Minor storage compartment – Executive Deck… not far from the bridge

Clunck - The access door closed behind her. Just by listening, it appeared as if nobody was within this small area loaded with equipment. Auxiliary lighting lit this quiet place with a dark crimson tone. The air was thick; unlikely that anybody had been in here for a while…

Hailynn thought she could make to her quarters but apparently, the path all the way there was far too painful. There were far too many operatives were moving along the long corridors – avoiding them was near impossible. Every hasted step she made exhausted her; every movement causing imminent pain. She simply could not continue… Barely able to hide from another small group of operatives, Hailynn took the next access door that was closest to her.

Single tears suddenly met with the cold floor as she slid downwards. More pain emitted from her sore left eye… Tears… more tears filled the bandages. It was pure agony that stunned her as she burst into tears. Losing control of emotions, Hailynn sobbed as her psyche shattered into millions of pieces. All of her misery surfaced at once.

Failures… so many failures. Many lives were lost; lives that could have been rescued. Even more lives were lost by her recklessness – Lives that only wished to beseech the Amajis for asylum and truce. What has she done…?

Her sore right hand frequently slammed against the floor.
She murdered them – Cold Blood. Mindlessly. Her twisted ego made her kill anything that evoked threat and hatred. Memories recalled as she fought for her life against turanic gunmen… ruthlessly… Despite the fact that was defending her life, it was the dreaded thought of killing that disgusted her deeply. She hated herself.

Gods…

The Kadeshi Seekers… Aira – She nearly forgot about them. She fought for their sake… promising that the Kiith Amaj would return to aid them… that she would return rescue them from the devilish hordes… but knowing that she was going to be executed, how was she to rescue them now? How was Aira's future going to be?

With Asad escaping his guilt, Hailynn was now left with nothing in hand.

She choked slightly as she cried with deep agony.
Surrounded by thick walls, her moaning dirges never left the room. She tried to look upon herself. Her legs and arms were still full of scratches – despite most of the injuries reconstructed and healed by Bentusi cell nanobots, the injuries were still present… emotionally.

The pain intensity of her left shoulder was devastating… she still sensed the round that smashed against her radio unit like a twisting knife still drilling itself into the very deep of flesh and bone. Her left eye ached so intensively that she tried cried out once more but failed as one of her lungs was only partially repaired.

Fenna was right… Hailynn was indeed a monster, an abomination between a living being and a killing machine.
The defeated Hiigaran suddenly smiled for a faint moment. Everybody assumed her being a hero – How could she be one? And now? She was a Krin'Sa… soon to be sentenced to death!

Her psyche became out of control – no longer able to suppress what her mind and soul had to absorb all this time through; The addiction being the least of her problems. The walls circled her… her eyes frantically wandered as she cried further. There was no chance that any being could survive with such pain.
She is alone… cornered… Once again, alone and cornered like the first time many years ago… with no escape… bleeding all of her sorrows through her eyes…

Orbit of Amaji Prime

Over two hours later. Throughout this time, the Vjel-Amaj and its two automated cargo transports continued their approach towards Providence Anchorage. During the entry into the orbital territory of Amaji Prime, it became clear that the return was going to be more than just a mere excitement; noticeably, more celebratory activity occurred from the individuals the closer they came to the planet's orbit. The huger support vessels of Providence, the so-called Chinampas, held their positions throughout the vicinity.

The space controllers, the security forces and the plethora of individuals soon encircled the vicinity of Amaji cruiser as it slowly entered the typical and appropriate trajectory to the port module while leaving a trail of thin smoke. Another surprise was the given right of way along the trajectory path that had the Vjel-Amaj and its small group drifting along with much vacant space. Usually, an endless row of ships would be entering this curved flight path for docking upon the various sorts of ports, slots and docking anchorage alongside Providence's broad maritime modules.

Escorted by a small group assigned by the space controllers, the Vjel-Amaj was supported by several of the Navy's sophisticated assault frigates to maintain the safety perimeter and pairs of the controllers' versatile space corvettes latched upon its hull; serving as vital maneuvering supports due to the battered shape of the vessel.

Bridge

Much later after the events that occurred upon the bridge, the crew had yet to face the shock of homecoming. The bridge itself was moderately lit, having each station illuminated with its individual setting of artificial lighting and had several groups chattering. Most of them have already finished packing up their gear and belongings from their quarters.

"Wow…", Koji, one of the surveillance operative said to the others.

