Disclaimer: The main characters are not mine, this is an amateur effort written purely for the fun of it, and no money has exchanged hands. It is not intended to breach the copyright of Paramount and Pet Fly Productions.

A/N: Hello yes I am still alive and working on this series. Once again I have to apologize for the lengthy delay but real life seems determined to interfere with my writing time. But here it is at last. Enjoy and thanks for your patience.

< > denotes telepathic exchange

/ / denotes language other than Galactic Basic

Star Rangers: Retribution

By Crystalphoenix

James Ellison stood on the rocky promontory and watched as the waves crashed against the boulders far below. In the distance the setting sun painted the horizon with swatches of amethyst, emerald and topaz along with the more traditional reds, oranges, and gold. In the forest behind him he detected the sounds that heralded the approach of twilight as the predators and prey of the daylight hours sought their nests and lairs ceding the forest to their nocturnal counterparts. Sunrise and sunset were two of the sentinel's favorite times of the day. No matter what the world, the splendor of nature's artist always took his breath away. Oceanus was no different, the majesty of her solar display as unique as the water world herself.

As the last vibrant hue faded from the sky, Jim turned and headed back into the shadows of the deep woods. The gathering twilight offered no hindrance to sentinel sight and the ex-commando wove his way among the towering trees with ease. Scanning the area he smiled as his sensitive hearing picked up the sounds of humming and the sizzle that resulted when fresh caught fish met a hot skillet. Quickening his pace Ellison smiled as he recognized the tune as a rather bawdy ballad heard in some of the less refined spacer bars. Where a well-respected anthropologist picked up such a lewd tune was a question better left unasked. It was enough to see the vibrant off beat personality of his guide resurfacing once more. After the traumas of the past week they had both needed this time away. The beauty and isolation of Oceanus's untouched wilderness had mended the hurts of both sentinel and guide. For himself Jim had not realized the strain that living constantly under the sensory barrage of civilization placed on him. Here with only wilderness and his guide around he had been able to relax the constant control he kept on his senses and instincts. It was liberating. He had spent the last three days wandering the forest and hiking the mountains that bordered the woods. Communing with nature and letting his senses roam free healed something deep within him that he had been unaware was amiss. Blair had told him that all sentinels used nature and isolation to release the stress of living in an over-stimulated world and to rebalance mind, body and spirit. If how he felt was any indication it looked like there were going to be more weekend excursions into the woods in his future.

But he had not been the only one in need of nature's therapy. While he had wandered the land Blair found an alternative way to relax and rebalance. Settling beside the stream that meandered beside their campsite the shaman had taken a journey of a different sort. Where he wandered and what he did there Jim never knew but he heartily approved of the results. After two days of deep meditation the lines of stress and sorrow that had marked the young healer faded and the sparkle of life and vibrancy that he associated with his guide returned. Today Blair had joined him on his morning hike and then the two had spent the afternoon fishing, relaxing and just enjoying each others company. Tomorrow they would have to leave this tranquil haven and return to the real world. But before they left Oceanus he had one last adventure for his guide. While Blair had remained in camp the sentinel had taken one last hike into the mountains taking a trail he had not previously explored. On the way back he had stopped to watch the incoming tide and had spotted an anomaly among the rocks that just begged for a curious anthropologist to explore.

< Dinner in five Jim, > the voice of his guide flowed smoothly into his mind, < time to come in. >

< Almost there Chief, something smells good. Is that your mother's secret recipe you've been telling me about? >

< Yep, sole a la Sandburg. > He looked up as the sentinel entered the clearing. "You're going to love this Jim. It’s made with all natural ingredients taken from this very forest with no preservatives or chemicals in sight."

"If it tastes half as good as it smells I may have to marry you Chief."

Bright laughter filled the glade. "You are so not my type man." Mischief glimmered in the dark blue eyes. "Of course I could introduce you to Naomi."

Accepting a plate filled with golden brown fish Jim settled beside his guide. "No thanks, one Sandburg is more than enough for me."

"Ah, it is a wise man that knows his limits."

"Keep it up Chief and you'll be hauling our gear to the dock by yourself."

Chuckling Blair dug into his own plate of fish leaving the sentinel to eat in peace. For the next few minutes there was a companionable silence as they appeased their hunger. Once done they cleaned the empty dishes and tidied the campsite before settling before the fire with cups of fresh coffee.

"You know I'm really going to miss this place." Blair leaned back against a convenient log and surveyed the darkened woods. "I wonder how Daryl and Simon fared at the fishing camp."

"Your fishing camp was a two story lodge with all the amenities." Jim chuckled as he remembered the look on the faces of the Banks men when Blair showed them to their new quarters. "If Simon could prize Daryl away from the entertainment console the two had a ball. There were plenty of streams to fish not to mention the lake and woods for the two of them to explore. I'm sure they had a great time." Finishing his coffee the sentinel stood and began banking the fire for the night. "Speaking of Simon and Daryl we'd better get some sleep if we expect to pick them up in time to make the shuttle."

"The shuttle doesn't leave 'til noon man. We have plenty of time."

"Well since tomorrow is our last day I thought one last hike was in order. You know one for the road."

"Uh, huh, okay what aren't you telling me?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about Chief."

Cocking his head to one side Blair studied his sentinel for a moment then shook his head. "Nope, I’m not buying the innocent act Ellison. You are definitely up to something. Spill it man."

Rising from the now banked fire Jim walked over to his guide and ruffled the curly hair. "You'll just have to wait 'til tomorrow and see." Walking to the other side of the fire the sentinel lay down on his bedroll and turned his back to the guide. "Goodnight Chief."

