Here’s how it is. In the future Earth got used up. Its natural resources nearly depleted, and its human population was far too great. So we set forth, and found a whole new galaxy, and terra- formed all new planets, and moons for human life. The central planets which mostly comprised of the bodies of the United States, and China formed the Alliance, and began a war to bring all of the planets to their rule. Then the Independence came together to fight them, and the first galactic civil war, that came to be known as the Unification War, truly began.

THE BLACK

Some honorable men have told me that there is never any shame in defeat just so long as you have given all of yourself, and what you are fighting for is what you believe in. But is belief worth losing everything? Is defeat sometimes necessary to see what you really are fighting for? And can anyone lose everything they’ve ever known, and still have enough of themselves to find that there still might be something left?

PART 1: FROM THE BEGINNING

Heavy steps make there way down the hallway just outside his cell. The noise echoes in his ears, and reminds him of mortar fire, and explosions. Better days. The person sitting in the dark cell listening quietly to the footsteps is Jason Nixon. He knows the footsteps are coming for him, he’s a bit of a celebrity around here. Jason has been in solitary confinement since the very first day he arrived at prison. Though no one has every seen him everyone knows him. The guards talk, the inmates listen. They listen to tales of heroism, action, valor, and mercy. The Jason Nixon in these tales are far different that the ones the papers read. A dangerous individual who has committed many crimes during the time of war among them treason, and murder. So why dose no one here, not even the guards, believe that he is a murderer, and instead in fact a hero? For years Jason has been interrogated about his actions during the war, and his stories have never wavered. That’s how Jason knows the footsteps are coming for him. It is time yet again for a true history lesson from the enemy. The footsteps stop just outside his cell door, and after a brief pause the door slides open, and the lights pop on inside the small cell. Jason sits on a small cot, and watches the two men enter. The first is a familiar face, Corporal Smith. The two of the have been holding these conversations regularly since Nixon’s arrival while officials watched from behind the glass. The second man to enter was not so familiar. His clothes showed no rank or name, however they were too neat to be casual civilian attire. He is a black gentleman who’s years are catching up with him traces of white, and grey run throughout his short hair. They both study Jason carefully for a moment. Jason is a scarred individual. The most noticeable things though are parts of implants that help correct his vision, and hearing can clearly be seen. These are necessary as a result of the war. The most important feature of Jason that the black man notices however, is his age. He is young, 19 years old his file was correct his eyes however tell a story of a man far beyond his years in experience. Smith hands Jason shoes, and a shirt. After Jason dons them they step out into the hallway, and this is were Jason realizes his new visitor is not all that his different on this day. He hesitates for a moment, no shackles, or armed escort. Just Smith, and the visitor. They make there way to the interrogation room. Once there Jason takes his usual spot at the end of the table, and Smith at the other with his visitor standing behind him. The man looks down upon Jason then smiles lightly to him Jason dose the same as he scans the room. One more new thing, the oppressive atmosphere that is created when being watched from all angles is not there. It seems as though no one is standing behind the glass. So it is just the three of them. Corporal Smith slides a cigar, and lighter across the table to Jason who quickly grabs them up, and lights the cigar puffing away. Smith, and Jason had developed somewhat of a friendship over the past two years. They didn’t always talk about the war. Sometimes Smith would do the story telling, sometimes about his family a wife, and kids, or even sometimes how the worlds were changing now that the war was done. Jason always thought Smith was an alright guy even for a purple belly. “So Mr. Nixon.” Smith began. “How are things, ah, going?” Jason just looks across the table at him. Yep this visitor is not only military, but he seems to be important, Jason thought. Smith hadn’t called Jason Mr. Nixon since they first met. Smith stopped knowing if he whet on like this Jason would skewer him with his sharp tongue. Smith looked back to his visitor and said “um, sir, Mr. Nixon, and myself have developed a relationship over the past years, and well we don’t really conduct these things normally anymore.” Anymore? Jason thought. How about almost never? “ Like for example” Smith continued “he would call me Carl, Smith, Smithy, or sometimes even shit head, and I would refer to him as Nix. So what I’m saying, sir, is would it be alright if we conducted this in a more, non official manner?” “By all means, go right ahead.” The visitor replied. His voice had a deepness to it like one you would hear from an old preacher. Smith turned back to Nix who is still just sitting there staring while Smith looks like the weight of the world has been taken off of his shoulders. “Nix” Smith says smiling as he says these words “I’ve got a great opportunity to tell you about!” “Opportunity? Are you trying to sell something?” Nix replies snidely. “Shut up, and listen to me. This man behind me is a representative.” “I told you I don’t do commercials shit head.” Smith shoots Nix a look of becoming quickly frustrated with him. Yeah Jason was waiting to do that ever since he said something about it. Sometimes screwing with his poor buddy Smith is the only entertainment he can get. “Okay, well who dose he represent?” Nix asks him. “Well… he’s just a representative” Smith replies “the point is in six months time you can be a free man, or well as free as parole gets you.” Parole, damn. Jason thought. That means sticking to the core won’t that be great. Well it would sure beat rotting in here. So Jason decides to hear this one out. “What do I need to do?” he asks. “Well” Smith starts as he looks through some paper work “apart from physical, and mental tests, and examinations at a facility that is apparently not this one. Just one thing for now.” “And what is that?” “Tell your story to him all the way to the end.” “And where would he like me to start?” The visitor steps forward, and looks Nix directly in the eyes. “From the beginning, son.”

