Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    Staggering from the chambers, survivors of the massacre emerged - to be faced by forty-five armed Meldaron Troopers, led by Commander Whitetail.  Many of them were dazed, and even more were wounded - some critically.  Some moved within the palace chamber beyond, but many did not.  Of the traitorous Troopers who had begun the massacre, not one survived - having taken their lives, rather than have been captured.
    "Sweet Millar!"  Cmdr. Whitetail gasped, as he glanced inside at the slaughter.  "Get every spare med-tech we have...now !  Where's Lt. Mack Shazri?  Has anyone seen him?"
    A grievously wounded female Pearldinean officer staggered up to Cmdr. Whitetail.  "Sir - Lt. Shazri...was killed."
Whitetail bowed his head in grief, at the loss of his dear friend.  Gasping to draw her last breaths, the female Pearldinean dropped to her knees and Whitetail knelt to comfort her in her last moments.
    "Sir - he saved...the King...."  She gasped, blood flecking her lips, before she slithered to the ground.
Cmdr. Whitetail shed a tear, then tenderly closed the young officers staring eyes.
    "You served your majesty in life, now serve your Goddess in death."  He whispered huskily.
Cmdr. Whitetail rose, then dedicated himself to trying to organise the chaos that ensured.  He was soon exhausted, both physically and mentally, as he fought to save the lives of as many as he could.  He ordered for an extra three hundred Troopers, to act as assistants to the med-techs, and also, to keep order amongst the disaster.  Five gruelling hours later, Cmdr. Whitetail collapsed - his strength giving out as he collapsed unconscious to the ground....

        Somewhere in Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    He woke, to find himself lying on a soft bed; a vague outlined form sitting nearby.  As he blinked and slowly recovered, the figure rose and turned on a soft light.  It resolved in to a young female med-tech, her lapine face filled with concern for Cmdr. Whitetail.  Her deep blue eyes gazed at him with a look of compassion.  Softly, she mopped at his forehead with a cool cloth.
    "Commander - you must try to rest."  She whispered.
    "How...how many...."  Cmdr. Whitetail gasped.
    "Four hundred and nineteen survivors - out of two thousand.  Sir - how anyone survived...only Millar knows."  Replied the med-tech.
Cmdr. Whitetail moaned, then tried to rise - and found himself tightly bound by restraints.
    "What - what is the meaning of this!" Cmdr. Whitetail gurgled, as he struggled again.
    "Sir - please..."  Replied the lapine tenderly.  "It is for your own good sir - you were irrational when you were brought in, and we thought it wise too - "
    "I demand to be released from this!"  Cmdr. Whitetail growled.  "I have work to do!"
    "I'm sorry sir, but I can't allow you to go...not ever ...."  Whispered the lapine - in a perfect duplicate of Corporal Inari's voice.

    Cmdr. Whitetail's eyes widened in morbid horror, as he struggled futilely.
    "What are you?"  Whitetail screamed in terror.
    Quietly snickering, the med-tech ran her paw down Cmdr. Whitetail's cheek.  "I'm who-ever you want me to be...."
    "Millar curse you - " Cmdr. Whitetail gurgled, flinching away from her touch.  "I demand that you answer me!"
Laughing, the med-tech lapine came to where he could easily see, then began shape changing throughout its myriad forms....  Each shape change was a perfect duplicate of the person, except for one thing - their innermost memories.
    "Oh - sweet Millar..."  Whitetail wept.  "You're a Xenomorph...."
    Shape changing back in to the form of the lapine, the Xenomorph smiled seductively.  "Come Commander - we need not be enemies. I can show you such pleasures, for I can be anyone I've ever met....  Let me fulfil your wildest fantasies, which you've so violently suppressed within your own mind.  I can be anything - male, female...animal, human or anthro.  I can do the most pleasurable things with you - or the most sickening....  I can show you such agonies, as to make your very blood freeze within your veins!  Nothing, within reason - lies outside my powers."
    "What - have you done to the others?"  Cmdr. Whitetail gasped in horror, suspecting the worst.
    Smiling, the lapine laughed again.  "I touch them - to absorb their DNA structure, which I then use to imitate them, perfectly, as you can see.  After I have learned what I need know, I kill them.  I like to do it slowly - as its much more enjoyable that way."
    "Why?"  Cmdr. Whitetail demanded, struggling sharply.  "Why have you allowed such a gift - to be turned to evil?  It will consume you like a fire, destroying you!"

    Blinking, the Xenomorph paused, then smiled broadly.
    "Excellent attempt Commander.  You almost had me believing that you really did care about me.  A noble effort, I must admit, but save your strength.  You're going to need it...."  It chuckled.
Commander Whitetail lashed out at the Xenomorph with his psychic talents, but it just smirked and yawned disinterestedly.
    "Do not bother with your pitiful talents Commander - it won't work against one such as me.  I am unlike any creature you or your pitiful race has ever seen.  I will also be the last creature - that you shall see."  Whispered the Xenomorph, as it smiled and held an air-hypo before his eyes.
    "Do you know what is in this?  This is Tyrennium Cobra venom.  This snake - is the most deadly of the Galaxy's creatures.  There is no cure - and its venom literally turns your insides in to soup.  It takes about a week to die...and I assure you, its quite painful, as you're alive...until the very end." It slid the hypo down Whitetail's trembling cheek. "Oh - do not fear Commander - I'm not going to waste this on you.  This is an extra-special present for someone we both know...Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea."  It told him. Smirking cruelly, the Xenomorph shape changed in to an exact duplicate of Cmdr. Whitetail.  Helpless, Whitetail struggled, but he could not get free.
    "Do not bother getting up Commander - as I can see that you're tied up at the moment...."  Chuckled the Xenomorph.  "Perchance, before I kill her - I might take my pleasures with her first?"
    "Lay a paw on her - and I'll kill you!"  Whitetail screamed in rage.
    "No Commander - you misunderstand...it is you who is going to kill your beloved Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea."  Giggled the Xenomorph.  "Now, if you'll excuse me - I have work to do...."
With that, it left the chambers - leaving Cmdr. Whitetail alone - and terrified.

    Smugglers Starbase, Altreides System

    Captain Fitzgerald growled, then twisted the young Gazelle Troopers ear, making her wail in agony.
    "So you see Kuldarn - " Cpt. Fitzgerald addressed a holographic male Gazelle.  "Your daughter is alive - for the moment.  Of course, how long she remains so, depends upon you."
    "What do you want...you bastard?"  Snapped the regally dressed holographic Buck.
    "We will negotiate - like gentlemen.  Here is my deal.  You will electronically deposit thirty million credits - in to an account of my specifications...."  Cpt. Fitzgerald spoke calmly.
    "Thirty million?"  Kuldarn gasped, his eyes widening in horror.
    "Yes Kuldarn - thirty million credits, or else, I might have too...harm your lovely daughter.  I assure you, that isn't my intentions - yet."  Cpt. Fitzgerald replied.
    "I...."  Kuldarn moaned.
    "Kuldarn - you can and will come up with the money....  Failure to do such, within one galactic standard week - will result in some...shall I say - unpleasant things, happening to your daughter."  Captain Fitzgerald growled menacingly, squeezing the young Gazelle's ear tighter.
    "That - " Kuldarn pleaded.
    "Yes Kuldarn - I know.  You have three standard Meldaron days, to get the money in to that account."  Cpt. Fitzgerald warned him.  "Failure to comply, will meet with no tolerance.  Each hour you are overdue, I shall add one million to the ransom.  Each day - and you'll be able to piece your daughter back together - from the pieces I will be sending you."
    "Please - let me speak to Angelica!"  Kuldarn begged.
Captain Fitzgerald nodded, then dragged the female Gazelle forwards and slammed a stun baton in to the back of her knees, dropping her to the floor.  He then grasped her ears and savagely pulled her back up on to her knees.  He then pressed a pistol barrel to the back of her head, so that Kuldarn could see he wasn't bluffing.

    "Daddy wants to speak to you - little girl."  Captain Fitzgerald breathed in her ear.  "Do not, either of you - try anything smart, or I'll make young Angelica here - wish she had never evolved from a shy, four legged herbivore!"
Sobbing pitifully, the doe Gazelle swallowed and weakly nodded in understanding.
    "My beloved - " Kuldarn began, speaking in the guttural, native animal voice of the Pearldinean's.
    "Father - please use galactic standard - " Angelica gasped, as she glanced at Cpt. Fitzgerald.
    "Are you - has he...."  Kuldarn stammered.
    "No father - I am untouched, as of yet."  Angelica spoke her voice beginning to become cracked with her held back sobs.  "Please father - I beg of you!  Do not give in to his demands.  My honour may be yet taken from me, but you have our lineage to protect!  Please do not destroy the honour the Haktor family has preserved all this time!"
    "How?"  Haktor wept bitterly and unashamedly.  "What is honour to the Haktors' now?"
    "Father - your bloodline, has remained pure for over a thousand years!  You are descended from one of the original eleven noble houses!  How can you say such a thing!"  Angelica wailed pleadingly.
    "I speak only of the truth my daughter - as with you - our noble lineage ends.  Both your mother, and elder brother - were murdered."  Kuldarn spoke his voice broken and weak.
    "I - how?"  Angelica gasped, her paws flying to her muzzle in horror.

