Vengeance:
Karl settled himself aware of Tina moving to fetch him a glass that would contain not a wine but more of the medicines that Misha deemed he needed. He waited for people to settle before he addressed Celine directly.
“My lady your absence has pained me, I would know if you wish to be separate?”
Celine was rocked by the question if she had not seen the pain in Karl’s eyes as he asked it she might have responded in anger, perhaps dashing all the hopes she kept locked in her own heart. To be separate she knew enough of trader law to know what that meant he would leave and not look back despite the pain it caused him. There was an unnatural stillness in the room as everyone waited for her answer.
“I will remain on one condition Karl that you seek the aid you need to make you whole”. That statement shocked him but Celine saw the approving glance from Tina and Caleb at her words so still she had their trust that was something.
“As my lady wills” Karl allowed “now to business I and my crew have been somewhat busy since last we met your brother has fled to Loomancstraats where in due course I will demonstrate to the Clan chiefs there the folly of providing him with a safe Haven".
“What of the complex’s you have been building Karl if you monopolise local economies you will make more enemies than friends”?
“A point both Caleb and Tina have put to me often over the last Wozura Celine but the complex’s I have built have been precisely chosen to rebuild local economies and none will make me rich quickly, so far they have been of nought but benefit to those sectors I placed them in and with the help of Traders trade has been improved drastically to the benefit of all. I have no doubt that should the situation change I will be asked to adjust my prices to suit local industrialists but as of this time there has been no need to do so”.
“No matter your good intentions Karl there will be those who will suspect you of attempting to gain control of the local economies that could create difficulties for you”.
“In time perhaps Celine but I consider those complexes to be expendable in the long run their only purpose is to revive and invigorate the local economies, once that has been achieved they will be of no real concern to me”.
“What is of concern to you then Karl you obviously have a plan and you seem confident that you will achieve your goals but what is this plan and what of your goals”.
“That I will leave to Caleb to explain as it is largely through his and Tina’s efforts that I now have the means to act, Caleb if you will”.
“As you wish Karl given the state of our preparedness I doubt there is any harm in revealing the true extent of our operations. Caleb strode to one side and activated a large wall display that showed a schematic of a sector Celine was unfamiliar with.
“This we call the Alpha sector as you can see it is rich in minerals and Nividium deposits” Caleb continued, We have built a number of complex’s here solely for the purpose of equipping and resupplying a fleet we have put together” Caleb operated a handheld control and a real time image of the sector appeared showing a large amount of traffic moving throughout the sector. The only people allowed in this sector are Volunteers from trader ships and carefully selected members of our military units, this was necessary to ensure secrecy”
“What about recon ships they must have discovered this sector and reported your presence, they tend to get everywhere” Ban asked studying the display.
“None have made it this far into Xenon space Ban or at least survived the return journey if they have that we are aware of. No our security is assured by those we intend to eliminate as a threat to all the races”.
“What of your fleet I don’t see it here” Pico asked
“The whereabouts of the Fleet is known only to Karl and Tina even I am not
aware of its location though I do know its numbers and composition. This is a summary of the capital ships and support units that are ready for action as of this time”.
There was a collective silence as the list of capital ships was displayed with graphics displaying their state of readiness. Celine was stunned as she contemplated the size of that fleet it did not seem possible to have amassed such a force in the time Karl had since she had last seen him. No matter how she looked at it the numbers did not add up. She began to be concerned as she saw the composition of the fleet he had assembled noting the number of ATF and USC ships in its ranks. Was Karl intending to betray the commonwealth to the Terrans she looked to him with that question in her eyes, Karl obviously saw her concern and spoke without her speaking.
“The Terran ships are a necessity Celine only they are a match for a large Xenon fleet and it took a great deal of work to obtain the blue prints for them, rest assured they will only be used against the Xenon”.
“You keep saying the Xenon are your target Karl what of your promises to end the war in the conflicted sectors” Pico demanded.
Celine looked in surprise at Pico his words were surprising as was the anger in them that was clearly directed at Karl something was very wrong here. She caught a glimpse of Ban beginning to move before PIco revealed a concealed weapon and shot him before he had the chance to complete whatever move he had intended. He then turned to face Karl openly brandishing the weapon “Now you will tell me where this fleet is located Reaver or I will start killing those you love”.
“Caleb suspected that someone close to Celine was in the employ of her brother Pico I thought it might have been Ban rather than you”.
“Ban was ever the fool Reaver He thinks Celine has the strength to do what is necessary to ensure the safety of the commonwealth, now enough of this tell me the location of that fleet or I start killing people”.
“Show him Caleb for all the good it will do him” Karl said smiling as he leaned back in his chair apparently unconcerned by the weapon Pico held.
Quest for Vengeance: (AP Paranid Start) DID .
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Sabrina Bergin
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Johneh77:
Rest assured I will, as I have said I enjoy writing almost as much as I enjoy playing. This marks the end of the pre-prepared chapters now it will depend a lot on how well things go in game play. I have in the holiday period completed the various plots necessary to get the PHQ and done enough for the terrans to regain my rep with the but this will not be directly addressed in the story as it would be out of character for Reaver to do what was necessary to meet the plot trigger requirements without a lot of heavily contrived diversions from the main story line. I think Egosoft and AP developers missed a great third story line in having a means of gaioning the plot rewards without taking sides perhaps a dev or modder will take a look at that option.
But for the moment the next chapter is already well underway.
Rest assured I will, as I have said I enjoy writing almost as much as I enjoy playing. This marks the end of the pre-prepared chapters now it will depend a lot on how well things go in game play. I have in the holiday period completed the various plots necessary to get the PHQ and done enough for the terrans to regain my rep with the but this will not be directly addressed in the story as it would be out of character for Reaver to do what was necessary to meet the plot trigger requirements without a lot of heavily contrived diversions from the main story line. I think Egosoft and AP developers missed a great third story line in having a means of gaioning the plot rewards without taking sides perhaps a dev or modder will take a look at that option.
But for the moment the next chapter is already well underway.
-
Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Caleb nodded to Karl before turning back to the display and activating the remote once more this time however as the image altered a blast of energy struck the weapon Pico was holding as Karl activated a control on the armrest of his own chair that raised a shield barrier between Pico and the others in the room.
Pico turned as if to flee the room only for Misha to shoot him as soon as he opened the door.
“I see your plan was successful Karl” she noted as she stepped into the room and removed the weapon from Pico’s hand before applying restraints to his hands and feet and signalling for two others beyond the door to take him to the brig. She stepped forward again and checked on Ban before administering a stimulant after having searched him for concealed weapons a search that led her to pocket a number of devices she would examine later.
“I am sorry Celine we suspected that one of your people was working for Nial and this was the only means of identifying the traitor where we could act and ensure both your own and Karl’s safety”.
Celine took a moment to gather her thoughts she had known Pico to be ruthless but she had never suspected him nor apparently had Ban “No apologies are necessary Misha but how did you know one of my closest aides was in league with my brother?
“We did not know for sure Celine until we saw that this woman was alive and well and is now at our behest at this moment traveling to Loomankstrats anarchy port”.
“That’s Janni she was the spy Nial placed in my midst” Celine exclaimed recognising the woman.
“Oh she is a spy alright but she works for us” Caleb continued “at the moment she is about to report on the actual location of our fleet in a Tazura when they will believe we are preparing to strike against Nial and his associates, needless to say the information she has been given is sufficient to make them believe that a strike against it then will remove Karl’s presence as a threat to their ambitions”.
“I saw Pico Kill her Ban” added as he regained himself.
“No you saw Pico shoot her in the back of the head with a stunner he actually believed she was still working for Nial and was there to brief him on the next stage of Nial’s plans that included this assassination attempt Ban although we did not know till now which of you was Nial’s agent”. Caleb finished.
“So this was all a charade you play a dangerous game Karl”.
“The meeting was designed to reveal a threat to us all Celine but it is not wholly a charade the fleet is real though we exaggerated its state of readiness to induce a reaction from the traitor in your midst, I am sure now you see the need for the deception”.
“And if I had not agreed to attend this meeting, what then Karl”?
“We had alternate plans ready in that eventuality Celine my primary concern was your safety we would have used them to remove the danger to yourself. Now that the traitor has been removed we can brief you more fully on our intentions. Caleb if you will” Karl said as he deactivated the force screen.
“Celine what you are about to hear is classified at the highest security levels amongst all the races and much of the information we have been able to verify directly due to our presence in the Xenon sectors. The Xenon have of late been somewhat less aggressive in sectors bordering their own, some have attributed this to be due to the success of NPC defence forces in frustrating their attacks. This however is a false assumption we have solid evidence that the Xenon are actually in the process of producing multiple fleets on an unprecedented scale and that once this force is complete they will launch a massive assault in both Terran and commonwealth space. If they are successful in establishing bridgeheads it is quite possible that it will prove impossible to hold them back from a full scale invasion with the ultimate goal of eliminating all human and NPC races for good. These images are from drones we have launched to monitor their progress the targets that have been highlighted are a new type of ship that dwarfs anything either the terrans or the commonwealth have available to counter them in numbers”.
Celine studied the displays appalled at what she was seeing and hearing that Caleb and Karl believed this invasion was inevitable could not be doubted, it made a horrifying kind of sense for the Xenon to be planning an attack on this scale whilst the war in the border sectors was depriving humanity and NPC races of valuable resources that might have been able to deter such an attack if they had been able to act in unison She felt almost physically ill as she contemplated the future. She felt Karl take her hand and heard him speak softly just to her.
“It’s not all doom and gloom Celine even now we are progressing with the peace talks we have time to prepare and to act”.
“Then why bother with Nial and his like Karl this surely should take precedence”?
“It should Celine but his actions are seriously disrupting the war effort every day that he continues weakens the Commonwealth forces and their infrastructure. Already he has attacked several weapon convoys ferrying urgent supplies to the fleet including our trader ships, pretty much as he once did in Aladna Hill he poses as much a threat to us as the Xenon”.
“So you intend then to kill him after all Karl”
“Oh no I have said that I will not do, the pirates will however be encouraged to hand him over to the authorities once that is achieved the NPC governments can decide his fate, my only interest in him now is the harm his short term ambitions are doing to our attempts to achieve a peace in the north and to prepare for the Xenon offensive”.
Celine looked to him to discern the truth of that statement but could not tell if he truly meant it. She decided to wait and see but for the moment she would hold him to his word to receive treatment for those wounds he had delayed too long. Caleb shut down the display’s after a while judging that all present understood the danger they all faced then Karl suggested they return to the lounge where they could discuss his plans further in more relaxed surroundings. A buffet had been laid out in the lounge and Celine was surprised to see the local Sec Def. commander present he had not come aboard with them so his presence was a little disconcerting. That she realised was one of the problems of being out of the loop with Karl as always he seemed to be doing several things at once and less you knew his intentions it was difficult to see his short term let alone his long term goals.
She remained close to Karl as he spoke in quietly to the local sec def. commander providing him assurances that the supplies he had requested would be delivered on schedule. That piqued her interest she had thought she was the military’s sole supplier for those sort of good’s a point she put to Karl when they were alone for a moment.
“You were but with the RRF forces having designated Aladna hill as an alternate resupply point demand had far outstripped your company’s ability to cope with the demand”
Karl explained reasonably enough but she still felt a little offended that he was encroaching on a market she had once thought of as her families alone. Karl perhaps sensed that because he then assured her they were not seeking to lure her customers away from her in fact were working with it to ensure the militia had the stocks they needed to hand and were not seeking supply contracts.
Celine accepted his words at face value though she would check on that statement later for the moment she decide to hold him to the promise she had extracted from him earlier to receive the treatment he needed.
“Celine I have said I will even now Tina and Misha are conspiring to get me to our medical facilities and to be honest I am as eager as they are for the treatment there are just a few more matters I have to deal with here before I can take the time to do so”.
“Oh no you don’t Karl that is just a delaying tactic till some other urgent matter crops up only you can take care of personally. I will hold you to your oath Karl Reaver”.
Karl looked at her as if she had struck him and for a moment she caught a glimpse of that rage he normally managed to keep contained that was a sure sign of how hard he had been pushing himself. “You gave me your word” she reminded him preparing herself for the thought of leaving him stood here alone if he meant to renege on that promise. Perhaps he saw that for he relented and his eyes seemed to focus elsewhere for a moment before he looked at her again.
“Once again my Lady you point out my obligations to yourself so be it will you then take care of these minor details I have spoken of in my absence”?
Celine was far to experienced to walk into that blind “if you would care to elaborate on these minor details Karl”.
Karl smiled as if he had anticipated her words and signalled for Tina to approach them.
“Tina my lady is considering standing in my stead for a short while if you would be so kind as to bring her up to speed on our pending commitments I would be grateful , I would remain my Lady but I see Misha is also determined that I should be seeking to rest so if you will excuse me Ladies” He finished as Misha stepped forward and led him from the room.
“Is he really that tired Tina”? Celine asked bluntly as Misha escorted Karl from the room
“More so than usual My Lady he has been under some strain of late and today he exerted himself far more than was wise”.
Celine could not help but fail to notice that despite Tina’s polite phrasing of her reply it was clear she held Celine herself responsible for that and other things but now was not the time to go into that.
“Karl said that you would brief me on his current commitments Tina please
do so”.
Tina blanched for a second as if she had been slapped but she did not speak out in protest, instead she led Celine to Karl’s office and powered up the displays and indicated Celine should take a Karl’s seat.
“We are currently committed to escort a convoy from Akeela’s to Thuruk’s equipment dock the contract was bought by the family Rhonkar representative to test Karl’s resolve in dealing with the pirate issue that plague Hatvikahs faith and Thuruks Beard we are anticipating the convoy to be attacked particularly as Karl let it be known we would be part of the escort group”.
“He invites this attack then do the captains of the freighters know this”? Celine demanded to know.
“Indeed and they are happy that Karl himself has pledged the support of the Phoenix, you should understand Celine the Captains were committed to this contract before Karl was tasked with its protection and he is determined that it will arrive safely. To this end he has a strike force standing by to intercede should we find ourselves outmatched by heavier forces than the Pirates normally employ when attempting to attack convoys of this size”.
Celine studied the data that Karl had on the sectors which included a surprising wealth of information on the frequency of attacks and the composition of the attacking groups as well as the locations in most cases of their home ports.
“Karl seems to have a great deal of information on the Pirates Tina how is that”?
Tina seemed reluctant to answer that question and Celine could see the inner conflict she faced at having to either answer the question or ignore Karl’s wishes regarding herself.
“The stationmaster in the Avarice Weed complex is tasked with obtaining information from all his visitors when she learns something of interest to Karl she is paid a bonus she also attaches ident tags to the ships they use, those ships are then monitored to discern their patterns of movement. We also take proactive measures placing satellites in pirate sectors when we are able these are however subject to attrition”.
“I can imagine” Celine agreed as she then looked to the next commission Karl had accepted it seemed to be a routine sector survey mission but she doubted Karl would bother with such a mundane task. Then she expanded the map and saw why Karl had taken it on Gunnes crusade was a known haunt of pirates and not just raiding parties but heavier capital ships.
“So Karl wants to flex his muscles I assume he hopes his fleet will have a chance to participate during this survey”
“Just so” Tina agreed obviously surprised that she had seen to Karl’s purpose in accepting this contract “Once the survey is complete it is Karl’s intention to cripple the Pirate Clans ability to interfere in supply lines and production facilities both during the peace negotiations and the Xenon incursions he has predicted. There are further plans but they have yet to be finalised”.
Celine waited for Tina to elaborate but after a moment it became she was
going to say no more her anger rising she decided to tackle her recent hostility head on.
“Tina I thought you a friend why do you now act as if you can barely stand to be in the same room as me”?
“My Lady if I have offended I apologise” Tina said woodenly
“Just answer the damned question Tina” Celine shouted letting her anger show
“As you wish my lady the last time you were aboard the Phoenix you just left us with no word of your intent your actions you let speak for you, amongst the people this is considered an action that cannot be reconsidered or undone let alone forgiven. Karl has ordered that it should be and I am not happy with that order”.
“Dammit Tina who gave you the right to right to judge me or my relationship with Karl it is none of your damn business”?
“You are right of course my Lady” Tina replied a flush colouring her cheeks that only fuelled Celine’s anger more.
“Very well Tina I will not force you to be in my presence when you have no wish to be so get out of my sight before I say something I may later regret“.
Tina left the room without speaking though Celine could clearly hear her angry footsteps as she made her way aft.
She sat back and considered her choices then none of them appealed to her Karl could hardly expect her to remain on a ship where she would be considered a pariah by the crew. Feeling a headache coming on she left the office and returned to what were once her rooms startled to find Caleb waiting for her.
“I am not in the mood for company Caleb”
“I suspected as much Celine I will not impose on you over long”.
Celine sensed that she would get no peace until she heard what he had to
say so she went to the bathroom and applied a stim patch to clear her impending headache before returning to the lounge.
Caleb had poured them both a glass of wine so she seated herself and waited for him to explain his presence though she already knew the reason he was here.
“Celine I am somewhat embarrassed I understand that you had words with Tina I am concerned as to your reaction”.
“There is no need to be Caleb I have worked around people who loathe me before I will do so again for as long as it takes Karl to receive the treatment he has delayed too long”.
“And then what Celine leave him or rather the Phoenix this is the cause of my concern, Karl’s actions over the past Wozura are beginning to be a cause for concern. He has taken risks he could have avoided”
“So you think this is my fault”?
“Tina believes it is that is the root of the anger she feels towards you though she will not say it because that would imply a criticism of Karl”.
“Ah yes and that Tina could not endure better to blame someone else well I am sorry Caleb I don’t play these games the sooner Karl is fully recovered the better once he is I can leave this ship and not be subject to her petty anger”.
“That I would ask you not to do Celine Karl has been acting rashly but I believe if you were to remain for a short while at least he will recover his balance his part in what lies ahead could be pivotal”.
“What exactly do you fear Caleb you are dancing all around it but you are avoiding speaking it out loud”.
“You are perceptive Celine I have a very real fear that if Karl was to feel that you intended to leave him for all time he would leave and take with him the help he might be able to offer to all the races”.
“That statement is in itself a reason I should leave Caleb”.
“This was the dilemma I faced when I thought to warn you of the possibility Celine I know that you both share a deep love for each other tell me truthfully do you think you could bear for him to leave you and join his people in their journey into the Deep”?
Pico turned as if to flee the room only for Misha to shoot him as soon as he opened the door.
“I see your plan was successful Karl” she noted as she stepped into the room and removed the weapon from Pico’s hand before applying restraints to his hands and feet and signalling for two others beyond the door to take him to the brig. She stepped forward again and checked on Ban before administering a stimulant after having searched him for concealed weapons a search that led her to pocket a number of devices she would examine later.
“I am sorry Celine we suspected that one of your people was working for Nial and this was the only means of identifying the traitor where we could act and ensure both your own and Karl’s safety”.
Celine took a moment to gather her thoughts she had known Pico to be ruthless but she had never suspected him nor apparently had Ban “No apologies are necessary Misha but how did you know one of my closest aides was in league with my brother?
“We did not know for sure Celine until we saw that this woman was alive and well and is now at our behest at this moment traveling to Loomankstrats anarchy port”.
“That’s Janni she was the spy Nial placed in my midst” Celine exclaimed recognising the woman.
“Oh she is a spy alright but she works for us” Caleb continued “at the moment she is about to report on the actual location of our fleet in a Tazura when they will believe we are preparing to strike against Nial and his associates, needless to say the information she has been given is sufficient to make them believe that a strike against it then will remove Karl’s presence as a threat to their ambitions”.
“I saw Pico Kill her Ban” added as he regained himself.
“No you saw Pico shoot her in the back of the head with a stunner he actually believed she was still working for Nial and was there to brief him on the next stage of Nial’s plans that included this assassination attempt Ban although we did not know till now which of you was Nial’s agent”. Caleb finished.
“So this was all a charade you play a dangerous game Karl”.
“The meeting was designed to reveal a threat to us all Celine but it is not wholly a charade the fleet is real though we exaggerated its state of readiness to induce a reaction from the traitor in your midst, I am sure now you see the need for the deception”.
“And if I had not agreed to attend this meeting, what then Karl”?
“We had alternate plans ready in that eventuality Celine my primary concern was your safety we would have used them to remove the danger to yourself. Now that the traitor has been removed we can brief you more fully on our intentions. Caleb if you will” Karl said as he deactivated the force screen.
“Celine what you are about to hear is classified at the highest security levels amongst all the races and much of the information we have been able to verify directly due to our presence in the Xenon sectors. The Xenon have of late been somewhat less aggressive in sectors bordering their own, some have attributed this to be due to the success of NPC defence forces in frustrating their attacks. This however is a false assumption we have solid evidence that the Xenon are actually in the process of producing multiple fleets on an unprecedented scale and that once this force is complete they will launch a massive assault in both Terran and commonwealth space. If they are successful in establishing bridgeheads it is quite possible that it will prove impossible to hold them back from a full scale invasion with the ultimate goal of eliminating all human and NPC races for good. These images are from drones we have launched to monitor their progress the targets that have been highlighted are a new type of ship that dwarfs anything either the terrans or the commonwealth have available to counter them in numbers”.