***

The farmers market on Shadow bustled about quickly in the mid after-noon sun. The Alliance had held this planet for some time now however, Shadow to some is considered the birth place of the Independence therefore there is usually some browncoat activity turning up many parts of this globe. Today was no exception. Many Alliance personnel were her at this market not to police, but to look for the enemy. Intelligence had supported that many special operations units serving with the Independence had been using markets like this to supply, and develop contacts to gain information on many key systems. For much time now the Alliance had felt like they were losing control of Shadow which from a strategic value was considered the key to the core for the Independence. Much like Hera was the key to the outer rim for the Alliance. So the after-noon went on quite normally here at the market as another Alliance skiff began to swoop in. The side entrance opened as the skiff came to about fifteen feet above ground as it headed for the market Jason Nixon was shoved out with his drag bag right behind him as the skiff passed over the market. Nix took a hard belly flop to the ground, and his personal effects directly on top of him. Nix was quick to his feet to watch the skiff sail away. “Hwoon dahn!” he shouted after them like it even mattered at this point the skiff, and his former fight were far out of ear shot at this point. Jason had been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Aero- Space academy by his own father, General Jason Nixon II. The academy had reported directly to the General that his son was reluctant to join the war, and the U.S. unification military due to the fact Jason himself did not support the unification act of the United States, and China. Therefore he found himself eating the dirt here, home. A home he had not been in the atmosphere of in over fifteen years, and didn’t even have any recollection of, but home never the less. Jason was born here on Shadow. Jason grew up in the military. His father had been carrier military after he graduated from the academy. So Jason also received his education from the military academy as they moved from planet to planet. The last time they moved was when the war began. His mother, and nearly he himself was killed in the accidental engagement of their transport. The Chinese Allied military fired upon their vessel believing that it was actually an Independent Trojan trying to sneak though. Jason was only seven. His fathers support of the military never wavered though, and they supported unification therefore so did he. Now General Jason Nixon was the commanding officer of operations against the outer rim. So here Nix stood still in his fatigues. The United States flag on his right arm, and the Alliance insignia an his left, however the rank he earned along with any, and all merits while in the academy were clearly stripped off. Nix began to survey his situation which wasn’t all together easy seeing as his last tumble left him not knowing which way was up. Jason was trying desperately to not let his frustrations get to him however that was about to become more difficult. Out of the corner of his right eye Nix saw four Alliance new grads making there way though the crowd to him the one on point the knew. The kids name was Eric Roderick. He and Nix had attended the Academy together, but Nix had no desire to meet up with him. It wasn’t that Eric was a bad kid it was only Nix couldn’t stand him. He bleed purple just like his father. Also there was no doubt word of Jason’s expulsion had reached his ears. News travels fast inside the academy. Nix had to find a way to give them the slip, and he found it soundly to his left. Trough the market, and into the edge of town was a port. Some smaller commercial craft were unloading, and loading ordinance undoubtedly making a small fortune on the scarcity of certain products brought by the ongoing war. All of the military craft were in a separate designated area from the town. The port would be full of off- worlders, crates, tents, bins, merchandise, trade, and drunkards from the nearby taverns with a low amount of Allied soldiers. It would be the ideal place to disappear for a while. Nix was sure he had escaped their sight by the time he had reached the port, and he thought for at least fro the time being he could relax. He was wrong. As Jason walked the docks he began to notice many people were eyeballing him. Even the whores would stop for a second for an uncomfortable glance. A feeling in the pit of his stomach told him he made a mistake coming here, and it was far too easy to lose Eric, and his gang. There was something wrong here. Then he noticed something. Inside one of the open taverns hanging on the back wall was a flag. The flag was an upside down triangle. The field was olive green with two black stripes at the bottom, and a lone black star in the center. It was the original banner for the Independence. Then it hit him just as hard as he caught the ground with his face, the Alliance was loosing Shadow. There wasn’t just a low number of Alliance soldiers there were none, and it had seemed Eric, and the others hadn’t even followed him in here at all. For whatever reason they seemed to be pulling out, and allowing Independents, and their sympathizers gather here. The rumors were true. Then one more thing came to him, he was still wearing an Alliance uniform, and even his bag had U.S. A.S.F. printed in bold along the side. Crap, time for a new exit strategy. Nix decided quickly to go past the ships, and out of town. He only wished he had seen that guy kneeling down behind the tent before he fell over him. The first thing the Nix notices about this man besides the facts that he is bald, tall, and muscular is his Independence uniform, and the crate of munitions he was packing when he stepped on him. The first thing the man notices about Nix is his Alliance uniform. Without so much as a grunt the man goes for Nix. Nix reacts quickly as he slams the left heal of his boot into the mans right knee cap stopping his momentum just enough for Nix to roll to his feet. The man swings out a right hook shot just as Nix gets up, but he it able to block it just enough to put a straight punch into the mans right elbow followed up with a backhand. Non of these maneuvers have had much effect on this muscular brut, but the step kick to the gut, and the knee to the face Nix gives him makes him stumble back to the ground. Just as Nix attempts to go in, and subdue the man he hears the sound of a live round of ammunition loading into the chamber of an automatic rifle, and his instincts quickly decide that further movement is a bad idea. “Don’t even try it purple belly.” the voice of the person presumably holding the rifle to the back of his head called from directly behind him. His instincts were right again. The voice was most certainly female, young too. Nix had determined this as he watched the man rise solidly from the ground. He wasn’t sure what his bigger problem was, the girl with the gun, or the big guy her just pissed off. But then as fate would have it yet another trouble presented itself. From behind them Nix heard his name being screamed shrilly, he the man, and the girl all turned to look. It was Eric, and he with the three other men were charging his way like they were the whole damn Calvary. Just before the girl squeezed off a few shots that caused the four to disperse in different directions it sounded like Eric screamed “we got to get out of here“, but Nix couldn’t be too sure. While Jason was distracted the man hit him across the back of the head with something heavy knocking him out. It would be far too late when Jason found out what was really happening on Shadow that day.

