Been somewhat of a delay due to new rig, and not having the program I was writing it on nor the original files! External backup hard drive failed on me
Akatosh - Continued
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Dpsavage
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Thu, 2. Nov 06, 18:56
Akatosh - Continued
This is where I will be posting the story, continued from here http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=259243
Been somewhat of a delay due to new rig, and not having the program I was writing it on nor the original files! External backup hard drive failed on me
Been somewhat of a delay due to new rig, and not having the program I was writing it on nor the original files! External backup hard drive failed on me
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Xydonus
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun, 13. Sep 09, 07:40
Chapter II - The Exhange - Part II
‘Welcome aboard Earth Torus, please enjoy your stay’, came the loud announcement over the comm. system as Commander Jarek Husk stepped out of the shuttle, and onto the busy loading deck. He has been here quite a few times, but a considerable amount of time has passed since he last visited Torus, and he was surprised to see how much has changed.
For one, he’s now required to dock at the restricted officer section, in which he along with others of similar rank are given a much more isolated landing, rather than mixing with the civilians and those of lower rank. Despite this, the deck was still busy with blue-coated mechanics rushing about, tools in-hand and screaming at one another amidst the loud noise that is accustomed to any deck hanger in the universe.
Jarek loved it though... He hated silence more than anything else, silence he thought, should be reserved for those moments when you’re reading or in deep thought, but on the deck hanger, it’s not wanted. He looked around him and took in a heavy breath, as if he was sucking in the fresh air, despite the fact there was none. He then proceeded across the hanger deck, occasionally getting a saluted response from a keen observer, but was generally ignored by the workers as they went about their business.
Jarek stepped up onto a raised platform and made his way up a long winding narrow corridor that leads to the express elevator. As he approached the elevator, he inserted his military coded ID card into the small slit that rested upon the elevator’s panel. After a brief few seconds, the keypad lit up, clearly displaying its numbers in a bright yellow transparent colour, prompting the Commander to insert his personal ID code. The doors swung open, and Jarek stepped in, taking a deep sigh as he operated the lift.
‘Commander Jarek, welcome, take a seat will you?’
‘Thank you Sir’, said Jarek, as he sat down.
Fleet Admiral’s Office.., strange he said to himself. He’s been in this office many a time, but it has never changed, the layout has always been consistent. The picture frame of the leading Terran politicians greeting the Argon and Boron leaders remained hung on the wall, if ever so slightly slanted... The personal collection of Spaceflys belonging to Fleet Admiral Brown was still in the same spot it had been for 6 months and was gathering dust. Pretty much everything in the office remained as if frozen in time, but what was always quite amusing to Jarek was how often the occupant of this said office would change.
Every time he would be called into the office for an assignment or debriefing, he would always see a different face. He put it down to restlessness. Can’t blame them he thought, sitting in a cramped office with a back-ass view of nothing but space... They could’ve had the decency to align it with a view of Earth, bah... Put me on a bridge and I’ll do your bidding, put me behind this desk and I’ll go mad, he thought.
‘Well? Looking forward to your assignment Commander? I believe it will be your first time out of the Sol system, correct?’ enquired the Admiral.
‘Indeed it is Sir’, replied Jarek.
Fleet Admiral Kray maintained a thoughtful expression as he seemingly appeared to size up Jarek.
‘Eager, are you? For a change of scenery that is’, said Kray.
‘Was rather sudden, but yes, should prove an interesting experience,’ said Jarek.
‘Hmm, well you’re the first officer participating in this exchange program; so naturally, High Command will be watching this one and you will be required to put on a good show’, said Kray, with a slight grin that Jarek didn’t like much.
‘I wouldn’t use the word, “participate”, Sir, but I’m well aware of the importance of this’, Jarek realised as the words “participate” left his mouth, that Kray’s expression changed.
‘Well’, said Kray, ‘You are to maintain a positive attitude while you’re aboard the Akatosh, after all, you are representing the Terran government, and if anyone enquires, you volunteered for this’.
‘Of course Sir, you needn’t worry about that’, replied Jarek.
‘It’s my job to worry Commander. We may not have met, but I’m well aware of your grievances towards this program. You are to leave behind any ill or negative thoughts on this, and board Akatosh with an attitude that will make us proud’, said Kray, almost blurted it out, as if he had rehearsed it.
‘Are you implying something, Sir?’ said Jarek, with a frowned expression of puzzlement.
Kray was leaning back now in his chair, his back was straight and he was almost peering down at Jarek.
‘Perhaps, simply put, leave your racial bigotry behind. We don’t want another incident with the Split, now do we? And that was on our home front, Commander’.
Jarek, once again, felt like he was being thrown to the vultures. A man of his record, un-tarnished, gets slapped with prejudice and dreadful assignments because he would not tolerate a Split’s insults toward him and his crew.
Jarek hated hard asses, and he could tell this was one of those.
‘Clearly not since Terran command seems more concerned these days about protecting external interests than its own,.. Sir,’ Said Jarek, ‘and with all due respect, Sir... bringing up past incidents when I have been selected for this job, and preparing to leave isn’t going to change one damn thing’, Jarek’s tone had a sharp edge now.
‘You’re out of line Commander!’, shouted Kray.
‘I’m here for a warm-up, nothing more. If you think I can’t take over a broken down Colossus, then you better send word to Munich because I’m scheduled to leave right about now, Sir’, Jarek was leaning now off his seat, ready to get up and leave.
Kray tapped his fingers on the desk in a random pattern, while maintaining a fix on Jarek. He stood up, and in an act that Jarek did not expect, extended out his arm.
‘Very well Commander’, said Kray, with a wide grin, ‘Best of luck, and I hope you show those Argon boys how things are run, hey?’
