| Author |
Chapter 7 Vacation |
Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
|  Posted: 2004-01-28 22:47
Reading my brothers stuff he has started to get me working on a story of my own, so here we go. It isnt as long as the others but then again it is only the introdiction.
THE HUNT
Michael takes a deep breath and slowly begins to exhale. As the warm air from his lungs rise out of his chest and out his mouth then come into contact with the cool morning air fog is created. This fog slowly rises up either side of the long steel tube almost hiding the steel sight he is trying to look through. Then he takes another deep breath and the whole process begins all over again as he waits patiently.
Off in the distance about 150 yards there is something moving through the thick fog that can only be described as God himself blowing pure white smoke throughout the forest. Michael is unclear what it is for the moment and continues to wait most patiently. A moment goes by that seems an eternity and the object that once was unclear is now slowly coming into view and appears to be an elk. It is a very large creature, Michael can barely make out the outline now but what is certain is the antlers on top of the beasts head is brandishing 18 points. Michael knows that is the largest that him or his father has ever seen. “If only my dad was here to see this,” Michael thinks to himself. Still unsure if the magnificent creature will continue to approach Michael begins to prepare himself for the shot as he pulls back the hammer on his 54-caliber black powder rifle. “Click…” “Click…” The animal seems to be unfazed by the subtle noise as he continues to slowly approach where Michael is waiting.
Michael’s vision dims a little and all surrounding colors and images become darker as he keeps his eyes and sight trained on the animal still slowly moving towards him. There are three things that his father had always taught him when they would go out hunting together when he was a small boy. “First and most important,” his father would tell him, “control your breathing not to fast and yet not slow enough to cause yourself to pass out, discipline is key! Then make sure that your target when in range is always in your sights. You never know when they will get spooked and freeze and that will be your only chance to get a clean shot because after that they will run off and all will be lost. Third, and this is the hardest, your heartbeat will try to through you off.” Michael did not understand the heartbeat part but his father always told him that he would find out what he means when he gets his first kill.
Michael would tell his friends that he has been hunting many times before with his father and has had plenty of kills, but the reality of it is he has never killed a thing before purposefully. The animal moves closer now and it is about 75 yards away directly in front of him never moving to either side at all. Michael knows that the time is growing nearer that he will have to act. The thing that his father told him not to let run the show is now building stronger. He can feel his heart beating much stronger now and the blood rushes into his head almost making him squint his eyes with every beat of the heart. His chest feels as if it is about to explode as the heart valves open and close forcing the blood in and out.
The animal now is about 50 yards in front of him and has turned to brush its mighty rack against a tree exposing its side almost as if to invite Michael to squeeze the round off as if the beast knew he was there the whole time. As Michael places his finger on the trigger and slowly begins to apply pressure the pounding of the heart has moved from his chest to his finger as if to force the trigger inward. Michael understands now what his father was talking about as he is afraid to apply any pressure thinking that the feeling of swelling in his finger will pull the trigger on its own. Michael knows that now is the time that he needs to pull the trigger. He begins to time the heartbeats so that he can pull the trigger on his own so that the pounding of the heart does not rob the shot away from him. There is no more fog rising from either side of the steel tube now as Michael is now holding his breath. There is only one thing left to do now.
“CRACK!”
There is a flash, then a noise, and smoke rising up in front of him. Michael tilts his head back to look away from the chamber exploding with a small burst of flame and smoke and looks at the treetops. Apparently he had quite the audience as about 30 or so birds take flight into the increasingly brighter sky. Michael looks down range now to see what he had done. There was no animal to be seen anywhere. Michael sits up a little higher in his perch in the tree and now sees the animal lying calmly on its side as tan hair is slowly floating to the ground around him.
Michael calmly climbs down out the tree and approaches the animal slowly. There is complete silence now except for the constant ringing in his ears. Not even the twigs and dead leaves that Michael steps on produce any noise. As he approaches the animal he could see that the creature wasn’t dead. It was still breathing shallow and fog was coming out of its nose. There was a faint sign of blood trickling out of its mouth now. Steam is also rising out of the entrance would of the 54-caliber ball just above its left shoulder and back a little. Michael’s eyes fell upon the animal’s eyes and the pain was more then obvious as he struggled to get more life into his lungs.
