First Person/Third Person Perspective Stories

First Person/Third Person Perspective Stories

Endgame

continuing the story of Blakes 7....



Endgame

by Josie McCall

At the Federation outpost on the planet Phelos, situated near the edge of the Spiral Rim, the 2nd Fleet maintained the security of the outer sectors of the Federation controlled territories. The complex was mainly underground, since the surface conditions were not ideal for humans, being extremely cold during the hours of darkness.

The Federation ruled absolutely those planets under its domination. Such rule was harsh and restrictive. The majority of those in positions of power in the Federation were corrupt and self-serving. They produced legislation to suit the vast corporate interests who rewarded them with massive material wealth in return. The military was rife with nepotism and was split into factions supporting different members of the High Council. Recent elections held on Earth deposed the reformist Counsellor Wayfield and re-instated the infamous Servalan as President. The majority of the common people and most of the military considered these elections to have been rigged in order to return Servalan to power. Wayfield had a huge following in the military, since he was a popular General before becoming a High Council member. Many believed that Servalan should have been executed, not exiled following her trial fifteen years previously.

It was believed, correctly, that she had been manipulating the members of the High Council, and others, from her planet of exile. This was possibly because of the general climate of debauchery and corruption which pervaded the upper echelons of the Federation Hierarchy, allowing her network of informers to furnish her with sensitive information about the majority of the Council, which they would not wish to have brought into the open, giving her the power to shape events and legislation to suit herself. Although it had taken fifteen years for her to be returned to Earth as supreme ruler, she had been in power, behind the scenes, for a lot longer than that. Now she had unlimited access to the Federation database, and was able to consolidate her power.

Rebels opposing the Federation and Servalan had formed their own fleet, based on a previously uninhabited planet close to the edge of the Spiral Rim. Many of the military had secretly given their allegiance to the Rebels in order to try and remove Servalan. Their leader, Fox, was under cover at the 2nd Fleet base on Phelos. He was able to command a loyal following, since he was a distinguished and much decorated Captain. He was awarded the President's Star, the Federation's highest accolade, for saving the life of President Wayfield at great risk to his own. This, in addition to his many citations for valour in the field, gave him what amounted to devotion among his own men. He was a good leader, not above bending the rules if the cause was just. Fair but strict, he would never ask one of his men to do something he would not be prepared to do himself.

The base on Phelos was the largest accumulation of space vessels outside of Earth, where the Federation's 1st Fleet were based.

The Rebels had decided to destroy the 2nd Fleet...

* * * * *

In the underground service tunnels below the complex, three of the Rebels moved swiftly towards an access ladder to a lower level. They were dressed in Federation uniform, and were carrying large holdalls and rifles. One by one they descended the ladder before hurrying along the lower passage.

* * * * *

A group of Rebels entered an underground hangar where a large number of space vessels were berthed. They split up and used the cover of the vehicles to move around the hangar, setting explosive devices. So far, they seemed to have been able to escape detection.

* * * * *

Security was centrally controlled throughout the complex from the main Control room. A group of Rebels, armed with rifles, burst in and began firing at the Federation troops working there. One of the troops managed to reach the alarm.

* * * * *

At the Landing area, Federation security were mobilised to deal with the emergency. Alarms were going off throughout the base. The Rebels were caught up in a running fire fight with Federation troops. The Rebels were vastly outnumbered, and the Federation troops had them pinned down at the landing area. The Rebel leader, Fox, tried to rally his men.

* * * * *

Time was running out. Security forces discovered one of the explosive devices in the underground tunnels. The display showed the countdown to detonation. There were only eight seconds left.

* * * * *

A series of explosions shook the complex. At the landing area, the troops who had been keeping up a barrage of fire to pin down the Rebels now decided to try to flee the complex. Fox, his second-in-command, Hansen, and the few remaining Rebels made a run for their ship. Fuel storage tanks and spacecraft exploded all around them and it seemed they too would be consumed in the firestorm. An explosion immediately in front of the fleeing Rebels killed four of the men. Only Fox and Hansen were left. They reached their spacecraft and managed to take off.

* * * * *

The fireball which engulfed the outpost destroyed the bulk of the battle fleet. Only a handful of pursuit craft made it into planetary orbit unscathed.

* * * * *

Fox and Hansen escaped Phelos, pursued by two Federation attack ships, and came under a hail of plasma bolts. Their superior speed and Fox's ability as a pilot allowed them to evade their pursuers. However, one of the plasma bolts made a direct hit on their ship. Hansen was knocked out in the blast. Fox managed to outmanoeuvre the attack ships and escape.

* * * * *

Servalan's quarters were furnished in chrome and white, including a desk and large swivel chair with a smaller swivel chair in front. To one side comfortable chairs surrounded a coffee table on which there was a tray with bottles and glasses. Against one wall there was a large sofa with small tables at either end. Devere, an official Federation psycho-strategist in his mid-forties, sat at one end of the sofa. Servalan, President of the Federation, lay full stretch with her feet on his lap. The lighting was subdued, intimate.

Servalan studied his face intently. "Why do I get the feeling you are keeping something from me?"

He smiled. "I am."

She raised one eyebrow. "Do you intend telling me?"

"When the time is right."

Her tone hardened. "I am not renowned for my patience, Devere."

"I'll bear it in mind." He lifted her hand to his lips then turned it palm upwards and kissed the inside of her wrist. "Have we any news of the new weapon?"

"It's in place, and can be remotely activated on my order."

Devere kissed the inside of her elbow. "What made you decide on Copernicus Alpha?"

She stretched with feline sensuality. "When you suggested a hostile planet?"

"Wiping out the population whilst evaluating the virus did lead me to suggest it be tested on a hostile rather than a neutral planet."

She made a gesture of disinterest. "If it succeeds, we have a means of introducing a lethal virus, information about its effectiveness, and we can blame the Rebel allies and thus gain support for our armed forces to counter the rebellion."

"I often wonder why you didn't become a psycho-strategist yourself."

She was mildly annoyed at the memory of her early attempts to circumvent the rules in this matter. "You know very well that women are not admitted to Psy-Cor unless they are telepaths."

"We never had a woman President before, either. That didn't stop you."

She smiled. "No, it didn't."

Devere lifted her feet and slid across to the middle of the sofa. He leant forward to take her in his arms and kissed her neck. She closed her eyes.

They were interrupted by the intercom. Servalan got to her feet and crossed to her desk, switching on the speaker. She answered irritably, frustrated at the intrusion. "Yes?"

Her Aide answered. "Madame President, the 2nd Fleet has suffered heavy casualties at the outpost on Phelos."

"What!?"

"Some forty rebels led by Captain Fox detonated explosives within the complex destroying the bulk of the space vessels."

She kept her voice steady, carefully concealing her reaction to this news. "Captain Fox?"

"He fled the outpost, Ma'am. Two of our attack ships are attempting to overhaul him. He left a message marked for you personally. It's on channel 12."

She switched channels on the intercom. Fox's face appeared on the screen.

He was arrogant as he delivered his message. "Well, Servalan, you will already know of the destruction of your 2nd fleet. I regret the loss of life involved in our action, but it is a price we are all prepared to pay. Good-bye, Servalan."

She turned off the intercom and took a moment to remember the last time she was with Fox.

* * * * *

Servalan's bedroom was large and comfortable. Bright sunlight streamed through the white drapes which provided privacy. She stood looking out of the window. She was dressed in a white sheath of a dress, fitting her like a soft glove. Fox came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. She smiled and inclined her head, allowing him to kiss her neck. His hands moved down to her waist. He turned her around and lifted her effortlessly into his arms. She put her arms around his neck, drawing his mouth to hers.

* * * * *

Servalan sat behind her desk, fighting free of the reverie. Devere walked slowly across the room with almost feline grace and sat down in front of her.

"Ingrate!"

"Excuse me?"

She looked up at him. "Fox. After all I did for him."

He deduced that Fox and she had been lovers. He found it amusing. "There are people loyal to Counsellor Wayfield who believe the recent elections were rigged to overthrow him and return you to power. They are willing to aid the Rebels."

She was derisory in her reply. "Not up to your usual high standard."

"Even an experienced psycho-strategist cannot know everything. We conjecture based on the probabilities."

She glared at him. "You are paid exceedingly well to get it right."

He tried to placate her. "Everything is going according to the projections."

She refused to be mollified. "He has information about the new weapon. If our enemies learn of our plans, we will lose the advantage it gives us."

"They will not be able to develop a counter agent."

She stared at him coldly. "I hope for your sake you are right."

Devere was relaxed and confident. "I usually am."

She decided to leave it for the moment. Changing the subject, she informed him, "I shall detain Fox's sister here as a hostage."

* * * * *

The Federation's main research facility was the Moray Institute. Fox's elder sister was Head of Research.

Dr. Ella Fox, dressed in a laboratory smock and trousers, her long dark hanging loose almost to her waist, was working alone at a computer on a workbench in the weapons testing area. It was a long narrow room, dimly lit, with a firing range at the far end. The intercom sounded. She was annoyed at the interruption. She crossed to the intercom on the wall by the door. The voice of Dr. Nielsen, her elderly colleague, was heard over the speaker.

"Ella, Carter and Ingle are on their way to fetch you."

"I can't leave now... "

Nielsen was insistent. "You must, Ella!"

The intercom went dead. Ella looked around the room and went to one of a group of tall lockers along the wall. She took out a holdall. She returned to the workbench, where she put the disk from the computer into it. She went to the firing range and collected two sidearms from the case, checked the ammunition and the firing mechanisms and put one sidearm in the pocket of her smock. Holding the other, she prepared to leave the room. The intercom buzzed again. She opened the door. Two men, Carter and Ingle, dressed as Federation officers, were waiting in the corridor. She looked up at the tall, younger pilot.

"Carter... " she began.

He interrupted her. "I'll explain once we're under way."

"Under way?"

He gestured to her to follow him. "Please, Doctor. There is so little time."

Ella followed the two officers from the room.

* * * * *

As Carter, Ingle and Ella reached the space vehicle landing area, a group of Federation guards disembarked from a pursuit ship and came towards them, cutting off their route to Carter's ship. The Guard Leader signalled his men to stop.

He paused a few feet in front of them. "Dr. Fox, I have orders for your arrest."

She was astounded. She looked up at Carter.

He answered her unspoken question. "Your brother deserted."

"What?"

Carter was playing for time, trying to find a way to save the situation. "He led a revolt on Phelos that destroyed most of the 2nd Fleet."

"What are we going to do?"

