With the Cronus in tow, the Sarrat pressed onward heading toward Alpha Colony with a precious cargo and new citizens to join their ranks. In addition to their success on Darsalae and locating a Titan with its crew alive and well, there was now even further reason to celebrate. The Cronus like all Titans had its own protein slabs and full-scale hydroponic bays. The house menu of Alpha Colony was shaping up to have more on offer than any Gaia-born had ever been privy to. In her steady updates Gaia learned that the only complaints from the people were the same since leaving Earth, that the food on offer was sad and tasteless. Something they could easily address once mass-production got under way.

Since leaving Darsalae, Felix had been troubled by something. Every time he saw Argus with his missing arm, Felix felt tremendous guilt. He was never trained for the military. If it were a Trooper that went in his stead that day perhaps Argus wouldn't have lost his arm, or Sergeant Baxter, his life. Argus smiled and beamed every time he saw Felix, he bore no anger or resentment whatsoever. As far as he was concerned, Felix was now his family. Sharing these thoughts with Felix did bring him some comfort, but ultimately he knew what he must do.

Finding Gaia, Felix said, "this might be a long shot but do we have anything that would work as anaesthesia on Argus?"

"We do not," she replied, "but, the Drusai genome is still on record from the first Tarrax visit." Felix's face brightened. "Give me half an hour dear, I'll sort you out," she winked.

Feeling his spark rekindled, Felix charged off to get Argus from his quarters. Felix found him studying the faces of Alpha Colony's manifest, his new family. To what end neither knew exactly, Argus just seemed fascinated by all the different looking people, and was excited to meet as many as possible.

"Having fun?" Felix asked with a big smile.

"Yes yes!" he nodded. "So many new friends," he beamed. Felix chuckled. Verbal conversations between telepaths was often confusing for third parties. Very little content was vocalised and the rest remained on another plane entirely. Felix didn't have to say what he was there for, Argus knew instantly and then began to reflect on Felix's thoughts. Argus had come to terms with his disability but only for the simple reason that he didn't know it could be replaced. He didn't concern himself with the details, Argus trusted Felix without question and was happy to have Felix proceed. Within the hour, Gaia and Felix had Argus in the machine shop prepping him for surgery. The scar tissue was removed and a new synthetic arm was designed to mirror his left. As Argus lay unconscious, Felix walked over with the new arm fresh off the press and Gaia got to work.

A few hours later Argus awoke and was in a panic. He was restrained and tried to free himself from the bench, but could not break the metal bars and clamps that locked him in place. After Gaia alerted Felix, he rushed over and Argus relaxed the moment Felix entered.

"Stuck!" Argus called out to Felix as he approached. Gaia released the clamps and Argus jumped to his feet, only to collapse instantly. Felix and Gaia rushed to help him back to his feet. Felix tried to explain that he would feel groggy for a little while until the drug wore off. Argus was fine, just having panicked from not being able to move. He inspected his new arm closely, its synthetic covering matched the dark olive of his natural skin perfectly.

"Gah!" he said waving his new arm up and down. "Feel funny." The next shake of his new arm caused it to open and his new weapon appeared. Just like Lloyd's forearms, Argus now had a mini turret of his own.

"Stop stop stop!" screamed Felix fearing Argus would punch holes all through their ship.

"It's alright dear," interjected Gaia. "I have it deactivated until he gets a feel for the new neuron receptors."

Felix sighed heavily. "Well that's a relief. But you could have told me that beforehand, or even that you included it in the design."

"Yes, I could have," she chuckled, "but your face just now was priceless dear."

"Ha ha ha," he droned cynically, "very funny." He turned back to Argus, "how does it feel now, any better?"

Argus looked back down at his arm, slowly his long thin olive fingers moved one at a time, then all together closing to form a fist. Gaining some control, his weapon went back in and the opening closed again.

"Feel good," he smiled.

"Excellent!" cheered Felix. "How about we go show it off? But first, you need a new outfit."

"Already on it," added Gaia, "should be another 20 minutes."

Curious, Argus stumbled over to watch as his new loin cloth was being fabricated. He tilted his head in confusion and Felix chuckled to himself.

"Alright, what is it you two?" asked Gaia seemingly insulted.

Felix smiled, "there's nothing wrong with your design Gaia, he just thought he would get more coverage like us," he chuckled.

"Space cold," added Argus trying to spare Gaia's feelings.

Gaia sighed then smiled, "would you rather dress more like Felix?" she asked looking to Argus.

"Yes! Yes!" he cheered.

"Alright dear," she smiled, "I'll show you some options." As Gaia finished speaking a screen came alive and she had a dozen differing designs superimposed over an image of Argus, with his new arm already added.

His face lit up as he perused the options presented to him, after no more than 40 seconds he had made his selection and Gaia commissioned the fabrication unit. His new coverings were nothing fancy, almost all the humans wore similarly designed jumpsuits as standard fare. Once all primary concerns regarding Alpha Colony were addressed, then eventually fashion could be catered to.

Only a few days out from their new home, Gaia received news from Alpha Colony. One of her other selves had been in discussions with Erranos about another large build. In the absence of the Sarrat crew the remainder of the Council had continued talks in regards to their long-term objectives.