Jarek stood up, and smiled faintly at Kray while embracing his arm in a handshake.
‘You’ve got good spirit Commander, I’m sure you’ll manage’, he said, again, maintaining a wide grin.
‘Captain Harrison is waiting for you on port B8’ said Kray.
‘Thank you, Sir’, Jarek said as he left the office, slightly unsure what to make of Kray, although he knew he didn't like him...
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Xydonus
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun, 13. Sep 09, 07:40
Chapter II - The Exhange - Part III
‘Captain Harrison, reporting as ordered, Sir!’ said the Captain.
‘At ease Captain’, replied the Commander.
‘Thank you Sir, if you follow me I’ll show you to your transport, Sir.’
Captain Harrison led the Commander towards the end of port B8, which was essentially a deck lounge attached to a large docking bay area. Alongside it was port B7 all the way to B1.
This was the western area of the station, and was the most busy since it handled all the commercial traffic as well as low-priority military traffic. Jarek assumed that he’d be taking the more secluded route, but didn’t mind in any case since he got a breathtaking view of Earth.
Port B section was renowned for having the best view of the station, since it contained a large oval shaped glass frame stretching from port B1 to port B9, making it a popular place for tourists and alike.
‘It’s just right at the end, Sir’, said the Captain as they reached the docking bay.
They passed numerous classes of ships as they walked along the metal framework. Some of them were huge hulking beasts; others were small freighters and some fighters, although generally most of the ships docked were indeed civilian.
‘How come you’re not stationed at port A captain?’, asked Jarek.
‘Couldn’t get clearance Sir’, replied the Captain. ‘Ah, here we are’ he said.
Jarek stopped short, eyeing up the ship that will be carrying him to his new assignment...
‘Something wrong, Sir?’ asked the Captain.
‘I was expecting something a bit more... new?’ he finally managed.
‘Ah, yes well we use her for short-range transports, she’s stationed at Akatosh herself, and so she’s been around for some time, if you get my meaning, Sir.’
‘I believe I do.., you first Captain’ said Jarek.
It was an Express class ship, civilian produced but modified slightly for military transports. It didn’t have much of its original paintwork, nor did it look like the kind of ship you could resell. Even a blind Teladi would have second thoughts about this one. Unless you love rust as a paint finish along with modified repair patchwork that keeps the ship together, it could be sellable.
‘Sorry about the mess Sir,’ said Harrison as the Commander fumbled his way into the ship. ‘Probably not the kind of treatment you were expecting’ he added as the Commander was trying to negotiate a passage passed several large containers, loose mechanical objects and a odd looking device in-which he didn’t want to ascertain its purpose.
As Jarek managed to clear a seat in the back, he gave a stern look towards Captain Harrison as he turned to see if the Commander was seated.
‘Sorry Sir, we were ferrying equipment for Engineering and the boys haven’t collected their gear yet’, said the Captain.
‘Who’s your deck Chief, Captain?’ asked the Commander.
The Captain was already facing ahead when the question came, which is just as well because he flinched, knowing that someone was about to get grilled...
‘That would be Chief Harkness, Sir’ replied the Captain.
‘Hope he doesn’t insure that all the other ships are in a similar condition?-‘, ‘-No Sir, just we’ve been quite busy lately with the repairs and that’, said the captain.
‘Ok Sir, sit tight while I get Bella started up’, he continued.
‘Bella?’ asked Jarek.
‘Designation for this bucket of bolts, Sir’, came the reply.
After some false starts and a shaky undocking that Commander Jarek won’t soon forget, Bella was on her way to the Federation Argon Shipyard of Omicron Lyrae.
The ship itself wasn’t exactly fast, but it wasn’t slow either. For an Express class vessel, it maintained a somewhat steady pace as it soared towards the south gate, although the ship did have a unique turbulent look to it. Inside the ship itself, all manner of objects that wasn’t tied down were now alive and hopping about as the hull of the ship vibrated with strong impulses now that it was at full throttle.
‘How in hell did you survive the trip over I have no idea!’ Jarek shouted, amongst the banging of tools as they cluttered and crashed against each other.
‘I’m amazed as well Sir, it’s the first time in years that I’ve flown this out... You don’t normally see someone of my rank flying this, if you get my meaning Sir’, Said the Captain.
‘Well I’m just glad they rolled out the carpet...’ Jarek said, sarcastically.
‘I’ll need to have a few words with Chief Harkness when we arrive’ he continued, although mostly to himself this time.
Bella trudged her way through the oncoming space traffic, and made her final approach for clearance through the south gate. As it goes, the south gate in Earth’s system, even now, is the most heavily patrolled and watched gate known to the races. Despite four years of relative peace, security within the Sol system has been anything but lax. It sure did give Captain Harrison a fright when he presumed he could naturally go through the gate without prior clearance. He wasn’t used to these sort measures, but he was ready this time.
After a few moments, a computerised voice came through, if somewhat gargled on Bella’s comm. systems, instructing him to proceed with his flight path.
‘Captain Harrison, reporting as ordered, Sir!’ said the Captain.
‘At ease Captain’, replied the Commander.
‘Thank you Sir, if you follow me I’ll show you to your transport, Sir.’
Captain Harrison led the Commander towards the end of port B8, which was essentially a deck lounge attached to a large docking bay area. Alongside it was port B7 all the way to B1.
This was the western area of the station, and was the most busy since it handled all the commercial traffic as well as low-priority military traffic. Jarek assumed that he’d be taking the more secluded route, but didn’t mind in any case since he got a breathtaking view of Earth.
