I definitely like it. Multiple viewpoint AARs tend to be my favorite and it's a shame there aren't more of them. It works out especially well because now we can see both Jordan's personal story and the larger TOA campaign story side-by-side. Also, as I mentioned, Altos is my favorite character.

Also, sort of a minor note, but I really like how you've been tying your own plot and the plot of the campaigns together, not just in 'big' ways like Jordan being the agent who helps the Drengin discover the Korath spore project, but in the little bits like Tandis the Arnor mentioning the Battle of Toria. In other circumstances, your story could have felt kind of tacked on, but that's definitely not the case.

I look forward to the next entry.

Apolgies for the delay, I've been on vacation. I'll be able to write more when I return.

Guys, I'm very sorry for the long delays. I've either forgotten about or have hit a writer's block when I remember. I'll try to have a chapter out soon.

After a long time, here's a new update. The plot has been fairly slow so it's been tough to write.

Chapter 6

Yet another factor enters this complex game, thought Altos as he walked towards the prepared shuttle. Everything will change in value, and what we thought was worthless will become priceless. And many more will reveal themselves in due time, depending on the course of events.

Still pondering the new twist the war had taken, Altos hastily walked to where the docking bay was. The small but heavily armed shuttle sat on the pad, looking like nestled steel bird with its head bowed. Evars, Jim Ebyon, and most of the personnel at the meeting were standing by the entrance door, waiting for the final preparations to be made. As he walked up, Jim stopped talking to Evars and strode up to Altos.

“Hello, sir,” said Altos coolly. The two words sent an echo through his conscious. Before the war turned sour for the Terrans after the brutal Battle of Altaria, he and Jim were close friends during their time on the ship they commanded. During the frantic retreat back to Earth after the Dread Lords were unleashed, the two had become separated. Jim stayed on Earth, overseeing the buildup of the new Terran Navy. Altos, who was trapped outside the Earth shield, took in a group of Altarian refugees and fled to unclaimed space, protecting his new passengers and assisting Jordan. After rejoining the Navy and seeing Jordan being outlawed, Altos had realized that he, like Jordan, was a changed man. His desire to meet Jim again had faded after realizing Jim’s extreme strictness and conservative nature was having on his men. Jim was harsh on his men even when Altos was his first officer. However, Jim’s views were all that Altos ever knew until he saw how Jordan ran his resistance force. Jordan treated his men with great respect and allowed everyone a say on ship affairs. Because the force was not a part of the Navy, he dropped most requirements on formalities. The only time Jordan was harsh was dealing with traitors, which he ordered shot, only to soften his view later. In return, his men tended to be utterly loyal and respecting, addressing him by proper military names even though he didn’t care for it. When he was outlawed for killing Tresia’s henchmen, his men stayed with him. Such methods put Jim in the negative light that his men cast him in. In fact, Jim was a major supporter of the outlawing. What was once a close friend now seemed a cold and distant adversary.

Altos turned and started to move towards the ship, which was now boarding, but Jim’s voice stopped him.

“Do not turn your back on a superior officer when he is speaking! Have you forgotten the rules of proper conduct?”

Altos suppressed a frown. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t know you still wanted to talk to me.”

Jim raised an eyebrow. “Been a long time since you addressed me as ‘sir’ when no one important is around, Altos.”

“Things change,” said Altos flatly.

“Indeed they do,” said Jim. “But to be a great officer, you must form to the codes set before you, and ignore outside influences, such as those of Locke, especially criminals like Locke.”

Altos’ emotions began to swell. “Permission to speak freely, sir!”

Jim paused. “Granted.”

Keeping his temper in check, Altos spoke. “Is the only information you know about Locke his Navy disciplinary record and whatever bullshit Tresia Kholonus makes up about him? Is it?!”

“No-“

“Listen here, Admiral Ebyon. Whatever grudges you hold against Jordan Locke are old and worthless. They’re not relevant anymore! Jordan is a different person that the one you knew in the Navy! He’s become one of the greatest unknown assets to our cause. And you cast him aside because of an act, while foolish, had some justification.”

