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Preemptive Strike


Blades
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[Narrative On]

July 16 3004

Mission + 0 days 0 hrs 0 minutes

The bridge of the GCV Chikuma was alive with the hum of disciplined activity. Each bleep from a terminal, every softly spoken acknowledgement, even the low vibrations of drive assisted movement felt through the deck plates depicted a Starship bristling with experience and authority. ItÔÇÖs crew, from the recently assigned Commander Stone down through the ranks to crewman Jones in recycling, were of a breed high in demand, but short in supply anywhere in the known galaxy.

The Chikuma herself was a decorated ship, having seen combat in both the Credian and Gammulan sectors. Many times she had survived against all but impossible odds, defeating Gammulan Warmongers in the most recent hostilities, defending Grazer-1 during massed Insurgent aggression, even going behind enemy lines to assist the Falkerie underground in their war of liberation. Damaged, but not destroyed, beaten, but not defeated, the Chikuma was a symbol to all in the fleet that despite overwhelming adversity, the ideals that Galactic Command were founded on were as prominent now, as they were during itÔÇÖs inception a decade ago.

ÔÇ£Status report, Mr. Jensen.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir,ÔÇØ acknowledged the Flight Officer. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre coming up on the final patrol beacon. ETA twelve minutes, twenty four seconds at current velocity.ÔÇØ

Commander Stone nodded his approval. ÔÇ£Tactical update Mr. Graves.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Sir. TacOpÔÇÖs still registering negative on hostile contacts. Shields at 25%, PTA systems still disabled but engineering reports they will be fully operation by the time we finish our circuit.ÔÇØ

Stone frowned, and tapped impatiently on the command chairs armrest. ÔÇ£Mr. Reynolds, get Spencer back on the comm.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir,ÔÇØ replied Reynolds, turning away from his commander before an amused smile broke onto his boyish features. He dared a quick look up to Ailsa Strang, the navigation officer who occupied the terminal to the left of him. She beamed back the same amused smile he had become accustomed, before averting his eyes to prevent the smile breaking into a stifled laugh.

ÔÇ£Chief Spencer on the link for you, sir.ÔÇØ

Commander Stone quickly cleared his throat, before opening the channel through to engineering. ÔÇ£Mr. Spencer,ÔÇØ he began. ÔÇ£did you, or did you not promise to have the PTA systems back online within the hour?ÔÇØ

Before Chief Spencer had a chance to respond, Commander Stone thumbed the speaker button on his communication panel, and glanced down at his amused bridge officers.

ÔÇ£We, ah, that is I, Commander, have uh, well . . . . ÔÇ£

ÔÇ£Did you, or did you not promise to have the systems back online within the hour, Chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, yes sir. I did make you that promise.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Then explain to me,ÔÇØ started Stone, pushing himself up from his command chair and striding casually towards the flight officer. ÔÇ£why you havenÔÇÖt delivered on your promise?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£This happens all the time.ÔÇØ Said Jensen to the commander as he approached.

Stone shot her a mildly annoyed look, and brought a finger up to his lips in a silencing gesture. Jensen cringed at her unintentional fo par, and mouthed a silent apology back at him.

ÔÇ£Ah . . . ?ÔÇØ The tone of Chief Spencers voice was questioning. ÔÇ£Is there someone else there with you Commander?ÔÇØ

Stone turned on the spot and began striding back towards his command chair. ÔÇ£Explanations Mr. Spencer, not speculation.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, yes sir.ÔÇØ

The sound of Chief Spencer clearing his throat audibly echoed through the bridge as Stone retook his place in the command chair. ÔÇ£There have been some issues with one of the repair droids, sir.ÔÇØ

Stones face gave way to a smirk. ÔÇ£Issues, chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, yes sir. Issues.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£What kind of issues are we referring to, chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, technical issues, sir. It seems that one of the remotes manipulator arms has been, ah, disabled, sir.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Disabled, how?ÔÇØ enquired the Commander.

Silence from engineering.

ÔÇ£Chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, seems as if something has become lodged in the mechanism, sir.ÔÇØ

Stone snuggled back deeper into his command chair, and despite a breach in protocol, allowed his legs to stretch out outwards and cross at the heels in an undignified, yet comfortable position. ÔÇ£Describe to me, in the simplest form possible, exactly what this blockage in the mechanism is, chief.ÔÇØ

More silence from engineering.

ÔÇ£I wont ask you a second time, chief.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, yes sir. Just verifying, sir.ÔÇØ

More clearing of throat from Spencer in engineering. Stones smirk broke into a full on grin. This was going to be good.

ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs a poker chip, sir.ÔÇØ

Reynolds, who had so far been able to keep his amusement to a low giggle, spluttered into his hand and turned himself as far away from commander Stones view as possible. To the right of him at the navigation console, Ailsa too almost lost control of her sensibilities.

ÔÇ£A poker chip, chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir, a poker chip.ÔÇØ

Chief Spencer sounded almost sullen. At the very least, humiliated.

ÔÇ£How exactly did a poker chip end up clogging one of the repair drones, Chief Spencer?ÔÇØ

The Chief sighed into the communications microphone. ÔÇ£Seems that some of the lads on team three needed a new table in their bunkroom.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£New table, Chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes sir. Seems there old table was, um, damaged during some sort of disagreement with one the marines.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£I see. Continue . . .ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Well sir, seems as if team three decided to requisition one of the droids, and, ah . .ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Chief?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Well, use it as a base for the table. Sir.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very creative, chief.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£They thought so, sir.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£I bet.ÔÇØ The commander sighed, allowed himself one more stretch and then forced himself back into his normal sitting position.

ÔÇ£Ah, we almost got it free from the mechanism sir, and we should have the droid fully functional again shortly.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very good chief. And why not assign team three to assist on the PTA systems?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Team three, sir? I wouldnÔÇÖt trust them to open a can of beans. Besides, IÔÇÖve already got them working a double shift in waste extraction. Seems that systems has been backing up again recently.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, perfect chief. Once they finished there, get them down to Sgt. Diamonds office. IÔÇÖm sure heÔÇÖd be more than happy to give them a lecture in the evils of misappropriation.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, aye sir. IÔÇÖll see to it personally.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very good chief, bridge out.ÔÇØ

Despite the briefly entertaining interlude from normal operations, the ChikumaÔÇÖs primary mission continued without any further interruptions. The patrol circuit in the Sirius system was concluded, and Navigation officer Ailsa Strang competently inputted new coordinates into the navitron computer.

ÔÇ£Coordinates set for our next patrol, Commander.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Flight control confirms, sir.ÔÇØ

Stone looked over at his communications officer. ÔÇ£Mr. Reynolds?ÔÇØ

Reynolds turned to face his commander, and listening intently on his earpiece receiver, nodded to him. ÔÇ£Engineering reports propulsion systems at optimal efficiency.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Excellent.ÔÇØ Said Stone.

ÔÇ£Helm, put the ship on auto pilot. Mr. Graves?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Continue to monitor TacOps until we reach the jump gate.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir.ÔÇØ

Jensen swung round in her seat and looked up at the commander. ÔÇ£Autopilot on standby, sir. Ready to engage at your discretion.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very good helm. Engage.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir.ÔÇØ

Jensen surrendered manual helm control of the immense starship to the automated systems. Within moments, the ChikumaÔÇÖs engines fired up and brought the ship about to her pre programmed heading. Soon, the vessel would accelerate to remarkable speeds, await the charge of the hyperdrive engines and then lurch into an artificially created anomaly that would send ship and crew hurtling towards the outbound jump gate.