It took all of Jim's control not to laugh as he listened to the muttered comments about sneaky sentinels who liked to torment their guides then expected them to sleep as the young man readied himself for bed. A few moments later silence settled over the camp as Blair snuggled into his bedroll. "Night Jim," he mumbled before the exertions of the day pulled him into sleep.

After a quick sensory sweep to determine that all was in order the sentinel joined his guide in slumber.

Sentinel and guide stood side by side as they watched Oceanus's sun climb into the morning sky. "So where's this surprise you've been hinting act? It better be good to make me get up at the crack of dawn to wear myself out hiking on our last day in paradise."

Jim was not fooled by his companion's complaints. The young man was literally bouncing with excitement, the light of the explorer shining from his eyes. "I'm not sure exactly what it is Chief. But it definitely wasn't natural. I thought it warranted a closer look."

"Then what are we waiting for man. Let's go."

Chuckling at the younger man's enthusiasm the sentinel turned and led the way to the trail he had explored the previous day. An hour later he paused and pointed down at a narrow strip of beach revealed by the outgoing tide. "If I had been a few minutes later I never would have seen it. The tide was just beginning to come in, a few moments later and it would have been under the water."

Straining to see what had so captured the sentinel's attention Blair shook his head. "See what man all I see is a pile of boulders and a solid wall of rock?"

"That's the point Chief. What appears to be solid rock isn't. There is a crack along the cliff face. You can only see it from a certain angle but it's definitely there. But the really strange thing is there's something glowing inside the crack. I found a trail that will take us down there. I was only able to get a quick look yesterday since the tide was coming in but what I saw was enough to tell me you needed to see this."

Looking down the steep drop off Blair sighed. "Man I hate heights," he muttered before looking up at the sentinel. "So where's this trail of yours?"

"Follow me and don't worry Chief, it's not that bad."

"That’s easy for you to say." But curiosity was stronger than fear so he obediently followed the ex-commando down the narrow trail to the hidden cove.

Upon closer inspection the sheer rock wall appeared just as solid and impenetrable as it had from the cliff top. Turning baffled eyes to his companion Blair watched as the sentinel approached the stone barrier and after giving his guide a cheeky smile stepped forward and vanished.

"Jim!" Racing to the wall Sandburg ran frantic hands over the cold surface until a strong hand reached out of the rock and tugged him forward. Instead of the painful collision with hard stone that he was expecting Blair suddenly found himself in a narrow tunnel next to a grinning sentinel. "Not funny man."

"Sorry Chief I just couldn't resist. You should have seen your face."

"Just remember, payback's a bitch Ellison." Once his heart rate had returned to normal Sandburg set aside thoughts of sentinel torture and studied the tunnel. Running his fingers over the smooth stone he shook his head in wonder. "This is man made the stone is perfectly polished like it was cut by a beam of some kind. What is this place and why hide it?"

"I don't know Chief but the illusion is perfect. The tunnel is cut sideways into the cliff face. Unless you touched the right spot you could be standing directly in front of the opening and not see a thing. In fact if it hadn't been for the light I would have never noticed it."

"Light? What light?"

Pulling a flashlight from his pocket Ellison shone it onto the tunnel wall. Immediately a soft white light filled the area. Blair stared at the wall in amazement. The light was coming from a crystal symbol embedded into the stone just above their heads. "I was watching the tide come in. The timing was just right. The water hadn't reached here yet and the light from the setting sun hit the wall. I saw the glow from the crystal and had just enough time for a quick look before the chamber flooded. Is that what I think it is?"

Sandburg nodded then finally managed to find his voice. "It's Harvester. My god Jim do you know what this means? The Oceanians have long believed that the Harvesters had something to do with the change but no one has been able to find any proof to support the theory, at least not until now. You may have just found the answer to one of the planet's biggest unsolved mysteries."

"So what does it mean?"

Reaching up Blair lightly traced his fingers across the crystal. Jim stiffened, noticing the familiar unfocussed look in his guide's eyes. A few moments later he relaxed as the young man blinked and turned to him with a smile. "It's a marker. Basically it says that this place was made by the Harvesters and that if we follow the tunnel we will find a cavern that contains the Harvesters' gift to the Oceanians." Sandburg gazed into the darkened tunnel behind them. "If I'm right down there is the missing planetary monolith everyone has been searching for all these years."

"Well the tides out and we have a few hours before we have to pick up Simon. Let's have a look."

Pulling out his own flashlight Blair followed the sentinel down the winding tunnel. A few feet later the tunnel made a sharp turn heading straight back into the mountain. Rounding the sharp curve Jim clicked off his flashlight as the darkness of the previous corridor gave way to a softly lighted path. The path led them deep under the mountain until ending in a large cavern. Like the tunnel a high-powered energy beam of some sort had cut out the cavern. Nestled in the center of the cave was a monolith of smooth black stone. Embedded in the stone were three crystal symbols.

Stopping at the base of the monolith Sandburg gazed at the softly glowing symbols. "This is it Jim. After all this time they will finally know."

Ellison pointed to the crystal symbols. "Can you read those?"

"I can but I won't." Seeing the sentinel's confusion he continued. "Encoded in those three symbols is all the information that the Harvesters gathered about this world and its people as well as everything they did here. The message was meant for the inhabitants of this world. They should be the first to hear it. If the Harvester project is successful then they and all the others touched by the Harvesters will be able to hear the messages left for them."

"Then let's hope you succeed Chief." Sentinel and guide stood side by side in reverent silence contemplating the ancient race that had impacted so many lives and cultures. Finally the sentinel stirred and began ushering his guide out of the cavern. "So what do you want to do about this place?"

"We'll send the coordinates and particulars to Kiki. The Oceanians can decide to leave it here or move it. Either way they'll be able to prove that the Harvesters visited here."

