The Griffin – Bridge
Deadman's Rock
6:13 AM – Local Time
Nova had just returned from her scouting of the Angel compound, but as she entered the bridge, she was surprised to find a familiar face on the bridge.
"Ah, Nova. We have a guest. Mr. Graven Hill." Reigel introduced as Nova saw the Merc Recruiter on the bridge, sunglasses over his eyes and a smirk on his face with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Heard you're looking to expand your team. Thought it wise to discuss business in person." Graven said as Nova looked at him suspiciously.
"We could've met at your club." Nova said but Graven chuckled.
"Not for this kind of business. Reigel tells me you're lookin' to go after the Angels of Tarsonis, the second coming of the Defenders of Man. You're talking paramilitary, and that's gonna take more than just a few marines, reapers, and a single Ghost. You're gonna need an army. And that's where I come in." Graven said as Nova arched an eyebrow. She could see the psi-screen sticking out of his collar so she didn't bother trying to read his mind.
"What's your angle?" Nova asked as Graven smirked, pushing up his sunglasses.
"During the Second Great War, I partnered up with Jim Raynor and Raynor's Raiders, offering mercenary support to them. Could say that I helped arm a whole revolution, to say nothing of manning it. When I joined up with Raynor, everyone in my circles said I was crazy, said there was nothing to gain from it. Now I own my own moon." Graven said as Nova and Reigel exchanged looks.
"What makes you think we'll be as beneficial to you as Raynor was?" Nova asked.
"Gut feeling." Graven replied.
"That's it?" Nova asked as Graven chuckled.
"It's the same reasoning that led me to join up with Raynor. And the way I see it, you're in the same shape Raynor was in before I arrived. I told Raynor that he'd need access to manpower and equipment and I had both…for a nominal fee, of course." Graven said as Nova scowled.
"We don't have that much money." Nova said but Graven shot her a coy smirk.
"Yet. In fact, I'm giving you something of a signing bonus. I've already called in a few favors with the War Pigs and Hammer Securities. They've committed at least two barracks worth of their best Marines and Marauders to your group. That should give you a head start." Graven said as Nova ran a hand through her hair.
"Well, color me impressed so far. But then I haven't heard what's in it for you." Nova said as Graven smirked.
"Information." He replied.
"What kind of information?" Nova asked, suspicious.
"Traveling with Raynor gave me the opportunity to expand my business, make some contacts, gather valuable data I could use to my advantage. For instance, and this is a freebie, I've got a few secret mining operations on Redstone III. That planet is a miner's dream. Lava flows keep enriching the mineral deposits so it's a veritable gold mine." Graven explained but Reigel looked at him skeptically.
"Redstone III minerals are rich in Jorium. The Dominion declared that planet off limits." Reigel said but Graven looked at him with a sly smile.
"I did say they were 'secret' mining operations, didn't I?" Graven said before turning back to Nova.
"So you tag along with us and get us access to Mercenaries, manpower, and equipment. And in exchange you expand your own business interests. Seems like a fair trade to me." Nova said as Graven smiled at her.
"Looking forward to some favorable business exchanges. Point me to my quarters and I'll set up there." Graven said as Reigel gave a nod.
"I've set aside one of our spare quarters for you." Reigel said but Nova stepped into Graven's path.
"Not so fast. There's something we need from you first. We need some trustworthy types to fill some vacancies on the team. Tactical, Medical, Engineering, and a pilot or CAG. Got any suggestions?" Nova asked as Graven tapped his chin.
"You aren't going to make it easy. Well the good news is, I've already got someone for your medical officer in mind." Graven said, reaching into a satchel at his side and pulling out a tablet. A few seconds later he pulled up a dossier with a profile image of a young woman with short brown hair in a military uniform.
"Lt. Rosa Morales. Born on Earth, came to the Koprulu Sector with the UED expedition during the Brood War. Was in charge of the medical teams responsible for their pet Overmind. Turned Mercenary after the UED fleet got whacked by the Zerg. Served under Raynor during the Second War, left them after the End War. Has expressed interest in a more permanent medical post. Last known location was Haven colony. She's buddies with the magistrate there. Comes with her own advanced Medic armor and a privately owned medivac." Graven explained, showing Nova the tablet.
"Will she work with us?" Nova asked.
