Starspeaker IC (Closed for silvertongue217)

[silvertongue217]

Jase watched her go unable to help himself from smiling. The look of her glowing albiet a little sick with their children was enough to make his heart swell. With all that was going on it seemed the children had been put on the back burner. Which made him more than a little sad.

"Oh little ones the world your being born into" He said softly shaking his head and sighing. He didnt dwell on the sad aspect instead heading back to his office so he could make the arrangements for them.

A FEW HOURS LATER

Jase waited by the Falcon, instead of his generals jacket and usual "uniform" he was wearing a simple dark T shirt and matching pants. The falcon was already prepped and ready to go.

"Did you make the arrangements?" Jase asked Samantha who was waiting besides him.

"I did" Samantha said "and you should know now that im plugged into the ship im running things much more smoothly im able to shave off some of our time but not much"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

After making the decision to go planet side, and having something quick to eat, Vera and Jase went their separate ways to tie up any loose ends they needed to deal with before heading off. At this stage, now that the treaty with the Rebels was sorted, the battle plans drawn, and Avery in charge of the mission, it was all just a waiting game. It was the first time in months that they didn't have overwhelming lists of things to do. As Vera made her way down to the Falcon she pressed her hand against her abdomen, promising the squirming twins within her that she would be sure to relax and give them some stress free time.

Vera arrived at the Falcon to see Jase waiting for her. She could hear the engines humming already as she approached.

"You're eager," She said with a grin, pressing a lingering kiss against his cheek as she passed him and walked up the ramp. Behind her, several guards marched onto one of the small fighter/transport crafts beside the Falcon and Vera sighed.

"Now, don't get me wrong, but having a small contingent of body guards following us on our romantic getaway makes it seem kinda less romantic," Vera laughed, turning to Jase and smiling at him to let him know that she was still very much looking forward to it. "So Sam, I hope you booked a room with a bath? You know how much Jase likes to-"

"Yes, I know far too much about Jase's preferences," Sam cut in, voice clipped, as she appeared in front of the closing ramp. "I have sent all of the plans through to your inbox Vera, so you shouldn't have any trouble. Now off you go, Kryten and I will handle whatever happens on the ship as long as it isn't an emergency, and we'll see you tomorrow."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Really guys?" Jase asked raising his eyebrow at the assortment of guards moving onto the ramp.

"Sir are orders are-"

"I think I can handle protecting my pregnant wife" Jase said rolling his eyes "I mean come on I used to be a smuggler"

"Our orders are to protect you both" The lead body guard said clearing his throat.

Jase laughed shaking his head "Take the night off mates thats an order okay?"

They all glanced at each other looking uncomfortable at the prospect before finally nodding. Jase waved them off and turned hitting the button to close the ramp.

"You shouldnt have done that" Samantha remarked appearing beside him "You and Vera are important now you need protection"

"We will be fine Sam" Jase said waving her off as well and going into the Pilot seat "Go run the ship make sure not to go evil and take it over"

She sighed and disappeared leaving the two alone as Jase left the ship. He immediately went into orbit and within seconds they were coasting over the large spindle like towers dotting the planet.

"So I have a surprise for you" Jase said angling the ship through traffic "One I think your going to enjoy"

He reached out taking her hand just as they reached the mail towers. All the parking was on the roof of this massive row of sky scrapers so Jase had arranged a VIP hanger for high value customers. The Falcon parked the hangar bay doors sliding down as a fae zoomed over to them on her wings.

"Come my love" He said kissing her hand and rising up with a smile

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera rolled her eyes as Jase dismissed the guards. In truth she was pleased for kt, but she couldn't help but think he would tell her off if she did the same. Either way she settled into the falcon, pleased to be back on board. She reached out to Jase, holding his hand as they flew off into space.

~*~
"A surprise?" Vera asked with a grin as the Falcon glided over the beautiful city and nestled itself into a generous sized and empty parking level. "I do t know how you fond the time and energy darling. You amaze me." She felt a little bad then, all she had been thinking about was a few hours alone with him, snuggled together, and he had gone to the trouble to plan something for them.

 

[silvertongue217]

"You might want to see the surprise before you start the praising" Jase said with a wink as he lead her down the ramp doors.

"Its a wonder to see you Empress!" The Fae said gliding to a stop and bowing "If you come this way please"

The Fae led them to the elevator and soon they were going down to the 230th floor. They slid to a stop and with a ding they were suddenly in baby world.

