Before continuing on to Kalymnos, Yuri had agreed to swing by Chernesk, deciding to put Vladykin's letter of introduction to good use. Entering the military Ship Design Company, they spent 264G, purchasing an Askold, Skoryy and Derzky ship blueprints.

In the end, Yuri decided to replace and upgrade the VICTORY to the new Skoryy-class destroyer, and as a nod to their defeat of the Novgorod Pirates, named the ship...

JUSTICE.

With the FLAKRUNNER now supported by Ogar and the JUSTICE, the pirates didn't stand a chance.

As they had found out, the newly outfitted Skoryy-class destroyer was equally as impressive as the FLAKRUNNER. While it lacked the armour and durability of the battleship, it was faster, and more agile.

Afterwards, Yuri found himself in Nadja Musin's lab during their regularly scheduled meeting, which they had organized beforehand.

That was where Yuri was now, listening to Musin as she talked about the various R&D upgrades for the fleet. They also had a chat about Ratai; Musin had agreed to Ratai joining her department. During the other hours of the day, he would serve under Poplo as Radar Operator... putting that radar analysis he had picked up to good use.

It was at this moment that Nia entered. He didn't mind though, he welcomed her advice... and her company.

"Sorry for the interruption guys, I'm sure it was an interesting conversation." Nia said.

"Not at all." Musin replied, smiling. "We were just finishing up anyway. Thank you for your opinion Captain, I'll get on the changes right away. Until next time."

Bowing out of the conversation, and returning to her work, Yuri turned to face Nia.

"So what's wrong?"

"There's a situation up on the bridge, we weren't sure what to do, so I came to get ya." Nia answered.

"Alright then, come on... let's get up top."

As they appeared on the bridge, he could already make out the signs of battle up ahead, and as they drew nearer, he ordered the crew to move to alert status.

"So what's going on?"

"There's a battle ahead. Two Borodino battleships chasing a fleeing Skoryy destroyer." Kira called out as she punched information into her console.

"I don't understand, why would Elgavan Forces be attacking each other." Tatiana asked.

"Unless they're not part of the Elgavan military." Ian cut in.

"So what are ya saying?"

Ian's eyes rolled as he replied. "What I mean is... they may have been part of the military before, but were traitors like Mudakov, and sent on the run."

"That may explain that, but the question is, who do we help?" Nia asked, prompting a wave of silence to wash over the bridge crew.

They waited for someone to speak up, or Yuri to decide, and after a moment, he did. "Put us on an intercept course with those two Borodino's, Nia coordinate our attack with the JUSTICE and fire when we're in range."

The crew busied themselves as Yuri's fleet crept closer to the battle, and so far, the enemy hadn't noticed their presence... or were ignoring them.

That was a mistake that they'd regret.

The second Yuri's fleet entered weapons range, the two ships opened fire, laserfire slamming into the rear side shields. Ogar pushed the JUSTICE forward, closing the gap, and using the ship's speed and agility against the enemy.

"This is Yuri, Captain of the FLAKRUNNER." He began, speaking over a communications channel with the fleeing ship. "Hurry up and make your escape, we'll keep them busy."

"Thank you! Really!"

Breaking off their attack on the Skoryy destroyer, the two enemy battleships changed direction, turning on the FLAKRUNNER. Due to their slow speed, and the JUSTICE swarming around them like a fly, this was very hard to do.

As they returned fire, Ogar's offensive took out a thruster, and the two Borodino's divided their attention between the FLAKRUNNER and JUSTICE... concentrated mostly on the former. As the battle continued though, all participants showed signs of damage, though neither side was willing to give in, or slow down.

Back aboard the FLAKRUNNER, Yuri and his crew braced themselves, as another enemy barrage rocked the ship.

"Damn it! We don't have the firepower to attack them head on. Yuri we have to retreat." Nia said.

He watched as the enemy attacks just continued to come, and despite their best efforts, the two enemy Borodino battleships didn't let up.

The ship rocked again, and as Yuri tightened his grip on his console, a voice called out over the ships speakers.

"Thanks for the rescue, but it looks like you could use a hand yourself."

The fleeing Skoryy returned, moving on the offensive as its weapons fired, slamming into the closest Borodino, and the thrusters exploded, sending shockwaves throughout the rest of the ship.

Deciding that the tide had turned in their favour, even by a little, Yuri ordered the FLAKRUNNER and JUSTICE on the offensive. The two ships continued swarming their opponents from the side, while Yuri and the FLAKRUNNER tanked the oncoming shots.

As Yuri's flagship limped through attack after attack, the hull showing clear signs of wear and damage, the two enemy battleships weren't fairing much better. Their position was a precarious one: if they focused on Yuri, it left them open to attack from the side. If they focused on Ogar and the ally Skoryy, it would leave them vulnerable to the Borodino's formidable firepower.

That didn't mean that they were out of the fight yet though...

While they were surrounded on all sides, the combined firepower of the two Borodino-class battleships gave them a significant advantage. Despite the FLAKRUNNER's high armour and durability, tanking the shots from both ships was taking its toll, and it was beginning to show. On top of this, their ally was already close to destruction, so their attacks didn't do much damage and they didn't have superior agility or manoeuvrability.

As the fight wore on, and despite their clear disadvantage, the two swarming Skoryy's managed to take out the enemy's thrusters. Without the ability to move, the two enemy battleships were sitting ducks, and while Yuri's fleet could dodge the oncoming attacks...

They couldn't. And the fight didn't last too long afterwards.

With the ships a pile of smoking wrecks, Yuri and Ogar quickly found themselves docked with the Skoryy. With the docking tubes connected, and the doors opened, the group found themselves greeted by the ship's crew.

As the men and women of the ship's crew shook his hand, Yuri found himself spun around so many times, he wasn't sure where he was. Soon though, he found himself face to face with a red-haired woman, dressed in what looked like many styles of clothes thrown together. She had worn out civilian pants with battered old boots, and an old, torn officer's military jacket over a green tank top.

"Thank you." The woman said, catching Yuri off-guard in a hug. "No words can express how much this means to us."

Embarrassed at the situation he found himself in, Yuri could hear his friends laughing. He really hated things like this.

"No Problem." He said with a pause, rubbing the back of his neck. Cheeks red. "Yuri, Captain of the FLAKRUNNER. At your service."

The woman smiled, taking a step back as she stuck out her hand.

"Selenia Ascia Rataska, Captain of the MISUNDERSTOOD at yours."

Yuri smiled. "Good to meet you, I'm just glad we got here in time. Oh! This is Nia Lochlain, and this is Captain Ogar Telegov of the JUSTICE."

As he introduced the two, Ogar interrupted. "It isn't smart to linger here. We can continue this conversation back in port while our ships are being repaired."

Thinking that the older man had a point, Yuri agreed. "He's right. We're headed for Volodarev anyway. Why don't you follow us! We'll make sure you get there with no problems."

With each of the three ships docked inside the Volodarev shipyard repair bay, Yuri and the group found themselves sitting around the spaceport bar.

Holding more than twenty tables, with a big bar and kitchen, they found themselves overlooking the repairs to the MISUNDERSTOOD... a set of stairs leading below to the spaceport dock area.

"So who were those ships back there? They definitely didn't look like Novgorod Pirates to me." Yuri began, watching Selenia as she took a sip of her drink.

"Pirates? No. They are something much worse." A fire beginning to build in her eyes. "They call themselves the Hallan Harrowers they killed our leaders and forced us to obey them."

"The Hallan Harrowers huh?" Ogar said to himself, something akin to recognition on his face. "Yes I've heard of them before. A bunch of criminals, murders, and lowlife scum... they care nothing for the needs of others."

"I was born on the planet Weira of the Nargannans Sector, when I was only a few years old they began rounding up women and children as their slaves. We did everything for them. They made us dance for them, among other things. They took away our freedom and, t-took... I was barely into my teens when they forced me into their bed."

"I'm sorry." Yuri said quietly.

Those two words seemed to strike a cord inside her and Selenia could feel something bubbling to the surface... her anger red hot.

"I don't want your sympathy or your pity." She said, spitting out the words in fury, tears streaming down her cheeks, fist clenched. Then she realized, and began to speak quickly "I-I'm so s-sorry I..."

Regaining control of herself, she continued, voice hard, and the others could see she was struggling to contain her anger.

"While they could stop us from travelling outside the sector, they couldn't stop us from communicating. Groups of us managed to organise a synchronized attack on them from every planet in the hopes of driving them off. When you're going up against hardened criminals and murderers with your bare hands against swords and guns...well."

She didn't need to continue, they all knew full-well what had happened.

"I forced the others to hide and let the rest of our group be slaughtered in distraction. When they weren't looking, we made our way to the orbital elevators before disconnecting the rail lines." She said.

"It must've been hard to make that decision, sacrificing your own people just to escape."

I'm glad it wasn't me. Yuri thought.

"I don't know how we managed to survive this long, farmers, butchers, women and men, children. At first they tried so hard to catch us, but as we found our footing they let us live. They thought we'd be more fun to play with as is."

As the conversation began to wind down, Selenia excused herself, saying that she needed to check on her crew. As they watched her disappear out of sight, Ogar spoke.

"Hmm. Interesting... we encountered the same thing once, do you remember?" He asked, turning to face Gen.

"Ah yes... the battle on Renarii IV." The famed tactician answered. "We attacked an enemy stronghold, freeing the planet from their tyranny. And it worked. For a time, the people were free."

Ogar nodded as he continued the story. "Not for long though. When they returned, the civilian population had armed themselves and had organized a militia."

Ogar continued the story, explaining how the military had agreed to help tip the scales by providing extra arms and ammunition, as well as training to help turn the tide.

"An underhanded tactic." He said. "But effective."

And as the conversation moved on to lighter topics, Yuri couldn't help but wonder...

What would happen to the people of the Nargannans sector?

After their conversation with Selenia, Yuri, having remembered his conversation with the old farmer about his son, had accompanied Ratai back home.

"Hello." Yuri said, announcing his arrival to the old man currently leaning against the white fence.

