Episode 2: Void
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"Nothing but endless darkness…. To think how small we humans are compared to the span of the Solar System… To realize this upon looking out into that void… A man has cause to lose his sanity…. - Zexen Captain, Independent Operations Division
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A group of warships glided through the endless darkness of space like a pack of predatory fish. Three ships alone in the immense, dimensionless sea between planets of the Solar System. They glided along relentless, a pack of carnivores in search for their prey.
These ships, of the Zexen Loyal Militaire's Special Security Division, plied their way through the endless volume of space that encompassed just this solar system.
Things always seemed so close and reachable to us. Humph, especially when viewed through a truncated navigational view of humanity's star system, thought a tired Zexen pilot. The true situation though, the reality of the distances involved maddening. How was anyone supposed to find something in these vast distances is the thought that would intrude on the mind of a man traveling them. But this fleet was on a hunt, and they would not stop until they either found their prey or...they were lost to these vast reaches themselves. It was a matter of honor now for this Taskforce fleet. And a matter of stubbornness really, thought the Pilot. He had to admit, a lot of stubbornness was prevalent in the Zexen Loyal Militaire. Arrogance too, maybe even worse things…..
The pilot shook his head again angrily, rubbing his temples from the agitation. The hum of the quicklift had his mind wandering. Truthfully, everything on this tour of duty had his mind wandering these days.
The lift stopped its "ascent" and opened its doors to the main bridge of the Xenos. This ship was the Flagship of the 08th TFF. It was one of the newer Lords-type Miranda's. Even though the Miranda was the work horse of the Zexen Loyal Militaire, the Lord signature line was a different breed. The Lord designation marked the ship as a command version of the Zexen's warship. It was twice as large as a regular Miranda class ship, with heavier armor, twice the weaponry, and almost three times the mobile suit capacity.
The wary Zexen soldier looked out of the viewport on the Xenos' bridge and was greeted with the endless darkness of space yet again. He closed his eyes at the sight of it. Even he was growing extremely wary. Of this endless darkness...
The pilot chided himself at his weak thoughts, even though he understood the reasons behind them. He was proud of being a spacefarer, of being a mobile suit pilot, but even a man as proud as he had to admit that the sea of space could be disturbing at times. Perhaps even daunting… Especially without any real landmarks or points of reference. At times it seemed like the Fleet had not really moved at all. And it had been months of this. But this is what it took to hunt the fleeing rats of the Federation. If it was for his homeland then so be it. He smiled admitting to the partial self-deception of his own thoughts.
The pilot was Commander Keiv Sheron and he was member of this "esteemed" taskforce, the 08th Taskforce fleet of the Zexen Special Security Division. One of the first Fleets formed of this new Division.
The Special Security Division was something of a new concept for the Zexen. For too long, the Zexen seemed like they would always be battling just for their survival. But now, after the last few months, even the common soldier could see that they held an edge in the war. Tenuous though it was to Keiv's thinking. Still, with that upper hand the Zexen realized the need to cut down the rogue pieces out in the field, among other things. Thus the formation of the SSD. A Military Division dedicated to counter insurgency, but also tasked with tracking rouge militia forces, and hunting far flung Federation forces that could become a threat to Zexen's goals. The SSD Fleet division was also the Special Security bureau's personal fleet as well. Though the name was sort of misleading, most of these soldiers were hunters. Blood Hound units, terror troops, the storm troopers of the ZLM.
Only the most hardcore and utterly loyal of the Zexen's warriors were chosen to fill the early positions. And this might not have been the best idea Keiv often thought. Some people were just not suited to this type of work. Sure they were some of the Zexen's best soldiers from the frontlines, Zexen patriots is what they were called in the media, true followers of the "Zexen way" or so it was said. Mad dog zealots is what Keiv Sheron secretly thought many of them were.
Keiv Sheron now realized that some of the Zexen exhibited a dangerously fanatical approach to the war. Followers of the Zexen's evolutionary beliefs. But Keiv also realized he was a man of the faith as well. How could he not be? Keiv Sheron had viewed "The Light of Evolution". The power of a new-human that could perhaps awaken in all. Surely it was a miracle, a powerful and concrete phenomena… it changed you. That's when he knew he would fight for the Zexen and understood how many others could be caught up in things. But Sheron was no fool. He had his doubts about the way the war was prosecuted and how some of the Zexen got so caught up in things as they followed their beliefs. He also knew even more Zexen soldiers used "the cause" to their own end. A mask to hide their true agendas and tendencies.
Thankfully some of the leaders in High Command knew full well that letting your faith cloud your thoughts was a sure way to lose a war. That is why a few people like Keiv Sheron were placed in certain positions, or at least that was what Keiv had managed to figure out. He was here to temper the flame somewhat.To make sure that rational minds were not drowned out by the overzealousness of certain Field Officers and their soldiers. Obviously High Command had some of the same fears as he. It would definitely be a challenge though. With the officers in command of this fleet...
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Keiv Sheron sighed as he made his way over to the upper section of the Xenos' bridge. The Command Pylon for the main officers. The unusual nervous hush of the Bridge halted him for a second, sending a chill down his spine. Lord Commander Malakai was obviously in another mood again...
"Ah Sheron. Just who I wanted to see. I have fortuitous news." said Lord Commander Malakai. A crazed look in the Leader's eye. Sheron hated and feared that look.
Malakai sat up on his command chair, which was suspended from the floor by a large support appendage, which also made it mobile. Kiev knew Malakai considered it his throne of sorts. He liked to hover high over those in his audience, like many drunk off of their own power.
Malakai was flanked by his two usual shadows, his personal bodyguards. Kiev considered them shadows for their ability to so repel unwanted attention.
