DISCLAIMER: I am not the owner of nor wish to appear to be the owner of FAKE and all related merchandise 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!

AN: Long chapter. Last chapter. Thanks for all that read and enjoyed. A deep heartfelt thanks for all who reviewed. There will be an Epilogue so look out for that. This chapter is for coldsunshin and Coleridge Fan! Thanks, you guys kept me going! Hope this story doesn't get deleted, if it will happen it will be because of this chapter. None the less I had fun with it! Enjoy the last chapter of 'Glorious'!

Days from now the statement would be seen as the headline on the few still printed newspapers, various news blogs would cite it and reporters world wide would use it as their opening remarks. However, today the bold statement of "I know where I tread and I will show no mercy", made the entire room quiet. The room was so silent that when J.J. let out a tortured whine just about everyone turned their heads in his direction. Admiral Jenkins cleared her throat gaining back attention and then she stared at Drake.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, " Continue."

Once the Admiral's acceptance had been made clear the whispers immediately returned. Reporters checked recorders and leaned forward in their seat and some stood, as if that act would allow them to hear more. The Admiral ignored the dull buzz knowing that once the young Ensign began talking that silence would come over the room again.

Drake took a long hard swallow then began, " I am sure that the Federation is already aware of the device that was found on 'Glorious' that by remote caused fires and about the fact that 'Glorious' blueprints and docking and departure schedule was given to an outside source. A source that is highly believed to be the G'nar empire. Though-"

The Admiral clenched her jaw moments before her interruption, " I said you will get only one warning, but I am telling you now that if you shut your mouth now you will not come up against any disciplinary actions," the elder woman lowered her tone and it was clear she wasn't pleased with where this was going, " You are implying that a very respected member of the Federation family is involved with treason and-"

" I'm not implying anything," Drake boldly cut off the Admiral, " I have proof!"

Now all the reporters were standing and pictures were being taken, some were using the commotion to speak with their counterparts outside and bring them up to date. The Admiral was trying in vain to quiet the room and after a few moments she sighed in defeat. Vice Admiral Smith, a short, stout man, bellowed to the crowd to 'Shut the hell up' and after a threat to throw all the reporters out the noise finally died down.

Commander Reynolds leaned over and whispered to Dee, " I've always liked that man. He knows how to command."

Dee snorted, " He's just loud. The badger wouldn't know how to lead an army of ants."

The room looked over at Admiral Jenkins as she stood, " Very well Ensign Parker. Let us see this evidence."

Drake nodded then reaching into one of his neon orange leg pockets he pulled out some folded papers. Dee looked over at J.J. and noticed the wide eyes and the way the young man worried his bottom lip. Dee narrowed his eyes, it was clear to him now that J.J. knew what was printed on those papers and that this was the reason he and Drake were on their way to the Admiral's room not too many nights ago. Dee looked back at Drake in time to see the man pull out a small disk from his pocket as well. Drake held both of these items up.

" These are Captain Rose's phone records and two numbers consistently kept coming up. One belonged to a young woman by the name of Carol and the other...well, I took the liberty of calling that number myself and this is the recording of that conversation," at that Drake held up the disk.

" No! NO!" Berkely was up then, slamming his fist on the marble table, " a person can NOT just go through phone records! That is a VIOLATION of my civil rights!"

The Admiral was nodding waving her hand in a silent gesture for Rose to sit down. Then she interlaced her fingers and glared, " He is absolutely right. Explain yourself Ensign. I will not listen to any evidence that has been illegally obtained."

Drake nodded licking his lips nervously. This moment would determine his future from here on. He had walked too far out onto the ice to go back, now he would see if it was thin or not.

" My close friend and former colleague Darius Williams was performing a security check," as Drake spoke the Admiral was punching buttons on a hand held notepad. By the time Drake was done the room's projector was lowered and the man in question was looking quite anxious.

" Mr. Williams," Admiral made herself known, " Look up phone log security checks for the past month."

