Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 39 – The Sword
Of course even AF hadn’t brought in real Earthmen to entertain its elite. The concert was a virtual projection. Still due to the processing power involved the quality was extraordinarily lifelike the sound depth exquisite. Shimoo was impressed, and glad G and she had made it in plenty of time. While one could hardly disturb the concentration of a recording it was considered crass not to give such events the same level of respect as the real thing. Otherwise why bother with such marvellous technological illusions at all.
Nonetheless, it was still just a pleasant backdrop to the archaeology student’s desire. She noticed Anna in whispered conversation with a figure without doubt Shimoo’s new quarry! Hyaegin was nothing much to look at, a figure - past his physical prime in years - if sturdy of build. He had the outdoor look of the field, tanned skin, and sun bleached streaky brown thinning hair invaded with white.
For the moment Anna held the Professors undivided attention. In the other seats arranged in a series of arcing rows sat various individuals: important locals, key personnel their family, some associates, and the guest dignitaries. A few rapt on the performance many engaged in quiet diplomacies or familiar discussions with their immediate neighbours. Garrin looked sleepy or just elsewhere in his own head, the Argon had been getting very dreamy, and distracted since his return. Shimoo, and G hadn’t known each other since that frenzied conflict that had followed the post hearing reception.
Shimoo wondered was G beginning to worry like herself that it would never be quite the same. That the next time would inevitably be a disappointment - had the relationship peaked too soon? Had the couple outdone themselves? Thinking about that evening made concentration on the music or anything else rather difficult. Reaching out she gave her lover’s arm a squeeze feeling a little tremble inside at even that mild level of physical contact. Though really it was her mind that reached out not her body, confusing! Shimoo cursed herself for acting like a loon. Always aware of her own physicality she had used it shamelessly in pursuit of her own ends almost from the moment of female maturity!
Perhaps at first Shimoo’s adventuresome appetites had been just rebellious, and unfocused agitations aimed at her parents. Later Shimoo had learned that her charms were far more effectively employed as carefully targeted weapons her big guns for the battle of self-advancement. It was ridiculous to imagine her self snared by any similarly baited trap intentional or not, was it not? Why then did that one prolonged athletic engagement keep returning into her thoughts at the - most - inappropriate times? Her predicament reminded Shimoo of that tired old saying her father liked to dredge up ‘he who lives by the sword!’
It was too much she bet the Empress Anna never suffered this sort of dilemma - aloof upon her high throne - out here among the stars! Focus damn it, she told herself - Hyaegin - what did she know about him? Shimoo recounted her most recent trawl on the Inter Link Hyaegin was a specialist in his watery field, fallen out of favour, but steadfast in his determination. The Professors project was on its knees for lack of funding but he refused to quit Kingdom End even when he was forced into mere record searches, and scratching around the Boron’s own watery operations for scraps!
On the gossip side Hyaegin had a reputation for dallying with his own assistants that had skirted propriety [all too common among academics from Shimoo’s experience] still Hy had been a little too overt in his habits which seems to have boosted his fall from grace. Despite his failings if he had still been achieving results - much - might have been overlooked. The few papers he had published once edging brilliance were now merely solid rather dry affairs that lacked heart and direction. That was tantamount to unforgivable, to show so much promise early then stumble!
Hy was no longer deemed a major player. According to friends of friends his contemporaries expected him to slip away into some dreary backwoods teaching post, once the Professor got over his own irrational stubbornness. Yet here he was chatting amiably to one of the most elusive gifted, and enigmatic figures in R&D Xeno Archaeology - the heiress of the almighty Febr. Febr, Shimoo had just learned to her consternation had suffered some sort of breakdown, and was said to be recovering in the infamous AP Asylum! Maybe the ghosts of long dead aliens had afflicted the old Professors ageing soul - it had happened before to other scholars - hung out too long in the fell darkness. It was an occupational risk as staring into the wormholes was for pilots, or empty unmoving space for station dwellers, so many ways to lose yourself among those angry stars!
Anna Dei was feeling mildly smug (this amiable fool seemed ideal). Well if she couldn’t remove the minor burr of Shimoo she might as well lie down, and surrender to the embrace of oblivion. Anna wondered what ANI would make of this particular expense it made her chuckle inside. A glitch on the Navy anyway she cursed inwardly, the most amazing technological advancement since stable wormholes and all they could think to do was spy on the boys next door! At least Febr was right about that much - it was such a waste of wider potential.
Sometimes Anna felt embarrassed to be involved in this aspect of the operation. Her dream was to do so much more, but she needed access and funding. Even talking with Hyaegin reminded Anna of cleaner dreams advancing science, and the Argons knowledge base (something her mentor had always espoused). It was bad enough being tied up with ArgonForge without this incessant military entanglement. Sometimes Anna wished she could just flee with the Generator, and follow her own research criteria in peace: the things she might discover if left to her own devices, if only! Babysitting the alien technology was one thing but mothering this nursery of fools.
Oops thought the Professor I think I’ve bored the blond she’s drifted off! A fine looking female but these business types made him nervous. He sensed under that not so soft exterior Anna was all even harder angles, credit assessments, he bet she wouldn’t know how to truly let go if she tried! Besides something about the way the PA smiled at his platitudes suggested she was thoroughly off limits - even to his chagrin, amused at his vain efforts - as if watching a lowly mortal instigating an inept supplication in the mud. A fool’s errand while she gazed down serene from mount Olympus, all in all rather off putting! Hy had always had something of an understanding of females - maybe the result of having five sisters - something about this one was starting to worry him, she seemed somehow much taller than expected!
Gregor was feeling rather uncomfortable he had become accustomed to having at least one guard in close proximity - his back lay exposed, and he felt sweaty and impatient. Somehow he had ended up sitting beside that dried up old prune Mynae Kalen, and she had insisted in engaging him in polite conversation. The weird thing was the amount the Chief Medical Officer was fidgeting you would think it was the Administrator that was cornering her! What had ever decided him on a concert of Terran Music, the idea had just popped into his head. Damn the Medical Female was still prattling!
Somebody had bodged the seating arrangements badly he sneaked a glare across at Anna - clearly she should have checked this before everyone piled in! Damn maybe the PA was having a petty revenge for all that running to the High Tower he had made her do. Who among the guests had shuffled in that odd Academic Anna was with? Well everything has its consequences even his own games, he looked around to check his watchers still stood to attention at the entrance, that was after all better than no protection at all!
If only prune face would just leave him alone, was that space fuel he smelt over mint freshness, and god awful cheap perfume! Refugee health screening had given way to procedural backlogs, and staff computer assessments was she mad - obviously the Doc had been in her clinic too long - and lost any ability to communicate intellectually outside her horrendous field! Gregor almost felt sorry for the old crone but she was as nutty as one of Ferns heavy fruit cakes. The ones Fern insisted on baking at The Farm on AP every Present Giving! Gregor smiled and nodded, and sweated, and cursed inwardly.
“You seem a little hot Gregor,” she said, “have you been feeling as you should recently. You know you haven’t had a check up in a long time. AF will be berating me for not looking after our famous leader,” she rambled.
“I’m fine, just fine,” said Gregor damn but he hated examinations the thought made him sweat more.
“Well it has been too long since we have spoken,” continued Mynae, “I think we are both a little overstretched. I don’t know about you, but I could do with a break?”
What was this was she fishing for time off - now - with the refugees, and all these hypochondriac politicos onboard Mynae really was mad!
“Far too much happening now for - anyone - to be neglecting their responsibilities,” replied Gregor in a lecturing tone.
“True enough,” said the doc diplomatically, “still all this stress is bad for the digestion. I hope you have been eating properly Administrator?” she nagged.
Gregor quickly glanced about, Paranidia it will be the dreaded toilet question next, somebody, anybody save me from this circling vulture!
Sometime later Elaen, and Ravn dressed in heavy passive AF security armoured vests pulled their weapons, and waited outside one of a row of tiny - short stay - rented cubicles.
“Ok Central,” said Elaen down an already open line, “crack the door.”
The door split in two, and shot open at emergency speed. The two Coppers dived in guns raised. The Target was lying on his bunk seemingly asleep?
“AF Corporate Security,” bellowed Ravn, “so much as twitch, and you’ll be leaking brains out the back of your skull.”
“Wwwhat?” said a muffled voice - chewing a pillow.
“AF Security turd brain,” repeated Elaen, “just lie perfectly still. I have enough paperwork without my partner perforating your witless head Mister Ash.”
With the two officers crowding the tiny cubicle space there was hardly any room for anyone to move.
“Let’s take this nice and slow,” said Ravn, putting his gun right against the crown of the Argon’s head.
Elaen carefully pulled the light cover away with her right hand, “nice bedclothes,” she said smirking as she eyed her prisoners bare rear view (she had to resist the primordial temptation to give it a slap) “OK the left hand bring it out slowly, very good, now put it behind your back. Now listen very carefully I’m going to give you some detailed instructions, and you’re going to listen. Nothing moves until I tell you I’m finished OK?”
“OK,” said a desultory muffled reply.
“Now the right hand, the one under the pillow, the one I’m sure is wrapped around the cursed artillery piece”, said Elaen, “Let it go, slip it out under your own body then slowly, very slowly extend it to its full length still under your own body. Then keeping that limb straight and rigid with your palm fully open edge it out very, very slowly to the side lastly when I say Ok, put it behind your back beside the other one. Right I’m finished. That’s right nice and slow my partner is the excitable type! OK… perfect!”
Elaen pulled out her cuffs slapped them on and powered them up, “Good job partner lets see what we’ve got here?”
Ravn secured his weapon pulled out a bag, shoved the subjects head rudely aside, lifted the pillow, and retrieved a compact snub nose slug thrower, “bit dainty for a big lad like yourself isn’t it?” he mocked.
Elaen played a recording that spun out the Argons rights then said, “Central, Target one triple A is in the bag we’re bringing him in!”
“Got any slippers Slym?” asked Ravn, “never mind,” he checked then tossed over a pair of shoes.
“You taking me out like this?” asked the detainee his voice rising in horror.
“It’s your fashion sense, not mine,” said Elaen, “I’m sure we can find you a cosy blanket if you’re cold, or are you shy or something?”
“Fekkers!”
“Language,” said Ravn, “I always heard you smugglers were supposed to have a sense of humour!”
Ravn sighed pulling out his combat knife he hacked a head sized hole in the covers centre, and slapped it over the Pirates head, and through his cuff linked arms. He secured this rough tabard with a wired noosed cord he produced from his utility belt.
“This is ridiculous,” complained Slym, “why won’t you let me at least get dressed?”
“Things to do, people to pee on, haven’t got the time to search your wardrobe, now shut up or it will be black hood and dirty gag - those I carry on me!” Ravn promised.
Just my luck to get arrested by a mad ex grunt, and a lecherous wench, thought Slym.
Later back at central a recap of the episode caused a moment of amusement.
“You weren’t really going to march him through the station with his tackle flapping loose were you Elaen?” asked Carl grinning.
“I thought about it. What will the young buck get for the illegal firearms offence? I’ll tell you: a fine, a black mark on his ID card, and a quick trip off station. Not much compared to what some poor sod might have got for crossing him at the wrong time! Damn piece was dialled up as well. Tested it on the range it was barely within station safe limits, young idiot! Maybe the embarrassment would have got the message across better,” said Elaen, “I don’t suppose there was anything else on him that would stick?”
“No, his room was clean as a whistle,” noted Carl, “still good work, that’s one shot across the bow of the boys anyway. Booze is one thing, tooling up is another I don’t care what deals central AF have cut. One thing I won’t abide is illegal weapons on my station, not if I can help it!”
“By the way I want to speak with you Ravn, step into my office!” said Carl, moving toward his infamous security booth.
Looking glum Ravn followed wondering what he had done this time! Once they were both inside, and the door was closed Carl didn’t waste any time before getting to the point of his annoyance.
“I think this belongs to you,” said the Police Commander, producing the wired garrotte.
“Err… yes that would be mine,” replied Ravn, realising what the difficulty was, and that it was a little too late for torturous deceit.
“Listen son you’re not in the military now,” he said softly, “I mean what the hell did you think you were going to do with that on this station,” Carl ended with a bellow.
“Well sir its kind of multi functional, sir. I mean take this cycle for example…” Rav began.
“Shut it Constable,” Carl tossed the offending item at the bin, and typically missed (he kept meaning to requisition a bigger one) so that it fell short to the floor, “don’t take me for an imbecile. This isn’t a death squad and you’re not some PVR - ex army - super cop either! Now I know old habits are hard to break, but you had better get with the program. I don’t want you carrying that monster sticker around when you’re on duty anymore either, licensed or not! Anything else I need to know about, grenades in your pants, brass knuckles in your pocket, enhanced fangs?”
“No sir,” said Ravn.
“Good because next time I see you I might just check your mouth, you understand?” questioned the Commander.
“Yes sir no personal weapons on duty sir,” replied Ravn.
“Perfect, now send in your good buddy the Lieutenant Constable This little stunt has her in the dog house too. Elaen knows better than to let her junior fool around with stuff like that - on duty - now out you go,” commanded Carl.
Dirty low blow, thought Ravn, thinking the Fek had obviously served in the military, “Ah Carl wants to see you Elaen, I’m sorry!” he said lowering his head.
Reapers Passage [Fan Fiction] Chapters 0-121 (story arc completed Mon 14th Apr 08)
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Paranoid66
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 40 – On Early Departures
Shimoo was collecting her things from Garrin’s High Tower apartment. G was out there somewhere riding the ‘Grim Reaper’ on another trip for AF by the time he got back his female conquest would be off station. It was better this way Shimoo hated uncomfortable goodbyes - at least any goodbyes that made her uncomfortable! Shimoo wasn’t as sure about why she was leaving as she would like to be, was she fully pursuing her ambitions, or running away from the impending risk of an entanglement she couldn’t control? These were uncomfortable questions that for the moment the female remained largely happy to shy away from.
Hyaegin had been almost too easy. Shimoo was convinced Anna was furious. Obviously livid at the way the mere student had ingratiated herself into the project with the old Argon. The so-called PA had been all over Hyaegin now she seemed to be avoiding him! It felt wonderful to at least be leaving as a winner on these two fronts. Shim still looked forward to working with her idol. The student wondered when Anna would arrive to get hands on in Kingdom End? Sub aqua exploits would be a first for Shimoo, and perhaps also Anna?
Hy certainly seemed pleased with his funds, and with Shimoo - well he should be! Hopefully in time she would find less withered distractions on the water world; still it would do no harm to keep the old one sweet. Luckily Hy’s cold play presented little fear of sparking any remembrance of the fiery Garrin. Shimoo was back fully on top and detached from any dangerous feelings. It felt right to be on that level plain with less rarefied air - it was much safer territory altogether!
So here she was, slinging her bag over her shoulder she turned around one last time and found she was looking at the bed. It was all primped, and neat after the hired helps attentions, hard lines, sterile, empty and cold! Would Garrin warm it, rough it up with somebody else? Shimoo turned, and walked away.
Elaen watched the Liner go smiling. Anna had tipped her off about the tart’s final departure. The Lt. Constable knew she shouldn’t but it was impossible to resist. Elaen had been waiting on the TP when Shimoo arrived. Restraining her self to just one open handed - embarrassingly girlie - slap, it had nonetheless been powerful enough to knock the ex waitress into a seat, Shimoo had toppled like a well struck bowling pin to fall dishevelled, and stunned clutching her face! Satisfied Elaen had spun without a word and marched out pushing through the crowd, her own face colouring under the shocked attention of the milling crew, and passengers. Well Elaen could hardly let Shimoo leave without a small souvenir of her AFC 4 visit!
Ravn to her surprise had tracked her down, waiting in the corridor outside the viewing deck, grinning wolfishly.
Elaen’s face lit up again, and to think she had been worried he might be upset! Elaen waited for a quip but none was forthcoming instead they just pounded the deck in step! It was a strange cycle, a cycle of departures. Earlier Elaen had said farewell to Abel along with a few other CAO staff she knew. They were being forcibly rotated to new stations. Abel was off to AFC 3 it wasn’t an arrangement the Communications Jock was happy about. At least as yet Commander Carl had managed to hang on despite Gregor’s rumoured efforts to also have him removed to another location. Elaen recalled her short conversation with Abel.
“Well,” said Elaen, “you won’t have to worry about me badgering you anymore.”
“I guess not. I’m told AFC 3 is dry anyway,” Abel sulked, “Gregor has shafted old Abel good and proper!”
“Might do you some good, if you stopped pickling yourself,” said Elaen poking him teasingly in the ample gut, “you might even meet a real flesh, and blood woman outside an AVR game, you old fool!”
“I’ll miss you, and G,” said Abel, “can’t say I had many friends on this station, even less after I spoke up for young Rud, but yourself, and G you didn’t disown me entirely. I’ll remember that, damn I’m getting all emotional,” he chortled to cover himself.
Elaen gave Abel a hug the pushed him away, “Right that’s your lot, now off you go. I’ll expect at least a yearly report on your progress via the Inter Link. Between you and me I’m proud of you - you spoke your mind in adversity - right or wrong that’s not something to be ashamed of! Now get on the boat before I’m forced to arrest you for sedition!”
Abel had been more of an acquaintance than a friend - and a troublesome one at that - but for some reason she had been moved. Well Rud had few if any supporter’s left on the station now. Her own feelings were all still mixed up on the matter. Abel had tried to convince her to talk to the man, but Elaen couldn’t bring herself to do it. El didn’t want to get to know the doomed Argon - never mind any potential damage to her lacklustre career - she had already suffered enough heartache recently. Elaen wondered would Garrin return to the High Tower now Shimoo was gone or would he just disappear into the dark? How did she feel about it? It would seem that all her emotions were unclear this cycle!
Anna blanched searching through a replay of Mynae, and Gregor’s conversation. Holy Paranidia was that a mistake! The Female Medical Officer had all the subtle nuance of a power-armoured fist in the face or a kick in the groin! Luckily Gregor was so preoccupied the doctors fumbling had passed almost unnoticed. Well actually - very noticed - but interpreted incorrectly and innocently enough from his incredulous looks, and returned comments! Still maybe that was a blessing in disguise maybe the very ineptitude of the approach would provide a cover in itself. Reconsidering Anna was sure she could use this to her advantage play up the Medical Officers seeming eccentricity in order to keep the Administrators guard down! Well as any tactician might say few plans survive intact beyond first initial contact with the enemy, improvisation was often much more effective than rigidity - adapt, and overcome, adapt and survive, even nature was founded on this flexible system; after all what was evolution if not prolonged adaptation.
At least Shimoo was out of her hair one less loose end to worry about. With Hyaegin’s funding tied to keeping his new assistant meaningfully occupied including regular reports on her progress that should be that! Frankly Anna had too many more serious distractions. The ‘Hive access Core’ was still downloading prodigious amounts of surveillance data despite all the blunt selective filters Anna could – in her meagre time - throw at it from her own end.
Anna was still downloading regular inputs into the Security Monitors a strangely proactive procedure. Anna was meant to be proving her ability to covertly monitor control, and access a secure system from without. The PA’s infiltration, and manipulation had grown out of the need to confine her main test subject - also to be kept in the dark - within the project. Unfortunately once Anna had gone down the route of intervention - with the installed back door - it was so very difficult to stop. Anna wondered had she broken the remit, and invalidated the test or simply widened it delivering one small extra insight into the technologies true versatility?
The Hive had for example been directly responsible for flagging up data that led to recent weapon violation arrests. Such infractions were easy to deal with, but some of the other material highlighted elsewhere remained worryingly obscure - often its significance only coming to light after the foretold events occurred.
The ‘Hive access Core’ appeared to be getting smarter all the time with every simple cross referenced input search instruction set criteria. The Hive was now perhaps reading nuances in patterns well beyond Argon prediction or ready comprehension! However, the Core didn’t have any intelligence of its own, or so Anna believed, just exceptional velocity. Simple rules were being applied, but over vast incomprehensible amounts of data at what amounted to instantaneous speeds. A flesh, and blood Argon could stare at the highlighted monitor material for cycles, and still miss the significance of such disparate and minute clues from boredom alone.
At times Anna imagined she was consulting the Terran mythical oracle at Delphi! The ‘Hive access Core’ giving out material so obscure that they might as well be riddles. Somehow she needed to program it not just to show, but also to label! Anna simply had not yet had the time to produce the necessary retro request she would have to define a basic formula compatible with the messenger drones limited, and flowing command hack. Some complex requests had proved utter simplicity some simple ones defied every approach! The difficulty here was the fact that the ‘Hive access Core’ was not really creative it would just follow the instruction (wise or foolish) Anna would most likely be drowned in labels of reference even if she succeeded?
Anna had created a simulated partition in the Core in which she was running a soft emulation of an exceptionally powerful but still Argon CCS (something Febr had done in the early days) downloading it as a blueprint via a drone link then identified, and activated it as a construct - that was the tricky part of the process - requiring use of the messenger hack. The finished emulated oddity was limited by its virtual nature but far easier to communicate with being capable of running standard directly drone imputed programs. These would run at maximum rates of efficiency far faster then the real hardware system. The shadow CCS [central computer system] construct had been the device employed in creating the real material ICCS [integrated complex computer system] hacks, and routines. Anna considered it an invaluable aid but it couldn’t handle the sheer magnitude of material that flowed through the unrestricted unbound Core via the Hives drones multitude of links. Even the mega core emulation CPU’s created a local data bottleneck.
What was needed was an emulation that worked like a CCS but eschewed its limitations. Still while the theory was good creating this miraculous virtual device was currently beyond her she needed to pick the brains of an exceptionally gifted team of cutting edge hardware engineers, and or a networking genius. Anna was suffering from a failure of imagination, and a lack of time.
Thus it was back to working directly with the core through the messenger drones. Only working the core direct gave access to its full potential. Unfortunately the process was like trying to manipulate a complex puzzle - made up of tiny interlocking pieces – underwater while wearing Argon boxing gloves via remote control link while orbiting another planet! Anna had a sound background in computer sciences but not at such a basic level. Anna was used to having sophisticated software, and hardware diagnostic tools to work with.
Nobody wrote basic code at root level anymore, software wrote code. Everything was founded on what had gone before. Dealing with the primitive hack into the messenger drones (mostly inviolate) independent system was a whole new set of experiences a weird miss match. Even had it been that simple it would seem an art as much as a science. Anna had attempted to automate the function via the first emulated CCS that Febr had constructed using the very latest software design program tools. The undertaking had occurred so long ago now - it was like another lifetime - another Anna. This standard approach had utterly failed. Something about the nature of the limited hack defied any overly systematic reasoning.
Anna wondered was this a built in failsafe - a subtle form of encryption or something simply intrinsic to the drone’s truly alien nature - it was almost like an attachment. Anna couldn’t explain it, a degree of intuition a feel for non-static shifting patterns was required, and this could only be gained through long and close association with the Hive. Febr had discovered the same thing - he had hinted at a biological mindset requirement - even suggested a theory that the drones where inadvertently educating their users in a singular subliminal language a language that somehow required induced illogical leaps of intuition - feeling - rather than simple formulae or mathematics.
This was to become just another ‘Hive access Core’ mystery one more of Febr’s wilder theories or inexplicable facts? It had been partly responsible for Febr, and Anna’s continued ownership of the wonderful technology. The military boffins sent to examine the AF teams progress, and probably to steal it away, had failed utterly to master this need, and therefore failed to gain any meaningful control from the interface of the messenger drone hack - the process required to make the programming language work evaded them - much to these scientists frustration! Neither civilian had enlightened the interlopers to the possible reason why, they let the military Argon believe that they obviously - simply - lacked Febr, and his associate Anna’s pure genius!
Anna had come to firmly believed the Hive needed a team of full time dedicated analysts, and programmers capable of making this leap of cognition through prolonged exposure, not one very part time Professor / PA / Field Operative. Keeping the full team minimal at this stage however, had been a demand from a very paranoid Argon Navy Intelligence service. Due to their staffing policy the loss of Professor Febr had been a major blow to the project there was no - optional - replacement within the need to know operation at his level. Anna found her self instantly promoted, and alone. The inefficiency of her enforced solitude was something Anna fully planned to berate in her final report to her handlers.
Belatedly Anna had come to the conclusion that the whole project should be returned to a laboratory as soon as possible. Too much was still being learned. The system was still too unknown for general release this would go in her report too, but she expected this recommendation to be ignored! Unfortunately all the military would see would be immediate useful applications, and the Hive had proved so very useful! In a way Febr, and his insane defection had pushed the project forward rather than delayed its application.
Anna was nonetheless concerned the Military were at risk of using a mega tonnage nuclear warhead to open a sticky door. Anna wasn’t convinced by Febr’s unknowable alien menace, but she was concerned about the all too knowable military stupidity syndrome. Anna kept thinking about Ravn dicing up those Argons with his laser line! Ethical considerations were becoming unusually sharp - written in blood - maybe this technology should be buried deep after all?
How potent a weapon was she giving into the hands of the minds behind all the callous killers? What would be the ultimate consequence? Thinking all these rather unusual thoughts Anna felt tired, recently burning out had become a real worry! No doubt watching Gregor fall had stimulated these considerations. Anna wondered even if she could bring her self to abandon the project would she be allowed to quit? She even wondered was she in too deep and about to become a victim of her own success? What if she woke up one cycle - in a drug induced haze - safely tucked away in the AP Asylum until needed? How long could she continue at this insane pace?
Anna wanted to run to run like the wind to circumnavigate every obstacle and disappear! Dare the pretend PA consider another path? Anna could scramble the data in the Core destruct the Hive, take the Generator with her and just vanish! Such thoughts were treason she was glad Ravn couldn’t see inside her head or it would be the laser line swish! Was Anna’s pet killer her protector or her nemesis? Did ANI suspect Anna also might get last minute cold feet? Was there anyway out of this snare? Was she getting as paranoid as Gregor? Paranidia she felt tired but her head was running hot, and Anna felt far from sleep. Where could she go if she fled, it was impossible, if Anna ran she would be running forever - alone - it would make the current isolation seem like a jolly party!
Anna was shocked to realise how much she had been deluding herself. How could she have believed she could just do the job, sign off on the package, and move on? The Core was too big it would never let her or even the Argon race go. The Core would suck them all in like data into its ever-devouring empty spaces! Pontifex’s eyes what was she thinking?
Then it came to her Febr’s solution - destroy it all - the Hive, the Queen, and the Generator no alien technology no more worries, she could sleep sound or could she? Anna stared at the lure dumbstruck did she have the strength to eradicate such potential. Did Anna Dei have any right to blind this alien all encompassing eye? It would be like burning all the books erasing every computer file, throwing a spanner into the wheel of this universes future progress! How had Febr felt when he had tried - godlike or the devil - and Febr had failed! What extraordinary wrath would it take to remove the generator from this plane of existence? Anna wasn’t even sure it could be done. All Febr had succeeded in proving was its apparent indestructibility it existed in its own space - somewhere between. Of course it could be put beyond reach, cast into a sun or hidden away.
Anna shook herself out of the rut these were crazy thoughts, an irrational glitch brought on by sugar, and sleep deficiencies. The inner rant was merely the product of that dark, and deadly time period, the moments when even the habitually sane may glimpse the ravening madness of runaway dysfunction. A mere momentary malfunction fuelled by stress, and perhaps a lessening of her guard. It was just shadowed thoughts brought on by the recent departures.
Anna relaxed, calmed herself. Reached out for a yellow disk in her mind - Anna breathed steadily a disk, a yellow disk. At first it was the image of the cut out piece of card she used to carry then it just became a disk, a yellow an all compassing simplicity as Anna let even that go something else something even more pure - nourishment for her soul - warmth and light! Anna bathed in the benison for a timeless period then restful slept the dreamless sleep of exhaustion under her own glowing star.
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 40 – On Early Departures
Shimoo was collecting her things from Garrin’s High Tower apartment. G was out there somewhere riding the ‘Grim Reaper’ on another trip for AF by the time he got back his female conquest would be off station. It was better this way Shimoo hated uncomfortable goodbyes - at least any goodbyes that made her uncomfortable! Shimoo wasn’t as sure about why she was leaving as she would like to be, was she fully pursuing her ambitions, or running away from the impending risk of an entanglement she couldn’t control? These were uncomfortable questions that for the moment the female remained largely happy to shy away from.
Hyaegin had been almost too easy. Shimoo was convinced Anna was furious. Obviously livid at the way the mere student had ingratiated herself into the project with the old Argon. The so-called PA had been all over Hyaegin now she seemed to be avoiding him! It felt wonderful to at least be leaving as a winner on these two fronts. Shim still looked forward to working with her idol. The student wondered when Anna would arrive to get hands on in Kingdom End? Sub aqua exploits would be a first for Shimoo, and perhaps also Anna?
Hy certainly seemed pleased with his funds, and with Shimoo - well he should be! Hopefully in time she would find less withered distractions on the water world; still it would do no harm to keep the old one sweet. Luckily Hy’s cold play presented little fear of sparking any remembrance of the fiery Garrin. Shimoo was back fully on top and detached from any dangerous feelings. It felt right to be on that level plain with less rarefied air - it was much safer territory altogether!
So here she was, slinging her bag over her shoulder she turned around one last time and found she was looking at the bed. It was all primped, and neat after the hired helps attentions, hard lines, sterile, empty and cold! Would Garrin warm it, rough it up with somebody else? Shimoo turned, and walked away.
Elaen watched the Liner go smiling. Anna had tipped her off about the tart’s final departure. The Lt. Constable knew she shouldn’t but it was impossible to resist. Elaen had been waiting on the TP when Shimoo arrived. Restraining her self to just one open handed - embarrassingly girlie - slap, it had nonetheless been powerful enough to knock the ex waitress into a seat, Shimoo had toppled like a well struck bowling pin to fall dishevelled, and stunned clutching her face! Satisfied Elaen had spun without a word and marched out pushing through the crowd, her own face colouring under the shocked attention of the milling crew, and passengers. Well Elaen could hardly let Shimoo leave without a small souvenir of her AFC 4 visit!
Ravn to her surprise had tracked her down, waiting in the corridor outside the viewing deck, grinning wolfishly.
Elaen’s face lit up again, and to think she had been worried he might be upset! Elaen waited for a quip but none was forthcoming instead they just pounded the deck in step! It was a strange cycle, a cycle of departures. Earlier Elaen had said farewell to Abel along with a few other CAO staff she knew. They were being forcibly rotated to new stations. Abel was off to AFC 3 it wasn’t an arrangement the Communications Jock was happy about. At least as yet Commander Carl had managed to hang on despite Gregor’s rumoured efforts to also have him removed to another location. Elaen recalled her short conversation with Abel.
“Well,” said Elaen, “you won’t have to worry about me badgering you anymore.”
“I guess not. I’m told AFC 3 is dry anyway,” Abel sulked, “Gregor has shafted old Abel good and proper!”
“Might do you some good, if you stopped pickling yourself,” said Elaen poking him teasingly in the ample gut, “you might even meet a real flesh, and blood woman outside an AVR game, you old fool!”
“I’ll miss you, and G,” said Abel, “can’t say I had many friends on this station, even less after I spoke up for young Rud, but yourself, and G you didn’t disown me entirely. I’ll remember that, damn I’m getting all emotional,” he chortled to cover himself.
Elaen gave Abel a hug the pushed him away, “Right that’s your lot, now off you go. I’ll expect at least a yearly report on your progress via the Inter Link. Between you and me I’m proud of you - you spoke your mind in adversity - right or wrong that’s not something to be ashamed of! Now get on the boat before I’m forced to arrest you for sedition!”
Abel had been more of an acquaintance than a friend - and a troublesome one at that - but for some reason she had been moved. Well Rud had few if any supporter’s left on the station now. Her own feelings were all still mixed up on the matter. Abel had tried to convince her to talk to the man, but Elaen couldn’t bring herself to do it. El didn’t want to get to know the doomed Argon - never mind any potential damage to her lacklustre career - she had already suffered enough heartache recently. Elaen wondered would Garrin return to the High Tower now Shimoo was gone or would he just disappear into the dark? How did she feel about it? It would seem that all her emotions were unclear this cycle!
Anna blanched searching through a replay of Mynae, and Gregor’s conversation. Holy Paranidia was that a mistake! The Female Medical Officer had all the subtle nuance of a power-armoured fist in the face or a kick in the groin! Luckily Gregor was so preoccupied the doctors fumbling had passed almost unnoticed. Well actually - very noticed - but interpreted incorrectly and innocently enough from his incredulous looks, and returned comments! Still maybe that was a blessing in disguise maybe the very ineptitude of the approach would provide a cover in itself. Reconsidering Anna was sure she could use this to her advantage play up the Medical Officers seeming eccentricity in order to keep the Administrators guard down! Well as any tactician might say few plans survive intact beyond first initial contact with the enemy, improvisation was often much more effective than rigidity - adapt, and overcome, adapt and survive, even nature was founded on this flexible system; after all what was evolution if not prolonged adaptation.
At least Shimoo was out of her hair one less loose end to worry about. With Hyaegin’s funding tied to keeping his new assistant meaningfully occupied including regular reports on her progress that should be that! Frankly Anna had too many more serious distractions. The ‘Hive access Core’ was still downloading prodigious amounts of surveillance data despite all the blunt selective filters Anna could – in her meagre time - throw at it from her own end.
Anna was still downloading regular inputs into the Security Monitors a strangely proactive procedure. Anna was meant to be proving her ability to covertly monitor control, and access a secure system from without. The PA’s infiltration, and manipulation had grown out of the need to confine her main test subject - also to be kept in the dark - within the project. Unfortunately once Anna had gone down the route of intervention - with the installed back door - it was so very difficult to stop. Anna wondered had she broken the remit, and invalidated the test or simply widened it delivering one small extra insight into the technologies true versatility?
The Hive had for example been directly responsible for flagging up data that led to recent weapon violation arrests. Such infractions were easy to deal with, but some of the other material highlighted elsewhere remained worryingly obscure - often its significance only coming to light after the foretold events occurred.
The ‘Hive access Core’ appeared to be getting smarter all the time with every simple cross referenced input search instruction set criteria. The Hive was now perhaps reading nuances in patterns well beyond Argon prediction or ready comprehension! However, the Core didn’t have any intelligence of its own, or so Anna believed, just exceptional velocity. Simple rules were being applied, but over vast incomprehensible amounts of data at what amounted to instantaneous speeds. A flesh, and blood Argon could stare at the highlighted monitor material for cycles, and still miss the significance of such disparate and minute clues from boredom alone.
At times Anna imagined she was consulting the Terran mythical oracle at Delphi! The ‘Hive access Core’ giving out material so obscure that they might as well be riddles. Somehow she needed to program it not just to show, but also to label! Anna simply had not yet had the time to produce the necessary retro request she would have to define a basic formula compatible with the messenger drones limited, and flowing command hack. Some complex requests had proved utter simplicity some simple ones defied every approach! The difficulty here was the fact that the ‘Hive access Core’ was not really creative it would just follow the instruction (wise or foolish) Anna would most likely be drowned in labels of reference even if she succeeded?
Anna had created a simulated partition in the Core in which she was running a soft emulation of an exceptionally powerful but still Argon CCS (something Febr had done in the early days) downloading it as a blueprint via a drone link then identified, and activated it as a construct - that was the tricky part of the process - requiring use of the messenger hack. The finished emulated oddity was limited by its virtual nature but far easier to communicate with being capable of running standard directly drone imputed programs. These would run at maximum rates of efficiency far faster then the real hardware system. The shadow CCS [central computer system] construct had been the device employed in creating the real material ICCS [integrated complex computer system] hacks, and routines. Anna considered it an invaluable aid but it couldn’t handle the sheer magnitude of material that flowed through the unrestricted unbound Core via the Hives drones multitude of links. Even the mega core emulation CPU’s created a local data bottleneck.
What was needed was an emulation that worked like a CCS but eschewed its limitations. Still while the theory was good creating this miraculous virtual device was currently beyond her she needed to pick the brains of an exceptionally gifted team of cutting edge hardware engineers, and or a networking genius. Anna was suffering from a failure of imagination, and a lack of time.
Thus it was back to working directly with the core through the messenger drones. Only working the core direct gave access to its full potential. Unfortunately the process was like trying to manipulate a complex puzzle - made up of tiny interlocking pieces – underwater while wearing Argon boxing gloves via remote control link while orbiting another planet! Anna had a sound background in computer sciences but not at such a basic level. Anna was used to having sophisticated software, and hardware diagnostic tools to work with.
Nobody wrote basic code at root level anymore, software wrote code. Everything was founded on what had gone before. Dealing with the primitive hack into the messenger drones (mostly inviolate) independent system was a whole new set of experiences a weird miss match. Even had it been that simple it would seem an art as much as a science. Anna had attempted to automate the function via the first emulated CCS that Febr had constructed using the very latest software design program tools. The undertaking had occurred so long ago now - it was like another lifetime - another Anna. This standard approach had utterly failed. Something about the nature of the limited hack defied any overly systematic reasoning.
Anna wondered was this a built in failsafe - a subtle form of encryption or something simply intrinsic to the drone’s truly alien nature - it was almost like an attachment. Anna couldn’t explain it, a degree of intuition a feel for non-static shifting patterns was required, and this could only be gained through long and close association with the Hive. Febr had discovered the same thing - he had hinted at a biological mindset requirement - even suggested a theory that the drones where inadvertently educating their users in a singular subliminal language a language that somehow required induced illogical leaps of intuition - feeling - rather than simple formulae or mathematics.
This was to become just another ‘Hive access Core’ mystery one more of Febr’s wilder theories or inexplicable facts? It had been partly responsible for Febr, and Anna’s continued ownership of the wonderful technology. The military boffins sent to examine the AF teams progress, and probably to steal it away, had failed utterly to master this need, and therefore failed to gain any meaningful control from the interface of the messenger drone hack - the process required to make the programming language work evaded them - much to these scientists frustration! Neither civilian had enlightened the interlopers to the possible reason why, they let the military Argon believe that they obviously - simply - lacked Febr, and his associate Anna’s pure genius!
Anna had come to firmly believed the Hive needed a team of full time dedicated analysts, and programmers capable of making this leap of cognition through prolonged exposure, not one very part time Professor / PA / Field Operative. Keeping the full team minimal at this stage however, had been a demand from a very paranoid Argon Navy Intelligence service. Due to their staffing policy the loss of Professor Febr had been a major blow to the project there was no - optional - replacement within the need to know operation at his level. Anna found her self instantly promoted, and alone. The inefficiency of her enforced solitude was something Anna fully planned to berate in her final report to her handlers.
Belatedly Anna had come to the conclusion that the whole project should be returned to a laboratory as soon as possible. Too much was still being learned. The system was still too unknown for general release this would go in her report too, but she expected this recommendation to be ignored! Unfortunately all the military would see would be immediate useful applications, and the Hive had proved so very useful! In a way Febr, and his insane defection had pushed the project forward rather than delayed its application.
Anna was nonetheless concerned the Military were at risk of using a mega tonnage nuclear warhead to open a sticky door. Anna wasn’t convinced by Febr’s unknowable alien menace, but she was concerned about the all too knowable military stupidity syndrome. Anna kept thinking about Ravn dicing up those Argons with his laser line! Ethical considerations were becoming unusually sharp - written in blood - maybe this technology should be buried deep after all?
How potent a weapon was she giving into the hands of the minds behind all the callous killers? What would be the ultimate consequence? Thinking all these rather unusual thoughts Anna felt tired, recently burning out had become a real worry! No doubt watching Gregor fall had stimulated these considerations. Anna wondered even if she could bring her self to abandon the project would she be allowed to quit? She even wondered was she in too deep and about to become a victim of her own success? What if she woke up one cycle - in a drug induced haze - safely tucked away in the AP Asylum until needed? How long could she continue at this insane pace?
Anna wanted to run to run like the wind to circumnavigate every obstacle and disappear! Dare the pretend PA consider another path? Anna could scramble the data in the Core destruct the Hive, take the Generator with her and just vanish! Such thoughts were treason she was glad Ravn couldn’t see inside her head or it would be the laser line swish! Was Anna’s pet killer her protector or her nemesis? Did ANI suspect Anna also might get last minute cold feet? Was there anyway out of this snare? Was she getting as paranoid as Gregor? Paranidia she felt tired but her head was running hot, and Anna felt far from sleep. Where could she go if she fled, it was impossible, if Anna ran she would be running forever - alone - it would make the current isolation seem like a jolly party!
Anna was shocked to realise how much she had been deluding herself. How could she have believed she could just do the job, sign off on the package, and move on? The Core was too big it would never let her or even the Argon race go. The Core would suck them all in like data into its ever-devouring empty spaces! Pontifex’s eyes what was she thinking?
Then it came to her Febr’s solution - destroy it all - the Hive, the Queen, and the Generator no alien technology no more worries, she could sleep sound or could she? Anna stared at the lure dumbstruck did she have the strength to eradicate such potential. Did Anna Dei have any right to blind this alien all encompassing eye? It would be like burning all the books erasing every computer file, throwing a spanner into the wheel of this universes future progress! How had Febr felt when he had tried - godlike or the devil - and Febr had failed! What extraordinary wrath would it take to remove the generator from this plane of existence? Anna wasn’t even sure it could be done. All Febr had succeeded in proving was its apparent indestructibility it existed in its own space - somewhere between. Of course it could be put beyond reach, cast into a sun or hidden away.
Anna shook herself out of the rut these were crazy thoughts, an irrational glitch brought on by sugar, and sleep deficiencies. The inner rant was merely the product of that dark, and deadly time period, the moments when even the habitually sane may glimpse the ravening madness of runaway dysfunction. A mere momentary malfunction fuelled by stress, and perhaps a lessening of her guard. It was just shadowed thoughts brought on by the recent departures.
Anna relaxed, calmed herself. Reached out for a yellow disk in her mind - Anna breathed steadily a disk, a yellow disk. At first it was the image of the cut out piece of card she used to carry then it just became a disk, a yellow an all compassing simplicity as Anna let even that go something else something even more pure - nourishment for her soul - warmth and light! Anna bathed in the benison for a timeless period then restful slept the dreamless sleep of exhaustion under her own glowing star.
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Mon, 21. Apr 08, 20:47, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 41 – Heights and Depths
Garrin returned to an empty room well empty of Shimoo, but he had already decided in his mind to move. The place was ironically crowded with two many confusing memories he needed a fresh start. Rushing about G grabbed the very few personal items he cared about - which amounted to little enough less than a holdall - then left, and for once remembered to lock the suite.
Later back in the ‘Grim Reaper’ lounging in the scout ships limited living space Garrin became lost in his own thoughts. He would stay on station but move to a less ostentatious venue a more humble living quarter with a little attached office space in the habitats business sector. He had already trawled the BBS via his scout ships interface, and found a few suitable options. One prospect was even currently vacant if in need of some serious refitting.
Garrin was sure Anna would give him the necessary testimonials, and permissions. G had decided to purchase a Personnel Transport, and to hire a pilot, and crew. It was a crazy whim brought on by something one of his passengers had said but Garrin was determined to expand into coach. With luck one starting ship should more or less run itself. The profit from the new enterprise might even help to keep him nicely afloat while he considered more personal matters. Anyway he could still run his own operation as and when needed or simply when the desire for action or travel got the better of him.
Whilst flitting around for AF Garrin had been studying the market, and believed by fitting a Jump Drive to a TP he could cater to a new niche demand for bulk fast transit clients. People in a hurry including: groups of Very Important People worried about safety with all the increased pirate activity out there. He would sell it as the faster safer alternative - jump direct from one secure core sector to another! He would even be able to charge a premium for speedy transit (well he would have added energy cell costs) luckily the ship could also squeeze in more trips per cycle. In some ways it was the same in others the opposite of what he already did, the paradox appealed to his sense of humour. ‘Laugh in the Pirates face - there is no need to fear - in a Reaper Jump Liner!’
Amazingly Shimoo had managed to seriously dent a few of his accounts, but Garrin still had more than enough tucked away to float this start up operation. Garrin had not been quite self destructive enough to reveal all his finances to the luscious digger. Thinking back that whole period in his life already felt oddly surreal - maybe a product of all the space fuel he had been guzzling - it was almost as if it had happened to somebody else; some sleep walking stranger!
In unguarded moments it was still easy to desire Shimoo - G still caught himself occasionally day dreaming about her assets - but not in the same way that he now understood he desired, wanted / needed Elaen. Thinking about Shimoo always had a tinge of shame attached, come to that so did Elaen but for differing if forever joined reasons. Shimoo had been fun but a mistake! The student had used him without a doubt, but G found he couldn’t really blame her. That Argon was just who she was! Might as well accuse the stars for shining, all fault in both instances belonged on his own broad shoulders.
Garrin had been amazed at the speed with which the fog had cleared once he was back on his own. Shimoo had been like an intoxicant her attentions befuddling! He didn’t know whether he should feel a little jealous of, or sorry for Hyaegin! Still from what he had heard from Anna that pair deserved each other fitting hand, and glove! Speaking of Anna she was something of a mystery - what had she got out of assisting him? He never found out what Shim’s deep interest had been in Anna either? How much did he really know about Shim at all? Garrin had only extensively mapped the surface details. Shimoo had never really waxed lyrical about her family, her past life, or even her dreams, at least not to him! In a way the easy shallow nature of the liaison had been one of its deepest attractions.
It was amazing how basic such a seemingly full on relationship could be! With hindsight perhaps in a crazy way it was a good thing - before Shimoo - G hadn’t realised the real difference between physical gymnastics, and deeper feelings. The predatory Argon female had forced G to grow up! Garrin just hoped his new found maturity hadn’t come at too steep a price, and too late he also wondered how long it would last if presented with the wrong stimuli! Garrin wanted to win Elaen back, but was beginning to realise he had problems of his own to address first besides Elaen wasn’t a witless prize in a testosterone laden contest.
Without doubt his actions had hurt Elaen badly, regaining even her full friendship was likely to be an uphill struggle, and then there was Ravn. If only Anna could spirit him away like Shimoo, nice dream! G, and Rav had spoken little since Shim had come on the scene beyond a nod of acknowledgement in passing. Garrin was pretty sure Ravn could take him apart without even breaking a sweat, and he had no desire to test the theory. Elaen needed time to breathe, and Garrin needed to think - really he was hoping for a miracle - unfortunately the pilot was pretty sure he was running out of favours with the universal lords of misrule!
He hoped in a way that his new business venture might intrigue, and impress Elaen. It was in the back of his mind that they might be able to work together in some ultimate future. It was the rigors of Elaen’s employment that had come between them in the first place - although G realised it was a limp excuse for his infidelity! Garrin worried he was building a shaky house of cards on a foundation of wishful thinking, but he didn’t know what else to do! Even the idea of having a cunning plan bothered him, what would Elaen make of that, her betrayer trying to manipulate her into coming back? Garrin wanted to make it right - not play the puppet master - even if he was up to the task, which to be honest he very much doubted.
Some part of him was even happy that Elaen had found somebody else - Ravn seemed a solid dependable sort was El happy, happier than she had been with him? A small part of Garrin felt guilty about even considering trying to get back with his ex partner, he worried it was just another selfish desire - all about himself! Garrin found he was agonising over it sitting in the cockpit of the ‘Grim Reaper’ until he felt like smashing his head against the control console in frustration. Their where no easy answers, no simple fixes. Garrin knew even if the miracle happened, the Shimoo incident would always be there, waiting in the background a shadow haunting them both! He wondered if he was just torturing himself, and threatening to stalk Elaen in the process too.
Getting up he dug around and pulled out a half empty half sized canister of fuel and took a heavy slug. Plagued with doubts, and apprehensions he slumped down onto his back, and sighed. Was he just fooling himself? Elaen deserved better than him and what was he without her… nothing; just a crazy Argon owner / pilot who liked to live on the edge - Garrin felt hollow inside - if only he had realised the full consequences of his stupid actions. Never before had he been guilty of an undertaking that he felt couldn’t be overlooked or undone! It was a new and grizzly experience, a spiral down into a bottomless place.
Garrin stared at the padded ceiling of his vehicle and realised the canister was empty. Never mind he had another larger one a gift from one of his passengers, he tossed the empty canister aside. Drinking was just one more folly, but what did it matter anyway. Removing a heavy duty carpet tile he unlocked, and slid open a small smugglers nook claiming the second flask.
“Baby play the new music compilation its too damn quiet in here,” Garrin complained.
“Audio initiated,” returned Baby the Grim Reapers computer.
An ambient track commenced to play in the background, “That’s much better, cheers,” said G taking a slug.
“Your welcome,” replied Baby.
“Wow,” said G, “that’s rough stuff.”
“Please clarify request do you wish the music track changed?” asked Baby.
“No the track is fine it’s everything else that’s all fekked up!” G replied.
“Please clarify do you wish me to run a diagnostic?” asked Baby.
“Would that make you happy?” returned the pilot with a laugh.
“My surface sensors, and basic routines indicate no abnormalities thus if my pilot perceives a performance short fall, a deeper diagnostic would seem desirable,” returned Baby.
“Forget it Baby go into rest mode,” commanded Garrin.
“Complying with request,” returned Baby.
“Smart, but not half smart enough,” muttered Garrin.
Taking another swig Garrin shuddered. The numbness was spreading nicely. Garrin decided he would finish the whole canister. After that sleep away the alcoholic effects, maybe when he awoke the universe would feel like a different less painful place? Of course in actuality G woke later with a splitting headache, and a dry mouth. The same cursed music was still playing in an endless loop!
Still in Elena’s Fortune but a good way off the Gate Grid in ‘Freedom Station’ Plu Dup as Ploopydroop was becoming known officially jetted through one access corridor of his kingdom. The Boron was feeling truly happy buoyed up by success on every front. Even his private war waged against merchant Split shipping was an unqualified success. So far the sharks hadn’t lost a single pilot – a record that Ploopy knew couldn’t last but was still worth celebration.
Freedom was a Boron station now approximately three quarters of its internal areas under water shoals of living fish, sponges, corals, crabs, even aquatic snails numbered among its myriad denizens. The list was an ever-growing one as Plu skilfully added to the self contained marine eco system. Some areas on station even had waving fronds of seaweed with sand, and gravel covered flooring. Powerful filter scrubbers helped maintain the water purity as well as providing wonderful currents in which to race while heavy sun lamps ensured plenty of plankton. How had he ever lived in those encounter suit fish bowls, no wonder scientists like Mi Ton who worked a lot with non Boron were so infamously bad tempered.
Communication was now a joy. Often Plu could rely on his own natural mechanisms even over quite large distances the hydro phonic resonance waves travelled exceptionally well on station. The horridly blunt sound boxes had largely become irrelevant. Yes Plu was very happy indeed. Flipping around acrobatically Ploopy squirted out a jet to slow his velocity as he playfully erupted into the meeting grotto which he sealed tight. He greeted Ge Ton with a short but crammed blast of conversation that (ignoring the deepest nuances), and much reduced in length might translate as -
“Felicitations Ge Ton, Ploopydroop is delighted to taste your presence to fill his eyes with your most valued countenance it has been too long. I hope you are recovered from the rigors of being off station?”
“Ah dear Plu Freedom is a homecoming. My recovery assured as soon as I was able to discard my travelling attire,” noted Boron go between.
“So how are our allies?” asked Ploopy.
“The same fractious lot as ever,” said Ge, its stalks separating with despair.
Ploopy could taste his associates agitation.
“They are full of schemes, plots, and puzzling factions. How rapidly they shift, split and recombine like individual fish in a vast shoal without limit,” replied Ge Ton.
“Ge Ton is sorely tested among the beached,” noted Plu Dup.
Ge noted the Boron Leader tasted of sympathy an outreaching of companionship.
“What of this new nest of sea serpents in Priests Pity?” asked Plu Dup.
“ANI claim it is nothing to be concerned about,” said Ge Ton, “we are to stay clear!”
“My dear Gi Ton this Anarchy Port is the only thing capable of spoiling my good humour. Though it would be hard pressed to do so following your joyous return,” said Plu blessing his allegiance turned friend with a stalk smile, “are the Argon still assured of your fidelity?”
“Truly I do not think they ever trusted me, not even when I was unhesitant in my loyalty, my lord,” stated Ge Ton.
“Poor solitary creatures,” noted Plu, “they cannot swim the same water, feel the deep truth of each others soul. Pity them Ge, pity them!”
“Oh I do, but such blindness can result in grievous error, and alas among the water torn landed Argon - I am blind too,” replied Ge Ton.
“I think not,” replied Plu, “your intellect alone is more than a match for the Argons petty deceptions. What would you suggest we do about this Tur Ryn growing crisis?”
“For now great Lord, watch wait. Stay away from the abysmal Fallen Angels as advised,” returned Ge.
“Do you think this new Devil has found willing allies in the Paranid countering our own?” asked Plu.
“Ge Ton regrets to inform that he simply doesn’t know the extent of the apostate Tur Ryn’s influence. The Paranid remain their normal puzzle. Gi Ton suspects they will ride their own fell currents as ever, and are truly allies to none but their own triple shaded ends!” replied Ge his agitation spiking bitterly.
“Well they are isolationist in their action,” noted Plu smiling, “I imagine they would defend ‘Priest’s Pity’ but not assault ‘Elena’s Fortune’ in their short sighted - overly defensive - policies they are not unlike our own mother realm!”
“That is sound thinking my Lord,” returned Ge agitation lessening.
“How fares our revenge Lord?” asked the agent.
“Ah Ge Ton we are as yet like a hag fish clasped toothily upon the behemoths back. We are free to chew, and gnaw, and do our damage but it remains a small thing!” Plu replied, “Still it gives our existence meaning.”
“Many great beasts have been brought low by tiny infections Lord, it is a sound strategy. More so it is a honourable one. Your great vision does not abandon those that we have lost to an unjust surrender or to ignominious criminality!” noted Ge tasting of steal sharp determination, “do our numbers still swell?”
“Indeed we have a steady trickle of recruits. As to the former I imagine our enemies deem our activity criminal enough. It is a question of perspective dear Ge, I am placated in part even content; nay this Boron is joyful!” Plu Dup wheeled around his associate like a child at play his tentacles rippling with enthusiasm.
Ge Ton was filled with admiration for the liberator. The Boron was a genuine blessing a genius with the sensitivities and untainted honour of an infant! Plu Dup or Ploopydroop was filled with hope, and wonder. How could Ge Ton the renegade, become anything less than the remarkable Boron (ex pirates) devoted subject! Ge no longer even felt any guilt about old abandoned loyalties to the weary overly fragile Kingdom! It was past time for a new way a social, and political revolution! He wondered would Plu Dup be shocked if he realised the deep extent of his servant’s ambitions for his master!
“One last point of business my dear Ge before we repast why are AN still here in such force?” asked Ploopy.
“That Lord I am ashamed to be unable to answer, greatly does this question vex Ge Ton. They are waiting Lord - I sense a growing frustration among the lower ranks - they know not the reason either. ANI is the rising star that guides this fleet that much alone your poor servant has deduced!” noted Ge his stalks wilting.
“Take heart Ge that is news in itself worthy of your travails. Come you must see the new red coral from the Froolushu Reef before we hunt our dinner!” commanded Plu.
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 41 – Heights and Depths
Garrin returned to an empty room well empty of Shimoo, but he had already decided in his mind to move. The place was ironically crowded with two many confusing memories he needed a fresh start. Rushing about G grabbed the very few personal items he cared about - which amounted to little enough less than a holdall - then left, and for once remembered to lock the suite.
Later back in the ‘Grim Reaper’ lounging in the scout ships limited living space Garrin became lost in his own thoughts. He would stay on station but move to a less ostentatious venue a more humble living quarter with a little attached office space in the habitats business sector. He had already trawled the BBS via his scout ships interface, and found a few suitable options. One prospect was even currently vacant if in need of some serious refitting.
Garrin was sure Anna would give him the necessary testimonials, and permissions. G had decided to purchase a Personnel Transport, and to hire a pilot, and crew. It was a crazy whim brought on by something one of his passengers had said but Garrin was determined to expand into coach. With luck one starting ship should more or less run itself. The profit from the new enterprise might even help to keep him nicely afloat while he considered more personal matters. Anyway he could still run his own operation as and when needed or simply when the desire for action or travel got the better of him.
Whilst flitting around for AF Garrin had been studying the market, and believed by fitting a Jump Drive to a TP he could cater to a new niche demand for bulk fast transit clients. People in a hurry including: groups of Very Important People worried about safety with all the increased pirate activity out there. He would sell it as the faster safer alternative - jump direct from one secure core sector to another! He would even be able to charge a premium for speedy transit (well he would have added energy cell costs) luckily the ship could also squeeze in more trips per cycle. In some ways it was the same in others the opposite of what he already did, the paradox appealed to his sense of humour. ‘Laugh in the Pirates face - there is no need to fear - in a Reaper Jump Liner!’
Amazingly Shimoo had managed to seriously dent a few of his accounts, but Garrin still had more than enough tucked away to float this start up operation. Garrin had not been quite self destructive enough to reveal all his finances to the luscious digger. Thinking back that whole period in his life already felt oddly surreal - maybe a product of all the space fuel he had been guzzling - it was almost as if it had happened to somebody else; some sleep walking stranger!
In unguarded moments it was still easy to desire Shimoo - G still caught himself occasionally day dreaming about her assets - but not in the same way that he now understood he desired, wanted / needed Elaen. Thinking about Shimoo always had a tinge of shame attached, come to that so did Elaen but for differing if forever joined reasons. Shimoo had been fun but a mistake! The student had used him without a doubt, but G found he couldn’t really blame her. That Argon was just who she was! Might as well accuse the stars for shining, all fault in both instances belonged on his own broad shoulders.
Garrin had been amazed at the speed with which the fog had cleared once he was back on his own. Shimoo had been like an intoxicant her attentions befuddling! He didn’t know whether he should feel a little jealous of, or sorry for Hyaegin! Still from what he had heard from Anna that pair deserved each other fitting hand, and glove! Speaking of Anna she was something of a mystery - what had she got out of assisting him? He never found out what Shim’s deep interest had been in Anna either? How much did he really know about Shim at all? Garrin had only extensively mapped the surface details. Shimoo had never really waxed lyrical about her family, her past life, or even her dreams, at least not to him! In a way the easy shallow nature of the liaison had been one of its deepest attractions.
It was amazing how basic such a seemingly full on relationship could be! With hindsight perhaps in a crazy way it was a good thing - before Shimoo - G hadn’t realised the real difference between physical gymnastics, and deeper feelings. The predatory Argon female had forced G to grow up! Garrin just hoped his new found maturity hadn’t come at too steep a price, and too late he also wondered how long it would last if presented with the wrong stimuli! Garrin wanted to win Elaen back, but was beginning to realise he had problems of his own to address first besides Elaen wasn’t a witless prize in a testosterone laden contest.
Without doubt his actions had hurt Elaen badly, regaining even her full friendship was likely to be an uphill struggle, and then there was Ravn. If only Anna could spirit him away like Shimoo, nice dream! G, and Rav had spoken little since Shim had come on the scene beyond a nod of acknowledgement in passing. Garrin was pretty sure Ravn could take him apart without even breaking a sweat, and he had no desire to test the theory. Elaen needed time to breathe, and Garrin needed to think - really he was hoping for a miracle - unfortunately the pilot was pretty sure he was running out of favours with the universal lords of misrule!
He hoped in a way that his new business venture might intrigue, and impress Elaen. It was in the back of his mind that they might be able to work together in some ultimate future. It was the rigors of Elaen’s employment that had come between them in the first place - although G realised it was a limp excuse for his infidelity! Garrin worried he was building a shaky house of cards on a foundation of wishful thinking, but he didn’t know what else to do! Even the idea of having a cunning plan bothered him, what would Elaen make of that, her betrayer trying to manipulate her into coming back? Garrin wanted to make it right - not play the puppet master - even if he was up to the task, which to be honest he very much doubted.
Some part of him was even happy that Elaen had found somebody else - Ravn seemed a solid dependable sort was El happy, happier than she had been with him? A small part of Garrin felt guilty about even considering trying to get back with his ex partner, he worried it was just another selfish desire - all about himself! Garrin found he was agonising over it sitting in the cockpit of the ‘Grim Reaper’ until he felt like smashing his head against the control console in frustration. Their where no easy answers, no simple fixes. Garrin knew even if the miracle happened, the Shimoo incident would always be there, waiting in the background a shadow haunting them both! He wondered if he was just torturing himself, and threatening to stalk Elaen in the process too.
Getting up he dug around and pulled out a half empty half sized canister of fuel and took a heavy slug. Plagued with doubts, and apprehensions he slumped down onto his back, and sighed. Was he just fooling himself? Elaen deserved better than him and what was he without her… nothing; just a crazy Argon owner / pilot who liked to live on the edge - Garrin felt hollow inside - if only he had realised the full consequences of his stupid actions. Never before had he been guilty of an undertaking that he felt couldn’t be overlooked or undone! It was a new and grizzly experience, a spiral down into a bottomless place.
Garrin stared at the padded ceiling of his vehicle and realised the canister was empty. Never mind he had another larger one a gift from one of his passengers, he tossed the empty canister aside. Drinking was just one more folly, but what did it matter anyway. Removing a heavy duty carpet tile he unlocked, and slid open a small smugglers nook claiming the second flask.
“Baby play the new music compilation its too damn quiet in here,” Garrin complained.
“Audio initiated,” returned Baby the Grim Reapers computer.
An ambient track commenced to play in the background, “That’s much better, cheers,” said G taking a slug.
“Your welcome,” replied Baby.
“Wow,” said G, “that’s rough stuff.”
“Please clarify request do you wish the music track changed?” asked Baby.
“No the track is fine it’s everything else that’s all fekked up!” G replied.
“Please clarify do you wish me to run a diagnostic?” asked Baby.
“Would that make you happy?” returned the pilot with a laugh.
“My surface sensors, and basic routines indicate no abnormalities thus if my pilot perceives a performance short fall, a deeper diagnostic would seem desirable,” returned Baby.
“Forget it Baby go into rest mode,” commanded Garrin.
“Complying with request,” returned Baby.
“Smart, but not half smart enough,” muttered Garrin.
Taking another swig Garrin shuddered. The numbness was spreading nicely. Garrin decided he would finish the whole canister. After that sleep away the alcoholic effects, maybe when he awoke the universe would feel like a different less painful place? Of course in actuality G woke later with a splitting headache, and a dry mouth. The same cursed music was still playing in an endless loop!
Still in Elena’s Fortune but a good way off the Gate Grid in ‘Freedom Station’ Plu Dup as Ploopydroop was becoming known officially jetted through one access corridor of his kingdom. The Boron was feeling truly happy buoyed up by success on every front. Even his private war waged against merchant Split shipping was an unqualified success. So far the sharks hadn’t lost a single pilot – a record that Ploopy knew couldn’t last but was still worth celebration.
Freedom was a Boron station now approximately three quarters of its internal areas under water shoals of living fish, sponges, corals, crabs, even aquatic snails numbered among its myriad denizens. The list was an ever-growing one as Plu skilfully added to the self contained marine eco system. Some areas on station even had waving fronds of seaweed with sand, and gravel covered flooring. Powerful filter scrubbers helped maintain the water purity as well as providing wonderful currents in which to race while heavy sun lamps ensured plenty of plankton. How had he ever lived in those encounter suit fish bowls, no wonder scientists like Mi Ton who worked a lot with non Boron were so infamously bad tempered.
Communication was now a joy. Often Plu could rely on his own natural mechanisms even over quite large distances the hydro phonic resonance waves travelled exceptionally well on station. The horridly blunt sound boxes had largely become irrelevant. Yes Plu was very happy indeed. Flipping around acrobatically Ploopy squirted out a jet to slow his velocity as he playfully erupted into the meeting grotto which he sealed tight. He greeted Ge Ton with a short but crammed blast of conversation that (ignoring the deepest nuances), and much reduced in length might translate as -
“Felicitations Ge Ton, Ploopydroop is delighted to taste your presence to fill his eyes with your most valued countenance it has been too long. I hope you are recovered from the rigors of being off station?”
“Ah dear Plu Freedom is a homecoming. My recovery assured as soon as I was able to discard my travelling attire,” noted Boron go between.
“So how are our allies?” asked Ploopy.
“The same fractious lot as ever,” said Ge, its stalks separating with despair.
Ploopy could taste his associates agitation.
“They are full of schemes, plots, and puzzling factions. How rapidly they shift, split and recombine like individual fish in a vast shoal without limit,” replied Ge Ton.
“Ge Ton is sorely tested among the beached,” noted Plu Dup.
Ge noted the Boron Leader tasted of sympathy an outreaching of companionship.
“What of this new nest of sea serpents in Priests Pity?” asked Plu Dup.
“ANI claim it is nothing to be concerned about,” said Ge Ton, “we are to stay clear!”
“My dear Gi Ton this Anarchy Port is the only thing capable of spoiling my good humour. Though it would be hard pressed to do so following your joyous return,” said Plu blessing his allegiance turned friend with a stalk smile, “are the Argon still assured of your fidelity?”
“Truly I do not think they ever trusted me, not even when I was unhesitant in my loyalty, my lord,” stated Ge Ton.
“Poor solitary creatures,” noted Plu, “they cannot swim the same water, feel the deep truth of each others soul. Pity them Ge, pity them!”
“Oh I do, but such blindness can result in grievous error, and alas among the water torn landed Argon - I am blind too,” replied Ge Ton.
“I think not,” replied Plu, “your intellect alone is more than a match for the Argons petty deceptions. What would you suggest we do about this Tur Ryn growing crisis?”
“For now great Lord, watch wait. Stay away from the abysmal Fallen Angels as advised,” returned Ge.
“Do you think this new Devil has found willing allies in the Paranid countering our own?” asked Plu.
“Ge Ton regrets to inform that he simply doesn’t know the extent of the apostate Tur Ryn’s influence. The Paranid remain their normal puzzle. Gi Ton suspects they will ride their own fell currents as ever, and are truly allies to none but their own triple shaded ends!” replied Ge his agitation spiking bitterly.
“Well they are isolationist in their action,” noted Plu smiling, “I imagine they would defend ‘Priest’s Pity’ but not assault ‘Elena’s Fortune’ in their short sighted - overly defensive - policies they are not unlike our own mother realm!”
“That is sound thinking my Lord,” returned Ge agitation lessening.
“How fares our revenge Lord?” asked the agent.
“Ah Ge Ton we are as yet like a hag fish clasped toothily upon the behemoths back. We are free to chew, and gnaw, and do our damage but it remains a small thing!” Plu replied, “Still it gives our existence meaning.”
“Many great beasts have been brought low by tiny infections Lord, it is a sound strategy. More so it is a honourable one. Your great vision does not abandon those that we have lost to an unjust surrender or to ignominious criminality!” noted Ge tasting of steal sharp determination, “do our numbers still swell?”
“Indeed we have a steady trickle of recruits. As to the former I imagine our enemies deem our activity criminal enough. It is a question of perspective dear Ge, I am placated in part even content; nay this Boron is joyful!” Plu Dup wheeled around his associate like a child at play his tentacles rippling with enthusiasm.
Ge Ton was filled with admiration for the liberator. The Boron was a genuine blessing a genius with the sensitivities and untainted honour of an infant! Plu Dup or Ploopydroop was filled with hope, and wonder. How could Ge Ton the renegade, become anything less than the remarkable Boron (ex pirates) devoted subject! Ge no longer even felt any guilt about old abandoned loyalties to the weary overly fragile Kingdom! It was past time for a new way a social, and political revolution! He wondered would Plu Dup be shocked if he realised the deep extent of his servant’s ambitions for his master!
“One last point of business my dear Ge before we repast why are AN still here in such force?” asked Ploopy.
“That Lord I am ashamed to be unable to answer, greatly does this question vex Ge Ton. They are waiting Lord - I sense a growing frustration among the lower ranks - they know not the reason either. ANI is the rising star that guides this fleet that much alone your poor servant has deduced!” noted Ge his stalks wilting.
“Take heart Ge that is news in itself worthy of your travails. Come you must see the new red coral from the Froolushu Reef before we hunt our dinner!” commanded Plu.
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Tue, 22. Apr 08, 16:59, edited 1 time in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 42 – Breaking Cycles, Letting Go and Practical Exercises
Five full Cycles after her waking nightmare about the Hive Anna awoke. Since that incident the Scientist had returned to her old practice of regular meditation. Now with each false morning the PA could almost feel the warmth of the sun upon her face. This private quiet reconnection to light, life, and the Universe had made a great difference to the troubled scientist. The PA realised she had been a fool to ignore her spiritual discipline, just as she had been unwise to cease Station Running! These mental and physical practices had kept her together - mind, body, and soul during other protracted hard times.
Anna realised when her mentor Febr converted from the purely rational world of fact - that it must have shaken her more than she had acknowledged, more than she had suspected! Anna had subconsciously become suspicious, and rejected her own spirituality; retreating to the purely physical world Anna now considered a foolish thoughtless reaction. The Scientist, and Station Runner had come to appreciate how important her old beliefs, and practices had been she didn’t expect to reach enlightenment, Anna wasn’t even sure she was trying - not in this incarnation - but she needed the discipline, the framework of her faith, with its practical exercises to function properly. It would do the project no good if Professor Anna Dei fell to pieces or became a shallow husk of her former self!
Perhaps if Gregor had been able to access meditation the AFC 4 Administrator wouldn’t be so wobbly still perhaps in all things there is a purpose! The shock of the secret ‘Hive access Core’ tester’s dark vision five nights ago - or really more accurately the early period (sending) five cycles ago - had given Anna an extra degree of sympathy with the Administrator she considered that the heavy burden of the ‘Hive access Core’ test had blighted her recent judgements.
Anna realised her decisions had been sprinkled with venom lacking: humanity, humility, and compromise! Anna decided for the good of her own mind she needed to think again. The Professor appreciated (despite her position) she was not some Goddess with the power of life, and death over the universe in her hands. She was just Anna Dei as high, and low as any other Argon. It was true - staring too long into the abyss - even a seemingly friendly one like that provided by the Cores seemingly infinite storage capacity was anything but healthy! Anna woke to the truth that power corrupts, and the discovery that she was no more immune to that egotistical disease than any other.
This cycle was special for many reasons. It was to be the beginning of a new regime internally, and externally. The good doctor had insisted that both Anna, and Gregor where now to work fully flexible periods. Mynae had downloaded the new working practice - as a medicinal command - all key members of the CAO staff deemed at risk of burning out had been given the same forced advice. It was an inspired idea that would certainly assist Anna not just to relax but (unknown to Mynae) more importantly to properly spread her multiple tasks an inadvertent boost to the Scientists peace of mind.
Gregor also could work freely as required, and or seek to calm his troubled mind, without feeling any stain of guilt. Gregor’s PA well understood how leaving work obligations could feel like abandonment. The Chief Medical Officer had come through with a good suggestion after all. The Argon Scientist had misjudged Mynae entirely, another symptom of her own mindset at that time. The dark filter of an errant perception! With hindsight Anna was a little surprised that she had never considered requesting this flexible option herself, still all solutions were obvious in retrospect! Of course the PA never had the authority to impose the change on - medical grounds - for enforced stress relief! Good old Mynae must have realised the Administrator was not alone in being highly strung lately. Either that or the Chief Medical Officer had decided it looked better if her action was spread over more bodies than just the AFC 4 Administrator!
