David Foss

Well, the Deterrence will be out of commission for a little over a week. Hopefully she won't be caught in drydock. When is this attack planned? If it's the right time frame (about a week from the current time on the First Command thread), Foss will have finished what needs to be done and he'll be able to take the reigns again. At this time, he's been stuck on Crystar for five days, and the Deterrence has been towed to Galcom HQ. About another six or seven days from this point will provide the perfect window. I can see it now. Junkkari will probably be so PO'd that he assigns me to patrol duty around Jupiter so he can keep an eye on me. Low and behold... what happens just after the Deterrence is launched? His reaction would probably be similar to Foss'... "this sucks!" ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

I'm game for the thread. Just wondering if it would be possible to play some kind of marine assigned to protect the diplomat and his/her daughter. If not, I'm more than willing to go in on behalf of one of the IC pilots (Shodan). I sent you an e-mail of the same message. This is here in case it doesn't go though. My account has been having troubles lately. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Not a problem, Commander. Either send me an e-mail (I sent one to you, did you get it?) or contact me via ICQ. 7746174 is my primary account number. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

(RP on) Day three of our vacation on Crystar. Local time is 1300. Exploration of the cave has revealed no new exits. We have been using fragments of clothing and large boulders to mark our path. I thought wed found an exit a few minutes ago, but it proved to be only that of a recently collapsed tunnel. Theres no telling exactly how long ago it was sealed, though, or where it would have led to. Janice isnt holding up very well. She wants to leave. I cant blame her; I feel the same way. But we arent going anywhere unless we get a ship. We cant just waltz into that military base, as simple as that would be. There has got to be another way Day three, second report. Local time 2230. Further scouting has revealed nothing. The Gammulan security forces were very thorough. Janice and I found three collapsed sections in one of the tunnels. Those discoveries have been over the last three hours alone. Weve got enough nutripaks to last us a week. Maybe two, if were careful. But if were not gone after that, were in real trouble. No new Gammulan soldiers have showed up yet. Theyve got to be milling about here somewhere, though. Im perfectly happy to avoid them. I just hope theyll be as considerate. Its getting late now, so were heading back to the camp, if you can call it that Day four. Local time 1300. We went deeper into the cave today. Still no exits. Damn it, but all of the tunnels we had access to yesterday have also collapsed. The only tunnels we have found so far all lead down. We traveled down three separate tunnels, but they all eventually led to the same gigantic fissure. Theres no way we can cross it, and we sure as hell cant descend it. The walls in that area are moist, and far too smooth to scale. Even if we had climbing gear, I am not certain how sturdy the walls of that area are. They would more than likely give way. However, we dont have any climbing gear, so theres no real point in complaining about it. I just hope we find another way Day four, second report. Local time 2230. We took the last path we could find. It went down a few hundred meters, then ascended rapidly. We took it slow on the ascent, but we were forced back down when part of the tunnel collapsed above us. We almost didnt make it out of that one. Its almost sunset, so were heading back to the camp. Well see if this area is still usable tomorrow morning **** I woke up with what little light seeped in from the entrance to the cave. Time for our fifth day. I looked over at Janice, shaking her gently. She opened her eyes. "What's for breakfast?" She asked. I rolled my eyes. "We're not on earth, Janice. We're behind enemy lines, remember?" "Oh." She said, looking around the cave. Her expression hardened as she remembered what had happened. I was getting tired of this. She couldn't wake up even once without thinking she was somewhere else. Maybe the stress of nearly being blasted in space was taking its toll on her. We stood up and proceeded back into the caves. The route we'd taken was gone, having collapsed sometime during the night. I was too pissed off to respond to her comment, much less make any of my own. I simply headed back to the cave mouth. "What are you doing?" She asked. I turned to face her. Im going to find us a way out of here. I said simply. How? I held up the only surveillance equipment we had an old pair of binoculars that had somehow miraculously survived the destruction of the Js Pride and the shuttle crash. It was an ancient instrument from the