This is the 4th book and last part of the mini series.

Everything is owned by me.


3 1/2 YEARS AGO



Thorn sat at a small table that was near the entrance of the commons area on outpost one. He had had a few drinks all ready as he waited for his older brother to show up. Abruptly a white fox bumped into his chair. "Hey! watch where you're going!" He said to the fox, but he didn't reply so Thorn let it slide as he looked across the room to where some ladies were dancing to some music that was playing loudly. He took a few seconds to watch them and the way their bodies moved. It had been a while since he had been with a women, something he learned along time ago was to not get too close to women. It had been along time since he had thought about his wife, he had never fully recovered from her death. Never again would he marry someone as long as he kept up his job as a bounty hunter.

Not too far from him was the pit fights where people were beating eachother up over the idea of proving who was better. Looking at the fight going on it looked like it was a no rules fight since they both had knives. Every once in awhile Thorn would participate in a fight to keep his fighting skills sharp, but in all reality he didn't need to since there were just a rare few who could hold there own against him at hand to hand combat.

Thorn heard the chair across the table from him slide, when he looked in the direction he saw a white tiger take a seat from him. The big difference between Thorn and his brother was that Thorn was a black tiger and his brother was white. "Phoenix, i'm so glad that you accepted my invitation to a drink." Phoenix looked at Thorn with what looked like annoyance, but Thorn had learned that just how he always looked. "What the hell do you want?" Replied Phoenix. Thorn let out a sigh, once again his brother was being a stuck up jerk.

"It's about this. I haven't seen you in three years now. I never hear from you. Ever since mom and dad died you have been distant from everyone." Phoenix stood up. "I see what this is. Because i have learned that nothing in this universe matters except for what you make out of it. Well listen up, I'm not in need of any help, or any friends and family." Thorn stood up when he spoke. "Do you not remember anything about the honor you were taught?" Phoenix snarled. "Honor? What honor? There is no honor any more, and i hope you learn that before it gets you killed to."

There was a loud crash from across the room, when Thorn looked over he could see a tall fox in a military Jacket standing over the white fox that had bumped into a moment ago. The fox was laying on the ground surrounded by glass from a table he had just gone through. Everyone had stopped to see what was going on, and after a second the other fox took off running. It was a few seconds before the white one got up and went in the same direction. When things were quite Thorn continued. "Honor is everything, it's what keeps us on the right path. I hear that you have been killing anyone." Phoenix looked like he was ready to just leave.

"Money is money. It doesn't matter how its made. Children, women, families. All i see is a job." Thorn looked worried for his brother. "You think that having honor is going to get me killed. But what about you? Everything you're doing now is wrong and will surely get you killed." Phoenix smiled for the first time in years and it actually scared Thorn. "If i'm to die then i just hope i can take as many as i can with me. Let there be fire and ash!" Phoenix turned and began to walk quickly. "Brother!" Urged Thorn. Phoenix stopped and looked back for a second. "Don't ever call me that again, and from now on don't ever try contacting me! We are done. There is nothing more for me here." Thorn just watched as his brother left him for the last time.













CHAPTER 1





Winter just wanted this to be over quickly as Jack had promised. The whole day had been the worst one of her life. First she had people touching her and talking about her as if she were nothing but a sexy body, then she had given herself over to Jack in order to get away from all of that which was almost just as bad to her but something she could live with. Now to top it all off she was going to be killed for reasons she didn't know. She never stopped squeezing Jacks hand because it was the only thing keeping her from losing all control.



Jack decided it was probably best to stall for as much time as he could since it was something he had gotten better with over time. "So Derek before you have us killed how about i ask you a few final questions, like now that you have gotten rid of me do you think that no one will ever find out what secrets you have been hiding for years now." Derek gave him a glare. "No questions Jack, no games, just die." Jack sighed a little seeing that Derek wasn't going to play along. "Fine at least answer this one." Jack pointed to the bulkhead behind the marines. "Is the hangar bay behind that bulkhead?"



Derek had had enough of this none sense. "Marines prepare to fire." Jack frowned as the marines got their rifles ready. "This would've been more fun if you had played along, but oh well let me do one more thing before you fire." Jack grabbed Winter and pulled her into a hug so his back was to the marines and Winter was out of their line of fire. "What the hell Jack! Now is not the time to get all touchy feely." Jack whispered into her ear. "You promised to do whatever i say. No matter what happens i want you to run, don't think." She pulled back so she could see his face. "What?"



Derek could tell Jack was trying to protect Winter but didn't care, he just wanted them dead. "Marines fire!" Just as Derek said fire there was a loud thunderous explosion from the bulkhead behind the marines. Three of the marines were killed by shrapnel instantly while the other two went down severely injured. Derek was knocked over side was and hit the deck with a loud thump. Several pieces of the bulkhead hit Jack in the back as a couple actually went through the skin causing severe pain. "Run!" Jack cried out half in pain.



Jack grabbed Winter's wrist and forced her to run with him towards the hole in the bulk head. Through the large opening the explosion had caused Jack could see the Mercury which was now turning around so its bow was facing them. The Mercury quickly flew up closer and stopped a short distance from the whole. Winter had to do her best to not trip on the bodies, but became increasingly worried as she realized Jack wasn't slowing down before the hole. "Jack!" She shouted. Jack shouted back. "Jump!"



