Via Pacifica: Pavonian Sector
Starbase Elysium, 20:00 hours

It had been one day since the evacuation of the planet Cydonia. By now, the Rangers and all their allies had returned to Starbase Elysium to deliver the refugees to safety. Once the rescued colonists had been cleared out, the ship began to quiet down again allowing the crew to clean up the decks and work on some much needed repairs. Despite the Odyssey having docked at the starbase, the critically injured Thor had remained on board in the care of the ship's physician, Dr. Surya. Fortunately, the security officer's vital signs had stabilized and he eventually woke up from his short coma, relieved to find himself in the safety of the ship's med bay. In spite of the pain from his blaster wound, he was becoming just as unhappy at having to be confined to his bed too.

Thor gave a frustrated sigh as he lay back and stared at the plain sterile ceiling. All he could do was listen to the steady beeps and whirs of the medical devices which were hooked up to him to administer drugs and monitor his vitals. He was about to force himself to take another nap when there was a swishing sound from the entry of the medbay. The doors opened and Thor turned his head in surprise to look over at the approaching form of Aaron. Thor tried to sit up straighter and maintain his dignity as the Ranger approached. "Lt. Russo?"

"At ease Thor," the human said gently as he came over to his comrade's bedside holding a datapad, "How are you doing?"

"Honestly, sir? I've been better. Bedrest doesn't suit me and I hate being a broke-dick marine."

Aaron nodded sympathetically, "I'm surprised you're up. I thought maybe you'd still be resting, or all zonked out from the meds."

"I… decided to stay awake… in case someone stopped by to visit," Thor answered cryptically.

"Hmm. Well I hope you don't mind my company right now," Aaron said cheerfully, "The other Rangers were going to come by and see you later. I just wanted to come first because I have a few things for you. For starters, I downloaded a few shoot-em-up action movies for you to watch so you don't get too bored."

He handed Thor the datapad and the Caltarian gruffly nodded in satisfaction, "Thank you. That's very thoughtful of you."

Aaron crossed his arms in a relaxed posture while Thor examined the movie list "I also thought you should know that you've been recommended for a medal by Captain Raines: an Eridani Cross."

Thor turned and blinked in genuine surprise as he set down the pad, "Really? That's a distinguished combat award for valor... a high honor."

Aaron nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Considering you also got wounded, you'll be sure to get a Crimson Heart award too."

"Hmm. It wouldn't be my first one," Thor snorted in a humble brag, "I've already got three."

"Well my friend, I'd rather you keep the Crimson Heart count where it is and not go for some navy record, okay?" the Red Ranger said in a sincere tone, "You gave us all a scare the other day."

Thor settled back on his pillows and relented with a contrite nod, "Aye, sir. I'll see what I can do about that."

At that moment, Aaron glanced over to the door of the medbay and caught sight of Qua'lia hesitantly waiting around the corner. He clapped Thor gently on the shoulder and made his way out of the room, "Enjoy the movies and get well soon, big guy. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"You're leaving already?" the Caltarian marine asked in surprise.

"Yeah," Aaron answered with a grin as he gave Qua'lia a wink on the way out, "It looks like you have another visitor here and I didn't want to intrude."

She shot the Red Ranger a dirty look before turning back to the wounded marine in the room.

"Qua'lia? This is a surprise."

As she entered the room and approached the bed, Qua'lia became a little more sheepish, "Oh, Thor… I just got off my shift and I figured I'd come and visit, to see how you were doing."

"I appreciate the concern," Thor admitted, "Thank you."

There was a brief awkward silence before she asked, "So... how are you feeling?"

"I wish I could say I was great," he answered now adopting his normal gruff and stoic attitude, "My whole side burns and it hurts to move, but Doc Surya's got me loaded up with painkillers."

"You're very lucky none of your vital organs got cooked by that blaster bolt."

Thor gave a sour expression, "Lucky? Maybe. Doc says I should make a full recovery, but it's going to take some time… at least a few months before I can even return to light duty. It's kind of embarrassing being laid up and helpless like this."

The Pink Ranger grimaced and offered an apologetic look as she sat down on the bedside next to him, "Yeah… sorry. It looks like you'll have to wait a little longer on your whole glorious death thing after all."

Instead of offering a sarcastic retort, Thor simply gave a quiet snort of amusement that almost sounded like he was agreeing.

After another pause, Qua'lia said, "You know… I wanted to thank you for coming back to help in that battle with Nessus. You really helped me out back there."

"And I wanted to tell you that you were very brave to hold the line by yourself too. I really don't think you're selfish, and I hope you know that."

The Pink Ranger looked to him in genuine surprise before giving a quiet smile, "Thanks."

"I uh… also got a chance to do a little thinking," Thor began awkwardly, "You had mentioned the idea of having other things worth living for?"

"Oh?

Thor stirred uncomfortably and averted his eyes, "Well… that might've been part of the reason I came back to help you."

