It was dark when Sonny, Solaris and the Pirates reached Technoid's office building. Duke Maddox greeted them with the plans and key cards. Corso put them in his pocket. Duke Maddox looked at Sonny.

"I'm not sure what that scum Bleylock has put on this level but be prepared for anything." He said in a warning tone. Sonny agreed.

"That's why he picked that place. He hid his dirty secrets right under your nose." He said, bracing himself for what they might find. Duke Maddox nodded.

"If I'd known back then, I'd thrown in jail much sooner." He said. Corso growled.

"Why do I get the feeling the damn Flux War is tied in with this? He's responsible for what happened at Ascaron, I will find a way to haunt this bastard." Sonny smirked slightly at that statement.

"If was still alive, by now I'd almost feel sorry for him. Almost." He admitted.

"Duly noted," Corso said.

Sublevel Twelve

The level was cold. Sonny was glad he put on his sweater. Duke Maddox gave them key cards and Bleylock's imprint. Corso opened the doors. The room inside was pitch black.

"Welcome to hell. Don't be scared when the Devil shows up." Corso muttered. Artie tried to lighten the mood.

"It could do with some decorating." He suggested. Bennett grinned. Solaris activated the holoprojector on her arm. It pulled up the map of the area.

"The cell area is far away." She stated. Sonny looked at all the closed vault doors. It made him grind his teeth.

"Our investigative teams will have plenty to do." He commented dryly. Corso gave him a look.

"I hope we get proper compensation." He asked. Sonny shook his head.

"This is part of the Shiloh security contract we have with Technoid. Security is now under our control." He said. Corso grinned.

"And with that, all the information Technoid might have on us." He deducted. Sonny shook his head.

"Not Technoid. This operation is on one man alone; Bleylock. This time we close the book on that story." He stated. Corso noticed how Sonny had clenched his fists. Corso put his hand on his right shoulder.

"If there's any justice in this Galaxy, your war with him will come to an end. He's cast a shadow over you for far too long." He said. Sonny nodded and with a smile, he put his left hand atop Corso's.

"Let's put an end to this once and for all."

Callie was soaking her feet. She knew Sonny would be working late today, his agreement with Duke Maddox had made him gather a team to go through a sub-level at Technoid's office building. She remembered the look in his eyes when he told her who had used that level. Callie had taken his hands in hers.

"Why don't you leave this to Corso and the others?" She asked and embraced him. "What did he do to you?" She asked softly. For the first time, Sonny freed himself from her embrace.

"Please don't push it. I'm still processing a lot of memories. I'll be fine, I just need some time." He said. Callie could tell it hurt him to say those words but that he did it to protect her. She smiled when she recalled something else. She came home to find Corso sitting on the sofa, reading a few files.

"Where's Sonny?" She asked.

"Taking a shower. Training today was rough." Corso grinned. Callie looked at him. After that, Corso left. She went to pick up a towel, and as she approached the bathroom, she could hear Sonny was still under the shower. An idea formed in her head. Maybe it would be a good idea to get some cuddle time tonight? They both worked insane hours and had little time together. Callie smirked as she prepared a small surprise for her man.

Sonny froze for a second when the bathroom door was opened. He turned off the water, and turned around, reaching for his towel. As he turned again, he saw Callie, dressed only in a towel.

"What's going on?" Sonny felt his mouth went dry, she had a certain look in her eyes. What was she up to? Callie closed the door and locked it as it dawned on Sonny what was happening. A smile formed on his face as he leaned against the wall, waiting for her next move. Callie dropped her towel and filled the bathtub, which made Sonny smile. Why not? This would do both of them some good. He felt Callie's hands on his neck and her body leaning against his. Sonny smiled as he pulled her close to kiss her.

"This is a surprise. What's the occasion?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Callie smiled.

"I and a mutual friend of yours figured you needed the relaxation." She mused. Sonny let out a small laugh.

"What kind of advice did he offer?" Sonny asked playfully. Callie had a naughty smile on her face.

"Just that you needed some fun in your life." She winked at him. Sonny threw his head backward in heartfelt laughter. Callie smiled as she saw that.

"Unless this isn't your idea of fun." She stated while raising her eyebrow. Sonny chuckled.

"What do you think?" He invited with a smile and leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, feeling very humored.