Malakai leaned forward casting his gaze on Sheron. Keiv was acutely aware now of how bad the Lord Commander's appearance had gotten. The man appeared to be growing more wild as the weeks of this mission went by. This duty obviously did not suit him. Being one of Lord Captain Camion's favorites, Malakai craved action and battle, of this Keiv Sheron was totally sure. Though prestigious, this tour of duty had become quite taxing, a waste of time to some, and just generally frustrating. For a junkie like Malakai it could be considered torture. And Keiv held back a wicked grin at that thought.
Malakai's appearance had slipped, his crazy blue hair unkempt, his eyelids sallow, he was unshaven. Of course no one would say that to the Templar in charge of this fleet.
Sheron saluted crisply. In contrast to Malakai, he prided himself on keeping a well trimmed appearance, even in the atrophy this long trip had put on the crew and regulations. His dark hair was still cleanly cut and possessed a healthy sheen. The darker features of his Israeli heritage gave him the look of Arabic royalty. Sheron detected the aura of fear permeating the bridge as he looked at Malakai and the uneasy sympathetic glances he received from a few bridge officers. Strangely, Sheron never felt for his safety, he barely tolerated Malakai but for some reason Malakai obviously favored him. "Lord Commander?" Sheron answered, a bit eager to get today's problem over with.
"Don't look at me like that my dear Sheron. I truly have good news this time," Malakai responded, actually managing to read Sheron's mood. Malakai could obviously be perceptive if he so chose, Sheron thought with a small hint of mirth.
"It would seem that we have been blessed Kiev. My lovely Trackers have picked up the trail once more." Kiev Sheron became unnerved at the mention of the "Trackers". He hadn't seen the system himself but he had heard stories. It was what made this hunt even feasible in the first place. Malakai smiled seeing the look on his face. "I assure you this is not a false lead."
Kiev nodded grimly, though he could not help but feel a bit of happiness descent on him. This was definitely good news. If things went well they could end their foes existence, accomplish the mission parameters, and more importantly…end this grueling detail. "Sir what is our possible ETI," Keiv asked tentatively.
"In as soon as three days, the Agara even more so" Malakai proclaimed. "We finally caught the infidels! And soon we will put them to the blade!" Malakai said gleefully in his cackle like voice. The officers around him sounded their approval as well. "Look how far we have come Sheron. All of this foolishness, and to think just for a measly Refugee Column and a special Federation vessel. At the least it will be satisfying destroying them."
Keiv nodded at Malakai's casual dismissal of the complexity and value of their orders. His disgust for man grew daily.
"Commander I want your pilots prepared. We will not disgrace ourselves in the Lord Captain's eyes. I will tend to this sub-par crew of mine in the mean time."
As if you couldn't be more disgraceful, thought Sheron, as he noticed the nervousness of the ship operators and even the Command officers. Malakai didn't know the meaning of the word morale. Malakai's dictator-like leadership style would definitely have to be reported somehow. But he was a Templar, and worse one of Lord Camion's flock, that complicated things. But perhaps it was best to try, to risk his own career, and perhaps even his safety… Surely these other loyal Zexen warriors deserved better. There was nothing he could do about it now though, so he'd best focus on having his pilots ready for the coming battle.
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Looking out of the forward viewport the "Commander" of the Radiant could only see was two things. One was the endless darkness of the universe interspersed with the beautiful and lonely Stars that called it home.
The other sight was the convoy of course. A trail of battered ships huddled together for protection in the void between planets. One was a badly damaged warship, but mostly the ships were transports of varying class. Their beacon lights barely flashing in an effort to minimize their profile. Those convoy ships were all his responsibility now.
"Sir, do you have a minute?" asked the Executive Officer of the ship as he approached.
"Well how does it look, Mr. Taner?" asked the incredibly wary Brevet Commander. Maxwell Ephram was the "new" Commander of the Radiant. A battered Ra Cailum class vessel. Like the ship, Maxwell Ephram had seen far better days. Red crossed his stressed eyes. His short cut blonde hair was glossy with his constant nervous sweat. Stubble had begun to creep onto his face for the day. He felt dead on his feet, but that was a secret concern really. He would not dare tell anyone how he really felt. Ephram knew that the contents of Taner's report would not be any help to his health either.
"It looks like my original estimate was correct Sir. I am sorry to report," said the ships Executive Officer, Peter Taner. He was the newly promoted Lieutenant Commander of the ship. He was a career non-commissioned naval man, with a grim set face that would fool people into thinking him a shifty criminal. But Ephram knew he was really a genial soul, though a soul strained by their appointed task. Like Ephram, Taner did not have that much experience in actual command. In fact, many of the crew running the Radiant were painfully inexperienced.
Necessity and tragedy had dictated this sad state of affairs.
"Our supplies are tapped sir. We'll be out of food within a few weeks at current rations. And fuel is coming close to a critical level, without draining our designated MS reserves of course."
"The fuel is that bad really?" Ephram whispered to Taner, in confidence. Taner could hear the ever present worry in Ephram's voice grow a little bit worse. "Even with us minimizing course correction and even some of the necessary burns..."
"Well before the Capt...I mean before the old Captain passed away the Radiant ran into its fair share of trouble. Before you had the chance to join us and of course after…." Commander Ephram nodded. The Radiant had indeed been a hard pressed ship far before Ephram's appointment to it. In fact, Ephram barely had time to get onboard the Radiant before it fell into trouble once again. Leading to the tumult of events that had him appointed acting CO of the ship and its convoy fleet.
"I understand Taner." Ephram said, looking at Taner from the peripheral. "Those earlier raids have come back to haunt us as well."
"That's not all. I have more bad news. But perhaps over here sir," he said indicating a far off corner of the Ships bridge. Ephram visibly braced himself for this bit of news. "The other thing sir... It seems that our convoy has picked up a tail...again." said Taner, a tiny bit of anxiety creeping into his usually controlled voice.