"Is that such a good thing? I mean what about the religion of the Sea God? How will they take finding out their miracle is actually intervention from an alien race?"

Blair chuckled. "Why Jim what better sign could they have that they are the chosen people and beloved of the sea god then that he called down his heavenly messengers to change them into a form more fitting to the great sea? Trust me man after the shock wears off the Harvesters will suddenly become the right hand of the sea god changing his chosen ones into his image. They'll be fine."

"Good, the last thing I want to do is start a religious war."

"Won’t happen man. The Oceanians are adaptable and so is their religion. If handled right facts don't negate faith they add to it. Give them a few months and this place will be a shrine as well as an archeological find." Exiting the tunnel Blair turned to look back at the opaque seeming wall then turned to face the sentinel.

"Thanks Jim. Without you I don't know if they would have ever found this."

"It was dumb luck. I was just in the right place at the right time."

"Or you could say the Sea God led you to that place at just that time so that the secret could be revealed."

"Saint Ellison finder of lost monoliths…it has a nice ring to it." Turning to his now snickering guide the sentinel laughed. "Come on Chief let's go before they try to canonize me, we have a shuttle to catch."

Struggling to suppress his laughter Blair followed the ranger up the steep path. It was time to go home.

Simon Banks stood on the dock as Blair and Darryl said their final farewells to Kiki. Watching as Darryl waved his hands to illustrate some point Banks had to chuckle. It seemed that Sandburg was rubbing off on his son in more ways than one. Thinking back on the last three days and the surprisingly mature young man he had discovered inside his teenage son Simon concluded that maybe this wasn't such a bad thing. The last three days had been good for the Banks men. Isolated alone with only each other for company the two had finally had time to really talk to each other. Much to his surprise the Captain had found that he rather liked his son and the younger Banks had discovered that his policeman father was not so out of touch as he had suspected. In spite of all the problems this trip would be one of his most cherished memories. A chuckle to his right reminded him he wasn't alone on the dock. Glancing at the relaxed sentinel, the captain concluded that he hadn't been the only one who had benefited from this trip.

"Do I want to know what those three are discussing with such enthusiasm?"

"I believe it's Darryl's version of the one that got away." Jim grinned and shook his head. "The fish keeps growing with every retelling."

"Ah, the mark of a true fisherman," Simon glanced out over the dancing waves then turned back to his companion. "As much as I hate to admit it I'm going to miss this place."

"I know what you mean even with all that happened this has been good for all of us but I admit I'm ready to go home. There's only so much peace and quiet a guy can take."

"I'm surprised you'd even recognize peace and quiet with Sandburg around."

"Hey, I heard that." The two turned to see Blair standing at the end of the dock hands on hips giving them his best teacher to naughty student glare. "And I thought Darryl was supposed to be the teenager. If you two are done maligning my character the shuttle is landing."

Falling into step with the anthropologist the three men headed toward the landing field. Reaching into a pocket Sandburg retrieved two slips of paper and handed them to his companions. "While we were waiting Kiki and I made our flight arrangements. Darryl said that he wouldn't be returning with us."

Taking his slip Simon nodded. "Joan contacted me last night. Turned out her trip to Hedon was more informative then she had anticipated. It seems that mister wonderful has some unusual habits, which make him not so wonderful in her book. She decided to continue her vacation without his company. She's meeting us as the station then she and Darryl are going to hit some of the resort spots, do some duty free shopping then head back to Cascade."

"Well at least she learned now instead of later." Blair pointed to the flight itinerary. "Since we are no longer entertaining young Banks I skipped the scenic route and booked us space on a patrol vessel heading for Cascade, no stops and with unrestricted jump clearance. We'll need to stay at the station overnight the ship leaves at 0800 and should have us back to Cascade by dinnertime."

The three men reached the landing field just as the shuttle touched down. Joining Kiki and Darryl they watched with curiosity as the passengers began to disembark. Kiki had told them she was to meet a UET official but not who the official was. Blair started then began to grin as the first passenger exited. Sunlight gleamed off of the man's silver hair and the silver handled walking stick he carried in his left hand. Bright blue eyes surveyed his surroundings missing nothing. Tall with the ramrod carriage of a military man still marking him, the newcomer had the air of one use to commanding respect. With a nod to the flight crew he descended the steps followed closely be a younger man with wavy brown hair and soft brown eyes carrying a briefcase in his hand. Watching as the two approached Ellison felt he should know this man. Coming to a stop in front of them the older gentleman placed both hands on the top of his cane his blue eyes roamed over them then settled on Blair. "You, I should have known this was your doing."

Blair stepped forward and shook his head. "Now Eugene is that anyway to greet an old friend?"

Throwing back his head the older man laughed then stepped forward and embraced the grinning anthropologist. "Ah, Blair my boy it's good to see you."

Stepping back from his old friend Blair turned back to his companions. "Guys I'd like you to meet Ambassador Eugene Monroe. We go way back. Ambassador I'd like you to meet Princess Kikira, Ranger Captain Simon Banks, Ranger Lieutenant James Ellison and Darryl Banks."

"Your highness, gentlemen it's a pleasure. This is my aide Aaron Summers." Turning back to Blair he smiled. "Well now I know why the Admiral was laughing when he handed me this assignment. I believe his exact words were that I needed a good challenge. How is it that whenever anything monumental and interesting is happening, I find you in the middle of it?"

"Bad Karma?"

"Well whatever the reason once again the UET owes you a debt of thanks as do I." Turning to Kiki he smiled. "I understand your people are shrewd negotiators I look forward to many lively discussions."

The excitement in the blue eyes was infectious and Kiki found herself liking her friend's friend. "I'm sure you and my father will have much to discuss. Speaking of which I'm afraid we must be going if we are to be in time for tonight's reception and you gentlemen have a shuttle to catch."

