Shane's mouth drew into a tight line, she would be damned if she let them know how much pain she was in. She had been so close to freedom. So close to getting them a rescue. After their Christmas celebration the Wildcards had waited and watched their enemy, looking for any weakness. Any opportunity to escape.

Close to Valentine's Day she had finally found one. Her old friend Handsome Alvin. Whatever they were paying him to do it seemed like he really didn't have much of a purpose. While Sewell-Z and Leia did the dirty work Alvin usually hung back in the shadows, watching.

Shane struggled into a sitting position wincing as she once again hit her head on the low ceiling of the small room. In her plan to escape she had finally relented and agreed to play a game of pool with Alvin. That at least got her out of the cell and able to better scout their surroundings.

Half way through the third round it seemed fate, a Guardian Angel or something similar was watching out for them. The power failed, nearly ship wide. As the game room plunged into darkness Shane had grabbed the only weapon she had, her pool stick.

Alvin had either been too cocky about his safety or had really been caught off guard when she had thrust the stick into his left 'eye'.

While the AI swore and doubled over in pain Shane had ran for the door skirting into the hallway as she made her way to the upper decks in search of a radio.

Unfortunately she had only made it up three decks, far from the lights and sounds of the intergalactic casino. Shane had just reached a stairway and was on the sixth step before a hand clamped around her left ankle, causing her to loose her balance and slam into the metal stairs.

Shane had kicked him in the jaw with her free foot, briefly attaining her freedom before Alvin caught her again.

"Now, now." Alvin said as he had dragged her back down the stairs and propping her into a standing position, "This is no way to play nice."

Shane had glared at the AI, barely resisting the urge to spit in his face, "I don't play nice."

After that she had gotten a lecture from Sewell about the futility of trying to escape and was tossed back in the footlocker. Shane now knew this was their form of solitary confinement. She hadn't seen Paul or Vanessa since Christmas and could only imagine what the AI's were telling them about her fate.

Giving up on sleep Shane's eyes snapped open. As she drew herself into a sitting position she was more determined than ever to escape from this hell hole. Staring into the darkness she was reminded of the old adage, 'If at once you don't succeed, try, try again.'

USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
The terror of being a prisoner of war returned to Kylen full force as unwanted memories surfaced. Ross's deep voice broke into her revere drawing her back to the present. Blinking she forced herself to focus on what he was saying.

"......Johnson said one squadron member mentioned Angels before he threw his Hammer into a spin. Does that mean anything to you?"

Nathan watched with growing concern as some of the sparkle seemed to fade from her blue eyes. This was too much for her.

"Commodore, maybe we should take a short break. Give her a chance to recuperate."

Kylen shook her head, "No Nathan, I'm alright. I want to help."

She looked at the two Commodores, "After the initial attack those who survived managed to allude them for a few hours. We gathered what supplies we could salvage and headed into the hills."

"The phototags." Nathan said softly remembering how he had found Kylen's identification tag hanging with others in an overturned shelter. That had been the first indication he had that she was still alive.

Kylen glanced at him before nodding, "Yes, we left those there hoping that if a rescue came they would find them and know where to look for us." She paused swallowing hard as the memories became darker, "We tried to move quickly but many of us had been severely injured in the attack. Just before twilight they caught up with us. Those who resisted were shot on sight. The survivors were immediately herded into one of their shuttles."

"I saw." Nathan recalled, "But I was too far away to help."

Kylen squeezed his hand, "I'm glad you didn't try, you would have been killed instantly. After their shuttle took off it met up with a larger ship in orbit. I don't know how to describe the feeling that overcame us as we saw it looming ahead. It was like it pulsated evil. After they unloaded us the shuttle went back to the planet.

As it descended I noticed the shuttle had white and yellow lights that illuminated when it accelerated." She looked at Ross," Perhaps that's what Bonavia saw. The yellow and white lights could have blended together to look like an angel to him."

USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
Lieutenant Colonel John Oakes returned to his quarters. He had less than twenty minutes to change and shower before he had to brief the 44th on their upcoming mission. As he absently clicked on his computer to the Earth News Network John figured it was just as well that Ross had pulled West out on special assignment. After the scene in the Crow's Nest the tension in the 44th had escalated.