"How are they fething tracking us? In all this vastness..." Ephram said, waving his arm wide to emphasize, though is voice was low. Even with advanced scanning equipment the shear volume of space should have played to their advantage. "Damnit," he said quietly, slamming his fist into a nearby bulkhead. A crewman let out a nervous yelp, surprised by the outburst. Ephram noticed that a few of the bridge officers were now eyeing him with what they thought was subtlety. Fear played across their faces.
Ephram cringed inwardly. Morale Ephram morale., he silently berated himself.
Ephram was trying his hardest to get used to this job. Being the one everyone looked to for leadership was a strain he never imagined he would have to bare. The stress of it all was affecting him drastically but Ephram didn't dare let anyone see the worst of his despair. Did not let them see that he was always afraid. Every part of the waking day.
Maybe I should step down, Ephram thought, as he did everyday. ...god Taners you should have been in charge. You have more experience than me... But even as he contemplated those dark thoughts he knew that he couldn't do it. The effect on the people of the convoy was one reason. How would it look if he stepped down, which would be comparable to saying he didn't think they had much hope. It might destroy what little hope everyone had left, through some horrid joke they all looked to him, and his fear eclipsed theirs. Or so he thought.
How Ephram came to be in this situation felt more and more unreal as the weeks went by. That so much change could happen in his life in such a short time… It boggled his mind.
Ephram, just a few months earlier, was a junior bridge officer on the Eisen. A ship which was stationed near the torrent that was the Channelside Massacre. The Eisen, like many other ships, was orphaned. Cut of from Federation command in the aftermath of that monster of all battles. It survived the fighting but a few weeks later the Eisen was destroyed in a running fight with a Zexen Cruiser. The Eisen had been protecting a few ships filled with noncombatants, personnel that had escaped from the Side 4 carnage. The Eisen had been trying, in vain, to get back to Federation controlled space but found themselves blocked at every turn, constantly hounded, until they finally fell to Zexen attacks. The Radiant itself had escaped Channelside with some luck; the ship had been given a special escort mission to a far flung Federation outpost sometime after that. Luckily the Radiant and its own convoy of ships were in the area to save the Eisen survivors. Upon meeting, the ships formed into a larger convoy with the Radiant fleet fending off the Eisen's killers. They tried to take the noncom survivors back to safety but were hounded every step of the way just like the Eisen. The window of opportunity to get the survivors to safety had closed and they found themselves in Zexen controlled space. The Captain, fearing the skirmishes of trying to brave Zexen space, thought it best to bring the convoy with them to the distant Hermes depot in Mercury space, its original destination.
The old Captain was later killed in a Zexen surprise attack on the convoy fleet as they made there way. Many of the officers in the Convoy were killed in the attack. In a chain of events that still surprised Ephram he had taken charge when the bridge was hit. Being one of the few on the combat bridge he was one of the only ones left in a position to take charge at the time. Though he was scared out his mind somehow he managed to keep things together. We even sunk the ambushers. To this day Ephram could not recall were he had summoned the skills he displayed that day. He thought his grasp of such things dormant within him, an old dream deferred. Book smarts he hadn't believed he would use in practical setting. Ephram of course had received praise for his "heroism." Afterwards he was one of the few surviving officers, as the other escorts ships were either destroyed or badly damaged themselves. Only he and a few others had knowledge of the old Captain's intended destination so the other officers saw fit to put him in charge. If they only knew...he wasn't a hero. Just in the wrong place at the right time. Or wrong time…
The other reason he feared to step down was Taners. Peter Taners did have more experience than him in the military but Taners was enlisted and not trained for this role, nor was he particularly experienced in being a command officer. Besides as harried as he was Ephram could not rest the burden of the convoy on his friend's shoulders. "Ephram you're not alone you know." Taner whispered sympathetically. "This is not your fault, the Zexen seem to have their ways. The stress it is getting to all of us." Taners flashed a small slight smile as he placed a comforting hand on Ephram's shoulder "And don't think you can't vent either, just maybe not front of the crew?"
Ephram brushed away his hand gently, recognizing Taners veiled misplaced humor. "No I understand. ...Its nothing." He closed his eyes for a second thinking. A struggle going on within him that no one could know about. "Ok Taner put us on alert...quietly. Get the Mobile Suit Commander on the line. And tell him to get his units ready. Don't let them know that we have… "
"Don't worry I copy your thinking," Taner nodded in agreement, understanding.
"I have mind to throw up a minofsky screen." Ephram said, hand resting on his chin. "But..."
"The area of our jamming would just define our position more closely when compared to the backdrop of this much space. I follow you sir."
"Exactly Taner...", Ephram nodded, a small smile of respect on his face. Surely Taner had a quick and sound mind. Why he hadn't progressed up the Federation Ranks Ephram did not know.
"We are almost there... we just have to hold for a little longer. That's the good news Taner." Even saying the words aloud relieved some of the Captain's stress. "I pray the former Captain was right...though. We are surely bringing trouble to that depot."
"To late to doubt him now Sir," Taners said. Ephram gave a grim nod of agreement, though he was truly sad to be a herald of trouble.
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The mobile suit bay of the Radiant was surprisingly alive. Personnel floated back and forth across its length carrying supplies, tools, and diagnostic devices. The mechanics and technicians calmly and casually swarmed over the 12 Mobile Suits crammed into the Radiant's mobile suit bay. Running tests, replacing and optimizing parts, checking weapon barrels, performing general maintenance. Doing the things that a Mobile Suit's mechanics would do during war time. But they did so at a leisurely pace, as if at a nice calm day in the park. Idly chatting away, almost just hanging out really, even while getting their job done. The hum and drill of machinery reverberating across the bay, the clank of hand tools adding to the mix, the shouting of commands. This weird symphony was quite calming to the Lieutenant Commander in charge of the Radiant's Mobile Suit forces.
The mechanics, it seems, can at least find some enjoyment at a time like this. That's some what reassuring.
