HEre is the second half of the fic. the original file was almost 300 k
sorry about the parts being so huge

 ******
Part 2: The Ghosts
Date:  September 21, 2261
Some where between Terry's complaints and Allishar's lack of tolerance
for it, a kind of understanding was formed.  Terry knew his brother too
well and that was one of the reasons why they requested to be stationed
apart for those five years.  Terry was stationed on the Agamemnon at
first for the last two months of his fourth year of his time at the
academy.  He did not hold anything against his brother, he just wanted
to be stationed apart from him for a change. He remembered the day that
he first walked on to the ship.  It was a fine ship and in his honest
opinion he liked it.  The one thing that he was a trifle frightened of
the searching question that the Captain asked him. His answer was one
that he thought expressed what was in his heart. He wanted to serve the
needs of the people and give them a sense of security.
Sighing, Terry had to be the fist to admit that he was glad that he
joined Earth Force when he did.  His biggest regret was when he saw the
Roanoke get rammed by the Churchill. That was a black day for his entire
family.  He had just lost his elder sister Megan in that fight. Terry
knew that Allishar took it the hardest. In fact when the Roanoke
exploded, Allishar let out a blood curdling howl of anguish.  He knew
what had just happened mostly by the bond that they share as identical
twins.
Terry had to wonder about how long his brother was going to put off
thinking about his love life and move on.  He had a beautiful woman that
was wanting to have a relationship with him and Allishar was refusing.
He was concerned about his brother's well being. He was glad when the
time came for the full squad to go out on patrol. It was during this
time that they would work on several of their latest flying formations.
This was something that he knew his brother liked to do. In fact their
most recent formation was what Allishar liked to call Crystal Heart. It
involved the fifteen Thunderbolts to arrange themselves in such a
pattern that they could watch each other's back and increase scanning
range if they needed to.  Who ever was in the center of the formation
had to coordinate everything.  That position usually went to Allishar.
Terry had to be both physically and mentally prepared as well.  Since
they were one of seven squads on station not to mention that they are
only one of three squads that are exclusively in thunderbolts he had to
be prepared for what ever was out there. Yet he still did not understand
what his brother meant about finding "the five on four."  Did he have
some strange threat that he used to get Allyson and Devon to move a bit
quicker, or was it just a bluff that he used. What ever the case it
worked. He could not really get what he meant out of Allishar in the
first place. Allyson refused to talk about it, and Devon also did not
want to think about it.
He heard the chime on his door sound.  Putting a hold on what he was
about to do, Terry went to answer it.  He saw that the person that was
standing there was one of his wing man.  It was Vincent Vanrill.
"Vincent, what's going on," Terry asked.
"I don't know but I get the strangest feeling that something is going to
go down soon," Vincent said.
"What do you mean," Terry asked.
"Well it's just that . . .," Vincent began when the communications
channel in Terry's room whined.
"Alright you two love Birds," the person on the screen said.  When they
looked at it they saw that it was Terry's older twin Allishar.  He had
the strangest sense of humor.  Sometimes it would pop up at the
strangest times.  "I don't want to know what you two were doing.  Nor do
I care.  Now march yourselves down to the squad briefing room.  We have
to be ready for our patrol."
"Yes sir," Vincent said.  He could see that Terry was upset at what
Allishar said.
"That's it," Terry fumed.  "I will get even for that."
"Geez Terry chill," Vincent said.  "It's not like he was serious."
"I know that he wasn't serious," Terry said.  "It's just that comment
was just plain lewd."
"True, but he is expecting us in the squad room," Vincent said.
"Alright I am coming," Terry said and then closed the book that he was
reading.  He then quickly followed Vincent to the briefing room on Blue
three.
 ******
Evan walked down the hall of Blue 3 to the briefing room with a gait
that said he was calm and collective.  Yet he could not release the
hatred for a pilot that was on station.  He could not forgive Jesa for
shooting down the one person that he considered a sister.  Evan and
Jenelle could almost be considered siblings with the way that they would
act and carry on.  When she told him that she was in love with Jesa he
was happy for her.   He was finally glad to see her happy.
Then that fateful day in April came.  He remembered the fight where Jesa
would not even fire at her.   He hoped that their conflict would end
peacefully.  That was not to be when the Churchill rammed the Roanoke.
He thought that he could hear a savage howl from one of the pilots from
Babylon 5.  Several seconds later he saw the Thunderbolt that belonged
to his friend destroyed only twenty feet in front of him.  He was lost
as to what to do next.  He saw his closest friend just get killed and
all of his friends on the Churchill were dead as well.  He was tempted
to attack the Starfury that was left.  If it was not for four
Thunderbolts from Babylon 5 that stopped him then he would have attacked
him and would have more than likely ended up dead.  In fact if he wasn't
under orders to protect Babylon 5 and their pilots then he would have
dealt with him immediately.  And more than likely lost.
 He almost came to blows with him back in June of 2260.  If it were not
for the fact that both Allyson and Taven stopped him, then he would have
tried to pick a fight with him.
Most of the pilots knew that Evan was a cold and calculating pilot.  Not
a single one knew that he was also mad as a hornet at Lt.  Commander
Jesa Marason.  If they did then they would steer clear of him.  He was
joined by another of the pilots from his unit.  Lt.  Saki Nijino.  She
was only three years younger than him which made things quite
interesting.  At first he thought that he could try to pursue a
relationship with her, but after she cut him down quite hard a week ago
Evan thought the better of it.  He did see her flirting with a member of
Epsilon Squad.  The pilot was Del Tarrant.  He had to wonder what she
saw in him.  Maybe it was that Del was sociable.  He wondered if Del
knew that she liked him.  If he did know then he was sure being dense
about it.  Perhaps the rumors of Saki being shy was false.
"Hello Saki," Evan said.
"Um hi Evan," Saki said with a bit of a stutter.
"Are you ready for the patrol," Evan asked.
"Kinda," Saki said and then walked up to meet with Erica and Achika.
Evan remembered that Erica was Eric's younger sister and they were a
potent team.  He also wondered why in the world was she being so cold to
him.  Perhaps that was why Allishar paired those two with Saki on the
patrol rotation.  He was usually paired with Taven and the rookie Dale.
Something about the way Dale acted made him furious.  When he got into
the briefing room he could see that the rest of the pilots were waiting
for him to arrive.
"Ah welcome Evan," Allishar said.  "I see you decided to join us."
Evan just nodded once and sat down.  He did not want to get into a
conflict with the Squad leader.   This was neither the time nor the
place for him to want to argue with him.  He would complain later.
Which would be after the patrol.
"Now that everyone is here I will begin," Allishar said.  "I have heard
rumors that we may have to move out soon.  Captain Sheridan will more
than likely move against Proxima 3 first.  Now as I said this is just a
rumor.  Don't go spreading to everyone.  In light of that I want us to
be prepared.  I have come up with a new formation that I want us to work
on just in case."
"In case of what," Elsa asked.
"In case we may need to use it," Allishar said.  "It is called the
'Crystal Heart' formation."
"So how do we use it," Dale asked.
"Well I will show you how we use this formation," Allishar said as he
brought up a 3-D display.  "I will be in the center of this whole
thing.  I want Terry above me and Vincent below me.  In front I want
Saki and behind me I want Erica.  Off to my left I want Devon and to my
Right I want Allyson.  To the front of me to the right is where I want
you Evan.  Dale you will be to my front on the left.  Above me to my
right I want Ryooko.  Achika you will be above me and to the left.