"Of course my dear wouldn't do to be late on my first day. Blair, a pleasure as always, I expect I'll be seeing you at the summit?"

"Yes, thankfully it's been postponed a couple of months. One of the emperor's daughters is getting married and all must attend so we have plenty of time to work out the treaty details and of course time to work on this development."

"Something, for which we are all thankful; until we meet again, be well my friend. Gentlemen it was nice meeting you." With a nod the ambassador and his aide followed Kiki to the waiting bathysphere while the Cascadians made their way to the shuttle.

Once they were all seated and the shuttle was in flight Simon glanced over at Blair. "You have the most unusual friends Sandburg."

"I've heard that before." Turning in his seat he gave his companions a grin. "Present company included."

"I have you know we were perfectly normal chief." The sentinel reached out and swatted the back of his guide's head. "That is until we met you. So how do you know the ambassador?"

"Well he was Admiral Monroe when I first met him."

"Admiral Monroe, as in foremost strategist for the UET fleet?" Ellison looked stunned. "Well that explains why he looked so familiar. I saw him at a briefing once."

"The one and only." Blair's eyes grew distant as he thought back on a time long ago. "It was near the end of the Katsura war. I was sixteen and trying to explain to a bunch of by the book soldier types why doing things the same old way was only going to get us all killed. Admiral Monroe was sent to oversee my debriefing and unlike the others he didn't blow me off or try to turn me into the UET's most wanted. I explained and he listened. There's a sharp mind underneath that silver hair. Thanks to him we made peace with the Katsura and I'm a free man. I owe him a lot."

"So now the UET has sent him to hash things out with the Oceanians." Banks respect for the retired admiral grew. "I had heard that he joined the diplomatic corp. when he retired from active duty. The brass is sure moving fast on this one to send out their chief negotiator only days after hearing of a possible venture."

"Actually it's pretty good thinking on someone's part." Blair interjected a thoughtful look on his face as he processed the ramifications of the UET's actions. "News of the space station not to mention a possible resurgence of space exploration will leak sooner or later. When that happens there's going to be a feeding frenzy with everyone wanting to get a piece of the action. Having a firm agreement with the Oceanians spelling out who is responsible for what and exactly what the ground rules for operations will be saves a lot of headaches when the requests start pouring in. It's hard for petitioners to find fault or accuse you of misconduct when the rules are spelled out in black and white."

"And anyone caught breaking those rules will be unable to plead ignorance." Jim nodded his approval. He could well imagine the chaos news of such a lucrative venture would cause.

"Exactly, by the time the Ambassador Monroe and King Nerum are done there will be no loopholes for anyone to exploit and everyone will know exactly what their responsibilities are." Sandburg chuckled as he imagined the meeting of the two men. "Those two are going to have a blast." Chuckles of agreement met this statement as all envisioned the two meticulous strategists locked away happily planning out every microscopic detail. The future for both the UET and Oceanus looked bright.

Granger station was a beehive of activity. It was Carnival time in the Taureen system and the station was packed with tourists coming and going to the pleasure worlds and the non-stop parties this season boasted. As Simon left to escort Darryl to rendezvous with his mother Jim and Blair made their way through the crowded station toward the hotel where they would be staying until catching the patrol ship in the morning.

"Couldn't you have found a quieter section of the station Sandburg?" Ellison dialed down his senses as they passed a group of particularly rowdy partiers. "Somewhere off the beaten track?"

"Hey, it's Carnival man; nowhere is off the beaten track." Sandburg grinned at his companion's put upon expression. "Don't worry the hotel isn't far and it has sentinel friendly rooms. Just a few more blocks and you'll have your peace and quiet."

"Good." Ellison tensed as a group of merrymakers pushed their way between them separating sentinel and guide. Ever since setting foot on the station his instincts had been on alert. He couldn't shake the feeling of danger tingling along his nerves. It was a feeling he had learned during his commando days to recognize and never ignore. Pausing he scanned his surroundings letting his gaze linger on the ornate clock tower that dominated this section of the mall but could detect no sign of a threat. Instead of reassuring him, the lack of obvious peril only heightened his sense of dread. There was danger here though at the moment it was hidden from him. Spotting the curly head of his guide Jim moved forward then froze as a burning pain spiked through his neck. Through blurring vision he saw Blair stagger and fall. As darkness took him the sentinel cursed. The danger had struck and they had been powerless against it.

In the clock tower high above the milling crowd a black clad figure watched impassively as sentinel and guide fell. The sniper was impressed, the sentinel was even more powerful then his Intel had indicated. He had sensed the danger in spite of the advance stealth technology shielding this location. The dark haired attacker smiled. Wessington may have finally made a fatal error. This sentinel would not meekly submit to the loss of his guide. On the promenade below confusion gripped those surrounding the downed men as everyone tried to determine what had happened. The sniper watched as two men wearing coveralls marking them as station personnel lifted the unconscious guide and spirited him away into a nearby service corridor. By the time station security and the medical team arrived to render aide they found only one patient requiring help and a number of jumbled confused accounts describing what had taken place. Picking up the white noise generator beside him the sniper pulled back into the shadows of the clock tower. Stripping off the stealth suit that had hidden his presence from the seeking sentinel he stuffed it into a carry bag followed by the high-powered dart rifle he had used to take down his prey. Grabbing the bag he descended the service stairs to the lower level. Dropping the bag on the floor the dark haired attacker affixed a small device to the bag before slipping through the access door and mingling with the crowd beyond. In the empty stair well there was a bright flash, as bag and weapon disintegrated leaving no trace they had ever been.