"I have as per your instructions cleared out most of the shopers so you can browse with out being bombarded" The Fae said bowing "please enjoy your self"

"What do you say my love" Jase said interlocking their fingers and leading her out "shall we do some nursery shopping?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera had been to this planet before but, as usual, it was for business. Most of her shopping trips had been done vis catalogue so she had no idea what she would find in the mall tower. And then the elevator doors opened. Vera thanked the Fae woma n profusely as she stepped over into some kind of alternate universe. There was baby paraphernalia everywhere. She had no idea there was so much. She turned back to Jase, eyes wide and sparkling with emotions. Her hands went to her abdomen.

"By the stars Jase!" She said with a little laugh. "I don't even know where to begin!" She finished, this comment directed at her husband as well as the shop assistant.

Never before in her life had Vera felt so far out of her element. It made sense though, as they were leaving for the front and the children might well be born out there. They certainly needed supplies. And then a pang of guilt wrackrd through her at just how little she had invested in this pregnancy. She forgave herself off course, knowing how busy they were with the war effort.

"Thank you Jase," Vera's thoughts fled through the mind link, thick with emotion.

 

[silvertongue217]

"This is a treat for both of us" Came Jase's mental reply "We have both been so busy with the preparations for the war that the babies have not had their time to shine in the sun! So this is our chance to play parents for a little while"

He nodded at the attendants who had been lying in wait and they were soon pulled into the world of baby gear. The attendants were nice and for the most part did not treat them as the rulers of the universe. They were shown all the newest and greatest baby equipment and talked through what was essential and what was as Jase so well put it.

Nonsense

 

[SinisterSpiders]

A point of pride for Vera was that she had a deep knowledge of a wide range of things. She learned, much to her dismay, that babies were one of the few things that had completely and utterly been left out of her understanding. It made sense of course, with her life the way it was, but seeing all of the accessories and things they would need made her realise just how much she had to learn. It was intimidating. She felt well out of her depth. She now had more confidence in her ability to fight Hive than she did to raise her twins. On cue, the little ones gave a stir in her stomach and a faint, sad smile tugged at her lips.

Samantha, I feel so out of my depth. I have no idea what I'm doing. Vera projected her thoughts to Samantha alone, while giving Jase a reassuring smile as they looked at a ridiculously large range of nappies.

We all felt like that at some stage. You'll be fine Vera, if you can survive what you have I am sure you can survive becoming a mother. Besides, you have me here to help- and I know everything. Sam replied. The last bit made Vera laugh despite herself.

Sam's reassurance didn't completely cure her concerns, but the shop assistants were really helpful and having Jase at her side gave her a temporary boost to her confidence. When they were ordering the cots the assistants gave matching squeals of delight when they realised they were having twins (and ordering two of everything), and they were also more than happy to help select a range of clothes for a boy and a girl. They swore to keep their lips sealed about the news, but Vera had no doubt it would get out soon enough.

"I feel like we've bought the whole shop out," Vera sighed, looking around as the assistants recorded the last of their purchases and checked stock levels for the bigger item. She stepped closer to Jase and linked her arm through his, a genuine smile on her face at the wonder of it all. "And I think you're going to need a bigger bird to get it all up to the Mothership." Vera added, her fingers running over the lovely, smooth white blanket she had picked.

 

[silvertongue217]

"I will make the arrangements to have it all brought up on a supply ship" Jase said sounding tired as he pulled her out of the shop and into the elevator. His mind swam with the sheer.... Brunt of it all.

They were having twins

Two of every thing

Mountains of baby stuff

"Frak me" He said shaking his head and laughing turning to look at her "Between the war and parent hood its going to be a wonder if we survive the next couple of years!"

They rode the high speed elevator back up to the hangar where the falcon was waiting. Jase knitted their fingers together once more leading her up and closing it behind him.

"So were to next" Jase asked turning to her before pausing.

Some thing wasnt right

Jase turned his hand going to his revolver.....

But a hand sent it crashing away

The assassin in armor kicked the gun away having dropped from the over head. He rose his hands keeping them up as he backed up.

"I come in peace" He said his voice synthesized "We must speak"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera had been laughing despite herself at Jase's words. No truer ones had been spoken. When they stepped out of the elevator she wondered where their next stop would bem then, she saw Jase going for his gun and she turned to look in the same direction he was. She wasn't carrying a gun, which was probably a mistake, but she instinctively settled into a defensive position when she heard the rasping voice of that damned assassin. Her thought immediately cast to the babies growing in her womb and she felt a surge of adrenalin rushing through her. She would not let that bastard hurt her family.

