Ok... This chapter may or may not be 5,690 words...

Universe 378

Dr. Charles frowned at the piece of paper in his hand.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked his assistant; a shy girl, no older than twenty-five with blonde hair that was pulled up into a tight bun. She had insisted on working with him when they first met back at the university on Earth. At first he said no saying something about not wanting children running around underneath him. But she was persistent, always catching him between classes and in classes and one time even at his home late into the night. She showed him other skills she posed, finally persuading him to let her come along.

"Yes Doctor. I ran the numbers twice just to be sure." He threw the clipboard roughly back at her, his voice stern.

"Well then do it again!" Techies looked over their shoulders at him and the blonde. She ducked her head saying that she would and dashed off, doing his bidding. Dr. Charles gripped the metal railing that separated the science deck and large window. His shoulders tensed and rage seemed to radiate out of him. Captain Rizzoli can't know of this. He shoved himself away, going back to his work.

"You're kidding me right?" Konif asked as Jane grabbed the ball from her and ran away with it, swerving around Shafter.

"Why would I be?" Jane painted, shooting the basketball at the neat, missing. The net had to be moved higher so Shafter could play with them, its seven feet height giving it an advantage.

"Are you sure he said that?" The Captain gave Konif an annoyed look.

"I do not think Jane is kidding with you Olga." Shafter hummed, dribbling the ball as the game came to a standstill. They were enjoying some much needed R&R, the past few days being rather hectic with the preparation of arriving at the black hole. The Charkgin's running around, making sure all of their monitors where up and running, getting their own fighters to tip top shape so they could get closer to the black hole and get better readings. It was all dangerous work and it weighed heavily on Jane's mind. Under her command anything could go wrong, she found herself needing to lose herself in the silver sphere, the forest promising escape from all of her duties.

"Oh yeah and were you there?" Konif took a swipe at the basketball it was holding while Jane went to go get a drink of water on the table behind the two bickering friends.

"Well-" Jane cut off Shafter.

"Yeah it was." The red head spun facing Jane, while Shafter's face showed confusion and then finally understanding.

"Yes I was Olga and if I do remember correctly, we told him that you were more than willing to go to dinner with him tonight."

"You two did what?!" The small woman shrieked and dived at Jane who easily threw her over her shoulder, making the red head land on the padded floor with an "oomph". She laid there as her friends leaned over, looking down at her.

"I actually wasn't there, so I have no idea what Jane said to the promising suitor," Shafter hummed, squinting in its eyes; humor. Konif grabbed Jane's outstretched hand grumbling.

"To tell you the truth he didn't even want me to tell you. He just asked if you were seeing anyone and if you would be free tonight. I think he's planning on asking you sometime while you're at your post, so you can't really run away." Jane said softly, trying not to draw any more attention to the three then they already did. When the time called for it, Jane could be very fierce, hard, and distrustful, but around her friends she was quiet and thoughtful. She knew many people called her a bitch behind her back because she was such a determined worker and wanted to get everything done right. But, as Konif often said, "You just gotta get to know the Captain, she's pretty chill."

"Thanks for the heads up." The red head looked down at her hands, picking at an invisible scab.

"Konif I can tell him it's a bad idea…" Jane trailed off, looking up at Shafter who had all three eyes closed; worry.

"What? No, don't do that." Konif sighed before lifting her head and squaring her shoulders.

"Then what's wrong?" Shafter hummed.

"It's just…. I have nothing to wear." Jane burst out laughing as Shafter hummed with happiness.

"You haven't been on a date in what, seven years? And you're worried you don't have anything to wear."

"What you think I'm going to be rusty on my social skills?"

"Well, Olga, you seem to only converse with use or your 'minions'." Shafter put air quotes around the word. Konif frowned deeply, widening her eyes as it finally sunk in that someone was asking her out to dinner.

"Oh god… Oh god! JANE! What if I offend the guy?! You know with my loud mouth and the way that I always cuss-"

"Since when do you cuss?" Jane asked puzzled.

"Well not around you, because you're my boss." Shafter nodded its head in agreement, while Jane chuckled.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Konif. He seemed like a nice guy."

"Wait… who is it anyways?" Konif looked between Jane and Shafter.

"I can't ruin the surprise now can I?" Konif groaned loudly as Shafter put the basketball away. A few people saying hello to the alien as it walked by them.

"Come on, let's get back to work. I have to head down and talk to Dr. Charles anyways." They slipped out of the room walking down the hallway of Wing B. People walked by them, some engrossed with conversations others simply out to stretch their muscles.

