Author's Note: Here's where the plot takes off. Thanks to the readers and reviewers, I'm trying to stay as close to canon in my characterizations as possible so don't be upset by the scene in the mess hall.

TROUBLE ON THE WAY

As the rest of G-Force responded to the Chief's summons, Randy took hold of Princess's arm and urged, "C'mon. Let's go grab a bite, huh?"

"Go ahead without me."

The lieutenant was insistent. "Come on, let's go."

She wrenched her arm away and snapped, "I'm staying here till the team comes back."

Randy frowned then covered his annoyance with a smile. "But you took a detour and came here before we got to eat. You must still be hungry, Princess. I know I am."

"Then go ahead. Knock yourself out." She punctuated her statement by sitting on an easy chair, folding her arms obstinately. The Swan was determined to remain in the Ready Room and had no intention of budging.

"So you're staying here?"

"Uh-huh."

Randy sighed as he said resignedly, "Okay. But you really do need to eat, you know. And we do have to get back to work."

Princess sighed as she said, "I'm well aware of that. But I'm staying here to see what the summons from Chief Anderson was all about. Special project aside, I am still a member of G-Force. And," she added, pinning him with her direct verdant orbs, " I'd rather wait alone."

"Well, I don't need a house to fall on me." Getting her message, Randy gave a salute. "I read you loud and clear, ma'am. I'll see you back at the computer room." And he smartly did an about face and marched out of the Ready Room.

Thank goodness Princess said to herself. I'm glad he took the hint. She bit her lip as she pondered I wonder what Zoltar might be planning. . .

At the same time in outer space, a sinister vessel known as the Devil Star that resembled a saw bit left the tainted atmosphere of Spectra, spinning as it headed into warp drive, speeding through light years in a matter of hours. Soon it was at the edge of the solar system, racing past the planet Pluto.

Inside the craft, Mala stood as two Spectra soldiers manned the controls and she asked, "How soon before we reach the Earth's atmosphere?"

"We should be there in about three Earth days, ma'am," the navigator replied obediently.

Mala smiled in satisfaction then inquired, "Is the scrambler activated?"

"Since we left Spectra, Madam Mala."

"Excellent. Our plan is going along without any problem. Let me know when we reach Earth."

"Yes, ma'am."

Mala reached over and picked up a duel action microphone to speak into. "Attention Agent 666. Rendezvous to take place in three days at 0200 hours. Prepare for arrival." Upon receiving her answer, Mala signed off and replaced the mike, then turned to the other figure seated to the far end of the communication panel. She addressed the female seated there.

"Get prepared. Your mission commences in three days."

The petite young woman in G-Force birdstyle nodded as she responded, "I am ready. . . "

In Chief Anderson's office, the Chief stood behind his desk and addressed the four youths standing at attention.

"Team, I called you here because I got an urgent message from Zark. Susan at the EWS on Pluto has picked up a suspicious blip on the radar, coming from the direction of the Crab Nebula."

"I knew it!" Jason exclaimed. "Zoltar and his goon squad must be heading our way to try to invade Earth again! So what are we waiting for?" He turned to race off but the chief's voice halted his departure.

"Take it easy, Jason. The blip on the radar was there briefly, then disappeared and has not returned. But Susan felt it pertinent to inform us in the event it turns out to be Spectra."

"She wasn't sure?" Mark asked.

Anderson shook his head. "The blip didn't remain long enough to register. But I think it would be prudent for us to remain on alert. So until further notice, you will all still remain here at Center Neptune and be ready for immediate departure."

"Yes sir." All four G-Force members saluted smartly and stepped back in formation, turned and exited but Mark who remained at attention before the Chief. He frowned as he voiced his concern.

"Begging your pardon Chief, but in the event that we are dispatched on a mission against Zoltar, would Princess be joining us? After all, she is a vital part of G-Force and I'm reluctant to leave on a mission without her."

Anderson sighed, "I am aware of her importance to the team, Commander. But as I explained at the start, it is by President Kane's executive order that she accomplish the installation of the computer upgrades vital to PAX." At the commander's displeasure shown in a dark scowl, Anderson came to the young man and placed a hand on his broad shoulder.

