Chapter 2:



I'm ready, are you ready?

Of course I'm ready. Why would I ask you if you were ready if I wasn't ready?

Okay, okay, okay, I just thought I'd ask if you were ready.

Have I ever not been ready?

There's a first time for everything.

Not that. Not for me.

Both Shade and Quinn stood, poised and ready to attack, taunting each other from opposite sides of a large, spacious warehouse. Quinn was wearing a light Karate gi, while Shade had opted for grey sweatpants and a white tank top. Sunlight streamed in from behind the huge, dirty plate glass windows that were set near the ceiling, and dimly they could hear the sounds of traffic outside. The two could go back and forth with this banter for hours if they wanted to and, honestly, it was one of Shade's favorite parts of sparring with Quinn. The two had always gotten along like brothers, and sparring matches between them were always a source of amusement for the rest of the crew.

Come on, then. Shade said.

No, you first.

Please. I've beaten you the last six consecutive times we've fought. I figure I ought to at least let you have a free shot. he said, stepping smoothly out of his stance and opening himself for attack.

You've got to be kidding.

I'm not moving until you hit me. Or try to.

A small grin spread across Quinn's face. He knew Shade was serious so he might as well get on with it. Anyway, his left leg was beginning to cramp from holding the same stance for ten minutes. In a virtual explosion of stored energy, Quinn lashed out, sprinting halfway across the floor and leaping towards Shade, extending his left foot to form of a perfect flying side kick. The distance he jumped would have been impossible except for a world-class athlete, but Quinn did it easily because in his mind he believed he could. Shade stood, motionless, until the exact moment Quinn's foot was within arms reach. Then, with an unnatural swiftness, he stepped to the side, grabbing Quinn's extended leg as he did so, and flung him towards the flat cement wall behind them.

Oh, shiiii-

Quinn's exclamation was cut off as he flipped himself over in midair, managing to take the impact of the throw through his feet instead of his back. He landed on the ground and sprung up, just in time to see Shade's fist hurtling towards his face. Quinn's left hand flashed out, knocking the punch away, while his right landed a solid uppercut to Shade's abdomen, causing him made a low huffing noise as all of the air was forcefully expelled from his lungs. Shade retreated a few steps, holding his stomach and trying to get another breathful of air. Quinn decided this would be a good time to make this a quick match and he let loose a roundhouse kick directed at Shade's temple.

Less than an inch away from contact, Shade's free hand stopped Quinn's foot and held on. He looked at Quinn, smiling devilishly just before delivering a powerful sidekick sent to Quinn's stomach sending him sailing back into the wall again, but this time with no room to turn around. He struck the wall with a satisfying thud, and Shade approached, fists balled, preparing the offensive. Amazingly, Quinn ducked the first punch thrown, causing Shade to slam his fist into the cement wall. Shade cursed, as he gripped his throbbing knuckles, and Quinn took the opportunity to land several good jabs on Shade's torso, knocking him a little farther back with each successive hit.

Damn, he's gotten good, Shade thought, trying to block the attacks.

Eventually, he saw an opening in Quinn's barrage and grabbed the front of his gi. Before Quinn even realized what was about to happen, Shade had placed a foot on his stomach and gently rolled onto his back, pulling Quinn down with him, then launching him part way across the room with his leg. Quinn flew, tucked, and rolled with the attack, and managed to somersault onto his feet a split second after he hit the ground. He spun, settling into a crisp defensive stance, ready for anything Shade could throw at him.

Shade shouted into the air, addressing the Charon's operator, How about we make this a little more interesting?

No sooner had he spoken than the walls of the warehouse fell away, leaving them momentarily in the endless white of the Construct. Then, just as quickly as they had disappeared the walls were replaced, but instead of a warehouse they now were standing in what appeared to be some sort of a museum. Ancient weapons in glass cases surrounded them within a long hallway that stretched almost as far as the eye could see.

Well, this is different. Quinn said, examining the new surroundings.

I took the liberty of writing a sparring program myself, what do you think?

Without looking, Shade put his fist through the case to his right, and grabbed the polished steel katana inside. Quinn followed suit, taking a thick oaken staff with studded brass ends, which he twirled dramatically as Shade rushed him, blade at the ready.

