Disclaimer: I don't own the BLoSC series or the movie. Enjoy!

Chapter 20

Secret Links

Ranger Buzz Lightyear stood beside another Senior Space Ranger, Bronx Cossette, in a hospital room within one of the few Star Command bases on Capital Planet.

The stark, sci-fi white room glowed softly with bioluminescent panels. In the center lay Tobias, his body dwarfed by the advanced medical equipment surrounding him. Tubes fed oxygen into his lungs, IV fluids ran into his arms, and his legs were secured in heavy casts. Machines hummed, their blinking lights monitoring his vitals in an otherwise silent chamber.

Buzz and Bronx kept their tired eyes locked on Tobias, watching for any sign of movement. The exhaustion on their faces was unmistakable, dark circles under their eyes, weary expressions that betrayed sleepless nights.

Bronx lightly patted Buzz on the shoulder. "I'll take it from here," he said quietly.

Buzz hesitated, "I don't feel right leaving him like this."

"Don't worry, I've got this covered," Bronx reassured him. "Besides, you need to be at the emergency meeting in Conference Hall One."

Reluctantly, Buzz nodded, "Okay, keep me updated on any changes."

After Buzz exited, Bronx took a slow step toward the chair beside Tobias' bed. He slouched into the seat, carefully grasping Tobias' clawed hand, mindful of the IV line.

Bronx may have shown Buzz a confident front moments ago, but the reality was different.

The doctor's words still echoed in his mind. Tobias' legs were so severely burnt that they could no longer function properly.

The damage had compromised the nervous system connections leaving Tobias unable to walk again and was currently in a deep coma, his future uncertain.

At least Tobias was alive. A small mercy, but an empty one.

His thoughts drifted back to the night before, when Tobias' parents had visited. The contrast between them was striking.

Tobias' mother, dressed in an elegant, fancy gown as though she had come from a high-society event, had been a heartbreaking sight. Her refined appearance stood in stark contrast to the raw emotion on her face as she cried over her son's bedside, her tears falling freely as she gently stroked his hand. The room had been filled with her quiet weeping.

Tobias' father, in his sharp, tailored politician's suit, had stood tall near the door, maintaining his cold and distant demeanor.

Despite the stoic facade, Bronx had noticed the subtle signs that Tobias' father's clenched clawed hands, gripping tightly in an effort to maintain control.

Father and son looked so alike, the resemblance was undeniable, and it made the father's struggle even more heartfelt. It was a rare crack in the armor of a man who had built a career on strength and composure, and it spoke volumes to Bronx.

He knew then, despite the outward coldness, Tobias' father cared deeply for his son. The pain in his eyes, he was suffering just as much as Tobias' mother, though he refused to show it.

Bronx's gaze shifted to Tobias' stiff, emotionless face. The once vibrant and sharp-eyed ranger, now so still, was almost unrecognizable. It hit Bronx hard, reminding him of those early days at the Academy when Tobias was always the loudest voice in the room, full of energy and life.

In the stillness of the room, he realized just how much he would miss Tobias' lively chatter that had always enlivened their moments.

As he held Tobias' hand firmly, Bronx silently prayed for a miracle, hoping against all odds for Tobias' recovery.

Buzz quickened his pace toward Conference Hall One, the sharp sound of his boots echoing in the empty corridor.

His mind remained trapped in the hospital room, replaying Tobias' stillness over and over. He couldn't shake the feeling that he should have done more, driven faster to the Mainframe, acted quicker, pushed harder to catch the one responsible before everything spiraled out of control.

The frustration twisted in his chest.

The chase replayed in his mind, each near miss another blow to his conscience. He should have caught the cloaked figure. Tobias had guided him through the hardest parts of his career, and now Buzz had failed him when it mattered most.

As Buzz reached the entrance to Conference Hall One, two Star Command Rangers stood guard.

The sleek, metallic doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the expansive room inside. The towering ceiling gave the space a grand, imposing feel. Advanced technology lined the walls, softly humming, while dim lights bathed the room in a cool, ambient glow.

In the center, a long, wide table made of polished metal reflected the light overhead, surrounded by large oval chairs, each equipped with personal consoles and data screens.

Several Star Command Rangers and a few heads scientists from major facilities were scattered around, quietly chatting among themselves. Among them, a group of Little Green Men (LGMs) huddled together, their large eyes wide with concern as they exchanged rapid whispers.