Jack and Winter went flying out the hole and into the hangar bay which was a five deck drop off. Sharp pain went through Jack as he landed on the bow of the Mercury and his head hit the cockpit window. "Jack!" He looked at Winter who had landed on the curved part of the bow and was quickly sliding off the bow. "Shit!" He shouted as he threw himself at her. As she went sliding off the front center of the bow Jack grabbed onto the top center bow thruster port and with his other grabbed Winter's wrist. Winter looked down and finally noticed how far up she was and started to kick and scream. "Jack! don't drop me, please don't drop me!"



All of the extra moving around Winter was doing was sending more pain through Jack's shoulder which had a small piece of steel sticking out from it. "Stop kicking and screaming like a girl and i might be able to hold on." There was two loud bangs and clangs as bullets hit the Mercury not to far from Jack, He looked up to see Derek standing in the opening with a pistol in his hand, but from the looks of it was still dazed from being so close to the explosion. "Lucy!" Jack shouted as Derek fired again. Without warning there was a deafening sound as the Mercury's bow guns that were on on both sides of Jack opened fire.



Mercury's guns unleashed hell at Derek causing him to dive behind the bulkhead for cover. When The Mercury stopped firing Jack began to shout. "Damn it Lucy! I meant turn the ship around so he can't hit us." He couldn't hear Lucy apologize. Winter Looked down again as the Mercury turned around, seeing the deck way below her moving got her kicking more. "Jack, save me please!" Jack moaned trying to not think of the pain. "I'm going to pull you up but you have to help out some." Doing the best he could he began to pull her back up which was causing him pain all over. Eventually he was able to get her half way back up so just her waist down was hanging off.



"Ok Winter grab onto my belt and start pulling yourself up, when you can wrap your legs around me for support." Jacks arm was starting to shake from all the stress. Slowly Winter grabbed onto his belt and pulled herself up more, and then when she got her legs up onto the bow she locked them around jack's legs. When she felt securer she moved her hand up and grabbed Jack's shoulder for support. Jack cried out loudly in pain which caused Winter to withdraw her hand quickly. As she did she saw blood in her palm. "Your bleeding!" She pointed out to him with worry in her voice. "I will be fine just keep going." Jack insisted. Being more careful with Jack she slowly made her way above him to the flat part of the bow. Jack then used both hands to pull himself up next to Winter.



"I'll give you a boost up to the top." Jack said. He then gave Winter a lift as he pushed her up on top of the cockpit, then climbed up himself. Lucy already had the top hatch open for them so Jack let Winter climb down first. Before climbing down himself he took a moment to look at the hole in the bulkhead, once again Derek was standing in the opening giving Jack a hateful look. Jack gave him a sloppy salute off before climbing down the ladder. Derek watched as once again the Mercury jumping away from him with Jack on board. He took the pistol in his hand and hurled it at where the Mercury had been and then grabbing any debris he could and doing the same with it as he cursed up a storm.







CHAPTER 2





Cyrus waited in the corner of the fighters pit as his stomach turned at the thought of fighting with Mars. After what seemed like hours Mars finally showed up and Jumped down the five foot drop into the pit. For a man of such size his landing was quite and smooth. Cyrus looked up and all around at all the people that had gathered to watch this training fight. Up in his corner he could see Diego watching him. The only reason Cyrus was doing this was because Diego told him he had to train with Mars so in the future he would be better prepared. But he would rather fight any one else other than Mars. Mars could tear him apart with nothing but his bare hands.



The pounding in Cyrus's chest quickened as he tried his best to hide his fear. All he wanted to do was make Diego proud since he was the only man he saw as a father figure. "What's the matter boy? You aren't scared, are you?" Cyrus's tail twitched as Mars had spoke to him. "Im not a boy any more, im a grown man." Said Cyrus as he stood his ground. Mars slowly walked closer as he spoke. "Age isn't what makes a man boy. To be a man you have to be able to fight, and kill for what you need to survive. Not by sucking off the tit of those that let you live off of what they have fought for. Now prove to me that you can be a man and attack me."



Cyrus hesitated for a second before charging at Mars, but once again he was surprised at how Mars could move so quickly and fluently. In a heartbeat Mars had stepped sideways before Cyrus could make contact and he went tripping over Mars leg that was still stretched out. As he went stumbling by Mars swung his elbow straight back into the back side of Cyrus's neck. With a cracking sound Cyrus went flying forward until he ran into the wall. Angered Cyrus threw himself off the wall and charged at Mars again. This time Mars stood his ground and when Cyrus got to him started to throw a bunch of punches, all of which Mars blocked with ease.



Mars quickly took a swing and nailed Cyrus right in the muzzle which sent him staggering back. Before Cyrus could recover Mars delivered a kick into Cyrus's chest which sent him flying and falling to the deck. For a second Cyrus just rolled around on the deck, then looked up at all the people watching that were cheering Mars on. He built up some more strength and staggered to his feet, he wasn't about to let Mars make a fool of him. Once again Cyrus went charging at Mars, but this time Mars did something Cyrus didn't expect, but it was too late for Cyrus to stop.



