Back in Black

[Crazy O]

When Ash appeared Johana Kay pulled her blaster from her holster and held it facing at the ground near the others feet. "Okay, no that poisonous snake is out of the way. Zero, you know he has been lying to you." Johana said plainly looking him in the eyes. She had her blaster out in case someone else came charging in to interrupt them seeing as Ash was gone.

Meanwhile Angel was standing at the terminal when it finally happen. Angel said screw it and unleashed a number of powerful virus into the system which was design to overwhelm the systems. One completely rewrote the command codes and took out primary power. It shut down the weapons and the hanger bay doors were frozen closed other then the one that had been open to allow them into the ship.

When the Sorlian's main power dropped Task Force Taffy seemed to kick into action. As the fifty Y-85 Titan Dropships launched from the Destiny along with the the remaining eleven Dragoon launched there drones which streaked off towards the Sorlian along with the dropships. Escorting the dropships were given 6 squadrons of Y-35 Cobra's and4 squadrons of XJ3 X-wing Starfighters which intercepted any fighters before they could make an attack run on the Dropships full of marines and shot them up. The escort fighters made it clear that when the enemy fighters broke off their attack runs, that they let them, returning to the formations.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Ash was all over Aku like ugly on a hutt. Both were faster than humans could manage, except for maybe the force, but the alterations to each of their bodies, as well as the force truly showed when they pushed themselves. They seemed to hardly touch the ground as they passed each other, lightsabers colliding with a sparking flash.

Jay aimed his blaster rifle at the air, hoping to get a quick shot off at the sith, but he wouldn't stay in the same spot for a long enough time. Looked like Ash was on his own for this fight.

Shina wanted to help Zero out, but had this ship to look after still. The bridge was a short run away, and with a tearful look to Zero, took off running at a speed that no one knew she had. Guess her Ki blood kicked in when there were many of them around.

She didn't get far. A massive force push from Ash sent Aku crashing through the floor, right by Shina. It tripped her up and she fell through it as well, hitting her head on a large piece of falling metal, which knocked her out before she hit the ground in the lower hanger: 1 alpha. Aku pushed her body out of his way as it fell, as he was leaping back up to continue his fight with Ash.

Zero had both hands on his head, trying to once again fight off Aku in his mind. He was still loosing the fight, which was forcing him to the darkside once again. There was a second when it seem he would win, until Ash flew through the ground nearby, and Aku landed smoothly next to Zero, a hand on his shoulder. It seemed as if Aku won the fight against Ash.

They lie to you. You watched those who you cared for die under another's hands.

Gray, listen to me. He didn't kill us. Both me and Miki are alive and healing. You must believe us.

Don't believe her. I was the one who helped you when you needed it most.

Shut up... all of you just SHUT UP!!!!!!!

[/B]

Zero fell to his knees, dropping his lightsabers as he grasps his head with his hands. He didn't know who to believe anymore: It was getting too confusing. Voices spoke to him, telling him words he wanted to hear, as well as words which he didn't want to.

As he rose, Aku was violently pushed back, right to Ash, who jumped out of the hole. Both Ki launched lightning at each other, trying to win in a fight which neither could. Zero's eyes showed confusion, pain, anger, and a host of other emotion, all at the same time. He couldn't handle the confusion anymore.

Slowly, almost painfully, Zero rose to his feet, using the force to pull his lightsabers to his hands. He lit them, and eyed Johana and Akira carefully.

You both say he lies to me, and yet he tells me the opposite, and that you lie to me... I watched as both Akira and Miki were murdered, and yet here Akira stands battered but alive... I don't understand how when I watched her die.... WHO LIES!!!

Zero began to shake, and Ash once again flew past them, collapsing on the ground, out cold. Aku landed next to Zero, his red lightsaber out.

Blood... before...

Zero resumed his shaking; the force riddling his body from every which way. Anything in the hanger, save the people, began to float as if gravity turned off. Zero was really starting to hurt. Aku grinned an evil grin as he witnessed Zero's feat.

Strike them down now, my apprentice.

You are not my master.

Gray, please see me as who I really am. Come back to us a good man. Fight his evil ways.

Silence.

