Chapter 17 – If Tomorrow Comes, Part II
Jun and Erina pulled into formation and waited for the coming onslaught. The Jovian fleet's size and weaponry seemed indomitable. Jun's mind raced through every possible tactical maneuver and solution he had ever studied and experienced. None seemed helpful. There was no hope for reinforcements. No where to retreat to. There was only one natural defensive barrier, the debris of Saturn's rings, but going there would mean abandoning the Nadesico and the jump installation. There was only one option. Stand and fight.

Jun sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time in five minutes. "Erina, do you have any ideas?"

Erina's fatigued face looked back at him on the giant view screen. "This befuddles me as well Jun. I keep thinking for a brilliant solution but I still see this as extremely difficult."

"I understand, however, we have a pledge to keep for our friends…no for all of humanity. Keep thinking. We have little time but what we must use the most of it," Jun finished.

"Jun…" Erina started. "I'm….I just want to give my regret for the part I've played in all this. I was blinded so long by the lust for power it's just…" Erina trailed off as she looked down.

"Erina, if you want to do penance, now is a better time than ever," Jun replied. Erina nodded and disconnected the communication.

**********************************

Ruri looked around in wonder at the events unfolding before her eyes. Very little things invoked an emotional response in the electronic fairy and even fewer could shock her into complete childlike fascination. An intricate dance of lights and patterns elaborated the walls of the chamber. The infinite pillar emitted a steady glow among its trillions of intricately carved grooves reflecting its operation. Suzuki still stood in intense contemplation as she manipulated the commands to the device.

"You seem fascinated Ruri," Inez commented. Ruri nodded barely acknowledging the comment. Inez smiled. "I can't help but feel the same. All of my research, all of my knowledge could never have conceptualized these wonders. It is a testament to how far mankind still must travel along the road of knowledge. It is indeed amazing," she trailed off being lost herself in the magic of it all.

Everyone else just sat dumbstruck. Yurika held Akito's hand tightly as she observed the scene. They had all forgotten about everything, the mission, the impending battle, Jun and Erina, as they took it all in. They were jolted back to reality, however, by a low whirring sound.

Yurika noticed it first. "Akito, do you hear that?" Yurika asked tugging his arm. At first, he didn't notice so she raised her voice. "AKITO! Do you hear that sound?" Akito suddenly heard her and listened.

"I hear it, Yurika," Ryoko replied. Akito nodded.

"I hear it as well, what the heck…" Akito started. Suzuki stopped her concentration and opened her eyes.

"Someone is here," she said alarmed.

"It could be an enemy," Goat said pulling out his two submachine guns and standing at ready. The whirring increased in a steady crescendo until they saw a light down the tunnel they had come that seemed to indicate its presence.

"Everyone stand back!" Goat yelled bracing himself for battle. He stood at the entrance, guns drawn and waiting. The presence got closer and closer…

"STOP!" Goat yelled. At that moment there was a loud screeching sound and the oncoming presence abruptly stopped. There was a scream has someone was thrown from it and rolled along the ground. Soon, the smell of burning rubber began to permeate the room.

"Owww…Hikaru….," the voice from the thrown passenger said.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry Izumi!" Hikaru replied moving up to her friend.

"Why did you slam on the brakes? You trying to break me?" Izumi asked and then chuckled at her own pun. Goat lowered his guns.

"Hikaru? Izumi? Is that you?" he asked. Confirming his suspicion Hikaru rolled into the chamber on her wheelchair with a slightly bruised Izumi sitting in her lap.

"Hikaru! Izumi!" Ryoko said getting up and rushing to them. "Are you alright? Aren't you supposed to stay back on the bridge?" The others rushed towards them as well surprised by their presence.

"Yurika, I'm sorry to disobey a direct order from you, but it was necessary," Hikaru started. Yurika instantly began to fill with dread. Something had happened.

"Hikaru, what's wrong?" she asked not bothering to hide the panic in her voice.

"Minato sent us down here. We got an emergency message from Jun-kun. It seems that the Jovian buildup we had been tracking was a distraction and the real fleet has outflanked us. They were only thirty minutes away when we left to warn you fifteen minutes ago. I think we'll be under attack very soon," Hikaru said not bothering to pause and gain her breath.

"What!" Akito said in shock. "We have to go help them!" Everyone else nodded.

"No, you can't," Izumi said in a rare moment of seriousness. "It took us fifteen minutes to get here on Hikaru's wheelchair and even if she could carry everyone back the attack would already be in progress by the time you arrived. Walking is out of the question. Jun said we need to sit back and protect the facility. He ordered us not to try to help."

"But that's suicide!" Akito shot back. "We have not choice but to help."

"We may have another option Akito," Ruri answered him.

"What Ruri?" Yurika asked in desperation.

"Maybe if Suzuki can get the jump computer here working at full power we could hope to use it as a means of escape?" Yurika turned and looked at Suzuki in desperation. She nodded.

