2628 - An officers beginning

Dahan · 09-01-2005, 04:57

After reading many peoples comments, suggestions and extra information I have made a fan fiction which I hope people would enjoy reading....

There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first Kilrathi War, then the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, then the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim. I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within. A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad which has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. This is the story of a young officer who is dragged into the conflict just prior to the first Kilrathi war.

An officer’s new beginning.

Introduction

TCS Academy
Houston, Earth, Sol
Star Date 2628

“Break left now!” Datangia swung his fighter port side as the missile shot past
“Thanks Gem. I owe you one!”
“You can buy me a beer when we finish. You’re on my wing” said Gem, as Datangia looked over to his starboard side to his wingman flying by, “Flight 2 what’s your status?”
“All clear”
“Keeping’ those bandits busy”
“Check, Datangia and I are heading for the corvette. Just keep those bandits off our backs”
“You got it boss”

* * *

Gem and Datangia sped towards the lone ship that was trying to leave the fight.
“Looks like it is trying to reach the jump point” said Datangia
“Check” agreed Gem, “I’m reading power fluctuations”
“We have to disable the engines!”
“OK, you hit the engines, I’m hitting the weapons. We got to jam their transmission”
“I’m right with you Gem let’s go” Datangia and Gem hit their afterburners reaching closer to the enemy corvette. Datangia switched on his missile weapon systems as he targeted the corvette’s engines, “I’m getting tone” as he reached closer to the corvette, suddenly the corvette open fired on them, “What the hell!? I thought the corvette had no gun ports”
“So did I” said Gem, “it’s too late, stay on target and hit those engines, we got to….” Gem never got to finish her sentence as her fighter exploded next to Datangia
“Fuck!” hissed Datangia as he swerved his fighter away from the blast, “Reddy, Flame! Gems gone need help fast!”
“Got our hand’s tied” said Reddy, “damn pirates are blocking us between us and you. You got to leave the corvette!”
“Can’t do that mate” said Datangia, “we leave it, reinforcements would come back. I can’t do that. I going to hit the engines and communications, I’m not letting them go” Datangia swung his fighter back targeting the corvette’s engines and preset the ship’s communications antenna as his secondary target. Swerving left and right, Datangia avoiding the ships fire inching in closer towards the corvette. His targeting system begun to emit a ticking tone attempting to acquire a target lock on the corvette’s engines.

The targeting system reached a firing solution and locked on to corvette’s engines, “Launching missile now!” said Datangia as he fired his missile as the engines, Datangia swerve his fighter starboard as he fired his missile, “engines gone, engines gone!” said Datangia as he attempted to acquire the corvette’s communication systems, “Watch it Datangia you got bandit on your six” Datangia check his sensors and saw an enemy blip heading to his location very fast, “Damn, too close” said Datangia as he turn his fighter around, he checked his load out, only one dumb-fire missiles left, moving his fighter away from the corvette’s firing range he face his opponent. Before he could do anything his missile lock warning blared loudly through his helmet speakers, he looked through his cockpit and saw a flicker of light followed by a big flash of white light, “Second Flight got missile lock got…” Datangia never finished his sentence, as his fighter was completely surrounded by white light followed by blackness.

“What the!?” said Datangia as he turned his head around trying to see what was going on, “Damn it, I almost had that corvette”
“Well you should have checked that fighter that was coming up from behind” Datangia heard Gem’s voice as the cockpit simulator opened up and saw his wingman and the others climbing out of their cockpit simulators. Datangia pulled off his helmet and shaking his sweating hair, “Damn it we weren’t told about the corvette’s weapons”
“We were not told anything about the corvette” said Flame as she leaned over to Datangia’s cockpit, “you of all people who have thought of that” Datangia gave Flame an angry look, as he was always referred as the ‘by the book’ type of guy, “who said that I would have thought of it. You knew that I was under pressure there”
“OK folks quiet down” said a voice behind the cadets. The group turn to see their flight instructor Lieutenant Colonel Regan, walking up towards them. “You all did very good given the circumstances, but Flame was right about something. We did not tell you all the information provided and you should have taken the initiative of assessing the situation.”
“Sir why did you not tell us that the corvette had any weapons online?” asked Datangia
“If you recall cadet” said Regan “in the briefing I said that the objective was to neutralise the enemy ship before jumping out. Assess the situation and follow the flight leader’s orders. I did not say anything else” Datangia looked over to his wingman and flight leader Gem who only shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.
“I wouldn’t worry too much Cadet Cheng” smiled Regan, “you did what you thought was best. Just remember don’t do anything heroics when you out there. Your wingman is the most value possession when you are in combat. You folks have three more weeks til graduation. We go through one more simulation and see what happens, until then read up your squad tactics and manoeuvres text otherwise dismissed.”

* * *

“I can’t believe that we are almost graduating!” said Gem, “We soon would be posted to our first ship!”
“Or naval base” reminded Reddy, “you forget that we have planetary bases as well as carriers. The real action is onboard the battleships, cruisers and destroyers”
“Ah there is always room for fighters” replied Gem, “what do you think Anthony what do you think?” Anthony sat listening to the conversation between the two cadets about the which was better, “Personally I don’t really care” replied the Australian born Chinese cadet, “As long I get to fly and do my fair share of duty and fun I am happy”
“Ah you’re such a let down Anthony” said Gem, “you never take any sides do you?”
“Why should I? Should I be concerned about what is better? Carriers or Battleship? Just read the report about the Panama Games and make your decision then”
“Why read the report when you could turn up to Commander Turner’s lectures” said Flame, “I’m sure you could learn all the things you need from the Commander”
“Hell no” said Gem, “the Commander gives me the creeps every time I look at him. I rather read the article on the network”
“Suit yourself” replied Flame as she finished the rest of her drink.

* * *

He sat on the bench looking over the lake watching the ducks gliding over the water. In three weeks he would be graduating. In three weeks he will no longer be a cadet. In three weeks he will be an officer in the Confederation military. In three weeks he would be following the footsteps as his father would be. In three weeks he will see where fate will lead him.
“Why the glum face cadet?” said someone from a distance, Anthony to face the voice and saw Colonel Regan coming with a small brown paper bag, “something on your mind Anthony?”
“I don’t know sir” sigh Anthony, “It’s just that in three weeks I’m graduating. I know that I should be happy, I am. But I got this feeling that I am not”
“Anything to do with the fire accident and the fact that your father pulled strings to keep you from being expelled from the Academy?”
Anthony tried to reply but couldn’t find the right words to respond with, “Sir I was with those other cadets when they lit the fire crackers. I was with them when the crackers blew up and lit the garbage refuse. I am accountable as much as they were”
Colonel Regan sat down next to the cadet and put his hand into the brown bag and pull out a handful of bread bits and fed them to the ducks that were nearby.
“That may be true Cadet, but you have to remember that being there is not being the same as being involved”
“No sir, but I still feel responsible for not doing anything”
“Are you worried that this might be on your permanent record?” Anthony nodded, “I thought you might feel that way” John wiped his hand on his pants and pulled out an envelop from inside his jacker, “you might want to take a look at this”
“What is it?”
“My permanent record”
“How did you get and why sir?”
“One of the perks of being a senior officer is that you can pull strings to get on hold on things you need. Something which I think your father would have done”
Anthony looked at his Academy instructor’s record until he came across a section mark as disciplinary record. The record show that his instructor had stolen exam papers, changed results, stolen instructors credit chip and received various different disciplinary action.
“You see cadet that not everyone leaves the Academy with a perfect record. Even Commander Turner has had problems during his younger days”
“Commander Turner!?”
“Don’t get too worked up Anthony” laughed John, “go and find your friends and enjoy your time left together. You have your whole life ahead of you”
“Yes sir and thank you sir” replied Anthony as he got up from the bench
“And Cadet”
“Yes Sir”
“When we are not on duty or teaching or anything call me John”
“Yes sir, John”
“And I like my record please” Anthony looked down and saw he was still holding on to his instructors record
“Sorry sir” smiled Anthony as he returned the paper.

* * *

One month later
Confederation Service Academy
Graduation Day
Houston, Earth, Sol

“Congratulations Tony!” said Ta-ke, giving his grandson a big heart, “we are so proud of you!”
“Thanks gramps” smiled Anthony, “It means so much that everyone was able to come”
“Oh darling we could not missed this for all the tea in China” said Anthony’s grandmother Jennifer, “Your mother would be so proud of you I know she would have like this” Anthony nodded as he too wished his mother was here.
“I can’t believe I would see this day” said Anthony as he wiped a tear from his eye, “I went through so much trouble and I thought the Commandant would expelled me from the Academy”
“Well you may have to talk to your father” said Ta-ke “I have a hunch that he may have something to do with it”
“Not dad again” groaned Anthony, “he promised me not to help me. After helping me with from that fire accident I told him that I would face the consequences and not to get away from it!”
“I know” nodded Ta-ke, “But I think that your dad does not what to see you suffer as much as he did”
“Am I interrupting something here?” asked someone behind
“Not at all Skip” smiled Ta-ke, “we just congratulating my grandson. How is the motley crew?”
“They are all well Ta-ke, all well” smiled Admiral Banbridge as he shook Anthony’s hand “Congratulations Lieutenant and welcome to the service”
“Thank you sir” replied Anthony, “I am looking forward to my first assignment”
“Don’t worry Lieutenant” chuckled Wayne, “You will get your assignment in a few days, but in the meantime enjoy what you have now. If you excuse me I have some people I have to see. Ta-ke we have to catch up for some rice wine”
“Don’t worry I intend to” laughed Anthony’s grandfather
“I didn’t know you knew Admiral Banbridge Gramps”
“Well his father and I went to high school together. Ah it has been a long time”
“How old are you grandpa?”
“As if I would tell you that” chuckled Ta-Ke, “I think you have another visitor Tony” as he pointed to another officer coming towards them, Anthony turned to see John Regan coming towards them, “Colonel” saluted Anthony as his former instructor came up towards him and return the salute, “Congratulations Lieutenant” smiled John, “Well done it has been a long time coming”
“Yes sir it has been. Thank you sir for everything”
“Your welcome Lieutenant. If you ever want to talk to someone I’m here”
“Thank you sir I will keep that in mind” replied Anthony as former cadet and former instructor shook hands for the last time.

* * *

Few Days later

Anthony looked at the data pad again for the hundredth time, making sure that he was reading the data pad correctly. His father after numerous times arguing with allow him to accompany him to

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Confed Personnel and Operations and Command
Date: 2629.134
Pilot: #39585610
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Security: ********
Subject: New Assignment

Statement of Assignment:
Congratulations on your graduation and to your first assignment. You are part of a long proud history of serving men and women in the Confederation. I hope you do and others proud in the service.
Upon receiving these orders you are to report to McAuliffe Naval Base, McAuliffe System, Vega Sector for assignment in the Enigma-Epsilon Sector

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anthony sat in the shuttle’s seat as he continuously looked between the data pad and outside the view port.
“You have been looking at that data pad too long Anthony give it a rest” said his father, “You’ve got an assignment you don’t have to worry about anything”
“I know dad” replied Anthony as he tried to get over the news that he was being assigned to a carrier. He was expected to station on a naval base or space station,
“I’m just a bit surprised that of all the assignments I expected I get assignment to a fighter base squadron, but a carrier squadron that is what most Academy graduates dream of. You didn’t do anything did you dad?” Francis chuckled at the question his son posed at him, “No Anthony I didn’t. After the fire accident at the Academy I decided not to intervene any more.”
“So this was purely by the choice by Command?”
“I guess so”
“How do that allocate personnel to bases and ships?”
“You’re asking the wrong man son. When we reach to McAuliffe you can ask Personnel how they allocate people”

* * *

McAuliffe Naval Base
McAuliffe, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

Anthony left the personnel office where he picked up his paper for his assignment –

Lieutenant Cheng, upon receiving this letter you will receive your assignment and confidential information of your new squadron and carrier.

Assignment: TCS Hibernia = Ranger Class Carrier [CV-79]
Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara
Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker
Executive: Major Joseph Lector

You will be assigned to the following squadron:

Squadron Assignment: Flying Tiger's Squadron
(28th Flight Group - Fighter Interceptor Squadron)
( CF-117 Rapier Fighter)

Squadron Leader: Major Amanda 'Silky' Mallamo
Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border

Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez
1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe
1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson
1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman
1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace
1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico
2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards
2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross
2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee

TCS Hibernia Fighter Complement
40 Fighters

28th ‘Flying Tigers’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
57th ‘Wild Aces’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
357th ‘Silver Arrows’ Squadron (Minotaur fighter)
8th ‘Black Bear’ Squadron (Bomber fighter squadron)

Upon receiving your orders report to the shuttle port for departure to the TCS Hibernia
Once aboard the Hibernia, report to the Wing Commander Lt. Col. David Parker

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I guess this is it” said Anthony as he dropped his duffel bag on the flight deck, looking around the station, “This place is huge!”
“Not as big back on Earth” smiled Francis
“Dad you didn’t have to come with me to McAuliffe, I would have made it here on my own”
“Captain’s privilege” said Francis, “when you’re commander of a ship you can get away from some things”
“Like I don’t notice already” there was an awkward silence between father and son as they looked at each. Suddenly embarrassed with the silence, Francis cleared his throat, “Anthony you be careful out there”
“Dad I will be alright” said Anthony, “don’t worry I will contact you once I’m aboard the Hibernia”
“OK” replied Francis as he offer his hand to him, Anthony smiled and stepped forward and hugged his father, “Thanks dad. Thank you very much”

* * *

Plywood Fiend · 09-02-2005, 15:43

Looks pretty good so far. I never really considered 'Confed the early days' or at least 'Confed the pre-kilrathi, pre-pilgram days', it'll be interesting to see where you go with this story.

My only criticism is your description of the 'deaths' in teh simulaor. They seemed a bit rushed to me, maybe if you stretched it out a bit more, had the cadets trying to take evasive action, uttering nervous damage reports or something like that it would have sounded more believable.

Other then that, i liked it. I look forward to seeing the second chapter.

Mystery muppet · 09-03-2005, 02:02

Me, I'm looking forward to some more punctuation.

Dahan · 09-04-2005, 08:40

Thanks for the feedback. My fan fiction writing style aint perfect, but then nobody is perfect. Like everyone else they are trying.
Hear is Chapter One of 2628 - An officers beginning. I hope everyone enjoyed reading the "Introduction"...Enjoy...Dahan

An Officer’s beginning

Chapter 1
“New people”

Two months after settling in onboard the TCS Hibernia, Anthony is settling into the routine and adjusting his new life as a Confederation officer. Sitting down at the Observation deck, Anthony looks out the view port watching a transport flies past as it is escorted out by a flight of fighters from the Wild Aces Squadron. He looks back at his laptop trying to figure how to start his journal. He promised himself that once he gets assigned to his first post he would start a journal and reflect on what he has done. He didn’t expect it to be so difficult trying to figure out what to write in his journal. He could have write about every mission he did in the last couple of months but decided not to. He didn’t think he would want to read back on all the missions he did, a failed or successful mission. He pondered on what he should write and an idea comes to his mind. He started to type in his laptop…..

Personal Log
Star Date 2628.199
TCS Hibernia

Well it has been a couple of months since I boarded the Hibernia. My first assignment, wow I never thought I would see myself standing onboard the deck of a carrier in the Confederation Fleet. I suppose dad was right when he said that the first time is always the most memorable moment in their careers. Sure there would be other experiences to come, but then being a fresh recruit standing on the flight deck looking at all those fighters all lined up, technicians fiddling them around, people moving supplies around, the smell of lubricants, grease, oil fumes and other offensive odours bring a certain quality being onboard a ship for the first time.

My meeting with the Wing Commander was pleasant and unexpected. Lieutenant Colonel David Parker is one of most friendliest and open hearted officer I ever met. Sometimes when I go back to when I first met him I wonder if he ever really liked being in the military, he just seem to be too nice. I remember when I reported to the WC office, the Colonel had a pot of hot tea for me. He greeted me and shook my hand and offered me a seat. I was a bit speechless at first but regain my composure. At first I thought he was just sucking up to me because maybe he knew my father but in fact I later learned from Donovan, was that the Colonel makes every effort for every pilot who arrives on board the Hibernia especially Academy graduates feel comfortable and not to feel out of place or nervous. Well I guess Donovan was right, the Colonel has a gentle and kind side but he does have his professionally side which everyone see when he is on duty, but otherwise most would see the Colonel as the happy go luck fella who is just the same as everyone else onboard. The only difference between him and the next person is the insignia they wear on the shoulder pads.

The welcome party at the Rec Room was damn fun and the party host, Donovan the rec room bartender ensured that everyone was having a good time. Donovan introduce me and all the other new people who arrived on the Hibernia to the other pilots, techies and other ship staff onboard the Hibernia. I was able to meet my squadron commander, Major Amanda ‘Silky’ Mallamo and our XO, Captain Gregory ‘Balls’ Border. I was told by others not to call my XO Gregory as he hated it when his parents call him Gregory. I think it is something to do with being all formal and proper. Must be that upper English thing. His parents were from Cardiff and always live in a proper and dignified manner, dam pommie bastards. But then he would say otherwise about me being an Aussie and then he would go on about how England is going to take the Ashes back blah, blah and then Australia wins the Ashes series 3 to 1.
Samantha Ibanez also known as Jewel. Apparently rumours are around the place is that she always wears some kind of jewellery whenever she goes on assignment and wears something when she goes to bed. Strange girl.
Samuel ‘Torps’ Thorpe, apparently he is a direct descendant of one of Australian swimming legends in the late 20th and early 21st century Ian Thorpe. At first I didn’t believe him but when he showed me his photos of his swimming trophies I retracted my statement.
Dark ‘Drool’ Simpson, now this guy I cannot forget. The first guy I met who was given his callsign by his squadron. A group of guys went out partying after graduating from the Academy and apparently went to a strip club and Dark was literally drooling at every woman he saw. Even at the welcome party you could see a small drool at the corner of his mouth. Sometimes I shiver at the sight of him drooling over some pretty face. But then I am one for talk.
Carl “Brains” Wallace, recently transferred from Luna fighter garrison and arrived on the Hibernia with me. Not much I could say about him as he didn’t talk much nor did he mingle with many people at the party. He pretty much stood at the far end of the room looking outside at the stars mellowing in his own thoughts.
Jean-Luc ‘Pasty’ Rico, some French dude from Paris France. Man I never have seen a paler person. Anymore and I swear he could have been an albino, suppose why people call him Pasty.
Tyson ‘Skinny’ Edwards, nice guy from Scotland. Drinks like there is no tomorrow, always the first with the drinks and the last to leave. He seems to have a new drinking game every 5 minutes. This guy is an absolute larrikin.
Kathryn ‘Arrows’ Ross, a new graduate like me from Canada. Not much I could say but rumour has it that she brought along a bow and arrow with her. Must be to do with the callsign she has.
Michelle ‘Peck’ Lee, Academy graduate from Korea. Apparently if I remember during my time at the Academy she is always on dates with guys and don’t do kisses. She gives them pecks on the cheek. Who in the right mind does peck on the cheek!?

I also got to meet pilots from the other three squadrons onboard the Hibernia and they were great to hang out with. Apparently there is a pool going on amongst the four squadrons. At the end of each week the squadron with the least successful mission must buy rounds for the other three squadrons. Well as an Australian born individual, I can’t pass down a game where alcohol and as a Chinese I cannot turn down such a challenge. This would be interesting.

The day after arriving on the Hibernia and recovering from the excess amount of alcohol and with the help of anti-hang over pills provided from Medical I received my first flight assignment.
I was fortunate that my first flight assignment was an easy one. I think that Colonel Parker might have known that I might have drunk a tad bit too much and might assign me an easier task but I should not be getting any special privileges for my actions. Hopefully I don’t get into too much problems from the big party nights.

My wingman, Pasty and I had to escort a cargo transport which has jumped in from the Enyo system carrying new computer parts for Alexandria station which was undergoing an upgrade on some of its secondary systems.
Colonel Parker said it was standard escort mission; a simple nanny job is what some of the pilots call it these days, however the Colonel warned us of possible pirates, rogue officers or even Mari-ad terrorist that might try to hijack the transport so we have to keep a sharp eye out for trouble.

Fortunately I was lucky enough not to encounter any bad guys just had to pass through an asteroid field which caused a few minor dents to the ship.
Chief Petty Officer Oscar Mendez, who is the ships chief technician wasn’t harsh on me when I landed my fighter into the docking bay. He gave me a warning about when flying through asteroids which. The shields can protect me from the asteroids for only so much and then the ships starts taking damage to the hull and parts of the fuselage. Damn I hate to arrive back on the ship in a banged up fighter. Mendez gave me a few good pointers when I came back from my first assignment. I hope that in my future flight assignments I don’t get into too much trouble in getting my ship damaged.

Colonel Parker was happy that we didn’t encounter any hostiles and that he was happy that my first flight assignment went off without a hitch. Scratch one successful mission for the Flying Tigers.

* * *

Anthony closes his laptop as he heard bridge communication officer making an announcement on the speakers through the room.
“All Flying Tiger pilots please report to briefing room, all Flying Tiger pilots please report to the briefing room”
Standing up and having a big stretch, Anthony takes one last look out at the stars enjoying the view.
“Damn I got to stop looking out at the stars” Anthony said to himself as he walked to the lift. I wonder how dad is doing? He thought as he entered the lift and hit the barracks button. Leaning back on the lift wall, Anthony closed his eyes pondering on what his father would be doing, knowing him he would be wracking his brains trying not to worry about his son’s progress, trying not to worrying if his son might get hurt in an accident or worse yet died during a mission.
I better send a letter to him another vid-mail, he thought as the lift finally stopped at its destination.
* * *

Plywood Fiend · 09-05-2005, 17:40

The story seems to be shaping out alright, you've outlined the setting and the characters, to be hounest i'm not sure if your switch to the present tense works though. Its rarely a good idea to alternate between one tense to the other between chapters.

Another peice of CC is that, in my opinion, it would have been interesting to hear some brief details on the Mari-ad.

Other then that, i think its looking pretty good so far.

Dahan · 09-07-2005, 07:03

Thanks for feedback Plywood, reading your fan fiction puts my fan fiction to shame

. But it gives me motivation to continue to write my fan fiction and hope people enjoy my vision I have in my fiction.
Any hoot I hope everyone has enjoy reading what I have written. Like I said previously it aint perfect but it is a worknig progress and hopefully in later chapters it will get better.

In the introduction and Chapter One we are introduce to 2nd Lieutenant Anthony Cheng who has recently graduated from Confederation Academy and has been given his first assignment on board the TCS Hibernia, a Ranger-Class light carrier. We met some of the people onboard the Hibernia, including his squadron the 28th squadron, the Flying Tigers.

This next chapter brings to light of an organisation that brings a threat within the Confederation. Hope you all enjoy it.

2628 An officers beginning

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
TCS Hibernia
Briefing Room
2628.260

Anthony arrived late after a long night at the bar in the rec room after the Flying Tiger’s won for the most successful missions among the four squadrons onboard the Hibernia.
“Well somebody looks they have been to hell and back” smiled Torps as he saw Anthony walked in the briefing very slow, “You’re not much different yourself Torps” said Anthony, as he sat down slowly next to Torps and ran his hand through his hair, “Man what a night! I swear I got to lay off the beer”
“Hey that’s your fault for challenging Skinny. You knew he would outdrink you. He’s Irish, it is in his blood”
“Yeah and it’s in Anthony’s blood to never turn down a challenge” said someone behind them, Anthony and Samuel to see Ibanez and the rest of the remaining squadron pilots come in. Anthony could see that everyone is pretty much recovering from last night’s ordeal at the rec room.
“OK next time if we win the weekly comp, we take some pills prior to the drinks” said Carl, “We party too much”
“Well you should control the amount you drank mate?” said Dark, “you should have known better”
“You’re one for talk” said Allison, “for someone who drools all night long especially last night. Who was the chick you were goggling last night?”
“I wasn’t goggling!” snapped Dark, “I was having a nice chat with Sarah”
“Oh so it’s Sarah now” jeered Allison, “we on a first name basis now”
“Quit it!” said Dark as people begin to notice that he was slightly blushing
“Who’s Sarah?” asked Peck
“She’s the Chief Comm Officer on the ship” replied Allison, “Dark has been eyeing her ever since he arrived on the Hibernia”
“I remember” said Anthony as he became wide awake and remembering last nights event, “Dark was chatting to Sarah and if I remember from all the beer you were getting close to getting some action”
“Oh fuck off would you!” snapped Dark, “Nothing happen alright, we just chatted and that was it” Allison was about to reply when their squadron commander arrived with Colonel Parker from the front of the briefing room
“Well ladies, I hope that you all enjoyed last night’s fun and games” said Parker as he walked up to the briefing platform, “giving last night events, looks like you all had plenty to drink”
“And plenty to talk about sir!” shouted Pasty down from the back, everyone else laughed and a few looked back to the front where Dark was sitting, slouching lower in his seat, trying to avoid being seen by the rest his squadron
“I’m sure that we have some stories to share” said Parker, “but right now we have a problem” Parker turn around to the map screen and activate it show a series of flight paths or 3 different flight groups, “You all may have heard from that when you received our assignment orders, that the Hibernia was going to the Enigma and Epsilon Sectors. We have been ordered from Command has cancelled those orders and order the Hibernia remain in the Vega Sector for an extended assignments” a groan could be heard amongst the squadron, “I know some of you expected to be heading to a different sector for something different, but we are now facing a new problem. Reports are coming in and Command concurs with what we found is that there is an increase in pirate and smugglers activities in this sector, a majority of these activities appeared to be concentrated in the Douglas and Day quadrant in the Vega Sector and we are not sure who is behind these activities. We hope that it is not the Mari-ad but Command wants to assess the situation and determine who is behind these acts” the entire squadron now shaken off their cobwebs and are suddenly alert when the WC informed of the current situation
“Because of the severity of this situation in this system, the Tiger squadrons will be deployed in 3 flights of 4 and are to patrol and scout the surrounding region” Parker indicated the flight path of the 3 assignment groups with the map wall behind him. “Alpha flight will be Silky, Torps, Skinny and Datangia. Your flight pattern will be this path following these four nav points” Parker indicated to the star map on the view screen behind him, “you are to rendezvous to each point scan the surrounding area and return back to base”
“Sir what are we to do if we encounter hostiles sir?” asked Skinny, Parker didn’t reply straight away as he ponder for a brief moment, “Personally Lieutenant I do not like shooting down people, but if they are appear hostile and attack without provocation you are to respond in kind”
“But sir” said Datangia, “but during peace time are we supposed to engage hostile forces only when we are ordered to if we encounter such?”
“Yes that is true. But given the circumstances we are dealing with these increase pirate and smugglers in this sector, Command has allow for the order ‘shoot on sight’. Any questions? Good now Bravo Flight will be ……”

* * *

15 minutes later
Flight Deck
TCS Hibernia

“Are you feeling alright Tyson?” asked Datangia as he saw moments before, Skinny and Pasty were having a heated argument on the flight deck before heading into their fighters.
“No mate, I’m fine” replied the Irishman, “just a matter difference of opinions”
“About what?” said Datangia as they both walked to where their fighters were being prepped for launch, “what could you two be arguing about. I thought you guys were drinking buddies?”
“Well it is nothing to do with that” replied Skinny, “it’s just that we have different opinions about what we think about the Mari-ad”
“Well I don’t know much about them, except there are criminal organisation and that is all I know”
“Well what you know about the Mari-ad is just the skim of the surface. I might tell you about it when we come back from assignment”

* * *

Alpha Flight
Enroute to Nav Point 2
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“OK folks we approaching point 2” said Silky, “Alpha 4 you pick up anything?”
“Nothing here Lead” replied Datangia, “Quiet as a tomb”
“Too quiet” said Torps, “if what they saw is true about increase Mari-ad activities we should be see some Mari-ad fighters around?”
“We do not know if it is Mari-ad” said Skinny, “Like the Colonel said it could be pirates; smugglers or the Mari-ad Command does not know what is happening out there we…”
“Cut the chatter” interrupted Silky, “I’m picking up four unidentified signals coming in at 045 mark 270”
“Confirmed” said Datangia, “I’m not picking up any ID signal from them. Could it be Bravo or Charlie flight?”
“Can’t be’ replied Silky, neither flights come across to our flight path. To unidentified ships please identified yourself and state your business” the four ships don’t respond but change their heading and move toward the flight group.
“I think that’s your response lead” said Skinny, “and me don’t like this”
“Unidentified ships approaching please identified and state your business” the ships still don’t respond. Silky switched her communication frequency as she contacts the Hibernia, “Home One this is Alpha flight, we picked four identified ships repeat 4 unknowns, all communications are ignored and are approaching us at attack speed we are preparing to engage, repeat we are preparing to engage”

* * *

About the same time
TCS Hibernia
Bridge
Enyo System, Vega Sector
“..all communications are ignored and are approaching us at attack speed we are preparing to engage, repeat we are preparing to engage”
“Confirmed Alpha flight” replied Lieutenant Jessica, “4 UFOs are on approach on attack vector. CO and WC gives green light. Watch your six”
“Well Captain it seems that we may have our hands full” said Parker as he and Captain Lang, the Hibernia’s commanding officer look at the view screen in front of them as they watch the four blue blips represent Alpha flight heading towards to the 4 grey blips, “you think it is the Mari-ad?”
“Don’t know Colonel. Frankly I think we should just sweep through the entire sector and clean up this mess with these pirates and smuggler scum, they are such a pest to Confed. We have already enough problems with the political tensions with both the Pilgrim Alliance and the Landreich. We do not want another problem with these criminal activities.”
“True, but what can we do? We don’t have enough….”
“Captain” interrupted Jessica, “Alpha flight are engaging” Parker and Lang return their attention back to the view screen as they watch battle unfold,
“What’s the status on the other flights Lieutenant?” asked Parker
“Both flights report in nothing has been spotted yet and continuing on to their flight paths”
“Switch to Flight Frequency 197, lets take a listen to how Alpha are doing” Parker and Lang listen in to the comm chatter as Alpha flight engage the unknowns

“….damn those are Mark 4 Strikers what are they doing here?”
“..don’t matter, they here and engaging, evasive manoeuvres”

“Strikers? Here?” said Lang looking from the view screen “Those fighters were supposed to be scrapped years ago, where the hell did they come from?”
“I don’t like this at all” said Parker, “if they are Mark 4 Strikers then we are in big trouble. Lieutenant inform Bravo flight to standby to assist Alpha flight once they reach their next nav point, inform them of the situation”
“Yes Sir” Parker and Lang continue to listen to the transmission

“….careful 2 you got one on your tail!”
“Can’t shake him”
“…Hang on 2 I’m coming..” background could be heard from the speakers as Parker and Lang could hear screeching and thumping sounds coming from the interior of one of the fighters
“….thanks 4”
“Well done 4”
“leave the pleasantries later people, we got 3 more”
“Copy lead”
“Roger that”

“I don’t like this” said Lang, “this is too tense. Rapiers against M4 Strikers. They are lucky it is 4 to 3”
“Sir I am sure my pilots would pull through” said Parker, “I’m sure they know what they are doing. I’m sure they….”

“hit! Hit! 2 is down repeat 2 is down”
“..did 2 eject?..”
“yeah I’m picking up escape pod”

“Lieutenant get a SAR team out there!” ordered Parker, “get Major Brady out with an element he is to escort that SAR shuttle and pick up that pod”
“Yes Sir”
“Well I guess you were right Captain” said Parker, “this is too tense”

* * *

Meanwhile at the same time back with…

Alpha Flight
Nav Point 2
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“SAR team on their way Alpha Lead, ETA 15 minutes”
“Roger that Home One” replied Silky, “we will hold on. Alpha flight, SAR 20 minutes we have to hold on til they get here”
“Copy that”
“Roger”
“Check”

Datangia check his clock on his HUD, 20 minutes can mean forever. But 20 minutes for Torps could mean 20 seconds if he gets shot in his pod. He must protect his wing mate until help arrives. Down to only one dumb fire and his rear shields are nearly offline he needs to survive for another 20 minutes to protect Torps. Just 20 more minutes. There were three Strikers left and they would need to keep they occupied until search and rescue arrive.

“Watch it four! you got one on your tail coming in hot!” Anthony checked his radar seeing the red blip coming in to his position fast. Trying to look behind him he could see a glimpse of the old space superiority fighter honing in on to his position. Checking his radar, he saw Silky and Skinny were busy with a Striker each, with little time he had left, he quickly banked his fighter port side just in time to avoid the laser fire that was about to hit him.
Datangia pulled his stick back attempting to swing his fighter, a loop around the enemy. Feeling the G-force pressing against him, he hit the afterburners increasing his speed and getting behind the enemy fighter as quickly as possible.
What seem like forever was just about a few seconds, Datangia swung his fighter right behind the enemy who was unaware of Datangia sudden change in position.
“You’re ass is mine now” growled Datangia as he pressed down his trigger laying a barrage of laser fire into the enemy fighter. Datangia could see the enemy shields shimmer against the laser fire before it strike through towards the ships hull and could see parts of the armour coming off
“Eat this!” Datangia flicked to his warhead system, targeting the enemy’s rear hull, “See you in hell punk!” as he fired his last dumb fire missile as it shot out from his missile port and jetted across the enemy fighter.
“Scratch one striker!” as Datangia saw the missile make impact on the enemy fighter exploding in a big fiery fireball.
“Good job 4” said Silky, “the other two Strikers are leaving”
“Are we going after them?” asked Skinny
“Negative on that 3” replied Silky, “I think we should hold back and wait for the SAR team”
“Copy that” said Skinny, Datangia could hear Tyson growling under his breathe. He would be annoyed as well if they let the two remaining fighters go.
“We are pretty beat up and we are in no condition to chase them”
“I hear you lead” said Skinny, “just a little bit annoyed”
“Don’t worry about it. We will get them next time” Silky switch frequency to the escape pod’s frequency hoping to see that Torps is alright. “Torps how are you holding up?” there was no response, “Torps do you read me? Torps!”
“Maybe his radio is shot?” said Datangia
“I don’t know” said Silky as she switched radio frequency, “Home One when is that SAR team coming?!”
“SAR team is on their way” replied Jessica, “just hold on”
“We don’t have much time. I can’t raise the escape pod and don’t know what is Alpha 3’s condition”
“Copy Alpha lead. We will let SAR team know”
“They better get here” said Skinny as he listens to the communication.

* * *

1.5 hours later
TCS Hibernia
Med Bay
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“How is he doc?” asked Silky
“He is a very lucky man” replied the Hibernia CMO, Lieutenant Shauna Tyson, “he suffered mild burns along his arms and legs. He received a laceration along his torso. He fell unconscious when he ejected and his escape pod transmitter was destroyed. Probably explains why you could not raise him”
“How long will he recover?” asked Datangia
“Oh about 4-5 days. We are going to keep him in for further observations and make sure that everything checks out. Until I’m satisfied he is staying here”
“Fair enough, thanks doc”

* * *

A short time later
TCS Hibernia
Rec Room
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“You been nursing that drink for a while mate” said Donovan as he watched Anthony turn his drink on the bar table
“I just don’t feel like drinking Donovan” Anthony sighed as he continues to gaze down on his drink.
“Bad mission huh?” Anthony didn’t replied and merely nodded at the question, “want to tell me about it?” asked Donovan
“I don’t know. I just don’t understand how the Mari-ad could obtain Strikers and how they could have almost taken us out. We almost lost one of our own”
“How much do you know about the Mari-ad Anthony?” asked Donovan
“Not much, apart from that I know they are sort of criminal or terrorist organisation”
“Well that is partially incorrect. Did you know that the Mari-ad was originally known as the Mari-gosa Party, a political party that was part of the Confederation Assembly which was considered of one of the largest political part at that time. They were in the Assembly for almost over 60 years until they were expelled from the Assembly and expelled from the Confederation.”
“Why were they expelled?”
“During their time in the Assembly, the Mari-gosa was an extremist left wing political party that believe certain changes should be imposed within Confederation. Such changes included the military budget spending/development where they believe only men should serve the Confed military and women should not serve on active front line duties”
“That’s bullshit, women fill a good proportion of the defence forces otherwise we would be undermanned”
“That is true but that is only one of the issues that the Mari-gosa party proposed” continued Donovan, “ In areas of economics, the Mari-gosa proposed all colonies pay a tax Confederation Central Government in this case Earth on all transports of goods and services. They believe that the outer colonies outside Sol should be pay extra taxes for being outside Sol”
“But aren’t the colonies paying tariffs already?”
“Yes but the Mari-gosa wanted to impose more tax, which a majority of the Assembly refuse to accept the Mari-gosa proposal”
”God isn’t that a little bit extreme. Reminds me of some of the extremist views back in Earth 20th century during World War Two”
”It does a bit” said Donovan, “ and the lists goes on with the Mari-gosa extreme view and ridiculous ideas. It wasn’t until long that the Mari-gosa started making exchanges with criminal organisation in trades and other illegal business to the point that the Mari-gosa became a criminal organisation. On the outside the Mari-gosa appear to be an extremist political party through the eyes of the Confederation but to others they were seen as an criminal organisation”

“As a results the Confederation Assembly conduct an inquiry to their dealings and found out about their illegal activities and was brough forward to the Assembly.
It was voted that the Party be stripped of their titles and privileges and to be expelled from the Assembly. It was about 10 years later after the expulsion did the Mari-gosa later change to the Mari-ad, no one knows why but it is believe that the former political party have formed an alliance with some of the old criminal organisations from Earth, the Triads, the Mob, the Russian Mafia and the Black American Hoodlum Gangs. We don’t know what happen but since the change the Mari-ad has led a campaign of terror destroying Confed facilites, hijacking cargo, abductions and other extremist activities.”

“One of the most serious act which compromised the security of Confed Military was that a cargo of Confed fighters were hijacked by Mari-ad terrorists and there whereabouts are unknown.”
“You mean the Striker fighters?” asked Datangia
”Maybe” said Donovan, “but that is another story I will tell you one day. You should get some rest. Get some sleep, forget about what happen today and start again fresh and you will better”
“Thanks Donovan. I appreciate it, good night”
“Good night mate, take it easy”

Plywood Fiend · 09-09-2005, 13:47

That was pretty good. I'm curious as to what sinisterness the Mari-ad have planned.

Minor criticisms, there was some tense confusion in some places, and to be hounest, the battle scene i thought could have benefited from some description in places where you just have dialogue, it made the scene seem kind of rushed.

This aside, a good chapter. I look forward to seeing the next one.

Dahan · 09-14-2005, 07:52

Thanks for the feedback, hopefully my next chapters will improve and become enjoyable for all the other readers.

Here is chapter 3 of "2628 - An officers beginning"
Here we will step somewhere else where we meet a major character in this fan fiction and learn a bit about the Mari-ad. Hope you all enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who has read my previous chapters.

Chapter 3

Meanwhile somewhere else within Confederation space…..

His steps were long steady paces at almost a meter apart, he carried himself with an upright posture, and a posture similar to what a military officer would walk, almost like as if he was marching.
Down the corridor, his footsteps could be heard across the shining marble floor, buffed and polish to the point he could see his reflection. Marble pillars along the corridor reaching up to the roof could be seen from one end of the corridor to the other end. Each pillar had an engraving of particular individual. In this case, the engravings were members of the Mari-ad council, past and present leaders of the secret organisation.
The Council consisted of 12 members at one time. No one knows how many exactly are in the council but it is believe to be that there are numerous members within the council and only 12 members are present at one time. There were rumours that among the council only 3 of the council members have sat within the council for the last 15 years and are consider to the most powerful leaders of the Mari-ad and are referred as the Unholy Trinity. To cross any of the three would lead to disastrous consequences.

Jonas did not stop walking when he neared the end of the corridor where a set of heavy large mahogany doors stood before him. As he reached closer the doors open inwards to reveal another room completely dark, save but by a single white light shining down on the room forming a circle. Jonas continues to walk through the doors and towards the white circle when he stands and wait for the council to convene.
As he waits for the council members to appear the large doors slowly closes making no sound whatsoever until he could not see the doors no more.

Without thinking about when the council would arrive, the circle of white light which he stands begins to dimmer slightly and 12 smaller white light circles appear around him forming a large circle. Then one by one a hooded robe person comes in and steps within the circle, there was no distinguishable features to determine if it was a man or women. The only features about the person are the different colour robe which the members wore.

Red
Blue
Green
Black
Yellow
Brown
Grey
Purple
Orange
White
Aqua
Tan

Jonas stood patiently as the 12 members arrived one by one until all 12 circles had an occupant. Nine years ago he would have dreaded of coming and meeting the council. But after nine years of seasoning, dangerous mission assignments and self motivation, Jonas has become one of the most feared Mari-ad operatives many believe that he would one day become a leading member of the Mari-ad council.
What seems to be an eternity for Jonas was briefly no more than 3 minutes, when the leading council member, Black Robe spoke first to Jonas,
“Jonas you have been brought before the Council in regards to your oath and allegiance to the Mari-ad”
“Yes Lord Black” replied Jonas, “My allegiance is always to the Mari-ad. I will serve to benefit the Mari-ad”
“Yes I am sure you will” said Lord Black, “hence why we have ask you to come here for a special assignment”
“What does the Council wishes of me?” asked Jonas curiously
“We have reasons to believe that the Confederation have come very close to finding one of our hidden shipyard facilities in the Enyo system” said the White Robe member, “fortunately they did not find the facility”
“That is impossible Lord White!” said Jonas, “we paid the credits to the appropriate people in that system to stay away from that region of space and we were assured that the TCS Challenger would not patrol that region”
“We believe that as well Jonas” said Lord White, “apparently someone must have leaked of the information and a different ship was assigned to that region of space” Jonas wasn’t very happy with the information provided by the council. He will have to find out who leaked out the information and ensure that it never happens again.
“This would lead to your new assignment” said another voice from behind. Jonas to face the speaker who was the Red Robe, “we will provide you details of the ships which is assigned to that quadrant of space” a small white light shone down a meter from where Jonas was standing where a small pedestal stood with a data pad on top.
“This pad will provide you with all the necessary information you need about the ship assigned to that quadrant necessary contacts you may need in case of any complication” Jonas walked over to the table and picked up the data pad and walked back to the centre circle and read through the data pad scrolling through the officers and crew on board the ship
“The Hibernia? I never heard of that ship” said Jonas, “is it a newly commissioned ship?”
“No” said Lord Red, “the Hibernia was a ship that was in dry-dock for some time that under went a major refit. It has return to duty in the last two months we did not know much about it until recently”
“What is it you require me to do my Lords?”
“We want you to ensure that the Hibernia does not find any of our facilities in any systems, quadrant or sector in travels to” said Lord Red, “the Council has decided that we want to make use of this particular ship”
“May I ask what use does a light carrier be of any use to the Mari-ad?”
“We plan to steal for ourselves” said Lord Red. Jonas was shocked and almost dropped the data pad from his hand. To steal a ship especially a carrier was almost impossible to do. The Mari-ad have known to be able to steal transports, shuttle boats, old fighters and old corvettes to build up their personal fleet, they have even successfully stole a prototype and schematics of the defunct Striker fighters but to steal a capital ship such as a carrier let alone cruiser was almost impossible.
“My Lords, to attempt such a feat requires resources even we cannot muster. It is folly” a chuckle could be heard from Lord Black
“My dear Jonas” laughed Lord Black, “have faith with the Mari-ad. We will reveal to you in due time how we shall proceed with this operation. In the meantime you are to ensure that the Hibernia does not find any of our facilities or bases at any costs.”
Still uncertain about the operation, Jonas was about to ask another question when he was interrupted by Blue Robe, “No more questions Jonas, you have your assignment. We will call you again when the time arises. You are dismissed” the doors which lead into the council chamber rooms open again but from the opposite side from where Jonas entered, “Yes Lord Blue” Jonas bowed and left the council room with questions running through his mind, confuse and uncertain.

* * *
Jonas continue to kick against the dummy drone, spun around with a turning followed by a reverse kick, causing the drone to stagger back. Sweat was beginning to drip profusely around Jonas face and down his t-shirt. Jonas shot forward again with another series of kicks and punches at the same time avoid being hit by the drone’s limbs.
Jonas continue sparring with the drone with another five minutes when he deactivated the program. Jonas walked off the sparring mat, where Brutus one of his lieutenants was standing against the wall watching him sparring against the drone.
“Someone is a bit stress?” said Brutus
“The council has given us a new assignment” said Jonas as he wiped his face with his towel and taking a drink from his water bottle, “they planning for the impossible”
“Oh what could be impossible with Jonas leading the crew?”
“They want to steal a carrier”
“You got to be joking?!”
“No” Jonas shook his head and pass Brutus the data pad he received from the Council, “all the details we need are on there” Brutus skimmed through the pad reading the details which the council provided.
“Looks like the Council went into great lengths to acquiring this information” said Brutus as he continue to read the data pad, “it could be something which they have been pondering about”
“Well I am beginning to see why” said Jonas as he sat down on the bench facing Brutus, “we have the fighters, the transports, corvettes. We have a sizable force, a carrier would signify to the Confederation, even those damn Pilgrims that we are a force to reckon with” Jonas smiled at the thought of having a carrier, “besides it is not every day that an organisation such as ours get to fly a carrier throughout space”
“I could see that” smiled Brutus, “first a carrier what’s next a fleet” Jonas smiled even more at the thought, “who knows a fleet would be nice, hell the council might consider tried taking over the Confederation”
“Ah that would be interesting” said Brutus, “controlling the Senate and the Assembly would be good” the Senate and the Assembly was a place of power and Jonas could see where the Council was heading with their plans. By placing operatives within the Senate and or the Assembly they could gain access to all the vital and necessary information they need and perhaps control the entire Confederation or maybe yet the entire known galaxy. Jonas grinned at Brutus as a planned was beginning to form in his mind, “Brutus, call our people together we have work to do”

Dahan · 09-18-2005, 05:25

Thank you for all the readers, who have read my fan fiction. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read it. I hope over time it gets better.
Here is chapter four of the 2628 - An officers beginning

Chapter Four

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
TCS Hibernia
Rec Room
2628.263.0815

A day after Anthony’s near failed mission, things quieten down a little over the next two days with several missions were assigned to the Flying Tigers and the other 3 squadrons. With one short pilot and no new pilots coming in for another two to four months, everyone in the Tigers had to pull their weight around.

Anthony slumped down on one of couches by the view port looking outside at a transport being escorted by a pair of fighters from the Wild Aces squadron. Tired and feeling a bit grumpy Anthony arched his back against the couching and stretched trying to get rid of any stiffness in his body. Sitting in the cockpit for an extended period of time can be extremely tired and stress with little or no break in-between.
Anthony was about to stand up and head to the barracks for nap with he saw someone put a mug of a hot steaming drink for him.
“Sorry I don’t drink coffee” said Anthony
“Who said it was coffee?” replied the voice, Anthony looked up and saw it was Donovan, smiling who was holding another mug in his hand. From the scent he could smell from the mug, Donovan was holding it was definitely coffee. “You drink tea or green tea more preferable”
“How do you know I prefer to drink green tea?” asked Anthony as he took the mug in front of him and took a sip of the hot tea. Taking a small sip from the hot beverage revitalised a little out of him
“I saw you the other day come in with a small pack and remember you asked for a mug of hot water” said the bartender, “I remember you taking out a small packet and pour something into it. When you left I took the mug and had a whiff of what you had and had a vague idea what you were drinking”
“I’m pretty impressed that you know what I drink with smelling from the cup” Donovan shrugged, “Eh something I picked up here and there” Donovan sat down next to him getting himself comfortable, “So me thinks that you have a long couple of days”
“You could say something like that” said Anthony as he run his hand through his hair, “Parker has been assigning us missions after missions even since we ran into those Striker fighters”
“Those things have been bothering you a bit hey?” Anthony nodded, “you know anything about the Strikers?”
“Well a little” replied Anthony, “I knew they were supposed to be the next superiority fighter, instead of the rapiers. I remember that there was a race to see which of the two would be the main fighters use in the military but something went wrong” Donovan nodded, “Yeap I remember hearing on the TCN news that there was a technical problem with the Strikers engine performance that made them unstable during a long term mission without stopping over. Apparently the engines will overheat and shut down leaving the pilot stranded”
“I didn’t hear about that bit”
“No one did” continue Donovan the military prevented the media to broadcast that bit of information and were afraid that other political parties might take advantage of the situation believing that the military are resorting to desperate measures to keep fighters and pilots on line or on duty. As a result the Striker project was scrapped and the rapier project was activated and has become Confed’s main fighter”
“You seem to know quite a bit about the Striker” asked Anthony, “how did you pick up all these info?” Donovan smiled
“I hear things here and there” Anthony looked at the bartender, somehow in his gut feeling, there was something strange about Donovan about knowing a little bit extra about certain things. First were the Mari-ad and now the Striker fighters. Was it a coincidence or did he know more than he was willingly to show?
“You are a strange man Donovan” said Anthony as he finished his mug of tea, “thanks for tea. I’m going to get some rest before Parker calls up for our next assignment” Anthony got up and headed to the lift heading for the barracks.
Donovan watched him as Anthony headed to the lift. The bartender pulled out a small com-link inside his shirt pocket, “Blue Reign, this is Donovan. We encountered Mari-ad forces in the Enyo system, requesting data link on all available information and status in this sector” Donovan switched off his com-link and headed back to the bar where several people were waiting for drinks.