Because Anna still technically being on call at all times, and the fact that her schedule was never entirely her own - being wedded to whatever routine Gregor decided - Mynae had been scathing, and uncompromising in her demands. Dressing them both down the Chief Medical Officer had stated flatly that - real - not just surface compliance would be required from her patients! Both Gregor, and Anna were to make radical changes in their work schedules. Mynae had scolded the pair like naughty school children, warning them she would be monitoring their effort, and registered work periods under a microscope. The Doc would abide no more health risking nonsense!
The Chief Medical Officer even threatened to go above their heads if they didn’t start looking after themselves! Gregor had seemed shocked by the sodden poodles sudden clear eyes, and fierce resolve. The fluffy one had shown her teeth. Later to his assistants delight Gregor had actually confided a degree of amusement at old prune face showing some mettle! Anna thought the Administrator was actually a little relieved. Glad perhaps to have been given permission to quit a little of his workload! It was more than a lucky break as Gregor might have easily gone the other way, and simply exploded with ire! Anna had to confess she believed she had been due for a change of fortune.
Mynae’s way was such a beautiful well rounded ruse because it even made Anna, and Gregor into confederates under the same gentle yoke of oppression! Further it all but guaranteed the doc’s position. The Administrator could hardly have Mynae removed for instigating what was a valid medical procedure. The fact that Gregor simply didn’t like it would never wash with Central AF! Truly the sun was shining. Anna had decided to try, and let go of her adversarial role as well if at all possible to leave Gregor in peace. Gregor’s PA decided it was the perfect time to end the feud she had slipped into with her boss.
If it were at all possible the PA would work with Gregor bolstering him through his difficulties. ANI, and the shadow operation had been poisoning her thinking. Anna knew she had grown more than just a little underhanded; it was long past time to let it go! She had been almost ready to sacrifice her supposed Argon superior to the cause like some unfeeling Field Marshal coldly measuring out the value of spending the lives of his troops! The belated realisation filled the scientist with horror!
Gregor’s PA had discussed the approach with Mynae Kalen and even had the Medical Officer give her some placebo shots. She would confess to her boss that she had been sleeping poorly, feeling stressed out, and apologise about Mynae’s over reaction. Claiming she had drawn the Argons attention upon the key staff by requesting for and getting some simple medication. The PA would claim she had felt the need to calm herself (Gregor would be allowed to believe he had won his battle of wills).
It was a total change of tack for the PA. Belatedly Anna realised her natural refusal to be cowed, or show any weakness, had been working against her this stance had only been pride! All the Assistant had achieved was the further infuriation of her boss, and to deepen his compulsion to domineer. Now she would play a yielding vulnerable role by this Gregor’s PA hoped to elicit a macho protective response from the Administrator, a magnanimous gesture from the mighty victor to his down trodden foe. The idea of being submissive still made Anna’s teeth grind, but if it worked! If the PA could get her boss to confide his own imperfections - even in part? While Gregor supposedly assisted his inferior to recover he would in fact be saving himself. At the least Gregor would be stepping a little further away from his personal drug induced bottomless pit.
Also in ‘Elena’s Fortune’ Febr was still languishing on board the ‘Lost for Words’ Fay was keeping the aged white haired Professor close to her hands, very close! At this stage the former inmate of the ‘Argon Asylum’ questioned if this intimacy (was the product of his still sharp wiles as in his own scheming, to be near Fay) or the Argon Navy Intelligence agent proving the still valid truism of ‘keep your friends close, and your enemy’s closer!’
Febr would like to consider Fay to be a friend, but she was still blood, and bone Argon Navy Intelligence which to put it mildly scrambled the data feed. Just to confuse matters further most recently Febr spent more time in Fay’s private cabin that she did so although they spent almost all of her spare time together Fay was keeping very busy.
Febr knew there were many worse internment alternatives to that particular site on the Colossus class Carrier but at times he still felt frustrated that Fay was keeping him at arms length from her actual work, still at least the Intelligence Officer seemed willing to listen to his arguments, and opinions - when she was available to him! True their time together seemed less, and less, but the female Argon had many responsibilities, and a heavy schedule! Febr knew myriad important matters were occupying his keeper. He also worried Fay might have grown just a little bored with her Old Argon familiarity breeding contempt. Febr was rather surprised she had not cast him out - long ago - for his sermonising from the mount but he was desperate to effect a change in her policy!
The Xeno Archaeologist still held out to a diminishing hope of creating a convert, but Fay was a hard nut to crack almost impossible to read. Deception spun around her like a self-generated nebulae of obstruction. Time was ticking away with the testing of the ‘Hive access Core’ doubtless progressing towards its conclusion. Febr dreaded the consequences of the item being signed off as field ready. The Professor found himself questioning, just how much time everyone in this universe had before it would become too late?
Once again left to his own devices Febr fumbled out the antique, and rather useless golden timepiece. It ran on a bizarre 12 period cycle; one that belonged to a distant now almost alien past. Everything about the timepiece was retro even the memories it fostered. Febr now believed he had failed his most able student, otherwise Anna too would see the true nature of the looming disaster! Fondling the warm metal device was a silly affectation, but illogically it still gave the scientist a feeling of continued connection. The Professor almost wished he could believe in primitive magic, in the ability to send his thoughts winging to the objects giver. Anna had not even granted him a chance to speak, when had his able apprentice become so afraid of his words?
Still constantly watched Febr nonetheless had pretty much free access around many areas of the vast military vessel. The Professor was glad he had freedom to walk. Walking helped him to think, it was his own special meditation just as his apprentice had her yellow disk! The marines in their powered armour and the technicians, and other personnel in their uniforms barely seemed to notice him now. Only the renegade Professors shadowy minders marked his passing. The Xeno-archaeologist was steadily becoming just one more ship fixture, and fitting. Of course he was kept away from the docking bays, and any other means of flight. Not that it mattered - where would he go - back to AFC 4? Febr still had waking, and sleeping nightmares about that Laser Line! Maybe the Argons didn’t need any threat from beyond, maybe his race were quite capable of self destruction on there own?
Even if he could escape to exile he couldn’t run away while the Generator and Hive / Hives were loose. Fay had to see reason, he knew her dirty little secret, he knew about the Legion. Providence had put him here it was the right place at the right time. Maybe the universe wasn’t as deaf, and blind as he had always considered, maybe he had been guided. Febr had come so very far both in mind, and body. His eyes had been opened to truth the ideal that lies behind mundane facts, figures and statistics. Maybe he wasn’t the rational person he used to be, but this was a poor time for the overly rational. Sane people didn’t take risks. Consideration of potential consequences could breed inaction. Too much sanity could be a trap; think too much, feel, and do too little!
On the ‘Fortress of the Damned’ the Fortress Commander had thrown the Wolves and Rats together, and pitted them against the newly reinforced Blood Hawks, and the Green Monkeys. Once more the forced recruits were equipped, and arrayed for combat on the asteroids surface, this time sporting a wide variety of practice weapons. Typically they were given an objective then left to their own devices. In this instance the brief was a rather complex one involving solving survival difficulties while overcoming their opponent. Knowing the Legion both Bale, and Amon suspected there would be many added nasty surprises and complications to deal with along the way. The ‘Legion of the Damned’ exercises just kept getting heavier and more convoluted.
Nobody was in the mood to rush in. The potential tally gains, and losses were significant. The site itself was on the dark side of the asteroid, which only added to an ominous feel of tension. Huddled in their small - closed atmospheric - base the combat armoured fighters consulted on strategy while clutching their helmets, and weapons. Everyone was saving the very limited oxygen tank reserves for the coming battle.
“So how are we going to play this one Amon?” asked Bale.
“Cursed carefully even going on these provided - limited intelligence - scans the whole area is littered with sharps, and debris plus its pitch black out there!” noted Amon.
“It’s another bloody obstacle course in the dark,” noted Slink, “and all we’ve got for spotting is ruddy great shoulder lamps might as well paint a big glowing x on our foreheads, and carry an illuminated sign with an arrow saying shoot here.”
“I was issued with hand, and remote guided missile flares,” noted the Grey Wolves explosives expert Amber, “these at least have tactical deployment value.”
“Forget the lamps use our suit, and weapon cameras,” said the scout Sab, “throw a light intensified image up on our own HUD just like flying on instruments.”
“Nice,” said Amon the Wolves capable leader, “it will still be hard slow going. The black and white takes some getting used to, and the offset is a navigation hazard not to mention the adjusted depth of field. Working with free roving drones on a separate window might widen overall awareness but can really confuse your sense of placement in relation to immediate proximity risks.”
“A lot less things to bump into running on camera views in space,” agreed the Black Rat’s principle scout Slink unhappily.
“Speaking of proximity sensors well need to disable them out there, or it will just be one constant warning,” said Bristle another Wolf.
“Ok let’s try, and keep the lamp usage down to a minimum,” commanded Bale the Rat’s leader, “other considerations this is terra incognita right.”
“Yep according to the scenario both ourselves and the enemy have splashed down on an unknown thus the basic scan data these bases are meant to be out of action ships,” noted Amon, “we were brought down by some freaky EMP field.”
“I’m guessing that suggests a third force out there potential hostiles, but perhaps allies the unknown rocks inhabitants,” said Bale.
“Sounds about right,” agreed Amon.
“If we were taken out with an EMP sounds like another enemy to me,” noted the Black Rat Daem.
“Could be an automatic defence even a weird space anomaly,” said Sab, “this is after all meant to be the spooky unknown!”
“Too much role playing,” said the somewhat infamous Rat with the evil label of Poison.
“I don’t agree,” noted Bale, “we have to treat it like it is real. Anytime I’ve disrespected one of these exercises it has bit me in the butt. The Wolf is right we’ve got to treat it just as the brief says. We were engaging our enemy when we got too close to this rock something mysterious snared us and now we are down. Because we are at war our mission is to take out the enemy, and secure their equipment for intelligence purposes.”
“However first of all,” Bale continued, “we’ve got to survive by any means necessary! This exercise has no time limit but we’ve got very limited oxygen tanks not even fully charged. We also need salvage to repair our damaged outgoing communications rig. Without that we have no extraction, and will all die here, we need to scavenge compatible components another reason to seize the enemy ship. I’m guessing even if we get an uplink we will need to get the business on the EMP if it is a system it will have to be disabled. If the EMP is a natural phenomenon we will need enough information to figure some way around its properties.”
“Paranidia‘s hellish stare, this just gets better and better,” complained Jake the best thing the Wolves had to a general mechanic.
“Maybe the unknowns are the real enemy here,” said Bright the Wolves’ female computer jock, “maybe we should open a dialogue with our opposite numbers, and cooperate. What do we know about our more familiar enemy?”
“According to the brief they are no compromise fanatics a religious cult the Jihad. This isn’t just a war it’s a bloody holy war. I don’t think our foes objectives will be quite the same as our own!” explained Amon.
“Why don’t we all just convert,” said the Rat with the very pirate label of Scar rather sarcastically.
“That’s thinking outside the box,” said Back Stab a Rat famed for his devious nature, “we could reach out the hand of friendship then do them when their guard is down!”
“Now that sounds like my kind of plan’, said the female Fell, another rather unwholesome Rat.
“Even the monkeys, and hawks aren’t that stupid,” noted the refreshingly straightforward female Wolf Lyn.
“Yeah, but we’re much more intelligent, and tricky than they will ever be,” replied Bale looking in his element.
“Ego boosting aside let’s keep it real, I really can’t see that one working,” said Amon scowling!
“Still we are all the same species - external threats - have historically made for the oddest bedfellows,” said the female Wolf Bright, “we might be able to make something of this!”
“Well even if they plan to betray us they may well play along with some level of cooperation. We just have to set a better trap within their trap,” said Bale, “the other option is go straight at it and risk this potential third force turning up - at the most inappropriate - to waste our survivors or take us in the flank or rear. All Argon will lose then!”
“Even if there isn’t a third force we could pretend there is,” said Back Stab, “use it as a lever for cooperation we could even - very accidentally, and unwillingly - let it slip that we had lost some of our squad to these, and secure these somewhere tactical as reinforcements.”
“That’s got possibilities I’m all for the dissemination of misinformation,” said Tall Tale this Wolf speaking up for the first time.
“Before we go hanging dudes out in the wilderness remember we have limited tank, and that’s no joke that is serious!” reminded Sab, “this may be an exercise but that is real killer vacuum out there.”
“Yeah, the powers have really put the pressure on with that one. This exercise could get real nasty!” said Scar.
“What is the medical break down Shunt,” asked Amon.
“I’ve got only the most basic of basic both virtual, and real. I was told there would be no emergency GTD, and no exodus unless we quit. Anyone quits we all automatically lose!” explained the Wolf Medic.
“Fekking, fekkers,” cursed Fell, “they really know how to put the pressure on!”
“Not as bad as it seems,” noted Jake, “I’ve been looking at the life support system here I reckon I can jury rig up a way to fully fill even refill our tanks. I had a rummage some interesting tools, and oddments stashed around this place!”
“What’s the downside?” asked Amon.
“Time,” replied Jake, “I can only fill one system at a time and it is not an instantaneous process. I’ll have to monitor the pressure very closely. Make an error, and the tank could blow! Also it will reduce the bases overall air reserves. Guess what the sensor on that one is broken so what we have is anybodies guess! What we do have though are some spare empty tanks five to be exact.”
“I wonder what the situation is with the enemy?” asked Slink, “we need solid intelligence on every front. Give myself, and Sab good tanks, maybe even a spare each, and lets us get out there, and have a look around; when we are scouting put out a basic defensive, and start filling all the tanks.”
“I’ll back that plan if you agree Bale,” said Amon, “I would suggest Sab check out the ground see if he can find anything on the EMP. Slink could seek out, and eyeball our opponents. Both assets keeping an eye peeled for possible natives, and try to avoid all contact unless advised otherwise.”
“Sounds good let’s get to work!” said Bale.
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 42 – Breaking Cycles, Letting Go and Practical Exercises
Five full Cycles after her waking nightmare about the Hive Anna awoke. Since that incident the Scientist had returned to her old practice of regular meditation. Now with each false morning the PA could almost feel the warmth of the sun upon her face. This private quiet reconnection to light, life, and the Universe had made a great difference to the troubled scientist. The PA realised she had been a fool to ignore her spiritual discipline, just as she had been unwise to cease Station Running! These mental and physical practices had kept her together - mind, body, and soul during other protracted hard times.
Anna realised when her mentor Febr converted from the purely rational world of fact - that it must have shaken her more than she had acknowledged, more than she had suspected! Anna had subconsciously become suspicious, and rejected her own spirituality; retreating to the purely physical world Anna now considered a foolish thoughtless reaction. The Scientist, and Station Runner had come to appreciate how important her old beliefs, and practices had been she didn’t expect to reach enlightenment, Anna wasn’t even sure she was trying - not in this incarnation - but she needed the discipline, the framework of her faith, with its practical exercises to function properly. It would do the project no good if Professor Anna Dei fell to pieces or became a shallow husk of her former self!
Perhaps if Gregor had been able to access meditation the AFC 4 Administrator wouldn’t be so wobbly still perhaps in all things there is a purpose! The shock of the secret ‘Hive access Core’ tester’s dark vision five nights ago - or really more accurately the early period (sending) five cycles ago - had given Anna an extra degree of sympathy with the Administrator she considered that the heavy burden of the ‘Hive access Core’ test had blighted her recent judgements.
Anna realised her decisions had been sprinkled with venom lacking: humanity, humility, and compromise! Anna decided for the good of her own mind she needed to think again. The Professor appreciated (despite her position) she was not some Goddess with the power of life, and death over the universe in her hands. She was just Anna Dei as high, and low as any other Argon. It was true - staring too long into the abyss - even a seemingly friendly one like that provided by the Cores seemingly infinite storage capacity was anything but healthy! Anna woke to the truth that power corrupts, and the discovery that she was no more immune to that egotistical disease than any other.
This cycle was special for many reasons. It was to be the beginning of a new regime internally, and externally. The good doctor had insisted that both Anna, and Gregor where now to work fully flexible periods. Mynae had downloaded the new working practice - as a medicinal command - all key members of the CAO staff deemed at risk of burning out had been given the same forced advice. It was an inspired idea that would certainly assist Anna not just to relax but (unknown to Mynae) more importantly to properly spread her multiple tasks an inadvertent boost to the Scientists peace of mind.
Gregor also could work freely as required, and or seek to calm his troubled mind, without feeling any stain of guilt. Gregor’s PA well understood how leaving work obligations could feel like abandonment. The Chief Medical Officer had come through with a good suggestion after all. The Argon Scientist had misjudged Mynae entirely, another symptom of her own mindset at that time. The dark filter of an errant perception! With hindsight Anna was a little surprised that she had never considered requesting this flexible option herself, still all solutions were obvious in retrospect! Of course the PA never had the authority to impose the change on - medical grounds - for enforced stress relief! Good old Mynae must have realised the Administrator was not alone in being highly strung lately. Either that or the Chief Medical Officer had decided it looked better if her action was spread over more bodies than just the AFC 4 Administrator!
Because Anna still technically being on call at all times, and the fact that her schedule was never entirely her own - being wedded to whatever routine Gregor decided - Mynae had been scathing, and uncompromising in her demands. Dressing them both down the Chief Medical Officer had stated flatly that - real - not just surface compliance would be required from her patients! Both Gregor, and Anna were to make radical changes in their work schedules. Mynae had scolded the pair like naughty school children, warning them she would be monitoring their effort, and registered work periods under a microscope. The Doc would abide no more health risking nonsense!
The Chief Medical Officer even threatened to go above their heads if they didn’t start looking after themselves! Gregor had seemed shocked by the sodden poodles sudden clear eyes, and fierce resolve. The fluffy one had shown her teeth. Later to his assistants delight Gregor had actually confided a degree of amusement at old prune face showing some mettle! Anna thought the Administrator was actually a little relieved. Glad perhaps to have been given permission to quit a little of his workload! It was more than a lucky break as Gregor might have easily gone the other way, and simply exploded with ire! Anna had to confess she believed she had been due for a change of fortune.
Mynae’s way was such a beautiful well rounded ruse because it even made Anna, and Gregor into confederates under the same gentle yoke of oppression! Further it all but guaranteed the doc’s position. The Administrator could hardly have Mynae removed for instigating what was a valid medical procedure. The fact that Gregor simply didn’t like it would never wash with Central AF! Truly the sun was shining. Anna had decided to try, and let go of her adversarial role as well if at all possible to leave Gregor in peace. Gregor’s PA decided it was the perfect time to end the feud she had slipped into with her boss.
If it were at all possible the PA would work with Gregor bolstering him through his difficulties. ANI, and the shadow operation had been poisoning her thinking. Anna knew she had grown more than just a little underhanded; it was long past time to let it go! She had been almost ready to sacrifice her supposed Argon superior to the cause like some unfeeling Field Marshal coldly measuring out the value of spending the lives of his troops! The belated realisation filled the scientist with horror!
Gregor’s PA had discussed the approach with Mynae Kalen and even had the Medical Officer give her some placebo shots. She would confess to her boss that she had been sleeping poorly, feeling stressed out, and apologise about Mynae’s over reaction. Claiming she had drawn the Argons attention upon the key staff by requesting for and getting some simple medication. The PA would claim she had felt the need to calm herself (Gregor would be allowed to believe he had won his battle of wills).
It was a total change of tack for the PA. Belatedly Anna realised her natural refusal to be cowed, or show any weakness, had been working against her this stance had only been pride! All the Assistant had achieved was the further infuriation of her boss, and to deepen his compulsion to domineer. Now she would play a yielding vulnerable role by this Gregor’s PA hoped to elicit a macho protective response from the Administrator, a magnanimous gesture from the mighty victor to his down trodden foe. The idea of being submissive still made Anna’s teeth grind, but if it worked! If the PA could get her boss to confide his own imperfections - even in part? While Gregor supposedly assisted his inferior to recover he would in fact be saving himself. At the least Gregor would be stepping a little further away from his personal drug induced bottomless pit.
Also in ‘Elena’s Fortune’ Febr was still languishing on board the ‘Lost for Words’ Fay was keeping the aged white haired Professor close to her hands, very close! At this stage the former inmate of the ‘Argon Asylum’ questioned if this intimacy (was the product of his still sharp wiles as in his own scheming, to be near Fay) or the Argon Navy Intelligence agent proving the still valid truism of ‘keep your friends close, and your enemy’s closer!’
Febr would like to consider Fay to be a friend, but she was still blood, and bone Argon Navy Intelligence which to put it mildly scrambled the data feed. Just to confuse matters further most recently Febr spent more time in Fay’s private cabin that she did so although they spent almost all of her spare time together Fay was keeping very busy.
Febr knew there were many worse internment alternatives to that particular site on the Colossus class Carrier but at times he still felt frustrated that Fay was keeping him at arms length from her actual work, still at least the Intelligence Officer seemed willing to listen to his arguments, and opinions - when she was available to him! True their time together seemed less, and less, but the female Argon had many responsibilities, and a heavy schedule! Febr knew myriad important matters were occupying his keeper. He also worried Fay might have grown just a little bored with her Old Argon familiarity breeding contempt. Febr was rather surprised she had not cast him out - long ago - for his sermonising from the mount but he was desperate to effect a change in her policy!
The Xeno Archaeologist still held out to a diminishing hope of creating a convert, but Fay was a hard nut to crack almost impossible to read. Deception spun around her like a self-generated nebulae of obstruction. Time was ticking away with the testing of the ‘Hive access Core’ doubtless progressing towards its conclusion. Febr dreaded the consequences of the item being signed off as field ready. The Professor found himself questioning, just how much time everyone in this universe had before it would become too late?
Once again left to his own devices Febr fumbled out the antique, and rather useless golden timepiece. It ran on a bizarre 12 period cycle; one that belonged to a distant now almost alien past. Everything about the timepiece was retro even the memories it fostered. Febr now believed he had failed his most able student, otherwise Anna too would see the true nature of the looming disaster! Fondling the warm metal device was a silly affectation, but illogically it still gave the scientist a feeling of continued connection. The Professor almost wished he could believe in primitive magic, in the ability to send his thoughts winging to the objects giver. Anna had not even granted him a chance to speak, when had his able apprentice become so afraid of his words?
Still constantly watched Febr nonetheless had pretty much free access around many areas of the vast military vessel. The Professor was glad he had freedom to walk. Walking helped him to think, it was his own special meditation just as his apprentice had her yellow disk! The marines in their powered armour and the technicians, and other personnel in their uniforms barely seemed to notice him now. Only the renegade Professors shadowy minders marked his passing. The Xeno-archaeologist was steadily becoming just one more ship fixture, and fitting. Of course he was kept away from the docking bays, and any other means of flight. Not that it mattered - where would he go - back to AFC 4? Febr still had waking, and sleeping nightmares about that Laser Line! Maybe the Argons didn’t need any threat from beyond, maybe his race were quite capable of self destruction on there own?
Even if he could escape to exile he couldn’t run away while the Generator and Hive / Hives were loose. Fay had to see reason, he knew her dirty little secret, he knew about the Legion. Providence had put him here it was the right place at the right time. Maybe the universe wasn’t as deaf, and blind as he had always considered, maybe he had been guided. Febr had come so very far both in mind, and body. His eyes had been opened to truth the ideal that lies behind mundane facts, figures and statistics. Maybe he wasn’t the rational person he used to be, but this was a poor time for the overly rational. Sane people didn’t take risks. Consideration of potential consequences could breed inaction. Too much sanity could be a trap; think too much, feel, and do too little!
On the ‘Fortress of the Damned’ the Fortress Commander had thrown the Wolves and Rats together, and pitted them against the newly reinforced Blood Hawks, and the Green Monkeys. Once more the forced recruits were equipped, and arrayed for combat on the asteroids surface, this time sporting a wide variety of practice weapons. Typically they were given an objective then left to their own devices. In this instance the brief was a rather complex one involving solving survival difficulties while overcoming their opponent. Knowing the Legion both Bale, and Amon suspected there would be many added nasty surprises and complications to deal with along the way. The ‘Legion of the Damned’ exercises just kept getting heavier and more convoluted.
Nobody was in the mood to rush in. The potential tally gains, and losses were significant. The site itself was on the dark side of the asteroid, which only added to an ominous feel of tension. Huddled in their small - closed atmospheric - base the combat armoured fighters consulted on strategy while clutching their helmets, and weapons. Everyone was saving the very limited oxygen tank reserves for the coming battle.
“So how are we going to play this one Amon?” asked Bale.
“Cursed carefully even going on these provided - limited intelligence - scans the whole area is littered with sharps, and debris plus its pitch black out there!” noted Amon.
“It’s another bloody obstacle course in the dark,” noted Slink, “and all we’ve got for spotting is ruddy great shoulder lamps might as well paint a big glowing x on our foreheads, and carry an illuminated sign with an arrow saying shoot here.”
“I was issued with hand, and remote guided missile flares,” noted the Grey Wolves explosives expert Amber, “these at least have tactical deployment value.”
“Forget the lamps use our suit, and weapon cameras,” said the scout Sab, “throw a light intensified image up on our own HUD just like flying on instruments.”
“Nice,” said Amon the Wolves capable leader, “it will still be hard slow going. The black and white takes some getting used to, and the offset is a navigation hazard not to mention the adjusted depth of field. Working with free roving drones on a separate window might widen overall awareness but can really confuse your sense of placement in relation to immediate proximity risks.”
“A lot less things to bump into running on camera views in space,” agreed the Black Rat’s principle scout Slink unhappily.
“Speaking of proximity sensors well need to disable them out there, or it will just be one constant warning,” said Bristle another Wolf.
“Ok let’s try, and keep the lamp usage down to a minimum,” commanded Bale the Rat’s leader, “other considerations this is terra incognita right.”
“Yep according to the scenario both ourselves and the enemy have splashed down on an unknown thus the basic scan data these bases are meant to be out of action ships,” noted Amon, “we were brought down by some freaky EMP field.”
“I’m guessing that suggests a third force out there potential hostiles, but perhaps allies the unknown rocks inhabitants,” said Bale.
“Sounds about right,” agreed Amon.
“If we were taken out with an EMP sounds like another enemy to me,” noted the Black Rat Daem.
“Could be an automatic defence even a weird space anomaly,” said Sab, “this is after all meant to be the spooky unknown!”
“Too much role playing,” said the somewhat infamous Rat with the evil label of Poison.
“I don’t agree,” noted Bale, “we have to treat it like it is real. Anytime I’ve disrespected one of these exercises it has bit me in the butt. The Wolf is right we’ve got to treat it just as the brief says. We were engaging our enemy when we got too close to this rock something mysterious snared us and now we are down. Because we are at war our mission is to take out the enemy, and secure their equipment for intelligence purposes.”
“However first of all,” Bale continued, “we’ve got to survive by any means necessary! This exercise has no time limit but we’ve got very limited oxygen tanks not even fully charged. We also need salvage to repair our damaged outgoing communications rig. Without that we have no extraction, and will all die here, we need to scavenge compatible components another reason to seize the enemy ship. I’m guessing even if we get an uplink we will need to get the business on the EMP if it is a system it will have to be disabled. If the EMP is a natural phenomenon we will need enough information to figure some way around its properties.”
“Paranidia‘s hellish stare, this just gets better and better,” complained Jake the best thing the Wolves had to a general mechanic.
“Maybe the unknowns are the real enemy here,” said Bright the Wolves’ female computer jock, “maybe we should open a dialogue with our opposite numbers, and cooperate. What do we know about our more familiar enemy?”
“According to the brief they are no compromise fanatics a religious cult the Jihad. This isn’t just a war it’s a bloody holy war. I don’t think our foes objectives will be quite the same as our own!” explained Amon.
“Why don’t we all just convert,” said the Rat with the very pirate label of Scar rather sarcastically.
“That’s thinking outside the box,” said Back Stab a Rat famed for his devious nature, “we could reach out the hand of friendship then do them when their guard is down!”
“Now that sounds like my kind of plan’, said the female Fell, another rather unwholesome Rat.
“Even the monkeys, and hawks aren’t that stupid,” noted the refreshingly straightforward female Wolf Lyn.
“Yeah, but we’re much more intelligent, and tricky than they will ever be,” replied Bale looking in his element.
“Ego boosting aside let’s keep it real, I really can’t see that one working,” said Amon scowling!
“Still we are all the same species - external threats - have historically made for the oddest bedfellows,” said the female Wolf Bright, “we might be able to make something of this!”
“Well even if they plan to betray us they may well play along with some level of cooperation. We just have to set a better trap within their trap,” said Bale, “the other option is go straight at it and risk this potential third force turning up - at the most inappropriate - to waste our survivors or take us in the flank or rear. All Argon will lose then!”
“Even if there isn’t a third force we could pretend there is,” said Back Stab, “use it as a lever for cooperation we could even - very accidentally, and unwillingly - let it slip that we had lost some of our squad to these, and secure these somewhere tactical as reinforcements.”
“That’s got possibilities I’m all for the dissemination of misinformation,” said Tall Tale this Wolf speaking up for the first time.
“Before we go hanging dudes out in the wilderness remember we have limited tank, and that’s no joke that is serious!” reminded Sab, “this may be an exercise but that is real killer vacuum out there.”
“Yeah, the powers have really put the pressure on with that one. This exercise could get real nasty!” said Scar.
“What is the medical break down Shunt,” asked Amon.
“I’ve got only the most basic of basic both virtual, and real. I was told there would be no emergency GTD, and no exodus unless we quit. Anyone quits we all automatically lose!” explained the Wolf Medic.
“Fekking, fekkers,” cursed Fell, “they really know how to put the pressure on!”
“Not as bad as it seems,” noted Jake, “I’ve been looking at the life support system here I reckon I can jury rig up a way to fully fill even refill our tanks. I had a rummage some interesting tools, and oddments stashed around this place!”
“What’s the downside?” asked Amon.
“Time,” replied Jake, “I can only fill one system at a time and it is not an instantaneous process. I’ll have to monitor the pressure very closely. Make an error, and the tank could blow! Also it will reduce the bases overall air reserves. Guess what the sensor on that one is broken so what we have is anybodies guess! What we do have though are some spare empty tanks five to be exact.”
“I wonder what the situation is with the enemy?” asked Slink, “we need solid intelligence on every front. Give myself, and Sab good tanks, maybe even a spare each, and lets us get out there, and have a look around; when we are scouting put out a basic defensive, and start filling all the tanks.”
“I’ll back that plan if you agree Bale,” said Amon, “I would suggest Sab check out the ground see if he can find anything on the EMP. Slink could seek out, and eyeball our opponents. Both assets keeping an eye peeled for possible natives, and try to avoid all contact unless advised otherwise.”
“Sounds good let’s get to work!” said Bale.
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Tue, 22. Apr 08, 17:00, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 43 – Lighting Up the Darkest Blackest Night
“Fek this for a game of soldiers,” said Sab to himself (off communication).
The Wolf scout was drifting through what could only be described as a forest of irregular shaped sharp metal trees. Somebody had really outdone themselves with this one. The grey (black and white) camera view on his HUD was split into three vertical sections although Sab kept shifting each view in, and out of full screen. The split breakdown was: middle view from a camera drone hovering just above his head synchronised to his helmet movements giving an almost accurate eye line of sight. The right view came from his tight focus IRE sniper rifle camera, and the left from a drone flitting high above giving a wide top down overview. The camera drones were tiny objects like buzzing insects pretty much invisible in the dark.
Sab was regretting having a big mouth, his was nothing like flying a ship on camera - he itched to be back - safe under even a few mjs of real shields, he hated cyclic stupidity! The black and white images were ghost like, and Sab was seriously concerned he might soon become nothing but a ghost himself. Damn, sometimes it was no fun being a scout. All it would take would be one bad manoeuvre; nervously Sab double-checked his air supply, it was still well in the green with the extra tank plumbed in. The Grey Wolf scout stopped raised his gun and scanned around activating the zoom, and filling his HUD with a singular temporary target view. He had the only major anomaly worth talking about in his vision straight up ahead.
He was moving steadily toward a suspiciously regular formation, one with what looked like an occasional blinking light? Unfortunately a good view of the object was obscured by more of Sab assumed - the anti vehicle - trees, and a cursed free floating debris field above, and forward of these. He was tempted to send a drone in ahead but worried it would trick an alarm or impact on something. He recalled the high drone above (before it hit the thick zone of wreckage) waiting until it mated with his suit.
Sweating despite the inbuilt climate control, Sab nudged a little closer with tiny delicate thrusts (his own breathing sounded heavy in his ears). The Wolf was using a left hand extensible manual thumb stick instead of the virtual controls - it felt a little tighter more accurate to the pilot. These solid units could be expanded out from the suits inner arms as required. The suit had multiple redundancies, more control options that he cared to list. Aware that he was dealing with the unknown - since finding the structure - Sab had decided to maintain a total communication blackout! What he had done was keep an internal record, this he planned to send back soon. Deploying one of the scout suits three relay messenger drones direct to the base with the recorded report onboard.
The debris field lowered into view up ahead as the trees cleared. This was an ugly obstacle, a perfect place to hide sensors or even active defences. It reached right down to about one, and a half metres off the uneven ground, in places a little lower - it was far from uniform - and ranged from huge chunks, to clouds of bolt sized fragments. Paranidia’s eyes, it was an unholy soup of lethal sharps! Cursing he realised he would have to edge in on his side, or risk a drone underneath. In the end the thought of slipping in without some sort of a prior reconnaissance was just too much like stupidity!
“Suit release camera drone two, and give me manual control on the left thumb stick,” commanded Sab.
“Drone released control enabled,” replied the expensive combat suit.
“Right in you go,” said Sab.
Carefully he sent the tiny object flitting under the wreckage close to the irregular asteroids surface.
“Suit activate camera drone two’s auto clearance protocol - fifteen centimetre surface skim.”
“Remotes skim function activated,” returned the suit.
That would make guidance a little easier, even if it gave a slightly less static view. The object hove into shot. It was clearly artificial if somewhat disguised. Tilting the camera up Sab had the drone commence a circumnavigation of the spire. Sab frequently halted the device to scan all around including the often neglected vertical axis. The scout soon spotted activity - movement - behind the building in a natural dip a wide crater. Activating the drone’s digital zoom the wolf frantically scanned about - until he relocated the targets - then settled down to observe.
Some argon in combat suits were clustered around, and in front of a bulky bit of equipment, five figures in total! After one of the figures perhaps a guard in the foreground drifted aside, Sab managed to see what it was the figures had been obscuring - to his shock - the scout recognised a bulky mobile artillery piece. Sab identified it from a realistic AVR he used to play called ‘Split Fires’ he had never before come across one of these weapons in real life.
The unit was a portable double barrelled PPC cannon mounted on a pretty simple mobile sled! These beasts ran off massive energy cell hoppers. In action they chewed up E-cells like sweeties. Mostly employed against static, or slow moving targets. In a direct line of sight it had a deadly striking range measured in km’s. Well that is just fekkin great, he thought. Just as well their base / ship lay at the bottom of a shallow trench with a curved incline approach.
Continuing his surveillance it soon became obvious the piece was not fully operational. Two figures where doing zero gravity engineering surgery on what the scout guessed (from the location of the open panels) was the weapons propulsion system (but he was no expert). The other three unknowns were patrolling around the craters perimeter, scanning with an assortment of weapons. The scout soon realised they weren’t wearing any official opposition - sickle moon - Jihad combat patches, the counter to his side’s - Crusader cross - identifiers. Sab guessed he was looking at rather well tooled up locals. So right smack in the middle of the war zone was a neutral (?) alien base with artillery and the powers alone knew what else? It was looking more and more like the scenarios EMP was no accident!
After making a recording Sab pulled the camera carefully back and filed a full situation report. Staying put he launched a messenger drone home to base then settled in to await further instructions, and fret over his tank supply.
Seeing a questing spotlight (without any immediate cover) Slink shot straight up using the suits strafe function then drifted. Wide open to attack it was a nervy moment! Below a party of three enemy troopers were doing a sweep. Luckily their beams where focused near the asteroids surface. A little earlier after clearing an area filled with wrecked ships and other unidentified rubbish, the Rat had come into a barren cratered region. The barren was unappealing - providing little immediate cover - but had to be negotiated nonetheless. He was making towards a trench he had spotted (by high camera drone) when the beams had started probing towards his vicinity. Watching the three moving away Slink was glad the purpose built scout suit was reasonably Gravidar sensor stealthy. The three figures moved off toward the very feature he had been going to use. It looked like the opposition had oxygen to burn.
Slink decided to follow them in stages sending a camera drone ahead then following behind to its position, then sending the camera drone ahead again. By the time the drone penetrated the feature it appeared empty. Slink ghosted in behind his remote. The trench had overhanging sides (at this point) wide enough for an easy squeeze, once inside it was very roomy - almost circular in cross section - but with a flattened out rippling floor area. It didn’t seem entirely natural but Slink wasn’t a geologist, and had no idea what processes might have been involved in its formation. Once down as he moved along, the fissure above commenced to narrow. Slink soon realised he was all but enclosed. It was hard to tell, but the Rat scout imagined the surfaces were icy, and cold on this side of the asteroid.
By this point even the highly sensitive cameras were being hard pressed to define anything. All the scout could make out was lighter shades of darkness. This was bad news. The Rat wondered if he dare use even the ultra violet lamp, or short range active sensor scan. The Rat also considered forgetting this avenue and going back. In the end he detached, and separated a measuring stick - pushing these from each closed hand - to either side to act like cats whiskers. He activated the virtual controls, and floated forward slowly using tiny movements of his left index finger on the virtual device. It felt like he was being swallowed whole by a beast.
When the left stick encountered the wall he shifted slightly. The drone had been recalled (in passive mode) its camera had proved useless in the full dark. Eventually Slink saw light up ahead spilling around a shallow curve. He unleashed the drone once more guiding it with virtual. It revealed a deep, wide crater basin area. The open space was lit extensively with floating spot, and floodlights. The entire area roofed over with some clever kind of camouflage sheeting; an unknown material that was entirely new to the scout. In the centre of this region rested the clearly marked enemy ship.
The area was buzzing with industry. The Fanatics were constructing what looked like a ramp out of prefabricated metal sections, occasionally employing a tractor beam attached to a vehicle. The vehicle sat off to one side a big giant wheeled low gravity thing. The tractor looked like a soft target. Slink jumped within his suit when a figure moved almost directly past his stealthy camera - obscuring the shot - but nothing else occurred as a result. Recording the scene he recalled the drone, and using his suits auto pilot retrace, rushed backwards, and extricated him self to the surface. When he breached the gap the Rat scout detached, and sent a messenger drone back to his Leader. Just as the message drone separated Slink was tagged as a kill by a sniper shot, and instantly transported out of his suit to debrief.
“Where the fek did that hostile come from?” asked the Green Monkey scout called Peeps.
“Don’t ask me you’re the one meant to be watching the door. I’m just watching your back!” replied Eagle Eye the Blood Hawks newly created scout.
“Fek, fek, fek R&S will hang my nuts over a fire for this. Look mate - you didn’t see a thing - guess it was lucky I picked him off before he got into the tunnel,” said Peeps stressing the word ‘before’.
“Interesting story so what’s it worth?” asked Eagle.
“Five of my tally points,” returned Peeps.
“You’re having a laugh your nuts got to be worth fifteen at least,” noted EE.
“Ok you brigand ten, but that’s the limit!” said Peeps.
“Ten sounds fine, but I better get them or you’ll wish R&S had debriefed you,” said EE darkly.
“Got a kill that’s worth five in itself in this gig,” Peeps said now happy.
“Best tell the lads he might have scouted ahead with a camera drone that keeps us covered both ways!” said EE, “can’t afford to lose this one for a mere ten.”
“Sure that’s fine with me. Even R&S wouldn’t rip my nuts off for missing a camera drone not in this darkness,” said Peeps, “I’ll send a Messenger drone off to call it in, and claim the suit. I wonder how much virtual damage its system took, could be a real asset!”
“Get your head out of your butt,” said EE, “the damn thing is biometrically sealed just like our own, mess with it, and boom. Damn thing is a floating bomb, nothing less than a navigation hazard!”
“Fek its moving the fekker’s still alive!” said Peeps staring at it.
“Auto retrieval - probably shed its drones already. What the fek you waiting for? Kill it! Limp Boron,” EE swung around and emptied a burst of fire into the rapidly disappearing suit. It vanished in a kill Transport flash, “Peeps did you sleep through your suit drills? Don’t just kill the Argon kill the bloody suit, save your head shots for unsuited targets. It can be run on remote just like a drone or a ship.”
“I, I thought it could be salvaged,” noted Peeps.
“Not fekkin likely,” said EE, “well that’s a vehicle kill to me. Go on send off your report, and we had best move - this hide is well, and truly compromised!”
“I’m sick of babysitting,” said Peeps, “we should hit the Crusaders first then go for the EMP.”
“Not your decision to make R&S, and Simple wants the tractor mobile, and safely stowed, so its all hands to ramp construction first.” said the Blood Hawks scout EE.
“Ok,” said Amon looking at Sab’s recording, “lets see what we have. Well plenty of cover, and obstacles that’s for sure some kind of tower, and Fek look at this.”
“Boron’s tentacles that is a fekkin Havoc class PPC MSAC [Mobile Siege Artillery Unit],” stated Bale, “that’s a beauty - old tech now - but still cursed effective!”
“I suppose you could tell me all its stats,” said Amon, “what’s with you Rats, and ground pounding technology.”
“War games,” replied the Rat’s leader, “we all used to kick back playing AVR: Hunters, Battlelords, Split Fires, Mechanised you name it!”
“You’re as bad as young Sab you all need help!” replied Wolf Leader, “what we going to do about that Monster?”
“Take it off the neutrals, and light up the Monkeys,” said Amber hopefully.
“Remember we need the ship intact,” said Amon reproachfully.
“Well we could use it to level that tower if the EMP is inside Kaboom,” retorted Amber.
“Amber Fire has a point,” said Bale, “we steal the MSAC waste the tower then sabotage the Cannon it so it isn’t a threat. Don’t want to do an infantry base infiltration we’ll bleed out for sure!”
“What if it’s not in the tower?” asked Amon.
“No harm done one less potential target,” said the Bale, “can’t leave that one on the loose anyway, even if it is used against the Jihad we lose. We need both ships intact!”
“Fek so we do and I was thinking the Apes, and Birds could look after them selves. That makes the MSAC - Target Priority Number One. How is the oxygen tank prep going?” asked Amon.
“About fifty percent done,” shouted Jake, “sorry I can’t go any faster.”
“Right lets wait for a bit I want to hear back from Slink if possible,” said Bale.
“Well your Rat had more ground to cover,” said Amon, “would be good to know what the Jihad’s status is. I wonder what other surprises the Powers have for us in this one! I’m sending back the MD [Messenger Drone]. I’ll have Sab keep a bead on the MSAC, and contact us if it gets moving. At this end let’s have a full suit and equipment check while we wait.”
“Come on you fekkers,” shouted Bale, “hustle we’re on a timetable now. When that Cannon starts moving we better be ready for an intercept, move your lazy pirate butts!”
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 43 – Lighting Up the Darkest Blackest Night
“Fek this for a game of soldiers,” said Sab to himself (off communication).
The Wolf scout was drifting through what could only be described as a forest of irregular shaped sharp metal trees. Somebody had really outdone themselves with this one. The grey (black and white) camera view on his HUD was split into three vertical sections although Sab kept shifting each view in, and out of full screen. The split breakdown was: middle view from a camera drone hovering just above his head synchronised to his helmet movements giving an almost accurate eye line of sight. The right view came from his tight focus IRE sniper rifle camera, and the left from a drone flitting high above giving a wide top down overview. The camera drones were tiny objects like buzzing insects pretty much invisible in the dark.
Sab was regretting having a big mouth, his was nothing like flying a ship on camera - he itched to be back - safe under even a few mjs of real shields, he hated cyclic stupidity! The black and white images were ghost like, and Sab was seriously concerned he might soon become nothing but a ghost himself. Damn, sometimes it was no fun being a scout. All it would take would be one bad manoeuvre; nervously Sab double-checked his air supply, it was still well in the green with the extra tank plumbed in. The Grey Wolf scout stopped raised his gun and scanned around activating the zoom, and filling his HUD with a singular temporary target view. He had the only major anomaly worth talking about in his vision straight up ahead.
He was moving steadily toward a suspiciously regular formation, one with what looked like an occasional blinking light? Unfortunately a good view of the object was obscured by more of Sab assumed - the anti vehicle - trees, and a cursed free floating debris field above, and forward of these. He was tempted to send a drone in ahead but worried it would trick an alarm or impact on something. He recalled the high drone above (before it hit the thick zone of wreckage) waiting until it mated with his suit.
Sweating despite the inbuilt climate control, Sab nudged a little closer with tiny delicate thrusts (his own breathing sounded heavy in his ears). The Wolf was using a left hand extensible manual thumb stick instead of the virtual controls - it felt a little tighter more accurate to the pilot. These solid units could be expanded out from the suits inner arms as required. The suit had multiple redundancies, more control options that he cared to list. Aware that he was dealing with the unknown - since finding the structure - Sab had decided to maintain a total communication blackout! What he had done was keep an internal record, this he planned to send back soon. Deploying one of the scout suits three relay messenger drones direct to the base with the recorded report onboard.
The debris field lowered into view up ahead as the trees cleared. This was an ugly obstacle, a perfect place to hide sensors or even active defences. It reached right down to about one, and a half metres off the uneven ground, in places a little lower - it was far from uniform - and ranged from huge chunks, to clouds of bolt sized fragments. Paranidia’s eyes, it was an unholy soup of lethal sharps! Cursing he realised he would have to edge in on his side, or risk a drone underneath. In the end the thought of slipping in without some sort of a prior reconnaissance was just too much like stupidity!
“Suit release camera drone two, and give me manual control on the left thumb stick,” commanded Sab.
“Drone released control enabled,” replied the expensive combat suit.
“Right in you go,” said Sab.
Carefully he sent the tiny object flitting under the wreckage close to the irregular asteroids surface.
“Suit activate camera drone two’s auto clearance protocol - fifteen centimetre surface skim.”
“Remotes skim function activated,” returned the suit.
That would make guidance a little easier, even if it gave a slightly less static view. The object hove into shot. It was clearly artificial if somewhat disguised. Tilting the camera up Sab had the drone commence a circumnavigation of the spire. Sab frequently halted the device to scan all around including the often neglected vertical axis. The scout soon spotted activity - movement - behind the building in a natural dip a wide crater. Activating the drone’s digital zoom the wolf frantically scanned about - until he relocated the targets - then settled down to observe.
Some argon in combat suits were clustered around, and in front of a bulky bit of equipment, five figures in total! After one of the figures perhaps a guard in the foreground drifted aside, Sab managed to see what it was the figures had been obscuring - to his shock - the scout recognised a bulky mobile artillery piece. Sab identified it from a realistic AVR he used to play called ‘Split Fires’ he had never before come across one of these weapons in real life.
The unit was a portable double barrelled PPC cannon mounted on a pretty simple mobile sled! These beasts ran off massive energy cell hoppers. In action they chewed up E-cells like sweeties. Mostly employed against static, or slow moving targets. In a direct line of sight it had a deadly striking range measured in km’s. Well that is just fekkin great, he thought. Just as well their base / ship lay at the bottom of a shallow trench with a curved incline approach.
Continuing his surveillance it soon became obvious the piece was not fully operational. Two figures where doing zero gravity engineering surgery on what the scout guessed (from the location of the open panels) was the weapons propulsion system (but he was no expert). The other three unknowns were patrolling around the craters perimeter, scanning with an assortment of weapons. The scout soon realised they weren’t wearing any official opposition - sickle moon - Jihad combat patches, the counter to his side’s - Crusader cross - identifiers. Sab guessed he was looking at rather well tooled up locals. So right smack in the middle of the war zone was a neutral (?) alien base with artillery and the powers alone knew what else? It was looking more and more like the scenarios EMP was no accident!
After making a recording Sab pulled the camera carefully back and filed a full situation report. Staying put he launched a messenger drone home to base then settled in to await further instructions, and fret over his tank supply.
Seeing a questing spotlight (without any immediate cover) Slink shot straight up using the suits strafe function then drifted. Wide open to attack it was a nervy moment! Below a party of three enemy troopers were doing a sweep. Luckily their beams where focused near the asteroids surface. A little earlier after clearing an area filled with wrecked ships and other unidentified rubbish, the Rat had come into a barren cratered region. The barren was unappealing - providing little immediate cover - but had to be negotiated nonetheless. He was making towards a trench he had spotted (by high camera drone) when the beams had started probing towards his vicinity. Watching the three moving away Slink was glad the purpose built scout suit was reasonably Gravidar sensor stealthy. The three figures moved off toward the very feature he had been going to use. It looked like the opposition had oxygen to burn.
Slink decided to follow them in stages sending a camera drone ahead then following behind to its position, then sending the camera drone ahead again. By the time the drone penetrated the feature it appeared empty. Slink ghosted in behind his remote. The trench had overhanging sides (at this point) wide enough for an easy squeeze, once inside it was very roomy - almost circular in cross section - but with a flattened out rippling floor area. It didn’t seem entirely natural but Slink wasn’t a geologist, and had no idea what processes might have been involved in its formation. Once down as he moved along, the fissure above commenced to narrow. Slink soon realised he was all but enclosed. It was hard to tell, but the Rat scout imagined the surfaces were icy, and cold on this side of the asteroid.
By this point even the highly sensitive cameras were being hard pressed to define anything. All the scout could make out was lighter shades of darkness. This was bad news. The Rat wondered if he dare use even the ultra violet lamp, or short range active sensor scan. The Rat also considered forgetting this avenue and going back. In the end he detached, and separated a measuring stick - pushing these from each closed hand - to either side to act like cats whiskers. He activated the virtual controls, and floated forward slowly using tiny movements of his left index finger on the virtual device. It felt like he was being swallowed whole by a beast.
When the left stick encountered the wall he shifted slightly. The drone had been recalled (in passive mode) its camera had proved useless in the full dark. Eventually Slink saw light up ahead spilling around a shallow curve. He unleashed the drone once more guiding it with virtual. It revealed a deep, wide crater basin area. The open space was lit extensively with floating spot, and floodlights. The entire area roofed over with some clever kind of camouflage sheeting; an unknown material that was entirely new to the scout. In the centre of this region rested the clearly marked enemy ship.
The area was buzzing with industry. The Fanatics were constructing what looked like a ramp out of prefabricated metal sections, occasionally employing a tractor beam attached to a vehicle. The vehicle sat off to one side a big giant wheeled low gravity thing. The tractor looked like a soft target. Slink jumped within his suit when a figure moved almost directly past his stealthy camera - obscuring the shot - but nothing else occurred as a result. Recording the scene he recalled the drone, and using his suits auto pilot retrace, rushed backwards, and extricated him self to the surface. When he breached the gap the Rat scout detached, and sent a messenger drone back to his Leader. Just as the message drone separated Slink was tagged as a kill by a sniper shot, and instantly transported out of his suit to debrief.
“Where the fek did that hostile come from?” asked the Green Monkey scout called Peeps.
“Don’t ask me you’re the one meant to be watching the door. I’m just watching your back!” replied Eagle Eye the Blood Hawks newly created scout.
“Fek, fek, fek R&S will hang my nuts over a fire for this. Look mate - you didn’t see a thing - guess it was lucky I picked him off before he got into the tunnel,” said Peeps stressing the word ‘before’.
“Interesting story so what’s it worth?” asked Eagle.
“Five of my tally points,” returned Peeps.
“You’re having a laugh your nuts got to be worth fifteen at least,” noted EE.
“Ok you brigand ten, but that’s the limit!” said Peeps.
“Ten sounds fine, but I better get them or you’ll wish R&S had debriefed you,” said EE darkly.
“Got a kill that’s worth five in itself in this gig,” Peeps said now happy.
“Best tell the lads he might have scouted ahead with a camera drone that keeps us covered both ways!” said EE, “can’t afford to lose this one for a mere ten.”
“Sure that’s fine with me. Even R&S wouldn’t rip my nuts off for missing a camera drone not in this darkness,” said Peeps, “I’ll send a Messenger drone off to call it in, and claim the suit. I wonder how much virtual damage its system took, could be a real asset!”
“Get your head out of your butt,” said EE, “the damn thing is biometrically sealed just like our own, mess with it, and boom. Damn thing is a floating bomb, nothing less than a navigation hazard!”
“Fek its moving the fekker’s still alive!” said Peeps staring at it.
“Auto retrieval - probably shed its drones already. What the fek you waiting for? Kill it! Limp Boron,” EE swung around and emptied a burst of fire into the rapidly disappearing suit. It vanished in a kill Transport flash, “Peeps did you sleep through your suit drills? Don’t just kill the Argon kill the bloody suit, save your head shots for unsuited targets. It can be run on remote just like a drone or a ship.”
“I, I thought it could be salvaged,” noted Peeps.
“Not fekkin likely,” said EE, “well that’s a vehicle kill to me. Go on send off your report, and we had best move - this hide is well, and truly compromised!”
“I’m sick of babysitting,” said Peeps, “we should hit the Crusaders first then go for the EMP.”
“Not your decision to make R&S, and Simple wants the tractor mobile, and safely stowed, so its all hands to ramp construction first.” said the Blood Hawks scout EE.
“Ok,” said Amon looking at Sab’s recording, “lets see what we have. Well plenty of cover, and obstacles that’s for sure some kind of tower, and Fek look at this.”
“Boron’s tentacles that is a fekkin Havoc class PPC MSAC [Mobile Siege Artillery Unit],” stated Bale, “that’s a beauty - old tech now - but still cursed effective!”
“I suppose you could tell me all its stats,” said Amon, “what’s with you Rats, and ground pounding technology.”
“War games,” replied the Rat’s leader, “we all used to kick back playing AVR: Hunters, Battlelords, Split Fires, Mechanised you name it!”
“You’re as bad as young Sab you all need help!” replied Wolf Leader, “what we going to do about that Monster?”
“Take it off the neutrals, and light up the Monkeys,” said Amber hopefully.
“Remember we need the ship intact,” said Amon reproachfully.
“Well we could use it to level that tower if the EMP is inside Kaboom,” retorted Amber.
“Amber Fire has a point,” said Bale, “we steal the MSAC waste the tower then sabotage the Cannon it so it isn’t a threat. Don’t want to do an infantry base infiltration we’ll bleed out for sure!”
“What if it’s not in the tower?” asked Amon.
“No harm done one less potential target,” said the Bale, “can’t leave that one on the loose anyway, even if it is used against the Jihad we lose. We need both ships intact!”
“Fek so we do and I was thinking the Apes, and Birds could look after them selves. That makes the MSAC - Target Priority Number One. How is the oxygen tank prep going?” asked Amon.
“About fifty percent done,” shouted Jake, “sorry I can’t go any faster.”
“Right lets wait for a bit I want to hear back from Slink if possible,” said Bale.
“Well your Rat had more ground to cover,” said Amon, “would be good to know what the Jihad’s status is. I wonder what other surprises the Powers have for us in this one! I’m sending back the MD [Messenger Drone]. I’ll have Sab keep a bead on the MSAC, and contact us if it gets moving. At this end let’s have a full suit and equipment check while we wait.”
“Come on you fekkers,” shouted Bale, “hustle we’re on a timetable now. When that Cannon starts moving we better be ready for an intercept, move your lazy pirate butts!”
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Tue, 22. Apr 08, 17:01, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by paranoid66
Chapter 44 – A Game of Nerve
It looked like the Mobile Siege Artillery Cannons sled had been repaired it was now being guided around the shallow wide crater behind the Spire. Sab decided to call this surface feature the Spire Basin or just the Basin. Watching the big Photon Pulse Canon made the Wolf scout very nervous. Sab was running all six of his scout suits camera drones. Currently the Wolf was located partially inside the remains of a battered old (pre Khaak War) Argon Express TP [Personnel Transport ship]. The derelict hulk was missing about one third of its rear mass, blasted away by some historic event. Sab didn’t have time to speculate what caused this damage, although he did briefly wonder whether its pilot had survived his or her misfortune!
The Grey Wolf was very busy checking the monitors, and shifting the camera drones. A wall of images three across by two filled his vision deep. He was monitoring the Spire from two perspectives (taking in the high and low exits revealed by occasional suit traffic. These portals positioned on opposite sides of the structure). The Basin with the hovering MSAC (going through some manoeuvring tests) was covered with just one camera this lack of coverage worried him.
Sab still had his personal eyes via a camera drone floating just above his head. Otherwise a drone was watching the battle map grids [fake] north (Grid North or GN) egress from The Basin the one that gave access to the Jihad controlled GN territory. Due to deeper craters, rocks, ridges, and scattered debris a single viable surface route seemed to exist. This route way Sab labelled Highway 101 this snaked off to disappear in GN dark. Not too far from the Basin on Highway 101 the unknown neutrals were busy laying down a series of devices. Judging by the spread of separation this plantation Sab guessed was some form of explosives.
The minefield or perhaps remote detonation bombs covered a substantial area sealing off two segments of the Highway. It looked like the Blues [as he had designated them] were preparing against some sort of surface traffic that would require the natural route way land vehicles here? Sab doubted even the rash Monkeys would be stupid enough to skim up that approach in suits as if on parade. If only he knew what information the Blue faction had?
An audio scan revealed the local area was full of communication noise but these were all battlefield encrypted, and useless - he didn’t have the time or the equipment to attempt a heavy code crack. One thing was sure the Blues didn’t seem to be worried about giving away their bases position by communication trace - worrying in itself - although all gabble ceased beyond the Spire, and the Basin environs.
Sab returned his attention to the final drone this was following on auto behind a Blue two Argon unit. The party had exited the Spire from ground level then moved purposely off. The small patrol or scout team was heading grid south following pretty close to the almost straight line vector Sab had used earlier, but the neutral (?) forces were moving in the opposite direction - towards not away from - the Crusaders home base. The scout carefully moved clear of the wreckage, and dispatched a messenger drone with his latest intelligence - including an advisory - about the encroaching unit. The messenger drone would easily overtake the two suits to give an advanced heads up. Earlier Sab had received the (at that time) returning number (1) messenger drone with orders to stick with the MSAC, and report if it moved. The Wolf assumed they meant beyond its current crater home. Sab half wished it would go, being aware he had already used around a tenth of his total air supply, and weary of playing the voyeur.
Back at Crusade Central, word finally arrived from Slink. Firstly his dispatched messenger drone with its report. The team had just started considering this download when the rest of Slinks other two scout suit messenger drones came in (on automatic) with the bad news of Slink, and his Suits demise. This final requiem was their last useful act before coming to rest on a recharge pad, and powering down. Amon scowled at the sleeping devices then turned back to the war table with its virtual map grid, and visual monitors.
“Damn one down already, that’s first blood to the opposition - still at least we got visuals on the Jihad - looks on the surface like the Jihad are playing defence,” said Bale.
“At least until they can move that Tractor. Notice the markings, hardly a standard bit of kit, but the insignia means they had it with them,” said Amon thinking out loud.
“That suggests a purpose, and typical asymmetric mission objectives from the Powers [a favoured label for high command staff in this instance the Legion that generated the exercise],” noted Bale, “what could the Jihad be after with a Tractor?”
“The EMP Device,” they both said together.
“Makes sense it’s the one freaky thing we know about this rock from the brief,” continued Amon, “guess our opponents were heading here even before they crashed!”
“That’s useful intelligence. We could easily have assumed it was just coincidence, and there objective was kill all foes. Probably getting the EMP is far more important to them than eliminating us!” noted Bale.
“If they do manage to get the EMP, and win, do we then lose by default?” asked Amon, “the Powers are always testing our flexibility our willingness to deviate from fixed plans.”
“Blowing the tower, and hopefully the EMP with it sounds better, and better,” said Bale.
“Still I can’t see the neutrals handing over that Cannon easily,” noted the Wolf.
“Easy or hard it looks like it has to be done,” said Bale.
Sometime later the joint Crusade Commanders received Sab’s latest update. After warning the guards of possible guests they settled down to discuss the developments.
“I don’t like this,” said Amon, “these Blues have very good informatin as solid as our own, and we lost a man getting ours. They must know the Jihad have that Tractor that ground preparation can’t be just a coincidence!”
“Well they are the locals,” noted Bale, “if they brought us down with the EMP they should have known - roughly - where both camps are from the start, we have no idea what sort of information gathering assets they have. This is their home they will be equipment heavy, as demonstrated by that Cannon! I think the Jihad could be in for a nasty shock!”
“Maybe but if the Jihad have a brief on the EMP they must have had an idea about its owners strengths / weaknesses, and a plan,” said Bale.
“Don’t forget they are stragglers part of a bigger force the Crusade hit we were both survivors of a battle. We thought we had chased them here now it looks like we followed. I’m guessing like ourselves they are under strength,” said Amon
“I thought because of the low oxygen supplies this was going to be a tactical race against the clock. Now it is looking more like a game of strategy and nerve!” confessed Bale.
“I’m getting a short range - tight beam - incoming transmission,” noted Bright moving over to a console.
“Ok let’s see it,” said Amon.
“I am T’mar I represent the J’lann Ahl. You are trespassing on our sovereign territory. For our own protection we were forced to interdict your vessel from approaching our base of operations! We are here to facilitate a ceasefire, and negotiate your departure on a less worrisome vector. If you wish to survive, and be treated with civility you will cooperate in full. Our first demand is a full inspection of your vessel, and personnel, this prerequisite to your survival we have no interest in negotiating. We do not want any nasty surprises! Any act of hostility against our inspectors will be considered a declaration of war against the J’lann Ahl, and result in retaliatory and devastating deadly force. The J’lann Ahl expect nothing less than full compliance we impatiently await your reply.”
Amon and Bale looked at each other in surprise.
“I love the smell of hostages in the morning,” said the well named Rat Ransom.
“This prerequisite to your survival we have no interest in negotiating,” parroted Bale, “that’s either very clever or very stupid.”
“I don’t think I want to let them on board do you?” asked Amon, “I vote we waste them, at least it is two less opponents.”
“I agree, no way am I letting any unknown into this ship in a combat suit. Might as well slit my own throat,” said Bale.
“Humble, open a secure channel to our external Guards,” commanded Amon.
“Channel open,” said the computer called Humble.
“Guards this is Amon we have two unknowns coming in designate these as hostiles, but await my signal to fire.”
Amon opened the channel to the newcomer called T’mar
“T’mar this is Amon of the Crusade, we have no desire to precipitate hostilities we will permit the inspection, and consider your other request. We suggest an alliance against our mutual enemy not immediate departure! We require assistance, and repairs! We had no desire to trespass we had no idea this asteroid was occupied, as you have said we were brought down against our will. There is no requirement for threats, we will be quite happy to leave your domains in peace after repairs!”
“You will comply,” returned T’mar, “the inspector comes. I warn you any hostility will result in your utter eradication!”
Amon cut the open channel, “Curse only one of them is coming in the other one I can’t see at all.”
“Daem, and Bristle find, and eliminate that far target, go, go, go!” said Amon.
The two Crusader guards shot up, and out scanning for the newly designated hostile. Unfortunately they found nothing T’mar was either in deep cover or gone already. The search ground was anything but clear, and open like a lot of the asteroids Dark Side. They initiated an immediate grid search pattern weapons ready but neither was feeling overly optimistic. Meanwhile the other unnamed visitor was quickly approaching the suit, floating down from the ridge in a fast direct line towards the main airlock.
“Scar take out the visible target now,” demanded Amon, “concerned at its very close proximity.”
Scar targeted the enemy. It was now almost on top of him (near the airlock) so before firing he commenced to strafe backwards away. The Rat belatedly suspecting something was seriously wrong - it was too easy! As Scar pumped in a sustained stream of virtual IRE fire he continued backing off. The suit transported out as a kill. Scar - almost - survived due to his increasing range with just a buffeting but his suit was hit with multiple simulated shrapnel strikes, and suffered an unlucky critical failure, he transported in his dead suit to debrief KIA. Luckily both Daem, and Bristle hunting for the missing T’mar were safe among the metal trees. The already damaged ship also close to the blast lost a good chunk of its shield strength but held together.
“We’ve lost Scar, just as well we didn’t let the deviant in! Any sign of that other fekker?” asked Amon.
“I think the other target is long gone,” said Daem.
“No visual,” replied Bristle, “too much cover up here. The Fekker picked a good escape route!”
“Ok I want a retro analysis of that explosion,” said Bale, “two down this isn’t going well. I feel like we are being picked off. We need to get the initiative back!”
Virtual data started flowing in. It was obvious from reading the simulated statistics that the suit had contained no living matter. It had been packed with metal junk: nut, bolts, and other oddments plus the bomb itself. The device was suspiciously close in strength to three silkworm warheads (certainly more potent than a normal suit self destruct). Without doubt the suit would have ripped the ship / base apart had it exploded from the inside. Even worse was other trace, a bomb that didn’t go off. From the computer analysis dirty trace it had been nothing less than a Hornet warhead. They had been very lucky.
“Now that’s what I call an unfriendly neighbour,” said Amon.
“Looks like we just opened up a second front,” said Bale, “I want to get out there. All this well considered thought is giving me a headache. I need to head up a strike team and start thinking tactically on my feet! I really want to slag that Spire!”
“More like - it nearly opened us up!” replied Amon, “OK Bale I hear what you’re saying. I’m going to send Sab his messenger drone back with the details of this encounter,” noted Amon.
“Yeah, he can keep an eye out for old T’mar see if he goes back the same way,” noted Bale, “I suggest a sniper request?”
“Sure but only if our boy can do the little fek without compromising himself!” said Amon, “Sab is our last scout after all! I’d rather keep our eyes than kill T’mar.”
RIP was rather disappointed watching the camera feed. If only they had taken the suit onboard that would have (Rest In Pieces) the heart out of the Crusaders in one easy blow. Still as ploys went it had been worth a chance. If RIP had succeeded he might have been well on his way to being the squad’s new leader now, the competition was still wide open. Maybe he should have rigged the Hornet into the suit self destruct instead of the silkworms. Still RIP had been worried about accidents. At least his suggestion had been an active strategy Roid seemed content just to wait and watch, the Argon was too patient, and too defensive to make an effective leader in his opinion.
Roid was constantly scanning the satellite feeds, and multiple station camera drone patrols. He had lost the enemy scout in the debris field when a drone on auto had collided with some wreckage, and been destroyed. Roid suspected the enemy scout hadn’t gone far. Material wise the main advantage Roid considered he had was his almost perfect wide surveillance cover. The Wreckers suffered from little fog of war. The MSAC was a great decoy but still a hunk of mobile junk. Without [virtual] NRG cells it couldn’t be fired. Energy Cells was something their virtual inventory - packed though it was - with other miscellaneous items (most of which needed some form of repair) completely lacked. Well they had some but not a sufficient number. So he had been quite happy when the satellite coverage had revealed the scout probing around.
The big gun certainly looked impressive (Roid had planned to use it as a decoy from the beginning) even more so now it was marginally mobile. In the scenario his crew where Wreckers; villains who made a living out of snaring ships drawn toward the asteroid using various fake distress beacons, and other lures. Once in range the scavengers deployed their big innovation an EMP device that could temporarily shut down all equipment. A poorly locking [semi functional] tractor beam was then used to start the ships on a low velocity crash landing path. Once the targets were down the Wreckers would kill any surviving crew, and salvage the wrecks for useful, and valuable parts. Unfortunately the latest two ships were military (something they tried to avoid). With extra hardened systems, and added backups both these ships had landed softer than expected, and from the look of things retained reasonable life support. Far too many intact, and heavily armed crew had made the landfall in one piece.
Roid wondered where the idea for this synopsis came from? The Fallen Angel questioned if the Legion had encountered somebody employing similar tactics in the past? Well it was a big universe! According to the story the Wreckers once also had a ship; a super freighter which was used to trade their ill gotten gains and bring in extra supplies. Unfortunately this vessel according to the Wreckers brief had run foul of the Jihad and been captured, but not before signalling home!
It was now clear the Jihad had learned about the secret base from the Wreckers own ship or captured crew. That they had brought a Tractor along proved they planned to steal the innovative EMP device. Roid suspected the lone Jihad ship was meant to have been the only survivor from a small fleet heading for this Asteroid. His supposition being that the Jihad Fleet ran into an unexpected Crusade patrol. Escaping the fire fight the lone Jihad Marine Troop Transport ship had brought one of its opposite numbers chasing it; both ships being brought down by the wrecker EMP, which set the game up nicely, quite a convoluted synopsis if an interesting one.
Roid hoped RIP’s plan failed. With the bases position compromised to the Jihad the Wreckers needed to evacuate. They needed to take, and repair one of the downed ships. While they had many spare parts it wouldn’t do any harm to keep both vessels as intact as possible. Unfortunately the Wreckers had no single commander at present just like the Fallen Angels so it was bit of a strategic free for all. RIP had insisted on trying to remove the Crusade threat in one big boom. The explosives expert was convinced the Wreckers had enough parts to affect a repair on the Jihad ship. However, Roid had argued against putting all their hopes into one package. Roid wondered if the Wreckers happened to be on a hidden clock, was the virtual fleets still engaged in the night, would one side or another get unexpected reinforcement? Still as long as the EMP was functional any other ships according to the scenario could be crash landed as well!
X3 Fan Fiction by paranoid66
Chapter 44 – A Game of Nerve
It looked like the Mobile Siege Artillery Cannons sled had been repaired it was now being guided around the shallow wide crater behind the Spire. Sab decided to call this surface feature the Spire Basin or just the Basin. Watching the big Photon Pulse Canon made the Wolf scout very nervous. Sab was running all six of his scout suits camera drones. Currently the Wolf was located partially inside the remains of a battered old (pre Khaak War) Argon Express TP [Personnel Transport ship]. The derelict hulk was missing about one third of its rear mass, blasted away by some historic event. Sab didn’t have time to speculate what caused this damage, although he did briefly wonder whether its pilot had survived his or her misfortune!
The Grey Wolf was very busy checking the monitors, and shifting the camera drones. A wall of images three across by two filled his vision deep. He was monitoring the Spire from two perspectives (taking in the high and low exits revealed by occasional suit traffic. These portals positioned on opposite sides of the structure). The Basin with the hovering MSAC (going through some manoeuvring tests) was covered with just one camera this lack of coverage worried him.
Sab still had his personal eyes via a camera drone floating just above his head. Otherwise a drone was watching the battle map grids [fake] north (Grid North or GN) egress from The Basin the one that gave access to the Jihad controlled GN territory. Due to deeper craters, rocks, ridges, and scattered debris a single viable surface route seemed to exist. This route way Sab labelled Highway 101 this snaked off to disappear in GN dark. Not too far from the Basin on Highway 101 the unknown neutrals were busy laying down a series of devices. Judging by the spread of separation this plantation Sab guessed was some form of explosives.
The minefield or perhaps remote detonation bombs covered a substantial area sealing off two segments of the Highway. It looked like the Blues [as he had designated them] were preparing against some sort of surface traffic that would require the natural route way land vehicles here? Sab doubted even the rash Monkeys would be stupid enough to skim up that approach in suits as if on parade. If only he knew what information the Blue faction had?