Teska Villiers sat back from his own work and took it all in. He found that these sounds were surprisingly soothing and reassuring. It seemed almost normal. They could not escape their situation, they knew that. Trapped on a ship lost in the solar system. The reality of it was always there, partially hidden on the mechanics faces, but by carrying on like this was their way of fighting the stress. That hollowness that settled on everyone in the crew from time to time.
Teska fought that feeling himself by hanging out here. And by seeing if he could help out. It made things feel like they were in another time. A nice duty patrol, a trip from the moon to side 7 and back. Back before the war began, before the madness and death. The deaths of strangers and friends alike. Before the colony fell...and before she fell in battle. Teska nodded away the momentary flair of grief that blossomed in him. Teska was doing better these days, it didn't bring about the depressive mood that struck him as it did early on. It would come whenever he thought of his old CO, Lieutenant Commander Irene Hamlin and his other comrades. Their demises had hit Teska hard; they were a family to him. He didn't do better because he sought to forget them though. How could he not think of Hamlin, he saw her Mobile Suit daily and Teska lay resting upon it at this very moment. He tried to work on it whenever he could. It was an old comrade now, a last gift and mission from Hamlin. He liked to think of it that way.
That's how he fought the pain at first, by throwing himself into battle after battle. Helping to fight off attack after attack on the Radiant. From the rout at Channelside, to the Radiant's reassignment, to the frantic escape out to the far Hermes Depot. But it was the vast loneliness out here, where a month would pass without anything to do but think, that he had been forced to cope. He learned to face that pain. It was a continuing struggle to be sure, but one he was now used to. He had grown used to the loss and death in the last months. Still can't tell if that is a good thing or a bad thing, L.C... Would you be surprised at how I've changed?
"L.C.!" a friendly voice screamed at Teska.
Teska looked down from where he sat on the J-Rock's shoulder as he heard someone scuttle up the suit. It was Chen Lu, one of the surviving members of his squad. A little bit to be thankful for at least, Teska thought fondly Close by was a young female soldier, a Military Police soldier name Josaline. She was Chen Lu's usual running partner, and they had become rather close these days.
Teska looked at them quizzically, greeting them with his trademark raised eyebrow. "What are you two skulking about?" he said heavily scrutinizing them. "Or should it be what are you not up to?"
"Well now L.C., we are on a mission most dangerous. " said Chen Lu, grinning heavily. His voice though sounded conspiratory. "Some would say...suicidal",
"And you want to get my...blessings." Teska said in a dubious voice. He looked over Chen Lu, his lithe pilot, and the wiry tall blond that was Josaline. On odd duo to be sure, but one that could add up to mountains of mischief. They surprised today Teska though.
"No, we came to pry you away from this MS bay." said Josaline, in that strong voice of hers. She had a sort of southern drawl of her words, which Chen Lu seemed to love so. "At least if you would let us that is, Sir," she added hastily, yet smiling.
"Yeah. You been cooped up too much L.C. the men are getting worried." Chen Lu said. "I have not seen you away from this place or your room for more than three days. Uh... the rest of the pilots were getting worried."
Teska nodded realizing the truth of their concerns. It just hadn't occurred to him. Hanging here, fixing Mobile Suits was sort of therapeutic to him, a passion. But have I really been neglecting my duties?, he wondered. There was so much to keep track of since he was placed in charge of the Radiant's Mobile Suit pilots. All he used to do was fix stuff and show up for battle when Hamlin was in charge. Teska felt a silly smile rise to his face as he thought of his folly. It was another big change.
"Don't fret too much, Teska. We know how you get sometimes. Especially with no word of the Zexen following us these last weeks we tend to zone out" Chen Lu said, but hastily caught himself. "Look I just came here to..."
"Challenge you to a round in the simulators," Josaline interrupted. Her smile was tentative, inviting.
"Oh, are you calling me out Josaline?" Teska said, throwing her a raised eyebrow. Obviously playing along. The young MP thinks she is a good pilot now, he thought. Intrigued he nodded to her. She was actually quite decent in a simulated Mobile Suit.
"So you're interested?" Chen Lu chimed in happily, oddly relieved. "Come on L.C.? You know you want to feast on a mouthful of my amazing skills," he said, flexing his lean arms. "I'll even let you be the Federation this time."
"Yeah sure, let's do this. But give me an hour or two to finish up here." Teska said, but paused midway through picking up his tools. Teska considered it for a moment then added. "Hey never mind I'll come with you now. I could use the practice. Actually we all could..." and Teska drifted off at that, a strange look appearing on his face. "I've been too lax on you guys this week," Teska considered. He had a look about him that Chen was quite familiar with. It meant…. "We need to step up our training regimen on the Pilots. Yeah that's what I'll do..." Teska said, talking to himself aloud. "Thanks Chen Lu, I'll tell the team."
"Ah feth." Chen Lu mumbled, wondering if perhaps he was wrong in snapping Lieutenant Commander Villers out of his isolation. Josaline was laughing out loud behind him.
Getting up from his spot Teska closed down the section of the J-Rock he was working on then moved to join them. "So what do you have in mind?" Teska asked absently as he finished packing up.
"Well I think we should partake in some One Year War hi-jinx obviously." A raised eyebrow caused him to add a hasty "Please" to the end of it.
"You really are one of those One Year War buffs aren't you." Teska asked Chen Lu.
"Hey it was a simpler time back then ...technologically anyway." Chen Lu said, trying to sound not so obsessive. He shrugged at the effort and gave up. "I love old school," Chen admitted aloud. "Look I was thinking of trying the MacGuffin Scenario, or maybe Shindler's Gamble."
"I was thinking maybe we could try "The Carcass" again." Teska said grinning smugly.
"Ah what is it with you and hiding inside stuff Sir?" Josaline asked. Teska smiled at her meekly and shrugged. "I was thinking maybe the South Asia campaigns. It'd be nice to see earth again. If only virtually," she added as her suggestion.
