The people of Earth feared one thing, being taken over by a league of aliens and being destroyed in the process. A few centuries ago the thought was mere science fiction, no one knew that the advance in technology would open up the door way to another galaxy and look far beyond. They were not alone anymore- there were countless galaxies and people, aliens, living in peace and war just like the people of Earth.

The great leaders of Earth decided that they needed to build a world wide defense, something that could rival those of the distant galaxies they feared. Thus the Earth Defense Coalition was born.

Men and women from all over the world were drafted in, utilizing their strengths to build a strong defense. They dedicated their lives to the service and protection of the Earth and they didn't realize at the time that it was a fruitless endeavor, for another force was growing stronger, the Intergalactic Coalition.

~

'Mighty' James Valenti, a decorated war hero, looked out of place as he carried his young son in his arms down the seemingly deserted halls of the EDC headquarters. He couldn't face the comfort of home just yet, not without his wife- he felt safe within these walls, almost like he was at home.

"Hey, Valenti!" A voice rang out, echoing around him. James turned his head toward the voice, careful not to disturb his son.

"Peter," he nodded, pausing a moment to let the man catch up to him.

"I just wanted," Peter frowned as he stepped closer to him, briefly glancing down at his shoes. "I just heard about Michelle- are you going to be okay?"

"We'll be fine," James replied softly, running his fingers over his son's dark hair.

"Is that Kyle?" Peter asked, peering closer. "He's gotten so big."

James briefly smiled, knowing the last time anyone saw him was for his first flight. "We thought it best to shield him from this place," he admitted, his voice heavy with grief. "We wanted him to enjoy his childhood-" he began, swallowing back his tears. "And now he has to face a childhood without his mother."

Peter nodded, not knowing what to say. "If there is anything I can do-"

James shook his head. "I am the Mighty Valenti-" he chuckled softly, trying to lighten his mood. "We will survive this."

Peter flashed him a small smile. "I have no doubt."

~

The untimely death of the Flying Ace weighed heavy on the hearts of many. Michelle Turner was a hot shot pilot, with dark hair, and brilliant blue eyes. No one gave it a second thought when she fell hard for the Mighty Valenti. The two finest pilots at the EDC were bound to be attracted to each other and they were.

They had a whirlwind romance, against the advice and constant watch of the Commanders of the EDC. They were happy and in love- they spent their days in the sky and their nights in his bunk.

Gossip quickly circulated when the young pilot was grounded until further notice and was put on light duty. Her temper flared and she broke it off with Valenti, only to ask him to marry her four days later. He agreed.

They were married shortly after in a small ceremony with close friends and the commanders of not only the EDC but the IC as well. Neither noticed the gleam in their eyes as they announced the validity of the rumors that they had all heard.

James kissed Michelle, wrapping his arms around her, placing a hand over the soft roundness of her abdomen. She was barely showing, but it was the confirmation that everyone need. "Our son," He grinned as she playfully slapped his hand away.

"Or daughter," she added as the crowd laughed.

James smiled, kissing her on the brow. "Or daughter."

"Yes," Michelle giggled, her eyes widening slightly as she did so, slapping her hand over her mouth.

James laughed, loving her newly developed quirks, she had self proclaimed herself as a tomboy- but, he loved the girl that was showing through her defenses. "I love you."

"Love you too," she cooed as she leaned in and kissed him.

The onlookers cheered, shouting their congratulations as they made their way to the shuttle for their honeymoon.

A few months later, they welcomed their first child, Kyle James Valenti. He was born two weeks early, kicking and screaming, ready to take on the world. And his mother thought it was fitting to take him on his first flight, only a few hours later. His mother and father shared a secretive smile as their son drifted off into a peaceful sleep a thousand miles above the Earth they loved.

Everyone was in attendance for the momentous flight and little did they know a representative from the Intergalactic Coalition was also present, for it was a constant belief that this child held promise.

~

James sat in the cockpit of his wife's plane as his son slept on his chest. No one seemed to bother him, not since the announcement of her death circulated a few hours earlier. He stared off into the distance, still unable to process it himself. He kept waiting for her to appear, to laugh and smile.

He was going to miss her.

"Dada," Kyle grumbled as he rubbed his head into his father's chest then looked up with his bright blue eyes, so reminiscent to his mother's. "Want Momma."

"Mommy's gone," James sighed, blinking back his tears as he watched his son's lower lip quiver and he burst into tears. "Kyle." He whispered wrapping his arms around his son.