late twentieth century that Janices parents had given her. Who knows how it survived, or even how theyd managed to make do with them? No advanced optics or zoom functions, just four curved lenses angled and distanced properly to magnify images. They were old, but one could not debate their effectiveness. Are you sure they will work? She asked warily. The lenses are intact. I said. They should be fine. They wont give us a lot of detail, but it beats observing from this distance with the naked eye. She couldnt argue with the logic. After all, ancient technology is better than nothing. We left the protection of the cave shortly after sunrise, taking up a position in a small alcove behind an outcropping of rock. The sun was rising, the colors not unlike those of earths spectacular displays of orange, pink and violet. The landscape in front of us stretched on for miles, eventually rolling over the horizon. The sun was rising behind us, so we did not have to worry about a freak reflection from the lenses of the binocs alerting the enemy. We just had to hope their sensors did not detect us. I looked through the binoculars, spying a soldier barracks right away. I continued sweeping the binoculars around, finding a mech station, a repair yard Then my eyes found what I had hoped for. A control bunker and the bases air defense sector. The pilots barracks, the detection equipment Eureka! Id found the hangar for the fighters! I almost jumped, ready to scream in elation. I thought better of it, simply handing the instrument to Janice, pointing excitedly at the hangar as though it were my parents gift to me when I was five. I was silent. She wasnt. She shouted out in triumph. Weve got a way home! Weve mmwutf? It didnt take me long to silence her. I clamped a hand around her mouth before she could say anything more. We werent within hearing range of the base, but I didnt want to take any chances of a security force hearing us. Id once been known to have the layout of every Gammulan structure stored in my head. It was time to put that knowledge to the test. We beat a hasty retreat back to our alcove, making sure no one had followed us, then proceeded to employ the age old tradition of leaders everywhere who are stranded on a hostile planet. Contrary to popular belief, it is not running around in circles like a chicken with its head cut off. Nor is it simply laying down and dying. No, its planning an attack with little to no forces in reserve. Just her and I. The old dirt covered floor of the cave proved to be just as useful as any computer terminal would have been. In looking through the binocs, Id been able to chart the base in my head, memorizing the location of buildings and key areas of interest and danger. The mech station was not a place to sneak through, nor was the armory or the soldier barracks. But the maintenance section that was a different matter entirely. It was on the outskirts of the base near our location. That was where we would enter. With the main route to the hangar decided, all we had to do was figure out when to make our move. I spent the rest of the morning observing the patrols of the security forces, memorizing their patterns and times of change; every four hours on the hour. Early morning, they were likely to be sloppy for the first couple of hours. Thats when we would enter. We would then sneak through the maintenance area to the hangar where we would hopefully find a ship to fly home. Anything bigger than a fighter would not work. But we also needed the navigation data to get home. Janice had been in space so long that shed developed an intuitive knowledge of the gates. Any route she took, whether familiar or first time traveled, she could backtrack with unerring accuracy. It unnerved the hell out of me, but it had saved her life more than once. Now it would save both of our arses. With the initial surveillance and planning finished for the day, we sat in our hiding spot and chatted about old times far past sunset. She offered first watch, but I told her to get some rest. Once shed fallen asleep, I proceeded to the cave entrance. She would hear weapons fire if there were any. Besides, all the other routes to this area of the cave had been sealed off. Perhaps their tactics would work to our advantage after all. I still did not understand why they simply didnt cave in No! I wouldnt say it. No sense letting Murphy kill me that easily. I would finish that thought when we were off this damned rock. I stayed up, far into the night, watching the guards patrol patterns and exchanges. It seemed as though they even went to the can at the exact same time, for crying out loud! Oh well. Nothing beats good organization. That is, nothing but repeated patterns and a patient and observant watcher intent on turning their organization into a hell to be remembered. (RP off) I'm a bit rusty here. Hope it still works ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