" Yes Admiral," Darius bent his head and began typing.

" Oh, by the way Mr. Williams, please put up a double screen so we can all see what you are doing."

Darius looked up briefly with a frown, but the screen split and now everyone in the Judicial Hall was privy to the man's computer screen. He typed until he had found the logs then he began to scan, the monotone computer voice reading off all the security checks ran in the last month. The count down was excruciating, Drake prayed that Darius was smart enough to put the check some where in last week, anything longer away than that would be awful for Drake. It would look like he was sitting on evidence and that in it's self was treason. One more date was read and then the computer voice stopped.

The Admiral's eyes went wide, her anger was so powerful that some of the reporters gasped, " Two weeks ago? You had that recording for two weeks!"

Drake opened his mouth to speak, but had to stop to take a deep breath to calm his nerves. He was in for it now, but hopefully the Admiral's curiosity was so great that she would still listen to the disk. He tried again to speak, but was halted by the computer voice reading more dates. Everyone frowned or whispered what had happened and Darius chuckled shyly, " Sorry Ma'am. Computer froze momentarily."

She nodded then the room grew silent again as the dates were recited, then finally a date was spoken that a security check was last taken four days ago. Drake was so relieved that he almost fainted and though he didn't fall he did sway a bit.

" Thank you Mr. Williams," Admiral Jenkins nodded and broke the connection. She didn't bother asking why the man gave the information over to Ensign Parker, she knew already that Rose had his slimy hands everywhere so the police force couldn't have been an exception.

" May I?" Drake held up the disk.

" Please."

Drake slid the disk into a unit on the top of the podium and after pushing play...waited. The projection screen glowed and when the body of the G'nar came into view, the room collectively held their breaths. Rose stood slowly, his mouth open in silent horror. He was trembling in his embarrassment and rage and as soon as the recording ended he leapt.

Drake noticed Berkely's form jumping across the table top, but was too stunned to do anything. He watched as Rose's fist came down and let out a yell as it connected with his face. Drake stumbled back as people all around him gasped and cried out. He sat up quickly using the back of his right hand to wipe the blood that had dripped from his nose. Drake glared at Rose and standing slowly he whispered.

" You brought this on yourself."

" You bastard!" Rose's words were barely above a whisper, but the tone made Drake tense in anticipation of another hit.

" Name calling are we? My turn," Drake smirked, before his voice took on a darkness, "Traitor."

Rose shook his head, " I have no idea how you doctored that tape, but-"

Drake bristled then, " Don't!" he pointed at the man, " Don't you dare lie! You knew exactly what you were doing! Just like now!" his volume was steadily increasing now and the reporters were all standing talking freely into their headsets, " Like now! We wouldn't even be here if Maclean had picked you over the Lieutenant!"

Rose was like quick sliver and within seconds he had Drake on his back with his hands wrapped around the young Ensign's neck. They had landed on the benches between Ryo and J.J., however, it was Dee who was up first pulling at Berkely's arms and yelling for him to let go. Commander Reynolds was next trying to pry the powerful fingers from around Drake's neck directly. The security guards were calling for Rose to stop, the Admirals and even some of the reporters were pleading for him to release Parker. No one was getting through to him, his eyes were focused on the man beneath him, he had nothing to lose now. The punishment for treason was death, so no matter if he destroyed the man that had exposed his deceit. Drake was losing consciousness and no one could get through to the Captain...until.

" Berekly," Ryo spoke the man's name calmly and even through the ruckus the sound was heard. Ryo watched as the man's vison cleared and let out a sigh of relief when Rose jerked his hands away. Rose fell to his knees and looked up wide eyed at Ryo.

Ryo watched through sad brown eyes and Rose's arms were roughly pulled behind his back. Their gazes locked as handcuffs were clamped down and Ryo felt a sudden urge to hold the man.

Rose stared into Ryo's eyes and he whispered, " What happened to my life?"

