Author's Note 1: Sorry for the late update. Had so much other stuff to do. Thank you for waiting patiently.

Part 3.1: There's Something About Rossetti

Inside the room, the Rossetti Troupe were having a meeting. It was mainly because the Vendeeni soldiers interfered with their entertaining affairs. "I'm just glad that everyone is okay," Piccolotto, ring master of the show and father of Peppita, said. "Alright, time to discuss our business plans… Hmm?"

"What? Fayt?" Peppita said. Later on in the room...

"Ahhh, your parents…" Piccolotto said in a sad tone.

"Ah well, what can you do, hey? Hey, at least you're still alive, eh?" Gonnella the clown said in a sneer.

"Ahh, Gonnella! You should really watch your tongue!" Peppita snapped.

"No, it's okay. It's just like he said. Even if I went to help them, I wouldn't have been able to do anything… If only I was a little stronger…" Fayt said.

"Fayt…" Sophia said.

"I know how you must feel, homes," Cyrus said.

"Strength, it's not enough. You can't beat them," Ursus advised.

"He's right. It's not your fault. I bet they were professional soldiers… There's nothing we can do against people like that," said Dulcenia, mother of Peppita and circus diva.

"And, you know… Just because they didn't make it to this evacuation facility doesn't mean your parents are dead. You know, they might be hiding out somewhere. Don't give up so soon," Piccolotto said.

"Or, they might've been captured or something, eh," Gonnella said.

"Gonnella!" Peppita said in a tone ofangst and tried to gang up on him, but Ursus moved her away.

"It's all right. If they've been captured, then you can go rescue them," the strongman said.

"Anyway, you'll just have to wait a little longer. What could you possibly do right now? We don't even know what's going on," Piccolotto wisely counciled.

"Yeah… You're right," Fayt agreed.

"Why don't you go to your room and rest a bit? You're too tired to do anything right now," Dulcenia requested.

"Or ya could just rest here with us. Wouldn't you feel safer here with everyone?" Peppita asked.

"Thank you, but I'm fine. I want to think things over, anyway." Fayt said.

"Uh, okay." Fayt and Cyrus left the room. Sophia respectfully bowed and walked out herself.

"So, what do we do now," Fayt asked.

"There's an Expelian healer around this joint," Cyrus proposed. "How about we go there, get patched up, and go back to our room." They traversed to the room to be taken care of. After they were healed, the group took the eastern route, figuring that they could look around a bit. Fayt then noticed a familiar girl sobbing on the stairs.

"Hey, it's..."Sophia said.They walked over and sure enough, it was Peppita with Ursus standing by her side.

"Hey, Fayt," she said. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Do you think, maybe, I should have minded my own business that time?"

"That time?"

"Yeah, you know, when we were escaping to this place, I had Ursus grab you. That's why you got separated from your family. It's all my fault, isn't it?"

"Peppita..." Sophia commented.

"You don't really think that... Do you?" Cyrus asked.

"That's not true," Fayt said. "I would've been killed if you guys hadn't stopped me. It's all right. Don't worry about it."

"Oh... well that's a relief," Peppita said.

"Of course. Why would you ask such a thing?"

"Umm... It's nothing. I just kinda worried about it."

The three left the scene and went to their room. It was there that Sophia felt signs of fatigue. "Sophia? You okay?" Fayt asked.

"Yeah… I think."

"You're exhausted. You should rest,"

"That's right." The party led Sophia to her bed. She lays down and puts the cover on her.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry" Fayt said.

"Right," Cyrus said. "This was a weird day for all of us."

"Um… Fayt, Cyrus?"

"What is it?" Fayt asked.

"Will you stay here until I fall asleep? I don't want to be alone," Sophia asked after she covered herself.

"Sure, I'll stay. Just relax and go to sleep." Fayt said.

"Don't worry, I'll be here, too," Cyrus replied.

"Thanks."

"Anytime," Cyrus said. Sophia fell asleep.

"Well, I better get some sleep, too." Cyrus said as he got in his bed and turned to his side.

"Good night..." Fayt approached his bed and sleeps.

