On the first bridge of the Argo, the usual post-warp hum was fading out.

"Warp completed," said Venture. "All systems normal."

"We're now in the Sanzar System," said Nova. She took a scan. "Switching to video panel."

The twin planets of Gamilon and Iscandar appeared before them. "All quiet," continued Nova. "No reaction on the radar. Should we call Queen Starsha, Derek?"

"Sounds like a good idea," he said. "Homer, contact Mother Town. There shouldn't be any interference from Gamilon now, of course."

"Gamilon," said Venture. "I wonder if it's still dead...like the way we left it when we left?"

Derek shook his head thoughtfully. "I still remember what I thought the last time I saw Gamilon," he said as Venture and Nova came to the Captain's station. "Did I ever tell you everything I said, Venture?"

"I read your log...you said something about..."

"I didn't put everything in the log, Venture. Remember, Nova?"

Nova just nodded. "Derek, you tell him. It still hurts me too much to think about what we did to the Gamilon people. I still have dreams about it..."

"I remember what happened that day," said Derek. "It went like this..."

"So, you've still got a guilt trip over what we had to do on Gamilon, sir?"asked Rosstowski.

"Didn't you see the way the capital looked after we got done with it?" snapped Captain Wildstar. "We turned it into a wasteland."

"Well, he made us do it," said Rosstowski.

"How can you talk like that, Paul?" said Aliscea angrily. "It amazes me that you didn't feel any pain over this battle."

"Well, you know I did," said Paul. "I picked up two of my buddies in that turret after that battle. One of 'em was torn in half, Aliscea! It's a little hard for me to stand around and cry in my beer over the Gamilons at times when I remember what they did to my comrades." He noticed Holly giving him a dirty look. "But I guess a Mustang like me up from the enlisted ranks probably shouldn't realize how you guys think up here in Officers' Country, huh? You're all more enlightened than I am," he huffed.

"Yeah, we are," said Parsons.

"Rosstowski, Parsons, cut the crap right now!" said Captain Wildstar. "Got it?"

"Yeah," said Parsons. "Sorry, sir."

"I'm not," huffed Paul.

"Paul, even though I know almost everything about you," said Aliscea, "there are times when you are so petty that you make me want to throw up!"

"Oh? What are you gonna do? Set me on fire or something?" said Paul angrily.

"You think I'm a freak, don't you?" snapped Aliscea.

"I didn't say that!" said Rosstowski.

"No? But you were thinking it!" yelled Aliscea as she ran off crying.

"Aliscea, come back!" yelled Paul. "Aliscea!" Rosstowski got up and looked like he was going to leave his post.

"Rosstowski, wait!" said Wildstar. "I didn't give you permission to leave the bridge! Sit back down! You're still on duty! Everyone, get back to your posts. We'll have to work this out later on."

"Derek, "said Nova. "If she's aggrieved..."

Captain Wildstar sat in thought for a moment. "Rosstowski, how do you feel about what you said?"

"Pretty stupid. I'm sorry about that."

"Then I'll tell her for you," offered Nova. "Captain, permission to leave my post for a few minutes? I think I know where she is."

"Granted. But don't take too long. I need you back here to scan those currents between Gamilon and Iscandar so we make a safe landing on Iscandar."

"Yessir," said Nova. "See you soon."

Nova left. Homer said, "Isn't Rosstowski's fault. Aliscea's weird."

"Homer, shut your trap!" said Venture. "You don't understand anything about anyone."

"I understand most people, but not women. They're all nuts," said Homer.

"I hear you're nuts!" said Holly with a flip of her ponytail.

The bridge crew broke out laughing at that one while Homer gritted his teeth. Jerks, he thought. They're all a bunch of stupid jerks.

"Homer, we need you to call Iscandar. Do it now!" said Wildstar.

"Yessir," he said. "I'll look up the frequency that Starsha used the last time, and contact her on that..."

Holly shook her head as she watched her radar. What is this guy, Glitchman? she thought. Gay? Is Homer really gay? Is that why he's so maladjusted?