"Huh? Oh, it's you." The elderly farmer said.

Popping out from behind the young Captain was Ratai, hair swaying in the wind. "Hi Pops."

"What? Oh! Oh my stars, you came back! Ratai! Ratai!"

The man's surprised face turned to excitement as he noticed his son. Stepping forward, he engulfed the younger man in a big hug.

"I'm sorry Pops. I should've called first." He replied, patting his father on the back in reassurance.

"That's all right. Never mind that my boy. I'm just glad you're finally home. Safe!"

"Uh Pops... I'm just visiting. I'm not planning to stay here." Ratai started, interrupting his father. "I'm going with Yuri here on his ship. I'm going to see the universe, just like I always wanted."

"What?"

"That's what I came here to tell you."

The silence that emerged between the two seemed to stretch on forever, and Yuri found himself looking back and forth between them.

"And that's really what you wanna do?"

"Yeah Pops. It is." Ratai said with conviction.

The two stood silent for a while as they watched each other. The old man started to say something, but then, seemed to change his mind. His head dropping, he shifted his gaze from Ratai Faustov to Yuri.

"Please take good care of my boy."

"Yes sir. I will."

The farmer smiled sadly at Yuri, before he searched through his pockets, taking out a data plate and placing it in Ratai's hand.

"What's this?" He asked.

The old man smiled at his son for a moment, before replying.

"Remember that observation device you spent all that time researching? Well, I got my scientist friend to finish it up for you. I was gonna give it to you when you came home. Take it. It's yours."

"Gee Pops..."

Without another word, the farmer turned around. With hunched shoulders, he trudged away sadly and disappeared into a shed on the edge of the pasture.

Looking down at the data plate in Ratai's hand, Yuri was glad, glad that they had received a blueprint for an Observation Room module.

And as Yuri watched Ratai walk away with a dejected sigh, he glanced back to the shed that the old man had gone in to...

And he began wondering.

If his father were alive, what would he do if it was them in this situation. On second thought, Yuri wondered what his father would have done if he were alive when he had left Ropesk.

Ropesk. Yuri thought. Oh how long has it been?

He hadn't been back in so long that he could barely remember what it looked like. The smell of the open markets, the feel of the old machinery in the repair shop, the sounds of the forests on the edge of the city.

He missed it... he really did. And one day. He thought. I'll go back there. That's a promise!

Then, he began wondering about his father. He hadn't been back to his father's grave in some time.

He froze.

His father's grave! He began thinking that he barely remembered what he looked like, let alone where he was buried.

It hurt.

But in the end, he wondered, would his father be proud of how far he had come.

He knew though, that there was no doubt that he was...

With the ship repairs finally completed, Yuri, Ogar and Nia had met up with Selenia and her crew, known as The Orphans. After a group vote, they agreed to Yuri's proposal, and joined the young Captain's fleet, as temporary members.

It had then been agreed upon by Nia and the three Captains that Yuri's group would aid the crew of the MISUNDERSTOOD. Selenia had spent the next few hours explaining all she could about the Nargannans sector, its people, and the current situation.

They then made their way towards the Ostrog, before turning left past the planet, making their way down the single starlane that ended at the Void Gate.

As they approached the Void Gate, the ship's sensors picked up a few unfamiliar signatures. According to Selenia, the Hallan Harrowers: the ones who had taken over the sector, had placed some ships to guard the gate.

With Selenia and the MISUNDERSTOOD now a part of their fleet, they faired much better against the four gate guards. Despite being outnumbered, they used a flank and charge tactic.

While Yuri tanked the oncoming shots, Selenia and Ogar flanked the enemy, and afterwards, they swapped strategies. While Ogar and Selenia charged forward on either side, Yuri flanked also, before they swapped it up again... never staying in the same place twice.

It seemed to work, and the constant flanking and charging of each of the three ships kept the enemy guessing. It wasn't long though, before their ships were approaching the Void Gate.

Soon they found themselves passing through the blue barrier, and entering the Nargannans sector.

"What? What do you mean the Gate Guard aren't responding?" The ship's Captain asked.

"That's just it. The Gate Guard aren't responding. One of our patrols found wrecks where their fleet should have been."

"Destroyed? Impossible!"

The other man shrugged, pointing to a nearby console, as if explaining himself. The captain glanced at it for a few moments before slamming a fist down in annoyance.

"Damn it! Send word to the other captains, tell them to be careful. We have intruders on the loose around here..."

The space of the Nargannans sector looked dark and gloomy, seeming to reflect the position that the small fleet found themselves in.

They were in enemy territory now, and they needed to be careful.

Surprisingly though, they hadn't encountered any enemy fleets since the Void Gate Guard. That meant only two things, which Gen was currently explaining.

"Anyone in control of a sector or any type of territory would have fleets of ships patrolling the starlanes, ready to crush any dissent that may arise." Gen explained, arms folded over his chest. "We haven't encountered anyone since the Gate Guard... which leaves us with two possible conclusions."

"The first, is that the Hallan Harrowers are lesser in number than we, or anyone else, expected." He explained, holding up a second finger afterwards.. "And lastly, if we haven't encountered any fleets yet, then perhaps they are waiting for us, setting up an ambush."

"An ambush huh? Yes... that definitely sounds like something they'd do." Selenia said. "The Hallan Harrowers are scum, they'll do whatever they can to win."

"What if it's both?" Ogar questioned, interrupting the conversation. "From what we've been told of them, the Harrowers are ruthless and tenacious. Despite that however, there is nothing to suggest that they would be able to organize an effective ambush and counterattack."

"So what do we do? If they really are that bad, then continuing deeper into the sector may prove fatal for us all." Nia asked.

"True! But if we retreat, then all our help is pointless. In saying that, if we do continue deeper into this sector, chances are we'll be stuck here too."

"So kiddo, what do you want to do?" Nia asked, turning to the young teen.

Taking a moment to play out the different scenarios in his head, Yuri quickly came to a decision. "We'll push on!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! If we retreat now, then it will all have been for nothing. The Harrowers would surely know we're here, we need to stay even just a little bit longer to gauge their strength."

Agreeing with the young Captain, Ogar and Selenia cut off the comm, leaving Yuri, Gen and Nia standing together at the top of the bridge.

Was he making the right decision? Was pushing forward a stupid move? Should they have retreated to the safety of the Central Elgavan sector?

Yuri wasn't sure. But one thing he did know, was that he couldn't let anyone in trouble go it alone.

Besides... he had a promise to keep.

As the three ship fleet passed by Hagaas and Weira, the starlanes continued to remain clear of any Harrower fleets.

This changed as they approached the planet Nink, where they encountered a fleet containing three Skoryys. While they weren't dispatched so easily, Yuri's fleet didn't have a hard time of it anyway.

According to Kira though, a distress signal had been sent by the Gate Guard, which was probably what the patrol fleet had reacted to. After that, their luck seemed to run out.

Two more fleets approached them head on, and mid battle, they were flanked from the right by some more Harrower ships. As the three ships were hammered on all sides by their enemies, Yuri began to realize the position they were in.

And as much as it killed him to say it, he called out for his fleet to retreat. And as they returned the way they came, the Harrowers pursued them all the way to the Void Gate... firing as they did.

Entering the safety of the Central sector, Yuri's FLAKRUNNER led the way to back to Zvenigorod, where they waited for the ship repairs to finish.

Standing inside the docking tube ramp, Yuri found himself in a conversation with Nia, Selenia, Gen and Ogar... the latter currently speaking.

"Well, they definitely were well organized, despite being few in number. From what I could see anyway."

"They put up a really good fight." Nia said, frowning. "But the intriguing thing is... did anyone notice something unusual about their fleets?"

The confusion spread across Yuri and Selenia's faces as Gen smiled. "Ah, yes! I was wondering when we would come across this little detail."

"Little detail? What do you mean?"

"Didn't you notice?" Ogar asked. "Borodinos, Orfeys, Askolds and Skoryys... the Harrowers were using Elgavan military vessels. How?"

Yuri froze.

He'd gotten those ship blueprints from Vladykin over the last few weeks. There was no way they could have bought those blueprints. And if that was the case, then where in Grus did they get them from?

"That's right! There's no way they should've been able to get their hands on those ships."

"That's right! Now that they have their hands on military-grade ships and equipment, there's no telling what they have planned." Gen said. "In saying that. If we can find out how they managed to get their hands on that equipment, we may be able to find out how to get through their defences."

"Well if we're leaning towards interrogation, it can't be just anyone... we'll have to try capturing a Harrower Captain." Nia informed them.

"Well that shouldn't be too hard." Yuri exclaimed.

"You haven't seen the way they fight. When they find you, they swarm you like dogs, never letting up for a second." Selenia said, staring off into the distance. "You only received a small taste back there... me and my crew have been fighting them for years."

Nodding in understanding, Yuri and the others turned to Ogar as the older man continued the conversation. "Well now that we have an objective in mind, we will have to find a way to even the odds. If we go up against those criminals again with just our three ships, then we'll always lose."

"Then if we can acquire some more ships, we may be able to tip the scales in our favour. Right?"

"Right."

"But... we don't have that kind of money. For the amount of ships your talking about anyway." Yuri replied.

"Too true." Gen answered.

"If we can't buy more ships, then we must acquire them through other means." Ogar told them, hand stroking his chin. "Leave it to me, I may have an idea."

They left it at that. And as the meeting broke up, and they all went their separate ways. Yuri couldn't help but wonder what the Captain-turned-mercenary had in mind.

Some time later, Ogar had informed them that he had managed to get in touch with some old friends, who had agreed to meet with them.

The group headed for the planet Chernesk, and once inside the tavern, Ogar led Gen, Nia, Selenia and Yuri over towards a table... currently occupied by two people.

The woman, who had introduced herself as Gabri, had caramel skin, with curly brown hair tied back out of her face. The warm smile on her face as she talked to Ogar, hid the serious strict persona beneath.

Ozlo, on the other hand, was a red haired man with green eyes and pale skin, that was loud and fun-loving.

As Ogar greeted the table's occupants warmly with a smile, Yuri watched the interaction, and noticed.