Part 3.2: Welcome to the Helre

Later on at twilight, Cyrus wakes up. "Oh man. I can't believe I made it this far in one piece," he thought. "Now all I have to worry about is if my escape pod on the Helre'll get to Vangaurd III and if they'll let me go to Elicoor II with them and not some other planet."

"Hey Cyrus, are you awake?" the whispering voice of Fayt asked.

"Sup, Fayt."

"Do you think I'll ever see my parents again?"

"Fayt, believe me, you will. I bet you right now that they're still alive and waiting to see you."

"Thanks..." They went back to sleep. Suddenly, after 3:52 A.M. an alarm went off. The two sat up. "W-what now?" he yelled

Sophia started to wake up. "Fayt… What's that sound?"

"Sounds like they're going to make an announcement."

"This is an update for all refugees," the announcer stated. Fayt looked up. "We now know the recent raid on the resort planet Hyda was a surprise attack by Vendeen. Remote Station #7 mounted an attempt to defend Hyda IV, but it was thwarted by a tactical Vendeeni strike. Currently, the Pangalactic Administration is scrambling ships from surrounding regions, but Vendeeni forces still have control of this sector. We request that all civilians begin boarding rescue shuttles for immediate evacuation to Remote Station #6. Please do not panic. Refer to the nearest console or attendant for further instructions."

"Great. We've been attacked by space sharks?" Cyrus cried.

"Sophia, we gotta go…You okay?" Fayt asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. A little sleep helped me calm down," Sophia said.

"Hold on just a little longer. We'll be safe once we reach Remote Station #6."

"Okay."

"Cool. I get to go on a ship!" Cyrus stated. "Look out galaxy, Cyrus Splicer's comin' at ya! Can you feel it?"

Fayt goes to the computer and asks, "Computer. Tell me the present location of Robert and Ryoko Leingod."

"The present location of the specified individuals is unknown."

"What do you mean 'unknown'?"

"Both Robert Leingod and Ryoko Leingod's positions were lost on Galactic Year 772-12141923."

"Lost? What then?"

"The information system is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Confirmation is not possible at present."

"What? Oh no!"

The three hurried to the transporter room. They were on board a Federation transport ship and greeted by a person that worked there. "Welcome to the Federation transport ship GFSS-12372 Helre. You must have been through a lot. We will soon be departing for Remote Station #6. The observation bay is located directly through the corridor leading out of this room. Please wait there until we reach our destination. Gravitic warp will get us there shortly."

The group left the room and were in the east bay of the ship. "So this is a Federation transport ship…" Fayt said.

"It's not the West Coast," Cyrus said, then he saw one of the female attendants and smirked, "but it's not bad either."

They move on through the halls. When they entered a room at the end of the bay, there were many people looking at a monitor. "Hey, Fayt. What's that? They're all watching something," Sophia said.

"Huh? You're right… What is that? Something on the monitor?"

"Let's take a look."

"Okay." They went over to check it out. They were in shock just like the rest of the watching audience. "Oh no! It's worse than I thought. This is horrible!" Fayt said.

"Argh... This is just jacked up!" Cyrus exclaimed.

"We are about to enter gravitic warp to escape the battle zone," was officially announced. "I repeat: We are about to enter gravitic warp to escape the battle zone. All evacuees prepare for warp turbulence." The ship sped through space and was traveling through sub-space excelling the speed of light.

Author's Note 1: Okay, here's what you've all been waiting for. The attack on the Helre. Will Cyrus make it out alive? If he does, will he land on Vangaurd III? The suspense is killing you, ain't it? (maniacal laughing)

Part 3.3: Chaotic Course

Later on, the three were asleep on a booth in the lounge. Fayt finally woke up.

"Mmm… Fayt…?" Sophia awoken.

"Oh, I woke you up. Sorry."

"No, it's all right. Where do you think we are now?"

"I wonder? There haven't been any announcements yet."

"We should ask one of the crew."

"Yeah, good idea," Fayt replied. He turned around and saw Cyrus laying on his back, snoring. He called his name and gave him a nudge.

"Holy Coelophysis!" Cyrus said in a startled tone. "Oh, my bad."

