Chapter 29: Smoke and Lies.. PT2.

Ellida..

I am nothing but a blur as my cloak bends light around me I'm also making my way to that Tennavians villa where I will get answers, either by force or I'll bring him to Z directly. But also Joe is still seared into my mind, he was an android, I don't care what model but I hope he isn't USM. Though he can't be. The USM is not permitted within this station. We are in Federation Space, I land in the market street centre, I contact Ze'reikich'ja his image collapses to my left opti-shield his eyes looking just behind me as I walk past civilians.

"Z I'm going to be bringing company, some interesting company. I hope you are ready for an interrogation because I've found some disturbing news. As well as a shocking revelation. I'm about to bring a Tennavian to your doorstep."

"A Tennavian? I must remind you Ellida, I hate Tennavians. So I advise you with caution. Make sure he isn't conscious first, it will give me time to prepare."

I nod then disable the comms. I hear a commotion behind me, I turn around to see several S.L.S.D agents pushing past the pedestrians, I don't know if they are looking for me but I decided it would be best if I hurry. I'm approaching the villa when my vision is highlighted with targets around the perimeter. I jumped onto the roof of a nearby store then double jumped to the Tennavians villa landing on the tilted smooth roofing. As I do so I hear weapons fire, kinetic and plasma, it seems that they want the Tennavian.. Dropping down from the roof I enter the inner courtyard. Several Drigg and Tennavian guards rush on by and through to counteract the attack.

My cloak disengaged.. "Shit.."

I wasn't paying attention to the power level..

Two of the guards see me and aim.

As they fire I launch a clasping net. It pins both guards to the wall behind them and i walk on past.

"Rrrrrrr!" I hear coming around the corner a Drigg flies at me, I disarm the alien and punch him with the weapon in my hand. Moving on I keep the weapon level. My hud scans for activity.. But there's none save for one figure behind a door.. I kick it open to immediately take cover behind the wall.

"Big mistake coming for me Yautja! I have more on the way!"

I huff and wrap around cover firing the weapon. It causes Vectra to move back behind a pillar, more rounds hit the table as i flip it, considering it is glass its highly insusceptible to damage, my cloak has recharged and I move off as Vectra keeps firing blindly. He holds his arms up as I press the weapon against his head.

"Drop it.. You have seconds.. Sisters Law Security is on its way.. And i want answers.."

"Ellida? Even better.. You may have made an enemy here human.."

"Perhaps.. Right now I want you alive.. Where's your escape?"

"A hidden panel behind the wall behind you.. Why do you need me? I'm just a businessman.."

"Code?!"

"32874."

"Move.. Twenty seconds.. Tet'va do you have us?"

"Sei'i.. Holding position.."

"If they learn you are taking me they will destroy your ship.. We will all die!"

"Only you.. Keep moving.."

We walk through the lower level tunnel as I keep the Tennavian covered I see an S.L.S.D agent I open fire. Causing him to take cover as sparks fly from the ceiling, the cloak holds.

As we leave out of the tunnel and open the hatch we see the distorted outline of a ship then the ramp opens. Before Vectra can even say anything Tet'va punches him with a lightning fast left hook causing him to corkscrew to the floor his six arms flying wildly.

"He is required to be unconscious Ellida.."

"Lets go.."

I aim my plasma caster at the exit and fire.. Causing an explosion to rock the ground and ship.

We take off, and before anyone is none the wiser, Tet'va jumps with a high wake to Maia.

I move Vectra to one of the store rooms to the left, dragging him then dropping him.. I take in a breath and go to rub my forehead when I forget I'm in the armour system and can't get out of it. I just remain stood over him, questions almost feeling like they are being spoken aloud I feel a pair of hands on my shoulders.

"Mom, what the hell do I do?"

"Where is the chip?"

"Vi'rassi has it, is she here?"

"In the food stocks.. She didn't tell me she had it.."

"Just doing her job.. I told her to guard it with her life.."

"I'm your mother, she can't trust me now or something? Come on.. Lock the door.. Just relax for the time being."

I give her a subtle nod and leave the store room. I press the panel and there is a bleep.

I walk to the Food stocks to see Vi'rassi wrapped around a chair. She uncoils and gives me the chip. I insert it into the Sat-Com port and in seconds it downloads the data we garnered, I held the chip in my armoured clawed hand and crushed the chip..

Vi'rassi holds out her arm almost in shock of what I've just done.

"Why Ellida? You almost died for that data.."

I dropped the distorted and twisted chip and it clattered onto the floor.