Mars grabbed one of his three small knifes that was holstered on his right leg below his dagger that he always carried on him and swung it into Cyrus's leg as he went by. The knife was only a few inches long but it went all the way into Cyrus's leg muscle which sent pain through his whole leg as he staggered then collapsed to the deck. Cyrus wrapped his hands around his leg as he tried to keep from crying out, and was very careful as to not touch the knife for fear of causing more pain. "You cheated!" Said Cyrus. Mars just stood there as he watched Cyrus.



"In real life there is no cheating, just those that give themselves the upper hand." Said Mars. Cyrus could see Diego still watching him up in the crowd. "I have no weapon i have a disadvantage." Said Cyrus. Now Mars looked like he was starting to get tired of this. "You must find anything around you that you can use to your advantage. If you would of taken the time you would've noticed that i had given you a weapon to fight me with." Cyrus follow Mars gaze to the knife that was in his leg, it made his heart skip a beat. Looking up again at Diego Cyrus took a deep breath and with a quick yank pulled the knife out, which was more painful than when it had entered. Blood began to stream out of the wound faster now.



Cyrus once again got to his feet but with a noticeable limp, as with every step his leg just wanted to give out from the pain. With as much effort as he could he staggered at Mars and once he was close thrusted the knife at him. Mars was too quick and grabbed the blade of the knife stopping it instantly. Cyrus just watched Mars's hand which was wrapped around the blade as blood poured from his palm, but Mars didn't even show any sign of even feeling it. Just as quickly as he had stopped it, Mars took his other hand and grabbed the hand that Cyrus was holding the knife and twisted it. Cyrus cried out as he lost his grip on the knife and Mars took it from him. Mars didn't release Cyrus's hand, he just kept twisting it more as Cyrus tried harder to get free.



Mars took the knife and drove it into Cyrus's side only deep enough to cause pain and bleeding but not enough to kill him. Cyrus cried out loud as Mars pulled the knife out and then stabbed it into him again. Again and again Mars repeated this as every time Cyrus cried out more. After doing it a few more times Mars released Cyrus letting him collapse to the deck again. Cyrus looked up while he held his side to where Diego was, but he was no longer there which made Cyrus's heart sink. Most of the crowd had grown tired of the fight and some had already left. Slowly Cyrus tried to crawl away but suddenly the sharp piercing pain of a knife cutting through the skin of his shoulder and hitting bone caused him to scream out.



"Where do you think your going boy? Have you learned anything yet? No matter how hard you train and work you will never learn to become a man until you learn that its the way you think that needs to be changed. As long as you stay that loving coward you have always been you will never be able to become a man and fight." Cyrus whimpered loudly. "I will become strong, and one day i will show you that i'm not someone you should of messed with." Mars twisted the knife and applied more pressure to it which caused Cyrus to kick his leg in pain. "Is that a challenge boy? Let me do this for you, whenever you want, any place any time. I will let you challenge me to a one on one fight. But it will be to the death. There will be no more games next time."



Mars pulled the knife back out as Cyrus thrashed around on the deck in pain. Mars took the knife and wiped the blood off on Cyrus before returning it back to its holster. "Now i don't want to see you again anytime soon so stay the hell away from here rodent." Mars walked over to the wall and easily pulled himself back up to where the rest of the normal fighting rings were. Cyrus wasn't sure how badly hurt he was but knew it wasn't good since everything around him was starting to feel more and more like a dream. As things slowly faded he felt himself lifting up from the deck and the only word that came to him before all went dark was Draco.









CHAPTER 3









Jack sank deep into his hair chair with a loud sigh after seeing the the Ares hanger bay disappear and replaced with the vast openness of stars as far as the eye could see. Once again he was safe,being he had manage to escape with his ship, lucy and his life. Lucy had done her job perfectly by staying hidden till the time was right, because the last thing he wanted was for the coalition to find out that he had their stolen AI prototype. "Lucy you were brilliant as always, but we still need to talk about you firing the guns while i'm right next to them." Jack said in a kind hearted way. "Hey i said i'm sorry, how was i supposed to know you meant turn around, instead of shot the crazy guy with the gun." Replied Lucy.



Jack laughed "Don't worry your still my best girl Lucy." Winter was just sitting in the co-pilots seat looking down at her twirling fingers in deep thought. "Thanks for saving me." Jack looked over at Winter since he had forgotten that she was here. "I shouldn't of saved you, but you also had no idea what you were doing. You still have no idea what kind of situation you are in." Winter looked at Jack like she was almost ready to cry which gnawed at Jack some. "What do you mean?" Jack leaned back into his chair more. "I mean you are now stuck on this ship with me for the rest of your life."



Winter's mouth moved for a second before she remember how to talk again. "What the hell do you mean forever? I have to get back to my dad." Jack looked at her and actually looked sorry. "I'm sorry but you can't see him ever again, or even try to contact him. As long as Derek knows that you're still alive he will try to hunt you down like he has with me. No matter where you go you won't be safe, and sadly the Mercury is the safest place for you." Winter just looked at him as she held back tears. "I'm sorry Winter, but its the way it has to be. As long as you stay on the Mercury i can protect you, if you leave you will be all on your own and will be right back where you were just at."