Customs Agent Fred Owens glanced at the permit then up at the two well dressed gentlemen standing before his desk. "Everything seems to be in order. If you'll have your men place the coffin on the scanning platform please. This will just take a second and then you can be on your way."

"Thank you," the sandy haired young man gave Fred a friendly smile as his dark haired companion moved to direct the workers toward the scanner.

Powering up the scanner the customs agent watched the screen as the expensive mahogany casket moved through the beams. It was a sad fact of life that smugglers or terrorists could use even the deceased for illegal purposes. The image on the screen showed a young man in his twenties. The flat life sign readings confirmed that the body in the casket was just that the earthly remains of a rich man's son who partied a little too wildly. The casket was of high-grade wood, no foreign materials or hidden compartments to be found. With a nod Owen stamped the clearance documents and handed them to the sandy haired young executive. "Here you go. My condolences to your boss. Have a safe flight."

"Thank you, have a good day." Taking the documents from the agent he joined his partner. In respectful silence they watched as the dockworkers ferried the coffin onto the flight deck and to a waiting freighter. Boarding the freighter they waited until the ship's crew had carefully stored the casket in the freighter's hold before making their way to the bridge.

Captain Dent was a third generation trader and was use to the idiosyncrasies of wealthy clients. The fact that someone of obvious wealth would hire a sentinel/guide team to guard a corpse was just the latest oddity. He glanced at the silent shadow that had spent the last two hours standing in a far corner of his bridge watching everything with coal dark eyes. In spite of the lucrative payday this was one job he would be glad to see the end of. Sentinels were unnerving at the best of times but there was something about this one that screamed danger. The sooner he was off his ship the better.

"Captain I have two ships on sensors, approaching fast." Dent glanced at the readings and swore. There was no legitimate reason for a ship to be approaching in that manner. That could mean only one thing…pirates. "Damn, can we outrun them?"

"That won't be necessary." Dent turned as his dark haired passenger stepped forward. "Drop your speed and prepare to dock with the lead ship."

"The hell I will. Just what is going on here Mr. Black or whatever your name is? There's no way I'm surrendering my ship to pirates."

"No one is asking you to." Reaching into a pocket the dark haired sentinel removed a credit chip and handed it to the captain. "You have been hired to deliver passengers and cargo to a specific destination. That destination has changed. Dock with the approaching ship, we will leave and you will be free to go on your way, unharmed and paid in full."

"And if I refuse?"

"That would be foolish and …unpleasant for you and your crew."

One look into the cool black eyes and Dent made his decision. "Contact the lead ship; tell them we're prepared to dock."

"A wise decision," Turning the sentinel left the bridge.

Fifteen minutes later the two assault ships sped away into the void as the lone freighter resumed its previous course. On the bridge of the freighter Captain Dent fingered the credit chip and said a prayer of thanks to the gods that watched over spacers that sentinels keep their word.

Raven, sentinel chief of the Falcon clan made his way down the smooth metal corridor of the assault ship to the VIP suite reserved for his use. After leaving the freighter the pirate vessel had started on a convoluted flight path back toward Wessington's secret base. The responsibility for their safe delivery was now in the hands of the ship's captain. Raven's only remaining duty was to see to the safety of his charge. Entering the cabin he paused to lock the door before moving toward the sleeping area where Lance was running a medical scanner over the still form lying on the bed.

"How is he?"

Lance glanced up as his sentinel entered and smiled. "I've given him the counter agent and he's responding. His vital signs should return to normal within the next three hours although he'll probably not regain consciousness until late tomorrow. This drug has some nasty side effects. The restorative usually keeps the victim out of it until the side effects clear."

With a sigh the sentinel dropped into a nearby chair and ran his hands wearily over his face. "Thank the gods for small favors. If he had reacted badly…"

Moving to his sentinel's side Lance placed a hand on the tense shoulders. "He's going to be fine. We gave him the counter agent in time and after a nice long sleep he'll awaken no worse for wear."

"God, Lance what have I done?" Glancing over at the still figure the sentinel could just make out the slight rise and fall of his chest as lungs began to resume their function. "What have we done?"

Squatting in front of his distressed sentinel the guide laid his palms against tense thigh muscles sending calm and reassurance through their bond. Calm hazel eyes locked with anguished black ones. "What we had to do. Raven you had no choice. There are too many lives at stake. There was nothing else you could have done. Wessington is determined to have Sandburg. It is better that we bring him in then some of Wessington's less savory employees. Because of you Ellison is alive. We didn't choose this path but it's the one we have to walk. Ellison's alive. Sandburg's alive and unharmed and we'll do our best to keep him that way."

The dark eyes hardened with determination. "I won't let Wessington harm him. If it comes down to a choice between Sandburg and us..."

"No matter what Wessington has forced us to become we are still Senatobian. No harm will come to the shaman. No matter the cost we will insure that Sandburg lives to rejoin his sentinel."

Raven gazed at his guide and nodded. He could feel his guide's resolve through their bond. Lance would stand by him through the coming trial. "It was a lucky day when I picked you as my guide?"

Lance chuckled and swatted one dark clad arm. "If I remember correctly it was I who picked you. We'll get through this Raven. Have faith my brother. You are the sentinel chief of our clan; no matter what Wessington does he cannot change that. When the time comes you will know what to do."

Rising smoothly to his feet the guide gave the sentinel one last comforting pat on the shoulder then returned to his patient leaving the exhausted sentinel to try and relax the muscles that had hardened into knots over the past trying days. Lance was right Wessington had stolen so much from them but the one thing he could not take from them was their honor. He had been forced to do many unsavory things in Wessington's service but he would never allow Sandburg to be harmed. In spite of everything he was a sentinel and he would protect the shaman or die trying.