"Now I am the data. They can't kill me, they need it.. And they can't get me out of this armour.. I am the chip.."

She tries to study my eyes.. I see them flickering ever so slightly.. Gauging her response.

"We will be approaching Maia in several hours." Tet'va says entering the space.

I walk past after acknowledging her then enter the cockpit.

Ze'reikich'ja..

As I stand waiting for the Scorpion to break into atmosphere Ghardeh approaches me sensing my agitation, there's nothing more in the world that I hate than Wey Yu, the USM and Tennavians. The latter being my top hated and Ghardeh knows it, though she is more centred than I.. Much calmer and even to this day it STILL sickens as to how calm she always is.

"I can feel your anger so much so i could possibly cut it with my elbow blades Bright Star, lower a few degrees would you?" She runs two talons across the back of my neck causing my head to tilt to the right slowly relaxing. But as I hear the low thud of a ship entering a low wake, entering the lower atmosphere my back stiffens they are here. The ship, Ghardeh's old vessel The Tarei'hsan, or Scorpion. Begins to kick up the redish dirt and lands on the starboard side of Ghardeh's newer larger vessel The Shadow's Wrath. We walk towards the back of Delilah's vessel when as the ramp opens a red six armed slender Tennavian tumbles forward unconscious.. I see Tet'va wind her whole left side of her body back.. As if she just threw a punch.. And judging from Delilah's hand to her face with an almost shocked expression I'd say she did just that.. Ghardeh drags the Tennavian to the Kehrite where she restrains him in plasma based gauntlet cuffs. And chains him up with his other four arms restrained behind his back.

I notice Ellida who is within her Armour System.

"Ellida, you will find a backup system in the abode. You may disengage it there if you wish.."

She slowly nods.

"I have been dying to scratch an itch for several hours.. Thanks.."

She walks out of the Kehrite and Tet'va along with Kaylum follow her. Leaving Ghardeh, Delilah, Vi'rassi and myself. Moments later Kaylum comes back with a pale of water and without warning throws the whole contents at the Tennavians face.. He is thrown awake coughing.. Wriggling, realising he is chained up.

Delilah points her finger twice as he frowns at her.

"I'm known for my patience, hell.. I'm well known for my dexterity.. And leniency.. But this time it's different, I want to know a few things. But first. You will answer my question.. And depending on the answer, if i get one, depends on the manner of your return."

"I'm going to kill you.. Slowly.." He says..

I go to launch forward with growled clicking but Delilah holds up her hand with splayed fingers.

She ignores him.. And walks from right to left.

"What were you planning with Qah'dah?"

"I'm going to make it so slow, and painful.. You will wish you never laid eyes on me.." He continues..

I look at Ghardeh who slowly shakes her head at me.

"Your.. So called mate.. Doesn't like what I'm saying.. But you won't kill me.. Because you know you can't.. Where's Ellida? She's going to regret this whole thing soon enough.."

"What were you planning with Qah'dah?"

"Does he even love you like you love him?"

"Were you responsible for planting that android?"

"Vi'rassi will betray you all.."

"Are you a part of the GDR?"

"You could have saved your mother and father.."

I sense something stir in Delilah.. She launches at the Tennavian but Ghardeh in a flash grabs both of her arms and pins her back while The Tennavian laughs.. Which turns into an almost high pitched screech when with an upward slice one of his arms falls to the floor through the chains as I chopped off one of his lower arms from the third set which are mainly used for feeding. His deep blue thick blood plapping on the dirt floor..

"Enough of this.." I say.. As calmly as I can without sounding too thoughtful.

"Answer the questions or I shall cut off a digit for every minute wasted.."

"Then you will have to kill me, bring me Ellida, I will only talk to her."

Delilah holds my chest against the palm of her hand and walks towards the Tennavian.

"If I get Ellida, will you comply?"

He nods, letting out a heavy breath.

"Yes.."

Delilah nods back looking at the floor for a second then leaves me, Ghardeh and Vi'rassi.

Ellida…

I walk out of the Kehrite and into the house, I take the winding stairs to find my room and the armour platform to the. Left wall. I step onto the black wells and the armour removes itself entering the platform. I rub my forehead and lower back.. Then hear a loud shriek. No doubt Z has had enough, I feel Tet'va behind me and I slowly back up into her frame. "I'm guessing that Z has had enough.. No way would that be Ghardeh."

"He has the legendary temper of a yautja.. But then, he has Ghardeh's temper though she won't ever tap into it. With good reason, she would kill the Tennavian rather than let him utter another word."

