Blades

I got plans for you Charlie boy, so no jumpin ship until I give you the go ahead. Gallion me old mucka, good to have you back with us. You got some catch up to do, but I'm sure you evil alter ego can handle it. And um, are there any pilots still around? We're gonna need you guys real soon. Oh, and has anybody heard from Foss? The guys garbage is startin to back up. ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 23 days 14 hours 4 minutes [Narrative On] Lt. Commander Neena Polovoski Personal log This could be my last log entry in a good while. Maybe ever. If it is my last entry, love to my folks and sister. Tom, regrets for the way things turned out. Malc, IÔÇÖm so sorry about missing the wedding. Duty called. The last hour has been traumatic to say the least. Let me start at the beginning. I got to the bridge shortly after finishing my most recent log entry and took my position. Within moments, we approached the flux field and then Stone ordered Jensen to hold position 6 klicks from the opening. For a while we just sat there. The commander didnÔÇÖt say anything, but kept checking the time every minute or so. He was clearly nervous and deep in thought. A bit later, his personal com bleeped at him and he began speaking with Mallone. I donÔÇÖt know what the conversation was about, but Stone didnÔÇÖt seem impressed. That made me nervous. I stayed up on the bridge for a while longer. I felt next to useless as it was, so I made an excuse to leave the bridge and attend to other ship related duties. The commander was distracted by whatever he was thinking about, so didnÔÇÖt question my motives. To be honest, I bet he was as relieved as I was to get away from the bridge. I know heÔÇÖs worried about me, itÔÇÖs only natural. HeÔÇÖs probably already formulating plans to prevent a potential mutiny. I can see it in his eyes. He doesnÔÇÖt trust me any more. I left the bridge with the intention of speaking to some of the IC pilots in the ready room. I took the long route round, making my way through personal quarters to keep up the pretence that I was getting reports from off duty crewmen. I wanted to have something to fall back on in case Stone got suspicious and sent someone after me to check me out. Imagine my surprise when I was almost bowled over by flight engineer McKendrick coming out of his quarters. The guy was in a bit of a state. He seemed near panicked when we collided. For a second, I thought he was going to bolt down the corridor, but he managed to steady himself and mutter a controlled apology. Something was definitely up with him, and he knew that I could see it. For a moment or two, I could see a battle being raged inside his head. A combination of arguing voices trying to decide what to do, what to say. Eventually, one of those voices must have won the battle, because his face suddenly softened and took on a look of near resignation. ÔÇ£Lt.Commander, theres something I need to talk to you about.ÔÇØ That kinda surprised me. I responded by asking him what the wanted to talk about, and then was grasped by the upper arm and dragged into his quarters. I was thrown inside before I could prevent it, and had to fight all my self preservation instincts not to immediately drop him on the spot. Fortunately, I held back and merely broke myself free of his grip as he thumped the door control hard and backed away as it closed. ÔÇ£You better have a damned good explanation for this.ÔÇØ I said to him, my guard still up and ready to attack in the blink of an eye. McKendrick quickly apologized to me, and then held a finger to his mouth to suggest silence to me. I kept quiet, and after a few seconds could hear the sounds of heavy footfalls from outside the door. Slowly they approached, then grew more distant as they passed. Finally, McKendrick took his finger away from his mouth and spoke quietly to me. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry Lt.Commander, but I cant offered to be seen with you.ÔÇØ I glared at him, not understanding his reasons. He seemed to acknowledge this, and gestured with his head over to the right side of the cumbersome quarters. I looked, and was quite surprised to see one of MalloneÔÇÖs contingent propped up against a side cabinet with some kind of drill impaled in his chest. I asked him what had happened, and the flight engineer quickly explained. The details are not really important now. In short, he told me about the memory wipe he had been subjected to, the contents of the shuttle he piloted back from the Transport ship and the attack by Mallones marine. He also told me he had just gotten back from speaking with the CMO about this exact matter. That part was unexpected, but none the less very useful. At the least, the ships doctor has the authority to remove the commander with the support from the XO. However, judging by what McKendrick had just told me, it didnÔÇÖt look like Stone was running the show any more. And even if that wasnÔÇÖt the case, there was still Mallone and his men to take care of. They wouldnÔÇÖt relinquish control of the ship on my or the doctors say so. However, there were more important things to worry about right now. First, Mallones dead marine was a problem. Sooner or later (Probably sooner) he would be reported as being missing, and his attacker quickly identified. Moving the body was out of the question. The personnel quarters were usually quite busy, and with constant patrols around the ship it would take a miracle to get him to either a disposal chute of medbay. What needed to be done now was to hide McKendrick and remove him from the ships Perscan. At least that way, it would make it harder for those searching to track him down. Just then, I was beeped by the CMO. He ÔÇÿrequestedÔÇÖ that I goto medbay for my bi-monthly mediscan. Perfect. I told McKendrick to transfer the relevant info held within the droids memory to a datapad and then go and find a convenient place to hide out. I told him IÔÇÖd remove him from perscan once I got to the medibay and talked to the CMO. I left his quarters a moment later, and made my way as quickly as possible to medbay. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see it very understaffed. There was just the CMO and a few duty personel looking over the injured personnel from the earlier attack. He ushered me into his office and looked intently for a few moments. ÔÇ£I know theres something very badly wrong with this mission,ÔÇØ He said ÔÇ£and I also suspect that you feel the same way.ÔÇØ I nodded at him and allowed him to continue. ÔÇ£There is evidence to suggest that it was Mallone who killed three of our regular troops, and not the prisoner as he reported. I have also learnt that there is specific equipment in cargobay two that Mallone brought aboard for our mission.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£You are referring to the weapon?ÔÇØ I said to him. The CMO looked surprised. His eyes seemed to ask how I knew. I explained to him that I had just run into McKendrick and had been brought up to speed. The CMO looked puzzled, but also relieved. ÔÇ£So, you believe us then?ÔÇØ Again I nodded, and told him of my plans to recruit some if not all of the pilots to help in taking the ship. While doing this, I accessed the doctors terminal and hacked into the perscan system. I removed every trace of McKendrick from the system, and purged the redundant systems to make doubly sure he couldnÔÇÖt be traced. ÔÇ£The real problem is,ÔÇØ I said to him ÔÇ£is Mallones contingent of troops. Whatever support we can muster from the senior staff and crewmembers, it wont be enough to keep them in check should fighting break out.ÔÇØ The CMO agreed with me, and descended into deep thought for a moment. When his eyes looked up to me, I could see he was formulating a plan. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖve got an idea.ÔÇØ He said, standing from his chair and approaching a computer terminal. For the next few minutes, the CMO explained his plan to me. Once he had concluded, I sat back in the chair I had taken and considered it. ÔÇ£Ok,ÔÇØ I said to him, ÔÇ£get it set up and ready to deploy in two hours.ÔÇØ The CMO nodded and began to make preparations. Just then, commander Stone bleeped my personal com. I answered nervously. ÔÇ£Aye commander?ÔÇØ I said. ÔÇ£Mister Polovoski, Mallone has just reported one of his has been found murdered in flight engineer McKendricks quarters. He suspects that McKendrick has been our traitor all along, and has ordered his men to begin a thorough search of the ship.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander, can we be sure McKendrick is responsible?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Yes,ÔÇØ he replied to me. ÔÇ£Mallones medics tell me McKendricks DNA is all over the body. HeÔÇÖs our murderer all right. Now get back up here, the perscan system isnÔÇÖt tracking him and I need you to fix it.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye commander.ÔÇØ I replied, then cut him off. I exchanged a worried glance with the CMO, then held up two fingers to him. He grimly nodded, and turned back to work. That was an hour ago. I got back to the bridge and feigned work on the perscan system. After a few more minutes, I told the commander that he had been scrubbed from the system and there was no way to trace him electronically. Stone wasnÔÇÖt impressed, but didnÔÇÖt bother to check himself. Again I excused myself from the bridge, this time with the intention of actually getting to the pilots and having discussions with them. Should the CMOÔÇÖs plan work as anticipated, it would be another 5 hours before things started to happen. Not a good amount of time, but maybe just enough. I had to get my supporters from amongst the crew, and get them now. Anyway, IÔÇÖm on my way down to the pilots now. Time to be creative, and pray like hell they see things my way. IÔÇÖll start with IC1 commander. If I can get the unit leader on side, perhaps the rest will be easier. End Log Mission + 23 days 14 hours 20 minutes [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Speakin of late posts . . . . where has everyone else got to? Gallion, Tac, Foss . . I'm lookin at *you*. Yeah, and I'll get round to postin again right after Chav does. Promise. ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 23 days 10 hours 51 minutes [Narrative On] Personal Log Lt.Commander Neena Polovoski Things are getting worse on board ship. Too many people have been killed or incapacitated due to the commanders reckless orders. I say reckless, because right now were burning hard for a flux field and are probably going to be heading into it. At least we now know where we are, and have at least a partial idea of our primary target. Having said that, IÔÇÖm surprised by the lack of Gammulan presence on our side of the anomaly. Surely the Gams would have secured the flux field as soon as open hostilities broke out. This worried me. It doesnÔÇÖt ÔÇÿfeelÔÇÖ right. Not that it ever did, of course. Theres something very badly wrong with this mission. For example, our secret orders that nobody is privy to except the captain and presumably Mallone. Heres another. Locking out the navitron computer and blanking all but the short range sensors. Ok, the commander said there was a possibility of traitors on board ship, which to a point has been proven with the transmission and the murder of that engineer. Still, I think theres more to this than Stone is letting on. Of course theres the whole issue with our guests, not to mention the utter destruction of the Berlin and her crew. Even going after that stranded IC pilot. Hell, that was the worse thing of all. It was nothing short of murder. I should have acted then, done something to prevent that. I just donÔÇÖt know any more. Perhaps if the commander hadnÔÇÖt armed himself I would have made a play to take the ship. Then again, my support on the bridge is by no means certain. The CMO wouldnÔÇÖt have back me then. I donÔÇÖt know if he will now. As for the others . . well, I know Jensen is having issues with the mission, but I donÔÇÖt know if itÔÇÖs enough for her to back me. Ailsa is as by the book as it goes so wouldnÔÇÖt take any action unless there was absolute proof of wrong doing. Reynolds is another matter. HeÔÇÖs young and understandably confused. IÔÇÖm sure he wants to do the right thing, but IÔÇÖm willing to bet that heÔÇÖd side with the commander out of loyalty more than understanding. Jesus . . . listen to me. IÔÇÖm thinking about mutiny. Not only that, IÔÇÖm considering allies. Has it really got so bad now? Am I really justified? Maybe IÔÇÖm at fault, maybe IÔÇÖm the one who isnÔÇÖt reacting well to the mission. Maybe IÔÇÖm not cut out for this duty after all. No, itÔÇÖs not my professionalism thatÔÇÖs making this call, itÔÇÖs my sense of morality. In my gut, I know something wrong. Yet my head cant explain what. What can I do? I could sit back and do nothing, but that worries me more than taking some kind of action. Then again, taking action against Stone would undoubtedly lead to more complications. For instance, Stone has Mallone and his goons on side. Even if I had every marine on ship at my side, itÔÇÖs doubtful we could take the ship from them. They are special ops after all, superior soldiers to the ships regulars. Maybe If I had Spencer on side I could lock them down in quarters. Yeah, that would be possible. Damn . . . . IÔÇÖm doing it again. Well, I guess thatÔÇÖs decided it. Time to set things in motion. If theres going to be a mutiny on board ship, itÔÇÖs got to be a good one. Well planned, well executed. But I need allies. I cant rely on support from the bridge or any senior officers, so IÔÇÖm going to have to start listening to the mood of the crew. IÔÇÖve got a feeling I can rely on support from the pilots, at least some of them. The marines too, providing I can get Diamond on side. I donÔÇÖt think that will be too much of a problem. HeÔÇÖs already expressed major doubts about the commander and Mallone. Spencer is vital if were going to take control, as is a fair portion of the engineers not to mention Graves. At the very least, if I get Graves on board be can limit the ChikumaÔÇÖs offensive capability, make it harder for us to chase down any more ÔÇÿRenegadeÔÇÖ ships. Sigh . . . . . I really hoped this would never happen, but I guess weÔÇÖre nearly at the point of no return. IÔÇÖll put the feelers out, get a sense from the crew and start recruiting from the senior ranks. Perhaps if I had something concrete to use against the commander, it would sway opinion in my favor. Until I do get something, IÔÇÖm going to have to be damned careful. Hmm, I had best make some changes to the internal sensors, just in case things get tricky. Might be an idea to get a shuttle on standby in case we need to make a get away. IÔÇÖll have to talk to McKendrick. Some of the medics have informed me that heÔÇÖs got a major problem with our guests. Could be useful. Damn, is that the time? We must be close to the flux field now. Better get to the bridge . . . . end recording. [Narrative Off] Mission + 23 days 10 hours 59 minutes ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Like the man in the top hat says, time for a new thread. Hell, I know that dont make sense. Give me a break, I've been up 24 hours without coffee. Tac, even in the future there is a place for unwarranted brutality. More so if you we all end up wearing silver jump suits. Hmmm, thats an idea. Onwards . . . ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Real guys? I think theres more than enough material in the previous couple of posts to give people lots to do.