Along the walls, robot officers stood at attention.

At the far end of the table, Commander Nebula stood with his arms crossed, his face etched with fatigue. His eyes were heavy, and it was clear from his appearance that he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep, yet his stern expression remained as he watched the room, waiting for the meeting to begin.

Commander Nebula nodded at Buzz as he entered the room.

Surveying the room, Buzz took note of the others present.

His eyes landed on Professor Lepton seated near the far end of the table. The professor, dressed in his usual lab coat, appeared deep in thought, his brow furrowed as he absently tapped the screen of the personal console in front of him.

Buzz took his seat next to Warp, who leaned in closely, his voice low and concerned.

"Any changes?"

Buzz exhaled heavily, "Still no signs of waking up," he admitted, his gaze briefly flickering to the floor before meeting Warp's earnest eyes.

Warp's expression tightened, "He's a strong guy. If anyone can pull through, it's Tobias."

Buzz nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in a faint, grateful smile.

"Yeah, I'm holding onto that hope."

Warp glanced around the room, lowering his voice further.

"Anything we can do to help? Maybe there's something we missed, something more we can be doing?"

"Just keeping things running smoothly here," Buzz responded, his tone resolute yet weary. "Making sure nothing else goes wrong. We can't afford any more surprises."

Before Warp could respond, Commander Nebula's voice cut through the room.

"Alright, listen up. We've got a lot to cover, and we're not wasting any more time."

The rangers, scientists, and LGMs immediately took their seats, conversations halting as the room settled into silence. For the LGMs, their chairs lowered automatically to allow them to sit comfortably before rising back up to table height, adjusting seamlessly to accommodate their smaller frames. The quiet hum of the room continued as everyone focused their attention, waiting for Commander Nebula to begin.

"As most of you are already aware, the events at the Galatea Expo were nothing short of an operational disaster."

The Commander stepped forward, planting his hands on the table.

"Numerous machines at the expo were activated without authorization, leading to chaos among the attendees. Expo security forces and Star Command Rangers quickly intervened, but the chaos may have been exploited by our adversaries. Concurrently, there was a breach in the Mainframe. We suspect that vital data was accessed or stolen during this incident. We are conducting thorough investigations to identify the extent of the data compromise."

His gaze shifted toward the head scientists, LGMs, and Star Command Rangers present.

Commander Nebula paced the length of the conference room, his steps measured and deliberate. He stopped and gestured toward the holographic display of the mysterious capsules, drawing everyone's attention.

"These capsules from the expo," he began, his voice projecting to reach the back of the room, "share startling similarities with those found in the PAX storage facility incident. However, just like before, no digital imprint or traceable data has been left behind that can link the capsules to their source. Whatever this technology is, it's sophisticated and highly dangerous."

Buzz's thoughts were a whirlwind.

He and Warp had been on the ground at PAX and nearby areas, combing through everything and questioning anyone who might have seen anything out of the ordinary. Yet, despite their diligent efforts, they had come away with frustratingly little vague impressions and half-seen shadows that now seemed prescient but at the time had felt inconclusive.

Professor Spyro Lepton interjected with a raised hand.

"Yes, Professor Lepton?"

"May I examine a physical sample of the capsules?" Professor Lepton asked.

Commander Nebula's eyebrows raised slightly.

Professor Lepton, not missing a beat, waved his hand around the monitor in front of him, displaying images of the charred and twisted capsules.

"I'm aware that your team has already conducted preliminary analyses, but I believe I can provide additional insights, especially regarding their capability to control mechanisms remotely and to self-destruct."

Everyone could practically see the excited look on the professor's face as he spoke.

"Understanding these aspects could offer substantial advancements in our technology."

The professor quickly added, "I assure you, Commander. I have no intention of tampering with it."

His gaze met Commander Nebula's glare.

Buzz observed the interaction from his seat. He respected Professor Lepton's intellectual zeal but was increasingly concerned by the professor's failure to read the room. It was clear that the professor was more captivated by the scientific potential of the capsules than the immediate security risks they represented.

Commander Nebula paused, considering the implications. He glanced at the images on the screen, then back at Professor Lepton.

"Very well, Professor," he conceded, his voice firm but open, I'll arrange for you to have access to the remains of the capsules. However, I want a detailed report on your findings and any experimentation must be closely monitored."