"Oh Jane, I have been meaning to ask you. Can I come with you to go speak with Dr. Charles? My people would very much like to know what he is planning on doing and whether or not it will affect our readings." Jane nodded her head pleased that she wouldn't have to go speak with that creepy old man by herself. The doors of the elevator opened to the far side of Wing A, Konif held the doors open saying,

"Wish me luck with my incoming doom."

"Konif you'll be fine, just don't be rude." Jane laughed as the doors closed on Konif's scolding face. Something caught her eye as she fell into step with Shafter.

"Shaf, you alright?" The alien was being more then awkward, it was expressing something Jane had never seen before. The alien's eyes flicked closed for a second; worry.

"Yes Jane I am."

"You've never been good at lying Shafter." Jane spoke softly, knowing any wrong phrase will make her friend stop speaking. It sounded to Jane that Shafter sighed, the holes in its neck vibrating with the rush of air.

"It's just… Olga… and… her date…" The tall alien was flustered, actually flustered. Jane stopped walking, pulling her friend aside.

"Shafter are you jealous?" The alien looked very uncomfortable. "Oh my god you are."

"Please Jane. I don't want to talk about this right now." Jane stood there for a few more seconds, shocked. "But… I promise to talk to you about it. In fact I think I will welcome the idea of confiding in you." The Charkgin took a step away, looking over its shoulder seeing if Jane was following, she did lost in her thoughts.

Bi-species relationships weren't uncommon, but they were definitely scarce, most aliens out living Humans. But the thought of Shafter and Konif becoming a couple, made Jane happy. They were perfect for each other, constantly bickering back and forth and Jane had lost track of how many times she had gone over to Konifs' or Shafters' apartment and the other was already there. Now that I think about it, they are always together…. At first Jane had blamed it on the connection the two shared. The Charkgin make it a habit of saving others and when they do they have an unbreakable bond to that person.

"Captain Rizzoli, here to question me about my finding's no doubt," said a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Yes Dr. Charles; I want to know how everything was coming a long and if you'll be ready for when we reach our destination tomorrow." The Doctor fidgeted with a clip board in his hand, casting a look at Shafter.

"And why does this require the presence of a Charkgin?" A fire of anger started to burn in her chest at the Doctor's tone towards her friend.

"I am merely here to see how your experiment will affect my peoples' readings Doctor," Shafter; always polite even to people who hated its kind.

"Well, my assistant Doctor Veronica White will help you with that." A young blonde woman perked up at her name. "Veronica, be a dear and show this Charkgin around."

"Yes sir…. Oh wait." She shuffled a little bit in front of Shafter before stiffening. She brought her hand to her forehead and then back to her heart and swept it out. A deep hum escaped Shafter's chest at the woman's understanding of the Charkgin's greeting.

"Very good Dr. White." Shafter returned the greeting before introducing itself to her, falling into step they talked, moving towards some monitors. Jane let her eyes linger on her friends' broad back before turning her attention to the aging Doctor. They walked around the room, discussing what will happen tomorrow.

Upon reaching their destination tomorrow, which Konif has assured Jane that they will, the Charkgin will send out their own ships getting closer to the most dangerous thing in the galaxy without putting Hapsha in risk. Dr. Charles was planning on letting some of his crew attended the aliens, explaining to Jane a sort of jump portal.

"We will open a viewing portal out in space, using the energy of the black hole, and then connect to portal A with portal B which will be set up here." He pointed to a massive metal circle that had moving joints all around it. "By doing this we can get a clearer picture of what Universe 201 looks like, also, if anything does go wrong, I assure you it won't, we can shut off portal A before it affects portal B."

"I hope you're allowing Professor Palmer to be down her, after all you're the one that said he could come along," Jane's raspy voice showing her authority over this man.

"Of course I am Captain Rizzoli. As soon as we have everything up and running he will be allowed to observe and take as many notes as he wants to." Shafter walked up to them, Dr. White standing next to it smiling.

"Captain Rizzoli, everything seems to be in order here. My people will be very pleased."

"Good I'm glad, if that is everything Dr. Charles?" The older man looked between Shafter and Jane quickly before nodding his head. A few people saluted Jane as she and Shafter left the room walking down the metal grated hallway.

"I have to check in with Luna base and let them know that we are expected to arrive tomorrow. I'll talk to you later?"

