Author's Note: Okay this chapter's not as long as my others but with what's coming next in the plot, I have to stop here. And although Mark appears a bit OOC here I'm portraying him as the complex person he is, with his sense of duty warring with his desires as a young man. Also, coming up, Rula will tip her hand by being so aggressive now that a doubt has been planted. Thanks for all the support readers and especially my reviewers.

CAPTIVE SWAN

The PAX project was proceeding as scheduled with Randy and 'Princess' working nearly round the clock to get the components installed and the anti-weapon operational. The rest of the G-Force team was experiencing mild to severe cases of cabin fever, being sequestered to the Ready Room due to the Level 1 Alert. Although the investigation into the appearance of a Spectra ship and the even more mysterious vanishing of said ship was classified as a false alarm, the alert remained in effect. So the team remained in the Ready Room and being active teenagers in an active vocation, pent up energies were beginning to wear on them. After all, there was just so much videos, ping pong matches, eating, and playing music they could do before being overcome by sheer boredom.

Mark and Jason were in the midst of a pool match, having grown tired of ping pong and the score was tied in the rubber of a three game match of 9-ball. Mark had just missed sinking the 8-ball into an easy corner shot and cursing under his breath, he relinquished the game to his second.

The Condor snickered as he set up to sink the shot and win the game with the lightest of taps on the cue ball to nudge the 8 in. He gave a mock apology, thoroughly enjoying getting one up on his commander.

"Sorry 'bout that, Chief but that was the easiest shot. I can't believe you blew it." He reached for the rack and began digging in the pockets for the balls. "Should I rack 'em up again?"

The Eagle snorted, "Yeah right. So you can beat my ass again? No thanks."

"But don't ya want the sweet taste of revenge? I'll even spot ya 20 points."

Mark shook his mahogany head. "I've had enough punishment if you don't mind."

"Suit yourself."

Jason dropped the balls back in the pockets as Mark strode over to the window to stare out at a passing school of fish. In the background, Tiny and Keyop were in the heat of battle in a game of video kendo, using martial arts moves with swordsmanship and so Mark and Jason were alone.

The G-Force second in command joined his leader as he sighed and commented, "Man, I am like so ready to blow this pop stand. What did Anderson have to say about our buddy Zoltar?"

Mark shook his head as he replied tersely, "He's as frustrated as we are. The lab confirmed what we found out in the desert as sure signs that a Spectra ship had landed but we've had no other indication of Zoltar or any of his Spectran goons being around. Not a clue." He ran a hand through his hair in irritation.

Jason shook his head. "I don't like it. The more we sit here and wait the more time Zoltar's got to lay a big one on us."

"Hmmm," Mark said frowning. . . .

Many light years away, in the bowels of the modern Spectra command center was a contradiction that was a throwback to the medieval dank dungeon where prisoners were jailed and one cell held the petite figure of the Swan. Princess sat on a hard wooden bench huddled as best she could to retain warmth with her hands bound in chains. She was chilled to the bone in the damp confines and additional chill came from the fear and uncertainty of her fate. She bit her lip in consternation as she strained against her fetters, but the chains had her bound completely, making it impossible to move her hands at all.

Damn! She said to herself I've got to get a Bird Scramble to Mark so he can stop Randy. He's probably working for Spectra and sabotaging the PAX project. She tried again to pull at her bounds and unsuccessful, her slim shoulders slumped in defeat. Tears pricked at her eyes in frustration as she leaned back and then she brightened up as an epiphany hit her.

Princess leaned against her left wrist, pushing it toward the hard stone wall and tried to push the scramble button in a succession of taps, the G-Force distress signal. But the chains were interfering with the contact of the button so the communicator made faint beeps, hardly able to transmit.

"Damn it!" she snapped as the sound of twin footfalls startled her and she heard the click of a lock giving way. Wary, Princess cast her verdant gaze at the two lank figures of Zoltar and Mala as they approached with a pair of armed Spectran soldiers.

Zoltar stood before Princess with his arms akimbo, gloating. "Well, well. If it isn't the lovely Swan of G-Force. We are indeed honored to have you here on our humble Spectra."

Princess glared at the enemy Spectran leader and retorted, "The pleasure's all yours, Zoltar."

