South Of Bikini 4- The Game Is Afoot free porn video

Welcome back! Season 4 finds the Empress a diplomat helping to negotiate peace for an entire planet, but can it guarantee the Homeworld's survival this time around? Will Alex finds new friends and some new facets to her gift as she and her sisters try to limit the destruction from Clemson's rewriting time to fit his own academically opinionated knowledge of historic events? Can they find a temporal sanctuary from which to survive the resulting changes and extinctions? South of Bikini Season 4: Episode 1 "The Game is Afoot" As with any peace talks, mediation with the Homeworld's leaders took patience, perseverance, and...well, maybe a little bit of 'magic' from the Empress' court. But mostly it took P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E! Alex Reilly, Alexandra, and I took turns gathering the chieftains and warlords from all over the planet and brought them back to Avalon. Because of our Mind Warriors' planet-wide broadcast, all now knew of the Empress, Avalon, and...sadly...what had transpired here. Negotiations had taken two, long, slow...no, grueling, months. There were many times when all three of us wanted to just 'port out' and let the 'men-folk' hash it all out themselves. Regrettably, that wasn't what the timeline demanded. For the negotiations- and the Homeworld- to continue on the proper course, the Empress had to be the quintessential element responsible for solidifying the Homeworld's lasting peace and unprecedented technical advancement. Unfortunately, that required the three of us to remain involved in every...gruelingly long, painful minute- listening and running the options on every...single...word! Early on, I realized what things must be like for an attorney as he/she squared off in court against an opponent. At one point, I even gained new respect and admiration for the signers of the U.S. Declaration and Constitution, and their stalwart determination- their ability to 'wheel and deal' to reach those historically significant, unifying agreements. I thought about actually travelling back to 1776 to find out if that were true. That was something for another time though as any indication of 'daydreaming' on our part was seen as rude and a total disregard for commitment to the negotiations by our guests. Every shift of concentration by the Empress had to have a two-thirds majority before Alex Reilly, Alexandra, or I could run the proposed scenario. Just waiting for that simple agreement sometimes took an excruciating amount of time. Such were the requirements of diplomacy- of politics. I still loathed politics, but if this was the only way to save the Homeworld from itself, we- the Empress- had to suck it up and play the part of the consummate diplomat. My memories and experience from Terra and the many state dinners and events I'd attended during my stay there brought back a mixture of both pleasant and unpleasant times. Those functions, I believed, produced fruit in the form of better trade and relations between the neighboring systems and had placed the Terrans in a higher plane of integrity and respect among them. Using my foresight, Terra, and lately Terra Nuevo, had been placed on its true and proper course. Tibius and I had successfully helped redirect its future. Whether we could change or redirect this version of Alex Reilly's home planet still remained to be seen. As far as I could foresee, this beautiful planet still erupted into an immense, fiery ball of fusion in less than two thousand years. That would be a waste really, since we had the power at our disposal, i.e.: Jack, Jacki, and Camille to keep the planetary core from going supercritical. I resisted the urge to ask my gift: Could we actually use them to stop the impending catastrophe? Could three Mind Warriors and three Empresses place enough sway on an entire planet to protect it from itself? The power of three... It had been written in the six, future- from our current perspective, 'Tomes' that the Empress could do miraculous things when past, present, and future combined. From experience, just a single Empress could move a planet, a solar system, a galaxy...even a whole universe! From that single fact, another question surfaced, but I fought the urge to ask the frightening question. What could the three of us really do? I already knew that we could breathe life into the departed- Billie Sangiere was living proof of that. With the exception of that one example though, the power of three- as it related to the Empress of Time and Space- had never really been tested. But what could three Mind Warriors do if combined, though? Three people each with the power of the universe at their disposal. I had experienced firsthand, the result of just one of those very special individuals, and barely lived to tell the tale. The very thought made me shudder, as once again, I was reminded of that day in my not so distant past, and of the intense pain I experienced. I shuddered involuntarily. As was becoming all too frequent these days, I immediately pushed those escaping memories back into their special prison. Two of the three with me now were ignorant of that experience. Because of her travels with Alex Reilly, only Camille Darough knew the full story about my mission with Jacquelyn Cummins' Constance. How she protected that from her sisters, I had no idea- nor did I ask, but if Jack ever found out...found out too soon, that is... A frightening thought suddenly crossed my mind. What if... Dare I even think it? What if our three Mind Warriors were the cause instead of the cure? Could they inadvertently set off the very cataclysm that brought about the Empress Paradox in the first place? If that were the case then these proceedings seemed useless and ultimately doomed to failure. But these talks were still important, I told myself, though in a macabre way. The Homeworld had to have peace before such a violent and dramatic end two millennium in the future. When thought of in that cold, unbiased way, the Empress appeared to be the Phoenix- the one born out of the ashes of the Homeworld. Paradoxically, she was also the reason for its demise...and its beginning. I- or rather the Empress- was THE contradiction of terms- the very definition- the embodiment of the word 'paradox'. Thinking about such things exercised my nanos by giving them a first- rate headache to concentrate on instead of the mind-numbing wait as the 'men of power' decided the present fate of this world. Anyway, today, sadly, was our last day here on this beautiful planet- our last day in this universe. I...we would be saying goodbye to our sisters of this world, and also saying goodbye to two new sisters that would decide to stay. Though I yearned for my own Earth, I felt sad leaving Alexandra and Jacki here. How I wished there was a permanent way to reunite them with everyone back on Kili- to bring them back home! Was Alex really that unhappy here though? She had three wonderful daughters, a husband, and Jacki. True, Peyton had pressed for and found her own gruesome way to return 'home'. That was an incident that the three of us had fought hard to suppress for over two months. The loss of a beloved sister was a big minus; but overall, my 'twin sister' had a good life here. She had the time and knowledge to run the scenarios in order to find the one, all-important puzzle-piece that would save this world AND initiate the Empress Paradox- if there really was such an elusive concept. Last night, Alexandra, Alex Reilly, and I had returned all participating parties to their respective lands. To their people only one day had passed- yet another example of what the Empress could do. Peace, though delicate at this very early stage, was on the right track and would only grow, as the benefits became apparent and peaceful trade between realms increased. Still, there would be disagreements