Ryo was at his knees then, a hand on either side of Rose's face and tears now freely flowing, " I don't know, but...my God why?"

All Rose could do was shake his head. Ryo watched as the guards pulled the Captain to his feet and walked him back to his seat. Ryo fell forward catching himself with his palms to the cold floor. The tears had stopped, but the ache in his chest did not. Ever since Rose had explained his reasoning for wanting to get back at Dee Ryo hadn't been able to hate him anymore. Though Ryo loathed that Rose had let his revenge tunnel his vison and also the resulting actions because of that, he couldn't hold it entirely against him. He couldn't fully explain it, but Ryo felt for Rose and the thought that his life was utterly ruined now sent sympathetic chills through him.

Ryo pushed himself back up to his feet then took his place next to J.J. ignoring the questioning looks from Dee and Bikky. J.J. was tending to Drake, who, though breathing brokenly would ultimately be fine.

After what seemed like and eternity Admiral Jenkins finally spoke, " I thank you Ensign Parker for your diligence in obtaining this information and a full investigation into the matter will be launched. However, we are here on behalf of the charges against Lieutenant Laytner, " the Admiral gave a deep sigh before continuing, " Though this evidence does put Captain Rose's reasoning for requesting this trial against the Lieutenant questionable it was through your statement Ensign that this trail and it's investigation seems warranted."

" Shit!" Parker whispered the word and he kicked himself for speaking of Rose's jealously of losing Ryo to Dee out loud.

The Admiral pursed her lips, " Unless you want Maclean as well?"

" No, no," Drake shook his head and mouth 'I'm sorry' to Ryo, who just shrugged.

" Lieutenant please resume your position at the podium and I trust there will be no further outburst from any party in this room," at that last statement Admiral Jenkins scanned the room and her gaze made everyone hush, " Very good, now Lieutenant, is there anything you wish to say?"

" Yes Admiral," Dee was tired of all this now, it occurred to him during Drake's stint at the podium that even if this trail was dismissed due to Rose's misconduct that he and Ryo's relationship could still be called up for violation later. There was no double jeopardy where this was concerned so he rather finish it here and now.

" Proceed Lieutenant."

Dee took a deep breath, " It is true that I have been engaging in a sexual relationship with one of the lower ranking officers," Dee waited until the reporters stopped gasping, then he smiled wide and said, " It was damn good too!"

Ryo dropped his head into his palm with a groan as the Admiral shook her head. Bikky was stifling a laugh while Rose shifted in his seat.

Admiral Jenkins spoke, " Very well. Do you hereby acknowledge that you are confessing to the charges against you of your own free will?"

Dee nodded after stating a firm 'yes' and at that moment he was no longer some slime ball on trail. After Rose's violent attack and the dashing smile just given by Dee, the reporters had all come to see Laytner as the victim. A man in love that, by the rules of the Federation, was forced to give up the one he needed in his life. It was all so Romeo and Juliet that some of the female reporters were crying. Dee's smile was seen as a brave front, trying to hold back his inner turmoil. Had they all known the man better they would have known he was merely sticking it to Rose.

" In light of this new development I will be handing down a meager sentence. I strongly believe that Captain Rose has done this to spite you and that this perhaps wouldn't even be an issue had your advances been swept aside," the Admiral pulled out an electric notebook and began to draw up the plans for Dee's punishment, " I will order that you attend conduct classes and that you will have to lecture at a class on the subject of sexual harassment," suddenly she looked up at Dee and in a stern voice said, " Lieutenant you are also to break all ties you have with this subordinate and you will not-" she cut off her words once she noticed Commander Reynolds stand, " Yes Commander?"

Dee turned and looked at Leslie puzzled then his features turned to anger as Leslie began to speak.