“One act can define how a person is viewed, Commodore Carniss,” replied Ebyon, returning the verbal barb.

“Indeed it does. That act that defines Jordan Locke in my opinion is his triumph over the Dread Lords and Korath at the Battle of Toria! He protected billions of lives! And you cast him out for murdering a bunch of old fools who’ve lost touch with society, who’ve committed crimes themselves!”

“I understand how you feel, Altos. But rules are rules, and we must follow procedure. I’d hate to see your Navy career ruined by your empathy for Locke.” With that, Jim strode aboard the shuttle.

Bastard, thought Altos. He rarely experienced such high emotions. Yet as he looked as what was once his closest comrade walk aboard that ship without even going over his views, his respect completely faded. He was no longer Jim, his closest friend in the Navy. He was just Admiral Ebyon, another officer, and another problem. Altos shook his head with disgust and followed Jim into the shuttle. The door closed behind him, and the shuttle departed for Earth.

------------------------------------------------------

Jordan sat out on the balcony of Aelytha’s apartment, watching the sparkling ocean far below wash against the beach and rocks. Several Altarians surfed on the gentle waves, easily masters of the popular Terran sport. A light breeze came through, blowing his unkempt hair off his face. A personal aircraft hummed as it moved to touch down at the local landing section. The tall trees, both natural and imported Terran palms, flowed in the wind. Why can’t we be like this? Altarians seem to be so calm, so peaceful. And unlike us, they’re spiritual, but aren’t concerned with the beliefs of others. He, Aelytha, and Owen had been staying at this place for a little over a week. If there wasn’t a war raging among the stars, he would easily call this place his home. Earth had strengths of its own, but this place blew them all away, even his home city of San Diego. Move here with Aelytha and simply enjoy everything, that would be the life.

Jordan’s dreams of pure bliss were interrupted when his laptop gave an alert, which he set to show any update on the scanning of Altarian space. “Still nothing new,” he grumbled. “Will Tresia just give up? We need to leave as soon as possible.”

Owen emerged onto the balcony, finished with his exercises. “Maybe Tresia had a heart attack seeing her prize was swiped from under her nose?” he joked. “That would be good!”

“If that happened, then we’ll have to lay low for a lot longer!” laughed Jordan. “I’m tempted to just kick off my captain’s boots and just live here, but duty calls, you know?”

“True.” Owen sat down on the other balcony chair, wiping his brow. His dark skin glistened with sweat. “How do you know they won’t just arrest you?”

“I’m not stupid enough to walk in and ask for my position back. Remember that discussion with the Dark Avatar? You have to get things in your favor before you proceed,” replied Jordan with a cunning smile.

“Yep.”

Jordan’s smile faded. “But, if they double-cross me in the lure of Tresia’s riches, they will pay dearly. I may have softened a bit recently, but one thing remains clear: No one messes with me. No one.”

The two of them sat silently and watched as the sun slowly dipped towards the horizon. Most the surfers were gone now, replaced by pleasure boats that casually cut through the water. The sounds of the people on the boats carried all the way up to the balcony. A pleasing smell came from a closer source: the kitchen.

“Nothing completes a day like Aelytha’s cooking, eh?” asked Owen.

Jordan grinned and got up, and the two went back inside. Aelytha had received constant comfort and support from Jordan and Owen to help heal the psychological scars inflicted during her captivity. She was mostly back to her usual happy self, though there were times when she came to Jordan with the haunted look in her eyes that Jordan had first seen when rescuing her, in need of serious comforting. Whenever she broke down and cried about it, Jordan made an even stronger resolve to find and kill Tresia.

After finishing yet another new appetizing Altarian dish, which Aelytha had taken to preparing after learning that neither Jordan nor Owen had ever eaten Altarian food before, the three watched multimedia programs before returning to their rooms to sleep. As usual, a few minutes after the lights were turned out, Aelytha would creep into Jordan’s room and fall asleep with him.

