Rattler

Gareth, To be honest, no I haven't, have you? But That's not the question here. The question here is "If Akira hadn't done it, Wouldn't Wraith have tried it also?" That's their line of business isn't it? From Tac's own lips I hear "we are the dark side of the light." So whom else would you have sent to insure that that darn secret didn't get away from Neptune and find it's way back to Gammulan Space? Need I say more? I think NOT at this time. We'll just drop it here and now. Doesn't warrant the agrivation Rattler [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 01-09-99).]

<RP> Tac!!! What you just admitted to here is what the Insurgency has been claiming that you GALCOMMIES have been doing all along. Your Superiors have always denied that this happened, but from your own mouth, you just confirmed our allegations! Furthermore, you just admitted that GalCom has a special Fleet for just this purpose! Thanks for telling the Universe that the Insurgency was RIGHT all along, and Thanks even more for Telling The Truth! <RP/> Rattler, Insurgent One

As the Guardian and Spectre made the jump through the "Back Door" leading to Sygan, The Mecca of the Insurgency, Rattler had issued a Fleet Reform order. It had been answered by all but three. There hadn't been any reports of conflict or collisions since their departure from SOL, so he couldn't understand the missing ships. He carefully kept scanning the TacOps Display, eagerly looking for that flash which accompanied another ship coming through the door, but found none. Rattler: Comms, scan the log and look for anything that would give credance to their "Missing Movement" status. It's not like them to ignore orders. Comms: Scanning Sir! Rattler: While you're at it, scan for all message transmissions going on out there, look for strong, and weak ones, Please. With that, Cmdr Ammy Miller began flicking switches like a mad woman on a mission. A smile crossed her face as she worked. She remembered seeing Rattler, not 2 hours ago, dress down a junior officer for reporting for duty looking like he had slept in his uniform. He had made the young man feel like he was cheating the rest of the crew and, at the same moment, had appealed to the good side of the man to preserve his self integrity. Once the butt chewing was done, Rattler had put the young officer into the command chair and had started coaching him in the finer arts of Tactics, Navigation, and Basic Operations of a Fleet! Now there's one for you. Chew him out in one breath, and praise his performance in the next. Ammy Miller was going to like this Commander Rattler. He was a Leader, in the purest sense of the word and they would learn from him. Rattler: Anything Comms? Comms: Nothing in the log Sir, and last known locations of Cmdr's Chavik and Locke were at the jump gate leaving Pluto. They're unaccounted for from that point. As for the transmissions Sir, You have got to hear this! She deftly piped in the received transmission throughout the Guardian, allowing all hands to hear what was coming across the vastness of space. ....Sing a song of six pence, a pocket full of rye, four and twenty black birds, baked in a pie, and when the pie was opened, the birds began to sing, what a merry merry dish, to place before a king......... Rattler immediately recognized what the transmission was, as it could only be Chavik and Locke, still out there searching for the CROW! He smiled inwardly, not showing it to the rest of the crew, rather keeping private thoughts private. Now where the hell are you Storekeeper? Rattler: Comms, shoot the following message back through that portal we just came through, RAW Power, Broad Band. Just say "God Speed and Good Hunting to the crews of Pheonix and At-All-Costs. We're headed home, and you are expected to follow! Right After you find Akira! Don't come home without him! This is the price you pay for not following orders! And Thanks "Old Friends" for not following them!" Now send it Comms! Comms: Message Transmitted, Sir! Rattler: Issue continuation orders to Spectre, Comms. We're still headed home! You have the Conn, Rattler's off the Bridge. Wake me if we get any news from Storekeeper! With that, Ammy Miller issued the following orders to Spectre..."Spectre, prepare to jump, final destination, Rattler's Den! Jump in 5.4.3.2.1 Jump!" With that, Mother issued one single advisory, "Jump Annomoly Forming, HyperJump Activated!" Again Spectre faded into the background of space. They were headed home, and to a hero's welcome that was well deserved. Even if GalCom wouldn't admit to it, Spectre had saved their bacon and they knew it! The knowledge of this was enough!

Cmdr Ristar, On behalf of all BC Commanders I would like to extend our Most Sincere Condolences to You and Your Family on Your Loss. We know times like these are hard on Families, and one must gather strength from the remainder of one's family. Consider US part of your family and if we can do anything to lessen your burden, Please Let Us Know. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You and Your Family. Sincerest Regrets, Richard F. Phariss (Rattler)