Staring upon various screens, a mixed group of bridge operatives from various fields were astonished as they witnessed all that was going on throughout the intercepted media and wave links. Nearly every found cycle of signals led to various channels, programs and broadcastings dealing with the return of their ship; from documentaries, commercials, reporters and newsgroups, talk rounds with prominent experts to some science fiction series based on the Hiigaran and Amaji Navy and its assets.

"Gods… We're almost on every channel", Koji sighed as he scanned other frequencies, "Picking tons of references to us – from the waves to the infolinks."
At least it was a civilization out there.

"Well, what can you expect from us being gone for… a week?", another colleague snitched.

"Ha-ha… Yeah. It's just crazy", another navigation operative commented as she crossed her arms, "Anyways, I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to get back."

"Oh, really, Sunoga? What's the rush?"
"Husband, my son. You know… 'life'…"
"Oh yeah… yeah", the surveillance operative replied and turned his head back to the screens, "Now that you mention it, I'm not sure…"

"Hm? Sure about what?"

The others who surrounded the sitting young man looked down upon him as he spoke his thoughts, "- Actually, I'm not sure what to do once we're back. I mean, yeah, I'm happy we made it back home – but once we're there, I just don't know what to do. I'm just surveillance operative, you know. I don't have a family - or really anybody waiting for me, to be honest. Frell, I might as well sign up for immediate duty and hop on the next ship heading out somewhere out in this constellation."

"Don't. Please don't. Not even if you were a workaholic", Sunoga begged firmly.

Koji frowned; He is a workaholic.

A slight pause went through the group before somebody else noticed, "Well, you all can be sure about many of the operatives who are willing to resign – should it be from active duty or totally. Fenna was the first one to do it – well, the… unorthodox way. But one thing is for sure, people – Hazard pay – and that on top of all our salaries. The best of it: it's assured that we're getting a big chunk off it, too, and I doubt there will be many of the current crew left over."
Several nodded.

"Pff", somebody else snitched, "I'll first believe it when it's on my account. Besides, there are tons of junior operatives just waiting to get on this ship… oh, and until that can happen, the Navy has to fix this ship first – but about us: We pulled the three month shift through. We've done our job. We deserved it, so… we can freely make some space for them… 'newbies'."

"Aye", Zann noted from their side, "The ship's is still hurt – badly, mates. I guess she… no, it… wait a minute, the Commander said the ship was a she after all - ah whatever, the ship will surely need several weeks at Assembly Port to get back to basic operational status. I doubt that VJ will take part on anything for a long while."

"Yeah. True, true."
"Hey, Koji", the navigation operative said privately to the surveillance officer as the others spoke further with each other, "Look, I know you could need some company - like all of us. Say, why don't you join up with my small family and I? You're pretty much part of it already. I'm sure some others here will join up."

"Uhm…"

Sunoga knew Koji well enough to know that his hesitation was actually buying time to form an excuse.

"Take it as an invitation you can't deny", she winked.
"sigh All right, all right…"
"Good. Hope to see you with us after the Visarjan-Drill. All right, I better get back to Kelsea before she gets a seizure. She'll be needing my help navigating this ship to Providence."

Meanwhile. Quan, who quietly observed the bunch talking with each other at the other side of the bridge, slowly turned himself back to the observation station and stretched himself a few times. Making a short glimpse to his right side and further ahead, he noticed Kenta's nervous hands reaching out for a set several buttons on her side and then disappearing back in front the seat of the sophisticated helm station.

"Hey, Kelsea, How's it -?", he called out but noticed her hand reappearing, waving a desperate 'not now! I'm busy'.

Apparently, Kelsea was already stressed out with the loads of tasks left open by Fenna. Not only did the poor senior communication operative had to uphold contact with the controllers, she also had to maintain the helm and frequently listen to instructions given by the supporting corvettes and other officials directing her navigational orders.

With the Vjel-Amaj being in such bad shape, her extreme inexperience and the gravity of the planet hindering most of the ship's own gravity maneuverability, Kelsea had many difficulties to put up with – noticeable by having earplugs of Fenna and her radio unit in each ear. Maintaining the degree of the trajectory approach was not an easy task with conventional –but malfunctioning – vernier thruster. Having the screens' background of Providence loaded with digital information, other ships, vectors and the huge planet behind moving due to the change of perspective did not make matters easier but scarier for her.

Once again, Quan turned back to his station and looked at his sister and the absent-minded kadeshi girl, hoping he could evoke some conversation, "Man, everybody busy. How're you doing, sister? You look uncomfortable."