Taven you will be behind me and to my right.  Elsa you will be behind me
and to my left.  That leaves Kevin and Eric.  You will be below me and
to my right and left respectively."
"So why are we doing this again," Eric asked.
"Because I want to make sure that we are ready," Allishar said.
"Besides it is a sound formation.  Now to those that are in front and
behind someone.  If you would adjust your position by about fifteen
degrees to the left and right respectively then you will not have to
worry about getting damaged or damaging one another by the back wash."
"Understood," All of the pilots said in unison.
"Now I have cleared this with the Command staff and we will be
practicing this maneuver out in sector 15 well away from the station.
Now let's get going."
With that all of Tau Squad headed off to get suited up.  Only Allyson
remained behind.  She was concerned about something.
"Allyson what's wrong," Allishar asked.
"I am not for certain.  I just keep thinking that something would happen
to us on this patrol," Allyson said.
"Nothing will," Allishar said.  "Now I have let you get away with
something last week.  I don't intend to let that happen again with out
some form of retaliation."
Allyson did not know what to make of what Allishar just said.  His
expression was unreadable and that scared her.  She saw him walk over to
her and embrace her.  Her heart sang as she felt his strong embrace it
was almost as if she was waiting for this for some time.  She was not
expecting what was to come.  She felt Allishar's lips brush hers and she
just surrendered herself to the moment as he kissed her.  When they
parted Allyson was flushed and she could barely stand.
"Now come on," Allishar said.  "We have a patrol and practice run to
do."
All Allyson could do was nod and followed.
 ******
Else where on the station Jesa was getting his quarters cleaned up to
get ready to have company.  He had managed to get Allishar, Devon, and
Allyson to stop by so the six of them could actually have a chance to
talk.  He hoped that they could actually have a close bond of friendship
that he has with Rico and Laura.  He was becoming good friends with
Allishar.  They talked off and on over the last month.  The longest that
they talked was during the mission to help Crystal Tokyo.  They talked
about just about everything.  It was in that time that Allishar finally
opened up about what happened to him during Babylon 5's breakaway from
Earth.  Jesa was told about the events that would eventually lead to the
death of Allishar's sister Megan.  He also found out that he had fallen
in love with his sister's roommate Jessica.  Neither Jessica nor Megan
were pilots.  They both died when the Roanoke was destroyed.
At least now Jesa could understand why Allishar was reluctant to fall in
love with someone.  Yet why in the world was he staring at the Princess
of Mercury if he wanted to fall for someone he would just have to look
in his squad.  He knew that Allyson was in love with him.  He had known
that since the incident back in 2260 with the Protodeviln.  Allishar was
one of the pilots that was drained and Jesa could tell that Allyson was
concerned about Allishar.  It was in that time that Jesa actually got to
know Allyson.  He found that she was a charming and kind person.
A few minutes later Rico and Laura showed up and started to help out
with the cleaning.
 ******
All of Tau Squad was busy with practicing the new formation, when Ryooko
picked up a transmission.
"This is transport Arion to any ships in the area, we are under attack,
repeat we are under attack," The Message said.
"Well commander what shall we do," Ryooko asked.
"Provide assistance of course," Allishar said.  "Where are they?"
"In Sector 16," Saki said.  "Commander they are besieged by raiders."
"Wonderful," Allishar said dryly.  "Alright here's the deal, there is
more than likely one Capital ship with them.  Now I want you to break
into the three man teams like we practiced before.  We'll use our
Scimitar attack pattern to destroy the fighters."
"What about the Cap ship," Evan asked.
"They are heavily armed and well to be quite honest I am not so certain
that we, a single squad, can destroy it."
"Don't you have faith in us Commander," Achika asked.
"Yes I do have faith in our abilities as a squad, but one ship destroyed
a whole squad of Valkyries and then half of another squad," Allishar
said.  "I think that we need to use our 'Wraith' tactics against that
cap ship."
"But we can take it," Saki said.
"Yes I think we could, but I don't want to have unnecessary casualties,"
Allishar said.  "Now you 'Hellion' follow the plans and that is it."
"Yes sir," Saki said.
"Ryooko I want you to have a channel ready to go if we get in over our
heads," Allishar said.
"Reason," Ryooko asked.
"We may have to call for back up," Allishar said.  "Particularly ask for
Epsilon Squad."
"Why ask for them," Terry asked.  "Are you and Epsilon leader that
tight?"
Allishar was about to bite his brother's head off for that remark.  Yet
he had deserved it for the remark that he made earlier.
"No Terry we are not like that," Allishar said.  "Besides," Allishar
said with a slight bit amusement in his voice that only Allyson caught.
"You know I only have eyes for you!"
Terry and the rest of the squad started to sputter with objections.
Devon and Allyson were trying not to laugh.  They knew that Allishar was
a strange person at times.
"But seriously though, I don't trust Zeta Squad to not to want to hog
all of the glory," Allishar said.  "Plus the other squads have pilots on
down time."
"Ah I see," Ryooko said.
"Ok all let's get to it," Allishar said and headed off in the direction
of the distress call.
When they arrived it was just as Saki had said.  The transport was being
attacked by raiders.  Allishar did not have the hatred for raiders that
Jesa did, but he could not tolerate them.  He never had any compassion
for them, but he would not put up with them attacking defenseless
transports.
"Tau leader to attacking craft," Allishar said.  "I suggest that you
retreat and leave this transport alone.  It is under our protection."
"So sorry to disappoint you," The leader of the raiders said.  "We won't
surrender this cargo to you."
"This is your last warning," Allishar said.  "Leave it or die!"
Evan opened up a private channel to Allishar's Thunderbolt.  "Sir, what
has gotten into you?"
"These, privateers have operated in this area for long enough," Allishar
spat.  "This ends now."
"You will just have to try and stop us," The raider leader said.
"You don't know what you are dealing with pal," Allishar said.  "Ok
Squad let's heat 'em up and it's Scimitar formation."
"Roger," Everyone said and the broke up into their respective groups.
This formation worked on the principle of two to three groups of three
fighters line up in an arc and hit the target as hard as possible.
In this instance it worked.  However, their victory was short lived.
Out of another jump point a second Raider Capital ship emerged with it's
full fighter squad compliment.  Both capital ships started to open fire
on the squad and on the transport as well.
"Aw fuckin hell," Terry swore.  "I wasn't expecting to see this."
"That makes two of us," Vincent said.
"Ryooko, send that request to the station now," Allishar said.  "Inform
them of the situation and get Epsilon Squad out here ASAP."
"Already sent," Ryooko said.
 ******
Meanwhile on the command deck Captain Sheridan was monitoring the
communications signal between the members of Tau Squad.  If it came down
to overall skill then Tau ranked right up there with Epsilon Squad.  He
then heard the distress call that was sent out by the Arion.  He was
amazed to see that the entire squad put off practice to aid that
vessel.  This was most impressive.  He liked to see a squad that was
willing to come to the aid of a person that required it.
"Captain," Lt. Corwin said.  "There is a request for back up from Tau
6.  She is saying that another Raider ship has entered the sector and is
firing on the ship.  They can handle the fighters but they need back up
in case they have to attack those capital ships."
"Who's on alert standby," Sheridan asked.
