SGU s04 e12

Family pt. 2

Nick watched the CI screen as Destiny's FTL drive laboured under the strain of towing a second ship. Temperatures were rising steadily, as power consumption followed a steeper trend upwards.

Finally needing an answer he asked, "Chloe, how much longer? She's getting hot and we're draining power fast."

She tapped away at her controls saying, "We can only reach 9.98 Ly/hour, we need to hang on for another 40 minutes, give or take a couple..." she went back to concentrating on flying the ship.

Eli stared at Nick who just shook his head and cursed before saying back to him, "Eli, cut off all non essential systems where ever you can find them. We need every drop of juice we can get or we are not going to make it lad!"

Everett listened in and quickly made an announcement throughout the ship. "All personnel, may I have your attention. We are cutting all non essential power requirements to the entire ship in two minutes. You have until that time to get to a safe area or in your own quarters...three, two, and one, mark!"

The crew scurried out from their stations and gathered in central areas or returned to quarters. Two minutes was up fast as Eli was given the nod by Everett to begin shutting down the systems.

Everett then asked Rush where Destiny stood. "How much longer will that give us?"

Nick answered in typical style, "Not enough... the power drain is far more than we calculated. We may get another 3 or 4 light years, but by then we will have to drop out of FTL and dump their ship, so we have enough power to get to the star and refuel. Yes I know they will be vulnerable without our shields, but what choice have we got...we can't run out of gas either..."

Deep within another galaxy controlled by the Ori, Prior Genesis sat on the throne in his ship immersed in flames. He stood and walked through them as his disciple prior bowed down and apologized for disturbing him.

"What is it now, has he broken?" Genesis snapped at the bowing prior before pointing at him. "Rise up and face me!" he retorted.

"My Lord Genesis, his mind is strong and yet to fall, but I bring other news from his galaxy..." was the feeble reply from the now standing Prior.

Genesis began to smile, "Other news? What could there possibly be that I do not know about?"

"My Lord, a spy is now aboard Destiny, which has survived your glorious attack as you had planned. Of course, none of our ships fell during the attack as you predicted... they seemed hesitant to fire back, however another ship of unknown origin began to fire in their defence. We returned fire, but Destiny covered them by expanding their shields, taking our final destructive blast. We believe the other ship was damaged but the extent is unknown." He bowed slightly again to Genesis.

Genesis placed a hand on his shoulder and forcefully pushed him down onto one knee saying calmly, "Why did you fail to destroy this "other" ship, it was not included in my plan and should have been annihilated immediately!" he allowed the words to rip through the prior's soul so he wouldn't forget who his lord was.

Under the strain of the Ori power, the prior tried to repent for his short comings. "Lord Genesis, we have tracked their jump into hyperspace and believe they will come out near a star close by. It would require massive amounts of power to tow the second ship into FTL flight." Genesis removed the pressure and allowed him to remain on one knee before him, as he listened to the prior's plan. "We will surprise them at the star, as one of our warships detected that Destiny needed to recharge soon."

Genesis allowed the prior to stand and turned away from him. "Surprise them at the star as they recharge you say? Do you believe they might have thought of that and dropped the other ship off before recharging?"

"Yes my Lord Genesis...and we have several fleet ships scanning the nearby systems for any signs of them" he replied more confidently.

Genesis remained with his back turned, but began to twist his head down to the right, ready to spin around. "And what of the Earth ship with the Ark onboard, have you found a way to locate them yet?"

The prior's earlier confidence deserted him as he knew the answer would anger Genesis. "My Lord, their technology is difficult to...understand, and tracking them has eluded us thus far..." the prior suddenly gasped, then felt as though someone's hands were around his neck and beginning to squeeze. His vocals stopped as the pressure began to build.

Genesis spun around on one foot, with an outstretched arm. His hand was shaped as though it were around the prior's neck, as he began to slowly close his fingers together, and in a low growling voice he reiterated, "Their technology is my technology! It is from my world! They are not the masters of this...I am!" It was more of a scare tactic than a truth, being that the technology in question belonged to the Ursini and Asgard.

The prior was now a foot off the deck, being held by nothing but the power of the Ori. His arms dangled uselessly by his side until Genesis finally released his near limp body, allowing him to fall crumpled, against the hard steel decking.