"How long Suzuki until it's ready?" Admiral Misumaru asked.

"I still need time. It has been dormant for so long. But I will try my best," she finished.

"Please do so for all of our friends," Yurika replied. Suzuki went back to her place at the wall and again closed her eyes. The lights and signals began to dance even more furiously than before and an omnipresent, but intangible energy began to fill the air.

"Please hurry…" Yurika murmured once more.

**********************************

"UEF ships will be in range in thirty seconds!" the tactical officer bellowed to Kusakabe.

"All ships lock and aim weapons! Don't let them escape!" Kusakabe yelled. The escape he was referring to was the fact that both ships had been steadily retreating for the last five minutes. It bought them a few precious moments but it would not be enough.

"Twenty seconds…"

"Steady!" Kusakabe said firmly. Now they were his. Nothing could save them.
"Ten seconds…" Victory was definitely theirs.

"Five…" the excruciating tension of the crew was suddenly broken like a snapped string when several of the battleships ahead of the leviathan were rocked by explosions.

"WHAT IS GOING ON!?" Kusakabe yelled.

"Scanning sir…Sir! It seems that we have flown into a minefield! Please advise!"

"A minefield!? Why didn't you pick this up before!?" Kusakabe asked tearing his hair out.

"Sir, it seems these mines were developed to only be detectable once you are right upon them like we are now. They're all over the place!"

"Fire and destroy them then!" Kusakabe yelled. This was becoming so disappointing it was almost comic. This should have ended decisively but here they were, piddling around and being held off by two UEF ships.

"Sir, we are rather close, the explosions may cause unnecessary damage," the tactical officer reported. Kusakabe winced. He looked at the screen though as three of his vanguard battleships ejected escape pods as the explosions reached their reactors, ripping apart the ships.

"Fine, pull back and then fire upon the mines," he said feeling the bile fill his mouth as he gave the orders for a strategic retreat. They were going to pay for this. Their tricks couldn't last forever. Damn them!

**********************************

"Excellent work Jun," Erina complimented him.

"Thank my officers. They realized at the eleventh hour how useful the new class of mines could possibly be in this engagement. Sadly, however, that may be my last trick."

"So we slug it out for real from here on out?" she asked. Jun nodded.

"Yes, we could wait for them to dispose of the mines but I believe in this situation an offense is the best defense," Jun replied.

"Are you mad?!" Erina shouted.

"Erina, we are going to end up fighting in any case. The odds will never be this far in our favor again. Please realize this. I need your help," Jun pleaded.

Erina was luckily used to command and thinking on her toes. "I understand. Good luck, Jun-kun," she said. He smiled. She had never called him, much less anyone else on the Nadesico, "kun".

"Good luck to you too Erina. Communications officer, pull up the Nadesico!" he commanded. Minato's concerned face came on the screen. "Minato, whatever is about to happen to us, I want you all to stay safe and protect the facility. If all else fails you can probably bring Akito and Yurika back to the Nadesico to jump out."

Minato became alarmed. "Jun, no…what are you saying. I'm not going to let you throw away your life like this! I refuse. I have already lost one person I care about to this madness, I will not…"

"Whatever you do, remember what we are here for Haruka. Thank you all for being our friends in times good and bad. Saynoara." Jun saluted to her and was gone.

"JUN!" Megumi yelled. Yukina stood is fear and disbelief.

"We can't do anything Haruka?" she asked tears welling up in her eyes.

"Only one thing. Keep this place and the Nadesico safe. I know we aren't the usual crew but we must do our best," Minato replied. The young Jovian girl nodded.

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"Engage the enemy and fire!" Jun ordered his crew. The Cosmos followed in tandem as they rushed towards the Jovians who were still occupied in clearing the minefield. Once within range, the space in front of the two ships glowed and warped as gravity blast cannons powered up and fired at their surprised foe.

Three battleships were the first frontline casualties of the first volley. They began to drift as their navigational controls destabilized and finally disappeared in a ball of fire.

"Three enemy ships destroyed," his tactical officer reported.

"Really, that's strange. There seemed to be no escape pods," Jun commented.

"They are mechanized ships sir. It seems that the Jovians have pulled their manned ships to the rear in order to protect them from the shrapnel from the minefields."

"Indeed, keep pressing forw…" Jun was cut short as his ship violently rocked.

"Direct hit by three enemy gravity blast cannons. Moderate damage to distortion field and decks 5 through 11," the systems officer reported. Jun sat down in the Captain's seat to steady himself. The Jovian attack had now begun in earnest.

"Full power to frontal shields, coordinate our blasts with the Cosmos. Is their command ship in range?"

"Negative sir. It is staying out of harm's way," the tactical officer replied. Figures, that coward Kusakabe. Both ships were rocked again by another round of blasts. Damage was worsening and the shields were starting to show strain. To add to his current troubles, Erina popped up on the screen.