***

What seemed more like an eternity later Nix finally started to come to. He surveyed his surroundings quickly, and realized he was shackled to the grated cargo deck of a modified Hornet class ship with two Independent soldiers sitting nearby whom he had not yet got the pleasure of knowing. The two men watched him for a moment as he groggily looked around. Nix found himself cuffed squarely on the lower airlock hatch, which to him seemed pretty reasonable. On this ship, like all other Hornets, the bottom deck was all open with the forward airlock at the bow, and cargo deck area which on this ship was stocked with arms, and munitions at the edges. On the center sides there are outer airlocks and, then the main engineering hub at the back. Two rooms for crews quarters are located at the front above the main airlock, and next to the straight short staircase halfway down the length of the ship on the right side that brings you to an upper deck. At the beginning of the upper deck is a large common area where on this ship was more like a briefing room, then bunks, and captain quarters followed further down to the bridge. Judging by the smaller size of the ship Nix would guess that all of the rooms including the traditional captains quarters which would be the largest bunk would be double occupied. As Jason seemed to become more conscious one of the men called to the back of the deck “He’s starting to stir up!” then he heard the sound of footsteps coming his way when they stopped in front of him he looked up, and saw someone he surly would have recognized had he been looking at the back of her head. It was the girl who held him up on Shadow. She was very pretty. Slender, and petite with dark almond colored eyes, black hair, and deeply tanned skin. It was also apparent that there was some Asian influence in her genes not to mention the name Cho on her uniform. She threw a plate down in front of him, and the contents that resembled what might have been edible food before it looked like it my have already been digested, and mixed with beans, mostly splattered on the floor before him. Nix looked up to her, and gave a half hearted grin, and said “Thanks, but I’m a little tied up at the moment.” then shook the chain behind him, and smiled the most sarcastic smile he could conjure up. She looked down to him, and gave him the courtesy of the same kind of grin he shared with her, and replied “You’re a man. I’m sure you know how to eat like a dog.” Yeah, Nix thought to himself. This one is not going to be likely to respond well to any kind of crap he might give her so it would most likely be best to just play it straight for now. “So” he began “what’s the plan?” “We’ve got a lot to deal with for now. So unless you want to know what space dose to an unprotected person first hand I suggest behaving yourself.” “Do I get a cookie if I do?” “What?” she asked sharply with one eyebrow raised. Nix knew this look, but his mouth was already moving. “All good dogs get cookies.” Nix said with a smile. Without so much as a change in expression she cuffed Nix in the right ear. He groaned, and winced in pain as she walked away, and the other two laughed. It was good to see his first instincts were still firmly intact. No more screwing around till he found an opportunity for an advantage. Before Nix even got the chance to start thinking again another character entered the fray. “Well that’s the second time you’ve crossed her, and gotten away with a headache.” The voice came from behind him, but soon presented before him. It was the guy he accidentally got into a fight with on Shadow. Great, one more unfriendly face Nix thought. This guy did not look happy at all, but he still wasn’t certain who was more threatening, this guy, or that girl. “I’m Lieutenant Jack Heartily. I’m the commanding officer of this operations, and special services unit with the Independence. We’re known as the Knights, and this ship is called Gemini. Now we’ve been deployed for an emergency which means we’ll be getting to you later. So I hope your smart ass has learned to keep it shut for now because I’ve given my boys Lopez, and Campbell permission to push that button, and suck you out into the black at their soul digression. Dong lul ma?” “Dong ma.” Nix replied politely to his request for his own best interest. This day hadn’t been exactly going his way. Nix looked over to Lopez, and Campbell who were grinning wildly. He didn’t think they were really the type to just kill him for nothing, but he would appease his captors hospitality anyway. He waited until Jack was well on his way to the bridge before asking Lopez, and Campbell what the big emergency was. “A small dust ball of a moon not to far out now.” Campbell started to explain. “There’s a small settlement there that came out from Ariel, if you can believe it, that got shredded by the Alliance a few hours ago.” “Yeah.” Lopez injected “It seems them damn purple bellies got some damn horrible intel so they start killin’ their own.” “We got word through some chatter about the SNAFU, but because of something else it would seem the Alliance isn’t going to try, and do anything about it.” “It’s probably because they just don’t want to be bothered. Anyway we’re gonna’ go, and check on these people.” Nix takes a moment then decides to throw his point in. “Yeah, then you could probably turn what were pro unification activist into Independent supporters. It’s a good idea to go I say.” “Hey this aint no P.R. trip buddy.” Lopez protest. “It’s cuz’ they thought we were there