Marking the end of her current duty shift, she entered a brief log the ships flight activities, and then locked out access to her terminal.

Like Jensen, AilsaÔÇÖs duties were now also concluded, and she looked forward spending some time in her quarters, catching up on some reading and then hurrying down to the galley for her dinner date with crewman Samuels from engineering.

Unfortunately, combat officer Neena PolovoskiÔÇÖs duties were far from concluded. She had the dubious pleasure of escorting the terran diplomat and his daughter on a full tour of the ship. It occurred to her that she should probably change into dress uniform, or at the very least stop by her quarters for a quick shower. However, her shift wasnÔÇÖt due to end for another hour yet, and she had to brief Sgt. Diamond on the weeks duty roster before stopping by the diplomats quarters for the inspection tour. The diplomat was a stickler for promptness, and would probably be most displeased if she turned up late.

She could complete the briefing with Sgt. Diamond quickly, and still have time to grab a quick shower and get to the diplomats quarters in time, or skip the shower completely, or risk upsetting the diplomat for being a few minutes late. Maybe she could sneak off the bridge a few minutes early . . .

Stone sat back in his chair and observed as his flight and navigation officers rose from their stations and prepared to exit the bridge. ÔÇ£Have a good evening ladies.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Thank you, sirÔÇØ replied Jensen quickly. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre having a couple of drinks in the galley to celebrate marine Brocks birthday.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very good Jensen, have a quick drink for me.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, sir?ÔÇØ started Ailsa. ÔÇ£Are you remaining on station? Because if your not, IÔÇÖm sure youÔÇÖd be more than welcome.ÔÇØ

Stone smirked. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sure I would be, but IÔÇÖve got our next assignment to worry about right now. I think IÔÇÖll be here for a good while yet.ÔÇØ

Curiosity got the better of Jensen. ÔÇ£What exactly is our next assignment, commander?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Just another patrol duty in Varan.ÔÇØ

Jensen wasnÔÇÖt completely convinced by the tone of his voice. ÔÇ£Just, sir?ÔÇØ

Stone smiled at her. ÔÇ£Well, itÔÇÖs meant to be just a patrol mission, but I got a feeling this assignment might be more interesting that the orders would have us believe.ÔÇØ

Jensen smiled back at her C.O. ÔÇ£Really sir? Care to elaborate.ÔÇØ

The tip of AilsaÔÇÖs boot connected roughly at the base of her heel, informing her painfully of the breach of protocol.

Stone shook his head. ÔÇ£Nothing to elaborate on. Just a feeling Jensen, nothing more than that.ÔÇØ

Jensen nodded an acknowledgement at him. ÔÇ£Understood sir. Have a good evening.ÔÇØ

Stone smiled nodded back at them. ÔÇ£You too.ÔÇØ

With that, the two bridge officers briefly exchanged farewells with those that remained, then marched towards, and then through the bridge turbo life door.

ÔÇ£SheÔÇÖs got quite a mouth on her, doesnÔÇÖt she Mr. Reynolds?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Jensen, sir? Aye sir, quite a mouth.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£How did commander Soanes put up with that before his transfer?ÔÇØ

Reynolds beamed a smile back at the commander. ÔÇ£He, ah, had his ways, sir.ÔÇØ

Stone raised and eyebrow. ÔÇ£Really? Care to give me a hint?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Well,ÔÇØ began Reynolds, ÔÇ£you might want to try dating her.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Dating her?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes sir. Commander Soanes found that . . ÔÇ£

Stone shuffled uncomfortably in his chair. ÔÇ£Ahem, as you were Reynolds.ÔÇØ

The junior officer couldnÔÇÖt resist. ÔÇ£And itÔÇÖs obvious that sheÔÇÖs interested in you si-ÔÇ£

ÔÇ£As you were, Reynolds!ÔÇØ interrupted the commander, feigning annoyance.

Reynolds snapped to attendance. ÔÇ£Aye sir. Very sorry sir.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Glad to hear it. Now, donÔÇÖt you have a duty log to attend to?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes sir. Very good sir.ÔÇØ

Reynolds turned back to his station, and hastily began correlating the communications logs for his duty report. Commander Stone just turned in his seat and smirked.

The GCV Chikuma, following the flight path inputted into the navitron computer, glided like a silent shark through the vast depths of deep space. ItÔÇÖs advanced monitoring systems watched with complete indifference at the passage of other stella objects, from neutral transports to beautifully luminescent meteorites, arching there way towards their destinations. The off duty crew settled into the pleasant evening hours, relaxing in the galley with friends or reading personal correspondence, all the while completely oblivious to the challenges the next few days would bring them. Right now, they were a relaxed and happy crew, confident in their abilities, and happy with their new Commander. How the events of the next few days would shape them, few would dare to predict, and if things continued on the anticipated course, fewer still would survive.

Mission + 0 days 6 hrs 0 minutes

[Narrative Off]

*** Off you go gang. Try too keep it tidy.***

------------------

Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

PRIME Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#31927230

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[Narrative On]

July 16 3004

Mission + 0 days 0 hrs 0 minutes

"So this is how it begins" I said softly, the size of the flight deck was impressive. I cautiously stepped out of the shuttle that had brought me here. People filled the deck, flight engineers, system engineer, some marines here and there..wow, this was a big tin can!

"Medic Allen report to Medibay" a voice from my wristcom snapped me out of my dazed state.

"On my way Sir!" I replied.

[Narrative Off]

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[RP ON]

July 16th 3004

Mission +0 days 0 hrs 0 munute

"I found myself under a cloudy sky surrounded by miles after miles of junk. I'm starving. Haven't eaten anything since last night at the shelter. The aftermath of the Insurgent strike against Los Angeles left me alone in this cold world. God, why did this have to happen? My parents, sisters, all killed. I'm going to kill myself. It's The only way....I was nine years old"

I woke to the music of 20th century smooth jazz. Remebering little of the dream I just had. After all those years the despreation and guilt still hunts me. I had programmed my computer to wake me up with randomly selected jazz 50 minute before my shift. I got up lazyly as I asked the computer current status and location of our battle cruiser 'the Chikuma'. Having recently graduated from Galcom Flight school, it's my first tour aboard a battlecruiser. I'm still getting used to the daily routine and hussle aboard the 'Chikuma'. I showered, shaved, and changed into my flight suit. Still had a good 30 minute left. Plenty time to get some chow I thought to myself. I Double checked myself in the mirror before heading out the door.

I bumped straight into a medic. He looked angrily at me. I quickly apologized , since I'm new here I didn't want to make any enemies.

"Sorry, my bad" I glanced at his name tag. "Medic Allen".

"No problem." He grunted as he headed out toward medbay.

Damn, getting careless again. Hurriedly I begin walking toward the Galley.

[This message has been edited by SpacePhish (edited 08-18-99).]

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Flight Engineer Eric Stylan

Personal Log Entry

Mission + 0 days 0 hrs 0 minutes

[RP ON]

Log On

Long day. The trip up on the shuttle with the other crew replacements seemed to take forever, I guess that was just anticipation. Should have taken a nap, but a couple of sys-eng and a medic started a card game.

Damn! I hate dealer's choice. I was up about a month's on pay on draw, then the game switched to 7-card stud. Oh well, I still managed to come out a few credits ahead, so I shouldn't complain. Not like that medic, he's gonna have to take out a loan to buy breakfast. I'd swear there was something fishy with those two sys-eng, but I couldn't spot anything that would make an accusation of cheating stick. Besides, didn't want to get off on the wrong foot on my first day aboard.