"Sorry. You okay?" Fayt asked.

"Yeah, it was just... Never mind. So what's up? Miss somethin'?"

"No. We were just going to talk to one of the crew members. Wanna come along, Cyrus." Sophia asked.

"Sure. We may be relatively safe on this ship, but it doesn't hurt to stick together, right?"

"Right," Fayt agreed.

The group left the lounge and went to the staircase room of the Helre. They found that a very peeved man was already conversing with one of the attendants. "Hey, you. What's the big idea, letting the Vendeeni forces get this far? Maybe it happened during nap time on Remote Station #7?" the male Earthling shouted.

"I'm sorry, but this particular incident is currently under investigation. We have no further comments at this time," the petty officer stated.

"What are you trying to pull? Do you have any idea who I am?"

"A dude forgetting to take his penicillin?" Cyrus said under breath. Sophia and Fayt snickered silently.

"No matter who you are, I cannot say anything more at this time. Please, return to the lounge."

"Don't you play games with me! Bah! Talking to you is a waste of time. Get me the captain! I want to speak with the captain!"

"I'm afraid I can't do that. As long as the captain is the commanding officer aboard this ship, his orders are absolute. My orders from the captain state that I am not to allow civilians to enter any area but the lounge, for any reason," the official stated.

"What? You blithering idiot! I'll remember you! I'll use my influence to get you canned the second I arrive on Remote Station #6!" the earthling threatened.

"Be my guest," the officer cooned.

"Hmph! You'll regret this!" He turned around to leave, and saw the group. "Get out of my sight!" he yelled. Everyone moved out of the way and the man left the room.

"Well, he must be a very popular guy," Cyrus sarcastically stated.

"Tell me about it," Sophia said. The group went back to the lounge. Meanwhile, on deck...

"Navigator? Status report," Commodore Volga, Captain of the Transport Ship Helre requested.

"Yes captain. We were cruising at warp 15 on course 231, mark 330 when the gravitic warp field collapsed and the computer detected an anomaly, forcing us to return to conventional space."

"Computer, what causes the ship's warp field to collapse?"

"…There is not enough data to determine the cause."

"All right. Even if you can't determine the cause, how about a theory?"

"Prior to the collapse, sensors detected a space-time disturbance. Our database does not contain any record of such a disturbance, but there is a 77 probability it was the cause of the collapse."

"Space-time disturbance? Come to think of it, Vendeeni military technology is based on space-time manipulation."

"That is not an established fact, but the Federation Institute of Technology has theorized this is the case."

"So, it was likely a Vendeeni attack that stopped us, then."

"Screen, on!" the navigator said.

"Damn! Divert all power to shields! Evasion course 291, mark 030!"

"Course entered." Meanwhile, in the lounge...

"Well, guess it's judgement day for me," Cyrus thought.

"Fayt…" Sophia said in a worried tone.

"This is your Captain speaking." he announced. "Our ship is currently under attack by a Vendeeni battleship. Our gravitic warp engine has already been disabled, which means escape is not an option. All power has been diverted to our shields to buy us some time, but I wanted you all to know: our chances are slim. I had hoped to transport you all the way to Remote Station #6, but it seems that is now beyond my power. All evacuees are requested to proceed to the ship's escape pods. Please remain calm and follow the instructions of the attendant nearest you as you board your pod. …Good luck to you all."

"Shizz." Cyrus said after he stamped his feet. Suddenly, a laser beam shot at the ship. Sophia screamed and nearly fell, but Fayt caught her. The ship rattled like a rag doll being shook by a two year old.

"A direct hit?" Fayt gasped.

"Shields down to 47 power!" the navigator said, not knowing the loud speaker was still on.

"Guess that answered your question," Cyrus said.

"Let's get out of here!" the flirty girl from the beach said to her fox-tailed friend.

"Right behind you!" They ran out of the room.

"Ohhh! We're doomed…" said an elder Roakian.

"W-w-whoa…! What will become of me… Ohh…" a Blue Dolphin panicked while pacing around in fear.