One of the greatest achievements of the observatory station were its comfortable seats. Though all seats had a lean-back function, these seats offered more beyond the angle. Due to the fact that such sophisticated station with its broad amount of assets needed to be economically fitted into the bridge, it was common to see the astronomers leaned back on a near bed-like position, viewing through sophisticated scopes, visors – some would even say 'periscopes by cable' – in order to see live feed images caught by sensory and observatory systems.

The observatory station itself was the perfect line resembling between old fashion and future technology.

Both Kenta and Aira quietly laid upon the leaned seat; the kadeshi girl laying upon Kenta as both viewed the surroundings through all sorts of observatory systems. Throughout this time, it seemed as if the view also evoked distant reminiscences as Aira stared upon it; her hands frequently rubbing smoothly upon 'Kadesha's Eye and Tear' as she silently spoke prayer.

Though Kenta already had seen the invisible beauties flowing throughout and above the atmosphere of Amaji Prime many times, the captured live images of the spectral hazes left her in astonishment.

It was neither clear where nor how these for the naked eye invisibly moving cloaks formed up. Ships of all kinds quietly moved upon them like those ancient sails from the history chips. The crescent of the moon was hardly visible. But aside to the beautiful appearances throughout the vicinity, the view also scared Kenta slightly as she stared upon the planet.

The view was so real and three-dimensional that it felt as if she really were floating above Amaji Prime by herself – if it were not for the ships that frequently eclipsed before her view along with the recurrent hyperjumps. Another disturbing factor was the emissions of all kinds hampering the more sensitive arrays, predominantly due to the fact that they were entering the lively areas of Providence Anchorage. Providence also possessed interesting things, noticeable upon its exterior hull; craters resembling sustained damages and battle scars reminding of the preceding Hiigaran-Vaygr war when the vessel partook in the last desperate stages of the Siege.

These damages were never repaired, as if they slowly became silent remembrances of war. The Galactic Core Expanse was just one of many distant surreal nebulas filling portions of the surrounding galaxy.

"Hey?"
"Huh? Oh sorry, Q. Got carried away."
"By eye candy?"

Kenta looked over to her brother for a short moment before returning her view back upon the portable screen above her,
"Yes, sort of", she confessed.

"Heh, suppose you are. But you really look… weird."
"Well…", Kenta hesitated to talk.
Quan was right about his assumption. His sister was indeed showing sign of discomfort.

"I didn't want to bug her. However, both of my legs fell asleep…", she replied as she stroked the girl's silky hair before pointing down to the fact that the girl was sitting upon the joint of her legs, merely suppressing the blood flow to her legs, "It's okay though. I'll live."
"You two seem to enjoy the view."

Kenta smiled back at him once more.

What both operatives did not know was the real fact that Aira did not need to be viewing these images through an observatory station; all available types of prospecting tools, observatory arrays, telescopic units and many other systems projected their acquired data and images directly into her mind – and that was only the 'physical' part, her mental and emotional capabilities sensed the masses of countless bodies throughout space with ease.

"Hey, how about you, Aira – You okay?", Quan dared to ask.
"I am… undamaged", she immediately whispered back to him, "not hurt…"

Her way of response was much of a surprise for them.

"G-Good to know", Quan replied and turned his view over to his screen full of static interferences due to the ultra sensitive settings of his observatory system, "Man, I've got to turn down the sensitivity. That traffic out there is loaded."

"I wonder what else is going on out there…"

Suddenly, Aira began to speak, lip-synching whatever waves randomly flew into her mind, "Cormorant 'Jester-Two', relocate to following vectors, over... 'Jester-Two', confirmed Space Control, relocation point received… in transit… Command, supplemental wing of three Aegis Frigates ready for short-jump to designated distress beacon. Over –viduals not knowing what was the cause for the sudden loss of cabin pressure. According to the affiliating media networks of FOURTH-STAR, the local forces are currently investigating the freighter that lost nearly two-thirds of its crew.
However, officials have claimed that the hull rupture was either caused by kushan failure in pressurization procedures or by material fatigue perhaps caused by the influences through the radioactive cargo. Furthermore, the officials have excluded hostile causes of sabotage – So you like space and always wanted to know how it is? How it is like to be floating at 17000 of kilometers per hour – fixing valuable and highly equipment for various media companies? Want to be just like Low G Man? Morerawnics Consortium is offering outstanding pay, insurances and innovative contracts for different fields of astronautic maintenance. Astronaut license achievement is the simplest thing to get. Interested or not – let us convince you. Contact infolinks ppp-dot-morerawnics-minus-orbitage-dot-kom."
Both siblings looked at each other as Aira continuously spoke further… She was really picking up all sorts of media waves, transmissions and anything else transmitted by wave.