An audio scan revealed the local area was full of communication noise but these were all battlefield encrypted, and useless - he didn’t have the time or the equipment to attempt a heavy code crack. One thing was sure the Blues didn’t seem to be worried about giving away their bases position by communication trace - worrying in itself - although all gabble ceased beyond the Spire, and the Basin environs.
Sab returned his attention to the final drone this was following on auto behind a Blue two Argon unit. The party had exited the Spire from ground level then moved purposely off. The small patrol or scout team was heading grid south following pretty close to the almost straight line vector Sab had used earlier, but the neutral (?) forces were moving in the opposite direction - towards not away from - the Crusaders home base. The scout carefully moved clear of the wreckage, and dispatched a messenger drone with his latest intelligence - including an advisory - about the encroaching unit. The messenger drone would easily overtake the two suits to give an advanced heads up. Earlier Sab had received the (at that time) returning number (1) messenger drone with orders to stick with the MSAC, and report if it moved. The Wolf assumed they meant beyond its current crater home. Sab half wished it would go, being aware he had already used around a tenth of his total air supply, and weary of playing the voyeur.
Back at Crusade Central, word finally arrived from Slink. Firstly his dispatched messenger drone with its report. The team had just started considering this download when the rest of Slinks other two scout suit messenger drones came in (on automatic) with the bad news of Slink, and his Suits demise. This final requiem was their last useful act before coming to rest on a recharge pad, and powering down. Amon scowled at the sleeping devices then turned back to the war table with its virtual map grid, and visual monitors.
“Damn one down already, that’s first blood to the opposition - still at least we got visuals on the Jihad - looks on the surface like the Jihad are playing defence,” said Bale.
“At least until they can move that Tractor. Notice the markings, hardly a standard bit of kit, but the insignia means they had it with them,” said Amon thinking out loud.
“That suggests a purpose, and typical asymmetric mission objectives from the Powers [a favoured label for high command staff in this instance the Legion that generated the exercise],” noted Bale, “what could the Jihad be after with a Tractor?”
“The EMP Device,” they both said together.
“Makes sense it’s the one freaky thing we know about this rock from the brief,” continued Amon, “guess our opponents were heading here even before they crashed!”
“That’s useful intelligence. We could easily have assumed it was just coincidence, and there objective was kill all foes. Probably getting the EMP is far more important to them than eliminating us!” noted Bale.
“If they do manage to get the EMP, and win, do we then lose by default?” asked Amon, “the Powers are always testing our flexibility our willingness to deviate from fixed plans.”
“Blowing the tower, and hopefully the EMP with it sounds better, and better,” said Bale.
“Still I can’t see the neutrals handing over that Cannon easily,” noted the Wolf.
“Easy or hard it looks like it has to be done,” said Bale.
Sometime later the joint Crusade Commanders received Sab’s latest update. After warning the guards of possible guests they settled down to discuss the developments.
“I don’t like this,” said Amon, “these Blues have very good informatin as solid as our own, and we lost a man getting ours. They must know the Jihad have that Tractor that ground preparation can’t be just a coincidence!”
“Well they are the locals,” noted Bale, “if they brought us down with the EMP they should have known - roughly - where both camps are from the start, we have no idea what sort of information gathering assets they have. This is their home they will be equipment heavy, as demonstrated by that Cannon! I think the Jihad could be in for a nasty shock!”
“Maybe but if the Jihad have a brief on the EMP they must have had an idea about its owners strengths / weaknesses, and a plan,” said Bale.
“Don’t forget they are stragglers part of a bigger force the Crusade hit we were both survivors of a battle. We thought we had chased them here now it looks like we followed. I’m guessing like ourselves they are under strength,” said Amon
“I thought because of the low oxygen supplies this was going to be a tactical race against the clock. Now it is looking more like a game of strategy and nerve!” confessed Bale.
“I’m getting a short range - tight beam - incoming transmission,” noted Bright moving over to a console.
“Ok let’s see it,” said Amon.
“I am T’mar I represent the J’lann Ahl. You are trespassing on our sovereign territory. For our own protection we were forced to interdict your vessel from approaching our base of operations! We are here to facilitate a ceasefire, and negotiate your departure on a less worrisome vector. If you wish to survive, and be treated with civility you will cooperate in full. Our first demand is a full inspection of your vessel, and personnel, this prerequisite to your survival we have no interest in negotiating. We do not want any nasty surprises! Any act of hostility against our inspectors will be considered a declaration of war against the J’lann Ahl, and result in retaliatory and devastating deadly force. The J’lann Ahl expect nothing less than full compliance we impatiently await your reply.”
Amon and Bale looked at each other in surprise.
“I love the smell of hostages in the morning,” said the well named Rat Ransom.
“This prerequisite to your survival we have no interest in negotiating,” parroted Bale, “that’s either very clever or very stupid.”
“I don’t think I want to let them on board do you?” asked Amon, “I vote we waste them, at least it is two less opponents.”
“I agree, no way am I letting any unknown into this ship in a combat suit. Might as well slit my own throat,” said Bale.
“Humble, open a secure channel to our external Guards,” commanded Amon.
“Channel open,” said the computer called Humble.
“Guards this is Amon we have two unknowns coming in designate these as hostiles, but await my signal to fire.”
Amon opened the channel to the newcomer called T’mar
“T’mar this is Amon of the Crusade, we have no desire to precipitate hostilities we will permit the inspection, and consider your other request. We suggest an alliance against our mutual enemy not immediate departure! We require assistance, and repairs! We had no desire to trespass we had no idea this asteroid was occupied, as you have said we were brought down against our will. There is no requirement for threats, we will be quite happy to leave your domains in peace after repairs!”
“You will comply,” returned T’mar, “the inspector comes. I warn you any hostility will result in your utter eradication!”
Amon cut the open channel, “Curse only one of them is coming in the other one I can’t see at all.”
“Daem, and Bristle find, and eliminate that far target, go, go, go!” said Amon.
The two Crusader guards shot up, and out scanning for the newly designated hostile. Unfortunately they found nothing T’mar was either in deep cover or gone already. The search ground was anything but clear, and open like a lot of the asteroids Dark Side. They initiated an immediate grid search pattern weapons ready but neither was feeling overly optimistic. Meanwhile the other unnamed visitor was quickly approaching the suit, floating down from the ridge in a fast direct line towards the main airlock.
“Scar take out the visible target now,” demanded Amon, “concerned at its very close proximity.”
Scar targeted the enemy. It was now almost on top of him (near the airlock) so before firing he commenced to strafe backwards away. The Rat belatedly suspecting something was seriously wrong - it was too easy! As Scar pumped in a sustained stream of virtual IRE fire he continued backing off. The suit transported out as a kill. Scar - almost - survived due to his increasing range with just a buffeting but his suit was hit with multiple simulated shrapnel strikes, and suffered an unlucky critical failure, he transported in his dead suit to debrief KIA. Luckily both Daem, and Bristle hunting for the missing T’mar were safe among the metal trees. The already damaged ship also close to the blast lost a good chunk of its shield strength but held together.
“We’ve lost Scar, just as well we didn’t let the deviant in! Any sign of that other fekker?” asked Amon.
“I think the other target is long gone,” said Daem.
“No visual,” replied Bristle, “too much cover up here. The Fekker picked a good escape route!”
“Ok I want a retro analysis of that explosion,” said Bale, “two down this isn’t going well. I feel like we are being picked off. We need to get the initiative back!”
Virtual data started flowing in. It was obvious from reading the simulated statistics that the suit had contained no living matter. It had been packed with metal junk: nut, bolts, and other oddments plus the bomb itself. The device was suspiciously close in strength to three silkworm warheads (certainly more potent than a normal suit self destruct). Without doubt the suit would have ripped the ship / base apart had it exploded from the inside. Even worse was other trace, a bomb that didn’t go off. From the computer analysis dirty trace it had been nothing less than a Hornet warhead. They had been very lucky.
“Now that’s what I call an unfriendly neighbour,” said Amon.
“Looks like we just opened up a second front,” said Bale, “I want to get out there. All this well considered thought is giving me a headache. I need to head up a strike team and start thinking tactically on my feet! I really want to slag that Spire!”
“More like - it nearly opened us up!” replied Amon, “OK Bale I hear what you’re saying. I’m going to send Sab his messenger drone back with the details of this encounter,” noted Amon.
“Yeah, he can keep an eye out for old T’mar see if he goes back the same way,” noted Bale, “I suggest a sniper request?”
“Sure but only if our boy can do the little fek without compromising himself!” said Amon, “Sab is our last scout after all! I’d rather keep our eyes than kill T’mar.”
RIP was rather disappointed watching the camera feed. If only they had taken the suit onboard that would have (Rest In Pieces) the heart out of the Crusaders in one easy blow. Still as ploys went it had been worth a chance. If RIP had succeeded he might have been well on his way to being the squad’s new leader now, the competition was still wide open. Maybe he should have rigged the Hornet into the suit self destruct instead of the silkworms. Still RIP had been worried about accidents. At least his suggestion had been an active strategy Roid seemed content just to wait and watch, the Argon was too patient, and too defensive to make an effective leader in his opinion.
Roid was constantly scanning the satellite feeds, and multiple station camera drone patrols. He had lost the enemy scout in the debris field when a drone on auto had collided with some wreckage, and been destroyed. Roid suspected the enemy scout hadn’t gone far. Material wise the main advantage Roid considered he had was his almost perfect wide surveillance cover. The Wreckers suffered from little fog of war. The MSAC was a great decoy but still a hunk of mobile junk. Without [virtual] NRG cells it couldn’t be fired. Energy Cells was something their virtual inventory - packed though it was - with other miscellaneous items (most of which needed some form of repair) completely lacked. Well they had some but not a sufficient number. So he had been quite happy when the satellite coverage had revealed the scout probing around.
The big gun certainly looked impressive (Roid had planned to use it as a decoy from the beginning) even more so now it was marginally mobile. In the scenario his crew where Wreckers; villains who made a living out of snaring ships drawn toward the asteroid using various fake distress beacons, and other lures. Once in range the scavengers deployed their big innovation an EMP device that could temporarily shut down all equipment. A poorly locking [semi functional] tractor beam was then used to start the ships on a low velocity crash landing path. Once the targets were down the Wreckers would kill any surviving crew, and salvage the wrecks for useful, and valuable parts. Unfortunately the latest two ships were military (something they tried to avoid). With extra hardened systems, and added backups both these ships had landed softer than expected, and from the look of things retained reasonable life support. Far too many intact, and heavily armed crew had made the landfall in one piece.
Roid wondered where the idea for this synopsis came from? The Fallen Angel questioned if the Legion had encountered somebody employing similar tactics in the past? Well it was a big universe! According to the story the Wreckers once also had a ship; a super freighter which was used to trade their ill gotten gains and bring in extra supplies. Unfortunately this vessel according to the Wreckers brief had run foul of the Jihad and been captured, but not before signalling home!
It was now clear the Jihad had learned about the secret base from the Wreckers own ship or captured crew. That they had brought a Tractor along proved they planned to steal the innovative EMP device. Roid suspected the lone Jihad ship was meant to have been the only survivor from a small fleet heading for this Asteroid. His supposition being that the Jihad Fleet ran into an unexpected Crusade patrol. Escaping the fire fight the lone Jihad Marine Troop Transport ship had brought one of its opposite numbers chasing it; both ships being brought down by the wrecker EMP, which set the game up nicely, quite a convoluted synopsis if an interesting one.
Roid hoped RIP’s plan failed. With the bases position compromised to the Jihad the Wreckers needed to evacuate. They needed to take, and repair one of the downed ships. While they had many spare parts it wouldn’t do any harm to keep both vessels as intact as possible. Unfortunately the Wreckers had no single commander at present just like the Fallen Angels so it was bit of a strategic free for all. RIP had insisted on trying to remove the Crusade threat in one big boom. The explosives expert was convinced the Wreckers had enough parts to affect a repair on the Jihad ship. However, Roid had argued against putting all their hopes into one package. Roid wondered if the Wreckers happened to be on a hidden clock, was the virtual fleets still engaged in the night, would one side or another get unexpected reinforcement? Still as long as the EMP was functional any other ships according to the scenario could be crash landed as well!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Tue, 22. Apr 08, 17:02, edited 3 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 45 – Whose Plan Was This Anyway?
Sab watched the Big Gun moving off it was accompanied by three J’lann Ahl troopers. To the scouts horror the MSAC, and its attendants lifted straight up, and up into the night sky. Sab could hardly believe what he was seeing, or that he had been such a complete fool! The Scout had forgotten they were not on a planet with atmosphere, that the Cannon would be capable of full flight here. This ripped the rear out of the situation! Full of panic he decided to break communication silence, and report the disaster back direct, there was no time for message drone. The PPC MSAC was facing south this was bad news, very bad news!
“Crusade Central this is Sab the MSAC has lifted off straight up it is in free flight. Repeat free flight. Orientation GS facing towards our ship suggest immediate base evacuation!” said Sab then off communications muttered, “Fek!”
The gun stopped then tilted, and swivelling around, targeting the Wolf scouts general location. Without doubt the J’lann Ahl had zeroed in on the trace of his short comm broadcast. Sab cursed a stream, and commenced to flee away. It was unlikely the PPC fire would be able to hit a fast erratic moving target. Sab’s furthest camera drones commenced to pull back to stay within their far from unlimited link range as the scout fled. Flitting between the navigation hazards of the trees - it was a crazy flight - that risked real not just virtual death. However, the Grey Wolf was running on instinct, and instinct was screaming in his ear to flee!
The J’lann Ahl Wrecker crew on the MSAC were filled with mirth, “look at that fool run,” roared a Silver Serpent called Ebryn to his clan mates Sheer, and Dour.
“He’ll be lucky if he doesn’t spike himself,” noted Sheer, “that’s just plain foolhardy!”
“He can fly I’ll give him that,” noted Dour, “Ok he should be out of suit contact range soon, time to call out the rest of the lads!”
Back at Crusade Central all hell broke loose as everyone rushed to get away from the easy static target of their downed ship. Slapping on, and sealing their helmets, and grabbing as much gear as possible, the Crusaders raced to the airlock, and cycled themselves out. Everyone scattered intent on making distance from the incoming fire.
Sab was on a wild ride. It was taking every ounce of skill, and concentration that the pilot possessed. With complete abandon Sab powered through the infernal obstacle course. White jagged shapes rushed past in a blur, or hove suddenly into definition. Sab thrust and strafed for all he was worth. So intent was the Pilot on his forward progress that he didn’t even notice clearing the upper debris field overhead. He was focused fully on weaving the landed obstacles. Eventually Sab could see open night dead ahead, and relaxed a little - that was when he collided to spin screaming from one impact into another! Shock numbed the pain as he fell into internal darkness - Sab, and his suit were tagged (virtual) KIA. The Argon auto emergency transported to medical! The Legion - despite their threat - didn’t believe in wasting good material if they could help it!
The Crusaders eventually halted their own flight from the doomed ship base, and waited. Everyone expecting to get the data call of their ships in game virtual destruction - any second! The data didn’t come! Confused they began hunting each other down, to regroup. Finding his opposite number Amon opened up an untraceable direct beam communication.
“What happened? Why haven’t they fired?” asked Amon.
“I don’t know,” replied Bale, “maybe they are waiting for us to go back; get the Rats, and the nest in one go!”
Shunt sidled up, “Home just don’t feel so welcome anymore!” she said.
“That’s it I say now we have to go get that fekkin Cannon,” proclaimed Bale hefting the team’s gyro stabilised - self moving - PAC light support weapon by its twin control handles.
“You’re lucky they didn’t fire since you were the last to get out,” noted Amon.
“Figured we needed little Helen,” Bale said stroking the floating weapon.
Only a moron like Bale could get a hard on for a bit of hardware, and name it Helen Hell Raiser thought Shunt. Checking her team med readings on her suit Shunt spoke up, “I think we lost Sab. I started getting an electronic medical link then he just blinked out.”
Both Bale and Amon checked their command suits inbuilt tactical displays.
“I’ve got nothing, but without Satellite coverage he could just be out of range while on closed comm, and passive systems!” noted Amon.
“I’ll remote query the ship it should know,” said Bale linking in via a tight beam, “he’s gone the strategic table isn’t reading him.”
“Maybe the gun fired after all but not at us,” said Shunt her voice sounded worried.
“Maybe it did at that,” said Bale.
“I’d give a pint of blood for a Navigation Satellite,” said Amon looking about, “Tall Tale you’re the new Wolf Crusader scout go find us that fekkin Cannon.”
“Why me?” complained Tall Tale, “what did I do?”
“Stop crying, and get on with the mission well be bringing up the rear - its all out assault time,” proclaimed Amon.
“Brek you’re Rat scout,” said Bale, “Take point but don’t stray too far, let’s get into the trees that might at least confuse whatever sensors they have.”
The fifteen surviving crusaders slowly infiltrated the metal vehicle traps. The team spread out over a wide area with Amon, and Bale in the middle, Bristle, and Back Stab bringing up the rear. With the support weapon floating ahead of him - Bale was enjoying himself - something about drifting through the metal trees, staring down the triple barrels of the bulky weapon was just priceless! He activated the auto target acquisition, and periodically zoomed through the gaps in search of something to lay waste, pity it would only be light trace, he yearned to see hot metal, and spinning shrapnel.
Tall Tale was not impressed with his new role. As far as the Wolf pilot was concerned scouts were just cannon fodder, and here he was looking for the mother of all cannons. Using his singular spare camera drone he wasn’t rushing. His suit was neither as fast nor as agile as a scouts anyway, bulkier too.
He hefted his low velocity slug carbine, and scanned using its camera sight. Picking a spot he moved to that position then repeated his scans sending a seperate camera drone up above the trees to look about then retrieving it. Tall checked all round with his gun camera zooming in, and out of the gaps again using the sight. Picked another good spot then moved forward to that position stopped, released the camera drone sent it up, and scanned about, after repeating this procedure many times - he noticed - the upper overhead debris field was getting close, and would soon prevent easy air reconnaissance.
Tall was about to recall the drone when he spotted something in the distance just above the top of the tree line, and forward of the main debris field to the left flank. He zoomed the camera in - it was an odd camera angle which didn’t help - but Tall thought he had spotted target they were all looking for. After making a report he released his single message drone, and sent it off to find Amon. Soon the slightly less than double strength squad had moved up to his position.
“Right,” said Amon, “the field artillery piece has no cockpit it is operated by remote using a direct line link its operator in suits like our own.”
“If we take out the PPC’s guard,” Amon continued, “and operators all we have to do is hack in to the Big Gun’s controls, and it is ours - assuming it’s not rigged - that’s Jakes job! Simple enough we move up stealthy, flank surround, and eliminate. From Sab’s last report we are looking at a three Argon crew. Remember take out the suits not just the Pilots that way it is a two for one.”
“This is the breakdown,” stated Amon, “Daem, Brek, Fell, and Poison left flank. Tall, Lyn, Amber, Ransom right flank, Bristle, Back Stab rear guard, Bale, Shunt, Bright, and myself will hold the centre if we don’t get spotted Bale will open the action with the support PAC. We'll be moving out of the tree line so use whatever cover you can find I suggest skimming the floor sideways or on your belly if needed. Let’s go but take it slow and careful this isn’t a race!”
The units moved off Poison and Ransom on the extreme left, and right respectfully moving ahead, followed by Fell, and Amber, then Brek, and Lyn. Daem, and Tall Tale were at the base of the horns linking the flanks to the centre. In the centre Bright, and Bale stood with a little separation, but parallel. Behind the latter two stalwarts followed Amon, and Shunt. Bristle, and Back Stab keeping pace even further behind - these last two - frequently turning around to face the opposite direction, monitored the actions rear.
Poison, and Ransom soon came to the edge of the trees. Forward the ground rose towards a rise upon which rested the mighty Cannon. Just as the Crusaders had expected three J’lann Ahl were crewing the weapon, two on watch, one seemingly doing nothing. Poison lifted up his carbine, and scanned around he had little desire to break cover.
The Cannon’s position seemed suspiciously idiotic either: the J’lann were complete fools, or it was a trap! The gun was just too close to the cover of the tree line, and what was it doing resting on an exposed crest. While Poison considered these tactical short fallings the artillery piece started moving slipping over to the other side of the rise followed by its operator at a walking pace. The two guards drifting idly after! Poison cursed wondering if he should have just taken them down - targets of opportunity - but something just didn’t smell right he was sure the J’lann were playing some kind of game.
High above deep in the black - linked by closed beam communications - the J’lann Ahl Wreckers moved behind the Crusaders. Purposely the J'lann fell slowly landward through gaps that appeared as if by magic in the debris field. Certain large pieces - remotely guided - drifted aside acting as specific doors. Silently the Wrecker combatants rained unseen into the so-called trees (the anti vehicle devices).
Poison sent a camera drone up the ridge after the retreating artillery piece. The Rat wished to scout what lay beyond, and see whether or not the enemy was pulling out. The camera revealed a fairly steep sided crater with a flat floor. Set up at its centre was a partially camouflaged depot with various crates, and barrels beside the wreckage of a low G surface vehicle. Among the edge of the stores was a spill of what looked like oxygen tanks. Having pulled back the MSAC halted, and it looked like the crew began fussing around.
Still feeling a little uncomfortable, but less so than before Poison broke cover. The Rat began to flank the craters ridge. Everyone else followed in his wake in a wide arc. Flipping on his side Poison moved on - the whole formation started expanding out to encompass the feature - like an elastic band.
Bright, and Bale broke the tree line, and moved directly forward. Behind them Amon and Shunt broke cover. At the rear Bristle halted catching a glimmer of something that looked like movement. The Wolf ducked behind a tree, and raised his carbine scanning. Bristle saw it again, then more, multiple targets closing.
“Suit, Combat Comm link,” Bristle ordered, “Multiple hostiles to our rear in the trees, repeat hostile contact to our rear,” as he yelled this Bristle emptied a burst of low velocity fire at one suit that winked out as a KIA.
The Wolf zipped to the side. Light trace was erupting all over the show. Back Stab was turning when he was blown away by two separate streams of fire, and vanished to debrief.
Out in the clear the rest of the lads were half way to the ridge when the call came out. There was momentary confusion while the Crusaders looked back at the tree cover, and forward to the ridge.
Bale broke the units indecision by yelling out, “Over the top,” lying flat behind his bulky weapon Bale skimmed the apex, and commenced laying down a mass of suppressing light trace into the crater.
The three enemy targets had all found cover: one was behind the Cannon, another behind the Vehicle, the third somewhere unknown? Poison erupted over the rise almost to the rear, and took out Sheer (who was nesting behind the wreck) hastily taking that position for him self.
Ransom on the far right flank tried a similar manoeuvre with the hostile near the PPC, but misjudged his drift. Ransom’s suit scraped the surface of the ridge causing it to spin slightly, his fire went wild.
Amon was shot in the back of the head from the tree line before he managed to make cover, and was transported out of his suit KIA. The suit taking more fire transported milliseconds after. Shunt just about made it over the ridge, and spun around flat on her belly. The medic returned fire over the crest lifting her weapon over her head using the camera for aim. Unfortunately the enemy had good cover, and so her fire just acted as suppression. Jake made it to ground beside her, and grinning joined in by doing the same.
Tall didn’t make it he was cut down on the right flank, and vanished but ahead of him both Lyn, and Amber sailed (on their bellies) into cover. On the left flank everyone arrived alive, but Daem took a virtual hit to his shoulder, and was deemed a (non combatant surviving casualty) his suit virtually self sealed.
Poison took out Ebryn the J’lann that Ransom had missed, but not before ransom was riddled by the same. Both Ransom, and his killer winked out.
Back in the trees Bristle decided - against these odds - flight was the better part of valour, and tried to flee right to the enemies advance. Well he mused if they gave chase it would lighten the overall assault numbers. If he was lucky he might even be able to slip behind the enemy to do some real damage. Bristle, and Wreath saw each other, and fired almost instantaneously both combatants still a little wide eyed - at the freak encounter - flared out to debrief.
Poison although he was in cover was far from happy, he knew one enemy in the crater was still missing. Poisons back was feeling exposed! He suspected the Fekker had to be hiding among the supplies, but didn’t want to be the fool to go poking around for him. Preferring to wait, and watch, Poison didn’t believe in being a hero he believed in surviving! Above the ridge light trace was flying every direction - laser fireworks - streaming over the top of the crater.
Bale was now laying suppressing fire back at the trees with his PAC poking it just over the ridge. He called out, “Jake I think we need that cursed cannon we could bombard the Feks into oblivion, hell it would even make reasonable - mobile - cover, go take a look. The rest of us can keep their heads down.”
Jake scooted over and started examining the surface of the weapon carefully. He quickly realised the hopper was empty of E-Cells, and full of Warhead. As Jake looked in - a sensor looked out – Jake (registering as a hostile) activated the RIP special. It was Game Over for the last of the Crusaders in a nuclear inferno!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 45 – Whose Plan Was This Anyway?
Sab watched the Big Gun moving off it was accompanied by three J’lann Ahl troopers. To the scouts horror the MSAC, and its attendants lifted straight up, and up into the night sky. Sab could hardly believe what he was seeing, or that he had been such a complete fool! The Scout had forgotten they were not on a planet with atmosphere, that the Cannon would be capable of full flight here. This ripped the rear out of the situation! Full of panic he decided to break communication silence, and report the disaster back direct, there was no time for message drone. The PPC MSAC was facing south this was bad news, very bad news!
“Crusade Central this is Sab the MSAC has lifted off straight up it is in free flight. Repeat free flight. Orientation GS facing towards our ship suggest immediate base evacuation!” said Sab then off communications muttered, “Fek!”
The gun stopped then tilted, and swivelling around, targeting the Wolf scouts general location. Without doubt the J’lann Ahl had zeroed in on the trace of his short comm broadcast. Sab cursed a stream, and commenced to flee away. It was unlikely the PPC fire would be able to hit a fast erratic moving target. Sab’s furthest camera drones commenced to pull back to stay within their far from unlimited link range as the scout fled. Flitting between the navigation hazards of the trees - it was a crazy flight - that risked real not just virtual death. However, the Grey Wolf was running on instinct, and instinct was screaming in his ear to flee!
The J’lann Ahl Wrecker crew on the MSAC were filled with mirth, “look at that fool run,” roared a Silver Serpent called Ebryn to his clan mates Sheer, and Dour.
“He’ll be lucky if he doesn’t spike himself,” noted Sheer, “that’s just plain foolhardy!”
“He can fly I’ll give him that,” noted Dour, “Ok he should be out of suit contact range soon, time to call out the rest of the lads!”
Back at Crusade Central all hell broke loose as everyone rushed to get away from the easy static target of their downed ship. Slapping on, and sealing their helmets, and grabbing as much gear as possible, the Crusaders raced to the airlock, and cycled themselves out. Everyone scattered intent on making distance from the incoming fire.
Sab was on a wild ride. It was taking every ounce of skill, and concentration that the pilot possessed. With complete abandon Sab powered through the infernal obstacle course. White jagged shapes rushed past in a blur, or hove suddenly into definition. Sab thrust and strafed for all he was worth. So intent was the Pilot on his forward progress that he didn’t even notice clearing the upper debris field overhead. He was focused fully on weaving the landed obstacles. Eventually Sab could see open night dead ahead, and relaxed a little - that was when he collided to spin screaming from one impact into another! Shock numbed the pain as he fell into internal darkness - Sab, and his suit were tagged (virtual) KIA. The Argon auto emergency transported to medical! The Legion - despite their threat - didn’t believe in wasting good material if they could help it!
The Crusaders eventually halted their own flight from the doomed ship base, and waited. Everyone expecting to get the data call of their ships in game virtual destruction - any second! The data didn’t come! Confused they began hunting each other down, to regroup. Finding his opposite number Amon opened up an untraceable direct beam communication.
“What happened? Why haven’t they fired?” asked Amon.
“I don’t know,” replied Bale, “maybe they are waiting for us to go back; get the Rats, and the nest in one go!”
Shunt sidled up, “Home just don’t feel so welcome anymore!” she said.
“That’s it I say now we have to go get that fekkin Cannon,” proclaimed Bale hefting the team’s gyro stabilised - self moving - PAC light support weapon by its twin control handles.
“You’re lucky they didn’t fire since you were the last to get out,” noted Amon.
“Figured we needed little Helen,” Bale said stroking the floating weapon.
Only a moron like Bale could get a hard on for a bit of hardware, and name it Helen Hell Raiser thought Shunt. Checking her team med readings on her suit Shunt spoke up, “I think we lost Sab. I started getting an electronic medical link then he just blinked out.”
Both Bale and Amon checked their command suits inbuilt tactical displays.
“I’ve got nothing, but without Satellite coverage he could just be out of range while on closed comm, and passive systems!” noted Amon.
“I’ll remote query the ship it should know,” said Bale linking in via a tight beam, “he’s gone the strategic table isn’t reading him.”
“Maybe the gun fired after all but not at us,” said Shunt her voice sounded worried.
“Maybe it did at that,” said Bale.
“I’d give a pint of blood for a Navigation Satellite,” said Amon looking about, “Tall Tale you’re the new Wolf Crusader scout go find us that fekkin Cannon.”
“Why me?” complained Tall Tale, “what did I do?”
“Stop crying, and get on with the mission well be bringing up the rear - its all out assault time,” proclaimed Amon.
“Brek you’re Rat scout,” said Bale, “Take point but don’t stray too far, let’s get into the trees that might at least confuse whatever sensors they have.”
The fifteen surviving crusaders slowly infiltrated the metal vehicle traps. The team spread out over a wide area with Amon, and Bale in the middle, Bristle, and Back Stab bringing up the rear. With the support weapon floating ahead of him - Bale was enjoying himself - something about drifting through the metal trees, staring down the triple barrels of the bulky weapon was just priceless! He activated the auto target acquisition, and periodically zoomed through the gaps in search of something to lay waste, pity it would only be light trace, he yearned to see hot metal, and spinning shrapnel.
Tall Tale was not impressed with his new role. As far as the Wolf pilot was concerned scouts were just cannon fodder, and here he was looking for the mother of all cannons. Using his singular spare camera drone he wasn’t rushing. His suit was neither as fast nor as agile as a scouts anyway, bulkier too.
He hefted his low velocity slug carbine, and scanned using its camera sight. Picking a spot he moved to that position then repeated his scans sending a seperate camera drone up above the trees to look about then retrieving it. Tall checked all round with his gun camera zooming in, and out of the gaps again using the sight. Picked another good spot then moved forward to that position stopped, released the camera drone sent it up, and scanned about, after repeating this procedure many times - he noticed - the upper overhead debris field was getting close, and would soon prevent easy air reconnaissance.
Tall was about to recall the drone when he spotted something in the distance just above the top of the tree line, and forward of the main debris field to the left flank. He zoomed the camera in - it was an odd camera angle which didn’t help - but Tall thought he had spotted target they were all looking for. After making a report he released his single message drone, and sent it off to find Amon. Soon the slightly less than double strength squad had moved up to his position.
“Right,” said Amon, “the field artillery piece has no cockpit it is operated by remote using a direct line link its operator in suits like our own.”
“If we take out the PPC’s guard,” Amon continued, “and operators all we have to do is hack in to the Big Gun’s controls, and it is ours - assuming it’s not rigged - that’s Jakes job! Simple enough we move up stealthy, flank surround, and eliminate. From Sab’s last report we are looking at a three Argon crew. Remember take out the suits not just the Pilots that way it is a two for one.”
“This is the breakdown,” stated Amon, “Daem, Brek, Fell, and Poison left flank. Tall, Lyn, Amber, Ransom right flank, Bristle, Back Stab rear guard, Bale, Shunt, Bright, and myself will hold the centre if we don’t get spotted Bale will open the action with the support PAC. We'll be moving out of the tree line so use whatever cover you can find I suggest skimming the floor sideways or on your belly if needed. Let’s go but take it slow and careful this isn’t a race!”
The units moved off Poison and Ransom on the extreme left, and right respectfully moving ahead, followed by Fell, and Amber, then Brek, and Lyn. Daem, and Tall Tale were at the base of the horns linking the flanks to the centre. In the centre Bright, and Bale stood with a little separation, but parallel. Behind the latter two stalwarts followed Amon, and Shunt. Bristle, and Back Stab keeping pace even further behind - these last two - frequently turning around to face the opposite direction, monitored the actions rear.
Poison, and Ransom soon came to the edge of the trees. Forward the ground rose towards a rise upon which rested the mighty Cannon. Just as the Crusaders had expected three J’lann Ahl were crewing the weapon, two on watch, one seemingly doing nothing. Poison lifted up his carbine, and scanned around he had little desire to break cover.
The Cannon’s position seemed suspiciously idiotic either: the J’lann were complete fools, or it was a trap! The gun was just too close to the cover of the tree line, and what was it doing resting on an exposed crest. While Poison considered these tactical short fallings the artillery piece started moving slipping over to the other side of the rise followed by its operator at a walking pace. The two guards drifting idly after! Poison cursed wondering if he should have just taken them down - targets of opportunity - but something just didn’t smell right he was sure the J’lann were playing some kind of game.
High above deep in the black - linked by closed beam communications - the J’lann Ahl Wreckers moved behind the Crusaders. Purposely the J'lann fell slowly landward through gaps that appeared as if by magic in the debris field. Certain large pieces - remotely guided - drifted aside acting as specific doors. Silently the Wrecker combatants rained unseen into the so-called trees (the anti vehicle devices).
Poison sent a camera drone up the ridge after the retreating artillery piece. The Rat wished to scout what lay beyond, and see whether or not the enemy was pulling out. The camera revealed a fairly steep sided crater with a flat floor. Set up at its centre was a partially camouflaged depot with various crates, and barrels beside the wreckage of a low G surface vehicle. Among the edge of the stores was a spill of what looked like oxygen tanks. Having pulled back the MSAC halted, and it looked like the crew began fussing around.
Still feeling a little uncomfortable, but less so than before Poison broke cover. The Rat began to flank the craters ridge. Everyone else followed in his wake in a wide arc. Flipping on his side Poison moved on - the whole formation started expanding out to encompass the feature - like an elastic band.
Bright, and Bale broke the tree line, and moved directly forward. Behind them Amon and Shunt broke cover. At the rear Bristle halted catching a glimmer of something that looked like movement. The Wolf ducked behind a tree, and raised his carbine scanning. Bristle saw it again, then more, multiple targets closing.
“Suit, Combat Comm link,” Bristle ordered, “Multiple hostiles to our rear in the trees, repeat hostile contact to our rear,” as he yelled this Bristle emptied a burst of low velocity fire at one suit that winked out as a KIA.
The Wolf zipped to the side. Light trace was erupting all over the show. Back Stab was turning when he was blown away by two separate streams of fire, and vanished to debrief.
Out in the clear the rest of the lads were half way to the ridge when the call came out. There was momentary confusion while the Crusaders looked back at the tree cover, and forward to the ridge.
Bale broke the units indecision by yelling out, “Over the top,” lying flat behind his bulky weapon Bale skimmed the apex, and commenced laying down a mass of suppressing light trace into the crater.
The three enemy targets had all found cover: one was behind the Cannon, another behind the Vehicle, the third somewhere unknown? Poison erupted over the rise almost to the rear, and took out Sheer (who was nesting behind the wreck) hastily taking that position for him self.
Ransom on the far right flank tried a similar manoeuvre with the hostile near the PPC, but misjudged his drift. Ransom’s suit scraped the surface of the ridge causing it to spin slightly, his fire went wild.
Amon was shot in the back of the head from the tree line before he managed to make cover, and was transported out of his suit KIA. The suit taking more fire transported milliseconds after. Shunt just about made it over the ridge, and spun around flat on her belly. The medic returned fire over the crest lifting her weapon over her head using the camera for aim. Unfortunately the enemy had good cover, and so her fire just acted as suppression. Jake made it to ground beside her, and grinning joined in by doing the same.
Tall didn’t make it he was cut down on the right flank, and vanished but ahead of him both Lyn, and Amber sailed (on their bellies) into cover. On the left flank everyone arrived alive, but Daem took a virtual hit to his shoulder, and was deemed a (non combatant surviving casualty) his suit virtually self sealed.
Poison took out Ebryn the J’lann that Ransom had missed, but not before ransom was riddled by the same. Both Ransom, and his killer winked out.
Back in the trees Bristle decided - against these odds - flight was the better part of valour, and tried to flee right to the enemies advance. Well he mused if they gave chase it would lighten the overall assault numbers. If he was lucky he might even be able to slip behind the enemy to do some real damage. Bristle, and Wreath saw each other, and fired almost instantaneously both combatants still a little wide eyed - at the freak encounter - flared out to debrief.
Poison although he was in cover was far from happy, he knew one enemy in the crater was still missing. Poisons back was feeling exposed! He suspected the Fekker had to be hiding among the supplies, but didn’t want to be the fool to go poking around for him. Preferring to wait, and watch, Poison didn’t believe in being a hero he believed in surviving! Above the ridge light trace was flying every direction - laser fireworks - streaming over the top of the crater.
Bale was now laying suppressing fire back at the trees with his PAC poking it just over the ridge. He called out, “Jake I think we need that cursed cannon we could bombard the Feks into oblivion, hell it would even make reasonable - mobile - cover, go take a look. The rest of us can keep their heads down.”
Jake scooted over and started examining the surface of the weapon carefully. He quickly realised the hopper was empty of E-Cells, and full of Warhead. As Jake looked in - a sensor looked out – Jake (registering as a hostile) activated the RIP special. It was Game Over for the last of the Crusaders in a nuclear inferno!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Tue, 22. Apr 08, 18:48, edited 4 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 46 – Aftershocks
RIP smiled after debrief he would be tally rich. The Fallen Angels role in the operation had met with overall success. The plan had worked beautifully with just a few hitches. Despite the scheme being Roid’s RIP would still be credited with a third of all the explosive kills. Given the numbers this was a substantive figure. The Fallen Angel had never - for example - imagined they would wipe out almost the whole Crusader unit with the Cannon Decoy Hornet. Originally RIP expected Dour to eliminate just a decent sized assault team when he activated the warhead.
OK they had lost two men Ebryn, and Sheer but those guards had known the risks. They were to have been Goner Transported out to the underground bunker (the inoperable old TS) that lay buried in a covered pit beneath an area of fake Depot Crater surface. The rescue occurring at an appropriate moment after the Crusaders had been lured in, that the guards failed to survive long enough for extraction, well that was their own fault. They should have bunched together to watch each other’s rear? Instead both Serpents faced forward, and were easily flanked and gunned down.
Dour had full control of the explosive device both the last moment arming of the close up hostile sensor, and a secondary direct fire button just in case - Dour - once securely under cover from sight - almost too late had evacuated to the craters still shielded underground bunker. The Goner Transport Device was obviously faster than messing with the - makeshift - hatch. The one concealed by the supplies. As well as bomb control, it was Dour’s job to initiate Ebryn, and Sheers own GTD to safety. Lastly the Serpent had to monitor the Crater via camera drone keeping a proper head count on the enemy!
Initially Dour had not performed well in fact he had almost blown the entire trap! Too obviously Dour revealed the Gun right up on the ridge crest. The Serpent also - in the process - needlessly exposed himself, and his team to potential fire. Neither foolish action had been required by Roid’s subtler scheme. Sooner or later the Crusade would have located the supply dump the Cannon and its crew - without the need of any bumbling assistance; there had been no requirement to hurry this process along. It was just a waiting game.
RIP wondered why Dour had been so rash, was the Serpent really that impatient? As a result the Argon given responsibility for the triggering the device had barely made it back in time to cover in order to secretly GTD to the bunker. Dour should have held a position just a few metres away from that objective. RIP planned to have serious words with the Silver Serpent. RIP belatedly felt like an idiot for relying on an unknown (a non Fallen Angel) in this position - an important lesson well learned!
RIP also suspected - if Dour had followed instructions - Ebryn and Sheer might have survived. Once the Crusade had infiltrated the Crater the two guards could have been immediately transported to safety, and the device fired. RIP wondered had Dour hung his compatriots out to dry? Maybe Dour had a real world agenda, some secret personal grudge against his fellows; otherwise why play with his teammates virtual lives? Why take the earlier suicidal risks on the ridge? Why all the deviation from the well considered, and adjusted plan?
Maybe it was something else could this damned individual have a subliminal death wish, and a desire to take others with him? Dour had been quick to volunteer for the dangerous assignment. RIP wondered should he suggest the Fortress Commander run a psyche profile on the Argon. Even his name suggested something - while few of the lads were exactly bubbling with joy - Dour clearly had issues even his mates had noticed! The Argon was the Serpents prime bomber too, depression, and explosives not a good combination. RIP believed blowing stuff up should always be fun, if only Amber had been on his team that Wolf was a spirit of fire like himself!
While RIP was musing on the Crusades engagement Roid was thinking about another boom the - ultimate - virtual destruction of the Wreckers Base! Aware that the Wreckers were fully engaged against the Crusade with only a token force protecting there home (in fact it was totally abandoned) the Jihad had struck. Not being exactly masters of deviousness they employed a massed assault directly against the Tower. Even these fools had not dared the obvious route way of Highway 101. The Jihad like the Crusade had spied out the minefield being laid. Well it was almost deliberately leaked intelligence. Roid had already suspected that both parties knew about this. How could they not given the proximity of the spying scouts he had been content just to monitor? In a way the surface explosives was another attempt to fixate the Wreckers enemies on the surface rather than deeper space. What Roid feared most was the loss of his satellite coverage; the enemies’ eyes turned toward to the dark.
The Jihad ran straight for the Tower in a ground hugging infantry assault. It was almost a surprise that they even used the craters, and ridges for partial cover. At least they made some reasonable use of their two portable shield devices. The Tower unleashed its various automatic defences - all pre programmed - including several missiles to some small bombarding effect. However the Towers base was inevitably reached by the front line of the assault. The lower entrance soon breached via virtual demolition charges.
A small team entered behind one portable shield, and took out the automatic IRE. At this point maybe the Jihad convinced themselves the attack was going well, but they were momentarily slaughtered after passing over a RIP under deck booby trap. It was a senseless cull but the Jihad insisted on continuing their mindless base infiltration; focused beyond reason on capturing the EMP device! After taking a ridiculous number of casualties a few somewhat ragged wild-eyed survivors finally made it to the EMP chamber. The temporary victory simply initiated the Towers full immediate self-destruct. The Jihad was effectively broken with the Tower itself. Roid had been happy to sacrifice the tower, and the device because according to his brief - now that their secret bases position was fully compromised - the Wreckers had little choice but to evacuate.
The only remaining map Grid North forces - notably the Jihads reserve Land Tractor team, and a few non-fatally injured - banding together returned to their base. There the remnant committed one of two final acts (of desperation) the first was a petty revenge, they self-destructed their own ship to prevent its capture. Then secondly they tried to seize the Crusade vessel in order to withdraw, since the EMP objective was destroyed there was no point in staying. However, by this time the Crusade ship was firmly in the evacuating Wreckers hands. The last of the Jihad were taken out in a minor firefight sandwiched between the Wreckers advanced Crusader ship guards, and the main incoming battle group.
Checking their surviving virtual supplies, and other available salvage materials, Roid was delighted to discover they could still repair the lone intact ship. Completing the mechanical fixes the Wrecker team initiated their final virtual flight off the asteroid. The exhaustive training exercise was finally over - in total - they had lost only five of their eighteen Argon crew; the last two deaths the product of a small booby trap left behind by Amber. Roid was not surprised his faction had won the conflict. Without doubt the Powers had given the Wreckers many advantages: the best resources, intelligence, and they were on home ground. Nonetheless, the other teams could have done a lot better if they had taken off their blinkers. Could one of the other teams have won perhaps, but it would have been a costly victory.
Roid was still surprised at many of the rudimentary errors the opposition had made. For a start they had simply failed to think fully in three dimensions - a real surprise from space fighter jocks. Because there was a land surface they had all hugged it - like flightless bugs - instead of making really good use of the surrounding deep space (only his own team had gone deep, and dropped in behind for example). Nobody had looked for, or attempted to destroy the Wreckers high up advanced satellites either. Instead they had operated under plain view of their enemies’ eyes during all their operations – shameful!
Many other short fallings would no doubt be picked out, and alternative decisions drilled home. This was how the ‘Legion of the Damned’ debriefings worked. Roid suspected the Squad Leaders were in for some stiff criticism, and heavy tally hits. The Legion liked to let the crews make their own mistakes first, then point out tactics they might have applied. It was a good system. When you are killed in an exercise it makes you sit up and take notice. The desire to survive made for a ready acceptance of alternative options, and suggestions. Roid was quite impressed with the Legions overall training strategy!
The Fallen Angels (new) Squad Leader wondered what mistakes the Legion would delineate in his nominal leadership choices during their critique of the exercise. What had he failed to do well? Certainly Roid had lost the EMP device perhaps he should have made an effort to salvage that? Roid supposed he could have tried harder to secure both ships also, instead of losing the Jihads to a self-destruct? Nonetheless, the Fallen Angel was still convinced that his forces - at that point - would have been stretched too thin by splitting for another assault.
Lastly Roid wondered had he relied too much on the errors of the others rather than aggressive initiatives of his own. Basically his whole strategy had been traps. What if the bait had not been taken? RIP had berated Roid for his passivity, was the explosives expert right? Well these were all matters for careful consideration, and deep thought! He believed he had played according to the rules of his factions’ limitations. Once Roid realised the wider Jihad knew of his base, and the EMP the Wreckers evacuation was inevitable. Even if they defeated the current invasion they could not hope to wage an all out war. The Wreckers were criminals not a nation. Given these facts from Roid’s point of view it had been a truly successful operation!
Bale had to admit he had messed up big time. From early on he had considered the possibility that the Cannon might be rigged. For some reason he was still coming to terms with he had still sent Jake in to mess with the equipment. Worse still was his timing - his whole group together nearby - and pinned under fire, stupid! Giving it some thought Bale came to the conclusion he had been fooled by the proximity of the J’lann Ahl (or as he now knew them the Wrecker) guards. He had thought if it was just a big trap these Argons would not have attempted to defend the position. When he learned about the hidden underground TS bunker, and the ready Goner Transport Device he realised he had been utterly played. Still he also now knew the bomb would likely have been set off anyway by remote, even if Jake had not triggered it. He was not sure why the Wrecker had delayed doing this. Could Dour have been waiting for the rear guards slain in the woods? Maybe the trigger controller had paused to count heads?
Bale also couldn’t believe he hadn’t considered the cannon to be fully vertically mobile (all his old ground pounding AVR games had been in atmosphere, but that was no excuse). He also with hindsight was surprised he hadn’t smelt a rat when the beast didn’t actually fire on the Crusade Ship. Nor should he have let his troops be herded into the crater, and he had led that charge (that wouldn’t be easy to live down). The Rat squad leader even before his debrief realised he had made many, many critical failures of judgement.
Poison was feeling rather uncomfortable too. He had been aware of the missing third Wrecker but had refused to investigate because of personal risk. If he had found the hatch might it have made a difference? No, they were probably doomed as soon as they took shelter in the crater (but he had distrusted that too) and ignored his instincts! They should have turned, and charged back into the trees - engaged the enemy force that had been at their rear - close up and personal. It would have been costly, but they would have had a chance!
Amon was glad he hadn’t led his crew directly into the crater, for what that was worth, he felt bad enough as it was. On the instant Amon had failed to make a command decision caught briefly between the two alternatives. Fear of / desire for the Cannon had been an issue against the unknown ground, fear of the unknown strength of the encroaching enemy against the familiar trees. Bale being decisive - if unwise - had leaped into the command gap. Bale had taken away any other option but the continuance of the crater assault. Amon also realised he hadn’t used the deep properly at all.
The Wreckers falling down from the sky behind him was not something Amon had really considered. Of course he had been fooled by the bloody overhead debris field, but he might have guessed the locals would have some way to use this to their advantage. Something beyond mere physical obstruction! When he heard about the slightly mobile wrecks - the doors - Amon had to admit it was genius! Still if he had even kept one scout up in the deep dark. Also the enemy’s full Satellite coverage had been left unopposed. No wonder Roid had time to consider his actions he was watching every move his opponents made.
R&S was glad the exercise was over. As far as he was concerned the whole thing had been rigged against him from the start! His mission was capturing the EMP, and that he had tried to do. The fact that the Wreckers base had proved just about impregnable was hardly his fault. It was a stupid scenario anyway! No way would he have attacked that Tower for some dumb bit of kit in real life! R&S was sure the Powers would maul his Monkeys over their performance, but they could just go and swivel. They had saddled him with Simple too - lets face it the name said it all - no wonder they had their butts kicked.
Simple had decided there was no way he was ever going to go along with any scheme - cooked up - by R&S in the future! The Green Monkey Leader had intimidated the Blood Hawks commander into a subservient role; the fekker was out of control. R&S had cowed him by sheer aggression, and brutal charisma, but never again! Simple liked things straight forward, and uncomplicated - not stupid and suicidal - he would just have to stand up to the maniac, and his gross band of desperados!
Slink was beginning to think he didn’t want to be a scout anymore at least not in suit operations. The only thing worse than getting killed in an exercise, was getting killed and not even seeing it coming! He hated snipers partially because as a scout he was now frequently designated as one himself. Slink knew too well how easy it was just to pick somebody off. It would be different under atmosphere but even powered zero gravity suits were just so rigid you were just a bobbing target. You couldn’t snuggle up to the ground or lean against a solid barrier you always had to keep some distance or risk damage. The idea of doing this for real filled him with dread, he wanted his ship back. Slink prayed - to the spirits of the infamous dead - that these particular training exercises remained just that, exercises.
Scar considered he had just been a bit unlucky. Next time he would make sure he shot any suspicious suits at an even greater distance. Suit combat was a risky business. It was obvious the Legion liked to keep its troops up to date - sharp in all the disciplines - but zero gravity marine actions were likely to be pretty rare; thank the lords of misrule! Chances were out in the field suits would be just one option - among many - Scar knew (given any choice) it would be his option of last resort!
Back Stab wasn’t impressed at being taken out by his own favourite tactic. Rear guard could be even more dangerous than point especially in a suit. He hoped Bale didn’t plan on keeping him there in these operations.
Ransom decided he needed more suit time. He could have sworn he had a good vector but had clipped the ridge. Probably the damn camera view skew was responsible for his crash - still the options had been - go low, and risk collision, or go high and risk incoming fire from behind. Still Bale had led them all into disaster anyway. Ransom knew even if he hadn’t been shot he would have been blown up with all the rest. He wondered was it time the pack had a new leader. Including ‘Freedom Station’ Bale had been making some poor choices. Ransom decided his squad’s leadership was something to think about!
Bristle was more concerned that his comrades would discover he had almost gone AWOL during the exercise than anything else. He wondered if he had got clear would he have stalked the enemy rear or just fled into cover. Bristle honestly didn’t know the answer, in the exercise - perhaps he would have played the hero - but for real?
Tall hoped that temporary scout designation was a one off. The tale spinner had no desire to fill the gap left by Sab not even temporarily. Only insane Argon wanted to be scouts. Amon better not be getting any ideas Tall enjoyed his life even the Fortress had its pleasures and distractions.
Lyn and Amber had both decided they didn’t like being commanded by Bale. They were Wolves not Rats. They planned to confront Amon, they were sure their own leader would - given a few milliseconds more - have decided on the trees instead of the crater. This joint leadership gig in mixed operations was in their eyes bad news.
Shunt was primarily concerned about Sab since he was a real injury not a virtual one. She worried the Legion was pushing too hard. Shunt saw more accidents even perhaps real fatalities were looming in their immediate future. At least they had used a GTD on Sab Shunt wondered just how readily the Navy would spend their new assets.
Daem felt almost like he really had been wounded then blasted into oblivion. He was feeling pretty sure his number was up. He just wanted to get numb on weed or booze and try to forget about it for a little while, some hope!
Fell found herself questioning Bales leadership. Everything was going wrong for the Rats. Bale seemed intent on dragging them all into the final dark of the Reapers Passage. Fell had been talking with Ransom, and felt her less than deep loyalty to Bale was wavering. It would be interesting to see how the Legion evaluated their current default commander’s actions.
Sab wasn’t thinking about very much he was out cold in intensive medical care. The Wolf scout had been badly battered, not to mention impaled in several places, and briefly exposed to hard vacuum. The overall prognosis was good but Sab wouldn’t be back in the saddle for a few cycles.
Peeps’ was now far from happy about being ten tally points in debt to Eagle Eye. Having been roundly thrashed; both the Green Monkeys, and the Blood Hawks had little to celebrate tally wise. Any meagre gains were more than offset by serious losses. Peeps was feeling embittered. The Powers had favoured the Fallen Angels, and the Silver Serpents. The game had been rigged and he didn’t like it!
Eagle Eye was developing an extreme distaste for all the Monkeys they were only good for one thing - cannon fodder! If Simple didn’t start standing up to that sick scum bucket (R&S) the lads were going to be very unhappy! The Blood Hawks had been decimated at Freedom, but EE would even trust the new recruits over any one of the well-known Apes. They were slime and not even bright with it just: dangerous, vicious, and ruthless!
X3 fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 46 – Aftershocks
RIP smiled after debrief he would be tally rich. The Fallen Angels role in the operation had met with overall success. The plan had worked beautifully with just a few hitches. Despite the scheme being Roid’s RIP would still be credited with a third of all the explosive kills. Given the numbers this was a substantive figure. The Fallen Angel had never - for example - imagined they would wipe out almost the whole Crusader unit with the Cannon Decoy Hornet. Originally RIP expected Dour to eliminate just a decent sized assault team when he activated the warhead.
OK they had lost two men Ebryn, and Sheer but those guards had known the risks. They were to have been Goner Transported out to the underground bunker (the inoperable old TS) that lay buried in a covered pit beneath an area of fake Depot Crater surface. The rescue occurring at an appropriate moment after the Crusaders had been lured in, that the guards failed to survive long enough for extraction, well that was their own fault. They should have bunched together to watch each other’s rear? Instead both Serpents faced forward, and were easily flanked and gunned down.
Dour had full control of the explosive device both the last moment arming of the close up hostile sensor, and a secondary direct fire button just in case - Dour - once securely under cover from sight - almost too late had evacuated to the craters still shielded underground bunker. The Goner Transport Device was obviously faster than messing with the - makeshift - hatch. The one concealed by the supplies. As well as bomb control, it was Dour’s job to initiate Ebryn, and Sheers own GTD to safety. Lastly the Serpent had to monitor the Crater via camera drone keeping a proper head count on the enemy!
Initially Dour had not performed well in fact he had almost blown the entire trap! Too obviously Dour revealed the Gun right up on the ridge crest. The Serpent also - in the process - needlessly exposed himself, and his team to potential fire. Neither foolish action had been required by Roid’s subtler scheme. Sooner or later the Crusade would have located the supply dump the Cannon and its crew - without the need of any bumbling assistance; there had been no requirement to hurry this process along. It was just a waiting game.
RIP wondered why Dour had been so rash, was the Serpent really that impatient? As a result the Argon given responsibility for the triggering the device had barely made it back in time to cover in order to secretly GTD to the bunker. Dour should have held a position just a few metres away from that objective. RIP planned to have serious words with the Silver Serpent. RIP belatedly felt like an idiot for relying on an unknown (a non Fallen Angel) in this position - an important lesson well learned!
RIP also suspected - if Dour had followed instructions - Ebryn and Sheer might have survived. Once the Crusade had infiltrated the Crater the two guards could have been immediately transported to safety, and the device fired. RIP wondered had Dour hung his compatriots out to dry? Maybe Dour had a real world agenda, some secret personal grudge against his fellows; otherwise why play with his teammates virtual lives? Why take the earlier suicidal risks on the ridge? Why all the deviation from the well considered, and adjusted plan?
Maybe it was something else could this damned individual have a subliminal death wish, and a desire to take others with him? Dour had been quick to volunteer for the dangerous assignment. RIP wondered should he suggest the Fortress Commander run a psyche profile on the Argon. Even his name suggested something - while few of the lads were exactly bubbling with joy - Dour clearly had issues even his mates had noticed! The Argon was the Serpents prime bomber too, depression, and explosives not a good combination. RIP believed blowing stuff up should always be fun, if only Amber had been on his team that Wolf was a spirit of fire like himself!
While RIP was musing on the Crusades engagement Roid was thinking about another boom the - ultimate - virtual destruction of the Wreckers Base! Aware that the Wreckers were fully engaged against the Crusade with only a token force protecting there home (in fact it was totally abandoned) the Jihad had struck. Not being exactly masters of deviousness they employed a massed assault directly against the Tower. Even these fools had not dared the obvious route way of Highway 101. The Jihad like the Crusade had spied out the minefield being laid. Well it was almost deliberately leaked intelligence. Roid had already suspected that both parties knew about this. How could they not given the proximity of the spying scouts he had been content just to monitor? In a way the surface explosives was another attempt to fixate the Wreckers enemies on the surface rather than deeper space. What Roid feared most was the loss of his satellite coverage; the enemies’ eyes turned toward to the dark.
The Jihad ran straight for the Tower in a ground hugging infantry assault. It was almost a surprise that they even used the craters, and ridges for partial cover. At least they made some reasonable use of their two portable shield devices. The Tower unleashed its various automatic defences - all pre programmed - including several missiles to some small bombarding effect. However the Towers base was inevitably reached by the front line of the assault. The lower entrance soon breached via virtual demolition charges.
A small team entered behind one portable shield, and took out the automatic IRE. At this point maybe the Jihad convinced themselves the attack was going well, but they were momentarily slaughtered after passing over a RIP under deck booby trap. It was a senseless cull but the Jihad insisted on continuing their mindless base infiltration; focused beyond reason on capturing the EMP device! After taking a ridiculous number of casualties a few somewhat ragged wild-eyed survivors finally made it to the EMP chamber. The temporary victory simply initiated the Towers full immediate self-destruct. The Jihad was effectively broken with the Tower itself. Roid had been happy to sacrifice the tower, and the device because according to his brief - now that their secret bases position was fully compromised - the Wreckers had little choice but to evacuate.
The only remaining map Grid North forces - notably the Jihads reserve Land Tractor team, and a few non-fatally injured - banding together returned to their base. There the remnant committed one of two final acts (of desperation) the first was a petty revenge, they self-destructed their own ship to prevent its capture. Then secondly they tried to seize the Crusade vessel in order to withdraw, since the EMP objective was destroyed there was no point in staying. However, by this time the Crusade ship was firmly in the evacuating Wreckers hands. The last of the Jihad were taken out in a minor firefight sandwiched between the Wreckers advanced Crusader ship guards, and the main incoming battle group.
Checking their surviving virtual supplies, and other available salvage materials, Roid was delighted to discover they could still repair the lone intact ship. Completing the mechanical fixes the Wrecker team initiated their final virtual flight off the asteroid. The exhaustive training exercise was finally over - in total - they had lost only five of their eighteen Argon crew; the last two deaths the product of a small booby trap left behind by Amber. Roid was not surprised his faction had won the conflict. Without doubt the Powers had given the Wreckers many advantages: the best resources, intelligence, and they were on home ground. Nonetheless, the other teams could have done a lot better if they had taken off their blinkers. Could one of the other teams have won perhaps, but it would have been a costly victory.
Roid was still surprised at many of the rudimentary errors the opposition had made. For a start they had simply failed to think fully in three dimensions - a real surprise from space fighter jocks. Because there was a land surface they had all hugged it - like flightless bugs - instead of making really good use of the surrounding deep space (only his own team had gone deep, and dropped in behind for example). Nobody had looked for, or attempted to destroy the Wreckers high up advanced satellites either. Instead they had operated under plain view of their enemies’ eyes during all their operations – shameful!
Many other short fallings would no doubt be picked out, and alternative decisions drilled home. This was how the ‘Legion of the Damned’ debriefings worked. Roid suspected the Squad Leaders were in for some stiff criticism, and heavy tally hits. The Legion liked to let the crews make their own mistakes first, then point out tactics they might have applied. It was a good system. When you are killed in an exercise it makes you sit up and take notice. The desire to survive made for a ready acceptance of alternative options, and suggestions. Roid was quite impressed with the Legions overall training strategy!
The Fallen Angels (new) Squad Leader wondered what mistakes the Legion would delineate in his nominal leadership choices during their critique of the exercise. What had he failed to do well? Certainly Roid had lost the EMP device perhaps he should have made an effort to salvage that? Roid supposed he could have tried harder to secure both ships also, instead of losing the Jihads to a self-destruct? Nonetheless, the Fallen Angel was still convinced that his forces - at that point - would have been stretched too thin by splitting for another assault.
Lastly Roid wondered had he relied too much on the errors of the others rather than aggressive initiatives of his own. Basically his whole strategy had been traps. What if the bait had not been taken? RIP had berated Roid for his passivity, was the explosives expert right? Well these were all matters for careful consideration, and deep thought! He believed he had played according to the rules of his factions’ limitations. Once Roid realised the wider Jihad knew of his base, and the EMP the Wreckers evacuation was inevitable. Even if they defeated the current invasion they could not hope to wage an all out war. The Wreckers were criminals not a nation. Given these facts from Roid’s point of view it had been a truly successful operation!
Bale had to admit he had messed up big time. From early on he had considered the possibility that the Cannon might be rigged. For some reason he was still coming to terms with he had still sent Jake in to mess with the equipment. Worse still was his timing - his whole group together nearby - and pinned under fire, stupid! Giving it some thought Bale came to the conclusion he had been fooled by the proximity of the J’lann Ahl (or as he now knew them the Wrecker) guards. He had thought if it was just a big trap these Argons would not have attempted to defend the position. When he learned about the hidden underground TS bunker, and the ready Goner Transport Device he realised he had been utterly played. Still he also now knew the bomb would likely have been set off anyway by remote, even if Jake had not triggered it. He was not sure why the Wrecker had delayed doing this. Could Dour have been waiting for the rear guards slain in the woods? Maybe the trigger controller had paused to count heads?
Bale also couldn’t believe he hadn’t considered the cannon to be fully vertically mobile (all his old ground pounding AVR games had been in atmosphere, but that was no excuse). He also with hindsight was surprised he hadn’t smelt a rat when the beast didn’t actually fire on the Crusade Ship. Nor should he have let his troops be herded into the crater, and he had led that charge (that wouldn’t be easy to live down). The Rat squad leader even before his debrief realised he had made many, many critical failures of judgement.
Poison was feeling rather uncomfortable too. He had been aware of the missing third Wrecker but had refused to investigate because of personal risk. If he had found the hatch might it have made a difference? No, they were probably doomed as soon as they took shelter in the crater (but he had distrusted that too) and ignored his instincts! They should have turned, and charged back into the trees - engaged the enemy force that had been at their rear - close up and personal. It would have been costly, but they would have had a chance!
Amon was glad he hadn’t led his crew directly into the crater, for what that was worth, he felt bad enough as it was. On the instant Amon had failed to make a command decision caught briefly between the two alternatives. Fear of / desire for the Cannon had been an issue against the unknown ground, fear of the unknown strength of the encroaching enemy against the familiar trees. Bale being decisive - if unwise - had leaped into the command gap. Bale had taken away any other option but the continuance of the crater assault. Amon also realised he hadn’t used the deep properly at all.
The Wreckers falling down from the sky behind him was not something Amon had really considered. Of course he had been fooled by the bloody overhead debris field, but he might have guessed the locals would have some way to use this to their advantage. Something beyond mere physical obstruction! When he heard about the slightly mobile wrecks - the doors - Amon had to admit it was genius! Still if he had even kept one scout up in the deep dark. Also the enemy’s full Satellite coverage had been left unopposed. No wonder Roid had time to consider his actions he was watching every move his opponents made.
R&S was glad the exercise was over. As far as he was concerned the whole thing had been rigged against him from the start! His mission was capturing the EMP, and that he had tried to do. The fact that the Wreckers base had proved just about impregnable was hardly his fault. It was a stupid scenario anyway! No way would he have attacked that Tower for some dumb bit of kit in real life! R&S was sure the Powers would maul his Monkeys over their performance, but they could just go and swivel. They had saddled him with Simple too - lets face it the name said it all - no wonder they had their butts kicked.
Simple had decided there was no way he was ever going to go along with any scheme - cooked up - by R&S in the future! The Green Monkey Leader had intimidated the Blood Hawks commander into a subservient role; the fekker was out of control. R&S had cowed him by sheer aggression, and brutal charisma, but never again! Simple liked things straight forward, and uncomplicated - not stupid and suicidal - he would just have to stand up to the maniac, and his gross band of desperados!
Slink was beginning to think he didn’t want to be a scout anymore at least not in suit operations. The only thing worse than getting killed in an exercise, was getting killed and not even seeing it coming! He hated snipers partially because as a scout he was now frequently designated as one himself. Slink knew too well how easy it was just to pick somebody off. It would be different under atmosphere but even powered zero gravity suits were just so rigid you were just a bobbing target. You couldn’t snuggle up to the ground or lean against a solid barrier you always had to keep some distance or risk damage. The idea of doing this for real filled him with dread, he wanted his ship back. Slink prayed - to the spirits of the infamous dead - that these particular training exercises remained just that, exercises.
Scar considered he had just been a bit unlucky. Next time he would make sure he shot any suspicious suits at an even greater distance. Suit combat was a risky business. It was obvious the Legion liked to keep its troops up to date - sharp in all the disciplines - but zero gravity marine actions were likely to be pretty rare; thank the lords of misrule! Chances were out in the field suits would be just one option - among many - Scar knew (given any choice) it would be his option of last resort!
Back Stab wasn’t impressed at being taken out by his own favourite tactic. Rear guard could be even more dangerous than point especially in a suit. He hoped Bale didn’t plan on keeping him there in these operations.
Ransom decided he needed more suit time. He could have sworn he had a good vector but had clipped the ridge. Probably the damn camera view skew was responsible for his crash - still the options had been - go low, and risk collision, or go high and risk incoming fire from behind. Still Bale had led them all into disaster anyway. Ransom knew even if he hadn’t been shot he would have been blown up with all the rest. He wondered was it time the pack had a new leader. Including ‘Freedom Station’ Bale had been making some poor choices. Ransom decided his squad’s leadership was something to think about!
Bristle was more concerned that his comrades would discover he had almost gone AWOL during the exercise than anything else. He wondered if he had got clear would he have stalked the enemy rear or just fled into cover. Bristle honestly didn’t know the answer, in the exercise - perhaps he would have played the hero - but for real?
Tall hoped that temporary scout designation was a one off. The tale spinner had no desire to fill the gap left by Sab not even temporarily. Only insane Argon wanted to be scouts. Amon better not be getting any ideas Tall enjoyed his life even the Fortress had its pleasures and distractions.
Lyn and Amber had both decided they didn’t like being commanded by Bale. They were Wolves not Rats. They planned to confront Amon, they were sure their own leader would - given a few milliseconds more - have decided on the trees instead of the crater. This joint leadership gig in mixed operations was in their eyes bad news.
Shunt was primarily concerned about Sab since he was a real injury not a virtual one. She worried the Legion was pushing too hard. Shunt saw more accidents even perhaps real fatalities were looming in their immediate future. At least they had used a GTD on Sab Shunt wondered just how readily the Navy would spend their new assets.
Daem felt almost like he really had been wounded then blasted into oblivion. He was feeling pretty sure his number was up. He just wanted to get numb on weed or booze and try to forget about it for a little while, some hope!
Fell found herself questioning Bales leadership. Everything was going wrong for the Rats. Bale seemed intent on dragging them all into the final dark of the Reapers Passage. Fell had been talking with Ransom, and felt her less than deep loyalty to Bale was wavering. It would be interesting to see how the Legion evaluated their current default commander’s actions.
Sab wasn’t thinking about very much he was out cold in intensive medical care. The Wolf scout had been badly battered, not to mention impaled in several places, and briefly exposed to hard vacuum. The overall prognosis was good but Sab wouldn’t be back in the saddle for a few cycles.
Peeps’ was now far from happy about being ten tally points in debt to Eagle Eye. Having been roundly thrashed; both the Green Monkeys, and the Blood Hawks had little to celebrate tally wise. Any meagre gains were more than offset by serious losses. Peeps was feeling embittered. The Powers had favoured the Fallen Angels, and the Silver Serpents. The game had been rigged and he didn’t like it!
Eagle Eye was developing an extreme distaste for all the Monkeys they were only good for one thing - cannon fodder! If Simple didn’t start standing up to that sick scum bucket (R&S) the lads were going to be very unhappy! The Blood Hawks had been decimated at Freedom, but EE would even trust the new recruits over any one of the well-known Apes. They were slime and not even bright with it just: dangerous, vicious, and ruthless!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Wed, 23. Apr 08, 20:14, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 47 – On Schemes Dreams and Nightmares
Once again despite the good Doctors regime, regular meditation, and an occasional Station Run, Anna was less than entirely relaxed. Every new solution (never mind failure) seemed to hide another complexity that required another solution, and hid perhaps more failures. As Anna waited on Garrin - sitting in the Couriers still rather derelict new office space - she drifted off on a retrospective of some recent personal events!
Garrin like an unworthy supplicant had initially approached Gregor’s now almost former PA as if slightly embarrassed or apologetic - Anna suspected the Freelance Pilot more than half expected to be brushed disdainfully aside - indeed Anna had only accepted the proffered figures from her sometime friend, and employee out of social courtesy. Despite these raw beginnings Anna was soon intrigued, then inspired, by the possibilities (she spied uncut diamonds buried among the clinging dirt) largely for G it had been a question of fortunate / unfortunate timing!
Looking back it now it seemed painfully obvious that the relief Anna had felt at her boss agreeing to follow Mynae’s crackdown (reducing his workload, and so on) had been a misjudgement on her part! Gregor’s acceptance of these conditions being a simple stratagem! The AFC 4 Administrator had not been happy to have a chance to unwind. The AFC 4 Administrator was not content to let it go! Gregor’s mirth at this benison of more free time was a mockery, a dark joy birthed from additional time to dedicate to an ever-deepening mania of suspicion not a chance to relax!
Anna’s plan had worked, but not as intended! While the PA’s pretend illness did forge an emphatic bond between her failing boss, and herself, unfortunately Gregor still refused to acknowledge the existence of his own erratic condition. Embarrassingly while Gregor actually seemed to take stock, and wax genuinely sympathetic; as a result he ironically pushed his assistant aside, and then right out the figurative airlock! Anna’s ArgonForge workload dropped to zero. Gregor had decided to give her a (well earned) - complete - rest period of undefined duration!
Anna to her shock commenced to feel the burning pain of having fallen upon her own well-sharpened sword. Such experiences Anna considered were becoming a little too familiar. Belatedly the scientist was coming to the conclusion that she should have fought to retain a fuller detachment between her AFC 4 operations, and her ‘Hive access Core’ test program. Ever since Anna had ceased observing with the Hive, and started participating using information she had uncovered matters had commenced to go - if not wrong - then at least unpredictably! The real world it would seem was a bit more complex than even the best-equipped laboratory! People especially were proving blunt, and unwieldy tools that just plain refused to behave as expected.