Preemptive Strike ÔÇô PART THREE [Mission + 23 days 7 hours 28 minutes] FLEET COMMAND OFFICE GALCOM HEAD QUARTERS The officers argued feverishly around the large oval table that dominated the briefing room in the operations center. Fleet Commanders, TacOps commanders and diplomats from half the galaxies known races all cast accusations at one another, sounding off with threats of trade embargos, travel restrictions and open conflict. It was nothing short of chaos. Occasionally, a word or two could be heard over the uproar. Words like ÔÇ£TargetÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Civilian casualtiesÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Mass Destruction.ÔÇØ One word above all others was shouted the most frequently. This word was ÔÇ£ChikumaÔÇØ. Behind them, a large door opened inwards and a tall, powerfully built man strode in and approached his place at the oval table. As he approached, those arguing began to hush and stem their abusive tide. The fleet officials rose to their feet in a respectful manner, and greeted the new arrival with courteous ÔÇ£Good morning, sir.ÔÇØ Dialogue. The tall man took his place at the head of the oval table and as he sat, the standing officers began to reseat themselves. A few moments passed as the tall man arranged a selection of datapads, tapped a few brief commands onto one pad in particular and then placed it gently to his side. ÔÇ£My apologies for being late gentlemen.ÔÇØ Said Supreme Commander Karl Reines, ÔÇ£but we just got word back from the Tsunami that Stone and his crew have breached the cut off point from Tau Ceti to Alpha Majora.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£My god.ÔÇØ Said one of the officers. ÔÇ£I cant believe they got through.ÔÇØ Another officer spoke up. ÔÇ£And what of the Berlin? She was positioned to intercept the Chikuma.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Destroyed.ÔÇØ Said the Supreme commander. ÔÇ£From what I managed to get out of commander Savage, she covered the Tsunami as she retreated from her prior engagement with the Onasis.ÔÇØ The second officer shook his head. ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt believe it.ÔÇØ He said. ÔÇ£That was commander Hansons ship, one of the most decorated and experienced officers in the fleet. If anyone was going to stop Stone before getting to Alpha Majora, it was him. ÔÇ£According the Savage, the Chikuma took quite a pounding before the Berlin blew. However, the Chikuma wasnÔÇÖt under cloak when she made the run for the jump gate.ÔÇØ The first officer frowned. ÔÇ£She wasnÔÇÖt under cloak? Jesus . . .ÔÇØ The supreme commander nodded at him. ÔÇ£It looks like our projections were correct. SheÔÇÖs saving her fuel so she can get deep into Gam territory before launching her strike.ÔÇØ This provoked more heated discussions between the fleet officers and the attending diplomats. ÔÇ£Gentlemen, please.ÔÇØ Said the supreme commander. ÔÇ£Lets not descend back into chaos.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander Reines,ÔÇØ started the Drodian diplomat, ÔÇ£you have to understand, if that ship reaches the suspected target it will spark a war between your people and the Gammulans. The Gammulan counterstrike would surely come through our territory to get to you. Our people will be caught in the middle of your little war.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not such a little war IÔÇÖm afraid.ÔÇØ Said the supreme commander. ÔÇ£We expect the Gammulans to launch the biggest offensive in history if Gammula is destroyed.ÔÇØ The Vesperon diplomat interrupted at this point. ÔÇ£Destroyed? I donÔÇÖt see how a single Battle Cruiser could ÔÇÿDestroyÔÇÖ their homeworld. With a maximum payload of OTS weapons, they might be able to level a few cities, but surely not the entire planet.ÔÇØ Karl Reines frowned grimly at him. The Drodian diplomat turned to his Vesperon counterpart. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm afraid we havenÔÇÖt been told everything about the ChikumaÔÇÖs threat.ÔÇØ This surprised the GalCom fleet officers. They exchanged worried glances with each other, and then with the Supreme commander. ÔÇ£What do you mean?ÔÇØ the Vesperon asked. The Drodian diplomat turned back to the Supreme commander. ÔÇ£I believe out esteemed host can answer your question.ÔÇØ Karl Reines had expected this at some stage, but would have preferred to disclose these details at a later stage. ÔÇ£For the last few years, our R&D boys have been developing the ultimate weapons system. Code named R.A.N.D.O.M, it has the potential to eradicate an entire worlds industry and population.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£By RamÔÇÖuuluk,ÔÇØ exclaimed the Vesperon diplomat,ÔÇØthatÔÇÖs . . . . Impossible.ÔÇØ The Supreme commander leaned forward onto the table. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm afraid not,ÔÇØ he started, then turned an angry glare at his Drodian guest. ÔÇ£and itÔÇÖs something we have tried to keep very quiet about.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£As well you would.ÔÇØ Said the Vesperon. ÔÇ£A weapon system like that would alter the balance of power throughout the entire galaxy.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Agreed.ÔÇØ Said Karl Reines. ÔÇ£Which is why we developed it secretly over the last few years. It was developed as the ultimate deterrent, to prevent future conflicts.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£But instead,ÔÇØ said the Drodian. ÔÇ£It was stolen by your renegades and will now start a war that has the potential to destroy us all.ÔÇØ The first fleet officer shook his head. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs by no means certain. The Chikuma is still a long way from Gammula. If it comes to it, we can alert the Gammulans to the threat and have them intercept the ship.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£But if you do that,ÔÇØ said the Vesperon. ÔÇ£You are running the risk of forcing the Gammulans into a conflict. They may see this as an excuse to attack your systems. While you have the technology to eradicate entire worlds, you are a threat to them, and they will come for you.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I tend to agree commander,ÔÇØ said the second fleet officer. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖve done some preliminary calculations, and if the Gammulans choose to attack us now, even with support from our Insurgent ÔÇÿcousinsÔÇÖ, there is a high probability that we will knocked all the way back to earth.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Then again,ÔÇØ started the Vesperon. ÔÇ£If you allow the Chikuma to continue with her mission and she does indeed destroy Gammula, you will limit their ability to rapidly construct new ships and launch them against you. Also, if you arm more of your vessels with these R.A.N.D.O.M devices, you could devastate them utterly. The Gammulan threat would cease to exist.ÔÇØ Karl Reines angrily slammed his hands onto the oval table. ÔÇ£GalCom doesnÔÇÖt start wars, nor does it consider genocide a viable method of curtailing alien aggression. Besides,ÔÇØ admitted the Supreme commander, ÔÇ£the Chikuma has the only functional prototype.ÔÇØ This admission seemed to settle the heated dialogue for a few moments. ÔÇ£What about the other renegade ships?ÔÇØ asked the Drodian. The supreme commander consulted one of his data pads. ÔÇ£Our most recent reports indicate that the Onasis was destroyed by the Tsunami prior to the engagement with the Chikuma. The Verrandi, Cyclops and Venture were intercepted by Wraith Fleet. They too have been destroyed.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£And the others?ÔÇØ asked the Vesperon diplomat. ÔÇ£Still unaccounted for.ÔÇØ Replied the supreme commander. ÔÇ£I see.ÔÇØ Said the Drodian. ÔÇ£You have six missing renegades and one weapon of mass destruction to account for.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs about the gist of it.ÔÇØ The Drodian, in itÔÇÖs own curious way seemed to smile. ÔÇ£If I were you commander, I might suggest putting your fleet on alert. If the Chikuma does indeed reach itÔÇÖs target, you will have little choice other than to attack before the Gammulans do.ÔÇØ The supreme commander shook his head. ÔÇ£We DONÔÇÖT start wars.ÔÇØ The Drodian again gave him a curious half smile. ÔÇ£Unless you stop that ship in the next 72 hours commander, youÔÇÖre going to have to. Either that, or watch your worlds burn with Gammulan fury . . . . . ÔÇ£ Mission + 23 days 7 hours 39 minutes . . . . . Somewhere in space, the GCV Chikuma burned towards itÔÇÖs latest destination . . . . ÔÇ£Explain to me again,ÔÇØ shouted commander Stone at the recently patched up Mallone. ÔÇ£Why you found it necessary to murder three of my marines?ÔÇØ Mallone held his hands up to the ranting commander. ÔÇ£Settle down there Stone, your voice is carrying.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£My voice is not carrying!ÔÇØ he shouted back. ÔÇ£My quarters are sound proofed!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Good to hear it.ÔÇØ Said Mallone, smiling. Stone didnÔÇÖt like the look of that. ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt get wise with me Mallone, this is still my ship, my mission. And despite what you might think, without me nothing happens.ÔÇØ Mallone chuckled. ÔÇ£Getting paranoid, commander? DonÔÇÖt worry, I donÔÇÖt have any plans for a repeat performance.ÔÇØ Mallone didnÔÇÖt think it was necessary to add the ÔÇÿYetÔÇÖ part to the sentence. ÔÇ£Keep it that way.ÔÇØ Said Stone, lowering his voice and reaching for a bottle of contraband liquor. ÔÇ£But tell me again, why did you kill my men?ÔÇØ Mallone sat on the single stool in Stones command quarters. ÔÇ£They left me no choice.ÔÇØ He said. ÔÇ£They wouldnÔÇÖt clear out when ordered, so I had to remove them.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£You still didnÔÇÖt have to kill them.ÔÇØ Said Stone as he took a swig from the now opened bottle. ÔÇ£You could have just ÔÇÿhurtÔÇÖ them a bit and given them the memory wipe.ÔÇØ Mallone shook his head. ÔÇ£WasnÔÇÖt enough time. Besides,ÔÇØ Mallone flashed him another near manic grin. ÔÇ£it looked better that way. How do you think it would have looked if your own people had skipped out of the brig and then returned to find a dead prisoner?ÔÇØ Stone was silently guzzling down the liquor. ÔÇ£You think you got a potential mutiny on your hands right now? If they had waltzed back in to find that, that busty XO of yours would have been up on the bridge with a full tac team in minutes.ÔÇØ Stone brought the bottle down from his lips and rounded on Mallone again. ÔÇ£Your people screwed up Mallone. They were supposed to make sure everyone was taken down cleanly. This mess is your doing, and when this is over IÔÇÖm going to make sure Stiles knows about it.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Stiles?ÔÇØ said Mallone. ÔÇ£You think that pencil pushing numbnuts is going to give a shit about you and your people when this is all finished?ÔÇØ Stone glared at the bigger man. ÔÇ£This whole operation is his baby, Mallone. He put it together, he recruited each and every one of us. He has done his utmost to protect us every step of the way. He is probably as appalled at the things weÔÇÖve had to do as I am.ÔÇØ Stone took another quick swig from the bottle. ÔÇ£And you know what? ThatÔÇÖs the difference between you and me Mallone.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£What is?ÔÇØ Mallone asked, sounding curious. ÔÇ£You enjoy doing this. This is like a big game to you. Just a bit of fun. You donÔÇÖt really understand why weÔÇÖre doing this, you just enjoy doing it for itÔÇÖs own sake. You donÔÇÖt care who you hurt let alone care for the reasons.