With a surge through the force, Aku shut down a portion of Akira's mind, putting her to sleep. As soon as he did, Zero yelled, and punched at Aku, using the force to push him back. After that, he bent over in pain, shaking and whipping up a whirlwind in the hanger, with him, Johana, and Akira in the eye where it was safe.[/center]

[Crazy O]

The wind was getting worse all around and Johana thought about Angel outside along with the troops that were approaching. "Sorry about this Zero, but you need to learn control first." Johana said as her blaster raised slightly off the ground and she pulled the trigger several times in rapid succession. The blaster was set to stun and was only meant to knock Zero out until the Sith was dealt with.

Meanwhile the Dropships started to land in the hangerbay. As they did the troops ran out of them pushing the metal boxes of Yslamari. "MOVE MOVE MOVE!" The team leaders shouted as they started to spread out toward. The troops moved through the ships each one with their small bubble. They headed towards main engineering, the armories, and the bridge. They deployed three hundred troops to the bridge area, to secure it along with the adjoining areas and a thousand troops to main engineering. Another thousand remained in the hanger bay with Zero and the Admiral. Four hundred were to the main computer core while the remaining four thousand troops headed to the different armories of the ships. The marines shot everyone one sight as was the order. Resistance was light seeing as the majority of the ships combat forces were already deployed to the planet. Meanwhile Angel started rewriting all the command codes to the ship and disabled its ability to auto destruct. It would be a flawless capture of the Sorlian even though the plan had made Johana sick to her stomach. She was going to loss sleep over this she knew it. However Angel had convinced her that it had to be done.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Akira woke up just as Johana stunned Zero and the lack of force reached her. She shook her head and crawled over to him, checking his pulse. He was fine, even if his heart rate was way up there. She looked for Aku, but didn't see him. Ash rose from the ground again, shaking his head, and jumped down the hole that he first sent Aku through.

Well, you got your troops on board. No one is here to resist you taking over this ship. I hate to say it, but you should take this from Zero. He nearly lost it to the sith.

[/color]

Out in space, a black Normandy flew off: that which belonged to Zero. Ash jumped back out of the hole, Shina over his shoulder. He walked over and deposited her next to Zero.

If you say that feeling I got from you is what I think it is, then you better do it before he wakes back up. I don't think he will like what am expecting you to do.

Jay came walking up, rubbing his head. Blood coated the left side of his face.

I hope I didn't miss much. Hey Admiral. Is the fighting over?[/b][/center]

[Crazy O]

A communication came through Johana's helmet, it was Angel. "Admiral, the ship is secure and the Black Knights station on the ship have either been stunned or surrendered. I have also rewrote all command codes" The voice over the radio stated. This was about as low as it got in Johana's mind, but she had agreed to this course of action just after she left Zero in the medical bay.

Johana looked over at Akari. "I sickens me to say it, but I deceived you and Ash. For that I am truly sorry. I had always hoped to save Zero, but our primary goal in this operation was securing or destroying this ship." Johana then looked over at Zero, Ash and everyone else as soldiers moved up with blasters in hand. "Listen Z, I am sorry that you forced my hand to do this." Johana cleared her throat before continuing. "By General Order Forty Two C, I hereby confiscate this vessel in the name of the United Systems Federation for attempting to side with the Galactic Empire and threatening the security of the United Systems Federation." Her voice was sad to say it but she knew if she didn't Angel would. She then sat down and looked at Zero. "I am sorry Zero, but I am not going to leave you and your men stranded here. I have called for a Revelent-class Battlecruiser to turned over to the Black Knights." Johana said. She realize it did not make it much better, but it was all she could do for Zero and she had to pull some major strings to get it.

Meanwhile in Space the Nimitz and the Avalon got the all clear message and headed off as one of the sacrifices that Johana made to the Revelent was to hand over command of the to capital ships to another commander. As the jumped into hyperspace; leaving all there fighters floating in space, A Revelent appeared next to the Destiny. It had only a skeliton crew but it was ready to receive the Black Knights.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Zero sat on his medical bed, head in his hands. He had himself contained after he woke up, but he was still very shaken from the past events. Shina and Akira sat on either side of him, arms around him to comfort him. Ash was leaning against a nearby wall, arm in a sling. Once again, it was broken.

Johana, just... I'm sorry. My mind... I don't know. I thought that Miki and Akira were really dead, and lost it. My mind clouded, and in a fit of rage and sorrow, I ripped the one who caused me pain into pieces. That sith guy was there to help me after I left, and I was stupid enough to listen to him... I don't diserve this ship, or comfort from anyone. I am a sleezy good for nothing traitor to everyone who has no place in the galaxy.