"Zeta and Epsilon Squads," Corwin said.
"Well inform Commander Marason that his squad needs to launch to provide
support to Tau Squad," Sheridan said.
"Will do Captain," Corwin said.
 ******
Jesa and the rest of the Epsilon Squad quickly ran into the squad room
and got suited up.  As they got strapped into their respective fighters,
Jesa had to wonder what was going on.  All he knew was that Tau Squad
was out near Sector 16 doing some practicing of a new formation when
they ran into trouble.
The instant that they dropped the entire squad formed up on Jesa's
Starfury and followed him to the jump gate.
"Ok listen up," Jesa said.  "As soon as we reach sector 16 I want us to
provide cover for the transport and help with stopping what attacked
them."
"Understood," Came the response from the squad.
When they came out of hyper space they could see what they were up
against.  It was two Raider mother ships and a squad of fighters.
"Lovely," Will commented.  "Raiders."
"Let's deal with them," Jesa said as he coaxed his fighter forward.
"Ah Jesa, I'm glad that you arrived," Allishar said.  "Shall we mop up
these ruffians?"
"Let's," was all that Jesa said as he went raider hunting.  The rest of
the squad followed suit.
"Tau 9, you have one on your tail," John Jansen said.
"I know and I can't shake him," Saki said as she tried to evade the fire
from the raider's fighter.
"Calm down Saki I am on it," came the cool tones of Elsa Davenport.
"Well hurry I think he has almost got me," Saki said at a near panic.
Elsa lined up on the fighter just a little too late, because that
fighter had managed to score several hits off of Saki's Thunderbolt.
She could see the sparks flying off of the fighter.
"Saki talk to me," Elsa shouted over the communications line.  She got
nothing but static on the other end.
"Allishar, Saki has been injured," Elsa said.  "How are the rest of you
fairing?"
"The fighters are all destroyed," Allishar said.  "It seems that the Cap
ships are retreating.  Smart thing for them to do."
"Transport Arion, we will escort you to Babylon 5 where you can make
repairs," Jesa said.
"Roger that Epsilon Wing," The transport commander said.
"Elsa how bad off is Saki," Allishar asked.
As Elsa flew past the cockpit she could see that Saki was slumped over
the controls.  Her helmet showed cracks in the visor.  Fortunately the
canopy was not even cracked.
"She's not dead and that's a good thing," Elsa said.
"Understood," Jesa said.  "Ryooko tow her back to the station and have
Vincent and Terry fly support.  Inform the medical teams about this as
soon as you get through the jump point," Allishar said.  "The rest of us
will escort the transport to the station."
"Roger that," The rest of Tau squad said.
Gently Ryooko hooked up with Saki's Thunderbolt and headed in the
direction of the jump gate.  Terry and Vincent took up positions on
either side of the crippled Thunderbolt.  The rest of the squads helped
to escort the transport to the jump gate.
'Hold on Saki,' Allishar thought.
The trip through the jump point felt as if it were the longest thing
that Allishar had ever experienced.  Perhaps it was the fact that he had
an injured pilot that was weighing heavily on his mind.  Or perhaps he
was worried that he would have to try to explain to her family what had
happened to her out there if she did not make it.  When they emerged out
of the jump point he could see that the rest of the fighters had
finished their escort duty and was heading in to the docking bay.
Allishar could tell that Epsilon 5 was in a big hurry to land.  He could
tell that Del was concerned about Saki and how she was doing.  Allishar
may not have any type of relationship himself, but he could tell that
Saki and Del were in love.  This was a kind of bond that he was sure
that would last a lifetime.  Of course baring injury and illness they
would have a long an fruitful life together.
The instant that he landed, Allishar was out of his flight suit and
running down the halls to the med lab.  It was an easy jog down the
halls to the transport tube and down to Red Level to see how she was
doing.  When he stepped into the room he could see that Del was pacing
back and forth.
"Del, how is she," Allishar asked.
"Well Dr.  Franklin said that she will survive," Del said.  "He said
that she will need a lot of TLC for the foreseeable future."
"How long," Allishar asked.
"Three weeks," Del said.
"Alright," Allishar said.  "Del, you make sure that she makes a full
recovery."
"Yes - yes sir," Del stammered.  He misunderstood the way that Allishar
said that he wanted her to make a full recovery.  He had a look of fear
on his face.  He thought that Allishar would strangle him.
"Whoa hold on Del," Allishar said.  "I am just concerned about her
that's all.  She is a special pilot and I don't want anything to happen
to her.  I know you don't either."
"True," Del said.  "But Commander. . ."
"Please, just call me Allishar," Allishar said.
"Ok Allishar, I am concerned about how she feels about me," Del asked.
"Del she is in love with you," Allishar said.  "I know that you are with
her.  I can see it in the way that you look at her."
"Well yes."
"Del, look at it this way.  Tell her.  Don't make her wait."
With that Allishar went to talk to Dr.  Franklin about Saki's condition.

 ******
It was two days since the attack on the transport Arion.  Saki was still
in the Med Lab and when Del was not on duty, he would be by her side.
It amazed half of Tau Squad to see that someone had actually taken an
interest in Saki.  The reason being that Saki was always the shy one
outside of he Thunderbolt.  Plus it was Eric Andrew that found out how
badly she turned down Evan.  Something about not being attracted to
brainless sickos like him.
In Eric's opinion he thought that was a little harsh.  Saki had told him
later that Evan had said something that she really did not like.  In
fact she had asked Eric to not to mention what was said to Allishar,
since she knew what would happen.  Ryooko had made some off hand remark
about it and left it at that.  The others were amazed.  Allishar was
happy for her.  He knew that at least she was with someone that
genuinely cared about her.  He knew that Evan was not for her.  In fact
he wondered about Evan's attitude.  He knew of Evan's initial hesitance
to get back into a fighter, he just did not know why he was like that.
Perhaps Evan would tell him in time.  Or perhaps not.  He was still not
entirely sure about Evan and his motivations.
Putting Evan out of his mind for the time being, Allishar then focused
on what had happened.  One of his pilots was injured and he could not
look himself in the mirror.  Every time he did he could still hear her
request for help.  Yet he knew that she was a capable pilot.  Allishar
would be a fool to not worry about her.
He knew that Devon, Allyson and himself were supposed to go over to
Jesa's quarters and socialize.  At the moment he did not want to go.  He
was not in a social mood.  Some where in the back of him mind a voice
told him to put in a CD and sing.  And that was exactly what he did.  He
found the song that usually set his nerves back in place.  It was a slow
song called 'Kimi Ni.'  As he sang it he managed to calm down and when
it ended he was relaxed and actually ready to socialize.
Allyson met him half way to the transport tube.  She had collected Devon
out of his quarters and they were on their way.  Perhaps he would
actually give a relationship a try for a change.  Hell what could he
lose except his confidence.  As the three of them stepped into the
transport Allishar could tell that Allyson was in a really good mood.
Devon was just standing in the back of the car staring at what he could
only guess as the roof of the car.  Allishar wondered about what was
going through their minds.  He was sure that Allyson was thinking about
him.  That was not a surprise.  He wondered if she thought of anything
else.  From what he could tell she was hung up on him.  In fact she was
standing next to him and he could tell that she was wearing perfume.