"Jun, we must pull back! They have cleared the mines and are now proceeding with a full assault!" she said alarmed.

"Agreed…pull back!" Jun commanded. The two ships began another strategic retreat, but this time the Jovians would not be so forgiving.

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"They are retreating sir!" Kusakabe smiled at that comment.

"Keep up our momentum. Now is not the time to falter! Follow them and drive them to their graves!" Kusakabe said rising to give his speech even more effect.

"All ships in range are now firing all available guns, sir!"

**********************************

Jun was frantically giving orders when it happened. They were jolted by a blast from several ships at once. At first the ship shook as it regularly had with other hits but then they felt a bigger jolt followed by a split second loss of power and the loss of several minor systems.

"Captain…" his systems officer began her voice trailing off. "Captain, our distortion fields have been completely disabled." Jun nearly collapsed at those words. They were sitting ducks.

"Pull Erina up now!" he bellowed. Erina came up on the screen. "Erina our shields are down, you must cover us!"

"I know, I know, I'm already on it," she replied.

"Captain Aoi! Shuttles have launched from the main ship. They seem to be headed directly towards us!" the tactical officer reported.

"A boarding party," Jun said aloud. OK, now was really time to panic. No, you musn't panic or you are all surely dead. Do the logical Jun, do the logical. "All hands obtain personal firearms, prepare to be boarded! Tell the Cosmos to target those shuttles!" Jun said.

"The Cosmos replies that her hands are full right now," the communications officer replied. Hope seemed to be slipping away minute by minute.

**********************************

Lieutenant Seki sweated nervously as he approached the admiral. If he betrayed any of his treason, his scheme would fail and he would soon be a dead man. "Snap out of it!" he thought. This is not time for indecision. You knew this day would come for weeks, the time for reflection had long ago ended.

"Admiral, the battleship Valiant is requesting more munitions. They have wasted most of them on the mines. Should we ship them some?" he asked.

"Certainly, have a transport depart immediately," Kusakabe replied.

"Very well. May I also have permission to enter battle sir?"

"Enter battle? You mean in your Gekiganar unit?"

"Of course. I would like to fully participate in this day of glorious victory!" Lieutenant Seki said faking a mad fervor.

"Very well. In normal battle conditions I would demand your presence here but this should be a done deal soon. The Excalibur has been disabled so it is only a matter of time," Kusakabe said with vain assurance.

"Thank you sir!"

" Don't get yourself killed son," Kusakabe said and then dismissed him.

Lieutenant Seki left to suit up in the hangar. He made sure the supplies he had designated for shipment had gotten out fine. He ascended the elevator to the cockpit with a million thoughts going through his head. Would this fail? What if Kusakabe knew? Was this all foolishness? He shook his head vigorously and again reiterated his solemn vow.

He had taken the vow three weeks earlier when he had received a special top secret brief from a representative of the High Command. One of the few remaining doves who had not been assassinated, he had been Seki's mentor at the military academy. The two men trusted each other on a level that transcended military camaraderie. This made Seki ideal for the mission that was needed.

An admiral who had attended the "peace" negotiations with the crew of the Nadesico had recently become jealous of and threatened by Kusakabe's growing power. He had then disclosed to the High Command a special, carefully guarded secret: Shiratori Tsukumo had not been killed by the UEF. He had been killed by the hands of one of their own men on the orders of Kusakabe himself. At first, Seki, a fervent admirer of the admiral, had tried to deny the allegations and had considered turning the information over to Kusakabe. But doubt nagged at his soul until he realized that there could be truth to the claims. When Kusakabe had partnered with Akatsuki he finally had made up his mind. He would follow his directive and lay the groundwork for Kusakabe's destruction. He had not believed an opportune time would come so soon, but it had.

"Lieutenant," a mechanic's voice awoke him from dreaming. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready. Close the canopy and give me permission to launch," Seki replied.

"Very well. Good luck." The hatch closed and his systems powered up. Thirty seconds later, he was catapulted into the vacuum of space. Seconds later he contacted the Valiant.

"Valiant, please give me permission to dock," he communicated. He waited with baited breath for the response which thankfully came back affirmative.

"You have permission to dock Lieutenant. Welcome aboard. Let's do this," the captain replied. Seki smiled. The Valiant was one of five ships that was aligned with the High Command. Very shortly, Kusakabe would have a very rude awakening from his ruminations on his "perfect" victory.

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Jun shouted orders to all sectors of the ship at a rapid-fire pace. Everyone had to fortify their deck and make preparations for their unwelcome visitors. "Why try to seize us instead of blowing us away?" Jun thought. The answer appeared obvious: Akatsuki was on one of those shuttles. He was coming back to reclaim his prize vessel and he would surely try to take down anyone who stood in his way.