* * *

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
TCS Hibernia
Briefing Room
2628.263.1115

It was a while since he saw two squadrons combine during a mission briefing. For to have a two squadrons must be an important mission, the only other time for multiple squadrons to be launch was a magnum launch and that was when the Hibernia is under attack from hostiles forces, but in peace time there has not been any for many years.
Anthony rarely see members from the Silver Arrows squadron and the last time he saw any of them was at welcome party where he met the Silver Arrows CO, Major Shauna O’Brian and several of the other pilots from the squadron. Anthony sat down at the second row of the briefing room next to Skinny who was reading a data pad, “Whatcha reading Skinny?” asked Anthony as he sat down
“Just an update on the Senate’s debate on the appropriation funds for the military”
“Let me guess Senator More is having another spill about excess credits again?”
“The same one”
“I wonder what Admiral Banbridge has to say” said Anthony
“Knowing him he would probably have some fit about the Senator’s comment and everything else”
“Those two are always at the heart of every debate regarding military funding”
Skinny was about to say something when Parker arrived with Major O’Brian and Major Mallamo to the briefing stand.
“Settle down folks, we have a lot of ground to cover” as Parker approached the map screen, “as you know we have been patrolling and survey heavily in the Enyo system because Intel believe that there is a Mari-ad presence here and Command wants us to clean out the garbage” several grumbles of approval could be heard throughout the room “thanks to the last reconnaissance from the Wild Aces squadron we located an old carrier transport where Mari-ad fighters come to refuel and repairs. Command wants us to capture the transport, apprehend any Mari-ad operatives, obtain any vital information and destroy the facility if necessary.”
“Sounds like a big job for us hey boss?” said Jewel who sat behind Skinny and Anthony
“Hence why both the Flying Tiger and the Silver Arrows are assigned to this assignment” said Parker as he turned to activate the map viewer on the wall behind him, “we do not know what defence systems they have so we are going to do this by the numbers. The Tigers will be separated into two wings Alpha and Beta; the Silver Arrows will be separated into Delta and Gamma wing. Alpha wing will head in first with Delta wing and they are to take out any fighters and base defence’s they have. Beta wing will be escort the marine landing craft that will board the transport and capture it. Gamma wing will be on rear defence position where they will hold back in case any Mari-ad operatives do try to escape past us. If the situation becomes critical and if the marines find the transport too dangerous to hold, Gamma wing will come in and destroyed the transport. Any questions?”
“Are we expecting heavy resistance sir?” asked Anthony
“Uncertain Lieutenant” replied the Colonel, “Intel did not give us enough information and they are a bit sketchy on what we know about this system so we are flying blind at the moment. Hopefully if we play this through we should do this without problems.”

* * *

About 20 minutes later
TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck

“Your birds primed and ready Tony!” said Mendez as he passed the helmet to Anthony as he slide into the cockpit, “No problems with anything Nuts?” asked Anthony, “None what so ever mate. You’re all clean”

* * *
“Rapier SF 2812, you’re cleared for launched” said the Deck Officer
“Roger that control” replied Anthony as he push the throttle control up, accelerating his fighter out of the hanger bay into the dark void where the rest of squadron were waiting in formation for him, “Beta Lead this is Beta 6, I’m out and joining formation”
“Copy that 6” replied Silky, “All wings report in” a series of confirmation and acknowledgement from the other pilots and from the Silver Arrows Squadron, “All wings set course 1998.03 prepare for autopilot run. Alright people lets squash some bad guys”

* * *

Dahan · 09-23-2005, 00:06

Thank you to all the readers who have read my fan fiction, it is nice to see people reading it and giving some feedback to it. Currently I am having writer's block and currently heading interstate in a taekwondo competition for the Australian University Games.
In the meantime I would like to hear some feedback, good, bad, improvements what so ever, as it would help gradually improve my fan fiction writing ability.
Until stay tune for the next chapter for 2628 - An officer's beginning

As for people wondering what might happen or curious about the next chapter or so....
You might to get to know more about the Mari-ad
Who does Donovan work for?
Know anything more about Anthony?
What happen to Anthony's mother?
How did Anthony grandfather met Admiral Banbridge?
Where is Francis Cheng assigned post?
A secret about Anthony's Academy Instructor

These are just only a scratch of the surface of what will be hopefully an epic fan fiction which would hopefully lead to the Battle of McAuliffe which I have been developing for the last year.
A big thank to Bandit for all the information I asked and other people who provided me feedback and info.
Until then all the best!!

Dahan

Plywood Fiend · 10-01-2005, 07:03

Right, sorry its taken me a while to review.

This story definately seems to be getting better. Bringing in a Mari-ad protagonist is a nice touch, and your description and characters seem more realistic imho.

My only quibble is still some tense confusion in some places.

Anyway, i look forward to the next chapter.

Dahan · 10-09-2005, 01:27

Hello folks, I hope that everyone enjoyed reading what I have written. I hope Chapter Five is good as I wrack my brains trying to sort out everything that I had planned. This Chapter is a two parter as you see the Hibernia find the location of a hidden refuelling depot deep in the Enyo System.
I hope you enjoy reading it. Enjoy

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.263.1155
Beta Flight
En route to Mari-ad location

“Sensors show nothing within range Beta lead” reported Datangia, “You sure that Command and Intel got the right info?”
“Don’t know Beta 3” replied Balls, “if that transport is there, then we have to disable it and let the marines deal with the bad guys”
“You reckon they have any more of those Striker fighters Beta Lead?” asked Torps, “one experience is enough for me. Those fighters gave me the creeps”
“Know what you mean Beta 2” replied Balls, “after reading that report from that mission, I’m taking no chances. Alpha flight would probably be thinking the same thing as well. OK enough chatter people, ETA to destination, ten minutes. Check weapon systems and diagnostics” Balls received acknowledgement from the other five pilots in his flight group.

It has been a long time since Balls flew in a large operation with a squadron let alone two fighter squadrons. He remembers the last major operation he flew was with his first fighter assignment, the 150th squadron, the Daggerfalls. Three years ago, the Daggerfalls were station at Vega planetary defence squadron when they were called up to quell a violent protest over increase planetary tax tariffs, forcing many complications around the planet and nearby systems. According to the media the increase tax were used to fund the planetary education budget to upgrade their schools and education programs. However not many people believe that story. There were rumours that the increase tax was part of a plan to upgrade the planetary defence system with an early warning device to prevent any military or terrorist attacks. With the steady increase of Mari-ad activities and other extremist factions, Confed was not taking any chances with any group who poses a threat to their stability.

The continual disputes with the increase taxes escalated to the point where many of the local planet workers tried sabotaging shipping facilities preventing transports carrying vital cargo to depart or gain docking access until their demands were met. Some of the demands they wanted was decrease the tax rate, increase better working conditions and increase workers ages. Unfortunately a majority of their demands were not met. Some of the workers tried blocking the docks with their own ships preventing cargo transports to dock. The Daggerfalls were order to force any ships that were blocking the docks to leave the premises or to be towed away. Balls hoped that the protestors would leave quietly but like many protestors in the past, many refuse to comply with the orders and continue to block the docking facilities preventing the cargo transports to dock to unload their cargo.

The result was a disaster for Confed. Officially several ships that were in the blockade in the protest were disable and towed aware with several of the workers charged and sent to prison for a certain amount of years. Unofficially there were two transports that were forced to be fired upon by the Daggerfalls after attempts to reason the workers to leave the docks failed. Of the two transports, one was destroyed after it attempt to ram with one of the squadron fighters.
After the incident, Sector Command had recovered all information regarding the Vega tax riots and prevented all information being leaked out to the media and to the public hoping they would not experience another protest or riot.

Clearing his head from nostalgia, Balls check his systems and sensors. He could read signals from the pilots from his flight and the marine transport they were escorting.
“Beta Leader to Marine LC-1. What’s your status?”
“All systems are go Beta Lead” replied the pilot of the marine transport, “Captain says we are a go when you are ready”
“Roger that LC-1, standby. All right Beta Flight, standby we approaching the coordinates”
* * *

Roughly at the same time
Alpha Flight

Silky checked her sensors, she could detect a large electromagnetic signature, it was large enough to be a large transport and it had to be the one they are looking for, switching her comm-system she spoke to everyone “Alpha lead to all fighters, standby for attack pattern. Alpha flight take out any fighters, Delta take out any stationary defence and transport systems, Beta standby to escort the marines in” a series from acknowledgement came through from the designated flight leaders.

Gradually Silky could see the old derelict transport floating in space. The transport was actually an old carrier wreck probably the size of the ranger light carriers maybe smaller. She could barely see the dark exterior of the ship almost blended in with the blackness of the space surrounding them. Her sensors showed a grey blip where the transport. She also spotted several Striker fighters lying stationary around the old transport carrier as if they didn’t know they were arriving.
“Damn I thought it would be smaller!” said Peck over the comm.
“They didn’t say anything about size” said Drool
“Pipe down folks” said Silky as she checked the ships computer register them as hostile and the red blip replaced the grey blips which were the transport and the Strikers.
“All fighters, target confirmed. Engage, engage, engage!” Silky hit the afterburners, bursting forward towards the nearest Striker, switching to her missile loadout she selected her dumbfire missile and fire straight into the side of the fighter followed by a barrage of laser fire. The missile had tore through the ships hull, exploding on impact causing the ship to break apart from the warhead and the laser fire.
They didn’t see it coming thought Silky as she saw the missile hit the Striker, she thought that it might damage a fair bit an expected that the Striker’s shield would have deflect some of the missile damage but it didn’t. They have caught the Mari-ad with their pants down.

* * *

Ten minutes before
Aboard the Mari-ad supply depot
Command Bridge

Monty was finishing the last of his drink while watching a movie on his monitor. It was quiet on board the supply depot, half the time he was helping with the transfer of cargo from transports or watching some seedy adult movie from his bunk mate’s porn collection. Monty was about to pour himself another drink when the main hatch to the command bridge open and saw Scott come in and sat at one of the control consoles
“Having a nice peek are we Monty?” teased Scott as he took out a cup and pour himself a drink from Monty’s bottle, “Screw you Scott” snapped Monty as he continue to watch the movie, “Should you be watching the early warning systems?”
“What for?” asked Monty
“Well we don’t know if we would get any unexpected visitors. You know the rules?”
”Rules, schmules. Nothing happens here, besides we are deep in this system there is no way anyone could find us apart from other Mari-ad ships. Besides we have those Strikers out there ready when something happens” Monty pointed to one of the fighters he could see outside through the large window, when suddenly the fighter he was pointing at exploded, “What the?” stunned by the sudden explosion Monty sat looking dumb founded for a brief moment until he saw a fighter flew past the wreck.
“That’s a Confed fighter!” said Scott as he rushed to hit the emergency button, “it’s an attack!” a loud siren sound rang through the entire depot, and red lights started to flash throughout the depot, “all personal we are under attack by Confed forces repeat we are under attack by Confed forces, everyone to their stations” Scott activated the depots defence systems and checked his monitor and saw a large number of Confed fighters and a marine transport approaching towards them, “fuck it’s a raiding force. They are going to take over the depot. Monty send out the signal, Monty?” Scott turned out to see Monty and saw a dumb-looking man sitting on his chair, looking outside at the space fight, his lower jaw was open and his drink which he was holding was on the deck of the bridge spilt all over, “You fucking moron!” growled Scott as he walked over to Monty and pushed him off his seat forcing him land heavily on his side. It took him a few seconds to register what just happen, “wake up you idiot we are under attack!” Monty woke up from his stupor and focused on what was happening when a few more Mari-ad personnel arrived on the bridge and took their stations.
“Damn, why did I take this assignment” said Monty as he stood up and sat back at his station

* * *

Present time
Mari-ad Supply Depot

“We took out six Strikers on our first run Alpha Lead” reported in Jewel, “Delta has taken out the depots defence turrets, they didn’t see it coming”
“Copy that Alpha five” replied Silky, “Beta Flight you have a clear path send in the marines, watch out for any nasty surprises there might be more fighters around”
“Roger that Alpha Lead” replied Balls, “we coming in”
“Delta Lead what’s your status?”
“We taken out some of the Strikers that launch out of the depot and taken out the outer perimeter defences” replied Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady, “we are clearing out any remnants. Alpha lead this was too easy. I don’t like it”
“Agreed, keep a heads up and let me know of anything”
“Roger that”

* * *
“Beta Flight that’s our cue. Beta 3 and 4 fly in point the rest form up around the transport. Marine LC, follow us in”
“Roger that Beta Lead” Datangia flew ahead of the group with Arrows as they sweep through hitting any stray defence turrets that remain enroute to the depot while Balls and the remaining 3 fighters formed a tight diamond formation around the marine transport.

* * *
Mari-ad Supply Depot
Command Bridge
“They have taken out the Strikers and perimeter defences” shouted one of the Mari-ad personnel, “Confed marine transport is landing in the hanger deck!”
“Get some people down there and hold them off!” ordered Monty, “we need to hold them off”
“Damn we got a cargo ship plus escort on their way towards us” said Scott, “I could not get through to them! They must be jamming us!”
“Shit! That cargo ship is carrying ship parts for our Striker shipyard. We are so screwed. Jonas is going to kill us. We got to warn them and get them out of here!”
“Too late” said one of the console operators as he pointed outside a group of Confed fighters flew towards where their transport was approaching
“This ain’t good” said Scott, over the intercom the bridge personnel could hear gunshots and a crewmen voice was on the speaker, “Confed marines have landed we need help down here!”
“We are so dead right now” said the operator
“The hell they are” said Scott, “Monty get some men down to engineering secure and lock it down. I rather have this destroyed then letting them have this”
“Got it!” Monty left his station and headed out towards the exit grabbing an assault rifle on the way

* * *

At the same time
Outside Mari-ad Supply Depot

“Delta Lead you reading this?” asked Silky
“We got it too” replied Legs, “it’s another cargo transport. A large one with a squadron of Strikers. Were they waiting for us?”
“Don’t know. We don’t have time. Delta Lead, take your group and delay those fighters. We can’t let them get to the depot!”
“Roger that”
“Beta Lead what’s your status?”
“Marine LC has landed, they meeting heavy resistance. Beta 3 and 4 took out some of the bugs”
“OK leave Beta 3 and 4 with the Marines, I want you and the rest of Beta to help Delta flight. We picked up a squadron of Strikers and cargo transport.”
“I saw it too” replied Balls, “I think our surprise attack just went down the gurgler”
“Eh it could be worse Beta Lead. Let’s get this show started”
“Copy that Alpha Lead”

Meanwhile
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
Far away from the conflict

Colonel Parker and Captain Lang were listening to the battle through the communication channels at the same looking at the progress of the battle at the tactical map.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“We taken out some of the Strikers that launch out of the depot and taken out the outer perimeter defences. We are clearing out any remnants. Alpha lead this was too easy. I don’t like it”
“Agreed, keep a heads up and let me know of anything”
“Roger that”

“Beta Flight that’s our cue. Beta 3 and 4 fly in point the rest form up around the transport. Marine LC, follow us in”
“Roger that Beta Lead”

“Delta Lead you reading this?”
“We got it too, it’s another cargo transport. A large one with a squadron of Strikers. Were they waiting for us?”
“Don’t know. We don’t have time. Delta Lead, take your group and delay those fighters. We can’t let them get to the depot!”
“Roger that”
“Beta Lead what’s your status?”
“Marine LC has landed, they meeting heavy resistance. Beta 3 and 4 took out some of the bugs”
“OK leave Beta 3 and 4 with the Marines, I want you and the rest of Beta to help Delta flight. We picked up a squadron of Strikers and cargo transport.”
“I saw it too. I think our surprise attack just went down the gurgler”
“Eh it could be worse Beta Lead. Let’s get this show started”
“Copy that Alpha Lead”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking intently at the tactical map, Parker was rubbing his chin with one hand, while the other was squeezing a stress ball.
“Not good” said Parker, “not damn good”
“Colonel, Gamma Lead asking if they could join the fight and assist?” asked Lieutenant Jessica. Parker and Lang looked at each other uncertain of release Gamma Flight.
“We can ready Silver Arrows” said Lang
“This was not part of plan” said Parker. Looking at the tactical map Parker squeezed his stress ball tighter and took a deep breathe, “Lieutenant tell Gamma Lead they are free to engage and assist. The Silver Arrows are on standby alert. Tell Major O’Brian I want one flight launched and second flight on standby status”
“Yes Sir”
“A tad bit nervous David?”
“Shouldn’t a wing commander be?”
“Maybe”
“I’m sure your boys are will do well”
“That is what I’m afraid of”

Onboard the landing bay of the Mari-ad Depot
Outside the Engineering Control Room

“Corporal get those bastards out of that hell hole!” shouted Sergeant Collins as he pulled an injured marine away from the gun fight and around the corner, Collins press his microphone in his helmet, “LT, Mari-ad are heavy here near Engineering, they got us pinned down”
“Copy that” replied the voice over the comm channel, “what’s your status?”
“We got two WIA and one KIA” replied Collins, “we might some help here LT”
“Copy that, we sending a squad in to help”

Outside the Mari-ad Depot Command Bridge
Main Access Corridor

The fight for control for the Command Bridge was heavy; Lieutenant Marcus Harris and his squad were pinned down by the heavy fire from the Mari-ad personnel who barricaded the main corridor leading to the Command Bridge. Ducking back around the corridor to avoid fun fire, Marcus received a transmission from a squad heading towards main engineering,
“LT, Mari-ad are heavy here near Engineering, they got us pinned down”
“Copy that, what’s your status?”
“We got two WIA and one KIA; we might some help here LT”
“Copy that, we sending a squad in to help, standby” said Lieutenant Harris as he look around the corner to see the fight between the marines and the Mari-ad “Corporal what is going on down that!?” a marine came running up to him from a conceal position, his fatigues had several singe marks, a graze was spotted above his left eyebrow and cut across the right cheek, “it’s heavy LT, those damn bastards are giving us hell. We can’t break through we can’t risk any heavy stuff we might damage the bridge”
“Yeah I know it ain’t pretty” replied Harris as he switched his helmet communication to his CO’s frequency, “Captain this is Harris”
“Copy that, what’s the situation” replied the voice on the earpiece
“We are meeting heavy resistance both on the Command Bridge and Engineering. Sergeant Collins is down at Engineering and has requested for assistance, I’m sending some marines down there to help can you send help up here to the Command Bridge”
“Negative we a bit short here” replied the CO, “we got Mari-ad coming back they are, hang on LT” Harris could hear loud gun shots and muffle shouts and explosion. Harris could hear the Captain talking to someone and was not sure what it was about, “Harris we got some help coming up towards you. Our escort pilots are volunteering to help you. They coming in with a with a couple of marines”
“Copy that thanks Captain”

Mari-ad Dept
Main Hanger Bay

Anthony and Kathryn were listening in on the chatter on the marines channel when they heard Marine Captain Richard Grant nearby near their fighters

“Copy that, what’s the situation” said Grant, “Negative we a bit short here, we got Mari-ad coming back they are,” Anthony ran towards Grant getting his attention, “hang on LT. What is Lieutenant? We are bit pressed here”
“Sorry Captain” said Anthony, “but I could help listen that you want some help and I thought I might give you a hand” both Anthony and Grant docked as they heard a loud explosion at the far end of the hanger bay, “Are you sure about this Lieutenant? Hate to lose you when we need you fly boys to escort us out of here?”
“Don’t worry Captain” replied Anthony, “I think we can help you” Anthony wave Kathryn over to where he was with Grant, “Arrows, we giving them a hand. They got some trouble”
“Sounds fine and dandy to me, as long we hurry up and get this over and done with”
“You sure you can do this?” asked Grant
“Sir we have basic ground assault training” said Anthony, “I don’t think that we are that incompetent” Grant smiled as he called over a marine over
“Jasper, grab Lee and Kinder and go with these two. Get to the Command Bridge and help Lieutenant Harris”
“Yes Sir” said Jasper, “Lee! Kinder! We are moving!” Anthony saw two marines behind a stack of metal containers firing at a group of Mari-ad behind a space-lifter wreckage
“OK Lieutenant get to the Command Bridge and help them” said Grant, “tell Harris that once the Bridge is secure tell him to help Collins down at Engineering”
“Check” replied Anthony as he ran down to one of the access corridors out of the hanger grabbing an assault rifle from Jasper
“Harris we got some help coming up towards you. Our escort pilots are volunteering to help you. They coming in with a with a couple of marines”
“Copy that thanks Captain”

* * *

“How the turrets coming!?” asked Scott
“We are giving them hell Scott” replied one of the Mari-ad who was manning the gun placement
“Good we will give them a fight alright” said Scott as he rushed back inside the Bridge
“Sir you got a communiqué from Jonas” said a man running from the communication console holding a comm-radio, “he ain’t sounding too happy”
“Shit” replied Scott as he received the radio, “This is Scott”
“Scott what is going on at the depot?” asked Jonas, “I thought you have everything under control? Where is Monty?”
“No sir” replied Scott, “Confed forces have attack the depot by surprise. We are holding them off sir, they are not getting through. Monty’s down at engineering securing the area”
“You disappoint me Scott. You performance is unacceptable”
“But sir we have not lost the depot! We are holding the Bridge and Monty is holding Engineering. We are fighting the Confed back”
“Not any more” replied, “your services at no longer needed with the Mari-ad”
“What do you mean?” asked Scott when he noticed one of the monitors on the bridge consoles changed from looking at a schematics of the entire depot to series of numbers of command codes appearing, “Sir what is going on?”
“This depot is compromised as are the men on this station. I am going to blow the depot”
“You can’t do that!” shouted Scott as he gripped the radio harder
“Oh yes I can” said Jonas, “The Mari-ad does not like failure of any kind. To do so is to face dire consequences. Good bye Scott” the radio went dead and the low sound of radio static could be heard
“Jonas you cannot do this! Jonas” Scott did not get a replied from Jonas “You fuck! You are not getting away with this!” as he ran back to the barricade with the rest of the Mari-ads.

* * *

“Lieutenant’s Cheng and Ross to help you” saluted Anthony as they arrived to where Harris and his marines down are pinned down by the Mari-ad protecting the entrance to the Command Bridge
“Welcome aboard Lieutenants” saluted Harris, “you just made it to the happy hour. We need to break through that barricade!”
“Alright, Captain wants you to clear it out ASAP and help Collins once we secure the bridge”
“Then we are running out of time” said Harris, “get a fire team and blow that wall down” pointing to where the makeshift wall the Mari-ad made behind, “time to finish this”
“You got it. Jasper grab that launcher, Arrows lets go”

* * *

“Scott I think they got reinforcements!” shouted a Mari-ad, Scott came running back to the fight as he caught a glimpse of five people running across the other side of the corridor carrying something large and bulky, “Damn we are taking this too long”
“Shit they got a launcher!” shouted a Mari-ad fighter pointing to where the five men where hiding, Scott followed where the man was pointed and could see a glimpse of a marine lifting a launcher onto his shoulders and taking aim towards them
“Shit take that bastard down!” shouted Scott

* * *

Anthony and the rest ran across from where Harris was hiding around the corner to another corner avoiding the flying bullets and laser fire, “God damn it, I was not payed for this shit!” shouted Arrows as slid up against the wall,
“Welcome to the marines’ sweet heart” said Jasper, “you’ll love it” Jasper turned to Anthony as he help him to hoist the rocket launcher onto his shoulders, “you ready Lieutenant?”
“Tell me when!” shouted Anthony try to get his voice heard over the loud gun fire, Jasper pulled a rocket from his pack and inserted into the launcher behind Anthony and tapping him on the shoulders, “Lee, Kinder! Give him some covering fire!” the two other marines ducked around the corner to shooting a barrage of bullets towards the Mari-ad only to meet a heavy return fire from the Mari-ad, “fuck!” Anthony ducked back around the corner avoiding the heavy fire, “I think they saw us with the launcher”
“Gee you think” mocked Arrows as she shot a few rounds towards the Mari-ad, “just hurry up and shoot that wall down”
“Love to see you try with all this gun fire” said Anthony as he lifted the launcher back on his shoulders, “OK on three, one, two, three” Anthony swung his body around the corner and without properly aiming the launcher, Anthony pointed the heavy weapon towards the wall and press the trigger, “fire in the hole!” Anthony quickly pulled back around the corner just in time to hear the large explosion detonating.

* * *
“Not too bad for a first time” said Harris as he patted Anthony as they survey the damaged they made through the corridor towards the bridge, “we’ll make a marine out of you yet”
“No thanks Harris” smiled Anthony, “I am happy to stick with flying”
“LT we got a problem here” a marine was running out of the bridge towards where Harris and Anthony were standing, “What’s the problem?”
“One of the consoles activate some kind of self-destruct system and I can’t deactivate it”
“Damn” hissed Harris, “they must have known they were not going to win so they rigged the depot. Is there anyway to deactivate the system?”
“Negative LT” replied the marine, “it is some what connected to the Engineering section system”
“Shit that is where Sergeant Collins is” said Arrows; Harris putted on his helmet and tune in to the marine frequency to find Collins, “Sergeant do you read me?”
“I hear you LT” replied Collins, “We almost got the bastards flushed out”
“Hold your position. The depot is rigged to a self destruct system, it is connected to Engineering and we cannot deactivate it”
“Shit, we got marines spread out throughout the depot clearing the area”
“Get in quickly and find the system quickly and deactivate it. How much time do we have?”
“We got 15 minutes” replied the marine
“Sergeant you have 10 minutes to get in and out”
“Copy that LT”
“Damn that is cutting it close” said Harris as he switch channel to Captain Grant, “Captain we have a bomb here and can’t deactivate it we have 15 minutes to evacuate!”
“Roger that Lieutenant, quickly download all data and information from the Command bridge and get back to the hanger bay ASAP!”
“So much for an easy mission” said Anthony as he looked around the damage bridge and the wrecked corridor
“At least we didn’t have to do deal with any Strikers” said Arrows
“I rather take on those Strikers any day Arrows. They are much easier to deal with” said Anthony as they headed out corridor and towards the hanger bay.
“Right Anthony, sure they are” teased Arrows as they ran down the corridor as they could hear in the background Lieutenant Harris barking orders to clear the bridge.

TO BE CONTINUED.......

Plywood Fiend · 10-10-2005, 07:37

Not bad, not bad at all. I don't really have anything to add in terms of constructive criticism so i'll stick with a conventional update soon.

Dahan · 10-10-2005, 08:54

Thanks for all those readers who have been reading my fan fiction. The number of viewers gives me the motication to continue to write.
It aint perfect Plywood, but it is getting there. It is something different. Thanks for the feedback.

Dahan · 10-20-2005, 21:52

Apologise to everyone wondering when my next chapter will be up next. At the moment having a bit of a mini writers block as I am having trouble finishing the last bits of pieces to the second part of chapter 5.

Dahan · 10-22-2005, 09:49

Hello all, I have finished Chapter Six and it took me a while to knot out the bits and pieces. When you read this it might be a bit confusing and I tried to iron out all the things. This chapter had three alternative ending and I decided to choose this ending as it leave it open for the next chapter which allows me to prepare it with some background.
Anyway I hope you enjoy reading this and thank you to all the readers who have read my fan fiction. Enjoy

Chapter 6

Somewhere Deep in the Enyo System, Vega Sector
During the same time on the attack on the Mari-ad Depot

Unmarked Transport
Bridge

“You sure you wanted to destroy the depot Jonas?” asked Brutus as he watched Jonas activated a series of controls on the console in front of him, “the Council would not approve of this”
“The Council does not need to approve any of my actions” replied Jonas, “I always deliver results to them with acceptable loses”
“But with a supply depot deep in Enyo?”
“Yes”
“But that depot is in this system. That depot allows all our ships and transport to refuel. Especially for our shipyard”
“We can build another one. We have the all the financial and industrial resources at our disposal. I think we can afford a replacement”
“But Jonas”
“Enough!” Jonas slammed his fist against the bulkhead next to him stunning the other people on the bridge “I am in charge of this team and this operation. What I say goes. If you don’t like it, I am sure one our crew here will be happy to show you to their airlock”
“No Jonas, that won’t be necessary” replied Brutus as he walked to where a crewman was operating one of the operation consoles, “Damn that man” he said under his breathe.

Elsewhere
Beta Flight and Delta Flight
10,000 clicks away from the Mari-ad Depot
En route to intercept the Mari-ad transport and escort
Prior to Depot detonation

“I confirm 14 targets Delta Lead” said Balls as he checked his sensors “two transports and one squadron of Strikers, repeat two transports and 12 fighters”
“Copy that Beta Lead” replied Legs, “I read 14 targets. All fighters prepared to engage. Gamma Wing how soon can you get here”
“ETA five minutes”
“Well you better get here quick” said Balls, “we are two fighters short and we don’t like to go in half cocked”
“Hang on mate; just don’t start the party without us”

* * *

“Careful Beta 2 you got one on your tail!” warned Balls as he saw a Striker falling in behind Torps
“Damn it! I can’t shake ‘im!” Torps banked his fighter left to right avoid fighter fire from the Striker behind him, “this guy is trying to chew me up real good”
“Hang on Beta 2, I’m a coming” Balls pushing the afterburners, getting in closer to the Striker, Balls switch his missile guidance system on and armed his heat seekers.
“Hurry up Beta Lead I don’t have all day!” Torps sounded desperate as Balls notice that Torps’ shields were getting eaten away. Balls watched as he MGS (missile guidance system) slowly acquired a heat signature lock on the Striker, “Say good night asshole! Missile away!” Balls fired the missile when he heard the final lock tone on the fighter. The missile shot through the Striker’s shield and impact on its engine causing an explosion and a small shockwave. Balls swerve his fighter port side avoid the fighter debris.
“Thanks Beta Lead I owe you one!” replied Torps as he moved his fighter along side Balls
“No worries. Now let’s help the others shall we”

* * *

“Shit those transports got turrets rigged to them!” said 2nd Lieutenant Michelle ‘Leet’ Llane as she banked her fighter hard right avoiding the transport fire, “watch it folks, these transports got teeth!”
“You hit Delta 5?” asked Legs
“Negative Delta Lead. Just a grazing on the shields. I’m all good” Leet moved her fighter around for another pass with Legs forming up beside her
“Alright form on my wing Delta 5, we going to take those turrets out first”
“Copy that”, Legs and Leet begin their run towards the transport moving the fighters left to right, avoiding the turret fire from the transport
“Damn fire is pretty intense” said Leet, as she moved her fighter out of the way in time before a set of turret fire from both transport fire upon her, “they must be hoarding something big”
“Don’t know right now, don’t care either” said Legs as he also moved his fighter away from the heavy fire, switching to his missile banks and switching to dumb fire, “I’m going for the transport’s rear turret, cover me Delta 5”
“Copy that got your back, got” Leet was about to finish her sentence when she was interrupted by a barrage of enemy fire came in from behind, “Shit! Delta 5 evasive manoeuvre!” both fighters broke their attack run on the transport evading from the Strikers that was behind them, “Where the hell did they come from!” asked Leet
“I don’t know and I don’t want to find out. I did not pick them up on sensors!” said Legs “Are you alright Delta 5?”
“Damn no” replied Leet, “rear shields are gone and engine’s a bit shot, my rear hull ain’t good. I got to pull out”
“Shit not good” said Legs, “Delta 5 pull out. Delta Wing what’s your status?”
“I’m good”
“Just a few scratches”
“Got a bump here but good”
“Clean as a whistle”
“Gamma Lead how’s your boys?”
“Not too bad boss” replied Captain Colin ‘Cowboy’ Forbes, “we are holding our own here against these Strikers. Beta Wing are doing OK. Might need some help.”
“We got our hands full. You got to hold them of a little bit longer. Home One this is Delta Lead, we got two transports here, can’t scan them. Want do they want us to do with them?”
“Delta Lead, the bosses wants both transports disable” said Lieutenant Jessica, “Take out those turrets and engines”
“Copy that Home One. Delta 6 form up on me we taking on the transports, Delta 2, 3, 4 get rid of those Strikers” Legs received acknowledgments from the rest of his wing group.

* * *
“Scratch one bad boy” laughed Silky as she shot through the Striker she destroyed. Silky pulled her stick back, pulling her fighter 180 degrees, scanning for a new target
“Nice shooting Beta Lead” commented Torps, “they are down to six Strikers. Pasty pulling out”
“Is he alright?”
“His fighter is pretty banged up, it didn’t look pretty. He is forming up with Delta 5 who is also pretty banged up. They holding back”
“Alright let’s quickly finish this and get the hell out of here” both Silky and Torps moved their fighters and headed back to the fight where Gamma wing is engaging with the remaining Striker fighters.
“Damn those Striker fighters are good” said Torps, “don’t understand why Confed didn’t decide to use them as the primary fighters”
“Don’t know either, something which the brass thought something wrong. We can discuss finer details of technical of fighter capabilities. We got Mari-ad to deal with”
* * *

Deep in the Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
Mari-ad Supply Depot
Main Hanger Bay - 15 minutes before station self-destruct

“You got to be shitting me!” said Grant as he sat down on a crate after receiving word from Lieutenant Harris of the station’s self destruct, “What’s the situation with Sergeant Collins?”
“Good and bad sir” replied Harris over the comm-channel, “the good news is that the remaining Mari-ad in Engineering Control surrendered when one of their people were shot. I think it was one of the station commanders. The bad new is that Collins was able to find the explosives and the detonator but cannot access it because it is tuck away behind the main reactor chamber and no one can squeeze in to deactivate it”
“Damn half our luck!” Grant took off his helmet and gave his hair a shake, “Harris download everything you can from the station’s database and haul your ass back to the hanger you got ten minutes”
“Aye Sir”
“How did our two fly boys go?”
“Not bad for a first time, they are on their way back to the hanger now”
Shaking his head in disapproval, Grant look around the hanger bay where several of his marines were rounding up the surviving Mari-ad people and collecting the dead and injured that lay around the area. Grant walked up to a marine sergeant who was delegating duties to several marines who was with him, “Sergeant we are running short on time, this base is going to blow in 15. We have ten minutes to clear out, people and all!”
“Yes sir!” replied the marine sergeant as he turned back to the other marines, “you heard the Captain, clear the area out, 10 minutes, double time!”
In the next few minutes, Grant saw what could have been the fastest clean up and recovery operation he had ever seen.

* * *

Mari-ad Supply Depot
Engineering Section
At the same time

“Fucking bomb!’ growled the marine specialist as he tried to reach the detonator wires. Sergeant Collins and his marines were able to subdue the remaining Mari-ad personnel that were holding up in the engineering section. After a quick survey around the large room, they were able to find the bomb tucked away between four pylons near the central reactor chamber which power the entire depot.
“Is there anyway to reach those wires?” asked Collins as he looked on with a great deal of nervousness
“No unless you have time to chop down those pylons” replied the specialists, “whoever planted the bomb was a genius to placing it or was some dumb witted asshole who didn’t know where to put it in the first place”
“Don’t blame me then” replied Collins, “you got five minutes. If you cannot reach the wires, we are to leave”
“I hear you”

* * *

Meanwhile back onboard
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge

“Say what!” both Lang and Parker turn to face Lieutenant Jessica, as their communications officer provided them an update on the Mari-ad outpost
“Captain Grant says that a self destruct system has been activated when they attempted to secure the facility. They have about 15 minutes before the depot explodes”
“Damn this is not good” said Parker as he looked back on the tactical map, “for a brief moment I thought we might have had a flawless victory”
“Nothing is flawless Colonel” said Captain Lang, “helm set course for the depot maximum speed”
“Aye Sir”
“What do you have in mind?” asked Parker
“We don’t have much time and I don’t think we would get to the depot in time either. We are going to get as close we can get to the fighters and recover them as quickly as possible. We don’t know what kind of damage that depot might if it detonates. I do not like to see what it might cause” Parker nodded in agreement as he looked at the tactical map, squeezing his stress ball, “we might get a few injured people out there. We better inform medical team of the possible situation”
“Agreed”
“Lieutenant what is the status on Beta, Delta and Gamma Wing on those transports?”
“Beta Lead confirmed both transports have been diable. Several of their fighters are damage during the fight. They said that the transports were rigged with turrets”
“Damn that was not good. Navigator show me the location of those transports” the officer at the navigation console the tactical map viewer Lang was watching showing the location of where the Hibernia was currently position, the location of the Mari-ad depot and the two transports which was found, “they are quite a fair distance from the depot and I don’t think the blast shockwave may not reach them so it should be alright” tapping the map with his pointer Lang ponder about his next move, “Colonel, is Major O’Brian squadron ready?”
“He is with the first flight already deployed around the Hibernia. Second flight is on standby”
“Damn we almost have a full launch of fighters. Now we know we have not done this for a long time. I do not remember having to launch nearly all our fighters, especially in peace time”
“What do you want with O’Brian’s flight group Captain?” asked Parker
“Tell O’Brian he is to escort our marines to the transports. We will deploy the transport once we close in on the depot position. Deploy the marine transports and O’Brian’s Charlie group are to escort them to the transport and bring them back once the marines taken control of those ships. Recall Beta and Delta Flight back to the Hibernia. Gamma wing should be alright with them and Charlie will support them”
“Yes Sir”

* * *

Back at the Mari-ad outpost
Main Hanger Bay
Approximately 10 minutes before detonation

“Report Lieutenant?” asked Grant as he saw Lieutenant Harris arrived back to the main hanger bay with his marines, “did you get everything?”
“Yes sir. We download everything from the depot’s computer and database. We did not have a look at what was in it. But we know we got everything in their computers”
“Good work. Now let’s clear this place out” Grant switched his radio to Collins frequency, “Sergeant what is your status?”
“Not good sir” replied Collins, “we found the bomb, but can deactivate it. The detonator is out of our reach and we cannot reach in close enough to disable the bomb”
“Sergeant you have five minutes. If you cannot disable the bomb, evacuate”
“Copy that sir, out”
“It ain’t looking good” said Grant as he saw the marines began loading up and boarding the marine transport, “we don’t have much time. Lieutenant, get everything in on the double, we will leave very soon. Tell our two flyboys to warm up their fighters we will be getting’ ready”
“Yes sir” replied Harris

* * *

Mari-ad Outpost/Depot
Engineering Room
Approximately 8 minutes before detonation

“That’s it. We cannot wait any further” said the specialist, “there is no way I can reach the bomb. It is placed too well in. I cannot do anything about it!”
“Fine then” said Collins, “we are leaving. Corporal, get those prisoners back to the hanger bay now and load onboard the transport, everyone clear the area!”

* * *
Mari-ad Outpost/Depot
Main Hanger Bay
Roughly the same time

“Well play time is over Arrows” said Datangia, “let’s get our birds ready”
“Right with you, running quick check system. Everything looks fine and dandy”
“All systems are green over here. Captain Grant, we are ready to escort you back to the Hibernia”
“Very good Lieutenant” replied Grant, “we are waiting one more group to return then” Grant was about to finish his sentence when several explosions occurred around the hanger, “What the hell just happen!” Anthony peer out through his cockpit and saw several fires and burning wreckages on the outer area of the hanger bays, Anthony keyed to Grant’s radio frequency “Captain Grant what just happen?”
“Explosion hit all main access corridors throughout the depot. Sergeant Collins can’t reach to us. He is trapped!”
“Shit! Not good!”

“Lieutenant how much time do we have?”
“About five minutes, six tops” replied Harris
“Get some marines and blow that access corridor open for Collins, we got to clear it out in time”
“Yes sir!” Harris grabbed several marines and heading towards the blocked corridor that lead to the engineering section

* * *

“What the bleep is going on!” said a marine as Collins’ detachment round the corner to where the corridor would lead them to the main hanger bay
“”Pipe down Watts” said Collins, as the sergeant walk up to smouldering wreckage in front of him. The entire corridor in front of them was blocked from the collapse ceiling above. Smoking could be seeing coming out of the wreck from the explosion that caused the damage, “Watts can you scan how far we are from the hanger bay?” the marine took out a small device and scan the wreck in front of him attempting to measure the distance between them and the hanger, “we got about 30 metres of wreckage between us and the hanger. We cannot use any explosives”
“Why not?”
“I am not sure if we have enough to blow through and even if we do, we probably cause more debris or wrecks to fall through”
“Is there any other access out of here?” Watts access his device search for any other access; grimly he shook his head, “Sorry sir. We are trapped here”
“Damn” hissed Collins
“We cannot die here!” screamed one of the captured Mari-ad, “we cannot die!” Collins walked up to man and backhanded the Mari-ad across the mouth, “shut up you!” Collins looked at the block corridor and look back at his marines. He saw in their eyes what he was going to do, “Captain this is Collins, we scan the wreck blocking our way to the hanger bay and all other possible access. There is no other way out. Leave us sir”
“Like hell we are sergeant” snapped Grant, “we don’t leave our people behind. You know the rules!”
“Yes sir, but if you try to blow through the wreck you might cause more damage to the area maybe cause more wreckage to fall through”
“Damn it. Are you sure there is no other way out?” Collins looked back at Watts who shook his head again, “No sir there isn’t. Please Captain go”
“Damn it Collins I cannot leave you!”
“No sir but we can” said Collins, “Captain we are going back and attempt to deactivate the bomb. We may not survive this but we are going to try. Captain it has been a pleasure serving with you” Grant was quiet for moment before replying back to Collins, “Sergeant you are a good man. You served the Confederation proud. I will make sure your deeds are never forgotten. Grant out”
“You cannot this!” scream the Mari-ad whom Collins slapped earlier, “you cannot just stay here and die. There has to be another way around”
“Shut up you” said a marine as he backhand the Mari-ad, “you don’t like this? Well too bad”
“Marines lets go back and see what we can do about that bomb” said Collins as he picked up his rifle and headed back to engineering while the other marines picked up the Mari-ad and lead them back.

* * *

“Captain we cannot just leave them there!” pleaded Harris, “we cannot just do nothing!”
“Collins checked the area he was in” replied Grant, “there is no other way out. Lieutenant get those marines back in the transport”
“But Captain”
“Now Lieutenant that is an order!” barked Grant
“Yes sir” replied Harris as he recalled the marines back towards the transport

* * *
Four minutes before detonation

“Everyone all aboard Captain?” asked Datangia as he did a final check
“Everyone is onboard. Let’s get out of here Lieutenant” replied Grant through the radio, “time to go”
“Copy that”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Bridge
At the same time

“Time?” asked Lang
“Four minutes and counting Captain” replied Lieutenant Jessica
“Status on our transports?”
“Captain Grant says they are about to leave the depot. O’Brian’s wing is currently enroute to the Mari-ad transport and Beta and Delta Wings are returning back to the Hibernia”
“Very well”

* * *

Mari-ad Depot
Engineering Room
At the same time

“Can’t reach it Stevens?” asked Collins
“No Sergeant. There is nothing I could do” replied the marine specialists
“Oh well it has been good while it lasted” said Collins as he pulled out a cigar out from one of his pockets, “Eh well I thought I might as well enjoy this”
“I thought I was the only one” said one of the marines. Collins looked over and saw one of the marines pulled out a cigar from one of his pockets, “when did you start smoking cigars?”
“Well ever since we saw you smoking at the rec room Sergeant” laughed the marine, “well here is a good tour of duty with you” said the marine as he nodded at the sergeant.
“Well it was good boys, it was good” said Collins as he lighted up his cigar and took a long suck from it and blowing out a large smoky ring, “I enjoyed very much. Marines forever boys”
“Ho!”

* * *
TCS Hibernia
Main Bridge
Three minutes before detonation

“Captain, Flight Deck Officer, reports that all ships have returned, except for Charlie and Gamma Wing which are with the Mari-ad transports” said Lieutenant Jessica
“Very good” replied Lang, as he continue to watch the tactical screen where the two remaining fighter wings were protecting the marine transport that was boarding the Mari-ad transport, “well we better get ready for the explosion then. Lieutenant alert all crew and stations to brace for possible impact. Make sure Gamma and Charlie Wing and those transports to be prepare for the possible shockwave”
“Yes Sir”

TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck
Two minutes before detonation

Anthony took off his helmet and shaking his head when Nuts climbed up beside him on the cockpit, “You better get out of there! Command issue an alert for impact. You better brace yourself quickly” Nuts quickly helped Anthony unstrap himself from the cockpit and climbed down the ladder and bolted to the nearest exit lift.
“Clear the flight deck!” Anthony heard the Flight Deck Officer call out on the PA system. Pilots, deck crews, marines and Mari-ad prisoners were rushing towards the exit lift.
“One minute til detonation”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Bridge

“One minute til detonation” said Jessica
“Commander what is the ships shields status?” asked Lang
“Shields are operating at 100 percent Captain” replied the Hibernia’s executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Jessica O’Hara
“Lieutenant Jessica, is the flight deck clear?” asked Parker,
“FDO reports all clear Colonel” replied the communications officer
“Time Lieutenant?” asked Lang
“30 seconds” Lang pick up the radio microphone and activated the PA systems,
“All crew, this is the Captain. Standby for impact, repeat standby for impact”
“All crew are secure Captain” said O’Hara from her station
“Very good”
“15 seconds”
“Okay this is it” said Parker
“10 seconds”
“Any last minute changes before we brace ourselves?”
“I don’t think there would be”
“5..4..3..2..1”

Lang and Parker looked at the main viewer where they could see the Mari-ad outpost. At first nothing happen, then they saw small explosions started to appear at one end of the depot slowly spreading across the entire depot, followed by a large explosion, followed by a series of large explosions. Bit and pieces of the depot were beginning to fall off the depot, followed by large pieces of the depot.
Finally a massive explosion could be seen from the centre of the depot breaking it half.

“Shockwave detected Captain” said O’Hara “heading towards us”
“Will it head to our other ships?”
“No they are out of range”
“What level is the shockwave?”
“Level 4 Sir”
“We would feel that” the ship began to shudder violently as the shockwave passed through the ship, the loud sound of the ships hull being pushed against the massive energy wave deafens all over the bridge with many people barely able to hear each other talk. The crew people around the bridge and around the ship held onto something secure bracing themselves against the shockwave.
“You sure that this is a level 4 Commander?” shouted Parker trying to get his voice heard over the loud creaking sound, “feels like a level 6 or 7”
“Sensors read a level 4” shouted back O’Hara, “this isn’t right”
“Hold on!” called out Lang, “we wait or the wave to pas through” What seem like forever was merely 10 seconds when the Hibernia was knocked by a large shockwave caused by the massive explosion caused by the depot’s self destruct bomb.
“Report Commander?’ asked Lang when the ship started shuddering. O’Hara moved over to the command console and looked over the console screen, “Shields are intact sir. I guess we were lucky” O’Hara scroll through the ships internal sensors and assessing the ships status, “so far no damage to the ship and no injuries reported in”
“Good. Lieutenant inform Captain Grant, Majors Mallamo and Brady to report to me in the debriefing room in one hour with their reports”
“Aye sir”
“Well Colonel I guess we lost the depot. It could have be invaluable”
“Maybe but once Delta and Gamma Wing comes back with those transports, we might learn what is going on out here. These Mari-ad attacks and these operations they are doing are becoming more aggressive and I don’t like it one bit”
“Agreed. We will meet the people in one hour and see what is going on”

Dahan · 11-06-2005, 07:13

Hi folks
This Chapter has been a wierd one for me as I have tried to make sure everything sounds right and I hope everyone still enjoys my posts.
Thanks for all the readers who have beeing reading my fan fiction.

Chapter Seven
“Every generation has a maniac”

At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot
Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
Approximately four hours after the destruction of the depot.

It was a quiet sombre day for the marines. Captain Grant invited both Anthony and Kathryn Ross to join him and the marines in the rec-room for drinks in memory of Sergeant Collins and the marines that died on the station. Both were uncertain of why they were invited but they didn’t want to be rude and turn down a personnel invitation from the marines.