They all grew a little silent from the admission. They were thinking the same thought at that moment. It would be good to see any part of the Earth Sphere again. Especially the Earth itself, all three of the gathered soldiers being earthborn.
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"Captain!" yelled one of the bridge officers to get Ephram's attention. She did not seem well Ephram noticed. "I think you should see this!"
Captain Ephram and Commander Taners rushed over to view her data. They simultaneously looked at each other in dread. It was what he had feared, just as in one of his reoccurring nightmares. Ephram could only close his eyes and think, and pray. It wouldn't be the doom he was dreading but it could be the start of a downward spiral of disaster. No. He would not let himself sink in despair just yet. If they held on a bit more, he hoped... They where close, so close, perhaps they could make it yet.
"Taners, place the convoy on active alert immediately! We have incoming!" Ephram said aloud, allowing the Bridge to hear him. The Bridge scrambled to get ready for action. Alarms filled the ship.
"Looks like we will have need of that minofsky spread anyway" Ephram said, and he was surprised at how calm his voice sounded. Though his nerves still shivered with fear. Perhaps a solidification of his terror removed the unknown larger part of it. Maybe now he had something concrete to focus his dread upon. Maybe he found a way to escape his other self by burying it under a façade, the façade of a Captain. "Get the mobile suit bay on the Comm., and tell them to prepare for launch immediately. See if Lieutenant Commander Teska is down there we need to brief him."
On he and Taners went barking what ever orders they could think off. Trying to get their ships ready for a hostile and incoming force.
"They found us," Captain Ephram said to himself silently. His voice still calm but he noticed his hand wouldn't stop shaking.
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The three made their way towards the end of the massive Mobile Suit bay. As they passed, Teska noticed the mechanic crew flying in the other direction. He also heard a general commotion brewing. He had the presence of mind to grab the nearest technician and ask him what was up. "Hey soldier what is going on?"
"A Fight sir!" The techie said, seemingly eager to check out the spectacle himself.
"Ah Gakk it." Teska yelled as he hurried to the scene. Arriving at the brawl taking place he barreled his way through the crowd of on lookers. He let out a deep sigh as he spied the participants of this fight further in the gathering.
One man lay unconscious on the ground at Teska's feet. The mechanics huddled around them in a circle were watching the melee and shouting excitedly. Two women in the center were grappling and tearing at each other. And both obviously knew how to fight. One of the women had a mess of orange-red hair. Upon noticing it Teska had immediately cursed to himself, but he was now trying to fight his way to the two brawlers.
It would be her wouldn't it? Teska sighed again. The red head was Atal Ruebens, one of his mobile suit pilots and she was trouble. The embodiment of it, he thought angrily..
Mobile suit pilot Atal Reubens hammered her opponent, one of the mechanics, with a fierce jab. The mechanic fell out and Reubens caught her by the collar. Holding her opponent up, and letting out an indulgent roar of victory, Reubens cocked her other arm. Teska knew she was about to take things to a whole other level by raining blows on her unconscious opponent. Teska feared he might not get through in time.
But over the crowd vaulted Josaline with feline grace, clearing the onlookers easily in the low-gravity. She pivoted on her left heel, sending out a strong round house that sent Ruebens flying backwards. The unconscious mechanic, falling to the ground, was caught by Josaline on her return spin. Two mechanics caught and held Reubens relatively steady, which was obviously a more difficult a job than they thought. Reuben's size tended to mislead others as she had a wild strength to her.
"Move please." Teska said strongly, diverting people out of his way. Here was the part of being Lieutenant Commander he hated. Disciplining people under his command. Teska really didn't like confrontation that much, it was something that he rarely admitted, but accepted as part of being an officer. Sure it was one thing to fight for your life, heck even fight one to ten odds. But dealing with people in this way was so vastly different to him. How Hamlin had dealt with this type of foolishness he did not know. He never thought to ask her...
Reubens was already standing grinning, a wild look in her eye like she might even attack him next. This caused a flare of anger in Teska. He barely withheld himself from acting on it… barely. Reubens fed off of that type of reaction and he intended to deny her that.
"It took three of you stupid Earthnoids to take me, did it! Who wants to try for more?" she snarled, fishing for any hook to get a rise out of her captures. It was true the ship was mostly comprised of Earthnoids. Most of the people on the ship were cadets as well, caught up in the fall out from the Zexen offensive. Teska was an Earthnoid himself, though he had been in space since he was little. Teska knew he had to end this fast.
Teska griped Reubens collar, picking her off the ground incredibly fast even for the no gravity. Which surprised some in the crowd. His easy going personality rarely drew attention to his height and strength. "I don't know what excuse you have this time Ruebens! But I am done with dealing with your messes." He said, putting venom into his voice. Or he hoped he did.
"Come on Lieutenant." Reubens said, purposely leaving off the Commander part of his rank. The pure insubordination shocked some but Teska knew when he looked in her eyes that she didn't care. Or more likely… enjoyed it. She wanted a fight. From anyone. It was that lust he had seen a few times before. Particularly in unstable pilots and soldiers. "What are you going to do Teska; they were in my way... Uppity Earthers always causing trouble for everyone" she said with contempt.
Teska just shook his head. "Ms. Bush take her to the brig now," he said beckoning Josaline. "I'll deal with her after I talk with the Captain about this. That was your last one Reubens."
Josaline took Reubens easily from the two mechanics holding Ruebens despite the other woman's struggles. This incident just displayed the level of tension existing right below the surface. The harried nature of their journey coinciding with the anger over the War. Many thought the Earth Government wrong for starting the conflict and just general warmongering. But anyone with sense could see that the Zexen build up was trouble, though there might have been a better solution Teska admitted. With battles happening constantly, between Earth and the colonies or the colonies and each other, many didn't notice the Rift that still existed between the Earth and Space Humans. Even in on a military vessel.