Port B section was renowned for having the best view of the station, since it contained a large oval shaped glass frame stretching from port B1 to port B9, making it a popular place for tourists and alike.
‘It’s just right at the end, Sir’, said the Captain as they reached the docking bay.
They passed numerous classes of ships as they walked along the metal framework. Some of them were huge hulking beasts; others were small freighters and some fighters, although generally most of the ships docked were indeed civilian.
‘How come you’re not stationed at port A captain?’, asked Jarek.
‘Couldn’t get clearance Sir’, replied the Captain. ‘Ah, here we are’ he said.
Jarek stopped short, eyeing up the ship that will be carrying him to his new assignment...
‘Something wrong, Sir?’ asked the Captain.
‘I was expecting something a bit more... new?’ he finally managed.
‘Ah, yes well we use her for short-range transports, she’s stationed at Akatosh herself, and so she’s been around for some time, if you get my meaning, Sir.’
‘I believe I do.., you first Captain’ said Jarek.
It was an Express class ship, civilian produced but modified slightly for military transports. It didn’t have much of its original paintwork, nor did it look like the kind of ship you could resell. Even a blind Teladi would have second thoughts about this one. Unless you love rust as a paint finish along with modified repair patchwork that keeps the ship together, it could be sellable.
‘Sorry about the mess Sir,’ said Harrison as the Commander fumbled his way into the ship. ‘Probably not the kind of treatment you were expecting’ he added as the Commander was trying to negotiate a passage passed several large containers, loose mechanical objects and a odd looking device in-which he didn’t want to ascertain its purpose.
As Jarek managed to clear a seat in the back, he gave a stern look towards Captain Harrison as he turned to see if the Commander was seated.
‘Sorry Sir, we were ferrying equipment for Engineering and the boys haven’t collected their gear yet’, said the Captain.
‘Who’s your deck Chief, Captain?’ asked the Commander.
The Captain was already facing ahead when the question came, which is just as well because he flinched, knowing that someone was about to get grilled...
‘That would be Chief Harkness, Sir’ replied the Captain.
‘Hope he doesn’t insure that all the other ships are in a similar condition?-‘, ‘-No Sir, just we’ve been quite busy lately with the repairs and that’, said the captain.
‘Ok Sir, sit tight while I get Bella started up’, he continued.
‘Bella?’ asked Jarek.
‘Designation for this bucket of bolts, Sir’, came the reply.
After some false starts and a shaky undocking that Commander Jarek won’t soon forget, Bella was on her way to the Federation Argon Shipyard of Omicron Lyrae.
The ship itself wasn’t exactly fast, but it wasn’t slow either. For an Express class vessel, it maintained a somewhat steady pace as it soared towards the south gate, although the ship did have a unique turbulent look to it. Inside the ship itself, all manner of objects that wasn’t tied down were now alive and hopping about as the hull of the ship vibrated with strong impulses now that it was at full throttle.
‘How in hell did you survive the trip over I have no idea!’ Jarek shouted, amongst the banging of tools as they cluttered and crashed against each other.
‘I’m amazed as well Sir, it’s the first time in years that I’ve flown this out... You don’t normally see someone of my rank flying this, if you get my meaning Sir’, Said the Captain.
‘Well I’m just glad they rolled out the carpet...’ Jarek said, sarcastically.
‘I’ll need to have a few words with Chief Harkness when we arrive’ he continued, although mostly to himself this time.
Bella trudged her way through the oncoming space traffic, and made her final approach for clearance through the south gate. As it goes, the south gate in Earth’s system, even now, is the most heavily patrolled and watched gate known to the races. Despite four years of relative peace, security within the Sol system has been anything but lax. It sure did give Captain Harrison a fright when he presumed he could naturally go through the gate without prior clearance. He wasn’t used to these sort measures, but he was ready this time.
After a few moments, a computerised voice came through, if somewhat gargled on Bella’s comm. systems, instructing him to proceed with his flight path.
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hierax
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Sun, 25. Sep 05, 13:54
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Xydonus
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun, 13. Sep 09, 07:40
Yes, sorry, my fault.. well I've been busy, didn't realise its been a week though!hierax wrote:Erm....it's been at least a week....
you must continue....
you had better continue......
if you don't continue......
okay just one more chapter
I do plan to continue and to finish it, its a long one as well, least what I have planned for it. Sorry for delay
... will get the next parts up ASAP.-
Xydonus
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun, 13. Sep 09, 07:40
Chapter II - The Exchange - Part IV
‘What’s the ETA Captain?’ asked Jarek.
‘1 Stazura Sir at our current speed, although I could go fas-‘, ‘-No! I mean, its fine as it is’ Jarek interrupted, realising it was chaotic enough at its current speed.
He was hoping for at least some rack time during the trip over, but figured with everything rattling about along with the hull sulking and groaning, it wasn’t very likely.
He decided in the end to put his feet up on what seemed to be a rather bulky tool box, it was the most comfortable position he’s going to get, he surmised.
Jarek took a glance over at the Captain who was busy fiddling around with Bella’s instruments. He rarely ever got to meet an Argon, the only times he saw any aliens was at the diplomatic parties, although he often isolated himself from the coronation.
He was impressed though how the Captain maintained a level of professionalism. He also noticed how similar the military protocols were between them. Still, in his mind he just couldn’t get over how similar they looked in appearance, and for whatever reason it made him somewhat uncomfortable.
Captain Harrison turned around, causing the Commander to lose his focus.
‘Here you go Sir’, said Harrison, as he reached over towards Jarek.
‘What’s this?’ queried Jarek.
‘Encrypted data disk on Akatosh, Sir’ replied Harrison.
Jarek took a small oval disc from the Captain.