Anthony and Kathryn entered the rec-room and saw a large group of marines sitting around several tables that were pulled together. Grant saw the two pilots entered and waved them over.
“Datangia, Arrows glad you can join us” said Grant as he pass them mug of what look like beer, “it would mean a lot to us”
“Um thanks Captain” replied Anthony, “although I am quite flatter that you guys invited to something personal”
“That may be true Datangia, but you help us at the depot and we intend to repay a debt to you”
“Thank you Captain” said Arrows, “I’m sure Sergeant Collins would be happy with what we done”
“Agreed” said Grant, “Marines! A toast to our fellow marines. To Collins and to his marine detachment!”
“Collins!” the rest of the marines stood up from their seats and lifted their mugs in salute to their fallen comrades. After their toast the marines began to drift away into smaller groups and conversing with one another. Datangia and Arrows sat with Jasper, Lee, and Kinder who were with them when they attacked the bridge on the Mari-ad depot. The group were talking, reminiscing about their time with either the fighter corps or the marines when the doors to the rec-room open a group of pilots arrived led by a loud boisterous young pilot who seems to be bragging about their recent mission,
“Ah it was beautiful” said the loud pilot, “that fighter was behind me and then I pulled on burners and did a tight 180 loop around the fighter. The guy didn’t see it coming, next minute I was behind that Striker shooting all guns at its rear and lobbing a dumb fire behind it. Man it was a beautiful sight”
Datangia looked over at the group and from the look of the pilot who was bragging, he knew that there was going to be trouble. The new group continue to talk and laugh as they reached to the bar when the lead pilot ordered a round of drinks for the group.
“A toast to our beloved Major Brady and to the Wild Aces!” the rest of the people in the group raised their mugs in salute to the lead pilot. The lead pilot drained his mug completely and slamming a mug back on the counter and grinned at the bartender. “Donovan another round for us”
“Better hold your liquor Ferrari” replied the bartender, “you might be up for another flight assignment”
“Nope not until tomorrow Donovan” said Ferrari, “Colonel says that after today’s mission. We are going to hold until they collected all the data and reports from all the units that were involved. Besides this is worth drinking for any way” Ferrari turned around leaning back against the counter smiling at his friends, when he notice a small group of marines near the bar.
The next couple of hours, Ferrari and his group of fellow pilots drank probably more beer and other alcohol than any other group or individual present in the rec-room. The group grew louder and rowdier and some of the people who were in the rec-room decided to leave as they were causing a disruption.
During their copious amount of excessive drinking, Ferrari notice a small group of marines sitting by the bar talking among themselves. Ferrari got up from his table, taking his drink along with him, he stumble across to the marines and grabbed a chair nearby and sat down next to them.
“So what are you marines doing onboard?” slurred Ferrari as he tried to remain sitting upright
“We were assigned here” said on the marines sitting closer to him, “we were part of the detachment that were sent to that Mari-ad depot and to secure it”
“Bah Marines!” spat Ferrari, “we don’t need no stinking marines. The way I see it, we don’t the marines and we fighter pilots could have secure the depot without you guys meddling around with it”
“What did you say!” said the marines closer to him stood up. One of the marines tried to pull him back to his chair, “Easy Chad, the guy had too much too drink”
“Yeah but he insulted us” replied Chad as he turned back to Ferrari, “Look mate I do care about who you are and which unit you are from. But we marines have our responsibilities as much as you do and there is no reason to bad mouth about us”
“Like as if I care” smirked Ferrari, “you marines are nothing more than a waste of deck space. Out here the people who are in charge are the Navy and the Fighter pilots. You are nothing more but cannon fodder. This is for us navy and fly boys. Not sweaty grunts”
“Who do you think you are” said the pilot who tried to pull Chad, “what gives you the right to judge us” the rest of the marines at their table stood up all with an angry look. On the other side Ferrari’s friends on the other table notice where their friend was and notice the marines standing up facing him. As one the pilots stood up and march over to where their comrade pilot was.
“You wanting to pick on me” grinned Ferrari as he noticed his friends were coming to back him up, “you think that you grunts could take us out?” some of Ferrari’s friends were snicking at the marines and some of them were flexing hands expecting a brawl to erupt.
“This is not going to be good” said Datangia as he looked on from where he was sitting with the others “we better stop this before it gets out of hand” Datangia stood up with Jasper as they headed towards the two angry looking group who were now badgering each other into a fight. Datangia stood in front of Ferrari’s groups while Jasper stood in front of Chad’s group
“Guys cool it before we might get thrown into the brig” said Datangia as he tried to calm the angry pilots, “I think that we had too much to drink”
“Hey Cheng you are one of us” said Ferrari, “pilots stick together. If one goes we all go right?”
“No I don’t think so mate” replied Datangia, “you over step your boundary and you should have shut that trap of yours”
“What did you say?”
“I said that you should watch what you are saying. You are going to get yourself into trouble. You do know that you are being a real jerk”
“No you are being a real asshole” snapped Ferrari as he pulled back his right arm back and threw a punch at Datangia. What happen next caught everyone by surprise. Everyone thought that Datangia would be knocked out and be sent falling on the fall instead what seem like almost impossible was Datangia was able to deflect the punch with his left arm, his right hand came across, grabbing Ferrari’s jumpsuit by the collar, lifted him up and slammed him down across the table, knocking the glass and mugs onto to the floor.
“What the fuck!?” said Jasper as he saw Datangia’s quick action response
“Now I am going to say this one more time” said Datangia as he draw his face closer to Ferrari, “I won’t you to leave the marines alone and you and your friends are going to leave the rec-room and get yourself clean up otherwise I will report you to the Colonel about this”
“Like as if who would believe you” sneered Ferrari
“Well for starters I would” said a voice in the background. Everyone turn around and saw Colonel Parker sitting by a table in the far corner of the rec-room where no one had really noticed that the Wing Commander was sitting there with his drink.
“Colonel!” Datangia quickly pulled Ferrari up from the table and adjust his uniform, “I can explain this”
“No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at 1700 hours”
“Yes Sir”
“Now for Lieutenant Prost” said Parker as he walked up to the drunken pilot, “your actions and performance are out of order and you are a disgrace to the Confederation forces. Lieutenant as from this point onwards you are relieved of duty until further notice. You will not take part of any assignments assigned to your squadron and will spend the next seven days in the brig. Your pay will also be cut to a third for next month”
“You can’t do that Colonel!” said Ferrari
“Oh yes I can. Watch me” replied Parker, “Corporal Jasper, please take a couple of your marines and escort our pilot to the brig and inform the Master of Arms that the Lieutenant Prost is to remained in the brig for seven days and only to be release on my orders”
“With pleasure Colonel” smiled Jasper and two other sober marines came and took the drunken pilot out of the rec-room” once Jasper and the marines led a struggling pilot out of the rec-room, Parker turned to face the rest of the group who were still standing and smiled “I believe that we were trying to have a nice quiet drink here gentlemen?”

wolfboy · 11-10-2005, 10:45

oh i like this, you never get to really hear about the marines in the WC universe, good writing waiting to see more

Dahan · 11-12-2005, 05:17

Thanks for the feedback it ensures that people are enjoying what I am writing

Dahan · 11-15-2005, 04:13

Hello all
I have hope that everyone has enjoyed reading what I have written so far.
I have reread some of my previous chapters and I would later to add/change some of the details I wrote.

Re-edited Version of the 2628 - An officers beginning - Synopsis

Throughout history we gain a glimpse of the events that happened with the Confederation. There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first war with Kilrathi, the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim.

But a quetion remains? What ever happen with the Confederation prior to the wars?

I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war with the Kilrathi occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe with the Kilrathi, there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within and the outlying systems.

A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad, once a political party within the Confederation Assembly has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years, has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. The war between the Confederation government and one of the most powerful criminal organisation has been become a drain on resources for both sides of this conflict especially with both sides are experiencing continuing problems with the Pilgrim Alliance.

This is first story of many where it follows the life of a young officer, a freshly minted graduate from the Academy, 2nd Lieutenant Anthony 'Datangia' Cheng who is thrusted into the conflict prior to the first Kilrathi war.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second adjustment is from my last chapter, Chapter seven where there was some errors which needs to be corrected

Quote:

Chapter Seven
“Every generation has a maniac”

At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot
Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
Approximately four hours after the destruction of the depot.

The time and date is set for (2628.263.1800)

Other ammendment -

Quote:

“No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at 1700 hours”
“Yes Sir”

Edited Version

“No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at tomorrow in my office at 0600 hours. We have some matters to discuss”
“Yes Sir” said Datangia as he stood back with his group allowing Colonel Parker to walk up towards the drunken Ferrari.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that are just some minor adjustments to what I have written but there may be some further adjustments in the near future. Chapters 8 will be out soon and hope will enjoy reading it.
All the best and take care!!

Dahan · 11-15-2005, 06:22

Chapter 8

The following day...

At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot
Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

TCS Hibernia
Wing Commander’s Office
(2628.263.0600)
“You want to see us sir?” asked Datangia as he and Arrows entered Colonel Parker’s office.
“Ah yes come sit down Lieutenants I have a few things to run by before you receive your flight assignments ” said Parker as he finished signing off the reports he was reading, “I have review your performances over the last mission. From the reports I read from Captain Grant and Lieutenant Harris I must commend you on your actions”
“Thank you sir” replied Datangia, “frankly any other pilot would have done the same”
“That may be true” replied Parker, “but you acted upon your own accordingly and did so without hesitation. What you did was brave. I have conferred with your squadron commander, along with Captains Lang and Grant and Lieutenant Harris. I have decided to award you two the Bronze Star” Datangia and Arrows sat there speechless with both of their jaws dropped in surprise.
“Sir I do not what to say” said Arrows as she was the first to recover from the news
“Well how about close your mouths first” smiled Parker as Datangia and Arrows tried to regain to regain their composure, “you pilots did a good job out there and should be commended for your actions. There will be an award ceremony at 1800 today the observation deck after today’s mission assignments for people who served on board the Hibernia for the last six months. Your medal presentation would be award during then”
“Thank you sir” said Datangia
“You are welcome Lieutenant. In the meantime I would like to ask you both to keep this among yourselves and not to tell the others just yet as it would probably distract everyone today. I will inform everyone of the awards ceremony today on the ship’s bulletin later on. In the meantime get your gear together and I will see you both in the briefing room”

30 minutes later

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing briefing room“And finally we have mission assignment Zeta” continued Parker as he assigned the mission assignments to the four squadrons, “Zeta flight will be Datangia and Peck. You two will be escort a survey shuttle team, which has jumped in from McAuliffe Naval Base, Alexandria. They are conducting a sensor sweep of the depot wreck and assisting the Hibernia’s team and salvage anything worth investigating and report back to Sector Command.
“Sir Do you think the Mari-ad will try some form of counter attack?” asked 2nd Lieutenant Michelle ‘Peck’ Lee
“I doubt it” replied Parker, “we dealt a massive blow to them and they would probably regrouping after their losses not to mention the transports we were able to capture with the help of Beta flight from the Flying Tigers and Delta from Wild Aces we recovered from those transports, supplies, parts for the striker fighters and technical data. With this we might be able to find we might found out where those ships originated from and how they are able to have function Striker fighters”
“Sounds like an easy run sir” said Datangia as he looked at the map behind Parker, “just a baby sitting mission”
“Something like that” smiled Parker, “but I would not get too comfortable. Although we gave them a huge belting there is not guarantee that they maybe watching us right at this moment. So keep your eyes peeled”
“Yes sir”
“O K so if there is no other problems or questions? No very well dismiss and good luck out there”

Half an hour later

Flight Deck
“Rapiers all clean and check out” said Mendez as he passed Datangia his flight helmet, “I hear it is an easy run for you?”
“Yeah, just baby sitting some shuttle from McAuliffe and doing some scans on the wreck”
“Shouldn’t be too much of a problem would there. You will finish this up in no time. See you when you get back Lieutenant”
“Will do”

* * *

En route to the Mari-ad wreck depot

After the destruction of the depot, the Hibernia moved back away from the wreck as they believe there was nothing to gain. However orders were received from Sector HQ from McAuliffe that they want to survey the damage and recover any valuable materials and or information that might help them fight against the Mari-ad.

“So what did Parker wanted?” asked Peck “did the Colonel giving you a grilling over last night?”
“Ain’t telling you anything” said Datangia, “that is for me to know and you to find out. But then if I have to tell you I would have to kill you”
“Oh is that a fact” replied Peck, Datangia could see Peck was smiling on the video on the comm. channel, “you are a disappointment. You are no fun”
“Says who” laughed Datangia, “I might tell you when we get back”

* * *

Meanwhile
Back on the Hibernia
Somewhere hidden
In a darken room, a person was hunched over a computer terminal watching and listening in on a conversation between two pilots

“…Oh is that a fact? You are a disappointment. You are no fun”
“Says who? I might tell you when you get back”

The hunched person pressed a few buttons on the terminal and the screen changed to a view seeing two Rapier fighters escorting a survey shuttle to the depot wreck. The unidentified person then pulled out a data pad from a side pocket and plugged it into the computer terminal. The person entered a series of commands on the data pad and watched a series of numbers of scroll down the screen following by a series of command activations. At the end of the numbers and commands a question appeared.
‘Activation of Tracer-Satellite?’ Two boxes with Activate and Deactivate appear on the person’s data pad.
The person pressed the activate button.

* * *

At the wreckage of the Mari-ad depot

Among the debris of fallen pieces, a small satellite probe undamaged from the station’s blast wave remained dormant. Drifting among the wreckage hitting softly against the other pieces of wreckage from the station suddenly sprung to life. Lights appear around the probe and four panels open up showing an array of sophisticated sensory systems.

In the distance the probe detected three incoming ships. The probe identified them as Confederation ships. A series of beeps and flashes of light on the probe were activated and slowly it vanished into the background becoming invisible. A cloaked satellite.

Upon arrival of the remnants of Mari-ad depot
“Well, well” said Datangia as they arrived to wreck site, “looks like we missed the fireworks”
“Looks like there is nothing left” said Peck, “looks like we did a pretty good job hey Lieutenant?”
“Sure did” replied Datangia, “Shuttle Survey, this is Zeta Lead. You are ready to scan debris field”
“Copy that Zeta lead” replied the Shuttle pilot, “we are starting up our sensor sweep. Gives us about 15 minutes”
“Copy that shuttle. We will sweep around the wreckage and check for anything”
“Copy that Zeta Lead”

* * *

At the same time
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
A young officer approached Lang and Parker who were observing the different fighter flight assignments in their section of space.
“Um sir” coughed the young officer
“Yes Ensign what can we do for you?” asked Captain Lang
“Um sir we are detecting a faint transmission and cannot pinpoint its point of origin”
“It’s not coming from the ship?” asked Lang as he turned to face the Ensign, “what do you have at the moment?” the Ensign gave the Captain a data pad containing information regarding the transmission
“We are not sure sir. It is not an audio transmission or a video transmission. We cannot identified what signal it is”
“Very peculiar” said Lang as he read through the data pad, “Parker you recognised any of this” passing the pad to the wing commander
“Hmm no, this is weird. I don’t think I have seen anything like this”

* * *
TCS Hibernia
Donovan’s quarter
Donovan in his quarters at his computer terminal reading some idle junk mail when a message blip appear at the corner of his screen. Donovan tapped the monitor with his light pen to receive the message. Next he saw a series of numbers scrolling down and a message requesting an activation of a satellite.
“Damn I forgot they still used those bastards” said the bartender as he pulled out the keyboard panel under his desk which was connected to his terminal. Donovan entered a series of commands and the monitor changed from the numbers to schematics of the entire ship of the TCS Hibernia. Donovan entered another series of commands and a targeting reticule appearing and began sweeping through the entire schematics of the ship searching for something.
“Hmm now where will you be hiding my little friend” whispered Donovan as he watched the reticule scanned through the decks of the Hibernia. The scanned completed and registered zero findings.
“Oh so you want to play hide and seek eh?” smiled the bartender as he type in another series of commands. The targeting reticule began another sweep going through everyone room and every deck on the Hibernia. At the end of the second sweep the computer registered 20 findings.
“Damn you are harder than I thought” Donovan got up from his chair and walked to his bed and pulled out a case from underneath. Opening up he pulled out a data pad and plugged it into the computer terminal.
Donovan entered a series of commands on the data pad and entered the same commands on the computer terminal. The screen on the data pad flashed and the terminal monitor now showed four more targeting reticule and began another sweep.

* * *

The hunched figure was monitoring Zeta’s flight when it received a message from the terminal that it was being scanned and locating its position.
“Shit!” hissed the unidentified person, the person quickly enter a series of commands and pulled out the data pad from the terminal causing the monitor to go blank darkening the entire room.

* * *

“Oh very smart” smiled Donovan as the computer informed him that the transmission has creased transmitting and the point of origin could not be located, “maybe another time then hey my friend?” Donovan turned off his terminal and pulled out the data pad and packed up his terminal before leaving his quarters.

* * *

15 minutes later
At the Mari-ad wreck site
“We completed our sensor sweep Zeta lead. We are ready to head back”
“Roger that Survey shuttle” replied Datangia, “setting course back for the Hibernia. I guess that’s all hey Zeta 2?”
“Eh it could have been better”
“Maybe when we get back I might tell you what the Colonel said to me”
“I would hold you up to that Lead”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck
2628.263.0815

“Well I guess it was an easy run” said Parker as he met with Peck and Datangia at then end of the flight deck, “I guess you guys need an easy assignment every once in a while”
“Can’t argue with that sir” said Peck, “it was a little bit refreshing”
“Very well. Stow your gear and clean up. The Hibernia will be moving out from his region and heading to new coordinates. In the meantime I need you guys to put on your dress uniform and report to the observation deck at 1000 hours”
“What for sir?” asked Pecks
“You will see when it happens” said Parker as he saluted the Lieutenants and headed towards to the main lift to the bridge
“I think I know what is going on” said Peck as she and Datangia headed to the decontamination room and locker rooms. Datangia merely smiled and winked at her.

Dahan · 11-25-2005, 02:24

Chapter 9

2628.263

Meanwhile….
Somewhere back deep in the Enyo System, Vega Sector

Unmarked Transport
Bridge

“A cloak satellite?” said Brutus as he watched the view screen, watching two Rapier fighters flew right past the satellite, “how is that possible!?”
“Who said it was cloaked?” said Jonas as he continued to watch at another view screen on the other side of the main bridge of their ship, “we haven’t developed the technology for that. Confed military have failed many times of creating the perfect cloaking technology and many times they have not succeeded”
“But the satellite?” asked Brutus
“That my friend is a secret I intend to keep” smiled Jonas as he walked up to his aide and watched the two Rapiers on the small view screen escorting a survey shuttle, “I will tell you something though. We were able to obtain design schematics which make objects harder for ships sensors to detect”
“Amazing” whispered Brutus as he continue to watch the fighters continue to fly by, “why is it then we are not using it for our fighters?”
“That is easier enough to answer” said Jonas, “because we are lacking certain resources which allows us to manufacture it”
“Resources?”
“There are certain let’s just say certain materials which are very hard to find these days and we decided to use these devices for specific duties”
“We Jonas?”
“The Mari-ad Council had decided about this about two years ago when I stole the plans”
“Why didn’t I know about this?” demanded Brutus, “I was told of any assignment about stealing any plans?”
“That was because you were assigned to escort that cargo transport of medical supplies that we picked from Landreich”
“Oh” Brutus felt a little bit sheepish when Jonas explain his reasons why Brutus wasn’t with him, “I thought we do all assignments together as requested by the Council”
“True. But at that time we were short on our medical supplies and need to replenish our stock so the Council decided to assign us different assignments that time”
“I suppose so” said Brutus, “can’t go against wishes of the Council can’t we?”
“Don’t worry Brutus” smiled Jonas “I will make sure that I will tell you of all the assignments we get”
“Well can you explain to then why are waiting here then watching the satellite then?”
“Watch and learn” said Jonas as he pointed to the two Rapiers as they escorted the shuttle away from the wreck site and head back to their point of origin.
“So they are leaving so what?” said Brutus, “like we don’t know that”
“Oh really?” said Jonas as he pressed a few switches on the main console, “communications what have you got” speaking to an operator who was sitting by another console behind where Brutus and Jonas where.
“Sir we intercepted a transmission from the Hibernia” replied the communication officer, “they have received orders for new assignments. They are heading out”
“Excellent. Signal the fleet to jump in at the designated coordinates at two minute intervals. Inform them I to be running on minimal power. We don’t want to arouse suspicion”
“Yes sir”
“What fleet?” asked Brutus
“What on the main viewer” said Jonas as the walked towards the middle of the bridge where a large view screen hang in the middle. Watching the screen, Brutus saw a jump point opening up and a cargo transport coming out of the jump point.
“That’s one of our heavy laden cargo transports” said Brutus as he recognised the ship, “what that doing here. Won’t we be or the transport be captured?”
“Nope. They are carrying supplies and materials for our new outpost”
“New outpost?”
“You see Brutus. That previous outpost was constructed out of an old derelict carrier and it has past it’s used by date. The Council believe that this location is too valuable to lose and want to establish a stronger outpost here. So we are rebuilding a new one from scratch”
“But that would take many months, maybe a year to fully build a new outpost from scratch”
“Not if we pre-planned this” said Jonas as another jump point open out and a huge tanker transport jumped out towing a large metallic sphere almost doubling the size of the tanker. Another two minutes later another tanker carrying another metallic sphere jumped out.
“What the?” said Brutus as he saw the two tankers carrying the metallic spheres, “what are those things?”
“Those, my friend” said Jonas, “are part of our new outpost. We had our engineers design a new outpost based on several ideas from the Council. In three months you shall see the final product”
“Three months! That’s impossible!” said Brutus as he continue to watch the transports, tankers and other ships started arriving through the designated jump points, “three months is not possible”
“Watch and learn then Brutus” said Jonas as he walked over to the communication console and picked up a headset, “This is Bee Hive to Queen Bee. Do you copy?”
“Queen Bee to Bee Hive” replied the voice in the headset, “main ships arrived and awaiting remaining ships and orders”
“Very well, Queen Bee. Commence unloading and begin construction plans O-P-2”
“Orders received and acknowledge. Queen Bee out”
“Come Brutus lets get something to drink” said Jonas as he led Brutus out of the bridge, “let’s sit and talk of other things. All this work is making me thirsty”

As Jonas and Brutus headed towards the main lift out of the bridge, an operator operating one of the main bridge consoles, watching the two Mari-ad officers head out of the bridge, slowly pulled out a small data pad out of his pocket. Making sure no one else was watching him connected the pad to his main console and type in a series of commands. The main screen console changed view from communication logs to an outside ship camera view showing the arrival of the transports and tankers. Watching the new ships arrive, the operator type in a series of commands and the image change to the two large metallic spheres that was brought in. Using his data pad connected to the console, he pressed a button on the side of the data pad and the device began downloading images of the ships arriving and the spheres they were carrying. The operator began downloading schematics of the sphere attempting to determine its capabilities. Once the download was completed the operator looked around and making sure no one was watching him, pulled the data pad out of the main console and place it back in his pocket and resume back to his original work.

* * *
“How did you know he was looking?” said Brutus as he and Jonas remained in the lift looked at a small portable view screen showing the main bridge
Jonas mere smiled “The Council was aware that were being infiltrated but unsure who was being targeted. That man was never part of the ship’s crew. I know because I never hired him”
“Well I didn’t either” said Brutus
“Exactly, that man must have kidnapped our operator and replaced him with himself”
“Who is he? Is he Confed Intelligence?”
“I don’t think so” said Jonas as he continue to watch the man carefully, “his actions are very clumsy. No I don’t think he is Confed Intelligence. Nor is he any form of military intelligence. Confed would not have kept someone that clumsy”
“Should we taken him in and question him?”
“No” said Jonas as the lift finally stopped and the main lift doors open up leading the two men to the main corridor that led them to the mess hall, “let’s see what he does with the info data and see who is he working for”

Dahan · 12-02-2005, 05:42

Chapter 10

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
2628.264.1200

The party was in full swing by the time Anthony arrived. Two hours ago, Anthony along with several other officers on board the Hibernia were awarded with medals for those served with distinction. Anthony and Kathryn were awarded the Bronze Star for their actions on the Mari-ad depot and for the help they provided to the Marines. It was a rare thing for the pilots to help out the marines but when that happens, friendship are form which would last a life time between friends.

Anthony did not go straight to the Rec Room where everyone was celebrating on the people’s good fortune. Instead he went to the communication room and contacted his father who was back on Earth after a short stint in the Enigma Sector patrolling to his assigned sector. When Anthony told his father about the award he received he was ecstatic and congratulated him on his award and promised that when he next see him he will bring a bottle of champagne to toast on his good fortune.

Upon arriving Anthony noticed that all of his squadron were around two tables joined together celebrating on the recent events and success. In the middle of the group, Anthony would see Arrows being in the centre of the attention of waving her hands in some weird motion at the same time talking to the squadron about something. Anthony quickly walked over to the bar when Donovan was dishing out drinks to the off duty personnel and other crew people.
“I guess congratulations are in order hey Anthony” smiled Donovan as he poured a drink and passed it to Anthony, “I guess you the main star tonight”
“Nah I think you are” smiled Anthony, “you’re the one giving out the drinks like there is no tomorrow!?” Donovan grinned as he poured another drink and passed it along to another person nearby the bar, “Eh what can you do when you are having a good time” Donovan looked behind Anthony where the rest of his squadron is sitting, “you better join the rest of your squadron Anthony. You don’t want to be the party pooper”
Anthony turned around to see his squadron and saw some of his squad mates were calling him over, “Datangia get your sorry ass over here!”
“Oi Anthony, grab your drink!”
“Anthony start drinking you got a lot of catching up!”
“I guess I better do what they say hey Donovan” smiled Anthony as he grabbed his drink and joined his squadron. Everyone applauded Anthony when he pulled a chair over sitting in the middle of the group where Arrows was showing her new found toy, the Bronze Star.
“I guess we expect better things from you hey Datangia?” asked Torps as he drained his beer and pouring himself another drink from a nearby jug, “now you and Arrows got an award. I guess you guys can have all the hard assignment”
“In your dreams Torps” laughed Arrows, “you got a lot of sucking up to do if you want either of us to do any of your assignments”
“Aww bugger” groaned Torps, “and spoil all the fun for the rest of the Flying Tigers?”
“Ah who cares anyway?” said Pecks, “with Bronze Stars to our squadron I’m sure we will win the monthly highest scoring squadron”
“I don’t know” said Anthony, “the Wild Aces have completed more missions than us thou and they have been successful in every operation”
“Quit the chatter folks” said Silky as she walked up to the group with another couple of jugs of bear, “we were to relax and congratulate on Datangia and Arrows on their Medals, not to see stats and take downs” Silky slide one of the jugs to the other side of the table where Pasty picked it up and pour himself a drink, “now drink up and loosen up! That’s an order”
“Yes Ma’am!” everyone replied and got into their beers.

The rest of the evening went more wild with the rest of the squadrons arrive for the party. The usual drinking contest went ahead between the squadrons with Skinny outdrinking every other pilot that dared to challenge him. The last one to go against him was 1st Lieutenant Jessica ‘B-lady’ Abnett who lasted almost long enough to beat him but not long enough, when Skinny challenge B-lady to another beer sculling round which she lost at the end.
After the drinking games finish it was entertainment time with a band consist of several crew members from around the ship got together to play some of the crew’s favourite songs including classics from the last 20th and 21st century as music from that era was very popular and is still popular to this day.

Datangia was sitting by one of the now vacant tables look at the Bronze Star he received earlier on. Tracing his finger along the engravings, thinking when he saw a shadow above him. Looking up he saw Arrows with bottle and two shot glasses.
“Now there is no reason for you to not celebrate on our success is there” said Arrows as she put a shot glass in front of Datangia and in front of her and pour what looked like to be tequila.
“Tequila?” asked Datangia
“What were you expecting lemonade?” teased Arrows as she quickly swallowed her drink
“Eh you never know” smiled Datangia as he quickly swallowed his drink followed by a quick breathe trying to keep the alcohol down
“You are not weak are you Datangia” asked Arrows
“Hell no” said Datangia, “you forget that even thou I’m Chinese I lived most my life in Australia and where we come from drinking is a national past time!”
“Oh really” mocked Arrows, “come on then you Aussie. Let’s see what you got” the next twenty to thirty minutes Datangia and Arrows were drinking shot glass after shot glass of tequila oblivious to the people around them, with the drinking came the jokes and strange comments and personal life stories about themselves.

The party dragged on and soon gradually people were leaving to recover and getting ready for the next day. Some going to their quarters, others went to the medical bay to get some anti-hang over patches.
Datangia and Arrows although stopped drinking couple of hours ago, both were still intoxicated with the amount of alcohol they drank and giggling both sharing stories about their past.
“You serious?” asked Datangia, “you got that nick because you shot one of the instructors while practicing?”
“It was an accident” said Arrows, “how was I supposed to know that day that one of the instructors was in the field while I was shooting my arrows. Besides it he wasn’t looking”
“Yeah right” said Datangia, “I think that I am going to stay away from you now when I see you with your bow and arrows” Datangia pulled away from Arrows while sitting on his chair. Arrow reached out with both hands and was able to grab the chair and pulled Datangia very quickly back to her, too close to the point they were face to face almost touching.
“Woah that’s a tad bit close darling’” said Datangia as he pulled back, only to have Arrows placing her hands on his thighs pressing down on them as if she was trying to stop him from moving, “I like this spot” she smiled, “you know Anthony. I have to admit you are cute” Datangia felt his ears getting red hot and can feel his face getting warm. He was lucky that he was Asian because not many would know if they would be blushing or not.
“Um I’m flattered Arrows” said Anthony as he coughed a bit, “you nice too Arrows. I think you had a bit already tonight and I think you should go get some sleep” Anthony was about stand up when Arrows grabbed him by the face and pulled him towards her and kissed him on the lips.
Shocked by the sudden move, Anthony was frozen completely caught off guard by Arrows that he could not think what he should be doing next. What was like only five seconds seems like forever when Arrows finally pulled back and smiled at him,
“Um Arrows that was nice” said Datangia, “I, um. I don’t know what to say. I just, err, um” Datangia was stuttering, couldn’t put two words together let alone form a sentence. Smiling broadly Arrows stood up, grabbed one of the unopened wind bottles near by and two wine glasses. Holding them with one hand, Arrows grabbed Anthony by the other hand and led him out of the rec-room to the main lift which takes them to the quarters.

* * *Donovan was watching from the bar where Arrows and Datangia were talking when he saw Arrows made a move on Datangia, “Well I’ll be” he said, “Datangia you lucky bastard”
“What’s that Donovan?” asked Balls who was sitting in front of Donovan at the bar sharing a bottle of whisky with Torps
“Take a look over at our new recruit” said Donovan nodding to where Datangia and Arrows as sitting. Balls and Torps turned around and looked in the direction where Donovan was pointing towards.
“That lucky bastard” said Torps under his breathe, “I was trying to make a move on her tonight and I get shot down” chuckling Torps could stop himself laughing to himself when he saw Arrows led Datangia out of the rec-room, heading towards the main lift, “I almost forgot. Arrows is in for a shock”
“What?” asked Balls
“Datangia is a virgin” Torps burst out loud laughing when he couldn’t hold it much longer
“What!” both Balls and Donovan said in unison
“You bullshitting right?” asked Balls, “Datangia a virgin. You’re joking right?”
“Nah I’m dead serious. Anthony went to school to school, to college to the Academy. He told me he never dated anyone or gone out with girl ever. Friends he has but not of a female nature if you get my drift”
“Damn he’s 22 and untainted” said Donovan
“Not anymore by tonight” said Torps. Both Balls and Donovan looked at Torps both suddenly realised about what was about to happen and both started laughing.
“I guess that Arrows will have to give him a crash course on the birds and the bees hey” said Donovan. Balls quieten down after his laughter trying to regain his composure
“Damn I can’t remember the last time you got laid” said Torps
“Maybe because you too damn ugly” said Balls as he jabbed Torps in the ribs
“Hey, you’re no Casanova yourself” said Torps, “and I thought chicks dig guys in uniform”
“Yeah but what if the chick is wearing the uniform?” asked Balls
“Well then boys I guess you are out of luck then” said Donovan as he finished polishing of the wet glasses, “we can get all the juicy details tomorrow. In the meantime” Donovan pulled out two brooms underneath the bar and passed one each to Balls and Torps.
“What’s this?” asked Balls
“What do you think it is” said Donovan, “you two are the last one left and you knew the rules after a party. The last two people regardless if they are drunk or sober have to help clean up the mess” Torps and Balls turned around and saw the mess they were about to clean up.
Bottles on the tables, chairs and long the ground, some broken and some intact; Food scraps litter all over the tables some of the half eaten, some of the chairs knocked over along the room and in some spots in the rec room Balls and Torps could see vomit spots near the rubbish bins where a majority of litter were scattered around the bin, none of them actually were placed in the bin.
“Oh crap!” said both Balls and Torps, both groaning and remember the deal that was made.
“Oh fellas” said Donovan, “you might want these” Donovan passed to the two pilots a pair of rubber gloves and some garbage bags, “it is bit messy and smelly over that corner. Let me know if you guys need the mop as well” sporting a cheeky grin Donovan resume cleaning the rest of the bar clearing away the glasses and bottles while whistling a happy little tune, while Balls and Torps were cleaning the mess and grumbling.

Dahan · 12-03-2005, 05:07

Chapter 11

TCS Hibernia
2628.265.0530
Anthony winced at the sound of someone voice over the PA system. He cannot remember how much he drank, but he sometimes can’t stop helping himself out on a good drink especially when he is around good people.

Gradually he was able to hear clearly the voice on the PA system.
“All pilots report to your squadron’s briefing room at 0600, all pilots are to report”
“I should muffle that damn speaker” he said to himself as he tried to regain his composure
“What did you say?” said a sleepy voice next to him.
Suddenly Anthony was wide awake and sober. He looked to his right and saw Kathryn Ross completely naked with the bed sheets barely covering her.
“Jesus!” whispered Anthony as he jumped out of the bed. It was only then did he noticed when he was out of bed that he too was stark naked.
“What?” asked Kathryn.
“What are you doing in my room?”
“Your room” laughed Kathryn, Anthony looked around and saw that he was not in his quarters.
“What the hell happen?” asked Anthony.
Letting the sheets drop away, Kathryn stretched, showing off her body to good effect, and said, “Well, come back here and I’ll show you . . . again.”
Anthony found his clothes on the floor and pulled on his pants, “Damn. I didn’t do it last night . . . did I?”
Kathryn’s expression clouded first then she smiled devilishly at him, “You most certainly did, more than once. What is the problem Anthony? It’s not like the first time you shagged”.
“Well Ah . . .” said Anthony not certain how he was going to answer the question. It took a full second for Kathryn to realise something about Anthony. After realising she laughed, “My god! You were a virgin!?” Anthony merely nodded as he putted on the rest of his clothes.
Watching him put his clothes back, Kathryn sat up in bed pulling up the bed sheets smiling at the young Chinese guy, “For a Chinese guy who just had sex for the first time. You were pretty damn good”
“Um thanks I think” said Anthony as he put on the rest of his clothes, “we have to go briefing in twenty minutes. We are going to be late, if we don’t hurry”
“Don’ worry” replied Kathryn, “I am sure they can understand. Especially the amount of shit you drank last night”
“Well um what do you expect when there is a party” said Anthony as he pulled up his boots, “I better get back to my quarters and clean up. When the day is over I think you and I need to talk”
“Oh talk huh?” said Kathryn, “or do you want another private one on one discussion?” the young woman chuckled as she got up from the bed and heading towards her locker and pull out a jumpsuit.
“Oh shut it” growled Anthony as he headed out, “I’ll see you at the end of the day”
Anthony left Kathryn’s quarters and headed down the corridor to his quarters. He rounded a corner, nearly colliding with two other people.
“Easy there Anthony, you are going the wrong way” Anthony looked up and saw that he almost collided into Balls and Torps.
“Well, guess you had a fun night last night” smiled Torps, “so did she pop your cherry?” Balls tried to hold back a chuckle as he turned away from Anthony and Torps.
“That is none of your business” said Anthony, “I’m heading back to my quarters and clean up”
“That messy huh?” continued Torps, Balls burst out laughing couldn’t hold back much further.
“Ah Anthony, you such a moron” said Balls, “Don’t worry we won’t start the briefing without you. I’ll tell Silky”
“No!” said Anthony as he ran past the two pilots down to the corridor heading towards his quarters, “tell her nothing. I will be there soon” he shouted back
“And if you don’t get back in time. I’m telling” shouted Torps as they saw Anthony rounded a corner.
“You seriously not telling are you?” asked Balls
“Maybe” smiled Torps, “I might have ask for some compensation for withholding certain information”
“Ah you such meanie” said Balls as they both headed to the squadron briefing room.

* * *

Vega System, Douglas Quadrant, Vega Sector.

TCS Hibernia
Flight Squadron Briefing Room
2628.265.0550

Almost everyone in the Flying Tiger’s squadron were present for the briefing. All except Anthony who has not arrived.
“Hmm where is Datangia?” asked Jewel who was sitting at the front of the briefing room chairs.
“Oh I think he is trying to recover from last night’s festivities” said Torps as he turned around where he was sitting and smiling at Arrows who was talking to Peck, “have you seen Anthony Arrows?”
“I don’t know” replied the woman, “I haven’t seen him since the end of the party after talking to him”
“Yeah?” Torps was grinning broadly. Arrows was about to reply when Major Mallamo entered the briefing room with Captain Border.
“All right are we all here?”
“No Major” said Torps, “I think that” Torps was about to finish when the doors behind the group slid open and Anthony rushed in, “Sorry I’m late” said Anthony as he quickly sat a seat next to Drool who was sitting in the front row of the briefing room.
“Welcome back Datangia” said Silky, “you just in time. We were just about to start” Silky quietly conferred with Balls with the mission assignment before she started.
“Ok you ladies listen up. For those who are not aware. The Hibernia has jumped into the Vega Sector where we are assigned to picket and policing duty in this system. Command has inform us that Vega’s main forces are going through a refit and has assigned us as the babysitters until they finish their refit”
“How long will that take?” asked Lieutenant Carl ‘Brains’ Wallace
“Colonel Parker informs me that the Hibernia will support a task force from the 7th Fleet. Capitals ship are position are major key positions and jump points and monitor all incoming and out coming traffic. The Hibernia is station at these coordinates” Mallamo activated the mission map on the wall behind her indicating the position of the Hibernia and the location of the planet Vega, “we are going to run regular patrols and cargo sweeps of any incoming an out coming ships in this vicinity. If any illegal contents or other forms of contraband are detected, we are to detain the ship and marines will come and board the ship and take control of it. Once we have taken control of the ships we are to escort them to Vega Base where they will be charged and interrogated. Any questions? No Good. Balls will assigned today’s flight assignments. Dismissed”

Dahan · 12-13-2005, 06:44

Chapter 12

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
2628.235.1330
“Damn one week of escort and patrolling is one thing” said Torps, “but a month of militia duty for Vega. Damn it is driving me nuts”
“Who said that this assignment was going to be fun” said Drool as he finished his drink and passed it to Donovan who refilled it, “besides it is a break from the Mari-ad for the last couple of months. I thought that operation on that outpost was going to go on forever”
“Personally I would prefer fighting against those terrorists then anything else” said Torps. As they were continued talking the door as to the Rec Room and both turn to see Anthony ‘Datangia’ Cheng entered the room reading a flimsy.
Looking around Datangia saw Torps and Drool by the bar. He waved to them and head towards them.
“Hey there Datangia, what do you got there?” asked Torps
“Mail from my dad” replied Anthony as he sat on one of the stools next to Torps, “Orange thanks Donovan. I got a squadron briefing in an hour”
“What does your dad do Datangia?” asked Drool
“He is a Captain of a destroyer, the TCS Ronin. He is currently with a small squadron of ships in the Hawking Sector. He says they are doing survey and reconnaissance for possible new colonies and stations”
“Sounds like fun?” said Drool, “do you keep in contact with him?”
“Every once in a while we keep in contact. We sent mail to each other how we are doing and what is new on our side of the galaxy”
“You miss him?”
“No. Because I know he is still alive and I know that he tries to catch up with me and spend as much time possible”
“It must really sucks no to keep in contact with your dad” said Torps, “I contact my folks at least one a fortnight and let them know how things are and what is happening back at home. What about your mom? Do you keep in contact with?” Anthony looked down as his drink, pondering how he was going to reply to that question, “I’m sorry did we bring something up?” asked Drool.
“No it is not like that” said Anthony, “My mother died after I was born. I never knew her par the photos and vids my father shows me of her” Anthony turned away as if he was trying to wipe a tear away, “I never knew her and I probably won’t no matter how much I look at photos and vids. It just ain’t the same” Anthony swallowed his drink and left the bar leaving Drools and Torps at the bay.
“Man he is screwed” said Torps
“Nah it just family problems” said Drool
“That is what I said” said Torps, “he gets a message from paps and now he is getting emotional. We can’t have that if he is on assignment?!”
“Nope, but I am sure he will recover” said Drool, “Anthony is a tough guy I am sure he will survive”
“I would not jump to conclusion fellas” said Donovan as he picked up their glasses, “don’t let it fool you. I think Anthony is much stronger than he thinks”
“Why do you say that?” asked Torps
“Well he may be emotional when he hears or received something” said Donovan, “but when I see him just before a mission assignment. He gets focus almost to the point he put aside everything and focuses what is needed to be done”
“That maybe true” said Drool, “but then I never have seen him like this”
“Me neither” said Torps, “I suppose it is only one of few times we have seen him a bit emotional. I suppose it does not include with his frolicking with Arrows”
“That’s a different matter” said Donovan “and I think that Anthony personal social, love or sex life should not be our concern unless otherwise”
“Eh maybe” said Torps, “personally I think that Anthony should tell us about his problems if he has any. We are his squad mates and squad mates help each other out”
“True” said Drool, “but then again you have to remember that it’s his life not ours”
“Ah you no fun” said Torps as he finished his drink, “Well we better get ready soon. Silky probably got our next flight assignment all drawn up by now”
“Yeah I bet she does” nodded Drool as he finished his drink, “Donovan thanks for the drinks and chat. See you around”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Flight Squadron Briefing Room
2628.235.1430
“Well I must give everyone a gold star for everyone turning up on time” said Silky as she looked at everyone in the room, “and not one hangover or excuses for late arrivals” a few chuckles could be heard among the pilots, “now for today’s assignments” Silky activate the map viewer behind her from the podium showing the map of the Vega System and the surrounding systems.
“All right ladies we are separating into three flights of four fighters, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Flight. Alpha will remain with the Hibernia and is assigned with escort duty and Vega System patrols”
“Not again” groaned Torps. Datangia turned around and saw Samuel Thorpe shaking his head, “I just came back from a previous patrol”
“Problems there Torps?” asked Silky
“No ma’am” said Torp as he quickly sat up from his chair, “just reviewing the mission specs”
“Very well, as I was saying Alpha is remaining with the Hibernia while Bravo and Charlie Flight will be assigned to long range reconnaissance. Command and Intel informs us that from the data they collected from the Mari-ad depot and from other sources, there is Mari-ad ships coming through this system and we are not sure where, but they are coming sometime soon. So in the next two to three days it is going be hard. But we are not doing it along. The Wild Aces will also be deployed along these flight paths in three separate wings also” Silky pressed another button on a control pad and three new colour flight paths appeared on the map viewer, “we have Delta, Gamma and Zeta Flight covering these paths. As you can see they are within range of providing assistance if need be. So the plan is simple. You all go with the allocated the flight paths, reconnaissance the entire area, report any findings and return back to base. If there any transports that jumps in within your area. Inspect them and ensure that there is not hidden contraband or other illicit items on board. We will have marines standing by for boarding if found any”
“And if we encounter hostiles?” asked Lieutenant Michelle Lee
“Well that is easy to answer” said Silky, “we have been given the green light to engage hostile forces if they fail to respond to any of our requests”
“Too easy” grinned Lee, “well at least that cuts down half our problems”
“Well if there are no more questions? Good, dismissed and good luck”

Twenty minutes later
TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck
2628.235
“God this is going to boring” said Torps as he and Skinny walked to their allocated fighters, “at least the other guys get to fly out do something easy while we have to baby sit transports and all”
“Why bother” said Skinny, “at least we are not going to be shot down”
“Eh” shrugged Torps, “where is Silky and Datangia?”
“Silky is with Parker and I think Datangia is over there I think” pointing to a group of other pilots. Torps turn to where Skinny was pointing to and smiled. In the distance he could see Datangia talking to Arrows. He could hear what they were talking about, but he had a fair idea what it was, “what’s so funny?” asked Skinny
“Ah nothing I will tell you later” said Torps, “Come on we better get moving before Silky has our balls for dinner”

* * *
“So Kathryn I was wondering if we can talk sometime when we all come back from our mission assignments?” asked Anthony
Kathryn was fiddling her helmet and flight suit while listening to Anthony “Hmm maybe about what?”
“Well it is about that night” said Anthony quietly trying to hide his embarrassment and avoiding other people around to hear their conversation
“Oh?” Kathryn’s attention was now focused on the Chinese, “what about it?”
“Well you said something which caught me by surprised and all and I just wanted to talk before people started getting ideas and all?”
“Oh is that all” smiled Kathryn giving Anthony a small pinch on his cheek, “let them think for themselves”
“But I don’t want people to think otherwise of things that are not true”
Kathryn looked at Anthony and placed her hand on his hand, “Once we finish our assignments, we’ll talk”
“Thank you” said Anthony

* * *

Approximately 1.5 hours later

Torps was flying wing for Datangia as they escorting a transport that jumped into the Vega system. For the last 40 minutes, Alpha flight were busying running escorts and scanning ships coming in and out of the system searching for any illegal items and any other contrabands

“So what did you talk to Arrows about?” asked Torps, as he checked his sensors for any incoming ships. He saw Silky and Skinny on his sensors escorting a transport out to its exit jump point.
“None of your business” replied Datangia, “I don’t see why it should be a concern for you?”
“Ah come on mate” said Torps, “I just want to know what I saw”
“And that is Arrows and I were talking” said Datangia on the comm. screen, “that is what everyone should see. Just two pilots talking to one another. It is not you don’t talk to Ensign Ham”
“Hey how did you know about that?” Torps could see Datangia smiling on the comm. screen, even thou he was wearing his helmet, Torps could see that Datangia was smiling behind the helmet, “you cheeky bugger”
“Looks who’s talking”
“OK you got me there” said Torps in defeat, “but you have to tell me what is going on. People saw you and Arrows leave the party together that night”
“Yeah so”
“Well so people would want to hear the goss”
“I will think about” said Datangia, “look lets focus on this. When we get back I will buy you a drink and I might tell you”
“You better” said Torps as he pushed his throttle up to moved ahead of the transport to scan the forward sector, “otherwise I am going to kick your ass”
“Yeah like to see you try mate” laughed Datangia

Dahan · 12-17-2005, 23:10

Chapter - Intermission
** This is refresher for everyone who may have lost track of the people through the first 12 chapters of 2628.**

Meanwhile while Alpha flight is running escorts for incoming and out coming transports, Bravo and Charlie flight along with Delta, Gamma and Zeta from the Wild Aces squadron are patrolling outlying regions of the Vega System.
The next following chapter or more will be focused on these two squadrons and their events that take place.

For some who have forgotten these are the names of both the Flying Tigers and the Wild Aces squadron and the assigned Flight they are in.
Chapter 12 highlights the Flight group’s mission assignment and the people involved.

The following are the people who are in both the Flying Tigers and Wild Aces Squadron –

Squadron 28th Flight Group Flying Tigers Squadron

Squadron Commander Major Amanda ‘Silky’ Mallamo
Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border
Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez
1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe
1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson
1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman
1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace
1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico
2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards
2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross
2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee
2nd Lieutenant Anthony ‘Datangia’ Cheng

Flight Group
Alpha Flight - Silky
- Torps
- Skinny
- Datangia
Bravo Flight - Balls
- Drool
- Arrows
- Brains
Charlie Flight - Jewel
- Shorts
- Peck
- Pasty

Squadron 57th Flight Group Wild Aces Squadron

Commander - Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady
Executive Officer - Captain Colin ‘Cowboy’ Forbes
Pilots - 1st Lieutenant Geoffrey ‘Priest’ Hanson
- 1st Lieutenant Jessica ‘B-lady’ Abnett
- 1st Lieutenant Gary ‘Storm’ Simons
- 1st Lieutenant Maria ‘Tipsy’ Sandow
- 1st Lieutenant James ‘junior’ Lucas
- 1st Lieutenant Amy ‘Pikachu’ Wong
- 2nd Lieutenant Michelle ‘Leet’ Llane
- 2nd Lieutenant Alexander ‘Ferrari’ Prost
- 2nd Lieutenant Frederick ‘Freddy’ Ronaldo
- 2nd Lieutenant Matthew ‘Bleach’ White

Delta Flight : Legs
B-Lady
Junior
Ferrari

Gamma Flight : Cowboy
Storm
Pikachu
Freddy

Zeta Flight : Priest
Tipsy
Leet
Bleach

Below is the names of people who have been seen through the last 12 Chapters, just a refresher of those who forgotten who is who.

TCS Hibernia – Command Crew and other officers
Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara
Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker
Executive: Major Joseph Lector

Chief Tactical Officer 1st Lieutenant Miles Lee
Chief Communications officer 1st Lieutenant Sarah Jessica
Chief Technician/Chief Petty Officer Chief Technician MendezCommander of Hibernia’s marine forces Major Donald Lee
Oscar ‘Nuts’

Captain Richard Grant
- Commanding officer that lead a company of 40 marines to board the Mari-ad depot (Chapter 5)
- Acting Executive Officer of the marines detachment

Lieutenant Marcus Harris
- Part of Grant’s marine company during the Mari-ad raid (Chapter 5)

Sergeant Collins
- Marine on board the Hibernia who assisted in the Mari-ad depot raid (Chapter 5)

Private Simon Watts - Private with Collins detachment
Marine Specialist Stevens - Demolitions/explosives expert
Jasper/Lee/Kinder - Marines accompany Datangia and Arrows at the Mari-ad outpost

Chad - Marine. Ferrari provoked in Chapter 7 about the Marines lost at the Mari-ad Depot

Lieutenant Shauna Tyson - Chief Medical Officer of the TCS Hibernia

Donovan
- Hibernia’s bartender
- ?? Secret Agent

Lieutenant Ronald - Pilot flying Survey shuttle SM001
(Chapter 8)

Commander Winston Turner - Academy Lecturer
Lieutenant Colonel John Regan - Academy Flight Instructor

Sara ‘Gem’ Dale - Academy Recruit
David ‘Reddy’ Wilson - Academy Recruit
Jessica ‘Flame’ Ablett - Academy Recruit

Ta-Ke Cheng
- Anthony’s grandfather and friend of Admiral Wayne Banbridge
- Ta-Ke and Wayne’s father went to high school together

Jennifer Cheng
- Anthony’s grandmother, Ta-Ke’s wife

Francis Cheng
- Anthony’s father
- Naval Captain
- Commands the TCS Ronin, Confederation Destroyer

Jonas
- One of the Mari-ad’s chief lieutenants and best operatives
- Initiated the Mari-ad Supply dept self destruct system in the Enyo System from an unknown location

Brutus
- An operative of the Mar-aid and a member of Jonas infiltration team.