Zero rose from the bed, ripping off the commander's patch from his shoulder. He didn't deserve anything for what he did.

Johana, if you will allow me, I will leave quietly on my own. Shina, you are now commander of all my forces. Admiral, let her work with the Federation. She will do better than I ever did, and only stuck with me because she cared for me.

Zero, but I...

Don't argue with me. If I cant even help myself then how can I lead a small army and a fleet of ships if there is always that chance that I could crack again.

Zero took some steps away from the group, nearing the armed soldiers.

[Crazy O]

Johana stepped in front of Zero and the soldiers. "Not so fast hotshot. You are in no condition to wanderer the galaxy alone. These people and Miki back on the Destiny are her because of you. Your friends and family, we all care about you. We don't want you to fall alone. Let use try and help you. And there are others which are not like the Sith." Johana said. She did not think she would stop him, however Johana figured she could try. Maybe point him towards the Jedi or the Brotherhood.

Meanwhile Angel had moved to the bridge of the Sorlain. It was magnificent. She placed herself against a wall and uploaded her program into the computer. Then projected her holographic image onto the bridge. "This is nice. Could use a memory upgrade, but it is nice not being restricted to that body. Just like the old days. She said as she did a check of the Solrain's systems and worked to remove the viruses she uploaded.

[Sir Lord Ash]

There is nothing left to help. I cracked wide open. I accepted the darkside into me, and a Sith on my ship, which is no longer mine. You took it from me because I am untrustworthy to take it because I cracked. I cant handle anything, and no amount of help will let me wield power. Something will happen again and I will just end up defecting to the Imperials again.

Shina rose quickly, stormed to Zero, and slapped him across the face, leaving a nice red mark on it. He looked back at her when he recovered, a stunned look on his face.

Listen here, Z: Johana is right, there are people here who care about you. All of us love you, and there are those who could help tame your force abilities. You are a great leader and can handle anything. I watched as that that Sith got into your mind. That wasn't you that defected, but him controlling you like a puppet. Please, stay with us and let us love you.

Zero Looked at Shina for a short while longer, then sat down on the nearest bed, taking a deep breath to calm himself down again.

I wont be accepted anywhere. I cant see why the jedi will take me in. I know the feds will turn me down because of my near defection, but I will remain here for some sort of help.

[Crazy O]

Johana stepped out of Shina's way when she stepped forwards and slapped Zero. She almost laughed that it was taking to control Zero. It was like they were dealing with a small child or a wimp. She just rolled her eyes as Zero became a downer. "I don't remember you being such a emo Zero. Grow a pair and learn from your mistake. Everyone gets to fuck up once as long as they learn from it." She said before walking over to the wall and leaned against it. She could not believe this. Maybe they should just strap him into some armor and push him out of an airlock and let him fall planetside to help him get his mojo back. Or maybe they need to take him to Zeltros and get him laid until he could not stand. These idea where mostly just bouncing around in her head partly jokes partly serious ideas.

Meanwhile Angel was operating the Sorlain from the main computer. She along with the ATF of the Destiny was rerouting the Avalon and the Nimitz fighters to the Sorlain, transferring troops and ground equipment with the Y-85 Titan Dropships. Angel was also redirecting the Black Knight Fighters to the Serenity. It was an easy task to do within the ships computer, she could manage the ship by herself thanks to access and ability to command the ships tens of thousands of droids. It was just like when she was part of the original Celestial program back on Celestial Fortress. However she also had a body which she could upload herself to; the best of both worlds.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Zero sighed as Johana spoke, but didn't say anything to her, but consolidated his thoughts. He felt truly horrible about what he did, but Johana was right: he needed to grow a pair and get over this emo slump he was in. After a moment, he straitened up, raising his head.

You know what, your right, Johana. I need to shape my ass up and deliver tenfold what happened to me to the empire. The best way for me to do that is by helping out the Federation. Think you could pull some strings and allow me to kick some ass with you guys again?

His voice was strong again and fire burned in his eyes like how they once did. He felt energized, and wanted, for some really odd reason, to fly to Zeltros and jump to the planet. He didn't know why, though.