Celine studied the displays appalled at what she was seeing and hearing that Caleb and Karl believed this invasion was inevitable could not be doubted, it made a horrifying kind of sense for the Xenon to be planning an attack on this scale whilst the war in the border sectors was depriving humanity and NPC races of valuable resources that might have been able to deter such an attack if they had been able to act in unison She felt almost physically ill as she contemplated the future. She felt Karl take her hand and heard him speak softly just to her.
“It’s not all doom and gloom Celine even now we are progressing with the peace talks we have time to prepare and to act”.
“Then why bother with Nial and his like Karl this surely should take precedence”?
“It should Celine but his actions are seriously disrupting the war effort every day that he continues weakens the Commonwealth forces and their infrastructure. Already he has attacked several weapon convoys ferrying urgent supplies to the fleet including our trader ships, pretty much as he once did in Aladna Hill he poses as much a threat to us as the Xenon”.
“So you intend then to kill him after all Karl”
“Oh no I have said that I will not do, the pirates will however be encouraged to hand him over to the authorities once that is achieved the NPC governments can decide his fate, my only interest in him now is the harm his short term ambitions are doing to our attempts to achieve a peace in the north and to prepare for the Xenon offensive”.
Celine looked to him to discern the truth of that statement but could not tell if he truly meant it. She decided to wait and see but for the moment she would hold him to his word to receive treatment for those wounds he had delayed too long. Caleb shut down the display’s after a while judging that all present understood the danger they all faced then Karl suggested they return to the lounge where they could discuss his plans further in more relaxed surroundings. A buffet had been laid out in the lounge and Celine was surprised to see the local Sec Def. commander present he had not come aboard with them so his presence was a little disconcerting. That she realised was one of the problems of being out of the loop with Karl as always he seemed to be doing several things at once and less you knew his intentions it was difficult to see his short term let alone his long term goals.
She remained close to Karl as he spoke in quietly to the local sec def. commander providing him assurances that the supplies he had requested would be delivered on schedule. That piqued her interest she had thought she was the military’s sole supplier for those sort of good’s a point she put to Karl when they were alone for a moment.
“You were but with the RRF forces having designated Aladna hill as an alternate resupply point demand had far outstripped your company’s ability to cope with the demand”
Karl explained reasonably enough but she still felt a little offended that he was encroaching on a market she had once thought of as her families alone. Karl perhaps sensed that because he then assured her they were not seeking to lure her customers away from her in fact were working with it to ensure the militia had the stocks they needed to hand and were not seeking supply contracts.
Celine accepted his words at face value though she would check on that statement later for the moment she decide to hold him to the promise she had extracted from him earlier to receive the treatment he needed.
“Celine I have said I will even now Tina and Misha are conspiring to get me to our medical facilities and to be honest I am as eager as they are for the treatment there are just a few more matters I have to deal with here before I can take the time to do so”.
“Oh no you don’t Karl that is just a delaying tactic till some other urgent matter crops up only you can take care of personally. I will hold you to your oath Karl Reaver”.
Karl looked at her as if she had struck him and for a moment she caught a glimpse of that rage he normally managed to keep contained that was a sure sign of how hard he had been pushing himself. “You gave me your word” she reminded him preparing herself for the thought of leaving him stood here alone if he meant to renege on that promise. Perhaps he saw that for he relented and his eyes seemed to focus elsewhere for a moment before he looked at her again.
“Once again my Lady you point out my obligations to yourself so be it will you then take care of these minor details I have spoken of in my absence”?
Celine was far to experienced to walk into that blind “if you would care to elaborate on these minor details Karl”.
Karl smiled as if he had anticipated her words and signalled for Tina to approach them.
“Tina my lady is considering standing in my stead for a short while if you would be so kind as to bring her up to speed on our pending commitments I would be grateful , I would remain my Lady but I see Misha is also determined that I should be seeking to rest so if you will excuse me Ladies” He finished as Misha stepped forward and led him from the room.
“Is he really that tired Tina”? Celine asked bluntly as Misha escorted Karl from the room
“More so than usual My Lady he has been under some strain of late and today he exerted himself far more than was wise”.
Celine could not help but fail to notice that despite Tina’s polite phrasing of her reply it was clear she held Celine herself responsible for that and other things but now was not the time to go into that.
“Karl said that you would brief me on his current commitments Tina please
do so”.
Tina blanched for a second as if she had been slapped but she did not speak out in protest, instead she led Celine to Karl’s office and powered up the displays and indicated Celine should take a Karl’s seat.
“We are currently committed to escort a convoy from Akeela’s to Thuruk’s equipment dock the contract was bought by the family Rhonkar representative to test Karl’s resolve in dealing with the pirate issue that plague Hatvikahs faith and Thuruks Beard we are anticipating the convoy to be attacked particularly as Karl let it be known we would be part of the escort group”.
“He invites this attack then do the captains of the freighters know this”? Celine demanded to know.
“Indeed and they are happy that Karl himself has pledged the support of the Phoenix, you should understand Celine the Captains were committed to this contract before Karl was tasked with its protection and he is determined that it will arrive safely. To this end he has a strike force standing by to intercede should we find ourselves outmatched by heavier forces than the Pirates normally employ when attempting to attack convoys of this size”.
Celine studied the data that Karl had on the sectors which included a surprising wealth of information on the frequency of attacks and the composition of the attacking groups as well as the locations in most cases of their home ports.
“Karl seems to have a great deal of information on the Pirates Tina how is that”?
Tina seemed reluctant to answer that question and Celine could see the inner conflict she faced at having to either answer the question or ignore Karl’s wishes regarding herself.
“The stationmaster in the Avarice Weed complex is tasked with obtaining information from all his visitors when she learns something of interest to Karl she is paid a bonus she also attaches ident tags to the ships they use, those ships are then monitored to discern their patterns of movement. We also take proactive measures placing satellites in pirate sectors when we are able these are however subject to attrition”.
“I can imagine” Celine agreed as she then looked to the next commission Karl had accepted it seemed to be a routine sector survey mission but she doubted Karl would bother with such a mundane task. Then she expanded the map and saw why Karl had taken it on Gunnes crusade was a known haunt of pirates and not just raiding parties but heavier capital ships.
“So Karl wants to flex his muscles I assume he hopes his fleet will have a chance to participate during this survey”
“Just so” Tina agreed obviously surprised that she had seen to Karl’s purpose in accepting this contract “Once the survey is complete it is Karl’s intention to cripple the Pirate Clans ability to interfere in supply lines and production facilities both during the peace negotiations and the Xenon incursions he has predicted. There are further plans but they have yet to be finalised”.
Celine waited for Tina to elaborate but after a moment it became she was
going to say no more her anger rising she decided to tackle her recent hostility head on.
“Tina I thought you a friend why do you now act as if you can barely stand to be in the same room as me”?
“My Lady if I have offended I apologise” Tina said woodenly
“Just answer the damned question Tina” Celine shouted letting her anger show
“As you wish my lady the last time you were aboard the Phoenix you just left us with no word of your intent your actions you let speak for you, amongst the people this is considered an action that cannot be reconsidered or undone let alone forgiven. Karl has ordered that it should be and I am not happy with that order”.
“Dammit Tina who gave you the right to right to judge me or my relationship with Karl it is none of your damn business”?
“You are right of course my Lady” Tina replied a flush colouring her cheeks that only fuelled Celine’s anger more.
“Very well Tina I will not force you to be in my presence when you have no wish to be so get out of my sight before I say something I may later regret“.
Tina left the room without speaking though Celine could clearly hear her angry footsteps as she made her way aft.
She sat back and considered her choices then none of them appealed to her Karl could hardly expect her to remain on a ship where she would be considered a pariah by the crew. Feeling a headache coming on she left the office and returned to what were once her rooms startled to find Caleb waiting for her.
“I am not in the mood for company Caleb”
“I suspected as much Celine I will not impose on you over long”.
Celine sensed that she would get no peace until she heard what he had to
say so she went to the bathroom and applied a stim patch to clear her impending headache before returning to the lounge.
Caleb had poured them both a glass of wine so she seated herself and waited for him to explain his presence though she already knew the reason he was here.
“Celine I am somewhat embarrassed I understand that you had words with Tina I am concerned as to your reaction”.
“There is no need to be Caleb I have worked around people who loathe me before I will do so again for as long as it takes Karl to receive the treatment he has delayed too long”.
“And then what Celine leave him or rather the Phoenix this is the cause of my concern, Karl’s actions over the past Wozura are beginning to be a cause for concern. He has taken risks he could have avoided”
“So you think this is my fault”?
“Tina believes it is that is the root of the anger she feels towards you though she will not say it because that would imply a criticism of Karl”.
“Ah yes and that Tina could not endure better to blame someone else well I am sorry Caleb I don’t play these games the sooner Karl is fully recovered the better once he is I can leave this ship and not be subject to her petty anger”.
“That I would ask you not to do Celine Karl has been acting rashly but I believe if you were to remain for a short while at least he will recover his balance his part in what lies ahead could be pivotal”.
“What exactly do you fear Caleb you are dancing all around it but you are avoiding speaking it out loud”.
“You are perceptive Celine I have a very real fear that if Karl was to feel that you intended to leave him for all time he would leave and take with him the help he might be able to offer to all the races”.
“That statement is in itself a reason I should leave Caleb”.
“This was the dilemma I faced when I thought to warn you of the possibility Celine I know that you both share a deep love for each other tell me truthfully do you think you could bear for him to leave you and join his people in their journey into the Deep”?
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Those words sent a cold stabbing pain through her heart she had never considered that Karl might leave her beyond any hope of return she knew that Karl had said it was a journey a ship was able to make but once she had given it no thought till this moment.
“Karl would not do that Caleb he would not desert the commonwealth”.
“I share that hope Celine but I am no longer certain of it others have expressed similar concerns”.
Celine waited for her heart to return to a steady rhythm before she dared speak again “So what is it you want of me Caleb to jump into Karl’s bed in order to keep him here”.
“Gunnes sake no Celine I ask only that you allow yourself time to follow your own heart in this matter I will respect your choices no matter what they may be and to ignore Tina’s words for the moment she regrets the stance she has taken against yourself but cannot deny a lifetime of what she has been taught swiftly or easily is right or wrong It may be only when Karl is restored fully to himself that she will relent”.
“Do you know Caleb that is the first time you have spoken to me at any length over matters other than operational ones”.
“It is a failing I admit Celine I feel I am somewhat reticent to speak in most part but when I was younger I was considered quite talkative. I will ask you to consider my words Celine and also ask you to show forbearance towards Tina in truth she cares a great deal for you”.
Caleb left leaving Celine to her thoughts which were to trouble her long into the night. Della woke Celine far too early and only the breakfast tray she had brought with her was sufficient to make her get out of bed. Della made sure she was awake then handed her a large cup of coffee before announcing that they intended to jump to their fleet sector before returning to Akeela’s within the hour.
“I thought we had a convoy to escort” Celine managed to say.
“There will be a slight delay but we’ll make up the time Celine it will be worth it to make sure Karl gets treated properly he’s been delaying it too long. I took the liberty of readying a ship suit for you it’s in your locker”.
Celine looked at Della intensely at that but saw no guile in her words she was merely stating a fact. Della left her at that point promising to return later for the tray. So it seemed that not everyone on board intended to treat her with hostility. In a slightly better mood than she had woken to she finished her breakfast before readying herself and going forward to the bridge. Everyone was at their stations as she entered and took her seat Misha had already informed her that Karl and Pico were in stasis pods and ready for transfer on arrival in the home system. Ban had left the ship during the night ostensibly to report back to Tomes though she suspected he intended to clean house in her absence Pico’s actions had wounded him in way’s she could only guess at and he would lash out at any that he suspected were a part of the this latest attempt to kill her or Karl.
A discreet cough from Caleb brought her back to herself as she realised everyone was waiting on her word.
"My apologies Tina take us out and execute the jump Illsaa normal farewells to the dock master if you please Reece weapons hot once we are clear of the dock".
“You suspect an attack” asked Caleb
“Just a precaution Caleb Pico is a ruthless bastard it would not be unlike him to have a backup plan in place”. The Phoenix slipped her moorings smoothly and Celine watched with admiration as Tina manoeuvred her clear of the incoming traffic effortlessly and accelerated hard to a minimum jump distance Frank and Scott were studying all the nearby traffic their fingers poised over the safeties on the missile controls but nothing untoward occurred as the jump sequence began its monotonous countdown. Space dissolved around them but instead of being in a recognisable sector they were suspended in a void that revealed not even a star in sight.
“We are not jumping directly home Caleb explained this is Null space anyone following us here will be forever lost we will resume our journey as soon as the jump drive has recharged”.
Celine accepted that understanding then that this was how the Traders would be able to make a journey to the Ark fleet in this emptiness it would be a beacon for them but without knowing a beacon existed any followers would indeed be doomed to die a slow death. The jump drive reengaged without warning and in a few seconds they were once more in recognisable space. The sector was filled with transports moving about the sector and Tina took them high above the ecliptic towards a massive station that could only be Karl’s Headquarters station. “That seems a little larger than most Corporation headquarters” she noted aloud.
“It is also a production facility Celine” Aaron answered “given the blue prints and the raw materials we can build any size ship there”.
That explained the high number of super freighters making their way to and
from the Station in the distance beyond it she could make out a volume of space that was reserved for the Capital ships that were waiting patiently to be called to action. “How many of those Capitals are ready for combat”?
"Less than half the arming and equipping is the bottleneck in our production system but we are working on those problems Aaron replied again. The carriers pose a different problem in that they have full squadrons aboard but it’s getting pilots for them that’s difficult".
"I can imagine" Celine replied knowing that the reason for that shortage was the conflict between the terrans and the commonwealth. Lives were being lost daily and they were a resource that was not capable of being easily replaced the sooner that war ended the better.
"Transport is approaching Celine requesting permission to come alongside” Illsa announced.
“Acknowledge Illsa, Tina make it easy on them”.
Tina said nothing but bought the two ships together with less than a few meters between them. Celine watched on the monitors as the transport ship opened its hatch and Misha literally stepped from one ship to the other with the Pods in tow. She returned to view a few moments later and the transport moved on to return to its dock.
“Let me know when Misha is secured and then let’s get to Akeela’s” Celine ordered. The jump was straightforward this time and in a few moment they were accelerating towards a convoy heading for the west gate. Illsa announced their arrival to the convoy’s fighters to avoid alarm and Tina matched speed with the convoy as they moved ahead of it to take the lead. There was an undercurrent of tension on the bridge now as safeties were taken of the missile Launchers and weapons. Celine looked to her own display scanners as frank and Scott started giving her data feeds on potential targets both here and in Aladna Hill there was a fair amount of debris scattered between the west and south gate in Aladna and its composition was that of a xenon convoy that had been destroyed otherwise all seemed quiet. Too quiet perhaps she wondered as they neared the Gate.
“Tina once we transit the gate take us up above the transit area until the convoy is through. Just a precautionary measure the lack of a single pirate even a non-hostile in that system disturbs me”.
“It is unusual Tina agreed” absently as she studied her own displays” Scott check Aladna for additional satellites placed since the Phoenix was last here” she ordered
Tina then blushed furiously as Scott looked to her in shock then to Celine for confirmation of that order. “Do it Scott Celine ordered I should have thought of that myself good thought Tina”.
Scott studied his scans for a moment before he found what he was looking for “there is a satellite at the edge of sector set to cover the east gate” he determined “no identification on it”
“Alright Tina you are to delay my last order until that satellite is gone, who have we got in the Perseus”?
“We are carrying two Tenjins Celine the Perseus is kept at home station Misha are you ready to launch”? Caleb asked over the com.
“Affirmative came the reply” Caleb gave her the targets position and told her to take it out as soon as she transited the gate.
“Won’t that just alert the hostiles to the fact that we are on to them Caleb”.?
“I think not Celine Our Tenjins are flagged as Yaki they will assume it’s a normal attack on them and they will have time to see us transit the gate before it goes down if I have judged things correctly”
“We’ll go with that then good hunting Misha” she said over the com as the Tenjin accelerated at high speed into the gate. Her vision narrowed down as she focused on her displays then it had been a while since she had been in combat but her senses seemed more acute as that state of instant readiness to act settled on her shoulders like an old comfortable scarf. Despite her awareness of everything going on around her she had to admit she had missed this”.
“The Tenjin has completed the gate transit” Scott announced
Celine watched as the Gate loomed before them like an infinite wall then they were entering the event horizon. “Keep a track on that satellite Celine” ordered as they re-emerged into Aladna Hill Tina accelerating to clear the transit zone but maintaining her initial entry trajectory.
“The satellite is down” Frank called out No sooner had he done so than Tina bought The Phoenix’s nose up and even with the inertial dampers they could feel the strain as she also engaged full military thrust. Celine could feel the ship vibrating as Tina kept the thrust applied the sudden lack of noise was startling as she cut the thrust forwards and spun the Phoenix over to look down on the sector from a position just above the gate structure. This was obviously a tactic she had used before to be able to judge it so well and Celine was confident it would not be expected by whoever had been monitoring the gate traffic. The convoy itself would be waiting just the other side of the gate for the come ahead signal.
“We have multiple jump fields forming” Illsa announced as she studied her displays
"Scot Frank I want salvoes of our heaviest missiles as the targets emerge and you can identify them as hostile. Reece deploy fighter drones lets not give them a single target”.
“Drones launched ma’am I have targets identified now an osprey and two centaurs and a Hades”.
“Target the missile boats first Tina get me in range targets as you bear weapons free”
Space was suddenly full of fire as they launched salvoes of missiles at the
targets and Reece opened up with the mains Celine used the front turrets to good effect laying withering fire on first the Hades that disappeared in a flash of light as he attempted to launch his own missiles then the Osprey was ahead of them its hull being struck by multiple impacts from the swarm of wraiths Scot and frank had launched as they closed on the ship as they passed the ship Celine heard the rear turrets add to the damage which showed the ship to be falling away from its original course clearly out of control and venting atmosphere as Celine caught a glimpse of it in the rear view display’s. The Osprey has Bailed switching targets Reece announced as Tina turned back to take on the Centaurs that were desperately trying to evade the Wraith missiles that had locked onto them once the Osprey had ceased to be a target.
“Message form Misha she has claimed the Osprey and is now re-engaging targets”.
Celine nodded to Illsa to show she had heard that as she concentrated once
more on the target ahead of her The Centaurs were obviously trying to get clear long enough to enable a jump but they were to close the Phoenix closed the gap between them in seconds and once more rained fire down on them reducing their shields in the first pass then inflicting heavy hull damage as they came back around. Both ships vanished as one of them in desperation launched a hammerhead that Celine destroyed almost as soon as it was lunched the resulting explosion was blinding and Tina bought the Phoenix to a relative standstill as they heard the shattered remnants of both ships bouncing of their shields. “
"Status” Celine called out as their visibility was restored.
“We have Misha returning to dock I have notified Home to send a salvage team to take possession of the Osprey and to sweep the sector, The convoy commander has been notified he is clear to transit the gate ma’am”. Illsaa reported crisply
“Weapons are secure Ma’am” Reece reported as Tina announced the Tenjin had docked and she was resuming position at the head of the convoy.
“Karl would not do that Caleb he would not desert the commonwealth”.
“I share that hope Celine but I am no longer certain of it others have expressed similar concerns”.
Celine waited for her heart to return to a steady rhythm before she dared speak again “So what is it you want of me Caleb to jump into Karl’s bed in order to keep him here”.
“Gunnes sake no Celine I ask only that you allow yourself time to follow your own heart in this matter I will respect your choices no matter what they may be and to ignore Tina’s words for the moment she regrets the stance she has taken against yourself but cannot deny a lifetime of what she has been taught swiftly or easily is right or wrong It may be only when Karl is restored fully to himself that she will relent”.
“Do you know Caleb that is the first time you have spoken to me at any length over matters other than operational ones”.
“It is a failing I admit Celine I feel I am somewhat reticent to speak in most part but when I was younger I was considered quite talkative. I will ask you to consider my words Celine and also ask you to show forbearance towards Tina in truth she cares a great deal for you”.
Caleb left leaving Celine to her thoughts which were to trouble her long into the night. Della woke Celine far too early and only the breakfast tray she had brought with her was sufficient to make her get out of bed. Della made sure she was awake then handed her a large cup of coffee before announcing that they intended to jump to their fleet sector before returning to Akeela’s within the hour.
“I thought we had a convoy to escort” Celine managed to say.
“There will be a slight delay but we’ll make up the time Celine it will be worth it to make sure Karl gets treated properly he’s been delaying it too long. I took the liberty of readying a ship suit for you it’s in your locker”.
Celine looked at Della intensely at that but saw no guile in her words she was merely stating a fact. Della left her at that point promising to return later for the tray. So it seemed that not everyone on board intended to treat her with hostility. In a slightly better mood than she had woken to she finished her breakfast before readying herself and going forward to the bridge. Everyone was at their stations as she entered and took her seat Misha had already informed her that Karl and Pico were in stasis pods and ready for transfer on arrival in the home system. Ban had left the ship during the night ostensibly to report back to Tomes though she suspected he intended to clean house in her absence Pico’s actions had wounded him in way’s she could only guess at and he would lash out at any that he suspected were a part of the this latest attempt to kill her or Karl.
