Artie and Orin had managed to sneak into safety inside the house Sapphire worked in. Sapphire was a little trickster, and managed to sneak them unseen into the house. She was immensely focused on the task at hand. They needed to leave the mansion undetected and meet with Opal and Hawk Tidman to make the journey to save Zoltar. Hawk sent out encrypted messages to the Paladins on Stellar Unix, to ready themselves for a member of their team returning. In addition, they were asked to keep this hidden from Solaris, who was on her way back to Stellar Unix with the Pirates. Artie breathed a sigh of relief. If they were to get things done, they needed Corso. Sapphire looked concerned when she received the news of the hostile take over.
"Does Solaris know?" She asked. Coran replied.
"She does. The Pirates come with reinforcements from Technoid. One of the Pirates' prisoners has escaped, and he has taken a hostage too, to go after this Maurice Miller." Coran informed. Artie couldn't explain why, but this sent chills down his spine. Coran caught his distress. "The hostage is your leader, Sonny. Keiran surprised them and took Sonny in a moment of unspeakable clutsyness. You might understand that Corso's a bit… tense. They are keeping an eye on things, and for now, it seems Sonny is ok" he reported. Artie nodded.
"I understand. Sonny is our leader, if anything happens to him, we, the Pirates fall apart.I hope they will free him soon" Artie said. Coran nodded slowly.
"Arthur, I know this wasn't planned but you'll meet your father soon. He's gone through a lot and is currently under a lot of stress. You probably shouldn't tell him until you reach Stellar Unix. But dont hold back if he recognizes you as his son. He has suffered, more than you can imagine. Having you back will make up for some of it, not all" Coran said. Artie nodded, nervous at that prospect. Keiran took Sonny prisoner a second time? That couldn't be good.
"We need to get them out of there, safe and sound. Every second someone is imprisoned, it weakens their chances of survival" He said. Coran nodded.
"I'll let Corso know what we've discovered. For now, don't give away your position until mission is finished." He suggested. Artie nodded.
"Tell Corso to do what's needed to free Sonny." He said.
"Will do." Coran said as he ended the transmission. Sapphire looked at Artie.
"I'm sure it will be fine.I have heard of Sonny, he is smart, this will end well" She said. Artie nodded but Orin knew he was worried.
"This is bad news." He said in Ancient Shiloh. Artie nodded.
"We can do nothing from here, we got our own mission. I just hope Sonny is okay." Artie replied. Orin nodded. They needed to meet up with Opal and also, Artie's father. The hours till they had to leave, the pirates made a strategy and got some rest
Keiran had reached Stellar Unix. Because the air here was different to Genesis or even Shiloh, it became necessary to put on an oxygen mask for the both of them before they exited the ship. And that was a problem. Sonny was not in a good mood and it showed. Keiran was not able to get close enough to put the oxygen mask on him. His hands locked in chain, did not mean Sonny could not use his feet to defend himself. Wich was exactly what he did.
"How does it feel to be a lackey? You suit that role well." Sonny mocked, making sure the chain was stretched long enough to make it difficult for Keiran to get close. Keiran had enough. He took a device from inside his coat, and activated it. The green smoke made Sonny cough hard, and he fell unconscious. A gas Sonny was sensitive too, had been used to subdue him for now.
"That'll make you easier to manage. You wont escape this by being stubborn, You will settle your debt for what happened at the shiloh nebula by acting as bait to this situation, wheter you like it or not" He said, as he prepared to bring his hostage to Miller.
The Black Manta had managed to get close enough to place a tracker on Keiran's ship. Corso looked at the data it gave. It felt strange doing this without Sonny by his side but Sonny was resting in the cabin, after informing Callie, D'Jok and Mei about their plan. That wasn't easy. Callie's trust especially was hurt. They should have told her what they had planned, and they chose not to. And Callie had every right to be mad at them. They had some work to do to win her trust back. If not. it could happen that Sonny lost the relationship that would finally become his safe harbour. Their safe harbour, as they had now included him in their family and relationship.