" With all due respect Admiral I believe that your punishment, though understandable, is too weak," Leslie walked and stood beside Dee, " I have worked with this man on the 'Stetson' and I know his work ethic is impeccable. However, this trail is being broadcast all over the world as well as moon colonies and on Federation ships. I think it would be a detriment to the moral and structure of the Federation crews if the Lieutenant got off with merely a slap to the wrist. He needs to be punished to the fullest extent."

Admiral Jenkins leaned back in her seat then with a smile asked, " Well, what would you suggest Commander Reynolds?"

Leslie looked confident and regal at his place by Dee's side and most of the female reporters swooned. Leslie smirked some as he spoke, " I suggest forfeiture of pay for two months, reduction of rank to the lowest level and to be removed from my ship and returned to 'Glorious' immediately."

Dee looked at Leslie dumbstruck, his suggested sentence was harsh- too harsh for the crime. Dee felt numb, he had always looked up to Leslie and he had always admired the man. He thought of him as a friend, but now it seemed as though the man didn't feel the same about him. Dee felt betrayed and hurt and very very angry. As he looked at Leslie he noticed that the man wouldn't look his way. It was through a haze of disbelief that Dee heard the Admiral accept Leslie's terms and adjourned the trial. Dee turned on heavy heels and rushed from the court room.

Dee was out of the Headquarters building without looking behind him and was on 'Glorious' before any of the reporters had a chance to speak with him.

Commander Reynolds had been on 'Glorious' only one other time so he asked the young teen Bikky to show him to Dee Laytner's room. He thanked the boy and waved as he watched him leave his side. Then he pressed the com on the outside.

" What?"

Leslie sighed at Dee's rough tone, " May I come in Lieutenant?"

There was a pause for a full five minutes before the door slid open. Dee glared at Leslie then stepped aside to welcome him in. The Commander entered gracefully finding his way over to one of the two black leather armchairs in the room. He waved Dee over and motioned for him to sit in the other one. Dee obeyed with a scowl.

" You are angry with me," It wasn't a question and Leslie spoke it with a smile, " Surly as an officer you understand my reason for such action?"

Dee's emeralds became darker, " You said you would always have my back," it was a controlled whisper, one used to hold his anger at bay.

" Yes I did," Leslie smiled again, " and I meant it."

" And he did."

The two men looked over to see Ryo leaning against the door frame, " If you don't want people to over hear," Ryo stepped into the room with a smile, " then close the door," it slid shut behind him.

" You're not upset Ryo?" Dee let his hurt show. How could he be so wrong about the two people he cared about most?

Ryo shook his head, " Don't you realize what he's done for you?" the blond let out a chuckle.

Leslie sighed, " Dee, had you accepted the original sentence you would have to end your relationship with Ensign Maclean."

" However harsh you think Commander Reynolds punishment was it actually helped you a lot," Ryo noticed that Dee was still confused and he smiled, if the man would stop being so angry he would have gotten it by now. None the less he helped him out anyway, " You lost your rank Dee. You are an Ensign now."

" No shit!" Dee was about to continue until he felt a firm hand on his knee. Leslie was smiling his gray eyes twinkling.

The Commander spoke, " What is more important to you, being with Ensign Maclean or being a Lieutenant?"

Ryo's smile widened, " You are an Ensign now."

Leslie stood, " Your relationship with Maclean can not be contested now. You are both now of the same rank. Being together is completely acceptable," he made his way to the door and opening it looked back at a stunned and slightly embarrassed Dee. He laughed, " I can't believe you even doubted me!" then he was gone and the door was shut.

Ryo laughed fully now all the worry and fear of the trail lifted. He hadn't realized just how stressed he had been about it. Dee stood and walked over to Ryo wrapping his arm around his waist.

" You must think I am so stupid," Dee rested his forehead on Ryo's

" No," Ryo's laugher had subsided, but a joyous smile remained, " I think you are wonderful."

"Just wonderful?" Dee raised an eyebrow.

Ryo looked up in mock thought, " Yeah, that's about it."