Vera! What is it? Sam chimed in via comma, probably sensing the adrenalin spike on her monitor. Frack I'm sending back up immediately.

"You want to speak, then speak!" Vera demanded, knowing that keeping the bastard talking might was their best option.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Very well" The man said

His hands went to his helmet and there was a pop as the environment seals opened. He pulled his helmet off revealing a stunningly handsome face that screamed genetically made.

"Your a Marksan....." Jase said his hands dropping "I should have known"

"I am...." The assassin said nodding "My name is Xander, Xander Mayax as you know the pirate Queen sent me to kill you"

"And I shot you out of a canon in space in exchange" Jase said rolling his eyes "get to the point"

"I have heard whats coming and seen it with my own eyes I would like to help and become one of your agents consider it me formally reporting for duty" Xander said dropping to his knees and bowing his head.

"Why would you do that?" Jase said in surprise glancing at Vera "You know your people-"

"Will exile me yes" Xander remarked "But I would very much like to have a people to come back to"

"And your willing to pledge to us?" Jase said his tone still one of surprise.

"I am"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera was surprised at the Marksan's word and how he took his helmet off. Though she didn't let it show. Her eyes remained keen and her body ready to spring.

"Why?" Vera asked, not willing to curb her suspicions.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Why?" The Xander asked snorting and shaking his head but otherwise remaining bowing on his one knee.

"I think I would be of great use during the war.... But I can not get involved with one as per my peoples beliefs however if I make the pact with you and become your sword then I would have no choice to" Xander said glancing up at them both "If I am going to go ahead and betray my people then I am going to do it right"

Jase glanced over at Vera before stepping forward "What do you need for the bond"

"Nothing" Xander said "If you agree I will start"

"Agreed" Jase said glancing back at Vera

"I Xander Mayax Son Of Drahomir mentor to the Crimson blade pledge my self to your cause and organization I shall be your blade your silent agent in the night I swear this by the seven moons of Agarth that my life is now yours to take freely" He said his head bowed once more.

"Uh rise I guess?" Jase said looking unsure for once

Xander rose grabbing his helmet "Shall I go to the ship?" He asked glancing at both of them.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera was still glaring at the assassin when he rose. She knew the customs of his people, of course, but she was still suspicious of his pledge. How could she not be when he had tried to kill them. Multiple times.

Are you taking this seriously? She asked Jase through their mind link.

"No, you are not to go to the ship. I have another task for you," Vera said, looking at the assassin with barely restrained concern. "Give me your comm address. I will give you some documents and then I want you to investigate them. My uncle, the ex-general, was involved in some very under-the-table dealings that resulted in the death of a lot of people. I want to know who helped him, who enabled him. When you find them, you tell me."

Vera was also hoping this would help them to figure out just how and when he was infected by Hive, but she said none of that to the assassin.

 

[silvertongue217]

Xander raised an eyebrow at Veras command. He looked at Jase who shrugged.

"You heard the lady" Jase said gesturing for the air lock "we will be in touch"

"As you wish" Xander said grabbing his helmet and sealing it before disappearing down the ramp.

"You sure thats the best use of his time?" Jase asked closing it behind them and going into the ship "I know your worried about him, I mean he did try to kill us! But they take those vows very seriously I doubt he would ever lay a hand on us again now"

Jase went over to the pilot seat sliding in and lifting them out of the private hanger. He angled them across the city of sky scrapers plotting a course for the restaurant they were going to.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"I think it is," Vera replied with a sigh, thoroughly unsettled by the encounter. "I want to know who has been conspiring against me, and against the good of the universe, and I want to see if we can pinpoint when and where my Uncle was infected."

Vera looked out of the windscreen, pressing her hand against her stomach as she felt her babies squirming about. The movement brought a smile to her face despite herself. Vera reached out across the distance between the seats and put her hand on Jase's thighs, trying to relax as she looked around the familiar cockpit of the falcon.

"I don't want him on our ship until we've had a chance to ensure that he won't break his vow to you. The fact that he made one for you meant he was forsaking at least one other vow- the one to kill us. I think we need to take some time to look into his background."

The twins squirmed again. This time their movement felt more like a pitter patter than a faint pop. Vera bit her lip as she considered all that had transpired in the past six months. She thumbed at her wedding ring and the turned to Jase with a smile as bright as her eyes.

"I still can't believe it sometimes... You, us, the babies." Vera shook her head slowly.

 

[silvertongue217]

"I guess we probably should vet him first" Jase murmured as they neared the restaurant "But who knows he might now have made the vow to kill me who knows with Assassins these days"

He heard her comment the one about the babies and couldn't resist laughing "I know right? Were leaders of the largest government in human history and I cant seem to wrap my mind around the fact were having twins!"