‘Well I didn’t carry a portable with me’ said Jarek.
‘See that wall panel, Sir? Just beside you there...’
‘This?’ asked Jarek, as he gripped a small handle that was protruding from the wall.
‘Yes, just pull that out...’
‘Ah, yes, well Bella has her charms then’ Jarek said, as his face lit up at the thought of having something to read on the way.
‘Don’t get your hopes up Sir; I have no idea if that works’ Captain said, without turning around as he adjusted Bella’s course.
What he had pulled out was a small computer that’s attached to the inner wall itself. It was nothing fancy, and if anything it was quite outdated. It featured a small 12 inch display screen with a data input command interface. At least it was touch screen, Jarek said to himself, as he inserted the disk and tapped the appropriate command to load the data.
After a few seconds, a prompt message came up, asking him to input a command authorisation key...
‘Captain’...
‘Yes Sir?’ replied Harrison.
‘What’s this command key it’s asking’, he said.
Harrison turned around slightly, and a forgetful expression came across his face, then... ‘Ah... it’s C109B2, sorry about that Sir’ Harrison said, as he turned back.
‘That’s fine, so you have access to this?’ Jarek inputted the key quickly before it left his memory.
‘It’s just been encrypted due sensitive data about the ship being offloaded, Sir. It’s not exactly classified information or anything. Commander Hogan wanted to be sure that you were updated regarding Akatosh’s repair schedule along with its crew manifest, Sir’ said the Captain.
‘I see, well least I’ll be busy’ said Jarek.
‘I assumed you’d be up on the know-how anyhow, Sir?’ Harrison enquired, although slightly cautiously.
‘Afraid not, just the small details’ replied Jarek absently as he peered closer at the ships manifest and miscellaneous reports.
Jarek’s eyebrows did a few raises as he went through the data. He was most surprised at the seemingly endless damage reports, malfunctions and requests from the engineering department for some major spare parts.
Jarek knew the ship was in bad shape, but he didn’t realise it was this bad. There were potential hull breaches all over the ship. There was a massive fissure in the aft engineering deck that still needs patching. Half the crew compartments were shut down for maintenance... crew manifest lists 68 personal on board, way below the standard recommended crew for a Colossus class ship.
Bastards are probably having a right old laugh, he thought to himself. It’s that Admiral Dagova, he said to himself. She’s always had it in for me, he thought. This is my punishment... Command of a broken down argon ship, what an easy way to smooth the exchange program, he thought. No hassle, no worries...
‘I see... that most of your crew is currently absent’, Jarek said, while still reading the data.
‘Afraid so Sir’
‘Well... nothing here about the absent crew’, enquired Jarek.
‘Hmm, well that’s due to the reassignments Sir. I’m scheduled to get a reassignment myself’, Harrison replied.
‘... Great’, said Jarek, letting out a deep sigh.
‘Well, most of the crew are vets, you see. Nobody new gets assigned to the Akatosh, Sir. The old girl has been in service as long as I can remember. It’s had several refits and I believe this is the last time it will be in dry-dock, after that, well...’
‘You mind me asking about your CO’, asked Jarek.
‘Commander Hogan? Not much to tell, other than that he’s one of the Federations most decorated Fleet Commanders, a veteran of the Xenon conflict’,...‘He fought alongside Kyle Brennan, at Brennan’s Triumph’, The Captain turned to face the Commander as he said this, smiling slightly, and turning back after getting a simple nod from Jarek.
‘Sounds like a remarkable man’ said Jarek.
‘Indeed he is Sir, been an honour to serve under him... and it will be an honour to server under you, Sir’, the Captain quickly added.
Jarek didn’t respond, instead, he turned the data comp. off and shoved it back into the wall panel. He folded his arms, removed his boots, and closed his eyes...
Might as well try to get some rest, after all... I’m in for one hell of a headache, he said to himself...
‘What’s the ETA Captain?’ asked Jarek.
‘1 Stazura Sir at our current speed, although I could go fas-‘, ‘-No! I mean, its fine as it is’ Jarek interrupted, realising it was chaotic enough at its current speed.
He was hoping for at least some rack time during the trip over, but figured with everything rattling about along with the hull sulking and groaning, it wasn’t very likely.
He decided in the end to put his feet up on what seemed to be a rather bulky tool box, it was the most comfortable position he’s going to get, he surmised.
Jarek took a glance over at the Captain who was busy fiddling around with Bella’s instruments. He rarely ever got to meet an Argon, the only times he saw any aliens was at the diplomatic parties, although he often isolated himself from the coronation.
He was impressed though how the Captain maintained a level of professionalism. He also noticed how similar the military protocols were between them. Still, in his mind he just couldn’t get over how similar they looked in appearance, and for whatever reason it made him somewhat uncomfortable.
Captain Harrison turned around, causing the Commander to lose his focus.
‘Here you go Sir’, said Harrison, as he reached over towards Jarek.
‘What’s this?’ queried Jarek.
‘Encrypted data disk on Akatosh, Sir’ replied Harrison.
Jarek took a small oval disc from the Captain.
‘Well I didn’t carry a portable with me’ said Jarek.
‘See that wall panel, Sir? Just beside you there...’
‘This?’ asked Jarek, as he gripped a small handle that was protruding from the wall.
‘Yes, just pull that out...’
‘Ah, yes, well Bella has her charms then’ Jarek said, as his face lit up at the thought of having something to read on the way.
‘Don’t get your hopes up Sir; I have no idea if that works’ Captain said, without turning around as he adjusted Bella’s course.
What he had pulled out was a small computer that’s attached to the inner wall itself. It was nothing fancy, and if anything it was quite outdated. It featured a small 12 inch display screen with a data input command interface. At least it was touch screen, Jarek said to himself, as he inserted the disk and tapped the appropriate command to load the data.
