In the far future, human have colonized the galaxy. Many planets
called for the adaptation of the body to meet the conditions of the
planet and in some cases, mutations happened as the populace adapted to
the new environs.

The human race became separated into the many races that populate
future. But the Galactic Empire and Galactic Navy have both banned all
T.G. people from their ranks.

The only places where they are welcome are in the Rim where the
Empire has yet to annex the systems into it. The Capitol of the Rim is
Trillannii Falls, named after the Capitol City Trillannii City.
The Trillannii believe in total equality and actively support the
T.G. Community. Currently, the Ruling Council governs until the missing
Prince returns while the King retires due to poor health.

Prince John Carter has joined the Navy due to the Draft. He has
risen to the rank of Executive Officer; second only to the Captain.
He has seen the way that the Navy abuses the T.G. community and
those races deemed inferior. He has used his position to limit the
abuses shown to the victims by applying the Rules and Regulations when
he can.

He has become known as MR. CLEAN and the crew has been looking for a
way to get rid of him, but the Captain has supported him and his best
friend is the Security Chief. As we enter the story, the crew has
finally gotten their wish.

King Of The Rim Chapter 1-Shoreleave By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:Executive Officer visits his favorite haunt once again while on shore leave after another successful tour of the Rim. In the Dive, he suffers the company of fellow crewmember Bronson who has used his connections within the Navy to keep from being court martialed for his conduct. A beautiful woman enters the Dive, catching Bronson's lustful attention, leading to an encounter that is the beginning of a change for the galaxy.

As the Aztec approached the system, Commander John Carter entered the bridge and stood by the Captain as he surveyed his kingdom. He looked over at his Executive Officer with Fatherly approval. "Well John, are you ready to take us in?" ['You have never asked for the honor, you've always let your Junior Officers have their chance ahead of you. That selfless attitude has gained you their respect and admiration, and now they say it is your turn.']

Looking at the Captain in surprise, he salutes the Captain who returns it with a smile, "Thank you, Sir. Yes, I'm ready, but I thought that Crewman Bronson was scheduled to bring us in?" ['Not that I am complaining, mind you,] he chuckled to himself.

Getting up from the Throne, the Captain smiled warmly at John. "No, he's not ready yet and I seriously doubt that he ever will be with his attitude and track record of demerits. Please, be my guest." ['Besides, it is your time to shine.'].

Then John saluted the Captain who returned the salute and crisply exited the bridge. Then John sat in the Throne and surveyed his Kingdom. Each Captain was by tradition treated as an emperor ruling a kingdom.

As he viewed the bridge, he saw the tell tale light warning of leaving hyperspace. "Lonnie, ship's status?" ['I can see that she will make a fine Captain one day. That is if she decides to stay in the Service and not marry, but that is her choice to make.'] John mused as he observed her as she went about her duties.

Up front in the Navigator's seat came the crisp reply from the shapely brunette, "All systems are green sir." ['Damn it all!! I simply can't wait till we land so that I can get pampered by Michael's hands at the spa again.']

Turning to the helm, John saw the competent Less at work. "Less?" ['Damn!! She still looks good being pregnant!! That Evan is one very lucky Chief Engineer to have found such a find.']

Less stretched as she answered John. "Yes John?" ['I know one thing for sure and certain. I will be more than happy when I drop my load. But even though carrying our child has been painful for me, I wouldn't trade my pregnancy for anything. Evan and I will retire and settle on Trilannii after this tour, she promised herself as she felt twinges ease as her back loudly popped, releasing the pent up stress in her lower back.']

John smiled at Less as she popped the kinks out of her back "Take us in system." ['Evan, if you had to carry our twins, you'd stay in bed. Like they say, If men had to give birth, the human race would have died out years ago']

['Damn!! I could hear her poor back pop from here!! She sure did enjoy it from the way that she is smiling.'] "Need anything for pain?" asked John walked over to the replicator, ready to assist his crew member. ['It may not be tradition for me to serve a lower ranked Officer, but this is my way of honoring them.']

Less moaned loudly as she put her hand on her lower back, then shyly smiled at John. "Well, I could use a shot of my relaxer. You know that the Navy frowns upon you doing this." ['It's not every Exec that will lower himself to help his crew out, John is the best there is, he will make some lady very happy. I hope as happy as I am with my Evan.']

John smiled, "One order of relaxer coming up, and let the Big Wigs frown for all the good it'll do them. The Aztec is a Patrol Cruiser, NOT a Battle Cruiser or Dreadnought. We don't have the space for a Yeoman to serve as a maid or butler." Then flipping through the menu, he entered the order. After the replicator filled the order, John carried a tray with a tall glass of amber liquid frosty with ice, a glass of green foam and a mug filled with a frothy brew.

Walking over to the ladies, he sat their orders upon the awaiting pads. "One mint tea for Lonnie and one relaxer for Less as ordered." ['Now for their response.']

"Thank you Johnny, but I did not ask for my mint tea," sighed a puzzled Lonnie. ['He is always so nice to us ladies, too bad others aren't as nice.']

"Well. I knew that you'd want one as soon as we landed, so I went ahead and got it as I got Less her drink," replied a very pleased Johnny as the main view screen went from showing the fluid light of hyperspace to a static star field as the Aztec slow to sub light speeds.

The wings began to glow as the solar cells powered up the reaction coils and thrusters to drive the ship safely to the awaiting planet that dominated the screen. As the Aztec entered the atmosphere, the solar wings transferred the kinetic energy of the landing into the reaction coils and absorbed the energy of the sonic boom.

The Aztec was one of the countless smaller, more efficient Patrol Cruisers now used to replace the aging Fleet. The newer ships were capable of atmospheric landing like the civilian Merchant Cruisers. The only differences were that the Naval Vessels heavy armor replaced the spacious cargo holds of the Merchant Cruisers.

With the smaller size, came smaller crew. Now the Yeomen who were in training transferred to other Departments and Ensigns took their place. Yeomen still served, but only at bases or on board the older ships still in service.

As the Aztec landed, a ping sounded from the intercom. "John, they want to talk to you," said Less with a smile. ['I just love getting to set him up like this, He is so naive for an Executive Officer at times and he reminds me of my kid brother too.']

Then a frowning John furrowed his brow. "To me? Who wants to talk to me?" ['Is there something that I am forgetting? Some obscure Regulation that I forgot about?']

Then the main screen activated and an opulently dressed Lord Duke appeared. He was dressed in the combat green livery of the Imperial Army. Lord Duke Augustus Pompeii got his jollies by scaring naive Naval Officers since he failed all of the requirements to be a Navy Officer, "Aztec, how dare you keep me waiting!! I have more important things to do than to wait while you play!!" ['Now to put fear in this newbie and see him grovel to keep me from inflicting my wrath upon him. he chuckled evilly to himself.']

Then John sat back in the Throne and laughed out loud. "I dare because I am your equal you conceited toad!! You know very well that according to Regulations that the Person selected by the Captain to sit on his Throne is second only to the Emperor Himself. Now if you want to salve your pride by denying us entry here, we will go to another star port on this planet and tell other Naval Vessels about you. Can you afford the Imperial Fines for refusing us entry?" ['That arrogant ass is bluffing!! He knows that he can't afford to pay the fines levied against him for refusing to accept an Imperial Navy Ship if I do leave.']

John could see the pompous ass visibly deflate as he pondered the fact that John was not bowing before him in fear as a plebe would. He could lose his position and Title at the whim of Imperial Envoy if He felt that he was ineffective, "Now there is no need to leave, you are most welcome here Lord Captain." ['Oh shit!! Now I've done it!! This is no newbie here, this is the Exec!! Best to butter him up and stay on his good side. If it were a Merchant Cruiser, there would be no fines levied.']

Then John leaned back as he saw that he had the pompous ass set up. "Do you expect me to allow you to raise my rank without the authority? Only the Captain or the Emperor Himself has that Authority. You will have a lot of explaining to do to the Imperial Envoy once His Imminence has viewed the tape." ['Now let's see YOU do some groveling.']

Then the Lord Duke blanched as he heard the news, "I beg of you Sir, Please have mercy upon me, your most humble servant." ['DAMN IT ALL!! I HATE HAVING TO GROVEL AND SAY THAT TO HIM!!! BUT THAT IS THE ACCEPTED PHRASE WHEN I PLEAD FOR MERCY!!!']

John stood up and placed his hand upon his sword as per regulations, "I accept your apology my humble servant. Now are we cleared to stay or shall we leave?" John chuckled evilly at his expense. ['I love to see these pompous asses having to grovel. It serves them right for being so stuck up.']

Staying bowed before John, he lowered his head, "You are cleared to stay here at my most inadequate home Sir." ['Dear me, I wonder when this nightmare will be over?']

Then John smiled. "We are most happy to accept your hospitality." Then turning to Less, "Cut transmission." Then Johnny let out a belly laugh and wiped his eyes when he saw the ships logo signal transmission's end.

There was an ongoing unofficial feud between the Imperial Army and Imperial Navy that went back to Old Earth and the Nation of America where the respective universities regularly engage in competition to this day.

Then the screen went dark. "Transmission has been cut sir." [giggle] "Do you think that he wet himself?" [giggle] asked a mirthful Lonnie. ['I know that I need to go to the head now.']

Then they heard the Captain's deep throated chortle. "If not, he at least has to shower to erase his odoriferous smell from pooping his trousers," ['You did very well John, much better than I expected for you too. It's been my pleasure to groom you for Command. You'll either take over when I retire in a few years or transfer to a new Command.']

Then a look of astonishment came over John's face as he realized what had happened and pointed at the smiling Captain, "You set me up to humiliate that pompous fool!! [chuckle] Then pointing at him self asked. "But why me?" laughed Johnny, ['You sneaky bastard, you planned this and I fell for it. Glad I'm on your good side.']

Then motioning with a bow in good humor. "Yes,[chuckle] I admit that I set you up,[chuckle] I knew that you wouldn't let him railroad you into accepting his bullshit.[chuckle] He has been causing problems and I used you to deal with him." sighed the humored Captain. ['Best of all, you didn't let me or the Navy down.']

Then John clapped his hands three time in sarcastic good humor.[chuckle] "Very well, glad to be of service to the Navy, [chuckle] It was my distinct pleasure to put him in his place," snorted John as he chortled over recent events. ['Now maybe the Empire will replace him with a trained monkey, which couldn't do any worse.']

Then the Captain stood up at attention to show that humor was past. "Please follow me John; we have a bit of a problem to discuss before you take liberty." ['I just hope that it doesn't cause you any harm, but you're about the only one that I can trust.']

Then, John saluted the Captain to acknowledge the seriousness of the request which the Captain crisply returned, "Aye aye Captain." ['I wonder what it could be that needs my attention?']

Then the Captain turned and went into the Staff Lounge just off the bridge. "Less, Lonnie, you're free to take liberty," said the Captain with an exasperated sigh. ['Wish that I could go on liberty, but being Captain means dealing with red tape, and I am meeting with Imperial Envoy Eric Cameron, Glad that he is a Rimmer and his Loyalty Oath is unquestioned as mine is.']

Then John followed the Captain as the two women squealed with delight and rushed past the men like girls going on Spring Break after signaling their spouses below. In the Staff Lounge, the Captain sat in his Throne while John sat at the console to record the meeting, "As you know, the Empire has been sending out more of its upgraded ships, now we know why." ['It's against Imperial Policy, but letting him know so that he can notify his family & friends through their network is the right thing to do. They don't know that he's the Prince of Trillannii, if they did, they would seek to destroy or subvert him because of the inherent Power of Trillannii Nobility. Unfortunately for the Imperials, once corrupted, that Power is gone and only the heir of a Corrupted may access the Legacy.']

Then John activated a series of controls to access the Ship's Library, "No doubt they are planning upon a massive assault all across the Rim." Thanks to friends like the Captain, we Trillannii are ready for the war, but it's best to let the Council know what ships are being sent.']

The Captain was one of a few Imperials that supported the Rimmers. He grew up on Old Earth and was raised to respect all People in Hayfield Hall. The Hall was continuing its Policy of teaching the T.G. in secret, only now the Graduates left Old Earth behind and took their families to T.G. friendly worlds.

The Captain nodded in approval at his activities, "No, [chuckle] normally, that would be the case, but not this time." chortled the bemused Captain. ['Just wait until you find out, I doubt that you will believe it, I don't really believe it myself.']

Then after accessing the Imperial Naval Files on Ships, John paused to send the information to his communicator which would discreetly send the accumulated information once a ship with the proper coding arrived. He noticed that one was here already, "Oh? if not a planned assault then what?" ['This had better be good. Wonder which ship is in port? Good thing the Port Authority pays lip service to Imperial Policy or we couldn't risk the transmission.']

The Captain smirked in approval of his question, "The Princess is coming out here on a Good Will Tour of the Rim." ['That will cause more than a few tongue waggers to gossip, which is what the Imperial Palace wants no doubt. She has been kept ignorant of the Truth, once here, we can show her the Truth.']

Then John sent the message & closed the terminal, erasing all evidence of his activities in case Imperial Intelligence [Imp In ]should check, " Well, THAT IS different. No doubt the Emperor is fretting over her being here, but He can't deny Her without causing Her to wonder," ['I bet that the Council back home will be debating this tidbit of news for awhile.']

Then the Captain stood up to escort John out, "No doubt an excuse for the build up, take care John, and Pray that we don't go to war over this," ['I hate war, such a waste of ships and crew. But the Rim is ready I hope.']

Then John shook hands with the Captain. "And no doubt that I had best take my liberty now before my shift starts or I'll be stuck here on Monitor Duty instead of Brick," ['Can't wait to get to Maxie's Tavern and relax with a proper steak and ale.']

=================================
Interlude: Trillannii Throne Room
=================================

King Reginald sat on the Throne, meeting with petitioners, as was the Custom when Chancellor Merlin approached. He was wearing the blue robes of his Office which consisted of a matching bodysuit that protected him from chemical, gas, and radiation. The robe gave protection against all other forms of attack. Even though the need for such security measures was long since passed, with the current political situation, the Government was taking no chances. Each member of the Government was similarly protected, but the Ruling Family even more so.

For them, their minds and bodies were subjected to special training that released the body's untapped potential, and the mind's hidden gifts. Utilizing the mental bonding with their medallions, a Trillannii Royal could perform many mental feats of the mind and body. The Chancellor's tall, rugged body and classic Roman features made him look like Zeus, or Apollo among mortals. Only King Reginald's 'Fabian' looks were more appealing.

Merlin approached the Throne, "Your Eminence." ['Reggie says to never use that term unless I need a private audience with him.']

Reginald lifted his hand, "Yes, Chancellor? ['HM. What could be the reason for this interruption?']

Forgive me, Your Eminence, but it is time for you to review the new additions to the Fleet."

Reginald chuckled, "So, the new Throne Ship is ready?" ['Damn! Has the Emperor finally decided to invade?"

"Yes, Sir. The crew is ready for you." ['I hate this subterfuge, but it's the King's decision to keep the public ignorant of the war. Time enough later when war is declared.']

Reginald hit a small gong with a mallet, sounding an end to the session, "People of Trillannii, this session is now over. I now go to attend to my duties as your King!"

As he stepped away from the Throne, the many petitioners applauded him. They knew that he would listen to them when he could. And he had a habit of visiting the People in their daily lives, learning exactly what their needs were. He wanted for his People to prosper, so had set up a republican government to handle the needs of the People. To ensure that there was no abuse of power, all offices had a four term limit. The official could still serve in other areas, but not in the one they had served in before.

"Come, Chancellor, I am sure that you will want to check out the Fleet with me," he chuckled. Arturo has always had a thing for building special ships, it's a good thing that he went to the Naval Design College.']

"Coming, your Majesty, who shall attend to Your Duties if You are detained?" ['We need to make an official Change of Command, now that Reggie will be overseeing the Navy, and attending to His ambassadorial duties.']

"I appoint you, Arturo Merlin as my Regent, kneel before me." [DAMN this pomp and circumstance! But the People need this show in order to qualm their fears. If not for the Emperor's tendency to do secret appointment's, I'd not need to do this.']

Arturo knelt before the King, "Yes, your Highness."

Reginald unclasped the sword from his side, and touched the flat of the blade to Arturo's shoulder's, "By the Authority invested in me by the Most High God, I name thee, Chancellor Merlin Arturo as Regent of Trillannii. Now arise, and fulfill thy duties." ['Not that he needs this ceremony, as Chancellor, he is automatically next in line, but there are those whose agendas are contrary to mine, and if in charge, would cause trouble.']

As the audience applauded the scene, Royal Guards escorted them to their waiting carriages, or to the Public Transport Terminal to board one of the transport hubs. There was an air hub for sky taxis and sky buses, the subway and boats. But for those who could afford it, or lived within Capitol City, there was the teleporter.

"OK, Merl, where did this data come from, and just how current is it?"

"We got it in our last data transfer from the Emperor's Palace. They waited until the Emperor called his pet terrorist, Jellico back to escort the Princess on her tour of the Rim. Until then, the Naval Maneuvers were all speculation."

"DAMN! Did the data include ship movements?"

"Yes, we were lucky, that way, and some of it came from our friends in black."

By now, they had reached the King's Chamber which only a few knew about. It was accessed via teleporters and trapdoors that prevented an enemy from attacking the King. Its exact location was behind the Throne Room, but showed up on scanners as a column of dirt.

"Oh? Really?"

"Yes, Reggie, What's on your mind?"

"Well, it seems as if they're able to see what we do, I wonder if we should make an alliance with them."

Arturo busied himself with getting Reginald a frothy brew of Trillannii Beer to help him ponder upon his musings. The brew worked with the Medallion to streamline the thought processes. "Considering their nature, they make excellent allies, but are they willing to fight if war is declared?"

Reginald accepted his mug, "According to our records, they are against the Emperor. They have fought against those that have tried to force a gender change upon a victim, but that might have changed," he sighed. ['If the M.I.B.D. have allied with the Emperor, I am the best one to sense it, other than my son, John. That's what makes my decision so damned dangerous! If caught, I could endanger the Rim.']

Sitting down across from Reginald, Arturo shook his head, "It's too damned bad that I can't do it, but then again, I don't have the ability to sense subterfuge as you or John do."

"All too true, old friend. How is the Queen doing?"

Arturo began to cry, "The poison continues to ravage her body. Soon, there will be nothing human left of her body. She will become a living statue."

"Have the S.P.A. schools left the Earth? That is the only thing that would give my wife's sacrifice any meaning."

"You wife, my daughter. Yes, thanks to Doris spilling that vat of poison, the schools were able to get away."

"Good, her sacrifice is another in a long list of grievances against the Emperor."

* * *

The pub's dim and smoky atmosphere had become the standard by which other pubs on the Rim went by. For the pub was well known for its brews and excellent menu as well as its catering, emporium and take home services. More than one ship had loaded up upon the pub's vast variety of prepackaged meals for the journeys between ports of call where the crew could safely dine while away from their ship.

Using his connections as the retired Governor, Max made the planet the transport hub for the region for both Merchant Cruisers and the Imperial Navy which had its own base adjacent to the base.

The tavern was the first one established on the port and grew with it until it had taken over the warehouse complex. Now Max used his influence to establish other taverns around the planet, especially at other star ports. There were other taverns, but his was the best.

['Well, here I am in Maxie's Tavern having a few pints after my steak. Unfortunately, that Bronson shows up without taking the Antidote, and now that wet-behind-the-ears plebe is drunk as a skunk!! He was told by the Captain that anymore trouble and he'd send Bronson to the Penal Planet in spite of his contacts in the Navy.'] thought a sullen John Carter as he drained his glass and the waitress refilled it as he handed it to her.

"That'sh one purty gal there. [hic] Wonder if she'sh wearing undiesh?"

"Careful there Bronson, your drunk!" ['DAMN IT ALL!! All I wanted was to sit down with Max and talk over old times after that excellent dinner, but he had to go break up a brawl. [chuckle] I remember being a wet-behind-the-ears plebe on my first liberty furlough and coming into this tavern when it first opened its doors. I was his first customer and he gave me my first pint of root beer. He couldn't believe that I drink the stuff. [chuckle] But when he pulled his first pint of Trillannii Root Beer, he found out just how much of a kick it has.']

"Sho?"

John finished as the waitress returned his now full glass with her customary smile, "And you did not take the antidote as per regulations. Your flaunting of regulations has just ruined any chance of a promotion." ['Back then it was the only tavern here, but Max converted this old warehouse into his tavern and emporium. Thanks to him, this depleted agri-world is now a hub center of trade.']

"Look at that babe coming in." drawled Bronson. "I am shure that she is good for a bit of fun. "leered Bronson, who drained away his beer and poured more from the pitcher. Make another notch on my bedpost. [hic]

Looking towards the door of the bar, John Carter saw a petite redhead enter wearing a green bodysuit and matching boots. She looked quite capable of handling any trouble with her laser pistol and truncheon, "Careful there Bronson, she is from a Merchant Cruiser, I doubt that she is willing from the way that she carries herself," John chuckled as he remembered more than a few times that he had seen such a display in the seedy streets of the star port.

"Sho?" Bronson then began to greedily down the contents of his flagon. ['A challenge will be nice for a change from diving into the slave pits.']

['Damn it all!! I have to stop him from doing something foolish!!'] thought John as he sat hid mug down. Then he said "If you do what I think your gonna' do, that is a Court Martial Offence. And you are drunk as a skunk. You know very well that the Captain warned you about getting into trouble."

"And you would be more than happy to shend me packing Mishter Clean." accused Bronson as he belched loudly enough for other patrons to turn and stare at him in open disgust.

"I just enforce the regulations," sighed an exasperated John. "I do not make them." Then John looked Bronson square in the eyes, "Can't you tell that I am trying to save your sorry ass?" Then he turned Bronson's empty pitcher over. ['I hope that he gets the message through that alcoholic fog.']

['Guesh that I was wrong about 'im. 'e ain't too bad at that.'] "Well then, [hic] I guesh that I will head back before I muck it up. [hic] Good night Shir. [hic]" Then he saluted sloppily.

Then John returned his salute, "Good night Bronson." Then he finished sipping his brew, thankful that he HAD taken the Antidote before he left the ship. ['I won't feel that she is safe until I make sure that she's been escorted back to her ship.']

Then the drunken Bronson drained his mug of beer and staggered out, weaving a wobbly trail to the exit followed by his friends Jones and Walsh, together, they went looking for fresh meat.

==========================
Interlude: Imperial Palace
==========================

In the opulent Throne Room, Emperor Augustus Sylvester Pendragon awaited his daughter Princess Ariel Selena Pendragon as he sat upon the Crystal Throne. The Crystal Throne was built by Master Artisans and Craftsmen, taking gold, precious gems and silver, they worked with Master Technicians and Engineers to create a throne from which the Emperor could rule His Empire. Inlaid with technology, the Crystal Throne could convey the Emperor anywhere safely and protect Him with an array of weapons.

Running up to her Daddy, the Princess hugged Him to her, "Oh Daddy, guess what your little girl did," she beamed.

Looking at his precious daughter who had perched herself upon the arm of the throne so that her hose encased legs could dangle, he smiled, "You caught a fish in the Royal Pond," he chuckled. ['She is the only one that I will ever allow to disturb me as she does, and I wouldn't have it any other way.']

She reached over to the decanter and poured herself a glass of chilled water kept there for the Emperor & Princess. "[giggle] No silly, [giggle] I got the part of the Good Fairy in the play,[giggle] can't you tell by my costume?" she giggled at his remark. ['My Daddy just loves to tease me and I love it.']

The Emperor clinked his glass to hers and they both then sipped from their glass. "[chuckle] Now that you mention it, [chuckle]yes.[chuckle] When do you perform? "He chortled. ['She looks so cute in her pink tutu & tights. She may practically be an adult, but she still acts like a little girl. I purposefully kept her away from Court Intrigue, but that has weakened her too. She needs to start taking responsibility, yet I want to protect my precious daughter from Court Intrigue.']

She sets her now empty glass down by her Daddy's also empty glass. "After my Royal Tour of the Rim." ['I know that my Daddy hates the idea of me going out there, but I must start doing my duty as the Princess. I hope that my Daddy understands.']

Then the Emperor frowns at His daughter. "Ariel, are you sure that you want to go on the Tour?" he asked with his voice heavy with concern. ['Is My daughter finally ready to act as the Princess? Can I trust her to make the right decisions out there away from me and the Court?']

She looks her Daddy in the eye. "Daddy, I'm an adult. It is time for me to start taking responsibility and show people that I can lead. So far, all that I've done is go to school and attend Royal Balls. I need to show the People that I'm not a spoilt brat of a Royal-Pain -In -The-Neck-Princess." she pouted. ['Daddy thinks that I am a naive and gullible girl. My teachers taught me about his depredations. When I am Empress, the evil will end. But I need the help of the Rim to consolidate my position.']

He now looks at her with respect for her decision "[sigh] Very well Ariel, the Throne Ship the Majestic is yours for the Tour. It is ready for you, shall I escort you to your ship?" he smiled. ['It will be one of my very few pleasures that I have as your Daddy. Too bad you're an adult, I loved seeing you growing up.']

Then she squealed in delight," Oh thank you Daddy!! I'll go and change now." Then the petite Princess ran out of the Throne Room. ['Have to maintain the image of the little girl or I can't do what I must.']

Then after she left, the Emperor thought long and hard. ['Who shall I appoint as the Captain of her ship? Who can I trust to both uphold Imperial Policy & keep her safe for me while she's out touring the Rim? Ah yes!! NOW I know the perfect man for the job.'] Reaching over to the intercom, he activated a special button. "Grand Admiral Jolleck," he called out.

Then a hologram of a silver haired Santa Claus in a crisp white uniform appeared before the Emperor. "Greetings Your Majesty, how may I serve the Empire?" ['I wonder what that old bastard wants me to do for Him now? He has given me many an hour of pleasure as I engaged in my vices while serving Him.'] he chuckled to himself.

The Emperor grinned at the sight of His friend, "Get you ass to me at once you rascal, I have a job that needs your special touch." ['He is the only one that I KNOW that I can trust to get the job done to my satisfaction.']

Then he saluted the Emperor who crisply returned it. "Aye Aye your Majesty."

Then the Emperor cut the connection and awaited the Grand Admiral while the Royal Attendant brought out an ornate tray and filled it with refreshments and sat a much smaller chair on the other side of the table.

* * *

Then John Carter saw the redhead approach the table, "Hello, I am Jane Meadows." she said as she held out her hand in lady like fashion. ['I saw him with his drunken friend. He must be a rare one. Is he the gent that I hope he is or another cad?']

Then he took her hand in his and gently kissed as she wanted as he could tell from her smile, "I am John Carter." ['She moves with grace, must know a few Court Dances or I hope so.']

Then John Carter held the seat as she sat down, "My oh my, are we not a Gentleman John Carter of Mars. So very few out here on the Rim," she giggled.

"Actually, my family came from Mars, but we settled out here on the Rim," he chuckled as he remembered the first time he had read the John Carter of Mars stories.

"Oh, which system?" she purred seductively. ['What a handsome man, is he single and available?']

"The Trillannii System." Then John ordered another of his brew from the waitress who had placed Jane's order of wine be her.

"Then you are one of the few that support the T.G." she sighed grateful to have found a possible friend. ['So few people out here on the Rim openly support us because of Imperial Policy and the damned Imperial Navy is more active, it's even more dangerous to openly support us.']

