Thank you to Joss for the universe that this story takes place in. We all know who it belongs to.

Previous Chapters:

Chapter One http://fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=2154

Chapter Two http://fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=2156

Chapter 3: Human Nature

The first team from Destiny arrived right on time. A small work crew dressed in uniforms similar, if not an exact match, to the work uniform of Gabriel’s, and a security detail with the standard security khaki pants and brown shirt uniforms escorting the work crew arrived at the designated rendezvous. Eva showed them into the landing bay with her usual pleasant demeanor. “Welcome commander Sato. It’s been a while.” Sato appeared unimposing at first glance but Eva knew quite the opposite was true. “Far too long I’d say. You look wonderful, as usual.” “Thank you. You’ve always been quite the charmer.” Eva was far too modest. “Where is that ‘all-business’ husband of yours?” “I believe he is out scouting the sector. I’m sure he knows you’re here, so he’ll be here soon.” “Ah yes… even before the Shift he had an uncanny sixth sense; now it’s downright spooky.” Eva smiled at him, “He is not the only one of us. C’mon, I’ll show you to your quarters.” Sato and a squad of twelve men and women dressed in the camouflaged uniforms, like those that Eva and Michael had been wearing, followed Eva to the dorms at one end of the landing bay. The Alliance ship dominated the bay but ample room remained for equipment and work areas. “Here we are; I hope these accommodations are suitable. Bath and kitchen facilities are at opposite ends of the sleeping bay. As you know, we have been inactive for quite a while, so it’s a little dusty” “This will be fine… more than adequate. Looks like Michael planned ahead. Additional work crews and security are about half an hour behind with their equipment. I will show them in.” “The landing bay is under your command now. Is there anything you need from me?” “No thank you, just have Michael give me a report when he arrives and I will fill him in on all the details.” “Yes sir,” said Eva respectfully, as she turned and exited the dorm area.