Since when did she start to wear perfume?  He never knew that she wore
perfume before.  Well she was trying to get his attention?  If that was
the case then she was doing a damn good job of it.  Well, Allishar was
doing his best to resist the urge.  Of course with what he did before
the practice run could be interpreted as him taking an interest in her.
Devon on the other hand, was a total mystery.  Allishar never really
understood him.  How could this man be such a prude and yet when he is
with the rest of the squad he can be just as crude as Taven at times.
Something about this person that he called friend bothered him.  What
was he hiding and why.
Allishar felt something brush against his hand.  As he looked, Allishar
noticed that Allyson had slipped her hand into his.  Allishar fought the
urge to panic.  He could tell that her hand was smooth as silk.  One
would almost not believe that she was a fighter pilot.  Yet she was and
that was a surprise unto itself.  Allishar liked this feeling and he did
not want to have it end.
Devon saw what she did and made no comment about it.  He figured that if
she was going too fast then he would wait until she was shot down.  Yet
when he saw that Allishar did not panic, he had to wonder what was going
through his mind.  Devon decided that he would not say anything about
this to anyone.  It was mostly because he felt that it was none of his
business.  Which it was not.  Devon then just ignored them all the way
to Blue 7.
 ******
Jesa, Rico, and Laura were patiently waiting for the others to show up.
They were curious as to what had happened to them.  Jesa knew that
Allishar was always punctual everywhere that he went.  He did not know
much about Devon.  Allyson was almost always on time no matter where she
went.  Yet this time she was running late.  Just as he was about to find
out what happened to them he could hear the chime on his quarters.  When
he opened the door he could see that it was Devon and the others.  When
Devon walked in, Jesa could see that Allishar and Allyson were walking
hand in hand.
'What did he do,' Jesa thought in shock.  'I didn't think that he was
that kind of person.  I wasn't expecting this to progress that fast.'
"Sorry about that," Allishar said.  "I had to calm down before I came."
"Hey I understand," Jesa said.  "These things happen."
"True," Allishar said.
Once they got settled on the couch they began to talk.
"So how's she doing," Laura asked.
"Fine," Allishar said.
"How long will she be out," Rico asked
"Three weeks," Allishar said shortly.
"And. . .," Rico started to ask but he noticed that Allyson was
motioning to Rico and the others to drop that subject.  Which they did
with out much argument.
"You would not believe what happened in the bar last week," Devon said
quickly changing the subject.
"What happened," Allishar asked.  This caught the attention of all of
the others.
"Well I saw Rico get shot down by this person from the Macross 2," Devon
said.
"I heard about it," Jesa said.  "But what happened?"
"Well we were in the bar having a few drinks and Rico pointed her out,"
Devon said.
"Ok," Allishar said.
"Well he then asked me what I thought about her and I commented that she
was cute," Devon said.
Laura glared at Devon.  She could not believe that Devon would make that
kind of comment.
"Well then Rico made the comment about her in," Devon said trying not to
get too embarrassed.  "He made the comment about seeing her in purple
see through lingerie."
Jesa, Laura, and Allishar's jaw dropped wide open.  They could not
believe what they just heard.  Allyson promptly kicked Devon in the
shins.  She could not believe that Rico would say something like that.
That really irritated her.
"Hey what was that for," Devon asked as he rubbed his now bruised shins.

"Do you know when to shut up," Allyson asked.  She then glared at Rico
for suggesting what he did. "I don't want everyone knowing about that."
"Too late," Laura said.  "We already know."
"Rico, you mean you actually said something like that," Jesa asked.
"Well," Rico stammered.
"How much were you drinking," Laura asked.  "Or do I want to know?"
"Not much," Rico said.
"Rico, I wonder if your not much included the five beers that you had,"
Devon said.
"So you were thinking horizontal thoughts after all," Jesa said.
"Rico what in the world did you say to her," Allyson asked.
"I forgot," Rico said.  "I slept between then and now so I forgot."
"I think that I remember what he said," Devon said.  "Something to the
effect of 'your beauty could stop a fleet of ships.'"
Jesa, Laura, and Allishar were shocked.  Allishar did not know that Rico
would do something like that.  Jesa and Laura could believe it and well
this was one of his cheesiest lines.
"Um Rico how much Cheese did you eat before you went to the bar,"
Allyson asked.  "Because that remark smelled like Limburger to me."
Everyone with the exception of Rico were howling in laughter.
"Hey now that's just mean," Rico said.
"Rico I told you a dozen time that those kind of lines don't work.  A
five- year-old could do better," Jesa said.  "What do I need to do to
get this across to you?"
"Swift kick in the rear would work," Allishar said.  Laura looked at him
as if he was in trouble.
Jesa was amazed to hear someone aside from Laura come back with a line
like that.  Then again during the Crystal Tokyo mission, Allishar was
thinking literally minded when he handed Jesa his PPG.  From that he
could tell that Allishar was not the kind of person that was always
stuck up.  In fact he knew that Allishar had a really twisted sense of
humor.  He had heard about the exchange between Allishar and his brother
Terry.  Quite frankly he wondered how the station faired with their
antics.  It seemed from the looks of it they faired decently.
"Um no, that would not be smart on my part," Jesa said.
"Hey the ladies like that kind of stuff," Rico said in defense.
"We do," Allyson and Laura said in unison.  "You have got to be
kidding."
Rico recoiled as if he had been bit by a snake.  "Well they do."
"Hey you guy are cruel to me," Rico said almost at a whine.
"No we are not being cruel," Devon said.  "We are just trying to point
out what you did wrong."
"I think that we have picked on Rico enough," Allishar said.  "Aside
from myself and Jesa did any of you meet our guest that was on station?"

"Never got the chance to," Allyson said.
"Nope never did," Rico said.  "I was too busy."
"Sorry, I didn't either," Devon said
"Same here," Laura said.  "Wish I did though."
"Well I will say this much, he does have good taste in music," Allishar
said.
"You are just saying that because we had to use that to revive you from
what ever it was that drained you," Jesa said.
"Well that may be, but I swear that I will never watch my 'Macross
seven' anime ever again after what happened last year," Allishar said.
"You mean you had an Anime that was based on that ship that came out of
that jump point," Jesa asked as he shook his head.
"Yes I did," Allishar asked.
"You are a strange one you know that," Laura said.
"Why thank you Laura," Allishar said with a mock bow.  "Of course Fire
Bomber is great music to fly to."
"You put a data crystal port in your Thunderbolt," Rico asked in
amazement.
"CD player actually," Allishar said.
"You know doing something like that is against station regs," Laura
said.
"And to interpret regulations for a superior officer is
insubordination," Jesa said.
"Superior in rank only," Laura quipped back.
"That woman has a sharp tongue," Jesa said.  "Rico, can't you keep her
on a short leash?"
"Oh so now you are in to bondage," Allishar said.
"No we are not," Laura said as she threw a pillow at Allishar.
"Well anyway, I read the station Regs and there was not one passage in
there about having a CD Player in a fighter.  So I naturally added mine
to my Thunderbolt.  I even rigged it to where I can take it with me when
I am done flying."
"You are quite a rebel," Devon said.
"Well as you can see I have the total run of the X-files on video," Jesa
pointed out.
Allishar thought he saw something hiding behind the tapes.  As he got up
to look he saw it.  It was that cute little bear that was spaced.
"AWW," Allishar squeaked.