He looked down at the pistol and assault rifle he had been given. The UEF Academy gave rudimentary training in small arms though it was an archaic practice in modern warfare. Some favored getting rid of it entirely since only marines ever encountered a close combat situation. Now, he hoped he remembered every bit of marksmanship he had been taught since it would mean the difference between life and death.

The entire crew was frantic yet crestfallen. The shuttles would dock at any moment and the Cosmos was under such heavy fire that they did not have the flexibility to provide support. Though the distortion fields were gone, Jun still had the gravity blast cannon for several minutes which he used to help clear several more Jovian battleships. Unfortunately, once the energy supply of the cannons had been depleted, the Jovian battleships took the cannons offline was well leaving the path clear for the shuttles to approach them.

On multiple view screens the crew was shown erecting barricades and distributing armament. They seemed brave enough but they had one shortcoming. Since Akatsuki's relationship with the UEF had been rapidly deteriorating, he had used civilian employees to staff the ship. Mostly Nergal lackeys and outsourced personnel who were more familiar with flying freight transports than battleships. They would be no match for crack Jovian troops.

A shrill alarm brought Jun's attention back to the main screen. The shuttles were docking. Since Jun had already deactivated or ordered destroyed the mechanisms on most of the airlocks, the shuttles docked on various areas of the ship where the hull was thin and it would be easy to burn their way through. It would only take a few minutes so the delay was negligible as far as the grand scheme of things went but perhaps it would be enough for them to conceptualize a plan or even get help from Yurika & company.

"Open communications to all decks of the ship," Jun ordered the communications officer. Jun took a deep breath. He had to rally them somehow, even if these were the damndest odds.

"I know many of you are not warriors. I know that you thought this would be a simple contract mission. Another check to pay the rent or to feed your families. I give my deepest regrets that any of us have to go through this. We are about to be boarded by your former commander and likely at least one hundred Jovian commandos. It is essential that you remember our strategy and stick to it. Stay behind fortified positions and keep the enemy at bay. Don't try to be heroes. It is my hope that if we can hold long enough, the Nadesico will be able to provide us and the Cosmos with some sort of support. I know that is a vague promise but it is all we have." Jun looked around. Instead of the sneers or cynical faces he expected everywhere he saw support and at worst, only resignation.

"I have not been captain here long and I do not know many of you. Given this relationship I understand if you believe it preposterous that I am now asking you to risk your lives under my orders. I don't know whether you believe in peace with the Jovians or victory by the UEF. I can just tell you this. If we do not do our job here, both of those dreams will be dead. Earth will be crushed as well as any well-intentioned Jovians in the government or society of their empire." Jun paused as several red lights began to flare on the systems display. The Jovians were burning through. They were out of time.

"All I ask is that you look within yourself, for your deepest reason for living and use that now to propel you forward in the fight of our lives. Good luck men. When we get back to Earth, free beer in on me." The final comment brought a few faint smiles. The crew all over the ship understood the message and each man and woman played their part. It seemed like an eternity as the Jovians burned through each inch of the different parts of the ship. Suddenly, there was a hull breach warning in multiple sectors. They were through. Jun cringed at the screen expecting to see howling troops mass into the ship. Instead saw something that he had forgot to account for. Small canisters rolled through the openings of the ship and began to emit an audible hissing sound. Gas. Before Jun could even ask if there were countermeasures, personnel began dropping unconscious like flies.

"Seal the vents to the affected areas! Reverse the air pressure. Make sure that stuff doesn't spread!" Jun barked at the systems officer. She rapidly complied but it was too late for the affected decks. Masked Jovian soldiers marched onto the ship with no resistance to meet them.

**********************************

Lieutenant Seki saluted the captain of the Valiant as he entered the bridge.

"You know Kusakabe is asking why you are here, Mr. Double Edge?" the captain chuckled.

"Well, let's show him then!" Seki said stridently. The captain nodded and ordered his communications officer to send a signal to the entire fleet announcing their defection and demanding the immediate arrest of Admiral Kusakabe.

"Do you think that Nergal bastard will really help Kusakabe? They should be mortal enemies," the captain asked turning to Seki.

"Akatsuki? He has nowhere else to run for now. He is a smart man. He knows Kusakabe would share no power. I am sure he will jerk the rug out from under the admiral at any moment. Lying down with dogs always gives you fleas and Akatsuki is the dirtiest dog of them all."

"Captain, we have received responses from six other ships. They will join our cause!" the communications officer rejoiced.

"That makes us more evenly matched with the rest of the fleet. This is what I hoped for though we are still short of parity by about four ships. Broadcast to the boarding crew on the Excalibur as well. We need all the support we can get!" the captain responded.

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Admiral Kusakabe had been enraged many times before. Now, he had become apoplectic.

"Those High Command cowards! Kill them all!" he screeched. However, he did not find the immediate response he had hoped for. His men stood in awe and shock at the order. Were they being asked to kill Jovians? What kind of madness was this?