Jordan’s laptop issued an alert in the early morning hours, waking both him and Aelytha. Jordan grumbled a curse and fumbled with the laptop, opening it. The alert was a videophone call from Hryo. “Jesus Christ…” muttered Jordan, and accepted the request.

Hryo appeared in the same place that he was when Jordan had arranged the meeting with. Some of the men the two had worked were the back areas of the room, smoking various rolled weeds. Jordan knew that the most popular weeds were harmless, from both reading and experience. Knowing the nature of Hryo and his friends, it was likely something else was put in as well. Hryo leaned back in his chair. “Jordan, my man!”

“Hryo, do you have any idea what time it is?!” replied Jordan, making no effort to hide his annoyance.

“Yes, I do. This is pretty urgent, though, so please excuse me about it.”

“Go ahead,” said Jordan with a sigh.

“The Altarian security forces are ending the sweep of the space above the area near Ilykos. We just heard it through our radio wiretap.”

Jordan smiled slighty. “Very good man. Anything else to say before I fall asleep?”

“Don’t go immediately; they are still likely to secretly have a few units still sweeping the area. Also, don’t fly out of there at full speed. People will get suspicious, especially since you’re flying a Terran ship.”

“Thanks for the alert, man,” said Jordan.

“No problem.!And tell that girl I said hey!” Hryo turned as a thumping sound was heard, seeing one of his friends pass out. “Terran whiskey is strong stuff man!”

“It is,” grumbled Jordan, reaching for the button to hang up. “Good night.” The connection was terminated.

Aelytha mumbled something incompressible, likely in Altarian, and rolled over. Jordan lied back down, and was asleep in seconds.

As someone who's been pressuring you for more posts since the beginning, I would suspect that I like it.

Good stuff.  I've just come back after some time off and it's nice to see things still going on.  I'm up to chapter 5 and it's great.  Now I'll have to go back and read the first two . . .

Attention everyone.

I really have not been working on this story, and haven't been having much of an impulse to write. Therefore, this story will be put on hold (not abandoned) until further notice.

I just wanted to put this notice up and let my readers know rather than just disappearing like many other AAR writers.

I'm also glad you gave us notice. I'll be here when you start writing again.

After quite some time, I will be starting this story up again. I should have an installment of two within the month.

Etrius

Here's a little snippet of what I've been writing.

“Give the Navy’s version and I will give my own.”

“Very well. After the Earth shield was raised, the ships TAS Independence and TAS Royal Vengeance failed to arrive at the rally point for transferring into the formerly occupied pocket universe. Instead, they charted a course into deep space, where they vanished from our scanners. A small group of other ships, which are now back in Navy hands, followed. As you are the last known person to command these vessels, you have been charged.”

“Sir, the retreat back to Earth was absolute chaos. What remained of my corvette squad had docked aboard the Independence, which was simply in orbit along with the Royal Vengeance, with no command crew whatsoever, only a bunch of crewmen from various ships who had landed on the Independence and Royal Vengeance, seeking apparent safety onboard. During the chaos, the ships went to Mars instead of whatever rally point the Navy had ordered. There was no record of it on the computers. Once I had landed and talked to the crew, I organized everything on both ships to make a retreat into deep space to avoid the Drengin. Most of the Navy’s remnants were now occupied that pocket universe, so we were alone, though we were joined by several other ships later. The resistance I led was born, and more than a year and a half and many events later, I’m back here again.”

“Captain, what you have described is theft, though it is not malicious.”

“I didn’t steal those ships! I planned to return them to the Navy once I had returned to Earth from the battle at Toria. This was before Tresia fabricated lies against me, and-“

“Which brings us to the murder charges,” said Lewis flatly. “According to our sources-“

“Which are what?!” asked Jordan angrily.

“Locke, do not interrupt! This is your only warning! According to our sources, you confronted Tresia Kholonus about some trivial issue, and became so enraged that you and the men with you opened fire on your orders.”

