“No problem" the beautiful blonde teenager responded as she turned the ship around and they powered away from the gas giant. As soon as they had cleared the gravity well, the Invictus leapt into Hyper warp.

“Fourteen hours until we're in range to use the Interdictor" Sparks said, calculating the pursuit time based on Alyssa's flight path.

They all breathed a huge sigh of relief and slumped collectively in their chairs, the tension draining from them as the adrenalin wore off.

"I can't believe we managed to do it" Calara said in a quiet voice.

“I've never seen shooting like that before, you handled the Invictus’ weapons like they were part of you!" John exclaimed in amazement to the brunette.

“and if it wasn't for you" John said to Sparks "we would never have been able to catch the Kirrix in time, or be able to chase after the pirates!" John said astounded.

“What about Alyssa's flying!" said Sparks.

“How she managed to get this huge ship to dance around like that I've no idea!"

“You should have seen her on board the Kirrix ship" John said proudly.

“She was like a Valkyrie descended from Valhalla!" he said enthusiastically.

"I'm not sure what that is, but I'll take it as a compliment" Alyssa grinned at him broadly.

“You should, you were amazing today honey." John said before turning to face all three girls.

"You all were. Several hundred people will Live solely because of your actions" he said emphatically.

The teenagers sat there in stunned silence as the enormity of the day's events began to sink in. John let them sit quietly for a few moments to let them truly appreciate how much good they had accomplished in such a short time.

“Come on" he said gently.

“let's all get cleaned up and I'll cook us a celebratory meal"

The girls nodded at him willingly, feeling slightly overawed by what they had managed to achieve today. They rose and joined him at the elevator and they took the Lift down together in comfortable silence. Walking in pairs hand in hand, the crew of the Invictus stripped off in the Commander's quarters and went into the bathroom. John activated multiple shower heads in the huge cubicle to cover everyone in warm, soothing streams of water and they all got in. The girls washed him and each other, just enjoying feeling the touch of each other's toned bodies and revelling in being alive against all the odds.

They took a look at Alyssa's wounded shoulder, but the injury didn't seem too bad. John rubbed the blonde's toned slim tummy gently and she looked up at him, noting his concerned expression and nodded.

“Later" she said, smiling lovingly “you promised Sparks an important date first" she said, looking at him and the redhead affectionately.

John leaned down to kiss the lovely redhead, enjoying the feel of her full warm breasts against him.

“I'm ready" she said, Looking up at him with love in her eyes.

Calara and Alyssa glanced at each other and smiled happily.