"What," Jesa asked as he got up to see what Allishar was looking at.  He
saw that it was the same bear that he grabbed back before City 7 dropped
right in his lap in 2260.  "Oh that.  I didn't think that anyone would
have seen it with out actually looking for it."
"But it is so cute," Allishar said.
Allyson had to wonder about how old Allishar really was.  She could not
believe that he would go this nuts of a teddy bear.  But everyone was
entitled to their strangeness.
"That is true yes," Jesa said.  "I found this bear while I was out on
patrol last year.  Getting it was a trick and slipping back on station
was not too hard since they had too much going on already."
"I won't say a thing about it to anyone," Allishar said.  "Now If you
two say anything then I will give the five inner Guardians six cases of
soda and let them drink it all and then have them terrorize you for the
following three days.  Am I clear?"
The color on Allyson's face drained.  She knew about the mischief that
they could cause and to be quite honest she did not want to be subject
to them any more than she had to be.  Devon just gulped.  He was never
at the center of those antics but he saw what they were capable of and
it was enough to drive him batty.
"Yes sir," they said in unison.
"Now I have a question for you," Jesa said as he put the bear back where
he had it hid.
"Ok shoot," Allishar said.
"What's with the shirt," Jesa asked.
"Oh this," Allishar said as he looked at his 'Degeneration X' shirt.  "I
got this from Ryooko who got it from her cousin on Earth.  It is from a
twentieth century program called Professional wrestling.  It was
something to do in my off time."
"Well let's hope the command staff don't catch you wearing that on
duty," Jesa said.
"I wear it under my uniform," Allishar said.
"I see," Jesa said.
"Well I will say this much," Laura said.  "The pilots from the Macross 2
are pretty good for their element."
"That is true," Allishar said.
"Yes I will have to admit that they are good," Jesa said.
"Do you have any idea what their Commander used on that Raider ship,"
Laura asked.
"No I don't," Jesa said.  "But he only needed to use one on it."
"I think that he wanted to make sure that it was dead," Allishar mused.
"Still I think that it was over kill," Devon said.
"Maybe or maybe not," Rico said.  "Jesa how do you think that their
commander would fare against the two pilots from the Macross 7?"
"I honestly don't know," Jesa said.  "They were the best pilots that I
have ever seen."
"True," Laura commented.  "Still I must know where were you for about
eight hours a couple of weeks ago?"
"Busy with some things," Jesa said.
"I think the term is busy punting a Black Omega Starfury back through
the jump gate is more like it," Allishar said.
"Huh," Allyson asked.
"How in the world did you get to fly one of those planes," Devon asked.
"It was by pure chance I will tell you that much," Jesa said.
"No way it was chance," Rico said.
"Yes it was chance," Jesa said.  "I ran into him in the central corridor
and he invited me over to see his ship.  He then offered to let me fly
one of his planes."
"You are so lucky," Allyson said.
"Yeah well," Jesa said.
"So what in the world were the Psi Corp out here for," Laura asked.
"I don't have the foggiest," Jesa said.  He figured that Shane wanted
his abilities to be kept a secret.  "All they said was they were looking
for a Rogue Telepath and Shane and I refused to let them pass.  They
then opened fire on us and well I offered to Back Shane up and he said
that he didn't need it.  So I went to go play with Bester."
"So that was what I heard over the communications channels," Allishar
said.  "I thought that I was hearing a football game."
Everyone in the room doubled over in fits of laughter.  They were
finding it hard to believe that Allishar could mistake Jesa for a
football announcer.
"Well that was me," Jesa said.
"Ah I see," Allishar said.
"How did you know about that," Rico asked.
"I was out on patrol," Allishar said.
"Ah I see," Laura said.
Their conversation lasted well into the night.  As it would turn out the
six of them would develop a close friendship that would last.
When Allishar, Devon, and Allyson left Jesa's quarters they were tired.
Allishar decided to walk with Allyson back to her quarters.  He just
wanted to talk to her for a little bit before he went back to his
quarters to get some sleep.  Devon just nodded and went to a different
transport tube and took it back to Blue 14.
The ride in the car was quiet.  Perhaps it was because of the fact that
the two occupants were almost uncomfortable in each other's presence.
That could not really be the case since it was Allyson that had made the
first move.  She remembered the first time that she had met him.  He had
been on the Damocles for a year when she first arrived in 2256.  She was
shy and timid.  Yet it made people wonder if she was truly a pilot.
After she met her new squad leader, Allishar Morgan, she started to come
out of that shell that she had made for herself.  There was something
about him that she liked and it was obvious to the others in the squad
that she was trying for him.  If any of the other female pilots wanted
to have a chance with him then they were out of luck.  In the four years
that she had served on the Damocles she had grown and matured.  She had
become one of the best pilots in her squad.  It had showed when she,
Devon, and Allishar always volunteered to take up flying point missions.

It was during the year 2260  they were attacked by what the crew of the
Macross 7 called Protodeviln when she made her feelings for Allishar
known.  It was not to Allishar however, but to Jesa.  She had confided
in Jesa how she truly felt about him.  It was almost as if she had
poured her heart out to him.  Jesa could understand how she felt.  He
had told her that she was lucky to have the one that she was in love
with still alive.  Allyson did not really want to know what he meant,
but Jesa had told her that he had to kill the one person that he had
truly loved.  That admission almost made her want to cry.  She did not
know how she would react if something would have ever happened to
Allishar.  Then between Taven and herself they had lead the squad
successfully.
Then last month she thought that Allishar was not interested in her.
She could not help but think that he was actually in love with a
Princess of Crystal Tokyo.  However, that could not really be possible
since he would not even admit to her how he felt.  Sometimes she
wondered if she was kidding herself about him.  Then again, there were
the times that she was right that he was not interested in her.
Yet something about the last three weeks had changed him.  She could
tell that he was starting to actually take an interest in her.  What was
he waiting for was her biggest concern.  She was not going to wait
forever that was for certain.
Allishar on the other hand was trying to make head or tails out of his
now spinning heart.  He had originally thought that he would never fall
in love after what had happened.  Perhaps he was to dense to see what
had always been there.  Or perhaps he did not want to see it.  He
remembered back when he was on the Roanoke in March of 2255.  He was
glad to see his sister Megan again.  They had had a joyous reunion and
managed to get caught up on what had been going on.  The two months that
he was there was an excellent time.  He gained valuable experience that
he would take to his permanent assignment on the Damocles.  It was there
that he met and befriended all of Sigma squad.  He was given command of
that squad and they all became a close nit group.
Some of the other pilots from various squads considered them to be
snobs.  In the case of one Danielle Asuka Langley, she took perverse
pleasure in tormenting rookie pilots that came on the ship.  She found
that the insults did not work and well all she could do was try to
infuriate him.  That had only worked twice.  Both times she had not
learned much from the time before that Allishar is not one to have mad
at you.
Then in May of 2256 they got two more pilots.  Allyson was one them.
And once again it was Danielle's merciless tormenting of the rookies.
Allyson did not take to the tormenting well.  In fact she would hide in
her quarters and not come out. The other pilot Saki, well she actually
got in Danielle's face and told her off.  She had just came off of
patrol and well Danielle had made the mistake of trying to torment her
while she was still in her "pilot mode." Allishar had to take two steps
back because he could not believe that she was this type of person.  He
wondered if Saki did not have two distinct personalities.  With the way
that she was acting out of the fighter she was shy and quiet, but in her
fighter she was aggressive.