I agree wholeheartedly with your take on the matter, Akira. A merc is a merc. Not a goverment, not a politician... Not a fleet leader. Those who rush in and create a fleet for the sole purpose (it seems... I could be wrong) of saying that they are a leader... Well, let's just say I prefer being in charge of my own little BC, rather than an entire fleet. Part of a fleet is fine. I just don't think I can handle being top dog. I still wonder how you do it, SC. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Commander Hamblin, I think that this has been discussed before. However, I could be mistaken (might have been the OLD forum). This is a good topic though. Might be nice to have everyone's ship and motto available here. My ship currently has one, it just hasn't been implemented yet (you'll find out why later on in the First Command thread on the Role-Playing forum). Once that is implemented, I will revise this post. Cheers, Commander. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 07-27-99).]

Commander Hamblin, If you need a hand with that ending, just send me an e-mail ([email protected]) and we'll see what happens. Good to see you're still at it, man! Keep up the good work! Sorry, been meaning to say this for a while. Been so busy I only just now got around to cruising the old threads ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Junkkari: Sir, we'll need someone to command the fleet while you are away. Do you have a second in command to take over during your absense? ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

I would say keep it on the forum completely. That way we don't have to worry about a mailing list. Besides... This is where the first session was held. It's kind of like home, don't you think? ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Excellent to see you back, Commander Vauban! I'm glad you decided to return! I'll hold my posts till you get caught up It'll also give me the chance to iron out a few bugs with the developing situation Again, welcome back, my friend! ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Okay... It is long past time for me to get this thread off the ground. I made a promise to Commander Vauban and I intend to keep it. The First Command RP thread is once again active. I am back with a vengeance, and I will be writing for both Commander Vauban and myself until his return. (RP on) Ready, Lieutenant. Neilson reported. McKay sighed. All right, everyone, cross your fingers. She didnt allow herself to dwell on what would happen if it didnt work. Start her up. She ordered.  Roger. Neilson replied, reaching over to switch on the reactor. What was left of the shuttle was hardly worth mentioning. He was still in his pressure suit, the shuttles hull having been compromised. The reactor powered up, sending energy through the ship and into the main life support system of the BC. The ship seemed to lurch to life with the fresh dose of energy. Alas, however, it was not to be. Unfortunately, Neilson had been correct about the effectiveness of the reactor. In fact, hed been right on the money. The lights throughout the ship flickered, flashed, and died, the shuttles reactor barely providing enough power to run them all. The environmental controls were not going to work if this was all they could manage. The irregular light strobes were going to give him a headache, but it was better than nothing. He relayed his calculations to McKay. Lieutenant, I cant do anything for the life support system. This is as good as shes going to get. What about communications? As I can tell, the systems interface is shot. The problem is that I cant access the area from within the ship. Ill head out and see if I can find the breach that sealed that section off. With luck, the breach will be large enough that I can get through. Can you have my team join me? Ill relay the orders. Do you have enough parts to fix the damage? Like I said, sir, Ill have to take a look. Dont worry, though. Ill figure something out. He said, then signed off.  Neilson exited the shuttle and walked to the other end of the shattered flight deck, the computer repair kit in his hand. The stars stretched on forever. Small pieces of debris from the BC drifted through space, carried by the frictionless vacuum along with the damaged ship. He stepped out of the flight deck, the magnetic boots holding him to the deck as he vanished over the side. To anyone observing him, it would have looked like hed been sucked under and run over by the huge ship. He moved slowly, avoiding areas of the hull that had been weakened by the battle. No sense causing any more breaches. After ten minutes, he finally located the damaged section. It was large enough barely. He managed to work his way through, miraculously without any damage to his suit, then began inspecting the commlink computer. Oh, well. He mumbled. The way things have been going, Im not surprised to see this. Both the systems and AI interfaces were totaled. Lieutenant, Im sorry to report that there is very little that we can do. Her voice crackled softly in his ears, Do whatever you can, Neilson. Why the hell havent the Mandorians responded? He asked. Isnt it obvious that were up the creek without a paddle? Theyre probably concerned with protecting their borders. The humans who have been charging into Gammulan space havent exactly been considering the fact that if Galcom goes to war with the Gammulans, these people will be caught in the middle. Even so, if they would give a hand with repairs, itd only take about seven hours to fix the systems necessary to get us home. Well, whatever their reason, they arent budging. Theres no sense wondering about it. She said sharply. He got the hint. Aye, sir. He said, kneeling down to examine the damaged system. I suppose I shouldnt worry, he thought to himself. If they were going to attack, they would have followed us through and finished us off. Theres not much we would be able to do about it. The tactical computer cant run without power. Its about the only computer system that is still capable of running Damn! He opened a link to his engineering team. Jack, take your team down to the tactical computer and remove the AI and systems interfaces! Suit up. Ill need you guys to bring them to me along with the equipment to install the suckers. Understood. Were on our way now. We should be there in about ten minutes.  There is little point in bringing spare parts to your ship. The station tech said. By the way, my names Sarah Mitchell. Finally, a name to the face, Hiker thought. Shes too badly damaged. At this point shed be lucky to survive a tractor beam. Well, we will have to hope she can, otherwise your in real trouble. Lets get the show on the road, then. Runt said, climbing into the shuttle. The others followed suit and the shuttle lifted off shortly after, heading for Pravis. It didnt take long to tow the Deterrence back to the station. Arrangements were quickly made to tow the BC back to Galcom HQ for repairs, as a station on the border of a hostile front was not the place to conduct extensive repairs. Shortly after arriving at Galcom, McKay received orders to report immediately to Commander Junkkari in Foss absence. (RP off) Hmm... A bit rushed at the end there... Hope I'm not losing the edge... What do you think, am I back yet? ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Ouch! That's a lot of messages! DeSylva, it will take me some time to read through all of them, and even longer to compose enough notes to post without stepping on any toes (assuming there is not a summary anywhere, I will have to read each and every post). Once that's done, I will begin posting (though I will be lucky if I can do that before it is over). ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

DeSylva, could you add me to the mailing list as well? Thanks in advance, [email protected] ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Somerset: I wouldn't mind a timeline and summary of what has happened in the e-mail RPG. If possible, that is. It would probably destroy the free space on my mailcity account. But, I'm game if you are. How long has it been going on? I heard some grumblings a few months ago, but I can't remember when it actually started. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

I would love to join. My main ICQ# is 7746174. I have one for my BC account, but I can't remember it. I'll edit my post once I find it. I haven't been included in the current e-mail campaign, but if there is a summary available when it's finished (or it's not too late to join now) I wouldn't mind the chance. I apologize for not being around lately. Personal problems called me away. I'm back now, though, and in light of Vauban's tragedy, I will be writing double time for him as well. It's the least I can do. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Commander Vauban, I have no words to extend that would even begin to convey my sympathy. That in mind, I shall do only this... Please accept my sincere condolences and know that the prayers of myself and everyone I have known go with you. I am not a religious man, but I do recognize the greater power, whatever it may be, and I reserve prayers for the times when they are truly needed. This is one such time. I am truly sorry for your loss, and I will keep the fires burning high here, should you return. (403) 288-4261