A discreet cough from Caleb brought her back to herself as she realised everyone was waiting on her word.
"My apologies Tina take us out and execute the jump Illsaa normal farewells to the dock master if you please Reece weapons hot once we are clear of the dock".
“You suspect an attack” asked Caleb
“Just a precaution Caleb Pico is a ruthless bastard it would not be unlike him to have a backup plan in place”. The Phoenix slipped her moorings smoothly and Celine watched with admiration as Tina manoeuvred her clear of the incoming traffic effortlessly and accelerated hard to a minimum jump distance Frank and Scott were studying all the nearby traffic their fingers poised over the safeties on the missile controls but nothing untoward occurred as the jump sequence began its monotonous countdown. Space dissolved around them but instead of being in a recognisable sector they were suspended in a void that revealed not even a star in sight.
“We are not jumping directly home Caleb explained this is Null space anyone following us here will be forever lost we will resume our journey as soon as the jump drive has recharged”.
Celine accepted that understanding then that this was how the Traders would be able to make a journey to the Ark fleet in this emptiness it would be a beacon for them but without knowing a beacon existed any followers would indeed be doomed to die a slow death. The jump drive reengaged without warning and in a few seconds they were once more in recognisable space. The sector was filled with transports moving about the sector and Tina took them high above the ecliptic towards a massive station that could only be Karl’s Headquarters station. “That seems a little larger than most Corporation headquarters” she noted aloud.
“It is also a production facility Celine” Aaron answered “given the blue prints and the raw materials we can build any size ship there”.
That explained the high number of super freighters making their way to and
from the Station in the distance beyond it she could make out a volume of space that was reserved for the Capital ships that were waiting patiently to be called to action. “How many of those Capitals are ready for combat”?
"Less than half the arming and equipping is the bottleneck in our production system but we are working on those problems Aaron replied again. The carriers pose a different problem in that they have full squadrons aboard but it’s getting pilots for them that’s difficult".
"I can imagine" Celine replied knowing that the reason for that shortage was the conflict between the terrans and the commonwealth. Lives were being lost daily and they were a resource that was not capable of being easily replaced the sooner that war ended the better.
"Transport is approaching Celine requesting permission to come alongside” Illsa announced.
“Acknowledge Illsa, Tina make it easy on them”.
Tina said nothing but bought the two ships together with less than a few meters between them. Celine watched on the monitors as the transport ship opened its hatch and Misha literally stepped from one ship to the other with the Pods in tow. She returned to view a few moments later and the transport moved on to return to its dock.
“Let me know when Misha is secured and then let’s get to Akeela’s” Celine ordered. The jump was straightforward this time and in a few moment they were accelerating towards a convoy heading for the west gate. Illsa announced their arrival to the convoy’s fighters to avoid alarm and Tina matched speed with the convoy as they moved ahead of it to take the lead. There was an undercurrent of tension on the bridge now as safeties were taken of the missile Launchers and weapons. Celine looked to her own display scanners as frank and Scott started giving her data feeds on potential targets both here and in Aladna Hill there was a fair amount of debris scattered between the west and south gate in Aladna and its composition was that of a xenon convoy that had been destroyed otherwise all seemed quiet. Too quiet perhaps she wondered as they neared the Gate.
“Tina once we transit the gate take us up above the transit area until the convoy is through. Just a precautionary measure the lack of a single pirate even a non-hostile in that system disturbs me”.
“It is unusual Tina agreed” absently as she studied her own displays” Scott check Aladna for additional satellites placed since the Phoenix was last here” she ordered
Tina then blushed furiously as Scott looked to her in shock then to Celine for confirmation of that order. “Do it Scott Celine ordered I should have thought of that myself good thought Tina”.
Scott studied his scans for a moment before he found what he was looking for “there is a satellite at the edge of sector set to cover the east gate” he determined “no identification on it”
“Alright Tina you are to delay my last order until that satellite is gone, who have we got in the Perseus”?
“We are carrying two Tenjins Celine the Perseus is kept at home station Misha are you ready to launch”? Caleb asked over the com.
“Affirmative came the reply” Caleb gave her the targets position and told her to take it out as soon as she transited the gate.
“Won’t that just alert the hostiles to the fact that we are on to them Caleb”.?
“I think not Celine Our Tenjins are flagged as Yaki they will assume it’s a normal attack on them and they will have time to see us transit the gate before it goes down if I have judged things correctly”
“We’ll go with that then good hunting Misha” she said over the com as the Tenjin accelerated at high speed into the gate. Her vision narrowed down as she focused on her displays then it had been a while since she had been in combat but her senses seemed more acute as that state of instant readiness to act settled on her shoulders like an old comfortable scarf. Despite her awareness of everything going on around her she had to admit she had missed this”.
“The Tenjin has completed the gate transit” Scott announced
Celine watched as the Gate loomed before them like an infinite wall then they were entering the event horizon. “Keep a track on that satellite Celine” ordered as they re-emerged into Aladna Hill Tina accelerating to clear the transit zone but maintaining her initial entry trajectory.
“The satellite is down” Frank called out No sooner had he done so than Tina bought The Phoenix’s nose up and even with the inertial dampers they could feel the strain as she also engaged full military thrust. Celine could feel the ship vibrating as Tina kept the thrust applied the sudden lack of noise was startling as she cut the thrust forwards and spun the Phoenix over to look down on the sector from a position just above the gate structure. This was obviously a tactic she had used before to be able to judge it so well and Celine was confident it would not be expected by whoever had been monitoring the gate traffic. The convoy itself would be waiting just the other side of the gate for the come ahead signal.
“We have multiple jump fields forming” Illsa announced as she studied her displays
"Scot Frank I want salvoes of our heaviest missiles as the targets emerge and you can identify them as hostile. Reece deploy fighter drones lets not give them a single target”.
“Drones launched ma’am I have targets identified now an osprey and two centaurs and a Hades”.
“Target the missile boats first Tina get me in range targets as you bear weapons free”
Space was suddenly full of fire as they launched salvoes of missiles at the
targets and Reece opened up with the mains Celine used the front turrets to good effect laying withering fire on first the Hades that disappeared in a flash of light as he attempted to launch his own missiles then the Osprey was ahead of them its hull being struck by multiple impacts from the swarm of wraiths Scot and frank had launched as they closed on the ship as they passed the ship Celine heard the rear turrets add to the damage which showed the ship to be falling away from its original course clearly out of control and venting atmosphere as Celine caught a glimpse of it in the rear view display’s. The Osprey has Bailed switching targets Reece announced as Tina turned back to take on the Centaurs that were desperately trying to evade the Wraith missiles that had locked onto them once the Osprey had ceased to be a target.
“Message form Misha she has claimed the Osprey and is now re-engaging targets”.
Celine nodded to Illsa to show she had heard that as she concentrated once
more on the target ahead of her The Centaurs were obviously trying to get clear long enough to enable a jump but they were to close the Phoenix closed the gap between them in seconds and once more rained fire down on them reducing their shields in the first pass then inflicting heavy hull damage as they came back around. Both ships vanished as one of them in desperation launched a hammerhead that Celine destroyed almost as soon as it was lunched the resulting explosion was blinding and Tina bought the Phoenix to a relative standstill as they heard the shattered remnants of both ships bouncing of their shields. “
"Status” Celine called out as their visibility was restored.
“We have Misha returning to dock I have notified Home to send a salvage team to take possession of the Osprey and to sweep the sector, The convoy commander has been notified he is clear to transit the gate ma’am”. Illsaa reported crisply
“Weapons are secure Ma’am” Reece reported as Tina announced the Tenjin had docked and she was resuming position at the head of the convoy.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Johneh77:
I actually had most of the chapters written as I intimated earlier, the difficulty I had was in merging it in with my slightly skewed game (Re hard drive crash etcetera) as I decided it was necessary to complete the subplots to allow the story to progress. This I have alluded to but as I then undid the damage done to my rep with the terrain's etcetera I felt it was acceptable. Otherwise I am glad you are enjoying the story and I will be writing/posting more as the plot accelerates.
I actually had most of the chapters written as I intimated earlier, the difficulty I had was in merging it in with my slightly skewed game (Re hard drive crash etcetera) as I decided it was necessary to complete the subplots to allow the story to progress. This I have alluded to but as I then undid the damage done to my rep with the terrain's etcetera I felt it was acceptable. Otherwise I am glad you are enjoying the story and I will be writing/posting more as the plot accelerates.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
“Very well people take the time to grab a break I will take it from here I doubt our attackers will plan to do anything more till we near the west gate”.
There was a murmur of agreement with that assessment that as they left their places and went aft only Caleb remained with her having taken over the coms for Illsa. He monitored the in system communications and when the salvage ship arrived gave it instructions as to the disposition of the Osprey which still had an intact jump drive. “That makes thing easier we can ship it to Argon prime for the necessary upgrades then send it directly home. That will give us one more Capital ship that is fully equipped we will be able to add to the fleet”.
“I would hardly class it as a capital ship Caleb”
“You misunderstand Celine we will transfer the upgrades to one of the vessels we have waiting after that it will be recycled. We take the ships to varied shipyards for completion after they are combat ready so as to conceal our true strength and to prevent untoward incidents”.
“It seems there has been a great deal of thought given to this Caleb but how on earth has Karl paid for it all and don’t suggest one weed complex will do it given the output of that complex it would take Jazura to fund what I have seen so far”.
“It is not my place to discuss these matters I am sure Karl will brief you as necessary when he returns. Suffice to say that the reports you have obtained of him capturing a few M6 and M7 class ships are understated by a significant margin”.
That would explain much Celine reasoned after all why would Karl restrict himself to lesser ships once he decided to go down that road to fund his war machine which led her to the next obvious conclusion. “I take it that your people are not then currently residing on the outpost here Caleb”.
“In that you would be correct Celine in fact they were never here people find it difficult to tell one space marine from another when they are in full space armour. Instead we went out recruiting and training people for Karl. They have proven remarkably capable”.
“Given The scope of the construction I have seen so far I can believe that Caleb just how much has all this cost Karl”.
“Such sums are meaningless Celine suffice to say that he has spent more than you could possibly imagine in pursuit of his aims and that he is supported in those aims by all the races”.
“I can imagine seeing as he has decided to take on the pirates across the galaxy how does he think he can win against them when all the other races have failed to find a solution to them”.
“He does not intend to eliminate them totally Celine merely to crush the more dangerous elements that are intent on prolonging the conflict in the north that has been making them rich. Once that has been achieved we will allow them to follow their lifestyle in so far as it does not come at cost to others”.
Celine looked at Caleb then to see if he was being ingenuous but he appeared to believe what he was saying so she let it go. Della appeared on the bridge with a plate of sandwiches and coffees for them both and she relaxed as The Phoenix made a slow transit of the system the convoys fighter escorts would occasionally come forward to their position.
“Ignore them Celine they are a little awed by the Phoenix they have probably never seen a Hyperion before”.
“Probably not but it is irritating to get proximity warnings every five minutes still I suppose they will get tired of it soon enough”.
“They are young Celine they might not get bored as easily as you might wish”.
“Yes that is the problem most pilots these days are young where does Karl hope to find them in the numbers he will need”.
“We are training them Celine and we are integrating them into fighter wings with experienced pilots and assigning them to patrol duties such as this one at our other complexes in both Terran and Commonwealth space. But they are a long way from the skill set necessary for what lies ahead of us in the immediate future which is why seasoned crews aboard ships such as the Phoenix will bear the brunt of our burden until they are ready.”
“So you have more complexes than Karl has told me of how many exactly”?
“I believe at last count there were twenty eight that have achieved full production and repaid the necessary investment that was required to build them Celine. Karl decided it would be of benefit if we helped prevent the terrans economy from total disintegration in order that should we be successful in our attempt to ensure a peace they will be better able to assist when the Xenon strike”.
“And if the peace talks fail what then Caleb Karl will have given the terrans a means to perpetuate the war he hates”.
Caleb fell silent at that so Celine refrained from questioning him further as she tried to take in all that he had told her, Karl had been busy it appeared given the estimated cost of the complexes she had known of till now she estimated he had spent close to two billion credits in less than a Jazura. The numbers were incredible. Add to that the fact that Trader folk would be free to trade at any and all of those stations and it give him an immense amount of economic leverage over all the races. Compared to Karl’s achievements Nial was a rank amateur. That posed another question why did Karl still pursue Nial true he was an irritant but without his pirate allies being able to aid his ambitions he was powerless. It was one of many inconsistencies that filled her thoughts as they made their way across the sector.
The team filed back into the bridge when they were some thirty clicks from the gate. This time when they entered Hatvikah’s they would not have the benefit of advance knowledge of activity in that system, from an attackers perspective it would be the best place to mount a strike against them. That had led Celine to believe that the strike here was intended to act as a ruse to lower their guard and hopefully to inflict casualties amongst them. It had certainly been unwise to send an attack force to a heavily warded sector like this one for any other purpose. With that thought in mind she checked the status on the Tenjins and found they were equipped with jump drives. She contacted Bran in the ready Tenjin and sent two satellites to his cargo bay and gave him explicit instructions which she made him repeat back to her before giving him a go for launch. Celine delayed approaching the gate any further a mizura later she began to get a live feed from Hatvikah’s after Bran launched the satellite he was carrying Bran immediately disappeared from the display as he then jumped for the North gate and accelerated for the east gate where he deployed his second satellite before jumping back to Aladna and setting course for the Phoenix.
“Now we wait Celine” announced as she studied the displays on the main viewer that seemed to show nothing untoward in that system.
Time seemed to drag as they held position just clear of the West gate. Celine ignored the occasional glance from the others as the mizura passed but she ignored them and even had Della Bring up more refreshments. Eventually there was a change in Hatvikahs as the eastern most satellite Bran had placed vanished and they lost its telemetry feed.
“Scott re-examine the data from that satellite the last twenty seconds should do it” Celine ordered quietly a smile of satisfaction forming on her face as her suspicions were about to be verified.
“There’s nothing wait I have it a heat signature at extreme range it dissipated a few sezura later”.
“That’s the answer then an area affect missile launched at the edge of the satellites range once the target was locked on it shut down its thrusters and then coasted into range to take out the satellite. Possibly an RGW” Celine stated thinking aloud “Alright same drill as before except this time Tina I want an immediate jump to the west gate of Hatvikahs once we clear the gate start the jump sequence as we enter the gates transition area here”.
Tina took in what Celine wanted and for the first time Celine saw the faintest hint of a smile touch her face as she engaged the drives and accelerated towards the gate.
“Caleb it might be wise to have that support you mentioned earlier ready to act I have a feeling the opposition have decided to bring their big guns to the table sooner than we anticipated”.
The jump sequence countdown engaged just as they entered the gate threshold Tina had overridden the normal speed reduction to achieve that nobody wanted to risk trying to activate a jump field whilst transiting a gate. They emerged into Hatvikahs and for a sezura there was silence till the proximity alarms started issuing urgent warnings as the jump field engaged and took them elsewhere.
“Bloody squash mines all around the gate” Scott gasped recovering from the shock of having seen all those mines turn and lock onto the Phoenix.
“Illsa send a warning to the Convoy Commander tell him to broadcast it sector wide” Caleb ordered at once before Celine had a chance to do so but he was right they could not allow people to attempt that gate till those mines were cleared.
“Tina take us to the centre of the sector I want eyes on that gate but keep us out of the mines sensors range suggestions Caleb I have little experience with squash mines thank Gunne”.
“Difficult Celine the mines now pose as much a threat to us as whoever laid them normally I would recommend using mosquito’s to take them out at range but if as you suspect there is a heavy strike force beyond that gate then I would advise we make use of them. Look here I’ll show you” he said going to the navigational table inviting both Celine and Scott to see what he had in mind.
“We can assume that a large number of the mines shifted position towards the Phoenix when we entered the system and their drives are now active. Now Scott if you launch two salvoes of Firefly missiles at with a half mizura interval the first wave will be taken out by the mines at a distance from the gate. The second salvo should be able to get close enough to be able to maintain a distance from the mines as they spread out towards whatever is hiding beyond our sensor range. They would see the first set of explosions and whilst anticipating us taking heavy damage or being destroyed not realise the squash mines that remain were heading towards them.”
Celine could see the justice of that idea to turn those weapons on those who had placed them there was a danger though that not all of the active mines would destroy themselves taking out the first wave of Fireflies leaving them to lock onto the Phoenix at a closer range than she was happy with. Caleb saw her concern and admitted there was some risk but stressed that the plan would enable them to deal an unexpected blow against their attackers without compromising the plans for the operation in Gunnes by revealing their strike force’s ability before they had to.
“Alright Caleb I asked for your advice and I have nothing to offer so we will go with it I want a lot of drones in the air as those mines approach though and Scott do your best to clear the mines we might have to deal with ourselves I’ll leave you to launch when ready and once the salvoes are away switch out to wasps”.
“I’ll do my best ma’am, I’ll brief Reece as well ma’am we can’t let one of those things get close to us” Scott replied accepting the task she gave him.
“The more firepower the better Celine agreed returning to her command chair and waiting for Scott to complete his preparations.
“Ready ma’am” he said after what seemed an age but was in fact a matter of moments only.
Celine hit the ship wide com and ordered all internal doors to be sealed and for all crew to brace for impact before giving Scott the nod to initiate the missile launches.
There was a murmur of agreement with that assessment that as they left their places and went aft only Caleb remained with her having taken over the coms for Illsa. He monitored the in system communications and when the salvage ship arrived gave it instructions as to the disposition of the Osprey which still had an intact jump drive. “That makes thing easier we can ship it to Argon prime for the necessary upgrades then send it directly home. That will give us one more Capital ship that is fully equipped we will be able to add to the fleet”.
“I would hardly class it as a capital ship Caleb”
“You misunderstand Celine we will transfer the upgrades to one of the vessels we have waiting after that it will be recycled. We take the ships to varied shipyards for completion after they are combat ready so as to conceal our true strength and to prevent untoward incidents”.
“It seems there has been a great deal of thought given to this Caleb but how on earth has Karl paid for it all and don’t suggest one weed complex will do it given the output of that complex it would take Jazura to fund what I have seen so far”.
“It is not my place to discuss these matters I am sure Karl will brief you as necessary when he returns. Suffice to say that the reports you have obtained of him capturing a few M6 and M7 class ships are understated by a significant margin”.
That would explain much Celine reasoned after all why would Karl restrict himself to lesser ships once he decided to go down that road to fund his war machine which led her to the next obvious conclusion. “I take it that your people are not then currently residing on the outpost here Caleb”.
“In that you would be correct Celine in fact they were never here people find it difficult to tell one space marine from another when they are in full space armour. Instead we went out recruiting and training people for Karl. They have proven remarkably capable”.
“Given The scope of the construction I have seen so far I can believe that Caleb just how much has all this cost Karl”.
“Such sums are meaningless Celine suffice to say that he has spent more than you could possibly imagine in pursuit of his aims and that he is supported in those aims by all the races”.
“I can imagine seeing as he has decided to take on the pirates across the galaxy how does he think he can win against them when all the other races have failed to find a solution to them”.
“He does not intend to eliminate them totally Celine merely to crush the more dangerous elements that are intent on prolonging the conflict in the north that has been making them rich. Once that has been achieved we will allow them to follow their lifestyle in so far as it does not come at cost to others”.
Celine looked at Caleb then to see if he was being ingenuous but he appeared to believe what he was saying so she let it go. Della appeared on the bridge with a plate of sandwiches and coffees for them both and she relaxed as The Phoenix made a slow transit of the system the convoys fighter escorts would occasionally come forward to their position.
“Ignore them Celine they are a little awed by the Phoenix they have probably never seen a Hyperion before”.
“Probably not but it is irritating to get proximity warnings every five minutes still I suppose they will get tired of it soon enough”.
“They are young Celine they might not get bored as easily as you might wish”.
“Yes that is the problem most pilots these days are young where does Karl hope to find them in the numbers he will need”.
“We are training them Celine and we are integrating them into fighter wings with experienced pilots and assigning them to patrol duties such as this one at our other complexes in both Terran and Commonwealth space. But they are a long way from the skill set necessary for what lies ahead of us in the immediate future which is why seasoned crews aboard ships such as the Phoenix will bear the brunt of our burden until they are ready.”
“So you have more complexes than Karl has told me of how many exactly”?
“I believe at last count there were twenty eight that have achieved full production and repaid the necessary investment that was required to build them Celine. Karl decided it would be of benefit if we helped prevent the terrans economy from total disintegration in order that should we be successful in our attempt to ensure a peace they will be better able to assist when the Xenon strike”.
“And if the peace talks fail what then Caleb Karl will have given the terrans a means to perpetuate the war he hates”.
Caleb fell silent at that so Celine refrained from questioning him further as she tried to take in all that he had told her, Karl had been busy it appeared given the estimated cost of the complexes she had known of till now she estimated he had spent close to two billion credits in less than a Jazura. The numbers were incredible. Add to that the fact that Trader folk would be free to trade at any and all of those stations and it give him an immense amount of economic leverage over all the races. Compared to Karl’s achievements Nial was a rank amateur. That posed another question why did Karl still pursue Nial true he was an irritant but without his pirate allies being able to aid his ambitions he was powerless. It was one of many inconsistencies that filled her thoughts as they made their way across the sector.