    "Your brother - Aldorian, was killed in a bombing, which destroyed Maloner base Control centre.  Your mother - Alexis Lightfoot - was murdered at an ambush at Crown Palace.  Now, my beloved daughter - you alone, carry the hope and honour of the Haktor lineage.  Should he - take - you, then our history, lineage and our great noble house...will be forever lost."  Kuldarn whispered.
    "I swear - " Angelica sobbed.  "That I won't be mated - to a human commoner!"
"Angelica - enough!"  Kuldarn suddenly snapped.  "I must speak to your captor now."
Meekly, Angelica sniffled and crept aside, allowing Captain Fitzgerald to take her place.
    "Listen to me - " Kuldarn growled.  "I do not care what your social rank is - but I will pay your ransom, on one condition."
    "I'm listening - " Captain Fitzgerald spoke calmly.
    "I want your word of honour - which Angelica will remain, unmated, by you or anyone.  Do you agree?"  Kuldarn hissed menacingly.
    Captain Fitzgerald grunted warningly.  "You're not in any position to threaten me Kuldarn - so don't try.  I will, however, give you my word - as a Meldaron Officer - that all due care shall be taken, to ensure your daughter - remains unharmed."

    Captain Fitzgerald smiled then spoke again, cutting Kuldarn off.
    "I am pleased that we could come to an agreement Kuldarn.  It would be most - unfortunate - for your daughter’s sake, should I be forced to carry out my threat to have her harmed.  I am most pleased, that we can resolve this amicably, without bloodshed.  After all, we're both gentlemen - and this is merely a business dealing."  Cpt. Fitzgerald grinned.
"I do not consider the -  " Kuldarn began, his ears folding back in anger.
    "Do not threaten me Kuldarn - as I hold all the cards, very close to my breast.  I receive the ransom, and then, I'll inform you, as to where you may receive your daughter in exchange."  Fitzgerald warned him.  "I also trust - that this conversation never happened...if you take my meaning."

    Kuldarn swallowed and nodded.  "I know perfectly what you mean.  I agree to the terms for the return of my beloved daughter - and I assure you that this conversation never happened.  I have powerful enemies, as you yourself probably have...and any sign of weakness will - "
Cpt. Fitzgerald waved his hand negligently, silencing Kuldarn.  Kuldarn nodded and his holographic image flickered - then vanished.  Without mercy, he dragged Angelica to her hooves, by tugging on her ears.  Roughly, at blaster-point, he marched her back to his quarters.  Here, he savagely struck her sharply across the back of her knees - driving her to the filthy floor and making her cry out in pain.
    "Now - my lovely Gazelle, I shall teach you to be more - subservient - to a dominant master."  Fitzgerald grinned wickedly.
Scrambling in to a corner, Angelica wailed in terror, clutching her knees tightly to her chest.  "Please - I beg of you...don't do this!"

    Fitzgerald growled dangerously, and raised the muzzle of the pistol, so it was sighted straight between her widely spaced eyes.
    "Come here, my young Doe.  Stop delaying the inevitable.  If you give in to me now, then I won't hurt you...but should you refuse...."  Captain Fitzgerald told her as he squeezed the trigger, and a bright blaster bolt exploded millimetres from the left side of her muzzle, carbonising a section of the wall.  "Then you shall not like the consequences."
Terrified, Angelica weakly rose and crept closer.  Captain Fitzgerald holstered his pistol and gestured to her.
    "I made a promise - that I would not take you as my own...but I've always found the Pearldinean's...to be quite...intriguing, sensuous and beautiful."  Cpt. Fitzgerald smiled, as he lightly stroked along her cheek.
Angelica swallowed and trembled at his loathsome touch, her ears folding back in abject terror.  Captain Fitzgerald smiled and soothingly, he tenderly rubbed and caressed her muzzle and ears.  To her surprise, Angelica felt comfort from this, and it was this momentary drop in her defences, that allowed Captain Fitzgerald to strike....

    There was a soft hiss of an air-hypo, and Angelica staggered backwards, crying in agony.  Within seconds, her knees buckled and she fell heavily to the floor, where she was rapidly paralysed by the spreading toxin.
    "Have no fear my luscious young Gazelle - it’s not fatal...."  Cpt. Fitzgerald smirked, then stroked her cheek.  "Just a potent tranquilliser, that’s guaranteed to disable any Pearldinean, as I know just how dangerous, your people can be."
Angelica quivered and struggled, but her body succumb swiftly to the toxin.  Captain Fitzgerald watched gleefully, as it rendered her completely helpless.  With a grunt, he knelt and dragged her limp body to his bed, where he laid her down and stared at her helpless form.  Tears ran down her muzzle, but Angelica was powerless to stop him.  Fitzgerald shed her uniform and he then knelt over her and he began sensuously stroking down her chest and stomach...down to her quivering udder and teats.  When he ran his fingers over this, Angelica gurgled in very real pleasure.
    "You like that - don't you."  Captain Fitzgerald smiled.  "I can be so very gentle...or I could be very cruel.  It is your choice my young Pearldinean.  Which shall it be?"
Angelica began unwittingly breathing heavier, as Cpt. Fitzgerald resumed his gentle massage and stroking.  His touch brought Angelica closer and closer to unimagined realms of pleasure, and she knew exactly where this would lead - but it took her entire mental strength to squash her natural instincts and urges.  Her tail flagged excitedly, signalling to Fitzgerald, her eagerness to have him take her - and how right he was....

    Cpt. Fitzgerald lifted her in his arms, then he turned her, so that her stomach was to the wall - as he pressed himself against her rump and back, his hands caressing and massaging her udder and stomach.  Angelica moaned as he nuzzled at her throat.  Angelica gurgled and quivered in lust - then without warning, her left hoof slammed straight down.  There was an extremely loud snapping of bones, and Captain Fitzgerald's anguished shriek of agony.  He staggered backwards, as Angelica shook off her effects of the drug, and seized her opportunity.  Angelica twisted about and glared at him.  Before he could move - her hoof lashed out and connected full force with his groin.  Captain Fitzgerald uttered a strangled croak, then fell to the floor, badly gashing his temple.  Cradling his groin with both hands, he had never known - such agony could exist!  As he reached for his fallen pistol, Angelica lashed out again and her hoof mangled his right hand.

    "You...whore!"  Cpt. Fitzgerald gurgled in apoplectic rage.
    "I do not think so...Captain!"  Angelica snarled in full-fledged rage.
Angelica gave him another powerful kick, breaking three of his ribs and throwing him flat on his back.  Angelica snatched up her uniform and his discarded pistol.  As an afterthought, she also retrieved the stun baton - then smiled cruelly as she set it to maximum charge.
    "No...please!"  Cpt. Fitzgerald gasped.
    "You know something Captain?"  Angelica whispered softly, as she stepped closer, her muzzle wrinkling in rage.  "Those stories you heard were right.  We Pearldinean’s' are fantastic...at kicking!"
Angelica laughed maniacally, then raised the stun baton in both paws - as she let cry an ancient battle-cry...and brought the sizzling stun baton straight down...in to the grievously injured human male's unprotected groin.  Captain Fitzgerald convulsed, and then his entire body went limp.

    Angelica dropped the baton, then hurriedly pulled on her torn uniform and tucked the pistol in to the holster. Both her tubular ears were alert, listening for anyone who may be coming, to investigate the screams.  Angelica rechecked the pistol charge, before she tightened the gun-belt about her waist and then timidly approached the door.  Opening it a crack, she listened intently and stepped out in to the deserted hallway.  Laying her ears back against her neck, Angelica un-holstered the pistol and fled down the debris-strewn hallway.  Rounding a dim corner, she discovered a maintenance hatchway.  Without waiting to see what lay beyond, Angelica slipped through and found herself in a steamy access tunnel.  Making her way through piles of debris, old machinery and more than one corpse, which nauseated her.

    Angelica swallowed and her ears flicked.  Steam bursts obscured Angelica's vision to less than that of four feet, making her edge her way forwards even more cautiously.  Without warning - a massive furred paw lashed out and clamped about her slender neck.  Instantly, it lifted her clean off her hooves and slammed her sharply against the wall.  Effortlessly, the paw began contracting, choking the life out of the struggling Gazelle.  Angelica gasped and strangled, the paw holding the pistol releasing its grasp, as she began beating futile against the forearm of this beast.  At last, it squeezed tighter - then Angelica convulsed and went limp...as she was suffocated.   Her attacker released her, and stepped forwards out of the shadows.  It knelt, then retrieved the pistol - then the mists swirled and parted, to reveal the blood lathered muzzle of Drakmariakas...who threw back his head and howled in bestial laughter...

        Planet Tallandoon, Tallandoon System

    "Sir - " Squealed a startled sensor technician.  "Warships have just entered the system!"
    "What designation are they?"  Snarled the senior officer.
    "Two -Star-Crusher class...and four Kaldorian class....  Sir - they're - "

        Bridge, Aboard the leading Star-Crusher - Tallandoon System

    Aboard the leading Star-Crusher - Admiral Uzuri witnessed the effects of the latest weapon, carried by her fleet.  Its destructive power was so great, that it encompassed the entire planet's surface, vaporising everything and leaving the entire world as molten rock.  Such was the firestorm, that it even burned the atmosphere off the planet.  Within moments, Tallandoon was a dead world, which continued to orbit the nearby star, as it had done since it was first created.  Turning from the expansive windows aboard the bridge, Admiral Uzuri's posture and thoughts were inscrutable.  Pausing, she turned to look back at the dead planet, then she turned back to her throne and sat down, before turning it away from the windows.
    "Impressive General - most impressive."  Admiral Uzuri breathed softly, her voice flat and emotionless.  "You may proceed with your projects."
    "Thank you Admiral Uzuri - " Spoke a voice, from the shadows.
Slowly, the owner of the voice stepped forwards - to reveal a large, powerful male Alchemian, who knelt on one knee before Admiral Uzuri's throne.
    "You serve me well - General Alexander."  Admiral Uzuri noted.  "Such loyalty shall be rewarded - in due time."
    "Thank you Admiral - your wish is my command."  Replied the General.