<RP> As Rattler and Spectre crossed the space containing Pluto, one single transmission was emitted from Guardian. Rattler hoped it would be enough, prayed that it would be enough. Rattler: ....Spectre, Lay in a coarse to "Rattler's Den", via the back door. Space is too constricted the normal route. Deactivate TDF IFF Codes. Cloak immediately upon jumping. Spectre, prepare to Jump on my mark......MARK!!!! With that, Spectre Jumped again as one, and disappeared like their namesake, A Spectre into the night. Only those in precise positions could hear the transmission that came to Guardian, it's narrow beamed pattern bringing hope to the Insurgency: Locke: Personal for Insurgent One.... High level RadioActive Particle Trail located. Single source emmiter leading directly into Flux Field, Other Side of Field uncharted. At All Costs proceeding through Flux Field. Will leave marker Beacon on your side for you to follow, and for us to return to. Locke Out.... Ratter, smiling brightly now issued the following order and leaned back in the Command Chair. They WERE Going Home, All Of Them!!! Rattler: Spectre, Lock onto At All Costs' Marker Beacon. Jump in 5.4.3.2.1. Mark!! Computer: Hyperjump Annomoly Forming!!! Rattler issued another Broadband Transmission, Aiming it directly through the Flux Field that Locke had pointed out with his Beacon. It simply said "Hang on CROW, Cavalry's Coming!!" <RP/> Well, it's been fun guys and girls, hope you liked it Rattler [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-22-98).]

Boy, Have to work a little on the weekend and come back just in time <RP> As Rattler performed a perfect Victory Roll across the Bow of First Light, IC1's engines whined, spooled up, and Initiated Hyper Jump. Rattler chuckled quietly to himself, thinking that Gareth had just spilled his coffee on that last one. He replayed the last 30 minutes of events through his mind, mulling over what had been said, and by whom. DeSylva would never know that Rattler HIMSELF had found the information on the secret Neptune Base, and had secretly transmitted his findings AND Recommendations to Akira. Rattler just hadn't known that Akira would NUKE the entire planet just to ensure that the base was destroyed. Mistake on Rattler for underestimating Akira's thoroughness. DeSylva and Rattler could never be "Poncho & Lefty" again, as in the past, but old wounds had been patched and were on the mend again. For this, Rattler was extremely thankfull. Now, Rattler had business to take care of, and it couldn't wait. He had taken a blood oath, swearing by all that he believed in, and to his "Old Friend" that he would find and punish whomever had been responsible for this invasion of Sol. He knew whom it was, for he had isolated all of those capable of such treachery, save one. All others capable were out here FIGHTING, and some Dying to repell this invasion. But Not ONE! He couldn't be accounted for after Spectre had left Sol to regroup at Sygan. He had not shared in the agony of seeing this destruction. Now, where was he? Rattler: To all Spectre....Insurgent One is alive and well. I am transferring my flag to "The Guardian." Guardian, Permission to come aboard, Sir!" Spectre, Regroup on Guardian!! Pheonix, Well done, Sir. I Relieve you, Sir. Guardian, lay in a course for Pluto, be ready to jump as soon as I am aboard. We have some hunting to do. Commander Akira is missing and must be found. At All Costs, You have advanced scout positon. Leave no space undesturbed. Find him!!! Just before Rattler docked with Guardian he sent a message in broadband, repeated and amplified off of Guardians antennas, parallaxed off of at least 15 other Battlecruisers' antennas and transmitters. Such a transmission would go on forever, and would eventually reach every receiver operational in the known universe. To those who knew Rattler Personally, it's meaning was unmistakeable. To those who knew him, it meant that the recipient had no place to hide, and justice was unmistakeable. His punishment was undoubted. Rattler:.......VORNE, I know it was You! Consider yourself no longer an Insurgent. I'm coming for you!!! You're a DEAD MAN, and oh, By The Way, DeSylva sends his Disdain!!!! <RP/>

<RP> Rattler gently nudged IC1 forward, inching ever closer to "First Light", seeing it's Bay Doors opening, feeling it's tractors engaging. A momentary panic started to set into the back of his mind and the one thing that kept rushing to his consciousness was "What if it's a trap?" In this crazy, ever shifting, pure political world that they had been thrown into, Rattler had always relied upon one thing. Instinct, and his profound belief in Honor, Integrity, but most of all, it was Friendship. Just ahead of him, standing alone in the bay was just that. The First, and Best Friend that he had ever had. Rattler's Flight from Galcom, which had ultimatley landed him into the position of Insurgent One and had seriously undermined that friendship. Mostly because of Political Beliefs, and Rattler openly cursed all politicians!! IC1 came to rest and Rattler shut her down. He slowly exited the craft, anxiously scanning the bay for hidden danger. Finding none, he turned his full attention to his Friend. Rattler: Gareth, it's truly been a long time, "Old Friend!" Thank you for allowing me to visit First Light. My compliments to Yourself and your crew for keeping her in such fine fasion. I feel very old today, and I'm in need of rest and privacy. Is there somewhere that You and I might go and just be Rattler and DeSylva for a while, like in the old days? Rattler and DeSylva departed the hangar bay, very much unlike his departure from At All Cost's bay, none of the pomp and circumstance, but like two shadows slipping back through the threads of time, back in time where DeSylva and Rattler were "Young Warriors" Hell bent on licking the Universe, as long as they could do it together. Rattler was determined to make peace with his "Old Friend", as one never knows if another chance will come along. <RP>