Nova went straight to the Argo's aft observation deck. As she expected, Aliscea was there, crying her eyes out.

"...Aliscea?"

"Yeah?"

"I talked to Paul..."

"I know you mean well, but tell him he can drop dead."

"...Aliscea?"

"Must I say it in a different Terran language, Nova? Tell him he can drop dead!!"

"What he's trying to say is that he's sorry. And we need you."

"Oh, I know you need me. I know the humanity needs me. I'm sorry, but I'm sort of in a 'drop dead' world mode right now, Nova. In about two seconds, that's gonna apply to you too, kid."

"Well, then, I'll leave," said Nova. She turned to go.

"No, wait."

"Wait?"

"Yeah, wait. I...I don't know what I wanna do at the moment. I love him, but I want to tell him to drop dead right now. Is that normal?"

"I love Derek, but sometimes I feel like telling him to...uhhh..."

"To rot in hell, Nova?"

"You could sort of say that. I don't use those exact words, but..."

"the sentiment is there, huh? Then why do you love him?"

"I just do. All men are jerks at times, Aliscea. That's a basic fact of life. And sometimes, we women can be horrid, too. Well, he's sorry. He sent me to tell you."

"Is he, you Nosy Parker? " said Aliscea. Aliscea held out a hand and made flame shoot up from it. Nova stepped back a little.

"Aliscea, that won't do any good."

"Sorry. I just feel like setting the world on fire right now." She smiled grimly and put out her own fire. "He'd better apologize to me."

"He wanted to come and do it now, but we have work to do. We're about to land on Iscandar."

"Oh, yes. That. Tell him I'll be along soon."

"All right." Nova turned to go.

"Hey, Nova?" said Aliscea.

"Yes?"

"Thanks," said Aliscea.

"You're quite welcome." At that, Nova left.

"I've got Iscandar on the line," said Homer. "Switching to video panel."

The panel switched, and a view of Starsha and Alex came up on the Argo's main screen.

"So, you're almost here," said Queen Starsha. When she appeared, everyone on the bridge stood up and saluted. When Nova arrived on the bridge a moment later, she joined the mass salute, as well.

"Queen Starsha, where should we land?" said Captain Wildstar.

"At the same place as before; the quay to the south of Mother Town. Where's Aliscea? I wanted to speak to her face to face."

Nova looked to Derek. Derek nodded. Nova then said, "Queen Starsha, she's busy at the moment. She'll be on the bridge in a few minutes...but I'm not sure she'll be back up here in time to..."

"That's all right," said Starsha. Alex looked at her and smiled. "Give her our regards. Tell her that we hope to be speaking with her soon. We have much to discuss."

"Thank you, Starsha," said Derek. "Alex, it's good to see you again."

"Thanks, Derek," said Alex. "Much has changed on Iscandar since you were last here...we...and you have to know something, Starsha says...she...just..."

Suddenly, the audio and video fizzed out. "What's going on?" asked Venture.

"Jamming waves!" said Homer. "Someone's jamming the transmission!"

"See if you can get it back," said Captain Wildstar.

Homer began to sweat. "I'm trying..." he said.

Nova then called out, "Radar contact! What the...it's a huge fleet?"

"Give me numbers and classes," said Derek.

"Massive..." said Nova as she let the computer perform calculations. "Six hundred destroyers, four hundred missile ships, ten disk carriers, five tri-deck carriers, ten battleships...one heavy space battleship. They're all old Gamilon types! Total fleet size, one thousand and twenty-six ships! Range, twenty-two megameters, speed, fifteen space knots; heading, from RPG-067; they were coming from behind Gamilon. And the jamming waves are coming from the flagship!"

"Gamilons?" said Derek. "What would Desslok be doing jamming a transmission from Iscandar? We're on the same side!"

"Captain," said Homer. "I'm getting a signal from the flagship."

"I'd love to ask Desslok what he's up to."

"Sir, it's not Desslok," said Homer. "Switching to video panel."

The bridge crew sucked in a deep breath as a familiar Gamilon face appeared on the screen. Even changed as it was, they could tell it wasn't Desslok.

