Cooper shook Ross off and walked to the opposite end of the room. Glen ran a hand
over the back of his neck before saying, "I apologize Lieutenant. I should have told
you where the 55th were living."
Hawkes remained silent leaning one arm on the top bunk, his brown gaze fixated on
the gray wall.
Ross cleared his throat, "Well, I'll leave you to get settled. There's an ops meeting for
the 55th in one hour."
Glen Ross looked like he wanted to say something more, instead he simply turned
around and exited the barracks.
Leaving Cooper Hawkes alone to nurse his bruised nose and bleeding lip. Alone with
his memories of the Wildcards.
Operation:Homeward Bound
Chig Territory
First week of June, 2064
The two AI's approached the trio of Wildcards, Sewell had an all too familiar self
satisfied smirk on his face. His gaze and gun centered on Paul.
"Lieutenant Wang, isn't it? I recall you having some trouble with an AI named Elroy a
few months back."
Vanessa felt Paul stiffen, in turn she placed a reassuring hand on his right arm; her eyes
never leaving Sewell.
"Don't worry," Howard Sewell-Z said seeing Paul's reaction, "My companion here and
I will go easy on you."
Paul glared at his captor, "Gee, thanks."
Sewell-Z smiled urging the trio to stand,"That is until we get to our destination."
"Which is?" Shane asked as they formed a single line .
Sewell none too gently urged her forward, "All in due time, my dear Captain. All in due
time."
Washington D.C.
June, 2065
Secretary General Diane Haden frowned as she listened to the voice on the other end
of her phone.
"I thought I made it quite clear you were never to call me on this line." As the blind
woman talked her hands unconsciously closed around a pencil.
"I am very well aware of what is at stake. Continue your job as you wish, I am no
longer a part of this hypocrisy. The Wildcards saved my life once, that I have not
forgotten."
Tossing the pencil down Diane angrily slapped a button on the phone, disconnecting
the conversation.
Jada Williams poked her head into the lavish office. Her shoulder length blond hair was
pulled back into a French braid, her hazel eyes looked at her employer, and friend with
concern.
"Diane, are you alright?"Jada asked.
Haden looked at her personal assistant. Hoping the smile on her face was
reassuring.
"I'm fine, Jada." Diane looked at the clock, "It's almost seven, why don't you
go home? Its been a long day for both of us."
Jada hesitated in the doorway, "Alright, if you're sure you don't need me for anything."
Diane nodded, "I'm sure. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig territory
June, 2065
Kylen Calinea nervously fingered a spoon as she waited in the cafeteria for Nathan.
She glanced around the sparsely decorated room, not exactly the most romantic
setting, but after all she and Nathan had been through in the past two years they could
be meeting in a cardboard box and she wouldn't care. The only thing she cared about
right now was if he still felt the same way about her.
A light kiss on her right cheek brought Kylen away from her thoughts. Nathan smiled
at her as he sat down.
"Hi, sorry I'm late. Ops meeting with the Commodore ran over."West explained.
"It's alright Nathan, you don't have to apologize." Kylen replied with a smile as she
reached across the table taking his hand in hers.
Nathan returned her smile. He had almost forgotten what a simple joy it was to be able
to hold hands with someone you love. Had almost forgotten what a quiet conversation
was like.
"So, what's your fancy? I believe the cafeteria's special's today are Mystery meat #1
and casserole surprise."
Kylen laughed, a sound that warmed Nathan's heart, "I think I'll go with the casserole
surprise. It sounds safer."
Nathan nodded squeezing her hand, "Alright, two casserole surprise's coming up." He
stood kissing her lightly on the lips, "I'll be right back."
Kylen smiled, "I'm not going anywhere."
Washington, D.C.
June, 2065
After Jada left Dianne stood and looked out the wide bay window of her office. Even
though she could not see the mighty Potomac river as it wound around the bank under
the headquarters window, she could still feel its presence. She sometimes thought if she
looked at the right spot she could almost see the bright white light of the moon dancing
across the water.
Dianne Hayden folded her arms across her chest, thoughts of her father crept into her mind; unwanted.