"Yes Jane. I think you will. I'll find you. I must make sure my people are ready for the excitement that's going to take place tomorrow." They waved goodbye as Jane walked into the lab and headed over to the Holoroom, calling Luna Base. Her hair moved around with the air as the walls of the circler room started to spin, etching detail of the base. She squinted her eyes and tried to focus as the odd 2D of the room that was now being show before her appeared.

"You must be Captain Rizzoli," said a man she didn't know.

"Yes I am. I wish to speak with Admiral Jones; it's about my mission."

"I'm sorry Captain but Admiral Jones is no longer at Luna Base, business at the Orb Cloud called him away." Jane narrowed her eyes. The last time she had spoken to Casey, a few weeks ago, he seemed even more distracted than usual. "But where are my manners. I am Major Chris White." Jane quickly stood at attention slating the man with the common three fingers to our temple. "Relax Captain; I'm not one for formalities." Jane stood at attention still, not one to break code with a superior officer. Someone came up to the man handing him something saying his name again Jane perked up. White… Doctor Veronica White? I wonder if they're related.

"Anyways," he turned his attention make to Jane. "What can I do for you?" She quickly filled him in on how things were going and when they were expecting to arrive at their destination. Finally she asked a question one that she's asked Casey countless of times but never got a straight answer.

"Sir, permission to speak freely?"

"Go ahead Rizzoli."

"Is everything back at home OK?" The Major folded his arms, looking off to his right before sighing and turning his attention back to her.

"For now it is. The Flux, as we've dubbed them, is pressing against our borders. Everything is under control but I don't want to jinx it."

"Major White, why didn't the master in chief order the return of Hapsha?"

"Honestly, we didn't think that it would get this bad. We have underestimated this species, but we seem to be doing fine. Whenever we do get in a scuffle it seems they back away quickly when one of their own go down. This 'war' will probably be done by the time you get back."

"But Hapsha is one of the biggest fighters the fleet has." Jane rolled her shoulders, starting to forget her place, her anger distracting her.

"Look, Captain Rizzoli, the fact of the matter is, is that we need you out there more than anything, working alongside civilians, the Charkgin, the Oper, and the Jungken. We need to show the people of Earth that the Orion Fleet is willing to work alongside both."

"But-"

"I will not discuss this any further Captain," he said sternly. "If that is all?" Her face went stone, saluting him as the feed was cut out. She slammed open the door grumbling to herself, pissed off. She paced in the small confinements of the elevator as it made its way over to the H.C.C. When the doors opened finally it was to find a very, very, angry Shafter.

"HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH A THING!" It screamed. Two of its eyes were closed, leaving the third open, pooling with black; protection and anger. It was crouched down so it would be ready for an attack; the hidden fin on top of its head was raised, showing a very rare side of her friend.

"Well it's true! We all know it is," the man gestured around the crowd that circled them, all oblivious to Jane standing there. "We know you're only friends with the Captain to get into her good graces. Trust me we've all tried to do it but she's such a bitch about it. How the hell does an alien be better friends with her then her own crewmates?"

"Maybe because those aliens are loyal and don't talk about me behind my back," Jane's voice rasped out, making everyone freeze. Shafter opened its eyes, the third already going back to its normal blue, the fin slowly lowering at the presence of her. The man turned sharply, shocked that Jane was standing there.

"C-Captain, I didn't see you there."

"Are you sure it's Captain? And not bitch?" She took a dangerous step closer to the man. He attempted to school his features, straightening himself up, coming a few inches above Jane's height.

"Yes Ma'am its Captain." Jane narrowed her eyes.

"Get out of my sight," she said so softly that only he could hear her. He quickly dashed off, the crowed dispersing. Shafter straightened itself out, black still in its third eye, showing anger and hurt.

"Shaf, you OK?"

"Yes, Captain I am. Bu-" Someone called to Jane, needing her over at the Hologram of Hapsha.

"We'll talk later?" Jane asked, already moving away. The alien nodded its head before walking away.

Jane lazily turned the page in the book she was reading, the sun shining down on her, wind blowing through the trees that sat at the edge of the meadow. The soft SHH as her apartment doors opening made her ears twitch, but she continued reading. The image around her rippled as Shafter walked through it, lying down next to her, its feet hanging outside of the projection. They sat in silence Jane reading her book and Shafter playing with something in its hands and watching the sky turn a reddish orange with the fake setting of the sun. A bird tweeted off in the distance. Finally Shafter hummed out softly,

"Don't you get tired of this place?" Jane glanced at it and then back to her book.