Ellyssa (an intellectual lightweight) had all but promoted herself into Anna’s still warm shoes. The secretary rising out of obscurity like a pale shadow of the late departed Shimoo, how Anna despised individuals that conformed to that particular stereotype! In truth Anna told herself she wouldn’t have minded if the ambitious, but in ability average Elly had succeeded in distracting Gregor from his other unhealthy fixations. Unhappily from Anna’s illicit observations the affair was just a sordid series of quick fumbling events: grappling between dictations, depressing moments bent over a desk, and impatient bumping against the bulkhead!
Still at least during his, and Elly’s brief encounters Gregor managed to survive without a protective guard upon his shoulder - a small sign of hope that the Administrators paranoia still had some rational limit - limits that might yet be called upon! Painfully Anna nonetheless still believed (when Gregor was unscripted, and off camera) the once able managers brightness continued to wane towards insignificance. Hope of Gregor making a recovery appeared to be quickly disappearing despite Anna’s outreaching hands. Gregor was dwindling away beyond any immediate hope of redemption. Even the excuses the Administrator used to temporarily remove his hovering self appointed guards. The commands that enabled privacy, for his and Elly’s occasional frantic soulless physical fumbling about, were - by there very nature - demonstrably ever more puerile, and obvious!
Anna’s vain hope that Elly might - eventually - succeed in tempting Gregor actually into a bed, and by default to perhaps a fulfilled, and restful sleep had proved fruitless! The dumb brunette wasn’t even capable of producing that limited solace! Gregor for his part - while officially working fewer hours - had just shifted the burden of his time to even more private obsessions. Anna had underestimated the unfaltering nature of the Argon’s condition.
As far as the resting PA could tell (in the last few cycles) the Administrator had not slept at all. Gregor’s activity seemed endless fuelled almost entirely by injector and the fiery afterburner of irrational compulsion! Anna had grown weary watching her boss - in extreme fast forward - wrestling with his fixation through the long night; hunched over a terminal, pacing, plotting, and scheming. The similarities with Anna’s own genuine surveillance activities only somehow made these visions even more disturbing!
The PA was glad that (when still able to effect matters directly) she had encouraged the Administrators idea to rotate some CAO staff off station as a security precaution. Figures such as Abel, and other seeming malcontent crew had been shipped out. Anna was relieved these souls were gone for their own safety! Gregor’s fury at anyone who - even indirectly, and in part - dared defend the traitor Rud was still burning bright as a dawn star to planet side denizens!
The expatriation of malcontent crew also served to alleviate any direct, and coordinated antipathy to Gregor’s overall authority; a challenge the Administrator would not, could not tolerate. Simply removing one side of the argument also improved the general working atmosphere - to many lesser figures relief! Unfortunately these measures had not proved timely enough to placate the rising bile of the AFC 4 Manager. Gregor knew how to hone a grudge to a fine edge while Rud was left ship wrecked without a single key worker sympathiser. Anna suspected that the Treason suspect was now also beyond reprieve.
Without doubt Anna was slowly learning the meaning of despair. It was hard work viewing Gregor running his illegal surveillance, still trying to locate one or more hidden traitors (even retrospectively from among the departed). Endlessly Anna’s boss pawed over personnel files - frequently the same ones - and old recordings showing Rud, and or Hiko Elm plus more (innocent) on, and off duty AFC 4 staff. Failing to uncover substantial evidence only made Gregor the more frantic, and desperate. Refusing to be defeated the Administrator grasped at straws. Connections no matter how tenuous were granted a dictionary of meaning! Anna had been shocked by some of the conspiracy theories that writhed like venomous snakes out of the drug addicts fevered consciousness, and into rational text files within - supposedly - secure folders. There Anna prayed these raving theories would remain until deleted, but Anna was sure the Lords of Misrule were busy granting the wishes of less positive souls.
If the entire former ills were not enough, Anna was now plagued with other horrors, for example: the new heavy Argon Navy, and Argon Navy Intelligence presence on station. Anna had received a rather late, and far too imprecise heads up on this development from her handlers. The arrivals were reportedly a consequence of the Treason Trial. The poorly timed influx made Anna’s gut crawl. It was true that only a very few of the agents could reasonably have high enough clearance to know anything about the ‘Hive access Core’, and even less (or none) be in a unit that should know! However, internal leaks had already happened ergo the suspected agents who assisted Febr in his Asylum breakout. Anna was all too aware that ANI was factional by its very nature, and competitive, even occasionally mutually hostile. Certainly from the little time she had been able to dedicate to this surveillance topic it didn’t bode well.
Having loads of active agents, and military security camping on station was making picking potential friend from foe alarmingly difficult. The ‘Hive access Core’ was now flagging up far too many (innocent?) incidents. Anna was being overwhelmed with even more data. Yet all this was - old cycle - news.
The PA forced a smile upon her own face, and returned her attention to the matter at hand, and Garrin. The Pilot was finishing up his study of the now lengthy proposal on an expensive computer pad, and scratching at his head.
The couriers face was a picture of unguarded conflicting emotions. Finally he looked up, and eyed Anna with predominantly what? A degree of surprise, consternation - hope circled by fear? Or were these just Anna’s own perceptions painted upon a blank canvas. Well G certainly looked unusually serious!
“I know it is more than you asked for,” Anna said attempting to waylay any misgivings, “however, I just followed the figures to where they ultimately pointed, and took the liberty of writing myself in,” she confessed.
Garrin shook his head, “It is a massive investment,” said Garrin.
The owner of the Grim Reaper could almost feel a dread weight of invisible chains settle about his shoulders. The scale of the concept alarmed him: It was like expecting a Cahoona Steak in a bun from a pimply kid, and being confronted with a seven-course meal, and a rather snooty maître d‘!
“I personally have stock in AF, and other means of raising capitol,” Anna explained, “as you can see you will still retain a majority holding the extra investment being repaid as a long-term personal loan. I will retain private ownership of the ships as collateral. As each pertaining segment of the overall sum is repaid the vessel in turn will becoming a true company asset.”
“Why?” asked Garrin not so much suspicious as curious, “I mean your enthusiasm for the project surprises me?”
“Well I don’t want you to steal your initiative, but I can see its merit. Garrin I have been checking around you are exceptionally well known, to be honest - infamous - because of your ships name, and your dangerous exploits. I feel you have hit upon something here. You have not just identified a poorly served niche market but more importantly proposed a successful brand!” stated Anna.
“Look I understand others will seek to copy this idea but only we will be ‘Reaper Jump Liners’. Besides we will have a leap on the opposition being the first to establish safe fixed passenger Goner Jump Drive routes. However to corner the empty market we need to get in quick with as wide a coverage as possible [why this hadn’t been done before by other operators was beyond Anna]. The universe has brought us together at an opportune time, I have always believed in embracing potential,” finished Anna.
An entire fleet of Reaper Jump Liners thought G now that was bound to impress even Elaen, but…
“I feel a little ambushed,” said G laughing, “it is a leap much further than I anticipated!”
Anna chuckled, and replied, “G, I think I know you pretty well! You won’t be jailed in an office. I’ll leave ArgonForge to run the Administration of RJL, in fact I would insist on controlling the ventures logistics (protecting my investment you understand) my thirty three percent! I’ll naturally draw an Administrator salary. G you need just invest, and grant your label, face and reputation to the project. Once onboard pardon the pun: sit back, and REAP in the benefits! I suspect that was really what you wanted anyway, a steady extra income without too many complications.”
Garrin was taken back he had hoped to pick Anna’s business brain, and AF connections. Then when he heard about her difficulties dared to hope she might be roped in to contribute more directly. The Courier had nonetheless been far from convinced that he could persuade Anna to downgrade. Garrin had hoped his small venture might be deemed an ideal (temporary) recuperative exercise for the power PA. However, the business Argon before him didn’t look like she knew the meaning of the word - light duties - nor appear broken by her workload, despite rumour to the contrary.
Garrin wondered was Anna’s loss of position down to - political or private - differences with Gregor! Could Anna’s illness be a ploy to avoid a messy personal open confrontation? G wondered had the PA foolishly weakened, and succumbed to Gregor’s advances? Such an uncharacteristic lapse for G was the only explanation that might make some sense of the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ being cast out from the deck!
The proposal was dazzling in its thoroughness. Anna had taken his - by comparison – fumbling if reasonably researched outline, and turned it into a cast iron document that looked unassailable. Really it was only perhaps trepidation at being steamrollered by the brilliant mind lurking behind the attractive facade. On the surface Anna had not only looked into the logistics she had even tailored the structure to fit his personal (and he had thought less obvious) agenda. The speed of the thing left him feeling a little breathless, but like Anna had said (and he also believed) opportunity was something to grab.
Garrin reached out his hand, “Anna I hope you don’t deem me overly rash, but - subject to the legal necessities - you have just procured a business partner. Welcome aboard Reaper Jump Liners,” said G deciding to make an on the hop decision. After all what did he have to lose if Anna was volunteering to raise the bulk of the cash and run the damn Business?
Anna clasped G’s hand with cool female grace, “That makes me very happy, now lets get those legal formalities secured away, then we can have a quick celebratory drink to launch this endeavour!”
On the surface Anna was calm as a still ocean but inside that deep water was made up of salty perspiration. Leaving AF officially even if she sold it, as a ploy to secure her stay on station was her first tentative step towards freedom, and extricating herself from her wider Argon Navy Intelligence link.
Anna hoped she could play the game well enough. Perhaps the Scientist could survive signing off on the ‘Hive access Core’. Of course she would have to live with the intrusion of lifelong surveillance by the military, but it was too late to escape that option. Giving up on her scientific career - that would be the hardest wrench - but unlike Febr, Anna valued her life more than her work!
While the Professor was already missing her turbulent relationship with the Core just contemplating the change felt like opening a gulf of separation, Anna believed she could cope with this change! Having secret access to everything that went on around you was - she suspected - almost as seductive as any of the Administrators drugs. Anna however didn't consider herself an addictive personality. She could take it / or leave it; still play with Gods Fire long enough and you start getting used to it. Even if the miraculous with familiarity became mundane - just another accepted daily routine - routine had its attractions too.
Anna hoped it was not all doom and gloom, after all; Febr had actually openly opposed ANI, and as far as his apprentice knew the old goat was still alive. Then again Anna mused - and not for the first time either - all-egotistical vanity aside, she was not Febr!
Carl was feeling downright miserable after a brief meeting with Gregor and Ellyssa. The Commander missed liasing through Anna, truth to tell he didn’t like the idea of Anna not being around period. Gregor was not the Argon he used to be - nor someone the Commander felt he trusted anymore - Ellyssa certainly wasn’t the ‘Assassin of Hearts!’ Carl didn’t buy the story that Anna - needed - a rest period. Either Anna was distancing herself fearing Gregor was sinking, or Gregor in a bout of stupidity was casting his best asset aside when he needed her most!
Carl would have to hunt the Anna down, and try to smooth out the truth behind her absence. Some part of him felt mildly betrayed abandoned by an ally just prior to an upcoming battle. The Treason Trial proper was due to start in just five cycles after some unexpected security delays. Carl would be glad when it was over but wished it were not occurring on his watch at all. Why did he feel like he had been here before!
Gregor had been cold to him - the briefing perfunctory, and uncomfortable. The damn external AF guard hovering nearby almost as if the Commander was a potential threat to his charge! Ellyssa overly smug but little more than window dressing had hung on her employers every word, as if profound gospel! The whole set-up had been a disjointed experience. The Commander didn’t like being dragged to the High Tower either! Carl didn’t consider Gregor’s Suite a fully secure or proper place to do official business, a gripe he knew Anna had shared.
Now Carl had to deal with another influx of Marines on station courtesy of the Argon Navy. A supposed show of military solidarity with AF, in fact the notoriety of the case was focusing the attention of extremists upon the forge: from various anarchic left wing groups (mostly just mouth), to very serious anti government terrorists who might well wish to profit from committing one or more atrocities. AFC 4 was in the media spotlight, and how villains loved their publicity! Gregor, and even the Commander as head of the Station’s Security now possessed some legitimate causes for concern.
Gregor, and Carl had received more than a few (both claimed, and anonymous) death threats, and now knew they were prominent figures on several infamous death lists. ANI had spoken with Carl directly warning him of the situation, advising him to accept a team of military minders! Carl had refused, oddly so had Gregor, but then he already had his own AF team! Carl was now staying principally in secure areas, carefully picking his routes around the station, and avoiding public spaces. The Commander had also dialled his piece up (to its max safe limit), and was very glad to be armed.
It would seem the Administrator had finally succeeded in fully creating a reality out of his fiction. It amused, and alarmed Carl that Gregor might now require those cursed AF bodyguards. The heavies Gregor had been so keen to flaunt around the station earlier for photo opportunities - as if at that point essential to his health - now had a genuine purpose! Beyond a stain on his own record Carl was not sure he would feel much pain if Gregor was taken out in a surgical strike. Terrorists however were rarely precise killers. Chances were such freaks would be more likely to blow up half the station - killing hundreds in the process - but still miss their intended target/s altogether. Carl was old enough to recall many horror stories!
At least some of the refugees were at last being moved on, although Gregor suspected this was to make room for more military staff. AFC 4 was steadily becoming a Navy Barracks. The Marine Grunts Carl didn’t mind too much, but the Military Police, the ANI agents, and the triple cursed Officers he could well do without! The CAO was getting cramped with hovering stiff grey uniforms that insisted on looking down their noses at his team.
The Commander was sick of being treated like something offensive the spit, and polish fekker’s had just stepped in, and dearly wished to scrape off their shiny boots! Carl knew if he continued to grind down his teeth, he was soon going to need another visit to the dentist! If he had not been able to retreat to the sound proof privacy of the security booth - to curse roundly at the monitors - Carl imagined he would have committed career suicide already.
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 47 – On Schemes Dreams and Nightmares
Once again despite the good Doctors regime, regular meditation, and an occasional Station Run, Anna was less than entirely relaxed. Every new solution (never mind failure) seemed to hide another complexity that required another solution, and hid perhaps more failures. As Anna waited on Garrin - sitting in the Couriers still rather derelict new office space - she drifted off on a retrospective of some recent personal events!
Garrin like an unworthy supplicant had initially approached Gregor’s now almost former PA as if slightly embarrassed or apologetic - Anna suspected the Freelance Pilot more than half expected to be brushed disdainfully aside - indeed Anna had only accepted the proffered figures from her sometime friend, and employee out of social courtesy. Despite these raw beginnings Anna was soon intrigued, then inspired, by the possibilities (she spied uncut diamonds buried among the clinging dirt) largely for G it had been a question of fortunate / unfortunate timing!
Looking back it now it seemed painfully obvious that the relief Anna had felt at her boss agreeing to follow Mynae’s crackdown (reducing his workload, and so on) had been a misjudgement on her part! Gregor’s acceptance of these conditions being a simple stratagem! The AFC 4 Administrator had not been happy to have a chance to unwind. The AFC 4 Administrator was not content to let it go! Gregor’s mirth at this benison of more free time was a mockery, a dark joy birthed from additional time to dedicate to an ever-deepening mania of suspicion not a chance to relax!
Anna’s plan had worked, but not as intended! While the PA’s pretend illness did forge an emphatic bond between her failing boss, and herself, unfortunately Gregor still refused to acknowledge the existence of his own erratic condition. Embarrassingly while Gregor actually seemed to take stock, and wax genuinely sympathetic; as a result he ironically pushed his assistant aside, and then right out the figurative airlock! Anna’s ArgonForge workload dropped to zero. Gregor had decided to give her a (well earned) - complete - rest period of undefined duration!
Anna to her shock commenced to feel the burning pain of having fallen upon her own well-sharpened sword. Such experiences Anna considered were becoming a little too familiar. Belatedly the scientist was coming to the conclusion that she should have fought to retain a fuller detachment between her AFC 4 operations, and her ‘Hive access Core’ test program. Ever since Anna had ceased observing with the Hive, and started participating using information she had uncovered matters had commenced to go - if not wrong - then at least unpredictably! The real world it would seem was a bit more complex than even the best-equipped laboratory! People especially were proving blunt, and unwieldy tools that just plain refused to behave as expected.
Ellyssa (an intellectual lightweight) had all but promoted herself into Anna’s still warm shoes. The secretary rising out of obscurity like a pale shadow of the late departed Shimoo, how Anna despised individuals that conformed to that particular stereotype! In truth Anna told herself she wouldn’t have minded if the ambitious, but in ability average Elly had succeeded in distracting Gregor from his other unhealthy fixations. Unhappily from Anna’s illicit observations the affair was just a sordid series of quick fumbling events: grappling between dictations, depressing moments bent over a desk, and impatient bumping against the bulkhead!
Still at least during his, and Elly’s brief encounters Gregor managed to survive without a protective guard upon his shoulder - a small sign of hope that the Administrators paranoia still had some rational limit - limits that might yet be called upon! Painfully Anna nonetheless still believed (when Gregor was unscripted, and off camera) the once able managers brightness continued to wane towards insignificance. Hope of Gregor making a recovery appeared to be quickly disappearing despite Anna’s outreaching hands. Gregor was dwindling away beyond any immediate hope of redemption. Even the excuses the Administrator used to temporarily remove his hovering self appointed guards. The commands that enabled privacy, for his and Elly’s occasional frantic soulless physical fumbling about, were - by there very nature - demonstrably ever more puerile, and obvious!
Anna’s vain hope that Elly might - eventually - succeed in tempting Gregor actually into a bed, and by default to perhaps a fulfilled, and restful sleep had proved fruitless! The dumb brunette wasn’t even capable of producing that limited solace! Gregor for his part - while officially working fewer hours - had just shifted the burden of his time to even more private obsessions. Anna had underestimated the unfaltering nature of the Argon’s condition.
As far as the resting PA could tell (in the last few cycles) the Administrator had not slept at all. Gregor’s activity seemed endless fuelled almost entirely by injector and the fiery afterburner of irrational compulsion! Anna had grown weary watching her boss - in extreme fast forward - wrestling with his fixation through the long night; hunched over a terminal, pacing, plotting, and scheming. The similarities with Anna’s own genuine surveillance activities only somehow made these visions even more disturbing!
The PA was glad that (when still able to effect matters directly) she had encouraged the Administrators idea to rotate some CAO staff off station as a security precaution. Figures such as Abel, and other seeming malcontent crew had been shipped out. Anna was relieved these souls were gone for their own safety! Gregor’s fury at anyone who - even indirectly, and in part - dared defend the traitor Rud was still burning bright as a dawn star to planet side denizens!
The expatriation of malcontent crew also served to alleviate any direct, and coordinated antipathy to Gregor’s overall authority; a challenge the Administrator would not, could not tolerate. Simply removing one side of the argument also improved the general working atmosphere - to many lesser figures relief! Unfortunately these measures had not proved timely enough to placate the rising bile of the AFC 4 Manager. Gregor knew how to hone a grudge to a fine edge while Rud was left ship wrecked without a single key worker sympathiser. Anna suspected that the Treason suspect was now also beyond reprieve.
Without doubt Anna was slowly learning the meaning of despair. It was hard work viewing Gregor running his illegal surveillance, still trying to locate one or more hidden traitors (even retrospectively from among the departed). Endlessly Anna’s boss pawed over personnel files - frequently the same ones - and old recordings showing Rud, and or Hiko Elm plus more (innocent) on, and off duty AFC 4 staff. Failing to uncover substantial evidence only made Gregor the more frantic, and desperate. Refusing to be defeated the Administrator grasped at straws. Connections no matter how tenuous were granted a dictionary of meaning! Anna had been shocked by some of the conspiracy theories that writhed like venomous snakes out of the drug addicts fevered consciousness, and into rational text files within - supposedly - secure folders. There Anna prayed these raving theories would remain until deleted, but Anna was sure the Lords of Misrule were busy granting the wishes of less positive souls.
If the entire former ills were not enough, Anna was now plagued with other horrors, for example: the new heavy Argon Navy, and Argon Navy Intelligence presence on station. Anna had received a rather late, and far too imprecise heads up on this development from her handlers. The arrivals were reportedly a consequence of the Treason Trial. The poorly timed influx made Anna’s gut crawl. It was true that only a very few of the agents could reasonably have high enough clearance to know anything about the ‘Hive access Core’, and even less (or none) be in a unit that should know! However, internal leaks had already happened ergo the suspected agents who assisted Febr in his Asylum breakout. Anna was all too aware that ANI was factional by its very nature, and competitive, even occasionally mutually hostile. Certainly from the little time she had been able to dedicate to this surveillance topic it didn’t bode well.
Having loads of active agents, and military security camping on station was making picking potential friend from foe alarmingly difficult. The ‘Hive access Core’ was now flagging up far too many (innocent?) incidents. Anna was being overwhelmed with even more data. Yet all this was - old cycle - news.
The PA forced a smile upon her own face, and returned her attention to the matter at hand, and Garrin. The Pilot was finishing up his study of the now lengthy proposal on an expensive computer pad, and scratching at his head.
The couriers face was a picture of unguarded conflicting emotions. Finally he looked up, and eyed Anna with predominantly what? A degree of surprise, consternation - hope circled by fear? Or were these just Anna’s own perceptions painted upon a blank canvas. Well G certainly looked unusually serious!
“I know it is more than you asked for,” Anna said attempting to waylay any misgivings, “however, I just followed the figures to where they ultimately pointed, and took the liberty of writing myself in,” she confessed.
Garrin shook his head, “It is a massive investment,” said Garrin.
The owner of the Grim Reaper could almost feel a dread weight of invisible chains settle about his shoulders. The scale of the concept alarmed him: It was like expecting a Cahoona Steak in a bun from a pimply kid, and being confronted with a seven-course meal, and a rather snooty maître d‘!
“I personally have stock in AF, and other means of raising capitol,” Anna explained, “as you can see you will still retain a majority holding the extra investment being repaid as a long-term personal loan. I will retain private ownership of the ships as collateral. As each pertaining segment of the overall sum is repaid the vessel in turn will becoming a true company asset.”
“Why?” asked Garrin not so much suspicious as curious, “I mean your enthusiasm for the project surprises me?”
“Well I don’t want you to steal your initiative, but I can see its merit. Garrin I have been checking around you are exceptionally well known, to be honest - infamous - because of your ships name, and your dangerous exploits. I feel you have hit upon something here. You have not just identified a poorly served niche market but more importantly proposed a successful brand!” stated Anna.
“Look I understand others will seek to copy this idea but only we will be ‘Reaper Jump Liners’. Besides we will have a leap on the opposition being the first to establish safe fixed passenger Goner Jump Drive routes. However to corner the empty market we need to get in quick with as wide a coverage as possible [why this hadn’t been done before by other operators was beyond Anna]. The universe has brought us together at an opportune time, I have always believed in embracing potential,” finished Anna.
An entire fleet of Reaper Jump Liners thought G now that was bound to impress even Elaen, but…
“I feel a little ambushed,” said G laughing, “it is a leap much further than I anticipated!”
Anna chuckled, and replied, “G, I think I know you pretty well! You won’t be jailed in an office. I’ll leave ArgonForge to run the Administration of RJL, in fact I would insist on controlling the ventures logistics (protecting my investment you understand) my thirty three percent! I’ll naturally draw an Administrator salary. G you need just invest, and grant your label, face and reputation to the project. Once onboard pardon the pun: sit back, and REAP in the benefits! I suspect that was really what you wanted anyway, a steady extra income without too many complications.”
Garrin was taken back he had hoped to pick Anna’s business brain, and AF connections. Then when he heard about her difficulties dared to hope she might be roped in to contribute more directly. The Courier had nonetheless been far from convinced that he could persuade Anna to downgrade. Garrin had hoped his small venture might be deemed an ideal (temporary) recuperative exercise for the power PA. However, the business Argon before him didn’t look like she knew the meaning of the word - light duties - nor appear broken by her workload, despite rumour to the contrary.
Garrin wondered was Anna’s loss of position down to - political or private - differences with Gregor! Could Anna’s illness be a ploy to avoid a messy personal open confrontation? G wondered had the PA foolishly weakened, and succumbed to Gregor’s advances? Such an uncharacteristic lapse for G was the only explanation that might make some sense of the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ being cast out from the deck!
The proposal was dazzling in its thoroughness. Anna had taken his - by comparison – fumbling if reasonably researched outline, and turned it into a cast iron document that looked unassailable. Really it was only perhaps trepidation at being steamrollered by the brilliant mind lurking behind the attractive facade. On the surface Anna had not only looked into the logistics she had even tailored the structure to fit his personal (and he had thought less obvious) agenda. The speed of the thing left him feeling a little breathless, but like Anna had said (and he also believed) opportunity was something to grab.
Garrin reached out his hand, “Anna I hope you don’t deem me overly rash, but - subject to the legal necessities - you have just procured a business partner. Welcome aboard Reaper Jump Liners,” said G deciding to make an on the hop decision. After all what did he have to lose if Anna was volunteering to raise the bulk of the cash and run the damn Business?
Anna clasped G’s hand with cool female grace, “That makes me very happy, now lets get those legal formalities secured away, then we can have a quick celebratory drink to launch this endeavour!”
On the surface Anna was calm as a still ocean but inside that deep water was made up of salty perspiration. Leaving AF officially even if she sold it, as a ploy to secure her stay on station was her first tentative step towards freedom, and extricating herself from her wider Argon Navy Intelligence link.
Anna hoped she could play the game well enough. Perhaps the Scientist could survive signing off on the ‘Hive access Core’. Of course she would have to live with the intrusion of lifelong surveillance by the military, but it was too late to escape that option. Giving up on her scientific career - that would be the hardest wrench - but unlike Febr, Anna valued her life more than her work!
While the Professor was already missing her turbulent relationship with the Core just contemplating the change felt like opening a gulf of separation, Anna believed she could cope with this change! Having secret access to everything that went on around you was - she suspected - almost as seductive as any of the Administrators drugs. Anna however didn't consider herself an addictive personality. She could take it / or leave it; still play with Gods Fire long enough and you start getting used to it. Even if the miraculous with familiarity became mundane - just another accepted daily routine - routine had its attractions too.
Anna hoped it was not all doom and gloom, after all; Febr had actually openly opposed ANI, and as far as his apprentice knew the old goat was still alive. Then again Anna mused - and not for the first time either - all-egotistical vanity aside, she was not Febr!
Carl was feeling downright miserable after a brief meeting with Gregor and Ellyssa. The Commander missed liasing through Anna, truth to tell he didn’t like the idea of Anna not being around period. Gregor was not the Argon he used to be - nor someone the Commander felt he trusted anymore - Ellyssa certainly wasn’t the ‘Assassin of Hearts!’ Carl didn’t buy the story that Anna - needed - a rest period. Either Anna was distancing herself fearing Gregor was sinking, or Gregor in a bout of stupidity was casting his best asset aside when he needed her most!
Carl would have to hunt the Anna down, and try to smooth out the truth behind her absence. Some part of him felt mildly betrayed abandoned by an ally just prior to an upcoming battle. The Treason Trial proper was due to start in just five cycles after some unexpected security delays. Carl would be glad when it was over but wished it were not occurring on his watch at all. Why did he feel like he had been here before!
Gregor had been cold to him - the briefing perfunctory, and uncomfortable. The damn external AF guard hovering nearby almost as if the Commander was a potential threat to his charge! Ellyssa overly smug but little more than window dressing had hung on her employers every word, as if profound gospel! The whole set-up had been a disjointed experience. The Commander didn’t like being dragged to the High Tower either! Carl didn’t consider Gregor’s Suite a fully secure or proper place to do official business, a gripe he knew Anna had shared.
Now Carl had to deal with another influx of Marines on station courtesy of the Argon Navy. A supposed show of military solidarity with AF, in fact the notoriety of the case was focusing the attention of extremists upon the forge: from various anarchic left wing groups (mostly just mouth), to very serious anti government terrorists who might well wish to profit from committing one or more atrocities. AFC 4 was in the media spotlight, and how villains loved their publicity! Gregor, and even the Commander as head of the Station’s Security now possessed some legitimate causes for concern.
Gregor, and Carl had received more than a few (both claimed, and anonymous) death threats, and now knew they were prominent figures on several infamous death lists. ANI had spoken with Carl directly warning him of the situation, advising him to accept a team of military minders! Carl had refused, oddly so had Gregor, but then he already had his own AF team! Carl was now staying principally in secure areas, carefully picking his routes around the station, and avoiding public spaces. The Commander had also dialled his piece up (to its max safe limit), and was very glad to be armed.
It would seem the Administrator had finally succeeded in fully creating a reality out of his fiction. It amused, and alarmed Carl that Gregor might now require those cursed AF bodyguards. The heavies Gregor had been so keen to flaunt around the station earlier for photo opportunities - as if at that point essential to his health - now had a genuine purpose! Beyond a stain on his own record Carl was not sure he would feel much pain if Gregor was taken out in a surgical strike. Terrorists however were rarely precise killers. Chances were such freaks would be more likely to blow up half the station - killing hundreds in the process - but still miss their intended target/s altogether. Carl was old enough to recall many horror stories!
At least some of the refugees were at last being moved on, although Gregor suspected this was to make room for more military staff. AFC 4 was steadily becoming a Navy Barracks. The Marine Grunts Carl didn’t mind too much, but the Military Police, the ANI agents, and the triple cursed Officers he could well do without! The CAO was getting cramped with hovering stiff grey uniforms that insisted on looking down their noses at his team.
The Commander was sick of being treated like something offensive the spit, and polish fekker’s had just stepped in, and dearly wished to scrape off their shiny boots! Carl knew if he continued to grind down his teeth, he was soon going to need another visit to the dentist! If he had not been able to retreat to the sound proof privacy of the security booth - to curse roundly at the monitors - Carl imagined he would have committed career suicide already.
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Wed, 23. Apr 08, 20:15, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 48 – Assassin of Hearts
Nothing in life is certain other than change. It was Treason Trial minus four cycles, and counting. Anna was shocked when Gregor arrived outside her door flanked by two AF guards. Luckily anything untoward was locked away from plain sight. Gregor was fortunate to get Anna in she had just returned from another long session of logistical wrangling at Garrin’s Office. The question though was how blessed was Anna that Gregor had caught her in?
On the view screen the Administrator looked stiff and controlled, Anna felt outnumbered, and mildly intimidated. Steeling herself she opened the door and greeted her still as yet - until formalised - official boss. Nonetheless, it was a guard that went to step in first until Gregor called him back with an angry word.
“No need for that here!” Gregor said brushing the armed man aside, “I wish to have a word in private. Make sure we are not disturbed!”
Anna wondered had Gregor finally flipped, was she about to find herself placed under house arrest. Nonetheless, she smiled offered a seat, and hot or cold refreshment! Well Anna was used to playing hostess.
“Thank you, and no thank you,” returned Gregor taking the basic office chair that rested against Anna’s tiny desk before swivelling around to face her rather intently!
Anna folded herself neatly upon the edge of her bed, hands clasped between her knees. The PA chose to forego the Argnu Leather easy chair as it was too far away resting in the cubicles far corner.
“Well this is a surprise!” she said.
“Not as much I trust as the mail I received earlier,” complained Gregor raising an eyebrow.
“Now you really are surprising me Gregor,” replied Anna a little primly.
“Did you think I wanted you to leave?” asked the AFC 4 Administrator sounding slightly offended.
“Are you saying you did not?” returned Anna a trifle sharper.
Gregor stared hard at his assistant while he considered his options, “Fine,” he said, pulling something out of his pocket he immediately activated it, “now we can talk!”
It was a remote Corporate Block Activator a portable privacy device linked into the Administrators codes it would blank out - stop - all station surveillance around the room he was in. A highly visible means of privacy (hardened into the system) one mostly used in closed boardroom meetings.
“I’m sorry, I pushed you too hard, but going to Mynae admitting you needed medication was foolish! I thought you needed a full rest period not just time to unwind, but also time to consider the folly of playing confession. This is a hard-nosed business Anna. Lots of people employ various controlled regimes to get through, but they don’t advertise the fact. Do you want to destroy yourself?” asked Gregor.
“Are you saying you use drugs yourself?” Anna asked answering his question with a question, and pretending surprise. Inside she was thinking this was an odd time to make this potential break through!
“If I did I certainly wouldn’t tell anyone - officially - in AF. Look it is complicated, nothing is ever quite as it seems, we all play roles! Show an outward face - wear a mask - if you like, it is expected! I mean Anna you know this, but recently you have no idea!” Gregor said.
“You believe you are being watched?” asked Anna, indicating the device.
“Well you know what they say ‘nothing is private on AFC 4’,” answered the Administrator laughing at the too familiar in-joke.
“So you are afraid of being discharged on medical grounds?” enquired Anna.
“This is not really about me! I have my reasons for doing what I must. What I want to know is what are your reasons and can I still trust you?” asked Gregor.
Anna looked hard at Gregor he seemed unusually lucid almost like the Manager she remembered in the beginning.
“You worry me,” Anna replied, “I feel like I don’t know you anymore, you change colours from moment to moment like a cuttlefish!”
“Good! Listen to me Anna I am far more lucid than I seem. I am convinced in the current climate the stations security is fully compromised. Nothing on file is safe my own computer is full of idiotic ravings. I brought in Ellyssa because I knew she would fail to see through the subterfuge, nor understand the nature of what I have been doing. Besides if the watchers believe all I cared about is a lecherous tumble, so much the better!” he smirked, “I have been running a private investigation within an investigation. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I have discovered while pretending to be looking elsewhere. As I have said masks.”
“After Argon Prime I was in shock, and yes between you and me I self medicated, then I decided to play the junkie, the erratic! It was a dangerous game. The only way I knew I could pull it off was at times to actually let myself fall! It was easier and harder than I expected; sometimes I almost failed to pull myself back, but I knew I was not a good enough actor to do this unaided. Not against my opponents. Now everything is coming to a head, I can feel it, and I need at least one ally I can trust! Maybe if you hadn‘t walked Anna I wouldn‘t be here? Have you any idea how many AF R&D projects have failed?” asked Gregor out of the blue.
“I have no idea,” replied Anna, “that is hardly my sphere!” she wondered where was he taking this? Was Gregor’s new story just one more paranoid delusion built upon all the others; of course I planned to be - irrational - all the time, a perfect get out of responsibility free clause!
Gregor smiled knowingly, “Too many Anna, you should look into it yourself, so many that it has become an ArgonForge legend! I still don’t have all the answers. So many separate threads, are they all linked or simply running side by side. Plans are also founded on tactical opportunities.”
Tactical opportunities like Hiko Elm, Rud, and the (sometimes it seemed inevitable) Treason Trial, thought Gregor.
“Jollo told me something back on Argon Prime. He said there was a faction that wanted to fully militarise weapon manufacturing! Hawks in and outside the Senate he considered I was a victim of these players, but I find myself wondering did he failed to see the fuller picture! I believe the best and worst lie is a half-truth! Like my drug addiction, and inability to operate, my futile investigation, all half truths!” said Gregor with the same grin.
This was another new vector. Anna didn’t know what to make of it all Gregor gave her a headache! Somehow the AFC 4 Administrator constantly managed to surprise her, and keep her a little off balance. Was it possible that as wrong as he was, some small part of the Argon could still be right? What if the excuse Jollo had used to cover Anna’s, and Argon Navy Intelligences ploy had been born of a hidden and closely related fact? What if their was a faction working to militarise AF (even perhaps within the company itself)? What if this group was also bound up with current events such as Hiko Elm? What if all those R&D let downs had not been accidents but part of a coordinated purposeful scheme? Could saboteurs be in the wings to target her project too? Was there more to Febr’s escape from the Asylum than met the eye? Once again Anna wondered about Gregor’s assumptions why did Gregor suppose such events were linked? How many other wild theories had he not espoused would she be wise, or just foolish to consider these. Anna was tired of this cycle sometimes Gregor’s paranoid complaint seemed contagious.
“I don’t know Gregor, you are making a lot of accusations but what are your proofs?” asked Anna, “If you want to be taken seriously you need facts, not just feelings or hearsay! Anyway why are you telling me this? What do you expect from me Gregor?”
“At first I thought I needed you to come back, but maybe Anna it is better this way. What I want most is somebody I can talk too - somebody that will listen, and maybe even criticise my reasoning! Somebody to monitor my status in case I fall too far, in short I need a friend more than a employee,” said Gregor, “It might be easier now you are no longer my underling, I hear you plan to stay on station.”
“Truly nothing is private on AFC 4. Yes I am going to work with Garrin, it will be a new experience,” Anna confessed.
“You can tell him - I said - that he is a lucky Argon,” smiled Gregor.
“Gregor you said listen, and criticise. Well you have made me think about a few things I hadn’t considered, but if you keep cooking your brain - even with the best of intentions - it won’t change the final dead head result!” noted Anna.
“I know, I’ll be easing off soon, it will be difficult. Maybe I am not as in control as I would like to think I am,” Gregor admitted.
Who is? Thought Anna.
ArgonForge 4 never slept it ran on a constant cycle through the endless night. Many ships floated in to deposit raw materials, a few departing with high value weapons. As well as bulk freighter commodities smaller couriers like the infamous Garrin were also kept busy, sometimes going so far as to deliver the most secure items direct to their client by hand.
When the Administrator left Anna’s cubicle a station side individual employed in internal transits called Yolind was waiting in the corridor Gregor’s guards had temporarily detained her. They had already verified the couriers legitimate ID, and insisted on scanning the package being delivered. Even so they still wouldn’t let the young female Argon make her delivery to Anna until after their employer had departed the scene altogether.
Once the Administrator had gone Yolind was finally free to buzz her quarry. Anna initially thought Gregor had returned as he had insisted on seeing himself out. Instead she saw a dark green, and grey uniformed runner. After remotely verifying her ID the resting PA opened the door. To Anna’s additional surprise the package was listed as coming from the jokingly familiar ‘Outer Antiquities’. Signing off Anna collected the sealed aluminium box. Once secure in her cubicle the Scientist undid the simple catch and flipped the lip open. Inside rested two items a Golden Timepiece, and a Computer Pad.
The timepiece was close to being unmistakable proof of origin, never mind the name of the dummy company. The Computer Pad was locked down. Running through old shared passwords Anna soon came across the right combination, and the device sprung to life revealing Febr’s face.
“I’m sorry Anna,” began Febr the shot panned out to reveal flanking fully armed Marines, “as you can see I am still in ah…protective custody. My benefactors believe it is important that we all speak together. A meeting has been arranged on this Troop Transport here on AFC 4 at the time below. They are not giving you much notice. I believe it is in our interests if you are punctual my minders are very worried. They said the seal at the end of this message should be enough to convince you. They know it is a breach of your established contact protocol. They know I would be glad if our - small friends were removed - but that would still leave a less fragile artefact! I must remain content with this opportunity to see you at last, and pray for the best!”
Before the message self erased it played the aforementioned authority. It was Ravn’s activation. This was the same Navy unit to which her minder was attached! It was a surety, and perhaps a threat rolled into one neat little dissolving image. Who watched the watchmen?
Checking the time Anna realised they really had given her little opportunity to consider her options even if the messages delivery had been delayed. Anna decided to go at once. Grabbing a shoulder bag Anna deposited the pocket watch, and left her cubicle making sure it was securely locked. The Scientist wondered would she ever see the place again Gregor’s paranoia was getting to her!
The military transport was under guard that came as no surprise. Marines could be found everywhere on the station now doing scanning sweeps boarding, and searching ships, stopping, and questioning foot traffic. Anna was sure the Carl and his team were alternatively banging their heads against the bulkhead, and sighing in relief! Now if something went horribly wrong it would be as much the militaries baby as the civilian police but having the Marines on board also rankled. Anna felt an unusual squirming in her belly as she neared the silver customised express transport. Before being granted entry she was searched and scanned by a hard looking female officer then escorted up the ramp and aboard. Behind her the ramp folded, and the door closed like a prison cell door.
Moments later she was ushered into an unusual space what looked like a mobile tactical, and communication operations room, and beyond this into a smaller office like space. There with even more hovering guards Anna was greeted by an elderly woman in an unmarked uniform, Anna recognised the shadowy ANI figure of Fay. A personage that often appeared on the edge of AF R&D projects as an internal and external security specialist an old friend of Febr’s.
“It has been a while Professor A,” Fay said with a smile.
“Yes, I suppose it would be a little over two, and a half Argon Prime years,” noted Anna.
“Please take a seat. If you don’t mind I’ll skip the formality of refreshments, and get down to business. I have been watching your progress Anna, like your mentor, you are an asset to the Argon species. Your mind is one I would hate to see going to waste. Since arriving on station it has come to my attention that you may be having second thoughts about continuing to work for us. To be honest I am hardly surprised! Febr’s departure left you in an impossible position, and the Argons who devised this test in it’s current format over your - I have discovered - many well founded objections, were frankly ill advised! ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ really how amusing!” said Fay.
“You are remarkably well informed,” noted Anna.
“A matter of public record sometimes the best information is neither secret nor deemed consequential. If I had been a male perhaps I would have missed it,” said Fay smiling, “all toys, and peering into the deepest, darkest, shadow - no wonder they are in love with the ‘Hive access Core’ nonetheless, we know better don’t we! Move in the open misdirect in plain sight.”
“Febr (and even I) know you too well. You are not so delicate to fold under the pressure. It was inevitable that you would realise knowledge of the ‘Hive access Core’ would become a steel trap. I think I can imagine your plan - you would burn out then precipitate - a big publicity campaign - for the new universe wide RJL venture gaining the accidental protection of too much inadvertent celebrity, enough to disrupt any easy future cover story! Discover an unexpected joy in running the - mundane - business quit your former vocation as something now grown undesirable, bad memories! If approached offer to make the ferry service available for hidden extra special runs; be useful, but not too useful and retain your life, and freedom in whole or in part from the intelligence services correct?” asked Fay.
Anna just smiled thinly Fay was a witch or just highly emphatic, and excellent at deduction.
“It would never have worked,” said Fay with a sigh, “the Hive is just too big, but I am sure you already suspected this! Yet the prey must run when the hunter threatens a chase!”
Anna didn’t like where this was going Fay was telling her ANI wouldn’t let her go perhaps wouldn’t even let her live. The spook was closing down her last ditch options. Still the former PA doubted the ANI sorceress had brought her here just to say no! Biting back the apprehension because she was pretty sure any proposal that followed such frank revelations would be one she wouldn’t like, Anna spoke up, “So Fay if my way won’t work - you must still see some advantage or deal - what is your offer?”
“My offer is a one way future proof ticket both in, and outside ANI. For such as yourself this contract can only be entered voluntarily. Take this option and your fidelity will be beyond reproach. I think we could even support your ‘Reaper Jump Liner’ scheme as a legitimate cover. Membership of my unit would allow you to keep working within your old field, despite what you know - if you so desire! Otherwise if you feel ill-used my dear; we will just occasionally seek to pick your brain. More to the point you need not fear being removed - like you once incarcerated your own Mentor Febr - for the sake of Argon security!” stated Fay
“So what is the catch, have you finally perfected a selective mind wipe?” asked the Professor with a grim chuckle.
“No,” said Fay, “If only we had, but we have perfected Split Dire!”
The Station Runner felt herself go cold, “You are offering me a living Death!”
“We call it Argon Incentive,” said Fay suddenly to Anna it seemed that the agent was smiling like a ghoul, “ironically it allows us to set some - gifted - individuals free as sleeping agents. If you want to live betrayal is no longer an available option! Only we can provide the required tailor made regular suppressants. It takes away the need for the deepest trust, a degree of faithfulness is guaranteed. However, Anna you must choose to volunteer for the procedure. If I proposed injecting innocents simply because they had become a security risk…well even such as I am bound by the ultimate consequences of such ethical decisions; we all dance on a knife edge of purgatory as Febr might put it, on either side we move towards heaven or hell!”
“Yet you hint other factions will either incarcerate or eliminate me if I don’t agree?” complained Anna.
“That does not invalidate the choice, we choose to live with every breath we take. Does the inevitability of death if we stop breathing nullify the choice to live?” asked Fay.
Fay obviously liked playing with words, but in truth it was simple intimidation. The option here was join us or die! Anna wondered what it would be like to know a poison rested in her cells. Split Dire was infamous - a dark legend - the ultimate infiltrator, the unseen warden. As a scientist she knew death and decay was irresistible but…
“What about Febr?” Anna asked.
“He too has a choice to make. Though he doesn’t know it yet!” replied Fay.
It would be like being a dog on an unbreakable invisible leash, a slave to the requirement of the suppressant. Gregor didn’t know how lucky he was, by comparison to this ultimatum his woes were as nothing! Yet even if she chose the drug Anna realised something, something perhaps Fay did not, if ANI thought they could make a pawn from the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ they would be mistaken. Anna vowed she would pick when and how to play her last card the Ace of Spades!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 48 – Assassin of Hearts
Nothing in life is certain other than change. It was Treason Trial minus four cycles, and counting. Anna was shocked when Gregor arrived outside her door flanked by two AF guards. Luckily anything untoward was locked away from plain sight. Gregor was fortunate to get Anna in she had just returned from another long session of logistical wrangling at Garrin’s Office. The question though was how blessed was Anna that Gregor had caught her in?
On the view screen the Administrator looked stiff and controlled, Anna felt outnumbered, and mildly intimidated. Steeling herself she opened the door and greeted her still as yet - until formalised - official boss. Nonetheless, it was a guard that went to step in first until Gregor called him back with an angry word.
“No need for that here!” Gregor said brushing the armed man aside, “I wish to have a word in private. Make sure we are not disturbed!”
Anna wondered had Gregor finally flipped, was she about to find herself placed under house arrest. Nonetheless, she smiled offered a seat, and hot or cold refreshment! Well Anna was used to playing hostess.
“Thank you, and no thank you,” returned Gregor taking the basic office chair that rested against Anna’s tiny desk before swivelling around to face her rather intently!
Anna folded herself neatly upon the edge of her bed, hands clasped between her knees. The PA chose to forego the Argnu Leather easy chair as it was too far away resting in the cubicles far corner.
“Well this is a surprise!” she said.
“Not as much I trust as the mail I received earlier,” complained Gregor raising an eyebrow.
“Now you really are surprising me Gregor,” replied Anna a little primly.
“Did you think I wanted you to leave?” asked the AFC 4 Administrator sounding slightly offended.
“Are you saying you did not?” returned Anna a trifle sharper.
Gregor stared hard at his assistant while he considered his options, “Fine,” he said, pulling something out of his pocket he immediately activated it, “now we can talk!”
It was a remote Corporate Block Activator a portable privacy device linked into the Administrators codes it would blank out - stop - all station surveillance around the room he was in. A highly visible means of privacy (hardened into the system) one mostly used in closed boardroom meetings.
“I’m sorry, I pushed you too hard, but going to Mynae admitting you needed medication was foolish! I thought you needed a full rest period not just time to unwind, but also time to consider the folly of playing confession. This is a hard-nosed business Anna. Lots of people employ various controlled regimes to get through, but they don’t advertise the fact. Do you want to destroy yourself?” asked Gregor.
“Are you saying you use drugs yourself?” Anna asked answering his question with a question, and pretending surprise. Inside she was thinking this was an odd time to make this potential break through!
“If I did I certainly wouldn’t tell anyone - officially - in AF. Look it is complicated, nothing is ever quite as it seems, we all play roles! Show an outward face - wear a mask - if you like, it is expected! I mean Anna you know this, but recently you have no idea!” Gregor said.
“You believe you are being watched?” asked Anna, indicating the device.
“Well you know what they say ‘nothing is private on AFC 4’,” answered the Administrator laughing at the too familiar in-joke.
“So you are afraid of being discharged on medical grounds?” enquired Anna.
“This is not really about me! I have my reasons for doing what I must. What I want to know is what are your reasons and can I still trust you?” asked Gregor.
Anna looked hard at Gregor he seemed unusually lucid almost like the Manager she remembered in the beginning.
“You worry me,” Anna replied, “I feel like I don’t know you anymore, you change colours from moment to moment like a cuttlefish!”
“Good! Listen to me Anna I am far more lucid than I seem. I am convinced in the current climate the stations security is fully compromised. Nothing on file is safe my own computer is full of idiotic ravings. I brought in Ellyssa because I knew she would fail to see through the subterfuge, nor understand the nature of what I have been doing. Besides if the watchers believe all I cared about is a lecherous tumble, so much the better!” he smirked, “I have been running a private investigation within an investigation. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I have discovered while pretending to be looking elsewhere. As I have said masks.”
“After Argon Prime I was in shock, and yes between you and me I self medicated, then I decided to play the junkie, the erratic! It was a dangerous game. The only way I knew I could pull it off was at times to actually let myself fall! It was easier and harder than I expected; sometimes I almost failed to pull myself back, but I knew I was not a good enough actor to do this unaided. Not against my opponents. Now everything is coming to a head, I can feel it, and I need at least one ally I can trust! Maybe if you hadn‘t walked Anna I wouldn‘t be here? Have you any idea how many AF R&D projects have failed?” asked Gregor out of the blue.
“I have no idea,” replied Anna, “that is hardly my sphere!” she wondered where was he taking this? Was Gregor’s new story just one more paranoid delusion built upon all the others; of course I planned to be - irrational - all the time, a perfect get out of responsibility free clause!
Gregor smiled knowingly, “Too many Anna, you should look into it yourself, so many that it has become an ArgonForge legend! I still don’t have all the answers. So many separate threads, are they all linked or simply running side by side. Plans are also founded on tactical opportunities.”
Tactical opportunities like Hiko Elm, Rud, and the (sometimes it seemed inevitable) Treason Trial, thought Gregor.
“Jollo told me something back on Argon Prime. He said there was a faction that wanted to fully militarise weapon manufacturing! Hawks in and outside the Senate he considered I was a victim of these players, but I find myself wondering did he failed to see the fuller picture! I believe the best and worst lie is a half-truth! Like my drug addiction, and inability to operate, my futile investigation, all half truths!” said Gregor with the same grin.
This was another new vector. Anna didn’t know what to make of it all Gregor gave her a headache! Somehow the AFC 4 Administrator constantly managed to surprise her, and keep her a little off balance. Was it possible that as wrong as he was, some small part of the Argon could still be right? What if the excuse Jollo had used to cover Anna’s, and Argon Navy Intelligences ploy had been born of a hidden and closely related fact? What if their was a faction working to militarise AF (even perhaps within the company itself)? What if this group was also bound up with current events such as Hiko Elm? What if all those R&D let downs had not been accidents but part of a coordinated purposeful scheme? Could saboteurs be in the wings to target her project too? Was there more to Febr’s escape from the Asylum than met the eye? Once again Anna wondered about Gregor’s assumptions why did Gregor suppose such events were linked? How many other wild theories had he not espoused would she be wise, or just foolish to consider these. Anna was tired of this cycle sometimes Gregor’s paranoid complaint seemed contagious.
“I don’t know Gregor, you are making a lot of accusations but what are your proofs?” asked Anna, “If you want to be taken seriously you need facts, not just feelings or hearsay! Anyway why are you telling me this? What do you expect from me Gregor?”
“At first I thought I needed you to come back, but maybe Anna it is better this way. What I want most is somebody I can talk too - somebody that will listen, and maybe even criticise my reasoning! Somebody to monitor my status in case I fall too far, in short I need a friend more than a employee,” said Gregor, “It might be easier now you are no longer my underling, I hear you plan to stay on station.”
“Truly nothing is private on AFC 4. Yes I am going to work with Garrin, it will be a new experience,” Anna confessed.
“You can tell him - I said - that he is a lucky Argon,” smiled Gregor.
“Gregor you said listen, and criticise. Well you have made me think about a few things I hadn’t considered, but if you keep cooking your brain - even with the best of intentions - it won’t change the final dead head result!” noted Anna.
“I know, I’ll be easing off soon, it will be difficult. Maybe I am not as in control as I would like to think I am,” Gregor admitted.
Who is? Thought Anna.
ArgonForge 4 never slept it ran on a constant cycle through the endless night. Many ships floated in to deposit raw materials, a few departing with high value weapons. As well as bulk freighter commodities smaller couriers like the infamous Garrin were also kept busy, sometimes going so far as to deliver the most secure items direct to their client by hand.
When the Administrator left Anna’s cubicle a station side individual employed in internal transits called Yolind was waiting in the corridor Gregor’s guards had temporarily detained her. They had already verified the couriers legitimate ID, and insisted on scanning the package being delivered. Even so they still wouldn’t let the young female Argon make her delivery to Anna until after their employer had departed the scene altogether.
Once the Administrator had gone Yolind was finally free to buzz her quarry. Anna initially thought Gregor had returned as he had insisted on seeing himself out. Instead she saw a dark green, and grey uniformed runner. After remotely verifying her ID the resting PA opened the door. To Anna’s additional surprise the package was listed as coming from the jokingly familiar ‘Outer Antiquities’. Signing off Anna collected the sealed aluminium box. Once secure in her cubicle the Scientist undid the simple catch and flipped the lip open. Inside rested two items a Golden Timepiece, and a Computer Pad.
The timepiece was close to being unmistakable proof of origin, never mind the name of the dummy company. The Computer Pad was locked down. Running through old shared passwords Anna soon came across the right combination, and the device sprung to life revealing Febr’s face.
“I’m sorry Anna,” began Febr the shot panned out to reveal flanking fully armed Marines, “as you can see I am still in ah…protective custody. My benefactors believe it is important that we all speak together. A meeting has been arranged on this Troop Transport here on AFC 4 at the time below. They are not giving you much notice. I believe it is in our interests if you are punctual my minders are very worried. They said the seal at the end of this message should be enough to convince you. They know it is a breach of your established contact protocol. They know I would be glad if our - small friends were removed - but that would still leave a less fragile artefact! I must remain content with this opportunity to see you at last, and pray for the best!”
Before the message self erased it played the aforementioned authority. It was Ravn’s activation. This was the same Navy unit to which her minder was attached! It was a surety, and perhaps a threat rolled into one neat little dissolving image. Who watched the watchmen?
Checking the time Anna realised they really had given her little opportunity to consider her options even if the messages delivery had been delayed. Anna decided to go at once. Grabbing a shoulder bag Anna deposited the pocket watch, and left her cubicle making sure it was securely locked. The Scientist wondered would she ever see the place again Gregor’s paranoia was getting to her!
The military transport was under guard that came as no surprise. Marines could be found everywhere on the station now doing scanning sweeps boarding, and searching ships, stopping, and questioning foot traffic. Anna was sure the Carl and his team were alternatively banging their heads against the bulkhead, and sighing in relief! Now if something went horribly wrong it would be as much the militaries baby as the civilian police but having the Marines on board also rankled. Anna felt an unusual squirming in her belly as she neared the silver customised express transport. Before being granted entry she was searched and scanned by a hard looking female officer then escorted up the ramp and aboard. Behind her the ramp folded, and the door closed like a prison cell door.
Moments later she was ushered into an unusual space what looked like a mobile tactical, and communication operations room, and beyond this into a smaller office like space. There with even more hovering guards Anna was greeted by an elderly woman in an unmarked uniform, Anna recognised the shadowy ANI figure of Fay. A personage that often appeared on the edge of AF R&D projects as an internal and external security specialist an old friend of Febr’s.
“It has been a while Professor A,” Fay said with a smile.
“Yes, I suppose it would be a little over two, and a half Argon Prime years,” noted Anna.
“Please take a seat. If you don’t mind I’ll skip the formality of refreshments, and get down to business. I have been watching your progress Anna, like your mentor, you are an asset to the Argon species. Your mind is one I would hate to see going to waste. Since arriving on station it has come to my attention that you may be having second thoughts about continuing to work for us. To be honest I am hardly surprised! Febr’s departure left you in an impossible position, and the Argons who devised this test in it’s current format over your - I have discovered - many well founded objections, were frankly ill advised! ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ really how amusing!” said Fay.
“You are remarkably well informed,” noted Anna.
“A matter of public record sometimes the best information is neither secret nor deemed consequential. If I had been a male perhaps I would have missed it,” said Fay smiling, “all toys, and peering into the deepest, darkest, shadow - no wonder they are in love with the ‘Hive access Core’ nonetheless, we know better don’t we! Move in the open misdirect in plain sight.”
“Febr (and even I) know you too well. You are not so delicate to fold under the pressure. It was inevitable that you would realise knowledge of the ‘Hive access Core’ would become a steel trap. I think I can imagine your plan - you would burn out then precipitate - a big publicity campaign - for the new universe wide RJL venture gaining the accidental protection of too much inadvertent celebrity, enough to disrupt any easy future cover story! Discover an unexpected joy in running the - mundane - business quit your former vocation as something now grown undesirable, bad memories! If approached offer to make the ferry service available for hidden extra special runs; be useful, but not too useful and retain your life, and freedom in whole or in part from the intelligence services correct?” asked Fay.
Anna just smiled thinly Fay was a witch or just highly emphatic, and excellent at deduction.
“It would never have worked,” said Fay with a sigh, “the Hive is just too big, but I am sure you already suspected this! Yet the prey must run when the hunter threatens a chase!”
Anna didn’t like where this was going Fay was telling her ANI wouldn’t let her go perhaps wouldn’t even let her live. The spook was closing down her last ditch options. Still the former PA doubted the ANI sorceress had brought her here just to say no! Biting back the apprehension because she was pretty sure any proposal that followed such frank revelations would be one she wouldn’t like, Anna spoke up, “So Fay if my way won’t work - you must still see some advantage or deal - what is your offer?”
“My offer is a one way future proof ticket both in, and outside ANI. For such as yourself this contract can only be entered voluntarily. Take this option and your fidelity will be beyond reproach. I think we could even support your ‘Reaper Jump Liner’ scheme as a legitimate cover. Membership of my unit would allow you to keep working within your old field, despite what you know - if you so desire! Otherwise if you feel ill-used my dear; we will just occasionally seek to pick your brain. More to the point you need not fear being removed - like you once incarcerated your own Mentor Febr - for the sake of Argon security!” stated Fay
“So what is the catch, have you finally perfected a selective mind wipe?” asked the Professor with a grim chuckle.
“No,” said Fay, “If only we had, but we have perfected Split Dire!”
The Station Runner felt herself go cold, “You are offering me a living Death!”
“We call it Argon Incentive,” said Fay suddenly to Anna it seemed that the agent was smiling like a ghoul, “ironically it allows us to set some - gifted - individuals free as sleeping agents. If you want to live betrayal is no longer an available option! Only we can provide the required tailor made regular suppressants. It takes away the need for the deepest trust, a degree of faithfulness is guaranteed. However, Anna you must choose to volunteer for the procedure. If I proposed injecting innocents simply because they had become a security risk…well even such as I am bound by the ultimate consequences of such ethical decisions; we all dance on a knife edge of purgatory as Febr might put it, on either side we move towards heaven or hell!”
“Yet you hint other factions will either incarcerate or eliminate me if I don’t agree?” complained Anna.
“That does not invalidate the choice, we choose to live with every breath we take. Does the inevitability of death if we stop breathing nullify the choice to live?” asked Fay.
Fay obviously liked playing with words, but in truth it was simple intimidation. The option here was join us or die! Anna wondered what it would be like to know a poison rested in her cells. Split Dire was infamous - a dark legend - the ultimate infiltrator, the unseen warden. As a scientist she knew death and decay was irresistible but…
“What about Febr?” Anna asked.
“He too has a choice to make. Though he doesn’t know it yet!” replied Fay.
It would be like being a dog on an unbreakable invisible leash, a slave to the requirement of the suppressant. Gregor didn’t know how lucky he was, by comparison to this ultimatum his woes were as nothing! Yet even if she chose the drug Anna realised something, something perhaps Fay did not, if ANI thought they could make a pawn from the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ they would be mistaken. Anna vowed she would pick when and how to play her last card the Ace of Spades!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Wed, 23. Apr 08, 20:16, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 49 – Slack in the Chemical Leash
Still Treason Trial minus four deep, and down Fay was feeling a little glum as she waited on the return of her latest recruits from the medical bay. On the surface the ‘Legion of the Damned’ Commander in Chief almost had the Core in her bag, but forcing Febr into taking the ‘Argon Incentive’ had hurt! She doubted the Old Argon, and Anna would ever forgive her, well it was a choice, and no choice, and the battle was far from over!
Febr had made her decision easier, and harder, in more ways than one. In the end Fay had no option but to act. Luckily the Legion had been given the task of monitoring the Cores - essential security, damage control - from the beginning. Nobody else could be trusted. The fact that only Ban Danna and the oversight committee could authorise, and release Fay, and her Fortress Commanders suppressant was the Legions electronic skeleton key to oversee the blackest of black, the ‘Hive access Core’ included! Just as Fay, and the Fortress Commander had control over the fate of their direct subordinates survival, and so on down the steel chain of command. The drug/poison Argon Incentive supposedly ensured explicit trust. However while being so tightly bound made Fay, and the Legion appear incorruptible, Fay knew better! Total enforced obedience was an illusion - if one that served well - both inside, and outside the unit. In the end compliance was as much about psychology as the physical necessity for the tailored suppressant!
To Fay the Argon Incentive was just a sharper politic - nothing new - superiors had always held her life in their hands, and Fay had always been able to work around this restriction - like most veterans! The Commander in Chief fully appreciated some subordinates understood this stratagem too, which was why she monitored everyone closely! A degree of independent thought, and action was encouraged, but occasionally an example had to be made; proper military discipline instilled!
Fay had occasionally given the order that turned the rope leash into a hangman’s noose! Right now Fay was very conscious that she also dangled on just such a line. The Commander in Chief was playing a very dangerous end game. In her mind Fay walked an essential path for a host of reasons - some personal others she still liked to imagine (no matter the opinion of any other) patriotic!
Sitting behind her desk console Fay waited. It was Anna who arrived first followed by her old Mentor. Both looked grim but determined; this pair would be trouble. Together the Professors were maybe as big a risk as Jorac would have been, had she agreed to his induction - rather than demanding his eradication! That had been a hard decision, but Fay remembered the uprising when she had been known as Faith!
“Professor’s take a seat, and welcome to the dark!” Fay began, “sometimes in order to win a war you have to lose a battle. Sometimes to save you have to sacrifice. For what it is worth I am sorry, if I could think of any other way, but time is too short, and the crisis too grave! My superior wants the ‘Hive access Core’ but I plan to deny him. I agree with both of you the Core is too risky to set loose and requires more research time. With your help I can do both restrict the Core from general release, and allow for its further study in a safe secure environment,” explained Fay.
“Fay,” shouted Febr enraged, “you promised, you promised to destroy it!”
“Destroy it, that I will, but only if you can - prove scientifically - it is a clear and present danger! In the meantime I must control it, or it will be disseminated beyond anybodies ability to recall,” explained Fay.
“This is absurd,” blustered Febr, “you have no idea what you are toying with this is not some petty innovation in the arms race this is apocalypse!”
“Please calm yourself,” advised the Commander in Chief, “I have but two rational choices unless you want to sentence us all to summary court martial, and death - censor or release! Which would you rather I do? If it is censor then I need the best arguments you can devise - real or imagined - I need flaws, and perils sound statistics and reams of data. I need ammunition only you two can provide and I need it yesterday!”
“Paranidia, the military have been sabotaging Research and Development projects haven’t you?” questioned Anna, “now you plan to steal the Hive access Core!”
“I plan to protect the Argon from themselves,” noted Fay.
“The Legion they recycle failed technologies, I remember hearing about that. You are sabotaging, and stealing advancements. I can’t believe this, and you would make us into brigands too,” Febr cursed.
“Hah,” spat Fay, “get a grip Old Argon what did you think you were doing when you were robbing the graves of lost civilisations. I am giving you an opportunity Febr find me real proof of an unknown menace and I will cast the otherworldly Generator unit into bright Sonra myself! What use is a self-destructive technology to anyone or me? Otherwise at least allow me to keep the cursed science out of general circulation! Forget potential vast, and unknown extra dimensional entities, and focus even on this faith: the ‘Hive access Core’ will destroy the harmony of this universe; it will rip a hole through the delicate equilibrium between the races. It is a nuclear warhead in the hands of a child!” warned Fay.
“Yet you, you believe yourself adult enough to control it!” mocked Anna.
Fey leaned forward out of her chair and loomed over the female Professor, “Listen to me girl my office has been burying, and spooning out advances per my remit ever since the powers that be - belatedly realised - the dangers inherent in truly free technological advancement! Especially anything developed on the back of Elder Sciences. The universe has not fallen yet. Look at the effect of the relatively benign Jump Drives look how it has punched holes in our sector security. Where did you think many of the most amazing new advances suddenly sprang from following the Khaak War they came from me from this office. Technologies suppressed until they could be properly and fully evaluated. Carefully released when desperately required - no more than was absolutely necessary - to accomplish our survival without compromising our enclosed Grids survival. Thankfully wise people in the Senate came to believe it is our rampant aggressive technological advancement that resulted in the Ancients fearing us and quarantining this Universe. They feared our lack of restraint - the restraint that birthed the Xenon - and if we are not to destroy ourselves we must also be wary of ourselves!” rant finished Fay slumped back down with a sigh.
“So are you behind this talk about Militarising weapons production?” queried Anna.
“Are you Mad?” Fay asked, “we are only able to do what we must by keeping Research, and Development fractured among distrusting, and paranoid corporations. By keeping smart people like you cloistered, and firmly fixated in intellectual tunnel vision, we cannot halt progress after it is released; only via isolation can we discredit results when it is deemed required, and before it is too late! Centralisation would result in too much cross fertilisation, and dissemination of unrestrained ideas it would be a disaster!”
“So how does it feel to play God?” Anna asked.
Anna felt shocked, and repulsed by the revelation that pure science was being censored by a military hack.
“I don’t know I was going to ask you the same question?” retorted Fay, “but enough of this. So it is a shock to have the blinkers removed, but it is freedom also. Will you help me?”
“Do we have a choice?” Febr asked.
Fay laughed, “Yes, you have a choice, and don’t think I am not aware of the fact - needle or not! You are not my average recruits, I have not given you to the Argon Incentive to bind you to me, I have given you the poison to fool our opponents! I am asking for your cooperation. I appeal to you not as a member of Military Intelligence, not even as an Argon, but as a simple citizen of this wide, and wonderful Universe we all have to share!”
“Fay you are wasted you should enter politics,” noted Anna sourly.
“So you are saying if I can get the data, you promise to destroy the Core if not at least to limit its use? If that is the bottom line then I’m in,” said Febr.
“I’ll be watching you Old Goat,” said Fay, “so don’t think you will get a chance to steal the Generator I’ll be taking that one into protective custody! Well Anna what about you will you play the game by my rules?”
“Where will I be stationed?” Anna asked.
“AFC 4 for now, we must see this test through as it has been devised, and you must get me the data I require. Know this I will steal the Core before I will let it go even if it means all our eventual deaths. So work hard and work well,” said Fay.
“Where will I be?” asked Febr back at the ‘Lost for Words?’”
“For now here with me were I can keep an eye on you, and the Core, Old Goat,” replied Fay with a smile.
“You won’t get around me that easy,” promised Febr, “I will need access to the Hive.”
“Don’t worry Febr from now on both of us will be patched into the hive all we need is a supply of messenger drones. I believe Professor A can supply the necessary bugs. I also believe Professor F you will be able to create more lures,” stated Fay.
“It would seem you have thought of everything,” said Anna sarcastically.
Fay found herself thinking if only Anna’s statement was fact, but maybe having access to the processing power of the ‘Hive access Core’ would at least help a little!
Ravn was surprised to discover his superiors had summoned him to a meeting on a Troop Transport. The Military Agent was soon standing opposite Fay. All he knew about that Argon female was that she was Argon Navy Intelligence, and ranked just subordinate to the infamous Ban Danna who was - at least - the figurative head of Argon Intelligence.
“At ease soldier, take a seat,” said Fay.
“Thank you Sir,” said Ravn.
“Congratulations”, said Fay, “so far you have performed your duties well. I am re-assigning you please do not consider this a demotion. Although the duty may seem a less mysterious, and important one in reality this is far from the case! You are to quit your position with AF station security effective immediately, and apply for a position with the newly formed company called ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ that has just been founded by Garrin now using the surname of Omega, and Anna Dei. I believe you are familiar with both parties. Your position will be security advisor, and occasional bodyguard to this fledgling operation. In particular we wish you to ensure the safety of the former PA of the AFC 4 Administrator Gregor. I cannot stress to you how important this is. It is a question of the utmost national security - in all things you will treat Anna as your Commander - unless this office specifically countermands, is that clear.”
“Yes Sir, thank you Sir,” said Ravn.
“Very clever of you to make such a close connection within station security,” said Fay, “keep it up. This ah won’t cause any difficulties with Garrin will it?”
“No Sir,” replied Ravn.
“I would hope not, and Ravn I don’t want any conflicts of interest remember your duty must come first. Anna is your priority if I have any reason to believe this position is compromised - steps will be taken - do you understand?” Fay asked.
“Yes Sir,” replied Ravn grimly.
“Run along and see to the arrangements! Feel free to make whatever excuses seem appropriate. The pay will be better at least!” Fay stated smiling, “Good luck!”
Outside Fay’s office Ravn was taken aside, and given a more detailed brief by one of the agents few un-armoured assistants. In fact very little was left for him to do. Anna would be directly informed of his attachment, it was just a question of quitting AF and showing up to fill in the formalities.
Gregor processed Anna’s resignation - working her notice so that it would be covered by her rest period - freeing her up from any future AF activities. Boron’s tentacles but he wanted another shot but he had sworn off until after dinner. Stopping cold was not an option. Going into the washroom he took out a placebo, and injected himself in case anyone like the Carl was watching.
He still felt convinced - he feared perhaps a little irrationally - that Carl was behind the monitor discrepancies he had discovered. He doubted anyone else would have noticed the subtle differences in sound, visual quality, and camera tracking he had spied in some of the records. However, Gregor prided himself on being something of an audiovisual connoisseur. Studying, and collecting everything from the earliest two dimensional - unimaginably archaic, and exceptionally rare - surviving Digital Video Discs, to modern Passive Virtual Reality shows on chip.
It had been creating a cover for his real research that paradoxically saw Gregor running through station visuals, and uncovering something far more profound. The Administrator started noticing something was amiss. For ages he looked, and looked again but couldn’t figure it out exactly what, then it hit home. Some of the secure data store records had been doctored.
Oddly Anna featured prominently in many of the changed records was she colluding with Carl. Or was the Commander using her in some manner, perhaps pumping the PA for inside information about Gregor. He had decided to attack the question head on by befriending his ex employee to see if anything dropped loose directly in conversation, or later on down the line. While looking into other matters earlier Gregor cunningly edged around Anna’s background via associates, and rediscovered her old link with R&D. At the same time by accident more than design he had come across some rather odd AF statistics that had popped up almost without request - slightly suspiciously - on his machine.
Gregor wondered had somebody noticed him and decided to throw his investigation a few scraps. Unsure what to make of this Gregor had launched the data fragment out during his tirade to the PA. It had been a profound hit, the female was playing too innocent but her eyes had given her away! Something about the less than casual remark had struck deep both R&D, and the idea of sabotaged projects! Why shade her R&D connection in fact why was it largely brushed over by Jollo in the first place! Gregor wondered could Anna be doing an investigation of her own, after all he trusted Jollo the man was family! Perhaps Anna was also looking into something that smelt wrong in AF, either that or in some way she too was part of the stink, and Jollo not making a fuss about her R&D days just a minor oversight!