Quinn blocked the swipe of the katana with his staff, imbedding the blade within the ancient wood. He kicked Shade in the stomach, sending him sprawling on his back, sliding across the marble floor. Quinn broke the ruined staff over his knee, freeing the blade, and approached Shade with it. Shade snapped to his feet, grabbing the second katana that lay inside the case, and faced Quinn. Quinn attacked, swinging his sword in a wide arc that was easily parried by Shade, who felt the impact of the attack as it vibrated through the grip of his weapon, making his sore knuckles ache. He used his leverage to swing Quinn's blade to the floor, then took a smooth, even strike at Quinn's abdomen. Quinn jumped back, examining the razor thin tear that traveled across the front of his gi.

Shade attacked again, only to be blocked. However, Quinn was not as adept at melee fighting as Shade, and was disarmed with his next attack, as Shade sent his blade flying across the room and clattering onto the floor. Acting quickly, Quinn sprinted towards the nearest case, shattering it and pulling out the aged, wooden crossbow inside. Thankfully, the weapon was already loaded, saving Quinn precious seconds. Within a few seconds he had leveled the bow at Shade and pulled the trigger. The weapon fired as if it were brand new, sending a small wooden bolt hurtling through the air, directly at Shade's chest. Quinn wasn't concerned about actually hitting him, knowing that his friend had more than enough skill to dodge the bolt. Instead of merely dodging the attack, however, Shade did something that astonished both Quinn, and the rest of the crew who were watching on the monitors on the Charon's main deck. Shade pivoted on the ball of his foot, holding the blade upright and bringing it through a quick arc. He turned completely around, and when he stopped, the crossbow bolt lay on the ground several feet behind him, neatly cloven in two.

That's enough. a stern voice said.

Both turned to see Oberon standing several yards away, dressed in a black shirt and black slacks.

Shade said, somewhat out of breath, What's the news?

We're approaching Zion's gate. I'm afraid I have to bring this sparring lesson to a close.

Understood, sir. Quinn responded, more than a little disappointed.

Sir, any more word from Commander Lock?



It had been nearly three days since they had received their call back to base. Shade knew that Oberon had been waiting with as much patience as he could muster for any further word from Zion or Commander Lock. Unfortunately, none had come. With each passing day Oberon had grown more and more restless. He looked as if he hadn't slept at all in the past few days, which wasn't far from the truth.

Quinn said, Let us out, will you?

Both Quinn and Shade closed their eyes, and when they opened them again, they were staring up at the exposed piping and wires that snaked along the ceiling of the main deck of the Charon. Shade involuntarily winced as the data needle was removed from the port on the back of his neck. It didn't matter how many times he jacked in, he knew he would never get used to that feeling. Both he and Quinn sat up gingerly, flexing their stiff and aching muscles. The members of the crew who had been watching broke out into a short, appreciative applause as soon as the two were up.

Good fight, today. You almost had me. Shade said.

Come on, you know I would have won.

Maybe, maybe not. I guess we'll just have to find out later, won't we?

You're on. How's your hand? Quinn asked, referring to the hand Shade had slammed into the concrete wall.

Shade curled his fingers, sending sharp, loud cracks through his knuckles. They were still sore, but not broken. No problems here. You?

Never better. he said, as he stood up and stretched.

Charon passed through Gate 17 into Zion's shipyards and docked. Chimera, who was currently piloting, noticed that they were one of only about six ships that were currently in Zion. Seldom had she seen the cavernous yard look so empty, and she began to wonder what it was that was so important as to bring them back, but seemingly, no one else.

Once she had the ship powered down, she joined the rest of the crew at the loading bay. The massive metal door on the ships hull folded down, revealing two security escorts awaiting them.

We've been waiting, Captain Oberon. one said, politely.

I assure you, we came as fast as our engines would carry us.

Of that I have no doubt. Come, Commander Lock has important business with you. Your crew is free to go, but I suggest they do not wander far. You will be leaving as soon as possible, I assure you.

With that, Oberon left, with the two escorts flanking him on either side.

Echo whispered, I hate to say it but I have a very bad feeling about all of this.

Shade took her hand, clasping it tightly between his own. I know... I do too.