"Mark, I don't like it any more than you do but my hands are tied."

Mark grunted as he said cryptically, "Yes, sir." He whirled and exited. . . .

Back in the Ready Room Princess stood by the window and watched as a school of striped fish drifted by in the ocean tableau, actually wishing she could trade places with the underwater life. She envied them that their only concern was to keep sustained and away from the occasional predator whereas she was feeling torn in opposite directions, her loyalty strained by her assignment to complete the final installation of PAX and her duties to G-Force. Her heart was with the latter as she yearned to be with her teammates, ready to battle the next attack of Spectra.

A commotion down the hall heralded the arrival of the rest of the team as Princess heard Jason's tenor scoffing at some comment Tiny made. The tail end of the conversation could be heard as they entered the Ready Room.

"…I'm tellin' ya, Jason, I agree with the way the Chief's handling this. We don't know if that blip was a ship from Spectra."

The Condor snorted, "Yeah right. And the earth is the center of the universe. Sorry bud, but I can't believe that that lowlife Zoltar ain't plannin' to lower the boom on us. He's lulling us into a sense of false security by stayin' quiet all this time."

"Brrp—can't go off half cocked. Brrp—need to be sure," Keyop piped in.

"I agree with Keyop," Princess said softly as the boys all turned abruptly to see her.

"Princess! You're—brrup--still here," Keyop shouted joyfully as he raced forward to plaster himself to the girl he looked upon as his big sister. "Brrrp—miss you so much!"

She returned the embrace as she said, "I miss you too." She looked up at Tiny and Jason and added, "All of you."

"I hope you've included me in there," a deep voice sounded from the entrance as Mark joined the gathering striding over to where the team was huddled, Keyop still attached to Princess not wanting to let go.

She gazed at the commander over Keyop's head then blushed and said demurely, "Of course." Soft forest green met cerulean in understanding as the wordless message was passed from the Swan to the Eagle.

Always the direct one Jason said, "Yeah, that goes without saying, huh guys? But really, Princess, how'd you manage to still be here? Did you get time off for good behavior?"

Princess made an unladylike snort. "I gave myself time off. Besides I wanted to know what the Chief had to say. I am still a member of G-Force, aren't I?"

"Absolutely," Mark assured her. "Susan out at the EWS on Pluto picked up a strange blip on the radar coming from the Crab Nebula so she immediately sent word to Zark about Spectra."

"Yeah," Jason added. "Nothing's etched in stone but he told us to stay here on alert."

"I knew it!" she said. "I just knew that Zoltar would attack while I was busy with PAX. Mark, did the Chief say I could join you if Zoltar attacks?"

Mark gazed at her, regret in his azure orbs. "Sorry Princess, but the Chief said that your first priority is to finish PAX." At her crestfallen expression, he placed a hand on her shoulder and added softly, "I hate the idea too, honey."

Princess sighed deeply as she said in resignation, "Well I guess that's it then." She extricated herself from Keyop's bear hug much to the boy's disappointment. With another sigh, she made her way to the door and said dejectedly, "I'd better leave."

"Yeah," Mark said as downtrodden as the Swan. Then he brightened up as he said, "Hey we both have to eat, why don't we just head to the main mess and grab a bite?"

Princess smiled but she shook her head. "Not now but I have an idea. The mess is open 24/7 so why don't I meet you down there later? It'll be after the dinner rush and we can be alone."

"Hmmm, I like that idea," the Eagle said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Okay, just summon me on the bracelet when you're ready to leave and I'll meet you there." He grasped her shoulders and leaned in to give her a kiss. "See ya then."

"Okay." She left with a smile, looking forward to seeing him alone again. . .

Later, Mark was watching a martial arts video with the other guys, pretending to be interested in the ninja battle taking place between the heroes of the story and the yakuza when his bracelet flashed pink. He grinned as he said to his comrades.

"Sorry guys, that's for me. I gotta split."

"Yeah, sure," Jason responded with a smirk, knowing full well where his commander was off to. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"Huh?" Tiny said, totally engrossed in the movie. Keyop said nothing, eyes glued to the screen.

"Never," Mark promised. "Later." And he was gone.