Winter looked at him with what looked like hate. "You just want to keep me here so you can have some eye candy and do whatever things you want to." Jack laughed at her which confused her. "Ok Winter look. I'm tired of this crazy i'm so sexy ego thing of yours. Yes im a guy and you're a girl, that in no way means that i'm thinking sexual things about you. I have a...had a... well what i'm trying to say is stop thinking like that. As far as i'm concerned you're just my new co-pilot and nothing more." Winter looked at him for a second and couldn't see any signs that he was lying to her.



"I'm sorry Jack, i'm just use to being around guys that want me." Jack smiled at her trying to get her into a better mood. "Its alright Winter, but this all reminds me. You need to take off those clothes." Winter just looked at him with her mouth hanging open as she tried to come up with some argument on how he just said he didn't want any of her, but she decided to just except it. "So for how long do i have to do as you say?" She asked. "Well it will be forever, but i'll go over everything with you later." Winter sank deep into her seat looking up at the ceiling as she let it sink in, then with a sigh began to lift up her shirt.



Jack threw his hands up in a motion to stop her. "Wait! Stop! what the hell are you doing?" She looked at him confused as hell with her shirt half up. "You said to take off my close so you can do whatever." Jack laughed as he motioned for her to but the shirt back on. "No! did i not just give you a speech about sexual stuff?" She held her head as she began to get a headache. "Yea but then you said i had to take off my cloths." Jack nodded his head. "Yea i did but i meant back there. Your clothes are dirty, bloody, and torn. I might not have any woman's clothes, but i do have some extra pants and shirts you can use for the next hour till we can get you some new cloths."



"Thank you Jack, sadly and in a strange way thats one of the kindest things a guy has said to me, but speaking of blood you're still bleeding." Jack frowned a little because he had also forgotten he had to get some shrapnel out of him and clean some wounds. "Its nothing, i'll take care of it while you clean up." Winter frowned as she climbed out of her seat and pushed Jack forward in his so she could see his back better. "Your crazy Jack, there no way you can reach some of these. I'll help you with these since its all my fault this happened." Jack thought about it since she was right about him not being able to reach. "Well you are right, it was your fault, but its going to be bloody, are you sure you can handle it?"



Her response was a bit quiet. "Yea, after what i saw on the Waltz this will be nothing." Jack climbed out of his seat and put a hand on her shoulder. "If you ever need anything just let me know. I've seen lots of things that most people will never have to see." Winter shook her head. "No i'm fine, but your not so lets get you taken care of." Jack nodded as he stepped past her and through the open hatch to the aft quarters. "Now that you're my new co-pilot let me show you around, currently you're in the cockpit." Jack finished as she stepped through the hatch. "And now you're in what I call the aft quarters, there is a sink, a ladder for docking, my bunk, and behind that curtain is a toilet. Then there on the back bulkhead is the hatch for docking the legit way, so as long as we aren't docked i'd recommend not walking through it."



Winter took it all in. "And where is the rest?" Jack looked at her puzzled. "The rest? If you are referring to the Mercury then you have just seen the whole ship." She gave him a look that he couldn't place. "What do you mean this is it? theres two rooms and both are too small to be called rooms." Jack got defensive. "Hey now, the Mercury may not be big but she makes up for it in every other way." She just stared him down. " Then where am i supposed to sleep?" Jack smiled. "I will think of something." Winter rolled her eyes as she grabbed a pot she had found and began to fill it with water.



Jack removed his coat, shirt, and undershirt as carefully as he could, then he laid face down on his bunk. Winter took the pot of water and set it down next to his bunk, and then tore the sleeve off of her shirt which wasn't difficult for her since the sleeve was already torn. She then soaked the sleeve in the water and gave it a twist over his back letting the water run over his back, washing blood away with it. Now that she could see where there were cuts and which ones had steel in them, she was able to start cleaning out the cuts.



"So how long have you been living like this?" she asked. Jack took a minute to think. "Its been about five and a half years now. Derek set me up for something that i didn't do, and i took the fall for it. I was able to steal the Mercury, or as it was called then, the Hermes. Then i had Lucy installed after two years of being alone, and that there got me into lots of trouble, heartache, and debt. Then here i am, nothing more than a speck amongst the stars. How about you?" Asked Jack. Winter thought as she pulled a piece of steel from his shoulder that made him yelp out.



"Sorry! Well let me see here, there not much to tell. I was looking for a way to piss my dad off so I used his money to purchase tickets for me and my boyfriend to go to a new place on board the Waltz. But as you know we got attacked by pirates, then after weeks you came along and saved me." Jack smiled as she wiped one of the wounds. "That reminds me, I have saved your life three times now, plus you got me arrested, so you owe me for four times now." Winter frowned as she spoke in a kidding way. "Are you sure i just can't perform a few sexual acts for you that don't involve touching?" Jack had to bit his lip before he spoke. "No! No i prefer to be repaid in ways that are actually helpful."