"Playing hard to get?" She asked. Sonny decided to let his playful side shine and shook his head like a wet dog. Callie squealed as the drops hit her. Sonny had a very decisive look in his eyes as he approached her.

"If you fight for what you want, the payoff is so much more satisfying." He replied with a small smirk. Sonny kissed her and moved gently towards her in the big bathtub as he continued the kiss. After that, he swept her into his arms. Callie placed her hands around his neck.

"If you behave, I'll give you a massage." She said. Sonny chuckled.

"That was new." He chuckled as he grabbed a bottle from the floor. Callie saw Sonny open the bottle he had brought and added a few drops in the water.

"What's that for?" She asked. She didn't recognize the bottle. Probably something made by the Pirates. Sonny looked at her.

"It's a relaxing shampoo I made myself. Soap's not easy to come by as a Pirate so we do it a lot." He said.

"Why?" Callie wondered. When she thought back, she remembered there weren't any off-world brands on Shiloh, only products made by the pirates themselves.

"Paranoia, mostly." Sonny then explained how some things from the outside could lead to a pirate being abducted. He sighed, "I experienced that myself, and it still sits in my mind." He said. Callie looked at him.

"What happened?" She asked, slightly anxious. Sonny nodded as he told of how he had been drugged once.

"They wrestled me to the ground and pulled a hood over my head. I passed out and when I woke up, I found myself in an apartment on the outside of the lair, tied up." He recalled.

"Was this before you came to power as their leader?" She asked. Sonny nodded.

"About a year before. I was scared. I was unable to free myself. I was drifting in and out of consciousness." Callie looked at him.

"You could have died," Callie said seriously. Sonny looked at her.

"That didn't happen." He said as continued the story. He was starved.

"How did you manage to escape?" Callie asked. Sonny looked at her again.

"I don't know. I somehow managed to activate my safety beacon. Magnus was close with his search team and stormed the apartment. " Sonny sighed. Callie got curious.

"How did things go from there?" She asked.

"I was in bad shape for a while," Sonny answered. "Corso later told me he thought I was already dead when Magnus arrived with me. He had to be held back. When I woke up, I found myself in my bed in the cabin I shared with Corso. Magnus and Corso were standing over me. This was bad." Sonny recalled. Callie was fascinated. "At that moment, Magnus appointed him to be my bodyguard. We grew closer as friends. To the point, people started thinking we were an item." Sonny smiled for a second. "Sometimes I wonder if I led him on… " Callie looked at him before she kissed him. "Enough with the interrogation." Sonny tried, but Callie did not buy it.

"That may work with your men, but not with me." She said. Sonny grinned.

"Alright, different strategy." He mused. Callie grinned.

"Good luck." She teased and slipped from his embrace. Sonny laughed.

"I'll give you twenty seconds." He warned. Callie quickly got out of the tub and grabbed her towel as Sonny rose in his full height.

"And we're on," He chuckled as he quickly swung himself out and grabbed his towel. Callie managed to unlock the door when she felt Sonny grab her wrist lightly. "Got you." He said as the two of them headed back to the bathtub to continue their relaxing.

Callie pulled herself loose from the memories when she received a call. It was Adium, League president.

"Adium, how can I help you?" She asked, looking at the league president.

"I was wondering if you could talk to Sonny before the All-star versus Snow kids exhibition match. I want to know if he has an extra player from the Pirates that could fill D'Jok's position." She asked. Callie smiled at that.

"Of Course I'll ask him. He's not in right now. A Pirate's work is never done." She explained with a smile. Adium laughed.

"Or a Football Coach. How are Sonny and his people adapting to this new freedom? I imagine it's a big adjustment to make." She said. Callie laughed.

"Surprisingly well. Sonny prepared himself from the get-go. He moved in with me almost immediately and adjusted well. I can't imagine living alone again now that he's always around." she admitted. Adium Laughed.

"It has been a treat to see him in these interviews. Tell me something, there's a rumor about his son being a Galactik Football player. Is that true?" She wondered. Callie smiled.

"It is. I know who his son is but I can't tell. He's talking with Sonny about revealing this to the Galaxy, they just need to find the right time." She explained. A noise in the hallway alerted Callie. "Sonny, is that you?" She asked.

Sonny came into the living room. He wasn't alone. He carried someone. Solaris and Corso stood next to him with a worried look on their faces.