"Yes and no, I welcome it. It's a nice change in scenery from the dullness of the ship." She turned the page again.

"May I then?" Shafter was pointing at the silver sphere, hidden in the swaying grass.

"Yeah go ahead." She sat up, marking her place in her book and turned to watch what Shafter was doing. It grabbed the sphere, turning off the projection of the forest. They were thrown back into the Jane's apartment, with the soft creaks of the metal moving, the coolness washing off of the window and the hum of the ship. She missed the forest almost instantly. A small hidden door opened when Shafter ran its finger across it, spitting out a small white rectangle that shined with different colors.

"Here, give me your right arm." Shafter grabbed her Omnicuff, opening the hidden compartment underneath, showing the guts of the cuff. Shafter and Konif where the only people that knew that that's where Jane hid her mothers' wedding ring. The alien found the hidden area and placed the object that was in its hand there. "Just for safe keeping Jane," Shafter explained. It turned its attention back to sphere, placing the thing it was fiddling with into the small port. With a look over its shoulder Shafter turned the sphere back on.

Blue. There was so much blue. The sphere made it look like they were sitting inside a glass dome. She could feel the hardness of it underneath her bottom, her bony ankles digging into it. They were underwater, vibrant fish swam by in schools or by themselves. Light wobbled and shifted as the top of the ocean they were in contorted it all. Jane took a deep breath; the air was fresh and clean in the dome, no smells getting to her nose. She looked down the clear bottom and saw the ocean floor just a few feet below them. It was covered in coral, fish, octopuses; something she had no idea what it was called swam around it. A dark trench was off to her left, a massive fin floated over the lip, before going back down again.

"I don't recommend reading at night in this scene, it would be very hard." Jane smiled.

"Is this one of the oceans on your home world?" The Charkgin were a marine based species, being able to breathe underwater and oxygen always making the Humans jealous.

"Yes it is actually, its," a low hum was produced from Shafter's vocal cords followed by a high click at the end. It squinted its eyes in humor at Jane's face. "In Human tongue we call it Larinth."

"Oh," was all Jane said turning her attention back to the fish swimming by the large glass circle they sat in. Shafter lay down, its body following the curve of the wall, Jane followed suit. They watched the fish investigate the object before continuing swimming along their way. The light rippled and Jane could just make out howling winds coming from above the water line.

"You're not a bitch," the alien suddenly said.

"Huh?" Jane was too lost in the moment to remember what it was talking about.

"What Officer Gaimen said, you're not a bitch."

"Since when do you understand human insults?" Jane deflected.

"Since I became friends with you and Olga. Don't change the subject Jane." The Captain huffed, folding her arms behind her head. "I know it hurts you whenever they call you something like that, no matter how hard you try to hide it."

"You know me to well."

"Ah well, it has been twenty years." Jane opened her mouth to speak but then thought better of it, Shafter not missing anything said, "Speak your mind Jane." She sat there, the hand under her head tensing than relaxing again.

"Shafter, what are you going to do when… well…," she couldn't finish the sentence.

"When you and Olga finally reach the end of your lives?" Shafter hummed softly. Jane didn't say anything, knowing her friend would understand. "I have no idea," the Charkgin whispered. In the corner of Jane's eye she saw Shafter wipe away something, a tear. Yet another Human expression Shafter has picked up on. She heard an odd exhale and looked over at her friend. Shafter's mouth was open, a sob escaping its body.

"Shafter…," Jane said, grabbing her friend as it started to cry harder. She didn't really know what to do, this being the first time Shafter has every fully expressed a human emotion. A long time ago the Charkgin had explained once that its people do have tear ducts, but crying wasn't something they were used too, stopping when they grew out of infancy. So she simply sat there, allowing her friend to cry on her shoulder, Jane however did have to admit, she was a little out of her element here. In a minute or two, Shafter stopped, it pulled away, embarrassed, wiping at its face and firmly closing its mouth.

"I'm sorry Jane."

"You don't have to apologies," Jane said to its back.

"I just don't like thinking about that. You have no idea how often I do."

"Me too," Jane said. Shafter wasn't just her friend it had become a part of her family. Her own Mother welcoming it with open arms, kissing each cheek and asking what it liked to eat, while her Father gave Konif a bone crushing hug.

"I'll make sure to put my new chess board in my will so it'll go to you. I just know how much you love the game," Jane said sarcastically. It laughed a little before turning back to look at Jane, its face showing no evidence that it had been crying at all.

"Jane, about Olga…" Jane raised her hand.

"It's OK Shafter; you don't have to tell me."