Meanwhile, Orelis was upon the beginning of the Executive Deck outside of the bridge, just steps beyond its exit. It was ironic that it was he who asked the ex-Captain to maintain bridge command during his absence, but considering Orelis' intentions regarding Hailynn's demise, the Captain immediately accepted his request.

Predominantly, it was Hailynn's morbid future that became his greatest concern over the last hours. Though constantly trying to contact a specific person somewhere upon Providence through his personal cell phone, the connection frequently aborted due to instability. Apparently, his position was still too far away to receive support from the net – Nonetheless, in order to support Hailynn, Orelis was desperately going to have to contact this specific person.

- Visarjan Drill -

Inner docking port, naval segment - Providence

At last. The Vjel-Amaj entered the interior segment of the space port. After a week of terror, the battered cruiser finally returned home. All eyes followed the ship's slow approach along the port that was filled with docked ships, scaffolds, construction sites and cranes, waving astronauts and many other floating drones and units. Various view points and shelled areas for public viewing allowed a great observational overview up this huge and lively segment.

The surroundings was nothing alike the derelict taiidan mothership. Unlike the inner world of the Bentusi Harborship, the surroundings was through and through full of mechanical devices, metallic structures and technical surfaces with common schemes of Hiigaran and forgotten Progenitor engineering; Nothing resembled any looks of moving biomechanical gadgets or assets but pure manpower of hardworking people.

Kelsea is seen as she stressfully concentrates and manages to navigate the ship to the desired port; her eyes and hands bewildered by frequently given commands, suggestions and instructions – her mouth complying with every given order by Captain Quenton. Ever since the support corvettes released themselves, the last part of docking was left upon her hands… and feet. Her mind played a trick on her ever since their ship approached the leviathan's inner segment. With the beautiful but majestic planet being below, it almost felt as if it was Providence that was approaching her.

Yellow signal lights of the secondary port units continuously flashed as the ship drifted with an extremely slow pace; a single moment later, all lights shifted to green phases… The last stage of docking was almost completed.

"Seventy meters and decreasing. Rate of approach – Stable", Sunoga confirmed to the troubled substitute helmswoman, "All guide-lines aligned. Keep it like that - You're doing it great, Kelsea. Almost there… Magnetic anchoring units should catch us any moment."

Other voices confirm the approach and phase of the docking procedure through both individual ear plugs of Kelsea.
At the same moment the entire crew experienced separate vibrations, the ship halted as it was captured by several magnetic field emitters. Within short time, hook-points, mechanical pressure-sealed personnel and logistics footbridges and docking clams secured the cruiser from further movement.

Several seconds went by before Kelsea's sweaty palms slips from the controls. Resetting both communication units on each shoulder, she clears her voice and nervously speaks, "Senior communication operative… and s-substitute helmswoman… to all decks. Docking complete… out…"

"Helmswoman, Engineering", the ex-Captain called out, "'Status: Blue'. Disengage all propulsion, main powering systems and operational profile. Bring her to sleep."
"Roger", Zann lastly confirmed along with the nervous substitute helmswoman.

A row of conducted shutdown sequences echoed throughout the ship. Inducing power soon stopped to flow throughout the grid. Within short moments, the Vjel-Amaj calmed down, entering a state of quietness. Throughout the whole ship, all status lights shifted from green to a constant blue, signaling that the ship finally docked. Cheers then sounded throughout every deck.

Hearing claps from behind, Kelsea nervously turns her view beyond the edge of the huge seat, finding several groups of operatives and the executive officers applauding to her for successfully bringing the ship back home. Giving a short wave, the blushing operative immediately hid herself back into the seat.

The claps slowed and seized as Captain Quenton Soban raised himself from his seat right after adjusting his unit for a public announcement, ""This is temporary commanding officer Captain Quenton Soban speaking to all decks: My fellow Amaji, we have successfully returned to Providence and am proud to announce that we are finally home. As ordered by Amaji High Command, we all are to arrange ourselves to a Visarjan-Drill. I wish to see all of you attaining your positions… My crew, we have ventured through space for a long time and it has been more than an honor.""

Crewmen throughout the ship silenced as they listened to the voice emitting from the speakers.

""We all have suffered hardship… terrors…""

At the same time but from different locations, both Hailynn and Fenna look upwards; the Amaji woman being handcuffed in her darkened quarters and Hailynn somewhere hidden amidst a small storage room, both with faces full of tears.

