DISCLAIMER: I do not own FAKE nor any merchandise related thereof.

WARNINGS: Formal Diana. Calmer J.J. With sprinklings of Lime here and there. The chapter(s) with Lemon will be labeled. This warning applies to the entire story not just this chapter!

Ryo was actually glad he was invited to this meeting in the Senate offices. It gave him something to take his mind off of the demanding Rose, the brash Laytner, and the angry Adams.

He was listening to this current presentation of design for the new uniforms and was quite pleased that this woman seemed to take more pride and care in her work than the previous presenter.

She was equipped with fabric swatches and button samples as well as drawings and even a three dimensional model that she showed on her laptop. Her design was simple yet beautiful. Two pieces, it had black slacks, with two deep pockets on the hip sewn so that they were practically invisible when there was nothing inside them, and a top, a dark maroon in the center and black long sleeves. The top went on over ones head and was zipped closed in the back. The front had a seam running down the middle and ending at a point that dipped down slightly toward the crotch. The collar was high and stiff resembling a rose bud. It was black and trimmed with gold. The cuffs of the sleeves were also trimmed in gold. The woman was now passing around the fabric swatches and explaining that the colors could be changed if need be and that all the fabric was wash and wear.

She then pulled out another board that showed how this basic uniform changed into the dress uniform. Two more pieces were added, a dress coat and a cape. The coat was also black and was long ending at mid thigh instead of the normal waist length. The collarless coat was held together with three black buttons and the front was a deep V showing off the maroon underneath. The cape was attached to the shoulder with buttons which were hidden beneath shoulder caps that for the crew was trimmed in gold and for the Commander and Second was trimmed in gold roping and gold bullion fringe. The insignia for the United Earth Federation was stitched in the caps in black. The cape was lined with maroon and trimmed all around in gold.

Ryo was looking through the packets that she left for their consideration and already knew he was voting for her. This was confirmed when the last presenter arrived and showed off his flamboyant and obnoxious creation. Ryo was glad that his presentation was short considering how pointless his designs were. Obviously the Senate all felt the same as Ryo when it was decided that the contract would go to Haruna Designs, a name the woman must have greatly liked over her own given she was called Stacie Mathews, with no argument. The woman was invited back in and she was congratulated with the signing of the contract and champagne. The colors of black and maroon stayed and the only change in her design was that the Federation insignia was to be stitched gold instead of black for better visibility.

Stacie Mathews was smiling and her wavy raven hair flipped and vibrated as she laughed at a joke given by Senator Johnston. Her eyes were a light gray and her skin was a dark tan. She was trying, to no avail, to flirt with Senator Rose and gave up once he turned his back to her and began to search out Ryo.

Rose found the man whispering to his Commander and sipping every once and a while on his champagne. Diana looked up and upon seeing Rose let out a dainty cough, signaling for Ryo to look up. When he did he let out an audible groan.

" Hello Commander Spacey, Ensign Maclean," He was smiling as he nodded his greeting.

The two nodded in return and Diana had no intentions of leaving the side of her subordinate. She knew Rose's personality and she rather liked Ryo, she wouldn't allow him to be tainted by him. She knew what that felt like. Rose had discarded her quite cleanly after about month and a heartfelt confession of love given by her. He had actually laughed in her face and told her she was foolish. At the time she had told herself that he had some self esteem issues and that he thought he couldn't or shouldn't be loved. Now she knew he was just a dog.

" Are you pleased now Diana?" Rose was smirking at her, " Do these uniforms suit your taste?"

" I wouldn't have voted for them if they didn't, Rose."

The Senator chuckled, " Good, so I shouldn't be hearing your voice for a while then."

Diana turned her head, annoyed, but still didn't leave the men and when a silence settled between the three she realized that was what Rose wanted her to do. She turned back her head, her gaze defiant and Rose sighed.

" You are a pain," he spoke rubbing his temples.

Stacie's voice could be heard over the small crowd, " Yeah, I had a difficult time getting over here. Some rebels were blocking the path protesting something. They wouldn't let a ship through. Had to wait until Intergalactic Security Forces stepped in. I totally thought I would be late."

Diana's and Ryo's brows furrowed in response to Stacie's words. The rebels hadn't protested or blocked routes for the last thirteen years. Why they would start now was odd and slightly disturbing. Ryo looked at his Commander and noticed her concern as well. She shrugged, what could they do, they were a cargo ship. She sipped her champagne waiting out the festivities.

Ryo was sitting at the break room's lone table when Bikky saw him through the open door and ran in to sit beside him. Ryo had just returned from the Senate offices, Diana deciding to stay behind to check out the antique stores. Ryo had changed into jeans and a black turtleneck. He looked over at the teenager with a smile.

" Whatcha up to?" Bikky was chewing gum and after his question blew a bubble.

Ryo shrugged, " Just decompressing. Had to smile and shmooze and put on a good face for the Senate," had to dodge the pushy Senator Rose.

