Episode I 
The Defector
 
 

                 We were from a world, like many other races that we have seen come and go. Long ago our ancestors were thrown off the world by a much stronger race. They destroyed our world. Our ancestors fled into space, on mighty ships they fled. Over millions of years we ran, and evolved until we were perfectly adapted to our new space environment. In our quest to destroy the ancient ones we destroyed countless other worlds for their power. We had become that which we wished to destroy. Our leader, Kionus, vowed that we would not let another race destroy another. We would destroy the Invaders.
                  And so we destroyed the ancient ones. The last of their kind reached out one last time before we destroyed them. They told us that someday one race would defeat us, and one man would start them all. A man with two faces. He would be the Leader for the Shivans. And then they were no more. We destroyed their world, and they never knew who we were. They had almost defeated us, they had found our weakness, but they would not get the chance to tell anyone else.  
                  Space glittered slowly, spinning worlds that we had vowed to protect. And then we discovered Two worlds, eradicating each other, and in their conflict destroying other worlds. We had to stop them, so we headed out taking the TVachi with us. But we had no idea what we were up against. When they banded together they found a name for us..... Shivan. 

         
                  The room was round, and weight less. The sides were all padded, it was a zero-gravity training room used to train solders in the GTA. It was on board the Galatea, the flagship of the Galactican Terran Alliance. The door was closed and the grey light colour of the room resounded the drab colours of the Military. A single lamp illuminated the entire area, and set the place on fire. 
                  A single man sprang from one of the grey walls and flew seamlessly across the room. He was tall, young, he had black hair and blue eyes. A product of centuries of in-species breeding. His hard features didnt mask his age. In his early twenties he had made Captain with praise from his commanders and respect of his fellow officers. His grey pants and black shirt were standard around here. Like a walking clone factory. In his hand he clutched a single sword. Of Japanese origin its slightly curved blade shone in the light.
                      He sprung like a spider. Pushing off walls, and swinging at his opponent. A computerized holographic image. It swung at him, and had almost the same agility as he did. It looked like a humungous square. Its poor excuse for a body was almost laughable. But its hits hurt enough.
                       The door opened, an officer stood in the doorway, just behind the seam. She stood there just to keep sticking to the ground which she valued so much. The man with the sword noticed her, he took one mighty swipe and the head of the image disappeared. The model vanished.
                       End simulation Morrison thirty five. the computer acknowledged with a small click. He floated down to meet the officer. Something you want Captain? He asked smiling. She smiled and showed him the pad. 
                         Wolfe wants to see you. she said. He took the pad and nodded.
                         Perhaps later... he smiled. My quarters or yours? She gave a small laugh.
                         You have orders Captain. Maybe later. She turned and walked away. Morrison walked down the hallway until he found the locker room. Walking in he saw David standing there working with his uniform.
                          I`ll get her one of these day Dave. he smiled. David had blond hair, a unique sight around this old tub. 
                          You guys havent even been out on a date, what makes you believe you can ever get her. David walked around the corner. Morrison and opened up his locker with a finger print. His uniform hung in there, he fiddled around until he found a towel. He put it around his neck and searched for his boots. Shes smarter than that. Morrison started to lace up his boots. 
                          Thats what I`m afraid of. Morrison said. David frowned.   
                          I thought you liked a woman with intelligence Sam. Sam Morrison looked up.
                          I do. he said smiling. David nodded as if he understood what Sam meant. Sam stood back up and looked into his locker. He reached out and took his jacket. Putting it on he looked around in his locker. He slowly pulled out a belt with a long scabbard. He buckled the belt around his waist. You know the Japanese used to believe that the sword had a soul. 
                          But youre not Japanese. David said. So why wear it? Sam thrust the sword into the scabbard. It made a long metallic sliding noise and a sudden clang at the end. 
                          It brings me luck. he picked up the pad. You get one of these? David shook his head. They left the room and started down the hall. The lights were brought down low, the way they always were this time of night. Night was a relative term on ship. 
                          Well I gota go kill some Shivans. Sam smiled.
                          Happy hunting. He nodded.
                          Good luck with Wolfe. he started down the hallway. Youre gonna need it. 
                          They went their separate ways. Sam headed towards the briefing room. What was up? What was going on? All questions that would soon be answered. He walked down the long corridor. It looked like all the others on this ship. He walked out into the open area of the flight deck. He gazed out at space a moment, a Hercules class ship was being repaired just above him. Spark occasionally flew down and struck some of the metal below. They glowed like stars in the bleakness of space. Then, were gone. Sam walked forward, the door slid open and he disappeared inside. The briefing room was dark Admiral Wolfe stood behind the large glowing screen that showed a few systems and a few jump nodes. 
                          The chairs were aligned in two rows of equal length. Wolfe was looking over a pad. There was one other figure in the room. He, or she for that matter didnt turn around and look at him. And what was really interesting was that it seemed to.... the door closed. Wolfe looked up.
                          Aw, Captain Morrison. I`m glad you could join us. The figure turned his head. It was a he, Sam was sure of that now. Not only that, it was a Vasudian, and one of the meanest looking ones he had ever seen. The Vasudian was wearing a standard flight jacket. Dont worry about Insulting Captain Votion, hes agreed to overlook the usual Vasudian protocols and not be offended by anything that you might stumble upon. He glanced down at the pad again. Understood Captain? Sam nodded.
                            Yes Sir. Sam said. Votion reached out his hand. 
                            I believe this is the standard Terran greeting. Sam shook Votions large pale brown hand.
                           Its a little thing we do. Votion nodded. Sam didnt like Vasudians too much. They had killed too many of his friends in the war. But this was business, and he put it behind him.  
                           Good. Wolfe said looking up from the pad. Take a seat gentlemen. The screen flickered and a few ships appeared up on the screen. This is the Ikey System, and as you know were planning something bold. The capture of the Shivan cruiser Taranis. He let the message sink into the two officers, then he started up again. But were not going to let that happen. He smiled as the mouths of the two officers dropped. 
                            Permission to speak frankly sir. Sam said. Wolfe smiled.
                           Granted. Wolfe said crossing his arms.
                            Have you lost your mind? Wolfe shook his head. 
                           Not my decision. he laid the pad down in front of Sam. Sam picked it up and began to scan the page. He read the signature at the bottom. It was that of the big man himself. GTA Command sent this down to me just a few hours ago. The only people that know about it is me, you, Votion, and GTA Command. Sam nodded. 
                            I dont see my name on this sheet sir. Wolfe continued to stare at him.
                           No, that was my decision. Sam motioned his head to Votion.
                           And him? Sam asked. Wolfe bared his teeth. 
                           Do you have a problem Captain? Sam shook his head. Good. He turned back to the screen. We want a man on the inside of the Shivan forces. You will be that team. Your mission will be to tell the Shivan Cain class cruiser our intentions. You will then attempt to steal all information according to the Shivans that is possible. Ounce you have the information head to the nearest Navy buoy, send us a signal and well come and pick you up. he turned. The image of their ships slowly lumbered across the screen. Dont worry Alpha squadron can take the extra. Sam spoke up.
                          Alpha is a generic term for the lead squadron. Who will be flying point?
                          I am not at liberty to discuss that with you. David was with Clan red Bird. A new squadron created after the first Shivan attack. He hoped that he would not be sending David to his grave for this mission. Suit up, well be entering Antares in approximately two hours. The screen focussed in on the Antares system. Clan Red Bird, and the Black Sparrows will accompany you to make the mission seem more realistic. They have been ordered to watch your backs but keep their distance. Sams heart sunk down into his stomach. David would think he was a traitor. 
                          You have your orders. Dismissed. Sam stood.
                         Dont we get a choice? Sam asked. 
                          No, we do not Terran. Votion said. Sam nodded and walked out of the room. The door closed behind them and Sam turned and looked up at the Vasudian. Listen Votion, I`m in charge here, you want to come along for the ride thats fine by me. Just keep out of my way. Votion smiled.
                          You Terrans have a lot to learn. He said. The translator spit out its usual drab, monotone speech. Sam could hear the emotion in Votions voice, a bit of sarcasm, and of seriousness. 
                           So do the Vasudians. Sam. said. I`ll see you back here in two hours. He turned to leave. 
                           I will be here Terran, just make sure that you are not the one who is late. Sam ignored the voice and continued walking. This was turning out to be a really bad day.

                           Two hours later they were outside their ships, all ready. David came walking across the deck. Hello Sam. he started raising a hand. Looks like were going out on a routine patrol through Antares. Sam nodded. I`ll watch your back out there, dont worry. he smiled. No Shivan has gotten past me before. Sam didnt smile. This was starting to remind Sam of himself. David turned to leave. Oh did you hear? I`m going out to help with the capture of the Tanarus. he smiled proudly. Looks like we might be same rank in a few days, huh Captain? He smiled and continued walking away. Sam didnt say a word. He was half between putting on his helmet and taking it off. Votion came close to Sams head. 
                             Too bad, Terran, your friend might die. Sam strapped on the helmet.
                             Get in your fighter. Sam. said. The Vasudian put on his helmet and got into his Horus interceptor. Sam got into his Ulysses. Sira walked over to the window. She was a tall woman and head of mechanics aboard the Galatea. 
                               Your memory banks have been wiped, just in case of capture, all the usual add-ons. She smiled, her short red hair brushed her face, she pushed it back. Bring her back in one piece sword-master. Sam suddenly gasped. He forgot his sword. There was a metal clanging on the glass. He glanced forward and saw Sira holding it. She smiled happily at him.
                               Thanks Sira, youre a life saver. She nodded. He took the sword and placed it in the rack by his leg. The cockpit closed again and Sira started down the ladder. The flight deck operator blared over the intercom. 
                               All crews pull back, repeat, all hands pull back from fighters, force-fields coming up. The crews pulled back and the force-field blinked into place behind a thin yellow line. The field in front of them blinked, space enveloped the ships. The air was ripped from the bay. The engines on the ships flared bleu and they slowly moved out into space. The darkness shrouded them, the light of the nearby Antares sun shone up at the six ships. Sam and Votion flew out in front and headed away from the large jump node. They flew through space, bringing all the glory of the billions of stars that shone down, up, and all around them. The beautiful nebula smiled back at them. It was really beautiful out here. Suddenly a Cain class cruiser shot out ahead of them. The large spinning blue disk slowly twirled open. The Cain slowly moved from behind its borders. It was still a few thousand Kilometers off. This was it, it was show time. 
                 They shot their afterburners forward. They sped away from the four Hercules fighters. Sam got a message from David. Sam, where are you going? Sam didnt respond. His hand flinched towards the respond button, but he pulled it back just in time. Votion switched his communication frequency to a general broadcasting rate. He spoke to the Shivans. 
                   Shivan Vessel, Alpha one and Alpha two are carrying important information for you, do not fire. Sam relocated power to his engines. Repeat, do not open fire. Sam swore. He quietly spoke his apologies to David. There was a silence as the two ships sped towards the Shivan vessels, the Hercules sped after them, but their engines were no match for his. Sam picked up a signal.
                    What are you doing Sam? he asked. Sam closed his eyes. Then something else cut into the noise. It was the most alien sound he had ever heard. It was the sound of a computer voice, it spoke in Terran but he knew it was a Shivan on the other end. 
                    Terran and Vasudian vessels, designation Alpha one and Alpha two. You will not fire on our vessels. Then Wolfe came over the com unit. 
                    Alpha one and Alpha Two have defected! he sounded surprised. Wolfe was a better actor than he had first thought. Remaining ships destroy Alpha one, and two. Suddenly the colours shifted. The Shivan ships turned a pale green, and the Terrans became that blood red colour. Shivan vessels flew overhead. All ships pull out. The Galatea began to leave, the other ships followed her lead. Soon they were all gone, but David spoke a few last words to his friend. 
                    No matter where you go, no matter where you hide, I promise you that I will find you. And when I do your life is over. then David was gone. Sam swore and struck the control panel with his fist. He had a mission to complete. The Shivan Cain drew closer, the large ship daunted the two fighters.          
                     Terran and Vasudian vessels, you will head to these coordinates. A wing of our ships will accompany you. Sam didnt acknowledge, he simply programmed his computer to fly to the target. He forced himself to respond. 
                      Roger that Shivans, heading to target. He pushed the start button and the spinning vortex that was subspace surrounded his ship. The engines flared and he disappeared inside. 

                        They had exited subspace to the smiling face of death itself. A demon class cruiser daunted them as they rose from the depths of space. But behind the demon was the overlord himself. The devil headed into subspace. A lucifer disappeared into the murky depths of subspace, destination unknown. Something had told Sam that the Lucifer didnt want to be seen. They were forced into a Shivan docking bay. It was dark, very dark, there were no ships in the bay. They were ready for this, and that was one of the things that made Sam so afraid. There was a single door, it was big enough for a Vasudian and strangely wide. There were red lights all around it, the grey, black, and red filtered together to form a dark, and cold ship. The cockpit slowly opened and Sam got out. Votion followed his lead. 
                          What is this? Votion asked. Sam could hear the fear in his voice, he could only respond with one answer.
                           I dont know. The door opened, if you could call that open. It moved so fast that it might have been an illusion. A man moved from the door and walked across the bay towards them. I have a better question. Whos this? Votion shrugged. 
                          There were no reports of recent defectors. The man came closer and the two gasped. It had no face. This thing was not human. Thats no Terran. Votion said, walking up next to Sam. 
                          Astute observation Vasudian. The creature said. I am an Android, built by my masters to deal with Terrans and Vasudians that would defect to our side. he, she, it, motioned with one of its hands. It had a pale grey body, with no apparent features, other then its two legs, two arms, Five fingers and so on . This area has gravity, my masters do not enjoy the gravity, even though they can work efficiently in it. he started towards the door. What information do you have? Votion made appear a small disk. The android took it, and placed the disk into its back, turned and continued walking. 
                          The door disappeared and a small hallway appeared before them. There were three doors, the door at the end of the Hall leads to the rest of the ship. I do not suggest you wander about the ship, as the crew do not enjoy the presence of Terrans, or Vasudians. Sam and Votion exchanged worried looks. The two rooms are prepared for Terrans and Vasudians. The food dispensers will give you a nutritious meal. There are computers in the rooms which access the central data file. They are not currently set up for your species, but they will be upgraded shortly. The android walked down the hall. If there is anything else you require the blue button will call me. The Android walked through the door. Votion looked at Sam, he shrugged and they went in separate rooms.
                            The only question remaining was, what happens now?

                           I do not trust them. A Shivan said. 
                           They call us Shivans. Another said. They floated around the bridge, clinging to the walls and ceiling. Some of the other Shivans operated the consoles with the pair of hands that they held high above their heads. 
                            Are you scared of myth, Cronis? The first one asked. 
                            I just do not trust them. Cronis said. The first one nodded. 
                            I understand. Keep an eye on them. Cronis began to leave the room. And Cronis, if the Terran, or the Vasudian give you any trouble. he paused eliminate them. Cronis moved towards the door again. Immediately. If Cronis could smile he would be smiling right now. 
The door closed behind the heavy Shivan, and all was quiet. 
 

                                                         To be continued......