    A beep from Admiral Uzuri's throne interrupted her, and she pressed a button.  "What is it?"
    "Sir - a Pyrenes shuttle has just emerged from the Stargate...."  Come a voice.
    "Ignore it - " Admiral Uzuri growled.  "We've done what we set out to do.  Set course for the Altreides System, maximum speed.  All vessels, cloak and proceed at speed for Altreides."

        Aboard the Pyrenes Shuttle

    "Sweet Millar!"  Drak shrieked, as the shuttle sensors wailed.
As they watched in horror, the fleet turned to face the approaching shuttle...then shimmered and vanished from both visual, and sensor contact.
    "Get us out of here...now!"  Drak yelled in terror.
Instantly, the shuttle pilot snapped the shuttle around, and thrust the engines to their maximum as it streaked back towards the Stargate.  Little did Drak realise, but his ship was already targeted....

        Bridge, Aboard the leading Star-Crusher - Tallandoon System

    "Torpedoes locked Admiral - " Came a voice from Uzuri's throne mounted controls.
    "Let it go - " Admiral Uzuri repeated.  "That crew will spread word of what we've done here...and besides, I know who is aboard that particular shuttle."
Admiral Uzuri watched impassively, as the shuttle vanished back through the Stargate.
    "Yes...you should never have tried to outwit me Drak...."  Uzuri breathed softly.
    "Admiral - the main fleet has reached the edges of the Altreides system.  Our scout vessels report there is a large Carmer class starbase there, and quite a large assortment of Smuggler vessels, including some, we presume, stolen Pearldinea class light patrol ships."  Come another voice.
    "Inform the fleet - to hold position on the outer edge, and remain cloaked.   I will want that starbase taken, and all aboard held for questioning.  Captain - at maximum speed, how long until we reach - "
    "Five hours Admiral."  Come the speedy reply.

    "Attention fleet!  This is Admiral Uzuri."  Uzuri growled.  "I want all vessels to remain cloaked.  I am presently five hours away from your location.  You are to remain in position, until I arrive.  Have data prepared on the composition of the fleet there, and any and all weaponry on the starbase.  Also, obtain lifeform readings from the starbase.  Admiral Uzuri - out."
Instantly, the hyperwave transmission was speedily sent to the waiting fleet at Altreides.
    "Captain - maximum speed to Altreides system."  Uzuri spoke, then turned her throne around to stare over her bridge.
    "By your command Admiral."  Replied the droid Captain.

    Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's Quarters, Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    Using Cmdr. Whitetail's form, the Xenomorph made its way effortlessly through the guarded hallways, and came to Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's quarters.  Here, it paused and stared at the two Meldaron Troopers.
    "You are hereby relieved of duty - " He spoke.
With crisp salutes, the two soldiers turned and marched away.  Cmdr. Whitetail paused, then pressed his paw to the touch pad.  It chirped and opened with a soft hiss, allowing the disguised Xenomorph to enter.  Swiftly, it sized up the room, then strode forwards purposefully.
    "Lt. Shazri - I'm in here - " Come Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's voice, from an adjoining chamber.
Quietly, the Xenomorph entered the new chamber, and within a single heartbeat, it had analysed the room and the situation.  It was a spacious quarters, well lit and furnished with tasteful furniture and plants.  A beautiful and quite young female Pearldinean stood behind Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea, who sat, as her long hair was merticulously brushed for her.
    "Owww...Jasmine, not so rough!"  Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea yelped.
Apologising, the young Pearldinean continued brushing.  Cmdr. Whitetail coughed pointedly.
    "Whitetail?"  Cmdr. Deerinea spoke.  "Oh - I'm sorry.  I was expecting Lt. Shazri...."
Whitetail coughed again then raised an eyebrow at Jasmine.

    "Cmdr - this is Jasmine - my aide and friend.  You may speak around her.  Jasmine has full ranking clearance."  Cmdr. Deerinea spoke.
    "Very well - " Cmdr. Whitetail spoke quietly.  "I must tell you, that an attempt was made on the King, during the crisis meeting, hours ago.  Hundreds were killed...amongst them - Lt. Mack Shazri.  It was a well orchestrated attempt on his majesties life, and Lt. Shazri died valorously, in a struggle with the would be assassin."
    "Lt. Shazri - " Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea gasped.  "Mack ...is dead?"
Tears welled up in her deep brown eyes and Jasmine quickly hugged her friend.
    "Was - it..." Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea wept, as she made a brave effort to stop her tears.
    "Jasmine - leave us please."  Cmdr. Whitetail ordered gently.
    "Yes sir - " Jasmine replied, then gave Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea a quick kiss on the head, as she set down the brush and left the room.
    "Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea - " Whitetail began.  "It was...quite quick.  He didn't suffer...."
Deerinea rose, then Whitetail approached and held her as she burst in to anguished sobbing.  He patted her back, then slowly ran his furred fingers down her back.
    "Come on Deerinea - you've got to be strong.  Your people need you - I need you...."  Whitetail breathed, as his fingers caressed along her tail, in an unmistakable gesture.
Deerinea's eyes widened in surprise then worry.
    "Whitetail - I...we don't have time for...."  Deerinea began.

    Whitetail's grasp tightened, and Deerinea tried to pull away, as he roughly bit at her neck.
    "Whitetail...no!  Stop it...please!  You're hurting me...."  Deerinea gasped in pain and rising fear.
Whitetail's affections grew more intense, and Deerinea grew very fearful.
    "Whitetail - I said no!"  Deerinea gasped, as he savagely pulled her tightly against himself.
With an angry growl, the Xenomorph pulled sharply - and there was a sickening snap, as it broke Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's lower spine in three places.  As she shrieked and fell, paralysed, the Xenomorph smiled down at her.
    "Security!"  Came a shriek.  "Security Troopers to Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's quarters!"
With incredible dexterity, the Xenomorph snapped around - then leapt at the horrified young Hind Jasmine.  Barely, Jasmine twisted away from its deadly intention.
    "Give in little Doe...."  It growled.  "Its over - you're going to die!"

    This time, as it feigned a leap, it forced Jasmine's paw.  She dodged right - straight in to its path - as it leapt and smashed her heavily to the floor.  Fighting like a wildcat, Jasmine managed to struggle from beneath it, but it clamped a vice like paw about her left ankle.  It grinned, then gave a sharp twist and all but tore Jasmine's entire hoof off at the ankle.  Jasmine shrieked in blood curdling agony, as the Xenomorph slavered up her body, razor like claws tearing in to her body and finally - her last cry was choked off, as it smiled - and wrapped a paw about her neck and another around her muzzle.  With a twist, there was a wet snap, and it threw her body clean across the room, to smash against the wall, where it convulsed wildly.  Its ears flicked, as it heard the Troopers enter the other chambers....

    With the barest of seconds, the Xenomorph shattered the window and leapt out, instantly shape changing in to a large bird, which flew away in to the shadows.  Seconds later, four armed Troopers smashed down the door, and every one of them was sickened to see the scene that lay within this chamber.
    "Sweet Millar - " Retched a young weasel.
    "Stow it Private - " Snarled the Lieutenant.  "Med-tech team to Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's quarters - on the double!"
    A fox Trooper knelt and ran a scanner over Jasmine.  "She's dead sir - "
Nodding, the Lieutenant knelt at Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's side, then gently shook her.  "Ma'am - a med-tech team is on its way...please, don't try to move...."
Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's eyes fluttered, as she struggled to remain conscious.
    "Hold on ma'am - they're going to take care of you.  Try not to speak...."  Whispered the Lieutenant, as he patted her paw tenderly.  "Please, just try to hold on...."
A few moments later, the med-tech's arrived and efficiently boiled in to action.

    "Lieutenant - " Spoke one of the med-tech's.  "Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's wounds - they're quite serious.  I need an emergency medi-vac shuttle here in minutes.  Her wounds - I've never seen anything like it!  If my sensor is right, her lower spine has been shattered!  There's massive internal haemorrhaging - and if I don't get her in to a stasis chamber within the next fifteen minutes, we're going to loose her!"
    "Private!  Get a medi-vac shuttle here...now !"  Snarled the Lieutenant.
Instantly, the Weasel was gone.
    "Doctor - " Spoke the other med-tech.  "Her life-signs are fading fast...."
Without further thought, the human doctor immediately threw himself in to the struggle, to save Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea's life.

    Aboard Stolen Tashan Assault Shuttle, Pallendire, Pallendire System

    Corporal Inari wept bitterly, her bound paws burning like fire, but the young Tashan Trooper guarding her was unmoved by her obvious distress.
    "Please - " Corporal Inari whimpered faintly.  "Why are you doing this to me!  What have I done?"
Snarling in anger, the Trooper once again savagely kicked her.  Corporal Inari buckled and let out a whispery scream of agony.
    "I already told you!  You're under arrest, by orders of Admiral Pallenore - for acts of high treason.  You are a traitor to the Meldaron people, and as such, you're to be transported to the prison ship at Talax IV."
    "I'm not a traitor!"  Inari wept.  "Please - you must believe me!"
He growled, then as he went to kick her again, he suddenly screamed and there was the sickening stench of burned clothing, fur and flesh.  He gurgled, then crumpled to the deck, a smoking hole in his back.  Through the hatchway, stepped an older Tashan Vulpine, who holstered his smoking pistol.
    "Ahh...Corporal Inari Vanstar - " Growled the elder Vulpine.  "How lovely, to finally make your acquaintance...."

    Corporal Inari drew a choking breath, as she recoiled from the palpable evil, which emanated from this fox before her.
    "You see Corporal - " He smiled, then roughly slapped her cheek.  "I represent - other - interested parties...who want you alive.  They know of your powers, and as such - you're worth a lot to this person.  Your powers are not yet fully developed - unlike my own...."
He gestured, then Corporal Inari instantly began bucking, as her lungs felt like they were consumed in the heart of a star, the pain permeating and inflaming every nerve within her body.  Just as suddenly, the incredible pain was gone - and he smiled at her.
    "Now - my young Vulpine.  You really begin to understand....  That was only the briefest of moments - between one heartbeat and the next.  Yet, to you, it seemed like an eternity...didn't it?"  He asked.

