Uther watched absent-mindedly the information data what flickered on the screens all over the round bridge and leaned back. Finally he turned to look over the control shaft his first officer. "Agravaine, do you have any new information about the repair schedule?"

Other side of the bridge Agravaine glanced over his shoulder, the comlink clicked as he shook his head. "Estimate is still holding. We can leave tomorrow 1600. We had time to load all the necessary things and to take aboard the new employees."

"How many are there?" Uther was trying to remember. Station 51 was a medium-sized, modest and very secluded space port. It was focused mainly on ship repairs and was a waypoint to many who travelled across the space. It was rare that anyone came on board from there.

"Three. One of them is Gaius' new apprentice. Then one holder trainer and one machinist." Agravaine send the data but Uther didn't watch it. He just nodded and his eyes followed the radar user who nervously typed the screen.

"Something wrong Morgana?"

The young woman didn't turned to answer, it was like her fingers were typing more furiously now.

"I got a mark from the hyperspace. Mark 3-5-10." Her voice was tight. Uther frowned and directed the data on his own console.

"Are you sure?"

Answer came quickly. "Three signs. One big fish. Two pilotfish. No good."

"Do they call us?"

"No. They are trying to hide but this new system is really good." Morgana sounded proud and she smirked.

"Focus now." Uther commanded, still frowning. He felt everyone on the bridge looking him, waiting.

"Republicans?" Agravaine said out loud what they all thought and he could hear through the comlink how Uther scrunched his teeth. Then Uther leaned forward and hit the screen to open the all channels.

"This's your captain. Red call. I repeat. Red call."

The sleeping bridge came to life again.

"Estimated time of arrival?"

"An hour standard time." Morgana's fingers were flying on the screen when around her the Excalibur began to wake up again.

"Abort the loading and be ready for quick departure as soon as everyone is on board again. Give a warning to station. Open the connection to the station chief. We do not have time flee without republican's notice, so the whole station is in the firing line. Tell to start the evacuation. And where the hell are our pilots?" Uther roared.

"Looks lie here is some kind of party going!" Arthur yelled over the music and Leon grinned. "I can't believe you snugged us out of the ship!"

"We deserve it, believe me. I handle the captain." Arthur slapped his friend on the back and headed toward the bar.

"Sure. He is your father." Leon muttered and followed.

"Two Galaxy if you don't mind?" Arthur ordered and the blond barmaid smiled and winked. "Not at all my dear. Here. You are from the Excalibur?" She watched the red uniforms and Arthur leaned over the desk. "You can say. When you can leave with me?"

The blond faced him and kissed him on the nose.

"Too young to me boy."

Arthur retreated and the blond walked to serve another.

"She is too old to you mate." Leon laughed and Arthur sighed and turned his back watching the celebrating crowd. "You are right. But I think I can find someone for to night."

It didn't take long, because someone stumbled, staggered, collided with Arthur, and they fell to the floor. Arthur tried to scramble up before realizing that apologising person was a young woman.

"I didn't look. I'm sorry. Are you hurt? It seemed to me that someone accidentally pushed me and I fell down, and ... I'm horrible! I ..."

Their eyes met. Arthur sank into the depths of brown eyes and he smiled foolishly. Rest of the world faded away somewhere in the background.

"I'm Gwen." She smiled uncertainly. Arthur realized that he was put his arms protectively around the woman's body and they lay on the floor, Gwen on top of him.

"Arthur." He said, and wouldn't want to let go of her. Then he saw Leon's smiling face behind Gwen. "Well, got someone?"

"This is Gwaine and Lance. They are coming too." Gwen introduced last the two young men. Arthur felt Lancelot's investigative gaze, and suddenly felt nervous. They exchanged compliments, and finally Arthur and Leon sat down.

"So this is your farewell party?" Arthur asked, and Gwaine grinned cheerfully. "Oh, yes. All-time party! Best ever seen in here! Although that doesn't take much." He laughed. "However, we are missing one of the gang. Hey, Lance, did you see Merlin earlier?"

"He said to come, but he's probably stuck in his jobs and not notice the time passing again."

"He promised to come." Gwen sounded miserable and his good cheerfulness seemed to disappear. Arthur wondered who that Merlin was because the entire party around the table seemed to start suddenly yearn after that person. Gwaine dug up his communicator. He tried to call but then looked the communicator oddly and frowned.

"I can't get through."

And then, the alarm went on.

"Oh, you have to be kidding me, right?" Arthur watched how the night club's disco lights went off and the red and green light suddenly stopped the music.

"This is the security chief. The station is under the evacuation. Please, stay calm and follow the plan. Everyone have to return to their ships or either the rescue vessels…"

"You three, you are coming with us." Arthur rose.

"But…" Gwen stared at him surprised.

"Follow him Gwen. Our place is in Excalibur now." Lance rushed her to move. Arthur put his comlink back online.

"Arthur, do you hear me? Answer if you…"

"Sire…"

"Where the hell are you?"

"Inside the station. We…"

"No time for that. Get back here NOW! I presume that Leon is with you."

"Yes. What is going on?" Arthur steeled his nervousness.

"The republicans."