"I wonder where he's going," the Owl inquired densely, his mind still on the movie.

The Condor scoffed, "Where do ya think?"

Tiny looked blank as he said, "I dunno, but my bracelet didn't go off."

Jason rolled his eyes and replied, "Just watch the flick." Have a good time, Skipper he said to himself as he gave a salute to where Mark had just departed. . . .

On the third level, above the Ready Room and G-Force headquarters, the Main Mess Hall was located to feed the several hundred staff, personnel, and Federation officers that either lived or worked at the Galaxy defense facility. It was manned 16 hours a day, serving three square hot meals a day but was open all 24 hours providing nourishment for all in heated glass cases. Trays, napkins and utensils were available just to the beginning of the cases. It was like a cafeteria, with tables and chairs throughout as well as a place to clean up after eating.

Mark entered the nearly deserted mess area and scanned the perimeter, looking for a raven head with a pink T-shirt. He was rewarded when he spotted Princess in a far corner, partially obscured by a support beam, affording it a modicum of privacy. The table had two trays bearing cheeseburgers on it waiting and two Cokes. He grinned as he secretly applauded her penchant to cover every detail and made his way over to her.

"Hi," he said, sliding into the seat opposite her leaning in for a kiss.

"Hi," she replied reciprocating. "I picked this time to come here 'cause nobody's here."

"Good idea," Mark approved with soft eyes as he reached for her hands. "So how's it going?"

Princess sighed a bit wearily as she answered, "It's going. I just told Randy I needed a break and so I took off before he could ask me where I was going."

"Good," Mark grunted. "He seems to like hanging around you a lot, even when you're not working together. I mean, he followed you all the way down to the Ready Room earlier." He leaned back, releasing her hands and asked a bit snidely, " Does he follow you when you have to go to the ladies' room too?"

Princess blanched a bit at his inquiry. "Mark!" she admonished, a blush staining her ivory cheeks.

The Eagle had the grace to be sheepish. "Okay, that was out of line and I'm sorry. But the guy gets under my skin. If we weren't confined to Center Neptune because of the alert, I'd never get a chance to see you."

"You're exaggerating."

"No I'm not," Mark insisted. "Tell the truth, Princess. When you guys started, you never took a break and when you did, Addison was with you constantly. Can't you see the guy's on the make?"

She smiled as she pointed out, "You're jealous."

The G-Force commander became nonplussed, as he stated, "No, just concerned."

Princess reached and took a sip of her Coke. "I-I just think he's lonely. He's far from his home and he hardly knows anyone here."

"It's not your responsibility to be his guide and entertainment," Mark said brusquely.

Princess felt her ire rise as she defended herself, "I'm the only one he seems to know and feel comfortable with."

"I can see why. He's a bit arrogant and that doesn't exactly invite friendship." Mark leaned back and picked up his burger to take a bite, his annoyance evident. He went on, "Besides, as a member of G-Force you know as well as I do that the Federation frowns upon fraternization."

"True," she nodded, pinning him with her verdant gaze. "But isn't that what we've both been guilty of lately anyway, commander? With each other?"

Mark felt a pang of guilt go through him at her words and he admitted, "You're right, I guess we have." He met her gaze with his own earnest blue orbs realizing his duty once more. There was a strained, pregnant silence then he turned away and said flatly, "We'd better just eat and get back to where we should be."

Princess nodded and then nibbled on her burger with her eyes down as they silently ate. When both had finished, she spoke.

"Mark, I think you're wrong about Randy but I won't argue about this. I appreciate your concern for me and I promise that I won't allow myself to skip meals or sleep, but please trust me that I can see things for myself and as a member of G-Force will act accordingly." Her tone was clipped and icy.

Mark sighed as he said, "I know that and I'm not implying that your behavior would be anything other than professional. I'm just saying that you should be careful." He got up and said, "I have to get back to the Ready Room."

"I have to get back to work too." Princess rose as well and asked quietly, "See you later?"

Mark shrugged noncommittally as he replied, "We'll see. Take care." And he took his tray to the cleanup area, deposited it and left. Princess followed suit and as she left her tray she sighed deeply, disappointed over the way things had ended during her eagerly awaited time with the Eagle.