He seemed to answer her and make his move at the same instant. "We must get to the ship." He opened fire and injured one of the troopers. Carter, Ingle and Ella ran to take cover behind a fuel storage tanker. The Guards opened fire and Carter and Ingle were forced to return it.

"We should have got you to safety sooner." Carter was apologetic.

"I don't understand."

In between returning fire, he tried to explain. "Your brother has been working with us for some time." Two more of the guards were shot. The remaining two guards and the Leader had Carter, Ingle and Ella pinned down about twenty feet from the ship.

Ingle grabbed Carter's arm urgently. "Cover me."

Under Carter's covering fire, Ingle made a dash for the spaceship. He reached the airlock but was hit as he tried to open it. Carter and Ella watched helplessly as he crumpled to the ground. They kept firing. The guards returned fire. A piece of shrapnel from the tanker's framework hit Carter in the thigh, severing the femoral artery. He fell to the ground, then pulled himself to a sitting position, propped against the storage tanker. Ella stopped firing and tried to stem the bleeding.

"We have to give ourselves up, before you bleed to death."

"I'm dead if they take me... "

Her long, dark hair fell forward and brushed his face. She bit her lower lip. The image of her mouth was the last thing he saw as his vision darkened and he slumped to the floor.

"Carter... !"

The guards rushed their position, firing as they went, and surrounded Ella and Carter. As they reached them, they found Ella applying pressure to her upper arm where one of the shots had caught her. Carter was dead.

The Leader shook his head. "It is foolish to resist, Doctor."

She looked up at him, hatred burning in her dark eyes. "We must resist, or become that which we despise."

The Leader signalled his men to lift her to her feet. As they began to help her up, she cried out with pain and fainted. One of the guards lifted her slight form easily and carried her to their ship.

* * * * *

In the War Room at the Rebel base on Earth, Counsellor Wayfield and many of the military discussed the necessity of the coup d'état to remove Servalan from office and reinstate him as President. They discussed the effects the destruction of the 2nd Fleet would have on their plans and on Servalan's power base. They decided to request support from the Rebel base on the Spiral Rim.

* * * * *

Fox's pursuit ship was damaged by the plasma bolt attack, but he managed to shake off pursuit. There was smoke from an electrical fire in one of the control units. Hansen was unconscious and was strapped into the chair next to Fox, who sat at the controls staring grimly at the main screen. On the screen appeared the face of Devere.

"We agreed it was worth the risk."

"It was."

"Make for the Rebel base."

Fox protested. "My sister... "

Devere reasoned with him. "Servalan has already detained Ella. The priority is to defuse the bomb. You must get to a man called Avon."

"The Avon?"

Devere allowed himself a small smile. "The same."

"I thought he was dead."

Devere's smile broadened. "A convenient piece of propaganda. A martyr is a non-depreciating asset. He has been working for us for many years, providing technical expertise and weaponry in return for anonymity and asylum."

Fox frowned. "And after I give him the information?"

"Do not try to contact me. We can't risk compromising the operation. Just get to Avon."

The screen went blank. Fox addressed the flight computer. "Course three two zero, speed time distort six."

+ Confirmed +

* * * * *

At the Rebel base, a large cavern formed a hangar which opened onto the main landing area where several space vehicles were docked. At one end of the hangar was Avon's ship. Its design was unlike any of the others. Alarms began sounding.

Avon was very wealthy and was still, in his fifties, powerfully attractive. He left his ship, shrugging into his favourite black leather jacket as he walked to the entrance of the hangar, at the edge of the landing area. A fire and medical crew stood ready nearby.

Suddenly a damaged pursuit ship made a difficult landing. The fire crew surrounded the ship. The airlock opened and Fox emerged supporting Hansen.

"Medic! I need a medic here!"

The medical crew brought a stretcher. Fox lowered Hansen onto it and followed as the team left the landing area and entered the main building. Avon walked back to his ship. A petite young woman with titian red hair came out of the airlock to meet him. She was wearing his black silk kimono. Avon spoke almost under his breath. "I may need to get out of here, fast."

She gave him a look of disappointment. Her voice had a breathless quality. "Not too fast, I hope."

He turned to her. The smile didn't reach as far as his dark eyes. "I can always make time for... recreation." He made it sound like a threat. He took her arm and pulled her roughly to him, kissing her hard before abruptly releasing her and striding back inside the ship without looking to see if she was following.

* * * * *

The Rebel base was an extension of the original network of underground caves which burrowed deep under the mountains.

Avon's quarters were spartan. To one side was a bed and a glass table. Avon's gun lay on the table. In the centre was a low glass table, surrounded by several comfortable chairs, bearing a chess set with a game in progress. Orac was on top of the large storage chest at the foot of the bed. An oblong glass table, which served as Avon's desk, was against the wall opposite, with a swivel chair in front. There was a long black couch next to it. Next to the door was an intercom/door lock. Wall lights were dimmed. In the near dark, Avon lay on his bed. He was having a nightmare.

Suddenly, he sat bolt upright, struggling to wake up, breathing heavily. He became aware of his surroundings and turned round to sit with his feet on the floor. He closed his eyes for a moment, before lifting his head up and getting wearily to his feet. He took his jacket from a nearby chair and shrugged into it. He fastened his belt over the top of the jacket, took his gun from the glass table next to his bed and considered it for a long moment before holstering it.



He exited his quarters, walked along the corridor, and entered a recreation area, busy with rebel fighters. Waiters walked between the tables serving trays of drinks. There was a scuffle following a disagreement over a game of chess. Friends of both parties separated the protagonists. Patrons were drinking at a bar. Some of them paused and turned to watch as Avon passed before resuming their conversations. He appeared not to notice the attention he excited in the women (and some of the men).

* * * * *

Avon exited the base and walked out onto a high exposed ledge from where he could see the land below by light from the planet's two moons. He sat on a flat boulder and leant back against the cliff wall. Taking the gun from its holster, he worked the mechanism. It felt natural, lying in his hand. He stared at the weapon.

Suddenly he heard a footstep to his left. He leapt to his feet, gun at the ready.

"Hold it!"

Fox quickly raised his hands.

Avon glared at him. "Who are you?"

"Captain Nathan Fox. I was told to bring you some information."

Avon was suspicious. "Who told you?"

Fox hesitated. Avon aimed his gun at his head.

Fox answered hurriedly, "Someone very close to the President."

Avon narrowed his eyes as he considered Fox's reply. "A mole?"

Fox nodded.

"What is this information?"

Fox took a coded chip from his pocket and handed it to Avon.

* * * * *



Devere sat at one end of the sofa. Servalan sat at the other end with her feet up on his lap. He was painting her toenails with blood red lacquer. He was very fastidious, checking his hands carefully to make sure none of the lacquer marked his fingers.

"You never mentioned the possibility of a mole."

He kept his eyes fixed on the delicate matter of the President's toenails. "It seemed extremely unlikely."

"Obviously, it's not quite as unlikely as it seemed."

"Don't worry, Madame President, they will not be able to produce a counter measure."

"I don't intend giving them time to do so."

He looked up. "Oh?"

She closed her eyes and leant back against the cushions. "I have given the order to activate the device."

He was careful not to show any reaction. "And the mole?"

"I have my best security team working on the problem. They will find him. You can bet your life on it."

* * * * *

Avon and Fox entered Avon's quarters. Avon crossed to the storage chest on which Orac was standing. He took the activator from his pocket and inserted it into position. Orac began operating.

Orac immediately continued their long-running game of chess. He intoned the next move. + Knight to Queen five +

Avon placed the message chip on Orac's casing. "Not now, Orac. I want this decoded."

+ It will take time +

"As soon as possible, Orac." Avon crossed to his desk, to pour himself a drink.

"If you don't need me, I'd like to get back to the medical unit."

Avon turned to him. "Your companion...."

"Hansen. Communications expert. A plasma bolt hit us on the way in. It's concussion. He's a bit shaky."

Avon dismissed him with a gesture. "I'll speak to you later."

Fox nodded and left the room.

"Orac... Anything?" Avon sipped his drink.

+ The message is in three parts. The first is a design of an explosive device. The second contains details of a viral agent of a genus unknown to myself, possibly artificially created. I am still decoding +

Avon sat on the end of his bed and sipped his drink, thoughtfully. He leant back on the bed, reached across to the side table and lifted the small chessboard from it. Moving the White Knight to Queen five, he concentrated on the game.

* * * * *

In Avon's quarters, Fox and Hansen sat around a table bearing Orac, which was operating. Avon paced.

Fox tried to persuade Avon. "We need your help."

"So you said. I've done everything I possibly could for the Rebel cause for more than thirty years. I raised more credits for them than they would have realised in a thousand years by using Orac to manipulate the federation banking computers... "

Fox interrupted. "...and gained wealth for yourself at the same time."

Avon paused in his pacing and raised his eyebrows. "Naturally. Would you reproach me for that? I've given them weapons and technology to fight back against the corruption and tyranny that has characterised the Federation, with or without Servalan at its head. Now you expect me to leave the one place I have a measure of safety to risk my neck... '

Fox got to his feet. "You and I both know what Servalan is like. She craves power. If we don't stop her, it will be all our necks, very soon."



Avon sighed. "All right. Let's say I do go along with this. There is only one way to deal with it. If I can disconnect the detonation mechanism from the explosives, the detonators alone have insufficient force to penetrate the shell of the bunker. The virus will stay safely buried."

"The device is buried. It's inaccessible."

"Not quite."

Hansen was puzzled. "What do you mean, Avon?"

Avon had no intention of enlightening him. "There may be a way."

"How much time do we have?" Fox asked.

He frowned. "We do not know when Servalan intends them to send the signal."

Hansen looked horrified. "Copernicus Alpha is more than forty hours flight time!"

Avon reassured him. "At time distort ten, yes. However, with the new propulsion system I have developed, my ship has the capability to go a little faster than that."

* * * * *

Avon's ship was at one end of the hangar adjoining the landing area. Fox approached the ship and mounted the steps to the airlock.

He boarded the ship and entered the flight deck. Avon was standing in an area to the rear. He had a control panel in front of him from which the cover had been removed. He looked up as Fox entered.

"You're just in time. I think I have it working now."

Fox looked at him suspiciously. "You're not going to use me to test it."

Avon smiled. "Don't you trust me?"

"Not with an untested teleport system, no."

Avon completed the circuitry and closed the control panel. "You can relax. I don't want you to try it." Fox joined him at the control panel. Avon indicated one of the buttons. "That is the one to send. This one...." He indicated a different button, "...this is for bringing me back."

"You're not going to try it?"