Monty - Mari-ad bridge officer (Chapter 5)
Scott - Mari-ad bridge officer (Chapter 5)

Dahan · 12-21-2005, 03:24

Chapter 13

On the outer region of Vega space
Bravo Flight

“Transport Ulric, you are clear to proceed to planet Vega have a safe journey” said Balls as he finished his sweep on the transport that jumped in. For the last hour numerous transports have been jumping in and others jumping out. Both Bravo and Charlie Flight have been seeing transports after transport coming in and it was getting repetitive.

“Pretty boring ain’t it boss?” asked Brains on the comm. channel
“Yeah well someone has to earn a living around here watching over these transports while you guys squandered it all on the drinks at the bar” replied Balls
“Yeah you are one for talk” said Drool interrupting the conversation, “if I recall you yourself go for a bit of drink once in a while”
“Yeah, yeah” grumbled Balls, “I am known to have a few good drinks, but don’t mean I spend it all at once, unlike some people I know who spend it buying some dirty magazines”
“Hey who told you that?” asked Drool
“Aw come on Drool” laughed Brains, “we all know about your tidy collection of magazines. Why do you think we call you Drool for in the first place?”
“Quiet down folks” interrupted Balls “we got transport jumping” Balls was observing his sensor readings when five freighters arrived at the jump point, “ok folk, time to earn our pay. Drool you’re on me, Arrows and Brains you two form up and ID those freighters”
“Bravo Lead” said Drool reverting to standard comm. chatter “I’m picking up interference from one or two of the transports?”
“Same here Lead” confirmed Brains, “it is jamming with our sensor readings” Balls attempted to adjust his sensor readings attempting to compensate with the interference they are experiencing.
I don’t like this thought Balls as he switched open communications with the freighters, “to the unidentified freights this Captain Border of Confed Space forces you are emitting some form of sensor interference, shut down your systems and prepared to be scanned” no response came from the freighters, “to the unidentified freighters are you broadcasting an interference signal which is interfering our sensor readings. Shut down your systems and prepare to be scanned”
“They are not budging Bravo Lead” said Drool
“I notice Bravo Two” replied Balls, “Bravo Flight, sweep over the five freighters and ID their cargo I want to know what they are hiding”
“Too late something is happening” said Arrows, “freighters are opening their cargo bay doors” Balls looked up at his visual scanners and good seen on his small monitors that the cargo ball doors on all five freighters were opening up
“I got a bad feeling about this” said Balls

* * *

Somewhere else in the Vega System

Delta Flight
On approach to Nav point 3
“Scope is all clear Delta Lead” reported in Ferrari, “place is quiet like a tomb”
“Copy that Delta 4” said Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady, “seems we got an easy run folks”
“Score extra points for us hey Delta Lead?” asked Lieutenant Jessica ‘B-lady’ Abnett
“Always” replied Legs, “we can always go for some easy missions. Sure beats hanging out the rec room waiting for new assignment and everything”
“Lead I’m picking high energy readings!” said Ferrari “there is a ship jumping in!”
“That’s impossible!” said B-Lady, “there is no jump point designate on our flight path. Are you sure”
“I’m reading the signal clear and precise” said Ferrari, “Delta 3 you getting this?”
“I’m reading this as well” said Lieutenant James ‘Junior’ Lucas, “I’m getting high level energy spike and I don’t like this one bit either”
“Standby team” said Legs as he changed his flight path and heading towards where the jump point is forming, “Home one this is Delta Lead. Home one this is Delta Lead, we are picking high energy readings indicating of a possible jump point forming up and detecting a ship is coming through”
“Delta Lead this is Home One” Hibernia’s executive officer face appeared on the comm. channel, “that is impossible are you sure Delta Lead”
“Affirmative Home One, we checked our sensors reading and everything we are detecting a jump point and detecting a ship trying to jump through”
“Copy that, keep us posted Delta Lead. Do you have a fix on what ship is jumping in?”
“We are getting something” said Balls as he saw a bright white light forming, “standby. We are getting something.”
“Delta Lead, this is Captain Lang. What do you see?”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
Vega System

“Copy that, keep us posted Delta Lead. Do you have a fix on what ship is jumping in?” asked Commander O’Hara
“We are getting something” said Balls on the comm. monitor, “standby. We are getting something.” O’Hara was watching the monitor followed by static coming through the speakers, Captain Lang and Colonel Parker was standing by watching the screen. Lang walked up to the monitor and brought the microphone to him,
“Delta Lead, this is Captain Lang. What do you see?”
“Don’t know sir” said Balls, “I see a bright light and, oh my god what is that?” Lang and the others could see the eyes through Major Brady’s helmet that something was out there and it was something bad.
“Major Brady, report!” said Lang, “What do you see out there!”
“My god it is huge” whispered Legs, “Delta 3 and 4 you got a sensor reading on that thing?”
“Delta Lead, transmit your visual data to the Hibernia” ordered Lang
“Stand by Home One” said Balls, “we are picking up interference from this thing we are, Delta 2 what is that over starboard?” the next few moments were screams and shouts among the four pilots followed by silence.
“Home One to Delta Lead, Major Brady do you copy?” the communications officer did not received any signal from the flight group.
“Colonel, get the closest flight group and find out what happen to Delta Flight now” said Lang
“I’m on it sir” replied Parker, “Charlie Flight from the Flying Tigers is within range to them. I will inform them of change of plans” Parker moved over to the Flight Operation stations where he conferred with the officer at the station
“Navigation what do we have over there?” asked Lang
“I’m not picking up anything sir” said the Navigation Officer, Lieutenant Stuart Wade, “We were following the four signals of the fighters then nothing. I cannot read their transponder. Nothing”
“Not good” said Lang, “Parker I want Charlie Flight over there ASAP. I want to know what the hell is going on over there!”

* * *

Bravo Flight

“We got fighters coming out those bays!” said Arrows, “Strikers! I am reading 10 Strikers total, two each from each freighter”
“I read it too” said Drool, “got 10 Strikers on sensors”
“Shit just our luck!” hissed Balls, “Bravo Flight, evasive manoeuvres! Home One this is Bravo Lead, we encounter five freighters and 10 Strikers. We are engaging hostile forces”
“Bravo Lead this is Colonel Parker!” Parker’s image appeared on Ball’s comm. screen, “Gamma Flight is within range your flight path and will come to assist. You are to hold off those fighters as long as possible”
“Roger that Bravo Lead out”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
Vega System

“Home One this is Bravo Lead, we encounter five freighters and 10 Strikers. We are engaging hostile forces” said Balls on the comm. channel
“Now what!” said Lang as he turned to see the communication officer receiving the transmission from Bravo Flight.
Parker rushed over to the comm. station and grabbed the microphone when he heard Bravo’s Flight report, “Bravo Lead this is Colonel Parker! Gamma Flight is within range your flight path I’m sending them to assist you. You are to hold off those fighters as long as possible”
“Roger that Bravo Lead out”
“What the hell is going out there!?” said Lang not asking anyone particular
“I don’t know what is happening Captain” said Parker, “but I am guessing those freighters are Mari-ad ships whereas for Delta Flight, I have no idea and I just hope that they are alright”
“That maybe Colonel” said Lang, “but I would like to know what is going on out there. One minute everything is running smoothly the next all hell breaks loose”
“Well hopefully when Charlie and Gamma Flight make it in time to assist the other flights we might get an idea of what is going on”
“I hope so Colonel for your sake” said Lang, “because in the last six to eight months things have been crazy and I swear I am ready to hang up my boots. This Mari-ad business is driving me up the bends”

Dahan · 12-29-2005, 03:06

I hope everyone is enjoying "2628 - An officers beginning" I wish everyone (a bit belated) Merry Christmas and a safe New Years...All the best!!!
The next chapter will be up soon, after I recover from the festivities.....

Dahan · 01-15-2006, 03:01

Hello folks
Sorry for the delay, but the festivites has continue all throughout this month, that plus work and study commitments. Any hoot I hope you enjoy this latest chapter of 2628 - An officers beginning
Enjoy !!

Chapter 14

Bravo Flight
Outer Region of Vega Space

“God damn fucking prick” growled Drool, “someone get this twit off my ass!!”
“Hang on Bravo 2, I’m on my way” Arrows face appeared on Drool’s comm. screen
“Well you better get here this bastard is beginning to ride my ass pretty tight”
“Oh you would like that would you”
“Just hurry up here!”

* * *

“How you holding up there Bravo 4?” asked Balls
“I’m holding up Bravo Lead” said Brains, “nocked up one kill and hounding the other here. You?”
“Same thing” replied the squadron executive officer, “Bravo 2 was right, they are riding us hard!” Balls switched his communication frequency to the Hibernia’s main communication line, “Home one is this Bravo Lead, where is Gamma Flight? What is taking them so long?”
“Bravo Lead, this is Home One” Lieutenant Jessica appeared on the comm. screen, Gamma Wing should be there in 15 minutes. You have to hold on a little while longer”
“15 minutes!? We will be dead in 15 seconds if they don’t get here soon enough!”
“Standby Bravo Lead, Gamma should be there soon!”
“Copy that just tell them to hurry up!”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
Vega System

“Home One to Delta Lead. Do you copy?” continued Lieutenant Jessica, “Delta Lead this is Home One do you respond?”
“What is the ETA on Charlie Flight?” asked Lang
“10 minutes top” replied Parker, “Lieutenant, keep trying to get through to Delta Flight. Damn we got to find who what happen out there” Parker walked over to the nearby intercom and switched it on, “Lieutenant, get Major O’Brian on the bridge ASAP”
“What do you think is out there Captain?” asked Parker
“Don’t know Parker” said Lang, “I don’ know and I don’t like it. Colonel I want O’Brian to lead a Search and Rescue Team and I want to be on standby alert. I do not know what happen out there and I don’t want to believe that something bad happen out there”
“Agreed” said Parker

* * *

Bravo Flight’s current position
Outer region of Vega Space

“Bravo Lead, this is Gamma Flight. Calvary is here what your status is?”
“Pretty banged up here Gamma Lead” Balls face appear on Lieutenant Geoffrey Hanson comm. screen monitor, “we have three Strikers down, we are hit pretty badly and don’t know how much long we can hold on. You guys sure picked a good time to come in”
“Sorry Bravo Lead” replied Hanson, “once we get back I buy you guys a round of drinks”
“I will take you up on that” said Balls, “just help us out here and we can settle the score later”
“Agreed. Okay Gamma Flight, pick your targets and engage those Strikers!” Hanson received the acknowledgements from the three pilots that were on his flight wing.

* * *

Charlie Flight
On approach to Delta Flight’s last known position
Vega Sector

“What the hell happen here!” said 1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman. Charlie Flight arrived to Delta Flight last known position. Instead of see four Confederation Rapier fighters, they saw a large debris field
“I don’t know” said Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez, “but we better find out” Jewel switched her comm. frequency to all channels hoping that Delta Flight might be able to pick up their transmission, “Charlie Lead to Delta Flight do you copy? Delta Flight do you copy. Peck you picking up anything?”
“Nothing on my sensors” said Lieutenant Michelle Lee, “there is too many debris and interference. I can’t detect anything”
“Wait a minute” interrupted Lieutenant Jean-Luc Rico, “I am picking up a faint signal. It is pretty faint I could barely pick it up on wide range sensors. Looks like it is on the other side of the debris field”
“OK Pasty and I will go in and investigate the signal” said Jewel, “Shorts, you and Peck keep searching through that debris field and see what you get”
“Copy that”

15 minutes later

“Home One, get a SAR team ASAP!” said Jewel, “We found Delta Flight. All in escape pods. Repeat Delta Flight has been found and all 4 pilots are in their escape pods. Request immediate SAR team”
“Copy that Charlie Lead” said Lieutenant Jessica, “SAR teams are enroute to your position. Captain Lang and Colonel Parker wants you to scan through the debris field and find what you can on what happen?”
“Copy that Home One. Charlie Flight protect the escape pods, I am going into the debris field and scan through the wreckage and see what the hell happen here” Jewel received acknowledgements from her flight group.

* * *

Meanwhile back
Gamma and Bravo Flight
Outer Region of Vega Space

“Get this son of a bitch of my ass!” cried out Brains as he swerved left and right away from the Strikers guns, “damn my shields are about to cack it!”
“Hold on Bravo 4, I got your six” said a voice on his comm. channel; Brains turn around in his seat to and saw a rapier. Brains saw the Rapier sweep in on the Striker from above shooting its guns, followed by a missile
“Thanks Gamma 4” said Brains when he checked his sensors and identified who helped him, “I owe you a drink”
“Sure no worries Bravo 4” 2nd Lieutenant Frederick ‘Freddy’ Ronaldo faced appear on Brain’s comm. channel monitor, “let’s go and help the others shall we?”
“You got it; I’m on your wing!”

* * *

“Scratch one more Striker!” said Arrows as she shot past the Striker fighters that she destroyed, “Bravo 2 are you still there?”
“Still on your wing” said Drool as Arrows can see his wingman flying cover next to her, “we got 2 Strikers left”
“I see it” said Arrows, “let go and finish them off!”
“Bravo Flight, this is Bravo Lead” interrupted Balls, “Gamma Flight is going after the remaining fighters while we go and disable those transports”
“Shit we forgot about those transports!” hissed Arrows, “damn we better go after them before they jump out”
“Well lets hit those burners and go after them” said Drool, “less talk now and more action please”
“Copy that lets go!”

* * *

20 minutes later

“To the Captains of the unidentified transports. This is Captain Border of Confederation Space Forces” said Balls, “your engines have been disable and we have fighters targeting their weapons on your. Stand down and prepared to be board by Confederation security forces”
“Screw you bastards!” a face of bearded man appeared on Balls comm. channel monitor, “you are not taking us with you! The Mari-ad never surrenders to anyone!”
“Shit this is not good” said Drool as he watched his sensors reading while monitoring the communication channel, “Bravo Lead I am picking a spike in energy readings in the engine reactor compartment of the lead transport”
“Damn the fools is trying to blow himself up!” said Balls, “It is going to self destruct! All fighters pull back and brace for ship explosion shockwave! Bravo 2 how much time do we have til detonation?”
“Two minutes!” replied Drool
“Jesus this is not good” said Balls, “to all remaining transports. Your lead ship has initiated a self destruct. If you value your life, then shut down your shields so we can pull out away with our tractor beams” no one from the remaining four transports replied to Balls request
“To Captain Border, this is Acting Captain Julius please respond”
“This is Confederation Lead Fighter, you may speak”
“The crew have subdue our Captain and I am taking over the transports and we are surrender and ready to be boarded”
“The self destruct system?”
“We have deactivated the system”
“He is right Bravo Lead” said Drool over a private comm. channel, “I am not picking up any energy spikes or anything from the lead transports”
“Very well Captain Julius” said Balls, “and the remaining four transports?”
“You don’t need to worry about them Captain” said Julius, “they are controlled by remote from this ship”
“By remote?” Balls was slightly speechless when Julius said the remaining 4 transports were controlled by remote from the lead transport. Balls can see on the comm. channel monitor Julius was slightly smiling after telling Balls about the ships
“Surprised Captain?”
“Somewhat” replied Balls, “Captain, security forces are en route to our position stand by to be boarded. Captain Border out” Balls switched off the comm. link between him and the lead transport. Transports controlled by remote, it was never heard of before. Sure fighter drones he has seen and know plenty off, but larger ships especially cargo transport was never heard of.
What were the Mari-ad up to he does not know and after hearing what he just heard, he fear that the Mari-ad are going to be more than just a thorn in the side.

Dahan · 01-27-2006, 19:05

Hello folks
Before I post my next chapter I would like to hear some feedback as it would help me improve my story. Cheers!

wolfboy · 01-28-2006, 06:55

i think your doing fine, keep it up

Dahan · 01-30-2006, 03:56

Ello folks
I apologise for this Chapter as it is very short and I thought I might give the crew of the Hibernia some breathing space, after what they went through over the last 3-4 months.
Anyway I hope you enjoy this short chapter.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
(tis the year of the woofa!! [Dog])

Chapter 15

TCS Hibernia
Captain’s Ready Room

Vega Sector
Three Hours later (2628.235.1955)

Captain Lang, along with Colonel Parker and Lieutenant Commander O’Hara were watching the recording from the flight recorder from Delta Flight. The images seen were blurry but they were able to pick up the faint images they saw. The flight group arrived at their designated flight path where they saw a large cylindrical-type craft jumping in. According to their ships database, the ship did not match to anything and was classified as unidentified.
The three officers watch the recording, listening to the comm. chatter between the four pilots. They were not concentrating on the audio but more focusing on the strange new ship which Delta Flight found.
When the recording the finished, the lights in the Captain’s Ready Room lit up and was met only with silence.
What seem like an hour was only 5 minutes before Colonel Parker said something.
“Recognise anything Captain?” asked Parker, the Hibernia commanding officer shook his head as he stood up and walker over to the bar and pour himself a glass of water
“I don’t think I have seen anything like it in my 30 years” said Lang, “I thought I have seen it all, but this is something different and I do not want to know what that was”
“What do you suggest we do now sir” asked O’Hara
“Take the data to Science under classified orders” said Lang, “I want them to figure what Delta Flight saw and gather as much information we can get from the flight recorders and report back to me in 24 for a full report before I report this is Command”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room

Vega Sector

“Any word from Delta Team” asked Datangia
“Nothing at the moment said” Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady as he finished his drink, “meds says that they are all critical but in a stable condition”
“What do you think happen to them?” asked Captain Colin ‘Cowboy’ Forbes, “we never had a situation like this before”
“Not that I recall in my years of service” said Legs, “I think Charlie Flight got spooked when they found Delta”
“Are they still at debriefing?” asked Cowboy
“Yeah they still at it” replied Datangia, “it is almost three hours. You think that got all the information they could give?”
“Maybe, but I suppose that there are some things which they believe might be useful for Command”
“Anyway I hope that everyone is alright” said Cowboy, “I hate to lose four good people”
“You got that right” said Datangia, “I can’t believe in almost four months, I have seen more action that I could expected”
“Sometime you’re lucky” said Legs
“And sometimes you are not” continued Cowboy, “You never know what comes at you”
“I suppose so” said Datangia as he finished his drink, “excuse me guys. I am going to get some sleep”
“Yeah” said Legs, “it has been a long day for us all. We better get some rest. We never know what we might face tomorrow”

* * *

To be continue.......

Plywood Fiend · 02-04-2006, 17:16

Tense times indeed for the crew of the TCS Hibernia.

Good things I see here, sorry its taken me a while to read the new chapters.

Anyhoo, looking forward to the next update.

Dahan · 02-05-2006, 07:33

Please note -
This following chapter has several names and minor facts which I hope do not clash with the current known facts of Wing Commander, please bear in mind all facts mention in this chapter are only coincidential and not intention.
Apart from that I hope you all enjoy this chapter...enjoy!!

Chapter 16

Orbit around Planet Vega

TCS Hibernia
Command Briefing Room
2628.237.2030 [48 hours later]

It was a while since Lang and Parker had assembled a full senior officers briefing and even then it was only on full scale assault on a planet or installation. Neither has occurred with Hibernia for the last five years.

All of the senior officers were watching the recording from Delta flight. Lang and Parker were watching the other officer facial expression, trying to determine of what they were thinking.
After the recording was finished, the lights went up and silence was also met.
Just the same as us though Lang, Damn this is not good
“One question sir” asked Captain Grant, “I am sure I would speak on behalf of all the other officers here. What the hell is that?”
“Good question” said Lang, “I am going to leave that to you Chief Science Officer, Commander?” Lieutenant Commander Cameron Martin approach to the stand where Lang was standing
“Gentlemen I am going to be quite frank with this” said Cameron, “we have analysed all the data from Delta flight as well as interview the pilots. We have run ship comparisons with our database and correlated all data with the information we obtain from the Varni race and we have come up with nothing”
“Nothing!” said Major Lector, “you’re kidding right?”
“No Major I am not” replied Cameron, “after the initial analysis and conferring with the Captain we submitted a detail report to High Command about the situation and within six hours after sending the message we received reports from Command that they have no knowledge or information of such about the unidentified ship Delta flight spotted. They are in the dark as much as we are”
“So what does Command want us to do?” asked Major Lee, “Command surely wants us to investigate further about this new alien?” Lang walked back standing next to Cameron, “Unfortunately, Command does not want us to investigate on this new alien”
“What!” all the officers started asking for explanations
“Gentlemen please” said Lang as he tried to calm the officers down, “I am as much as you are wanted to know who were up against and why they are in Confederation space. But Command told us they have several problems already and cannot afford to take on another problem. As of this moment, Confed as set up a small research team back on Sol and are currently investigating the matter while we are to reassume our duties here in the Vega Sector”
“That can’t be right” said Parker who sitting on the front row of the briefing room, “Surely this is more important than anything else? We are possibly having our first contact with another alien species!?”
“I agree with you Colonel” said Lang, “so did Command. But with the increasing threats with the Mari-ad we are forced back on the back foot. Reports have come in from several systems in this sector of Mari-ad skirmishes and transports being raided. Command has order a full scale operation in all affected sectors and has set up an independent task force to eliminate the Mari-ad threat in all regions”
“Command is asking for the almost impossible Captain” said Grant, “an operation would require ships and resources from an entire fleet? This kind of operation would be a logistical nightmare!”
“Actually that is what Command has done” said Lang, “Command has order the entire Sector Fleet on alert throughout Vega and has reassign all command ships on different quadrants”
“The entire seventh fleet!?” said Chief Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Julius Lindeman, “Command is crazy! This would be a logistical nightmare!” all the officers started to talk at once, voicing their concern about the new orders and wondering where the Hibernia would be posted
“Gentlemen please” Lang called the officers attention back towards him, “we have our orders and we are to follow them as expected. Your concerns are noted and believe me I am not as happy as you are. But we have our responsibility to the ship, to the crew and to the Confederation and the main goal is stability. Command as assign the Hibernia to the Day quadrant in the Vega Sector where we will rendezvous with the lead command ship in that quadrant. We will receive further orders and assignments once we arrive. Until then, the Hibernia is jumping in to the Blackmane system. There will be another full officers briefing in 12 hours. In the meantime review the all the reports of the recent Mari-ad attacks in the Day quadrant get up to date on the situation. We will discuss our next operation then, dismissed”

* * *

“You don’t like this do you David?” asked Lang as all of the other officers left the briefing room
“Damn it Justin no” said Parker, “you know and I know that this is wrong and Command should not ignore something as big as this. This is the next big thing since the establishment of McAuliffe Base and meeting the Varni”
“I know David” said Lang, “but this is out of our hand. Command believes that if we do not eliminate the Mari-ad threat quickly we may not have enough resource to deal with this new alien situation”
“Damn I don’t like it at all” growled David as he walked over to the main view port looking outside at the planet which they were orbiting, “Twenty years of unquestionable service to Confed and now they do this stupid thing”
“I don’t blame you David” said Lang, “but Command is right about this. If we focus on this new alien, the Mari-ad might hit us from behind and we would be trap between two forces and Confed is in no position to take on two sides as the same time. A third if you consider the Pilgrim Alliance”
“I almost forgot about them” said David, “but the Pilgrims are not much of a problem. I think it is the zealots they have within their group”
“I think so. But we need to do this quickly. David go get some rest and read up on the reports. I will see you in 12 hours”
“OK will see you then”

To be continued……

Dahan · 03-14-2006, 01:16

Hello fellow fan fiction writers and readers
It has been a while since my last entry. Experiencing writers block for a bit, but now I am fully refreshed and hopefully the next chapter should be out by the end of the week or weekend.
All the best to all and best wishes!!

Dahan · 04-13-2006, 07:28

Hello readers and writers!!
It has been a long time and I finally got to finish this chapter after a long hiatus and what not.
Work and study commitments took a hold over me and now I finally made time to do some writing.
I hope you enjoy this latest chapter of 2628....Enjoy !!

Chapter 17

TCS Hibernia
En-route to the Blackmane System
6 Hours before next officers briefing

Flight Wing Recreation Room

Datangia was feeling a little bit moody. Silky was not telling the squadron why they are heading back to the Day Quadrant after they clear the area of all hostiles. The only thing the squadron was told was that they had some unfinished business.
“Frustrating isn’t it” said Donovan as he sat down next to Datangia on one of the bar stool
“Huh?” Datangia looked up as Donovan chucked his tea towel over the other side of the counter the barman pulled a small metal flask from the side of his pocket and took a swig of his drink.
“Not being told what is going on and being left out of the loop”
“Something like that” replied Datangia as he watched the barman take a swig of his flask, “Your own personal supply?” asked Datangia
“Oh yeah” smiled Donovan, “besides I hate some of the synthetic drinks they supplied to us. They don’t provide enough of the real stuff to us boys” Datangia merely shrugged unfazed about the amount genuine alcohol that was permitted on board capital ships.
Back when he was in the academy he heard rumours of a lost squadron on board another fighter carrier. Rumour has it that a whole squadron went to the recreation room for a big drinking night and literally drank the whole bar down. Later that evening the entire squadron was spotted down at the flight deck of the carrier and commandeered their fighters and left the ship, they never returned. No one was able to determine where they headed to. Search parties were sent out to determine where they flew out to but nothing was found or knew where they could have been. Command later issued that the squadron was MIA in the line of duty and was forced to cover up the story.
As far the public knew the whole squadron were drinking too much one night and got involve some accident. Nothing else was released. Since then High Command issue the order of repossessing all alcohol and replace them with synthetic brands to avoid further embarrassment.

“Does it have to be so frustrating not being told what is going on?” asked Datangia
“Sometimes, I first notice it when you asked your squadron commander couple of hours ago about your next mission assignment”
“Yeah well she was being a little bit cryptic about it”
“You can’t blame her for being vague” said Donovan, “She is just doing her job and making sure she knows what she is doing when she has all the information”
“Yeah maybe” agreed Datangia, “but I don’t like it when the squadron does not know anything for a period of time and start asking questions”
“Just be patient Anthony” said Donovan, “Relax you will find out when the time comes. Besides,” the bartender took another swig from his flask, “tell me about your folks back home”

* * *

Captain’s Ready Room

“Are you sure this is it?” asked Parker as he read the data pad, “Command orders the entire 7th Fleet on high alert status throughout the entire sector and what we get from the fleet are the leftovers!?”
“I don’t understand either Captain” said Commander O’Hara, “the Britannia? Damn I thought they would scrap that old battleship?”
“That ship has passed it’s used by date sir” said Lieutenant Jessica, “with that ship as command, we have only two cruisers and a couple of frigates and a handful of Byrd-class reconnaissance ships but are we going to put a stop to the Mari-ad are with..”
“That’s enough Lieutenant” snapped Lang, “People I have read the list of ships that will be in this quadrant and like you I am not as happy as you are. I would assume with the increase attacks and threats from the Mari-ad I thought we get reinforced with another fighter carrier command ship and or the new anti-fighter destroyers we keep hearing about”
“But Command saw fit to keep their best within the inner systems of the Sector” said Parker, “the wonders of the Confed bureaucracy within Command. Sometimes I really wonder what really happens in their brains of theirs”
“One of the reasons why I never took the position back at Sector Command several months ago” said Lang, “I don’t think I am the type to sit behind a desk”
“Sir” said O’Hara, “with all due respect. With almost 35 years of naval service don’t you think should consider the possibility of finishing out of harms way?”
“Possibly” said Lang, “but I’m an officer and a crewman of this ship. I belong with the ships. Not getting fat and lazy behind a desk. I rather spend my last days on this ship than anywhere else”
There was a minute silence then between the officers in the Captain’s ready room. Everyone knew that Captain Lang, unlike any other commanding officers is not a fan of being part of the brass and rather spend his time onboard ships, travelling, exploring and doing his duty rather than giving orders.
“Gentlemen, please review the files you have and report back in five hours for briefing and assessment before we have our full briefing with the senior staff and crew, dismissed”

Dahan · 05-31-2006, 08:40

Chapter 18
At an undisclosed location

Jonas was sitting up in bed completed naked with a glass of scotch in his hand. Twirling the glass, Jonas watched the alcohol moved around the glass. Next to him slept a naked woman. Jonas could see with the small lamp light next to him her smooth skin, and small glistering of sweat along the middle of her back from their hour long romping.
Finishing his drink, Jonas got up from the bed and walked over to the bedroom balcony which overlooks the city central night life. He looks down and could see the hundreds of people coming in out of restaurants, night clubs, pubs and other entertainment places here people come to enjoy.
While looking on at the crowd a small beeping chime was ringing behind him. Jonas turn to see his private communicator was chiming. Jonas walked back in and picked up his communicator.
“Jonas” said the voice
“The Council requests your presence at the chambers at your earliest convenience”
“Acknowledge” replied Jonas, “Informed the Council I will be at he Council Chambers in an hour” turning back he saw his female friend was awake and was sitting up, smiling at him, “make that two hours”
“Understood” Jonas turned off the communicator and walked over back to the bed where his female friend was
“Am I keeping you up?” asked the woman
“No not at all” smiled Jonas as he got on the bed lying on top of her, “besides I don’t feel like leaving”
“So I notice” said the women as she wrapped her legs around Jonas’s waist, “Damn I missed you” the woman leaned forward and kissed him on the lips.

* * *

Two Hours Later
Location Unknown -
Mari-ad Council Chambers

Jonas stood patiently as the 12 members arrived one by one until all 12 circles had an occupant.
“Jonas you have been brought before the Council in regards to your oath and allegiance to the Mari-ad”
“Of course Lord Black” replied Jonas, “My allegiance is always to the Mari-ad. I will serve to benefit the Mari-ad”
“Indeed” said Lord Black, “We summon you to hear your update on the Hibernia”
“The Hibernia” asked Jonas curiously, “My Lord, the Council would have received my reports regarding the Hibernia. All our operatives are in place as are our ships”
”Yes we have received and review your reports” said Lord White, “but I believe that there is a leak within your unit”
“Impossible Lord White!” said Jonas, “I personally saw to it that all my operatives are loyal and obedient to the Mari-ad”
“That maybe true Jonas” said Lord White, “apparently someone must have leaked certain information about our intentions and the Hibernia has is aware of our intent” Jonas wasn’t very happy with the sudden revelation provided by the council. He will have to find out who leaked out the information and ensure that it never happens again.
“The time for your plan has been changed” said Lord Red, “your group and a contingent of other units will meet up at a pre-arranged coordinates” a small white light shone down a meter from where Jonas was standing where a small pedestal stood with a data pad on top.
“This pad will provide you with all the necessary information” Jonas walked over to the table and picked up the data pad and walked back to the centre circle and read through the data pad scrolling through the officers and crew on board the ship
“We are to hit them in Blackmane?”
“In a way” said Lord Red, “the Hibernia is en route to meet up with a contingent of ships in an effort to clear their assign quadrant of all Mari-ad presence”
“What is it you require me to do my Lords?”
“The Hibernia is now our foremost priority to be captured. Meet with the other teams, capture the Hibernia and eliminate the Confed forces, let no one survive” said Lord Red, “the Council has decided that we want to fast track this operation”
“We don’t have time to get everything My Lords” said Jonas, “the logistics”
“Are your concerns not ours” said Lord Red.
“My Lords, what you ask took weeks to prepare and you expect me to change everything in a matter of hours” a chuckle could be heard from Lord Black
“My dear Jonas” laughed Lord Black, “have faith with the Mari-ad and in your abilities. We will reveal to you in due time how we shall proceed with this operation after you successful complete this mission. You will be rewarded for your time and effort. In the meantime you are to ensure that the Hibernia does get any reinforcement when they are attacked.”
Still uncertain about the operation, Jonas was about to ask another question when he was interrupted by Blue Robe, “No more questions Jonas, you have your assignment. We will call you in due time. You are dismissed” the doors which lead into the council chamber rooms open again but from the opposite side from where Jonas entered, “Yes Lord Blue” Jonas bowed and left the council room with questions running through his mind, confuse and uncertain.

* * *

“The man is resourceful” said Lord Black
“Indeed” agreed Lord Red, “but he is not ready to take up the new assignment”
“Should we have told him that the Hibernia is not aware of any Mari-ad attack?” said Lord White
“Makes no difference” said Lord Aqua, “We are running short on time. We have received reports of a new situation arising”
“Yes the new alien” said Lord Tan, “Confed has no answers for this unexpected arrival. This will play in our favour”
“Has our research team found anything?” asked Lord Grey
“We have found nothing as this stage” said Lord Orange, “but our operatives are have found a link somewhat related to an old survey report conducted in the Gemini Sector”
“We will send agents to investigate” Lord Brown
“In the meantime we have a problem” said Lord Green, “Blue Reign has return and is causing us problems”
“We have expected this” said Lord Black, “operatives have found one of their agents on board the Hibernia”
“Do we have identification?” asked Lord White
“We do” said Lord Black, “the agent’s name is Donovan”

Dahan · 06-13-2006, 09:02

Chapter 19

Blackmane System

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
2628.238.0930
(1.5 hours after the Seniors Officers Meeting)

Anthony has not recall seeing this many ships since the operation on the Mari-ad outpost almost two weeks ago. In almost less than a month, Hibernia has seen more action than any other Confed ship and or forces since the Pilgrim Conflict and even then Confed ships had their fair share of action.
This was completely different, this wasn’t a war with some other faction, and this was an internal problem which poses a threat to the stability of the Confederation.
Anthony along with several pilots received word that the Hibernia was to be part of a task force responsible for removing all Mari-ad threat in their assigned quadrant of the Vega Sector.

What surprised Anthony the most was that the Hibernia were given a lot of the older class starships and escort ships which should be sent to the scrap heap years ago.
“Do you believe this Anthony?” said Tyson Edwards, who was sitting next to Anthony reading a datapad “they give us a bunch of crap ships to search out the Mari-ad”
“Do you know the ships we have?” asked Anthony
“Yeah, we got that battleship, TCS Britannia, two Cruisers the TCS Maine and TCS New York; we got the frigates the TCS Gallipoli and TCS Anzac and recon ships, the Einstein, Galileo and Voyager”
“Great Skinny” groaned Anthony, “we are getting the decrepit pommy ship the run down cruisers and other crappy ships”
“It is not that bad” said Tyson, “at least the frigates are the newest ships deployed in this quadrant. The frigates we got and those in the fleet around the sectors are supposed to have the latest communication and sensory systems in the fleet.”
“Maybe but we could have got of those UN class cruisers. I heard they could put through a few ships without getting a scratch”
“Yeah but they are being decommissioned because of their faulty ship hull structure design. Command is not releasing those ships”
“And leave them at Sol as home defence? Yeah that’s smart!”
“Problem there guys” asked Donovan who approached to the two pilots with two mugs of hot drinks, “you guys should be getting to your briefing soon”
“Not for another 30 minutes or so Donovan” said Anthony as he took one of the mugs and took a sip, “this is nuts why would Command think that the Mari-ad will still be here? We took out that outpost and our ships searched the entire area?”
“Well I guess that Command is not satisfied with the job we did” said the bartender
“Yeah but” Anthony was about to continue when the PA speakers came alive,
“All squadrons to report to Flight Wing Briefing Room, repeat all pilots to Flight Wing Briefing Room”
“Guess times up then” said Tyson as he stood up finishing his mug of drink
“You guys be careful out there” said Donovan, “you never know what to expect”
“Don’t worry Donovan” said Anthony, “from the last month I have seen more things that I would expected already and we are not evening fighting a war” Anthony turned around and rush out to catch up with Tyson.
“You may not be” said Donovan softly as he watched the pilots left the Recreation Room, “but I am”

* * *

Flight Wing Briefing Room
15 Minutes later

“All right people settle down” said Parker as he got everyone’s attention, “if you have not noticed by now. The Hibernia is part of a task force here in this quadrant of the Vega Sector and you would have seen the ships already arriving in”
“Yeah a bunch of old granny ships” said a voice at the back of the briefing room, a general chuckle responded at the remark, even Parker smiled.
“Yes we got a bunch of oldies with us” said the Colonel, “but at least we got some firepower and can get the job done. First I will brief you a general outline of the operation” Parker activated the viewscreen behind him showing the entire Day Quadrant of the Vega Sector, allowing the pilots to see where they are located and the mission objectives, “As you know the task group is responsible of routing out any remaining Mari-ad presence in this quadrant and make sure that there is no chance of them returning.
The Hibernia is to systematically go through each system starting from McAuliffe system, then in a sweeping in a clockwise pattern, to each system performing a series of short and long range reconnaissance sweep before we proceed to the next system”
“Sir” asked Lieutenant Lucas from the Wild Aces squadron, “should we start our operation at McAuliffe instead of Blackmane?”
“Not necessary” replied Parker, “Security forces and personnel station at McAuliffe will do the necessary operations giving us some more to conduct the rest of the quadrant. In terms of the ships with us, the Britannia will remain here in the Blackmane system as our main rendezvous point, the Hibernia will move back to Hell’s Kitchen first followed by the Carlin and the Pephedro system before heading south of the quadrant. We will be going along with three reconnaissance ships which will assist us with the sweeps. We will have the TCS Maine escort by the TCS Anzac conduct a sweep in the opposite direction of the quadrant while the TCS New York escorted by the TCS Gallipoli will sweep across behind us once we finish our sweep in case we missed anything.
In the event if we detecting any incoming transports of any other ships, the marines will board and conduct a security check before heading to their final destination. One flight group from each of the four squadrons will be assigned as escort for the marines if they are to board any ships that comes within our sensors”
“Sir how long is this operation going to take?” asked Major O’Brian
“According to the projected time analysis from Command and the ships we have. It should take us at least six months for a full sweep of the entire quadrant”
“Six months!?” said several of the pilots, many of the pilots started voicing their anger at the projected time to complete this task, some of the other pilots started arguing among themselves about the assignment itself.

“That’s enough all of you! Yes this is going to take a long time and going to test our patience, but I need your full cooperation in this. I don’t like this as much as you do but we have a job to do and we are responsible for fulfilling that job. Now if there are no other questions I will start going through the mission assignments. Silver Arrows you will be…”

* * *

30 Minutes later
TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck

“I can’t believe this shit!” said Anthony as he started his final pre-flight sequence check, “we got rear position sweeps and escort the marines for boarding operations!?”
“Settle down Datangia” said Silky on the communication monitor, “the Colonel does not like this as much as everyone else. Look it might not be so bad after all. We are only doing a reconnaissance operation here in this quadrant. And if I am correct we got rid of all the Mari-ad presence here, so it should not take too long to conduct the survey. We might even finish in half the time it might take”
“I don’t know Silky” replied Anthony, “it is still stupid, a waste of time and a pointless. We clear this quadrant, there is nothing left now except a few listening posts, colonies, lonely transports and a bunch of crappy granny”
“Lieutenant that’s enough!” snapped Silky, “stow that crap before I put you up for report”
“Yes ma’am” replied Anthony
“Look Anthony, just be patient about this. Do the mission assignment and we will finish in no time. Patience is a much needed virtue in this job”
“Yes ma’am” said Anthony, “final check up is complete. Alpha 4 ready for launch”
“Affirmative” said Silky, “Flight Control, this is Alpha Flight, we are ready for launch”
“Copy that Alpha Lead. You have green light, you’re cleared for launch”
“Okay Alpha Flight, lets get this job over and down” said Silky, as she slowly push her throttle stick forward, pushing her fighter along the runway and out of the hanger,

Dahan · 06-27-2006, 01:14

Chapter 20

Undisclosed location

Unmarked Transport

“We should hit them when they are so spread out” said Brutus as he watches the tactical screen on the main viewer, “this is a too good of an opportunity”
“No yet” said Jonas as the looked at the viewer, “the Council wants the Hibernia. The Council will get what they want. Has our forces arrived?”
“Yes those transport you wanted are here at the designated point, our strike teams are in as well as the raiding squadrons. You care to tell me what your plan is?” Jonas smiled
“In time Brutus, in time”

* * *

Ariel System

TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
2628.238.1215

“This is not good at all” said O’Hara as she listens to the communication traffic between the ships and fighters as they performed their reconnaissance sweeps through their quadrants, “we only have a squadron onboard and we are prone to attack from hostile forces”
“Relax Commander” said Parker as he and Captain Lang were watching the reports scrolling through from the tactical station, “We are getting by in good time. The squadrons know what they are doing and so far it is good”
“Colonel is has been only two hours and I don’t like it at all I..” O’Hara was interrupted when the communication officers interrupted, “Captain we are receiving a distress signal” said Lieutenant Jessica, “audio only, patching through”
“This is the transport ….we are……..overloaded……pirates…..part of convoy……damaged…”
“Tactical, where is their location?” asked Lang
“Signal is coming just outside sensor range, near the edge of the system, signal is faint. I’m picking at least three possible four different signals” replied Lieutenant Henry Dale, the tactical officer.
“Who is closer to them?” asked Parker
“Alpha flight of the 28th sir, they are returning for refuelling, Gamma Flight of the Wild Aces is closer to them” said Dale
“Very well, inform Gamma to set new coordinates to investigate” ordered Lang, “Colonel we don’t know much choice in this matter, we sent out all our fighters too quickly and we are spread out too thin. Assemble a group from the Black Bears, they are to escort marines and medical transport to assist with Gamma”
“Yes sir”
“What will be our fighter strength?”
“We will only have the remaining Black Bear squadron at 75% strength” replied Parker, “but we have flights from the Tigers and the Arrows coming back we should have at least two squadrons strength within the hour”
“And the other ships have jumped ahead of us and the rest our doing rear guard sweeps” said Lang as he looked at the tactical viewer, “I don’t see any possible Mari-ad threat at all. We have already cleared this area before so the chances of attack is minimal. Colonel get those fighters up and check those transports”
“Yes sir”
“Commander you have the bridge I will be in my quarters, inform me of their update once they arrive”
“Yes Sir”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room

Donovan was reading the data-pad with absolute dread, he received reports of an attempted attack on the Hibernia but no known news of when, where or how. He needs to inform the Captain but doing so would jeopardise his identity to everyone and to the organisation. He cannot afford the risk.
“Damn it” growled Donovan, “got to tell the Captain but how” then an idea popped up in his head.

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Captain’s Private Quarters

Lang sat at his desk mental and physically tired, holding a framed photograph of his family in one hand and a glass of whisky in the other, Lang was looked at the photo smiling at the memories of the fun he had when the photo was taken.
While reminiscing of the past, his computer console beeped, indicating he has an incoming message. Putting down the photo and glass, Lang activated the console and accessed his mailbox to receive his message.

TO: Captain Justin Lang, TCS Hibernia SEVENTHFLT
FROM: XXXX-XXX-XXX-XXX
DATE: XXXX-XXX-XXX
YOU ARE IN DANGER
---------------------------------------------------------
Captain Lang,
The Hibernia is in danger, the ship will be attack by hostile pirate/rogue forces, repeat the Hibernia is in danger. Recall available fighters and stand by for possible attack from forces.
X

Captain Lang read the message a few times and sighed, a tad bit late stranger he thought.
“I don’t have any choice” he said as he deleted his message and went back to look back at the photo then back to a data-pad that was in front of him with both an audio and written message. Lang activated the audio message,
“Captain Lang” said the unidentified voice, “if you are receiving this message then you would be in the Ariel System assigned to your orders by Command. Let me inform you that your wife and two children are in our custody. You will are to assist with handing over the Hibernia to our forces when we arrive, failure to do so will result the death of your family and they will be return to you in boxes” Lang’s hands were trembling when the voice finished talking and he could here the screams and cries of his wife and children in the background, “You can hear your wife and children, Captain and I will assure you that I will not hesitate to kill them if you do not comply to my wishes. To prove my point please press the image viewer on the data-pad” Lang pressed the image viewer button that was flashing on the data pad.
The data-pad viewer change to show images of his wife and children all tied up and gagged. He could see tears streaming down their faces, shirts torn, hair all ruffled and could see that his wife has a few bruised on her arm indicating of being assaulted.
“You can see that I am serious” said the voice, “failure to comply will result the death of your family”
“Dear god no!” said Lang as he saw the images scroll by, “God no!”

Dahan · 08-22-2006, 07:56

Hello all, it has been a long time and people would have wonder whats been happening and what not.
I have been busying with work and study commitments, not to mention writers block. I have also started writing another fan fiction based on the popular game, World of Warcraft.
Any hoot Im back and still alive.

An Officer's beginning is still alive and will continue on with more stories and more interesting things to come.
Here is Chapter 21, which I hope everyone would enjoy to read.

Chapter 21

Approximately around the same time

Ariel System

Cargo Transport Robin Hood
En-route to TCS Hibernia

There were about a hundred of them inside the main hold. Mercenaries armed to the teeth with almost every possible conceivable weapon. Jonas and Brutus were watching them prepare themselves for the final stages.
“Is everyone ready?” asked Brutus, the mercenaries all nodded. Everyone arming their rifles, pistols and heavy weaponry, “Looks like everyone here is ready” said Brutus, Jonas nodded in approval as he walked over to a communication console along the bulkhead, “Bridge are you ready?”
“All set here” replied the voice from the bridge
“Patch us through to the rest of the transports” Jonas waited while communication link up was made with the rest of transports which were travelling en route to the TCS Hibernia.
“Communication link established sir” said the Bridge officer, “you can speak to them”
“People” started Jonas, “in a short while, the Robin Hood will board the Hibernia. Once we are in, and secure the hanger, we will send out a signal. When you receive the signal you are to take up jamming positions around the Hibernia and await orders. Hopefully they will be unprepared for the attack we will launch. At approximately 20 minutes into the operation, transports Diva and Ogre will board and deploy their mercenaries. Any questions?” there was no response.
“Good await my signal. Jonas out”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Bridge

“Sir we are receiving a distress communication from a cargo transport” said Lieutenant Jessica
“Put it on speakers” said O’Hara, the voice on the speakers was garbled and the transmission was very hard to hear
“……port..Hood…..damaged……pirates…..attac k….ems failing….need assistance with repairs”
“Can we clear it up?” asked O’Hara
“Negative. Readings on the transport show they are severely damaged, possible engine failure and radiation leak”
“Life signs?”
“I’m reading about 30 life signs” said Lieutenant Lee from his console
“I think I can clear the transmission” said Jessica, “putting them through”
“Transport Robin Hood, we have wounded people onboard. We were attack by unknown forces. This is the Transport Robin Hood, we are carrying medical supplies and families’ onboard en-route to Hell’s Kitchen please respond!”
“This is Commander O’Hara of the TCS Hibernia” replied the executive officer, “we receiving your distress call. Are you able to reach to our coordinates?”
“Negative, Hibernia” replied the voice, “our engines are pretty shot up and don’t know how much further we can reach to your position. We will try to boost the power to the engines, but we cannot make any promises. We need help from you medical team, we have injured people, burns and broken bones”
“Acknowledge Robin Hood, we are sending fighters to escort you in standby. Jessica, inform the Captain of the situation”
“Yes sir”
“Damn this is just our luck” said Parker as he observed the tactical screens, “we are spread out and we get a bloody transport in the bloody way”
“We can’t leave them David” said O’Hara, “send two fighters from the Black Bears David. We have to take them in and move them from further possible attacks”

* * *

“Transport Robin Hood, we are sending two fighters to escort you in to our location” replied Commander O’Hara, “we will provide what assistance we can offer”
“Much thanks Hibernia” replied Jonas, “please come quick, we do not know how much longer we can survive another attack”
“Will do Robin Hood, we will be there as soon as possible”
Jonas turned around to Brutus who was grinning from ear to ear, “That was easy wasn’t it” said Brutus
“Indeed” replied Jonas now let the fun begins

* * *

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!!” said Donovan as he slammed his fist on the desk, “Damn it no!” the Agent was monitoring the transmission when he picked up the distress call from the Robin Hood.
The Hibernia believe to be a transport under attack by pirate forces, but Donovan knew that it was a Mari-ad ship and it contain a contingent of their mercenaries attempting to take over the ship.
“Damn it!” growled the bartender as he got up and walked over to his bed and pulled out a large case underneath. Opening it he pulled out his chest-body armour, a side arm and components of rifle. Donovan quickly pieced the parts together to form a small gauss rifle. Heading back to his computer console, he tapped in a few key commands.
“I hope they get this in time” said Donovan as he turned to leave his room, “not much time”

Dahan · 12-05-2006, 00:54

Chapter 22

“Standby Robin Hood, we have you in tractor range. We will lock on to you and bring you in” said the communications officer
“Copy that” said Brutus, “we are moving our wounded from unaffected areas of the transport. We are trying to avoid possible radiation sickness”
“Understood Robin Hood, please standby”
“So it begins” said Jonas as Brutus closed off communications with the Hibernia, turning around and heading to the rear compartment of the transports where fifty mercenaries or so were preparing a final check on their weapons, “gentlemen it is time” the mercenaries ready their weapons, helmets put on and chest guards double check.
The group were finalising their final bits and pieces when they felt the transport shudder when the Hibernia’s tractor beam was able to gain a target lock.
“You ready to do this Jonas?” asked Brutus who stepped into the compartment hold, “this would be a real test for us?”
“I was born ready Brutus” replied the operative, “you don’t need to worry. You just do your bit and I will do mine”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck

Up on the Flight Control Centre, Deck Officer James Douglas was issuing out orders for everyone to clear to Flight Deck for the arrival of the transport while checking with the damage control teams making sure they are ready.
“Everything all set their Jim?” asked Chief Technician Mendez who was reading off data-pad
“Looks like it chief” said James, “We have cleared all non essential personals from the flight deck. We have only the medical and emergency repair crews on the deck for the transport”
“Just hope our boys get back in time” said Mendez, “we are too spread out and we are liable at risk of being attack by pirates or even by the Mari-ad”
“Bah I would not worry about that” smiled James, “we can deal with it when they arrive. Ah here they come” James pointed to the damaged transport that was arriving.