The two people were complete opposites of one another. He wondered how they dealt with each other.

Ozlo and Gabri, as they had found out, had served with Ogar and Gen in the Central Elgavan Forces for a time before the latter two left. After a round of introductions, Yuri found himself sitting between Selenia and Nia, and opposite them, Ogar Ozlo and Gabri... Gen sitting at the head of the table.

"So... you're going up against the Hallan Harrowers huh? That's no easy feat." Gabri began, fingers steepled.

"Yeah. And with the Central Forces patrol fleets disappearing on the sly, that's a big risk you're taking."

"Disappearing? What do you mean?" Yuri asked Ozlo.

"You mean you haven't heard?" Ozlo asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. "There's rumours going around that these disappearing military fleets are the work of criminals."

"Central has been dismissing the disappearances as the work of traitors working for the Novgorod Pirates. Even now that they have been dealt with, many are still staying loyal to the cause." Gabri said, looking back and forth down the table.

"Yeah! But we know the truth!" Ozlo cut in, slamming a hand onto the table in surprise. Lowering his shouting voice at Gabri's glare. "Those bastard Harrowers have been ambushing fleets for weeks. After they deal with the crew, they take the ship and equipment for themselves."

Selenia looked surprised like the others, and voiced her opinion. "Wait a minute. That explains how they got their hands on all that military equipment."

"Well whatever the case, we can't let them continue getting away with this." Yuri said. "So Gabri, Ozlo, you two in? We sure could use some help. That's for sure."

Ozlo smiled as he sat down. "Oh we'll help all right, we owe those scum a good beat down... right Gabs?"

Nodding in response to her friend, Yuri and Nia exchanged a smile. On the other side of the table, the two friends seemed to come to an agreement and Ozlo spoke up.

"I betcha you guys need even more help huh? Well don't worry, we've got some friends, we'll ask around and see who we can round up."

While waiting for Ozlo and Gabri to round up some more help in their assault on the Nargannans sector... Yuri had decided to return to Nerekhta.

During a previous conversation with Nia, the Launcher had revealed who had helped him after his near-death at the hands of Argun Narevin.

As he walked through the entrance to the Medic Organization's HQ building on the surface, Torlo spoke what was on all their minds. "What did ya wanna come here for Yuri?"

"Those people who saved my life work for this organization." Yuri said, looking back and forth between the throngs of people. "If they're here, I'd like to thank them for what they did for me."

"Well ain't you the polite one." Torlo mumbled.

As Yuri continued his search for the two, it suddenly occurred to him that he didn't even know what they looked like, let alone if they were here or not. Approaching the reception desk, Yuri gave his name to the woman, asking for the people who had treated him.

Glancing down for a moment as she used her terminal, she then looked back up, apparently having found the people in question... before calling them down to see Yuri.

A few moments later, and Yuri and company were face to face with the pair who had saved the young Captain's life.

"Ah, you're that boy, Yuri. I remember you." The older man said, looking to be in his mid-thirties.

"Oh yeah. I remember you too. You look like you're doing pretty good now." The young teenage girl said, short hair tied back, and light khaki hat and overalls neat.

"You saved my life that time. I wanted to come here and thank you for that." He said with a smile.

The older man laughed, rubbing his chin with a big right hand. "Oh! There's no need to thank us. That's what the Medic Organization is here for you see. But we're glad you came by to say hello. I'm Feodor Kuchin. And this is my daughter."

"Hi. I'm Larissa. How are you healing up? Do you still have any pain anywhere?" The teenager asked, inspecting Yuri.

"I'm completely fine now, thanks to you two."

"That's really good to hear." Larissa smiled. "If you ever get hurt again, you come right on back. Between my dad and me, we can fix just about anything!"

"Larissa, that makes it sound like you're hoping that the poor boy gets hurt again!"

"Oh right, sorry." Larissa said with a sheepish smile.

"Well, I really appreciate you stopping by, Yuri." He said. "We'll be heading off to Ruza soon, so we have to get going. But safe travels to you, and always take care of your health."

"I will. And thank you again, both of you." Yuri said, shaking their hands.

After the conversation had ended, and the group had said their goodbyes, Feodor and Larissa Kuchin disappeared back the way they came... smiling and waving at Yuri.

Going off information provided by a group of drunk mercenaries, Yuri's group headed directly for the planet Zarub; the bartender asking if they would be willing to perform a job for him.

Agreeing to the request, Yuri and company spent the better part of a few hours travelling up and down the starlanes to Ostrog. Upon locating their target, Nia had taken control of the ship's robotic arm, snatching their target for the return journey.

Afterwards, Yuri felt it only right to return to Nerekhta to bid farewell to Feodor and Larissa, not knowing if, or when, he would be returning.

With only Ian, Torlo and Kira with him, the others having others things to do, Yuri asked for Feodor and Larissa Kuchin. According to the receptionist, the father-daughter duo didn't appear to be there at the moment.

Disappointed, Yuri and company headed for the door, about to leave; overhearing two employees chatting away in the corridor.

"What is Dr. Kuchin thinking? Going all the way to a remote planet like Ruza..." The first asked.

"Yeah, I know huh? Volunteering in a place like that isn't going to bring in the big donations now is it?" The other said, playing with her long red hair. "He's got to pick a place that gets more press, a place that's really going to be good PR for us!"

"He's a good Doctor and everything, but if he doesn't make us any money, then what good is he? Ah ha ha ha!"

Yuri stood silently as he watched the two female employees laugh at the Kuchins' expense; it made him angry.

"Geez, did ya hear those two! Man, I oughta —"

"Calm down Torlo. That's just the way the world works. It might be a volunteer organization, but it still needs money to buy medicine and equipment." Ian said, interrupting the boy.

"Even so, I still think those two were pretty rude." Kira said, glaring at the two in question.

"Yeah, me too. Let's get out of here."

Glaring at the two employees, Yuri left the Medic Organization without another word, the rest of his party right behind him.

"Yuri! Take a look at this!" Ian called out; watching the news on the bridge monitor

They had just passed Paozero, and were approaching the Central sector's Void Gate, when he quickly ran over to Ian's side, hearing the tension in his voice.

"What is it?"

"Look at this news report." Ian said, pointing to the screen as he read aloud. "A medic ship that was operating near Ruza was attacked by pirates and is now missing."

"Uh oh."

"Didn't that Medic Organization guy, Dr. Kuchin, say he was heading to Ruza?" Nia asked, currently positioned behind Yuri; watching Ian's monitor over the teen's shoulder.

"I hope that wasn't his ship."

That last thought stuck with him as they took the gate to the Lutsk sector, and as Yuri cleared the docking procedure with the spaceport authority, he returned to the group... just as Kira returned too.

"I found it! It's dock 71!"

"Is the Medic Organization ship there?" Nia asked.

"Yeah, I'm positive it is!" Kira said, barely out of breath.

She barely had time to catch herself, as Yuri and company ran all at once to dock 71 at the results of Kira's search of port entry records.

They arrived to find what was left of the medic ship sprawled across the dock. In Yuri's opinion, it resembled a wounded beast that had fallen to the ground, left for dead.

"This is bad..."

"I can't believe they even made it back to port!" Nia said in surprise. "Maybe they were towed back."

"What about the Doctor and his daughter?"

Yuri's question was met with silence, and as he shared a look with Nia, he couldn't help wondering if they were okay.

After their trip to dock 71, Poplo and Gadina had managed to convince the others into believing that the two would be okay... telling them that the duo were resourceful enough.

"Well, well!" A high-spirited voice greeted as they entered the tavern. "If it isn't Yuri and the gang."

"Huh?"

"What are you doing here?" Larissa asked.

"Are you here on some kind of business?" Her father asked.

"Dr. Kuchin! Larissa!"

"I'm surprised to see you're still breathing." Nia exclaimed.

"Huh?"

The confusion that showed across his face prompted the group to explain as they took seats at a nearby table.

"Ha ha ha! So that's why you're here?" Larissa asked.

"You came all this way to see how we were doing, did you? I'm really touched. But you don't have to worry about us." Feodor smiled. "We've got a lot of experience surviving in strife-ridden lands. No piddling little pirate attack is ever going to kill us off."

"I'm glad you're all right!" Kira said.

"But what are you guys gonna do now?" Nia asked, hands locked together on the table before her. "Your ship was pretty much done, the last time I laid my eyes on it."

"You're right on that count. I contacted the Head Office and asked them to send me a replacement, but they didn't seem very enthusiastic about it." Feodor said seriously.

"That's no surprise, is it? You've been on their blacklist for ages." The daughter said, studying her father.

"Blacklist? What for?" Tatiana asked.

Cutting off her father before he could reply, Larissa explained. "Dad's work always centres around poor, remote planets. The Head Office says that what he does isn't high profile enough to draw in the really big donations."

"Come now Larissa." Feodor tried.

"What? It's true, isn't it? Oh sure. The Medic Organization was great at first, full of good intentions and all that. But now a bunch of stuffed-shirt bureaucrat types have taken it over and ruined it." She said, annoyed at her father. "And they have to pay these guys huge salaries, everyone's scrambling to rake in the donations. I say we just quit."

"Larissa..." Feodor whispered to himself, surprised at his daughter's outburst.

"Hey, Yuri, you know what you should do? You ought to hire us as a part of your crew! That would be so sweet. You can't have too many good people on your medical staff, if you ask me."

"Actually, that would be really great. What do you think Dr. Kuchin?"

The man stayed silent for a moment, before Larissa prodded. "Come on Dad! You're always complaining about how much the Medic Organization has changed."

"Well... in any case, without a replacement ship, I don't see how I could possibly continue my work."

"Then let's do it!"

"All right Larissa. You win. Yuri, please allow us the honour of working on your ship."

"Gladly. Welcome aboard!"

Yuri smiled as he shook hands with the Kuchins, before they ordered food and drinks in celebration. Initiating the first round of conversation, Yuri turned to Larissa.

"Larissa, how long have you been your father's assistant?"

Curious about their newest members too, Tatiana and Kira leaned forward... Listening in.