As they closed in, Corso went to the cabin, to discuss their next steps with Sonny. Sonny was working on a device for his cybernetic eye. He also experimented some with different types of glasses, to make a special kind of lens for Bennett case, Corso didn't know much about Bennett's past, but he knew his eyes were damaged with acid, making them extremely sensitive. Sonny looked at him.
"You made a new cybernetic eye?" Corso asked, looking at the thing laying on the desk. Sonny smiled as he held it up.
"It's partly organic Corso. If your body doesn't reject it, we won't need the salve anymore." He said. Corso nodded as he locked the door. He would put it in later, right now he had a report to make.
"How did the talk with Callie go? She wasn't very happy from the sound of things." He commented. Sonny sighed as he sat down.
"She isnt. She's angry, and with good reasons too. We broke her trust. I hope we can make up for it. But it wont be easy, She is mad at both of us, not just one" Sonny admitted. Corso nodded as he sat down.
"Where do we stand now?" he asked. Sonny shrugged.
"I don't know, but we better try to win her trust back. You can't have a relationship without trust. Its still intact for now, but unless we are honest, it wont stay that way" He said. Corso nodded.
"I got a message from Coran Sonny. Artie and Orin have found Sapphire. We were right about why they are at Abraxor. They also found Zoltar, alive. With Opal, we also have Hawk Tidman working on the planet." He said. Sonny nodded, seriously.
"Does Artie know about this?" He asked. Corso nodded.
"He knows, but he's more worried about you being held hostage for now." Corso said. "I feel bad about not telling them." He admitted. Sonny nodded and placed his hand on Corso's shoulder.
"That's the type of guilt that comes with being the leader Corso. Fortunately, it wont be for long, I will explain it to all of them later, but not now" He said. Corso looked at him, really looked at him for a long time.
"What happened on Akillian wasn't your fault Sonny. It was never your fault. I truly hope you know that. Bleylock used you, and Clamp, and he betrayed you both. " He said. Sonny nodded. He knew Corso was right. Corso placed a hand on Sonnys shoulder.
"Artie needs to talk to you about things privately. I think he can really help you understand things about Abraxor. Who knows, maybe the place has some good sides you didnt get to see" Corso said. Sonny agreed. He put away his work. Corso noticed Sonny had one of their invisibility units on his arm. A knock on the door, made Sonny quickly punch the button and hide. Corso opened the door. It was Bennett.
"We're approaching Stellar Unix and Keiran's ship has gone into stealth mode. Do you want us to track Sonny's transmitter?" He asked. Corso nodded.
"Contact Duke Maddox and tell him where to find us. I also need to speak to Solaris." He said. Bennett nodded compassionately.
"How are You holding up?I know this is hard on you,I just keep hoping Sonny will be fine" He asked. Corso sighed.
"I will manage Bennett. Let's just get this over with." He said. Sonny smiled as he saw Corso leave with Bennett. Calm, and collected. He would be one of the Pirates' best commanders. He could safely retire.
Keiran was sweating as he made his way to the castle with his hostage. There was no point in wasting energy trying to talk to Sonny.
As they approached the gate, Keiran pushed Sonny in front of him, letting Miller see him. Sonny was silent, but his glare made it clear how he felt. Keiran made a last attempt to explain things to him.
"As soon as I got my revenge for my family, I will let you go. That doesn't mean I'll forgive you. What kind of leader lets innocent people be killed?" Keiran snarled.
"I'm only human. I made a mistake. you have too" Sonny said. Keiran was still angry.
"Tell that to the people you let die." He said. Millers face appeared on a screen on the door.
"What can I do for you, Mr O'Keefe?" Miller asked.
"I got something you need. A Flux master." Keiran said. Miller nodded, and slowly, the door opened.
"Bring him straight to the labs."
