"So what do you know, Raein?" Admiral Dane asked once we were seated down around a table. "Why is the Federation being attacked? Is there a motive behind it?"

My little sister nodded. "Yep. I overheard a few Phrygisians in the ship I was in say that Rundas was a straggler or something. They also referred to someone named Mother. I have no idea who it is, but they talked about her with the most honor and pride I've ever heard. They talked about these things called Chromia, and how they had failed to put one on you when they were on Phrygis," she spoke directly to me. "I don't know what the heck a Chromia is, or why they need to stick one on you, but they sounded like they meant business."

"A Chromia, Raein, is a small creature that has the ability to control a larger body's mind," Gandrayda explained. "they are ruthless and uncanny now; more motivated than ever to get what they want."

"It doesn't make sense as to why they're suddenly acted this way." Ghor pondered, scratching his chin. "They're usually harmless. Do you know why they've gone bad?"

My sibling shook her head. "Nope. I only heard them talking about what I just told you. So were the Chromia the small white things that were latched onto the backs of their necks?" She asked, looking to Gandrayda in question.

"You can see them?" Samus said, leaning over the table slightly.

Raein nodded. "As clear as day. They poke little claw things inside their necks, and then the Chromia's bodies kind of harden so they matched the strength of the Phrygisian armor. I almost missed them, but saw the white against the green and knew something wasn't right."

"Interesting... So you're saying we could pull a Chromia off somebody's neck?" Ghor asked, looking around the table.

"I'm not sure that's safe, Ghor. For all we know, we could damage the mind of the victim. We don't want to risk hurting anybody else," Samus said with a hint of worry.

"I suppose you're right. I don't understand though," he added. "why they've only tried to put a Chromia on Rundas and not Gandrayda and I."

"That is a bit peculiar... Would you know why, Raein?" The huntress asked my sister, who perked up once she was caught off guard.

"What? Uh... no! I wouldn't know why they'd only try to get Rundas." She said quickly, a slight squawk in her tone. "Although, he is pretty awesome, why wouldn't they want him?"

I glanced at her with a smidgen of curiosity. "Thank you. I guess..." I muttered the last sentence to myself. Was it good or bad to be desired by the enemy?

I didn't get a chance to consider it, for a little bleep came from Admiral Dane. He looked to his arm. "Yes, lieutenant?" He asked it.

A woman replied, "Sir, a bioform is here to speak with Samus Aran. Apparently, it's urgent."

"Well? Who is it?"

A knowledge sleek, deep voice came from Dane's forearm. "Hunter, I have heard of the condition the Galactic Federation is in. I wish to give our services."

Samus leaned forward. "U-Mos?"

"Yes," the alien responded. "it is I. Sentinel of the Aether. I have brought with me from my planet the remains of the Luminoth race, all eager to assist you with our variety of weaponry."

"Send him in!" Samus urged the Admiral. "They're the good aliens we fought for when Aether was split in two!"

He nodded. "Very well. Lieutenant, confirm Luminoth request for entry, allow them to proceed and to the sound-proof room on R89."

"Yes, sir."

"What's a U-Mos?" I leaned towards Ghor, whispering to him.

He shrugged. "Seems to be an old friend of Samus's. Perhaps a comrade or ally."

I wasn't excited to meet him, though the reason I couldn't find. I slumped in my seat, seeing Samus grow excited and Raein look at me with watchful eyes. "What?" I asked my sister, and she shrugged, mumbling.

About seven minutes later, the door to R89 opened, a tall, peculiar creature ducking in. He was larger than the doorway, and bent his long legs to get inside. He almost touched the low ceiling. The creature U-Mos had small wings, with little feather like appendages on his head. His eyes were large and red, and he had a furry chest. Vermillion streaks lined his skinny body and limbs. He bowed low when he saw Samus, and the huntress stood as well, genuflecting too.

She went to him, and his eyes were softer than they had been. "I am pleased to see you in good health, hunter. I was concerned for you when you left Aether."

"You didn't have to worry. I was fine." She assured, presenting the Luminoth before the aliens in the room. "Everyone, this is U-Mos. And these are Gandrayda," Samus motioned to the Jovian. "Ghor," pointing towards the Wotan who grinned. "Admiral Dane," to the human. "and Rundas and Raein."

The others nodded in greeting, but I just stared in disapproval. I didn't like him already, and leaned back in my chair with boredom. "Seat yourself, U-Mos. We need your help." Admiral Dane suggested kindly, and the Luminoth sat awkwardly down in a small chair across the table from Raein. She looked at him inquisitively, and he gave a little nod of his head, drumming his three fingers on the desktop softly.

"So what weapons do you have in your arsenal, U-Mos?" Samus asked with interest, clearly more optimistic than before. How was she so fond of him?