Good, they think I did it out of rage. I never intended to have killing be the first option, but I still planned it out, though Jordan.

“Sir, Tresia had ordered some of her men to hack into the Independence’s computers to steal data during an event I had hosted aboard the Independence. After hearing about this, I went to confront Tresia about it. Things rapidly spiraled, and before too long, I lost control of myself and my men and I began to fire. Soon after I killed her main cronies, a gang of mercenaries infiltrated the Independence to simply attack and kill my men. The rouge Yor Ordo and another one of my crew, who has since escaped from Tresia, were kidnapped.”

“Aelytha Kommenos, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Please continue.”

“I knew Tresia’s influence and power, so I did not intend to kill her. After verifying that the hack attack was done by Altarians, I went simply to talk to her about it. She continued to mock and insult me, and something inside me snapped.”

“This was not the first time you had encountered Tresia Kholonus?”

“No, sir. During the time of my resistance force, I often met with Commodore Carniss after finding him at an Iconian station. As you probably know, Tresia stayed on his ship. During our meetings, she would constantly interrupt, obstruct various proceedings, and belittle and insult me even though I offered no earlier provocation. She is simply blinded by her ignorant hatred.”

“Ms. Kholonus has made it clear that before the shooting incident, you threw a knife at her. Is this true?”

Jordan sighed. “Yes, sir. After uncovering the Korath spore technology, I met with Altos to discuss it, only to have Tresia and some of those who believed in her ideals obstruct the meeting. After continuing to berate me, I threw my knife to purposely miss in order to frighten her. That’s all there is to it.”

Lewis was silent.

 “Sir, Tresia ordered the infiltration of my ship twice! That is an act that would allow sanctioned retribution by the Navy!”

“Captain Locke, do you have anything more to say before this council goes into deliberation?”

“Tresia Kholonus is a danger to both the political and cultural alliances between Terrans and Altarians, sir. That is all I have to say.”

That's all for now....

This is a preview to hold you guys over until I post several updates (recently went on writing spree). I'm getting over my writer's block.

At long last, here is the next chapter. Another will follow tomorrow (needs some editing)

Chapter 7

Jordan woke shortly after dawn, leaving Aelytha to sleep more. He powered through his exercise routine, showered and dressed, then went into Owen’s room, shaking him awake.

“What do you want, man?” grumbled Owen, turning over.

“Got a call from Hryo last night at one in the morning. They’ve called off the search. Get your stuff together. We should leave Altaria as soon as possible. We’ve spent enough time here,” said Jordan.

Owen slowly got up and did his morning routine while Jordan ate. After that, the two left the apartment and went to the docking isle where the Perseus was parked. The preflight inspections were performed, and while Owen prepared the navigation, Jordan went back the apartment, where he found Aelytha awake and ready to go. The two gathered what few belongings they brought into the apartment, and left. Aelytha returned her card key to the storage area and ordered her apartment sealed until further notice, just as it was before.

The two walked back across the bridge connecting the two areas. Listening the ocean spray, Jordan felt slightly sad to leave such a place. Still, he knew where his duties lay, ones that could not be cast aside for the promise of living in a paradise like land.

“The Perseus is all ready to go,” said Owen, leaning out of the access hatch. “Put your stuff inside, and let’s get out of here!”

Jordan and Aelytha climbed aboard as the Perseus started to lift off the landing spot. Aelytha went to the common area, while Jordan joined Owen in the cockpit. The docking hatch was sealed, the landing skids were retracted, and once they were at a safe altitude, fired the main atmospheric engines, gaining altitude until the islands that they stayed at were no more than a speck. Once the light blue of the atmosphere had changed into the blue-black color of low orbit, the main engines were activated.

Now that the Perseus was completely free of Altaria’s gravity, a tense wait began until they were at the zone where they could legally activate the warp drive. Keeping a constant eye on the scanner, Owen flew the Perseus at an inconspicuous speed until they had at last reached the area. Owen then ordered a rapid jump sequence, and the ship blasted into warp, rapidly leaving the home system of the Altarians.