As a salt infested tear began to form in Michael’s eye almost freezing as it hits the cool air he realized what he had to do next. He slowly reached with his right hand down to his belt he could feel the cold steel round object about the size of ping pong ball. He continued to slowly slide his hand pass the ball that was attached to a paten leather handle and gripped firmly. The sun was now starting to rise and shine through the trees as he pulled the handle and the shiny steel blade began to withdrawal from its sheath. The sun reflected off the blade and into Michael’s eyes. It was almost like a sign confirming the pure hearted act that was about to happen and gave the brave man some confidence. Michael then got onto his knees next to the suffering animal as it was still struggling to maintain air in its lungs. Knowing his next course of action Michael then looks into the animal’s eyes as if to seek out approval from him. The animal looks back as if to say all will be fine as Michael grabs the animal’s antlers and pulls the head back exposing the neck and held it there for a moment. Michael takes his knife and places it point first onto the animal’s throat then looks away as he thrusts the knife in then pauses. He looks down at the animal and they both have something in common now, neither of them is currently breathing. Michael blinks and pulls the knife out slicing more flesh, veins, and arteries. Michael now lowers his head and breaths new life into his own lungs.
Michael held the knifepoint up now as the thick red blood begins to flow down the blade hiding all traces of the morning sun. The blood continues to flow down over his fingers and to the round object on the bottom of the knife that once showed an image of Earth and now is coated with life’s essential necessity. Michael smirks at the irony as he places the blade on his lower pant leg and wipes both sides of the knife to rid the blood off now shiny metal. Once again holding it up to look at it he sees a clean blade except for the four red lacquered letters that are etched into the metal UGTO. Michael then took his water pouch out and quickly drenched the knife and placed it back into his sheath for the moment. The elk had stopped bleeding now, as it was obvious that the heart was not beating anymore.
Off in the distance there was a faint familiar humming sound becoming more and more menacing. The sun now a little higher and brighter turning the morning fog into liquid gold, as it seems to be melting away exposing the perfect deep blue sky. In the distance Michael can make out a small craft approaching at the same time an object begins to vibrate in his pocket that seemingly tied in the approaching crafts business to his own. He then takes the object out of his pocket as the craft is now hovering about 500 feet above him. He opens the cover of the communicator and exposes a small screen. A picture of a man soon appears it is his best friend Carl, a pilot in the UGTO Navy and one of Michael’s childhood friends.
“What in God’s name are you doing down there?” He asks while chuckling.
Michael looks down at the animal that he had just slain, “getting dinner for us and the guys how about a hand?”
“Sure there is a clearing about 50gu away I’ll be right there to help you.”
The channel closes and the screen goes back to its restful state. Michael puts the device back into his pocket and pulls his knife out once again, swallows hard, and begins to field dress the animal. 30 minutes into the project he hears footsteps behind him as he turns to see his friend Carl approaching with a huge smile on his face.
“Good you’re done with that I wouldn’t want to get my hands all dirty before our fun tonight.”
Michael looks up with a puzzled look on him, “Damn that was today?”
“Umm… yes… we needed to be at the pad on 3 hours, its no problem though we have plenty of time to take care of things.” Carl made this statement with a tone in his voice as to say that this was normal for his friend to forget about the important things.
They both get on their knees and grab both sides of the large animal and begin to lift the mammoth creature. Michael is also a pilot holding the rank of Captain in the UGTO Navy; he is currently assigned to the Assault Destroyer Prometheus. Carl is also a Captain of special operation ships such as scouts, supplies, engineers, and sometimes bomber/transport. The two of them have flown numerous missions together usually into the darkest coldest reaches of space that no one else wanted to explore. Today however they will be flying against two captured ICC Heavy Cruisers. They were recently captured and appear to have some new shield technology and the UGTO would like to see how effective they are. It ought to be an interesting game. Carl did not favor battle as much as flying support craft but when the two veteran pilots get put together there usually is hell to pay. Carl is good for pulling Michael’s butt out of the sling because he likes to get into trouble. It seems that Michael likes to pick on the bigger guys so this will fit him just fine. He enjoys a good Challenge. That is probably how he got his call sign.
