A Valiant Triquetra -

Author's Note: "Valiant Triquetra" and "Paladin Chronicles" are currently closely intertwined. You should read "Paladin Chronicles Ch. 00-01" first. It contains the Prologue which explains the setting.

Before

"Weapon reserves expended, Sergeant," the Valiant's computer supplied as the autocannons cut out suddenly and the energy cannons died with a whine.

"Thanks," I sighed as I pulled the ship to the side to dodge another acid cloud from the large, dragon-like Stormspawn. It was still largely unscathed, though I had lured it out towards the edge of the base from the ruins of the barracks where it had materialized.

The large cloud of smaller, flying Stormspawn was still harrying the survivors throughout the base. The volume of returning fire told me more of my comrades had escaped the barracks than I feared.

"I am sorry, Valiant, but I think we only have one option left," I said to the computer as I flew the ship out farther and looped back around, aiming for the creature.

"Unfortunately, I agree," the ship's AI responded. Then I watched in shock as it engaged the autopilot, designated a navigation beacon on the creature, and set the throttle to maximum. I didn't even know it could do all that on its own. The ship shuddered as the engines roared, and we sped straight towards the dragon.

"Wait, what!?" I said gripping the suddenly unresponsive controls.

"Your presence is not required for this objective. It has been an honor serving with you, Sergeant Legrand. Prepare for ejection in 5 seconds."

"Four"

Suddenly the creature reared and an enormous cloud of acid hit us head on. The glass of the cockpit frosted over, and I could hear the hiss of the acid eating away at the armor even over the engines.

"Ejection system compromised. Proceed to the rear drop ramp for evacuation."

I hadn't moved, still stunned by the ship's actions. Like everyone, my squad had always personified our ship, but this was something entirely unexpected.

"Please, Nazir. Go." It was that surprisingly human request that got me moving. I released my harness and bolted out of the cockpit and down the corridor. At the other end, past the cargo bay, I could see the large drop ramp grinding open.

"Impact in 5 seconds. Evacuate now," the Valiant said in my ear as the ship tilted down precipitously. I activated my grav-harness, and it pulled me up the corridor and out the ramp. I spun to look back at the ship, but a small Stormspawn tore into me from behind. The grav-harness saved my life, but I started falling fast as it failed.

I flailed desperately as I fell, striking at the creature and desperately working to get any function out of my harness. Somehow, I thought I felt myself slow before I hit, but then darkness claimed me.

My eyes jerked open at the sound of the crash. I was looking to my right, at an anti-ship missile in a broken crate on the ground; it must have fallen out of the back of the Valiant during the dive. My thoughts were sterile as I realized I was a few feet off the ground, lying on a broken, slanted piece of rockcrete wall. I could move my head and my right arm, but that was all. I turned my head to look at the crash and noticed the piece of rebar sticking through my chest.

Oh, that's not good

, I thought. There was no pain; that was definitely not a good sign.

I looked to the left just in time to see the smoke clear around the dragon a short distance away. It had a deep gash in its side, and it roared as it kicked the wreckage of the Valiant aside, locking me with a gaze that was as intelligent as it was malevolent.

I heard debris sliding behind me as I wearily pulled a grenade from my belt. The dragon's mouth opened monstrously wide, and I threw as the acid cloud roared towards me. The grenade fell short, but I flinched as the anti-ship missile flew past me and straight towards the dragon's mouth, its engine inexplicably off.

I threw my arm over my eyes as the acid cloud engulfed me. There was still no pain, but I could hear my skin bubbling before it was drowned out by the roar of an explosion. After a moment, I couldn't hold my arm up and it fell to my side. The dragon's body slumped lifelessly, its head and neck gone.

Heh, got the bastard

, I thought as I started coughing blood.

Then I saw two figures in unnaturally pristine white uniforms running up from my right.

Menders. Maybe I won't die today

, was my first thought.

By the Winds they're gorgeous

, was my second as the two women ran up.

"Holy shit, Kira. He's in bad shape," said the shorter one with the blue armband of an Artificer as she started climbing up onto the slab beside me.