After the ship at a good speed, Jordan climbed out of his cockpit seat and clambered down to the lower deck, where Owen and Aelytha were. “Ship’s headed for the Earth right now. We can stop and change destinations if we need to.”

“What are we going to do at Earth?”

“I’m meeting with Altos, rejoining the Navy, and getting that damn bounty off my head. What about you?”

Owen leaned back. “I don’t know if Navy is right for me anymore. I’ve been out for such a long time, since the Battle of Altaria.”

“Same here, man. Hell broke loose that day. I still vividly remember the Dread Lords coming into the system and annihilating everything. Terran or Drengin, it didn’t matter to them. We spent so much time trying to bring down this Drengin flagship, and the Dreads destroyed it in an instant before starting on everything else.”

“I had the luck not to be there, but it was an absolute panic when the remains of the coalition fleet fled back to Earth. We pulled out and left the stars to the Drengin. The Drengin conquered the Arceans! The entire Arcean Empire! They sure as hell didn’t leave our systems untouched, either.”

“The Drengin are what sicken me the most. The cowards let us and our allies suffer at the hands of the Dread Lords, simply biding their time while whole worlds died, then struck once we were trying to recover. Occupation, slavery, genocide! It’s going to be a fine day once we start bombarding the Drengin homeworlds,” said Jordan, his lip curling.

“If the Korath don’t beat us to it, that is,” said Owen, looking down at the ground.

“The battles at Drengi and Toria destroyed their main fleets. It’s going downhill for the Korath, but I’m sure the Dread Lords will find some way to tip the balance back in their favor, there’s no question about that.”

“True. But Jordan, I think this will be our final ‘adventure’ together. I’m thinking about settling down on Earth and finding some kind of work, aboard the Perseus or not. You have your heart in the Navy and war in general, so follow that. You know your heart’s place more than ever.”

Jordan was silent for a minute. Since his former first mate and friend Zane had died in the attack Tresia had ordered, Owen had become the closest person he had known besides Aelytha. Life aboard the Independence would be different without him. Then again, even if they both rejoined and Jordan was somehow allowed to continue to command the Independence, it was likely they would be separated. “It’s been a good time together, man,” he said quietly. “You’ve been one of the best men I’ve worked with.”

Owen smiled. “Same with you, Jordan.”

The hours crept by, and eventually the three went to their cabins to rest. Jordan and Aelytha sat on the bunk in Jordan’s cabin, enjoying each other’s company.

“Jordan?”

“Yeah?”

“This may sound random, but long ago, prophecies foretold of great cities being built among the stars and heavens. New havens, new homes, new beginnings.”

“Well Twilight Station sure fulfills that prophecy,” said Jordan with a grin.

Aelytha continued. “The ancient prophets spoke of great vessels carrying hopefuls to unseen worlds, for new lives and new prosperity, creating a great civilization with peace and prosperity for all. Everyone loving and caring for one another. Simply put, incredible peace, progress, and love among the stars.”

“Why are you talking about this, Aelytha? We live in-”

“Jordan, you don’t know how much of an impact those words have had on me,” she said, her voice emotional. “I just want this old prophecy to finally come true.” Several tears flowed from her eyes. “Will this war just end?”

“I don’t know Aelytha. I just don’t know. Still, I’m hoping that one day we’ll start the bombardment of Drengi and right the wrongs they’ve committed against our civilizations.”

Aelytha looked up at him. “Such tactics destroy the innocent. Many of the people in those cities have done nothing wrong to any of us. They simply go about their lives. Many of them may secretly desire freedom and democracy, and to be free of the small group of people that viciously controls them.”

“I wish it was like that, Aelytha. The Drengin people evolved to such a system. It’s always been that way. They are bred loyal to their masters and the system. It’s a warrior culture. I remember there was one time, during one of the many military coups in their history, this one warlord decided to give democracy a try. The Drengin have been living under military dictatorships so long they couldn’t even think of democracy being remotely possible. They remained apathetic as the other warlords quickly took back control. You’re true in the fact that many of the Drengin citizens have never harmed any of us, but many of those same citizens take joy in hearing news of our civilizations being defeated.”

