the CSA Espos as Kaneda scrambled up the ramp - just in time. The shuttle lifted off and sealed shut, laying down a barrage of defensive fire with its heavy laser cannons.

"Captain sir, have picked up package and are heading for home." The ship rose skyward...

Wham!

The shuttle shuddered as a laser blast slammed into it, sending it spiralling down towards the ground before the pilot managed to wrestle control over his ship.

Another blast shook the ship.

This is not good!

CSA fighters were surrounding them... cutting off their escape and forcing them downwards... into range of the powerful anti-starfighter batteries on the surface...

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Roonadan<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Varleen city...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...odd....

...I don't like this..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

*The ominous thought flashed through Andersan's mind, as he deactivated his comms unit, and as he went to hide it, a voice came from behind him...*

"...who were you talking to?..."

*Recognising the voice, Andersan winced , and as he turned to face Miles he cursed inwardly. Not only had Miles caught him with the comms unit, he had also noted Andersan's surprise at seeing him do so...*

"...I was trying to find out how the assault was going..."

*Miles focused his eye's upon the man, as if reading completely he was not telling the truth...*

"...and?....how is it going?..."

*Andersan shifted slightly under Miles's gaze, and replied...*

"...I don't know, I couldn't get through..."

*A frown started to appear on Miles's face as he considered Andersan's response. Before he could answer , Yana appeared at his side, with a suspicious look on her face...*

"..whats going on?..."

*Miles spoke to Yana whilst not shifting his gaze from Andersan...*

"...not much , apparently.
Andersan was just going to give me his Comms unit...."

*Andersan glanced to Yana then back to Miles, and nodded reluctantly handing over the unit to Miles...
As he did, Miles glanced at it, then put into his pocket, then looked back at the man before him...*

"..you know, I've had a feeling you've been holding something from us the moment we set off, I don't trust you, and if you have anything to tell me I suggest you tell it now..."

*Andersan sighed as responded...*

"...I can't,

(he glanced over to Yana),

now is not the time..."

*Miles , stared at him for a moment, as if wondering what to do with the man, then stepped aside, pulling a small blaster from his suit pocket, he waved it gesturing for Andersan to take the lead...*

"...very well, if you won't tell me what is going on, then maybe you can tell it to the men....

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...after you.."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

*As the trio caught up with the rest of the men, Andersan could feel Miles's eyes burning into the back of his head, he cursed at being so obvious...*


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> ...oh smooth, very smooth!...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Capricia<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Thessonia - The Narcissus<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



*Vinda observed, drunk with thought, from the large view-port from inside his personal ship. Up until recently it had been a bar, now, it was being used for storage, packed with boxes of supplies. He watched the troops as they gradually made their way into the village, some in groups, some, one by one....

His mind raced over the events that had passed, and that had yet to come...His conversation with Omar had stirred something within him...

Thoughts of home flashed through his mind....

...He gasped a little, and reached out to steady himself as he felt himself engulfed in a wave...

..a maelstrom of emotion came over him as the force beckoned him...he let himself go, allowing himself to sink into it, realising he had no choice...

...it ebbed through him...rendering him completely oblivious to the outside...

...Vinda had learnt to control these "visions" as he had gotten older, but this was stronger than anything he'd ever felt before...

As if simmering underneath, bubbling in the innermost depths of his soul...


....the past rose to the surface....







<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "...Natalya!..."

"...I can't believe it I finally found you!..... I thought you were dead!..."

The two embraced passionately in the middle of the crowded spaceport, their joy interrupted only by a slight cough from one of the two that had risked their lives to save her...

Turning around to face them both sheepishly, Vinda , shook the man's hand with both hands and with such vigour it shook his whole body...

"...thank you, whatever you want or need you shall have it!, we both owe our lives to the two of you..."

The man and the woman glanced at each other , and smiled...The man spoke, his voice, articulate...

"...sanctuary..."

The businessman laughed, his joy clearly evident

"..then you shall have it!...Mr...."

Vinda's face looked questioningly towards the couple, as he realised he didn't know what their names were...
As the man went to speak, an aide ran up alongside them, and breathelessly interrupted the foursome, gushing with enthusiasm...

"...Mr Vinda sir!, they've just announced it! you've become the governor of Bonadan!, they want you to make a speech!..."

The businessman looked stunned at the news, and could only gape, it had been something he had worked tirelessly for, but it had still come as a shock... Natalya hugged him and whispered into his ear, a slight hint of bemusement in her voice...

"..congratulations....Governor...."

Turning to face her he lost himself in her eyes, their deep brazen allure seemed to transfix him, the surroundings and the people inside it, all but melted away...
He felt....complete now... happy that they were finally going to be together after so long....
Only her voice broke the spell...

"...go make your speech, your public awaits....and when you get back I'll be waiting for you.... I have something very important to tell you Seth....something wonderful..."