The actual arrival aboard the GCV Chikuma was a bit of a let down. Seemed to be a good size welcoming committee in the shuttle bay, the Commander and most of the officers and pilots were there. But they weren't waiting for us. The Commander barely glanced and nodded toward our shuttle before turning back to a conversation he was having with some stiff shirt. The Combat Officer came over and announced herself, glanced at a readout, looked at me and said, "Stylan, you're one of mine. Go down to IC Bay 3 and you'll find crew leader Harrison, he'll get you situated. Any questions?" I could tell from her tone that I wasn't supposed to have any, so of course, I didn't. She got a polite, "No sir," and the practice from the poker game kept me from even sub-vocalizing the "sorry to have interrupted your day..." Then she was gone, back over to the group by the Commander and whoever that high mucky-muck is. Funny, though, she spent a lot more time looking at the Commander than at the VIP. Of course, I could have spent a lot more time looking at her, too.

Harrison seems to be an OK guy. He's sticking me on-shift with himself for a few days before shuffling me off to work with one of the other crew dogs. He certianly seems to knows his stuff. Before he took me to the personnel quarters, I watched him do a boresight alignment by eye-ball on IC-3's lasers. When he brought up the D&T, the pipper was perfect to three decimal places. Hell, I rarely get it that close on a first try with the full diagnostic suite. Maybe he was just lucky, but I doubt it.

Personnel quarters are personnel quarters. I got my stuff stowed, then Harrison took me on quick tour of the Chikuma. The layout was familiar, so we called a knock-off when we got to the galley. We shot the bull awhile, then Harrison noticed me nodding off. He told me to get some sack time and be on his flight deck at 0500.

I did manage get a message off to Mom, like I'd promised myself. Now if I can just keep doing it more than once every six months maybe she won't be so worried about me.

Log Off

----------------------------

Message received by M. Catrina Stylna, New Chicago, Earth.

100010101010100100010101010100

CLEARED FOR TRANSMISSION BY GALCOM COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY DIRECTORATE ONE (GCSD1)

Hi Mom

I'm fine. How's everybody at home?

Got my new ship assignment. Right now I'm on the [CENSORED GCSD1].

I left [CENSORED GCSD1] on [CENSORED GCSD1], and probably won't [CENSORED GCSD1].

I'm assigned to [CENSORED GCSD1]. The job [CENSORED GCSD1], but [CENSORED GCSD1] and [CENSORED GCSD1].

We really don't [CENSORED GCSD1], so I'll [CENSORED GCSD1].

Love

Eric

END TRANSMISSION

100010101010100100010101010100

GALCOM COMMUNICATIONS -- Making sure your message get's through loud and clear.

[RP OFF]

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[Narrative On]

July 17 3004

Mission + 0 days 11 hrs 32 minutes

Commanders Personal Log

ItÔÇÖs late, the day has been long and IÔÇÖm looking forward to getting some real sleep tonight. I left the bridge about an hour ago, leaving the duty officer to hold down the fort while I returned to my cabin and continued pouring over the new assignment details. I spent an age there, reading the decoded text from top to bottom, looking for something between the lines that might explain the sense of trepidation thatÔÇÖs wracked my brain with doubt. However, four hours later and a headache thatÔÇÖs driving me to distraction and still nothing different. Just another hot patrol in Varan. No clues to be found here, at least not tonight. IÔÇÖll pick this up in the morning . . . .

On a lighter note, the crew seem to have taken to my command fairly easily. I wasnÔÇÖt expecting the usual transition difficulties as on a normal reassignment, since the crew is about as experienced as they come and have had their fair share of new commanders.

Still, in the three weeks IÔÇÖve been assigned here, IÔÇÖve managed to suss out the general mood of the ship. Somewhat more casual than you may expect on a military vessel, but thatÔÇÖs more to do with the sense of community and fellowship that resonates throughout the ranks. The bridge crew especially seem to have a well rehearsed rapport.

I find myself looking forward to every new shift, just to experience round after round of their casual banter. IÔÇÖve even found myself joining in with them, taking a few moments out of the day to antagonize Chief Spencer in engineering.

Sigh . . .

This is a good ship, a fine crew. I almost feel at home here.

I just wish I had been assigned to the GCV Mayfair instead. It would have been better, and easier for everyone concerned.

Especially for this ship and her crew. IÔÇÖm almost praying for an abort.

Almost . . . .

End log.

Mission + 0 days 11 hours 35 minutes

[Narrative Off]

------------------

Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

PRIME Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#31927230

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[rp]

Mission + 0 days 0 hours .5 minutes

"Arnold get your arse over here!" I heard the Chief yell after the Commander finished reaming his arse for not having the Chikuma's systems 100% and on-line when he had promised. The rest of the System Engineers on repair detail gave me the 'your in for it now' look as I di-di-moa'd over and reported to the Chief. "SE Arnold reporting Sir!" I said to the Chief. "Get over to a terminal and start performing a complete system diagnostic on...," the Chief said to me, "...oh, hell. Here is a list. Get them done ASAP and report back to me for further instructions." I took the datapad from the Chief and headed towards a terminal that was not in use by the other SEs performing system diagnostics on the ships system. After several minutes, I found a terminal that was not in use. I planted me arse on the chair in front of the terminal and began to peruse the datapad the Chief had given me. Damn! I thought to me self, this will take all night. I looked around my surroundings as I waited for the terminal to activate and realized that I was alone and not within sight of the Chief or the rest of the engineering "chain-gang". I felt a particularly evil and wicked grin spread across my face as I settled into my task. I task that I began to look forward to accomplishing in ernest and zeal...

[rp/]

System Engineer #13

Benni Arnald

GCV Chikuma

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 08-19-99).]

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[RP ON]

July 17 3004

Mission + 0 days 11 hrs 32 minutes

Engineering Log

The PTA Guns are almost back online. Once I got that confounded poker chip free, work has progressed well.

The duty schedule for system engineers is as follows:

Team 1 Eng 1-5 Off Duty

Team 2 Eng 6-10 Off Duty

Team 3 Eng 11-15 S-Deck Waste Disposal System

Team 4 Eng 16-20 Deck 2 Turret 2

Turrets 1 and 3 are back online, I expect to have turret 2 online very shortly.

I'm going to have teams 1, 2, and 4 do an inspection of all systems before our next patrol. Team 3 will still be...busy.

Personal Note:

If team 3 embarasses me in front of the Commander once more, I'm going to assign them to searching the exterior of the hull for stress fractures. Maybe we'll get into combat...

END LOG

[RP OFF]

Blades, what times will you be posting? I'm on Pacific Time, here, so I might be a bit off.

------------------

Thomas Spencer

Chief Engineer

GCV Chikuma

[This message has been edited by Badgerius (edited 08-19-99).]

[This message has been edited by Badgerius (edited 08-19-99).]

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[RP ON]

Misson +0days +05 hours +45 minute

Personal LOG

BlackJack and I been aloft for nearly an hour now. We are following a predefined patrol route around the B.C. Not much going on in the system so we were the only interceptor on patrol. No need to waste valuable resources.

BlackJack's been especially quite lately, I made a note mentally to confront him later at the galley. I brought back my focus to the HUD in front of me, it cast a soft hypnotic glow on the cockpit.

I followed the progress of the 'Chikamu' on my scanner. We were on routine patrol mission in this system. Briefing indicated that we were heading out to Siruis for the next mission, unless ordered otherwise.

