According to Gaia the Titan had remained at the beacon site for a few days. It seemed as though the commanding officers spent time weighing their options carefully before making a decision and departing. Gaia linked with the beacon satellite, finding that the Titan did leave in the direction of Earth's solar system.

"We're only a few days behind, with this ship we should catch them in a couple of hours," advised Gaia. Felix, Lloyd and Eva looked at each other ready to give chase.

"Let's go!" boomed Felix and the Sarrat took off in pursuit.

They sat on the bridge in near silence as they closed in on the Titan. Finally it appeared as though the Titan's primitive sensors had detected the Sarrat and the Titan deactivated its shroud dropping to sub-light speed.

"It's the Cronus!" Gaia called out once she could make out the Titan's insignia. Felix sat mumbling to himself for a moment, at last he had remembered something.

"I know that Colonel!" Felix shouted jumping up.

Lloyd raised an eyebrow of scepticism. "You know a Colonel?"

"Well that's if he's still in command, you never bloody know these days," reasoned Felix. "Gaia hail them please and raise the shields, just in case."

"They're already up, hailing now," replied Gaia. She gave Felix a wave letting him know they had been connected.

Felix cleared his throat then spoke loudly in a commanding tone. "Titan Cronus. Who is your Commanding Officer?"

An older male's voice responded, "I have command of this Titan. My name is Colonel Takeji Yamada." Felix closed his eyes lifting his head in relief. "I demand to know who I am addressing, what are you?" he barked.

Felix watched Lloyd's face, the exact moment he recognised the name was easily noticed. Felix could hardly speak he smiled so much. "Sir, you know me. My name is Dr Felix Carlisle."

"Felix? What in Gaia's name is going on here? Was that recording accurate?"

"I'm afraid so Sir. Gaia station was lost. I really have much to tell you. Will you come here or may I dock?" asked Felix.

Colonel Yamada took his time reciting his reply internally before vocalising. "Stop right there. You may sound like Felix but how can I confirm that?"

"Gaia could you please make a video stream available for the transmission?" requested Felix.

"Yes of course," smiled Gaia.

Live footage from the Sarrats bridge was streamed into the Cronus. Colonel Yamada studied the screen diligently. Felix was the only face he recognised, the other three were completely unknown to him, luckily Argus was occupied elsewhere. "Felix, is Captain Yamada on that ship?"

Felix knew the question was coming but still he could do little to prepare himself. "No Sir. Yuji was lost in battle saving my life and the lives of many others."

"I see," replied Colonel Yamada. "I wish to hear of this battle and about the fate of Gaia. You alone may come aboard and speak with me."

"Thank you Sir."

The transmission was cut and the Sarrat dropped its shields as it manoeuvred into a docking position. They gathered by the air-lock waiting for the doors to open. Felix stood in front with Lloyd, Eva and Gaia behind him in a line. As the doors opened Felix was staring directly at the father of his childhood friend. As the doors finished opening Felix realised there were armed Troopers standing each side of the Colonel.

Lloyd also noticed them and like lightning he pounced to in front to shield Felix. "Hey! What's the big idea? We're all friends here," he barked at Colonel Yamada.

The Colonel stepped forward, and Felix moved around Lloyd, they were again face to face. The Colonel was silent, the tension in the air grew thick. Felix could sense that the Troopers were indeed prepared to fire should they be ordered to do so. Eva seemed more irritated that she was unarmed, though confident she could disarm one of the Troopers before Lloyd killed them both.

"Lower your weapons," ordered Yamada sternly. "This is indeed Felix, my dear friend," he said as tears appeared in the corners of his eyes. Looking back toward Felix Yamada bowed, Felix promptly followed suit. "My apologies, I had to be certain."

"That's quite alright, now shall we?" gestured Felix. Yamada nodded and Felix stepped through following Yamada into the Cronus. The pair of Trooper remained at the air-lock doors but shouldered their weapons and stood at ease.

Felix asked Gaia not to reveal her identity until he could get a read on the situation. Gaia saw no need to stick around so she simply wandered off like a distracted child, she was satisfied enough that more of her children were safe and that would suffice for the time being. Felix thought best that they expose the Titan crew to the new turn of events as slowly as possible. Lloyd and Eva however stuck by the door staring down their counterparts from across the corridor, just waiting to hear Felix call out for assistance.