"Welcome, Star Force," said the hard, disdainful voice. "Fitting, I'd say, that it ends here. Here, where you wiped out so many of my people. Fitting for Gamilon to, at last, have its revenge. In case some of you aren't aware of who I am, I am Lysis, the man who fought you almost two years ago at Rainbow Star Cluster. I now lead Gamilon. Where is Captain Avatar?"

"Captain Avatar is dead," said Captain Wildstar as he stood up. "You may remember me, Lysis. I am Derek Wildstar, captain of the Argo and commander of the Star Force. Captain Avatar chose me to succeed him; aware that he was dying even as he led the battle against you. He died of radiation sickness, due to the planet bombing of Earth."

"Yes, I recall your face," said Lysis. "You look a little older now. However, perhaps, I would not say that you're any wiser. As Chancellor of Gamilon, your presence here is an insult to me. That is why I am going to finish you; all of you are war criminals, as far as I am concerned. You have aided and abetted Avatar in an act of genocide. And you will pay for it."

"General Lysis, haven't you been in touch with Leader Desslok?" asked Derek. "The war between Gamilon and Earth is long over, now, by his command. We had a final confrontation, and Leader Desslok declared the war over. We have recent codes that we can transmit to you to prove this."

"Desslok is long dead, and you killed him," said Lysis. "And soon, you shall die, too. Perhaps, someday, we shall share a drink as friends in Hell. But, for now, we are enemies. Let us see if you can survive what I have prepared for you. I doubt it. I highly doubt it."

The screen went dark, and, immediately, incoming fire roared in from Lysis' fleet.

"Third bridge is hit!" said Sandor.

"The aft auxiliary gun turret is hit!" said Rosstowski.

Nova jumped back a little as sparks came from her board. "Great! One of the radar aerials is out! Trying to compensate for the blind spot. Their speed has picked up...they're closing in!"

"I'm picking up the firing data," said Dash. "Captain, ready to return fire."

"Return fire...all forward turrets."

The Argo's forward turrets went off, sending a fusillade of energy into the Gamilon fleet as Venture turned the ship.

"Five hits, two near-misses," said Rosstowski.

"Drop in the bucket," said Captain Wildstar while Venture turned the Argo again to avoid a heavy barrage from Lysis' fleet. "We've got to get rid of those guys as soon as possible."

"Wave motion gun?" said Sandor.

Derek nodded.

"We'll have to get into position, and survive that barrage," said Venture. "That'll be the tough part."

"You're telling me," said Nova. "I'm going to make sure I'm belted in this time, okay?"

"Good idea," said Derek as she snapped on her safety harness. She looked back as Aliscea staggered onto the bridge. "Aliscea," she said.

"Yeah?"

"If you want to talk to Paul, you kinda picked a bad time," said Nova dryly as another explosion went off outside. "Range of enemy: nine point four two megameters Speed, twenty-two space knots. They're all around us; three different locations. I think we'll have to do a short warp to get into wave gun firing position," she said as Aliscea staggered towards her seat while the ship tilted. "What? Another fleet's warping in above us...distance, thirty-two megameters. Speed, twenty-six space knots. About a hundred and fifty ships...uh..."

A moment later, Holly said, "Lots of targets appearing all around us, at close range! Switching to video panel."

Captain Wildstar looked. "Gamilon fighter-bombers. They're using SMITE. Lysis must have a pretty good-sized fleet. Dash, stand by with the pulse lasers."

"Right," said Dash.

More planes appeared, and then Derek's eyebrows went up as they did something very strange. Several Gamilon destroyers from the first fleet began to charge the Argo, and the fighter-bombers seemed to pause a moment, and then they attacked the destroyers.

"Wildstar...!" said Venture. "I don't believe it...I think they're...they're defending us?"

"I'm getting another transmission," said Homer. "Something's blocking out the jamming waves from Lysis' fleet, and the second fleet above us is sending a much stronger signal."

"Nova, identify that fleet," said Captain Wildstar.

"Yessir. One command cruiser, ten space battleships, about twenty carriers, some larger ships of a type I don't recognize, and many destroyers and missile cruisers. Most of them look like they're Gamilons, too."