Blair Sandburg blinked opened heavy eyelids then slammed them closed as bright light stabbed into his aching head. God he hadn't felt this awful since the time he had accidentally imbibed the local drink of Altair 5 and spent four day in a drunken stupor. The morning after felt a lot like his present condition. Racking his brain he tried to remember how he had come to be wherever he was at the moment. As the pain slowly faded from his head memory returned. They'd been on Granger station heading for the hotel then… "Jim." Jerking upright he immediately regretted it as the room tilted dizzily. Ignoring his discomfort he glanced frantically around the room, he needed to find his sentinel.

"Easy you're body isn't quite ready for sudden movements just yet." Blair glanced toward the doorway as a sandy haired young man entered a glass of juice in his hand.

"Who are you and where am I? Where's Jim?"

Settling into the chair beside the bunk the young man handed Blair the chilled glass. "My name is Lance and I will answer any questions you may have but first you need to drink this. It'll help with the headache." Sandburg eyed the glass warily and Lance smiled. "It is not my intention to harm you Dr. Sandburg but as you may have guessed; you are no longer on Granger station. Explanations will be easier if you are aware enough to hear them."

Staring at the young man Blair could detect no deceit or animosity in the other guide. It was obvious to Sandburg's empathic senses that the other man was also a guide and a strong one at that. It made sense; only another sentinel would have been able to take him away from Jim. Ellison had been edgy ever since they had set foot on the station. Being hunted by another sentinel would have set off all of his instincts. Whoever his captors were they were highly skilled to be able to hide their presence from a sentinel of Ellison's power. The question was what would make a sentinel turn on his own kind? Taking the glass he drank the liquid without protest, he wanted answers. A few moments later he sighed as the pain faded and his mind cleared. Handing the glass back to Lance he settled back against the side of the bunk and gazed intently at his captor. "Okay Lance you promised explanations. I'm listening."

Running a hand through his sandy hair Lance sighed. "The only way I know to tell this is to start at the beginning. So if you will bear with me I believe all your questions will be answered when I finish my sordid tale. To ease your mind I will tell you we left your sentinel alive and well on Granger station." At Blair's nod he took a deep breath and began his story. "Raven, my sentinel was nineteen and found himself sentinel chief of the Falcon clan when the Katsura war ended. Like many other clan chieftains he was faced with the problem of finding work for our sentinel/guide teams while protecting the children and non-gifted of the clan. Unlike other clans who had strong ties with the military or traders, Falcon clan specialized in security. Before the war we provided security for some of the UET's most powerful people. One of those was Arthur Wessington."

"Arthur Wessington? As in the CEO of Wessington Industries?"

"Yes, Wessington approached Raven and offered him a deal. In return for the exclusive service of Falcon clan’s sentinel/guide teams Wessington would provide secure housing on one of their research worlds for the clan as well as lucrative salaries for the teams. It was like a gift from heaven. Security surrounding Wessington Industries research facilities is state of the art and access is limited to only select individuals."

"It sounds like the perfect arrangement." Blair found himself being drawn into the others story in spite of the circumstances.

"In the beginning it was. Then about five years ago things changed. Wessington held a technology conference. It was a profitable week for Wessington and a busy one for Falcon clan. All of our resources were engaged in ensuring the safety and security of the attendees. After the conference we headed home to visit our families only when we reached our encampment we found it empty. That was when Wessington showed his true colors. Falcon clan would serve Wessington without question or our people would pay the price. Once we were security for a tough but honorable businessman, now we are something very different. Spies, enforcers…assassins; we obey or our clan dies, every last man, woman and child."

"Oh my god," Sandburg could only stare in stunned horror. "So I'm here because Wessington ordered my kidnapping?"

Lance nodded. "Wessington has had an interest in you for some time though I don't know why. Recently, the UET intelligence division uncovered his crimes and began to close in. That is when he dropped any pretense of respectability. Wessington is the mastermind behind the pirate fleet that has been terrorizing the space ways. He has abandoned the life of a corporate executive and joined his pirate legion. That is where we are headed now." Troubled hazel eyes locked with the shaman's. "Once inside Wessington's base we will no longer be able to speak freely. He monitors everything, Raven and I most of all. We had no choice but to kidnap you. Wessington wanted to kill your sentinel but Raven convinced him that severing the sentinel guide bond could result in your death as well as Ellison's so he agreed to leave your sentinel unharmed. Be very careful in your dealings with him. He's smart but I believe he is no longer completely sane. You are valuable to him and as long as you are useful no harm will come to you. Now if you have no further questions you should try to get some sleep. Your body is still shaking off the effects of the drugs you were given. We will reach the base sometime tomorrow morning. I suggest you get all the rest you can."

"I have just one question. Where exactly is this secret base?"

"The Draco asteroid fields," Both young men turned to face the door as the dark haired sentinel entered the room carrying a covered tray. Setting the tray on the bedside table he nodded to Sandburg. "I thought you might be hungry. It has been some time since your last meal."

The smell of food caused Blair's stomach to rumble and he gave the sentinel a wry smile. "Thank you, it seems my stomach agrees with you."

As Sandburg tucked into his food Raven updated them. "Tomorrow morning we will be at the base. Lance has explained our circumstances?" At Blair's nod he continued. "Dr. Sandburg…"

"Please call me Blair. You've killed and resurrected me I think you can call me by my first name."

A smile tugged at the edge of the sentinel's lips and the dark eyes shone with appreciation for the shaman's spunk. "Blair, I will do all I can to mitigate Wessington's madness but there is a limit to what I can do. I managed to leave a clue for your friends. It was not much, Wessington has me monitored too closely but if Ellison is half as good as I have heard it will be enough. You must not anger Wessington. Stall for time and let him think he has won." The black eyes grew serious. "No matter what, I will not let you come to harm."

