"Welcome to Starbase Omega Nine. Once through Customs, there is a wide variety of entertainment and pleasure activities available for your enjoyment. Please see available station personnel or one of our centrally located, interactive terminals for further information." The voice, neither male or female, was clearly artificial. It's message was also repeated, a dozen different times in a dozen different languages, to accommodate the various alien races that inhabited the station.

     In fact, at this particular moment, there were representatives from no less than six different races standing in the line for Customs. Two Minots--nearly nine foot tall humanoids which resembled creatures called Minotaurs from an ancient Earth mythology. Several Aquans--three foot tall fish-like humanoids with scaly blue skin, and wearing plasteel bubbles filled with water in order to breath. Two Valarians--six foot tall creatures whose exact appearance was concealed beneath their encounter suits. Three members of the Ichor conglomerate--scientifically brilliant aliens that resembled squids, and got around by way of two-legged humanoid robot shells. A single, and highly exotic Arachne--with the upper torso of a beautiful, humanoid female, and the lower torso of a massive, black coated spider. And, in a way, the most unusual of all--a lone human woman.

     She was quite tall for a female of her species, over six feet, and the dark green jumpsuit she wore did little to conceal the muscular, obviously athletic body underneath. Thanks to a high neckline and gloves, her face was the only example of bare skin, and it was well-tanned. Her thick, straight black hair was tied in a ponytail that reached almost to the small of her back, and her cobalt-blue eyes were in constant motion. There was a lump on her back, apparently some sort of camouflaged container, and her belt held loops for several more, but at the moment they were all conspicuously empty.

     "Next!" Waving the Minot ahead of her on through, the human male standing behind the Customs counter held out his hand for the raven-haired woman's ID-Card. "Name?"

     "Hunter," she replied. "Cameron."

     He ran the card through his scanner, and got a positive match with the name and face. "Confirmed." He raised his head. "What are your reasons for visiting Omega Nine?"

     She sighed. "Business."

     It was a common enough answer and he tapped it into his data pad. "Anything to declare? Lifeforms?" She shook her head. "Plants, fruits or vegetables?" Another shake. "Any weapons?"

     On that note, the woman reacted. "Yes." Slowly, so as not to alarm the Customs agent or Security, she reached over her shoulder. From the concealed scabbard on her back, she drew a long, impressive-looking vibrosword. She held it out for him to scan. "This is the only thing I'm carrying."

     The Customs agent ran a scanner over it and her, just to be sure, then nodded. He entered the data. "Fine." After a moment, his console beeped. "Done. Next!"

     Cameron Hunter sheathed her vibrosword, then walked on through Customs and into the main corridor. Shops and businesses of all shapes and sized lined the walls, as well as independent merchants with hovercarts and those with their products kept under their coats, but she ignored all of them--except one. Her sights were set on the far end of the corridor, and a bar called...Olympus.

     Starbase Omega Nine was, in the grand scheme of the stellar Alliance, generally considered to be something of a backwater station. Located at the farthest edge of one of the outer quadrants, it was out of the way for almost every- one but the occasional deep space explorer, soldiers who were passing through or shipping out, and of course all of the less than reputable dealers of everything from guns to slaves, who saw an out of the way place like Omega Nine to be the perfect base of operations. Very little was considered illegal there, so long as it did not directly intrude on the rights of other inhabitants of the station, and even then the system and it's agents could usually be persuaded to look the other way if the price was right.

     While there were over a dozen bars and taverns on Omega Nine, Olympus was by far the most popular. Run by a somewhat mysterious human who called himself Zeus, Olympus was one of the few places on the station where the local law enforcement officials could sit side-by-side with known criminal elements, and the local citizenry, with no fear of retribution. Zeus ran a tight ship--weapons were allowed as long as they remained holstered or sheathed, and he did not allow any fighting. If by an chance Zeus' personal magnetism failed to keep the peace, the eight foot tall Enforcer droids standing on either side of the door would pick up the slack.

     Zeus was a big man, in every respect. Six and a half feet tall, and weighing well over three hundred pounds, he was more than a physical match for many of the aliens who walked into his establishment. He had a full head of long gray hair and a scraggly gray beard, and a sparkle in his emerald-green eyes that left everyone who met him with the distinct impression he knew something they didn't.

     Standing near the end of the bar, with a long string of aliens and a few humans being served by his robo-waiters, Zeus was polishing his collection of 'Proprietor of the Stellar Year' trophies. In the ten years Olympus had been open, he had won the award nine times. Each time that the doors hissed open he would glance up, then apparently lose interest and go back to polishing the already gleaming trophies. Finally, the doors opened to admit a certain raven-haired swordswoman, and his eyes lit up.

     "Youngling! At last. I was beginning to worry about you."

     Cameron shook her head. He had been calling her that, Youngling, since the day she first entered Olympus--six years ago--and though she had always wondered why, she had never bothered to ask. "Zeus, my friend." She didn't want to lose that little bit of mystery. "It's good to see you." She slid onto an empty stool, and rested her hands atop the bar. "So, how's Juno?"

     Zeus shrugged his massive shoulders. "My wife's fine, lass. Off visiting the kids." He tossed away the polishing rag. "Would you be wanting a drink there, Youngling?"

     "No, I'm not thirsty. Thanks." Cameron glanced around. "Is he still here?"

     "Afraid not. He left yesterday afternoon, on a transport ship. You were onroute, unfortunately, so I had no way to contact you. Don't know his exact destination."

     "Damn. After all this time, I thought I might finally have a shot at him."

     Zeus leaned a little closer to his old friend. "There may yet be a way, Youngling. One of Dar's associates, slaver by the name of Thanatos, is here. Rear corner booth. He and your friend, Mr. P'hus as he liked to call himself, had a number of meetings at that very table. I think he plans to stay in contact with P'hus. So, if you keep an eye on Thanatos, I wager you can find Dar too."

     Cameron nodded. "Thanks for the info." As she glanced towards the booth in question, her mind wandered--back to her last encounter with P'Hus.

     Cameron Hunter watched the building burn--her face impassive, and her eyes cold. Around her were strewn the bodies of those colonists foolish enough to stand against them. While they had given the marauders a decent fight, at least in the beginning, sheer numbers and superior firepower eventually won the day. Now, Hunter's men were collecting the spoils of the isolated mining colony.

     Not that she was paying them much attention. Once the battle was over, Cameron more or less lost interest, even now she was mentally planning her next move. There was a planetoid in the Aldebran sector that was said to house a rich supply of Ixion crystals. A valuable commodity, the crystals could be resold for a huge profit, and after that she could take a vacation. Watching this building crumble to the ground, this former orphanage, and not feeling a thing about it was proof enough that she needed one.

     "Headhunter!"

     Cameron's eyes narrowed as she turned to the source of the voice. "P'Hus!" Her second in command stopped in his tracks. "How many times have I told you not to call me that? I hate that nickname! I tolerate it from the people because I know it strikes terror, and fear is a useful weapon."

     P'Hus, a seven and a half foot tall, gray-green scaled Reptilon, nodded. "Sorry...ma'am." He spit out the last as if it were a curse, but she tolerated such effrontery from him only because he was an excellent warrior. "I thought you might want to know, that the men have finished the raid. They've gathered up all the valuables they could get their hands on, and we're headed back to the ship."

     Cameron nodded. "Excellent. What did you do with the captives?"

     "Taken care of. Locked them up personally," P'Hus replied. A knowing smile came over the Reptilon's face. "In the orphanage, in fact."

     "What!" Cameron whirled, her eyes going from the Reptilon to what was left of the building. "Damn it, P'Hus! I explicitly ordered that all women and children be spared!"

     P'Hus nodded. "I know. I changed the rules."

     "You son of a bitch!" She stormed toward him, heedless of the two men who approached her from either side. "I give the orders around here!" Taking her by surprise, the two marauders grabbed their leader's arms, holding her in place as they turned to face the Reptilon. "Let me go!"

     P'Hus smiles, baring his fangs. "Sorry, Headhunter. They will not obey you anymore! Your pathetic, weak-kneed policies about avoiding women and children have gotten in our way for the last time. Now we're going to make the universe tremble at the mere sight of us!"

     Cameron struggled, but it was no use. She might have been stronger than the two men holding her, but they had leverage, and she wasn't going anywhere at the moment. "I'll get you for this P'Hus! I swear some day, some how, I'm going to make you pay!"

     The Reptilon threw back his head and laughed.

     Cameron could still hear his foul laughter when she jerked awake, not even realizing she had fallen asleep in the first place--and for a few moments felt confused about where she was, or what was going on. 'Two years. Two years, and I still can't get it out of my mind.' It had been the darkest time in her life, a time she would have liked to forget, but the universe just would not comply. Even when she made it through a night without the usual terrors that had her screaming into her pillow, she would often come across survivors of some of her earlier raids, or the families those killed had left behind.

     Now though, her attention was drawn back to the present. A human male who, for some inexplicable reason, chosen to alter his hair to an emerald green color, stood with his underlings at the entrance to a warehouse. From the looks of it the place was abandoned, which of course made it the perfect place for the slaver to carry out his business away from prying eyes. With him were half a dozen men--four humans, a Minot and a Hisser, the smaller, faster genetic offshoot of the Reptilons.

     They were all waiting for something or someone, that much was obvious. It had been nearly an hour though, and Cameron had fallen asleep while watching them. As she yawned, she realized that her timing was as impeccable as ever--someone was approaching. She heard the unmistakable sound of claws on metal, and glanced out of the mouth of the alleyway she was hiding in.

     It was the Arachne woman who had been standing behind her in Customs. Her long, curly black hair was tied in a rather severe-looking whiptail, while her delicately lined, pale face was contorted by anger. "Thanatos!" The men cringed at her voice, even from this far it was so high-pitched it made Cameron's head hurt as well. "Why wasn't I informed you had moved your operation? I've lost valuable time!"

     Thanatos shrugged his shoulders. "Take it easy, Widow. You know I change locations to avoid the heat. Slavery may not be illegal around here, but not everybody likes it either." He smiled. "Besides, pretty lady. You've found us now, so why don't we just get started?"

     "Very well." Widow crossed her arms. "Impress me."

     Thanatos snapped his fingers. "Boys!" Two of his men entered the warehouse, and emerged a few moments later, leading a group of half a dozen young women in chains. No humans among them, of course, since slavery had been outlawed on that world centuries ago; but there were two green-skinned Orion humanoids, a bird-like Ayriel whose wings had been mostly plucked of feathers, two glass-like Spectre, and one whose species could not accurately be determined simply by looking at her. She was humanoid, but her semi-metallic skin was either light red or yellow, depending on the light. Her hair had the same reflective quality. "As you see, your selection is a little smaller than usual; but what they lack in quantity they more than make up for in quality." He smiled at Widow. "So tell me, any of them strike your fancy?"

     The Arachne smiled, baring her fangs. "As a matter of fact..." She approached the gold-red skinned girl. "I'll say this much, slaver. You have good taste in girls." The young woman did not flinch, like the others, she did not turn away, she just continued to stare at Widow with her strong green eyes. "Interesting. She does not fear me. That's a most promising sign." She reached out and stroked the girl's hair. "Tell me, little one. How would you like to come home with me? I can show you my web." After a moment, the girl raised her head. It looked like she was going to smile, or otherwise respond, but instead she opened her mouth and spit right in Widow's face. The Arachne reared back, eyes wide. "You'll pay for that!"

     "Now, now." Thanatos grabbed Widow's arm before she could strike. "You know the rules. No messing with the merchandise until the deal is done. You want her, I'll give her to you for the usual. A thousand credits. Hell, she's been more trouble than she's worth to me anyway."

     "Deal." Widow drew a credit chip from her cleavage, and tossed it to Thanatos. "Remove her chains slaver." The Arachne smiled as he did as she asked. "Excellent." Before the girl could fight or run, she reached out and grabbed by the neck, easily lifting her off her feet. "You're all mine, little morsel!" She bared her fangs. "I think, I'll have a little taste right now."

     Without warning, the Arachne cried out as her head was viciously jerked back. Cameron stood to her left--with a firm grip on Widow's hair. "Keep your fangs to yourself!"

     Thanatos frowned. "Who the hell are you?"

     "Just think of me as a concerned citizen," Cameron replied. "I wasn't about to just stand by and watch this spider take a bite out of some innocent girl." Her eyes narrowed as she drew her sword with her other hand. "Oh, and one other thing, for the record? I don't like slavers either."

     Widow hissed. "Release me this instant!"

     "Gladly." Cameron twirled her sword. "Just as soon as you let go of her."

     Realizing she wasn't exactly in a position to argue at the moment, Widow let out an angry hiss and threw the girl to the ground. She landed fairly hard, but was immediately helped back to her feet by the other girls. Cameron then let go of the Arachne's hair, and took a step back.

     Thanatos glared at his men. "What the hell are you waiting for? Get her!"

     Widow was clearly still angry as she lurched out of the way. The four men charged first, followed closely by the Minot and then finally the Hisser. Meanwhile, the woman they were all after never even batted an eye, as the six of them all decided to try and attack her at once.

     Cameron did, however, smile slightly. She leaped straight up into the air and kicked out her feet, catching two of the men square in the chests. They were both propelled backward as all the breath was driven from their lungs, and they also collided with the other two men coming up behind them. The four of them crumpled to the ground, either unconscious, or at least too stunned to be any more of a threat. She flipped head over heels, and then landed on her feet, never even breaking a sweat.

     "Well, so much for the opening act. Who's next?"

     The Minot shoved the Hisser aside, and cracked his knuckles. "Me!"

     "Okay." Cameron smiled. "Let's dance!"

     Snarling, the massive bull-like alien lowered his head and charged. He obviously intended to impale her upon his horns, a tactic that had no doubt succeeded in the past.

     But Cameron wasn't impressed. "Oh please!" She simply stepped out his way, and as he rushed past her she spun around and swung her vibrosword at his exposed back. It tore deep into the Minot's woefully vulnerable flesh, and elicited a booming howl of pain and surprise from the big beast. "I was beating up guys like you..." She did a split, then twirled around and kicked the Minot's hooved feet out from under him. He plummeted face first to the ground and did not get up again. "...when you were still a calf."

     Thanatos applauded lightly as Cameron got to her feet. "Quite an impressive display stranger. Would you, by any chance, be in search of employment?" He sneered at the men laying broken and battered around her feet. "Clearly, I need to find myself some real bodyguards."

     Cameron gritted her teeth. "I wouldn't work for scum like you for all the credits in the galaxy!"

     "Too bad. It's a shame to mark up that pretty face of yours." Thanatos nodded. "Do it!"

     Almost too late, Cameron heard the sound of movement behind her and turned. The Hisser was leaping at her as she did, and she barely had time to bring up her sword to deflect it's slashing claws. Even so, the smaller creature's surprising weight caught her off-balance. She landed hard on her back, momentarily out of breath, and thus unable to prevent the Hisser from knocking the sword out of her hands. She never saw where it landed either, as she was too busy grabbing the reptile's wrists to try and keep it's claws from her face. It was strong though, stronger than it looked in fact, and she wasn't sure how long she could hold out.

     Suddenly the Hisser's body seized up, and it's eyes went as wide as saucers. One last, faint gasp escaped from it's rubbery lips before it slumped to one side, and Cameron was somewhat surprised to see someone holding her deactivated vibrosword, which had apparently been used as a club.     

     Cameron licked her lips. "You?"

     Nodding, the golden-skinned girl held out her hand. "Just returning a favor." She helped the taller woman to her feet, and then offered her the sword. "I think this belongs to you?"

     "Thanks," Cameron said as she took the weapon. "Now I..." She turned back, ready to confront Thanatos, only to find he and the Arachne woman were gone. Her face fell. "Damn!"

     After getting the keys from one of Thanatos' remaining men, Cameron freed the other girls. They all thanked her repeatedly and then, along with the golden-skinned girl, left--apparently to contact their families and friends. She considered turning the slavers over to the authorities, but since it was not exactly illegal to buy and sell people here there didn't seem to be much of a point. Instead, she settled for chaining them with the very irons they had used on the girls, and left them in the warehouse--not particularly concerned if anyone ever found them or not. The way she saw it, they were just lucky she kept them alive at all.

     Cameron emerged a few minutes later from the warehouse, and was a little surprised to find the red-gold skinned girl there, waiting for her. "Hey. I thought you were with the others."