"Callie, we need hot water and some bandages. This man is seriously emaciated and in need of medical help!" Sonny said as he laid the man he was carrying down on the sofa. He noticed Adium on screen. "Always a pleasure. We're kind of busy at the moment so make it quick." He said seriously.

"Some soccer business, nothing pressing." She said. Sonny smiled when he heard that. "I just wanted to know who your mystery son was."

"I will reveal it later. Right now, we have other business to attend to." Sonny said. Adium nodded as she ended the call and the Pirates went to help their wounded companion.

D'Jok and the snow kids had a tough training session.

"How's life as a Dad, D'Jok?" Rocket asked with a smile. They were all sweaty and beat.

"Very tiring." The red-headed striker admitted. Tia grinned.

"You should take a break now and then. Let the grandparents help out." She pointed out.

"Mei's parents are way too busy for that," D'Jok said. Tia smiled.

"You have a grandfather too, you know." She said. D'Jok smiled.

"Dad knows what he's doing when it comes to babies." He admitted. The Snow Kids laughed. Aarch joined them.

"I just got word from the League. The All-Stars have fixed their line up. D'Jok, you'll be playing as a Snow Kid but the one replacing you on The All-Stars may be a surprise," Aarch grinned. D'Jok looked at him.

"Go ahead, I don't think I can be surprised." He said. Aarch nodded.

"They'll be playing with two Pirates players, as no one from the Electras could step in. One of them will be your father." Aarch said. D'jok indeed wasn't surprised.

"Stevens and Dad on the pitch. Should be interesting." he mused. Rocket was slightly worried.

"We have no idea how Sonny Blackbones plays." He said thoughtfully. Clamp nodded.

"Sonny was an excellent player back in the day at Technoid's scientist team. Getting past him was difficult and if he got the ball, he was a good passer as well, and if he plays striker, Sonny has a high jump that defies even D'jok's. And if Flux gets involved, well, good luck." Clamp smiled. D'Jok nodded.

"Snow Kids, I think we have our work cut out for us."

Solaris was sitting next to the bed in the guest room at Sonny and Callie's home, looking at Corso, who checked Zarind's pulse. He wasn't optimistic.

"His pulse is extremely weak. It can go either way." He said. Zarind made a pained noise. Solaris grabbed his hand.

"Easy Zarind, you're safe now." She said calmly. The door behind her opened and Sonny entered. "Did you sleep well?" Solaris asked. Sonny nodded.

"I'll be fine. How is your patient?" He asked Corso, looking at the emaciated Paladin. Corso sighed.

"I'll do my best but I can't guarantee he'll make it. It could go either way." He reported. Sonny nodded.

"Solaris, I'll need you and Corso to stay here and look after him," Sonny said. Solaris nodded.

"What are you going to do? " She asked. Sonny smiled at the question.

"I need to check with the investigation teams on what they found in the filing cabinets and boxes we retrieved." He stated. Corso nodded.

"Who knows what ghosts will surface this time." He muttered. Sonny placed his hand on Corso's shoulder.

"Before all that, let's focus on the All-Star team. Stevens and I are set to have a practice session every day until it's time for the match." He said. Corso grinned.

"It's a match I look forward to." He said. Sonny chuckled.

"Even when you're sitting next to Duke Maddox?" He joked. Corso made a disgusted face.

"You're going to pay for this eventually. You know damn well how I feel about him and now I have to play nice? Remind me to get you back for that one." He said with a grimace. Sonny laughed.

"You need to learn to be more diplomatic if you're going to be the commander of the Black Manta." He suggested. Corso was not convinced.

"I have to take over and cover for you along with Bennett, is that it?" He asked.

Sonny chuckled as he ruffled Corso's hair.

"Knock that off," Corso said, sounding grumpy. Sonny handed him a cup of coffee.

"This should help your mood. Here's some tea, Solaris. I have to go." Sonny said.

"Where is Callie?" Corso asked.

"She's already at work. I'll be back in a few hours." Sonny smiled before he took a small gym bag and slung it over his shoulder. His transmitter signaled an incoming call.

"I'll be right there Stevens." He answered and left the house.

