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David found himself in darkness again when he regained consciousness.

*Ugh, this is becoming a habit.*

When he opened his eyes he noticed he was in a hospital bed, again. The room was white and he had several bandages on his body, mainly his back and torso. The end of the bed was facing the door and in that door was a large, male bull standing there, Looking straight at him with a less then pleasant look. His fur was brown, his horns black, just like his suit.

"Awake at last I see."

David grunted as he repositioned himself into a more comfortable position on the bed.

"I don't believe we met before."

The bull snorted, "Indeed, but I know all about you, 'David'."

He walked closer to David until he reached the end of the bed,

"You see, I am the minister of Planetary Defense and head of the PSA."

"You might want to change career, your defenses got breached 'Minister'."

Minister Taro walked towards David until he was right next to him. He bend down and said with suppressed anger in his voice: "Oh I know what THEY did and I'm going to find out what your part in this was."

David raised an eyebrow. "You think I have something to do with this?"

Minister Taro stood straight again and turned his back to David. "Who else but you would gain from revealing the location of your 'prison' hm? Obviously you found a way to plant a beacon to reveal our location."

"Sure, because nearly getting blown up and saving members of your personnel was all part of it." Suddenly David realized he didn't knew if Merin and Kayla survived the blast.

"Where are Kayla and Merin? Are they ok?!"

"If I were you I'd be more concerned about yourself. Do you realize your position? Sure you got caught in an explosion but your tougher muscle and denser bone structure would save you from certain death. You just got unlucky to trip your friends' trap."

"You should become a comedian Minister, your sense of humor is hilarious. And how do you assume I would 'escape' after all of this? Let myself be beamed up or something?"

Minister Taro slammed his fist into the small table next to David's bed, nearly destroying it. "This isn't some laughing matter you piece of filth! We lost good people in that attack and you WILL tell me what you know or else-"

"Or else what? You still need me for your precious engines. And last time I checked I would get a ship to get home if you got your engines. So unless you wouldn't keep your end of the deal I wouldn't need someone to get me off this planet."

Minister Taro leaned closer to David, "Your usefulness won't last forever you waste of land. I know you had something to do with it and I WILL find out the truth."

At this moment the door slammed open, both David and Taro looked towards the door and found Thannis standing in the frame slowly walking towards them.

"That's enough Minister Taro, we both know you have nothing on him but personal grudges. Now please leave so I can debrief him."

A loud grunt was all he had to say as he made his way to the door. Just before he left David told him: "By the way Minister, you should spent your time hunting a spy, not waste it on me."

The minister stopped for a second but then continued on his way and slammed the door behind him. Thannis turned to David with a confused look.

"A spy?"

"Do the calculations yourself, somehow they knew the exact location of a secret research facility, knew about me and what I was doing there. That means they had inside information that someone needed to provide them."

"How do you know they were after you?"

"Well they searched my quarters and left the others nearby untouched, they even used a whole team. They didn't bother with a lookout, they weren't expecting me to be outside. It's the only thing I can think of that makes sense."

"I must say David, you sure have the ability to analyse a situation. I'll make a note to send this to the higher ups."

"What happened to Merin and Kayla?"

Thannis was now standing were Taro was while talking to David, "They're injured but stable, seems your actions spared them grave injuries or worse."

David couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh, at least he managed to save some lives.

"Now, the facility suffered too much damage to continue your work there. Not to mention it's location has been compromised, we will move you to another facility so you can continue-"

"No."

Thannis looked David straight in the eye, all familiarity vanished in an instant. "What?"

"No, the deal is off. I'm no longer sharing my knowledge and technology."

David could see Thannis was suppressing her reflexive reaction of what he assumed to be anger. He didn't wait for her obvious question though.

"You see Thannis, it all makes sense now. It never made sense to me how your weapons were so technologically advanced but your ships were decades behind. I was told your ships couldn't travel further then the next planet. I always wondered why your people never tried to get further in the past. But now I get it, you didn't need to travel further then the next planet didn't you Thannis."

Thannis didn't react, her eyes said enough though. Like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

"Because you're currently at war with the people on the next planet aren't you? That's why your ships only needed to travel that far. To wage war."