     "I was," the girl replied. "Until I got them to a communicator booth. I can't contact my family right now anyway, they live too far away."

     Cameron nodded. "Well, no offense but, what are you doing back here?"

     "I know this is probably going to sound really greedy, considering you just saved my life and all, but I need to ask you for a favor."

     The swordswoman crossed her arms. "What is it?"

     "Like I said, my family lives a long way from here. I was taken from them by Thanatos' men, after I foolishly left our area of protection to go exploring. I really need to get back to them, to let my mother and the others know I'm okay, only I don't have access to a ship."

     "You want a ride, is that it?"

     After a moment, the girl nodded. "Yes. If it wouldn't be too much trouble."

     "Well kid, I...say." Cameron frowned. "What is your name anyway?"

     The girl's face grew darker, as if the red and gold pigments were merging more. "Oh, forgive me. Where are my manners? My name is Astra."

     "Nice to meet you. I'm Cameron Hunter." She sighed. "As I was going to say, Astra...I'd love to help, but I don't have a ship of my own either."

     Astra's face fell. "Oh."

     Cameron shook her head. "Sorry, kid."

     "I am sorry to have troubled you then," Astra said. "I'll just leave."

     Cameron felt a stirring within herself as she watched the girl walk away. Astra was a stranger, of course, and she did have other things to do, but she could no longer let anyone suffer if she could do anything about it. 'Not again,' she said to herself. 'Never again.' She took off after the girl. "Astra! Astra, wait up. I have an idea. It's a long shot, but who knows? It just might work out."

     "Youngling..." Zeus stroked his beard distractedly. "That's no easy request. What need would you have of a ship anyway? Seems to me you've been doing fine without one."

     Across the bar, Cameron nodded. "Yeah, and we both know how much I hate asking too." She glanced at the girl sitting next to her. "But Astra here is all alone. She needs to get to her family, and I can't afford to send her off on a liner. Not if I want to get out of here any time soon myself."

     "Thinking of others, before yourself." Zeus smiled. "That's a good sign."

     "Can you help us or not?" Cameron asked. "I have no one else to turn to, you know that."

     Zeus sighed. "As I said, it's no easy request, Youngling. You don't even have credits enough to get you both on a liner, so what makes you think you can afford a ship?" He shook his head. "No, no. This will require some delicate maneuvering, on both our parts."

     Astra looked from one to the other, and shook her head. "Perhaps it was wrong of me to ask this. It was never my intent to cause so much trouble."

     "You're not," said Cameron.

     Zeus nodded. "She's right. It's no trouble at all." He looked the girl over. "Say, you're in no shape to travel. How would you like to clean up, and get some fresh clothes on you?"

     The girl's sullen face brightened, and she smiled. "I would like that very much." Her eyes softened. "But no. As I told Cameron, I have no money. I could not hope to repay you."

     "Hush, child. Who said anything about payment." He touched a knob atop the bar, and one of his wheeled robotic waiters rolled over to him. "Seven, take Miss Astra here to back room. Make sure she has everything she needs and see what we have in the way of wardrobe while you're at it."

     The robot nodded, and extended one arm to Astra. The girl looked up at Zeus. "Thank you."

     Zeus shook his head as the two of them disappeared through a rear curtain in the bar. "I must say Youngling, I'm a bit surprised."

     "Meaning?" she asked, sipping at her drink. It never occured to her to question the fact she hadn't even ordered a drink, or that it was starale--exactly what she was in the mood for. It was Zeus' way.

     "You and this girl. I know you're trying to make up for your past Youngling, an admirable effort, but since when do you simply pick up strays like this?"

     Cameron frowned. "She's not a stray, she's..." She lowered her voice. "I hate it when you do that. You're trying to provoke me, aren't you?"

     "Me? Why on the seven galaxies would I want to do that?" Zeus smiled slightly. "You've got that familiar fire in your eyes, Youngling. Why? From her?"

     "Maybe. I don't know." Cameron leaned a little closer to the bartender. "She reminds me of me, Zeus. At least, a little bit. The way I used to be, before..." She shook her head. "I don't really know why, Zeus, but I feel like I need to help her. Does that make any sense at all?"

     Zeus nodded. "It does, indeed. It means your heart isn't as dead as you like to think."

     Nearly an hour had passed before Cameron heard a famialiar voice behind her.

     "I-I'm back." She sounded hesitant, almost nervous. "What do you think?"

     The raven-haired swordswoman stopped, in mid-sentence, and turned. Her eyes widened. "Whoa."

     "Does that mean you like it?" Astra asked.

     Clearly fresh from her shower, the girl's skin was bright, it's metallic nature much obvious than before. In fact in this light the red and gold seemed to run together even more, making it hard to distinguish one from the other. She was also wearing a green and brown bodysuit that resembled leather. Very form-fitting, it bared her arms and most of her legs, as well as framing the rippled musculature of her stomach. Where she'd been barefoot before, she now had knee-high boots, and her hair tied into a rather severe, whip-like ponytail.

     Cameron whistled softly, to which Astra's cheeks turned a shade or two darker gold. "Very nice."

     "It looks good on you lass," said Zeus. "Almost as if it were made with you in mind."

     "One question though." Cameron gestured at an object tucked into Astra's belt--it was metallic gray, and roughly the size of a soda can. "What is that?"

     Astra smiled. "Oh." She took the item from her belt and glanced at Zeus. "I hope you don't mind." She twisted it in her hand, and the small object spiraled out into a five foot long, metallic staff. "I saw it on my way back down. I used to have one just like it."

     Zeus nodded. "Take it little one, with my compliments."

     "Thank you." Astra reduced the staff to normal size, and tucked it back in her belt. "So Cameron, did you find us a transport vessel yet?"

     "As a matter of fact, I did." Cameron held up a data pad. "Nice, fast little ship called the Thunderbolt. Not much in the way of weapons or shields, but what it lacks in defenses it more than makes up for in manueverability. We'll be able to get away from just about anything out there, with a little luck."

     "I don't believe in luck," said Astra. "But, how did you come by this ship? The credits..."

     Zeus cleared his throat. "It's my ship, actually. One of them, anyway."

     "You?" Astra shook her head. "No, no, you've already been much too generous."

     "Nonsense. I have several, but this is the only one at the base that's in working order. I don't plan to be going off the station any time soon, so keep it as long as you need."

     Cameron stood up, and offered her hand to Zeus. "Thank you, my friend."

     "Think nothing of it." He returned the grip with equal fervor. "Just another mark on the board, huh?"

     Cameron and Astra strode on to the bridge of the Thunderbolt a short time later.

     The raven-haired swordswoman immediately dropped her bag near the elevator door, and went to the chair in the middle of the room--the Captain's seat. She sat down, activated the left-arm control panel with the access code that Zeus had given her, and looked over the ship's systems.

     "Hmm...it's fast. Damn fast. Manueverable too." She frowned. "But if we get into trouble, there's not much in the way of shields or weapons either. Guess we'll just have to avoid trouble, huh?" Expecting some sort of response from Astra, she was surprised when the girl did not say anything. Cameron turned to see Astra staring wide-eyed at the view screen, on which was an image of the starbase. "Hey, kid."

     After a moment, Astra turned. "Yes?"

     "Everything all right?"

     Astra nodded. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry, I was distracted."

     Cameron shrugged her shoulders. "Haven't you ever seen a starbase before?"

     "No. In truth, I have seen very little of the galaxy. My people are isolationists for the most part, and until recently I had never even been off our homeworld."

     "Speaking of your people, I've been meaning to ask about them." Cameron shook her head. "I have been around the galaxy a time or two in my life, and I've encountered a lot of different races. But in all that time, I don't think I've ever seen any race with as beautiful a skin pattern as yours."

     Astra's cheeks turned a little more golden, a reaction that Cameron had come to associate with blushing. "Thank you, Cameron." She took a seat near the swordswoman and put her hands in her lap. "To answer your question, my people do not actually have a name of our own. We have earned titles, however, from other races. The more polite ones call us the Daughters of Diana, or Sword Dancers." She smiled slightly. "The one we like though, the one we have more or less adopted, is Amazonian."

     Cameron's eyes widened. "Of course, I've heard of the Amazonians. You have quite a reputation."

     "Much of it well deserved, I'm afraid," said Astra.

     "So, you are a race of warrior women? Living apart from everyone, especially men?"

     Astra nodded. "Yes, some of the stories are true. We are a matriarchy, led by Queen Hecuba, and we have as little to do as possible with anyone else." She sighed. "Still, we do not have any particular vendetta against men, nor do we raid colonies and force them to give us female children. When the time comes to replinish our people, it is expected for a few Amazonian warriors to venture out into the galaxy. We seek out men who our Shamaness has indicated will give us female children, and then return."

     "So, is that what you were doing when Thanatos' men captured you? Out shopping for a donor?"

     Astra shook her head. "Not quite. You see, as I said, we avoid others when at all possible. But we are not entirely self-reliant either, though we like to think so, and on occasion we've been known to trade with merchants. On one such occasion, a Trader let his young daughter stay with us while he bartered with the Queen and the Tribunal. His daughter, Ina, was about my age, and we became friends. She was so full of energy, and life, and told me things I'd never heard before. Things about the big wide galaxy, and more importantly, all the alien races she and her father had met, and I started to get curious." She shook her head. "Of course, I knew my mother would never allow me to go. So, I snuck out in the middle of the night."

     Cameron smiled. "Uh oh."

     "Ina helped me sneak aboard her father's ship, and I hid there until they left my planet. I stayed in her room, and she brought me food, and something to wear. Ina's father's travels eventually brought them here, and we had to say good-bye. They left, and I've been here ever since."

     "How long ago was that?"

     Astra frowned. "About a week. For the first couple of days, I was awed by everything. All the aliens, like I'd only read about, and the incredible technology. I guess I must have looked as out of place as I felt though, and when Thanatos' men approached me I didn't know any better. When they grabbed me I tried to fight them off, but they were bigger and stronger than I was expecting."

     Cameron nodded. "They didn't hurt you too bad, did they?"

     "Not really. By the time you came along, I had only been with them for a day or two. Thanatos told us something about keeping the 'merchandise' in good condition."

     As she listened to the girl's story, Cameron's mind unintentionally began to wander...

     "Are you sure they're in good condition?!" Dar P'Hus snarled at the two Aquans in front of him. "I have to get these slaves out of here, before Hunter..."

     "Too late!" Startled, the big Reptilon spun around to find Cameron Hunter glaring at him. She was wearing the black and red body armor she had recently adopted, and had one hand resting on the hilt of her vibrosword. "You know I don't allow slavery, P'Hus!"

     The Reptilon growled. "Yeah, and I don't get that. You know how many credits we lose out on by letting all these pathetic colonists go free? We can make twice, maybe three times."

     "I don't care!" Cameron looked the big alien right in the eye. "This is my army, P'Hus! As long as I'm the one in charge, we do it my way! You got it?!"

     After a moment, he nodded. "Yes...ma'am." She turned and stormed away, but not before gesturing to the Aquans to release the colonists. "But you won't be in charge much longer!"

     Cameron was jerked back to reality by someone shaking her. She opened her eyes, to find Astra crouched in front of her, a worried look on her face.

     "Are you okay?" the Amazonian asked.

     "Uhh, yeah. Yeah." Cameron ran her fingers through her hair. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was just lost in thought." She shook her head. "I guess we'd better get going, huh?"

     Astra nodded. "If you're sure you're all right."

     "I told you, I'm fine." Cameron typed a few commands into the arm-console, enabling the Navigation console at the front of the bridge. "Now..." She sat down there, and ran her hands over the controls. "...if you can just give me coordinates for your homeworld, we'll be on the way."

     "I-I can't," Astra replied. "Astrogation never seemed that important to me. They tried to teach it to me, but since I never thought I'd leave homeworld, I didn't see the point."

     Cameron smiled. "It's okay. Tell me, do you at least know what sector you live in?"

     Now, Astra nodded. "Actually, yes. Ina's father talked about that. It's the Potedi Sector."

     "That's a start." Cameron turned back to the console, and entered the name. "Let's see...ah hah. According to the records, there's only one inhabited planet in the Potedi Sector. That's got to be your world." She entered the proper coordinates, and got another listing of numbers. "Hmm...this is going to be a hell of a trip, it looks like. Since there aren't any stargates in that Sector, we'll have to stick to realspace."

     "How long?" Astra asked.

     Cameron shrugged her shoulders. "I'd say three, maybe four days." She stood up. "For now, I think AutoNav can handle the ship. Want me to show you a room? Let you settle in?"

     Astra nodded. "That would be nice." As they got into the elevator, she looked up at Cameron. "Say, can I ask you a question?"

     "Sure. What is it?"

     "Back down on the station, when you were fighting Thanatos' men? Did you...I mean, have you..."

     Cameron frowned. "You want to know if I kill? Is that it?" The Amazonian nodded. "It's a long and complicated story, kid. Why do you want to know, anyway?"

     Astra shrugged her shoulders. "My sisters...my people...we're all trained in the warrior arts. Oh, we have a few who demonstrate a proficiency in other subjects such as history, or art, but by my age most have knowledge of at least half a dozen weapons, and several fighting styles. But I...that is..."

     "You've never killed." Astra nodded, and Cameron sighed. "Then consider yourself lucky. Believe me, it's not as easy as some people would have you believe. It might be necessary in some cases, to protect yourself or other, but it should always be the last resort."

     "I don't think I could take a life," Astra said quietly. "Even to protect myself. I can't imagine what it takes for someone to be like Thanatos. Killing indiscriminately, seeing humanoid life as little more than an inconvenience. It makes my blood run cold just to think about it."

     Cameron turned away, hoping she did so before Astra saw the tear in her eye. She tried not to think about all of the lives she'd taken in her time. Killing didn't used to be so easy...

     Once settled into one of the crew quarters, Astra didn't try to get some rest as Cameron had suggested. Instead, she sat down at a computer console, and touched the screen to activate it.     

     "Computer?"

     "Ready..." the pleasant, feminine voice replied.

     Astra cleared her throat. "Can you show me whatever information you have on Cameron Hunter? Specifically, in relation to deaths, killing, that sort of thing."

     "One moment..." the computer replied. "Link to Alliance database established. Initiating search for data under current listing parameters." There was a lengthy pause. "Files located."

     Astra nodded. "Show me, please."

     The words HUNTER, CAMERON filled the screen, before being replaced by a split image. One side presented a rotating, three-dimensional image of Cameron's face, albeit it a few years younger and with shorter hair. The other side showed a length of text, which scrolled as the voice recited it.

     "Cameron Hunter is reported to have been approximately seventeen years of age when the farming colony of Amphi was attacked by Ezetroc, an infamous stellar pirate. During the assault, one hundred and twenty six of the one hundred and thirty eight citizens were killed, including Hunter's brother Lysias and her mother Cyreen. The fate of Hunter herself has never been accurately determined, and her whereabouts for the next three years after the attack have not been documented. Ten years ago, and three years after the destruction of her home, Hunter is said to have reappeared, in better physical condition than before, and leading a band of men and aliens, some of whom are said to be other survivors of Amphi. In the next two years Hunter's army, and her reputation, grew as she pursued Exetroc and his men. Revenge is believed to be her intention, in the beginning, but after Ezetroc and his men were captured or killed, Hunter was said to have become emboldened by her growing power. It is during this period that she earned the nickname of 'Headhunter', due to the brutal methods she and her men employed as they began to attack colonies themselves. Despite a stated policy of not killing women or children, Headhunter did kill others without compunction, and was feared and hated by numerous planets. Then, some time within these last three years, Hunter was either disenchanted with, or lost the command of, her own army, and has since spent most of her time bringing all but one of her former compatriots to justice. Due to recent actions, and in spite of some public outcry, she has been officially cleared of all charges."

     As the report ended, Astra leaned back in her seat and took a deep breath.

     "Please! No!" The middle-aged human was down on his knees, with his hands clasped behind his head. A raider stood on either side of him, blasters aimed at his skull. He was shaking and crying. "Don't kill me! I have a wife, and a daughter!"

     Standing before him, Cameron Hunter crossed her arms. "Stop whining, little man. You led the attack against us. Hell, you killed two of my men."

     He shook his head. "Please, we were just defending ourselves. You attacked us, without warning or reason. We gave you everything you asked for--money, food. Just leave us alone!"