"I know but I want to."

"OK."

"I just… I want Olga to find someone right someone that will do her good, you too." Its eyes darkened a little with the thought of Casey but quickly cleared. "But I have no idea who this person is that's taking Olga out…. And… I… I mean." It stopped talking all together. Jane took a wild guess, hoping she was right,

"Are you worried that she'll pick him instead of you?" It shifted awkwardly.

"Yes," was all it said. Jane exhaled, running her hand through her hair, not used to playing match maker.

"Well then how come you've never tried to take her out then?"

"Because I don't want to ruin the friendship." Jane couldn't help herself, a laugh escaped her chest. "Why are you laughing at me?"

"Because Shaf, that sounded so… so Human." It hummed at her. "Listen Shafter, I don't know if Konif is even willing to be in a bi-species relationship, but I know she's not against them either. You two have a special connection, hell, I even feel it when she walks in and you're standing next to me. I'm not telling you that you should jump at the next chance you get to ask her out, but I'm not telling you that you shouldn't either."

"Are you saying that what will be, will be?" Shafter hummed, squint in its eyes.

"Uhm…. I think so?"

"Why Captain, how Charkgin of you." Shafter retaliated.

Someone was knocking loudly on her door. Jane groaned, putting the pillow over her head to dull out the noise, they knocked again.

"Alright, alright! I'm coming." She swung her legs out, hissing as they touched the cool floor, her clock reading 12:48 A.M. God, what do these people want from me. Jane yawned as she stepped up the two sections of stairs, before pressing the Holo button, allowing the door to open.

"Oh my gosh! He's amazing! I think I might actually marry him!" Konif's high pitched voice made Jane close her eyes and say,

"Not so loud…" Konif seemed to finally get a sense of herself; seeing Jane dressed only in her Simitu suit, messed up hair and half closed eyes.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"No, I was up playing chess by myself. Yes you woke me!" Jane said, only slightly annoyed that her best friend woke her. Konif walked by her heading to the kitchen, Jane saying a soft,

"Sure, come on in, I wasn't sleeping at all," under her breath. She walked by Konif filling up a glass of water and flopped down face first on her bed, throwing the blankets over herself. "Tell me everything," she rasped into the pillow and Konif did, oh how Konif told her everything. About how he was super funny, smart, and good looking. He's name was Shin-Tu and he was an engineer that worked under Kate Larson. And most importantly about how JD, the chef, had whipped up something special for them.

"Oh! I almost forgot the best part, he get's this little dimple in his cheek when he smiles, just one, it's so handsome!" Konif gushed as Jane blinked lazily at her. Konif finally yawned, the clock saying she's been there for almost an hour and a half.

"Oh man, Jane you kept me up to long," Jane shook her head, giving Konif a look. She laughed, joking with Jane. "I'll see you later on, today's the big day!" Jane grumbled and shifted down relaxing into the bed again, starting to drift off. Konif made a loud MMMMMUH sound as she kissed Jane on the side of the head, striding away throwing a 'good night my forbidden love!' over her shoulder. The brunette couldn't help but smile into her sleep at the small woman.

"Holy mother of fuck…" Konif said softly. Jane folded her arms, standing behind the red head looking out the H.C.C.'s massive windows. The floors got quiet almost instantly when everyone's attention was drawn towards the windows. Every color possible was off in the distance, spiraling into something. You couldn't actually see the black hole, but you could see all of the things being sucked into it. A large meteor flew past Hapsha, almost hitting it.

"Holy crap." The ship groaned as Konif switched on the reverse thrusters. The lights started to flicker and the hull of the ship shuttered with the fight they were in the middle off. The floor shook, throwing people around, then, the gravity cut out with the lights. Konif was scrambling, one of her hands flew over the dials, the other buckling herself in, her mouth throwing orders out to her co-pilots that just sat there not knowing what to do. The ship turned with its own will towards the space monster. Jane was shouting to be heard over the yells from the other crew, trying to stable the ship. She was on a call with the head engineer Kate Larson, trying to figure out the gravity and lights situation.

"Well at least give me some damn light, we're completely blind!" Orange light from the Holoscreen's and Hologram's making everyone look odd. White emergency light kicked one, red ones blinking on the floor.

"Warning, emergency lighting has now been put into effect. Please be careful with all activities." Andis' voice echoed over everyone. The black hole was fighting Konif with every tooth and nail it held, wanting to feast on their ship. Konif slammed into her straps, as did the other people who were strapped in when Hapsha finally broke free of the pull.