Aelytha was silent. The Perseus sped towards Earth.

Chapter 8

Twilight Station was the first thing seen when the Perseus came out of warp. It remained as it usually was. Ships went in and out, freighter convoys, military patrols, an Altarian ship rapidly moving toward the station, and so on. The massive structure remained the same. Jordan hailed Altos.

“Welcome back, Jordan,” said Altos. “Are you on Twilight Station?”

“No, but we will be making our approach soon,” assured Jordan. “Have you talked with the Navy?”

“Some of the officials. They’re performing investigations into some of the allegations surrounding you, but since time is short, they have arranged a covert meet between you, me, Evars, and a few other officers. You’ve been given twenty four hours of immunity from prosecution, in case this meeting does not go well. Dock in Bay 13. I will send a squad to escort you.”

“What happens if I’m approved? Am I no longer outlawed?”

“Yes. We won’t be making a statement. Gotta keep things quiet.”

“All right. See you on Twilight Station.” Jordan closed the link.

The flight into Twilight Station was uneventful, passing the mighty entrance ports without any scans or suspicion. Owen had a communications scanner on the security channel. “Let’s hope nothing happens. This is the second time we’ve flown into the lion’s lair.”

Jordan and Aelytha said nothing.

The Perseus continued to weave through complex internal corridors until Bay 13 was at last reached. Jordan noticed this was not a civilian entrance, but a military one, one that could be locked down. Jordan activated a list of emergency bypassers in case something happened. After going through the airlock, the Perseus touched down inside the pressurized hangar bay.

The hangar bay was completely deserted as Jordan, Owen and Aelytha cautious;y stepped onto the floor.

“No one to meet us?” wondered Aelytha.

“I don’t like this,” said Owen. “But we-“

The lockdown bars on the inner hangar slammed into place. Distant sounds of a running squad were getting closer.

“GET IN THE PERSEUS!” shouted Jordan, scrambling for the access door. Once everyone was inside and the hatch sealed. Jordan would activate shields to deflect small arms fire, and use missiles to blast open the sealed hangar doors. But it was too late.

“Jordan Locke, get down the ground!” Hands on your head! You are under military arrest!” shouted the lead soldier of a squad that had rushed into the bay, weapons drawn.

Jordan knew he was too late to get in the Perseus. Owen was inside, and Aelytha was about five feet from the hull.

“FREEZE!” screamed the soldier.

GOD DAMN YOU, ALTOS, howled Jordan internally. It was over. He was caught. Even if he did have his pistol with him, it was suicide to attack. He knelt, then laid flat on his stomach, putting his hands on his head. The soldier still felt the need to slam him in the back with his rifle.

“Bastard!” screamed Aelytha. Out of the corner of his eye, Jordan saw a soldier try to subdue her, but Aelytha surprised him by using a technique Jordan and Owen had taught her for self defense. There was a snapping sound, and the soldier was writhing on the ground, clutching his wrist and wailing. A second soldier carefully approached and calmly asked her to surrender, which she cautiously did. Owen dejectedly put his hands behind his back, and was calmly restrained by a more professional soldier.

More footsteps came. Jordan imagined Evars and Altos coming. He imagined Altos looking at him, and saying calmly: “I’m sorry, Jordan. This had to be done.”

The footsteps came closer. Jordan looked up, expecting to see the two men he had put so much trust into. Instead came Admiral Jim Ebyon and Tresia Kholonus.

“I see your mercenaries have done well, Madam Kholonus,” said Jim. “It’s just a small favor I can do for you for helping me get my third star as an admiral. Your recommendation helped sway Command.”

“Such a man devoted to playing by the rules deserves rewards,” said Tresia smugly. “And you recognition of that ship helped me find who was looking for.”

The door to the bay opened again. Altos and Evars stormed in, followed by a group of genuine soldiers. “What the fuck is this, Ebyon?!” shouted Evars.