Genesis Astroport

Duke Maddox was getting to be a real pain. Blackbones was getting dangerously close to his plan. The hooded Man knew Sonny was a force to be reckoned with and from the looks of it he didn't buy that Miller was the main culprit. The hooded man chuckled to himself as he gently stroked his robotic cat. Miller was just the bait. He was watching the surveillance video from the sublevel twelve vaults. They found the prisoner. Good thing the Paladin scout didn't know much. It was a peculiar coincidence that Miller chose Stellar Unix as his base of operations. The planet where Bleylock was exiled from. It was almost poetic, seeing the Pirates heading straight for him.

He could see Sonny and Corso open up one of the boxes and it was clear they didn't like it. Despite the camera being well hidden, he had a feeling Sonny knew they were being watched as the Pirates spoke among themselves in Ancient Shiloh.

As he could gather from his sweep of Maddox's computer, Shiloh Security, The Pirates company, was in charge of security of Technoid. It almost felt like a hostile takeover even with Duke Maddox being behind it. The hooded man clenched his fists. It was almost impossible to attack Blackbones and his people. But maybe... He grinned as he looked at a folder.

"You think you know everything about Bleylock? You're wrong. That information will be what ends you."

Stevens and Sonny reached Club Galactik and changed into their uniforms as the other players appeared.

"Sonny Blackbones, it's an honor!" Luun Zia took Sonny's hand. He smiled and greeted the footballers. Nilla, The Shadows player, greeted him next. Sonny noticed he was a bit weak. Nilla was the player that supplied Smog to the most recent cocktail of multiflux. Sonny made a mental note about it to see if that could lead him closer to some answers. Luur and Warren came side by side. Sonny smiled as he saw the two strikers. This match would be a tough call for the Snow Kids. Luur reached out first.

"It's an honor to play in the All-Star match with you." He said. Sonny smiled warmly as he shook hands.

"The pleasure is all mine, I'm looking forward to the match." He said. He turned to Warren, his son's hero. He had to smile. Warren had a good influence on D'Jok. But it wasn't the time to reveal his connection to him yet. Warren smiled.

"I've always wondered how it would feel like to shake hands with the greatest freedom fighter this Galaxy." He said as he took Sonny's hand. Sonny kept smiling.

"The pleasure's all mine. I'm aware of your exploits that made your planet prosper." He said. Kernor, The Rykers goalkeeper stepped forwards.

"Good to have you here. I was getting bored with the normal line-up." She grinned as she shook his hand. Sonny smirked.

"The Snow Kids are three times Galactik champions but even they can be defeated." He stated. Akka Muuk, the Cyclops captain looked at them.

"They were beaten by Team Paradisia." He reminded them. Sonny looked at him.

"Even the best can lose." He pointed out. Warren looked at their Coach.

"Artegor, are you ready to start us up?" He asked. Artegor Nexus grinned.

"Let's get this show on the road."

Corso checked Zarind's pulse again.

"Come on, you can do this. You're more stubborn than Sonny and me together. Come on, wake up." He whispered. Solaris opened a small pocket in her uniform and extracted a small vial with blue liquid.

"This may help." She said as she handed it to Corso, who looked at her.

"This isn't going to get you in trouble is it?" He said. Solaris sighed.

"A small dose of this will boost Zarind but may take away some of my powers." She admitted. Corso looked at her suspiciously.

"Define 'some'." He said. Solaris looked at him. Corso was irritated by the visor that always hid her eyes. He never liked it, even if people had their reasons. He knew Bennet had his. He also knew Sonny was looking into it. He'd ask Corso for help in the matter. Artie too, who'd hidden his tracks well. So far, Corso came up with nothing. He sighed.

"Is there any way you can charge yourself if you do this?" He asked. Solaris grinned.

"Twenty-four hours of meditation under ultraviolet light. It would also get me a nice view of the situation at hand." She explained. Corso nodded.

"I'll ask Sonny first." He suggested mildly. Solaris nodded and took Zarind's hand.

"Hang in there Zarind, The Paladins need you. So does the galaxy. You're not going anywhere. That's an order." she said. Corso grinned when he heard her order. He started to like her. He returned to watching Zarind's health.

At Club Galactik, the All-Star team were done with their training session.

"There's no way the Snowballs can beat us this time," Kernor said as she gulped down her drink. Akkamuk Ten looked at Sonny.