Devined intervention, anyone? Perhaps the twisted and tattered remains of the hull protected him somehow... Who knows? Stanger things have happened (can't think of any, but it's early friday morning, so what do you expect?) It is a good story, Hamblin. Don't give up on it And unless you want yourself dead, I'm sure there's another way than simply cloning yourself (on the other hand, a brand new clone wouldn't have to deal with the insanity bit). Who knows? Maybe he and Tiretis can hit things off better this time ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Charles, I see... Well, with the timeline already being established, that isn't really an option, but there's no reason we can't tie things together at a later date I got caught up last night, so I didn't get the writing finished. Hopefully it'll be up later tonight (the time index on this page is about two hours ahead of me). ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Commander Chavik, The reason I had the time set for a month is mainly for the Deterrence's sake. She was, after all, destroyed at that battle, so they would have to build a new one for the most part. One month seems good enough for me... besides, it also gives enough of a time index for Foss to be promoted and reassigned Anyways, I've decided to fire things back up again. I'm sure Sebastian can catch up (leave out the boring waiting parts). The stuff I'm waiting to post is just too good (I think... I'm very proud of this part of the story) to wait any longer I should have it up in about four hrs or so. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

First off, Commander Vauban, I would like to say that no name is above the other. That's the idea of writing with someone. It's an even playing field. You're not writing below me, you're just a little late, that's all I have agreed to your proposal. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds. I've already sent you a brief outline for the next few posts. However, in lieu of your... tardiness... I will be halting my posts until you get caught up. Hopefully it doesn't take too long Unfortunately, when I get into a writing frenzy, I'm very impatient. Don't worry, though. I can wait. To give you an idea, a story that I've been writing for over two years is now only a couple of chapters ahead of this one (a story of just over two weeks). Ahh, the wonders of writing within an existing universe! Thank you, SC! It's so much easier (and just as fun) to write within a universe rather than trying to create a universe of your own to write in. Anyway, like I said, I will likely not be posting for a few days. We'll see how long it takes. However, as all good writers have said at one point or another, never rush a good thing, lest it becomes something less. Take as long as you need, Commander Vauban. Just try not to step on any toes Sorry for all the smilies, I'm just really hyped. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-17-99).]