Hogo Sato began unpacking his belongings at the desk next to the only single bed in the dorm. ‘I’m always impressed with Michael’s preparation,’ he thought. ‘He has a knack for that too.’ The rest of the squad picked out their bunks and began to get cleaned up after their two-day journey. They took turns using the four shower stalls. Sato observed the camaraderie and efficiency that the soldiers displayed in their activities. The commander had been training this squad for ten years and he was certain they were ready for what was about to befall them. Most units train for mere months but the polarity shift had seen to it that they had more than ample time to ready themselves. Discipline was paramount in this unit and Sato did not have to give the order to muster after the squads on hour of downtime. “Lt. Carter,” Sato addressed his squad commander. “Yes sir,” she responded and walked over to him. “The other crews have arrived. Please show them to this dorm and prepare a watch schedule. As soon as the security detail gets cleaned up, organize teams to suit your schedule.” “Right away sir.” Carter promptly gathered her gear and went to gather the work crews. She passed a young woman wearing black on her way out, giving her a long look. Serina looked back wide-eyed and curious and walked into the dorm. “What can I do for you,” Sato smiled at Serina. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to intrude; I’ve just haven’t been up here before.” “That’s okay. I’m Hogo Sato. What’s your name?” He stood and offered his hand, “I once knew someone very much like you.” Sato could have been looking at a young Evangeline were it not for her dark hair. Eva had been curious and shy much like… “Serina,” she said as she shook Sato’s hand. Sato could feel a force emanating from her. ‘This girl is special; an ability beyond any I have come across yet,’ he thought as he looked up into her captivating gaze. Eva had almost the same look but this was different…magnetic. Sato felt rejuvenated by her touch. “Where did you get that uniform,” Sato asked as they released their respective grips. “Eva asked me to mend these. I believe they came from the men that attacked my settlement. Michael is the one who killed them…I’m pretty sure anyway. I tailored this one to fit.” “I see. Has anyone been back to your settlement?” “Not that I know of,” she told him. There were many there, ready to fight when my father told me to leave.” The sadness in her eyes told Sato the fate of her father, “Your father’s name?” “Victor Corrigan,” she watched Sato slowly sit down with a look of remembrance on his face. Sato had trained and fought along side Victor many years, several lifetimes ago. “I’m sorry for your loss. He was good man.” Sato stared at the wall for a moment. Serina wondered how he knew without having told him. “Serina, I would like to speak with you more later, if that’s alright with you.” “Sure, after my chores are finished I’ll come back here.” “Excellent,” he responded. Serina left the dorm and Sato got up to speak to Michael whom had just walked into his view form the dorm window. “I see you’re making yourself at home,” said Michael as he clasped Sato outstretched hand. “Working your charms on young women these days are you,” referring to Serina and raising his brow. “Save it,” Sato smiled. “From the look of things you’re doing a great job here. How many Alliance troops did you end when you captured the ship?” “Thirty, including the air crew. Not enough to account for an assault on a settlement the size of Victor’s. I’m sure there is more Alliance out there but I’m not sure where they are. Did you have any encounters on the way?” “Negative. Not even any signs, other than the remains of what was left after your firefight. Scavengers have already started picking their bones clean. Nice work, by the way.” Sato was not sure he could have done as well. “I would like you to lead a scouting party to Serina’s settlement and verify the outcome of the attack. I have not heard from them but I don’t often hear much anyway. Pilgrims do like to keep to themselves.” “Never really saw Victor as a pilgrim. When should I leave?” Michael already knew the outcome but he wanted to investigate the site. A subdued smile appeared on Sato’s face, “Wait for a few days, then you can test the modifications we’re making on the ship you captured.” “Modifications?” Michael was intrigued. “We’ve developed new gravity well drives that will enable limitless range as long as they are operational. We plan to install four of these drives on the outside of the ship. They’ll be multidirectional and the ship will actually be able to move on only one. Redundant and independent power supplies will be installed for each drive.” “Sounds like your planning a long trip.” “Not just me, you too.” Michael looked at Sato, sharing his expression. They understood each other implicitly. “In the last several years we have built several ships out of the remains of our old fleet and installed these drives.” Sato was beaming with excitement. “Mostly modest sized transports. Weapons systems are still minimal but we’ve managed to fit each ship with respectable rail guns. They incorporate a range finder with target tracking that will automatically position the ship when engaged. Evasive maneuvering systems are also engaged when in attack mode but can be manually overridden. The new drives make the system as smooth as silk. We no longer must fight gravity as much to alter course, but can change course by applying excessive and opposite gravitational force with the gravity drives.” “Thus, the need for four drives,” Michael completed Sato’s thought. “All this in the last twenty years… how?” “The Alliance technology we captured almost a century ago has finally proved useful. We reconfigured the design of the gravity machines they used for terraforming and reduced the size considerably. Combined with a small gravity well, we created a drive that can push a ship through the fabric of space and, at the same time, provide its own power with a continuously tuning magnetic resonance power supply.” “Perpetual motion… not bad. No fuel requirements; minimal moving parts. These ships ought to last a good long while and be incredibly fast.” Michael was bristling with the possibilities. “What took years for the Alliance might only take months for us. What are your personnel requirements?” “The events of the last week have forced us to reevaluate the plan. We have spent the last seven years scouting out what remains on Earth. There’s not a whole lot left. Destiny continues to be the most civilized place to live and the only center of industry and learning. You’re familiar with the problem of natural resources and farming is limited to family farms. We estimate the known population to number less than 500,000 and scattered throughout inhabitable areas.” “We need to eliminate the Alliance presence in this solar system before we leave it,” said Michael emphatically. “Yes, I know… and we will. In addition, we‘ll maintain a presence in Destiny as a training center and establish a communications center to keep in contact when we leave. Destiny’s defenses are considerable and mostly automated. Most of our security personnel and training instructors will remain. The same types of static power supplies that you have here provide more than ample power for the city.” The landing bay was bustling with activity. The work crews already had much of the ship apart and Michael saw Gabriel in the midst of it. “C’mon, lets take a walk,” Sato motioned to Michael. They exited the dorm and walked towards the ship. “Based on the technology I see on this ship, the Alliance has not improved much over the last hundred years. Something must have impeded their progress. Perhaps, the browncoats that chased the last of those vermin from Earth.” “I can only hope so,” Michael said, as he remembered some of those that left long ago. “So, this Alliance contingent must have started back to Earth over a decade ago, but why? I still can’t think of a reason for them to return.” “I think it must be the laboratory we destroyed. For the same reason their technology has not advanced too much, they must have been unable to divert resources to investigate. In addition, their personnel were most likely supposed to have continued on to the core planets after their experiment was completed. It would’ve been fifteen years, minimum, before they were even expected.” “One thing is certain… this transport could not have made the trip alone. The fuel requirements wouldn’t allow it.” Michael looked around and noticed that some of the various work crewmembers were giving him long looks. Sato noticed it as well. “Your handiwork from the other day has made an impression on the younger personnel. Not to mention, your longstanding reputation.” “What would that be,” he asked, wondering what kind of embellishments Sato had added to his mission reports from the days of the resistance. Sato smiled, “Something between superhuman and the Angel of Death, I think.” Michael laughed and shook his head. He had been very good at killing for a very long time but he did not consider his record to be extraordinary, just one of more successes than failures. He had also managed to keep most of those serving with him alive. “I take it you plan on this crew making the trip.” “That’s right. You shouldn’t have any insubordination problems,” Sato was grinning again. “I won’t bother asking what that grin is for.”