Yamada led Felix through the Cronus to his office in complete silence. Once they finally arrived they closed the door to speak privately. Their conversation lasted for almost two hours as Felix explained everything in as much detail as he could muster. Though it would have been easier to use telepathy to show Yamada in his own mind, Felix was cautious about giving the Colonel a reason not to trust him. Having otherworldly powers might only serve to put a target on Felix's back at such time.

Yamada's face was grim. Having learnt that so much was now lost to him and all at once, it took quite a toll on his mind. Though Yamada was deeply saddened by the loss of his son, Felix could feel how proud he was of Yuji, who remained loyal and did his duty as an officer to protect his forces and through his actions allowed the Hyperion to be retaken. The conversation progressed away from the darkness, focusing instead on the future. Yamada had many questions about the Tarrax. Felix couldn't say enough positive things about Erranos and his kind, sending Yamada's curiosity up an ever climbing scale.

"So they just gave it to you?" Yamada asked as he chuckled with an air of excitement.

"Yes, just like that, they have a moral sense that they owe a debt to each race they encounter for unleashing the Scourge in the first place," explained Felix. "They've proven to be a powerful ally."

"I would certainly agree. Tell me Felix, what are the long term plans of your new council?" enquired Yamada earnestly.

"Well to begin with, upon our return I wish to nominate you to join the council, we could certainly benefit from your wisdom," replied Felix bringing a smile to Yamada's face. "I guess, long term we will just continue to look for a new world to call home. As you've seen, Tarraxen ships are much faster than ours."

"But what of the Scourge? Could we ever truly be safe on a planet?" The Colonel questioned almost anxiously.

"We've discussed it at length that before colonisation we would need to construct some form of defence grid, a network consisting of hundreds of thousands of weaponized satellites to prevent the Scourge ever getting too close. Assuming we can first find a suitable world the Scourge hasn't already pillaged," elaborated Felix apathetically.

"I see. A good plan I say. I would very much like to inspect your new ship Felix, however I have something to attend to first," confessed Yamada. "Only my senior officers are aware of Gaia's fate and that of Earth. I have a rather difficult announcement to make."

"Gaia station," corrected Felix. "Gaia is right over there on my ship."

Colonel Yamada was taken back. "Are you saying you extracted her before the station itself was destroyed?"

"Yes, exactly that. Although, after Erranos integrated her into his ship she decided to build herself a body," he added. "She's quite the hugger as I'm sure you will discover," laughed Felix.

Yamada was speechless for a moment. "No," he finally managed to mumble in disbelief. "I certainly look forward to seeing her in person.

"Well actually you already did," advised Felix. "First during the transmission, she was on the bridge with me and then when we met at the airlock."

Yamada smiled thinking back. "Yes, yes. She looks just as I'd always imagined," he chuckled.

"Funny. That's what everyone else says," beamed Felix. "Well I best be off, I worry about those Troopers you left by the airlock."

"How so?" asked Yamada.

"Well everyone is a little on edge, understandably. But waiting on my end is an Inquisitor and a cyborg both adamant about keeping me very much alive, I did of course explain to them how I've known you since I was three, but still," he shrugged comically.

Yamada gasped. "So they are real, they were often mythical rumour, even among my rank," he admitted. "I wonder who it is on my ship."

"Impossible to tell, without any surviving members of the High Council I'm afraid, no wait, surely Gaia would know them all. She must have a list," Felix hummed. "I can't image she would need to keep such secrets now, I'll ask her in private later," he decided.

"My Felix, you've come along way from that carefree lad that spent hours laying around just watching the clouds," grinned Yamada.

"You're telling me. We've been through a lot together, it's been a nightmare. So much death and destruction. Countless times I've closed my eyes hoping to wake up back on Gaia, that it was all just a dream," Felix uttered quietly looking at the floor.

Yamada stood and walked around his desk to Felix's side, placing his hand on Felix's shoulder. "I think you're stronger than you know. You've grown into a fine man and a respectable leader," commended Yamada.