    Crying uncontrollably, Inari gurgled and weakly managed to nod.
    "Why do you seek to oppose those against the Meldaron's....  Those pitiful creatures, which will only want to force you in to containing your powers.  Those who will force you to use this gift for the purposes of good?  You are powerful my young vixen...quite...powerful.  You could abandon this useless servitude with the Meldaron's...and serve my dark mistress.  She will consummate your training, under me, and then you will know what your true powers are.  Corporal Inari, you do not realise, even now, your true importance in the grand scheme of things.  If you join with my mistress, then she will spare your friends...and your dying...father."
Corporal Inari's eyes widened, as he showed her a brief recording of her alleged attack on Corporal Glider.  Inari let an anguished whine come from her throat, the best she could manage.
    "Yes Inari - should we turn you over to the Meldaron's...they would have you put on trial.  You would be found guilty, and executed.  If, however, you join forces with my mistress...I promise you, your father will survive....  Still, if you will not turn to my mistress’s side, then perchance, your father might?"

        Smugglers Starbase, Altreides System

    Drakmariakas returned to Cpt. Fitzgerald's quarters, leading the tightly bound Angelica in his wake.  Pausing, Drakmariakas watched as the filthy med-tech, a weasel, tended to Fitzgerald's wounds.  Drakmariakas snickered, then dragged the reluctant Angelica in to the chamber.
    "Captain - you really should take better care of your pets."  Drakmariakas muttered.  "I found this luscious one, wandering armed, about the station.  By the look of it, you did try to make your feelings towards you new pet known...and I assume, she didn't reciprocate?"
    "Shut up, and get out."  Fitzgerald snarled in rage.  "I'm going to teach this stupid Pearldinean...a very painful lesson."
    "Temper...temper."  Drakmariakas chuckled.  "Just remember Captain, of how much she is worth to you...alive."
Fitzgerald's unprintable reply was worthy of the most vile of drunken space pirates.  Even Drakmariakas took a visible step backwards; such was the extent of Fitzgerald's rage.
    "Of course I won't kill her, you flea brained idiot!"  Fitzgerald roared.  "I will ensure, that she wishes...her people had never been born!"
    "Captain - " Drakmariakas began.
    "Get out!"  Fitzgerald shrieked, his face turning crimson.

    Drakmariakas giggled, then dragged the weasel out of the chamber, by its filthy collar.  Fitzgerald slammed the door hard enough to visibly buckle it in its frame.
Drakmariakas heard the unmistakable screams of a female Pearldinean's first mating - as Fitzgerald took her for his own.  It was a sound - that he had heard himself, many times, but never had he heard one uttered so heart-wrenching.
    "Hang around - " Drakmariakas smirked.  "My human friend in there - can be a little playful.  Undoubtable, I'll be needing your services again...however, until then...."
Before the startled weasel could object, Drakmariakas grinned...and dragged him in to a dark, disused chamber....

    From Fitzgerald's quarters, come the high pitched shrieks of a Pearldinean in unthinkable soul rending agony.  For three hours, the Gazelle screamed and pleaded all to no avail.  Captain Fitzgerald spared her none of his rage as he repaid her in full, for what he himself - had endured.  Finally, Fitzgerald emerged, to find Drakmariakas lounging casually against the wall.
    "Where's the - "  Fitzgerald growled.
    "Who?  Oh - the med-tech?  He had an...accident."  Drakmariakas smirked.
Fitzgerald looked at the wolf, which gave a wink.  Fitzgerald swallowed and shuddered visibly.  Fitzgerald smoothed down his uniform and grinned, like the fox that had been literally ordered to guard a hen house, full of plump chickens.  From within the chamber, come the barely heard choking gasps of the shattered Gazelle Angelica.  Without looking back, Fitzgerald closed the door and walked casually down the hall.  Drakmariakas grunted and fell in to step beside him.
    "Is it wise - to leave her alone?"  Drakmariakas spoke.
    "Believe me, my hairy friend...she's not capable of even thinking...about trying to escape."  Fitzgerald grinned wider.
    "Was it worth it?"  Drakmariakas asked.

    Fitzgerald turned, and gave the hulking Tashan a meaningful glance.  Instantly, Drakmariakas burst in to howls of laughter and slapped the younger human on the back, nearly knocking Fitzgerald to the floor.
    "I've broken her...physically, mentally and spiritually.  Believe me - there is no threat, from a properly submissive Hind."  Fitzgerald smirked gleefully.  "No threat at all...."

    Little did either of them know, but Admiral Uzuri's fleet was, even now, arriving in the system and encircling the starbase.

        Bridge of the Flagship, the Dark Talon Fleet, Altreides System

    "Fleet status report!"  Admiral Uzuri barked sharply, as she retook her throne.
    "Fleet reports are green Admiral.  Awaiting your command."  Spoke the black droid Commander.
    "All right!  Attention all vessels!  This is Admiral Uzuri!"  Uzuri snarled.
All across the fleet, the droid’s stopped and listened.
    "Prepare to decloak and fire at my command!  I want this quick, clean and above all, I want the station intact, but disabled!  Any vessel that tries to flee the fleet is to be likewise disabled.  Prepare - fire!"  Uzuri spoke, rising from her throne and gesturing.

    As one, the warships decloaked and began their assault on the starbase and its star fighters, which boiled from within.  As fast as the station turbolaser batteries fired, they were systematically annihilated by the overwhelming firepower of Uzuri's fleet.  Within seconds, the communications arrays aboard the station were crippled and the shields fell shortly after.  Ships of all designs tried to flee, but they were efficiently trapped by the myriad of tractor beams that formed an almost impenetrable screen around the station.  More and more, the strike force pounded the weakening station, and her on-board ship sensors displayed an external view of the starbase.  Here and there, a stray turbolaser shot had burned through the starbase's hull - and Uzuri watched as glowing, cherry red flecks ran up and down the decks.
 
 

        Smugglers Starbase, Altreides System

    All throughout the starbase, chaos erupted.  Alarm klaxons screamed and humans, aliens and Anthro’s ran around in a panic.
    "What the - " Fitzgerald wailed in alarm.
    "It’s an attack!"  Drakmariakas whined in terror.  "This damn starbase is under attack!"
Drakmariakas grasped a young vulpine by the throat, then slammed him sharply against the wall.
    "What in the galaxy's going on here!"  Drakmariakas roared. Strangling, the young male fox kicked and beat at Drakmariakas' paws...then there was a sickening snap, and the fox went limp.
    "Damn it!"  Drakmariakas roared, as he dashed the convulsing corpse to the ground. Fitzgerald ran after the great wolf, horrified at how easily, he had just crushed that Vulpine' neck.
    "That - bastard Haktor must have betrayed us!"  Fitzgerald wailed in alarm.
    "Not a chance - " Drakmariakas growled.  "Even if he had, there is no way, that Meldaron or Schinicin warships, could get here that fast."

    Warning, warning, warning - intruders have entered the - Crackled a computer voice, that fizzled, as did the lights.  When the lights returned, only the emergency lights came on.
    "Damn - they've neutralised the main reactor...they sure know what they're doing!"  Drakmariakas nodded in appreciation of the unknown attackers.
    "We've still got a chance!"  Fitzgerald pleaded.  "If we can get to the - "
    "Nope."  Drakmariakas cut him short.  "They'll already have either destroyed or captured the hangars.
Blast doors began slamming down, their loud clangs ringing through the base.  Just as Drakmariakas made a move to speak - he and the entire complement of the starbase were rendered unconscious - as the oxygen levels were suddenly and violently dropped.

         Bridge of the Flagship, the Dark Talon Fleet, Altreides System

    "Admiral - all resistance on the starbase - has been neutralised, as per your orders."  Spoke the droid Commander.  "We await your orders, to send in the landing forces."
    "Order given Commander."  Uzuri spoke calmly.  Have all due care taken, and I expect this operation to be done with utmost speed and efficiency.  I want all weapons set to stun only, as I'll want to see the prisoners.  Another thing - have my shuttle prepared.  I'll want to inspect the station personally."
If it were at all possible, the droid Commander's face would have shown his incredulous expression.
    "Admiral - the base has not totally been - "  It spoke.
    "You have your orders Commander - do not make me repeat myself."  Uzuri hissed venomously.
    "Yes sir - by your command."  Answered the Commander.
Admiral Uzuri rose from her throne then gave the droid Commander a baleful stare, before she marched purposefully down to the Star-Crushers forward hangar. Watching the screens aboard the leading Star-Crusher, the droid Commander turned away and sighed.
    "Organic life forms - how predictable."  It muttered.  "They seem to think that they're indestructible..."

    Within moments, she was stepping off her shuttle and in to the partly destroyed starbase portside hangar.  All around her, droid Troopers were either dragging away the prisoners, or ensuring that there was no-one left, that would pose any threat to their Admiral.
    "Sir - " Spoke a droid Trooper, as it clattered to a stop before Admiral Uzuri.  "We have reports of heavy resistance from the organics' aboard the starbase.  Forces have fallen by 0.12 percent.  Main infiltration force has penetrated the main reactor chambers.  Main generators are destroyed, but secondary systems are operating at sixteen percent efficiency...."
    Admiral Uzuri silenced the droid with a gesture.  "Order squad A7-42 to secure the main Operations room.  Squad D2-79 and E4-89 to capture and secure the hangars.  Squad E1-73 is to accompany me."
    "By your command."  Spoke the droid.
Admiral Uzuri watched impassively, as the patrol of six droid Troopers fell in to a perfect rank behind her.  Admiral Uzuri strode along the decks, heading for the main Operations chamber, not knowing really, what to expect....