“Evars, Jordan Locke has delivered himself into our hands. This sorry affair between the Terran Alliance and the Altarian Republic can finally be resolved.”

“Ebyon, Tresia is lying to you! I didn’t do this shit!” yelled Jordan.

“Silence, fool!” spat Tresia.

“Indeed, Locke,” said Ebyon dryly, “Speak when spoken to.”

Anger gripped Altos’ face. “Admiral, Jordan Locke had been given immunity and clearance to land by the council! Admiral Lewis authorized it!”

“I have equal jurisdiction with Lewis now, Carniss. Once Tresia explained her unfortunate situations with Locke, I ordered the cancellation of immunity. I have already started the proceedings for a court martial. You and Evars will also be investigated.”

“This…this…” sputtered Evars, “is outrageous! We planned this for days! You had to know about this! The council explicitly mentioned it!”

“Locke is a criminal. Take him away,” said Ebyon. “Tresia, I see the person Locke kidnapped is here as well. After clearance is given, you may have her.”

Aelytha went pale while Tresia cruelly grinned at her.

“Let’s go, guys,” said one of the real soldiers, helping Jordan up.

Altos walked beside Jordan. “This is nothing but minor setback. There is plenty of evidence to clear us all. I never though Ebyon would be the foolhardy one.”

“If Jim still has a grudge against me for the way to acted those years ago, he really needs to get his head straight,” said Jordan disgustedly.

“Power corrupts, and Jim took Tresia’s bait, Jordan. I’m sorry this happened.”

“Right this way, Locke,” said a soldier, directing him to the holding cells. Owen and Aelytha were directed another way. They were freed from the handcuffs, and before he turned the corner, Jordan could see Owen comforting Aelytha.

---------------------------------

Altos and Evars stood angrily in a meeting room, looking at the other members of the military council that had decided to attend. Jim Ebyon and a few others were not there. Altos recounted what had happened. Jim Ebyon had been recently promoted, thanks to approval from various people, including Tresia Kholonus, though that was likely a move to gain Ebyon as an ally. The council had explained what had happened. Tresia had burst into Jim Ebyon’s office, telling him that Jordan Locke was coming to Twilight Station. She had apparently recognized the TAS Perseus, the ship Jordan had used. Telling a story that Jordan had attacked her ship on Altaria, she convinced Ebyon to use his newfound authority to cancel Jordan’s immunity. She then dispatched her protection force in military uniforms to access the military hangar that Jordan had used to apprehend him. Luckily, Altos and Evars were right behind them when it happened. Otherwise, it was likely Tresia would have taken Jordan off the station to an uncertain fate.

“Why the hell did this happen?!” yelled Evars. “The council gave an explicit order to grant Locke immunity while his case was reviewed!”

Admiral Lewis, a tall man in his fifties, stood up. Altos knew little about the man, except he had been an admiral for years, and was fairly traditional, but nowhere near as strict as Ebyon. “Evars, calm down. Ebyon asked me to drop the immunity once Tresia Kholonus had arrived and told us about a raid on her ship on Altaria. She said Locke was responsible, and Ebyon and I found that to be enough reason to drop immunity. It was a new charge.”

Altos calmly spoke up. “Admiral, is there any proof that Locke did that?” He should have waited for Aelytha until this was concluded!

Lewis cleared his throat. “No, but considering Locke’s murder of Uslynthinis members, it should be taken into consideration. I know you made your case during council meetings earlier, but why do you continue to defend Locke?”

“He may have murdered those people, but his heroics ought to overshadow this incident.”

“I understand and agree with you, but rules are rules, Commodore Carniss. Plus, Kholonus has already held a press conference with the media about this incident. If we just let him go, relations between the Altarian Republic and Terran Alliance could sour significantly.”

“How is that possible?” asked Evars. “We’re fighting a war against a common enemy. One  minor incident will not shatter a decades long alliance!”