She wondered what the great General would think of her current
situation and the mess she had made of her life. Dianne shook her head a bitter smile
crossing her face. He undoubtedly would find some way to make all of this her fault.
Even though she had no control over the situation. Had in retrospect had no control
over her professional life since she had become Secretary General over a year ago.
"Lights off." Dianne softly ordered and the computer did her bidding plunging the lavish
office into darkness. As her vision improvement device or VID for short adjusted to
the new atmosphere, Dianne's thought's once again returned to that day over a year
ago that the Wildcards had saved her life from an AI bomb.
With a sigh Dianne turned away from the window and gathered her coat and purse.
Young Nathan West had no idea how right he had been.
Operation: Homeward Bound
Chig Territory
First week of June, 2064
The female AI shoved the butt of her gun so hard into Vanessa's back that the marine
lost her footing on the hilly terrain and fell forward. Vanessa winced as the gravel and
dirt bit into her palms as she tried to catch herself. Paul was instantly at her side, placing his right arm around her shoulder to help her up.
"Are you alright?" His soft voice tight with concern.
Vanessa winced slightly as weight was once again applied to her right ankle. It was
twisted badly but not broken. She forced a smile hoping Paul didn't see her pain. He
had enough of his own to worry about,
"I'm okay, Paul."Vanessa said quietly.
Paul heard the shakiness of her voice, and knew she was far from okay, but he
nodded anyway.
As he took his arm away from her shoulders he whispered,
"Just remember."Wang said." I'm here to lean on if you need me."
Vanessa acknowledged him with a warm smile.
The female AI advanced on Vanessa, "Well ain't that sweet. You two have
lovey-dovey feelings for each other."
Vanessa blanched as Paul moved to step between the two women.
"We're just friends." Paul replied firmly.
The AI smiled walking toward none to gently ran a finger along his cheek,
"If you say so, Possum."The AI purred.
"Is there a problem here, Leia?" Howard Sewell-Z asked as he and Shane
approached the trio.
Leia shook her head as she waved her weapon, motioning for Paul and Vanessa to
form a single line in front of her. "No problem, Howie. No problem's at all. Just gettin'
to know my new friends a little better."
Sewell-Z nodded shoving Shane toward the others, "Let's get moving we're loosing
daylight."
USS Saratoga
Stationed near Chig territory
June, 2065
After spending a frustrating half hour in the medical bay Cooper Hawkes was nearly
late to the Ops meeting. Not exactly the best way to make a first impression, Cooper
thought wryly as he slid into a seat near the Glenn Ross was pacing the front of the
conference room. A detailed map of the sector of space they were in was projected on the huge screen behind.
With a grim expression Ross faced the group of young pilots.
"The stakes in this war just got raised, ladies and gentlemen."Ross stated." We just got word that less than an hour ago we
lost the USS Valley Forge. No survivors."
A stunned murmur passed through the group of Marines. Along with the 55th, the
22nd and the 115th were also assembled.
A young female voice broke the silence, "Sir, isn't that the same area where the 33rd
was killed?"
Ross glanced at the red circle highlighted on the screen before turning back to the
young blonde woman, "Yes, Lieutenant I'm afraid it is."
"Does this mean the Chigs have some kind of new weapon?" A red haired young man
asked a few seats away from Cooper, "Another Chiggy Von Richtovan?"
Ross stifled a sigh, "The truth is, we don't know what destroyed the Valley Forge or
the 33rd. That's what we need to find out. You'll go in shifts, first up is the 55th you
have twenty mikes to be suited and on the flight deck. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir!"
Ross allowed a faint smile to cross his face as he looked over his crew, "Good.
Dismissed."
USS Franklin Roosevelt
Stationed in Chig Territory
June, 2065
"I know its eatable."
Kylen glanced up from her plate of noodles as Nathan's soft voice broke into her
thoughts.
"I'm sorry Nathan," She replied with a smile, "What did you say?"
Nathan grinned waving his fork toward her plate, "I said I know the Casserole surprise
is eatable, but you've barely touched it."
Kylen sighed setting her fork down, "It's fine."