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edit for title change
[ This Message was edited by: Challenger on 2004-02-11 16:13 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Challenger on 2004-03-07 09:16 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Challenger on 2004-03-14 08:09 ]
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Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
| Posted: 2004-02-08 02:28
ICC Meeting
Michael was sitting in his captain’s chair waiting for further word now. He had gotten his mission orders as well as Carl. The orders were for the two of them to take on two ICC cruisers that were appropriated from an ICC shipyard outside of Luyten 2 weeks ago. They seem to have had some new Active Shields that the UGTO hadn’t seen before. Both Michael and Carl were both flying UGTO Assault Destroyers that were basic with no modifications. Michael looks down at his left armrest the green communication light was lit up.
“Comms, what do you have?” Michael asked.
“Is a message from TheG wanted to know if we had heard anything yet?”
“Well tell our good friend Carl that Challenger said not to worry about it, all he is going to be doing when he gets back is help me cut some meat anyway.” Michael said with a smile on his face.
Just then on Challengers right arm rest there is a little radar display showing two red blips coming in closer to their location at jump speed. Challenger pressed a button and a holographic image sprung up about two feet in front of him showing a 3D image of the two objects. He then confirmed that they were coming closer to himself and TheG.
“Weapons go to Condition Red and sound General Quarters.”
“Aye, aye.” The Weapons officer said abruptly.
All of the light on the bridge dimmed and then there was a blue ambience in the room. All of the unnecessary computers and lights that they were producing shut down or either dimmed a lot. The two objects now confirmed to be the two ICC cruisers had ended their jump about 2500GU out in front of the two destroyers.
“Pilot full speed!! And don’t let a single thing touch us.”
“Yes sir,” the pilot said as he gripped the controls firmly.
“Comm. tell G to follow my lead. Weapons fire your volley of IT’s as soon as you can and then engage freely. Lets see what these two ships are made of.” Challenger sits back in his chair and smirks.
As the four ships were approaching each other and were about 1800GU apart a loud rumble was heard throughout the ship as the two IT missiles launched from their idle positions in the bays. The missiles flew strait out in front of Challenger’s ship as two more passed on either side of his destroyer. Shortly after that all four had smacked directly into the front of the lead cruiser. Both destroyers had now maneuvered into a position so that they were flying side by side.
“Sir!! Incoming!!” shouted the weapons officer.
“Pilot do something about that!”
“Already on it Sir.”
The two destroyers break off and split apart keeping their weapons trained on the cruiser they have been pounding on. They continue to fire particle cannons and now are almost in range for their flux beams. They enemy’s missiles barely miss the two destroyers and start turning to chase the two destroyers down. Both TheG and Challenger are flying side by side again still at full speed still laying into the one cruiser still flying at them head on.
“Sir, ICC Cruiser approaching 400GU flux beams and EMP are ready.”
“Okay then prepare to fire how is their shields holding up?”
“They seem to have some new shield rotating technology. The lead ship has almost full fore shields but aft are down to 0%”
“Okay, wait till we pass the lead ship and fire your disabling weapons.”
“Rgr.”
As the two destroyers pass the cruiser they unload both flux beams and EMP cannons into its hull. The blue goo seemed to almost stick to the ships outer hull while the gold beams put an electrifying look around the entire ICC Cruiser.
“Sir the ships is disabled he isn’t moving an inch for now.”
“Rgr, what is our status?”
“Weapons reporting, torpedoes down to 50%, two missiles left, armor down to 58 %. TheG is reporting same situation armor down to 38 percent though.”
“Rgr, target the other cruiser and engage. Fire at will.”
“Aye, aye.”
The two ships break off their attack on the crippled cruiser and head for the other one now building speed.
“Sir, sir Emergency Flash Traffic Message from Command.”
“Comms message all ships and tell them to stand down per order of Command. I will take the message in my ready room.”
“Rgr”
Challenger sits down at his desk and looks at the screen with the UGTO symbol on it. Soon on the screen appears Fleet Admiral Akira. The room she is sitting in from what it looks like is some type of ready room as well. With all types of screens and monitors behind her.