[Crazy O]

Johana looked at him when he asked if she could pull any strings. "I have no more strings to pull. It took pretty much all the strings I had left to get the Black Knights the Serenity but I will send you with a letter of recommendation and explanation of your actions. But remember I maybe an Admiral, I still do not make recruitment choices, that is for central command." Johana said when Jennie Veers walked in in her white combat armor.

She walked over to the captain. "Johana, we have transferred the last of the ground troops over to this ship along with the core Valiant crew, personal effects will be another three hours. Captain Jim Raynor and his Avalon crew are taking over the duties on the Destiny. Finally, Doctor Ariel Hanson has had Commander Hawke transferred over here. She is in medical bay two with Doc Tsai. Doctor Hanson and Doc Tsai feels that just maybe one of the Force users could assist in her healing processes with their vodo powers sense this ship only has small sections protected with Ysalamir bubbles unlike on the Destiny" Jennie said as she looked at the people in the room. She did not know a single person in the room She knew of Zero as he was part of the AirCav as she was, but they were assigned to different companies so they never met.

Johana nodded. "Good to hear. Angel start calculations to jump to Kamino for both use and the Destiny. We will need to clone their Ysalamiri to have enough to protect this ship." Johana said knowing that Angel was listening to them, Johana was realizing that Angel was someone that wanted to know everything. She wondered if it was a droid thing or a Celestial thing. She wanted the ship protected from the Sith Force-Users of the Empire and more over the medical facilities on Kamino would most likely accelerate Miki and Akari healing processes which would take much longer if they were to remain in just regular bacta tanks of the Sorlain.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Seems like you took control of Solrain fairly well. Its gonna be weird not being on this ship anymore, even after I got use to it. To be fair, I don't know if that sith did anything weird to her while I was under his influence, so make sure everything gets a through eye check, not just a computer check.

Zero looked as a newcomer joined the group, a female in white armor that showed a very nice, shapely body. He had to force his eyes shut just so he could look away... curse his old habits. It was Ash who actually spoke before Zero.

If your keeping Akira here in bacta, then I suppose you are stuck with me as well. I cant leave her alone.

The door's opened up, and two people walked in, May sweets, the chief engineer of Solrain, or at least was, and Shion Sonozaki, who was one of the best pilots Zero knew. She was also one to have on your side in a gunfight.

Zero, Akira's corvette is finished... it would be easier to buy a new one rather than fix this one up.

Alright, thanks Sweets. Anything we can forge from it?

Most of the interior. Sensors and the electronic warfare crap it has.

Nice. Transfer that thing to our new ship so we can get to work taking from it what we want and need. Shion, update on our force and item transfers?

Nearly complete. My Nimitz, which I was finally able to get into contact with, is on its way to recover the rest of our fighters that are left out in the cold. Should be here shortly.

Good. Johana, if you want us off your ship, I think we can handle ourselves now. I would think you've seen me enough and if this new one who looks like she came out of the same unit I left when I went off wants me to leave her alone. You know how I tend to get around pretty women.

[/b]

He couldn't help but let his eyes flash to Jennie again.[/center]

[Crazy O]

Jennie looked over at Zero but before she could say anything Johana spoke. "Zero, you may want to roll up your tongue, I am sure the floor does not taste that good." Johana said with a smile as she rolled her eyes. She then thought about what Zero said. "Feel free to stay as long as you like, we should be departing in three hours. You will just need to find yourself a ride back to your own ships." Johana said plainly.

Jennie meanwhile winked at Zero as he stared at her. It had been a while sense she had been with anyone, the last was Jame Iklar, a Federation pilot that had died when his patrol was ambushed by pirates in the Ilium system. This Zero was differently good looking enough, even if they just screwed him over. "If we are postponing the Gree mission, I am going to go get out of this armor. I picked room A7 should you wish to help." Jennie she said with a smile and blow Zero a kiss before walking out. She doubt he would follow, but it was worth a shot.

Johana just stood there for a second, Jennie behavior almost caused her jaw to drop. Zero may be getting back to normal, but the man was a Sith no more then an hour ago and yet she was hitting on him. Johana snapped back and looked at Ash. "You can stay if you like or if you guys would like to take Akari to a different medical facility feel free. However Miki will stay with use as she is a Federation officer. I am going go check with Docter Tsai about her. And don't worry, whatever you chose Angel will inform me, AS I AM SURE SHE IS LISTENING IN." She shouting towards a security camera with a smile on her face hinting she was only joking with Angel. She then pushed herself up off the wall and walked out the medical bay and headed towards the other to check on Miki's condition.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Gray, you truly are a man-whore, you know that?