"Gee, I wonder. In my earliest memories, I was already travelling around with him on a Medic Organization ship. You know, the smell of antiseptic makes me feel at home. That's a little bit weird, isn't it?"

Larissa's answer and smile prompted the topics to continue to change, before it circled back to the young Captain.

"Yuri, I know you're a busy guy and all, but are you making sure to take the time to get your proper nutritional intake? When you travel to different countries and eat strange foods, you've got to be especially careful, you know."

"While we're on the ship, I just eat my rations. And they ain't half bad actually!" Torlo added.

"What are you saying? You have to eat wholesome, fresh food to stay healthy!" The teenage Kuchin exclaimed, surprised at Torlo's words.

"You've been so busy lately, Yuri, I've noticed that sometimes you don't even eat at all. That can't be good."

Looking around at Larissa, Kira and Tatiana who were all nodding in agreement...Yuri sighed. "All right, all right! I'll make sure to eat three balanced meals a day from now on."

Why can't I ever get a moment of peace. Yuri thought.

"Good boy. And I'll be checking up on you too, so make sure you do!"

"Oh man..."

With the Kuchin's now aboard, and permanently a part of the crew, Yuri led the group of three ships back through the Void Gate; stopping off at Paozero along the way.

Once docked in slips 555-558, Yuri and company ascended the docking tube ramp, entering into the wide corridor. After taking care of the port entry processing, he met Nia outside, before being led off down the hall.

While walking, Nia informed him of Ozlo and Gabri's location, leading him to the targeted slip.

Upon their arrival, he could see that Gen, Ogar and Selenia were already there, currently in conversation with the two.

"Oh Yuri! Good... you're here!" Ozlo called out to him with a smile.

"Ozlo. Gabri. Good to see you again." He and Nia coming to a stop beside Selenia. "So how did you two fare?"

Ozlo and Gabri exchanged knowing smiles, before both turned back to him. "Wouldn't you like to know..."

Anyone currently watching the starlane leading from Ostrog to the nearby Void Gate, would have gotten a surprise. Barrelling down towards their target were nine ships... thrusters pushed to their maximum.

After their meeting with Ozlo and Gabri, the two former military members had informed them that their search had gone really well. Borodinos, Skoryys and Askold-class ships made up a majority of the fleet, Yuri's FLAKRUNNER in the lead...JUSTICE and MISUNDERSTOOD on either side.

Their two newfound allies had informed them that more ships were coming, and would meet them later.

As things stood, the plan they had agreed upon, was to capture a Harrower Captain, and go from there.

With the weight of nine ships behind them, Yuri's fleet fared much better then before, and the Gate Guard were annihilated in minutes.

Leaving the gate behind them, the group kept together as they were attacked by a few small fleets... nothing that really posed a threat. As the ships kept appearing, Gen and Alik had taken to studying the enemy carefully, keeping an eye out for any Harrower ship that looked like it might be carrying a captain of importance.

When the fifth fleet rolled around, Gen walked over, whispering into Yuri's ear, and the teen smiled... issuing a new set of orders to the other captains.

As Yuri, Ozlo and Gabri pushed forward in their Borodino-class battleships; Ogar and Selenia flanked the enemy, using the speed and agility of the Skoryy and Askold ships to hem the enemy in.

With nowhere to go, and their situation hopeless, the small fleet surrendered, and Yuri's FLAKRUNNER was quickly docked with their target.

The enemy ship was soon enough overrun with Yuri's security team and the mercenaries. Up on the bridge, the control crew were at the mercy of Yuri, Nia, Ozlo and the others.

"So... you're the Captain of this ship, huh?" Torlo asked, arms crossed, looking menacing.

The man gave a sneer, looking disgusted at the very thought of having surrendered to his enemy... and a child at that. At the time, his life was worth more than his pride.

Now though, he wasn't too sure.

"Obviously! You stupid little boy."

Behind him, Ozlo tensed up, and he reached over, smacking the man in the back of the head with the butt of his battle rifle.

"You better shut it 'fore I knock you into Grus!"

Yuri stared at the man in thought for a moment, before turning to his right.

"Torlo, why don't you take our new friend to our special guest room, we'll speak to him later."

"Sure thing Yuri." Torlo said, taking a few steps forward. "Your gonna love it, it's a five star room, our best. And we even have a nickname for it... the storeroom."

Torlo laughed before continuing. "It's a shame really, if we had caught you a few days ago, you even would've had a roommate. Yeah! I'm sure you and Mudakov would've been the best of friends too."

Torlo's revelation seemed to startle the captain, and his eyebrows shot up as his eyes went wide in surprise. "What! Commander Mudakov has been captured! That idiot! Fool!"

"Wait! You know Mudakov!" Nia asked, stepping forward and grabbing him by the shirt with her fist.

Realizing what he had just said, the man looked scared as he glanced around the room.

"Well then, this calls for extreme measures." She said, turning to face Yuri. "Sorry Yuri, but looks like his beauty sleep will have to wait, I'm taking him for an interrogation to find out exactly what he knows."

Over an hour later, and Yuri was being informed of the interrogation and its success. Nia and Ozlo had managed to break the Harrower captain, who had held firm throughout the whole thing.

Yuri shivered. He had watched the entire thing through the one-way mirror with Gen, Ogar and Selenia; almost disgusted at the techniques the two had used.

As Yuri sat in the captain's chair, Nia had perched herself atop the console as the conversation continued around them.

"So... tell me what we know."

"Well... we know how the Hallan Harrowers were able to build up their military might so quickly." Ozlo began. "Thanks to that traitorous bastard Mudakov, the Harrowers have been running around unchecked throughout the sector."

"Ok. Well if that's true, how did Mudakov know about the Harrowers anyway?" Selenia asked.

"An interesting question with an interesting answer." Nia chimed in, feet swinging below her. "Apparently Mudakov ran into the Harrowers on pure chance while escaping from the military. When he surrendered and told them his story, he agreed to help them."

Nodding along, Gabri continued the story. "Anyway... Mudakov lured Central Elgavan fleets to his position with a distress beacon, before the Harrowers captured them."

Nodding at the new information, Yuri spoke.

"So what did he say about the Harrowers in the Nargannans sector? Did he reveal anything about their numbers or positions?"

Yuri's question was asked to the group in general, and he found himself looking between them for an answer. Eventually Ozlo spoke up.

"Actually he did... we put it in a report for you." He said, handing Yuri a mobile terminal. "He said that there is a blockade set up around the planet Nargannans... he offered to take us to it."

Yuri's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Ozlo's response. "Wait a minute, wait a minute. He offered."

Ozlo let out a laugh. "Did I say offered! I meant coerced. Ya know... Nia's pretty good at persuasion."

Turning to look at Nia, he watched as she began picking at a hangnail. Noticing that she was now the centre of attention, she shrugged her shoulders... returning to her previous task.

Yuri laughed despite the seriousness of the situation, before turning to the group.

"So what's the plan?" Ogar asked.

In answer... Yuri looked down at the pad in his hands.

He already had an idea.

Splitting up their nine ship fleet was a difficult choice, but one that they had decided would be best in the long run.

After explaining the plan, and with tweaking to certain aspects, mostly from Gen and Ogar... Yuri, Selenia and the old mercenary found themselves heading down the main starlane alone.

As they approached Arak, Yuri glanced over at Torlo, who was positioned behind the Harrower captain. Things were working out well so far, the captain had helped them in avoiding combat.

The closer they got to the blockade, the more tense things got.

The Harrower captain hadn't shut up, saying things to them about how they would fail. Torlo, meanwhile, had to be held back from throttling the man.

With a few thousand miles left to go, they were just starting to see several ships appearing on the edge of their vision. The closer they got, the more ships began to appear.

Suddenly, they could count close to thirty ships, and Torlo began to let out a long whistle. "Wow! So many ships."

The man let out a short, bark-like laugh. "Now do you see our power, you pathetic children."

Torlo's fist silenced him quickly enough, and soon, their small fleet had entered weapons range.

"Unidentified vessels! You are approaching the Harrower blockade of Nargannans! State your name and identification code, or risk obliteration!"

Pulling the Harrower captain over towards the centre of the bridge roughly, Yuri watched him with a serious expression. "Alright! Do your thing! And no funny business!"

The man snarled, and found himself flanked by Yuri and Torlo on either side. With a blaster in his back, he turned to his left.

"You there, girl! Open up a communication link! Now!"

Eying the man in anger, Kira turned to Yuri, who nodded.

The silence passed for a second, before the link opened with a chime, and the man spoke.

"Blockade! This is Captain Marumar Hagan of the Hallan Harrowers... Identification code 33, Cigma, Charlie, Apex."

"Hold current course and await further instructions!"

Seconds later, the reply came. "Captain Hagan you have clearance to proceed."

"Acknowledged. Inform Sorbius that I wish to speak with him."

As they proceeded through the dozens of ships, Yuri and the other bridge crew glanced around at their opponents, watching them in anticipation.

As they continued, Yuri glanced over to Hagan, watching the small smirk playing across his face.

Something wasn't right.

As if they could hear his thoughts, the FLAKRUNNER shook, and Yuri was suddenly bracing himself.

"What the -"

"Yuri, they've opened fire!"

Clenching his fist as he looked at Hagan's smirking face, Yuri growled. "Place all crew on high alert! Find me a weak point and get us the Grus out of here."

As the next few minutes passed on into eternity, Yuri gripped the console atop the captain's dais... knuckles white.

He watched as his small fleet made their way towards a group of Skoryys; focusing their fire on one, then another... opening up a path for a retreat.

"WHAT!"

Sorbius's shout made the closer bridge crew jump, as the rest turned to face him. The information his First Officer had provided of the three ships that had escaped, had made him livid.

How could they have escaped? He thought.

He had brought the blockade into being. Orchestrated the location of each ship and fleet. Moved the pieces around so as to make it as efficient as possible.

"There's no way. How did they manage to get away."

His First Officer gulped audibly, and stammered... no response coming out.

"That's impossible! No one can break through my blockade! No one!"