"I have a video image from that fleet," said Homer. "Switching to video panel."

The panel changed, and another Gamilon appeared on the screen. Only, this man had blonde hair and no cyborg parts. He shut his eyes and smiled at Wildstar. "Captain, I believe you need some assistance?"

"Desslok!" snapped Derek. "I don't mean any disrespect, but would you get on the damn horn to Lysis out there and tell him the war is over?"

"Lysis?" said Desslok with his eyebrows going up.

"Sir," said Talan right on the screen. He was sweating. "We've just identified that fleet that's attacking the Argo; it's Gamilon, sir."

"Gamilon?" said Desslok in shock. Talan nodded.

"They don't have a right to start such an attack," said Desslok. "Only I have the right to determine whom Gamilon is at peace or war with. And we are at peace with you, Captain Wildstar."

"Lysis doesn't know that," said Derek. "He thinks that you're dead and he's in command of the Empire."

"Oh, he does?" said Desslok in a proud, sarcastic tone. "All ships, cover the Argo! I'll set the man straight. Then, I'll want to see him. Myself. My apologies, Captain Wildstar."

The screen then went dark.

"Well?" said Venture.

"Well...that's a change," said Derek. "Dash, be careful with your targets. We...uh...don't want to hit Desslok's fleet," he said as Nova switched the video screen, again, to a view of about twenty Gamilon destroyers surrounding the Argo...to fend off other Gamilon ships; some at the sacrifice of themselves.

"Do you think Desslok would mind if we made a few mistakes?" laughed Dash.

"I think he would," said Captain Wildstar. "For now, let's depend upon Desslok's destroyer screen for protection...but stand by...in case this is some trick."

"Do you trust him?" said Venture.

"It's about seventy-thirty right now, Venture. Until he stops that huge fleet, part of me will be wondering if this was some grand stratagem of his to get us after all."

"Sounds like you don't trust him," said Sandor.

"Let's just say that my trust in Desslok is currently being tested," snapped Derek. "Desslok, if you're really on our side, put a stop to this crap," he said out loud in an irritable tone of voice.

"General, another Gamilon fleet is attacking us!" said Volgarr. "It seems to be a rather strong fleet!"

"Interlopers," said Lysis. "Get me in touch with their flagship. I want to know who's behind this."

"Sir, they're calling us," said Volgarr.

"All right, transfer him to video. Let's see who'd dare oppose my will and our just vengeance," said Lysis.

Lysis smiled, and then went pale as Desslok's image appeared on the round screen of his space battleship.

"Lysis, are we engaging in a little target practice today, hmmh?" said Desslok.

"Leader Desslok..." said Lysis, who was in utter shock, along with Volgarr. "I thought you were dead."

"I thought you were. You never bothered to report to me after Rainbow Star Cluster. And I pardoned you for that battle. I'm a little annoyed, Lysis."

"Sir, why are you keeping us from finishing off the Argo? We can do it now," said Lysis.

"I don't want you to finish off one of my allies," said Desslok.

"Sir...the Terrans...uh...allies?" said Lysis. "Surely you're joking?"

"No, Lysis, I don't joke. The war between Gamilon and Earth has been over for several months now. And the Star Force and I are currently fighting the same enemy. If you're loyal to us, Lysis, stop this attack. At once. Otherwise, I'll be forced to use my Desslok Cannon on you. I don't think you'd like to be a practice target for me, would you?" said Desslok as a slow smile went across his face. "You're already under arrest for treason," he continued. "I don't think you want to die without a trial, do you?"

"All ships...stop the attack!" cried Lysis as sweat ran down his face. "All ships...Volgarr...tell them it's Leader Desslok's command!"

"All ships, cease firing at once!" cried Volgarr. "Desslok still lives! The attack stops at once...on his orders."

Out in space, the battle suddenly ended about thirty seconds later.

"Wildstar!" said Parsons. "The Gamilons have stopped firing!"

"I intercepted an order from Desslok's flagship to the rest of the fleet," said Homer. "Lysis is under arrest."

