After the first battle against the empire in space, Thomas and his friends of the S.H.R. returned to his parents orbital castle they rested for a bit as Thomas and the captain played a game of chess. As they played, Thomas asked a question to Captain Greasly.

Thomas: I know it's kinda late to ask, but are you 100% certain that bringing back into the field is a good idea? I mean if I die, the Brighton Star will shut down.

Gordon: I understand, but we can't worry about that until we have to.

Herny: Thomas, are you wishing to be relieved of combat duty?

Thomas: No, I think I'm well suited for it.

Gordon: And I agree with your assessment. Now let us have a look at the board.

And so, as the two men looked at the board, the captain found that Thomas was winning. As he took in this assessment, he looked at Thomas as he spoke to him.

Gordon: So, was it you who made that move or that implant of yours.

Thomas: 70% of it was me.

Henry: 70%?

Thomas: Yes. I'm trying to optimize processing efficiency by assigning tasks to idle brian cells. So though it's the device's suggestion, it is still my very own organic idea at the same time.

Gordon: Both the ship and everyone who is on board it, owe their lives to you. So if you think that you should still be fighting Thomas, we'll respect that.

Thomas: Thanks, but even as a prince, I don't deserve any special treatment.

And so, as Thomas and the captain then continued their chess game, Proteus returned to the moonbase to find his sister, Strea, there waiting for him. As he stepped out of his mech, Strea walked over toward Proteus with a face full of suspicion and curiosity.

Strea: So brother, would you mind telling where you went before the battle?

Proteus: Oh... I uh had supplies to collect.

Strea: Really? what type?

Proteus: Um... hazardous. I was hoping to deploy them against the enemy. and speaking of which, I have more to collect.

And so as Proteus went aboard his mech nervously, and flew away, Strea could tell that her brother was obviously lying, and decided to board a shuttle to follow. Later, back at the orbital castle, Thomas was resting on one of the couches in one of the chambers with his special eye patch equipped. As he laid on the couch, Thomas began to recall the information he collected on Proteus's mech.

Thomas: Visus-Posterum, apart from the amazing evasive abilities, it's other capabilities are still unknown. However, as for the pilot, he has been confirmed as Proteus Allcroft, who is the brother of my betrothed princess. But, could he too have a nero-link, a ocular implant? (implant beeps) Hmm, that too huh? (implant beep rhythmically) I guess it wouldn't sound too far off considering the tech of these mechs.

????: So ya monologuing?

Thomas: (looks over to see james) No, I'm just talking to myself.

James: Well that's what monologuing is. the warrior god odin, the rider of the 8 legged horse, drank the waters from the well of knowledge and was granted vast wisdom. However, he was granted this wisdom at the cost of his left eye. (smirks) Norase mythology.

Thomas: (smiles) You're certainly the nerd.

James: Oh cut me some slack! (sighs) Anyway, during that first battle in america, all I wanted to do was just run away. However, I knew that if I did that I wouldn't be able to love or protect Emily. (chuckles) Some soldier I am. (smiles and looks Thomas) Anyway, if your mech is acting up, just come and find me and I'll fix it right up.

Thomas: (smiles) Thanks, I'll be sure to hold you to that.

James: Hey, wanna get a bite to eat before we're called out again?

Thomas: Hmm. I'm not really hungry at the moment. However, I think some tea wouldn't be bad.

Meanwhile, as Thomas and James went to get some tea, Proteus had just returned from patrolling the area when one of the servants came to see him.

Servant: Your highness. Your sister wishes to see you.

Proteus: Right.

and so when Proteus then stepped into the royal overlook, he found Strea there waiting for him. However, before the prince could speak, his sister spoke first.

Strea: brother, what do you intend to gain from working with the emperor?

Proteus: full destruction of the sudrian threat and a new base for a new kingdom which will be ruled by her highness princess Lady Allcroft.

As the princess's eyes widened in shock, she then turned around towards her brother and looked sternly as a golden light shined around her before revealing her golden hair and starry eyes. As Proteus saw the true identity of the princess in front of him, he gasped as he took a few steps back.

Proteus: Lady? uh, why...

Lady: Why did I disguise myself as my evil sister and I'm now here? because you're going too far brother. Wishing for the death of Sodor's residents would only make things much worse and painful for everyone. If I were to rule a new kingdom that was received through war, I would not want it! (points handgun at Proteus as Burnett and King Allcroft entered the room) Prince Proteus Allcroft, as the Princess of the Allcroft family, I order you to cease all hostilities at once!

As Proteus's eyes were wide, he was very shocked to hear that not only that Lady was very displeased but also that she knew of Strea, as he then found his words.

Proteus: How do you know about Strea?!

Lady: I know about my sister Proteus because she attempted to kill me right after your recent visit. Me and father tried to talk her decision out of her, but sadly she wouldn't deture from it and so Burnett killed her out of my protection. I'm sad to see her like this and I'm ashamed for the way that she felt about me replacing her, but, all the same, I'm glad that father made the choice he did so she could at least be safe. However, I'm not pleased with your current actions Proteus. You're not the same kind and gentle brother that I once knew. So I order you, end this war and make peace with the sudrians.

As Proteus then took in this order, he sighed as he gave his reply.

Proteus: I apologise my sister. But I can not follow that order, for I'm no longer a resident of Shining-Time. (takes gun from Lady as some guards come in) I'm sorry Lady but I must bring you into my custody for if the emperor finds out that you're awake it would not be good news.

As Proteus then exited the room, Lady, Burnett, Annie, Clarabel, and King Allcroft had no choice but to take a seat. As Lady then looked out through the glass, she just hoped that Thomas would come to her aid. Meanwhile back down on earth, Mr Conductor was about to have his Castle-Station lift off, when one of his assets called him over.

Mr C: Yes?

Pilot asset: M'lord, we just picked up a signal of an Allcroft ship that's getting ready to land and...

Mr C: And what about it?

Pilot asset: Just look at it.

As Mr Conductor then looked at the signal he gasped for this ship was one that he hadn't heard about or seen for a long time. As the noble then looked at his servant, gave him his next order.

Mr C: Patch me a communication link to her ship. If she's returned to earth and has landed near where we are, then she probably wishes for my assistance.

As the servant then nodded, he then turned his attention towards his console and began to carry out his master's orders.

To be continued...