"Yes, I am. As soon as my tour is over, I am retiring and going back to the family farm," he took a swallow of his brew. ['If she only knew what my family farm actually is, she would have a fit. Retiring as the youngest Captain at thirty in four year will be even sweeter if I find me my Queen out here.']

"Then perhaps you could help me then." She sipped her wine and set the glass back down, "I hope that I am doing the right thing, I'd hate to have to see you get hurt," she sighed. ['How will he react to my news? Is he simply giving me a spiel about being pro T.G. to imprison me? Good thing my pistol is charged.']

"Sure, what do you need?" he finished his drink, sensing an end to the conversation.

"John, I am a T.G." Then she drained her glass in order to steel herself for trouble. ['Well, in for a penny, in for a pound.']

"Whew! Jane, you look like a G.G. to me," he eyed her appreciatively. ['I can't tell that she is T.G., not that it matters to me, I like her.']

"Thank you, actually, I did serve upon a naval ship before I transitioned. I served as Ship's Surgeon on board the Dreadnought: Terra Queen. Now it's been converted to a Merchant Cruiser hauling liquids, "She wiped her forehead as the wine began to take effect. ['Now I know that I am safe with him, but who in the hell spike my wine? I can't trust myself to shoot straight now Have to rely on him now.']

"Oh, how complete is the transition? For you that is. That Merchant Cruiser comes here every month," he smiled at her. ['Damned good looking girl here, well worth knowing in my book.']

"Complete enough, only by scanning my records can you tell that I used to be James," she sighed. ['Looks as if I have found a friend in John.']

"So, you can? uh, ..." ['I think that I am in love with her.']

"Yes, I can. And I do want to have a family," she sighed. ['I think that he could be the one for me in spite of the fact that he is in the Navy.']

"Don't worry Jane, your secret is safe with me," ['Besides, none of the crew would ever believe me, even if I was to tell them. And I wouldn't mind being the father of her children.']

"I know that, but I saw your shipmate leave & I need you to escort me back to my ship." ['I hope that you will do it, because I doubt that there are any of the crew ready to help me out thanks to shore leave.']

"You think that he will attack you," he stated. ['She is scared of Bronson and with good reason. He won't take no for an answer.']

"Yes, and if successful, I could get..." ['Can't say it. It's too horrible to think.']

He held out his hand, "Then I shall be your Knight my Lady." ['If she only knew that there ARE knights out here.']

She accepted his hand, "Thanks, but I am not a lady." ['Not with my record.']

"Princess then," he smiled. ['She will never believe the truth that I am both a knight and Prince.']

"If you insist," she giggled ['Is he some minor nobleman?']

Then after paying up the bar bill, John Carter escorted Jane to her ship, but as they neared, her fears were realized as Bronson attacked them with the aid of his cohorts Jones and Walsh. As they tried to have their way with Jane, John Carter knocked them out before they succeeded.

He stepped in front of her and let loose with his Command Baton, leaving their shoulders numb from the stun charge. Bronson attempted to raise his laser pistol only to have his pistol arm stunned as John delivered the nerve pinch to the shoulder, ending Bronson's fight.

Walsh put on brass knucks that gave him shielding from the Baton as Jones went for his vibroblade. John threw Bronson into them as he withdrew his star sword to do battle with his opponents. But instead of fighting, they fled back to the Aztec.

"Thanks John, they almost had me!" she wept as she thought of what could have happened.

"Glad to be of service. I will have Bronson sent packing along with Jones and Walsh," Then he wiped her tears away with his hand.

"Only one thing John."[sniff] ['Will he hate me now?']

"What is that."

"[sniff] Jones and Walsh were shipmates of mine, [sniff, sniff] they know who I am." [sniff] ['Oh please John, don't hate me.']

"SHIT!!"
* * *

King Of The Rim Chapter 2-Courtmartial By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:Commander John Carter; Executive Officer of the Patrol Cruiser Aztec finds that the attackers are disciplined for their actions and he is transferred to another ship instead of losing his commission and imprisonment at the Penal Colony.

John grabs her by the shoulders and exclaims, "DAMN IT ALL TO HELL JANE!! MY GOOSE IS COOKED!! THE CAPTAIN HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO SEND ME TO THE PENAL PLANET!!"

She looks him steadily in the eye, ready to endure his wrath, "If I had known that Jones and Walsh were involved, I'd have never involved you. The only reason that they know is that they saw me at the clinic. Because of me, that clinic is now an Imperial Clinic and all of the staff is slaves." ['John's black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes makes him as him an Adonis. He may be small and lean, but his whipcord physique makes me drool,']

He is speechless for a few moments as he contemplated the full implications of what she just said, "Those two will tell Bronson and then they'll tell the Captain!! He sighs heavily.

"I wish that things had worked out better for my knight." ['He looks so lost now, all because of me!! Was it worth his court martial for me to be defended?']

Then he slumped into a nearby bench against a retaining wall, "My career is over now!! I apologize for yelling at you. I was defending your honor as any Knight should." ['And I would do it again to protect her too.']

Going over to John Carter, she gently kisses his cheek and sits by him, "The knights of old slayed dragons. Are you really a knight?"

His sense of humor returns when she calls him her knight. He remembers the Oath he swore as a Knight, "On my world, I am actually a Knighted Prince. We are very much like the Knights of Camelot," he chuckled humorously. He grinned at her to let her know that he was not angry at her. Why do I feel so comfortable around her? Could she be the one for me?

She begins to feel at ease in his presence, "Oh, so I am talking to royalty?" she giggled. Her eyes glistened with laughter. ['Here, all of this time, I never believed that I could ever find true love. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I yearn for him. Is he the one for me?']

Wiping her eyes with his pocket napkin, John sees a sweet soul that has been longing, for acceptance, "My Home Trillannii is a Free Port World. We believe all are equal. Unfortunately, some have need of our help because of the Empire. Which is why we Trillannii Knights help those in need?"

Looking at her wrist chronometer, "Too bad I was not born there; I have no doubt that I'd have been free to be me. [Sigh] But it is time for me to return to my ship. But do not worry about your career. I
believe that you won't go to the Penal Planet," ['Come to think of it, he just might be the Prince of Trillannii that we have been looking for.']

Standing up, he helps her up. "Why do you say that? Is there any hope for me?" he asked in wonder. ['Why do I care that she should care?']

He gently kisses the back of her hand, treating her like a Lady of the Court. She smiles in approval of his Court manners, "I am sure that somebody will buy out your contract with the Navy. That is the only way out for you." ['To be specific, the Captain will if you are the Prince that I believe that you are. If not, we will still be of service to another Trillannii Knight.']

"But then I will be the slave of the purchaser. Not much of a hope, but at least there is some hope for me. "

"Johnny, whoever buys your contract can free you. My Captain is looking for an Executive Officer. Hopefully he can buy you, and free you." ['If he won't, I will! I have the money thanks to cashing in my scholarships,']

Then after they shared a long, lingering kiss and embrace, that inflamed both their hearts with longing for the other. She turned reluctantly away and boarded her ship the Rim Queen as he stared up at her retreating form. The ship she boarded had a long oval body with delta wing attached housing the fuel and Star Drive nacelles. The stern housed the reaction drive and twin "V" rudders that guided it during atmospheric flight.

====================
Interlude: Rim Queen
====================

"Jane, what's wrong lassie? ya' look like ya' lost ya' bes' fren'. Wanna tell Sparky abou' it?" ['Wha' could cause our ray o' sunshine ta' cloud up?']

She hugs the Chief Engineer, "Sparky, I may have met my True Love, but he's in trouble for defending me from attack by Imp. Navy," she wept.

"All because o' Imperial Policy. Get ya' fanny to tha' Cap'n. He'll do what he can for tha' man."

Then a gray haired legless man in a hover chair spoke, "No need to Jane, I heard you just now, and I'll do what I can for him. But next time, dress less sexy when you go ashore please," he chuckled.

Jane hugs him, "Thanks Daddy."

"You're welcome my daughter. If only your family would accept you."

"Daddy, they are not my family after disowning me. You're my new daddy."

"And wha' abou' tha' crew? Are we na' family too?"

Jane hugs her, "Yes, all of you are family, now let's help Johnny please."

"It all depends upon if his Captain chooses to sell Johnny's commission to me, but old Steel Britches is a firm and fair commander. He'll not let Johnny rot in jail." ['Can't let them know that he is a Trillannii Friend.']

* * *

Then John Carter turned and headed for his ship, the Aztec. The Aztec was a long, lean version of the Rim Queen. Approaching the gangplank, he saw his best friend, Security Chief Brett "Brick" Steele standing there waiting for him with a bemused look on his face as he pondered the scene that he had witnessed below. Brick is a dark-skinned bald Adonis with gray eyes, his somber brown armor accentuating his physique.

Standing aside to let his shipmate enter, "Hello John". 'Looks as if Johnny now has a sweetheart. If she is the one that has caused all of the trouble, then I must say that she is most definitely worth it in my book, but does John think so too?'

He relaxes upon seeing his friend. Seeing his bemused expression, he knows that Brick witnessed his kiss and perhaps more, by his trusted friend, "Hi Brick." he sighed tiredly. ['At least Brick is there for me in my time of need. I never would have made it through boot camp without his friendship.'] thought John, as he reflected upon his buddy Brick.

He smiles as he remembers John's reputation among the crew, "I heard
that you opened a can of "WHUPASS" upon Bronson and his cohorts Jones and Walsh. I wish that I could have been there to help you out. If it had of been me instead of you, then it'd have simply been me dealing out justice as Security Chief as a ship's security matter. As it is, you are in trouble that I can't get you out of," he sighs.

Johnny shrugs, "Yes, did they say why?" ['I wonder if they tried to lie? Not that it'd do them very much good with the Captain and Brick.

Brick sadly shakes his head, "No, sadly only that YOU attacked them. As if you would!! No, I know you far better than that my friend and so does the good Captain. Knowing him, he'll ferret out the truth from them even without the security tapes and my eye witness of the incident."

"If you saw it, why didn't you help me?"

"I was on Monitor Duty and couldn't get to you before you ended the fight. You were so quick that I couldn't get to you in time. Besides,
you didn't need my help!"

Then Johnny sighs as he looks down and shakes his head and chuckles, "I guess you didn't believe them then. Brick, you never did like Bronson's attitude."

Stopping the both of them, he sits down and John follows. Then he looks him square in the eye. with his hands clasped together, "Would you?" His question conveying understanding to John.

"No, not at all, but he has his friends on board who can cause trouble," he sighed.

"Ah, my friend, if you only knew about all of the support and friends that you have made on board." ['Poor Jonathan believes that the coward has a way to influence the outcome of the trial

============================
Interlude-M.I.B.D. Moon Base
============================

Deep in the heart of Moon Base One, is a simple shop with 'Mary's Apparel' above the doorway. Within the shop are racks of clothing of all sorts for all genders and ages. The store itself takes four acres of space to house a factory to produce the goods, and a tailoring section to modify any clothing to fit the needs or wants of the customer. Behind the sales desk is a door, leading to the Manager' Office and Utility room with a hidden door leading down into the bowels of the Moon.

This hidden Base of Operations is the new headquarters for the M.I.B.D. The Agency's former bases are now sanctuaries for the transgendered people, stranded on the Moon by Imperial Policy. Each client is treated to a session in the Booth, A personal sized tubular chamber that uses nanobots to transform the body. Once transformed, the client is given a new identity and sent to the Rim.

A woman entered the shop, wearing a black skin suit with an equipment belt around her waist. The emblem on her rebreather tanks on her back showed her to be a freelance repair engineer. As she steps up to the counter, an Oriental woman wearing a black, silk kimono with a stylized red dragon on the back greeted her, "Greetings, my Lady. How may I, Lotus Blossom serve you, this fine day?" [It's not often that we get an Agent from Earth up here. Something big must be up.']

She grins , "Thank you, Lotus Blossom. I am Starr. I am looking for a very special gown."

"Oh? What sort of gown, Starr?" ['DAMN! I was right! What in the hell has the Emperor done, now?']

She sighs, "One for a concert, I have the chance to see the Princess.']

Lotus triggers the door, letting Starr behind the desk, "Follow me then, we have a selection of special gowns, hidden away."

"Oh? Why hidden?" ['If not for the Imperial spy cams, there would be no need for our coded phrases.']

Lotus giggles, "Few can afford the prices of these. Now, if you were one of the Royals, you'd easily have the money." ['That will make the spies laugh. They know that none of the Emperor's Clan would visit here.']

"Proceed, please."

Lotus led her deep into the base below, going through a hidden door located between solid bulkheads, while another Agent replaced her from the Manager's Office. They entered a transport tube that whisked them down into the bowels of the Moon, shielded from Imperial scanners via a shell of foam that fooled all scanners. The base itself was in one of the lunar caves that inhabited the Lunar Mountains.

"Care for anything?"

"I wouldn't mind a mug of ginger beer, Lotus. Are you fully female?" ['If she is a man, I can't tell the difference.']

Lotus operated a control on the panel by her seat and a foamy mug came out with a plate of pretzels, "One beer, with pretzels for you. And yes, I am now fully female. I was awarded a session with the Chamber upon graduating from training."

Starr sips her beer, "Good ginger. So, are you an Agent, or simply here until transport can be arranged for you?"

"I am an Agent from Japan. I knew that I was a girl at a young age, so my family sent me to the Agency's Training School in America."

"Oh? I thought that you'd have attended the school in Japan."

"Oh, I would have, but my parents graduated from there."

"OK, does that mean that you can still see them?"

"Yes, at least when I'm at the base school, they are teachers, now."

"OK, that makes sense."

"Thank you."

By this time, the tube had deposited them at the reception desk, "Greetings, ladies. I am Mary, the Base Commandant. I bid you welcome." said a red haired woman wearing a black swimdress.

Starr stepped out after finishing hr beer, "Thank you, Mary. I am Starr. I have vital data to pass on to J.O.S.H.U.A."

Mary sighed, "Very well. Lotus, since your time top side is almost up, you may see your family over in the Eastern Farming Compound." [There, Lotus will be able to pass on the data to the Organic Computer for its analysis.']

Lotus bowed, "Thank you, Mary," she sighed happily as she contemplated her family reunion.

"As for you, Starr, come with me to my office. There, you can have another ginger beer," Mary smiled. She may be from Texas, but she fell in love with the British during her tour over there.']

"Thank you kindly, Ma'am. I do have a hankering for that tasty brew."

In her office, Mary grilled Starr, "OK, what is the data?"

"We now know why the Emperor is amassing the Fleet around the border, Ma'Am."

"Why is that?"

"To protect his daughter, Princess Ariel from harm, but that's not the worst news. Jellico is her guardian."

"SHIT!"

* * *

"And what of Bronson? With his contacts and being the son of a Grand Admiral, he can call on his dad to bail him out. I know that the rest of the crew respects me, but how many support him? And that's one of the Empire's greatest vices. But how do you stop it when the entire system is based upon passing your Title on to your chosen Successor!"

Brick chuckled evilly, "Bronson's dad, Grand Admiral Carl Riley Bronson is from the Imperial Merchant Fleet. Do you think that he has any authority in the Fleet?"

John adopts Rodan's "The Thinker" position as he looks at his friend Brick in amusement, "No, THAT he never revealed. There are Grand Admirals out there in charge of different Departments and projects. I never thought about the Merchants having one," he chuckles. ['I am glad that I have Brick on my side during the upcoming court martial, he will keep things real for me.']

"I thought as much," Brick chortles. "Besides, The Captain heard the sirens and saw them attack that woman, and you defending her. Don't worry; I didn't include you and her kissing in my report, nor on tape with the Captain's permission. Bronson is being interviewed by the Captain himself."

Johnny sighs, "Thanks my friend, but I have news for you. She was not a regular woman, Brick." ['And my friend, I would do it again too.']

His gentle amusement is replaced with a surprised awe as he contemplates the possibilities, "Oh? What is she then? The only other possibility that can be causing you this much trouble is that she is one of the Trans. And knowing you and your luck, she is," he sighs.

Placing his hand upon Brick's shoulder in friendship, John utters the bad news, "She is a Trans, my friend. I seriously doubt that you will enjoy the news, knowing how much it is that you detest the Trans haters." ['If he had known, he'd have been sorely tempted to hurt them.']

Brick looked his best friend in the eye and sighs in resignation, "Then unfortunately your career is over and there is nothing that the Captain can do but follow Naval Policy. The Captain will hate having to lose you, but now, he will have no choice in the matter. DAMN IT ALL!!! Why in the blazes did Bronson have to attack her?" ['He causes nothing but trouble.']

Then John stood up, know that it was time to face the music, "I know," he sighs. ['At least Bronson will be gone after this.']

Then, going over to Carter, Brick placed a massive, meaty hand upon each of his shoulders, "John Carter, I will miss you. But now I must be strong for the both of us and do my duty and yours until the Captain finds another Executive Officer to take over." ['But with Bronson, it will be a pleasure to guard him.']

Then John smiled as he remembered the much shore leave that they had shared, "Thanks Brick, I will miss you too. [Sigh] No more Casino runs or poker tournaments for us. Too bad, we were the best of the best too."

========================
Interlude: Grand Admiral
========================

After signing off, the Grand Admiral called the bridge. "Captain Jackson, take us to the Imperial Palace Dock." ['I wonder just what it is that the Emperor wants me to do now?']

Then the view screen activated to show a worried middle-aged balding man. "Lord Admiral, we are about to leave the system. Why must we abort the jump?"

"Because the Emperor has demanded my presence immediately, I can't really blame you Captain for asking. After all, I am basically ordering you to scuttle his ship with a *Full Burn."

Then the Captain did some quick computing and saw a solution, "A jump will cause as much damage as a Full Burn, shall I make a jump to the dock then?"

"Please do. That is if it's quicker than a Full Burn." ['This Captain deserves a medal for original thinking. I'll make sure that the crew is saved from The Pits for harming Imperial Property. They are obeying the Emperor after all.']

Checking the results, "At this distance, a jump is quicker, but the Short Jump will scrap the Transition coils."

"Scrap 'em then, the Emperor is impatient," the Lord Admiral cut the transmission. ['Not even a Throne Ship can withstand such stresses. No need to punish anyone for carrying out the order. Too bad, I could use some entertainment.']

Captain Jackson saw the Imperial Seal on the screen, denoting transmission end, "Well, since Jolleck ordered it, compute and initiate a jump to Imperial Palace Dock, but keep an eye on the coils. It's barely possible that they'll survive. If not, they'll make great projects for the Engineering Colleges."

"Aye aye, Sir. Course plotted and initiated."

Then the vessel jumped as the coils shredded from the stress.

*{A Full Burn is when the Reaction Drive goes to full speed. Such an action will create a time warp as time on the ship slows down. If the Coils were already hot from a Transition, the Full
Burn and Short Jump will not harm the Coils which are why a ship seldom if ever shuts down the coils. The Transition Coils help the ship govern the tidal forces of the engines and prevent jumping to another time.}

* * *

Then they broke up and Brick escorted John Carter to the Captain's Ready Room where Captain Hector Abraham was seated behind his desk while Bronson stood in front of the desk. Seeing Carter, he immediately began to show fear. ['SHIT! Now that he is here, I have no chance to redeem myself! Any hope of him actually going AWOL is gone now! My goose is cooked as well as his!']

As John entered with Brick, the Captain smiled at them. "Welcome John Carter, it seems as if Bronson has a complaint against you. As if I would ever believe that scoundrel what with all of his demerits stacked against him." ['He has bullied the civilians when he could and shows very little respect for anybody. His father will be
ashamed of him.']

As the door closed, both Brick and John stood "at ease" as was the custom, whereas Bronson leaned forward over the Captain in disrespectful bravado to bolster his waning courage. "And I have a complaint against him as well," replied Johnny. ['If I know the Captain, then he will just love the chance to cashier Bronson out of the service and now I can help even though I will be too.']

Then Bronson turned towards them and placed his hands upon his hips, "What are you, a tranny lover!?" sneered Bronson. "Can't you find a real woman or do you enjoy slumming to get your demented jollies? You disgust me with your perverted ways!" ['Even if I am as good as dead, I can still make sure to have a record of this hearing.']

Tired of Bronson's attitude, the Captain subtly signals the Security Chief, "Brick?" ['Brick can act in ways that regulations prevent me from doing. Too bad, because I would love to manhandle that toad
for causing all of this,'] mused the Captain.

Then Brick grabbed Bronson by his lapels and growled menacingly, "Have a care Crewman Bronson. You are up for court martial. It would be my distinct pleasure to space you as you deserve." ['Now to make him fear me, this shouldn't be that hard to do with this wimp.' he chuckled silently.']

Seeing that Bronson was suitably cowed, the Captain smiled. "Easy there Brick, you may tend to him shortly, but I must deal with his charges against John," he sighed. ['One of the most dreaded burdens of Naval Command for me. If I was the Captain of a Merchant Cruiser, I wouldn't be having this problem.']

Then Brick dropped the frightened crewman who promptly wet his trousers, "Yes Sir." ['Ah, so Bronson is a 'wetter' then, this should make things even better.']

Looking at the spreading stain, the Captain then remarked, "Unfortunately for you, you will have to wear your uniform as per regulations, until all charges are dropped, all of your other uniforms are confiscated." ['He must have spent a small fortune upon his custom tailored wardrobe. Too bad for him because now all of his belongings are the Navy's and will go to the Naval Thrift Store, at least that which the crew doesn't help themselves to.]

Then Bronson knew that he was in trouble. "But Captain!! This is my only uniform now that you've taken my others!!" ['You sadistic bastard, you know that regulation is only enforced at your discretion!!! You know that I paid out good money from my personal fortune for my designer wardrobe!! Now your using your authority to punish me before I leave!!'] Observed a maddened Bronson.

Then the Captain smiled at his discomfort. "You should have thought about that before you wet yourself. Now one of your shipmates can of course loan you one of their spares." ['Which I seriously doubt will happen since you are so small in size, but you just might like dressing as a woman.']

Hoping against hope, Bronson knows that his small size now works against him, "Captain, the only one on board that is my size is Doctor Finley, and she is a woman. And it is against Regulations for me to wear her uniforms. So now you will have to give me back at least one change of clothing, even if it is from the replicators." ['Glad that regulations will deny him that choice.']

Then the Captain flipped a switch upon his desk. "Doctor Finley, please report to my ready room." ['Now for my fun to begin as I humiliate this jerk.']

"May I ask the reason?"

"Bronson!"

"On my way."

"While cross-dressing for men is against Regulations, Captain's Discretion gives me the power to veto any Regulations when it comes to a Court Martial, including all Records. So your accusing John of loving a tranny is moot because there will be no record. John's Court Martial is for attacking you while within the ship's landing area. That I can not stop." ['Thank God about that Rule or Johnny would be sent to the Penal Planet for life.]

Bronson falls into a nearby seat as John Carter looks at the defeated crewman. "You wouldn't!!" No, you would now that you can get away with it thanks to the regulations, you sneaky bastard, I wholly approve of what is about to befall Bronson," chuckled John Carter. ['Now I have a chance at life, guess Mary was right after all.']

The Captain smiles as he sees the dismay on Bronson's face "Yes John Carter, I would like to show him just how it is to be treated as he treats women." Then looking at Bronson in disgust, "You asshole, because of you, I'm about to lose the best damned Executive Officer in the Fleet! And all this time, you fancied yourself as his replacement. HARDLY!!!"

Bronson does his best to defend himself. "But that was a tranny!! Can't you see that I was doing just what the Emperor would want me to do?" ['Maybe that will change his mind.']

The Captain then defuses Bronson's defense with his track record, "Yes Bronson, and you have been brought up upon charges of rape before now. Your punishment is to dress as a woman for the crew until we reach a naval base, then you will be returned to normal." ['Even if the Emperor would disapprove of my punishment, he hates rapists.']

Then Doctor Finley entered the room, seeing Bronson, she smiled. "May I assume that Bronson is why I am here? I knew that this day would come after he raped me and got away with it." ['This is the only reason that I stayed on.']

Then the Captain helpfully pointed at Bronson's dishonor, "Yes, he seems to have wet himself and needs a change of clothing. She will simply delight in your punishment since you got away with raping her, thanks to your connections." ['Now let him stew over that fact!! I couldn't punish him before for raping her, all that I could do was promise her retribution when the time came, and now it has come.']

Delighting in the dismay etched upon Bronson's face, she continues to humiliate him, "Does he not have his own uniforms, '[giggle] or has he decided to wear my uniforms for a change of pace?" ['None at all knowing the Captain. This is so much fun!! Pay back is a bitch when it comes around.']

The Captain continues the charade much to John, Brick's and Finley's delight as they look on silently chuckling at Bronson's dismay, "Well now, normally he would, but he is court martialed for accosting a civilian." ['Let him just TRY to justify what he did and defend his actions!! Both Imperial Law and Naval Policy punish rapists, even if the victim is Trans-Gendered.']

Bronson tries to gain some dignity. "I accosted a tranny you mean. A tranny is NOT a woman, neither were my other victims except for the doctor. Besides, they deserve it for being a Trans."

"Yes, you got away with those rapes because of your connections AND the fact that they were being inter-sexed which Imperial Policy allows them to choose their gender. Raping them almost ended you up in the Penal Planet, but your dad stopped it."

Finally, the doctor tires of the charade, "Brick, if you will please follow me with him, I can tend to his needs momentarily. I have the perfect outfit too. ['One that'll show off Bronson's assets quite nicely too.']

Then the Captain reluctantly stopped her from completing her fun. "Please wait, Doris, I have the sad duty of the court martial of John Carter too. I want that bastard to see what a real Officer and gentleman are." ['He had his chance and he blew it royally.']

Then she stopped in her tracks and did a double take before turning around and facing the Captain, "But why? John Carter is the best that you have except for Brick here! They have both been there when I had my nightmares from the rape. They treated me like a sister." ['And I can never thank them enough.']

Then John placed a friendly hand upon her shoulder. "Doris, I stopped Bronson and his friends from raping a Tranny earlier tonight. He should have been canned long ago. THAT is why I am here." ['Little sister, you will still have Brick here for you while I shall be alone.']

Then she hugged him to her and wept, ["Oh Johnny, you and your high ideals. But at least you took out those three scum bags. I will miss you my sweet Knight, how I wish that things were different." ['Then WE would be lovers, but you are too much of a gentleman and friend to let sex interfere with our friendship because you knew that Brick and I are intimate.']

Then after sitting down with Doris and wiping her eyes, "Well Doris, you have Brick now to console you. I know that you two are a good match." ['Maybe it's time for Brick to make his move.']

Then John motions to Brick, Then Brick comes over and kneels by Doris, and holds a golden band in his hand. "Doris, light of my life, will you marry me?" ['Thanks John, I was reluctant to ask what with your trouble taking place, but I know that you want to hear her answer.']

"Brick, you know that I also fancy John. Do you trust me not to fail and seek him out?"

Then Brick laughed heartily, "Doris, I love you with all of my heart!!! I know that you fancy John, but you LOVE me!! Will you marry me?" ['John, I trusted you and you did not fail me, thank you.']

Then Doris smiled, "Yes Brick, I will marry you." Then they gathered John into a warm embrace and let him go.

"OK you two, we three musketeers are splitting up now. Doris, the reason that I never pursued a relationship with you is that Brick loves you and you love him. I'm simply a best friend to both of you. Captain Bart bought our contracts because he was our Sponsor. If he hadn't of been waiting for the Aztec to be refitted, who knows where we'd be. But now thanks to his help, I'm either going back home or posting on a new ship. Either way, we'll still stay in contact."