* * *

“Get ready!” shouted Brutus as he yelled over the loud whining noise of the landing gears and engines of the transport, “First squad, once out are to hit and take down everything. Prisoners are secondary. Any questions?”
“You let us do our bit. You just remember to pay us after this job is finished” said one of the mercenaries, “you owe us a lot of credits for this operation”
“Don’t worry friend” said Jonas who stood next to Brutus, “you will be payed handsomely. What is your name friend?”
“Rocca” replied the mercenary
“Remind me once we have capture the Hibernia that I will reward you for your efforts”
“Transport docked!” the voice of the transport pilot was heard through the PA system, “get ready”

* * *

“Med team standby!” called out James, “Damage Teams One to Four ready for emergency repairs and fire control”

* * *

Technician Colin Green was holding the fire extinguisher ready, standing outside the transport main exit port when he heard Deck Officer’s Douglas orders, “Stand by Repair Crews!”
Suddenly the transport door slow open up, ready to enter Colin steps close and found himself face to face with a rifle muffle right up to his face
“What the fuck?!” said Colin
“Sorry mate you in the way” said the rifle holder as he pulled the trigger shooting Colin in the face.

* * *

“What the hell!?” shouted Mendez as he saw the technician got shot, the next thing he heard was a woman’s scream followed by a series of rifle fire, shouting and explosions. Reaching over for the emergency button, his hand was stopped by another hand. Looking up he saw it was James Douglas stopping him.
“Jim let go we have to warn the bridge!”
“Sorry chief” smiled Jim, “but like I said I would not worry about that we can deal with it when they arrive” pulling out his other hand from behind he punched Oscar to the head knocking him off, “nothing against you Chief, but I have been given a greater job opportunity”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Bridge

“Flight Control, Douglas what is the situation?” asked O’Hara
“Everything is under control Bridge” replied Douglas, “we are moving the injured to Medical and treating some on the flight deck. Transport is secured”
“Good work Douglas” replied O’Hara, “I will come down shortly and see the crew” O’Hara ended his communication when Captain Lang enter the bridge, “Captain the transport has been secured. Repair crews are seeing to the ship and medical teams are treating the injured. Douglas reports that several people are being sent to Med-bay for various treatments” Captain Lang seemed to ignore O’Hara and headed over to the Security Command Console and pressed a serious of commands and sequences
“Captain? Is everything alright?” asked O’Hara
“Yes everything is fine” said Lang as he pulled out a small gas mask out of his pant’s pocket and placing it on; “everything will be fine” shortly gas was coming up from the ventilation ducts in the bridge
“Captain is the meaning of this?” asked O’Hara, looking around crew were beginning to cough after being exposed to the gas, many have already passed out, reaching over and grabbing the Captain and trying to pull him, “Captain what are you doing!!”
Lang watched as slowly one by one people were dropping off after being exposed from the gas, leaving only O’Hara as the last one standing, “Sorry XO, I’m doing what is best for us all” said the veteran Captain as he continue to watch O’Hara gradually loosen her grip on him and gradually slid down on the deck plating of the bridge.
“Sorry Jessica” said Lang as he moved over to the communications console and switched to a different frequency, “this is Cang to Onas. Bridge is secured. You may bring the rest of the party in”
“This is Onas” replied the voice on the other line, “good work Cang. We are sending people to the bridge. Please assist them with their needs”
“Understood, Cang out” switching off the communication console Captain Lang sat back in his Command Chair and awaited for the arrival of Mari-ad forces.
My God what have I done thought Lang, may all forgive me for my sins for what I am about to do, may my deeds be remember as an honourable man pulling out a sidearm from inside his jacket, he place the pistol on the armrest of the chair and waited for the people to come.

* * *

Jonas picked his communicator when he received an incoming transmission,
“This is Cang to Onas. Bridge is secured. You may bring the rest of the party in”
“This is Onas” replied Jonas, “good work Cang. We are sending people to the bridge. Please assist them with their needs”
“Understood, Cang out”
“Cang?” asked Brutus, “who is Cang?”
“Captain Lang” smiled Jonas “it seems that the good Captain has been very happy to help us with the capture of the Hibernia”
“How did you manage that?”
“I will tell you one day” said the operative, “but in the meantime I think we should go ahead and take a look at the bridge” looking down at the flight deck from the Flight Control Centre he could see several mercenaries guarding over Confederation personal as prisoners some injured others unscathed from the initial attack
“Come Brutus lets take a visit to the bridge shall we”
“I’m coming with you” said Jim, “you will need someone to access some of the command consoles”
“Don’t won’t be necessary” said Jonas, “You have done what we required”
“You promised me that I get to keep the Hibernia if we capture it”
“Oh did I?” asked Jonas
“You promised!” said James, “You said you are offering the Hibernia if we capture the ship” Jonas chuckled
“I said I offer the Hibernia” said the Mari-ad operative, “I did not mention anything about commanding the Hibernia. That part is for me”
“You liar” growled Jim as he pulled out his sidearm ready to shoot Jonas but Brutus got to him before he got a chance when Jona’s lieutenant had his pistol out already and shot Jim in the head.
“Never liked the man” grunted Brutus, “he was so eager to please anyone”
“That he was” nodded Jonas, “now come. We are running late. We don’t want to keep the Captain waiting”

To be continued....

Dahan · 12-30-2006, 16:11

Chapter 23

Alpha Flight on return flight vector back to Hibernia

“OK this is strange” said Torps “you think that they would respond to me or something?”
“Hibernia is not responding?” asked Datangia “are we that out of range?”
“Unlikely. We are within communication range and there is no way we could not raise the Hibernia. Unless we were being jammed or something”
“But there is not a ship in the surrounding area or near the Hibernia” said Datangia, “well not that we know of and”
Datangia was interrupted by another voice “All Flight Wing do not approach the Hibernia repeat, do not approach the Hibernia”
“What the hell?” asked Torps
“Cut the chatter Torps!” said Silky, “Speaker identify yourself. This is Major Mallamo of the Confederation Forces. How did you get our communication frequency?”
“Major how I got this frequency is not of your concern. The important thing is that you do not approach the Hibernia. You must contact the remaining the Flight Wings and regroup at a different position”
“We need to land somewhere before we are running on empty ducks” interrupted Skinny “we are running at 15% fuel reserves left”
“Are any of the support ships nearby?” asked Silky
“TCS New York is on the outer skirts of the system?” said Datangia as he checked on his onboard nav-charts, “New York should be doing its final sensor run before jumping to the Caliban System”
“We heading back to the Hibernia” said Silky
“Major were you listening?!” said the unidentified speaker, “do not return to the Hibernia”
“Why?” asked Silky, “you have not said anything or give any reason to why we cannot return to the Hibernia as far as I’m concerned”
“The Hibernia is being taken over by Mari-ad forces” interrupted the speaker, “Mari-ad forces have infiltrated the carrier with Mari-ad agents and mercenaries”
“What the fuck you saying” said Skinny
“There is no way the Hibernia could have been taken over” agreed Torps, “I say we go back”
“You can go back” said the speaker, “and I will make sure I will attend to your funeral”
“How do we know that you are not one of them?” asked Datangia, “for all we know you could be a Mari-ad operative yourself and trying to divert us to some remote location where we don’t know”
“Listen to me carefully. You have two choices. You leave the Hibernia and head to find the New York before it jumps or you risk coming back and get killed. You don’t have much choice. Get out and warn the rest of the remaining Flight Teams. Out”
“Suggestions people?” asked Silky when the speaker left given the Alpha Team a few minutes to contemplate with the sudden news
“I say we all head back to the Hibernia” said Torps “It could be just a practical joke”
“But then it could not” said Skinny
“Too much to risk” said Silky
“Yet this man know our communication frequency and knew we were coming” said Datangia, “maybe we should split up and find out what is happening”
“That might be a good idea” said Silky, “Datangia you and Torps are to head back to the Hibernia as planned. Skinny and I will head and try to hail the New York and the rest of the Flight Teams”
“And if we get fired upon?” asked Datangia
“You get out and tried to fly to us. If we get to the New York before you reach the Hibernia, which I doubt we will try to meet you half way. Try to contact any of the remaining Flight Teams before you reach the Hibernia. We have to keep our eyes and ears open for anything”
“Well I guess we have to get moving” said Torps, “we are running low on fuel and it would not be long before we will be sitting on empty tanks”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
Ariel System

“Thank you for coming Captain” said Jonas as he continue to watch his operatives work at one of the control consoles, “thank you for providing us with the assistance”
Captain Lang stood behind him silent while a mercenary was pointing his rifle at his back
“Unfortunately we have the problem of what we are going to do about the prisoners we have here onboard”
“Normally we would dump them on the nearest planet” said Brutus who was standing by Lang, “but with the time constraints we have. We might have to start shooting them and then dumping their bodies”
“You have not right to hold us!!” said one of the bridge officers who was being at gun point by a mercenary, “Confed will send ships and will rescue us. You have no chance” the officer was about to continue speaking when Jonas pulled out his sidearm and shot the officer without turning to see if he was aiming at the right person. Several of the female Confed officers scream in shocked when their fellow officer was shot in the head.
“I will make this simple people” said Jonas “Cooperate with us and you will live. Failure to do so will result in meeting the same fate as this young man just did” holstering his pistol back he continued to looked at the operation console when a group of mercenaries arrived on the bridge from the main access lift.
“Any problems with the local populace Derek?” asked Jonas
“None what so ever” said the lead mercenary who arrived on to the bridge, “we have cleared all the vital and essential sections of the ship. All other Confed personnel are either held in the main cargo bays or in the med bay with the rest of the injured”
“Good work Derek. No strays?”
“None that we found” said the Mercenary leader, “the carrier is all yours. Congratulations”
“On the contrary my friend” replied Jonas, “you should thank the good Captain for allowing us to land in the first place” the hostages were shocked at the news that their commanding officer was the man responsible for allowing the terrorists into the carrier.
“Captain! Traitor!” growled O’Hara who was among the prisoners “how could you”
“I’m sorry Commander” said Lang “I have no choice”
“Why did you” said O’Hara, “you committed your life to Confed, you” Jessica was silenced by one of the mercenaries guard who club her with the butt of his rifle
“Thank you” said Brutus, “that woman was beginning to annoy me. Take her to the med bay and tell their Medical Officer that we want her sedated
“Seems that we are going to have some disgruntled people with us” said Jonas “we might have to set an example to them. Would you like to show them an example of our intentions Brutus?”
“With pleasure” smiled Brutus

* * *

“You got to bullshitting with us” said Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady, “there is no way the Hibernia could be captured. We have a marine detachment along with the security personnel onboard. It would have taken something like several special forces team to take you the Hibernia”
“I know sir” replied Datangia as he told the Major through the comm. channel. Datangia and Torps were able to reach through the Wild Aces squadron and given them details of what is happening. Although they have not reached to their carrier, there was the certain possibility that the carrier could have been taken over by terrorists and there was the chance that were people who could have gotten killed in the process including the senior officers.
“So what do we do now boss?” asked Captain Colin ‘Cowboys’ Forbes. Datangia was able to contact the entire Wild Aces Squadron and were to meet up along with Alpha Flight of Silver Arrows Squadron under the command of squadron leader Major Shauna ‘Trek’ O’Brian
“I’m open to suggestions” said Legs “we cannot attempt an air strike. We are running low on fuel and we cannot afford to hit the Hibernia in any way”
“The marines?” asked Trek, “you think the marines onboard would have done something about the terrorists who attempted to board the ship?”
“I’m guessing that they did not do much of a job then if the Hibernia is taken over by terrorists”
“Info” said Legs “we are going to need information about what is happening on the Hibernia. Do we have ETA on whether Silky has reached the New York?”
“Uncertain” said Datangia “we don’t know if they made it before the New York jumped. They were running low on fuel and it is pretty risky for them to try to reach to them”
“Alright this is what we are going to do. Datangia you and Torps will fly with my Alpha Flight and we are going to the Hibernia and see what is going on. Sensor sweeps, readings everything. The rest will head off with Trek and check the surrounding area of the Hibernia and see if there any transports that may be hostile. Track and detain any such ships. We have to find out if the Hibernia is in trouble”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Ariel System

“Fuck this is not good” said Lieutenant Marcus Harris looking over the shoulder of one his marines who was tapping into the security camera networks. On the handheld view pad the marine was tapping in, switching to different security cameras that were seen throughout the ship.
“They have cornered off every possible entrance, access tunnel and exit points” said the marine “Damn they even cut off access to the damn toilets and I’m bloody busting to go”
“LT we got to do something” said Private Chad who was guarding over an exit looking outside. Several other marines in the room nodded in agreement.
“Alright” nodded Harris, “first we need to find any more marines who are not captured. Private can you pull up a schematic of the ship’s layout?”
“I think so” said the operating marine as he inserted a wire into the access console port. A few minutes later, a schematic of the carrier’s interior scroll up on the data pad.
“We have to move fast” said Harris “we don’t much time”
“Well then you have to get your butt into gear” said Donovan “you need to get your men to retake the ship”
“I know” said Harris “just don’t know what or how to do this”
“You leave that to me” said Donovan “I’ll handle that”

* * *

TCS New York
Caliban System
Command Bridge

“Are you sure about this?” asked Captain Michael Robert, the commanding officer of the TCS New York, “do you believe that the Hibernia is taken over by terrorists”
“We don’t know Captain” said Silky, “hopefully Lieutenant’s Cheng and Thorpe were able to reach any of the remaining Flight Wings. Otherwise they would be shot down by the Hibernia”
“Well I can confirm that the Hibernia has been taken over by the terrorists” said Captain Robert “and we know that it is the Mari-ad”
“How do you know that sir?” asked Skinny, “we have no known knowledge about it?”
“We received two different transmission both of them were from the Hibernia’s position” said the Captain, “Commander Sara please show them the transmission”
New York’s executive officer, Commander Sara led the two pilots to the main communication station.
“The first communication was this” said Sara as he activated the first transmission
“That’s Donovan” said Silky as he saw the bartenders face on the view screen
“To all nearby ships do not come within communications or sensor range of the Hibernia. Repeat. Do not approach the TCS Hibernia, the carrier has been taken over by the Mari-ad and holding Confed personnel prisoners. Do not inform Confed Command of the lost of the Hibernia. Doing so will result in the lost of lives which no one wants to have” the message then repeats itself again.
“About an hour after receiving the message we received this one” as Sara activated the second message.
“To all Confed ships within this quadrant. Let me say that the crew and other personnel onboard the Hibernia are not harmed and are being held until otherwise. The carrier, the TCS Hibernia is now under the command and control of the Mari-ad. any attempt to rescue the hostages will result in the loss of lives. Any attempt to retake the ship will also result in the loss of lives.
Now I know that this would be a complete embarrassment to Confederation Military to the public if people learn that their carriers has been board and come under complete control of the Mari-ad.
If Confed Command attempts anything it will be their fault if any lives are lost. So I would advise to think carefully of your next actions”
“The message end there” said Captain Robert “as you can see this pretty confirm our suspicions about the state of the Hibernia”
“Are you alerting Sector HQ Captain?” asked Silky
“Not at this stage” said Robert, “if what he says is true, then I do not want to risk any loss of lives”
“But the message could be fake” said Skinny
“The thought did cross our minds” said Commander Sara, “but we verified the authenticity of the message and the location of where the signal/message come from and they both checked out At this stage we have to be prepared”
“But we need to move fast Captain” said Silky, “we do not know of where they would move the Hibernia”
“Agreed” said Robert “but we cannot give away any indication that the any Confed ships are leaving from their assigned positions. Can we contact the remaining squadrons Flight Teams?”
“I don’t know but we are still trying to figure how to avoid the Hibernia’s sensors”
“What about the capital ships from our task force?” asked Skinny “is it possible to reach through to them?”
“That might work” said Commander Sara, “but we run the risk that the Mari-ad will be monitoring transmission. We are in a delicate situation.”
“Commander we might have no choice” said Captain Robert, “the ships of the task force may be our only option without alerting Command and we are running out of time. Contact as many of the capital ships you can and see we can rendezvous somewhere”
“You got something in mind Captain?” asked Silky
“No I don’t” replied Captain Robert “I want to get everyone together first then we will consider our options then”

Dahan · 03-12-2007, 05:05

Chapter 24

Ariel System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.238.1315
TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck

Jonas looked at the hostages they have rounded up, sitting on the flight deck. About 30 officers and non-commissioned officers all with their hands tied behind their back. Mercenaries surrounding them with their weapons pointed at them.
This is going to be interesting he thought as he looked at each person on the ground
“People we have a situation here” said Jonas “it seems that people are not cooperating with us and we believe we need to set an example to you to prove our point” nodding to Brutus, Jona’s second in command random grabbed one of the male officers and pulled him up with the help with one of the mercenaries dragged him to the nearest airlock. The officer tried to kick and struggle his way out of their grip. The other officers on the deck were screaming at the man telling him to break free, others were telling him to calm down and do as they were while a few remained silent.
“You might want to be quiet for a moment folks” said Jonas but the crowd did not listen. Jonas pulled out his pistol and shot the male officer falling between Brutus and the mercenary. The crowd went quiet when they saw the officer drop dead
“As I was saying you should be quiet for a moment” repeated Jonas, this time he got their full attention but with the looks of angry people.
“Now that I have your full attention I will going to explain one more time. There are people who are not cooperating and need to be reminded who is in charge. Now because you did not listen a moment ago you have allow that officer die. Now will you listen to me?” several nods showed among the group
“Good now let me show you again” Jonas nodded to Brutus again and the second picked up the dead officer with the help of the mercenary chucked him out of the nearest airlock compartment. Brutus and the mercenary return back to the group and grabbed another random person. This time it was a woman. The woman in grey overalls, a flight technician. Brutus and the mercenary led the woman to the same airlock and shoved her into the compartment and sealed her in.
“This woman will live as long everyone on this ship do what they are told to do. The woman will be fed inside that airlock and stay there until we are finished with what we want to do. Anyone who refuses to do as they told will be responsible for her death which is being shot out of the airlock. Now because of the man early I shot. You already have the blood of the officers in your hands to think about”
“You shot him you bastard!” spat out one of the prisoners “you shot him without hesitation”
“No my friend” replied Jonas “you did. You didn’t listen to me and started screaming and yelling. If you listen to what I have to say, that man would have live” the prisoner didn’t reply knowing that what Jonas may have been true.
“Now this is what you are going to do” continued Jonas “you will continue your duties and you will be give orders on what to do. Those who are not assigned to any duties will be in their quarters under guard. Attempt of escape you will be shot, failure to comply to our orders you will be shot and our friend in the airlock will die. It as simple as that. Brutus please see to them” Jonas turned around and left the flight deck via a nearest access lift. “Bloody people” he whispered, “damn dumb asses they are”

* * *

TCS New York
Outer skirts between Caliban System and Ariel System

Senior Officer’s Briefing Room

“I am open to suggestions people” said Captain Robert “We cant contact Command, if we do they will kill the hostages. We cant approach the Hibernia, they will kill the hostages”
“There must be a way” said Skinny “could we negotiate with them?”
“Confed has issued a standing order that no negotiations is permitted to any terrorist organisations including the Mari-ad” said Silky, “Confed has maintain a policy when dealing with terrorists”
“What about the fighter pilots who were assigned to the flight assignments?” asked Lieutenant Alan Stenta (TCS Communication Officer) “their fighters would not have that much fuel to survive that long out in space?”
“We have to retrieve them sir” said Silky “We cannot afford to lose the pilots”
“And do so might risk the lives on the Hibernia” said Sara “you heard the demands”
“And you are going to comply with them” said Silky “there are people onboard that ship and I am not willingly enough to let them suffer at the hands of some no good terrorists”
“Any actions we take could jeopardise the ship and the lives of” said Sara when she was interrupted by Captain Robert
“Enough ladies” said Robert “we are in a difficult situation. We cant afford to lose the ship or the people onboard and at the same time we cannot ignore those pilots left stranded. Captain Mallamo does your onboard nav-computer would have the details of the other flight groups flight paths?”
“Unfortunately no sir” said Silky “but I do have the last known coordinates of where the teams were last located”
“That will have to do” said Robert “Lieutenant Stenta I need you to prepared a tight beam communication link priority one alert to the capital ships of the battle group I will need to brief with the commanding officers”

Dahan · 03-20-2007, 06:20

Chapter 25

Outskirts of Hibernia’s Sensor Range

“You got to be shitting me?” said Datangia “they can’t risk killing hostages on the Hibernia. We got to do something!?”
“We cannot risk them detecting us if we get within their sensor range” said Legs, “they probably can detect us even at this distance. Reason why they have not attack us or done anything is of concern”
“What about the guy who warned us!” asked Torps “whoever warned us should be able to help us?”
“I don’t know it’s just too risk as it is” said Legs “I’m out of ideas”
“I got an idea” said Datangia as he was scanning his technical ship readout on his display screen “Silky, the Hibernia can detect us if we are approaching with full systems on right”
“Correct, what are you getting at Datangia?” asked Legs
“Would they be able to detect us if we run our fighter on absolute minimal power? With minimal life support, zero communications and minimal thrusters for general velocity”
“It’s possible” said Trek “but the Hibernia’s sensors might be able to detect the fighter’s engine trail”
“Maybe not” said Torps “we are running extremely low on fuel. But if we set the fighter’s path trajectory of where the Hibernia is located we might be able to push the fighters towards a certain location and hopefully the inertia of the fighters might be enough to reach it without detection”
“Are you certain about that?” asked Legs
“I remember back at the Academy I tried shooting a missile at an automated drone with a dead engine and zero transmission. Basically it was like a dumbfire missile without the energy signature. The Hibernia might detect us as floating debris, but then a significant number of large objects as debris might be a little bit suspicious”
“We could jettison our spare parts canister” suggested Cowboy “if we get closer to the Hibernia sensor range we could jettison the spare parts make it look that there is a large clump of floating debris”
“Very tempting” said Legs “we don’t have much ideas to go and this is probably very risky. We can’t try to reach to where TCS New York is. We might miss them and by then we might be sitting dead in the water. Alright we will go with this plan”
“Should we try to contact the people who might have eluded the terrorist’s sir?” asked 1st Lieutenant Geoffrey ‘Priest’ Hanson “if what Datangia is true, we should try to coordinate our efforts of retaking the Hibernia?”
“Would be best to avoid that if possible” said Legs, “we don’t know if they would be monitoring any outgoing and ingoing transmission. If they are we are going to have a difficult time. The best thing for now is to keep communication to a minimal possibly communication silence. We might have to resort to laser tight beam communication from fighter to fighter if need be. But in the meantime everyone is to start setting their ship systems and begin to shut down all primary systems and power stations. All fighters are to run on minimal life support which means we have to put up our evac suits. We are to running on thrusters. Lieutenant Cheng, you and I will assess our options of entry onboard the Hibernia”
“Um me sir?” said Datangia sounding very surprised “um are you sure sir should you discuss the tactics with Trek he is also the senior officer present”
“Maybe” said Major O’Brian, “but you suggested the idea and proposed it to Legs, so I am happy for you and Legs to go over the plan of approach while the rest of us do all the dirty work”
“Thanks Major” replied Datangia “I appreciate your vote of confidence but I am not sure if this is going to turn out well”
“None of us do Lieutenant” said Legs, “we have to take what possible options and take the best course of actions. Rest assured that we have considered all possible options given the circumstances we are in. Don’t worry I believe that we can come up with a strategy to this predicament”
“I hope so sir” said Datangia, “I hate to see myself as the man responsible for the loss of the Hibernia”

Dahan · 03-27-2007, 05:40

Chapter 26

Ariel System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.238.1632
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge

“We have sealed off all the main access areas and non-essential compartments and areas” said Brutus as he was showing Jonas the ship schematics on the view screen, “we have secured all main passage ways and corridors that may allow anyone to gain access to vital areas”
“Good” nodded Jonas as he scanned through the schematics, “have we secured and obtained full access to the ship and the ships database?”
“No. Captain Lang has refuse to give us the access codes, nor has his executive officer”
“What about our techs? Have they been able to crack through the system?” asked Jonas
“Our techs have able to access some of the ships main operating systems, but they are still having problems accessing some of the vital systems. We have almost everything but a few systems. Weapons, propulsion and navigation systems are still offline”
“The systems we want first and it’s locked out how nice of Captain Lang to leave that problem for us”
“I would have thought that Captain Lang would give us full access” said Brutus “he willingly allow us to board the ship”
“True but it seems that the good Captain still have some reservation about allowing us to control the Hibernia. Where is he now?”
“He is under guard and observation in his quarters. We have two guards on him”
“Let’s go pay a visit to the good Captain” said Jonas “I think its time for a nice chat with him”

* * *

“Of all the places you would think they would check this place?” said the marine specialist as he tapping into the security network through a side console. Lieutenant Marcus Harris, Donovan and their group were in the ship’s gymnasium after several failed attempts of attempting to find access to security cameras and the communication network
“Fourth times a charm” said Harris as he stood next to the marine watching the marine fiddle with the wires connected to small data pad.
Private Chad and two other marines were guarding the only entry to the gymnasium, occasionally looking outside to see if there are any Mari-ads walking past. Donovan sat on a bench watching marine specialist access the network.
“Damn this!” growled specialist, “I can’t get through. They must have locked out every possible access”
“Is there anything you can do?” asked Harris
“Maybe I could help” said Donovan as he walked over and pulled out a small data chip from this pants pocket “put this in the data pad”
“What is it?” asked the specialist
“Just something that might help” said the bartender. The specialists slid the data chip in the pad and watched as a series of numbers began to scroll through the miniature screen on the data pad. The screen finally flashed with the text, FULL SYSTEMS ACCESS GRANTED
“Well I’ll be” whistled the specialists as he tapped in a few commands
“Wouldn’t we be traced if we access any of the command systems?” asked Harris
“No they wouldn’t” smiled Donovan “it has a masking system which prevents anyone to trace where the point of origin”
“What kind of bartender are you?” asked Harris “something like this would have come from an Intelligence Operative or Covert Ops”
“Maybe” smiled Donovan “but I assure you Lieutenant I’m one of the good guys”
“Lieutenant I have access to the security camera network” said the specialists. Harris and Donovan looked over the marine’s shoulder and looked at the data pad as the marine scrolled through images of different security camera located throughout the entire ship.
“Give me the command bridge” asked Harris. The image of the command bridge popped up on the screen showing it occupied with Mari-ad terrorists as several of the system stations with some Hibernia bridge officers at gunpoint being forced to work at some of the system stations “looks like they have secured the bridge. Give me the flight deck” the image of the bridge was replaced with the image of the Hibernia’s flight deck where the three could see a large number of the Hibernia’s personnel were sitting in a large group on the ground with several Mari-ads taking guard.
“Can you located the Captain?” asked Donovan
“Can’t seem to find him anywhere” said the marine, “bridge, med-bay, engineering, flight deck, nowhere”
“This leaves only his quarters” said Harris “there would be a couple of guards watching him”
“There would be a quite a few at the armoury sir?” asked Chad from the doorway “we need to gain access to weapons” flicking to the security camera in the armoury, Harris could see a number of Mari-ads guarding inside and outside the armoury department
“We need to get to the Armoury” said Harris “but we need to get more people to help us”
“I don’t think we should Lieutenant” said Donovan “there is ten of us here and we should keep the numbers to a minimal”
“Why?” asked Chad “we need to take the ship back by force”
“If we try to rescue some of them” said Donovan “they are going to notice people are missing and they would know that there are some people still roaming around the ship”
“I agree” nodded Harris, “we are going to risk exposing ourselves if they start noticing a number of our people missing or something”
“Sir we found some people” said the specialists, Harris and Donovan looked over at the screen and saw the images of several people in a room huddled in a corner with a couple of people at the door “it’s the science and research labs”
“They did not secured that department?” asked Donovan
“I guess that they didn’t think that it was a necessary section” said Harris “can we communicate with them?”
“I might be able to sir” said the specialists as he pulled out his hand held communicator from his utility belt, looking at Donovan “you would have something that might cloak the transmission in case they might pick up the transmission?”
“Thought you never asked” chuckled Donovan as he pull out a small device from his satchel he was carrying with him, “attach this to the communicator’s data port. The device would emit a transmission blanket which prevents outside parties to detect any transmission coming out from the communicator. It should work”

* * *
TCS Hibernia
Science and Research Laboratory

“You think they would have searched this place out?” asked Ensign Sarah Willis as she nurse her injured arm
“You think that this place is a possible place to find us” said Technician James Golding, as he paced around the room
“We can’t risk leaving here” said Sergeant Alan O’Connell, “we leave here and they might find us”
“There has to be a way out” said James when he was interrupted by a soft beeping noise at one of the communication console at a science station
“Who would be communicating us?” asked Alan “no one knows we are here”
“Could be a trap” said Sarah “the terrorists might be trying to trace us if we answer the communication”
“But it could be somewhere who might have avoided capture” said James “we don’t know who it is?”
“Damn it I don’t care” said Alan as he walked over to the communication console and picked up the line
“Damn it O’Connell I thought you never answered the line!” said Harris on the other side of the line
“Damn Lieutenant you gave me a fright” replied Alan, relaxing after hearing Harris voice
“Are you alright Sergeant?” asked Harris
“We are holding up and we are doing fine sir” replied Alan “we got some injured here. Where are you Lieutenant?”
“We are at the gymnasium mid-deck” replied Harris, “How many people do you have?”
“We have ten people including myself and Corporal Packer” replied O’Connell
“Same we have ten with us. We are located a deck below you. We are going to try to get to you. From there we are heading to the armoury to get weapons. You and those people with you are to stay put until we arrived understand?”
“Copy that sir” said Alan “see you soon”

* * *
TCS Hibernia – Gymnasium

“We have our work cut out sir” said the specialists “all the access routes to the Science labs are sealed off or patrol by the terrorists. We have no way through”
“Are you sure Conrad” asked Harris “a short cut or something”
“No there is no way through sir, I have check the schematics”
“Damn it!” spat Chad as he paced around the gymnasium “this is pissing me off. We are trapped here. People trapped over the other side and we can’t do jack all!”
“Stow it Private!” ordered Harris “keep your cool. We need to plan this out carefully”
“Um sir what about the vents” asked one of the marines, Harris looked up at the circulation vents that could be seen.
“Are they big enough?” asked Donovan
“It could be enough to squeeze through” said the marine “someone give me a boost” Donovan walked over to the marine and helped the marine up to the vent and move the grill and looked inside. Crawling inside the marine crawled a few paces in and crawled backwards back out, “its pretty snugged sir but I think we can travel across through the vents”
“Conrad do we have any vents that come across the Science Labs?” asked Harris
“Yeah we do” said the specialist “but the passage of the vents goes past where Mari-ad might patrol. We have to be very quiet when we go past. I hope you guy’s can hold your breathe and not make a sound”
“Alright let’s get going” said Harris, “secure any loose clothing and bits. Make sure we don’t make any loud sound through the vents. It’s going to be hell if they hear us”

Dahan · 05-01-2007, 05:07

Chapter 27

Outskirts of Hibernia’s Sensor Range

“Alright Datangia do you have sort out a the strategy for this?” asked Major O’Brian
“I think so Sir” said Datangia “Major Brady and I have covered all possible avenues that we could think of. Although we covered all bases I don’t know what are our chances are”
“Being in charge is about taking chances and to be ready to take the risks Lieutenant” said Major Brady “but then you would not know what happens til you try it”
“Alright tell us what you got” asked O’Brian
“Alright, everyone” said Datangia as he opened an open-communication band with the rest of the fighters present.

* * *
TCS New York
Outer skirts between Caliban System and Ariel System

Senior Officer’s Briefing Room

“Are you sure about this? asked Captain Robert as he read the data-pad “The Hibernia has not moved from its last position?”
“Apparently so” said Lieutenant Uzamaki, his Tactical Officer, “since the broadcast more than 24 hours ago, the ship has not moved at all. So far we are tracking them and yet they have not moved. We have detected no outgoing or ingoing transmission. Nor have we detected any ships coming within the Hibernia’s sensor range”
“That’s not right” said Major Mallamo “how the Hibernia could be staying still and not do anything. Something is going on”
“I agree” said Captain Robert as he read through the data-pad “it just not seem to add up. What are they doing?”

* * *

Ariel System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.238.1645
TCS Hibernia

Captain Lang’s personal quarters

“Nice room you have here Captain” said Jonas as he looked around the room admiring some of the personal effects that were placed around the room. Lang was sitting on one of 3 chairs while two of Jonas’ mercenary were pointing their rifles at him “it is a pity that you may lose this room”
“What makes you think that I am going to help you any further” said Lang as looked at the people around him, “I have done my share of the bargain, as I recall you were to release my wife and children once I let you in!”
“Ah correction my Captain” said Jonas “the statement you received was once we have control of the ship, then we will hand your wife and children back to you. As I recall we don’t have full access to the ship”
“You bastard!” growled Lang as he tried to get up from his chair only to be stopped by the two Mari-ad mercenaries.
“Now, now Captain” smiled Jonas “no need to be hasty. Just give us the codes and full access and I promise to see that your family are back to you”
“Let me see my family first!”
”The codes Captain”
“My family first!” said Lang as he tried to stand up again
“I guess I have no choice” said Jonas as he pulled out his pistol and pointed at Lang’s forehead, “Captain I don’t have access to your family but I know someone who does. I cannot let you see your family until you gives us what we need. The codes please Captain”
“Fuck you asshole!” spat Lang spitting Jonas in the face
“Ah what a shame” sigh Jonas as he pointed the pistol to Lang’s legs and shot his right knee.

* * *

“Damn this is really pissing my pants” said Torps “any closer and the Hibernia could see us and lob a few torpedos at us or something
“Cut the chatter” said O’Brian “all fighters stand by to release your spare part canisters. We have to time this right or we will dead out here. Ready 3, 2, 1, release!”

* * *

Ariel System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.238.1655
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge

“I’m getting something” said the Mari-ad operator “I’m reading a large clump of objects”
“What do you have Arcus?” asked Derek walking over to where the operative was “fighters? Transports?”
“Not sure” said the operative “I’m reading what looks like debris. I don’t detect any transmission or engine signatures”
“Well we are close to an old debris field” said Derek “could be just clump of crap that probably got bumped towards us or something. Don’t worry about it”

* * *

“Passive sensors on Sir” said Datangia “the Hibernia is not scanning us. I think they are ignoring us”
“Guess the plan work then huh” said Cowboy “this is too close for comfort”
“The plan worked” said Legs “OK listen up folks we are to use minimal thrusters. 20 second intervals. Silent Communications until further orders. Hope this plan works, lots o lives are depending on us”

* * *

Dahan · 07-18-2007, 02:34

Gday folks
I thought I might touch wood with you all incase if any would be wondering about.
I am still writing my fan fiction for my multiple stories here.
There is many things I have put in but I have rewritten some of the chapters because I am trying to put in more details...trying to be more descriptive and all.
And in the meantime I have been heavily involved in writing a huge fan fiction from the World of Warcraft game lately.
You may have seen a couple of chapters or so already in teh fan fiction thread title "SAHTRA"
There is another website which has all of the chapters of that fan fiction.
The next chapters for 2628, Sins of the Father and Confed Vengence will be out shortly within the week or so....
Happy reading folks!!

Dahan · 10-25-2007, 08:28

Hello all

It has been a long time coming since I was able to finish this chapter with work and other commitments.
This one is bit of longish one so I hope you enjoy the read

Chapter 28

Two Hours Earlier

TCS Hibernia

Captain Lang’s Personal Quarters

“I guess we have little choice do we Captain?” said Jonas as he turned and walked out the door “just remember our deal we made”
Justin Lang sat quietly in his armrest chair looking out at the view-port towards the vastness of space looking out at the stars and wonder if he made the right decision.
The two Mari-ad mercenaries that were with Jonas left the Captain’s Quarters and stood guard outside his door. At least they gave him some privacy and let him mull over his thoughts.
Justin got up from his armrest chair and walked over to his desk to where his computer was located and accessed his personal log and started to put in his entry.

Captain’s Personal Log 2628.238.1455,
This would be last entry as the Hibernia’s commanding officer.
It is with great regret that I have failed in my duty as ship’s captain, as an officer, as a husband and as a father.
I thought the agreement with the Mari-ad would ensure the safety of me and my family. I was wrong. I was so wrong. I had wish that I never Jonas. But I did and I was desperate.
I wished I made the deal with the Mari-ad. I wish I never knew them all.

Thirty Years Ago
Vega Sector, Day Quadrant, Enyo System
TCS Austral

“How is he?” asked Commander Kieran Armstrong, but he knew what the answer would be. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Williams was using every possible medical means to keep the Captain alive, but with injuries the Captain sustained it was impossible for anyone to survive an internal engine explosion.
“Sorry Commander, there is nothing I could do” said Dr Williams “I just cannot stabilise him. He has third degree to most of his body and he lost a lot of blood from the shrapnel”
“How is the Lieutenant who dragged him out of the wreck?” asked Armstrong “what of his injuries”
“The Lieutenant is alright with minor burns and scratches” said Williams “he will be ok. He is being attended by one of the medics over there” he pointed to a young man being attend by one of the ship medics who was wrapping a bandage around his head.
“Commander” Kieran turned back to see the Captain woken up looking at him “what is the ship’s status?”
“The engine blew Captain” said Kieran “Damage Control Teams are in control of the situation. Lieutenant Foster and his security teams are already assessing the damage and investigating the cause of it”
“How did I get out?” asked the Captain as he tried to sit himself out, only to wince in pain and was forced back down by Dr Williams
“Captain please lie down” said Dr Williams “you have sustained too much injuries. Try to lay still and let me treat them”
“Commander, how did I get out of engineering?”
“One of the officers apparently was nearby saw you and pulled you out of the wreckage sir”
“Name?”
“I think it was one of the new transferred officers from McAuliffe Captain. Lieutenant Justin Lang”
“Bring the Lieutenant here please Commander”
“Lieutenant Lang!” called out Kieran waving the young Lieutenant over with the medic trailing behind him
“Sir?” said Lieutenant Lang nervously saluting the Commander
“Stand easy Lieutenant” said Kieran “how are you feeling?”
“Bit sore up there sir” said Lang indicating the bandage on his forehead “one of the beams almost knocked my head off and I got cut pretty bad”
“Good that you are still alive” said Kieran “the Captain would like to speak to you Lieutenant” indicating to the Captain lying on the ground with the Doctor by his side
“Come, come Commander don’t pester the young Lieutenant” said the Captain “let me see the face of the officer who saved my life” Lang walked closer to where the Captain lay.
With all the training Lang had at the Fleet Academy, he wasn’t ready to see the actual images of war and conflict. Lang looked at the Captain’s body, his uniform completely burnt from the fire, the medals on the jacket melted into the fabric leaving nothing more than a blob of metal. All over the Captain’s body, his skin was burnt black, some burnt completely off, leaving expose the red fatty tissue layer under the skin. Lag could see the putrid smell of the flesh that for a moment he felt he was about to throw up.
“Not a pretty picture Lieutenant hey?” chuckled the Captain interrupted by a spasm of coughing
“Captain are you alright?” asked Kieran
“I am fine Commander thank you. Can we have a moment alone please” said the Captain. Everyone left moved away from the Captain and Lieutenant Lang
“Lieutenant I know that I don’t have much to live so I will make this as short as possible”
“What do you mean sir?” asked Lang “I don’t understand”
“Oh come now Lieutenant” said the Captain “A man knows when his time is drawing to an end and I know that my time is coming to an end. Firstly what you did, trying to rescue me was admirable was commendable and I will make sure that you are to be commended for your actions”
“Thank you sir” said Lang unsure where the Captain is heading off with the conversation
“The second thing I want to tell you and only to you that the explosion in engineering was an act of sabotage”
“Sabotage sir” said Lang “we have to inform Command about this incident”
“Unfortunately we cannot Lieutenant” said the Captain as he tried to sit himself up, Lang helped the Captain sit up trying to get his breathe “Lieutenant, what I am going to tell is consider highly classified and considered dangerous to people who knows of this information”
“I don’t understand sir” said Lang “what do you mean dangerous?”
“The sabotage was caused by Mari-ad operatives”
“Mari-ad” said Lang “I never heard of them sir. The Mari-gosa is the only name I am familiar with. They were a political party in the Confederation Assembly that was expelled”
“The Mari-ad is the Mari-gosa Lieutenant” said the Captain “the Mari-gosa have allied with the criminal underground and renamed themself as the Mari-ad”
“Why would they do that” asked Lang. The Captain about to reply when he started to cough violently “Doctor!” Dr Williams rushed over with Commander Armstrong following
“Damn it is not good” said Dr Williams as she scanned the Captain with her bio-medical sensor “I need to get him to the infirmary”
“The Captain?” asked Armstrong
“Not now Commander” said Dr Williams “right now I need to treat him and as right now he is my priority now yours. Your priority is getting the ship back online. Medic I need a stretcher now!”

One day later

TCS Austral
Med-Bay

“How much longer?” asked Commander Armstrong “I would thought anyone to be expose that kind of damage would have died almost instantly”
“As did I” said Dr Williams “but for some miracle or fate, the Captain is fighting this and it feels that he is not ready to go yet”
“Do you know how much longer he will live?”
“From the injuries, the burns and the radiation he was exposed to, maybe another day or two. Three at best. I never seen anyone in my medical experience to fight this and live”
Commander Armstrong and Dr Williams continue to discuss the Captain’s condition when they both heard the main door slide open. Kieran turn to see the young Lieutenant Lang enter.
“Ah our young rescuer come to see our Captain” said Dr Williams “it is nice for the officers to visit their Captain”
“Sorry Doctor” said Lang “I hope I am not interrupting”
“No not at all. I have some work to do. I’ll leave you with the Commander and the Captain”
“Commander how is the Captain?” asked Lang walking up next to the Commander
“I don’t know Lieutenant” said Kieran “Doctor has given him one to two days, three at best”
“What is to happen if he dies sir?” asked Lang “do we have to return back to McAuliffe. What about our assignment”
“Lieutenant calm yourself” snapped Kieran “you’re an officer of the Confederation Forces, an officer of the Confederation Naval Fleet. Compose yourself!”
“Yes sir, sorry sir” said Lang “just that I don’t know what it is expected of us”
“We are to continue with our assignment as planned” said Kieran “we are to continue our field testing on this ship and provide our results to Command”
“Yes sir”
“In the meantime Lieutenant, shouldn’t you be back on the bridge reporting for duty?”
“Not yet sir” said Lang “I have the watch in another hour or so. I thought I would pay a visit to the Captain first and thought to see if he is awake”
“Well he is resting now so we would have to wait”

12 Hours Later

Lang return back to his quarters exhausted and sleepy. The Commander had run a series of drills and tests to the point of exhaustion.
The Austral was the first of a new class of ship design to carrier smaller snubfighters to carry surgical strike against larger military targets.
The Confederation were contemplating of bring back ships of the 20th and 21st Century when the superpowers of Earth dominate with the aircraft carriers and destroyers. Now Command has contemplated of re-introducing the carrier concept and have already built several of the new carriers and begun test and new development of a newer class.

Lang flopped down on his bed when his computer chimed.
“Yes?” Doctor Williams face appeared on the computer screen “Dr Williams?”
“Lieutenant Lang, the Captain requests that you come to the Med-Bay please”
“Yes on my way”

* * *

“Please be brief Lieutenant” said Dr Williams “we don’t know how much longer he has to live”
“I thought you were able to treat his injuries?” asked Lang “I though the Captain may make a full recovery?”
“He sustained far too many injuries” said Dr Williams “and he lost a lot of blood from the explosion in engineering. I am able to make him comfortable and treat some of the injuries; otherwise he does not have much time”
“Doctor, are you sure about this?”
“Doctor is that the young Lieutenant I hear you talking with?” the Captain’s voice could be heard from the treatment room “bring that man over here”
“The Captain has taken a likening towards you Lieutenant” said Dr Williams “pray to God that you don’t get emotional about it”
“No Doctor I won’t”

“So our budding Lieutenant arrives” coughed the Captain as Lang entered the sickbay “how are feeling young man?”
“I am well sir” said Lang “is there something you want Captain?”
“Actually there is” said the Captain “remember our brief talk on the flight deck?”
“Yes sir” said Lang “about the Mari-gosa?”
“Mari-ad Lieutenant” corrected the Captain “the Mari-ad. Lieutenant, I believe you will have a successful career as an officer in the Confederation Navy, as long you stay one step ahead of trouble”
“I don’t understand sir”
“What happens Lieutenant, no matter what happens, don’t trust the Mari-ad. Don’t believe a word they say, don’t make any promises or deals with them”
“Why sir? Are they a problem?”
“They are a serious threat to the Confederation and we have been trying to shut them down ever since they began terrorising the known systems”
“Captain why are you telling me this?” asked Lang “should you inform Confed Intelligence or Command”
“The Mari-ad have their fingers into everything and possibly into the higher echelons within the military command tree. I cannot risk revealing such information. Fortunately there are a small group of officers who are aware of the threat the Mari-ad pose”
“Captain?”
“I want you to join our group, our organisation”
“Organisation sir?”
“We are known as Blue Reign, Lieutenant. We are a covert group within Intelligence”
“Military or Civilian?’
“Neither Lieutenant. We work outside the known Confederacy we” the Captain coughed violently, Lang reached over to assist, but the Captain held his hand up “we work secretly outside the system. We work to achieve one goal. The safety of the Confederation and its allies”
“Why are you telling me all this” said Lang “I’m a mere Lieutenant”
“A Lieutenant with a future” said the Captain “join us and we can help you with your career”
“I need to think about it Captain”
“Sure I understand”

* * *

The bell rang for almost five minutes before Lang ever knew it rang that long, bleary eyed, Lang stumbled off the bed to answer the call chime on the computer screen. Dr Williams appeared on the other side of the screen
“Doctor” said Lang “what can I do for you?”
“Sorry to wake you up Lieutenant” said Dr Williams “but I should let you know that the Captain died two hours ago” Lang woke up completely at the news
“How?”
“The Captain lost too much blood” said Dr Williams “the burns he suffered were too severe and I was only able to treat so much. I’m sorry Lieutenant I have done all that I could”
“The Commander?”
“He has been inform and will make the announcement within the hour”
“I see”
“Before he died, the Captain informed me that he wanted to give you something should he died”
“Oh?”
“It’s a data-pad and it can only be access with your security clearance and voice activation”

* * *

Lang sat at his desk reading the entry for the tenth time, twentieth time he lost count how many times he read the message and still he could not believe what the Captain left for in his message.
Again Lang replayed the message.
“Lieutenant, I know you have much to think about this and I know that I don’t have much time so I will be straight to the point. The Confederation spans over all over the known galaxy and it has achieved a great deal. However the Confederation cannot be everywhere to maintain stability. The Mari-ad after it was expelled from the Assembly have been targeting key Confederation sites weakening the government from within.
They strive to strike out at anything and at anyone whom they believe is an inconvenience. Blue Reign was established after the terrorist bombing at Sirius in 2580. Since then Blue Reign have been keep an eye out for the Mari-ad and other groups that poses a threat to the Confederation. I see you, who is capable to help protect the Confederation. If you help us I will ensure that you will be looked after. On one condition only. Don’t trust the Mari-ad at any cost.”

Present Time
TCs Hibernia
Captain Lang’s Personal Quarters

Never trust or believe the Captain said, Lang continue to write in his log I should have listen to him and yet I ignore the only request he asked of me. What have I done. Cynthia, my darling wife I am sorry. Lang finished his entry and turned off his computer.

