NINH[ NINE

The explosion blinded the sensors on the Red Star as the crew fought to stabilize the great ship. It was rare that the destruction of a Spectronian Battle cruiser would cause a Starfighter to lurch but then again this one had been set to destroy worlds.

"Status report!" De'mon shouted another flash lit up the bridge.

"Lowering blast shields and increasing stabilizers in aft and quarter." Wufei announced from his station.

"Beacon transmitting, sir." Nerria reported. "We have ninh clear com waves and no major damage."

"Commander, the Black Star and the Andrometha are reporting the shock wave has peaked and is fading." Karl reported from his post, one seat back and behind the command stage.

"Vistar squadrons are reporting in." Wufei leaned down so that his next words only carried to the Odin and De'mon. "Detra Ish and Satray Meich are requesting permission to begin searching for Satray Ish. It seems that it did not appear to clear the Cruiser before it was destroyed."

Odin frowned and exchanged a look with both Wufei and De'mon. "Did they find out who was piloting the craft?" Odin asked.

Wufei slowly shook his head, regretting that there was still no information on the pilot that had saved them all.

"We could contact Rehn on planet, see if he knows who it could be." De'mon suggested.

Odin nodded. "Do so." Looking at Wufei he met his advisor's dark eyes. "Have Heero chose only those trusted to begin the search. We need to find anything we can."

Wufei bowed and headed to his post to relay the orders to the Squadron Commander.

(O)

Looking out his vistar's canopy, Heero could see Trowa and Jaxon floating near him, waiting for word. They had all tried to keep track of the mysterious Satray Ish as it fired up it's remaining engines to maneuver away from the dying Crusier. They had all known that it would take a miracle for the damaged vistar to clear the debris field before the explosion. Had all turned, against orders, to try to retrieve it. There would have been little they could have done but bumped it along with the hope of inertia taking it further. They had all been willing to sacrifice in order to save that one pilot. The big question in Heero's mind was -why?

"Detra Ish." Heero jumped, it was not Nerra's voice breaking the silence. "Detra Ish, respond."

"Detra Ish, check." Heero recognized Wufei's voice and knew that something was up. The young advisor rarely used the com, orders were transmitted through Nerria as a rule, so this was important. "Has our request been granted?"

The silence that returned was almost disappointing. Heero hoped that their Commander, his mentor, would not opt to take this has just another loss.

"Link status." was Wufei's only reply.

Heero frowned before answering. Why would the advisor want to know who was linked to his com? "Detra Meich and Satray Meich. The rest of Detra and Satray squadrons have joined the run on the remaining vipers and are to report in once the field is cleared."

Visual communications popped and Wufei's face appeared on the central com screens of the three waiting vistars. Their link would allow them to speak to each other as if they were in the same room, not in different ships.

"Command is granting the search, however, Odin would like as much information as possible on where or who piloted." Wufei's eyes seemed to meet all of them as he spoke in calm, quiet tones. "We need to know how to proceed."

Jaxon's face flipped up to dominate the screen as he spoke. "I didn't get a log from the link, it wasn't via the computers. He had to have gotten the vistar from Derris, though, because ID on it was confirmed."

Wufei once again dominated with a nod. "Begin search. Use grid tracking and com link transfers. We'll begin a sensor sweep once the EM field has dispersed. The Battle cruiser was carrying a lot of ordnance, so beware of any untangled torps or hot rockets."

"Check." "Check." "Check."

With three confirmations, Wufei broke the link. Turning his attention back to the bridge, he gave Commander Odin Lowe a confirming nod.

(O)(O)(O)

The room was not quite as luxurious as the safe-room the Naijor had placed them in, but it was the best that could be done. The walls were re-enforced with trillium, but left bare so that the color was a dull amber. There were no windows, no holo-sphere, no ambiance what-so ever. There were a few chairs surrounding a small table and one lounge. The food dispenser was flush against a far wall and had to be re-calibrated before they could be left there.

The pilot, Derris Rehn, had apologized for the extra precautions but it was agreed that until they could verify the out-world shuttle's intentions, their safety came first. Fermeldon had bowed to the pilot's knowledge and calmed the Council's fears as they followed the med-tech, Sally Po, down to the tunnels under the Polls.

Once they'd reached the room, Po had activated an energy pad and opened the door. They had entered hesitantly, but calmly, with Po behind them. She waited for the dispenser to be fixed and the lighting secured before shutting the door and securing it from the inside.