"A wide range of Luminoth weaponry fueled and supported by the Light of Aether. I do hope they will provide with enough firepower to deal with the three armies outside your doorstep."

Right as he said that, the ship rocked, and a deep boom sounded. The blow was strong, and a few of us hit our heads on the table by accident. I rubbed my forehead, glancing to Admiral Dane. "We should probably be fighting instead of sitting here. U-Mos, are the Luminoth at standby?"

"Ready to battle at your command, Admiral," he replied, towering high above us when he rose from the chair. "Shall we proceed?"

"Affirmative. Let's go, people! Lives are on the line!" Dane unlocked the door, and each of us filed out. "We need to stay together. Buddy up in twos, and make sure nobody gets left behind as we go to the loading docks."

Gandrayda paired with Ghor, and the girl forced her arm to link with his. He flushed slightly red, and uttered a low giggle before proceeding down the hall. The Admiral ordered Samus with him. "I'd feel much safer if I was with you. Are you fine with that?"

She nodded. "Sure," she seemed hesitant a little, and turned back to me. "I don't mind."

I gave her a smile, which concealed my cross feelings for U-Mos. "Go ahead. I'll just hang with Raein and the Luminoth." My sister stood close to me, and the other alien came to my side as well.

"Well, it is not a tandem, but it will suffice." U-Mos said all sophisticated-like, and we proceeded with following the others as they trekked down the corridor.

Almost a minute later, a large fighter ship's wing scraped a hole into our window, glass shattering and the air in the passage whooshing into space. I gasped and gripped a pipe on the ceiling, whilst the others held onto the things that were solid and closest to them. U-Mos wrapped his hands around a door handle, but Raein, however, wasn't as quick to think, and was swept off her feet and towards the opening.

I turned and shot my arm out as she screamed. Letting go of the tube I clenched, I found Raein's hand and held it tight. She looked to me, halting her wailing and holding her breath. I only then realized I had been stupid enough to release my grasp on the conduit, and panic overcame me as we sucked towards zero gravity, and absolutely no oxygen.

My wrist was clamped by a trio of fingers. I stared as U-Mos pulled me in with surprising strength, taking Raein and I back into the hall to safety. "Thank you," I breathed, my sister leaning her delicate head against my shoulder as she panted.

He smiled. "Life is precious, and should not be wasted on those who hold spite."

"What do you mean?"

"I can see you are not very fond of me. You are protective of Samus, I inquired as soon as I saw you. Do not envy me, Rundas. We have only known each other because she saved my planet."

I was taken aback. Envious? I hadn't though of myself acting that way... Whatever. I didn't really care about what he said. "Yeah... Anyway, thanks for saving us."

U-Mos simpered faintly. "You are very welcome."

Dane and the others approached. "Is everyone all right?"

"I think so-!!" I sucked in a breath as the wide panels of glass cracked, the remaining air in the hall roaring out. Admiral Dane, Samus, Gandrayda and Ghor had only a second to twist their heads to the side in shock before they were whipped out of passage and into space. "Samus!!!" I screamed, and foolishly tried to go after her.

U-Mos held me back. "We cannot save her, Rundas! She is already too far away!" He shouted over the loud gusts and pulled Raein and I towards a door. He opened it and dragged us inside, sealing the exit from the suction. It got quiet, except for our breathing and the soft bangs from guns of the war zone.

He had taken us to a separate hallway, which was lined with more doors and more windows. I stood and looked out, seeing that I couldn't spot my lost comrades.

"We must go to the shuttles, then we may be able to find Samus and the others. I nodded, looking to Raein. She was pale, and her limbs were shaking. I put my hand on her shoulder, finding it cold.

"Are you all right, Raein? You don't look so good." I said softly.

She nodded once. "I'll be okay," she murmured. "Just... not..." Raein collapsed suddenly, trailing off as she hit the floor.

I kneeled down quickly and frantically. "What's wrong with her?" I said in a fluster, placing my hands on her chilled skin.

U-Mos got to his knees as well, examining the young female Phrygisian. "I do not know. Perhaps she suffered severe shock or stress. She is unconscious, and will not wake for a time." He looked at me, almost emotionless. "We will have to carry her with us."

I slid my arms underneath my sister, taking her up and over my shoulder. Then I fitted her loose arms and legs between my arms in a piggy-back position. She didn't jostle around much, and I felt her breath deeply on my back. "Will this work?"

"Whatever you think will be adequate, Rundas." U-Mos said. "Now, do you know where your ship is docked?"

I nodded. "Follow me, then?"

"Yes. Lead the way," he stretched his extensive arm down the hallway, and I obeyed his gesture and began walking towards the bay.