It took a moment to register in Qua'lia's mind what he was saying. "I... wait... you actually feel that way? About me?"

He was unable to read her expression causing Thor to shift again uncomfortably, "Sorry. If that bothers you, then you can just forget I said anything."

The Pink Ranger gave him a relieved smile and shook her head, "No. No. I'm glad you said that. To be honest, I had kinda felt the same way."

He relaxed a little and tried to resume his stoic bearing, "Really? Well... that's good then. So... what now?"

Qua'lia tapped her chin thoughtfully, "Well, you did say before that the Caltarians were a passionate people, didn't you? I think I'd like to see that for myself... outside of combat, of course."

"I think I can do that," Thor chuckled as he surprised her, by leaning over and kissing her. The two ignored the faster beeping of the vital monitor while Thor wrapped an arm around the Pink Ranger and drew her down to hold her close to him. As Qua'lia deepened their kiss and began to put her weight on him, Thor immediately gave a yelp and broke off contact.

"Okay... maybe not," he hissed.

"Sorry," she apologized as he gritted his teeth through the sting of his wound.

When the pain subsided, Thor sighed in disappointment from the spoiled kiss and flopped his head back down on his pillows, "Well… I guess it'll be a few months before I can do more things than just stand guard, if you know what I mean."

"That's okay," the Pink Ranger said with a smile as she sat up and continued to hold his hand, "I don't mind waiting."

Elsewhere, Princess Sera made her way to the spacious command quarters that she had allotted herself aboard the Acropolis zord carrier. She had left the dining galley where Rin, Sage, and Skyler were still chatting over some snacks and drinks. The girls had decided to go out later that evening for a Ladies Night, and they all agreed to wait for Sera when she was told that her parents had come to visit her. They had wanted to discuss something important with her and she couldn't help but wonder what it was. Despite the gnawing apprehension that had settled into the pit of her stomach, she tried to focus on more humorous thoughts while she rode the turbolift up to the higher decks. Skyler had been complaining about having to help load refugees in her ship claiming they were messing up her new interior and leaving their 'rubbish' everywhere. Sera chuckled quietly to herself and wondered if Skyler would give Captain Raines an earful and try to get him to have the GSA cough up more money to 'compensate' her.

Once she reached her quarters, Sera opened the door and was surprised to see not only her parents but also Prince Benedict waiting in the living room area. She glanced around in confusion, "Father. Mother. And Benedict? What are you all doing here?"

Queen Telesto gestured to a chair and poured some tea in a cup for her, "Sera, sit down dear. We wanted to discuss something important with you and we invited Prince Benedict here as well."

She gave a puzzled look as she sat and accepted the drink, "All right, but I don't understand. What is this about?"

"It's about finding a compromise," her father said, "Between a way to serve our people and ensuring your safety."

"What does this have to do with Benedict? I thought he was off on the frontlines leading his fleet in a different sector."

Benedict cleared his throat looking a little uneasy, "I was. I hurried back here when things quieted down. It was at the request of my own parents."

Sera raised an eyebrow as her father explained, "Your mother and I have been in talks with the king and queen of Korinthios. We've discussed the future and ways to cement a lasting peace in the Via Pacifica once this war is over."

"The Korinthians have a powerful military force and they've been good allies to us so far," Sera noted, "Loyal and brave. I have no doubt they won't have to worry about their borders and..."

The queen raised a hand, "Military force is important for keeping the peace, or course. But we were considering better... more political means. A strong and united Star League will be good for everyone, to promote peace and stability, especially when dealing with outsiders like the U'shan or even the GSA. It might be good to maintain that coalition... one that you've helped to forge."

Sera gave a sheepish look, "Thank you. But what does this have to do with me?"

Benedict straightened up and cleared his throat looking a little off balance, "Well Princess... umm, our parents seem to think that the best way to help cement the bonds between our worlds is through an arranged marriage."

Sera balked in silence, "I... what? As in you and I?"

"I... wouldn't be opposed to the idea," Benedict admitted shyly, "I've really grown to admire your strength and courage over time, Princess. I think we get along fairly well too, so that's another plus."

"I regard you very highly too Prince Benedict," Sera said with sincerity before turning to her parents with a more accusatory look, "But you want to force us into marriage?"

The king shook his head, "No one is forcing anyone, dear. But you know this is not an uncommon practice among people of our station. You knew this time might eventually come."

"Well... yes, but..." Sera mumbled feeling her brain suddenly go blank for a counter argument.

"But you have to consider that you are our only daughter and your safety is very important... not only to us, but your people," the queen said, "It would do a great amount of good and it would allow you to help command from the rear lines. Besides, you don't find Benedict to be an objectionable person, do you?"

"No. Of course not," Sera admitted, "I just... I don't know about all this. It all seems so sudden, and such a big decision to make."