Teska did need his pilots, every single one. Reubens was one of the best on this ship, it kept her on active roster even before Teska took over, when she was probably long over due for discipline or washing out. But her volatile nature was now too dangerous with her not having an enemy to fight in space so she could focus on finding other enemies. Also Teska knew that she had a following of likewise minded pilots and noncoms that hung around her. And to his dismay her behavior was rubbing off on them. He finally needed to end this despite the consequences.
Just as Josaline was manhandling Reubens and about to leave thought alarms sounded off loudly in the mobile suit bay. The flashing lights and sounds settled a hard mood on all standing around Teska.
All hell broke loose.
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"Lord Commander Malakai!" the Xenos' communications officer cried. "We have word from the Agara."
Lord Commander Malakai let out a disinterested sigh and waved the officer to proceed. "Go on, Mathers. What is it now?"
"Sir, Knight Commander Hemphlage of the Agara has informed us that he has a visual on the Federation Convoy! He is moving to engage now sir!"
"That flaming bastard," Malakai yelled, jumping out of his seat. "Trying to steal the glory! Standing orders were to wait for the rest of the Fleet Discreetly!" Malakai feared that the sight of the enemy might blind his fellows. He had few worries about the safety of the Agara. Or its under strength battle forces engaging the convoy. Even now his elitism ignoring the possibility that mundane human forces could beat one of the "Enlightened". His concern was Hemphlage using this opportunity to usurp glory and power.
"Bring us up on Alert." Malakai said shouting. "Mathers get their coordinates and contact the rest of the fleet. We must rush to help our forces engage them."
"Yes sir. From the burst I received. It appears Sir Hemphlage is preparing to lead his Mobile forces against the convoy him himself."
Malakai raged at the thought of that showboating braggart. Bastard. "Call up Sheron. Tell him to get his forces ready."
"And someone get me a damned ETA."
---------------------------------------The chill dark of the void greeted Teska's eyes as his J-Rock moved to launch position. He griped the controls reassuringly, trusting that the J-Rock would carry him through another sortie. Hamlin's last parting gift, her always trusted RGZ-91J(R).
Around the end of the Zanscare conflict the Federation again had to learn a hard lesson. The liability of what it meant to fall behind the curve in mobile suit technology. Since then the Federation began to beef up its mobile forces. Which was deemed prudent with the increase in space based dissent and splinter groups. This resulted in many new variants and designs. One such project led to the resurrection and resizing of the old ReGz design. The 91J(R) was one of the earlier prototypes runs; it was brought back to serve primarily as a high performance Officer unit. Teska didn't know exactly when the 91J(R) received its nickname, but he did remember Lieutenant Commander Hamlin saying that the "J" rocked more than once.
Teska looked left, and a slight smile fought to jump to his face as he saw Chen Lu's Mobile Suit ready to follow on the far left Launch Catapult. Such a good person beside him. His small smile disappeared immediately when he remembered that Reubens was right behind him. The irony of this did not go unnoticed to Teska.
A message flashed on the J-Rocks display and Teska immediately accepted the communication.
"Lieutenant Commander. This is Captain Ephram," came the familiarly voice of his commanding officer. Teska could hear the stress in the man's voice that mirrored his own. Teska was aware of the man's situation and certainly did not envy him. The man had doubts about himself too that Teska could caught because of his own sympathetic experiences.. But Teska wondered if Ephram realized how competent he actually could be. "I read you sir," Teska replied. "Situation? Any updates since the last?"
"I'll make this fast. The situation is not good. Though it is not the doomsday scenario we were dreading. Our long range sensors have identified a Miranda class Cruiser and a force of mobile suits. They are moving to engage us as we speak. ETA 3 minutes." Teska glanced at the display, filing away their location, numbers, speed, and vector.
"How in the world were we found sir?" Teska asked, not really expecting an answer.
"We don't know." Ephram sighed.
"Still this doesn't make sense. Why such a small force?"
"Perhaps a delay tactic so the rest of the Hunters can catch up, I am unsure."
"Templars?" Teska asked, giving voice to their fears. Newtype's could make things nasty.
Despite the convoy having more Mobile Suits than the attacking force there was still a danger present. Newtypes. It had become a fear on the mind of all Federation pilots ever since the battles of the Luna Line. That was when the Templar truly displayed their might. People liked to convince themselves that the Zexen evolution rhetoric was just propaganda, but Federation soldiers had come to realize that more and more Newtypes were popping up in their forces.
"Well, our key to this battle is keeping them away from us and the convoy." Ephram said trying to draw away from that line of thinking.
And Teska was inclined to let him. "I copy that Sir. Their ship may be trouble too, if it can close range."
"Lieutenant Commander," chimed in one of the Bridge Operators. "You are a go for launch at any time."
"I won't keep you, Lieutenant Commander. Do what you can for us," Captain Ephram said, his voice haggard but appreciative. "We will provide you with all do support."
"Thank you sir. We will do our best" Teska comforted, letting out a mental sigh all the same. "This is Teska Villers launching! All MS forces on me!"
With that, the J-Rock sped away from the Radiant. Teska noticed the Captain had shot off a few of the Radiant's few remaining dummies. Light illuminated the space around Teska as the Radiant and the enemy traded long distance fire. The Radiant was loosing a barrage of fire aimed at the approaching mobile suits. Meanwhile the enemy ship lanced long range shots at the Radiant, trying to find its range. Neither was likely to be particularly effective at taking out their targets, but the shots were more for psychological effect than practicality.
Teska looked back to see that Chen was right on him guarding his tail. Teska breathed a breathe of relief knowing that Chen would be by his side to help him. Other than Reubens, Cole, and maybe Dasha, the rest of my pilots are effectively inexperienced. Is this feeling… is this how it always felt L.C.?
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The Zexen mobile suits were fast approaching the herd of Federation ships. A Ra Cailum class ship began to interdict itself between the approaching Zexen's. Like a Sheppard shielding its flock from approaching predators. Those among the Zexen force would appreciate the analogy. The nine mobile suits of the Zexen braved the fire coming from the Radiant and sped into engagement range like shooting stars. The withering torrent of energy rattling them but did not detering them. Their target was in sight and their battle lust was on.