"Of course, Commander," Professor Lepton responded, his tone brimming with anticipation, "To assure everyone here of my trustworthiness, I can conduct the initial analyses right here, for all to see."

The professor then reached down and brought out a bulky suitcase, setting it on the table with a slight thud. Opening it, he revealed what appeared to be a personal analyzing kit, neatly arranged with various instruments and tools.

Commander Nebula gave a subtle nod to one of the robot officers stationed along the wall. The robot, understanding the command, promptly moved to retrieve the sealed evidence container holding the burnt capsules. It carried the container over to the table where Professor Lepton had his equipment set up, placing it carefully beside the analyzing kit.

The meeting progressed, with every participant occasionally glancing over at Professor Lepton's meticulous dissection of the capsule's technology.

While Professor Lepton busied, Commander Nebula cleared his throat, drawing the room's attention back to him as he prepared to continue the meeting.

"While there were other injuries on civilians and personnel who suffered mostly minor wounds from the stampede or the compromised expo inventions, none were as severe as Ranger Tobias Repio. He bore the worst of the attack. He was critically injured during the Mainframe attack. He remains in medical care, and his condition is grave."

For a moment, a flicker of emotion crossed Commander Nebula's normally composed face. He quickly steadied himself with a deep breath, then continued firmly.

"The LGM's, along with a few engineers, are currently working on repairing the remaining malfunctions in the Mainframe. Thanks to Ranger Tobias quick thinking, some of the systems were stabilized before he collapsed from his injuries. His act of bravery not only bought us time but potentially spared us from even more widespread chaos."

His gaze swept across the room, "Thankfully, no lives were lost, but this is a reminder to us just how close this came to a larger tragedy."

Commander Nebula turned to the ranger in charge of the questioning. "Ranger Velasquez, you led the investigation team. Give the room an update."

A tall male ranger stood up, nodding briefly before addressing the group.

Ranger Velasquez stepped forward and tapped the console, bringing the main monitor to life. The screen flickered through a timeline of images, crowds of expo attendees, hurried interrogations, and tense exchanges.

"Everyone present at the expo was questioned within the hour after the situation was brought under control," he explained, his finger tracing the images. "Due to the presence of high-profile politicians and key figures, we couldn't hold them for long. They were released and sent home after initial questioning."

The monitor shifted, displaying a series of surveillance stills from the civilian areas and various laboratories.

"However, it took longer for the civilian attendees and the personnel from the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma laboratories,"

Ranger Velasquez continued, "To ensure a thorough investigation, these individuals were temporarily confined within their respective facilities for a few days, undergoing extended interviews and security checks to rule out any potential involvement or suspicious activity. Nevertheless, we managed to complete the process, and everyone was accounted for and cleared."

Ranger Velasquez stood poised at the front of the room, his hand hovering over the console. With a light tap, the screen displayed an image of the Mainframe building.

"In regards to what happened in the Mainframe, Ranger Lisa, who was on guard duty that time along with Ranger Tobias, reported that she only managed to hear some strange activity happening in the Mainframe room just before she was tackled. She didn't see anyone before she was down. According to her, she was quickly overwhelmed by mechanical bugs from her statement, disabling her before she could investigate further."

The display changed to show schematics of the area where Lisa was found, the layout highlighted in red where the attack occurred.

"However, when we searched the area afterward, no trace of the spy bugs found. It's as if they were all removed, leaving no evidence behind," Ranger Velasquez's tone grew graver as he introduced another critical point.

"Additionally, we discovered that the surveillance cameras within the Mainframe were tampered with during the attack. This sabotage was clearly part of a coordinated effort to obscure the perpetrator's movements and actions."

Ranger Velasquez paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, "The only detailed witness report we have is from Rangers Lightyear and Darkmatter. They encountered a mysterious cloaked suspect in the expo."

Ranger Velasquez explained, showing the footage on the screen behind him. The cloaked figure landed deftly and disappeared into the shadows, evading pursuit with unsettling ease.

The other Space Rangers were visibly disturbed by how the mysterious figure had outmaneuvered Buzz Lightyear and Warp Darkmatter, the best team duo of the Star Command to date.

"The agility and tactics used suggest someone with advanced training, perhaps an ex-ranger," one of the rangers commented.

Commander Nebula added his observation, "The moves they show are from an old syllabus at the Star Command Academy. It's possible we're dealing with someone who trained with us, maybe even one who didn't make the cut. Although the techniques are outdated, but this person has upgraded them with advanced skills not taught before."