Avon looked at him with a bland expression. "Do you have a better idea?" Fox said nothing. "I didn't think so. Let's get on with it." Fox hesitated. Avon continued. "I've set the co-ordinates to put me down in the hangar outside. Wait to hear from me before trying to bring me back."

"What if I don't hear from you?"

Avon ignored the question. "Shall we get on with it?" Fox shrugged. Avon picked up a communicator bracelet and put it on his wrist. He walked into the teleport area and turned round to face Fox. "Ready."

Fox startd to speak. "Avon... "

"Have a little faith." He smiled.

Fox pushed the button and Avon dematerialised from the teleport area. Fox was surprised, then worried. "Come on. Come on."

There was a long pause before Avon's voice was heard via the ship's communication system.

"Bring me up."

Fox operated the teleport and Avon materialised in the teleport area. He started to walk towards Fox then swayed unsteadily. Fox put out his hand to steady him.

"I'd forgotten how disorienting teleportation can be. At least we know that it works."

"It'll probably break down at any moment."

Avon inclined his head. "Possibly. That's a chance I'm willing to take. We need this, Fox. With Orac and an operational teleport system, we have a fighting chance of defusing that bomb."

Fox hesitated before answering. "There's something else... " He looked uncomfortable. "Something we have to do before we tackle the bomb."

"I'm listening."

He made his appeal. "My sister, Ella. Servalan is holding her hostage. If we don't rescue her, she's dead."

"We can't just walk into Servalan's command centre, grab your sister..."

"The teleport... "

Avon cut him off. "If it works, we need to use it... "

"If it works, it's the only way of getting her out alive."

"We might be too late... "

Fox was adamant. "I don't care!"

Avon angrily refused. "There are millions of lives at stake... including mine."

Fox held his stare as he answered. "If you don't rescue Ella first, you'll never get to the bomb."

"You can't be serious!"

"Oh, I am."

Avon took a moment to consider the options. "I could beat it out of you."

Fox smiled and shook his head. Avon sighed. "Very well. But understand this. If we happen to come across Servalan... She's mine."

* * * * *

Avon and Fox, armed, entered the teleport area. Hansen was by the controls. Orac was operating.

"Well, Orac?" demanded Avon.

+ 'Well' is not a question +

Avon pursed his lips. "Just give me the information."

Orac began intoning the details. + Dr. Fox is being detained in the interrogation unit. Communications record that Servalan has summoned her to her quarters. There is a higher probability that you will be able to rescue her en route to Servalan's quarters than while she is held in the security section +

"All right. Set us down somewhere along the route they will take. Preferably a place without security cameras."

+ Co-ordinates are set +

"Put us down."

Hansen operated the teleport and Avon and Fox dematerialised.

* * * * *

Avon and Fox headed for Servalan's quarters in the command centre. They heard the approach of Federation personnel and took cover in an empty office. They saw two guards and Ella walking along the passage. They stepped out in front of the guards, levelling their weapons at them.

Avon gave the order. "Hold it!"

Ella recognised her brother. "Fox!" She rushed forward, blocking his line of fire, and ran into his arms. One of the guards crossed to the intercom unit on the wall and set off the alarm. Avon shot him. The other guard fired at Avon, hitting him in the right thigh. Fox shot the guard.

Avon realised their danger. "Move!"

They hurried back along the corridor, Avon not allowing the injury to slow him much. However, Ella, still weak from her wound, collapsed. Fox supported her. In front of them, Devere stepped out of his rooms, heading towards Servalan's quarters. Avon brought his gun to bear.

Fox cried out, urgently, "Don't shoot!"

Devere realised what was happening. "In here. Quickly!"

* * * * *

Devere's quarters were expensively decorated with tasteful simplicity. His collection of fine wines was housed in shelf units which divided the bedroom from the living area. There were a number of exotic plants in the room. Devere entered the room followed by Fox, who was carrying the now unconscious Ella. Avon struggled in last and closed the door. He leant heavily against the wall. He addressed Devere. "We can get you out of here."

Devere demurred. "I may be able to delay pursuit."

Fox tried to persuade him to come with them. "If you stay... "

Devere shook his head. "You're wasting time."

Avon agreed. "He's right." He held out a bracelet to Fox, who didn't have a free hand as he was carrying Ella in his arms. Devere took the bracelet and put it on Ella's wrist. Devere offered Avon his hand. He took it. "Thank you." He spoke into the communicator. "Hansen, bring us up."

* * * * *

Devere was seated at his desk. The intercom buzzed. It is Servalan.

"Devere."

He took a deep breath. "Madame President?"

"Come to my quarters."

"Immediately, Ma'am." He switched channels on the intercom. "Communications, this is Devere. Please relay pre-recorded message 11 immediately."

The operator answered. "Certainly, sir." There was a pause. "Confirm message relayed."

Devere looked relieved. "Thank you. Out." He switched off the intercom. Taking a small box from a draw in his desk, he took out the phial of liquid it contained and put it in his pocket.

* * * * *

Servalan was seated on the sofa as Devere entered.

"Ah, Devere."

"Ma'am?"

She patted the sofa next to her. He walked over and sat beside her. She was very seductive. "You will be pleased to know that security believe they have discovered who the mole is."

He tried to keep his voice even. "I see."

Servalan was disappointed. "You don't sound surprised."

"Should I be?"

Servalan looked at her long fingernails as she spoke. "They tell me the mole is someone who has my trust. Someone I depend on. Someone in whom I confide my deepest secrets." She paused. "Did you think you could get away with it indefinitely?"

He smiled. "It was just a matter of time."

She slapped him across the face. "You betrayed me. Just like Fox. Like all the others. By the time my interrogators are finished with you, you'll be begging for death." She got to her feet and crossed to her desk.

Devere stood up, took the phial from his pocket and removed the stopper. "Madame President... "

She pressed the intercom. "Guards... "

"Servalan... "

She turned to face him. He lifted the phial to his lips and drank the poison. "No!" She rushed to him as he collapsed to the floor.

The guards entered to find Servalan on her knees by Devere's limp body.

* * * * *

Hansen sat at the communications console on the flight deck. Avon was on a recliner with his right leg strapped up. He looked pale and drawn. Orac was operating. Fox entered.

Avon lifted his head. "How is she?"

Fox moved to the flight controls and took his seat. "She was shot. So were the two friends who were with her. They didn't make it."

Hansen voiced his concern. "How bad is it?"

"Just a flesh wound."

Before he could continue, Orac interrupted. + I have intercepted a priority one coded message from Devere +

Avon was instantly alert. "Decode."

+ I have decoded. The message makes little sense +

Avon showed considerable patience. "Just give us what you have."

Orac intoned the message. + Message reads as follows - absolute victory or nothing. I trust the little Foxes have found a safe earth. I have gone the way of all flesh, by my own hand. The rest is silence +

Hansen was puzzled. "Very interesting. What does it mean?"

Avon closed his eyes and leant back on the recliner. "The words form their own code. Absolute victory or nothing. He was specifying who the message was for."

Fox pressed him. "And who was that?"

Avon answered reluctantly. "The first letters of the opening phrase spell Avon. The 'little Foxes' must be you and Ella. 'the way of all flesh' is death. Devere has committed suicide."

Hansen commented, "The rest is silence."

Avon looked briefly at him. "Precisely. A brave man."

Fox sighed. "Where, exactly, does that leave us?"

Avon smiled faintly. "We have a bomb to defuse."

* * * * *

Servalan stood in front of a viewing screen. Her Aide stood by the desk.

"Play it again."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The screen showed a tape of the corridor. The guards came into view, flanking Ella. Two men, with their backs to the camera, appeared in front of the guards. Ella ran forward into Fox's arms.

Servalan had her suspicions confirmed. "Fox!"

"Yes, Ma'am."

The tape continued. One of the guards set off the alarm. Avon shot him. The other guard opened fire hitting Avon in the right thigh. Fox shot him. They hurried along the corridor. There was a few seconds break before the tape continued with a view from another camera further up the corridor. Devere came out of his office.

Ella collapsed. Avon brought his gun to bear on Devere. As he turned into view, Servalan realised who she was seeing on the tape.

"No!"

"Ma'am?"

She dismissed him with a gesture. He left the room.

"So... Avon... you are alive."

* * * * *

Avon's cabin was furnished almost identically to his quarters at the Rebel base. A large bed, with a glass table next to it. A metal table, about six feet by three feet, which served as Avon's desk. A small intercom panel was just above it. A swivel chair. A long, black couch. There were comfortable chairs surrounding a low storage chest, on which there was a chessboard with a game in progress on it. Avon lay on the couch with his gun in one hand. He absentmindedly worked the mechanism. The intercom buzzed. He got to his feet and walked over to the door. He activated the lock and the door opened. Fox and Ella stood at the door awaiting his invitation to enter.

Fox took the initiative. "May we?"

Avon inclined his head in assent. They entered and sat on the comfortable chairs. Avon walked to his desk and stood with his back to them, still idly playing with the gun.

Ella looked at Fox. He nodded. He swallowed hard. "May I ask you a personal question?"

Avon showed no reaction, sounding bored. "If you must."

"How did you escape from Gauda Prime?"

Avon stiffened. "Ah."

Ella decided not to pursue it. "It's none of our business."

Avon turned to face them, leaning back against the desk and folding his arms across his chest, the gun in his right hand. "That's right. It is none of your business."

"If we are to throw our lot in with you, it does concern us."

"We've heard the rumours," Ella tried to explain. "We would like to know what really happened."

Avon looked intently at her, his awakening interest in her carefully hidden. "What, exactly, have you heard?"

Fox replied. "We heard you turned on Blake, and led the crew into an ambush from which you were the only survivor. Some say you escaped because you sold the others out."

Ella felt Avon's scrutiny and quickly protested, "I don't believe it."

Avon favoured her with a wry smile. "Why not? It sounds plausible. I am famous for my keen sense of self-preservation."

"Did you sell them out?" Fox demanded.

Avon's gaze focused on the events playing themselves over in his head. "No. But it was my fault they were killed. I killed Blake personally."

Ella was shocked. "Why, Avon?"

Avon recounted the old story. Perhaps he even believed it himself, after all this time. There was, after all, no need for anyone to know the truth. "Tarrant insisted Blake had sold us out to the Federation for the bounty. When I confronted Blake, I couldn't bring myself to trust him. I made a mistake. They all died for it."

"You weren't to know Tarrant got it wrong."

Avon rounded on him. "That's just the point. I should have known. I should have trusted Blake."