<RP> Onboard At All Costs, Rattler watches intently as Locke's crew deftly go about their business of killing the enemy. Suddenly message traffic comes in from Pheonix. Rattler: Comms, what was that last message? Comms: Commander Chavik has assumed command of Spectre, Sir! I guess he figures that you are out of commission, and we needed another Leader. Rattler: Well, he's grabbed this hot potatoe, let's let him juggle it for a while. He's a strong tactician, and we could have done worse!! Send him a message acknowledging his authority and prepare to follow his lead like your life depended upon it. IT DOES!! Comms: Message Away, Sir!! Rattler: Locke, she's your ship, now fight her!! With that, Rattler faded back into the shadows on the bridge, becoming the all seeing, but silent member of the bridge crew, smiling broadly at the turn of events. <RP/>

Rattler, with all his military training, hadn't been prepared for his welcome onboard "At All Costs". He was accustomed to the respect given him from the Insurgency, because he had earned it. This was something else. This was far beyond those boundaries!! As IC1's engines whined down to a stop, he became fully aware of what was happening on the IC Bay. Tears welled up in his eyes, blinding him for a moment. Not tears of sorrow for losing the Necromancer, nor tears of joy at being safely aboard a friendly vessel. These were Tears of Pride for This Ship! At All Costs had come a long way in the past 72 hours. She had been transformed from disabled and down-trodden, to a Mean, Lean, Fighting Machine, turned sanctuary for a tired and maybe even a little confused "Snake", and showed no signs of slowing down. Again came the tears, and Rattler could only manage a smile for another short moment. Gathering himself, Rattler removed his helmet and gloves, climbing down the boarding ladder under shaking knees, still not quite recovered from the +14G pulling arc that he had just performed to escape the explosions of Necromancer and those that She had taken with her. Steadying himself on the last ladder rung, and looking directly into Locke's eyes, he managed to get his voice back, and in a loud, thunderous salutation so that all on the Hangar Deck could hear, exclaimed::::: Rattler: Request Permission to come aboard YOUR fine vessel, SIR!!! With that, the Bay errupted into total chaos, each person momentarily forgetting protocol and cheering wildly. It might have gone on for several moments had not the Master At Arms called everyone back to attention. The Marine Honor Guard rendered Rattler the most precice honors that he had ever witnessed in his entire life. It was a spectacle that would remain Legendary with the Insurgency for Centuries to come, Rattle was sure of it. Rattler: Locke, you sure are a sight for these tired old eyes. Did any of my crew make it out to other safe havens? If so, send them my Best Regards, and thank the other Commanders out there for taking them in. Locke: No word yet on others, Sir. My ship is Yours. Rattler: I'll transfer my flag here for a short while, with your permission, but I can't stay long. I have to get to DeSylva and the First Light!! That's one man that I can't leave this place without seeing once again!!! Now, where's your cabin, Son? Rattler's Thirsty!! Rattler slapped Commander Locke on the back, then shook his hand, and FOLLOWED Commander Locke 1 off the Hangar Bay. This in itself was unheard of. A Fleet Commander walking BEHIND one of his subordinates? Realizing what was happening, Locke's chest inflated with justifyable pride, and he strode on in the manner befitting his title of "Lord and Master of At All Costs!" Personnel on the Hangar Bay snapped to attention, their arms ripping into Salute, and their boot heals slamming together. The sound that they made can only be appreciated by those who have truly witnessed this action. It's indiscribeable. As they left the gantry, the crew heard Rattler's voice boom out again, and truely knew that "The Old Man" really was all that they had heard about and maybe even a little more. Rattler: Comms, Send a message to First Light! Send it clear, and send it fast! DeSylva, My "Old Friend", Get your Butt over here!!! Rattler: Now make a hole, Make it WIDE, Thirsty Men coming through!! <RP/> [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-16-98).]