Genesis walked over to the damaged prior and knelt down quietly beside him, whispering, "Find the Earth ship with the ark. As for Destiny and her crew, no more games...annihilate them on sight. Use the beaming technology we gained from the Porta Galassie to go through their shields and destroy it from the inside out. Our spy onboard will die for the glory of Origin... or you will suffer my wrath and burn!" Genesis stood and walked back to his throne of flames saying with the flick of his hand, "Be gone!"

Two Ori guards quickly entered and dragged the prior out of the room.

Back on Destiny, decisions needed to be made.

Everett got Havoy back on screen. "Commander Havoy, we need to make a decision as to how far we can carry your ship. We are draining power faster than our best predictions had, and we will not be able to continue in FTL much longer. What is your current position with repairs?"

Archmal looked seriously at the screen in front of him before replying, "We have been able to get emergency shielding systems active which will give us about 20% of our normal capacity, of course we haven't initiated them while in our current situation. I have navigation and sublight engine systems working, but it will be some time before our FTL drive is healed enough to run. Some of the organic components take longer to rewire themselves. Life support is at 90% and holding steady, but I have lost three of my crew in the blast. Your people are fine, and assisting us where they can... how is Malisa and Topin?" His description came through fast.

Everett nodded, "They're fine and are with our crew on the observation deck. We have another issue about our situation..." he continued to explain. "We will run out of power before we reach the star at this rate. Our plan is to drop you off around a red dwarf system until we can recharge and get back. Do you still have weapon capabilities?"

A sly smile crossed Archmal's face as he replied, "Better than that, our cover systems are still active..." Everett gave him a confused look, so he clarified it. "We can hide the ship in plain sight...undetectable."

Everett nodded his understanding, "Oh, yeah... cloaking device, very handy" he said smiling back, and wishing Destiny had the same.

Nick interrupted his thoughts, "General, we need to do this fast. Power is down to fifteen percent...once under ten, a fail-safe will drop us both from FTL, allowing enough reserve to reach the star..."

Eli cut in saying, "There's a red dwarf star with a planet system just under a light year from here, I have sent Chloe the co-ordinates... and we should reach it in about 5 minutes."

Commander Havoy was listening to the conversation as it unfolded and asked, "What if they have tracked us and are lying in wait?"

Everett returned another question, "Depends on how long your ship takes to cloak... if it is fast, they won't have time to scan for you anyway. Our plan is to detach you, and for us to re-enter FTL immediately not giving them any time for attack. They are smart and have very clear powers of perception, so there is every chance they will be waiting for us anyway. As long as you cloak the instant the shield goes down, hopefully all will go well."

The commander nodded with a smile. "We've made it this far on our own so I cannot see why it won't work to our advantage. Once our "cloak" as you call it comes up, we will be without shields. As you probably understand, one can't work with the other." Havoy gave a small sigh then added, "And thank you, for protecting our ship...whatever the reason." It had been a rough journey for the Commander, and his eighty odd years was starting to show in his expressions.

Everett smiled back at the screen image saying, "Would have done it regardless... get ready to cloak..."

Chloe answered the next question abruptly. "We are dropping from FTL in 10, 9, 8," and continued the countdown until Destiny with her extra cargo launched back into normal space from FTL.

The infinite Voyage became invisible within an instant, disappearing into the blackness of space. Destiny jumped back into FTL after a moment of recalibrating from Dr Rush and Eli to override the cool down protocols.

Chloe was worried. "I don't think Destiny liked that idea, she feels a bit sluggish in her navigation...but her FTL speed is normal."

Everett gave an unofficial order to Eli, "Reinstate all systems please Eli, and get Havoy's daughter up here so we can explain what's happening."

Eli looked over to Greer who had sat at one of the vacant CI terminals, waiting to help with something that may have involved shooting at someone. Ron gave him a nod to tell Everett the reason they had come to the bridge in the first place.

Eli walked to Everett and said quietly, "Um Ev, there's something I need to tell you about Malisa..."

The two men stepped out of the bridge followed closely by Greer.

Everett started, "Okay Eli, what is it?"

Eli got straight to the point. "Well she seemed to be more interested in me than anything about the ship. But when I mentioned about our stargate being able to dial out of the galaxy, her whole body language changed..."

The General raised an eyebrow asking, "Changed... in what way?"

Greer prompted Eli who was reluctant to continue, but finally said, "Um... she seemed to hit on me more after I said it." Eli tried to hold his emotions back but a tear from the corner of his eye was giving his hurt away. "Like she was trying to...to butter me up or something, I don't know..." he trailed off somewhat agitated.

Everett looked to his sergeant for his opinion of the situation. "What do you make of it?"