“It might. It makes me wonder how a hate group like Uslynthinis can thrive in this political climate, but it has. Eleys Mue is an extremely weak leader, and Kholonus has taken advantage of it.”

“We need Netro Mancer back,” said Altos flatly.

“Indeed. His whereabouts are unknown. Now, we need to review all of the accusations before knowing what charges to press for the preliminary hearing. Commodore Carniss, in your allowed communications with Locke, he provided his arguments and evidence, yes?”

“Correct. Now let us begin.”

The council members in the room began reviewing all the data, comparing the accusations with evidence. High treason was dropped, as were many others, including the alleged raid. In the end the official charges were formulated: Failure to report for duty, theft of military vessels and equipment, recruiting outside of Navy regulations, recruiting and equipping ship staff without official training and official mercenary approval, infiltration of a Terran vessel, and six counts of aggravated murder against foreign dignitaries.

Evars protested. “Locke was the leader of a resistance movement. He couldn’t follow all the regulations! We weren’t in contact half the time!” But his pleas were in vain. The charges remained, and would be so until the hearing began. In the current situation, the most punishment that could result from most the charges would be reduction in rank, due to personnel shortages. However, the murder charges were a much different case.

“Now,” said Lewis, shifting some papers, “we need to discuss the fate of Owen Derekson and Aelytha Kommenos. Derekson’s tenure in the Navy expired right after the Battle of Altaria. He was not with Locke during the alleged murders, having been given temporary control of the TAS Independence by Locke during the concerned events. However, he did help Locke connect to the Drengin Empire, which he gave information about the spore weapons to kickstart their civil war. While selling that information is a serious matter, it happened beyond our authority, with both him and Locke. After the interrogation concluded, he said he has no intention of returning to the Navy. With some reluctance, he has agreed to relinquish the TAS Perseus, he ship he flew, back to the Navy.”

“What about Kommenos?” asked Evars. “Aelytha Kommenos will be given asylum on Earth. She will not be safe in the Altarian Republic, for obvious reasons. If Tresia Kholonus did not have immunity, she would be charged with kidnapping, torture, and infiltration of a Terran vessel.”

“What?” asked one of the council members.

“Kommenos has said that shortly after the allegedly murders happened, which she would not discuss, pirates infiltrated the Independence, where she was kidnapped and taken to Altaria on the orders of Tresia Kholonus. There she was held prisoner on Tresia’s estate, and subjected to various tortures, the majority psychological.”

“How did she escape?”

“We have reports that while preparing to depart to Altaria’s neighbor planet, Wisp, an Altarian gang raided Kholonus’ ship and freed her while they were ransacking the ship. Kommenos has claimed they required sex as a payment. One of the gang members knew Jordan Locke, when she mentioned him, and they released her to him.”

“That seems like a bit of story.”

An officer spoke up. “There was no trace of lying in that girl’s eyes. I questioned her myself.”

Lewis cleared his throat to quiet the room.”Does anyone have anything to say before this meeting is ended?”

Altos raised his hand.

“Yes, Commodore?”

“What will become of Locke if he is found innocent? Remember what I said about his desire to return to the Navy.”

“If Locke is found innocent, the court martial will be dropped, and we will have him rejoin at his current rank of Captain. We will quietly remove his outlaw status, and convince the Altarian Foreign Ministry to remove their as well, including the bounty.”

“Understood.”

“The hearing will begin tomorrow at 12:00. Council dismissed.”

Everyone stood up and filed out of the room, except for Altos and Evars.

“And if the court martial is continued?” asked Evars.

“Time is running short. I hope it doesn’t happen,” replied Altos. “We need to get this process completed.”

“What if he’s found guilty?”

Altos was quiet for a minute, pondering a response. “I would sacrifice my career to get him freed.”

“He’s not innocent though! He did do that stuff! Locke is helpful, but is he really that valuable?” asked Evars in a low voice.

“Locke helped save billions of Torian lives! Remember that!” growled Altos, storming out the room, leaving Evars inside.

EDIT: Omitted Chapter 7, so added that in.