Buzz overheard Warp muttering to himself, "And they deliver a strong kick, too."

One Space Ranger suggested, "We'll need to dig into the records and see who might have learned these techniques but failed to graduate during the time the syllabus was still available."

Everyone nodded at that.

Who could possess such skills and motive? Buzz wondered silently, trying to recall any particular individual who stood out during his visitation at the academy.

Ranger Velasquez continued his report, pulling Buzz back from his thoughts.

"Security footage captured the suspect making a daring escape, jumping from the second-floor balcony down to the ground level. Given the lack of additional sightings and the chaos at the time, it's likely that this individual entered the Galatea Expo disguised as an attendee to blend in with the crowd," Ranger Velasquez speculated, "There were no further sightings after that."

Commander Nebula interjected sharply. "What about the second-floor surveillance? Wasn't it supposed to cover that area?"

Ranger Velasquez shifted uncomfortably, acknowledging the oversight. "The surveillance cameras on the second floor were focused on the main expo hall as per Star Command protocols. Unfortunately, they didn't provide coverage for the side area where the intruder was suspected to be located."

An expo administrative staff member standing next to Professor Lepton couldn't contain their frustration and spoke up, their voice tinged with accusation.

"How could the surveillance cameras not be set up to monitor such a critical area? We even went along with your protocols, adjusting our security measures as instructed. Are you saying it's our fault for not foreseeing this breach?"

Ranger Velasquez shook his head, explaining, "I'm not saying it's your fault. These situations change quickly, and even when we plan well, some issues can slip through. So please, we need to focus on fixing these together, not blaming each other."

Their voices began to rise, the argument gaining momentum, when suddenly Commander Nebula's booming voice cut through the noise.

"Enough!"

The Commander barked, silencing the room instantly.

His gaze was stern as he looked around.

"Pointing fingers won't solve this crisis or bring us any closer to catching our assailant. Our focus must be on resolution, not blame. You may continue, Ranger Velasquez."

Ranger Velasquez gave a slight bow.

"Thank you, Commander. Based on the timing and coordination of the events we've analyzed so far, it's becoming increasingly clear that we might be dealing with not one, but two intruders."

Ranger Velasquez's revelation prompted murmurs around the room as the implications of multiple attackers began to dawn on the assembled officers and scientists.

"The pattern of disruption and the different locations targeted simultaneously suggest this was a well-organized attack by multiple parties. The best chance we have to confirm this theory lies with Ranger Tobias. Unfortunately, as you all know, Ranger Tobias is currently in a coma and unable to provide his account. He was closest to the initial breach point and we could potentially confirm the presence of at least two assailants."

Commander Nebula nodded and stated firmly.

"Until Ranger Tobias can give us his side of the story, we must proceed with the assumption that there were multiple attackers involved. If we are indeed dealing with more than one intruder, our security protocols and investigation tactics need to be immediately reassessed and intensified."

At these words, Buzz's jaw tightened, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides, the knuckles whitening with the grip.

His posture stiffened as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. His mind raced with tactical consideration, each scenario more complex than the last.

They're not just tracking down a single rogue operative, they're potentially up against a coordinated group. The strategy, the risk, everything multiplies. Internally, Buzz felt a surge of protectiveness and an intensified drive to solve the case, not just for Tobias' sake but for the safety of the entire galaxy.

We have to be smarter, faster, and more thorough than ever. No mistakes. Everyone is counting on us.

As the scenarios played out in his mind, a familiar shadow loomed in his thoughts—Zurg.

It was impossible not to consider him a potential mastermind behind. But could it be Zurg? Buzz wondered, his gut tightening at the possibility.

While there was no direct evidence yet, the style and scale of the operation bore the hallmarks of his enemy's handiwork.

This thought only fueled his resolve further, he knew they needed to consider all possibilities. If Zurg is involved, they need to be ready for anything.

Buzz raised his hand to catch Commander Nebula's attention, signaling his desire to speak. Once acknowledged, he stood, projecting his voice loud and clear.

"Commander, I formally petition for expanded authority to enhance our perimeter surveillance and implement comprehensive search protocols across the entire sector," Buzz declared, "We must leave no asteroid unturned. For the safety of everyone and the security of our galaxy, it is imperative that we dissect this case with precision and resolve."