Greer replied with his theory. "Eli is young and the rest of her crew are all old enough to be her parents, so hitting on a younger man is kinda expected. But the timing suggests a different version. Look at them...they must have been on the ship for nearly her lifetime. That would only mean one thing..."

Everett finished the sentence for him, "Their gate can't dial out past a certain point more like a normal one, or they don't have the power requirements..."

Greer agreed, "Yeah, and they're looking for a way back..."

Eli added, "But there was something else about her, but hidden. I can't explain it, just a feeling."

This time both Everett and Ron looked at Eli with some concern, before Everett asked, "Bad I assume?"

Eli put his hands to his face and cringed a little before answering. "I'm not sure, but I got a feeling of something personal..." he struggled to pin point what it was. "Just something about the way she acted... it was all just strange" he finished off.

Everett smiled at Eli, "Don't lose sleep over it Eli... I'm sure all will come out in the end. As for now, we should entertain our guests, Dr Wallace." He gave Eli a reassuring pat on the side of his upper arm.

As Eli took Malisa and Topin on a tour of the ship, he explained what had transpired with the Ori encounter and her father's ship. Malisa knew the systems better than anyone, and understood that as long as the cloak stay in place, they would be safe until Destiny could return to them.

Back on the bridge communications were received from the Apollo 2011 with an update of the situation causing Colonel Mitchell major concern.

Cameron had some new information at hand as well. "We have some reports that they are in an Ori controlled galaxy somewhere closer to the Valeyian Galaxy. Dr Jackson and Sága were able to finetune our sensors and track the signal about an hour ago. They also picked up a super gate just outside of the galaxy you're in. The tracking signal you guys found only led us part of the way, but we followed a pattern which suggested they were returning home through the stargate. It makes sense to go back to a strong hold. There's a real chance they will be waiting for you when you drop from FTL, so what's your status?"

Having returned to the bridge in time for Cameron's communication, Everett got a quick update from his crew sharing the line with Cameron. "Are we still on target for the star?" he asked in general to everyone.

Nick answered quickly, "Actually there has been a slight change in plan. The star in question would be the closest, but we have all agreed that it would also be the most likely target area. We have found an alternative, given we still have ample power left to reach it. There is no reason why we would have to recharge in the next month or so with our current stable levels, however under Ori attack it would become a problem..." he smiled at Everett, teasing him somewhat.

Everett didn't see the funny side of it saying, "Get to the point Rush, what's the new plan?"

Franklin took over. "General, we have found another blue/white star about twelve light years from our position. Given our new shield technology, it shouldn't be an issue to refuel on it. Another advantage will be the sheer size and magnetic forces which should disrupt any attempt by the Ori to track us, or fire on us that close in. The same is true for us as a down side, and with the temperature around 18,000 Kelvin, skimming the outer corona needs to be an efficient run with full shields and blast shields up. Effectively, we will be blind for the few seconds it takes to recharge."

Everett wasn't sure about this one. "This didn't go so well last time we used a blue star, is the dome going to survive it?"

Nick answered this time. "They installed a protective screen in every segment so we can close it off if need too... we just haven't needed to use it yet. The shields should take the blunt of it anyway, but I would recommend we get all personnel into centralised areas of the ship for more protection, just in case."

Everett thought for a moment, and then said "Okay. Let everyone know what's going on, but not where and when. Just keep it to using a hotter star than usual and don't elaborate too much, I don't want to cause another panic, understood Rush?"

Nick smiled and winked, "Aye, Aye Captain, she'll hold together..." his cheeky accented comment sounding more like Mr Scott.

Everett shook his head and left the bridge.

After the short span of chaos from the Ori warships, the people aboard Destiny were returning to some form of daily life. So much had happened in the last twenty four hours that Everett had forgotten there were still a reporter and cameraman from Earth aboard, waiting to be transferred to the Apollo 2011. They had kept themselves busy making a short documentary about life on a starship, with whoever would give them the time. They were informed that the Apollo would arrive soon and transport them from Destiny. Eli had found Malisa and Topin, bringing them to the mess for some food. They ended up at sharing a table with Camille, Vanessa, and TJ, who were also having some lunch in the mess.

TJ was asking Eli, "So how long does Ginn have to go Eli?"

Eli couldn't hide the smile from his face. "Soon I think, only a matter of weeks now," he replied relaxed in the thought.

Malisa's interest picked up, but she remained unobtrusive to the conversation unfolding around her.