I let out a slow sign. Just another boring shift. Now I wish I'm behind some poor Insurgent's six blasting him to the depth of hell.

"BLack! What's up, how's your readings back there?" I mentally keyed into system com.

"All systems nominal. Negative bogeys. The Chikamu 30 miles to our right. I'm also picking

some friendly over at jump gate to Siruis. Other than that everything all cleared."

"Everybody must be home sleep today huh black." I let out a amusing chuckle.

The double click was all I received for a response. A tradition dating back to the early days of military aviation. When in tight situations a click click indicated acknowledgment. Of course in the 31st century we didn't need it, because we can communicate mentally. But to us fighter jocks tradition is very important. Now I really wonder what's on Black Jack's mind, he's a pretty talkative guy. Why has he been so damn quite? I frowned at the thought.

Suddenly I was interrupted as the com link to the Chikamu came alive.

"Knight-Ridder 4 Return To Base immediately. We are jumping out to Siruis "

"Roger Control. Returning to base. Knight-Ridder 4 out." I ended the com link.

I banked my interceptor to heading 234, following my NID on the HUD. I could barely make out the distance battle cruiser through the blinding light of the sun.........

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[rp on]

-------

GALCOM OPERATIONS LOG

Mission Time: +0 hours, 6 minutes

IC3 Pilot, Samuel Light, Callsign: Shadow

GALCOM operating number: 3667524

SUBJECT: Personal Event Log Entry

-------

I just got out of orientation with the other Pilots and co-pilots. It turns out that I got a rookie greenhorn called "Pancake". What the hell kind of pilot calls himself "pancake"? God...this kid must be as smart as a K'tenk born on the southern ridge of Neptune. I hope he can navigate...

On a lighter note, I met one of the engineers just now. Real nice guy. I caught him in the turboshaft on his way to Recycling. His name is Jones. I'll bet he has conections...I coudl really go for some Tau Ranian Ale right about now...and it looks like he'd be the one to get it for me.

END LOG.

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[RP ON]

Crewman Jones

Sys Eng #15

Personal log

July 17 3004

Mission + 0 days 06 hrs 17 minutes

Begin log

Boy do I ever stink. I've got four hours sleep and back to cleaning the tail end of the head.

It's worth it, though. 453.87 credits and two bottles of the Med-Officer's private hooch in that poker game, and that new pilot, Shadow (his real name's Light, how's that for irony) looks like he'd give his last credit for one.

I wonder what system we're in? Not that I particularly care, as I'm not likely to ever be granted shore leave again. I'll just save my credits for a rainy day.

Log OFF

[RP OFF]

I'm going to play Jones if people interact with him, otherwise I'll concentrate on Spencer

------------------

Commander Badgerius, GCV Diligence

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Nice work on the censored letter.. Lol! :-)

[Narrative On]

July 17 3004

Mission + 0 days 11 hrs 33 minutes

Personal Log Entry

Medic #7 Jayce Allen

Galcom ID: MD771208-30220

Whew,what a day! I just finished my first shift. This ain't as hard as the academy, but it sure is more exciting!.

I received my ship's ID,my Perscan and my medkit upon arriving to Medibay. The Medical staff looks quite competent and very proffessional, definetely the quality you expect in a Navy cruiser... and that makes me wonder WHY the heck I was assigned here.

I'm not a particularly good medic, all I know is how to keep someone from bleeding to death until I can drag him to Medibay...to someone who knows what his doing. Perhaps my half-assed, intensive medic training has something to do with it.

Heh, I still remember all the favors I had to pull to be accepted into the Medic program when it was halfway in its course... and the face of the Master Sgt. that kicked me out of Marine training when I told him I'd become a Medic.

Perhaps the personnel acquisitions thought this ship needed a combat medic or something... well, come to think of it now, perhaps the tidal wave of ships defecting to the Insurgency and the recent conflicts have bled Galcom's resources dry... nah, most probably someone screwed up somewhere and they are too embarrased to fix it...yes that must be it. *sigh*

Boy am I tired! I'd be in the ship's rec room right now if it wasn't for those cursed SE's that took away all the cash I stupidly bet on a game of cards I had never played before... perhaps that pilot I played with may buy me a drink, after all, he WAS grinning on the way out of the shuttle... weird, since he had also lost quite a deal of his salary.*YAWN* Enough talk, I gotta wake up early tomorrow, us green peas get the morning shifts...

Computer, Lights off!.

Computer!! Lights OFF!

Damn $$#%$# machine...

oh!..

Computer, End log!

*End Log*

[Narrative OFF]

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Mission + 0 days 19 hours 04 minutes

Throughout the early morning hours, the GCV Chikuma silently traversed the vastness of deep space. Following the pre programmed flight path, it passed beyond the jump gate to Sol and popped into existence at the Jupiter transfer point. Realigning itÔÇÖs navigational systems, the mighty Battle Cruiser turned to face itÔÇÖs next way point at Pluto.

By the time the first of the senior officers took the bridge from the night watch, the Chikuma had passed into the Alpha Centauri system, and were mere minutes away from the jump gate leading to Varan.

ÔÇ£Have ICÔÇÖs 1 and 4 launch and assume point, Mister Polovoski.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, commander.ÔÇØ Responded the combat officer, quickly issuing launch orders to the pilots on standby. ÔÇ£Flight engineers Ginty and Norris report IC 1 and 4 are prepped and ready to go.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Helm?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, commander?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Take her off auto pilot and decelerate to one third normal.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes, sir.ÔÇØ

Tamara Jensen followed her orders precisely. She disabled the ships auto pilot system, then powered down the engines to one third. ÔÇ£Engines at one third commander. Helm control at manual.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very good mister Jensen. Mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Sir. IC1 and 4 report they are stowed and ready to burn.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Excellent. Give them the green light.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir.ÔÇØ

The combat officer again tapped into her command console, then opened an audio link to the flight deck. ÔÇ£Launch control, you are go for launch on my mark . . . . . . . thee, two, one . . . launch!ÔÇØ

Launch vibrations from the two speeding Interceptors briefly shook deck plates throughout the ship. The violence of the launch always stirred up excitement throughout the crew, since it was rare that the experienced Interceptor pilots ever left the ship without good reason. Off duty personel began making way to their emergency stations, anticipating trouble.

ÔÇ£ICÔÇÖs 1 and 4 clear and accelerating to take point, sir.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£And the shuttle?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Shuttle 2 on standby sir. Just waiting for the last of the cargo to be loaded.ÔÇØ

Commander Stone leant forward in his command chair and once again attempted to rationalize the nagging unease that had been plaguing him since last night.

ÔÇ£Commander?ÔÇØ started Reynolds, the communications officer.

Stone glanced over at him. ÔÇ£You got something for me?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£I believe so sir. Looks like your theory was correct. There has been a distinct lack of raider activity in this region over the last few weeks.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£And GalCom fleet movements?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£The Tsunami, Venture and Lexington have all been pulled off the normal patrol routes in the last twelve days for re-supply and reinforcement our forces at Wraith Starstation. That just leaves the GCV Kitty Hawk in the area.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Which means, there has been a significant gap in our coverage for the last week at least.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes, sir. According to the logs, the Tsunami was the last ship to pull out, and that was eight days ago.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£If you ask me,ÔÇØ said Graves from his tactical station, ÔÇ£itÔÇÖs very reckless of Command to withdraw so many ships from this system.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Care to explain yourself, mister Graves?