     Cameron frowned. "Well, let me think about it." She started to turn away, then just as quickly spun around and kicked the man right in the throat, crushing his windpipe. As he collapsed, shuddering, she nodded to the two men who looked down and laughed. "Take care of that. I want the ship loaded and ready to move out in half an hour, no later." As they rushed to obey, she gritted her teeth. "And somebody find P'Hus!"

     "I hear he's taking care of the prisoners," said a passing raider. "At the orphanage."

     Hunter's eyes narrowed. "The orphanage?" She remembered seeing flames rising in another part of the colony, but she hadn't put the two together until now. "I'd better check up on him. I just know that big lizard is going to be a problem one of these days."

     Cameron woke suddenly, her ice-blue eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to focus, unsure of what had awakened her in the first place. She looked around the small, modestly decorated room, Zeus' wife Juno's most likely, and her breathing slowly returned to normal.

     The nightmares had been coming less and less frequently in recent months. The ones where P'Hus and the others in her army turned on her were the most common, but she often still had ones where she woke up in a cold sweat, her heart pounding a mile a minute as she relived the attacked on Amphi, or the faces of all the people she had killed over the years. Coming close to catching Dar P'Hus--the only member of her group she had not been able to bring to justice so far--only to lose him again was bad enough, but her discussion with Astra about death and about killing had brought everything back to the surface.

     Seeing Lysias, her brother, on the ground with a laser-hole drilled right through him, and all because he had tried to protect their mother from Ezetroc's men. Cyreen was also dead, having given her own life in the defense of her daughter, Cameron. As for Cameron herself, being only sixteen there was little she could do to fight the men, and several of them had their way with her before running her through with a laser sword. She lay there, in shock, just waiting, no praying, for death.

     But, it never came. Though she grew cold, and could feel the approaching darkness, Cameron was drawn back by a hand that, at the time, appeared almost ephemeral to her. The Aesclepians, a mysterious race of humanoids who were said to traverse the galaxy in search of sick and injured beings to help. Two of them, Milila and Lomah, took the critically injured girl into their care and healed her wounds--both physical and mental. Just as soon as she was physically able Cameron left, though she did take the lessons her would-be mentors taught her about controlling her body to heart. These new skills allowed her to convince several of the survivors of Amphi to join her in a quest against Ezetroc, and charisma kept them there and drew others to her cause as well. Along the way, of course, she lost the original purpose of her quest, and grew intoxicated by the power she wielded, and by how so many people trembled at the mere mention of her name.

     "Repeat--vessel detected. Course identified as direct intercept."

     Cameron looked up--it was apparently the alert that had awakened her. "Time to intercept?"

     "Five minutes and thirty two seconds."

     "Damn." Cameron rolled out of bed and reached for her clothes. "Computer, activate the defense screens, and get the weapons on-line. I'm on my way to the bridge."

     "Confirmed."

     On the bridge, Cameron dropped into the command chair, and brought the arm-control panel to her lap. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the readings.

     "Vulcan Class? Damn, a fighter. That means it's even faster than us." She raised her head. "Computer, how long until the other ship is within weapons range?"

     "Approximately one minute, and twelve seconds."

     Cameron nodded, and was about to give another command when she heard the elevator doors open, and turned to see Astra walking onto the bridge. "Hey, what are you doing up?"

     The Amazonian shrugged her shoulders. "The alarms woke me. What's going on?"

     "We may be under attack, but I'm not sure yet." Cameron pointed to the main screen, which displayed an image of the diamond-shaped ship. "You don't recognize it by any chance, do you?"

     Astra shook her head. "No, sorry."

     "I don't know why anybody would be after us," Cameron said. "Unless it's Thanatos."

     "Do you really think the slaver would go to all this trouble just to get me back?" Astra asked.

     Cameron shrugged. "Who knows?"

     "Incoming transmission from approaching vessel," said the computer.

     Cameron raised her head. "On screen."

     "Unable to comply. Audio transmission only." After a moment, a speaker in the ceiling buzzed, and from it, they heard a feminine, but decidedly inhuman, voice.

     "It's been a long time, Headhunter."

     Cameron bristled at the use of her old nickname. "Who is this?"

     "You don't recognize my voice? I'm hurt. But not surprised. After all, you never really wanted to know any of the innocent people you slaughtered, did you?"

     Hearing this, Cameron glanced at Astra, but was somewhat surprised to notice that the girl was not reacting to the harsh words. "Who are you? What do you want?"

     There was a length pause, then the voice spoke one word. "Revenge."

     Cameron and Astra were both nearly thrown out of their seats as the Thunderbolt was suddenly rocked, by the unmistakeable impact of heavy weapons fire. The shields held, but where the lights had only been flashing before, they now turned dark red and were joined by a deeper klaxon sound.

     "Return fire!" Cameron shouted. "Computer, return fire! All guns! Now!"

     "Unable to comply," the computer replied. "Weapons systems currently off-line."

     "She knew right where to hit us," said Cameron. "Damn!" The ship rocked again, and again, at which point one of the bridge console shorted out. "Computer, damage report!"

     "Shields at fifty-four percent, and falling. Minor damage to the starboard hull. Weapons still off-line, navigation at seventy-five percent capacity."

     Astra shook her head as the ship rocked again. "What do we do?"

     Cameron stared at the console for a moment, then her eyes widened. "Computer! There's a planet up ahead, is it compatible for humanoid life?"

     "Confirmed."

     "Good. Load a quantum torpedo, and prepare to fire."

     "Warning. Procedure is not recommended. The enemy vessel is too close, a quantum explosion could result in damage to this vessel as well."

     Cameron nodded. "I know, I know. Set the torpedo for one-third normal explosive force, and adjust the cell so it will admit thermal radiation instead of light."

     "Confirmed. Stand by..."

     Astra frowned. "What are you doing?"

     "Trying something an old friend of mine taught me once. If this works, it should distract the other ship for a few moments, and hopefully make them think we were destroyed in the backlash. Meanwhile, we'll actually head to the nearest planet, and initiate repairs."

     "You've done this before, of course?" Astra asked.

     Cameron shook her head. "Nope."

     "Procedure complete..." said the computer. "Ready to fire."

     As the ship rocked again, Cameron glanced at Astra. "Here goes nothing." She raised her head. "Computer, set a course for the planet."

     "Confirmed."

     Cameron took a deep breath. "Fire torpedo!" On the view screen, a sphere of rainbow-energy seemed to shoot out from under the Thunderbolt. It struck the invisible defense screens of the other vessel, and there was a terrific explosion of light. "Engage engines! Take us to the planet!"

     Fortunately, shortly after coming aboard the Thunderbolt, Cameron had studied some of the technical schematics of the vessel, and found that it was capable of planetary landing, though had thusfar never done so. Despite all of her flight training though, she had never actually landed a ship of this size, only shuttlecraft, and she was counting on the computer to take up the slack.

     It brought them safely down, but with the inertial dampeners off-line the impact was quite a jarring one, and both of the woman were knocked off their feet. Cameron, in fact, struck her head on the side of a console, and was left in an unconscious heap on the floor. Astra was only thrown against the wall, though her back would no doubt have a wealth of bruises across it. Once she had caught her breath she crawled over to check on her friend. Cameron's pulse was weak, but at least she was still alive.

     Astra breathed a sigh of relief. "But, what do I do? How do I help her?"

     Medical training, unfortunately, was not a part of the general Amazonian teachings. Amazonians were born into a rather strict Caste system--Warriors, Healers, Bards, and the members of the Matriarchy--and within it, each of young Amazonian was taught only the basic skills necessary to succeed in their particular role. As they grew older, of course, they could choose to learn any number of skills, including those from other Castes, but only after the Second Rite of Ascension--when she turned twenty. Astra was still a year away from undergoing that Rite, so even though she intended to learn healing as soon as possible, she did not yet have the skills needed to properly tend to her friend, and she knew it.

     "I feel so helpless. I want to help, but I don't know how."

     "Unnh! Not so loud, kid." Cameron slowly rolled over, on to her side, and groaned.

     Astra leaped to her feet, her eyes wide. "Thank Diana! Are you all right?"

     "Depends." Cameron sat up. "What happened?"

     "You fell and hit your head when we landed," Astra replied. "I was worried. I didn't know how badly you were hurt, or when you were going to wake up, or even if..."

     Cameron nodded. "Enough kid, I get the point." She gritted her teeth. "Well, I hurt too much to be dead, so I'm guessing we made it to the planet. Any sign of our attacker?"

     Astra shook her head. "Your plan must have worked." She looked around. "Does this happen to you a lot? People you hurt, coming after you again?"

     Cameron's eyes narrowed, not in anger so much as surprise. "What do you know about it?"

     "Um..." Too late, Astra realized she had spoken out of turn, and now she was going to have to deal with it. "I'm sorry. After our last talk, about killing and all, you seemed upset, like you had been hurt by something, and I got to be a little curious. So I asked the computer to tell me..."

     Cameron crossed her arms. "Uh huh. Is there any particular reason that you didn't just ask me?"

     Astra shrugged her shoulders. "I was concerned, that you might be upset. I thought you might think I was prying into your life. This way, I thought I could find the answers without making you any more uncomfortable. And I see how well that worked." She raised her head, expecting Cameron to be upset or angry, so she was a little surprised to find the other woman smiling slightly at her.

     "I really don't mind. I am a little hurt you didn't come to me first, but I'll get over it." Cameron sighed. "It's not something I like to talk about. It's the lowest point in my life." She held up a hand to silence the Amazonian's protest. "Don't worry about it. Just let me get this ship up and running first, and then I'll tell you whatever else it is you want to know, okay?"

     Astra nodded.

     As it turned out, the Thunderbolt wasn't really that badly damaged.

     The computer was off-line, but Cameron had enough cybertech-knowledge to reactivate it's voice modulator and self-diagnostic systems. With the computer's help, she was able to make the rest of the repairs in only a few hours; she and Astra then had something to eat, and sat down on the bridge to talk.

     "So, what did you learn from the computer?" Cameron listened intently as Astra told recounted the story she had heard--every so often turning away to wipe her eyes, or nod. When the Amazonian was finished, she sighed. "It's all true, I'm afraid. After Amphi was nearly destroyed, something inside me just...snapped. I had people coming to me, asking to help me get revenge, and I guess the power went to my head. For a long time there, I did some really bad things, things that would make your blood run cold. I killed people, a lot of people, but not women or children if I could help it. I had power, and I thought I had everything I'd ever want."

     Astra nodded. "So, what changed?"

     "Me. After so many years of violence, of being soaked in the blood of innocents, of having nothing in my life except mindless death and destruction, I got...tired. I didn't really want to do it anymore, but I didn't know how to stop." Cameron frowned. "So, I found somebody who was like I used to be. A Reptilon named Dar P'Hus. This guy was so bloodthirsty it even made me sick, but I'd been a Marauder for so long I didn't know how to do anything else. I thought having P'Hus around would take some of the burden off, and help me regain my focus." Her eyes narrowed. "Instead, he turned my own men against me. I made deliberate efforts not to kill women or children, but P'Hus had no problems with it. Hell, I think he enjoyed it. He got the men riled up by telling them I was weak, no longer fit to command, and they agreed with him."

     "They threw you out?" Astra asked.

     Cameron shook her head. "Hardly. There were few rules in my army, other than not killing women and children, but one I insisted my men follow was that no one could leave alive. There is no 'retiring' in marauding, Astra. You fight until you die, period. The only way to get out of my army, was to run the Gauntlet. All of my men lined up on either side of me, and I had to walk between them. At any point they chose, they were allowed to strike out--with fist or weapon--and I couldn't really fight back. They pummeled me, again and again and again, they beat me into the ground. By the time they were finished, I was nothing but a bloody pulp. Dar P'Hus and the others, they just left me there to die. To this day, in fact, I don't know how I survived."

     Astra was nearly in tears. "What happened?"

     "The reason Dar P'Hus and the others turned on me, finally, was because a place called Cirra Prime. P'Hus had just killed a group of women and children, for the sheer fun of it I imagine, by locking them in an orphanage and setting it on fire. I tried to stop him, but my own men grabbed me, and too late I realized what was happening. So I challenged P'Hus to a fight. One on one. To the death." Cameron sighed. "I would have beaten him too, but just before I could get in the killing blow, I saw this young girl out of the corner of my eye. She was hiding in an alley, crying, probably because her family or friends were in the orphanage. P'Hus didn't see her, but he could see that I was distracted, so he hit me with a low blow. I went down. P'Hus then came up with the idea of making me run the Gauntlet." She shrugged her shoulders. "After they left, an Alliance vessel showed up. The Medics found me half dead in the street, assumed I was one of the colonists, and healed me. I've spent the last few years trying to make up for all the terrible things I'd done in my past by helping anyone I can, and by bringing my men to justice. One by one I've gotten them all, except P'Hus."

     "Do you think the person who attacked us is a survivor of one of your raids?"

     Cameron shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, maybe. It wouldn't be the first time. After I'd stopped several of my men, the Alliance started to take notice. I took a few freelance jobs in addition to my own personal agenda, and I eventually received a pardon. The public though, who still only knew me as the Headhunter, they called for blood, but there was no legal recourse for them." She sighed. "Every once and a while, I get the brother, or the father, or occasionally even the sister of someone I killed trying to kill me in return. I don't hurt them, of course, I know how they feel. I usually just let them vent their frustrations, sometimes I take a few lumps from them, and then I leave. I can't stay in one place for very long anyway, in case someone recognizes me."

     Astra nodded. "Do you think whoever it was will come after you, after us, again?"

     "Probably. But, let's just see if we can get you home before that happens." Cameron raised her head. "Computer, prepare for takeoff procedure..."

     They got underway just a few minutes later.

     Still tired, having only gotten a couple of hours of sleep, Astra eventually dozed off in a chair on the bridge, and left Cameron with little else to do. In spite of herself, the raven-haired swordswoman sat and watched Astra sleep, a surprisingly relaxing experience.

     'She's so carefree, so innocent. Was I ever like that?' Growing up on Amphi had never been particularly exciting or even that interesting, but before Ezetroc it was at least peaceful. The people, for the most part, were farmers--it had taken three votes by the ruling Council to allow the construction of a modern spaceport, in order for them to be able to ship their goods more easily.

     But while she was generally happy, Cameron was never 'one of the girls'. Some of her teachers considered her to be somewhat antisocial, since she did not seem to get along with anyone, and she had no real friends to speak of growing up. She was often lonely, yet on those rare occasions when she was invited to some sort of social function she hardly spoke or mingled, only to be uncomfortable and left fairly early on. It wasn't that she didn't like people, so much as it was she simply didn't understand them.

     Cameron spent much of her time growing up with her younger brother Lysias, and his friends. She enjoyed many of the rough and tumble games they played--wrestling, war--and she was pleased by the fact she could beat most of them even though they were often bigger than her. When she was not with the boys, she could often be found at the spaceport--watching the ships land and take off.

     It was during one of those times that she met Sera, a young soldier who had transferred to Amphi while awaiting her next assignment. The two of them hit it off almost immediately, and it was from Sera that Cameron learned many of her formidable fighting skills. She was also the one who introduced the young villager to the vibrosword, and in fact gave her the weapon she still wielded today.

     As she watched Astra turn and moan in her sleep, Cameron was again reminded of Sera. Of how she smiled, and laughed, how she looked in her sleep. She remembered thinking how the Federation soldier was so unlike anyone she had ever met--beautiful, strong-willed, capable...she was truly captivated. In fact the more time the two of them spent together, the more Cameron began to believe she was in love with her friend. But if so, it was a love that was not meant to be, for Sera was shipped out a few months later. They stayed in touch by subspace for a while, but the daily links became weekly, then monthly, and they stopped entirely just before Ezetroc's attack. She hadn't seen or heard any sign of the soldier since then.

     'Oh well, no sense whining about the past.' Cameron sighed. 'The future's bad enough.'

     Astra woke, some time later, and opened her eyes to find that Cameron was not where she expected her to be--in the command chair. Instead, she was standing at the back of the bridge, by a console, and had a look of concern on her face. The Amazonian stood up.

     "Is something wrong?"

     Cameron nodded. "You could say that. I just checked the computer, and according to these readings, I must have missed something during my repairs. It looks like one of the power couplings around the engine core has begun to destabilize. I'd say we have, maybe, an hour."

     "And then what?" Astra asked.

     "And then...antimatter leaks into the main chamber, and this entire ship goes up like a fireball." Cameron shook her head. "I'm sorry, but it looks like we're going to have to postpone your family reunion a little longer. We have to stop, and get a Tech to fix the ship up right."