Unknown to her, a tall figure in the shadows of the darkened mess hall had witnessed the entire exchange and then got up and left unobtrusively. Once out in the hallway, Lieutenant Randy Addison grinned in smug satisfaction and made his way back to the Computer Control room, whistling.

The next day, Princess was still troubled by the somewhat rancorous meal she and Mark had shared the night before and so she appeared quiet and distracted throughout as she sat before the keyboard. After making the same mistake in configuration of the software for the newly installed peripherals for the third time, she sighed heavily and put her head in her hands, frustrated.

Randy called to her from the open panel of the main circuit board. "Are we up and running yet?"

Princess shook her head. "We keep getting invalid error messages. I'm about ready to pull my hair out."

Randy heard the distress in her voice and came up to the desk. He leaned in to peer at her and asked in a concerned tone, "Are you okay?"

She glanced up and replied, "Yeah, just frustrated that this isn't working yet." The Swan sighed heavily as she sat back and stared at the blinking monitor.

Randy stood back and said decisively, "That's because your head isn't on your work. Something's wrong I know it. So talk to me." At her dubious expression he added softly, "I'm here for you."

Princess saw warm compassion in his riveting dove gray eyes and was drawn in, against her better judgment. She pondered whether it was a good idea to confide in Randy about Mark considering Mark's distrust of the Federation lieutenant. But those gentle orbs of his were almost hypnotic as she heard herself agreeing. "Okay."

He smiled softly and said, "Great." He then brightened up and added, "Hey, I have an idea. Let's get out of here and go some place in town to have a real meal."

"Oh, I don't think we should leave. We're under a Level 2 Alert." Princess thought about the team and especially Mark as she said this suppose Zoltar attacks?

"That's just for Federation military personnel."

"But isn't that what we are?" she inquired.

Randy did not hesitate. "Yes, but we are on special assignment by order of the President and therefore are exempt unless he orders us to battle."

Princess nodded at the fact and then reluctantly agreed. "Okay, let's go but only for a short time."

Randy held up his three fingers in a salute. "I promise we'll only be gone for a couple of hours, scouts honor. Admit it, we really need a break." He took her arm and they headed out of the room.

She nodded again as she followed obediently. . .

They borrowed a jeep and a half hour later, at a trendy southwestern restaurant on the far outskirts of town Randy selected called La Hacienda, the duo were sitting in a booth sharing a plate of nachos and drinking virgin Margaritas to keep their wits about them. Laughing as they shared funny stories about their duties to the Federation, the two managed to relax and forget about the day's pressures. The restaurant itself was quite out of the way, surrounded by an arid and flat wilderness.

Princess giggled as Randy regaled her with tales of Federation flight school anecdotes, telling her about the numerous pranks he and his cadet mates pulled on each other to alleviate some of the pressures of classes and hops. Not to mention the FI's who were hardened battle scarred veterans who were regulation to the letter and as starched and uptight as they came.

"Yeah some of those guys were real hard asses," Randy said in reminiscence, a grin on his even features as he continued, "One night, we decided to get even and so as the FI with the call sign "Killer" was snoring away, we creamed 'im."

"Creamed him?" Princess asked, her eyes wide.

"Yeah," he said snickering. "We take shaving cream and spray some in his right hand. Then we took a feather to tickle his nose like a fly so naturally he swats it and whammo, a face full of cream."

Princess burst out laughing as she said, "I never heard of that."

"Really? That's an old one, a classic Academy prank. I would've figured Mark would've told you all about the pranks we pulled in flight school as cadets. After all, he went to the Academy on Riga just like me."

At the mention of Mark, Princess's smile faded as she shook her ebony curls. "Mark seldom talks about his past. He did tell me some things, but not about the fun things like pranks. Mark is very private and keeps to himself a lot."

"Yeah I get the picture," Randy said laconically. "At the Academy, rumor had it that he was Colonel Cronus's pet and he was the FI's ideal student, always studying." He examined the Swan closely as he continued, "But I also heard that the two of you are very tight so I'm kinda surprised that he didn't say anything."

Princess took a sip of her drink and sighed as she admitted, "We are getting closer but Mark is like I said, very private and I don't push him. He can also get moody and so when he does I give him his space."