Mala screeched, "Silence, girl. You'll speak to the leader in respect!" She reached over and wrenched sharply on Princess' chains causing her to cry out in pain. The two women exchanged mutual malicious stares.

Zoltar laughed, thoroughly enjoying himself. "Take it easy, dear sister. The Swan is quite valuable to us at the moment and so please restrain yourself."

Mala scowled but complied as Princess skewered her with her jade orbs. She then turned away from the Amazonian Spectran witch and addressed Zoltar, " You'll never get away with this, Zoltar. Mark and the rest of G-Force will discover your treachery and rescue me."

He laughed nastily as he responded, " That may be true eventually but for the time being, they have no idea you're gone. We've made sure that you're not missed at all. Just watch." He pushed a button on his belt and a hologram came up that showed the interior of the computer room at Center Neptune where Randy and a raven haired girl in pinstriped jeans that appeared to be her were busy at work.

Princess' eyes widened to jade saucers as she felt as if she were looking into a mirror. Her face showed astonishment as Zoltar crowed about his accomplishment.

"Amazing isn't it?" he inquired silkily. "Absolutely identical to you in every way." At her shocked expression he continued, "You're probably wondering how we managed this feat so allow me to elaborate. During the last fiasco with the flower spores when you got captured, you left a very useful DNA imprint that helped us to create the perfect double for you."

"So you created a cyborg to imitate me," the Swan sniffed. "You really think that she'll fool Chief Anderson and the rest of the team? Even if you have managed to copy my abilities you're doomed from the start."

"Hardly. Your double, like you is an expert in computers and as such, she and our other operative are now preparing to destroy the PAX anti-weapon that the Federation has spent so much time and effort on." He sighed as he said, "Quite regrettable."

Other operative? I knew it, Randy! she said in awe to herself as she cried, "You fiend, you'll never get away with it!" And a cyborg will never convince the chief or the team that she's me. You're a fool."

"I told you to show the leader respect" hissed Mala as she drew her hand back and viciously slapped Princess across her face. G-3 glared at the woman in unconcealed hate.

Zoltar laughed again as he stated, "Nothing as primitive as that. You forget Swan, that Spectra is light years ahead of Earth in genetic technology and we can take an existing being and imprint them with another's DNA, making them into a whole new person."

Princess glared at the Spectran leader as she said incredulously, "T-that's diabolical! Re-creating beings and playing God!"

"Spare me your earthling pious indignation," Zoltar snapped. "All intelligent beings throughout the universe are aware that the concept of a supreme god is nothing more than wishful creations in the minds of you Earth-dwellers. Which is why when we finally conquer you we will abolish all thoughts of that nature. Besides, I am not here to discuss petty human philosophies with you." He touched his belt and the image vanished. "I just wanted you to be aware that we finally have the upper hand with G-Force and when the time is right, you all will be destroyed. So just relax here and wait until we need you." He and Mala turned to leave.

Princess sighed as she asked tonelessly, "So if you intend to destroy us what do you need me for?"

Zoltar stopped in mid stride and threw over his shoulder. "Bait, my dear Swan. I intend to use you as bait to lure the rest of your G-Force comrades to their reckoning. So just sit back and enjoy our hospitality for the time being." The two siblings and the soldiers opened the cell door and left Princess alone, their footsteps echoing down the hall.

She sighed resignedly as all Zoltar had told her sunk in I hate to admit it but it looks this time like Zoltar has us over a barrel. Oh Mark I wish you were here! Again she tried to send a Bird Scramble, tapping her communicator against the stone wall. . . .

Back on Earth in the Ready Room, G-1 and G-2 had resumed their friendly pool rivalry as Mark's communicator made a faint intermittent beep that drew his immediate attention, blinking pink. He glanced at it puzzled wondering why Princess would be contacting him. Thinking it important, he reached to put down his pool cue.

Jason glanced over and remarked sagely, "Looks like a summons from our girl, eh commander?"

Mark replied, "Possibly. I'll just go and check on her down in the computer room just to be sure."

Jason snickered at Mark who threw him a look before he turned and headed out. As the door shut G-2 smirked as he called, "Now don't do anything I wouldn't do which pretty much means knock yourself out."

Mark sprinted to the elevator and entered punching the button for up musing I wonder why she's calling me. His eyes darkened and narrowed as he said If that joker Addison has tried anything with her I swear I'll—

The door opened and Mark strode over to the panel door, keyed in the security code and the door slid open to admit him. He made his way through the maze of mainframes until he heard voices. He was especially surprised to hear the baritone of Chief Anderson so he followed the sounds to their source.