Or was it the cursed drugs. It truly had seemed like a good idea at the time but Anna was right he had been cooking his brain. Even the idea of playing the druggie had come while already under the influence of relatively innocuous stimulants, and uppers. The Argon Prime incident had almost destroyed him. Only the struggle to show that he had been maligned, and to get back on top had enabled him to retain / regain a modicum of self-control. Gregor felt very different already - but still not really himself - he wondered where it would all end and how much he could now trust even his own thought processes! Gregor wondered had he gone too far for too long he felt like banging his head against the bulkhead until the internal frustration, and the pain stopped! The Administrator wished his mother was still alive and a figure of comfort instead of just pushy antagonism. If only he could manage to get a little sleep but since he had cut down on the drugs sleep had become even harder to obtain, all his restless pacing was far from an act!
Marching towards his cubicle Ravn could feel his world shrinking around him. Had that Argnu actually threatened Elaen while he just said Yes Sir, No Sir! The way the monster had played out the conversation he had believed he was about to be shipped out, that was deliberate too! His whole life was a lie it never used to be like this in the army - even under cover - he was still a fighter, a soldier not a liar not a betrayer. Here now he didn’t know what he was anymore. What if he was caught between Elaen and his new charge Anna, what if something went wrong and he had to make a choice between love, and duty! Love was he serious could a deceiver like him love anyone?
Carl caught up with Anna not far from the Troop transport causing her to start, “Hey what was that all about he asked?”
“Wish I knew,” lied Anna, “questions about the ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ everyone around here is getting really paranoid, the Navy boys gave me the third degree I thought I was never going to escape!”
“Pecker heads,” noted Carl, “My monitors must love you,” continued the Commander, “they all flagged you up being patted down by the marines, and so I decided to hang around a bit. Was about to make some formal enquires when you finally came out!”
That’s odd thought Anna. She was weary but now she was going to have to run a complete diagnostic, and hunt down the culprit of the odd security monitor leak!
“Abyss but I’m weary,” said Anna, “think I’m in for an early one tonight, guess I’m not used to being grilled,” she finished with a smile.
“What you need is a nightcap first,” suggested Carl, taking her arm, “look I would really like to have a word,” he continued.
“Ahhh,” groaned Anna, “not you as well!”
“Come on it will do you good I promise not to shine a light in your face!” said the Corporate Security Commander.
“Well I suppose that is something. Still if you don’t want me to doze off I think it had better be coffee. I guess I can always sleep in - station morning,” said Anna with a sigh thinking about the small joys of being self-employed!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 49 – Slack in the Chemical Leash
Still Treason Trial minus four deep, and down Fay was feeling a little glum as she waited on the return of her latest recruits from the medical bay. On the surface the ‘Legion of the Damned’ Commander in Chief almost had the Core in her bag, but forcing Febr into taking the ‘Argon Incentive’ had hurt! She doubted the Old Argon, and Anna would ever forgive her, well it was a choice, and no choice, and the battle was far from over!
Febr had made her decision easier, and harder, in more ways than one. In the end Fay had no option but to act. Luckily the Legion had been given the task of monitoring the Cores - essential security, damage control - from the beginning. Nobody else could be trusted. The fact that only Ban Danna and the oversight committee could authorise, and release Fay, and her Fortress Commanders suppressant was the Legions electronic skeleton key to oversee the blackest of black, the ‘Hive access Core’ included! Just as Fay, and the Fortress Commander had control over the fate of their direct subordinates survival, and so on down the steel chain of command. The drug/poison Argon Incentive supposedly ensured explicit trust. However while being so tightly bound made Fay, and the Legion appear incorruptible, Fay knew better! Total enforced obedience was an illusion - if one that served well - both inside, and outside the unit. In the end compliance was as much about psychology as the physical necessity for the tailored suppressant!
To Fay the Argon Incentive was just a sharper politic - nothing new - superiors had always held her life in their hands, and Fay had always been able to work around this restriction - like most veterans! The Commander in Chief fully appreciated some subordinates understood this stratagem too, which was why she monitored everyone closely! A degree of independent thought, and action was encouraged, but occasionally an example had to be made; proper military discipline instilled!
Fay had occasionally given the order that turned the rope leash into a hangman’s noose! Right now Fay was very conscious that she also dangled on just such a line. The Commander in Chief was playing a very dangerous end game. In her mind Fay walked an essential path for a host of reasons - some personal others she still liked to imagine (no matter the opinion of any other) patriotic!
Sitting behind her desk console Fay waited. It was Anna who arrived first followed by her old Mentor. Both looked grim but determined; this pair would be trouble. Together the Professors were maybe as big a risk as Jorac would have been, had she agreed to his induction - rather than demanding his eradication! That had been a hard decision, but Fay remembered the uprising when she had been known as Faith!
“Professor’s take a seat, and welcome to the dark!” Fay began, “sometimes in order to win a war you have to lose a battle. Sometimes to save you have to sacrifice. For what it is worth I am sorry, if I could think of any other way, but time is too short, and the crisis too grave! My superior wants the ‘Hive access Core’ but I plan to deny him. I agree with both of you the Core is too risky to set loose and requires more research time. With your help I can do both restrict the Core from general release, and allow for its further study in a safe secure environment,” explained Fay.
“Fay,” shouted Febr enraged, “you promised, you promised to destroy it!”
“Destroy it, that I will, but only if you can - prove scientifically - it is a clear and present danger! In the meantime I must control it, or it will be disseminated beyond anybodies ability to recall,” explained Fay.
“This is absurd,” blustered Febr, “you have no idea what you are toying with this is not some petty innovation in the arms race this is apocalypse!”
“Please calm yourself,” advised the Commander in Chief, “I have but two rational choices unless you want to sentence us all to summary court martial, and death - censor or release! Which would you rather I do? If it is censor then I need the best arguments you can devise - real or imagined - I need flaws, and perils sound statistics and reams of data. I need ammunition only you two can provide and I need it yesterday!”
“Paranidia, the military have been sabotaging Research and Development projects haven’t you?” questioned Anna, “now you plan to steal the Hive access Core!”
“I plan to protect the Argon from themselves,” noted Fay.
“The Legion they recycle failed technologies, I remember hearing about that. You are sabotaging, and stealing advancements. I can’t believe this, and you would make us into brigands too,” Febr cursed.
“Hah,” spat Fay, “get a grip Old Argon what did you think you were doing when you were robbing the graves of lost civilisations. I am giving you an opportunity Febr find me real proof of an unknown menace and I will cast the otherworldly Generator unit into bright Sonra myself! What use is a self-destructive technology to anyone or me? Otherwise at least allow me to keep the cursed science out of general circulation! Forget potential vast, and unknown extra dimensional entities, and focus even on this faith: the ‘Hive access Core’ will destroy the harmony of this universe; it will rip a hole through the delicate equilibrium between the races. It is a nuclear warhead in the hands of a child!” warned Fay.
“Yet you, you believe yourself adult enough to control it!” mocked Anna.
Fey leaned forward out of her chair and loomed over the female Professor, “Listen to me girl my office has been burying, and spooning out advances per my remit ever since the powers that be - belatedly realised - the dangers inherent in truly free technological advancement! Especially anything developed on the back of Elder Sciences. The universe has not fallen yet. Look at the effect of the relatively benign Jump Drives look how it has punched holes in our sector security. Where did you think many of the most amazing new advances suddenly sprang from following the Khaak War they came from me from this office. Technologies suppressed until they could be properly and fully evaluated. Carefully released when desperately required - no more than was absolutely necessary - to accomplish our survival without compromising our enclosed Grids survival. Thankfully wise people in the Senate came to believe it is our rampant aggressive technological advancement that resulted in the Ancients fearing us and quarantining this Universe. They feared our lack of restraint - the restraint that birthed the Xenon - and if we are not to destroy ourselves we must also be wary of ourselves!” rant finished Fay slumped back down with a sigh.
“So are you behind this talk about Militarising weapons production?” queried Anna.
“Are you Mad?” Fay asked, “we are only able to do what we must by keeping Research, and Development fractured among distrusting, and paranoid corporations. By keeping smart people like you cloistered, and firmly fixated in intellectual tunnel vision, we cannot halt progress after it is released; only via isolation can we discredit results when it is deemed required, and before it is too late! Centralisation would result in too much cross fertilisation, and dissemination of unrestrained ideas it would be a disaster!”
“So how does it feel to play God?” Anna asked.
Anna felt shocked, and repulsed by the revelation that pure science was being censored by a military hack.
“I don’t know I was going to ask you the same question?” retorted Fay, “but enough of this. So it is a shock to have the blinkers removed, but it is freedom also. Will you help me?”
“Do we have a choice?” Febr asked.
Fay laughed, “Yes, you have a choice, and don’t think I am not aware of the fact - needle or not! You are not my average recruits, I have not given you to the Argon Incentive to bind you to me, I have given you the poison to fool our opponents! I am asking for your cooperation. I appeal to you not as a member of Military Intelligence, not even as an Argon, but as a simple citizen of this wide, and wonderful Universe we all have to share!”
“Fay you are wasted you should enter politics,” noted Anna sourly.
“So you are saying if I can get the data, you promise to destroy the Core if not at least to limit its use? If that is the bottom line then I’m in,” said Febr.
“I’ll be watching you Old Goat,” said Fay, “so don’t think you will get a chance to steal the Generator I’ll be taking that one into protective custody! Well Anna what about you will you play the game by my rules?”
“Where will I be stationed?” Anna asked.
“AFC 4 for now, we must see this test through as it has been devised, and you must get me the data I require. Know this I will steal the Core before I will let it go even if it means all our eventual deaths. So work hard and work well,” said Fay.
“Where will I be?” asked Febr back at the ‘Lost for Words?’”
“For now here with me were I can keep an eye on you, and the Core, Old Goat,” replied Fay with a smile.
“You won’t get around me that easy,” promised Febr, “I will need access to the Hive.”
“Don’t worry Febr from now on both of us will be patched into the hive all we need is a supply of messenger drones. I believe Professor A can supply the necessary bugs. I also believe Professor F you will be able to create more lures,” stated Fay.
“It would seem you have thought of everything,” said Anna sarcastically.
Fay found herself thinking if only Anna’s statement was fact, but maybe having access to the processing power of the ‘Hive access Core’ would at least help a little!
Ravn was surprised to discover his superiors had summoned him to a meeting on a Troop Transport. The Military Agent was soon standing opposite Fay. All he knew about that Argon female was that she was Argon Navy Intelligence, and ranked just subordinate to the infamous Ban Danna who was - at least - the figurative head of Argon Intelligence.
“At ease soldier, take a seat,” said Fay.
“Thank you Sir,” said Ravn.
“Congratulations”, said Fay, “so far you have performed your duties well. I am re-assigning you please do not consider this a demotion. Although the duty may seem a less mysterious, and important one in reality this is far from the case! You are to quit your position with AF station security effective immediately, and apply for a position with the newly formed company called ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ that has just been founded by Garrin now using the surname of Omega, and Anna Dei. I believe you are familiar with both parties. Your position will be security advisor, and occasional bodyguard to this fledgling operation. In particular we wish you to ensure the safety of the former PA of the AFC 4 Administrator Gregor. I cannot stress to you how important this is. It is a question of the utmost national security - in all things you will treat Anna as your Commander - unless this office specifically countermands, is that clear.”
“Yes Sir, thank you Sir,” said Ravn.
“Very clever of you to make such a close connection within station security,” said Fay, “keep it up. This ah won’t cause any difficulties with Garrin will it?”
“No Sir,” replied Ravn.
“I would hope not, and Ravn I don’t want any conflicts of interest remember your duty must come first. Anna is your priority if I have any reason to believe this position is compromised - steps will be taken - do you understand?” Fay asked.
“Yes Sir,” replied Ravn grimly.
“Run along and see to the arrangements! Feel free to make whatever excuses seem appropriate. The pay will be better at least!” Fay stated smiling, “Good luck!”
Outside Fay’s office Ravn was taken aside, and given a more detailed brief by one of the agents few un-armoured assistants. In fact very little was left for him to do. Anna would be directly informed of his attachment, it was just a question of quitting AF and showing up to fill in the formalities.
Gregor processed Anna’s resignation - working her notice so that it would be covered by her rest period - freeing her up from any future AF activities. Boron’s tentacles but he wanted another shot but he had sworn off until after dinner. Stopping cold was not an option. Going into the washroom he took out a placebo, and injected himself in case anyone like the Carl was watching.
He still felt convinced - he feared perhaps a little irrationally - that Carl was behind the monitor discrepancies he had discovered. He doubted anyone else would have noticed the subtle differences in sound, visual quality, and camera tracking he had spied in some of the records. However, Gregor prided himself on being something of an audiovisual connoisseur. Studying, and collecting everything from the earliest two dimensional - unimaginably archaic, and exceptionally rare - surviving Digital Video Discs, to modern Passive Virtual Reality shows on chip.
It had been creating a cover for his real research that paradoxically saw Gregor running through station visuals, and uncovering something far more profound. The Administrator started noticing something was amiss. For ages he looked, and looked again but couldn’t figure it out exactly what, then it hit home. Some of the secure data store records had been doctored.
Oddly Anna featured prominently in many of the changed records was she colluding with Carl. Or was the Commander using her in some manner, perhaps pumping the PA for inside information about Gregor. He had decided to attack the question head on by befriending his ex employee to see if anything dropped loose directly in conversation, or later on down the line. While looking into other matters earlier Gregor cunningly edged around Anna’s background via associates, and rediscovered her old link with R&D. At the same time by accident more than design he had come across some rather odd AF statistics that had popped up almost without request - slightly suspiciously - on his machine.
Gregor wondered had somebody noticed him and decided to throw his investigation a few scraps. Unsure what to make of this Gregor had launched the data fragment out during his tirade to the PA. It had been a profound hit, the female was playing too innocent but her eyes had given her away! Something about the less than casual remark had struck deep both R&D, and the idea of sabotaged projects! Why shade her R&D connection in fact why was it largely brushed over by Jollo in the first place! Gregor wondered could Anna be doing an investigation of her own, after all he trusted Jollo the man was family! Perhaps Anna was also looking into something that smelt wrong in AF, either that or in some way she too was part of the stink, and Jollo not making a fuss about her R&D days just a minor oversight!
Or was it the cursed drugs. It truly had seemed like a good idea at the time but Anna was right he had been cooking his brain. Even the idea of playing the druggie had come while already under the influence of relatively innocuous stimulants, and uppers. The Argon Prime incident had almost destroyed him. Only the struggle to show that he had been maligned, and to get back on top had enabled him to retain / regain a modicum of self-control. Gregor felt very different already - but still not really himself - he wondered where it would all end and how much he could now trust even his own thought processes! Gregor wondered had he gone too far for too long he felt like banging his head against the bulkhead until the internal frustration, and the pain stopped! The Administrator wished his mother was still alive and a figure of comfort instead of just pushy antagonism. If only he could manage to get a little sleep but since he had cut down on the drugs sleep had become even harder to obtain, all his restless pacing was far from an act!
Marching towards his cubicle Ravn could feel his world shrinking around him. Had that Argnu actually threatened Elaen while he just said Yes Sir, No Sir! The way the monster had played out the conversation he had believed he was about to be shipped out, that was deliberate too! His whole life was a lie it never used to be like this in the army - even under cover - he was still a fighter, a soldier not a liar not a betrayer. Here now he didn’t know what he was anymore. What if he was caught between Elaen and his new charge Anna, what if something went wrong and he had to make a choice between love, and duty! Love was he serious could a deceiver like him love anyone?
Carl caught up with Anna not far from the Troop transport causing her to start, “Hey what was that all about he asked?”
“Wish I knew,” lied Anna, “questions about the ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ everyone around here is getting really paranoid, the Navy boys gave me the third degree I thought I was never going to escape!”
“Pecker heads,” noted Carl, “My monitors must love you,” continued the Commander, “they all flagged you up being patted down by the marines, and so I decided to hang around a bit. Was about to make some formal enquires when you finally came out!”
That’s odd thought Anna. She was weary but now she was going to have to run a complete diagnostic, and hunt down the culprit of the odd security monitor leak!
“Abyss but I’m weary,” said Anna, “think I’m in for an early one tonight, guess I’m not used to being grilled,” she finished with a smile.
“What you need is a nightcap first,” suggested Carl, taking her arm, “look I would really like to have a word,” he continued.
“Ahhh,” groaned Anna, “not you as well!”
“Come on it will do you good I promise not to shine a light in your face!” said the Corporate Security Commander.
“Well I suppose that is something. Still if you don’t want me to doze off I think it had better be coffee. I guess I can always sleep in - station morning,” said Anna with a sigh thinking about the small joys of being self-employed!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Wed, 23. Apr 08, 20:17, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 50 – Each One Alone In Their Own Universe
Anna was in Hub One sitting in that illusionary outside in appearance, but in fact inside space. It was the specialist hot drinks place known as Argon India famous for its tea, but she was nursing a mug of very black, and pungent coffee. Carl had gone for the leafy stuff but looked like he wished he were chugging down a Booster Rocket instead!
“Frankly I’ve had enough,” said Anna, “Gregor isn’t the Argon I took employment with. When Garrin offered an opportunity to become more or less my own boss! Well to be honest I’m tired of doing others dirty work!” she finished with a true degree of heartfelt anguish. Anna could still feel the prick of that nightmare injector!
“I thought it had to be some difficulty with the Administrator,” noted Carl, “I saw how he had you running to and fro - back and forth from the high tower to the CAO - acting like one of his less skilled secretaries. I suppose you have heard the rumours about him and Elly!”
“Well Gregor always did like to break in any willing staff,” noted Anna.
“So it is RJL Administrator Anna now,” said Carl, “I wish I could be more pleased for you but it is hard. Now I have to deal with that fekker Gregor directly I wouldn’t trust Elly as a go between to copy, and file a data report!”
“Well if you need somebody to talk too I’ll still be on the station. Of course I won’t have the same level of clearance anymore,” noted the Professor.
“Well you where visited by the boss I doubt Gregor suddenly got all coy. Do you mind if I ask why?” asked Carl.
“Gregor claims he still wants to be my friend,” said Anna smiling.
“OK Anna I know I said no spotlight, but why the unscheduled Block it set all my internal alarms ringing!” said the Corporate Security Commander looking serious.
“Paranoia Carl just like I said about the Navy boys. Paranoia is rife, did you know I have been advised to get security for the new office, and employ a bodyguard. Simply because I have been seen on camera with Gregor during the Pre Trial Hearing,” noted Anna improvising.
“Come to think of it I shouldn’t be here either,” explained Carl, “according to Argon Navy Intelligence I’m on some very choice death lists.”
“I thought you were looking a little uncomfortable. Look why don’t you come to my cubicle I think I would feel a little safer there myself, and I have something proper to drink - if you would like!” said Anna reaching out to touch Carls right hand.
Startled Carl looked into Anna’s face and to his genuine surprise saw something new. Carl struggled for a suitable line but everything that popped into his head sounded either overly presumptuous or downright lame. In the end he settled for an almost military, “OK lets go!”
Marching back with Carl flanking her Anna wondered what she was doing? Sitting at the table drinking coffee, and bending the truth - while contemplating everything that had happened this cycle - and the need had hit her like a shock staff to the head! The Universe be damned tonight the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ wasn’t going to be alone. It would do them both good besides even from a rational position she told herself it would be good to keep the Security Commander onboard.
Elaen met up with Ravn in ‘Third Space’. They were both off duty and her partner had linked in and asked her to meet him here, it had sounded serious. The big Argon abandoned his seat, and two drinks to greet her mid floor with an embrace and a slightly hung head. Elaen noticed Ravn was avoiding direct eye contact something was seriously amiss. Guiding her over he waited till she took her seat then returned to his own before sliding one drink over to Elaen.
“Best take a good swallow,” said the ex grunt staring at his own tipple.
Elaen returned a penetrating gaze of her own, and then decided to take a sip, “So you’ve been threatening to arrest the Marines again!”
Ravn couldn’t help but chuckle, and look up. He felt immediately snared, and embarrassingly hopeless.
“Elaen, if only, I… I’m leaving the force,” Ravn finally said blurting it out.
Elaen decided he was right she did need a good swallow, “So you’re shipping out?”
“No, I’m staying on station, but I’m leaving AF security,” explained Ravn.
“Boron’s jetting sphincter Ravn,” said Elaen, reaching out to tap him on the head while knocking the desk with her other hand, “I thought you were leaving period.”
“I’ve been approached by Anna Dei,” said Ravn, “she needs a security specialist - the money is better - and I won’t be clashing with the regulations, and letting you down anymore! However, I’ll also be working with Garrin,” he confessed.
“Forget Garrin if that is what is bothering you,” said Elaen full of bravado. Actually Elaen felt unsure how to take this losing both her working partner, and Garrin, and Ravn being in close proximity, “everybody has history!” was all she said though.
“I thought you would be disappointed, even annoyed, we did make a good team on the deck - sometimes - didn’t we?” asked the departing Copper as if actually unsure of himself.
“We did, but I never really felt your heart was in it Ravn, like a big chained wolf, playing at being a guard dog!” laughed Elaen, “you sure you can stick this new one out? It all sounds a bit sudden, I don’t know - very civil - as well! Won’t you be bored into wrestling with those Marines again?”
“Apparently Gregor’s former PA has been advised that her life is under threat by ANI (past association with Gregor, and the Treason Trial) so maybe it won’t be too quiet. Plus I will be advising on wider corporate security - for the whole outfit - sounds like it could get big - Anna is aiming for Universe wide cover,” noted Ravn.
“Seriously?” that didn’t sound like her Garrin.
Elaen wondered what had got into him maybe he was bored without Shimoo clawing his back! Well G deserved to be on his own for a while - maybe next time the idiot will value what he has - fek him anyway! Elaen wondered was G’s new business partner more than just business. Thinking of Anna and Garrin as lovers stung a little, but she didn’t think G was Anna’s type at least she hoped not - it wouldn’t be fair.
Taking a good sup, and shaking her head Elaen raised her glass, “To your new venture,” she said putting on a brave smile.
“Aye,” said Ravn clinking tumblers, “confusion to our enemies, joy from the clutches of adversity, and a gentle peace between every victorious battle,” he finished seriously.
Elaen sighed inwardly she was losing him again. The darkness was seeping in behind his eyes. Sometimes it made her want to weep that gulf within, but she was a fighter too.
“Come on you sentimental soldier,” she said grabbing his hand and pulling him up from his seat, “this is a cursed celebration - a pay rise you say - not a commiseration or a wake. I’m going to get Saeil to put some proper music on, and you are going to show off some of that that martial elegance - by throwing me around the dance floor!”
“Oh no,” Ravn begged laughing, but he allowed himself to be cajoled over to the bar.
Still in her Troop Transport on AFC 4 Fay sat alone locked into her office, and stared at the strangers face in the blank monitor screen. Fay wasn’t even sure if she was a real person anymore! Events had sent her memories spiralling back to another life back to Faith, and Hector Bane which led inevitably to Mars Fell, then Jorac and now unless the reports lied to Tur Ryn. As if one grand scheme was not enough! Fay wondered how far she dared to trust the two Professors. At the moment she welcomed their hostility - they needed to vent get it out of their systems.
Fay of course knew she at least retained a back door out of the trap, but she already felt stretched thin! Anna was right she was playing God but somebody had to do this. All the Old Gods where dead while the Devils, and Demons ran loose in the dark proffering dangerous gifts and reaping the souls of Argon’s. Febr’s newfound faith, and the cursed Free Fallen Angel’s were getting to her imagery! A storm on the Paranid they alone remained immune to the Argon Incentive drug, and as closed, and intractable as ever.
The Paranid had refused to assist, and put an edict in place - even against covert - military intrusion versus the Arch Fallen Angel the Devil reborn. They knew the Argon military were behind Jorac’s assassination, and didn’t give a Boron’s fart about Argon cries of innocence! Through the holiest of channels the message had come in clear from the highest level ‘Keep off the grass or else!’ It was frustrating, but the Paranid had decided to consider Tur a model citizen. The Worms had accorded Jorac much the same status that fool Arke had botched the operation - Flyn should have kept him on a tighter leash. The Paranid had been alerted to the use of equipment that was just too advanced for another Clan Faction hit. Of all the places to release the remote control hunter killer, the moron! Fay was almost tempted to pull the fekker’s Incentive, but the old grizzled killer was a useful psychotic; one who helped to keep some of the lesser hotheads in line!
Each race had their beloved Privateers. The plain truth was that the Worms were very dangerous, and technologically - unrestrained - a sleeping giant. Luckily insular in extremis otherwise Fay dreaded to imagine the consequences. So that as they say was that! Even her belatedly planned pretend Pirate assault against the Priest Pity Anarchy port was now out of the question! The pretend pirate faction raid would heat up the cold war between the two races intelligence agencies. Fay had no desire to spawn a mighty conflagration that could badly weaken both species. In fact striking against the Free Fallen Angels so long as they stayed in neutral Paranid Space was now anathema.
The legion would have to wait and every cycle that passed risked an awakening of the Devil within Tur Ryn, then they would really be in trouble! Still they had the child Kerry for what that was worth. So what else could go wrong? Plu Dup might decide to go it alone - his Sharks could stir up the Worm’s nest as well as anyone else. So far Argon Navy Intelligence had managed to convince the Boron that Tur and his growing Clan were not a direct threat, and would be controlled, but what if the Fallen Angels decided to move against the Floaters Tur was under no restraint in his operations.
Would Plu retain his cool if provoked? Fay liked the Boron - oddly the salty little blue Warlord reminded her of herself, he was a great rarity among his species, and opened up new possibilities. Wonderfully she trusted the Boron not because she controlled him (she did not) nor because he was unable, the Boron had proved himself a skilled and dynamic leader, and a sound strategist. No she trusted Plu because his motives were refreshingly simple, and transparent. Plu wanted to make the Split pay in blood, protect, and raise his own species in particular the Boron outcasts that were his new family. If only more Boron had that ones fire what allies they would have made! Plu was worth his weight in Nividium as far as Fay was concerned. The Boron had even swollen the Legions immediate ranks with some fresh high quality fighters by taking Freedom Station, and handing over those he captured. More importantly Plu had almost removed the Fallen from the game, still almost wasn‘t enough when it came to the Devils Pirate Clan.
Returning back to the principle subject of her muse Fay wondered if Tur was everything she feared he was - how long could he hold out - and how much of the Argon would be left if anything if Jorac download possessed him? Fay turned back to the empty void of the makeshift mirror and contemplating who she was. Somehow the Commander in Chief felt if she could assess the balance of her own soul it would make understanding the threat that little bit easier!
Gregor was sweating through another long night. Running through his conspiracies, and monitoring real time security camera footage plus material downloaded from various data stores. Taking a break he started punching through the cameras looking for the Carl but couldn‘t find him anywhere on station. Attempting to link in he was redirected to a recorded - unavailable - message. Teeth in the bit Gregor charged into running a monitor, and scan trace to find the Corporate Security Commanders location on station. Immediately he was flagged up as having committed an infringement. A violation of proper surveillance security procedures - locked out - and the Commanders security Booth and the Central Security Desk informed of an illicit trace! Well that had blown it for sure by a Paranid frozen Hell it had, thought Gregor.
Moment’s later security comm linked in, “Administrator Gregor this is the CSD I believe you are looking for the Commander Carl can we help you?”
“I just wanted to have a word,” noted Gregor, striving to sound casual, “then I grew a little worried when I was unable to contact him direct. I understand like myself Carl has been subject to some nasty threats.”
“No worries Sir, but I must remind you that - it is procedure - to go through this desk. The Commander is taking an evenings furlough - under the new flexible hours system - and doesn’t wish to be disturbed unless it is urgent. Is it urgent Sir? If so I can beep him on his emergency alert!” continued the Officer.
“No need, if he is on a planned break then everything is explained. Good evening,” with that the AFC 4 Administrator reached behind his ear, and cut the connection.
Almost immediately he was contacted again, “Sergeant Aean ANP is everything alright Administrator we are monitoring the CSD, and CAO traffic would you like us to check up on the Commander Carl?”
“No thank you,” said Gregor, “I was just being a little naughty really. I need to be more patient. I was at a monitor and thought I could locate Carl myself! My apologies I can imagine you don’t want me tying up the bandwidth for private searches. I got a bit carried away, nothing that won’t wait till the morning, too much coffee you know how it is - when you are always on duty!”
“Indeed. Still it is a little worrying that your Commander is out of touch - under these circumstances,” said the Military Policeman.
“Hardly serious,” replied Gregor, “after all he can be reached via the CSD if really needed. We all need our downtime. Still I am very happy you are concerned Sergeant it makes me feel so much safer!” he said dripping sarcasm, “Good evening,” finished Gregor.
Well wasn’t the good Sergeant eager to go poking around. Or could there be some genuine concern, no if the fek wanted to look they would have done so on their own authority then contacted me after - not before! No, he was testing my reaction to the proposal. Sergeant Aean wanted to discover how badly I wanted to know, and whether I was willing to share the results gained from finding out! Black Sun - my hands may be unsteady - but I feel more alert than I have done in cycles, I wonder how long that will last?
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 50 – Each One Alone In Their Own Universe
Anna was in Hub One sitting in that illusionary outside in appearance, but in fact inside space. It was the specialist hot drinks place known as Argon India famous for its tea, but she was nursing a mug of very black, and pungent coffee. Carl had gone for the leafy stuff but looked like he wished he were chugging down a Booster Rocket instead!
“Frankly I’ve had enough,” said Anna, “Gregor isn’t the Argon I took employment with. When Garrin offered an opportunity to become more or less my own boss! Well to be honest I’m tired of doing others dirty work!” she finished with a true degree of heartfelt anguish. Anna could still feel the prick of that nightmare injector!
“I thought it had to be some difficulty with the Administrator,” noted Carl, “I saw how he had you running to and fro - back and forth from the high tower to the CAO - acting like one of his less skilled secretaries. I suppose you have heard the rumours about him and Elly!”
“Well Gregor always did like to break in any willing staff,” noted Anna.
“So it is RJL Administrator Anna now,” said Carl, “I wish I could be more pleased for you but it is hard. Now I have to deal with that fekker Gregor directly I wouldn’t trust Elly as a go between to copy, and file a data report!”
“Well if you need somebody to talk too I’ll still be on the station. Of course I won’t have the same level of clearance anymore,” noted the Professor.
“Well you where visited by the boss I doubt Gregor suddenly got all coy. Do you mind if I ask why?” asked Carl.
“Gregor claims he still wants to be my friend,” said Anna smiling.
“OK Anna I know I said no spotlight, but why the unscheduled Block it set all my internal alarms ringing!” said the Corporate Security Commander looking serious.
“Paranoia Carl just like I said about the Navy boys. Paranoia is rife, did you know I have been advised to get security for the new office, and employ a bodyguard. Simply because I have been seen on camera with Gregor during the Pre Trial Hearing,” noted Anna improvising.
“Come to think of it I shouldn’t be here either,” explained Carl, “according to Argon Navy Intelligence I’m on some very choice death lists.”
“I thought you were looking a little uncomfortable. Look why don’t you come to my cubicle I think I would feel a little safer there myself, and I have something proper to drink - if you would like!” said Anna reaching out to touch Carls right hand.
Startled Carl looked into Anna’s face and to his genuine surprise saw something new. Carl struggled for a suitable line but everything that popped into his head sounded either overly presumptuous or downright lame. In the end he settled for an almost military, “OK lets go!”
Marching back with Carl flanking her Anna wondered what she was doing? Sitting at the table drinking coffee, and bending the truth - while contemplating everything that had happened this cycle - and the need had hit her like a shock staff to the head! The Universe be damned tonight the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ wasn’t going to be alone. It would do them both good besides even from a rational position she told herself it would be good to keep the Security Commander onboard.
Elaen met up with Ravn in ‘Third Space’. They were both off duty and her partner had linked in and asked her to meet him here, it had sounded serious. The big Argon abandoned his seat, and two drinks to greet her mid floor with an embrace and a slightly hung head. Elaen noticed Ravn was avoiding direct eye contact something was seriously amiss. Guiding her over he waited till she took her seat then returned to his own before sliding one drink over to Elaen.
“Best take a good swallow,” said the ex grunt staring at his own tipple.
Elaen returned a penetrating gaze of her own, and then decided to take a sip, “So you’ve been threatening to arrest the Marines again!”
Ravn couldn’t help but chuckle, and look up. He felt immediately snared, and embarrassingly hopeless.
“Elaen, if only, I… I’m leaving the force,” Ravn finally said blurting it out.
Elaen decided he was right she did need a good swallow, “So you’re shipping out?”
“No, I’m staying on station, but I’m leaving AF security,” explained Ravn.
“Boron’s jetting sphincter Ravn,” said Elaen, reaching out to tap him on the head while knocking the desk with her other hand, “I thought you were leaving period.”
“I’ve been approached by Anna Dei,” said Ravn, “she needs a security specialist - the money is better - and I won’t be clashing with the regulations, and letting you down anymore! However, I’ll also be working with Garrin,” he confessed.
“Forget Garrin if that is what is bothering you,” said Elaen full of bravado. Actually Elaen felt unsure how to take this losing both her working partner, and Garrin, and Ravn being in close proximity, “everybody has history!” was all she said though.
“I thought you would be disappointed, even annoyed, we did make a good team on the deck - sometimes - didn’t we?” asked the departing Copper as if actually unsure of himself.
“We did, but I never really felt your heart was in it Ravn, like a big chained wolf, playing at being a guard dog!” laughed Elaen, “you sure you can stick this new one out? It all sounds a bit sudden, I don’t know - very civil - as well! Won’t you be bored into wrestling with those Marines again?”
“Apparently Gregor’s former PA has been advised that her life is under threat by ANI (past association with Gregor, and the Treason Trial) so maybe it won’t be too quiet. Plus I will be advising on wider corporate security - for the whole outfit - sounds like it could get big - Anna is aiming for Universe wide cover,” noted Ravn.
“Seriously?” that didn’t sound like her Garrin.
Elaen wondered what had got into him maybe he was bored without Shimoo clawing his back! Well G deserved to be on his own for a while - maybe next time the idiot will value what he has - fek him anyway! Elaen wondered was G’s new business partner more than just business. Thinking of Anna and Garrin as lovers stung a little, but she didn’t think G was Anna’s type at least she hoped not - it wouldn’t be fair.
Taking a good sup, and shaking her head Elaen raised her glass, “To your new venture,” she said putting on a brave smile.
“Aye,” said Ravn clinking tumblers, “confusion to our enemies, joy from the clutches of adversity, and a gentle peace between every victorious battle,” he finished seriously.
Elaen sighed inwardly she was losing him again. The darkness was seeping in behind his eyes. Sometimes it made her want to weep that gulf within, but she was a fighter too.
“Come on you sentimental soldier,” she said grabbing his hand and pulling him up from his seat, “this is a cursed celebration - a pay rise you say - not a commiseration or a wake. I’m going to get Saeil to put some proper music on, and you are going to show off some of that that martial elegance - by throwing me around the dance floor!”
“Oh no,” Ravn begged laughing, but he allowed himself to be cajoled over to the bar.
Still in her Troop Transport on AFC 4 Fay sat alone locked into her office, and stared at the strangers face in the blank monitor screen. Fay wasn’t even sure if she was a real person anymore! Events had sent her memories spiralling back to another life back to Faith, and Hector Bane which led inevitably to Mars Fell, then Jorac and now unless the reports lied to Tur Ryn. As if one grand scheme was not enough! Fay wondered how far she dared to trust the two Professors. At the moment she welcomed their hostility - they needed to vent get it out of their systems.
Fay of course knew she at least retained a back door out of the trap, but she already felt stretched thin! Anna was right she was playing God but somebody had to do this. All the Old Gods where dead while the Devils, and Demons ran loose in the dark proffering dangerous gifts and reaping the souls of Argon’s. Febr’s newfound faith, and the cursed Free Fallen Angel’s were getting to her imagery! A storm on the Paranid they alone remained immune to the Argon Incentive drug, and as closed, and intractable as ever.
The Paranid had refused to assist, and put an edict in place - even against covert - military intrusion versus the Arch Fallen Angel the Devil reborn. They knew the Argon military were behind Jorac’s assassination, and didn’t give a Boron’s fart about Argon cries of innocence! Through the holiest of channels the message had come in clear from the highest level ‘Keep off the grass or else!’ It was frustrating, but the Paranid had decided to consider Tur a model citizen. The Worms had accorded Jorac much the same status that fool Arke had botched the operation - Flyn should have kept him on a tighter leash. The Paranid had been alerted to the use of equipment that was just too advanced for another Clan Faction hit. Of all the places to release the remote control hunter killer, the moron! Fay was almost tempted to pull the fekker’s Incentive, but the old grizzled killer was a useful psychotic; one who helped to keep some of the lesser hotheads in line!
Each race had their beloved Privateers. The plain truth was that the Worms were very dangerous, and technologically - unrestrained - a sleeping giant. Luckily insular in extremis otherwise Fay dreaded to imagine the consequences. So that as they say was that! Even her belatedly planned pretend Pirate assault against the Priest Pity Anarchy port was now out of the question! The pretend pirate faction raid would heat up the cold war between the two races intelligence agencies. Fay had no desire to spawn a mighty conflagration that could badly weaken both species. In fact striking against the Free Fallen Angels so long as they stayed in neutral Paranid Space was now anathema.
The legion would have to wait and every cycle that passed risked an awakening of the Devil within Tur Ryn, then they would really be in trouble! Still they had the child Kerry for what that was worth. So what else could go wrong? Plu Dup might decide to go it alone - his Sharks could stir up the Worm’s nest as well as anyone else. So far Argon Navy Intelligence had managed to convince the Boron that Tur and his growing Clan were not a direct threat, and would be controlled, but what if the Fallen Angels decided to move against the Floaters Tur was under no restraint in his operations.
Would Plu retain his cool if provoked? Fay liked the Boron - oddly the salty little blue Warlord reminded her of herself, he was a great rarity among his species, and opened up new possibilities. Wonderfully she trusted the Boron not because she controlled him (she did not) nor because he was unable, the Boron had proved himself a skilled and dynamic leader, and a sound strategist. No she trusted Plu because his motives were refreshingly simple, and transparent. Plu wanted to make the Split pay in blood, protect, and raise his own species in particular the Boron outcasts that were his new family. If only more Boron had that ones fire what allies they would have made! Plu was worth his weight in Nividium as far as Fay was concerned. The Boron had even swollen the Legions immediate ranks with some fresh high quality fighters by taking Freedom Station, and handing over those he captured. More importantly Plu had almost removed the Fallen from the game, still almost wasn‘t enough when it came to the Devils Pirate Clan.
Returning back to the principle subject of her muse Fay wondered if Tur was everything she feared he was - how long could he hold out - and how much of the Argon would be left if anything if Jorac download possessed him? Fay turned back to the empty void of the makeshift mirror and contemplating who she was. Somehow the Commander in Chief felt if she could assess the balance of her own soul it would make understanding the threat that little bit easier!
Gregor was sweating through another long night. Running through his conspiracies, and monitoring real time security camera footage plus material downloaded from various data stores. Taking a break he started punching through the cameras looking for the Carl but couldn‘t find him anywhere on station. Attempting to link in he was redirected to a recorded - unavailable - message. Teeth in the bit Gregor charged into running a monitor, and scan trace to find the Corporate Security Commanders location on station. Immediately he was flagged up as having committed an infringement. A violation of proper surveillance security procedures - locked out - and the Commanders security Booth and the Central Security Desk informed of an illicit trace! Well that had blown it for sure by a Paranid frozen Hell it had, thought Gregor.
Moment’s later security comm linked in, “Administrator Gregor this is the CSD I believe you are looking for the Commander Carl can we help you?”
“I just wanted to have a word,” noted Gregor, striving to sound casual, “then I grew a little worried when I was unable to contact him direct. I understand like myself Carl has been subject to some nasty threats.”
“No worries Sir, but I must remind you that - it is procedure - to go through this desk. The Commander is taking an evenings furlough - under the new flexible hours system - and doesn’t wish to be disturbed unless it is urgent. Is it urgent Sir? If so I can beep him on his emergency alert!” continued the Officer.
“No need, if he is on a planned break then everything is explained. Good evening,” with that the AFC 4 Administrator reached behind his ear, and cut the connection.
Almost immediately he was contacted again, “Sergeant Aean ANP is everything alright Administrator we are monitoring the CSD, and CAO traffic would you like us to check up on the Commander Carl?”
“No thank you,” said Gregor, “I was just being a little naughty really. I need to be more patient. I was at a monitor and thought I could locate Carl myself! My apologies I can imagine you don’t want me tying up the bandwidth for private searches. I got a bit carried away, nothing that won’t wait till the morning, too much coffee you know how it is - when you are always on duty!”
“Indeed. Still it is a little worrying that your Commander is out of touch - under these circumstances,” said the Military Policeman.
“Hardly serious,” replied Gregor, “after all he can be reached via the CSD if really needed. We all need our downtime. Still I am very happy you are concerned Sergeant it makes me feel so much safer!” he said dripping sarcasm, “Good evening,” finished Gregor.
Well wasn’t the good Sergeant eager to go poking around. Or could there be some genuine concern, no if the fek wanted to look they would have done so on their own authority then contacted me after - not before! No, he was testing my reaction to the proposal. Sergeant Aean wanted to discover how badly I wanted to know, and whether I was willing to share the results gained from finding out! Black Sun - my hands may be unsteady - but I feel more alert than I have done in cycles, I wonder how long that will last?
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Wed, 23. Apr 08, 20:19, edited 3 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 51 – Confusion Prevarication Old and New Moves
On AFC 4 it was Treason Trial minus three Cycles. Carl slipped away from Anna’s Cubicle early morning local station time. On the outside his uniform was still neat, but the Commander felt ruffled within! So much, and so little had been said never mind anything else they had done. Why was nothing in his life ever quite how he imagined it? The Commander - in the past - had constructed more than a few fantasy’s around the former PA, and last night, and this mornings encounter had felt pretty surreal. Nonetheless, real life as ever was far from a perfect mirror of self-generated fictions.
Their had been a deep almost alarming intensity - desperate needs, and desires - leaving Carl feeling both elated, and yet to his surprise bereft. The Security Commander had sensed a degree of genuine affection from the Station Runner - he was convinced it had not just been empty physical pleasure - but it didn’t feel like the beginning of a relationship either! Something was missing - some vital spark - it felt like the commodity that was AWOL was hope for any future together! Gregor’s former PA had never once broached the territory of continuance, and the Commander fearful of bursting the bubble had also refused to air the subject. Carl wondered had he just had a one-night stand?
Everything at the moment seemed a little puzzling for example: why did Anna still seem to have such a great weight on her shoulders. In her place the Carl would have been relieved to be escaping Gregor’s clutches. Then again Anna had been with ArgonForge a long time and striking out on your own might be a nervy business! Carl found himself chuckling inwardly I must be getting old, he thought, last night, and very early this morning he had romped with perhaps one of the most aloof and desirable females on the station, and all he could manage to do afterwards was mope about what might or might not happen later! When had he changed so much? There had been a time when such an act would have been more than an end in itself, something to boast about, or at least give rise to internal secret smugness! What more could he hope for anyway? Anna was out of his league - a high flyer - Carl knew he was at the apex of his opportunities, and it was now likely to be all descent. Really the Security Commander was just hanging on to get what, a reasonable retirement?
Anna lying on her bed found she was crying at first silently then snuffling her tears like an overgrown child - it didn‘t look pretty! Some females could pull that look off Anna never considered herself to be one of them. It would be nice to believe that the Argon Incentive had strange side effects, but she doubted it was the case; her irrational need had been pure psychology a personal weakness, and an Argon biological failing! Was it chance or fate had brought the Security Commander along at that time? Anna also wondered why she always ended up going with older males?
Anna wondered had she slept with Carl as a petty act of rebellion against Gregor, against Fay. Certainly it was a momentary abandonment of the project; a throwing aside of Anna Dei’s crate load of responsibilities, and duties. Anna was tired of being competent, tired of being controlled, she just wanted to rip it all up, and throw it away! Why couldn’t the act just have been a simple joy? Everything had felt fine and welcome - a release - then the Commander had left. In the momentary emptiness it was as if a vast weight of past choices - including last night - had dropped upon her like an errant asteroid. Anna had felt like her hull was fatally crushed, and breached. Professor A, collapsing back on the bed, closed her eyes and decided to lie on for a time. The Station Runner didn’t - want - to force herself to get up. Anna didn’t feel ready to face another multitude of challenges!
Anna the Reaper Jump Liners new Administrator was awakened by an annoying repeated buzzing. At first their was confusion, and disorientation then the unwelcome conclusion that the sound was her doors claxon.
“Now what?” Anna complained out loud.
Spilling bedding Anna reached for a nearby kimono, and slipped it around her tired body. Checking the monitor she discovered it was Ravn. Her new employee looked agitated. Paranidia she had forgot they had an arranged meeting at, Anna checked the monitor, well some little time ago! To hell with it maybe it would be good for Ravn to see me at my worst, she thought, get it over with now at the beginning of our new relationship. After all they would without doubt be thrown closely together in the coming station cycles; sometimes the deck was the best place to build up from. Nonetheless, vanity still made her tidy her hair a little, and attempt to quickly wipe her face with her hands before she opened the door she still felt like a shipwreck.
The big man came in wary as if he expected to find a hidden assailant. Moving with such obviously deliberate purpose - out of AF uniform - somehow the ANI agent contrived to look even more dangerous than normal. Without greeting her beyond a perfunctory nod the operative checked out her cubicle - even opening the shower - before visibly relaxing! Anna just watched - incredulous - not sure if the Killer was being serious or out to impress, “Happy?” she asked.
“Concerned,” Ravn replied, “it wouldn’t look good on the resume if I lost my employer on the first Cycle. Especially after quitting my previous post without notice!” he smirked, “I hope you can keep Carl, and Gregor off my back over that one, breach of contract, and all that; technically they could chuck me right off the station!”
Anna found herself tensing slightly at the mention of Carl, and had to fight back an urge to shed more tears, it was absurd! Fighting to get control she looked away and pretended to be fidgeting with her hair - once more - while trying to covertly wipe her eyes with the palm of one hand.
“I don’t think you need worry about that. Listen I’m sorry I had a very late one. Checking over some details, facts and figures. I meant to get just a few hours sleep but must have passed out. Forgot to initiate the alarm call,” confessed Ravn’s new boss.
Ravn didn’t believe a word of it. He was sure Anna had been sobbing from the redness of her face, and she looked uncharacteristically untidy. Nor had he ever heard anyone ever mention the PA as ever being the tardy type! Still perhaps it was a private matter, and had nothing to do with the reason why Argon Navy Intelligence had him babysitting!
“Sure whatever, but if there is anything, anything at all - I need to know - you had best tell me now at least if you want me to be effective,” said Ravn raising an eyebrow.
Anna looked at Ravn then on a strange impulse - decided to play confession, “I had the Carl stay over last night, and now I’m wondering was it a mistake!” Anna said.
Ravn took a step back in his mind that was the last sort of thing he had been expecting to hear. Was this an important fact he needed to know? The Commander, he thought, before asking, “Business or pleasure?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” confessed Anna, slumping down on the edge of the bed, “how much have ANI told you exactly?”
“Is it safe to talk here?” asked Ravn aghast at Anna mentioning ANI out loud.
“Perfectly,” replied his new Superior.
“Only that I am to take my orders from you. That if anything happens to Anna Dei my nuts will be put in a vice, and given the squeeze!” stated Ravn.
“I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t know if it would be good or bad for you,” said Anna, “Tell me Ravn are you still - not an official - member of the Legion?”
“The Legion?” the Military Argon enquired, “I guess not, the only Legion I have heard even rumour about was…” he trailed off looking concerned.
“That would be the one,” stated the female Administrator.
“My record of service is clean,” said Ravn defiantly, “I don’t understand what has Penal Soldiers got to do with Reaper Jump Liners, Anna Dei, or AFC 4 or me is somebody threatening a military prosecution?”
“No prosecution - not yet anyway - as to the former everything, and nothing,” said Anna forcing a smile, “lets just say it was a question of clearance. I’m running a very sensitive operation here one perhaps you don’t yet need to know about - for your own safety - consider RJL a front one fact our friend Garrin is ignorant of. The situation is delicate all the potential threats are not necessarily external ones. I ordered that extraction of Febr do you recall his protection what you suspected from your report!”
“Spooks,” said Ravn groaning inwardly, “ANI - factionalism, and infighting!”
“Well there you have it I’m protecting something, and your protecting me,” said Anna.
“So where does the Commander Carl fit in neutral, ally, friend, or foe?” asked Ravn.
“An ignorant neutral, my friend, a potential ally, but also played badly perhaps a foe!” said Anna, “recently I’ve discovered how quickly sides can change in these games.”
“Then I would say last night was either very smart or very stupid,” said Ravn.
“I know,” sniffed Anna involuntarily.
“I get the feeling you are under extreme pressure. If sharing will help then share you must. My job is to take risks in order to protect you. If your functioning is impaired by going it alone then it is my duty to step up - if I can,” said Ravn.
“Those are kind words,” exclaimed Anna, “you have no idea how alone I have been. Maybe if I had been able to talk with somebody - last night wouldn’t have happened!”
“Well my ears are always open, will you see him again?” asked Ravn.
“I think I must now,” said Anna.
The Hive access Core testing Professor couldn’t help thinking even if it was another complication - and an initial mistake. If she was not wrong Carl had proved more sensitive, more exposed, than she had previously imagined, and so also Anna feared was she.
“How are things with you and Elaen?” Anna asked.
“Difficult,” admitted Ravn feeling disarmed by Anna’s own frankness, “I hate lying to her, and dread being reassigned off station.”
“Well maybe I can do something about that,” said Anna kindly, “if we can make RJL work as a cover maybe we can both retain some degree of independence. What if the excuse for your new assignment could be instigated for real, a permanent secondment?”
“Is that possible?” asked Ravn.
“If we survive this - what is or is not possible - may undergo some serious revisions,” replied Anna, “Ravn I want you to keep an open mind. Think on this if I could assist you personally, would you be willing to aid me!”
Abyss was this female talking about loyalty outside the chain of command, perhaps even treason? “I don’t know!” replied Ravn honestly unsure, and very wary. It made him wonder if his honest open approach was a mistake to his charge was a mistake. Maybe it would be safer to retain more separation.
“A fair answer at this time, but think about it,” said his Superior.
Ravn was beginning to wish he was back getting grilled by Carl in his infamous security booth with its darkening door. He suspected his new found position was a lot more dangerous, Anna was going to make him sweat even more - this time on the inside!
Elaen after the summons had to drag her feet unwillingly into Carls Booth expecting the worst, she wasn‘t disappointed!
“What by the darkest nebulae is this all about?’ he shouted. The AFC 4 Security Commander was waving a computer pad, “it’s desertion nothing less,” he raged!
Elaen didn’t need to ask what he was thundering about, “I’m sorry Sir,” she replied, “I just heard about it myself!”
“He can’t do this Elaen, he is bound by contract to AF, and at the very least he has to work off his notice. I need every Police Argon I have. What the fek is this Personal Reasons? I can’t have it. If you two wont kiss and make up then we will just have to rotate partners - cursed inconvenient - but needs must! I’m very disappointed. This is what you get when you mix business, and pleasure Lt. Constable,” grumped Carl feeling only angrier at the hypocrisy caused by Anna, and his latest action.
“Commander, this has nothing to do with Ravn, and myself, and I resent the emphasis. Ravn has new employment with Reaper Jump Liners. Apparently Anna Dei is under some kind of serious personal threat, and requires full time protection - straight away - for herself, Garrin, and her fledgling Corporation. I believe we have been poached. Ravn wont come back now, no matter what arrangements are made!”
“Anna,” said Carl in clearly shock, “are you sure. I find that difficult to…”
“Ravn told me himself Sir, he said she made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Ravn also felt he wasn’t entirely fitting in here Sir. I warned him against not fulfilling his obligation, but he wouldn’t listen. Anna promised him she could square it with AF Sir!” explained Elaen a bit smugly suspecting Gregor’s former PA probably could.
“Oh she did , did she?” fumed the Commander.
A curse on all manipulative females, thought Carl, had Anna been squaring it with him last night? Was the female Administrator really like that, and had he been a sentimental old fool to think otherwise? Storming around the tiny space Carl violently kicked the waste bin spilling shredded documents and disposable cups. Would Gregor blow when he heard or had Anna already discussed this acquisition during the friendly Block! Curse the pair of them was it a conspiracy - ridiculous! Carl turned to see Elaen waiting stiff backed.
“Go see Sergeant Ishi, and have him assign you a new temporary partner. This isn’t going to look good on your precious grunts record - I’ll see to that - leaving now like this is letting us all down, yes including your good self. I trust you gave the ground-pounding idiot an ear full. Out you go, get out, go on, on you go,” he said almost shoving El through the threshold before cursing, “Fekkin, fekkety, fekkers,” to his silent monitor screens!
This Cycle was turning into a disaster area. Ravn had convinced Anna that she should move that if her (anti surveillance tech) was mobile her current home was otherwise ill suited as a secure base of operations. For a start it was simply too far away from the Central RJL Office besides it was a courtesy accommodation partially subsidised by AF. It was more sensible (secure) to choose their own schedule of departure, rather than follow somebody else’s public domain deadline when she was asked to move on by her former employers.
Finding a new apartment had however proved all but impossible. In the end Anna had a brainwave, and checking the BBS took out a long-term lease on another office space, premises that included basic accommodation facilities. Unlike the fully domestic accommodation the Forge Complex still had some small business premises that remained up for grabs. Since ANI would be secretly footing the bill credits for once wasn’t an issue. Under the circumstances Anna had all the needed connections she required to expedite the arrangement - almost at the speed of instantaneous digital communications.
Nonetheless the move was still a nightmare of a disruption. Calling in - it seemed like - every favour she had, Anna enlisted a multitude of bodies who congregated on the fairly raw premises in a mad noisy, chaotic, frenzy of installations - mostly essentials but also soft furnishings, and basic finishes. Garrin when he called in was astounded, impressed, and perhaps just a little sulky at the Administrators progress compared to the languishing state of the central RJL office languishing under his own regime of slow improvements! Still the pilot had to admit he had a comfortable retreat in the form of the ‘Grim Reaper’ unlike his partner.
While her new home / home office was thrown together, Anna, and Ravn hung out at the bare bones, but quieter Central RJL. Here also was stored the female Administrators more sensitive luggage. By happy coincidence a bunch of marines (all of course actually LotD (Legion of the Damned)) just happened to appear to scan the area adding a degree of additional - highly visible - security during the transition. Nothing was left to chance. Around mid day Cycle Carl showed up looking less than happy and tried unceremoniously to drag Anna aside Ravn quickly intervened.
“Don’t you think you are in enough trouble already Mister,” warned Carl.
“Just doing my job Sir,” replied Ravn firmly.
“I think not, your contracted job was AFC 4 security son,” growled Carl.
“It’s alright Ravn. I’ll just have a word with Carl out the back. Please see we are not disturbed”, commanded Anna.
“As you wish,” said the Bodyguard backing down.
“I think we can talk right here,” said Carl getting Argnu bullish.
“No we wont,” said Anna firmly, “out back with me, or out the front alone!”
The Commanders eyes blazed, “for the sake of harmony then - this once - out the back it is!” he replied through gritted teeth.
Carl proceeded to stomping ahead, and letting himself into the back room, while Anna was left behind to fend for herself.
“Good Luck!” said Ravn quietly with a wink amused to see his usually cool employer blush slightly at the gesture.
The back area was a little dusty, currently being used for storage, and was packed with fixtures, and fittings yet to be applied elsewhere. There were no seats so the pair stood stiffly.
“Well?” asked Carl still outwardly aggressive.
“Is this ridiculous show all about Ravn?” Anna asked, “or do you regret last night?” she questioned softly.
“Do I? Should I? I regret being used if that is what last night was about!” said Carl.
“Used?” replied Anna, “was that what it was. So I didn’t tell you about Ravn, if I had would last night have happened at all? Or would you have gone into a rage like now?”
“Sleeping with me wont get you any favours,” noted Carl his neck burning.
“Curse you did I ask for any,” said Anna sternly, “I needed Ravn, and I approached him. I wanted you, and I approached you! As to favours I don’t want anything that isn’t freely given. I have all the connections I need in Central AF to placate the Corp over a little poaching! Carl you have a whole squad of officers, and more Marines on station than you know what to do with. What is the loss of one - ex army - slightly unhappy officer, who believes he never really fitted in anyway?”
“You didn’t show me any professional courtesy,” complained Carl.
“I thought we went way beyond professional courtesy last night,” reminded Anna, “so do you want to end it in a flaming row over a non personal business decision?”
“End it?” asked Carl, damn her she was giving him that look again. Of course he didn’t want to end it, but he didn’t want to be the Argon females cursed puppet on a wire either, “so last night had nothing to do with Ravn?”
“Well?” Anna asked, “I only recall you, and me in my bed and I wasn’t drinking that heavily!” she mocked moving closer to the stolid Argon.
A little latter a slightly embarrassed looking Commander marched out both doors doing his best to ignore Ravn during the process. Anna returned moments later looking serene.
“So will he be back with a squad to arrest me or with flowers for the ‘Assassin of Hearts’?” queried the Security Specialist.
“Cut flowers always make me feel sad,” said Anna, “so I hope not. He did promise to view my new premises later though!” she smiled.
“I’m sure he did,” laughed Ravn, and he had thought Shimoo had been deadly!
Meanwhile on the Troop Transport belonging to the Legion if the Damned.
“So how is it going my Professor F?” Fay asked.
“Just running some diagnostics through the new systems,” replied Febr.
“You have everything you require?” asked the Commander in Chief.
“Yes, everything for the moment. I guess if it wasn’t for subspace compression you would never have been able to fit all this stuff in,” noted the Febr.
“We believe in making the most of even the more common technologies,” explained Fay, “you would be surprise at some of the things - we can do - with what others now foolishly consider to be mundane devices!”
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 51 – Confusion Prevarication Old and New Moves
On AFC 4 it was Treason Trial minus three Cycles. Carl slipped away from Anna’s Cubicle early morning local station time. On the outside his uniform was still neat, but the Commander felt ruffled within! So much, and so little had been said never mind anything else they had done. Why was nothing in his life ever quite how he imagined it? The Commander - in the past - had constructed more than a few fantasy’s around the former PA, and last night, and this mornings encounter had felt pretty surreal. Nonetheless, real life as ever was far from a perfect mirror of self-generated fictions.
Their had been a deep almost alarming intensity - desperate needs, and desires - leaving Carl feeling both elated, and yet to his surprise bereft. The Security Commander had sensed a degree of genuine affection from the Station Runner - he was convinced it had not just been empty physical pleasure - but it didn’t feel like the beginning of a relationship either! Something was missing - some vital spark - it felt like the commodity that was AWOL was hope for any future together! Gregor’s former PA had never once broached the territory of continuance, and the Commander fearful of bursting the bubble had also refused to air the subject. Carl wondered had he just had a one-night stand?
Everything at the moment seemed a little puzzling for example: why did Anna still seem to have such a great weight on her shoulders. In her place the Carl would have been relieved to be escaping Gregor’s clutches. Then again Anna had been with ArgonForge a long time and striking out on your own might be a nervy business! Carl found himself chuckling inwardly I must be getting old, he thought, last night, and very early this morning he had romped with perhaps one of the most aloof and desirable females on the station, and all he could manage to do afterwards was mope about what might or might not happen later! When had he changed so much? There had been a time when such an act would have been more than an end in itself, something to boast about, or at least give rise to internal secret smugness! What more could he hope for anyway? Anna was out of his league - a high flyer - Carl knew he was at the apex of his opportunities, and it was now likely to be all descent. Really the Security Commander was just hanging on to get what, a reasonable retirement?
Anna lying on her bed found she was crying at first silently then snuffling her tears like an overgrown child - it didn‘t look pretty! Some females could pull that look off Anna never considered herself to be one of them. It would be nice to believe that the Argon Incentive had strange side effects, but she doubted it was the case; her irrational need had been pure psychology a personal weakness, and an Argon biological failing! Was it chance or fate had brought the Security Commander along at that time? Anna also wondered why she always ended up going with older males?
Anna wondered had she slept with Carl as a petty act of rebellion against Gregor, against Fay. Certainly it was a momentary abandonment of the project; a throwing aside of Anna Dei’s crate load of responsibilities, and duties. Anna was tired of being competent, tired of being controlled, she just wanted to rip it all up, and throw it away! Why couldn’t the act just have been a simple joy? Everything had felt fine and welcome - a release - then the Commander had left. In the momentary emptiness it was as if a vast weight of past choices - including last night - had dropped upon her like an errant asteroid. Anna had felt like her hull was fatally crushed, and breached. Professor A, collapsing back on the bed, closed her eyes and decided to lie on for a time. The Station Runner didn’t - want - to force herself to get up. Anna didn’t feel ready to face another multitude of challenges!
Anna the Reaper Jump Liners new Administrator was awakened by an annoying repeated buzzing. At first their was confusion, and disorientation then the unwelcome conclusion that the sound was her doors claxon.
“Now what?” Anna complained out loud.
Spilling bedding Anna reached for a nearby kimono, and slipped it around her tired body. Checking the monitor she discovered it was Ravn. Her new employee looked agitated. Paranidia she had forgot they had an arranged meeting at, Anna checked the monitor, well some little time ago! To hell with it maybe it would be good for Ravn to see me at my worst, she thought, get it over with now at the beginning of our new relationship. After all they would without doubt be thrown closely together in the coming station cycles; sometimes the deck was the best place to build up from. Nonetheless, vanity still made her tidy her hair a little, and attempt to quickly wipe her face with her hands before she opened the door she still felt like a shipwreck.
The big man came in wary as if he expected to find a hidden assailant. Moving with such obviously deliberate purpose - out of AF uniform - somehow the ANI agent contrived to look even more dangerous than normal. Without greeting her beyond a perfunctory nod the operative checked out her cubicle - even opening the shower - before visibly relaxing! Anna just watched - incredulous - not sure if the Killer was being serious or out to impress, “Happy?” she asked.
“Concerned,” Ravn replied, “it wouldn’t look good on the resume if I lost my employer on the first Cycle. Especially after quitting my previous post without notice!” he smirked, “I hope you can keep Carl, and Gregor off my back over that one, breach of contract, and all that; technically they could chuck me right off the station!”
Anna found herself tensing slightly at the mention of Carl, and had to fight back an urge to shed more tears, it was absurd! Fighting to get control she looked away and pretended to be fidgeting with her hair - once more - while trying to covertly wipe her eyes with the palm of one hand.
“I don’t think you need worry about that. Listen I’m sorry I had a very late one. Checking over some details, facts and figures. I meant to get just a few hours sleep but must have passed out. Forgot to initiate the alarm call,” confessed Ravn’s new boss.
Ravn didn’t believe a word of it. He was sure Anna had been sobbing from the redness of her face, and she looked uncharacteristically untidy. Nor had he ever heard anyone ever mention the PA as ever being the tardy type! Still perhaps it was a private matter, and had nothing to do with the reason why Argon Navy Intelligence had him babysitting!
“Sure whatever, but if there is anything, anything at all - I need to know - you had best tell me now at least if you want me to be effective,” said Ravn raising an eyebrow.
Anna looked at Ravn then on a strange impulse - decided to play confession, “I had the Carl stay over last night, and now I’m wondering was it a mistake!” Anna said.
Ravn took a step back in his mind that was the last sort of thing he had been expecting to hear. Was this an important fact he needed to know? The Commander, he thought, before asking, “Business or pleasure?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” confessed Anna, slumping down on the edge of the bed, “how much have ANI told you exactly?”
“Is it safe to talk here?” asked Ravn aghast at Anna mentioning ANI out loud.
“Perfectly,” replied his new Superior.
“Only that I am to take my orders from you. That if anything happens to Anna Dei my nuts will be put in a vice, and given the squeeze!” stated Ravn.
“I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t know if it would be good or bad for you,” said Anna, “Tell me Ravn are you still - not an official - member of the Legion?”
“The Legion?” the Military Argon enquired, “I guess not, the only Legion I have heard even rumour about was…” he trailed off looking concerned.
“That would be the one,” stated the female Administrator.
“My record of service is clean,” said Ravn defiantly, “I don’t understand what has Penal Soldiers got to do with Reaper Jump Liners, Anna Dei, or AFC 4 or me is somebody threatening a military prosecution?”
“No prosecution - not yet anyway - as to the former everything, and nothing,” said Anna forcing a smile, “lets just say it was a question of clearance. I’m running a very sensitive operation here one perhaps you don’t yet need to know about - for your own safety - consider RJL a front one fact our friend Garrin is ignorant of. The situation is delicate all the potential threats are not necessarily external ones. I ordered that extraction of Febr do you recall his protection what you suspected from your report!”
“Spooks,” said Ravn groaning inwardly, “ANI - factionalism, and infighting!”
“Well there you have it I’m protecting something, and your protecting me,” said Anna.
“So where does the Commander Carl fit in neutral, ally, friend, or foe?” asked Ravn.
“An ignorant neutral, my friend, a potential ally, but also played badly perhaps a foe!” said Anna, “recently I’ve discovered how quickly sides can change in these games.”
“Then I would say last night was either very smart or very stupid,” said Ravn.
“I know,” sniffed Anna involuntarily.
“I get the feeling you are under extreme pressure. If sharing will help then share you must. My job is to take risks in order to protect you. If your functioning is impaired by going it alone then it is my duty to step up - if I can,” said Ravn.
“Those are kind words,” exclaimed Anna, “you have no idea how alone I have been. Maybe if I had been able to talk with somebody - last night wouldn’t have happened!”
“Well my ears are always open, will you see him again?” asked Ravn.
“I think I must now,” said Anna.
The Hive access Core testing Professor couldn’t help thinking even if it was another complication - and an initial mistake. If she was not wrong Carl had proved more sensitive, more exposed, than she had previously imagined, and so also Anna feared was she.
“How are things with you and Elaen?” Anna asked.
“Difficult,” admitted Ravn feeling disarmed by Anna’s own frankness, “I hate lying to her, and dread being reassigned off station.”
“Well maybe I can do something about that,” said Anna kindly, “if we can make RJL work as a cover maybe we can both retain some degree of independence. What if the excuse for your new assignment could be instigated for real, a permanent secondment?”
“Is that possible?” asked Ravn.
“If we survive this - what is or is not possible - may undergo some serious revisions,” replied Anna, “Ravn I want you to keep an open mind. Think on this if I could assist you personally, would you be willing to aid me!”
Abyss was this female talking about loyalty outside the chain of command, perhaps even treason? “I don’t know!” replied Ravn honestly unsure, and very wary. It made him wonder if his honest open approach was a mistake to his charge was a mistake. Maybe it would be safer to retain more separation.
“A fair answer at this time, but think about it,” said his Superior.
Ravn was beginning to wish he was back getting grilled by Carl in his infamous security booth with its darkening door. He suspected his new found position was a lot more dangerous, Anna was going to make him sweat even more - this time on the inside!
Elaen after the summons had to drag her feet unwillingly into Carls Booth expecting the worst, she wasn‘t disappointed!
“What by the darkest nebulae is this all about?’ he shouted. The AFC 4 Security Commander was waving a computer pad, “it’s desertion nothing less,” he raged!
Elaen didn’t need to ask what he was thundering about, “I’m sorry Sir,” she replied, “I just heard about it myself!”
“He can’t do this Elaen, he is bound by contract to AF, and at the very least he has to work off his notice. I need every Police Argon I have. What the fek is this Personal Reasons? I can’t have it. If you two wont kiss and make up then we will just have to rotate partners - cursed inconvenient - but needs must! I’m very disappointed. This is what you get when you mix business, and pleasure Lt. Constable,” grumped Carl feeling only angrier at the hypocrisy caused by Anna, and his latest action.
“Commander, this has nothing to do with Ravn, and myself, and I resent the emphasis. Ravn has new employment with Reaper Jump Liners. Apparently Anna Dei is under some kind of serious personal threat, and requires full time protection - straight away - for herself, Garrin, and her fledgling Corporation. I believe we have been poached. Ravn wont come back now, no matter what arrangements are made!”
“Anna,” said Carl in clearly shock, “are you sure. I find that difficult to…”
“Ravn told me himself Sir, he said she made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Ravn also felt he wasn’t entirely fitting in here Sir. I warned him against not fulfilling his obligation, but he wouldn’t listen. Anna promised him she could square it with AF Sir!” explained Elaen a bit smugly suspecting Gregor’s former PA probably could.
“Oh she did , did she?” fumed the Commander.
A curse on all manipulative females, thought Carl, had Anna been squaring it with him last night? Was the female Administrator really like that, and had he been a sentimental old fool to think otherwise? Storming around the tiny space Carl violently kicked the waste bin spilling shredded documents and disposable cups. Would Gregor blow when he heard or had Anna already discussed this acquisition during the friendly Block! Curse the pair of them was it a conspiracy - ridiculous! Carl turned to see Elaen waiting stiff backed.
“Go see Sergeant Ishi, and have him assign you a new temporary partner. This isn’t going to look good on your precious grunts record - I’ll see to that - leaving now like this is letting us all down, yes including your good self. I trust you gave the ground-pounding idiot an ear full. Out you go, get out, go on, on you go,” he said almost shoving El through the threshold before cursing, “Fekkin, fekkety, fekkers,” to his silent monitor screens!
This Cycle was turning into a disaster area. Ravn had convinced Anna that she should move that if her (anti surveillance tech) was mobile her current home was otherwise ill suited as a secure base of operations. For a start it was simply too far away from the Central RJL Office besides it was a courtesy accommodation partially subsidised by AF. It was more sensible (secure) to choose their own schedule of departure, rather than follow somebody else’s public domain deadline when she was asked to move on by her former employers.
Finding a new apartment had however proved all but impossible. In the end Anna had a brainwave, and checking the BBS took out a long-term lease on another office space, premises that included basic accommodation facilities. Unlike the fully domestic accommodation the Forge Complex still had some small business premises that remained up for grabs. Since ANI would be secretly footing the bill credits for once wasn’t an issue. Under the circumstances Anna had all the needed connections she required to expedite the arrangement - almost at the speed of instantaneous digital communications.
Nonetheless the move was still a nightmare of a disruption. Calling in - it seemed like - every favour she had, Anna enlisted a multitude of bodies who congregated on the fairly raw premises in a mad noisy, chaotic, frenzy of installations - mostly essentials but also soft furnishings, and basic finishes. Garrin when he called in was astounded, impressed, and perhaps just a little sulky at the Administrators progress compared to the languishing state of the central RJL office languishing under his own regime of slow improvements! Still the pilot had to admit he had a comfortable retreat in the form of the ‘Grim Reaper’ unlike his partner.
While her new home / home office was thrown together, Anna, and Ravn hung out at the bare bones, but quieter Central RJL. Here also was stored the female Administrators more sensitive luggage. By happy coincidence a bunch of marines (all of course actually LotD (Legion of the Damned)) just happened to appear to scan the area adding a degree of additional - highly visible - security during the transition. Nothing was left to chance. Around mid day Cycle Carl showed up looking less than happy and tried unceremoniously to drag Anna aside Ravn quickly intervened.