Lang walked over to his clothes draw and pull out his formal dress uniform and put it on. Standing in front of the mirror, Lang looked at himself in the mirror and wonder what if things were different. What if he had made the second decision. It was too late for him and he was too far in and he couldn’t do anything. He reached over to a nearby draw next to his bed and pulled out a small sidearm.
The sidearm silver plated pistol given to him by Commander in Chief of Vega Sector on his promotion to full Captain Bars. It has been a tradition with officers who are promoted to full Captains Bar were given a small memento. Swords, medals, plaques. Lang was given a pistol. Lang wonder who thought of this tradition but it didn’t matter, nothing matter anymore.
Looking at the mirror in front, Lang gave himself an Academy style salute and pointed the pistol to his temple and pulled the trigger.

Dahan · 02-11-2008, 21:34

Hello my fellow Wingies....its been a long time since I add the next chapter...I have been so busy with my new job that I have almost forgotten about this. Never the less I still have lots of things to write so I hope people still enjoyed the fan fiction I have written....
Enjoy the read...
Dahan

Chapter 29

Ariel System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.238.1800
TCS Hibernia

“Damn!” grunted Major Brady as he tried to adjust his spacesuit “now I understand why marines hate Zero G combat. These suits are so bulky. No wonder I can’t move much”
“Could have been worse” said Major O’Brian. Lieutenant you got access?”
“I think we bypass the security lock sir” said Datangia as he and Torps were fiddling with an access port control port “I think we have neutralized the security sensors around this section I hope no one is around”
“Agreed” said O’Brian “Ok here is the plan, once Datangia and Torps opens the access port we secure the immediate area and assess the threat. No hero stuff folks otherwise I’ll shoot you myself” a couple of chuckles replied through the headsets “OK Datangia when you are ready, go!”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge

“There it goes again” said Arcus “I swear the sensors are being tampered with”
“You are being stupid” said Derek leaning over to look at the console screen
“See there it goes again” said Arcus pointing at the screen showing a detail schematic of the Hibernia. Arcus pointed to a section of the security sensors along the ship’s hull turning on and off intermittently “I tell you something is wrong”
“Are you forgetting something you idiot” said Derek “this ship is over 20 years old. Did it occur to you that some of the ships system are probably breaking down or wearing out?”
“Oh I didn’t think about that” said Arcus “I suppose this ship is old. Still does not explain why someone wants to hijack this carrier”
“Well don’t tell Jonas” said Derek indicating to the Mari-ad leader who was with his lieutenant looking over the map table in the centre of the Command Bridge “he doesn’t need to know about such petty things”

* * *

“So far our techs are still trying to break through the secured ship systems and still they bypass the security protocols” continued Brutus as he explained the situation to Jonas, “we only have gain control of the environment systems, internal communications and most of the ships internal systems”
“But we don’t have access to the ships main systems?” asked Jonas
“No, we don’t have main communications, navigation and sensors, weapon controls, and propulsion. Our work gangs are having problems access the snub fighters in the hanger bay. They are all under some kind of lockdown”
“Something which Captain Lang did before allowing us to come aboard?”
“I guess so” said Brutus “we have a few people down at Engineering trying to get the engines online and operational, but nothing seems to be working out. The only thing we have able to get working is something call the E.H.W.S”
“Really” said Jonas “I’m surprised the Hibernia has that system onboard. That system was considered redundant”
“What is E.H.W.S?” asked Brutus
“Environmental Hazard Warning System” said Jonas “Often referred E-WAK by the Confed technicians during the early days. The system was design to detect any environmental hazard that could pose a threat to the ship and the crew. During the early days of testing and trials the system show potential but unfortunately it didn’t perform to its full potential as it had some difficulty in identifying and differentiating some environmental hazards”
“Did they fix the problem?”
“They have tried and where not able to determine the problem in the systems. Military Brass decided that they could not afford to risk using the system until they fully explored the problem. So the E-WAK project was scrapped and kept in the military systems archives”
“How did you know about all this?” asked Brutus “you seem to know almost everything that we are doing”
“Not everything” said Jonas “just prepared. The information about the E-WAK was very hard to obtain and it costed quite a fortune to pay for it”

“Sir we have a communication from Crane and Kiro” said one of the Mari-ads at the communication stations.
“Put it through” said Jonas “this is Jonas, report”
“Sir, this is Crane, we were assigned to guard Captain Lang and...” the guard was hesitant to continue
“What about Captain Lang?” asked Jonas
“He is dead sir”
“What! How?”
“We heard a shot from inside the cabin. We went in to find Captain Lang dead. He shot himself”
“Understood, leave the body. Go and assist the team down at Engineering. Jonas out”
“You going to leave the Captain there?” asked Brutus “should we try to access his personal computer and find his access codes?”
“Unlikely they would be there” said Jonas “the good Captain would have known that we might have tried to access his terminal should we kill him. No, we will continue to find another way. But on the other hand..” Jonas switched the map table off and headed to the main lift “I think I should have a look at the Captain’s terminal and see what secrets he is hiding”

Dahan · 05-12-2008, 03:25

Gday wingnuts,
Thought to let those fan fiction readers who have enjoyed reading my contribution of the forum.
I am still writing my chapters...just been occupied with my new job...hopefully by the end of the month I will posted a couple of new chapters in the 3 series I have...
Take it easy me mateys
>_<

09-01-2005, 04:57	#1
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	2628 - An officers beginning After reading many peoples comments, suggestions and extra information I have made a fan fiction which I hope people would enjoy reading.... There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first Kilrathi War, then the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, then the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim. I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within. A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad which has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. This is the story of a young officer who is dragged into the conflict just prior to the first Kilrathi war. An officer’s new beginning. Introduction TCS Academy Houston, Earth, Sol Star Date 2628 “Break left now!” Datangia swung his fighter port side as the missile shot past “Thanks Gem. I owe you one!” “You can buy me a beer when we finish. You’re on my wing” said Gem, as Datangia looked over to his starboard side to his wingman flying by, “Flight 2 what’s your status?” “All clear” “Keeping’ those bandits busy” “Check, Datangia and I are heading for the corvette. Just keep those bandits off our backs” “You got it boss” * * * Gem and Datangia sped towards the lone ship that was trying to leave the fight. “Looks like it is trying to reach the jump point” said Datangia “Check” agreed Gem, “I’m reading power fluctuations” “We have to disable the engines!” “OK, you hit the engines, I’m hitting the weapons. We got to jam their transmission” “I’m right with you Gem let’s go” Datangia and Gem hit their afterburners reaching closer to the enemy corvette. Datangia switched on his missile weapon systems as he targeted the corvette’s engines, “I’m getting tone” as he reached closer to the corvette, suddenly the corvette open fired on them, “What the hell!? I thought the corvette had no gun ports” “So did I” said Gem, “it’s too late, stay on target and hit those engines, we got to….” Gem never got to finish her sentence as her fighter exploded next to Datangia “Fuck!” hissed Datangia as he swerved his fighter away from the blast, “Reddy, Flame! Gems gone need help fast!” “Got our hand’s tied” said Reddy, “damn pirates are blocking us between us and you. You got to leave the corvette!” “Can’t do that mate” said Datangia, “we leave it, reinforcements would come back. I can’t do that. I going to hit the engines and communications, I’m not letting them go” Datangia swung his fighter back targeting the corvette’s engines and preset the ship’s communications antenna as his secondary target. Swerving left and right, Datangia avoiding the ships fire inching in closer towards the corvette. His targeting system begun to emit a ticking tone attempting to acquire a target lock on the corvette’s engines. The targeting system reached a firing solution and locked on to corvette’s engines, “Launching missile now!” said Datangia as he fired his missile as the engines, Datangia swerve his fighter starboard as he fired his missile, “engines gone, engines gone!” said Datangia as he attempted to acquire the corvette’s communication systems, “Watch it Datangia you got bandit on your six” Datangia check his sensors and saw an enemy blip heading to his location very fast, “Damn, too close” said Datangia as he turn his fighter around, he checked his load out, only one dumb-fire missiles left, moving his fighter away from the corvette’s firing range he face his opponent. Before he could do anything his missile lock warning blared loudly through his helmet speakers, he looked through his cockpit and saw a flicker of light followed by a big flash of white light, “Second Flight got missile lock got…” Datangia never finished his sentence, as his fighter was completely surrounded by white light followed by blackness. “What the!?” said Datangia as he turned his head around trying to see what was going on, “Damn it, I almost had that corvette” “Well you should have checked that fighter that was coming up from behind” Datangia heard Gem’s voice as the cockpit simulator opened up and saw his wingman and the others climbing out of their cockpit simulators. Datangia pulled off his helmet and shaking his sweating hair, “Damn it we weren’t told about the corvette’s weapons” “We were not told anything about the corvette” said Flame as she leaned over to Datangia’s cockpit, “you of all people who have thought of that” Datangia gave Flame an angry look, as he was always referred as the ‘by the book’ type of guy, “who said that I would have thought of it. You knew that I was under pressure there” “OK folks quiet down” said a voice behind the cadets. The group turn to see their flight instructor Lieutenant Colonel Regan, walking up towards them. “You all did very good given the circumstances, but Flame was right about something. We did not tell you all the information provided and you should have taken the initiative of assessing the situation.” “Sir why did you not tell us that the corvette had any weapons online?” asked Datangia “If you recall cadet” said Regan “in the briefing I said that the objective was to neutralise the enemy ship before jumping out. Assess the situation and follow the flight leader’s orders. I did not say anything else” Datangia looked over to his wingman and flight leader Gem who only shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “I wouldn’t worry too much Cadet Cheng” smiled Regan, “you did what you thought was best. Just remember don’t do anything heroics when you out there. Your wingman is the most value possession when you are in combat. You folks have three more weeks til graduation. We go through one more simulation and see what happens, until then read up your squad tactics and manoeuvres text otherwise dismissed.” * * * “I can’t believe that we are almost graduating!” said Gem, “We soon would be posted to our first ship!” “Or naval base” reminded Reddy, “you forget that we have planetary bases as well as carriers. The real action is onboard the battleships, cruisers and destroyers” “Ah there is always room for fighters” replied Gem, “what do you think Anthony what do you think?” Anthony sat listening to the conversation between the two cadets about the which was better, “Personally I don’t really care” replied the Australian born Chinese cadet, “As long I get to fly and do my fair share of duty and fun I am happy” “Ah you’re such a let down Anthony” said Gem, “you never take any sides do you?” “Why should I? Should I be concerned about what is better? Carriers or Battleship? Just read the report about the Panama Games and make your decision then” “Why read the report when you could turn up to Commander Turner’s lectures” said Flame, “I’m sure you could learn all the things you need from the Commander” “Hell no” said Gem, “the Commander gives me the creeps every time I look at him. I rather read the article on the network” “Suit yourself” replied Flame as she finished the rest of her drink. * * * He sat on the bench looking over the lake watching the ducks gliding over the water. In three weeks he would be graduating. In three weeks he will no longer be a cadet. In three weeks he will be an officer in the Confederation military. In three weeks he would be following the footsteps as his father would be. In three weeks he will see where fate will lead him. “Why the glum face cadet?” said someone from a distance, Anthony to face the voice and saw Colonel Regan coming with a small brown paper bag, “something on your mind Anthony?” “I don’t know sir” sigh Anthony, “It’s just that in three weeks I’m graduating. I know that I should be happy, I am. But I got this feeling that I am not” “Anything to do with the fire accident and the fact that your father pulled strings to keep you from being expelled from the Academy?” Anthony tried to reply but couldn’t find the right words to respond with, “Sir I was with those other cadets when they lit the fire crackers. I was with them when the crackers blew up and lit the garbage refuse. I am accountable as much as they were” Colonel Regan sat down next to the cadet and put his hand into the brown bag and pull out a handful of bread bits and fed them to the ducks that were nearby. “That may be true Cadet, but you have to remember that being there is not being the same as being involved” “No sir, but I still feel responsible for not doing anything” “Are you worried that this might be on your permanent record?” Anthony nodded, “I thought you might feel that way” John wiped his hand on his pants and pulled out an envelop from inside his jacker, “you might want to take a look at this” “What is it?” “My permanent record” “How did you get and why sir?” “One of the perks of being a senior officer is that you can pull strings to get on hold on things you need. Something which I think your father would have done” Anthony looked at his Academy instructor’s record until he came across a section mark as disciplinary record. The record show that his instructor had stolen exam papers, changed results, stolen instructors credit chip and received various different disciplinary action. “You see cadet that not everyone leaves the Academy with a perfect record. Even Commander Turner has had problems during his younger days” “Commander Turner!?” “Don’t get too worked up Anthony” laughed John, “go and find your friends and enjoy your time left together. You have your whole life ahead of you” “Yes sir and thank you sir” replied Anthony as he got up from the bench “And Cadet” “Yes Sir” “When we are not on duty or teaching or anything call me John” “Yes sir, John” “And I like my record please” Anthony looked down and saw he was still holding on to his instructors record “Sorry sir” smiled Anthony as he returned the paper. * * * One month later Confederation Service Academy Graduation Day Houston, Earth, Sol “Congratulations Tony!” said Ta-ke, giving his grandson a big heart, “we are so proud of you!” “Thanks gramps” smiled Anthony, “It means so much that everyone was able to come” “Oh darling we could not missed this for all the tea in China” said Anthony’s grandmother Jennifer, “Your mother would be so proud of you I know she would have like this” Anthony nodded as he too wished his mother was here. “I can’t believe I would see this day” said Anthony as he wiped a tear from his eye, “I went through so much trouble and I thought the Commandant would expelled me from the Academy” “Well you may have to talk to your father” said Ta-ke “I have a hunch that he may have something to do with it” “Not dad again” groaned Anthony, “he promised me not to help me. After helping me with from that fire accident I told him that I would face the consequences and not to get away from it!” “I know” nodded Ta-ke, “But I think that your dad does not what to see you suffer as much as he did” “Am I interrupting something here?” asked someone behind “Not at all Skip” smiled Ta-ke, “we just congratulating my grandson. How is the motley crew?” “They are all well Ta-ke, all well” smiled Admiral Banbridge as he shook Anthony’s hand “Congratulations Lieutenant and welcome to the service” “Thank you sir” replied Anthony, “I am looking forward to my first assignment” “Don’t worry Lieutenant” chuckled Wayne, “You will get your assignment in a few days, but in the meantime enjoy what you have now. If you excuse me I have some people I have to see. Ta-ke we have to catch up for some rice wine” “Don’t worry I intend to” laughed Anthony’s grandfather “I didn’t know you knew Admiral Banbridge Gramps” “Well his father and I went to high school together. Ah it has been a long time” “How old are you grandpa?” “As if I would tell you that” chuckled Ta-Ke, “I think you have another visitor Tony” as he pointed to another officer coming towards them, Anthony turned to see John Regan coming towards them, “Colonel” saluted Anthony as his former instructor came up towards him and return the salute, “Congratulations Lieutenant” smiled John, “Well done it has been a long time coming” “Yes sir it has been. Thank you sir for everything” “Your welcome Lieutenant. If you ever want to talk to someone I’m here” “Thank you sir I will keep that in mind” replied Anthony as former cadet and former instructor shook hands for the last time. * * * Few Days later Anthony looked at the data pad again for the hundredth time, making sure that he was reading the data pad correctly. His father after numerous times arguing with allow him to accompany him to ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Confed Personnel and Operations and Command Date: 2629.134 Pilot: #39585610 Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Security: ******** Subject: New Assignment Statement of Assignment: Congratulations on your graduation and to your first assignment. You are part of a long proud history of serving men and women in the Confederation. I hope you do and others proud in the service. Upon receiving these orders you are to report to McAuliffe Naval Base, McAuliffe System, Vega Sector for assignment in the Enigma-Epsilon Sector ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anthony sat in the shuttle’s seat as he continuously looked between the data pad and outside the view port. “You have been looking at that data pad too long Anthony give it a rest” said his father, “You’ve got an assignment you don’t have to worry about anything” “I know dad” replied Anthony as he tried to get over the news that he was being assigned to a carrier. He was expected to station on a naval base or space station, “I’m just a bit surprised that of all the assignments I expected I get assignment to a fighter base squadron, but a carrier squadron that is what most Academy graduates dream of. You didn’t do anything did you dad?” Francis chuckled at the question his son posed at him, “No Anthony I didn’t. After the fire accident at the Academy I decided not to intervene any more.” “So this was purely by the choice by Command?” “I guess so” “How do that allocate personnel to bases and ships?” “You’re asking the wrong man son. When we reach to McAuliffe you can ask Personnel how they allocate people” * * * McAuliffe Naval Base McAuliffe, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector Anthony left the personnel office where he picked up his paper for his assignment – Lieutenant Cheng, upon receiving this letter you will receive your assignment and confidential information of your new squadron and carrier. Assignment: TCS Hibernia = Ranger Class Carrier [CV-79] Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker Executive: Major Joseph Lector You will be assigned to the following squadron: Squadron Assignment: Flying Tiger's Squadron (28th Flight Group - Fighter Interceptor Squadron) ( CF-117 Rapier Fighter) Squadron Leader: Major Amanda 'Silky' Mallamo Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez 1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe 1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson 1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman 1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace 1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico 2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards 2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross 2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee TCS Hibernia Fighter Complement 40 Fighters 28th ‘Flying Tigers’ Squadron (Rapier fighter) 57th ‘Wild Aces’ Squadron (Rapier fighter) 357th ‘Silver Arrows’ Squadron (Minotaur fighter) 8th ‘Black Bear’ Squadron (Bomber fighter squadron) Upon receiving your orders report to the shuttle port for departure to the TCS Hibernia Once aboard the Hibernia, report to the Wing Commander Lt. Col. David Parker ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I guess this is it” said Anthony as he dropped his duffel bag on the flight deck, looking around the station, “This place is huge!” “Not as big back on Earth” smiled Francis “Dad you didn’t have to come with me to McAuliffe, I would have made it here on my own” “Captain’s privilege” said Francis, “when you’re commander of a ship you can get away from some things” “Like I don’t notice already” there was an awkward silence between father and son as they looked at each. Suddenly embarrassed with the silence, Francis cleared his throat, “Anthony you be careful out there” “Dad I will be alright” said Anthony, “don’t worry I will contact you once I’m aboard the Hibernia” “OK” replied Francis as he offer his hand to him, Anthony smiled and stepped forward and hugged his father, “Thanks dad. Thank you very much” * * * __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

09-02-2005, 15:43	#2
Plywood Fiend 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 213	Looks pretty good so far. I never really considered 'Confed the early days' or at least 'Confed the pre-kilrathi, pre-pilgram days', it'll be interesting to see where you go with this story. My only criticism is your description of the 'deaths' in teh simulaor. They seemed a bit rushed to me, maybe if you stretched it out a bit more, had the cadets trying to take evasive action, uttering nervous damage reports or something like that it would have sounded more believable. Other then that, i liked it. I look forward to seeing the second chapter. __________________ A pox on the eye! I'd pluck it out if I knew where it was.

09-04-2005, 08:40	#4
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thanks for the feedback. My fan fiction writing style aint perfect, but then nobody is perfect. Like everyone else they are trying. Hear is Chapter One of 2628 - An officers beginning. I hope everyone enjoyed reading the "Introduction"...Enjoy...Dahan An Officer’s beginning Chapter 1 “New people” Two months after settling in onboard the TCS Hibernia, Anthony is settling into the routine and adjusting his new life as a Confederation officer. Sitting down at the Observation deck, Anthony looks out the view port watching a transport flies past as it is escorted out by a flight of fighters from the Wild Aces Squadron. He looks back at his laptop trying to figure how to start his journal. He promised himself that once he gets assigned to his first post he would start a journal and reflect on what he has done. He didn’t expect it to be so difficult trying to figure out what to write in his journal. He could have write about every mission he did in the last couple of months but decided not to. He didn’t think he would want to read back on all the missions he did, a failed or successful mission. He pondered on what he should write and an idea comes to his mind. He started to type in his laptop….. Personal Log Star Date 2628.199 TCS Hibernia Well it has been a couple of months since I boarded the Hibernia. My first assignment, wow I never thought I would see myself standing onboard the deck of a carrier in the Confederation Fleet. I suppose dad was right when he said that the first time is always the most memorable moment in their careers. Sure there would be other experiences to come, but then being a fresh recruit standing on the flight deck looking at all those fighters all lined up, technicians fiddling them around, people moving supplies around, the smell of lubricants, grease, oil fumes and other offensive odours bring a certain quality being onboard a ship for the first time. My meeting with the Wing Commander was pleasant and unexpected. Lieutenant Colonel David Parker is one of most friendliest and open hearted officer I ever met. Sometimes when I go back to when I first met him I wonder if he ever really liked being in the military, he just seem to be too nice. I remember when I reported to the WC office, the Colonel had a pot of hot tea for me. He greeted me and shook my hand and offered me a seat. I was a bit speechless at first but regain my composure. At first I thought he was just sucking up to me because maybe he knew my father but in fact I later learned from Donovan, was that the Colonel makes every effort for every pilot who arrives on board the Hibernia especially Academy graduates feel comfortable and not to feel out of place or nervous. Well I guess Donovan was right, the Colonel has a gentle and kind side but he does have his professionally side which everyone see when he is on duty, but otherwise most would see the Colonel as the happy go luck fella who is just the same as everyone else onboard. The only difference between him and the next person is the insignia they wear on the shoulder pads. The welcome party at the Rec Room was damn fun and the party host, Donovan the rec room bartender ensured that everyone was having a good time. Donovan introduce me and all the other new people who arrived on the Hibernia to the other pilots, techies and other ship staff onboard the Hibernia. I was able to meet my squadron commander, Major Amanda ‘Silky’ Mallamo and our XO, Captain Gregory ‘Balls’ Border. I was told by others not to call my XO Gregory as he hated it when his parents call him Gregory. I think it is something to do with being all formal and proper. Must be that upper English thing. His parents were from Cardiff and always live in a proper and dignified manner, dam pommie bastards. But then he would say otherwise about me being an Aussie and then he would go on about how England is going to take the Ashes back blah, blah and then Australia wins the Ashes series 3 to 1. Samantha Ibanez also known as Jewel. Apparently rumours are around the place is that she always wears some kind of jewellery whenever she goes on assignment and wears something when she goes to bed. Strange girl. Samuel ‘Torps’ Thorpe, apparently he is a direct descendant of one of Australian swimming legends in the late 20th and early 21st century Ian Thorpe. At first I didn’t believe him but when he showed me his photos of his swimming trophies I retracted my statement. Dark ‘Drool’ Simpson, now this guy I cannot forget. The first guy I met who was given his callsign by his squadron. A group of guys went out partying after graduating from the Academy and apparently went to a strip club and Dark was literally drooling at every woman he saw. Even at the welcome party you could see a small drool at the corner of his mouth. Sometimes I shiver at the sight of him drooling over some pretty face. But then I am one for talk. Carl “Brains” Wallace, recently transferred from Luna fighter garrison and arrived on the Hibernia with me. Not much I could say about him as he didn’t talk much nor did he mingle with many people at the party. He pretty much stood at the far end of the room looking outside at the stars mellowing in his own thoughts. Jean-Luc ‘Pasty’ Rico, some French dude from Paris France. Man I never have seen a paler person. Anymore and I swear he could have been an albino, suppose why people call him Pasty. Tyson ‘Skinny’ Edwards, nice guy from Scotland. Drinks like there is no tomorrow, always the first with the drinks and the last to leave. He seems to have a new drinking game every 5 minutes. This guy is an absolute larrikin. Kathryn ‘Arrows’ Ross, a new graduate like me from Canada. Not much I could say but rumour has it that she brought along a bow and arrow with her. Must be to do with the callsign she has. Michelle ‘Peck’ Lee, Academy graduate from Korea. Apparently if I remember during my time at the Academy she is always on dates with guys and don’t do kisses. She gives them pecks on the cheek. Who in the right mind does peck on the cheek!? I also got to meet pilots from the other three squadrons onboard the Hibernia and they were great to hang out with. Apparently there is a pool going on amongst the four squadrons. At the end of each week the squadron with the least successful mission must buy rounds for the other three squadrons. Well as an Australian born individual, I can’t pass down a game where alcohol and as a Chinese I cannot turn down such a challenge. This would be interesting. The day after arriving on the Hibernia and recovering from the excess amount of alcohol and with the help of anti-hang over pills provided from Medical I received my first flight assignment. I was fortunate that my first flight assignment was an easy one. I think that Colonel Parker might have known that I might have drunk a tad bit too much and might assign me an easier task but I should not be getting any special privileges for my actions. Hopefully I don’t get into too much problems from the big party nights. My wingman, Pasty and I had to escort a cargo transport which has jumped in from the Enyo system carrying new computer parts for Alexandria station which was undergoing an upgrade on some of its secondary systems. Colonel Parker said it was standard escort mission; a simple nanny job is what some of the pilots call it these days, however the Colonel warned us of possible pirates, rogue officers or even Mari-ad terrorist that might try to hijack the transport so we have to keep a sharp eye out for trouble. Fortunately I was lucky enough not to encounter any bad guys just had to pass through an asteroid field which caused a few minor dents to the ship. Chief Petty Officer Oscar Mendez, who is the ships chief technician wasn’t harsh on me when I landed my fighter into the docking bay. He gave me a warning about when flying through asteroids which. The shields can protect me from the asteroids for only so much and then the ships starts taking damage to the hull and parts of the fuselage. Damn I hate to arrive back on the ship in a banged up fighter. Mendez gave me a few good pointers when I came back from my first assignment. I hope that in my future flight assignments I don’t get into too much trouble in getting my ship damaged. Colonel Parker was happy that we didn’t encounter any hostiles and that he was happy that my first flight assignment went off without a hitch. Scratch one successful mission for the Flying Tigers. * * * Anthony closes his laptop as he heard bridge communication officer making an announcement on the speakers through the room. “All Flying Tiger pilots please report to briefing room, all Flying Tiger pilots please report to the briefing room” Standing up and having a big stretch, Anthony takes one last look out at the stars enjoying the view. “Damn I got to stop looking out at the stars” Anthony said to himself as he walked to the lift. I wonder how dad is doing? He thought as he entered the lift and hit the barracks button. Leaning back on the lift wall, Anthony closed his eyes pondering on what his father would be doing, knowing him he would be wracking his brains trying not to worry about his son’s progress, trying not to worrying if his son might get hurt in an accident or worse yet died during a mission. I better send a letter to him another vid-mail, he thought as the lift finally stopped at its destination. * * * __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

09-05-2005, 17:40	#5
Plywood Fiend 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 213	The story seems to be shaping out alright, you've outlined the setting and the characters, to be hounest i'm not sure if your switch to the present tense works though. Its rarely a good idea to alternate between one tense to the other between chapters. Another peice of CC is that, in my opinion, it would have been interesting to hear some brief details on the Mari-ad. Other then that, i think its looking pretty good so far. __________________ A pox on the eye! I'd pluck it out if I knew where it was.

09-07-2005, 07:03	#6
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thanks for feedback Plywood, reading your fan fiction puts my fan fiction to shame . But it gives me motivation to continue to write my fan fiction and hope people enjoy my vision I have in my fiction. Any hoot I hope everyone has enjoy reading what I have written. Like I said previously it aint perfect but it is a worknig progress and hopefully in later chapters it will get better. In the introduction and Chapter One we are introduce to 2nd Lieutenant Anthony Cheng who has recently graduated from Confederation Academy and has been given his first assignment on board the TCS Hibernia, a Ranger-Class light carrier. We met some of the people onboard the Hibernia, including his squadron the 28th squadron, the Flying Tigers. This next chapter brings to light of an organisation that brings a threat within the Confederation. Hope you all enjoy it. 2628 An officers beginning Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector TCS Hibernia Briefing Room 2628.260 Anthony arrived late after a long night at the bar in the rec room after the Flying Tiger’s won for the most successful missions among the four squadrons onboard the Hibernia. “Well somebody looks they have been to hell and back” smiled Torps as he saw Anthony walked in the briefing very slow, “You’re not much different yourself Torps” said Anthony, as he sat down slowly next to Torps and ran his hand through his hair, “Man what a night! I swear I got to lay off the beer” “Hey that’s your fault for challenging Skinny. You knew he would outdrink you. He’s Irish, it is in his blood” “Yeah and it’s in Anthony’s blood to never turn down a challenge” said someone behind them, Anthony and Samuel to see Ibanez and the rest of the remaining squadron pilots come in. Anthony could see that everyone is pretty much recovering from last night’s ordeal at the rec room. “OK next time if we win the weekly comp, we take some pills prior to the drinks” said Carl, “We party too much” “Well you should control the amount you drank mate?” said Dark, “you should have known better” “You’re one for talk” said Allison, “for someone who drools all night long especially last night. Who was the chick you were goggling last night?” “I wasn’t goggling!” snapped Dark, “I was having a nice chat with Sarah” “Oh so it’s Sarah now” jeered Allison, “we on a first name basis now” “Quit it!” said Dark as people begin to notice that he was slightly blushing “Who’s Sarah?” asked Peck “She’s the Chief Comm Officer on the ship” replied Allison, “Dark has been eyeing her ever since he arrived on the Hibernia” “I remember” said Anthony as he became wide awake and remembering last nights event, “Dark was chatting to Sarah and if I remember from all the beer you were getting close to getting some action” “Oh fuck off would you!” snapped Dark, “Nothing happen alright, we just chatted and that was it” Allison was about to reply when their squadron commander arrived with Colonel Parker from the front of the briefing room “Well ladies, I hope that you all enjoyed last night’s fun and games” said Parker as he walked up to the briefing platform, “giving last night events, looks like you all had plenty to drink” “And plenty to talk about sir!” shouted Pasty down from the back, everyone else laughed and a few looked back to the front where Dark was sitting, slouching lower in his seat, trying to avoid being seen by the rest his squadron “I’m sure that we have some stories to share” said Parker, “but right now we have a problem” Parker turn around to the map screen and activate it show a series of flight paths or 3 different flight groups, “You all may have heard from that when you received our assignment orders, that the Hibernia was going to the Enigma and Epsilon Sectors. We have been ordered from Command has cancelled those orders and order the Hibernia remain in the Vega Sector for an extended assignments” a groan could be heard amongst the squadron, “I know some of you expected to be heading to a different sector for something different, but we are now facing a new problem. Reports are coming in and Command concurs with what we found is that there is an increase in pirate and smugglers activities in this sector, a majority of these activities appeared to be concentrated in the Douglas and Day quadrant in the Vega Sector and we are not sure who is behind these activities. We hope that it is not the Mari-ad but Command wants to assess the situation and determine who is behind these acts” the entire squadron now shaken off their cobwebs and are suddenly alert when the WC informed of the current situation “Because of the severity of this situation in this system, the Tiger squadrons will be deployed in 3 flights of 4 and are to patrol and scout the surrounding region” Parker indicated the flight path of the 3 assignment groups with the map wall behind him. “Alpha flight will be Silky, Torps, Skinny and Datangia. Your flight pattern will be this path following these four nav points” Parker indicated to the star map on the view screen behind him, “you are to rendezvous to each point scan the surrounding area and return back to base” “Sir what are we to do if we encounter hostiles sir?” asked Skinny, Parker didn’t reply straight away as he ponder for a brief moment, “Personally Lieutenant I do not like shooting down people, but if they are appear hostile and attack without provocation you are to respond in kind” “But sir” said Datangia, “but during peace time are we supposed to engage hostile forces only when we are ordered to if we encounter such?” “Yes that is true. But given the circumstances we are dealing with these increase pirate and smugglers in this sector, Command has allow for the order ‘shoot on sight’. Any questions? Good now Bravo Flight will be ……” * * * 15 minutes later Flight Deck TCS Hibernia “Are you feeling alright Tyson?” asked Datangia as he saw moments before, Skinny and Pasty were having a heated argument on the flight deck before heading into their fighters. “No mate, I’m fine” replied the Irishman, “just a matter difference of opinions” “About what?” said Datangia as they both walked to where their fighters were being prepped for launch, “what could you two be arguing about. I thought you guys were drinking buddies?” “Well it is nothing to do with that” replied Skinny, “it’s just that we have different opinions about what we think about the Mari-ad” “Well I don’t know much about them, except there are criminal organisation and that is all I know” “Well what you know about the Mari-ad is just the skim of the surface. I might tell you about it when we come back from assignment” * * * Alpha Flight Enroute to Nav Point 2 Enyo System, Vega Sector “OK folks we approaching point 2” said Silky, “Alpha 4 you pick up anything?” “Nothing here Lead” replied Datangia, “Quiet as a tomb” “Too quiet” said Torps, “if what they saw is true about increase Mari-ad activities we should be see some Mari-ad fighters around?” “We do not know if it is Mari-ad” said Skinny, “Like the Colonel said it could be pirates; smugglers or the Mari-ad Command does not know what is happening out there we…” “Cut the chatter” interrupted Silky, “I’m picking up four unidentified signals coming in at 045 mark 270” “Confirmed” said Datangia, “I’m not picking up any ID signal from them. Could it be Bravo or Charlie flight?” “Can’t be’ replied Silky, neither flights come across to our flight path. To unidentified ships please identified yourself and state your business” the four ships don’t respond but change their heading and move toward the flight group. “I think that’s your response lead” said Skinny, “and me don’t like this” “Unidentified ships approaching please identified and state your business” the ships still don’t respond. Silky switched her communication frequency as she contacts the Hibernia, “Home One this is Alpha flight, we picked four identified ships repeat 4 unknowns, all communications are ignored and are approaching us at attack speed we are preparing to engage, repeat we are preparing to engage” * * * About the same time TCS Hibernia Bridge Enyo System, Vega Sector “..all communications are ignored and are approaching us at attack speed we are preparing to engage, repeat we are preparing to engage” “Confirmed Alpha flight” replied Lieutenant Jessica, “4 UFOs are on approach on attack vector. CO and WC gives green light. Watch your six” “Well Captain it seems that we may have our hands full” said Parker as he and Captain Lang, the Hibernia’s commanding officer look at the view screen in front of them as they watch the four blue blips represent Alpha flight heading towards to the 4 grey blips, “you think it is the Mari-ad?” “Don’t know Colonel. Frankly I think we should just sweep through the entire sector and clean up this mess with these pirates and smuggler scum, they are such a pest to Confed. We have already enough problems with the political tensions with both the Pilgrim Alliance and the Landreich. We do not want another problem with these criminal activities.” “True, but what can we do? We don’t have enough….” “Captain” interrupted Jessica, “Alpha flight are engaging” Parker and Lang return their attention back to the view screen as they watch battle unfold, “What’s the status on the other flights Lieutenant?” asked Parker “Both flights report in nothing has been spotted yet and continuing on to their flight paths” “Switch to Flight Frequency 197, lets take a listen to how Alpha are doing” Parker and Lang listen in to the comm chatter as Alpha flight engage the unknowns “….damn those are Mark 4 Strikers what are they doing here?” “..don’t matter, they here and engaging, evasive manoeuvres” “Strikers? Here?” said Lang looking from the view screen “Those fighters were supposed to be scrapped years ago, where the hell did they come from?” “I don’t like this at all” said Parker, “if they are Mark 4 Strikers then we are in big trouble. Lieutenant inform Bravo flight to standby to assist Alpha flight once they reach their next nav point, inform them of the situation” “Yes Sir” Parker and Lang continue to listen to the transmission “….careful 2 you got one on your tail!” “Can’t shake him” “…Hang on 2 I’m coming..” background could be heard from the speakers as Parker and Lang could hear screeching and thumping sounds coming from the interior of one of the fighters “….thanks 4” “Well done 4” “leave the pleasantries later people, we got 3 more” “Copy lead” “Roger that” “I don’t like this” said Lang, “this is too tense. Rapiers against M4 Strikers. They are lucky it is 4 to 3” “Sir I am sure my pilots would pull through” said Parker, “I’m sure they know what they are doing. I’m sure they….” “hit! Hit! 2 is down repeat 2 is down” “..did 2 eject?..” “yeah I’m picking up escape pod” “Lieutenant get a SAR team out there!” ordered Parker, “get Major Brady out with an element he is to escort that SAR shuttle and pick up that pod” “Yes Sir” “Well I guess you were right Captain” said Parker, “this is too tense” * * * Meanwhile at the same time back with… Alpha Flight Nav Point 2 Enyo System, Vega Sector “SAR team on their way Alpha Lead, ETA 15 minutes” “Roger that Home One” replied Silky, “we will hold on. Alpha flight, SAR 20 minutes we have to hold on til they get here” “Copy that” “Roger” “Check” Datangia check his clock on his HUD, 20 minutes can mean forever. But 20 minutes for Torps could mean 20 seconds if he gets shot in his pod. He must protect his wing mate until help arrives. Down to only one dumb fire and his rear shields are nearly offline he needs to survive for another 20 minutes to protect Torps. Just 20 more minutes. There were three Strikers left and they would need to keep they occupied until search and rescue arrive. “Watch it four! you got one on your tail coming in hot!” Anthony checked his radar seeing the red blip coming in to his position fast. Trying to look behind him he could see a glimpse of the old space superiority fighter honing in on to his position. Checking his radar, he saw Silky and Skinny were busy with a Striker each, with little time he had left, he quickly banked his fighter port side just in time to avoid the laser fire that was about to hit him. Datangia pulled his stick back attempting to swing his fighter, a loop around the enemy. Feeling the G-force pressing against him, he hit the afterburners increasing his speed and getting behind the enemy fighter as quickly as possible. What seem like forever was just about a few seconds, Datangia swung his fighter right behind the enemy who was unaware of Datangia sudden change in position. “You’re ass is mine now” growled Datangia as he pressed down his trigger laying a barrage of laser fire into the enemy fighter. Datangia could see the enemy shields shimmer against the laser fire before it strike through towards the ships hull and could see parts of the armour coming off “Eat this!” Datangia flicked to his warhead system, targeting the enemy’s rear hull, “See you in hell punk!” as he fired his last dumb fire missile as it shot out from his missile port and jetted across the enemy fighter. “Scratch one striker!” as Datangia saw the missile make impact on the enemy fighter exploding in a big fiery fireball. “Good job 4” said Silky, “the other two Strikers are leaving” “Are we going after them?” asked Skinny “Negative on that 3” replied Silky, “I think we should hold back and wait for the SAR team” “Copy that” said Skinny, Datangia could hear Tyson growling under his breathe. He would be annoyed as well if they let the two remaining fighters go. “We are pretty beat up and we are in no condition to chase them” “I hear you lead” said Skinny, “just a little bit annoyed” “Don’t worry about it. We will get them next time” Silky switch frequency to the escape pod’s frequency hoping to see that Torps is alright. “Torps how are you holding up?” there was no response, “Torps do you read me? Torps!” “Maybe his radio is shot?” said Datangia “I don’t know” said Silky as she switched radio frequency, “Home One when is that SAR team coming?!” “SAR team is on their way” replied Jessica, “just hold on” “We don’t have much time. I can’t raise the escape pod and don’t know what is Alpha 3’s condition” “Copy Alpha lead. We will let SAR team know” “They better get here” said Skinny as he listens to the communication. * * * 1.5 hours later TCS Hibernia Med Bay Enyo System, Vega Sector “How is he doc?” asked Silky “He is a very lucky man” replied the Hibernia CMO, Lieutenant Shauna Tyson, “he suffered mild burns along his arms and legs. He received a laceration along his torso. He fell unconscious when he ejected and his escape pod transmitter was destroyed. Probably explains why you could not raise him” “How long will he recover?” asked Datangia “Oh about 4-5 days. We are going to keep him in for further observations and make sure that everything checks out. Until I’m satisfied he is staying here” “Fair enough, thanks doc” * * * A short time later TCS Hibernia Rec Room Enyo System, Vega Sector “You been nursing that drink for a while mate” said Donovan as he watched Anthony turn his drink on the bar table “I just don’t feel like drinking Donovan” Anthony sighed as he continues to gaze down on his drink. “Bad mission huh?” Anthony didn’t replied and merely nodded at the question, “want to tell me about it?” asked Donovan “I don’t know. I just don’t understand how the Mari-ad could obtain Strikers and how they could have almost taken us out. We almost lost one of our own” “How much do you know about the Mari-ad Anthony?” asked Donovan “Not much, apart from that I know they are sort of criminal or terrorist organisation” “Well that is partially incorrect. Did you know that the Mari-ad was originally known as the Mari-gosa Party, a political party that was part of the Confederation Assembly which was considered of one of the largest political part at that time. They were in the Assembly for almost over 60 years until they were expelled from the Assembly and expelled from the Confederation.” “Why were they expelled?” “During their time in the Assembly, the Mari-gosa was an extremist left wing political party that believe certain changes should be imposed within Confederation. Such changes included the military budget spending/development where they believe only men should serve the Confed military and women should not serve on active front line duties” “That’s bullshit, women fill a good proportion of the defence forces otherwise we would be undermanned” “That is true but that is only one of the issues that the Mari-gosa party proposed” continued Donovan, “ In areas of economics, the Mari-gosa proposed all colonies pay a tax Confederation Central Government in this case Earth on all transports of goods and services. They believe that the outer colonies outside Sol should be pay extra taxes for being outside Sol” “But aren’t the colonies paying tariffs already?” “Yes but the Mari-gosa wanted to impose more tax, which a majority of the Assembly refuse to accept the Mari-gosa proposal” ”God isn’t that a little bit extreme. Reminds me of some of the extremist views back in Earth 20th century during World War Two” ”It does a bit” said Donovan, “ and the lists goes on with the Mari-gosa extreme view and ridiculous ideas. It wasn’t until long that the Mari-gosa started making exchanges with criminal organisation in trades and other illegal business to the point that the Mari-gosa became a criminal organisation. On the outside the Mari-gosa appear to be an extremist political party through the eyes of the Confederation but to others they were seen as an criminal organisation” “As a results the Confederation Assembly conduct an inquiry to their dealings and found out about their illegal activities and was brough forward to the Assembly. It was voted that the Party be stripped of their titles and privileges and to be expelled from the Assembly. It was about 10 years later after the expulsion did the Mari-gosa later change to the Mari-ad, no one knows why but it is believe that the former political party have formed an alliance with some of the old criminal organisations from Earth, the Triads, the Mob, the Russian Mafia and the Black American Hoodlum Gangs. We don’t know what happen but since the change the Mari-ad has led a campaign of terror destroying Confed facilites, hijacking cargo, abductions and other extremist activities.” “One of the most serious act which compromised the security of Confed Military was that a cargo of Confed fighters were hijacked by Mari-ad terrorists and there whereabouts are unknown.” “You mean the Striker fighters?” asked Datangia ”Maybe” said Donovan, “but that is another story I will tell you one day. You should get some rest. Get some sleep, forget about what happen today and start again fresh and you will better” “Thanks Donovan. I appreciate it, good night” “Good night mate, take it easy” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

09-03-2005, 02:02	#3
Mystery muppet Major Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Anywhere but here. Posts: 524	Me, I'm looking forward to some more punctuation. __________________ I can't go home again unless I find a stone a rose a door and that is the truth. Choo-choo, and that is the truth.

09-09-2005, 13:47	#7
Plywood Fiend 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 213	That was pretty good. I'm curious as to what sinisterness the Mari-ad have planned. Minor criticisms, there was some tense confusion in some places, and to be hounest, the battle scene i thought could have benefited from some description in places where you just have dialogue, it made the scene seem kind of rushed. This aside, a good chapter. I look forward to seeing the next one. __________________ A pox on the eye! I'd pluck it out if I knew where it was.