Graves stepped down from his tactical post and took a few confident strides towards Commander Stone. The other bridge officers knew he was getting ready to launch into one of his speeches. ÔÇ£Well sir, despite the recent losses against the Gams, theres nothing to suggest that another offensive is on the cards. Both sides took a hammering, and neither one of us are prepared for any kind of offensive action.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Agreed Mister Graves, however, fleet command seem to think that the best way to deter any further aggression would be a show of force on our borders. What better way to ensure peace than to demonstrate that we are still capable of waging war if neccesary?ÔÇØ

Graves nodded in agreement. ÔÇ£Yes sir, I understand that. However, a build up of ships on the border will probably be interpreted as an aggressive move by the nations in that area. The Gammulans will be responding in kind, building up there own fleets to match our own. Sooner or later, border skirmishes will begin to erupt, and open hostilities will surley follow.ÔÇØ

Stone completely understood what his officer was telling him, but failed to understand the reason why his Tactical Officer was giving him a lesson in rudimentary cold war philosophy.

ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sure you have a point to make, mister Graves.ÔÇØ

Graves nodded in agreement. ÔÇ£Yes sir. The point IÔÇÖm trying to make is this. The fewer forces we have in readiness in Alpha Centauri, the more likely it is that a Gammulan force could sneak in the long way round and attack us from the rear.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£But we have forces in the Syrion quadrant that would be able to quickly alert the fleet to the threat. We could have our forces mobilized at Wraith in no time at all, and thatÔÇÖs providing we donÔÇÖt redeploy the forces already stationed at Barnards Star and at Sol.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes, sir. But without a reaction force close to Centris, we could lose a lot of ground before we had a chance to halt them. Not to mention the devestation to the Empirians planet side installations. That wouldnÔÇÖt go down too well within the community.ÔÇØ

The commander knew this wasnÔÇÖt getting anywhere fast. He decided to settle for a draw on this issue. ÔÇ£Mister Graves, you worry too much. If such an invasion occurred, IÔÇÖm sure the fleet would have adequate time to mobalize and come rushing to CentrisÔÇÖs defense. Of course, thatÔÇÖs providing the Gammulans had the spare ships for such an endevour, which is highly unlikely, and in any event, the Gammulans may be smart, but they not imaginative. They would come straight at us, not take a back door.ÔÇØ

Graves was by no means convinced, and he still had one more card to play. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs not the main point though, sir.ÔÇØ

Stone was beginning to lose patience with his subordinate. ÔÇ£Make it quickly mister Graves, we still got a mission to complete.ÔÇØ

Graves decided to summarise his next point. ÔÇ£Well sir, taking our ships away from this system also leaves the Empirians open to raiders, hackers and any number of criminal sorts. They have always been plagued by such things, and without a sufficient deterant in the area, itÔÇÖs only a matter of time before they go for a major strike.ÔÇØ

Stone spun round in his command chair and snapped his fingers at Graves. ÔÇ£My thoughts, exactly. And thatÔÇÖs exactly why weÔÇÖre here.ÔÇØ

Graves frowned at him. ÔÇ£Sir?ÔÇØ

Stone stood and walked towards the fore of the bridge, looking out into the viewscreen as he explained. ÔÇ£It makes perfect sense. The fleet withdraws to reinforce our defenses at Wraith. A single ship stays put in Treas to make sure nothing out of the ordinary comes through looking to cause us trouble. Raider activity in the last week has completely ceased, despite the lack of military presence in the area. Why?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, ÔÇ£ began Reynolds, who had become almost as engrossed in the discussion as Graves had. ÔÇ£they got worried something was up when our forces pulled out and ran back to Tulon?ÔÇØ

Graves rounded on the communication officer and grimaced at him ÔÇ£No, raiders are opportunists. The last thing the would do would be to run away when theres an opportunity like this just sitting there for them to take.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Then what, Mister Graves?ÔÇØ enquired Stone.

Graves turned back to face his commander. ÔÇ£Well, sir, It would seem most likely that the raiders are massing for some sort of major attack. Probably against Centauri station in Cronus.ÔÇØ

The commander nodded, then turned away from the bridge viewscreen and made his way over towards the combat officer. ÔÇ£Your reasoning is sound, mister Graves, but I would be extremely surprised if the raiders have managed to assemble that kind of fleet in this little time. No, I think you will find it isnÔÇÖt so much of a fleet at the moment, but a growing rabble awaiting more recruits.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£We could send a probe through to investigate, sir?ÔÇØ suggested Graves.

Stone shook his head. ÔÇ£No, IÔÇÖve got a better idea. If we send a probe through, by the time we start getting telemetary data and ship numbers, chances are they would be bolting for the nearest anomaly to hide behind. WeÔÇÖd never get a good idea of their numbers, and we would loose the opportunity to strike at them. However, if we send a shuttle laiden with iridium through with only a scant escort, we may just be able to tempt enough of them to take the bait and go after it.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£And then,ÔÇØ interupted Graves, ÔÇ£lure them back to this side of the jump gate and right into our awaiting turrets.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£And therefore put a major crimp into any plans they may have for raiding this system in force.ÔÇØ

Graves smiled. It sounded like a workable plan. There was just one thing . . .

ÔÇ£What if we have, ah miscalculated?ÔÇØ

Stone slumped down over the combat officers station. ÔÇ£Well mister Graves, theres one of two possabilities. If the bait goes through, and theres nothing there to greet them, I guess we all get to take the afternoon off and go shoot some pool.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£And if there is s sizeable fleet there, and it decides to take out the nosey Battle Cruiser and itÔÇÖs support craft?ÔÇØ

Stone smirked. ÔÇ£Well, in that case mister Graves, we get to find out exactly how much of a hot shot Tactical officer you really are.ÔÇØ

Graves nodded grimly. ÔÇ£Aye sir. Understood.ÔÇØ

The tactical officer returned to his post, then cast his eyes back to the commander. ÔÇ£Just one more thing, sir.ÔÇØ

Stone again seated himself in the command chair. ÔÇ£Yes, mister Graves?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£WouldnÔÇÖt it have been simpler just to inform us of your plan rather than have us dig it piece by piece out of you for the last few minutes?ÔÇØ

Stone cast a stern look at him. ÔÇ£Simpler, yes, but IÔÇÖve always preferred to have a thinking crew than one that just blindly obeys orders without the opportunity to voice their own opinions.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ah, so it was an exercise in creative theorizing, sir?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Just keeping you on your toes, Graves. Lets try to keep perspective, shall we?ÔÇØ

Graves went back to his console. ÔÇ£Aye, aye, sir.ÔÇØ

For the next few minutes, the Chikuma and her crew hurtled towards the awating Varan jump gate. Ahead of them, the two Interceptors scanned the immediate area, finding nothing of consequence.

ÔÇ£Shuttle 2 locked and loaded, sir.ÔÇØ Announced Polovoski. ÔÇ£TheyÔÇÖre ready and happy to play.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Launch Shuttle 2 and alert ICÔÇÖs 1 and 4 to escort it through the jump gate. Make sure they know whats going on, and have them make it look good.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir. Uploading nav specs and details to them now.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Mister Jensen?ÔÇØ

Tamara turned in her seat. ÔÇ£Yes, commander?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Take us to port, 20 degrees off our current profile and then stop at a range of 4 clicks from the gates mouth.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ replied Jensen, working the console. ÔÇ£Coming up on new heading. Range, twelve klicks.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Shuttle 2 away sir, ICÔÇÖs 1 and 4 are moving to escort.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Excellent mister Polovoski. Helm, steady as she goes.ÔÇØ

For the next few moments, murmered status reports were communicated back and forth across the bridge. Each officer worked with ruthless efficiency in preperation to snare the suspected raiders in the trap.