        Aboard Stolen Tashan Assault Shuttle, Pallendire, Pallendire System

    Snickering, the elder Vulpine programmed the co-ordinates in to the shuttles autopilot, then came back to stare at the helpless Inari.
    "Why?"  Inari gasped.  "Why does your mistress...want me so badly?"
    "Why?"  Echoed the fox.  "Why?  Well, when you meet her in person, you can as her personally!  You have a gift Corporal Inari...a very special and powerful gift.  Given time, training and the right...inducements...and you will be one of the most powerful and feared creatures within the galaxy!  My mistress has gone to a lot of personal effort, credits and time, in arranging matters, so you would fall in to her hands.  Yes, my young vixen.  Soon, you shall meet your new mistress...and she will be most pleased.  Who knows?  She may even, in her generosity, allow me to complete your training."
Corporal Inari wept bitterly.
    "Yes - my young Corporal.  Be afraid...be very afraid."  He growled softly.
    "Do you not see what you're doing?  Where your evil will lead you?"  Inari sobbed.  "It will destroy you...eat you from the inside out, and leave you a bare husk of nothing!  Once you've served your dark mistress’s purpose...she'll destroy you!"

    "No Inari - you're mistaken.  It is power that I possess.  With its strength, I can crush anyone who dares oppose me!  I will take what I wish, and there is nothing that anyone can do, to stop me!  Come!  Join yourself with me.  With our combined talents, once I've trained you...we could rule entire systems!  NO!  The galaxy would quail at the mention of our names....  You don't know what you're denying yourself."
Corporal Inari squeezed her eyes tightly closed, but still, the hot tears still come.  Unmoved, the elder Fox watched impassively.
    "Save your strength Corporal - you're really going to need it...."  He grinned, as he ran a gloved paw down her trembling muzzle.
    "You're mistaken...neither you, nor your dark mistress will break my spirit!"  Inari whimpered.
He rose, then smiled cruelly.  "You will find - my young vixen....  That it is you who will be break...even if we must resort to...unpleasant methods of persuasion."
    "I'll die - before I betray my master and my Goddess!"  Inari sobbed.
He snorted contemptuously, then walked back towards the shuttle cockpit.  He paused, then reached out a paw and gripped the wall beside the cockpit entrance, before he turned partly to look back over his shoulder at her.
    "Inari - you will learn...that there is far worse things than death." He growled quietly. "Let me assure you of that .… Yes...you will plead to die...."

    Med-Bay, Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    Wiping a gloved paw over her furred forehead, the marsupial med-tech stepped back through the airlock.
    "Doctor - " Private Trolganza began.
"Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea is in stasis at the moment....  Her wounds were unimaginable, but we're sure we can heal her...but what we're not sure of - is wether or not she will ever walk again...or regain any feeling from the waist down."  Panted the exhausted anthro grey kangaroo doe.
From down the hall, there was the heavy trad of armoured soldiers boots.  Both Private Trolganza and the Doctor snapped their eyes towards the corner, around which, come six Troopers.
    "Doctor Kaldorianas?"  Snapped a young Pearldinean sergeant.
    "Yes?"  Replied the startled Doe.
    "Ma'am - we must speak immediately with Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea."  Replied the Pearldinean sharply.

    "Sargent, I'm sorry - but that’s not possible...."  Dr. Kaldorianas spoke.  "Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea must have complete rest, after her surgery."
    "Doctor - we have our orders...."  Growled the Trooper.
    "No Sargent.  I will not stand aside."  Snarled the Doe in rising anger.  "My patients safety and recovery are my primary concern.  I do not care even if your orders come from the King himself!  I took my oath seriously, and my patients are my only concern.  I am bound by the oaths I swore, when I became a doctor, and nothing can overturn those!  Now - I strongly advise you and yours - to leave my Med-bay at once.  Lest, one day you need medical attentions - and during such, there is an accident with a laser scalpel - and your private male anatomy?"
With a soft gasping cough, the Pearldinean Trooper swallowed and grimaced.

    "Now Sargent - " Dr. Kaldorianas whispered menacingly.  "You may inform your superiors, that they may ask their questions...when and if I am satisfied, that Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea is well enough...and not before.  Do you understand me?"
Swallowing again, the Pearldinean Trooper nodded quickly and they immediately left the Med-Bay.
    "If you'll excuse me Private - " Spoke the agitated Kangaroo.  "I'll be returning to my duties."
With an angry stamp of her long, slender foot, the Kangaroo Doe returned to her patients.
    "Of course...thank you Doctor."  Pt Trolganza spoke, then likewise left the Med-Bay.
He wandered aimlessly, then thought of something and he activated a local computer terminal.
    "Computer - what is the current location of Cmdr. Whitetail?"  Pt. Trolganza asked.
    Working
Trolganza tapped his foot, his tail twitching irritably, as he awaited the computer response.
    Commander Whitetail, is in location grid sector L4-32-A
    Trolganza blinked, then spoke again.  "Computer - wasn't sector L closed, not so long ago?"
    Working - confirmed.  Section L was closed six months previously
    Deactivating the computer terminal, Private Trolganza wondered, as he brought up a mental map of Maloner Base.  "I wonder what he's doing there?"

        Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    Snickering, the Xenomorph returned to where Cmdr. Whitetail lay bound.
    'What have you done...you bastard!"  Whitetail wept.
    "Oh?  Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea?"  Replied the Xenomorph.  "Believe me Commander - she was wonderful....  I almost didn't have the heart, to kill her."
Cmdr. Whitetail struggled wildly, but his restraints only tightened.
    "Commander - Whitetail...why do you insist on struggling so?  You can not escape...and only I know you're here...."  It smiled.
    "I'll tear your throat out...you bastard!"  Whitetail raged.

    With a cruel smile, the Xenomorph shape changed in to a duplicate of Inari then shed the loose robe, to stand naked before the helpless Cmdr. Whitetail. "Whitetail - as I said...we need not be enemies...with my skills of mimicry and shape shifting, and your own powers...."  It breathed in his ear.
    "No!"  Whitetail gasped, flinching away.  "I'll not falter...and serve you or what-ever evil creature holds your leash!"
Smiling, the Xenomorph ran the white furred paw down Whitetail's chest and stomach.
    "I...won't give in...to your perverted desires either."  Whitetail gasped, struggling for control.
    "You're sadly mistaken Whitetail..."  Whispered the Xenomorph, as it slowly straddled his waist.  "I've taken my pleasures with a Hind...now, I shall take a Stag!"
As it began its insidious work, Whitetail forced his head back...and bent his entire will, in to resisting the Xenomorph perverted pleasures...as he felt the Xenomorph take him...in the worst way he could ever imagine.  Indeed, Cmdr. Whitetail done something he had not done since he was a fawn...he screamed in mortal terror.

        Smugglers Starbase, Altreides System

    Admiral Uzuri stared at the corpses that littered the Operations room.  Here and there, a computer terminal still spat sparks and the emergency lighting flickered intermittently.  With a sibilant sigh, Uzuri turned away.
    "Status on capture operation?"  Uzuri growled faintly.
    "Capture completed to eighty-six point one five percent Admiral.  Losses at three point one seven percent and Troopers are even now, cleaning up last pockets of resistance."  Spoke a droid.
    "Excellent - " Uzuri noted.  "Have all prisoners kept under constant watch by at least four squads, at all times.  I will decide their fates later."
    "By your command Admiral."  Replied the droid.
Admiral Uzuri summoned another of her loyal droid Troopers.

    "Are any starbase systems still operational?"  Uzuri growled.
    "Negative Admiral - " Answered the droid’s tinny voice.  "Primary and secondary computer systems were destroyed, and - "
Striking like a snake, Uzuri spun around and unsheathed her laser sword.  In less than a second, the droid clattered to the deck...in five separate pieces.  Sheathing her sword, Uzuri clenched her paws in rage.
    "How did this happen?"  Uzuri roared.  "I needed those data cores, to plan the next phase of my attack!"
Not one of the droid’s offered any answer.
    "Have contact made with my operative on Meldaron.  I need the very latest data on fleet movements, throughout the neighbouring systems."  Uzuri raged.

    Droid’s efficiently set to work, in repairing, cleaning and removing the wreckage, bodies and other debris.
    "How long will it take, to have this station back to full operational status?"  Uzuri demanded. Swiftly, a droid accessed its in-built data schematics of this particular starbase.  "Six months."
    "Alert all maintenance drones. I want this station up to eighty percent operational, within one week."  Uzuri snapped.
    "By your command."  Answered the droid.
Admiral Uzuri's blood red gaze swept the room, then without another word, she strode purposefully from the Operations room, her metallic footsteps ringing hollowly on the metal deck plates.

    Over the next five hours, Admiral Uzuri oversaw the torture, interrogation and execution of most of the starbase's occupants.  Uzuri was nearly ready to order the remaining prisoners executed, when she caught Captain Fitzgerald....
    "Get your freaking hands off me!"  Cpt. Fitzgerald was screaming, struggling futilely against the droid’s that held him.
Admiral Uzuri stepped in to the light - and the fight drained from Captain Fitzgerald within seconds.  Slowly, Admiral Uzuri raised a gauntleted paw, then waggled a finger at Cpt. Fitzgerald.
    "My dear Captain...."  Uzuri growled menacingly.  "How nice, of you to inform me, of your where-about."
    "Admiral - please...let me explain!"  Fitzgerald pleaded.
    With a contemptuous snort, Uzuri turned away.  "I had hopes for you Captain...."
"Admiral Uzuri - please!"  Fitzgerald wailed.
    "Take it away!"  Uzuri snarled.  "Have him turned over to interrogation, but I want him alive!  Also, have his lupine pet restrained and confined as well."
    "Admiral - " Fitzgerald wailed.  "Please...I can explain...."
Effortlessly, the two Troopers dragged the hysterical Fitzgerald away, as they had been ordered. Two new Troopers brought forth the grievously assaulted and weakened Angelica, then dumped her unceremoniously at Uzuri's metallic feet.  Gasping for breath, Angelica lay shaking.
    "You!"  Admiral Uzuri growled.  "What is your name, species and rank?"
Angelica weakly drew herself to her hooves.  "I am Angelica Haktor, a Pearldinean noble, from the Haktor lineage.  My rank was that of a Trooper assigned to the prison shuttle."