09-14-2005, 07:52	#8
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thanks for the feedback, hopefully my next chapters will improve and become enjoyable for all the other readers. Here is chapter 3 of "2628 - An officers beginning" Here we will step somewhere else where we meet a major character in this fan fiction and learn a bit about the Mari-ad. Hope you all enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who has read my previous chapters. Chapter 3 Meanwhile somewhere else within Confederation space….. His steps were long steady paces at almost a meter apart, he carried himself with an upright posture, and a posture similar to what a military officer would walk, almost like as if he was marching. Down the corridor, his footsteps could be heard across the shining marble floor, buffed and polish to the point he could see his reflection. Marble pillars along the corridor reaching up to the roof could be seen from one end of the corridor to the other end. Each pillar had an engraving of particular individual. In this case, the engravings were members of the Mari-ad council, past and present leaders of the secret organisation. The Council consisted of 12 members at one time. No one knows how many exactly are in the council but it is believe to be that there are numerous members within the council and only 12 members are present at one time. There were rumours that among the council only 3 of the council members have sat within the council for the last 15 years and are consider to the most powerful leaders of the Mari-ad and are referred as the Unholy Trinity. To cross any of the three would lead to disastrous consequences. Jonas did not stop walking when he neared the end of the corridor where a set of heavy large mahogany doors stood before him. As he reached closer the doors open inwards to reveal another room completely dark, save but by a single white light shining down on the room forming a circle. Jonas continues to walk through the doors and towards the white circle when he stands and wait for the council to convene. As he waits for the council members to appear the large doors slowly closes making no sound whatsoever until he could not see the doors no more. Without thinking about when the council would arrive, the circle of white light which he stands begins to dimmer slightly and 12 smaller white light circles appear around him forming a large circle. Then one by one a hooded robe person comes in and steps within the circle, there was no distinguishable features to determine if it was a man or women. The only features about the person are the different colour robe which the members wore. Red Blue Green Black Yellow Brown Grey Purple Orange White Aqua Tan Jonas stood patiently as the 12 members arrived one by one until all 12 circles had an occupant. Nine years ago he would have dreaded of coming and meeting the council. But after nine years of seasoning, dangerous mission assignments and self motivation, Jonas has become one of the most feared Mari-ad operatives many believe that he would one day become a leading member of the Mari-ad council. What seems to be an eternity for Jonas was briefly no more than 3 minutes, when the leading council member, Black Robe spoke first to Jonas, “Jonas you have been brought before the Council in regards to your oath and allegiance to the Mari-ad” “Yes Lord Black” replied Jonas, “My allegiance is always to the Mari-ad. I will serve to benefit the Mari-ad” “Yes I am sure you will” said Lord Black, “hence why we have ask you to come here for a special assignment” “What does the Council wishes of me?” asked Jonas curiously “We have reasons to believe that the Confederation have come very close to finding one of our hidden shipyard facilities in the Enyo system” said the White Robe member, “fortunately they did not find the facility” “That is impossible Lord White!” said Jonas, “we paid the credits to the appropriate people in that system to stay away from that region of space and we were assured that the TCS Challenger would not patrol that region” “We believe that as well Jonas” said Lord White, “apparently someone must have leaked of the information and a different ship was assigned to that region of space” Jonas wasn’t very happy with the information provided by the council. He will have to find out who leaked out the information and ensure that it never happens again. “This would lead to your new assignment” said another voice from behind. Jonas to face the speaker who was the Red Robe, “we will provide you details of the ships which is assigned to that quadrant of space” a small white light shone down a meter from where Jonas was standing where a small pedestal stood with a data pad on top. “This pad will provide you with all the necessary information you need about the ship assigned to that quadrant necessary contacts you may need in case of any complication” Jonas walked over to the table and picked up the data pad and walked back to the centre circle and read through the data pad scrolling through the officers and crew on board the ship “The Hibernia? I never heard of that ship” said Jonas, “is it a newly commissioned ship?” “No” said Lord Red, “the Hibernia was a ship that was in dry-dock for some time that under went a major refit. It has return to duty in the last two months we did not know much about it until recently” “What is it you require me to do my Lords?” “We want you to ensure that the Hibernia does not find any of our facilities in any systems, quadrant or sector in travels to” said Lord Red, “the Council has decided that we want to make use of this particular ship” “May I ask what use does a light carrier be of any use to the Mari-ad?” “We plan to steal for ourselves” said Lord Red. Jonas was shocked and almost dropped the data pad from his hand. To steal a ship especially a carrier was almost impossible to do. The Mari-ad have known to be able to steal transports, shuttle boats, old fighters and old corvettes to build up their personal fleet, they have even successfully stole a prototype and schematics of the defunct Striker fighters but to steal a capital ship such as a carrier let alone cruiser was almost impossible. “My Lords, to attempt such a feat requires resources even we cannot muster. It is folly” a chuckle could be heard from Lord Black “My dear Jonas” laughed Lord Black, “have faith with the Mari-ad. We will reveal to you in due time how we shall proceed with this operation. In the meantime you are to ensure that the Hibernia does not find any of our facilities or bases at any costs.” Still uncertain about the operation, Jonas was about to ask another question when he was interrupted by Blue Robe, “No more questions Jonas, you have your assignment. We will call you again when the time arises. You are dismissed” the doors which lead into the council chamber rooms open again but from the opposite side from where Jonas entered, “Yes Lord Blue” Jonas bowed and left the council room with questions running through his mind, confuse and uncertain. * * * Jonas continue to kick against the dummy drone, spun around with a turning followed by a reverse kick, causing the drone to stagger back. Sweat was beginning to drip profusely around Jonas face and down his t-shirt. Jonas shot forward again with another series of kicks and punches at the same time avoid being hit by the drone’s limbs. Jonas continue sparring with the drone with another five minutes when he deactivated the program. Jonas walked off the sparring mat, where Brutus one of his lieutenants was standing against the wall watching him sparring against the drone. “Someone is a bit stress?” said Brutus “The council has given us a new assignment” said Jonas as he wiped his face with his towel and taking a drink from his water bottle, “they planning for the impossible” “Oh what could be impossible with Jonas leading the crew?” “They want to steal a carrier” “You got to be joking?!” “No” Jonas shook his head and pass Brutus the data pad he received from the Council, “all the details we need are on there” Brutus skimmed through the pad reading the details which the council provided. “Looks like the Council went into great lengths to acquiring this information” said Brutus as he continue to read the data pad, “it could be something which they have been pondering about” “Well I am beginning to see why” said Jonas as he sat down on the bench facing Brutus, “we have the fighters, the transports, corvettes. We have a sizable force, a carrier would signify to the Confederation, even those damn Pilgrims that we are a force to reckon with” Jonas smiled at the thought of having a carrier, “besides it is not every day that an organisation such as ours get to fly a carrier throughout space” “I could see that” smiled Brutus, “first a carrier what’s next a fleet” Jonas smiled even more at the thought, “who knows a fleet would be nice, hell the council might consider tried taking over the Confederation” “Ah that would be interesting” said Brutus, “controlling the Senate and the Assembly would be good” the Senate and the Assembly was a place of power and Jonas could see where the Council was heading with their plans. By placing operatives within the Senate and or the Assembly they could gain access to all the vital and necessary information they need and perhaps control the entire Confederation or maybe yet the entire known galaxy. Jonas grinned at Brutus as a planned was beginning to form in his mind, “Brutus, call our people together we have work to do” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

09-18-2005, 05:25	#9
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thank you for all the readers, who have read my fan fiction. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read it. I hope over time it gets better. Here is chapter four of the 2628 - An officers beginning Chapter Four Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector TCS Hibernia Rec Room 2628.263.0815 A day after Anthony’s near failed mission, things quieten down a little over the next two days with several missions were assigned to the Flying Tigers and the other 3 squadrons. With one short pilot and no new pilots coming in for another two to four months, everyone in the Tigers had to pull their weight around. Anthony slumped down on one of couches by the view port looking outside at a transport being escorted by a pair of fighters from the Wild Aces squadron. Tired and feeling a bit grumpy Anthony arched his back against the couching and stretched trying to get rid of any stiffness in his body. Sitting in the cockpit for an extended period of time can be extremely tired and stress with little or no break in-between. Anthony was about to stand up and head to the barracks for nap with he saw someone put a mug of a hot steaming drink for him. “Sorry I don’t drink coffee” said Anthony “Who said it was coffee?” replied the voice, Anthony looked up and saw it was Donovan, smiling who was holding another mug in his hand. From the scent he could smell from the mug, Donovan was holding it was definitely coffee. “You drink tea or green tea more preferable” “How do you know I prefer to drink green tea?” asked Anthony as he took the mug in front of him and took a sip of the hot tea. Taking a small sip from the hot beverage revitalised a little out of him “I saw you the other day come in with a small pack and remember you asked for a mug of hot water” said the bartender, “I remember you taking out a small packet and pour something into it. When you left I took the mug and had a whiff of what you had and had a vague idea what you were drinking” “I’m pretty impressed that you know what I drink with smelling from the cup” Donovan shrugged, “Eh something I picked up here and there” Donovan sat down next to him getting himself comfortable, “So me thinks that you have a long couple of days” “You could say something like that” said Anthony as he run his hand through his hair, “Parker has been assigning us missions after missions even since we ran into those Striker fighters” “Those things have been bothering you a bit hey?” Anthony nodded, “you know anything about the Strikers?” “Well a little” replied Anthony, “I knew they were supposed to be the next superiority fighter, instead of the rapiers. I remember that there was a race to see which of the two would be the main fighters use in the military but something went wrong” Donovan nodded, “Yeap I remember hearing on the TCN news that there was a technical problem with the Strikers engine performance that made them unstable during a long term mission without stopping over. Apparently the engines will overheat and shut down leaving the pilot stranded” “I didn’t hear about that bit” “No one did” continue Donovan the military prevented the media to broadcast that bit of information and were afraid that other political parties might take advantage of the situation believing that the military are resorting to desperate measures to keep fighters and pilots on line or on duty. As a result the Striker project was scrapped and the rapier project was activated and has become Confed’s main fighter” “You seem to know quite a bit about the Striker” asked Anthony, “how did you pick up all these info?” Donovan smiled “I hear things here and there” Anthony looked at the bartender, somehow in his gut feeling, there was something strange about Donovan about knowing a little bit extra about certain things. First were the Mari-ad and now the Striker fighters. Was it a coincidence or did he know more than he was willingly to show? “You are a strange man Donovan” said Anthony as he finished his mug of tea, “thanks for tea. I’m going to get some rest before Parker calls up for our next assignment” Anthony got up and headed to the lift heading for the barracks. Donovan watched him as Anthony headed to the lift. The bartender pulled out a small com-link inside his shirt pocket, “Blue Reign, this is Donovan. We encountered Mari-ad forces in the Enyo system, requesting data link on all available information and status in this sector” Donovan switched off his com-link and headed back to the bar where several people were waiting for drinks. * * * Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector TCS Hibernia Briefing Room 2628.263.1115 It was a while since he saw two squadrons combine during a mission briefing. For to have a two squadrons must be an important mission, the only other time for multiple squadrons to be launch was a magnum launch and that was when the Hibernia is under attack from hostiles forces, but in peace time there has not been any for many years. Anthony rarely see members from the Silver Arrows squadron and the last time he saw any of them was at welcome party where he met the Silver Arrows CO, Major Shauna O’Brian and several of the other pilots from the squadron. Anthony sat down at the second row of the briefing room next to Skinny who was reading a data pad, “Whatcha reading Skinny?” asked Anthony as he sat down “Just an update on the Senate’s debate on the appropriation funds for the military” “Let me guess Senator More is having another spill about excess credits again?” “The same one” “I wonder what Admiral Banbridge has to say” said Anthony “Knowing him he would probably have some fit about the Senator’s comment and everything else” “Those two are always at the heart of every debate regarding military funding” Skinny was about to say something when Parker arrived with Major O’Brian and Major Mallamo to the briefing stand. “Settle down folks, we have a lot of ground to cover” as Parker approached the map screen, “as you know we have been patrolling and survey heavily in the Enyo system because Intel believe that there is a Mari-ad presence here and Command wants us to clean out the garbage” several grumbles of approval could be heard throughout the room “thanks to the last reconnaissance from the Wild Aces squadron we located an old carrier transport where Mari-ad fighters come to refuel and repairs. Command wants us to capture the transport, apprehend any Mari-ad operatives, obtain any vital information and destroy the facility if necessary.” “Sounds like a big job for us hey boss?” said Jewel who sat behind Skinny and Anthony “Hence why both the Flying Tiger and the Silver Arrows are assigned to this assignment” said Parker as he turned to activate the map viewer on the wall behind him, “we do not know what defence systems they have so we are going to do this by the numbers. The Tigers will be separated into two wings Alpha and Beta; the Silver Arrows will be separated into Delta and Gamma wing. Alpha wing will head in first with Delta wing and they are to take out any fighters and base defence’s they have. Beta wing will be escort the marine landing craft that will board the transport and capture it. Gamma wing will be on rear defence position where they will hold back in case any Mari-ad operatives do try to escape past us. If the situation becomes critical and if the marines find the transport too dangerous to hold, Gamma wing will come in and destroyed the transport. Any questions?” “Are we expecting heavy resistance sir?” asked Anthony “Uncertain Lieutenant” replied the Colonel, “Intel did not give us enough information and they are a bit sketchy on what we know about this system so we are flying blind at the moment. Hopefully if we play this through we should do this without problems.” * * * About 20 minutes later TCS Hibernia Flight Deck “Your birds primed and ready Tony!” said Mendez as he passed the helmet to Anthony as he slide into the cockpit, “No problems with anything Nuts?” asked Anthony, “None what so ever mate. You’re all clean” * * * “Rapier SF 2812, you’re cleared for launched” said the Deck Officer “Roger that control” replied Anthony as he push the throttle control up, accelerating his fighter out of the hanger bay into the dark void where the rest of squadron were waiting in formation for him, “Beta Lead this is Beta 6, I’m out and joining formation” “Copy that 6” replied Silky, “All wings report in” a series of confirmation and acknowledgement from the other pilots and from the Silver Arrows Squadron, “All wings set course 1998.03 prepare for autopilot run. Alright people lets squash some bad guys” * * * __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

09-23-2005, 00:06	#10
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thank you to all the readers who have read my fan fiction, it is nice to see people reading it and giving some feedback to it. Currently I am having writer's block and currently heading interstate in a taekwondo competition for the Australian University Games. In the meantime I would like to hear some feedback, good, bad, improvements what so ever, as it would help gradually improve my fan fiction writing ability. Until stay tune for the next chapter for 2628 - An officer's beginning As for people wondering what might happen or curious about the next chapter or so.... You might to get to know more about the Mari-ad Who does Donovan work for? Know anything more about Anthony? What happen to Anthony's mother? How did Anthony grandfather met Admiral Banbridge? Where is Francis Cheng assigned post? A secret about Anthony's Academy Instructor These are just only a scratch of the surface of what will be hopefully an epic fan fiction which would hopefully lead to the Battle of McAuliffe which I have been developing for the last year. A big thank to Bandit for all the information I asked and other people who provided me feedback and info. Until then all the best!! Dahan __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

10-01-2005, 07:03	#11
Plywood Fiend 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 213	Right, sorry its taken me a while to review. This story definately seems to be getting better. Bringing in a Mari-ad protagonist is a nice touch, and your description and characters seem more realistic imho. My only quibble is still some tense confusion in some places. Anyway, i look forward to the next chapter. __________________ A pox on the eye! I'd pluck it out if I knew where it was.

10-10-2005, 07:37	#13
Plywood Fiend 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 213	Not bad, not bad at all. I don't really have anything to add in terms of constructive criticism so i'll stick with a conventional update soon. __________________ A pox on the eye! I'd pluck it out if I knew where it was.

10-10-2005, 08:54	#14
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thanks for all those readers who have been reading my fan fiction. The number of viewers gives me the motication to continue to write. It aint perfect Plywood, but it is getting there. It is something different. Thanks for the feedback. __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

10-20-2005, 21:52	#15
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Apologise to everyone wondering when my next chapter will be up next. At the moment having a bit of a mini writers block as I am having trouble finishing the last bits of pieces to the second part of chapter 5. __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

11-06-2005, 07:13	#17
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 7 - "Everyone generation there is a maniac" Hi folks This Chapter has been a wierd one for me as I have tried to make sure everything sounds right and I hope everyone still enjoys my posts. Thanks for all the readers who have beeing reading my fan fiction. Chapter Seven “Every generation has a maniac” At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector TCS Hibernia Flight Wing Recreation Room Approximately four hours after the destruction of the depot. It was a quiet sombre day for the marines. Captain Grant invited both Anthony and Kathryn Ross to join him and the marines in the rec-room for drinks in memory of Sergeant Collins and the marines that died on the station. Both were uncertain of why they were invited but they didn’t want to be rude and turn down a personnel invitation from the marines. Anthony and Kathryn entered the rec-room and saw a large group of marines sitting around several tables that were pulled together. Grant saw the two pilots entered and waved them over. “Datangia, Arrows glad you can join us” said Grant as he pass them mug of what look like beer, “it would mean a lot to us” “Um thanks Captain” replied Anthony, “although I am quite flatter that you guys invited to something personal” “That may be true Datangia, but you help us at the depot and we intend to repay a debt to you” “Thank you Captain” said Arrows, “I’m sure Sergeant Collins would be happy with what we done” “Agreed” said Grant, “Marines! A toast to our fellow marines. To Collins and to his marine detachment!” “Collins!” the rest of the marines stood up from their seats and lifted their mugs in salute to their fallen comrades. After their toast the marines began to drift away into smaller groups and conversing with one another. Datangia and Arrows sat with Jasper, Lee, and Kinder who were with them when they attacked the bridge on the Mari-ad depot. The group were talking, reminiscing about their time with either the fighter corps or the marines when the doors to the rec-room open a group of pilots arrived led by a loud boisterous young pilot who seems to be bragging about their recent mission, “Ah it was beautiful” said the loud pilot, “that fighter was behind me and then I pulled on burners and did a tight 180 loop around the fighter. The guy didn’t see it coming, next minute I was behind that Striker shooting all guns at its rear and lobbing a dumb fire behind it. Man it was a beautiful sight” Datangia looked over at the group and from the look of the pilot who was bragging, he knew that there was going to be trouble. The new group continue to talk and laugh as they reached to the bar when the lead pilot ordered a round of drinks for the group. “A toast to our beloved Major Brady and to the Wild Aces!” the rest of the people in the group raised their mugs in salute to the lead pilot. The lead pilot drained his mug completely and slamming a mug back on the counter and grinned at the bartender. “Donovan another round for us” “Better hold your liquor Ferrari” replied the bartender, “you might be up for another flight assignment” “Nope not until tomorrow Donovan” said Ferrari, “Colonel says that after today’s mission. We are going to hold until they collected all the data and reports from all the units that were involved. Besides this is worth drinking for any way” Ferrari turned around leaning back against the counter smiling at his friends, when he notice a small group of marines near the bar. The next couple of hours, Ferrari and his group of fellow pilots drank probably more beer and other alcohol than any other group or individual present in the rec-room. The group grew louder and rowdier and some of the people who were in the rec-room decided to leave as they were causing a disruption. During their copious amount of excessive drinking, Ferrari notice a small group of marines sitting by the bar talking among themselves. Ferrari got up from his table, taking his drink along with him, he stumble across to the marines and grabbed a chair nearby and sat down next to them. “So what are you marines doing onboard?” slurred Ferrari as he tried to remain sitting upright “We were assigned here” said on the marines sitting closer to him, “we were part of the detachment that were sent to that Mari-ad depot and to secure it” “Bah Marines!” spat Ferrari, “we don’t need no stinking marines. The way I see it, we don’t the marines and we fighter pilots could have secure the depot without you guys meddling around with it” “What did you say!” said the marines closer to him stood up. One of the marines tried to pull him back to his chair, “Easy Chad, the guy had too much too drink” “Yeah but he insulted us” replied Chad as he turned back to Ferrari, “Look mate I do care about who you are and which unit you are from. But we marines have our responsibilities as much as you do and there is no reason to bad mouth about us” “Like as if I care” smirked Ferrari, “you marines are nothing more than a waste of deck space. Out here the people who are in charge are the Navy and the Fighter pilots. You are nothing more but cannon fodder. This is for us navy and fly boys. Not sweaty grunts” “Who do you think you are” said the pilot who tried to pull Chad, “what gives you the right to judge us” the rest of the marines at their table stood up all with an angry look. On the other side Ferrari’s friends on the other table notice where their friend was and notice the marines standing up facing him. As one the pilots stood up and march over to where their comrade pilot was. “You wanting to pick on me” grinned Ferrari as he noticed his friends were coming to back him up, “you think that you grunts could take us out?” some of Ferrari’s friends were snicking at the marines and some of them were flexing hands expecting a brawl to erupt. “This is not going to be good” said Datangia as he looked on from where he was sitting with the others “we better stop this before it gets out of hand” Datangia stood up with Jasper as they headed towards the two angry looking group who were now badgering each other into a fight. Datangia stood in front of Ferrari’s groups while Jasper stood in front of Chad’s group “Guys cool it before we might get thrown into the brig” said Datangia as he tried to calm the angry pilots, “I think that we had too much to drink” “Hey Cheng you are one of us” said Ferrari, “pilots stick together. If one goes we all go right?” “No I don’t think so mate” replied Datangia, “you over step your boundary and you should have shut that trap of yours” “What did you say?” “I said that you should watch what you are saying. You are going to get yourself into trouble. You do know that you are being a real jerk” “No you are being a real asshole” snapped Ferrari as he pulled back his right arm back and threw a punch at Datangia. What happen next caught everyone by surprise. Everyone thought that Datangia would be knocked out and be sent falling on the fall instead what seem like almost impossible was Datangia was able to deflect the punch with his left arm, his right hand came across, grabbing Ferrari’s jumpsuit by the collar, lifted him up and slammed him down across the table, knocking the glass and mugs onto to the floor. “What the fuck!?” said Jasper as he saw Datangia’s quick action response “Now I am going to say this one more time” said Datangia as he draw his face closer to Ferrari, “I won’t you to leave the marines alone and you and your friends are going to leave the rec-room and get yourself clean up otherwise I will report you to the Colonel about this” “Like as if who would believe you” sneered Ferrari “Well for starters I would” said a voice in the background. Everyone turn around and saw Colonel Parker sitting by a table in the far corner of the rec-room where no one had really noticed that the Wing Commander was sitting there with his drink. “Colonel!” Datangia quickly pulled Ferrari up from the table and adjust his uniform, “I can explain this” “No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at 1700 hours” “Yes Sir” “Now for Lieutenant Prost” said Parker as he walked up to the drunken pilot, “your actions and performance are out of order and you are a disgrace to the Confederation forces. Lieutenant as from this point onwards you are relieved of duty until further notice. You will not take part of any assignments assigned to your squadron and will spend the next seven days in the brig. Your pay will also be cut to a third for next month” “You can’t do that Colonel!” said Ferrari “Oh yes I can. Watch me” replied Parker, “Corporal Jasper, please take a couple of your marines and escort our pilot to the brig and inform the Master of Arms that the Lieutenant Prost is to remained in the brig for seven days and only to be release on my orders” “With pleasure Colonel” smiled Jasper and two other sober marines came and took the drunken pilot out of the rec-room” once Jasper and the marines led a struggling pilot out of the rec-room, Parker turned to face the rest of the group who were still standing and smiled “I believe that we were trying to have a nice quiet drink here gentlemen?” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

11-10-2005, 10:45	#18
wolfboy Cadet Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 57	oh i like this, you never get to really hear about the marines in the WC universe, good writing waiting to see more

11-12-2005, 05:17	#19
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Thanks for the feedback it ensures that people are enjoying what I am writing __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

11-15-2005, 06:22	#21
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 8 The following day... At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector TCS Hibernia Wing Commander’s Office (2628.263.0600) “You want to see us sir?” asked Datangia as he and Arrows entered Colonel Parker’s office. “Ah yes come sit down Lieutenants I have a few things to run by before you receive your flight assignments ” said Parker as he finished signing off the reports he was reading, “I have review your performances over the last mission. From the reports I read from Captain Grant and Lieutenant Harris I must commend you on your actions” “Thank you sir” replied Datangia, “frankly any other pilot would have done the same” “That may be true” replied Parker, “but you acted upon your own accordingly and did so without hesitation. What you did was brave. I have conferred with your squadron commander, along with Captains Lang and Grant and Lieutenant Harris. I have decided to award you two the Bronze Star” Datangia and Arrows sat there speechless with both of their jaws dropped in surprise. “Sir I do not what to say” said Arrows as she was the first to recover from the news “Well how about close your mouths first” smiled Parker as Datangia and Arrows tried to regain to regain their composure, “you pilots did a good job out there and should be commended for your actions. There will be an award ceremony at 1800 today the observation deck after today’s mission assignments for people who served on board the Hibernia for the last six months. Your medal presentation would be award during then” “Thank you sir” said Datangia “You are welcome Lieutenant. In the meantime I would like to ask you both to keep this among yourselves and not to tell the others just yet as it would probably distract everyone today. I will inform everyone of the awards ceremony today on the ship’s bulletin later on. In the meantime get your gear together and I will see you both in the briefing room” 30 minutes later TCS Hibernia Flight Wing briefing room“And finally we have mission assignment Zeta” continued Parker as he assigned the mission assignments to the four squadrons, “Zeta flight will be Datangia and Peck. You two will be escort a survey shuttle team, which has jumped in from McAuliffe Naval Base, Alexandria. They are conducting a sensor sweep of the depot wreck and assisting the Hibernia’s team and salvage anything worth investigating and report back to Sector Command. “Sir Do you think the Mari-ad will try some form of counter attack?” asked 2nd Lieutenant Michelle ‘Peck’ Lee “I doubt it” replied Parker, “we dealt a massive blow to them and they would probably regrouping after their losses not to mention the transports we were able to capture with the help of Beta flight from the Flying Tigers and Delta from Wild Aces we recovered from those transports, supplies, parts for the striker fighters and technical data. With this we might be able to find we might found out where those ships originated from and how they are able to have function Striker fighters” “Sounds like an easy run sir” said Datangia as he looked at the map behind Parker, “just a baby sitting mission” “Something like that” smiled Parker, “but I would not get too comfortable. Although we gave them a huge belting there is not guarantee that they maybe watching us right at this moment. So keep your eyes peeled” “Yes sir” “O K so if there is no other problems or questions? No very well dismiss and good luck out there” Half an hour later Flight Deck “Rapiers all clean and check out” said Mendez as he passed Datangia his flight helmet, “I hear it is an easy run for you?” “Yeah, just baby sitting some shuttle from McAuliffe and doing some scans on the wreck” “Shouldn’t be too much of a problem would there. You will finish this up in no time. See you when you get back Lieutenant” “Will do” * * * En route to the Mari-ad wreck depot After the destruction of the depot, the Hibernia moved back away from the wreck as they believe there was nothing to gain. However orders were received from Sector HQ from McAuliffe that they want to survey the damage and recover any valuable materials and or information that might help them fight against the Mari-ad. “So what did Parker wanted?” asked Peck “did the Colonel giving you a grilling over last night?” “Ain’t telling you anything” said Datangia, “that is for me to know and you to find out. But then if I have to tell you I would have to kill you” “Oh is that a fact” replied Peck, Datangia could see Peck was smiling on the video on the comm. channel, “you are a disappointment. You are no fun” “Says who” laughed Datangia, “I might tell you when we get back” * * * Meanwhile Back on the Hibernia Somewhere hidden In a darken room, a person was hunched over a computer terminal watching and listening in on a conversation between two pilots “…Oh is that a fact? You are a disappointment. You are no fun” “Says who? I might tell you when you get back” The hunched person pressed a few buttons on the terminal and the screen changed to a view seeing two Rapier fighters escorting a survey shuttle to the depot wreck. The unidentified person then pulled out a data pad from a side pocket and plugged it into the computer terminal. The person entered a series of commands on the data pad and watched a series of numbers of scroll down the screen following by a series of command activations. At the end of the numbers and commands a question appeared. ‘Activation of Tracer-Satellite?’ Two boxes with Activate and Deactivate appear on the person’s data pad. The person pressed the activate button. * * * At the wreckage of the Mari-ad depot Among the debris of fallen pieces, a small satellite probe undamaged from the station’s blast wave remained dormant. Drifting among the wreckage hitting softly against the other pieces of wreckage from the station suddenly sprung to life. Lights appear around the probe and four panels open up showing an array of sophisticated sensory systems. In the distance the probe detected three incoming ships. The probe identified them as Confederation ships. A series of beeps and flashes of light on the probe were activated and slowly it vanished into the background becoming invisible. A cloaked satellite. Upon arrival of the remnants of Mari-ad depot “Well, well” said Datangia as they arrived to wreck site, “looks like we missed the fireworks” “Looks like there is nothing left” said Peck, “looks like we did a pretty good job hey Lieutenant?” “Sure did” replied Datangia, “Shuttle Survey, this is Zeta Lead. You are ready to scan debris field” “Copy that Zeta lead” replied the Shuttle pilot, “we are starting up our sensor sweep. Gives us about 15 minutes” “Copy that shuttle. We will sweep around the wreckage and check for anything” “Copy that Zeta Lead” * * * At the same time TCS Hibernia Command Bridge A young officer approached Lang and Parker who were observing the different fighter flight assignments in their section of space. “Um sir” coughed the young officer “Yes Ensign what can we do for you?” asked Captain Lang “Um sir we are detecting a faint transmission and cannot pinpoint its point of origin” “It’s not coming from the ship?” asked Lang as he turned to face the Ensign, “what do you have at the moment?” the Ensign gave the Captain a data pad containing information regarding the transmission “We are not sure sir. It is not an audio transmission or a video transmission. We cannot identified what signal it is” “Very peculiar” said Lang as he read through the data pad, “Parker you recognised any of this” passing the pad to the wing commander “Hmm no, this is weird. I don’t think I have seen anything like this” * * * TCS Hibernia Donovan’s quarter Donovan in his quarters at his computer terminal reading some idle junk mail when a message blip appear at the corner of his screen. Donovan tapped the monitor with his light pen to receive the message. Next he saw a series of numbers scrolling down and a message requesting an activation of a satellite. “Damn I forgot they still used those bastards” said the bartender as he pulled out the keyboard panel under his desk which was connected to his terminal. Donovan entered a series of commands and the monitor changed from the numbers to schematics of the entire ship of the TCS Hibernia. Donovan entered another series of commands and a targeting reticule appearing and began sweeping through the entire schematics of the ship searching for something. “Hmm now where will you be hiding my little friend” whispered Donovan as he watched the reticule scanned through the decks of the Hibernia. The scanned completed and registered zero findings. “Oh so you want to play hide and seek eh?” smiled the bartender as he type in another series of commands. The targeting reticule began another sweep going through everyone room and every deck on the Hibernia. At the end of the second sweep the computer registered 20 findings. “Damn you are harder than I thought” Donovan got up from his chair and walked to his bed and pulled out a case from underneath. Opening up he pulled out a data pad and plugged it into the computer terminal. Donovan entered a series of commands on the data pad and entered the same commands on the computer terminal. The screen on the data pad flashed and the terminal monitor now showed four more targeting reticule and began another sweep. * * * The hunched figure was monitoring Zeta’s flight when it received a message from the terminal that it was being scanned and locating its position. “Shit!” hissed the unidentified person, the person quickly enter a series of commands and pulled out the data pad from the terminal causing the monitor to go blank darkening the entire room. * * * “Oh very smart” smiled Donovan as the computer informed him that the transmission has creased transmitting and the point of origin could not be located, “maybe another time then hey my friend?” Donovan turned off his terminal and pulled out the data pad and packed up his terminal before leaving his quarters. * * * 15 minutes later At the Mari-ad wreck site “We completed our sensor sweep Zeta lead. We are ready to head back” “Roger that Survey shuttle” replied Datangia, “setting course back for the Hibernia. I guess that’s all hey Zeta 2?” “Eh it could have been better” “Maybe when we get back I might tell you what the Colonel said to me” “I would hold you up to that Lead” * * * TCS Hibernia Flight Deck 2628.263.0815 “Well I guess it was an easy run” said Parker as he met with Peck and Datangia at then end of the flight deck, “I guess you guys need an easy assignment every once in a while” “Can’t argue with that sir” said Peck, “it was a little bit refreshing” “Very well. Stow your gear and clean up. The Hibernia will be moving out from his region and heading to new coordinates. In the meantime I need you guys to put on your dress uniform and report to the observation deck at 1000 hours” “What for sir?” asked Pecks “You will see when it happens” said Parker as he saluted the Lieutenants and headed towards to the main lift to the bridge “I think I know what is going on” said Peck as she and Datangia headed to the decontamination room and locker rooms. Datangia merely smiled and winked at her. __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

11-25-2005, 02:24	#22
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 9 2628.263 Meanwhile…. Somewhere back deep in the Enyo System, Vega Sector Unmarked Transport Bridge “A cloak satellite?” said Brutus as he watched the view screen, watching two Rapier fighters flew right past the satellite, “how is that possible!?” “Who said it was cloaked?” said Jonas as he continued to watch at another view screen on the other side of the main bridge of their ship, “we haven’t developed the technology for that. Confed military have failed many times of creating the perfect cloaking technology and many times they have not succeeded” “But the satellite?” asked Brutus “That my friend is a secret I intend to keep” smiled Jonas as he walked up to his aide and watched the two Rapiers on the small view screen escorting a survey shuttle, “I will tell you something though. We were able to obtain design schematics which make objects harder for ships sensors to detect” “Amazing” whispered Brutus as he continue to watch the fighters continue to fly by, “why is it then we are not using it for our fighters?” “That is easier enough to answer” said Jonas, “because we are lacking certain resources which allows us to manufacture it” “Resources?” “There are certain let’s just say certain materials which are very hard to find these days and we decided to use these devices for specific duties” “We Jonas?” “The Mari-ad Council had decided about this about two years ago when I stole the plans” “Why didn’t I know about this?” demanded Brutus, “I was told of any assignment about stealing any plans?” “That was because you were assigned to escort that cargo transport of medical supplies that we picked from Landreich” “Oh” Brutus felt a little bit sheepish when Jonas explain his reasons why Brutus wasn’t with him, “I thought we do all assignments together as requested by the Council” “True. But at that time we were short on our medical supplies and need to replenish our stock so the Council decided to assign us different assignments that time” “I suppose so” said Brutus, “can’t go against wishes of the Council can’t we?” “Don’t worry Brutus” smiled Jonas “I will make sure that I will tell you of all the assignments we get” “Well can you explain to then why are waiting here then watching the satellite then?” “Watch and learn” said Jonas as he pointed to the two Rapiers as they escorted the shuttle away from the wreck site and head back to their point of origin. “So they are leaving so what?” said Brutus, “like we don’t know that” “Oh really?” said Jonas as he pressed a few switches on the main console, “communications what have you got” speaking to an operator who was sitting by another console behind where Brutus and Jonas where. “Sir we intercepted a transmission from the Hibernia” replied the communication officer, “they have received orders for new assignments. They are heading out” “Excellent. Signal the fleet to jump in at the designated coordinates at two minute intervals. Inform them I to be running on minimal power. We don’t want to arouse suspicion” “Yes sir” “What fleet?” asked Brutus “What on the main viewer” said Jonas as the walked towards the middle of the bridge where a large view screen hang in the middle. Watching the screen, Brutus saw a jump point opening up and a cargo transport coming out of the jump point. “That’s one of our heavy laden cargo transports” said Brutus as he recognised the ship, “what that doing here. Won’t we be or the transport be captured?” “Nope. They are carrying supplies and materials for our new outpost” “New outpost?” “You see Brutus. That previous outpost was constructed out of an old derelict carrier and it has past it’s used by date. The Council believe that this location is too valuable to lose and want to establish a stronger outpost here. So we are rebuilding a new one from scratch” “But that would take many months, maybe a year to fully build a new outpost from scratch” “Not if we pre-planned this” said Jonas as another jump point open out and a huge tanker transport jumped out towing a large metallic sphere almost doubling the size of the tanker. Another two minutes later another tanker carrying another metallic sphere jumped out. “What the?” said Brutus as he saw the two tankers carrying the metallic spheres, “what are those things?” “Those, my friend” said Jonas, “are part of our new outpost. We had our engineers design a new outpost based on several ideas from the Council. In three months you shall see the final product” “Three months! That’s impossible!” said Brutus as he continue to watch the transports, tankers and other ships started arriving through the designated jump points, “three months is not possible” “Watch and learn then Brutus” said Jonas as he walked over to the communication console and picked up a headset, “This is Bee Hive to Queen Bee. Do you copy?” “Queen Bee to Bee Hive” replied the voice in the headset, “main ships arrived and awaiting remaining ships and orders” “Very well, Queen Bee. Commence unloading and begin construction plans O-P-2” “Orders received and acknowledge. Queen Bee out” “Come Brutus lets get something to drink” said Jonas as he led Brutus out of the bridge, “let’s sit and talk of other things. All this work is making me thirsty” As Jonas and Brutus headed towards the main lift out of the bridge, an operator operating one of the main bridge consoles, watching the two Mari-ad officers head out of the bridge, slowly pulled out a small data pad out of his pocket. Making sure no one else was watching him connected the pad to his main console and type in a series of commands. The main screen console changed view from communication logs to an outside ship camera view showing the arrival of the transports and tankers. Watching the new ships arrive, the operator type in a series of commands and the image change to the two large metallic spheres that was brought in. Using his data pad connected to the console, he pressed a button on the side of the data pad and the device began downloading images of the ships arriving and the spheres they were carrying. The operator began downloading schematics of the sphere attempting to determine its capabilities. Once the download was completed the operator looked around and making sure no one was watching him, pulled the data pad out of the main console and place it back in his pocket and resume back to his original work. *** * *** “How did you know he was looking?” said Brutus as he and Jonas remained in the lift looked at a small portable view screen showing the main bridge Jonas mere smiled “The Council was aware that were being infiltrated but unsure who was being targeted. That man was never part of the ship’s crew. I know because I never hired him” “Well I didn’t either” said Brutus “Exactly, that man must have kidnapped our operator and replaced him with himself” “Who is he? Is he Confed Intelligence?” “I don’t think so” said Jonas as he continue to watch the man carefully, “his actions are very clumsy. No I don’t think he is Confed Intelligence. Nor is he any form of military intelligence. Confed would not have kept someone that clumsy” “Should we taken him in and question him?” “No” said Jonas as the lift finally stopped and the main lift doors open up leading the two men to the main corridor that led them to the mess hall, “let’s see what he does with the info data and see who is he working for” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

12-02-2005, 05:42	#23
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 10 TCS Hibernia Flight Wing Recreation Room 2628.264.1200 The party was in full swing by the time Anthony arrived. Two hours ago, Anthony along with several other officers on board the Hibernia were awarded with medals for those served with distinction. Anthony and Kathryn were awarded the Bronze Star for their actions on the Mari-ad depot and for the help they provided to the Marines. It was a rare thing for the pilots to help out the marines but when that happens, friendship are form which would last a life time between friends. Anthony did not go straight to the Rec Room where everyone was celebrating on the people’s good fortune. Instead he went to the communication room and contacted his father who was back on Earth after a short stint in the Enigma Sector patrolling to his assigned sector. When Anthony told his father about the award he received he was ecstatic and congratulated him on his award and promised that when he next see him he will bring a bottle of champagne to toast on his good fortune. Upon arriving Anthony noticed that all of his squadron were around two tables joined together celebrating on the recent events and success. In the middle of the group, Anthony would see Arrows being in the centre of the attention of waving her hands in some weird motion at the same time talking to the squadron about something. Anthony quickly walked over to the bar when Donovan was dishing out drinks to the off duty personnel and other crew people. “I guess congratulations are in order hey Anthony” smiled Donovan as he poured a drink and passed it to Anthony, “I guess you the main star tonight” “Nah I think you are” smiled Anthony, “you’re the one giving out the drinks like there is no tomorrow!?” Donovan grinned as he poured another drink and passed it along to another person nearby the bar, “Eh what can you do when you are having a good time” Donovan looked behind Anthony where the rest of his squadron is sitting, “you better join the rest of your squadron Anthony. You don’t want to be the party pooper” Anthony turned around to see his squadron and saw some of his squad mates were calling him over, “Datangia get your sorry ass over here!” “Oi Anthony, grab your drink!” “Anthony start drinking you got a lot of catching up!” “I guess I better do what they say hey Donovan” smiled Anthony as he grabbed his drink and joined his squadron. Everyone applauded Anthony when he pulled a chair over sitting in the middle of the group where Arrows was showing her new found toy, the Bronze Star. “I guess we expect better things from you hey Datangia?” asked Torps as he drained his beer and pouring himself another drink from a nearby jug, “now you and Arrows got an award. I guess you guys can have all the hard assignment” “In your dreams Torps” laughed Arrows, “you got a lot of sucking up to do if you want either of us to do any of your assignments” “Aww bugger” groaned Torps, “and spoil all the fun for the rest of the Flying Tigers?” “Ah who cares anyway?” said Pecks, “with Bronze Stars to our squadron I’m sure we will win the monthly highest scoring squadron” “I don’t know” said Anthony, “the Wild Aces have completed more missions than us thou and they have been successful in every operation” “Quit the chatter folks” said Silky as she walked up to the group with another couple of jugs of bear, “we were to relax and congratulate on Datangia and Arrows on their Medals, not to see stats and take downs” Silky slide one of the jugs to the other side of the table where Pasty picked it up and pour himself a drink, “now drink up and loosen up! That’s an order” “Yes Ma’am!” everyone replied and got into their beers. The rest of the evening went more wild with the rest of the squadrons arrive for the party. The usual drinking contest went ahead between the squadrons with Skinny outdrinking every other pilot that dared to challenge him. The last one to go against him was 1st Lieutenant Jessica ‘B-lady’ Abnett who lasted almost long enough to beat him but not long enough, when Skinny challenge B-lady to another beer sculling round which she lost at the end. After the drinking games finish it was entertainment time with a band consist of several crew members from around the ship got together to play some of the crew’s favourite songs including classics from the last 20th and 21st century as music from that era was very popular and is still popular to this day. Datangia was sitting by one of the now vacant tables look at the Bronze Star he received earlier on. Tracing his finger along the engravings, thinking when he saw a shadow above him. Looking up he saw Arrows with bottle and two shot glasses. “Now there is no reason for you to not celebrate on our success is there” said Arrows as she put a shot glass in front of Datangia and in front of her and pour what looked like to be tequila. “Tequila?” asked Datangia “What were you expecting lemonade?” teased Arrows as she quickly swallowed her drink “Eh you never know” smiled Datangia as he quickly swallowed his drink followed by a quick breathe trying to keep the alcohol down “You are not weak are you Datangia” asked Arrows “Hell no” said Datangia, “you forget that even thou I’m Chinese I lived most my life in Australia and where we come from drinking is a national past time!” “Oh really” mocked Arrows, “come on then you Aussie. Let’s see what you got” the next twenty to thirty minutes Datangia and Arrows were drinking shot glass after shot glass of tequila oblivious to the people around them, with the drinking came the jokes and strange comments and personal life stories about themselves. The party dragged on and soon gradually people were leaving to recover and getting ready for the next day. Some going to their quarters, others went to the medical bay to get some anti-hang over patches. Datangia and Arrows although stopped drinking couple of hours ago, both were still intoxicated with the amount of alcohol they drank and giggling both sharing stories about their past. “You serious?” asked Datangia, “you got that nick because you shot one of the instructors while practicing?” “It was an accident” said Arrows, “how was I supposed to know that day that one of the instructors was in the field while I was shooting my arrows. Besides it he wasn’t looking” “Yeah right” said Datangia, “I think that I am going to stay away from you now when I see you with your bow and arrows” Datangia pulled away from Arrows while sitting on his chair. Arrow reached out with both hands and was able to grab the chair and pulled Datangia very quickly back to her, too close to the point they were face to face almost touching. “Woah that’s a tad bit close darling’” said Datangia as he pulled back, only to have Arrows placing her hands on his thighs pressing down on them as if she was trying to stop him from moving, “I like this spot” she smiled, “you know Anthony. I have to admit you are cute” Datangia felt his ears getting red hot and can feel his face getting warm. He was lucky that he was Asian because not many would know if they would be blushing or not. “Um I’m flattered Arrows” said Anthony as he coughed a bit, “you nice too Arrows. I think you had a bit already tonight and I think you should go get some sleep” Anthony was about stand up when Arrows grabbed him by the face and pulled him towards her and kissed him on the lips. Shocked by the sudden move, Anthony was frozen completely caught off guard by Arrows that he could not think what he should be doing next. What was like only five seconds seems like forever when Arrows finally pulled back and smiled at him, “Um Arrows that was nice” said Datangia, “I, um. I don’t know what to say. I just, err, um” Datangia was stuttering, couldn’t put two words together let alone form a sentence. Smiling broadly Arrows stood up, grabbed one of the unopened wind bottles near by and two wine glasses. Holding them with one hand, Arrows grabbed Anthony by the other hand and led him out of the rec-room to the main lift which takes them to the quarters. *** * ***Donovan was watching from the bar where Arrows and Datangia were talking when he saw Arrows made a move on Datangia, “Well I’ll be” he said, “Datangia you lucky bastard” “What’s that Donovan?” asked Balls who was sitting in front of Donovan at the bar sharing a bottle of whisky with Torps “Take a look over at our new recruit” said Donovan nodding to where Datangia and Arrows as sitting. Balls and Torps turned around and looked in the direction where Donovan was pointing towards. “That lucky bastard” said Torps under his breathe, “I was trying to make a move on her tonight and I get shot down” chuckling Torps could stop himself laughing to himself when he saw Arrows led Datangia out of the rec-room, heading towards the main lift, “I almost forgot. Arrows is in for a shock” “What?” asked Balls “Datangia is a virgin” Torps burst out loud laughing when he couldn’t hold it much longer “What!” both Balls and Donovan said in unison “You bullshitting right?” asked Balls, “Datangia a virgin. You’re joking right?” “Nah I’m dead serious. Anthony went to school to school, to college to the Academy. He told me he never dated anyone or gone out with girl ever. Friends he has but not of a female nature if you get my drift” “Damn he’s 22 and untainted” said Donovan “Not anymore by tonight” said Torps. Both Balls and Donovan looked at Torps both suddenly realised about what was about to happen and both started laughing. “I guess that Arrows will have to give him a crash course on the birds and the bees hey” said Donovan. Balls quieten down after his laughter trying to regain his composure “Damn I can’t remember the last time you got laid” said Torps “Maybe because you too damn ugly” said Balls as he jabbed Torps in the ribs “Hey, you’re no Casanova yourself” said Torps, “and I thought chicks dig guys in uniform” “Yeah but what if the chick is wearing the uniform?” asked Balls “Well then boys I guess you are out of luck then” said Donovan as he finished polishing of the wet glasses, “we can get all the juicy details tomorrow. In the meantime” Donovan pulled out two brooms underneath the bar and passed one each to Balls and Torps. “What’s this?” asked Balls “What do you think it is” said Donovan, “you two are the last one left and you knew the rules after a party. The last two people regardless if they are drunk or sober have to help clean up the mess” Torps and Balls turned around and saw the mess they were about to clean up. Bottles on the tables, chairs and long the ground, some broken and some intact; Food scraps litter all over the tables some of the half eaten, some of the chairs knocked over along the room and in some spots in the rec room Balls and Torps could see vomit spots near the rubbish bins where a majority of litter were scattered around the bin, none of them actually were placed in the bin. “Oh crap!” said both Balls and Torps, both groaning and remember the deal that was made. “Oh fellas” said Donovan, “you might want these” Donovan passed to the two pilots a pair of rubber gloves and some garbage bags, “it is bit messy and smelly over that corner. Let me know if you guys need the mop as well” sporting a cheeky grin Donovan resume cleaning the rest of the bar clearing away the glasses and bottles while whistling a happy little tune, while Balls and Torps were cleaning the mess and grumbling. __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

12-03-2005, 05:07	#24
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 11 TCS Hibernia 2628.265.0530 Anthony winced at the sound of someone voice over the PA system. He cannot remember how much he drank, but he sometimes can’t stop helping himself out on a good drink especially when he is around good people. Gradually he was able to hear clearly the voice on the PA system. “All pilots report to your squadron’s briefing room at 0600, all pilots are to report” “I should muffle that damn speaker” he said to himself as he tried to regain his composure “What did you say?” said a sleepy voice next to him. Suddenly Anthony was wide awake and sober. He looked to his right and saw Kathryn Ross completely naked with the bed sheets barely covering her. “Jesus!” whispered Anthony as he jumped out of the bed. It was only then did he noticed when he was out of bed that he too was stark naked. “What?” asked Kathryn. “What are you doing in my room?” “Your room” laughed Kathryn, Anthony looked around and saw that he was not in his quarters. “What the hell happen?” asked Anthony. Letting the sheets drop away, Kathryn stretched, showing off her body to good effect, and said, “Well, come back here and I’ll show you . . . again.” Anthony found his clothes on the floor and pulled on his pants, “Damn. I didn’t do it last night . . . did I?” Kathryn’s expression clouded first then she smiled devilishly at him, “You most certainly did, more than once. What is the problem Anthony? It’s not like the first time you shagged”. “Well Ah . . .” said Anthony not certain how he was going to answer the question. It took a full second for Kathryn to realise something about Anthony. After realising she laughed, “My god! You were a virgin!?” Anthony merely nodded as he putted on the rest of his clothes. Watching him put his clothes back, Kathryn sat up in bed pulling up the bed sheets smiling at the young Chinese guy, “For a Chinese guy who just had sex for the first time. You were pretty damn good” “Um thanks I think” said Anthony as he put on the rest of his clothes, “we have to go briefing in twenty minutes. We are going to be late, if we don’t hurry” “Don’ worry” replied Kathryn, “I am sure they can understand. Especially the amount of shit you drank last night” “Well um what do you expect when there is a party” said Anthony as he pulled up his boots, “I better get back to my quarters and clean up. When the day is over I think you and I need to talk” “Oh talk huh?” said Kathryn, “or do you want another private one on one discussion?” the young woman chuckled as she got up from the bed and heading towards her locker and pull out a jumpsuit. “Oh shut it” growled Anthony as he headed out, “I’ll see you at the end of the day” Anthony left Kathryn’s quarters and headed down the corridor to his quarters. He rounded a corner, nearly colliding with two other people. “Easy there Anthony, you are going the wrong way” Anthony looked up and saw that he almost collided into Balls and Torps. “Well, guess you had a fun night last night” smiled Torps, “so did she pop your cherry?” Balls tried to hold back a chuckle as he turned away from Anthony and Torps. “That is none of your business” said Anthony, “I’m heading back to my quarters and clean up” “That messy huh?” continued Torps, Balls burst out laughing couldn’t hold back much further. “Ah Anthony, you such a moron” said Balls, “Don’t worry we won’t start the briefing without you. I’ll tell Silky” “No!” said Anthony as he ran past the two pilots down to the corridor heading towards his quarters, “tell her nothing. I will be there soon” he shouted back “And if you don’t get back in time. I’m telling” shouted Torps as they saw Anthony rounded a corner. “You seriously not telling are you?” asked Balls “Maybe” smiled Torps, “I might have ask for some compensation for withholding certain information” “Ah you such meanie” said Balls as they both headed to the squadron briefing room. *** * *** Vega System, Douglas Quadrant, Vega Sector. TCS Hibernia Flight Squadron Briefing Room 2628.265.0550 Almost everyone in the Flying Tiger’s squadron were present for the briefing. All except Anthony who has not arrived. “Hmm where is Datangia?” asked Jewel who was sitting at the front of the briefing room chairs. “Oh I think he is trying to recover from last night’s festivities” said Torps as he turned around where he was sitting and smiling at Arrows who was talking to Peck, “have you seen Anthony Arrows?” “I don’t know” replied the woman, “I haven’t seen him since the end of the party after talking to him” “Yeah?” Torps was grinning broadly. Arrows was about to reply when Major Mallamo entered the briefing room with Captain Border. “All right are we all here?” “No Major” said Torps, “I think that” Torps was about to finish when the doors behind the group slid open and Anthony rushed in, “Sorry I’m late” said Anthony as he quickly sat a seat next to Drool who was sitting in the front row of the briefing room. “Welcome back Datangia” said Silky, “you just in time. We were just about to start” Silky quietly conferred with Balls with the mission assignment before she started. “Ok you ladies listen up. For those who are not aware. The Hibernia has jumped into the Vega Sector where we are assigned to picket and policing duty in this system. Command has inform us that Vega’s main forces are going through a refit and has assigned us as the babysitters until they finish their refit” “How long will that take?” asked Lieutenant Carl ‘Brains’ Wallace “Colonel Parker informs me that the Hibernia will support a task force from the 7th Fleet. Capitals ship are position are major key positions and jump points and monitor all incoming and out coming traffic. The Hibernia is station at these coordinates” Mallamo activated the mission map on the wall behind her indicating the position of the Hibernia and the location of the planet Vega, “we are going to run regular patrols and cargo sweeps of any incoming an out coming ships in this vicinity. If any illegal contents or other forms of contraband are detected, we are to detain the ship and marines will come and board the ship and take control of it. Once we have taken control of the ships we are to escort them to Vega Base where they will be charged and interrogated. Any questions? No Good. Balls will assigned today’s flight assignments. Dismissed” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