ÔÇ£Commander, Shuttle 2 and escorts are at the ingress point. They are holding, awaiting final instructions.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Confirmed mister Polovoski, have them standby.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir, but IC1 is getting impatient.ÔÇØ

Stone frowned at his combat officer. ÔÇ£Impatient?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes sir, Commander Stone, Banish is complaining that heÔÇÖs been airbourn for nearly ten minutes and hasnÔÇÖt killed anything yet.ÔÇØ

Stone leant forward and rubbed the nagging throb that was emerging within his forehead. ÔÇ£Have I ever told you how much I hate pilots mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£No sir.ÔÇØ Replied the combat officer. ÔÇ£But IÔÇÖll be sure to mention it to him, just as soon as he gets back.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very good mister Polovoski, you do that.ÔÇØ

Stone took a moment to pause, read the TacOps VDU at the side of his command chair and then looked up at the main bridge viewscreen. ÔÇ£Helm, we in position yet?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir.ÔÇØ Said Jensen. ÔÇ£Now at destination coordinates.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Good. Bring us about to starboard, parallel with the gate and accelerate to 150 kph.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir. Coming about.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Mister Graves?ÔÇØ

Graves craned his neck to the side to view the commander. ÔÇ£Sir?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Begin deploying the crabs at 400 meter intervals until we cover the entire exit cone of the jump gate.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir. Deploying crab mines.ÔÇØ

The Chikuma began deploying itÔÇÖs deadly cargo along the perimeter of the Varan jump gate. Within a few short moments, it had covered the entire exit route from the gate with bristling laser turrets. Anything coming through without an a recognized IFF signature would be in serious trouble.

ÔÇ£Helm, pull us back to eight klicks from the perimeter. Angle the ship so that all turrets have maximum fire coverage.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir, pulling us back.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Tactical, raise shields to maximum. Arm the PTA systems.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Shields to maximum, PTA coming online. Main gun decoupled and at you command, sir.ÔÇØ

In the last few seconds, as the trap was laid and the tension mounted, the bridge crews professionalism really began to shine. Each worked tirelessly at their terminals, bringing all vital ships systems to the ready, issuing damage control commands to the various engineering teams throughout the ship. Everything was set. Everyone was ready.

All that was needed was the commanders final word.

ÔÇ£Mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, sir?ÔÇØ

Stone stooped forward in his chair, hoping that his gamble would pay off and not backfire in his face. It was a big gamble, but a worthy one. If it went well, it would guarantee success in part one of the operation. If it failed, everything could be set back by weeks. This had to go well, failure wasnÔÇÖt an option.

ÔÇ£Mister Polovoski, send them into the fire.ÔÇØ

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 27 minutes

[Narrative Off]

------------------

Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

PRIME Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#31927230

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[RP ON]

Chief Engineer Spencer

Engineering Log

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 18 minutes

The PTA Guns are back online. And it's a good thing, too, 'cause our new Commander would like to use them. Just when I got everything fixed around here, we're going to get into combat. I've assigned a repair teams to each deck, with team 1 on deck 1, team 2, on deck 2, team 3 on deck 3, where I can keep an eye on them, and team 4 on deck 4.

End log

[RP OFF]

We're in Alpha Centauri? Ohgodohogodohgodohgod... Ummm Blades, if you haven't already, you might want to read Eternal Diligence. This could get interesting...

------------------

Commander Badgerius, GCV Diligence

[This message has been edited by Badgerius (edited 08-19-99).]

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[rp on]

-------

GALCOM OPERATIONS LOG Mission Time: +19 hours, 26 minutes

IC3 Pilot, Samuel Light, Callsign: Shadow

GALCOM operating number: 3667524

SUBJECT: Personal Event Log Entry

-------

Just came out of sleep status. I had some spare time before on duty status was to be implemented, so I met up with that Jones fellow. Nice guy, but plays his cards a little too well for me. I'm down to about 66 credits in my GALCOM account, but I have a CreditBar with an emergency 700 stored on it. No problem...It looks like we may be headed for some trouble. I'm prepping for on duty now, then I'll head for the galley, grab a nutripack, and get to the Flight Deck. No low-g STS combat on an empty stomach for me. I hope that Pancake fellow is good...or he'll be coming back in through the aft airlock!

:END LOG.

:INCOMING GALCOM ONBOARD TRANSMISSION...

:FROM: Flight Officer, Tamara Jensen

::Message recieved and decoded::

Shadow! Get your ass to the flight deck PRONTO! I want you in IC3 within a 10 minute window, and find that co-pilot of yours and tell him about protocol! He left his PerScan in the galley!

:END OF GALCOM INSHIP TRANSMISSION, HAVE A :NICE DAY.

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[Narrative On]

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 28 minutes

McKendrick

Sys Engineer #11

EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION

MAYDAY! MADAY! THIS IS MCKENDRICK ON BAORD SHUTTLE 2

REQUESTING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FROM ANY ALLIED VESSELS

IN THE AREA.

THERE IS A SIZEABLE RAIDER FLEET IN THE VARAN REGION.

APPROACHING RAPIDLY. I COUNT TWELVE ATTACK CRAFT. FOUR SUPPORT VESSELS OF INDETERMINATE TYPE. REPEAT MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

FIGHTER ESCORT RETREATING THROUGH JUMP GATE.

ENGINES HIT, VELOCITY DROPPING, LOSING POWER bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..

[Narrative Off]

[Narrative On]

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 29 minutes

ÔÇ£Commander! Somthings coming through the jump gate!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£What is it Graves?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs IC1 and 4 sir. They burning back in an awful hurry!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Commander!ÔÇØ shouted Reynolds from his communications station. ÔÇ£IC1 reports hostiles advancing through the jump gate.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£How many?ÔÇØ demanded Comamnder Stone.

Reynolds pulled the earpiece from his head as is screeched painfully into his ear. He glanced up at the bridge viewscreen, and watched in genuine horror as massed raider ships began pouring from the jump gate. ÔÇ£A lot sir. A helluva lot . . ÔÇ£

Stone also watched the eruption of raider ships blink through the jump gate, persuing the two Interceptors and the damaged shuttle. Immediately, the crab turrets began firing on the lead vessels, sending several of them to fiery deaths in a matter of seconds. Still more poured through, including the first of the support vessels.

ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs a lot of ships.ÔÇØ Commented Stone.

ÔÇ£Aye sir!ÔÇØ shouted Graves as the ChikumaÔÇÖs laser turrets began to fire at the closets raider fighters. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs a few more than we had anticipated.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Mister Polovoski, scramble remaining fighters!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye sir!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Helm, get us the hell out of here!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Way ahead of you commander, coming about, maximum burn.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Lead fighters just overtook us sir!ÔÇØ shouted Graves as the first enemy hits began to drain the Battle Cruisers charged shields.

ÔÇ£Mister graves, it looks like your going to get that chance to impress me after all.ÔÇØ

Graves turned and almost grinned at him. ÔÇ£Aye, sir. Looks like it.ÔÇØ

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 49 minutes

[Narrative Off]

------------------

Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

PRIME Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#31927230

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Chief Engineer Spencer

Engineering Communication Log

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 35 minutes

Team 1! Monitor PTA status!

Team 2! Keep those turrets operational!

Team 3! Don't touch anything unless I tell you!

Team 4! Keep an eye on those shields!