After a few seconds, a prompt message came up, asking him to input a command authorisation key...
‘Captain’...
‘Yes Sir?’ replied Harrison.
‘What’s this command key it’s asking’, he said.
Harrison turned around slightly, and a forgetful expression came across his face, then... ‘Ah... it’s C109B2, sorry about that Sir’ Harrison said, as he turned back.
‘That’s fine, so you have access to this?’ Jarek inputted the key quickly before it left his memory.
‘It’s just been encrypted due sensitive data about the ship being offloaded, Sir. It’s not exactly classified information or anything. Commander Hogan wanted to be sure that you were updated regarding Akatosh’s repair schedule along with its crew manifest, Sir’ said the Captain.
‘I see, well least I’ll be busy’ said Jarek.
‘I assumed you’d be up on the know-how anyhow, Sir?’ Harrison enquired, although slightly cautiously.
‘Afraid not, just the small details’ replied Jarek absently as he peered closer at the ships manifest and miscellaneous reports.
Jarek’s eyebrows did a few raises as he went through the data. He was most surprised at the seemingly endless damage reports, malfunctions and requests from the engineering department for some major spare parts.
Jarek knew the ship was in bad shape, but he didn’t realise it was this bad. There were potential hull breaches all over the ship. There was a massive fissure in the aft engineering deck that still needs patching. Half the crew compartments were shut down for maintenance... crew manifest lists 68 personal on board, way below the standard recommended crew for a Colossus class ship.
Bastards are probably having a right old laugh, he thought to himself. It’s that Admiral Dagova, he said to himself. She’s always had it in for me, he thought. This is my punishment... Command of a broken down argon ship, what an easy way to smooth the exchange program, he thought. No hassle, no worries...
‘I see... that most of your crew is currently absent’, Jarek said, while still reading the data.
‘Afraid so Sir’
‘Well... nothing here about the absent crew’, enquired Jarek.
‘Hmm, well that’s due to the reassignments Sir. I’m scheduled to get a reassignment myself’, Harrison replied.
‘... Great’, said Jarek, letting out a deep sigh.
‘Well, most of the crew are vets, you see. Nobody new gets assigned to the Akatosh, Sir. The old girl has been in service as long as I can remember. It’s had several refits and I believe this is the last time it will be in dry-dock, after that, well...’
‘You mind me asking about your CO’, asked Jarek.
‘Commander Hogan? Not much to tell, other than that he’s one of the Federations most decorated Fleet Commanders, a veteran of the Xenon conflict’,...‘He fought alongside Kyle Brennan, at Brennan’s Triumph’, The Captain turned to face the Commander as he said this, smiling slightly, and turning back after getting a simple nod from Jarek.
‘Sounds like a remarkable man’ said Jarek.
‘Indeed he is Sir, been an honour to serve under him... and it will be an honour to server under you, Sir’, the Captain quickly added.
Jarek didn’t respond, instead, he turned the data comp. off and shoved it back into the wall panel. He folded his arms, removed his boots, and closed his eyes...
Might as well try to get some rest, after all... I’m in for one hell of a headache, he said to himself...
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hierax
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Sun, 25. Sep 05, 13:54
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Xydonus
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun, 13. Sep 09, 07:40
I know there has been considerate amount of delay between each part, but I havn't had the time or opportunity to write as much as I wanted too, now I do, and should be able to continue with follow-ups more promptly.
Chapter III – Sentient
Argon Prime - Home planet of the Argon race who are themselves descendents from the trapped fleet Nathan R. Gunne led into the area known as X. Now, hundreds of years later a powerful democratic Federation that spreads over several systems has grown and matured into a respectable force, which most races tend to acknowledge from a distance. At present, the Federation is officially in a cordial relationship with the powerful Terrans. Because of this, the Argons are more powerful than they’ve ever been in the last few years. As part of their new relationship, the Federation’s highest command has deemed it necessary to reveal some closely guarded secrets with the Terrans that only the Argon and the Boron have previously known.
On Argon Prime, located on the outskirts of Delphi, a prosperous Argon city, lays the military compound known as Haven’s Yard. Used by High Command for classified meetings and only maintaining a small garrison of marines, Haven’s Yard is perhaps not the most well guarded of bases but certainly is one of the most secluded and less known locations within the Federation. It’s commonly used for quick-fire meetings, as the term goes within the Federation command, and it’s at one of these meetings in which a particular secret is now being revealed to the Terrans...
‘So you’re saying it’s alive?’
‘Technically that’s not the case, but we’ve established communication with it in a way, and from what we can tell it’s not following standard programming protocol that we’ve seen in others’.
‘Which means exactly what?’
‘It means it has broken free from its programming routine and evolved outside its parameters.’
A strange silence suddenly fell upon the room as the words settled into the minds of those who were unfamiliar with such news.
The Terran Ambassador and his military adviser quickly exchanged whispers amongst each other while apparently being oblivious to their hosts. Within the room itself, four individuals set apart from one another. A Terran Ambassador to the Argon Federation by the name of Laurence Hank and his military aid Arthur Philae, a semi-retired colonel, who were sitting opposite their hosts, the Argon Minister for Internal Affairs and Vice-Admiral Hagosha. Only a quaint coffee table in the middle separated them apart.
The room in which they resided in was quite small for its supposed purpose as a meeting point; however the quality of the room was spared no expense. With leather bounded chairs, several top quality bookcases containing an intellectual’s paradise of literature and a beverage bar to keep guests merry and up-beat, it was a far cry from your average meeting room since it was more of a casual lounge, which suited politicians and top brass alike. However the current occupants of the room didn’t feel the need for a quick drink or two, and instead were more tied up in discussion.