An earnest crew member appeared near the door. "To the pods everyone, hurry! They're located one level up in the hangar bay. Don't panic!"

"We gotta go, you guys," Fayt advised.

"Okay!" Sophia stated.

"I have no intention on becoming incinerated," Cyrus said. The three went up stairs to the escape pods. When they were at the area, they found out that a large mass of people had formed. They backtracked to see what was happening on deck. Fayt started talking a the slightly obnoxious man on that was serving under Commodore Volga.

"Hey you," he asked. I hope you don't mind me asking this, but what's your blood type?"

"Uh... It's type A..." Fayt replied.

"I'm B, myself. My fortune this morning said that today, I was gonna have the worst luck ever. Of course, also said that type A guys would have the best day of their life today. Man, I really envy you."

After that, Fayt and company walked to the captainwhowas about to say his final words. "What? And you are? Get to the escape pods immediately, civilians!" the Commodore said.

"Is the situation really that bad?" Fayt asked.

"Take a look for yourself. This transport ship, the Helre, is currently under fire from that Vendeeni battleship. I've received a report that the attack we just received did serious damage to this ship's gravitic warp core, and that it is now malfunctioning. This ship will probably explode in a few minutes once it can no longer contain the massive amounts of energy generated by its gravitic warp engine. Do you understand what I just told you? So hurry up and evacuate."

"Hurry up? Huh? Why isn't everyone evacuating?"

"This ship usually carries more than enough escape pods for all passengers. Unfortunately, we are currently carrying passengers well in excess of this ship's maximum occupancy."

"What? That means..."

"It was an emergency situation. This is nobody's fault. So hurry! You can still survive this!"

"Captain... Everyone..." he says and solutes.

After the words of a selfless leader, the group ran to the Rossetti Troupe. "What? Everyone's on board already? I guess that means our turn is after Fayt, Sophia & Cyrus' turn."

"Huh? What do you mean 'after Fayt, Sophia & Cyrus' turn?'" Cyrus bloated.

"You see, me and the rest of the troupe thought that you and everyone else should leave first," Peppita explained. "That will give you a chance to escape."

"But what you're doing is straight up suicide."

"It doesn't matter. Don't worry. We'll be just fine." There was a brief pause.

"Okay. Thank you so much," Cyrus said.

"You're welcome, good luck you guys," Peppita said.

"You too." The group ran to the escape pods that were a large line use to be. Now, everyone had left and the path was cleared. Inside the pod room...

"Good. The pod's still here! Get in quick. We're running out of time," Fayt said.

"Fayt… I'm scared," Sophia whined

"Don't worry…"

"But…"

"A Federation ship will recover our pods in no time. I'll see you at Remote Station #6. Now get going."

"That's right. Before you know it, we'll all be back together," Cyrus said.

"…O-okay. You'll follow, right? Promise?" Sophia said.

"Promise!" Fayt said.

"Cross my heart and hope to... Well, not really," Cyrus said.

Sophia enters an escape pod. They both watched as the hatch closed. The pod was gone and they left the room. As soon as they exit, a voice of a male soldier gave them good news. "This way, hurry! There's still a couple of pods here!"

"Right!" Fayt complied.

"Let's go!" Cyrus said. In Cyrus' escape pod room, he sat in the vehicle and began staring at the pods. His face was painted in fear as he stared at the buttons."I may not be familiar with this technology," he thought, "but I bet if I press these commands..." Cyrus sat down in the seat which took him to the shuttle, and pressed some of the commands. The controls were activated.

"Activation complete… Ejection in 10 seconds." the computer said.

"Sweet! Let's hope I don't get blown up." The passage way opened and the shuttle launched out. Just as it launched, the Helre exploded and the space around it was covered in pods. The Vendeeni ship was firing rounds all over the place, suddenly out of no where, another ship appeared. The escape pods zoomed past the ships and were out of sight.

Author's Note 1: Well, that was exciting. The first question was just answered. Now let's see if the Cyrus gets lucky this day.

Author's Note 2: Just so you know, a Coelophysis is a type of early, carnivorous dinosaur that lived in the Western USA and grew to about 6-10 feet long.