""We have survived an atrocity… Our future is unknown of where this atrocity will end. Nevertheless, my crew, as of this day, let us be proud of our return… and adventures… Let us also never forget about our losses… and prides. We must never forget about those who lost their lives. We must thank them… and the Bentusi Enclave… both of them for sacrificing their lives and help for this day and moment of our return. You all have done me proud. Some of you… may have returned with… sorrows, lost hopes…""

Aira quietly recalled fretful moments as the man spoke.
""and unwanted failures…""

For some reason, Hailynn felt that he was referring to her. She listened further as she wiped her face, ""- but I must beseech all of you who may be affected: Faith – Have faith. We have found a lost nation following its legacy for the sake of its future and we have found a lost group individuals willing to embrace peace as one of ours", the taiidan-turanic prisoners lifted their heads as the announcement was also transmitted to their sector, ""– Despite their preceding deeds, I beseech you to welcome them to the Kiith Amaj. Let us rejoice as a sole nation returning home. To all decks, I thank you for your loyalty and service. Pride to all of you… and welcome home. This is Captain Quenton Soban, over and out.""

The hiss of static ended shortly after the spoken words. His short speech struck everybody with a thoughtful moment about the past, present and the future.

"Operatives and officers of the bridge", the ex-Captain lastly pronounced to the whole bridge, "I wish to see you all rowed up outside with our fellow crewmen where we will meet the officials of High Command."

Concurring with his command, a flow of operatives soon made their way; each and every one of them saluting to the Captain before exiting the bridge. Sunoga swung her finger shortly at Koji, reminding him of the invitation before they disappeared through the exits. Kenta also guided Aira towards the exit.
Being the last operative at the bridge, Kelsea finally detached herself and departed from the helm, soon to cross views with the Captain – not expecting that he was still waiting. Signaling her to wait a moment, the Sobani approached her for some reason. Once reaching her side, he suddenly lowered himself; as if he found something valuable on the floor. Before Kelsea dared to ask, the Captain quietly ordered her, "Attention."

Straightening her back, she attained a firm pose and looked ahead. Voices from each shoulder unit still emitted. Quenton's hands approached the collar of her uniform, fiddled shortly with it and then returned to his sides. Once finished, he arranged himself again in a proud militaristic pose, "Operative Kelsea, you have proven great skill at the helm. As for your outstanding service in both fields of communication and navigation, I hereby promote you to the rank of Ensign, Junior Grade, and bestow you with the 'Amaji Helmsman Wings'. Kelsea, do you accept these promotions?"

Unfortunately breaking her firm pose, Kelsea's right hand shortly felt upon the two emblems that formally belonged to Fenna; immediately recognizing both wings and rank symbols. Her hand remained frozen upon them – Her hesitation was a silent acceptance, soon followed by a faint nod.
"I congratulate you, Ensign Kelsea of Amaj."

Pressurized logistics zone of Port Gamma, Providence

The logistics zone of Port Gamma, sometimes referred as Dry-Docks, was another huge area filled with ongoing transports, engineers, crewmen, workers and many others conducting usual dock works. Vehicles passed by alongside the secured paths further away. This segment of the area like many throughout the classified ports was specifically used for military assets. As rows crew of the Vjel-Amaj finally departed from their ship, everybody felt the euphoria of homecoming; many of them thankful of seeing kushan beings rather than alien ones. Knowing that the Visarjan-Drill about to occur, all crewmen packed their bags and belongings aside and rowed themselves.

Whilst nearing the edge of the long footbridge, Corporal Aaron Salico guided the captivated Fenna Amaj who carried her belongings in a transport bag to Orelis and Hailynn. Fenna's angered eyes remained fixed upon the Hiigaran woman.

"You sure about this, Hailey?", Orelis questioned her once more, somewhat referring to a previous conversation.

"Orelis, we already have the media swarming us, I'm sure of that. Last thing High Command needs is some sort of speculated scandal. Therefore… Corporal", Hailynn's spoke, "I wish you to release Fenna."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, "Ma'am? Err… I apologize, ma'am. Command understood, but are you aware that -?", he replied as he immediately fumbled with Fenna's handcuffs.
"No time for any long explanations. We will have enough to talk about with High Command. Now Fenna, listen to me. Look at me."

Fenna said nothing but once again fixed her view upon the wrecked Hiigaran as her wrists were released from the small shackles; rubbing them with great hatred.

"I don't care what you think right now", Hailynn muttered, "Just take your things and leave with the last bit of honor you have. I thank you for your service. Just request your paycheck and… leave… Now – And I wish you not to partake on the Drill – I doubt you had the interest anyhow."