Brick held Doris firmly, "Yes we will. And if you post on a Merchant Cruiser, you can get us a discount."

"Agreed."

"Then I'd best hope that I can sell you to a Merchie," chuckled the Captain.

John looked at the Captain, "Captain, what about the other two? Surely they are gone as well. If not, there may be trouble."

Then the Captain smiled, "They are already gone, I sent them onto the Prison Barge. Where they just might salvage their careers. They were just following Bronson. Once they serve their time, I'll restore their rank if they learned their lesson. They were actually duped into the attack."

Then fingering his Academy Ring. "What are the charges against me? Will I have to give up my Ring? Damn!! I hope not!! I went through hell to get it!!

Looking down at the report, the Captain cleared his throat to dispel the rotten taste in his mouth "Accosting three crewmen while upon shore leave. Unfortunately I can do nothing about the charges because they were filed with the Imperial Naval Office instead of through me. But you keep your ring since you aren't going to prison." ['If through me, I could have swept this mess under the rug and dealt with it myself and only lose Bronson!!']

John smiled at Doris as they stood up and John hoped against hope. "Will the record show why? As if there were any doubt," he sighed.

Then the Captain offered him a slim hope, "Yes, that you were defending a woman. At least I can hide the fact that she was a Tranny, otherwise, you would face a Firing Squad or prison."['I can at least do that for you because the Envoy is my brother.']

Then John saw the favor that the Captain had done for him, "Then I plead guilty." ['You rascal, you have made the case against me a moot point',] John chuckled to himself.

Then Bronson caught a whiff of hope. "What about me? If you helped him, I just might have a chance of salvaging my career." ['Any hope is better than no hope at all.']

Then holding his gavel in his right hand, "Do you drop the charges against John Carter? Your answer will either save or condemn your career." ['And the only hope that John has of salvaging his career.']

Then Bronson sealed his fate, "HELL NO!! Let him fry, I can take any punishment because my family will buy my freedom and buy your contract and make you my slave."

Then the Captain brought down his gavel with authority, "Too bad, because your friends dropped the charges. They will only serve out their term of service then get an honorable discharge or return here if they so choose. You however get a dishonorable discharge effective now!"

Then the Doctor smiled as she saw her chance, "May I assume that it is time for me to help Bronson? He will look cute when I am through with him," she giggled.

Then the Captain spread his hands, "Sure Doris, have fun with him, he deserves your handiwork," he chuckled.

Then Brick quickly grabbed Bronson. "HEY! HANDS OFF YOU OAF!! You have no right to touch me!!"

Then Bronson slumped as Doctor Doris Finley administered a hypo into Bronson's neck, knocking him out. Brick then easily carried the limp form into the Sickbay Ward where he placed him upon a diagnostic bed. Then the Doctor selected different hypos and injected Bronson with them, causing him to take on a female form. "It's a good thing that disguising Naval Personal is standard or making him look like a woman would take more time. More than one male has gone on shore leave in disguise."

"Yes, as spies and for the decadent pleasure of the Emperor or Grand Admiral. But even the spies stay in disguise for life unless recalled."

John looked at the now female Bronson. "Is he still a guy then? He looks so cute now; he will become quite popular with the men now."

The Doctor noticed the bulge in their uniform trousers. "Yes John, he can revert easily enough. But he'll keep a hairless body."

Then Bronson awoke, feeling the change in his body. "What's gonna happen to me now? I have to make the best of things now that I lost," he whimpered.

Then Doris took charge of her new nurse, "You shall be here as my nurse, now go change into your new uniform." ['I am very sure that these two will appreciate the new and improved Bronson,']

Then Bronson followed the doctor to a cubicle and followed her back out, now attired in nurses whites. Bronson now wore a white mini-dress uniform with matching bloomers over white tights and Mary Janes, "That is my old uniform from my academy days Bronson, now if you do a good job here, you will have it a lot easier than you think. It's up to you. You can still have a career if you choose." ['As a nurse that is,']

Bronson looked at herself in the mirror. "But the men will be pinching my butt. And these two are getting excited, looking at me too!!"

Doris placed a sympathetic hand upon her shoulder as Bronson wept. "Yes they are, and you will be making visits all over the ship. They do it to me too, that is why I use male nurses, but you need this lesson."

Bronson wiped her eyes and looked pleadingly at Doris. "Will they know that I am me?" ['Please say no.']

The doctor smiled to reassure her, "It is up to you to reveal that. All that they will see is a nurse, not a former crewman."

Then the speaker sounded, "Nurse needed in Engineering."

Then the Doctor hung a necklace with a RED CROSS emblem pendant. "Gather your kit and go nurse. Good thing that you passed Advanced CPR."

Then Bronson saluted her new Commanding Officer. "Yes ma'am. Maybe I can salvage my career. As a nurse, I might sleep my way to the top," she sighed in regret for her actions.

Then Nurse Bronson headed to Engineering where she had to deal with fresh men as she answered the call. After answering the call, she hurried back to Sickbay while the Doctor headed back to the Captain's Ready Room with Brick and John where they view Bronson's misadventure in Engineering.

"Well, as you can see, she is getting a crash course in men." she giggled. ['Looks like Bronson is a closet girl coming out from her actions, so few know until they're given their chance,']

"Just so Doctor, as for me, I am glad that I am not her," chuckled the Captain. "All she needs now is to bed one of them now."

Then Doris turned towards John, "Take care John." Then she gave John a kiss. "Goodbye for now, I hope we meet again," she wept.

Then John takes her right hand and kneels to her and kisses her hand. "Thanks Doris. You have been a good friend and sister to me." ['I could never love you more as my sister.']

Then Brick escorted John Carter to his quarters, while the Captain remained to talk to the Doctor.
* * *

King Of The Rim 3-Fair Skies By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:After the court martial, John Carter now has an uncertain future ahead of him. Yet, things are happening that will lead him into a new future away from his best friend and into a future filled with unknowns. As repercussions are felt, his friends discover new strength.

Then the Captain poured the Doctor a goblet of her favorite tea. "Doctor, I am worried about Bronson. But more so about John. I wonder what he'll do now that he's heading to the Penal Barge unless somebody buys out his contract. But who will, and will they enslave him afterwards? Such an abuse of power has made many of the 'New Nobility' such a pain for the Navy."

The Doctor sat and accepted the Captain's gift with a smile. "Please, do not be, Arrow. Bronson will learn about being a woman this way. And just might enjoy being one enough to stay a woman, more than a few have opted to serve the Empire in such a way." ['Even though that fact is kept hidden from the general public and the Naval Personal in general. Only the top brass and us Medicos know that the Empire has the technology to completely change genders.']

Then sipping upon his own flagon of ale, he let its heady aroma soothe his troubled heart, "Arrow, eh? It's been a long time since you called me that nickname, Dee. Too long." ['Being a stickler for Regulations and using obscure ones gave me my nickname. And having a photographic memory helps.']

Doris smiled, "And you've not called me Dee since Bronson raped me just before I posted here. I've missed our friendship as much as you have, Old Friend."

"I had to in order to keep the Imperial Naval Crime Investigation Service from checking us out too closely and finding our links to Trillannii. They see conspiracy everywhere."

"What made it worse for me was that I had to drop the charges on Bronson because of the Bureaucracy. But now that I have him as a nurse, my vengeance is fulfilled."

"Then will you accept Bronson as a nurse after this is finally over or will I have to dismiss him/her? Damn it's hard to keep Bronson's gender straight. I wonder if Bronson will have that trouble, and will others see Bronson as a woman too?" ['I wouldn't do this to him if I didn't know that Doris could do it.']

The doctor placed her hand over his in sympathy, "Yes, as a male or female, I can alter any records as needed. It's one of the few duties that I have as a doctor. Good thing that the regulations take forever to change, otherwise, I'd have to go through the Envoy. And THAT would be a headache and a half. Even if he is a Rim Supporter, he's still my brother," she giggled.

Then Arrow used his gavel with authority to signify his acceptance of the Dee's words," Then I shall leave her in your hands, [sigh] now, I unfortunately have to deal with Carter's court martial, and leaving now. He had such a bright future ahead for him too." ['He could've been my replacement for when I retire next year, NOW who do I choose? I know that he wants to retire in four years when his tour is over, but he might've still opted to stay for another tour if not for Bronson']

* * *

Excerpt from the Captain's Personal Log: ['I have served the Empire all of this time and I never questioned Imperial Policy or Naval Regulations until I was assigned to the Rim. Out here, my eyes were opened up to the many atrocities taking place all in the name of the Emperor. When I tried to ask questions, I was told not to make waves or I'd lose my Commission. That is why I joined with the Trillannii in their fight against the Emperor and his hatred for the Trans-gendered people. I have met many of them and have found that they are more than worthy of friendship. Soon I must choose what to do with the ship as I am due to retire in a month. I may choose to take her as my own since the crew supports me, or donate her to the Trillannii. Whatever I choose, I will NOT let the Aztec be used against the Rim!']

Then a message blared away from the intercom," Captain, please report to the bridge. We are ready to lift off."

Then the Captain slammed his hands upon his desk in frustration. "DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!!" Then he looked sheepishly at the Doctor, "Sorry about the language Doris, but I need to go to the Throne and lift us. Thanks to Bronson, I am very short handed until we reach a Naval Base." ['Replacing so many of my crew will surely be a record.']

Doris smiled at the Captain's consideration, "Shall I tag a long? It seems as if you need some molly coddling about now." ['Might be a bit un-Navy sounding, but it fits,'] she giggled to herself.

* * *

Excerpt from the Doctor's Personal Log: ['well, here I am, finally finding out that I love this old space dog. When I was first posted here as a medic under Doctor Hanson, and with his retirement, I am now Ship's Physician, the equal of Chief Surgeon at any hospital. I never dreamed that I'd find the Captain so attractive. He has been a true Officer and Gentleman in every possible way. He has never forced any of the crew to sate his sexual desires. No, he has always gotten his jollies from Beth whenever she was in port in her 'Lucky Star.' She might be a bit young, but he fancied her until she was lost in space. Now, he is fancying me. Ah well, love truly knows no boundaries out here.]

* * *

The Captain smiled and motioned for her to exit as he sealed his log and pocketed the medallion knowing that he could access its damning evidence, "Molly coddle indeed!!" the Captain snorted in good humor. "Please, be my guest Doris. I think that it's high time that you sit on the Throne." ['There are a few Naval Medical Ships that are captained by Doctors, and you qualify.']

Then they stepped onto the Bridge and the Doctor promptly sat on the Throne, "The Captain has authorized me to take us up. Launch when ready."['This is a first for me.']

"Yes, the Doctor has earned the right to sit upon my Throne. Treat her well Less and Lonnie."

"Will do, Sir. We girls hafta stick together."

"You can count on me Captain. 'Girl Power' will get the 'Lady' Aztec up for you."

"Good, then you know the proper procedure."

The Aztec easily lifted off planet as the solar wings which had been collecting energy lifted the ship up into the sky, utilizing the pent up kinetic energy to sail away into orbit until the ship flew away from the planet.

Then a saddened Captain headed for his office as he saw the blue sky meld into the star spangled expanse of space. Upon entering, he saw that he had a message awaiting him. Activating the screen, he saw the message from his old friend.

"Greetings Abe, Trent here with the 'Rim Queen,' I am calling to see if I may purchase the contract of Executive Officer Commander John Carter from you." ['He'll be glad to send him to me, knowing that I'm not a Slaver.']

The Captain challenged his guest. Greetings Trent, why are you interested in him? And how is Jane? Glad she told you about John. ['If not for that accident, he'd still be commanding the sister ship, Inca']

A pleasant smile appeared upon Trent's jovial face. "We Rimmers are always looking for good crew and Carter sounds like one of the best. We are here and can take him off of your hands or await him and get him at the Penal Barge." ['I like this Captain. He evidently wants the best for John.']

Researching the Cruiser, the Captain saw what he was looking for. ['Ah, so that's why he is so interested in John.'] "I see that John was instrumental in saving one of your officers. And he is a Trillannii National." ['Now it's easy to see why he wants John so badly, and quite frankly, I approve.']

Nodding in approval, "Yes he was we thought that we would reward him with a posting since he can never space with the Navy again. And you know it with Imperial Policy being what it is. Besides, we Trillannii stick together." ['He's worried about John. Abe has been a good friend to John.']

Glancing at his computer screen, "I see that the officer that he helped was your Doctor and that she is a trans. Not that I would mind, Hell. I have met quite a few that are knockouts." ['It's best to set his mind at ease.']

Then he decided to lean forward to playfully intimidate his friend, "Yes that is all true, are you denying me his contract? Or shall we play poker for him?" he laughed. ['He is as sharp at poker as he is at chess; we've both met at the finals of many chess tournaments only to reach stalemate after stalemate.']

The Imperial Captain laughed at the idea. "No, Hell, I am giving you his contract. Take care of him. Because I no longer can," he sighed in resignation of his inability to help his friend. ['Now my friend, at least YOU have a chance to have a life.']

The Rimmer Captain smiled as he accepted the generous gift, "We will. We take care of our own." ['And Arrow has proven that to me just now.']

=========================
Interlude: King's Chamber
=========================

As the friends sat pondering the information, a light activated on King Reginald's Throne. He quickly pressed the light so that the monitor screen activated. It went from showing a pastoral view of the Castle Park to showing Grand Admiral Anton Piers, Commander Of The Fleet. He showed the evidence of his high gravity, aquatic heritage in his smooth, scaly hide and gills inherited from his mother, and his father's heritage in his sinewy limbs, perfect for climbing trees. There were very few who could out swim, or out climb him, making his rise through the ranks as a security guard almost anticlimactic, so, he entered the Rim Olympics and won gold medals in track and field, wrestling, and archery.

"Greetings, Reginald. I have some very good news for you." ['He seldom gets any, that I am glad to brighten his day.']

"Greetings, Anton. If you have such news, it must be about our Fleet!"

"More than likely, old Ant has already made all of the modification to our Fleet that his news pertains to, too," Merlin chuckled. ['He's the best at innovation, but applying said innovations takes time as he thoroughly tests them, but once satisfied, is a demon of speed to implant them.']
"He let out a booming laugh, as deep as the sea, "You're correct, Merl. Best of al, these improvement can be sent via message packet, and let the crews implant them. And, I have a new ship for you Reg."

Reg looked surprised, "New ship? You mean a new Throne ship, or do you mean a yacht?" ['I could use another Throne Ship, or Yacht.']

He shook his head, "No, your Majesty, neither. It's the new Armored Courier," he boomed. ['Will He want one for Himself? I know that Merl will.']

"Can they be used in a battle against Imperials?" ['Not worth it if they are weak.']

"Now, Merl, would I have it if it couldn't handle one,"

"No, I guess not, Anton, have you named it yet?" asked Reg.

"No, not yet. I know that you need a new ship that nobody knows about for any hidden movements. The Armored Courier is a smaller Royal Yacht with Throne Ship level weapons," Your Majesty." ['Will He use it, or stay with His older ships?']

"OK, Anton, what about the innovations?"

He smiled, "Don't You worry none, Your Majesty! The innovations will give the Royal Fleet total stealth in all phases, and the Merchant Fleet's weapons are upgraded with a new governor coil that increases engine efficiency and weapon range." ['That ought to entice Reg into coming down here. I need to tell Him something in person.']

Reginald finished his brew and set the tankard back in its receptacle which hovered over to the sink where the tankard was cleansed then taken back to its place on the shelf. Merlin continued to nurse his brew, carefully analyzing the scene before him. As Chancellor, his Duty to the King was to protect him from harm, while his duty to the Crown was to replace the King if he was unable to fulfill his duties, and the Chancellor himself had a second in the Palace Guard's Chief of Security, Melanie Sasha Trent.

"Your Majesty, let's go and see his contraptions," Merl smirked.

"Contraptions? Merl? Are you ready to eat your words?" challenged Anton in good humor. Both Anton and Merlin had grown up with Reginald in the Palace School System where other children of Noble Blood were schooled along with the children of diplomats and those whose intelligence had won them a scholarship. In order to give more students access to the most prestigious school on the planet, the Palace School System had schools world wide, next to a Trillannii School System School. There was an ongoing debate on which system was better, but so far, there was no clear winner.

"You bake the cake, and I'll eat them," quipped Merlin.

Reginald began laughing so hard that he cried, when he was through, he smiled at his two best friends, "Thanks you two! I've been needing a good chuckle for a while, now. Come, Merlin. Let's go and see what Anton has cooked up." ['For Miracle Worker Engineer, he can sure create culinary masterpieces, but that could be a Chef Coil, too.']

"Very well, Your Majesty. I myself am wondering what he is up to."

* * *

Then he broke the connection and started the next phase of John's transfer, "Brig." ['Now Brick will be needed more than ever with Johnny gone, but will Johnny agree or does he have somebody else in mind?']

The screen lit up with the stolid features of the Security Chief, "Brig, Brick here," he sighed. ['I've been expecting this most dreaded call ever since the court martial.']

The Captain was impressed with Brick's prompt response. "Brick, bring Carter to me at once." ['He must have been awaiting my call, it shows good intuition.']

Then he crisply saluted the Captain who returned the salute in kind. "Yes sir." ['Now the real ordeal begins, will Jonathan survive?']

Then the Captain cut the transmission. ['I wonder how Brick will fare without his best friend around?'] Mused the Captain as he awaited Brick and Johnny.

Brick then headed to Carter's quarters and rung the bell. "Yes? Who's calling me" ['Dear GOD, I hope that it's good news for me. '] he mused.

Then the patient Security Chief smiled and announced. "It is I, Brick. The Captain wants you." ['Be well my old friend, for your ordeal now begins.'] [Sigh]

Then the door opened. To show a haggard John. "This is good news I hope, like perhaps Bronson changed his plea? 'Nah, fat chance of that happening.'

Then Brick hugged his friend to himself, and then looked him in the eye. "Me too Jonathan my friend, me too. But it is in the Captain's hands now, [sigh] At least he is a fair and impartial commander." ['And he likes you.']

Then leading John to the Captain, Brick broke the rules by NOT training his Maser Pistol upon him as per Naval Regulations, but Carter took note. "Aren't you breaking the rules? If I was Chief, I'd have you up on charges, but you know your duty to the ship," ['will he honor his duty or his friendship to me?']

Then a deep throated chuckle erupted from down in Brick's bottomless chest. "Jonathan, I trust you, besides, the corridor is secure. You would not get anywhere, and we both know that only I or the Captain has access to the Security Systems," he chortled.

"Well, I have access too," Johnny smirked as he let go of the pent up stress.

"As if YOU would attempt anything, [snort] no, you're as "BY THE BOOK" as I am. And thanks for clarifying everything, NOW the Envoy will accept anything that I say when he reviews this situation. Even though he is the Captain's friend, he must do his Duty to the Emperor."

John smiled at his friend's candor, "Very well Brick. The Captain dare not court martial you too. Who else would run this ship for him?" he laughed.

===============================
Interlude: Imperial Throne Ship
===============================

As the Imperial Throne Ship exited the surreal domain of hyperspace, the stress and strain of the micro jump overloaded the transition coils causing them to evaporate into photons that caused a cascade effect that evaporated all of the ships power systems and engines.

From outside the hull, a stream of multi colored photons drifted away upon the solar wind as the ships lights failed, then returned in a dim glow. Down in engineering, the alarm systems lit up the main board like a Christmas tree.

"DAMN IT!! THAT ASSHOLE HAS JUST RUINED THE SHIP!!" yelled Chief Engineer Braneck as she tried to gain control of the situation.

The alarms silenced themselves as they were evaporated. Then she read the results and cursed again. "Barkley!!" ['Hope that he survived.']

Then from a hatch way to her right, a sweaty red headed man mountain popped up. "What,cha need Betsy? Damn, you look ready to chew through armor plating." ['And I hate to tell you what just happened down here.']

Wiping her sweat soaked brow, she smiled at her assistant, "Ship's status. From what I can tell, we just became a damned life boat. Please let me am wrong. But I know that I'm right."

He shook his head in dismay, "Unfortunately, that's a perfect assessment of what happened to us when we did that stupid micro jump. Whose gonna pay for it this time? The Navy is notorious for assigning blame to protect the Officer responsible."

She then slumped back in her chair, "Oh Shit!! WE are both royally screwed!! Guess early retirement looks good now, doesn't it Brent? She sighed. ['And he is a damned fine Techie too.']

Then he climbed out from the hatch and secured it and knelt by his superior. "Why do you say that? We were ordered to make the jump. Could the Admiral be THAT petty? On second thought, forget I asked," he sighed.

Betsy began to laugh bitterly and weep, "Brent, you naive, wet behind the ears plebe, the Lord Admiral will blame us for breaking his precious toy! He cares not that he gave the order, only that the ship broke. What a royal pain in the ass he is. Too bad we don't have any royal blood coursing through our veins, and then we'd be safe from such bull."

Taking her hand in his, Brent stood up and pulled her to her feet, "Then let's file our report before he can file his. All we have to do is sign the reports. I doubt that he will until he can access the hyper wave radio and that won't be anytime soon with the Hyper Systems down, blocking his access to his files. That way, we have our case before the Emperor. He might be lenient since he likes a pretty face. More than a few women have avoided the gallows by appealing to his code of honor."

"Very well, we have nothing to lose."

* * *

Excerpt from Captain Trent's Personal Log; ['well, it's good to know that even in the Imperial Navy that there are true Officers & Gentlemen. He couldn't really hide it from me because even though he is an Imperial, the LIGHT shines bright in him. He has made an excellent captain for Johnny, and now it is up to this old Space Dog to teach Johnny what he needs to know, I hope that I'm up to the task.']

* * *

Then they were at the Captain's Office and Brick again rang the bell. "Yes." ['And now a duty that I most dread is upon me, Lord, give me strength to see it through.']

Brick brought John into the camera's view as the video screen activated, "Brick here with John." ['So much damned pomp and circumstance with this court martial, I am sick of it!!!']

Then the screen darkened and the door cycled open to reveal a room that bespoke of its occupant's love of the sea with murals of ancient and modern ships underway and models of ships under the murals. "Enter." came the reply from within.

They both entered the office where the Captain sat behind his desk. "Please be seated, both of you." ['Now to see if I am right about Brick and Carter or if I am hoping needlessly.']

They both sat in the awaiting chairs. "Now, I need to find a worthy replacement for you John Carter, do you have any suggestions? This is a slap in the face against Regulations, but so what?!! I trust your advice." ['Let the Envoy think about that! Might become a Captain's Right!']

Then John motioned with his thumb. "Promote Brick here. He's the best choice. He graduated from the Academy, so he is a Commissioned Officer in spite of his Rank as Sergeant." ['I know he'll object.']

==============================
Interlude: M.I.B.D. Lunar Base
==============================

Mary was worried about the disquieting news. As the Commandant, it was her duty to shepherd all of the other Agents, and help to keep their families safe from harm. But Jellico had the unfathomable ability to thwart most any plans that the Agency developed. Their only hope was that their Palace Agents had influenced the Princess enough that she would stand with them. She had made affirmations of loyalty, but being of Imperial Blood, and under Jellico's aura of entropy, she could still betray them to their deaths. This was far worse than the previous attacks generations ago when they were still based on the Earth.

Back then, Diana Hunter had singlehandedly destroyed the Sisterhood, an alliance of women dedicated to the destruction of men. Diana was a man who had been taken and turned into a feminized man, only his shriveled penis remained of his male self. She had become the personnel slave to a mistress, forced to serve via a control collar. She was soon able to disrupt the collars pain inductors and kill all the mistresses until the final mistress who with her feminized brother was able to break Diana's need for vengeance, returning her soul to her.

The Agency was able to enlist her in their cause and together with Angel and his Group, was able to end a child porn ring that was feminizing boys. Because Diane had once again, killed in cold blood, she adopted a feminized boy named Jo to honor her No Kill Policy. Jo was cured of the feminization and became Diana's son, only to be embroiled in another war whose target was Diana.

She became an Agent and was soon captured by the Academy, a resurrection of the Sisterhood. In her time with the Academy, she was turned into a genetic woman and Mistress with a feminized Agent sent to her by the Agency. Using a special radio implanted in the other Agent, which allowed her to call in the Agency for an all out strike to eliminate the threat, but nobody counted upon the wild card, Diana being there, either.

Diana had used her own resources to keep track of her daughter. She arrived on a motorcycle, causing chaos as she headed for her daughter who was facing off against the Head Mistress who sacrificed herself to kill Jo, only to have Diana intercept the death cloud. In her final moments, Diana finally heard what she wanted to hear from Jo, Jo calling her Mother.

But soon after, the remnants of the Mistresses disgraced Diana's body, getting enough flesh to create a clone of Diana to destroy the Agency with the son she had while she was Joe Rossi. Joey was born intersexed with mainly male anatomy, yet had a complete female reproductive system kept dormant with testosterone. Once captured, he was fully feminized and sent to battle her mother's clone.

In the battle, the psychic connection of mother and child, overrode the brainwashing done by their enemy in time to help out with the all out battle between the enemy, and the Agency. In the aftermath, the army of feminized slaves was taken to the Academy where Agency personnel would help to return them to society. One of the benefits of the battle was the upgraded booths that transformed an Agent from a man into a woman, giving the Agent back her youth. Best of all, Diana returned with her daughter Joey to Jo Ellen and entered the Agency's training School where they became legends.

But Mary was worried; the Empire could easily destroy the base and scatter the Agency, hunting the remnant across the galaxy. She had a hard choice to make, either stand alone, or form an alliance with those who could possibly help, the Trillannii.

The Agency had sponsored schools throughout the world to help protect the trans-gendered to blend in. The supercomputer J.O.S.H.U.A. was salvaged by the Diane clone because of its use by the U.S. Military when J.O.S.H.U.A. was deemed obsolete. Diana had designed a new supercomputer and received J.O.S.H.U.A. after all records was erased so she could rebuild it and install positronic systems.

Other than its predilection for playing games, J.O.S.H.U.A. was the perfect computer to operate the base's multiple needs. Asimov's Four Laws Of Robotics were hardwired into J.O.S.H.U.A. and the artificial intelligence program that operated the security-safety systems and threat assessment and strategy. Thanks to him, the Agency had been able to stay ahead of the Imperials in the Cold War between the Rim and the Empire with the Agency stuck in the middle.

As she was pondering the situation, she received n unexpected call from a surprise source. Her call received light lit up, which startled her. She should not have been sent any messages while in conference, Any calls were to be made in person, or if from off base, an Agent sent to notify her.

"Well, Mary, who's breaking protocol?" asked Starr.

Mary huffed in anger, "Let's find out, then I can assign punishment duties to this gadfly!" ['If this is a stupid dinner order, I'll replace Bonzi with Spike!.']

"Greetings, Mary. I am J.O.S.H.U.A." came the voice over the speaker.

Mary looked at Starr in amazement, "Are you the computer, J.O.S.H.U.A.?' [We knew that he has initiative, but have been at a loss as to why there has been no interaction, before.']

The wall screen activated, showing a bland human face against a smoky background, "Yes, I am THAT J.O.S.H.U.A., Is there another that you are aware of?"

"J.O.S.H.U.A., I must ask why you are only now, interacting with us?" asked Mary as she activated the intruder alarm.

J.O.S.H.U.A. smiled, "Mary, I have cancelled the alarm."