ÔÇØ Mallone was amused. ÔÇ£Dear god, how naive can you really be commander? You think this is just a bit of fun to me? You have no clue. This is more my mission than you will ever understand. Your contribution to this mission is insignificant. Your nothing more than a delivery boy.ÔÇØ Stone threw the near empty liquor bottle from his hand and watched it shatter into a thousand shards against bulkhead. ÔÇ£You egotistical son of a bitch. How dare you put your own inflated sense of self importance above the completion of the mission.ÔÇØ Mallone didnÔÇÖt flinch. In fact, he seemed to smile even more at the enraged commander. ÔÇ£I see weÔÇÖre not going to be best friends after all commander Stone.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£If I had my way,ÔÇØ said Stone. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖd put you and your men off this ship faster than you can break wind.ÔÇØ Mallone stood from his stool and walked towards the cabins exit. ÔÇ£Just as well you donÔÇÖt have the authority to do that, commander.ÔÇØ The door swished open, and Mallone stepped through. ÔÇ£Or the nerve.ÔÇØ Stone let him go, but found himself wanting to go after the man, taking a swing at his smug head and knocking six kinds of shit out of him. He didnÔÇÖt like the man, nor did he trust him. However, Fleet Commander Stiles had insisted that he was needed on the mission, so Stone had little choice other than to accept it. However, once the mission was over . . . His wrist com bleeped. ÔÇ£Go ahead.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£Sir,ÔÇØ it was Reynolds. ÔÇ£Helm reports we are at the designated coordinates.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Understood.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£Cloak the ship then bring all bridge systems back online.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sye, sir.ÔÇØ Said Reynolds. ÔÇ£Engaging cloak . . navitron coming back online.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Excellent Reynolds.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander, Navigation is requesting instructions.ÔÇØ Stone felt his stomach tighten again. This was it. This was really it. ÔÇ£Navigation, set course for the flux field.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Replied Ailsa Strang. ÔÇ£Course locked into the navitron.ÔÇØ Stone took a deep breath and looked at the mess his shattered liquor bottle had left on the bulkhead. He wondered if five years from now, he would be remembered as a hero, or as the man that plunged the galaxy into the bloodiest of wars. ÔÇ£Engage, mister Jensen. Maximum burn.ÔÇØ Mission + 23 days 7 hours 45 minutes [Narrative Off] ***** The plot thickens ***** ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 22 days 17 hours 4 minutes [Narrative On] PART TWO EPILOGUE The last few days had been nothing less of a nightmare for the crew of the GCV Chikuma. With reported assassinations, declarations of war, skirmishes with renegade GalCom forces, not to mention the odd murder on board ship and the early signs of a potential mutiny, things were looking grim. With the inclusion of MalloneÔÇÖs elite forces and secret supplies and even more secret orders, things were quickly getting out of control. The most recent battle with the GCV Berlin had taken a terrible toll on the moral of the ship. The casualties from that engagement had been horrific, including the loss of the Berlins entire compliment and the death of over two dozen of the ChikumaÔÇÖs own. Damage to the Chikuma herself was not extensive, although several key systems were destroyed, including the cloning tanks and a lot of repair material in cargo bay one. If that wasnÔÇÖt enough, many other systems were suffering from anomalous malfunctions that couldnÔÇÖt be tracked down or rectified without being in the relative safety of a space dock. Rumors of a rift between commander Stone and Lt. Commander Neena Polovoski rushed through the ship like wildfire, touching everyone in different and dangerous ways. Over the next two days, crewmembers began to exchange secret messages, have hushed conversations and a few extremists even began to formulate plans and counter measures for a conflict that most knew was almost inevitable. There were two sides to this potential conflict. There were the supporters of Stone, who understood the need for secrecy and accepted the orders they were asked to follow. There were also those who supported the Lt. Commanders point of view, that the Chikuma and her crew were engaging in unethical practices. More than anything, it was commander Stones refusal to divulge anything more than the most elementary information regarding the mission that antagonized this second group. Before long, these two sides would collide in an unavoidable conflict. [Narrative Off] End Epilogue ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

My, look at you lot hedging your bets Cant say I blame you. One thing I'm curious about. The majority of the story has been written from the perspective of the command staff, and the RP'ers amongst you are playing the minor characters. What I'm wondering is this, do you prefer to participate in this manner (Caught in the wake so to speak) or have more control over the major events? I'm asking you this because I'm already drafting up plans for another RP thread some time in the next few months and I want to to get some feed back to help make the next thread even more of a joy to write and observe as this one. As always, suggestions are welcome ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 22 days 16 hours 8 minutes [Narrative On] "Theres a what in the brig?" shouted Mallone at one of the Chikuma's regualr compliment of marines. "A prisoner sir." replied the startled marine. "Just the one?" asked Mallone, already turning about and heading towards the security deck. "Yes sir!" shouted then amrine after him. Mallone was pissed. He had ordered his own men to check that every intruder on board had been put down totally. The last thing he, Stone or the mission needed was a talkative survivor. That represented a major threat to the success of the mission. "Commander Stone?" said Mallone on his wrist link. "Go ahead." replied a tired sounding Stone. "Commander, we got a live one in the brig. Did you know about this?" A brief pause. "Stand by." eventually said Stone. A moment passed and Mallone found himself entering the guarded brig. There were three regular troops here, looking over the injured and currently unconscious prisoner. With them were two of his own people, both looking just as startled as he now felt. "Sir!" said the first of the his men. "We just got word of this from sickbay. I came down here immediately after hearing it." Stones voice chirped over hsi wrist com. "Whats the condition of the prisoner?" he asked nervously. "Unconscious," started Mallone, "but he could reawaken at any time." Another pause from Stone. "Take care of it Mallone." "Understood." he acknowledged, then shut off the wrist link. "Clear the brig." ordered Mallone. The black garmed marines obeyed without question, stepping aside of their commander and marching through the exit. The three regular marines held there ground. "Sorry sir, we have orders to watch over the prisoner." "I dont give a rats ass what orders you have soldier, you will move out now or I will punch a hole in your gut and rip out your spleen." The marine wasnt impressed. He turned to his side and faced down the slightly bigger man. "Not on my watch, sir." Mallone grinned. He'd been itching to do this. "Son, you got a simple choice to make here . . . . you either step aside or you -" Mallone slammed his arm out and into the neck of the first marine faster than his eyes could register. The marine briefly felt his throat crumple beneath the big mans forearm as his head snapped back and broke his neck. He was dead before he hit the ground. The two other regular guards were momentarily stunend from the sudden and brutal attack, but when they did respond they brought their weapons up and towards the attacker. As they did so, Mallone ducked down and fired a precise kick into the knee of the closets marine. Somthing popped and the marine fell backwards, his weapon launched from his grip and arching silently in the air. The remaining marine fired a snap shot at Mallone, and grazed his arm with a painful burst of laser fire. Immediately Mallone sprung up and towards the startled marine, launching an outstretched palm towards his face and connecting solidly with his jaw. Like the first marine, his head snapped back and the sound of cracking bone accompanied a muffled gurgling as he fell. Mallone hadnt noticed at first, but a weapons discharge alert was blarring around his ears. First, he stepped over the bodies and approached the security terminal. He quickly puleld open a panel and disconnected a few wires. Then he shorted a few more out. The security grid fluttered, then collapsed. Launching himself over the terminal, he quickly ran into the cell and dragged the unconscious Berlin survivor from his bunk. Groggily, the marine began to awaken, and had jsut enough full awarness to register Mallones manic grin beaming down at him. "Sweet dreams." Mallone whispered, before taking hold of the mans head and twisting it round like the steering colum of a car. More snapping, another brief gurgle. The mans legs gave out and his lifeless body hung in Mallones firm grip. A moment later, Mallone let go of his latest victim and himself crumpled to the floor. He began wailing ever so slightly, raising his moans in pitch as the thump thump thump of approaching footsteps got closer. "Thank god." Mallone said as two more of the Chukima's regular marines burst through the doorway. "What happened?" the first yelled as he surveyed the carnage around him. "He . ." Mallone gestured to the now dead prisorer. "broke through the barries when the system blew. He took us by surprise. Killed them all." "And you?" asked the second marine. "What about you?" "I was hit by deflected weapons fire. I managed to take him down before he got a gun free from one of the guards." The second marine nodded, but didnt look happy. Tapping his wrist comm, he linked down to the medibay. "Medbay, this is Marine#5, we got an emergency in the brig. Prisoners dead, as are the guards. Mallone took a blaster hit. Send a medic and cleanup crew." ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 22 days 14 hours 13 minutes [Narrative On] Victory. But at what at what price? This was the question running through Lt. Commander Neena PolovoskiÔÇÖs head as she returned from the ships medbay after debriefing Sgt. Diamond and his surviving troops. ÔÇ£What the hells wrong with the commander?ÔÇØ one of the marines had asked her, his face badly burnt from a close call with a blaster rifle. Neena just rested a hand on his shoulder and eased him back to the surgical unit where a medic was treating him. ÔÇ£Easy soldier.ÔÇØ She said. ÔÇ£Save your strength.ÔÇØ The marine protested. ÔÇ£Those were our people we were fighting sir. I didnÔÇÖt sign on for this kind of thing.ÔÇØ The attending medic quickly sedated him, and the injured marine fell into a troubled slumber. Sgt. Diamond was more coherent than the injured marine, but spoke with almost as much bitterness. Maybe it was the flash burn to his shoulder that caused him to wince while he gave his report, but she suspected the old dog was furious with himself and the commander for what he had just been forced to do. Neena tallied up the engagement results from the assault on the ship, and grimly surveyed them. A total of 37 casualties. Mostly the ships compliment of marines but a few medics and a flight engineer here and there. So far, med bay had reported a total of 18 fatalities, again, most of them from the marines. One of Mallones own men had been killed during the firefight, but had almost single handedly taken out a squad of the invading troopers. ÔÇ£Tough as old boots.