"Maybe you should pay her a visit and find out." Graven said with a telling smirk. Nova sighed and turned towards Hana.
"Song, set a course for Haven Colony!" Nova ordered as Hana gave a salute.
"You got it chief!" she replied, the ship starting to roar to life beneath them.
"As for your other vacancies, that'll take some time. But I heard you rescued a survivor from that Dominion Black Ops team on Athena. I was surprised to see ol' Ace again. If you need a tactical officer, I'd recommend him." Graven said as Nova looked at him curiously.
"What can you tell us about him?" Nova asked.
"He's a former Raider. Saw him plenty of times on the Hyperion. He was one of Raynor's most trusted squad leaders. Don't know much about him though, aside from what's in public records." Graven said as Reigel gave a nod.
"Mr. Hill is telling the truth, Nova. Captain Kunis's background checks came back. I was waiting to go over them with you." Reigel said as Nova gave him a nod and then turned back to Graven.
"We'll continue this conversation another time. We have other matters to attend to for now." Nova said as Graven gave a nod.
"Sure thing. I'll be in my bunk." Graven said before being escorted off the bridge by a pair of Nighthawk marines. Nova then approached Reigel as he stood at a nearby console.
"Alright, so what information did we get on Ace?" Nova asked.
"Graven was correct in that Ace served with Raynor's Raiders. It would explain how he knew to broadcast on frequency R945. He was actually one of the inaugural Raiders after their splinter from the Sons of Korhal at Tarsonis during the Great War." Reigel explained.
"So he was one of the Sons?" Nova asked but Reigel shook his head.
"There is no record of Captain Kunis ever serving with the Sons of Korhal. According to record, Ace was found injured in the streets of Tarsonis. That's when he was hardwired into that old CMC armor as a last ditch life-saving operation. After that, he joined up with Raynor. His service record is truly impressive though. He's served in the Great War, the Brood War, the Second Great War, and the End War, each time under Commander Raynor. He transferred to Dominion Special Operations after the End War which is where the accessible records of him stops." Reigel explained.
"I'm seeing why Graven suggested we hire him on as our tactical officer. But what did he do before the wars?" Nova asked curiously.
"That's where things get difficult. There is no record of a Miles Kunis ever existing prior to his appearance with the Raiders." Reigel replied.
"That's not uncommon. After Tarsonis, entire databases were wiped out. Billions of people lost all record of them because of the Zerg." Nova explained as Reigel gave an understanding nod.
"That shouldn't exclude Captain Kunis from any form of suspicion though." Reigel said.
"Never said it did. But something about him…I feel like I might've known him somehow. He's strangely familiar. What's his psi-index?" Nova asked as Reigel arched a curious eyebrow.
"It doesn't say. I'll run one if you'd like. But with all the mind wipes you've received throughout your life, Nova, I wouldn't be surprised if you did know him somehow. But Captain Kunis checks out. Dominion Military has formally declared him MIA, and in the Special Ops. circles that effectively means KIA." Reigel said as Nova took a deep breath of contemplation.
"Let's make him the offer. Marines don't typically live long enough to make Captain so he may be a rare find. You don't become a Captain in the Marines for being an idiot." Nova said as Reigel gave a nod.
"I'll make the arrangements." Reigel said as Nova started for the door.
"And I'll go make him the offer." Nova replied.
…
The Griffin – Brig
A few minutes later…
Nova entered the brig area of the Griffin. The brig was small and only had four cells with titanium doors. A pair of Nighthawk marines stood guard outside one of the cells. Both marines saluted as Nova approached.
"Open the cell." Nova ordered, one of the marines turning and opening the door to the cell. As the door opened, Nova could hear piano music playing through a filtered speaker inside the cell. Nova walked in and saw Ace, seated on the floor with his back to the wall opposite the door, eyes closed as he listened to the music playing through his suit's speakers.
"The Raindrop Prelude in D-flat major. Chopin, right?" Nova asked as she recognized the music. Ace smiled, his eyes still closed.
"Very good, Commander. Not many out here appreciate the classics. I assume though you're here to render your judgement." Ace said, still not opening his eyes.
"We're going after the Angels of Tarsonis. We're going to be working with some mercenary crews such as the War Pigs and Hammer Securities. We need a tactical officer to keep them in line. Think you can handle them?" Nova asked as Ace opened his eyes, looking at her.