"Whoever does not comply immediately with this order I will have my honor guard shoot for treason immediately," Kusakabe threatened upping the stakes. Threats often work and the men soon went back to their duties, albeit with a heavy conscience.

"Also, send two ships to finish of the Cosmos. I don't want any more loose strings or surprises!"

**********************************

Erina knew she was dead. There was but a precious few moments left before her shields went out like Jun's. But they wouldn't board her. She would be reduced to space dust. She briefly reminisced on all that had been and could have been. She wondered whether all that she had done, all the people she had betrayed, had surely been worth it.

Then came the miracle she never expected. The Jovians seemingly forgot about the Cosmos and began shooting each other. Could this become any more bizarre?

"How is the Excalibur?" she asked her tactical officer.

"They have been boarded and the Jovians are rapidly fanning throughout the ship. It is only a matter of time before they take the bridge," he replied in monotone.

"Is there any chance we can help?" she asked.

"Not unless we send a counter commando squad." Erina knew this was out of the question with the skeleton crew on the Cosmos.

Any question of helping Jun evaporated once two ships broke off from the Jovian internecine battle to come and greet the Cosmos.

"It looks like they're coming to finish the job. Can we take it?" Erina asked.

"Not likely. Our defenses aren't doing well all over." Erina needed a plan and she needed it quick. If only they somehow had a fortified position perhaps they could last. The answer hit her like a bullet.

"Set course for Saturn's rings. We'll be safe there," Erina commanded.

"But Captain, the material hazards are risky," her navigation officer replied.

"Not as risky as staying here and getting shot up! Proceed at once!" she demanded again. The Cosmos turned and ran towards the beautiful rings of Saturn.
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"Suzuki how much longer?" Yurika yelled not bothering to hide her anxiety. Over an hour had passed and they had little idea if everyone else was dead or alive.

"Give me a few more moments. Here, the sensors are up so we can observe the battle." she said making a few more adjustments. An image appeared in front of them showing the battle in its current state. They saw the Cosmos running desperately for its life. They also saw Jun's ship immobile, with many small shuttles attached at various areas.

"The Excalibur is being boarded!" Admiral Misumaru said with shock as if the obvious needed to be stated. Tears began to well in Yurika's eyes as she saw the spectacle unfold.

"No…no please no. Please, let Jun be alright, PLEASE!" she said as he began sobbing. Akito put his arm around her shoulder to give her what comfort he could though he was just as wracked by grief and doubt as she was.

"Why? Why do all these people have to die for me?" he said in a detached voice. "Why did this damn thing have to exist! Why can't we live normal lives in peace? Is that too much to ask?"

"OK, the main system is booting now. About fifteen minutes and we'll be set!" Suzuki said.

"Fifteen minutes! I'm not sure we have that kind of time," Inez said.

"It's the best I can do, I swear," Suzuki said not bothering to hide the fact she was as concerned as everyone else at the turn of events.

**********************************

It took all the powers of persuasion of Jun's bridge crew to convince him that it was suicide to remain on the bridge. Jun wanted to stay and fight but their odds of lasting were worse than a snail in salt water. They used one of the service ducts to crawl out from the bridge and to what they hoped was safety. As they crawled through the labyrinth of tunnels they were able to catch brief glances of the ship's hallways through air ducts. The scene was both tragic and shocking. Tragic from the many felled crew members. Shocking from what the Jovian troops were doing—fighting each other!

"You bastards, how can you support an admiral against the will of the High Command! This is treason!" one yelled.

"Those weak politicians! It is just like them to try to steal the glory and victory from a real hero like Admiral Kusakabe. Open your eyes!" another yelled back. Soon it degenerated into a brawl and even sporadic gunfire. Jun was shocked. Eventually they crawled their way to a munitions facility room where most of the Excalibur's guided weapons were kept. Luckily it had been overlooked by their invaders.

"We'll be safe here for now," one of his crew members told him.

"Fine, but we need to warn the Nadesico about what has happened. Anyone have any ideas on how to get a communication out of here?" Jun asked. Everyone had blank looks until one of his auxiliary weapons officers approached him.

"There are communications devices that the missiles use to send and receive directives from the firing ship. Perhaps we could use those to get a message out," she conjectured.
Jun nodded. "Do it."
**********************************

"Captain Won we are now within the outer rings of Saturn. Debris and object hazards are at a dangerous level. Should we continue?" the navigation officer asked Erina nervously.

"Do we have a choice? Press on," she cried.

"We have another problem sir," the navigation officer continued.

"In order to maintain a safe velocity and not be trapped by Saturn's gravity we have to operate at 80% full thrust. This doesn't leave much energy for maneuvering or weapons."

"Is all you can do? Complain? Work around it. In fact, that could be our advantage. If the opposing Jovians are just as vulnerable we should take out their engines and let the planet do the rest."

"I understand sir," the tactical officer said.