Turning to glare out the viewport, he let out a cry of rage. "Send out our chasers, I want them dead!"

With over a dozen Harrower chaser ships behind them, Yuri's fleet made their way up the main starlane, turning off at Arak; their journey was rocked by constant laser fire as they continued towards the nearby asteroid field.

Back aboard the FLAKRUNNER's bridge, Captain Hagan continue his taunting of the group, and this time, no one made any such moves to stop Torlo.

"Yuri. The chaser ships are right behind us." Tatiana called out to him. "What do we do?"

Turning to face her, Yuri spoke. "Just keep going! The further away from the blockade we get, the better."

"But the ships —"

"Don't you worry my dear." Gen interrupted the confused teenager. "They will be dealt with in time. For now, our main priority is keeping alive."

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Hagan's laughter, echoing throughout the room. "Your lives! Your lives are meaningless... you sentenced yourselves to death the moment you decided to challenge the grea -"

With a boot to the face, Hagan's interruption was silenced, and he hit the floor in pain.

"Yeah! Go on... just open your mouth again."

The short conversation almost made them forget the immediate danger...

Almost.

"Yuri! We're running out of time. We've only got a few thousand miles until we reach the asteroid field... what do we do?"

"Nia!" Yuri said, turning to his right.

"Gotcha." Was Nia's response, before wandering over towards Kira. "Sorry Kira, can I use your console a sec?"

"Um... sure?"

Watching as Nia did what she needed, Yuri turned towards another operator, ordering for the fleet to be battle ready...

As the many asteroids of the sector got bigger and bigger, eventually looming over them... Nia calling out to him, letting him know that they were good to go.

Watching Gen out of the corner of his eye, he saw the man give him a subtle nod, and Yuri smiled...

Finally.

"Tatiana... send word to the JUSTICE and the MISUNDERSTOOD, tell them to switch to battle mode." Yuri ordered. "It's time we showed them just how sharp our teeth are."

Acknowledging his command, the bridge's operators flew into a frenzy, the small fleet of 3 halting their speed, and putting the impressive size of the asteroids behind them.

The light of the bridge played across the Captain's face, as he stared out into the darkness beyond.

A great, vast, void that would frighten some. Not him though. He'd grown up out here... the struggle and the chaos a real staple in his life...

Even now.

"Captain." An operator called out, bringing him out of his thoughts. "We're receiving the signal, phase two of the plan has been activated."

Blinking as he turned, he took a few steps forward, coming to a stop directly behind the man.

"Good. And right on time too..." He smiled. "Inform the others. It's time to get the ball rolling."

With their backs against the wall, Yuri and company watched and waited for the chaser ships to appear.

As their opponents grew bigger and bigger, the three fired an opening salvo the moment the enemy got within weapons range. The first few ships went down easy, but the more that came, the more trouble they had... and the harder it became to destroy them.

"All ships! Target that Borodino and prepare to fire." Yuri called out.

From his right, Nia spoke up, communicating with the JUSTICE and MISUNDERSTOOD. "All Guns check firing tables and correct course projections! Hurry!"

The ships weapons fired in unity, the combined might of the three managing to down it as the FLAKRUNNER crew cheered.

"Yuri there's still more coming, I count over a dozen ships." Kira called out. "15. 16. No wait... 17 ships."

Gritting his teeth Yuri's fist clenched.

"Just hold on everyone! We just need to stay alive another few minutes and we'll be okay."

They continued to hold their ground, but the sheer number of enemies was beginning to overwhelm them...

Until.

"Yuri. I'm counting nearly a dozen approaching ships."

"Harrower reinforcements?"

"No. From... from behind us." Kira replied.

"Finally! Kira, link up with the other ships! Nia synchronize return fire with our allies!" Yuri said with a smile. "Now then. Lets clean these guys up."

With their reinforcements having finally arrived, Yuri's fleet charged forward, leading the counter-offensive.

Back aboard the FLAKRUNNER'S bridge, Captain Marumar Hagan watched on in shock as his allies were quickly overwhelmed and defeated.

"What. No. H-how." The man stumbled over his words as he watched Yuri in surprise.

Noticing the smile on the young Captain's face, he turned, seeing the rest of the crew doing the same.

Yuri replied, answering his unasked question.

"Well, when we were discussing what to do after you supplied us with the information... Ogar and Gen suggested we set up an ambush. They expected that you weren't being entirely truthful, so we prepared for it."

Turning to face Kira, Yuri began giving out orders again. "Kira... let the others know that we've cleaned up here. Torlo, get rid of Hagan, I don't want to see him anymore."

As the activity of the bridge picked up again, Yuri returned to the captain's dais... starting up a conversation with Ogar and Selenia.

"THOSE PESTS! BRATS! SCUM!" Sorbius's shouts seemed to annoy the other captain's, who exchanged looks and eye roles. "THIS IS THEIR FAULT!"

"Enough Sorbius!" One interrupted. "This is our fault too. We've underestimated these trespassers as well."

"No! I want all of your ships and all of your men..." He said in a rage, whirling around to face the other captains. "With that kind of firepower, there's no way they can escape!"

Ignoring the others, Sorbius disappeared, and one of the other captain's scoffed. "That idiot! Doesn't he realize that there's more to this problem than just stopping them?!"

"Don't worry about Sorbius. While he takes care of these intruders, we can keep things running across the rest of the sector. Agreed?"

There was a murmuring of agreement from the other captains, before each of them began to disappear, ending the communications link.

Standing alone inside the War Room, his lips twisted into a sneer as he watched the space of the Nargannans sector pass them by...

Sorbius was right, those pests should have been dead by now. Although... Sorbius always did have a temper, even at the best of times.

He smiled then; the beginnings of a plan forming in his mind. Once Sorbius had taken care of those pests, he would be able to remove the man also.

Kill two birds with one stone.

Soon.

"Ozlo! We've received word that Yuri has dealt with the chasers." Gabri said, coming to a stop beside her friend.

Smiling widely, Ozlo punched the air with his fist. "Alright! I knew he'd pull through!"

Gabri rolled her eyes as she watched her overzealous friend.

He really can be annoying sometimes. She thought.

"Anyway..." She began, clearing her throat. "Nia said that everything is good to go on their end. All we need to do is continue with the next stage of the plan."

"Well it's about time! I thought we'd never get to the good stuff!"

"You're impossible."

"But you still love me... right!" Throwing her a charming smile.

"Oh please!"

Turning on her heel, she walked back out of the bridge, not noticing the look of excitement on Ozlo's face as he watched her retreating figure.

"Sir!" The man said, entering the Command Centre. "We're receiving a closed communication that's being transmitted across the sector."

"Hmm..." The Commander started, turning to face the young man. "A communication? Put it up on screen!"

Turning to face the screen that took up one wall of the command centre, he nodded to the young man.

As the communications channel opened, he watched as two people appeared, both wearing serious expressions. The woman was beautiful... caramel skin with curly brown hair; though the serious look and sneer on her face said otherwise.

The red-haired man had green eyes that seemed to glow with excitement and mischief, but was also offset by his military stance.

"Greetings people of the Nargannans Resistance Movement. My name is Ozlo, and this is my companion: Gabri." Motioning to the woman beside him, who nodded. "We are former members of the Central Elgavan Forces. We have various teams located across the sector that are currently fighting against the Hallan Harrowers."

At the mention of their oppressors, the quiet of the command centre increased to growls and snarls.

"I am Commander Williams of the Weira Resistance. We thank you for your aid." He began with a smile. "But what can we do to help you?"

"While we are doing our best, we can only do so much." Ozlo replied. "If you can help us liberate your planet from the Harrowers, then we have food supplies, weapons, and equipment for you."

"Thank you." The Commander said, nearing tears. "Words cannot express our gratitude. Whatever you ask of us, we will do it."

"Hmm... do you have any closed communication frequencies you use to contact different resistances on the other planets?" Gabri asked.

"As a matter of fact... we do."

"Good! If you can spread the word to the others and let them know to prepare for our arrival, then it should be easier on us." Gabri added.

"If you can help us rid the sector of this vermin, we'd be forever in your debt."

Ozlo and Gabri smiled for the first time since their conversation began, and in that moment, it felt like things were beginning to pick up.

The group of Harrower enforcers stood at the base of the orbital elevators, ready against any kind of threat.

It wasn't really busy along the main street today, then again it wasn't quiet either... there were people wandering about anyway though. Every time someone got too close, they readied themselves, gesturing for them to move along.

It never ended well. Most times, the general populace yelled and made threats against them. They never followed through with it though... who would.

This last lady had shot them a deadly glare before moving on, muttering curses and obscenities under her breath.

As she disappeared into the distance, they relaxed slightly, letting their bodies ease themselves into a state of calm; their senses never eased though, always watching... always waiting.

"HEY!"

The shout of one of his comrades drew his attention, and he saw a group of four walking towards them confidently.

The closer they got, the more tense things became. Until...

The silence was broken by a crazy grin, before one of them pulled out a blaster...

Then the fight began... and the uprising started.

"THOSE INCOMPETENT FOOLS!"

The Captain's shout drew the attention of the bridge crew... again. It was something that they were becoming all to familiar with.

"I DON'T CARE WHAT PROBLEM THEY HAVE! THIS IS THEIR FAULT! THEY WILL FIX IT!" Sorbius shouted again.

Turning away from the man, and towards his First Officer, he began shouting again... not noticing the annoyed grunts behind him.

"How long until the fleet is completely mobilized?"

"Another few hours Captain."

Grunting in frustration at the constant delays, he replied. "Make it sooner!"

Snapping at a few operators as he made his way off the bridge, he began to think.

Oh how things could have been different if I wasn't surrounded by idiots.

For the last few hours, Yuri and company had been wandering up and down the sector with their fleet, taking out any Harrower ships they came across.

Some tried to fight, while others tried to run... they all failed.

The next stage of the plan was fairly straightforward... in theory.

While Ozlo and Gabri took the fight planet side to free the currently desperate Resistance fighters, Yuri provided a distraction by attacking any enemy fleets they saw.