The team filed back into the bridge when they were some thirty clicks from the gate. This time when they entered Hatvikah’s they would not have the benefit of advance knowledge of activity in that system, from an attackers perspective it would be the best place to mount a strike against them. That had led Celine to believe that the strike here was intended to act as a ruse to lower their guard and hopefully to inflict casualties amongst them. It had certainly been unwise to send an attack force to a heavily warded sector like this one for any other purpose. With that thought in mind she checked the status on the Tenjins and found they were equipped with jump drives. She contacted Bran in the ready Tenjin and sent two satellites to his cargo bay and gave him explicit instructions which she made him repeat back to her before giving him a go for launch. Celine delayed approaching the gate any further a mizura later she began to get a live feed from Hatvikah’s after Bran launched the satellite he was carrying Bran immediately disappeared from the display as he then jumped for the North gate and accelerated for the east gate where he deployed his second satellite before jumping back to Aladna and setting course for the Phoenix.
“Now we wait Celine” announced as she studied the displays on the main viewer that seemed to show nothing untoward in that system.
Time seemed to drag as they held position just clear of the West gate. Celine ignored the occasional glance from the others as the mizura passed but she ignored them and even had Della Bring up more refreshments. Eventually there was a change in Hatvikahs as the eastern most satellite Bran had placed vanished and they lost its telemetry feed.
“Scott re-examine the data from that satellite the last twenty seconds should do it” Celine ordered quietly a smile of satisfaction forming on her face as her suspicions were about to be verified.
“There’s nothing wait I have it a heat signature at extreme range it dissipated a few sezura later”.
“That’s the answer then an area affect missile launched at the edge of the satellites range once the target was locked on it shut down its thrusters and then coasted into range to take out the satellite. Possibly an RGW” Celine stated thinking aloud “Alright same drill as before except this time Tina I want an immediate jump to the west gate of Hatvikahs once we clear the gate start the jump sequence as we enter the gates transition area here”.
Tina took in what Celine wanted and for the first time Celine saw the faintest hint of a smile touch her face as she engaged the drives and accelerated towards the gate.
“Caleb it might be wise to have that support you mentioned earlier ready to act I have a feeling the opposition have decided to bring their big guns to the table sooner than we anticipated”.
The jump sequence countdown engaged just as they entered the gate threshold Tina had overridden the normal speed reduction to achieve that nobody wanted to risk trying to activate a jump field whilst transiting a gate. They emerged into Hatvikahs and for a sezura there was silence till the proximity alarms started issuing urgent warnings as the jump field engaged and took them elsewhere.
“Bloody squash mines all around the gate” Scott gasped recovering from the shock of having seen all those mines turn and lock onto the Phoenix.
“Illsa send a warning to the Convoy Commander tell him to broadcast it sector wide” Caleb ordered at once before Celine had a chance to do so but he was right they could not allow people to attempt that gate till those mines were cleared.
“Tina take us to the centre of the sector I want eyes on that gate but keep us out of the mines sensors range suggestions Caleb I have little experience with squash mines thank Gunne”.
“Difficult Celine the mines now pose as much a threat to us as whoever laid them normally I would recommend using mosquito’s to take them out at range but if as you suspect there is a heavy strike force beyond that gate then I would advise we make use of them. Look here I’ll show you” he said going to the navigational table inviting both Celine and Scott to see what he had in mind.
“We can assume that a large number of the mines shifted position towards the Phoenix when we entered the system and their drives are now active. Now Scott if you launch two salvoes of Firefly missiles at with a half mizura interval the first wave will be taken out by the mines at a distance from the gate. The second salvo should be able to get close enough to be able to maintain a distance from the mines as they spread out towards whatever is hiding beyond our sensor range. They would see the first set of explosions and whilst anticipating us taking heavy damage or being destroyed not realise the squash mines that remain were heading towards them.”
Celine could see the justice of that idea to turn those weapons on those who had placed them there was a danger though that not all of the active mines would destroy themselves taking out the first wave of Fireflies leaving them to lock onto the Phoenix at a closer range than she was happy with. Caleb saw her concern and admitted there was some risk but stressed that the plan would enable them to deal an unexpected blow against their attackers without compromising the plans for the operation in Gunnes by revealing their strike force’s ability before they had to.
“Alright Caleb I asked for your advice and I have nothing to offer so we will go with it I want a lot of drones in the air as those mines approach though and Scott do your best to clear the mines we might have to deal with ourselves I’ll leave you to launch when ready and once the salvoes are away switch out to wasps”.
“I’ll do my best ma’am, I’ll brief Reece as well ma’am we can’t let one of those things get close to us” Scott replied accepting the task she gave him.
“The more firepower the better Celine agreed returning to her command chair and waiting for Scott to complete his preparations.
“Ready ma’am” he said after what seemed an age but was in fact a matter of moments only.
Celine hit the ship wide com and ordered all internal doors to be sealed and for all crew to brace for impact before giving Scott the nod to initiate the missile launches.
-
Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
First Blood:
Now we have to wait she realised as they watched the missile trails on the main viewer Scott was paying close attention to his own displays tracking their missiles progress the squash mines were not visible and would only become so if they actually engaged the Fireflies only then would he launch the second salvo by then those mines that had not preselected their targets would aim straight for them. It was a chilling prospect.
“Celine” Tina called grabbing her attention “sorry ma’am I’m not happy just sitting here with those mines heading our way request permission to manoeuvre once we start seeing those mines begin to detonate I can maintain our distance from the gate”.
Celine thought about that being on the move might make all the difference if Tina was good enough to do as she said. “Alright Tina but it is critical that we don’t invite the second set of mines our way, delay engaging the drives for as long as you think you can”.
Tina nodded her acceptance of that restriction and they all turned to watch and wait for the explosions that were soon to occur. It began first one then another then tens of explosions that caused the view screens to shut down momentarily in order to recalibrate.
“Okay the second wave has passed the initial group of mines switching to the telemetry from the leading group now” Scott advised, “be advised we still have mines inbound they are entering sensor range now they are scanning for targets”.
With that Tina fired the drives in a continuous burn on a course that was designed to take them high above the ecliptic where the mines would hopefully cease to be a danger once they had exhausted their fuel loads. A similar fate was already befalling the Firefly missiles they had launched towards the east as their fuel supplies ran out they then just coasted. The only good news was the sight of the swarm of squash mines that passed them having reacquired targets amongst the Pirate flotilla beyond the gate.
“Frank can you identify the ship types amongst that lot” Celine asked as she struggled to make herself heard over the screaming from the drives?
“Yes ma’am there is a galleon and one Brigantine I count numerous M6 class ships no fighter screen as far as I can tell”.
There wouldn’t be Celine realised not with squash mines active in the sector. No doubt the Galleon carried a full complement but they would be released only after the mines had been disarmed.
“Tina you’re overheating my damn drives Aaron shouted in alarm as Tina maintained acceleration at maximum.
“They can take it for a sezura or so more Aaron relax for Christ’s sake I know what I’m doing” Tina shouted back as she changed vector in response to some threat only she could see in her displays. “Ma’am forward contact immediate in three two one” Celine reacted without thought as she caught a glimpse of the Squash mine as it entered her targeting field she fired and felt the shockwave push the Phoenix to one side as it detonated.
"Weapons fire at will" Celine ordered as Tina Cut the acceleration and began a rapid series of manoeuvres in a desperate attempt not to get caught in a target net by the mines. The ship reverberated to the sounds of its own guns and the blows of the shockwaves as they detonated in near space around them. Celine lost all track of time as she switched from one target to another as they came within range of her forward guns. Finally the noise died down faltered then stopped altogether the silence afterwards was almost deafening. As Tina re-orientated the ship Celine removed her hands from her controls and rubbed them dry on her ship suit. She looked up as Tina settled on a new course aiming now directly at the diminishing Glow of the Squash mines that were even as they watched closing on their targets.
“That’s a lot of squash mines” Frank noted counting the exhaust glows quickly.
“Isn’t it just” Celine noted with satisfaction as the first explosions began to occur in the distance illuminating the pirate ships as they detonated.
“I have a clear count on the flotilla now ma’am but that won’t be accurate for long”.
“That is unfortunate Frank but let me know which ships are a threat once the missiles have done with them.” Frank just grinned at her in response as he turned his attention back to his monitors. She was distracted for a second as Della appeared at her side and pressed a flask of energy drink into her hand before moving about the bridge doing the same for the others. Celine was thirsty enough to open the flask and swallow a mouthful till she realised how horrible it tasted only the fact it was so cold enabled her to keep it down.
"Sorry ma’am Misha’s orders you need to get your energy levels back up ASAP and she recommended this combination".
Celine waited for a moment before replying as the effects of the concoction took effect sending her heart rate soaring for a moment. “Gods what did she put in that” Celine spluttered willing her heart rate to slow down.
“It’s a standard Marine stim pack Celine gives you a sustained level of energy for up to a couple of Tazura”. Caleb said draining his flask “It’s probably best to drink it whilst it is still too cold to really taste”.
Celine took his advice a bitter metallic after taste becoming apparent as she drained her flask. She could feel it restoring her energy though with a swiftness that surprised her“. Are there any downsides I should know of”?
“None really save that you will be hungry pretty much all the time till it wears of I imagine Misha is preparing suitable ration packs for us as we speak”.
That question answered Celine returned her attention to the main display as they closed on the pirate’s location there were still numerous explosions occurring but she could tell the numbers of them were falling slowly at first then more rapidly. That pattern was suddenly reversed for a moment as that entire region flared in multiple bursts of light that quickly faded frank looked ill as he took in what his displays were telling him. “The Galleon it launched its fighters”.
Celine was stunned it was an act the Captain of that ship could have enforced as a last ditch bid to save his ship using his own fighters as bait for the oncoming mines. “He’s out of missiles she concluded he probably unloaded most of them to carry those mines”.
“That would explain the sheer number of them” Caleb agreed “but to sacrifice his pilots like that”.
“What’s the condition of the Galleon” Celine asked
“It’s taken major damage Celine Most of the ships in that Flotilla are showing a similar level of damage and the Brigantine is gone there’s nothing left of it”.
“Caleb I need one M7M to jump in and act as escort for us I intend to give these Pirates a chance to save their own lives if”….. “They surrender” Caleb said finishing her sentence.
Illsa was on the com as soon as he had finished speaking and a couple of Mizura later a Split Cobra flashed into existence ahead of them at the East Gate and moved to take position parallel to the Phoenix.
Tina slowed the ship as they entered the debris field. They ignored the flashes from the shields as they edged through the flotsam that struck them not wanting to examine the nature of what they struck too closely The Cobra took up a position that would enable it to destroy any ship that showed signs of aggression.
“Illsa make sure everyone over there can hear me” Celine ordered as she activated her microphones to broadcast to the survivors. “This is the Phoenix as those of you with operating scanners are aware we have the means of your death to hand those ships that choose to surrender will be spared that fate providing you power down your drive and weapons systems. You have one mizura to respond before we destroy all ships with those systems still active. Those of you who are in immediate danger of systems failures strobe your hull lights and we will provide assistance.
“We have a centaur powering up his turrets Scott warned” before Celine could react the Cobra launched a missile and destroyed the ship. Celine waited for the blast to fade before she reiterated her warning this time there was a rapid response to her orders with nearly all of the remaining ships flashing their hull navigation marker lights.
“We are going to need a fleet of transports to handle this Celine I’ll have the Cobra maintain position whilst we get back to our job" Tina advised.
Celine laughed as she realised she had actually forgotten about the convoy till that moment and asked Illsa to give the convoy Commander the go ahead to enter the sector. The fleet ships began to jump into the sector as the convoy began its monotonous trek towards the north gate. There was one thing she did not forget though and told the commander of the Cobra she wanted the Captain of the Galleon captured and placed in a brig till she decided what she wanted to do with him. Once she was satisfied that matters were well in hand here she ordered Tina to take lead at the head of the convoy. That stim drink Misha had prepared was not such a blessing now though as the stazura passed she found herself feeling increasingly restless and irritable. It was with a sense of relief to all of them when they finally watched the last of the convoy dock at the EQ dock in Thuruks and they were able to head back to Hatvikahs help finish up with the removal of the captured ships.
Celine was startled by the number of ships in system and for a moment wandered what the hell was going on till the Cobra commander contacted her and advised that most of the smaller ships were from various media networks and were demanding to speak to the Captain of the ship that had destroyed such a vastly superior force. The smile on the man’s face made it clear what he was going to tell her next.
“Let me guess you told them I was responsible”.
“I would not wish to seek praise for acts that were not mine Captain if you could agree to speak to them in Aladna hill it would make our task here much easier”.
That Celine could see the sense in and told Illsa to broadcast the fact they would be docking at the OTAS HQ within the stazura for a brief stopover.
Now we have to wait she realised as they watched the missile trails on the main viewer Scott was paying close attention to his own displays tracking their missiles progress the squash mines were not visible and would only become so if they actually engaged the Fireflies only then would he launch the second salvo by then those mines that had not preselected their targets would aim straight for them. It was a chilling prospect.
“Celine” Tina called grabbing her attention “sorry ma’am I’m not happy just sitting here with those mines heading our way request permission to manoeuvre once we start seeing those mines begin to detonate I can maintain our distance from the gate”.
Celine thought about that being on the move might make all the difference if Tina was good enough to do as she said. “Alright Tina but it is critical that we don’t invite the second set of mines our way, delay engaging the drives for as long as you think you can”.
Tina nodded her acceptance of that restriction and they all turned to watch and wait for the explosions that were soon to occur. It began first one then another then tens of explosions that caused the view screens to shut down momentarily in order to recalibrate.
“Okay the second wave has passed the initial group of mines switching to the telemetry from the leading group now” Scott advised, “be advised we still have mines inbound they are entering sensor range now they are scanning for targets”.
With that Tina fired the drives in a continuous burn on a course that was designed to take them high above the ecliptic where the mines would hopefully cease to be a danger once they had exhausted their fuel loads. A similar fate was already befalling the Firefly missiles they had launched towards the east as their fuel supplies ran out they then just coasted. The only good news was the sight of the swarm of squash mines that passed them having reacquired targets amongst the Pirate flotilla beyond the gate.
“Frank can you identify the ship types amongst that lot” Celine asked as she struggled to make herself heard over the screaming from the drives?
“Yes ma’am there is a galleon and one Brigantine I count numerous M6 class ships no fighter screen as far as I can tell”.
There wouldn’t be Celine realised not with squash mines active in the sector. No doubt the Galleon carried a full complement but they would be released only after the mines had been disarmed.
“Tina you’re overheating my damn drives Aaron shouted in alarm as Tina maintained acceleration at maximum.
“They can take it for a sezura or so more Aaron relax for Christ’s sake I know what I’m doing” Tina shouted back as she changed vector in response to some threat only she could see in her displays. “Ma’am forward contact immediate in three two one” Celine reacted without thought as she caught a glimpse of the Squash mine as it entered her targeting field she fired and felt the shockwave push the Phoenix to one side as it detonated.
"Weapons fire at will" Celine ordered as Tina Cut the acceleration and began a rapid series of manoeuvres in a desperate attempt not to get caught in a target net by the mines. The ship reverberated to the sounds of its own guns and the blows of the shockwaves as they detonated in near space around them. Celine lost all track of time as she switched from one target to another as they came within range of her forward guns. Finally the noise died down faltered then stopped altogether the silence afterwards was almost deafening. As Tina re-orientated the ship Celine removed her hands from her controls and rubbed them dry on her ship suit. She looked up as Tina settled on a new course aiming now directly at the diminishing Glow of the Squash mines that were even as they watched closing on their targets.
“That’s a lot of squash mines” Frank noted counting the exhaust glows quickly.
“Isn’t it just” Celine noted with satisfaction as the first explosions began to occur in the distance illuminating the pirate ships as they detonated.
“I have a clear count on the flotilla now ma’am but that won’t be accurate for long”.
“That is unfortunate Frank but let me know which ships are a threat once the missiles have done with them.” Frank just grinned at her in response as he turned his attention back to his monitors. She was distracted for a second as Della appeared at her side and pressed a flask of energy drink into her hand before moving about the bridge doing the same for the others. Celine was thirsty enough to open the flask and swallow a mouthful till she realised how horrible it tasted only the fact it was so cold enabled her to keep it down.
"Sorry ma’am Misha’s orders you need to get your energy levels back up ASAP and she recommended this combination".
Celine waited for a moment before replying as the effects of the concoction took effect sending her heart rate soaring for a moment. “Gods what did she put in that” Celine spluttered willing her heart rate to slow down.
“It’s a standard Marine stim pack Celine gives you a sustained level of energy for up to a couple of Tazura”. Caleb said draining his flask “It’s probably best to drink it whilst it is still too cold to really taste”.
Celine took his advice a bitter metallic after taste becoming apparent as she drained her flask. She could feel it restoring her energy though with a swiftness that surprised her“. Are there any downsides I should know of”?
“None really save that you will be hungry pretty much all the time till it wears of I imagine Misha is preparing suitable ration packs for us as we speak”.
That question answered Celine returned her attention to the main display as they closed on the pirate’s location there were still numerous explosions occurring but she could tell the numbers of them were falling slowly at first then more rapidly. That pattern was suddenly reversed for a moment as that entire region flared in multiple bursts of light that quickly faded frank looked ill as he took in what his displays were telling him. “The Galleon it launched its fighters”.
Celine was stunned it was an act the Captain of that ship could have enforced as a last ditch bid to save his ship using his own fighters as bait for the oncoming mines. “He’s out of missiles she concluded he probably unloaded most of them to carry those mines”.
“That would explain the sheer number of them” Caleb agreed “but to sacrifice his pilots like that”.
“What’s the condition of the Galleon” Celine asked
“It’s taken major damage Celine Most of the ships in that Flotilla are showing a similar level of damage and the Brigantine is gone there’s nothing left of it”.
“Caleb I need one M7M to jump in and act as escort for us I intend to give these Pirates a chance to save their own lives if”….. “They surrender” Caleb said finishing her sentence.
Illsa was on the com as soon as he had finished speaking and a couple of Mizura later a Split Cobra flashed into existence ahead of them at the East Gate and moved to take position parallel to the Phoenix.
Tina slowed the ship as they entered the debris field. They ignored the flashes from the shields as they edged through the flotsam that struck them not wanting to examine the nature of what they struck too closely The Cobra took up a position that would enable it to destroy any ship that showed signs of aggression.
“Illsa make sure everyone over there can hear me” Celine ordered as she activated her microphones to broadcast to the survivors. “This is the Phoenix as those of you with operating scanners are aware we have the means of your death to hand those ships that choose to surrender will be spared that fate providing you power down your drive and weapons systems. You have one mizura to respond before we destroy all ships with those systems still active. Those of you who are in immediate danger of systems failures strobe your hull lights and we will provide assistance.
“We have a centaur powering up his turrets Scott warned” before Celine could react the Cobra launched a missile and destroyed the ship. Celine waited for the blast to fade before she reiterated her warning this time there was a rapid response to her orders with nearly all of the remaining ships flashing their hull navigation marker lights.
“We are going to need a fleet of transports to handle this Celine I’ll have the Cobra maintain position whilst we get back to our job" Tina advised.
Celine laughed as she realised she had actually forgotten about the convoy till that moment and asked Illsa to give the convoy Commander the go ahead to enter the sector. The fleet ships began to jump into the sector as the convoy began its monotonous trek towards the north gate. There was one thing she did not forget though and told the commander of the Cobra she wanted the Captain of the Galleon captured and placed in a brig till she decided what she wanted to do with him. Once she was satisfied that matters were well in hand here she ordered Tina to take lead at the head of the convoy. That stim drink Misha had prepared was not such a blessing now though as the stazura passed she found herself feeling increasingly restless and irritable. It was with a sense of relief to all of them when they finally watched the last of the convoy dock at the EQ dock in Thuruks and they were able to head back to Hatvikahs help finish up with the removal of the captured ships.
Celine was startled by the number of ships in system and for a moment wandered what the hell was going on till the Cobra commander contacted her and advised that most of the smaller ships were from various media networks and were demanding to speak to the Captain of the ship that had destroyed such a vastly superior force. The smile on the man’s face made it clear what he was going to tell her next.
“Let me guess you told them I was responsible”.
“I would not wish to seek praise for acts that were not mine Captain if you could agree to speak to them in Aladna hill it would make our task here much easier”.
That Celine could see the sense in and told Illsa to broadcast the fact they would be docking at the OTAS HQ within the stazura for a brief stopover.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Celine inspected herself one last time in the mirror making sure the Dress ship suit she wore looked immaculate before turning and signalling Ban to lead the way she had foregone carrying the weapons belt that was part of the suits normal accessories this time she wanted to convey a smart military appearance. The conversation in the meeting room vanished as she took her place on the stage and looked down on the waiting journalists.
“Ladies Gentleman my time here is limited so please keep your questions brief and to the point I have commitments elsewhere”. Scanning the faces before her Celine recognised Lanna Dahl a woman who was a lead reporter with the Legend media group. “Lanna do you want to get the ball rolling”?
“Celine there is much speculation on recent events both in Aladna Hill and today in Hatvikahs Faith there are reports that you attacked and destroyed over a hundred ships in both actions”.