"Is he the reason you've been so down all day?" Randy asked bluntly.

Princess's delicate face became drawn as she replied, "We had words last night."

Randy gazed raptly at her. "About me."

She looked back at him and nodded. "Uh-huh."

Randy pursed his lips as he pondered the statement and then said, "Pardon me for saying this, Princess but I find it funny that the guy you're involved with doesn't seem to trust you."

Princess bristled as she sprung to Mark's defense. "And what exactly do you mean by that? Mark trusts all of us on the team."

"That's not what I mean and you know it."

The Swan became uneasy as she stammered, "M-Mark trusts me. He's just not sure about you. He doesn't like the idea of you and me working long hours all the time."

"I see," Randy said thoughtfully. "So he's threatened by me."

"No he's not," she denied. "He's just concerned about the hours I'm working and he's antsy about Zoltar's long silence."

"If you say so," Randy was dubious but then he reached over and grabbed her hand in both of his. "I want you to know one thing. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

His action made Princess even more flustered as she pulled her hand away. "I-I think we'd better get back to Center Neptune." She got up and announced, "I'm going to the ladies' room, be right back." She hurried away toward the restrooms as Randy watched her go. He then reached in his pocket and took out what looked like a packet of sugar, opened it and sprinkled the contents into Princess's glass. When it dissolved, he touched the insignia on his uniform collar and spoke sotto voce.

"Everything is going as planned. I will contact you when it's finished."

In the ladies room, Princess stood at the sink and ran some cool water to splash on her flushed face. Her heart pounded as she sensed Randy's advances and although she knew she could handle any wolf treatment, she was a trifle fearful, due mostly to the fact that they had to work closely together. Strangely, she worked as closely with Mark, going on missions alone with him all the time and never felt that way at all.

"But that's because you're hung up on Mark," Princess said to her reflection in the mirror. "And you don't mind one bit if he wants to get closer."

She sighed and patted her cheeks dry I'd better get back out there before he comes looking for me. She then headed out.

When she got back to the table a contrite Randy met her and immediately apologized, "I'm sorry for what I said and for getting too aggressive with you. I was way out of line."

Princess studied the earnest expression on the handsome lieutenant's face and she relented, "It's okay. You're right, I've been uptight all day and I'm sorry too."

"No problem," he said as he smiled and then said, "Now that we're friends again, why don't we at least finish our drinks, okay?" He pushed her glass over as she sat down.

"Okay." Princess picked up her glass as Randy picked up his. He reached over and clinked glasses.

"Bottoms up."

The two of them drained their glasses and sighed as they rose. "Duty calls, eh?"

"Yeah, we'd better be going," Princess said as she left the booth and headed to the exit. She blinked as her vision became hazy, following Randy as he went to the cashier to pay their check.

He was taking the change when he noticed Princess blinking her eyes and swaying a bit so he turned with a worried look and asked her, "Princess, are you okay?"

She shook her head to clear it as she replied, "Y-yeah, let's go to the car. The fresh air will probably make me feel better." And as she headed out of the restaurant and to the parking lot, she stumbled and fell as everything became black. Wordlessly, Randy crouched down and cradled her as some concerned patrons came forward.

"Hey buddy, is your girlfriend all right?" a man asked as he knelt beside Princess.

Randy flashed the guy a polite smile. "Yeah she will be. We did shots of Cuerval and she just insisted on eating the worm."

The man gave a low whistle as he got back up to his feet. "Yeah I hear ya. That little worm is lethal. Good luck"

"Thanks." Randy reached around and scooped Princess up, taking her to the jeep where he laid her in the passenger seat. Once she was situated, he touched the insignia and spoke into it.

"We're ready."

Almost immediately, two feminine figures in pink and black came forward, took the limp Swan, and vanished as another petite female in an inidentical pink T-shirt with a "3"and pinstriped jeans came forward. Randy smiled at the girl and addressed her thusly.

"Ready to go back to work…Princess?"

The girl's pretty face smiled at the lieutenant and nodded as they both got in the jeep to head back to Center Neptune.

NEXT----LOOKS ARE DECEIVING