" Hmmm, really?" Dee gave Ryo a smirk and whispered, " because I can think of many things to call you."

Ryo closed his eyes, he recognized that whisper and his body was warming in reaction to it. Ryo sighed, " Like what?"

Dee nuzzled the blond's warm neck, " Wonderful works for you too, but also, kind and generous," he started to kiss the flesh, stopping to feel the vain pulse on his lips, " gentle is a good one, that and," he turned his head and touched his lips to Ryo's, " beautiful."

They kissed then and Ryo noticed it was more passionate than their last and it occurred to him that Dee must have been stressed as well. He closed his eyes completely and tasted the lips warming his own. Ryo ran his tongue along Dee's bottom lip and was thrilled when he felt the man shudder under the sensation. Soon they were exploring each other, laving and smoothing the familiar contours of one another's moist mouths.

Ryo was vaguely aware of being moved through the room and it wasn't until the back of his knees hit the side of the bed that the kiss was broken. Dee didn't move away though, he kept their bodies pressed together as he lowered them onto the bed, he lips were still touching Ryo's so when he spoke his breath washed over Ryo causing the man to moan, " You are hot and passionate," Ryo was finally on the bed and Dee's weight was welcome. Dee smirked and began kissing Ryo's neck once more all the while whispering pleasing adjectives, " Smooth, alluring," Dee shifted and heard Ryo gasp against his hair, " and...hard."

Ryo breathing quickened, it always amazed him how Dee's kisses could warm his body faster than any fingers could. Dee's lips were on his collar bone now and once he made it to the hollow he swirled his tongue around before making his way back up the underside of Ryo's neck, marking his path with a hot tongue. Ryo was panting now and when Dee's lips found his again he moaned. Dee kissed him deeply and was pleased when he noticed that Ryo trembled every time their tongues met.

Dee broke the kiss and suddenly he was standing and pulling Ryo up with him switched places. He sat on the edge of the bed and holding Ryo out at arms length whispered, " Undress for me."

Ryo stood at the foot of the bed for a moment taking in Dee's words. He was, at heart, a shy man and the thought of undressing beneath a piercing verdant gaze made him slightly nervous. Yet at the same time the thought that Dee would gain enjoyment by watching sent a pleasurable chill through him. Ryo took a deep breath and with a promise to himself not to look into Dee's eyes, he proceeded to strip.

Dee smiled devilishly as he watched the blond above him remove his clothing. Dee was silent as Ryo's uniform dropped to the floor. Ryo removed his feet and kicked the garment behind him. He finally looked up at Dee and saw that the man had raised brows.

Dee pointed to the gray boxer briefs, " You're not done."

Ryo's lips parted slightly at the thought of being the only one in the room nude, but he hooked his thumbs under the waist band and swiftly pulled them down, kicking them behind himself as well. Ryo stood exposed and vulnerable and despite of that, or maybe because of it, completely aroused.

Dee's eyes glazed over with intense desire as he took in the sight before him. It still amazed him that Ryo was so wonderfully attractive. His emerald eyes scanned the broad shoulders and the muscular arms, the flat stomach and powerful thighs. Down farther to the well formed calves then finally back up to the object of his desire. Dee stared hungrily at Ryo's erect member and leaning forward took a hold of it in his right hand. He heard Ryo hiss as his fingers slowly stroked the flesh, he purposely ignored the tip, concentrating on the length for now. Dee's fingers moved leisurely and didn't falter as he brought his left hand up and cupped the heavy sac. Dee smirked as he felt the erection pulse in reaction to the hand between his legs and it was that action that lead Dee to lean forward and taste his Ryo.

Ryo gasped and his eyes slid closed as he was pulled into that warm mouth. He let out a moan as the hand cradled him squeezed and he began to unconsciously rock his hips into the touch. Dee worked his tongue and taking Ryo fully he even began to work his throat, swallowing so the muscles massaged the head. Dee continued playing with the blond until he felt the balls tighten in his hand. He quickly pulled away and looking up into doe brown eyes began to seductively suck and lick his left middle finger.