"What's wrong?" Nathan asked softly as he reached across the table to capture her
hand in his.
Kylen shook her head, "This is silly, it's nothing."
"Its not nothing if you're upset." Nathan replied, "Are you still having nightmares?"
"No, not since we got here."Kylen said.
"Then what is it, Kylen. Talk to me." Nathan said watching her expression closely.
"Nathan, do you still love me?"The young woman asked.
Nathan stared at her in shock. Her voice had been barely above a whisper, if he hadn't
been sitting so close he wouldn't have heard her.
"Of course I still love you."Nathan insisted.
Kylen didn't seem to hear his answer. She pulled her hand away from his pushing back
from the table.
"I mean I'd completely understand if you didn't. So much has changed."Kylen continued.
"Not for me it hasn't." Nathan replied his concern growing by the minute.
"I know you're too good a man to show it, Nathan, but I know every time you look at
me you are reminded of what you've lost." Kylen stated her words pouring out in
an emotional rush, "I know how much the Wildcards meant to you."
Nathan stood picking up his chair and quickly brought it next to hers. He sat down
grasping her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "Kylen, listen to me."
"You've lost so much, Nathan." Kylen said softly, "First your brother, then the
Wildcards."
Nathan gently placed his right hand under her chin so she had no choice but to look,
"None of those were your fault, Kylen. Yes, my brother and the Wildcards are dead,
but I hold the Chigs fully responsible for that, not you."
"Nathan, I..."
"Kylen, I love you and I thank God every day that I have you back in my life, safe and
happy. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you too."Nathan stated quietly.
Kylen wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him passionately, "I love you,
Nathan."
"All members of the 44th, 67th and 89th squadron report immediately to the Ops
room for debriefing."
Nathan glared at the ceiling speakers as he reluctantly pulled away,
"I'm sorry I have to go."Nathan said apologetically "We didn't have a briefing scheduled till tomorrow morning so something big
must've happened."
Kylen smiled gently touching his right cheek, "Its alright, Nathan, go." Nathan stood,
"You sure you'll be okay?"
Kylen stood gently pushing him away, "I'm a big girl, Nathan. I'll be fine. Go, we'll talk
when you get back."
Nathan smiled kissing her quickly, "Okay. I love you."
Kylen nodded, "Be careful."
"Always." Nathan replied before turning and melting into the crowd in the hallway.
Operation:Homeward Bound
Chig Territory
First week of June, 2064
"Here we are, Ladies and Gentlemen." Howard Sewell-Z said with a wide smile as he
wrapped an arm around Shane Vansen's shoulders, "Welcome to Sewell airlines."
For a moment Paul forgot the deadly danger of the situation as the smart retort slipped
out before he could stop it. "You call that a ship? It looks more like a piece of Modern
art."
The ship wasn't much bigger than a hammerhead. It was painted dark green with odd
pieces of metal sticking out in places that didn't seem to have a purpose.
Shane winced, then realized Sewell's arm was still draped across her shoulders and
shook him off, stepping away.
Sewell caught Shane by the left elbow, dragging her back, "Not so fast my dear
Captain."
Leia walked over to Paul, taking the butt of her gun she hit the young man in the back
of his head. Wang fell to his knees, the world spinning around him.
"I think Possum has a smart mouth, boss. Think I should close it permanently?" Leia
asked.
Sewell-Z shoved Shane and Vanessa toward the ship, "No, you can have fun with him
later, Leia. Right now we have a rendezvous to meet."
Shane sighed inwardly as she looked at the two AI's. Calculating the odds of taking
the ship from them. If all of them were feeling one hundred percent she'd take the risk,
but with Paul hurt it was better to wait. Once in space they might have a better
opportunity.
USS Franklin Roosevelt
Stationed near Chig territory
June, 2065
After Nathan left Kylen reported to the Medical bay for her first shift. According to the
orders Ross had given her she was supposed to report to a head nurse by the name of
Colleen Ford. As soon as Kylen stepped foot into the medical bay it seemed like she was snatched
into a flurry of activity. A tall, skinny red haired woman in her late thirties approached.