"You want me to be your Tactical? Are you sure you want to put a marine who got his whole squad killed in charge?" Ace asked.
"You were blackmarked. You and your men weren't meant to survive. You know their deaths weren't your fault. Do you want the job or not?" Nova asked as Ace gave a nod.
"I'm used to working with mercs like the War Pigs. I can handle them. They're elites and they know what they're doing, much like the elites in Dominion Spec Ops, all they need is direction and someone to give them their orders and they'll get the job done. You can count on me, Commander. I won't let you down, especially you." Ace said as Nova looked at him curiously. She tried to read his mind again but still couldn't.
"Before you report to your post, I have to ask. Do we know each other somehow? I feel like I should know you." Nova said as Ace stood up, towering over her in his armor.
"We knew each other, yeah. We weren't lovers or romantic interests though, so don't worry about that. But let's just say we were…acquaintances on Tarsonis." Ace said as Nova grimaced.
"I don't remember much of my life before Tarsonis fell." Nova said as Ace sighed.
"Not surprising, considering you're a Ghost and all. Mind wipes have a habit of doing that. But rest assured, Nova, I'll be as faithful and loyal to you as I was…" Ace said before pausing, sighing in sadness at the memory. Nova looked at him, expecting him to finish but he didn't. Instead he switched off the music player in his suit, saluted, and then walked out of his cell, leaving Nova confused and alone, the two other marines following their new tactical officer out of the brig.
Nova was just starting to leave the brig when she heard what sounded like a piano playing behind her. She froze at the sound, sensing nothing and no one behind her.
"You know what it be, Nova. You know what it was dat binds you and de Captain toget'er." She heard Tosh's voice saying behind her. She slowly turned and saw Tosh leaning against one of the walls between the cell doors, a white grand piano behind him with gold painted edging, the keys moving on their own, playing out a piano arrangement of a piece known colloquially to the Koprulu Terrans as the Brood War Aria. Nova swallowed nervously with disbelief at the sight of Gabriel Tosh again.
"What are you? Keep out of my head!" Nova ordered but Tosh just smirked.
"I t'ought it be obvious, Nova. I'm a ghost, but I be de ghost of de future. Your future, Nova." Tosh said but Nova drew her sidearm, aiming it him albeit knowingly in vain.
"Go to hell, and stay there." Nova hissed. Tosh merely smiled and glanced wistfully away from her.
"I wonder why de Angel's voice hurt you so much. I know you be t'inkin' de same t'ing." Tosh said as Nova froze, the very memory of Angel's voice causing a twinge of pain.
"It…it doesn't matter." She stammered. Tosh looked at her with a coy smirk.
"A soldier whose mind you cannot read when t'ere isn't even a psi-screen around and a woman who can harm you by de mere sound of her voice…and yet, t'ey don't matter? I would love ta hear what you t'ink does matter, mon." Tosh said as Nova looked away in contemplation. Her encounter with Angel had been preying on her mind. Somehow she'd been able to psionically attack Nova by merely speaking, even when she didn't even know where Nova was despite their proximity.
"What happened back there? Tell-…great." Nova grumbled as she looked back at Tosh only to find he'd vanished, along with the piano. All was silent in the brig now, Nova alone. She holstered her pistol and quietly made her way out of the brig, a hand to her head. As she exited the brig, she spotted an intercom box on the wall. She stepped over to the box, putting in her comm-code.
"All Senior Officers to the bridge, you too Graven." Nova ordered before heading towards the bridge.
…
The Griffin – Bridge
A few minutes later…
Nova was stood at the front of the bridge, waiting as Ace, Reigel, Graven, and Cpl. Song arrived. Song, though, had never left the bridge and was at her station at the helm.
"I take it we're having a briefing, Commander?" Ace asked as Nova cleared her throat.
"Uh-huh. As some of you know, I made an impromptu infiltration of the Angel Compound on Deadman's Rock before we left. While there, I got some useful intelligence. I encountered their leader, the one they call Angel." Nova explained as Ace arched an eyebrow.
"Angel? Oh yeah, we've heard of her. White cloak, mask, looks like some kind of druid, priest, or monk?" Ace asked.