Far and high above them several were sealed lookout-points for the public viewers; all of them staring down at the dock workers and the crew that finally returned. Aside to the common viewers, relatives of the crew waved and cheered, hoping their loved ones could see them. Throughout loud crowds, a small group of junior grade operatives and cadets are seen viewing down upon the crew that slowly rowed themselves. Injured crewmen were immediately transported away; most likely to the medical facilities. The rows became numerous as more and more crewmen of various fields exited the mechanical footbridge – There were certain appearances that made the rows incomplete, however.

"Hmm – What are they doing?", Zak asked.
"What?", Vinnie replied.
"The crewmen. Look. What are they doing? Vinnie, you're the one who knows the way around with that stuff."
"Yeah… It's a Visarjan-Drill all right."
One of the female operatives of the group leaned forward slightly, "Visarge-what?"

"It's Visarjan-Drill. Something simple: It's just a traditional gesture of departing or welcoming a naval crew – Military style tradition, that is. For us 'people', it's nothing more than just rowing ourselves up and leaving the talking for those highly ranked military guys."
"Is that so? But… hmm… Check it out, the rows down there are not… consistent. I don't think the arrangements are supposed to look like that, Vinnie."

Vinnie paused for a long while. The female operative bummed her elbow upon the somtaaw's side, wondering why he was so hesitant.
"Yeah, sorry – The rows are not supposed to look like this. They seem to have several injured people – People who could not attend due to whatever – but those holes would be closed normally to keep the row consistent… but…"

"Stop making it so suspenseful!"
"All right, All right. Look. Check out the rows that are consistent and look full – Those are groups that are just fine. Now… there are other ones that are a bit shorter – Those show that certain people must have been injured… but the empty rows, now that's something… not good."
Others bunched up closer to him.
"Hey, hey -"
"Come on – Tell us!"
"Casualties… Real casualties: Deaths."
Silence filled the lookout point; even other bystanders and onlookers dared not to say a word.
"Just looking at the ship tells me that something must have gone awfully wrong. I tell you this: Whatever they flew through, it was surely pure war."

Far below, rows of the Visarjan-Drill

Noticed by the rows of operatives and officers, all eyes stared upon Fenna who quietly rushed past the rows with angered swift steps and with her transport belongings, ignoring farewells or thankfulness for her efforts. Moving along, Fenna did not even salute to any of the High Command officials further away.
Don't worry, Ray… I will be back! WE WILL BE TOGETHER FOR GOOD!

After several long moments later, the slow Hiigaran officer appeared, supported by Lieutenant Commander Orelis and the crutch he brought along. Both moved step by step as they departed from the long footbridge. Her appearance was breathtaking for many as they saw the woman still suffering from injuries; still wearing the messed up uniform.
Looking ahead, Orelis spotted the officials of Amaji High Command approaching from further away – thankfully that they were not here yet. He however also discovered Pethera and her group of henchmen aside of the Amaji crew… apparently showing off that they also belonged to it. He also spotted the bandaged Kaydaana Manaan further behind, rowed along the group of the few remaining strikecraft pilots; surprisingly, this was the first time she saw her so… quiet.

Finally reaching the first row next to the Captain and many other superiors of the executive crew, Hailynn attained the vacant spot next to him.

"H-how do I look?", Hailynn quietly muttered to Orelis.
He threw a startled face; aside to those who had minor injuries, Hailynn was the only one throughout the entire mass of crewmen who had a wrecked appearance. Her face was slightly red… but for a change, he remained confident and arranged her messed up uniform slightly, "Just this last bit, Hailynn, we'll make it."
"I guess… we're being watched, huh?", she commented quietly again.

Orelis shortly turned around and took several looks throughout their surroundings; his eyes met with the domed ceiling several hundreds of meters above, "Man… The crowd ain't the only thing going bananas… The media is everywhere.", he commented as he spotted several technical engineers staring down upon their ranks and rows.
Aira settled herself silently next to her caretaker.

Deck 7, Corridor of the Vjel-Amaj

The lone black-haired Amaji woman in a dark green uniform walked along the corridor, frequently pausing, performing dance movements and attempting to repeat the taiidan lyrics spoken as she listened to the loud metal music emitting from her headsets, "…I know… why you… blame me…!"

Stopping in front of wall map revealing the ship's interior structure, the woman hummed the blazing melody further as she thought about where to go. Her finger slipped upon the touch screen; first heading to the brig sector, then to a specific region with crew quarters. As her finger bounced back and forth, she seemed as if she had a decision to make on whom to visit first; her arrested twin sister, the taiidan-turanic prisoners or Ray – unfortunately not knowing that Fenna was already released and already left the ship.