"We go momma." Kyle wailed as he yanked on his father's shirt, clutching the fabric in his little hands. "We fly."

James nodded, and Kyle turned around in his arms, gazing out over the dash, his eyes widening over the many buttons and lights around him. "We fly." He urged as James buckled them both in, knowing it was against every regulation to fly with his two year old son on his lap.

An hour passed as James explained in detail the various buttons and controls, Kyle nodded his eyes glued to everything his father's hands touched. James smiled with pride as he watched Kyle's little fingers ghosting over his own as if he was preparing to fly.

~

Years passed by and Kyle progressed, absorbing everything his father taught him with ease- and unfortunately a little bit of the attitude of the rest of the crew.

"Valenti!" A voice cried out and Kyle turned to see an elderly man, dressed in the EDC dress blues. He walked forward and slapped his father on the shoulder. "My god it's good to see you."

"Thomas," His father smiled as he turned and they hugged. "This is my son-"

"Ah, Little Valenti." He grinned as Kyle cringed at the name, immediately turning away from the man. He hated that everyone referred to him as 'Little Valenti', he knew he may never be as 'Mighty' as his father but 'Little'? That had to go, it was giving him a complex and he was only thirteen.

"Kyle," his father began sternly, not needing to add anything else as Kyle glanced back at Thomas and nodded. "I'd like you to meet, Sting Ray."

Kyle's mouth dropped open, his eyes widening as he beheld his father's wingman. "The Sting Ray?" He questioned, the stories his father had told him flashing before him.

"The one and only," he chuckled, flashing him a smile as he turned once more to his father. "What nonsense have you been telling this boy?" He teased lightly as his father joined in the light laughter.

"Only the truth-" his father insisted, winking at Kyle.

"Wow." Kyle gasped staring between the two of the best pilots of their time. "The only two that could fly the Wingtip and the Dorseal maneuver back to back without making their planes go into a tail spin- and you were the first to test the Starcrafts-"

"Breathe, Kyle." His father interrupted and he did.

"Did he ever tell you about the Odyssey mission?" Thomas questioned and Kyle shook his head no, momentarily glaring at his father for omitting one of his missions.

"The Odyssey mission," Kyle repeated in awe. "Tell me! Tell me!"

And they did.

~

"Valenti," A voice called out to him and he turned to see one of the new recruits at his office door. He placed his file on his desk and gave him his full attention. "You've got to come see this- Val just bypassed your record!"

"Val?" He gasped as he jumped out of his seat and followed him down the hall and out into the observation deck. He couldn't help but grin as he spied Val's raptor, he had painted a blue racing stripe down the wings, there was no mistake that it was his son's raptor.

"Oh, wow." He heard a student exhale. "Isn't that the Swarski maneuver?"

"Actually," James clarified, smiling. "It's the Wingtip and the Dorseal maneuver- see how the third spiral fishtails into the reverse bobtail?"

"Yeah," the student nodded, his eyes glued to the aircraft. "Just like his old man."

"Is that so?" James chuckled and the student's eyes snapped up to his. He paled slightly.

"Mighty Valenti," he gasped, reaching out his hand. "I've- wow. You must be proud."

"I am," James smiled as he shook the student's hand as the rest of the viewers turned to see him and suddenly they were all speaking at once. He couldn't help but grin as they went on and on about his son and the new record.

"He's coming in," one of them announced and James quickly excused himself, making his way to the hanger bay.

~

Val finished the landing sequence and landed his raptor with ease. He jumped out of his cockpit and quickly climbed down the stairs. He beamed with pride as he caught his father standing there waiting for him. "Dad-" he began as a few of the deck hands rushed over to him, shooting congratulations and cheers for his flight status.

His father flashed him a smile and stood silently at the side as he took a second to let his sudden popularity wash over him. Val had known it was a risk, but it was worth it.

"Seems like you have a few new fans," his father smiled as he crossed over to him, reaching out to him and squeezing his shoulder.

"Yeah," Val grinned.

"You've done good Kyle." He stated as Val rolled his eyes.

"Dad!" He groaned shaking his head.

"Oh, right. Val." He chuckled. "Still not used to that- you've been Kyle for the last fifteen years."

Val shook his head, knowing that his father was the only one that still called him by his given name- everyone else called him 'Little Valenti' and now Val. "It's okay dad."

"I suppose I can call you Val until you receive your call-sign." He smiled as Val flashed him a bright smile, rocking back on his heels.