"Thank you Sir," smiled Felix lifting his head.

Yamada shook his head slowly, "no no. If I am to be a member of your council then that would make us equals. Please just use my name," directed Yamada.

Felix smiled and nodded knowing full well he could never get used to that. "Just come over whenever you wish, Gaia will inform me of your arrival," advised Felix as he arose to leave.

"Understood," replied Takeji, "and Felix, it's good to see you."

"You too," he smiled.

Felix took his leave and headed back to his ship. As he walked his steps felt lighter, his head much clearer as though a great burden had been lifted from him. From the moment they retook the Hyperion, he dreaded the day he would have to depict Yuji's death to a family member.

Felix found the pair of Troopers by the airlock alive and well. Lloyd and Eva jumped up as soon as they saw Felix come around the corner.

"So that's Yuji's father?" asked Lloyd painfully. Felix confirmed with a silent nod.

"So what was the outcome?" interrupted Eva.

"Well he's happy to join the council and we also discussed Tarraxen modifications to his Titan for continued exploration," answered Felix.

"Ah very good," confirmed Lloyd. "So when do we leave for Alpha Colony?"

"Soon, he wants to come check out the Sarrat, he's very interested in all things Tarraxen."

"Aren't we all?" winked Eva as she spanked Lloyd playfully, he rolled his eyes causing Felix to laugh.

"Also he hasn't told his crew any of the news yet, so I dare say he will be making the announcement soon," added Felix.

"Poor buggers," lamented Lloyd, "so much to take in at once."

Mind you, he did allude to omitting certain details to try and soften the blow," advised Felix.

"I would too," huffed Eva.

With their informal debriefing over, the three retired to their quarters to rest until the tour began, Argus was asked to remain hidden until Felix felt Takeji was ready to meet him. The ship time of the Cronus differed by 6 hours to their Sarrat and it was now night shift for them.

Felix opened his eyes, the sound of Gaia's soft voice had roused him from a light sleep. He thanked her for the wake up call and sat up slowly. He had struggled to fall asleep, like countless other nights but for the first time in many months it was because he was excited about the new day fast approaching. Getting up and dressed, Felix ran out into the corridor finding Lloyd waiting on him.

Without a word they looked at each other and ran off through the corridor toward the airlock.

Eva and Gaia were there ready and waiting for them as the airlock opened. Takeji was not alone, there was a second with him, someone Felix hadn't seen in over 2 years now.

"Felix!" she shrieked excitedly, running to him, arms wide open. Felix caught her for a brief hug then she stepped back. "It's so good to see you, I can't believe how long it's been!"

Felix had gone red in the face. "H-hi Yukari, it's good to see you too." he babbled nervously. In stepped four more from the Cronus, Takeji introduced them as the Major and Captains that made up his senior staff.

Still standing closely, Yukari whispered to Felix, "Dad told me everything. I'm so sorry about everything that's happened, and I'm so glad you're okay."

Felix was close to tears. "No. I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to save him."

"I know, but please don't blame yourself. We all knew the risk when we signed on for Titian exploration," responded Yukari.

Gaia stepped forward, "Yukari dear how are you?" Yukari was confused, she tilted her head examining the aged face addressing her. Takeji had deliberately kept Gaia as a secret. Yukari was certain she recognised the voice but the face was a complete stranger.

Felix could sense her perplexed train of thought, which he found most amusing. "Yukari, aren't you going to say hello to Gaia?" he teased.

"What?" she squealed, "but how?"

Felix kept it simple, he was clearly enjoying their ruse but there was already so much to answer. "How about we start the tour and explain on the way?" Yukari smiled, her father stepped forward. Takeji was excited to explore the advanced alien ship and did not wish to wait any longer.

The first insight of the tour came when the group encountered their first Tarras in the corridor. Takeji felt as though he were a child, discovering all the wonders of the future all over again. Yukari was uncharacteristically quiet during the tour. To Felix she felt slightly on edge about the entire experience but that was as she now began to question our place in the universe. Not from fear of the unknown but that with each new discovery during the tour, human technology seemed less and less sophisticated. Our insignificant presence within the galaxy was evident more so now than ever.