"No one is asking you to make a decision today," Benedict offered gently, "Your parents are just asking you to think about it."

She gave a deep sigh and relented slightly, "I... suppose I could do that."

She stood up and tried to compose herself as she smoothed out her white dress. Her father tilted his head, "Serafina? Are you leaving so soon?"

She gave a small respectful bow to everyone in the room, "Mother. Father. Prince. If you'll excuse me? I'll take my leave now. I had agreed to meet with some female friends from the Odyssey. I didn't want to keep the girls waiting."

She turned and left the room feeling more queasy and apprehensive then when she had first entered. With the prospect of her arranged marriage on the table, it was going to be very difficult for her to relax and have a good time tonight with the other girls. She didn't want to burden her Ranger friends with this startling news just yet. After everything that happened recently at Cydonia, it wouldn't be fair to them. For now, sera decided she would so what she had always done since the fall of her planet. She would put on a good face and simply endure.

Meanwhile, Captain Dominic Raines stood in his quarters aboard the Odyssey intently studying a large star chart being displayed on the wall in front of him. The holographic map was divided in two and marked by colors showing the current battlefront in their region of space. Every so often, the line would shift slightly in places as the Star League gained territory in some sectors while giving way slightly in others. His concentration was interrupted when he heard the door chime ring. He rubbed his eyes and gave a sigh, "Enter."

The door opened and he was greeted by his First Officer carrying a datapad. Commander Hawa Jakende gave her friend an inquisitive look and poked her head inside, "Hey Dom. Did I catch you at a bad time?"

He took a few steps back from the battle map and gave a tired sigh, "No. I've always got time for you Hawa. What's going on?"

"I've compiled reports from all stations about the relocation of the colonists. They've been offloaded on the starbase and our crewmen are now tidying up the ship from our guests. I thought you might want to review these."

Raines took the datapad and set it down on his desk for later, "Thank you. What would I ever do without you? Hopefully the crew was okay with everything that happened?"

"We've been through a hell of a lot worse," Hawa said going over to the personal food resequencer in the captain's quarters. She idly keyed in a few commands, "The crew is in good spirits, though they wish we could have stayed to fight longer at Cydonia."

The resequencer dispensed two hot mugs of tea and Hawa offered one to the captain. He gratefully accepted the warm drink, "I can understand. I didn't like having to just give up the planet either, but I know it's a strategic withdrawal in the big scheme of things."

Hawa glanced at the map of the battlefront and sat down on the couch in the room, "So I see. I hope you're not pushing yourself too hard and trying to find a way to singlehandedly end this war."

He gave a small crooked smile as he sat down beside her on the couch and nudged her shoulder with his, "You know me better than that. How long have we been friends, now?"

"Geez. What would you ever do without me?" she sighed good naturedly as she rolled her eyes and took a sip of tea, "All right... well, have you come up with any brilliant insights, or have you been staring at the wall for the last two hours like like a madman with a conspiracy theory?"

Dominic stood up and addressed the map, "Actually, I might have a plan to strike a decisive blow to the Empire... but it would be a little risky too. I think the U'shan had launched that massive counterattack recently out of desperation. Do you see how the front line has bulged and grown uneven?"

She joined him at the map and studied it, "Okay. The Star League's line bended but it didn't break. That's going to make it a little harder for us to reinforce certain spots at the moment."

"True," Dominic said as his mind worked out some hypothetical scenarios, "I believe the Empire is doing this to try and and stall us. They want us to be off balance and too scared to keep pushing them back."

Hawa eyed him curiously, "So you're saying we keep the pressure on?"

"Precisely," he said with a grim smile as he pointed to the Olympian sector, "If we can move fast and bring enough force to bear, we just might be able to fool the enemy and strike them at a critical point. We can break the Empire's entire line if we liberate Arcadia... the place where this whole thing began."

Hawa stood silent for a moment, considering the bold plan of attack. It was certainly risky, but it could also prove to be a decisive victory too... one that might even bring the Empire to the negotiating table. "Have you brought this idea up with Captain Regan, or the admirals in High Command?"

"Not yet," Raines said with the ghost of a hopeful smile on his tired face, "I wanted to run it by my First Officer before anyone else."

Commander Jakende smiled quietly and crossed her arms, "Well... it's a good idea, and you always were a whiz when it came to Strategy and Tactics courses back at the academy... but I think we could stand to crunch the numbers a little more and work out some other logistical issues. If we're going to present this plan to the higher ups and become heroes, we have to make sure of everything, right?"

Captain Raines turned back to the map with a hopeful look as he kept his eyes fixed on the new target of Arcadia, "All right then... what are we waiting for?"

A/N:
With the series nearing its last stretch, two major battles/plots remain. I plan to start wrapping things up in the near future and tie up the other plot threads but I just wanted to give a big thank you to those who are still reading and following along on this voyage. I promise we're almost done and I'm glad you've all come along for the ride. Until then!