    Admiral Uzuri rapped her gauntlet thoughtfully against her metallic muzzle. "I see, by your uniform insignia, you held the rank of Lieutenant?"
    Angelica nodded weakly.  "I did."
    "So it appears.  However, I find in most unusual, that one of the nobility, would server as a lowly Trooper in the armed forces.  How did this occur?"  Uzuri demanded.
    "I serve my King and my people - as such, I am content."  Angelica retorted.
    "I...see."  Admiral Uzuri replied.  "You have strength within you...but it's yet to be tempered.  I may have need of you, my young Doe."
    "You will not get anything by torturing me!"  Angelica snarled.
    "Oh - you're quite right."  Uzuri nodded.  "I won't do it for the information...I'll do it - purely for the pleasure....  Take it away!"
    "You'll regret this - " Angelica spat.  "Mark my words!"
    "Spare me the rhetoric Doe...."  Uzuri shot back.  "I'm not intimidated by a little fawn like yourself!"
Angelica struggled wildly, but the droid’s effortlessly dragged her away.  Admiral Uzuri yawned, the polymer canines gleaming in the emergency lighting - as she then ordered the deaths of the remaining starbase inhabitants.

    Two hours later, a messenger drone buzzed up to her and chirped.
    "Speak - " Admiral Uzuri sighed.
A small access hatch popped open and the holo-projector extended, then activated.
    "Admiral Uzuri - a class one-blue message has just arrived.  Operative on Meldaron reports that primary objective can not be completed.  Assassination of High Command has failed.  Operative has managed to kill many ranking officers...."  It spoke.
Admiral Uzuri listened impatiently, as the drone rolled off the lengthy listing.
    "Enough!"  Uzuri growled, her paw clenching in anger.
All her work and strategic planning - was falling apart around her....  Surprised, Admiral Uzuri stared down at her still quivering metal encased paws.
    "No...."  Uzuri inwardly moaned.  "It can't end like this!"
    "Admiral - an emergency priority one signal has just been received from - "  Come the droid Commanders voice, over her in-built comlink.
    "Have my shuttle prepared for immediate departure!"  Uzuri suddenly snapped, as she ran towards the hangar bay.
    "By your command...Admiral."  Come the droid’s reply.

    Swiftly, the black shadow like form of Uzuri made its way to her waiting shuttle, and within five minutes, she was kneeling on one knee, on the holonet pad in her quarters.
    "Admiral Uzuri Relahstar!"  Roared the holographic image, as it wavered in to existence before her.
    "My liege - I can explain...."  Uzuri quavered.
    "Silence!" It shrieked, the sound nearly deafening Admiral Uzuri.  "Whilst you have been indulging your petty ego, I received word that your operative on Meldaron has - "
    "Sire - my operative...."  Uzuri whined pitifully.
    "How DARE you interrupt me!"  Came the scathing voice, dripping with venom.  "Your operative on Meldaron - has failed Admiral...."
    "My liege - I can explain - " Whimpered Uzuri, bowing her head in terror.
"Spare me your pathetic whining Uzuri - you will have plenty of time to explain when you confront me in person!"  Raged the hologram.  "As of this second, you are hereby relieved of your command over the Dark Talon Fleet....  You will henceforth be placed under arrest and brought before me at the earliest possible convenience for myself."

    Two armed droid’s appeared from no-where, and approached Uzuri.
    "My lord...."  Uzuri pleaded.
    "You will have time to explain Uzuri - " Snarled the hologram. "When you are dragged before me in chains!"
Uzuri fought the two Trooper droid’s, but four more appeared and swiftly overpowered her.  They disabled her armour, leaving her weaker than a newborn kit.  They placed her in electronic cuffs and dragged her away.  Shaking its head, the hologram sighed...then shattered in to millions of glittering shards, which sparkled and vanished....

    Maloner Base, Sector L4-32-A, Maloner, Pearldinea.

    Ever so slowly, the Xenomorph lay upon the sobbing Whitetail and stroked a white furred paw along his cheek.
    "Commander – Whitetail – " It breathed in to his slicked back ears. "That was wonderful. It truly – will be a shame to have to kill you…."
    "Get – off me." Cmdr. Whitetail wept, his resolve shattered.
    "We need not be enemies…" Whispered the Xenomorph. "I can give you such pleasures, such pleasures – that will seem what we done here, to be a nightmare by comparison."
    "Get off me!" Whitetail shrieked in torment.
Ignoring the distressed Pearldinean, the Xenomorph continued its gentle stroking. It was only the quit whispered of the doorway opening, which distracted it. Even Whitetail turned his head to glance across – to see the stunned face of Pt. Trolganza, who stood motionless in the doorway.

    With a shriek of blood lust, the Xenomorph leapt from Cmdr. Whitetail and seared across the floor towards Pt. Trolganza. With barely seconds to live – Pt. Trolganza hit the floor and rolled, unholstering his sidearm. He shrieked in mortal agony, as the razor-like talons of the changed Xenomorph tore in to his left leg – but he swung his pistol…and fired four times at point blank range. With a shriek that was beyond their comprehension, the Xenomorph staggered backwards, clutching at its chest. It stared down at the black blood that coated its hands, and then it looked at Pt. Trolganza. With a look of almost thanks…it crumpled to the floor and lay still. Pt. Trolganza took no chances…and emptied his pistol clip in to the creature before him…then collapsed. Blood pulsed rhythmically from his torn leg, and using what feeble first aid training he knew, Pt. Trolganza managed to slow the profuse bleeding

    Pt. Trolganza raised his comlink – then spoke softly in to it.
    "Emergency team – to section L4-32-A – immediately." He gasped, then shuddered and crumpled to the ground.
Whitetail lay back on the hard bed, then closes his eyes and shuddered. He would ensure that this young Private was commended for his bravery…regardless of what would happen. As Whitetail waited – he thought back over the entire past few weeks, then became more and more sure, that this Xenomorph, was the one who had been causing all this trouble…. What he could not understand – was who was behind this sinister plan…and why? Indeed – he had many questions, but the pieces of the puzzle – were still too widely scattered for him to complete.

    Aboard Stolen Tashan Assault Shuttle, Pallendire, Pallendire System

    "You keep my father out of this – " Corporal Inari wept, her anger rising.
Chuckling, the elder Vulpine turned back to look over his shoulder at her. Inari swallowed, then looked away and banished the anger that had rose so quickly within her.
    "Yes – give in to your anger Inari…it will make you stronger…." He teased her.
    "No – " Inari wept. "I won’t become as you – "
    He chuckled, then turned away again. "You’re mistaken Inari – very badly mistaken…."
As the shuttle sped through the black wastes of space, Inari closed her eyes and let herself sink in to a deep, peaceful meditative state…trying desperately to gain control over her own emotions. Inari knew well, that if she allowed herself to be overcome by her fear, anger and other emotions…that it would destroy not only her – but also those she loved as well….

    City of N’Chath, Planet Sirius, Sirius System

    Seven days after the shuttle carrying Admiral Uzuri left her flagship, it touched down on the landing pad of the city of N’Chath. N’Chath was a beautiful city, soaring kilometres in to the air, made of aesthetically pleasing buildings, with a mixture of crystal like buildings, wide roads and great expansive open parks and gardens. A white binary star cluster shone down, warming this planet and surprisingly, making it quite pleasant all year round. It appeared to be a beautiful world and city – but this was a charade.  As you descended down towards the planets surface, the beautiful nature vanished – and you found one of the most hostile places in this arm of the Galaxy. Below, on the lower levels – there was some places that had not seen the light of the sun…for hundreds if not – thousands – of years. The native race of humanoid jackals never went below the twelfth level of their cities –, as the dangers were far too great to even contemplate….

    After the shuttles engines died down and the hatchway opened with an ominous hiss of escaping gasses and hydraulics, Admiral Uzuri was marched at gunpoint down the ramp. Standing at the bottom of the ramp, were six humanoid figures, their furred muzzles betraying their displeasure – their weapons held ready. They stood about six feet tall and their jackal like faces were quite alarming. Each of the guards carried laser rifles, held across their robed chests. From behind them, another stepped forwards, dressed in a long flowing white robe, which was bedecked with ornate leatherwork and an intricate headpiece. It come forwards, then glared at Admiral Uzuri. After a few seconds, it turned away and barked an order to the soldiers. They immediately surrounded Uzuri and marched her across the permacrete platform to the waiting turbolift.
    "Where are you taking me?" Uzuri demanded.
A menacing growl from one of the soldiers only made Uzuri more determined.
    "How would you like me to tear your head off?" Admiral Uzuri snarled back.

    Swiftly, the soldier unlimbered a stun baton and cracked Uzuri over the head. With a strangled croak, Uzuri collapsed and lay convulsing. With an angry bark, the formally dressed jackal figure turned to glare at the soldier – whose eyes widened in terror. His eyes widened and he shrank backwards as the older jackal slowly raised his hand before the younger soldier’s chest. Pitiful whining noises come from the terrified soldier – but the elder of these – growled and clenched his paw. With an agonising whine, the younger one slumped to his knees, and then there was a muffled crack from within his chest…then his wild convulsions. With a snort, the formally dressed anthro jackal turned back to the doors of the turbolift – then acted as if nothing had happened…even the other troopers had not batted an eyelid at the elder Jackal – when he killed the younger one. They just seemed totally disinterested – and this – Uzuri noted as she staggered back to her feet, was alarming….