“Challenger, it is so nice to see you again. How are things?”
“I am well Fleet Admiral Akira, what can I do for you today?”
“How many times have I told you Challenger its Alexandra?”
“How many times have I told you, Fleet Admiral Alexandra, that it’s Michael?”
“Right, anyway I need you and TheG to report back to Earth for an emergency meeting I have something big for you two to take care of.”
“No problem we will be on our way immediately.”
“Okay see you soon then Command out.”
Challenger then gets onto the communications channel and calls the bridge. “Nav plot a course to Earth signal TheG to follow me in.”
The ships both power up and they begin to align for their jumps. In an instant the stars begin to stretch themselves out as the ship enters its high-speed jump and proceeds towards the Sol system. After a few days they finally arrive at their destination. While docking at the Space Station Poseidon a message comes through the UGTO channel to the Comms officer.
“Sir Message from Command we are to meet on the station in 1 hour. All command officers are to attend.”
“Okay, let them know that we received the message.”
“Aye.”
This was my introduction to the better part of the story soon to follow. Please hang in there while i continue to pound away at the keyboard
-Challenger
[ This Message was edited by: Challenger on 2004-02-08 16:03 ]
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$wiss
Admiral
Joined: November 08, 2002
Posts: 640
From: Prancing in the meadows with Jesus
| Posted: 2004-02-08 12:08
very nice man
Props!!
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Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
| Posted: 2004-02-11 16:12
The Mission
Even though the room was dark and there was barely and noise at all Challenger was unable to sleep. Something was sitting uneasy in his chest. Tossing and turning unable to get comfortable. After a while he gave up and just lay on his back and stared into the darkness. So far it has been a long mission most of the flight time being spent on getting out the Luyten system and now back to Sol. Challenger reached with his right arm over to the table next to his bed to feel for the button to his alarm clock. He pressed the oval shape button and an image of the current time was displayed on the ceiling now. He must have been more tired then he thought. He could barely wipe the sleep out of his eyes to see the numbers. A loud whistle noise sounded throughout the ship a low to high pitch. Shortly after the noise followed a voice, “All officers report the bridge. We are approaching Sol.”
Challenger gets up out of bed and fumbles his way in the dark to get the light switch. The bright light came on and again rubs his eyes to get the sleep out of them. His room was about a 20ft by 18ft with the ceiling just high enough for him not to whack his head on anything. He has an extremely uncomfortable bed and a desk with a small locker next to that. The desk is littered with all kinds of paperwork some good some bad. Mostly reports on the recent activity with the 2 ICC ships. Challenger grabs his uniform that was lying over his chair and begins to dress himself. He is looking into the mirror on his door while taking off his shirt that he slept in bearing his flesh. Not sporting a lot of hair but to make up for that there is scaring all over his upper torso. Almost all of the flesh from the belly button up to his clavicles was all scar tissue. With a look of obvious disgust he quickly puts his dark blue t-shirt on and continues to dress himself.
The door opens to the bridge and all the commanding officer staff is there in their positions. The others that were on watch have now left the bridge. Challenger walks over to his chair and sits looking out the screen into space.
“Nav, status?” Challenger asks now well awake and aware of what is going on.
“About 23 minutes out from Earth.”
“Pilot bring us out of jump 2000Gu from Earth lets take our time getting there.”
“Rgr.”
The ship shortly ends its jump. As the entire bridge crew looks onto earth there is a station in orbit with many other ships around. This is unusual and the mood on the bridge quickly changes to an almost confused state.
“Sir…” the pilot says with shaky voice.
“Its okay, bring us on in. Comms contact Command get our orders and contact TheG and tell him to follow us in.”
“Aye.”
The two destroyers move in closer to Earth their orders came back to dock with the station in orbit at earth. There were 2 ICC Cruisers under UGTO escort stopped near the station. Also in orbit or docked with the station were about 8 Dreadnought Class ships about a dozen or so cruisers and just as many destroyers. This certainly wasn’t your usual day in Sol. You were lucky to have a couple of cruisers flying around.
“Station Juggernaut this is Assault Destroyer Prometheus reporting to Command approaching 1000Gu.” Comms spoke up with a voice of confidence.