Anderson was standing before Randy and 'Princess' as he appeared to be chastising them. "I'm asking if either of you have a viable explanation as to why the warning system in Vector Neptune has failed." He glanced over as Mark approached.

"The warning system in Vector Neptune?" G-1 inquired with a raised brow.

Anderson nodded grimly as Randy tried to explain. "Sir, with all due respect, I can't imagine as why that would happen." He threw a glance at Mark who stood there with his arms crossed, waiting as well.

Anderson cast his eyes at 'Princess'. "And you Princess, do you have anything to say?"

With her head hung in shame 'Princess' looked at her superior and she replied in a soft alto, "All I can say sir, is I'll work around the clock if I have to in order to get it up and running." She glanced at Mark with a lost look that tugged at his heartand he sent a sympathetic gaze to reassure her.

The Federation chief grunted as he spotted the Eagle. He said brusquely, "Commander, I wish to see you and the G-Force second in command in my office in 15 minutes." He whirled and exited the computer room.

Randy and 'Princess' exchanged glances as Mark approached her and asked, "So what happened?"

Randy shrugged his shoulders. "Beats me. We were just installing a component and the warning system went haywire. But we'll get it going again, eh Prin?"

She nodded "Uh-huh."

Mark scowled slightly at the familiarity that Addison was using toward 'Princess' but he shook it off as coworkers working closely together. He addressed the lieutenant, "Do you mind if I talk to Princess alone for a moment?"

Randy shook his head. "Nope. Just don't take too long, we gotta get back to work here." He shot a significant look at 'Princess' as Mark took her elbow and led her to the outside hall.

Once out there, she threw her arms about G-1 and hugged him as she said gratefully, "Thank goodness you came. Anderson was fit to be tied, I thought he was going to take off both our heads."

Mark returned the embrace as he said against her ebony tresses. "You can't blame him, honey. We are on a Level 1 Alert and we need the warning system operational." He pulled away and asked, "So what happened anyway?"

'Princess' replied, "We were installing a component for PAX to link up with BE and made a wrong connection that caused a short in the warning system. It also caused the warning system at Vector Neptune to go down."

"Ouch," he said. "But I can see why he's getting so uptight, what with the report of a possible Spectra ship landing here and then disappearing last week." Mark put his hands on her shoulders and added with a wry smile, "I guess that's why you sent me a Bird Scramble, huh, to rescue you from the chief's wrath."

"Bird Scramble?" 'Princess said in puzzlement. "I never sent you a Bird Scramble."

Mark's azure eyes widened in response. "C'mon Prin, I got the signal while me and Jason were in the Ready Room. I figured you needed me for something so I came down." He frowned as he noticed her look of dismay. "You really didn't call me on the bracelet?"

She shook her midnight curls. "I swear to you Mark, I didn't." She moved closer seductively as she purred, "But I'm glad you came down anyway." She reached up on tiptoe to plant her petal soft lips on his.

Mark forgot about everything for the moment as his arms encircled her and he responded fully to her uncustomary boldness. But his voice of reason echoed in his head as he realized his duty. Regretfully, he pulled away.

"I have to go to Anderson's and you have to get back to work, baby." At her look of disappointment he promised, "But if you come down to my quarters later, we can pick up where we left off."

"I'll be there," 'Princess' said with a wink as she slipped back into the computer room.

Mark watched her as she disappeared behind the panel door and then took off, sprinting to the elevator to head to the chief's office. As he rode up he shook his head as he contemplated his and Princess's relationship of late which had gotten a lot steamier. He was amazed at his own attitude that had taken a recent hiatus from being "anal" as Jason put it and made him almost glad to skate the boundaries of protocol and spend passionate moments with the girl he loved. His common sense told him that he was dangerously close to breaking the rules but with the way his times with Princess were, he found he really did not care as she had become more aggressive and he really liked that. And he was, after all an 18 year old young man although if Anderson discovered about their clandestine little trysts, he would not accept that as an excuse.

The elevator door slid open and Mark shot out, running down the corridor to Anderson's office, meeting Jason who was already there. The Condor gave the Eagle a salute.