"Raven, no, you can not risk the life of your clan for one man."

A warm smile broke the cool facade the sentinel usually wore revealing the man beneath. "You are a Senatobian Shaman and guide partner of our Warlord, you must return whole to Ellison's side no matter the cost. Have faith Blair the spirits move us as they will and this too has a purpose. Wessington has finally made a fatal mistake. Be patient, stay alive and we both may get the freedom we seek. Now we will leave you to rest. This suite is secure, you may move about as you will but do not leave it. Lance and I will be in the adjoining sleeping area if you need anything."

Settling back on the bed Blair watched as sentinel and guide left then stared at the ceiling above his bunk. He had a lot to think about and a few plans of his own to make before tomorrow. Taking an internal inventory he was pleased to find that his healing talent had rid his system of the drugs he had been fed and everything was in working order. Closing his eyes he relaxed his body and turned his mind inward. In moments his breathing slowed as he sank deeply into trance.

The jungle was quiet as he moved through the dense foliage. An unnatural stillness hung in the air as if nature itself held silent vigil. With a sense of urgency Blair increased his pace something was very wrong here. Breaking from the vegetation he entered the clearing and sighted the familiar temple. Sprawled on the stone steps was the crumpled form of Jim Ellison.

"Jim," Rushing forward Sandburg dropped to the side of his sentinel. Frantic hands checked his partner for injuries as he reached out with his mind seeking the familiar presence. The bond was there but withered. Carefully he fed energy through the link opening and clearing the blocked channel. "Come on man I know you're in there."

Finally the still figure stirred and anguished blue eyes looked up. "Not real…you're dead. I felt it. You were gone."

Lifting his partner up into a sitting position Blair placed both hands against the beloved face. "You're not dreaming Jim. It's really me; I'm alive partner. I need you to come back now, I need you here man." Grasping one of the sentinel's hands he pressed the palm against his chest. "Feel Jim; I'm real and I'm here."

For long minutes nothing happened then the body straightened and the blue eyes cleared. Reaching out to brush sensitive fingers along the face of the one he thought lost the sentinel smiled. "It's really you."

"Yeah man, in the flesh well sort of."

Ellison laughed and pulled the younger man into a hug. "God Blair, I saw you fall and then the bond went silent I thought you were dead."

"Only for a little while," Seeing the sentinel's baffled look the guide quickly explained what had happened. "I'm sorry Jim no one considered what my supposed death would do to you. You were not supposed to be harmed."

"Let me get this straight. A sentinel/guide pair whose clan is being held hostage kidnapped you and faked your death to smuggle you off the station and you are now on a pirate ship headed for the pirate stronghold that nobody can find to be turned over to a madman?"

"Well when you put it that way…"

Ellison laughed. "Only you Chief. So any idea why Wessington wants you so badly?"

"Not a one. Though Lance did say he's been after me for some time."

"Well I guess you'll find out soon enough. Chief I need you to be careful with this guy. This pirate fleet is ruthless; don't take any chances with Wessington."

"Yeah, yeah Raven already gave me the speech."

"I'm serious Blair. I can't lose you and you can't put Raven in that position. I may not be too happy with the guy just now but…well I can't say I'd do any different if I were in his place. Now any clue where this secret base is?"

"The Draco asteroid field. Raven said he tried to leave you a clue but he didn't tell me what. Wessington keeps them on a pretty tight leash."

"Good enough. Okay Chief." The sentinel stood and pulled his guide to his feet. "You keep your head down and stay out of trouble and I'll bring the Calvary." He glanced around the jungle. "Uh, any clue how I got here and how I get back to the real world. Simon must be going nuts."

The guide laughed then placed his hand against the sentinel's cheek. As the jungle began to blur Ellison whispered. "Stay safe Chief, I'll come for you."

On the pirate ship the shaman smiled and whispered into the night. "I know; I'll be waiting." Turning over in his bunk the exhausted guide drifted to sleep.

Jim Ellison floated slowly toward consciousness. The muddled feelings of a deep zone out were all too familiar to the dazed sentinel. As usual hearing was the first sense to come online.

"...No change...zone out coma.... drastic measures...may be only hope..."

The voice was unknown but the clipped professional tone was the one he had learned to associate with medical professionals of all kinds. So he must be in a medical center. Scent was next and the odor of expensive cigars told him that Simon was nearby.

"Do what you have to doctor. We can't lose him."

The worried tones of his boss galvanized the sentinel to action and pulled the rest of his senses into line. There was the sound of movement and the smell of chemicals nearby. Acting on instinct he reached out and wrapped a hand around a cloth-covered wrist. Opening blue eyes he stared up into the startled face of Granger station's chief medic. Glancing from the syringe clutched in the medic's hand to frightened eyes Ellison pushed the doctor back as he slowly sat up in the exam bed. "Thank you but that won't be necessary doctor."

"Jim...what the hell."

Releasing the doctor he turned and gave his boss a reassuring smile. "Sorry to worry you Simon but I'm fine now."

"Fine...Fine!" You've been in a zone out coma for two days and you just decide to wake up and everything is fine?"

"It wasn't a zone out it was...Simon I felt Blair die...when the bond went quiet I just...well there just didn't seem to be any reason to come back. I'm sorry I worried you it's just..."

"Wait...Sandburg's dead?"

"He was but only for a little while. He's fine now... Well as fine as someone kidnapped by a pirate lord can be."

"Okay hold it right there. First you're going to let the doc here give you a once over. If he says everything is in working order then we're going to sit down and you're going to tell me everything slowly and distinctly, got it?"

With a resigned sigh Ellison nodded. "Got it, sir."

