Sitting at his desk, Khepril focussed his mind on the single sound of the drop of water hitting the hard steel floor in the corner of the room.

Funny how the smallest of things can reveal so many things to you. His mind in a near trance, he focussed on the task that sat before him.

To beat ones foe, you must become them. Know them as you know yourself, think how they think. React before they respond.

Coming around, he looked at the piece of paper at his desk. Signing it smoothly, he stood quickly and in one efficient movement picked up the paper while pushing his chair in close to his desk.

*******

Stepping onto the main deck of Neo's Hope, he handed the paper over emotionlessly to a man younger in years to his own, who glanced at the paper before smiling. Seeing the deadpan look on Khepril's face, the other man stopped smiling and spoke,

"Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Nodding smartly, he moved around to the main terminal, noticing a woman with smooth dark hair sitting at the chair. He continued to move around the deck and settled himself into the nearest chair.

"You don't have to do this if you're not ready."

The thin but well built man had joined him at the chair.

"It is time."

The woman glanced at Khepril and then nervously to Michael, who gave her a quizical look in return.

"khepril! You don't have to if you're not ready."

Glancing up, he stared for a moment into her eyes.

"Mnemasyne, load me up. I'm going in."

So it begins.