    Med-Bay, Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    Cmdr. Whitetail sat up and began removing the electrodes attached to his body. Dr. Kaldorianas yelped and ran to his side.
    "Cmdr – " She began.
    "Doctor – leave me alone." Cmdr. Whitetail growled softly. "I’m fine…."
    Wringing her paws in exasperation, Dr. Kaldorianas swept her ears back sadly. "Cmdr. – you’re not fine! Extensive scans of your body have revealed some very serious damage to your central nervous system – "
Cmdr. Whitetail slipped down off the bed…and his knees instantly turned to jelly. He crashed heavily to the floor, gasping and choking for breath. As Dr. Kaldorianas moved to help him, Cmdr. Whitetail snarled and using sheer force of will, he somehow regained his footing.
    "Cmdr. – please…you’re grievously ill and I can not – " Whimpered the anthro Grey Kangaroo.
    "You do not – " Cmdr. Whitetail gasped. "Understand the – necessity."
    "No!" Dr. Kaldorianas snarled in sudden anger. "I do not understand. What I understand, is you won’t be able to help anyone…if you’re dead!"
Cmdr. Whitetail looked at her, as he struggled in to his uniform.

    "Doctor – I’ve had worse done to me…but if I do not do what I must, then a very loyal Meldaron officer…is going to be captured and executed on false grounds! I’ve got to try and stop this – before it gets out of paw." Cmdr. Whitetail gasped, then tightened his belt. "I must see the King…now."
    "I can not – " Wept the Doe.
    "Doctor – I’m not asking you – I’m telling you. I do not mean to snap your head off, but this is very serious…. If my theories are right…then the Meldaron and Schinicin people are in very real danger!"
Dr. Kaldorianas’ eyes widened.
    "Get my shuttle – " Whitetail gasped in to his comlink. "Have it outside the Maloner base Med-bay…now!"
Cmdr. Whitetail choked, then put the comlink back on his belt, and gave the grieved young Doctor a friendly hug.
    "I’ll be alright – I promise." Cmdr. Whitetail spoke.
Dr. Kaldorianas gave him a hug in return, but her furred face, betrayed the disbelief she had in his words. A soft chirp from his comlink caught his attention and without another word, he fled the Med-Bay and ran to his waiting shuttle….

    Crown Palace, Maloner, Pearldinea.

    King Reyard stared incredulously at Cmdr. Whitetail, who sat slumped in a well-padded chair, his pelt soaked with sweat.
    "You’re trying to tell me – that a…" Began the King.
    "A Xenomorph sir – " Cmdr. Whitetail panted. "They are a very rare race of creatures, from a distant world. All they need do, is touch you…to perfectly imitate you in every way…except one."
    "What, happens to the person who the Xenomorph imitates? Also, only Millar’s knows, is how do you identify a Xenomorph?" Demanded the King.
    "Sire – they kill their victim – after imitating them."  Cmdr. Whitetail spoke, as he sipped at some water.  "Also, a Xenomorph does not have their imitated victim’s memories…. It is the only way to trap a Xenomorph."
    "So – the threat to the Meldaron High Command – " Sighed the King.
    Cmdr. Whitetail choked and set down his glass with a shaking paw. "With all due respect mi’lord – the threat is not over. Who ever it was, that gave this creature its commands…will not stop, just because its plan was thwarted. No – who-ever it was, will have a great many more plans…to destroy the High Command."

    Turning away, King Reyard growled.
    "What does this all mean?" He asked.
    "Sire – from what I have pieced together…is that this Admiral is seeking a resurgence in the war between Meldaron and Schinicin forces. I assume that if this war did happen, our two species would nearly annihilate each other – "Cmdr. Whitetail began
    "Leaving us defenceless – and open to a sneak strike from an unexpected quarter…. This Admiral – could in effect, crush both worlds, and rule unopposed."
Cmdr. Whitetail nodded sadly and took another drink of water.
    "Cmdr. – you look like hell." Sighed the King. "I order you to take a few weeks off, and get plenty of rest."
    "Mi’lord – with all due respect – I can not. I also, wish to ask for the bounty on Corporal Inari – to be removed. I have my suspicions, that this Xenomorph, was the one who was responsible for these vicious attacks and murders…." Cmdr. Whitetail wheezed.
    "Oh…of course. Still – I want you to go and get some rest…" Demanded the King.
    "I…I can not afford to rest sire – too much depends on this. If we are to try and stop this Admiral then I must begin tracking it now! Every second I wait, it makes the trail harder to follow." Cmdr. Whitetail moaned. "I must follow this through."

    King Reyard paced agitatedly, then growled.
    "What do you need from me?" He spoke.
    "Sire – I need the fastest vessel we have…and a great deal of luck." Cmdr. Whitetail admitted.
    "Millar forgive me – but you’ve got it Commander…." Sighed King Reyard. "May Millar be with you."
    "You too – sire." Cmdr. Whitetail nodded, then rose, bowed and left the throne room.

    Temple of the Eye of Infinity, Blue Moon Valley.

    Cmdr. Whitetail burst in to the main temple then approached the altar.
    "Millar’s!" Whitetail screamed, his paws contracting in rage.
Some of the younger acolytes stared at Whitetail, then fled the temple.
    "Millar’s curse you…answer me!" Whitetail screamed again.
A soft emerald glow began to form…and when it abated, Millar’s stood before the altar, facing Whitetail.
    "Is this how you greet your Goddess?" Was her telepathic question.
    "I don’t have time to play games!" Snarled Whitetail. "Why did you not tell me!"
    Millar’s stared back impassively, then quirked an eyebrow. "Tell you what?"
Whitetail stood his ground, then drew a great gulping breath and shuddered.
    "I…my goddess…. I spoke out of anger. Please, forgive me." Whitetail whispered, as he dropped to his knees.
    "My child – there is nothing for me to forgive. I know why you are angry – and you rightly blame me for what has happened ." Millar’s replied calmly. "You must learn to control your anger Whitetail…it is not becoming of you, nor is it the way you have been trained."

    Whitetail remained kneeling, his quaking shoulders betraying the grief that washed over him.
    "You – " He choked.
    "Yes – " Millar’s nodded. "I knew what was happening."
    "Why – didn’t you tell me!" Whitetail wept bitterly.
    "My child – you know that I could not have told you…even if I had wanted too. Even I, a Goddess, must obey the law.
    "I was going too – when I found out that Corporal Inari – " Gasped Whitetail. "I would have killed her!"
    Millar’s nodded again. "I know – and I am displeased my son. Did I fail in my teaching of you? Am I at fault for failing to instil the powers of truth and reasoning?"
Whitetail rose, then began pacing back and forth across the stone floor. Millar’s watched impassively.
    "Now – what I do not understand – is why the Xenomorph did not kill her? I have no doubts the other forms it used – the bodies of my friends and colleagues, will be found. Yet – the Xenomorph did not – " Whitetail’s voice trailed off, and his eyes widened in horror as he came to begin putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
Millar’s smiled sadly, grieved by her inability to help, but pleased – in that he was figuring it out himself.
    "You begin to understand – " Millar’s quiet thoughts ran through his fevered mind.
    "Oh goddess – " Whitetail wept. "Why? Why her? I did not get a chance to properly train her…and her powers – "
    "Whitetail – you misunderstand Inari’s true powers…. She is much stronger – than you believe." Millar’s answered. "Inari will hold out for some time, but she will not be able to withstand it forever. Should Inari be turned to evil…with her powers…nothing, not even I, would be able to stop her."

    Whitetail’s paws clenched in anger, but he swallowed and drove away the rage that rose within him, allowing a peace and cleansing feeling to fill his body and mind.
    "What am I supposed to do? I do not know where to start looking for her…." Whitetail wept bitterly.
    "You know the answer to that my child – " Come Millar’s cryptic answer. "You have but little time, and the longer you wait – the greater the danger your friend suffers."
Whitetail glanced at Millar’s, then without another word – he fled the temple. Millar watched him, then shook her head.
    "Go with you my blessing does – " Millar’s sighed. "Also – goes my greatest fears."

    Foxville, Minor Spaceport.

    Drak sat slumped in a chair, the stench of strong Arcadian whisky permeating him. Cmdr. Whitetail strode purposefully up to him then roughly slammed him back against the wall, making Drak gurgle in drunken apathy.
    "Well…hiya staggie!" Drak belched, then chuckled weakly. "How’s it – "
Cmdr. Whitetail stared at the drunken smuggler – then swore and sharply backhanded him across the snout. Drak shrieked and fell to the ground, then sat up and snatched his pistol from its holster. Without missing a beat, Cmdr. Whitetail lashed out with a hoof and kicked solidly in Drak’s paw. There was a sickening snap and the pistol went flying, as Drak shrieked and clutched his broken wrist.
    "What – yer do that fur?" He whimpered.
Snarling in rage, Cmdr. Whitetail dragged Drak back to his feet and smashed him heavily back against the wall.
    "Listen to me – you son of a bitch!" Cmdr. Whitetail roared. "I want to know what you know about the assassination of Ambassador Ak’tar…now."
Drak blinked drunkenly.
    "The – who?" He gurgled, as Whitetail shook him violently.
    "Do not fuck with me!" Cmdr. Whitetail screamed, punctuating each word by smacking Drak heavily against the wall.
    "The – oh…that Ambassador!" Drak coughed. "Well – a…."
    "I know the official story, but what’s the inside scoop? Who hired them and for what purpose?"
    "Lemme see – my mind’s a little – " Drak began.