The plan to colonise a new world was always the primary focus, but to do so they needed more ships to search with. The request made to Erranos was for a means to build their own Sarrats with a scaled down version of a Bo'rarn Tarsk, a relatively simple build. Erranos agreed, seeing the logic in such a venture and sent word to the Tarraxen High Command, it took 2 weeks to reach their decision and respond. Erranos did not share with the human members of the Council, but Gaia was well aware that some of the Tarrax feared the humans now intended to build a war fleet on a quest to gain power, fuelled by the advanced technology gifted to them.

Despite the concerns of the few, the authorisation was given and construction began. As Erranos had discussed with his people, they would monitor all production and if ever need be, intervene.

Luckily the Council of Alpha Colony had no such desires for conquest and were thrilled when Erranos advised that they would be getting their own miniature Bo'rarn Tarsk. With which they would construct a network of defence platforms to shield their potential new home, where ever it may be but in the interim, to build more ships to join to search.

"What wonderful news!" commented Una. "Thank you Erranos. Do you know how long the build will take?"

"Approximately one month," he advised.

The Council cheered. With no further items to discuss, Una was ready to close their meeting when Gaia called out.

"I have news!" she boasted, drawing the Council's attention. "They will return tomorrow afternoon and they say with have a surprise for us."

"I didn't know you could keep secrets from your other selves," admitted Una cautiously. "I thought you were all linked together like the Tarrax."

Gaia chuckled, "oh I know what it is. It's a surprise for all of you," she cackled with a smirk.

Una scowled disapprovingly, nothing tested her patience more than secrets, but she had no choice but to wait until the day Felix and the others returned. "Well Gaia, I'm sure you will notify us when they return so for now this meeting is adjourned."

The individuals of the Council went about their business for the rest of that night with no further updates. The new day began on Alpha Colony, as indicated by the increased illumination of the common areas for day shift and the Council was summoned back to their new Council chambers by Gaia.

First in was Una, almost running through the doors, most unlike her. She noticed Gaia sitting at the table and composed herself slightly, "is it them? Are they back?" Gaia smiled and nodded twice. Una took her seat as the others found their way to the chambers and settled in for Gaia's announcement.

"Now that you're all here, I can say with the utmost joy that they will be back within the hour. Earlier than expected but I'm certainly not complaining," joked Gaia.

Erranos entered and took his designated seat at the Council table. He then spoke as if he had been present the entire time, "while we wait, I have other news."

"Please go right ahead," encouraged Una.

"As you are already aware, all Tarraxen ships have now been fitted with the new neutron weapon following the success of Felix's Sarrat," began Erranos. "Last night I received word that a single Barooda had encountered a Scourge pod. Once the pod was within firing range, the weapon activated and the pod was completely destroyed in less than 60 seconds."

The Council applauded thunderously along with encouraging words at the new record time. The task of completely eliminating the Scourge no longer seemed impossible or so daunting. With single ships now capable of eliminating pods the Tarrax could spread their forces much thinner to sweep even more vast sectors simultaneously. Erranos impressed them further by stating that more recent projections estimate that the Scourge may be eliminated within three centuries or so. A long time in the eyes of a human but more of a long-weekend for the essentially immortal Tarrax. Still, the stage was now set for the humans to travel and eventually settle in relative safety.

The main screen of the Council chambers activated. The returning Sarrat was seen closing in with a second ship to its side.

"Another ship?" blurted out Una almost as if insulted, having not been informed prior. "Did they befriend yet another race in their travels?" she asked Gaia directly.

Gaia smiled. "Not that I'm aware of. That is a Titan, the Cronus to be specific."

"Survivors?" questioned Una from the edge of her seat.

"Yes, they're all fine," advised Gaia, "Felix is hailing us now." The image of the incoming ships switched to the Sarrat's bridge. There standing at the ready was Felix, looking well rested and very accomplished.

"Council members we have returned and with much good news," advised a very pleased Felix.

"I see you've found some friends," trilled Una.

Felix couldn't keep his smile from widening. "Yes, all alive and well. I wish to introduce the commanding officer to you once we dock," Felix beamed.

"Very well then, we shall see you soon, and, welcome home," smiled Una before the connection was terminated.

After the Sarrat finished docking Felix and Yukari headed for the Cronus' docking port whilst Lloyd, Ruby and Eva went on ahead to see the rest of the Council. Takeji ordered his crew to remain on board until further notice and he left with Felix and his daughter to meet the other Council members.

Travelling through the new station they were all mesmerised, despite knowing the construct was a hybridisation of both Tarraxen and human technologies, everything internally still looked just as they remembered from Gaia station. As it was their first time on Alpha Colony, the Sarrat crew had to be directed by Gaia through the use of coloured lighting to indicate their respective paths. Gaia herself had remained at the Sarrat to oversee the handling of the newly acquired samples and to make preparations toward the kick-starting of food production. In their absence the Council had already organised a large team to oversee the initial preparations of the hydroponic bays, everything was ready and awaiting the raw materials.