Gen had theorized beforehand that if the blockade of Nargannans could be proven to be fallible, then it would give them time to put their plan into action.

Gen was right, and even the Harrowers couldn't stop the combined might of the resistance as well as Ozlo and Gabri.

Some time later, they had received a communication from their two allies that they were almost done on their end, meaning that the next phase could begin.

As before, Yuri and his fleet made their way back down the main starlane towards Nargannans. Now that he was backed by a dozen ally ships, he felt confident that he could at least do some damage towards the criminals.

As the spot of the blockade drew nearer, Yuri and the other ships made themselves ready, for quite possibly the biggest battle of their lives.

Eventually, the ships of the blockade began to appear, and as the alarm began to blare, Yuri gave the order to open fire.

"WHAT! THEY'RE HERE!"

"Yes Captain. Our sens -"

"YES! YES! FIRE EVERYTHING! KILL THEM NOW!"

"But sir. All our forces aren't concentrated in that ar -" The first officer tried to explain, but was cut off almost immediately.

"THEN MOVE THEM! SEND THEM ALL NOW!"

As the ship rocked again, and the gunnery crew readied themselves to return fire, Yuri found himself wondering...

Things weren't going too badly, all things considered.

Despite their obvious numbers disadvantage, Yuri's fleet found themselves faring pretty well. Gen believed that the blockade actually served to scare people away, rather than fight them off.

It made sense. Looking at the battle now, he could honestly say that the old man wasn't too far off the mark.

"Yuri. I count more Harrower ships arriving by the minute." Tatiana said. "We'll soon be overrun."

"Don't worry about them just yet, we still have some time on our side." Yuri responded. "Let the other captain's know of the threat, and tell them to keep and eye out... just in case."

Assessing the battlefield as he consulted with Gen, Yuri turned, addressing the Fire Control Coordinator and her assistant. "Nia, coordinate fire with the rest of the fleet! Focus fire on Quadrant A and B, enemies 4 to 25."

Watching the laserfire erupt from the ships around him, he took the time to admire the enemy's tenacity, despite their incompetence.

"Yuri, we're receiving a communication from Ozlo and Gabri!" Kira called out to her brother.

"Put it on screen!"

Standing in the Spaceport corridor, back against the wall; Ozlo admired the sight... his crew were distributing equipment and weapons to the resistance members.

Well... he wasn't really admiring the distribution of the goods to the resistance, so much as he was admiring the sight of Gabri.

His friend was standing by the makeshift food stall, handing out rations of food to the starving people. He watched as she bent down low to be eye level with a small child; she smiled warmly, accepting a hug from the little girl as she passed.

"Quite a sight... huh?"

"Yeah..."

He wasn't even paying any attention to the owner of the voice, letting his sentence trail off.

Feeling an elbow dig into his side, he glanced over to his right, noticing what was quickly becoming a familiar face.

Commander Williams chuckled, throwing him a knowing glance. "Well... If I had known we were talking about two different topics, then I would have taken a another approach."

Mumbling in response, Ozlo looked down, embarrassment settling on his cheeks in a red tinge. Looking up, his eyes locked with Gabri, who was laughing with the little girl who handed her a homemade pendant.

"You should tell her." The Commander said. "I've seen that look so many times throughout my life."

Turning to watch him, Ozlo spoke, probably a little too harshly. "What would you know of it?"

"I know that I used to look at my wife like that once too..." He began, eyes staring off into the distance. "A long time ago."

Noticing the tone of his voice, Ozlo spoke again... a little bit gentler this time. "What happened?"

"The Harrowers. What else." He bit out; fist clenched tight. "Those bastards took everything from us. Our family! Our freedom! Our lives. Now do you understand why we fight? Why we die! So that our children can live better lives. So they don't need to suffer... like we do."

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you." He said. "But we've all heard that so many times before, that it's lost its meaning."

Turning to look at Ozlo, he spoke again. "If you truly want to thank us, help us kill these pathetic vermin. That's all the thanks we need."

Smiling confidently, Ozlo nodded.

"Now then... my men have commandeered the CTA Rankings Offices for our use as a communications checkpoint, they've managed to get in touch with Yuri."

"Lead the way!"

Following the Commander back through the crowd of people, they patted him on his back and shoulders; some even thanking him with tears.

He felt Gabri fall into step beside him, and noticed the little girl's homemade pendant around her neck.

She looked breathtaking... she always did.

"What?" She asked, noticing him staring.

Shaking his head in response, they stepped into the offices, coming to a stop beside Commander Williams.

Looking up into the faces of Yuri, Gen and Ogar... Ozlo spoke.

"Yuri! We've almost finished up here," he started. "We're just making sure that the resistance is all set up before we join you."

"Good. How did you hold up?"

"Not too bad, we suffered some casualties, but we were able to catch them by surprise." He answered. "I don't think they were ready for a planetary invasion. Each of the six planets are now under our control... we distributed the equipment and weapons to the Resistance, and the people are being given food and provisions as we speak."

Speaking up before the young Captain had a chance to answer, Commander Williams stepped forward. "Thank you, for everything you've done. I never thought I'd see the day when my people would finally be free of these scum."

"Well don't thank us, We haven't beaten them yet." Yuri told him. Turning back to Ozlo and Gabri, the teen addressed the two. "We've re-engaged the blockade around Nargannans. While they aren't as organized as we first believed, there are just to many of them."

"Don't worry! Just hold on a little longer."

They watched as Ogar turned to glance at something behind him before speaking. "Well you'd better make it fast... they're starting to surround us."

With a look of grim determination, the three turned and made there way back into the corridor. Almost as if they were reading each others minds, they thought.

Just hold on guys! Just hold on!

The FLAKRUNNER continued to shake from the onslaught as the enemy slowly flanked them.

"Yuri, I have more ships closing in from the left. Estimated range, 4,654 miles and closing."

His teeth clenched, and he looked over to the left side of the viewport, confirming his sister's statement.

They were closing ranks.

They were in a very precarious position, but before he could give an order, the fleet comm burst to life.

"Yuri! If we don't do something about those incoming ships, we'll be obliterated." Selenia began, shouting orders to her crew as she spoke. "I'll take a few ships with me and hold them off. You two hold down the fort here!"

"Selenia wait!"

It was already too late.

Yuri watched helplessly as the four ships pushed on, engaging the flanking fleets. As the minutes passed, Selenia and her detachment were quickly swallowed up.

"Damn it Selenia." He said to himself.

"Yuri, we need to keep moving. We're just painting a bigger target on ourselves by staying here." Gen advised.

"What do you suggest we do then?"

Thinking on things for a second, Gen spoke. "Well... considering the size and strength of our enemy; I suggest we cut the head off the snake, as it were. These criminals aren't as adept to fighting in situations such as these. If their leader were to fall, then the rest might follow."

"All right! Then that's what we'll do!" Yuri said, standing atop the dais. "All ships, set thrusters to maximum speed. We'll charge right into their formation and break them up. That should surprise them."

"They're charging?" The Captain asked his First Officer. "That's reckless... very reckless."

"But wouldn't that make their attack ineffective?"

"Not necessarily. Because they are charging straight into the blockade's fleets, our ships will have to take care of where and when they fire, or risk hitting their own men." He answered. "That and the fact that they are all grouped so close together won't help us either."

Studying the report that he had received, the Captain turned, giving his final order.

"Inform the other ships to let them pass, but don't make it too obvious. Continue putting up some resistance."

"Sir?"

Smiling, he answered the man's unasked question. "If we let these pests take out Sorbius, then all we need to do is crush them afterwards."

The scout ships exploded from the combined firepower of Ozlo and Gabri's fleet.

Backed by their newfound allies the Nargannans Resistance Movement, who were currently operating in stolen Harrower ships; the scouts stood no chance.

"Well... we've arrived. Where's Yuri?"

"From what we can gather, Captain Yuri's fleet is pushing deep into the heart of the blockade." An operator answered. "According to what we can piece together... they are targeting the blockade's Captain: Sorbius."

Sharing a glance with Gabri, he gave the next set of orders. "Form up our men and hold back the Harrower ships. Hopefully that will keep the pressure off Yuri..."

"And locate Sorbius's ship." Gabri added afterwards. "If we can punch a hole through to him, we may be able to aid Yuri."

Nodding in agreement, he watched as Gabri shouted at the bridge crew to start the attack, while he turned around to spread the word to the rest of the fleet.

Thrusters burning brightly, Yuri and Ogar continued their charge towards the heart of the blockade... towards Sorbius's ship... towards victory...

They still hadn't heard from Selenia and her team... nor from Ozlo and Gabri.

Despite this however, Yuri didn't think they were doing too badly. The enemy had been caught off guard by their sudden change in tactics. They had ceased firing, in fear of hitting their allies; with the harrower ships that had found themselves to be in their way scrambling to move.

"Yuri. Sorbius's ship is directly ahead."

Turning to watch his console, he studied the mess of blips on the battlefield: a large red dot marking the location of the enemy commander.

"Ogar! Stay close to me, we'll rush Sorbius and take him out. The rest of you, watch our backs." Yuri ordered. Clenching his fist, he watched the enemy moving around, a grim determination on his face. "This is it everyone. If we can take out Sorbius, the rest will follow."

As the alarm blared throughout the bridge, the FLAKRUNNER and JUSTICE pulled away from the rest of their fleet, propelling themselves towards the five ships currently heading their way.

The two groups traded attacks for a time, landing glancing blows and near misses over the course of several minutes.

"Don't give them even a moment to recover." Yuri shouted to his operators. "Lock targets and prepare to fire."

The ship vibrated as the guns erupted with laserfire, striking the first ship that exploded quickly in a shower of sparks.

The next few attacks only hit lightly against Sorbius's escorts... with neither of them landing a decisive enough blow.

"Nia, coordinate a synchronized attack on enemies two and three. Divert power from the engines and boost our weapons firepower."

The barrage from both ships started as expected, heading straight for the enemy. It was as the attacks landed, that the FLAKRUNNER and JUSTICE rocked.