Lt. Carter approached Sato and Michael. “Commander, I have the watch schedule and first watch is in position.” “Good. Lt. Carter, this is Colonel Michael Romanov, your new commanding officer.” “Pleased to be under you command sir,” she shook his hand. “The watch list sir,” she then handed Michael a hand-sized computer, “All the teams’ personnel files are included for your review.” “Excellent, I’ll sit down with you tomorrow and discuss the files. In the mean time, I’ll leave the watch responsibilities to you; however, I will be up early to check the perimeter myself. I would like you to join me. Don’t mention it to the watch crew on duty.” “Yes sir. What hour shall I wake?” “I’ll meet you at 0500 down in the house kitchen.” Michael pointed to the house access door. “Yes sir.” Carter turned and returned to the dorm. Most of the unit was asleep now, after a hard two-day march. She decided to turn in as well.

Sato joined Eva and Michael for the dinner that Serina prepared. The entire family was around the table. Sato gregariously greeted Gabriel and little Ann. He remembered that Gabriel had graduated Destiny’s technical academy close to the top of his class and was familiar with his academic record. “Have you familiarized yourself with the proposed ship modifications,” asked Sato. “Yes sir. I might have some ideas about shielding but I’ll need some more time to implement them,” Gabriel said with a look of hope on his face. “Your father will be taking the ship on a mission soon. I’ll give you 48 hrs to make the necessary modifications.” “I’d like Gabriel and Eva to come with me as the air crew. Serina can have charge of Ann and the house. With your permission, of course.” Michael looked at Sato. “That would be fine. And Gabriel, the shield problem must be solved before we can fully test the new drives.” “Understood sir. Am I to have an official position in the unit then?” Gabriel responded. “As of this moment you’re commissioned as a lieutenant and in command of the technical detail, however, Lt. Carter will be your immediate superior on matters that have to do with security and logistics. The crew is already aware of my decision.” “Yes sir… thank you sir. And I’ll test some ideas on the scouting mission.” Gabriel could hardly contain his excitement. He had worked hard toward receiving a command since the academy accepted him seven years ago; only there were none to be had because the military was essentially inactive. Only training and education activities had been started up. The only active members were the security force under commander Sato and the instructors. The strangers he saw in the woods had changed that virtually overnight. His father’s encounter a few days ago had set into motion an activation contingency that was planned decades ago. Gabriel had the distinct feeling, having been working with the crew already, that he had been afforded some respect because of his father. He knew that he had been active militarily long ago but had no idea how extensive it must have been. “Congratulations Gabriel,” said Michael. He was proud of his son, and relieved when Gabriel pursued technical training instead of following in his footsteps. “Remember, you will be in command of some very experienced personnel, so take the time to listen.” “No worries Dad,” he said smiling from ear to ear. The dinner table had always been informal between them, a time to relax. The rest of the dinner conversation was spent catching up with the progress that Destiny had made. “Our population numbers about 10,540 and we are completely self sufficient. Trading has increased ten fold in a decade. Power supplies are the most sought after item after clothing but we have to search far and wide for materials to build them.” “We’ve noticed the increase in trade,” said Eva, “how have you accommodated the growth?” “Two-thirds of the city is underground. Most of what you see up top is the same as it was twenty years ago… a little nicer perhaps. The truly amazing building has been going on underground. You’ll get the full tour in a few weeks.” “Guess I won’t need to finish that room in this place after all.” Michael hated that kind of work and was relieved. Eva glared playfully at him, “Weren’t likely to anyway.” Michael grinned back at her and chuckled. “The city will gradually shift to a civilian leadership. We will still be in charge of security and many of the proposed leaders are former browncoats that do not wish to leave Earth.” “How long has this plan been in the making?” asked Serina. She had been so quiet that they were surprised at her question. “We have always wanted to be able to fight the Alliance beyond Earth. That has been the general guideline since they left Earth. The Shift has given us the time to wait until we can.” Michael looked at Serina and figured Victor had told her far more than she let on. “My father always told me that one day I would leave with angels. I guess now I will be.” Gabriel looked at her smile and realized, in an odd way, she was right. “Well, that’s an interesting way to see it. I see you have your father’s imagination,” said Eva, “Serina, clear the table please and I’ll help you clean up.” “I’ve got it Mom. Just relax a while; you’ve been up for almost 24 hours.” Gabriel was using that as an excuse to spend time with Serina. Serina smiled at him and they began clearing the table. “Eva, Michael, I want to discuss something with you. …Shall we,” Sato gestured to the main room. Once there, they all sat on a circular sofa covered in furs in the center of the room. It was a comfortable sitting area and the circle was broken on one end for access. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but Serina has a gift that I’ve not seen before. Upon greeting her I was overwhelmed with some sort of force when taking her hand. I felt rejuvenated. I’m not even sure she was aware of it.” “Force?” asked Eva. “I think she might have a passive ability that, in some fashion, heals and rejuvenates those that she touches.” Eva looked fascinated, “That’s incredible. I’ve never heard of or seen anything like that before.” “Yes, unusual even in our times,” Sato agreed. “Agility, physical strength, and empathic abilities, but nothing like this.” They spent a short time reminiscing about the past and then decided to turn in for the night. “Goodnight. I’ll see you all at the morning briefing, 08:00 sharp,” Sato said as he walked out the door. “Be sure that Gabriel is there.” “Yes Sir,” Eva and Michael replied in unison.