Commander Nebula nodded in agreement, "Exactly, let's coordinate with all departments, increase our patrols, and double-check all recent data. We need a comprehensive review of all our systems and procedures with this new threat model in mind-"

His sentence was suddenly cut short by a loud exclamation.

"Eureka!"

The shout echoed through the conference room, drawing every eye towards Professor Lepton. Buzz realized he had honestly forgotten that the professor had been quietly analyzing the capsule during the meeting.

As the room's focus shifted, Professor Lepton wasted no time capitalizing on the attention. He swiftly connected his analysis device to the main monitors, and within moments, detailed schematics of the capsule's inner workings began to appear on all the screens around the room.

The deep schematic outline provided a clear and intricate view of the capsule's design and functionality, which Lepton was ready to explain.

"The capsule contains a unique sequence link, unlike anything in our databases or any other sector's data has seen. There's no match anywhere I'm afraid, which makes it extraordinarily unique. While this doesn't immediately help us identify the culprit, it's an exceptional starting point and could lead to a greater discovery," he explained, his voice filled with awe.

However, a startling reaction went largely unnoticed by everyone except Buzz. One of the LGMs let out a quiet, horrified gasp upon seeing the link in the schematic. The sudden sound was brief, but significant, yet the others remained deeply engrossed in the professor's speech.

Without hesitating, the small figure quickly left its seat and hurried toward Commander Nebula. Buzz, who had noticed the outburst, recognized the LGM part of the Cyber Division at the Star Command base. Having worked extensively with the LGMs, Buzz had learned to identify each by their unique behaviors.

A Star Command Robot officer quickly stepped forward to assist the LGM, lifting him so he could whisper into Commander Nebula's ear, who bent down slightly to listen. After a few hushed murmurs, Commander Nebula's eyes widened, and his jaw clenched tightly. The Commander straightened up abruptly, his expression hardening, a sight that raised alarm in Buzz.

"Thank you, Professor, for this valuable insight," Commander Nebula said, his tone carrying a newfound urgency. "We'll add your findings to the investigation. Send a full report to the team as soon as possible, and if you uncover anything new, report it immediately to our officers."

The Commander then turned his attention back to the room. "This meeting is adjourned. We will continue to update you as the situation develops. Your participation and contributions are greatly appreciated, and further instructions along with your specific assignments will be communicated shortly."

The gravity in his voice underscored the seriousness of the information they had just received. Everyone gave a swift, albeit reluctant, nod of agreement.

Professor Lepton, however, barely concealed his discontent at the abrupt end to his presentation. He opened his mouth as if to protest but quickly thought better of it. With a slight sigh, he adjusted his coat and stepped back with his kit to leave the room with everyone else.

None were privy to the details of the whispered exchange between Commander Nebula and the LGM. This left them assuming that Nebula's immediate adjournment was a call for everyone to redouble their efforts and prepare for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the case.

As the last of the attendees filed out of the conference room, Commander Nebula turned to Buzz and the LGM. "Lightyear, with me," he ordered. "You too," he added, nodding toward the LGM.

Before he departed, Buzz caught Warp's eye. "Let's catch up after I'm done with this," Buzz said, his tone low but earnest.

Warp nodded, a knowing smile flickering across his face. "You know where to find me," he responded, his voice steady and reassuring, as he walked in the opposite direction.

Buzz straightened instinctively, exchanging a quick glance with the small alien before falling into step behind Nebula. The hallway was quiet, save for the rhythmic echo of their footsteps against the polished floor. The tension from the meeting still lingered in the air, thick and unshaken.

Curious, Buzz took the opportunity to ask, "Commander, what's this about?"

Commander Nebula didn't slow his pace. "I'll explain when we get there," he said gruffly, his voice edged with something Buzz couldn't quite place, a mix of restraint and something heavier underneath.

Buzz frowned but didn't push further. The LGM beside him fidgeted slightly, its small hands wringing together as it hurried to keep pace. Whatever it had whispered to Nebula carried significant weight, and the fact that they were being led toward the medical bay only added to the growing tension curling in Buzz's gut.

As soon as they stepped inside Tobias' room, Bronx Cossette, who had been seated beside Tobias, immediately stood at attention when they entered. But as soon as his gaze locked with Nebula's, the room's atmosphere shifted.

Commander Nebula stopped just past the doorway, his shoulders stiff. The Commander took a deep breath before speaking.