"Get rid of that bar, V, while I try to keep him from dying right now," replied the darker skinned Healer as she passed her hands over me. I felt the cool wash of the Winds healing me as the Artificer sprouted a torch-like flame from her fingertip and sliced off the pole sprouting from my chest.

"Okay, we can move him without killing him," the Healer said to her companion. Then she climbed up beside me as well and looked me in the eyes, gently touching my forehead. "I know you're in shock, but this will still really hurt. We'll see you when you wake up."

"V, now."

* * *

204.7.5.0034 - Meridian Station

I jerked awake, safe in the massive bed. The silk sheets were soft against my smooth, healed skin, and I took a deep calming breath. Then I turned my attention to the soft mental chime from my implanted connection to the ship's AI.

What's up, Val?

I sent the thought across the link to avoid waking my still-sleeping companion.

Sorry to wake you, Captain.

The ship's AI responded through the mental link.

I detected an explosion elsewhere in the station, but there's nothing so far on the station network

.

If it was something truly catastrophic, we'd be hearing alarms already; whatever it is, it's likely not an immediate danger. Are we ready to scram if needed?

A small hesitation:

V is currently performing maintenance on my engines.

I'll talk to her. Don't wake Kira until we know more.

You got it, Captain

, Val purred in my mind.

I gave Kira a gentle kiss on the smooth skin of her shoulder and carefully slid out of bed, pulling on a pair of shorts before padding softly down the hall to Engineering.

* * *

Vivian was working under the central engine, laying on the padded, ergonomic dolly in just a pair of boy shorts. I could just see the swell of her perky breasts from under the machinery. She paused her work as I entered and leaned against the Praxium power plant she had crafted for the Valiant, idly playing with the ring I was wearing. A ring forged of that same black metal and matched by the rings that Kira and Vivian also wore: three intertwined strands that were actually a single continuous band.

"Admiring the hardware, babe?" she asked me cheekily as I was smiling.

I assumed a long-suffering air. "Vivian Vivero, you know we bought only the finest, most comfortable, and incredibly stylish work suits for the express purpose of keeping beautiful Artificers safe from flying sparks, scalding liquids, or any number of other dangerous mishaps."

"I know some scalding liquids I'd like on my chest," she replied as she slid herself out from under the engine, looking up at me with hungry eyes before breaking into a grin. "Sometimes you just have a great idea and don't want to waste time getting all dressed up! And it's not like we don't have a Windblessed Healer on board."

I looked back at her with mock disappointment. "You would have our bond-mate exert her powers and bend that vast and ancient technological force to her will simply because you didn't want to take the time to put on proper safety equipment?"

"You know she's always looking to practice! And it's not like we haven't used the Winds for more trivial reasons. You think we get this smooth with a razor?" she said with a smirk as she ran a hand from her knee to her underwear.

To hide my own grin, I leaned forward, pinching the bridge of my nose in a theatrical gesture of exasperation. "Are you telling me that you all are using the Winds - that ancient, inscrutable, and powerful technology left by the Pakarans - for something as frivolous as shaving?"

"Don't act like you don't love the results," she fired back, still grinning. "But if we shouldn't use them for frivolous purposes," she continued innocently, "I'll let Kira know she should stop using them to bypass your refractory period."

Huh, so that's what's going on

, I thought, surprised.

"Objection withdrawn. Let frivolity abound." I hastily replied, throwing my hands up in mock surrender and grinning back at her.

She stood up and crossed the distance between us. "Besides, what did you think was happening here?" she said as she gently caressed my smooth chest, tracing her hand over the shield, sword, and mechanical wings of the NSF Commandos tattoo over my heart.

I gave an uncomfortable shrug. "I just figured it was an aftereffect from my injuries; something that couldn't be healed."

She gently cupped my cheek and stood on her toes to give me a soft kiss before holding my gaze with hers. "You are whole; you are here; you are ours. And we are yours."

"I love you both," I said, covering her hand with mine and leaning down to her, our foreheads touching. After a moment, something occurred to me. "Wait. When does she do it?"

Vivian giggled, "When you're showering, silly."

"But she's not even there half the time!"

"That's your own fault!" she said, grabbing my ass and laughing.

"But seriously," she continued, "you know she's like, really good with her powers, right?" Then she hugged me tightly, "and I'm very, very glad she is."