Just as he was about to step into the shower snippets of a news story caught his attention. He focused his gaze back on the small screen in time to see a red haired woman in her thirties standing somewhere with palm trees in the background.

"........Breaking news from Los Angeles this afternoon. The CEO of Aerotech industries, John Bennett has retired. Allowing vice president Michael Lane to take over. Ambitious is the nicest word anyone in Aerotech could say about the California native. Lane has long been feared in the computer business as a 'take no prisoners' business man when it came to allocating new companies to come under Aerotech's wing."

"In other related news an Iowa company has created a new computer chip that has created great excitement in the computer industry. Some experts say that this advancement could leap the industry forward thirty yea......"

Oakes snapped the computer off. He retraced his steps to the shower, the gold aviator wings resting on top of the computer monitor catching his attention. There was one thing he could do in Shane's memory that could have lasting affects on his career, but so be it. He had lived in this limbo long enough now was the time to end it. Seeing he only had ten minutes left to make his meeting Oakes quickly walked into the bathroom and shut the door.

Operation:Homeward Bound
Aerotech pleasure ship, the Bacchus
Third week of April, 2065
Lieutenant Vanessa Damphoose didn't know why the AI's had allowed her and Paul to be kept in the same cell, but she was grateful. The word grateful sounded strange in her mind but that's how she felt. Grateful to her captors and torturers for allowing her the last place of peace and solace that she had. Being able to see a friendly face some how made the existence she was in bearable.

Vanessa huddled in the corner of the small dark room, never feeling more alone in her life than she did at that moment. Leia had come and taken Paul away several hours ago. Paul hadn't told her what went on in his 'question sessions' as the AI's called them. She hadn't pushed knowing he was still reeling from what Elroy put him through.

Vanessa shielded her eyes with her right hand as the heavy metal door was yanked open and Paul's limp body was tossed back inside like somebody's sack of potatoes.

"You'd think I'd be used to this by now." Paul commented in a weak voice as he struggled into a sitting position.

Vanessa wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a comforting embrace.

"Paul, what do they want from us?" She asked in a voice thick with tears, "Its been months and they keep asking the same questions."

"I think I know." Paul replied softly, "But I have no idea how to rectify it. They obviously think we saw more than we did of the Chig on Anvil."

Vanessa blinked,"You think this all goes back to Roundhammer? What could have been in that cave that was so important?"

Paul turned to face her, "The only thing we saw in that cave was unborn Chigs. Cooper was the only one who was in there for an extended amount of time."

Vanessa frowned, "You think he saw something and didn't tell the rest of us?"

Paul shook his head, "No, I think he might have seen something that he didn't think was important at the time. Something that might have seemed like it belonged there yet seemed out of place at the same time."

Vanessa sighed, "How do we tell them what they want to hear if we don't know what that is?"

Wang squeezed her hand, "We'll come up with something." He assured her hoping he sounded more confident than he felt, "There has to be a way out of this mess."

USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
Roosevelt's Commodore Lucas Grey leaned against the wall near the door while Glen Ross began to pace the front of the room. McQueen leaned forward his hands folded in front of him on the table as he looked at Kylen. "So these 'Angel' ships. Do you remember anything more about them? What color were they? How big?"

Kylen shook her head, a frown on her face, "Sorry Colonel, most of what happened after that is still a blur. I do remember that they were about as big maybe a little smaller than our Hammerheads."

"Thank you Kylen." Ross said finally stopping in the center of the room turning to face the group, "Okay. So now we have a rough idea of what these ships look like. That still doesn't help us detect them if they don't show up on LDAR. Anyone have any ideas on how we can protect ourselves from these things if we have no idea when they'll strike?"

Grey took his glasses off absently using a handkerchief to remove a spot before saying, "We know from the Valley Forge's data recorder that they saw a brief burst of yellow light before the computer went down."

Hawkes straightened in his chair, "Now that we know what to look for maybe that's enough of a warning."

West shook his head, "No, if we tell people to look out for yellow lights we could have squadrons shooting at stars or each other before this is through. We need to know more."