"We need to talk, Ranger Bronx. This is related to the Incident from years ago."

Buzz's fists tightened at his sides. Ranger Bronx's expression hardened.

They knew exactly what the Commander meant. The breach that had left Star Command vulnerable, the virus that could have crippled them if it had spread beyond containment. They had patched the damage, locked down security, but the perpetrator was never found.

And now, it was back in play.

Commander Nebula glanced back before nodding to one of the Little Green Men who had followed them in.

"Explain what you've said to me awhile back," The Commander ordered.

The LGM stepped forward, its voice distinctive but clear. "Professor Lepton analyzed the burnt capsules retrieved at the Expo. He discovered a link. Very identical to a fragment of code from the virus years ago…which was never fully decoded or traced back to its origin."

A heavy silence fell over the room as the implications of the LGM's words sank in.

"Are you saying," Ranger Bronx began, his voice tense, "that whoever orchestrated the Expo sabotage might have connections to the original incident? Or worse…that it might be the same perpetrator?"

The LGM's large eyes flickered with solemnity. "Affirmative. The code match is too exact to be coincidence. We still recall that image. The same code fragment we struggled to neutralize back then. We barely had time to analyze it before it self-destructed. To see it again... is deeply unsettling."

Buzz remembered that, the time Commander Nebula was injured and how Captain Stellaris and the team had scrambled relentlessly to find the culprit. But to no avail, before she ultimately retired. The unresolved past made Buzz's heart ached as he listened.

"The fiend who did this to Tobias," Ranger Bronx responded angrily, "I should have been there with him. That way…he wouldn't end up like this."

Sensing Bronx's distress, Buzz reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"It's not your fault, Bronx. We were all caught off guard," Buzz reassured him, his voice firm.

"Lightyear is right, Ranger," Commander Nebula spoke, "Focus on what we can do now. If it's really that bucket of a no-good droid I faced all those years ago, we'll be prepared this time. We'll take him down and bring it to justice," the Commander advised, before turning his attention back to the LGM.

"Prepare a detailed report on your findings," Commander Nebula told the LGM. "Include every piece of data linking the current events to the old virus incident. Ranger Bronx and Ranger Lightyear, I want a strategy meeting as soon as possible. We'll need to devise a comprehensive response to this threat."

As Commander Nebula prepared to leave, he added, "Keep this information tightly secured. If our suspicions are correct, we're not just fighting a known enemy, we're up against a shadow that has been lurking around for far too long."

Bronx spoke aloud, "Commander, what about Captain Stellaris? Should we bring her back for this?"

Commander Nebula paused, weighing Bronx's question. He turned back with a grave look.

"No, Ranger Bronx. Under no circumstances are you to mention Tobias' condition or any of this to Captain Luna. She's already burdened with responsibilities on her homeworld. The King of Juran had already extended every courtesy to allow her to serve with us as part of the treaty, and if she learns of this crisis now, she'll feel compelled to leave Juran immediately to take action."

Ranger Bronx swallowed hard, nodding, "Yes, Commander."

As Commander Nebula turned to leave with the LGM in tow, Buzz and Bronx exchanged a look laden with determination. The shadow of past failures and the ghost of old enemies loomed large in their minds.

Were they ready to face what was coming? Could they root out a shadow that had eluded them for so long? And will they finally face their true enemy?

The serene morning light filtered through the windows of a modest house in Henosis subdivision, contrasting the intense focus within.

Inside, Zyra, dressed in her dark purple long-sleeved shirt and black sweatpants, sat on the living room floor surrounded by papers and tablets. Beside her, Desmond connected a cable from his palm to the home monitor console, delving deeper into the data extracted from the Mainframe.

The silence between them was heavy, not from a lack of things to say, but from the weight of Desmond's recent confession about what he had done.

As they worked, Zyra's thoughts kept drifting back to Desmond's recent encounter with the reptile ranger.

The ranger had survived the altercation, albeit in a coma, a state Desmond had calculated as a likely outcome given the severity of the confrontation. Zyra was initially taken aback by the violence Desmond had resorted to, it revealed a side of him she had never seen before.

Desmond sought forgiveness for another reason, he had not followed her order to avoid and escape from the reptile ranger.

Zyra forgave Desmond for the severe measures he had taken…

However, her forgiveness was not without its reservations. While she understood the urgency of their situation, she scolded him, hoping internally that future solutions could be found that did not require such violence.

