Part 8: Epilogue

      Winfield sat and listened to Lt. Burns' story with continued interest. He had to admit, he was suspect of it at first. But the moment she started talking about a secretly implanted computer file, he was all ears. Nara finished her story, "And that's when I thought to come to with you with this, Admiral." "A wise decision, Lieutenant. Everything I say from here on in is classified." "Yes sir." acknowledged Burns. "About one month after the conflict at Mars we discovered someone had broke into the exofleet computer banks. Instead of stealing files, this individual or individuals placed a number of new files under the heading, 'Heritage'. It has provided almost all the information we have about the Eltorians to date. Only a handful of individuals know it exists in exofleet. We have called this datafile H-source. It seems to be the same file your new trooper mentioned." stated Winfield. "Then you believe him, sir?" asked Nara. "I can't afford not to. His description sounds too accurate to be false. Plus we have verification of his story from our other source." noted Winfield. "What other source, sir?" inquired Nara. Winfield folded his hands on his desk, "We captured an Eltorian not too long ago, actually I should say Sterling captured her. I don't think she was aware it was him. They were apparently friends, she told us everything about him. Through what she said about him we can confirm what happened at Mars." "I heard about her, I thought she wasn't the talkative type, sir." "She wasn't, not until a former squadmate of yours got her to communicate." he pressed a button on his desk and the vid screen on the wall played back one of Kaz Takagi's talks with the alien. Nara smiled. You never cease to amaze, Kaz. "Now then," continued Winfield, "We should debrief him as soon as possible. You better bring him to the security wing, I want him kept under lock and key." "But sir, I should think he would be considered a hero, not a prisoner." said Nara bluntly. "Its for his protection." insisted Winfield, "We don't know too much about his culture but we can assume that the other side wants him dead. We cannot allow that to happen." "I understand" said Nara. "Very good. Then you and Sargent Torres are responsible for getting him to the security wing, dismissed."

* * *

      "That look suits you" commented Shanita. Kaz stepped into the cell clad in his officer's uniform. "Thanks, its graduation day. I have to look my best." said Kaz. "Does this mean we will no longer see each other?" asked Shanita. "No, not yet anyway. I put in a good word for you with my higher ups. Are you sure this is what you want?" asked Kaz. "What part?" asked Shanita. "Both parts." answered Kaz. "I need to know what happened to Jerico. If going to the Resolute is the only way to find out, then so be it. As for my desire to join the exofleet, fighting is all I know and knowing what I'm fighting for makes all the difference." Shanita seemed pretty determined about it, Kaz had to give her that. "Well, one way or another, you'll find out about it soon. I have to go, maybe I will see you later, OK?" Shanita nodded. As Kaz left the cell she spoke, "By the way, congratulations Lt. Takagi." Kaz put on a lopsided grin, "I'm not an officer yet, I've got a whole hour of irresponsibility to enjoy."

      The hour passed sooner than Kaz had liked. He sat amongst his classmates and listened to their graduation speaker, Admiral Jonus Simbaca. "This day makes not only your graduation from the academy but a new beginning in the academy's history. You are the first class to include both warriors from the homeworlds and the pirate clans. Go forth and make us proud!" The crowd burst into applause as Simbaca left the podium. Commandant Butler then stepped to the podium and began to hand out diplomas. Kaz recognized Hallas as went up to get his. He still used an exoskeleton to get around but that didn't stop him from becoming an officer. Soon it was Kaz's turn, he approached the podium, shook Butler's hand, and received his diploma. As walked down from the podium he noticed Wolf Bronski and Eve Hanley in the crowd. Wolf gave him a thumbs up and Eve waved. The rest of the ceremony was soon over and the crowd began to disperse. Kaz said his goodbyes to Eve and Wolf and left the academy grounds. He had something to do.

* * *

      "Hello Ellen" Kaz stood in front of a tombstone. In his left hand he had a single rose. He kneeled at her grave and placed the rose on it. "Well, I did it. I'm a Lieutenant now. You brought out the best in me, Ellen. You showed me that I could be more than what I was, and for that I will always love and remember you. I just hope, that where ever you are, its a better place." He stood in silence remembering everything he could about her. "She would be proud of you, Kid." Kaz turned to see Avery Butler, he was holding a lilac. He walked forward and placed it on her grave. "She was a good soldier. I always write a letter of condolence to the family of a fallen soldier. I wrote Ellen's sometime ago. I haven't been able to locate her next of kin. You were closest to her, so I think you should have it." he said. "I'll do my best to make sure they get it." said Kaz. "I know you will Lieutenant, I know you will."

* * *

      Beyond the confines of the sol system there lies a fleet in waiting. On board the flag ship, in his private quarters sits a member of the High Council. A voice broke over his quarter's speakers, '(High Counselor Eliodon, the Elite you sent for has arrived.)' Eliodon pressed a button on his chair, '(Send him in.)' The chair swiveled around to face the wall as it melted away to form a door. The elite guardsman stepped inside. Though he could see the elite, he could not see him as he remained in shadow while they spoke. '(My liege.)' '(As you were, elite.)' Eliodon looked him over. He was eight feet tall and had a cybernetic right arm and left eye. '(You are Rodar, correct?)' asked Eliodon. '(Yes my lord.)' answered Rodar. '(You see, I find it difficult to believe because Rodar was supposed to be unbeatable. Yet your need for cybernetic implants clearly indicates the reverse.)' Rodar hung his head in shame, '(It was the half-breed, he did this to me.)' '(Precisely, that is why I offer you a chance at redemption. I will give you a small band soldiers. Your mission is simple. Hunt down Taqueza where ever he may be and kill him. My fleet will be entering the Sol System in 7 cycles. I want Taqueza dead long before we attack. Am I understood elite?)' Rodar picked his head up to look at Eliodon, '(I will not fail you, my lord!)' '(Of course you will not, because if you do I will have your life in place of his. Now go, bring me his head!)' With that, Rodar snapped to and departed the room.

* * *

      Alec DeLeon walked into Maggie's room on the medical deck. She was still unconscious of course. He picked up her hand and held it in his own. "Hi Maggs. I'm back just like I said." Silence. "I have got a lot of news to tell you. You're going to love this." Silence. Alec couldn't take it any more. He's eyes welled up and he began to cry. "Please Maggie, I need you. Come back to me, Please. I know its hard, but you can do it. I believe in you. I need your strength, now more than ever." Silence. "I just got this feeling that something bad is coming our way and I don't think I can face it alone." He buried his face in the side of her bed and listened to the silence as it ripped at his heart and soul. It was anything but golden.

End Act II

      And that is the end of Act II, what's next? I can't really say (cause I'm not sure). But if I get enough Emails I will write the third and final act. So read and let me know what you think. -J.P.