and skirmishes, but policies had been designed, thoroughly debated, and placed on paper. Policies agreed upon by all major powers of this world to assure mediation...and hopefully, not total annihilation. I checked myself in the full-length mirror one more time before turning and looking around my quarters here in Avalon- a real, honest-by-God, fairytale castle! I would definitely be coming back for many more visits if I could find the time. I giggled to myself at that silly thought. With a sigh, I walked out into the hallway, closing my door. I gently placed my hand on the richly finished, heavy wooden door one last time. 1315hrs, Avalon, Homeworld, September 7th, 264AE "You sure you and Allie won't come back to Earth with us, Mei-Lee?" I asked as I saw my sister, Alex Reilly, shaking her head 'no' slightly with a worried look. It was a little rude of her, but comical nonetheless. "No, Empress. As you said initially, we are no longer the same people we once were. We simply would not fit in," She replied, shaking her head sadly a few times. "I'm sure Yuuka wouldn't mind having someone to fly with?" I said deviously. Alex Reilly's head shook a little harder. Mei-Lee giggled, apparently having seen my sister's reaction. "Allie seems to like Avalon, and...I think...I think I have met someone." "That was fast," I said in mock surprise. "Anybody we know?" Mei-Lee giggled again. "Empress, we all know the answer to that," she said pointing to my two sisters and me. "We do indeed, hun," I said and looked to Alex Reilly with a smile. "I'm sure you and Allie will be very happy here." "Empress?" Allie asked as she shrank and flew to eye level with me. "Yes, sweetie?" I answered quietly. "Can you, and your sister, and Yuuka, and Jack'lin come back to visit us?" "Count on it, sweetie. Now that Alex and I know the Homeworld date, we shouldn't have any trouble zeroing in on y'all. But don't y'all be strangers to Earth either, ya hear?" The five-inch pixie nodded, flew back to the ground, and returned to her normal six-year-old height. She had taken to doing that the last three weeks. Because, I think, she liked looking like her mother- all grown- up-like. "So where are you off to now, Empress?" Jacki asked as she released my Jack from her embrace. "We," I pointed to Alex Reilly, Jack, Cami, and Yuuka, "were thinking about trying to stop a certain madman from changing history and erasing us...and himself from existence in the process. The moron can't understand that if he changes history too much..." "That's how you catch him, Alex," Alexandra interrupted. "I know, but I also know that certain things need to play out before we finally snag him, sis." "You mean we could have stopped him before he sabotaged the strait?" Jack cried out in exasperation. "But Lady Jacquelyn, we wouldn't be here and quite possibly this world would not be at peace," Mei-Lee cut in. Jack...both of them looked to Alexandra, Alex and I; their mouths' open wide. I simply nodded. It was true, if Darren hadn't stolen Ricky Lynn's toy, Mei-Lee and Allie wouldn't have become our sisters; the 'Great Flood' might not have happened the right way; and those that passed on the tale might have been silenced forever. Sadly, we had lost a new sister to his reckless activities already. I did not wish to lose anyone else. Yes, we would get Janice Silvers back- unharmed and none the wiser, but the Empress would remember her temporary disappearance into oblivion for the rest of our lives. "So, Alex, where to now?" Jack asked this time. I looked to Alex Reilly in response. "Reilly," she said flatly. "I want to make sure it's still there." "Oh, it's still there...albeit slightly changed," Alexandra hinted. "I know it's different, Alex. I can see the same things you see. Remember?" My other sister replied, a bit annoyed by the reminder. "We'll get through this, sis. We've all seen that things work out," I added in support. "But what if this is that one time, Alex?" "Then we just deal with it," I replied evenly, rolling my eyes behind closed lids. "Well then...let's get this over with," Alex Reilly growled as she aggressively offered her hands! "Travel well and safely, my sisters," Alexandra said sadly as she, Jacki, Mei-Lee, and Allie took a few steps back. The blackness and pain reconnected with my body as my odd, but spectacular perspective of this universe changed and shifted. As usual, this universe diminished and our home universe grew larger to my eyes. Before long we were flying, headlong, into Earth. How beautiful it looked from this distance- the deep blue oceans, green lands, and white clouds so prominent from space. After the reappearing blackness faded, we stood before the unpredictable airlock to Reilly. The place looked innocent enough, but my visions told me that things were not as they seemed. "Mind Warriors, shields up," Alex Reilly commanded as she began looking around intently. "As you wish director, but why?" Cami questioned. "Can't you feel it, Cami?" Jack asked as she too began looking around- mostly to the tree line. "I do now, yes," Cami responded as she too began scanning the area. "We are being watched." I noted that Jack took Cami's hand and felt the hairs on my body begin to stand. "We mean you no harm or ill intent!" Alex shouted to the treeline. "We are peaceful travelers only stopping to recline. We will move along in the morning." "Should I take to the air, director?" Yuuka asked as she looked around to the open sky above us. "That will not be necessary. They are more afraid of us than we of them, Pixie," Alex answered. I dared drop Alex' and Jack's hand, turned, and walked out of their protective shield then pointed to the trees before us. "You three! We insinuate no negative impairment. What specific terms do you not fully comprehend?" I said in Reilliese. "You speak our language, but how can this be?" a familiar voice called out in fear. "Because we are Reilly personnel also," I answered. "Impossible! We are the solitary remnants of this disenfranchised facility. We symbolize the lone survivors of the fusion giant's unpredicted expansion. How can you possibly be here? You two specifically! You deleted shortly after we arrived here." "Who deleted? Specify!" Alex Reilly demanded. "You, Director Reilly; you and Camille Darough," the voice answered shakily. "Then reanalyze and postulate alternate thesis's on our present existence here before you," My sister commanded. "Insuffient data exists to quantify or correlate requested analysis, undefined director." "Can't y'all just say y'all don't know and knock off all the damn techno-jargon?" I asked in annoyance. "Director, we do not comprehend your inquiry, nor can we postulate a viable theory for the existence of two directors. Updated information requested," Random Peltierre replied as she, Samantha, and Cassandra cautiously emerged from the brush. "There just are, Randi," I said smugly. "Get used to it." "Girls, rumors of my deletion have been greatly exaggerated. Cami and I stand before you as fully animated, biomass and not illusion, as do my sister Alexandra, her first officer, Jacquelyn Cummins, and Yuuka Sukiro." "Sisters," Cami began softly. "Am I to believe that, had I been here and not gone with you to Avalon, I would no longer exist?" "Oh boy, this is really bad," Jack added quietly to herself. "Avalon?" Samantha questioned. "Avalon does not exist. It is a fictional archive and holds no relevance in factual thinking." "Then what do you make of this, ladies?" Jack asked as our three sisters grabbed for their heads. "You share Camille's talent?" Cassandra gasped as the three continued to rub their foreheads. "Of course! We are sister Mind Warriors," Cami proclaimed. "Mind Warriors? They are also fictional entities." "Ya, ya, we've heard it all before, girls," Jack said as she pointed to them and wagged her finger in an upward motion. Randi, Sam, and Cassie