Sally had stationed herself near the door in one of the hard chairs while the Council roamed the room, some curious; some cautious, all were restless and tired of being kept in confinement.

"Medical Po, how long have you been in the study of the art?"

Sally dragged her gaze away from the sealed door to look at the Councilmon who spoke. She recognized him as the one who had accompanied the boy during her examination. "Excuse me?"

Ahl Boren smiled, understanding her preoccupation. "I inquired as to how long you have sought the study of the medical arts?"

"Um," Sally forced herself to give the Councilmon her attention, denying her worry over the incoming shuttle. "I suppose I've always been intrigued by healing and chose to focus on the study when I finished general education when I was twelve."

Ahl Boren nodded solemly. "So young. You sought the knowledge for a life goal. That is very commendable."

Sally couldn't stop the blush that colored her cheeks at the compliment from one of such importance. "Thank you."

Ahl Boren returned the small smile and took the seat next to her, his eyes going to the sealed door. "This is a most stressing time. War, is always damaging and painful, but often times growth comes from such that is unexpected. War is by nature destructive, but it is what we build from that destruction that makes a more civilized species. Don't you think, Medical Po?"

Sally frowned trying to fathom why one of the greatest minds would seek her to discuss philosophy and why now. Before she could answer the door opened and Derris Rehn appeared.

"The shuttle is the Unian Command. Commanders Kurama and Kushrenada are on board." he announced. "They want to meet with the Council if so permitted."

Fermeldon smiled and stepped toward the young pilot. "We will grant such with them."

Sally shared a quick glance at Rehn over the formal way the Councilmon accepted the order and took up the rear as they were all lead out of the small room. She pushed the question into the back of her mind and hoped that the Councilmon was correct in the re-building.

(O)(O)

The first view of the Polls was like seeing the open heart of a dead city. The devastation was encompassing and complete. Rashid felt the tears well up in this eyes as the shuttle swung around to land and knew that what was left here was nothing compared to the city.

"We'll get it all rebuilt, my friend." Treize murmured as he viewed the once majestic portal. "This can all be fixed."

Rashid shook his head slowly. "The lives lost here can never be fixed. These are building, no one minds them, it's the people who will need the most repair."

Treize nodded with a sigh as the shuttle slowly descended to land near the remaining building. Turning away from the scene of people scrambling to settle the shuttle into it's resting place, he began to gather his papers and made to straighten his uniform.

"In command is Patroo Command Patrol Jormah Uroff. He's not exactly command material, passed over twice for promotion. He's a farroe little man with ambitions but little practicality." Rashid told Treize as he prepared his own case. "He's good at scheduling, which is one of the few reasons Commander Dorshmon kept him on for so long. There had been rumors that there were some irregularities but nothing founded."

Treize 'hm'ed before turning to motion for Rashid to precede him to the door. Rashid hefted his case and laid a hand to his uniform, a habit he'd gotten into when he'd been made to perform ambassador duties. With a nod to Treize he indicated that he was ready and the two stepped toward the door awaiting the sequence to conclude and the hatch to open.

Jormah Uroff struggled to keep the sweat from falling from his face. With the Alliance Council he could bluff and bluster his way through command, but not with Tri Commander Rashid Kurama, the man was legendary in his adherence to chain of Command. With a huff, he motioned for the guardsmen to ready themselves and brought himself to attention as the door to the shuttle slowly lowered.

Rashid looked at the sweaty man before him, the nerves were almost a shadow hanging over the man.

"Commander Jormah Uroff, sir."

Rashid returned the quick salute with a nod and offered the same to the guardsmen.

"This is Quor Commander Treize Kushrenada of the Unian Council." Rashid introduced the stalwart man behind him. "I understand the Alliance Council is here."

"Aye, sir." Uroff replied, hoping that keeping his answers short he could avoid any problems. "We had them placed in protection until it could be determined the truth of your shuttle, but they have been informed of your arrival."

Rashid nodded, hoping the man would lead them inside, but instead he just stood there.

"We would like to see them now." Treize's voice was the flat aristocratic tone he used during Council meetings, it was a small sign of his displeasure.

Uroff gulped and moved to quickly lead them into the building. "Yes, sir. Yes, sir. This way." he continually repeated as he bowed several times while he walked into the building's shadowy interior.

Treize and Rashid shared a look, that if it had been seen, would have been a clear indication of how much they thought of the man before them. He was bowing and cowing as quickly as he could until both men stopped.