"What the —"

"Yuri, we're being attacked by approaching ships." Tatiana called. "Sector 10."

Looking to his left, Yuri noticed a fleet of five heading their way. Gritting his teeth. He was just about to order Ogar to switch targets, before the lead ships burst into pieces.

"Captain Yuri, keep on Sorbius. We'll take on these guys. Don't you wor -"

The communication cut off in static, as the lead allied ship exploded. The two fleets engaged each other, moving so close that they were within melee range.

Turning his attention back to Sorbius, Yuri realized too late that there was an attack heading straight for them.

With no time to dodge, it slammed into the FLAKRUNNER'S hull, the JUSTICE escaping most of the damage.

As the battle continued, Yuri and Ogar were able to eliminate two more of Sorbius's escorts... leaving just one left beside himself.

As the attacks blurred together, Yuri found himself annoyed at how Sorbius's fleet was constantly being replenished. Three ships had entered the fray, boosting his numbers.

While they were making some headway, albeit very little... they were also being set back too. He just wasn't sure how much more of this they could take.

"Yuri —"

Kira was interrupted suddenly as more ships began to converge on their location, though as they prepared for another offensive, the first few ships were destroyed by a hail of laserfire.

The fleet comm burst to life, and Yuri found himself looking into a very familiar face. The face of Selenia Ascia Rataska.

"Hey there Yuri, need some help."

Her red hair was messed up, and her lip had been busted open. Yuri could also see the inside of the MISUNDERSTOOD'S bridge, and it didn't look too good. If the sparks and smoke were anything to go by... it looked like she had had a rough time of it.

Still though... she was alive.

Surprisingly.

Looking at her fleet though, Yuri couldn't say the same. All of her ships were gone, save for one... which didn't really look like it was in the best of shape.

As Yuri pushed to continue engaging Sorbius, Ogar broke right to battle their newly arrived enemies... Selenia flanking behind the FLAKRUNNER and JUSTICE to attack them too.

Even that wouldn't be enough, and soon, they found themselves on the back foot. The last of Selenia's escort ships had finally been destroyed, and Selenia herself was taking a beating.

From nowhere though, hope arrived. Suddenly, the ships nearest Ogar and Selenia began to fall, and the three watched with elation as a fleet of ships broke through, causing mayhem as they went.

"Captain Yuri! I am Makane from the Nargannans Resistance Movement." The man called out over the comm. "We've been sent by Captain Ozlo and Gabri to aid you in bringing Sorbius down."

Yuri smiled. Finally, they weren't doing things alone anymore.

As Ogar and Selenia formed up on either side, he readied himself.

The battle began again, with neither side backing down. Each had a grudge to settle with the other, and Yuri's small battered fleet found themselves under constant attack.

"Enemy fleet maintaining position. Transmitting target information and trajectory data"

"Prepare a pre-emptive strike... all guns get ready to fire." Yuri called out.

"Successive gun pattern... 2, 4, 9... fire."

As Yuri's fleet continued their bombardment of Sorbius's position, Captain Makane and the other ships steadily pushed the Harrowers back. Forming a ring around the two small fleets, Yuri watched as the power of Sorbius fleet began to ebb away, as his source of reinforcements were cut off.

"This is it!" Yuri called. There was a feeling that he couldn't describe coursing through his bones telling him that one last attack would work. "Disable Energy actuator limiters and calculate weapon firing lines! I want to finish this in one go!"

"Enemy fleet locked! Actuator limiters disabled. Weapons charging to full power." Nia called. "Ready for Final Roar in 3, 2, 1. Firing!"

The combined firepower of the FLAKRUNNER, JUSTICE and MISUNDERSTOOD burst forth in flashes of laser light... the guns shaking with the force behind each shot.

As he watched the remaining three ships take blow after blow, Yuri could feel the tension emanating from the crew.

And then...

In a blinding light that lit hope in the hearts of billions across the sector...

Sorbius's ship exploded.

"Captain Williams! Look!" An operator called out, pointing towards the Harrower blockade.

In the distance, he could see the Resistance continuing their vicious attack on their Harrower oppressors.

As he watched, he could see a brilliant white light shine suddenly, as if a big explosion had just taken place. After a few minutes, he began to notice something amongst the enemy's ranks.

"They're retreating!" He said, more to himself.

His lips burst into a wide smile as the crew began to cheer, celebrating their apparent victory.

He felt tears leak from his eyes and run down his cheeks as he began to cry in happiness. Looking down, he clutched the broken necklace tightly in his fist... closing his eyes.

"This one's for you. Amalia."

"Retreat?" The man asked. He couldn't understand why. "Captain... are you sure?"

"Positive. Our forces are being overwhelmed by the Resistance ships all across the sector." He began, smiling as he spoke. "With the planets liberated from our control, there is no point staying to protect our interests here."

"But Captain... if we took care in our movements, we would surely be able to take the sector back."

He had a point. Despite that, it wouldn't work anyway.

"With the Elgavan military now aware of our intentions, it wouldn't be long before they brought their full might to bare on us." He explained. "Anyway... think of what we would lose in the process."

Turning completely to face his First Officer, he smiled again. "Besides. I have a plan to show them just what a victory against us costs."

"Thank you. Truly. You don't know what you've given us." Commander Williams said, shaking Yuri's hand again.

"Maybe not. But I think I've got an idea." He responded. "I grew up in the Autonomous Dominion of Ropesk. Panfilov kept everyone grounded to help the nation grow."

"Even so. You've given our people a future. And hope that it will be brighter than our past. Despite everything we lost, our gratitude cannot be expressed."

Smiling, Yuri spoke once more. "It really wasn't a problem Commander Williams. And if you need anything, then don't hesitate to ask."

"You've done more than enough for us already." The older man said. "Besides. Captains Ozlo and Gabri will be sticking around for a while to aid us."

"Then you've definitely got your hands full." Ogar threw in, pointing at the former. "And I'd watch this one especially."

"Hey!"

Ozlo's shout sent them all into a fit of laughter, before the Commander excused himself to tend to his duties.

Smiling, Ogar stuck out his hand towards his two younger friends. "It was good seeing the two of you again, however brief."

"You too sir. Take care of yourself." Ozlo said, as Gabri leaned in to give him a hug, and kiss his cheek.

And as they all exchanged goodbye hugs and handshakes, Commander Williams watched them from the other side of the room...

What will life bring next? He wondered to himself.

"The Nargannans sector huh?" He asked his assistant, watching the city's skyline.

"Yes sir." The assistant began, fumbling to sort through the files he held. "There's been talk of a criminal organization keeping a tight reign of the civilian population there."

"Really!" He said, stroking his chin. "And how will that help us?"

"Well sir... apparently the general populace is in dire need of help. Both financially and medically. If we were to, say... aid them in their time of need..."

"... we would be a front page story." He finished.

"That's right. We'd be painted in a very favourable light." He explained. "We'd have financial backers and donations of all sorts coming in —"

"Do it!" He ordered, spinning on the spot.

Heading for his desk, he reached over to the cedar wood box, pulling out a cigar.

"And schedule a meeting with the board, I'll need a fleet of our Grisha-class hospital ships on standby with every Doctor they can get." He finished.

He proceeded to take a pull of the cigar in his hand... blowing out a cloud of grey smoke.

As a thank you for saving her life, Selenia had agreed to escort them back to the Central sector.

As they made their way back up the starlane, Yuri found himself wondering where his sister was... who was surprisingly absent.

As he looked up at the approaching Void Gate, he found himself being filled with a sense of excitement. He always did.

New people to meet. New lands to see. A slew of new challenges to face. This was what being a zero-G dog was all about.

What made it all worth it.

As they travelled back up towards Ostrog, they made a quick stop there, and as the crew disembarked, heading towards the surface... Yuri found himself being approached by Ogar, Selenia, Gen, and Nia.

"So... I guess this is where we part ways." Gen asked the red- haired woman.

"Hmm... not quite." She started, twiddling her fingers. "I've actually decided to join you... that is... if you will have me."

Noticing the surprise on their faces, she cut in quickly. "If it's okay with you that is. Being with all of you the last few days has given me a whole new outlook."

Smiling in reassurance, Yuri stuck out his hand, a gesture that he had found himself doing all too often lately. "Well then Selenia... welcome to the team."

She smiled as she shook his hand, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.

And in that moment, Yuri found himself wondering.

How lucky am I to be surrounded by, and have met some interesting people.

With their business in Nargannans concluded, and Selenia now a permanent member of the group... Yuri had decided to return to Gorodok and check on the previously kidnapped girl, Melania Sabik.

Entering the tavern, the group were soon accosted by a familiar red-haired girl.

"Oh, Yuri! I'm sorry for all the trouble I put you through." She said, walking over and enveloping him in a hug.

"Don't worry about it Melania. I'm just fine, as you can see; and what's important is that you're all right."

She smiled as she spoke, taking in the number of the group behind the silver-haired teen. "Well, everything's on the house tonight. Relax and have a good time, okay."

Waving them over to a nearby table, she quickly took their order, hurrying off to prepare it as the group began to chat amongst themselves.

"How long are we plannin' on hangin' around Elgava anyway? Don't tell me ya can't stand to leave the dear ol' homeland?"

Torlo's question caught him off guard, though not completely.

"No, that's not it. I'm just a little bit worried about something."

"Oh yeah? What's that?"

"Well remember how Kira got that really bad headache that time we went through the Void Gate? I'd hate to have her go through that again. That's all." He answered, picking at his food.

"Oh well, maybe it'll be easier for her this time around. Maybe she'll get used to it." Torlo said.

He didn't really sound too convinced though.

"Yeah, I hope so." Yuri said, turning to watch his sister.

From directly opposite him, the usually sullen Nadja Musin beamed energetically... digging into her meal with gusto.

"I can't believe I actually get to meet Professor Gavriil Minas! He is the leading authority on astrophysics!"

"He's really that big of a deal, is he?" Yuri was genuinely confused.

He'd never heard of the man before a few days ago. Now, everyone was talking about what a big deal he was.