He reached out rubbing her belly and smiling in pleasure "Still those little ones have a couple of kick ass parents if you dont mind me saying! I mean its us against an anicent threat and a few more closer to home"

He saw another private landing bay waiting for them and with in seconds they were parked. This time a human greeted them thanking them both for choosing to come and eat at their restaurant. Jase rolled his eyes at that but nevertheless followed him as they were brought to a pent house style restaurant.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"You and Sam know all the swankiest places," Vera chuckled as they were lead into the skytop restaurant. "Surprising for an ex-smuggler." She added with a wink.

From there they went on to have a lovely dinner. The food was divine, the view incredible, but it was the company that made it. They spent their time making sure not to talk about work. Vera had instead decided to do something they didn't normally do; talk about the babies. Part of her felt a little scandalous talking about it in public. It had been such a big secret for them that it was odd to now have it in the open.

So they discussed baby things; they discussed changing their suite around to accommodate for the nursery, how on earth they would store the items they had bought. They discussed having to come up with names (and how surprising it was that it would be so daunting) and they tried to figure out, in theory, how they would work with the two new ones in their lives.

By the time that Jase and Vera stepped off the ship, Avery and Boomer were ready to head planetside. They wished them a good time and retired to their suite, eager to tumble into bed after a night of new wonders and heavy realisations.

 

[silvertongue217]

And just like that war seemed to be upon them

The last two days were a whir of activity now that things were well and truly progressing the couple found them selves pulled in every direction. It was so bad that by some miracle Avery briefing and departure was pushed back until they left for the front lines.

It was a furry of paper work and meetings some times with PEACe and some times with ever one. A war council was formed as well including all of the species top ogverment officials and their military advisors.

In short it was the most massive military undertaking any one had ever been a part of

THE DAY

Jase stood tall waiting on the deck where the Falcon was. It was decided that he would be the one to see Avery off. Boomer and her had her good byes and Vera as well. He was there to assign the mission and go over the final roster list with her.

"Well it seems its time for all of us" He said seeing her come out and stepping forward "Data pad with all the potential recruits" He explained to her handing it over.

"Go ahead and take the Falcon for the mission most of the smugglers and criminals will recognize it even if they dont know that I have joined up with PEACe" Jase explained walking with her over to the loading ramp.

"Your to meet us on the front lines after the teams been assembled" he told her clapping her shoulder "good luck"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Avery Watersmith

On the night that Avery and Boomer had borrowed the Falcon, they had said their goodbyes. They went back to the mothership at a respectable time the following morning, Avery fully intending to set off on her new mission, but she had instead been pulled aside by Vera and Jase and told of their delay. It was a bittersweet thing; in one way she just needed to leave, every delay would only make it harder. But they took the time, enjoyed it more than they ever had before.

So when Avery finally kissed Boomer goodbye and made her way to the hangar, it was with a mixed sense of trepidation and relief. It was happening, she was committed, and she would succeed.

Avery took the data pad from Jase and tucked it under her arm. She watched over her shoulder as her pilot, Fiddles, walked up the ramp of the Falcon with a look of glee on her face. The Falcon had become the stuff of legends, and when she went to choose a pilot she found that people had actually begun competing for the task. If she had free pick, she would have dragged Boomer away, but they both knew better than that. So she picked Fiddles, a girl she had gone through basic recruit training with, who was probably the third best pilot on the mothership at that time (after Boomer and Jase).

"Thanks General," Avery said with a gruff nod. She turned, making her way to the Falcon before stopping and sighing. "And Jase?" She turned around, eyes falling on the man who had stolen her sister's heart. "Thank you for trusting me with this."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Why wouldnt I have?" Jase said looking confused before grinning "We all have our part to play I only wish it was Vera and I going with you"

"Keep in touch" He told her with a wink "and dont forget that we need you back here prompt dont let any of those scum take you down" He told her turning and letting her take her leave.

"Once she is away were going to start undocking procedures" Samantha said appearing "This is it"

"It is indeed" Jase said moving to the main hanger bay "Go ahead and arrange for most of the non essential personal to come down for the away ceremony its expected for me to say a few things and I would like for them all to hear it at least as many of them as possible"

"Aye general"

Jase walked into the main hangar and noted the ceremony was getting set up. He saw Ashlyn off to the side preparing her people to record it and came over to join her.

"You sure you want to be here?" he asked once more "This is going to be an active battle ship in the next few days I cant guarantee your safety"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera made her way down the halls of the ship to the large hangar. She had said farewell to Avery before scooting off to a meeting with the General of the Rebels. They had been hard at work negotiating the tactics of their forces as well as the evacuation effort for the outer planets in the path of Hive.

When Vera arrived in the hangar most of the people were already there. She saw Jase and Ashlyn standing off to the side of a makeshift dais as Ashlyn directed her minions, so she went and joined them.

"No, I've already said I'll stay. I don't like to remote in and I think my best work can be done here," Ashlyn said with a dismissive wave of her hand. Vera smiled, guessing that Jase had given her a final warning to jump ship. Ashlyn turned and smiled at her. "Plus, if those babies of yours arrive and someone else gets to report it my career will be over!"

Vera laughed then, her stomach aching as she did, and she pressed her hands against it. Vera walked over and slipped her hand into Jase's.

"I take it the assembly announcement has gone out," Vera said to Jase, "You've sorted out what you want to say in your announcement?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"More or less" Jase said watching Ashlyn walk off and shaking his head "I mean I dont know what to tell them besides that were all in this together and that because of us the galaxy is going to be safe"

Jase sighed smoothing his hands out over his uniform and watching as the groups began to trickle in. With only the non essential personal coming it was going to be a small ceremony and take off. The battle ship and self named super carrier could hold over three thousand PEACe and interspecies forces. Less than five hundred would be at the ceremony, the rest would be watching on the vids in their office and work stations. On top of that Ashlyn was going to be live streaming it so that every one in the entire galaxy would see it and know what was about to happen.

"Well looks like that is my Que" Jase murmured as one of the commanders gestured for him to come up and take his place on the stage. He moved to the stand and at once every one began to quite down turning to face him.

"You will be fine" Samantha said appearing beside him "Do you want me to put some speeches up for you to read off of?"

"No" Jase thought clearing his throat "I got this"

"As you all know today is the day we well and truly go to war not as a person or an ideal or a group but as an entire species! And not just on species either!"

"We have been brought together put aside old hurts and discriminating thoughts because a threat has come an extension level threat that does not care about these things and instead simply cares about exterminating us killing us because they think us a disease some thing that needs to be put down and exterminated"

"We have never been a people to lie down though instead we sneer in the face of destiny stand up as a people and say no! Not today and now we stand with others people just like us aliens who also choose to keep living instead of dying in masse and together as one army we will kick the hives collective asses and we will show them its going to take a heck of a lot more then what they got to take us down!"

"Now lets get the frak out there and lets show people what happens when they mess us humans!" Jase yelled as every one cheered. He nodded his head and moved off of the stage as every one continued to cheer.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera watched as Jase addressed those gathered as well as the ones all over the universe who were watching. There was a shine of utter pride in her eyes as she stood beside him, pregnant stomach bulging in a form fitted shirt and pants. She never ceased to be amazed at the ease with which Jase roused the masses. Vera slipped her hand into Jase's as she looked out at those gathered.

"We will win this war. This threat will not defeat us. In fact, it has made us stronger than we have ever been before. PEACe, the Rebels, and the Coalition of Alien Species are now working together in an accord unlike any other. Hive wanted to divide us- they failed!" Vera's voice rose and the crowd cheered, "They want to scare us. We found courage in each other. Again- they have failed!" Another enthusiastic cheer. "And now they wish to destroy us. But again- THEY WILL FAIL!"

The crowd's cheering was now just as enthusiastic and riotous as it had been for Jase.

"Now let's uncouple the ship- take it into space. Let's show Hive that we will not be defeated!"

 

[silvertongue217]

There was a faint hiss and shudder out side. The docking ships and moring clamps unlocked sliding back into the massive space station slash ship yard.

The giant ship, shaped long and lean like a gun slid out. Its massive engines burning as it pushed it self away from the small orbit the ship yard. Within an hour they were moving out of the system joining with the repair fleet that trailed behind them.

"Commander we should be meeting with the forces to take back the asteroid field in 24 hours" Samantha said as the count down appeared on the monitors of the bridge "I can pilot from here"

"If you say so" Jase said tapping in a few commands and then stepping back "Let me know if any thing happens im going to check on Vera"

"Shes in the new office" She said appearing in her place at the command hub.

Jase moved to the office checking every thing as he went. They were well and truly underway now and for now every thing was going smooth sailing.

"Hello my dear" He said coming in to their new office slash war room "How are things on your end?" He asked raising an eyebrow and coming over to rub her shoulders.