"Perhaps it was a mistake?" said Captain Wildstar. "Aliscea! What can you pick up from Desslok's mind?"

Aliscea sat in silence. "Anger and embarrassment," she said a moment later. "The anger is directed towards his erring general. The embarrassment is directed towards us. He was sincere in allying with us."

"Is this reliable?" said Wildstar.

Aliscea nodded.

"Captain Wildstar," said Homer. "Desslok would like you and Nova to fly over to his flagship. He said he needs you both to be witnesses at...a trial?"

"Interesting," said Derek. "The Gamilons apparently waste no time in trying to set things right."

"Yeah...I agree with you," said Nova. "Shall I...uh...shall we leave now?"

Derek nodded, shrugging off his jacket and leaving it on the bridge on the back of the Captain's chair. "Venture, you're in command. Homer, tell Desslok we're flying over to his fleet at once in my fighter."

"Right away," said Homer.

"Course?" said Venture.

"Follow the Gamilons," said Derek as he glanced at Nova's radar before her relief showed up. "They seem to be assuming a high polar orbit over Gamilon itself, probably to keep clear of the currents between Gamilon and Iscandar. That should be a safe parking orbit for us. Call the Gamilstadt at once if anything happens."

"Yessir," said Venture.

"So that's how your ship was attacked, Captain?" asked Desslok. Talan, and some other Gamilon officers stood watching as Leader Desslok questioned both Derek and Nova about Lysis' attack on the Argo. Not far away, Lysis and Volgarr stood under arrest, flanked by four Gamilon guards in battle armor.

"Yes. He spoke to us about revenge," said Captain Wildstar, "and then he cut off the transmission and began firing."

"Nova, I understand you were at the radar. His fleet was in a posture of attack the whole time?" asked Desslok.

"Yes, it was."

"Would you say, in your professional opinion, that the attack was premeditated?"

Nova opened her mouth to answer, but Lysis blurted out, "Leader Desslok, you're leading the witness. You're practically putting your words in the brainless woman's mouth!"

"Lysis, remember that you are the one on military trial here, not me," said Desslok. He raised an arm, pointing accusingly at Lysis. "Interesting that you attempt to bring in concepts of Terran jurisprudence when you attacked them? I am the authority here, Lysis. I don't have to obey anyone's concepts of criminal procedure. And, besides, the woman is far from brainless. Or did you not hear of the confrontation she and Captain Wildstar had with me? She is a warrior, Lysis. I demand you show her the respect due to a warrior. Please go on, Lieutenant Wildstar," continued Desslok as he lowered his arm. "Would you say that the attack was premeditated?"

"It definitely was. He practically had us surrounded, Leader Desslok."

"Thank you. That's all that I needed established out of the mouths of two of you. Two of my officers have backed up your testimony, along with a loyal officer from Lysis' fleet that we also heard from. Given this testimony, I have enough information to make my decision." Desslok paused, and then stared at Lysis with a steely glance.

"Field Marshal Lysis. You and General Volgarr are guilty of sedition against me. You set yourself up as Chancellor without any convincing evidence that I was truly dead, since I had left Gamilon. You also conducted operations on your own without making any effort to contact me, and you attacked an ally of Gamilon with whom peace has been established by my command for no other reason except to buttress your own sense of glory. The penalty for both of your actions is death."

Nova started a little as she saw Desslok flipping back his cape and reaching for his blaster. Oh my God, he's going to shoot them right now! she thought. Right in front of us! It's his right...but...

Desslok unsheathed the weapon and stood in thought for a moment. Then, to everyone's surprise, he reholstered his blaster. "I will suspend the execution of this sentence for one year, pending your good conduct, Lysis. The same goes for you, Volgarr. I give you one final chance to redeem yourself with loyal service rendered to myself and to our allies, gentlemen. If you serve faithfully for one year, you will be pardoned at the end of that year and restored to your Field Marshal's rank with all past honors, General. Honors of which I am stripping you for the time being. However, should you fail me again, you will be brought back before me for the execution of this provisional sentence of death. Do I make myself clear?"