Picking up on the undercurrent, Vinda cocked his head to the side, as she let slip a warm smile...
The moment was once again interrupted, as a comms alert started to sound, cursing, he rolled his eyes, as the voice of his pilot came through...

"...We are way overdue!, there is no way we will catch the trade summit..."

Vinda raised his hand to gently caress the side of Natalya's face, she turned to kiss it tenderly on the palm as he talked..

"...then cancel it!...something more important has come up"

"..Cancel it!?, but this has been planned for over a month!..."

"..change of plans, we'll be going home instead, I'll be sending some ...friends on first, I'll be there in about quarter of an hour..."

"..whatever you say man, rodger that, the shuttle is prepped, and on standby..."

As Vinda switched off the comm-unit, he kissed her gently on the lips, his voice low, and reassuring...

"...Go ahead of me, take our two mutual friends too,
(he glanced up at the couple still beside them),
it shall be the quickest speech I have ever made!, I shall meet you onboard...we have almost a year of catching up to do!..."

As she laughed he felt a certain happiness he had not felt in almost an entire year, since she had been gone, he had felt lost without her...

The aide, picked up their luggage, and while trying to be as patient as possible could not be any less obvious. Vinda could not let Natalya out of his sight, and as he watched them start to walk away she stopped, leant forward and reached out with an outstreched hand , a small giftwrapped box, lay upon it...

"Seth..I almost forgot, this is for the one I missed..."

Taking the box from her hand, he smiled...

"...happy birthday Seth...."

..as he opened the box , the flash of metal glimmered across his face. Before he could thank her, he felt the warmth of her embrace, and her lips as she kissed him tenderly....Her voice close to a whisper ....

"...you mean everything to me..."

As the aide ushered them on the way to their shuttle, Vinda, was fixed to the spot, he could not take his eyes off her, and as the small party melted into the rest of the population of the spaceport, his grip tightened on the small chrome Cigarra lighter within his hand...

The very last sight he saw of Natalya, was as she turned to look over her shoulder towards him, through the melee of people meandering past, and he caught her smile...


...it was the very last time he ever did...


Waiting until he could no longer see her, Vinda picked his way through the crowded spaceport to the media-crew that had been waiting...

In the moments that followed everything seemed to happen in slow-motion...


...as if time itself had been caught by surprise...


The explosion ripped through the spaceport's main lobby, injuring hundreds of people in the blink of an eye....

...Almost everyone hit the floor in reaction, people started to panic and run for the exits...their screams and shouts only drowned by the noise of the fire-alarms inside the complex...

Flames had engulfed the interior in an instantaneous flash...

...some people had been flung against the wall by the force of the blast, most suffered deep cuts from the shrapnel and flying glass, which seemed to come from nowhere...

Vinda himself was knocked to the floor, and as he painfully rose to his feet, disorientated, he clutched onto the side of a wall...

..As his eyes became confronted at the carnage that played out before him, a terrible feeling of dread, gripped ahold of him, as he realised to his sheer horror where the blast had originally come from....


....His personal shuttle, prepped to take him to the planet's surface, had been obliterated in an explosion so powerful hardly any of it remained...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->




...Its strange in life, that sometimes just one small seemingly insignificant choice we make, can alter and affect the course of our whole lives...

...The bomb had been meant for Vinda...

Instead, it had taken away from him the most important thing he ever had, and in a way a part of him did die on that day...

...a part that was to be lost forever...

...Any belief in any higher purpose or justice, had been bluntly ripped out from underneath him, in those last few moments any warmth he had felt, or any feelings, period, dissappeared...

...they were replaced by a kind of numbness....

An emptiness had enveloped him...and had always stayed with him from that day onwards...*




"... sir?..."


"...are you ok Sir?..."




<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The wave had crashed against the shore, and the tide was drifting back out to sea....<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> "...Sir?.."<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



Vinda felt himself become aware of a voice he knew...as he opened his eyes, squinting a little, he saw a concerned Omar looking back at him...*

"..we kinda lost you there for a minute sir, are you alright?, shall I call a medic?.."

*Shaking his head slowly, Vinda reached into his pocket and retrieved another Cigarra, in the other he held the small chrome lighter. As he sparked up , he paused looking down at it, and drew a large, long drag...which sent plumes of blue smoke furling upwards*


"...no...

...I'm fine..."

Orron III

The shuttle lurched as another volley of laser cannon fire slammed into it. The pilot swore and pulled the ship out of its dive.

"Captain! Incoming!"

A dozen starfighters were coming in fast.

"Those don't look like CSA ships-" The co-pilot gazed out at the ships, which were down diving towards the surface.

"They aren't!" The captain was smiling now. "Those are VC Bombers!" The ships were pulling out of their dives - the laser battery they had targeted was now a bright beacon of light.

A voice crackled over the com system.

"Hey there, thought you could use some help!"

The pilot smiled and pulled the shuttle up towards the clouds...