     Astra nodded. "I've been gone this long, a little longer should not make much difference." She frowned. "But do you know of such a place, where we can obtain our repairs?"

     "Yeah," said Cameron. "I do. But I really don't think you're going to like it." She took a deep breath. "It's called Redstone. It's a haven, of sorts, for pirates, thieves, mercenaries. Basically, anyone hiding out from the law. You can get pretty much anything you need there--guns, drugs, ships, anything for the right price. And no one ever gets caught either, because the whole place is built into an asteroid. The rock has thrusters too, so they are able to move it around periodically to avoid trouble."

     "And you've been there?"

     Cameron nodded. "Oh yes. Redstone was one of my army's favorite stomping grounds. That's where I recruited a number of my men in fact, in the days after Amphi. The people there know me, many of them fear me, and I hoped to use my army's, and my, reputation to our advantage."

     Now, Astra nodded. "But you don't have an army anymore. Just me. So what do we do?"

     "You'll have to be extra careful, kid. These people are rude, crude, and many of them are just downright mean, for no reason other than spite." Cameron stood up, undoing the top several buttons of her jumpsuit. She puffed out her ample chest, and smiled. "Just follow my lead."

     As Cameron suggested, Astra walked three steps to the raven-haired swordswoman's rear, with her fingers laced together behind her back. She also carried her head low and acted submissive. It was just a ruse, Cameron told her, to make the others think she was little more than a slave.

     "I'm not known to have one," the swordswoman explained as they approached the airlock. "But this way is better for the both of us. If they believe you're my property, chances are known of these people will bother you, out of fear of 'Headhunter'. And, they should also think I'm still up to no good, and will be a little more inclined to get me the information and help I need."

     Astra nodded. "Very well, if you say so...master."

     A short time later, Cameron and Astra walked into a bar called the Black Hole.

     It was a dark, musty place, filled with smoke and noise, as well as the smell of unwashed people and, of course, liquor. There were women--some human, some not--dancing nude on several tables, and what could laughingly be called a band playing on stage. People were laughing, arm-wrestling, a couple of Minots were even headbutting in the back. All in all, it did not seem to be an exceptionally pleasant place to visit, but according to the greeters at the airlock it still had the best reputation on Redstone.

     They had already seen to the Thunderbolt. Heph, a humanoid with gray skin and a scarred face, agreed to do the repairs on the ship. It would take two hours, he told them, and cost a price that was at least twice that of the listed price--a deal, considering some of the less reputable dealers they visited first. And, since there didn't appear to be anything for them to do in the meantime, they decided to get a drink.

     But as soon as they stepped inside, Cameron began to regret her decision. There were a lot of people here, more than she was comfortable with, and some of whom she vaguely remembered from the 'old days'. None of them had actually served under her, since no one was supposed to leave her army alive, but she had been up against some of them at one time or another. Mostly they were big, mean, drunken men and aliens, who would like nothing better than to have another shot at the Headhunter.

     "Maybe we should try somewhere else," Cameron whispered.

     Astra shook her head. "Why? This place has...color." She looked up at the swordswoman. "Look, you don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

     "Okay." Cameron grabbed Astra's arm, careful not to squeeze too hard, and dragged her up to the bar. "Sit!" she demanded, pointing at a stool. She took a seat herself, and motioned to the bartender. "Give me a starburst." Then, almost as an afterthought... "And some sort of juice for my...girl." The bartender, a human, nodded, then moved to fill her order, while the swordswoman leaned close to Astra and whispered. "Sorry about that. I had to keep up the charade, just in case anyone is watching us." The Amazonian nodded, but said nothing.

     Just as the bartender brought them their drinks, Cameron felt a tingling sensation at the back of her neck--she was being watched. Her face tightened.

     Astra turned to say something to Cameron, but changed her mind when she saw the expression on her friend's face. "What is it?" she whispered. "Is something wrong?"

     "Maybe, maybe not." Cameron gritted her teeth. "Just be ready. I think..."

     "HEADHUNTER!"

     Cameron frowned. 'I knew it.' Slowly, she turned on the stool, to find herself faced with a group of men--four of them human, the other was a Reptilon, like Dar P'Hus. "Is there a problem?"

     "Yeah," said the apparent leader. "My face!" He came forward and moved aside his shaggy brown hair, revealing a mass of scarring on the left side. "And what you did to it!"

     "Is that a fact?" Cameron stood up, but rested one foot under the bottom rung of the stool. "Well, I've got to tell you, I really think it's an improvement."

     Astra snickered, and the big man's scarred face contorted with rage. "Shut up, little bitch!" He drew a vibroaxe from his belt. "Or I'll do to you what she did to me!"

     "That's it!" Cameron brought her foot up and kicked the stoool along with it, sending it right into the good side of the man's face. "Have a seat!" He was knocked back over a table, and lay in a heap, while the people at the other tables began to cheer and laugh at the unexpected spectacle. "Wait here," she said to Astra. "This shouldn't take very long."

     Astra nodded. She had little doubt that Cameron would be victorious--even though she had only known the other woman a short time, she could already tell her friend's strong will and fighting skills made her at least as good as any of the Amazonian warriors she had known.

     'Mother's going to love you,' Astra said to herself.

     As she looked on, Cameron literally leaped into action. The swordswoman, who didn't bother to draw her sword, leaped up and kicked one of the men square in the face, with such force that he was also thrown back over a table even as his nose was broken. As she came down another of the men took a swing at her, but she easily ducked his punch and spun around, kicking him right between the legs. Shoving him aside, she picked up the laser rifle one of them had dropped, spun around again and swung the rifle like a club. It connected hard with the jaws of the other two men, and nearly knocked them head over heels.

     Astra smiled. 'By Diana, she is incredible.'

     Cameron turned, knowing that left her with only one opponent--the Reptilon. Looking him over, she saw this one wasn't quite as large as Dar P'Hus, and his scales were a dark reddish brown instead of green. 'I've never actually fought one of these guys before, but there's a first time for everything.' She shrugged her shoulders. 'On the other hand, this should be good practice for when I do catch P'Hus.'

     "Come on, scaly!" She tossed aside the laser rifle. "Let's get this over with!"

     The Reptilon laughed. "Stupid move, Headhunter! With that popgun, you might have had a chance!" He cracked his massive knuckles. "Now, it's just you and me!"

     Cameron glared at the Reptilon for a moment, trying to decide what her first move should be. Though she hadn't ever fought one of the massive aliens before, she had seen Dar P'Hus and a few others in action, and she had a fair idea of their physical limitations. Reptilons were, for the most part, solid muscle. They were big, and exceedingly strong, of course, but every one she had ever met lacked in agility or maneuverability due to their size. As a result, since they relied solely on their strength and size, most Reptilons could be outclasses by anyone of reasonable speed or ability.

     Snarling, the Reptilon took the initiative himself by surging forward with a burst of speed that was surprising for someone his size. He would never be able to sustain such velocity for long, but in most cases he would not have to since he was doubtless intent on catching her by surprise. It was a typical Reptilon tactic, to try and overwhelm an opponent of superior skill or speed.

     Cameron knew damn well that if he got his hands on her, she would be done for. So instead, she decided to get her hands on him first. Waiting until what seemed like the last possible second, she uncoiled her legs and leaped at the onrushing alien. Using the Reptilon's own broad chest and shoulders like a springboard, she flipped herself up and over his massive body. As she was turning in mid-air, one of her feet grazed a row of spines on the Reptilon's back, and the unexpected drag threw off her timing. She didn't land quite as gracefully as she would have liked--in fact one of her legs folded under her as it touched down, leaving the swordswoman sprawled out on her side with a knife of pain lancing through her hip and up her spine.

     Behind her, the Reptilon's own mass and momentum worked against him. Out of control, the alien crashed right into and then through the bar, forcing numerous patrons to test their own agility in order to get out of the way. He crashed through the authentic wooden bar, and ran face-first into the storage wall behind it. Wood, plasteel, and an untold number of liquor bottles rained down upon the Reptilon, who stumbled back and then collapsed with a low growl--blissfully unaware of his unconscious condition, or just how many credits in repairs he was going to have to fork over to the owners of the bar when he awakened.

     Hissing at a sharp, throbbing pain in her right leg, Cameron lurched to her feet. All around her, the other patrons in the bar--drunk and sober alike--began to clap and whistle. She paid little attention to their accolades however, as she had not done this for their benefit. What other people thought of her, or her actions, was of little interest to the swordswoman. Though, she was reluctant to admit, that was no longer quite as true as before. At the moment, there was one person who's opinion did matter, though she wasn't sure why.

     "Astra?" Cameron looked around. "Astra, where are you?" The Black Hole had cleared out somewhat during the brawl, and she was clearly able to see that the Amazonian was nowhere in sight. "Astra?" Getting no response, and seeing the glazed looks on the other patrons faces as they lost interest and went back to their own tables, Cameron limped back to what was left of the bar. She waved to get the attention of the bartender, who was no doubt trying to decide what to do with the Reptilon. "My friend, did you see where she went?"

     "You mean the golden-skinned one? Or what is it red-skinned?"

     Cameron shook her head. "Never mind. Tell me, please...do you know where she went?"

     "Yeah. She left during your fight."

     "Where did she go?" Cameron asked worriedly. "Do you know?"

     The bartender shrugged his shoulders. "Out with the other one, I imagine."

     "Are you telling me she left with someone?"

     He nodded. "Yep. Looked to me like your friend had one too much to drink. She was leaning against the other woman, I figured she was another friend of yours too."

     Cameron shook her head. 'No, this can't be. Astra would never run off with someone, not now. She needs to get home too badly.' Ignoring the pain in her heart, as well as her leg, she turned back to the bartender. "Tell me, this other woman. Did you get a good look at her?"

     "I'd say she was about your height, maybe a little bit shorter. Younger than you, but definitely older than the other one. She was skinny too, but muscular. Had long blond hair, curly. Carried herself like a fighter, but I didn't see any weapons on her."

     "Did you notice which way they went when they left?"

     The bartender gestured. "That way, I think. Towards the Stone Garden."

     Given that Redstone was built atop an asteroid, it came as no great shock that some of it's cave and tunnels were still accessible to those in the complex.

     Located at the outermost edge of the dome itself, the so-called Stone Garden was a large cavern that extended for some distance into the rocks surface. It was lined with crystals that gave off an eerie white glow, and filled with the widest variety of stalagtites and stalagmites ever seen. The formations were often bizarre, many of them resembling actual plants or flowers, hence the name.

     Few people actually like to go there though. Being so far away from the complex's air recycling sytem, oxygen in most areas of the Garden was thin, almost nonexistent in others, and what few visitors it had often complained of a lingering dank, musty odor. There were also fissures and crevices scattered around the cavern, which could go by almost unseen in the darker parts of the Garden, and led into the deepest part of the asteroid. More than one person had lost their life trying to chart the area, so most just left it alone.

     But Cameron Hunter, of course, was not like most. Wary, she entered the northernmost part of the Garden with her vibrosword drawn, and ready for anything.

     "Oh, there you are Headhunter!" The woman's shrill, almost child-like voice seemed to come from everywhere at once. It wasn't so much that it was loud, as it was the confines of the cave caused the sound to echo, and she was unable to pinpoint a direction. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming!"

     "What is this?" Cameron shouted. "Where's my friend?" The swordswoman cringed as an incredibly bright light suddenly flashed on, and through the hot tears she looked to see a figure on either side of the spotlamp in front of her. One, she recognized. "Astra?" The Amazonian was being held above a crevice by a thin line tied around her wrists, and though she was conscious she was also gagged, so she could not respond. "Who are you? Why are you doing this to her?"

     "Oh, I have nothing against her personally." The other woman was easily as tall as Cameron, and was fairly well muscled, but she did indeed appear to be underweight. She was also wearing a skin-tight, plasteel reinforced body suit of light armor, similar to what Cameron had once worn. Her curly, waist-length blond hair was tied in a rather severe ponytail, and the tip had been capped with a small metal barb. She had no weapons that Cameron could see, but that didn't neccessarily make her any less dangerous. "It's you!"

     Cameron frowned. "What do you mean?"

     "You don't have any clue who I am, do you?" As the woman blinked, Cameron realized that her pupils were not brown or blue or any other normal looking color she had seen--they were white, unnaturally so. If this woman was human, she had something really wrong with, or done to, her eyes. "Well, I'm not surprised. After all, it's been nearly three years."

     Two things occured to Cameron at once. One, this woman was the same one who had attacked and damaged the Thunderbolt, she recognized her voice. And second, three years ago meant Cirra Prime. She remembered what the voice had said over the comm before attacking. "Revenge!" If this woman was a survivor of Cirra Prime, then she no doubt was out for blood, and was probably holding Astra hostage now to get that revenge. "You! You're the one who fired on my ship earlier. Who are you?"

     "My name, is Hudson Phoenix." Her strikingly white eyes narrowed. "You killed my family! My friends! Your army came through my home on Cirra Prime, and when you left there was nothing left! Now, after all these years, you think you can get away with murder? Think again!"

     Cameron lowered her sword, but stood ready. "Just take it easy. We can talk about this."

     "Talk?" Hudson went wild. "You want to talk? You killed the only people in the universe who meant anything to me... my mother, my sister!" She brought her right hand up, and tendrils of blue-white energy crackled around her fingertips. "And now, I'm going to return the favor!" She turned to Astra.

     Cameron's eyes widened. "NO!"

     Hudson sneered. "That's what I thought." She lowered her hand, the energy around her fingertips dispersing as abruptly as it had formed. "Can it be the infamous Headhunter actually cares for this child? Does she really mean something to you witch? Tell me the truth!"

     "Yes! She's my friend," Cameron said, trying to keep her temper in check. "Astra's my friend. She has nothing to do with this. You want me?" She twirled her sword. "Come and get me!"

     Hudson giggled, in a bizarrely child-like way. "All in good time, Headhunter. I must admit, it was a surprise to see the two of you here. I came because my ship's sensors were in need of repair after your little torpedo trick. I should have known you'd know about this place too. It is a haven for murderers and criminals. Guess you fit right in, huh?" Her white eyes narrowed. "I've hated you for a long time Headhunter. Since you destroyed my home and left my family to roast in that orphanage, I've dreamed of this day!"

     Cameron felt the grief and sorrow wash over her once more. She too would remember that terrible day until she finally took her last breath which, if Hudson had anything to say about it, would likely be today. She was just sorry that Astra had to get wrapped up in all this.

     "Well, enough games." Hudson stepped away from Astra and crossed her hands over her chest. "I used to wonder how I was going to kill you, when I finally caught up with you, Headhunter. Part of me wants to do something slow and excrutiatingly painful, like what my family suffered. Like I suffered, when I ran back into the inferno trying to help them." She touched the right side of her face. "The flames caresssed me Headhunter, like a lover. The Hudson Phoenix was once was had been ravaged by the fire your army set. From it, I was reborn, like the mythical creature who's name I bear. The doctors, they could do nothing for me, so I called to a higher source. An entity, of power so great you could not even begin to imagine it. He healed the wounds of my flesh, and gave my a portion of his own energy in order to seek out my revenge on the one who slaughtered my people!" Those same lightning-like tendrils of energy returned, around both of her hands now. "Thanks to Mars, my time is at hand! Rejoice, Headhunter, for your end...is here!"

     Cameron had barely a heartbeat to react before Hudson lowered her hands and generated two tremendous bolts of lightning that singed the air with ozone as they arced toward her. She decided her best course of action would be to jump up and over the approaching blasts, allowing it's own momentum to carry it along beneath her, and she made an effort to do so. But, she failed to take into account the stiffening soreness of her right leg, where she was still feeling the effects of her fight with the Reptilon. It did not give her the height that she had hoped for, so in mid-air she was forced to try and make a course correction, and lost her balance.

     One of the bolts still missed her entirely. The other one, however, grazed her injured leg before carrying on into the cavern wall behind her. Sheer agony exploded through every cell in the swordswoman's body, and there wasn't a word yet known to describe the scream she let out as the blast also knocked her backward through the air. She hit the ground hard and lay in a heap, blissfully unconscious.

     Hudson cocked her head, and giggled. "Got ya!"

