Xanatos POV

He was barely awake when he heard movement across the hall where Obi Wan was. There was the sound of someone answering their com and then more movement. Xanatos turned to look at his clock and saw it was barely past 5 in the morning. He groaned and thought to himself,: Why is he up at this unnatural hour?: Xanatos changed into his robes and as he opened his door he saw Obi Wan's open. Before he could say anything the boy was rushing past him in a fresh flight suit.

The look of worry on his student's face forced him to follow. He followed quietly behind Obi Wan until they reached the hanger where his group was. The second he entered everyone outside snapped to a salute. He waved them off and entered the hatch of the ship.

Xanatos saw Night standing outside stitching up someone's wounds. He approached and asked," Night right?" The young man said," Ah good morning Knight Xanatos. I assume you followed the Lieutenant Commander?"

He nodded and asked," What happened to have everyone up this early?" Night's face hardened as he said," Lt. Commander is the only one that a group called the Zentrati will talk to. He was called because they sent up a distress signal five parsecs from here."

Xanatos asked," Why Obi Wan?" Night had an incredulous look as he asked in return," You don't know the story? I guess he wouldn't have told you or anyone else here. Remember what I said about losing almost a full squadron it was that mission. One of the few times we and the Zentrati ever worked together under a common flag. That battle decided the war netween us and the Inbids. At the costs of many lives and most of those left peace of mind. Wolf will never be the same again. He lost so much and refuses to get close to anyone."

Xanatos thought to himself,: That's why he's so cold. He's afraid if there's another war it will just bring him more pain. That's why he looks so lonely.: Xanatos swore to himself that he would change that. He would be there for the boy even if he wasn't ready to accept him. He said," I will change his outlook. I will make him accept me no matter what." Night smiled and said," Good luck with that Jedi Knight. You aren't the first person to say that. I doubt you will be the last. I should warn you he has a nasty right hook."

Xanatos walked through the hatch and realized just how big the ship was. With the high ceilings it looked like it was made for Giants not humans. He walked down one of the corridors and noticed guards outside a room. He looked at them and asked," Is Obi Wan in there?" They asked with equally confused looks," Who is Obi Wan, Jedi?"

He rubbed a hand over his face and said," Lieutenant Commander Wolf. His given name is Obi Wan." Recognition shone in their eyes as they nodded. The one of the left said," Orders though no one is allowed in. Not even Commader Fox."

Something had been bothering Xanatos about these names. What did they mean? Why were most of them animals? He asked," Why do most of the officers and pilots have animal for names?" The one on the right said his face becoming an emotionless mask but there was pain behind his eyes," That is not our story to tell. Only Lieutenant Commander can tell you that."

Xanatos stood there chatting with the two guards for what seemed like hours before the doors opened. Obi Wan stepped out looking more exhausted then when he went in. Without even looking at Xanatos he said," Sergeant go gather the commanders. Tell squadrons K-9 and F-3 to prepare for a recon mission." The young man on the left saluted Obi Wan before running down the hallway from where Xanatos had arrived.

The one on the right said," With you permission Lieutenant Commander I will go prepare for the mission." Obi Wan nodded and said," Dissmissed. I'll see you in the air."

The young man gave a small smile before saluting and heading off as well. Finally the boy looked at him and what Xanatos saw scared him. The haunted look in the boy's eyes was terrifying. He had never seen such a look of hopelessness and pain. It made him wonder what had happened to cause such a look. He said unemotionally," Knight Xanatos I am needed to supervise a mission. You cannot go with me and will stay here. It should only take two days."