Camille then began to tease Eli cheekily, "Your gona be a dad-dy..." and began to laugh along with him and the others.

Now Malisa's interest peaked, and showed in her somewhat uncomfortable movement in the seat, before she openly asked, "Are you with child Eli?"

Eli was a little uncertain how to act, but just remained cool and spoke the truth. "Yes, my partner Ginn is pregnant, we're having a little girl..." he made a half smile at her.

She returned the smile saying, "You must be very proud, Eli..." but her smile was short lived, as she felt her plans for Eli shatter.

Although Topin was aware of the overall plan, he began to fully realise the position his commander had put his own daughter in. Having a fling and hoping to get pregnant without the knowledge of the "father" was one thing, but to initiate that with a man who is in love played on his own sense on moral decency. Topin suddenly found his self racked with guilt, and some jealousy toward what was unfolding. This was only compounded by his own feelings of love toward Malisa. He quickly excused himself from the table, making straight to the nearby "facilities" to avoid suspicion.

The enormity of Malisa's fear of failure began to show as a tear in her eye, something that TJ quickly noticed.

"Malisa, are you okay?" TJ asked softly.

She realised her tear gave something away, as Malisa quickly blinked and made out that everything was fine by saying, "Yes...I just felt something touch my eye, it may have been a stray eyelash."

TJ had been watching her body language and knew something else was the real problem, and she insisted on having a quick look at Malisa's eye in the infirmary, hoping for a chance to dig deeper.

TJ said, "Well just to be certain, come with me to the infirmary and I'll take a look. I can also show you some of our medical technologies that may be able assist your people", trying to put a different spin on it.

Malisa decided to concede so as to not raise any suspicion to her real motives, even if they had appeared to fail. "Yes, that would be the reason we are here, to learn new things about each other." She smiled and followed TJ back to the infirmary.

On board the Infinite Voyage, Amanda and Matt had been run off their feet attending to casualties and the damage caused by the attack. Amanda's unexplainable link to Destiny was a gift in her ability to assist the injured so readily, while teaching the ships own medical staff some different techniques. She had found that some of their understanding of human medical practices was thirty to forty years behind the Earth standard of today, and most about the same.

Matt found himself more useful assisting with the ships repair. He had struck up a conversation with one of the ships flight engineers called Latar (La-tar), while helping to repair damaged FTL drive systems.

Latar had his head under a console unit in the FTL drive bay, with Matt at the rather 1960's looking controls. "Try that..." he said to Matt.

Matt pressed several buttons in sequence and rotated a dial. An electrical "pop" crackled from under the console, as Latar was thrown out from underneath.

Matt felt bad watching, but it had looked funny as he tried hard not to laugh while Latar shook himself off. "Sorry Latar..."

Latar put up his hand to Matt, "No Captain Scott, it's fine...my own fault. I touched the wrong crystals together. Damn all this mess, if it wasn't for that damn sun exploding we would still have our full power systems!"

Matt was intrigued by his comment questioning, "Sun exploding?"

Latar was still feeling a little jittery from the small electrical belt he had just received and thought a rest was in order anyway. "Yes, sun exploding...we call it a supernova when a star explodes. We were just in the wrong quadrant at the wrong time and were caught in the beginning of the explosion. Unknown to us at the time, we were...um... effectively time shifted by the gravitational disruption, and launched about 2000 orbits into our future. Since then, we have been unable to dial back our planet for a couple of reasons." He breathed a deep sigh as he collected himself and stood up.

To Matt, this seemed like serious information that was probably not meant for his ears, but he persisted to gain as much knowledge about it as Latar would allow him to have. "So, can I ask what the reasons are?"

Latar collected his thoughts before answering. "Um...what was I saying? Oh yes... Well firstly, we have been unable to restore full power to our Vortex gate, due to the damaged sustained in the explosion. Our power storage capacity was reduced by nearly 45%. Of course to initiate across galaxies, we need at least 80% to establish the connection, but very little once it is active. This leaves us with close planet connection only, and no real way to make it back home." His mind appeared to be more focused on the issue at hand as he spoke.

Matt asked again, "What's the other issue?"

Latar smiled as he got down and began to crawl back under the console. "2000 orbits is a guess...we don't even know if our gate on the planet is still there, let alone the planet itself... Now be a good lad and try that again", his slightly muffled voice coming from under the console.

Matt went through the well rehearsed sequence with better results this time, as the console sprang to life with a winding up sound. "Alright, back online!" Matt said happily.