"I don't get it. Sonny's the oldest member of the team but he keeps up just fine," he said. Before Sonny could reply, Warren stepped in.

"Akkamuk, Sonny has fully mastered his Flux. You seem to have done the same, too." Warren commented. Luur agreed.

"These matches will be interesting." He commented. Sonny nodded.

"I've got a proposal; we're hanging out after practice, would you like to join? We all want to get to know you better." Warren said. Sonny looked at Stevens with a smile. Time to get used to normal life again.

"What do you think Stevens? You up for some fun?" He asked. The Pirates Striker grinned.

"Sounds like fun." He said. Sonny nodded. He would have the opportunity to ask if they've experience resonance.

"Alright, we're coming along."

Stellar Unix

Coran looked at Zoonia, Aaraya and the rest of the Paladins.

"We received word from Solaris. She made it safely to the Shiloh Pirates and gave us good news; Zarind was found alive. He's currently recovering at an undisclosed location. We've also spoken to Sonny and filled him in on what happened here. A Pirate ship, under his second in command; Corso will come to assist in the rescue of King Aldoor and Queen Marcia." He informed. Zoonia raised her hand.

"Why isn't Sonny coming?" She asked.

"Sonny would be in danger by coming here. Our enemy, Maurice Miller, is after him. Corso also informed me that he now has a girlfriend and a granddaughter and wants to step away from a dangerous life." He informed. The Paladins nodded.

"Zarind always knew that would happen," Aaraya said. Zoonia looked at him.

"We need to find out where our King and Queen are held captive. How is Solaris doing?" She asked. Coran grinned.

"She's doing fine. The Pirates have a Flux master among them." He said. Aaraya looked at him.

"A Flux Master? The Seed of Shiloh? That's rare." She asked. Coran nodded.

"The Seed of Shiloh was born from the destruction of another planet," Coran explained. The Paladins nodded.

"He has to be very strong, healing an injury that fast." Aaraya mused. Coran nodded.

"He is." He confirmed.

"Do we know who this Flux Master is?" Aaraya asked. Coran nodded.

"Sonny himself, and the Pirates are protecting him by keeping him away from here." He said before he pulled up a screen.

"This is the intel we have on Miller. If Sonny comes here, Miller will attempt to capture him to mix our flux with his." He said. Aaraya looked at him.

"He won't let that happen to himself." Coran nodded.

"He could be forced. That said, we will see his Flux in action at the All-Star Match. Until then, we will gather intel so we're prepared."

D'Jok was wrapping up practice sessions at Club Galactik when Warren walked in.

"How are things with the kids?" He asked with a smile.

"It's impressive. These kids are younger than us and their Flux is extremely strong. I wonder if it had anything to do with Ahito sending his Flux around during the last cup." D'jok answered. Warren laughed.

"How are your preparations for the All-Star match going?" He asked. D'Jok grinned.

"We're in tip-top shape and ready to take you on. I look forward to facing your new player." He said. Warren grinned.

"Sonny is a force to be reckoned with. I never saw someone his age that strong. It was a real treat for the All-Stars to get to know him. He asked us about 'resonance'. Do you know what this is?" He asked the Striker. D'Jok nodded.

"What do you think about Sonny?" he asked. D'Jok wanted to reveal his family bond to Sonny to Warren, but he wanted to know what he thought of his father. Warren smiled.

"I like him. He's a hero. I'm happy for him and the other Pirates. They get a second chance at a normal life." He smiled. D'Jok nodded.

"Me too." He said. Warren looked at him.

"Is there something you want to tell me, D'Jok?" He asked. D'Jok nodded.

"Did you see that interview where Duke Maddox revealed that Sonny Blackbones has a son?" He asked. Warren nodded.

"I have a feeling I met him. I'm trying to figure out who it is." He admitted. D'Jok smiled.

"You're right Warren. Want to know who it is?" He smiled. Warren smiled back, studying D'Jok for a minute before it clicked.

"Are you trying to tell me that you're Sonny's son?" He asked mildly.

D'Jok smiled. The secret was out in the open, and it felt good.

"I do." He said. Warren nodded.

"I'm happy you told me. It's going to be interesting to see you play against your father. I doubt it will stop him from playing his hardest." He smiled. D'Jok grinned,

"I hope so." He said. Warren smiled.