But upon learning that the reptile ranger had been aware of their infiltration at Star Command years ago, she understood the necessity of his actions. Though brutal, Desmond's method was effective under the circumstances.

With the reptile ranger now out of the picture, there was no one left who knew of Desmond's true identity or their covert activities. This significantly reduced the risk of exposure, providing them with a strategic advantage...for now.

Zyra came to accept that such extreme measures were sometimes essential for their mission's success.

As she pondered this, she couldn't help but think about the broader scope of their operations and the constant scrutiny they must evade. This reflection was sharply contrasted by her recent experience with the local security forces.

The interrogation had not been particularly demanding, standard questions about her whereabouts during the expo incident and if she had noticed anything suspicious. She hadn't expected much from it and was released shortly after. Zyra rolled her eyes, amused and a bit irritated by the cartoonish simplicity of their methods.

In any real world, this kind of questioning would have been much more pressing. She mused to herself, dismissive of the lightweight tactics used.

It was almost laughable if it weren't for how tiresome it had become. But what really wore her down was the constant need for vigilance. Her disguise, the act she had to put on while staying in the laboratory for those grueling days.

Feigning genuine concern and composure to colleagues in and out of their assigned rooms, it was draining.

After what felt like an eternity in the cold sterility of the Gamma Laboratory, Zyra was finally home. Last night, she had surrendered to the embrace of a real, soft bed. Grateful for this brief return to normalcy, she savored the freedom of being herself, no longer bound by the meticulous disguise required for undercover.

With good bed rest and a steaming cup of coffee in hand, she returned her attention to the files spread out on the living room floor.

After hours of careful analysis, Zyra, with Desmond's help, pieced together the stolen data and graphs.

The symbols that were found from the big green rock was an ancient runic script long forgotten in history. They determined the script was over three millennia old.

But there was a term that made Zyra confused for a bit. The data states that these runes were of Valkyrian origin.

"Valkyrian?' Zyra muttered, her memory jogging, "Where have I… Ah, right, those Valkyrie ladies who fought against Buzz's Team from the show."

Zyra knew that the Valkyrans had once been a formidable power in the galaxy, long before the establishment of the Galactic Alliance. But from what she could recall, the race had adopted a more mercenary role. They were known mostly for raiding other ships.

Considering this, Zyra thought it might be wise to search for any recent news or developments related to the Valkyrians, to see if they were still active or if new movements had emerged.

Desmond tilted his head and looked puzzled at her words.

"'Valkyrians facing Lightyear?" he asked, genuinely perplexed, "I wasn't aware of such a battle. Where did this take place?'"

Zyra was momentarily shocked that she had let those terms slip.

She quickly shook her head at Desmond, signaling, "I'll explain that later."

The curious Desmond didn't press further, respecting her gesture. Zyra knew it was a sign. Over their time working together, they had developed a rapport that went beyond the typical boundaries of master and servant, they were partners in every mystery and challenge that came their way.

Despite this closeness, Desmond still called her 'master,' a nod to their formal arrangement and his respect for her leadership.

It was time for Desmond to know fully the truth about her, confident that she could fully trust him with her secrets. But for now… the mystery rune comes first.

Zyra's mind was a whirl of thoughts, pondering the implications of the rune's message and its potential impact on their future endeavors.

Knowing that it related to the Valkyrian race, Zyra retrieved a tablet displaying images of the runes. She connected it to their home monitor, initiating an analysis program. As they watched, the program rearranged the disordered runes, methodically forming them into a sentence.

With a press of the button, the program immediately translated it to as read. Gaps dotted the output where the language had decayed beyond recognition, yet as she deciphered the fragmented runes, the words hinted at a prophecy:

O-y the - royal-ed Valkyrian c- - the -r of - Crystal Flame.

"…what?"

Royal? Valkyrian?

The revelation that the Valkyrian race had royals caught Zyra off guard. The thought of this tough, mercenary group once had kings and queens was intriguing and a bit disturbing. This changed how she saw the Valkyrians, not just as raiders at the edge of the galaxy but as rulers with a deep history.

Now, she had even more questions about their past. And what is this Crystal Flame all about?

"Des. Search up on this Crystal Flame." Zyra said.

"I'm on it."

Desmond replied, his fingers flying over the controls as he accessed the world wide web.