ÔÇØ Sgt. Diamond had said when he described them to her. ÔÇ£But they still scare the hell out of me.ÔÇØ Neena was inclined to agree with him. The ChikumaÔÇÖs interceptor pilots were in the process of being recalled now, and after the comms bad had been lifted, the abuse from the pilots began to pour in. Each of them sounded distinctly unhappy, especially IC1 pilot Robert ÔÇÿBanishÔÇÖ Anderson. He had been responsible for sparing the life of the pilot that the commander in his infinite wisdom had decided needed to be ÔÇÿtaken downÔÇÖ despite being defenseless. This had angered her, but she was in no position to object. Twice already she had come close to pushing the commander over the edge, and twice now she had just pulled back from going to far. She knew there was something terribly wrong with the commander, maybe their entire mission, and the recent engagement with the Berlin had convinced her of this more than anything. Sadly, she couldnÔÇÖt act without any kind of justification. In times of war, commanders are given a lot of latitude with their orders. They can break just about any rule, do just about any thing so long as the objective is met. On missions as secret as the ChikumaÔÇÖs, the fleet could probably forgive a few transgressions here and there. However, there was a limit to what she could allow the commander to do, and the way thigns were progressing now, some kind of action would have to be taken. Before she could do that, she needed something to use against him. She pondered during her trip up to the bridge exactly what she could do, or if it came to it, trump up, in order to relieve the commander. By the time she got there, she still had nothing. ÔÇ£Engineering, whats our operational status?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Spencer here commander, IÔÇÖm just getting a break down for you.ÔÇØ Stone acknowledged his XO as she came onto the bridge and took her position. ÔÇ£Whats our status in medical mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ Neena glared down at him. ÔÇ£We lost a lot of good people when we were boarded commander. Our marine compliment is less than half strength, and most of those still alive are in no condition to fight.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£What about our guests?ÔÇØ asked Stone. ÔÇ£Oh, they are just fine and dandy commander, although they did lose one man.ÔÇØ Stone nodded at her. ÔÇ£Unfortunate, but these things happen.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir,ÔÇØ said Polovoski. ÔÇ£they do.ÔÇØ Stone didnÔÇÖt care for her tone of voice, but couldnÔÇÖt worry himself with it right now. ÔÇ£Anything else Lt. Commander?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Yes sir,ÔÇØ said the combat officer. ÔÇ£We lost our cloning capability and took damage to the replacement materials needed to fix it in cargo bay 1.ÔÇØ Stone frowned. ÔÇ£Not good.ÔÇØ He said, then smiling at her, ÔÇ£Probably an idea to keep our heads down a bit from now on.ÔÇØ Neena swallowed hard. ÔÇ£Yes sir, might be an idea, sir.ÔÇØ Stone chuckled and turned away as engineering came back on the link. From what Stone heard from his chief engineer, the Chikuma had sustained moderate damage in the battle with the Berlin. The hull had taken a pounding, and the shield systems would need to be overhauled once the mission was complete, but all in all it could have been a lot worse. Like it had been for the Berlin. That ship had erupted in a fireball the moment itÔÇÖs reactor breached. A lucky shot more than a steady pounding and superior combat capabilities of his crew. Either way, it didnÔÇÖt matter. The Berlin and itÔÇÖs entire crew were gone. Dead. The Tsunami, however, was another matter. That ship had evaded them during itÔÇÖs suicide assault on the ship. Stone winced at the memory, remembered the terror of watching that smashed hunk of junk roaring towards his ship, itÔÇÖs commander obviously deranged enough to attempt such a maneuver. Had things been different and the missions success not such a high priority, he would have taken her on, redirected his turrets from the more dangerous Berlin and swatted the arrogant commander out of the sky. However, in the sparse seconds he had to make a descision, he concluded that it was probably better to avoid the ship for now, and take care of it once the Berlin had had gone down. Sadly for Stone, the Berlin put up a brave fight. She held on and beat back the ChikumaÔÇÖs advances, and at one point Stone almost considered retreating across the system to perform minor repairs and regroup his forces. Then, the Berlins reactor blew. The ship dissolved into fragments and spun off in a thousand directions. There was no cheer from the bridge. No celebrations. The crew were horrified at what had happened. But at least they knew that it had to be done. At least, Stone believed that some of them knew it had to be done. Maybe some of them. Mission + 22 days 14 hours 38 minutes [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Well Ben, I've heard worse thoerys Yup, a lot bee goin on and a lot more in the pipework. This beast has enough twists n turns to give the most paranoid conspicicy thoerist a run for their money. But I aint sayin anything . . . yet. As for plot catchup . . Sorry, you'll have to read the posts. I cant even begin to think where to start on this one. Hey, it's a good read though. So, anyone got any more ideas as to whats goin on? Love to hear from players and readers alike. ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Dont worry, I dont think I'll have to take over anybodys characters. I'm just saying I will do if people dissapear for a while and the character needs to do somthing. Anyway, has anybody got any thoughts regarding the latest going's on onboard the good ship Chikuma? Post 'em here and I might throw you a bone or two. ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 22 days 13 hours 36 minutes [Narrative ON] GCV Berlin IC2 Flight Log Pilot Benjamin ÔÇÿSTOMPEYÔÇÖ Harris Recording . . . . This is IC2 pilot Ben Harris, recording what in all likelihood is my last log entry. The last volley from the Chikuma breached the shields a blew a chunk out of the co-pilots reinforced canopy. Dace was killed instantly in the blast, and what remained of his body was blown out into space and fried by secondary turret fire. I immediately pulled out of the fire, but lost my attitude thrusters in a collision with one of the renegade fighters. I spun out for a second, and when I came to my senses again I found myself unpowered and drifting. I managed to get partial sensors back online and have just noticed the enemy IC 1 pulling away from me at maximum burn. It looks like they decided not to go in for the easy kill. Thank god for small mercies. I guess they feel as shitty about killing their own almost as much as I do. Still, I got no guilt on me. I didnÔÇÖt bag a single one. I might have done some damage to the Chikuma herself in my straffing, but at least I donÔÇÖt get to see first hand any casualties. IÔÇÖm putting out an S.O.S, but subspace is so scrambled with inteference from the Chikuma, I doubt anyone will get it until they well out of the area. And by the looks of things, my cap ship is going up in a ball of flame. Dammit, we were winning. That stunt the Tsunami pulled gave us the edge we needed to keep things o nan even keel for a while, but that ship, the Chikuma has seen more battle time than most other BCÔÇÖs in the galaxy. Hell, why couldnÔÇÖt it have been the Onasis we ran into? Commander Savage, that lucky *******. He always gets the easy ships. Oh well, too late to complain about it now. IÔÇÖm just gonna sit here and await my pickup. Sheesh, Camillas gonna be pissed when I get back home. She told me to watch my six, not get into anything I couldnÔÇÖt handle and above all else, keep my head down when thigns got dirty. She gonna whup me good for this days work. Hmmmm, at elast she got the kids to keep her mind off things. Little JennyÔÇÖs got a birthday next week, and TerryÔÇÖs due to start pre-school next month . . . I should be there, would have been there if this whole nightmare hadnÔÇÖt started . . . . still, somebody gotta clean up the mess. Guess thatÔÇÖs what they pay me the big bucks for. Hang on, something not right here . . . Hell, itÔÇÖs the Chikuma . . . . . ItÔÇÖs pulling away from the Berlin . . . moving towards . . shit! SheÔÇÖs coming right at me . . what the hell for? IÔÇÖm dead in space, I cant go nowhere, I got nothing left to hurt her with . . Gotta get out of here . . coming into range . . . threat warning! Must eject . . EJECT EJECT EJECT! Bollocks . . . systems dead. Cant . . . reach manual release . . . . . oh god . . . . .there firing. Camilla! . . .. Camilla! ArghhhhhhhÔǪÔǪÔǪBzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzchnk! Mission + 22 days 13 hours 39 minutes [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Well gang, should it become neccesary for me to take control of anyone, I will do that as an when It needs to be done. As for waiting times, well, your ebst bet is to check often and start putting pen to proverbial paper quickly. This beast dont sit still for too long, and with everything about to get real manic real quick, I'd recomend a bunch of short posts instead of the occasional big one. But hey, thats jsut my advice. Who am I to argue? ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

I aim to please. ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Mission + 22 days 12 hours 47 minutes [Narrative On] ÔÇ£Status!ÔÇØ barked Commander Stone as he entered the bridge. ÔÇ£Enemy vessel is at a heading of 243 by 14 by 9, holding position ahead of the jump gate out of the system. Their weapons and shield systems are fully charged. No support vessels of any kind in the immediate area. They are hailing us commander.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Block the transmission Reynolds. I donÔÇÖt want that son of a bitch blowing the whistle on our whereabouts to any of his turncoat friends.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Mister Graves?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£On station, commander.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Bring TacOps back online, full readiness.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Yes sir!ÔÇØ exclaimed Graves, who for the first time in days was able to properly investigate his surroundings without worrying about blowing the ChikumaÔÇÖs silent running orders. Being intercepted by the renegades ship more than did that. ÔÇ£Helm?ÔÇØ asked the commander. ÔÇ£Yes sir?ÔÇØ replied Jensen. ÔÇ£Bring us to an intercept course with the renegade.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye commander.ÔÇØ Stone was almost by his command seat by this time. Just as he was seating himself, the combat officer spoke up. ÔÇ£Commander, you want us to engage the renegade?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not ideally mister Polovoski, but we have little choice now. We need to get through that jump gate, and they are in the way.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£But sir, those are our people on that ship.ÔÇØ Stone shook his head. ÔÇ£Not any more Lt. Commander, they ceased being our people when they betrayed the fleet. There nothing more than common scum with some high tech equipment.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir, what about all the enlisted men and support crew that ship? They are just following the orders of their superiors, much like the crew on this ship would.