"You must be Kylen." The woman said handing her a white lab coat, "You're on time, I
like that. You're late around here and a patient dies. By the way I'm Colleen Ford, I'll
be your supervisor while you're stationed on the Roosevelt."
"Yes, Ma'am." Kylen began as they started walking.
"I understand you haven't had a lot of 'field training' medical wise."Ford said." You'll be learning
under me your tonight. We just got a transfer of wounded so keep close."
Kylen Calina struggled to put on the lab coat and keep pace with the head nurse at the
same time. As she passed row after row of wounded men and woman she wondered
what she had gotten herself into.
USS Franklin Roosevelt
Stationed near Chig Territory
June, 2065
Tyrus Cassisus McQueen stared out the Roosevelt's observation bay fighting off
boredom. He had forgotten what little there was to do on a carrier ship if you didn't
have assigned duties to attend to. He was about to see if he could find a book in the
ship's computer library when he noticed a reflection in the glass.
"Well," Ty began as he slowly turned around, "If it isn't the ghost of Haleg."
Lieutenant Colonel John Oakes felt his eyes narrow. The observation deck was
deserted except for the two marines.
"I don't expect you to understand, Colonel." John said softly as he crossed over to the
small computer console.
McQueen remained where he was, arms crossed over his chest, "Then why don't you
answer a few questions to help me understand. Starting with how did you survive the
incident over Haleg?"
The computer screen in front of Oakes flickered to life. John's fingers absently scrolled
through an index of old military movies, stalling for time. He knew he had no legal
requirement to answer McQueen's question, but John knew the InVitro could make his
life miserable if he didn't answer.
"I understand you're a movie buff, McQueen."Oakes stated.
Ty blinked at the change of subject,
"I like old movies." He acknowledged wondering where Oakes was going with this.
The screen in front of Oakes changed. Four late twentieth century military aircraft were
shown flying in formation over an ocean toward an air craft carrier.
"Ever seen the circa 1980's move 'Top Gun'?" Oakes asked his dark eyes remaining
fixed on the images before him, "The title character is a young hot shot pilot who must
deal with and overcome his mistakes. Exercise his 'ghosts' in order to move on with his
life."
"All members of the 44th, 67th and 89th squadrons report immediately to the Ops
room for debriefing."
Both men looked up at the ceiling speakers before meeting each other's gaze. Without
another word John Oakes quickly left the observation deck. McQueen let him go
turning over Oakes somewhat cryptic statement in his mind. Some one high up was
pulling Oakes's strings like a marinate that was for sure. The one million dollar question
was who and that was something McQueen was determined to find out. He didn't
know why, but he just had this gut feeling that this all tied in with the peace talk fiasco a
year ago. And with the demise of the Wildcards.
Eight hours into her first shift Kylen was really beginning to miss her lab in Arizona. Her
feet ached and the acid smell of disinfect was beginning to make her eyes water and
nose burn. Only thirty minutes ago had Nurse Ford felt Kylen was strong enough to
leave her alone with a patient. As Kylen looked over the young pilot's medical chart
she knew it was a miracle the young man was still breathing.
He was Caucasian, about Nathan's age, maybe a year younger. His blond hair was cut
in a neat military style. Even though Kylen hadn't personally seen him awake the chart
told her that the young pilot's eyes were green. Lieutenant Peter Johnson had severe
burns over eighty percent of his body. His ribs were fractured in several places, had a
broken collar bone and a sprained left wrist.
Colleen Ford appeared at her right elbow suddenly startling Kylen enough to juggle the
chart she was holding. Ford thrust a pair of scissors into Kylen's left hand,
"We need to prep Lieutenant Johnson for surgery."Ford ordered." I need you to cut his uniform off."
"Yes Ma'am."Kylen acknowledged.
Colleen nodded moving to a patient two beds away, "I'll be close by if you have any
trouble."
Kylen walked around to the foot of the bed putting the chart back where in its place.
As she began her task of cutting away the uniform she noticed a patch on the shirt.
Kylen froze as she read the orange numbers.
Lieutenant Peter Johnson was a member of the 33rd squadron.