"You do, sir," said Lysis as he came to attention and saluted. Volgarr did the same, with sweat running down his face.

"You are both dismissed. Please return to your battleship squadron, relinquish the command of your grand fleet, and assume a new formation behind my flagship. Do so quickly...I'd hate to have to carry out my sentence," said Desslok as he caressed his holster with a cold smile. "And one last thing."

"Yes, sir?" asked Lysis.

"Do not dishonor any of my allies from Earth. The war is long over. Is that perfectly clear, General?"

"Of course," said Lysis. "Volgarr, follow me."

Volgarr nodded. Both men clicked their heels and saluted Desslok again, and then they nodded curtly but politely towards the Terrans and left.

A little later on, the Wildstars sat together before a table in a reception room on Desslok's flagship. "Thank you for taking our testimony into account, Leader Desslok," said Nova.

"You're quite welcome," said Desslok. "Before we drink again to our peoples' cooperation, do you have any further questions?"

"I do," said Captain Wildstar. "Desslok. Lysis was acting independently from you, almost as if he had set up his own Empire. We gathered that from his defense." He looked at Nova and saw the question that was on his mind reflected in her dark eyes. "We're aware that you have the power to see to your own subordinates, Desslok, but why...?"

"Why did I let him live?" said Desslok. The Gamilon stood. "I need him, Captain Wildstar," said Desslok. "In the past, even before he was involved with the war against Earth, he was one of my greatest generals and strategists. His skills are second only to my own and Talan's. Gamilon needs his skill, redirected to our common cause in this hour. I pray you understand. If his reputation were not what it was, he would be a dead man now. I want you to inform me if he ever attempts to attack you again or shows any of you any rudeness or dishonor. Should he do so, I want to be informed of it; unless he attacks your ship, that is, and you and your crew are in mortal danger. Then, I shall not question you if you have to defend yourselves and carry out my sentence for me."

"You mean, you'd let us bring him down if we had to?" said Captain Wildstar.

"That's what I just told you," said Desslok. "Of course, you'll note I stripped him of his grand fleet. The bulk of his fleet is now under my command. He has been reduced to commanding a squadron of his battleship and escorts; a squadron of about thirty ships. I have already dispatched him away to guard the edge of the Sanzar System. He might prove useful should the Rikashan fleet you spoke of seek to attack us here while we wait." Desslok went silent for a moment. "It would be pleasant to see Queen Starsha again face-to-face. I understand you have much to discuss with her?"

"We do, Desslok," said Derek.

"However, the most important conversations will be between her and Aliscea," said Nova. "They're hoping to stop the Dark Lord's Fortress as it passes through the Sanzar System. The war could be won or lost here in the next few days, Aliscea says."

"I see," said Desslok. He mused for a moment in silence. "I wish that affairs between Starsha and myself were better. We are no longer lovers as we once were, but we need not be at odds forever. When last we spoke a few weeks ago, when I stopped here to pay tribute to the fallen at Gamilon, I contacted her on Iscandar. The conversation did not go well. Doubtless, she is aware that I am here again by now."

A voice suddenly came over a hidden speaker in the reception room. "Leader Desslok. There is a private signal for you from Iscandar. Shall I patch it through to your chambers, sir?"

"Please do so," said Desslok. He turned towards a darkened viewscreen and signalled that Derek and Nova should do likewise.

A moment later, Starsha's image appeared on the screen. Alex Wildstar sat beside her. They were comfortable in well-cushioned chairs in a communications room in Starsha's palace in Mother Town on Iscandar. In her palace, the room was well-appointed, something like a parlor.

"I see you haven't changed, Desslok," said Starsha in a low, but cold voice. "I am aware that you have a huge war fleet over Gamilon. Is this an attempt to intimidate me?"

"No, Starsha. I arrived here by agreement with young Captain Wildstar and Aliscea of Pellias. By the request of Pellias, I am going to be involved in this conclave being held on Iscandar."

"If I permit you to set foot on Iscandar, that is," sighed Starsha. "Still as bloodthirsty as usual? I am aware that you had to stop an overly enthusiastic general of yours from destroying the Star Force at my very doorstep, just as you almost did close to two years ago."