started to rise off the ground screaming in terror. "How fictional am I now, huh?" "Jack. Put them down. They've obviously never met the Empress of Time and Space in this version of the timeline." "Empress? You requested that we never call you that, director. You repeatedly warned us of unconditional release should we ever do so," Cassie exclaimed as Jack lowered them back to Earth. I phased out and rephased behind them. "And what would you call me then?" I asked as my three, time-altered, sisters jumped a foot or so. 1545hrs, Reilly Research Station, Kili Island, June 22nd, 2020BC "So what day is it, Alex?" I asked as we sat at our usual table in the Rec Room. Jack and Cami had just started another game of their special form of Jenga. Cassie, Sam, and Randi looked on in utter amazement at the spectacle. "I thought I brought us back ten minutes after we left, sis, though to tell you the truth, I'm not sure anymore. Everything looks so different with the place deserted." "We are one day past this planet's summer equinox, director, and may I say again what a pleasure it is to have you back with us. I have missed our conversations since your alleged deletion," RVP replied pleasantly. "So tell me again why just one food station is operational?" "When the fusion giant began to expand, Camille revisited your Protoverse experiment and found that it's initial test- the one where we lost you, director, had been sabotaged. Once rectified, she, Samantha, Cassandra, and Random quickly brought the experiment online and targeted a small bluish-green planet they found- the one you found initially. Although we alerted the entire station, few felt it would work, and thus only twelve faculty members attended. Camille repeated your documented approach to the transparent portal, but Reilly was deficit the power to fully transfer everything here- just this facility and the four scientists closest to the portal. Postulations are that all other faculty has been deleted. Primary power has been severely truncated since our arrival here fifteen revolutions ago, director." "The bastard has already disposed of me, Alex!" I growled, striking the table with my fist. "Well, I'm glad some of you at least found a way to escape the expansion." "But we're still here, Alex," my sister reminded. "Because we were off universe, Alex. Somehow the Empress transcends space and time, I suppose." Alex Reilly looked at me and mouthed the word 'duh'. "So why the complete change around here, Alex?" Jack asked as she continued to concentrate on their game- even that didn't seem to have the same feeling. "I wasn't here to rescue everyone, Jack. I no longer exist in this version of the timeline- therefore I was never physically pulled back to the Homeworld's universe and never rallied our sisters to participate in the transposition." I paused. "If I no longer exist, my guess is...neither do you...or any of our other sisters or crew. Remember what Mina told us about our Mahanilui...if it hadn't happened...?" The Jenga blocks suddenly dropped to the table with a clatter as both Mind Warriors mouths' dropped open and they stared at Alex and I in disbelief. "Interesting...temporal disassociation," Cassie muttered to herself. "The concept has been theorized but never proven feasible or measurable." "How do you explain your presence here on this planet then, Cassandra?" I asked. "If Reilly is here then you three..," I dropped my head in sorrow, "and Reilly, have transcended space and time because Earth, this planet, is located in the Protoverse cloud." "That is highly improbable, director. The Protoverse experiment was shut down after our arrival to conserve power. There was simply not enough energy to sustain it for any length of time." "Oh shit!" Jack exclaimed, her voice jumping an octave or two. "You mean the Homeworld doesn't exist anymore? Alexandra, Mei-Lee, Allie...me...they...they don't exist anymore?" "Maybe?" I proposed through squinted eyes, unsure of the correct answer. Sam, Cassie, and Randi stared at us as they tried to understand Jack's outburst. "Cap, we have to catch this guy and put him down! He'll destroy the whole universe if this goes on much longer." "We'll get him, hun," I tried to comfort her. "Know this for a fact, Jacquelyn Cummins; we WILL make him pay!" Alex Reilly declared, trying to control her anger. "So how we gonna do that, Empress," Jack challenged insubordinately. "If we don't exist, that is?" Her eyes dared one of us to answer. "What is the one thing we have that Darren does not, Commander?" I asked. "We have you, Alex, Cami, and Yuuka, Cap." "More important than those very important assets, hun." Cami, Jack, Yuuka, Sam, Cassie, and Randi all stared at me waiting for the elusive answer. "Foresight," I said after rolling my eyes. "We know where and when he will appear." "So let's just go to that location and wait for him to show, Alex!" Cami almost shouted. "That's where it gets complicated, ladies," I told everyone sadly. "Darren does do some good things along the way. The great flood was only one of several events that wouldn't have happened exactly the way they should have had he not interfered." "I take it the Homeworld would have been a far different place too, Empress?" Yuuka asked, already knowing the answer, but repeating it for our marooned sisters. Alex Reilly shook her head several times. "I wouldn't have met my grandmother either," she said as a few tears ran from the corners of her eyes. She looked at me sadly. "So if we can't just rush to the end of this nightmare, where do we start?" Jack asked in an aggravated tone. "We move onto the next chapter, of course." I smiled. "When do we leave?" Samantha asked, happily relieved. Alex Reilly and I lowered our heads. "You, Cassie, and Randi have to stay here, Sam," I said sadly. "I'm sorry." "Why? Why can't you take us along?" She cried, not comprehending or not caring about the imbalance to the time line that would cause. "We don't exist as we do now in their original timeline," Cassie said, just above a whisper. "We would unbalance this universe. There would be two of each of us instead." "So what, then? Do we just deconstruct? Delete automatically?" Sam complained dramatically. "You won't even know anything happened, hun, when we set the timeline straight, you three will be back among our sisters, with no recollection you had ever been marooned on Earth as you are now," Alex explained, forcing a calm smile. "We have to go," I said quickly as I stood and walked over to Cami and Jack. Alex and Yuuka followed. We all joined hands. Our three stranded sisters looked on sadly, but remained silent, their eyes quite moist. "Sisters, we look forward to our next meeting. Your ordeal here is almost over," I said as I nodded to Alex. I'd had my eyes closed so I couldn't see they're despondent faces. When I opened them, our surroundings had changed slightly. Instead of being in Reilly's Rec Room, we found ourselves in a much larger, still- futuristic, space with large windows along one wall. It was very similar to one of Reilly's observation lounges. Outside it was dark, but the stars were up. They looked crisp and brilliant. And seemed to be moving faster than expected! A strange alarm sounded as we all continued looking around this magnificent room. "What is that noise, and where are we, Alex?" Jack asked in confusion. "By the Goddess! Look!" Cami exclaimed as she tugged us to the windows. A large, full Earth came into view. But, was it? If I was seeing things correctly most of North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe were white instead of green and brown. Snow? "We're in orbit?" Jack exclaimed in surprise. "Does everyone have a personalized version of my Aryan dress in inventory," I asked? "If so, now would be a good time to change, ladies," As I looked to each of my sisters, they nodded in the affirmative. "Translators to