     Behind her, Astra struggled madly against her bonds. "Cameron!" she screamed through the gag, as she saw her friend fall. She could tell Cameron was hurt badly, but there didn't seem to be anything she could do about it. Even     if she did get loose, what good could she possibly do against someone who could so easily incapacitate a warrior like Cameron?

     'Oh, sweet Diana!' she said to herself. 'Here my plea! Show me how to help her!"

     Diana, the matron goddess of the ancient Earth warriors for whom her people were named, had been adopted by the Amazonians in centuries long past. She was said to be the guardian of womankind, and many of Astra's sisters were known to worship the goddess, with their Queen's blessing. In fact, the homeworld boasted several shrines to Diana, the largest and most magnificent in the capital city. Amazonians, even those who did not actively believe in the goddess, often went there to pray, to give thanks or to ask for her blessing in the face of some new battle. Many Amazonians also wore pendants or medallions inscribed with the goddesses words. Astra had one as well, but she had lost it during her time with Thanatos.

     Tears streamed down Astra's face as Hudson stalked slowly toward Cameron. 'Please, Diana! I have never before asked anything of you! But I need your help now, more than ever!'

     At that moment, and almost as if on cue, a flash of something metallic caught the Amazonian's eye. She looked down, and saw it was the battlestaff Zeus had given her. It lay on the ground near the edge of the crevice she was hanging over, having apparently been dropped by Hudson. She had tried to fight her captor, but at the time still felt groggy from the stun rod Hudson had used on her back in the bar. Now, she remembered Hudson's taking the staff from her and, either not recognizing it for what it was or else not caring, tossing it aside.

     'But how is the staff supposed to help? Unless...' Astra stretched out her leg, gritting her teeth as the cord bit into her wrists, and found that she could just touch the staff with her toes. With a little extra effort, she was somehow able to roll it up onto the top of her foot. 'I've got it. Now what do I do with it?' As long as her hands were tied, the staff was all but useless, and she knew it too. 'I still have to find some way to help Cameron!' Hudson was standing right over her defenseless friend now, and laughing.

     Astra rolled the staff back and forth between her feet, until she finally managed to twist the middle section to make it extend to it's full length. She glanced up, afraid that Hudson would hear the sound, but saw the blond was still reveling over her defeat of Cameron. The Amazonian took a deep breath, grateful the staff was so lightweight, and carefully manuevered it with her feet until one end was pointing up toward her head. She almost lost her grip a number of times, but finally managed to shove the tip of the staff between her hands, and forced apart the cords enough enough to get her hands loose. But she failed to consider that with nothing underneath her but open air she began to fall, and in order to keep from that she was forced to reach up and grab the chords that had been holding her there. Which meant, of course, that she also lost her grip on the staff, and it hit the ground, making enough noise that caused even Hudson to take notice.

     "What the hell is going on?!" Leaving Cameron for the moment, she approached Astra, who was still is a similar position as before. "How'd you get loose, little one?"

     "Stop calling me that!" Astra swung herself close enough to the edge of the crevice to jump, and when she landed she immediately reached for the staff. "I'm not little!"

     Hudson nodded. "Yes. You're an attractive and obviously capable young woman, and you have such spirit. I'm beginning to understand what she sees in you."

     "I don't want to hurt you," Astra said, twirling the staff. "But I will, if I have to." She only hoped she sounded more confident than she actually felt. Seeing Cameron fall had taken most of the fight out of her, and she wasn't at all sure she would be able to beat this woman anyway.

     After a moment, Hudson giggled. "Really?" The energy crackled around her fingertips again, but just as quickly it dispersed. She frowned. "No, that would be too easy. I've got a better idea." She walked towards the Amazonian, a knowing smile on her face. "Tell you what. I'll give you a free shot. Go ahead, take it! 'cause if you don't, when I get hold of you..."

     As soon as Hudson was close enough, Astra struck. She swung the staff up hard and fast, slamming into the side of the blond's head with a loud thump, and nearly knocking her backward. The Amazonian did not really want to injure Hudson if she could help it, so she figured that a blow to her temple would incapacitate her will as little pain as possible. Needless to say, she was more than a little surprised when the other woman not only remained on her feet, but turned back with a smile on her face.

     "That was good. But you know the problem, don't you?" Hudson spread her arms. "Thanks to Mars, I'm new and improved. You can't kill me. You can't even hurt me." She smiled. "Oh, but you want to. Don't you? I know. I can see it in your eyes. You're so much like me. Like I used to be, at least..." The blond's face changed then, the mask of whimsy replaced with sadness and anger once again. "...before that monster came to my home!" She glared over at Cameron. "I swore one day I'd make her pay! But I can't do to her what she did to me. I can't murder her family and friends, that was all done for me. I want her to suffer as I did, to feel the unending toment of seeing everything she loves taken from her!"

     Astra licked her lips. This was her chance, Hudson was obviously raving, but what could she do? If a strike to the head would not stop her, what could?

     Hudson lowered her arms, and sighed. "Maybe I've got a better idea. If I let her live a little longer, then she'll be constantly watching over her shoulder. Wondering if and when I'm going to show up again. What I'm going to do to her next." She giggled. "Yes, I like that."

     Astra couldn't believe her eyes. Moments ago this woman had been trying to kill them both and now she was just prancing away as if nothing had happened. "She is insane. Now that Cameron knows about her..." The Amazonian gasped. "Cameron!" She rushed to her friend's side. "Can you hear me? Cameron?" The swordswoman rolled her head from side to side, and moaned.

     Slowly, almost hesitantly, Cameron Hunter returned to consciousness. She opened her ice-blue eyes, wincing, to find a beautiful, red-gold hued face smiling down at her, framed by a halo of light.

     "Astra?"

     The Amazonian nodded. "It's me. How are you feeling?"

     "Uh...that depends." Cameron, with a little help, sat up and put a hand to her head. "Did an asteroid run into me at hyperspeed? 'cause my head sure feels like it."

     "Not quite. Do you remember the woman who attacked you? Hudson Phoenix?"

     Cameron nodded. "She surprised me. I wasn't expecting a little thing like her to fight like that."

     "She said she'd be back," said Astra. "Maybe not today, but you can bet you'll be seeing her again."

     "Probably." The swordswoman took a deep breath and looked around. "Wait a second, the MedBay? How did you get me all the way back to the Thunderbolt?"

     Astra smiled. "It wasn't easy. The people on that station are remarkably unsympathetic, and the few who offered to help me also wanted a hefty fee. Finally, I found a couple of people who weren't scared off by your repuatation, and they managed to help me get you back to the airlock."

     Cameron felt a strange lack of mobility, and looked down to realize that there was a healing cast on her right leg that was strapped to the table. "What happened?"

     "It's your leg," said Astra. "First it was injured, in the bar I suppose, and then the Phoenix woman zapped it. But the computer says it will be as good as new in a day or two."

     Cameron undid the straps. "Which means I have to wear this thing until then?"

     Astra nodded. "I'm afraid so."

     "Well, it could be worse." Cameron slid off the bed, and gingerly stood up. "So, are we still in orbit around Red- stone, or did you set course back for your homeworld?"

     "The second," Astra replied. "With a little help from the computer, of course."

     Cameron sighed. "I'd better get back to the bridge. In case that nutcase comes after us again..."

     "I'll come with you," said Astra. "Just to make sure you're okay."

     After a moment, Cameron nodded, and smiled. "Thanks."

     The next day passed without incident, and by the time they entered the Potedi sector, Cameron was able to get around without the cast. Her leg was still somewhat stiff, and she would probably limp for a time, but at least she knew it was healing properly.

     "We're slowing down to half-impulse," Cameron announced. "ETA to your homeworld is one hour."

     Astra leaned back in another bridge chair and nodded. "It will be good to see mother again. And my friends. It's been so long, I hope they are not too angry at me."

     "I'm sure they'll get over it. They'll just be happy to have you back."

     "I hope you're right. But my mother has been known to have a temper, and..."

     Cameron lurched forward as the Sensor console gave out an alarm.

     "What is it?" Astra asked. "What's wrong?"

     "We just passed through a scan-field," Cameron replied, reading from the monitor. "And there are two fighters on an intercept course." She raised her head. "Friends of yours?"

     Astra shook her head. "Impossible. My people do not use starships. No one in this sector does, except..." Her eyes widened. "Oh dear."

     Cameron saw a flash of fear across her young friend's face. "What?"

     "Your records are wrong," Astra said quietly. "Homeworld is not the only inhabited planet in this sector, though I often wish it were. There is another planet, half the size of ours, which is in close orbit with Homeworld. Most of the races in the galaxy, even those who consider themselves explorers, avoid my world because of the reputation of my people. As a result they are largely unaware of Centauros."

     "Centauros, huh? And these Centaurians, they have starship capability?"

     Astra nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. You see, our two peoples have been at war with each other for centuries. They are under the impression that everything in this sector belongs to them, and they seek to destroy us--the only people they see standing in their way."

     Cameron frowned. "But, if they have ships, and you don't, how have you survived all this time?"

      "The Centaurians are warriors, first and foremost. They built guns, ships and other weapons of mass destruction, as soon as they were techonologically capable. We Amazonians are isolationists, as you well know, and since they were not able to compete with the Centaurians in space combat, our scientists set out a way to determine the best course for our survival. There is an energy shield around our Homeworld, Cameron. A shield not only immune to virtually all heavy weapons fire, but which provides us with an extra measure of security from outsiders. It absorbs solar light, and energy, and makes the planet functionally invisible."

     Cameron's eyes widened. "Damn. No wonder no one has ever found your world."

     Astra nodded. "The Centaurians can not conquer us, but they are not yet brave enough to venture out into the rest of the galaxy to test themselves against the other races. So, like cowards they remain here, biding their time and all the while training to become ever better warriors. They attack and usually destroy any vessels that enter what they consider to be their space, and the crew members are rarely seen again."

     "Well, it looks like they're up to their old tricks again." Cameron tapped the console. "We've got, oh...maybe two minutes before the other ships catch us. It doesn't look like we'll be able to out-run them either, and judging from these sensor readings, if it comes down to a fight, we're toast."

     Astra shook her head. "This is bad. Very bad." She looked at Cameron. "What do we do?"

     "I honestly never thought I'd hear myself say this," the swordswoman mumbled. "But given the current situation, I think our best course of action, is surrender."

     "Give up?" asked Astra. "Without a fight? That's not like you?"

     "Neither is commiting suicide." Cameron looked down at her friend. "Astra, those ships are so massively armed, they could probably punch through our shields in just a few minutes. And I somehow doubt our weapons would put more than a dent in their shields. If we attack them, we'll lose. Period. It would be better to give up now, and try to find some way to escape later. After all, wherever there is life, there is hope."

     Astra sighed. "I guess you're right. But we'll to be careful. These guys are not big on diplomacy."

     "I'll keep that in mind," said Cameron. She keyed a comm-line. "Thunderbolt to approaching vessels..."

     The voice from one of the other ships--they refused to appear on visual--told them to come to a complete stop and lower their shields, then prepare to be boarded. The Thunderbolt rocked slightly as the other ship docked, then they waited by the airlock as instructed.

     "I should warn you about one thing," Astra said quietly. "The Centaurians are as territorial as we are isolationist, if not moreso. They consider this entire sector their property, and everyone who enters it as invaders. They also do not associate with people outside their species, and most of them will pick a fight for no other reason other than the challenge of it. Personally, they are big, mean and strong."

     "You've seen them?" Cameron asked. "But I thought you said your shield keeps them away?"

     Astra nodded. "And so it does...now. We haven't always had it though. When the Centaurians first attacked, they had only a few primitive ships, and all of the conflicts took place on the planets surface. There were terrible, bloody conflicts over the decades, and many lives were lost on both sides. As the Centaurians technology grew so did ours; they developed more powerful warships, and we in turn, developed the shield."

     Cameron crossed her arms. "Keeping the system balanced."

     They both turned as the airlock door shuddered, and began to open.

     From the connecting tube emerged two beings--large enough that they had to duck their heads in order to get into the smaller part of the ship.

     They were humanoid from the waist up; powerful, barrel-chested men with athletic physiques and tan skin. Both wore different colored sashes, probably indicating rank or position, and they carried rifles. From the waist down, however, they were equinian--massive, muscular horses with dark brown fur, whip-like tails and hooved feet which clacked on the metal deck as they walked.

     Neither of the Centaurians spared Cameron more than a glance before turning their attention fully to Astra. Both grunted, then raised their weapons.

     "Don't move, you little Amazonian bitch!"

     Cameron's eyes narrowed. "Hey!" She stepped forward, taking a place between Astra and the Centaurians. They glared at her, and she glared right back. "Now look here. I don't care who you guys are, or what you want here, but I am not about to stand here and let you talk to my friend that way!"

     "Who the hell are you?" asked the first Centaurian.

     "Yeah," said the other. "This is none of your business, human!"

     Cameron nodded. "I'm making it my business. See, Astra's my friend, and I..."

     "Astra?" Both Centaurians glanced at one another, then looked back to the Amazonian. "Of course!"

     "This day just gets better and better," said the taller of the Centaurians. "It's one thing to catch some intruders in our territory, but this?" He smiled. "Princess. The King's been anxious to meet you."

     Cameron frowned. "Princess?"

     Just minutes later, Cameron and Astra were bound and gagged, loaded on to one of the Centaurian warships, and taken to their moonbase. They weren't allowed to speak to one another, at least until all of the hyperlash coils were removed, and by then the Amazonian was practically in tears.

     Cameron crossed her arms. "So? Do you want to tell me about it, Princess?"

     "I-I'm sorry, Cameron." Astra wiped her eyes. "I guess I should have told you this before. My mother, Hecuba, is our sovereign leader. She rules the Amazonians, making me--her only daughter--heir to the royal throne. She is Queen, so I am, by birth, a Princess."

     "Why didn't you tell me?" Cameron asked. She realized her tone had been harsher than she intended when Astra flinched and turned away, and her own face softened. "Oh, look..." She sat down beside Astra, and swept a lock of stray red-gold hair out of the Amazonian's face. "...I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to yell. And this doesn't change the way I feel about you. I'm a little hurt, that's all. After all, I would probably have done things a little differently if I'd known I was in the presence of royalty." She smiled. "Okay?"

     Astra looked up, and wiped her eyes. She, too, smiled slightly. "Okay."

     Cameron slid closer and put an arm around the Amazonian's shoulders, urging Astra to rest her head, which she did. "Now, what can you tell me about the Centaurian's King?"

     "Only that his name is Tilldhus," Astra replied. "No Amazonian has ever seen him. But Tilldhus is said to have been one of the Centaurian's greatest warriors during the last war."

     Cameron nodded. "Well, let's just hope he's a fair man."

     Tilldhus was big, even for a Centaurian.

     He wasn't as muscular as some of his brethren, nor as heavy, but in spite of his crown he was a good six inches taller than anyone else in the room. Standing among a group of other Centaurians, his age showed as well. Unlike most his hair and fur were more gray than dark, and his face showed to be weather-worn, the brow creased from shouldering the mantle of leadership.

     But what he might have lacked in youth and vitality, he more than made up for in charisma and intensity. There was just something about Tilldhus that commanded attention without his saying a word, and his slate gray eyes did not lack for fire. In fact, every time his gaze fell across another Centaurian, that warrior would lower his head, or his eyes, apparently in a show of respect.

     After scanning the room yet again, and seeing that everyone who was supposed to be there was in place, Tilldhus turned his attention to their captives. Cameron and Astra were unbound but down on their knees, and there was a guard on either side of them with a rifle held ready.

     "Come now, Princess." Tilldhus smiled. "Please stand. This position is not dignified for one of your rank." The Centaurian King nodded as Astra slowly got to her feet. "Now, what brings the beautiful Princess Astra all the way out here? Is your mother finally ready to surrender to the Empire?"

     Astra shook her head. "It is not in the Amazonian nature to surrender, Your Highness, as you well know, and I hardly think a single planet and it's moon truly make up an Empire."

     Cameron was amazed at how Astra's obvious contempt could so subtly contain a sign of respect. She recognized Tilldhus as King of his people, and treated him accordingly, even though it was quite clear that she could not stand the Centaurian personally.

     Tilldhus crossed his arms. "Need I remind you, Princess, it was you who invaded our space. And, in the company of a well-known mass murderer as well." He made a sweeping gesture in Cameron's general direction. "This is a new side of you, Astra. One I'm not sure I like."

     "And I don't like your tone," said Astra in return. "Cameron is my friend, Tilldhus..."

