Episode XII
Legacy
 

              A ship emerged from a dark red jump node. Space glistened with an incandescent red glow. The oncoming ship was like an Orion destroyer, yet different. It was the same shape, but it had veins of red cutting through its skin. On the side, the ship had four cruiser killer cannons. It had a single one on the front, except that it was two times larger then the regular ones. 
                A man stood in the command chair on the bridge of the destroyer. He was a Terran, and he smiled with a strange deathly grin. He typed in a few keys on his console. Give me full power on the centre cannon. Someone replied from the lower decks. 
                 If I move power to the forward cannon, then Ill have to divert power from the side cannons. The man smiled. 
                 We wont be needing the side cannons anytime soon. The other man, probably the engineer, replied with a yes sir, and then cut off. Give me a reading on the shielding. An officer turned in a chair. 
                  The extra shielding has been weakened, but we will have full hull intensity in approximately two hours. The captain of the ship nodded. 
                   Excellent. Forward gunner, prepare to fire on the subspace array. people scattered about, preparing the ultimate weapon. Terra will be ours. He stood. This ship still feels Terran. he turned and looked at the door. Once we have defeated Terra, we will take this weapon from the Shivans, and turn it on them. He laughed out loud. 

                     How are we supposed to stop that? Sam asked. Votion slowly shook his head. That ship was totally indestructible, if that ship got loose there would be no stopping it. They watched, without being able to do a single thing. And they hated it. 

                      Are we in firing range? The Captain of the Tooakinar asked. The officer spun around in her chair. 
                      We will enter firing range in ten seconds sir. The Captain nodded.
                      Charge main weapon. The officer spun back to her console. 
                      Charging main weapon. The hum of the forward cannon was unbearable. 
                      Once the main weapon has been fired set a course for Sol. Maximum speed. Another officer nodded. The first officer spun back to the Captain. 
                      Weapon charged. She checked her panel. Sir, we have entered firing range. The captain smiled, he thought about what it would be like to command the worlds of both the Vasudans and the Terrans. He was about to give the order, he paused a moment. Suddenly an officer spun around in his chair. 
                        Sir, new contact. The Captains eyes went wide. 
                       What? Here? The officer nodded. He smiled. Its probably nothing, but let me see it anyway. He looked at the small screen, the Jump node opened, and from it emerged the Olympus. The Captain gave a strange smile. Its nothing, that ship cant do anything. The ship was coming in from the side. Prepare to fire -The officer cut him off. 
                            Sir, the ship isnt stopping, its on a collision course. The Captains eyes suddenly went wield.
                            Shift power to side guns, now. Officers ran around the bridge. 
                            Sir, itll take a minute to ready the guns. He looked at the ship, the Olympus was going to crash long before that. The Captain wiped the sweat from his forehead. He looked around the room wondering what he should do, he saw that none of this was going anywhere, what was he going to do? 
                            Open a channel to the Olympus. He stammered. Tell them that we surrender. The com officer tried the pad, again, and again, there was no response. The Captain ran over to the console, he pushed the officer out of the way. We surrender! We surrender! We surrender! he looked frantically back at the small screen, the ship was still coming. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates. Noooo! 

                            Admiral Newshire was bleeding all over the controls. He looked out the forward window on the mighty ship. His hand rested on the thrust control. He watched the enemy ship coming closer and closer. He quoted a line from Moby-Dick. 
                             From hells heart I stab at thee, in hatreds sake I spit my last breath at thee. Newshire reached over and engaged the emergency power. The Engine spit more power then ever before. He watched as his ship kept coming for the enemy. He would die with the one he loved, his ship. I have you now white whale. You shall not escape me. He spoke the words again, except this time he said it differently. 
                             From my ships heart, I stab at thee, In Humanities sake, I spit my last breath at thee. He pushed the speed up; the ship began to rattle around him. He had pure determination in his eyes. He heard the enemy commander in the com unit.  