12-13-2005, 06:44	#25
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 12 TCS Hibernia Flight Wing Recreation Room 2628.235.1330 “Damn one week of escort and patrolling is one thing” said Torps, “but a month of militia duty for Vega. Damn it is driving me nuts” “Who said that this assignment was going to be fun” said Drool as he finished his drink and passed it to Donovan who refilled it, “besides it is a break from the Mari-ad for the last couple of months. I thought that operation on that outpost was going to go on forever” “Personally I would prefer fighting against those terrorists then anything else” said Torps. As they were continued talking the door as to the Rec Room and both turn to see Anthony ‘Datangia’ Cheng entered the room reading a flimsy. Looking around Datangia saw Torps and Drool by the bar. He waved to them and head towards them. “Hey there Datangia, what do you got there?” asked Torps “Mail from my dad” replied Anthony as he sat on one of the stools next to Torps, “Orange thanks Donovan. I got a squadron briefing in an hour” “What does your dad do Datangia?” asked Drool “He is a Captain of a destroyer, the TCS Ronin. He is currently with a small squadron of ships in the Hawking Sector. He says they are doing survey and reconnaissance for possible new colonies and stations” “Sounds like fun?” said Drool, “do you keep in contact with him?” “Every once in a while we keep in contact. We sent mail to each other how we are doing and what is new on our side of the galaxy” “You miss him?” “No. Because I know he is still alive and I know that he tries to catch up with me and spend as much time possible” “It must really sucks no to keep in contact with your dad” said Torps, “I contact my folks at least one a fortnight and let them know how things are and what is happening back at home. What about your mom? Do you keep in contact with?” Anthony looked down as his drink, pondering how he was going to reply to that question, “I’m sorry did we bring something up?” asked Drool. “No it is not like that” said Anthony, “My mother died after I was born. I never knew her par the photos and vids my father shows me of her” Anthony turned away as if he was trying to wipe a tear away, “I never knew her and I probably won’t no matter how much I look at photos and vids. It just ain’t the same” Anthony swallowed his drink and left the bar leaving Drools and Torps at the bay. “Man he is screwed” said Torps “Nah it just family problems” said Drool “That is what I said” said Torps, “he gets a message from paps and now he is getting emotional. We can’t have that if he is on assignment?!” “Nope, but I am sure he will recover” said Drool, “Anthony is a tough guy I am sure he will survive” “I would not jump to conclusion fellas” said Donovan as he picked up their glasses, “don’t let it fool you. I think Anthony is much stronger than he thinks” “Why do you say that?” asked Torps “Well he may be emotional when he hears or received something” said Donovan, “but when I see him just before a mission assignment. He gets focus almost to the point he put aside everything and focuses what is needed to be done” “That maybe true” said Drool, “but then I never have seen him like this” “Me neither” said Torps, “I suppose it is only one of few times we have seen him a bit emotional. I suppose it does not include with his frolicking with Arrows” “That’s a different matter” said Donovan “and I think that Anthony personal social, love or sex life should not be our concern unless otherwise” “Eh maybe” said Torps, “personally I think that Anthony should tell us about his problems if he has any. We are his squad mates and squad mates help each other out” “True” said Drool, “but then again you have to remember that it’s his life not ours” “Ah you no fun” said Torps as he finished his drink, “Well we better get ready soon. Silky probably got our next flight assignment all drawn up by now” “Yeah I bet she does” nodded Drool as he finished his drink, “Donovan thanks for the drinks and chat. See you around” * * * TCS Hibernia Flight Squadron Briefing Room 2628.235.1430 “Well I must give everyone a gold star for everyone turning up on time” said Silky as she looked at everyone in the room, “and not one hangover or excuses for late arrivals” a few chuckles could be heard among the pilots, “now for today’s assignments” Silky activate the map viewer behind her from the podium showing the map of the Vega System and the surrounding systems. “All right ladies we are separating into three flights of four fighters, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Flight. Alpha will remain with the Hibernia and is assigned with escort duty and Vega System patrols” “Not again” groaned Torps. Datangia turned around and saw Samuel Thorpe shaking his head, “I just came back from a previous patrol” “Problems there Torps?” asked Silky “No ma’am” said Torp as he quickly sat up from his chair, “just reviewing the mission specs” “Very well, as I was saying Alpha is remaining with the Hibernia while Bravo and Charlie Flight will be assigned to long range reconnaissance. Command and Intel informs us that from the data they collected from the Mari-ad depot and from other sources, there is Mari-ad ships coming through this system and we are not sure where, but they are coming sometime soon. So in the next two to three days it is going be hard. But we are not doing it along. The Wild Aces will also be deployed along these flight paths in three separate wings also” Silky pressed another button on a control pad and three new colour flight paths appeared on the map viewer, “we have Delta, Gamma and Zeta Flight covering these paths. As you can see they are within range of providing assistance if need be. So the plan is simple. You all go with the allocated the flight paths, reconnaissance the entire area, report any findings and return back to base. If there any transports that jumps in within your area. Inspect them and ensure that there is not hidden contraband or other illicit items on board. We will have marines standing by for boarding if found any” “And if we encounter hostiles?” asked Lieutenant Michelle Lee “Well that is easy to answer” said Silky, “we have been given the green light to engage hostile forces if they fail to respond to any of our requests” “Too easy” grinned Lee, “well at least that cuts down half our problems” “Well if there are no more questions? Good, dismissed and good luck” Twenty minutes later TCS Hibernia Flight Deck 2628.235 “God this is going to boring” said Torps as he and Skinny walked to their allocated fighters, “at least the other guys get to fly out do something easy while we have to baby sit transports and all” “Why bother” said Skinny, “at least we are not going to be shot down” “Eh” shrugged Torps, “where is Silky and Datangia?” “Silky is with Parker and I think Datangia is over there I think” pointing to a group of other pilots. Torps turn to where Skinny was pointing to and smiled. In the distance he could see Datangia talking to Arrows. He could hear what they were talking about, but he had a fair idea what it was, “what’s so funny?” asked Skinny “Ah nothing I will tell you later” said Torps, “Come on we better get moving before Silky has our balls for dinner” *** * * “So Kathryn I was wondering if we can talk sometime when we all come back from our mission assignments?” asked Anthony Kathryn was fiddling her helmet and flight suit while listening to Anthony “Hmm maybe about what?” “Well it is about that night” said Anthony quietly trying to hide his embarrassment and avoiding other people around to hear their conversation “Oh?” Kathryn’s attention was now focused on the Chinese, “what about it?” “Well you said something which caught me by surprised and all and I just wanted to talk before people started getting ideas and all?” “Oh is that all” smiled Kathryn giving Anthony a small pinch on his cheek, “let them think for themselves” “But I don’t want people to think otherwise of things that are not true” Kathryn looked at Anthony and placed her hand on his hand, “Once we finish our assignments, we’ll talk” “Thank you” said Anthony * * * Approximately 1.5 hours later** Torps was flying wing for Datangia as they escorting a transport that jumped into the Vega system. For the last 40 minutes, Alpha flight were busying running escorts and scanning ships coming in and out of the system searching for any illegal items and any other contrabands “So what did you talk to Arrows about?” asked Torps, as he checked his sensors for any incoming ships. He saw Silky and Skinny on his sensors escorting a transport out to its exit jump point. “None of your business” replied Datangia, “I don’t see why it should be a concern for you?” “Ah come on mate” said Torps, “I just want to know what I saw” “And that is Arrows and I were talking” said Datangia on the comm. screen, “that is what everyone should see. Just two pilots talking to one another. It is not you don’t talk to Ensign Ham” “Hey how did you know about that?” Torps could see Datangia smiling on the comm. screen, even thou he was wearing his helmet, Torps could see that Datangia was smiling behind the helmet, “you cheeky bugger” “Looks who’s talking” “OK you got me there” said Torps in defeat, “but you have to tell me what is going on. People saw you and Arrows leave the party together that night” “Yeah so” “Well so people would want to hear the goss” “I will think about” said Datangia, “look lets focus on this. When we get back I will buy you a drink and I might tell you” “You better” said Torps as he pushed his throttle up to moved ahead of the transport to scan the forward sector, “otherwise I am going to kick your ass” “Yeah like to see you try mate” laughed Datangia __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

12-17-2005, 23:10	#26
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter - Intermission This is refresher for everyone who may have lost track of the people through the first 12 chapters of 2628. Meanwhile while Alpha flight is running escorts for incoming and out coming transports, Bravo and Charlie flight along with Delta, Gamma and Zeta from the Wild Aces squadron are patrolling outlying regions of the Vega System. The next following chapter or more will be focused on these two squadrons and their events that take place. For some who have forgotten these are the names of both the Flying Tigers and the Wild Aces squadron and the assigned Flight they are in. Chapter 12 highlights the Flight group’s mission assignment and the people involved. The following are the people who are in both the Flying Tigers and Wild Aces Squadron – Squadron 28th Flight Group Flying Tigers Squadron Squadron Commander Major Amanda ‘Silky’ Mallamo Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez 1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe 1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson 1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman 1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace 1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico 2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards 2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross 2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee 2nd Lieutenant Anthony ‘Datangia’ Cheng Flight Group Alpha Flight - Silky - Torps - Skinny - Datangia Bravo Flight - Balls - Drool - Arrows - Brains Charlie Flight - Jewel - Shorts - Peck - Pasty Squadron 57th Flight Group Wild Aces Squadron Commander - Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady Executive Officer - Captain Colin ‘Cowboy’ Forbes Pilots - 1st Lieutenant Geoffrey ‘Priest’ Hanson - 1st Lieutenant Jessica ‘B-lady’ Abnett - 1st Lieutenant Gary ‘Storm’ Simons - 1st Lieutenant Maria ‘Tipsy’ Sandow - 1st Lieutenant James ‘junior’ Lucas - 1st Lieutenant Amy ‘Pikachu’ Wong - 2nd Lieutenant Michelle ‘Leet’ Llane - 2nd Lieutenant Alexander ‘Ferrari’ Prost - 2nd Lieutenant Frederick ‘Freddy’ Ronaldo - 2nd Lieutenant Matthew ‘Bleach’ White Delta Flight : Legs B-Lady Junior Ferrari Gamma Flight : Cowboy Storm Pikachu Freddy Zeta Flight : Priest Tipsy Leet Bleach Below is the names of people who have been seen through the last 12 Chapters, just a refresher of those who forgotten who is who. TCS Hibernia – Command Crew and other officers Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker Executive: Major Joseph Lector Chief Tactical Officer 1st Lieutenant Miles Lee Chief Communications officer 1st Lieutenant Sarah Jessica Chief Technician/Chief Petty Officer Chief Technician MendezCommander of Hibernia’s marine forces Major Donald Lee Oscar ‘Nuts’ Captain Richard Grant - Commanding officer that lead a company of 40 marines to board the Mari-ad depot (Chapter 5) - Acting Executive Officer of the marines detachment Lieutenant Marcus Harris - Part of Grant’s marine company during the Mari-ad raid (Chapter 5) Sergeant Collins - Marine on board the Hibernia who assisted in the Mari-ad depot raid (Chapter 5) Private Simon Watts - Private with Collins detachment Marine Specialist Stevens - Demolitions/explosives expert Jasper/Lee/Kinder - Marines accompany Datangia and Arrows at the Mari-ad outpost Chad - Marine. Ferrari provoked in Chapter 7 about the Marines lost at the Mari-ad Depot Lieutenant Shauna Tyson - Chief Medical Officer of the TCS Hibernia Donovan - Hibernia’s bartender - ?? Secret Agent Lieutenant Ronald - Pilot flying Survey shuttle SM001 (Chapter 8) Commander Winston Turner - Academy Lecturer Lieutenant Colonel John Regan - Academy Flight Instructor Sara ‘Gem’ Dale - Academy Recruit David ‘Reddy’ Wilson - Academy Recruit Jessica ‘Flame’ Ablett - Academy Recruit Ta-Ke Cheng - Anthony’s grandfather and friend of Admiral Wayne Banbridge - Ta-Ke and Wayne’s father went to high school together Jennifer Cheng - Anthony’s grandmother, Ta-Ke’s wife Francis Cheng - Anthony’s father - Naval Captain - Commands the TCS Ronin, Confederation Destroyer Jonas - One of the Mari-ad’s chief lieutenants and best operatives - Initiated the Mari-ad Supply dept self destruct system in the Enyo System from an unknown location Brutus - An operative of the Mar-aid and a member of Jonas infiltration team. Monty - Mari-ad bridge officer (Chapter 5) Scott - Mari-ad bridge officer (Chapter 5) __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

12-21-2005, 03:24	#27
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 13 On the outer region of Vega space Bravo Flight “Transport Ulric, you are clear to proceed to planet Vega have a safe journey” said Balls as he finished his sweep on the transport that jumped in. For the last hour numerous transports have been jumping in and others jumping out. Both Bravo and Charlie Flight have been seeing transports after transport coming in and it was getting repetitive. “Pretty boring ain’t it boss?” asked Brains on the comm. channel “Yeah well someone has to earn a living around here watching over these transports while you guys squandered it all on the drinks at the bar” replied Balls “Yeah you are one for talk” said Drool interrupting the conversation, “if I recall you yourself go for a bit of drink once in a while” “Yeah, yeah” grumbled Balls, “I am known to have a few good drinks, but don’t mean I spend it all at once, unlike some people I know who spend it buying some dirty magazines” “Hey who told you that?” asked Drool “Aw come on Drool” laughed Brains, “we all know about your tidy collection of magazines. Why do you think we call you Drool for in the first place?” “Quiet down folks” interrupted Balls “we got transport jumping” Balls was observing his sensor readings when five freighters arrived at the jump point, “ok folk, time to earn our pay. Drool you’re on me, Arrows and Brains you two form up and ID those freighters” “Bravo Lead” said Drool reverting to standard comm. chatter “I’m picking up interference from one or two of the transports?” “Same here Lead” confirmed Brains, “it is jamming with our sensor readings” Balls attempted to adjust his sensor readings attempting to compensate with the interference they are experiencing. I don’t like this thought Balls as he switched open communications with the freighters, “to the unidentified freights this Captain Border of Confed Space forces you are emitting some form of sensor interference, shut down your systems and prepared to be scanned” no response came from the freighters, “to the unidentified freighters are you broadcasting an interference signal which is interfering our sensor readings. Shut down your systems and prepare to be scanned” “They are not budging Bravo Lead” said Drool “I notice Bravo Two” replied Balls, “Bravo Flight, sweep over the five freighters and ID their cargo I want to know what they are hiding” “Too late something is happening” said Arrows, “freighters are opening their cargo bay doors” Balls looked up at his visual scanners and good seen on his small monitors that the cargo ball doors on all five freighters were opening up “I got a bad feeling about this” said Balls * * * Somewhere else in the Vega System Delta Flight On approach to Nav point 3 “Scope is all clear Delta Lead” reported in Ferrari, “place is quiet like a tomb” “Copy that Delta 4” said Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady, “seems we got an easy run folks” “Score extra points for us hey Delta Lead?” asked Lieutenant Jessica ‘B-lady’ Abnett “Always” replied Legs, “we can always go for some easy missions. Sure beats hanging out the rec room waiting for new assignment and everything” “Lead I’m picking high energy readings!” said Ferrari “there is a ship jumping in!” “That’s impossible!” said B-Lady, “there is no jump point designate on our flight path. Are you sure” “I’m reading the signal clear and precise” said Ferrari, “Delta 3 you getting this?” “I’m reading this as well” said Lieutenant James ‘Junior’ Lucas, “I’m getting high level energy spike and I don’t like this one bit either” “Standby team” said Legs as he changed his flight path and heading towards where the jump point is forming, “Home one this is Delta Lead. Home one this is Delta Lead, we are picking high energy readings indicating of a possible jump point forming up and detecting a ship is coming through” “Delta Lead this is Home One” Hibernia’s executive officer face appeared on the comm. channel, “that is impossible are you sure Delta Lead” “Affirmative Home One, we checked our sensors reading and everything we are detecting a jump point and detecting a ship trying to jump through” “Copy that, keep us posted Delta Lead. Do you have a fix on what ship is jumping in?” “We are getting something” said Balls as he saw a bright white light forming, “standby. We are getting something.” “Delta Lead, this is Captain Lang. What do you see?” * * * TCS Hibernia Command Bridge Vega System “Copy that, keep us posted Delta Lead. Do you have a fix on what ship is jumping in?” asked Commander O’Hara “We are getting something” said Balls on the comm. monitor, “standby. We are getting something.” O’Hara was watching the monitor followed by static coming through the speakers, Captain Lang and Colonel Parker was standing by watching the screen. Lang walked up to the monitor and brought the microphone to him, “Delta Lead, this is Captain Lang. What do you see?” “Don’t know sir” said Balls, “I see a bright light and, oh my god what is that?” Lang and the others could see the eyes through Major Brady’s helmet that something was out there and it was something bad. “Major Brady, report!” said Lang, “What do you see out there!” “My god it is huge” whispered Legs, “Delta 3 and 4 you got a sensor reading on that thing?” “Delta Lead, transmit your visual data to the Hibernia” ordered Lang “Stand by Home One” said Balls, “we are picking up interference from this thing we are, Delta 2 what is that over starboard?” the next few moments were screams and shouts among the four pilots followed by silence. “Home One to Delta Lead, Major Brady do you copy?” the communications officer did not received any signal from the flight group. “Colonel, get the closest flight group and find out what happen to Delta Flight now” said Lang “I’m on it sir” replied Parker, “Charlie Flight from the Flying Tigers is within range to them. I will inform them of change of plans” Parker moved over to the Flight Operation stations where he conferred with the officer at the station “Navigation what do we have over there?” asked Lang “I’m not picking up anything sir” said the Navigation Officer, Lieutenant Stuart Wade, “We were following the four signals of the fighters then nothing. I cannot read their transponder. Nothing” “Not good” said Lang, “Parker I want Charlie Flight over there ASAP. I want to know what the hell is going on over there!” * * * Bravo Flight “We got fighters coming out those bays!” said Arrows, “Strikers! I am reading 10 Strikers total, two each from each freighter” “I read it too” said Drool, “got 10 Strikers on sensors” “Shit just our luck!” hissed Balls, “Bravo Flight, evasive manoeuvres! Home One this is Bravo Lead, we encounter five freighters and 10 Strikers. We are engaging hostile forces” “Bravo Lead this is Colonel Parker!” Parker’s image appeared on Ball’s comm. screen, “Gamma Flight is within range your flight path and will come to assist. You are to hold off those fighters as long as possible” “Roger that Bravo Lead out” * * * TCS Hibernia Command Bridge Vega System “Home One this is Bravo Lead, we encounter five freighters and 10 Strikers. We are engaging hostile forces” said Balls on the comm. channel “Now what!” said Lang as he turned to see the communication officer receiving the transmission from Bravo Flight. Parker rushed over to the comm. station and grabbed the microphone when he heard Bravo’s Flight report, “Bravo Lead this is Colonel Parker! Gamma Flight is within range your flight path I’m sending them to assist you. You are to hold off those fighters as long as possible” “Roger that Bravo Lead out” “What the hell is going out there!?” said Lang not asking anyone particular “I don’t know what is happening Captain” said Parker, “but I am guessing those freighters are Mari-ad ships whereas for Delta Flight, I have no idea and I just hope that they are alright” “That maybe Colonel” said Lang, “but I would like to know what is going on out there. One minute everything is running smoothly the next all hell breaks loose” “Well hopefully when Charlie and Gamma Flight make it in time to assist the other flights we might get an idea of what is going on” “I hope so Colonel for your sake” said Lang, “because in the last six to eight months things have been crazy and I swear I am ready to hang up my boots. This Mari-ad business is driving me up the bends” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

12-29-2005, 03:06	#28
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	I hope everyone is enjoying "2628 - An officers beginning" I wish everyone (a bit belated) Merry Christmas and a safe New Years...All the best!!! The next chapter will be up soon, after I recover from the festivities..... __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

01-15-2006, 03:01	#29
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Hello folks Sorry for the delay, but the festivites has continue all throughout this month, that plus work and study commitments. Any hoot I hope you enjoy this latest chapter of 2628 - An officers beginning Enjoy !! Chapter 14 Bravo Flight Outer Region of Vega Space “God damn fucking prick” growled Drool, “someone get this twit off my ass!!” “Hang on Bravo 2, I’m on my way” Arrows face appeared on Drool’s comm. screen “Well you better get here this bastard is beginning to ride my ass pretty tight” “Oh you would like that would you” “Just hurry up here!” *** * *** “How you holding up there Bravo 4?” asked Balls “I’m holding up Bravo Lead” said Brains, “nocked up one kill and hounding the other here. You?” “Same thing” replied the squadron executive officer, “Bravo 2 was right, they are riding us hard!” Balls switched his communication frequency to the Hibernia’s main communication line, “Home one is this Bravo Lead, where is Gamma Flight? What is taking them so long?” “Bravo Lead, this is Home One” Lieutenant Jessica appeared on the comm. screen, Gamma Wing should be there in 15 minutes. You have to hold on a little while longer” “15 minutes!? We will be dead in 15 seconds if they don’t get here soon enough!” “Standby Bravo Lead, Gamma should be there soon!” “Copy that just tell them to hurry up!” * * * TCS Hibernia Command Bridge Vega System “Home One to Delta Lead. Do you copy?” continued Lieutenant Jessica, “Delta Lead this is Home One do you respond?” “What is the ETA on Charlie Flight?” asked Lang “10 minutes top” replied Parker, “Lieutenant, keep trying to get through to Delta Flight. Damn we got to find who what happen out there” Parker walked over to the nearby intercom and switched it on, “Lieutenant, get Major O’Brian on the bridge ASAP” “What do you think is out there Captain?” asked Parker “Don’t know Parker” said Lang, “I don’ know and I don’t like it. Colonel I want O’Brian to lead a Search and Rescue Team and I want to be on standby alert. I do not know what happen out there and I don’t want to believe that something bad happen out there” “Agreed” said Parker * * * Bravo Flight’s current position Outer region of Vega Space “Bravo Lead, this is Gamma Flight. Calvary is here what your status is?” “Pretty banged up here Gamma Lead” Balls face appear on Lieutenant Geoffrey Hanson comm. screen monitor, “we have three Strikers down, we are hit pretty badly and don’t know how much long we can hold on. You guys sure picked a good time to come in” “Sorry Bravo Lead” replied Hanson, “once we get back I buy you guys a round of drinks” “I will take you up on that” said Balls, “just help us out here and we can settle the score later” “Agreed. Okay Gamma Flight, pick your targets and engage those Strikers!” Hanson received the acknowledgements from the three pilots that were on his flight wing. * * * Charlie Flight On approach to Delta Flight’s last known position Vega Sector “What the hell happen here!” said 1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman. Charlie Flight arrived to Delta Flight last known position. Instead of see four Confederation Rapier fighters, they saw a large debris field “I don’t know” said Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez, “but we better find out” Jewel switched her comm. frequency to all channels hoping that Delta Flight might be able to pick up their transmission, “Charlie Lead to Delta Flight do you copy? Delta Flight do you copy. Peck you picking up anything?” “Nothing on my sensors” said Lieutenant Michelle Lee, “there is too many debris and interference. I can’t detect anything” “Wait a minute” interrupted Lieutenant Jean-Luc Rico, “I am picking up a faint signal. It is pretty faint I could barely pick it up on wide range sensors. Looks like it is on the other side of the debris field” “OK Pasty and I will go in and investigate the signal” said Jewel, “Shorts, you and Peck keep searching through that debris field and see what you get” “Copy that” 15 minutes later “Home One, get a SAR team ASAP!” said Jewel, “We found Delta Flight. All in escape pods. Repeat Delta Flight has been found and all 4 pilots are in their escape pods. Request immediate SAR team” “Copy that Charlie Lead” said Lieutenant Jessica, “SAR teams are enroute to your position. Captain Lang and Colonel Parker wants you to scan through the debris field and find what you can on what happen?” “Copy that Home One. Charlie Flight protect the escape pods, I am going into the debris field and scan through the wreckage and see what the hell happen here” Jewel received acknowledgements from her flight group. * * * Meanwhile back Gamma and Bravo Flight Outer Region of Vega Space “Get this son of a bitch of my ass!” cried out Brains as he swerved left and right away from the Strikers guns, “damn my shields are about to cack it!” “Hold on Bravo 4, I got your six” said a voice on his comm. channel; Brains turn around in his seat to and saw a rapier. Brains saw the Rapier sweep in on the Striker from above shooting its guns, followed by a missile “Thanks Gamma 4” said Brains when he checked his sensors and identified who helped him, “I owe you a drink” “Sure no worries Bravo 4” 2nd Lieutenant Frederick ‘Freddy’ Ronaldo faced appear on Brain’s comm. channel monitor, “let’s go and help the others shall we?” “You got it; I’m on your wing!” * * * “Scratch one more Striker!” said Arrows as she shot past the Striker fighters that she destroyed, “Bravo 2 are you still there?” “Still on your wing” said Drool as Arrows can see his wingman flying cover next to her, “we got 2 Strikers left” “I see it” said Arrows, “let go and finish them off!” “Bravo Flight, this is Bravo Lead” interrupted Balls, “Gamma Flight is going after the remaining fighters while we go and disable those transports” “Shit we forgot about those transports!” hissed Arrows, “damn we better go after them before they jump out” “Well lets hit those burners and go after them” said Drool, “less talk now and more action please” “Copy that lets go!” * * * 20 minutes later “To the Captains of the unidentified transports. This is Captain Border of Confederation Space Forces” said Balls, “your engines have been disable and we have fighters targeting their weapons on your. Stand down and prepared to be board by Confederation security forces” “Screw you bastards!” a face of bearded man appeared on Balls comm. channel monitor, “you are not taking us with you! The Mari-ad never surrenders to anyone!” “Shit this is not good” said Drool as he watched his sensors reading while monitoring the communication channel, “Bravo Lead I am picking a spike in energy readings in the engine reactor compartment of the lead transport” “Damn the fools is trying to blow himself up!” said Balls, “It is going to self destruct! All fighters pull back and brace for ship explosion shockwave! Bravo 2 how much time do we have til detonation?” “Two minutes!” replied Drool “Jesus this is not good” said Balls, “to all remaining transports. Your lead ship has initiated a self destruct. If you value your life, then shut down your shields so we can pull out away with our tractor beams” no one from the remaining four transports replied to Balls request “To Captain Border, this is Acting Captain Julius please respond” “This is Confederation Lead Fighter, you may speak” “The crew have subdue our Captain and I am taking over the transports and we are surrender and ready to be boarded” “The self destruct system?” “We have deactivated the system” “He is right Bravo Lead” said Drool over a private comm. channel, “I am not picking up any energy spikes or anything from the lead transports” “Very well Captain Julius” said Balls, “and the remaining four transports?” “You don’t need to worry about them Captain” said Julius, “they are controlled by remote from this ship” “By remote?” Balls was slightly speechless when Julius said the remaining 4 transports were controlled by remote from the lead transport. Balls can see on the comm. channel monitor Julius was slightly smiling after telling Balls about the ships “Surprised Captain?” “Somewhat” replied Balls, “Captain, security forces are en route to our position stand by to be boarded. Captain Border out” Balls switched off the comm. link between him and the lead transport. Transports controlled by remote, it was never heard of before. Sure fighter drones he has seen and know plenty off, but larger ships especially cargo transport was never heard of. What were the Mari-ad up to he does not know and after hearing what he just heard, he fear that the Mari-ad are going to be more than just a thorn in the side. __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

01-27-2006, 19:05	#30
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Hello folks Before I post my next chapter I would like to hear some feedback as it would help me improve my story. Cheers! __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

01-28-2006, 06:55	#31
wolfboy Cadet Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 57	i think your doing fine, keep it up __________________ If you cant dazzle them with brilliance, then riddle them with bullets.

01-30-2006, 03:56	#32
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Ello folks I apologise for this Chapter as it is very short and I thought I might give the crew of the Hibernia some breathing space, after what they went through over the last 3-4 months. Anyway I hope you enjoy this short chapter. HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR (tis the year of the woofa!! [Dog]) Chapter 15 TCS Hibernia Captain’s Ready Room Vega Sector Three Hours later (2628.235.1955) Captain Lang, along with Colonel Parker and Lieutenant Commander O’Hara were watching the recording from the flight recorder from Delta Flight. The images seen were blurry but they were able to pick up the faint images they saw. The flight group arrived at their designated flight path where they saw a large cylindrical-type craft jumping in. According to their ships database, the ship did not match to anything and was classified as unidentified. The three officers watch the recording, listening to the comm. chatter between the four pilots. They were not concentrating on the audio but more focusing on the strange new ship which Delta Flight found. When the recording the finished, the lights in the Captain’s Ready Room lit up and was met only with silence. What seem like an hour was only 5 minutes before Colonel Parker said something. “Recognise anything Captain?” asked Parker, the Hibernia commanding officer shook his head as he stood up and walker over to the bar and pour himself a glass of water “I don’t think I have seen anything like it in my 30 years” said Lang, “I thought I have seen it all, but this is something different and I do not want to know what that was” “What do you suggest we do now sir” asked O’Hara “Take the data to Science under classified orders” said Lang, “I want them to figure what Delta Flight saw and gather as much information we can get from the flight recorders and report back to me in 24 for a full report before I report this is Command” * * * TCS Hibernia Flight Wing Recreation Room Vega Sector “Any word from Delta Team” asked Datangia “Nothing at the moment said” Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady as he finished his drink, “meds says that they are all critical but in a stable condition” “What do you think happen to them?” asked Captain Colin ‘Cowboy’ Forbes, “we never had a situation like this before” “Not that I recall in my years of service” said Legs, “I think Charlie Flight got spooked when they found Delta” “Are they still at debriefing?” asked Cowboy “Yeah they still at it” replied Datangia, “it is almost three hours. You think that got all the information they could give?” “Maybe, but I suppose that there are some things which they believe might be useful for Command” “Anyway I hope that everyone is alright” said Cowboy, “I hate to lose four good people” “You got that right” said Datangia, “I can’t believe in almost four months, I have seen more action that I could expected” “Sometime you’re lucky” said Legs “And sometimes you are not” continued Cowboy, “You never know what comes at you” “I suppose so” said Datangia as he finished his drink, “excuse me guys. I am going to get some sleep” “Yeah” said Legs, “it has been a long day for us all. We better get some rest. We never know what we might face tomorrow” * * * To be continue....... __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

02-04-2006, 17:16	#33
Plywood Fiend 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 213	Tense times indeed for the crew of the TCS Hibernia. Good things I see here, sorry its taken me a while to read the new chapters. Anyhoo, looking forward to the next update. __________________ A pox on the eye! I'd pluck it out if I knew where it was.

02-05-2006, 07:33	#34
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Please note - This following chapter has several names and minor facts which I hope do not clash with the current known facts of Wing Commander, please bear in mind all facts mention in this chapter are only coincidential and not intention. Apart from that I hope you all enjoy this chapter...enjoy!! Chapter 16 Orbit around Planet Vega TCS Hibernia Command Briefing Room 2628.237.2030 [48 hours later] It was a while since Lang and Parker had assembled a full senior officers briefing and even then it was only on full scale assault on a planet or installation. Neither has occurred with Hibernia for the last five years. All of the senior officers were watching the recording from Delta flight. Lang and Parker were watching the other officer facial expression, trying to determine of what they were thinking. After the recording was finished, the lights went up and silence was also met. Just the same as us though Lang, Damn this is not good “One question sir” asked Captain Grant, “I am sure I would speak on behalf of all the other officers here. What the hell is that?” “Good question” said Lang, “I am going to leave that to you Chief Science Officer, Commander?” Lieutenant Commander Cameron Martin approach to the stand where Lang was standing “Gentlemen I am going to be quite frank with this” said Cameron, “we have analysed all the data from Delta flight as well as interview the pilots. We have run ship comparisons with our database and correlated all data with the information we obtain from the Varni race and we have come up with nothing” “Nothing!” said Major Lector, “you’re kidding right?” “No Major I am not” replied Cameron, “after the initial analysis and conferring with the Captain we submitted a detail report to High Command about the situation and within six hours after sending the message we received reports from Command that they have no knowledge or information of such about the unidentified ship Delta flight spotted. They are in the dark as much as we are” “So what does Command want us to do?” asked Major Lee, “Command surely wants us to investigate further about this new alien?” Lang walked back standing next to Cameron, “Unfortunately, Command does not want us to investigate on this new alien” “What!” all the officers started asking for explanations “Gentlemen please” said Lang as he tried to calm the officers down, “I am as much as you are wanted to know who were up against and why they are in Confederation space. But Command told us they have several problems already and cannot afford to take on another problem. As of this moment, Confed as set up a small research team back on Sol and are currently investigating the matter while we are to reassume our duties here in the Vega Sector” “That can’t be right” said Parker who sitting on the front row of the briefing room, “Surely this is more important than anything else? We are possibly having our first contact with another alien species!?” “I agree with you Colonel” said Lang, “so did Command. But with the increasing threats with the Mari-ad we are forced back on the back foot. Reports have come in from several systems in this sector of Mari-ad skirmishes and transports being raided. Command has order a full scale operation in all affected sectors and has set up an independent task force to eliminate the Mari-ad threat in all regions” “Command is asking for the almost impossible Captain” said Grant, “an operation would require ships and resources from an entire fleet? This kind of operation would be a logistical nightmare!” “Actually that is what Command has done” said Lang, “Command has order the entire Sector Fleet on alert throughout Vega and has reassign all command ships on different quadrants” “The entire seventh fleet!?” said Chief Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Julius Lindeman, “Command is crazy! This would be a logistical nightmare!” all the officers started to talk at once, voicing their concern about the new orders and wondering where the Hibernia would be posted “Gentlemen please” Lang called the officers attention back towards him, “we have our orders and we are to follow them as expected. Your concerns are noted and believe me I am not as happy as you are. But we have our responsibility to the ship, to the crew and to the Confederation and the main goal is stability. Command as assign the Hibernia to the Day quadrant in the Vega Sector where we will rendezvous with the lead command ship in that quadrant. We will receive further orders and assignments once we arrive. Until then, the Hibernia is jumping in to the Blackmane system. There will be another full officers briefing in 12 hours. In the meantime review the all the reports of the recent Mari-ad attacks in the Day quadrant get up to date on the situation. We will discuss our next operation then, dismissed” * * * “You don’t like this do you David?” asked Lang as all of the other officers left the briefing room “Damn it Justin no” said Parker, “you know and I know that this is wrong and Command should not ignore something as big as this. This is the next big thing since the establishment of McAuliffe Base and meeting the Varni” “I know David” said Lang, “but this is out of our hand. Command believes that if we do not eliminate the Mari-ad threat quickly we may not have enough resource to deal with this new alien situation” “Damn I don’t like it at all” growled David as he walked over to the main view port looking outside at the planet which they were orbiting, “Twenty years of unquestionable service to Confed and now they do this stupid thing” “I don’t blame you David” said Lang, “but Command is right about this. If we focus on this new alien, the Mari-ad might hit us from behind and we would be trap between two forces and Confed is in no position to take on two sides as the same time. A third if you consider the Pilgrim Alliance” “I almost forgot about them” said David, “but the Pilgrims are not much of a problem. I think it is the zealots they have within their group” “I think so. But we need to do this quickly. David go get some rest and read up on the reports. I will see you in 12 hours” “OK will see you then” To be continued…… __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

03-14-2006, 01:16	#35
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Hello fellow fan fiction writers and readers It has been a while since my last entry. Experiencing writers block for a bit, but now I am fully refreshed and hopefully the next chapter should be out by the end of the week or weekend. All the best to all and best wishes!! __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

04-13-2006, 07:28	#36
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Hello readers and writers!! It has been a long time and I finally got to finish this chapter after a long hiatus and what not. Work and study commitments took a hold over me and now I finally made time to do some writing. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter of 2628....Enjoy !! Chapter 17 TCS Hibernia En-route to the Blackmane System 6 Hours before next officers briefing Flight Wing Recreation Room Datangia was feeling a little bit moody. Silky was not telling the squadron why they are heading back to the Day Quadrant after they clear the area of all hostiles. The only thing the squadron was told was that they had some unfinished business. “Frustrating isn’t it” said Donovan as he sat down next to Datangia on one of the bar stool “Huh?” Datangia looked up as Donovan chucked his tea towel over the other side of the counter the barman pulled a small metal flask from the side of his pocket and took a swig of his drink. “Not being told what is going on and being left out of the loop” “Something like that” replied Datangia as he watched the barman take a swig of his flask, “Your own personal supply?” asked Datangia “Oh yeah” smiled Donovan, “besides I hate some of the synthetic drinks they supplied to us. They don’t provide enough of the real stuff to us boys” Datangia merely shrugged unfazed about the amount genuine alcohol that was permitted on board capital ships. Back when he was in the academy he heard rumours of a lost squadron on board another fighter carrier. Rumour has it that a whole squadron went to the recreation room for a big drinking night and literally drank the whole bar down. Later that evening the entire squadron was spotted down at the flight deck of the carrier and commandeered their fighters and left the ship, they never returned. No one was able to determine where they headed to. Search parties were sent out to determine where they flew out to but nothing was found or knew where they could have been. Command later issued that the squadron was MIA in the line of duty and was forced to cover up the story. As far the public knew the whole squadron were drinking too much one night and got involve some accident. Nothing else was released. Since then High Command issue the order of repossessing all alcohol and replace them with synthetic brands to avoid further embarrassment. “Does it have to be so frustrating not being told what is going on?” asked Datangia “Sometimes, I first notice it when you asked your squadron commander couple of hours ago about your next mission assignment” “Yeah well she was being a little bit cryptic about it” “You can’t blame her for being vague” said Donovan, “She is just doing her job and making sure she knows what she is doing when she has all the information” “Yeah maybe” agreed Datangia, “but I don’t like it when the squadron does not know anything for a period of time and start asking questions” “Just be patient Anthony” said Donovan, “Relax you will find out when the time comes. Besides,” the bartender took another swig from his flask, “tell me about your folks back home” * * * Captain’s Ready Room “Are you sure this is it?” asked Parker as he read the data pad, “Command orders the entire 7th Fleet on high alert status throughout the entire sector and what we get from the fleet are the leftovers!?” “I don’t understand either Captain” said Commander O’Hara, “the Britannia? Damn I thought they would scrap that old battleship?” “That ship has passed it’s used by date sir” said Lieutenant Jessica, “with that ship as command, we have only two cruisers and a couple of frigates and a handful of Byrd-class reconnaissance ships but are we going to put a stop to the Mari-ad are with..” “That’s enough Lieutenant” snapped Lang, “People I have read the list of ships that will be in this quadrant and like you I am not as happy as you are. I would assume with the increase attacks and threats from the Mari-ad I thought we get reinforced with another fighter carrier command ship and or the new anti-fighter destroyers we keep hearing about” “But Command saw fit to keep their best within the inner systems of the Sector” said Parker, “the wonders of the Confed bureaucracy within Command. Sometimes I really wonder what really happens in their brains of theirs” “One of the reasons why I never took the position back at Sector Command several months ago” said Lang, “I don’t think I am the type to sit behind a desk” “Sir” said O’Hara, “with all due respect. With almost 35 years of naval service don’t you think should consider the possibility of finishing out of harms way?” “Possibly” said Lang, “but I’m an officer and a crewman of this ship. I belong with the ships. Not getting fat and lazy behind a desk. I rather spend my last days on this ship than anywhere else” There was a minute silence then between the officers in the Captain’s ready room. Everyone knew that Captain Lang, unlike any other commanding officers is not a fan of being part of the brass and rather spend his time onboard ships, travelling, exploring and doing his duty rather than giving orders. “Gentlemen, please review the files you have and report back in five hours for briefing and assessment before we have our full briefing with the senior staff and crew, dismissed” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

05-31-2006, 08:40	#37
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 18 At an undisclosed location Jonas was sitting up in bed completed naked with a glass of scotch in his hand. Twirling the glass, Jonas watched the alcohol moved around the glass. Next to him slept a naked woman. Jonas could see with the small lamp light next to him her smooth skin, and small glistering of sweat along the middle of her back from their hour long romping. Finishing his drink, Jonas got up from the bed and walked over to the bedroom balcony which overlooks the city central night life. He looks down and could see the hundreds of people coming in out of restaurants, night clubs, pubs and other entertainment places here people come to enjoy. While looking on at the crowd a small beeping chime was ringing behind him. Jonas turn to see his private communicator was chiming. Jonas walked back in and picked up his communicator. “Jonas” said the voice “The Council requests your presence at the chambers at your earliest convenience” “Acknowledge” replied Jonas, “Informed the Council I will be at he Council Chambers in an hour” turning back he saw his female friend was awake and was sitting up, smiling at him, “make that two hours” “Understood” Jonas turned off the communicator and walked over back to the bed where his female friend was “Am I keeping you up?” asked the woman “No not at all” smiled Jonas as he got on the bed lying on top of her, “besides I don’t feel like leaving” “So I notice” said the women as she wrapped her legs around Jonas’s waist, “Damn I missed you” the woman leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. * * * Two Hours Later Location Unknown - Mari-ad Council Chambers Jonas stood patiently as the 12 members arrived one by one until all 12 circles had an occupant. “Jonas you have been brought before the Council in regards to your oath and allegiance to the Mari-ad” “Of course Lord Black” replied Jonas, “My allegiance is always to the Mari-ad. I will serve to benefit the Mari-ad” “Indeed” said Lord Black, “We summon you to hear your update on the Hibernia” “The Hibernia” asked Jonas curiously, “My Lord, the Council would have received my reports regarding the Hibernia. All our operatives are in place as are our ships” ”Yes we have received and review your reports” said Lord White, “but I believe that there is a leak within your unit” “Impossible Lord White!” said Jonas, “I personally saw to it that all my operatives are loyal and obedient to the Mari-ad” “That maybe true Jonas” said Lord White, “apparently someone must have leaked certain information about our intentions and the Hibernia has is aware of our intent” Jonas wasn’t very happy with the sudden revelation provided by the council. He will have to find out who leaked out the information and ensure that it never happens again. “The time for your plan has been changed” said Lord Red, “your group and a contingent of other units will meet up at a pre-arranged coordinates” a small white light shone down a meter from where Jonas was standing where a small pedestal stood with a data pad on top. “This pad will provide you with all the necessary information” Jonas walked over to the table and picked up the data pad and walked back to the centre circle and read through the data pad scrolling through the officers and crew on board the ship “We are to hit them in Blackmane?” “In a way” said Lord Red, “the Hibernia is en route to meet up with a contingent of ships in an effort to clear their assign quadrant of all Mari-ad presence” “What is it you require me to do my Lords?” “The Hibernia is now our foremost priority to be captured. Meet with the other teams, capture the Hibernia and eliminate the Confed forces, let no one survive” said Lord Red, “the Council has decided that we want to fast track this operation” “We don’t have time to get everything My Lords” said Jonas, “the logistics” “Are your concerns not ours” said Lord Red. “My Lords, what you ask took weeks to prepare and you expect me to change everything in a matter of hours” a chuckle could be heard from Lord Black “My dear Jonas” laughed Lord Black, “have faith with the Mari-ad and in your abilities. We will reveal to you in due time how we shall proceed with this operation after you successful complete this mission. You will be rewarded for your time and effort. In the meantime you are to ensure that the Hibernia does get any reinforcement when they are attacked.” Still uncertain about the operation, Jonas was about to ask another question when he was interrupted by Blue Robe, “No more questions Jonas, you have your assignment. We will call you in due time. You are dismissed” the doors which lead into the council chamber rooms open again but from the opposite side from where Jonas entered, “Yes Lord Blue” Jonas bowed and left the council room with questions running through his mind, confuse and uncertain. * * * “The man is resourceful” said Lord Black “Indeed” agreed Lord Red, “but he is not ready to take up the new assignment” “Should we have told him that the Hibernia is not aware of any Mari-ad attack?” said Lord White “Makes no difference” said Lord Aqua, “We are running short on time. We have received reports of a new situation arising” “Yes the new alien” said Lord Tan, “Confed has no answers for this unexpected arrival. This will play in our favour” “Has our research team found anything?” asked Lord Grey “We have found nothing as this stage” said Lord Orange, “but our operatives are have found a link somewhat related to an old survey report conducted in the Gemini Sector” “We will send agents to investigate” Lord Brown “In the meantime we have a problem” said Lord Green, “Blue Reign has return and is causing us problems” “We have expected this” said Lord Black, “operatives have found one of their agents on board the Hibernia” “Do we have identification?” asked Lord White “We do” said Lord Black, “the agent’s name is Donovan” __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire

06-13-2006, 09:02	#38
Dahan Lieutenant Colonel Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 918	Chapter 19 Blackmane System TCS Hibernia Flight Wing Recreation Room 2628.238.0930 (1.5 hours after the Seniors Officers Meeting) Anthony has not recall seeing this many ships since the operation on the Mari-ad outpost almost two weeks ago. In almost less than a month, Hibernia has seen more action than any other Confed ship and or forces since the Pilgrim Conflict and even then Confed ships had their fair share of action. This was completely different, this wasn’t a war with some other faction, and this was an internal problem which poses a threat to the stability of the Confederation. Anthony along with several pilots received word that the Hibernia was to be part of a task force responsible for removing all Mari-ad threat in their assigned quadrant of the Vega Sector. What surprised Anthony the most was that the Hibernia were given a lot of the older class starships and escort ships which should be sent to the scrap heap years ago. “Do you believe this Anthony?” said Tyson Edwards, who was sitting next to Anthony reading a datapad “they give us a bunch of crap ships to search out the Mari-ad” “Do you know the ships we have?” asked Anthony “Yeah, we got that battleship, TCS Britannia, two Cruisers the TCS Maine and TCS New York; we got the frigates the TCS Gallipoli and TCS Anzac and recon ships, the Einstein, Galileo and Voyager” “Great Skinny” groaned Anthony, “we are getting the decrepit pommy ship the run down cruisers and other crappy ships” “It is not that bad” said Tyson, “at least the frigates are the newest ships deployed in this quadrant. The frigates we got and those in the fleet around the sectors are supposed to have the latest communication and sensory systems in the fleet.” “Maybe but we could have got of those UN class cruisers. I heard they could put through a few ships without getting a scratch” “Yeah but they are being decommissioned because of their faulty ship hull structure design. Command is not releasing those ships” “And leave them at Sol as home defence? Yeah that’s smart!” “Problem there guys” asked Donovan who approached to the two pilots with two mugs of hot drinks, “you guys should be getting to your briefing soon” “Not for another 30 minutes or so Donovan” said Anthony as he took one of the mugs and took a sip, “this is nuts why would Command think that the Mari-ad will still be here? We took out that outpost and our ships searched the entire area?” “Well I guess that Command is not satisfied with the job we did” said the bartender “Yeah but” Anthony was about to continue when the PA speakers came alive, “All squadrons to report to Flight Wing Briefing Room, repeat all pilots to Flight Wing Briefing Room” “Guess times up then” said Tyson as he stood up finishing his mug of drink “You guys be careful out there” said Donovan, “you never know what to expect” “Don’t worry Donovan” said Anthony, “from the last month I have seen more things that I would expected already and we are not evening fighting a war” Anthony turned around and rush out to catch up with Tyson. “You may not be” said Donovan softly as he watched the pilots left the Recreation Room, “but I am” * * * Flight Wing Briefing Room 15 Minutes later “All right people settle down” said Parker as he got everyone’s attention, “if you have not noticed by now. The Hibernia is part of a task force here in this quadrant of the Vega Sector and you would have seen the ships already arriving in” “Yeah a bunch of old granny ships” said a voice at the back of the briefing room, a general chuckle responded at the remark, even Parker smiled. “Yes we got a bunch of oldies with us” said the Colonel, “but at least we got some firepower and can get the job done. First I will brief you a general outline of the operation” Parker activated the viewscreen behind him showing the entire Day Quadrant of the Vega Sector, allowing the pilots to see where they are located and the mission objectives, “As you know the task group is responsible of routing out any remaining Mari-ad presence in this quadrant and make sure that there is no chance of them returning. The Hibernia is to systematically go through each system starting from McAuliffe system, then in a sweeping in a clockwise pattern, to each system performing a series of short and long range reconnaissance sweep before we proceed to the next system” “Sir” asked Lieutenant Lucas from the Wild Aces squadron, “should we start our operation at McAuliffe instead of Blackmane?” “Not necessary” replied Parker, “Security forces and personnel station at McAuliffe will do the necessary operations giving us some more to conduct the rest of the quadrant. In terms of the ships with us, the Britannia will remain here in the Blackmane system as our main rendezvous point, the Hibernia will move back to Hell’s Kitchen first followed by the Carlin and the Pephedro system before heading south of the quadrant. We will be going along with three reconnaissance ships which will assist us with the sweeps. We will have the TCS Maine escort by the TCS Anzac conduct a sweep in the opposite direction of the quadrant while the TCS New York escorted by the TCS Gallipoli will sweep across behind us once we finish our sweep in case we missed anything. In the event if we detecting any incoming transports of any other ships, the marines will board and conduct a security check before heading to their final destination. One flight group from each of the four squadrons will be assigned as escort for the marines if they are to board any ships that comes within our sensors” “Sir how long is this operation going to take?” asked Major O’Brian “According to the projected time analysis from Command and the ships we have. It should take us at least six months for a full sweep of the entire quadrant” “Six months!?” said several of the pilots, many of the pilots started voicing their anger at the projected time to complete this task, some of the other pilots started arguing among themselves about the assignment itself. “That’s enough all of you! Yes this is going to take a long time and going to test our patience, but I need your full cooperation in this. I don’t like this as much as you do but we have a job to do and we are responsible for fulfilling that job. Now if there are no other questions I will start going through the mission assignments. Silver Arrows you will be…” * * * 30 Minutes later TCS Hibernia Flight Deck “I can’t believe this shit!” said Anthony as he started his final pre-flight sequence check, “we got rear position sweeps and escort the marines for boarding operations!?” “Settle down Datangia” said Silky on the communication monitor, “the Colonel does not like this as much as everyone else. Look it might not be so bad after all. We are only doing a reconnaissance operation here in this quadrant. And if I am correct we got rid of all the Mari-ad presence here, so it should not take too long to conduct the survey. We might even finish in half the time it might take” “I don’t know Silky” replied Anthony, “it is still stupid, a waste of time and a pointless. We clear this quadrant, there is nothing left now except a few listening posts, colonies, lonely transports and a bunch of crappy granny” “Lieutenant that’s enough!” snapped Silky, “stow that crap before I put you up for report” “Yes ma’am” replied Anthony “Look Anthony, just be patient about this. Do the mission assignment and we will finish in no time. Patience is a much needed virtue in this job” “Yes ma’am” said Anthony, “final check up is complete. Alpha 4 ready for launch” “Affirmative” said Silky, “Flight Control, this is Alpha Flight, we are ready for launch” “Copy that Alpha Lead. You have green light, you’re cleared for launch” “Okay Alpha Flight, lets get this job over and down” said Silky, as she slowly push her throttle stick forward, pushing her fighter along the runway and out of the hanger, __________________ "A friend is easier lost than found," "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire