Episode X 
Triton Dynamics
 

                We are no longer Terran. And we are no longer Vasudan. For many years, we have fought each other, we have made war. For fourteen years we fought, with no end in sight. We threw away the lessons that our for fathers taught us, we forgot what they had said. 
                 We had forgotten our prophecies. And we had forgotten our history. Our minds had been set on one course. And that was to destroy one another. We missed what was going on around us, we could not see the corruption. 
                  When the destroyers came to eradicate us, we fought. We would not go down with the ship, we would not surcome to the enemy. We found that they could be killed, that they were not invulnerable. Our two warring races were the same. We joined together, and never would we fight one another again. All the fear, and hatred was washed away.  
                 We did not need a legend to defeat them. But perhaps we needed one to see how similar we really were. 

                The Olympus floated aimlessly through space. The escape pods had been jetecined, and the ship was dead. A Hercules, and a Valkury were doing a flyby of the ship, while the rest of the party flew into the docking bay. 
                 
                  Kenneth Dryer stood on the bridge. He watched the little blinking light slowly flash on the docking bay. Send a party to greet our friends. A group of officers nodded and left the bridge. Dryer turned to the man in the black uniform. Prepare to meet our sword wielding friend. The man nodded.
                   What if they kill him? The man had a deep voice. Dryer looked into space.
                   They wont. He turned back to the man. Now go. The man in the black uniform nodded, and left the bridge. 

                   David, Sam, Votion and Stonefox stood on the docking bay floor. They scanned the room. What do you think? Sam asked. 
                    Wheres the crew? David asked. Votion moved foreword.
                    Judging from the lack of escape pods, I would suggest that the crew has been sent to the planet. Sam nodded. The marks on the walls suggest that there was a battle here. Stonefox bent down and felt the inside of one of the blast marks. This is an ML-16 blast mark. He stood. Whoever did this had some pretty hefty hardware.  Sam suddenly remembered what he had overheard Dryer say. 
                     Susan? Triton Dynamics is going to kill her. Sam said in a hurry. Stonefox had a sombre look on his face. 
                     During a pre-flight.. Stonefox trailed off. Shes dead Sam. Sam clenched his hand into a fist. But there was no time to weep now. The door suddenly started to open. Light poured into the room. Four guards walked in. get down. The party jumped out of the way. The rest of the Black sparrows whipped out guns and opened fire. Two of the guards started to fire. Their shots ricocheted off the ships. Sam and Votion ran up to where the rest of their party was. Votion held his large pistol, and Sam was holding his small barreta. 
                     We need to get to the bridge. Sam said, the sounds of battle were all around them. Stonefox looked around, and his eyes rested on Davids Athena. Stonefox crawled over to David. 
                     What is the largest payload you got on that thing? David shot at the guards, and then drooped to the floor. 
                     Im all out of furies, but I think I got two or three Interceptors left. Stonefox nodded. He pulled David over to where Sam and Votion were. He pointed at the bulkhead. 
                     Whats behind that bulkhead? Stonefox asked. 
                     A service hallway, why? Sam asked. 
                     Because Im gonna blow a hole through it. When you see that wall explode start to run. Me and the other boys will take care of these jokers. They nodded. There was no time to think. Stonefox ran over to the Athena. He hurried up the short ladder and clicked on all the system. There was a sudden gust of wind as the magnetic repulsors lifted the Athena off the deck. He clicked on the missile aiming system. He didnt wait for a lock. He hit the missile fire and a missile exploded out of the ships missile bay, and it struck the wall. Sam, Votion and David began to run. One of the guards noticed them, and aimed his rifle at them. His shots ricocheted off the deck. The three of them jumped into the corridor, at that point the other two opened up with an ML-16 Laser. They shot at the wall, but it was too strong for the laser to penetrate. They were taping straight into the ships power. Sam, Votion and David started down the hallway.
                    The hallway had bullet marks in them, and half the lights were shot out. There was a lack of bodies, but blood was splattered through the corridor. Obviously a few officers didnt go so quietly. They moved silently through the corridor, checking each adjoining corridor as they went. They walked up to another corridor, It looked like the rest of them, and like many others they had passed on the way up. Across from it, along the corridor that they were going down,  was a lift. That elevator went to the deck that the bridge was on. And that was where they had to get. 
                      Votion inched out and looked down the hallway. He turned back. Five guards, each with a personnel cannon. Sam nodded then smiled smiled. 
                       Think its even? David put down his gun and pulled out another. He pulled back the bolt and picked the first gun back up. 
                       Just like the old days. He suddenly turned to Votion.
                       No offence. Votion hit a button on his big yellow weapon. It made a slight hum. He turned to David. 
                       None Taken. The huddled together. 
                       All right, heres the plan. Weve got to get to that lift, so Votion, you move out and start firing. Ill take the middle - David cut him off. 
                        No way legend boy, I get the middle, you get to that lift. Sam looked up.
                        Im not leaving you. David raised his eyebrows.
                        What, you expect me to die? Sam shook his head. Then were agreed then. All right lets do it. Votion aimed around the corner. He began to fire. He hit one of the first guards. He fell back, and the rest of the guards opened fire. David ran out into the centre, firing. He let out a mighty war cry as bullets exploded around him. He was able to hit one. Sam ran out, past David, he jumped for the safety of the wall. 
                        David suddenly yelled, as he lost one of his guns, and fell to the floor. Sam stopped he looked back. Votion saw him. 
                        Get to the bridge. Sam began to back track, walking slowly. Votion ran out and picked Davids body up. He was about to run over, but a bullet smashed into the wall in front of him. Votion jumped back, and began to fire again. Go, now. Sam turned and walked into the lift. It was a thousand years before the doors finally closed. 

                         The door in front of Sam slowly opened. The bridge was only a few hundred meters ahead of him. Most of the lights here were destroyed. Sam aimed his gun out in front of him as he slowly walked forwards. 
                          From some other corridor, a man dressed in a  black uniform steeped out. He carried with him an eighteenth century sword. It had a large guard, and a long unbending blade. As he walked out he pushed the blade out in back of him. Sam kept the gun on him. 
                           Do you plan to fight me like that, Captain? The man asked. Sam tossed the gun away and drew his sword. Thats better. 
                            Who are you? Sam asked. The man laughed.
                            For every ray of light, there is a cloud. For every sun, there is a black hole. He stepped into the light. You are the light, and I am the cloud. He pointed his sword at Sam. I am Reefer Calamaris, the devil. Sam grit his teeth. Have you ever read the legend of the Leader for the Shivans? Sam met Reefers blade with his own. They made a small metal clang. 
                             No. He started to walk in a circle, Sam followed his lead. 
                             Some Shivans are rather quite fluent in it, especially. he gave a small laugh. Especially Cronis. I believe that the two of you have met. He gave a srange grin. The legend says that the Leader for the Shivans will defeat the devil. I never did believe prophecy. He brought his sword back, and took a stronger grip. Sam did the same. Goodbye. Reefer ran at Sam. Sam lifted his blade up to guard himself. Reefers blade came crashing down, it made a loud metal crash as it hit. Sam brought his blade down, and threw off Reefers blade. Reefer backed up a few feet. Sam spun his sword around in a circle by his shoulder. 
                               I never believed much in legends myself. Sam said as Reefer smiled. And drew his sword back up again. 
                               I heard of this. Your sword is unbreakable. He ran again, Sam dodged to the side, and slashed at Reefer. Reefer put his sword out and let Sam hit it. Reefer swung around, and Sam was right there waiting for him. The two swords struck each other. Sam and Reefer were face to face. 
                                The Shivans possess something similar, but its not exactly the same. This time Reefer pushed Sam back. Sam slid, but recovered. He jumped out of the way, Reefer flew through the space where Sam was. He cut the air several times before coming back up to look at Sam. Not at all the same.        
                                He charged again, Sam stood his ground. Reefer swung high, Sam lifted up his sword, and took the brunt of the attack. Reefer pushed down on Sam. Sweat beaded on Sams forehead. He rolled out from under Reefer, Reefers blade slid down, and crashed into the floor. Sam backed up, and attacked Reefer. Reefer fell to his knees and defended. He pushed Sams blade away, and rolled away. He stood.
                                 Good move. Reefer said. But not good enough. Reefer clutched his sword tighter. He gritted his teeth and ran at Sam. Sam ran back at him, The two met in mid stream. Reefer forced Sams blade to the ground. Sams eyes went wide. Reefer went for Sams exposed side. Sam brought his sword over his shoulder, and blocked Reefers attack. Sam swung Reefers sword up, and twisting, he held Reefers blade, until they were face to face. 
                                  This has been fun, but Im afraid that its time to die. He threw Sam off. He yelled and they both swung at the same time. Sams sword cut through Reefers. Reefer gasped. No.. he yelled. Sam came around and pushed his sword up through Reefers chest. He pulled the sword out, and Reefer fell to the floor. His head lolled on his shoulders, and he fell forward, and stopped moving. Sam wiped the blood off his sword in Reefers shirt. He put his sword back in its scabbard and picked his gun up. 
                                    Check your watch. Sam said, he continued on down the hall. Suddenly two officers jumped out of the bridge door and began to fire. Sam dived down a hallway. The two officers started to look down the hallway, their eyes slowly found the dead body of Reefer. They exchanged words, then dropped their guns, and began to run. Sam watched them run past, and then continued to the bridge. 

                                 Dryer swore. He saw that Reefer had lost the battle. He took out one of his personal weapons and cocked it. He looked around to the officers. There were only two left. They looked at each other, threw their weapons away, and hurried off the bridge. Dryer knelt by the body of Admiral Newshire. 
                                  Well Admiral. He started. It seems as though your little friend is coming to pay me a visit. There was a wound in his shoulder, and another in his stomach. He stood, walked over behind the door, and waited. Always watching the camera. Sam walked up, and shot the camera out. 

                                   Sam walked up to the door, and it slowly opened. He stepped in, his gun ready. That is far enough, Captain. Dryer said, he walked over and locked the door. Drop the gun. Sam tossed the gun away, it landed by Newshire. Place the sword on the ground by your feet and walk forward. Sam took off his scabbard and placed it on the floor. He then walked forward, his hands in the air. Dryer grabbed unto the hilt and pulled the sword out. Sam turned around. See this sword? Its perfect Ancient Steel, or at least that is what the Shivans call it, loosely translated of course. Sam lowered his hands. You see the atoms in the sword have been pressed so closely together that it is nearly unbreakable. The lattice is so strong that it can cut through anything, and will never dull. He slammed the sword into the deck, it wabbled a bit, and then stood straight up. 
                                    Why? Sam asked. Dryer smiled. 
                                    Its very simple, Captain. All humanity has wanted it, men have searched for it through the ages. And now I hold it in my hands. He put out his hand and then closed it. This sword holds the key. It is truly a pity that you destroyed the Ancients ship, oh well. This sword will have to do. 
                                     You wanted the steel? Sam asked. Dryer smiled. 
                                     No, the steel is only a method. What I am looking for, my dear leader for the Shivans, is absolute power. Control of all the space you see out there. He waved his hand in a long sweeping motion. Every star you see, every planet, every system, will be mine, and mine alone. He began to laugh. Triton Dynamics knew about the Shivans, long before the GTI, and the GTA, even before the Vasudans understood who their destroyer was. He walked up to Sam. I am surprised that Cronis is afraid of you. He pushed Sam back. You do not seam like a legend to me. He laughed. 
                                       GTA will stop you. Sam said coldly, as Dryer laughed. 
                                        I hardly think so, the Shivans should have the Galatea destroyed by now. And in just a few days Earth should be dead. And the Shivans will destroy the last remaining ships in a ray of glory. He stopped laughing. You made quick work of Reefer, I knew his sword would not be able to stand up to you. He stepped back. Too bad leader for the Shivans. he walked over next to the Admiral. Your friend, Admiral Newshire, didnt put up too much of a fight. He died like all the rest. Pitiful. Sam made a move, Dryer stood. Not so fast, Captain. He picked up a data file. You know the Ulysses was never meant to be used by the Terrans, just an excuse to test Shivan technologies. It is truly a pity that the GTA will never know how much manipulation we have actually had. 