‘Have you just discovered the one then?’, came the abrupt question from the Terran diplomat, after converging with his aid.
‘Just the one, however there is rumoured intelligence that the Split may have one in their possession’, said the Minister.
‘While we don’t rely on “rumours” we are inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to this particular sources’, Said Hagosha.
‘I really fail to see the issue here’, said Laurence, sitting up-right for once in his chair and folding his arms, ‘This is what you wanted to inform us? What’s the big deal about a broken down machine, and how old did you say this was?’
The Minister looked sideways at the Admiral and made brief eye-contact, ‘can’t be sure but it’s possibly 6 to 8 years old, maybe more, maybe less’ the Admiral stated.
‘You sure it’s of Xenon origin?’ enquired the Terran Colonel.
‘Most definitely’, continued the Admiral.
‘How can you be so sure, has it got markings of any kind? As you said earlier-’
‘-It said it was of Xenon origin’, Said Hagosha, interrupting the Colonel.
‘So what’s the problem then?’ enquired Laurence.
‘It spoke?’ asked the Colonel.
The Minister let out a barely audible sigh, although Laurence picked it up...
‘The problem is that we found this machine drifting in space around 4 Jazura's ago, near Argon Prime in a dust field used by smugglers to avoid the gate patrols. We believe it was originally in a ship, which must’ve gotten attacked by some pirates, but we can’t be sure...’
‘Go on’.
‘Well’, continued the Minister, ‘an Argon patrol came upon the machine, and quickly scooped it up. We got wind of it when it was discovered the machine may be of Xenon origin, but of a design we didn’t recognise. It had a unusual mouth-piece for starters, and almost looked humanoid in design, although lacking the skin and of course other features. Our boys couldn’t get their heads around it. A debate whether it was Xenon or not raged on and we eventually considered it must be Xenon, due to the lack of technology on our part or anyone else’s in mechanical engineering on this scale... Then we were left with another puzzle... its purpose and design’.
‘Could it simply be an infiltration unit?’ said Laurence.
‘If you seen this thing, you’d laugh at the idea of it being an infiltrator’ said the Admiral.
‘Rugged and ugly as a Split, I take it?’ said the Colonel, who caught on quick.
‘Exactly that’, replied the Admiral.
‘However, we now know its purpose and its mission, and that’s the issue here, the problem so to speak’, the Minister said, gaining the attention of his guests.
‘Which is exactly what?’ asked the Diplomat Laurence, leaning forward.
‘Admiral, if you would be so kind as to inform’ said the Minister, leaning back.
‘Very well, six days ago, it became activated. How or why, we don’t know. Our tech-heads have left it rusting away in a secure location making it likely that it probably repaired itself somehow, or became activated through some other means. What it has revealed however, is most interesting...’
The Admiral reached out for a glass of water that was sitting on the table, taking a few sips to clear her throat, and then slowly putting it back down. She certainly knew how to keep the suspense.
Few seconds past...
‘Well?’ said Laurence, staring with wide-eyes at the Admiral.
‘O yes, sorry... lost my train of thought... The machine itself was designed as a diplomatic unit of some sort, we believe the Xenon was experimenting with the idea and this was a prototype, considering if there were more of them, we’d know about it. Its message wasn’t complete, and it couldn’t relay it to us through its voice-bank as it was corrupted.
‘However, its activation allowed us to delve into its memory core and we were able to extract parts of the message we were meant to receive, allowing us to...-‘
‘-Wait, how exactly do you know the message was meant for you?’ enquired the Colonel.
‘Simple, it was addressed to us, in the message’ said Hagosha, smiling.
‘How strange, so unlike the Xenon..., do go on’ the Colonel replied.
The Admiral reached into the pocket of her uniform, and pulled out a small thin data-pad, and reached for her glass’s that were resting upon the table. Upon activating the data-pad, she looked up towards the two opposite of her.
‘Colonel Philae and Ambassador Hank, I must inform you that the message I’m about to read has been classified as Top Secret. As you are aware, the Minister has granted you temporary TS access so that you may inform your government of the details regarding this meeting, and that you shall not reveal the details of this message to anyone other than the assigned target of USC High-Admiralty and USC Supreme Commander.
‘Failure to abide by this will result in your diplomatic immunity to be compromised. Do you agree to abide by the terms set by our government’s confidentiality agreement?’
‘We do’, replied Laurence, now fully aware of how deep the hole he’s in. Terran Ambassador to the Argon Federation given top level access, o how he wished he skipped this one he thought. The Colonel however, while not showing it in his appearance, was rather enjoying this.
‘Right, now the formality of that is out of the way... the message is as follows...’
Chapter III – Sentient
Argon Prime - Home planet of the Argon race who are themselves descendents from the trapped fleet Nathan R. Gunne led into the area known as X. Now, hundreds of years later a powerful democratic Federation that spreads over several systems has grown and matured into a respectable force, which most races tend to acknowledge from a distance. At present, the Federation is officially in a cordial relationship with the powerful Terrans. Because of this, the Argons are more powerful than they’ve ever been in the last few years. As part of their new relationship, the Federation’s highest command has deemed it necessary to reveal some closely guarded secrets with the Terrans that only the Argon and the Boron have previously known.
On Argon Prime, located on the outskirts of Delphi, a prosperous Argon city, lays the military compound known as Haven’s Yard. Used by High Command for classified meetings and only maintaining a small garrison of marines, Haven’s Yard is perhaps not the most well guarded of bases but certainly is one of the most secluded and less known locations within the Federation. It’s commonly used for quick-fire meetings, as the term goes within the Federation command, and it’s at one of these meetings in which a particular secret is now being revealed to the Terrans...