When they were transferred to Babylon 5 in March of 2260, Allishar had
made plans to spend his next bit of time off with his sister.  In fact
Allishar's brother Tollishar, or Terry as he prefers to be called, would
be joining them.  Their plans were cut abruptly short when the station
had declared its independence.  A bloody fight had ensued in April of
that year.
He did not like what had happened one bit.  He could remember the fights
between the ships that President Clark sent to take the station back and
the ships that were trying to protect it.  The fights between the
fighters were brutal.  He had just saved Allyson from getting killed by
two fighters from the Roanoke.  Fortunately for him, his sister was not
a pilot.  She was one of the people that were on the bridge of the
ship.  Allishar believed that she would have been safe there.  Sadly she
was not.  The sight that he will never forget was witnessing the
Churchill ram the Roanoke.  He was silently hoping that Megan and
Jessica got out in time.  When the ship exploded and he did not see any
life boats, Allishar just screamed.  Everyone in his squad heard him.
Even those that were not also heard him.  When it was all said and done
a part of his heart had been cut out with the death of his sister and
the person that he was supposed to meet.  He still blamed President
Clark for the tragedy that happened that day.
But what about the person that was now standing close to him?  Allishar
looked up and saw Allyson was standing next to him.  Her face bore the
look of someone that was concerned about him.
"Allishar, are you alright," Allyson asked.
"I will be," Allishar said with a half hearted smile.
"There is something on your mind isn't there," she asked.
"Not really," Allishar said.  Bad move on his part.  He could tell that
Allyson was about ready to throttle him.  "Yes there is something the
matter."
"Would you like to talk about it," Allyson asked.
All Allishar did was nod his head yes.  Aside from Jesa, Allyson was the
only other person that he could call a close friend.  Granted Devon and
the others from Tau Squad were his friends, but when the chips were down
Allyson was always around.  She had been around to talk to him well
before Allishar ever met Jesa.
"Well it's a start," Allyson said.  "Allishar, I am not your enemy.  I
have known you the longest."
"I know that you have," Allishar said.  "But. . ."
Allyson silenced him by placing a hand on his mouth.  Allishar almost
objected to this.  He could not object since he wondered why her hands
were so soft.
"Please we can talk about this in private," Allyson said.
All Allishar could do was silently stand where he was and wait.
When they got to her quarters, Allishar sat down near the door.  He was
still a bit on the panicked side.  He did not know what she wanted.  Yet
he was also tired and needed some sleep.
"Now Allishar, what is on your mind," Allyson asked.
"I was remembering what happened back in 2260," Allishar said.
"Allishar, don't torture yourself," Allyson said as she sat down next to
him.  "What's past is past."
"I know that, but I feel as if I had wasted over a year of my life
because of that."
"How?"
"Because I think that I have driven away the one person that cared about
me."
Allyson scooted back away from Allishar.  This was the first time that
she had ever seen him like this.  She had no idea that he had all of
that kind of pain bottled up inside of him.  She wanted to comfort him,
but she did not know how.
"Allishar, Please don't shut me out," Allyson said.  "I want to know why
you are so bent on keeping me out of your life."
"I can't," Allishar said.
"No!" Allyson said this time her voice getting louder. "What do you
think that you are doing both to yourself and for that matter to me?"
"I am lost," Allishar said.  "What are you talking about?"
"How blind are you," Allyson asked.  "Can't you tell that I have fallen
in love with you?"
Allyson started to blush.  She felt as if she had said too much and now
she was waiting to see what Allishar's reaction would be.
Allishar, on the other hand, could not speak.  He was shocked to learn
that one of his own pilots had fallen in love with him.  He really did
not know what to do or for that matter say.
"Allyson, I have never been good at expressing how I feel to anyone,"
Allishar said.  "But I guess I should say what is in my heart.  Allyson
I guess that I have actually started to have feelings for you."
"You guess," Allyson said.  She was almost indignant.  "What is the
truth?"
"Allyson," Allishar said as he took her hands in his.  He was still
amazed at how soft her hands were.  "Allyson, the truth is I am starting
to develop feelings for you.  However, I am not sure how I should go
with this.  It is going to be rough I know, but I ask that you please be
patient with me."
"Are you still intent on brushing me off," Allyson asked.
"No I am not brushing you off," Allishar said.  Sometime he thought that
she could be the most juvenile in her emotions.  "I want to be for
certain how I feel before I say one way or the other.  I could never
brush you off."
"But it is the way that you are acting that makes me wonder if you truly
do have any love for me."
"I do, it's just going to take some time to sort out what is my real
feelings and what I only think that I feel."
"Ok I will accept that."
"Thank you.  Now if you don't mind I need to get back to my quarters.  I
have been running on less that six hours of sleep and I need to be
conscious in the morning."
"Please do get some sleep," Allyson said as she practically pushed him
out of her quarters.
Allishar stumbled out of her quarters and to the transport tube.  When
he finally got to Blue 14 he was quite relieved to know that he was
going to actually get some sleep.  It was well deserved with what was
going on.  He did not bother to change out of what he was wearing since
he was so tired.  All he did was fall asleep on his couch.
 ******
Three weeks later, Saki returned to duty.  It was just in time for the
Assault on President Clark's forces at Proxima 3.  In Allishar's mind he
knew that it would be time to exact vengeance on the person that had
brainwashed those people on the Roanoke.  Allishar knew that his squad
would be helpful in that fight, which was the reason that he had
volunteered them.
The night before the fight, Allishar got the entire squad together.  He
was somber and with out his usual wit.  Everyone in the squad could tell
that he was upset.  This was the first time that they had ever seen him
like this.
"Well if you haven't guessed we are going to be attacking the forces
that are blockading Proxima 3," Allishar said.  "I also don't need to
tell you that for some of us the Damocles is out there.  This will mean
attacking people that we served with.  I don't know what side they will
be on, but if they fire on us do not shoot to kill.  Only disable them.
There has been too much bloodshed already."
"Why shoot to disable," Evan asked.  "They are the enemy so they should
be destroyed."
"Some would argue the point that we are the enemy," Allishar said.  "You
never served on the Damocles.  I did.  And so did the majority of this
squad with the exception of four of you.  We came to respect the pilots
of the ship, and that is all I am going to say about that.  Now Evan you
are to not even think about attacking Epsilon leader.  I don't care what
provocation you have.  That man is my friend and so help me if you even
think of it I will tell Captain Sheridan that you turned traitor and I
had to deal with you appropriately.  You understand me?"
"Yes sir," Evan said grudgingly.
"So what is our battle plan," Achika Fujisaki, Tau 11 asked.
"Well since we are going to be at full strength for this fight, then we
will be using out 'Triad' formations mainly," Allishar said.  "If we
have to then we will use the 'Scimitar' formation as well.  We will just
have to see how things are progressing to determine if that is necessary
or not."
"Understood," Achika said.  "But commander you sound hesitant to
actually want to attack those on the Damocles.  May I ask why?"
"They were comrades in arms and that is the extent of it," Allishar
said.  "Now I suggest you all get some rest, we will need to be at our
best tomorrow."
Everyone nodded and filed out of the squad room with the exception of
Terry and Allyson.  They were both concerned about him.
"Bro, what is going on," Terry asked.
"It's nothing Terry," Allishar said.
"I may be a part of your squad, but I am your brother," Terry said.