“You are in error Lanna firstly the number destroyed was forty two the remainder were captured the crews taken into custody. Secondly we did not attack those ships we responded to unprovoked attacks that included the use of squash mines against us as we sought to escort a trade convoy from Akeela’s Beacon to the equipment docks in Thuruks Beard. I have ordered certified copies of our log available for those that wish to make use of them to ascertain the facts”.
Celine then took questions from other reporters present so as not appear to favour Lanna who appeared to be coming more frustrated each time Celine overlooked her signal to ask a question. It would also goad Lanna into suspecting she was being side lined so that Celine could manipulate the conference. As anticipated Lanna seized a momentary pause by Celine to interject herself and her unasked question.
“Returning to my original question Celine it was an incredible feat to overcome such odds considering that your ship the Phoenix whilst regarded as one of if not the best M6 in its class was able to subdue such a large number of hostile attackers including being able to destroy a Brigantine unaided”.
“That is in large part down to the quality and discipline of my ship and my crew Lanna add to the fact the Pirates decided to use Squash mines against us which we were able to turn against them” Celine deliberately paused then as if realising she had said more than she had intended to.
Lanna did not miss that and as anticipated launched her next question before Celine could attempt to cover that apparent gaffe.
“Are you saying that you have a means to take control over squash mines Celine”?
Celine stood as if flustered “Sorry I have to leave Celine apologised in parting as I said I have prior commitments”.
Ban escorted her from the stage leaving the press to chew over that morsel Celine had phrased her words carefully after having watched the excerpts from the log they would be releasing to the media earlier.
“That was a stunning performance Celine Lanna will not thank you when she finds out you gulled her”.
“I’ve already warned her the “hypothetical” technology I suggested existed is in its development phase Ban she won’t outright say we have it but she will speculate on it” as they made their way aboard the Phoenix.
Celine’s prediction proved accurate as Misha and herself watched a sampling of news media bulletins later that evening in her quarters aboard the Phoenix which was taking on munitions and supplies from a tender Della had called for from home station.
“Clever Misha” said as she saw one such bulletin repeated on yet another channel “the pirates will be less likely to try using squash mines against us again”.
“That was my intent Misha not just against us but any trader ship. Gods I’m only just now realising how terrifying that experience was. A ship with a lesser crew would have had no chance of survival”.
“Do not detract from your part in the Victory Celine you played as much a part in that action as the crew”.
Celine did not argue that assertion sensing that to do so would seem like false modesty instead she settled back with her glass of wine and studied the sector of Gunnes Crusade on her displays. The sector should be mineral rich judging by the number of asteroids present. The problem was it was a major route for Pirates moving from Hatvikahs or from the Brennan’s, Noppilleos sectors to link with the pirate sectors around Mi ton’s refuge. Occasionally the Paranid would make a sweep in strength through the sector but the pirates would scatter and return to haunt it once they had moved on. Given that the Paranid had a core sector to the south of Gunnes she wondered why they did not maintain a constant presence in Gunnes as a buffer to the Pirates who transited their sector at will by all appearances a point she put to Misha.
“It is strange and I myself have had cause to consider this same point in recent past. Karl gave the impression he knew the reason but he did not choose to share this with me”.
That piqued Celine’s interest that Karl knew something he did not choose to share even with his crew that may well have prompted him to accept perhaps even seek out a mission in this particular sector. No matter how hard she studied the sector map she gleaned no insights into his motives. There were obvious ones of course in that there were no stations in the sector and that traffic was light and the nearest Pirate base was two sectors or more distant. Celine gave up in disgust accepting that she might only discover more when she actually scanned the sector in person. The com chimed and she palmed it absently as her thoughts kept going back to Gunnes. Who is it she asked expecting to have heard Illsa announce the caller?
“You were warned Reaver there are consequences for not considering our offer”.
“What the hell” Celine spluttered in outrage as the channel went dead
“That would be a message from either the Jonferco group or the Beryl Corporation as they name themselves, they are both attempting to coerce Karl in some fashion regarding a contract he has. He has said that they are of no concern Celine”.
“I have a concern how did they get that message to this com terminal Misha”?
“I assume Karl arranged that such messages be directed to him automatically”
“And let me guess he did not disclose his reasons”.
Misha said nothing but her look made it clear she was as unhappy as Celine was over that fact. There were too many secrets Karl had never been one to keep secrets or had he she wandered. He had kept the construction of those complexes in Avarice from her and he must have been arranging the construction of others without her knowledge in both commonwealth and terran space long before he had been injured. Yet when would he have had the time. He would have had to be able to be in two places at once for the time scale to make any kind of sense. She gave up on trying to solve that puzzle promising herself she would demand Karl reveal his secrets on his return. That drove her thoughts to wonder at the progress of his recovery they had received no news but she supposed it was too early for any real progress to have been made as yet no, doubt she would be informed when there was.
“He will recover Celine” Misha said startling her that she was able to so accurately discern her thoughts. “Tomorrow we will survey Gunnes and as you I suspect that Karl has a reason for wishing to survey this sector. I doubt it will be to ascertain its viability as a source of minerals, so it would be wise not to spend overmuch time dwelling on his intentions I am certain when we find that which he seeks we will understand more fully his intent”.
“You know that is kind of spooky the way you seem to be able to guess what I’m thinking Misha”.
“It is actually a simple matter Celine I am trained to perceive truth through minutiae and to be honest when you turn your thoughts to Karl it is fairly obvious”.
Celine had to accept that as a given and wonder what else Misha had perceived as regards her thinking wondering if perhaps Ban might be able to demonstrate a means to prevent her thoughts being so transparent. That though would have to wait, as Misha had said come the morrow they would survey Gunnes and solve a part of the puzzle for Karl that at least would be action of some sort that might stop her brooding over things she had no power to change. “Then I shall turn in Misha as you say tomorrow we will be in Gunnes and it has been a long day”.
Misha inclined her head in agreement and left to return to her own quarters Celine made a desultory gesture of tidying the room before seeking out her own bed promising herself she would finish the job properly in the morning.
Celine inspected herself one last time in the mirror making sure the Dress ship suit she wore looked immaculate before turning and signalling Ban to lead the way she had foregone carrying the weapons belt that was part of the suits normal accessories this time she wanted to convey a smart military appearance. The conversation in the meeting room vanished as she took her place on the stage and looked down on the waiting journalists.
“Ladies Gentleman my time here is limited so please keep your questions brief and to the point I have commitments elsewhere”. Scanning the faces before her Celine recognised Lanna Dahl a woman who was a lead reporter with the Legend media group. “Lanna do you want to get the ball rolling”?
“Celine there is much speculation on recent events both in Aladna Hill and today in Hatvikahs Faith there are reports that you attacked and destroyed over a hundred ships in both actions”.
“You are in error Lanna firstly the number destroyed was forty two the remainder were captured the crews taken into custody. Secondly we did not attack those ships we responded to unprovoked attacks that included the use of squash mines against us as we sought to escort a trade convoy from Akeela’s Beacon to the equipment docks in Thuruks Beard. I have ordered certified copies of our log available for those that wish to make use of them to ascertain the facts”.
Celine then took questions from other reporters present so as not appear to favour Lanna who appeared to be coming more frustrated each time Celine overlooked her signal to ask a question. It would also goad Lanna into suspecting she was being side lined so that Celine could manipulate the conference. As anticipated Lanna seized a momentary pause by Celine to interject herself and her unasked question.
“Returning to my original question Celine it was an incredible feat to overcome such odds considering that your ship the Phoenix whilst regarded as one of if not the best M6 in its class was able to subdue such a large number of hostile attackers including being able to destroy a Brigantine unaided”.
“That is in large part down to the quality and discipline of my ship and my crew Lanna add to the fact the Pirates decided to use Squash mines against us which we were able to turn against them” Celine deliberately paused then as if realising she had said more than she had intended to.
Lanna did not miss that and as anticipated launched her next question before Celine could attempt to cover that apparent gaffe.
“Are you saying that you have a means to take control over squash mines Celine”?
Celine stood as if flustered “Sorry I have to leave Celine apologised in parting as I said I have prior commitments”.
Ban escorted her from the stage leaving the press to chew over that morsel Celine had phrased her words carefully after having watched the excerpts from the log they would be releasing to the media earlier.
“That was a stunning performance Celine Lanna will not thank you when she finds out you gulled her”.
“I’ve already warned her the “hypothetical” technology I suggested existed is in its development phase Ban she won’t outright say we have it but she will speculate on it” as they made their way aboard the Phoenix.
Celine’s prediction proved accurate as Misha and herself watched a sampling of news media bulletins later that evening in her quarters aboard the Phoenix which was taking on munitions and supplies from a tender Della had called for from home station.
“Clever Misha” said as she saw one such bulletin repeated on yet another channel “the pirates will be less likely to try using squash mines against us again”.
“That was my intent Misha not just against us but any trader ship. Gods I’m only just now realising how terrifying that experience was. A ship with a lesser crew would have had no chance of survival”.
“Do not detract from your part in the Victory Celine you played as much a part in that action as the crew”.
Celine did not argue that assertion sensing that to do so would seem like false modesty instead she settled back with her glass of wine and studied the sector of Gunnes Crusade on her displays. The sector should be mineral rich judging by the number of asteroids present. The problem was it was a major route for Pirates moving from Hatvikahs or from the Brennan’s, Noppilleos sectors to link with the pirate sectors around Mi ton’s refuge. Occasionally the Paranid would make a sweep in strength through the sector but the pirates would scatter and return to haunt it once they had moved on. Given that the Paranid had a core sector to the south of Gunnes she wondered why they did not maintain a constant presence in Gunnes as a buffer to the Pirates who transited their sector at will by all appearances a point she put to Misha.
“It is strange and I myself have had cause to consider this same point in recent past. Karl gave the impression he knew the reason but he did not choose to share this with me”.
That piqued Celine’s interest that Karl knew something he did not choose to share even with his crew that may well have prompted him to accept perhaps even seek out a mission in this particular sector. No matter how hard she studied the sector map she gleaned no insights into his motives. There were obvious ones of course in that there were no stations in the sector and that traffic was light and the nearest Pirate base was two sectors or more distant. Celine gave up in disgust accepting that she might only discover more when she actually scanned the sector in person. The com chimed and she palmed it absently as her thoughts kept going back to Gunnes. Who is it she asked expecting to have heard Illsa announce the caller?
“You were warned Reaver there are consequences for not considering our offer”.
“What the hell” Celine spluttered in outrage as the channel went dead
“That would be a message from either the Jonferco group or the Beryl Corporation as they name themselves, they are both attempting to coerce Karl in some fashion regarding a contract he has. He has said that they are of no concern Celine”.
“I have a concern how did they get that message to this com terminal Misha”?
“I assume Karl arranged that such messages be directed to him automatically”
“And let me guess he did not disclose his reasons”.
Misha said nothing but her look made it clear she was as unhappy as Celine was over that fact. There were too many secrets Karl had never been one to keep secrets or had he she wandered. He had kept the construction of those complexes in Avarice from her and he must have been arranging the construction of others without her knowledge in both commonwealth and terran space long before he had been injured. Yet when would he have had the time. He would have had to be able to be in two places at once for the time scale to make any kind of sense. She gave up on trying to solve that puzzle promising herself she would demand Karl reveal his secrets on his return. That drove her thoughts to wonder at the progress of his recovery they had received no news but she supposed it was too early for any real progress to have been made as yet no, doubt she would be informed when there was.
“He will recover Celine” Misha said startling her that she was able to so accurately discern her thoughts. “Tomorrow we will survey Gunnes and as you I suspect that Karl has a reason for wishing to survey this sector. I doubt it will be to ascertain its viability as a source of minerals, so it would be wise not to spend overmuch time dwelling on his intentions I am certain when we find that which he seeks we will understand more fully his intent”.
“You know that is kind of spooky the way you seem to be able to guess what I’m thinking Misha”.
“It is actually a simple matter Celine I am trained to perceive truth through minutiae and to be honest when you turn your thoughts to Karl it is fairly obvious”.
Celine had to accept that as a given and wonder what else Misha had perceived as regards her thinking wondering if perhaps Ban might be able to demonstrate a means to prevent her thoughts being so transparent. That though would have to wait, as Misha had said come the morrow they would survey Gunnes and solve a part of the puzzle for Karl that at least would be action of some sort that might stop her brooding over things she had no power to change. “Then I shall turn in Misha as you say tomorrow we will be in Gunnes and it has been a long day”.
Misha inclined her head in agreement and left to return to her own quarters Celine made a desultory gesture of tidying the room before seeking out her own bed promising herself she would finish the job properly in the morning.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
In the Galley on the deck below the crew were also praising Celine’s performance at the press conference as they shared a late meal together having finished loading the supplies Della had wanted restocked before they left a safe port. Tina was the only one who seemed to find some fault with it and Caleb decided this had gone on too long blaming himself for allowing this wound to fester if left unchecked it would harm the crew irrevocably. Seeing that despite knowing her criticism to be unfair none of the others spoke out as always deferring to her in this matter or at least not challenging her comments.
“Tina you know well the depth of my feelings for you but you incite my anger when you refuse to acknowledge when Celine has done well, it is time you put aside your petty resentment towards her and gave if not praise at least acknowledgement when she has exceeded even your expectations. Why do you persist in this unjust animosity”?
There was absolute silence in the room as the others tried to comprehend why Caleb chose this moment to speak out in such a manner, Caleb had however chosen his words carefully to sting and wound Tina to make her angry enough to lash out at whoever sought to question her stance against Celine which she had made such an issue of that all must inevitably choose between herself or Celine.
“I will discuss this with you in Private Caleb” Tina said rising from her seat her voice icy cold
“I think not Tina you have refused all opportunities to do so, we will discuss it now your actions are creating conflict amongst us we will discuss this now or not at all. The matter affects us all and should be discussed openly or do you fear criticism from your brothers and sisters”.
“Tina was incandescent with rage her face twisted in anger at Caleb’s betrayal. So be it Caleb I will say openly that Celine should not have been allowed to return she betrayed us she left the ship when we needed her that is contrary to all that we have been taught is acceptable, if she had not deserted us Karl would not now be in lying in a hospital bed at home station”.
“Now we come to the truth of it Tina” Caleb interrupted her coldly “she left the ship and you damn her for it without asking her reasons for doing so”
“No matter her reasons she deserted us Caleb our laws do not allow for excuses”
“Yet she is not Trader borne Tina you condemn her for acting as she felt she must by her own concepts of behaviour, you then blame her for every ill that has befallen us since then that is unjust and unworthy of you Tina I expected better of you. As to Karl he was injured in combat none of us could have anticipated or prevented that yet you choose to blame Celine for that as she does herself. Does anyone here doubt that she loves him or he her since she learnt of his injuries she has given up everything that has meaning to her to ensure he accepts the treatment he needs, it is by her wish alone that he has finally agreed to have his wounds treated and got him into that hospital bed where your own attempts to do so failed abjectly and yet still you use that against her is that supposed to make us ignore your own failure to achieve that much with Karl or is that the true reason you resent her that Karl will do what she asks of him where as with you he will not”.
Caleb waited for the explosion that was sure to come having said what no one else had dared to he was as pained by his words as she was but they needed to be said or this crew would never be truly whole again. Tina said nothing as she strode to where he sat and landed a stinging blow to his face that took all of his will to allow to land before running from the room. Della looked to Caleb shocked to the core both by his words and Tina’s actions before leaving to follow Tina.
The others all looked as if they doubted what they had heard or his sanity in having said what he had Tina would never forgive him. That was a possibility Caleb had considered at length and had accepted whatever consequences might arise before he had spoken as he had.
“Tina will not forgive you for this” Reece said after a moment
“That is as may be Reece but you all know that this discord must end lest it drive a wedge between you, I assure you I have spoken as I feel I must, you all know she is wrong in her attitude towards Celine yet none of you have spoken out against it for reasons I understand full well. But it needed to be said, I will bear the consequences of my words if it ends this rift I see growing amongst you. Now if you will excuse me I have other matters to attend to”.
Reece watched him go before turning his attention back to the others who clearly were trying to understand the full implications of Caleb’s words.
“Do you think he wants to leave” Aaron asked
“He does not Aaron the man loves her beyond question and they are bonded he knows our lore to well to misstate himself, but he is right we have failed Tina and him in not dealing with this ourselves, we have all noted Tina’s anger to Celine but despite the fact we knew it was unjust we accepted it because, well because she is our first”.
“At what cost though Reece? This will hurt Tina badly just how badly I couldn’t even begin to guess at, it will weaken her”.
“Perhaps Illsa but I think Caleb hopes it will strengthen her he knows her as well as any of us better in truth I suppose, she is harsh in her judgements, by forcing her to address this now she will perhaps have reason to reconsider taking such a stance against Celine she will be as harsh in judging herself as she is others this he knows full well. In truth though I am uncertain if I could do as he has”.
“You are saying we are to blame then”
“How can we deny that, Caleb is right we have allowed this to go on too long because we lacked the courage to speak out when we should have, well now he has spared us that burden knowing full well the likely cost to himself”. Reece left the room not seeking to follow Tina or Della but to be alone to consider the consequences of Caleb’s actions this evening.
In the Galley on the deck below the crew were also praising Celine’s performance at the press conference as they shared a late meal together having finished loading the supplies Della had wanted restocked before they left a safe port. Tina was the only one who seemed to find some fault with it and Caleb decided this had gone on too long blaming himself for allowing this wound to fester if left unchecked it would harm the crew irrevocably. Seeing that despite knowing her criticism to be unfair none of the others spoke out as always deferring to her in this matter or at least not challenging her comments.
“Tina you know well the depth of my feelings for you but you incite my anger when you refuse to acknowledge when Celine has done well, it is time you put aside your petty resentment towards her and gave if not praise at least acknowledgement when she has exceeded even your expectations. Why do you persist in this unjust animosity”?
There was absolute silence in the room as the others tried to comprehend why Caleb chose this moment to speak out in such a manner, Caleb had however chosen his words carefully to sting and wound Tina to make her angry enough to lash out at whoever sought to question her stance against Celine which she had made such an issue of that all must inevitably choose between herself or Celine.
“I will discuss this with you in Private Caleb” Tina said rising from her seat her voice icy cold
“I think not Tina you have refused all opportunities to do so, we will discuss it now your actions are creating conflict amongst us we will discuss this now or not at all. The matter affects us all and should be discussed openly or do you fear criticism from your brothers and sisters”.
“Tina was incandescent with rage her face twisted in anger at Caleb’s betrayal. So be it Caleb I will say openly that Celine should not have been allowed to return she betrayed us she left the ship when we needed her that is contrary to all that we have been taught is acceptable, if she had not deserted us Karl would not now be in lying in a hospital bed at home station”.
“Now we come to the truth of it Tina” Caleb interrupted her coldly “she left the ship and you damn her for it without asking her reasons for doing so”
“No matter her reasons she deserted us Caleb our laws do not allow for excuses”
“Yet she is not Trader borne Tina you condemn her for acting as she felt she must by her own concepts of behaviour, you then blame her for every ill that has befallen us since then that is unjust and unworthy of you Tina I expected better of you. As to Karl he was injured in combat none of us could have anticipated or prevented that yet you choose to blame Celine for that as she does herself. Does anyone here doubt that she loves him or he her since she learnt of his injuries she has given up everything that has meaning to her to ensure he accepts the treatment he needs, it is by her wish alone that he has finally agreed to have his wounds treated and got him into that hospital bed where your own attempts to do so failed abjectly and yet still you use that against her is that supposed to make us ignore your own failure to achieve that much with Karl or is that the true reason you resent her that Karl will do what she asks of him where as with you he will not”.
Caleb waited for the explosion that was sure to come having said what no one else had dared to he was as pained by his words as she was but they needed to be said or this crew would never be truly whole again. Tina said nothing as she strode to where he sat and landed a stinging blow to his face that took all of his will to allow to land before running from the room. Della looked to Caleb shocked to the core both by his words and Tina’s actions before leaving to follow Tina.
The others all looked as if they doubted what they had heard or his sanity in having said what he had Tina would never forgive him. That was a possibility Caleb had considered at length and had accepted whatever consequences might arise before he had spoken as he had.
“Tina will not forgive you for this” Reece said after a moment
“That is as may be Reece but you all know that this discord must end lest it drive a wedge between you, I assure you I have spoken as I feel I must, you all know she is wrong in her attitude towards Celine yet none of you have spoken out against it for reasons I understand full well. But it needed to be said, I will bear the consequences of my words if it ends this rift I see growing amongst you. Now if you will excuse me I have other matters to attend to”.
Reece watched him go before turning his attention back to the others who clearly were trying to understand the full implications of Caleb’s words.
“Do you think he wants to leave” Aaron asked
“He does not Aaron the man loves her beyond question and they are bonded he knows our lore to well to misstate himself, but he is right we have failed Tina and him in not dealing with this ourselves, we have all noted Tina’s anger to Celine but despite the fact we knew it was unjust we accepted it because, well because she is our first”.
“At what cost though Reece? This will hurt Tina badly just how badly I couldn’t even begin to guess at, it will weaken her”.