Lloyd colourfully shared his story about how he came to inhabit his synthetic body and that as a result, Gaia was inspired to build her own, thus freeing her from an isolated and gloomy existence. Eva said very little during the tour, instead keeping the majority of her attention focused on the Colonel's staff. They gave no indication that they weren't trustworthy but Eva, as always preferred to treat them all as possible threats, at least in her mind.

Felix, ecstatic about showing off to people he knew personally, thoroughly enjoyed giving his presentation of the ship. Though he only had a rudimentary understanding of Tarraxen technology, he would defer to Gaia constantly to elaborate on each aspect as he introduced it. Felix found himself peering into their guests minds constantly for live feedback. He had hoped to both entertain and enlighten with his grand tour. Felix was portrayed by Takeji to the crew of the Cronus as a well travelled hero, a warrior with a keen mind and immense honour. Felix had picked up on as much from the thoughts of the other Officers.

Felix was caught off guard on a few occasions when he heard the thoughts emanating from Yukari. It was quite clear to Felix that Yukari was being modest when she said she had missed him. Often during his presentation he would glance toward her, as their eyes met they would then dart away quickly. When they were young children they all played together along with Maddison and Chance. As she grew older, Yukari found friends her own age and stopped tagging along with her big brother's group. For years Yukari had an innocent infatuation with Felix. Ironically Felix had similar feelings for her as he grew into a teenager. Out of respect for his dear friend and a healthy fear of her father, Felix kept his feelings to himself and did not pursue them. Toward the end of the tour, Gaia had just finished explaining the shields when Felix focused on listening to Yukari's thoughts with more enthusiasm. She had finally lost interest in the ship, all she could think about was Felix. After her father had told her that she was going to see Felix, Yukari was absolutely giddy. The most prominent thought resonating in Yukari's mind, was if Felix had thought about her while away on expedition. Felix found himself allowing his mind to wander when he still had a group at his attention.

"Hey, hey," whispered Gaia. "Everything okay?" she asked trying to keep the group from hearing her voice.

Felix snapped out of his trance, that was enough investigating he thought to himself as he focused on closing his mind off before he pushed too far, he had already gained an insight beyond the level playing field.

"Yes, sorry just lost in thought, where were we?" asked Felix looking like he'd just been slapped awake.

"All done, tour's over," Gaia answered. "I can't think of anything else to show off," she shrugged. Felix agreed and they lead the group back to the airlock.

Takeji and his staff were entranced by their time on the Tarraxen ship. Though a Titan was twice the length of a Sarrat, there was no question which would come out on top of a fire fight. They were immensely impressed by the superiority of Tarraxen technology. Yukari enjoyed the tour perhaps most of all, just from drifting along with the group listening to Felix talk as she watched him with adoring eyes.

The Titan group headed back to the Cronus, they were ready to depart for Alpha Colony, but first Felix had a request of Takeji of the utmost importance. Standing by the airlock Felix made his entire human crew rather perky when he asked if they could all visit the Cronus' Galley for real food.

Takeji laughed loudly, "so what have you been eating all this time?"

Felix cringed at the thought. "Tarraxen gruel is worse than it sounds, let me assure you. I mean it was made especially for us, perfectly balanced nutritionally but it's just so bland. We'd love some meat to chew on, if you can spare it," Felix Laughed.

Takeji smiled. "I'll have the Chef call all her staff in for some overtime."

"Thank you," beamed Felix, "I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of happy faces soon enough."

With such a small compliment, the entire Sarrat crew was able to visit and dine at the Cronus Galley at once. After an hour of stuffing their faces and with an assemblage of portions sorted as takeaway, the Sarrat crew left the Cronus with heavy bellies and glowing faces, some still marked by dried sauces around their lips. They were too satisfied to care and not a single crew member of the Cronus bat an eyelid.

Gaia advised that the Sarrat was able to tow the Cronus to speed up travel time. Her calculations advised a 25% drop in the Sarrat's top speed, but still easily thrice the speed of the Titan under its own power. Just before the docking was scheduled to be uncoupled, Yukari burst into her Father's office.