The scene was unbelievable. People were every where. Injured walked among the lost as uniforms scurried in and out of the throng trying to help as many as possible. It was clear, however, that there were not enough of them to make even the smallest dent in the masses.

"How many?"

Uroff stopped when he realized the officers were not following him. Turning he could see their eyes roaming the area he'd designated the refuge camp. Those who could not be identified were here while those of name and privilege were in the upper floors.

"Sirs?" He became uneasy when neither man seemed inclined to move, but just kept looking around.

"How many?" Rashid repeated.

Uroff was at a loss as how to answer since he didn't know what the question referred.

"Derhd-fencree." A quiet voice answered from behind them. "And that's just those who checked in to see if there was any family on the lists."

Rashid and Treize turned to see the saddened face of a young med-tech.

"Ah!" Uroff moved to her side with a smile. "This is Dr. Sally Po, she's been very helpful in getting the wounded organized. She also helped set up a med- scan for the lift."

Treize acknowledged the young woman with a nod, while Rashid continued to view the masses.

"What is the status on quarters?" Rashid's voice was gruff, not liking at all what he was seeing. This was not a viable safety zone, the Polls had all ready been a target once and it would take little to being it completely down.

"We have rooms ready for you upstairs in the VIP area." Uroff said misunderstanding the question. "We have arranged for a meal to be set out as well."

Rashid frowned and Treize nearly growled at the clear favoritism of the man.

"Housing for the survivors hasn't been arranged yet." Dr. Po answered, knowing full well how Uroff was coming off.

Uroff's face flushed as he realized his misunderstanding and quickly moved to correct it. "The Sadow were still patrolling the city and it was determined that keeping every one here was safer. Transportation will be arranged for early sun rise to send the majority back to the city for cataloging. There is a base set up in the Common area that will handle all of that."

Treize frowned, but refrained from speaking. Rashid was not so refrained.

"Why in the tretar would you send them back into the city!?" Rashid's voice exploded into the room, making several people stop and look. "These people should have all ready been confirmed and readied for transfer to Norderon or Mal Seczar! You should have all ready contacted those cities to make arrangements for ground transportation and housing for these people!"

Uroff cringed as the Commander's voice rose in volume and anger the longer he spoke.

"There is no reason for these people to have to stay here longer than necessary! This place is a transport arena and as such would be a target should they decide to attack again." Rashid roared as he stepped forward to look down at eh smaller man. "Wounded should have been treated and prepped for the nearest med facility and the families united as fast as possible. SOP for war active areas!"

Uroff stumbled to speak in the hopes of explaining, but it only served to make him look a little more stupid as he struggled.

"Dr. Po, I suggest you begin arranging those who can travel from those who can't. Set up a quick triage section nearest the activated areas and move those in need up to the floors that cleaner." Treize spoke softly as Rashid grabbed Uroff's arm to pull the man away. "Make arrangements for the food stores to be rationed off to the people down here first all others in order of need. Get the guardsmen to help you move these people to a more comfortable placement, then report back to us."

"Yes sir." It was all Sally could do not to smirk at Uroff. These were things she had tried to get him to do, but the man had informed her in all arrogance that he was 'in charge' and would do as he wanted. With a slight salute, she hurried off to take charge of the mess Uroff had made.

Treize looked around to find Rashid, hoping that he would not be pulling his friend off a cowering Patrol Commander.

(O)(O)

Heero sighed as he rechecked his instruments. They'd been doing a methodical grid search for the last dial and had covered very little. The debris field of the Sprectronian Battlecruiser was spread out over two quads and made it difficult for the three of them to do a proper search.

"Detra Ish?"

Heero sighed and activated his com. "Check."

Jaxon sighed heavily. "I've got nothing. This is impossible with just the three of us."

Heero nodded.

"I contacted the Red Star," Trowa broke in. "to see if they would deploy Satray and Detra to help."

Heero frowned, he could just imagine Wufei's reaction to that.

"They ran scans after the EM field dispersed. There were no readings to indicate vistar debris." Trowa reported. "The vipers were all destroyed so they are refueling and then adding the two squads to the search."

"Check that, Detra Meich." Heero kept the emotion out of his voice as he replied.

"How long do we have?" Jaxon's quiet questioned renewed the tension among the three. They all knew they would not be able to search indefinitely.

Trowa sighed. "They've given us another dial maybe a dial to half, that's the only reason Wufei agreed to send out the squads."

"Check." "Yeah, check."