30 Worlds: Megaforce, Episode XIX: "The Ashes of Destiny"
BOOK ONE*CHAPTER FOUR
Ship's Log, Mission Date 1,193, Ensign Zenon Kar recording.
The Enterprise is holding geosynchronous orbit over Honolulu, as Prince William, the Rangers, the Five-0 members and the Phoenix Foundation team are attempting to secure the remaining eighteen smart bullets from the A.I.C.
On the Bridge of the Enterprise, Alexandra Danvers-one third of the Supergirl Key-turned in her OPS chair to face Zenon. "Ensign Kar, we've got a response to Prince William's information request from Challenger Base," Alex said.
"Put me through to Prince William's Mobilates," Zenon said. Alex nodded, then set to work.
In a conference room within the Phoenix Foundation satellite facility, William, Sofia, McGarrett, Mac and Jack were discussing strategy in the event of an A.I.C. attack, when William's Mobilates went off.
"Go ahead, Zenon," William said. "William, we've got a response to the request you filed with Challenger Base," Zenon said. "Patching you through now."
"What request?" Sofia asked. "Shhh," William said as a new voice came over William's Mobilates. "This is Prince William," William said. "Sir, this is Challenger Base Security, Captain Dylan Hiller speaking," the voice said.
"Go ahead, Captain Hiller. Princess Sofia is listening," William said before placing his Mobilates on the conference room table and tapping a button on his Mobilates. A holographic projection of Captain Hiller in his office aboard Challenger Base appeared.
"Sir, ma'am, i just got finished with interrogating all of the A.I.C. soldiers you captured during your last visit to the Unaligned World of NCIS regarding any knowledge they may have of the Phoenix Protocol," Hiller said.
Sofia shot a shocked look at William, who remained focused on the image of Captain Hiller. "And?" William said. "I've been able to find no indication of any A.I.C. knowledge of the Phoenix Protocol," Hiller said.
"Very well, Captain," William said. "Keep me apprised if you learn anything from our prisoners." "Yes, sir," Hiller said. "Hiller, out."
As the projection faded and William closed his Mobilates, Sofia realized why William had called Challenger Base regarding the Phoenix Protocol. "You think that if the A.I.C. knows of the Phoenix Protocol, they could kill Scarlett and absorb the Scarlett Warrior power," Sofia said.
William simply nodded. The Five-0 members knew of William's heritage through their work together in New Orleans, so they understood the meaning of the Phoenix Protocol-although until that moment, they did not know of the Protocol.
Noticing the confused looks on the faces of the Phoenix Foundation members, William explained the Protocol, ending by saying, "If the A.I.C. got a hold of the Scarlett Warrior powers, even the Grand Key would be useless against them."
Jack and Mac nodded their understanding. "Then if you need to do what you need to do, we'll all be there to support you," Jack said, extending his hand toward William. "Thanks, Jack," William said in shaking Jack's hand.
The next morning, William woke up in the residential compartment aboard Gavan's Glory and saw the other Rangers asleep in their bunks. He quietly exited Gavan's Glory and made his way to a nearby river.
McGarrett was already there. "Steve, do you have a minute?" William asked. "Sure," McGarrett said as William sat down on a rock, his bare feet in the river. "Steve, have you ever had to kill someone you didn't want to?" William said.
"Many times," McGarrett said. "Both as a SEAL and as a member of Five-0." William picked up a stone and threw it so that it skipped all the way across the river. "I knew I had to kill them, though, so that myself, my teammates and the public could be safe," McGarrett continued. "You're asking me this because of your Aunt Scarlett, right?"
"Yeah, Steve," William said. "Until a few months ago, I did not have a family. Oh, sure, I had the family that raised me as their own, but they weren't my own. Then, I met Sofia, and then Scarlett, who told me all about my true self."
William looked at the eastern horizon, where the sun was riding over the cove where the Phoenix Foundation satellite facility was located. "But the fact of the matter is, with the Phoenix Protocol hanging over my head, I just don't know what I'll do," William said. "Will I be able to do what needs to be done?"
"I'm sure you will," McGarrett said. "After all, you have all of us standing beside you, ready to follow you wherever you need to go and do whatever you need to do."
"Mahalo, Steve," William said. William heard footsteps behind him. William leaped to his feet ready to right. But, he relaxed when he saw Sofia. However, William noticed the concerned look on Sofia's face.
"What's wrong, Sofia?" William asked. "I just heard from Alex on the Enterprise," Sofia said. "An A.I.C. vessel is approaching."
William shared a concerned look with McGarrett. He then turned back to face Sofia. "Wake everyone up, Sofia," William said. "We need to be ready for whatever they have planned."
::TBC::