“Don’t you think you are in enough trouble already Mister,” warned Carl.
“Just doing my job Sir,” replied Ravn firmly.
“I think not, your contracted job was AFC 4 security son,” growled Carl.
“It’s alright Ravn. I’ll just have a word with Carl out the back. Please see we are not disturbed”, commanded Anna.
“As you wish,” said the Bodyguard backing down.
“I think we can talk right here,” said Carl getting Argnu bullish.
“No we wont,” said Anna firmly, “out back with me, or out the front alone!”
The Commanders eyes blazed, “for the sake of harmony then - this once - out the back it is!” he replied through gritted teeth.
Carl proceeded to stomping ahead, and letting himself into the back room, while Anna was left behind to fend for herself.
“Good Luck!” said Ravn quietly with a wink amused to see his usually cool employer blush slightly at the gesture.
The back area was a little dusty, currently being used for storage, and was packed with fixtures, and fittings yet to be applied elsewhere. There were no seats so the pair stood stiffly.
“Well?” asked Carl still outwardly aggressive.
“Is this ridiculous show all about Ravn?” Anna asked, “or do you regret last night?” she questioned softly.
“Do I? Should I? I regret being used if that is what last night was about!” said Carl.
“Used?” replied Anna, “was that what it was. So I didn’t tell you about Ravn, if I had would last night have happened at all? Or would you have gone into a rage like now?”
“Sleeping with me wont get you any favours,” noted Carl his neck burning.
“Curse you did I ask for any,” said Anna sternly, “I needed Ravn, and I approached him. I wanted you, and I approached you! As to favours I don’t want anything that isn’t freely given. I have all the connections I need in Central AF to placate the Corp over a little poaching! Carl you have a whole squad of officers, and more Marines on station than you know what to do with. What is the loss of one - ex army - slightly unhappy officer, who believes he never really fitted in anyway?”
“You didn’t show me any professional courtesy,” complained Carl.
“I thought we went way beyond professional courtesy last night,” reminded Anna, “so do you want to end it in a flaming row over a non personal business decision?”
“End it?” asked Carl, damn her she was giving him that look again. Of course he didn’t want to end it, but he didn’t want to be the Argon females cursed puppet on a wire either, “so last night had nothing to do with Ravn?”
“Well?” Anna asked, “I only recall you, and me in my bed and I wasn’t drinking that heavily!” she mocked moving closer to the stolid Argon.
A little latter a slightly embarrassed looking Commander marched out both doors doing his best to ignore Ravn during the process. Anna returned moments later looking serene.
“So will he be back with a squad to arrest me or with flowers for the ‘Assassin of Hearts’?” queried the Security Specialist.
“Cut flowers always make me feel sad,” said Anna, “so I hope not. He did promise to view my new premises later though!” she smiled.
“I’m sure he did,” laughed Ravn, and he had thought Shimoo had been deadly!
Meanwhile on the Troop Transport belonging to the Legion if the Damned.
“So how is it going my Professor F?” Fay asked.
“Just running some diagnostics through the new systems,” replied Febr.
“You have everything you require?” asked the Commander in Chief.
“Yes, everything for the moment. I guess if it wasn’t for subspace compression you would never have been able to fit all this stuff in,” noted the Febr.
“We believe in making the most of even the more common technologies,” explained Fay, “you would be surprise at some of the things - we can do - with what others now foolishly consider to be mundane devices!”
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:46, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 52 – Outside the Box
Fay nodded at the supposed Military Courier. The Argon operative had just arrived on station via a scout ship that boasted a Goner Jump Drive. Tebbin appeared equipped with the latest batch of ultra secure reports. The files were handed over via a single multiple encoded data chip. Teb was Fays most trusted external security advisor / spy one of a very few members of Fays secret Inner Legion. Some of these operatives bound directly to her existed almost outside any official record even in ANI! Although Fay plugged the chip into her console, she didn’t bother to scan through it straight away. Instead of reading the lengthy - detail heavy - reports the Commander in Chief addressed her colleague.
“In brief?” Fay asked.
“Emma Dei is still missing,” commenced Tebbin, “the snatch squad were mercenaries their employer I fear impossible to trace. The drop was clean - a prearranged deep space coordinate - in an immobilised suit. We couldn’t have done it better ourselves,” he noted.
“Let’s not even consider that it was us,” replied Fay a LotD rebellion being her ultimate horror, “what about Jake Dei?”
“Anna’s father is still making a fuss in our protective custody,” explained Tebbin.
“So what is this other urgent matter?” queried Fay.
“After we hit a blank wall from the mercenary end, I decided to revisit the original ‘Hive access Core’ project team. It was a long shot; I was looking for possible leaks outside the (intelligence community) contained Febr incident! As you will be able to see from the data chip we didn’t find what we were looking for, but discovered something else entirely by accident! The security breach that brought me directly here,” explained Tebbin.
“Another low end technician Kier Leylend,” continued Teb, “one that had previously been vetted as sparkly - belated proved to have a connection - to the Big Argon himself! I’m afraid we had to dig very hard to verify this, thus the nasty shipping accident that fellow later suffered! This technician we learned had milked off some drones from Anna’s young Queen in the lab, putting the bugs into deep stasis and smuggling them out to a courier. The first connection in a chain that ran right back to AFC 4. Some serious snooping, a bucket load of credits, and a superlative departmental hack allowed us to patch together the rest of the puzzle. The pieces coming together from a myriad of sources all listed in the record.”
“Anna is not alone on station in operating her hive! BD had a monitor installed from the first station cycle using the stolen bugs to initiate another link - we suspect the Core has been running dual from the onset! The unknown agent was termed on one coded record as an Active Sleeper (a new one to me), and codenamed Y. All indications point that Y is directly run by Danna the security from this point on is watertight. Y may or may not be transmitting regular reports. What is known for certain is Y has an established emergency link to the Fleet combined with enough potential authority to initiate a station invasion, or even to blow AFC 4 to dust! Of course the existence of Y means - everything - that has occurred outside this protected Troop Transport (on station) has been wide open to Ban.”
The Commander in Chief was in shock. The timing of the revelation - plain awful - like almost everything lately, and yet conversely incredibly providential! Ban had out witted her from the very beginning - not too unusual! Fay thanked the powers that the Troop Transport was currently inviolate to infiltration. That the Commander in Chief had not yet disabled their crude but effective mass hard mixed sensor sweeps - the anti drone (suicide induction) defence. It was too close a call for comfort. The precautions switch off had been imminent, in preparation for the initiation of their own Hive Queen access, and going Multi Core! The removal of the power hungry safeguard considered a reasonable risk after Anna had been given the Argon Incentive.
It was a last minute save but nothing else on AFC 4 had been as unseen as the Legion had been led to believe. It was that old horrible in joke rising again (only this time squared) ‘Nothing was private on AFC 4!’ Anna would have to be warned without revealing the Legions hand. Now every plan and contingency would need to be reconsidered, and revised. What could they hope to achieve under direct ‘Hive access Core’ scrutiny. Fay feared her whole Core scheme was being debunked.
Fay took another deep breath and forced herself to return to the previous issue. It was a deliberate self-diversion a method she often employed to stay calm, and together when she felt under severe adversity.
“So Teb, who is our prime suspect for the kidnap?” Fay asked.
“If it is someone outside Argon Intelligence, I have no ideas! If it were an internal action (which I believe it is) I would say Sven Hale. Using third party mercenaries is his style - almost a calling card - but at the same time utterly useless to us!” noted Tebbin.
“It would fit, our friend Sven likes to play games within games. Of course you know he is on station, and that would fit too - a perfect alibi!” noted Fay.
“Knowing Sven he wants to be in on the kill. There has been no move to contact Anna yet?” asked Teb.
“Not as far as we are aware, we have excellent, but not perfect cover. We don’t have our own Hive access and now it looks like we dare not risk it, at least not from this location!” said Fay.
“With the best of respect, against Sven you could miss or have missed a contact! I know when you found out about the snatch you made sure Anna was on ‘The Incentive’ but is that enough? I think you need to bring her in now, get her trust and cooperation - before not after - she is approached! If we had found a lead on Emma Dei…” Tebbin finished letting it drop short.
“That kindly old Professor is dead,” said Fay, “if it is Sven he will never let her go - even if the fekker gets what he wants - that Argon is a bloody butcher! How can I explain that? Conversely if I lie about this one, and then the inevitable happens?”
“I would suggest you explain it straight. Tell Anna her mother is as good as gone but you will try to do the impossible (with her full cooperation) to save Emma if she is still alive. That failing this, at the very least, Anna could assist in the prosecution of revenge on the kidnappers, and probable murderers of her mother. Or you could play the obvious patriotic duty card or both,” said Teb.
Would Anna accept that? Or would she blame ANI, and the Legion for failing to ensure her parents safety? Maybe if she could convince Professor A. to blame herself (after all if Anna had not taken the project on in the first place) would that hard deflection work, or just create other difficulties! How far could they push Anna without causing her to topple? Whatever Fay did, she knew she would have to do it now before it became too late to do anything.
“I’ll have communications page her in,” said Fay then directly commanded this desire to her Active Operation Officer via internal intercom. After that simple task she continued, “while we wait what else is new?”
“The Senate Closed Shadow Committee are still fussing about the Core back on Prime. BD was arm twisted in to making an appearance, and to the normally suicidal position of giving - personal - assurances! Ban’s department had been desperately selling the previously unknown project as a late developing exception to SCSC supervision. You know how it is keep that laughingly labelled ‘Grey Council’ thinking they - and thus the wider Senate - are actually in control of Black Projects,” noted Teb.
“Danna put it across as an unexpectedly useful technology that fell through the cracks fully into the hands of an unnamed Corp. Lots of very uncomfortable questions were asked; not least being where did the funding for the later R&D come from? Rumour of Febr’s attempted storming of the Senate has raised a right royal stink in its covert little brother. The SCSC heard that phrase Universal Threat; they wanted to know why it was deemed so dangerous, and what measures were being taken to protect it? Of course Ban refused to give much of anything away - insisting that due to the previous security breach it was in the Senate Committees best interest not to know (preventing any future stain of leakage being put upon the shadow group) however as I said Ban was pushed to vouch in person that the project was safe, and secure!” said Tebbin.
“Sound’s like Ban has finally made a political mistake he wont be able to squirm out of,” noted Fay, “do you believe Sven is behind that too?”
“Well the most troublesome two in the SCSC were Emein Hean, and Mellisa Kyotu. Mell as you know is ArCorp which is a sure link to our Oracle Sven,” replied Teb.
Sven was known openly as The Oracle in intelligence circles because of his official role in ANI of (Forecast Analyst) - especially in relation to Future Inter Racial Relations [FIRR]. In rank the Argon was about equal to Fay in the often-informal force. Sven frequently worked closely with Danna however, it would be obvious to a blind Argon that neither man liked or trusted the other. As Danna had connections to Terra Corp Sven was linked to ArCorp. A company that specialised in computers, computer pads, and (operating system software R&D)! On the darker side Fay had good intelligence if little proof that Sven was behind many legal, semi legal, and downright illegal bounties! Fay had also heard tales that The Oracle ran a Black Operation group of non-Argon assassins the almost mythical ‘Third’ derived from the term ‘Third Force!’ If the Argon had a weakness it was the fact that he was theatrical, took everything as a personal insult, and lived by the vendetta! Fay considered Sven to be a viper that needed stepped on; unfortunately he was also one of life’s great survivors, and utterly paranoid about his own protective measures!
“The plot thickens - it is the ongoing struggle between Ban, and Sven - and we are caught in the middle. Anything else from AP?” asked Fay.
“Well Peotyr Shinza is still trying to find Febr. He has APPIS [The Argon Prime Planetary Intelligence Service] digging into the Professors extraction from the Argon Asylum. You did know Professor F was rescued just ahead of being dragged out to an interview with Peotyr. I can’t help but think that was less than accidental timing. Did you ever find out who the Professors Argon Navy Intelligence helpers were?” asked Tebbin.
“No I couldn’t get anything out of him - not on that topic - Febr is old school, he believes in loyalty, and I need his collaboration!” explained Fay, “as to the muscle they were all clean with false records, and slightly enhanced bodies nothing comparable to Ravn but peaked well above athletic normal.”
“Pity, anyway as you know Peotyr got wind in his role as head of on planet Senate Security that - the most revered genius - Febr wanted to address the Wise Heads, on a matter of Universal Importance, only to end up in a padded room! Peotyr is no fool he knew something was up. Lets face it people like Febr would be considered mad by any normal individual at the best of times. Anyway the escape only convinced Peotyr that he was getting the mushroom treatment! You know what that Argon is like; the Director is a hound he wont let it go! If you don’t have APPIS snooping around now it is only a question of time. The name Hal Beyn will bring them here. Febr is no fool either. The professor had to know he was leaving a long-term trail (by using that old cover name) for those likely to follow. I’m guessing using Hal Beyn was an insurance policy!” lectured Tebbin.
“Perhaps or maybe it was a last minute decision, even Febr can get caught on the hop,” said Fay, “After all Anna did manage to get him locked up.”
“I don’t know Fay you are taking a risk with that one. He may be all rumpled Professor on the outside, but that mind of his - when it falls into gear - still gives me the creeps, those intuitive leaps, sometimes I swear he doesn’t even fully know why he does some things, until long afterwards, but the advances still come!” said Teb rather worriedly.
“I didn’t realise you had studied him so extensively,” Fay smiled, “I find him fascinating Febr flows along on one level then out of nowhere supernovas then its back to merely brilliant again! He frustrates himself - sometimes throwing out stuff when he is firing on all engines - he can’t get his own head around when he isn’t, can you imagine that?”
“Cursed unnatural,” complained Teb, “almost make you wonder if it was an accident that he found the ‘Hive access Core’ Queen Generator, not to mention making you feel dead from the neck up. I know a few surgeons would love old Febr to die just so they could dissect the plumbing of those grey cells, I think they believe he is a mutant or a Xenon in disguise!” he chortled, “It makes me worry about the Core though - this faith, this belief of his, it has to be the after effect of the mother of all brain storms?”
“Or just hanging out too long in the dark!” Fay replied.
“That sounds like wishful thinking!” Tebbin retorted.
Carl found himself punching through his monitors as a distraction rather than a commitment to action. Looking around the stations more public spaces. The Weapons Forge Complex was even more crowded than before. Carl unwittingly divided these figures into two principle groups legitimate bodies, and black winged, grotesquely bare necked, bald headed, bloody beaked vultures flapping around a still living, only impending corpse! Eventually Commander Carl alighted on another bunch of Marines. This particular mob of over armed heavies was harassing a repair crew. The over the top roughness being employed by the soldiers - had the AF Police Argon once again grinding his teeth until he realised what he was doing, and forced himself to stop! Only a prediction of the interminable resultant rhetoric put him off patching into the local PA system to challenge the warriors on their actions. They would of course - just be doing our duty Sir! Please feel free if you have any complaints to take them to our superiors!
Ravn had the right idea - kick their butts about off duty - for being disrespectful. Then advise he would be forced to tell their superiors when they threatened to go official - that four Marines - had been bested by - one lone - ArgonForge Copper! Carl had the incident from ‘Third Space’ on quick replay for when he was feeling especially annoyed with the boys in Grey! The big soldier hadn’t even broken into a sweat; Carl couldn’t believe Anna had poached him from the force. Still if he wanted the body of his - user(?) partner(?) or lover(?) protected who better?
Well apart from losing brawls, and deporting a few would be citizen protestors, the Marines had failed to do anything exciting. The boys in grey had uncovered no bombs, no guns, and no terrorists, just those few young bored mobile fool protestors with too much money, and time to waste on the latest fashionable cause. What the military had managed to do with ease was disrupt almost every part of the habitat at one point or another for example: receiving, and dockside was now an unholy jam, something that was slowly beginning to effect production! For the first time since its inception AFC 4’s mighty cycle was unbalanced, and in danger of going into a wane. If those crates didn’t start moving again soon the whole system would glue up. Well in a way Carl found some satisfaction in that - the mad bad slave master Gregor would not be amused by that consequence of the Treason Trial!
Pushing the button Carl found himself staring at the RJL office in the process of having some frontage installed. Well at least that showed that some business work carried on (more or less) as usual. Nonetheless, Anna Dei was affecting his efficiency; he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Carl wanted to plumb her depths, and discover that he was not being deceived, but he was afraid he would discover that - his Anna - was just a figment of wishful thinking! What was really going on behind those delectable jade green eyes? The closer he got, it seemed like, the less in focus the female Administrator became! The Station Running female was an enigma, maybe that was how Anna had snared him, was he trying to deduce her like a crime scene? A part of him felt like telling the former PA to go leap out an airlock, other betraying bits were restlessly looking forward to Carl getting off duty!
Without doubt the Security Commander had a hundred, and one important matters to be getting on with yet here he was fooling about like a star struck youth! Nonetheless, he couldn’t face sifting through the endless reports again: the overtimes figures, and budget shortfalls, the daily incident reports with all their annoying trivia and Argon stupidities - just like other previous cycle entries - the people caught damaging station property because they had locked themselves out of their lockers or cubicles again! The illegal unidentified probably dangerous alien pet smuggled onboard. The prankster youth who had just about been prevented from hacking in and turning off Hub Ones anti gravity! The weed head that had tried to assault a fully armed Marine, and insisted all the way to the brig that the big male trooper was in fact his ex wife, and of course she would vouch for his innocence. It was all just one big misunderstanding - a lovers tiff - caused by his father in law. The old fekker had never liked him just because he had lost a few credits on that Gate Race! Sigh!
Some cycles were just an insane farce. After the trial Carl promised himself he would go on a real - if short - planetary holiday! Somewhere with grass, trees, gently flowing streams of crystal clear water, fresh breezes, pale blue skies, and he prayed very few space happy Argons!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 52 – Outside the Box
Fay nodded at the supposed Military Courier. The Argon operative had just arrived on station via a scout ship that boasted a Goner Jump Drive. Tebbin appeared equipped with the latest batch of ultra secure reports. The files were handed over via a single multiple encoded data chip. Teb was Fays most trusted external security advisor / spy one of a very few members of Fays secret Inner Legion. Some of these operatives bound directly to her existed almost outside any official record even in ANI! Although Fay plugged the chip into her console, she didn’t bother to scan through it straight away. Instead of reading the lengthy - detail heavy - reports the Commander in Chief addressed her colleague.
“In brief?” Fay asked.
“Emma Dei is still missing,” commenced Tebbin, “the snatch squad were mercenaries their employer I fear impossible to trace. The drop was clean - a prearranged deep space coordinate - in an immobilised suit. We couldn’t have done it better ourselves,” he noted.
“Let’s not even consider that it was us,” replied Fay a LotD rebellion being her ultimate horror, “what about Jake Dei?”
“Anna’s father is still making a fuss in our protective custody,” explained Tebbin.
“So what is this other urgent matter?” queried Fay.
“After we hit a blank wall from the mercenary end, I decided to revisit the original ‘Hive access Core’ project team. It was a long shot; I was looking for possible leaks outside the (intelligence community) contained Febr incident! As you will be able to see from the data chip we didn’t find what we were looking for, but discovered something else entirely by accident! The security breach that brought me directly here,” explained Tebbin.
“Another low end technician Kier Leylend,” continued Teb, “one that had previously been vetted as sparkly - belated proved to have a connection - to the Big Argon himself! I’m afraid we had to dig very hard to verify this, thus the nasty shipping accident that fellow later suffered! This technician we learned had milked off some drones from Anna’s young Queen in the lab, putting the bugs into deep stasis and smuggling them out to a courier. The first connection in a chain that ran right back to AFC 4. Some serious snooping, a bucket load of credits, and a superlative departmental hack allowed us to patch together the rest of the puzzle. The pieces coming together from a myriad of sources all listed in the record.”
“Anna is not alone on station in operating her hive! BD had a monitor installed from the first station cycle using the stolen bugs to initiate another link - we suspect the Core has been running dual from the onset! The unknown agent was termed on one coded record as an Active Sleeper (a new one to me), and codenamed Y. All indications point that Y is directly run by Danna the security from this point on is watertight. Y may or may not be transmitting regular reports. What is known for certain is Y has an established emergency link to the Fleet combined with enough potential authority to initiate a station invasion, or even to blow AFC 4 to dust! Of course the existence of Y means - everything - that has occurred outside this protected Troop Transport (on station) has been wide open to Ban.”
The Commander in Chief was in shock. The timing of the revelation - plain awful - like almost everything lately, and yet conversely incredibly providential! Ban had out witted her from the very beginning - not too unusual! Fay thanked the powers that the Troop Transport was currently inviolate to infiltration. That the Commander in Chief had not yet disabled their crude but effective mass hard mixed sensor sweeps - the anti drone (suicide induction) defence. It was too close a call for comfort. The precautions switch off had been imminent, in preparation for the initiation of their own Hive Queen access, and going Multi Core! The removal of the power hungry safeguard considered a reasonable risk after Anna had been given the Argon Incentive.
It was a last minute save but nothing else on AFC 4 had been as unseen as the Legion had been led to believe. It was that old horrible in joke rising again (only this time squared) ‘Nothing was private on AFC 4!’ Anna would have to be warned without revealing the Legions hand. Now every plan and contingency would need to be reconsidered, and revised. What could they hope to achieve under direct ‘Hive access Core’ scrutiny. Fay feared her whole Core scheme was being debunked.
Fay took another deep breath and forced herself to return to the previous issue. It was a deliberate self-diversion a method she often employed to stay calm, and together when she felt under severe adversity.
“So Teb, who is our prime suspect for the kidnap?” Fay asked.
“If it is someone outside Argon Intelligence, I have no ideas! If it were an internal action (which I believe it is) I would say Sven Hale. Using third party mercenaries is his style - almost a calling card - but at the same time utterly useless to us!” noted Tebbin.
“It would fit, our friend Sven likes to play games within games. Of course you know he is on station, and that would fit too - a perfect alibi!” noted Fay.
“Knowing Sven he wants to be in on the kill. There has been no move to contact Anna yet?” asked Teb.
“Not as far as we are aware, we have excellent, but not perfect cover. We don’t have our own Hive access and now it looks like we dare not risk it, at least not from this location!” said Fay.
“With the best of respect, against Sven you could miss or have missed a contact! I know when you found out about the snatch you made sure Anna was on ‘The Incentive’ but is that enough? I think you need to bring her in now, get her trust and cooperation - before not after - she is approached! If we had found a lead on Emma Dei…” Tebbin finished letting it drop short.
“That kindly old Professor is dead,” said Fay, “if it is Sven he will never let her go - even if the fekker gets what he wants - that Argon is a bloody butcher! How can I explain that? Conversely if I lie about this one, and then the inevitable happens?”
“I would suggest you explain it straight. Tell Anna her mother is as good as gone but you will try to do the impossible (with her full cooperation) to save Emma if she is still alive. That failing this, at the very least, Anna could assist in the prosecution of revenge on the kidnappers, and probable murderers of her mother. Or you could play the obvious patriotic duty card or both,” said Teb.
Would Anna accept that? Or would she blame ANI, and the Legion for failing to ensure her parents safety? Maybe if she could convince Professor A. to blame herself (after all if Anna had not taken the project on in the first place) would that hard deflection work, or just create other difficulties! How far could they push Anna without causing her to topple? Whatever Fay did, she knew she would have to do it now before it became too late to do anything.
“I’ll have communications page her in,” said Fay then directly commanded this desire to her Active Operation Officer via internal intercom. After that simple task she continued, “while we wait what else is new?”
“The Senate Closed Shadow Committee are still fussing about the Core back on Prime. BD was arm twisted in to making an appearance, and to the normally suicidal position of giving - personal - assurances! Ban’s department had been desperately selling the previously unknown project as a late developing exception to SCSC supervision. You know how it is keep that laughingly labelled ‘Grey Council’ thinking they - and thus the wider Senate - are actually in control of Black Projects,” noted Teb.
“Danna put it across as an unexpectedly useful technology that fell through the cracks fully into the hands of an unnamed Corp. Lots of very uncomfortable questions were asked; not least being where did the funding for the later R&D come from? Rumour of Febr’s attempted storming of the Senate has raised a right royal stink in its covert little brother. The SCSC heard that phrase Universal Threat; they wanted to know why it was deemed so dangerous, and what measures were being taken to protect it? Of course Ban refused to give much of anything away - insisting that due to the previous security breach it was in the Senate Committees best interest not to know (preventing any future stain of leakage being put upon the shadow group) however as I said Ban was pushed to vouch in person that the project was safe, and secure!” said Tebbin.
“Sound’s like Ban has finally made a political mistake he wont be able to squirm out of,” noted Fay, “do you believe Sven is behind that too?”
“Well the most troublesome two in the SCSC were Emein Hean, and Mellisa Kyotu. Mell as you know is ArCorp which is a sure link to our Oracle Sven,” replied Teb.
Sven was known openly as The Oracle in intelligence circles because of his official role in ANI of (Forecast Analyst) - especially in relation to Future Inter Racial Relations [FIRR]. In rank the Argon was about equal to Fay in the often-informal force. Sven frequently worked closely with Danna however, it would be obvious to a blind Argon that neither man liked or trusted the other. As Danna had connections to Terra Corp Sven was linked to ArCorp. A company that specialised in computers, computer pads, and (operating system software R&D)! On the darker side Fay had good intelligence if little proof that Sven was behind many legal, semi legal, and downright illegal bounties! Fay had also heard tales that The Oracle ran a Black Operation group of non-Argon assassins the almost mythical ‘Third’ derived from the term ‘Third Force!’ If the Argon had a weakness it was the fact that he was theatrical, took everything as a personal insult, and lived by the vendetta! Fay considered Sven to be a viper that needed stepped on; unfortunately he was also one of life’s great survivors, and utterly paranoid about his own protective measures!
“The plot thickens - it is the ongoing struggle between Ban, and Sven - and we are caught in the middle. Anything else from AP?” asked Fay.
“Well Peotyr Shinza is still trying to find Febr. He has APPIS [The Argon Prime Planetary Intelligence Service] digging into the Professors extraction from the Argon Asylum. You did know Professor F was rescued just ahead of being dragged out to an interview with Peotyr. I can’t help but think that was less than accidental timing. Did you ever find out who the Professors Argon Navy Intelligence helpers were?” asked Tebbin.
“No I couldn’t get anything out of him - not on that topic - Febr is old school, he believes in loyalty, and I need his collaboration!” explained Fay, “as to the muscle they were all clean with false records, and slightly enhanced bodies nothing comparable to Ravn but peaked well above athletic normal.”
“Pity, anyway as you know Peotyr got wind in his role as head of on planet Senate Security that - the most revered genius - Febr wanted to address the Wise Heads, on a matter of Universal Importance, only to end up in a padded room! Peotyr is no fool he knew something was up. Lets face it people like Febr would be considered mad by any normal individual at the best of times. Anyway the escape only convinced Peotyr that he was getting the mushroom treatment! You know what that Argon is like; the Director is a hound he wont let it go! If you don’t have APPIS snooping around now it is only a question of time. The name Hal Beyn will bring them here. Febr is no fool either. The professor had to know he was leaving a long-term trail (by using that old cover name) for those likely to follow. I’m guessing using Hal Beyn was an insurance policy!” lectured Tebbin.
“Perhaps or maybe it was a last minute decision, even Febr can get caught on the hop,” said Fay, “After all Anna did manage to get him locked up.”
“I don’t know Fay you are taking a risk with that one. He may be all rumpled Professor on the outside, but that mind of his - when it falls into gear - still gives me the creeps, those intuitive leaps, sometimes I swear he doesn’t even fully know why he does some things, until long afterwards, but the advances still come!” said Teb rather worriedly.
“I didn’t realise you had studied him so extensively,” Fay smiled, “I find him fascinating Febr flows along on one level then out of nowhere supernovas then its back to merely brilliant again! He frustrates himself - sometimes throwing out stuff when he is firing on all engines - he can’t get his own head around when he isn’t, can you imagine that?”
“Cursed unnatural,” complained Teb, “almost make you wonder if it was an accident that he found the ‘Hive access Core’ Queen Generator, not to mention making you feel dead from the neck up. I know a few surgeons would love old Febr to die just so they could dissect the plumbing of those grey cells, I think they believe he is a mutant or a Xenon in disguise!” he chortled, “It makes me worry about the Core though - this faith, this belief of his, it has to be the after effect of the mother of all brain storms?”
“Or just hanging out too long in the dark!” Fay replied.
“That sounds like wishful thinking!” Tebbin retorted.
Carl found himself punching through his monitors as a distraction rather than a commitment to action. Looking around the stations more public spaces. The Weapons Forge Complex was even more crowded than before. Carl unwittingly divided these figures into two principle groups legitimate bodies, and black winged, grotesquely bare necked, bald headed, bloody beaked vultures flapping around a still living, only impending corpse! Eventually Commander Carl alighted on another bunch of Marines. This particular mob of over armed heavies was harassing a repair crew. The over the top roughness being employed by the soldiers - had the AF Police Argon once again grinding his teeth until he realised what he was doing, and forced himself to stop! Only a prediction of the interminable resultant rhetoric put him off patching into the local PA system to challenge the warriors on their actions. They would of course - just be doing our duty Sir! Please feel free if you have any complaints to take them to our superiors!
Ravn had the right idea - kick their butts about off duty - for being disrespectful. Then advise he would be forced to tell their superiors when they threatened to go official - that four Marines - had been bested by - one lone - ArgonForge Copper! Carl had the incident from ‘Third Space’ on quick replay for when he was feeling especially annoyed with the boys in Grey! The big soldier hadn’t even broken into a sweat; Carl couldn’t believe Anna had poached him from the force. Still if he wanted the body of his - user(?) partner(?) or lover(?) protected who better?
Well apart from losing brawls, and deporting a few would be citizen protestors, the Marines had failed to do anything exciting. The boys in grey had uncovered no bombs, no guns, and no terrorists, just those few young bored mobile fool protestors with too much money, and time to waste on the latest fashionable cause. What the military had managed to do with ease was disrupt almost every part of the habitat at one point or another for example: receiving, and dockside was now an unholy jam, something that was slowly beginning to effect production! For the first time since its inception AFC 4’s mighty cycle was unbalanced, and in danger of going into a wane. If those crates didn’t start moving again soon the whole system would glue up. Well in a way Carl found some satisfaction in that - the mad bad slave master Gregor would not be amused by that consequence of the Treason Trial!
Pushing the button Carl found himself staring at the RJL office in the process of having some frontage installed. Well at least that showed that some business work carried on (more or less) as usual. Nonetheless, Anna Dei was affecting his efficiency; he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Carl wanted to plumb her depths, and discover that he was not being deceived, but he was afraid he would discover that - his Anna - was just a figment of wishful thinking! What was really going on behind those delectable jade green eyes? The closer he got, it seemed like, the less in focus the female Administrator became! The Station Running female was an enigma, maybe that was how Anna had snared him, was he trying to deduce her like a crime scene? A part of him felt like telling the former PA to go leap out an airlock, other betraying bits were restlessly looking forward to Carl getting off duty!
Without doubt the Security Commander had a hundred, and one important matters to be getting on with yet here he was fooling about like a star struck youth! Nonetheless, he couldn’t face sifting through the endless reports again: the overtimes figures, and budget shortfalls, the daily incident reports with all their annoying trivia and Argon stupidities - just like other previous cycle entries - the people caught damaging station property because they had locked themselves out of their lockers or cubicles again! The illegal unidentified probably dangerous alien pet smuggled onboard. The prankster youth who had just about been prevented from hacking in and turning off Hub Ones anti gravity! The weed head that had tried to assault a fully armed Marine, and insisted all the way to the brig that the big male trooper was in fact his ex wife, and of course she would vouch for his innocence. It was all just one big misunderstanding - a lovers tiff - caused by his father in law. The old fekker had never liked him just because he had lost a few credits on that Gate Race! Sigh!
Some cycles were just an insane farce. After the trial Carl promised himself he would go on a real - if short - planetary holiday! Somewhere with grass, trees, gently flowing streams of crystal clear water, fresh breezes, pale blue skies, and he prayed very few space happy Argons!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:47, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 53 – Watching the Watchmen - The Unfettered
AFC 4 Treason Trial minus Three Cycles, early evening local station time found Ravn hanging out in the tiny reception of Anna's private office. He was struggling with a new RJL (Head of Security) - computer pad. Cursing roundly - at an outrageously slow - (private Inter Link) into the Central Computer System! While waiting on this terminally sluggish download the operative discovered he was internally berating ANI. Why did the Navy delight in making everything as convoluted as possible? Why had Anna mentioned the infamous Legion, what had that obscure almost mythic penal force have to do with anything on AFC 4?
During his career Ravn had heard many rumours about the ‘Legion of the Damned’ often clashing statements, and anecdotes: they were thrown away in impossible operations, they did political assassination, they were out of control, strictly monitored, they had their own unique commanders, they were run by Danna, they were infiltrated into normal military units, they had their own units, they were used as sleeping pirate spies (which was why the Argon often went easy on pirates), they were used extensively to hunt down pirates, they were corrupt, they were incorruptible, every member of the Legion was conditioned to die in the service of the Argon race, the legion was just a subtle death sentence, retired Legion veterans lived like lords on ill gotten gains, the only way out of the legion was feet first, the Legion was first in last out, the Legion was ill equipped, the Legion tested out new military tech, and had all the best hardware, the Legion was a fiction used to keep grunts in line, and the Legion was very much a reality. Ravn had heard it all and more besides and seen some contradictory evidence too!
How could he be expected to operate in the dark! What was so lethal that Anna insisted Ravn would be at risk through knowledge alone? Whatever was going on here it was pitch! Anna had claimed to be protecting something, what some new AF technology? Ravn wondered (if the Legion where here) were they acting as additional security, or could they be experimental subjects? What was so special about AFC 4 anyway, its famous productivity? Had Hiko Elm been looking for whatever Anna was hiding, did this explain Gregor’s seeming paranoia? Whatever was going on an awful lot of credits was being freely spent on the RJL cover alone! Anna had to be at the centre - Rav had been obeying her orders all along - well she had admitted to having Febr extracted, which pretty much amounted to the same thing!
Febr’s presence here had to be a big clue to what was going on (the Professor was famous a genius) a platinum plated academic celebrity. The Xeno-archaeologist, and research scientist had arrived on station under a pseudonym. Prior to that Ravn had learned that the Febr’s big brain had flipped, and left him ignominiously languishing in the dreaded Argon Asylum! Could AFC 4 be manufacturing prototype alien weapons under cover of their normal operations that would certainly fit! Ravn could imagine somebody like Febr disliking the way (to his mind) a possibly passive productive discovery was being abused. Then as a result of a failed attempt - at whistle blowing - being silenced for his crazy integrity! No doubt it was something slightly different but the general trend of the concept seemed fairly good!
Ravn realised he needed some operational clarification; he firmly believed the cover job alone needed a full team to secure RJL - not just one lone specialist - (especially under these conditions). Even protecting just Anna, and Garrin would require a dedicated unit of around four! Such recruits could hardly be employed via normal channels given the hinted sensitivity involved. He needed to talk with militant ANI, and thus Fay.
The whole thing smelt overripe. Ravn was beginning to feel that he had been put deliberately - strategically - in the line of fire! Why use a seconded officer in the first place, usually that was a sure sign his runners couldn’t trust their own, Ravn specialised in finding military traitors infiltrating, and watching troops often in front line conditions. Who was he ultimately answerable to here, and who was his intended target? The code word of trust he was working under was not the highest one he had!
Why had Anna made that statement about personal loyalty? Was Gregor’s former PA considering some form of defection? Why did the Anna seem so on edge since her interview with Fay? Why sink her claws into the Commander, and then go out of her way to seem all weak female, and open? It all came back to his duty; was he protecting, or investigating, or both? Well he was doing both anyway. Once in place in any unit, smelling out corruption was now as natural to Ravn as breathing air!
Ravn wondered was here to monitor Fay? The very fact that he didn’t have a proper tight brief suggested the widest scope; Ravn realised he was watching everyone! If that was the case whom exactly was he supposed to report to! Fek thought Rav feeling a trickle of water run down his spine; if he was watching Fay, he was watching ANI! If he was watching ANI was he still reporting to the Army not Navy Intelligence? Had the fekkers really sent him in that deep? So far no one had used his (final code word of trust) the one that indicated his ultimate superior in any given operation Ravn was convinced he should have heard that code word by now, something was clearly amiss!
Ravn was sure now he had fooled himself - all those fake attachments into army units - he had been sure this secondment outside was something else (they had led him to believe it was something else - a real transfer to Argon Navy Intelligence!) Only one thing fit; Ravn had been sent in undercover from himself! ANI could have dug, and dug, and found nothing but his own self belief in that transfer delusion!
Unfortunately since the Prime One code word hadn’t been used yet, he was at risk (his internal cover blown) his credible denial shattered early? Was it a premature revelation or had he come to his wits later than expected? Had Ravn by necessity been fire, and forget? Perhaps he was off the leash (after all his transfer was described as a technical promotion) he had heard rumours about Special Senior Operatives [SSO’s]. Individuals - conditioned specialists - that by necessity ran themselves, simply because they investigated the top brass, not just Commanders but even Generals and Admirals, these stalwarts answered only to their own conscience, and a strict uncompromising code of ethics!
With a start Ravn realised his - whole specialist - career might have been just such a prolonged exercise in ethical conditioning, and loyal indoctrination! It could so easily make sense - all those odd loose ends over the assignment, the hints and nods, the queer hand over. Ravn knew it was possible he been freed, that he was on his own. Suffering a growing sense of profound shock the military policeman figured there might be (no final code word) no supreme authority to turn to, basically this could be it. Just in case Ravn realised he would have to pick his own allies, and enemies. Well, thought Ravn, either I’m either mistaken or I have just internally accepted advancement to the self motivated - legendary - ranks of the Unfettered!
Anna was very happy with her knew quarters. The private office space dwarfed her old living quarters cubicle. It was also far more secure with hard-wired corporate blockers that could be activated for private meetings. Also standard were excellent quality power access, dedicated screen fittings, and data links. Just about everything she needed plus a few luxuries had been easily bought or hired from on station storage the installation had powered ahead at a gratifying speed - due to the former PA’s AFC 4 connections.
The one main disappointment was the fact that while the hardware was in place Anna’s RJL Communications Node was not yet activated. The vital fast access linkup was being blocked by over officious double-checking Navy security veto. All AFC 4 Navy vetting being backlogged because of the flood of new requests during the Treason Trial, mostly media, and current affair linkups! Due to these recent increases in internal, and external communication, and data traffic Anna’s current low-grade private access was both slow, and unreliable! Belatedly the former PA realised just what a difference being core AF staff made when it came to accessing AFC 4 central bandwidth. Anna was left screaming out for the instalment of the high-speed business node. At this rate the RJL Administrator suspected she would have to crawl to Fay to get the navy to expedite the required service.
One advantage of the changes however was the fact that as a representative of RJL Anna had the excuse she needed to purchase and install a Main Line Computer System. The big black monolithic object wasn’t a patch on the ICCS but was orders of magnitude more powerful than a Computer Pad, and it was all hers. Slab as Anna had descriptively named it, could run really serious applications, and simulations, entirely offline and act as an independent server. The professor suspected the unit would prove seriously invaluable in the future. Besides Anna just loved the look of the state of the art machine with its glassy surfaces, and tinkling lights. The professor had always wanted to privately own one!
At first Anna had felt she had dropped the ball. Despite all her activity - since volunteering / being volunteered - the RJL administrator had lost heart! With the move Anna had been able to make excuses for not wanting to interface with the Core but really she knew her diligence had suffered a setback. Even Anna’s later this evening scheduled meet with the Commander (productive networking / cover protection) really felt like just an excuse for continued prevarication. Anna for once didn’t know where to begin. Fays requirements were stretching her creativity. The Core data would not be easily fixed, or whatever its deeper hidden nature was be quickly deduced. In the end Anna was sure only Febr might be able to make the necessary breakthrough within the likely timescale. For this reason Anna decided to let it go, and look to other slightly less irksome duties.
Locking the door to her inner living space Anna set the lure, and waited for a messenger drone. The shortness of her vigil proved both a delight and a surprise. Soon the data was streaming into her box at its usual blistering pace a quick high-speed overview revealed that little had changed overall. The Hive was still obsessing with the Marines. Either the command filters still needed upgraded, or Anna was missing something! Anna had better things to do than waste her time going through this huge volume of audiovisual data. The station side Marines operated on the edge of AFC 4 protocols - it was a grey area - so the data could be largely innocent! Having a small inspiration Anna hunted around for a Portable Mass Data Store and downloaded the whole bulk of Marine surveillance. She would hand it off to Fay’s team. Anna smiled, if she had to suffer the pain, then she might as well get the gain!
Anna also knew she needed to check that earlier leak to Carls Security Monitors, but simply didn’t dare use her unstable, and insecure private access bandwidth. It was too risky a methodology for playing with her established hack routines. That investigation would have to wait - unless she tried doing it directly using the Hive - but in the end Anna decided against this approach which heralded too many interactive unknowns.
In a way it was good to have Ravn, and the Legion as back up. Without doubt the operation had been grossly understaffed, and the Professor now felt this was why she had started making errors of judgement. With so much coming at her at once Anna had been granted no opportunity for serious distanced reflection - little chance to regain the lasting perspective of a cool headed overview. It had been all too easy to slip into defensive crisis management, to lose the initiative, and a proper sense of strategic direction. Step by step the former PA had been forced to retreat until her back was almost against the unyielding bulkhead.
Despite the curse of the Argon Incentive if Fay had not arrived Anna was sure she would have ended up giving Gregor a run for his winnings in the Mad Spacer Stakes! At least whatever happened now she was no longer truly alone? Anna was even coming around to the idea of being with her Commander as a proper item, in truth, she could have turned to many other worse options in her moment of despair. For example: the flighty Garrin! At least Carl was a dependable adult, a rock to cling to in the storm.
A little later the RJL Administrator Anna was in the process of checking out the new Main Line computer hardware when one of the double line joke downloads appeared on her computer pad - a code for an immediate emergency summons to the Troop Transport! Fay wanted to see her urgently which was fine with Anna, it would allow her to drop off the Marine surveillance, and look into the Navy vetting of her Node! To keep her cover Anna sent a message off to Garrin reminding him that the Marines wanted to interview her again today, as if he, and she had forgot about an appointment! Anna explained the Navy still had reservations about RJL business practices in relation to AFC 4 security - including the vetting of staff, and the future checking of passenger ID. Not to mention luggage scans, and other operational procedures!
Putting the Portable Data Store in her bag Anna collected Ravn from the unmanned reception, and was about to go when he demanded a question and answers session. Ravn then immediately put the brakes on her plan to skip out straight away. Anna’s bodyguard insisted on preplanning a circuitous route, and running through some basic emergency escape contingency plans, most of which involved Anna leaving any trouble to her protector, and running to the nearest designated semi safe haven. For some reason the big Argon seemed a little spooked.
“Is something wrong?” Anna asked sounding concerned.
Ravn’s face Anna had noticed displayed a few odd expressions before settling into what she had come to think of as - stone cold!
“I was just thinking RJL - Garrin, and yourself - need more security bodies,” said Ravn, “we could pick the brains of our friendly Marines for some recruiting assistance!”
“Funny I need some vetting expedited myself,” grinned Anna, “extra security sounds good to me, why not, the more the merrier.”
Anna had been feeling like a bit of a target herself recently, but was determined to defend her current jovial state. It was not her connection to the Trial or even the Core, as much as the fact that the other night Carl had slept with a gun under their mutual pillow! Even though Carl had good personal reasons for such dramatic actions, Anna found the intimate proximity of firearms - always - made her re-evaluate the friendly universe she normally liked to pretend she lived in.
Ravn was also increasingly scary, but Anna had decided nothing was going to dent her fragile returning optimism, at least not if she could help it! Not guns, threats, the Incentive or the alien ‘Hive access Core’ (at last she had confederates, colleagues and assistance) and even with the toxin to her surprise life appeared to go on as before! If the RJL Administrator had known what was waiting for her at the Troop Transport she would very likely have realised the futility of making such - challengeable - internal assertions of self control. However, at this point in her Cycle the bubble-pricking monster that dispensed fateful disasters was hidden, and unheralded. The universe had decreed that the terrible data would not be disclosed until just a little later to even more devastating effect!
Elaen turned to her new temporary partner Jhan Sheldon one of several raw recruits not long from Central AF. The Lt. Constable felt like she was child minding. The fresh face looked out of place in the crime scene, and the uniform.
“You don’t have to look, just secure the area till Mynae arrives, and watch where your plodding your big feet!” noted Elaen.
It was a dirty deed waving a flag at a young Argnu bull - still everyone had to learn the hard way - that was without doubt why the two police Argon had been assigned this particularly gruesome task! Breaking the new boy in to the often-dirty hard realities of police work. The corpses were juicy. It had been the smell that had alerted the Dockworkers in the first place. At some point the crate had been badly bounced, and damaged along one seam allowing air to get in. It didn’t take long for Jhan to be emptying his guts on the decking, something which barely added to the pungent aroma!
The box had been in long term, pressurised store for over two, and a half AP seasons (according to its inventory), it was supposed to be tainted Argnu beef waiting for incineration, and crate decontamination. It wasn’t a stray just on a freak backlog constantly bumped behind more pressingly dangerous waste materials. Which might explain its rough treatment.
The Dockworkers finally noticing the leaking smell had succumbed to a bet - daring their youngest member to pop the lid and sniff the rancid meat! To that workers horror instead of disgusting animal parts - which was bad enough - he had uncovered semi liquefied human remains, and a vile stench he would never forget! Well thought Elaen that would teach him to play games on duty!
Elaen pulled out a (canister of fresh) and held it near her nose, for once the police Argon wished she was in a cumbersome suit, and on oxygen tank. Mynae was taking her sweet time, and even at a distance the smell was beyond belief!
Elaen wondered what the chance was of tracing the killer of these unknown souls now. No doubt the villain was a Pirate Smuggler passing through with a poor sense of humour, and a grudge against AF, or something in that vein! Still you never know where a cold case will lead. Nonetheless, any evidence trail worth following would most likely point off rather than on station. Beyond an autopsy, and a data search it would be a matter for the wider Argon Police authorities, or maybe a legitimate bounty hunter to exercise judicial revenge!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 53 – Watching the Watchmen - The Unfettered
AFC 4 Treason Trial minus Three Cycles, early evening local station time found Ravn hanging out in the tiny reception of Anna's private office. He was struggling with a new RJL (Head of Security) - computer pad. Cursing roundly - at an outrageously slow - (private Inter Link) into the Central Computer System! While waiting on this terminally sluggish download the operative discovered he was internally berating ANI. Why did the Navy delight in making everything as convoluted as possible? Why had Anna mentioned the infamous Legion, what had that obscure almost mythic penal force have to do with anything on AFC 4?
During his career Ravn had heard many rumours about the ‘Legion of the Damned’ often clashing statements, and anecdotes: they were thrown away in impossible operations, they did political assassination, they were out of control, strictly monitored, they had their own unique commanders, they were run by Danna, they were infiltrated into normal military units, they had their own units, they were used as sleeping pirate spies (which was why the Argon often went easy on pirates), they were used extensively to hunt down pirates, they were corrupt, they were incorruptible, every member of the Legion was conditioned to die in the service of the Argon race, the legion was just a subtle death sentence, retired Legion veterans lived like lords on ill gotten gains, the only way out of the legion was feet first, the Legion was first in last out, the Legion was ill equipped, the Legion tested out new military tech, and had all the best hardware, the Legion was a fiction used to keep grunts in line, and the Legion was very much a reality. Ravn had heard it all and more besides and seen some contradictory evidence too!
How could he be expected to operate in the dark! What was so lethal that Anna insisted Ravn would be at risk through knowledge alone? Whatever was going on here it was pitch! Anna had claimed to be protecting something, what some new AF technology? Ravn wondered (if the Legion where here) were they acting as additional security, or could they be experimental subjects? What was so special about AFC 4 anyway, its famous productivity? Had Hiko Elm been looking for whatever Anna was hiding, did this explain Gregor’s seeming paranoia? Whatever was going on an awful lot of credits was being freely spent on the RJL cover alone! Anna had to be at the centre - Rav had been obeying her orders all along - well she had admitted to having Febr extracted, which pretty much amounted to the same thing!
Febr’s presence here had to be a big clue to what was going on (the Professor was famous a genius) a platinum plated academic celebrity. The Xeno-archaeologist, and research scientist had arrived on station under a pseudonym. Prior to that Ravn had learned that the Febr’s big brain had flipped, and left him ignominiously languishing in the dreaded Argon Asylum! Could AFC 4 be manufacturing prototype alien weapons under cover of their normal operations that would certainly fit! Ravn could imagine somebody like Febr disliking the way (to his mind) a possibly passive productive discovery was being abused. Then as a result of a failed attempt - at whistle blowing - being silenced for his crazy integrity! No doubt it was something slightly different but the general trend of the concept seemed fairly good!
Ravn realised he needed some operational clarification; he firmly believed the cover job alone needed a full team to secure RJL - not just one lone specialist - (especially under these conditions). Even protecting just Anna, and Garrin would require a dedicated unit of around four! Such recruits could hardly be employed via normal channels given the hinted sensitivity involved. He needed to talk with militant ANI, and thus Fay.
The whole thing smelt overripe. Ravn was beginning to feel that he had been put deliberately - strategically - in the line of fire! Why use a seconded officer in the first place, usually that was a sure sign his runners couldn’t trust their own, Ravn specialised in finding military traitors infiltrating, and watching troops often in front line conditions. Who was he ultimately answerable to here, and who was his intended target? The code word of trust he was working under was not the highest one he had!
Why had Anna made that statement about personal loyalty? Was Gregor’s former PA considering some form of defection? Why did the Anna seem so on edge since her interview with Fay? Why sink her claws into the Commander, and then go out of her way to seem all weak female, and open? It all came back to his duty; was he protecting, or investigating, or both? Well he was doing both anyway. Once in place in any unit, smelling out corruption was now as natural to Ravn as breathing air!
Ravn wondered was here to monitor Fay? The very fact that he didn’t have a proper tight brief suggested the widest scope; Ravn realised he was watching everyone! If that was the case whom exactly was he supposed to report to! Fek thought Rav feeling a trickle of water run down his spine; if he was watching Fay, he was watching ANI! If he was watching ANI was he still reporting to the Army not Navy Intelligence? Had the fekkers really sent him in that deep? So far no one had used his (final code word of trust) the one that indicated his ultimate superior in any given operation Ravn was convinced he should have heard that code word by now, something was clearly amiss!
Ravn was sure now he had fooled himself - all those fake attachments into army units - he had been sure this secondment outside was something else (they had led him to believe it was something else - a real transfer to Argon Navy Intelligence!) Only one thing fit; Ravn had been sent in undercover from himself! ANI could have dug, and dug, and found nothing but his own self belief in that transfer delusion!
Unfortunately since the Prime One code word hadn’t been used yet, he was at risk (his internal cover blown) his credible denial shattered early? Was it a premature revelation or had he come to his wits later than expected? Had Ravn by necessity been fire, and forget? Perhaps he was off the leash (after all his transfer was described as a technical promotion) he had heard rumours about Special Senior Operatives [SSO’s]. Individuals - conditioned specialists - that by necessity ran themselves, simply because they investigated the top brass, not just Commanders but even Generals and Admirals, these stalwarts answered only to their own conscience, and a strict uncompromising code of ethics!
With a start Ravn realised his - whole specialist - career might have been just such a prolonged exercise in ethical conditioning, and loyal indoctrination! It could so easily make sense - all those odd loose ends over the assignment, the hints and nods, the queer hand over. Ravn knew it was possible he been freed, that he was on his own. Suffering a growing sense of profound shock the military policeman figured there might be (no final code word) no supreme authority to turn to, basically this could be it. Just in case Ravn realised he would have to pick his own allies, and enemies. Well, thought Ravn, either I’m either mistaken or I have just internally accepted advancement to the self motivated - legendary - ranks of the Unfettered!
Anna was very happy with her knew quarters. The private office space dwarfed her old living quarters cubicle. It was also far more secure with hard-wired corporate blockers that could be activated for private meetings. Also standard were excellent quality power access, dedicated screen fittings, and data links. Just about everything she needed plus a few luxuries had been easily bought or hired from on station storage the installation had powered ahead at a gratifying speed - due to the former PA’s AFC 4 connections.
The one main disappointment was the fact that while the hardware was in place Anna’s RJL Communications Node was not yet activated. The vital fast access linkup was being blocked by over officious double-checking Navy security veto. All AFC 4 Navy vetting being backlogged because of the flood of new requests during the Treason Trial, mostly media, and current affair linkups! Due to these recent increases in internal, and external communication, and data traffic Anna’s current low-grade private access was both slow, and unreliable! Belatedly the former PA realised just what a difference being core AF staff made when it came to accessing AFC 4 central bandwidth. Anna was left screaming out for the instalment of the high-speed business node. At this rate the RJL Administrator suspected she would have to crawl to Fay to get the navy to expedite the required service.
One advantage of the changes however was the fact that as a representative of RJL Anna had the excuse she needed to purchase and install a Main Line Computer System. The big black monolithic object wasn’t a patch on the ICCS but was orders of magnitude more powerful than a Computer Pad, and it was all hers. Slab as Anna had descriptively named it, could run really serious applications, and simulations, entirely offline and act as an independent server. The professor suspected the unit would prove seriously invaluable in the future. Besides Anna just loved the look of the state of the art machine with its glassy surfaces, and tinkling lights. The professor had always wanted to privately own one!
At first Anna had felt she had dropped the ball. Despite all her activity - since volunteering / being volunteered - the RJL administrator had lost heart! With the move Anna had been able to make excuses for not wanting to interface with the Core but really she knew her diligence had suffered a setback. Even Anna’s later this evening scheduled meet with the Commander (productive networking / cover protection) really felt like just an excuse for continued prevarication. Anna for once didn’t know where to begin. Fays requirements were stretching her creativity. The Core data would not be easily fixed, or whatever its deeper hidden nature was be quickly deduced. In the end Anna was sure only Febr might be able to make the necessary breakthrough within the likely timescale. For this reason Anna decided to let it go, and look to other slightly less irksome duties.
Locking the door to her inner living space Anna set the lure, and waited for a messenger drone. The shortness of her vigil proved both a delight and a surprise. Soon the data was streaming into her box at its usual blistering pace a quick high-speed overview revealed that little had changed overall. The Hive was still obsessing with the Marines. Either the command filters still needed upgraded, or Anna was missing something! Anna had better things to do than waste her time going through this huge volume of audiovisual data. The station side Marines operated on the edge of AFC 4 protocols - it was a grey area - so the data could be largely innocent! Having a small inspiration Anna hunted around for a Portable Mass Data Store and downloaded the whole bulk of Marine surveillance. She would hand it off to Fay’s team. Anna smiled, if she had to suffer the pain, then she might as well get the gain!
Anna also knew she needed to check that earlier leak to Carls Security Monitors, but simply didn’t dare use her unstable, and insecure private access bandwidth. It was too risky a methodology for playing with her established hack routines. That investigation would have to wait - unless she tried doing it directly using the Hive - but in the end Anna decided against this approach which heralded too many interactive unknowns.
In a way it was good to have Ravn, and the Legion as back up. Without doubt the operation had been grossly understaffed, and the Professor now felt this was why she had started making errors of judgement. With so much coming at her at once Anna had been granted no opportunity for serious distanced reflection - little chance to regain the lasting perspective of a cool headed overview. It had been all too easy to slip into defensive crisis management, to lose the initiative, and a proper sense of strategic direction. Step by step the former PA had been forced to retreat until her back was almost against the unyielding bulkhead.
Despite the curse of the Argon Incentive if Fay had not arrived Anna was sure she would have ended up giving Gregor a run for his winnings in the Mad Spacer Stakes! At least whatever happened now she was no longer truly alone? Anna was even coming around to the idea of being with her Commander as a proper item, in truth, she could have turned to many other worse options in her moment of despair. For example: the flighty Garrin! At least Carl was a dependable adult, a rock to cling to in the storm.
A little later the RJL Administrator Anna was in the process of checking out the new Main Line computer hardware when one of the double line joke downloads appeared on her computer pad - a code for an immediate emergency summons to the Troop Transport! Fay wanted to see her urgently which was fine with Anna, it would allow her to drop off the Marine surveillance, and look into the Navy vetting of her Node! To keep her cover Anna sent a message off to Garrin reminding him that the Marines wanted to interview her again today, as if he, and she had forgot about an appointment! Anna explained the Navy still had reservations about RJL business practices in relation to AFC 4 security - including the vetting of staff, and the future checking of passenger ID. Not to mention luggage scans, and other operational procedures!
Putting the Portable Data Store in her bag Anna collected Ravn from the unmanned reception, and was about to go when he demanded a question and answers session. Ravn then immediately put the brakes on her plan to skip out straight away. Anna’s bodyguard insisted on preplanning a circuitous route, and running through some basic emergency escape contingency plans, most of which involved Anna leaving any trouble to her protector, and running to the nearest designated semi safe haven. For some reason the big Argon seemed a little spooked.
“Is something wrong?” Anna asked sounding concerned.
Ravn’s face Anna had noticed displayed a few odd expressions before settling into what she had come to think of as - stone cold!
“I was just thinking RJL - Garrin, and yourself - need more security bodies,” said Ravn, “we could pick the brains of our friendly Marines for some recruiting assistance!”
“Funny I need some vetting expedited myself,” grinned Anna, “extra security sounds good to me, why not, the more the merrier.”
Anna had been feeling like a bit of a target herself recently, but was determined to defend her current jovial state. It was not her connection to the Trial or even the Core, as much as the fact that the other night Carl had slept with a gun under their mutual pillow! Even though Carl had good personal reasons for such dramatic actions, Anna found the intimate proximity of firearms - always - made her re-evaluate the friendly universe she normally liked to pretend she lived in.
Ravn was also increasingly scary, but Anna had decided nothing was going to dent her fragile returning optimism, at least not if she could help it! Not guns, threats, the Incentive or the alien ‘Hive access Core’ (at last she had confederates, colleagues and assistance) and even with the toxin to her surprise life appeared to go on as before! If the RJL Administrator had known what was waiting for her at the Troop Transport she would very likely have realised the futility of making such - challengeable - internal assertions of self control. However, at this point in her Cycle the bubble-pricking monster that dispensed fateful disasters was hidden, and unheralded. The universe had decreed that the terrible data would not be disclosed until just a little later to even more devastating effect!
Elaen turned to her new temporary partner Jhan Sheldon one of several raw recruits not long from Central AF. The Lt. Constable felt like she was child minding. The fresh face looked out of place in the crime scene, and the uniform.
“You don’t have to look, just secure the area till Mynae arrives, and watch where your plodding your big feet!” noted Elaen.
It was a dirty deed waving a flag at a young Argnu bull - still everyone had to learn the hard way - that was without doubt why the two police Argon had been assigned this particularly gruesome task! Breaking the new boy in to the often-dirty hard realities of police work. The corpses were juicy. It had been the smell that had alerted the Dockworkers in the first place. At some point the crate had been badly bounced, and damaged along one seam allowing air to get in. It didn’t take long for Jhan to be emptying his guts on the decking, something which barely added to the pungent aroma!
The box had been in long term, pressurised store for over two, and a half AP seasons (according to its inventory), it was supposed to be tainted Argnu beef waiting for incineration, and crate decontamination. It wasn’t a stray just on a freak backlog constantly bumped behind more pressingly dangerous waste materials. Which might explain its rough treatment.
The Dockworkers finally noticing the leaking smell had succumbed to a bet - daring their youngest member to pop the lid and sniff the rancid meat! To that workers horror instead of disgusting animal parts - which was bad enough - he had uncovered semi liquefied human remains, and a vile stench he would never forget! Well thought Elaen that would teach him to play games on duty!
Elaen pulled out a (canister of fresh) and held it near her nose, for once the police Argon wished she was in a cumbersome suit, and on oxygen tank. Mynae was taking her sweet time, and even at a distance the smell was beyond belief!
Elaen wondered what the chance was of tracing the killer of these unknown souls now. No doubt the villain was a Pirate Smuggler passing through with a poor sense of humour, and a grudge against AF, or something in that vein! Still you never know where a cold case will lead. Nonetheless, any evidence trail worth following would most likely point off rather than on station. Beyond an autopsy, and a data search it would be a matter for the wider Argon Police authorities, or maybe a legitimate bounty hunter to exercise judicial revenge!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:48, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 54 – Bad News
Still on the Legions Troop Transport in keeping with - need to know - Anna was separated from Ravn her interview was to be solo! The deliberate isolation another small reminder of the gulf of secrets that stretched between Anna’s confederates. In the beginning spinning cover stories had been an entertaining amusement; now lies, and half-truths walled off the (increasingly reluctant) operative from normal society! Anna Dei felt like a sealed in, psychotic killers murder victim - slowly suffocating from a lack of air!
Despite the usually disciplined females best efforts the paranoiac processing undertaken at the Troop Transport by the Marines (the hard looks, ready weapons, the scans and the overly prolonged - uncomfortable - and unnecessary physical examination) had pivoted her mood! Anna could testify (under oath) that the latest sweep was more thorough than the previous one. This harassment was especially noticeable, because the last examination had been undertaken before Anna was forcibly conscripted! This distrust felt like a hard slap to the face, a rude awakening! These evil looking fighters were not honest colleagues; at best the troopers were fellow inmates, at worst brutal prison warder confidants!
These killers obviously didn’t trust Anna; in fact they didn’t even seem to trust the readings from their own instrumentation. Anna felt insulted, and angry to the point of explosion. The guarding Marines had even confiscated her possessions including the bag containing the Portable Data Store. The store was taken away despite the fact it was crammed with sensitive material, and regardless of Anna’s vociferous objections! Didn’t her conscription, and the toxin in her body mean anything to these beasts? Were all new recruits subjected to such abuse or was Professor Anna Dei being singled out for special treatment? How had her bright young life come to this - being groped and pushed around - by a bunch of moronic murderers? A cursed blight on all uniforms, she thought. The RJL Administrator knew she was a valuable asset, not a suspected terrorist to be intimidated, and assaulted. Anna was sure Ravn would have taken these insolent wretches to pieces. Unfortunately Rav had been marched off before his charge was subjected to this sordid misuse of authority!
Anna wondered was the humiliation another deliberate ANI ploy. To her horror Anna was beginning to truly empathise with Gregor. Via forced epiphany her self-image had shifted from the balance of reason to the drop of despair. The meditating Professor contemplated if dharma was truly real, and a very active power in her life? Forcing herself to take a deep breath, Anna tried to implement that inner picture of a yellow disk. However, she was forcing it too much and the gentle discipline eluded her. The construct remained just a shadow copy of the physical item she once carried, nothing more! Struggling with the exercise Anna realised time had defeated her purpose and let it go, she had reached the oddly titled Commander in Chief Fays inner office door. Stepping in Anna felt her consciousness was raw, and unprotected, and hoped Fay wasn’t going to be difficult!
The first thing Anna noticed was the addition of a large decanter, and two tumblers empty, but begging to be filled on Fay‘s desk.
“Please Anna,” said Fay smiling with surprising warmth, “take a seat.”
Anna was about to launch into a tirade about her treatment, but before she could gather her thoughts to start, Fay cut in with a long probably scripted measured spiel!
“Doubtless you believe me cruel and soulless,” said Fay commencing to fill the tumblers, “but I assure you it is not the case. ‘Argon Incentive’ also pervades my tissues, we are all victims of circumstances beyond our ability to control. I am as enslaved to duty as the meanest of my recruits. I hope you remember this; we are all trapped together in this open prison. No matter what personal afflictions bedevil us the universe still turns and we must soldier on or submit fully to the anarchy of chance!”
Anna could smell the pungent aroma of the - space fuel whiskey - you could tell it was quality stuff by that rich scent alone. Fay reached for her glass, and gestured Anna to do the same. At first the RJL Administrator felt reluctant, then decided she could do with a drink even if it was - perhaps - playing into the old crones hands! For a moment they sipped the fiery but smooth liquid in silence then Fay continued.
“I have two items of news to impart. You may curse my prioritisation after the fact, but it is a question of absolute necessity over any emotional desire!” said Fay.
Anna enjoying the superior fuel (at least) was - feeling a little more relaxed - and wondered what the necessity was for such a long winded preamble?
“Firstly (we have just discovered) you are not alone in accessing the AFC 4 Hive! Drones were secretly removed from your queen at the laboratory, and used to create another messenger link,” explained Fay.
Anna took a deep sip hardly able to credit what she had just heard, was the ANI agent playing some foolish game! Putting the glass down Anna was about to comment on how ludicrous the idea was when Fay continued.
“We suspect the Core has been running dual from Cycle one. A monitor put in place under the direct auspices of Danna himself! Due to this we have not initiated our Hive access, to do so now would leave our own systems wide open to infiltration. Only this Troop Transport, and areas under obvious Block might be secure from this snooping spy!” stated Fay.
Fay was serious Anna was dumbfounded! Dharma really was running rampant with her life! This whole time Anna - the Watcher - had been under surveillance, even the other night with the Commander? It made her stomach churn. It had been hard enough to command the alien technology to independently monitor her as its controller! The idea of a flesh, and blood individual spying on her every intimate moment was appalling to her. It was deepest hypocrisy, but it was a dreadful invasion, almost a rape to her personal dignity. While Anna was used to being monitored at work it was another thing to know her private life had been a show, and tell!
Fay surveyed the obvious dismay as the information was integrated behind Anna’s eyes.
“As you can imagine our discovery changes everything. Even the areas you believed secured by your own Core access have been wide open. Our entire scheme must be reconsidered; firstly it is essential to initiate immediate damage control. Has anything dangerous been said - behind your closed door - since your recruitment?” Fay asked.
Anna searched back over her conversations. Only talks with Ravn held any real potential risk. However she could think of nothing specific to the plot to keep the Hive access Core away from Danna!
“No, your little conspiracy is still secure,” said Anna sarcastically.
“That is something at least. Despite what is coming next - because of it Anna - we need your full co-cooperation, trust me, it will be in both our interests! This is the fall out from Febr’s attempted insurrection. Hints, and even a few facts have leaked about the Core. Smart and dangerous people in the wider Argon Intelligence Community have been following breadcrumbs ever since! We must assume somebody picked up on your, and Febr’s past association plus your shift in career, and assignment on AFC 4’, said Fay.
“I’m sorry Anna, word has reached me by fast courier your mother Emma Dei has been registered as an official missing person. We have already found evidence that she was taken in a carefully planned snatch operation. A group of hired mercenaries were responsible they have all been traced, and are either deceased or in custody. Unfortunately these mercenaries passed the package on to (a person or persons) unknown! Please it is vital you are open, and honest now - has anyone tried to contact you?” asked Fay.
“No,” replied Anna.
Fay wasn’t sure if this negative was a refusal to accept the facts, or a serious answer to her vital question, but she decided to press on.
“Anna I can’t lie to you,” said the Fay, “The chances of Emma Dei surviving this misfortune or even being seen again are slight. If you can’t keep yourself together, or fail to give your full and honest co-operation, this slim margin of hope will vanish to nothing very quickly indeed! Conversely - I promise - with your aid, all I can do will be done! Every resource I can spare will be put to the task! If Emma can be rescued, if anyone is capable of doing this then it is my Legion! Nonetheless, Emma may already be dead, captives, and hostages are prone to fatal accidents never mind deliberate slayings.”
Anna just stared at her glass blankly.
“If it is too late Anna,” said Fay, “then at least we can give you the full satisfaction of a measure of revenge! Believe me I wish it were otherwise, but these people they rarely release their victims - even if they get their demands! They don’t see such unfortunate captives as Argon, just assets, and later security risks!”
“No, this can’t be happening, not to Em,” said Anna, “how can you know this first? Why haven’t I heard from my father Jake?” she asked.
“Your father is now in protective custody,” explained Fay.
“What? Wasn’t the incentive enough for you people? Do you have to take my parents too?” spat Anna with a rising fury that had her voice shaking.
“Listen child this is not our fault,” said Fay, “Your family were safe as long as you remained anonymous. Febr blew all our plans, and protocols when he went overt, if your mentor had not lost the plot, and drawn attention to us, and by association to yourself. If Febr’s rash action had not occurred your family would never have become targets! Did that make this chain of events Febr’s responsibility, well I don‘t know, it was an unforeseen unintended consequence! Focus that hate on the people behind the crime Anna, make good use of it, don’t waste it on the likes of Febr, yourself, or me!”
“Myself!” repeated Anna slumping, “These so called people, are your people - Argon intelligence people - aren’t they?” questioned Anna.
“In all likelihood they may well be Argon Intelligence,” confessed Fay, “but they are not my people Anna any more than they are yours, we are Legion!”
“Legion,” said Anna like a curse, “the same damned renegades that are just after feeling me up - under the authority - of a legitimate security precaution! So what happens now!” asked Anna feeling numb, and defeated.
“I’m sorry Anna but with our wider security compromised, we can’t take any risks - not now! We will surround you with our own surveillance, and wait for the fekker’s to make a move. If all goes well we play along (as far as we dare) in the hope they will make a mistake. Listen Anna, it will take that - an error - one I can exploit! If lucky we will be able to force this blunder, but you know we can’t let them have whatever they might want! Nor should we assume it is the obvious for example: to steal the Hive access Core!” explained Anna’s Commander in Chief, “They might just want to destroy or disrupt the project. They could do this by assassinating you, and Febr or by blowing the station, trust me such individuals are capable of any atrocity.”
Fay was thinking fast she had to keep the recruit onboard, what else did Anna need to know, what would sway her?
“You can‘t believe anything they will tell you - absolutely nothing! Maybe they will claim they just want access to the projects classified files, but even that could have dire consequences beyond imagining! Just remember Anna whatever they want it was worth the risk of moving - almost openly - against the Federal Argon Law, kidnapping a well respected Argon citizen is not without its risks,” reminded Fay, “I will contact Danna maybe he can help. Besides now that we know Ban is monitoring AFC 4 we have little to lose, and everything to gain!”
“So the abduction, unlawful imprisonment, and probable murder of my mother becomes just another game of strategy, and tactics among your twisted elite,” said Anna with a sigh.
“Call it what you like Anna, it is what it is. Finish your drink, and think it over! Talk with Febr if it will help, then before you depart see me again, and we will discuss the necessary details, and arrangements,” advised Fay.
Details thought Anna her mind slipping on to a saner track, “Well you can help get my RJL business communication node past Navy vetting, and activated! At the moment even if somebody was trying to contact me for a ransom, they mightn’t be able to get through. My private civilian channel is worse than useless!”
“Getting your node on line is easily done!” noted Fay.
The Commander in Chief found she was both worried, and glad Anna could still do business. Working with these academics was very different to handling her normal clients.
“You might also like to get my Portable Data Store off your grunts, and into the hands of some proficient analysts. The Core has been obsessing with the on station Marines I thought you could look into it. It might be nothing, or it might be something. I have better things to do than stare at Greys! Oh, and next time any one of the Legions male guards - lays a finger on me - I’m going to take a note of serial numbers, and pass it on to Ravn. My protector will be given very explicit (I assure you most unpleasant) instructions as to what do with these!” said Anna then continued, “As far as Ravn is concerned your all just ANI, and bloody minded attached Marines. For some - unknown - reason Rav is not overly fond of the Boys in Grey!”