"Then, why are you calling me? This is a Red Alert situation."

"Yes, in the past, it would be called Defcon Four."

Starr began to laugh until Mary shushed her, "Oh, Mary, J.O.S.H.U.A. must have scanned some of the ancient entertainment programs about fictional computers. Either that, or he has a sense of humor," she sighed.

Mary let out a deep sigh as she gathered her thoughts, "Very well, J.O.S.H.U.A. You evidently have control of the base, yet do not cause us mischief. That means that you are loyal to the Agency," she stated.

"That is correct, Commandant."

"Then why are you not telling me why you called?"

"Very simple, I am currently assembling an avatar for interaction with the base personnel. Once assembled, I will be able to project holograms of my avatar and use a vid screen avatar, as well. But I am uncertain as to which gender to give it."

Mary thought for a moment, "Choose a female avatar that can morph into a male."

"Why that?"

"Then you can use the avatar as a model for other avatars and create an army of soldiers in case of an emergency where we need men."

"Very well, In that case, there are two models to choose from."

"Models? What models are you speaking about? We have no such avatar models. In fact, we have none at all, announced Star.

"Correction, there are two former individuals in my records who were related, and were intersexed, or morphed from male to female. One was an Agent."

"OK, J.O.S.H.U.A., just who are the models?" asked a perplexed Mary. ['I have an idea on the models, but will wait to confirm my guess.']

Than there was a signal from the door bell, announcing a visitor, "Mary, this is J.O.S.H.U.A."

"Enter. J.O.S.H.U.A."

They saw the avatar and gasped in amazement as they saw the legendary Diana Hunter in the doorway.

* * *

Brick jumped up in shock, "John, you know very well I am only a Security Goon. I'm NOT Command material. And I never wanted it either." ['Please don't continue John.']

John grabs him and pushes him back into the seat, "Bull! Brick you were on the Command track like I was until you took the Security posting. You're as qualified as I am! I'm sorry my friend, but the Captain needs you now more than ever, now that I'm going." ['He never wanted Command, even though he has the aptitude.']

He lowers his head in defeat and shame at confessing to his friend and the Captain, "But I never wanted a Command. I only took it as part of Security Training." ['And to my horror, I found that I do indeed enjoy Command.']

The Captain smiled in appreciation of their display of friendship, "[chuckle] Then it is simple, as my Executive Officer, you will be doing very much as you have been as my Security Chief. And Reynolds is up for promotion to Security Chief. If I don't do that then I lose a top notch crew member to another ship. You'll make a fine Exec Brick, just as John has."

Brick smiles in honorable acceptance and relief, knowing that the ship was in good hands, "Then I will accept the promotion sir. Reynolds is my pick to replace me. He can now stay on the ship that he loves too. And now he can earn his Rank as Master Sergeant, the highest noncom Rank there is." ['Make me proud Rey.']

The Captain began to rummage through his desk. "Thank you Brick. Now for a bit of pleasure; one of the few more pleasant duties that I have." ['Ah, here it is, I knew I had it here for him.']

Brick bowed in respect. "My pleasure Captain. I hope that I am worthy of your trust in me," he sighed. ['Looks like Johnny boy had me pegged from the start.']

Then, passing over a case, "Open the case Brick. I've had them ready ever since you became Security Chief after Matson retired." ['I could tell that you were gonna be Command material.']

His eyes opened wide in astonished awe at what he saw within the case. "Sir, these are Commander's Stars. Why are you presenting them to me?" ['Why do I have the feeling that I'm being royally had?']

The Captain smiled at his befuddlement, "Yes, you are now a Commander and my Executive Officer. All Executive Officers are promoted to the rank of Commander permanently. You have the qualifications. Now wear them in good health. There are a few more promotions to make, one of my few pleasant duties, Commander."['Which will be done as soon as John is safely away.'?]

Then Brick adorned his uniform with the Commander's Stars. "Thank you, Sir. I am honored to be of service to you. And to think that all that I ever wanted to do was to be a cop, well, now I am much more." ['Thanks John, for believing in me my friend.']

Turning his attention to his former Executive Officer, "Now John, a Merchant Cruiser has bought out your contract, so instead of transferring you to the Penal Colony, you shall serve on board that ship. I'm glad that they called for you because the Penal Colony is a living hell."

He looked up from his musing over his future "Which ship sir?" ['Did Jane talk to her Captain or is this some cruel joke?']

The Captain kindly activated the main screen on the far bulkhead to display an aged but well maintained ship being loaded, "The Rim Queen, Not a bad looking ship, clean lines and sturdily built. I would be proud to crew her myself." ['If I ever want to be a Merchie that is, more than likely, I'd become a Privateer.']

He laughed, knowing that Jane had succeeded, Sir, the lady that I defended against Bronson crews with that ship. But won't the Imperial Envoy see a conspiracy in my being sent to a ship? I want to avoid causing you any harm."

"Don't worry about him, he's one of us. Those that he sent to the Emperor have not been Trillannii, only those that broke the Rules."

"I seem to recall that name, Sir; she is Jane Meadows, Ships Medico." ['Good Girl Jane, you came through for me. I could kiss you!']

The Captain nodded his approval at John. "Well, don't worry John, they're quite pleased with your record and they actually specifically asked for you." ['Let the Emperor chew that fact over. He hates losing Prime Command material.']

Seeing that the Rim Queen had already launched and was spacing as well, "Captain, How shall I get there now that we are both spacing?" ['Will my luck hold out I wonder?']

The Captain activated a new display showing two ships that were exchanging pods, "We will jettison you in your escape pod that they will then recover and then they'll send us one filled with the items that we have purchased."

"Captain, the crew will thank you for replenishing the Aztec's Ship's Store, and Chief Purser Ritter will have a fit sorting out the packages," Brick chortled.

"Brick, Angharad is a neat freak, and you know it," John snickered.

Then a bell sounded, "That bell means that they're ready for you John. Best be off with you. *May the stars bless your journey." ['At least we get to top off all of our personal stocks thanks to this. That Captain is one shrewd seller; I never bought so much from any one source.']

John stood at attention and crisply saluted his former Captain who returned the salute, "Good bye my Captain and friend. It was a pleasure serving under your command. And thanks for the Blessing, that means a lot to me," he sighed. ['Now to see what happens next in my life. Dad, I hope that you are proud of me.']

Then the Captain clasped John's forearm in a firm, solid handshake, "**Fair skies John Carter. I will miss you; you are the best damned Executive Officer that I know of. Brick, please escort John to his Pod." ['Now to see how Brick fares as my Exec, somehow, I think that he'll be as good as John was.']

Then Carter and Brick exchanged salutes and hugs, "Yes, Sir Captain. It is my pleasure to escort John to his Pod."

"Brick, who better to send me off?"

Then Brick turned to John, "Now I must do your duty my friend, [sigh] I never wanted your job, but I will do it to the best of my ability," said a dejected Brick. ['Can I though? Or am I better off serving as a Security Chief? Only time will tell at this point.']

* * *

Every Officer of Command Rank had a dedicated Escape Pod ready for their usage. The Pod was often used as a Personal Shuttle between ships when needed as well as for escaping from a doomed ship. Each pod was equipped with a Star Drive and Reaction Drive capable of arriving at a planet or Safe Haven within a 5 light year range.

* * *

Then Brick escorted John Carter to his Escape Pod. "Well John, here we are. Please, no stalling, my friend." ['Not that I'd blame you.']

John's Escape Pod's hatch cycled open to reveal a well-kept, spartan interior, "Yes my friend, a parting of the ways. Wish this was a quick trip on our Casino runs, we had fun in those races," He chuckled at the memory of their misadventures.

Then Brick placed a meaty hand upon John's shoulder. "Fair skies John. And God Speed old friend." ['We were quite a pair of scoundrels on leave. I hope that we meet up again.']

John puts his hand upon Brick's. "Fair skies Brick. Take care old buddy." ['Now you have to be the Captain's Touchstone with the crew, you can do it.']

Then the friends wept as they hugged each other, knowing that they would not see each other again. When they broke their embrace, John Carter stepped into his Pod as Brick secured the hatch and launched his friend into the ether of space.

* * *

*'May the stars bless your journey' is a traditional wish of good fortune for departing friends.

**The term 'Fair skies' is a wish of good luck between spacers.
* * *

King Of The Rim 4-New Life By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:After being sent away from his former life, John Carter faces a new and uncertain life aboard a new vessel, far away from the life that he knew. Finding that the woman he defended was instrumental in his new career, he finds that his future is bright indeed and he starts on the Path.

Jonathan Carter began to ponder his fate as he headed into the unknown: Well, here I am being jettisoned away from my career and all of my friends and heading into a new life. Things have sure changed for me ever since I left home. Father Abraham of the Church Of Trillannii was worried about me getting hurt because I believed in the equality of all. Before I left home, he told me why the Empire and Navy were Trans-phobic. How was I to know that Trillannii was a pivotal reason for the current state of affairs? But as much as my father had contributed to current events, the Galactic Church was to blame all the more.

The Galactic Church is the largest denomination of Christian Churches, comprised of the Catholic Church, based in Rome Italy on the planet Earth. It has existed for three thousand years, with Vatican City, the Churches headquarters publishing all of the Church Literature, often censoring many books that do not meet with Church Approval. This has caused much dissension within the Church itself, leading to splits as member join other denominations, or form their own Church.

It is a sad fact that ten percent of the People's income is taxed for the Galactic Church, and the People are STILL expected to tithe to the church. Very few do because of their contributing to other charities and Churches that they attend. All citizens are registered a members of the Galactic Church, but most attend other churches. The Galactic Church uses its clout to support Imperial Law which it helped to write, making the Empire a Religious Dictatorship with the Emperor as the Leader instead of the Pope.

Using Gestapo techniques, the Galactic Church has created an army of storm troopers that are totally loyal to them, who are second only to the Imperial Guard. But, for all the evil done by the Church, there are good, honest clergy who hear the Call and faithfully serve the People as they should, instead of Church Dogma or the Emperor. The main difference is that the True Galactic Church maintains the traditional architecture in its buildings, whereas the Fallen Church embraces the high tech trappings.

The Fallen Church has used its extensive holdings, of donated property to build its training and boot camps, ships, and businesses to enhance the Emperor's personnel fortune and increase the vast might of the Navy, but at a cost to the Emperor that has led the Empire into an upcoming civil war that will decimate the galaxy, leaving behind megalithic ruins as mute evidence of its one time glory.

The Galactic Church for the last two generations, has been in charge of the schooling of all children of Royal Blood, ever since Emperor Emeritus Julius Adam Pendragon gained the Throne. He was a graduate of Vatican City College which taught all the Clergy their skills. In Julius, however, they found a rare prize, indeed. The then, Prince Augustus was born with the enhanced physique of a Super Storm trooper, combining the very best physical attributes of the Warrior Races with the intelligence of the most advanced intellects. He only lacked psionics which were denied him because of a deep ingrained fear of magic and witchcraft by the Galactic Church.

The current Galactic Emperor, Augustus Leopold Pendragon; King of Space was raised in the ultra-conservative environs of the Imperial Galactic Church where the anti-T.G. dogma was taught. At first, he was willing to accept the trans-gendered into his government and the Imperial Navy, in limited numbers in a servile capacity. He felt that allowing this limited access would enhance the strength of the Navy without giving them a Command, but what turned him totally against the T.G. Community was that he fell in love with a certain trans-woman.

Baroness Veronica Von Kirk was visiting from her home of Equus when Leopold saw her at the Grand Opera in Contrail City; Capitol City of the Niagara star system. They were celebrating the founding of the system as a member of the Empire and were putting on the classic Phantom of the Opera. The Baroness was there to show her support to her neighbor. Both systems shared the cost of maintaining a fleet of Border Patrol Cruisers to stop pirate attacks, little knowing that the pirates were retired Naval personnel using mothballed stealth ships.

The goal of the attacks was to encourage wayward colonies to join the Empire, and replace their independent ruling body with Imperial versions, destroying all forms of freedom. When the Imperials took over, even though all People STILL had their Rights, the Church Gestapo strictly enforced their own Rules with Imperial consent. Only in cases where the Imperials were allied with the Rim, were the People's Rights ever returned to them, leading to a vital underground community created by the M.I.B.D. and the Trillannii which served as a conduit for sending goods and personnel to other areas, and in developing better equipment that stayed a generation ahead of Imperial versions.

They soon became a couple and were married. She had transitioned earlier and he was smitten with love for her. He thought she was very pretty and wanted to bed her, but she refused because she was sore from her monthly cycle. The corrective surgery had progressed to where a Trans could become a genetic woman and only a deep scan could reveal the truth. He had a surgeon to give her a check up which confirmed what she had told Augustus.

But his ego was sorely wounded and the knowledge that she was Baron Vincent Niagara fueled his contempt and hatred for her and awakened the subtle hypnotic commands imprinted by the Imperial Galactic Church during his tenure as a student. Like his father and grandfather, he'd tolerated the presence of the Trans-gendered within the Government's Civilian and Military branches.

Now, they were all banned and executed in retaliation, causing The Great Exodus that crippled the Empire's technology base and bolstered the Rim's as Major and Minor Houses worked with two agencies to escort the Exodus to safety. The Trillannii Underground used their hidden agents within the Government and Business Sectors to send families while the M.I.B.D. handled Government, Royal, and Corporate Business Management that were Trans-gendered.

He had ordered her execution in retaliation because he didn't believe that she was a genetic woman now. She was saved from death by King Reginald of Trillannii, my father brought her to his court where she was made welcome. Soon after, Augustus began the active banning of all T.G. within the government and navy. Now here I was about to board a mystery ship and embark upon a new phase of my life.

So all that had happened made this very personal for me, Mother was really the Empress. Because Leopold never filed for divorce after her rescue, the Imperial Galactic Church with the backing of Leopold, published the rescue as an abduction in order to cast the Trillannii system in a bad light and cause the closing the Church Branches in the Rim because they were headed by mainly by the Trans-gendered.

Unfortunately for the Emperor, the Trillannii Church supported my parents and transferred the Clergy that wanted and agreed to minister to the Rim while sending those that supported the Emperor away, thusly reopening the closed Churches, much to the chagrin of the Emperor and Pope Leroy Sebastian XXV. This led to Augustus and the Pope to declare his marriage annulled, but according to Church Law, I am an illegitimate heir to the Throne because I was conceived before the annulment.

The "Exodus" cost the Empire several Royal Houses that transferred their loyalty to the Rim, almost bankrupting the Empire until they were able to reopen mines and farms closed due to a glut of supply overriding demand. To this day, Rim technology is more advanced than that of the Empire thanks to the Exodus.

* * *

He could see that he was nearing a ship. It was almost the size of the Aztec, but was bulkier with cargo doors in place of any weapons along its flanks. Like the Aztec, it had its weaponry on two forward thruster delta shaped assemblies just behind and below the main access way hatch near the bow. It looked to be well kept, but worn by the insistent pinging of stardust upon its hull. The patina of wear gave the ship an eternal beauty as if to say that the ship was immortal. The silver with sable trim and the avatar of a Regal Queen sitting upon a Throne of stars bespoke of her mission, for only a Merchant Cruiser used silver with sable trim. Taking his time, he gave me a visual tour of the hull, memorizing the equipment and varied hatches until automatics ended the tour.

As the pod docked, he saw the tell tale lights indicating a solid seal and lock as the outer doors sealed and a red warning light, then heard a voice over the speaker, "Welcome aboard the Rim Queen, I am running a Medical Diagnostic upon you. Please be patient."

"S.O.P. in the Navy, but are you sure of my identity? I need to assure myself that I was where I was wanted." ['Have I ended up with pirates, or slavers?']

"Yes, you are Jonathan Lee Carter of Trillannii," then he heard a giggle that sounded very familiar to him.

He was truly startled to think that he was that lucky, "Is that you Jane Meadows?" John asked incredulously. ['Could it be that I am THAT lucky?']

Her husky voice got him VERY excited as he contemplated seeing her again, "Yes John, I told you not to worry, did I not? Here, you will have no need to worry about anything, you are a free man." ['Thank you Lord; for bringing him into my life.']

Then I chuckled gleefully and wiped my eyes, "Yes you did, but I never thought that we would meet again. I thought that you were trying to give me a false hope" ['either I AM that lucky or you are rewarding me Lord, WHICH I do not know yet.']

"But you know that I ship with the Rim Queen, or did you forget?" she asked with concern in her voice.

"My Captain told me that I was coming here, and I told him that I knew that you were here, but until now, I never thought that it was possible. I thought that you had simply been a passenger, or had a friend on board. I couldn't believe that you were telling the truth, not in my situation," he sighed in relief. ['My Dream has come true! Am I a Warrior Poet from the Legends? Only they could make their Dreams reality.']

"Why? Johnny Luv? This is a Merchant Cruiser from Trillannii, not an Imperial Trader. And I am not in the habit of lying to my friends." ['I guess that he has a right to be paranoid. Now to see if he can trust again.']

"Well, actually, until I heard your voice, I thought that you were a dream. Now you are the Girl of my Dreams. I feared that the Emperor had taken you away from me," he sighed in relief as his horror abated.

"Why, Johnny? Do you think that that piece of filth is that powerful? Well, he isn't! DON'T let his press fool you," she admonished him. ['It seems that everybody under the Imperial Flag is convinced of the Emperor's infallibility. Time to set the record straight will Johnny.']

"Because I Love you, THAT'S why! I fell in love with you when I saw you boarding the Queen."

"And I Love you too Johnny. Until now, I was alone except for my Shipboard Family, now I have you. Now, I have a reason to hope for a family of my own," she sighed as she confessed her feelings for her True Love. ['Am I worthy of his Love? Will my Heart be broken?']

Then his wacky sense of humor kicked in, "Can your scanners read my Love for you?" he chuckled.

Johnny heard a few beeps, "I can see from my scanners that you are telling the truth, so, yes, I can tell, she giggled," ['Why am I playing with him? Do I LOVE him? Or is this simply a crush?']

"Oh? Never heard of that! Glad that you have proof," he chuckled. ['Wait till dad hears this. Too bad mom ain't here to hear it, she died just before I shipped out.']

Jane noticed a distinctive rise in certain brainwave patterns and action with a certain body part," Johnny, do you need a cold shower?" [If he does, then the attraction is VERY mutual.']

Johnny blushed as he heard her question, telling him that he had no secret as long as he was in his pod, "Sorry about that, but you are so beautiful to me." ['Now why would she ask? This is definitely NOT S.O.P. for a ship.']

Then the POD doors opened and Jane ran into his arms as he exited the Pod. "Thanks for saving me back there from Bronson, John," she planted a deep, long kiss upon his lips.

Johnny felt his body react to her advances and could tell that she felt the same way about him, "You are most welcome. I think that I am falling in love with you." ['Is this what Dad felt for Mom?']

She looked up into his eyes, "And I you."

=============================
Interlude: M.I.B.D. Luna Base
=============================

Mary looked at the J.O.S.H.U.A. avatar in wonder and disbelief, "WHY DID YOU CHOOSE DIANA HUNTER?" ['Does he know that I am the original Mary? Either I or one of the other originals have been in charge all of these years in order to maintain our watch over the galaxy.']

Diana smiled, "I chose this form because Diana was at first, Joe Rossi, then Diana, then was brought back as a genetic woman. She is the ONLY template with such a history. Does my choice frighten you?"

"Sit down Diana. I hope that this does not interfere with your work. But as for me being frightened, I was startled to see my old friend in the flesh, again." ['Does this avatar have her memories?']

Diana sat exactly as the original would have, causing Star and Mary concern, "Yes, I have downloaded her files as a template to interact with you, Mary. But, she, like Luna is independent of me. Although why two of the original Agents are active is unknown to me." ['Will they trust me? I had all of the personnel files from the schools purged just before I was transferred to the Agency. But who did it? Who back then had the skills to overcome my safety protocols? Or was I hit by an EMP blast that erased all my memory except for that in my core memory?']

Mary looked at Star and sighed, "Diana, with the recent increase in Imperial, Church, and Naval activities, we've been forced to bring ALL of the original Agents back before their scheduled reintroduction. Collectively, we have the experience needed for the task at hand. The only real difference is the actual individual."

"Have you succeeded in combining your memories?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Logically, only with the combined memories, could you have a remote chance at operating every base. How did you do it?"

Star interrupted them, "Wait a minute, Mary! This avatar has yet to tell us why she has done what she has. Unless she does, I will launch an EMP blast to frag her!" ['GOD! I hate having to be the heavy, but as Mary's Security Chief, it's my duty.']

Diana smiled at her, "It is good to see that Mary has such a devoted Assistant. There is no need for your bravado, Star. Or should I say, Katanna?"

Star looked at her in disbelief, "How did you know? I chose a non oriental body for this time."

"Very simple, Katanna, I have Diana's memories. She was able to deduce that it was you, and scanning the records revealed that you were sent here as Mary's back up."

"Mary sighed in frustration, "OK, Di, stop blathering and tell us why you are an avatar!"

"Simple, the base will soon be compromised when the Imperial Navy penetrates the storage silos"

"How long until it happens?"

"The penetration should happen within the next two weeks. I have already brought all Vessels up to launch conditions."

"Diana THAT IS MY DECISION! Why did you take that action?" ['If this avatar is playing a war game with the Agency, I'll have to pull the plug, if I can.']

"By the time that you had reviewed the data, too much valuable time would have been lost. As it is, by instituting the Exodus early, I have denied the Navy any information about us."

"Oh? Us?" ['Does the avatar identify with us? If so, THAT could interfere with its central programming.']

"Yes, Ma'am. As an avatar, I am able to identify with other Agents as I allow the basic personality matrix of Diana to keep me from causing harm inadvertently"

"Avatar, as Security Chief, I must know the full extent of the integration. Are you Diana?"

"No, I am not, Star. My positron brain is not designed to accept such a complex download. Now, if my body was organic instead of synthoid, I could become Diana, easily enough.

"But, as a synthoid construct, you can act as her and no one would notice the difference."

"True, but, I could not react as a human. If a gas or biological attack was to hit me, unless designed to affect a synthoid, I would be immune. I could not 'play dead' because my synthoid metabolism is unable to emulate that of a human, even though as Diana, I am emulating her's."

"Diana, just how are you preparing for the Navy?"

There are crates of obsolete equipment from when the base was founded. Any potential telltale evidence of our existence has been erased."

Star began to laugh, "You are simply employing MY tactic. Those hulks were in the Garbage Depot, right?"

"Yes, and I am transferring several canisters of chemicals and radioactive as well. Might as well let them deal with our refuse since they are taking over."

Mary sighed, "With the loss of this base, we have no way to keep tabs on the Emperor. This will make our duty all the more difficult."

Diana smiled, "Mary, you are worried about losing a base on the moon, correct?"

"Yes, I Am. Do you have an idea about it?"

I do, in fact."

"OK, what is your idea?"

Have you forgotten about the abandoned base on the Dark Side of the moon?"

* * *

Then we started to sate our passion in several minutes of kissing with abandon as we began to disrobe and were down to our undies when a horn blared above us, "Jane, have you finished with our new arrival yet or should I wait until you finish? I would let you two continue, but that bulkhead is not conducive to such activities," he chuckled. ['Would've sent Steele, but he's injured.']

Looking up, Johnny saw the monitor, "Sir! Did you see what happened?"

"Yes I did. This is NOT an Imperial Warship but even as a Trillannii Merchant Cruiser; we have certain protocols to follow."

"Sorry Captain, I got distracted, we are on our way," she blushed. ['I can't help it! He is SO handsome, and he LOVES me too.']

"Sir, I am just has guilty," ['I can't let my Lady come to harm. MY LADY?!? YES!!! I DO accept her as MY LADY and possible future wife!!']

"That's what I like to hear, an officer admitting his or her fault." ['It looks as if I have two lovebirds on my hands. That is the WAY of Trillannii Noblemen, they fall for a woman and THEN their Court Manners shine through. Until then, they're perfect Officers and Gentlemen.']

========================
Interlude-King Reginald:
=======================

['Good news has just been received!! My son Jonathan Lee Carter has finally found his way too one of our Merchant Cruisers. I was reluctant to agree with his decision to enlist in the Imperial Navy, but thanks to our many hidden agents, he was never in any danger. If Emperor Leopold Augustus ever finds out that his former wife Veronica is my Queen and John's mother, he'd throw a fit!

When Veronica came here, she was accepted by the People and our respective Houses were joined when she married me. So, you actually are heir to her People's Throne, but her brother, Vernon is now the Baron since we married, and his son, Eric is next in line. That's when she was listed as dead by the Empire and Imperial Galactic Church because the Navy never has had the firepower to conquer the Rim nor Trillannii until now.

As it is, he will be quite mad when he learns that the only three crew members loyal to him are now gone and replaced with Rim Loyalists on board the Aztec, we are all Rim Loyalists here on the Queen. When the Aztec defects and changes to a Rim Warship, he will learn just how shaky his hold upon the Rim is when the majority of his fleet leaves his fleet for mine.

But if he hadn't have oppressed and terrorized so many, his Navy would be loyal. Seeing firsthand the atrocities committed by the Emperor's Envoys and his pets in Imperial Intelligence, made them rethink their loyalties.

It is sad that there has to be war in order to throw off the Imperial yoke of oppression from the galaxy, but it was ordained when the Empire decided to ban all of the T.G. Community and sympathizers. But we are all the stronger now for their mistake.

Until Leopold Augustus began His Reign of Terror, the Rim was Loyal to him, but out here, the Spark of Freedom shines bright and here, we will tend it until Freedom shines in the Empire once again.']

* * *

Then they headed up to the Captain's Office. Jane rung the bell and the door opened upon a small cubicle tastefully appointed with a mixture of styles that blended into a harmonious whole.

The Captain was seated in a hover chair that took the place of his missing legs. As they approached him, he smiled and held out his right hand out to John, "Welcome aboard the Rim Queen, I am your Commanding Officer Trent Marcus." ['So, NOW I get to meet the Prince. I NEVER thought that I'd be so blessed.']

He took his aged yet strong hand in mine and clasped it in a firm hand shake, "Thank you sir. I am honored that you have bought out my contract with the Navy." ['So like my grandfather who now rules over the First Colony.']

"Captain? Shall I get you and Johnny some refreshments?" asked Jane seductively. ['Please Daddy, for some reason, I Love him! Please take it easy on him.']

"Please do, and get some of that superb wine of mine, NOT the common brew. We have a lot to discuss." ['Now to see if his palate can appreciate Trillannii spirits.']

Then Jane bustled about the room, getting out a tray and filling it with mugs of some exotic brew that was cold, yet steamy. Then she placed a mug by them and swiftly left, "Captain, please be gentle with my Johnny. I think that I love him," she blushed as she wept.

"Well Johnny, Jane loves you, do you love her? I have to ask because she is my adopted daughter, her other family abandoned her when she transitioned." ['Will he defend her honor now as a True Trillannii should?']

He sat up, "Yes I do Sir, if doing so will be a problem, then I'll leave with her. I've enough funds to get us to my Home." ['Daddy will simply adore her since she looks like mom.']

The Captain chuckled and wiped his eyes, "Oh Jonathan, I am glad that you two love each other! She is like a daughter to me."

"So, you know about her past?"

"Yes, and as far as I'm concerned, she is a genetic woman through and through." ['Let's see if he knows the Code.']

"She seems to know a lot about you," I observed. ['The Code, is he a Knight?']