Okay, contrary to popular belief, these sections are written in advance. However, I'm my own worst critic, and half the time I revise something upwards of twelve times before I post it. Anyways, here goes... BTW, I have revised the last post. Thanks, Charles. (RP on) Hiker twisted the IC around, lining up another P-21. The other carriers had begun launching fighters. If he didnt get out soon, the odds would be against him. Fifteen to one was one thing. Forty plus to one was quite another. Runt spoke up from behind him. Hike, youd best get us the hell outta here! Not yet. I want to make sure the Deterrence is at least two systems away and that she makes it that far in one piece! Well be two systems away in two-thousand pieces if you dont get us out of here! Hiker looked back at him. Well, then, I guess youll finally get to be in more than one place at one time, wont you? He said, grinning. Runt tightened the restraints as Hiker hit the afterburners. His scream was cut short as Hiker spun the IC around, killing the forward momentum and firing six rapid blasts into the P-21. The fighter disappeared behind a flower of fiery debris. All right, Hike! Runt shouted. An alarm sounded and he focused his attention on the Tacscan display. Twelve new fighters are jumping toward us. Good. Hiker said. Im in the mood for seconds. Umm, Hike? Runt replied, worry thick in his voice. He didnt get a chance to say anything before the enormous bulk of a Stormcarrier flashed into existence ahead of them. The ship was over two times the length of the Deterrence, and the IC would be no more than a bug smear on the windshield if they didnt get out of there fast. Hiker swore, spinning the fighter around. Five turrets opened fire on the IC as Hiker kicked in the afterburners, speeding the tiny fighter away. Hiker twisted the fighter in a desperate attempt to avoid the storm of deadly fire, swearing a blue streak in three different languages. Runt would have laughed if he hadnt been so busy praying. Runt, whats the situation? No response. Runt! Hiker called desperately. A shot lanced past the canopy, the intense heat burning a furrow across the canopy. The amount of power running through the cannons would rip the ICs shields like an axe through tissue paper. If they scored even one clean hit it was all over. Runt shook his head, focusing on his displays. Ah, fighters still on our tail. The jump point is on the other side of the Stormcarrier. They are mining the wormhole. They dont want us to get through. Why should they? Weve been tearing their fighters to shreds for the last twenty minutes. Personally, Im flattered that they would waste such resources on us. Incoming missile! Runt shouted. EMD active. Hiker reported back calmly. I can see only one way out of this, Runt. He said as the missile streaked past, a trail following behind it. You arent going to like it. I wont blame you if you want to shoot me later. He finished as several shots lanced past. What if I want to shoot you now? He asked, hopeful. Then you dont get home. He said simply. The IC had moved beyond the range of the Stormcarriers weapons. The massive ship had laid over fifteen mines. Overkill for an IC, but then again, this was Hiker they were trying to nail. Fifteen mines werent enough. Even so, Hiker wasnt too cocky. Sixteen was his limit. Hed never been able to navigate more than that in the simulators. A futile practice, his instructors had told him. Oh well. They always said that the best experience comes from the field, not the classroom; that what happened in the simulator was nothing like what happened out there. They believed that what was possible in the simulator could not be done in real life. Time to prove them wrong. The Stormcarrier had finished deploying the mines, and had turned to face them. The fighters swarmed ahead of the ship, ready to swat the IC like a mosquito. Hiker shouted a war cry, accelerating the fighter to the point where he would be fast, but not out of control. A fine line, that was. Enemy blasts lanced past the fighter as she sped toward her target: the Stormcarrier. Umm, Hike? Runt inquired worriedly, his tone not unlike it had been just before the carriers arrival. Not now! He shouted back. It was time to complete the illusion. He slammed on the afterburners, accelerating directly toward the great ship. The distance closed as the pilot silently counted down. The Stormcarrier opened fire again, the deadly energy pulses streaking through the void, flashing closer and closer as the fighter drew nearer. Time for the fly to escape the windshield. Three kilometers two one At five hundred meters away from the carrier, Hiker fired the retros, slowing the fighter down that ever so minute fraction of an inch, barely clearing the bulk of the carrier. The fighter streaked along the sleek hull of the ship, clearing the engines and again accelerating toward the wormhole that would deliver them from otherwise certain death. The mines Damn! Hiker shouted. He remembered too late about the mines surrounding their escape route. Still more weapons acquired the fighter: those of the enemy fighters, the Stormcarrier and the mines. Even so, fate decided to smile on them. Through pure luck, none of the mines detonated, nor did any weapons fire strike the craft, and Hiker managed one final cry of triumph before vanishing from the Cyron system, appearing in the Pravis region of the Cyrian system. He barely managed to breathe a sigh of relief before he saw the Deterrence. Her tortured and scarred hull was barely visible against the dense starfield. Can you establish communications? Already trying. I havent received any response so far. Open a link to the Mandorian station. They would have already responded if they were going to help, but it was worth a try. This is Christopher Baker in IC-1 off of GCV Deterrence. We require emergency assistance. Can you spare a shuttle to tow our vessel back to Galcom HQ in Sol? The stations reply was short and sour. Negative, pilot. We are currently indisposed. Perhaps you havent noticed, but we have a border to protect. Chris lost it. Of course I noticed! We just came from there Exactly! Humans like you are the sole reason that the Gammulans have become so aggressive! Take your war elsewhere, human. We will have no part of it. Chris wondered who had taken a most inappropriate action in this guy's cereal this morning. It is humans like me who repelled the attack against Sol, who sent the Gams packing. If you dont want to lend a hand, then get the hell off my comm system! He cut the signal, then turned to his copilot. Set course for the Rinaal jumpgate. Maybe we can borrow a shuttle and tow her back for repairs. Why dont we just land on the BC? Maybe we can help! Runt said anxiously. You saw the explosion, and you can see the result. The flight deck is useless. We arent going to be able to land. Runt was never able to keep a situation serious for long. They had a job ahead of them, but worrying about the crew on the BC wasnt going to help them get it done. Runt opted for the other choice: criticism. You do realize, of course, that I am going to shoot you. That has got to be the dumbest thing youve ever done! You nearly got us killed! I cant believe you would do something so bone-sick stupid as as as what you just did back there! And another thing He didnt shut up until they docked at Wraith HQ in orbit around Rinaals closest moon. The mammoth station loomed before them, looking for all the world like a giant cross, braced with an outer ring around the central axis, the protrusions of the cross housing the docking bays. This is Interceptor 1 out of GCV Deterrence, requesting immediate docking clearance. Clearance granted, Interceptor. Approach vector seventeen. Hiker acknowledged, piloting the tiny IC into the docking bays via the relayed vector. No sooner had he popped the canopy than a station engineer approached the two pilots. You look like youve been through three kinds of hell. She said. Youre not far off. Hiker said, shutting down the engines, then climbing down from the cockpit. The Deterrence is crippled and awaiting rescue in the Pravis system. We need to get her docked here ASAP. The Mandorian military wont help. Theyve already said as much. I see. She said evenly. Normally, I wouldnt lend you a shuttle, but since you arrived in an Interceptor, its reasonable to assume that your shuttles are unavailable. I guess I have no choice. Dont you need clearance first? No time, pilots. Get aboard. They wont shoot you down if Im around. Theyll know its an emergency if Im with you. Right. Lets get to it, then. Hiker said. Runt took the hint, not even bothering to finish shutting down the IC as he leapt from the copilot seat, landing hard on the flight deck. The tech crew would take care of it. (RP off) ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 07-15-99).]

