There was a celebration honoring Ajax, Sylvie, and the rest of the squad. The feast, dresses, and decorations were brightly colored, and Sylvie felt like a neon light in a fiery red, yellow and orange dress that the queen gave her. They stayed for two days then left early in the morning. Before they left, they found another quarter of the plans to the weapon hidden among the archives of the palace. They were also given a new ship, provisions, and fresh clothes before departing.

    During the trip through hyperspace, Sylvie and Ajax contacted Jinx through a holocam.

    "Do you have your quarter of the plans?" Ajax asked Jinx's pixelated figure.

    "Yes, do you?" Jinx asked.

    "I've got it. What happened to the base?"

    Ajax's question made Jinx's face crease with sadness, "We had to abandon the base. The enemy was too strong."

    "What-what about Shekira?" Sylvie asked, her lip quivering.

    "She and the entire covert team were found dead outside the fort."

    There was a long silence between them.

    "Jinx, I'm sorry," Ajax started.

    "There's no need to be. It was her choice, she died for a good cause," Jinx interrupted. "Her funeral will take place on Rood, her body has already been delivered there. General Errine's funeral will be private with her tribe on the other side of Hiems. They both will be remembered."

    "We'll, see you there," Ajax mumbled.

    Jinx's holographic image disappeared.

    Sylvie could not believe it. Shekira, is dead? That battle strong woman that was the closest female friend is gone. Ajax too seemed shocked. Nether of them spoke another word until they reached the battle station, where Jinx met them at the entrance.

    "I'm so sorry Jinx," Sylvie cried, wrapping her arms around him.

    Jinx returned her hug hesitantly and looked to Ajax, who came up and affectionately squeezed his shoulder.

    "Thank you for your kindness. It makes me feel better," he thanked, stepping back from Sylvie.

    "That's what friends are for man," Ajax told him, "to help each other through hard times like these."

    Jinx nodded.

    Kyris Infinity, the human general, walked up to them, saying, "The council demands that you three come at once, this is urgent."

    They exchanged looks and followed after the quick pace of the general. They entered the room. Sylvie recognized it as the council room from the first time she came to the battle station.

    "Captain Ajax, Sylvie Mullan, and Strategist Jinx, we have a crisis and we need all hands on deck," the young alien woman from last time told them.

    "The plans that we stole are now needed to find a weak spot, for the weapon has already been built and is almost fully operational," the older man continued.

    "What is this weapon?" Ajax asked. "Is is a ship, a battle station, a blaster?"

    "It is a massive blaster cannon mounted on the moon of Earth. It mas more firepower than an entire fleet of ships and it'll take a lot less than a fleet of ships to actually destroy it," Kyris announced.

    "You saw it old man?" Ajax crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

    "You bet I did, and I lost a few good fighter pilots when I did, hot stuff," Kyris replied expressionlessly.

    "The plans should show us some potential weak spots we can aim for," Jinx spoke up.

    "And we will need as many pilots as we can," General Knoll added.

    "You want us to launch our entire fleet?" the young alien woman asked, apparently bewildered.

    "It needs to be all or nothing if we are going to even make an effort to save Earth," Kyris summarized.

    The discussion lasted for hours and they contacted several planets and moons that were a part of the Forces, requesting back up fighter pilots. Sylvie felt her anxiety levels going through the roof. Earth was on the course of being destroyed. Her home, her people, her family, her life and everything else were on that planet, and it was about to be easily erased from the universe. Sylvie did not feel any emotion except anger. Why are these umaroi going to destroy a planet where billions of living beings are? Why are they so full of hate?

    "Just make up your damn minds already!" she exclaimed, causing the bickering of the council to cease. "The question is, are you going to save Earth or just let it be blown to dust? There is no need for all of this."

    Every eye had turned to the emotionally unstable human girl who was terrified yet full of anger, who could not fly a ship to save her life or plan a battle. They all saw in her what they did not have: care, love and compassion.

    "Looks like the little lady has decided," Kyris announced. "What is your command?"

    "Launch the attack," the older man voted.

    "Launch the attack," the young woman agreed.

    "Launch the attack," Jara and Siron stood.

    "Then it is decided," Jinx looked from Sylvie to Ajax. "Let the battle begin.