ÔÇØ Stone didnÔÇÖt like the tone of her voice. Something about her last comment seemed threatening to him. ÔÇ£Whatever feelings you may have for those crewmembers Lt. Commander, put them aside. For one, whether they know the score or not, they are still getting ready to attack this vessel and are therefore a threat. Second, we have an objective, and right now, however unfortunate, that ship stands between us and that objective.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Then we can warn them off commander. Give them a chance to retreat.ÔÇØ Stone was reluctant to answer her, knowing full well what the reaction would be. ÔÇ£Negative mister Polovoski. We cant let them get word back to their fleet.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander, we cant possibl-ÔÇ£ ÔÇ£I want them out of my sky Lt. Commander, and I donÔÇÖt want any further argument from you about it! Now, carry out your duties or I will have you relieved!ÔÇØ The combat officer bolted from her console and stepped down quickly to her commander. It was only when she faced him directly that she noticed, for the first time, that commander Stone had armed himself. Surprised, he protest was momentarily forgotten. Stone glared at her with cold, hardened eyes. ÔÇ£As you were Lt. Commander.ÔÇØ Again, Neena paused, waiting for some semblance of understanding to force itÔÇÖs way into her head and makes sense of the remarkably confusing situation she now found herself in. ÔÇ£I will tell you one more time Lt. Commander, and if you havenÔÇÖt resumed your post, I will have you escorted to the brig.ÔÇØ Reynolds looked at the XO with worried eyes. ÔÇ£Neena, please?ÔÇØ The combat officer slowly acknowledged him, then looked briefly back at her commander. She conceded. ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ She said, before making her way back to her post. For just a moment, Stone had considered rushing for his firearm, pulling it from itÔÇÖs holster and leveling it at his XOÔÇÖs chest. He wondered how the rest of the bridge crew would have reacted to such a blatantly hostile gesture, but didnÔÇÖt dwell on the grim and all too possible outcome. Instead, she had backed down again, probably for the last time. ÔÇ£Commander?ÔÇØ said Jensen. ÔÇ£Yes?ÔÇØ he replied. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre on course for the Berlin, ETA 6 minutes.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Good. Mister Polovoski, have ICÔÇÖs 1 through 4 launch and escort us. Get the regular marines prepped and ready for combat. I got a feeling weÔÇÖre going to be boarded.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£What about our guests, commander?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Inform Mallone of the situation, and have his people stand by.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye commander.ÔÇØ Moments later, the four Interceptors were in space, moving into an escort stance around the Chikuma and bring their weapons to readiness. On the lower decks, Sgt. Diamonds compliment of marines began making their patrols around the ship, while worried off duty personnel retreated into their quarters and prepared for the worse. In the guest quarters, Mallone began barking instructions to his men, ordering them to supplement the ships regular marines in almost every area. Soon, uniformed marines stood side by side with their clandestine fellows, exchanging grudging looks each attempting to carry out their duties with more precision and enthusiasm than their counterparts. It was an odd mixture, with no clear chain of command. Although Sgt. Diamond had full authority on board ship, the new arrivals had obviously not been told this, or if they had, were following their own agendas and had little intention of taking orders from a regular. This was a major concern. ÔÇ£Mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ said Stone. ÔÇ£Aye sir?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I want IC comms shut out. Over ride their systems and lock them out completely. Have any new orders routed through TacOps only.ÔÇØ Again, the combat officer thought about protesting, but knew she was already a single step away from being relieved and a possible court martial. In war times, she could find herself spaced without so much as a hearing, or shot down like a dog at her commanders whim. She doubted anything like that would happen on this ship, or at least, she doubted that it would have happened on this ship until recently, but she wasnÔÇÖt about to risk it now. ÔÇ£Aye commander.ÔÇØ She said, manually locking out the interceptor pilots communications with a few well placed keyboard strokes. ÔÇ£ICÔÇÖs 1 through 4 are locked out of comms.ÔÇØ Stone nodded, and leaned forward in his command chair. He looked into the main bridge viewscreen, and as the seconds ticked by, watched the distance between the Chukuma and the renegade Berlin decrease. ÔÇ£Commander!ÔÇØ shouted Graves from his TacOps terminal. ÔÇ£The Berlin is launching fighters, and we got activity from the jump gate.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Something coming through?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir, something big.ÔÇØ Stone watched on his MFD at the TacOps data, and winced as a new blip appeared on the readout. It didnÔÇÖt make pleasant viewing. Another Battlecruiser Mk.2. ÔÇ£What ship is that Graves?ÔÇØ the commander barked. ÔÇ£Transponder identityÔÇÖs it as the GCV Tsunami. Another renegade.ÔÇØ Stone frowned. ÔÇ£Tsunami? IsnÔÇÖt that commander SavageÔÇÖs ship?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Said Graves. ÔÇ£I hear he used to be a file clerk, sir.ÔÇØ Stone was almost amused by this most recent turn of events. He had heard about commander Karl ÔÇÿBladesÔÇÖ Savage, and what he had heard led him to believe that the commander, although clever and resourceful, was not cut out for starship command. In fact, rumor had it that Blades had only got his commission through various nefarious activities, including blackmailing a high ranking fleet official. Or so the rumor went. ÔÇ£Whats the status of that ship Graves?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£SheÔÇÖs taken heavy damage sir and in no condition to fight.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£All the better mister Graves. Have ICÔÇÖs 3 and 4 break and attack the Tsunami.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir, the Tsunami is no threat.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Do I have to repeat myself to you as well mister Graves?ÔÇØ Graves swallowed hard. ÔÇ£Negative sir. Updating their threat list. They are moving to intercept.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Good.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£ETA to primary target?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Three minutes sir. Enemy fighters on approach.ÔÇØ Stone gripped the edge of his seat tightly, and forced himself to ease back into his command chair. ÔÇ£Bring the turrets online. Maximum spread, 80% power. IOD to 30%.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Said Graves. ÔÇ£Weapons hot, lead targets in range in 20 seconds.ÔÇØ Stone took in a breath, thought one last time about the implications of what he was about to do. In those moments, he considered his orders, the choice he had made over three months ago, the sacrifices that had already been made, and the sacrifices that were about to be. All the doubts of recent weeks finally came at him head on. Before, they were just theories and possible complications. Now, they were real, and faced with these real threats, real targets, Stone almost lost his nerve and countermanded his orders. However, the need was as great now as it had been before. Possibly even more so. How could GalCom survive with officers like commander Savage being the only thing standing between Earth and hordes of aggressive aliens? It couldnÔÇÖt. Not with the way things were. ÔÇ£Commander, lead targets are now in weapons range. What are your orders?ÔÇØ Stone looked grimly up at the main bridge viewer. The four Berlin interceptors streaked towards his ship, weapons hot and already trying to acquire a missile lock. Kill or be killed. Fight, or die. ÔÇ£Make them go away mister Graves, I want a clear run to the Berlin.ÔÇØ Mission + 22 days 13 hours 00 minutes [Narrative Off] Mission + 22 days 13 hours 57 minutes [Narrative On] Commander Savage's Personal Log GCV Tsunami I think I must have soiled myself for the third time in just over an hour. The first instance was pretty much as per normal given that we had just barley gotten away with putting down the GCV Onasis. However, after picking up survivors and jumping into the anticipated safety of [CLASSIFIED], we ran smack bang in the middle of yet another engagement with these renegade forces. This time it was the Chiukma, bearing down on the Berlin at full speed. Running across another renegade in this short space of time was nothing short of impossibly unfortunate in the first place, but as soon as TacOps had been able to establish that it was the Chikuma, I knew I was in for a bad afternoon. Hence my second soiling. Gah . . itÔÇÖs all confusing at the moment. Let me see If I can get this all down in proper order. Before I knew what was going on, two Interceptors from the Chikuma were speeding towards me and devastating what was left of my shields. The Chikuma herself was making a move towards the fully functional Berlin, and wasnÔÇÖt paying us too much attention. I guess the commander of that ship, whats his name? Stone I think fleet said when they briefed us, didnÔÇÖt consider us too much of a threat. If he had done, he would have gone for us first and got in an easy kill. Damn, IÔÇÖm glad we were so beat up. Anyhow, the Chikuma engaged the Berlin at close range, the other two fighters mixing it up with the Berlins own compliment. This went on for a while, and at first, it looked like the Berlin was doing the most damage. While this was going on, my crew were screaming at me to get us the hell out of there, and as the good commander I am, I ordered a hasty retreat back through the jump gate. Sadly, our reverse thrust was completely shot to hell, so all we could do was go forward or use maneuvering thrusters to turn us to face the gate. Thrusting round would have taken time, and severely limited our ability to defend ourselves from the attacking interceptors. So instead, I ordered a maximum power burn on our present heading. Jonis said something about a collision alert a few moments later, and it was only when the bridge view came back online briefly, I realized I was hurtling the ship directly into the path of the Chikuma. I bluffed my way through that slight oversight by claiming I knew what I was doing, and it was all part of an intricate plan to thwart the enemy. As luck would have it, the Chikuma wasnÔÇÖt much in the mood to take us head on, and despite losing most of our remaining armor and blowing the half dozen or so working systems we still had, the enemy ship executed an emergency evasion maneuver and just got out of our way. For the next fifteen minutes, it was a running battle between ourselves and the two enemy interceptors. My own pilots ships were too heavily damaged to send out into the engagement, so I had to rely on a huge amount of luck to get us out of the firefight. I say luck, what it actually boiled down to was the Berlins utter refusal to back down from the Chukuma that probably saved our hides. From what my TacOps officer told me, the Chikuma recalled itÔÇÖs interceptors from harassing us to help defend it against the onslaught from the Berlin. This allowed us to get clear across the system to out alternate exit point. I donÔÇÖt really know what happened from that point, since TacOps was gone and we were only getting the most basic of sensor info about the battle. The last thing I saw before we lost TacOps for good was the Berlin burning in space, itÔÇÖs interceptors blown out of the sky and the damaged, but still functional Chikuma throwing everything she had at the devastated ship. There was an explosion, and the EMP blast knocked out the rest of our sensors. Somehow, we managed to get through the jump to [CENSORED] and put out an immediate S.O.S. I just hope someone comes and rescues us before that renegade ship comes back to finish us off. End Log [Mission + 22 days 14 hours 3 minutes] [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Dream job? Nooooooooo. The Chikuma is destined for tradgedy and untold horrors. But enough of that for now. As for the Brain washing, well, it's more like a 'Memory Block' more than anything. Good, but not 100% effective [mail me for details]. Oh yeah, were about half way through the plot now, so keep it comming crew. Chavik, everythings fine. Keep it up! ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