Okay, I'm finally back on track. Here goes (RP on) Engage hyperdrive! McKay ordered. The Deterrence entered hyperspace, emerging just short of the wormhole to Cyron. The Gammulans were right on top of them, pounding the dying ship with every offensive weapon they had. The ship shook violently, the sounds of an internal explosion raged through the ship. Shields are down! Berringston shouted. Neilson, get those damned shields up! McKay ordered desperately. No can do, the shield is too badly damaged, sir! Neilson shouted through the comm. We have no way of reinforcing the hull! The ship rocked again, an earth-shattering explosion sounding through the ship. Auxiliary life support is gone! Neilson reported. Continue firing, Berringston! McKay shouted. There was nothing else they could do except run with the wind at their backs, putting up whatever defense they could. Another Aestrom fireballed, igniting a tiny sun just off the starboard bow. Hiker let loose a war cry worthy of an army as he lined up the IC on another fighter. Hed just bought the Deterrence a few more seconds. Deterrence, get out of here! Ill cover you as best I can! He shouted. We arent leaving you, Hiker. Get back aboard now! No can do, Lieutenant. Get out of here! They were out of time. She shut off the commlink and turned to Berringston as he said what she had longed to hear. Hyperdrive is charged and ready. Engage hyperdrive! McKay shouted without hesitating. The Deterrence entered hyperspace, emerging seconds later at the wormhole back to Cyrian. The ship edged forward as the Aestroms appeared behind them. Get us out of this damned system! The Deterrence entered the wormhole, emerging on the other side. Back in neutral space, at least. The Gammulans did not pursue. Commander Foss had not returned. The ship was about to blow. Neilson, eject the reactor! Thirty seconds and one spectacular explosion later, Lieutenant McKay activated the internal ships comm. Get those lights back on. She ordered, then spoke into the comm. Damage report, Neilson. His voice was faded. There was barely enough power to run the comm system. The lights had gone out. It was almost impossible to see anything. What do you want first, maam? The bad news or the deadly news? Why break with tradition? Give me the bad news. The bad news is that our external communications were destroyed by that missile. And the deadly news? She knew she wasnt going to like this. The deadly news is that auxiliary life support is toast. The solar reactor is completely useless. There is heavy radiation contamination all over the ship. The main reactor is gone, so we have no power. Both solar panels have also been destroyed and to top things off the remaining shuttles have been too heavily damaged to take shelter in them. Aside from that, atmospheric integrity on the flight deck has been compromised. Cargo bay two is a mess, and we have no parts to repair any of the critical systems. We have no way to maneuver, we cant communicate, we cant take shelter, we cant even make coffee! Give me the summary, Neilson. She said, fed up with the lengthy assessment. By now, several of the crew had managed to find a light or two, shining them about the bridge. His voice sounded harsh, even through the comm system. Unless we get some help and fast, we are dead in two hours. By this time, he had made his way to the flight deck, and was assessing the situation with a heavy heart. Can we use the remaining support craft as a power source? Channel their reactor output into the life support system? She asked. There was a slight pause. Ill need to suit up and take a closer look. Theres not much I can tell from here. Daron chose that moment to call up to the bridge, casting an even darker shadow, if such a thing were possible. Not only was their situation desperate, but she hated the dark. Lieutenant, we have a casualty list from the flight deck. We just got them back to the medibay. Twelve crew members dead, eight injured. Three of them are in critical condition. Im swamped down here, Lieutenant. Would you do me a favor and not send anyone else here for a while? Doctor, we have heavy radiation contamination all over the ship. I cant guarantee that wont happen. But if we cant get help, you wont need to treat radiation burns and trauma. Well all be suffocating instead. Understood. He said gruffly, then switched off. A few minutes later, Neilson had finished his evaluation of the support craft. Can we patch the power into the main life support system? She asked nervously. Well, yes, but not enough to make a difference. The support vessels are virtually useless. As far as I can tell, only one shuttle has an intact power system, and the other shuttles Well, the only systems that are even marginally intact are the displays. Even the ATVs are damaged beyond any form of use, and dont even ask about the Interceptors. Were lucky we didnt lose the pilots on that one. Ill see what I can do, but in all honesty, I don't know what more can be done. Weve sustained too much damage. Even with the shuttles power diverted to the BC, I doubt itll be enough to get main life support online. The way things are going, well be lucky if its even enough for the lights. Try it anyway, Neilson. McKay out. (RP off) Hope I'm still staying within the boundaries. In the event that I'm stretching the rules a bit with this power transfer, it isn't going to do much more than Neilson believes. Hopefully that doesn't constitute an axe to my head If so, I'll revise the post. I have a backup in case that happens. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-14-99).]