"Something like that." Nova muttered.
"Hope you put a round through her." Ace said but Nova glanced away.
"I couldn't get a shot off. She's psionic. She was able to use some kind of psionic attack on me even when she didn't know where I was when cloaked. She knew I was close, just not where. But that's beside the point. Apparently, they knew about the Dominion spy in their midst and killed them off. Apparently the fact there was a spy didn't sit well with some of their higherups." Nova explained.
"Wait, higherups? I thought they were led by Angel." Reigel said as Nova shrugged.
"I'm not so sure. There were three of them. I couldn't make out who they were. They were taking strides to keep from being identified. They seemed to be discussing the Angels' next move. It's phase one of a larger operation. The way they spoke about it implied that there were multiple sub-phases to phase one. The first part of it is something called Operation: Horseman One. I'm not sure what that is or where it's supposed to occur." Nova explained.
"Sounds ominous." Song muttered, visibly worried.
"Was there anything else, Nova?" Reigel asked as Nova gave a nod.
"Angel was accompanied by an officer. They called him 'admiral' so it's likely that he's their military leader while Angel is their figurehead. I'm not sure of their command structure but it seemed as though Angel and the Admiral were considered equals." Nova explained.
"There hasn't been any suspicious activity by the Dominion Admirals, not since General Davis's assassination. Anything about this admiral stand out?" Ace asked as Nova looked at him.
"He had a Slavic accent. Russian I'd say. I didn't get a good look at him though. Angel's psi-attack had me distracted and he wore a psi-screen on him the whole time." Nova said.
"Doesn't sound familiar to me. Only Admirals that come to my mind with a Slavic accent would be…Vice Admiral Stukov." Reigel said but Nova shook her head.
"Trust me, he wasn't infested. Unless Stukov's learned to reverse his infestation, this wasn't him." Nova said as Graven chewed on the end of a toothpick sticking out of his mouth.
"Doesn't ring any bells in my circles either." Graven commented.
"Was there anything else, Nova?" Reigel asked.
"There was. They mentioned receiving support from O.B.H. The mysterious financier for the Defenders of Man mentioned in the intel packet Ace recovered from Athena. This confirms that the Angels are receiving financial and possibly even military backing by the same group that backed the Defenders of Man." Nova explained.
"So what's our next step, Nova?" Reigel asked as Nova glanced at Graven.
"If we're going to take on the Angels of Tarsonis, we're going to need to bring ourselves to full strength. Right now, we're headed for Haven Colony to try and recruit Lieutenant Rosa Morales for our chief medical officer position. We got a tip from Mira Han that the Angels had her mercs doing jobs on Agria, Meinhoff, and Cavir. She implied that she was running a 'procurement' operation for them briefly so it seems they hired her to steal specific items from those planets. We need to know what that was." Nova said as Reigel pondered.
"Agria and Meinhoff are quarantined by the Dominion. Feral Zerg infestations, most of them dating back to the Second War. Cavir though…that planet is in Wild Zerg territory. It used to be one of the planets that the old Swarm used to breed their forces. All of the Zerg on those worlds though have been deemed feral." Reigel explained.
"So the Zerg are the common thread between those planets. Then the question becomes what would the Angels want with live Zerg?" Nova asked aloud.
"Experimentation, perhaps?" Ace pondered.
"Possibly. We just don't know enough yet. Maybe once we've recruited Lt. Morales, we'll pay one of those worlds a visit and find out." Nova said, turning towards Cpl. Song.
"What's our ETA to Haven, Song?" Nova asked as Hana looked over from her console.
"Just a few seconds, chief. Just about to make the jump in five…four…three…" Hana replied as they all turned towards the front just as the Griffin jumped to warp, dropping out of warp almost instantly with Haven in sight before them.
"Jump successful, chief. Reestablishing communications and…uh-oh." Hana said, everyone looking towards her.
"Report." Nova said as Hana hammered away at her console.
"Just got an auto-hail from the surface. Planet wide quarantine is in effect. Unknown sickness has infected the population. No one is allowed to land unless proper protocols are taken to avoid the spread." Cpl. Song replied as Nova furrowed her brow suspiciously, staring out at the planet before them.
"Nova?" Reigel asked, concerned.