>RP< They came like a swarm of bees, intent on doing as much dammage as their designers had intended. The Bridge Crew had been so intent on finding that Lead Ship of the Gammulan Armada, that they had forgotten the basics. "If you're shooting at them, they most certainly are shooting back at you!!" Tactical: Incomming, Incomming!!! Comms: Holy Mother Of....... She never finished the sentence. As the computer screamed "Shield Integrity Breach, Hull Integrity Breach!!!", Norma Brown's screams went unheard, and she died in agony, but suddenly. Half of Necormancer's Starbord Nacell died with her. Necromancer healed to starbord, starting to roll on her axis. Rattler: Damage Report, NOW!!! Engineer: Sir, I'm afraid it's bad. Shield generator is down, PERMANENTLY!! Our Armor is at 37 percent, and falling. Rattler had always liked 20th Century Country Music, and had spent many hours watching the hollovids of the old TV, as they used to call it, and the commercials that came along with it. His two favorites from those categories came rushing back like old friends, echoeing through his consciousness. How Appro-po at this very moment. Rattler: All Hands Abandon Ship!!!! Computer, Initiate Self Destruct Sequence on my Mark. Verification.....Eisenhower,......MARK!!!! Computer: Initiating Self Destruct Sequence!!! Clock Counting at D minus 10 minutes......... All hands, those that were still alive, proceeded to their assigned stations, and were off the ship in less than 6 minutes. A small feat in itself, considering the damage that had been done to Necromancer. All save Rattler. He'd be the last to leave. He had one thing left to do, and wasn't about to let his ship just die out here. She was going to give meaning to her passing. Rattler: Computer, Target Mother Ship!!! Computer: Ship Targeted.... Rattler: Collision course!!! Afterburners ON! Computer: Acknowledged..... With his final order to Necromancer given, Rattler raced down the corridors to the flight deck, where IC1 was waiting for him. Deftly donning his visor, he hurredly launched from Necromancer and started singing his favorite Country song. That one that he likened himself to at this moment. "Your got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to RUN!!!" IC1 streaked across the sky and as Rattler pulled it into an arc, just to get one last look at his Proud Necromancer, he saw her collide with the Leader Ship of the Invasion Armada. Necromancer died an honorable death, breaking the StormCarrier in half, then exploding, taking 5 other Gammulan Capital ships with her. Now the second memory came rushing back in, and he uttered his favorite line from his favorite commercial. "UH-Oh, Better Get Macco!!" Smiling to himself, he now focussed his attention to any possible haven close at hand. From out of the darkness, came a glorious sight!!! One of his own was within 25 clicks of him and heading his way. Rattler: Greetings, AT-All-Costs!!! Request Permission To Come Aboard, Sir!!! <RP/> Well, Tac, you were right. I was planning something. Now go get the rest of them Locke1, let me aboard, and get me to DeSylva Chavik, take charge of the fleet Rattler

As Spectre entered Juptier Space, all ships assumed Delta-Vee Formation and commenced attack upon the invasion forces. Seven ships stacked vertically, and obliqued aft from the lead ship, thusly assuming the appearance of a flying wedge. In this formation, none save the upper and lowermost craft could be attacked from above, or below without encountering a murderous onslaught from all members of the formation. Those unfortunate enough to be directly in front of the formation didn't have time to realize their error, as their shields and armor were pulverized before their commanders could issue helm directives to attempt escape. Rattler had witnessed the destruction of none less than 15 Gammulan Ships of the Line when things started going South! The younger members of Spectre, thinking Victory was close at hand, had started to abandon battle tactics. They were systemmatically vectoring away from their assigned positions to chase a wounded Gammulan, then return to formation when their ships were jeopradized by superior numbers. Tactical: There goes another one, Sir! Rattler: What the !##~$~~ is going on out there??? Rattler: Comms, get a message out there!! Any ship breaking formation will be Courtsmartialed, should they be unlucky enough to survive this campaign!!! Comms: Message Sent, and Acknowledged from Spectre, Sir!!! Rattler: Gentlemen, we aren't winning YET, But they sure as hell know that we are here!!! Comms: Incomming message from First Light! First Light has transmitted back to EarthCom/Galcom, advising them to watch their Back Door!! Rattler: About Damn Time!!! I thought Akira was the only one who could read a Star Chart there for a minute Now Where's Chavik? Got to keep an eye on StoreKeeper. I WON'T lose a Base Commander out here!! <RP/> Time to go to work now, See you guys later on this evening Rattler [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-15-98).]

<RP> Rattler: Comms, Initiate TDF Transponder switch and get the message out to Spectre, straight away! Comms: We're now TDF singing, Sir! Message sent to Spectre. They're answering back the new code. Rattler: Get this one out as well to Spectre.... Upon entering Jupiter space, initiate formation Delta-Vee, pre-assigned ships fall into formations, and Good Hunting!....Rattler Comms: It's gone ,Sir! Nav: Entering Sirius Space, Sir. Tactical: Multiple Boggies on screen, NO, Wait, It's Wraith, or what's left of them, laying mines. I'd sure liked to have seen their faces when we appeared on their screens!! Rattler: No you wouldn't have, and you wouldn't have wanted to be there to smell it either Send them a message.....Greetings Members of Wraith. Care to join our party? Or cover our Six? The battle Line is now drawn at Jupiter. We proceed at Flank Speed! Give 'Em Hell Wraith!!!!....Rattler Sends his Best Regards. Comms: Gone, Sir Nav: Initiating Hyperjump sequence in 5.4.3.2.1.Jump annomoly forming..... As if correographed in an ancient Broadway Play, the entire Body of Spectre initiated jump as one, dashing across Sirrian space, heading headlong onto a path that not many would have the stomache to follow. Rattler: How long to Jupiter? Nav: One jump and we're gonna be knee deep in it Sir!!! Rattler: Initiate Cloaking Device. The other guys will see us do it, and follow our lead. We can't take the chance of message traffic, we're too damn close now. Tactical: Cloaking Device Activated, Sir! Again, as one, Spectre started disappearing from sight, like a city going dark, one house at a time. Rattler: Tactical, time to start earning your keep. Now get me a full load of missiles ready. All Hands to Battle Stations!!!! Rattler disregarded his own advice just this one time, and had Comms send one last message to Spectre, and one message sent broadband out in the direction that he had last seen the Nevermore disappear into. It was a short one, but carried the Fate of the entire Human Race in the Ballance. It simply said.....Gentlemen, Today is a good day to die, so let's let those Gammulan B!@!$@#!@$s die TODAY!!!! <RP/>