"Now what is going on?"
"Terry, you know what we are facing," Allishar asked.
All Terry did was nod once.  Allyson, on the other hand, her expression
was almost unreadable.  Allishar could tell that she was concerned about
him.
"This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do," Allishar said.
"We know that," Allyson said.  "Don't let it get to you."
"Bro, we are as ready as we ever will be," Terry said.  "It will be just
a matter of time."
"Allishar get some sleep," Allyson said.  "You are going to have enough
on your mind right now.  We as a squad, need you to be ready."
"Alright, I will," Allishar said and then slowly walked out of the squad
room.
The following morning, Allishar rolled out of his bunk and was half
running down the hall to the squad room.  The instant that he got suited
up he ran down to his Thunderbolt.  He noticed that he had left his CD
player in the cockpit as well as his CDs.  Silently laughing, Allishar
hopped into his cockpit and adjusted the internal speakers to channel
the music into his helmet.  He then chose his favorite CD and put it
in.  He was getting anxious and to be quite honest a bit on the nervous
side.  Yet all he had to do was remember the face that he saw in his
dream the night before and he calmed down.
The instant that the entire squad launched, they formed up on Allishar
and followed the White Stars through the jump gate.  He could see that
Epsilon Squad was with them as well as Zeta Squad.  Allishar just
sighed.  He knew that Commander Barton would try to grab all of the
glory for himself and his squad.
The instant that Allishar received his orders he opened up a channel to
everyone in his squad.
"OK Tau squad listen up," Allishar said.  "Captain Sheridan just handed
down the orders.  We are to provide fighter support for the White
Stars.  If we are attacked we are to defend ourselves.  Now our flight
pattern will be 'Triad.' Break up into your groups the instant we get
out of the jump point and let's do what we came to do.  And God help us
all."
The instant that they came through the jump point, they could see the
ships that were blockading Proxima 3.  Allishar could hear the orders
being given and then the fire fight began.
"Alright you know the drill, so let's get to it," Allishar said.  "Devon
and Allyson you are with me."
"Roger that," came the voices of his two wing men.
Allishar moved forward to engage the first wave of fighters.  He was not
trying to kill the pilots, just disable the fighters.  He was not about
to have families be separated by this senseless war.  He could see that
there were five Earth force Destroyers; the Juno, the Herakles, the
Pollux, the Vesta, and the Furies.  He could tell that the ship that he
was on the Damocles was outside of the battle zone.  It was amazing that
they were that far out of the combat area.
The fights that they engaged in were deadly.  Fortunately he was skilled
enough to evade the fire.  There were a few times that he actually had
to kill a few pilots.
"Devon watch yourself," Allishar said.  "You have two Starfuries on your
tail."
"I know that," Devon said.  "They are too close for my comfort and I
can't shake them."
"Devon, Side skid on my mark," Allishar said.
"I got ya," Devon said.
"Now!!" Allishar said.  Devon slammed his Thunderbolt into a skid that
when he was done he was facing the two Starfuries that were trying to
shoot him down.  Devon then targeted the weapon systems and the engine
ports.  He had managed to shear off two of the four engine ports and the
plasma launchers were also damaged as well.  As soon as they were
disabled Devon fell back into formation.  The three of them continued to
disable the oncoming fighters.  It was not until he saw the fighters
from the Damocles emerge did Allishar groan in disgust.  This was
something that he really did not need to see.  He had hoped that they
would not engage Captain Sheridan's forces.  Yet that was not to be the
case.  He really did not want to have to engage them, but from the way
that it was looking that was not going to be possible.  He recognized
several of the various paint schemes on the Starfuries.  One of them was
his old roommate from 2255 when he was on the Damocles.  Allishar
recognized the markings of Gamma Squad on his Starfury.  This was Gamma
5 a Lt. Maury Stevens.  His Starfury was unique.  He had the Union Jack
from the Confederacy States of America on the top and the old United
states flag on the bottom.  It was Maury that got him introduced to
Cajun food.  Since then he had always tried to get new dishes to try.
Allishar could see that the rest of the squad formed back up on him in
the "Crystal Heart" formation and was prepared to fight until death if
need be.
"Sorry guys that won't happen," Allishar said.  "Some of us have people
that care about them greatly.  Now 'SuperNova' break on my mark."
That break entailed the entire squad to scatter in random directions
with the person in the center heading straight ahead.  It was mainly
used to confuse large ships sensors and allow them to hit and fade as
they saw fit.
"Well hurry up," Achika said.  "I am getting multiple locks from all of
Gamma Squad."
"Aw screw it," Allishar swore.  He would not be able to get away with
crippling these guys.  They were as good as Tau Squad was.  Some would
think that Gamma Squad was better.  "Break Now!!"
On that command all of Tau Squad took off in various directions.
Allishar headed directly into the middle of the oncoming squad of
fighters.  In mid flight Allishar switched on his CD Player and started
to sing.  The song that came up was 'Never Say Die.' As soon as he got
within the middle of the group, Allishar set his thunderbolt into a
spherical spin which he called "Suicide Spin."  As he was spinning he
held down the triggers to his plasma cannons.  He had managed to cause
the entire squad to scatter.  Several of the starfuries took glancing
hits, several took direct hits to their weapons and stabilizers, and he
had managed to destroy two of the squad in the process.  Those that died
were Gamma 7 and Gamma 9.
"Some one help me here," Allishar could hear the panicked screams of
Elsa Davenport.
"I am on it Elsa," Allishar said and then tore off after the Starfury
that was on her tail.  "Elsa on three, 'Sandwich.'"
"Got it," Elsa said as she evaded more weapons fire.
"Now," Allishar said.  He could see that Elsa had swung her Thunderbolt
around in a 180 degree arc and was heading straight for the offending
Starfury.  The poor pilot did not have time to bail out since he was
getting attacked from both in front and in back.  If it had been any
other two pilots then they would have ended up killing each other in
that maneuver.  With Elsa and Allishar it was different.  They passed in
such a way that they could wave at each other as they passed.
 ******
Elsewhere, Saki had went over to back up some members of Epsilon Squad.
She knew that they were good, but even they needed help from time to
time.
"Epsilon 12 watch it," Saki said.  You have a bogie on you and it is
about to bite."
"I hear you and I can't see him," Epsilon 12, Tom  Carrollton said.
"Easy there," Saki said.  "He is on your seven and is staying with you.
I am coming from your two and will be able to get him in fifteen
seconds.  Don't panic."
"I'll try not to," Tom said.  He could just see Saki's Thunderbolt
streak past him as she went to engage the enemy fighter.  He could also
see that she had someone on her tail as well.
"Tau 9, you have one on your tail as well," Tom said.
"I know that, and I will deal with it as soon as you are clear," Saki
said.
Tom could hear her almost maniacal laughter as she first shot the
Starfury that was harassing Tom down, then turned on the one that was
harassing her.
'That pilot is psycho,' Tom thought.  'How in the world can Del put up
with her?'
 ******
>From Allishar's position, he could see that Jesa was engaged in a
pitched dog fight with someone from the Damocles.  From the looks of
things the pilot that he was engaged with was good.  In fact he
recognized the paint job that was on it. It was Danielle Asuka Langley.