Well thought Fay - accepting the threat - maybe Anna wasn’t so different to some of the other lads after all. Ravn was an annoyance fostered on her from Central Intelligence. The Commander in Chief didn’t trust him, he was probably also being run by Danna! Still Ravn was just one enhanced soldier. Anna still didn’t realise who she was dealing with!
Ravn was mildly amused. The heavily armed and armoured Marines had escorted him away from his charge, and he was corralled in by a squad of some of the most vile looking veterans he had ever had the misfortune to cross. There were no pleasantries, no veneer of civility whatsoever, he was not even afforded a seat - in the cramped side corridor space - where the Marines without a word had decamped.
While his guards had not been actively provocative it was without doubt an attempt to nerve him out. At first Ravn had attempted to engage the squad members in conversation (in the hope of digging some dirt) but these fellows just didn‘t want to play that game. The silence was deafening. With the passage blocked by bodies he was being all but physically constrained.
Was Anna in trouble? What had changed from the last time he had been here? Sometimes the best option was just to wait it out. When required Ravn knew he could kill time as good as the next Argon.
“Tell me when Anna gets back, or when Fay is free to see me,” said Ravn, then leaning against the bulkhead (to the Legions - covert - amused respect) Ravn closed his eyes and caught up on some lost sleep.
Febr hardly knew what to say when Anna related the grave information in the end he just hugged her! So Fay had cast the projects founder as the first cause. Fair enough he was to blame for the whole sorry mess. The Professor knew he couldn’t shirk the responsibility it was his project after all! The Xeno-archaeologist still believed his actions were nonetheless an essential affirmation of his duty. Where guilt applied it related to operational misjudgements not policy decisions. It was the product of not succeeding in properly killing his research. Now they were all snared in the cascade of cause, and effect not, just the venerable Emma Dei.
Truly, it was his fault, if only he had understood Argon nature a little better. If only I had appreciated the consequences of getting involved with military funding, thought Febr. With a sanity threatening flash of intensely detailed insight Febr perceived all the connections. The grains that rolled around the mote that represented himself within the wider conglomerate of recent history! A devastating pain accompanied the revelation as if his head was on fire. Febr fitted knocking Anna aside, his limbs flailing before he dropped hard unconscious to the floor.
One moment Anna was being comforted the next she was shoved, and felt a sharp blow to her side. Anna was doubled over winded catching a sharp breath Anna flinched as she straightened up momentarily confused, and angry. Then the former PA saw Febr sprawled face down on the deck. After glancing around - for a nonexistent assailant - Anna rushed to her former Mentor, and painfully lowering herself touched his neck feeling for a pulse. Professor F. was alive, however the rhythm was faint and slow. Anna screamed out for a medic then checking his airway was clear, and free of obstruction, carefully shifted Febr on to his side, and into the recovery position.
A horribly large lump was visible on the old Argons forehead. The skin was split and blood oozed freely, leaking around the orbit of his right eye, and down his face. Febr’s countenance was pale as a death mask. The wound looked bad, and would require a scan, but Anna was aware that superficial head wounds often appeared far worse that they were. Whatever had caused Febr's collapse in the first place concerned the scientist far more!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 54 – Bad News
Still on the Legions Troop Transport in keeping with - need to know - Anna was separated from Ravn her interview was to be solo! The deliberate isolation another small reminder of the gulf of secrets that stretched between Anna’s confederates. In the beginning spinning cover stories had been an entertaining amusement; now lies, and half-truths walled off the (increasingly reluctant) operative from normal society! Anna Dei felt like a sealed in, psychotic killers murder victim - slowly suffocating from a lack of air!
Despite the usually disciplined females best efforts the paranoiac processing undertaken at the Troop Transport by the Marines (the hard looks, ready weapons, the scans and the overly prolonged - uncomfortable - and unnecessary physical examination) had pivoted her mood! Anna could testify (under oath) that the latest sweep was more thorough than the previous one. This harassment was especially noticeable, because the last examination had been undertaken before Anna was forcibly conscripted! This distrust felt like a hard slap to the face, a rude awakening! These evil looking fighters were not honest colleagues; at best the troopers were fellow inmates, at worst brutal prison warder confidants!
These killers obviously didn’t trust Anna; in fact they didn’t even seem to trust the readings from their own instrumentation. Anna felt insulted, and angry to the point of explosion. The guarding Marines had even confiscated her possessions including the bag containing the Portable Data Store. The store was taken away despite the fact it was crammed with sensitive material, and regardless of Anna’s vociferous objections! Didn’t her conscription, and the toxin in her body mean anything to these beasts? Were all new recruits subjected to such abuse or was Professor Anna Dei being singled out for special treatment? How had her bright young life come to this - being groped and pushed around - by a bunch of moronic murderers? A cursed blight on all uniforms, she thought. The RJL Administrator knew she was a valuable asset, not a suspected terrorist to be intimidated, and assaulted. Anna was sure Ravn would have taken these insolent wretches to pieces. Unfortunately Rav had been marched off before his charge was subjected to this sordid misuse of authority!
Anna wondered was the humiliation another deliberate ANI ploy. To her horror Anna was beginning to truly empathise with Gregor. Via forced epiphany her self-image had shifted from the balance of reason to the drop of despair. The meditating Professor contemplated if dharma was truly real, and a very active power in her life? Forcing herself to take a deep breath, Anna tried to implement that inner picture of a yellow disk. However, she was forcing it too much and the gentle discipline eluded her. The construct remained just a shadow copy of the physical item she once carried, nothing more! Struggling with the exercise Anna realised time had defeated her purpose and let it go, she had reached the oddly titled Commander in Chief Fays inner office door. Stepping in Anna felt her consciousness was raw, and unprotected, and hoped Fay wasn’t going to be difficult!
The first thing Anna noticed was the addition of a large decanter, and two tumblers empty, but begging to be filled on Fay‘s desk.
“Please Anna,” said Fay smiling with surprising warmth, “take a seat.”
Anna was about to launch into a tirade about her treatment, but before she could gather her thoughts to start, Fay cut in with a long probably scripted measured spiel!
“Doubtless you believe me cruel and soulless,” said Fay commencing to fill the tumblers, “but I assure you it is not the case. ‘Argon Incentive’ also pervades my tissues, we are all victims of circumstances beyond our ability to control. I am as enslaved to duty as the meanest of my recruits. I hope you remember this; we are all trapped together in this open prison. No matter what personal afflictions bedevil us the universe still turns and we must soldier on or submit fully to the anarchy of chance!”
Anna could smell the pungent aroma of the - space fuel whiskey - you could tell it was quality stuff by that rich scent alone. Fay reached for her glass, and gestured Anna to do the same. At first the RJL Administrator felt reluctant, then decided she could do with a drink even if it was - perhaps - playing into the old crones hands! For a moment they sipped the fiery but smooth liquid in silence then Fay continued.
“I have two items of news to impart. You may curse my prioritisation after the fact, but it is a question of absolute necessity over any emotional desire!” said Fay.
Anna enjoying the superior fuel (at least) was - feeling a little more relaxed - and wondered what the necessity was for such a long winded preamble?
“Firstly (we have just discovered) you are not alone in accessing the AFC 4 Hive! Drones were secretly removed from your queen at the laboratory, and used to create another messenger link,” explained Fay.
Anna took a deep sip hardly able to credit what she had just heard, was the ANI agent playing some foolish game! Putting the glass down Anna was about to comment on how ludicrous the idea was when Fay continued.
“We suspect the Core has been running dual from Cycle one. A monitor put in place under the direct auspices of Danna himself! Due to this we have not initiated our Hive access, to do so now would leave our own systems wide open to infiltration. Only this Troop Transport, and areas under obvious Block might be secure from this snooping spy!” stated Fay.
Fay was serious Anna was dumbfounded! Dharma really was running rampant with her life! This whole time Anna - the Watcher - had been under surveillance, even the other night with the Commander? It made her stomach churn. It had been hard enough to command the alien technology to independently monitor her as its controller! The idea of a flesh, and blood individual spying on her every intimate moment was appalling to her. It was deepest hypocrisy, but it was a dreadful invasion, almost a rape to her personal dignity. While Anna was used to being monitored at work it was another thing to know her private life had been a show, and tell!
Fay surveyed the obvious dismay as the information was integrated behind Anna’s eyes.
“As you can imagine our discovery changes everything. Even the areas you believed secured by your own Core access have been wide open. Our entire scheme must be reconsidered; firstly it is essential to initiate immediate damage control. Has anything dangerous been said - behind your closed door - since your recruitment?” Fay asked.
Anna searched back over her conversations. Only talks with Ravn held any real potential risk. However she could think of nothing specific to the plot to keep the Hive access Core away from Danna!
“No, your little conspiracy is still secure,” said Anna sarcastically.
“That is something at least. Despite what is coming next - because of it Anna - we need your full co-cooperation, trust me, it will be in both our interests! This is the fall out from Febr’s attempted insurrection. Hints, and even a few facts have leaked about the Core. Smart and dangerous people in the wider Argon Intelligence Community have been following breadcrumbs ever since! We must assume somebody picked up on your, and Febr’s past association plus your shift in career, and assignment on AFC 4’, said Fay.
“I’m sorry Anna, word has reached me by fast courier your mother Emma Dei has been registered as an official missing person. We have already found evidence that she was taken in a carefully planned snatch operation. A group of hired mercenaries were responsible they have all been traced, and are either deceased or in custody. Unfortunately these mercenaries passed the package on to (a person or persons) unknown! Please it is vital you are open, and honest now - has anyone tried to contact you?” asked Fay.
“No,” replied Anna.
Fay wasn’t sure if this negative was a refusal to accept the facts, or a serious answer to her vital question, but she decided to press on.
“Anna I can’t lie to you,” said the Fay, “The chances of Emma Dei surviving this misfortune or even being seen again are slight. If you can’t keep yourself together, or fail to give your full and honest co-operation, this slim margin of hope will vanish to nothing very quickly indeed! Conversely - I promise - with your aid, all I can do will be done! Every resource I can spare will be put to the task! If Emma can be rescued, if anyone is capable of doing this then it is my Legion! Nonetheless, Emma may already be dead, captives, and hostages are prone to fatal accidents never mind deliberate slayings.”
Anna just stared at her glass blankly.
“If it is too late Anna,” said Fay, “then at least we can give you the full satisfaction of a measure of revenge! Believe me I wish it were otherwise, but these people they rarely release their victims - even if they get their demands! They don’t see such unfortunate captives as Argon, just assets, and later security risks!”
“No, this can’t be happening, not to Em,” said Anna, “how can you know this first? Why haven’t I heard from my father Jake?” she asked.
“Your father is now in protective custody,” explained Fay.
“What? Wasn’t the incentive enough for you people? Do you have to take my parents too?” spat Anna with a rising fury that had her voice shaking.
“Listen child this is not our fault,” said Fay, “Your family were safe as long as you remained anonymous. Febr blew all our plans, and protocols when he went overt, if your mentor had not lost the plot, and drawn attention to us, and by association to yourself. If Febr’s rash action had not occurred your family would never have become targets! Did that make this chain of events Febr’s responsibility, well I don‘t know, it was an unforeseen unintended consequence! Focus that hate on the people behind the crime Anna, make good use of it, don’t waste it on the likes of Febr, yourself, or me!”
“Myself!” repeated Anna slumping, “These so called people, are your people - Argon intelligence people - aren’t they?” questioned Anna.
“In all likelihood they may well be Argon Intelligence,” confessed Fay, “but they are not my people Anna any more than they are yours, we are Legion!”
“Legion,” said Anna like a curse, “the same damned renegades that are just after feeling me up - under the authority - of a legitimate security precaution! So what happens now!” asked Anna feeling numb, and defeated.
“I’m sorry Anna but with our wider security compromised, we can’t take any risks - not now! We will surround you with our own surveillance, and wait for the fekker’s to make a move. If all goes well we play along (as far as we dare) in the hope they will make a mistake. Listen Anna, it will take that - an error - one I can exploit! If lucky we will be able to force this blunder, but you know we can’t let them have whatever they might want! Nor should we assume it is the obvious for example: to steal the Hive access Core!” explained Anna’s Commander in Chief, “They might just want to destroy or disrupt the project. They could do this by assassinating you, and Febr or by blowing the station, trust me such individuals are capable of any atrocity.”
Fay was thinking fast she had to keep the recruit onboard, what else did Anna need to know, what would sway her?
“You can‘t believe anything they will tell you - absolutely nothing! Maybe they will claim they just want access to the projects classified files, but even that could have dire consequences beyond imagining! Just remember Anna whatever they want it was worth the risk of moving - almost openly - against the Federal Argon Law, kidnapping a well respected Argon citizen is not without its risks,” reminded Fay, “I will contact Danna maybe he can help. Besides now that we know Ban is monitoring AFC 4 we have little to lose, and everything to gain!”
“So the abduction, unlawful imprisonment, and probable murder of my mother becomes just another game of strategy, and tactics among your twisted elite,” said Anna with a sigh.
“Call it what you like Anna, it is what it is. Finish your drink, and think it over! Talk with Febr if it will help, then before you depart see me again, and we will discuss the necessary details, and arrangements,” advised Fay.
Details thought Anna her mind slipping on to a saner track, “Well you can help get my RJL business communication node past Navy vetting, and activated! At the moment even if somebody was trying to contact me for a ransom, they mightn’t be able to get through. My private civilian channel is worse than useless!”
“Getting your node on line is easily done!” noted Fay.
The Commander in Chief found she was both worried, and glad Anna could still do business. Working with these academics was very different to handling her normal clients.
“You might also like to get my Portable Data Store off your grunts, and into the hands of some proficient analysts. The Core has been obsessing with the on station Marines I thought you could look into it. It might be nothing, or it might be something. I have better things to do than stare at Greys! Oh, and next time any one of the Legions male guards - lays a finger on me - I’m going to take a note of serial numbers, and pass it on to Ravn. My protector will be given very explicit (I assure you most unpleasant) instructions as to what do with these!” said Anna then continued, “As far as Ravn is concerned your all just ANI, and bloody minded attached Marines. For some - unknown - reason Rav is not overly fond of the Boys in Grey!”
Well thought Fay - accepting the threat - maybe Anna wasn’t so different to some of the other lads after all. Ravn was an annoyance fostered on her from Central Intelligence. The Commander in Chief didn’t trust him, he was probably also being run by Danna! Still Ravn was just one enhanced soldier. Anna still didn’t realise who she was dealing with!
Ravn was mildly amused. The heavily armed and armoured Marines had escorted him away from his charge, and he was corralled in by a squad of some of the most vile looking veterans he had ever had the misfortune to cross. There were no pleasantries, no veneer of civility whatsoever, he was not even afforded a seat - in the cramped side corridor space - where the Marines without a word had decamped.
While his guards had not been actively provocative it was without doubt an attempt to nerve him out. At first Ravn had attempted to engage the squad members in conversation (in the hope of digging some dirt) but these fellows just didn‘t want to play that game. The silence was deafening. With the passage blocked by bodies he was being all but physically constrained.
Was Anna in trouble? What had changed from the last time he had been here? Sometimes the best option was just to wait it out. When required Ravn knew he could kill time as good as the next Argon.
“Tell me when Anna gets back, or when Fay is free to see me,” said Ravn, then leaning against the bulkhead (to the Legions - covert - amused respect) Ravn closed his eyes and caught up on some lost sleep.
Febr hardly knew what to say when Anna related the grave information in the end he just hugged her! So Fay had cast the projects founder as the first cause. Fair enough he was to blame for the whole sorry mess. The Professor knew he couldn’t shirk the responsibility it was his project after all! The Xeno-archaeologist still believed his actions were nonetheless an essential affirmation of his duty. Where guilt applied it related to operational misjudgements not policy decisions. It was the product of not succeeding in properly killing his research. Now they were all snared in the cascade of cause, and effect not, just the venerable Emma Dei.
Truly, it was his fault, if only he had understood Argon nature a little better. If only I had appreciated the consequences of getting involved with military funding, thought Febr. With a sanity threatening flash of intensely detailed insight Febr perceived all the connections. The grains that rolled around the mote that represented himself within the wider conglomerate of recent history! A devastating pain accompanied the revelation as if his head was on fire. Febr fitted knocking Anna aside, his limbs flailing before he dropped hard unconscious to the floor.
One moment Anna was being comforted the next she was shoved, and felt a sharp blow to her side. Anna was doubled over winded catching a sharp breath Anna flinched as she straightened up momentarily confused, and angry. Then the former PA saw Febr sprawled face down on the deck. After glancing around - for a nonexistent assailant - Anna rushed to her former Mentor, and painfully lowering herself touched his neck feeling for a pulse. Professor F. was alive, however the rhythm was faint and slow. Anna screamed out for a medic then checking his airway was clear, and free of obstruction, carefully shifted Febr on to his side, and into the recovery position.
A horribly large lump was visible on the old Argons forehead. The skin was split and blood oozed freely, leaking around the orbit of his right eye, and down his face. Febr’s countenance was pale as a death mask. The wound looked bad, and would require a scan, but Anna was aware that superficial head wounds often appeared far worse that they were. Whatever had caused Febr's collapse in the first place concerned the scientist far more!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:49, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 55 – Hidden in Plain Sight / For The Greater Good!
“So what brings you to the high tower Admiral,” asked the AFC 4 Administrator, from the comfort of a nearby easy chair in his suite.
“To be honest Administrator Gregor I wished to have a word in private,” said Admiral known as the Oracle. Hale leaned forward conspiratorially, “I desired to talk with the Argon, not the office, and it would please me greatly if you just called me Sven.”
“Well Sven, I would be honoured if you reciprocated. Clearly you have come to the right place. Would you like me to dismiss the intrusion of my AF guard?” asked Gregor.
“No need on my account,” said the Admiral, “I have nothing to hide from ArgonForge even if I do have associations with another Corporation.”
“Indeed ArCorp if I remember correctly,” said Gregor.
“I see you are well informed, Gregor! I must say AFC 4 is an impressive operation smoothly run despite all the chaos of the currently utilitarian military occupation,” said Hale with a grin.
“I have an excellent staff nonetheless recent events are putting even this well lubricated system under a degree of unprecedented pressure,” said Gregor ruefully thinking about some disturbing recent reports on the flow of essential resources.
“No doubt. So what of the future Gregor, your expectations, what will you do after all this furore has subsided?” queried Sven.
“Business as usual I suppose,” replied the Administrator.
“Don’t you think you deserve better than that?” asked the Admiral, “I wouldn’t want you to think - I am fishing - but I believe you are wasted in Administration my friend. Plainly given the right material you have an obvious talent with the media, and frankly a face that sits well on or off a screen. You also have a fire in your belly, or were all those speeches just empty corporate spin?”
“No Sven, I believe every word; I like to consider myself a patriot! I am proud to be arming our front line boys in the struggle against our many enemies,” said Gregor rather pompously.
“I knew it. The moment I saw you on Argon Prime. Here I said to myself proudly stands a person who believes in what he does! I was never fooled by that defamation of character prosecuted upon yourself - over your reasonable reluctance to compromise this forges security. A noble stand twisted into an unpatriotic disgrace! I fear some factions will go to any length to get their own way. You wouldn’t believe some of the underhanded measures I have personally witnessed during my career,” said Admiral Hale, “fine Argon citizens casually destroyed to suit a mere - temporary - political expediency, disgraceful!”
“Indeed,” said Gregor agreeing wholeheartedly with The Oracles sentiment.
“Still why are you approaching me now?” The AFC 4 Administrator asked, “I could have done with such sentiments of support earlier, or is this vote of confidence only your personal - rather than public - opinion?”
“Alas at the time my hands were tied. I am a victim of policy as much as you were! However, I am delighted to see that you have weathered the storm, indeed I would say ridden the solar wind to your benefit! Yes, I have been watching you closely Gregor evaluating your potential before making a decision. I think you would do no less to anyone you wished to consolidate onto your own team!” said the Admiral.
“Well I appreciate your candour,” said Gregor, “it is a refreshing wind in itself! Exactly what team would this be?”
“Fellow patriots Gregor believers in a bright new - Argon - future, a future that requires new faces, new leadership, and people with strong conviction like you. Ethical Argons willing to stand up for the values that matter, rather than bow to the expediency of popularity polls. People capable of forging the future instead of melting away before its furnace bright glow! Have you ever considered a career in politics Gregor? In short we are looking for a potential senatorial candidate,” explained the Oracle Sven Hale.
Gregor’s eyes narrowed either this military suit was playing him, or he was truly offering him the opportunity of a lifetime - a seriously backed political entree!
“I understand this is a lot to take in, and must seem very sudden to you. However, it is a question of timing. I would have some good come out of this execution of Rud Chakr. Is it not fitting that this traitors demise heals rather than harms. I gather this is what you had in mind all along Gregor. You instinctively wished to heal your reputation, but together we could do so much more! Of course even if you should choose not to accept my offer you will still have my support. It would nonetheless be a shame if others were to benefit from your suffering and hard effort, rather than yourself, don’t you think?” questioned Sven before smoothly continuing, “I firmly believe you have started something here Gregor, something special - bigger than you can imagine - a cause larger than any single one of us. I plan to make the most of events the question is do you wish to do so as well? Of course my associates, and myself could commence looking elsewhere,” said the Admiral crestfallen.
“Is it not a bit irregular for a serving senior officer to be recruiting political candidates?” asked Gregor.
“Spoken like a true guardian of our Federations freedom. I see we have approached the right Argon one with integrity, willing to speak his mind! I may be an Admiral, but I am also a Citizen. It is as a Citizen that I appeal to you now, thus the private meeting, trust me this is not a military matter (a coup by the back door) Sonra forbid!” said Sven his gracious smile returning.
“Would I have to resign from AF,” asked Gregor.
“Not immediately, but certainly once the campaign proper is initiated. It would also be necessary to unload your shares lest a heavy continuing association with ArgonForge be deemed a compromising interest!” noted the Admiral.
“That is a serious step, to give up all that I know for something entirely new!” noted Gregor then wondered, was he the Argon this Admiral thought he was?
“All the greatest movements are not just - in my opinion - actions of measured consideration, but by definition leaps of faith Gregor!” said Sven, “some decisions have to be measured not with the head but with the heart. The calculation of probability can only take you so far! Reach into yourself, and ask the question what do you really want? How do you define your existence? What value has your life? Do you just want to make more credits, or to make a real difference? Are you happy to be guided by the policies of others, or would you like to lead the way? Have you a vision of a better future within you, not just for you, but all Argon? These are weighty matters worth more than a moments thought. Time is against us, yet still precious moments remain. Sleep on my proposal, then we must speak again!”
Moving towards the transit system Sven smiled. The Argon Navy Admiral now felt quite at home in his dress uniform, and on AFC 4 even if securing his communications demanded many short trips back and forth between the forge and the fleet! It amused him to be openly - acting the Admiral - even though the title was one he officially held! Sven was only too aware that nothing on AFC 4 was private and thus all his business here - up until now - had been passive if useful fact finding!
The Oracle had first arrived here with many others in time for the Treason Trial preliminaries, suffering through Gregor’s’ various social functions. Admiral Hale had been present at even the interminable recorded music recitals. Gregor had filled the dignitaries’ free time with endless semi official functions, not to mention occasionally more intimate dinner parties, tiresome, but not entirely unproductive from an open information gathering point of view. On record he was here demonstrating Argon Navy support while lending some of his staff to the logistics and finer legalities, as well as another screen of guards! Well he was also a Master of Marines. In fact four flanked him even now two ahead two behind.
Sven was really here for two reasons: One a genuine, and official ANI interest in the opportunities provided by the Treason Trial, and Two the opportunities provided by the mishandling of the ‘Hive access Core’ project. Everything The Oracle had done here was fully on record Danna had even been informed of his surface intentions. Mostly though he just wanted to breathe the recycled air, and get a feel for the stage on which the play was unfolding. Ban had made a mistake, revealed a small chink in his armour. Into this fatal vulnerability Sven planned to plant a poisoned dagger! Soon he would bring his rival the traitor down once and for all!
Bans ambition to employ new innovation would be his undoing. Sven knew he could never permit the fool to join forces with the evil technologists. How appropriate that it might well be here that a new order is hammered out at the AF nicknamed ‘Wayland’s Forge!’ So much Goner, and Earth mythology was already corrupting the Argon way. Had his people not paid enough in blood - eighteen billion souls - for their independence? Eighteen billion murders at the hands of the Terran Technocrats creations! Entire planets sterilised - nations and families wiped out - as if they had never existed, TERRA-formed! All his own relatives had died thus, almost it had been his fate too, if Sven had not been studying on Argon Prime at the Academy of Social Science during one Xenon strike.
It was inconceivable that the Argon bow down to the Terran. His race was not some backwater colony anymore! When he had learned the truth about the Terraformers and the Xenon (a dark seed of hatred had been planted in his heart) Sven despised everything that was of the old Earth - everything except the Argon who had earned their freedom! Hale even hated the so called pacifist Goners - secretly butchering more than a few in his time - gladly the Admiral would smash all their temples to dust, they were nothing but puppets, and spies of an atavistic elder evil! Now the cursed Earth was linked again to the Argons Universe thanks to Danna and all his unwholesome associates, and what where the fools doing celebrating a Reunion! It made him want to vomit! Sven Hale had vowed to stand against this tide to prevent his people from being sold out. Even if Hale had been alone he would do whatever was required to achieve this end, but he was far from alone! Sacrifices would have to be made, but he was willing to take the responsibility for the essential martyrs! What did a few lives a hundred even thousands or a few millions matter, measured against billions, and all the unborn!
Elaen was feeling a little alone in her bed. Ravn had explained that the new ‘Reaper Jump Liner’ job might require - a temporary - around the Cycle commitment until matters settled down! Nonetheless, it was still a minor shock to the system. El had to take Rav’s sudden absence both from work and her private life! It made the Copper think about what it would be like to be completely alone again. El wondered how she would feel if Rav was killed in the line of duty? Were Anna, Garrin, and RJL really under that much threat? Elaen would have imagined the prime targets remained Gregor, and Carl, but terrorists might go for the softer option of the ex PA!
Still it was stupid to worry - after all - what could happen with so many Marines on the base constantly patrolling, and scanning. Elaen had been stopped regularly, and her ID checked even walking home from her last shift. AFC 4 had never been locked down so tight. Elaen wished she knew why she felt so increasingly nervous, why it seemed like something terrible was about to happen, was it the cursed countdown everybody seemed to be doing to the Treason Trial proper? Was the judicial court martial tribunal - with its unquestionable verdict - likely to be any more trouble than its preliminary hearing? The previous court procedure had also made her worry!
Something just felt wrong Elaen didn’t know if it was superstitious Police instinct or female intuition, but whatever it was she knew it would keep her awake till the artificial morning! Cursing Elaen got up again and got dressed; not forgetting to strap on her personal firearm, and the protective hidden vest Rav had given her! The off duty Lt. Constable had decided to go visit Hub One for a late evening snack. Spicy Argnu beef noodle soup from the Imperial Garden food vendor sounded good!
Old Han Lai worked through the long station night cycle from a portable stall. The contraption always hidden away in the same secluded nook complete with a few fold down chairs, and tables. How the Argon made a living from the meagre amounts he charged for his deliciously spicy servings was beyond her. The old spacer - had so little - but he was always smiling, for him it seemed less was more! El found eating there made her smile too, for some reason she had never introduced Garrin or Ravn to this occasional late night / early morning fetish, it was something that belonged to her alone!
Commander Carl hunted Garrin down finding him onboard his ‘Grim Reaper’ Garrin graciously piped the AF Security Officer onboard the shiny silver AM5 Discoverer with the wicked decoration.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” asked Garrin feeling a little concerned - even though - his unexpected guest was out of uniform.
Settling himself on a tiny padded fold down seat the Commander explained, “I had an appointment with Anna this evening, and her new office / home is empty. I wondered have you seen her or Ravn?” he asked.
Sitting on a small crate G replied with a curse, “Fek, Anna was being interviewed by the Marines again. They can’t still be detaining her can they?”
“Interviewed what about?” queried Carl looking pensive.
While Carl was relieved that perhaps he hadn’t actually been stood up; he was worried over what grounds their might be for a - prolonged - interview, or a physical detention! Once more Carl was wondering had he made a terrible error of judgement getting involved with Gregor’s former PA, could she be up to something shady! No, Carl thought, he was being ridiculously over suspicious - treating everyone - like a potential felon! An overly distrustful nature came with the uniform he wasn’t currently wearing. If anybody happened to be at fault here, it would as usual be the - over the top - action of the rough and ready Marines! Like Ravn, Carl realised he hated the Navy!
“Routine station business - operation security protocols - from the message I received earlier. I know Paranoia is rife, but if she is still with these Fekker’s it is well out of order,” said Garrin checking the time and surging to his feet.
“What are you going to do?” asked Carl.
“Go, and see these marine marauders myself,” said Garrin, “Anna is my business partner after all!”
“Wouldn’t it be better to link in first?” asked the Commander while secretly happy G was getting involved as it permitted him to take a back seat.
“I don’t think so. I assume you have already tried to reach Anna by communications. If I call the Marines - it will just be the run around - and they will also be forewarned,” noted Garrin, “those military morons never would have done this if Anna Dei was still working for AF, its pure unadulterated intimidation! Gregor might even be behind it shaking her up a bit for leaving his employ. I’m not standing for it, are you coming?”
“I suppose so, but just keep a lid on your temper Garrin. I wouldn’t want to have to arrest you off duty!” noted Carl.
“Yeah I suppose that would be inconvenient,” said the Courier with a smirk.
“Muddies up procedures,” said Carl, “pity I’m not in uniform that would make the enquiry official.”
“Having the head of AFC 4 security along is official enough for me,” smiled Garrin.
“So what exactly did you want to see Anna about - out of uniform,” said Garrin with a wink!
“Please not you too. I know nothing on AFC 4 is private, but this is ridiculous!” said the Carl.
“That’s what you get for getting all cosy with the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ on station your both celebrities,” said Garrin smiling, “I know what it can be like, when I was dating that socialite Shimoo!”
“What have I gotten myself into?” asked Carl.
“Judging from your expression the deep end,” said G in something of a reversal of roles with a laugh, “still Anna is a lot more straight forward, and honest than Shimoo ever was. At least Anna isn’t playing you!”
Carl wasn‘t sure how to reply to that it made him feel uncomfortable. In the end he settled for a question, “How are you finding working with Ravn?” he asked.
“Rav is somewhat cooler towards me than he used to be, but he keeps it polite. It is difficult for both of us, but I still like the big Argon,” noted Garrin ruefully.
“I never understood why you did that on Elaen?” questioned Carl.
“Youthful stupidity, too much space fuel, thinking with the wrong part of my body? Take your pick of the options,” answered Garrin not impressed with his own excuses.
“So you do regret it then?” Carl asked.
“Only every Cycle!” Garrin replied.
“Tricky!” said Carl, with real sympathy, “some actions are difficult to get over!”
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 55 – Hidden in Plain Sight / For The Greater Good!
“So what brings you to the high tower Admiral,” asked the AFC 4 Administrator, from the comfort of a nearby easy chair in his suite.
“To be honest Administrator Gregor I wished to have a word in private,” said Admiral known as the Oracle. Hale leaned forward conspiratorially, “I desired to talk with the Argon, not the office, and it would please me greatly if you just called me Sven.”
“Well Sven, I would be honoured if you reciprocated. Clearly you have come to the right place. Would you like me to dismiss the intrusion of my AF guard?” asked Gregor.
“No need on my account,” said the Admiral, “I have nothing to hide from ArgonForge even if I do have associations with another Corporation.”
“Indeed ArCorp if I remember correctly,” said Gregor.
“I see you are well informed, Gregor! I must say AFC 4 is an impressive operation smoothly run despite all the chaos of the currently utilitarian military occupation,” said Hale with a grin.
“I have an excellent staff nonetheless recent events are putting even this well lubricated system under a degree of unprecedented pressure,” said Gregor ruefully thinking about some disturbing recent reports on the flow of essential resources.
“No doubt. So what of the future Gregor, your expectations, what will you do after all this furore has subsided?” queried Sven.
“Business as usual I suppose,” replied the Administrator.
“Don’t you think you deserve better than that?” asked the Admiral, “I wouldn’t want you to think - I am fishing - but I believe you are wasted in Administration my friend. Plainly given the right material you have an obvious talent with the media, and frankly a face that sits well on or off a screen. You also have a fire in your belly, or were all those speeches just empty corporate spin?”
“No Sven, I believe every word; I like to consider myself a patriot! I am proud to be arming our front line boys in the struggle against our many enemies,” said Gregor rather pompously.
“I knew it. The moment I saw you on Argon Prime. Here I said to myself proudly stands a person who believes in what he does! I was never fooled by that defamation of character prosecuted upon yourself - over your reasonable reluctance to compromise this forges security. A noble stand twisted into an unpatriotic disgrace! I fear some factions will go to any length to get their own way. You wouldn’t believe some of the underhanded measures I have personally witnessed during my career,” said Admiral Hale, “fine Argon citizens casually destroyed to suit a mere - temporary - political expediency, disgraceful!”
“Indeed,” said Gregor agreeing wholeheartedly with The Oracles sentiment.
“Still why are you approaching me now?” The AFC 4 Administrator asked, “I could have done with such sentiments of support earlier, or is this vote of confidence only your personal - rather than public - opinion?”
“Alas at the time my hands were tied. I am a victim of policy as much as you were! However, I am delighted to see that you have weathered the storm, indeed I would say ridden the solar wind to your benefit! Yes, I have been watching you closely Gregor evaluating your potential before making a decision. I think you would do no less to anyone you wished to consolidate onto your own team!” said the Admiral.
“Well I appreciate your candour,” said Gregor, “it is a refreshing wind in itself! Exactly what team would this be?”
“Fellow patriots Gregor believers in a bright new - Argon - future, a future that requires new faces, new leadership, and people with strong conviction like you. Ethical Argons willing to stand up for the values that matter, rather than bow to the expediency of popularity polls. People capable of forging the future instead of melting away before its furnace bright glow! Have you ever considered a career in politics Gregor? In short we are looking for a potential senatorial candidate,” explained the Oracle Sven Hale.
Gregor’s eyes narrowed either this military suit was playing him, or he was truly offering him the opportunity of a lifetime - a seriously backed political entree!
“I understand this is a lot to take in, and must seem very sudden to you. However, it is a question of timing. I would have some good come out of this execution of Rud Chakr. Is it not fitting that this traitors demise heals rather than harms. I gather this is what you had in mind all along Gregor. You instinctively wished to heal your reputation, but together we could do so much more! Of course even if you should choose not to accept my offer you will still have my support. It would nonetheless be a shame if others were to benefit from your suffering and hard effort, rather than yourself, don’t you think?” questioned Sven before smoothly continuing, “I firmly believe you have started something here Gregor, something special - bigger than you can imagine - a cause larger than any single one of us. I plan to make the most of events the question is do you wish to do so as well? Of course my associates, and myself could commence looking elsewhere,” said the Admiral crestfallen.
“Is it not a bit irregular for a serving senior officer to be recruiting political candidates?” asked Gregor.
“Spoken like a true guardian of our Federations freedom. I see we have approached the right Argon one with integrity, willing to speak his mind! I may be an Admiral, but I am also a Citizen. It is as a Citizen that I appeal to you now, thus the private meeting, trust me this is not a military matter (a coup by the back door) Sonra forbid!” said Sven his gracious smile returning.
“Would I have to resign from AF,” asked Gregor.
“Not immediately, but certainly once the campaign proper is initiated. It would also be necessary to unload your shares lest a heavy continuing association with ArgonForge be deemed a compromising interest!” noted the Admiral.
“That is a serious step, to give up all that I know for something entirely new!” noted Gregor then wondered, was he the Argon this Admiral thought he was?
“All the greatest movements are not just - in my opinion - actions of measured consideration, but by definition leaps of faith Gregor!” said Sven, “some decisions have to be measured not with the head but with the heart. The calculation of probability can only take you so far! Reach into yourself, and ask the question what do you really want? How do you define your existence? What value has your life? Do you just want to make more credits, or to make a real difference? Are you happy to be guided by the policies of others, or would you like to lead the way? Have you a vision of a better future within you, not just for you, but all Argon? These are weighty matters worth more than a moments thought. Time is against us, yet still precious moments remain. Sleep on my proposal, then we must speak again!”
Moving towards the transit system Sven smiled. The Argon Navy Admiral now felt quite at home in his dress uniform, and on AFC 4 even if securing his communications demanded many short trips back and forth between the forge and the fleet! It amused him to be openly - acting the Admiral - even though the title was one he officially held! Sven was only too aware that nothing on AFC 4 was private and thus all his business here - up until now - had been passive if useful fact finding!
The Oracle had first arrived here with many others in time for the Treason Trial preliminaries, suffering through Gregor’s’ various social functions. Admiral Hale had been present at even the interminable recorded music recitals. Gregor had filled the dignitaries’ free time with endless semi official functions, not to mention occasionally more intimate dinner parties, tiresome, but not entirely unproductive from an open information gathering point of view. On record he was here demonstrating Argon Navy support while lending some of his staff to the logistics and finer legalities, as well as another screen of guards! Well he was also a Master of Marines. In fact four flanked him even now two ahead two behind.
Sven was really here for two reasons: One a genuine, and official ANI interest in the opportunities provided by the Treason Trial, and Two the opportunities provided by the mishandling of the ‘Hive access Core’ project. Everything The Oracle had done here was fully on record Danna had even been informed of his surface intentions. Mostly though he just wanted to breathe the recycled air, and get a feel for the stage on which the play was unfolding. Ban had made a mistake, revealed a small chink in his armour. Into this fatal vulnerability Sven planned to plant a poisoned dagger! Soon he would bring his rival the traitor down once and for all!
Bans ambition to employ new innovation would be his undoing. Sven knew he could never permit the fool to join forces with the evil technologists. How appropriate that it might well be here that a new order is hammered out at the AF nicknamed ‘Wayland’s Forge!’ So much Goner, and Earth mythology was already corrupting the Argon way. Had his people not paid enough in blood - eighteen billion souls - for their independence? Eighteen billion murders at the hands of the Terran Technocrats creations! Entire planets sterilised - nations and families wiped out - as if they had never existed, TERRA-formed! All his own relatives had died thus, almost it had been his fate too, if Sven had not been studying on Argon Prime at the Academy of Social Science during one Xenon strike.
It was inconceivable that the Argon bow down to the Terran. His race was not some backwater colony anymore! When he had learned the truth about the Terraformers and the Xenon (a dark seed of hatred had been planted in his heart) Sven despised everything that was of the old Earth - everything except the Argon who had earned their freedom! Hale even hated the so called pacifist Goners - secretly butchering more than a few in his time - gladly the Admiral would smash all their temples to dust, they were nothing but puppets, and spies of an atavistic elder evil! Now the cursed Earth was linked again to the Argons Universe thanks to Danna and all his unwholesome associates, and what where the fools doing celebrating a Reunion! It made him want to vomit! Sven Hale had vowed to stand against this tide to prevent his people from being sold out. Even if Hale had been alone he would do whatever was required to achieve this end, but he was far from alone! Sacrifices would have to be made, but he was willing to take the responsibility for the essential martyrs! What did a few lives a hundred even thousands or a few millions matter, measured against billions, and all the unborn!
Elaen was feeling a little alone in her bed. Ravn had explained that the new ‘Reaper Jump Liner’ job might require - a temporary - around the Cycle commitment until matters settled down! Nonetheless, it was still a minor shock to the system. El had to take Rav’s sudden absence both from work and her private life! It made the Copper think about what it would be like to be completely alone again. El wondered how she would feel if Rav was killed in the line of duty? Were Anna, Garrin, and RJL really under that much threat? Elaen would have imagined the prime targets remained Gregor, and Carl, but terrorists might go for the softer option of the ex PA!
Still it was stupid to worry - after all - what could happen with so many Marines on the base constantly patrolling, and scanning. Elaen had been stopped regularly, and her ID checked even walking home from her last shift. AFC 4 had never been locked down so tight. Elaen wished she knew why she felt so increasingly nervous, why it seemed like something terrible was about to happen, was it the cursed countdown everybody seemed to be doing to the Treason Trial proper? Was the judicial court martial tribunal - with its unquestionable verdict - likely to be any more trouble than its preliminary hearing? The previous court procedure had also made her worry!
Something just felt wrong Elaen didn’t know if it was superstitious Police instinct or female intuition, but whatever it was she knew it would keep her awake till the artificial morning! Cursing Elaen got up again and got dressed; not forgetting to strap on her personal firearm, and the protective hidden vest Rav had given her! The off duty Lt. Constable had decided to go visit Hub One for a late evening snack. Spicy Argnu beef noodle soup from the Imperial Garden food vendor sounded good!
Old Han Lai worked through the long station night cycle from a portable stall. The contraption always hidden away in the same secluded nook complete with a few fold down chairs, and tables. How the Argon made a living from the meagre amounts he charged for his deliciously spicy servings was beyond her. The old spacer - had so little - but he was always smiling, for him it seemed less was more! El found eating there made her smile too, for some reason she had never introduced Garrin or Ravn to this occasional late night / early morning fetish, it was something that belonged to her alone!
Commander Carl hunted Garrin down finding him onboard his ‘Grim Reaper’ Garrin graciously piped the AF Security Officer onboard the shiny silver AM5 Discoverer with the wicked decoration.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” asked Garrin feeling a little concerned - even though - his unexpected guest was out of uniform.
Settling himself on a tiny padded fold down seat the Commander explained, “I had an appointment with Anna this evening, and her new office / home is empty. I wondered have you seen her or Ravn?” he asked.
Sitting on a small crate G replied with a curse, “Fek, Anna was being interviewed by the Marines again. They can’t still be detaining her can they?”
“Interviewed what about?” queried Carl looking pensive.
While Carl was relieved that perhaps he hadn’t actually been stood up; he was worried over what grounds their might be for a - prolonged - interview, or a physical detention! Once more Carl was wondering had he made a terrible error of judgement getting involved with Gregor’s former PA, could she be up to something shady! No, Carl thought, he was being ridiculously over suspicious - treating everyone - like a potential felon! An overly distrustful nature came with the uniform he wasn’t currently wearing. If anybody happened to be at fault here, it would as usual be the - over the top - action of the rough and ready Marines! Like Ravn, Carl realised he hated the Navy!
“Routine station business - operation security protocols - from the message I received earlier. I know Paranoia is rife, but if she is still with these Fekker’s it is well out of order,” said Garrin checking the time and surging to his feet.
“What are you going to do?” asked Carl.
“Go, and see these marine marauders myself,” said Garrin, “Anna is my business partner after all!”
“Wouldn’t it be better to link in first?” asked the Commander while secretly happy G was getting involved as it permitted him to take a back seat.
“I don’t think so. I assume you have already tried to reach Anna by communications. If I call the Marines - it will just be the run around - and they will also be forewarned,” noted Garrin, “those military morons never would have done this if Anna Dei was still working for AF, its pure unadulterated intimidation! Gregor might even be behind it shaking her up a bit for leaving his employ. I’m not standing for it, are you coming?”
“I suppose so, but just keep a lid on your temper Garrin. I wouldn’t want to have to arrest you off duty!” noted Carl.
“Yeah I suppose that would be inconvenient,” said the Courier with a smirk.
“Muddies up procedures,” said Carl, “pity I’m not in uniform that would make the enquiry official.”
“Having the head of AFC 4 security along is official enough for me,” smiled Garrin.
“So what exactly did you want to see Anna about - out of uniform,” said Garrin with a wink!
“Please not you too. I know nothing on AFC 4 is private, but this is ridiculous!” said the Carl.
“That’s what you get for getting all cosy with the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ on station your both celebrities,” said Garrin smiling, “I know what it can be like, when I was dating that socialite Shimoo!”
“What have I gotten myself into?” asked Carl.
“Judging from your expression the deep end,” said G in something of a reversal of roles with a laugh, “still Anna is a lot more straight forward, and honest than Shimoo ever was. At least Anna isn’t playing you!”
Carl wasn‘t sure how to reply to that it made him feel uncomfortable. In the end he settled for a question, “How are you finding working with Ravn?” he asked.
“Rav is somewhat cooler towards me than he used to be, but he keeps it polite. It is difficult for both of us, but I still like the big Argon,” noted Garrin ruefully.
“I never understood why you did that on Elaen?” questioned Carl.
“Youthful stupidity, too much space fuel, thinking with the wrong part of my body? Take your pick of the options,” answered Garrin not impressed with his own excuses.
“So you do regret it then?” Carl asked.
“Only every Cycle!” Garrin replied.
“Tricky!” said Carl, with real sympathy, “some actions are difficult to get over!”
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:50, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 56 – Excuses Explanations and Crude Experimentations
Anna had finally caught up with Ravn after being dragged away from Febr’s bedside. The Marines now claimed he might need electro shocking, or even surgery. Anna hoped these fekker’s knew what they were doing - brain surgery - on a Troop Transport? This Cycle was just getting more, and more surreal. Anna was sure only shock, and disbelief was keeping her upright!
“I’m sorry,” said Ravn with feeling, “I didn’t realise you two were that close!”
“Bit of a shocker isn’t it, considering I had you eject him from the station,” Anna confessed.
“I can respect that,” said her bodyguard, “duty before your own feelings!”
“You make it sound so noble - it was heartless - before that I put him in the Argon Asylum!” further confessed Anna, “yes we were really close. You should be wary of me Ravn, if these are the sort of things I do to my friends!”
“I’m sure you had valid reasons,” said Ravn, “the fact that it bothers you now tells me that much!”
“Febr was comforting me when he collapsed. Can you believe that, what kind of person have I become! Listen to me wallowing in self pity, and whose fault is it anyway. I keep thinking maybe the drugs they game him in the Asylum…” said Anna trailing off sobbing, “I’m falling to pieces, and I can‘t, not now, too much depends on keeping it together,” she was thinking about her Mother among other things.
Ravn wrapped his arm around her shoulder, “Everything will be alright. I get the feeling Febr is one tough old son of an Argon.”
“He had better be. I don’t know how I will face myself in the mornings if he dies here,” said Anna, and that was a selfish thought too.
On the same Troop Transport Ravn finally got his meeting with Fay.
“I trust you are looking after Anna?” Fay asked, “I’m afraid at the moment with Febr, and everything she is likely to be a little upset! Febr, and Anna were once very close colleagues. Gregor’s former PA has also learned we have discovered another security breach on station. Due to this we had to stiffen our measures. I would suggest RJL make full use of your Corporate anti surveillance Blocks in future,” she explained.
Fay gave the soldier Ravn a hard examination since she had last seen him - something about the Argon had changed. He seemed more self-confident; less subservient he was no longer at attention. Ravn seemed to be far too much at his ease with Fay, it bothered her!
“So how is the old Argon?” asked Ravn without any added honorific or preamble.
“Still in a coma,” explained Fay wondering what Ravn’s game was, and deciding to play along, “my medics are baffled, some kind of rare brain fever?”
“Contagious?” asked Ravn, still to Fays mind being overly familiar.
“If it was we would have it by now. Something residual must be the cause, or a genetic defect that somehow got missed. The medical scans don’t reveal anything, but the electrical brain activity is strange. There is some argument going on as to whether or not they should shock him!” noted Fay
“Do they still do that?” asked Ravn.
“Sometimes, I don’t like it, so I haven’t given permission maybe he just needs a little time to recover on his own,” said Fay, “but I hear you wanted to see me long before Febr collapsed.”
“I need a team Fay I can’t do this job on my own. I don’t know what Anna is into, but I get the vibe it is serious. I need muscle I can trust, a minimum of six bodies to get things started. I thought you could assist with vetting or arrange for suitable candidates, nothing too extreme - solid dependable guards that I can trust - Argons that won’t be too much of a security risk!” explained Ravn.
“Thank you,” said Fay, “I’m glad you thought to come to me with this request. I was a bit concerned that we might be on separate sides of a wide divide?”
“Only if your planning treason,” said Ravn with an easy smile, “you know my history well enough, I assume!”
Was Ravn just fitting in to his new civilian role? Fay wondered, was that the explanation for this new approach?
“Well Ravn I know what I was told about you,” explained Fay a little dryly.
“That’s all any of us know. For example: I know I am being kept in the dark! However, I appreciate my place is just to follow orders not to question them, beyond essential clarification! I have no interest in policy only in its proper lawful application!” noted Ravn.
“That is wise Ravn things are complicated, and you wouldn’t want to get caught between the grinding gears of the decision makers. In all ways that matter I am a loyal Argon to the Core,” said Fay with a twinkle - one she couldn’t keep out of her eye - at the hidden pun!
The name drop was a foolish affectation, but that sort of minor risk helped remind Fay she was alive, and in control. That one of the few dispensations she had was a deeper broader insight into the bigger picture than her minions.
“Was my initial virtual detention in the hall necessary?” asked the former Constable.
“Think of it as a test of character,” said the Commander in Chief, “my unit has its own way of doing things - they don’t know you, they are a suspicious bunch!”
“A very irregular looking group of veterans without question,” returned Ravn.
“They suffice, I’ve never been into pretty, I much prefer effective,” explained Fay.
“By any means necessary?” Ravn asked.
“That’s Argon Navy Intelligence I suppose you don’t like that few pure military types do,” answered Fay, “I like to use discarded - dirty - tools. Outflank rather than charge head on. I never cared much for parades, and drills, but all my Marines can fight, and they don’t question my orders either!”
“Not even for clarification?” asked Ravn finding it hard not to smile.
“Clarification is rarely required,” retorted the Fay as the Commander in Chief.
“That is something to remember then. No dichotomy between the hand, and the intent!” noted Ravn with a degree of sudden coldness.
Fay just smiled obviously Ravn was going to be trouble. That was a clear statement that the fool thought he could hold her responsible for all the actions of her Troops! Fay wasn’t sure if it was a warning or a threat or both!
A little later Fay had arrived in the surprisingly large medical section within the equipment cramped, and dangerously - technologically - compressed inner spaces of the Troop Transport.
“So,” asked Fay, “how goes the ongoing treatment?”
“Like I told you when you gave me the order to administer the drug - after I had reviewed the data - very risky! We are keeping him artificially under now that way we can better control the process. To be honest you couldn’t have picked a worse subject the Professor was hardly normal to begin with. Such a tiny amount of the accelerant shouldn’t have had this rapid, extreme, or prolonged effect. You would almost think he had been exposed to a similar procedure before? We are struggling with cooling, frankly without invasive measures his brain is literally threatening to overheat and cook itself,” noted the medical scientist, and surgeon!
“What would you suggest Avreis?” asked Fay.
“The imposition of the untested on Argons cooling implants devised by Sebbie, nothing less!” said Avreis.
“Then the implants it is. I need that brain thrusting on all engines. Can you do the procedure here?” asked Fay.
“Yes I brought all the main materials involved in the Cerebral Boost Project along as requested, even a set of the prototype cooling implants, but I would prefer if Seb was here to advise. Unfortunately - to be honest - I don’t think Febr’s condition will give us the time to have Seb jump in,” explained Avreis, “we should be in a fully functional medical laboratory such as the one on the Fortress!”
“Do what you must you have my full authority. Febr agreed to the drug regime he is just as frustrated as we are, with his inability to fully rationalise those prophetic fears,” said Fay, “Febr, and I both need to know the full detail what he saw the last time.”
“I hope you both know what you are doing because I certainly don’t, this is pure experimentation on one of our greatest living minds,” warned Avreis.
“Just do it now before it is too late. I’ll have Seb brought in ASAP, he can help with any post op contingencies that might arise!” said Fay.
“Pontifex’s holy eyes, I don’t know if I am glad or sorry this procedure won’t be published!” noted the Legion Surgeon moving to the decontamination booth.
Fay wondered was she doing the right thing. When she was talking to Avreis she could see Anna’s face asking Fay ‘did she like playing God?’ In Fay’s head any natural Argon concern she felt was like - an affectation - an act, something belonging to her previous incarnation not the current downloaded one! Fay couldn’t help but question if all her feelings were nothing more than manufactured self-deceptions, digital copies? Some days she was desperate to feel, to touch even to hurt! How Fay yearned simply to be, to believe in the validity of her own existence. Were these needs driving her to more and more extreme behaviour?
Fay wondered was she risking Febr’s life so she could perhaps wail over his corpse, and if she did would that be just one more performance! Ravn had challenged her with the phrase - by any means necessary - he didn’t know the half of it! Here she was trying to save the Argon race from itself, and Fay wasn’t even sure if she was an Argon anymore. What would Febr be when she had finished with him, was she any better than her nemesis the original Devil Hector Bane. How much of the navy Officer called Faith was left in Fay what had been transferred intact, and what had been left behind.
Truly she was one of the Damned, Fay certainly wasn’t even sure if she had a soul (even if such a thing did exist for those that were truly Argon). Maybe thought Fay I only hate Bane because the Arch Fallen Angel alone might understand just how desolate I feel inside. Or did she hate him because the Dark One had perhaps gone so far that he was beyond all such Argon weakness. Fiery Sonra she needed to think about something else; Ravn’s guards - what would be the best source for these - members of the Legion or from somewhere else? Fay wasn’t sure she would trust putting Ravn, and Legion in such close proximity outside her general supervision.
Draft in more undercover Marines from the fleet? Members of her own crew from a unit she could trust among those resident on her carrier the ‘Lost for Words’? A squad of insertion Black Dogs seemed like the best option. These specialists were explosives experts, sappers and engineers, solid and dependable lads used to working on planet with ground huggers like Ravn. As well as knowing how to blow things up they were also by necessity expert scanners well able to find, and make enemy munitions safe. The Black Dogs it was then, guarding RJL in civilian clothes would be like an extended vacation, but she imagined Ravn would be able to keep them in line. Luckily the dogs had no secrets to give away, at least none that really mattered!
Garrin pointed the Troop Transport out to the Commander, “That’s their base of operations, this particular unit seem happy to camp out in their own ship, a little elitist even by navy standards.”
“Sounds pretty dodgy to me I know there is not much room at the Inn, but there is no need to camp out in the docks! Funny I haven’t heard any serious complaints about this abuse of parking space from the CAO after you,” said the Carl, “lets go stir up the hornets.”
“Here we go,” replied Garrin, “looks like we’ve already drawn the attention of the guards.”
“What’s up? Getting worried they might arrest you too?” Carl asked with a grin before slapping G on the back, “I hope you and Anna haven’t been planning to start a smuggling operation. You know space fuel and weed at the back of the buses or anything!” he laughed only partially in jest.
“Hey don’t even joke about it. Maybe she isn’t even there,” replied a worried looking Garrin, “I mean Ravn, and her might have just gone off together for a late dinner or something!”
“Come on hot shot, straighten up and show some spine!” said the Carl, “you’re starting to disappoint me. Cowardice in the face of the enemy!”
“No need to worry about me, I’m not afraid of a few brain dead uniforms,” said Garrin mustering some bravado.
Garrin nonetheless, couldn’t help thinking how big they looked realising they were in full heavy duty powered armour? Fek but they looked cursed impressive all black and menacing!
“Don’t worry were not here to start a fight just to do a little shouting!” reminded Carl.
“Shouting” echoed Garrin with a forced grin.
Curse this, it had seemed like a good idea at the time, or had he just wanted to seem an Argon of action in front of Commander Carl thought G. The Marines lowered their weapons to cover the pairs approach. They looked like science fiction robots rather than Argon - their faces hidden - by fully sealed helmets that didn’t even have see through visors. It was super heavy kit designed to intimidate, as well as slaughter.
“Halt,” came a modulated voice, “identity yourself, and your business here?”
“Garrin Omega Co owner of ‘Reaper Jump Liners’, and this is Commander Carl who is in charge of AFC 4 security,” noted Garrin.
“Off duty,” stated Carl, “we are looking for Anna Dei. Are you detaining the RJL Administrator? If so, then you had better get on your link, I want to speak to whoever is in charge of this unit, and that would be right now son!”
Far away in the Paranid Sector of Priests Pity deep inside the metal, and flesh skin of the Paranid Anarchy Port lay Tur Ryn, however in his dreams he was back in the sector of Aladna Hill. It was the final phase of the prolonged conflict, and he was at last losing the battle on two separate fronts, both of which lay in his memory! The Arch Fallen Angel awoke with a start drenched in sweat. Trying desperately not to think about him or her. Tur was hopelessly drowning in his own mind. The harder he tried to stay away the more his thoughts strayed into the hot zone. Tur Ryn could feel the swell mounting like a physical pressure pushing out behind his eyes.
It was no good the Pirate Leader was losing, even calling off his planned operation in ‘Elena’s Fortune’ was not enough. Everything around Tur even his own reflection in the mirror reminded him of one or the other of the protagonists he was trying so hard not to think about. In a last ditch defence he had taken to his bed, then the dream had come. It was hopeless he was doomed, and he had volunteered for the procedure. It had all been a deception, everything even the Devils identity - he sweated - (the pressure was unbearable) was - just - a - lie!
It had not been about continuity of office for the Clan Lord of the Fallen Angels or a means of revenge beyond the grave. It was not an enabling passive store of memories it was a deliberate, and invasive possession, and Tur had foolishly opened up his own mind, body, and soul! The slide was inexorable all the Arch Fallen Angel had managed to do was prolong the agony. Even dropping his scheme in the hope of thinking less about her was never going to be enough. All Tur had bought were a few extra moments of terror as his memories leaked away, and were steadily replaced in drips, and drabs rather than swept clean in a single wash. Perhaps a surge would be better, to get it over with. The Pirates greatest fear was becoming in his mind to be not his demise but survival. That some tiny part of his consciousness might survive as a passive screaming mote a watcher in the demons night dark abyss. Tur had even contemplated (a clean body death) a suicide, but he knew instinctively now that - the one lurking within - would never permit that escape!
The pretender to the throne of the Arch fallen Angel knew he had only one choice left, to submit fully! Perhaps in this way Tur would be obliterated entirely, and achieve a degree of rest. The monster that was Hector Bane, and Mars Fell, and Jorac was laughing, it knew - as it must have known all along - it had won! It was beyond Tur how the beast could care so much about her, and yet feel so very, very cold, and she wasn’t even his true sister. What was the real connection between the two? The one fact that eluded him was the relationship between him, and her. Ahhh the pressure it was agony. Tur forced his attention to focus relentlessly on Kerry’s features both before then after the explosion had removed the Devils head. The reminder of her suffering was Tur’s one final act of defiance. You did this to Kerry he spat at his implacable foe! The descent into darkness that followed was a release as well as an almost instantaneous fall, then the darkness soared out, and into the light.
So now he was Tur Ryn! The young fools memories were his transferred to the now -truly - passive data store that lay spread over his brain. Hector Bane / Mars Fell / Jorac / Tur Ryn reviewed recent events, remarkable! Still absolutely nothing had gone as he had planned or foreseen. All that time he had wasted on Freedom waiting for Faith to strike, and fretting that some other Navy faction might intervene. Then surviving an unlikely hit from within? Jorac had been forced to go with the flow and changed his plans. Convinced the female Argon wouldn’t dare breach neutral Paranid space, only to be struck here regardless! Tur had no doubt his killers were Faiths pet assassins who else?
Well and good the female Argnu might have believed he was truly dead, which was the plan all along! Tur however had botched the whole thing with his - stupidly enthusiastic, and energetic - push for revenge! Accessing memories from the first shadow stage of the integration the reckless young idiot had acted in an entirely overt manner, seizing the Anarchy Port. The whole thing had become a mad farce. Everything had been for nothing - worse yet Kerry was gone - no doubt taken by Faiths download. The once again reborn Pirate Bane could hardly credit it.
All Banes’ recent plans as Jorac had been instigated for Kerry. To cut his true genetic grand daughter loose from his legacy - by pretending his own demise - he had even considered going into his equivalent of a quiet retirement, content just to watch the girl grow and have a family of her own! His greatest folly had been that - one act of weakness back then - when he had sought his daughter, and her child out in the sector of Aladna Hill.
The historic contact with his previous family had been observed his continued survival as Jorac revealed. Then just trying to cover his tracks, and escape he had been forced into becoming involved in the colonies petty squabble, and insurrection. Jorac had been desperate to find a safe untraceable planetary exit; well his own ship had been destroyed during a firefight between the colonial marines and the rebels. It had all been a question of the worst possible timing. How he had made them pay for putting his only surviving kin at risk, and for the death of his daughter! Still it had been a horrible cost, raising the child in that bloodbath pretending to be her brother. Kerry was his only link to an ever more distant original Argon nature. By the time he realised the damage his contact would do it had been too late!
Kerry was everything to him now, everything! Faith or whoever had taken the girl had made a big mistake, as had the goons responsible for her maiming! They would all learn to fear the endless night that existed between the insignificant specks of light that were the stars.
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 56 – Excuses Explanations and Crude Experimentations
Anna had finally caught up with Ravn after being dragged away from Febr’s bedside. The Marines now claimed he might need electro shocking, or even surgery. Anna hoped these fekker’s knew what they were doing - brain surgery - on a Troop Transport? This Cycle was just getting more, and more surreal. Anna was sure only shock, and disbelief was keeping her upright!
“I’m sorry,” said Ravn with feeling, “I didn’t realise you two were that close!”
“Bit of a shocker isn’t it, considering I had you eject him from the station,” Anna confessed.
“I can respect that,” said her bodyguard, “duty before your own feelings!”
“You make it sound so noble - it was heartless - before that I put him in the Argon Asylum!” further confessed Anna, “yes we were really close. You should be wary of me Ravn, if these are the sort of things I do to my friends!”
“I’m sure you had valid reasons,” said Ravn, “the fact that it bothers you now tells me that much!”
“Febr was comforting me when he collapsed. Can you believe that, what kind of person have I become! Listen to me wallowing in self pity, and whose fault is it anyway. I keep thinking maybe the drugs they game him in the Asylum…” said Anna trailing off sobbing, “I’m falling to pieces, and I can‘t, not now, too much depends on keeping it together,” she was thinking about her Mother among other things.
Ravn wrapped his arm around her shoulder, “Everything will be alright. I get the feeling Febr is one tough old son of an Argon.”
“He had better be. I don’t know how I will face myself in the mornings if he dies here,” said Anna, and that was a selfish thought too.
On the same Troop Transport Ravn finally got his meeting with Fay.
“I trust you are looking after Anna?” Fay asked, “I’m afraid at the moment with Febr, and everything she is likely to be a little upset! Febr, and Anna were once very close colleagues. Gregor’s former PA has also learned we have discovered another security breach on station. Due to this we had to stiffen our measures. I would suggest RJL make full use of your Corporate anti surveillance Blocks in future,” she explained.
Fay gave the soldier Ravn a hard examination since she had last seen him - something about the Argon had changed. He seemed more self-confident; less subservient he was no longer at attention. Ravn seemed to be far too much at his ease with Fay, it bothered her!
“So how is the old Argon?” asked Ravn without any added honorific or preamble.
“Still in a coma,” explained Fay wondering what Ravn’s game was, and deciding to play along, “my medics are baffled, some kind of rare brain fever?”
“Contagious?” asked Ravn, still to Fays mind being overly familiar.
“If it was we would have it by now. Something residual must be the cause, or a genetic defect that somehow got missed. The medical scans don’t reveal anything, but the electrical brain activity is strange. There is some argument going on as to whether or not they should shock him!” noted Fay
“Do they still do that?” asked Ravn.
“Sometimes, I don’t like it, so I haven’t given permission maybe he just needs a little time to recover on his own,” said Fay, “but I hear you wanted to see me long before Febr collapsed.”
“I need a team Fay I can’t do this job on my own. I don’t know what Anna is into, but I get the vibe it is serious. I need muscle I can trust, a minimum of six bodies to get things started. I thought you could assist with vetting or arrange for suitable candidates, nothing too extreme - solid dependable guards that I can trust - Argons that won’t be too much of a security risk!” explained Ravn.
“Thank you,” said Fay, “I’m glad you thought to come to me with this request. I was a bit concerned that we might be on separate sides of a wide divide?”
“Only if your planning treason,” said Ravn with an easy smile, “you know my history well enough, I assume!”
Was Ravn just fitting in to his new civilian role? Fay wondered, was that the explanation for this new approach?
“Well Ravn I know what I was told about you,” explained Fay a little dryly.
“That’s all any of us know. For example: I know I am being kept in the dark! However, I appreciate my place is just to follow orders not to question them, beyond essential clarification! I have no interest in policy only in its proper lawful application!” noted Ravn.
“That is wise Ravn things are complicated, and you wouldn’t want to get caught between the grinding gears of the decision makers. In all ways that matter I am a loyal Argon to the Core,” said Fay with a twinkle - one she couldn’t keep out of her eye - at the hidden pun!
The name drop was a foolish affectation, but that sort of minor risk helped remind Fay she was alive, and in control. That one of the few dispensations she had was a deeper broader insight into the bigger picture than her minions.
“Was my initial virtual detention in the hall necessary?” asked the former Constable.
“Think of it as a test of character,” said the Commander in Chief, “my unit has its own way of doing things - they don’t know you, they are a suspicious bunch!”
“A very irregular looking group of veterans without question,” returned Ravn.
“They suffice, I’ve never been into pretty, I much prefer effective,” explained Fay.
“By any means necessary?” Ravn asked.
“That’s Argon Navy Intelligence I suppose you don’t like that few pure military types do,” answered Fay, “I like to use discarded - dirty - tools. Outflank rather than charge head on. I never cared much for parades, and drills, but all my Marines can fight, and they don’t question my orders either!”
“Not even for clarification?” asked Ravn finding it hard not to smile.
“Clarification is rarely required,” retorted the Fay as the Commander in Chief.
“That is something to remember then. No dichotomy between the hand, and the intent!” noted Ravn with a degree of sudden coldness.
Fay just smiled obviously Ravn was going to be trouble. That was a clear statement that the fool thought he could hold her responsible for all the actions of her Troops! Fay wasn’t sure if it was a warning or a threat or both!
A little later Fay had arrived in the surprisingly large medical section within the equipment cramped, and dangerously - technologically - compressed inner spaces of the Troop Transport.
“So,” asked Fay, “how goes the ongoing treatment?”
“Like I told you when you gave me the order to administer the drug - after I had reviewed the data - very risky! We are keeping him artificially under now that way we can better control the process. To be honest you couldn’t have picked a worse subject the Professor was hardly normal to begin with. Such a tiny amount of the accelerant shouldn’t have had this rapid, extreme, or prolonged effect. You would almost think he had been exposed to a similar procedure before? We are struggling with cooling, frankly without invasive measures his brain is literally threatening to overheat and cook itself,” noted the medical scientist, and surgeon!
“What would you suggest Avreis?” asked Fay.
“The imposition of the untested on Argons cooling implants devised by Sebbie, nothing less!” said Avreis.
“Then the implants it is. I need that brain thrusting on all engines. Can you do the procedure here?” asked Fay.
“Yes I brought all the main materials involved in the Cerebral Boost Project along as requested, even a set of the prototype cooling implants, but I would prefer if Seb was here to advise. Unfortunately - to be honest - I don’t think Febr’s condition will give us the time to have Seb jump in,” explained Avreis, “we should be in a fully functional medical laboratory such as the one on the Fortress!”
“Do what you must you have my full authority. Febr agreed to the drug regime he is just as frustrated as we are, with his inability to fully rationalise those prophetic fears,” said Fay, “Febr, and I both need to know the full detail what he saw the last time.”
“I hope you both know what you are doing because I certainly don’t, this is pure experimentation on one of our greatest living minds,” warned Avreis.
“Just do it now before it is too late. I’ll have Seb brought in ASAP, he can help with any post op contingencies that might arise!” said Fay.
“Pontifex’s holy eyes, I don’t know if I am glad or sorry this procedure won’t be published!” noted the Legion Surgeon moving to the decontamination booth.
Fay wondered was she doing the right thing. When she was talking to Avreis she could see Anna’s face asking Fay ‘did she like playing God?’ In Fay’s head any natural Argon concern she felt was like - an affectation - an act, something belonging to her previous incarnation not the current downloaded one! Fay couldn’t help but question if all her feelings were nothing more than manufactured self-deceptions, digital copies? Some days she was desperate to feel, to touch even to hurt! How Fay yearned simply to be, to believe in the validity of her own existence. Were these needs driving her to more and more extreme behaviour?
Fay wondered was she risking Febr’s life so she could perhaps wail over his corpse, and if she did would that be just one more performance! Ravn had challenged her with the phrase - by any means necessary - he didn’t know the half of it! Here she was trying to save the Argon race from itself, and Fay wasn’t even sure if she was an Argon anymore. What would Febr be when she had finished with him, was she any better than her nemesis the original Devil Hector Bane. How much of the navy Officer called Faith was left in Fay what had been transferred intact, and what had been left behind.
Truly she was one of the Damned, Fay certainly wasn’t even sure if she had a soul (even if such a thing did exist for those that were truly Argon). Maybe thought Fay I only hate Bane because the Arch Fallen Angel alone might understand just how desolate I feel inside. Or did she hate him because the Dark One had perhaps gone so far that he was beyond all such Argon weakness. Fiery Sonra she needed to think about something else; Ravn’s guards - what would be the best source for these - members of the Legion or from somewhere else? Fay wasn’t sure she would trust putting Ravn, and Legion in such close proximity outside her general supervision.
Draft in more undercover Marines from the fleet? Members of her own crew from a unit she could trust among those resident on her carrier the ‘Lost for Words’? A squad of insertion Black Dogs seemed like the best option. These specialists were explosives experts, sappers and engineers, solid and dependable lads used to working on planet with ground huggers like Ravn. As well as knowing how to blow things up they were also by necessity expert scanners well able to find, and make enemy munitions safe. The Black Dogs it was then, guarding RJL in civilian clothes would be like an extended vacation, but she imagined Ravn would be able to keep them in line. Luckily the dogs had no secrets to give away, at least none that really mattered!
Garrin pointed the Troop Transport out to the Commander, “That’s their base of operations, this particular unit seem happy to camp out in their own ship, a little elitist even by navy standards.”
“Sounds pretty dodgy to me I know there is not much room at the Inn, but there is no need to camp out in the docks! Funny I haven’t heard any serious complaints about this abuse of parking space from the CAO after you,” said the Carl, “lets go stir up the hornets.”
“Here we go,” replied Garrin, “looks like we’ve already drawn the attention of the guards.”
“What’s up? Getting worried they might arrest you too?” Carl asked with a grin before slapping G on the back, “I hope you and Anna haven’t been planning to start a smuggling operation. You know space fuel and weed at the back of the buses or anything!” he laughed only partially in jest.
“Hey don’t even joke about it. Maybe she isn’t even there,” replied a worried looking Garrin, “I mean Ravn, and her might have just gone off together for a late dinner or something!”
“Come on hot shot, straighten up and show some spine!” said the Carl, “you’re starting to disappoint me. Cowardice in the face of the enemy!”
“No need to worry about me, I’m not afraid of a few brain dead uniforms,” said Garrin mustering some bravado.
Garrin nonetheless, couldn’t help thinking how big they looked realising they were in full heavy duty powered armour? Fek but they looked cursed impressive all black and menacing!