Fox continued, "How were you to know what he was planning, or even if he was still fighting the Federation? The way I see it, Blake had no right to expect it."

"That's true, Avon."

He looked at her. "Is it?" His penetrating gaze locked with hers in a moment of intense mutual interest.

"I planned the destruction of the 2nd Fleet. Thirty seven of my men died. Only Hansen and I escaped."

Avon reasoned on this. "You're fighting a war. Casualties are regrettable, but you have to put it behind you."

Fox smiled. "A pity you can't take it."

Avon gave him a puzzled glance. "What?"

"Your own advice. For heaven's sake, Avon, it's been years! If you can't move on....Perhaps you'd better just go ahead and shoot yourself."

Avon looked sharply at Fox, then down at the gun he still held in his hand. Fox continued. "If you didn't believe in moving on, you'd have ended it all a long time ago."

Avon's face seemed turned to stone. "I still have a score to settle. I don't want to forget. I want it finished."

"It's only a matter of time before we're all killed," Fox pointed out.

Avon shrugged. "Probably. But I owe it to them to take Servalan down with me. And that is what I intend to do."

* * * * *

The flight deck was fully lit. Orac was operating. Avon was at the flight controls. Fox was observing how he handled the ship. Ella entered from the corridor at the rear of the flight deck, walked over to the communication console and sat down.

Fox looked up. "I wish you would let me drop you when we call in at the base."

"You need me."

He agreed. "I know."

Avon's interest focused sharply on her. "What exactly do you do?"

Ella gave him a mischievous look. "This and that... "

Fox told him proudly, "Ella is the youngest ever graduate of the academy of space sciences. Three simultaneous doctorates."

Avon was impressed. "Which fields?"

She ticked them off on her fingers. "Weaponry, cybernetics, oh, and space medicine."

Fox teased her, "It's why she's such a bad patient."

She was quick with the rejoinder. "Not a bad doctor, though."

He conceded, "I can't think of anyone I'd sooner trust with my life."

Avon was deceptively casual. "Do you play chess?"

She smiled at him but her reply was forestalled by Hansen entering, carrying a case. "I've packed everything we'll need."

Avon corrected him. "Everything I'll need. I'm going down alone. I'll teleport directly into the bunker."

Ella pounced on his statement. "You have a teleport system?"

"How do you think we got you out of Servalan's command centre?"

She told him emphatically, "I'm coming with you."

He shook his head. "I told you, I'm going down alone."

"I probably know more about the device than you do."

Avon was unmoved. "The teleport could malfunction. I don't want to risk your neck."

"There are over thirteen million people at risk if we don't disarm the device in time."

Avon decided not to argue. He had his own reasons for acceding to her demand. After all, it was not every day he met someone with an intelligence to match his own. And not just intelligent. Female... and easy on the eye. The trip could have its compensations...

* * * * *

Back at the Rebel base on Earth, Wayfield and the dissident military officers met in the War Room to plan the coup which would remove Servalan from office. It required the assistance of the Rebel Fleet which would have to support the ground forces.

* * * * *

Avon and Ella sat in comfortable chairs either side of the low storage chest which bore the chess board. Avon indicated the board.

"Would you like to play?"

She smiled at him. "Oh, yes."

"You can have the White pieces." He leant back in his chair, waiting for her to make the first move. He took the opportunity to study her carefully for the first time. Slight build, dark hair, dark eyes. She was older than Fox, mid to late thirties he estimated. She had an air of innocence about her, a naiveté strangely at odds with her sharp intelligence, which, he suspected, could be a match for his own. This would be a very interesting game. The chess should be absorbing, too.

Ella moved her King's Pawn two squares forward. He mirrored the move with his Pawn. She moved her pawn to King's Bishop four, alongside the first. Avon smiled. "King's Gambit, once described as the most romantic of all chess openings."

Ella looked into his eyes. "Perhaps I'm in a romantic mood." She leant back in her chair, wondering whether he would rise to the bait. She was very attracted to this strange man, so private and unapproachable yet so compelling. His dark eyes gave nothing away of the thoughts within. A strange excitement wrapped itself around her as she waited for his response.

Avon crossed to his desk and poured them both a glass of wine. She got to her feet and walked slowly across to join him. His eyes followed every move. Her unconscious grace intrigued him. She was so alluring, without being aware of it. A heady combination, innocence and sensuality. Unusual. He would have liked to be able to devote the time to her that she deserved. To coax her, slowly, gently, inexorably to him. But time was at a premium when one was on the run from powerful enemies. Every day had its potential for disaster. There were so few opportunities to indulge in special moments like this.

He took a glass of wine and held it out to her. As she reached for it, their fingertips touched. It sent a powerful sensation coursing through her. Her sharp intake of breath and the spasm in her body confirmed to him that she was powerfully attracted to him. She raised her eyes slowly to meet his gaze. He read there the confusion and excitement. She might not have recognised what the yearning signified, but he did. He put his hand on her arm to steady her.

The intercom buzzed. Avon opened the door. It was Fox. He stood, looking from Avon to Ella, neither of whom had acknowledged his presence.

"Er, Avon, I.. it's your watch."

Avon kept his eyes on Ella. "I'll be right there." He smiled at Ella, lifted his glass in a silent toast, drained the glass and strolled from the room, leaving Ella to gather her thoughts.

Fox was disturbed by the scene he had just witnessed. Before he could comment, however, Ella walked past him into the corridor. "Ella, wait."

She hesitated. He caught her by the arm and walked round to face her. She gave him a puzzled look. "What's the matter?"

"I don't think you should spend so much time with Avon."

Ella met his gaze but said nothing.

"You don't know what he's like."

She shrugged and made to walk past him towards the flight deck.

Fox stood his ground. "Just be careful of him."

She was indignant. "What is that supposed to mean?"

He tried to be tactful, not his strong suit, but only succeeded in making her more irritated with him. "Ella, I just want you to be careful, that's all."

She looked superciliously down her nose at him. "And what experience do you have of being careful, may I ask?"

He had to concede she had a point. "I care about you, Ella."

Her face softened a little. "I'm a big girl now. Don't worry."

She walked off towards the flight deck, leaving Fox bemused and frustrated with himself that he had made yet another mess of trying to help his sister.

* * * * *

Fox was piloting the ship. Avon was lost in his own thoughts. Ella and Hansen were seated at their consoles. "Avon, we'll be entering planetary orbit in about two hours."

Avon moved to leave the flight deck. He addressed Ella.

"We'll need to go over the circuit drawings again. Bring them to my cabin, will you?"

Fox watched as Ella nodded conspiratorially at Avon. As the door closed behind him, he could not keep silent. "Ella, I need to talk to you before you go down to the planet."

Ella smiled at him. "Of course, brother dear. I'll come and see you before I leave. I promise." She strolled from the flight deck.

* * * * *

Avon entered his cabin. Ella was standing in front of his desk, leaning on it with both hands, looking at the circuit drawings. He walked over and stood close behind her, looking over her shoulder. He inhaled the scent of her.

"You should know them by heart."

She turned round and leant back against the desk. "So should you."

He looked intently into her eyes, smiling. "I do." He removed his jacket and carelessly tossed it onto a nearby chair.

"You have me here... under false pretences."

He closed the small gap between them. "It was a logical request, and one unlikely to arouse suspicion."

"Devious."

He smiled. "Undoubtedly." He put his hands on her waist and lifted her up to sit her on the desk.

"Manipulative."

"Possibly." He moved forward to stand between her knees.

"Presumptuous."

He raised his eyebrows. "Really? I thought you might care to continue... our game of chess?"

She looked briefly at the chessboard then back at him. "I concede."

He put his right arm around her waist and swiftly pulled her toward him, pinning her body tightly against his.

She drew in a sharp breath. "You're in a very strong position..."

With his left hand he gently stroked her throat down to the fastening of her jacket.

She continued, "...mate in a couple of moves."

"True. But I didn't know whether you had anticipated me." He slowly leant forward over her, supporting her with his right arm. She leant backward under him. As she lay back on the desk, he kissed her throat.

She closed her eyes and cleared her throat gently. "Sacrificing your queen was unexpected. I didn't see the pin coming."

Avon smiled. "You must be willing to make sacrifices... to gain the advantage." As he spoke, his lips brushed against her skin. His mouth moved slowly lower.

She took a slow deep breath. "You're very good."

"So are you."

She swallowed. Unconsciously she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. "There's so much you could teach me."

She looked down at his fine dark hair, silvered now and all the more distinguished for that.

"I've spent my life around men who are much older than I am."

Avon looked into her eyes. "I'm much older than you."

She conceded the point. "You are also an attractive man. Intelligent, resourceful, powerful... " She arched her back, closing her eyes tight to lose herself in the sensations flooding her body.

He shoved the circuit drawings roughly to the floor. "Devious..." Keeping her beneath him, he slowly climbed up onto the desk. "...manipulative..." He lay full stretch over her, taking his weight on his arms. "...presumptuous." He kissed her, gently at first and then hungrily as she responded.

She pulled him to her, eagerly accepting his weight pinning her to the desk.
The intercom buzzer interrupted them. He reached out his hand and pressed the switch without looking or taking his mouth from hers. "Mmmm?"

Hansen's voice was heard on the speaker, "Avon?"

Avon took his mouth just far enough from hers for his words to be understood. "I'm busy." He held her gaze for a moment before their mouths locked together. He explored her body with his strong hands. She moaned, softly.

Hansen continued, "Sorry. Do you know where Ella is?"

Avon smiled. "She's lying down in my cabin."

"She said she would come and see Fox."

"Don't worry, Hansen." Avon's smile broadened. "I'm sure she'll come... when she's ready." Avon switched off the intercom.

"I imagined it would be like this. With someone experienced."

"An improvement, I take it."

She was distracted by the sensations she was experiencing. She tried to make sense of his question. "On what?"

He drew a ragged breath before answering her.

"Previous lovers."

She was unsure how to respond. Finally she decided to be completely candid. "Ah. Well... you're the first."

He pulled back, surprised. She reached her arms around his neck. He grasped her wrists firmly and held them down against the desktop.

"What's wrong? Don't you want me?"

His answer was more abrupt than he planned. "Of course I want you." He released her, got down and stepped away, turning his back. There was no way he wanted to get involved in a long-term relationship. A pleasant interlude. A way to pass the time. A way to satisfy mutual needs. Fine and good.

But to be her first lover would involve all sorts of complications he could well do without. He understood now why she had such an air of innocence about her. He should have realised sooner. Before it got this far. He had to let her down gently. And convince her that it would never work.

She sat up, confused. "Avon?"