    Cmdr. Whitetail slammed his pistol up under Drak’s muzzle, his finger tightening on the trigger. Drak swallowed and trembled.
    "Well – since you put it in that way…." Drak choked. "Word has it, that Blackfurr, younger rival of mine, was paid a very large amount of credits…too off the Ambassador. I was offered as well, but I don’t do assassinations. I have my honour and standards…."
Cmdr. Whitetail growled menacingly.
    "As you see – they succeeded…. It was intended, that by using stolen Meldaron forces uniforms and weaponry, that it would appear that the Meldaron’s had intentionally assassinated the Schinicin ambassador…who, had it all gone to plan, would have – " Drak spoke.

    Without warning, a crossbow bolt sheared past Cmdr. Whitetail’s cheek and slammed in to Drak’s throat. Blood exploded as he clutched at the crossbow bolt that had passed straight through and buried itself in the wood behind him…. Within seconds, the horrified patrons in the bar got a vivid glimpse, of the effects of Turnok venom…. As Drak’s body began convulsing as a black web of poison spread all across his body, Cmdr. Whitetail snapped around and just caught the glimpse of a grey furred creature, as it fled the bar. Unable to take a shot, he turned back to Drak, who was choking and clawing at the crossbow bolt. With a supreme effort…and his last mortal action – was to press a blood slickened datapad card against Whitetail…before he succumb to the voracious effects of the venom. Whitetail felt the pain of the nick on his cheek, and he turned his powers in on himself, and neutralised the lethal poison in a heartbeat. He then tore the crossbow bolt out and lowered Drak’s black and bloated body down, tenderly closing the blood filled eyes.
    "May Millar’s bless you…and keep you safe…." Cmdr. Whitetail croaked.
Holstering his pistol, Cmdr. Whitetail left the bar…and the horrified patrons.

    Med-Bay, Maloner Base, Maloner, Pearldinea

    Dr. Kaldorianas stared down at Cmdr. Deerinea, whose eyes fluttered open.
    "What – " Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea gurgled.
    "Easy now ma’am…." Whispered the Doe. "You’ve been hurt badly, but we managed to repair the worst of the damage done…."
    "I feel – " Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea began, then retched violently.
Swiftly, Dr. Kaldorianas held a dish, her furred face looking pasty, as Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea was violently ill. When Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea had purged herself, Dr. Kaldorianas wiped a cold cloth against her muzzle and offered her a drink of water.
    "That is an unfortunate – side effect of the surgery and anaesthetic I’m afraid…." Dr. Kaldorianas commented.
    "I – " Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea gurgled. "Feel terrible…."
Nodding, Dr. Kaldorianas sighed.
    "I do not know how you were injured like that…but it was so close to becoming permanent…." Whispered the Doe. "I do not know how – but we managed too…."
    "White…" Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea began.
    "Who?" Dr. Kaldorianas asked.
    "White…tail…did this." Lt. Cmdr. Deerinea gurgled, then slumped back in to unconsciousness.

    Dr. Kaldorianas’ eyes widened, and her ears slicked back flat against her head. Instantly, she slapped the button on the wall.
    "Security – find and detain Commander Whitetail… now!" Dr. Kaldorianas shrieked.
    "Doctor – we can not – " Come the voice from the comlink.
    "Just do it!" Dr. Kaldorianas shrieked, then closed the comlink.
With an angry snarl, Dr. Kaldorianas turned away, and strode from the Med-Bay.

    Palace, City of N’Chath, Planet Sirius, Sirius System

    When at last the turbolift hissed to a close and the doors hissed open, the jackal like soldiers marched Uzuri forwards in to an immense throne room. At the far end, was an impenetrable wall of pure black…so dark it defied the mortal mind to conceive. It was as if pure entropy had been somehow captured and enslaved in that place. They marched her across the floor, then stopped only sixty feet from the black shroud. As one, they stepped back, bowed, then left the chambers, leaving the surprised Uzuri standing alone…or so she thought.  A pair of brilliant silver eyes…two feet across each, and twice that distance apart, blazed out of the shadowy darkness…a hundred feet up. Uzuri felt her gaze drawn irresistibly to those burning eyes…and her blood froze in her veins….
    "Admiral Uzuri…" Came a soft, sibilant hiss. "How nice, to finally make your acquaintance!"
Uzuri quavered under that burning gaze that seemingly pierced her dark soul to its very core.  This creature snarled something reptilian – and the darkness peeled back like a curtain…revealing the massive form of the black scaled dragon that lay casually sprawled on the tiled floor…. It measured at least 200’ long, from its ebony nose, to its tail tip – and its weight was more than Uzuri’s reeling mind could comprehend. It rose, then unfurled its 300’ wide wings and stretched them, the leathery membrane rippling and vibrating. Still, its gaze consumed Uzuri with a fire that was beyond comprehension…or even description.
    "Do you know – how displeased you have made me?" Hissed the reptile, as it yawned, 4’ long canines gleaming in the light.
Uzuri slumped to her knees, her throat locked with terror.
    "No – you have but no idea…." Answered the dragon. "None what so ever."

    It snorted and folded its leathery wings and glared accusatorially at her. Gesturing with a massive paw, it spoke something and the electric cuffs disengaged and clattered to the deck.
    "Who – are you?" Uzuri’s voice cracked.
    "I – am your mistress Uzuri…." Snorted the Dragon.
    "No!" Uzuri wept. "It’s not true…."
Chuckling, the sound like the rumble of distant thunder, the Dragon smirked. "So easily fooled – are your species. One of the reasons, that I like your people. Perchance – this will persuade you?"
It gestured and a holographic image appeared before the shocked Uzuri…and she stared from the hologram to the smiling Dragon beyond.
    "You – " Uzuri gurgled.
    "Yes Uzuri – I am your mistress. I had hopes for you Uzuri…and you should be grateful to me, as it was me that saved your life, when you were crushed and nearly killed – fourteen years ago." Rumbled the reptile.

    "Thank you?" Uzuri shrieked, as she gestured at herself. "For what? Making me more droid than Meldaron?"
    "I gave you life Uzuri…do not tempt me, or I shall take it from you…." Hissed the reptile in anger, its eyes narrowing to slits. "I made you – and I can break you…just as easily."
    "You gave me life – but you never claimed my soul!" Uzuri shot back accusingly.
    Smirking, the Dragon chuckled.  "Uzuri – why would I want your pitiful soul? Honestly, do you think that it is worth anything to one such as me?"
Uzuri glared at the immense reptile, which stretched languidly.
    "What do you want from me?" Uzuri growled.
    "You want to know something Uzuri?" It smiled widely. "I let you be so insolent – for one reason. I love the anger that emanates from you. I have had thousands…millions…like yourself, in my millennia of life, and each of you fragile, pitiful creatures…live your petty little lives with such ferocious tenacity and drive; your emotions are so…invigorating. Yes Uzuri, I love your pitiful race…but in you burns a rage and malice, that almost equals my own. I had thought of destroying you outright – for ruining my plans…but I dismissed this. You are only mortal after all – and thusly – are prone to make mistakes. I will concede that I was quite displeased…but I forgive you this once. I will correct your mistakes – but I will not give you a second chance Uzuri. Fail me again, and I promise you – that you will know such unimaginable agonies – that will be yours for eternity."

    Uzuri stared up at the massive Dragon, her scarred and rotted muzzle hanging open in stunned alarm.
    "I hereby reinstate you – as Admiral of the Dark Talon Fleet, Uzuri…do not fail me again." Hissed the Dragon. "I will not tolerate another thwarting of my plans. Now, you must go to the asteroid belt L3-9W2, out on the furthermost edge of the known Galaxy. Here, you shall find an old Meldaron Scientific station, long since deserted. Once you arrive there, you will meet another of my loyal followers…who carries a most precious gift, which is a female Meldaron, named Inari. I want – I order – you to bring this person…to me directly. Do not fail me again…Admiral…."

    With a dismissive gesture, the Dragon banished Uzuri in to an impenetrable darkness.

    Within a heartbeat, Uzuri snapped awake and sat bolt upright in her quarters, aboard the flagship of the Dark Talon Fleet….
    "What – how…." Admiral Uzuri began, as she felt herself, and tightened the seals around her helm.
Sliding out of bed, Uzuri touched the pad beside her bunk.
    "By your command Admiral?" Come the Commanders metallic voice.
    "Commander – what course are we holding?" Admiral Uzuri quavered.
    "We are still in orbit around the Starbase, in the Altreides System." Come the response.

    Admiral Uzuri stared in to the mirror, and her eyes widened in horror, as she seen the shadowy image of the great dragon standing directly behind her…wings spread, silver eyes burning like fire…a evil laugh rippling through her very soul….

    Shuttle Bay, Maloner Base, Pearldinea, Maloner.

    Cmdr. Whitetail exploded in to the shuttle bay, startling the on-duty troopers. Scattering them before him, he ran across the permacrete flooring and vanished up inside a shuttle’s hatchway. Startled, the troopers swung their weapons up, but their orders to halt were drowned by the shriek of the engines igniting. Soldiers, technicians and civilians alike, scattered as the shuttle swung around and aligned itself with the hangar entrance. In the control tower, they scrambled to close the hangar blast doors, as the shuttles engine whine grew in feverish intensity. Just as the massive doors began to grind closed, the shuttle leapt like a startled Gazelle and tore off towards the rapidly shrinking strip of sunlight.
    "Oh sweet Millar – he’s not going to make it!" Someone gasped.
Dozens turned to look, as the shuttle screamed across the hangar deck, then with the narrowest of margins – blasted through the gap and streaked off up through the sky, its ion drives blazing with radioactivity….

  – TO BE CONTINUED –