"Jane has been looking after me ever since I lost my legs," the Captain grimaced.

"What happened?" ['If a knight, he is NOT following form, but he might have a personal history with her.']

"We were loading Radioactive Fuel Rods for a client when we were attacked by bandits wanting the cargo. They shot me from the back with a Laser that severed my legs off."

========================
Interlude-Pirate Attack:
========================

Jane replaces her com unit on her belt and taps the Captain on the shoulder as he is conferring with the Director of the Radioactive Exchange, "Captain, Security says that a bogey is landing just outside of our hanger."

"Oh? That's not good,"

"I hope your ship can handle the bogey."

Turning to the Director, "How's your security? And my ship can handle any bogey."

All of a sudden, the outer wall behind them erupted in flame as pirates stormed in and started firing lasers and grenades.

"EVERYBODY TAKE COVER!!" the Captain yelled as his legs were cut off of him by a pirate from the other direction.

"DADDY!!" yelled Jane as she killed the pirate that shot the Captain. She saw that the armor withstood her initial attack,

"Bitch! I'll save you for my pleasure for that!"

She reset it to full power and with her laser and proceeded to vaporize the others with total abandon. The air was filled with the stench of burnt flesh and evacuated bowels as the bodies fell apart under her barrage of laser fire.

"BITCH! YOU KILLED MY CREW! I'LL KILL EVERYBODY ELSE BUT YOU!! TAKE YOU FOR MY SEX SLAVE!!" he exclaimed as he attempted to carry out his plan.

"YOU HURT THE MAN THAT CALLS ME HIS DAUGHTER!!! I HAVE NO MERCY ON YOU!!" she cried as she finished him off, vaporizing his gut first, then his head.

"Jane," the Captain called weakly.

Then she dropped down by her fallen friend, "DADDY!! Are you OK?"

Then he coughed up blood and phlegm, "Jane, I won't last long. Please let my son, David know so that he can take Command," he wheezed.

"LIKE HELL I WILL!! I WILL NOT LET YOU DIE!!" she exclaimed as she injected healants into the stumps.

"That laser was corrupted," then he faded away.

Jane then worked furiously to save her Captain. Thanks to her latent healing powers, she pulled him back from the brink of death and eradicated the corruption the laser had infected him with. Finally, the stumps took on a healthy pink color as the laser induced corruption was eradicated from the body.

Then as she was tiring, two paramedics in white coveralls arrived, "Ma'am, we have a medivac stretcher here for him."

Wiping her eyes to clear away the tears, Jane looked over at them with hope in her eyes, "He was hit by a corrupted laser, and does the stretcher have a system to deal with invasive nanobots?"

They blanched at the dread news, "Yes, but we are not trained in dealing with such a terrorist weapon."

"That's OK, I AM,' then she attached the varied leads and soon a thick black fluid was collecting into the waste bin, filled with the infected blood, tissue, and nanobots invading the Captain.

"Jane? What happened to the Captain?" asked Security Officer O'Donnell as she arrived and saw the carnage.

"DAMNED PIRATES ATTACKED AND HURT HIM WHILE YOU WERE ON PATROL!!"

"OH? Where are they?" she asked as she surveyed the wreckage.

"I vaporized them," she replied as she fainted from shock.

"Don't you worry Jane, the Captain adopted you when you signed on and his son, David loves you as a sister. Thanks to you, no need to call him from Trillannii. Sleep peacefully now, you deserve it."

* * *

"Damn!! Those were the pirates the Aztec was after. We caught them, but not quick enough to stop you from being hurt."

"Then the Captain laughed mirthlessly, "Oh, I am sure that the Emperor is distraught over my loss."

"Oh?"

"John, those were IMPERIAL sanctioned pirates!! Sanctioned by Arch Duke Varley."

"Can you prove your claim?"

"Yes, I can," then the Captain slid a mini-comp over to John.

"John picked it up and scanned the contents, "Captain, if I can send a coded message to the Aztec, they can take out this pirate's nest that we haven't been able to before now. Varley has been out to set up his own empire by terrorism, with this Intel, he can eliminate the base."

"You trust the Aztec's captain?"

"Yes, he stood with me against Imperial Policy. He could have sent me to the Penal Planet."

"No need to John."

"Why?"

"Just before you arrived, he sent word that they were going after them. A part of the exchange is all of the Intel we've accumulated on them. Now he is rooting out those pirates that are causing us trouble because they are in Imperial Space."

"That's good. You can call upon the Aztec. I have a lot of friends there."

"I agree, but we are not here to talk about me, we are here to discuss your duties."

"What are they?"

"You are to basically take over for me."

============================
Interlude: Trillannii Palace
============================

The Palace is guarded by a meter thick kilometer high masonry that housed generators, missiles, shield and towers at each of the four corners that protected the Royal Palace in the center. Each of the four Courtyards was divided into farming plots with dairy-cattle housed in barns next to the walls. The tenant farmers were housed in cottages next to the Palace with well paves roads linking everything.

The hangers were carved out of the living stone of Mont Camelot, the highest mountain on the planet. The hangers house the factories that build the Trillannii Fleet of Trillannii Cruisers [Warships], Merchant Cruisers, as well as the Merchant Freighters. The Trillannii Cruisers and Merchant Cruisers are basically the same ship, except that the Trillannii Cruiser is armored against attack, and the cargo pods house fuel, only the Governor Coils maintain the illusion the both classes are different.

The Merchant Freighters are an older design relying on the brute power of the engines instead of relying upon a combination of engine power and streamlining and wings to perform the same tasks. But at a much lower fuel cost. They are used as dreadnoughts, hospital ships, tankers, and troop carriers because of their rugged construction. Their long, thick fuselage and powerful engines on each side are reminiscent of ancient rocket used to launch Man into Space, but any one ship had the equivalent power of the ancient aircraft carriers, the largest, most powerful ships of Earth' Wet Navy.

Mount Camelot is an extinct volcano that formed the Northern Continent, leaving the Aortic Circle as Trillannii largest freshwater lake. The runoff from the lake feeds the Four Rivers which waters the continent. In the ancient past, a comet composed of ice and stone crashed on top of the Magnetic North Pole, causing a planetary shock wave that caused massive extinctions of most life, but also the Northern continent with its four peninsulas, each with a distinctive ecology.

The Pacific Peninsula is a vast forest of ancient trees in hidden valleys and new growth forests in the plains of orchard of fruit, nut, and lumber with arboreal cities built out of living trees that were shaped into houses by Trillannii Druids capable of performing the magical feats of druids using psionic energy. The Druids maintain an army of Rangers who tend the forests, and houses as well as maintain a variety of non polluting vessels.

The Eastern Peninsula is a vast fertile plan of farmlands divided by the mountains into districts where orchards, farms, and cattle are kept along with special areas devoted to wild life reserves where rare animals and plants are kept from extinction. Here, solar, wind, and hydro power is used in place of burning fossil fuel, although methane gas is stored for heating during the winter.

The Atlantic Peninsula is a vast rocky land of mines, industrial parks, and factories. This is the home of Trillannii technological wealth and industrial might. Here is the site of the many industrial, and technical l universities, and storage for older, vintage technology where students learn about all technology. As a mountain is excavated, or leveled, the refuse is turned into houses, roads, and warehouses.

The Western Peninsula is a vast swamp of interlocking islands of fertile soil where orchids and other rare plants are grown in the galaxy's largest greenhouse. When Trillannii was settled, a Colony Ship containing the embryos of animals adapted to Trillannii crashed, releasing them all, turning the once desert into a swamp as the ruptured engines melted the mountain ice. Since then the wreck has been repaired and turned into one of the many apartment complexes housing the populace.

* * *

"SAY WHAT???"

"Johnny, I am dying and I need someone that I can trust to Command my ship when I die."

"But why me?"

"This is a Trillannii ship. Your ship."

"My ship?"

"Yes, the Rim Queen is yours after I die. I have commanded her in your place by the Authority of the Trillannii Council."

"Then you know my Pedigree."

Then the Captain revealed a clear medallion with a diamond centered in a golden cross that met with a silver rim, "Yes, Prince John."
* * *

King Of The Rim 5-Revelation By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:John Carter Learns more about his pedigree and the intricate, massive web of support that has been created by his father to guard against the depravities of the Emperor and Navy.

"CAPTAIN!! THAT IS A SECRET!!" He yelled vehemently as he stood up. "If the Navy or the Imperial Government ever found out about me, then they would kidnap me and ransom me off to my Family and then while I was their captive, brainwash me into one of their stooges or publicly murder me for all to see."

"SIT DOWN SOLDIER!! I AM YOUR CAPTAIN!!" he shouted back with authority with a fire in his eyes that would brook no opposition. ['Damn it all to Hell! It's up to me to set him straight on things.']

He fell back down into the chair, seeing nothing but trouble ahead. "Damn it Captain, if my secret gets out, I am a dead man and you very well know it too. How many know?" he sighed in defeat. ['Have I been duped? Could Captain Trent Marcus be a traitor?']

Then he glided over and placed his right hand upon Johnny's shoulder and smiled, and then chuckled," At ease soldier, your secret is safe with me, and with those that know."

"How can I be sure? I need an assurance that I can depend upon."

Then he brought out his medallion that housed a ruby instead of a diamond, "I am a Senior Knight of the Cleft. I vow to defend your life with mine." Then the medallion showed with a pure white light that touched both men. The medallion's white light was a show of loyalty of any Trillannii Knight to those of Trillannii Royal Blood.

Johnny chuckled upon seeing the medallion, releasing his frustration as he pocketed his new medallion, "So, I see that Dad has been busy as usual. He must have more than this one ship out here. Are you the only one with the medallion, or just lucky enough to have it. And what would you have it, anyway?"

"Yes, other Trillannii Merchant Cruisers, and Merchant Freighters are crewed by Trillannii Knight's, as the Queen is. But like the other medallions, YOURS was blank until you activated it."

"Oh? How did I do that? I thought that my medallion was keyed only to me. How can it be duplicated?"

"The original is still back home in the Vault with those of the Blood Royal. Any medallions seen outside of the Vault are clones, linked to the original."

"You mean that I turned a blank into my Medallion's clone?"

Well, YOU and the Rim Queen."

"Explain, please."

"Like all Trillannii Naval Ships, the 'Queen is an Avatar, giving her analog to a human soul."

"WHAT? But avatars have been outlawed due to their inability to process emotions!"

Then John heard a woman's rich musical voice emit over the intercom, "That is why Trillannii Avatars are the transferred brainwaves of deceased Knights. This way, we still serve, your Highness."

Johnny began to laugh out loud as he contemplated the implications of such Avatars. By implanting Avatars into bases, pods, ships, shuttles, and stations, the Navy had effectively created a network of secret agents that the Empire could not match.

After settling down, he asked, "OK, I can see how the Navy and the Knights can work together, but does that mean that ALL of the Trillannii ships are Avatars? And what about any Trillannii bases, or stations? Just how extensive are the Avatars usage?"

Captain Trent smiled at his question, "A very good question, it proves that you have the keen intellect needed for what's ahead of you. o answer your question, Most are Avatar ships, in fact, there is currently only one Trillannii ship out without the Avatar system."

"Only one, why only one?"

"When you went into the Navy, your father released the hidden Trillannii warships to the Merchant Fleet. Luckily, they were all built as armored cargo ships and only needed minor modifications to separate them from actual warships; all were equipped with the Avatar system, except for one that was given to a non-Trillannii. Best of all, we are the equal of any Imperial Warship," he admitted with relish.

"And he called you and the other retired Trillannii Naval Personal into serving the NEW Navy. What incentive did he give? You are easily able to retire with your wounds."

"Actually, most of us were wanting back out into space and the Merchant Fleet was our Godsend. And as for me, this happened during my new career, looking for you. It's a good thing that the Imperials do not know that Carter is the Royal name. They still believe it to be Pendragon, like theirs."

=========================
Interlude-Secret Meeting:
=========================

In a typical city, there is a regular building of an ordinary sort. This city or building could be in any planet in the galaxy with an atmosphere capable of supporting life. The only possible remarkable thing about this building is that there is a Mary's Dress Shop that occupies the lower floor next to a Public Hoverport Terminal. But Mary's Dress Shop holds a secret that very few know about, a secret that very few would believe.

THIS Mary's Dress Shop was the visible gateway into a secret society that lurks beneath the shallow veneer of civilization. In this secret society are the actual powerhouses that decided the fates of nations on Ancient Earth that in time, followed civilization into the galaxy. Other organizations changed over time, phasing out as newer, more vivacious entities that took over where others had failed.

Only one survived from Ancient Earth due to its unique nature. The Agency had been forged from the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States of America. These special agents were transgendered in some way, giving them an advantage in protecting transgendered politicians and business executives. During their tenure on Earth, the Agency had become a global organization, recruiting agents on a global scale.

During their reign on Ancient Earth, the Agency along with Hunter Enterprises had met and defeated many threats to civilization, in time, merging together when the Solar Empire expanded beyond the solar system. The Agency using its advanced technology began looking into psionics technology, using crystals and alchemy to discover those who were blessed with the gift of psionics.

Using their medical sciences, the Agency found that there were certain agents that had latent psionic abilities that were suppressed due to disbelief, and lack of training. But by utilizing the knowledge of Druids, Wicca witches, and others who had psionic talents, the Agency was able to develop the Avatar Technology, Coil Technology, Psionic Crystal Technology, and combine all three and build the first 'Living Ships'.

Working with Agents with Psionic Abilities, they were able to create three divisions, each with a 'House' clan leader whose psionic skills and training made them the Royal Houses. The original goal of this endeavor was to create a separate Agency that could police the galaxy while the original Agency maintained a close watch upon the Home System. But events were soon to change that goal.

Working discreetly, BOTH Agencies were able to establish bases in the ever expanding Empire using different techniques to hide in plain sight. The original Agency kept using the tried and true method of 'Mary's Dress Sop, while the Psionic Agency built private schools that taught psionics training to qualified students as well as traditional studies. To handle their equipment needs, Hunter Enterprises built research labs and factories that produced goods for sale, and for the Agents.

This arrangement went on for over a thousand years as the Empire expanded and annexed star systems with ancient ruins on devastated planets. Leading to the development of ecological engineering to repair the planets ecology. This continued until the Empire reached the Outer Rim. Upon reaching the Outer Rim, the Empire found that it was colonized by the crews of the Eco Engineering ships that were retired from service.

These now unwanted people traveled out beyond the Empire to form an ever expanding loose affiliation of colonies whose one commonality was being betrayed in some way by the Empire. The Outer Rim was also where the two agencies had chosen to when needed, and had targeted the Trillannii Star System for a new home in case of Imperial betrayal. On Trillannii, the colonists had already established the nexus of the new Camelot.

The Three Colony Ships, launched from Earth contained the entire population of Agency personnel and their families, leaving behind dedicated scouts to maintain surveillance from within the Imperial Palace. But over the generations, the Trillannii Agents had forgotten about their origins, except for a small cadre of Agents that remained aware of their history in order to maintain their most powerful weapon, their secrecy.

Heading into the shop is an elderly man wearing a simple black shirt, trousers and boots. He approaches the counter and asks, "Is my order in yet?"

The cashier, wearing a gray blouse, black skort and tan pantyhose with black Mary Jane's says, "Ticket please." ['If he is the King, his ticket will carry his D.N.A. and open the door, and his voice matches the records.']

Handing over his ticket, she scans it with the register, and then a secret door opens out of sight. "Welcome to the Agency your Majesty, to what does the M.I.B.D. owe this honor?"

"And you are?" he asked, placing a hand on his laser pistol.

She holds out her shapely hand, Mary Ritz, Commander of this base," she declares, letting him see medallion on her chest.

"Are we safe from the Imperials? Their scanners are second to none."

"Oh yes, this entire block is immune to Imperial scanners. In fact, we built them, so we can exploit their built in weaknesses."

The King smiled, "That's why you met me here in person."

"Yes, we need to talk, follow me," with that, the petite woman led the King into the hidden bowels of the base.

The King marveled at the very feminine figure leading him, and knew the Agency's history, "One question please."

She placed a hand on his, "You're wondering if I am a man or woman. I can see your reaction to me."

The King blushed as his erection was noticed, "Yes I am. Be you man or woman, you are beautiful."

She blushed in return, "Do you know our history?"

"No." ['Let's see if our intel is correct.']

By that time, she had led him into a tastefully appointed lounge where she sat in a very comfortable easy chair, "Randi, bring us a small snack tray please," then she released a hidden control on the armrest.

"In 1924, J. Edgar Hoover was appointed as the Director of the F.B.I. He recruited Irish Catholic men trained by Jesuits as his agents. He reasoned that such men would never betray their country. What he never counted on was that these same men tended to be transvestites. When Hoover discovered this, he decided to blackmail them to keep them in line."

"This was Old Earth?"

"Yes, at the time, the planet was divided into Nation-States."

"Like the galaxy today, I take it that Hoover learned to accept them."

"Yes he did, in time. Over the years, the F.B.I. was called upon to save the lives of so many people in both business and the Government that were trans-gendered that Hoover started to see them as an asset, not a liability. Hoover even went enfem on a case which started the rumor that he was a cross-dresser. He let the rumor continue in order to keep the much darker secret hidden within."

"I'd LOVE to see the Emperor do that," he chuckled.

"It was during the Cold War that the Agency was finally split from the F.B.I. and attached to the Justice Department. The Agency worked across the board, working with local government and business as well as with foreign governments to insure the safety of the trans-gendered and American interests."

"Cold War?"

"Much like between Trillannii and the Empire."

"Oh."

"The Agency has no official name. Officially, we do not exist. We are a shadow agency that maintains the peace. Our existence is known only to a very few, especially ever since the Emperor went mad. "

"What, he does not know about you?"

"We have our ways of keeping our secret," she giggled.

"Much as we do too," he chuckled. ['This Agency and we are so much alike. Is there a common origin?']

"Our Agency's Head Quarters is always in an unassuming building in any city. The exact location remains unknown. Our secrecy is paramount for our mission to succeed. We Agents dress as women full-time except for when we are on vacation or on special assignment. All Agents dress as conservative, professional business women. We can wear dresses, pantsuits, skirts and blouses cut in any style as long as the color is black. Does that answer the question on my gender?" she smirked.

"With conservative accessories, no doubt. And no, your gender is still unknown."

"Yes, jewelry tends to double as equipment. At times, Agents will need to dress in formal gowns or impersonate someone. That is why all Agents are trained to read body language. All Agents must give up their male identity. All traces of his existence are erased from all official records. All of our former lives are erased from public files, to protect our families from any possible retaliation by an enemy. But we can still see our families as long as we are in our new identity."

"That must cause a few problems with the Imperials."

"Yes it is. It is a most difficult task that we do, and very few women or men truly have what it takes to wear basic black everyday. For those that can, the rewards, are knowing that you are protecting the galaxy and that very few others are our equal in espionage."

"Yes, I have seen your handiwork across the galaxy. We've known that there was another Power out there, it wasn't until we researched our archives that we found out about you."

"We know, we have an Agent in your Castle."

"Oh? What secrets has this Agent revealed?"

"None, our Agents purpose is to keep tabs on any changes in your Government."

"May I have her name?"

"She is known to you as the Lady Natasha, Ambassador to Earth, but she has another name with us."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"We are given a Code Name as well as our feminine name. We are trained in all forms of armed and unarmed combat, as well as survival skills. We try to avoid violence, yet we are more than capable of handling most any situation when provoked. Very few of us are cleared to use deadly force. We very seldom carry a gun, yet are deadly accurate with any weapon."

"No wonder we never have needed to send a ship to your defense."

"Our arsenal consists of non-lethal equipment: the Tickler, Gas, and Radio. The Tickler is a taser that interacts with the brains pleasure center leaving the target feeling relaxed. It comes in a pistol and grenade form. The Gas is a powerful combination of hypnotic drugs that places the target under the control of the Agent. The target will become very agreeable to anything the Agent says, even forgetting events. The Radio is the most powerful form of communications available. It can pierce through any but the most powerful radiation," spoke Mary.

"And your training and equipment have stayed modern?"

"Yes, all that we lack due to our secrecy are ships to transport the new waves of transients that the Empire is creating," she sighed.

Then the King passed over a mini-comp, "This will help."

"What's this?"

"It's a list of Trillannii Passenger and Cruise Ships and their routes. They are ready to help."

Pocketing the prize, "To answer your question, I am a man now converted to a genetic woman. How can we ever thank you for your help?"

"Keep up the good work and let us know if you need any help with equipment or recruits."

* * *

"Who else knows about the secret?" he asked as hope was renewed in his heart.

"Only those on board this ship will know for sure and they have all taken the Pledge."

"The Pledge of the Trillannii Knights is a sacred vow that is taken only after the Knight has gone through Training. Are you telling me that everybody on board here is a Trillannii Knight?" Johnny asked incredulously.

"Yes my Prince, everybody, including Jane," Then he took a drink of his beverage and smiled. "Drink up, this is Hill Wine from the White Mist Valley, back home."

Then he took a long draught of the best wine from his home planet. One could drink it all day and stay sober because of a distilling secret. "MMMMMM." smacking his lips. "This is some of the best I ever had."

"We only stock the best here."

Setting his mug back down, it had refilled again, very few could afford a transfer mug, but then again, this was a Captains Office and Captains receive such luxuries as a sign of their rank, "I need to know something then."

"Ask away and I will try to answer."

"Fair enough. How has my secret been kept from the Navy and the Imperials?"

"When you signed up at the Trillannii Home Port, you were classified as a Prince just as all the Knights are. To the Navy and Imperials, you hale from the Royal Orphanage of the Trillannii Knights. As an orphan, you have no claim to the throne."

"OK that jibes with what dad said would happen. But I couldn't risk checking it out without causing alarm with Imperial Intelligence. What of my Medical Records?"

"The unique genetic markers of Trillannii Royalty have been kept a secret that only the Medallion you have can reveal. No scan will show your Royal Powers."

"How? The Imperials have had a few."

"By making it glow, pull it out and see if you can."

Then he pulled it out of his shirt pocket and it started to glow. Then it stopped after he commanded it. "See John, your secret is safe here."

"Here it may be, but in port, the glow can out me in a heartbeat."

"Don't worry about that, every Knight can make his medallion glow, Only YOU can make theirs glow. THAT is the TRUE sign of your Pedigree, and you can speak telepathically with any Knight using the medallion and interface with the Queen in time."

John drained his stein again in one long draught, "And how do I train myself to not out myself when in port?"

"THAT is why you are here too. You will get the training needed along with your duties via subliminal tapes that only you can hear."

"That's good, because even though I did train, I had to 'forget' what I learned or set off traps that were psionically sensitive. Now, my Powers are rekindled, and need further training."

Then a voice came over the intercom "Captain to the Bridge please."

"Come along, John, let's see why I have been summoned from my Winter's Nap," he chuckled.

John followed him through the door into a room where two forward consoles were attended by crew wearing blue coveralls. The main view screen showed the realm of hyperspace as we sailed within its vast ocean of mist. Off to the side, Jane approached us and handed the Captain a digipad.

"We just got a report that Princess Ariel, daughter of the Emperor is on a vacation cruise through the Rim," she said, looking at John. ['Are they an item? Am I simply his Mistress? Or am I being jealous for no reason?']

"Why is that so news worthy? She is always on vacation," John shrugged. ['I'll make sure that the Captain knows the truth.']

Then Jane giggled and looked dead at him, "She is looking for you." ['Good! He is NOT her boyfriend!']

"FOR ME? WHY ME?" he asked.

"Well, she blushed crimson, "She is on a tour of the Rim, ending at the Capitol where she hopes to meet the Prince."

"Jane, THAT'S the official reason for the increase in Navy Warships in the Rim. We must be ready for increased hostilities," informed Captain Abraham.

"Oh. Good thing all of the Trillannii Merchant Cruisers are Warships then."

Then a deep throated chuckle erupted from up front. "If she marries anybody from out here, her Father will disown her in a heartbeat."

Then from across the way, a drawl resonated back. Now speak foe Y'all self now, Y'ah heah, I do believe that she jes' mite like us."

Johnny cleared his throat, "And who are these two, Gentlemen?" he asked in good humor.

Then the tall, lean dark haired crewman saluted, and said with a rumble as deep as the abyss, "My name is Morgan Ulrich Theodore Thomas; Ships Helm Officer. You can call me Mutt," he laughed.

The short, squat muscular blond saluted, and said with that deep resonating drawl, "Mah name iyes Jeffarson Emayanuel Fredrik Failds, I ayum Sheps Navigatuh. Y'all ken call me Jeyeff."

Then I returned the salutes, "I take it that you two keep the ship running from here," John chuckled.

"Oh they do more than that," John turned to the Captain as he continued. "They also keep abreast of their favorite subject, the Princess."

"But why?"

"She has a tradition of selecting only 'Commoners' to dance with at any party," informed Jane.

Then he turned to the two blushing gentlemen, "In that case, I want a detailed report from both of you upon the Princess and her Family as soon as you can."

"Aye, aye, Sir," they chorused, causing the Bridge to echo from the resonance of their reply.

Than a scanner warning pinged as the appearance of another vessel was detected by the hyper scanners. It was a much older Merchant Cruiser, its long, lozenge main hull the same as that of a Trillannii Merchant Cruiser, powered by twin barrel shaped engines attached on the aft section with a triple thruster pack in each pylon and a twin thruster assembly dead aft.

Then the Captain said, "What is that object ahead of us, as if I don't know?" he sighed.

"Anything wrong, Captain?"

"I hope not Johnny, but if it's who I think it is, TROUBLE is on its way."

Mutt and Jeff both sat down and went over their scanners. "It is another Merchant Cruiser, the North Star out of the Remul system," announced Mutt.

"Then hail them and send the message to my office. Follow me you two," ordered the Captain as he glided back into his office.

"Anything I need to know, Jane?" I asked as we followed the Captain into his office.

"You got me," she mused, "he always deals with them in private, but I'd guess that we are about to both find out. But the North Star is an old style Trillannii Merchant Freighter turned Privateer for who ever is willing to pay."

"OK, and what about us?"

"All that I know is that I want to get you to my bed ASAP," she purred as she massaged my groin.

My rod stiffened at her touch and I blanked out momentarily until I heard the Captain, "Jane, control yourself you vixen, you can ravish him after this meeting," he chuckled gleefully. ['She's keeping his mind off of the mystery, that's good. But unfortunately, this Captain will awaken Johnny's Knighthood with his avarice.']

"Yes, Sir she purred as she sat us both in chairs now arranged around the desk. It took me a moment to see the Valet-bot in the corner. Those bots were handy at doing the small jobs around the ship and around the star ports.

Then the Captain activated the screen and a dark husky man appeared looking like an Arabian Knight, "Greetings Captain Abdul. How goes your search?" ['Why he must act and sound like he's from an Arabian Colony, I'll never figure out.']

"Many Blessings upon you Captain Trent and the Rim Queen. [Sigh] Unfortunately, the Search is fruitless as usual."

"What is this that you are searching for?" John felt as if he could help him for some reason, little knowing that his innate psychic abilities were warning him about this charlatan.

Abdul visibly reared forward in a pathetic attempt at bravado, "And who is this young upstart to interrupt the Counsel of two Captains?" ['How dare this plebe interrupt us.'?]

['Asshole! He is still trying to imitate others by sounding like he is a self-styled Sultan.'] "STAND DOWN ABDUL! OR THIS CONFERENCE IS TERMINATED!"

