Aboard the Coalition ship C.S.S. Rolack.
       “Who’s the new guy?”  A black furred wolf whispered to the tiger standing next to her.  “He’s a transfer from the Human Federation.”  The tiger replied.  “Human Federation, I’ve never heard of them before.  Have you?”  Shiara, the wolf, asked.   “Just that they started fighting the Empire over a month ago and that the Captain just got back from one of their systems with the new guy.”  “Do you know what they look like?” “Nope, and he hasn’t taken his helmet off since he’s arrived.  Hasn’t said much either, he just arrived with the Captain about an hour ago and went they went to her office.  He left right before you got here.”  Lee, the tiger, replied.  “I wonder what he wanted the Captain for.”  Shiara asked.  “I wanted to thank the Captain for earlier and if she heard anything from Earth.” The helmeted figure answered from where he was sitting.  “What where you thanking the Captain for?”  Shiara asked embarrassed to have been overheard.  “She saved my life back on Haven.”  “That’s where the Federation first fought the Empire right?”  Lee interjected.  “Yeah, hard to believe it’s been lost.  It seems like yesterday when I was first there.”  Zach said sadly.  “Anyway I’m Zach, what are your names?”  “I’m Lee and she’s Shiara.”  Lee answered.  “What’s the situation on Earth?  I never heard about till recently. ” Shiara asked.  “Not good, Federation forces are trying to regroup but we’re too spread out.”  Zach said shaking his head.  
       “Fall in troops!”  A fierce voice shouted behind the group as everyone headed over.  “Orders just came in.  We’re heading back to the Gibral system to assist Federation forces on the planet Hope.  PFC Bare is our transfer from the Federation and can tell you what the situation is, and what assistance we can expect planet side, Bare.”  “Thank you Captain.  Federation forces on Hope have been engaging Imperial forces for the last few days; and Hope is the only allied planet left in the system…”
       The planet of Hope
       	“Keep the heat on them!”  Captain Reyes yelled over the din of screams and gunfire.  “Bastards have punched through the eastern barricade, Zach, you and Shiara regroup with the survivors and push them back!”  Captain Reyes ordered.  “We’re on it!”  The pair replied as they headed to the eastern barricade of the city.  “I hope the fleet gets here soon.”  Zach thought aloud as they headed through the war torn city.  “Relax; the Captain will pull us through this mess.  Look; there’s the sergeant and his men up ahead.”  Shiara replied pointing to a group of soldiers behind cover.  “Sergeant Bolk; orders are to assist your men in retaking the eastern barricade.”  “Where are the rest of the reinforcements?”  “We’re it sir.  Where do you want us?”  Zach replied.  “Unbelievable.  I lost half my squad holding that position and you two are all I get to take it back!”  Bolk yelled out frustrated.  “That’s all the Captain could send sir.”  “Shiara explained.  “Quiet wolf!  We don’t need your kind’s help.  Tell your Captain I’m pulling my men back to HQ and that if she wants the barricade back to get it herself!”  Bolk shouted as he pushed Shiara out of the way.  “Sergeant.”  “What now priva..”  The Sergeant didn’t get to finish before being hit by Zach.  “Don’t talk to her that way.  We have our orders so let’s get to work.”  Was the reply that met Bolk’s stunned men.  “Yes sir!”  Came the reply from the men as they watched their Sgt. get back up. 
       “Johnson, cover Rex!  Ramirez grab that turret and take out that transport!  Bare, wol… Shiara on me!”  Bolk ordered.  “I’ll lay down suppressive fire while you two flank them.  That will buy the others time to retake the barricade. ” He ordered the pair next to him still angry but following orders.  “Try to keep up Bare.”  Shiara joked to Zach.  “We’ll see.”  Was the reply, as the pair raced across the street to the bank.  “Let’s get to the second floor; should be a good spot to hit these bastards from.”  Bare told Shiara.  “Die human!”  A voice hissed at Zach as it yanked him into a darkened room.  Before Shiara could help another enemy knocked her down and drew a combat knife.  Still on the ground Shiara drew her own blade out with lightning speed and threw it at the Imperial hitting him in the neck dropping him instantly.  Springing up Shiara ripped her knife out and went to save her friend.  Zach after hitting the ground reached for his rifle but as his hand touched the stock a foot came down on his arm and kicked the gun out of range.  Kicked onto his back Zach saw his life flash before his eyes as the helmeted alien prepared to shoot him.  “You owe me one.”  Shiara smirked as she helped her partner up.  “Thanks.”
       “For the Federation!”  Bolk’s men yelled as they rushed the enemy.  “Shiara, on your left.”  Zach told her as she threw a grenade.  “Looks clear, let’s link up with the Sergeant.