using the village as a relay point those people got blown up. So if they’re not gonna’ help we should, right?” “I suppose that’s noble enough. It’s not the first time the Alliance has got bad intel on their own, and went with it.” Nix tells them. “Yeah, but he’s probably right though. Those people can’t be too happy with the Alliance now.” Campbell says to Lopez. “Yeah, but first things first, right?” He replies. “So what’s your deal anyhow man? You quit, or get tossed out?” Campbell asks Nix. “Well there was some tossing, but you could say my departure was more or less on mutual terms.” Nix explains to them. “And Nixon, huh? I bet that’s like the General right?” Lopez adds. “He don’t look like no General.” Campbell continues. “Actually, he’s my father.” Nix says. The two men are silent for a moment. “You mean to tell me big bad General Nixon let his own kid get kicked out of the military?” Campbell asks him. “Well me, and the old man aren’t exactly on the best of speaking terms right now.” Nix replies. “Ah, that’s a bunch of bull shit.” Lopez says. “Yeah, whatever.” Campbell follows “Eat up soldier boy. You don’t want to offend the misses by turning down the meal she made special for you.” Lopez, and Campbell begin to laugh at Nix once more when the atmo alarm begins to sound. “Well it would seem we’re almost there.” Campbell points out. “You think if I push the button now we could watch him kick, and scream the whole way down?” The two men start to chuckle amongst themselves once more as they get ready to make planet fall. Gemini lofted peacefully to the ground just outside of the small village. The place was very small it would only have suited three hundred, or so, and was rustically constructed. Manny of the buildings frames as well as outer works was without doubt constructed from wood harvested from the outer lying hills. The outer airlock opened, and the bay doors to the cargo area quickly followed allowing the warmer air of the planet, and sunlight pour into the ship. Jack came down the stair well, and into the area followed by two more men bearing the names Wedge, and Biggs. They passed Jason as Jack detached the shackles from the floor, and drug him outside of the ship. Jason could smell smoke, and there was an eerie silence at the moment that seemed to unnerve him more if there hade been screaming. They followed a few ally’s, and one narrow road before emerging on what would be like main street in an old west town. From here the damage was completely apparent. As they surveyed the damage Nix noticed the outer walls, and windows of almost all the buildings he could see were badly chewed up by gunfire that seemed to work from the top down, and at least one building was ablaze. It appeared that a hydrogen line my have been struck inside the building during the attack, and blew the house, and the fire had begun to spread to other buildings around it. “So, what do ya’ think?” Jack asked Nix. “I can’t believe you guys came here.” Nix replied while still looking around. Jack stepped up to Nix, and forced him to make eye contact “What was that?” He asked him anger clearly in his tone “This town isn’t worth it for the Alliance boy?” Nix kept his cool. He knew Jack hadn’t noticed what he had yet. All he saw was a poor little town tore to shreds. “Well more accurately I can’t believe you took the bait.” He said to him. Jack backed off a bit, and looked at him inquisitively “Care to elaborate on that?” “Well, as I’m sure you’ve already noticed, the attack pattern came from up above, and judging on the space it was done quickly. One, or two skiffs in less than three passes.” “Why just do that, and leave?” Campbell asks him. “Maybe they realized their mistake, and stopped.” Lopez said. “Nope.” Nix continued “It was obvious you guys were spotted on Shadow, and from what it seemed something big was about to go down anyhow. You all have apparently avoided that for now. We can’t be too far off from Shadow I know that so I can also say that they laid a trap to pull you back in to whatever they are planning, and they have succeeded.” “A trap, shit we should get outa’ here then.” Lopez suggests. “Too late” Nix replies. “He don’t know it’s a trap. He’s just trying to scare us.” Campbell tells him. “Alright, Nixon how would you figure this out?” Jack asks him. “Like I was saying” Nix begins “All they did was ruff the place up. The only way to have know about a mistake the way it was broad waved is to have swept the place. There were no soldiers on he ground here yet. That’s why everyone is still hiding inside. So what they did is they rattled a small establishment before you got too far out, let you intercept a code knowing you’ll most likely turn this way, wait till you get set up, and then come back.” “How much time do we have?” “Not much.” “You think we can really trust this?” Campbell asks Jack. “I’d rather be prepared for an ambush, and not get one, than not be, and do.” Jack starts getting everyone into position around mains street. He puts Campbell, and Lopez, his sniper team, into the tall building at the far north end of the street, and tells them to warn any civilians if they see any. Biggs, and Wedge are ordered to take fire positions with Jack down the other end, and to do the same. As he his doing this Nix starts to gesture to let him loose. “I could help.” Nix tells him. “I don’t think so” Jack answers. “What, you, and you little spec. ops. unit are going to handle this all on your own?” Nix asks. “At least I’ll know where you’ll be.” Jack tells him. “And where