As the morning sun blazed through the aluminum alloy window, Jack Steel greeted it with a sense of determination. Today was another important day along his journey; a day of uncertainty and courage. As he clothed his body, piece by piece, he continuously glanced over at the photo of his father. Admiral Oliver Steel was a man of peace. He was amongst the very few high ranking Officers on Earth who tried everything within his power to stop the warmongering that was rampant across the planet. Jack stared with pride at his father, "Walk with me today, Dad; I have an important challenge to face!"

The usual day for Jack began by heading over to the Depots to continue working on the enhancements ordered by the Commodore. This day was different, however. As he made his way over to the other side of the Base, he greeted everyone with a kind "good morning". Arriving nearly at the quarters of his Chief Science Officer, he found his mentor walking out ready for his day.

Good morning, Chief!

• Mr. Steel, what a surprise. Everything okay?

I need your help, Chief.

• Of course, son! Whatever you need, I'm here for you!

Jack asked the Science Officer to accompany him to Lieutenant Maxwell's quarters. Officer Brady could sense the seriousness in Jack's demeanor, and chose to remain silent as they continued down the long corridors. Upon reaching their destination, Jack tapped on the console beside the Lieutenant's door, and it whizzed open with supersonic speed. In walked the two men where they found the surprised Lieutenant who greeted them.

• Gentlemen! Wasn't expecting you. Why the serious faces?

The Science Officer remained silent, and allowed Jack to speak for the both of them.

You need to help me with this mission that you have offered me. Can I count on your support?

• Of course, Jack!

Then walk with us to the Shipyard.

As the three men made their way across the colony, they could see the swarm of Cadets preparing for yet another day at the Ghostyard. Only today was not going to be another ordinary day of fun and games. From the crowd, Jack heard someone call out to him. It was his new acquaintance from the other day, Cadet 3rd Class David Goode.

• Jack, hey buddy! First Class... Oops, I mean Lieutenant Maxwell... And the one and only Chief! What's going on guys?

We need to make some changes at the Shipyard, Dave; and I'm not referring to tennis courts.

• Sounds exciting. Can I help?

We'll see.

Within the Shipyard, everyone stood at attention with the presence of Lieutenant Maxwell. Jack looked across the blueprint monitors and pointed to the Explorer II.

We need to build one of those, Lieutenant.

• That's not going to be easy, Jack. It'll take four days for the Depots to build up those kinds of resources.

What about gathering them from the abandoned planets?

• That can be done, but we have no ships for that. And the Transporter blueprints are not ready yet.

Then let's build some Corvettes, and get Genesis2 to send us their resources as well.

• I want to help you, Jack, but I don't understand what this is all for?

We need to send that Explorer II to our attacker as a sign of peace.

The mass of Cadets broke their silence and exploded into a blast of murmuring and disbelief. Cadet Goode blurted out from the crowd.

• That's crazy, Jack! What are you saying!

The Lieutenant looked at the Cadet with piercing eyes.

• Sorry Lieutenant, but this is insane. This guy isn't even an Officer.

Jack shot back.

I don't need to be an Officer to realize that we are grossly outnumbered, and that war with such an adversary is the real insanity! We need to try our luck with peace! Or perhaps you'd prefer to play tennis all day?!

The Cadet remained in a silent embarrassment, and back away into the crowd of hushed soldiers. Finally, the Chief Science Officer broke his mute stance.

• Lieutenant, I have a Huge Resource Chest that I can activate which will give us immediate access to 4000 units of Coal, 2000 units of Ore, 1000 units of Copper and 500 units of Uranium. We can have an Explorer II ready by tomorrow.

Jack gazed speechless at his mentor. The Lieutenant responded.

• Very nice, Officer! Wasn't expecting that. I'll contact Captain Dixon at Genesis2 and ask him to begin building Corvettes so that he can send us more resources. Gentlemen, whether you like this idea or not, we're going to give it a try! I trust Jack, and I asked him to come up with some alternative for this situation we find ourselves in. I'm just as surprised as you are. Can I count on your support???!!!

YES SIR!!!

• Then let's get to it!

As the men scurried to their stations, Lieutenant Maxwell gave a wink to Jack Steel and left the Shipyard. The Chief Science Officer put his hand on Jack's shoulder and smiled at him with dignity and delight, "I know for a fact that your father would be very proud of you!" Jack's eyes began to well up with tears. "Not here, son. Let's head over to the Depots, we have a lot of work to do."

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