Part XIV
Tension


"I want the Phoenix destroyed along with everyone on board."

Magna grinned as she watched the targets lock on the Phoenix. She knew Commander Sword had no doubt already exited the ship but that did not matter. The thought of fighting the commander face to face made her blood boil even more.

"Lord Magna…requesting permission to accept communication link from Commander Silos.."

"Granted."

The communication port opened and Magna spoke.

"Commander Silos…such a beautiful day for a bloodshed…wouldn't you agree?

Silos regarded the woman carefully. He had dealt with her before and the results of their partnering had been less than pleasing.

"I don't presume there is any method to your madness Magna…so if you would kindly inform me of your plan I would be most appreciative."

The woman snarled at the smugness in Silos' voice.

'My plan…you want to know my plan…"

Magna closed her eyes and smiled. Slowly she inhaled a deep breath.

"My plan, Commander Silos is to stop at nothing before holding the Blade of Spearos in my hand so that I may call forth its powers so that we may savor the sweet taste of immortality."

Commander Silos tried to hide the excitement that coursed through him at the thought of becoming immortal. He had dreamt of one day having this opportunity. Now, here he stood so close to immortality he could taste it. However, he knew that Magna only looked out for herself. Silos wasn't a stupid man, he knew his life meant nothing to her…there had to be a catch.

"You are not one to be easily trusted Magna."

The woman slowly opened her eyes and Silos stood frozen in place by the icy glare he received.

"No…I guess my reputation for being trustworthy is a bit…tarnished…but your reputation Commander…well...let's just say you are a man who enjoys the spoils of war far greater than I do."

Silos regarded the woman carefully as she continued.

"I only want the Blade Silos. And if you can get it for me while I take care of a tall, dark problem I assure you that you will have all the spoils of war you can handle…for an eternity."

A slow smile spread across the man's face. He knew not to turn his back on Magna but the idea of immortality left him feeling indestructible.

"Very well Magna…I will do all that I can."

"Excellent…this is what I need you to do…"


*~*~*



"Commander Sword…Lady Sarah….quickly…this way."

The two women were ushered into a small armored hovercraft. Both women listened intently as the officer updated them on the two ships moving into Thrace's atmosphere.

"We've identified both ships."

Robin knew Magna had been directly behind them, still she wondered about the second ship. She knew if the Dyonites had agreed to follow Magna into battle their fight would be even harder. Unseen enemies were the worst.

"Who commands the second ship?"

The officer maneuvered the hovercraft through the bay window of the military headquarters. As quickly and gently as possible he landed the vehicle and began ushering the two women out.

"A man by the name of Silos…not a very…"

The officer did not have time to finish as both women bolted to the security door that would lead them to the main war room. Robin felt her blood begin to boil at the mention of the man's name. Still, deeper within her soul she felt the fear and apprehension that clutched her soulmates heart. Slowly, she turned to her beloved and gave a heartfelt smile.

"Why don't you go underground with the civilians…help with the information system…"

Sarah locked eyes with her lover and Robin knew she would not be able to sway her partner.

"I'm not leaving you…no matter what you say...I will fight by your side…so please…Robin…don't ask me to leave you. I won't lose you again to anyone."

The tall commander silently nodded in surrender to her lover's plea as the doors to the war room opened. Quickly, Robin and Sarah walked to the holographic panel and watched as the two ships made their way closer.


"Commander Sword.....

"General Rankin."

The two war veterans gave a silent nod of greeting before getting down to business.

"The Altis seems to have locked onto your ship Commander…"

"They can lock on all they want to…I have confidence that my ship will deflect any fire power they have."

Sarah watched as the second ship slowed its descent.

"What about that one?"

The General looked to Robin and waited for her to give the word.

"Keep an eye on it…have a flight crew ready and waiting. If he makes a move…"

Blue eyes bore into the general.

"Shoot him down."


Continued in Part 15

Well I just have to say Thank You to everyone who has written and encouraged me to "hurry and finish"….lol….I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long…but I'm back now and ready to ride this out to the finish….I hope you are too….As always…I love feedback…so please, don't hesitate to drop me a note…I will respond to all….Thanks again….your humble bard…Rachel.

loubug@zoomnet.net