"How does she do it? Keep it under control if it is so destructive?"

She has learned to mask some of her feelings like anger, female yautja are far more powerful than males.. For some that is.. Ze'reikich'ja has Ghardeh's DNA as a template, so he shares many of her attributes.. In male form including her tactfulness.. Speed.. And unfortunately strength.."

"Why is that unfortunate? Because he isn't bound to controlling it?"

"Precisely, to him a simple act of throwing a punch is just that.. A simple act. But if he is angry and he does so.. Most cases it will cause irreparable damage. It has always been Ghardeh's way to help him curb his anger but deep down.. The beast always wins."

"Ellida.." I hear from behind me, I turn to see mom.

"Yeah?"

"The Tennavian will only speak with you, preferably before Z rips his spine out.. Or worse.."

"Whatever is worse than having your spine ripped out?"

"In his case? Torture.."

"No plans for a quick death then? Alright.."

I walk back to the Kehrite. I don't find Z but rather Ghardeh and Vi'rassi.

And Vectra with an arm missing.

"You wanted to see me? So I'm assuming you want to answer my questions?"

"Y… Yes.."

"Alright, what do you know about the android? The one that was planted at S.L.S.D HQ?"

"A great many things.. D44-215.. Or Joe as you knew him by was one of my androids I planted, and no we are not part of the GDR.. I hate the GDR.. However it seems he malfunctioned.. Something in his intellectual sub-routines had failed.. An unfortunate incident.. But the fact is you remain alive, where is the chip?"

"Oh you mean the one I almost died retrieving the contents of? In here." I say pointing to my temple.

"You destroyed the chip?"

"Not exactly, I am the chip."

"How many names did you find of importance? It is crucial you tell me.."

"Delilah, F'jord, Wayne Carlton and someone we met before.. Shane Hunter Dixon."

"That one! Shane Hunter Dixon! Where did you meet him? When?"

It seems that Vectra knows about this Shane.. So I indulge him.

"We met him ten years ago working for the USM.."

"That can't be right! I only spoke with him several months ago! He does not work for the USM.. But for Weyland Yutani Corporation.. At least the reformed Corporation.. Do you have more information?"

"How is that possible?" I hear from behind me, Ghardeh walks up to my back.

"I'm only answering Ellida.. Yautja.."

I frown and shake my head..

"You will answer the question.."

He huffs..

"As you wish.. Shane Hunter Dixon is a clone, he knows he is such a creation. But he is also looking for someone.. He doesn't quite know.. But believed I could help him, he was once captured by the Weyland Corporation many many years ago, but once they changed their agenda, he was on board. They are an exploration entity now. They lost their military division in 2100. But more importantly he captains his own ship, the V.S.S Endeavour."

Ghardeh storms off.

"Alright, so Shane is one of your contacts? What about the USM.. Do they know about Wey Yu?"

"Uncertain, but if i were you, I'd start with this industrial planet i told you about. I know you started this mission, on good faith, but the GDR will be looking for those responsible."

"I'll have it sorted, what about Qah'dah? Other than having a dispute, why do you want her dead? Seems excessive don't you think?"

"Indeed, I had no idea that she was part of your circle so let us forget that little mishap.. My life is not worth another. However, I will be needing my arm back.. Before having it reattached becomes impossible."

"If I do that will you comply further?"

"I will indeed. I helped you this much did i not? And however I was handled, you did unintentionally save me from the law."

"I don't think they were after you.. Someone had broken into my home, looking for something. I don't know what."

I feel a tingled tap on my right shoulder I turn around to look then greeted by a black skinned yautja with blue spots.. Ke'tah'l..

"Hmm? Ke'tah'l! How did you know I was here? A pleasant surprise!"

I hug him but he looks down at me arms wide not knowing what to do with the sudden contact clicking slowly.

"I could sense you were close, so I came to see you."

"My light I assume?"

"From many miles away.."

"Heh! Did you manage to find a worthy target for your Kv'var?"

"Now is not the time for idle chat, you have company it seems. I shall return another time.."

He goes to leave but I grab one of his fingers with a laugh.

Vi'rassi slides towards us.

"May you answer my questions Vectra? Ellida is tired.. She needs rest." She says as her triangular head turns to me knowing full well what I want to do.

"Yes yes.. Fine.."

I walk out with Ke'tah'l, he quickens his stride as we move away from the house but I grab his hand smiling then fly forward as he yanks me towards him with a throaty trilling.

"Yes Ellida?"

