Caine stood on the small bridge of his new command vessel, looking on helplessly as his flagship and Commander Wolfe's ship were obliterated in a brilliant ball of fire. He had felt the death of his father at the moment of impact and seethed at the fact that the old man's actions had finally caused his defeat. It also enraged Caine that he would be denied the ability to take the his life personally after hesitating when he actually had the chance. That moment of decision would certainly haunt Caine for some time, but his mental training would eventually allow him to move past it, of that he was sure.

The battle was lost, a disaster that Caine would not soon forget. Losing two of ships along with watching Khallis's vessel be captured like a wounded animal was difficult for him to imagine. If he could take any solace, however, it would be that the burning hatred he felt for his uncle was now joined by an equally intense desire to have revenge on his younger sister. He would have them both and the pain he wouldg inflict would be more than they could possibly imagine. On this simple premise, he would dedicate the remainder of his days.

"Prepare to jump to hyperspace.", Caine calmly commanded to the officer at the propulsions station.

"Sir?", came the surprised response. "We can't just leave them to be taken prisoner."

"We have no choice.", he replied. "This vessel cannot mount an offensive. Make no mistake, though. Commander Khallis and her crew will be avenged. Sooner than they realize."

"Yes sir.", said the officer.

"You have the coordinates, Lieutenant.", Caine ordered. "Get us out of here."

With that, the stars in their viewscreen formed into the familiar linear streaks of a hyperspace jump and with a loud crack in spacetime, they were gone.