German, Polish, or Czechoslovakian, Empress?" Jack asked snidely as I watched her suit change to a stunning, very low-plunging, red, sheath dress. "None of the above, I'm afraid." Several extremely tall, well-built young men dressed in what looked like military uniforms rushed into the room and began waving small, hand-held devices all around in front of them. They began cautiously crossing- systematically sweeping- the large lounge-type room. One of the men, well over six-ten, sounded to be giving orders. Their language, though, did not translate into anything in our Reilly Suit's library. They appeared to be searching for something- maybe somebody. "Can they see us with those devices, Alex?" Jack asked in concern. "I don't think so. Let's find out," I said and nodded to Alex Reilly. To say these men were surprised was an understatement. We were quickly surrounded with their strange hand-held devices pointing at us menacingly. "Hi, y'all!" I said pleasantly as I waved my hand in greeting. The guy in charge stared down at my head and looked at me in confusion. Damn, I still had my tiara on! "How original, Alex! What ever happened to 'take me to your leader'?" Jack deadpanned. "Want us to disarm them, Alex?" Cami asked calmly. "Do not initiate then disrupt their urinary evacuation, Camille Darough," Alex Reilly advised through gritted teeth. "That's 'piss' them off, sister- 'don't piss 'em off'! Must you always butcher the English language?" I asked her in frustration. The men just stared at us, talking amongst each other until their leader finally waved his device in a motion that told us we should move in the indicated direction. The wide hallway we were now walking through had a slight, but noticeable curve to it. "What is this place?" Yuuka asked quietly in Japanese. "A Space Research Facility I would think," Alex Reilly answered. "The design does not match anything from the Homeworld's Deep Space Design Archives though." "Or it could be an Ark, sis." "An Ark, Alex? Jack asked. "I noticed that most of Earth was covered by snow and ice- glaciers maybe? Alex, how far did you take us back?" I inquired. "Seventy thousand; just like before. I thought this place would be far safer than the forest." "That turned out well! So where are we, Alex?" Jack persisted. "My guess would be Atlantis, hun." "Atlantis?" She and Yuuka gulped. Our escorts seemed to understand that word as they suddenly stopped and turned to glance at us momentarily with questioning expressions. We were directed to and courteously helped into what looked like a large rollercoaster ride of some sort. Once seated, I felt it smoothly accelerate and we passed several transparent sections in the round, tube-like, tunnel. This facility looked to be made of several concentric rings and it appeared that we were heading straight for a large ball- shaped structure at its center- the command center, maybe? We noticed tall spire-like structures- possibly antennae- protruded from its top and bottom giving it a very gothic appearance. Judging by the time it took us to reach the center structure this place was immense- at least several miles wide. At our terminus, we were motioned and helped out of the conveyance and escorted down another hallway. ?Big place,? Alex Reilly said evenly as we all looked around. We were motioned into what looked like an elevator. ?Where are they taking us, Alex?? Cami asked as the doors closed and I felt motion. ?I guess to see the wizard, Dorothy.? My response fell somewhat flat, Jack and possibly Yuuka being the only ones that caught the reference. Our short ride ended and the doors opened to reveal a very large room consisting of several tiered levels, all were filled with monitors and other complicated looking equipment consoles- each being attended by very tall men or women. ?Is this their Con, Alex?? Jack asked in awe of what she observed. ?Or their bridge, Jack. Meridian?s control room was called a bridge. Remember, we?re on a ship and not a boat at the moment.? The man apparently in charge of our escort detail walked over to one of the shorter women, one that looked only one or two inches taller than me, and assumingly gave her his report. Motioning to us, I got the impression that he was reporting our lack of understanding of their language. Both walked back to where we had been detained and the woman apprised each of us intensely. She continued talking to him as she evaluated us- especially Allie and I. We looked each other in the eyes. ?What?s she doing, Alex?? Jack whispered. The security detail redrew their weapons and pointed them at us instantly. I had to admire their training and quick response. ?She?s probably deciding whether to space us, commander," I replied. ?Anything happens to Allie or I, only name, rank, and serial number, Commander- as per the accord.? ?Aye, Captain?s invoking the Geneva Accords, girls," She responded. The woman suddenly glared between Jack and I several times as her security detail took a step closer. We decided to remain silent and a few minutes went by as our ?hostess? continued to appraise us. ?Fascinating, Alex. They are limiting their distance to us. They?re probably particle or phased plasma weapons. Something that could possibly disable or harm them if close or point blank.? Jack thought to me. ?They won?t hurt us, Jack. We have no weapons...that they know of.? I thought back as I continued to stare into our hostess? eyes. ?Ok, but, if you sense this is going south just think the word, Cap.? This silent, dead draw between us was accomplishing nothing. I decided to end our useless charade and selected my default Reilly suit...with one slight modification. Two circular pips appeared on my right collar as the woman jumped back, startled by my sudden costume change. Security instantly and nervously responded by readjusting their stances and aim! Our hostess? right eyebrow rose in interest when I didn?t do anything else and after another minute she motioned her guards to back off and directed an unintelligible question toward me. I narrowed my eyes and cocked my head slightly as I tried to figure out what she said. She repeated her inquiry. I shook my head to the side a few times indicating I had no idea what she had said. She gave me a frustrated look and let out a disappointed sigh. Just as I felt she would turn away, I carefully raised my right hand and slowly extended my pointer finger- what I thought might be a universal gesture for her to wait a moment...I hoped. The guards reassumed their nervous, high alert, posture! And aim! Still, their tense stance didn?t distract from what happened next. As if suddenly becoming clueless, the guards temporarily lowered their weapons and our hostess and her men curiously looked to the ceiling for what I was pointing to! I found myself giggling with an amused smile on my face as their attention abruptly, and humorlessly, came back to me. I tried it again, this time holding both hands up in a ?stop? gesture. Before carefully dropping one hand, I turned around slowly. Very, very slowly, Ibrought my right hand to the collar of my suit and felt for the hardwire data port for my Reilly. I indicated to it then turned back just as slowly to face our female host and cautiously motioned that it would help us communicate. Nodding, she called over a younger woman, though just as tall, and began talking to her. They seemed to be discussing my data port. This younger woman slowly motioned for me to turn around again. Our escort detail immediately re-aimed their weapons- their caution understandable, given our unknown origins. Obeying and again turning slowly, I felt her carefully brush my hair aside then lift my collar and touch the small link port. she said something and was shaking her head in the negative when I turned back around. Well, that didn?t work. ?Al-eks-ann-dra,? I said slowly once facing them again. I pointed to