The Radiant's fire shifted away from the approaching Zexen suits to the Agara, the signal that the Federation mobile suits would be too close to risk barrage fire. True enough the mobile suit vanguard from the Federation began to fire their energy weapons. A hail of leading shots crossed between the two parties, then the two groups merged into a confusing swarm. A tango of evasion, attack, and jockeying for advantageous position.
Knight Commander Hemphlage found that he could not keep a predatory smile off of his face as the enemy was met. This was what he craved, had been waiting for these long weeks. The hunt was on, and battle had been joined!
Hemphlage dodged through the pitiful attacks the Federation mobile suits threw at him, all the while gazing longingly at the Federation fleet. He so wanted to rush into that cluster of fat sows, reaping death upon them. There was always something arousing about raiding an enemy fleet group, a secret fetish all his own. All he had to do was weed through the pests annoying him now.
A familiar sensation greeted Hemphlage, an impression of someone to his rear. To the arrogant Hemphlage, the attackers attempt to surprise him was an insult. Laughable, he thought, and dodged the sneak attack easily.
Deterred his prey began to fly into a series of evasive maneuvers, but they were utterly mediocre to Hemphlage. He brought his Rahja into melee range easily, and like a person swatting away an annoying fly, dispatched the mobile suit with a flash from his beam naginata. These mobile suits did not seem to be a challenge he realized.
Hemphlage brought his Rahja back into the battle, eyeing the maneuvers of the enemy and his men. Hemphlage concluded then that he was dealing with vastly inexperienced combatants. A few would no doubt pose problems. This was illustrated definitively when one of his two Masads went up in a ball of fire. The offending suit, which Hemphlage decided was an Officer's Unit, because of its atypical design, sped back into the spiral of dueling mobile suits.
Hemphlage noticed then that the enemy had managed to keep his forces out of range of the convoy fleet. Amusing, Hemphlage thought as he traded fire with a fast moving Federation mobile suit, this is becoming interesting. Alarms flashed in Hemphlage's field of vision, displayed by his image-link implant. More mobile suits had launched from the convoy and were soon to join in the battle. This annoyed him more than worried him. Even though battle had just been joined Hemphlage thought things were taking too long. The Ra Cailum class had effectively shielded the convoy from any of the Agara's aggression. And worst the mobile suits were keeping him from his raid. He could see the convoy ships slowly falling out of range of the battle. Even being out numbered two to one he had no worries though. Templar egotism blinding him to the odds of facing mundane pilots. He laughed at the thought even.
At the battle of the Luna Line Hemphlage and his brethren had faced double those odds. Even triple at times. That was when he had developed his Capital ship hunting fixation. Blazing a trail though storms of anti-ms barrage fire and putting those ships down despite it. He had raved at the delight flushing through him as he sunk Federation ships laden with foolish earthborn parasites. Perhaps we should take this battle to their door step now..., he thought but nixed the idea. More mobile suits were boiling out of the convoy itself. He hadn't counted on that and cursed himself for letting his desire cloud his mind.
Of course they would carry extra suits with the convoy, not just on the Ra Cailum class his team had focused on. With a thought, he sent an order to his minions over the communications link. To hold at the dog fight and bring the battle closer to the Ra Cailum class. If they couldn't deal with that ship in a few minutes he'd have to pull his remaining suits back. In Retreat, he fumed. The minofsky particles made it unlikely that they got the total gist of his message. To make sure Hemphlage initiated the Rahja's beamflag emitter and flashed the message in clipped Zexen code sign. With a growl of frustration Knight Commander Hemphlage moved to engage to emphasize his orders.
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All told, things are not going as badly as we feared, Teska thought, as he fled the explosion of the pesky Masad that had been bullying some of his rookies. So far his team had met the Zexen advance and stalled their assault. Despite his grimness he was particularly proud of his team for bearing the brunt of a Zexen blitz. Even more so because a Newtype was involved in the fight. He could tell it was a Templar by the ease in which it fought his team. It displayed no fear in engaging twice its number, and had callously dispatched one of his pilots. A ball of light caught Teska's eye and he knew it had taken another of his pilots. A beam flag sprouted from the Rahja's back. Zexen flash code, only a Templar would be so brazen as to make himself a target. Still it could have been worse. It was only a Rahja, an enhanced Rahja sure but only a Rahja.
Nightmare images of Fin-Funnels decimating his pilots flashed through Teska's mind. He'd faced Newtypes multiple times, much more than he was comfortable with. And back then Irene Hamlin was in charge. The experiences had left him more scared than he cared to admit. Even so, he was doing ok so far, so was the Radiant, and thankfully so were his pilots. The convoy was screened. And….the Zexen units patterns have shifted, he noticed Probably ready to withdraw. The Zexen began to focus on the Radiant more heavily. Probably trying to do as much damage as they could before they pulled back.
Teska risked a glance behind him. The Panoramic cockpit had highlighted in blue the approach of mobile suits rushing to aid his forces. Good we may just fend this one off without too much damage. Even so Teska couldn't help but admit he had a little fear in him, and it wasn't because of the Newtype. Something wasn't right. No one would engage the convoy with this little force unless they thought backup was coming. Could it be a delay action?
Teska had no time to ponder this further as the Newtype Rahja turned its attention to him, even as Teska interposed the J-Rock between the Radiant and a Ramza's incoming beam fire. The J-Rock's thrust sent a heavy vibration through him as he began to engage this intense an opponent.
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Another explosion flashed on the combat bridge view screen, and a horrid tremble shook the ship. Surprisingly only one or two officers had yelled at the strike. Everyone was too busy to really pay attention to their fear. They did flinch at the strikes but determination guided their minds. Even Ephram was surprised at his stability, even though the tremors in his hands had become quite a nuisance. But no one seemed to notice….