"A big deal? They call him the Almighty Minas throughout the Small Magellanic Cloud! The fact that you're going to talk with him... well let's just say that my opinion of your operation is vastly improving!"

"It doesn't take much, does it?" Nia asked from beside him.

"Anybody in the sciences would consider themselves lucky to get the chance to even meet the man! I'm telling you, it's a very big deal." She said.

As Nia and Nadja continued the conversation, Ratai, who had caught the tail end of theirs... spoke.

"Is it true you're going to go see Professor Minas Yuri?"

"That's right. They say he studies Epitaphs. Commander Vladykin gave me an introduction. So this guy... he's really something, is he?" Yuri asked.

Ratai's eyes went wide at Yuri's question. "Are you kidding? He's the most eminent scientist in the whole Small Magellanic Cloud! They say he knows so much about everything that people don't even know what his specialty is!"

As Nadja and Ratai began a conversation about the Almighty Minas Yuri and Nia shared a glance.

Smiling knowingly, they just couldn't believe how big of a deal everyone was making of this.

It really hadn't taken all that long to get everything organized.

In a matter of a day, a fleet of Grisha-class hospital ships were ready to go. Almost twelve hours later, and a dozen Doctors, complete with over one hundred and fifty nurses and support staff had been called in.

It had taken two days to assemble everything needed for the journey, and to send word ahead of their arrival. Passing through the Void Gate, the fleet had agreed on Nargannans as the first stop on their list.

The decision had come about beforehand, believing that the blockade around the planet would put the population at a great disadvantage than the others.

That wasn't to say that the other planets were any less important however; several ships had broken off and been sent to each.

As the bulk of the fleet passed by Arak, an alarm began to blare, pulling the ship's Captain from his work. "W-what? What's going on?"

"We're not sure sir." An operator answered. "Our scanners are going crazy. We've picked up several unidentified vessels entering our radar range."

"What! Do you know who they are?"

"No sir. They aren't answering any of our communications."

He wanted to panic, though began to calm down. There was no use panicking... it didn't help matters.

He began to think things through. Patrols throughout the sector had been beefed up, just in case. Maybe it was another patrol group.

"Operator... contact the unidentified fleet. Let me speak to them."

The moments passed with considerable tension as he waited for the communication channel to be set up.

"Unidentified fleet! This is Captain Wyman of the Medic Organization's Grisha-class hospital ship. We seek permission to pass. We have a mission on the planet Nargannans that we must perform."

No answer.

"Unidentified fleet please respond." He asked again. "We seek permission to pass. We are heading for Nargannans."

Still no answer. He was beginning to worry.

He waited. Maybe they were trying to verify the legitimacy of his statement.

And as the ships came into view, a sea of laserfire erupted, from every gun...

"Oh Grus!"

"May I have a word with you Yuri?" Gen asked, as they docked inside the Deviagorsk spaceport. "It looks as if everything has been wrapped up nicely for now. As such, Alik and I will be disembarking."

To be honest, Yuri was sure that something like this was going to happen. He just wasn't sure they would be leaving so soon.

"Can't we convince you to come with us?"

"I'm not the type who enjoys being cooped up on one ship for long periods of time." He explained, arms folded over his chest. "But we'll be continuing our travels through the Small Magellanic Cloud. I am sure we will run into each other again someday -"

"That's an understatement." Ogar announced as he arrived. "What? You thought you were gonna leave without saying goodbye."

Throwing his head back in a laugh, Gen turned to his oldest friend. "Well now, that just won't do. You'd hold that against me until I die, wouldn't you?"

Watching as the two friends laughed together, Yuri could tell they loved each other... as brothers; and friends.

Coming together in a hug, Yuri heard Ogar speak. "Take care of yourself, you stubborn old fool."

Turning to Yuri, Gen began to talk. "Yuri, promise me you'll look out for Ogar. He needs someone to watch out for him. Like a child."

"Well he sort of takes after you... so I make no promises." Yuri teased, earning himself a laugh from the two old men.

"I think I like him."

Placing a hand on Gen's shoulder, the two watched each other... speaking more in the silence between them then any words ever could.

"Farewell my boy." He said to the young Captain.

"G-good-bye." Alik muttered.

"Good-bye. Thanks for everything. And take care." Yuri said.

Torlo sighed from beside Yuri as they watched the two disappear up the docking tube. "Well, there they go."

"What a pity. I think we all could have learned quite a lot from that man." Ian said, joining them.

"What about you, Ian? Aren't you gonna be kickin' off now as well?" The blond-haired boy asked, continuing his train of thought at Ian's confusion. "I mean, you already did what you got paid to do, yeah?"

"Yes well, at first I thought it was just going to be a short assignment." He replied. "But now that I see how ignorant you all are about space travel, I thought maybe I should stay on a little longer, to help you out."

They all laughed at Ian's statement, Torlo speaking afterwards. "Well, well! I don't recall any of us askin' you for more help."

"I see."

"Hey, don't let us hold ya back. We ain't beggin' for ya to stay or nothing."

Almost laughing at himself, he spotted a familiar face stepping up towards him. "Huh...? What...?"

The fist that connected with his jaw sent him groaning in pain.

"Stop being such a bully Torlo" Tatiana shouted at him.

Ignoring the arguing duo, Nia turned to speak to Ian. "We need all the hands we can get Ian. We're glad to have more crew members. Right kiddo?"

"That's right. I'd be happy to have you stay Ian."

Smiling at the young Captain, Ian shook his hand in thanks. "Oh... very well Yuri. Thank you."

As the group walked off up the docking tube ramp, Yuri found himself standing between Ogar and Nia; the former still staring off at the last place he had seen his friend.

"Well... I guess I won't be seeing him again anytime soon." He said, sadness in his voice.

"I'm sorry Ogar, I wish there was something we could have done to make him stay."

"Thank you Yuri. But no one could ever make that stubborn old fool do anything he didn't want to." He said. "Besides... I know we'll see each other again. I just have a feeling."

"Well, at least this whole affair will make you both keep in contact again. Huh?" Nia said.

Laughing to himself, Ogar turned to look at the both of them, waving a hand. "Come on you two... let's find ourselves a bar. I think I'm in need of a drink..."

As he started off towards the orbital elevators, he turned to Yuri and Nia again.

"My shout."

With Gen and Alik's departure, Yuri, Ogar and Nia met the others at the bar; taking a quick drink together before joining the rest at their table.

As the conversation continued, a shout from the left caught their attention. "Hey barkeep... turn it up would ya."

As the volume increased, the group's eyes were drawn to the screen hanging against one wall. As they watched, a beautiful short haired reporter could be heard speaking; already in the middle of her report.

"... Dahlia Wren here with a regularly scheduled update on the Nargannans sector situation."

Yuri, like the others, found himself fixed to the screen, interested to hear on the progress made after their departure.

"With the battle of the Nargannans sector now over, recent reports have still produced no names on the brave few who had helped rid the area of the Hallan Harrowers."

Looking down briefly during a pause, she then looked back up. "In a recent report to the Central Elgavan Forces, a further update of the situation has been provided..."

"... sources have revealed that almost 14 hours ago, a fleet of Grisha-class hospital ships sent to aid the general populace, has been annihilated by the former oppressors."

The stunned silence of the tavern patrons revealed just how shocking the revelation was, and many gasps and cries could be heard.

"After a meeting with top Elgavan Military and Government officials this morning, Defense Minister Rudak Fomich has delivered a report on their next move."

The screen switched from the lovely reporter, to a view of the Government building on Zvenigorod. A man with long hair and a beard came into view, arms behind him as he addressed the audience below.

"After the recent, tragic loss of the Medic Organization's fleet in the Nargannans sector, our top military officials have agreed that we cannot stand by any longer." He began. "We are sending both the 117th, and the 122nd fleet, as well as their respective commanders, Captain Mogilek Novikov, and Commander Oleg Vladykin."

"We understand that a military occupation of the Nargannans sector is the last thing that the population needs. We sympathize with them, truly, but their leaders have agreed to this move, and are more than willing to help us contain the situation until it improves..."

Cutting off the rest of the speech, the beautiful reporter came back into view, who finished off her report. "Our hearts go out to all those families who have lost their loved ones... and we give our condolences to them in this hard, hard time."

As the report ended, and the group turned to look at one another, conversation eventually picked up. Yuri though, noticed the absence of Dr Feodor Kuchin; spotting the man ten minutes later by himself.

Nursing a drink alone at another table, Yuri could see the man's distress, and as he turned to Larissa... he could see how unsure she was.

"W-will he be okay." Kira asked.

Not sure how to answer, the young teen turned to look back at her father. "Well... father had friends on those ships, people he had worked with and known a long time." Turning back to the group, she smiled weakly. "He'll be okay, he just needs some time."

Looking back to Feodor, Yuri wasn't sure what hurt more:

Knowing that he couldn't comfort the man in any way...

Or the fact that he couldn't do anything about the Harrowers again...

With the crew finally back aboard their respective ships, the fleet made their way up the final starlane to the lone Void Gate at its end.

With Selenia in the MISUNDERSTOOD, Ogar in the JUSTICE, and Yuri captaining the FLAKRUNNER; the massive gate drew closer. The blue of the Void Gate was quickly becoming all too familiar to him.

"All we gotta do is go through the gate and we'll be in another country." Torlo exclaimed.

"That's right." Yuri said.

I wonder what Kalymnos is going to be like. He thought.

"Hey, Yuri! Something's wrong with Kira."

"What?!" Yuri said, as he looked over, and found himself moving.

She was doubled over in pain again... clutching her head. Grunting. "Agh... gah...!"

"Kira! Are you okay?! Kira!" Yuri asked her as she panted. "Kira..."

"I-I'm okay now. Don't worry about me..." She said, shaking. "I'll be okay, as long as I'm by your side Yuri."

"You're all right now. I want you to rest for a while, okay?"

"Okay."

Watching as Tatiana escorted her out and off the bridge, Yuri wondered why she was like this whenever they passed through a Void Gate.

He hoped she would eventually grow out of it, but he wasn't betting all his chips on that happening any time soon.