myself. At least I could try to introduce myself, I figured. Our hostess? eyebrow rose again. I repeated my name and gestured to myself again this time adding ?Steinert?, phonetically, as well. Pointing to Jack on my left, I phonetically said, ?Jacquelyn Cummins?. I repeated introductions in the same format for Cami, Yuuka, and Alex, careful to emphasize my sister?s different last name. ?Ann-drom-ma-da-Cell-les-trah," she said after apparently debating whether to release that information. I smiled and bowed courteously. I then had a thought. How could I get them to understand that our suits could communicate wirelessly? The image instantaneously popping into my mind made me twitch ever so slightly. The guards took a quick, deep breath! My tiara! I could use my tiara to establish a link to their computer network. I causiously raised my finger again while I accessed the proper menus- making a point of them seeing my eyes moving on the virtual screen. The Protocol Interrogation window quickly popped up on my H.U.D. ?Negotiating network connection,? the window informed me as the displayed empty bar graph began to fill with red from left to right. After filling completely, it turned green and a message informed me that communications had been successfully negotiated and established. Mentally selecting ?search? and thinking ?find language translation files? I quickly located and requested download of the rather large file. An alarm sounded from one of the nearer control consoles- the one the younger women had been stationed at. Both women now glared at me- the younger in surprise- the older, in anger- apparently debating what I had done. I raised my right pointer once more as I watched the file download progress on my H.U.D as they continued to argue with each other, maybe? Once done, I told my suit to install and correlate with any similar languages. ?Gppph...Exxxfaaaa...fretsic...no, I have no explanation as to how she accessed our network, Commodore.? ?I want the encryptions changed on all access points immediately, Tech Officer!? The older woman, said to a young man off to our right. ?We can?t risk losing this ship to aliens, pirates, or these unknowns, is that clear?? ?At once, Madam Commodore!? ?Madam Commodore, we mean you no harm. I simply accessed your archives for a primer to your language. As I tried to indicate, I am Captain Alexandra Steinert, United States Navy. To my left is my first officer, Cmdr. Jacquelyn Cummins; to my right is my sister, Alexandra Reilly, Director of Reilly Research Station; Yuuka Sukiro; and Camille Darough. We are travelers from this planet?s future," I explained to several loud gasps around me. All conversation in the large control room stopped and the two women before me stared uncomprehendingly. ?You speak our language now? What sort of trick is this?? ?No trick, Madam Commodore. Our uniforms have the capability to translate many different languages. All we need is the primer. Its interface to our brain allows us to speak and understand you naturally," I explained. ?I will release your network now as I have no further need of information.? ?You call yourselves travelers? Time travelers?? ?We do, Madam Commodore. My sister and I possess that singular talent. We had only arrived in your observation lounge moments before your security detail arrived, alerted by what I assume is some sort of temporal anomaly warning system, to look for us. We decided to re- integrate into this reality so they would find us.? ?Re-integrate into this reality? Hmmm. So if that is truly the case, the matter of detainment would be null?? She asked, though I had a strong suspicion she didn?t believe me. ?We stand bound by local regulations, Commodore, so if you choose detainment, then we shall abide by that decision, but should our time here run short I?m afraid we would have to be insubordinate, ma?am.? ?So why should I believe you, Capt. Alexandra Steinert?? ?You have no reason to, Commodore. All I can give you is my word as an officer in the United States? Navy, but that entity will not exist on this planet for another seventy-two thousand years. So all you have is my personal word that we will not cause trouble.? The Commodore?s jaw dropped, as did everyone?s in earshot. There were several moments of silence as our hostess decided our fate. While able, I uploaded the new language translation to my sisters. Each nodded to me in thanks. ?Reggie, continue to re-encrypt the access points, but allow our guests general access to all public systems," Major Araul, you and your detail stand dismissed. A full report should be entered into your log as to the manner of our guests? arrival. Good work, Major.? ?Thank you, Madam Commodore," The towering, young man said before he and his men turned and left the bridge. Ladies, would you join me in my private lounge?? Our hostess motioned to a door off to her right. We followed and entered the pleasantly decorated conference room- each of us taking an offered, though slightly oversized, seat. ?So, Captain, is it customary for royalty to serve in your military?? The woman inquired as she remained standing, arms crossed and staring intently down on us. ?Ma?am?" I asked in confusion. ?Your coronet, Captain, it displays the universally accepted symbols for peace, balance, and understanding. Only royalty would be so bold as to wear such finery while voyaging into the unknown.? I felt my cheeks warm. Was I that much of a ?Princess? now? ?In all honesty, Madam Commodore, I sometimes forget I have the thing on. It was designed and given to me by my Technology Comptroller for a sophisticated mission we recently completed. I assure you, it is an amazing piece of technology.? ?As are those garments, Captain," The Commodore paused as she suddenly thought of something. ?Since you and your sister claim to have this talent of time travel, would it be possible for a disclosure of other talents you and your companions possess? I prefer to understand my guests rather than fear them.? ?A wise and reasonable request, Madam Commodore," I nodded, but wondered why she appeared to be taking this so calmly. ?My sister and I possess the gift of time travel as previously specified plus foresight. Accompanied by various companions that we choose for their mission specific gifts, we travel time, space, dimension, and the universes, correcting small discrepancies that would disrupt the true timeline.? Our hostess nodded. ?I take it that our arrival has done something to disrupt the continuum?? ?No, ma?am, quite the contrary. We seek to thwart a villain from our own general time period. His ignorant incursions into our relative past have caused considerable damage to our era.? ?So this is, in essence, an observation post- a place to rest and plan your response?? ?If you would allow it, Madam Commodore," I nodded slightly. ?Our nemesis? understanding of Atlantis is limited to the writings of a future philosopher by the name of Plato. He lacks the imagination and foresight to know the real story.? ?Alex, when did you and Alex Reilly see this place?? Jack asked in curiosity. Her translator was working perfectly. ?When we were here the last time, Jack. When we arrived down on the planet.? ?You?ve been down there?? our hostess asked in surprise. ?And survived?? ?Ya, its cold and dangerous...but very, very beautiful," Jack admitted casually. ?Commander, would you care to inform me as to your special ability? You seem too at ease toward the horrors that prowl the planet?s surface.? ?Camille Darough and I are Mind Warriors, Commodore. We protect the Empress...er Captain and Director, ma?am.? ?Empress?? the Commodore exclaimed with a start and stared at me in disbelief. ?Impossible,? she muttered to herself, ?She is pure myth and cannot be actual flesh and blood.? Her denial seemed too fast and rehearsed to me. ?You?ve heard of her?? Yuuka asked casually. I rolled my eyes as