is that?” Jack hit’s the button on his earpiece “Miko, I need you to come down here, and play baby sitter. Seems we have a problem we need to handle.” Jack looks back to Nix “You’ll be more or less right here with Ms. Cho.” Minuets later Miko Cho, the girl who made him dinner, appears armed, and ready. “Alright, we’re expecting an attack very soon.” Jack tells her “So I want you to stay here, and keep an eye on him until I call for you. I might not so don’t get too excited. Your main priority is to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.” “I’ve got the keys, and a gun. We’re all set here.” She tells him. “Good.” He replies as he walks over to Nix, and whispers in his ear “You do know if you make a move on her you will die?” “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Nix answers. Jack just smiles, and starts to make his way down the street. Nix looks over to Miko who is just watching him. He senses a glare of mischief in her eye “You know after the war is over you might want to look into a carrier in the hospitality business.” He says to her sarcastically. “Bee- jway.” she says back rolling her eyes to avoid the smile that almost crossed her face. In her heart she did not believe Nix was a bad guy, but he was dressed like the enemy, and had many affiliations with them. Even if his story were true now was not the time to start trusting him. As Jack met up with Biggs, and Wedge at then end of the street they were both observing the sky to the south- west with a pair of scopes. “Got anything?” Jack asks them. “Atmo breach.” Wedge starts “Small looks like a small drop ship.” Jack takes a look too “Yeah, something like that will only carry a single team. Who do they think we are?” “Well, they did think they were sneaking up on us right?” Biggs asks. “Yeah.” Jack says thinking about it for a second then gets on the communicator “Miko, you come up here with us.” “You sure that’s a good idea sir?” “I’d rather have her here with us.” “What about the kid?” “He’ll stay put.” “I’ll be okay. No need to worry about me!” Nix calls to Miko as she disappears down the street. Nix turns around, and sees a little black boy maybe only six, or seven wearing a dirty blackened red striped shirt standing there staring at him. “Hi” Nix says to him while trying to conceal being startled by him. “Why you locked up?” the boy asks him. “They think I’m a bad guy.” Nix tells him. “You’re not a bad guy?” “No, I’m very much a good guy. Hey you didn’t notice, while you were being all… creepy, if that cute girl dropped a key or anything?” The boy shakes his head. “It’s okay though, your friends are coming.” “My friends?” Nix looks down the narrow roadway they came through, and sees a lot of dirt, and dust moving around, but the air is calm. “A ship?” The boy nods. “Listen, those are the bad guys not my friends. I want you to go home, and stay there. I’ll find you when it’s safe. Do you understand?” The boy nods in compliance then beats feet down another street, and not a moment too soon. An Alliance six man fire team turns the corner, and spots Nix they move up to him quickly. The NCO Sgt. Briggs approaches him first “What happened to you soldier?” he asks Nix. “I got mugged on Shadow. They captured me, and brought me here.” Nix tells him. “So where did they go?” “Not more than a minute ago the ones watching me went to group up with the others at the north end of the main road, sir.” “I see. don’t worry son, we’ll get them back for this.” The Sergeant moves behind Nix, and with a small laser tool cuts the brackets on his cuffs. As soon as Nix is free he smashes his elbow into the Sergeants chin. The blast breaks his jaw as well as two teeth knocking him out cold. The first soldier advances, Nix grabs his pulls him to him, and head butts him across the bridge of the noise. Nix holds him in front of himself as three rounds are fired they breach the soldiers armor, and into his back killing him. Nix then pushes the body away from him steps forward, and thrusts a knife hand punch into the next advancing soldiers throat then uses his palm to smash the soldiers nose into his face. The soldier drops like ton of bricks. Nix then steps over with a left outside crescent kick to knock the rifle of the next soldier away from his aim. He then moves in with a stepping kick to the soldiers mid- section then braces him in a standing head lock to then twist his head to a ninety degree angle. When Jason feels the pop, and crack he drops him only to be grabbed in a lock around his arms from the other soldier. Nix uses a back head butt to the soldiers face who then loosens up enough for Nix to break to hold. Nix then spins around with a right backhand followed by a left hook. The soldier starts to reel from the blows, and Nix reaches out, and pops the pin off the grenade on the soldiers flat jacket then without missing a beat thrusts him through the door way of the adjacent building on his right then hit’s the deck as the blast goes off. A section of the wall, and two windows explode, and splinter into the narrow space between the buildings. The remaining soldier is blasted into the wall of the building behind him, and then to the ground. Nix rolls up to his feet, and goes over to the soldier to find shards of glass, and wood penetrated exposed areas, and had already killed him. After doing a quick check to make sure he himself had not been injured Nix gathered up two magnum handguns, two grenades, a rifle, and the equipment to carry them then started for the south end of the main street.