" Yeah, but I heard that the uniforms were already picked out."

Ryo nodded, " Yes, I think they look rather nice. Much more professional."

Bikky smiled, " So, we should be going soon?"

" I would assume so."

Suddenly the warning system went off causing Ryo and Bikky to start. Ryo looked at Bikky and spoke, " Go to your room until I come get you, understand?"

Bikky scowled, " Man, I'm not a kid!"

Ryo glared and the boy shrank back, " Understand?"

" Damn, yeah," then he was up and running for his room.

Ryo sprinted to the Bridge and was the first there, followed by Dee, J.J., then Drake all in civilian clothes.

Lieutenant Laytner gave out orders, " Everyone stations. Maclean, to the communications station. Adams, find out what is wrong and Maclean contact the Commander."

Ryo took his seat which was behind the Captain's chair, his back to the others, while Parker and Adams sat at their stations to the right of the Captain's chair.

Ensign Adams was swift, " There is a fire on the Storage Deck and it looks like it is creeping onto the Quarters Area fast."

" A fire?" Dee frowned, " Okay, dispatch Fire Safety. Maclean, how's it coming?"

Ryo nodded, but didn't look back at his superior, " I have Commander Spacey on the line now. Permission to call Bikky Goldman to the Bridge, he is in his quarters."

The Lieutenant nodded, " Permission granted. Open a channel to the Commander."

Diana spoke and her voice could be heard throughout the various speakers on the Bridge, " What is wrong with my ship?"

Dee answered, " A fire Ma'am, Fire Safety has been dispatched and it should be contained within min–"

" There is a ship coming!" Bikky's voice was almost shrill.

" What?" Ryo looked over at the teenager.

" Bikky!" Diana was annoyed, " Don't interrupt at a time like this!"

" But!" Bikky was pointing in the direction of the Quarters Area.

Ryo furrowed his brow, " Speak Bikky now."

The young man looked over and nodded his thanks for being listened to, " I can see a ship out the window in my room."

Just as the words were out a loud beeping could be heard and Drake spoke, slightly rushed, " The kid's right Lieutenant! There is a ship off the starboard side. It's gaining and fast!"

" We're docked Lieutenant!" J.J. spoke almost a bit too loud, " We can't maneuver!"

Dee ran his hand through his hair and he and Diana spoke in unison, " Prepare for impact!"

Ryo leapt from his place and grabbed Bikky in a tight hug, just as the approaching ship slammed into Glorious' side. The crew jerked, Drake's head snapped back and hit the headrest with such a force that he bit his tongue and his vision splotched with black. J.J. was thrown completely from his seat and Dee holding on to the railings that surrounded the Captain's chair felt the shock of the impact through his arms. Ryo and Bikky hadn't been flung that far, but Bikky knew that if Ryo hadn't been holding him his small frame would have been tossed far and he would possibly be broken.

Dee regained his composure first he was yelling at J.J., " Adams, report!"

" The ship is dislodged! It's falling off the docking guards and is falling on her own!"

" Then re-dock her in section F!"

" I can't! The cleats are destroyed!" J.J. was frantic.

Diana could be heard, she sounded calm, " Ensign Maclean, make a call to the Senate and request use of their landing pad. Ensign Adams, Ensign Parker, keep her steady until Maclean gets an answer," her calming tone had a positive effect on the crew.

" Commander," J.J.'s voice was small, " I can't land a ship this large."

" Never mind that!" Ryo spat out, " I can. We have authorization," Ryo was out of his seat in a flash and was moving to the Navigations sation. Drake relinquished his seat and Ryo sat, placing his hand to his ear he spoke to the Senate's aviation desk, " Send the quardinates now."

Once on the view screen Ryo began to navigate the ship in the direction of the landing pad. Suddenly Drake spoke from his new place at the Informations sation, " The ship is losing energy, I don't think she can make it!"

Ryo scowled, biting the inside of his cheek. The Lieutenant stepped up behind him and whispered, " Maclean, how good are you at landing a ship?"

" As long as I have the quardinates I will be fine, but Parker is right. I can feel the ship losing strength."

Dee sighed, " How good are you?"

Ryo looked up at him briefly and realized that the Lieutenant wanted to do something rash, " Damn good."

Dee nodded turning and taking a seat in the Captain's chair " Parker, cut all unnecessary uses for power and divert to Navagations. Leave lights and all stations up and running only in this sector."

" Yes Sir, however," Drake spoke as he was carrying out orders, " I don't think it will be enough."

Dee pushed the button on the arm of the chair that opened up the large view screen that was directly in front of him.

Parker spoke, " Still losing power Sir."

Dee narrowed his eyes and waited until he could see the landing pad on the screen.

" I'm losing control," Ryo spoke through gritted teeth, " I need more power or we are going to crash."

Dee waited a little longer, then, " Parker, cut lights and all sation power except Maclean's helm and this screen. Divert remaining power to Navigations. Maclean, it's all you."