"Agreed." Ross said quietly.

Lost in his own thoughts Grey jumped slightly as the door was opened suddenly. Lieutenant Colonel John Oakes entered the room a grim look on his face.

"Sorry to interrupt, Commodore." Oakes began turning to face Grey.

Grey raised a red eyebrow, "Can't this wait, Colonel? We're in the middle of something here."

Oakes looked at West, "I'm sorry, Sir what I have to say can't wait and may effect what you're planning." Grey looked at Ross questioningly.

Ross nodded motioning Oakes to an empty chair next to McQueen, "Have a seat, Colonel."

"Thank you, Sir."

Operation:Homeward Bound
Aerotech pleasure ship, the Bacchus
First week of June, 2065
Handsome Alvin ducked easily as the glass paperweight bounced off the wall behind him shattering to the floor in a million pieces. Leia advanced on the AI, fury burning in her green eyes, "I've had just about enough from you, pool boy."

Alvin grinned as he leaned against the office wall, "Coming from someone who says she doesn't care, I've grown to like that pet name, cupcake."

Leia blinked, "Cupcake?! I'll show you a cupcake!"

Howard Sewell-Z sighed loudly as he tried to maneuver between the two AI's in the tight quarters, "You two are giving me quite a migraine. Either kiss and make up or go to your separate corners."

Leia whirled on her boss, "Howie, why are we still on this dump? Its been almost six months."

Sewell sat down behind the small desk, "Trust me, Leia I'm well aware at how much time we've spent here in the land of Oz. The person who sent us on this mission is convinced that they know more than they're saying."

Leia shook her head furiously as she began to pace, "Howie as much as I hate to disagree with our great leader they don't know anything. As much as I love playing with Possum I'm sick to death of hearing their name, rank and serial number."

Sewell nodded in agreement, "I agree with you Leia love. I believe its high time to ask them nicely one more time. If they don't tell us what we want to know we kill them and scrap the mission. Our leader will just have to find out his precious information another way." He looked at Alvin, "I trust you'll take care of the lovely Captain?"

Alvin smiled, "With pleasure."

USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
If Oakes had decided to drop a pin in that conference room you would have heard it hit the floor. John forced himself not to grin at the stunned expressions.

McQueen was the first to find his voice, "How could you keep this from your superiors?!"

Oakes glared at him, "You think I had any say in this? You think I enjoyed letting Shane think I was dead?! I was under strict orders that if I valued my career and my new lease on life I could not tell anyone."

"Orders from who?" Ross demanded his black eyes the color of coal.

Oakes turned to face him, "Sewell, Aerotech."

McQueen shook his head, "Sewell was killed on the Saratoga months before your incident on Hale."

Oakes stood one hand leaning on the back of the chair, "The Howard Sewell that died on the Saratoga was an AI."

"You have proof of this?" McQueen demanded.

John nodded, "His replacement, Howard Sewell-Z's smiling face was the first thing I saw when I woke up."

"Talk about nightmare material." Hawkes muttered under his breath.

Oakes nodded, "He told me in no uncertain terms that if I wanted my life back. If I wanted my career back I had to go along with their plans."

Nathan ran a hand over the back of his neck, "I always knew there was something too snake-like about Sewell."

"What were their plans?" Lucas Grey asked moving closer to the group.

Oakes shook his head, "I just did as I was told. I was never let in on the big picture."

Operation:Homeward Bound
Aerotech pleasure ship, the Bacchus
June, 2065
Vanessa Damphoose winced in pain as the knife was pressed harder against her throat.

"So my dear Paul," Howard Sewell-Z began as he walked around the perimeter of the small room, "I will ask this one more time and I suggest you think carefully about your answer. Leia has been known to slip on occasion."

Paul strained against the metal cuffs that held him to the chair as he glared at the AI's, "How many times do we have to say it for you to believe us?! We don't know anything."

Sewell shook his head, "Wrong answer Paully." He glanced at the blonde woman behind Vanessa, "Leia, dear....."

Leia placed her right hand under Vanessa's chin tipping it upwards as she smiled at Paul, "Take a last look at your lady friend, Possum. I don't like to brag, but I am known for my craftsmanship."