                              Sam and Votion looked up together, The Orion crashed into the Tooakinar, the mighty explosion filled the sky as the two craft collided. The pure force of the Orion ripped the mighty Shivan weapon to shreds. Shivans and Terrans alike ran down the hallways as fire consumed them. The pieces of the two craft floated down to the planet, the forward cannon fell down into the subspace array, it exploded on contact, more pieces fell into it. The explosion filled the sky. Smoke rose to the sky as the fires burned. 
                             Several jump nodes opened in the sky, an Orion destroyer emerged, followed close after by support craft and a squadron of fighters. The fighters fell down to the planet, they flew over the battle arena. Sam and Votion looked at each other. Sam extended his hand, and Votion shook it, they let go, and watched the support craft land. 

                              Four days later on the Bastion?.

                              Sam Morrison walked into Admiral Sheemas Office; she looked up from her desk. Ah, Captain Morrison. Sam stood at attention, looking out the large window behind the Admiral. Sheema stood, she walked up to Sam. At ease Captain. Sam relaxed. 
                              Permission to speak freely, Admiral. Sheema nodded. Why am I here? Sam asked. The Admiral walked back to the window and slowly drew her hand down the specialised glass. 
                               First of all the lack of incriminating evidence towards Triton Dynamics, has apparently been lost with the destruction of the Olympus and the Ross128 subspace array. We find your story hard to believe. Sam opened his mouth but the Admiral cut him off. Dont worry Captain, we do believe you. The late Admiral Wolfe transferred your mission data to us before the Galatea was destroyed. And we do have all the stories from the officers of the GTD Olympus. Sam furrowed his brow. 
                              Then what would be the point of calling me here? She turned back to Sam. 
                              The point, Captain Morrison, is that someone else wants to speak with you. She opened up her hand and pointed at the door with her hand spread out. Sam slowly turned and watched the large door open. There standing in the door was Kennith Dryer. Sam immediately went for his side arm. He pulled the gun up level with Dryers head. 
                              Youre supposed to be dead. Dryer walked in, he extended a hand. 
                              I do not believe weve met Captain Morrison, you test piloted the Ulysses if I am not mistaken. The ship is really handling quite well. Dryer didnt even flinch, Sam was perplexed, Dryer was acting as if he had never met Sam. A man wearing a black Captains uniform soon walked in, he had a thick southern accent. 
                                Put down the Gun, Captain Morrison. Sam watched the incoming man, but he kept a sharp look at Dryer. Dryer never moved, never blinked. Captain Morrison, meet Lieutenant Marouse. GTI Special Forces operative. Dryers smile increased. 
                                I hope you did not experience too many problems with test flying our new craft Captain. Sam mouthed the letters, GTI. He lowered the gun and shook the mans hand. He put his gun back into its holster. 
                                I want an explanation. Sam said, the Admiral Sat down as the GTI Admiral put a hand on the Marouses shoulder. 
                                Its actually quite simple Captain, GTI has had a belief that Triton Dynamics had been conspiring with the Shivans to take over GTA and PVE Space. Something they could never have done with the small army of theirs, but by supporting the Shivans they gained new technologies, and the use of the Tooakinar, a massive destroyer built from the remains of an Orion class destroyer, and some new Shivan Technologies. He left the side of Dryer and walked up to Sam. We are actually surprised that you were able to destroy the Tooakinar. He stepped back.  How did you do it Captain? Sam shook his head.
                                I didnt do anything. Admiral Newshire gave his life to save the GTA. Would you do the same. The GTI Admiral smiled. 