**********************************

"The Cosmos has entered the rings of Saturn despite the risks associate with such a move. We don't have a direct shot at them through all the debris. Please advise sir?"

Kusakabe was getting sick of the games. "Tell the two pursuing ships to follow her in there until we get a close enough shot. This is not rocket science!" he said exasperated.

"Roger sir."

The Jovian ships pursued Erina and the others into the perilous rings.

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"Minato, we are receiving a communication on a strange frequency. It's a frequency band normally reserved for weapons systems communication," Megumi stated puzzled.

"What does it say?" Minato asked with a bad feeling starting in her stomach.

"It's from Jun…it says they have been boarded and have lost control of the ship!" Megumi cried. Minato and Yukina both stood up in alarm.

"WHAT?!"

"He is recommending we take any and all measures for our own safety immediately since they have lost the battle," Megumi said shivering now as she comprehended the weight of those words. Minato to her credit was still able to think clearly.

"Abandon ship, we must go into the facility where we at least have some modicum of safety. Shut down Omoikane so they can't take control of the Nadesico. We must move quickly!"
**********************************

"Captain Won! This debris is starting to seriously wear on the hull and affect our phase transition engine performance. We can't do this forever!" the navigation officer said even more agitated.

"Steady yourselves," Erina ordered. "Here they come." The Jovian ships slowly approached, powering up their gravity blast cannons to attack the Cosmos once it was in range.

"They will be in range in five seconds sir," the tactical officer informed her.

"Very well, prepare to fire half power at their engines. At half power we should not only be able to take out both their engines at least temporarily but recharge quickly enough for a second shot if we need it…FIRE!"

The Cosmos fired at its targets and then rapidly recharged and fired again. The Jovians fired as well but barely damaging the Cosmos since the density of debris was in her favor.The plan worked. The Jovians drifted on by them and began their long but inevitable journey into the atmosphere of Saturn.

"Success, sir!" The bridge of the Cosmos erupted in cheers. Suddenly, the ship shook. It seems one of the Jovian ships was able to get off a Parthian shot at the Cosmos. Reversing their own battle logic it had targeted the Cosmos's phase transition engine—and succeeded.

"Sir, we have lost engine power. We are falling downwards as well," the navigation officer cried.

Erina went from elation to horror. They had fallen into their own trap. Now they were going to fall into the frothy atmosphere of Saturn.

**********************************

The Jovian soldiers had been fighting so hard they had not noticed Akatsuki slipping out towards the bridge. Once there he had sealed himself inside and accessed the computer system. Now he had sole control over the Excalibur. The Jovians were completely occupied with each other and the Cosmos so Akatsuki saw it fit that he could waltz to the finish line and claim his prize.

At full thrust we could dock with the installation in about ten minutes. He entered his executive passcode and seized control of the ship. His jewel was once more his. In spite of all that had happened or was happening, he tilted his head back and laughed riotously. He always had the right move in the right place and at the right time. And now he would make the checkmate move.
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"Who's controlling the ship now?" an officer asked Jun. Jun saw it was a poignant question. His crew was captured, immobilized, or worse. The Jovians were engaged in some sort of fraticide that he did not comprehend. The ship must be drifting on its own…

"I'm going back," Jun decided.

"But captain!" his systems officer implored.

"Listen, we may have time to seize control of the situation. Our only other option is to wait here and get captured or killed. I'm going and if you want to stay, you can," Jun finished. Three of his crewmen stepped forward including his systems officer.

"We'll go with you," they offered.

The four climbed back into the service duct and retraced their steps to the bridge.

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"We're ready!" Suzuki shouted.

"Can we help them in the battle?" Akito asked frantically.

"We can do better than that. We can end it," she replied. Yurika stood mesmerized by the view of the battle from the mid-air hologram.

"Why are the Jovians attacking each other?" she asked aloud.

"Probably over this. Whoever claims this has a trump card over the entire solar system so it would be logical that a conspiracy like this would erupt," her father replied. "It seems they are as corrupt and faction ridden as the UEF military."

"Akito, we should probably help the Cosmos as first priority. Why not jump them to a safer location before they crash into the planet," Ruri proposed.

"Agreed, Suzuki can you do it?" he asked her. The alien nodded and closed her eyes. Instantly the pillar above them began to glow and emit an almost hypnotic hum. Suddenly the display showed the Cosmos switch from falling orbit to a stable one, a far distance from the Jovian forces. The Jovian ships that had been falling with her also rematerialized at a safe distance from the battle. Suzuki exhaled deeply showing the strain the operation had taken on her.

"What about Jun? Can't we get them out of there and bring them here?" Yurika asked.

"Fine, but this is wearing on me. I'll need a moment's rest and you three need to help me," she said.

"You mean Yurika, Inez, and I?" Akito asked.