Vanessa met Paul's frantic gaze, forcing herself to concentrate on his face. She couldn't believe that after everything she had been through since joining the 58th that this was how she was going to die. She jumped as the knife pricked the tender skin above at the base of her throat. She felt the warm trickle of blood start to flow downward.

"No!" Paul shouted the chair jumping as he struggled to free himself, "No! Leave her alone!"

Sewell stepped in front of Paul blocking his view of Vanessa, "Now Paul, you know there's only one way to end this. You have to say the magic words. Your squadron brought something back from Anvil, where is it?"

Paul glared at his captor, "I'm telling you we didn't bring anything back except a pile of dirt the Chig gave Hawkes! We have no idea what you're talking about!" Wang's voice broke as he lowered his head, "Please, don't hurt her.....please."

Sewell shook his head in disgust, "Now there's one thing I can't stand a weak Marine. Leia will you do the honors?"

Leia smiled broadly as she walked around Vanessa so she was facing her. Knife still held at her throat.

"With pleasure, Howie." She replied as she met Vanessa's gaze, "Now, since I'm such a nice person I'll give you a choice on how you're going to die. Do you want it quick or if you like pain I can drag it out so it'll take days for you to die."

The four people in the room jumped as the door was kicked in, causing harsh florescent light to blind them.

"Nobody's going to die, at least not today." A familiar voice said as the silhouette walked farther into the room, "Drop the knife, lady and step away."

Leia looking like the proverbial deer caught in a pair of car headlights couldn't move. She stood rooted to the spot knife point still at Vanessa's throat. Vanessa took advantage of the opportunity and kicked the knife out of Leia's hand, wrestling the AI around so she had her in a choke hold. Booted footsteps stormed into the room behind the silhouette as fifteen Marines surrounded Sewell without incident. Leading him out of the room in handcuffs.

"Since I'm such a nice person, I won't kill you." Vanessa said with a weary smile as she forced the AI to lay face down on the floor.

Paul's eyes finally adjusted to the light but his stunned ind refused to believe what he was seeing.

"Colonel?" He asked in a weak voice.

McQueen knelt down next to the chair working on prying open the metal cuffs, "Yes, Wang its me. Good to see you back among the living."

Paul tried to shake the cob webs out of his mind, but none of his thoughts were connecting enough to make sense. After all the months of torture he couldn't believe they were finally being rescued.

"I don't understand, Colonel. How did you find us? Shane's dead. They killed her when she tried to get to a radio."

McQueen shook his head, "That was just another lie the AI's told you to break you. They had kept her in a separate cell for months. Unfortunately she's not in as good as shape as you two but she'll live."

Vanessa joined the duo helping free Paul from the chair, "I still don't understand, Colonel. How did you find us after all these months?"

McQueen placed a gentle hand on her left shoulder, "I'll explain everything once we get you two back to the Saratoga and have a doc look you over."

Epilog
USS Saratoga
Neutral territory
June, 2065
It was a happy but exhausted group that gathered in the Saratoga's medical bay. Kylen smiled as she leaned into Nathan's embrace the Wildcards were finally back together. A little bumped and bruised but they were back were they belonged.

Captain Shane Vansen lay in a bed two feet from Paul. She had several broken ribs and her left leg had been badly sprained in her last torture session. Cooper stood next to her bed, awkwardly holding her hand. Vanessa stood on the left side of Paul's bed her right arm in a sling, she had sprained her wrist during Leia's arrest.

"Is this really happening?" Vanessa asked softly as she looked at Paul and Shane, "Am I really standing back on the Saratoga?"

Paul smiled at her, squeezing her hand, "I've been asking myself that same question over and over."

"Well, you can start believing it." Commodore Glen Ross said with a wide smile as he walked into the room followed close behind by Lucas Grey and McQueen.

Shane struggled into a sitting position looking Ross in the eye, "Commodore as much as I appreciate the reunion I still don't understand how you found us?"

"Perhaps I can explain that." Colonel John Oakes replied as he stepped into the room crossing over to Shane's bed taking her hand in his, "Good to see you again, Captain."