"That's ridiculous, that-"

"Spare me the lies Thannis, I know the sound of an engine capable of space travel when it seers over my head while bombing my ass to the afterlife. That attack was launched from another planet and if the planet where this attack launched from was further away then you would have tried to get further a long time ago. Their weapons and speech are different then yours. They can't be anything other then from another planet."

Thannis continued to look David straight in the eye with defiance but she closed then and sighed. "Guess there's no point in denying, yes they are from our neighboring planet and yes we are in a state of war with them."

"Then our deal is no more."

"Why?"

"Because sharing technology with other civilizations is bad enough. Sharing technology that will be used to wage war?! I might as well just message my home planet and tell them I've betrayed the Alliance. I'll be executed for my actions here."

"We're not the bad guys here David."

"And I'm sure they say will that too when I asked them. It's forbidden for us to take sides in a war that is not ours or when one of the parties are not our ally. Not only did I do that but I even gave you technology to give you an advantage over them."

"You do realize you'll never see your home planet again without our ships?!" Thannis was beginning to get worked up. David knew what he had to do.

"I know but I rather die here then return home and face trial for my crimes here."

"Crimes?! You will prevent thousands from dying. Including Kayla and Merin!"

"But many more of them will die because of my actions. I will be held responsible for the body pile and I cannot allow that."

By now Thannis was starting to lose her composure, her ever present smirk seems to have vanished completely. A frown was beginning to form and the muscles in her face were tensing up. Just as she was about to react the door behind her slammed open, it seems she still yelled out to the visitor in her current mood and she turned to face him.

"Who told you I could be interrupte-"

Thannis stopped and immediately raised her head up. She had her back turned to David so he couldn't see the shock on her face. David looked past her and saw a very tall humanoid Bengal tiger. This one seemed to be quite tall, he was even taller then david who considered himself anything but short. If David had to guess this one was a male but for all he knew it could be female. The clothing he or she is wearing was peculiar, at first glance it looked like a regular black suit. However the suit was open around the joints and seems to be thicker around the vital areas.

*Hmmm, a disguised light armor combat suit. Interesting*

Not that David wanted to fight this person, not only was the tiger taller but damn he was buff. If he took a punch it was sure to knock him flat on his ass. The fact that Thannis moved her head up as if to look at the ceiling must be some form of salute or something.

"My alpha, I... I apologize for my outburst. I had no knowledge of your visit."

*Alpha? As in alpha male?*

The tiger lifted his hand and Thannis lowered her chin. He stepped further into the room and stood in front of Thannis, dwarfing her slightly.

"No need to apologies Miss Thorn. My visit was planned last minute. It would have surprised me if you knew I would arrive."

_*_Ok, she he's _definitely_male. Or a female with a VERY deep voice*

"To what do I own the pleasure my Alpha?" Thannis said rather nervous, seems she's in an uncomfortable situation.

"I came here to talk to our extraterrestrial guest, Captain David if I recall correctly."

"Me?" "Him?!" Both David and Thannis exclaimed at the same time, Thannis more in shock then in surprise.

"Yes. I want to talk to him, in private."

David was sure Thannis would speak up, if David wasn't behind Thannis he would see her open her mouth but shut it immediately after.

"But my Alpha! He's dangerous, he could try to kill you, he-"

"I'm sure there is no need for violence. Besides, if I would fall to him then I'm not worthy to be alpha in the first place. Now leave us."

Thannis nodded and left without making a sound, she closed the door and left David alone with the imposing looking tiger. David couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated laying in his bed. He walked closer to the bed until he was standing next to it and looked down at David.

"Greetings Captain David, I am Alpha Magnus. Leader of my people and ruler of this planet."

_*_Holy crap, this isn't just some top guy, he's THE top guy. Ok, gotta be polite and hope I don't accidentally insult him*

"Hello Alpha Magnus, I'm Captain David Harrold of the Human Alliance."

David felt the need to sit up right for this, He never liked laying on his back too long. Made him feel vulnerable, especially when you got the supreme leader of the whole planet standing next to you.

He tried to position himself upright which surprisingly went better then expected. He expected to feel pain everywhere but only felt the sting of tired muscles and bruises.

"It seems your body heals faster then ours Captain David Harrold."

