The Price of Peace von chelle76 ================================================================================ Kapitel 27: Betrayal -------------------- I DO NOT own Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs or Sei Jushi Bismarck, they are owned by their respective animation companies. The Price of Peace Chapter 26: Betrayal "The cargo ship just...they destroyed it." Alex states obviously in shock. "The entire Bismarck crew is...dead," he says quietly. "The other ships have stopped their attack," Yuri says scanning the screens. "How strange." "Ma'am, it appears that the enemy is attempting to board our ship!" Gabby says urgently as she turns to Erika. "So it seems," she replies calmly. "Yuri, Gabby, try and head them off. Secure the ramp any way you can." "Yes ma'am." Yuri and Gabby reply and they rush off towards the ramp, their blasters ready. Alex grabs the remote security flash drive from his terminal and rushes towards the rear entry. He comes up on an Outrider, he knocks him out and drags him into the sleeping area. Removing the Outriders outer garb, he disguises himself as an Outrider and heads back towards the control room. He is just about to enter when he hears Yuri's voice. "You can't do this!" "I can. Now be quiet," Erika's voice replies. Yuri goes to protest and Alex hears a shot, then a thud. "Yuri!" Gabby yells. A struggle ensues and he ventures towards the control room to see Yuri slumped on the floor dying or dead, and Gabby break loose and head for the ramp. "After her! If she gets away it's over before we can do this!" Erika yells as several Outriders rush after her in pursuit. Alex rushes after the other Outrider soldiers and hops into a fighter. He takes off and quickly breaks from the chase, casting a glance towards Gabby, "I'm sorry, Gabby. I'll do what I can to stop her." he says to himself as he rushes towards the closest outpost. Some time passes and he can see no sign of pursuit, so he hits his com-link, "Mackenzie calling Commander Eagle, come in." A long silence is heard before the commander voice replies, "This is Eagle. Go ahead, Mackenzie." "Sir. I need to speak to you securely. Where can I meet you?" Alex asks. "Come to the Outpost where your sister's property once stood." "Yes sir," Alex relies. Then after a pause, "Sir, I am in an Outrider fighter. There should only be me. I see no sign of any others on my screens." Another silence, "I've got you on radar. Land to the back of the property and be prepared to exit the ship with your hands up and guns pointed at you. We cannot take chances," the commander finally says. "As you wish, sir. My ETA is approximately one minute." The connection terminates and Alex lands the fighter and comes out in a surrender stance. He is met by several soldiers, all with their weapons trained on him. Commander Eagle comes forward and disarms him, "You may lower your hands, Mr. Mackenzie." Alex does as told, but stands at attention. Slowly the soldiers lower their weapons. "Why were you in an Outrider ship?" "There is a traitor on the Tirpitz, sir. She and I are the only survivors, and she hopefully thinks I'm dead," Alex replies quietly, so that only the commander can hear. "I have the remote security drive," he adds holding up the flash drive. Commander Eagle nods, "Come with me. I need to see what is on this drive." They quickly go to his office and Alex places the drive into the computer. The commander watches for several minutes and then stops it and removes the drive. He hands it to Alex, "Come with me. There are some others that need to see this and we need to have someone pull up the current feed from the Tirpitz, so we know what is going on." They get in a car and head towards Saber's estate. "Where are we going, sir?" Alex ventures to ask. "To Saber's place. As I said there are some people there that need to see this," the commander replies, keeping his focus on the road. "But it's the middle of the night, sir. Shouldn't you call first?" "No. They will know it's important. I don't want anyone to know we left the outpost just yet. Not until I have more information." They pull up to the main entrance and the commander pulls up to the gate, met by an armed guard pointing a gun at him. He holds out his EBU and the guard nods and lowers the gun. The guard hits a button to open the gate and they drive on, parking the car and going up to back door and knocking loudly. A minute passes and Thomas answers, gun first. He quickly lowers it, "Commander?" he asks in surprise. "I need to see Amanda and the others, now," the commander says. "Come in. Elaine went to tell Lady Amanda that someone was here," Thomas replies and moves aside to let the two men in. "Let's head upstairs the back way," he says as he quietly leads them towards the stairs in the kitchen. "Amanda?" A familiar voice says with concern as she slowly starts to wake. She feels someone sit on the edge of the bed, then gently brush some hair from her face. She slowly opens her eyes, "Saber?" she asks confused, not sure if she's dreaming. "Hello, Love," he says quietly. "The commander said you were in no condition to come to see me, so I waited until everyone should be in bed and came up with Elaine. I can't stay long." Amanda goes to sit up and he helps her. Tears start falling and he wraps his arms around her. "I'm so glad you're safe," she says quietly against him. "I'm