my hand rose to rub my eyebrows. ?Apparently one of us has been here before, sis," Alex said quietly, elbowing my side gently. ?The legend of an Empress- a goddess capable of time travel dates back to before this world or any like it were discovered- many thousands of years ago. How can you actually be here?? ?Easy, sis, I know she said the ?G? word but let?s allow some flexibility. We just met," Alex quietly recommended. ?You ask that now, but never gave a second thought to our initial statement of traveling thousands of years to get here?? I asked incredulously before phasing out and rephasing behind her. ?Or were you just humoring the mysterious, crazy women, Commodore?? She noticeably jumped and gasped in surprise as I saw Alex Reilly rubbing her own brows. The same warning klaxon sounded and she quickly touched a display that had instantly appeared on the tabletop in front of her. Our hostess? eyes opened wide as she looked at it. ?Do you always have to do that, Alex? Can?t you just phase out and back in, but stay in the same spot? One of these days you?re going to give someone an outright heart attack," Jack chastised with annoyance. Our hostess quickly dropped to her knees and began to shiver uncontrollably. She looked up at me in fear for only a second before staring back at the deck. ?See? You scared the shit out of her, Alex!? Jack groused angrily as I returned to my seat. Our hostess remained silent and still for several minutes as if fearfully awaiting something. She finally looked up to Alex and I, her face streaked with tears and terror. ?The myth- as I remember it- it tells of an awesome presence that sometimes traveled with the Empress...a Mind Mage. It is written that it was fearless and powerful- that it judged sinners and miscreants opposing the Empress with harsh discipline. Several stories relate that mountains and oceans would move without a single word from its mouth. You are...it?? she said, only glimpsing over to Jack and Cami. ?Cami and I are not an ?it?, Madam Commodore. We are real people like you and your crew. And I haven?t moved any mountains yet...just a multi- hundred ton nuclear submarine...or two," Jack responded as she blushed profusely. ?Hey, that was me, Jacki Cummins!? Cami protested. I shook my head with a humorous smirk then nodded to Alex Reilly. Standing from our seats, Alex and I walked over and urged our hostess back to her feet. ?We are just normal people, Commodore- no different from anyone else. We are all equals here," Alex said, motioning around the large table. ?My humblest apologies, ladies, I would never have imagined meeting the actual legends in the flesh. Please forgive me.? ?My name is Jack, Jacki, or Jacquelyn, Madam Commodore," Jack told the woman warmly. ?And my name is Camille or Cami, Madam Commodore. We prefer our real names over designations. And...and we are very, very cautious about using our gifts, Madam Commodore.? ?Oh, right, you two are SO careful with your gifts," Yuuka groaned. The Commodore was quiet for several more minutes as she digested everything she had seen and heard. ?And you, Yuuka Sukiro, what would be your power?? She finally asked with a slight cringe- unsure what to expect at this point. Yuuka began to shrink and disappeared from view below the tabletop. Suddenly our hostess was eye to eye with the five-inch tall Pixie! ?I can only do this, Madam Commodore. I am just a Pixie. My purpose is to provide reconnaissance for the Empress.? A loud gasp escaped our hostess as all color quickly drained from her face. ?Yuuka, hun, maybe you should stay grown up while we?re here," I suggested as she immediately increased in size and stood beside our hostess to steady her. ?I?m sorry for frightening you, Madam Commodore, but you did ask," Yuuka apologized as she struggled to steady the much taller woman. A beverage container similar to a larger paper cup, floated across the room from a food dispenser on the far wall. ?A drink of water will help you, Commodore. Please, take a drink," Jack advised as the container lowered itself to the table. Another gasp escaped our hostess, as did more tears. ?I am dreaming. This cannot be possible. These women are not here. There is no one who can do such miraculous feats...it is simply impossible.? ?We can leave if you desire us to, Madam Commodore," I said gently. ?We never meant to cause problems for you or your crew, ma?am.? I stood from my chair and motioned for my sisters to take my hands. ?Please...stay. I am simply astounded by the scope of your abilities. Such power...yet such grace and humility," the Commodore said quietly as she raised her face to look at us once more. ?I shall have quarters established for your use, for as long as you choose to remain with us, Captain.? ?Alex," I said as we all sat back down. ?My name is Alexandra, though Alex will do, Commodore.? The Commodore nodded and walked around to me and offered her hand. ?Andromeda. Andromeda Celeste. Call me Andie, Alex.? I smiled as I happily shook her hand. ?Thank you for your hospitality, Andie, Alex and I know your supplies are running low so we will fend for ourselves. We wish not to burden you with extra mouths to feed," Alex Reilly said as she too shook her hand. I noticed Jack stare guiltily at the cup of water she had placed before our hostess. ?Nonsense, we are mostly in need of fresh water, Alex. Too much has been utilized for our deceleration thrusters, but there is sufficient supply for consumption. I was in the process of finalizing plans for missions to the surface to collect the amount required for our decent...once we find a suitable, safe location to do so.? ?Cami and I would like to help, if you?d allow us, ma?am," Jack offered pleasantly. Cami nodded her agreement. ?How could you possibly help, short of traveling to the surface?? Andie questioned. ?Just tell us the dimensions of the ice block required to replenish your water supply and let the Darough and Cummins Moving Company provide the necessary services," I said with a chuckle. ?We?re not talking a few cubits of ice here, Jacquelyn," Andie said as she turned from me to Jack and Cami. ?We would require several thousand three dimensional cubits.? ?What?s a cubit?? ?Why, it is the common measurement of length- the average length of an adult male forearm.? ?About two and a half feet, Jack," I said setting the conversion straight. ?Just tell us how much and let us do the rest, ma?am," Jack assured her confidently. ?Oh, and you might want to show us where to put it, too," she added as she and Cami shared a devilish smile. ?Our scientists have calculated that we require the volume of water contained within a block of pure glacial ice six hundred cubits by one hundred-twenty cubits by seventy cubits. As I have stated previously that is no small task. It is estimated to take several months to harvest that much safely," Andie informed us an hour later. We had reentered the bridge several minutes ago and were formally introduced to the crew. Commodore Celeste respectively left out our titles. ?So where do we put a chunk that big, Commodore? Do you have a receiving bay big enough to handle that?? ?Are you serious? How could such a mass be lifted from the surface? We lack the spare thrust units required for such an undertaking," Commodore Celeste cried, amazed by Jack?s apparent arrogance. Smiles broke out among my sisters. The Commodore just stared at us for a moment. Andie nodded to a young man to her left. ?Show them where to put it, Matthew.? ?Madam Commodore?? ?Do it.? A very large monitor came alive and displayed a technical diagram of the station. A white arrow appeared and moved to a large void on the outermost ring. ?This is the only storage bay on the station capable of containing the required volume, but how can something that size be removed from the surface in one piece,? the tall, handsome young man, Matthew, asked in