Winter wasn't sure if she should be offended by that or not. No guy had ever turned her down before even when she was joking, which just helped remind her the power she had over men. But Jack actually said no to her, even though she would've just called him a perv. She was truly confused. "Wow Jack you really are the gentlemen aren't you?" He smiled. "I try." She smiled as she looked around the room feeling more comfortable around him knowing that he wasn't like most guys and for once feeling safe. Then she saw a picture in a frame that had what looked like a much younger Jack and a female fox posing together. Then it dawned on her what he had been saying earlier.



"How long ago did she die?" Asked Winter. Jack lifted his head up confused. "Who?" Winter nodded to the picture since her hands were busy with his back. "Her." Jack looked over and saw the picture on the dresser, and then was quiet for a moment. "She's not dead." Winter looked down at him. "I'm sorry i know its none of my business, but did you two break up?" Jack shook his head. "No, like i told you, we can never see or contact the ones we love ever again. It doesn't just endanger us, but also them." Now it made sense to her, and she also realized he wasn't trying to be mean or trap her here. He was just doing what he thought was right for everyone. "So even after what i did you really do plan on protecting me for as long as you can?"



Jack nodded. "Well with the way i've been getting hurt around you and nearly killed, we will have to see how long i can turns out to be. But yes." For once in her life she actually felt like kissing someone for a reason other than getting to their money, but she controlled herself and just laid a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you." Jack got up and put just his coat back on. "Don't mention it. Theres some cloths in that dresser and you can use my bunk for the moment. If you need me i will be in the cockpit so you can have your privacy."



Winter thanked him again as he stepped into the cockpit and closed the hatch. He climbed into his seat as Lucy spoke to him. "So how do you like your new girlfriend?" Jack sighed. "She is a new co-pilot and nothing else." Lucy started to sound like a naughty girl that was just talking amongst her closest friend. "Now come on Jack tell me you don't want to crack open that hatch and take a little peek." Jack sank into his chair as he relaxed. "Nope the thought never even crossed my mind." Lucy quickened her speech a little. "You're lying." Jack frowned. "You really don't know me at all, do you?" Lucy went back to talking normal. "I think I know you too well and you just won't admit it." Jack just closed his eyes. "Good night Lucy!"





CHAPTER 4



Derek sat at his desk with the lights in his room dimmed low. The brightest source of light in the room was the monitor that was built into the desk. Next to it was his bottle of hard liquor and shot glass he had been pouring into. Even after a few shots his head hurt from the rage that he was in. Once again Jack was gone and on the loose. Jack was the biggest problem in his life. All Jack had to do was prove his innocence and then all the blame would go to himself. That was the last thing he wanted because if command ever found out about that, they might start digging deep and find out about all the other things he had done.



None of the information he was looking at had anything of value. There still wasn't any way to track or detect the Mercury unless you were right on top of it or knew where she was. Derek went straight for the bottle and took a swig from it completely ignoring the glass. He then heard a loud commotion going on outside of his door, but before he could get up the hatch to his room came flying open. Phoenix quickly entered through the hatch with a marine following behind him, who happened to have a bloody nose.



The marine went to grab Phoenix, but was struck in the nose again by phoenix's elbow. Derek rolled his eyes as the marine cried out. "Just leave him and get out of here Marine." Said Derek. "Yes sir!" Said the marine as he left and closed the hatch. Derek gave Phoenix a hateful glare. "And what the hell do you think you're doing by just barging into my quarters?" Phoenix pointed his finger at Derek as he stepped closer, but Derek remained seated. "I want my money for the job right now." Derek leaned forward onto the desk. "But don't you actually have to do the job to get the money?"



That pissed Phoenix off more. "How can i do the job if you leave out a bunch of important things, like how fast the ship was. Hell i blew her up with a rocket as it crashed into an asteroid, do you mind telling me how that is possible?" Derek gave him a half grin. "Because you are a merc who doesn't know how to do a simple mission." Phoenix stepped up to the desk and slammed his fist down almost knocking over the bottle of liquor. "Give me my money!" Derek didn't flinch. "No." Phoenix whipped out his sidearm and aimed it at Derek head.



"Give me my money now, or i will shoot you right here, right now." Derek leaned back into his leather chair as if this was a casual conversation. "Fine, i'll have the money delivered to the hangar bay outside your ship, but this is the last time that we are ever going to deal together." Phoenix almost snarled as if he was dealing with a child that wasn't listening. "I could've told you that. Money may be money, but my reputation of being able to get the job done is just as important. You can't be trusted like most the people i deal with, but at least they want to see the job done enough to give me the information that i need."



Derek gave him another half grin. "Well i agree reputation is everything, as is power and information, there is some information that gets people killed and thats the type that i deal with every day. Just make sure we never meet again and it won't be an issue." Phoenix headed towards the hatch to leave. "If we ever meet again you won't even know it." He made sure the hatch slammed shut loudly behind him leaving Derek in the dim room alone again. Derek took another swig from his bottle again as he thought. Now he had another loose thread, which was gnawing at him. He had hoped that Phoenix would work out unlike so many people he had dealt with before, but like the rest eventually became unwilling to work for Derek.