The Black Manta, her two scout ships and the two Technoid ships landed on Stellar Unix. Corso spent some time in the captains cabin, going over the next steps of the plan. Sonny charged his invisibility unit, so he could follow them. They were met by Zoonia and Coran. Sonny reminded Corso to tell the Pirates to put on breathing masks as the air took some getting used to. Corso noticed that Aaraya sent him a strange look as he disembarked The Black Manta. He had the distinct feeling that she knew Sonny was there with him. Corso felt a light touch on his shoulder. That reminded him, he wasn't alone. Sonny was by his side. for a second, he allowed himself a small smile, as they followed the paladins to the make shift base.
Solaris felt good about being home again. But it pained her to know what kind of situation her planet was in. They needed a plan. Sonny Blackbones was held captive at the castle too. Solaris trusted the Pirates, but she also felt lonely. She missed having Artie around, he always cheered her up. She needed to find a way to retrieve that Golden Armor. It was the only chance King Aldoor and Queen Marcia had. But Artie had been sent of on a secret mission.
Solaris learned from Zarind and Coran who Artie really was. That brought a sad smile to her face. They had failed to find four year old Arthur before. Solaris remembered the funeral for Marybeth. Hawk became close to manic. He drowned himself in work, just trying to forget. He never officially joined them, but after the loss of his son, he joined the most dangerous operations they undertook. Almost as if he had a had led to him investigating the people in power on Abraxor. His information showed a covert plan to have their current leader taken out. Hawk consulted with the Paladins on what to do and gave them the information he had. To remove the Abraxor emperor would spell chaos for the Galaxy. The flux from Abraxor was too dangerous to be used. The planet's Flux was blocked inside the core by Grand master Brim Simbra to ensure the stability of the Galaxy. The Abraxor people knew Hawk did this and were set out for revenge on him and his family. She knew Artie was in shock at learning his true heritage. Corso and Sonny had been very gentle with him.
Coran and Zoonia reached her as she disembarked, hugging her. Solaris returned the hugs.
"It's good to see you, despite the circumstances." Coran said. Solaris removed her visor and Corso and the Pirates could see her eyes for the first time. They were an intense, deep blue. Everyone else greeted each other. Coran had some news.
"Corso, we managed to get a Paladin into the castle. He's able to move around undetected. I've asked him to alert us as soon as Sonny is brought there." Coran said, sounding concerned. Corso nodded.
"Sonny's smart, he might have a plan. And cooperating with Miller is not part of that plan" Corso said.
Coran escorted them into the caves where they set up a makeshift headquarters. Corso did his best to stay focused. He needed to sit down with Duke Maddox and the Paladins and make a plan.
Solaris was still training in the holotrainer. Aaraya eventually told her what Artie was really doing. Zarind waited for Bennett to start the sequence.
Solaris had a determined look in her eyes. This was her last chance to do this. She felt stronger here than she did on Genesis. Her energy crystals were fully charged. She was ready to run up to the purple energy field. As she started, she didn't feel as drained as she did earlier. She reached the green field
"This is where her issues begin. She used too much energy and was too drained for it to boost when it was needed" Bennett said, remembering her most recent run. Aaraya smiled.
"She might just surprise us." She said. Zarind nodded. He saw Solaris' eyes before the run started. Solaris reached the indigo blue field, and she could see the purple field in front of her. She boosted, her fingers reached the top, and she could get her arm up there.
"I made it!" She exclaimed. Her helmet cam sent the images to Bennett's computer.
"Can you see the beacon?" Aaraya asked. Solaris looked around, recording everything. She marked the distance and area. As soon as she was satisfied, she descended back. Zarind called Coran and the others to the holotrainer with a map of the area.
"They just had to hide it in swamps." Coran sighed.
"That's why I can't bring a fellow Paladin with me. This place takes its toll on a paladin, to get through, I need someone determined, and whom know how to read the area by simply looking at it. Even innocent looking areas can be a danger" Solaris said, emptying her water bottle.