But as she looked back and forth down the long and empty corridor, she slowly noticed something…
"Err… Where is everybody??"

Elsewhere upon the rows, logistics operative Rico suddenly leaned forward slightly and looked around as if he was looking for somebody. He had been doing this many times before.

"Psst, Rico", one man next to him whispered, "Knock it off, the officials are almost here! Stay put!"
"All right… All right", the younger man replied and straightened himself.

"Who the frell are you looking for?!"

"Haven't you noticed? I don't see any sign of her", Rico whispered to him.

"Who?"

"Chief Deena."
Making quick looks upon his surroundings, the man could not detect the bubbly executive anywhere, "Damn… You're right. Gods, where is she? D-don't tell me she's still on the ship!"
"Guess so."

"Well, let's keep our cool. With these many holes in the rows, her absence shouldn't be that much of a big deal."
"Right."
"All right, quiet now. Those guys are here. Hope they hurry up with this…"

Every single person of the rows straightened their poses as the group of High Command officials approached them. Commodore Yor was accompanied by several other highly decorated officers of other kiithid of the Amaji Navy; nearly all of them being veterans of the Hiigaran-Vaygr war, serving formally as Vice-Admirals of the Hiigaran Navy before. Every individual appearance had a long story attached to their medals and symbols of distinguished service. Indeed, their appearance was a majestic one.

The following moments were full of militaristic greetings and traditional welcoming speeches. After the accepting the return of the Vjel-Amaj, Commodore Yor also held a long speech referring to the report and logs of Captain Quenton Soban recalling all that occurred, also notifying the crew of his regrets regarding the losses and thanking several for their heroic efforts along with Captain Quenton Soban explaining some of the bloodcurdling events. Many of the crew became anxious, knowing that the High Commander was slowly coming to an end:
"… You all have reflected what the Kiith Amaj stands for. However, I speak to all of you; It is important to attain confidentiality about this operation. Following kiithidial laws and contracts, you are all obliged to maintain confidentiality considering your experiences. Yet, crewmen of the Vjel-Amaj, High Command is pleased of your return. We must also honor those who have lost their lives. It will also be the privilege of High Command to share these tragic casualties with the relatives. Henceforth, High Command still demands one last task from the superior officers of the Vjel-Amaj."
For some reason, Hailynn sensed a disturbing note in his voice.
"Superior officers, we require all of you to attain a hearing considering your experiences throughout the M'randara Star System and the operation. I apologize, but I am afraid that only the subordinate crew and the enlisted operatives may be dismissed. Members of the Kiith Supremacy will partake in this hearing as well. Apparently, your experiences has evoked greater interests by those… above… the Military Authority. Also, I have been told that a Kiith Tribunal has been arranged."
Hailynn quietly lowered her shoulders, knowing it was foolish of her to think that she was going to get away with it. Orelis also subtly bit his teeth together – He was going to need some serious help on this. Remembering his remark about 'bananas', he knew he had to contact a specific person... desperately, for the sake of Hailynn.

"Hence, you are to report at High Command to attain this last hearing in exactly one hour. As for the rest of you, crew of the Vjel-Amaj… We welcome you home aboard Providence and thank you for your services onboard the Vjel-Amaj. You will all be rewarded and honored for your deeds..."

The Commodore and the group behind him honorably saluted to the group, ending the Visarjan-Drill with the last traditional words.

"Captain Quenton of the Kiith Soban", Commodore Yor lastly mentioned before departing from them.

The Captain shortly repeated his words of honoring the crew before dismissing them from duty. All rows saluted honorably, and then cheered for their return home. It only took a single moment until the rows scrambled in relief. Many of them had no worries of the future but specific individuals. The only row that remained still was the row of the executive officers, specifically Hailynn, Orelis, Aira and separate others who knew what was coming in an hour.

As the rows dispersed, Rico suddenly spotted a familiar woman departing from the footbridge. Several logistics operatives next to him approached her with surprised eyes as she naively yelled, "Hey guys – Oww, we're already home?! Oh well – Has anybody seen my sister 'round here?! And why are all of you out here?!".

"M-Ma'am", Rico stuttered, "W-We just had a long Visarjan-Drill with those High Command guys…"
"Oh? Ha – guess I missed something. I knew I heard something after all but this music was just too loud, eh?"

"Anyways, where's Fenna? Was going to visit her before visiting the taiiranics and Ray at the briggy."

"Boss", one of the ranked logistics operatives called, "Looks like she was released – and boy was she in a hurry. To be honest, she looked pissed-as-frell… I tell you. No goodbye or response to those thanking her for her work. I don't know, but I heard about some heavy things she did that got her arrested."

