T.F.S. Lexington, pilots briefing room. Several squads, including the 21st are here conversing with each other.

"I hear congrats are in order BJ." says Miles "Your promototion to Lieutenant."

"Thanks. The brass knows I deserve it too."

"Nothing like the promotion Tim got." says Tundra "Lt Cmdr London."

"So what do you hear about our two new replacements?" says BJ

BJ points to two humans sitting together talking to each other.

"Burke is a pretty good pilot from what I hear." says Miles "Transfered from the 156th Squadron on the Merrimack. Murray is fresh out of flight school. Be interesting to see those two in action."

"Ten-HUT!"

Everyone in the room comes to attention as ships fighter commander Captain James Wrobleski enters the room.

"As you were."

Everyone sits down.

"Now then I'm sure your wondering why I called all of you here. Our forces have re-taken every planet we lost to the Kzatti except one: Marconis Prime. Intelligence reports say the Kzatti have been using it as a penal colony for their POW's. Mostly colonists they captured. Our job will be to liberate it. Lexington and Excalibur pilots will soften up what they have down there, land, then secure the area and free whoever they have down there. The battleships Kyushu and Arizona are already bombarding the planet taking care of all heavy weapons down there. You know what to do. Dismissed!"

Minutes later all pilots are in their planes and heading for Marconis Prime.

"Look alive! They may have fighters here."

"Green 5 here. three bogey's incoming!"

"Break formation and attack!"

"This is Red 4, heavy gun emplacement at 9:00." reports Miles "Murray your to close!"

"I'm hit! Augh!!"

Murray's plane explodes.

"Eat torpedo!" growls BJ

BJ fires several torpedoes and they destroy the gun.

"Well done BJ." says Tim "Fighters at 3:00!"

"This is Blue 6! Get him off me!"

The battle continues for a while longer until finally all Kzatti fighters are gone. Everyone lands and takes defensive positions. Immediately a gun battle starts. BJ and Miles come across a house that looks occupied. They take positions at the door and then storm in----only to find several colonists. They all sigh with relief. One woman even breaks down. A German Shepherd steps up to them.

"Commander Rex, first officer of the T.F.S. Challenger."

"Lieutenants BJ and Miles." says BJ "What's the situation?"

"Conditions here are aweful. I'm amazed they kept us alive."

"Red leader to Red's 3 and 4 report."

"Were here sir. We've come across a house full of colonists and the first officer of the Challenger."

"Lexington is sending down shuttles. Captain Wrobleski tells me that everything is secure. Out."

"Roger that."

Lexington landing bay. Doctors have set up a triage area and help the wounded to sickbay. BJ carries a young girl in his arms who looks almost all bone. She holds her arms around his neck for dear life.

"What's your name sweatheart?"

She doesn't say anything.

"Come on. I'll take you to sickbay."

Later BJ is sitting next to the girl in sickbay watching over her. The ships CMO Dr. Lance Watanabe walks up to him.

"How is she doc?"

"Severe starvation and shock. We've got her on the proper meds. She should be fine in a couple of days."

"What's her name? She won't talk to me."

"Considering what she's been through it doesn't surprise me. She registers as Molly Tsu."

BJ gets up close to her.

"Hello Molly. I'm BJ."

"I'm hungry." Molly replies weakly

"I'll take you to the galley.

In the galley BJ walks in with Molly. They get some food and sit down. The rest of the 21st is on the other side eating and take notice.

"You guys gave me the impression that he was a trouble maker." says Burke

"He was. He's mellowed." says Miles

"That's sweet of him to eat with her." says Blaze

Back at their table Molly munches on some apple slices. She moves the plate away as if she's stuffed.

"That's all right. Come on."

BJ has Molly climb on his shoulders and he walks around the ship that way for about an hour. Half way back to the galley Molly slumps over. As he enters the galley they all can tell what happened. Everyone stops what they were doing and looks on. Before he leaves again he turns back and looks at everyone with a glazed look.

"I'm....t-taking her for w-walk."

He leaves the room. T.F.S. Lexington bridge. Commander Wilby is talking to Captain Zimmerman.

"He walked around another hour before he could bring himself to put her down. And he's put in a personal request for a shuttle so he can bury her himself."

"Granted.

"Captain, I'm getting a message from the 4th fleet. They have succesfully taken out a major Kzatti facility at Torzu III. What ships are left are heading deeper into their territory."

"Wonderful."

"The Kzatti do not surrender or so the Cutani say."

"We'll see."

The End