"I'm just so excited to see you.. Is that a problem blueberry?"

"Blue… Berry…?" He asks studying my eyes for an answer but they crease with a massive smile.

"It was once a super fruit, but I could always switch you to a strawberry."

He snarls walking on while shaking his head making me laugh out loud while following him.

We walk along the purple beach as the waves gently hush onto the shore Ke'tah'l slows down his pace then stands watching the waves, I walk up to him and lean into the side of his armoured body.

"So Young Blood, what tales do you bring?"

I feel a shift as he looks down at me and my eyes meet his, he looks back to the waves with a gentle huff.

"I don't have much to tell wei-ghe'h, I hunted one gro'tye and claimed my Kainde Amedha syra'yte."

"A Xenomorph head? So no Quatza-rij yet?!" I playfully ask but I'm meet with a fully tensed body and a dry growl. He makes me smile as he leans towards me trying to overpower me with intimidation. But I laugh and with both hands push his taut chest back but he grabs both of my arms with a tight grip.

I forget he isn't like Z, Ghardeh or Tet'va.

"Relax Mr Big.. I'm only playing! Don't make me break out my own moves! I always seem to win!"

His growl becomes more agitated and my feet leave the floor. He's being serious..

"I said, calm down.. Remove your grip from me before I remove your arms completely.." I say with a stern threat. I realise I have no way of actually backing my threat up stupid me.. I don't have my Sat-com on, and the only weapons I have on my are my arms and legs.

"Drop her before I end you Ke'tah'l.."

The voice makes me jump, and my eyes dart to the left to see Tet'va stood with both fists balled. Her back arched and mandibles beginning to flare.

He looks at Tet'va and drops me as well as backing away from me. She nods slightly.

"Come, we are divising a plan to attack the USM and its planet."

We both follow Tet'va back to the house.

Ze'reikich'ja..

"I don't understand, how did they find the means to complete the work? Uzkielle destroyed the whole base I remember dying in the process.. I have to speak with the Tennavian.."

Ghardeh's hands leave my sides from behind as I stand staring out to the cyan ocean.

"All this time there has been another me out there, exploring and living. I wonder if I'll have to kill him.. Me too?"

"Vectra mentioned that Shane is looking for someone, maybe that someone is me? Remember when I made contact with you? He may have my blood, he may well remember me. If that is the case remember it is you who I have bonded with. Not some clone.. Also I will instruct Delilah and the others to remain alert. The last 'Shane Hunter Dixon' tried to kill you and Delilah. But something tells me this time won't be the case but we can't be too careful."

"I still remember the first time I laid eyes on you Ghardeh I was terrified, but that fear turned into admiration, then later a change of a lifetime. For the better."

I enter the Kehrite to see Vi'rassi reattaching Vectra's arm.

"All set, give it several hours.."

Vi'rassi moves away as I approach and crouch.

"This Shane you speak of Vectra, tell me about him."

"He is human roughly in his hundreds. He has yautja blood within him. Says he remembers a Yautja and has been trying to find them."

"Can you still contact him? He may be interested in what I have to show him."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"The one he searches for is Ghardeh, I was the original Shane Hunter Dixon, i have been cloned. Though it seems this one you have been in contact seems to remember Ghardeh slightly, that's who he's searching for."

"If so where would he be meeting us?"

"The location of the Industrial planet owned by the USM. If he helps us we could come to an agreement."

"And why would you help a clone of yourself? Seems impractical, why would you allow him to live?"

"Because I am no longer that person, and it's something he would also do, we are the same. It is about time I made parley with the past.."

Vectra nods in agreement.

"Does that mean we are also in agreement? This could be a good partnership."

"You work for the Weyland Yutani Corporation.." Ghardeh says almost too sure of herself.

"Whatever gave that idea away? Yes.. But as i have said it is nothing like what it once was. Exploration is the motive."

"Until something of significance takes your fancy.."

Ghardeh says with a hint of vehemence.

"Tet'va go get Ellida and the others. It is time.." I ask as I unchained Vectra and lead him to our home.

Ellida..

I see Ghardeh and Vi'rassi in tow with Vectra who appears to have been cut loose Z is nowhere to be seen, I take a glance at Ghardeh and her head bow tells me all I need to know, he knows about the other him floating around the galaxy. "Do you have a way of communication? I'll have to contact his ship directly."

"Yes this way I'll show you." Ghardeh leads him to the comms unit in the living room.

I go upstairs to get a switch of clothes, no doubt we will be heading out in a matter of hours.