Ryo looked up and understood immediately, he was to land the ship manually. Without lights his controls could not be seen to land the ship by watching the small screen on the helm like was expected. He had to watch the large view screen as if he was looking out a large windshield to land the ship. He licked his lips, he used to pilot his own planes on Earth, although this vessel was considerably larger it was the same concept. His hands were steady and he guided the ship down gracefully. It landed with a jolt that was to be expected. Ryo leaned back and sighed. The deed was done.

Lieutenant Laytner spoke, " Ensign Parker, if there is any power left use it to reconnect with Commander Spacey. Inform her that we are alright, but that a full report will not be ready until we have the efficient amount of fuel to re-power long enough to began a proper assessment."

" Yes Sir."

" Maclean, good work," Dee nodded at his subordinate.

Soon the Commander's voice could be heard again after Drake had told he all he was commanded to. She sounded calm, but Dee noticed the tightness in her voice, " View screen up. Divert all power if need be. Lieutenant, listen carefully. Keep everyone on the ship, I'm coming aboard."

The view screen was put back on, there was enough power that nothing had to be shut down. The picture had horizontal static lines of black and white racing across. Someone was hacking into the Federation's channels and was attempting to use their air waves to send a message. Soon a face could be seen, stretched and jumping. Then the picture was crystal clear.

It was a male of the alien race know as the G'nar. They looked human the only thing that let people know otherwise was that they had a gash running down the center of their faces. Like someone took a big cleaver and tried to cut their face in half.

The man spoke, his voice was harsh and a bit gravelly, " I am called Domartus, sole Commander of the G'nar Army. The G'nar Empire has declared war on Earth and all her colonies owned and pending. The attack on your cargo ship was only a warning. Surrender and we will see that the death of your people will be swift," Domartus looked over to his right then scowled, obviously the United Earth Federation had already sent their answer, " So be it!" Domartus roared and soon a violent shaking could be felt beneath the feet of the Glorious crew. Domartus raised his hand, larger than a human's to the point that it was almost grotesque. He scouted, " War it shall be!" he slammed his fist down and the connection was broken.

Ryo looked away from the screen and remembered Stacie Mathews words. She was wrong it wasn't the rebels of the lunar colonies, it was the G'nar.

J.J. voiced Ryo's thoughts, " Why?"

" Who the hell cares," Dee crossed his arms, " it isn't important anyway..." his voice trailed.

Two claps and the crew all turned and saluted their Commander. Diana growled, " Hands down, you good for nothing fools!"

They all looked puzzled so she continued, " You are telling me that it didn't seem important to tell me that you couldn't land the ship!" she noticed J.J.'s wince and amended her words, " I am not just talking about Adams. None of you said a damn thing!" she was furious, " So it has just been luck that we haven't cashed and burned yet! Dammit I have half a mind to request a transfer for all of you!" She slammed her fist on the communications console, " Parker, Adams this will go in your record. Withholding information as important as this will have it's consequences." her glare was cold, then she turned her attention to Ryo, features softened somewhat, " Maclean, nice work, I will be sure to add this to your record as well."

Diana straightened, " I have good news and bad news. Bad news, from the outside the ship is in a bad way. Good news, the Senate has agreed to pay for the repairs," she rolled her eyes, " They want us off their pad as soon as possible I suppose. Bad news, the G'nar are crazy bastards who just blew up the ship that rammed into us and there are many causalities. Good news, Earth has declared war and we will be kicking their asses in no time," Diana then looked over to her Second in Command saddened, " Worst news...Dee, you've been called back to the 'Stetson'. I have your orders, you have three days to report to the war ship and you will be one of the first to go out into battle."

No one had noticed the folder in her hand until she mentioned it, J.J. paled then ran from the Bridge. Ryo sank back into his chair, trembling. He looked up at Dee and all he got in return was a hopeless shrug. Taking the folder Dee left the Bridge silently, never looking back.

AN: Okay I have a few things to say. First off the rank I am using for this fic is U.S. Navy officer rank (I didn't bother with the enlisted side of it) and being prior Army the only thing I can say is that I know the rank is in order, but I am not sure if it is applied to the right persons. That being said I mean no disrespect to the Navy. I just don't know enough about the branch to be sure if I am entirely right. Why not use Army rank you ask? Because the crew of 'Glorious' is on a spaceship get it! Second, Intergalactic Security Forces was mentioned. Air Force cops are called Security Forces, it's an ode to my husband who is one! Third, I know the new uniforms look awfully like those worn on Star Trek: TNG, would be lying if I said that show didn't effect or inspire this fic. Whew! Author's Notes done!

I am posting this at 2 o'clock in the morning the time I finished it, so any mistakes are due to sleep deprivation. I don't have a beta reader, hell, I don't even know what that is! So, sorry.

Thanks to all who have reviewed! I love reading them and the more I get the faster I'll post! Love ya guys and thanks for sticking with me!