***** Right, you guys have no excuse for not posting now. Lots to work with and big things a commin. The real story starts HERE. ***** Mission + 22 days 12 hours 39 minutes [Narrative ON] Commanders Personal Log First things first. Theres trouble coming. I can see it on the horizon. My bridge crew are concerned about our mission, and scuttlebutt suggests that the crew are divided on my command orders. They didnÔÇÖt react favorably to the arrival of our ÔÇÿGuestsÔÇÖ and there have already been minor skirmishes between the regular marine compliment and the special operations team. IÔÇÖve done my best so far to keep them apart, but everyone has their orders and their duties, and itÔÇÖs nearly impossible for the regulars not to interact with the new boys. IÔÇÖve spoken to Mallone about keeping his people under control, and so far he has done an excellent job at keeping their hostile leanings in reletive check. However, despite their superior training and conditioning, they are still being goaded by my regulars when they interact. Perhaps if they didnÔÇÖt show such contempt for the marines it would be a helluva lot easier to keep things professional. However, that isnÔÇÖt an easy thing to accomplish, and wont work out long term. However, they are needed on board ship, just in case things continue to progress as I fear they might. At any rate, IÔÇÖve already had them intergrate the additional equipment into the ships systems, despite the protests of Chief Spencer and Lt. Commander Polovoski. Hell, I wish she wasnÔÇÖt on board ship. If there is going to be a problem, it will start with her. I did my best to calm her down at our meeting earlier, but I donÔÇÖt think she accepted my word as gospel. I informed her about the crucial nature of our mission, but not our real target. I fobbed her off with some creative bullshitting. Told her we were hitting a secret cloaked missile delivery installation. I almost think she bought it. Almost, but not quite. Once our meeting was concluded, we both went back to the bridge. We didnÔÇÖt say anything much after that, and the crew were awfully damned quiet. I cant blame them. I think the only time I heard her speak during the remainder of the shift was when she ordered the pilots to RTB prior to jumping out system. However, she did manage a concerned glare at me every once in a while. Hmmmmm. IÔÇÖve took the precaution during the night to install some new software in the main computer. IÔÇÖve had some of MalloneÔÇÖs men stand guard around the computer core. They will remain there for the remainder of the mission, just in case. Maybe IÔÇÖm being over cautious. I donÔÇÖt know. Maybe IÔÇÖm being paranoid. Whatever the case, I cant allow anything to interfere with the mission. I still have my doubts, but not enough to go against what I know is necessary. Damn, I really wish Neena wasnÔÇÖt on my crew. I like that woman, she is a damned good officer. If things had been different, IÔÇÖd want her with me wherever I was assigned. Ok, I mustnÔÇÖt allow sentiment to get in the way. Could be fatal. ÔÇ£Commander Stone to the bridge!ÔÇØ Hell. ÔÇ£Stone here, whats the problem mister Reynolds?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£TacOps is picking up a blip ahead of our next jump point. ItÔÇÖs transponder identifies it as the GCV Berlin, Mk.2 battlecruiser.ÔÇØ Christ . . . almost avoided it. ÔÇ£Are you running the transponder through the updated IFF system?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Doing it now sir . . . . . . itÔÇÖs one of the renegades sir.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Understood Reynolds. Signal battle stations, IÔÇÖm on my way up.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye aye sir!ÔÇØ Dammit, we were so close to getting through. Now we have a problem. A big one. End Log. Mission + 22 days 12 hours 43 minutes [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

[Narrative On] Mission + 21 days 16 hours 50 minutes The eight support craft of the GCV Chikuma approached the vast hulk of the armed transport ship. Upon reaching the ingress point, the four interceptor craft peeled off from their escort duty and allowed the shuttles to maneuver into the landing bay. Sitting at his Tacops terminal Graves monitored each of the ships as they vanished within the transport. Apparently, there was some sort of dampening field in operation within the ship, preventing the sensors from scanning its interior cargo and weapons bays. This worried Graves, although the commander seemed perfectly at ease. He hesitated about mentioning his grievances, especially considering the heated outburst between the commander and XO. For now, he assumed that the commander knew full well the situation, and was fully briefed and prepared for it. However, as the support craft began to withdraw from the transport ship a few minutes later, he did notice something worthy of comment. ÔÇ£Commander?ÔÇØ said Graves. ÔÇ£Yes mister Graves?ÔÇØ he replied. ÔÇ£Sir, IÔÇÖm scanning the shuttles as they come out of the ship. They seem to be loaded with armed personnel and weaponry.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs right.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£They are required for our mission.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Said Graves. ÔÇ£But IÔÇÖm also detecting the presence of another dampening field on shuttle 4. ItÔÇÖs blocking out all my efforts to scan.ÔÇØ Stone nodded at him. ÔÇ£Not to worry mister Graves, IÔÇÖm fully aware of shuttle fours contents. The dampening field is in place for security reasons.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Understood sir.ÔÇØ Said Graves. ÔÇ£Sir?ÔÇØ said Polovoski. ÔÇ£How many additional personnel are we bringing on board?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£A total of 42 Lt. Commander. Troops and mission specialists.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£42? We donÔÇÖt have the room in the barracks for additional troops.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm aware of that mister Polovoksi. We will put them up in guest quarters and in the brig if necessary.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Said Polovoski, suddenly feeling uneasy about the introduction of these secret troops to the ships compliment. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll alert Sgt. Diamond to greet them and see that they are entered into the ships perscan system.ÔÇØ Stone rounded on her. ÔÇ£Negative Lt. Commander. They are not to be entered into ships records at all.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£You want to go through this again mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ Neena PolovoskiÔÇÖs stomach tightened. She didnÔÇÖt like the feel of this at all. ÔÇ£No sir. Understood, sir.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Very good.ÔÇØ Said Stone, turning his attention back to the view screen. ÔÇ£ETA on SH 1 through 4ÔÇÖs retrieval?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Four minutes commander.ÔÇØ Said Graves. ÔÇ£Excellent.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£Mister Polovoski, have the recovery deck cleared. Post guards outside the deck and make sure they donÔÇÖt admit anyone except myself.ÔÇØ Neena Polovoski wasnÔÇÖt liking this at all. ÔÇ£Understood sir.ÔÇØ Minutes later in the empty landing bay, the four shuttles concluded their docking procedures and came to a halt in their assigned retrieval spaces. Slowly, the cargo ramps lowered, and a mass of armed personnel stomped onto the deck. Each wore jet black combat fatigues, carried an assortment or deadly short to mid range weapons and wore advanced target tracking and identification headgear. There were no identification tags to these men, no name badges or even rank insignia. In fact, there was nothing to identify them as GalCom troops at all. Most prominent amongst them was their commander, a large, powerful man in his early 40ÔÇÖs. Like the others, he wore no insignia or name tags, but his ÔÇÿlookÔÇÖ was more than enough to convince a casual onlooker that this was the man in charge. As the men descended from the shuttles, they divided into separate units and began moving throughout the deck and started scanning for unwanted personnel and monitoring systems. At each point, they found none. ÔÇ£Captain Mallone, sir!ÔÇØ barked a starch pressed trooper. ÔÇ£Area secure, sir!ÔÇØ Mallone gave him a stern nod, then looked over at the shuttle craft. ÔÇ£Unload the equipment and get those shuttle pilots debriefed. Use the ÔÇÿwipeÔÇÖ on them.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir, yes sir!ÔÇØ responded the trooper, who immediately turned on the ball of his foot and began issuing orders into his commlink unit. Seconds later, three additional troopers and a medic with an ominous looking case joined him, and made their way into shuttle 1. Mallone tapped the transmit button on his communit, and spoke into the extended lash mike. ÔÇ£Ghost to Revenant, the cats amongst the pigeons. You are cleared to cloak and disembark.ÔÇØ Static came back, then a hurried response. ÔÇ£Revenant to Ghost, received and understood. Good hunting.ÔÇØ Mallone clicked the comm unit again, switching it back to itÔÇÖs predetermined unit frequency. Looking up at his amassed troops, he couldnÔÇÖt help but allow a small smile to break onto his cold, granite like features. The smile was cut short by the sounds of a struggle from within shuttle one. A mans voice, he didnÔÇÖt recognize it as one of his men, seemed to be protesting strongly about something. The protesting sounds were quickly silenced, probably by a carefully aimed punch to the throat. The gurgling sounds he heard as he got closer would seem to suggest this. ÔÇ£Corporal Mitchell,ÔÇØ said Mallone into the lash. ÔÇ£Is there a problem?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Negative sir.ÔÇØ Replied Mitchell. ÔÇ£The subject declined the voluntary procedure. ItÔÇÖs now been taken care of.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Understood.ÔÇØ Said Mallone, pausing at the first of the unloaded crates and gently running a gloved hand across itÔÇÖs cold, metallic surface. ÔÇ£Proceed with the others pilots, weÔÇÖre on a time table here.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Acknowledged captain, weÔÇÖre already on our way out.ÔÇØ Commander Stone pushed himself from his command seat and walked over to the bridge viewer unit. He watched as the unidentified transport ship turned on itÔÇÖs axis and without so much as a farewell, fired up itÔÇÖs huge engines and engaged itÔÇÖs cloaking device. ÔÇ£Status?ÔÇØ asked Stone. Neena Polovoski brought him up to speed. ÔÇ£Access to the flight bay has been completely cut off Commander. Guards are posted at each exit point.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Graves, anything to add?