"Open a channel, hail the Colony Command Center." Nova ordered as Hana turned back to her console.
"On it chief." She replied.
"A planet under quarantine. Seems like a legit place to find a Medic." Ace muttered in mild amusement. Song then looked back over towards them.
"I've got the Magistrate on the line for ya, chief. A Doctor Hanson." Hana said.
"Put her through." Nova replied. The monitor in front of them then switched to a live-feed of a Terran woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a lab coat.
"This is Dr. Ariel Hanson, Magistrate of Haven Colony. I hope you're here to render some kind of assistance. We've got a lot of sick people down here." Dr. Hanson said, pausing to cough as Nova approached the monitor.
"It depends on the assistance, Doctor. My name is Nova Terra of Nova's Nighthawks. We're here looking for a Medic. Her name is Morales. Lieutenant Rosa Morales." Nova said as Ariel arched a curious eyebrow.
"Morales is here. She's helping to treat the infected. What do you need her for?" Ariel asked.
"Job offer. We need a CMO and she was our first choice." Nova replied. Hanson seemed apprehensive about surrendering the Medic.
"I'm not too anxious to let her go right now. Until we can get this sickness under control, we need all the help we can get. The Dominion is sending a Science Vessel with state-of-the-art medical equipment but they're not due to arrive for three more days." Hanson explained as Reigel approached and muted their microphone.
"Nova, the Griffin has a state of the art med-lab and medical supplies are the one thing we have a surplus of right now." Reigel said as Nova gave a nod, unmuting the microphone.
"Maybe we can help, Doctor. Our ship has a med-lab with a surplus of supplies. We can enact quarantine procedures and land on the surface. At the very least, our supplies might be of use." Nova said as Ariel smiled slightly.
"We'll take every ounce of help we can get. I'm sending you the coordinates for the Jamestown Outpost. It's where our militia is headquartered. We have all the uninfected people sequestered there away from the rest. I'd still recommend full biohazard gear if you leave your ship." Ariel replied as Nova gave a nod.
"We'll be ready. Griffin out." Nova said, cutting the transmission.
"Alright people, hazard detail, now!" Nova ordered as she headed for the exit. Hana started issuing orders to the crew over the intercom, Reigel sitting down at one of the stations on the bridge, Graven headed back for his quarters, and Ace hurrying after Nova.
"Haven. Haven't been there since 05 when we fended off a Protoss attack." Ace said as Nova glanced up at him.
"Got any useful intel we can use?" Nova asked.
"Good folk, strong militia, self-sufficient for the most part. Jamestown Outpost is the old base the Raiders established to fend off the Protoss. Probably named after the Commander too." Ace explained as they rode the elevator down to the engineering floor where the Nighthawk Marines and Reapers were gearing up. Some of the Hammer Marauders and War Pig Marines were gearing up too. Four SCVs were warming up their propulsion engines as well. Nova and Ace headed for the onboard armory.
"According to Graven, Morales served with Raynor too. Did you meet?" Nova asked as Ace chuckled, picking up an Impailer rifle, checking its ammo.
"One of the best damn medics I've ever seen. Nice gal, dedicated, won't hesitate to shoot an optic flare in your face if you try harming her patients." Ace said as Nova secured her own hazardous environment suit, putting on a special mask like the ones other Ghosts wore in the field, one that covered her whole face and head. Even her long blonde ponytail was tucked inside her suit.
"Good thing we're here to help." Nova said as she picked up her C-20A, cocking it before heading towards the forward loading bay with Ace close behind.
"Alright everyone, listen up! We're here to help these people! Not cause an incident! Do what you can to help and look for ways to shore up their base defenses! Captain Kunis, it's on you." Nova said they reached the front where the soldiers stood facing them. Ace turned towards them with his mask up, a gruff look on his face.
"Alright ladies, this is a biohazard situation! Keep your suits sealed at all times so if I see any of your ugly mugs without a mask over it, you're getting left behind if you're lucky! Otherwise you'll need to get those overengineered codpieces refitted! Now let's get out there and make these people proud! Are ya with me marines?!" Ace barked, the soldiers letting out a unanimous "OOH-RAH!" in response. Nova gave Ace an unseen smirk.
"Ni~ce. Looks like you're going to fit in just fine." Nova complimented as Ace chuckled, turning back towards front.