Campbell watches Nix enter the street through the crosshairs of his rifle scope “I’m gonna’ take him out.” He tells Lopez. “No, no wait.” Lopez says. He had gone across the room to check the other side of the building “There is another small drop ship already out there just ahead of Gemini… I bet you five bucks that blast was him takin’ them out.” Jason looks up to the top floor of the tall building and motions that he had neutralized six, and was moving down to the south end of the street for support, and the started making his way there. “Son of bitch.” Campbell says in disbelief. “Ha, ha you owe me sucker!” Lopez says jovially. “I’m calling up to Heartily to let him know.”

Jack, Miko, Biggs, and Wedge watch as the drop ship makes it’s approach. “If they’re trying to ambush us why are they taking their sweet time coming in?” Miko asks. “Good question.” Jack replies when just then they hear the blast from the grenade far down the street. The four of them turn, and see the dust, and debris below out into the street. “Campbell, Lopez what the hell is going on up there?” A moment later Campbell reports back about Nix just as the ship fly’s in. The drop ship rains bullets onto their location as it starts to settle out in the open. Jack moves forward, and to the left around the corner of the last building, and takes cover behind a pallet of wooden crates. Miko, and Biggs split to the right, and into the building. Biggs finds a window but dose not have a good enough shot to give away the position. Miko settles herself in the doorway. Wedge also takes cover in the doorway on the left side of the street. The ship unloads with six more Alliance soldiers five of them form up into a line, and begin to spray the street, and the two buildings with automatic rifle fire. The four of them take cover in their chosen locations as the cover material begins to explode, and splinter all around them under the intense riflemen fire. When the firing stops for a reload Nix appears from behind the last building on the left, and slides to cover behind a flat bed trailer, that on one side had been leaning on the ground because one tire was conveniently missing, not more than five feet away from Jack. They both acknowledge each other. Jack has no choice but to trust him now so he signs to him six with five on suppression fire, and then their location in reference to themselves. The information is relayed just in time for them to hunker down for another barrage of fire. When the firing stops once more Nix looks out to his right. He, and Jack can clearly see Miko in her position however from the Alliances angle they can’t, but then she leans out only slightly to see where the Alliance is, and the sixth rifleman, the sniper, clips her in the left arm. She falls out into the street, and loses her weapon. Surprisingly the Alliance dose not open fire on her, but instead leaves her there. Up in the tall building Campbell fixes his crosshairs inside the drop ship where the mussel flash from the sniper he saw. He pulls the trigger, and the shot lands squarely in the forehead of the opposing sniper. It was the shot he was waiting for. The other five Alliance soldiers take cover around their ship. One of them uses a grenade launching round to fire at the tall building. The round hits below their position in the building around the second, and third floor leaving a gaping hole, and started a few small fires. Although the round failed to even injure them Campbell, and Lopez must now leave this position because of the structural damage done to the building. Back at the other end of the street Jack asks Nix as quietly as he can “Why aren’t they shooting at her?” Nix looks out to Miko. She is in pain, and her grunts, and slight cries are being amplified by the acoustics of the street, but for the most part she is relatively still. “She’s down, and unarmed it’s against the ROE. to shoot her until she posses a threat.” “After what they did here they’re worried about that?” “This they can call this a mistake, but violating the rules of engagement in front of civilian witnesses brings up a big PR problem.” “Or they‘re just trying to draw us out… shit.” “As long as she stays there, she’ll be fine.” Jack looks at him very unsure when the Alliance firing team starts to advance on their locations plugging shots here, and there. They hunker down again, and look back over to Miko who is now reaching for her rifle. Nix, and Jack both start screaming for her to not touch it, and leave it alone, but she can’t hear them. All there efforts bring is more fire their way. Nix peaks out, and sees at least two soldiers have noticed her “They’re going to kill her!” he cries to Jack. “Damn it Miko stop!” Jack yells to her with no avail. “Heartily, cover me!” Nix screams to Jack as he stays in a crouched run holding his rifle above his head, and the cover shooting off a streaming bursts of rounds along the way. The return fire from the Alliance follows directly behind him exploding off the objects just as he passes them. Jack wedges his gun in between the crates, and stars firing as Nix reaches Miko. Without missing a step he grabs her, and the two of them fall trough the doorway. As they fall the doorway begins to disintegrate, and one bullet grazes Jason’s right cheek just below his eye as they crash to the floor. One soldier meets them at the doorway, but Biggs mows him down. “Thanks guys.” Miko says quietly avoiding eye contact. “I owe you for dinner remember?” he says to her. “You stay here, and don’t move.” he looks over to Biggs. “Biggs is it? I’m going to need you to stay right on my ass.” “You got it.” Biggs replies. Nix looks back to Miko “Time for some thrilling heroics.” He says with a big smile, and then gets up. Back outside Jack, and Wedge from their positions are drawing the other four back to them when Nix emerges from the doorway with Biggs only feet behind him popping off rounds. When Nix gets out ahead of the buildings he unclips the two grenades by the pins, and spins them from his hips simultaneously to the right , and left. One of the soldiers call out for grenades, but there is no direction to split the four Alliance soldiers hit the dirt just as the ground in front of them explodes. Nix charges through the dirt cloud as he pulls out the two magnums. When he breaks through the men are struggling to their feet, but do not have enough time before Nix begins to fire his weapons, and within seconds they are all down. As the dust settles Nix walks the few yards back alone to the opening of the main street where all of the Knights have assembled. He scans their faces to see all of them are either curious or dumbstruck. “It’s nice to see your always good for a fight.” Jack says to him. Nix stops in front of him “Actually that was my first real firefight.” Nix drops the two empty magnums to the ground, and then continues down the street as some of the villagers start to appear. Non of the Knights say another word as they watch him walk down the street realizing now that even Jason was dumbfounded by what he just did.