not sure I would have lived if you had actually died," she says barely audible. "Well, I didn't. From what I've heard, you've done well," he says watching her reaction closely. "You're referring to the visitors earlier?" she asks. He nods. "That was so hard. But I admit, it sort of made it feel more real. I thought I was going lose it. I am glad the commander stepped in and told me that I should come and rest when he did." "I must say that I was surprised to hear that she came. I would not have expected her to." Amanda smiles weakly, "She looked rather shocked to see me. Especially in such a state," she replies placing a hand to her belly. Saber chuckles, "I'm sure she was. I don't think she expected us to actually be together." "I bet it killed her when Thomas and Elaine called me 'Lady Amanda'," she says with a smile. "I got the impression from Elaine that it seemed to shock her when you came into the room very obviously pregnant. Perhaps she thought they were joking or something." A knock on the door startles both Amanda and Saber. Saber stands up and quietly heads for the dressing room. "Come in," Amanda says hesitantly. Elaine enters the room and closes the door behind her. "I apologize, Lady Amanda, but someone has just knocked on the door. I thought I should warn you," Elaine says. She looks around the room, "Has Saber left already?" she asks quietly. "I'm here, Elaine," he replies barely a whisper his hand on his sword. The sound of footsteps just outside the door causes him to shrink back into the dressing room just as another knock is heard and the door opens. Thomas enters followed by Commander Eagle and Alex. "Commander? Alex?" Amanda asks in surprise. "I apologize for the lateness of the visit, Amanda, but Mr. Mackenzie has some information that all of you must see. I believe we know who the traitor is. I need to go and get the others," the commander replies apologetically. At those words Saber steps out from the dressing room, causing Alex to gasp in shock. "Hello, Alex. I am relieved you don't seem to be the traitor. I'll go and get the others," Saber says and heads back into the dressing room and takes the passage to the basement. Alex looks between the commander and Amanda, the confusion apparent on his face. He drops to his knees in shock, "How?" he manages to say after a minute. "They were piloting the ship remotely, Mr. Mackenzie. They knew there was a traitor, they were hoping to have them try and take the ship, not destroy it," the commander replies. "The others will be joining us momentarily." "Well, I am relieved that they are alive. I just hope we can stop whatever it is the Outriders are planning," Alex says, managing to regain his composure just as the others come out from the dressing room wearing serious expressions. "All right, now that everyone is here, we need to upload the information that Mr. Mackenzie has, so you can see what has happened," the commander says. Saber pulls the desk over to the foot of the bed and activates a computer. "Now Alex, what information do you have for us?" he asks. "This for starters," Alex replies handing him a flash drive. Saber takes the drive and puts it into the computer and inputs his password, "So exactly what are we looking at here?" "After the freighter was destroyed we were boarded," Alex begins. "Erika told Yuri and Gabby to secure the ramp. I grabbed the DataDrive and went around the back way, as is protocol. On the way I encountered an Outrider, subdued him and stole his uniform in an effort to blend in, in the event the others were captured. As I continued along I heard Yuri say, 'You can't do this!' and then a shot. I looked into the control room and saw Erika holding the gun and Yuri in a heap on the floor." Saber presses some keys, "Here's the video, you can see Erika shooting Yuri," he says quietly. Alex nods. "Shortly afterwards Gabby managed to get free and steal a fighter. Disguised as I was as an Outrider, I was able to steal a fighter without them knowing any better. As all of the other fighters went after Gabby, I separated and came here to tell the commander what has happened." "So what's the plan?" Colt asks "We need to get the Bismarck ready for action," April says. "We have the technicians working on it now," Commander Eagle states. "April," Saber says, "Do you think you can find the Tirpitz?" April thinks for a minute, "I suppose with the right equipment I could probably find it. Why?" "We need to find it, and destroy it. We have to consider the fact that the enemy may try and use it against us." "Saber," Amanda starts to say quietly, he turns to face her and she continues, "I know this may sound kind of petty, especially with the fact that Colt's still going out; but right now I can't stand the thought of you going out. It was hard enough on me having to pretend that I lost you, I don't think I could deal with actually losing you right now." "That's fine Love, I understand." Saber replies. "My vision has been having good and bad days lately, so I would be risking every one's safety by going. Besides, I believe I've found someone who is capable of replacing me." "Who?" Fireball asks. "Alex," Saber says nodding towards Alex who is looking at him obviously shocked. "While you've had only a little experience in the Tirpitz, I believe that the only reason that there have been so many problems is that Erika was sabotaging