"No, the other Martians" she said facetiously.
**********************************

Akatsuki watched as both the Nadesico and the facility grew ever larger in the view screen. There was no way the Nadesico could hope to fight, tethered as it was to the dock. This would be even easier than taking candy from a baby and he might end up obtaining the power to fell the Jovians as well. While he reveled in his megalomania he was oblivious to the pairs of eyes watching him from a far wall.

"Akatsuki…" Jun breathed. That bastard was back and heading straight for the Nadesico. Jun decided he must act fast and decisively. "I'm going in. I want you three to back me," he ordered them in whispers. The three nodded. Jun turned around so that his feet faced the vent. He then inhaled and used both his legs to give a strong push to knock the grating open.

Akatsuki started when he heard the clang of the vent grating falling against the floor. He jumped up and turned around in time to see Jun emerge, gun drawn.

"Your games end here, Akatsuki Nagare. Surrender and return control of the ship to us or do not expect any mercy from me," he threatened. He held a stern expression on his face so as to leave no room to interpret indecision in his actions.

Akatsuki, not one to ever surrender, dove behind the tactical console for cover. Jun swore and began slowly approaching his position. Jun's three companion hastily exited the duct themselves and stood giving him cover, their guns aimed at Akatsuki's last position.

"Make things easy on yourself, Chairman. No one has to die here. I've seen enough death for a lifetime. Just come out and surrender and I will honor your life," Jun continued. There was only about six feet (2 meters) between himself and the console. He had no idea if Akatsuki was armed. Jun's conception of time became slower and slower as he approached the console. Five feet…four feet…three feet. Just then, two empty hands shot up in the air from behind the console. They wavered with fear.

"I surrender! I surrender! Please don't shoot me, I can make you a very rich man Jun…"

"Cut your crap. I don't want any of your blood money. Come out now with your hands behind your head and then we can negotiate," Jun spat back.

"Fine, I'll put my hands behind my head," Akatsuki said. Jun relaxed. Akatsuki wasn't armed. There would be no complications. Akatsuki's head slowly rose from behind the control console. For a split second he looked down at the controls.

"BEHIND YOUR HEAD NOW!" Jun yelled emphasizing his resolve. Akatsuki's hands started down towards his head…and then slammed into a section on the control panel. The bridge lost all power and went completely dark.

"Dammit!" Jun yelled as he began firing rounds at the console. In the muzzle flash of one of his shots he saw Akatsuki emerge from his hiding place. Jun moved to gun to his new target but just as he pulled the trigger he was violently hit in his legs. He crumpled to the ground as an unseen mass covered him and began trying to subdue him through brute force. The hand holding the gun was pinned down by what he believed was Akatsuki's knee.

"You fly MY ship so you think you're hot shit, huh Jun?" Akatsuki snarled. His breath was so close that its humidity poured into Jun's nostrils. Shots fired off in the background as Jun's companions blindly fired trying to offer assistance.

"I can't die here. Not here and not in this way," Jun cried in his thoughts. Suddenly, his training from the Academy came back. He used his free leg to deliver a powerful knee to Akatsuki's rib cage. Jun heard a small crack and Akatsuki howled and loosened his grip. This was enough to give Jun the leverage to fling him off of him and to tackle him instead.

**********************************

"Suzuki are you ready?" Akito asked frantically.

"The better question is are you three ready," she asked Akito, Yurika, and Inez. The three nodded. "Good now form a circle and join hands. We need to concentrate. What should we do first?"

"We must help Jun-kun and the others on the Excalibur!" Yurika exclaimed, her anxiety reaching a fever pitch.

"Fine, concentrate on Jun now. Clear your mind of all extraneous thoughts and think hard!" Suzuki commanded.

**********************************

Jun was struggling with Akatsuki on the ground when he noticed the tingling sensation. Next the dark room filled with light and he saw his three companions staring at him with an aghast look. Suddenly, there were replaced by Akito, Yurika, Inez, and Suzuki. The sudden turn of events jolted his concentration giving Akatsuki the opening he needed. He freed his left hand and delivered a punishing blow to Jun's solar plexus, knocking out his wind and disorienting him. As Jun faltered Akatsuki pounced on the gun.

"What the hell is this?" Akatsuki asked standing up and pointing the gun at a startled Jun. The Nadesico crew, however, was armed as well and soon Goat, the Admiral, Ryoko, and Mr. Prospector had guns trained on Akatsuki.

"This is the end, boss. Or should I say Nagare," Mr. Prospector said with disgust.

"You can take me out, but your little friend here will suffer," Akatsuki said pointing the gun at Jun.

"Quick Suzuki jump his gun out of his hand!" the Admiral yelled. Suzuki closed her eyes to concentrate. Realizing what was happening, Akatsuki swung the gun around to her. He discharged one round before it disappeared from his hand in a flash of light.

Suzuki screamed and fell as the round struck her in the shoulder. It was a miss though since the bullet was originally aimed at her chest. Akatsuki had lost aim as Jun had swung his leg around to trip him up. After he had fallen Jun grabbed him in a firm headlock squeezing his neck like a vice grip. After a few futile gestures, Akatsuki ceased struggling.