‘So you’re saying it’s alive?’
‘Technically that’s not the case, but we’ve established communication with it in a way, and from what we can tell it’s not following standard programming protocol that we’ve seen in others’.
‘Which means exactly what?’
‘It means it has broken free from its programming routine and evolved outside its parameters.’
A strange silence suddenly fell upon the room as the words settled into the minds of those who were unfamiliar with such news.
The Terran Ambassador and his military adviser quickly exchanged whispers amongst each other while apparently being oblivious to their hosts. Within the room itself, four individuals set apart from one another. A Terran Ambassador to the Argon Federation by the name of Laurence Hank and his military aid Arthur Philae, a semi-retired colonel, who were sitting opposite their hosts, the Argon Minister for Internal Affairs and Vice-Admiral Hagosha. Only a quaint coffee table in the middle separated them apart.
The room in which they resided in was quite small for its supposed purpose as a meeting point; however the quality of the room was spared no expense. With leather bounded chairs, several top quality bookcases containing an intellectual’s paradise of literature and a beverage bar to keep guests merry and up-beat, it was a far cry from your average meeting room since it was more of a casual lounge, which suited politicians and top brass alike. However the current occupants of the room didn’t feel the need for a quick drink or two, and instead were more tied up in discussion.
‘Have you just discovered the one then?’, came the abrupt question from the Terran diplomat, after converging with his aid.
‘Just the one, however there is rumoured intelligence that the Split may have one in their possession’, said the Minister.
‘While we don’t rely on “rumours” we are inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to this particular sources’, Said Hagosha.
‘I really fail to see the issue here’, said Laurence, sitting up-right for once in his chair and folding his arms, ‘This is what you wanted to inform us? What’s the big deal about a broken down machine, and how old did you say this was?’
The Minister looked sideways at the Admiral and made brief eye-contact, ‘can’t be sure but it’s possibly 6 to 8 years old, maybe more, maybe less’ the Admiral stated.
‘You sure it’s of Xenon origin?’ enquired the Terran Colonel.
‘Most definitely’, continued the Admiral.
‘How can you be so sure, has it got markings of any kind? As you said earlier-’
‘-It said it was of Xenon origin’, Said Hagosha, interrupting the Colonel.
‘So what’s the problem then?’ enquired Laurence.
‘It spoke?’ asked the Colonel.
The Minister let out a barely audible sigh, although Laurence picked it up...
‘The problem is that we found this machine drifting in space around 4 Jazura's ago, near Argon Prime in a dust field used by smugglers to avoid the gate patrols. We believe it was originally in a ship, which must’ve gotten attacked by some pirates, but we can’t be sure...’
‘Go on’.
‘Well’, continued the Minister, ‘an Argon patrol came upon the machine, and quickly scooped it up. We got wind of it when it was discovered the machine may be of Xenon origin, but of a design we didn’t recognise. It had a unusual mouth-piece for starters, and almost looked humanoid in design, although lacking the skin and of course other features. Our boys couldn’t get their heads around it. A debate whether it was Xenon or not raged on and we eventually considered it must be Xenon, due to the lack of technology on our part or anyone else’s in mechanical engineering on this scale... Then we were left with another puzzle... its purpose and design’.
‘Could it simply be an infiltration unit?’ said Laurence.
‘If you seen this thing, you’d laugh at the idea of it being an infiltrator’ said the Admiral.
‘Rugged and ugly as a Split, I take it?’ said the Colonel, who caught on quick.
‘Exactly that’, replied the Admiral.
‘However, we now know its purpose and its mission, and that’s the issue here, the problem so to speak’, the Minister said, gaining the attention of his guests.
‘Which is exactly what?’ asked the Diplomat Laurence, leaning forward.
‘Admiral, if you would be so kind as to inform’ said the Minister, leaning back.
‘Very well, six days ago, it became activated. How or why, we don’t know. Our tech-heads have left it rusting away in a secure location making it likely that it probably repaired itself somehow, or became activated through some other means. What it has revealed however, is most interesting...’
The Admiral reached out for a glass of water that was sitting on the table, taking a few sips to clear her throat, and then slowly putting it back down. She certainly knew how to keep the suspense.
Few seconds past...
‘Well?’ said Laurence, staring with wide-eyes at the Admiral.
‘O yes, sorry... lost my train of thought... The machine itself was designed as a diplomatic unit of some sort, we believe the Xenon was experimenting with the idea and this was a prototype, considering if there were more of them, we’d know about it. Its message wasn’t complete, and it couldn’t relay it to us through its voice-bank as it was corrupted.
‘However, its activation allowed us to delve into its memory core and we were able to extract parts of the message we were meant to receive, allowing us to...-‘
‘-Wait, how exactly do you know the message was meant for you?’ enquired the Colonel.
‘Simple, it was addressed to us, in the message’ said Hagosha, smiling.
‘How strange, so unlike the Xenon..., do go on’ the Colonel replied.
The Admiral reached into the pocket of her uniform, and pulled out a small thin data-pad, and reached for her glass’s that were resting upon the table. Upon activating the data-pad, she looked up towards the two opposite of her.
‘Colonel Philae and Ambassador Hank, I must inform you that the message I’m about to read has been classified as Top Secret. As you are aware, the Minister has granted you temporary TS access so that you may inform your government of the details regarding this meeting, and that you shall not reveal the details of this message to anyone other than the assigned target of USC High-Admiralty and USC Supreme Commander.
‘Failure to abide by this will result in your diplomatic immunity to be compromised. Do you agree to abide by the terms set by our government’s confidentiality agreement?’