<RP> Rattler: Comms, a message to Akira on the Nevermore.....God Speed "Crow", Send them to Hell and back. Take ICV's Europa, Alethia, D'URBAVILLE, Phalanx, and Armageddon along, just to keep you warm on those cold nights. See you on the other side!!....Rattler Comms: don't you mean Raven, Sir? That's truely going to make him mad at you! Rattler: I want him mad, send it just as I dictated it! He works better when he's already ticked off! Comms:Message away, Sir. Comms: Incomming message from First Light, requesting all possible assistance in Jupiter Region, Sir. Rattler: "All Hands to Stations!" Lay in a course to Jupiter. Tactical, get a probe out there in front of our advance. Comms, send broadband transmission to every ship still in range of our transmissions. Just say this.... "Rattler's going off to kick some butt in Jupiter Region. Anyone want to join the party?" Send it...NOW! Comms: Message away! Rattler: Nav, do we have Hyperjump abilities? If so, JUMP....NOW! Necromancer shuddered and accelerated like a Titan Missle, running headlong into free air after having been in confinement for what seemed like centuries. Rattler: Tactical, what's the remainder of the fleet doing? Tactical: They almost ran us down before we jumped, Sir! Two more seconds and we'd have been Space Junk!! For the third time today, Rattler allowed a smile to creap across his face. No these Insurgents weren't cowards! Now it was time to go earn some of this newfound respect given to them by GalCom Commanders. It surely was high time that we give some of it back in their direction as well. Rattler: Comms, get this out to DeSylva.....Gareth, My "Old Friend", Help is on the way! If you have them by the nose, hang on!! The Insurgency is coming in to kick their butts!! If you have managed to save Antti, along with the Valentine, Make sure that nothing happens to him. After what I saw him do today, That man will never buy another drink in his entire life. Empirian Ale is his drink of choice and mine to buy! We're comming in now, so duck and cover!!!! Rattler, Out!! Comms: Message....Away, Sir!!! <RP/> Insurgent Commanders, I hope you do not mind my using your ships in this thread, but I figured you wouldn't want to be left out. Let me know if you would rather not be a part of this, and I'll discontinue useage of registered Insurgency vessels Rattler

<RP> Tactical: Sir, I'm picking up a GalCom Probe transmission from Jupiter, video Included!! Rattler: Put it on screen Tactical. What the Necromancer saw next was simply amazing. Rattler and crew could not have been prouder, even if it had been an Insurgent performing the feats that Predicant was engaged in. They could clearly see the damaged Battlecruiser, scorch marks on her hull from the shield collapses and missing tiles of her hull armor from the continuous assalt that ensued. But she was fighting, and winning. Her PTA was fully active, painting her attackers with the most vicious barage that Rattler could ever remember. Her main batteries were systematically destroying each smaller vessel that got into her path. Maybe she couldn't run, but she sure as hell could fight!!! Turning their attention to the object of Antti's attention, the watched with a newly found respect as Predicant salvoed her PTA and IOD at the Intruder. Her energy danced on the shields of her target, like fireflies on a moonless night. On the third barrage, the Intruder's shield collapsed, leaving only it's armor to bear witness to the attack. The foruth salvo did the trick. It pierced the armor and, with the blinding light of a sun going supernova, the intruder ceased to exist. Everyone on the bridge of Necromancer caught thier breath at the pure spectical of the event, save Rattler. He simply smiled, and under his breath whispered "Damn proud to know you, Antti!" Predicant next wheeled on the closest hostile in her region, taking up flanking position, then commencing that deadly barrage on it. Rattler: Where the hell are Sagan and Valentine? They need to be there NOW!!! Tactical: They just came through the gate into Jupiter Space, Sir. They are soon to be in the thick of things, if Predicant can hang on. Rattler: After what we have just witnessed, Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING had better happen to the Predicant. Rattler: Comms, send this message to Valentine....Get Predicant out of there NOW!!! I don't care if you have to tractor her and tow her out against her will, Just get her out Now!!!... Send It! Comms: Gone, Sir! <RP/> Rattler

<RP> Comms: Strange message comming in, Sir! Rattler: Strange? How So? Comms: There are instructions from First Light, telling us to modify our IFF Transponders. He's made a command decision to blanket all Terran Ships under one force. Can he do that, Sir? Rattler: Don't know if he has that kind of horsepower, but to be on the safe side, we'll modify but not activate the codes. Get these instructions out to Spectre, and attach the data file we received from DeSylva. Go Narrowband, pinpoint directional, with double repeater. Paint every ship that we have out there with it. Understood? Now transmit the following message....Spectre, install attached modifications, however do not go active with it until fully cleared by Necromancer. That is all, Rattler sends..... Comms: Message being painted, Sir! <RP/> Rattler