Akira really wasn't one to talk too much, as Jennie pretty much did what Akira least expected, especially after what Johana said. She turned her head away from Zero, who nearly lost his balance.

Gah. Im going to take a bacta bath in the other medical facility before you two drive me crazy.

[/b]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Zero had his hand braced on a bed as he watched Jennie walk away after her calling out of him. Ash, off to the side, shook his head and accompanied Akira off, just to make sure she would be fine. Sweets and Shion both gaped at what just happened to Zero, even if they couldn't beat his stunned look.

Alright, I know I was just called over to her room, but I know its a fat trap.

Z, if you can remember half the women you have been with that have done this exact same thing, then you would know that she has more planned than a one night stand.

I really don't like her. Her eyes showed something only a woman would pick up. I cant really explain it. Do what you want. I'm supervising the move. Sweets, you better get to work as well.[\color]

The two women left, leaving Zero alone in the medical bay.. He wanted to go find Jennie, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He shook his head, and decided to go anyway. He wasn't a child, and he fell into enough traps to jump out if anything too hairy happened.

He moved quickly, taking shortcuts to Jennie's room through access hatches and other small passageways that only one who truly knew the ship would know where they were at. He came to room A7 in record time, took a moment to square himself away, and rang the buzzer on the door. Hopefully he didn't beat her to her room. That would be truly awkward to him and maybe her.[/center]

[Crazy O]

Jennie open the door, and looked at Zero. She had a majority of the white armor plants off the black body suit; however she was still wearing her brestplate. She let him in and closed the door behind him. "Good you did come... It would have been embarrassing to have to ask one of the crew to help me. The latch on the right side is stuck." She said lifting her arm exposing the small unlocking latch. It was not really stuck, but she could not help but screw around with Zero.

Johana meanwhile walked into the medical bay and found Doctor Tsai writing at a desk next to the bacta tank that Miki was in. "How is Miki doing Doc?" Joh anaasked looking at her friend still floating unconscious in the tank. The doctor looked at her and pointed towards the datapad attached to the side of the tank. Johana grabbed the datapad and read it. She was glad their were heading to Kamino, there medical facilities would allow them to get her back on her feet in half the time. Just then Angel walked in, Johana turned to her and smiled. "How is the ship Angel?" She said looking at the droid.

The droid looked back at Johana strangely. "My name is Selene, I am the Sorlain's AI. When your AI which calls herself Angel took over the ship I transferred myself into her body. This is a strange feeling." The droid said.

Then a holographic image of Angel appeared. "So, that is were you were hiding. I thought my virus would have deleted you. Don't worry captain, she won't survive long now." The hologram said. She was getting ready to erase Selene.

Johana put her hand up towards Angel. "Just hold on a second. Selene is a sapient program, just like you. Anyways I know you can not be in the ship and your body at the same time. Why don't you two split the duties. One in the body one in the ship." Johana said looking at the droid and the hologram. She was unsure what Angel would think of this, but she could see the advantage in this.

Angel looked at her body and nodded. "Fine, I could use another person to bonus idea around with. But don't think that you are going to get to spend a lot of time in the ships main computer, my program is much more demanding then yours." The holographic image flickered off and Johana turned to the Droid.

Johana looked at her and thought for a second. "Well, that went better then I thought, however wee need to find a way to make it easier to disgusting you from Angel. What did you look like before Angel took over?" Johana asked and a holographic image of her. Johana smiled and nodded. "Sense Angel always wear her hair down, why don't you just do your hair like that. It is better then a nametag." Johana said with a smile.

Selene looked at the image and nodded. "Okay Captain. Is there anything I can do for you? Selene asked.

Johana shock her head no. "No, feel free to get us to being separate from the ship, maybe get yourself a room of your own. I am sure Angel is not going to want to leave. Especially after we upgrade the computer core power." Johana said as she found a seat and grabbed a blank datapad. She said she would send a letter of recommendation for Zero to Central Command, and figured she could work on it while she they finished transferring equipment from the Destiny.