Moments later, he found references to the Crystal Flame.

It was a legend, a story of a powerful artifact that held dominion over flames of a dark purple hue. The power it wielded was so devastating that it had been sealed away, guarded by an elite cadre of guardians and their chosen descendants.

Surprisingly, Zyra had never heard of this from the Buzz Lightyear show.

As Zyra thought about it, she wondered if the Valkyrians' loss of power was linked to this legend. Perhaps they were defeated and their precious Crystal Flame was taken, leading to their decline. This made sense to her, especially since the prophecy seemed to intertwine the fate of the Valkyrians and the Crystal Flame.

However, many speculated that the tale was not true, as no other sources could vouch for its existence. Zyra considered the possibility that the scarcity of information might be deliberate, perhaps by those who wished to keep the Crystal Flame's secrets buried.

As she thought about the Valkyrians' lost history and the rumored flame of destruction, Zyra began to feel a headache.

The burden of deciding what to do with this knowledge weighed on her, adding to the already heavy load from her understanding of the show. But Zyra took deep breaths and remind herself to take these things one at a time.

Her initial goal had been to extract the power from the green crystal, but now she felt uncomfortable even being near it not after what she felt back at the lab. Then, she remembered a document she'd seen, detailing how the green crystal was originally found in a cavern somewhere in Sector 8.

Zyra turned to Desmond, who was still busy with the data on his screen.

"Desmond, pull up on the document of those cavern drawings."

Desmond nodded and quickly brought up the images. The monitor displayed pictures of an ancient cavern, adorned with runes similar to the ones they had decoded earlier.

Zyra leaned closer to the screen with a smirk.

"It looks like we'll take a little field trip back to space."

Desmond zoomed in on the display, highlighting the coordinates on a star map.

"Sector 8 near TraCeek'thee," Desmond said.

Zyra nodded, her mind already thinking of preparations.

"We've done what we can here on Capital Planet. Now it's time to move on to the next step of our operation."

If she couldn't harness the green crystal for her own benefit, then they needed more clues about the so-called Crystal Flame. The challenge of mastering one powerful artifact only fueled her ambition to harness it.

Desmond looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "How should we make our exit? Any specific strategy in mind?"

Zyra paused, a small smile crossing her face as she appreciated Desmond's foresight.

"We'll put together a detailed plan," she assured him with confidence, "to cover our tracks, create diversions if necessary, and ensure that Penelope Thibault and Hugh leave no trace behind that could lead back to us."

Even if it turned out to be a myth, Zyra believed it was worth investigating. She had already grown tired of the staying too long on Capital Planet, and the prospect of pursuing this new lead, myth or not, provided a welcome change.

BEEP!BEEP!...BEEP!BEEP!

Shrill beeps suddenly cut through the quiet, emanating from Zyra's wristwatch. She glanced down, and upon seeing the caller ID, her features contorted into a mask of irritation.

"Oh great... is it that time already?" she muttered under her breath, "Good thing I pushed for these calls to drop from daily to weekly, or I would have completely lost my sanity."

Turning to Desmond, her voice carried a brisk, business-like tone.

"Prepare the green screen, and set it to one of those high-end suite rooms in Mahambas 6. Make it look convincing."

Desmond nodded, his movements efficient as he began setting up the sophisticated equipment. He adjusted the green screen to display the opulent interior of a luxurious suite, the image flickering to life with vivid detail.

Meanwhile, Zyra stepped in front of the home monitor, arranging her posture and expression as she slipped on a pair of sleek sunglasses that masked her eyes, transforming her demeanor from one of annoyance to effortless charm.

"Alright, let's make this quick," she said, more to herself than to Desmond, who was busy fine-tuning the light settings to complement her features.

Once everything was perfectly in place, Zyra pressed the answer button with a deliberate touch.

As the screen came alive, her smile widened, brilliantly inauthentic. "Hi, Dad. How's your evil day going? I was just about to head out and do some jogging."

The voice on the other end of the line responded, and Zyra listened with half an ear, her mind already racing through the list of tasks she needed to address once this call was over.

Author's Note: Hello, readers! I'm sorry for the super late update. The new year always keeps me busy and so much stuff is happening all around. Expect updates to be slow, just a warning. As for you readers, I will release another short chapter soon. Consider it as a side story. Well, I hope you like the chapter so far and see you all in the next! Adieu~