Operation:Homeward Bound
June, 2064
To Vanessa it seemed the ship Paul had called modern art had been flying for days. In
reality she knew it had only been a few hours, but in the cramped cargo bay time
seemed endless. She glanced at Shane who had just finally fallen asleep a few minutes
earlier, slumped against the far left wall, knees drawn up to her chest.
Vanessa looked at the human form next to her and frowned. Paul Wang's weak
condition had her worried and she knew the knock on the head he'd received from the
AI had not helped matters. Paul had been barely conscious when the AI"s had ushered
the three marines into the ship and he had collapsed shortly after liftoff.
Hearing a rare conversation between the two AI's drift back from the cockpit,
Vanessa realized they must be nearing their destination. With her right foot Phoose
gently nudged Shane awake.
"Shane," She whispered,"We're stopping."
"Huh?" Vansen muttered sleep still claiming her senses, "Where are we?"
"I think we're about to find out." Phoose replied softly.
"Phoose," Paul whispered struggling into a sitting position, "Am I seeing things or is that
the Bacchus?"
USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
When Nathan arrived in the Ops room he found it was standing room only. The sea of
pilots caused a small wave of fear to race up his spine. In his year spent on the
Roosevelt Nathan had never seen this many squadrons assembled at one time. It could
only mean something very bad had happened and that they were about to make a
major strike against the Chigs. Nathan leaned against the right wall, near the door,
positioning himself so he could see the center of the room. He noticed Oakes enter
through the opposite door and cross over to the Commodore.
The Roosevelt's Commodore, Lucas Grey didn't even have to speak to get the
crowd's attention. As soon as he stepped forward the hub of conversation instantly
came to a stop, all eyes focused on their commanding officer. The Commodore was
average height and build with close cut red hair that was beginning to show a few
strands of silver. He was clean shaven and sharp blue eyes looked out from behind a
pair of gold wire rimmed glasses.
"Earth has suffered a lot of losses in this War," Grey began his voice tinged with a soft
Irish accent, "I'm afraid we have a tough one to add to the list. We just received word
that less than an hour ago we lost the USS Valley Forge. I know a few of you had
family members or close friends on board and I'm sorry to say there were no
survivors."
Nathan could feel the shock waves that ricocheted through the crowd. Even though
they tried to be tough, nothing phases us Marines Nathan noticed that more than a few
bowed their heads.
"What's our plan of attack, Sir?" Nathan asked after allowing a few moments of
respectful silence.
The Commodore met Nathan's gaze and seemed to hesitate a moment before saying,
"The Saratoga will be rendezvousing with us in under three hours. As soon as he heard
of the news Commodore Ross had most of the Saratoga's squadron's out on runs in
the area of space where the Valley Forge was destroyed. They unfortunately didn't
find any Chig squadrons in the area, but they did find something very interesting.
Computers were able to pick up a large energy trail indicating that our enemy has
come up with a new and terrifying weapon."
Grey held up his hand seeing the reaction of his crew, "Now before you all start asking
permission to go racing after this thing listen to what I have to say. We have no idea
what we're going after. The findings from the Saratoga are preliminary at best. When
the Saratoga arrives we'll pool our information, then and only then will we set up a plan
of attack. I do promise you this, we will find whatever was responsible for the demise
of the Valley Forge and make them pay dearly."
"All squadron leaders see Colonel Oakes for assignments, everyone else is
dismissed."
Operation:Homeward Bound
June, 2064
For several minutes Shane thought the AI's ship was going to go past the intergalactic
casino, but at the last minute they made a hard left and flew in toward the underside of
the station. Sewell-Z stuck his head out of the cockpit area grinning like a Cheshire
cat.
"I assure you that the fact that the Bacchus is familiar territory for you is just a
coincidence. Make no mistake this will not be a pleasure trip." Sewell-Z said with a
laugh, "So buckle in kiddies, and thank you for flying Sewell airlines."
After their captor disappeared back into the cockpit the Wildcards looked at each
other. Shane tried to keep the morale up, "Look at it this way, at least on the Bacchus
one of us has a better chance at reaching a radio. A better chance to call for help."