“Perhaps Illsa but I think Caleb hopes it will strengthen her he knows her as well as any of us better in truth I suppose, she is harsh in her judgements, by forcing her to address this now she will perhaps have reason to reconsider taking such a stance against Celine she will be as harsh in judging herself as she is others this he knows full well. In truth though I am uncertain if I could do as he has”.
“You are saying we are to blame then”
“How can we deny that, Caleb is right we have allowed this to go on too long because we lacked the courage to speak out when we should have, well now he has spared us that burden knowing full well the likely cost to himself”. Reece left the room not seeking to follow Tina or Della but to be alone to consider the consequences of Caleb’s actions this evening.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Della did not have to seek overlong to find Tina she had returned to her own quarters and only opened the door to admit her after Della had threatened to cut it open if she did not admit her.
“Come in then if you must Della” Tina said unlocking the door and walking away from it to take a seat across the room her back to her. Della made no comment on the shattered table or the ornaments that Tina cared for so much lying broken on the floor instead she took the only other seat in the room and waited saying nothing despite the need she felt to embrace Tina and comfort her. She waited for uncounted time till she saw the first hint of despair grip Tina she began to shake visibly as her face was contorted once more not by rage but grief. Without words she moved to Tina and held her close as her she convulsed as if in physical pain.
“I’ve lost him Della He’s turned against me, why Della” Tina sobbed unable to comprehend how things had gone so wrong so swiftly it made no sense to her?
“Now you are being silly Tina you two cannot be separated only together are you truly whole”.
Tina considered those words and after a while her sobbing eased then faded and she dried her cheeks as she turned to ask the question that pained her most of all.
“Then how could he say such things about me Della? Its Celine it has to be she has poisoned him against me”
“Now you are being paranoid Tina” Della said sharply Caleb has done nothing but try and keep matters between you and Celine at least cordial”.
“So you admit it Della”
“I admit nothing of the sort Tina and you know Caleb better than to suspect him of conspiring against you he has ever been honest in his words and deeds”.
“So you agree with him” Tina snapped
“Most of us do, if you were to be honest with yourself Tina you would as well you cannot refute his words no matter how painful what he said those words we should have spoken before now but he has done what he believes best for you and the ship how can you doubt that”?
“Then why didn’t someone say something why allow all this to happen I did not want this”
“Because we look to you for leadership Tina we thought it would pass given your previous closeness to Celine and time yet even when it did not we failed to speak perhaps we were too afraid too, you have to admit that Caleb does not lack for courage so he spoke where we would not to our shame”.
“Gods I’ve made a mess of things haven’t I Tina admitted as she considered what Della had said
“There is nothing here that the human heart cannot resolve Tina and Caleb’s love for you is undiminished I saw how his words struck him in his own heart when he saw the pain they caused you”.
“I’ve hurt him Tina I actually hit him gods once I would have thought such a thing impossible now I’ve ruined everything”.
“That I doubt Tina as I said his love for you is undiminished you will both need time to come to terms with this. This the first time you have had a row between yourselves I take it”?
Tina seemed to give that some thought and she sensed that Della was not referring to minor spats or differences of opinion. “I believe it is she admitted”.
“That explains it then Tina it is natural for couples to have disagreements to vent out their anger with each other on occasion, not to do so at all can be a bad thing”.
“You and Reece don’t Tina objected”
“In that you are so wrong Tina we just tend to be more discreet about it usually I drag him down to the Cargo bays to vent my spleen at him”
Tina manage a choked laugh at the thought of Della manhandling Reece and explained the image she had conjured up with her words.
“That’s actually a pretty accurate depiction of it Tina Reece is a big softy and if I wanted he would just roll over and agree with whatever I wanted to avoid having an argument, can’t you see how wrong that would be”?
“I’m sorry Della I just can’t get over the image of you bullying Reece around trying hard to contain her strained laughter I mean you are so tiny and Reece is well Reece is just Reece”.
“You do him a disservice Tina He is a man of greater size than most that is true but so is his heart the rift between yourself and Celine has increasingly been a source of concern and no little pain to him, now he will blame himself for not speaking out before Caleb did when he saw the ways things were going”.
“There is no need for Reece to blame himself Della this is my fault I took exception to what Celine did and I was so angry with her that I failed to consider why she had done what she had in truth I didn't want to know why I still don’t” Tina finally admitted
“Still he will blame himself Tina it is in his nature he can’t help it he feels it is his responsibility to care for all of us. As for Celine I have a suggestion ask her why she left she doesn’t understand your taking against her as you have and she is hurt by your unexplained hostility towards her where perhaps she had a right to see the friendship you once shared even so she has not called you to task either has she”?
By Chance Reece found Caleb on the observation deck where he seemed to be quite happy to stare out on the sector beyond the dock. He turned as if to leave assuming Caleb might want to be left alone but Caleb noted his presence and invited Reece to join him.
Caleb poured Reece a glass of whiskey refilling his own at the same time the bottle though Reece noted had barely been touched.
“I was unaware you drank Caleb at least not the hard stuff”
“I do so rarely that is true but I am a marine after all Reece it is one of the first things we learn to do”.
“What now Caleb”?
“That I am uncertain of Reece save that tomorrow we go to Gunnes I have some concern in that regard Karl did not give his reasons for wanting to visit that sector discreetly but it was important to him. As you may have noted people tend to attack us when Karl is doing something for reasons he has chosen not to disclose”.
“I guess I hadn’t looked at things like that Caleb it does seem to be that way now that you mention it though” Reece fell silent and together they sat in comfortable silence looking out at the stars.
They might have spent the night there had not Tina arrived at some point in the early hours and insisted that she and Caleb needed to talk in private. Caleb left the lounge and a short while later Della joined him. She said nothing just snuggled up against him so he knew everything would work out. Della was good at fixing things like this.
Della did not have to seek overlong to find Tina she had returned to her own quarters and only opened the door to admit her after Della had threatened to cut it open if she did not admit her.
“Come in then if you must Della” Tina said unlocking the door and walking away from it to take a seat across the room her back to her. Della made no comment on the shattered table or the ornaments that Tina cared for so much lying broken on the floor instead she took the only other seat in the room and waited saying nothing despite the need she felt to embrace Tina and comfort her. She waited for uncounted time till she saw the first hint of despair grip Tina she began to shake visibly as her face was contorted once more not by rage but grief. Without words she moved to Tina and held her close as her she convulsed as if in physical pain.
“I’ve lost him Della He’s turned against me, why Della” Tina sobbed unable to comprehend how things had gone so wrong so swiftly it made no sense to her?
“Now you are being silly Tina you two cannot be separated only together are you truly whole”.
Tina considered those words and after a while her sobbing eased then faded and she dried her cheeks as she turned to ask the question that pained her most of all.
“Then how could he say such things about me Della? Its Celine it has to be she has poisoned him against me”
“Now you are being paranoid Tina” Della said sharply Caleb has done nothing but try and keep matters between you and Celine at least cordial”.
“So you admit it Della”
“I admit nothing of the sort Tina and you know Caleb better than to suspect him of conspiring against you he has ever been honest in his words and deeds”.
“So you agree with him” Tina snapped
“Most of us do, if you were to be honest with yourself Tina you would as well you cannot refute his words no matter how painful what he said those words we should have spoken before now but he has done what he believes best for you and the ship how can you doubt that”?
“Then why didn’t someone say something why allow all this to happen I did not want this”
“Because we look to you for leadership Tina we thought it would pass given your previous closeness to Celine and time yet even when it did not we failed to speak perhaps we were too afraid too, you have to admit that Caleb does not lack for courage so he spoke where we would not to our shame”.
“Gods I’ve made a mess of things haven’t I Tina admitted as she considered what Della had said
“There is nothing here that the human heart cannot resolve Tina and Caleb’s love for you is undiminished I saw how his words struck him in his own heart when he saw the pain they caused you”.
“I’ve hurt him Tina I actually hit him gods once I would have thought such a thing impossible now I’ve ruined everything”.
“That I doubt Tina as I said his love for you is undiminished you will both need time to come to terms with this. This the first time you have had a row between yourselves I take it”?
Tina seemed to give that some thought and she sensed that Della was not referring to minor spats or differences of opinion. “I believe it is she admitted”.
“That explains it then Tina it is natural for couples to have disagreements to vent out their anger with each other on occasion, not to do so at all can be a bad thing”.
“You and Reece don’t Tina objected”
“In that you are so wrong Tina we just tend to be more discreet about it usually I drag him down to the Cargo bays to vent my spleen at him”
Tina manage a choked laugh at the thought of Della manhandling Reece and explained the image she had conjured up with her words.
“That’s actually a pretty accurate depiction of it Tina Reece is a big softy and if I wanted he would just roll over and agree with whatever I wanted to avoid having an argument, can’t you see how wrong that would be”?
“I’m sorry Della I just can’t get over the image of you bullying Reece around trying hard to contain her strained laughter I mean you are so tiny and Reece is well Reece is just Reece”.
“You do him a disservice Tina He is a man of greater size than most that is true but so is his heart the rift between yourself and Celine has increasingly been a source of concern and no little pain to him, now he will blame himself for not speaking out before Caleb did when he saw the ways things were going”.
“There is no need for Reece to blame himself Della this is my fault I took exception to what Celine did and I was so angry with her that I failed to consider why she had done what she had in truth I didn't want to know why I still don’t” Tina finally admitted
“Still he will blame himself Tina it is in his nature he can’t help it he feels it is his responsibility to care for all of us. As for Celine I have a suggestion ask her why she left she doesn’t understand your taking against her as you have and she is hurt by your unexplained hostility towards her where perhaps she had a right to see the friendship you once shared even so she has not called you to task either has she”?
By Chance Reece found Caleb on the observation deck where he seemed to be quite happy to stare out on the sector beyond the dock. He turned as if to leave assuming Caleb might want to be left alone but Caleb noted his presence and invited Reece to join him.
Caleb poured Reece a glass of whiskey refilling his own at the same time the bottle though Reece noted had barely been touched.
“I was unaware you drank Caleb at least not the hard stuff”
“I do so rarely that is true but I am a marine after all Reece it is one of the first things we learn to do”.
“What now Caleb”?
“That I am uncertain of Reece save that tomorrow we go to Gunnes I have some concern in that regard Karl did not give his reasons for wanting to visit that sector discreetly but it was important to him. As you may have noted people tend to attack us when Karl is doing something for reasons he has chosen not to disclose”.
“I guess I hadn’t looked at things like that Caleb it does seem to be that way now that you mention it though” Reece fell silent and together they sat in comfortable silence looking out at the stars.
They might have spent the night there had not Tina arrived at some point in the early hours and insisted that she and Caleb needed to talk in private. Caleb left the lounge and a short while later Della joined him. She said nothing just snuggled up against him so he knew everything would work out. Della was good at fixing things like this.
-
Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Celine settled back in the command chair and waited for the team to finish their last minute checks as Tina prepared to take them out. She could not be certain but something was different on the bridge today she just couldn’t put her finger on what it was.
“We have clearance to undock ma’am” Illsa advised as she got the go ahead from the dock masters traffic controllers.
“Alright Tina take us out you have the coordinates for Gunnes laid in I assume”?
“Jump sequence and sector position target coordinates are laid in ma’am” Tina replied with a cheerfulness in her voice that had been absent all too often of late.
“Then you have control Tina, lets go and offend some people” Tina turned one of her best smiles on her as she powered up the drives and took them out. Over the coms Celine listened in on the reports that were coming through from all stations aboard as well as sector announcements from the traffic controllers. The jump sequence engaged and Celine found herself looking out across the sector even from the south gate she could tell there was little or no traffic in the sector. The main clusters of Asteroids were to the North but Celine had elected to start in the south and get satellite coverage of the sector rather than jump in blind. A long way from a friendly sector with a hostile sector beyond the gate at her back.
“Alright Frank start the scanning sequence, Scott I want you to monitor the data as well there is something in this sector Karl wants I don’t know what it is so look for anything unusual Karl has gone to a great deal of trouble for a chance to find whatever it is and I for one do not intend to disappoint him.” There was a muted chorus of agreement from all of them as they turned to their task.
Celine knew it was unlikely they would find anything of note near the sectors main shipping lanes and probably not near any of the asteroids so had laid in a mapping sequence that would enable them to cover the entire sector in depth and far beyond what anyone would consider a reasonable distance from the sector centre to avoid missing anything. That she suspected was why Karl had readied a strike force as a reserve whilst they were undertaking the survey that would take up to a Wozura to complete. It was inevitable that during that period they would encounter hostiles and if they came in force they had to ensure they could continue the search without interruption. She had outlined a tentative schedule to keep the number on the bridge to a minimum so that they did not get overtired and lax.
As some of them left their posts after a stazura Celine realised that Tina had taken note of her suggestions.
“Okay I’ll take it from here Tina it’s your rest break”.
Tina relinquished command without demur and left the bridge to go aft promising to return on schedule”.
Celine thought to question Illsa about the apparent change in attitude from Tina but decided to let it alone and just accept it. Della appeared a short while later with snacks and drinks for those still present and told them to let her know if they needed anything else.
“Is it just me or is everybody aboard acting a little odd today” Celine asked
“I think it’s because they know that this is really important to Karl Celine” Illsa suggested
Celine took that as a possibility and settled back for a long period of boredom glancing infrequently at the monitors as they crisscrossed the sector making course and speed changes at Franks request at varying intervals. After an age Tina and the others reappeared on the bridge and they changed out positions Celine offering Tina the command chair that would be more comfortable than her own. She went straight to her own quarters where she had a quick shower before settling down to review their progress so far. The progress was less than she wanted but it was inevitable given her determination to ensure total coverage of the sector. Della interrupted her thoughts and wheeled in a food trolley before laying out dish’s and pots on the table top and serving a meal for the pair of them.
Celine said nothing till she had finished her task and sat down opposite her and told her to eat before it went cold. There was something definitely strange going on around here today but she suspected that Della had chosen this moment to explain matters to her. Putting that aside she settled down to enjoy the meal glad she did not have to cook for herself.
Pushing her plate aside she turned to Della and waited, when she said nothing she thanked her for the meal and asked why she was really here.
“It is a bit difficult Della began there has been some unease at your returning to the Phoenix this I think is because we cannot understand why you left in the first place it troubles us Celine it is contrary to our nature. So I would ask you why if you were willing and able to answer that it would ease my mind somewhat”.
“My reasons are my own Della” Celine answered her anger rising at the thought that the crew would think that she would allow her friendship and liking for Della allow them, to ask questions that were none of their business”.
“Please Celine do not react in anger there has been too much of that for no good reason if you choose not to answer I will respect that”.
“So they selected you to ask the question I take it”?
“No Celine I took this opportunity to ask you to answer that question for me alone if you choose too. The others have already discussed the matter and have decided that it is something that is alien to us and we should just be glad you have returned”.
That explained much Celine realised, she also did not doubt that Della was being honest with her she had always been a friend to her since she had first joined the Phoenix and that had never wavered. She was not entirely comfortable to learn she had been the subject of such discussions about her personal life but she had always known that traders tended to live in each other’s pockets aboard ship how else then could they arbitrate matters between themselves.
“Very well Della but the matter is intensely personal to me I would rather it were not repeated”.
“Do you recall when we were aboard the Arkon in Sol system, no of course you were not there Karl began referring to me as his Lady at first I thought it was etiquette but then Tina started acting oddly towards me I asked Karl to explain it later but he wouldn’t he’d just told everyone in the verse that I shared his bed that effectively I was his and he expected me to just accept that, I was raised to make my own way Della my father taught me how to run a billion credit corporation I am not and never will be a trophy for Karl no matter how much I love him I have too much respect for myself to accept that from any man I thought he was different that he loved me for myself it seems I was wrong.”
“Then why return Celine”? Della asked struggling to understand Celine’s actions
“Because he needed hospital treatment for those wounds Della it was the
only way to get him to take the time to look after himself properly”.
“And when he returns what then Celine will you leave again is that your intention”?
“I told myself it was but I don’t know Della nothing makes sense these day’s Karl is frightened of the Xenon he thinks they plan to exterminate us all and he is a major factor in the negotiations for peace taking a position the Terrans would never accept or allow me to assume. No matter our differences I would support him in his aim of preserving the races. Then there are his secrets Della there are things he has done he has kept from me”.
“You are not alone in that Celine but Karl is worried that all that he strives
for could be undone if people knew the full extent of what he does. I understand now your anger with Karl it is unjust Celine you have mistaken his intent in part because you are not trader born if you were you would have understood what he asked of you. Amongst us there is a need to preserve the rights of woman as regards choice in the matters of the heart. A man may court us but it is the woman who decides whether to have a relationship with the man or to take that relationship a step further and make it exclusive usually for life. This we call the Bonding Karl in calling you his Lady was honouring you and asking you to consider accepting him as your bonded partner. Our laws however do not allow that he should be able to reproach you should you choose not to consider bonding. Nor may he withdraw that which he has granted you he is bound to treat you with all due respect no matter your decision”.
“That seems awfully complicated and biased towards the woman Della, but I get your meaning you are saying effectively that Karl has asked me to marry him”.
“It is much more than that Celine but effectively yes”. That is why Tina was acting so oddly after Karl had made public his choice to our people, she was genuinely delighted for you. Then when you left she took it as a personal affront to both her and Karl and you know how intensely loyal she is to Karl”.
“Alright I get why Karl said nothing as I hoped, thought he would but why didn’t she tell me I had misunderstood Karl’s intent”.
“Our laws prohibit such Celine it could be taken that Karl was seeking to circumvent our laws through her, she was unable to speak to you even had she understood the reasons why you left which she didn’t for all Tina’s worldly poise she has had little experience beyond Trader life. I confess I find it difficult to grasp your ways Celine even after you have explained them to me”.
“I still do not understand why Tina was so upset given that you say that I have the right to decide whether to accept Karl’s proposal”.
“If you had made it clear you wished time to make a decision then nothing would have been made of that but you left with no word of explanation that in itself is considered a decision and one made without honour”.
“I did explain it to Karl Della I left him a letter telling him just that Della”.
“Then you acted with honour Celine, would that we had known of this letter then much discord could have been avoided”.
“Karl and his bloody secrets again" Celine snapped rising from her chair and asking Della to follow her.
Celine was not comfortable with her actions she was not one given to breaching people’s privacy but she wanted no lingering doubts Della was also uncomfortable as Celine searched for that letter in Karl’s rooms when she found it sealed she handed it to Della and told her to read it.
Della was clearly unhappy with that but she opened the letter and read it then returned it to its cover and gave it back to Celine her face bright red. “You have a surprising grasp of exotic language Celine”.
“I was angry when I wrote it” Celine admitted returning the letter to its place “I still am but that is between me and Karl”.
“Hopefully that put’s this matter to rest Della”
“I am certain it will Celine Della admitted as she returned with Celine to her quarters and cleared away the dishes before going below”
Celine settled back in the command chair and waited for the team to finish their last minute checks as Tina prepared to take them out. She could not be certain but something was different on the bridge today she just couldn’t put her finger on what it was.
“We have clearance to undock ma’am” Illsa advised as she got the go ahead from the dock masters traffic controllers.
“Alright Tina take us out you have the coordinates for Gunnes laid in I assume”?
“Jump sequence and sector position target coordinates are laid in ma’am” Tina replied with a cheerfulness in her voice that had been absent all too often of late.
“Then you have control Tina, lets go and offend some people” Tina turned one of her best smiles on her as she powered up the drives and took them out. Over the coms Celine listened in on the reports that were coming through from all stations aboard as well as sector announcements from the traffic controllers. The jump sequence engaged and Celine found herself looking out across the sector even from the south gate she could tell there was little or no traffic in the sector. The main clusters of Asteroids were to the North but Celine had elected to start in the south and get satellite coverage of the sector rather than jump in blind. A long way from a friendly sector with a hostile sector beyond the gate at her back.
“Alright Frank start the scanning sequence, Scott I want you to monitor the data as well there is something in this sector Karl wants I don’t know what it is so look for anything unusual Karl has gone to a great deal of trouble for a chance to find whatever it is and I for one do not intend to disappoint him.” There was a muted chorus of agreement from all of them as they turned to their task.
Celine knew it was unlikely they would find anything of note near the sectors main shipping lanes and probably not near any of the asteroids so had laid in a mapping sequence that would enable them to cover the entire sector in depth and far beyond what anyone would consider a reasonable distance from the sector centre to avoid missing anything. That she suspected was why Karl had readied a strike force as a reserve whilst they were undertaking the survey that would take up to a Wozura to complete. It was inevitable that during that period they would encounter hostiles and if they came in force they had to ensure they could continue the search without interruption. She had outlined a tentative schedule to keep the number on the bridge to a minimum so that they did not get overtired and lax.
As some of them left their posts after a stazura Celine realised that Tina had taken note of her suggestions.
“Okay I’ll take it from here Tina it’s your rest break”.
Tina relinquished command without demur and left the bridge to go aft promising to return on schedule”.
Celine thought to question Illsa about the apparent change in attitude from Tina but decided to let it alone and just accept it. Della appeared a short while later with snacks and drinks for those still present and told them to let her know if they needed anything else.