"Give my regards to Mei and her baby." He said. D'Jok grinned.

"I'm talking with Dad about revealing this on tv. I don't want to hide it anymore. I'll also take on the last name Blackbones." He confessed. Warren smiled.

"Just make sure everyone is safe when you do this. Now, do you want to head into the holo trainer for some practice?" Warren asked. D'Jok grinned.

"I would be honored."

There were a lot of boxes on the table in the living room. Sonny ordered Artie and Bennett to go through the files, and sort them in boxes. There were many low priority boxes. Sonny hoped they would find more clues to Bleylock's grand scheme. That had always escaped him. They knew Bleylock wanted to rule the Galaxy but what was his grand plan. Sonny knew at least some of his research had been used by General Bleylock and he intended to find out what that was. Bennett sighed.

"This is just intel on production. It's gonna be a long night." He said. Artie sighed heavily.

"If it's not here then it will show up later." He said encouragingly. Sonny had to smile at them. Both still had some issues they needed to work on. His gaze fell on a smaller box on the floor.

"Maybe?" Sonny picked the box up. It was locked with a code. "Artie, can you open this box? We may have something here." Artie did so quickly, eager to please. Sonny hoped he could help him with that.

"Here you go," Artie said as he opened the box. Sonny looked into it. It was filled with research papers and video files. Sonny couldn't hold back a gasp. He always had a suspicion but here was the proof. Sonny picked up the research papers. This was all his old research from when he worked for Bleylock. Sonny lifted them out of the box. Corso came into the room. And he noticed Sonny had become quite pale.

"Are you okay?" He softly asked. Sonny nodded.

"I'm fine, just a little caught off guard." He admitted. Corso picked up a stack of small discs.

"That's surveillance footage and those dates… " He looked at his best friend with shock. Sonny nodded.

"It's from the lab that Clamp and I worked in. I should have known he kept an eye on us." He said. Sonny looked at the papers.

"These are Clamp's progress reports on the Metaflux project." He said. Corso looked at him.

"And yours?" He asked. Sonny nodded.

"I never wrote anything down. At least not in the lab. I wrote at home. Clamp's reports were harmless. My reports on the project were lost when mine and Helena's ship was set ablaze on Akillian." He said. Corso nodded and picked up a new stack of files.

"What's this?" He asked, opening the files. Sonny could feel himself grow tense.

"Don't open it." He said. Corso sent him a look, but realized now was not the time to push this and closed the file. Sonny picked up a final, small disc. He felt his heart race.

"We should take a look at this one, it's not as old as the rest." He said. Corso nodded and put the disc inside his laptop. Sonny sat down, feeling uneasy about what they were about to see. Corso booted up the file. It contained a video from the time he was still in a relationship with Bleylock. Corso ordered Artie and Bennett out of the room almost immediately. Corso could feel how tense Sonny had grown and placed a hand on his shoulder for comfort. There were also images of how he had looked after Bleylock beat him senseless. Corso tried to calm his anger. This was horrible to see.

"We need to discuss this with Clamp. He needs to know," Corso said. Sonny agreed He held onto another file to stop his hands from shaking. Corso looked at him with understanding, before he noticed what the file was about.

"This is a medical file on Yarrit Labnor. There must be one for you too, right?" He asked. Sonny nodded.

"There should be." He said. Corso looked at the content of the disc. He grew pale, as they heard a voice.

"Looking through the files?" The one talking on the file sent cold shivers down their spines. Sonny was pale as a ghost when a hooded figure stepped into the frame. Sonny inhaled sharply. Those glowing yellow eyes looked painfully familiar. "I'm not who you think I am. You made doubly sure of that." The stranger said. Corso hissed.

"That monster had it coming. It wasn't Sonny's fault." He said. "Who the hell are you?" The hooded figure pulled down said hood. The man had Bleylock's eyes, but it was not Bleylock. His hair was far longer and his features much sharper. It dawned on Sonny who this was.

"Are you… His Son?"

A/N: A real shocker.

Why is this figure appearing now?

Does this man hold the same hatred like his father?

What will the files on the Metaflux project reveal?

Why is Sonny's old medical file missing?

All this and more will soon be revealed!

As always, big thank you to Paranoidgirl, for beta reading and tossing ideas back and forth. It is truly amazing.

If you like the story, please review it.