"The chief called me here too. Got any idea why?" Jason asked as Mark shrugged and hit the button to let them in.

"Nope, but I guess we're gonna find out now." Both young men approached the desk where the Federation chief sat glowering at them.

"You're late," he snapped. "I expect better from you, Commander."

Mark lowered his umber head and apologized, "I'm sorry, chief. I was talking to Princess and lost track of time." Anderson waved him off impatiently.

"No excuses. We have a potential situation that I need the two of you for. Since you were down in the computer room with Princess I take it you heard about the computer failure in Vector Neptune, Mark."

He nodded as the chief continued, "The failure itself is not the problem but the fact that we are getting sporadic reports of glitches within the BE network. The situation is that we think it has something to do with some of the new components being installed. Everything was going fine till these last few days."

"Wait a minute, chief." Jason put his hand up. "Are you saying that there's foul play taking place? Princess is the one doing the installations."

"What about Addison?" Mark queried. "He's just as involved as she is."

"I'm not exonerating him, commander. He's under as much scrutiny as she is."

Jason snapped, "Then why not blame him for the screw-ups. It's like you've lost faith in Princess."

Anderson barked, "I'm not saying anything against Princess or her skills. I'm the one that oversaw her training as I did with all of you. I just want to ask you both how she seems to you when you see her."

Mark retorted, "We don't get to see her. At least not that much."

Anderson pinned the Eagle with his eyes. "Come on, commander. Don't tell me you haven't seen her because I know different." At the young man's guilty expression he leaned in and said softly, "Mark, I'm not condemning you in this, I'm just concerned about Princess, she doesn't seem like herself."

He went on, "Before you came into the computer room I had asked her a simple question about the down time and she was quite hostile. I was surprised because it was so unlike her. Have either of you noticed her being that way?"

Mark turned away as Jason said, "I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary." But as he went to look out at the deep blue expanse of the undersea he spoke.

"She's been a bit more…forward with me." He blushed a bit as he said, "During our times together."

Anderson sighed as he said, "I'm not trying to pry into your personal life, commander. But with the report on the possible Spectran craft landing and vanishing I have some thoughts on the matter."

Both Jason and Mark glanced at each other and then at Anderson. Mark's azure eyes narrowed as he said, "You can't be thinking that Spectra has planted someone to impersonate Princess. That's crazy."

"Is it?" the chief said with a raised brow. "You know as well as I do that Spectra's been exceptionally quiet and then we get that report. You both were the ones that made the discovery."

"Yeah, yeah," Jason said hotly. "But that's just plain wacky. There's no way she could be fake, she seems like she always is." He glared at his commander. "Mark?"

"Hmmm," Mark said contemplatively. "It does make me think, considering how she's been with me lately."

"Really," Jason scoffed. "Are you gonna elaborate? And I thought you didn't believe in 'kiss and tell'."

Mark glared at his second when Anderson spoke sharply, "That's enough you two! I want you both to follow Princess and Lieutenant Addison very closely. And any sign of even the slightest abnormality, you report to me. Is that clear?"

Both gave the G-Force salute. "Yes, sir." The boys headed out into the hall and stopped to converse.

"Well, what do ya think, Skipper? How do you feel about this assignment?" Jason asked Mark.

The Eagle scowled as he said flatly, "I don't like playing Gestapo especially with one of my own teammates." He stared out as he added, "But in the off tense the chief is right, I wonder what that bastard Zoltar is planning. And what he's done with Princess." His hands balled into fists.

Jason saw the fierce look on Mark's even features and said, "Well, you said there's been a difference in her. I don't see it but you see her more than I do so you want to tell me what you think."

Mark's eyes darkenened to a stormy hue as he said slowly, "She's been a lot more,"

"Willing? Horny?"the Condor finished with a smirk.

His commander threw a thunderous look that told Jason he had entered forbidden territory as he ground out, "Affectionate. Princess unlike your bevy of bimboes is a lady and we try to restrain ourselveswhen we're together." He frowned as he said thoughtfully, "But lately she's been so aggressive it's really had me wondering."

Jason sighed as he said, "Well, Mark I guess we'll be finding out what picture the pieces of the puzzle will make. So we'd better get started, huh?"

Mark nodded grimly. "Yeah." Both took off to head to the computer room.

NEXT…..BLOWN COVER