I returned her fierce hug, softly running my fingers up and down her back, even more impressed with Kira's powers than before.

"If you want her to stop, just ask her. We won't mind," Vivian mumbled, her face still buried in my neck.

"Maybe some time, but I'm happy with it for now."

After a moment, I gently moved Vivian to arm's length, "What I came here to tell you - before I was so rudely diverted." At this, Vivian bounced gently on her feet, a move that was no less devastatingly distracting for all the times she'd done it. However, I rallied, "Val said there was an explosion on the station. It's probably alright since there are still no alarms, but we should be ready to leave if needed."

Right as I said those words, we heard the station alarms start sounding outside the ship in the hangar. Val's voice came over the intercom, "Meridian Station Control has just ordered a general evacuation and activated the contract provisions of all the mining craft to assist." There was a heavy pause. "And Mender-Colonel Saleem has requested your presence in an hour."

Vivian turned serious. "We're ready to fly; I wrapped everything up just as you got here."

"Good. We need to get a move on and get cleaned up for our meeting with the Colonel. V, go start getting ready; I'll bring Kira up to speed. Val, please wake her up."

"Affirmative, Captain," Val said quietly as we left Engineering.

* * *

By the time I got back to the bedroom, Kira was up, in her robe, and had just finished making the bed. She straightened and looked at me with concerned eyes, "Val says you had another nightmare."

I stopped and shot a glare at Val's AV pickup, "Someone has been snooping on my vital monitors."

Val replied in the very formal and proper tone she used when she felt aggrieved, "It is my duty to assist the ship's doctor in monitoring the health of the crew."

I took a deep breath as Kira walked around the bed to stand in front of me. "I appreciate your concern, both of you. It is improving, in both severity and frequency," I said as I pulled her into a hug, our chins on each other's shoulders. "Merely being here with you and V is more than a sufficient balm."

"Alright," she replied. "Tell me if it stops getting better."

"I will," I said as I reluctantly broke the hug. "I'm sure Val will too," I added as I turned and blew a kiss to the AV pickup.

"That said," I continued, "we have a more immediate situation. Val picked up a distant explosion a bit ago. The station just called for a general evacuation, and Tahira asked to meet with us in an hour."

Kira nodded and gave me a quick kiss. "Let's go get ready."

* * *

There is no doubt we looked pretty damn impressive, walking down the Valiant's rear cargo ramp, sharply dressed in our Mender uniforms. White uniform jackets and pants; Kira's with the green armbands and leg stripes of a Healer; similarly for Vivian with blue for Artificer; and myself with black for Auxiliary from the Security Division. All three of us with the laurel-wreathed silver bars of Emeriti Captain-Menders at the front of our collars and on our shoulders just below the patches of our divisions.

They were of a significantly higher quality than the uniforms I'd had back in the NSF Commandos; elegant enough for formal occasions, durable and comfortable enough for action, and surprisingly resistant to dirt and stains. I still wasn't sure exactly what they were made from and how they always fit so well. I figured it was a toss-up between highly advanced proprietary technology, fabric spun by the Winds, or a very long con by Vivian.

Regardless, we looked good, and I think it helped have a calming effect on the hectic evacuation taking place in the hangar bay. Mender Auxiliaries, both from Security and various Support divisions, were directing people to various waiting mining craft.

"Let's not keep the Colonel waiting," Kira said softly as she took a deep breath before striding off through the crowd with Vivian and me right behind.

* * *

"Captains, the Colonel is expecting you," the two guards outside Tahira's office greeted us as we approached, Kira leading, Vivian slightly behind and to one side, and me on the other side, slightly further back. We were all Captains, but Kira was the most senior followed by Vivian. I was technically their Security detail, but the Valiant was mine. Add in the fact that we're all bond-mates and theoretically it was all very complicated, but in practice it worked very smoothly.

When the door closed, Vivian ran up to Tahira and wrapped her in a tight, excited hug, which the Colonel returned enthusiastically, her mechanical arm whirring excitedly. Then she turned to meet Kira's more restrained embrace. The three were old friends and their relationship had gotten even more relaxed when Kira and Vivian became Emeriti.