<RP> Comms: Incomming SOS from the Predicant!! Seems he's getting beat up out there, Sir. Rattler: Where is he? Antti's a friend from a long time back, so we're going to assist. Comms: He's at Jupiter, and He's in real trouble. Lost 2 of 4 IC's and is trying to run without Afterburners. Rattler: Get a message to the Valentine and Sagan. Tell them to get to Jupiter and lend assistance. Also tell them to "Not spare the fuel rods" while they're at it. They needed to be there an hour ago. Hope Antti's still there to greet them. Comms: Message Sent, Sir! Rattler: get a second message together. Send it to All Insurgent Command Staff. Message is as follows....Gentlemen, looks like we have been invited to return to Terra-Firma, or at least GalCom HQ. I'm waiting on Confirmation from GalCom Supreme Commander, but if it's true, we'll at least smell earth again Stand by for further orders and developments. Rattler: Send It! Comms: Gone, Sir. Rattler: What's our Exact location Nav? Nav: Sygan, Sir. Just exited the jump. Rattler: Tactical, Talk to me. Tactical: We're all here, Sir. The entire Insurgent Fleet. Valentine and Sagan just pulled out like there was no tomorrow. They're going Cloaked now, and fading away like a Shadow, with Teeth! Rattler: Guess they'll acknowledge the message when they get around to it. Rattler settles back into his bridge chair and lets his mind start wandering again. Yes, Powercow and Agro were part of his original Balm as well. Damn fine choices, and he'd never forgotten them. Rattler: Get a message out to Predicant. Simply say "Hang on Antti, Cavalry's Comming!" Comms: Sent, Sir! Hope he's still out there to receive it. Rattler: If I know him, he's still there. He's a survivor. He'll find a way 'till help gets there! Rattler: Now, get the Command Staff over here, minus the two that we just sent into Harm's Way! We've got business at hand! Comms: Message Sent, Sir. <RP/> Rattler

<RP> Comms: Message comming in from At All Costs, Sir. Rattler: What's it say Comms? Comms: Something about a Megaphone, and that you'll understand, Sir? Rattler: Aye, I understand completely. At All Cost has been repaired, and she's making Best Possible Speed to our Rally Point. Now get us there Nav! Nav: We're going as fast as this beast can carry us, Sir! Comms: Another message, Sir. This one's from The Pheonix. He's raising a good question. He's inquiring into the status of "The Den", Sir. Rattler: Send this out, Broadband, Comms. ....To All Ships of the Insurgency. As of 20 minutes ago, Insurgent Bases and "The Den" had reported activity passing through our Home Sector, however, none had directed their attention in their direction. All Bases and Station were on Maximum Defense Posture with all Inteceptors already launched and orbiting. So far, Gentlemen, We still have a home to go back to when this is over. That is All. Rattler: Send it Comms, and mark it Urgent! Comms: It's gone Sir. Rattler: Now let's get down to it, shall we? Rattler leaned back into his chair and longingly thought about his childhood days out in The Great Plains, and remembered something that his Grandfather had once showed him. As a slight smile creased his face, he had to show it to someone. Very quietly, he summoned Tactical to his side and, taking his sketch pad in his hand, traced the outline of a rock on one side and a brick wall on the other. Above the brick wall he wrote the term "Hard Place", and deftly drew an X directly between them. Rattler: What's it's meaning, Tactics? Tactical: I have no Idea, Sir! Rattler: It means we are here, directly between a Rock and a Hard Place! Tactical: Not for long, Sir. Weapons, launch 3 long range probes, One for Sygan, One for Poaris 1, and One for Polaris 2. We may be going in hot and heavy, but we don't have to do it Blind!! Weapons: Three away, running Hot,True, and Talking that Talk. Rattler smiled broadly this time. They're learning now. Just hope they learn quickly enough. Closing his eyes, he can see Akira, standing proudly on his bridge, barking to his troops, and them jumping at each order. Conversely, he can also see Chavik, cool and calmly coaching his troops, and letting them get just far enough away, before he coaxes them back in line. Damn he had made good choices when he selected this group. Now where would Jester be right now?> That's right, if he knew Jester, He'd already be in Polaris 1, cloaked and drifting very quietly. He'll have his weapons locked and loaded, targeted on that lead annomoly. He always know's the right target to go after first. Rattler: Nav, Get that Engineer on the horn! You tell him that I wanted to be there yesterday, Understood? Nav: Aye, Sir. I'll go down there and pull the levers myself if that Snipe can't get it done better than this! Rattler thinks to himself again, "Damn, they're all learning!" Again, he closes his eyes and silently drifts off to sleep. <RP/> Rattler [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-14-98).]