‘We do’, replied Laurence, now fully aware of how deep the hole he’s in. Terran Ambassador to the Argon Federation given top level access, o how he wished he skipped this one he thought. The Colonel however, while not showing it in his appearance, was rather enjoying this.
‘Right, now the formality of that is out of the way... the message is as follows...’
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Xydonus
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun, 13. Sep 09, 07:40
Chapter IV – Relics Forgotten – Part I
Omicron Lyrae... One of the Argon Federations most industrious and important strategic sectors on the eastern edge of argon space, perhaps even more important now due to the close proximity of Earth.
It serves as a major drop-off point and resupply area for both USC and Federation forces as well as a political meeting point for top brass. Security has been beefed up within Lyrae now that the USC are taking an interest.
Most of the additional security actually comes from the Terran high command as they are currently building their own shipyard within Argon territory, a first if not bold step towards improving Argon and Terran relations and cementing the alliance.
Indeed a lot has changed within Lyrae, but for Jarek, it’s all new to him. As the express class ship Bella made her way towards the Federal shipyard in Lyrae, a rather tired and weary Jarek let out a yawn and a mid-stretch as he stared amongst the ships rumbling.
‘ETA 8 Mizura’s Commander’, Harrison said as he heard the crash of a toolbox and the yelp of someone hurting their foot...
Jarek approached the bow of the ship and sat down next to Harrison after clearing away some miscellaneous junk. He squinted as he peered through the forward window with a seemingly curious and eager manner as Bella approached the Omicron Lyrae shipyard.
‘Which one is she Captain?’ asked Jarek.
‘One with the massive hull breach on the port side, Sir...’ replied Harrison.
‘Ah, I see’ said Jarek. You could almost feel his heart drop.
‘It’s not as bad as it looks, Sir’, Harrison said, trying to reassure the Commander that his career isn’t just over yet.
Jarek took a glance towards the Captain with an expression that would more or less mock Harrison’s latter statement. Harrison didn’t notice.
‘This is Captain Richard Harrison requesting docking permission with YC-A 255, Over’, said Harrison over the com system.
Few seconds pass. Harrison proceeds to pull back the throttle and slows down Bella as they get within a few kilometres of the militarised perimeter zone.
‘Akatosh reads you, send clearance, over’ came the gargled reply through Bella’s com system.
‘Code Alpha Niner Echo, designation Bellatrix YE-B 5326, Over’, said Harrison.
‘That’s a copy, proceed to land at bay 53c, Starboard, watch out for the flaps, Over and Out’, came the reply from the dock master.
‘Flaps...?’, asked a worried Jarek.
‘Few problems with the hydraulics on the bay doors, nothing I can’t handle’, Harrison replied.
‘Well at least I can say procedures haven’t been neglected, just hope it’s not the only thing I’ll be impressed with upon my inspection.’
‘She tends to grow on you, Sir’, said Harrison.
‘She seems to be more interested in shrinking than growing, Captain...’
Omicron Lyrae... One of the Argon Federations most industrious and important strategic sectors on the eastern edge of argon space, perhaps even more important now due to the close proximity of Earth.
It serves as a major drop-off point and resupply area for both USC and Federation forces as well as a political meeting point for top brass. Security has been beefed up within Lyrae now that the USC are taking an interest.
Most of the additional security actually comes from the Terran high command as they are currently building their own shipyard within Argon territory, a first if not bold step towards improving Argon and Terran relations and cementing the alliance.
Indeed a lot has changed within Lyrae, but for Jarek, it’s all new to him. As the express class ship Bella made her way towards the Federal shipyard in Lyrae, a rather tired and weary Jarek let out a yawn and a mid-stretch as he stared amongst the ships rumbling.
‘ETA 8 Mizura’s Commander’, Harrison said as he heard the crash of a toolbox and the yelp of someone hurting their foot...
Jarek approached the bow of the ship and sat down next to Harrison after clearing away some miscellaneous junk. He squinted as he peered through the forward window with a seemingly curious and eager manner as Bella approached the Omicron Lyrae shipyard.
‘Which one is she Captain?’ asked Jarek.
‘One with the massive hull breach on the port side, Sir...’ replied Harrison.
‘Ah, I see’ said Jarek. You could almost feel his heart drop.
‘It’s not as bad as it looks, Sir’, Harrison said, trying to reassure the Commander that his career isn’t just over yet.
Jarek took a glance towards the Captain with an expression that would more or less mock Harrison’s latter statement. Harrison didn’t notice.
‘This is Captain Richard Harrison requesting docking permission with YC-A 255, Over’, said Harrison over the com system.
Few seconds pass. Harrison proceeds to pull back the throttle and slows down Bella as they get within a few kilometres of the militarised perimeter zone.
‘Akatosh reads you, send clearance, over’ came the gargled reply through Bella’s com system.
‘Code Alpha Niner Echo, designation Bellatrix YE-B 5326, Over’, said Harrison.
‘That’s a copy, proceed to land at bay 53c, Starboard, watch out for the flaps, Over and Out’, came the reply from the dock master.
‘Flaps...?’, asked a worried Jarek.
‘Few problems with the hydraulics on the bay doors, nothing I can’t handle’, Harrison replied.
‘Well at least I can say procedures haven’t been neglected, just hope it’s not the only thing I’ll be impressed with upon my inspection.’
‘She tends to grow on you, Sir’, said Harrison.
‘She seems to be more interested in shrinking than growing, Captain...’
Last edited by Xydonus on Tue, 19. Oct 10, 02:43, edited 1 time in total.
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hierax
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Sun, 25. Sep 05, 13:54