Takeji had Yukari busy herself elsewhere until his initial meeting was concluded at least. She scowled and pouted initially, unimpressed by having to miss out, then thought better as she wasn't nearly prepared to be insolent to her Commanding Officer or her father for that matter. In addition she was on a brand new space station, the brainchild of both an advanced alien race and humanity's most sophisticated AI, and now the cradle of all surviving humans, surely she could find somewhere or something of interest to pass the time.

With all the Council seated, Takeji was introduced by Felix.

Una stood to welcome their guest, "greetings Colonel Yamada," she hummed, excited to meet a new face.

"Hello all, but please. I think my rank is no longer relevant, please address me as Takeji," he requested politely.

"Yes of course. So tell me, how went your expedition?" enquired Una.

Takeji's face was sullen. "Unsuccessful," he sighed. "Contrary to the initial probe data, the world we investigated was completely devoid of life and was nothing but a dry rock," he explained.

"That's not surprising," responded Una, "I assume Felix told you of the Scourge?"

"Indeed he did, nasty sounding business. It's miraculous that any of you survived from how he described everything to me," claimed Takeji grimly. They all nodded silently, averting their gaze for a moment.

"Well, moving on," continued Una clearing her throat. "How went your mission to Darsalae Felix?"

"Very well, we succeeded in gathering dozens of samples without incident. I've already started a report which should be completed in a few days," replied Felix.

"Excellent," praised Una. "Gaia advised there are also samples being taken from the Cronus."

"Correct, we should have quite an impressive menu available in a few months," he boasted. Felix felt prideful as the humans present lost focus on their meeting, their thoughts drifting back to favourite dishes lost to them. Felix regained their attention by standing. "I have a request of my fellow council members."

"And what would that be?" Una asked fearing Felix's motive behind such a formal statement.

He gestured his right arm toward Takeji proudly. "I wish to nominate Takeji Yamada for a seat on this council."

"Oh," blurted out Una, caught off guard. "Well I didn't see that coming. Given all he has brought to us within his ship I see no reason why not, but, we shall put it to a vote." Felix's eye darted around the room, he sat back down ready to sway anyone he needed to for votes in his favour. "As head of this council I will not be voting, now, with a show of hands, all those in favour." Upon finishing her sentence, all those present bar Erranos and Takeji himself had raised their hands. Una smiled as she took in the result before her. "Unanimous," she cooed. "Well Takeji, as head of the Alpha Colony Council, I welcome you and your crew to this station and offer you a seat on this council, what say you?"

Takeji stood, his face bright but humble. "I accept, thank you," Takeji bowed low. Felix sat back in his chair beaming, he was relieved he did not have to influence the minds of those around him, they each were happy enough to accept the newcomer as their peer without telepathic persuasion. The others applauded to welcome Takeji.

"I also have a nomination," declared Lloyd taking to his feet.

"For the council?" asked a confused Una.

"No no. Eva, Gaia and I have discussed it at length and," he turned his head to the man next to him, "we wish to nominate Felix as our Captain for the Sarrat."

"I see," Una rolled her eyes wondering why it had taken so long for this subject to come up. She looked to Felix. "And what do you think about this?" she enquired almost sarcastically.

Felix was unsettled, his sense of adventure had grown tenfold since they first boarded the Hyperion but such a role seemed like far too much hassle from the carefree life he had always envisioned for himself. He held his hands up at chest height as if being accused of murder, "whoa whoa hang on there. I'm all for adventure, but I'm no Captain, can't we just all share the responsibility?" he fumbled trying to justify his position.

Ignoring Felix's plea Takeji raised his hand. "I second the nomination."

"Third!" sang out Eva.

"Forth!" Followed closely by Gaia as she giggled.

Felix jerked his head back and forth staring down each of them thinking as though they had just betrayed him, each leaving cold steel in his back. Each time he was met with a playful smile or wink.

Lloyd smiled and turned back to Felix. "Look buddy, you're already our Captain, let's just make it official," he reasoned apathetically. "And besides," his tone grew darker, "if you decline. Eva, Gaia and I will refuse to go on missions with you."

Felix rolled his eyes, completely blindsided by his comrades. "Fine. I'll do it," he grumbled.

Una found it all quite amusing. She chuckled before adopting a more serious tone. "Well um ah yes. So, all those in favour raise your hand. The entire council including Erranos raised their right hands, Felix looked around slowly.

He let out a very slow breath, "I accept, thanks guys," his tone now showing more signs of life.

The meeting continued steadily for another two hours as the rest of Felix's mission was told in great detail before the Council eventually moved onto other matters. At the meeting's conclusion Erranos declared that he would now be leaving them. Before doing so, it was decided that every 12 months, Erranos would travel to visit them. Although Gaia was able to communicate over vast distances, Felix and Lloyd wouldn't settle for not having a date set in stone to see Erranos again. In addition the basis would be under the guise of maintaining the Human-Tarraxen Alliance, but the Tarraxen High Command wished to keep tabs on ship production. Finally the Council bid farewell to Erranos by an airlock, he entered his Sarrat and slowly his fleet of Sarrats, Baroodas and Lotars moved away before folding space and jumping out of sight.