Well, here it is, as promised. (RP on) I sat back slowly, feeling every blood cell race through my veins, some being lost over my body and uniform. I painfully forced my eyes open, then looked over at Janice. She had fared much better, all things considered. She was looking right at me with an expression of concern. ÔÇ£Glad you pulled through, Davie.ÔÇØ She said. Her only injury was a nick on the forehead, and that had already been taken care of. She was always lucky. ÔÇ£What about the JÔÇÖs Pride?ÔÇØ I asked. ÔÇ£We came in at a steeper angle. She burned up overhead about two hours ago.ÔÇØ She said. It was her ship. She had spent ten years making that Tarin Mk II her home, and sheÔÇÖd done a fine job at it. Now it was nothing more than burned slag on the surface of this planet, deep in Gammulan space. Just like us. Well, aside from the slag part, we were in the same situation. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖd better get the ATV ready.ÔÇØ I said, standing up. Aside from my chest and face, the rest of me felt fine. She put a hand on my shoulder. ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt bother. The engine and reactor systems are shot and the cannon is useless. I already tried.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Did any cargo survive?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Just the combat kits and some nutripaks.ÔÇØ She said, handing one kit and five packs to me. ÔÇ£Well, weÔÇÖd better get out of here before they come looking. They know there were two ships. IÔÇÖm willing to bet the fighters transmitted the data before we left. IÔÇÖm surprised they havenÔÇÖt found us yet.ÔÇØ IÔÇÖd always had a habit of being MurphyÔÇÖs little toy soldier. Anytime I said something was likely to happen, IÔÇÖd always expect it to be a certain amount of time later. Well, I was right. It was a certain amount of time later. That certain amount never changed. I always had the same amount of time to regret my words: five seconds. The sensors (what was left of them) showed three ATVÔÇÖs coming toward our position. I popped the hatch and we ran for it. We reached the base of a mountain and began climbing it just as the ATVÔÇÖs came over the ridge. They targeted the shuttle and fired without a second thought. The shuttle simply crumpled, flaring into a fireball a few seconds later. One thing about Murphy, though. Any time he screwed with me like this, fate smacked him upside the head. I always found a way out, accidental or otherwise. A cave lay before us, and we made for it as fast as possible. We entered it a few minutes later. ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt think they saw us.ÔÇØ I said between gasps. Five seconds. Damn him. Five seconds later, shots rang out, bringing the mouth of the cave down in front of us. After the dust settled, we stood in complete darkness. Janice rustled about, retrieving and activating a light. The cave was big, all right. Big and unstable. The dayÔÇÖs recent blasting effort hadnÔÇÖt helped that situation at all, either. I doubted any kind of communication we had available to us would be able to punch through this rock, never mind crossing the light years between us and the Deterrence. This sucked. Janice interrupted my thoughts, clearly amused at the situation. ÔÇ£Now why does this seem familiar?ÔÇØ Eight years ago, we had succeeded in getting lost in a cave. WeÔÇÖd fallen down a crevasse and ended up about two hundred meters down. She had just happened to bring the flashlight with her then, too. The same flashlight she had now. If I didnÔÇÖt know better, I would have said sheÔÇÖd planned this. It took us three days to get out of that mess. We didnÔÇÖt hear the end of it from our friends for three weeks. There was nothing between us. We were just friends. We had been friends since birth, and we would be friends for a long time yet. Of course, like any male human, I was attracted to her, but a relationship between us wouldnÔÇÖt work out. We knew each other too well. We proceeded deeper into the cave, hoping to find another way out. Fate blessed us at last. Seven hours of searching later, we found what we were looking for. Perhaps now we could get a signal to them! Five seconds after emerging from the cave, it was clear that communications would not be possible. The cave was overlooking a Gammulan military base. What next? I wondered. A Gammulan security force? I regretted those words even before I thought them. ÔÇ£Damn you, Murphy.ÔÇØ I said out loud. Janice was about to ask me what IÔÇÖd meant when I spun around, grabbing my sidearm from its holster and hitting a Gammulan soldier in the chest with the first shot. The soldier flew back while Janice and I dodged opposite directions as the other two soldiers returned fire. I took cover behind a large boulder as Janice hid around a jagged wall. They continued to fire at me while Janice blasted one in the face. The third soldier moved to nail Janice as I stood up and blasted him in the chest. With the situation resolved for now, I looked over at Janice. She was staring at me with an expression of shock. ÔÇ£How did you know they were there?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Predictability.ÔÇØ I said simply. Hey, I donÔÇÖt mind giving cryptic answers when itÔÇÖs the truth! We retreated further into the cave, hopefully to an area where the Gammulans werenÔÇÖt milling about. They had obviously caved in our entrance in order to seal us in. It was just dumb luck (bad luck, that is) that brought us to this particular exit. They had obviously sent in squads of soldiers to find us. The ATVÔÇÖs were probably systematically caving in every entrance they could find to limit our options. It was only a matter of time before they would seal us off completely, find us, or we starved to death. No matter which way you figure it, they would find us eventually, alive or dead. This sucked. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve got to get out of here.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£How would you suggest going about that, Davie?ÔÇØ She asked. The tone of hopelessness was in her voice. I didnÔÇÖt like it at all. ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs start looking for a way out.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre stuck here, Davie. Get with it. ThereÔÇÖs nothing we can do aside from surrendering to them, and IÔÇÖm not willing to do that.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Then letÔÇÖs kick their arses and steal us a ride home.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Oh, sure, David. LetÔÇÖs just walk in, guns blazing and take the whole base by force!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£You got a better idea?ÔÇØ She thought a moment, then shook her head. ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know how weÔÇÖre going to get out of this, David. At least eight years ago we didnÔÇÖt have this hanging over our heads.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£We will get out of this, Janice. I donÔÇÖt care if I have to slash through every one of those alien scum with my bare hands, we are getting out of this.ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Good hunting, then.ÔÇØ She said, then rolled over to get some sleep, facing toward the wall of our small chamber. She had a good point. It was night. However, she had already called me for the first watch by falling asleep like that. I sat up, facing away from her, looking toward the only way out of our little room. I extinguished the light, knowing that I would hear anyone coming. (RP off) BTW, Akira, if you are going to get the Deterrence out of the mess she's currently in, now would be the time She's pretty messed up right now. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-07-99).]