***

An hour later the sun is beginning to set on this world. Jason watches as some of the townsfolk for a line outside of a mans house who as it turns out is a doctor. Miko was inside getting treated. Nix continued to scan the area while he ripped off the Alliance insignia from his jacket. Further off he could here the sounds of the closing moments in the life of Sgt. Briggs who had survived their encounter in the ally way only to be killed later. He watched as the house on the street that when they arrived was just catching fire was now blazing. There was non enough supplies to put it out now only enough to protect the buildings around it. As he watched he noticed movement from inside through one of the walls that was burning away. When he looked harder he saw that it was the little boy he had met on the street. Nix immediately rushed in. the boy was trying to get up, but the smoke was getting to him. Nix ran over to him through the burning debris, and falling embers picked the boy up, and ran out. When they reached the other side he turned around only to see the structure give way, and implode into a pile of burning rubble. “I’m so sorry!” the boy sobbed as Lopez came over to them. “Cripe are you on a roll today you crazy idiot.” he said to Nix, but he did not reply. “I’ll take him over to the doc.” “Okay.” Nix finally said. He watched Lopez take the boy down the other street, and over to the back door of the doctors house when Jack approached him. “You should probably go too you know. While you’re there you should ask if they got a psychotherapist in town too. Maybe they can find out what’s wrong with your brain.” “They’d might have to start a new sub-category.” Nix told him. “Nah, I’ll break it down for you. It’s stupid, and/or crazy.” “I’d have to go with stupid.” “Yeah, me too. But even stupid has it’s uses.” Nix just glares at him. “According to you, you’re not with the Alliance anymore. So you might consider fighting with us.” Nix pauses for a moment “So if I fight with you… do I get to pick out the shoe box you’re going to send what’s left of me home in?” Jack hangs his head for a moment “You know coming from a guy who just took down nearly a dozen trained Alliance soldiers almost single-handedly in his first firefight. I’d have to say that has to mean something right?” “you honestly believe the Independence has even a shot at winning this?” “Why wouldn’t we?” Nix can only think of a million reasons why, but the most obvious were in front of him “You guys are under-funded, out numbered, and generally out-classed. And you think you can still win… why?” “I’m sure plenty of people have many reasons, but for us here it’s because we believe in it. That this is the right thing to do. To stand up, and fight.” “And that’s enough for you?” “It would appear it would have to be… look I’m not leaving you here. Go to the doctor get checked, and bring back Miko. I’ve got a few new recruits I got to bring to my CO to clear them for training. When we get there, and you still want to walk away from this war entirely, I’ll let you go without a hassle.” “Deal.” Nix just wanted off this rock, and someplace to gather himself. He had a lot to consider as it was. Nix walked in the back door of the doctors house just as he was getting done with Miko. The Doctor himself seemed to be middle aged dressed semi- casual, and was of Chinese decent. When the doctor noticed Jason enter he stopped for a second to look over to him, and smiled widely “So, you the hero of the day huh?” Nix doesn’t reply, but he dose notice Miko squeeze out a brief smile between wincing in pain for him. Maybe on their ride to wherever it is they’re going next she wont be too eager to torture him. “You have a seat I’ll check you next.” The Doctor tells him. “No I’m okay Doc. I just came to collect her when you ready.” Nix tells him. “Your face says different.” The Doctor was of course referring to the graze across the cheek he took while saving Miko. Nix feels around it a little it’s not deep, but it is a good cut. “Just let me clean it up for you before you go, okay?” “Alright.” Nix agrees, and sits down next to Miko. Miko looks over to him again “Thanks. You were kind of the last person I would have expected to come charging in to save me.” “Well, it seemed sort of like the thing to do at the time… I really rather not make a habit out of it though.” he tells her. “I understand.” she replies “So I guess that means we wont be seeing you fall into the recruiting lines.” “I haven’t made a definite decision on that. I’m still kind of digesting this day. Right now I think Heartily would like me to get you back to the ship.” The Doctor moves over to Nix, and starts attending to his wound. “This will only take a minute.” the Doctor informs them “Miko you can keep talking, but you try to keep it down while I’m doing this.” “Yes sir.” Nix replies “So what’s the Lieutenants deal anyhow?” He asks Miko. “Jack, he’s a good guy.” she starts “He’s been a browncoat ever since there’s been a war. Just before they made him a company commander he was involved in a small skirmish with his old infantry unit. The fight spilled over into a town kind of like this one, and it got torn apart. It was where I lived with my family. The Independence lost that day they were forced to retreat. The Alliance stuck around for a little while fixing some damage, passing stuff out, but they couldn’t do anything for me… my parents were killed in the crossfire out in the streets. The Alliance left, and a day later he came back with the others. He took me in that day it seemed like he felt guilt, or responsible for what happened. He treats me like the little sister he never had. So later when I decided to join you can imagine he wasn’t too crazy about the idea, but he knew he couldn’t stop me. I don’t think he was really going to try, but I remember his saying ’ You go in I can’t always look out for your ass’ yet I get put in to his new spec ops unit, and I’m always by his side. He looks out for me like a good big brother.” “So, he’s the one who taught you how to be a hard ass?” “Stop talking please.” the Doctor tells Nix. “Yeah, he did. He also told me to go by my instincts when making tuff decisions because I got good ones.” “So, instincts told you to get shot?” Nix asks sarcastically just as the doctor pulls on his face causing him to flinch. “You’re going to have to tell me who taught you to be such a smart ass on our way back.” she says. “It’s probably genetics,” The Doctors says. Both Nix, and Miko look at him, and try not to agree with him in front of each other. “You’re both all set to go.” He tells them. “Be careful, and take care of each other.”

Nix, and Miko approach Gemini, and watch as Jack forms up the dozen, or so new recruits. Miko boards the ship, but Jack pulls Nix aside, and faces the line. “What do ya’ think?” Jack asks him. “Most of them look angry.” Nix says. “Infantry?” “Infantry.” Nix walks onboard as the rest of the knights along with the recruits get ready for takeoff.

***

It was going to be a few hours before they reached the base. Nix wasn’t sure of it’s location however. He may be a bit more well received, but he wasn’t part of the crew so it’s not like they were just going to hand him they keys with an address just yet. For most of the trip things had been quiet. The Knights had left Nix alone, and unrestrained, and the newbie’s also silently contemplated their decisions. Some of them looked like they may be regretting a choice most of them most likely made in the heat of the moment, and this sort of put things into perspective for him. They had already made the choice to fight, and there was no turning back from it now, but he still had the luxury to chose to fight, or walk away, and he had plenty of reason to leave, and all of it would be the smart thing if he did. Though something inside him was making him agonize over the decision to leave. He didn’t know why. He didn’t owe them anything, and it wasn’t anything to do with fighting against the Alliance he didn’t support unification in the first place, and that was one of the big reasons they dropped him. Maybe that was part of it then… fighting against something that maybe you are even a kin to for something you believe in. So you don’t lose something precious. Suddenly Jacks words made more since to him. The men in his crew were not fighting out of fear, warmongering, or ignorance. They were fighting for the preservation of their lives, and their beliefs for the future. The future is something worth fighting for. Fighting on the side of the opposing forces against a united super power military force may not be the smart thing to do. But if you believe in what the opposition is fighting for then it is most likely the right thing to do. The definitions between the smart thing, and the right thing are almost always two very different things, and from one side of the coin to the other those views can also be scene in radically different perspectives. If there is only one thing Nix learns from this is the difference between the right thing, and the smart thing, and when to make those decisions once you do there is no looking back so chose wisely, and for the right reasons that are your own. So which on is it?

***

Miko came down the stair way in front of Nix who was sitting up against the engine compartment. His choice had been made, but he wasn’t ready to tell her yet. He was going to stay. It wasn’t so he could fight, but more if he did leave what would it be for? Where would he go next? He was sure he was placed here for a reasons that were not all clear to him, but that he for some reason needed to be here. “We’ll be making planet fall soon.” She tells him. She looks over her shoulder at the rest of the bunch. “Most of them look sick.” she observes. Nix chuckles lightly at the remark. “They’ll get through it eventually.” The rocket boosters begin to trust, and the ship starts to shake. They are breaching atmosphere, and their trip is almost over. “Okay that means I got to get back on duty. See you in the world.” Miko says to Nix. “You bet.” he replies. He then stands up, and ride out the landing when Jack comes down the stairs. “You thought about it enough?” Jack asks him. “You said I had till we got there.” Jack looks out one of the port holes, and then back to Nix “Eh, close enough don‘t you think?” “Yeah, I’m stickin’ around. At least for a little while.” “Good.” Jack cuffs Nix’s wrists again. “Hey! What gives?” Nix cries in protest. “I’m glad to have you on, but you’re not cleared yet so I’m doin’ it by the book. So back on the short leash.” “This ain’t a leash it’s bondage.” “Relax as soon as you meet Monty you’ll be all set.” Gemini settles down gracefully on the air field of this small training base. In the surrounding area there are a few rural communities, but mostly dense forest hills, and this remnant of a crater that the base is nestled in. The Knights file out of the ship leading the new recruits out last is Nix, Miko, and Jack. When they get to the end of the ramp Jack puts his hand on Nix’s shoulder, and pushes him down forcing him to sit at the end of the ramp. He looks over to Miko, and the even more confused Nix, and says “You two stay here. I’ll be back when he’s ready.” the proceeds to walk away toward the first group of buildings. Miko sits down next to Nix “I think he’s just going to smooth things out with Monty.” She tells him. “Who is Monty anyway?” he asks. “He’s a big guy. Beard, mustache, burly kinda’ guy. Not exactly the military types you’re used to. He’s in charge of our unit, and he has one of his own. He likes to fight. He, and Jack have known each other for a long time. He’s pretty easy to get along with too so there won’t be a problem.” “Why, should I think there should be?” Nix then reminds her that he’s been restrained once more by shaking the cuffs in front of her face, and all she can do is smile unconvincingly. ***

“Ta ma duh! Have you lost it?” Monty screams at Jack. “No, I really think this is an opportunity we’ve been waiting for, sir.” Jack replies calmly. “Non of this seems suspicious to you?” “It did at first maybe, but at that point he wasn’t even intending on joining.” “This could all be just to infiltrate us!” “Then why like this? Why not just send him through the recruits? Why an elaborate farce?” “Plausible deniability.” “I didn’t know you knew words like that, Monty.” “Shut up, you really need to think this over. Is it worth the risk?” “Even if you were right we could still use it to our advantage.” “So you have been thinking.” “Most obviously for information. I’ll keep the kid with me at all times, and if he even looks like he might be pissing sideways I’ll take care of it myself. I know it won’t come to that though. I believe the kid means it, and is being honest.” “Ai ya hwai leh. Jack, I’ve known you from the start, and you’re one of my closest friends. If this decision ends up being the wrong one when I die your ass is the first one I’m kickin’ in purgatory.”

***

Miko, and Nix stand about twenty feet away from Monty, and Jack inside a hanger on the base. They are the only four in there, and Monty is eyeballing Nix with the hardest, and ugliest looks one person can conjure. Nix leans over to Miko, and whispers in her ear “Oh yeah, this guy looks real easy to get along with.” “Listen, purple belly. I don’t like this idea. I think you’re a rat. So if you screw them, or cause them to get screwed, I will drop everything, hunt you down, and fucking kill you. Are we clear?” Monty tells Nix. “Crystal.” Nix replies. The Miko releases his restraints looks up to him, smiles, and whispers “See I told you.” Are you kidding? Nix feels like asking, but his better judgment says he’s had a long enough day. “You’ll be in the Knights under the supervision, and command of Lieutenant Jack Heartily.” Monty continues “You will even bunk with him. From now on you’re with the Independence, and you’d best not forget that. We’re not going to put you through training. As I understand you already know what you’re doing. So Heartily, Cho get him outa’ that tzao gao, and into uniform. Tomorrow at o’ seven hundred you will be briefed, and ready to re- mobilize. that’s all.” with that Monty leaves the hanger, and the three of the pass glances for a moment. “So that means this day is over, right?” Nix asks.

***

That night Nix was still awake in his bunk on the base. The room was filled with the rest of the Knights who were all sleeping peacefully. He was just looking at his new gear in the slight moonlight provided through the small window above his bunk. The uniform was also brand new, and this was even more apparent when compared to the other brown coats that belonged to the other members of his unit. They had even given him the rank of Lance Corporal. It was about two in the morning now Jack was snoring loudly in the bunk next to him, and Miko lightly to the other side. All was more, or less peaceful when the door to the bunkhouse suddenly burst open, and the light flipped on. A soldier half dressed with a weapon, and a helmet completely out of breath started screaming for everyone to get up, and to the main hall for an emergency briefing, the whole bunk stirred immediately. Inside the main hall every soldier on the base was present, and Monty with a few other officers were preparing for the briefing. The officers chose Monty to speak seeing as he was the most popular, and most respected on the base. “Alright everyone listen up.” Monty began. “Five, and a half hours ago the planet moon of Shadow was bombed by the Alliance.” there was silence for a moment until one soldier piped in with “Why would they bomb a planet they control?” but Monty had no answer for him. Now the room had begun to stir, and a female soldier asked where, and how bad. Then Monty silenced the room, and replied “Then planet was semi- evacuated, and then bombed until its atmosphere was destroyed. It’s a black rock now.” The whole room came unglued now the other officers went around passing on what else they knew, but it was very little. In the back of the room the Knights stood silently, and Nix with them. Although firm as a pillar on the inside Nix was running away. So many thoughts ran through his mind. It was only hours ago he was there. It was where he was born. He can never go back. Why. Then as his mind was racing he looked over to Miko, and Jack, but Miko was already looking at him, and it was then he knew his decision to stand, and fight with the Independence was the right choice to make, and he was ready to fight