"If there's anybody out there to listen." Vanessa replied softly.
"There will be." Paul assured her wishing he was as confident as he sounded.
USS Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
Commodore Glen Ross followed the young Ensign to Grey's office. As the young
black haired woman turned and saluted him before walking back down the corridor
Glenn shook his head in amazement. Had he ever been that young?
A strong hand clamped down on his left shoulder snapping Ross back to the present.
"Glen, good to see you, just wish it was under better circumstances." Lucas Grey said
as he ushered Ross into his office.
A grim smile crossed Ross's face, "Agreed."
"So what are we up against?" Grey asked as he stood behind his desk.
Glen Ross sighed, "I wish to hell I knew, Lucas. I can tell you one thing, whatever
destroyed the Valley Forge is bigger than anything we've encountered before."
Cooper Hawkes was just climbing out of his hammerhead when he saw Kylen Calenia
enter the docking bay. Her blue eyes spotted him before he could call out a greeting.
"Cooper, have you seen Nathan?"Kylen asked.
Hawkes shook his head, as he shifted his helmet to his right arm,
"No,"Cooper replied. "Not since we got on board. But its been crazy around here I probably would've missed him if he had
walked right by me." He paused seeing the concerned look flash across her face, "Why, what's wrong?"
She grabbed his arm, "I just need to talk to him about why he sent us here. Come on, I
checked the flight schedule I know the 44th just came back from a survey mission so if
he's not here he's in his quarters."
Operation: Homeward Bound
August, 2064
"Good morning, Captain." A gravely voice began breaking into the only peace Shane
Vansen was able to get in the last three months, "Care for a game of pool? I'll even let
you break."
Shane knew she had seen footlockers bigger than the cold, dark gray metaled walled
room the AI's had thrown her into when they had first arrived on the Bacchus. If she
wanted to stand she had to hunch over so she wouldn't wack her head on the ceiling.
She couldn't stretch out comfortably to sleep either. Which meant she had fallen asleep
most nights in a sitting position with her knees pulled up to her chest.
Vansen glared at the pool shark she had played a game with on that R&R so long
ago.
"Not right now, Alvin. I've got a headache." Shane replied as she glared at the AI. In
the three months they had been held on the Bacchus, Shane had seen little of her
friends. Actually she could count the times she had seen them on one hand. She was
particularly worried about Paul. Each time she had seen him, he had looked worse.
She could only pray that his injuries were healing properly, Shane doubted greatly that
their captors had given him medical attention.
"Now, is that anyway to talk to your host?" Alvin asked with a wide smile as he leaned
against the door frame, arms folded across his chest.
The uncertainty of their situation the last several months and being just plain frustrated
Shane Vansen stood up to confront her captor. Instantly her head connected with the
low ceiling causing her to wince.
"Host?" Shane repeated taking a step toward the AI, "We've been held here three
months and I still don't know why!"
Shane turned and began to pace the small area as best she could, "I didn't trust you on
that R&R and I don't trust you now. It made no sense to me that the AI's would make
a model just to play games. Especially when the Bacchus could be of strategic
importance as far as a black market is concerned."
Handsome Alvin's smile grew if that was possible, "I see you've had too much time on
your hands to be able to think up these outlandish scenarios. All I asked you was if
you wanted to play a little game, allow you to get out of this cramped environment. But
I can clearly see you're not interested." The AI opened the door and stepped out into
the hallway, "Have a nice day, Captain."
Shane winced as the heavy door slammed shut, once again plunging the small room
into darkness.
Tired of rambling around the ship, McQueen headed for Grey's office. He had
overheard in the cafeteria that Ross was on board. Ten minutes later the InVitro
knocked lightly on the open door of the Commodore's office. "Sorry to interrupt, but I
thought I could be of some assistance."
Glenn Ross smiled as he raised his left hand toward McQueen,
"Lucas, "Ross introduced. "Meet Lieutenant Colonel Tyrus McQueen."
Grey walked around the desk and shook McQueen's outstretched hand, "It's good to
finally meet you, Colonel. I've heard a lot about you."