                                          Those disappearing transports, the fighter that crashed into the Cheops, the wing of ships that attacked me and Votion, all of it was Triton Dynamics? Dryer nodded. Something banged against the door. Dryer looked over his shoulder and then back to Sam. Looks like your friends are coming to save you. He raised his gun. It has been a really good chat, but now Its time to say goodbye. He aimed his weapon and a shot rang out. 
                                           The gun fell from Dryers hand. He looked down, and his shirt was covered in blood. He fell to his knees. He looked up at Sam, his eyes rolled to the ceiling, and he fell forward onto the deck. There braced against the wall was Newshire. He held Sams gun in his hand. He dropped it, and let out a long sigh. Sam ran up to him, he hit the door, and in poured David and Votion. 
                                             Looks like it was a good idea to bring my book today. he gave a painful smile. There on the floor was his copy of Moby-Dick. The novel had a hole in it, and it took most of the force of the bullet, but Newshire was still dying. David had a piece of his coat holding up his injured shoulder. Votion must have used something to stop the bleeding. Sam... Newshire started to say. David and Sam helped Newshire into his chair. 
                                             Dont try to speak. Sam said. Newshire grabbed Sams arm. 
                                             Listen, there is a super destroyer coming, he winced. Its like an Orion, but its a hundred times stronger then the Lucifer. You must find a way to stop it before it gets here. Sam nodded.
                                              How are we supposed to destroy a ship that powerful? David asked, 
                                              The type of Jump node, a Red Jump Node, is so powerful, that a ship needs extra shielding to protect it. Because the extra hull is weakend by the stress, the ship requires two hours to regenerate its structural integrity. During this time it is vulnerable, that is when you must strike. He fell back into his chair, breathing hard. Sam backed away from Newshire. Stonefox ran onto the bridge.
                                               The ship has just found out that Dryer is dead. He looked down at the body. Votion backed away from the ships com unit. He headed for the rest of the party. All the Triton Dynamics guards, and officers, are surrendering, the ship is ours. Sam nodded. At that moment warning lights came on all over the bridge. Jump nodes appeared all around the Olympus. Dragons appeared all around. 
                                                If Triton Dynamics was acting with the Shivans, then I would bet that those ships have our Tech in them as well. Sam said. A voice came over the com, it was Cronis. 
                                                 Leader for the Shivans, if you can hear this then come to the second planet in the Ross 128 system. You and me, one on one, we will end this once and for all. The fighters turned and went back into subspace. Sam lifted his sword out of the deck, and strapped on his belt. He picked up a gun, and walked off the bridge. David looked after him.
                                                 Youre not actually going are you? David asked as Sam ran down the deck. 
                                                 I have to. Sam said. Votion started after him. Stonefox put out his arm to stop the Vasudan. 
                                                  And where do you think you are going? He asked. Votion pushed Stonefox out of the way. 
                                                  Sam saved my soul, and I am not about to let him throw his life away. He chased after Sam. Newshire forced the words.
                                                  The final battle has begun. Sams Ulysses flew out into space, followed shortly after by Votions Horus. The Ulysses left, and the Horus gave chase. The end was coming.
 

                                                                        To be Continued....