     Cameron couldn't help but notice the lack of his honorific this time. Astra was getting angry.

     "...and her past deeds aside, I'll not stand by and listen to you speak of her that way." Astra stepped forward, and crossed her own arms. "Do I make myself clear?"

     The Centaurian King looked her up and down and nodded. "Crystal." He smiled. "I admire this new backbone of yours, Princess. It serves to remind me why your people have been such a formidable challenge over the centuries. I regret that you, and your friend, were treated so harshly."

     Astra inclined her head slightly. "Accepted."

     Cameron decided that the royal formalities were done, and raised her head. "May I stand?"

     "Certainly." Tilldhus watched Astra help the women he knew, by reputation only of course, as Headhunter to her feet, and was more than aware of how the human limped as she adjusted her footing. "I had heard that the Princess was missing from her Homeworld, and that Queen Hecuba was frantic to find her. May I assume, Headhunter, that you are not the one responsible for her disappearance?"

     "That's right." Cameron gritted her teeth. "But please don't call me that...Your Highness."

     Tilldhus smirked. "What, you mean Headhunter? I thought you used your title to strike fear in the hearts of your many enemies. Don't tell me the great Cameron Hunter has gone soft?"

     "I'm not so great. I never was. And I don't do that anymore. I'm not that woman anymore."

     "Obviously. The Cameron Hunter of legend, whose exploits reached even Centauria, would never reduce herself to the postion of royal babysitter." Tilldhus shook his head. "No matter. Due to recent events, Princess, I decided I would not use your capture to advantage this time. You're both free to go, provided that you stay out of Centaurian space in the future."

     Astra frowned. "Recent events? What are you talking about?"

     "You do not know?" Tilldhus' face softened ever-so-slightly. "I'm sorry. I assumed it was why you had returned at this sad time, Princess. I received word of her condition a short while ago. Your mother Hecuba, Queen of the Amazonians, is dieing."

     Astra was, understandably, more anxious than ever to get home.

     The Centaurians escorted them back to their ship, and the Thunderbolt was underway a few minutes later. But all Astra did, for the longest time, was sit in her seat and stare at the view screen. She was not crying, but a trembling of her lip indicated she was right on the edge.

     "You want to talk about it?" Cameron asked softly.

     Astra turned, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "It's my fault."

     Cameron frowned. "What are you talking about?"

     "It's my fault. If I had been there, if I had been with mother, I could have...there must be something I could have done to help."

     "You don't know that. Assuming Tilldhus is even telling the truth about your mother's condition to begin with, it could be any number of things. Old age, natural causes. Things you couldn't have done anything about, even if you were there with her."

     "But I could!" Astra did begin to cry now. "Don't you see? I could, no...I should have been there for her. Mother is a very proud woman, and she would never ask for help. But if I'd been there, she could have shared her fears and troubles with me. If she was ill, it shouldn't have been left to the healers, I should have been there to tend to her. It was so stupid. I let my curiosity get the better of me, again, and look what happened?"

     Cameron stood up. "It's not your fault, Astra! Damn it, you were kidnapped by slavers! You couldn't have gotten home to her before now, even if you wanted to. It's not your fault!"

     "You're right." Now Astra stood up. "It's Thanatos'! He took me away from my mother when she needed me the most. He's got to pay!" She took the staff from her belt, and extended it to it's full length. "Some day, some how, I will make sure that he does!"

     Cameron felt her heart skip a beat. Those were almost the exact same words she had uttered years ago, when the marauder Ezetroc destroyed her home colony. Such thoughts had led her down a path of darkness, from which she was still trying to recover. If someone as sweet and caring as Astra gave in to that hatred, the loss to the universe at large would be immeasurable.. 'Not again. Never again!' The swordswoman smiled slightly. "Astra." She reached out and took the Amazonian's hand. "Look, I know how you feel, but..."

     "Do you really?" Astra glared up at Cameron, her free hand clenching the staff so tightly her knuckles had begun to turn white. "My mother is dieing..."

     "My mother's dead!" Her hand moving almost too fast to be seen, Cameron snatched the staff from Astra's hand and threw it across the bridge. "Or did you forget?! Huh? My mother and brother were murdered by that son of a bitch Ezetroc, and I wasted years of my life hunting him down! I swore I was going to make him pay, but it was the rest of the galaxy that really paid in the end." Her own eyes brimmed with tears. So don't presume to tell me what grief and blame are like. You want to trade bad deeds? I'll bury you!"

     "Sweet Diana." Astra reached for her friend. "Cameron, please. I-I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I..."

     The swordswoman shook her head and brushed Astra's comforting hand away. "It's all right. But, do you see my point? I felt the same way about Ezetroc that you do about Thanatos. I let the hatred, the lust for revenge, take over and it nearly destroyed me. I succumbed to the darkness inside me because of it, and I spent years doing to others exactly what I had hated Ezetroc for." She cupped Astra's cheek and smiled. "Don't let that light that shines out of your face go out. I couldn't stand the darkness that would follow."

     Astra felt her cheeks flush, and Cameron saw them turn decidedly golden.

     Cameron pushed the Thunderbolt to it's impressive limit, and cut their estimated arrival time in half. But upon entering the region where the star charts said Potedi's only inhabited planet was located, the view screen showed them only empty space. She checked the sensors as well, which indicated nothing but an elevated ionic presence in the area.

     "So, how are we supposed to find this planet of yours?"

     Astra stood. "The Shield is maintained by an artificial intelligence, the Lexa Intellectual Learning Assimilator. If we transmit the proper code, LILA will phase the Shield, and make it visble. She should also give us an entry point as well."

     Cameron nodded. "Okay." She typed something into one of the arm-consoles. "Link established. All I need now is the access code. Do you have it?"

     "It's only supposed to be known by the Queen and the Tribunal." Astra smiled. "But being the Princess does have it's advantages. The code is Olympia-10-29-71."

     "All right." Cameron typed in the data. "Here goes nothing." She looked up, just in time to see a strange rippling effect in the middle of the view screen. "Whoa." There was a planet there, where one had not been one moments before. It was similar in appearance to the Earth, though the ratio of land to water was functionally reversed, and it was half again the size of Terra. There was also a barely visible aura of light around the entire surface of the globe, except for a ship-sized breach near the northern pole.

     Astra pointed. "There's our way in."

     "On it." Cameron piloted the Thunderbolt through the opening, which she noticed was closing behind them even as they passed through it. "You guys don't take any chances, do you?" The console started to beep. "Hey, someone is sending us landing coordinates."

     "Better use them," said Astra. "Homeworld does have planetary defenses beyond the shield. If you don't do what they tell you, they may shoot us down."

     Cameron nodded. "Good point. Setting course."

     When they landed, Cameron was the first one out of the airlock, so she was the first to see who and what awaited them. She stopped in mid-stride, her eyes widening.

     "Uh oh."

     Half a dozen Amazonian's stood there, glaring at her. They wore outfits similar to Astra's, but more armor-like, and all but one of them carried guns. The leader, who stood at least a head taller than Cameron herself, carried a vibrosword instead.

     "Halt!" the lead Amazonian demanded. "By order of..."

     "Who, Ephinii?" Astra stepped out from behind Cameron. "Diana, maybe?"

     The lead Amazonian gasped. "Princess?" The others lowered their weapons as well. "By the goddess!" She threw open her arms, and Astra leaped into them. "It's so good to see you Astra. We were so worried about you. Where in the Seven Rings have you been?"

     "It's a long story," said Astra. "Right now, take me to mother."

     Ephinii nodded. "Of course. This way."

     "By Diana's eyes!"

     In her eighteen plus years, Astra had seen her mother a variety of ways--stern but fair Queen, loving parent, and even mighty warrior--this nothing like this.

     This brought tears to her eyes.

     "Mother."

     Hecuba was laying in bed, surrounded by her Royal Guards, Eponin and Solari, and her personal healer, Clo. Her hair was matted, no doubt from sweat, and the red-gold sheen of her skin had faded to the point of being pale even for an average human. She seemed to be conscious, though her eyes were closed, but her breathing was ragged and she seemed unaware of her surroundings.

     Astra turned to Ephinii. "What is the goddess's name happened?"

     "We're not sure," the elder Amazonian replied.

     "Not sure? You are our people's Regent, Ephinii. You're supposed to know these things."

     Ephinii nodded. "I realize that. I have done much of the decision making since your mother's illness took hold of her, Astra. But Vel can't determine what, exactly, is wrong with her. It's not an infection, nor poisoning, we know that much. She's suffering both fever and chills, and she was hallucinating earlier."

     Astra closed her eyes for a moment. "I must go to her." She looked back at Cameron, who's face--she noticed-- was almost as sad as her own. "You will wait for me?" The swordswoman nodded. "Good. Ephinii, please see to it my friend here is tended to, won't you?"

     The Regent nodded. "Of course, my Princess." She waited until Astra entered the room and the others inside had departed, before turning to Cameron, who was somewhat surprised to see anger in the Amazonian's eyes. "Eponin! Solari!" The Royal Guard came forward, hands on their weapons. "We know you, Headhunter. Your reputation is a long and bloody one. Sorted tales of your deeds have reached even our fair planet." She sneered. "Just so you know, the only reason you are still free, is because our Princess has commanded it. Had you not been in her company, you would have been shot from the sky."

     Cameron was not about to back down from the Amazonian's unspoken challenge. She looked Ephinii right in the eye, in fact, and smirked. "Jealous?"

     Ephinii's face contorted with barely checked rage. "Why you...!" Eponin grabbed one of her arms, and Solari the other, and together they barely managed to hold her back. "I'm fine," she said after a few moments. "Enough!" She took a deep breath. "Release me." The Royal Guard did as they were told. "As the Princess's guest, you shall be, of course, accorded all the rights and privileges of a visiting dignitary."

     Cameron nodded. "That's good to know."

     "However," Ephinii crossed her arms. "For the duration of your stay here, I ask that you turn over that weapon of yours." She cleared her throat to ward off Cameron's protest. "I realize you mean no harm to the Queen, but rules are rules. Please?"

     That last word came out rather obviously forced, and everyone present knew it, including Cameron. Instead of arguing though, she slowly drew the sword from it's place on her back. For another long moment, she and Ephinii locked eyes again, then she turned her weapon hilt first and presented it to the Amazonian. "Fine by me. After all, I'm just here for Astra's sake."

     Ephinii nodded. "You and me both."

     "Mother?"

     Astra sat down on the edge of the bed, and touched her mother's pale hand.

     "Little One?" Hecuba's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled weakly. "Praise Diana."

     "How do you feel?" Astra asked.

     "I'm dieing, child. I just thank the goddess you have returned."

     Tears welled up in Astra's eyes. "What is it? Can I do something for you, mother?"

     Hecuba shook her head. "I'm afraid there is nothing you, or anyone else, can do, Little One." She reached up and cupped her daughter's cheek. "I have Elysium. An inherited disease, one I fear you may carry as well. But even so, it will not trouble you for many, many years to come."

     "And the healers...?"

     "They do not know," said Hecuba. "And I wish to keep it that way. If they learned of the nature of my illness they would doubtless kill themselves trying to find a cure, for which there is not one." She sighed. "No. This way is best for all concerned, I think."

     Astra nodded. "Your will be done, mother."

     Hecuba looked up into her daughter's eyes. "I have little time left, child. But tell me, where have you been these last weeks? I feared that you had been lost to us..."

     "I almost was," Astra replied. "I left because I wanted to see more of the galaxy, but I wasn't out very far before I was caught by a slaver named Thanatos. He wanted to sell me into bondage, and there would have been no way for me to escape if not for Cameron. She saved my life, and brought me home."

     "Indeed." Hecuba lay her head back and sighed. "Bring her to me, would you, Little One? I would see the face of one who has returned my precious daughter."

     Astra nodded. "Of course." She stood up, and gestured to get Cameron's attention. "Could you come? My mother would like to meet you," she said softly.

     The swordswoman smiled as Ephinii and the Royal Guard parted. "Sorry girls. The Queen wants to see me." She could practically feel the Amazonian's bristling behind her as she walked up to the bed. She started a little, but did not otherwise react, when Astra threw an arm around her waist.

     "Mother, I'd like you to meet my friend, Cameron Hunter. Cameron, this Hecuba, my mother, and the sovereign Queen of the entire Amazonian Nation."

     Cameron inclined her head respectfully. "It is an honor, your Highness."

     "With the return of the Princess, my people will yet have a ruler after my passing." Hecuba smiled. "It appears I am personally in your debt as well, for returning my beloved daughter." She looked Cameron right in the eye. "Ask anything of me. If it is mine to bestow, it's yours."

     "I did nothing deserving of such praise, Highness," the swordswoman replied. "But thank you."

     Hecuba coughed. "Astra, could I have a moment alone with your friend?"

     Astra nodded. "Of course." She got up, and went to speak with Ephinii and the others.

     "Sit, please." Cameron took a seat beside the Queen. "You brought my daughter back to me, and I have no words to thank you enough for that." She touched Cameron's hand. "Please, if you will not accept a reward, would you do one thing more for me?"

     Cameron nodded. "Of course, if I can."

     "My daughter was well-cared for. Even in these few moments together, I can tell you have brought her such joy, and I see in your eyes that she has done the same for you." Hecuba coughed. "But the coming days will be difficult for Astra, at best. She is not ready to be Queen, I am not certain it is even in the stars for her. Will you stand at her side, Cameron Hunter, and help her through this transition? Just for a short while, until she can make a decision as to what she wants to do in her own life?"

     Cameron sighed. "I care deeply for your daughter, Hecuba, though I am unsure why. I have only known her for a short time, and yet I feel as if this is right. Like this is where I was meant to be. So yes, it would my pleasure to be there for Astra, and to be there for her however I can."

     "That is all I ask," said Hecuba. "Could you call her for me? Ephinii also?" Moments later, the two Amazonian's were at their Queen's side. "Here my words. From this moment forth, until such time as either or both of them say otherwise, my daughter Astra and this woman, Cameron Hunter, are bound by the Eye of Ardor. Her word is to be accepted as is Astra's, your's, and the Tribunal's. Henceforth, she known as Astra's Second, and as such treated as a member of the royal family. Is that understood?"

     Ephinii was livid. "Your Highness, please! You do not know this woman, she..."

     Hecuba raised her hand. "But, I do. I recognize her face, just as I am certain you did as well, my Regent. Her past is of no concern. All that matters is the present. She has demonstrated the way of her heart by so selflessly taking the time to bring Astra back to us, and I will brook no argument here."

     "But..." Ephinii lowered her head. "Yes, my Queen. My apologies. I am overstepping my bounds. It is, of course, your decision to make."

     "Thank you." Hecuba lay her head back. "Now, I grow weary." She closed her eyes. "I believe the time has come, at last, for me to pass journey into the loving arms of the goddess, Diana. Good-bye, dearest Astra." With a last, languid sigh, Queen Hecuba lay still.

     Astra leaned down, and kissed her mother gently on the forehead. "Good-bye."

     The Amazonian Nation, thousands of warrior women scattered across the planet, was in mourning.

     Hecuba had been their longest reigning Queen since the very first Amazonian's settled in the sector, and she was by far the next most popular in their history. Known for ruling with her heart and mind as well as her fists, Hecuba would be sorely missed by all her subjects. Even Vel and Asca--the leaders of two of the more militant factions among the Amazonians--who opposed her recent mentioning of a peace accord with Tilldhus and his Centaurians, sent word of their sincere and deep sorrow.

     Cameron, in spite of a death-bed promise to Hecuba, was not by Astra's side. In fact, she had not seen the soon to be Queen in nearly three days. Ever since Hecuba's passing, she'd been behind closed doors with the oft-mentioned but never seen Tribunal. That left the swordswoman with a lot of time to herself, especially since the Amazonian's seemed to be avoiding her--at least, as much as possible without going against the wishes of their Princess or their late Queen. She could only guess it was because she was not one of them, an Outsider. Either that, or they resented the relationship she had forged with Astra.

     Since her arrival, Cameron had begun to suspect that a number of the Amazonian's had feelings for the Princess; feelings that went far beyond mere loyalty. It was safe to assume, given their well-known dislike for men that most, if not all, of the Amazonian's found companionship with each other. In fact she had met numerous couples who, by way of subtle, non-obtrusive questioning sessions, she learned were Bonded, another term for marriage. It surprised her somewhat though, to hear the word Ardor mentioned more than once in connection to these couples--for Ardor was mentioned by Queen Hecuba as she declared Cameron to be Astra's Second. She still wasn't sure what most of the terms meant, but she was determined to find out.