"Good, then we'll see what we can do about that trouble magnet you call a guide. You're sure he's all right?"

"For now, Wessington wants Blair alive and well. As long as he needs him he'll be safe."

"Wessington? Arthur Wessington? What does he...no don't tell me. First we get you cleared by the doc then you and I are going to have a very long talk." Turning to the now recovered doctor he waved a hand toward Ellison. "He's all yours doctor." With one more glare at the now apparently healthy sentinel he headed for the door. "I'll see you back at the hotel. Try to make it there in one piece this time."

As the door closed behind his departed boss Jim turned to the medic. "I assure you I'm fine now."

Once more in control the doctor gave his patient a knowing smile. Motioning for him to lay back he began to run a hand scanner over his now prone patient. "Let's just make sure of that. Relax ranger this will only take a moment then you'll be free to go."

While the doctor busied himself with verifying his state of health Ellison turned his mind to the problem of his missing guide. There was only one way to bring Blair safely home and that was to take down Wessington and his pirate armada. First he needed to talk to Simon then he had a few calls to make. Decision made he sat on the edge of the bed and calmly waited for his discharge papers. Blair was safe for now and when he was through with him Wessington would never threaten anyone ever again.

Simon Banks let himself into the hotel suite with a sense of weary relief. Ellison was awake and lucid. Seeing the strong sentinel lying lifelessly among the sterile sheets of the hospital bed had affected him deeply. Jim was a friend as well as an employee and the thought of loosing his friend to the depths of his own mind had shaken the captain more than he was willing to admit. But somehow Sandburg had managed to reach across the deep and pull his sentinel back. Oh, he had no doubt that the guide was responsible for the sentinel's remarkable recovery. Whatever mumbo-jumbo the guide/shaman had managed to pull out of his hat he was better off not knowing, he was just thankful for the results. Pouring himself a stiff drink the ranger captain sank into one of the comfortable chairs in the suites common area and laid his head back against the soft cushions. The rest of his unit would be on station by tonight. He recognized that look in Ellison's eyes. Things were going to start happening and happening fast. If they were going to journey into the heart of pirate country he wanted his own people at their back. The captain's musings were broken by the sound of a knock at the hotel room door. Shaking his head Simon placed his drink on a side table then rose to answer the door. Ellison must have outdone himself if the medics had finished with him this early. Opening the door he stared in surprise to find a UET officer instead of the expected sentinel.

"Captain Banks, I'm Captain Eric Stone, UET Intelligence I believe we need to talk."

Simon nodded and stepped back to allow the agent to enter. Banks had heard of Stone if the UET's top intelligence agent was here things were even worse than he had believed. Ushering his guest to a seat Simon reclaimed his chair then met the cool gray eyes of his visitor. "So Captain what can I do for you?"

"You are traveling with a Dr. Blair Sandburg are you not?"

"Yes."

"I have recently uncovered information that leads me to believe that Dr. Sandburg's life may be in danger."

"I'm afraid you're too late Dr. Sandburg was kidnapped two days ago."

"Damn, any idea who?"

"Arthur Wessington."

Simon and Stone tensed at the unexpected voice. Glancing toward the door Banks sighed as Jim Ellison closed the hotel room door and crossed the room to join them. "I wish you'd stop doing that; can't you make some noise?"

"Sorry Simon." Ellison gave his boss a wry smile then turned his gaze on the unexpected visitor. "Jim Ellison."

"Eric Stone."

"Captain Stone came to warn us that Sandburg might be in danger I was just telling him that the news came a little too late."

"You said that Arthur Wessington was behind the kidnapping."

Dropping into a chair Ellison nodded. "According to Blair, Wessington has been after him for sometime but he doesn't know why. He's being taken to the pirate base in the Draco asteroid field."

"You know where Wessington's base is?" Stone stared at the sentinel in shock. "Every agent in the patrol and the UET intelligence service has been searching for the pirate stronghold and you tell me you know where it is? How…"

"How I know doesn't matter. Wessington has my guide plus he's holding an entire sentinel clan in bondage. I'm taking him down. The UET is welcome to come along for the ride but don't get in my way."

Staring into the cold blue eyes of the sentinel Stone couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at one corner of his lips. Wessington's demise was written in the sentinel's cool gaze. He didn't care how this miracle had happened he was only sure of one thing. "I want in."

"Done."

"Good, now that that's settled, just how do you propose to accomplish this impossible feat?" Banks leaned back in his chair and put on his best boss persona. "And while you're at it you can tell us all about your remarkable recovery and what that trouble magnet guide of yours had to say."

With a smile the sentinel settled deeper into his chair and told his boss and their new ally all that had happened since being struck down two days earlier. "So we have some time." He concluded his tale. "Wessington has gone to a great deal of trouble to have Sandburg brought to him unharmed. Blair has promised to keep his head down and not do anything that might tick off his host."

"Yeah right this is Sandburg we're talking about. The kid has ticking off his elders down to an art form."

"Not this time Simon. Blair won't endanger me by getting himself killed nor will he do anything that would force Raven to come to his defense."

"And you trust this renegade sentinel? After all he kidnapped your guide?"

Ellison gave the UET agent a cold stare. "Whatever his crimes, Raven is a sentinel, he will not allow a shaman to come to harm."

Remembering the body of a certain sniper Banks nodded. "Don't try to sort it out Captain; it will only give you a headache. Blair is the last Senatobian shaman. There is no way a sentinel could stand by and watch him be hurt. It's in their genetics. If Wessington tries to harm Sandburg, Raven will act even if it means the death of his clan."

"All right I'll take your word for it but the Draco asteroid field is huge. Finding a pirate base inside the field is still looking for a needle in a haystack not