Serina was waiting in the dorm for Sato when he arrived, just as she said she would be. Lt. Carter had made her feel comfortable until he arrived. “Good evening Serina,” Sato greeted her in his typically friendly fashion. “Hello Commander”, she replied.

“Please call me Hogo. You are not under my command or in the security force.” “I know, I just wanted to be respectful is all” “Are you aware of any abilities you might possess?” asked Hogo “I’ve never noticed anything that I thought was unusual.” “What kind if training or schooling have you had?” inquired Hogo. “Just the standard schooling really. My father taught me some skills beyond that.” Her thoughts drifted off to memories of her father. She was minimizing her training, as she didn’t think it was important. Although her appearance was that of a young woman, she was much older and more experienced than most imagined. However, she considered her abilities miniscule compared to those that were now her protectors. Sato recognized the faraway gaze she displayed in her striking green eyes and guessed that she knew more than she let on. The Pilgrim life was a back-to-basics kind of existence, so it did not surprise Sato that Serina did not pursue her potential ability. “I would like to help you explore your abilities, so you can utilize them.” “I suppose that’d be okay, if you think it will profit somehow.” “I think it will be a benefit to us all.” “Now, get some sleep and I’ll see you after the briefing, say about 09:00.” “Yes, thank you Hogo. Goodnight.”

Lieutenant Carter met Michael right on schedule and they started their inspection of the perimeter defenses. One by one they stealthily approached each position. Carter was hard pressed to keep up with Michael but didn’t let it show. She was amazed by his agility and ability to keep silent. To her men’s credit, Michael was not able to get close enough for hand-to-hand combat before he was noticed. Of course, the bow on his back would have taken care of the entire security detail. Once Michael was satisfied with the defensive arrangements, he and Carter headed back towards the bunker. “How did we do, Colonel?” asked Carter “Very good Carter. All the positions are well concealed and the perimeter is completely covered. All positions share an overlapping visual with each flank and are on high ground. Discipline is good and the men are alert. I’m very pleased.” “Thank you Colonel.” She was relieved that it had gone well. Much of her tactical training had been straight from the accounts of Colonel Romanov’s activities during the days of the resistance. There was no one that she respected more in the ‘verse. “There is just one more thing I would like you to implement.” “Yes sir?” “At apparently random intervals, I want the men to shift positions simultaneously while maintaining equal distance form each other. Not too often, but often enough to give them a different perspective of the area. Tell them to keep to good cover and move slowly with a watchful eye. Once all positions have gone through each position several times you may stop the rotation and continue with the current setup.” Michael wanted each man to be intimately familiar with the surroundings and this would also help them stay alert. “Would next watch be sufficient sir?” “Yes, that would be fine. Time to get to the briefing.”