He knew what he had to do, grabbing the bottle and glass he got up and walked into his bedroom and returned the bottle and glass to their home in the liquor cabinet. He got a new fresh uniform out of his dresser and once he was dressed he left his quarters and headed straight for the command center. This time he wasn't going to screw up like he did with Jack. Phoenix was going to get paid what he deserved.







..................................................









Cyrus slowly opened his eyes and this time he was sure he was blind in both eyes, but after a moment realized that the lights were just dim in the room. But something was wrong he was supposed to be in the fighting pit. Then he remembered floating and he had said something. "Cyrus, You awake?" He knew that voice almost as well as he knew his own. "Draco?" Again the voice spoke up. "Yea its me, how do you feel?" Cyrus smiled as he tried to lean up but there was a sharp pain in his side from where he had been stabbed. "Not so good." Draco moved closer and grabbed a hold of Cyrus's hand. "Don't try moving. I got you all bandaged up right now and you don't want to reopen those wounds."



"I'm hideous." Stated Cyrus. "What in the world are you talking about?" Asked Draco. "Its my eye. its all grey now, and my half moon marking is ruined by the scar." Draco carefully touched near the scar. "That's nonsense. You're great looking just like the first day i saw you." Cyrus looked away. "you're just saying that." Draco grabbed his muzzle and carefully moved it back towards him. "No i'm not. it wouldn't matter to me how you looked. I love you and nothing in the whole universe could change that." Said Draco. "Are you sure?" Asked Cyrus. Draco gave him a kiss. "Yes i'm sure." Cyrus Smiled. "I love you." Draco spoke as he stood up. "I love you too, now get some rest." Cyrus nodded. "Alright just don't leave me." Draco stopped as he was stepping into the main living quarters. "Don't worry i'm not going anywhere." And then he closed the hatch to Cyrus's room. In seconds Cyrus had fallen back to sleep.











CHAPTER 5





Derek quickly walked into the command center in a way that let others know that he was the man in charge like he always did. Murdoch looked up from the info table to see Derek coming his way after hearing a crew member announce admiral on the deck. "Sir you’re not do to be on the command deck for another hour." Derek stepped up to the table across from Murdoch. "We have a situation. Phoenix has escaped with vital information to the coalition, and is going to get away if we don't stop him." Said Derek. Murdoch quickly pulled some information up on the display.



"We can stop his ship and board it, it should only take 10 minutes." Said Murdoch. Derek gave him a hateful look. "No are you crazy, we can't screw this up, its too important." He then grabbed the phone and set it for whole ship. "This is the Admiral, all hands action station, repeat all hands action stations, this is not a drill. " Derek put the phone back then looked up at the people he was giving orders to. "Battery commander give the order to open fire on Phoenix's ship, stop it by any means. Communications Officer connect me to the Argus." After a second a screen flashed on the info table showing the image of the destroyer escorts commander stepping into view, who promptly gave Derek a salute.



"Commander Ridder, there is a small fighter 20 degrees off your port bow, I'm ordering you to open fire on that target. He has vital information and must be stopped at all cost." Said Derek. "Yes Sir." Ridder snapped out of the salute and started giving orders as he turned around, then the screen went blank. Murdoch looked at Derek. "Sir, a destroyer and a battleship are overkill for such a small ship." Derek gave him a stern look. "No more mistakes today, or ever again." He then looked back to the battery commander. "Aren't those guns ready to fire yet?"



The battery commander looked up to Derek. "Sir the flak battery captain reports they will be ready in seconds, but the main batteries are too massive to use against a small ship, and the aft batteries aren't in a good position to fire." Derek gave it a quick thought as he decided that he wanted the aft batteries firing to. "Helms men increase speed to half thrust then turn 40 degrees to starboard." The helmsmen gave a quick yes sir as he adjusted his controls. Then the front windows start to flash with light as several of the Ares's flak guns began to open fire. Derek left the table and walked up the few steps to the platform that was wrapped along the front windows. It wasn't often that the Ares was in a battle that was safe enough for the command deck to stay in the exposed position, so he took the chance to watch the view he loved to see, his ship unleashing hell and making one of his problems go away.







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Phoenix was laid back in his pilot's seat with his navigation controls set on auto so that he could count his money. So far he had counted enough to buy a few more modifications to his ship, and have enough left over for drinks. Then without warning there was several flashes that caught his attention outside the cockpit window. Just as his ships info panel displayed the warning of what was going on several pieces of shrapnel from flak tore through his ship. He quickly took the ship out of autopilot and began to take evasive maneuvers.



He could tell from the way his ship was acting that the damage was bad but it wasn't the worst he had ever had. Checking his display he could tell that he was pretty much screwed, He had a destroyer plus the biggest battleship ever attacking him. He decided the best thing to do was stay calm and he would have an easier time thinking of a way out. One thing he knew was the Ares was the nightmare of most, but he could outrun it and get out of its weapon range quickly. Which to him meant he only had to worry about the Argus cause it would be able to catch up to him. If he was going to survive he had to slow down the Argus, or stop it completely.



He pulled up his ship database that showed weak points for ships. Finally he had found what he was looking for. The Argus was an Achilles class destroyer which they stopped making because there was a very small weak spot in the ships hull near the ammunition hold. No fighter or escort size ship had weapons powerful enough to even get through that weak spot, but luckily a small nuclear warhead would be just enough, and he had happened to of gotten one two years ago and was looking for any excuse to use it.