Computer! Take Cloning module and Tractor beam offline and transfer power to shields, engines, and turrets 1, 2, and 3.

Oh, Jones! Go down to the galley and get me a cola!

[RP OFF]

------------------

Commander Badgerius, GCV Diligence

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Mission + 0days 19hrs 25mins

Banish

Pilot-IC1

In flight log entry

*heavy breathing* This sucks. We just got sent into the fires of eternal hell. Commander thought we'd be facing a minor raiding force. Boy, was he ever wrong!

"How many are back there, Bigtone?"

Bigtone: "Too damn many, Banish! I can't even count the number of fighters!"

I snapped the control stick, moving the fighter around to an attack position. "Let's protect SC2 as long as we can. Lock me up some bandits, Bigtone."

Bigtone: "You got it. Bandits, comin' up."

The HUD flared to life as target symbology appeared, directing me to the nearest fighter.

Bigtone: "Bandit, 3 o'clock high."

I moved the control stick to intercept. I went for missles this time out, since we were too far away for lasers. Not much later, I heard a distinct tone in my ears, signifying the missle was locked on. "Fox One!" I called over the com. The missle streaked to it's target, and the Raider disappeared in a fiery explosion.

"Bandit on our six!" Bigtone yelled at me. "Break left!"

Instinctively, I moved the stick as far to the left as I could. 'Always trust your wizzo', they said. I trusted Bigtone. That burly guy's saved our necks more than once.

I turned my head, trying to get a bead on the bandit. I finally found him at four o'clock, low. To have ridden on our tail through that maneuver must have meant he was fairly good. I was still going to the left, so I decided to suck the poor fool in. With my left hand, I chopped the throttle to idle, and kicked in the Retrothrusters to slow us down. My right snapped the stick over to the right, bringing our nose to face the bandit.

He didn't even see it coming. He shot out in front of us as my nose came right around to face him. "So long, sucker." I uttered as I fired 4 laser bursts at full power, obliterating the other fighter.

From behind me, Bigtone said "Don't look now, but we just got more company."

"How much?" I asked him.

"At least 8 cap ships, and 30 more fighters, all on our six." He replied calmly.

"Damn." was all I could say for a moment. Then, "All right everybody, Commander wanted 'em sucked in, well, they're gonna be sucked in. 4, you and I will escort SC2 back to the ship, fingertip formation. 2, 3, you're going to have to cover us until we get back through the gate." I looked for 4, and saw him coming in at my 5 o'clock. He was coming in fast, and moved right into fingertip with me. I moved the throttles to the stops, lifted the detents, and threw the little fighter into burner. We needed to catch up to that shuttle, and get it back to the ship. I just wonder how the Commander will feel about his plan working so well.

[Narrative off]

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Anderson, 'Banish'

Pilot, IC-1

GCV Chikuma

[This message has been edited by Ben Somerset (edited 08-19-99).]

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Mission +0day +19hrs 23min

IC-4 pilot diesel.

I'm pissed! I was just about to get off this shift when we were order to launch. Now this??!! Escorting shuttle 2 to bait the supposed radier fleet on the other side of that jump point? I hate the brass in the bridge! But I don't plann on finding a new job so I better do this one right.

IC-1, piloted by Banish and Bigtone. I got lot of respect for them. Banish he's helluva of a pilot. I been pratically worshipping him since Flight Flight school. There isnt't one damn guy in flight school who didn't know the NAME BANISH. He was like a god to us.

My scanner flashed, informing me that the shuttle has just jumped. IC-1 begin to radio me orders.

"4, keep an eye on the shuttle. Don't stray too far. Now let's move!"

"Roger 1. Out"

I kicked into burner mode and accerlated toward Shuttle 2 and the escorting IC-1.

Soon we jumped. There is no way to explain the feeling of being 2 place at once. Kind of disorienting but a good feeling all over.

I love it.

I almost wet pants as I stared at the scanner ahead of me. I blinked hard, swallowed the heart that was just in my thorat. I couldn't believe it. My scanner was filled with tiny red dots.

"Black, tell me that I'm hullcenating."

"You are right, we both tripping man. Cause if not, we are in the deep zone!. I read at least 8 attack ships and numerous fighter crafts."

Shit, we are all dead meat. We are done for. Game over. This can't be!

"Fox 1" I heard Banish over the com link. Soon followed by an fiery explosing above the his interceptor. Suddenly before I could warn IC-1 from the middle of nowhere out came a viper. He got right onto Banish's six, the viper manage to squeeze off a burst of laser but Banish was too good. He pulled hard left to avoid the laser and soon the turned the table against the Viper. The radier pilot melted in blissfuly quick death.

"4 fingertip formation. Let's escort SC-2 and get the hell out here."

"Rgr 1, I'm right behind ya."

I hit full afterburner and quickly moved into poisition. We jumped though the jumpoint just as we reached SC-2.

I found myself in the middle of a storm. Lasers and explosion was everywhere. I pushed my stick all the way down to avoid the incoming fire from Chikamu's PTA. My IC begin to shake badly as one of the viper behind me exploded. Killing the raider pilot instantly. Death, I hope was again blissfully quick. My situation awareness kicked into overdrive. I turned and caught a Viper squarely in the middle of my bore sight. I let go a volley of laser fire.

"D! Hotshit! Got that Son of a bittt..."

I flew right though the debris. A small smile formed across my lips. But disappeared quickly like it never existed. Ahead me

the Chikmu and a Asterom was locked in an life and death struggle. Lasers and explosion raged all around the two in an dance of chaos. It was an awesome sight to behold............

[rp off]

Ben I wrote something but you post it before I did. So I changed a story to fit yours. Hope you like that later part about after we jumped. We should be able to work something out. Peace!

And I thought only IC-1 and 4 was send to escort the sc-1. SO what's up with the ic-2 and 3?

Just my 2 cents

William Calvert

AKA Disel, Mackvelie,Gulumanatie.

IC4 pilot

GCV Chikuma

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Just a comment...I'm really enjoying this so far...*grin*.

In the discussion between the Tac Officer and Commander, the Commander suggested that there was little risk of a frontal attack. Remember that the Gammulans have the Kandorians, Mandorians, Credians, and Zelons between us and them for a frontal attack...which is why the last war utilised a large, cloaked fleet. Unless their Iridium supplies have built up again, they're going to have to wade through Mandorian and Kandorian blood to attack Sol once more...or try and navigate the rather dangerous Flux Fields and attack from behind.

------------------

Commander DeSylva

GCV First Light ISS01 -=- ISS Fleet Coordinator

www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arena/9206/iss/

Official BC3K Tester and Blind Man With Sleeves award winner

"Serve - with honour."

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[Narrative On]

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 27 minutes

Commissioner LoganÔÇÖs Personal Log

Remarkably, the commander of this vessel has seen fit to bring us into close proximity with a potentially hostile region in this system. Even more remarkably, he neglected to inform either myself or my daughter Jennifer of this fact until a few moments ago.

What really got my back up was the way in which the message was delivered.

He had the ships CMO stop by our quarters and politely inform us of the situation.

Of all the nerve! Not even a bridge officer. The CMO, I forget his name right now, explained to me about the patrol orders, and the commanders suspicions regarding the raider build up, but he could at least have arranged for myself and Jennifer to be dropped off at a Starstation somewhere en route.