“Prometheus you are cleared to dock at port A-12…” there was a slight pause while the transmit was still open, “your other ship on your wing to dock at A-14.”
“Confirmed were on our way.”
The Prometheus has now docked with the station and had already made plans to meet up with his fellow Captain TheG. Challenger gathered his senior staff and headed for the door to exit the vessel. The door opened for them and then another as they passed through the 2nd docking doors into the station. It had been a long time since Challenger was in a station and he was obviously impressed at its size. The door opened to a walkway that looked over hundreds of other walkways and platforms. In the center of it all there was a tower of windows that stretched as far as the eye could see both up and down. It was an extremely busy station with people moving about. Also there were some small hovercrafts flying around obviously transporting people all over the place. There was a hint of food in the air. Real food not that crap they were all forced to eat while on missions. “This is great,” Challenger whispers to himself.
Challenger looks down through the grates in the floor and sees a hovercraft slowly floating upwards to their location. The small ship stops and a door opens. There is a man walking out onto the walkway. He appears to be the friendly type with a gentle smile on his face. He is tall thin and wearing the all to familiar UGTO uniform. Obviously a highly decorated 1st Rear Admiral from the patches and pins on his sleeves and chest. The officer looks at the group standing before him.
“Gentlemen it is nice to finally meet you please follow me,” he turns and gets into the hovercraft.
The small compliment of people including Challenger follows him in and takes their seats. The craft begins to move away from the platform and starts to gain altitude.
“So where are we headed?” Challenger asks.
The 1st Rear Admiral looks at him with his reply, “I am taking you to your quarters for now. You and your flight team will be staying here for the next 2 days. You will be able to get a hot shower, food, and some clean clothes when we get to your quarters.”
“Okay and then?” Challenger asks while the 1st Rear Admiral was obviously getting nervous at the questions. “I mean why are we here sir?”
“That Captain is something I am not at liberty to say at this time. In 2 hours you will be picked up for a meeting.”
“And you cant tell me what it is about, okay fine.”
No more words were exchanged in the small craft. They were brought to another platform only this one was connected to a catwalk that leads out to many different doors. Obviously leading to the rooms that they were told about. The 1st Rear Admiral walks to a door and looks to Challenger and says, “Here is your room Captain.” Challenger walks in to find a room that was grossly larger then the one he had been staying in for the past week and a half. Kitchen, living area, bedroom, large bathroom. As far as he was concerned he was in Heaven at this very moment. Challenger grabbed an apple off of the table and started to walk off to the bathroom.
An hour later there was a knock at the door and Challenger opened it and was met by a 1st lieutenant. Uniform a little sloppy he had obviously been walking around a lot.
“Sir,” the man stands at attention.
“At ease.”
The lieutenant places his hands behind him and relaxes a little. “Your presence is requested on E Deck Conference room.”
“Okay thank you officer, dismissed.” The lieutenant turns around. “Oh 1st Lieutenant how do you get there from here?”
“Here sir.” The man walks over to the wall. “If you get lost go to the wall anywhere at the station and type in here where you want to go. The computer will tell you where exactly to go.”
“Okay, thank you.” Challenger says while chuckling.
Around 15 minutes later Challenger finally reached E Deck and was met at the doors by two guards.
“Your Business Sir?” One of the guards asks.
“I was told to report here Cadet, now let me in there I have waited long enough.”
“Aye, aye.” The guard said as he turns around and opens the door.
Challenger walks in the room. It is an extremely large room surrounded with projected screens with different star systems and ships. In the center of the enormous room there was a large glossy redwood table. Surrounded with chairs. Fleet Admiral Akira is standing across the room talking to a man that is now standing smoking a cigar and talking at the same time. “Must be someone of importance to be smoking on a ship,” Challenger thinks to himself. Fleet Admiral Akira looks across the room to Challenger.
“Michael, you made it safely. It is so nice to see you again.” She walks over to Challenger and shakes his had as she leans over and gives him a little professional kiss on his check.
“Alexandra, the years have been kind to you.” Challenger smiles.
“You always did know how to make a lady blush.”
“What troubles UGTO for you to call me here?”