"It would be a mistake to get involved with me."

He tried to soften the rebuff. "You need someone capable of giving you the love you deserve."

And I need someone who doesn't need me to love them...

"Avon, wait... "

He walked swiftly from the cabin.

* * * * *

At the Rebel base, the Rebel fleet prepared to leave for Earth, to support Wayfield's attempt to depose Servalan.

* * * * *

Avon's ship entered orbit above Copernicus Alpha. Avon emerged from the corridor onto the flight deck wearing his holstered gun and carrying a flashlight and a holdall containing two powerful sodium lights. Ella followed him. Hansen was at the flight control console. They walked over to the teleport area. Fox joined them. He handed Avon and Ella each a teleport bracelet. He noticed the coolness between them. "Orbit established."

Avon nodded. "Good."

Fox offered a handgun to Ella. She refused with a shake of her head. He pressed it into her hand, insistently. She sighed, putting the gun in her jacket pocket. She put her arms around Fox and kissed him on the cheek.

Avon was businesslike. "Orac, have you picked up any transmissions to the bunker?"

+ Negative. The computer link is, however, sending coded signals to the device +

"Decode."
Orac intoned + I am attempting to do so +

Avon tried to contain his impatience. "Time is something we may be running out of."

Hansen and Fox stood clear of the teleport area. Fox took up station by the control panel. Avon looked at Ella. "Ready?" She nodded and picked up the case of equipment. He instructed Fox. "Put us down."

Fox operated the teleport and Avon and Ella dematerialised.

Hansen was at the communications console. "Now what?"

Fox shrugged. "We wait. And watch our backs for Federation patrols. They must be monitoring this somehow."

* * * * *

Avon and Ella materialised in a small rectangular underground chamber in total darkness. Avon switched on the flashlight. Ella staggered a little. He was concerned. "Take your time."

They took the two sodium lamps from the holdall and set them up to illuminate the device. There was barely room to manoeuvre between the device and the walls of the chamber. "I'll contact the others."

Before he could do so, she grabbed his arm. "Avon, it's activated. Look."

* * * * *

On the flight deck, Avon's voice came over the communication system. "This is Avon. Down and safe. If you can call being this close to an activated explosive device safe."

Hansen looked alarmed. "Activated?"

Avon continued, "We'll keep this channel open."

Fox pressed the communicator, urgently. "Ella, you must come up now!"

* * * * *

Avon removed the cover from the device. Ella linked into the activating computer. She responded to Fox. "No, Fox. Just be there when we need to come up. Don't worry, I've no intention of dying down here!"

He placed the cover on the ground. "Something else we have in common. I've exposed the detonation set-up. Problem is, we don't know the sequence."

She examined the computer readout. "That may not be a problem."

"What?"

She turned to him. "The detonators will fire in a little under six minutes!"

"Are you sure?"

She was offended. "Of course I'm sure. I can try to block the output from the computer into the device."

"I'll try to isolate the detonators from the explosives."

She thought for a moment before replying. "It might work."

He drew her attention to another pressing problem. "We have very little oxygen in here. We must get out before it runs out." The air was very thin, and the two were becoming increasingly breathless.

"And before this blows up."

He smiled his agreement. "Naturally."

She concentrated on trying to program the computer to sever the link with the device. He was trying to disengage the detonation set-up from the explosives. He looked up at her. "Time?"

With little oxygen left, speaking was becoming more and more difficult. She struggled to reply. "Four... minutes."

He held her gaze. "Can you do it?"

She bit her lower lip. "Maybe." There was so little oxygen left. Suddenly an alarm on the computer sounded. "No!"

He looked up from the detonators. "Ella?"

She threw him one horrified look. "We have to get out!"

He was struggling to drag the remaining air into his lungs but still determined to keep going. "A... few... more... seconds."

"Avon... !" It was little more than a whisper. She collapsed to the floor, breathing shallowly, her lips turning violet.

He realised it was hopeless. They had run out of time and air. His vision was blurring and his strength failing. He sank to his knees at her side. Raising his communicator, he tried to contact the ship. "Fox... "

* * * * *

On the flight deck, Avon's voice was heard faintly over the communication system. "Fox... "

He immediately responded. "Avon?" No reply. He paused a moment, then operated the teleport. Avon and Ella materialised. They were unconscious from the lack of oxygen. Fox rushed to her. She was barely breathing. He felt for a pulse in her neck.

"She's alive!"

Avon stirred and staggered to his feet. "Get us out of here!"

"Right." Fox hurried over to the flight controls.

Avon gently lifted Ella into his arms and carried her from the flight deck.

* * * * *

The device exploded, piercing the concrete bunker and sending its deadly cargo hundreds of feet into the atmosphere. The prevailing winds would soon carry the virus completely around the planet destroying nine tenths of those in its path.

* * * * *

Avon entered his cabin carrying Ella, and put her on his bed. She opened her eyes, gradually focusing on his face. She tried to smile. He was genuinely very relieved. It would have been extremely unpleasant being on the ship with her brother if he had let her die. But, more than that, he missed their frequent interludes for chess before... well, before he had made the mistake of letting himself indulge his desire for her. Not that she had minded his attentions. Quite the contrary, she had been confused when he brought matters to an abrupt halt.



However, she very much minded his treatment of her since. He had been avoiding spending time alone with her at all, which, in effect, meant that he had been taking his rest while she was working in the workroom, and when she came to his cabin to sleep, he had been going on watch. It was a pity there wasn't another cabin, but sharing with Ella was the only alternative to the three men having to share the small two bunk cabin which Fox and Hansen were sharing.

Ella was upset that he was treating her like a child. How dared he make assumptions about her feelings! She was inexperienced, yes. But she was certainly old enough to know what she wanted.

And it is him I want...

* * * * *

The ship moved out of orbit above the planet Copernicus Alpha and set off for the Rebel base.

* * * * *

The flight deck was dimly lit. Orac was operating. Fox and Hansen were seated at the controls.

Avon appeared at the rear of the flight deck. "She's calling for you, Fox."

Fox got up and he stood aside to let him pass. Hansen looked at Avon's slightly unsteady progress across the flight deck. "You should be lying down."

"There's someone in my bed."

* * * * *

Fox entered Avon's cabin. Ella got off the bed and walked over to him. He took her into his arms. "I thought I'd lost you."

"Pretty close."

Fox leant away to look into her face. "I'm supposed to be the gambler in this family, not you."

Ella changed the subject. "With Orac's help, I think I can find a countermeasure for that virus."

"You're staying with Avon?"

She nodded. "If he'll have me."

"We're a team, remember."

She smiled at him. "Then help me to persuade him."

* * * * *

On the flight deck, Avon was at the controls. Ella and Fox entered. Avon brought them up to speed. "Orac has finished decoding. The weapon deployed on Copernicus Alpha was only a test run. The main event is yet to come."

Fox wasted no time. "We want to speak to you about that."

"Oh?"

Ella stood in front of Avon. "I believe I could develop a counter agent... with Orac's help."

Avon held her gaze. "What are you suggesting?"

"You want to stop Servalan. I want the chance to defeat this virus."

He leant toward her. "You are assuming that I am prepared to carry on the struggle indefinitely."

Fox intervened. "I'm not assuming anything..."

She looked intensely at Avon. "This virus has the potential to wipe out the human race. Working with Orac would greatly improve our chances. That means staying with you."

He contained his reaction and answered blandly, "Very well."

* * * * *

In one of the ship's storerooms, Ella had set up her research equipment on a metal trestle table and was entering information into the computer. Orac was operating on a table nearby. "Orac, have you finished analysing that last batch of samples?"

+ Affirmative. None of the agents have inhibited the growth of the virus +

Ella frowned. "This virus appears to have been chosen because only humans are susceptible to it."

Orac responded to the implied question. + That is a possibility. I must point out that the counter measures employed have been effective against all organisms which are naturally occurring. This virus, however, has been artificially created +

"Then we have to come up with an artificially created counter measure... and fast. In the meantime, I think I should test this out." She took a small device and strapped it onto her belt.

* * * * *

Avon entered his cabin. He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. A moment later, the intercom by the door buzzed. He was irritated at being disturbed. "Yes."

The voice of Hansen was heard from the intercom speaker. "Avon, it's Hansen."

"I'm busy."

Hansen insisted, "I think it's important."

"It had better be." Avon got up and opened the door. Hansen entered the cabin. Avon was impatient. "Well?"

He answered nervously. "We seem to have lost Ella."

"Hardly likely on a ship of this size," Avon retorted.

He stood his ground. "I can't find her."

* * * * *

On the flight deck, Fox was at the flight controls. Avon and Hansen entered from the rear of the flight deck. Fox greeted them cheerfully. "It's all quiet."

Avon answered coldly. "Too quiet."

Fox was puzzled. "What's the matter?"

Avon made an effort to overcome his irritation. "Nothing, I hope. When did you last see Ella?"

Fox thought for a moment. "I've been on watch for nearly six hours. Before that I had my rest period in my cabin."

Avon prompted him. "And before that?"

Fox recalled, "I was in here with you, recalibrating the aft scanners... come to think of it, I haven't seen her for thirty hours!"

Hansen explained. "I've searched her workroom, the stores, the medical unit, Fox's cabin, my cabin and your cabin."

Avon added, "And she's obviously not here." He went over to the table where Orac was standing and put in the activator. Orac began operating. "Orac, we appear to have mislaid Ella. Any ideas?"

Orac answered testily + Am I to understand that Dr. Fox is no longer on the ship? +

Avon did not commit himself. "Not necessarily. But we cannot see her on the ship. There is nowhere for her to teleport to, so that seems unlikely."

+ Agreed +

Hansen interrupted, "I can't see her leaving the ship voluntarily without letting us know."

Avon agreeed. "In any event, she would have let Fox know."

Orac continued. + I suggest that inboard sensors be employed at this point +

Fox instructed the flight computer. "Flic... "

Avon looked to Hansen for clarification. "Flic?"

"Fox renamed the flight computer."

Avon raised one eyebrow, looking pained.

Fox ignored him. "Flic, inboard sensors on line."

The flight computer, now answering to Flic, responded. + Confirm inboard sensors operating. Four humanoid life forms are registering +

Avon snapped, "Confirm location of life forms."

The response was immediate. + Three on flight deck. One in commander's cabin +
Hansen objected. "She can't be. We just came from there."

Fox was amused. "It seems she isn't lost, after all."

Avon threw a murderous glance at Hansen. His voice, however, was pure velvet. "I'm going to my cabin. I'm sure Ella will find this amusing. Oh, and Hansen... "

Hansen swallowed hard. "Yes?"