*I really need to get used to the fact I'm some super human here.*

"Yes but I'm not so sure it's a good thing seeing as this is the second time I'm in this bed."

Alpha Magnus let out of chuckle, well at least David broke the ice.

David decided to pay the proper respect by getting out of the bed and stand upright to face the Alpha. He carefully placed one foot on the ground, followed by the other. He could stand but he doubted he could run without his muscles crying out. Seeing as he was standing up he also threw in a military salute. Different world or not, showing respect to the leader of well, EVERYTHING was never a bad thing.

"I can see you are a man of honor Captain David Harrold. I assume that is your kind's way of showing respect?"

"Yes, though this one is used my military personnel."

"Interesting, as you saw earlier we expose our throats to our leaders. It is a sign of trust and loyalty on their end. By raising the hand in response we acknowledge the submission to which they lower their heads again."

"I see, however I doubt you came here to discuss social standards with me Alpha Magnus."

"Ha ha, no I did not Captain David Harrold. I came here to discuss our situation."

Alpha Magnus pulled up a chair and sat down, David sat back down on the bed with his legs hanging off the side.

"I heard of your actions on the research facility. I would like to express my gratitude for what you did."

"I only did what I had to do, I wish I could have done more. Although some do not share your opinion on that."

"That is also true but that came from those who sat behind their desks most of their lives. As someone who saw combat as well, I say you did good."

"You were in the military?"

"Yes, it is to be expected if you want to become an Alpha. What better way to demonstrate your physical and mental capacities then on the frontline."

"Good point."

"Anyway, it seems we are at an impasse Captain David Harrold. You do not want to continue your help to our cause and we can't let you go. You see, you are too valuable of a resource."

"As I said Alpha Magnus, I cannot offer my help to a war that is not ours to fight."

Magnus lifted a paw to silence David. "I am well aware of that but I bid you to hear me out. For you Captain David Harrold, your situation is simular to ours."

If Magus didn't have David's attention before, he did now.

"I've been told your enemy, the Custacians, attacked your people without warning and without cause, correct?"

David nodded silently

"Well, the same happened to us. Those men you saw out there are called Reptors. We had no idea they lived on our neighboring planet until we actually picked up strange feedback on our machines. Turned out it came from them. Having primitive ships we didn't dare send an ambassador so we tried to make contact. We analyzed the feedback we got from them and discovered it was from what we believe is their long range communication system. We tapped into their channel and announced ourselves."

What David surprised was that Magnus made a deep sigh and looked into the distance. He could see the guilt and sorrow in his eyes. He really got the feeling this was not a lie to try and get his sympathy.

"Next thing we know they send down a fleet and an army. Luckily for us they went straight for our capital where we had anti-air defenses but enough landed to kill hundreds of thousands of innocent and flattened half the capital before we could mobilize an army to repel them."

Alpha Magnus paused for a moment

"They attacked us, tried to destroy us. And all we did was say 'Hello'. So you see, Captain David Harrold. Your war isn't that different from ours."

David thought deeply for a second, surely this wasn't some elaborate lie. Unless Alpha Magnus was a stone cold liar. He should ask Kayla and Merin about this and see if they confirmed the story.

"After that we began to hate the Reptors and swore to avenge their cowardly assault on us. We began enhancing the development and production of our weaponry to fight the Reptors."

"Which is why your weapon technology is far beyond any other."

"Sharp mind Captain David Harrold. We build up our military power and are at war with them since."

"And you have no idea why they attacked in the first place?"

"Actually we did, we interrogated war prisoners and they revealed their society is led by a High Priest. He claims he speaks with their deity and they all consider his words holy. We learned that he proclaims the deity considers us inferior and that we should be exterminated."

"So he says it and they do it?"

"Precisely, however a few captured Reptors seemed to disagree with the High Priest but his word is law so they have no choice to fight. We believe more Reptors defy the High Priest but we don't have a number."

"That is down right criminal."

Alpha Magnus couldn't help but flash a small smile. "I'm glad you see it that way. We would just send in a strike unit to deal with the High Priest but-"

"But that would just make his followers that more determined to continue."