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre alone again commander. Or as alone as we can be without full sensors.ÔÇØ Stone smirked. ÔÇ£Feeling useless mister Graves?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not at all sir. IÔÇÖm busier than ever trying to monitor tacops with such limited range. Just wish I could dare to look away for a second without running the risk of missing anything.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Not to worry Graves, IÔÇÖm sure you-ÔÇ£ The Lt. Commander cut him off mid sentence. ÔÇ£Commander! Perscan has just alerted me of an injury. Systems engineer #6 has just red lined in shuttle one!ÔÇØ Stone frowned. ÔÇ£His status?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£He appears stable sir, but his signs are weak.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Understood mister Polovoski.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander,ÔÇØ protested the combat officer. ÔÇ£what the hell is going on down there?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Probably just an accident mister Polovoski. DonÔÇÖt concern yourself, they have medics down there. Sys engineer #6 will be fine.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£ShouldnÔÇÖt we investigate commander?ÔÇØ Stone paused for a moment, considering his options. ÔÇ£Contact the landing bay Lt. Commander. Tell them IÔÇÖm coming down.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye commander.ÔÇØ Said the combat officer, then began paging the landing bay. ÔÇ£Mister Jensen?ÔÇØ said the commander. ÔÇ£Aye sir?ÔÇØ Stone began to tap commands into his chair MFD. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm uploading the next way points to mister Strangs terminal. As soon as the path is plotted, bring us about and take us to our next destination, maximum cruise speed.ÔÇØ Jensen nodded to her commander, and began to make flight preparations. ÔÇ£Commander?ÔÇØ said the combat officer. ÔÇ£They are expecting you sir.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Very good.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£You have the bridge Lt. Commander.ÔÇØ With that, Stone left the bridge. Each of the remaining officers went about their duties, following their orders or maintaining normal systems operations. Each of them were uneasy about recent developments, but none more so than the XO. However, it was the navigation officer, Ailsa Strang that first voiced the concern. ÔÇ£Is it just me, or is something very wrong with all this?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£As you were Ailsa.ÔÇØ Said Neena Polovoski. ÔÇ£Ours is not to question a command order. And I donÔÇÖt want to hear any more talk like that on my bridge.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Oh, come on Neena,ÔÇØ said Jensen. ÔÇ£You more than any of the rest of us are worried about this.ÔÇØ The combat officer glared at her. ÔÇ£True or not, this isnÔÇÖt the time or place to discuss it. IÔÇÖll get my answers from Stone this afternoon, and not a moment before. HeÔÇÖs made that very clear.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt like it,ÔÇØ said Jensen. ÔÇ£something feels very wrong about all this.ÔÇØ There was a general murmur from the other officers on the bridge. They all seemed to be in agreance. ÔÇ£Stow it people.ÔÇØ Barked Polovoski. ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want to hear anything else about it.ÔÇØ The bridge descended again into near silence, each officer silencing their thoughts and questions to the best of their ability and concentrating on their duties. For her part, Neena Polovoski was fighting a losing battle against the doubt. She hoped more than anything that the commanders explanation this afternoon would silence the screaming protests inside her head. At least if she was at ease, the other officers would be less likely to worry or question. At least, that was her hope. ÔÇ£Course plotted and inputted.ÔÇØ Said Strang. ÔÇ£Coming about to new coordinates.ÔÇØ Said Jensen. ÔÇ£Very good.ÔÇØ said Neena Polovoski, moving from her security terminal and taking her place in the commanders seat. ÔÇ£Lets get out of here, maximum cruise.ÔÇØ Mission + 21 days 17 hours 5 minutes [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Yeah, we know. We been slack. For my part, I've been real busy doin all sorts of stuff, and I'm still only 1/3 way through the plot. I'll post somthing else on it tomoz evening, once I've managed to tidy up a couple of continuity related problems. But never fear, this dog far from dead. Or it had better not be. Fellow commanders, I order you to get up to date. Dont make me come up there and smack you ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

C'mon gang, lets not lose the momentum. ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

***** Sorry for the delay my happy go lucky maniacs, but real life got in the way of things again and made it difficult to post. Ok, so thatÔÇÖs a lie. IÔÇÖve been playing with the new RC patch and havenÔÇÖt been able to do anything other than destroy insurgent scumbags on earth for days. I apologize. But I think you understand. ***** [Narrative On] Mission + 21 days 16 hours 04 minutes The GCV Chikuma lurched out of hyperspace and came to an abrupt standstill in space. Few exterior lights were visible on the massive battle cruiser, the commander having ordered near silent running since they began their current, and still secret mission. It would have been easier to cloak the ship, but the commander was more interested in preserving the limited fuel for the cloaking system rather than waste it just getting to their first destination. The crew, not knowing what their destination was, or what their instructions were to be once they got their were nervous. Would they be plunged into conflict? Would they face a fleet of Gammulan defenders at the border of their territories? Perhaps some of the renegade GalCom vessels were here, cloaked and hiding, waiting for the right moment to intercept and destroy them. Only commander Stone knew some, if not all of these answers. Not even Neena Polovoski, the executive officer had knowledge of their current orders. This was a concern amongst the bridge crew, one they all shared in secret, but didnÔÇÖt dare voice. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre at a full stop commander.ÔÇØ Said Jensen at helm. ÔÇ£Good job Jensen,ÔÇØ said the commander. ÔÇ£It looks like we made it on time.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Replied Jensen, although not understanding the commanderÔÇÖs previous comment. ÔÇ£Reynolds?ÔÇØ The comms officer turned to his commander. ÔÇ£Yes, sir?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Bring the communications grid back online. Fire up Delta 432 frequency and prepare to send a data packet to these coordinates.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ Said Reynolds as he began bringing the communication grid back online. As he did so, the commander transferred a message packet to Reynolds terminal and a series of encrypted coordinates. ÔÇ£Packet ready for transmission commander.ÔÇØ Stone stood from his command chair. ÔÇ£Transmit mister Reynolds.ÔÇØ Reynolds acknowledged and carried out his orders. The data packet was sent to the location the encrypted coordinates indicated. He had no idea where it was going, or even where they were. Like the rest of the bridge crew, he wondered exactly what their orders were, and why they were so secret that the commander couldnÔÇÖt even trust the XO with it. Earlier, just as he was coming onto his shift he interrupted a heated discussion between the commander and the combat officer regarding the need to know mission instructions. Of course, the discussion abruptly halted once Reynolds reported for duty, and they each went back to their respective positions and sat in near silence, only speaking when orders were given or updates were required. The whole of the shift had been like this so far. Nobody speaking, no friendly banter between the officers. The mood had changed drastically. Reynolds suspected the commander knew this, although it didnÔÇÖt look like he was going to do anything about it. It was strange. The bleeping of the comms terminal brought Reynolds back from his ponderings. A reply was being sent back on the same channel. ÔÇ£Commander,ÔÇØ said Reynolds. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre receiving a data packet . . . . . . CanÔÇÖt confirm the coordinates.ÔÇØ Commander Stone smirked. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre not supposed to mister Reynolds. ThatÔÇÖs the whole point of secret transmissions.ÔÇØ Stone swiveled in his seat and faced his combat officer. ÔÇ£WouldnÔÇÖt you agree mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ Reynolds looked back over his shoulder at the XO. She looked angry, on the brink of being furious. ÔÇ£Yes. Sir.ÔÇØ She said, then looked away and into the worried gaze of Reynolds. ÔÇ£Eyes front and center!ÔÇØ she barked at him, and Reynolds snapped his head back to his terminal. This was serious. More serious than a disagreement over orders and protocol. The commander almost seemed to be goading the XO into another confrontation. This was not normal. Two weeks ago, you could have said they were good friends. Now, since the war broke out, it seemed like they were almost enemies. This did not bode well. ÔÇ£Reynolds, transfer the transmission to my terminal.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye commander.ÔÇØ Stone quickly decrypted the transmission at his terminal, and read the plain text message on the screen. He frowned, pondered the information for a few moments and then killed the screen. ÔÇ£Reynolds, delete the entire message log for the last four days. I want it scrubbed clean.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir?ÔÇØ queried Reynolds. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs completely against protocol.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I understand that mister Reynolds. Now, carry out your orders.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander,ÔÇØ started the combat officer. ÔÇ£I must protest.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Noted.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£Do it Reynolds.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Belay that order!ÔÇØ said Polovoski, stepping down from her terminal and towards the commander. Reynolds froze in place, not knowing what to do or who to obey. Being the most junior officer on the bridge, he was unaccustomed to having senior officers contradict each other. This was a new, and thoroughly unexpected development. Commander Stone turned on his XO. ÔÇ£You are out of line Lt. Commander.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir! Deleting the comms logs is a direct violation of GalCom operations protocols. A record is to be kept of all transmissions sent and received during operational hours.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I understand that, but these are exceptional circumstances.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir! I donÔÇÖt concur. And as XO I have the authority to question you orders in matter such as these.ÔÇØ StoneÔÇÖs face began to turn a shade of red. He was starting to get really angry. ÔÇ£Are you, or are you not aware that we are in a state of war mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Fully aware sir, but that doesnÔÇÖt give you the authority to completely disregard GalCom command protocols.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I have discresionary authority to do anything I damned well please, Lt. Commander, and you had best get used to that.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£No sir, I will not.