“It'll be Like going for a joyride in a mining cart!"

They laughed at her brazen confidence, which lightened the mood somewhat .

“Ok I want you girls to go and rest for a couple of hours," John said firmly.

He silenced their chorus of objections with a stern look, and said, “It's going to be a tough fight, and I want you all well rested. This isn't up for negotiation."

Seeing his determined expression, the three teenagers rose, and headed to the elevator obediently. He came to meet them at the elevator door, and they each gave him a kiss goodbye.

“Now no mischief, get some sleep if you can. You're going to need all your energy," he told them firmly.

The girls laughed and waved him goodbye as the elevator doors shut. John walked back up to his command chair and sat down in it, the burden of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders. He was going to lead three teenage girls into battle against 20 to 1 odds. He wasn't exaggerating earlier, the girls were absolutely amazing, but was his confidence in them making him take too big a risk?

Putting aside his fears for a moment, he contacted Vice Admiral Charles Harris, using a secured channel on the powerful communications relay built into the Invictus. Even using a top of the range Hyper-pulse communicator, it still took a few minutes to establish a connection to his old friend.

“John! It's good to hear from you," Charles' friendly voice said, as the image of the distinguished military man filled the view screen.

“Thanks Charles, it’s good to speak to you too," John replied.

“Having problems with the Invictus?" Charles asked with a hint of worry in his voice.

John grinned at him, and said, "Oh no, nothing Like that, the old girl has been amazing! Thanks for those extra modifications you made to the Commander's Quarters by the way"

Charles laughed, pleased that John had appreciated his gift.

“You're welcome. What did your XO think?" he asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Alyssa liked it very much" John grinned at him.

‘You lucky rascal, she’s one hell of a woman John!" Charles said, whistling appreciatively.

“Yeah, she's amazing," John concurred.

“Well, I'm sure you didn't call to tell me about your love life. What can I do for you?" Charles asked curiously.

"Two things. Firstly, I need to report some damning evidence of criminal activity by Commander Rupert Grant," John reported.

Charles looked thoughtful, and said, "I remember that officer from your report a few weeks ago. What's he done now?"

“Assisting piracy, corruption, culpable homicide, treason..." John listed the man's crimes grimly.

Charles looked grim as he said, “You better send me what you've got. What's the second thing?"