"Can't I get one now?" Val questioned, hoping for something as great as his father's and his mother's.

"You know the code," his father winked. "You have to wait until you finish flight school."

"Why do I have to go to flight school?" He groaned. "I already can out fly them- it'll be a joke sitting in those classes for another four years."

"I know, son. But, it's regulations. You do want to serve the EDC?"

"Of course!" Val exclaimed. "That's all I have been waiting for."

~

James glanced up as his office door creaked open, half expecting it to be his son, but he was mistaken. He cursed to himself as he forced a smile to his face; it was never a good sign if the Commander of the EDC visited in person. "Richard," James acknowledged as he stood up, motioning for him to come in. "How may I help you?"

"I'm afraid we need to talk." He drawled as he shut the office door, James paling slightly at his tone. "It's concerning Val."

"Val?" He gasped, sitting down quickly. "What's wrong? You know that-"

"The IC-" Richard interrupted as James flushed with anger. Deep down, he always knew that this may be a possibility, that his son would be drafted into the Intergalactic Coalition.

"No," James gasped. "Serving the EDC is his dream-"

"I know," he sighed. "To follow in his parents footsteps- but, they've seen that too. They've been watching him his entire life. I didn't even know that they had assigned an agent here the whole time."

"Who?" He growled, standing up, wanting to confront the individual in person.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss who it is." Richard explained, shaking his head. "They want him to take the placement exam."

"Like they have any intention of not taking him from his home?" James drawled. "How can they do this?"

"The EDC has signed treaties with the IC, if we want to continue on what we do we have to work with them."

"They are power hungry- they are up to no good." He groaned as he ran a hand through his hair.

"He has to take the exam," Richard sighed. "And we both know that he'll score very high- you've raised him well."

James smiled sadly. "I know."

~

"Dad," Val gasped as he came tearing into his office, he stopped momentarily at his desk as he held up the pink slip of paper. "You lied to me."

James sighed as he reached for the paper, already knowing what it said. His son was being drafted into the IC, affective immediately.

"You said if I aced the damn test, I'd be able to skip flight school and graduate early!" He protested and James nodded. "You didn't mention I'd be flying out to the IC headquarters instead."

"Val," he stated, standing up and crossing to his son. "I'm so proud of you."

"No," Val squeaked, shaking his head, his eyes filling with tears. "No, dad. Please."

"I love you, son." James whispered as he wrapped his arms around him.

"I love you too," his son whimpered as he accepted the hug.

"You'll serve the IC well and when you get back, a position will be here waiting for you."

"I don't want to go." He protested pulling away from his father.

"I know," James nodded, hating to see his son in so much pain. "You are to represent the EDC-"

"I hate this." Val grumbled, finally letting his tears go. "This is my home."

"Teach them well, show them how Earth is better then all the rest- I have no doubt that you will serve them well. You are representing the EDC, you are representing me."

Val nodded, wiping away his tears. "Okay."

~

Val's departure from the EDC was more than he could handle. He was leaving everything he knew, his home, his family, his friends- all he had wanted to do was join the service like his father and fly.

He found himself lost in thought for the long shuttle ride to the IC headquarters. When the shuttle landed he slowly gathered his things and made his way out to the hanger bay.

"Kyle Valenti?" A voice called to him and he turned, glancing over at a tall-gangly boy a little older then himself. "Name's Allex and welcome to the IC." He smiled as he held out his hand.

Val forced a smile to his face as he dropped his bag to the floor and shook his offered hand. "Val." He countered and Allex nodded in acknowledgement.

"If you'd follow me, Val." Allex began as he turned away from him. "I'll show you where you'll be staying."

Val shrugged, picking up his bag and following him down the bleak corridors. "How long have you been here?" He found himself asking after a few minutes of silence.

"A year," he replied, offering a slightly crooked smile as they stopped in front of a door. "It's good to see someone else from Earth."

Val found himself smiling despite himself. "What's your skill?"

"Aerospace engineer," he replied as Val's mouth dropped in awe.

"You're what, 16? That's just-" Val gasped as Allex laughed.

"Like you have room to talk?" He grinned. "They've been talking about you for weeks- you're the best flight rookie to be drafted."

Val flinched at that, suddenly thinking about his father. Maybe if he hadn't been so good he wouldn't have been drafted.

"This is the common room for Sector Class two," Allex cut into his thought and opened the door they were standing in front of. "Which will be your new home- it has all the luxuries of a typical dorm room."