“Is it just me or is everybody aboard acting a little odd today” Celine asked
“I think it’s because they know that this is really important to Karl Celine” Illsa suggested
Celine took that as a possibility and settled back for a long period of boredom glancing infrequently at the monitors as they crisscrossed the sector making course and speed changes at Franks request at varying intervals. After an age Tina and the others reappeared on the bridge and they changed out positions Celine offering Tina the command chair that would be more comfortable than her own. She went straight to her own quarters where she had a quick shower before settling down to review their progress so far. The progress was less than she wanted but it was inevitable given her determination to ensure total coverage of the sector. Della interrupted her thoughts and wheeled in a food trolley before laying out dish’s and pots on the table top and serving a meal for the pair of them.
Celine said nothing till she had finished her task and sat down opposite her and told her to eat before it went cold. There was something definitely strange going on around here today but she suspected that Della had chosen this moment to explain matters to her. Putting that aside she settled down to enjoy the meal glad she did not have to cook for herself.
Pushing her plate aside she turned to Della and waited, when she said nothing she thanked her for the meal and asked why she was really here.
“It is a bit difficult Della began there has been some unease at your returning to the Phoenix this I think is because we cannot understand why you left in the first place it troubles us Celine it is contrary to our nature. So I would ask you why if you were willing and able to answer that it would ease my mind somewhat”.
“My reasons are my own Della” Celine answered her anger rising at the thought that the crew would think that she would allow her friendship and liking for Della allow them, to ask questions that were none of their business”.
“Please Celine do not react in anger there has been too much of that for no good reason if you choose not to answer I will respect that”.
“So they selected you to ask the question I take it”?
“No Celine I took this opportunity to ask you to answer that question for me alone if you choose too. The others have already discussed the matter and have decided that it is something that is alien to us and we should just be glad you have returned”.
That explained much Celine realised, she also did not doubt that Della was being honest with her she had always been a friend to her since she had first joined the Phoenix and that had never wavered. She was not entirely comfortable to learn she had been the subject of such discussions about her personal life but she had always known that traders tended to live in each other’s pockets aboard ship how else then could they arbitrate matters between themselves.
“Very well Della but the matter is intensely personal to me I would rather it were not repeated”.
“Do you recall when we were aboard the Arkon in Sol system, no of course you were not there Karl began referring to me as his Lady at first I thought it was etiquette but then Tina started acting oddly towards me I asked Karl to explain it later but he wouldn’t he’d just told everyone in the verse that I shared his bed that effectively I was his and he expected me to just accept that, I was raised to make my own way Della my father taught me how to run a billion credit corporation I am not and never will be a trophy for Karl no matter how much I love him I have too much respect for myself to accept that from any man I thought he was different that he loved me for myself it seems I was wrong.”
“Then why return Celine”? Della asked struggling to understand Celine’s actions
“Because he needed hospital treatment for those wounds Della it was the
only way to get him to take the time to look after himself properly”.
“And when he returns what then Celine will you leave again is that your intention”?
“I told myself it was but I don’t know Della nothing makes sense these day’s Karl is frightened of the Xenon he thinks they plan to exterminate us all and he is a major factor in the negotiations for peace taking a position the Terrans would never accept or allow me to assume. No matter our differences I would support him in his aim of preserving the races. Then there are his secrets Della there are things he has done he has kept from me”.
“You are not alone in that Celine but Karl is worried that all that he strives
for could be undone if people knew the full extent of what he does. I understand now your anger with Karl it is unjust Celine you have mistaken his intent in part because you are not trader born if you were you would have understood what he asked of you. Amongst us there is a need to preserve the rights of woman as regards choice in the matters of the heart. A man may court us but it is the woman who decides whether to have a relationship with the man or to take that relationship a step further and make it exclusive usually for life. This we call the Bonding Karl in calling you his Lady was honouring you and asking you to consider accepting him as your bonded partner. Our laws however do not allow that he should be able to reproach you should you choose not to consider bonding. Nor may he withdraw that which he has granted you he is bound to treat you with all due respect no matter your decision”.
“That seems awfully complicated and biased towards the woman Della, but I get your meaning you are saying effectively that Karl has asked me to marry him”.
“It is much more than that Celine but effectively yes”. That is why Tina was acting so oddly after Karl had made public his choice to our people, she was genuinely delighted for you. Then when you left she took it as a personal affront to both her and Karl and you know how intensely loyal she is to Karl”.
“Alright I get why Karl said nothing as I hoped, thought he would but why didn’t she tell me I had misunderstood Karl’s intent”.
“Our laws prohibit such Celine it could be taken that Karl was seeking to circumvent our laws through her, she was unable to speak to you even had she understood the reasons why you left which she didn’t for all Tina’s worldly poise she has had little experience beyond Trader life. I confess I find it difficult to grasp your ways Celine even after you have explained them to me”.
“I still do not understand why Tina was so upset given that you say that I have the right to decide whether to accept Karl’s proposal”.
“If you had made it clear you wished time to make a decision then nothing would have been made of that but you left with no word of explanation that in itself is considered a decision and one made without honour”.
“I did explain it to Karl Della I left him a letter telling him just that Della”.
“Then you acted with honour Celine, would that we had known of this letter then much discord could have been avoided”.
“Karl and his bloody secrets again" Celine snapped rising from her chair and asking Della to follow her.
Celine was not comfortable with her actions she was not one given to breaching people’s privacy but she wanted no lingering doubts Della was also uncomfortable as Celine searched for that letter in Karl’s rooms when she found it sealed she handed it to Della and told her to read it.
Della was clearly unhappy with that but she opened the letter and read it then returned it to its cover and gave it back to Celine her face bright red. “You have a surprising grasp of exotic language Celine”.
“I was angry when I wrote it” Celine admitted returning the letter to its place “I still am but that is between me and Karl”.
“Hopefully that put’s this matter to rest Della”
“I am certain it will Celine Della admitted as she returned with Celine to her quarters and cleared away the dishes before going below”
-
Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Celine took her place back on the bridge for the umpteenth time it seemed as the Phoenix moved ever deeper into the seemingly unending darkness ahead of them, as she had suspected if whatever Karl had intended to find in this sector was in fact here it was far from any asteroid. Even now they were almost beyond range of their second array of satellites. Frank changed that as he began to give Celine vector coordinates that would require they end the mapping sequence prematurely but not by much. Celine was certain that they would find nothing else to check doing so she complied and followed Frank’s increasingly rapid instructions.
“All stop back full” he shouted as something blotted out their forward view Celine did as he asked and at once she realised they had nearly run into a derelict of some sort.
Celine waited till she was far enough from the object to make it out a bit more clearly. Then she eased towards it using her docking thrusters only.
“Can you identify it Frank”?
“No ma’am that is a derelict by any definition of the word there’s no power signs at all but judging by the micro scarring I can see it’s been here a very long time”.
“Suggestions anyone we can hardly tow it out of here from the look of things it would disintegrate”.
“If we are to assume that this is the object that Karl seeks I would suggest we examine it in detail by going EVA it may well be that it conceals that which he wants us to find”.
“Possibly Caleb but we could also just leave it here and come back at a later point when Karl can give us some indication of what he’s after”
“That is one possible course of action Celine but this may be the only chance we have to examine it undisturbed our long range scans reveal no other craft within a hundred and fifty clicks from our position if we adopt a minimal power setting to all ship systems we could give ourselves a Wozura to examine the debris before anyone else has a chance to find it or detect our presence”.
“You think others may be after this”
“I do Celine why else would Karl; go to such elaborate preparations to ensure he had ample time to study this wreck, he has said other people will try to impede him how better than to deprive him of something he so clearly feels he must have”.
That was the rub Caleb was right and as things stood they might never have a better opportunity than this, if they simply marked its position to return later there was no saying it might still be here one missile would shatter it to dust it was that fragile.
“Alright Caleb I assume you will want to examine it and I think perhaps if Aaron was agreeable he could join you he’s probably the only one that could identify the workings of this thing get a team together and let me know when you are ready. Scott run a low energy scan over that let’s see if we can at least get some sort of deck layout on it to give us an entry point. Frank I want you to keep a close eye on anything that comes in system especially if it looks like heading our way at this distance that should be extremely unlikely”.
Caleb went aft to get a team ready whilst Celine initiated a power down across the ships systems. Then turned to study the results of the scan Scott was running as the displays started to produce a three dimensional map of the object. This can’t be right she thought as the map began to resolve it showed levels and access ways but no main corridors or routes, it had obviously been a ship but it had the strangest layout she had ever seen. Even so she updated the data to Caleb as he led his team across to the wreck. Noting they altered course as Caleb took note of the easiest point of entry that the map had pinpointed. Caleb glanced at his HUD as he manoeuvred towards the opening the map had indicated the others followed his lead as he inched his way forward his lights now showing the outer hull clearly. The opening looked like some sort of landing bay.
“Okay team lets orient ourselves to the deck Tina I want you to keep me updated as regards that map Celine is sending us and remember this thing is in a delicate condition be very careful if you need to grab hold of anything”.
Caleb led them through the landing bay as he decided to name it and led them deeper into the wreck following Tina’s directions. As they moved ever deeper into the wreck Caleb began to see glints of polished metal rather than the grey of decay moving cautiously he tapped a panel and felt a metallic resonance.
“Celine the structure seems more solid as we progress inwards there is a chance we might find an intact section deeper in”.
“Copy that Caleb be advised you are have twenty mizura of air before you have to start making your way back”
“Understood Celine we may want to get a refill pod set up over here or we may be limited in range”.
“Okay Caleb I’ll have Misha set up her Tenjin as a tanker she will hold position in the open area you entered the structure by I’ll make sure she has MRE packs on board if we can do this in one hit all the better”.
“Understood Celine we will rotate back as necessary and route lines to our present position”.
Thus it began Celine waited and watched as Caleb led his team through the wreck despite the fact that they had been in those suits for a couple of tazura they kept on moving further into the derelict going beyond the range of the map the scan had been able to provide. Celine began to have doubts as to whether this was what Karl had sought after all.
That was until they came upon a sealed bulkhead, this part of the wreck was pretty much solid with no damage they could see. Caleb approached the door and found an access terminal. “Aaron get over here and see if there’s any chance you can power up the doors I would rather not have to cut our way in Tina anything on your scanner”?
“Nothing Caleb whatever the metal is it’s impervious to our scanners”.
Aaron found a port he could access and started trying to interface with the door controls after hooking up a power cell to its circuits. This is odd he muttered as he worked and began attaching more links to the interface port he had accessed. The architecture of the data paths was unusual but there was a pattern to it he was certain of that all he needed to do was find the underlying logic. Ignoring the others he studied the information his data pad was receiving. How long he took he had no idea but piece by piece he gathered together the information he needed and applied the necessary charge to the circuits and relay systems that should achieve the desired results. “Oh crap” he said aloud as he saw the shimmering force field beyond the bulkhead.
Celine took her place back on the bridge for the umpteenth time it seemed as the Phoenix moved ever deeper into the seemingly unending darkness ahead of them, as she had suspected if whatever Karl had intended to find in this sector was in fact here it was far from any asteroid. Even now they were almost beyond range of their second array of satellites. Frank changed that as he began to give Celine vector coordinates that would require they end the mapping sequence prematurely but not by much. Celine was certain that they would find nothing else to check doing so she complied and followed Frank’s increasingly rapid instructions.
“All stop back full” he shouted as something blotted out their forward view Celine did as he asked and at once she realised they had nearly run into a derelict of some sort.
Celine waited till she was far enough from the object to make it out a bit more clearly. Then she eased towards it using her docking thrusters only.
“Can you identify it Frank”?
“No ma’am that is a derelict by any definition of the word there’s no power signs at all but judging by the micro scarring I can see it’s been here a very long time”.
“Suggestions anyone we can hardly tow it out of here from the look of things it would disintegrate”.
“If we are to assume that this is the object that Karl seeks I would suggest we examine it in detail by going EVA it may well be that it conceals that which he wants us to find”.
“Possibly Caleb but we could also just leave it here and come back at a later point when Karl can give us some indication of what he’s after”
“That is one possible course of action Celine but this may be the only chance we have to examine it undisturbed our long range scans reveal no other craft within a hundred and fifty clicks from our position if we adopt a minimal power setting to all ship systems we could give ourselves a Wozura to examine the debris before anyone else has a chance to find it or detect our presence”.
“You think others may be after this”
“I do Celine why else would Karl; go to such elaborate preparations to ensure he had ample time to study this wreck, he has said other people will try to impede him how better than to deprive him of something he so clearly feels he must have”.
That was the rub Caleb was right and as things stood they might never have a better opportunity than this, if they simply marked its position to return later there was no saying it might still be here one missile would shatter it to dust it was that fragile.
“Alright Caleb I assume you will want to examine it and I think perhaps if Aaron was agreeable he could join you he’s probably the only one that could identify the workings of this thing get a team together and let me know when you are ready. Scott run a low energy scan over that let’s see if we can at least get some sort of deck layout on it to give us an entry point. Frank I want you to keep a close eye on anything that comes in system especially if it looks like heading our way at this distance that should be extremely unlikely”.
Caleb went aft to get a team ready whilst Celine initiated a power down across the ships systems. Then turned to study the results of the scan Scott was running as the displays started to produce a three dimensional map of the object. This can’t be right she thought as the map began to resolve it showed levels and access ways but no main corridors or routes, it had obviously been a ship but it had the strangest layout she had ever seen. Even so she updated the data to Caleb as he led his team across to the wreck. Noting they altered course as Caleb took note of the easiest point of entry that the map had pinpointed. Caleb glanced at his HUD as he manoeuvred towards the opening the map had indicated the others followed his lead as he inched his way forward his lights now showing the outer hull clearly. The opening looked like some sort of landing bay.
“Okay team lets orient ourselves to the deck Tina I want you to keep me updated as regards that map Celine is sending us and remember this thing is in a delicate condition be very careful if you need to grab hold of anything”.
Caleb led them through the landing bay as he decided to name it and led them deeper into the wreck following Tina’s directions. As they moved ever deeper into the wreck Caleb began to see glints of polished metal rather than the grey of decay moving cautiously he tapped a panel and felt a metallic resonance.
“Celine the structure seems more solid as we progress inwards there is a chance we might find an intact section deeper in”.
“Copy that Caleb be advised you are have twenty mizura of air before you have to start making your way back”
“Understood Celine we may want to get a refill pod set up over here or we may be limited in range”.
“Okay Caleb I’ll have Misha set up her Tenjin as a tanker she will hold position in the open area you entered the structure by I’ll make sure she has MRE packs on board if we can do this in one hit all the better”.
“Understood Celine we will rotate back as necessary and route lines to our present position”.
Thus it began Celine waited and watched as Caleb led his team through the wreck despite the fact that they had been in those suits for a couple of tazura they kept on moving further into the derelict going beyond the range of the map the scan had been able to provide. Celine began to have doubts as to whether this was what Karl had sought after all.
That was until they came upon a sealed bulkhead, this part of the wreck was pretty much solid with no damage they could see. Caleb approached the door and found an access terminal. “Aaron get over here and see if there’s any chance you can power up the doors I would rather not have to cut our way in Tina anything on your scanner”?
“Nothing Caleb whatever the metal is it’s impervious to our scanners”.
Aaron found a port he could access and started trying to interface with the door controls after hooking up a power cell to its circuits. This is odd he muttered as he worked and began attaching more links to the interface port he had accessed. The architecture of the data paths was unusual but there was a pattern to it he was certain of that all he needed to do was find the underlying logic. Ignoring the others he studied the information his data pad was receiving. How long he took he had no idea but piece by piece he gathered together the information he needed and applied the necessary charge to the circuits and relay systems that should achieve the desired results. “Oh crap” he said aloud as he saw the shimmering force field beyond the bulkhead.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
“I take it that was not your intention Aaron”
“No Caleb I only wanted to give it enough power to access the door itself I guess this is some sort of secondary system designed to activate if the door failed.”
“Okay so power it down and give us access”.
“I Can’t Caleb it’s a pendulum the door opens the field comes on and vice versa”.
Caleb looked into the room beyond the shimmering force field there was some sort of console over the far side, he had a feeling that this was what Karl sought turning to the problem of the door Caleb looked around where he stood it made no sense that anyone or anything could not gain entry to this room then he looked down and saw the layer of dust ended not at the door but a meter inside the room.
“Everyone get your tanks topped up to maximum then form up just inside the room, Aaron once the door closes can you open it again from this side of it”?
Aaron looked around and saw another control panel near the door structure. “I can Caleb “.
“Okay everybody once your tanks are topped up make sure you are clear of the door then Aaron Close it and get set up to open it again”.
Caleb took the opportunity to bring Celine up to date regarding this room they had found and assured her that he could blow his way out if need be
“Okay Caleb but be advised we now have hostiles in system and at a guess given their flight patterns they are conducting a grid search. They are a long way off at the moment I will let you know if that is going to change”
“Copy that Celine I advise calling in support if they get within fifty clicks of the Phoenix that may distract them long enough for us to finish here and jump out”.
Caleb gave Aaron the go ahead and the doors behind them shut soundlessly and he had to wonder at how well they operated after untold years out here in the dark. As soon as the doors stopped moving the force field shut down and they were able to move into the room proper Tina set up light so they could see better and they all save Aaron approached the pedestal set in the centre of the room. The light also revealed that the walls of the room were decorated with paintings of some sort which Tina began recording. Caleb approached the pedestal there were no controls that he could see on its surface, casting his hand light over it he saw that below the surface there was a box of some kind below a transparent panel.
“Aaron when you have a moment I need you to take a look at this”
Aaron finished setting up his equipment by the door then joined them at the pedestal. He studied it carefully for a few moments before reaching out and pulling the clear panel to one side and removing the Box which he gave to Caleb.
“There are no power feeds to the pedestal Caleb” he explained
Caleb placed the Box in his back pack and told them it was time to get back to the Phoenix as they waited for Aaron to open the door Celine warned him that they were now detecting an energy field from the wreck and that the hostiles in system were now heading for them.
“Okay Aaron open the door” Caleb ordered as they entered the space between it and the force field boundary. The door opened but the force field did not appear as they retraced their path they felt the deck vibrating beneath their feet.
“What the hell is going on” Caleb demanded
“I’m not sure Caleb I think some sort of auxiliary systems have been activated as far as I can tell this whole wreck is beginning to power up” Aaron replied as they made their way back towards the point they had entered the wreck.
“Caleb you need to hurry up I have called in the reserve force but those hostiles are now heading straight for this position they will have eyes on us in less than a mizura”.
“Understood Celine something odd is going on over here we will head for Misha’s Tenjin I advise you to move the Phoenix clear to give yourself manoeuvring room we will catch up”.
Caleb then contacted Misha and had her stand by and to eject her cargo to make room for them as he led them through the wreck back towards her position.
“I take it that was not your intention Aaron”
“No Caleb I only wanted to give it enough power to access the door itself I guess this is some sort of secondary system designed to activate if the door failed.”
“Okay so power it down and give us access”.
“I Can’t Caleb it’s a pendulum the door opens the field comes on and vice versa”.
Caleb looked into the room beyond the shimmering force field there was some sort of console over the far side, he had a feeling that this was what Karl sought turning to the problem of the door Caleb looked around where he stood it made no sense that anyone or anything could not gain entry to this room then he looked down and saw the layer of dust ended not at the door but a meter inside the room.
“Everyone get your tanks topped up to maximum then form up just inside the room, Aaron once the door closes can you open it again from this side of it”?
Aaron looked around and saw another control panel near the door structure. “I can Caleb “.
“Okay everybody once your tanks are topped up make sure you are clear of the door then Aaron Close it and get set up to open it again”.
Caleb took the opportunity to bring Celine up to date regarding this room they had found and assured her that he could blow his way out if need be
“Okay Caleb but be advised we now have hostiles in system and at a guess given their flight patterns they are conducting a grid search. They are a long way off at the moment I will let you know if that is going to change”
“Copy that Celine I advise calling in support if they get within fifty clicks of the Phoenix that may distract them long enough for us to finish here and jump out”.
Caleb gave Aaron the go ahead and the doors behind them shut soundlessly and he had to wonder at how well they operated after untold years out here in the dark. As soon as the doors stopped moving the force field shut down and they were able to move into the room proper Tina set up light so they could see better and they all save Aaron approached the pedestal set in the centre of the room. The light also revealed that the walls of the room were decorated with paintings of some sort which Tina began recording. Caleb approached the pedestal there were no controls that he could see on its surface, casting his hand light over it he saw that below the surface there was a box of some kind below a transparent panel.
“Aaron when you have a moment I need you to take a look at this”
Aaron finished setting up his equipment by the door then joined them at the pedestal. He studied it carefully for a few moments before reaching out and pulling the clear panel to one side and removing the Box which he gave to Caleb.
“There are no power feeds to the pedestal Caleb” he explained
Caleb placed the Box in his back pack and told them it was time to get back to the Phoenix as they waited for Aaron to open the door Celine warned him that they were now detecting an energy field from the wreck and that the hostiles in system were now heading for them.
“Okay Aaron open the door” Caleb ordered as they entered the space between it and the force field boundary. The door opened but the force field did not appear as they retraced their path they felt the deck vibrating beneath their feet.
“What the hell is going on” Caleb demanded
“I’m not sure Caleb I think some sort of auxiliary systems have been activated as far as I can tell this whole wreck is beginning to power up” Aaron replied as they made their way back towards the point they had entered the wreck.