Again some flak exploded near his ship but this time did less damage. Setting the controls he activated the warhead and opened the lower bay allowing the warhead to be lowered out of the ship. He had one chance at this because he knew that he couldn't just dodge the flack all day. Taking a deep breath he flipped his ship 180 and flew straight at the Argus at full speed. The side of the Argus was quickly getting closer and closer, but so was the flak. He gripped his flight stick tight as he took another deep breath. It was one of the dumbest things he had ever done, but was also one of the most exiting. Once he was in range he flipped the switch to launch the warhead but after a second nothing happened.



The hull of the Argus was getting closer by the second so he started to flip the switch back and forth but still nothing. "Fucking shit!" He stated once he realized that the launch mechanism was damaged from the flak. Just as he got ready to pull up there was a large flash as flak exploded right in front of him. With no time his ship flew straight through it with pieces of flak tearing the bow of his ship apart. All around Phoenix there was sparks as shrapnel tore up the his controls. All of a sudden he felt very numb, and as he looked down he saw blood pouring out of his chest and stomach. Things were starting to blur and when he put his hand to his stomach he knew he could feel things that he shouldn't.



Briefly as everything around him grew quiet he could see himself with his parents, brother and sister. Then it slowly shifted to the last time he had seen his brother at outpost 1. For a split second he wished he could apologize to his brother, but then realized that it was just probably because he was quickly losing his ability to think straight. Then he remember how he was going to die if he ever was to. Before he couldn't think straight any more he set the autopilot and began to laugh. "Let there be fire and ash." He said as blood poured from his muzzle.







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Commander Ridder was looking at his information station keeping an eye on the target and his gun crews. Phoenix had done the unexpected and turned his ship straight for the Argus. At first Ridder thought that it was a bluff but after a few seconds realized that he wasn't stopping. "Sound the collision alarm." He shouted to his Xo, even though he knew that a fighter hitting his ship would do little more than some minor hull damage, but he wanted to keep to procedure. The blip on radar got closer and closer till it reached the center. At first there was a jolt under his feet bigger than he had expected, then a few seconds later there was a tremendous sound that tore its way through the ship. This time the ship shook so much that he went to the deck.



"Damage report!" Yelled Ridder over the loud noises that his ship was making. There was lots of commotion as officers got to there feet and back to their stations. Eventually some one answered. "Sir the ammunition bunker has been destroyed, i got reports all over the ship of casualties and severe damage. Engine room reports that the damage is quickly spreading and that the fuel tanks are more than likely compromised and going to go up taking the whole ship. No one else has reported from their positions, more than likely because the dead or several decks are without power."



Ridder couldn't believe that one little fighter had done this, but he had very little time left, and there was only one thing he could do. "Abandon ship all of you." He shouted to his command crew. Then he picked up the phone and set it for whole ship, or at least what was left of it as he gave the same message.











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From the window of the Ares Derek could see the massive explosion that had torn apart the side of the Argus where Phoenix had just hit it. For about a minute he had watched as explosions tore the Argus apart, and in the background had heard Ridder sending out a communication that he had ordered his crew to abandon ship. Just from watching he could tell that lots of its crew were already dead, but what bothered him the most was losing the Argus it self. A few deaths would not of been big news, but a whole destroyer is.



Right now he was furious, he knew that command would have lots of questions on how a destroyer got destroyed and he would need good answers to keep himself out of trouble. He knew that he was showing his rage right now and if it weren't for the fact that there was nothing to throw, he would of. When he turned back he was sure everyone was staring at him. No one here ever did there job, they were always watching him and waiting for him to screw up so they could take their chance at power. He just knew it and had to get back to his quarters.



He quickly descended back down on his way to leave and as he did so he ordered Murdoch to begin assisting any survivors. Murdoch said yes and went straight to work. After a minute Derek had made it back to his quarters and found his way to his liquor cabinet.





CHAPTER 6





Jack was leaning up against a support beam just outside of Apollo and Adonis which was a clothing shop on Ploutos which was a large space station where everyone in this sector went to shop. He didn't like coming here because it was always packed with people everywhere, doing their shopping and spending all their money. Currently the Mercury was in a small dry dock on the station having repairs done and a new engine installed from where the old one was ripped off. Now all the little money that Jack had left was gone between getting the Mercury fixed and Winter some new cloths. One thing he hated was waiting for a women to shop, which was why he gave her just enough money to get a few cloths that would get her by for awhile.



When she finally came out his jaw nearly fell to the floor as he quickly rushed up to her. "What the hell?" He exclaimed to her. She had several bags full of clothes in her hands and was now wearing tight black leather jeans with a red shirt that was showing more than it should of. "Do you like it?" She asked as she spun around for him. "Its lovely i'm sure, but what the hell did i say?" She just stared at him so he continued. "I said to get something that doesn't draw attention, something that is plain and blends. Not something that screams hey boys look at this piece of meat. Remember we got people looking for us?" She shifted her hips so she was in a position that was defensive and pouty, something she probably used on a lot of guys. "You're the one that is yelling and drawing attention to your self not me."