you. Starting first thing in the morning, I will be teaching you how to use a sword. You'll most likely need the challenge phase 2 to take out the Tirpitz, and the sword is the primary weapon in that phase of the Bismarck." Alex goes to protest and Saber shakes his head, "This is not optional training, Alex. If I can teach Amanda to wield a sword, and she had no prior military experience, I can teach you. I would however like to get some rest, as should you. The others will rest and do what they need to do. We can put you in a room here for tonight." Alex nods in resignation, "Yes sir. I will do as you say, Captain. I would like to contact my wife, to let her know that I am safe." "I'm afraid that I cannot allow that, Mr. Mackenzie. It could lead to a security breach. If Ms. Kawamura realizes that you're alive, she may come after you. We cannot risk that. You will be allowed to speak with her as soon as this is over," Commander Eagle says. "I understand, sir," Alex replies quietly. Amanda gives him a sympathetic look, "Alex, it will be better that she not know anything right now. So far, no one knows that the Tirpitz has been compromised, so she will think things are normal. Other than the ship that Saber and the others were in being blown up. When you don't return right away, she may figure that you have gone after the Outriders in retaliation for blowing up the cargo ship. I think she will be okay for a little while longer." Alex nods, "You are right, Amanda. I know that you are speaking from experience. Thank you," he adds quietly. "I'm sure this has been hard for you, hasn't it?" he asks noting how tired she looks. Amanda nods, "Indeed it has. I pray that Sarah never has to endure what I have during the last couple of days. It helps that I had an idea of the plan, otherwise, I'd have been inconsolable." "I suppose I should let you get some rest. What time should I report to you, Captain Rider?" Alex asks. Saber thinks for a moment, "Well, it's almost one now, so about four thirty should be good. That gives us both some time to rest," he replies. "May I suggest that everyone take a couple of hours to rest, since we don't know what is going to happen. I will be available as a consultant, but I will not go back out to fight. All of you could go to your previously occupied rooms here. Alex, I can take you to a room that you may use for now." Commander Eagle nods, "Yes, let's work on resting for a time," he replies before looking to Colt, Fireball, and April, "You three also be ready to head to the outpost about four or so when I leave. You can work on training exercises while April tries to find the whereabouts of the Tirpitz." "Yes sir!" the others reply and they disperse. Saber takes Alex quietly down the hall to a vacant room and they enter. Alex looks around and nods, "Thank you, Captain," he says quietly. Saber comes over and places a hand on his shoulder, "I have put my faith in your abilities, Alex. I know you can become a good member of the team. Listen to them and keep an open mind. You can learn from each of them." Alex nods, "I will do my best to take your place, sir. I know you have been beneficial to the Bismarck crew. I am sorry that things have turned out the way that they have for you." "I'm not, Alex. I don't regret it." Alex looks up in confusion, "What don't you regret?" "Everything. I lost my vision for a reason. Perhaps I needed to learn that when things don't go as planned, you can adapt. If I hadn't lost my vision, I wouldn't be with Amanda, and I am glad that I am. Never did I imagine I would be with someone like her. She is strong and I admire that. She also isn't afraid to speak her mind," he adds with a smirk. Alex laughs, "Yeah, I noticed that. I could just see her trying to restrain you if you said that you were going back out to fight." Saber smiles, "She would do her best. I could see her pulling her sword on me to stop me, if she had to." "Seriously?" Alex asks amused. Saber nods and Alex shakes his head. "I'd heard she was brave, but from what I've heard of your skills, that's practically insane." Saber chuckles, "She knows I would not harm her. But as I said, with my intermittent vision problems, I'm too much of a liability anyways without her being with me. I feel that you are a good match for the team. I would not have suggested that you take my place. It will be an adjustment for all of you, as you learn each other's strengths and weaknesses and how to fill those gaps, but I believe that you will learn." He sighs and shakes his head trying to clear it, "It has been a very long couple of days. I am going to go and rest. Good-night, Alex," Saber says and he turns and leaves the room, quietly returning to his room to find Elaine and Amanda talking quietly. They look up when he enters and Elaine smiles, "I'll leave you both to rest, Saber. I'll try and be up in a bit to make you all something to eat before they leave. I'm glad you can stay in here tonight." "As am I, Elaine. As for the food, don't worry too much about it. We can all manage. Get some rest, you deserve it," Saber says as Elaine gets up. She nods, "Very well. Good night to you both." They reply in kind and she leaves. Saber changes and gets into bed beside Amanda, who scoots against him and they quickly fall asleep. Comments are welcomed and MUCH Appreciated! :-) Hosted by Animexx e.V. (http://www.animexx.de)