“Caleb you need to hurry up I have called in the reserve force but those hostiles are now heading straight for this position they will have eyes on us in less than a mizura”.
“Understood Celine something odd is going on over here we will head for Misha’s Tenjin I advise you to move the Phoenix clear to give yourself manoeuvring room we will catch up”.
Caleb then contacted Misha and had her stand by and to eject her cargo to make room for them as he led them through the wreck back towards her position.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Johneh77:
Yes I have but that is because I want to get the story written down before I Loose my bearings so to speak. Also because the actual game play is an incidental to the story I can take the time to flesh it out so I have more story than Gameplay if that makes sense.
The Next chapter is underway following the actual mission so thanks for bearing with me and I am glad you are enjoying it.
Yes I have but that is because I want to get the story written down before I Loose my bearings so to speak. Also because the actual game play is an incidental to the story I can take the time to flesh it out so I have more story than Gameplay if that makes sense.
The Next chapter is underway following the actual mission so thanks for bearing with me and I am glad you are enjoying it.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Celine moved the Phoenix to the far side of the wreck wondering what could possibly have happened aboard it to produce such a drastic turn of events. The wreck had been powerless but now she could see light emanating from dozens of fissures in its hull. That same light had no doubt signalled its position to the hostiles that were moving towards them judging by the speed of their approach they were M5 fighters, they posed no real threat to the Phoenix but they were being followed by heavier fighters that no doubt carried missiles that did. Illsa had called in their reserve force which should be making an appearance at the south gate in moments but they would have a long stern chase to engage the fighters heading towards the Phoenix add to that they would have to fight their way through the hostiles around the south gate itself and it meant she could anticipate having to defend her position here until they could recover Caleb and the others.
They also had another problem the energy pulses emanating from the wreck were disrupting her com link to Caleb and she was having to relay information via Misha and even that was patchy at best. Making a decision she opened a com link to Misha.
“Misha I want you to recover Caleb’s team then jump to Aladna hill and await our arrival I intend to distract our visitors let me know when you have Caleb and the others on board”.
“Copy that Celine I estimate it will be almost a stazura before I have recovered the team they are facing unexpected difficulties”.
The link died before Misha could clarify that statement leaving her with no choice but to trust that Misha would carry out her instructions and to deter those approaching fighters for at least that long which meant that the heavier M3’s would also be a threat to be dealt with. Powering up the drives in incremental stages Celine altered course to pass the Phoenix over the wreck and headed towards the oncoming fighters with luck they would not be able to detect their approach until it was too late.
"Scott keep running full sensor scans of the wreck, Frank I want you to prepare a widespread barrage of missiles for when we get within range of the approaching hostiles I want a mix of Wasps and Wraiths make them think they have blundered into a minefield.
A thought struck Celine and she hit the com switch again and ordered Bran to launch and provide cover for Misha. The man must have been sat ready in the cockpit of his Tenjin as Celine saw him accelerate past the Phoenix before turning back towards the wreck mere sezura after she gave the order. As the hostiles approached they were taking out the satellites they encountered not realising that they had a force coming at them from the rear Celine decided against deploying a satellite judging that it would only alert them to her presence whereas at the moment they would only be able to see the wreck itself visually. As soon as Frank launched the first barrage of missiles Celine reduced her forward speed waiting to see how many of the approaching fighters survived that first strike before she decided on her next move. If all went as she hoped the hostiles would assume they had entered a minefield designed to deter approach to the wreck. They would be wary then having assumed the wreck to be a potential threat to them not being aware of its true condition. That prompted another thought and with swift touches on the controls she cut power to the drives and let the Phoenix drift away from its previous course cutting her heat signature to a minimum.
“Frank at our current rate of drift we should move far enough of the attacker’s course to put us at the edge of their sensor range I want you to prepare a second barrage. With luck we should be able to reduce their numbers significantly, Scott any news on the team”?
“No ma’am I can’t even contact Misha let alone make scans whatever is occurring on that wreck is disrupting all frequencies, the only plus side of that is it will probably block the hostiles sensors as they approach closer to it”.
“That gives us another problem then Scott that energy field’s intensity could it disrupt Misha’s Tenjin when she attempts a jump”?
It was clear he had not considered that and after checking his numbers he turned to her with a stricken look that confirmed what she feared. The Tenjin would not be able to jump out that meant they would have to await the arrival of the Home station flotilla and as things stood they had no means of warning Misha of the danger.
“Illsa no matter what send to Misha continuous do not attempt jump. Scott I want you to plot a jump to Aladna with a field with a wide enough spread to include Misha and Bran then give me a live solution to my console and keep it updated”.
“That’s a risky idea Celine there are too many variables” Scott protested
“I don’t like the idea either Scott if we get a chance for them to dock all well and good but we might not have the chance” Celine replied coldly stating the facts and not wanting a discussion about it Scott fell silent but did as she had ordered as she turned her attention back to the long range scanners as the first barrage of missiles struck home Frank was already launching a second wave as she changed course once more and headed back towards the wreck.
As soon as the hostiles detected those missiles they would realise they were not alone out here and would start searching for them instead of concentrating on the wreck alone as soon as Frank confirmed he had launched the second barrage he reported a number of fighters had spotted them and were heading towards them. Celine powered the Phoenix systems up to maximum and headed straight for them.
Caleb stood looking out at the area where he could see missile explosions in the dark which he suspected Celine had launched. They had finally got back to Misha’s Tenjin but his plan to get them into the Tenjin was a bust whatever was going on in this wreck had bled the power out of it. It lay inert and lifeless on the deck. Only their space armoured suits power cells appeared unaffected. Celine would expect them to be in the Tenjin and there was no way of telling her otherwise all the coms were down and they could only talk to each other by direct cable links now.
“Okay people Plan B we are going to top up our air tanks and get as far from this wreck as we can”. With luck we will get far enough away to be able to contact the Phoenix and have them pick us up”.
“Caleb Celine is going to be in the middle of a firefight sometime soon do you think she will be able to spot us” Tina asked
“Possibly not Tina but what choice have we got, if we don’t get clear of this wreck I can’t tell what might happen but I have a feeling it won’t be good so I want all of you to attach tethers to my suit and we’ll get going”.
“Have you ever done this before Tina asked as they pushed off from the relative safety of the deck and headed out into the dark”?
“Piece of cake Tina happens all the time during boarding ops right Misha”.
“Yeah it happens but this is slightly different Caleb if the Phoenix doesn’t see us we are sitting ducks out here”.
“Not entirely Misha I can see Brans ship heading this way let’s see if we can grab his attention” Caleb activated a flare and sent it spinning towards the distant Tenjin he’d used a red one to signal danger hopefully Bran would follow protocol and come no closer to the wreck or his ship might suffer the same fate as Misha’s, his suit thrusters on reserve all he could do was wait and hope as they slowly drifted towards his position. Looking to his right he could now see the swarm of fighters that were converging on the wreck and on the Phoenix which was now engaging them.
“Gods there are dozens of them Tina whispered as she watched the battle that raged in the distance”.
Caleb understood Tina’s concern she had never been in a situation like this before, she had faced combat many times but then she had been at her post on the Phoenix then now she could only watch as her ship fought for its life out here in the dark. As they slowly neared Brans Tenjin they watched as the Phoenix struck at the smaller ships attacking her each time Caleb saw a missile impact on its shields he heard Tina’s reaction to it as if she had been struck herself. The Phoenix was taking too many hits he realised. Celine was he judged a better pilot than that which meant she was deliberately drawing the attackers to her rather than let them near the wreckage. The sooner they got to Bran’s ship the better then the Phoenix could leave.
“She’s killing her” Tina cried out as a massive explosion blinded them for a moment before they saw the Phoenix emerge from that glaring light her shields glowing under the strain of battle.
“She’s doing what she can Tina have faith in her” Caleb whispered realising his own heart had nearly stopped for a moment at the sight of that explosion that might have signalled the death of their ship.
Celine moved the Phoenix to the far side of the wreck wondering what could possibly have happened aboard it to produce such a drastic turn of events. The wreck had been powerless but now she could see light emanating from dozens of fissures in its hull. That same light had no doubt signalled its position to the hostiles that were moving towards them judging by the speed of their approach they were M5 fighters, they posed no real threat to the Phoenix but they were being followed by heavier fighters that no doubt carried missiles that did. Illsa had called in their reserve force which should be making an appearance at the south gate in moments but they would have a long stern chase to engage the fighters heading towards the Phoenix add to that they would have to fight their way through the hostiles around the south gate itself and it meant she could anticipate having to defend her position here until they could recover Caleb and the others.
They also had another problem the energy pulses emanating from the wreck were disrupting her com link to Caleb and she was having to relay information via Misha and even that was patchy at best. Making a decision she opened a com link to Misha.
“Misha I want you to recover Caleb’s team then jump to Aladna hill and await our arrival I intend to distract our visitors let me know when you have Caleb and the others on board”.
“Copy that Celine I estimate it will be almost a stazura before I have recovered the team they are facing unexpected difficulties”.
The link died before Misha could clarify that statement leaving her with no choice but to trust that Misha would carry out her instructions and to deter those approaching fighters for at least that long which meant that the heavier M3’s would also be a threat to be dealt with. Powering up the drives in incremental stages Celine altered course to pass the Phoenix over the wreck and headed towards the oncoming fighters with luck they would not be able to detect their approach until it was too late.
"Scott keep running full sensor scans of the wreck, Frank I want you to prepare a widespread barrage of missiles for when we get within range of the approaching hostiles I want a mix of Wasps and Wraiths make them think they have blundered into a minefield.
A thought struck Celine and she hit the com switch again and ordered Bran to launch and provide cover for Misha. The man must have been sat ready in the cockpit of his Tenjin as Celine saw him accelerate past the Phoenix before turning back towards the wreck mere sezura after she gave the order. As the hostiles approached they were taking out the satellites they encountered not realising that they had a force coming at them from the rear Celine decided against deploying a satellite judging that it would only alert them to her presence whereas at the moment they would only be able to see the wreck itself visually. As soon as Frank launched the first barrage of missiles Celine reduced her forward speed waiting to see how many of the approaching fighters survived that first strike before she decided on her next move. If all went as she hoped the hostiles would assume they had entered a minefield designed to deter approach to the wreck. They would be wary then having assumed the wreck to be a potential threat to them not being aware of its true condition. That prompted another thought and with swift touches on the controls she cut power to the drives and let the Phoenix drift away from its previous course cutting her heat signature to a minimum.
“Frank at our current rate of drift we should move far enough of the attacker’s course to put us at the edge of their sensor range I want you to prepare a second barrage. With luck we should be able to reduce their numbers significantly, Scott any news on the team”?
“No ma’am I can’t even contact Misha let alone make scans whatever is occurring on that wreck is disrupting all frequencies, the only plus side of that is it will probably block the hostiles sensors as they approach closer to it”.
“That gives us another problem then Scott that energy field’s intensity could it disrupt Misha’s Tenjin when she attempts a jump”?
It was clear he had not considered that and after checking his numbers he turned to her with a stricken look that confirmed what she feared. The Tenjin would not be able to jump out that meant they would have to await the arrival of the Home station flotilla and as things stood they had no means of warning Misha of the danger.
“Illsa no matter what send to Misha continuous do not attempt jump. Scott I want you to plot a jump to Aladna with a field with a wide enough spread to include Misha and Bran then give me a live solution to my console and keep it updated”.
“That’s a risky idea Celine there are too many variables” Scott protested
“I don’t like the idea either Scott if we get a chance for them to dock all well and good but we might not have the chance” Celine replied coldly stating the facts and not wanting a discussion about it Scott fell silent but did as she had ordered as she turned her attention back to the long range scanners as the first barrage of missiles struck home Frank was already launching a second wave as she changed course once more and headed back towards the wreck.
As soon as the hostiles detected those missiles they would realise they were not alone out here and would start searching for them instead of concentrating on the wreck alone as soon as Frank confirmed he had launched the second barrage he reported a number of fighters had spotted them and were heading towards them. Celine powered the Phoenix systems up to maximum and headed straight for them.
Caleb stood looking out at the area where he could see missile explosions in the dark which he suspected Celine had launched. They had finally got back to Misha’s Tenjin but his plan to get them into the Tenjin was a bust whatever was going on in this wreck had bled the power out of it. It lay inert and lifeless on the deck. Only their space armoured suits power cells appeared unaffected. Celine would expect them to be in the Tenjin and there was no way of telling her otherwise all the coms were down and they could only talk to each other by direct cable links now.
“Okay people Plan B we are going to top up our air tanks and get as far from this wreck as we can”. With luck we will get far enough away to be able to contact the Phoenix and have them pick us up”.
“Caleb Celine is going to be in the middle of a firefight sometime soon do you think she will be able to spot us” Tina asked
“Possibly not Tina but what choice have we got, if we don’t get clear of this wreck I can’t tell what might happen but I have a feeling it won’t be good so I want all of you to attach tethers to my suit and we’ll get going”.
“Have you ever done this before Tina asked as they pushed off from the relative safety of the deck and headed out into the dark”?
“Piece of cake Tina happens all the time during boarding ops right Misha”.
“Yeah it happens but this is slightly different Caleb if the Phoenix doesn’t see us we are sitting ducks out here”.
“Not entirely Misha I can see Brans ship heading this way let’s see if we can grab his attention” Caleb activated a flare and sent it spinning towards the distant Tenjin he’d used a red one to signal danger hopefully Bran would follow protocol and come no closer to the wreck or his ship might suffer the same fate as Misha’s, his suit thrusters on reserve all he could do was wait and hope as they slowly drifted towards his position. Looking to his right he could now see the swarm of fighters that were converging on the wreck and on the Phoenix which was now engaging them.
“Gods there are dozens of them Tina whispered as she watched the battle that raged in the distance”.
Caleb understood Tina’s concern she had never been in a situation like this before, she had faced combat many times but then she had been at her post on the Phoenix then now she could only watch as her ship fought for its life out here in the dark. As they slowly neared Brans Tenjin they watched as the Phoenix struck at the smaller ships attacking her each time Caleb saw a missile impact on its shields he heard Tina’s reaction to it as if she had been struck herself. The Phoenix was taking too many hits he realised. Celine was he judged a better pilot than that which meant she was deliberately drawing the attackers to her rather than let them near the wreckage. The sooner they got to Bran’s ship the better then the Phoenix could leave.
“She’s killing her” Tina cried out as a massive explosion blinded them for a moment before they saw the Phoenix emerge from that glaring light her shields glowing under the strain of battle.
“She’s doing what she can Tina have faith in her” Caleb whispered realising his own heart had nearly stopped for a moment at the sight of that explosion that might have signalled the death of their ship.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Celine was thrown against her restraints as the Phoenix shuddered from the effects of that last devastating blast.“
"Celine those heavies they are in range Scott gasped that was a hammer head our rear shields are off line” He warned.
Celine acted without thought and spun the ship to conceal their weakness her eyes scanning the displays that were now all glowing red under the repeated strikes they had taken. They were taking damage now the Phoenix was losing its ability to manoeuver as well as she could a sure sign of other damage she was not seeing.
“We have ships taking position ahead of us Celine” Scott warned as the displays returned to life after that last explosion.
They meant to board her she realised they must have seen their shields failing. “Frank I want you to launch everything we have keep firing till the racks are empty”.
Frank looked to her with alarm at her words then it hit home what she was saying he turned back to his console without comment. Jump damn it Misha don’t make this all for nothing she whispered to herself as she uncovered a control she had never thought she might consider using. They would not take this ship she hit the ship wide com.
“This is Celine as you can gather things are not going as planned those that can make your way to the escape pods there is a chance our support ships will be able to effect a rescue, I’m sorry”
I’m sorry that seemed such a pathetic thing to say she realised as she turned her attention back to her targeting array and killed another hostile. The missile launchers stopped she looked to Frank and Scott and told them to make their way to a pod. Then looked in astonishment as they ignored her.
“Ma’am no disrespect but this is our ship and we are not done yet” Scott said as they both took a position at the weapons consoles to assist Reece who was still firing the mains.
“Alright then let’s make the bastards pay the price” she snarled throwing the Phoenix directly at her attackers ignoring the damage the Phoenix was taking finally understanding now why traders refused to accept defeat or consider surrender Why Lana had chosen to blow the Swan rather than allow it to be taken and what had driven Latsaha to persevere no matter what the odds against her.
Celine was thrown against her restraints as the Phoenix shuddered from the effects of that last devastating blast.“
"Celine those heavies they are in range Scott gasped that was a hammer head our rear shields are off line” He warned.
Celine acted without thought and spun the ship to conceal their weakness her eyes scanning the displays that were now all glowing red under the repeated strikes they had taken. They were taking damage now the Phoenix was losing its ability to manoeuver as well as she could a sure sign of other damage she was not seeing.
“We have ships taking position ahead of us Celine” Scott warned as the displays returned to life after that last explosion.
They meant to board her she realised they must have seen their shields failing. “Frank I want you to launch everything we have keep firing till the racks are empty”.
Frank looked to her with alarm at her words then it hit home what she was saying he turned back to his console without comment. Jump damn it Misha don’t make this all for nothing she whispered to herself as she uncovered a control she had never thought she might consider using. They would not take this ship she hit the ship wide com.
“This is Celine as you can gather things are not going as planned those that can make your way to the escape pods there is a chance our support ships will be able to effect a rescue, I’m sorry”
I’m sorry that seemed such a pathetic thing to say she realised as she turned her attention back to her targeting array and killed another hostile. The missile launchers stopped she looked to Frank and Scott and told them to make their way to a pod. Then looked in astonishment as they ignored her.
“Ma’am no disrespect but this is our ship and we are not done yet” Scott said as they both took a position at the weapons consoles to assist Reece who was still firing the mains.
“Alright then let’s make the bastards pay the price” she snarled throwing the Phoenix directly at her attackers ignoring the damage the Phoenix was taking finally understanding now why traders refused to accept defeat or consider surrender Why Lana had chosen to blow the Swan rather than allow it to be taken and what had driven Latsaha to persevere no matter what the odds against her.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
“Incoming from the strike force commander Celine” Illsa advised as she threw the link to her com screen.
“My Lady we are nearing your position if you withdraw we can cover you”.
“Marcus Its good to see you again but I need you to protect our fighters at all costs they must make it home understood, we can handle things here”.
Marcus obviously did understand but he continued on towards the Phoenix regardless signalling the rest of his squadron to carry on their original course and orders.
“That is a determined son of a bitch” she noted aloud
“He has a great affection for the Phoenix ma’am being Karl’s flagship he will not see her fight unaided Illsa said her regard for the man clear in that statement.
“Then we shall endeavour to make that aim easier” Celine said changing course towards Marcus's Dragon that was now heading for them at full speed heedless of risk.
Their change in course startled their attackers and threw them into disarray as the Phoenix its shields glowing in a rainbow of colours drove through them shattering those who realised the danger too late. It would be a futile effort but Celine had to make it every sezura they gained gave Caleb and Misha a chance. There were no comments from the others they accepted her choices and agreed with them.
“I have a jump” signature Frank screamed as the Phoenix bucked under the blows of more missile impacts her systems failing inexorably as her speed began to falter once more.
“My Lady Caleb is clear for pity’s sake Jump” Marcus screamed at her over an open channel.
Celine struggled to understand his words as she tried to breathe through the smoke that was filling the bridge they were venting air she realised as she heard Loki announce he was assuming control.
“Go back we have to go back” Tina screamed at Bran over the com
“Ma’am I want to but I don’t have the fuel and we would be too far from her position to help if I could” Bran replied in a quiet voice that told her clearly his frustration matched her own.
“Incoming from the strike force commander Celine” Illsa advised as she threw the link to her com screen.
“My Lady we are nearing your position if you withdraw we can cover you”.
“Marcus Its good to see you again but I need you to protect our fighters at all costs they must make it home understood, we can handle things here”.
Marcus obviously did understand but he continued on towards the Phoenix regardless signalling the rest of his squadron to carry on their original course and orders.
“That is a determined son of a bitch” she noted aloud
“He has a great affection for the Phoenix ma’am being Karl’s flagship he will not see her fight unaided Illsa said her regard for the man clear in that statement.
“Then we shall endeavour to make that aim easier” Celine said changing course towards Marcus's Dragon that was now heading for them at full speed heedless of risk.
Their change in course startled their attackers and threw them into disarray as the Phoenix its shields glowing in a rainbow of colours drove through them shattering those who realised the danger too late. It would be a futile effort but Celine had to make it every sezura they gained gave Caleb and Misha a chance. There were no comments from the others they accepted her choices and agreed with them.
“I have a jump” signature Frank screamed as the Phoenix bucked under the blows of more missile impacts her systems failing inexorably as her speed began to falter once more.
“My Lady Caleb is clear for pity’s sake Jump” Marcus screamed at her over an open channel.
Celine struggled to understand his words as she tried to breathe through the smoke that was filling the bridge they were venting air she realised as she heard Loki announce he was assuming control.
“Go back we have to go back” Tina screamed at Bran over the com
“Ma’am I want to but I don’t have the fuel and we would be too far from her position to help if I could” Bran replied in a quiet voice that told her clearly his frustration matched her own.