Latar played with the settings and smiled at Matt saying in a cheeky tone, "Well done Captain Scott, we'll make an engineer of you yet..." He called the bridge, "Commander, we have our FTL drive back up and ready."

Some distance away, Destiny was ready to drop from FTL and refuel. There was a general announcement made to everyone to move into deeper protected areas of the ship, but everyone on the bridge was confident the Valeyian shields would hold up fine. The blur of Destiny leaving FTL came over the ship around 3 AU* from the great star. Even though they were nearly 3 times the Earth's distance to our sun, the staggering amount of energy and light given off was already noticeably affecting Destiny's shields.

Rush barked the order, "All blast shields up!" and for the first time, the newly installed screens for the dome rolled over and blocked out the searing heat.

Destiny automatically deployed her collectors, and set a path toward the star at full sub light speed. From the outside, the ship would have appeared to behave like a meteor with a long streak tail and glowing front, burning up in the outer atmosphere.

She was burning alright, as Franklin pointed out "Where still 100 million kilometres away, and at 5000 Kelvin!" as the ride became rough and noisy.

Nick yelled back over the noise, "Shields at 98% and holding steady... if they fail, we won't even have time to realise it!" he watched as Destiny had already begun taking on energy some 50 million kilometres out. "Come on baby, hold together..." he said quietly to himself.

Chloe closed her eyes and became one with the ship saying aloud, "Entering the corona in 3, 2, and 1", as she slowed Destiny down slightly allowing more time for collection.

Nick yelled out, "That's it...get us out of here Chloe!"

She banked Destiny hard to starboard and climbed at maximum sublight speed away from the enormous gravitational pull of the star. She could feel the strain on her engines but knew they had to put some distance between themselves and the star before engaging the FTL drive. The shaking stopped and the noise dissipated as Destiny got further away from the stars influence.

Nick gave the all clear. "Full tank of gas, shields returned to 60% and steady... all systems functioning as normal."

Franklin confirmed his findings, "Life support is optimum, and it's a balmy 300 Kevin outside. All long range sensors are back online. Hit it Chloe..." he said with a smile.

In a blur they headed back to the Infinite Voyage.

Te'arly entered the infirmary with Hadrian in her arms. "Hello Tamara, it is time for his weigh in", she said playfully as she looked at his beautiful little sleepy face. She looked to Malisa, who was somewhat shocked at the sight. "Hello, I'm Te'arly...and this is little Hadrian", she said softly.

Malisa had never seen a baby up close like this, only in pictures. He father had been very protective of her, not allowing her much access off the ship. Her next thought of trying to make one of these tiny humans sent her reeling into uncertainty. "I'm Malisa..." was all she could stammer.

TJ began to smile broadly as Te'arly handed over her baby for Tamara to examine. "Come here you little cutie", she babbled holding him close to her.

Malisa turned around quickly and made for the door, only to find it locked. As she struggled to open it, Te'arly came over concerned for her actions. "Malisa..." she said gently, "What is wrong?"

Malisa began to cry uncontrollably, and turning toward Te'arly, she slid down to the floor. The sight of this innocent baby had tipped her over the edge with emotion...she crumbled to the floor.

Immediately Te'arly's first action was to comfort her, and without any hesitation she held Malisa to her and gently stroked her long hair like a child, speaking softly to her "It will okay sweetie, whatever it is we will work it out..."

Te'arly's beautiful nature made Malisa feel safe, and for the first time in her life she began to trust a complete stranger. Her sobbing subsided as she finally let out her pain. "I have been stuck on that horrid ship for so long, and then my father sends me somewhere to try and breed!"

TJ face turned to shock, but Te'arly, allowed the comment to pass and gave no emotional reaction. She simply asked, "Is that what he had asked you to do when you came aboard?"

Malisa nodded as she sniffled, blurting out the truth, "With Eli..." and began to sob again.

TJ put her hand across her own mouth out of complete shock, not knowing what to say. Her mind was now screaming to call Everett. Varro had been in an adjoining room going over some files, and had looked out into the medical room, spotting TJ's reaction.

He was soon standing next to TJ, and weighing up the scene, asking quietly, "What's going on here...is everything alright?"

TJ turned to him "She was sent here to um..." she paused looking for the right words, "um to have an affair with Eli" she replied quietly. "I think it may have been too get pregnant..." the response was in Varro's face, no words needed.