First off, I must apologize for not posting anything recently. I regret to inform you that there is nothing new today, but I feel as though I must explain myself. The document that contains the story (and more) that I've been working on for this thread got fragged, so I've been set back a bit. I'll post the next section sometime tomorrow. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence

Commander Tringad, I am deeply honored that you would place me beside such great names. However, I am a long way from becoming a writer of their caliber. On the other hand, the longest and best journeys begin with a single step, do they not? Thanks Commander Pherrett, The way things have been going with this, yeah, you do have to be fast. It'll probably slow down a bit fairly soon. Probably. Anyways, on with part six. (RP on) The Deterrence rocked again just before she entered the jumpgate. The universe flashed around them, depositing them near Regis VI. ÔÇ£Jump completed, lieutenant!ÔÇØ Vess shouted. ÔÇ£Engineering, damage report!ÔÇØ McKay yelled over the alarms. ÔÇ£Decompression on S-deck. No casualties. At least we donÔÇÖt have to worry about the radiation anymore.ÔÇØ Neilson reported. ÔÇ£Most of it was cleared away when the hull breached.ÔÇØ He had returned to engineering, and was now working with the rest of his team to keep the ship together. ÔÇ£Tactical, decouple IOD and return fire!ÔÇØ The Deterrence fired again, ripping the shields of the Aestrom. It swung out of the firing line as a second Aestrom swooped in behind the damaged battlecruiser. Fighters swarmed the BC as she desperately defended herself, putting up a meager resistance compared to the superior force presented by a Stormcarrier, five Aestroms and their total compliment of forty-two fighters. Her shields were gone and she was taking a beating. They had succeeded in destroying one Aestrom and fourteen fighters before the jump, bringing the total down to twenty-eight fighters before three ICÔÇÖs were forced to dock. They were so close to neutral space, to Cyrian, and it had been a running battle every step of the way. The engines had been severely damaged in the first attack, and radiation had severely contaminated two decks, one of which had just suffered a serious hull breach. ÔÇ£Set PTA to 20% and concentrate on the fighters.ÔÇØ McKay ordered. ÔÇ£How long until the Interceptors are ready to launch, Flight?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Two minutes, maÔÇÖam.ÔÇØ Yu replied. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖll be dead in two minutes, Flight! Get those birds up! Communications, send this message.ÔÇØ To: Commander Junkkari, GCV Karhu From: Lieutenant McKay, GCV Deterrence Subject: S.O.S. Lieutenant McKay in command of GCV Deterrence. Commander Foss MIA, failed to report back from shuttle mission. Gammulan forces attacking in superior numbers. Tactics suggest pending invasion of Terran space. Request immediate assistance! ÔÇ£Send it, Comms!ÔÇØ She said. With the message away, she could only hope they would be able to react in time. She knew they probably wouldnÔÇÖt. It would take them at least a few hours to organize anything concrete, never mind actually dispatching the reinforcements. Besides, if Galcom truly felt that the Gammulans were not intent on domination, then the death of one BC in the name of preserving whatever fragment of peace remained in this galaxy was not important enough to worry about. The bridge shook again as the Deterrence took another direct hit. The ship jolted wildly as a secondary explosion flared, threatening to blow the ship in half. Hiker brought the Interceptor around, lining up on another fighter just before the Deterrence jumped into hyperspace. The fighter turned to follow, but the weakened shields didnÔÇÖt stand up to the assault as he fired his lasers, shredding the tiny craft. One P-21 down, too many fighters to go. The other vessels had jumped, again surrounding the Deterrence as she headed for the wormhole out of this system. The battlecruiser let forth a curtain of fire, shaking slightly as another explosion flared near the center of the ship, threatening to tear the ship apart. So much for landing. ÔÇ£Flight deck destroyed!ÔÇØ Neilson called out. ÔÇ£Casualties?ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Unknown!ÔÇØ McKay called down to the medical bay. ÔÇ£Daron, get a team of medics down to the flight deck immediately!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve already got our hands full treating our own medics! IÔÇÖll go myself!ÔÇØ He said, then closed the connection. ÔÇ£Incoming missile!ÔÇØ Berringston shouted. ÔÇ£Impact in ten seconds!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Engage EMD! Tell IC-1 to intercept that missile!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£EMD engaged, but itÔÇÖs too late, maÔÇÖam!ÔÇØ Berringston replied. The missile slammed into the aft of the BC, ripping deep into the hull. ÔÇ£Reactor is going critical!ÔÇØ Neilson shouted. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve got to dump her in the next thirty seconds or we face a breach!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Keep it together until we get back to friendly territory! WeÔÇÖve only got a few more to go!ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Aye, maÔÇÖam!ÔÇØ Neilson said, then signed off. ÔÇ£Reinforce the damned cooling system!ÔÇØ Neilson shouted to his crew. ÔÇ£Get that leak under control!ÔÇØ As hard as it was to believe, the engineers seemed to move a bit faster. Systems were failing all over the ship. The way things were going, they would be lucky to have life support in a minute. The hull was barely holding together, and virtually every other system aboard teetered on the edge of failure. He looked up at the reactor core as the telltale signs of a breach made themselves known. The reactor began to hum an insistent whine of death as the octaves rose. The computer warbled a tone, marking the recharge of the hyperdrive engines. ÔÇ£Hyperdrive ready, Lieutenant! Make it fast!ÔÇØ He shouted into the comm. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-03-99).]