confusion? Jack ignored his question and removed a quarter from the hidden pocket in her default Reilly. Handing it to me, she looked at Cami. ?Call it,? she said as I flipped the coin into the air and waited for it to fall. Instead, it stopped midflight and slowly floated over and into Cami?s waiting palm. ?Heads," she claimed with a giggle and mischievous smile. The bridge became eerily quiet as everyone within visual range witnessed the event. Jack rolled her eyes playfully. ?Shields or muscle," She offered in a defeated tone. I noticed Andie mouth ?shields or muscle? to herself. ?Why don?t you two concentrate on cutting the block out first?? I suggested. Andie turned to me suddenly and stared for a moment. ?Madam Commodore, we?ve located the requested amount of pure ice on a glacial flow in the Eastern Northern hemisphere. The surrounding area seems to be devoid of life.? ?Pan, zoom, and focus, Ian. Let?s see it up close.? ?Zoom limits can only focus to fifty thousand cubits.? ?More than enough," I said with a confident smile. A huge ice sheet came into view on the same monitor used earlier. ?Jack, Cami? You?re up," I said, giving them a ?go ahead? nod. Both Mind Warriors began to concentrate. ?Target acquired," Cami announced serenely. ?Separation sequence beginning," Jack answered in a like tone. Enormous fountains of steam erupted from the ice sheet pictured on the screen. There was a collective gasp from the room at what was being seen and several crew members turned and looked incredulously at my two sisters. ?Are you two doing this?? Andi asked animatedly, confronting our two Mind Warriors face to face while pointing to the huge display. ?You did say you needed the water, right?? Cami challenged calmly, not looking away from the image or breaking her concentration. ?But how are you doing this?? the Commodore asked again- this time in horror. ?Even our strongest energy weapons couldn?t do what we are seeing.? ?This is easy compared to the next phase, ma?am," Jack added neutrally without looking away. ?Jacki, you ready for me to make the final cut?? Cami asked after a few minutes. I figured they were using verbal communication for our guests? benefit. ?Ready when you are," Jack answered. After a few minutes more, Jack noticeably flinched. ?Are you okay, sister?? Cami asked in concern. ?Heavier than I thought is all. You ready with the containment shield?? ?Shield established. Ready for transorbital lift.? ?Here we go," Jack said as she noticeably doubled her concentration. As we watched, the huge block of ice began to dislodge itself from the immense glacier and slowly grew larger on the screen. ?Is it...is it really moving?? Andie gasped in amazement. ?Cami, strengthen the pressure containment shield. The ice will start to boil once we get through the troposphere," Jack suggested. ?Doing it as we speak, sister.? ?Decrease magnification and refocus, Ian," Andie ordered as the ice block filled the screen. ?They?re really doing this?? She asked, looking back to Alex Reilly and I. We simply nodded with a wide smiles. ?Cut in the ultraviolet and infrared shields now, Cami.? ?Ultra and infra filters engaged, Jacki.? ?Commodore, you might want to decompress and open the storage bay doors. Once we get through the outer atmosphere this baby is going to take off," Jack advised just before she winced moderately. ?Ouch, just hit a little turbulence there.? Alex and I nodded as we took the hint, and casually walked over to our sisters, Alex taking Cami?s hand and I, Jack?s. I immediately felt her draw on my energy. ?Thanks, Cap, I could use a little extra," Jack acknowledged with a smile and a nod. ?Take as much as you need, Commander," I replied gently. I could suddenly feel a pulsing in her power draw. ?It?s buffeting pretty badly in the higher atmosphere, Cami," Jack reported. I felt a hand take my free one and looked to see Yuuka smiling back. I nodded my thanks. The pulsing smoothed out ever so slightly. ?Almost through," Jack reported. Suddenly the pulsing almost stopped entirely. I looked to my right- past Yuuka, to see Andie, Reggie, and Ian holding her hand. ?This is an amazing feeling," Andie murmured in amazement. ?I?ve never felt anything like this before.? The energy drain vanished. ?We?re through the atmosphere, Cami. Better buffer those shields.? ?Your help would be appreciated over there now, ladies and gentleman," I said nodding toward Cami. ?Local view and focus," Andie commanded as Yuuka led them over to Cami. The monitor again refocused on the frozen block. ?Storage bay depressurized and open to space, Madam Commodore. ?Ready for docking instructions, Cap," Jack announced. ?It?s here already?? Andie exclaimed in utter amazement. I nodded as the image on the large display changed to a tactical with requested and actual docking specifics. ?Roger that. Adjust attitude ten degrees to port and correct for resulting yaw. Pitch three to starboard, Jack,? I ordered as I watched the tactical display variables change on the console in front of me. ?Aye, Cap.? ?Kick the stern thirty cubits to starboard, Commander. Slow her down a little, too.? ?Aye.? ?Pitch another two degrees to starboard and slow ahead, Jack. ?Aye, slow ahead, Cap.? ?Seven hundred cubits and closing, Jack.? ?Five hundred...? ?Two hundred, Jack. All stop and let her drift in a little.? ?Aye, discontinuing forward thrust.? ?One hundred...? ?Fifty cubits. Reverse thrust, Commander.? ?Reverse thrust, Cap.? ?All stop! ?Z? axis negative five cubits, Commander.? ?Gently,? I urged as I now watched the storage bay monitor, the space under the giant ice cube decreasing quickly. ?Contact,? one of the other bridge crewmembers announced. ?Storage bay load sensors indicate a mass in excess of the calculated value by twenty percent. Recalculating next orbital velocity burn to compensate for additional weight, Commodore.? ?Good job, ladies," I congratulated. ?Commodore, one ice cube, in the hold, as requested...and a little extra for good measure.? ?Close and pressurize cargo bay Forenza-Six. Good job, everyone!? Andie ordered quickly. ?Just hold your shields for a couple more minutes, Cami.? ?Acknowledged, Empress...oops.? Gasps gave way to silence as I rolled my eyes again. ?I would have never believed it if not for seeing this...in our cargo bay!? Andie exclaimed an hour later as we looked at the football field sized block of frozen water. It towered above us about three stories. ?Thank you, Empress. You have guaranteed the successful descent to our new home.? ?I told y?all my name is Alex, Commodore. I don?t always answer to? Empress?.? ?Since when, Empress?? Jack asked smugly. ?Since the very beginning, Commander! Would you like to be assigned an away mission in the tropical region of the planet?? ?Like an overgrown pussycat is going to scare me," She bragged. ?Its not just the overgrown cats, Jack, it?s the overgrown birds; elephants; crocodiles; fish; sloths; bears...bugs.? I giggled as she glared at me. ?Ladies, you all are welcome to stay with us as long as you wish. What you did today, its...its...? ?It?s called helping fellow travelers out of a jam, Andie, and it requires no repayment," I said with a bright smile. Cami, Allie, Yuuka, and Jack nodded in confirmation. ?But we owe you so much.? ?You owe us nothing, hun, we?re square, got it?? ?If you say so," Andie replied, slightly confused, though I noticed a slight glint in her eye. ?Join me for the evening meal then? It?s the least I could do.? ?You?re on, Commodore.? ?See you at three bells then, and don?t be late," She giggled as she turned and left the storage bay. I turned to the doorway before she disappeared. ?Like I?ve never heard that one before!? I exclaimed loud enough for her to hear me. ?So, have you found your criminal yet, Alex?? Andie asked as we walked into her personal dining room a few hours later. ?In a hurry to see us leave, Commodore?? I asked