Rhys Isdjao looked across the space beyond the Magnetic Containment field. Also known as the Magcon shield, it allowed ships in outer space to enter a pressurised environment inside, where repairs could be made on strike craft by technicians without the use of spacesuits or having to pressurise the whole docking bay. The sight was breath taking. A whole Taiidan fleet was assembling. He was one of the hundreds of mechanics, no, second-class mechanics on the station. He was a Kushan. According to his parents, a Great War in the past had led to the exile of their race. Unfortunately, some had been unfortunate enough as to survive under layers of debris until found by the Taiidan. Since the exiles’ ships had departed already, the pockets of surviving Kushan were turned into slaves. A position in the Empire they had served for many centuries. The exiles where never seem again. Never in his life had he seen so many warships in one place. But then, he had never been allowed to service military ships. The new crisis had forced the Taiidan to train new mechanics to serve the quickly growing fleet. Rhys understood that well. What he didn’t understand was the actual need to increase the fleet. Sure, the news had reported this huge advancing fleet that had destroyed several task forces and taken the life to countless Taiidan, but nothing on the identity of the attackers was given out. He turned back to work on the interceptor that was in front of him. The programme he was involved in was fighter repair and service. Although he had been instructed in Capital Ship repairs and new the layouts of most vessels in the fleet, the Taiidan seldom allowed a Kushan to service them. There where many other Kushan with him and they all worked hard, day after day, knowing that obeying the Taiidan would gain them the possibility of living enough to see grandchildren. Although not married nor in love, it was a hope that he and his friends pursued: to allow the continued survival of their race. His friend, Leroy Jkdas, noticed him looking at the fleet and asked: “What are you looking at? You know damned well that we’ll never work on those ships. We’re Kushan, remember Rhys? Kushan are not allowed into capital warships. Get back to work now, before another one of those guards come and decide you are not working hard enough and put it on the record. Com’on.” “Yeah, I guess so,” Rhys said. “Still... ever wonder who it is the Taiidan are fighting now? I mean, this is the biggest increase in the fleet for over 500 years, and that’s percentage-wise. Never has the fleet increased its numbers so... drastically.” “Sure. We have all thought about it.” “How do you know?” asked Rhys. “Well, some of us don’t spend most of our spare time studying ship designs or reading books on naval tactics.” Rhys nodded in agreement. He loved ships. That was the reason that had made him to study engineering and try to get a job at the spaceport servicing ships. His outstanding ability to increase vessel efficiency had made him known to the Taiidan chiefs. That was why he had been allowed to work for the military. Not experience, nor outstanding miracles, but a knack for increasing efficiency in ship systems. “Most of us, you see, hang around the cafeteria and exchange opinions on current affairs, even if it gossip exchange.” “Ok ok. So what’s the general census among the Kushan mechanics on this?” asked Rhys, acknowledging the facts laid down by his friend. He continued working on the console in front of him. “We all agree that something BIG is going on alright. Wild ideas have come to flourish, of course. There was even one from I don’t remember who that said that it’s the exiles that have come to reclaim our homeworld- Hiigara.” Leroy moved into the cockpit and started looking at the controls. “Remind me back when we write the reports to ask for new padding for seats for this whole squadron. They are as uncomfortable as they could be and they’re more damaged than this ship was when it arrived.” “Sure.” Rhys thought at the words his friend had spoken. “That’s farfetched alright. But it is possible, you know. I mean there’s also the rumour that a planet near the fringe was destroyed but the fleet that did so never returned. Nothing has been heard of them either. Destroyed? Who knows?” “I didn’t know that one. Where did you hear it?” asked Leroy curiously. “I was in charge of checking the Ids of these ships, remember? Well, after I did, I was asked to make a datafile on all ships still in service. It seems High Command has decided to renew that ages-old ID system and come up with a new one.” He paused to give one of the circuits a good look. “So?” asked Leroy. “Well,” continued Rhys. “There were lots of ships missing, but most could be tracked back to retirements and losses. But there was a group of ships I couldn’t track. I think it was two Destroyers and a dozen frigates. Oh, and there was a carrier too. So where did they all go? I searched for their assignments and found out they were all part of the force. I asked the Colonel in charge if he had any ideas. He looked at the ship names once and ordered me to forget those ships. Nothing more.” “Interesting. ” A bell rang. “Well, shift’s over. Coming?” asked Rhys. “What do you think?” “Admiral DuGalle?” asked someone from the Comm. “Yes?” “Commodore Drayson is here.” “Let him in.” Few moments later, a tall Taiidan walked into the office. He threw a military salute at the Admiral. “At ease, Hiram. This is not an official appointment. Rather, I’d like to hear how the crew is reacting to this dramatic increase in vessels.” “They’re coping alright. None of them know what’s really going on, and it’s hard to know the answer but not tell the crew.” “We’ll tell them alright, but it has to be after we depart. None of them is to know, to minimise the risk of a leak. You well know that it’s unpredictable the way the Kushan will react if well tell them it’s the exiles that are commanding that fleet.” DuGalle looked into his drawer. “Want a drink?” “No thanks Gerard. Any news on the Kushan fleet? Or from the Turanic raiders?” “Yes, there have been news. The Turanic raiders have reported that they’ve rebuilt their fleet again. It now consists of two Carriers and twelve Ion Array Frigates. They have also rebuilt their strike craft wing and are ready to restart the search for the fleet.” “And the Adamant task force? Something at last?” “No. They’re probably dead. Its been months since they last reported- the destruction of Kharak.” DuGalle paused. “There was, however, a note from Commodore Devreaux. She reported that they found the fleet and launched a hit-and-fade mission. The objective was to destroy at least a Destroyer. She hasn’t reported yet but that is normal since the operation was supposed to be launched six hours ago. If all went right, they should have retreated by now. What about us?” “Well,” said Drayson. “The last two Destroyers have reported in. With them, we have an effective force of one Heavy Cruiser, six Destroyers, two Carriers, twenty Assault Frigates and sixteen Ion Cannon Frigates. High Command has also assigned three of the experimental Gravity Well Generators. We carry a compliment of five squadrons of Heavy Corvettes, 75, no less; two squadrons of Defenders for a total of 50, six squads of Interceptors including the Avengers, for 90 and four of Plasma Bombers - 60. Final preparations are being made and we’ll be ready to depart in two days.” “Good. Two days it shall be. Then, we shall start hunting for Kushan ships.” DuGalle smiled.