"YEAH!" Konif yelled, making everyone around her jump. "THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE YOU LITTLE BITCH!" She casted a look around her, quickly clearing her voice,

"Ahem… I mean we are out of the range of the black hole now Captain Rizzoli."

"Captain, I think I can manage to get gravity back on as long as we stay out of the black holes range. I have no idea why, but it just made all my systems phase out." Her accent made the hairs on the back of Jane's neck stand up. "Hold on." She ship hummed and creaked as the massive magnets started to turn around again, making everyone heavy.

"Is everyone alright?!" Jane yelled. She got answers, saying everyone was fine. She smacked Konif on the shoulder before heading up to floor one preparing for the mission that was about to take place.

"Opening Portal A in three… two… one…" Dr. Charles pressed a button while everyone held their breath. It has been five hours since they've come into contact with the space monster, already a few people have reported being sick. Jane could feel sweat trickle down her back and her stomach roll with the extra pull from the black hole, her crew mates mirrored her image.

"We have successful connection!" Dr. White said, the lab erupted in cheers.

"Oh good show! This is all very exciting isn't it Jane?" said Professor Palmer at her elbow.

"Yes it is."

"Alright, now here comes the moment of truth everyone," Dr. Charles said. His techies where running all over the place, making sure their communications with the Charkgin weren't getting cut off or that Portal A was in fact staying open. Shafter was on a Holoscreen, out in one of its people's ships, helping. Its vibrating voice spoke up.

"Dr. Charles…" Its eyes reflected something. "This is… unbelievable." Dr. Charles squared his shoulders and said with authority,

"Opening Portal B in Three… Two… One." The arms on the massive metal circle spun faster and faster, red lasers shot out of them. The arms where going so fast that it looked like a solid sheet of red, until, in the very center, blue started to emerge. Electricity shot out, attaching itself against the metal ring, assisting in the opening of the portal. With a flash of grayish green light, the circle erupted.

Jane's mouth fell open. The image was a little murky, but it showed what appeared to be a long hallway. A wooden door sat at the end of it, a table against the wall and a whole in the wall off to the left of the image. Things hung on the wall and a piece of what Jane could only guess to be, fabric lined the floor. It had elegant designs on it. Everyone cheered, but Dr. Charles frowned. It appears Dr. Whites readings were off. He smiled smugly at himself.

"Bravo!" Palmer shouted along with everyone else. Although the portal didn't show the outside world, it showed them enough to see that Universe 201 was so different from their own. She looked down at the little man who had a large floppy leather journal open and he was sketching what they could see.

"This is amazing," Jane said under her breath. She took a deep breath and walked over to Dr. Charles, getting closer to the portal in the process.

"Dr. Charles congra-" But something happening in the other Universe cut her off. The door at the end of the hallway opened. A woman crumbled to the floor, crying, the door slamming behind her. She was blonde, Jane could tell that much. A bag fell next to her as she pulled her knees in close to her chest, resting her forehead against them, crying harder. The room around them got quiet as they watched this woman cry. Jane heard scribbling and she looked over her shoulder. Dr. White had her hand to her open mouth, others faces were cold, trying to keep their emotions in check, but there leaning over a table was the Professor, sketching this woman grieving.

The portal only projected an image and not sounds, so they could only watch the woman shake in silence. A brown thing came into the bottom of the image but the Captain couldn't make out what it was. That's when it happened. Shafter started to shout something, but they couldn't hear it over the crackle of electricity that was coming from the portal, then the feed to her friend cut out all together.

"What's happened?!" Jane shouted over the load sounds. Dr. Charles was clicking buttons so fast but it didn't seem to work. She threw a nervous look at the red portal, the woman had a black object to her head, and it kinda looked like one of her sonic pistols.

"A portal is opening in Universe 201!" Dr. Charles shouted at her. She grabbed his shoulder, spinning him around so he could face her.

"What do you mean a portal is opening?! I thought you said that couldn't happen!" She rammed her finger into his chest to add emphasis to what she was saying. The sounds of electricity got louder, wind out of nowhere few around, making her hair dance. White light was being projected from the portal making it hard to see.

"Dr. White said this could happen, but I thought-" She gripped his color, slamming him into his computers, making the Holoscreen's wobble.

"YOU KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN?!"

An explosion from her left cut off Dr. Charles reply.

oooh! The merging chapter is next. No more jumping back and forth. *excitement*

Thank you for reading. : ) Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Take care everyone. - FTP