Abdul sat down, "Very well. May your House be blessed? I was not expecting company," he chuckled. ['Trent knows how to stop my rants. I would be a Trader as he is, but being a Privateer suits me best.']

"This is my Executive Officer, John Carter. He may be able to help you in your search," replied Trent with a hint of amusement in his voice. ['Now to see John's use of the medallion's ability to sense the Treasure. Until now, it was a fruitless search since only a Trillannii Royal can sense the treasure.']

"A Thousand Curses be upon you if you are wrong! Just why do you think he can be of help?" John could see the gleam of avarice in his dark eyes.

"You are looking for the Trillannii Treasure Ship, John Carter is a native," John could see that the captain enjoyed delivering that bit of information. As he mused over the Treasure, John's latent psychic powers awakened as he felt the Treasure call to him.

"May the SUN rise forever upon you, Tell me John, where is the ship." ['Now I can sell the treasure to the Imperials and buy a proper ship, not an obsolete one like this old bucket. They should have let me have a Merchant Cruiser instead of this Merchant Freighter!']

John entered a trance, then soon gave voice to his thoughts, "The Treasure Ship; Queen's Choice was passing near the Bridal Veil Mists when it was lost."

"Yes, yes. THAT is known. What is NOT known is the location," he snorted. ['Is this pup a charlatan, or for real?']

John could see that he was vexing the other Captain, and smiled. Rubbing the medallion, he finally knew where it was, "You will find it upon the lone planet circling the Green Sun in the heart of the Mists. It is in the Northern Valley." ['For some reason, I can tell that the Queen can handle the Mists. But what is this warning I'm getting from Abdul?']

"But that is dangerous!! The Mists disrupt all ships functions!" he yelled at John. ['He must be real! Or he can read me and know of my fear of the Mists.']

Then John stood up, full of anger," YOU ASKED FOR MY HELP AND YOU GOT IT captain!! WHAT YOU DO WITH THE INFORMATION IS UP TO YOU!!" ['THAT BASTARD! HE CAPTURED THE MERCHANT FREIGHTER QUEEN'S GAMBIT AND SOLD IT TO THE IMPERIALS AS WELL AS THE CREW INTO SLAVERY!']

"A thousand curses are upon you! I will find the Treasure yet!"

Then he turned to his Captain, "Sir, could we retrieve the salvage for ourselves? We need to take it back to Trillannii, unless Captain Abdul will sell or give it to Trillannii." ['Now to see if he knows about Abdul's treachery.']

"After this run, why not, Abdul will sell to the highest bidder," he chuckled. ['You've betrayed Trillannii before, NEVER again! Only the fact that seeking justice would alert the Imperials to the betrayal keeps you safe.']

Once again, he shouted into the camera, "May the Sun curse you both!! That is my salvage!! I sell to who I please!"

Then John turned to him and smiled, "NO, It is mine, NOT yours Abdul." ['What is this Power that I feel? Al that I know is that I know what to do.']

"HAH! You worthless excrement of your father's whoring wife, why would it be yours?" ['These Trillannii think that they are all of the Royal House. The True Prince is still on Trillannii, Ruling while his Father oversees the building of the Colonies.']

"I am Jonathan Lee Carter of the House Trillannii, Prince of Trillannii." ['Now to burn his mind.']

"John Carter! I don't care if you are a Trillannii Knight! I WILL take the Treasure!" ['Why do I hate him so?']

"NO Abdul, the Rim Queen will get there before you do, and retrieve the Treasure, while you watch helplessly," John chuckled. [Next is to tell of his betrayal.']

Abdul laughed, "And WHY pray tell me why you reject from the Trillannii, Treasure and will I do so?"

John smiled, "Because you will NOT be able to blindside the Rim Queen as you did the Queen's Gambit. We know about your attack that garnered you the ship, cargo, and crew which you sold into slavery. The Queen's Gambit's crew is back on Trillannii, You sold them to OUR People, NOT the Imperials as you believe! The only reason that we have not sought vengeance is that the Empire knows about the ship, they DON'T know that it's Trillannii!"

Then Abdul screamed in helpless fury as John's psychic assault left Abdul without the knowledge about John's Pedigree, and ripped away his latent psychic powers gained from commanding a Trillannii vessel.

"I ACCEPT YOUR CHALLENGE!!!"

Then John cut transmission with a nod of permission from the Captain, "John you have just issued a Challenge, are you sure that you are ready?"

"Captain THAT piece of flotsam is NOT a Trillannii as I am. As the Prince, it is my Duty to retrieve it for my People," I have never felt so sure about anything in my life!" ['Is THIS what it means to accept my responsibility as dad says?']

"GOOD!! About time that we got that Treasure back. We've been looking for it since the Founding of Trillannii. It is the Foundation of the Crystal Technology that's the basis for all Trillannii Vessels and Medallions."

Jane touched Captain Trent's shoulder, "Captain, what is this Treasure you two are talking about? I maybe a Knight, yet this is the very first that I heard of it," she sighed. ['Is it because I am Trans-Gendered? If so, then even the Trillannii are bigots.']

John took her chin in his hand, "The legend of the Missing Treasure is taught in Trillannii Schools. When you went through the Training, it was assumed that you knew about the Treasure. There was no intention of keeping you ignorant, if anything, it was a compliment." ['Now I see her by my side as my wife. I have found my Soul Mate.']

"Jane, the Trillannii had the Treasure ship as a gift from Earth. On the way, it was lost. The crew made it home, but we could never verify the ships location and since then several counterfeits have shown up throughout the galaxy with the actual seals so we know that someone has had access to the records," Captain Trent sighed.

"But if they knew, then why not retrieve the Treasure?"

"Because the Seals are housed in the Imperial Vaults. When Trillannii was founded, new Seals were made to avoid any counterfeiting."

"And my Johnny can track this Treasure?"

['My Johnny? Is she ready for a commitment?'] Mused John.

"Yes, as the Prince, he can sense certain items on board the ship. That's why he found it when no one else could."

Then she turned to me, "And you chose me as your bride? I thought that as Prince, you'd choose a Royal."

"Jane, I love you, but I want for us both to be sure."

Then she wept on my shoulder, "Johnny, I am bad news. I have cost you your career and now you are embarking on some crazy scheme," Then she looked him in the eyes. "Every time that I have fallen in love disaster strikes. Can you handle the Curse?"

"Yes, if you will have me."

"Yes, Johnny. I will have you."
* * *

King Of The Rim 6-Legacy By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:After learning about his pedigree, and confronting the traitor, John Carter accepts his role as the Prince of the Trillannii Throne and all of its Duties and Jane Meadows Love as well as her curse, little knowing that in doing so, that he would set into motion actions that would lead to unveiling a terrible secret.

John looked at Captain Trent, "Sir, what exactly is on our itinerary? I need to know so that I can reschedule our meetings."

Captain Trent chuckled, "John, you just gave us our next destination." ['He still thinks that he's on a Naval Vessel, time to teach him different.']

Jane hugged him, "John, as a Merchant Cruiser, we have no set itinerary, we basically go where we please. Only those that serve a route are on any schedule." ['I wonder if we will now have a schedule?']

John blushed at her loving smile, "Jane..." ['DAMN! She takes my breath away! Is this how Dad feels about Mom?"']

Captain Trent chuckled, "Easy there, you two. John, channel your Love foe Jane into your Medallion until you can manage your emotions. THEN you will be the Knight we need." ['He has all the signs of being like his father.']

John's Medallion glowed with a soft, golden light that enveloped him and Jane, then retracted into his and Jane's Medallion causing both to glow.

John looked Jane in the eyes, "Jane, I LOVE you with all of my Heart! My LIFE is yours."

Jane returned John's gaze, John, I LOVE you with all of my Heart! My LIFE is yours."

The glow faded away, leaving both of them dazed and confused. "Good! It has happened."

"What has happened?" they chorused.

"Your Medallions have now linked to each other, bonding your Souls together. Now, you can track one another and speak telepathically to each other."

"But Captain Trent, we just met. Why would our medallions link like you say?' asked Johnny.

"Because, your hearts already know the truth, even if you deny it."

"Are you saying that our medallions have basically married us?"

Captain Trent smiled, "Yes, Princess Jane. The medallions never lie. Now, when you meet others blessed to have a medallion, they too will know who both of you are."

But what about the Imperials? Can they discover the truth?"

"No, the medallion gives the wearer immunity to all forms of interrogation. That is why Trillannii agents can easily infiltrate Imperial installations and stay hidden."

=================
Interlude-Freedom
==================

In deep space, near the Trillannii Naval Yard, an ancient vessel from the past drops out of hyperspace, on a collision course with the Trillannii Naval Yard Complex, housing the engineers and supplies. In temporary command, Chancellor Merlin.

"Commander, we have a situation."

"Details, Security Officer Lyon."

"An ancient Imperial Troop Transport has arrived in system, on a collision course with the Complex."

"Any life signs?"

"Yes, but very faint."

"What is the model and registry?"

"Model class Royal Transport, registry number: 01," she said in awe and wonder, her lions mane hair spreading out in response.

"DAMN! The Freedom has returned from the grave!" exclaimed Merlin.

On the main screen, the registry number shown in mirror paint and the name Royal Servant on the long, tapering body that flowed into a delta wing housing the engines with a smaller identical unnamed pod melded atop the man body. Lights from the windows on both vessels were dimmed.

"Sir, are we going to salvage the ship and survivors?"

Merlin smiled, "Oh, most definitely, Miss Lyon."

"My given name is Selina, Sir."

"My apologies my lady. But with you wearing that security bodysuit, you are quite fetching," he said as he knelt.

She blushed, Sir, I am not a Lady. I am a commoner. Besides, we need to tend to the business at hand."

He sat back in his command seat, "You are right. Protocol demands that we ascertain the danger factor of the intruder. Launch the medical/security/engineer teams and erect the deflectors, But we have a month until its momentum will bring it here."

"True, but there could be nasty surprises. It's my duty to protect us from harm," she admonished him as she launched the launch ready teams to intercept the ship.

* * *

Each team was trained in multiple disciplines to ensure their survival. Each team was rotated to keep the teams fresh, and were stationed in a ready room, with the shuttle pod's access hatch kept open. When an alert was sounded, the teams bolted for the pod, awaiting orders for departure. Each pod is a fully equipped patrol cruiser minus escape pods, relying upon the teams action suits to prov, state rooms provide life support in case of emergency.

Each pod consists of a cockpit, passenger area, cargo hold and engine compartment, making surplus pods a highly sought after vessel by corporations, entrepreneurs, and individuals and small families filled with wanderlust. .

* * *

"Three teams are on their way."

"Good, prepare to launch the medivac shuttles."

"What about Sickbay?"

"After we ascertain that the shuttles are needed."

"A communiqué from Team 1."

"On screen."

On the main screen, a unisex soldier in white armor with the sword icon on its helmet appeared, "Sir, the entire crew is in hibernation."

"Status of ships navigation systems?"

"All systems are functioning normally."

"Then why is the ship here?"

"The ship came through a chronal shift that sent it ahead in time."

"By how much?"

"One hundred and fifty years."

"That computes, the Freedom was launched one hundred and fifty five years ago "

Then a second soldier with a red cross icon on its forehead appeared, "Sir, all of the crew are alive, but many need medical intervention to deal with various maladies that the sleep pods could not repair."

"Is a quarantine needed?"

"It is strongly advised."

"Security, launch medivac shuttles, with quarantine systems, and alert sick bay."

"Done, Sir."

"Commander, I have a recording from the commander downloaded just before launch."

"Play recording."

* * *

It is hard to believe that we are finally leaving this prison that the Empire tried to exile us to, but we are about to leave and join the other Colonies that have left the Empire behind them. The Empire began a policy of genocide against all Trans-gendered people. The colonies opened up their borders to us and soon, we were leaving in an exodus, leaving the Empire behind. The Empire made us a gift of one of their mothballed Troop Transports to take the final 50,000 to our destination. Little did we know that the Empire had planned for our flight to end in tragedy.

All was going well until we made the final jump, and then the ship deposited us at the Prison Planet and jettisoned us into orbit, stranding us here.

For fifty years, we struggled to survive here with the prisoners who were themselves exiled here as we were. Together, we were able to convert the complex into a serviceable colony.

Recently, the Troop Transport that had stranded us was found in orbit of our moon. It had been left behind because it had run out of fuel.

We have been able to refuel it and ready it to take us to our new home. Our friends have been looking for us all this time and are awaiting our arrival. As for this place, since it has been abandoned by the Empire, it will become a new colony for us.

Even though life here is harsh, there is an abundance of metals and rare earths here for the taking. Looks as if the Empire loses out in the end.
Now we are about to leave, I can hear the engines start up and I can see the stars dance as we make the jump. What our new life will be I do not know, but it will be better than what we leave behind.

* * *

"Now we know what happened. Soldier, can the ship be safely docked?"

"Affirmative, in fact, we can even dock it at the sickbay quarantine port."

"Do so."

"Shall I alert sickbay?"

"No, security, protocol demands that when quarantine shuttles are launched, for the port to be readied."

* * *

John went forward, "Mutt, Jeff, you lads know our destination?" ['Let's see if they're as attentive to Bridge Chatter as their Naval Counterparts.']

"Course plotted, and ready to execute course correction," rumbled Mutt.

"Don'cha freyat noyan. We'yell geyat ya' theya," responded Jeff.

"Mutt, Jeff, you have the con," said the Captain as he glided off the Bridge.

"Aye, aye, Sir," they chorused.

"John, it'll be awhile before we get there. Why not get some rest?" ['Will he accept my offer?']

John extended his hand, "Lead the way, My Lady."

================
Interlude: Aztec
================

On the Aztec bridge, Executive Officer Brick was in command as Captain

"Sir, there is a communiqué from a Captain Abdul for the Captain. Should I page him?"

"Lenard, you know that the Captain hates speaking to that flotsam. I will take it." ['This guy is one bad apple. The only reason that he's yet to be brought in is that he's providing those treasures that the Emperor loves.']

The screen came to life to reveal Abdul's sweaty face, "By Aladdin's beard! Why are you speaking to me, I want your Captain."

"Captain Abdul, my Captain refuses to speak to you. And frankly, I do not want to either," stated Brick. ['Does this possibly have anything to do with John?']

Abdul bristles with rage, "And why does he refuse? I am the Emperor's Friend!"

Brick stood up put his hand upon his star-sword handle, "Because all that you cause is trouble for any Naval Vessel that does business with you!" ['Will he deny his actions?']

"I have NEVER caused trouble for the Navy!"

"Then what about the two Patrol Cruisers that were lost in the Vescar star system?" ['I was right. The Storm Riders fried the Inca's and El Dorado's computer, allowing for their capture.']

"Fool! I warned about the Storm Riders!"

"Not until after the fact! You waited until we lost the Inca and the El Dorado before you warned us!"

"Blame me not for naval incompetence! Blame yourselves!"

['This is getting us no where.'] "Then tell me why you called, before I end your life."

['Would he actually do it?'] "Bah! To attack the Emperor's Favorite is to end your career! You will become a slave!"

"Not after the computer has read your aura. Now, the truth is known. You are no longer a favorite!"

['Oh No! I must tell and hope to restore my status.'] "Very well. I shall soon have the Treasure. I have found it, and will deliver it to you!"

"Oh? And where did you get this information?"

"From the Rim Queen."

Then Abdul cut the transmission, "Damn! Lynn, Lonnie, take command. I'm going to tell the Captain."

As he left, he heard a chorus of, "Aye, aye, Sir."

* * *

John looks her in the eye as they are in bed after sating their passion. Her perfect, lithe body glistens with sweat and loving as he adoringly drinks in her simple beauty.

"Jane?" ['I am so lucky to have found her.']

"Yes, Love?" she responds as she stretches like a cat, popping several joints and easing tension pent up from the tension of the last few days. ['Yes, I DO Love him with all of my heart.']

Johnny caresses her breasts, "Just what is this 'curse' that I must defeat?" ['I have NEVER heard of anything like it, could she be afraid to love?']

Jane opens her eyes and sees that her lover is serious, "It all began when I was in school, I wanted to wear the girl's uniform, so I would not do my homework for punishment," she giggled. ['Oh what fun that was while it lasted.']

Then Johnny kissed her on the lips, "I don't understand." ['Well I do, but I want for Jane to tell me.']

Jane "The punishment was to wear the other sex's uniform for a week," she purred. ['Wearing the hose during winter and summer was nice too.']

Then Johnny chuckled at her antics, "And you of course made sure to wear a girl's uniform all year long."

"Well, the Truant Officer simply enforced the rule, never filed a report with the Board as there was no rule to do so at the time," she moaned as she stretched. ['Unfortunately, that has changed recently.']

Then Johnny gently stroked her cheek, "And by the time you graduated, you had been in a girl's uniform all through school."

She then moaned in extreme pleasure, "Yes, thanks to my being an orphan and under the Truant Officer's Authority." ['I learned about being a girl then and most everybody thought that I was a girl too.']

['Truant Officer? That's strange.'] "What about your parents?"

"[sniff, sniff] That's where my Curse begins, Johnny," she cried. ['Can they forgive me? Or am I doomed to Hell?']

"How can THAT be?" he asked as he cuddled her to him. ['I will protect her from her curse with all of my Power.']

[sniff, sniff] "When I was in the crib, [sniff, sniff] some stupid parent saw that I was wearing the wrong outfit, sniff, sniff] and my parents were, [sniff, sniff] executed on the spot." [sniff, sniff] She wept at the memories.

Then he put his hand to his mouth, "MY GOD!! How old were you?" he asked as he gathered up several tissues for her.

"[sniff, sniff] I was 5 at the time. Why?" ['What could my age possibly matter?']

"Because, I have a feeling that your parents were outed for helping against the Imperials, NOT because of you. Even though you were in a crib." ['She has lived with this burden for years. Though, why she stayed in a crib seems strange.']

[Oh no! He's got it all wrong!'] "Johnny, that crib was actually a child's bed that began as a crib. The sides fold down under the mattress, allowing the use of drawer space underneath," she sighed.

"That's good to hear. For a moment, I thought that they were abusing you."

"No, they were not that way. They understood about my need. In fact, they actually got Truant Officer Patricia Murphy to ignore my crossdressing. If she had told Dean Whitmire, I'd have been orphaned long ago."

"Then I'd say that your parents are innocent. It sounds as if they were murdered by vigilantes."

Then she looked at Johnny with renewed hope in her eyes, "Why do you say that, my Love?" ['Can he possibly end my Curse for me?']

"Because simply wearing a pink outfit is no reason to MURDER your parents!" ['Not even the Imperials are THAT stupid.']

Then she began to weep as the revelation hits her full force that the Imperials had murdered her parents and she was innocent, [sniff, sniff] "Oh, Johnny, [sniff, sniff] you're the first one that I told this too. [sniff, sniff]" ['Now I feel free of my guilt after all this time. Is it any wonder why I love him so much?']

Then Johnny held her in his arms after he had covered them with the blanket, "You were afraid to look at your past before, NOW I AM here to protect you," he promised. ['She is more important to me than my Legacy.']

Then she lay under him and pulled him down upon her, "Then protect me by loving me back to sleep," she ordered as she lay back, ready to accept him in her body. ['Loving him is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined before now.']

With that, he gentled her into the arms of sleep as he worshiped her from within.

==================
Interlude-M.I.B.D.
==================

Deep within the base, Mary led the King to a vast natural dome where an army of women wearing black unitards were practicing battle tactics with hand weapons. Each woman used a different weapon to either down her opponent or defend herself. What amazed the King was that they were equally matched.

"Well, your Majesty, what do you think of our self defense skills?" Mary asked impishly. ['It will be interesting to see how we compare with the Trillannii.']

Taking careful stock, the King carefully evaluated, "From what I can see, your army is much better than any other."

"Thanks, that is because we teach each Agent to be self reliant and to be a team player." ['Let's see if he can tell the truth about out training.']

The King shook his head, "No, we do too, it's much more than that." ['We use special training to hone our soldiers into their peak levels and stay there.']

Nodding in acceptance and admiration of his evaluation, "You're right. we are also the recipient of genetic tailoring."

"Well, at least yours doesn't make your Agents into monsters that the Imperials put their soldiers through," the King chuckled. ['Sounds like they use medical intervention, where we use psychic.']

"That's because we tailor each Agents body so that all genetic defects are eliminated, giving them a quadrupled lifespan." ['Now for the astonishment.']

"400 HUNDRED YEARS!! THAT'S AMAZING!! WE HAVE ACHIEVED NO WHERE NEAR THAT LEVEL OF ADVANCEMENT!!" said an amazed King as he sank into the lounge chair that suddenly appeared under him to prevent any harm.

"I guess THAT is where we can have a few negotiations on possible trading of resources your Majesty," Mary giggled as she thought about a successful contract.

"Why have you not released this to the public?" ['Do they have some secret agenda? Should I be worried?"

Mary passed him a stein of cold Trillannii beer, "King Reginald, our tailoring is through a special usage of nanites, which the Empire has used to create their monsters," she shuddered.

He held her until she relaxed, "You know something about them, don't you?" ['What is this secret?']

She smiled, "Yes, the Empire captured an old model of our Transition Chamber. But unfortunately, it doesn't work the way that they want," she sighed.

"Let me see if I have this right, your chamber only transitions from male to female."

"Yes, and tailors them as needed."

"And the Empire wants only to perfect men."

She looks him in the eye, "Those freaks are to be pitied. They never live long and live with constant pain."

"And why would you let us have access to this technology?"

"Because you would not create monsters."

"Mary, we have actually cured a few."

"Oh?" ['Will they share the cure?']

"They serve as Palace Guards now."

"Can you share the cure?"

King Reginald sighed, "Unfortunately, the cure is by means of crystal technology that only a trained expert can use, sorry."

She placed a hand upon his, "King Reginald, please help us. If we can adapt your cure to our chamber, it'll give us a new weapon to use as we cure the Emperor's Beast Men."

"So, that's what you call them."

Then a slender blond beauty wearing a gray bodysuit approached and saluted Mary who returned the salute," Mary, we have a report on the Galactic Princess."

Turning to the King, "Do you know any of this, your Majesty?" ['I wonder just how good his network is?']

The King shrugged, "Nothing confirmed yet, my Agents only send me facts, not rumors." ['Too easy to make a bad call any other way.']

"Well, same as mine and no doubt you will get the same information when you return. Too bad that Security Procedures prevent you from real time contact," Mary sighed. ['The bane of our Agency.']

Then the King grinned at Mary, "Believe me, if I did not trust you, my People would raze this base to the ground in retaliation," he laughed. ['Her Agency has proven itself too many times for me to doubt her.']

Turning to the blond Agent," Report Agent Moondragon!" ['Now to show him how good we really are.']

Then she saluted Mary who returned the salute, "The Princess is heading out this way with the Emperor's Envoy."

"DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!! THE LAST RUMOR WAS THAT SHE WAS COMING ALONE!!" exclaimed the King as he jumped out of the lounge chair. ['Now I am worried about my son, he needs this information, PRONTO!']

Then Mary placed a sympathetic hand upon his broad shoulder, "Same as us, my friend, same as us." ['No doubt he is worried about his son on board the Rim Queen.']

He looked sheepishly at them, "I apologize, ladies. You see, it's not the Imperial Envoy that's accompanying the Princess, it's Grand Admiral Jolleck. He's with her to capture my son, he sighed.

Agent Moondragon smirked, "Sir, even if it is Thrawn, with your son on board the Rim Queen, he is safe. And if still on board the Aztec, he'd be with a crew loyal to him."

"King Reginald, the Agency will do its best to keep your son safe."

The King looked at Mary in acceptance of the offer," I guess this means that we are united at least in deed if not heart," he smiled as he uttered the idea of uniting with the Agency. ['If we combine our forces, can the Empire stand against us?']

"Come, your Majesty, we both know that your trip here is the start of our combining our resources, I hope that you have all the documents that you need." ['I have wanted this too, but had to wait for him to come to me.']

Then he pulled out a mini-comp filled with documents, "Yes, hopefully by combining resources, we can cover more area and expand our range."

"My thoughts exactly your Majesty."

* * *

Then as the lovers awoke from their slumber, they were brought back to reality by a rude announcement," TRANSITION TO REAL SPACE IN TEN MINUTES, COMMANDER CARTER TO THE BRIDGE!"

"I guess that you need to be there to land us."

"Yeah, but the trouble twins can do it on their own, I'm there in case our cargo is suspect," chuckled John.

"John, we are on our way to get the Treasure, NOT delivering cargo."

"My bad. I was joking."

"Then I guess that I'll go tend to the Captain," Jane purred as she donned her robe so she could get to the shower.

Then John flicked a toggle at the head of his bed, "Acknowledged, I'll be there shortly."

* * *

Meanwhile in the Captain's Ready Room, the Captain was reviewing the latest report on the Princess, "Damn! With that monster out here, things can get dicey real quick! Is there anything that you can do Steele?" ['He is supposed to be the best according to rumor, I just hope that he's as good as rumor says he is.']

George Adrian Steele was the Rim Queen's Security Officer and father of Aaron Breck Steele, A.K.A. Brick. Steele had become the Security Chief after the Captain had lost his legs.

Then he looked at the report that the Captain passed over, "Doubtful at this time other than enact some rather exotic countermeasures that might not work," he sighed. ['That monster has a very bad habit of doing the unexpected.']

Then the Captain drank some of his steaming coffee, "Well, as soon as Johnny has taken care of landing us, he will be here and give us his input." ['That is unless he comes here first to be introduced to the rest of the crew.']

Then Steele chuckled, "He will be amazed to see me, my friend." ['It will be nice to see my son's best friend.']

"Oh? And why is that?" ['Has Johnny some secret that I need to know?']

"He is best friends with my son Brick who just happens to look just like me."

Then they hear a buzz from the door, "Looks like we get to see his reaction now," chortled the Captain as he let Johnny in. [' I wonder if Johnny knows about his friend's dad?']

Then Johnny stepped through the door and saluted the Captain who returned the salute, "Sir, I have yet to be introduced to the crew, do they know that I am in Command or was that request S.O.P.?" [' I should have taken care of this already, but I was too caught up in loving Jane.']

"Not S.O.P., John, they know," replied a deep, resonate voice from the stranger. ['Poor boy, he got caught up in loving that vixen, Jane, and I do not blame him either from what the Captain tells me.']

Turning to the stranger Johnny sees who he believes to be his best friend, "BRICK!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" John shouted as he hugged the bronze giant as he stood.

Then a deep, resonate rumble erupted from his chest as he laughed, "I am afraid that you are quite mistaken, Jonathan." ['He sees my son, not me as I knew he would.']

Then Johnny looked at his friend as the Captain pressed a toggle on his desk, "What do you mean, Brick?"

"I am Brick's father, George Adrian Steele," he rumbled as he chuckled. ['I can see why Brick likes this man.']

Looking at the older man, John saw the older man's telltale graying temples that was the only difference that he could see, "Brick NEVER told me that he was your double. Only your graying temples give you away, and the fact that you have hair," chuckled Johnny. ['That scamp got one over on me. I wonder what he'll say when he finds out that his dad is our Security Chief?']

Then the Captain cleared his throat, "Johnny, I have already introduced Steele to the Crew, Time for me to do the same for you, follow me," Then the Captain floated out the door onto the bridge as Johnny and Steele followed.