Shane reached up and gently touched Oakes's right cheek, "John?" She asked in a hoarse voice, "How?"

Nathan grinned as he looked at Ross, "I think you better start explaining Colonel. I don't think Shane can handle too many more surprises."

Ross nodded, "You can thank the ghost here for your rescue, Shane. After he came forward a few days ago and revealed how he had been allowed to survive the incident over Haleg everything began falling into place."

McQueen picked up the story, "After Oakes dropped the bomb that the Sewell was an AI Ross contacted Hayden."

Ross shook his head still not quite believing the events of the last few days, "After confronting her about Sewell she finally relented the whole sordid tale. The head of Aerotech, Michael Lane had blackmailed her into participating in this bizarre plot. But she pulled one over on him. After learning that they were holding the three of you on the Bacchus she contacted an AI named Alvin to work for her."

Shane blinked almost getting out of the bed before Cooper gently forced her back, "Handsome Alvin is a patriot?!" She asked incredulously.

Ross grinned, "Ironic isn't it? She paid him triple what Lane was offering and he agreed to send her periodic updates via email. Just before I contacted her Hayden's assistant had just received a letter from Alvin that told of Sewell's plan to kill you. Her conscience finally got to her and she told us everything."

Vanessa shook her head, "This is unbelievable."

"It gets better." McQueen replied as he leaned against the wall.

Hawkes looked at him questioningly, "The Angel ships?"

"What Angel ships?" Shane asked looking from Oakes to McQueen and back again.

"That's what we thought were the Chig's latest weapon." Ross replied.

Oakes continued, "In reality they were Aerotech."

Kylen stared at him in surprise, "Aerotech?"

Oakes nodded, "Perhaps not what you saw, Kylen but the later versions that destroyed the Valley Forge and the 33rd were Aerotech's doing. It seems that after the peace talk debacle the Chigs really did want to make peace. They're numbers were far more diminished than we thought."

McQueen had a disgusted look on his face as he continued, "It seems that in exchange for ammo and material to make the ships the Chigs would continue the War."

Paul raised up into a sitting position, "Why? Why would they want that?"

"Greed." Ross replied as he folded his arms across his chest, "Pure and simple greed. It seems Aerotech was near bankrupt. Without the war they were out of business and Lane couldn't have that."

"Unbelievable." Kylen said turning to look at Nathan, "All those lost lives."

"One thing," Vanessa said as she looked at her friends, "Commodore you said Hayden was being blackmailed. What did they have over her?"

Ross looked at Nathan, "She asked me to give you a message, Nathan. She said to tell you that you were right."

Nathan looked at Kylen, "Aerotech knew about the Chigs before they launched the Tellus and Vesta colonies." He said sadly.

"And Hayden knew that before she was elected. Once she was elected Lane had that to hold over her. He knew if that ever got out to the press her career would be over."

"What happens to her now?" Shane asked.

Ross shook his head sadly ,"She resigned. They'll hold an election within the next three weeks to choose a new Secretary General."

A black haired nurse in her forties stepped into the room smiling apologetically at the group, "I'm sorry but you'll all have to leave now. The patients have been through an incredible ordeal and need there rest."

Ross grinned, "Okay, we'll get out of your hair." He said turning and motioning Grey and McQueen out of the room.

McQueen paused in the doorway looking at the 58th. He never thought he would see them together. A feeling of peace settled over him maybe the world wasn't perfect but at least his little corner of it was as close as it came.

"Don't forget to tell them about the party, West." McQueen reminded the young Captain in a gruff voice as he turned and exited the room.

Paul's eyes lit up, "Party?"

Nathan grinned, "As soon as the Doc gives the okay they're going to have a party for us in the observation lounge. Sort of a welcome back party."

Oakes smiled at Shane, "Think you're up for a dance, Captain?"

Shane grinned, "Just try to keep up."

USS Saratoga
Neutral territory
June, 2065
Three days later......
"Well, I see they went all out." Paul Wang commented as he placed his right arm around Vanessa's shoulders as they walked into the lounge. Vanessa grinned noting the ice sculptures shaped like a deck of playing cards and the gold 'Welcome home' banner that stretched the length of the room.