Avon smiled briefly. "I don't want to be disturbed."

* * * * *

Avon walked along the corridor to his cabin. The door was closed and locked from the inside. Avon was puzzled. Ella never locked the door. He pressed the intercom.

"Ella?"

Her voice was heard on the speaker. "Avon."

* * * * *

The door opened. Avon entered. There was no-one to be seen. "Ella?"

Her voice came from the centre of the room. "Avon." His gaze travelled around the room, searching for a sign of where she may be concealed. An invisible force knocked over the white king chess piece on the chessboard. He was startled, and moved towards the glass table next to his bed, where his gun was lying. He picked up the gun. "Who are you?"

The same invisible force moved towards him. He sensed it and raised his gun at the area corresponding to the centre of it. Ella's voice was heard from the area directly in front of Avon. "No!"

Avon fired his gun, twice. The shots were unbearably loud in the confines of the room.

"Argh!" The cry of pain was followed by the sound of a falling body landing a few feet in front of him.

"Ella?" He looked at the floor in front of him but could not see anyone.

Her voice could be heard faintly at floor level. "Avon... Ahh!"

A small bloodstain appeared on the floor about six feet in front of Avon. It spread rapidly. He went down on one knee and felt the floor around the stain, encountering a body which he instantly recognised as Ella. He was shocked. "No! Oh, no!"

As he felt to see where she was hurt, he accidentally deactivated the cloaking device she had been using to make herself invisible. She suddenly appeared. Her eyes were half closed and her breathing was fast and very shallow. He lifted her into his arms. His first shot had caught the left side of her neck, the second had impacted just below her left collar bone. He put his hand over the wound in her neck, to try and stem the bleeding.

"Avon... I... "

He tried to keep her conscious by sheer will. "Stay with me, Ella. Stay with me."

Her eyes closed and she went limp in his arms.

"No! Ella... Ella!"

Fox and Hansen appeared in the doorway at a run. Fox looked with horror at the scene. "What's happened? We heard shots."

Avon spoke to them without taking his eyes off Ella. "Medical kit. Quick!"

Hansen rushed from the room.

Fox knelt at Ella's side. "What happened?"

He struggled to get the words out. "I... I shot her."

Fox was incredulous. "What!"

He kept his eyes firmly on Ella. "It was an accident."

Fox went white with anger. "If she doesn't pull through this, I'll shoot you. And it won't be an accident."

Hansen returned with the medical kit. Fox took a large dressing from the kit. He pulled Ella's shirt away from her chest wound and applied the dressing to it. "I think it missed the lung."

Hansen stared at Ella, an instinctive desire to protect her overcame him. He took another dressing out of the kit and handed it to Fox. Avon still had his hand applying pressure to the wound on Ella's neck.

Fox tried to reach him. "Let go, Avon."

Avon seemed frozen in position. Fox realised he was deeply shocked. He spoke more gently. "It's all right. You can let go now."

He moved his hand away and Fox applied the dressing to the neck wound. "Lift her onto the bed." Hansen lifted her onto Avon's bed.

"Stay with her, will you? I want to talk to Avon."

Hansen nodded. "Right."

Fox grabbed Avon's arm. "Well? Are you coming?"

* * * * *

The flight deck was dimly lit. Avon and Fox stood a few feet apart. Fox was angry. Avon was deeply upset.

"I've told you. I thought some alien force had captured Ella. I wanted to make it release her."

Fox was puzzled. "Why didn't she say anything?"

He tried to explain. "Look, Fox. I wouldn't do anything to hurt Ella, believe me."

Fox did not appear to have heard him. "She would have said something... "

He had his own thoughts about that. He said, more to himself than to Fox, "I think she wanted to prove something."

Fox did not understand. He left the flight deck. Avon sat at the flight controls.

* * * * *

Avon sat alone on the flight deck. He was half asleep. His eyes were closed. He was reliving the events of a few hours ago...

"Ella!"

Suddenly he sat upright, fully awake. Hansen entered from the rear corridor and came over to Avon. "She's asking for you. Can't think why."

He got to his feet and walked to the rear of the flight deck. As he left, Hansen observed, "You don't deserve her."

He was puzzled by Hansen's comment. He paused, while Hansen sat down at the controls, before deciding not to pursue it.

* * * * *

In Avon's cabin, Ella was lying down. Fox was seated on the bed, holding her hand. Avon entered. Fox stood up and walked past him and out of the cabin without looking at him. Ella patted the bed where Fox had been sitting. He walked over to her and sat. He reached for her hand. She allowed him to take it. "I'm glad you're still here."

"You won't get rid of me that easily."

He was serious. "I hear it was a close thing."

"Fox exaggerates."

He held up his right hand with his thumb and forefinger a scant distance apart to illustrate the point. "This close to severing your carotid artery."

She teased him. "Let's be glad you're a lousy shot."

He pretended to be hurt. "Considering I couldn't see the target, I did well to make both shots count, wouldn't you say?"

She gave him a rueful smile. "That depends on whether you're on the receiving end of them."

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

"The personal cloaking device?"

He shook his head. "Tell me why you let me shoot you."

"I didn't realise you thought it was some alien force."

"How did you... ?"

"Fox told me."

He looked away. "I've made an enemy." Precisely what I wanted to avoid...

She laughed. "He'll get over it."

"I doubt that."

She changed the subject slightly. "I'm surprised you could see me. I designed it to be a total field of invisibility."

"I couldn't see you."

"Then how... ?"

"I... sensed you were there."

She looked at him assessingly. "I walked right past Hansen several times, and he never knew."

He smiled faintly. "I could have a sixth sense when it comes to you."

Ella was proud of her invention. "It's designed to enable us to access places without being seen."

He smiled his approval. "We need to do a test run through the teleport system, to see if that will affect it's performance."

"Yes. I'm glad you didn't hit the device. It's taken years of research to produce the prototype."

Avon pointed out, "It might have saved you a lot of pain."

"It would hurt to have to start all over again."

Avon noticed how drawn she looked. "I can see you're tired."

"I told Fox to get some sleep as well. He's been haunting this room ever since... well, for hours."

Avon stood up and released Ella's hand. "One other thing. Hansen says I don't deserve you. Where would he get the idea... ?"

"I talk in my sleep."

He raised his eyebrows. "So Fox and Hansen... ?"

"Know how I feel about you? I expect so. Yes."

Realisation dawned. "Do they think I've taken advantage of that?"

She gave him an innocent look. "I have no idea."

He sighed. "That would explain a lot."

"It should make for interesting conversation on the flight deck."

He smiled. "For once, I'm not 'guilty as charged'."

"There's time yet."

"You're feeling better." He leant over and kissed her.

"It might even help."

"Help?"

"To save you."

Avon thought he knew where this was leading. "From what, exactly?"

She confirmed it. "From yourself."

"It's too late for that."

She looked subdued. "From... loneliness, then."

His answer surprised her. "I'm never alone."

She tried to reach out to him. "Why have you stopped caring what happens to you?"

"Oh, I do care. Very much."

"I don't understand."

He looked away for a moment before meeting her gaze steadily. "Everyone I cared about is dead. Directly or indirectly because of me."

"Nothing will bring them back."

Avon looked down at her hand lying on the duvet. He took it in his own. "I know. But I owe it to them to destroy Servalan. Then I may be able to find a little peace before I die."

* * * * *

Ella entered the flight deck. Fox was at the flight controls. "Shouldn't you be resting?"

She smiled indulgently at him. "I'm the doctor around here."

He looked seriously at her. "I'm concerned about you."

She misunderstood his meaning. "Don't be."

"I'm concerned... about the situation between you and Avon."

She bridled. "If there is a "situation", as you call it, it has nothing to do with you."

"No?"

"No."

Fox tried to make his point. "I've asked around. He has quite a reputation... "

"So have you."

Fox ignored her objection. "I play the field. But I'm not into the sort of games he indulges in. He can afford to pay for anything, or anyone, for that matter. He's seen and done things you couldn't even guess at.'

She turned her back. "It doesn't matter... "

He was exasperated. "He's played on your lack of experience... "

She shook her head. "He hasn't... "

"He's taken advantage of you. I'm not going to stand by... "

Ella was beginning to get angry with him. "You're out of line... "

"He's the one whose out of line!"

She took hold of him. "He hasn't done anything."

He looked into her eyes, assessing her. "But you... ?"

She finished it for him. "...talk in my sleep. Yes, I know. And I do want him."

"Ella!"

"I offered myself to him... "

Fox was shocked. "What!?"

She ignored his reaction. "He refused. He said it would be a mistake to get involved with him."

Fox could not hide his relief. "That's all right, then."

"It is?"

"He's not right for you."

Ella drew herself up. "I'll convince him that he is... If I can."

Avon entered the flight deck. He was carrying Ella's personal cloaking device. "Ella. I'm pleased to see you upright. In fact... I'm pleased to see you at all."

She smiled at him. "I'm fine."

Avon looked gratified. "In that case, perhaps you would explain your device."

She was glad of the diversion. "It disrupts reflected light. The light bends around the wearer and the device reflects the scene behind. It has an in-built anti-scan device. You are invisible to the naked eye, and to the electronic one."

Avon was impressed. "I'd like to look at the circuitry."

"Of course."

* * * * *

Avon was in his quarters at the Rebel base, standing next to his bed packing his clothing and personal belongings, which were laid out on his bed, into a large holdall. Two similar holdalls, fully packed, stood on the floor next to him.

Fox sat on one of the chairs around the low table in the centre of the room. He picked up the chess set and held it out to Avon. "Is this really necessary?"

Avon looked round at Fox, took the chess set from him and put it into the holdall. He continued packing. "We are no longer secure here. I want to be ready to leave at a moment's notice."

* * * * *

Avon, Fox and Harrison, the Base Commander sat on black office type chairs around a large oval metal table.

Avon led the discussion. "Copernicus Alpha was a test run."

Fox commented, "A very successful one."

Avon continued. "Quite. The balance of the plan is to introduce a similar device to the trade conference of non-aligned systems."

Harrison was alarmed. "We must warn them."

Avon shook his head. "We have no proof. If we send a warning, they might consider us to be implicated in Servalan's plan."

Fox decided to play Devil's Advocate. "They might think the same if we don't."

Harrison insisted, "It would be morally indefensible not to warn them."

Avon explained, "If the federation found out, they could abort the plan."

Fox interrupted again. "Even better."

Avon smothered his impatience. "It would look as if we were trying to influence the conference against the Federation, which would destroy any chance of a hearing."