"If the men don't curse my name under their breath at nights, then I ain't doin' my job." Ace said, sealing his suit as Nova smiled.
"Don't be too hard on them. We're kinda like a family here." Nova said as Ace looked at her.
"I learned a long time ago, Commander, that it takes a little TLC, that stands for Tough Love Crapola to keep the marines motivated. They know the Sarge looks out for them, and they look after the Sarge. Besides, just from looking at these guys, I can tell they're elites." Ace said as Nova rested the butt of her rifle against her shoulder.
"Well we are an ex-special ops force." Nova replied as Ace chuckled.
"Even the cream of the crop gets a little rotten now and then." He replied as the bay was lit by red floodlights.
"Red light! Get ready boys!" Ace yelled as they felt the Griffin starting to touch down on the planet's surface. The Griffin finally set down, an energy field appearing between the marines and the boarding ramps before the ramps started to lower, the Nighthawks filing out into the militia base where several Marines, Marauders, Firebats, and Medics with green markings and the Haven Colony insignia stood guarding several tents and makeshift houses where the uninfected civilians were taking refuge. Nova and Ace looked around as they disembarked, noticing the green colored structures.
"Pretty well armed, for a militia." Nova muttered as she noticed the Starport and Factory nearby.
"Old Raider base, remember? Raynor left them behind for the colonists considering they're so close Protoss space." Ace replied as one of the militia marines approached them.
"Commander Terra, welcome to Haven. The Magistrate's ordered me to show you to Lt. Morales. Speaking personally, if your offer is as good as it sounded, you're a life saver." The marine reported as Nova gave a nod.
"My second-in-command, Reigel, will help coordinate our forces with yours. Corporal Song on the Griffin will assist with logistics. Ace, you're with me." Nova said as the Marine gave a slight "nod" by pivoting slightly forward.
"Much obliged Commander. This way. The Lieutenant's in the Med Barracks." The Marine said as he led them to a barracks with an attached tech-lab. The barracks had been painted white with medical crosses and a Caduceus insignia. The Tech-lab though was green with the Haven Colony insignia.
"A Barracks turned into a hospital?" Ace asked as they entered the barracks, finding it full of people being examined for injuries or illnesses. Everyone there were not infected with the virus but the doctors and nurses weren't taking any chances as they examined them all in full bio-hazard gear.
"Border colonies do that sometimes. Convert a leftover or decommissioned barracks into a mobile clinic or hospital. Sometimes you have to make do with what you have." Nova replied as the marine led them to one of the rooms in the barracks. Normally this room would be where the marines would be sealed inside their armor by mechanical arms, but the arms had been removed and the room itself had been turned into a makeshift medical laboratory. Inside the lab was a figure in a suit of advanced medic armor. The shield and A-13 Grenade launcher however were sitting nearby.
"You've got visitors, doc." The marine said as Nova and Ace stepped into the lab. The medic turned towards them. Her helmet was sealed shut due to the quarantine so they couldn't see her face. Nova couldn't read her mind though and knew why as she felt the effects of a psi-screen coming from the medic's armor.
"Lieutenant Miles Kunis. I'd know that rickety old iron-lung of yours anywhere." Morales greeted as she saw Ace. Ace chuckled and rested his rifle on his shoulder plates.
"Rosa Morales. You look good, Doc. Seems mercenary life has been treating you well. Oh, and it's 'Captain' Kunis now." Ace said as Morales gave a cordial nod.
"Good to hear you're coming up in the sector. I take it you're the spook Ariel warned me about. The one with the advanced med-lab?" Morales said, looking at Nova.
"Nova Terra of Nova's Nighthawks. We're looking for a new CMO. Graven Hill recommended you to us." Nova said as Morales gave a slight nod.
"He gave me a head's up. I've been looking for a more permanent post for a while. Being a solo merc doesn't work very well for too long. He gave me the sit-rep on your group. I'm interested, and Dominion loyalties don't bother me. But I'm not about to leave while this quarantine is in effect." Morales explained as Nova gave an understanding nod.
"By all means. You're free to use the Griffin's Med-Lab. Talk to Reigel. He's my top-kick. He'll get you situated. The lab's state-of-the-art for last year, but it's fully stocked. We'll be here until that science vessel from the Dominion arrives, then we have to leave, with or without you." Nova said as Morales turned to a console, entering some information.