OK Tac, You asked for this, so You're gonna get it Cmdr Rattler, ICV Necromancer, Spectre, Insurgent One

Wel, Gentlemen, this has truely been an eventfull weekend I must relay to you how it has shaped up for me, and share in our accomplishments I left for Atlanta early Friday morning so I was not at home when all this started. We were having a nice, friendly personnel transfer when I left, with Insurgents providing a little insurance for the safety of our Commanders in the mission. On Saturday, I had stopped in to one of my friends computer stores In Smyrna (just outside Atlanta) and he was just about to show me an IMac, telling me how good it was and how bright it's future looked. Well, we never got to the IMac, as I noticed that he had a PC connected to the net, and it was not being used. Naturally, being the person that I am, I sat down at the computer and came straight to the Comlink Forums, just to show him what a real website looked like . And What did I find, but you guys heavily in action and I was being left in the Space Dust. To make an even longer story shorter, I commadeered his computer for the better part of the next 3 hours, issueing orders, fielding questions from his customers, and his bosses, and trying to stay abreast of this situation. At one time I looked over my shoulder and had about 30 customers leaning in trying to tell me how to direct traffic of the ships, etc Derek, BTW, start looking for a FEW new commanders up here, as there sure were plenty of them wanting to know how to get their hands on the game Now, I left there this morning (Atlanta) and after a trip of 4.5 hours, I'm back home, safe and sound. BTW, it's 382 miles from door to door (you figure the math) <RP> OGrady: Ratter, Rise and Shine. We're through the gate to Polaris 2. Rattler: Aye, Rattler has the Con. Tactical, what is that nose of yours telling you? Tactical: Never seen anything like it, Sir! I've slipped a probe into Polaris 1, and besides the Designated GCV Vessels in there, about 6 or 7 of them, there's over 50 Irridium Emmitters going into overdrive, circling on edge of the System. We have Nevermore, Pheonix, and At-All-Costs on screen, with At-All-Costs undergoing repairs. She's just about ready to leave the Repair Facility, and is asking to join the Fleet. Rattler: Tell her to come along side, but don't tie up He'll know what I mean. I still don't like this! There's something out there that doesn't smell right, but I don't think it's any GalCom Trick this time. Rattler: Comms, get this out. Spectre Fleet/Strike Trojan Horse..... Strike disband and rally on Necromancer. Spectre Fleet Rally on Necromancer. Designated Spectre Command Staff to report to Necromancer for Battle Tactics/Actions Briefing on Necromancer 15 minutes after completion of last jump to our next Rally Point. Spectre Fleet....Proceed to Sygan, I repeat, Proceed to Sygan, Best Possible Speed. To All Commanders, You will not fire upon a GalCom Vessel until further notice. No Exceptions. Rattler: Comms, you got it? Comms: Yes, Sir! Rattler: Let her go then Comms: Gone, Sir! Rattler: Comms, Send my personal congrat's to Akira and Chavik on a job well done. Also tell them that I'm looking forward to seeing them in a couple of hours. Send a second one to DeSylva on First Light and Londono on Usagi. Tell them that we Insurgents will not take a back seat support role in this one. If they look real carefully, they'll see us fighting, and if neccessary, dying right along side them for the good of Terrans across the Universe. We're regrouping at Sygan, but we're gonna come out swinging from there. God Speed and Good Hunting..... Send It! Comms: Messages Away, Sir. Rattler, Insurgent One, Spectre Fleet <RP/> Ok, Akira, Chavik, Locke1, Tac, Ristar, Antti, and If I left anyone out, you guys get together some way and set this all up. This has turned into a Campaign, with different branches to be coordinated and scripted. Great Job Everyone [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-13-98).]

<RP> Comms: Message incomming from Nevermore. Nevermore, Pheonix, and At All Costs enroute to Polaris2 for formation with Spectre. They've picked up sensor data that indicates an incomming, Unknown Fleet. What are your orders, Sir? Rattler: Coms, prepare to send the following messages. Spectre Fleet....Withdraw from current assignments, stand down from current postures. De-Cloak and set in course for Polaris 2. Necromancer will assume Fleet Control upon arrival in Polaris 2. Strike Trojan Horse....Change course to Polaris 2 Immediately. First Ships on scene to lend assistance to Nevermore, Pheonix, and At All Costs. Upon entering Polaris 2, remain Uncloaked, but in Full Battle Posture. Jester.....Sanctions lifted from previously assigned targets. Join with Spectre at Polaris 2. Nevermore/Pheonix/At All Costs.....Expedite evac from Polaris 1. Help enroute Best Possible Speed. Transmit proper IFF. GCV First Light/GCV USAGI/GCV Shogun/GCV Predicant....Insurgent Fleet withdrawing from GalCom Proper Space. Possible Invasion fleet detected. We are, I Repeat, We are going to maintain our Original agreement of non-hostilities towards GalCom at this time, unless fired upon by GalCom Forces. Most strongly recommend that you extract Cmdr Tringad, and make expeditious withdrawal from Polaris 1. Spectre Fleet to gather in that region in short order. If what I believe to be true is really happening, your cooperation/assistance would be greatly appreciated. Request confirmation of cooperation, should the requirement exist. Rattler: Got all that Comms? Comms: If you said it, I got it, Sir. Rattler: Good, get it out to space then. Comms: Gone, Sir! Rattler: Nav, Lay in a course for Polaris 2. Now get us outta here! Nav: Initiating Hyperjump. Next stop, Polaris 2. Rattler: Rattler's off the Bridge. Mr. O'Grady, you have the Con. Wake me when we get to Polaris 2. O'Grady: Aye, Sir! I have the Con. Rattler, Insurgent One <RP/>