Harrison conceded the point. "What do you suggest we do?"

Fox had a suggestion. "We could send a small force under cover of the delegation... "

"No. The delegation must not be compromised."

Avon pointed out the problem with Fox's plan. "The venue is extensive. It will take a large force to search it."

Harrison confirmed Avon's suspicions. "I don't think we're going to get agreement for such an undertaking."

Fox could hardly believe it. "You can't be serious!"

Avon explained. "The rebel alliance is a fragile thing, Fox. They distrust one another and betray one another on a regular basis."

Fox addressed Harrison. "This plot threatens us all."

"I suggest we return to the ship." Avon walked to the door.

"What will you do?"

Avon turned back and smiled. "You will forgive me if I don't tell you."

* * * * *

The room had only bare furnishings now that Avon had removed his personal belongings. Avon and Fox entered the room.

Avon was abrupt. "Close the door. The longer we can keep the teleport a secret, the better."

Fox shut the door. "Tell me what you are planning."

"Not until we're on board."

Fox gave him a stern look. "What if I don't want any part of it?"

Avon met his gaze steadily. "I will go alone, if I have to." He spoke into the teleport bracelet on his wrist. "Bring us up."

* * * * *

Avon and Fox materialised in the teleport area of the flight deck. They removed the teleport bracelets and put them in the rack next to the control panel. Hansen had been waiting for them, impatiently. "Orac has intercepted a communication for you."

Avon responded, "Well, Orac?"

Orac intoned, + The message is marked for you, personally +
"Have you decoded?"

Orac almost sounded affronted. + Of course I have! +

Avon ignored the tone. "Then get on with it."

+ Message reads: Corby will bring device. He will be in the residential quarters +

Avon frowned. "Is that all?"

+ Affirmative +

Fox crossed to Avon. "We have to let Harrison know."

"No."

Hansen asked, "Why not?"

Ella pointed out the difficulty they face. "It will take more than the four of us to find him."

Avon pounced. "Precisely. There is no way we can get to the venue and disarm the bomb in time."

Fox turned on him. "Then what do you suggest?"

Avon ignored his anger and answered with a slight smile. "We, or rather, I, get Servalan to stop him."

Ella looked at him with amazement. "What?"

Avon explained. "We can be at her headquarters in just under 200 hours, before Corby can reach the conference venue. All I have to do is persuade her. I can be very persuasive."

Hansen was definitely not convinced. "It's suicide. At the very least you risk being recognised and captured, which is the same thing, only slower... and probably more painful."

Avon dismissed the objection. "I'll take that chance." He paused to see the response of the others. When no further comments were forthcoming, he instructed Fox. "Fox, get us underway."

"Right."

Avon left the flight deck.

* * * * *

Avon returned to the flight deck moments later to rejoin Hansen, Fox and Ella. "I sent a message to Servalan."

Ella responded. "You did?"

Avon continued. "I told her we are aware that Corby is taking the bomb to the conference."

Fox voiced their common feeling. "I don't suppose it will keep her off our backs."

Avon smiled to himself.

Hansen agreed. "Not now she suspects you're alive."

Avon broke into a broad, angelic smile.

This worried Fox. "What is it?"

Avon replied evenly, "I reminded her that the rumours of my death were... slightly exaggerated."

Hansen was horrified. "Now you'll be on the run again!"

"Servalan wants Orac. She will come after me."

Fox thought he understood. "Because you have Orac?"

Avon corrected him. "No. She wants me. The feeling is entirely mutual."

Ella answered coldly, "You're making it remarkably easy for her."

Avon picked up on the jealous tone of Ella's voice and looked assessingly at her. "She wants me... dead."

"Oh!" Ella was surprised.

Hansen commented, "I don't see that you've achieved anything by sending that message."

"I hope to goad Servalan into a forced error, to make her act without thinking it through."

Fox was exasperated with him. "This isn't one of your games of chess, Avon. Lives are at stake."

Avon's quiet reply belied his annoyance. "I am aware of that."

Ella needed her own reassurance. "So, where do we fit in?"

Avon smiled. "Well now, that depends."

"On what?" Hansen wanted to know.

Avon looked straight at Ella. "On what you are prepared to risk."

Fox jumped in, "I'm prepared to risk my life in the fight against the Federation, but I won't throw it away in a personal vendetta."

Avon glared at Fox. "As far as I'm concerned, Servalan is the Federation. I am going to kill her. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life on the run. I'm taking the fight to her.'

Hansen was not keen. "Sounds like a guaranteed way to get yourself killed."

Avon turned to him. "This is my fight. I don't ask anyone to make it theirs."

Hansen got to his feet. "I think I'll sleep on it."

Avon smiled.

Fox had made his decision. "I'm coming with you."

Avon and Ella looked at Fox. Ella protested. "Fox! No!"

Fox continued, "Hansen will come, too."

Hansen raised his eyebrows. "Do I have a choice?"

Avon pre-empted Fox's reply. "Yes, of course."

Hansen was surprised. "Oh! Well I... "

Avon, Fox and Ella waited expectantly for his answer. Hansen played for time. "You may need me."

Avon was unwilling to press him. He answered evenly. "I may indeed."

Hansen reached his decision. "I'd better come along, then."

Avon gave him the opportunity to back out. "If you're sure... "

Hansen confirmed his reasons for coming. "Fox and I go back a long way."

Avon recognised that loyalty could make demands contrary to common sense or self-preservation. "It's not quite the same thing."

Hansen admitted, "No."

"I'm going to teleport down using Ella's cloaking device."

Fox interrupted. "Risky."

Avon continued, "If I can get to her first, I can force her to order him to disarm the device."

Hansen objected, "Or, she will have you and order him to activate the device."

Avon acknowledged, "That's always a possibility."

Fox got to his feet. "Starship captains have a short life expectancy. Staying with you is likely to make it even shorter."

Avon smiled. "Probably. Ella, I had better take a look at the ground plans of Servalan's command centre."

"I'll fetch them."

He nodded his thanks. "Take them to my cabin, will you?"

Fox took Avon by the arm. "Avon... If anything happens to me... promise me you'll take care of Ella."

Ella leapt to her feet, embarrassed.

"It is likely you will outlive me, Fox."

Fox shrugged. "Maybe. I want your word on it."

"You have it."

Ella was furious with her brother. "You had no right..."

He tried to explain. "Ella, I... "

She rounded on Avon. "And you... !" She rushed from the flight deck.

Fox started to follow but Avon held him back. "I don't understand."

Avon's reply was plausible. "I expect she's upset at the thought of something happening to you. You're all the family she has."

"You could be right."

"I usually am. Take the first watch, will you?"

* * * * *

Ella was standing in the centre of Avon's cabin as the door opened and he entered. Without preamble she pleaded with him. "Don't take Fox down with you."

"The only person I would consider taking down with me is Servalan."

"It's your willingness to die in order to achieve it that worries me," she retorted.

"You're overreacting."

She looked at him defiantly. "Am I?"

Avon answered gently, "It's not your concern." He took her hands in his. "I could put you off at the next neutral planet... '

She interrupted him. "I won't leave Fox."

Avon sighed. "Ah. I could put both of you off... "

"Fox would resent me for it."

"Then we are going to be together for some time yet."

"Then... please... "

He shook his head. Tempting, very. Practical, absolutely not.

She tried to convince him. "I'm told it is quite pleasurable... "

He smiled wryly. "Oh it is."

She looked down at his hands holding hers. "Especially if one is in the hands of an expert."

"And I have a small measure of expertise." He sighed. "I don't want to hurt you."

She turned away from him angrily and walked to the side of the bed opposite him. Turning her back, she slipped her shirt from her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor at her feet. His eyes followed her every move. "You and Fox treat me like a child. I'm inexperienced, but I'm not a fool." Her skin was pale in the dim lighting. He struggled to maintain his composure.

"I never said... "

"In six days we could all be dead. I wanted you, Avon. But it isn't necessary."

"I don't... " he began.

"Hansen has just come off watch." She slowly removed her clothes as she continued, sitting down on the bed, keeping her back turned to him. "He suffers with insomnia since his wife died two years ago. It's left him a bit awkward around women... "

"Ella... " Desire for her threatened to overcome his self-control.

She took Avon's black silk kimono, and put her hands into the sleeves. As she stood up, she covered her nakedness before turning to face him as she fastened the belt. "I may be more enticing than the reading material he uses to take his mind off... things." She walked swiftly toward the door and operated the control. He intercepted her, his body blocking the open doorway. She tried to get past him.

"Wait... " He grabbed hold of her. He couldn't let her go to Hansen out of petulance. She would hate herself for it later. It would be worse than taking her himself. He did not deceive himself with the easy rationalisation. He wanted her. He wouldn't let anyone else have her.

"Let me go... "

Aching with need, he smothered her protest with a long, desperate kiss.

Neither of them noticed Hansen glance in the cabin as he walked past the open door.

* * * * *

Avon walked onto the flight deck to stand his watch. Fox was grateful for the break. He wanted to speak to Hansen. No time like the present. He walked quickly along the short corridor to Hansen's cabin.

Hansen was fairly inebriated, his earlier comment about Ella all but forgotten. Fox reminded him. "Hansen! What did you mean when you said at least someone was enjoying this trip?"

Hansen tried to drag his thoughts into order. What did he mean? Fox attempted to contain his impatience. Hansen took a long pull from the flask by his bunk. Fox stared intently at him. Hansen realised he was waiting for him to explain. "You called me during your watch. There was a problem with the communications program... I think." Fox nodded. Hansen's voice was a little slurred, but one thing he wasn't suffering from was an excess of inhibitions. He smiled at the recollection.

"Avon's cabin door was open. I came past and there they were."

Fox could feel his anger rising but tried to keep his voice calm. "What do you mean, 'there they were'?"

Hansen was not thinking of the effect his revelation was having on Fox, or what it was likely to do to relationships aboard the vessel. He was just trying to answer Fox's questions the best way he could. "The door was open. It's never open. I was curious..."

"Go on." Fox's expression was grim.

"I didn't go in, I just glanced over quickly as I walked past... " He faltered.

Fox sat unmoving, waiting. Eventually he prompted, "And... ?"

Hansen searched his memory and struggled to select the right words. This was, after all, the man's sister he was talking about. And he liked Ella. More than liked her. She was the first woman he had really looked at in a long, long time. "I've never seen such... I mean..."

The fleeting image was so powerful that the shockwave through his body at the memory of it was sufficient to make him catch his breath. "Such passion! ... out of control... as if the rest of the world... time... nothing existed but the need to... well, you know... " His voice trailed off.