McQueen smiled, "I hope you didn't believe everything you heard."
"Never do. "Grey replied his voice turning serious as he focused the three men's
attention back to the matter at hand, "So Glen, what exactly do we know about this
new Chig weapon?"
Operation: Homeward Bound
Late August, 2064
Lieutenant Paul Wang was beginning to understand Shane Vansen's hatred of AI's and
that frightened him. Even after all he had seen and experienced in this War, he had
always believed he could never hate anything, even the Chigs. Now he wasn't so sure.
Paul tried to uncurl his right leg which was trapped underneath him as he sat in the
small room. As he tried to get in a more comfortable position Paul banged his injured
left shoulder on the wall, causing a new wave of pain to course through his body. In
frustration Paul kicked the far wall with his free foot, that certainly didn't help matters.
After the pain in his foot and shoulder subsided to a dull throb, Paul's thought's drifted
to Vanessa. Why of all places in the known galaxy did the AI's have to hold them
here? That R&R on the Bacchus still held special memories for Paul and he was sure
Vanessa felt the same. He refused to allow their captors to tarnish those memories.
USS Roosevelt
Chig territory
June, 2065
Kylen, Cooper and Nathan slipped unnoticed into the Medical bay as a new arrival of
wounded came in. In the chaos Kylen found Lieutenant Peter Johnson in a somewhat
secluded corner toward the rear of the room. Green eyes looked groggily at the group
before focusing on Kylen's smiling face as she sat down next to him.
"Hi Peter, it's good to see you awake"Kylen said.". Do you know where you are?"
The young pilot nodded,
"Saratoga." The young pilot replied in a hoarse voice.
Kylen poured a small glass of water and handed it to Johnson as he struggled into a
sitting position. She motioned Nathan to stand next to her.
"Peter, this is Captain Nathan West,"Kylen explained. "He's the friend I told you about."
A shadow of pain flashed across Johnson's green eyes as he looked at Nathan.
"So,you want to know what happened to my squadron."Johnson surmised.
Nathan nodded, "Yes."
Johnson took a swallow from the glass before saying,
"I should have known something was wrong."The pilot began. "It had been our first routine patrol in months. Hadn't seen a Chig for
hours."
Kylen placed a gentle hand on the young pilot's shoulder after his voice faltered, "Its
okay Peter, take as long as you need."
Peter smiled briefly at Kylen before continuing with his story.
"To use an old adage, we never saw what hit us. It was like space itself had suddenly
turned on us."Johnson continued." Enemy fire was coming from everywhere but we couldn't see any ships."
"What about LDAR?" Cooper asked.
Johnson shook his head, "Nothing. Unlike our pal Chiggy Von Richtovan there wasn't
even a wrinkle on LDAR to tell us where they were. It was almost like we were
fighting ghost ships, except for that sound."
Nathan blinked, "What sound?"
Peter winced at the memory, "I don't know how to describe it, West. It wasn't like
anything I'd ever heard before. Next thing I knew Jacobs hammer had collided with
Caton's taking them both out. Then Bonavia started to go crazy. I tried to talk him
through it, but it was like he couldn't hear me. He kept mumbling something about
angels. Then he sent his hammerhead into a spin, almost taking me with him. He did
take out my left wing and engine, leaving me a sitting duck. When the enemy fire was
through crippling my ship I still had no idea where they were. Then just when I thought
I was dead, it just stopped."
"Was Bonavia very religious?" Kylen asked.
Johnson shook his head, "No, not that I knew of. I mean he wore a small cross around
his neck, but a lot of guys do that."
"Would you be willing to tell your story to Grey and Ross?" Nathan asked.
Peter nodded ,"I'll do anything I can to make those Chig bastards pay for killing the
33rd. I don't know how much help I can be. I didn't see what the ships looked like."
"Don't worry about that," Nathan assured him, "Just tell your story. I think between
that and the data the Saratoga gathered we might finally have a lead on what brought
down the Valley Forge."