"Exactly, we need to win this war first. Prove his so called deity is fake by crushing their forces and then when their faith is gone, kill him."

"What will you do with the remaining forces and civilians?"

"If they lay down their arms and surrender we won't harm them. If not they will be killed. We will annex their planet and install order until we are certain we can leave them alone."

David wasn't 100% behind this, defeating them was one thing but taking over their planet? Then again, they did attack them unprovoked and caused lots of death. The Human Alliance would most likely do the same to the Custacians. No, they would blow up their home planet.

"Which is why we ant you to continue your work but also provide military advice from now on."

"Military advice?"

"Our way of fighting has proofed we're doing something wrong. This war is going on for some time but whenever we hit them they recover fast enough and we can't keep spending resources on a war forever."

Alpha Magnus stood up and looked David right in the eye.

"You have a military insight we don't have. A fresh pair of eyes on the situation might do us good on the frontlines."

"That would mean I would play an active role in this war..."

"I know and I know we are asking a lot of you in return Captain David but if we win this war you will get your passage back to your planet. We will not mention anything about your role in this so you will not have to face repercussions for your aid to us. We would own you that."

David was thinking about this offer, on one hand he would have to live with what he did and pray nobody found out. But he would be able to get back and complete the mission, atleast if...

"I accept but only on two additional conditions."

"Name them."

"One, I wish to see Kayla and Merin and make sure they are alive and breathing."

Alpha Magnus nodded. "Done."

"Two, my ship was carrying cargo that needs to be brought to my planet. I need to take it with me back."

"We don't have that large of a ship to spare to carry all of the cargo we salvaged back to your planet Captain David."

"I figured as much, but I only want one particular piece of cargo."

Alpha Magnus leaned closer to David, clearly interested in what David had to say

"It's a black metal container, about the size of this bed but twice as tall. It's extremely sturdy so it should be intact enough to be recognizable."

"That's a very generic description, any markings on this container?"

"Yes, several red marking around it and a yellow one on the door but I'm not sure if they survived the crash."

Alpha Magnus sat down again and leaned back a little, making the chair creek.

"And may I ask what is so important about this container that you are bargaining to bring it with you Captain David?"

*I can't tell him, I can't tell him the potential of the cargo, it's too risky.*

"It contains a large amount of crucial resources needed to build out ships, without those we cannot construct more forces to fight our war."

"I see, and the reason you kept silent about this?"

"If I told you right away we had critical and valuable resources on board you might have taken them for your own."

"Hmmmm, I see,"

Alpha Magnus thought about David's term. He stood up and turned his back to David. David couldn't see but Alpha Magnus was deep in thoughts. David didn't know what to do or say. If Magnus rejected his terms they would be at an impasse but with the difference that they know about the cargo being important.

However, Alpha Magnus turned around looking David directly in the eye again as he stated: "I accept your terms."

David had to stop himself from showing relief at the answer and went for a smile and nod. Alpha Magnus turned to the door and started walking. As he opened the door he turned to David.

"I will send for an escort for you to see your friends. I will what I can do about your precious cargo. If possible I will see to it you can deliver it to your planet. If we win this war of course."

Alpha Magnus left the door and suddenly Magnus' words weighted on him. He had agreed to assist in the war effort but that also meant he had to win this now. He was no longer a bystander, he was now a participant and that meant he had to achieve victory.

*Bollocks, now I'll have to find a way to win this war sooner then later...*

David laid down on his bed and started to think. He had a feeling Magnus expected him to come up with a way to win this war but how? He knows nothing about these Reptors, their military or Magnus' military. Well, 'our' military now.

Without a warning two big, bulking sabertooths in uniform walked into the room and went straight to David. One pushing forth a wheelchair.

*Geez, do these guys hit the gym 6 hours a day?*

David sat up cringing in pain but before he could try if he could walk one of them lifted him up and sat him down in the wheelchair.

*Ok, I guess they're not gonna waste time on this.*

One pushed David out of the room while the other walked in front of them. As they left his room they entered a corridor with more doors that were all numbered, some were guarded.

*Is this another hospital?*

They took a left and strolled past the armed guards and rooms. None were empty and some of the doors were wide open. Some were shielded from David's eyes by emergency personnel. In one of the beds David saw a bed with a patient being covered by a red blanket. The doctors and nurses cleaning up the room slowly.