Serina had little Ann Romanov with her as she prepared breakfast for the people at the briefing. Ann was “helping” and quite elated with her task. Present were Commander Sato, Lt. Gabriel Romanov, Maj. Evangeline Romanov, Lt. Carter, and Col. Michael Romanov. Also present were key enlisted personnel, the crew leaders. “Good morning everyone. Please get something to eat and be seated.” The Romanov’s kitchen had been rearranged into a makeshift briefing room. “First on the agenda is Lt. Romanov’s report on the shielding issue for the transport ship.” Gabriel stood and went to the head of the room. “As you all know, the speeds at which the gravity drives allow the craft to operate are far beyond its design specifications. We have changed the physical structure as much as possible to account for this problem but no amount of retrofitting would be enough. Our goal was to find a solution that not only maintained structural integrity but shielded the vessel from particulate matter strikes as well. I believe we have found the solution. Modifying a gravity drive to provide a repellent field around the ship will create a ‘bubble’ that will protect the ship from being struck directly by particulate matter while traveling at hyper velocities. It will act as a deflector shield of sorts. We are able to accomplish this by marrying the technology of the gravity well drive to that of the inertial dampeners. This will be an additional system, so it will not compromise the performance of the ship. Additional power supplies will be installed to accommodate the need.” Gabriel was pleased that he and his men had found the solution in so little time. “Excellent work. Congratulations to you and your team.” Sato was ecstatic. This was the last piece of the technological puzzle that they needed. Sato when on to explain the logistics of the impending voyage. Water was the largest problem, but not an insurmountable one. All they needed were a few more ships. “We know that the Alliance has more ships near Earth, however, they are maintaining communications silence as to not give away their position. This would indicate that their force is not great in size and they are hesitant to test Destiny’s defenses. Certainly, they know we’re here, especially since their transport has gone missing. Our goal is to capture as many of their ships as possible. Once we assess their numbers and positions we can decide exactly how we we’re going to do that.” “And if we cannot capture their vessels, sir?” asked one of Gabriel’s sergeants. “We will have their ships or they will be destroyed.” Sato had a steely resolve in his demeanor. “We can outrun them, in atmo or out, so the biggest issue is boarding them and the condition the captured ship is in when we do.” “We should anticipate the arrival of more Alliance forces, however unlikely. Their lack of overwhelming force is indicative that their mission was one of inquiry. They were most likely surprised that anyone remained on Earth at all.”

Suddenly, the door burst open! “Colonel, Alliance patrols are near, estimate is about 80 troops.” The watch sergeant was wide-eyed but in an exited way. “Do not initiate fire. Have all units withdraw to the bunker’s landing bay. Leave no trace of your presence.” Michael was certain they could take the troops out but a second engagement in the same area would tell the Alliance forces their location. Obviously, they had an idea already. It was likely that they tracked the ship there despite his efforts to prevent that. “Yes sir!” Sgt. Williams raced out to relay the order. Communications silence was paramount. The communications center lit up and Eva quickly made her way to the console. A coded message was already being decrypted. “Destiny has initiated the defense protocol. Hostilities are imminent. Several Alliance troop transports have landed and are disembarking troops.” “It seems that they are more ready for a fight than I anticipated.” Sato appeared concerned. “Lt. Carter,” Michael addressed urgently. “Sir?” “Belay my last order to Williams. Break communications silence and take your team to engage their patrol. Protect the bunker from being breached. They know we’re here!” “Yes sir.” She left talking into her com unit. “Williams, set up standard defensive positions at the entrances. Have first unit group at the back door, second in the bay.” “Gabriel, how long before you can have that ship fully ready?” “Maybe twelve hours at best.” “You have six! And scan the ship for bugs” Gabriel looked nervously at his Technical Sgt. Dorcey, “Yes sir.” The pair left to get started. “It seems we have underestimated their intentions.” Sato said to Michael. “How long can Destiny hold out?” “The defense protocol is one of caution. They will determine the attacking force’s size and then engage to destroy. Our small fleet of ships will not be used unless absolutely necessary. If any large ships come within missile range they will be shot down.” “I think they know this. That would explain their cautious approach. I think we’re dealing with a much larger force than we imagined. An Alliance capital ship is up there somewhere!” “How would they know?” Sato asked incredulously. “Do you really need to ask? Human nature has a way of disappointing.” Michael turned headed for the bay. “I wouldn’t count on Destiny’s protocol plan if I were you, commander.” Sato put his mouth to his com unit slowly pressing a code in while his arm raised. “Initiate alternate defense protocol immediately!” Sato had a thousand yard stare in his eyes. “Disappointing indeed.”