Operation: Homeward Bound
Late August, 2064
On one of the lower levels of the Aerotech pleasure ship Bacchus an AI called
Handsome Alvin entered a tiny office.
"Where the hell have you been?" Leia demanded as she sat down behind the small
black desk.
Alvin smiled at the blonde AI as he leaned back against the wall.
"I was visiting an old friend."Alvin replied.
Leia bristled, "We aren't paying you to flirt with the prisoners."
Alvin grinned, "Why, are you a wee bit jealous?"
Leia laughed, "Don't flatter yourself, pool boy."
Alvin raised an eyebrow, "Pool boy?"
"Enough you two." Howard Sewell-Z ordered as he entered the room, "I swear you
two are worse than children."
"Sorry Howie." Leia quickly apologized.
"Sorry Howie. Alvin mimicked in a high pitched voice.
Sewell glared at him, "Am I going to have to separate you two? This mission is far too
important for me to spend my time baby sitting. I would thin..."
Sewell-Z glanced down at a small flip top computer as a loud beep interrupted his train
of thought.
"Is it done yet?" A deep baritone male voice demanded from the small screen. Alvin
watched with interest as Sewell practically cowered. "Not yet, Sir."
The voice raised an octave or two in volume as fury nearly radiated from the small
screen, "Not yet?! what the hell have you been doing with them for the last three
months?! Playing Tiddly Winks?!"
Sewell tried not to wince, "No, Sir. Its just..."
"Just nothing. I know your programming is made to follow orders because I designed
it! So try to follow this simple one. Get the information then kill them Is that
understood?"
Sewell straightened, "Yes, Sir."
The computer screen instantly retracted as the transmission was terminated.
USS Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
Tyrus Cassius McQueen glanced up from a series of schematics spread across Grey's
desk as a familiar duo entered the room.
"West, Hawkes." McQueen acknowledged.
"Colonel," Nathan replied, "We were told Commander Ross was in here."
McQueen blinked, "He and Grey just stepped out for a moment. Seems some new
information was being downloaded from the Saratoga."
Nathan stepped toward the center of the room, "Colonel, can you get them back here?
We may have found what destroyed the Valley Forge."
McQueen walked around to the front of the desk, "They'll be back any minute. What
did you find out?"
Hawkes almost smiled, "It wasn't a what, Colonel. Its a who."
Nathan nodded, "Kylen found a surviving member of the 33rd."
McQueen blinked, "Where?"
"Here." Nathan replied, "He's right here in the Roosevelt's Medical bay."
Operation: Homeward Bound
Aerotech pleasure ship, The Bacchus
Christmas, 2064
With her left arm in a makeshift sling Shane glanced at her two cell mates.
"Merry Christmas." Vanessa said with a forced smile.
Paul winced as he shifted position in the small space, "I don't see what's so merry
about it."
"I don't know what's worse, last Christmas or this Christmas." Shane agreed.
She didn't know why but the AI's had finally put the three Wildcards in the same cell.
Maybe they were feeling some of the Christmas spirit or perhaps they were just getting
frustrated. They weren't succeeding in getting the information they wanted from the
Wildcards. Shane still didn't know what they wanted from them, even after all those
months of torture. None of the questions had made any sense.
"At least we're alive." Vanessa pointed out as she stared at a space of wall about
Paul's head.
Paul grimaced, "We're alive, but obviously no one else thinks we are."
Shane glared at him, "Just because we haven't been rescued doesn't mean they aren't
still looking for us. We didn't exactly leave a forwarding address."
"Besides," Vanessa added, "Who would ever think to look for us on the Bacchus of all
places."
"So what's our plan?" Paul asked, "I'm tired of just sitting here letting them have the
advantage."
"Agreed," Shane replied as she adjusted her sling, "We just have to wait and watch for
an opportunity. Every group has a weakness. We just have to find t."
Paul nodded, "Well since we have some form of a plan now." He said as he smiled at
his friends, "Merry Christmas."
Shane returned his smile, "Merry Christmas."
Vanessa leaned forward sticking her hand forward, palm down. Paul placed his on top
of hers and Shane placed hers on top of his.
"And God bless us every one." Vanessa said softly.