So far things had proceeded better than they hoped. Lieutenant Commander Teska and his team had done a good job keeping the Zexen mobile suits under control. Also the Radiant had faired well versus the long distance strikes of the Zexen Capital ship. "Commander, 6th incoming missle barrage!" A young ensign indicated. Ephram glanced down to his tactical display. The missle shower was light this time…. he had weathered their storm finally.
"Just keep up the gunnery pattern, see if we can get word to our mobile suits to intercept. That looks like it for their missile capacity." Ephram said in what he hoped was his calm voice.
The enemy's ability to damage his ship had severely dropped now, unless they decided to close the range. His other mobile suit squads would soon join the battle, improving things, but just then the Zexen mobile suit forces pulled back. Finally they had enough! We made it through.
"Enemy mobile suits withdrawing sir, Enemy Capship not moving to engage," his Tactical officer said, making it official. Little bursts of triumph sounded throughout the bridge. They still traded sporadic fire but it looked like the Zexen would pull back this time.
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Thirty minutes had passed since the withdrawal of the Zexen Cruiser and it did not seem to be accelerating towards the Radiant, but only matching their speed and maintaining the distance. Just then another alert shrilled, shocking the crew back to their duty stations.
The XO looked up grimly from the Tactical officer's station. "Sir camera's just picked up a second unidentified capship. We assumed to be Zexen," said Taners. The tactical officer shouted out the location, range, and vectors of the approaching vessel. "We picked it up because of its signal flag."
The dread that had immediately rose in Ephram's chest didn't so much as subside but it was tempered. The Zexen ship was about 5 hours out of engagement range if they keep up a good run and the Zexen ship they just faced didn't look like it would pursue for now. They'd probably regroup for an attack en mass. This gave did give the convoy some time thankfully. His Radiant probably could lose them but the convoy's speed was the determining factor. He'd probably have to shield with the Radiant again. But at least they had time and the convoy was safe for now. And Hermes was close! He had checked the navigational track and even put the image up on the main display. It showed the bright shining sun, an incredibly bright star in the sky but beneath it hung the quarter sized planet of Mercury.
"All we have to do is keep them off of us and the convoy a little longer and we will be at Hermes people."
"We just have to hold on a little bit more….just a little longer."
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Malakai dismissed his guard as he approached Room TR1. Which had the distinction of being the only highly classified room on the Xenos. Truthfully the highest of the entire 08th task force fleet. Only those with the right clearance had access to this room and fewer still knew what went on behind those doors. Malakai had seen to that. Once Malakai had seen what the room held he knew he would have to keep "them" all to himself. It even irked him to allow the lab techs that maintained the "equipment" to have access to it. Regrettable, that t I can not take care of you myself. Keep you all to myself, Malakai thought, with perverse bitterness. Bitterness more because of recent events than anything else.
The Federation convoy had escaped their grasp yet again, by the slimmest of margins. Malakai slammed his fist into the hardened bulkhead. Subconsciously relishing the pain, a physical manifestation of his mental frustration. He hadn't counted on them throwing every Mobile suit into a mass offensive to buy their ragtag fleet a chance to escape. Hadn't counted on them to put up much resistance at all. Templars' like Malakai couldn't even begin to admit that mundane humans could stop solders of their stature, but it had happened. He allowed himself to a grim smile when he realized what it cost the Feddies. The convoy ships had gained a large lead on his fleet but the 08th Taskforce was still on their trail, still in pursuit. And they had calculated where the Federation convoy was going now. Malakai's officers felt confident they could intercept them. But none of it would have been necessary if not for Hemphlage and his damned bungling, Malakai fumed. Oh had Hemphlage felt his wrath and disappointment! Hemphlage would feel it even more when they returned to Zexen space. Thoughts of home made Malakai even more frustrated when he realized how long this mission had lasted.
This frustrating and time consuming chase had brought them all the way out to Mercury. Mercury! But they had at least found their prey at every turn. All thanks to my angels…,mine…
When the Special Security Division was first created many doubted the usefulness of assigning such bloodhound units on long-range extra-Earth system patrols. It seemed more a job for the Independent Ops division, and some even called it futile or a waste. But the rest of the Zexen military couldn't know what the SS had in its possession. One of their most top-secret developments. The creation of what Malakai called his "Angels."
The R&D techs referred to them as the Scryers or Mediums. Almost as a grudging joke, considering the apparently supernatural things that they could do.
Malakai opened the door to the room with his retinal scan and was bathed with the faint blue light that filled the "scrying chamber." There "they" floated before Malakai, suspended from the outside world in the deprivation tanks that made it possible for the system to work. Three Angels that had descended from heaven but where frozen in moment of "perfection" Malakai thought. He was a little giddy from the rooms effect on his Newtype senses. And the serenity of the divine faces that floated before him. Malakai pressed a hand to the first deprivation tank with equal parts awe and sick perversion.
Where old fashioned technology was humbled by the sheer volume of space in the Solar System, the Zexen, they had found a way.
"It doesn't matter where they think they could run. There is no where they could hide…. we can find them couldn't we my Angels."
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What a trip. Ok so this is taking as long as it takes but I got this one done. At least the next two chapters are at least partially written. Quite a chore this was. Did a bit of judicious rewriting and rewording.
I need to figure out a way to cut down on the length of these suckers. Even though they do start small the balloon is in effect. Ok things are going to get started soon. The main storyline is ready to begin. All of this early stuff has just been me setting the stage and introducing the hoard of characters that are a part of this story. And I am not done yet. (). I'll put up some notes and such soon to help everyone sort it out. I need to work on some sketches for my military hardware too. Not to mention the characters.
I fear that the next update may take a little longer than "normal." I might be ready to kick start like two other fictions, as crazy as that sounds. Not to mention perhaps rewriting Star Wars:ASG. Keep you posted.