Te'arly was making headway with Malisa and quickly asked TJ to look after Hadrian for a short time, while her and Malisa talked. TJ suggested using one of the side rooms, knowing that Te'arly would find the underlying cause of what this was all about.

Te'arly helped her into the room and allowed her sometime to settle before asking, "It was Hadrian that set you off wasn't it? He has a way of making adults see life in different ways."

Malisa confessed, "I have never seen a real baby before, only in pictures."

Te'arly smiled warmly...if she was shocked, she didn't show it at all. "I can understand being stuck on a ship all the time, and how it limits what you see and experience. I'm sorry to have to ask this, but can you tell me more about why you were sent here?" Te'arly could tell by Malisa's attire that she was set to seduce.

Malisa felt as though she could trust this woman she knew nothing of... there was a sense of peace with her she had never experienced before, so she told Te'arly everything in the hope that something good would come from it.

"We had a problem on the ship when I was just a child... it was caught in a supernova explosion. After that time we lost the ability to contact outside of whatever galaxy we were in, and the radiation caused everyone to become sterile. We also believe that the gravitational forces time warped us about 2000 orbits ahead of our normal timeline. As I was so young, my Mother had me in our room at the time, which was double insulated from the radiation as a safe guard when the ship was built. I am now the only person onboard that still has a working reproductive system, which is why I was sent here. My Father wanted me to mate with a smart scientist mainly for the gene pool, and hopefully that any offspring would have the ability to one day correct what is wrong with our ship. So, as I said, we are stuck travelling forward, as they made a decision to go ahead rather than try and return home."

Te'arly took in all that she had just told her, and made a decision to help. "Well, I have to say that anything with Eli is out of the question, but as for trying to get home... we might be able to help you with that, at least in part."

Malisa's eyes began to widen, "Really? You would help asking nothing in return?"

Te'arly put her hand over Malisa's, "Yes...really. I want you to stay here with TJ and Varro, while I go and sort this out." She walked out of the room and very quickly explained what transpired to TJ, asking to watch her...and introduce her to Hadrian.

Finding Everett in their quarters, she sat down beside him, with his instant question, "Where's Hadrian?"

"He is with TJ and Varro my love, however I do have a more pressing concern and I need you to listen carefully." Te'arly explained Malisa's situation.

Everett didn't hesitate in making a decision. "That does tie in with what Matt said to Amanda. She also found medical records to the same affect. I wondered why Havoy was so interested in Eli, so now what Eli told me makes perfect sense too. I'll come down to the infirmary and let her know all is okay."

Te'arly gave him a very passionate kiss, finally saying "I knew you would understand my love..."

Everett cuddled her "Honey we have way bigger problems to deal with while the Ori are around, this is only a minor issue."

Malisa stood in front of Destiny's stargate joined by her father, with Topin by her side. Everett, Te'arly, Eli, Amanda, and Matt stood to the side as Nick dialled the gate to their homeworld, and established a stable connection.

"The worm hole is stable, begin transmission" Nick said after a pause.

It took Havoy some time to convince his people who they were, until they found the ships old pass codes in their systems. It had been nearly 2200 years that the gravitational shift had drifted them into the future, and the technology from his planet had advanced to an incredible state. Finally he was asked if they would like to come home, and after a quick look to his daughter, it was a resounding "Yes!" Within an hour, the crew had evacuated the Infinite Voyage, and taken all of the data collected along their journey.

As they began to walk through the gate Havoy stood beside Everett and Eli saying, "Dr Wallace, I am sorry for trying to deceive you, when all your people have done is to assist us. I feel very ashamed for my actions."

Eli gave a smile and a hand shake to him, "Hey well, if I was single it would have been a different story maybe..." Everett gave him a look, "Or maybe not. I'm glad it all worked out. Oh, and thanks for the data about your ship, it will be really helpful to us."

As he continued to apologise to Everett, Malisa watch Topin walk through the gate, then turned to Eli and hugged him saying, "I'm so sorry Eli... you are an amazing man" she kissed him softly on the cheek, "You will be an amazing father..." She looked over to Te'arly, who was watching in the background and mimed the words "Thank you..." Te'arly smiled broadly back and nodded.

Malisa waited for her father to be ready as Eli asked one last question, "What is happening to your ship?"

Havoy smiled, "They're sending a deep space salvage crew to collect it. The ship will remain cloaked until they arrive and signal it. I believe they want to display it to our world. Good bye...Eli."

With that, both father and daughter held hands as they walked through the watery blue...

Note: AU* Astronomical Unit (approximately 149.6 million km)