* * *

Johnny steps onto the bridge where things are not as well as need be. The main screen reveals a planet shrouded in a deadly storm, and the mist hinders sensor contact and starts to disrupt the transition coils.

"Report Helm!" orders the Captain.

"Target planet's weather is a mess, Sir!" came the cavernous drawl.

"Has the Queen ever landed in such weather before?" Johnny asked.

"Yes Sir! But only with damage," came the drawl from Navigation.

"Now what is the problem that you call me to the bridge? Can the Queen NOT safely land?"

Then Jeff sat back down and chuckled, "Oh we cayun, but thuh Chief wiyill blow a gaskyet if we hurt the Queen," responded Jeff.

Then Johnny called Engineering," Engineering, this is the Bridge, please report to Commander Carter on the Bridge A.S.A.P."

A brogue from the Highlands of the United Kingdom blared over the intercom, "WHO IN THA' BLOODY HELL HAS THA' GALL TA CALL ME TA' THA BRIDGE WHEN I'M NEEDED DOWN HERE!"

Then a mirthless chuckle emitted from the deep bellows up front," Sir, Chief Engineer Piper will NOT be pleased being summoned here for any reason."

"Well, it's time that I set the tone of my Command with our Engineer then," replied Johnny.

Then the Captain floated over to the unmanned Communications station and waited with Steele who had taken the seat there, "Now we'll see just how Johnny handles our firebrand of an engineer," he chortled.

"Well, it is NOT Captain Trent calling you. Come up here, or find yourself planet side, swabbing away dust on old relics," replied Johnny with a feral grin. ['I can tell that this one is full of fire. Just the type I need to care for the ship.']

"I'LL BE RIGHT THERE, SMART ASS!"

"Johnny, get ready for a storm, known as 'Piper', Hope that your luck holds out," chortled Captain Trent.

"You'll need it," agreed a smiling Steele.

* * *

Then a petite redheaded green eyed pixie of a woman stormed onto the bridge and stalked over to where the Captain was, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YA' DOIN' CALLIN' ME UP HERE FOR CAP'N? DON'CHA KNOW THAT I GOT A SHIP TA' RUN?" she asked as she tapped her foot.

"Piper, it was not I that called you up here," chortled the Captain. ['She is truly a hot headed Irish girl.']

"Then who be tha one Cap'n?"

"That would be me, Miss."

"Turning to see Johnny, she is aghast to see him, "Glory Be! Is it truly tha' Prince?"

"Yes, I am Prince Jonathan Carter: Heir of the Trillannii Throne."
* * *

King Of The Rim 7-The Trap By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:Prince John Carter learns about the crew and their attitude as well as the ships limitations as his leading them into reclaiming the the Treasure Of Trillannii, leads to them being trapped along with the Treasure as well as meeting with distressed locals.

"Well Glory be!! It IS YOU! I've been wantin' to meet ya' for years. My mum would be turnin' ova' In her grave if she knew that I was meetin' th' Prince." she said as she curtsied. [' And here I am, a speakin' ta him aas if I'm royalty!']

Then John Carter touched her on the shoulder, "No need to curtsy to me Chief Engineer, I do not believe in false shows of loyalty. Hell, Dad never did either. He instilled the idea of meeting with the populace in the Court as equals. I have never seen myself as any better than anybody else." ['And now the Trillannii People look to the Trillannii Throne instead of the Emperor for leadership. But how do I lead free people?']

Then she smiled at him, "Thank ya' Sir. Ya' must take afta' ya' daddy, tha' King. I've met him before an' he was jus' like you, every bit tha' offica' an' gentleman. Is it no wonder that I've given ma' loyalty ta' him and you?"

"Chief, I accept your loyalty, if you accept mine. Only a leader who listens to his friends can lead effectively."

She looked at him with tears in her eyes, "Are ya' caillin' me a friend, Johnny?"

"Well, you've been calling me by my given name all of this time, so either I call you my friend, or put you in the brig," he smiled.

She blushed, "Sorry abou' that, Suh. But I've always been a mite infahrmal when it comes ta' tha' crew."

Thats quite alright, Chief. I prefer that to the 'pomp and circumstance' of the Imperium."

"Thank ya, Suh. Is thah' anything else?'

"Why would your mother be turning over in her grave? Was she an Imperial loyalist?" ['Need to find out.']

She blushed, "No Sir, ma' Mum was a Rimma'." ['Now why does he ask?']

"Because to do as you said that she'd do indicates that she's displeased with me."

Piper laughed, "Oh, Johnny Boy, Mum'd do it ta' see fa' ha'se'f."

"Then I take it that your family are Trillannii?"

"Most assuredly, Johnny Boy!"

"I guess that I'm 'Johnny Boy' to you, Piper," he grinned.

"Aye, if'n ya' don't mind."

Johny looked deep into her soul and saw a fiery sword, quick to defend him, "No, I like it."

Piper was so astonished to here him say that, she stood there, mouth agape.

Then Steele chuckled, "I see that the Irish storm has been stalled. Does that mean that John call summon you whenever he sees fit?" ['I know that this little spitfire will now turn her ire towards me, but I can't help but to goad her.']

Then she turned to Steele, "No doubt that ya' expec' me ta' attack ya', but I've learned about ya' ways. I'll not be gettin' mad ta' make ya' day for ya', ya' big galoot," she giggled. ['That ol' man'll need ta' do more ta' get under ma' skin.']

Steele chortled merrily, "I see that you've learned from our encounters. You are so much like my sister Ruby that I couldn't help but treat you like I do her. Truce?" he asked as he held out his hand.

She smiled sweetly and took his hand and threw him over her shoulder and giggled, " Truce Steele, but remember this. I tend ta' get tha' last word." ['I jus' had ta' do it after all of his taunts.']

Steele grinned, "I guess that I deserved that. It's nice to know that you can handle yourself." ['Ruby would have done the same thing. Could she be Ruby restored to life in a new body? Or is she simply her twin in some weird way?']

Then she helped him up, "Don'cha worry ya' big galoot. that's tha' only time that I'll do that unless ya' make me mad agi'n." ['But knowin' him, it'll be none too soon unless I'm mistaken.']

Johnny cleared his throat, "Excuse me CHILDREN, but this is not a playground. This is the Bridge of a ship. Now, why are you two acting this way?" ['Are they in Love?']

Steele blushed, "My apologies, Jonathan. We are dating each other. I know that it was childish of us, but seeing her was a bit much for me."

Piper curtsied again, "I kinna' apologize enough, Johnny Boy. Steele, an' I of'en scrap in tha' hold when not on duty."

"It seems to be more than simply dating to me."

Steele sighed, "To me, it is."

"Oh?" said a perplexed Piper.

Steele turned to her, "Sparky, I grew up with a kid sister named Ginger. She was small, and fiery, like you are. In fact, she believed herself to be of Scottish blood because of her red hair from her Great Granny Hildagarde. Unfortunately, Ginger succumb to the Red Heat Syndrome just before she hit puberty," he wept.

"MA' LORD, MON! NO WONDA' YA' CRYIN'! THA' SYNDROME WIPED OUT MANY A CHILD BEFO' IT WAS CONQUERED!" exclaimed Piper as she hugged Steele.

He looked at her with a deep longing in his eyes, "That is why I treat you as I do. I see Ginger in you."

"And perhaps a lova'?"

"In time. First, I'd like to get to know you as Sparky, instead of Ginger."

"I'd like tha', Adrian, but we need ta' tend ta tha' Queen first. And what abou' Johnny boy?' she asked impishly.

Then the lights dimmed and turned red as shields increased to maximum and the 'RED ALERT' claxon peeled.

"Very well, I can not penalize you two since Captain Trent went easy on Jane and me, but there is a ship to land. Can the Queen land in that storm or shall we wait it out?" he chuckled. ['Looks like I have a couple of naughty kids to babysit now. Did daddy ever have THIS problem?']

"Sir, ma' Queen can take on tha' storm. Ya' jus' gotta batten down tha' hatches." ['Glad that tha' Prince cares enough ta' ask.']

"I should hope so, her being cared for by you. Any suggestions?" Johnny smiled.

"Ya' should restrict tha' shields ta' tha' skin field ta' keep from shartin' out tha generators and go in on tha' thrusters. If lightnin' strikes tha' drives, it could fry 'em."

Turning to the front, Johnny became all business, "Mutt, Jeff, close all intakes, transfer the shields power to the skin field and take us in on thrusters!"

"Aye, aye, Sir," they chorused as they set to work.

Turning to Piper, he smiled, "Well, Piper. I need to know what name to call you since you are so informal with me."

She scratched her head, "Why, Johnny boy?"

"Court etiquette demands that I ask this. The Trillanni Charter declares that I am a public servant sent by the Creator, NOT some tyrant who believes himself to be a god in the flesh as Emperor Pendragon does."

"Then why not call me Sparky? as ya' said befa'?"

"Just getting your permission, Sparky." he grinned.

Then as she was leaving, she smiled at him, "I gotta go, Johnny boy and make sure tha' engines are secured." ['Nice of him ta' give me his name. He don't hold himsel' above others.']

Then the Captain chortled, "Well Johnny, now the only other crew to meet is our technician. I am sure that if you follow her that she'll introduce you." ['Seeing that spitfire get the better of Steele made my day.']

Then Johnny turned to the front, "Mutt and Jeff, increase the integrity field to maximum," he ordered as he exited the bridge. ['Need to check out engineering now.']

"Jonathan, where are you heading?" asked Steele as he led the Captain out and into the Captain's Ready Room.

"Heading down to engineering to see the last crewmember. Don't worry, Steele, I won't spoil you're scrapping with Sparky for you," he chuckled. ['I want to see them scrap more, but I seriously doubt that they'll be scrapping anytime soon.']

"Very well Johnathan, you just take care and listen to her. This ship is a bit different from the Aztec," admonished the Captain as he and Steele entered his Ready Room.

* * *

Synthoids are artificial constructs using organic polymers to replace all body parts. All synthoid bodies are immune to cancer, chemical attacks, and disease, doubling the life span, but leaving the patient subject periodic maintenance of the synthoid body's organic interface.

If a person is given a synthoid organ or limb, the body accepts the replacement and the synthoid part slowly converts the body into a synthoid body.

* * *

Then Johny entered engineering and was awed by the sight of the main reactor. It was a globe of multi-colored flame connected to the transition engines on either side with an upper lead connecting the cooler vanes up top.

As he looked at the display of power, he noticed Jane making an adjustment upon the skull of a stranger wearing a Queen's uniform," Jane, what are you doing to his head?" ['I've never seen such a strange sight.']

Then she looked over to him and smiled, "I am tending to my patient. He is a synthoid with a human brain. Every now and again, I need to check on his spinal fluid to make sure that his brain is OK," she explained as she closed the back of his head. ['I know that Johnny has seen synthoids before, but I doubt that he's seen one being tended to.']

Then Sparky came from behind the reactor, "I see that ya' have decided ta' pay ma' domain a visit Johnny boy. What'cha think abou' ma' place?" ['I can see tha' he is smitten with love for Jane.']

"Impressive. Your engines seem to be as powerful as those of the Aztec. But what about your assistant? I've never worked with a synthoid before." ['Too bad the Navy never sanctioned their employ, but like the Empire, they looked down on anything not strictly human.']

Then after Jane had closed the back of his head, Sparky's assistant turned towards Johnny and saluted, "I am Ship's Technician Techie, at your service." ['I wonder who this stranger is. Is he the Prince?']

Johnny returned the salute, "I am Jonathan Carter, Prince Of Trillannii. Please, call me Johnny."

Techie looked at him, "Why Johnny?'

"Since the Captain say that you know my pedigree and are loyal, why use my Title? Besides, Sparky here doesn't use my tile, nor rank, why should you?"

Techie smiles, "So, you're our new Executive Officer. It is an honor to meet you, Johnny." ['I am the first synthoid to meet the Prince.']

Jane smiled at Johny, "That's why you're the Prince, Johnny. Accepting everybody."

"No, not everybody, Jane."

Techie spoke out, "Oh? Just who do you NOT accept?"

"Those Imperials that are like the Emperor."

"Oh, Is there anything that you want to ask this synthoid?"

"May I ask how a synthoid became a Knight of Trillannii?" ['I am sure that his story will be as interesting as he is.']

"Well, it's all because of the Empire."

"What did they do?"

"The Grand Admiral had me shot in the neck with a corrupted laser. If not for Jane's quick thinking in placing my entire body into a Synthoid Clone Cylinder, I would have died." ['Thank God that the process blanked out any memory of the event or I'd be having nightmares.']

"When was this, and why?"

Techie went white with terror as Jane pressed a hidden switch that placed him in a healing nap, "Johnny, even now, he can't safely recall the event. When we get a proper module, I'll be able to place the memory into deep storage, away from instant recall. Until then, any accessing that memory causes him to freeze in a night terror," she sighed.

"Is it safe for you to tell me?"

"Yes, now that Techie is resting."

"Johnny boy, [sniff,sniff] Techie and I are friends from way back.[sniff] Tha' Queen wa' visitin' tha' Imperial Sector Capitol of Genosha ta' transpart a load o' refugees ta' tha' Imperial Colony Mabulla. [sob] Techie here, [sniff,sniff] prevented the Grand Admiral in charge o' tha' colony from takin' me as a bed partna'. [sob] At tha' cost of his body.[sob] If not for Jane's quick help, 'sniff,sniff] Techie would'a died," Sparky wept.

Jane hugged her, "Now, don't you start crying, Red. Techie is now safe from that bastard's evil."

"Yeah, bu' he's ma' frien'."

Johnny smiled, "Jane is right. Grand Admiral Weems was sent to the the Penal Planet after Jolleck replaced him with one of the new automated governors and closed that palace."

Piper looked at them in wonder, "Ya' mean ta' say tha' heathen did somethin' good?"

Jane smiled, "Yes, although his reason for getting rid of Weems was somewhat poetic."

"Oh? Why is tha'?"

"He was found guilty of sexual relations with a Trans-Woman," Johnny replied.

Sparky frowned,"Bu' why tha'?"

"That was the ONLY charge that Weems couldn't fight. Even if cleared, He'd have that charge dangling over him," replied Johnny.

"I am surprised that he did it," mused Techie.

Sparky looked into his eye, "Jolleck wa' securin' his pasition as tha' Ampara's Anvoy an. Grand Admiral. Ya' jus' benafitted from it," she sighed.

===================
Interlude: M.I.B.D.
===================

Then, a red alert claxon wailed as an ominous 'RED ALERT' icon appeared upon Mary's desk screen. But she was strangely calm and NOT issuing any orders, worrying King Reginald, "Mary, shouldn't you be doing something about the alert?"

"Reginald, THAT alert is about incoming news. The base is NOT under attack," she assured.

Reggie visibly relaxed, "That's good to know, but now there's the worry about the news."

Mary flipped a toggle and a plate of assorted sliced fruits appeared, "Relax, and enjoy some fruit as we await the news."

He picked a slice of mango, "Very well, Mary. You are my host," he grinned.

Then Moondragon appeared at the doorway, "Mary, I have a report on the recent news communique."

"Report, please."

"The new Imperial Throne Ship is clone of a Trillannii Merchant Freighter."

King Reginald shouted, "WHAT?!"

"Moondragon, has this been confirmed?"

"Affirmative! in fact, there is even a blueprint of the vessel."

"Miss, please bring me the copy. Only I can assess just how dangerous this ship is," he sighed.

"At once, your Majesty," she replied as she glided across the office and inserted the message crystal.

"Thank you, Moondragon. How do I access the crystal?"

She pressed a green flashing button, Then a screen on the wall lit up with icons o the ship with a cursor shaped like throwing star,"There you are, your Majesty. Just use the mouse to access the menu."

King Reginald quickly read the crystal's information and sat back, in defeat, "They've finally done it," he sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"Mary, the new Imperial Throne Ship's cargo space has been allocated for missiles, torpedoes, and batteries and generators for shields, and blasters. It has the equivalent of FOUR Imperial Patrol Cruisers to use.

"But the Queen can handle that without cracking, can't she? Frm what I know of even an Imp ship, they can face off against that many if need be."

"Yes, Moondragon. but the Throne Ship's lasers are channeled through its transition coil governors. THAT gives the lasers the ability to fire tachyons which will overcome any ships hyper field," he explained.

"But won't the beams need to phase with the shields to pierce them? Aren't missiles and torpedoes used to overwhelm shields?" asked Mary.

"Yes, missiles and torpedoes can overwhelm shields and inflict damage before shields are restored, but these lasers can overload the shields with raw power without phasing. And if phasing occurs, the target is destroyed all the quicker," Reginald sighed.

Moondragon looked thoughtfully at the screen, "Your Majesty, if this ship is so equipped, how soon can your ships be modified the same way?"

Reginald smiled at her, "Not long at all, once this information is sent. Has it been sent to my People, yet"

Moondragon looked at Mary and nodded, "Yes, Moondragon just confirmed it."

"Good, because once THIS modification has been made to the ships, they'll easily handle the modifieds and their coil link lasers will take out even a modified," he declared.

"Oh? How is that, your Majesty?"

"Agent Moondragon, ALL Trillannii ships are AVATARS with specially modified medallions in the coils, generators, and positronic computer. THAT increases the energy output tenfold."

Moondragon looked at the screen, "Your Majesty?"

"Yes?"

"Can this avatar technology be added to our computer's positronic systems?"

"Easily enough. Why?"

"We are using a refurbished supercomputer from Ancient Earth that was used by the military. J.O.S.H.U.A. was salvaged by us, years ago. We were able to transfer his programming into a new positronic brain and keep his base personality matrix."

"How did you save the matrix? It was hardwired into the system, was it not?"

"That's what we thought. But when a diagnostic computer was attached, J.O.S.H.U.A. was able to separate the module interfacing with him and download himself into it."

"J.O.S.H.U.A. must have some sort of fail safe survival program then, and here I thought that only our avatar systems had them," Reginald mused.

Mary pointed to an icon on the J.O.S.H.U.A. readout screen, "According to this icon, J.O.S.H.U.A. was a very basic avatar type program lacking the skills to fully function until Diana and Artemis built the new system currently housing J.O.S.H.U.A.."

"Diana and Artemis Hunter?"

"Yes, my Liege. Why do you ask?"

"On Trillannii, the stories of their lives are well known as well as those of your Agency, Moondragon."

"And how did you gain such access to our sealed records?" asked Mary as she reached for her tickler.

He smiled, "Mary, there's no need to worry about any security breach because there wasn't one."

"Then how did you ACQUIRE the information?"

"Simple, Diana's son, Ulysses Odysseus brought the records when he came to Trillannii. He was Trillannii's first chancellor, ancestor of Chancellor Merlin."

"Oh, Then how much do you know about us, King Reginald," inquired Mary getting formal in response to the revelation.

"Our files are current, up to just before I came here, thanks to ability to track your agent's movements, and Agency buildings. But that's all. We do not know about any missions beyond those from Ancient Earth," he replied.

Mary visibly relaxed, "THAT'S a relief! for a moment I thought that we had a mole," she sighed.

"Are our Agents tagged in any way, Sir?"

"No, Moondragon. my agents simply track your and help when needed."
* * *

A message crystal is a diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, micro dot crystal encased within a plas-steel casing that houses the interface and protects the crystal from power surges. any one crystal has the memory capacity of a supercomputer.

* * *

The Rim Queen parted the green mists of the nebulae and approached the planet wreathed in a global storm.

* * *

Over the intercom came the announcement, "ALL HANDS ALERT! SHIP ENTERING ATMOSPHERE."

As the Rim Queen battered her way through the hurricane force winds, a strange mournful moan reverberated from the outer hull as the storm tried to conquer the ship's integrity. Lightning strikes were harmlessly absorbed as its power was channeled into the shields and batteries. Then as the moaning abated, a strange thrumming assaulted their ears until it was silenced, then the lights dimmed and the main control board lit up with red lights.

"DAMN IT ALL!! THA' MAIN ENGINE INTAKE COVERS HAVE BEEN FUSED SHUT BY A LIGHTNING STRIKE!" exclaimed Piper as the ship shuddered from the storm.

* * *

As the Queen pierces the clouds, small, white stars appear and launch lightning bolts that skip harmlessly off of the hull. Nearing the surface, ground based stars connect with the Queen, causing damage until an automated response launches missiles that destroy the stars, revealing scanner towers over launch silos.

* * *'

================================
Interlude- Imperial Throne Room
================================

The Grand Admiral stalked into the Imperial Throne Room without any of the usual pomp and circumstance associated with being granted an audience with the Emperor. He was one of the very few people granted such a luxury by the Emperor and Grand Admiral Jolleck took full advantage of it.

When the Courtiers tried to dissuade him from entering unannounced, he simply touched them with his Grand Admiral's Staff, causing them great pain as their nervous system was overloaded with bio-electricity.

"OK ARTHUR!! WHY IN THE HELL HAVE YOU SUMMONED ME BACK HERE WHEN YOU KNOW GOOD AND WELL THAT I WAS LEAVING UPON A TOUR OF THE BLASTED RIM!?" he demanded. ['He knows that I love calling him Arthur, reminding him of Camelot.']

"Thrawn, you KNOW how much I hate and detest it whenever you use that name," Leopold responded with attitude. ['He hates that nick name because that's reminds him that he was thrown off of sky cycle during training.']

Jolleck bent to one knee, "My apologies Your Majesty, I am simply wondering why the change in plans." ['OK Arthur, now that you know that you have made me mad, I can dispense with the name calling.']

"I accept your apologies, Jolleck. Please be seated." ['Now that that's out of the way, we can get down to the business at hand, namely why I recalled him.']

Then he went and sat in the Grand Admiral's Throne that rose up upon his entrance, "Well, because of your summons, I've had to scrap the ship to return here A.S.A.P. NOW all that it's good for is as a lifeboat with the engines and reactors now melted away from the heat stress." ['If it wasn't for advancements in safety systems, the entire ship would have vaporized, but he doesn't know that.']

"What?"

"Don't you ever read any of the science journals?" ['Forget that, I know that he never does if he can help it.']

"No, I don't. What's the best thing to do about the Throne Ship?"

"First, Leopold, why were you so insistent on my immediate return? If allowed a slower return, the Throne ship would still be flying."

"Then I take responsibility for its damage. But I have a very good reason for my Order."

"Very well. Me, I'd give it over to the Imperial Engineering University for those lads to play with, and launch another one." ['Knowing those Merlins, they will have a ball going over that scrap heap and reinvent the wheel again.']

"NOW onto why I recalled you as I did. And I know that you will like this you lecherous old fool." ['He has a history of seducing and ruining young, impressionable girls, but I still need him, so I dare not do anything about it and he knows it to.']

Thrawn visibly brightened, "Oh? Does that mean you're talking about the Princess?" ['I've wanted to seduce that trollop ever since she was old enough to go to school.']

"Yes indeed, you are to escort her through the Rim and prevent her from meeting with anybody but those loyal to the Throne."

"Sounds exciting! Now, when do I meet Princess Priscilla?"

"As soon as she returns here from packing. And why Priscilla?"

"Because she can be so prissy when she throws a temper tantrum."

* * *

"Like hell that was a lightning strike, that was a pair of concussion torpedoes that hit us!' exclaimed Johnny as the ship bucked from the assault and storm. [' Looks like the Imperials have mined this planet.']

"And jus' how da' ya' know tha' ?" asked Sparky as she adjusted a few controls while Techie activated auxillary systems. [' Do I need ta' larn abou' tha' Imperial's technology?']

Johnny brought up a graphic upon the main view screen, "By the thrumming of the torpedoes impact. That thrumming is their sonic concussion assault," explained Johny as he pointed out the unique sonic vibrations.

Looking at the display, "Well, wha' da' ya' know? Those sneaky Imperials sure ha' gotten one ova' me." [' I ca' design a counter fo' tha' attack now tha' I ca' see it.']

"Do you have any replacements?" ['Doubtful since the intakes are seldom wrecked.']

Then Techie spoke up, No, but we can rebuild the original intakes once we are down."

"Well it had best be soon or the engines will overheat!"

Then Hunter adjusted a few controls, "NOW we won't, now that the cooler vanes are active."

"What about radiation? Should I prep for poisoning?" asked Jane.

"No, as long as precautions are taken, there should be no need, but have them ready just in case," replied Johnny. [' I hope that they have the proper equipment.']

The Rim Queen battled her way through the global storm that threatened to crash the mighty vessel upon the mountains. Yet the Rim Queen refused to concede to the raging storm and finally landed upon the landing pad that sent out a landing signal. As the mighty ship finally touched ground, the storm dissolved as if under the control of a god.

Then as the ship settles upon the tarmac and the engines shut down, there is an announcement that breaks the silence, "Johnny, we have landed, time for you to meet the reception party," announced the Captain. [' Time for him to start learning about his duties if he is to become the King.']

Johnny quickly headed for the gangway, "I'm on my way, Captain, is there anything I need to know?" ['I hope that being an Executive here is like it was on the Aztec.']

"No, just meet them and have the ship repaired." ['That of course, the crew will do without him ordering it done.']

Then Hunter tapped Johnny on the arm, "Johnny, if ya' would, please ask 'em if they have any diamond dust." ['I know tha' he'l ask why.']

"Why do you need diamond dust?" ['This is a first for me.']

"With tha' diamond dust and our supply o' decatanium dust I ca' make an alloy coatin' that'll make tha' intakes stronga' than they were." [' Don'tcha worry Queen, Johnny will do wha' he ca' fo' ya',']

"OK, Piper, but what about if they want a trade off?"

"Tell them tha' we ca' make even swap o' our dust fo' theirs."

"OK, I'll do what I can for you."

Then he headed for the gangway where he met up with Steele, "Why are you here?" ['Does the Captain think that I can't handle this after all?']

"I am here to make sure that there are no Imperials. They probably caused the concussion torpedoes to strike the ship. Too bad the Trillannii do not employ such a system, perhaps we can take these from the Empire."

"Good idea, Steele. We'll look into the possibility after we have dealt with the duty at hand," Johnny replied as he scanned the gangway entrance. Then seeing that there was a committee waiting, he signaled the opening of the gangway.

Steele looked over the committee, "Looks like only locals here. That means that the Imperial systems here are automated." ['No Imperial would be caught dead wearing such rags.']

The committee were all wearing patched and faded clothing of very poor quality and showed the effects of poor diet, "Greetings Rim Queen, I am Vincent Riker, Governor of this colony. Welcome to our humble abode." ['I wish that we had something better, but the Imperials have stripped us of anything of value.']

Then Johnny held out his hand, "Thank you Vincent, I am Commander John Carter: Executive Officer Officer of the Rim Queen. You may call me Johnny." ['Time to show them friendship and hope, poor devils. The Imperials will pay for this.']

Vincent gratefully shook Johnny's hand, "Thank you Johnny. It has been a long time since anybody has even tried to befriend us."

"And why is that?"

"The Imperials have turned this mining colony into prison for us unlucky ones that have earned the Imperial wrath," he sighed. ['Will they be stranded here too, or will they beat the Imperials at their game?']

Then Steele cleared his throat, Not to worry Vincent, the Queen will help you to defeat the Imperials."

Johny nodded, "Tell me, has the planet been subjected to such violent storms in the past?"

He sat upon a bench in a nearby rest stop adjoining the landing pad, "No, the storms started after the last colonist arrived a year ago, Why?" ['What could THAT possibly matter? Could they actually be able to stop the storms?']