Ryo watched with a heady feel as Dee sucked his finger, his breathing quickening at the sight and he had to close his eyes to control his passion. It was during that moment Ryo felt Dee's index finger slide along the cleft of his buttocks before he was gently spread and the middle finger touch his entrance. Ryo sucked in a breath as he was simultaneously taken into a hot mouth and filled with a skillful digit. Ryo was biting his bottom lip now as the finger moved within him and his hips forced his arousal to pump between Dee's experienced lips.

" Dee...Dee...please," Ryo's voice was breathy and he reached out and tangled his lean fingers in the dark hair, " Please, please..."

Ryo's panting tone was erotic and Dee had to force himself to take his time and not ravish the man right at that moment. However, the pleases continued and it seemed to Dee that Ryo was really asking for something. Dee pulled away, but kept his lips on the tip as he whispered, "Please what baby?"

" Please," Ryo let out a moan, " please make me cum."

Dee smiled then forced in another finger and after licking the tip he swallowed Ryo whole again. It didn't take long, with the inclusion of the second finger and the moist heat of his mouth Ryo reached his peak within seconds. Ryo gripped Dee's hair in an almost violent manner as his climax rocked him to the core. He was brought up to his tip toes and Dee held his hips as he shook with the force of his pleasure and after the waves subsided his knees buckled. Dee stood quickly and wrapping his arm around his waist held Ryo up, locking eyes with him and holding the gaze until Ryo was placed back onto the bed. Ryo threw and arm over his eyes and took deep breaths as Dee undressed himself.

Soon Dee had settled down next to Ryo and kissed the man on the shoulder. Ryo removed his arm and looking over at his lover took his face in his hands and kissed him sweetly. Ryo broke the kiss and leaning back to better look at Dee's face he whispered, " Make love to me."

Dee nodded, " Yes."

Ryo rolled and straddled Dee smiling then lowering his body he made his way downward. Dee groaned as he felt Ryo's breath flowing over the head of his erection and though he knew what Ryo was going to do his body still jerked when Ryo took him into his mouth. Dee closed his eyes and relished in the thought that Ryo had done that willingly. Ryo wasn't there long, after a few long wet sucks he was crawling back up to sit on Dee's stomach.

Ryo's eyes were twinkling as he asked, " Ready love?"

Dee nodded, loving the nickname and Ryo's eagerness. Ryo lifted himself and slowly the two worked at getting Dee positioned then finally within Ryo's tightness. Dee knew he wouldn't last long, Ryo had a way of spiking his libido to the highest levels. Ryo set the pace and soon his climax was rebuilding, his shaft erect and throbbing once again. Dee, hating that his right arm was still in a cast, had to decide on touching Ryo's body or stroking him to completion. Once he felt his desire rising and knowing he didn't have much time he opted to help Ryo cum along with him. Dee's left hand reached out and wrapping around the hard heat he stroked and watched as Ryo's pants became stronger a sure sign he was getting close. Ryo closed his eyes and fell over the edge for the second time that night and the sight of the blond losing control and the feel of his hot seed hitting his chest forced Dee over as well.

The two of them climaxed together and even in the haze of his orgasm Dee realized that they would be doing other things together from this day forward. Dee hadn't answered Leslie's question about what was more important to him, rank or Ryo, he hadn't needed too, he was sure his love for this man was as clear to everyone as the morning dew. As the two men came down from their bliss and lay breathing heavy and sated Dee realized that he had finally found his purpose in life. It wasn't to win wars or gain rank and stature. It was to please the blond beside him and that was more important than any mission the Federation would ever give him.

Ryo looked into Dee's eyes and whispered, " What are you thinking about?"

Dee smiled weakly, " Just how much I love you."

Ryo laughed softly, " I love you too."

Remember there is still and Epilogue on the way!