"I think we deserve it." She replied turning to face him extending her good hand, "As they say, When in Rome."

Paul grinned, "May I have this dance, my lady?"

Vanessa laughed, "I'd be honored, good Sir." She replied as Wang led her out onto the small dance floor.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Lieutenant Colonel John Oakes asked as he came up behind Shane handing her a tall glass of champagne.

Shane turned away from the window smiling at him as she took the glass, "I believed you were dead, John."

Oakes grinned, "I thought you were dead. I think that makes us even."

Shane punched him lightly, "I'm serious."

John lightly touched her face, "So am I."

He reached into his pocket and took out his good luck charm. Gently he pinned the gold aviator wings on the right side of Shane's uniform shirt. "There, now they're back where they belong."

Shane's gaze lingered on the pin for a moment before looking into his eyes, "I can't believe you kept them all these years."

John pulled her into an embrace, "It was a part of you I could take with me." He leaned back slightly so he could look into her eyes, "So Captain Shane Vansen do you still not believe in forever?"

Shane nodded, "Yes, but when I'm in your arms you make me think that it might be possible."

"I love you." John whispered before he captured Shane's lips in a tender kiss.

"I love you too." Shane replied quietly after they broke the kiss, resting her head on his shoulder.

"There you are." Kylen Calinea commented finally finding Nathan in a far corner of the observation lounge.

Nathan smiled at her as he took her hand pulling her close, "Sorry if I disappeared on you. There was something important I had to get."

Kylen kissed him quickly as she sat down on a nearby chair, "Its alright. I was just worried about you. Everything has changed so suddenly."

"Change can be a good thing." Nathan replied getting down on one knee and taking her left hand in his.

"Nathan."

Nathan took a small velvet covered jeweler's box out of his pant's pocket. Awkwardly he handed it too her.

Kylen felt tears come to her eyes before she even opened the box. They started flowing full force when she saw the beauty nestled within.

"It was my Grandmother's." Nathan explained taking the gold ring out of the box. The small diamond flanked on either side by two rubies glittered.

"Its beautiful." Kylen replied as Nathan gently slipped the ring on left hand.

"Kylen." Nathan began softly ,"All the events of the past year made me realize how precious you are to me. When you were missing it was like they had taken part of my heart, part of my soul that could never be hole again until I had you back in my life. Then by some miracle God gave you back to me and I made a promise to myself never to let you out of my sight again. So Kylen Calinea will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Tears of joy clogged Kylen's throat so it was several seconds before she could speak. When she did her voice was a soft whisper.

"Yes, Nathan." She replied standing, "Yes, I'll marry you."

"Thank God." Nathan whispered as he lifted her off her feet spinning her around, "I love you." He said when he finally sat her back down.

Kylen gently touched his left cheek with her hand, her blue eyes sparkling with tears of happiness, "And I love you, Nathan West."

Tyrus Cassius McQueen leaned against the mobile bar, a glass of champagne in his right hand. He glanced up as Ross joined him taking a glass from a passing waiter.

"So, do you think the War's really over?"

Glen Ross shrugged his eyes never leaving the crowd of people, "Your guess is as good as mine, Ty. I think we are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with the exposure of Aerotech's plot. As for wether the Chigs want to negotiate that we'll just have to wait and see."

"So the 5-8 will stay together?" McQueen asked.

Ross nodded,"With the highest honors the Core has to offer ."He looked at the Marine squadron, "But with all they've been through its really up to them if they want to stay."

Shane tapped the side of her champagne glass stepping toward the center of the room to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone, if I could have your attention." Shane paused as she waited for the conversation to die, "I'd like to make a toast."

She held up her glass smiling at her friends, "To good friends."

As glasses clanked around the room Cooper Hawkes took a step forward. His eyes misting slightly, "To the Wildcards." He said holding up his glass.

"To the Wildcards." The 58th replied joining Cooper in the center of the room, enveloping each other in a group hug.

They had come through the ordeal of the last year stronger. And with peace almost at hand, the future had never looked brighter.