"Gamilon is changing because I am changing, Starsha. I and Gamilon are one. As long as I live..."

"...Gamilon lives," snapped Starsha. "I hate to be rude, Desslok, but I've heard this from you before. I am aware of how you have aided Earth, of course, which is the only reason I am not demanding that you leave the Sanzar System forthwith."

"My Empire still claims much of the Sanzar System, Starsha. We have never relinquished that claim. "

"Even though Gamilon is destroyed?" snapped Alex.

"I hate to be rude to you with your brother here, but I was not speaking to you," said Desslok. "This is a conference among sovereigns."

Nova looked at Derek and silently shook her head. "May I be excused, Desslok?" she said.

Desslok raised an eyebrow. "I would prefer that you..."

"You said it was a conference between sovereigns," said Nova in a quiet but firm voice. "Obviously, Derek and I are interfering if his brother is also interfering. Derek?" she said as she took her husband's hand. He nodded, and stood along with her.

"She has a point, Desslok," said Derek. "May we leave?"

Desslok looked as if he was at a loss for words. Finally, he said, "Again, please remain. Starsha, I apologize for my rudeness towards your consort. I shall take heed of his role in this conversation."

"Thank you," said Starsha. She glanced at Nova and smiled a little as the young Terrans sat back down again.

"That's what I respect about these two," said Desslok. "No pretenses. I have learned much from them and their honesty."

"Then, I shall not use any pretense, either," said Starsha. "Desslok, you may visit Iscandar for this conclave because it appears that fate has bound us together just as Iscandar and Gamilon were once bound by the forces of gravity and culture. But, after we come to an agreement as to how to act against Ekogaru, I would much prefer that you leave. Gamilon is in ruins. Iscandar is renewing itself. You have nothing more to do with Gamilon herself, and, likewise, I would prefer to have nothing more to do with you and what you represent. Men of peace do not barge into star systems uninvited with huge armadas, Desslok. And, I am aware of the extraordinary circumstances, but I am a little surprised that the Star Force has made peace with the likes of you. It would be best if you leave us and Earth well alone after this crisis ends."

"Would it?" said Desslok. "Would you be pleased to know that some of the Pellians are with me and wish to settle on Iscandar? Would you be pleased to learn that my consort Astrena has asked that Gamilon maintain a guard over Iscandar to guard her as long as some of her people are there? Would you be pleased to learn that this time, I do come in peace?"

"Iscandar is not a waste land, Desslok. Others are here now besides Alex and myself. I would prefer to meet with the leader of the Pellian party before I make any decision as to whether any of her people, with a refined but warlike culture, can or should set foot on my planet. Remember, Desslok. You are not the ruler of Iscandar. I am," she said with a soft but stern voice. "Let our truce be on those terms."

"I am not aware we were ever at war, Starsha," said Desslok.

"I remember my sister, Astra," said Starsha. "I remember how your proud Gamilon warships, under the command of your oh-so-honorable drunkard Colonel Ganz, shot my sister's ship apart and thus doomed her to her death, as the Terrans told me when they first came here to Iscandar. I remember that you have the blood of billions of Terrans on your hands, Desslok, for your own glory and ego. I remember that I ceased loving you when I learned that you were perpetrating genocide. I also have sworn that if Iscandar was dying, going through space with no hope, I would not accept a rescue from you, set foot on your flagship, and leave Iscandar if you were the last potential savior in the Universe. Not only would I not leave Iscandar; I would not accept your aid. It is only because of Earth and the Pellians that you are even here, Desslok. If I truly wanted you to leave my territorial space, you would know it. I am a woman of peace. However, I am not to be trifled with. Remember the cache of Iscandarium in my planet, Desslok? I still control it, and I have other powers, as well. Good day, Desslok."

At that, the screen went dark. Desslok sat in silence. "Wildstar, Nova, I do not intend to be rude, but..."

"You'd prefer we leave?" asked Derek.

