"Commander, the Eiffel is hailing, on screen " Communications officer Lisol said.

"Eiffel, the Losta have developed a way to push through the hangar atmospheric shields. Our primary hangar is destroyed. Sending over our assessment and VID of events. Heading out of the quadrant, good luck " Dax said.

"Inyxidian, we have received the VID. We have Losta in pursuit now, sending their coordinates now, Good luck getting home Eiffel out"

The screen went dark, "Atria, take us out of Black, Condition Yellow, Natria take the CC, I need to get this grease off it is starting to burn." Dax headed to his quarters.

Passing through the Ready room, to his quarters, he moved quickly to the shower, the grease just beginning to burn the edges of the tiny scales on his arms. Dropping his uniform on the floor he stepped into the shower. Immediately he was in a cool temperate mist. His long black hair sticking to his neck as the mist engulf him head to foot. The markings on his legs and back dark blue against his white skin. A scented cleanser mixed into the mist, and he rubbed it into his arms, chest and face. The tiny scales on his arms rising up, allowing the grease caught beneath to wash away, cooling the skin where the grease had been. The mist turned clear again, removing any residual cleanser. His mind replayed the scene of Netro's fighter exploding, and the hangar afterwards. He had allowed his ship to be compromised. His pilot, his friend, dead as a result of his negligence. The mist ended, the blowers started to dry.

Stepping out of the shower, he paused, staring at his own reflection. The once jet black hair, always too long, was peppered with white. The irridescent green eyes that frightened most, stared back at him, tiny specs of gold had appeared in the once pure brilliant green. The sclera becoming more blue than white. His body markings were no longer dark blue against the pure white body, now fading to a soft grey. 

Most thought they were exotic tattoos, a few knew he was born with them, even fewer having seen them change color with his emotions. He was Eurage, last of his kind. Now he would eulogize one of those few that had accepted him as a friend knowing what he was. He let his mind drift, memories of a familiar Battle Cruiser, three young Pilots fresh out of Flight Training Academy. Jazzon and Netro assigned to the same quarters as himself. The three had graduated the academy together, had become close friends. Helping one another to succeed. The Ship OnSeron was a dream come true for the three pilots. Dax shook his head, pulling himself out of the memory, his long hair falling away from his face.

"Atsai, where are Jazz and Nells, I want to speak with them." Dax said outloud. "Tell them to come to my quarters."

"Message sent, they will arrive momentarily." Atsai responded. Dax finished dressing. He reached for the his lenses, stopped, then put them in. Entering the living room, Jazz and Nells stood as he entered. Dax looked at Jazz, and his heart broke, the Paloians lip quivered as he held back the tears. Dax reached a hand behind his neck pulling him close, placing his forehead on Jazzon's, the action causing an exchange of Nanites between the two. They stood still for a moment, softly Jazz cried sharing his pain and sorrow, Dax receiving his friends pain, and sharing his strength. The exchange only lasted a few moments, Jazz moving away, drying his tears and nodding as he sat.

He composed himself, looking directly into Dax's eyes. Quietly he said,"No more, Dax, No more. I am turning in my papers. I can't do this anymore." then softer, "I won't do this anymore."

"I understand," Dax replied, never letting his eyes loose contact with Jazz's. "We will do the paperwork when we reach Oneres. Until then, you will remain a Senior Pilot of the Inyxidian." Jazz nodded a response, his lip started to quiver again. "Jazz, I order you to meds, the bots are ordered to give you something to ease the intensity of the feelings, for as long as you need, or I order otherwise." Dax said. Jazz nodded and headed to Meds.  Atsai having already delivered the orders to the Medical robots. Jazz knew the Commonwealths rules, only under Commanders direct orders were the bots allowed to administer sedatives for non physical issues. The office of compliance mandating specific language and details required.

Nells waited for the door to slide closed, "he will be alright. This is definitely the last mission for Kevarian, one of his two hearts quit and can't be healed, the other is barely able to keep him alive." Nells waited to see Dax's response, then continued."Hutch lost three techs when the shield collapsed. "

Dax nodded at him. "Take over as Flight leader for Kevarian.  Atsai, make sure Hutch has medical clearance if any of the techs need it. 3 crew is devastating. What is the status of the ship?"

"Ops is completely moved to the secondary Hangar and is managing, primary hangar is sealed. We have bots on the hull repairing some of the shield Rifts. The Hall engines are running fine. As long as the Losta stay focused on the Eiffel, we think we can make it to Oneres in three weeks. Benja wont let us fire up the CTM. He is worried Bode's fighter exploding compromised the containment shield." Nells said.

"Benja is right to be worried, Atsai, schedule a service for those we lost. See what Shalal needs to proctor. Nells, do the same for the pilots."

"Commander, Shalal is with the Techs now in consolation, Hutch has requested your presence as well." Atsai responded. Nells had stood to leave, "I will see to the Pilots, I know you will want to go see the Mechs. Should I ask Torrique to check on Jeval? I know you were all in the same cue Netro."

"I will take care of Jeval and Torrique. See to OPs, and the Pilots, call on Shalal if you need to. The Quellon has a way with easing grief." Dax said. "Is there anything else?"

"Just, be sure to wear a jacket, your colors are showing through that white shirt." Nells said, a short bow and he left Dax's quarters.

Dax took note of his body markings turning dark blue, vivid beneath his shirt. He needed to compose himself. He had known Netro since he was 10, along with Jeval and Torrique they had started service to the Commonwealth. The 4 had been Cued together. Each of them had been "different". Dax had pulled them back together when he took command of the Inyxidian, 10 years ago.  "Atsai, tell Torrique, I am heading to the Techs, and to keep an eye on Jeval, I will be there as soon as I can." Pulling his uniform jacket on, he heard Jazz's voice in is head, "I won't do this anymore."

"Maybe I won't do this anymore either," he said out loud.