Val sighed, glancing around the room. He noted the bunk beds to his right and the small grouping of couches in the center around what resembled a coffee table. He turned to Alexx, noticing a boy about his age sitting in the far chairs of the room, apparently reading a book of some kind. "Who's that?" He questioned as Allex followed his gaze.

"Oh, that's Rath he's one of the Antarian recruits." Allex explained as he called out to him and he turned to them. Val studied him briefly, he looked just as happy to be here as he was. "This is Kyle Valenti."

Rath stood up, looking them over. "Hey," he grunted as he rubbed his eyebrow with his finger, staring at him as he stalked over to them and reluctantly offered his hand to Val.

"Hey," he greeted as he shook his hand. "And it's Val," he corrected, not wanting to be referred to as Kyle.

"Ain't that a little sissy?" He questioned, a smile curving at his lips.

Val dropped his hand, glaring at him. "Didn't ever occur to me that it was," he replied dryly. "It's short for Valenti- or rather Mighty Valenti," he explained as Rath's eyes widened.

"Oh, the pilot-" Rath nodded. "Everyone's been talking about you."

"Great." Val grunted as he sat down on one of the couches, dropping his bag to the ground.

"Well, Rath, please make sure Val gets the tour and such, I have to run." Allex smiled. "See you guys later."

"What?" Rath gasped as Allex smiled once more and turned away, leaving the two to continue to study each other. "Like I know where anything else is?"

"I gather you've not been here long." Val whispered as he glanced around the room.

"Been here a week," he supplied as he sat down across from him. "Apparently I'm difficult to partner up."

"Partner?" Val questioned, turning his focus back to Rath.

"You want a drink?" Rath asked, ignoring the question at hand.

Val frowned as he watched him cross over to a what appeared to be a cabinet. "Uh, sure." He replied, realizing her was feeling a little parched.

"Here." Rath smirked as he tossed Val a cool can. "It's their drink of choice."

Val glanced down at the can, the label read Elect5. It looked very similar to the old soda cans from Earth. "Any good?" Val questioned as he opened the can and took a sip. Val coughed, spitting out the mouthful. "God, that's awful."

Rath laughed, shaking his head. "Good, I hoped I wasn't the only one."

"You could have warned me," Val insisted, wiping his mouth with his hand.

"Nah," Rath chuckled. "The last guy I gave it to chugged it down and declared it the best thing in the galaxy- and I knew to stay away from here."

Val laughed, putting the can down. "So, I passed your test?"

"Yeah, guess you may just have it to be partnered up with me." Rath surmised as he studied Val.

"Partner?" Val sighed, repeating his earlier question.

"You know that exam we took?" He asked and Val nodded in reply. "Well apparently there's more to it than it seems. I scored off the charts-"

"Even though no one expected him too," a voice interceded and Val turned to see another teen, who also appeared to be their age, maybe a year or two older then them.

"It wasn't that hard," Rath grumbled more to himself and Val couldn't help but laugh, he was right, the exam wasn't hard.

"I see you've met." He continued, ignoring Rath's statement as he glanced at them and then down at his papers. He looked up and offered a cool smile. "I'm Zan Maxwell and you'll both be under my direct supervision."

"Supervision?" Rath grunted. "You're hardly older than we are."

"I've also been here two years." He corrected. "And in two years you'll have the chance to supervise team members and advance in your career or finish off your contract as they are."

"Contract?" Val questioned, feeling out of the loop. "What contract?"

"It's part of the draft. We have to complete the standard twenty-five missions in order to leave this place." Rath answered quickly. "So, what are we starting now?"

"Yes," Zan answered as he straightened his back, attempting to gain a little height over Rath, but failing. They glared at each other briefly before he turned his gaze to Val. "You're the first to have their scores match up with Michael-"

"Michael?" Val interrupted as Rath rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"It's Rath." He stated sharply as Val watched as the two glared at each other once more.

"Your given name is Michael." He replied simply.

"My name is Michael Rathier Guerin," he explained tersely as he glanced at Val. "And I go by Rath."

"Does it really matter?" Zan questioned, inhaling sharply.

"Yes," Val supplied, instantly understanding.

Zan eyed them carefully. "Seems you are two of a kind," he drawled as he turned to leave. "We are leaving in four hours."

"Yes, sir." Rath grumbled, saluting him as he left. He sighed and turned to Val. "He's going to be an ass- but I have a feeling we'll make it."

"Of course," Val smiled, wishing he had more confidence in himself and his new partner, but only time would tell.