Tahira gave me a quick hug before gesturing us to find seats. I leaned against a nearby workbench and the girls took chairs in front of the desk. After we settled in, she began grimly, "A little more than an hour ago, multiple bombs detonated in our main Environmental Engineering compartment. While there were no fatalities, our Catalytic Purifiers were destroyed."

"Casualties or not, who is stupid enough to bomb a Mender base?" I interjected

"While they have neither claimed nor denied responsibility, the Scarlet Blades have been after Meridian Station for a while."

"Vrax-damned pirates," I grumbled.

"You said the Catalytic Purifiers were destroyed? All of them?" Kira asked.

The Colonel nodded. "Yes, all of them. With the evacuation of all non-essential personnel, the station has bought itself more time before the air runs out, but not long enough for replacement parts to arrive from another station."

"So, you need us to find replacements closer to home!" Vivian said, shooting excitedly to her feet.

"No," replied the Colonel.

Vivian sank back down with a puzzled expression, "But. . ."

"I have two important tasks, and another set of resources that can handle finding replacement purifiers."

A sly grin crept across Vivian's face. "Awww, you're going to have your sweetheart Paladin save the day!"

"You may be Emeriti, but I can still find a way to clip your wings," Tahira replied, but without real heat. Vivian dramatically mimed zipping her lips.

Tahira continued, "But yes, I received word shortly before our meeting that Paladin had arrived in system, and I have full faith that he can scavenge replacements for the station. He is, however, less well-suited for my second task than you all are."

"What do you need us to do?" asked Kira.

"Before I call in favors with our allies and patrons to send seven types of hell raining down on the Scarlet Blades, I want to be very sure they are responsible. Not that wiping them out wouldn't be worthwhile regardless, but I don't want to waste our influence by leaving the real culprits untouched and potentially emboldened.

"To that end, I need you all to secure the help of the Veiled Court. They can identify those responsible and assist our moves against them. We gave the Court a Mender Conclave on their stronghold of Erebus Hold, and help like this is part of the deal."

We all nodded, and then Kira and Vivian looked back to me. I stood up from the table and took off my Praxium necklace. Holding it out towards Tahira, I spoke solemnly, "I swear by the Winds we will secure the aid of the Veiled Court for Meridian Station." With only the softest of rustles, an intricate Praxium ring formed around the fine chain links.

I felt clear about our next steps as I put the necklace back around my neck and turned to Tahira.

"First, we'll need to find Erebus Hold again since they like to move around and Drift Charts are probably out of date. Can we look through your Nav Data to see if there's anything useful?"

"Anything you need," she said as she stood. "I'll let Control know you're on your way." Our parting hugs were slightly more subdued. "Safe passage and good hunting," she said before walking us to the door.

* * *

The crew on the command deck were busy coordinating the evacuation, but pointed us to the Navigation Archives. It took a bit of looking, but we found the records for Erebus Hold. To my surprise, their information was not as out of date as I'd feared, so we'd have at least a general idea of where Erebus Hold should be. After that, we wasted no time returning to the ship.

* * *

"Val, let's get ready to move out," I called as we walked up the cargo ramp into the ship.

"I have already secured departure clearance from Meridian Control."

"Very well, take us out of the hangar and get us positioned to enter the Drifts."

"Affirmative, Captain."

The cargo ramp closed and the Valiant swayed gently underfoot as Val steered us out through the docking bay, and we made our way to the cockpit. I uploaded the navigation data we uncovered while Kira brought Val up to speed.

As we moved out of the docking bay, we passed another Zephyr Class Assault Corvette. I could make out the pilot's salt and pepper hair, just going fully grey at the temples. The grey was new since I'd known him back in the NSF Commandos, but he still had that same quiet intensity.

"Ah,

that

Paladin."

"Who did you think we were talking about?" teased Vivian.

"I honestly thought he was dead. Glad he's not though; Captain Volden was one of the best officers I served under. I was transferred out from his command a few months before we met."

I reached over to the communications set and punched in a short code to send out the series of electronic pings that was the informal ship-to-ship salute in the NSF Commandos. Captain Volden looked around when he received the ping, quickly spotting our ship. We exchanged a small, but meaningful nod of recognition.