in jest. ?Quite the opposite. I would like to offer Atlantis as a base of operations while you hunt your miscreant. As I filed the reports on your...unusual...arrival and subsequent assistance, several things you had said suddenly became clear to me." She paused for a moment, raising an eyebrow to us. ?This ?thief?, he?s already destroyed your future. You no longer exist in the original ?timeline? as you call it, do you?? she asked, but continued right away. ?If someone like you were to travel back in time, theoretically...if your local past changed...certain incidents and/or events may not have happened...or may have changed slightly. Nevertheless, if something important enough changed, you might not be born, or might not have met...or...? I looked at our hostess with renewed interest and waited for her to continue. ?Or, you may not have become the Empress at all," she said as she dropped her head in sadness. ?Very astute, Commodore. When last we visited my sister?s Research Facility, we found only three out of one hundred and three of our sisters. Apparently the events leading up to my arrival and subsequently successful rescue of that facility never happened. The Empress of Time and Space never emerged on this newly altered version of Earth," I replied. ?Alex and I still haven?t figured out how we even exist at all.? ?Do you have any children, Alex? Forgive me for prying if I am being too forward," Andie asked, trying to change the subject after a few minutes of silence. ?Alex has one daughter from her mate on a planet its inhabitants call Terra. Jack has one daughter and two granddaughters, also from a mate on that planet. I have...if they still exist, three daughters and one son, two granddaughters and a grandson, and one great-granddaughter.? ?You?ve been busy." Andie laughed politely. ?As I stand before you, none have actually been born yet, Andie. I only know them because of my unique gift.? ?To see and experience one?s future before it happens would be the ultimate miracle, Alex.? ?Or one?s worst nightmare," I countered. Andie nodded sadly. ?I understand how it could be perceived that way, Alex.? ?I took the liberty of reviewing the mythology around you, Alex," Andie looked at both of us as she continued. ?I noticed that the concept of three reverberates throughout each and every story. If I understand correctly you, Alex Reilly, are the Empress of the past, and you Alex, are the Empress of the present. May I ask about the Empress of the future? Will she also be joining you on your quest?? ?If she is lucky enough to have escaped the redirection of the time line...but if I were somehow stopped from becoming Empress...? Andie again nodded her understanding. ?I?m sorry, Alex, I shouldn?t have circled back to the issue.? ?My granddaughter, Alexandra, is a very resourceful girl, Andie- more so than even Alex or I. She IS out there somewhere doing her part, I?m sure. I WILL see her again," I said, being as upbeat as I could manage. After a wonderful meal, Andie gave us the fifty-cent tour of Beta Ring and the Command Core- as they called the center sphere of this station. We were then shown to our quarters in Beta Ring. Each was spacious and beautifully decorated. Before I turned in, I consulted my gift, as I was sure my sister Alex Reilly was doing as well, for the quickest way to untangle Darren?s handiwork and right the timeline. As I blinked my extremely dry eyes, a voice filled my ears. ?She?s finally coming out of it, Andie, pay up.? ?For someone that claims no foresight you know your captain extremely well, Jacki. My question still remains, how in the seven worlds can she remain motionless and open-eyed for ten hours straight?? ?She?s gone this long a few time, Andie. Typically, the more complex the question, the longer she takes. You have to understand that if she neglects even the smallest detail, the results could be catastrophic. I personally would not want that much responsibility.? ?So says one with the power of the universe at her disposal," I said hoarsely. ?Have some water, Alex, it?s been ten hours.? Ya, I heard that part, Jack. Y?all think you can be less conspicuous with your wagerin??? I said before taking a few sips. ?Sorry, Cap. You know it?s more or less become a tradition among the girls.? ?Highly profitable too, I suspect," I said rolling my still dry eyes. ?Has Alex come out of it yet?? ?That?s the funny part, Cap. You and Alex came out of it at exactly the same time, according to Cami.? ?Gee, could it be that we?re basically the same person, Miss Cummins?? ?Wow...the sarcasm...could it get any thicker, Alex?? ?Absolutely," I said with an evil grin. ?So, where to and when in time, Empress?? ?Believe it or not, we go back to Ricky Lynn?s office.? ?But how can we do that if we probably don?t exist there, Alex?? Jack asked just as Cami ran into my room. ?Alex says she knows what we have to do," Cami announced excitedly as Yuuka and my sister, who was still wiping at her eyes gently, walked in. ?Ya, imagine that," I deadpanned as my attention moved from Cami to Alex. ?You know what has to be done, sis?? She nodded. ?I?m to stay here as an anchor while you three go forward to meet with Ricky Lynn.? I nodded back in agreement. ?So when do we leave, Alex?? Yuuka asked excitedly. ?I?m afraid you have to stay here, hun, your gift is not required on this one, sorry," I told her sadly. ?So, Jack and I are to accompany you, Empress?? Cami asked hopefully. ?Sweetheart, I only need one Mind Warrior on this mission, and Jack is Ricky Lynn?s superior. Sorry," I answered tenderly. Alex Reilly gently placed her hand on Cami?s shoulder as I broke the news. ?So who is the third person then?? Jack asked, confused. Alex Reilly looked to Commodore Celeste. ?Alex needs an anchor to tie her to this time period, the anchor is bidirectional though, so a balance must be satisfied, therefore you, Commodore, must agree to travel as a companion of the Empress. There is a slightly more dangerous plan ?B? if you should feel the risk is too great," She informed our hostess. ?You...you ask me...ask me to...to travel with you- to travel with the legendary Empress?? Andie paused, stunned for a moment. ?You really have to ask for my answer?? she squealed out in a higher octave. ?If y?all feel it?s asking too much, ma?am, we?ll go to plan...? ?No!? She shouted excitedly. ?No, please...don?t reconsider, Empress! It would be my honor to accompany you through the vast sea of time.? ?It?s not that dramatic, hun,? I rolled my eyes at her outburst. ?We join hands, I think of the place and time, and we?re there- no fades, slides, breaks, or pain, we?re just there. Just don?t let go of my hand until told its safe," I told her, hoping not to dissuade her. ?Cap?s right, Commodore. The excruciating pain only comes into play if we cross universes.? ?Thanks, Jack. That really helped.? ?Just doin? my job to keep my superiors informed, Cap.? ?Maybe I should take Cami instead," I murmured seriously to myself. ?I?m sorry, Empress, but the director already has something planned for me here in the station," Cami announced with little excitement. I shook my head a few times. ?So, when do we leave, Empress?? To my surprise it wasn?t Jack asking, but Andie. ?After I get some sleep. Contrary to popular belief, I don?t sleep when working through a problem, Commodore," I said as I went to select my favorite nightie, only to find that I already had it on. I changed its color from pink to blue instead. ?See y?all later today," I said, shooing them out of my quarters. Its amazing how much better I felt after just six hours of sleep. According to the chronometer in my HUD, I had slept half the day away- though I could see myself indulging between these comfortable bed linens for a lot longer. They rivaled my own sheets back at Atlantis-Minor. ?If its still there," I reminded myself verbally as I begrudgingly slid out