“Don’t worry were not here to start a fight just to do a little shouting!” reminded Carl.
“Shouting” echoed Garrin with a forced grin.
Curse this, it had seemed like a good idea at the time, or had he just wanted to seem an Argon of action in front of Commander Carl thought G. The Marines lowered their weapons to cover the pairs approach. They looked like science fiction robots rather than Argon - their faces hidden - by fully sealed helmets that didn’t even have see through visors. It was super heavy kit designed to intimidate, as well as slaughter.
“Halt,” came a modulated voice, “identity yourself, and your business here?”
“Garrin Omega Co owner of ‘Reaper Jump Liners’, and this is Commander Carl who is in charge of AFC 4 security,” noted Garrin.
“Off duty,” stated Carl, “we are looking for Anna Dei. Are you detaining the RJL Administrator? If so, then you had better get on your link, I want to speak to whoever is in charge of this unit, and that would be right now son!”
Far away in the Paranid Sector of Priests Pity deep inside the metal, and flesh skin of the Paranid Anarchy Port lay Tur Ryn, however in his dreams he was back in the sector of Aladna Hill. It was the final phase of the prolonged conflict, and he was at last losing the battle on two separate fronts, both of which lay in his memory! The Arch Fallen Angel awoke with a start drenched in sweat. Trying desperately not to think about him or her. Tur was hopelessly drowning in his own mind. The harder he tried to stay away the more his thoughts strayed into the hot zone. Tur Ryn could feel the swell mounting like a physical pressure pushing out behind his eyes.
It was no good the Pirate Leader was losing, even calling off his planned operation in ‘Elena’s Fortune’ was not enough. Everything around Tur even his own reflection in the mirror reminded him of one or the other of the protagonists he was trying so hard not to think about. In a last ditch defence he had taken to his bed, then the dream had come. It was hopeless he was doomed, and he had volunteered for the procedure. It had all been a deception, everything even the Devils identity - he sweated - (the pressure was unbearable) was - just - a - lie!
It had not been about continuity of office for the Clan Lord of the Fallen Angels or a means of revenge beyond the grave. It was not an enabling passive store of memories it was a deliberate, and invasive possession, and Tur had foolishly opened up his own mind, body, and soul! The slide was inexorable all the Arch Fallen Angel had managed to do was prolong the agony. Even dropping his scheme in the hope of thinking less about her was never going to be enough. All Tur had bought were a few extra moments of terror as his memories leaked away, and were steadily replaced in drips, and drabs rather than swept clean in a single wash. Perhaps a surge would be better, to get it over with. The Pirates greatest fear was becoming in his mind to be not his demise but survival. That some tiny part of his consciousness might survive as a passive screaming mote a watcher in the demons night dark abyss. Tur had even contemplated (a clean body death) a suicide, but he knew instinctively now that - the one lurking within - would never permit that escape!
The pretender to the throne of the Arch fallen Angel knew he had only one choice left, to submit fully! Perhaps in this way Tur would be obliterated entirely, and achieve a degree of rest. The monster that was Hector Bane, and Mars Fell, and Jorac was laughing, it knew - as it must have known all along - it had won! It was beyond Tur how the beast could care so much about her, and yet feel so very, very cold, and she wasn’t even his true sister. What was the real connection between the two? The one fact that eluded him was the relationship between him, and her. Ahhh the pressure it was agony. Tur forced his attention to focus relentlessly on Kerry’s features both before then after the explosion had removed the Devils head. The reminder of her suffering was Tur’s one final act of defiance. You did this to Kerry he spat at his implacable foe! The descent into darkness that followed was a release as well as an almost instantaneous fall, then the darkness soared out, and into the light.
So now he was Tur Ryn! The young fools memories were his transferred to the now -truly - passive data store that lay spread over his brain. Hector Bane / Mars Fell / Jorac / Tur Ryn reviewed recent events, remarkable! Still absolutely nothing had gone as he had planned or foreseen. All that time he had wasted on Freedom waiting for Faith to strike, and fretting that some other Navy faction might intervene. Then surviving an unlikely hit from within? Jorac had been forced to go with the flow and changed his plans. Convinced the female Argon wouldn’t dare breach neutral Paranid space, only to be struck here regardless! Tur had no doubt his killers were Faiths pet assassins who else?
Well and good the female Argnu might have believed he was truly dead, which was the plan all along! Tur however had botched the whole thing with his - stupidly enthusiastic, and energetic - push for revenge! Accessing memories from the first shadow stage of the integration the reckless young idiot had acted in an entirely overt manner, seizing the Anarchy Port. The whole thing had become a mad farce. Everything had been for nothing - worse yet Kerry was gone - no doubt taken by Faiths download. The once again reborn Pirate Bane could hardly credit it.
All Banes’ recent plans as Jorac had been instigated for Kerry. To cut his true genetic grand daughter loose from his legacy - by pretending his own demise - he had even considered going into his equivalent of a quiet retirement, content just to watch the girl grow and have a family of her own! His greatest folly had been that - one act of weakness back then - when he had sought his daughter, and her child out in the sector of Aladna Hill.
The historic contact with his previous family had been observed his continued survival as Jorac revealed. Then just trying to cover his tracks, and escape he had been forced into becoming involved in the colonies petty squabble, and insurrection. Jorac had been desperate to find a safe untraceable planetary exit; well his own ship had been destroyed during a firefight between the colonial marines and the rebels. It had all been a question of the worst possible timing. How he had made them pay for putting his only surviving kin at risk, and for the death of his daughter! Still it had been a horrible cost, raising the child in that bloodbath pretending to be her brother. Kerry was his only link to an ever more distant original Argon nature. By the time he realised the damage his contact would do it had been too late!
Kerry was everything to him now, everything! Faith or whoever had taken the girl had made a big mistake, as had the goons responsible for her maiming! They would all learn to fear the endless night that existed between the insignificant specks of light that were the stars.
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:51, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 57 – Waiting for the Hammer
“Great, just what I need right now, the local flat foot,” said Fay exasperated, “tell Anna her friends are here, and have her make an excuse, and get rid of them, I don’t have time for this sort of nonsense!”
“Yes sir!” said one Marine, “if Anna wants to leave?”
“Ok let her go, everything is up and running. Remind Anna that Suewyn will be reporting to her new position - first thing in the morning - that will be all,” said Fay.
At least with Suewyn acting as Anna’s PA they could monitor and run the operation from the sharp end. So much for the original lone operative protocol, however Ban would understand - given the kidnapping - in a way (if it was Sven) he was playing right into Fay’s hands!
Nonetheless the more dealings Fay had with Anna the less she trusted the female Professor. Bedding the Commander was obviously a carefully planned ruse by Professor A. Fay wasn’t entirely taken in by all that red faced snivelling! Could the kidnappers have contacted Anna already? If it was Sven what would be the Admiral analysts next move? What if it wasn’t that so called Oracle? Fay realised she was running on far too many educated guesses, and risky assumptions, even Teb made mistakes! Fay needed hard and sure facts.
It was all getting far too complicated. The Legions Commander in Chief hoped and prayed that the brain butchery on Febr would prove a success. The Argon prodigy had to recapture the detail of that infamous insight that had initially sent him off the deep end! Fay felt that events were gathering pace this unstoppable progression required the risky cerebral enhancement procedure! The option to mess around with more Core research now seemed ludicrously long winded, maybe it had never really been a sensible approach on the available timeline. Fay guessed now with hindsight that she had been clutching at air during a fall, a natural enough instinct! Besides with Ban’s unknown agent already plugged in to the ‘Hive access Core’ system - they dare not even initiate - their own links to the hive to accelerate the study.
Febr had agreed to go on the brain boost program, even though as a child he had been one of only a very few survivors of the non sanctioned - illegal - Cerebral Boost Projects original experiments. The freelance regime undertaken on the orphans had not even been an official - black operation. Only after the good Doctor had been supposedly executed for his atrocious crimes was the CBP brought into the fold and largely buried - once fully investigated - as too dangerous and erratic. Fay almost felt a little nostalgic about this particular bit of research. Doctor Ghengis Lowe had been one of Faiths first non combative recruits!
Recruiting Lowe had resulted in a lot of later brain, and mind research in other directions. In fact Lowe was instrumental in cracking the alien tech that led to the first, primitive so called ego recordings, and eventually full potential digital downloads of minds. Ghengis had died trying to save the adapted non-Argon apparatus from Bane when his pirates had raided the hidden laboratory. Well that assault had happened before the advent of the Fortress. Faith hadn’t really felt sorry for Lowe the Argon was an immoral, and despicable monster by any civilised standard, but the theft of the technology had been another matter! That had commenced the tragic dance between Bane, and herself ever since, a movement that continued up until today with Tur Ryn. However, for the moment Fay had promised to try, and stay clear of this ever present subject, and her current nature.
Luckily for Febr the legion, and its associates had continued fiddling around with the CBP procedure - on and off - using young, and pre born animals rather than Argon as experimental subjects. Fay believed they had managed to smooth out most of the potential difficulties including the often-fatal brain burn, the latter by using Seb’s rather overt cooling implants, and skullcaps. Fay wondered what Febr would make of the bulky composite material graft. After the bone, and tissue top, and rear section of his cranium was removed the device would be permanently attached to the Professor. The cooler was truly an extreme procedure, but these were extreme times! The Scientist had best take to dressing like a Goner with a hood, Fay feared the mystery, and drama of such an accoutrement would suit Febr only too well, making him seem even more of a Mad Prophet!
Oddly Fay found she was thinking if the old fool survived she should ask him to marry her. They were both freaks and therefore well suited to each other. Fay suspected that they were now - at the very least, unsuited - to anybody else! Febr would hardly want children (which was fine with her), as any offspring the Commander in Chief might drop wouldn’t feel like her own. Even if frozen stored eggs were fertilised, and implanted (so that the genetic heritage was pure) Fay wasn’t sure she was entirely Faith anymore either!
If the legion had been ready to go, with the luxury of a cloned body, but that had not been the case. Cursing Fay was not happy to know she had gone around in that circle again. It should have been long past time to let the crime go, it was all ancient history like Ghengis Lowe himself but fate kept bringing it around again. Fay knew despite the links with past events she needed to discipline herself to concentrate on the here and now!
The Damned Argon pulled out her personal computer pad, and was shocked at the length of her to do list. If only she could compress more segments into a Cycle! The list just kept getting longer, and very few items had been ticked off, although a few were now defunct having been overtaken by unforeseen events. Carefully the Commander in Chief Fay ran down the file reprioritising her tasks. Then added a new one to the top she had decided to go in person, and speak with Admiral Sven Hale. Perhaps if nothing else she could smell out if the Argon really was behind the kidnap, such a direct approach might catch him off guard.
Although Anna didn’t want to leave Febr she also knew she needed to get back, and be available for her mothers sake. The RJL Administrator felt both chagrin that she had forgot to contact Commander Carl, and pleased that both Carl, and Garrin had sprung to her defence, it was one up on Fay! The Damned ANI Commander in Chief couldn’t brush aside the AFC 4 head of security as lightly as she did others. It was a small victory for the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ having been given permission to go Anna collected her possessions including her confiscated earpiece communications link. Pulling a mirror out of her bag Anna checked herself over, she looked haggard to her own perception, but did the best she could to put on an acceptable face.
Anna was glad she would be able to come clean about her mother’s disappearance - it was already a matter of public record elsewhere - even if the firm evidence of the kidnap was being currently suppressed! So at least Anna had an easy excuse for looking less than at her best, and had more half-truths to cover the outright lies. Collecting Ravn they left the Transport together immediately finding her would be rescuers, still under the scrutiny of Fays new very heavy guards. Both Carl, and Garrin looked less than pleased.
They marched away out of casual hearing distance before anyone spoke. In the end it was Carl broke the long silence.
“What’s going on Anna you look like you have been wilting under a very strong spotlight!” noted Carl.
“I don’t know,” said Anna, “the Marines seem to think that RJL plus myself are a security risk. My mother has disappeared under suspicious circumstances, and they suspect it could be some kind of a kidnap to force me into putting myself at risk or even an enforced collaboration against the Treason Trial!”
“Your Mother,” said Garrin shocked, “in the hands of anti government terrorists?”
“I hope not,” said Anna, “but she is missing, and the timing is very grim!”
“Why wasn’t I told about this?” said Carl stopping, and looking back.
“Please Carl,” said Anna grasping his arm, “let it go for now, you know what the Navy and Navy Intelligence is like! I just want to get home. If you want to make a formal complaint - or raise a stink - you can do it later in uniform. I’m sorry, I missed our date but I feel really tired and worn out!” said the RJL Administrator.
“Well,” replied Carl, “that was hardly your fault. I’m sorry,” he said putting his arm around her a little self consciously in front of Garrin, “your home it is?”
Garrin seemed deep in thought, “so what happens now?” he asked.
“No doubt ANI will be keeping Anna, and all her associates under surveillance,” said Carl, “I imagine they are monitoring everything we are saying even now!”
Thinking about this made water run down Garrin’s spine. Not that he had much to hide, but the thought of being actively watched, and listened in on, not to mention, Garrin considered, being put on record! Every utterance dissected for hidden meanings - that weren’t there - it gave him the creeps. Even the most innocent remark could be open to dark misinterpretations. Garrin had to stop from looking over his shoulder. In a way it was stupid after all AFC 4 had cameras everywhere but somehow it just wasn’t the same thing!
Using the stations internal transit modules it didn’t take the four companions long to reach the Harbour Tower East’s busy halt via a single black stripe taxi unit. The fare deducted from RJL’s Corporate Account since Anna had initially left on corporate business. ‘Harbour Tower East’ was the site of both Anna’s new home / office and the RJL main Office premises although they were on different levels, and sections.
A small set of escalators, and lifts linked the Halt to the Towers Foyer with its security checks, and welcoming staff. The AFC 4 Harbour Tower East was currently best known as the home of such independents as the offices of StarForge Softec, and the small (electronic component manufacturing) units belonging to the local link manufacturers ‘Leveller Communications’. Anna hoped one day ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ would be far more prominently positioned on the bill here, over and above the small time operations like SfS, and LC.
Despite RJL being an as yet unknown commodity - Anna still received her usual degree of extreme courtesy from the staff in the tower - simply because of her previous position. Having Commander Carl alongside on this occasion also boosted her kudos, and Garrin was already well known. Ravn who still tended to draw a few frowns, and a more serious scan when on his own (not to mention some serious scrutiny of his weapon licences), didn’t however on this occasion, because of his company. By comparison to the normal shake down Ravn was almost rushed through! Instead of accepting, and being happy at the guard’s easy reaction though, the bodyguard got all stiff and angry! Ravn forced everyone to stop while he dressed down the Towers security guards.
“There is no excuse for negligence,” Ravn insisted before making the Argons re-sweep everyone using the full proper procedure, and diligence.
Anna sighed though Garrin seemed startled, and the Carl grumped at this delaying turn of events. Nonetheless they all submitted to the requirement before moving to the Tower Lift.
“Happy?” asked the Carl.
“Not really,” said Ravn, “chances are they will go back to being sloppy as ever. They shouldn’t need to have somebody riding them every moment. I will have to send in a formal note of complaint! RJL is paying their wages along with everybody else in this office tower after all.”
Garrin wondered was his once friend looking for a pay rise or really that serious. G had almost considered Ravn’s appointed position a non-requirement for the new Corporation, before the threat against Anna. Garrin was coming to realise he had been totally naïve about the security arrangements needed with a large-scale ferry, and business operation. Once again the Courier found he was glad Anna was doing the RJL Administration, and not himself! Garrin liked his business simple clean, and straight forward, one Argon, one run, one personal weapon when needed to secure him, and his property! As long as he remembered the Reaper - waiting for an opportunity - over his shoulder it was usually enough.
“I suppose I should head back to my own place,” said G when they all entered the lift, “after all it is getting early rather than late.”
“I would prefer if you all came back with me first,” replied Anna.
G looked a bit uncomfortable but shrugged. He imagined Carl would like to be alone with Anna, while Ravn, and he were still a bit edgy in close company. Then again Ravn, and Carl seemed a bit edgy around each other too. Garrin got the feeling it was going to be a very long morning! Maybe it was time to forget AFC 4 for a bit, and go on a few courier runs, everything around here was getting way too heavy! Anna’s Mother abducted it was crazy, not that he had ever met Emma or anything but he had occasionally heard Anna talk about her. Garrin stifled a yawn he would need to shoot a stimulant at this rate.
Once back in her Office home Anna got some Fuel out and settled her guests although Ravn refused, and seemed - only more - rather than less alert, and on duty! Before saying anything though Anna activated the inbuilt office corporate Block.
“Now we can talk,” said the fledgling Administrator, “I’m getting a new PA tomorrow Suewyn she is a Navy MP under cover. Suewyn will be here no doubt to be ready for a contact from the terrorists, or the call for a ransom or whatever, that is if my mother has actually been taken hostage rather than the recipient of an accident or a… murder! No doubt this Suewyn will also be watching and reporting anything we say or do even under - a Block - innocent or not!”
“Are we supposed to know this little detail,” asked Carl looking less than impressed.
“I’m not sure,” said Anna, “but if I can’t trust you three, then I really am in trouble!”
“What do you think they will want?” asked G.
“Could be anything maybe for RJL to smuggle them onboard,” said Anna.
“I don’t know,” said Carl, “something about this isn’t right. The timing is wrong you don’t just snatch somebody on spec it takes planning. Chances are when this was instigated you were still firmly Gregor’s PA, not Reaper Jump Liner’s Administrator. I think the Navy have this one wrong I would say Anna if your Mother is kidnapped the takers wanted to use you against Gregor! RJL has nothing to do with it, in fact, the fact that you are no longer in AF could be a real spanner in everyone’s works!”
Anna knew with Carls limited information his hypothesis was a good one. She found herself hoping that it was about the ‘Hive access Core’, and not as she was pretending a terrorist action against ArgonForge, and the Treason Trial. If Anna’s hoax turned out to be the truth that would be the ultimate irony! If it was terrorists Emma would be in real trouble because Anna might not be seen to be in a position to provide what the villains wanted anymore. Emma’s life would cease to have any value Anna didn’t really want to think about this option!
“I’m sorry,” said Carl, “seeing how pale Anna’s face had become. I know this is difficult, but putting on my professional hat - thinking about these things could make all the difference.”
“I understand,” said Anna, “the Navy explained how grim the situation is, if it is a kidnap? Very few hostages ever survive captivity, even if it is possible to acquiesce to every demand. Given this scenario: whether they have my Mother or not, I can hardly aid the terrorists in an assassination or even mass murder - given these peoples love of bombs, and cataclysmic staged atrocities!”
“Well anything I can personally do to help just ask? Also AFC 4 security will do all it can. Do you think the Argon Navy will contact me officially?” asked the Commander.
“I don’t know? You know how secretive they are they don’t like Corporate Security much they don’t even like the Federal Argon Police!” said Anna.
“It will be difficult to employ my own people if I’m not brought into the loop. It would put everyone involved in jeopardy we wouldn’t know friend from foe!” said Carl.
“I’ve seen the consequences of badly informed overlapping operations,” said Ravn butting in, “it can get really messy. I wouldn’t advise any independent action unless there is absolutely no other option.”
Carl nodded to his ex employee, “I’m afraid Ravn is right about that!”
“I can’t believe this crock of Argnu dung!” said Garrin, “the Argon Navy should be working with every resource available to them, not infighting over territory!”
“Just the way it is,” said Ravn, “maybe you have to be in the services to understand! The more agencies are involved the larger the chance of miscommunications and even leaks never mind operational breaches of security - because somebody assumes - the other lads have it covered the Argon Navy will want to keep the operation tight as a drum and under their firm control!”
“So what happens next?” asked G once again.
“Business as usual,” answered Carl, “hope you can lull the fekker’s in. Wait for the hammer to fall.”
Gregor was still finding it difficult to sleep, and was pacing around agitated in his suite. What would he tell the Admiral tomorrow? Did he trust the Argon with his links to ArCorp what if it was just some kind of ploy to make Gregor resign from AF and quit AFC 4? Certainly Sven Hale had sounded truly passionate about his beliefs, and a chance to run for the Senate wasn’t something to be turned down lightly. Would he be able to hold up to the examination involved though? Opponents digging into his past, and performance worried him, but he knew few politicians didn’t have some skeletons hidden away. Besides what did he really have to lose? After all, thought Gregor, he could agree - play along - see how it is going, then if needed, change his mind later (before quitting AF) if matters proved unsatisfactory!
Sven sat his computer pad down, and leaned back on the comfortably form fitting chair. The Oracle was well pleased with himself. It amused him that he was using his own enemies’ weapons: misdirection, deceit, and half-truths. The Admiral knew he had a reputation for brutal, and direct action something on this occasion he was relying on. They wouldn’t see it coming until it was too late. It was - if he had to say so himself - and he did, a stroke of pure genius! Mostly all he had to do was sit back, and watch the show. Perhaps a careful little pull here, a gentle push there, but really he should be able to rely on others to do all the essential dirty work for him. Sven couldn’t wait for the Cycle of the Treason Trial. For that event to be fully eclipsed by his own carefully constructed, and directed revelation!
While the Admiral knew it was just an opening move, he firmly believed it was the loosed pebble that would commence the rockslide. Sven Hale looked forward to pummelling his opponent into submission! It also amused him that he had involved, and won favours with the Split. Well, thought Sven, he would happily work with any legitimate denizen of this universe. All the allied races lay under the same threat from the cursed Xenon, and Terran scum!
Back in Priest Pity Tur Ryn bent over Jess to directly input a change to her less than perfect solution.
“Do you see?” asked the Arch Fallen Angel.
“That’s smooth,” replied the female Pirate, “your really on top form this Cycle. I guess the rest did you some good.”
“It is the bright morning after a long night,” said Tur laughing, “I like these motion scanners it was an interestingly - low technology - solution even if the analysis of the massed data is proving a bit troublesome.”
“Well you thought of it,” said Jess, “are you sure we no longer need to bring in an external computer expert?” she asked.
“I’ve been thinking it over. I believe I can handle the new systems integration myself, should we get into trouble we can always call in support later,” Tur noted.
“Well its your project, and your base,” noted Jess, “I didn’t realise you were this adept, I think you have been toying with me a little,” she giggled.
“I’m sure I have,” noted Tur, “still lets concentrate on the new hardware for the moment!”
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 57 – Waiting for the Hammer
“Great, just what I need right now, the local flat foot,” said Fay exasperated, “tell Anna her friends are here, and have her make an excuse, and get rid of them, I don’t have time for this sort of nonsense!”
“Yes sir!” said one Marine, “if Anna wants to leave?”
“Ok let her go, everything is up and running. Remind Anna that Suewyn will be reporting to her new position - first thing in the morning - that will be all,” said Fay.
At least with Suewyn acting as Anna’s PA they could monitor and run the operation from the sharp end. So much for the original lone operative protocol, however Ban would understand - given the kidnapping - in a way (if it was Sven) he was playing right into Fay’s hands!
Nonetheless the more dealings Fay had with Anna the less she trusted the female Professor. Bedding the Commander was obviously a carefully planned ruse by Professor A. Fay wasn’t entirely taken in by all that red faced snivelling! Could the kidnappers have contacted Anna already? If it was Sven what would be the Admiral analysts next move? What if it wasn’t that so called Oracle? Fay realised she was running on far too many educated guesses, and risky assumptions, even Teb made mistakes! Fay needed hard and sure facts.
It was all getting far too complicated. The Legions Commander in Chief hoped and prayed that the brain butchery on Febr would prove a success. The Argon prodigy had to recapture the detail of that infamous insight that had initially sent him off the deep end! Fay felt that events were gathering pace this unstoppable progression required the risky cerebral enhancement procedure! The option to mess around with more Core research now seemed ludicrously long winded, maybe it had never really been a sensible approach on the available timeline. Fay guessed now with hindsight that she had been clutching at air during a fall, a natural enough instinct! Besides with Ban’s unknown agent already plugged in to the ‘Hive access Core’ system - they dare not even initiate - their own links to the hive to accelerate the study.
Febr had agreed to go on the brain boost program, even though as a child he had been one of only a very few survivors of the non sanctioned - illegal - Cerebral Boost Projects original experiments. The freelance regime undertaken on the orphans had not even been an official - black operation. Only after the good Doctor had been supposedly executed for his atrocious crimes was the CBP brought into the fold and largely buried - once fully investigated - as too dangerous and erratic. Fay almost felt a little nostalgic about this particular bit of research. Doctor Ghengis Lowe had been one of Faiths first non combative recruits!
Recruiting Lowe had resulted in a lot of later brain, and mind research in other directions. In fact Lowe was instrumental in cracking the alien tech that led to the first, primitive so called ego recordings, and eventually full potential digital downloads of minds. Ghengis had died trying to save the adapted non-Argon apparatus from Bane when his pirates had raided the hidden laboratory. Well that assault had happened before the advent of the Fortress. Faith hadn’t really felt sorry for Lowe the Argon was an immoral, and despicable monster by any civilised standard, but the theft of the technology had been another matter! That had commenced the tragic dance between Bane, and herself ever since, a movement that continued up until today with Tur Ryn. However, for the moment Fay had promised to try, and stay clear of this ever present subject, and her current nature.
Luckily for Febr the legion, and its associates had continued fiddling around with the CBP procedure - on and off - using young, and pre born animals rather than Argon as experimental subjects. Fay believed they had managed to smooth out most of the potential difficulties including the often-fatal brain burn, the latter by using Seb’s rather overt cooling implants, and skullcaps. Fay wondered what Febr would make of the bulky composite material graft. After the bone, and tissue top, and rear section of his cranium was removed the device would be permanently attached to the Professor. The cooler was truly an extreme procedure, but these were extreme times! The Scientist had best take to dressing like a Goner with a hood, Fay feared the mystery, and drama of such an accoutrement would suit Febr only too well, making him seem even more of a Mad Prophet!
Oddly Fay found she was thinking if the old fool survived she should ask him to marry her. They were both freaks and therefore well suited to each other. Fay suspected that they were now - at the very least, unsuited - to anybody else! Febr would hardly want children (which was fine with her), as any offspring the Commander in Chief might drop wouldn’t feel like her own. Even if frozen stored eggs were fertilised, and implanted (so that the genetic heritage was pure) Fay wasn’t sure she was entirely Faith anymore either!
If the legion had been ready to go, with the luxury of a cloned body, but that had not been the case. Cursing Fay was not happy to know she had gone around in that circle again. It should have been long past time to let the crime go, it was all ancient history like Ghengis Lowe himself but fate kept bringing it around again. Fay knew despite the links with past events she needed to discipline herself to concentrate on the here and now!
The Damned Argon pulled out her personal computer pad, and was shocked at the length of her to do list. If only she could compress more segments into a Cycle! The list just kept getting longer, and very few items had been ticked off, although a few were now defunct having been overtaken by unforeseen events. Carefully the Commander in Chief Fay ran down the file reprioritising her tasks. Then added a new one to the top she had decided to go in person, and speak with Admiral Sven Hale. Perhaps if nothing else she could smell out if the Argon really was behind the kidnap, such a direct approach might catch him off guard.
Although Anna didn’t want to leave Febr she also knew she needed to get back, and be available for her mothers sake. The RJL Administrator felt both chagrin that she had forgot to contact Commander Carl, and pleased that both Carl, and Garrin had sprung to her defence, it was one up on Fay! The Damned ANI Commander in Chief couldn’t brush aside the AFC 4 head of security as lightly as she did others. It was a small victory for the ‘Assassin of Hearts’ having been given permission to go Anna collected her possessions including her confiscated earpiece communications link. Pulling a mirror out of her bag Anna checked herself over, she looked haggard to her own perception, but did the best she could to put on an acceptable face.
Anna was glad she would be able to come clean about her mother’s disappearance - it was already a matter of public record elsewhere - even if the firm evidence of the kidnap was being currently suppressed! So at least Anna had an easy excuse for looking less than at her best, and had more half-truths to cover the outright lies. Collecting Ravn they left the Transport together immediately finding her would be rescuers, still under the scrutiny of Fays new very heavy guards. Both Carl, and Garrin looked less than pleased.
They marched away out of casual hearing distance before anyone spoke. In the end it was Carl broke the long silence.
“What’s going on Anna you look like you have been wilting under a very strong spotlight!” noted Carl.
“I don’t know,” said Anna, “the Marines seem to think that RJL plus myself are a security risk. My mother has disappeared under suspicious circumstances, and they suspect it could be some kind of a kidnap to force me into putting myself at risk or even an enforced collaboration against the Treason Trial!”
“Your Mother,” said Garrin shocked, “in the hands of anti government terrorists?”
“I hope not,” said Anna, “but she is missing, and the timing is very grim!”
“Why wasn’t I told about this?” said Carl stopping, and looking back.
“Please Carl,” said Anna grasping his arm, “let it go for now, you know what the Navy and Navy Intelligence is like! I just want to get home. If you want to make a formal complaint - or raise a stink - you can do it later in uniform. I’m sorry, I missed our date but I feel really tired and worn out!” said the RJL Administrator.
“Well,” replied Carl, “that was hardly your fault. I’m sorry,” he said putting his arm around her a little self consciously in front of Garrin, “your home it is?”
Garrin seemed deep in thought, “so what happens now?” he asked.
“No doubt ANI will be keeping Anna, and all her associates under surveillance,” said Carl, “I imagine they are monitoring everything we are saying even now!”
Thinking about this made water run down Garrin’s spine. Not that he had much to hide, but the thought of being actively watched, and listened in on, not to mention, Garrin considered, being put on record! Every utterance dissected for hidden meanings - that weren’t there - it gave him the creeps. Even the most innocent remark could be open to dark misinterpretations. Garrin had to stop from looking over his shoulder. In a way it was stupid after all AFC 4 had cameras everywhere but somehow it just wasn’t the same thing!
Using the stations internal transit modules it didn’t take the four companions long to reach the Harbour Tower East’s busy halt via a single black stripe taxi unit. The fare deducted from RJL’s Corporate Account since Anna had initially left on corporate business. ‘Harbour Tower East’ was the site of both Anna’s new home / office and the RJL main Office premises although they were on different levels, and sections.
A small set of escalators, and lifts linked the Halt to the Towers Foyer with its security checks, and welcoming staff. The AFC 4 Harbour Tower East was currently best known as the home of such independents as the offices of StarForge Softec, and the small (electronic component manufacturing) units belonging to the local link manufacturers ‘Leveller Communications’. Anna hoped one day ‘Reaper Jump Liners’ would be far more prominently positioned on the bill here, over and above the small time operations like SfS, and LC.
Despite RJL being an as yet unknown commodity - Anna still received her usual degree of extreme courtesy from the staff in the tower - simply because of her previous position. Having Commander Carl alongside on this occasion also boosted her kudos, and Garrin was already well known. Ravn who still tended to draw a few frowns, and a more serious scan when on his own (not to mention some serious scrutiny of his weapon licences), didn’t however on this occasion, because of his company. By comparison to the normal shake down Ravn was almost rushed through! Instead of accepting, and being happy at the guard’s easy reaction though, the bodyguard got all stiff and angry! Ravn forced everyone to stop while he dressed down the Towers security guards.
“There is no excuse for negligence,” Ravn insisted before making the Argons re-sweep everyone using the full proper procedure, and diligence.
Anna sighed though Garrin seemed startled, and the Carl grumped at this delaying turn of events. Nonetheless they all submitted to the requirement before moving to the Tower Lift.
“Happy?” asked the Carl.
“Not really,” said Ravn, “chances are they will go back to being sloppy as ever. They shouldn’t need to have somebody riding them every moment. I will have to send in a formal note of complaint! RJL is paying their wages along with everybody else in this office tower after all.”
Garrin wondered was his once friend looking for a pay rise or really that serious. G had almost considered Ravn’s appointed position a non-requirement for the new Corporation, before the threat against Anna. Garrin was coming to realise he had been totally naïve about the security arrangements needed with a large-scale ferry, and business operation. Once again the Courier found he was glad Anna was doing the RJL Administration, and not himself! Garrin liked his business simple clean, and straight forward, one Argon, one run, one personal weapon when needed to secure him, and his property! As long as he remembered the Reaper - waiting for an opportunity - over his shoulder it was usually enough.
“I suppose I should head back to my own place,” said G when they all entered the lift, “after all it is getting early rather than late.”
“I would prefer if you all came back with me first,” replied Anna.
G looked a bit uncomfortable but shrugged. He imagined Carl would like to be alone with Anna, while Ravn, and he were still a bit edgy in close company. Then again Ravn, and Carl seemed a bit edgy around each other too. Garrin got the feeling it was going to be a very long morning! Maybe it was time to forget AFC 4 for a bit, and go on a few courier runs, everything around here was getting way too heavy! Anna’s Mother abducted it was crazy, not that he had ever met Emma or anything but he had occasionally heard Anna talk about her. Garrin stifled a yawn he would need to shoot a stimulant at this rate.
Once back in her Office home Anna got some Fuel out and settled her guests although Ravn refused, and seemed - only more - rather than less alert, and on duty! Before saying anything though Anna activated the inbuilt office corporate Block.
“Now we can talk,” said the fledgling Administrator, “I’m getting a new PA tomorrow Suewyn she is a Navy MP under cover. Suewyn will be here no doubt to be ready for a contact from the terrorists, or the call for a ransom or whatever, that is if my mother has actually been taken hostage rather than the recipient of an accident or a… murder! No doubt this Suewyn will also be watching and reporting anything we say or do even under - a Block - innocent or not!”
“Are we supposed to know this little detail,” asked Carl looking less than impressed.
“I’m not sure,” said Anna, “but if I can’t trust you three, then I really am in trouble!”
“What do you think they will want?” asked G.
“Could be anything maybe for RJL to smuggle them onboard,” said Anna.
“I don’t know,” said Carl, “something about this isn’t right. The timing is wrong you don’t just snatch somebody on spec it takes planning. Chances are when this was instigated you were still firmly Gregor’s PA, not Reaper Jump Liner’s Administrator. I think the Navy have this one wrong I would say Anna if your Mother is kidnapped the takers wanted to use you against Gregor! RJL has nothing to do with it, in fact, the fact that you are no longer in AF could be a real spanner in everyone’s works!”
Anna knew with Carls limited information his hypothesis was a good one. She found herself hoping that it was about the ‘Hive access Core’, and not as she was pretending a terrorist action against ArgonForge, and the Treason Trial. If Anna’s hoax turned out to be the truth that would be the ultimate irony! If it was terrorists Emma would be in real trouble because Anna might not be seen to be in a position to provide what the villains wanted anymore. Emma’s life would cease to have any value Anna didn’t really want to think about this option!
“I’m sorry,” said Carl, “seeing how pale Anna’s face had become. I know this is difficult, but putting on my professional hat - thinking about these things could make all the difference.”
“I understand,” said Anna, “the Navy explained how grim the situation is, if it is a kidnap? Very few hostages ever survive captivity, even if it is possible to acquiesce to every demand. Given this scenario: whether they have my Mother or not, I can hardly aid the terrorists in an assassination or even mass murder - given these peoples love of bombs, and cataclysmic staged atrocities!”
“Well anything I can personally do to help just ask? Also AFC 4 security will do all it can. Do you think the Argon Navy will contact me officially?” asked the Commander.
“I don’t know? You know how secretive they are they don’t like Corporate Security much they don’t even like the Federal Argon Police!” said Anna.
“It will be difficult to employ my own people if I’m not brought into the loop. It would put everyone involved in jeopardy we wouldn’t know friend from foe!” said Carl.
“I’ve seen the consequences of badly informed overlapping operations,” said Ravn butting in, “it can get really messy. I wouldn’t advise any independent action unless there is absolutely no other option.”
Carl nodded to his ex employee, “I’m afraid Ravn is right about that!”
“I can’t believe this crock of Argnu dung!” said Garrin, “the Argon Navy should be working with every resource available to them, not infighting over territory!”
“Just the way it is,” said Ravn, “maybe you have to be in the services to understand! The more agencies are involved the larger the chance of miscommunications and even leaks never mind operational breaches of security - because somebody assumes - the other lads have it covered the Argon Navy will want to keep the operation tight as a drum and under their firm control!”
“So what happens next?” asked G once again.
“Business as usual,” answered Carl, “hope you can lull the fekker’s in. Wait for the hammer to fall.”
Gregor was still finding it difficult to sleep, and was pacing around agitated in his suite. What would he tell the Admiral tomorrow? Did he trust the Argon with his links to ArCorp what if it was just some kind of ploy to make Gregor resign from AF and quit AFC 4? Certainly Sven Hale had sounded truly passionate about his beliefs, and a chance to run for the Senate wasn’t something to be turned down lightly. Would he be able to hold up to the examination involved though? Opponents digging into his past, and performance worried him, but he knew few politicians didn’t have some skeletons hidden away. Besides what did he really have to lose? After all, thought Gregor, he could agree - play along - see how it is going, then if needed, change his mind later (before quitting AF) if matters proved unsatisfactory!
Sven sat his computer pad down, and leaned back on the comfortably form fitting chair. The Oracle was well pleased with himself. It amused him that he was using his own enemies’ weapons: misdirection, deceit, and half-truths. The Admiral knew he had a reputation for brutal, and direct action something on this occasion he was relying on. They wouldn’t see it coming until it was too late. It was - if he had to say so himself - and he did, a stroke of pure genius! Mostly all he had to do was sit back, and watch the show. Perhaps a careful little pull here, a gentle push there, but really he should be able to rely on others to do all the essential dirty work for him. Sven couldn’t wait for the Cycle of the Treason Trial. For that event to be fully eclipsed by his own carefully constructed, and directed revelation!
While the Admiral knew it was just an opening move, he firmly believed it was the loosed pebble that would commence the rockslide. Sven Hale looked forward to pummelling his opponent into submission! It also amused him that he had involved, and won favours with the Split. Well, thought Sven, he would happily work with any legitimate denizen of this universe. All the allied races lay under the same threat from the cursed Xenon, and Terran scum!
Back in Priest Pity Tur Ryn bent over Jess to directly input a change to her less than perfect solution.
“Do you see?” asked the Arch Fallen Angel.
“That’s smooth,” replied the female Pirate, “your really on top form this Cycle. I guess the rest did you some good.”
“It is the bright morning after a long night,” said Tur laughing, “I like these motion scanners it was an interestingly - low technology - solution even if the analysis of the massed data is proving a bit troublesome.”
“Well you thought of it,” said Jess, “are you sure we no longer need to bring in an external computer expert?” she asked.
“I’ve been thinking it over. I believe I can handle the new systems integration myself, should we get into trouble we can always call in support later,” Tur noted.
“Well its your project, and your base,” noted Jess, “I didn’t realise you were this adept, I think you have been toying with me a little,” she giggled.
“I’m sure I have,” noted Tur, “still lets concentrate on the new hardware for the moment!”
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:52, edited 2 times in total.
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Paranoid66
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Reapers Passage
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 58 – Mustering for Trouble
Treason Trial minus two Cycles and Anna was still up she hadn’t been to bed. The female Administrator had held a vigil through the nights long morning, waiting for a fearful call that didn’t come. With no relief from the tension in sight Garrin slightly fuelled up was the first to leave, his destination the ‘Grim Reaper’. When Anna and Carl had run out of words, and the station was in its first electric flickers of false dawn the Commander departed with a kiss. Anna hoped her admirer managed to get a little rest before going on duty. Ravn however stayed up drinking coffee alongside his charge without rest. To Anna’s dismay the ex soldier still seemed relatively fresh (he must have popped some stimulants when she wasn’t looking). Anna was sure she didn’t look as well under this regime - inside she felt rough!
“You need to get some rest,” said Ravn for perhaps the hundredth time.
“I’m fine,” insisted Anna, but even in her own ears it sounded like a weary lie, “you should look to yourself!”
“I can sleep whenever,” replied her bodyguard, “its an old front line army trick.”
“Have you seen much action Ravn?” asked Anna.
“Enough to not enjoy talking about it,” answered Ravn with a shrug.
“Sorry, guess I should know better than to pry. Sometimes you just wonder what it is really like to be in that space, to kill or be killed,” said Anna contemplating possible revenge scenarios, “I wondered did combat ever feel clean, and simple? In war does killing make sense?”
“Only when I didn’t think about it,” said Ravn, “no, actually it never felt clean or simple. Killing is a dirty business it always leaves a stain even if it is just on the inside! I imagine only psychopaths, and egotistical monsters think otherwise.”
“What about vengeance then?” Anna asked thinking about Fay’s words.
“Revenge, is just a self deceit, but like anger, and hatred it can be a useful tool. Revenge can keep you going when otherwise you might just lie down on the frozen ground and die!” said Ravn drifting back to one especially bad campaign.
“Do you believe in dharma?” asked Anna.
The Professor was starting to feel a little guilty for troubling the Argon, but suffering a compulsion to dig out the real person hiding deep inside the hard military shell, to selfishly crack the nut with a sledgehammer to get at the meat.
“Sometimes, I admit it is one of the few things that really scares me,” said Rav.
“Because you have fallen for Elaen?” questioned Anna.
“Perhaps, more likely because of who, and what I am. Because I made bad choices a long time ago, because I am too weak to let go! Now you know all my secrets!” replied the recently appointed RJL Security Chief.
Somehow I doubt that thought Anna, although she finally let it go, guessing that this was Ravn’s current polite way of saying enough was enough! Anna knew in truth this sleuthing was just her own way of dismissing her own predicament; to forget about Febr back in the Troop Transport, and Emma the Lords of Misrule knew where?
Ravn for his part just considered Anna’s digging - an unusual lack of sensitivity - caused no doubt by the befuddling irritation of not getting enough sleep.
Meanwhile in her head Anna had moved on to the subject of the ‘Hive access Core’ somewhere deep in the stations superstructure, and disseminated throughout the stations electronic systems lay the apparatus at the heart of all her troubles. Anna worried at the problem - her essential testing, logging, and analysis duties were being neglected. The Conclusion to the most important project of her career probably her entire working life was (after that basic title) once again - following a wide delete - a very blank, and accusing space on her computer pad. The vital section plagued the scientists mind awaiting new insights that just refused to come. The latter fact led Anna right back to Febr, and his current unknown condition.
Suewyn was a short tidy woman of sturdy build with close-cropped black hair, and an almost boyish face. Anna’s appointed PA arrived in a crisp black station suit that helped in part to disguise her stout width. Ravn made a point of checking her identity before letting her into the offices small outer reception area. For some reason Suewyn reminded Ravn of Elaen or maybe it was just that he was missing his copper.
“You would be Ravn,” said Suewyn skilfully flashing a concealed weapon permit hidden within her palm during a casual handshake.
Ravn activated the receptions Block, “You can call me Chief,” said Ravn, “I’m in charge of overall RJL security, and also currently acting as Anna Dei’s close quarters protection. I don’t want to appear heavy handed, but you need to understand my charge comes first. In any tight tactical situation that might develop - you would do well to follow my directions - I won‘t have my attention split. In a firefight or flight I expect you to keep out of my way, keep up and pull your own weight. I assume you will look after yourself - you’re not my responsibility!”
“All that is fine by me, unless it becomes a coordinated squad matter then I‘ll be running the show, Chief!” said Suewyn tapping her ear piece, “by the way you can call me Sue everybody else does - no contact yet?”
“No, nothing at all, I hope Fay knows what she is doing. This whole situation stinks like an overripe corpse. If I had taken Emma I would have been in contact before not after the news started to break!” stated Ravn, “Why give us all this time to prepare?”
“Maybe our kidnapper has already been in contact,” said Sue, “your charge could be playing the lot of us - under instruction!”
“We’ll see,” said Ravn.
Maybe he was being a fool but he trusted Anna, or at least his own recent close observation of her reactions. The female was a gifted dissembler, but Ravn felt sure - on this one matter - Anna was on the level!
Anna wasn’t sure what to make of Suewyn it was difficult having the Legion female in her private office, and home space, and she felt too tired, and in a way - to her surprise - too angry to hide this!
“Listen this is a bit difficult for me,” said Anna a bit sternly, “You understand that you will still be required to act fully in the capacity to which you are assigned. I have been told you will be with us for a full season - at least - for the sake of continuity. To be honest I don’t know how I feel about that!” noted Anna.
“Of course, I imagine you consider me a spy, and an interloper. This is difficult for me too, not to mention doing two jobs at once - while under a degree of suspicion from my boss! I believe we have a lot in common in this regard,” said Sue.
“Well I probably need a receptionist, and secretary more than a personal assistant right now, so I’m afraid those are the sort of duties you will be doing until RJL stabilises. We are still very much a start up business. In fact the whole project is slipping behind my schedule, I had hoped to have a launch during the Treason Trial as a way of getting extra media coverage, but with everything that has happened recently!” noted Anna.
“That sounds like a great idea,” said Sue, “how many boats do you have?”
“At the moment, none,” confessed Anna, “they are only on order however I have been thinking about buying even a few second hand TP’s just to get the business rolling in front of the camera,” explained Anna.
“Have you thought about contacting the Navy they often have confiscated vessels that are put up for auction? I bet Fay could find you a few tubs that could be fixed up in time for a well timed launch ceremony!” noted Sue, “we could furbish temporary pilots it required on the hop too!”
“I thought that would be beneath the dignity of her office,” noted Anna.
“It would only take a few secure Link calls,” explained Suewyn, “Anna your in the Legion, and doing - a very important job - from what I hear, under a lot of added pressure. We look after our own, honest; it’s not always just the stick. The legion is especially flexible for the very rare true volunteer - like you! Anna you’re a real honest to goodness patriot, don‘t forget it!”
Anna was struggling with this new approach it was not what she had been expecting from the Legion. Sue was very disarming. The RJL Administrator realised she would have to be on her guard.
“Do you think you could handle these purchases, and arrangements?” asked Anna, “and perhaps keep the pressure on about our needed business node.”
“No need to worry about that one, Fay told me herself the node would be activated by mid cycle today. As to the other, give me the details, ill look into it straight away!” said Sue with an air of extreme confidence.
Anna could almost feel some small measure of the vast weight lifting off her shoulders; I should have got some staff in straight away, she thought! Anna was shocked to realise she had become just too used to doing everything herself. Even considering delegation had become almost an anathema to the Administrator. Solitude had become a habitual necessity of keeping every activity shaded from observation.
Fay and Sven had their meet under corporate Block around a huge glass and metal table in a tidy rented boardroom on AFC 4. This space was one made available to hire for visiting industrialists with business on the Forge. Although they greeted each other with false warmth both parties had brought along a squad of guards - of course these where ostensibly for protection against outsiders not each other!
“I heard rumours you were on station Fay, but I haven’t seen you around,” noted Sven, “I guess you were smarter than me, avoiding almost all of Gregor’s functions. I swear I’ve put on weight,” he complained patting his belly.
“You should look after yourself better,” said Fay, “how would ANI ever manage without you?”
“No need to worry about that, besides I’m hardly important,” said the Admiral, “here for example: I’m just another puffed up figurehead for the cause, a chest full of medals - I hardly deserved - but I suppose it looks good on camera!”
“I heard you fully support this media feeding frenzy, is Gregor one of yours then?” Fay asked.
“Not yet but he is a find. I really think the AFC 4 Administrator could be a useful future player, wouldn’t you agree?” queried Sven Hale.
“I can see - the attraction - but he seems well a little unsteady to me,” noted the Commander in Chief having had access to Anna’s observations.
“Just a few ragged edges. Easily fixed with a proper regimen, still I suspect you didn’t call this meeting to talk about the AFC 4 Administrators health,” said Sven.
“Actually in a way I did though really it is Anna Dei, Gregor’s former PA that I wish to discuss,” noted Fay watching Sven like a mongoose watches a snake.
“The famous Station Runner?” said Hale raising one eyebrow, “the ‘Assassin of Hearts’.”
“I didn’t know you were a sports fan,” said Fay pretty sure she had read her answer.
“Only of the extreme variety. Station Running interests me because it would make an excellent training exercise for light insertion troops. I have been thinking about the instigation of an official Navy team,” said Admiral Hale, “indeed I was contemplating talking to Gregor’s former PA about this very idea, pick her brain so to speak!”
“I’m afraid your timing is awful,” explained Fay, “since the new RJL Administrator is snowed down with work, and now also has some serious personal difficulties.”
“Serious personal difficulties?” queried the Admiral.
“It would seem her mother Emma Dei had been kidnapped,” said Fay still monitoring Sven’s responses, although it no longer seemed to matter.
“Kidnapped,” said Sven, “I wonder to what purpose?” he asked.
“I wondered that myself. I can see no good coming of it for the felon,” warned Fay.
“One would hope not,” said Sven, “I trust you have the Anna well tied down, she now sounds like something of a security risk to me! Do you believe it is an oblique move against Gregor and AF?”
“Not anymore,” said Fay, “I almost feel sorry for the perpetrator involved in this one though. I feel the terrorist behind this action may have overstepped the bounds of propriety - even among their own despicable kind. Kidnapping a respected old female Argon scientist, such an action will draw a lot of attention. I doubt the Federal Argon Police will permit such an overt act to go unpunished no matter how long the investigation may take! It is a pity such rash individuals, and groups rarely back down, even when they find themselves approaching such a sheer precipice of reprisal. If only criminals were smarter, a lot might be forgiven, if with a little hindsight they made good before it became too late!”
“What a novel idea criminals making good,” said Sven, “I suspect one Argon’s precipice is another’s launch pad. Perhaps these villains are better prepared than we can imagine. It could be remiss of ourselves - the legitimate forces of law and order - if we did not show due caution in our own direction of enquiry. In hot pursuit one sometimes forgets we also haven’t always got the right wind beneath our wings. We guardians are just as prone to falling as our quarry, a pity when all that might be needed is a last minute course correction.”
“I worry we are not all as flexible as we used to be. It seems that we deserve little credit - now that we have become base creatures of habit - some vectors are not so easily recalculated anymore,” noted Fay.
“That is a shame, I suppose - the overly stiff - among us will just have to pray for a soft landing then!” said Hale with a chuckle.
Later back at the Troop Transport Fay roundly cursed the Admiral. Sven hadn’t even really tried to hide his involvement! Well at least via the exercise Fay had her answer, and Hale had been granted a final warning. Fay just couldn’t understand what Sven could really hope to achieve with Anna, and the station locked up so tightly - unless somehow he had already hit his target. Fay was tempted to drag Anna in again only this time for a full on interrogation. However, maybe that was exactly what Hale wanted. Was he just sowing seeds of discord within the Core project! Fay had a bad feeling she wasn’t calling the shots anymore, that perhaps she too was inadvertently following The Oracles analysed prescient perceptions.
Fay found herself imagining this was how a spider might feel - if it somehow became entangled in its own web! Either Hale had brushed up on his acting lessons or he really believed (rightly or wrongly) that he had pulled off a coup - of some nature - it left Fay feeling shaken. Perhaps Sven had just psyched her out, after all the man was an Argon, and Xeno anthropologist! The Commander in Chief decided to warn Ban both about Sven’s overall attitude, and his suspected involvement in the kidnap.
For once Fay would be happy to hand off the strategy to the Boss, and choose to handle just the tactics on the ground. Besides there was little else Fay could do, except tighten, and retighten her existing measures. The Hive access Core Queen Generator now lay onboard her Transport (a feat in itself), and off bounds to Anna. Stealing the otherworldly piece of equipment would require nothing less than a direct assault. The Hive itself would in all probability suicide if any attempt was made to move it with undue haste of course Sven would be unlikely to know this, unless a lot more information had leaked than Fay believed.
Fay nonetheless was beginning to suspect Sven wanted either the test / project data or Anna herself. They were easily portable assets that might just about be grabbed despite the security. In the SCSC either or both assets might just be enough to prove that Ban had deliberately misled the closed council. Febr had a lot to make up for should he ever recover from the CBP procedure. So far Professor F’s brain activity remained in a state of disorder, and flux, either everything would settle in time or Febr would be forever dead from the neck up. As far as Fay could ascertain with Febr and the CBP it was all or nothing!
Carl summoned Elaen into his booth that was normally bad news especially first thing in the morning. After passing the door it was blackened, this really made Elaen fret. Carl looked unusually tired Anna must be wearing the old man out thought the Lt. Constable - forcing herself to control an inner desire to giggle.
“Sit down,” said Carl, “You know Elaen your really not looking so good. So I have decided to accept your request for a few Cycles R&R effective immediately,” Carl said flopping his computer pad in Elaen’s lap. The Lt. Constable noted it was displaying the necessary request form for a short leave of absence - currently blank!
“What?” said Elaen trying to get up, but stayed by a hand on her shoulder and thus only managing to rock Carls seat.
“I was speaking with Ravn last night,” noted Carl, “it seems he has his hands full with Anna, and RJL. Between you and me a situation is developing over there that is a bit delicate, but could be serious for the whole station! I get the feeling Ravn is in bit of a bind - short handed - maybe dangerously so! Other bodies might be on the way but that could be almost as troublesome - unknown goons - new faces you understand? Look this isn’t about Anna, and me just in case you think I’m playing favourites, it’s about trouble, jurisdiction, and a lack of invitations. Somebody else is running the show. Nonetheless, this is my station, and I would like somebody - from my team - on the inside official or not, and Elaen you have a free pass in. I’ve already put the idea to Anna, I’m afraid Ravn isn’t in the loop yet (he mightn’t like it) but in my opinion he needs somebody covering his back.”
Elaen could feel her stomach churning over. Carl wasn’t one for bending the rules to this degree without a legitimate reason, and the fact that somebody else was running a security operation on this station could only mean the Navy. A Cycle ago the Commander had been cursing Ravn out for abandonment, and now he was willing to temporarily cast her off to assist that defector! Something really bad was going down. Elaen didn’t like the idea of Ravn having to rely on just Navy for support either - too much bad blood!
“Just how worn out am I,” asked El picking up the pad and considering the form.
“I would say four Cycles should cover it,” said the Commander.
Carl was hoping whatever was going to happen, would happen soon so they could get it over with. If it were terrorists chances were the event would be timed to coincide with the Treason Trial media frenzy. Four days was all he could spare unofficially, of course if Elaen called something in…
“Look keep an eye on your own back. I’m officially not going to be too happy about this one. Consider yourself dressed down for not looking after yourself! I want you to have this,” Carl opened a safe and pulled out a heavy slug thrower and a new licence permit. “Just about within the legal limit, full automatic semi auto, and single shot, snail magazine, and she is whisper quiet. Take your own as a secondary,” advised her Commander.
Elaen took the dull black weapon complete with holster and straps. It was a Brek and Tyrell A-LVST 56 ‘Grief Maker’ a very respectable piece of kit from an infamous manufacturer.
“I hope you don’t need to use it,” said Carl then looking a little embarrassed, “there is an extra clip for emergency use only you didn’t get that from me should you decide to take it with you?”
Elaen checked the spare curling magazine over, it was marked with a small additional red square. Slipping out one round her eyes widened they where hard, not crystalline, and from the tiny stamped code - high explosive armour piercing - dangerous stuff on a station!
X3 Fan Fiction by Paranoid66
Chapter 58 – Mustering for Trouble
Treason Trial minus two Cycles and Anna was still up she hadn’t been to bed. The female Administrator had held a vigil through the nights long morning, waiting for a fearful call that didn’t come. With no relief from the tension in sight Garrin slightly fuelled up was the first to leave, his destination the ‘Grim Reaper’. When Anna and Carl had run out of words, and the station was in its first electric flickers of false dawn the Commander departed with a kiss. Anna hoped her admirer managed to get a little rest before going on duty. Ravn however stayed up drinking coffee alongside his charge without rest. To Anna’s dismay the ex soldier still seemed relatively fresh (he must have popped some stimulants when she wasn’t looking). Anna was sure she didn’t look as well under this regime - inside she felt rough!
“You need to get some rest,” said Ravn for perhaps the hundredth time.
“I’m fine,” insisted Anna, but even in her own ears it sounded like a weary lie, “you should look to yourself!”
“I can sleep whenever,” replied her bodyguard, “its an old front line army trick.”
“Have you seen much action Ravn?” asked Anna.
“Enough to not enjoy talking about it,” answered Ravn with a shrug.
“Sorry, guess I should know better than to pry. Sometimes you just wonder what it is really like to be in that space, to kill or be killed,” said Anna contemplating possible revenge scenarios, “I wondered did combat ever feel clean, and simple? In war does killing make sense?”
“Only when I didn’t think about it,” said Ravn, “no, actually it never felt clean or simple. Killing is a dirty business it always leaves a stain even if it is just on the inside! I imagine only psychopaths, and egotistical monsters think otherwise.”
“What about vengeance then?” Anna asked thinking about Fay’s words.
“Revenge, is just a self deceit, but like anger, and hatred it can be a useful tool. Revenge can keep you going when otherwise you might just lie down on the frozen ground and die!” said Ravn drifting back to one especially bad campaign.
“Do you believe in dharma?” asked Anna.
The Professor was starting to feel a little guilty for troubling the Argon, but suffering a compulsion to dig out the real person hiding deep inside the hard military shell, to selfishly crack the nut with a sledgehammer to get at the meat.
“Sometimes, I admit it is one of the few things that really scares me,” said Rav.
“Because you have fallen for Elaen?” questioned Anna.
“Perhaps, more likely because of who, and what I am. Because I made bad choices a long time ago, because I am too weak to let go! Now you know all my secrets!” replied the recently appointed RJL Security Chief.
Somehow I doubt that thought Anna, although she finally let it go, guessing that this was Ravn’s current polite way of saying enough was enough! Anna knew in truth this sleuthing was just her own way of dismissing her own predicament; to forget about Febr back in the Troop Transport, and Emma the Lords of Misrule knew where?
Ravn for his part just considered Anna’s digging - an unusual lack of sensitivity - caused no doubt by the befuddling irritation of not getting enough sleep.
Meanwhile in her head Anna had moved on to the subject of the ‘Hive access Core’ somewhere deep in the stations superstructure, and disseminated throughout the stations electronic systems lay the apparatus at the heart of all her troubles. Anna worried at the problem - her essential testing, logging, and analysis duties were being neglected. The Conclusion to the most important project of her career probably her entire working life was (after that basic title) once again - following a wide delete - a very blank, and accusing space on her computer pad. The vital section plagued the scientists mind awaiting new insights that just refused to come. The latter fact led Anna right back to Febr, and his current unknown condition.
Suewyn was a short tidy woman of sturdy build with close-cropped black hair, and an almost boyish face. Anna’s appointed PA arrived in a crisp black station suit that helped in part to disguise her stout width. Ravn made a point of checking her identity before letting her into the offices small outer reception area. For some reason Suewyn reminded Ravn of Elaen or maybe it was just that he was missing his copper.
“You would be Ravn,” said Suewyn skilfully flashing a concealed weapon permit hidden within her palm during a casual handshake.
Ravn activated the receptions Block, “You can call me Chief,” said Ravn, “I’m in charge of overall RJL security, and also currently acting as Anna Dei’s close quarters protection. I don’t want to appear heavy handed, but you need to understand my charge comes first. In any tight tactical situation that might develop - you would do well to follow my directions - I won‘t have my attention split. In a firefight or flight I expect you to keep out of my way, keep up and pull your own weight. I assume you will look after yourself - you’re not my responsibility!”
“All that is fine by me, unless it becomes a coordinated squad matter then I‘ll be running the show, Chief!” said Suewyn tapping her ear piece, “by the way you can call me Sue everybody else does - no contact yet?”
“No, nothing at all, I hope Fay knows what she is doing. This whole situation stinks like an overripe corpse. If I had taken Emma I would have been in contact before not after the news started to break!” stated Ravn, “Why give us all this time to prepare?”
“Maybe our kidnapper has already been in contact,” said Sue, “your charge could be playing the lot of us - under instruction!”
“We’ll see,” said Ravn.
Maybe he was being a fool but he trusted Anna, or at least his own recent close observation of her reactions. The female was a gifted dissembler, but Ravn felt sure - on this one matter - Anna was on the level!
Anna wasn’t sure what to make of Suewyn it was difficult having the Legion female in her private office, and home space, and she felt too tired, and in a way - to her surprise - too angry to hide this!
“Listen this is a bit difficult for me,” said Anna a bit sternly, “You understand that you will still be required to act fully in the capacity to which you are assigned. I have been told you will be with us for a full season - at least - for the sake of continuity. To be honest I don’t know how I feel about that!” noted Anna.
“Of course, I imagine you consider me a spy, and an interloper. This is difficult for me too, not to mention doing two jobs at once - while under a degree of suspicion from my boss! I believe we have a lot in common in this regard,” said Sue.
“Well I probably need a receptionist, and secretary more than a personal assistant right now, so I’m afraid those are the sort of duties you will be doing until RJL stabilises. We are still very much a start up business. In fact the whole project is slipping behind my schedule, I had hoped to have a launch during the Treason Trial as a way of getting extra media coverage, but with everything that has happened recently!” noted Anna.
“That sounds like a great idea,” said Sue, “how many boats do you have?”
“At the moment, none,” confessed Anna, “they are only on order however I have been thinking about buying even a few second hand TP’s just to get the business rolling in front of the camera,” explained Anna.
“Have you thought about contacting the Navy they often have confiscated vessels that are put up for auction? I bet Fay could find you a few tubs that could be fixed up in time for a well timed launch ceremony!” noted Sue, “we could furbish temporary pilots it required on the hop too!”
“I thought that would be beneath the dignity of her office,” noted Anna.
“It would only take a few secure Link calls,” explained Suewyn, “Anna your in the Legion, and doing - a very important job - from what I hear, under a lot of added pressure. We look after our own, honest; it’s not always just the stick. The legion is especially flexible for the very rare true volunteer - like you! Anna you’re a real honest to goodness patriot, don‘t forget it!”
Anna was struggling with this new approach it was not what she had been expecting from the Legion. Sue was very disarming. The RJL Administrator realised she would have to be on her guard.
“Do you think you could handle these purchases, and arrangements?” asked Anna, “and perhaps keep the pressure on about our needed business node.”
“No need to worry about that one, Fay told me herself the node would be activated by mid cycle today. As to the other, give me the details, ill look into it straight away!” said Sue with an air of extreme confidence.
Anna could almost feel some small measure of the vast weight lifting off her shoulders; I should have got some staff in straight away, she thought! Anna was shocked to realise she had become just too used to doing everything herself. Even considering delegation had become almost an anathema to the Administrator. Solitude had become a habitual necessity of keeping every activity shaded from observation.
Fay and Sven had their meet under corporate Block around a huge glass and metal table in a tidy rented boardroom on AFC 4. This space was one made available to hire for visiting industrialists with business on the Forge. Although they greeted each other with false warmth both parties had brought along a squad of guards - of course these where ostensibly for protection against outsiders not each other!
“I heard rumours you were on station Fay, but I haven’t seen you around,” noted Sven, “I guess you were smarter than me, avoiding almost all of Gregor’s functions. I swear I’ve put on weight,” he complained patting his belly.
“You should look after yourself better,” said Fay, “how would ANI ever manage without you?”
“No need to worry about that, besides I’m hardly important,” said the Admiral, “here for example: I’m just another puffed up figurehead for the cause, a chest full of medals - I hardly deserved - but I suppose it looks good on camera!”
“I heard you fully support this media feeding frenzy, is Gregor one of yours then?” Fay asked.
“Not yet but he is a find. I really think the AFC 4 Administrator could be a useful future player, wouldn’t you agree?” queried Sven Hale.
“I can see - the attraction - but he seems well a little unsteady to me,” noted the Commander in Chief having had access to Anna’s observations.
“Just a few ragged edges. Easily fixed with a proper regimen, still I suspect you didn’t call this meeting to talk about the AFC 4 Administrators health,” said Sven.
“Actually in a way I did though really it is Anna Dei, Gregor’s former PA that I wish to discuss,” noted Fay watching Sven like a mongoose watches a snake.
“The famous Station Runner?” said Hale raising one eyebrow, “the ‘Assassin of Hearts’.”
“I didn’t know you were a sports fan,” said Fay pretty sure she had read her answer.
“Only of the extreme variety. Station Running interests me because it would make an excellent training exercise for light insertion troops. I have been thinking about the instigation of an official Navy team,” said Admiral Hale, “indeed I was contemplating talking to Gregor’s former PA about this very idea, pick her brain so to speak!”
“I’m afraid your timing is awful,” explained Fay, “since the new RJL Administrator is snowed down with work, and now also has some serious personal difficulties.”
“Serious personal difficulties?” queried the Admiral.
“It would seem her mother Emma Dei had been kidnapped,” said Fay still monitoring Sven’s responses, although it no longer seemed to matter.
“Kidnapped,” said Sven, “I wonder to what purpose?” he asked.
“I wondered that myself. I can see no good coming of it for the felon,” warned Fay.
“One would hope not,” said Sven, “I trust you have the Anna well tied down, she now sounds like something of a security risk to me! Do you believe it is an oblique move against Gregor and AF?”
“Not anymore,” said Fay, “I almost feel sorry for the perpetrator involved in this one though. I feel the terrorist behind this action may have overstepped the bounds of propriety - even among their own despicable kind. Kidnapping a respected old female Argon scientist, such an action will draw a lot of attention. I doubt the Federal Argon Police will permit such an overt act to go unpunished no matter how long the investigation may take! It is a pity such rash individuals, and groups rarely back down, even when they find themselves approaching such a sheer precipice of reprisal. If only criminals were smarter, a lot might be forgiven, if with a little hindsight they made good before it became too late!”
“What a novel idea criminals making good,” said Sven, “I suspect one Argon’s precipice is another’s launch pad. Perhaps these villains are better prepared than we can imagine. It could be remiss of ourselves - the legitimate forces of law and order - if we did not show due caution in our own direction of enquiry. In hot pursuit one sometimes forgets we also haven’t always got the right wind beneath our wings. We guardians are just as prone to falling as our quarry, a pity when all that might be needed is a last minute course correction.”
“I worry we are not all as flexible as we used to be. It seems that we deserve little credit - now that we have become base creatures of habit - some vectors are not so easily recalculated anymore,” noted Fay.
“That is a shame, I suppose - the overly stiff - among us will just have to pray for a soft landing then!” said Hale with a chuckle.
Later back at the Troop Transport Fay roundly cursed the Admiral. Sven hadn’t even really tried to hide his involvement! Well at least via the exercise Fay had her answer, and Hale had been granted a final warning. Fay just couldn’t understand what Sven could really hope to achieve with Anna, and the station locked up so tightly - unless somehow he had already hit his target. Fay was tempted to drag Anna in again only this time for a full on interrogation. However, maybe that was exactly what Hale wanted. Was he just sowing seeds of discord within the Core project! Fay had a bad feeling she wasn’t calling the shots anymore, that perhaps she too was inadvertently following The Oracles analysed prescient perceptions.
Fay found herself imagining this was how a spider might feel - if it somehow became entangled in its own web! Either Hale had brushed up on his acting lessons or he really believed (rightly or wrongly) that he had pulled off a coup - of some nature - it left Fay feeling shaken. Perhaps Sven had just psyched her out, after all the man was an Argon, and Xeno anthropologist! The Commander in Chief decided to warn Ban both about Sven’s overall attitude, and his suspected involvement in the kidnap.
For once Fay would be happy to hand off the strategy to the Boss, and choose to handle just the tactics on the ground. Besides there was little else Fay could do, except tighten, and retighten her existing measures. The Hive access Core Queen Generator now lay onboard her Transport (a feat in itself), and off bounds to Anna. Stealing the otherworldly piece of equipment would require nothing less than a direct assault. The Hive itself would in all probability suicide if any attempt was made to move it with undue haste of course Sven would be unlikely to know this, unless a lot more information had leaked than Fay believed.
Fay nonetheless was beginning to suspect Sven wanted either the test / project data or Anna herself. They were easily portable assets that might just about be grabbed despite the security. In the SCSC either or both assets might just be enough to prove that Ban had deliberately misled the closed council. Febr had a lot to make up for should he ever recover from the CBP procedure. So far Professor F’s brain activity remained in a state of disorder, and flux, either everything would settle in time or Febr would be forever dead from the neck up. As far as Fay could ascertain with Febr and the CBP it was all or nothing!
Carl summoned Elaen into his booth that was normally bad news especially first thing in the morning. After passing the door it was blackened, this really made Elaen fret. Carl looked unusually tired Anna must be wearing the old man out thought the Lt. Constable - forcing herself to control an inner desire to giggle.
“Sit down,” said Carl, “You know Elaen your really not looking so good. So I have decided to accept your request for a few Cycles R&R effective immediately,” Carl said flopping his computer pad in Elaen’s lap. The Lt. Constable noted it was displaying the necessary request form for a short leave of absence - currently blank!
“What?” said Elaen trying to get up, but stayed by a hand on her shoulder and thus only managing to rock Carls seat.
“I was speaking with Ravn last night,” noted Carl, “it seems he has his hands full with Anna, and RJL. Between you and me a situation is developing over there that is a bit delicate, but could be serious for the whole station! I get the feeling Ravn is in bit of a bind - short handed - maybe dangerously so! Other bodies might be on the way but that could be almost as troublesome - unknown goons - new faces you understand? Look this isn’t about Anna, and me just in case you think I’m playing favourites, it’s about trouble, jurisdiction, and a lack of invitations. Somebody else is running the show. Nonetheless, this is my station, and I would like somebody - from my team - on the inside official or not, and Elaen you have a free pass in. I’ve already put the idea to Anna, I’m afraid Ravn isn’t in the loop yet (he mightn’t like it) but in my opinion he needs somebody covering his back.”
Elaen could feel her stomach churning over. Carl wasn’t one for bending the rules to this degree without a legitimate reason, and the fact that somebody else was running a security operation on this station could only mean the Navy. A Cycle ago the Commander had been cursing Ravn out for abandonment, and now he was willing to temporarily cast her off to assist that defector! Something really bad was going down. Elaen didn’t like the idea of Ravn having to rely on just Navy for support either - too much bad blood!
“Just how worn out am I,” asked El picking up the pad and considering the form.
“I would say four Cycles should cover it,” said the Commander.
Carl was hoping whatever was going to happen, would happen soon so they could get it over with. If it were terrorists chances were the event would be timed to coincide with the Treason Trial media frenzy. Four days was all he could spare unofficially, of course if Elaen called something in…
“Look keep an eye on your own back. I’m officially not going to be too happy about this one. Consider yourself dressed down for not looking after yourself! I want you to have this,” Carl opened a safe and pulled out a heavy slug thrower and a new licence permit. “Just about within the legal limit, full automatic semi auto, and single shot, snail magazine, and she is whisper quiet. Take your own as a secondary,” advised her Commander.
Elaen took the dull black weapon complete with holster and straps. It was a Brek and Tyrell A-LVST 56 ‘Grief Maker’ a very respectable piece of kit from an infamous manufacturer.
“I hope you don’t need to use it,” said Carl then looking a little embarrassed, “there is an extra clip for emergency use only you didn’t get that from me should you decide to take it with you?”
Elaen checked the spare curling magazine over, it was marked with a small additional red square. Slipping out one round her eyes widened they where hard, not crystalline, and from the tiny stamped code - high explosive armour piercing - dangerous stuff on a station!
Last edited by Paranoid66 on Sun, 27. Apr 08, 10:53, edited 2 times in total.