                                 At a moments notice Captain, at a moments notice. He stepped back.  Sam looked at the Admiral. 
                                 Why was it me who was chosen? Sam asked. Why was I allowed to test fly the Ulysses, why was I sent into the Shivan Destroyer, and the Cheops, and the Olympus, why me and Votion? The Admiral scratched his chin, and then looked back at Sam. 
                                  The Vasudan was chosen because he wanted to make a difference between the Terran and Vasudan people, he was the only one who was willing to go the extra mile to figure out how to make the Vasudan and the Terran people come closer together. He pointed at Sam. 
                                   You were a mistake, a chip thrown into a wheel that was spun, and picked. It could have been anyone. He looked at Sams belt and noticed the missing sword. There was a small beep and he backed up a bit, he talked into a small communications device and then walked back to their party. Sorry about that. He walked up to Sam. 
                                    There is the matter about your sword. We are told it is made of a new polymer. If you would kindly hand it over. Sam shook his head. 
                                     No way. Sam said. Admiral Sheema Shoot up. 
                                     Captain.. Sam turned around and looked at her. 
                                     I wont give it up, even if it means my resignation from the GTA. The GTI Admiral waved his hand. 
                                     Do not worry Captain, you will not need to do that. Admiral Sheema Sat back down in her chair. the Captain is obviously afraid that if we obtain the sword, and discover its secrets, then we will become just as corrupt as Triton Dynamics, isnt that right Captain? Sam nodded. 
                                     Is that all? Sam asked. The GTI Admiral nodded. 
                                     Youll get a medal for this Captain, and I suggest that you keep your mouth shut. You dont know how easily you can disappear. Sam got angry, but he held it inside himself, and walked out the door.  Admiral Sheema turned to the GTI Admiral. 
                                       Why was Captain Morrison and Captain Votion really chosen? She asked. The GTI Admiral kept looking at the door. 
                                       Why? Because hes mentioned on the tablet. Admiral Sheema furrowed her brow. 
                                        But I thought both tablets were destroyed? The GTI Admiral turned. 
                                        GTI Does not always tell you Admirals everything. The GTI Admiral turned to leave, but Admiral Sheema spoke up. 
                                        And the GTA does not always tell the GTI Everything. She hit a button on a pad and a small screen lit up. There was a command briefing in her voice slowly repeating. Even though Earth has been lost, a confirmed new Shivan destroyer, called a Tooakinar, was destroyed today by Captains Morrison and Votion. The ship, which was more powerful than the Lucifer, was caught off guard exiting subspace, and was destroyed. On most vessels this incident is being called a modern day legend, they are calling it the legend of the Leader for the Shivans. Dont go running up to congratulate our two heroes we still have a long way to go before totally defeating the Shivans. She clicked off the screen. I would not suggest killing Captain Morrison, you may end up in a bigger scandal then Triton Dynamics ever was. Remember that. The GTI Admiral brimmed with anger. 
                                     You will pay for this. He said, a deep angry tone in his voice. 
                                     Not today Admiral, now get the hell of my Ship, I dont ever want to see you on her again, is that understood? The GTI Admiral growled at her, and then walked out the door. Someone appeared from the shadows. 
                                      Your career may be over. Sheema fell back into her seat. 
                                       Perhaps, but if the GTI get where theyre going, we may never get to see the second Shivan invasion. She looked up at the officer. Oh yes, there will be a second invasion, you can count on it. The only question is when? 