I come back down in a blue jumpsuit with padded protection in key areas.

When I see Vectra talking to Shane..

My eyes narrow as I round the stairs.

"Who's that behind you Vectra? Another human being? And you told me you aren't fond of us.." He smiled.. He smiles? Well of course he does.. But that smile was.. Compelling..

"I'm Ellida Sir.."

He holds up his hand with a wider smile.

"Just Shane will suffice Ellida I'm on shore leave.."

His smile turns as he sees the others behind me.

Vectra moves aside.. I look and just as I see her..

"Ghardeh..?"

I hear and turn sharply back from the hologram..

"It's me.. Shane.. You've.. Moved on it seems.."

I lower my gaze..

"Shane.. A lot has happened since we've been.. Apart.. I didn't know if I'd ever see you Again.. There's some things I must explain.."

"Yes, so it would.. Seem.. You've changed since I last saw you!" Shane looks back at Vectra.

"So what do you need V? There has to be some reason as to why you are with my ex girlfriend.."

"We are preparing to attack an industrial USM planet that is responsible for creating Aquinox, we are going to blow it off the face of the universe."

"A dangerous endeavour.. But then you have the Yautja with you, why do you need my help? Seems like you have everything in order. Ghardeh is very well capable of entering the whole complex and wiping every molecule away.."

"Vectra says you know what you are?"

Ze'reikich'ja says.

"Yes, I'm a clone of a very unique individual, he has been an inspiration for me since I began my journey. One day I'd like to meet him.. Sorry.. What is your name?"

I see Z almost stumble over the very name, he was about to say. But he composes himself.

"Ze'reikich'ja, Bright Star."

"Well, Bright Star.. I was Ghardeh's Ex boyfriend.. As Danny would say.. So you'd best be treating her like a lady!" He says with a massive smile and a point.

"Indeed I have.. Shane.." Z bows his head and calmly takes his leave.

"Well, I'll give you the coordinates of the planet Shane, we'll see you there?"

"Aye that you will, Dixon out.."

The connection is severed and I look at both Vectra then Ghardeh, she is still standing still staring at the comms unit.

"Ghardeh you look, puzzled."

Her shoulders rise and fall as she inhales then exhales.

"It is- It was him.. Exactly how I remembered, even the smile.. The way his eyes lit up when he saw me like nothing was wrong. Like he has been.. Searching for me but that is not the same person, it haunts me, I must check on the real Shane."

She walks away and the door closes

when I then turn my attention to Vectra.

"If this is some trick I will throw you out of the nearest airlock, don't play with my family's feelings."

"Yautja don't have feelings Ellida, there is nothing to play with I assure you."

I walk upstairs and get back into the armour system, it shifts and covers me. But then I stop and look at the armour.

I shake my head in annoyance, then head down to see everyone ready.

"Before you begin this mission of yours it would be best if Ellida, Tet'va and I return to Sister's Law and tie up some lose ends, the last thing we need is S.L.S.D launching an assault and arresting all of us. I have received several calls to return."

"Why didn't you say something before Vi'rassi?" I ask walking up to her side.

"At the time it wasn't warranted, they simply want us to return so they can get any statements due."

I nod. "Alright we three will head back, we'll m-"

"No." Ghardeh interrupts.

"We go together, I'll dock the Tarei'hsan in the T'sha're Arut'as'a, let us go there now."

"But what about me? I'm undoubtedly wanted remember? And what about Ellida?" Vectra asks.

"Ellida was in the Ekso oota at the time so she would not be identified and as for you I have a plan." She continues.

"Well this is going much more smoothly than I anticipated, I expected the Tennavian dead and a massive war as to why there is another Shane Dixon floating about. What makes him so special that they need to clone him? Will any of you explain this to us at least? We are confused.." Kaylum says putting his hands in his pockets.

Ze'reikich'ja huffs and takes several weapons from the weapon wall.

"Remember when I told you Ghardeh found me on a rotting planet two years after I was taken by Bad Blood Yautja? That person you saw on the holo call was me.. The human me, the only reason he is floating around out there. Is because one fateful day on Earth we were both captured by Weyland Yutani. At the time, I had Ghardeh's blood coursing through my veins, and I was also known as 'Ascendant'. I had the ability to create fire and project it. Wey Yu found out and was very interested in it. Unfortunately for them Ghardeh and I managed to escape but then when we thought we were safe, I was recaptured, Ghardeh was almost killed in the process.. They experimented on me, took a piece of me. Until Ghardeh along with Nina, Osh, Uz and little Danny mounted a single rescue mission designed to destroy the base and get me out. They did.. And we thought we had destroyed all data and tests regarding their work.. Obviously we were wrong. Some of it got out in the chaos. We don't know what has happened in the years that followed but evidently I was very much still the pet project for the USM and Wey Yu.. No doubt trying to retain the ascendant abilities. But instead settling for the Yautja aspects.. Greater speed, strength and intelligence. But they'll never get close to the real thing. Me.. "

I see mom lean on the back of the curved recliner.