"Who is going to be your partner?" Zoonia asked. Corso decided to speak up.
"Bennett will stay here. I gave my word to assist Solaris with this. A promise is a promise. What we need, is a good nights sleep, and to stack up on what we need, before we make a plan." He said. The Paladins agreed. After a quick meal, they all prepared to get some rest for the night.
In the Captain's Cabin of The Black Manta, Corso felt exhausted as he locked the door behind him. it had been a massive information meeting for the pirates, and he had to handle it alone, even with Sonny next to him, he had to be the leader right now, until Sonny could reveal himself again. As soon as the door was locked, Sonny made himself appear.
"Good work Commander. The Black Manta will be in good hands. You are handling this well" He said. Corso smiled as he pulled Sonny into an embrace and kissed him.
"You taught me well. I am glad the trainings has paid off. That is the pirates secret weapon, should anything bad happen" Corso said. Sonny nodded before he got serious.
"Solaris needed to get back home, to make the jump. And should something happen, the pirates has a level headed man to take my place, wich is a relief for me personally. Have you analyzed the maps yet?" He asked. Corso nodded.
"I got them here in my computer. I'd like your input on it. I need to prepare Bennett to act in my place while I'm on this mission." Corso said. Sonny nodded.
"He has to be able to hold against Duke Maddox. And not rush in to help my clone. That may turn tricky, unless I come up with something to delay things, acting as a ghost has its advantages in that regard" Sonny said. Corso agreed.
"Coran said they have someone inside the castle, he'll keep an eye on your clone. I need to prepare for the swamps." Corso said. Sonny nodded, but Corso noticed the concern in his eyes. Sonny could hide his concern for his men, but not him, He knew him too well by now.
"There's no one else who can help her, remember?I got no choice Sonny, I have to do this" He asked. Sonny nodded.
"Swamps are dangerous, Corso. And treacherous. Are you familiar with them?" He asked. Corso smiled.
"Sonny, I used to be a herbalist. Swamps are a wellspring for ingredients and I've learned my way around them. Dont you worry, I know my way around them" Corso said. Sonny agreed.
"Any word from Artie?" He asked. Corso shook his head.
"Not yet. Give him time. Come here. I don't know how many days we will be apart, but tonight, I want you in my arms. As close as possible" He said. Sonny nodded.
"We can absolutely do that." He smiled as they got ready for the night.
It was quiet on when the group met up to head to the mines. Sapphire had dressed differently for the occasion. Far more casual. Artie and Orin tried to make contact with Stevens and Davidson, but the signal was too weak. They did manage to find a crude map. Opal And Hawk put on camouflage paint to hide themselves inside the mines. Artie swallowed, as he approached his father. Opal, a blonde with green eyes, smiled at Artie. "Are you the rescue party?" She asked. Artie nodded before he turned to his father. The resemblance was uncanny. Hawk noticed, as well.
"It can't be." He whispered, voice shaking. Artie felt tears in his eyes. Artie took a step towards the older man.
"Dad?" Was all he managed before his father pulled him into an embrace, silently crying. Artie placed his arms around his father, and also let the emotions go. Opal and Sapphire looked at them. They also couldn't resist tears. After some time, Artie let go.
"You found Zoltar, alive?" He asked. Hawk nodded.
"I hope he's strong enough to head back to Stellar Unix." He said. Davidson nodded.
"I gave him some medicine. Hopefully he'll be fine." He said. Stevens managed to use a hidden camcorder to get a short video of the imprisoned Zoltar. He looked a lot of worse for wear. Sapphire was close to tears.
"What have they done to him?" She stammered. Artie coughed, trying to get everyone to focus.
"Let's make a plan. We'll free Zoltar and get him back to Stellar Unix. That's my promise as a Pirate"
A/N: And we're on. This will be a descent into hell.
Will Zoltar escape with them?
Many questions will soon be answered.
As always, thank you to Paranoidgirl for beta reading my story.