"Oh. Yeah, she did a lot of crap – even tossed a gunpoint at Hailynn, Aira and that Pethera - huh? But okay. I'll talk to her sometime. Well… Guess y'all off the ship. Might as well can head home! Too bad, hehe", Deena giggled, as if she actually had things planned for later but instead insisted to drop those ideas and wave, "Well, I'm going to head back onboard, guys. Maybe we see each other in the future for another crazy tour, mh?"

"Err… how come you know what Fenna did so precisely?"
"Eh? Dunno, guess that god writing our fate screwed up again."
"Chief?", a female operative replied from behind, "Aren't you leaving the ship?"

"Me? Nay, I've got lotsa things to do. Gotta meet Ray, gotta meet Delofff…Del… Delly and her people at the brig. Guess I'll maintain those skeleton crewguys while I'm at it."

However, at the same moment Deena was about to turn away, she spotted a specific female operative with a faint purple in her hair heading for Hailynn, "Ooww, I gotta see this!"

Elsewhere beyond the groups, Kelsea and a few other operatives including Velle appeared, asking the Captain for permission to partake in the hearing, which he granted. Orelis looked at the Captain, the superior officer who quietly reminded him of faith.

Even Kaydaana approached them, surprisingly quiet. Surely, Hailynn was going to need all the support she could get. Orelis suddenly stepped before Hailynn, "Well, guess VJ will be transferred to Assembly Port for a very long repair phase with the skeleton crew - but Hailey, listen, this is not over."
"I know, the worst is yet to come."

"No, I mean, you won't stand this alone. They'll have to get through us first."
"Are you kidding? We're talking here about the Kiith Supremacy, Orelis. They'll slaughter you and anybody who'll stand in their way to get me. You know that."

Pulling out his cell phone, Orelis held it up in front of her, "I know, but if you're going down, they'll have to get through us!"

"Who are you talking about? All due respect to all of you willing… to stand for me, but I can't -"
"For a change, Hailynn, let us try to save your life."
"But… who are you going to call?"
"Probably the only person who can help us out against these crazy kiithidial things, Hailynn. Trust me. Look, let us all get out of here and get to High Command. I'm sure she'll be there by then."

As the group moved ahead, Deena suddenly appeared, managing to pull Hailynn subtly out of the group – only Aira stood still as she noticed her caretaker's halt. Turning around, the girl's hand dangled smoothly with her symbolic pendant as she listened.

"Hey there, boss!"
"Deena? Um… Make it quick, I have to get going."

"Did my sister do much trouble for yah?"
"Enough troubles. She left. Look, things are waiting for me to be done, Chief Deena."

"Just a small thing, boss, something you should probably know about. Not that I want to interfere, but you should know that Velle has some… interests in you."
Hailynn shook her head, "Don't worry, Deena, I already know about it."

"Is… Is that so? S-So you two are -?", it was clear that Deena's eyes were merely glowing for the gossip to soon share – despite the crew disbanding from duty… but at least she had the skeleton crew left, "I never thought you would have such interests."

"No, she is – I am not. Look Chief, I don't have the time, but let me make this straight: Velle and I are friends. I am not what her notion is alike, but for all that she has done for me, I insist to stay next to her as a close friend. Nothing more. Don't spread any false stories to any Amaji crewmen about it, that's a lifetime order to you, Deena."
"Oooow, lifetime?! I hate you! All right, boss", the bubbly logistics officer replied with a thumb-up gesture – surprisingly happy, "If I may say, it was an honor to serve you and… despite that notion of Velle, I am amazed how you accept it – positively meant! Man, if I had known you were that sexy, Boss, I'd go for you, too!"

"I need to get going, Deena. I doubt we will see each other beyond this day – but thanks for your work. Messy work, but you still managed it."
"Thanks, Boss."
"-positively meant… Enjoy home, okay?", Hailynn lastly remarked, waving her with the opposite side of her hand as she turned away.

Deena happily wove back to her, "Don't worry, Commander! Chief Deena always gets the jobs dun somehow! I'm sure you'll make it!"
"What makes you so sure?"

"One of them gods announced a sequel, boss!
"Stop talking nonsense. Bye - And you heard my lifetime order."

"Aye, ma'am, nothing to the other crewmen, ma'am!", Deena finally saluted as Hailynn disappeared through the crowd.

As Deena made her way back towards the footbridge to the accessible decks of the Vjel-Amaj, the operatives suddenly formed a devilish grin, "You said Amaji crewmen… but not taiiranic! This is gonna be excellent." Handclap