12 Chapter 12 :

Low Orbit, Maradisaè, 3rd of March 2119.

Starfort Eta, Living Quaters, Captain Wells's Room.

Time, 09:59

Captain Alex Wells

"Come on, come on..." muttered Ara as she worked on the security panel.

Magnler sat in a corner, hugging his knees and rocking. Xeing was still by the window, watching as both several Human vessels and Darudainian vessels were blown to smithereens as critical systems failed. Wells stood in the middle of all this, unsure of what to do.

The other Alfan guard, Byrn, stood by the door, ready for it to open at any time. He was visibly worried, he's pulled down his helm's visor and his face was contorted with pain.

"Can't you call your Captain?" asked Wells.

The guard shook his head and held up his shield arm, "My communicator is shattered. We are alone." he resumed his previous position.

A few moments passed.

Finally, Ara, with an exclamation, succeded in unlocking the door. But her radiant smile faded as it slid open.

On the other side, stood a masked man, Commander Elysium Knight.

With a yell, Byrn lifted his shield and raised his sword. Elysium raised his rifle, the barrel aimed straight at the Alfan's face.

"Stop!" shouted Wells desperatly.

The Alfan halted his movement. Lowering his stance slightly. Elysium didn't hesitate, and shot him in the head. His hard eyes, never changing. Ara screamed.

"That was for Bravo Two Three." he said, kicking the lifeless corpse of Byrn out of the way, "Stand back!" he warned Ara. Even he wouldn't kill what he thought to be a young unarmed woman without valid reason.

His team filtered in around him, surrounding Wells and his officers.

He smiled at them, "Come, let's get out of here while we still can."

He turned to go, but stopped when he realised Wells wasn't following his orders.

"Come on, we have limited time!"

Still no movement from Wells.

"Stockholm syndrome?" SAS Jess piped up.

"Luce, take them." ordered Elysium, "And the girl, she may have information."

"Sir, Yes Sir." said SAS Lucy, pushing Ara forwards with the butt of her rifle.

Wells began to protest.

"Stop, don't do this."

Magnler struggled against his captor, his meagre strength leaving the operator unscathed.

Wells resisted also, although more with words than with fists. Xeing, however, wasn't feeling as diplomatic. She caught her captor under the chin with her fist and they both sprawled to the ground, struggling.

"I've had enough of this..." muttered Elysium, pulling a grenade off his belt.

"No!" interceded Wells, starting towards, looking desperatly at Elysium.

"Good night." said the Commander, a wicked light in his eyes.

The chamber filled with gas and Wells felt himself slipping into unconciousness.