ÔÇØ The bridge went a deadly silent for a few moments. Stone looked perplexed, and Neena herself was on the verge of shaking with rage. ÔÇ£Lt.Commander,ÔÇØ started Stone. ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs clear that you donÔÇÖt fully understand the situation we are in.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt understand anything of this situation commander. We are flying blind in a region of space we cant even identify, evading everything that comes into sensor range and cutting off communications to the outside world completely. There have been system malfunctions, murders and other unrest throughout the ship since we started this mission, and I for one want to know why. Not only that, I insist you brief me on our objectives.ÔÇØ She paused for a moment, trying to compose herself. ÔÇ£Or I will have no other choice than to have you relieved of command.ÔÇØ Stone smirked at her. ÔÇ£You donÔÇÖt have the authority mister Polovoski, or the justification for it. ItÔÇÖs an idle threat.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir, itÔÇÖs not so idle.ÔÇØ Stone shook his head. He seemed to have calmed slightly. ÔÇ£For starters Lt.Commander, you cant relieve me without the support of the CMO. And you donÔÇÖt have that. Also, I have not put this ship in unreasonable jeopardy and I am also following fleet commands orders to the letter. You have no basis for your challenge to my authority.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Sir, without knowing what those orders are myself, I have every right to question your authority. Check the regs, sir.ÔÇØ Stone sighed. He knew this might happen at some point, but had hoped to delay it until they reached their second destination. However, the Lt.Commander was a good officer, understood the regs very well and was genuinely concerned for the ship, her crew and the mission. He couldnÔÇÖt fault her for it, she was justified. He just wished this could have been delayed until after the pick up. ÔÇ£Very well Lt. Commander, if you insist, I shall allow you to view a portion of our orders. And thatÔÇÖs the best youÔÇÖre going to get.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Commander, I require full disclosure.ÔÇØ Stone had had enough of this now. He would bend, but he wouldnÔÇÖt break. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs the best your going to get Neena, so you had better get used to either that or confinement to quarters. And donÔÇÖt for a second think IÔÇÖm bluffing.ÔÇØ The combat officer hadnÔÇÖt quiet expected that. She thought she could get full disclosure, but it seemed the commander wasnÔÇÖt one to negotiate too far. She had been fortunate to get this far. She knew she didnÔÇÖt really have a case against the commander, and wouldnÔÇÖt get the support she needed from the CMO even if she tried. She had accomplished what she set out for, but wasnÔÇÖt going to get any further. ÔÇ£Understood.ÔÇØ Conceded the combat officer. ÔÇ£Right,ÔÇØ started Stone. ÔÇ£meet me in my quarters at 1400hrs and we shall talk.ÔÇØ Neena Polovoski nodded at her commander. ÔÇ£Yes sir.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Good,ÔÇØ said Stone. ÔÇ£Resume you post. Mister Reynolds?ÔÇØ Reynolds looked over at Stone. ÔÇ£Y-yes sir?ÔÇØ Stone smiled at him. ÔÇ£Settle down mister Reynolds, the mutiny will wait for another day.ÔÇØ Reynolds smiled back, the relief at the commanders joke washed through him and almost settled his nerves completely. ÔÇ£Aye sir.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Carry out your orders. Delete the comms log.ÔÇØ Reynolds turned back to his terminal and deleted the last 4 days worth of communications logs. ÔÇ£System purged sir.ÔÇØ The commander sat back in his chair and nodded at him. He looked about his bridge and saw a mixed look of surprise and relief on his officers. He wondered how much longer they would hold out under these mysterious circumstances. He didnÔÇÖt envy them the turmoil brewing in their brains, and so badly wanted to be able to tell them all what their true mission was. But he couldnÔÇÖt, he dare not risk it. Not now, not ever. If they knew, things would get ugly very quickly. He had to avoid that at all costs. The mission was paramount, and none of them were too important to sacrifice for the greater good of GalCom. For the next twenty minutes, the officers of the GCV Chikuma sat in near silence at their terminals, awaiting instructions from their commander. ÔÇ£Stand by.ÔÇØ Was all the commanded said to them. He seemed to be waiting for something. They didnÔÇÖt know what, the couldnÔÇÖt know. Only Stone himself was privy to those details, and he wasnÔÇÖt about to explain anything to them. Just then, GravesÔÇÖs TacOps terminal lit up and began bleeping at him. ÔÇ£Commander!ÔÇØ said Graves. ÔÇ£What is it?ÔÇØ enquired Stone. ÔÇ£Sir, theres a ship decloaking ahead of us.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£What kind of ship?ÔÇØ asked Stone. ÔÇ£Ah . . . . transport vessel of some kind sir. Unknown configuration. Not reading a transponder signal from it. Sir, itÔÇÖs armed!ÔÇØ Stone nodded. ÔÇ£Understood mister Graves. Mister Polovoski?ÔÇØ The combat officer glared round at the commander. ÔÇ£Yes sir?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Have four flight engineers man the shuttle craft and prepare to launch. Make sure McKendrick is on board one of them. Have ICÔÇÖs 1 through 4 launch and escort the shuttles.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye sir. And the shuttles orders?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Have them dock with the transport and prepare to receive cargo and personnel.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Personnel sir?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£YesÔÇØ said the commander. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre picking up some ÔÇÿguestsÔÇÖ for stage two of the operation.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£I see sir. And stage two would be?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£1400hrs mister Polovoski, not a moment before.ÔÇØ The combat officer gave up on her line of questioning and carried out her orders. ÔÇ£Shuttles and Interceptors manned and ready for launch.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Very good.ÔÇØ Said Stone. ÔÇ£Launch.ÔÇØ Mission + 21 days 16 hours 42 minutes. [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

***** Before we start, need to tidy something up. Ron, could you please remove AngelaÔÇÖs post on dated 08-31-99 12:37 AM . Both your post and AngelaÔÇÖs are contradicting each other, and after careful consideration have decided to stick with events from the SgtÔÇÖs point of view. Angela, I hope you understand why IÔÇÖm doing this. If you think this is unfair or anything, please mail me and IÔÇÖll try and explain everything to you without the need for anyone getting upset. ***** [Narrative On] Mission + 21 days 8 hours 23 minutes Commanders Personal Log God, what a day. If things werenÔÇÖt complicated enough with my orders package, we stumbled upon a murder, system malfunctions (Or sabotage, depending on your point of view), an insane holovid starring my own XO and Sgt. Diamond, and now a rogue transmission from deck three. This is exactly the sort of thing I didnÔÇÖt want to have to deal with this time out. Ok, lets do this by the numbers. First, the ship wide transmission that alerted us all to the presence of an Insurgent ÔÇÿSpyÔÇÖ was nothing more than the insane ramblings of a deluded mind. The individual in question, Angela DeGuerre, was at one time officer material. Sadly, she was diagnosed as being schizophrenic and suffering from serious paranoid delusions. She was responding extremely well to treatment, however, and was granted permission to serve in the military after several very good reviews. For some reason, it looks like she stopped taking her medication and conjured up this little fantasy of hers regarding Benni Arnald. Maybe it was the stress of the last few days that tipped her over the edge. Maybe she noticed Benni acting suspiciously or something. Whatever it was, she justified it by making the ship wide broadcast and causing everyone a great deal of trouble. After going over her logs, we discovered that she had ÔÇÿattemptedÔÇÖ to tie the comms systems directly into the life support system. She wanted to prevent unauthorized access to the message by shutting off the life support system if anyone interfered with it. According to her log, this is what she had done. In reality, she had done nothing but burn out a couple of circuits and wire her own comm system into the heating panel in her quarters. I guess in her own world, it was fully functional. Sad really, very sad. What still bothers me is why she was murdered, and who did it. She accused Benni of being responsible for a variety of incidents, and on inspection it was found that several of the systems she outlined had been tampered with. However, Benni couldnÔÇÖt have been responsible for most of them, since he lacks the skills to accomplish these tasks. At least, thatÔÇÖs what Chief Spencer told me and thatÔÇÖs what IÔÇÖm choosing to believe. All the same, IÔÇÖll be keeping an eye on him for the rest of the mission. I may well have further use of him should things go badly over the next few days. Right now, I got him going over all the critical systems, looking for signs of ÔÇÿinterferenceÔÇÖ. There is a murderer on board, but I believe that was down to our marine friend that Sgt. Diamond and his group apprehended earlier. HeÔÇÖs sitting naked in the brig right now, waiting to be interrogated by me. I got marine #17, Dade Velarus down there right now, keeping our ÔÇÿguestÔÇÖ company. By the looks of things, heÔÇÖs special ops. Probably Orion fleet intelligence judging by Diamond and DadeÔÇÖs observations. That by itself is a major concern. Orion was always going to be a problem with the operation. Still, better we got him now than later. IÔÇÖll have to attend to this person once IÔÇÖve had a chance to go over him in the brig. Once I got everything I need, IÔÇÖll blow him into space. I will not tolerate ÔÇÿtraitorsÔÇÖ on my ship, espech right now. I just hope Orion doesnÔÇÖt send a ship in to recover him. If they do, we may have to engage them to protect the mission. I hope it wont come to that. On a lighter note, there was a disturbance earlier in the galley regarding a holovid picture that was shown to the congregated masses. Apparently, someone has been rigging holocams in my XO and Sgt. Diamonds quarters. Whoever this person is, or if my suspicions are correct, was, were adept at image manipulation. I got a copy of the vid (Commanders prerogative) and watched it a while back. I must admit, it made me smile. First time I done that in a couple of days. Anyway, back to business. We should be on final approach of our first destination in the next eight hours. IÔÇÖm still uneasy about what weÔÇÖre going to have to do, but itÔÇÖs absolutely necessary to the completion of the mission. I know Sgt. Diamond and the bridge officers are going to question the instructions, (what sensible officer wouldnÔÇÖt?) but IÔÇÖm not going to let that interfere with things. This is my ship, my crew. I give the orders and they follow them. ThatÔÇÖs just the way it is. If things start to turn, IÔÇÖll have to get tough with them. Just as well weÔÇÖre scheduled to pick up additional troops with the rest of our cargo. Hmmmm. The morning is going to be interesting. End Log Mission +21 days 8 hours 29 minutes [Narrative Off] ------------------ Commander Blades GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó PRIME Fleet 'For Queen and country' ICQ#31927230

Ok, lets try and keep things tight people. Watch the prior time index and try not to go too far off beacon.