This Stone obviously has no idea who he is dealing with. When I was welcomed on board ship a week ago, he graciously declined to dine with us and discuss politics. He postponed several agreed tours of this contraption, and even refused to stop by at Starpath on our way through Sol so I could briefly attend to business. He had an officer ÔÇÿexplainÔÇÖ to me that the ship was under very strict instructions to be here in Alpha Centauri as soon as possible. Well, I wont stand for this at all, not after the mockery of the ÔÇÿtourÔÇÖ I was subjected to last evening. Hrumph. That bridge officer, what was her name? Russian woman, all chest and no brain. Ah, Polovoski, Neena Polovoski.

Well, she arrived at our quarters a full ten minutes late, babbled on about having an important briefing she had to attend to then rushed us through the tour without so much as a look at the bridge. I explained to her I had full clearance, but she fobbed me off with excuses, telling me the commander was running some sensitive experiments or what not during the late hours.

Now what? Oh, the ship must be under attack. Typical. And where is Jennifer? I told her to stay put after the CMO stopped by. She wouldnÔÇÖt have left now, not with all this going on.

I think I had better try and find someone to look for her. Perhaps one of those meat head marines will be able to assist me . .

End Personal Log

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 29 minutes

[Narrative Off]

------------------

Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

PRIME Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#31927230

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-------

GALCOM OPERATIONS LOG Mission Time: +19 hours, 36 minutes

IC3 Pilot, Samuel Light, Callsign: Shadow

GALCOM operating number: 3667524

SUBJECT: Interceptor 3 Comms Monitor

-------

TEXT MONITOR ENABLED...RETRIEVING DATA...

DONE.

FLIGHT CONTROL: Interceptor 3, you are cleared for preflight procedures. Bring systems online and prepare for launch. Flight Engineers Roald and Dahlly, please report to IC2 launch bay immeadiately.

SHADOW: Affirmative. Pancake, prep for launch.

PANCAKE: Yes, sir. Inflight systems interface online. All systems are running at nominal levels. Engines online. Shield systems at 100 percent. Armor is at 98 percent, sir.

SHADOW: God damned engineers cant even electrosolder some grade 6 depleted uranium plating on the side of this IC...they're so incompetent.

PANCAKE: Yes, sir. Umm...everything is online and functional. I'm getting a little power fluctuation reading in our EMT system, but it looks normal.

SHADOW: Re-route that extra 10 percent we have allocated to the laser array if it becomes a problem.

PANCAKE: Yes, sir. Understood.

SHADOW: And lighten up. You're too anal. All you greenies are.

PANCAKE: Excuse me, sir?

SHADOW: Jesus...I ain't your superior, and I ain't an officer...you dont have to call me sir.

:pause:

SHADOW: Flight Control, we are go for takeoff. Requesting deck clearance. Prep for blast.

FLIGHT CONTROL: Affirmative, IC3, you are go for takeoff. Good luck out there. Bring us back a Gam or two.

SHADOW: Takeoff commencing. Thanks a bunch FC.

[narrative on]

Shockwaves rippled through his body as the Interceptor screamed down the taakeoff platform and raced into zero gravity space.

Shadow adjusted himself as the IC began to calm itself. Just about the time the hull stopped quaking from grav-reflux caused by the shields reaction to lack of matter, Pancake took it's place, and shook like crazy.

"Shadow," he asked timidly, swallowing the frog in his throat as he continued, "are you a good pilot?"

"I'm alive, ain't I," Shadow quipped, intelligably responding to Pancakes nonprotocol but understandable question.

Almost immeadiately, the radar engaged, and red dots appeared everywhere...perhaps the most notable of which was directly within the tiny interceptors proximity ring.

The hull screached as metal touched metal at a blinding speed, and the hair on both pilot and co-pilots arms stood up as the electromagnetic field generated by a P-21 Vandal's shields punched through the cockpit and zapped the two GALCOM pilots inside.

And then, on top of it all, the Proximity Warning Klaxon sounded...5 seconds later.

[rp off]

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Okay. Neverymind. Like I said I'm not deranged. I take it all back, it's not a good idea now that I think about. cause every marine's going to try to get some LOL! No thank you. I'll pass.

Tho I might be a marine and give it a shot tho hehehe. It's roleplaying right LOL !

[This message has been edited by SpacePhish (edited 08-19-99).]

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Um........Phish? Sorry to interupt, but are you sure you want to be doin this? After all, playing this woman is going to be difficult enough without all the casual RP players falling over themselves to get a crack at a marine character. But if you like, go ahead. Just remember that she's actually 18 years old, and although rebelious, she got a sensible head on her too. Unless she finds the crews hidden hooch . . . . .

Ok, back to the plot. Off topic posts into the other thread. This is strictly RP. Hmmmm. Must spank myself for that.

------------------

Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

PRIME Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#31927230

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Guest Ron Wallin

[rp]

Gunnery Sgt. Diamond.

Personal Log

Mission + 0 days 18 hours 54 minutes

Log On

Just finished the training excersize. I don't think these 'new' marines are getting the same quality training boot camp offered when I was green.

These kids have the marching, saluting, arse-puckered 'Aye-Aye's' down, but that's about it. The last rotation gave me a completely unexperienced bunch of ladies.

I'm pulling out the instructor gear tomorrow. The rest of the crew will hate me for using the metal taps on my boots, but they'll just have to live with the double tap. The boots, and the hard brim of the Troopers Hat should go to remind these pukes that they are still Marines and not on vacation.

I've put in a request to the Combat Officer. My people need training. Nothing better than a game of catch the intruder. Four man teams around the clock for 36 hours. Should wear them out. But they'll learn the inside of this ship and the sound of my voice rasping in their delicate ears.

I've already singled out a few of them. Sixteen of the forty actually look like they know what being a Marine is all about. I'll hold them in reserve in case the real thing shows, but things are quiet now. They won't be needed.

Note to self: Go to the Medbay and get some of the 'fast heal' for the throat.

Log Off

---------

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 27 minutes

Log On

Cancelled the training. The Combat Officer ordered everyone in full gear. Looks like the Cmdr. found some trouble and wants us to look out for real Intruders.

I told Ms. POLOVOSKI that she was asking for trouble with all these green recruits running around the Cmdr.'s ship with loaded weapons, but that damn stuborn Russian didn't want to hear the advice of a veteran. Her loss. I'll just have to take along extra ammo and mop up any intruders myself.

I've got that feeling again. Perhaps the camps are graduating these pukes with enough but I doubt it... The girls are ready, time jump down their throats.

Log off

[/rp]

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Cmdr. Akira

ICV Nevermore

Spectre, Command Staff

Base Commander, The Dojo

Official Tester

Battlecruiser Series

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IC-3 MAINTENANCE LOG

Flight Engineer #11, Eric Stylan

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 40 minutes

[RP ON]

Open Log

TYPE ACTIVITY?..: Scheduled Maintenance

DESCRIPTION?..: Check left strake for surface damage.

SCHEDULE?..: Post-flight.

Close Log

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 40 minutes

------------------

Flight Engineer #11, Eric Stylan

Personal Log Entry

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 41 minutes

Open Log

Jackass pilots. Just saw some idiot backseater hit every NO-STEP area on the left strake climbing into IC-3. Probably twigged 3 or 4 percent off the damn armor integrity.

Scramble or no scramble, that's just plain sloppy and a pain in the ass for the sys-engs. Well, I'll let Harrison see if he wants to bump this up to the CO. I'd do it myself, but she's probably in so tight with those prima donnas that I'd be the one to get the asschewing.

Hope this exercise keeps them out there all day, that'd serve their sorry butts about right.

Close Log

[RP OFF]

Mission + 0 days 19 hours 42 minutes

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