     On the afternoon of the third day, with little else to do, Cameron walked out on to the third-story palace balcony, and took a deep breath. She had almost forgotten how sweet and clean the air smelled on a planet--most of her time was spent aboard space stations or starships, with nothing but recycled oxygen. She looked out over the cityscape, smiling at the relaxed atmosphere of the Amazonian community. They had such a simple, quiet life, compared to what she was used to at least, and she envied them in a way.

     Cameron's eyes narrowed then, as she sensed a disturbance--a presence--behind her. She didn't bother to prepare herself for an attack however, or even to turn and look, for she already knew who it was. The same person who had been following her for days and who had, in fact, been eyeing her with anger and suspicion since she stepped out of the airlock. The swordswoman shook her head. "Didn't your mother ever teach you it's impolite to stare?" she said under her breath.

     "Impressive." Ephinii appeared, seemingly out of the shadows, and looking neither impressed or amused. After a few moments, she joined Cameron on the balcony.

     "It's a gift," Cameron said, with a shrug of her shoulders.

     Ephinii peered out into the city. "It's a nice view from here, isn't it? Sometimes, I come up here all by myself and stand for hours, just watching the birds or the clouds. The sunset's incredible too." She sighed. "I remember a time Astra and I decided to..." Her cheeks turned several darker shades of gold when she realized Cameron was staring at her, and smiling. "What? What is it?"

     Cameron shook her head. "Never mind. Believe it or not, I'm actually glad you're here." "You're right," said Ephinii. "I don't believe it. But go on."

     Cameron continued as if she had not been interrupted. "There is something I've been meaning to ask, concerning the hierarchy of your ruling body."

     "What is it?" Ephinii asked.

     "Hecuba was Queen. I also understand Astra's being next in line for the throne. What I do not get, however, is where you and the Tribunal fits into the grand scheme of things."

     "I am the Regent here," Ephinii replied. "I stand in for the acting Queen if she is unable to perform her duties for some reason. If, Diana forbid, something were to happen to Queen Hecuba and Astra at the same time, I would also officially become the Queen in their stead." She sighed. "As for the Tribunal--they are involved only in the matter of disputes. They are, essentailly, the same as what you call judges in your human court system. But the Tribunal is usually consulted by the Queen in matters of state as well. They have the largest storehouse of knowledge on the planet, and often are called upon as advisors."

     Cameron nodded. "So what are you doing out here?"

     "Keeping an eye on you," The Amazonian replied. "You know, just in case?"

     "You don't trust me, do you?"

     Ephinii shrugged her shoulders. "Any reason why I should?"

     "I brought Astra back," said the swordswoman. "I protected her. Doesn't that count for something?"

     Ephinii nodded. "Yes. And I thank you for that, as does everyone else on my planet. But the fact of the matter is, taking care of Astra was supposed to be my responsibility. I was the royal protector, watching the Princess grow up from a gangly youth into a beautiful, capable, strong-willed young woman." The Amazonian frowned. "But now, as she prepares to ascend to the next level, I am replaced. You stand beside her now, you are the one who holds the special place in her heart. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?"

     Cameron smirked. "Jealous?"

     Ephinii's brow furrowed with anger. "Insolent..." She took a step forward but stopped herself at the last moment, and took a deep breath. "No. I can not fight you, no matter how much I might want to, because you are protected by Queen Hecuba's proclamation."

     "Too bad." The swordswoman smiled. "But just because you can't attack me first, doesn't mean you can't defend yourself, does it?"

     Ephinii frowned. "What?"

     Cameron suddenly dropped to the ground and spun around, intent on leg-sweeping Ephinii's feet out from under her. But the Amazonian reacted faster than she was expecting, and actually jumped over her, coming down behind Cameron before the swordswoman knew what had happened.

     "Thanks!" Ephinii smiled and kicked Cameron in the back, knocking her flat on her face, but the Amazonian did not have any time to celebrate. The swordswoman reared up and did a mule-kick, driving her boots into Ephinii's stomach with enough force to drive all the air from her lungs at once.

     Cameron got back to her feet. "You've got some pretty good moves there." She back-handed Ephinii, sending her into a wall. "But, there's always someone better."

     Ephinii slid to the ground, gasping for air. "S-Stop...please..." She held up her hand. "Enough."

     "Okay. Here." Cameron reached down and took Ephinii's hand. "Let me help..."

     The Amazonian suddenly yanked Cameron forward, punching the swordswoman hard in the face with her other hand. She did it again, and again, until the swordswoman staggered, and finally slid to the floor beside her. "Never let your guard down."

     Cameron gingerly touched her nose, which was bleeding. She wiped it on her sleeve. "I'll keep that in mind, for next time." She shook her head, and smiled. "You do have some nice moves. I'm impressed." The swordswoman held out her own hand. "Truce?"

     Ephinii eyed the proffered hand for a moment, then shrugged her shoulders and clasped it firmly. "Coming from you, Headhunter, that's high praise indeed."

     "Please don't call me that," Cameron said. "I hate that nickname."

     The Amazonian smiled. "I know. Astra told me."

     "Did I hear my name mentioned?"

     Cameron and Ephinii both turned, and their eyes widened. Simultaneously, they gasped. "Whoa."

     At first glance, Astra appeared to be nude.

     But, of course, she was not.

     In fact, she was wearing a form-fitting, two piece bodysuit, colored to blend in perfectly with the red and golden hue of her skin. It was decorated with Amazonian symbols on the wrist-bracers, and the boots, as well as the metal braids that tied her hair in a long, straight whip.

     Astra twirled in place and spread her arms. "What do you think?"

     "You look fantastic," said Cameron.

     Ephinii nodded. "She took the words right out of my mouth."

     Astra's cheeks turned several golden shades darker. "Thank you both. I had this outfit designed for me years ago, but this is the first time I've had the nerve to actually put it on." She looked down at herself. "I know it's not really appropriate for a Queen for wear, but..."

     "Nonsense." Ephinii stepped forward. "With a cape and the crown, of course, I believe it would be truly fitting of one of your stature, Highness."

     "Call me Astra. We've been friends too long to stand on formalities now, Eph."

     Ephinii inclined her head. "As you wish...Queen Astra."

     The younger Amazonian shook her head. "By Diana, that sounds so strange. I have never seriously thought about taking the throne before, even though I've always known the possibility was there. Somehow, I think a little part of me imagined my mother would never step down, that she would live forever." Her eyes grew misty, and she did not bother to wipe them. "I miss her so much."

     Without saying a word, Cameron and Ephinii approached Astra. They both embraced her at the same time, from opposite sides, then recoiled when they realized what was going on. Both women glared at one another, neither willing to be the first to break away. The young Queen was either not aware of the strange looks they gave one another, or else she simply chose to make no comment.

     Astra sighed. "But now, there is still much I have left to do. The Tribunal has informed me of mother's efforts to strike up a peace accord with the Centaurians. That is a most noble objective, and one which I have every intention of continuing with as soon as possible."

     Cameron nodded. "That sounds reasonable to me."

     "I am afraid that will not go over well," said Ephinii. "Queen Hecuba's call for a true and lasting peace between our peoples was not well-received, by either side. In fact, two of our regional leaders, Asca and Vel, have called for a more militant reform of the Queen's policy toward the Centaurians."

     "Have they backing among the people?" Astra asked.

     Ephinii nodded. "Yes. I believe the warriors of their particular regions, though loyal to Queen Hecuba, would follow their leads over yours in times of crisis. And with the new unity they now share, they might well pose a real threat to the throne, should they choose to openly rebel."

     "And what do you think the chances of that are?" asked Cameron. "Rebellion, I mean?"

     Ephinii crossed her arms. "Before the Queen's death, I would have said slim at best. Now?" She sighed. "Astra, I fear that your recent disappearance might have irrefutably weakened your family's position. There is a good chance that more could begin to gravitate to that way of thinking. Especially when you consider that Asca and Vel both are convinced they are acting in Amazonia's best interest."

     Astra nodded. "That's what I was afraid of."

     "So, what do you want to do?" Cameron asked. "Remember, you're the Queen."

     Ephinii nodded. "As much as it pains me to admit this, Astra, she's right. You must take to the throne as soon as possible, and make position known, one way or the other."

     "But no matter what you decide," Cameron said told me to look trouble square in the face. She told me that is the surest way to deal with it. And by Diana, that's exactly what I'm going to do."

     A day later, Cameron Hunter approached the door to the Queen's private chamber.

     Even though she knew she was welcome, she nonetheless stopped and knocked instead of simply entering. It was only a moment before a voice replied, "Come in!"

     "Astra, they're..." Cameron stopped and looked around in confusion-- the room seemed to be empty. "Hey, where are you?"

     "Right here."

     Cameron turned, and her eyes widened. There, behind a thin lace curtain, she could see a profile of Astra's body, and the young Queen appeared to be completely nude. Whether she was dressing or undressing was hard to tell, but for a moment the swordswoman forgot her reason for being there.

     Astra emerged from behind the curtain, wearing a tight white robe. "Cameron?" As she laced the belt around her waist, she saw the dazed look on her friend's face. "Are you okay?"

     "Umm...yeah, I'm fine." Cameron shook her head. "I'm good. Oh, they're here!"

     "Already?" Astra frowned. "I wasn't really expecting them to arrive until later this afternoon." She shrugged her shoulders. "Oh well. Could you and Ephinii do me a favor and keep them busy for me? It's going to take me a few minutes to finish getting dressed."

     Cameron nodded. "No problem." She stepped forward. "But are you sure about this? You haven't been Queen for very long. They may not really respect your position."

     "It's possible," said Astra. "But I have to try. It's important."

     Cameron and Ephinii went to meet their guests at the landing pad, halfway expecting to find a large entourage as befitted their reputations. Instead they found the two Amazonian tribal leaders, Asca and Vel, stomping around the greeting area with only two bodyguards.

     "They look serious," the swordswoman whispered as they approached. "Can Astra handle them?"

     Ephinii shook her head. "No, but she has very little choice in the matter. Asca and Vel are quite popular among some of our more militant members. They hold much weight with many of them, and how they relate to the new Queen will have serious consequences for her place on the throne."

     "Meaning what, exactly?"

     "If Astra can get them on her side, her repuatation is all but insured."

     "And if she can't?" The determined look on the Amazonian's face told her all she needed to know.

     "There you are, Ehinii!" Asca gritted her teeth. "Where is she?!"

     Vel nodded. "Yes, where is the child who would lead us?"

     Ephinii bit her lip to keep herself from saying what she was really thinking. "Queen Astra is on her way. We are here to see that you are both comfortable, and..."

     "We, eh?" Asca looked Cameron up and down, her eyes sparkling admiringly, and nodded. "Impressive. I do not recognize this one. Tell me, what is your name, warrior?"

     "Cameron Hunter," the swordswoman replied. She did not like the way Asca was leering at her, but inwardly she decided that poking a tribal leaders eyes out would not go over well.

     Asca licked her lips. "You have excellent taste in companions, Ephinii. I'll grant you that."

     Vel saw the angry looks passing between the other two Amazonians, and shook her head. "Don't let her get to you," she said to Cameron. "They've been like this since the break-up."

     "Enough!" Asca hissed. "I would see this upstart Queen of yours, Ephinii. Now!"

     "Stay your tongue, Asca!" said the Regent. "Whether or not you like it, Astra is the Queen. And as such, deserves our respect. And more importantly, our loyalty!"

     Vel laughed. "Loyalty? Why? All she is, is a spoiled child living on her mother's coattails. The only reason she is on the throne at all, is because of an accident of birth!"

     Ephinii moved a hand to the vibrosword on her belt, but Cameron stopped her. "Take it easy. She's just trying to goad you. I don't pretend to fully understand the protocol here yet, but from what I've been told, these two are high on the grand scheme of things. Regent or not, could you afford to kill either of them, and much as you and I both might really like to?"

     The Amazonian lowered her arm, and sighed. "I suppose you're right."

     Vel shook her head. "Look at this! How pathetic. Not even a week under Astra's rule, and the mighty Ephinii is already a weak-kneed coward!"

     "Enough!" The commanding voice took them all by surprise, and they turned to see Astra and her Royal Guards, Eponin and Solari, approaching. The young Queen was clad in a tailor-made, black and gold outfit, with bare arms and long, revealing slits up the sides of the legs. A waist-length gold and black cape, with matching dragon's head shoulder clasps, accented the golden dragon's head symbol on her chest. Completing the theme, was a gold staff, longer than she was tall, capped with a stylized dragon's head and fiery ruby colored eyes. "I will not tolerate such violence among my people!"

     Asca gritted her teeth. "You dare wear the emblem of our people? It is sacred!"

     "It is my right!" said Astra. "I am the Queen!"

     Vel shook her head. "No! You are a child, not a warrior!"

     "Are you challenging my authority?"

     "Yes, she is," Asca replied. "We both are!"

     Astra nodded. "I expected no less."

     "Highness, please!" Ephinii stepped forward. "Do not do this, I beg..."

     "Ephinii..."

     The Regent nodded. "By your will." With Cameron looking on in confusion, cleared her throat. "With the regal challenge made, and accepted, not even the goddess Diana herself can stop must follow. Asca, as the first to speak out, you have the right to choose the conditions."

     "Yes." Asca sneered. "And I pick...Trinary."

     Ephinii's eyes narrowed, but she continued without interruption. "Vel, as the second challenger to speak out, you have the choice of weapons."

     "I know of your strengths and weaknesses," Vel said to Astra. "I could choose hand to hand, or sidearms, but I won't. I want it to be competition, not slaughter." She smiled. "So, I pick...staves."

     Astra nodded. "So be it. A Trinary then, with staves. Ephinii, ready the practice field. We will meet there in one hours time, and once and for all which of us is most fit to rule our people." She turned and, without a word to her friends, strode away. Solari and Eponin had to jog to catch up.

     Smiling, Asca and Vel went their separate ways as well, to prepare for the events to come.

     Cameron watched them go, and then turned to Ephinii. "Okay, you want to tell me what the hell just happened here? What is a regal challenge? And for that matter, a Trinary?"

     "The regal challenge is a test, usually of combat, for leadership of the Nation. It can not be denied if made by someone of royal Amazonian blood, or by someone of rank, such as a tribal leader. Astra has no choice but to fight, and if she loses, she forfeits her position as Queen."

     "So who is she supposed to fight?" Cameron asked. "Asca or Vel?"

     Ephinii sighed. "Both."

     The swordswoman's eyes widened. "Both? At the same time? There's no way..."

     "I do not like it any more than you," said Ephinii. "But my hands are tied. Astra makes the decisions here, and I have no choice but to obey." She headed out to the practice fields to ready them for the combat to come, while Cameron stood shaking her head.

     "No. There must be some way around this. Astra's good, but not that good."

     It didn't take long for the news to spread.

     Inside of an hour, everyone in the Amazonian capitol knew their Queen was being challenged for her throne, and they lined the practice field to watch. Technically, it wasn't supposed to be a public spectacle, but since there were no specific rules against viewing the combat, and also because there had not been one in decades, the Amazonians were understandably both curious and anxious to know the outcome. After all, whoever won the day would be their leader, hopefully for many years to come.

     Vel and Asca were already there, they had stripped down to their fighting leathers, and were sparring with staves near one end of the field. Ephinii stood at the other, trying once more to talk Astra out of it, even though the Queen had already made her decision.

     "Please, Highness. Won't you reconsider? This is madness."

     Astra shook her head. "You know I can't, Eph. It has to be this way."

     "But you're the one who has said, time and again, that you do not like to fight, Astra. Why..." Ephinii looked her old friend in the eye. "Wait, are you going to try to win? I know you were never thrilled about the prospect of being Queen, but allowing yourself to lose to one of these two is not the way. They will try and kill you. And if either of them becomes the Queen, our people will suffer for it."

     "Ephinii!" said Astra. "I thought you knew me better than that." Suddenly, a thunderouss gong sounded, and all eyes turned to the Queen. She looked around, nodding to each of them in turn, and then turned to Asca and Vel. "It is time. Are you two certain you wish to do this?"

     Asca twirled her staff. "Let's do it!"

     "The throne will be mine!" said Vel.

     Astra stepped forward. "Then let the combat begin. And no one may..."