"Give me a few minutes to download my research and I'll be right over. By the way, Ariel asked me to have you call her after you talked to me. Seems she's got a job for you." Morales said as Nova looked at a nearby monitor.
"Mind if I use your comms?" Nova asked.
"By all means." Morales replied. Nova immediately turned to the controls and started entering commands into the console. Finally it displayed an image of Dr. Hanson from the back of a personnel carrier, the camera shaking slightly from the motion of the carrier.
"Ah, Commander. I see you've met with Morales." Hanson said as Nova gave a nod.
"She's preparing to transfer over to the Griffin to continue her research. We'll plan to stay until the Dominion arrives, then we need to leave. We won't steal Morales from you if the quarantine isn't lifted by then though, but the Dominion's still got warrants out for us." Nova said as Hanson gave an understanding nod.
"Of course. I can't begin to thank you enough for the help you're offering though. You didn't have to do that and not many would even offer it to begin with. I take it Morales mentioned the job I had for you?" Hanson asked as Nova glanced at Morales for a moment as the Medic worked to pack up and then turned back to the monitor.
"She just mentioned you had a job. Didn't say what it was." Nova replied.
"Well as you know we're located pretty close to Protoss space. Four years ago, they tried to purge the colony because they thought we were infested with a Zerg virus. Commander Raynor and his boys fought them off and we've had a fragile peace with the Protoss since. With this illness sweeping the planet, the Protoss could return to finish the job if they think the Zerg are involved. We haven't found anything to implicate the Zerg so far but the Protoss might not be willing to take the chance." Hanson replied.
"So what do you want us to do?" Nova asked.
"We have reason to believe that there's some kind of base hidden to the north of your location that's acting as a Protoss observation post or observatory. We've had reports of ships coming and going from that location and we aren't equipped with the tech needed to do a sensor sweep. We were wondering if you could make a scouting run for us. We'll pay you for the trouble and you'll be free to make use of the new refinery we opened near your landing area to stock up on vespine." Hanson said as Nova gave a nod.
"Sounds easy enough. Where will you be if we need to contact you?" Nova asked.
"Incommunicado I'm afraid. I'm heading to one of the colony sites right now. Apparently, the disease is getting worse. It hasn't caused any fatalities yet but it is causing some headaches, coughing, sneezing, and it is highly contagious. It doesn't match anything in our medical databases. It's possibly a virus native to Haven. We'll need to do more research though." Hanson said as Nova checked her rifle.
"We'll look into the observatory and we'll pass information on to Lt. Morales until you're back on the comms. Nova out." Nova said, ending the transmission. She then turned to Morales as she picked up her medic shield.
"Something doesn't feel right about this. What can you tell us about this disease?" Nova asked. Morales looked at her for a moment before looking at the Militia Marine, motioning for the door. The Marine got the hint and stepped out, the door closing behind him. Morales then looked at Nova, her helmet opening to reveal a feminine face with short brown hair.
"There's something we haven't been mentioning to the people. We're trying to keep it quiet to avoid a panic. But it looks like this virus isn't anything natural." Morales said, Nova pulling her mask open, Ace's mask opening as well.
"A bioweapon of some kind?" Nova asked.
"We can't confirm it until the Dominion arrives, but it bears all the hallmarks of a lab engineered virus. But there's a problem. It's incomplete." Morales said as Ace arched an eyebrow.
"Incomplete?" he asked. Morales pondered for a moment before answering.
"It's like this. Imagine this virus was a bullet, okay? You have all the workings for the bullet but it's missing the gunpowder. This virus is basically the bullet without the gunpowder. Harmless on its own. I'd need to do more tests to be sure." Morales explained.
"So it needs some kind of reagent or trigger to make it deadly." Nova said as Morales gave a grim nod.
"Yeah. That's why we instituted the quarantine. The people here at the camp are the only people left uninfected and the militia are on standby to enact an evacuation protocol if this thing becomes deadly." Morales said as Nova looked at Ace.
"Put a squad together, Ace. We're going hunting." Nova said as she put her mask back on, Ace's mask closing as well.
"You got it." He replied as they headed out the door.
End Chapter 3
Please R&R…