Jack realized that he was speaking a bit loud so he lowered his voice as he grabbed her wrist and took her over to a balcony that overlooked a window that was big enough to allow several decks to see into space. Now that he was away from most of the crowd he continued. "Have you looked in a mirror or did you just grab random cloths?" She nodded. "Yes and i thought that i looked great in these." Now Jack nodded. "You do.. I mean you don't, sorry what i mean is you do look good in that but not in the way of.. you know what i mean you look.." He trailed off as he just kept moving his hands in weird patterns at her body. She took a step closer to him to make him feel more uncomfortable because she missed feeling like she had some control over a guy. "are you looking for the word hot?"



Jack shook his head. "No." She slightly changed her position in just the smallest way but she knew that it got the attention of guys. "Sexy?" Again Jack shook his head. "No." Winter lost the pose quickly as she went back to normal as she almost sounded like she was pleading him to say yes to something. "Bangable?" Jack threw his hands up as if he had heard to much. "Most certainly not." Now she slumped a little letting the bags almost touch the ground. "Then how do i look to you?" She asked in a way that almost sounded as if his opinion was all that matter. He raised his finger up to let her know that he knew. "Trashy, thats it, you look trashy." In a heartbeat she had dropped her clothes and moved so close that she was in Jack's face.



"What do you mean I look trashy?" She asked. Jack stood his ground. "I mean the clothes look trashy on you, you're a beautiful women and look so amazing in something so simple as the cloths that i found you in.. minus all the tears and blood. It confuses me that you would want to dress like you are when you already look so lovely. Why do you want to wear that?" Winter took a step back from him. "It's how i've always dressed, it makes me feel better about myself." Jack but a hand on each of her shoulders. "You are perfect without of what you're wearing, don't lower yourself to this because guys just want to look at you, anyone thats a real man can see how amazing you are no matter how plain the cloths."



Without warning Winter flew forward and gave Jack a hug, he had left his arms up where her shoulders had been before he realized she was hugging him, he slowly lowered his arms and returned the hug. "No one has ever said something so nice to me before. Thank you." She said as she continued to hug. "I'm only being truthful and nothing more." He said as she slowly broke the hug. "I know you are and thats why i'm glad that anyone that i have to be stuck with would be you." Jack smiled. "Thanks, i think. " He said as he leaned forward on the railing so he could stare out into the stars. "I mean it Jack, I really do." She said as she also leaned against the rail next to Jack.



"So when we get back to the room you're going to change into something that actually shows off how great you are, in a good way, right?" Said Jack. Winter gave him a playful smile because she trusted Jack and knew that Jack would be a good boy. "Are you going to make me?" Jack returned the smile. "Yes, but not in a way that you would enjoy." She nodded. "Thats what i figured.. Yea i'll change, but i still want to dress nice and show off my curves." Now Jack nodded. "All right, but no cleavage." She gave him a playful dirty look. "What? Yes there will." Jack shook his head. "None." Winter countered. "Some, just a little, please." She gave him some puppy dog eyes which didn't really work on him but he decided to be nice. "Fine there can be some, but if i see every guy looking i will immediately put a stop to it."



She gave him a smile. "Aww Jack, you're already jealous." He gave her a fake laugh. "Am not, those guys have no idea of what trouble they're getting into with you, especially with your knack for falling off high places and needing to be saved." She gave him a playful punch. "Hey that was only two times." He nodded. "Yea i know." Winter slid up the railing a little closer to Jack with out of realizing it. "This is going to be so much fun, just the two of us traveling across the stars without a care in the world. All the adventures that we can get into." Jack took a second to think as he looked out at the stars. It had been a long time since he had looked out at the stars dreaming of adventure and living the life of his childhood hero. But now whenever he looked at them he saw danger everywhere, but he decided to not tell Winter about what it was really like out there, she would find out on her own.



"You mean the three of us and the Mercury." She looked at him. "Of course the Mercury, but whos the third?" She asked him. He gave her a small smile. Well its you and me, the Mercury has to always be referred to as herself because she is the best ship out there, and then Lucy. She may just be an AI but she is so more than that." Again she looked at him. "Isn't Lucy and the Mercury the same?" Jack shook his head. "No way. Lucy is just my right hand girl, one of the crew. The Mercury is a whole nother thing, she is more than a ship, she is home. She has her own quirks and hates and likes." Winter looked at him like he was crazy. "How can a ship have likes and dislikes?" Jack smiled. "Well for one she doesn't like to be shot up and have her engine torn off. She reacts poorly to that."



"Your crazy Jack, the ship has no idea about any of that, if you said it was lucy i might believe that." Jack just nodded. Maybe he was crazy, but the Mercury was one of the few things he had left and it meant the world to him. Jack stepped away from the railing. "Maybe you're right, but lets get you changed." He motioned for her to follow which she did. "You were joking about helping me change right?" She asked. Jack gave her a smile. "I guess you're going to find out soon." She hated it when she couldn't tell when Jack was joking or not but she knew deep down that he was. "Jack i mean it i'll do it, so you don't have to help right?" Jack just kept walking. "I said you will find out." She liked it deep down but didn't at the same time. "Jack!"