     "Wait!" Cameron charged on to the field. "I'm not going to let you do this alone."

     "You can not interfere, Cameron," said Astra. "It is not your place, and you are not a true Amazonian."

     The swordswoman nodded. "But I have studied your laws. As your Second, it is my place to stand by your side in all things. It is my duty, one I invoke. Now!"

     Ephinii nodded. "She's right, Astra. It is her place."

     "Very well." Astra turned to Asca and Vel, and explained the situation to them.

     Asca shrugged her shoulders. "Fine by me. I'll fight whoever it takes to become Queen."

     "So will I," said Vel. "Let her join. It makes no difference to me."

     Ephinii nodded. "Here this! It has been agreed by all parties!" she announced. "Astra's Second shall compete alongside her. A defeat over her , will be a defeat of the Queen herself!"

     Cameron frowned. "No pressure." Solari tossed her a staff, and she twirled it in her hands as she took her place beside Astra. She nodded to the young Queen. "Shall we?"

     "You're playing a most dangerous game," Astra whispered. "But thank you."

     "Enough!" Asca charged suddenly, at the last moment spinning around and swinging her staff with enough force to knock Astra's head off--had it connected.

     But Cameron raised her own staff an instant before final impact, and blocked Asca's blow. "It's not nice to start without warning. Why don't you and I play?" She directed the Amazonian to one side, away from Astra, while Vel came at the Queen with her teeth bared.

     "Time to bleed, little one! I'll try not to make it hurt too much!"

     Astra smiled slightly. "Come on then. Let's just get this thing over with!"

     Vel nodded. "Have it your way!" She leaped into the air, flipping effortlessly over Astra. Even as she landed, and the Queen had only begun to turn, the challenger was already dropping down and spinning around. A smile formed on her lips as she kicked Astra's feet out from under her.

     Cameron gritted her teeth as she blocked Asca's strike again, and again. The Amazonian was exceptionally well- versed in the use of the staff, and was very strong as well. Each of them took what the other offered, and redoubled their own efforts when next they attacked.

     'Whoa!' she said to herself. 'I'm protecting Astra. She's trying to win.' She parried a particularly vicious swing, inches from her head. 'Win, hell! She's trying to kill me!'

     Asca laughed. "Quiet, eh Headhunter? Are you baffled by my skill?"

     "Not quite." Cameron feigned a swing at Asca's stomach, and when the Amazonian went to block it she brought her staff back up, and struck her in the chest instead. As the Amazonian stumbled back, Cameron spun around and knocked Asca's feet out from under her. "See?"

     Asca was fuming now. "You bitch! I'll kill you for this!"

     Cameron smiled. "Give it your best shot."

     Astra fell, but managed to hold on to her staff, so when Vel came at her with her own staff, the young Queen was just barely able to deflect it. She attempted to knock the challengers staff from her hands, but Vel was stronger than she had hoped, and the other staff barely moved.

     Vel laughed. "Good try, little Queen! But not good enough!"

     "I'm sorry!" Astra sat up suddenly and brought her staff down, hard, on Vel's right foot. The challenger let out a howl of pain, and stumbled back. "Really sorry." The young Queen rolled to her feet and swung her staff into Vel's stomach, doubling her over. "This hurts you, much more than it does me!"

     In a fit of anger, Asca swung her own staff up, cracking against Cameron's leg. The same leg which had already been injured--first by the Reptilon in the bar, then later by Hudson Phoenix. It had all but healed from before, but it was still tender enough that the blow made her leg buckle. She fell to her side, screaming in pain, and lost her hold on the staff at the same time.

     Asca rolled back to her feet and smiled. "That must have hurt." She raised her staff, preparing to strike Cameron down once and for all. "This won't! Not for long, anyway!"

     Astra heard an agonizing scream, even as she brought her staff down on to the back of Vel's head. As her would- be challenger was crumpling to the ground, a shuddering heap, she turned and saw that Asca was about to take one last shot at Cameron. One that would undoutably kill her friend, unless she could do something to stop it. Her eyes grew as wide as saucers.

     "No!" Astra charged Asca, who turned, her own eyes widening in surprise.

     "So," the challenger said with a sneer. "The little Queen does have a spine after all!"

     Astra got between Asca and Cameron, and raised her staff. "This is between you and me. Leave her out of this, and let's finish it!"

     Asca nodded. "With pleasure!" She charged the young Queen, obviously intending to overwhelm her opponent with her superior size and strength.

     But Astra was not about to be taken so easily. She rolled forward, easily avoiding Asca's staff, and tumbled right into her challengers legs. As Asca stumbled and fell, landing flat on her face, Astra rolled back to her own feet and readied her staff.

     "This can end now, Asca! It needn't go any further!"

     Asca stood up, her face a mask of red rage. Seemingly in answer to the young Queen's plea, she let out a defiant howl and charged Astra again. She swung her staff down again and again, not aiming, just lashing out blindly in a wild effort to disable her opponent.

     Astra took a step back, startled by the sudden change in the woman's demeanor. She parried some of Asca's wild strikes and avoided others, but the sheer intensity of Asca's assault was more than she could handle. Finally, she tried to parry one blow too many, and the staff was sent flying right out of her hands. The young Queen now found herself unarmed, and face to face with a wild woman.

     'By Diana, she is beyond reason! What chance do I have?'

     In desperation, Astra looked to Cameron, who was surprisingly still conscious. What more, she was looking right at the young Queen.

     "Leverage! Use her own strength against her!" the swordswoman mouthed.

     Astra turned back, just as Asca found her second wind and came at her once again. 'It's now or never!' As soon as the other Amazonian was close enough, the young Queen reached out and grabbed the other woman's staff with her bare hands. She knew she wasn't nearly strong enough to get it away from her, of course, but then again that was never her intention.

     Astra planted her feet, right in front of Asca's, and at the same time she arched her spine and pulled back as hard as she could. Asca was caught completely by surprise, and off--balance, as the young Queen rolled backwards, and brought both of her feet up. Astra kicked her opponent in the stomach and then used her momentum to keep rolling enough to send Asca flying through the air. The challenger was flipped head over heels and then landed flat on her back, shuddering into unconsciousness with an angry groan.

     A tremenous cheer of victory filled the air, as dozens of Amazonians cheered their victorious Queen. Astra took Ephinii's proffered hand, and stood up.

     "Congratulations," the Regent whispered into her ear. "You did it!"

     Astra nodded. She had won, but somehow she didn't fell happy. "I-I have to see to Cameron."

     As it turned out, Cameron was badly hurt--worse than before, in fact.

     The muscles and tendons which had previously been injured were not fully regenerated, the healer told them, no doubt a result of the first healing cast being removed prematurely. Her actions on the combat field had aggravated the tears once more, and added to that was her knee, which had been almost completely dislocated by Asca's well- placed strike. The combined damage was severe, so much so that the healer declared she would not be able to help Cameron by herself, the swordswoman would need outside medical attention.

     After everyone else had left, Astra walked into the healing chamber to find Cameron sitting up in bed. She held a Personal Acess Data Device in her lap, and had her injured leg in a sling, encased in a healing cast. It would not be able to do much more than prevent the legs condition from degrading.

     "How are you feeling?" the young Queen asked.

     Cameron put aside her PADD, and shrugged her shoulders. "Fine I guess, given the circumstances. The cast's giving me a dose of painkillers right now, so forgive me if I'm a little off."

     Astra nodded. "What are you going to do?"

     "What do you mean?"

     "You know what I mean." Astra sighed. "Your leg. To repair the damage, you're going to have to go off-planet. I know you have to do it, if you want to walk again, but..."

     Cameron patted the bed beside her, and Astra sat down. "What is it?"

     Astra raised her head, tears filling her eyes. "I-I don't want you to leave."

     "I don't want to leave either," said Cameron. She reached up and caressed the Amazonian's cheek. "I'd miss you too much." She smiled. "But remember, it doesn't have to be forever. Just because I go away, doesn't mean that I can't come back. I am still your Second, don't forget."

     Astra nodded. "That's true. On the other hand, I could go with you..."

     "What do you mean? Don't you have to stay here, and lead your people?"

     "I-I know I should...I just don't know if I really want to."

     Cameron touched her friend's arm. "Hey. Are you having second thoughts about being Queen?"

     Astra shrugged her shoulders. "I've always wondered if I was right for the position. If I was worthy. But in truth, it's never really been a question for me. It's what I was raised to do. What I was born to do. My mother was Queen, and I would one day be the Queen too. End of story."

     Cameron shook her head. "Astra, maybe this isn't my place, but it doesn't sound like you want to be Queen. And if you don't want the throne, maybe you shouldn't take it." She frowned. "Didn't your mother or your advisors ever asked you what you want to do?"

     "No," said Astra. "I've never done anything but train to be Queen. Until now, it has never really occured to me to ask what else there might be for me in the universe. Maybe the Fates set this all in motion. Perhaps I was meant to leave my homeworld when I did, so I would be able to meet you. You and I make a great team, Cameron. I wonder if maybe it is not what I was meant to do."

     Cameron sighed. "Wait. Let's not be hasty now. I mean, I'd love to have you around, believe me. But, what about your people? Even if you don't lead them, somebody has to."

     Astra nodded. "I've been thinking about that as well. There's only other one person on the planet I would trust to lead my people in my absence." She smiled.

     Ephinii gasped. "Me?"

     She had been summoned to the healer's, expecting to be apprised of Cameron Hunter's condition. Instead, she found Astra there waiting for her, with a shocking revelation.

     "You want me to take over as Queen?"

     Astra nodded. "Eph, we've been friends for as long as I can remember. You're always talking about doing what's best for the Amazonian Nation. Frankly, what I think is best for our people, is that someone be seated on the throne who can always do what is in their best interest. I've been trained for this position for years, it's true, but you were the one who trained me." She smiled. "Besides, you're the Regent. With mother gone, if something happens to me, you would become the next Queen by default anyway."

     Ephinii crossed her arms. "I don't know."

     "Hey, maybe it's not my place here..." Cameron, sitting on the bed beside Astra, cleared her throat. "...but since I have been here, I've heard a lot of the others talking. They all love Astra, but most of the Amazonians seem to feel better just knowing that you are here to guide her."

     Astra nodded. "Look, Ephinii. I have every faith that you can do the job. A job you were born to do. I have never really wanted to be Queen. You did. Like when we were younger, remember? You always dreamed about sitting on the throne and making rules the other Amazonians had to obey. Me, I dreamed about traveling the galaxy, meeting all kinds of strange and exotic lifeforms. Thanks to Cameron, I've finally got that chance." She touched Cameron's arm, and though she didn't notice, Ephinii flinched. "I want to see the wonders of the universe. I want to see things no Amazonian ever has before. I want to explore, to discover, to understand." She sighed. "And let's face it, I can't do any of that sitting on some dusty old throne."

     "You're right, of course," said the Regent. "Since we were younger, I knew you were destined for greatness. Part of me always assumed it would be your ascension to Queenhood, but perhaps this is truly meant to be. The universe will be a richer place for having you in it."

     Astra's cheeks flushed golden. "Thank you, Eph. That's nice to hear."

     "Very well." Ephinii took a deep breath. "As reigning Queen it is, of course, your right to abdicate your throne if you see fit to do so. The Tribunal will have to be advised as per tradition, but I see no reason why they should stand against naming me your successor." She looked Astra in the eye. "But I will ask for a provision. I only sit upon the throne, until you return for it. By Amazonian rites, you'll still be the Queen."

     "Fair enough," said Astra. "But don't expect me to show up at any parades or anything."

     Ephinii had a completely straight face. "Amazonians don't have parades."

     Astra shook her head. "That was a joke."

     Ephinii smiled. "I know."

     It didn't take long for the news to spread.

     In fact, most of the Nation knew that Ephinii was taking over as Queen well before Astra came forward to make an official announcement. The reactions among the people were, understandably, mixed. Some Amazonians were upset to have two so drastic changing of their leadership in so short a time, while others had simply been looking forward to learning from the daughter of the beloved Hecuba. Still others were somewhat relieved to have a ruler of Ephinii's age and experience rather than a 'child', despite her heritage.

     Ultimately, of course, they all conceded it was Astra's choice. The Amazonians really wanted nothing more than for their young Queen to be happy, even if it meant being in the company of someone like the infamous Cameron Hunter. Still, seeing how well the two of them worked together during the Challenge, told the Amazonian's that Astra would be in good hands.

      The once, and many said future, Queen wanted her departure to have as little fanfare as possible, so only Ephinii and her royal guards, Solari and Eponin, were present at the landing pad early the next day. Thanks to the cast still on her leg, Cameron made it to the ship on her own, and stood in the hatchway while Astra said good-bye to her old friends amidst hugs and flowing tears.

     "I'll miss you," Astra whispered to Ephinii, hugging the newly crowned Queen warmly. "Most of all."

     Ephinii nodded. "I'll miss you too. Don't be a stranger, okay?" She stepped back and wiped her eyes. "Make sure you come back and see us. And soon."

     Astra stepped forward and kissed her old friend on the cheek. "Don't worry," she whispered, seemingly oblivious to the way Ephinii's cheeks turned golden. "I will."

     Cameron cleared her throat. "Astra? I really I hate to interrupt..." The Amazonians all turned. "...but if we don't get a move on, we're going to run right into that approaching ion storm. It'll strand us here if we stay much longer, and it'lll tear us apart if we're caught in it."

     "Thank you," said Astra. "Start the engine. I'll be right there." She turned back to the others as Cameron nodded and limped into the Thunderbolt. "We have to go."

     "I know," said Ephinii. "Before you do, there's something I want to give you." She shook her head. "Your friend Cameron is very persuasive. I don't think I would ever have gotten up the nerve to do this, if it hadn't been for that little talk we had."

     Astra looked up at her old friend, and saw Ephinii was nearly in tears. "What is it?"

     "I...that is...to hell with it!" Ephinii grabbed Astra's face gently and tilted the startled young woman's head back, then kissed her full on the lips with all of the pent-up passion in her body and soul. Long moments later, when she finally pulled her face away, they were both gasping for air--though whether it was from the heat of the moment or the lack of oxygen was hard to tell. "By Diana..."

     Astra had to blink several times to regain her senses. She shook her head. "Ephinii, I..."

     The former Regent, now Queen, shook her head. "No, don't say anything. Please. Maybe it was a mistake for me to do that, I don't know, but it's done. I can't ever take it back and what's more, I wouldn't want to if I could." She reached out, intending to caress Astra's face, but stopped herself at the last moment. "See, I love you Astra. I think maybe I always have, since we were kids, but I didn't kiss you to make you uncomfortable or confused. I did it so I would feel a little better about your leaving. This way, no matter where you go, or what you do, or even who you're with..." She stole a glance at the Thunderbolt before continuing. "...you will always, always know that there is a place for you here on Amazonia. And, in my heart."

     Astra's own heart felt like it was going to beat right out of her chest. Blood was pounding like tribal drums in her head, and she found it hard to breath. "I really should go..." She was well aware that she was rambling now, but at the moment it seemed to be the only thing her mind could manage to say. With a last, nervous smile to her friends, the young Amazonian turned and walked into the Thunderbolt.

     Ephinii started to wave as the airlock door sealed closed behind her old friend, and she continued to do so even after the ship had taken off and was out of sight.

     Cameron turned, a few minutes away from Amazonia, to find the former Queen wiping her eyes. "Regrets?" she asked worriedly.

     Astra nodded. "Some. I mean, this is my home. I never dreamed that I'd be leaving it, for real. Before Thanatos, I wanted to see the galaxy, but I always knew I'd come back.

     "I understand, believe me." Cameron touched her friend's arm. "But it's like Ephinii said...as long as Amazonia is there, you'll always have someone to come home to. You're lucky. Pretty much everyone on that entire planet is your family."

     At the mention of Ephinii's name, Astra felt her cheeks flush golden once more. Her lips were still tingling from that kiss, which she had not told Cameron about. "Not just on the planet." She looked back at her new friend, and smiled. "I have you now, too."

     Cameron's cheeks turned red, Astra noticed. "Absolutely. Of course, you realize that wherever I'm going, there will be trouble? Probably a lot of it."

     Astra nodded. "I know."

     "Then why would you want to go into that with me?"

     "Because, that's what friends do," Astra replied. "Stand by one another, when there's trouble."

     Cameron shook her head. "All right...friend."

NOT The End but To Be Continued...OUT THERE