*This must be where everyone injured in that attack was brought.*

Suddenly the guard in front of them stopped at a door and nodded at the guard at the door before entering. David soon followed, eyed by the guard at the door. As he entered he saw two beds in the room. One of them had Merin on it. His legs were wrapped in bandages and his face was covered in shallow cuts. He appeared to be asleep while several tubes were coming out of his arm. His white fur was no longer white, it was stained with dirt, dust and blood. At least the parts David could see.

On the other bed was Kayla, she had bandages covering the left side of her face including her eye, preventing her from seeing David without turning her head. He saw she was lying under the blanket unlike Merin so David couldn't see if she had anymore injuries. Like Merin her fur was no longer white, she was looking at the ceiling when David went inside.

"Kayla!" David yelled from his wheelchair, making Kayle turn her gaze to his. He could see the right side of her face seemed undamaged. Her name carried along a happiness to see she was still alive and in relative good state.

"_David!"_Kayla exclaimed with equal relief as David. She would run up to him and thank him but her back pains were too much. Instead David was rolled up next to her bed on the right side so she wouldn't have to keep her head turned and sustain neck pains. The guards then left David alone and said "_Call for us when you are done."_as they closed the door.

Immediately after Kayla reached her hand out to David. David recognized the gesture and grasped her hand with his and felt her squeeze it a little. As if to make sure he was actually sitting there next to her.

"I'm happy to see you're ok David. When I saw your body hit the ground after the explosion I thought..."

"Yeah, luckily I didn't. I'm glad to see you're ok aswell."

"If it wasn't for your fast thinking I would probably be in a lot worse of a state then now. I guess you're not in a condition to walk either?"

"No really. About everything hurts. Even standing upright takes too much out of me for the moment. How about you?"

"I'm fine. Thanks to you." Kayle flashed him a smile. "My back hurts and I got hit with some shrapnel as you can see. They said it'll leave a scar once the bandages can come off."

"Damn, at least it's nothing too bad." David glanced over at Merin's bed who was still asleep. "Do you know how Merin is doing?"

Kayla's expression dropped. "The doctor who brought him in told me that they tried to save his legs but that there was nothing they could do. They healed up his legs but he'll never walk again."

David looked back at Merin, maybe if he was faster to save him they could have saved his legs. He hopes Merin could forgive him.

"This isn't your fault David."

David turned back to Kayla, apparently his feeling of guilt was visable on his face.

"You did your best David, nobody could ask more of you. If not for you we both would be dead."

"That's the thing Kayla, I did my best but people keep getting killed or hurt. What am I supposed to do if even my best isn't enough?"

"Oh just stop it with the self pitying already."

Both Kayla and David looked to Merin who had awoken and overheard a part of their conversation.

"Merin?" "Merin?"

"So you didn't prevent people from dying or me from losing my legs. DEAL WITH IT. Do you know how many times I nearly blew up in experiments? But I didn't give up and you know why David?"

David opened his mouth but nothing came out, he wasn't used to the normal quiet and timid mouse to be so direct.

"Because shit happens, sometimes you can prevent it and sometimes you can't. But no matter what you do it's going to happen so you might as well just keep going and deal with it as you go. Because you can at least achieve something by trying."

Both David and Kayla were speechless at this sudden outburst of Merin.

"You want to prevent more people from dying? DO SOMETHING. Don't just sit there sniffling about it."

"But... how can I-"

"Not how David, WHAT. What are you going to do David? Worry about the how after that. Keep going forward David or you're going to fall behind."

David opened his mouth to answer but as he did the door of the room opened and several medical personnel came in along with the guards that escorted him.

"Time to go." Stated the one whom had pushed his wheelchair as he made his way to David. David closed his mouth again, weighing Merin's words as he was pushed out of the room. He looked behind him as he left the room and saw Kayla had a worried look on her face but Merin was looking him dead in the eye.

*You're right Merin.* David thought to himself as he was being pushed back to his room.

*I'm done beating myself up about things I can't prevent. I need to win this war, not only so I can get home...*

David looked behind him one more time, to the door he just left from. *...but also my friends.*