<RP> Rattler: Comm's, Message to Usagi..... Tac, It matters not whom is in whom's backyard. This is about Honor and Integrity. We Gave OUR word, and accepted yours in return. Now Stand Down from Tactical while we are leaving. Comms: That's it, Commander? Rattler: That's it, Now Send It!! Comms: Message Away, Sir. Rattler, Insurgent One <RP/> Tac, I recommend that Akira spearheads up a mission development team of Chavik, Yourself, Ristar,Alun and possibly DeSylva and Myself. We could start writing these missions, and then, if we all get access to the Building System, could seriously get down to it in upcoming adventures. What do you guys think? [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-12-98).]

<RP> Rattler to Spectre Fleet.....Pre-Designated Ships remain on station, maintain Full Cloaking, Maintain Full Alert Status with ISS HQ Targeted and Locked. Your Orders are to remain in this posture unless otherwise directed by Myself or Cmdr Akira via Broadband Transmission. Should you Receive Other Directives, Your orders are to complete the destruction of ISS HQ and Proceed to GalCom HQ and repeat the process. Rattler to Strike "Trojan Horse"....... Commanders, Maintain Full Cloak Posture and Join with Necromancer. Our destination is Polaris1, as I fear that Cmdrs Akira and Chavik are soon to be in need of our assistance. Speed Of Advance, Best Possible Speed, Load Vagrants as primary wepon. Ralix as secondary. Execute, Execute, Execute....... Rattler to Nevermore.....Initiate Plan Beta-02, I repeat, Initiate Beta-02. Rattler to "At All Costs", Join on Nevermore and Pheonix, They shall provide coverage and tow, You might not have jump capability, but while in tow, They can execute jump and drag you with them. Understood? God Speed Locke1, glad to hear from you again. Rattler to Pheonix.... Chavik, after delivery of package to First Light, withdraw to distance of 200K Kilometers and await the joining of yourself by "Nevermore" and "At All Costs". Insurgent One to GCV First Light, Personal, For Your Eyes Only, Marked for Cmdr DeSylva......DeSylva, either you are a fool, or a complete idiot. If those annomolies that Akira is reporting are vessels under your command, order them to stand down and withdraw immediately. If they are not said vessels, then we both have a problem. I am currently enroute to your location to investigate the matter myself, but will not openly attack any vessel that is transmitting the GalCom IFF Code. Be advised, If there is any identifiable vessel, Cloaked or Visible, not transmitting it's proper code, my intentions are to make that vessel cease to exist without remorse. Rattler to Jester.....Remain Cloaked and Operate Independently. In the event of catastrophic events in Sector Polaris1, Sanction is permitted on GCV First Light and GCV Shogun. Cmdr Campbell will assist. Do Not Reply/Respond, Remain Invisible. Rattler: Comms, You have all of this? Comms: Aye, Rattler, Pretty Stiff orders though. Rattler: Desperate times require desperate measures. Rattler: Coms, Transmit on my mark. MARK!! Coms: Transmitting now Sir. The messages are gone, Sir. Rattler: Nav, Lay in a course for Polaris1. Nav: Did it two minutes ago, Sir. We're ready when you give the word, Sir. Rattler: You Have the Word. Tactical, bring us to full Battle Conditions, Order General Quarters! Bring up tactical on screen. Rattler, ICV Necromancer, Insurgent One <RP/> Things just heated up

<RP> Rattler: Glad to have you along Jester. Message to all Specter Fleet...Maintain Cloaking and Full Shield Power. As we exit the jump point, immediatley target ISS HQ, but DO NOT FIRE!! I repeat, DO NOT FIRE!!! We'll sit here and wait on the All Clear from Chavik and Akira. If I do not hear something from both of them, We open fire and keep firing until there's nothing left for First Light to come home to. Is this understood? I gave my word to DeSylva that we wouldn't interfere with the meeting, but I didn't give away our ability to retaliate, should he not keep his. So, Be Alert, Be Vigilant, and Be Carefull. We don't want any accidents. Just Standby....... Rattler, Insurgent One <RP/> *grin* The barel of that ancient Colt Peacemaker looks pretty darn big when you're looking down the business end of it, doesn't it DeSylva *grin* [This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 12-10-98).]

<RP> Tac, You had better not be everywhere! Who's watching for the Gammulan Invasion? Could it possibly be "The Insurgents" doing your job for you? Nah, we wouldn't be doing you a favor like that, would we? Wait, I gathered my Fleet at Sygan, didn't I? Wonder what that's all about? KEEP WONDERING Rattler, Insurgent One <RP/>

<RP> Insurgent One to All Insurgent Craft.... Fleet orders to follow..... Fleet gathering directed to commence immediately At Sygan Coordinates. This includes all Spectre Fleet Craft with the Exception of Nevermore and Pheonix. These vessels are on special assignment and are excused from this exercise.......... Rattler, Insurgent One <Out> <RP/>