Desslok nodded. "I believe that you can appreciate that I would prefer to be alone, now. Thank you for remaining, however. Please tell Talan that I do not wish to be disturbed."

"Of course," said Nova. She stood and shyly patted his fingers. "Thank you for all that you've done, Desslok. We do appreciate it. And we know that you have changed."

"Thank you," he said quietly. "As you may guess, there are times when it is not an asset to have one's reputation precede them," he said in a slow voice. "Good day."

Derek and Nova left the Gamilon Leader alone. He dimmed the lights in the room after they left and sat brooding alone in silence for a very long time.

 "Volgarr," said Lysis as they sat together aboard his battleship later on that day. "I have to be polite to the Terrans, Desslok said?"

"That is what he said, sir," said Volgarr in his snarling voice.

"Being polite is not the same thing as kissing their posteriors, Volgarr. Thanks to the Star Force, I almost died again today. There shall come a day, Volgarr, when they shall pay for their arrant arrogance...and for coming so high in the Leader's favor. What a primitive race!"

"Desslok had better not hear you talking that way."

"He had better not." Lysis then turned to Volgarr. "And you had better be certain to make sure he does not hear any of this. Do I make myself clear?"

"Of course, sir."

On the Argo, which had separated itself from the Gamilon Fleet and was now coming in for a landing on Iscandar, Aliscea was sitting at the Analysis post speaking to Rosstowski as the ship cruised in for her landing.

"So you are sorry?" she said.

"Yes, Aliscea. I'm very sorry that I said that. I didn't mean to imply that you were a freak or anything. I lost my temper. Can you forgive me?"

"I'll think about it," she said with a teasing smile. Dash pushed her playfully on the elbow. "Oh, c'mon, do it," he said. "Make him happy. He's been Mister Doom and Gloom all day since you fought."

"Say please, Paul," said Aliscea with a wink back towards Captain Wildstar at the Captain's station.

"Please," said Paul.

"Say pretty please?" said Aliscea with a bigger smile.

"Pretty please," smiled Paul.

"Pretty please with sugar on it," said Aliscea in a silly voice.

Paul laid a hand on Aliscea's. "Pretty please with sugar on it, Aliscea?"

"And strawberries?" said Aliscea.

"Strawberries?" said Nova with a puzzled look.

"Yeah. She's trying to make herself fat," said Holly.

"Pretty please with sugar on it, and strawberries, too," said Paul. "Please, Aliscea."

A voice finally said in Aliscea's head. You're coming near my planet, Aliscea. Forgive him. We need to work together.

"Okay, Starsha," she said brightly. She got up and kissed Paul on the forehead. "Forgiven."

The bridge crew applauded.

"Okay, now," laughed Derek. "Now that we've settled our spat, can we get to work?"

"Right," said Venture. "Open main wings. Prepare for re-entry into Iscandar's atmosphere. Trim angle, forty-two degrees."

The ship slowed down, glowing with the heat of re-entry for a time, but then cooling down as she descended into Iscandar's lower atmosphere. Finally, the Argo splashed down into the blue ocean and cruised through the channel that led through a small island, emerging in the sea near Mother Town. It was near sunset on the planet, and the view was breathtaking.

A while later, the mighty space battleship cruised up to the quay and stopped near Mother Town.

"Message from Starsha," said Homer. "She would like to meet with us tomorrow morning. Until then, she asks us only to drop anchor and to rest. She says she is aware that we've been through a lot today. Now is the time for rest. Message ends."

"Thank you, Queen Starsha," said Venture with a sigh. "It's been too long since I've seen placid ocean and plain blue sky."

"We'll finish what we need to finish this watch," said Captain Wildstar.

"And then?" said Sandor.

"Then we'll take Queen Starsha's advice...and rest...but not for too long."

"Ekogaru isn't here yet," said Aliscea as she went up to Paul and hugged him from behind. "I suggest that we catch our breath for a bit. It's been a long journey."

"Yes, very long," said Nova. She and Derek held hands near Dash's post for a minute. "I can't believe we made it," she said softly.

"Me neither," said Derek. "At last, we've returned to the Great Magellenic Cloud."