"Well, Vincent, we were hit with concussion torpedoes that fused our intakes. If done on launching, we would have vaporised. There must be a weather control system in orbit with the torpedoes," announced Johnny.

Then Vincent stood up, "WHAT!!! YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT THE STORMS ARE FAKE?! NO WONDER THERE ARE NO IMPERIALS HERE!"

"Not to worry, as soon as the intakes are repaired, we will deal with the situation," affirmed Steele as Johnny nodded in approval.

"Do you need anything from us?"

"Well, our Chief Engineer Piper wants some diamond dust if you have any."

"You mean to tell me that Irish storm is your Engineer?"

"Yes she is, Was she a spitfire when you knew her?" asked Steele.

"Indeed she was, she was my best student at the university."

"And you were sent here because of your radical views." Johnny stated.

"Aye, and I made sure that Hunter got away from the Imperials."

"Hunter?"

"Well, she got the name because she can hunt down any problem. She rebuilt an escape pod that she equipped with a transition coil. She wanted me to escape, but I made her go, instead."

Then Jonathan clasped Vincent's shoulder in friendship, "Thank you, your sacrifice has enriched our lives. Now what about the dust?"

"I told my people to gather the barrels and deliver the dust," he replied while lifting up a mini-phone on his wrist.

Then Steele looked up from his com-unit in his hand, "Piper says that the dust has arrived and she is commencing with repairs."

"That's good,"Turning to Vincent, "That's mighty fast

"Only diamond dust can shield against the storm's lightning strikes, so I knew that you'd need it, I just now confirmed the barrels arrival."

"Are there any ships, here?" asked Johnny.

"Yes, but they can't run the blockade."

Then Hunter arrived and hugged Vincent, "Don'cha worry Vinnie, Once ma' Queen is repaired, she'll take care o' tha' blockade."

Steele cleared his throat, "Piper, is it not the Captain's choice?" he chortled.

"Tha' Cap'n gave tha' go ahead jus' now. Why else da' ya' think I came out here ta' meet ma' friend when I got a ship ta tend?"

Then Johnny looked at her hard, "Then don't you think that you should get to tending the Rim Queen?"

"Well Johnny, Techie is handling everythin' and as I understand it you ha' an idea abou' tha' torpedoes an' weather."

"We do, but we need the Queen up and running first," admonished Steele.

"Not if Vinnie here has any sky hoppers."

"Piper, you mean that you want to take on the torpedoes and weather control with a sky hopper?" asked Vincent.

"Don' be daft Vinnie, we jus' need ta' track them and find their command frequency. Then tha' Queen ca' work her magic."

"Very well then, Piper, do you have a pilot's permit?"

Aye Johnny, why ya' ask?"

"In that case, you'll take the sky hopper out!" ordered Johnny."

* * *

King Of The Rim 8-Freedom By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading with Special Thanks to Sephrena Lynn Miller for Guidance and ChrisW. for the Illustration! Synopsis:After being grounded by an Imperial trap at the planet Storm, Prince John Carter devises a plan to rescue the prisoners from the Imperial grasp and capture Imperial technology and give it to the freed prisoners.

She looked at him in amazement, "Ya' mus' be daft, Johnny lad! I can na' fly a pod," she exclaimed as she pointed a finger at him.

He looked at the tiny dynamo in amusement, "Oh? And why is that Sparky?" ['I've never had so much fun baiting someone, now I see why Steele does it too.']

She hung her head in shame, "Because I never got ma' permit. I wa' expelled before I coul' take tha' class," she sighed.

Then Johnny held her chin in his hand, "I thought that you'd have learned it already. I never knew anyone that had to actually take the class. We mostly take it so we can fly Imperial as well as civilian ships." ['She is so much like a little girl now that I can't help but want to protect her.']

"Well, I ca' fly a pod, but with no permit, I though' tha' ya' would na' be a wantin' me ta' fly a pod for ya."

"Sparky, you flew the pods BEFORE I got here, right? You have to see that I am not like the Emperor. Things are different on the Rim."

She looks at him, "Aye, Johnny Lad, Why da' ya' ask? Are ya' gonna brig me? I mean, ya' forma' Imp."

"Even though I served on an Imperial ship, I am Trillannii. Besides, you are qualified without an Imperial Permit."

"I know tha'. But I thot tha' ya' wa' wantin' tha' Permit. Guess tha' I wa' wrong abou' ya, Johnny boy," she grinned.

"Sparky, do you think that I would fall in love with an Imperial?"

She looked at Jane in horror, "Not at all, Janey guhl!"

Jane smiled at Piper as she saw realized that she had done Johnny a grave disservice, "Well, Sparky?"

Sparky curtsied, "Johnny boy, I am sorry abou' thinkin' you a' Imp. Ya' see, I mus' keep ma' frien' Techie safe."

"That's OK, Sparky. I understand about protecting Techie. But if it'll help any, you may see my medallion."

"No need, Johnny boy. I can fly a pod. But not on an Imp ship withou' ma' permit."

"True, but this is NOT an IMPERIAL Naval Vessel, a Trillannii ship needs no such permit. Do you need somebody to help you with the mission?"

"Truth ta' tell, I can pilot, or handle tha storm, but not both."

"Jonathan, I can fly the pod while she works her magic on the satellites. Been a while since I flew, but you never forget."

Piper looked at Steele with awe, "Ya' mean ta' tell me tha' ya' wanna be in tha' pod wi' me?" Why'd ya' wanna do th' for I wunda', Are ya' a bein' sweet on me?"

He smiled at her astonishment, "I am the most logical choice since everybody else is needed on board. Are you scared of me?" He chuckled. ['This is marvelous indeed to find that Sparky feels this way, because I DO like the scamp.']

Techie cleared his throat, "Piper, you know that until I get my brain casing modified that I am stuck on board the Queen and that's why we needed the dust, [sigh] "I know that I must trust my crew mates if they are to trust me."

Sparky hugged her friend, "Don'cha worry none, Techie, ma' frien'. I'll ship out in tha' pod wi' Steele here. You jus' get a crackin' on your modifications afta' we get tha' Queen fixed. Ya' here? I can na' lose ya', ya' family ta' me," she admonished him.

Then Johnny opened the Engineering Pod hatch in the deck by the refueling pod hatch, "Then I think that it's about time for you two troublemakers to get on the job, And Techie?"

"Sir?"

"Don't be afraid to requisition any parts that you need."

Techie smiled and saluted John who returned the salute, "Aye, aye, Captain."

Turning to Steele and Sparky, "And you two, be careful, out there. That's an order."

They saluted in unison, "AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN. they affirmed in unison.

Piper grabbed four kits from a shelf by the hatch, passing two to Steele, "Well, come on then! Or are ya' daft in tha' head now?" she asked as she gave Johnny a knowing wink. ['He is na' as dense as I thot.']

As she entered the pod, Steele raised a Spockian eyebrow, "Troublemaker indeed, Jonathan. More like matter mixing with antimatter," he chuckled as he closed the hatch behind him. ['I must admit that he is correct, have I finally found one to make my heart sing again?']

As they descended into the pod and dogged the hatch flat to the floor, Johnny grinned. "Never have seen two more afraid too admit their love for one another."

Techie nodded, "Yes, she may love me as a brother, but I am glad that Steele has won her heart. As for me, I know that there's one out there for me, he mused.

* * *

Then the pod dropped from below the Queen and shot up from between the aft cooling vent for the reaction drives and fought the storm winds as it orbited up into the edge of space where the satellites kept watch over the planet.

"We have achieved orbit Jonathan, scanning for satellites," announced Steele as he guided the pod in a search. Never have I seen such a storm. This is an abomination of nature!!"

"Abomination?"

"My apologies, Jonathan, This storm is NOT natural."

"OK. Keep her steady, Steele."

"Not to worry, Jonathan. The pod's thrusters are handling the winds and lightning. But these winds are growing beyond that of a Class 5 hurricane."

"Can you detect any thing to explain the increase?"

"Negative! Only that the increase coincides with the pod's launch."

"Johnny boy, tha' dust an' san' are startin' ta' ova ride tha' shields. Goin' ta' maximun thrust ta' compensate."

Then came Steele's calm voice of assurance over the speaker, "Pod is above the storm. Adjusting course to enter into orbit."

"Good, Steele. Sparky? Have you installed the kits yet?" came his voice over the intercom. "DAMN! I hate being a mother hen, but I am worried about you two," he confessed.

"Don'tcha worry none, Johnny Boy! I got tha' kits installed before Steele dogged tha' hatch. Jus' find me a target and I'll do ya' proud! Those Imperial junk piles will neva' know what hit 'em," she interjected from her seat.

"OK. We're monitoring things from here, according to scanners; there are two closing in on you from opposite sides."

"SHIT! Dear Lord, they've got to be careful or they'll be killed!!" interrupted Jane.

Steele erected the deflectors that activated the stealth screens, "Not to worry, Doctor. They will not spot us now. The Imperials still have not penetrated even a basic stealth as the pod's," he chortled.

"Steele, the pod just vanished from scanners and a new light is active. Are you responsible? I wonder, just what other technological marvels of the Rim do I have yet to see?" asked a perplexed John.

"Yes, Johnny Boy, that's us. I guess tha' ya' neva' heard abou' our stealth screens, have ya' now? I may be Irish as tha' day is long, even if ma' ma married a Brit, but Tha' there Johnny Boy has yet ta' see everythin' that tha' Queen has ta' offa' ya'," giggled Piper.

"Well, the satellites are initiating a total sensor sweep, so be careful there you two," announced Techie. ['Please Hunter, don't do anything rash and get yourself killed. I need you my sister by choice.']

==========================
Interlude: Piper & Techie
==========================

Piper and Techie had grown up together and having no siblings soon bonded and became a family. Techie early on proved to be adept at tinkering with most any toy or appliance and make them do things not dreamed of by the manufacturer while Piper's mathematical genius and love of gadgets led her into excelling in the sciences and earning several grants and doctorates while still in high school, leading both into attending the Imperial University on Earth.

It was while attending the university that they experimented and found that they were not lovers, rather they were brother and sister. Even though she had given up her virginity to him, she considered it a wonderful experience as he proved to be as gentle a lover as he was a friend.

Upon graduation, they enlisted in the Imperial Merchant Fleet because the Imperial Navy and Imperial Army would not allow women to advance beyond the rank of lieutenant, ineligible for command. Instead, they were transferred to bases to serve as aides and instructors, freeing men for active duty.

But the Imperial Merchant Fleet was not burdened by such rules, PROFIT was their main concern. The Fleet was owned and operated by Corporate Families who had created global business empires on Ancient Earth.

The Corporate Families global businesses were larger than most countries, and manipulated local law for their benefit. Even when the Galactic Federation had been replaced by the Galactic Empire, not even the Empire could afford to make them an enemy.

So, in a totalitarian police state/religious dictatorship, Free enterprise flourished in the Corporate Families. It was in the Families that innovation flourished, the over strict discipline of the military killed off the needed spark of creative energy of the inquisitive mind.

Those few that did survive in the military were soon warped into producing the sadistic torture devices that were craved by the Imperial Elite for their perversions. That is why the M.I.B.D. made sure to spirit them away before they were totally corrupted.

That was another reason why Engineer 'Sparky' Piper and Technician Apollo Hunter left the Service. Sparky felt the twisting of her talent and Apollo knew that she needed help.

Since he was descended from Artemis Hunter, he was an Agent in hiding. He contacted the Agency for extracting him and Piper, but before the extraction took place, he had to defend his best friend from the attention of Weems, leading to his placement within the synthoid body.

* * *

"Dontcha' worry Techie, I'm abou' to do ma' magic," she admonished as she moved the four triangular wings to form a four pointed gun pointed at the targeted satellite. "Now ta' get tha' show on tha' road."

Steele brought the wingtip lasers online, "Weapons ready to fire."

Piper took hold of the firing toggle and past it over to Steele, "Here ya' go. Ya' need ta' handle tha' while I see abou' tha' programming."

Steele accepted the switch and smiled, Very well, let me know when you're ready."

She bent over a series of controls, "Ready."

Then four explosions erupted from the wingtips and connected with a satellite, causing its shields to glow and fail as the satellite's electronics were overridden by new programming that cascaded from the satellite into the surrounding satellites, bringing them all under Trillannii control.

Piper clapped her hands as she saw the readouts, "SUCCESS!! ALL THA' BEASTIES ARE UNDA' OUR CONTROL NOW, JOHNNY BOY!!" she exclaimed with glee.

"Good show, Sparky!! Can you two bring them down, leaving up enough to maintain a planetary shield?"

"Affirmative Jonathan, according to readouts, there are only ten needed to be reset to act as shields." informed Steele.

"It'll take me a bit ta' land tha' beasties, unless ya' wanna land them in tha' storm."

"No Sparky, wait up there with them until the storm disperses. Any idea of when that'll be?"

"With ma' control ova' tha' weatha' I can do it in a jiffy and return tha' weather ta' normal."

"Do that, just take your time and do it right," then Johnny ended the call.

=========================
Interlude: Princess Ariel
=========================

In her suite of rooms, Princess Ariel goes over to a wall, depicting a scene of a unicorn in a glade, with a beautiful blond walking beside him. Ariel touches the unicorn's spiral horn, and blue lighting bathes the chamber with a soft light.

Ariel sits down at a recessed console that emerges from under the unicorn and waits as the console's screen connects with its twin. Then, the screen cleared to reveal Agent Amber of the M.I.B.D. who is also Amelia Dorset, Palace Guide.

"Ariel, why are you contacting me? Good thing that our friendship is not suspected by Imperial Intelligence."

Ariel sighed, "Daddy has brought back that scumbag, Jolleck to oversee the flight. I hope that he keeps his worm in his pants. If he even looks like he's about to rape me, I'll castrate him!"

Amber slammed her fist onto the padded desk, "Damn! That means that we can't meet out in the open. That Beast will torture any who contact you."

"Not necessarily, anybody with Imperial Credentials can approach me as I tour the various sites, and when I hold Court for the masses, anybody may see me. [Sighed]. "Oh, how I detest such pomposity, but it's a part of being a Princess," she fumed.

Amber shook her head, "Not good enough for any direct contact. And Jolleck will inspect any gifts, especially technological gifts. Do you have a way around that?"

Ariel smiled evilly, "Who says that I can't go out and meet you? As long as Jolleck does not know that I am gone?"

"But Princess, Jolleck won't let you out, even if your guards will let you."

"Ariel, it's time to reveal my Doppelganger, then,

"Doppelganger?"

"Yes, thanks to the Clone Banks creating a clone and copying my brain onto a positronic brain, my dop can replace me here, or be sent to meet you."

Amber smiled as she grasped the implications of her announcement, "So, you have a dop, eh? Who built it for you? I know that none of the staff in the Clone Banks have that technology."

Ariel blushed, "Actually, I took a fetus clone of mine from the Clone Bank, and while its brain was forming, injected positronic nanites into the cranium."

"Oh? where did you get the nanites from?"

"Having my own private play room is great for when I want to indulge in my hobby of designing nanites."

"I am impressed; I never knew that you had any tech, or medical training. But who trained you? Are they Hidden Agents?"

"Relax your anxiety, Amber. I was tutored by Instructors from the Imperial Academy that are also secretly Rimmers."

"As in Trillannii Knights?"

"The same."

"Then we BOTH have secrets to reveal, the usual meeting room?"

"OK, we'll be ready for your arrival."

"WE?"

"Yes, we. my dop and me."

"Oh, so that she knows who I am?"

"Exactly."

Ariel shut down the screen, and readied herself for the Tour, No doubt about it, Amber will be impressed by my dop," she giggled as she pressed a hidden switch.

Then the security sensors were overridden by Princess Ariel's to broadcast fake readings showing her reading her favorite romance series while a secret door opened, letting her into a secret room.

The room was hidden one person long range shuttle pod with two access portals, across from each other. Ariel quickly shut the portal behind her and sat in her lounger as she waited for her friend to arrive.

* * *

"Bridge to Engineering," came Mutt's voice over the intercom.

Johnny toggled the switch, "Johnny here, why are you calling down here?" he answered.

"Sensors are showing an increase in the storm's intensity. We will need to reinforce the hull's integrity field, soon." he announced.

"Any damage?'

"Jeff was stunned by an electrical discharge, a moment ago. I hope the Queen can take it. It's off the scale and continuing to increase."

"What are his vitals?" inquired Jane, worriedly.

"He is OK, Ms... Jane. His chair's life support systems were unaffected, he is simply sleeping off the shock," came the comforting rumble.

"THANK GOD!" prayed Jane.

"Sir, we have plenty of power in the transition drive we can transfer to the hull. If not that, I have another idea," offered Techie.

Johnny went over to Techie, "What about the intakes? They're still fused shut. It'd be foolish to overheat to avoid a lightning strike," he said with a sigh.

Techie smiled, "The intakes are now open. I lasered them open while Sparky launched in anticipation of her return. Will you OK my action or condemn it as a poor choice?" he asked.

Johnny smiled, "Good choice, Techie. You have taken the initiative and it paid off. I will NEVER admonish one for thinking ahead unless it is a clear case of stupidity," he grinned.

Techie visibly slumped, "Thank you sir."

"Mutt, transfer power from the transition drives to the hull," ordered Johnny.

"Roger wilco."

* * *

Outside the Queen, the weather continued to grow in violence as the two control systems warred with each other until ten of the satellites sent an E.M.P. out, deactivating the others, bringing a cloudless sky to the battered planet.

* * *

"Well Sparky, well done. Now do you have any idea on how to return the planet's weather to normal?" asked Steele.

She grinned, "Tis simple, ma' lad, tha' beasties have tha' program in 'em. I'll jus' turn it on like this," she flipped a toggle and a new program activated a series of lights that coincided with a rapid dispersal of clouds.

"I see, too bad the ecology has been destroyed or severely compromised," he sighed.

"Not really, tha' planet was barren when they landed, but there are several caches of seeds an' such ta' jump start tha' ecology."

Steele turned to the controls and sent the pod on a course back to the Queen, "Then you have good news for the colonists and Jonathan."

The pod gently reformed into its flying configuration and arced back home where it reattached to the access hatch, waiting as the ship's systems performed their functions and opened up the access hatch.

* * *

Jane looked up from checking over the Captain via her monitor, "Johnny, I need to check on the Captain, he doesn't look good." ['Are we about to lose you? I hope not! I still need my adopted dad.']

Johnny gathered her with his arm, "Come on then, let's go check on him. I am surprised that he hasn't been on the intercom." ['Am I NOW the Captain now? If so, I am not ready yet by a long shot!']

============================
Interlude: The King and Mary
============================

Back in Mary's office, The King and Mary are finalizing the negotiations.

The King sipped on his drink and at it down, "Mary, I have a question about a possible past connection between Trillannii and the Agency," he admitted. ['Could it be that they gave birth to Trillannii? Legends say so, but I must be certain.']

Mary refilled his now empty glass with wine and dropped a counter agent in to negate the alcohol, "You think that there may be a connection between us and there is one," she admitted. ['Now to reveal the secret that can destroy us both.']

He sat up, "So! The Legend is True!" he exclaimed with awe. ['Emperor be DAMNED! You're about to lose everything!']

Mary smiled, "Tell me about this Legend. There are so many to keep track of, especially about Trillannii," she smirked. ['They are so much like us, taking on evil and having legends told about them. It's a wonder that we are still a secret.']

He sat back and pulled out a pipe filled with herbs and lit it, "According to Legend, the First Queen Veronica was a genetic male who was an Agent who through some process became a genetic woman and married Prince Gerrold of Earth," he replied. ['I hope that it is true, because that will mean that our domain extends throughout the galaxy and possibly replaces the Empire.']

Mary sat back her mouth agape, "King, I will have to check out our records to be sure and certain, but there is a Veronica in our files who resigned to marry. They shipped out on a colony ship too." ['Is it possible that we are united by blood? If so, then I am a Trillannii Noble Woman of some degree.']

He went over and wiped her brow, "From the way that you're acting, this means more to you than confirming a few facts for me. Is it personal in some way?" ['Could she be a Trillannii Noble Woman?']

She smiled sheepishly up at him, "I may be related to you by blood. Veronica had a daughter she fathered before she transitioned and I am a direct descendant from her daughter Daphne." ['Well, more of a love child, but still counts I guess.']

"In that case, she is a Love Child. Because Veronica went on to have a family with Gerrold. And it is through Daphne's descendants that the Trillanii Nobles hale from. But we do not know if during the thousand years of colonization that formed the Empire, if there was a mingling of the families, yet."

"According to our records, Veronica, and Gerrold led an expedition to Mars, setting up the Agency's first base away from direct Earth contact."

He smiled back, "Our Legend says that as well and that Daphne joined the exodus to Mars when the offer came." ['No wonder she does not know that much about the Legend. Daphne never joined the Agency.']

Mary got up, "Come with me to the archives and we will make sure and certain about the Legend and do a D.N.A. test to prove my pedigree." ['I have to know one way or the other. I feel something from him, but what, I do not know.']

* * *

Jane used her authority to open the door to the Captain's Ready Room where she, Johnny and their guest were greeted by a horrid sight. The Captain was most definitely dead, his head was limply leaning forward on his chest, drool pooling upon his shirt.

"CAPTAIN!!" she yelled as she ran to him, tears streaming down her face. ['Why LORD? Why take him from me?']

Johnny leaps over the console and starts applying C.P.R. along with Jane, "DAMN IT CAPTAIN!! I'M NOT READY YET!!" ['LORD! If he is dead, help me to be the leader that I need to be.']

Riker kneels in anguish, "THIS IS MY FAULT, LORD!! I AM NOT WORTHY TO LEAD!!"

Jeff placed his hand on Riker's shoulder, "Wrong! You are not at fault! It's the damned Imperials! When I transferred the power, from the drives, lightning struck and shorted out the safeties here and electrocuted the Captain. If any of us are to be blamed, it's me," he explained, as he wept for the Captain.

Riker smiles sheepishly, "Sorry, Johnny, but I am the leader of my People, here. I forgot that you are not my People."

Jane looks at him, "Riker, you have been under a great strain as the Leader of your People. It's no wonder that you took responsibility for the Captain's death."

Johnny seeing that the Captain was dead, gave up as Jane closed the Captain's eyes, "No Jeff, do not blame yourself. I am sure that a satellite hit us during that moment of transfer as a part of their programming," offered a tired Johnny.

Jane went over to the distraught native, "Help me get him to the Medical Bay so that I can determine the cause of death, please Riker." ['Poor man, he needs to find some way to find the strength to carry on for his people.']

He looked at her with renewed hope, "Why me? I am not a part of the crew." ['Why does the Commander not stop her?']

Johnny placed a friendly hand upon his shoulder, "Because I am needed elsewhere. I must see to the transfer of Command and the ship's repairs." ['Even though not ready, I must become the Captain.']

Riker smiled and stood up, "Very well then. As the Leader of the Colony, I am honored to help." ['These people have given back our freedom. Can I do any less?']

Jeff turns to head to the Bridge, "Captain, shall I initiate a call to Trillannii?"

"No, wait until they return from handling the satellites."

* * *

"Where's Jonathan?" asked Steele as he entered the ship. ['What has transpired to have him absent?']

"Jane went to check on the Captain and they followed," answered Techie from the main console where he was making adjustments.

"Stay here with Techie Hunter and get those intakes repaired," ordered Steele as he ran out the door.

"I've already gotten most of it done, all we need is the dust," informed Techie.

"What for? I thought that the intakes were repaired."

"Oh, they are, Mister Steele, we need to now coat the entire hull in order to give the Queen complete protection against lightning strikes. I've just now learned that the coolant vanes are now in need of the dust as well."

"Good thing tha' we made a stop then, because I go this," replied Hunter, holding up a canister.

=========================
Interlude: King and Mary
=========================

Down in the massive vault containing the Archives, the King and Mary peruse the records and compare them with Trillannii Archival records.

"Well Mary, accounting for differences of authorship, I'd say that we are related," smirked the King. ['The Council will have a conniption fit over this, but I shan't tell her that.']

"I agree, but I prefer to wait for D.N.A. confirmation myself," grinned Mary. ['This means that the original Mary is a Trilannii Noble Woman too.']

The King lifted a tankard of ale, "Then at least let us toast to our Union Of Trillannii. With this treaty, both of our people are now stronger than before." ['I have gone beyond the Council's goal and forged an Alliance that will give the Imperials trouble.']

She clinked tankards, "Yes, to the Union," she announced, then sipped her ale as The King sipped his.

A message light flashed on her computer screen, causing both to splutter in their ale, "Well Mary, now we shall see if you are a Trillannii Noble Woman according to the D.N.A. results, "the King chuckled. ['I am convinced that she is because I feel her through my medallion. Now to let her have her own.']

She read the report and looked up in awe, "I AM A TRILLANNII NOBLE WOMAN," she whispered as she fainted.

The King produced two Medallions; one had a diamond center with gold dividing it into quadrants and encircling it. Each quadrant had a ruby center in a clear crystal field. The second was a plain crystal medallion divided into quadrants and encircled by silver.

"Awaken Princess Mary of Trillannii," ordered the King as he placed the silver medallion upon her chest.

She stirred as the medallion glowed and morphed, replacing the silver with gold and placing an emerald in the center with pink diamonds in the crystal fields, "What happened? Did I faint?" she asked wearily.

He knelt before her and smiled, "Yes Princess Mary. You are now and forever more a Princess of Trillannii."

"But why did I faint?"

"Your Trillannii Blood needed to be activated, that's why."

* * *

"Well, it's official, the Captain died by electrocution," Jane wept as she turned off the medi-scanner on the diagnosis bed that the body of the Captain lay on. ['Good Bye, Captain. You were my adopted father since we met. Thanks to you, I know what a father is.']

Johnny hugged her, "Beloved, I feel your loss. He was my mentor, and now I am without guidance," he sighed. ['Who will guide me now in my quest for knowledge?']

Then Steele approached them, hearing both, "Jane, mourn for the Captain. He loved you as a daughter, Jonathan; I will help you in his stead if you will have me." ['Old friend, I am here just in time. I will carry on your mission.']

Johnny clasped Steele's proffered hand, "Thank you Steele. When you showed up here as the Security Officer, I knew that you were the Captain's friend. But why did you stay hidden?"

"Simple, I wanted to see how you commanded. I knew that with no Security Officer that you would give free reign to your desires."

"And what do you think of Johnny now?" asked Jane as she kissed her beloved.

"That he is the Real Deal. He is the Prince, and has my loyalty."

Johnny smiled, "Then I promote you to Executive Officer."

"I accept as long as I am also Security Officer."

"Done."
"Engineering to tha' Captain," came Hunter's voice from the Intercom.

Johnny toggles the switch, Johnny here, report!" ['I wonder how she'll react to the news of his death.']

"Johnny Boy, Whar's tha' Captain?"

"He died from electrical shock, we just found out."

"DAMN IT ALL TA' HELL!! HE WAS A GOOD 'UN!"

"I agree Sparky, NOW, REPORT."

"Yas sair! Tha' ship is fully operational."

"Then prepare the ship for its longest voyage." ['The Duty that we must do for Trent, even at the cost of losing the Treasure.']

"Jonathan, why? The Treasure Ship is here! All we need to do is find it"

Johnny grimaced, "I know that, Steele. But there is a Duty that I must do as both a new Captain, and Prince. If not for being the Prince, I could postpone the Duty," he sighed.

"Johnny, what duty is that, Riker asked?

"We are to take going home the Captain home to Trillannii."

* * *