She was a member of Gamma Squad and was the one person that would harass
his new pilots.  He was tempted to help Jesa, but he knew that Jesa
could handle a single Starfury.  Allishar had managed to shake several
pursuers as he dodged and evaded through the larger battleships.  He was
going to let their own momentum do the work for him.  Which worked for
the most part.  Allishar gained the upper hand in this fight.  Those
that he and his squad managed to disable had been helped off of the
battle field.
"Tau 10 to Tau 1," Dale said.
"What is it Dale," Allishar asked.
"Look at the Pollux," Dale said.
Allishar had just enough time to turn his Thunderbolt around to witness
a dying White Star impact into the front of the Pollux.
"My god," was all that Allishar could say.  He had hoped that Jesa was
no where near that explosion.  He then saw Jesa's Starfury appear from
the dogfight and Allishar breathed a sigh of relief.  Allishar was
relieved to see that he dearest friend had survived.
"All squads, stand down," the orders came in.  "The objective has been
accomplished."
Allishar breathed a sigh of relief.  The fighting was finally over.  At
least for now it was.
"Tau Squad report in," Allishar said over the communications line.
"All present and accounted for sir," Taven chimed in.
"Where is Evan," Allishar asked.
"I am right here," Evan said.
"Good," Allishar said.  "Now let's get to a ship and be prepared for the
worst to happen."
The entire squad followed Allishar to a nearby White Star and landed.
The instant they got out of their Thunderbolts, they were greeted by
members of Epsilon and Zeta Squads.  It was a happy reunion between Del
and Saki.  In fact Allishar had to wipe away several tears of joy for
those two.  He could feel someone slip a gloved hand into his.  Looking
up, Allishar saw that it was Allyson.  Her warm smile had some how
managed to lift his spirits.  How in the world had he ever gone through
the last year and a half the way that he did.  It was by his own actions
that he had nearly pushed away the one person that actually cared about
him.
Time: November 1, 2261
Place: The jump space en route to Mars.
Allishar waited impatiently for the order to jump out and hit the ships
at Mars.  He was ready to get this over with.  The rest of the squad was
also antsy.  It was a scary sight to see his own brother wanting to see
that much action.  What in the world possessed him to do what he was
doing.
"Alright listen up it seems that Captain Sheridan has a surprise for the
Battleships at Mars," Allishar said.  "Now I want you to be ready for
anything.  If we have to fight we will use our 'Wraith' tactics and hit
the ships to disable them.  No Bridge shots.  You understand me?"
"We understand," came the reply from the entire squad.
"Good at least we understand each other," Allishar said.
Then the news of twenty-five of the thirty destroyers were disabled came
in. How that happened he had no idea.  Right now he really did not want
to think about it.  He was happy that they would not have to be facing
any of those battleships.
"Tau Leader, to Captain Sheridan," Allishar said.
"Sheridan, go," Sheridan said.
"Request permission to aid the White Stars in disabling the remaining
five destroyers," Allishar asked.
"That's a negative," Sheridan said.  "We need your fighter support for
when we jump to Earth."
"Roger that Captain," Allishar said.  He could have only hoped that he
and his squad could have helped.
The instant that they jumped out at Earth, Allishar and the rest of his
squad was eager to see some action.  Several minutes later he had heard
what the Senator had said that President Clark's message was.  "Scorched
Earth" was all that he had left.  It had appeared that from what was
said that President Clark had killed himself after turning the planetary
defense grid on the planet.
'What in the hell does he think that he's doing,' Allishar thought.
'Was he mad?'
"All craft target the defense Grid and stop it from firing," He heard
the orders ring in on his speakers.
"Ok guys let heat 'em up and get to it," Allishar said.  "We use our
'Wraith' tactics here.  Tau Squad, Epsilon Squad are you with me?"
"We are with you," came the reply from Tau Squad.
"This is Laura, Epsilon Squad is with you," Laura said.
Between the thirty of them they had managed to help destroy two of the
defense satellites.  They had also caused enough damage to one and the
White Stars had managed to finish it off.    The bond of friendship
between Allishar, Jesa, Laura, Rico, Allyson, and Devon grew and the six
of them became a dangerous team.
"Personal Log: Date: January 10, 2262: I can't believe the year that I
have had.  We had survived three wars and the revelations that the
Telepaths were not the only ones with special abilities.  We had found
out about the existence of Espers.  They were evolved Telepaths that
were gifted with other abilities.  We had also met people from Crystal
Tokyo.  It was a planet that was out on the rim in sector 1015.  I look
back on the events of August of 2261 through the end of the year and
wonder; 'why in the world did we do it?' It was obvious as to why we did
it.  It was our job that was why.  Well the if I wanted to get technical
we did not have to do what we did at Proxima and at Mars and Earth.  We
did not have to do any of it.  I said three wars and that was what I
meant.  The first was against the Shadows of which we won.  The second
was against the Neo-Dark Kingdom.  That was a joint victory on our side
and of the of the people of Crystal Tokyo.  The third was the Civil
War.  We did win, but at what price comes this victory?  How much did we
sacrifice to overthrow the dictator that was President Clark?  I am no
Precog, but I know that those that were loyal to him are not gone at
all.  I am sad to say that Tau Squad lost one of it's members in the
fight to save Earth.  Tau 10 Ensign Dale Alexander was a good pilot.  I
know that he only had one person that was family back on Earth, and now
that the war is over I will have to write one of those letters again.  I
had to write four of them while I was on the Damocles and they don't get
any frickin easier.  If they did then I am not a very sensitive person
after all.  I will wait until at least next month before I look for a
person to replace Dale.  I have several possible ideas that I am
actually considering.  I would like to have Danielle Asuka Langley as a
part of my Squad, but from what I heard she was discharged for
psychological reasons.  Maury is also a possibility as well.  Perhaps I
will ask for him when the time is right.  We did gain a new ally though
through out all of this.  Captain Shane Benton of the Macross 2.  He
says that he is not related to the head of that Company that was up here
in July of 2261, but I really don't know.  It is also sad to see
Commander Ivanova leave the station.  But I guess she got what she
wanted and that was to have command of a star ship. And now Captain
Sheridan, I mean President Sheridan married Ambassador Delenn.  That was
something that I was not expecting.  That was a year of surprises.  Now
to start this year off I find out that Captain Lochley, my old Captain
from the Damocles will be running the station.  I think I will let Jesa
and company know how she runs things.  What will this year entail and
what surprises are we in store for?"
As soon as Allishar said those last words he heard the chime on his
door.
"Computer save and file under personal journals," Allishar said as he
got up from his desk.
"Confirmed," The female voice of the computer said.
"Enter," Allishar said.  The person that he saw walk through the door
was none other than Captain Elizabeth Lochley herself.  "Well speak of
the devil.  Captain it's good to see you again."
"And you still have that same strange sense of humor that you had a year
ago," Captain Lochley said.  "Been taking care of yourself I hope?"
"Why wouldn't I," Allishar asked.
"That is so true," Lochley said.  "Well tell the rest of the pilots that
I am here and let them know how I run things."
"I will Captain," Allishar said.
"OH and one more thing," Lochley said.  "You better not be wearing that
shirt while you are on duty.  If I find out that you have been then I
will have to have a talk with you about it."
"Yes Ma'am," Allishar said.  As he watched her leave he knew that she
was serious.  That would be for another day.  Allishar just curled up on
his couch and started to read his copy of the Book of G'Quan.  It was
going to be a long night for him.
The End For Now
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