"You always told me bits Z but never the whole thing.. It makes me sick to realise that after all these years humanity is just as single minded in the twenty first century.. To now in the twenty fourth century. And that you have lived more than two life times Z.." Mom shakes her head but I can almost see a glaze of tears over her eyes.

"Let's get this done." I say walking to the front door.

Ghardeh enters her large ship and brings the scorpion into the hangar bay of the vessel Ze'reikich'ja walks to the throne room probably to speak with Qah'dah and Ke'tah'l.

Delilah…

As I walk through the grey corridors of the ship I find my eyes Trailing the black strip that runs across the top corners, I remembered that they are actually Warning Lighting, Red, Blue and Yellow but the lights have a corresponding rune set within each one and the main lighting strips that are in the middle of the walls dim, it's a very smart ship.

I find my way to the cockpit to witness the view screen slats slide across from centre to the edges I still can't get over how much I like this ship, back in my piloting days I'd do anything to get my hands on a beast like this. Then my mind takes the form of the ship I was once building and I find myself wondering what would it look like now? The interior? The Cockpit? It was a very small ship but It would have been a great little flyer. Bastards.. Ghardeh turns to me and her shoulders lower and her head tilts to her left she approaches me crouching slightly, my eyes hit her purple jewels those purple space jewels, studying my face trying to find a way in to stare into what I'm thinking.

"Yes Ghardeh?" I say almost too quietly as if there is something wrong with my vocals.

"You seem lost in thought Delilah, It intrigues me as to what you are thinking about."

I blink then smile moving my fringe out of the way, well I was going to but she does it for me, Ghardeh knows me too well.

"You need that offending lifeform removing would you like me to remove it?" I blink and slightly jolt as to my right I hear 'T'sssing!' And a whisp of hydraulic gas hit my hair as her left wrist blade extends.

My smile grows and I put my fingers along the jagged but styled blades.

"I like the lifeform I've watched it grow for over half a century."

Ghardeh laughs quietly.

"But it always seems so intrusive."

I laughed with her and she slowly stands as her blades retract.

I look behind as I hear several footsteps, It is Ellida, Kaylum and Vi'rassi then finally Z and Vectra.

Ghardeh begins to initiate the ships take off, I look around to see the top light strips and some wall panels flashing blue. Then as we hit the upper atmosphere they return to normal. She plots in a course for Sisters Law. Then the famous bleeping then I count in my head.

"4,3,2,1. Engage.."

We enter the wormhole then wait.

I can't help but wonder what will happen next, all these years and I've never really thought about it but now it seems we will be fighting back against the USM. The author to all that went wrong those years ago, and still with their intrusive ways harming others for their goals. Only this time the Yautja they will be dealing with will be alive and fighting. My only goal will be making sure everyone comes home. I don't want a repeat of Merth.. Hell I insist. Smoke and lies.. But like those, they will eventually be extinguished. And when the dust settles that planet will no longer hold the key to their salvation, but a memory. You can't play god. Life doesn't take kindly to it. And for once, I get the feeling we may finally be entering the end, where all of our good intentions become clear, I just hope we live to see it, not least for my children. It's then I'm hit with the same determination many years ago with the spore pox outbreak. I won't make the same mistake twice.

My thoughts are cracked apart by a voice over the comms.

"This is Sister's Law Station, please submit a docking request if you wish to land."


Author note: First off let me just apologise for the overdue update, I've been having problems lately and I just couldn't focus on writing. I have also been extremely busy with work so from now on I'll be updating as and when the chapter is ready as I can't keep setting a schedule for when they will be finished as I feel ill rush it and I don't want that. Smoke and lies was such a huge chapter that I had to split it into two segments rather than have a massive chapter. And on that note it looks like there are going to be a few strange events in the next chapter! The Original Shane Hunter Dixon/Ze'reikich'ja working along side a clone of his former human self! Though it seems it may have an effect on Ghardeh as well! Find out in the next chapter! Which will also begin the final act. Act four: Through the darkness.