                                         Sam stepped out of the Admirals office. He turned to see Votion, Stonefox and David surrounded by three GTI guards. They were obviously trying to get Votion to give up Sams sword. Votion noticed Sam. He tossed Sam his sword. Sam caught the scabbard in mid flight, the guards followed it, Sam caught the sword and drew it in one fluid motion. He aimed the sword at the three guards. 
                                          You boys want some of this? At that moment the GTI Admiral emerged from the quarters followed by their stool pigeon. The Admiral was very angry.  He turned to the guards. 
                                          Come on, were getting out of here. He shot Sam an angry glance and the small party walked away. Sam threw the sword back into its hilt and strapped on the belt. David and Stonefox were smiling but Votion had a  worried look on his face. Sam shook his head. 
                                            Its a long story Votion. But dont worry about it. Votion followed after the GTI personnel with his eyes. 
                                             Who is worried. Votion said as they all turned, and walked away.

                                             Sands blew over Cronis body, the Shivan Commander and another Shivan walked up to it. The second Shivan was the first to talk.
                                              The prophecy came true. The Tooakinar has been destroyed, what will we do now? The Shivan Commander kicked Cronis body. 
                                              We will wait for the second attack wave. We will hide until they arrive. The second Shivan came closer to Cronis body. 
                                              Sir that will be over sixteen years from now. The Shivan commander nodded. The prophecy has come true, what about the second prophecy. The Shivan commander turned. 
                                               Prophecy be damned. Cronis didnt die because of prophecy. He died because he broke radio silence, and he attacked without orders, that was why he died. I do not believe in any prophecy, not now, and not ever. The Shivan Commander walked away. 
                                               what do we do with the body? The Second Shivan asked. The Shivan commander just kept walking. 
                                               I dont care, leave it. The Shivan Commander kept walking, the Second Shivan looked up into the sky. 
                                               I do not care, the leader for the Shivans will return, and when he does we will not be ready. He turned and followed after the Shivan Commander. 

                                                 Sam walked into the Mess Hall, it was empty, no banners, none to congratulate him. Stonefox and David were there, and Votion was with them. They walked up to the large window. Sam looked out into space, and at the great Sun out there in the cold. Sam placed his hand on the window. 
                                                 Somewhere out there, Sam began, the Shivan are lurking, waiting for us to make our next move. Votion recognised this, he walked up and put his hand on the window. 
                                                  Somewhere out there, Votion said, is prophecy, the Terran and Vasudan destinies are linked. We are one. Stonefox was next. He walked up and placed his hand on the window. 
                                                   Somewhere out there, Stonefox held back a moment, but he continued. is our home. Lost for all time, we will build anew. The three of them kept their hands on the window, as David walked up and joined them. 
                                                    Somewhere out there, David said, not smiling, in the darkness of space, lies our duties, our fates, and who we are. Someone walked into the room. She looked over at the four figures with their hands on the window. She put out her arm and stepped up to the glass. 
                                                    Somewhere out there, She began, Sam slowly turned his head, but kept his arm rigid. Our blood shall be spilt, and we will discover what we had once lost. They all spoke in unison. 
                                                    May we survive the night, to fight another day. They stepped back from the window. Sam walked up to Susan. He tried to speak, but couldnt. Finally he pushed something out. 
                                                   but youre? He stuttered, she smiled. 
                                                   dead? Sam nodded. David walked up. 
                                                   Newshire sent us that video you got, we checked out Susans Valkury, and there was an explosive. We rigged it so that it would seem to have killed Susan,   had to make you believe that she was dead in order to make sure that Triton Dynamics didnt get wind of us. Sam nodded slowly. He smiled. He looked down at his sword. He drew it from its scabbard. 
                                                   We are not ready to use this for good, those who would get it, would use it for evil. He stroked the blade lovingly. Some ancient Japanese scholars believed that the sword controlled the man who wield it. If that is true, then this sword is telling me goodbye. He walked up to the waste disposal shoot. He pulled off the scabbard and drew the belt from it. He placed the sword into its scabbard and placed it in the shot. He pulled the small lever, and the noise filled the empty mess hall. They walked over to the window. They all watched Sams sword float away from the bastion. Its too small to pick up on the scanners, unless they know what theyre looking for. They stepped back. Sam suddenly turned and smiled at Susan. So? He asked. will you go out with me now? Susan turned, and headed out the door. 
                                                 not a chance fly-boy. David doubled over laughing. Sam couldnt resist. David staggered and then stood. 
                                                 Well I dont know about you other guys, but I need a drink. Im headin over to the bar. Stonefox joined him at the door. 
                                                  I think I will come too. Votion said turning to leave. You are buying. He said talking to Sam. Sam smiled and began to follow the tall Vasudan. But no Altarie punches. Sam suddenly stopped in his step. Votion walked out of the room. 
                                                  What do you mean, no Altarie punches, Votion, where on Vasudan Prime did you get an Altarie punch? Votion began to laugh as he left the room. Sam began to run after him. Votion, Votion?. Sam said waving his arms about, Sam ran out the door, and it closed. Out the window the sword slowly drifted away. 

                                                                             THE  END