Fox kept his voice deceptively quiet. "I'm sure I do, but just so that there can be no misunderstandings, tell me anyway."


* * * * *

On the ground, outside Servalan's stronghold, the Rebels were engaged in a mighty battle to take the 'castle', her seat of power. The 1st Fleet were engaged in an aerial battle with the Rebel fleet.

* * * * *

Avon was alone on the flight deck. Fox burst in. He was murderously angry. He strode over to Avon and hauled him to his feet. He threw a punch which Avon managed to evade. He stepped back from Fox.

Fox hurled himself at Avon, who had to defend himself. Fox spat his words at him in between trying to land his blows.

"I'll... kill... you!"

Avon, puzzled by this outburst, tried to pin him down on the floor. The two grappled together, Fox landing blows where he could. Fox's youth and strength gave him the advantage and his fists were taking their toll on Avon. Gradually, Fox managed to force him onto his back on the floor. He grabbed Avon around the throat, squeezing the life from him.

Just when it seemed Fox would really make good his threat, Ella entered the flight deck. "Fox! Avon! Stop. Stop it! Fox!" They were oblivious to her. She ran from the flight deck.

Fox had Avon on his back on the floor and was trying to strangle him. Avon's struggles got weaker as he fought to breathe.

Ella returned at a run with Hansen right behind her. She screamed at her brother. "Fox! No!" Hansen tried to haul him off Avon. Fox writhed in Hansen's grasp, his hands still clamped around Avon's throat.

"Fox... For goodness sake, man! Do you want to kill him?"

She was horrified. "Avon! Oh, god!"

Hansen finally broke Fox's hold on Avon, who was unconscious.

She knelt by Avon's side and put her head down to listen for a heartbeat. She sobbed with relief to hear the steady rhythm. "He's alive!"

Hansen pulled Fox to his feet and sat him in front of the flight controls. He crossed to Ella. She looked up at him, eyes flooded with tears. Avon lay, inert. Hansen hefted him over his shoulder and carried him from the flight deck.

Ella stormed across to Fox and hit him hard across the mouth with her fist.

"Ella... "

She wouldn't let him finish. "Don't try and defend what you've done. You're crazy!"

"I only... "

She fought back the tears which threatened to choke her. "I don't want to hear it. I don't want to look at you. I'm disgusted with you."

"Ella, please... "

She rushed from the flight deck.

* * * * *

Fox was lying on his bunk trying to decide how to approach Ella. He couldn't understand why she hadn't confided in him. Surely she would expect her brother to leap to her defence? Why wouldn't she want him to destroy, or at least punish the man who had violated her? It didn't make sense. He knew Hansen liked a drink, but he wasn't drunk when he saw them together in Avon's cabin. His hands curled into fists at the thought.

The door control buzzed. Fox got off his bunk and opened the door. Ella was standing in the corridor. He stepped back. He was confused that her anger was directed at him and not towards Avon. She entered the cabin.

"I am so ashamed of you. I don't know what you thought you were doing, but I can only assume, since I know you so well, that you thought you had a very good reason."

"Ella... "

"Be quiet, Fox, and listen to me."

Fox subsided onto the bunk. She paced the floor, her agitation making it impossible for her to settle.

"I am trying very hard to forgive you for attacking, without provocation, the man I feel is the most interesting, intelligent and attractive man I have ever met. He and I are lovers, for the present, Fox."

"Ella, I'm very sorry. I had no idea... "

"Whatever you may personally feel about that, is your own business. My relationships are my own. It may not last, but that is also nothing to do with you. You have no right to interfere. If you do not apologise to Avon, I will never speak to you again. And you know I mean every word I say."

Fox swallowed. He knew only too well that she was perfectly capable of carrying out her threat. Well, Fox was not one to shirk his responsibilities, however unpleasant.

"I thought... well, it doesn't matter what I thought. I was obviously wrong. I'll apologise to Avon right away."

She nodded quietly, unsmiling. "You'll have to wait until he's up to seeing you. You did a good job on him."

Fox hung his head. Ella quietly left the cabin, closing the door behind her.

* * * * *

Avon was on his side, leaning up on one elbow, looking at Ella as she lay sleeping. Her long dark hair spread over the pillow like a fan, framing her lovely face. Her lips were slightly parted. There was little time now before he must leave to face Servalan. He didn't expect to be coming back. Ella may realise that, somewhere deep in her subconscious, but they had not spoken about the possibility.

They hadn't spoken much at all, really, in the last few days. The time they had been able to spend together had been more energetically utilised. He smiled to himself. He remembered the way her skin felt to his touch, the taste of her. The exquisite pleasure of being held in her tight, warm embrace. The wonder in her face as her body awakened to each new sensation. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed being able to give such intense pleasure to another person. Someone he cared about, that is. In the brief time since they met, she had managed to get under his skin in a way no-one had for a very, very long time. Not since... well, not since Anna. And the strangest thing was, she had made no demand for a commitment from him. Even though he could tell she was falling in love with him. Not that she had said anything of the sort. It was obvious in the way her eyes glowed with happiness just being with him. He had also forgotten how dangerous it was to have someone to care about, someone to come back to, when you had to risk everything in the hope that you could make a difference. He hoped she could forgive him...

* * * * *

The atmosphere had improved somewhat over the last couple of days, as they had approached Servalan's Command Centre. Avon had recovered fairly well from Fox's attack, and they had reached a truce of sorts. Fox and Hansen had aired their differences following Ella's visit. Hansen couldn't remember what he had said, or seen, so it was a bit pointless being angry with him for a genuine mistake. Avon, armed and wearing the personal cloaking device, entered the teleport area. Ella desperately wanted to persuade him not to go alone. "Avon..."

Unaware of the turmoil she is feeling, he answered her calmly, "Yes?"

She realised the others are watching, and decided against saying what she had intended. "Nothing. Take care."

"I intend to." He nodded to Fox, who operated the teleport. Avon dematerialised.

* * * * *

Avon materialised in the anteroom to Servalan's Presidential office. He was using the activated personal cloaking device. As an aide rose from his desk and crossed to the door to Servalan's office, Avon moved in closely behind him. The aide knocked and opened the door. Servalan did not look up from a report on her desk, which had her full attention. As he walked through the door, Avon managed to enter with him. The aide walked over to the desk and stood at attention. Servalan held out her hand imperiously, without looking up. The aide handed her the latest report. She took it without acknowledgement. After a moment, she dismissed him with a gesture and the aide turned stiffly and left the room.

Avon deactivated the cloaking device, appearing suddenly in front of her, his weapon drawn. She did not look up.


'Servalan.'


She was jolted by the familiar voice and looked up to see the gun levelled at her.

* * * * *

Ella, carrying a sidearm, walked to the teleport area and put on a bracelet. "We can't let him do this alone."

Fox protested. "He said no-one was to attempt... "

She cut him short. "Fox... I love him. I can't... I have to do something."

Fox looked at her, considering the options. He walked over to the teleport area and put on a bracelet. "He's not going to like it."

* * * * *



Fox and Ella materialised in Servalan's office. Avon turned to see what was happening. Servalan reached into the open compartment in her desk and took out a gun. She brought it to bear on Ella just as Avon turned back to face her. He realised her intention. He knew he could not shoot her with any certainty of saving Ella. There was only one way to protect her. As Servalan's finger squeezed the trigger, he desperately thrw his body in the line of fire. Knocked backwards by the blast he landed flat on his back at Ella's feet. He could not feel any injury, but he knew the pain would come soon.

Fox leapt to Servalan's side, pinned her to his body and placed his gun at her throat. He forced her from the room to the antechamber.

Ella fell to her knees taking Avon into her arms.

* * * * *

In the antechamber, Servalan's officers were standing at attention. Fox told them to open a channel which could be broadcast to the armed forces outside the residence. Servalan announced her surrender, and that Counsellor Wayfield would be taking over as President, pending new elections. Servalan's officers took her under arrest and they left the building.

* * * * *

Avon lay bleeding in Ella's arms. She worked desperately to stem the flow. She had seen this sort of trauma before. He needed immediate surgery. He was barely conscious. She wanted to tell him that she was expecting his child. She couldn't find the courage.

Fox returned. Ella was scarcely able to speak through her tears. Avon lay in the centre of a spreading red pool that stained the black and white chequered floor of the chamber. She was fighting to save him. Without looking at her brother she cried in anguish, "Help him!"

Fox slammed his palm on the communication switch. "Medics! Medics to the Presidential Chambers immediately!"

Within seconds, a medical team crashed into the room, a stretcher and resuscitation equipment at the ready. Gently they lifted Avon from Ella, and put him on the stretcher. They worked swiftly, without needing to give or receive commands.

Ella stood up and began to follow the medical team as they left the chamber. Fox held her back. "I want to be with him... !" She struggled to free herself.

"No, Ella. Let them do their job. We'll wait. Either way, we'll wait for news together."

* * * * *

The bright light in the surgical theatre made Avon screw up his eyes. He knew he has little time left. He must speak to the surgeon in charge before he was incapable of making himself understood. His head was whirling. A thin-faced man with a deep voice swam into his vision.

"Ah. A good sign. Still with us, eh?" He smiled.

Avon put all his reserves of strength into the few sentences which must convince the man to do as he asked.

"Listen to me. I am extremely wealthy. If you do as I ask, I will make sure that you are very well rewarded. Will you help me?"

The surgeon was taken aback, but was held by the intensity in the dark eyes regarding him with an almost religious fervour.

"What do you want me to do?"

* * * * *

A solitary figure in sombre black garb waited patiently for his documents to be processed before boarding the shuttle craft. Space Liner 'Aurora' was bound for the outer territories, a round trip that would take several months. His destination was the planet Anchorage, recently reported to be one of the three most desired homes among wealthy Alpha citizens of the Federation. To look at him, you would not consider him one of the wealthy elite. But there was definitely something about him. An Alpha, obviously. With money, naturally, or he would not be boarding the 'Aurora'. His understated clothes were nonetheless costly. He wore an expensive chronometer. Tailored boots. An air of superiority, an aloofness which set him apart. His dark hair was flecked with silver. His brown eyes gave nothing away, and his face would be irresistibly attractive if it were not for the forbidding expression habitually clouding it. He appeared to be frail, as if recovering from an illness. But there was steel in his gaze.

"Thank you, sir. Your papers are in order. You may board now."

The pleasant smile of the security officer was wasted on him. He saw only the events playing themselves over inside his head. He took the documents, pocketed them, and walked up the ramp to the shuttle's airlock.