Akito, Yurika, and Inez had already run over to the fallen Suzuki.

"Are you alright?!" Inez asked with panic in her voice.

"I'll be fine. You know that. We need to stop this battle now." They helped her to feet and she rested against the wall for balance. Just then the heard the sound of heavy machinery coming down the tunnel.

"Jovians!" Jun said. Everyone aimed their weapons at the tunnel only to be surprised again when Minato, Megumi, and Yukina appeared riding one of the Aestevalis maintenance vehicles.

"Akito! Yurika! Jun? Akatsuki?" Megumi said puzzled.

"There's no time to explain, Megumi. We need to finish this now!" Akito said.

"Everyone join hands again. We have to get everyone home. Now concentrate…" The three Martians and the injured Suzuki closed their eyes and concentrated all their thoughts and desires on one grand image. They felt the energy surge through their bodies and capture their minds until it was so bright that they could comprehend nothing else. Then, everything went black.

**********************************

Akito slowly opened his eyes and looked at his surroundings. His mouth was dry and his body ached all over. Looking to the left and the right he noticed his computer, pictures of Yurika, Gekigangar models…

Akito shot up despite his aching and fatigue. He was home!

"What? How?" he croaked. He got up and stumbled to the door. He had just had the longest and craziest dream of his life. Upon opening it he saw Yurika, Minato, and Yukina sitting around the table eating breakfast.

"So, the prince has finally awaken from his long sleep!" Minato said jesting.

"Yeah, I guess. I didn't sleep that long did I? I need to get downstairs to help open up," he said. He lost his footing and stumbled to the ground. Yurika rushed to him.

"You shouldn't try to do too much too fast now," she exhorted him.

"Yeah. You know, I had the craziest dream last night. You would never believe how much stuff was in it. I was kidnapped, we were fighting against Erina and then with Erina and then there were Jovians…man!" he started.

"I'm sure it was a long dream. Look at the date honey," she told him.

He turned and looked at the cooking wall calendar he had bought. He gasped when he noticed almost a month had past since he had last marked off any days.

"It wasn't a dream…" he said trailing off.

"No, it wasn't," Ruri replied. "The exertion of the jumping, however, took a lot out of you, Yurika, and Inez. They both woke up after about twelve hours but you have taken over a day. I hope you had a good rest."

"Yeah, I guess I did. Wait, shouldn't the UEF be coming to arrest us at any moment? Or shouldn't Nergal be grabbing us at any moment?" he asked. Yurika smiled.

"Nergal is in a lot of trouble now Akito. My father has gone straight to the top to set things right and many of the people like Admiral Shatner, Erina, and Akatsuki are already under house arrest."

"Well, Akatsuki is more under hospital arrest since he got a knocking around by Jun." Minato told him.

Ruri filled in the rest of the details. "Admiral Misumaru requested to be jumped directly into the president's office. It was a very convincing tactic along with the data we had from the ships which are all back in the docks now," Minato told him.

"He told us to lay low at home for a while though until he got control of the situation. Thus we are here," Yukina chimed in.

"Wow…but there is something missing here isn't there?" he asked.

"You mean Suzuki Miaka?" Minato asked. Yurika turned a bit red in the face but answered his question.

"Akito, she never came back with us," Yurika told him.
"What? I thought she was going to help us use the facility and teach us but she's just gone?!" Akito said.

"Remember, she said she wanted to find out what happened to her people. I think that's where she went," Ruri said pointing up.

"What about the new jump computer?" Akito asked.

"Jun told us UEF probe readings indicate that the energy emissions ceased soon after we got home and are now quiet again," Yurika said.

"So we've lost it. Well, good riddance I guess. Maybe now we won't destroy each other," Akito said sighing.

"Well, Inez was able to retain the access pad," Ruri informed him. "So we would just have to get back out there to use it again."

"But with the war and all that probably won't happen," Minato commented. Ruri nodded in agreement. As if to answer their comment their TV which was normally on mute suddenly came alive as it was programmed to do during important broadcasts.

The news anchor smiled and then began relaying the news. "This just in. Reports from within the UEF say that the Jovian government has petitioned the UEF for an official cease fire. Rumors indicate a shake-up in the Jovian power structure including the jailing of the infamous Admiral Kusakabe. We will have more details as news breaks…"

"Well, miracles never cease," Akito said a smile coming to his lips.

"Indeed," Yurika said smiling. "Now would you like to join us for breakfast? It's not your cooking so it won't be as good but we were so hungry and had no idea when you would wake up. I cooked it myself." Akito wisely bit his lip but could not stop himself from blanching at the thought. After a moment Yurika laughed. "I'm joking. Minato and Yukina did it together. Now come eat silly!" Akito laughed and joined them at the table.