The blast door cranked open, and a lone figure stood behind it. The captain gasped. It wasn't possible. Even the battle hardened men stood motionless, gaping at the unexpected arrival. The captain finally recomposed himself and started to drop to one knee, and the men dazedly followed suit. "Your Highness..." The captain stammered, but Milly waved him off. "No time for that, captain." Her voice was gentle but firm. "I understand things are a little difficult to process at the moment, but I assume you know who I am? Good, now I need you to take your men and whoever you can find, and head off to Landing Bay 12. And captain," she paused for effect. "I mean, every man." The captain gave her a bewildered look. "But, Your Highness..." he started to protest. Milly looked at him squarely in the face, her sapphire eyes boring deep into his. "If we lose that landing bay, we'll lose the medbay, the armory and finally the command center." She spoke slowly, but every word uttered was like hammer being brought down hard on an anvil. "Swear on your life, and the lives of all your loved ones captain, that you would NOT let it fall. " The captain gulped hard, but her intensity moved him, and everyone else in the room. "I swear," he said simply, and she knew he meant it with every fiber in his being. "My good man," she squeezed his arm gently as a sign of gratitude. "Now hurry, their forces will be landing soon." She turned and removed the saber from her belt. "But we can't leave you here alone, Princess!" Milly held the saber staff in front of her. There was the distinct hum as it fired up, and two bright shafts emerged, turning the simple metal hilt into a deadly weapon. "There are only 3 of them who will pass through here, and..." Milly looked around the corridor, "...even if you have a force 3 times bigger, you cannot stop them." There was a nervous ripple in the ranks. Milly lifted her hand and spoke again. "Choosing to make a stand makes you heroes in my eyes," she looked at each one of them, "and nothing makes me prouder than to hold this area with you, but this...burden...is mine, and mine alone..." Suddenly, Milly gasped. Her head was spinning. The captain gave her a startled look. "Princess?" Milly steeled herself and waved them off. The last thing she wanted was for them to stay. If they did, every single man will be butchered mercilessly. Finally and somewhat reluctantly, the captain led his men away, and Milly sighed in relief. She had sensed a 4th being. Someone had just stepped onto the space station, and the force of his presence almost brought Milly to her knees. So, the rumors were true - HE - was here as well. Which also meant only one of them was going to get out alive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hey all, pivoting to a little sci fi :-)) Of course I couldn't resist some third rate doodling hehehe... :-D Anyhoo, me hopes you enjoys! Thank you so much as always.