“Please Michael take a seat.” Michael sites and Fleet Admiral Akira sits across the table from him where she had some folders laid out in front of her. She takes the top on and the thickest and slides it across the table over to Challenger. “Take a look at that.”
The envelope had Top Secret stamped on it. He flips the cover over to expose the first page. There is a list of ships on the first page. Challenger moves past that and looks at the other pages. They are ships captains and their pictures and credentials. Challenger then goes back to the first page and looks at the list again. The list of ships includes 12 Dreadnaught class ships, 6 cruiser class ships, 10 destroyer class, and 4 supply ships. All the ships varied in types under each of their classes. Challenger raised an eyebrow and closes the folder and slides them back over to Akira.
“Looks impressive who am I flying under?”
Akira smiles, “this is why you are here. You will not be flying under anyone Michael. You are being given a field commission of Fleet Admiral. You will be in charge of this fleet. Fleet Admiral Demorian is already in the Delta Pavonis System currently under attack. He has lost over half of his fleet. Demorian is under GTN law and he is flying his own mission. There are 5 ships going with you that are GTN as well and they will be transferred over to his command when you arrive to his location. Here is another folder with the ships that Demorian is commanding feel free to read them on your way there. Also there is a flight of ICC cruisers to fly with you to Demorian. They are under your command at all times. You will communicate directly to ICC Fleet Admiral Baikon he is piloting a modified ICC Cruiser class Attack Carrier. When you arrive to Demorian you and him will work together in a joint strike effort to destroy all KLUTH in the area.”
Challenger sits back into his chair and takes a deep breath and has a look on his face of serious thought. “Well… thank you for the promotion.” He sighs, “I am sorry I’m at a loss for words. Umm what about my ship? I cannot lead in a destroyer.”
“Of course not Michael. First of all take a deep breath can we get you a drink or anything?”
“Yes some ice water would be great.”
Akira points to one of the guards at the door and waves her finger. She then grabs another folder and opens the cover. She begins to read. “The EAD Type3 Black Nova she will have a crew of 3,800 people of which include 400 Marines, 200 Boarding Troops, 100 Scientists/Engineers, and the other 3,100 various ship position crew. Your weapon capabilities are 12 Phalanx anti-missile defenses, 4 IT missile bays, 6 AR missile bays, 10 Torpedo type2 bays, 4 Particle cannons, 2 EMP cannons, 2 Flux Beams, 2 CL 550’s, 8 CL 2000’s, 3 Reactor 2000’s, 2 ECCM. There are also some very recent upgrades that are being completed now. Thanks to Demorian we have been able to integrate 6 AME drives and an AMJ jump drive. Your armor compliment is 4 360degree heavy armor and 4 90degree heavy armor all around your ship. You also have some experimental armor plating that can be utilized at a moments notice around the bridge, jump drive, and your reactors.”
“Ma’am may I speak freely?”
“Of course.”
“Why did you choose me for this mission. Not that I am complaining but aren’t there other officers that were higher ranked then me and ready to go into combat?”
“Yes there are. However they are stationed at ships that they know the ins and outs of. It would be foolish for Command to pull them out of their ship now. You have been flying all different ships. This EAD has the weaponry and defenses of all the ships in our fleets combined into one, also new KLUTH technology. You are able to think on your feet and you record is very impressive. It was a vote that all agreed on you being the best man for the mission. Now before we go any further I need to know that you are ready for this.”
“Well…” Challenger sighed, “Like you said I am able to think on my feet, I will be up to the task. I understand that the ship will take another day to get here.”
“That is correct. You also have engineers with you and in-flight they will continue with all of the upgrades. You will be able to meet with them while going to your mission location, any other questions?”
“No, that is all for now. I will read the rest while in-flight. May I be excused?”
“Yes of course you must be tired after that long mission go and get some rest now.”
Challenger gets up from the meeting table with the folders in his hand and begins to walk out of the room. “Oh and Michael I almost forgot.” Akira walks over to Challenger and places the Fleet Admiral pins on his collars.
“You will be needing these.” Akira smiled as she placed them on.
“Hopefully Ma’am when I get to the other fleet the job will already be done and I wont need them at all.” Challenger had a serious look on his face. “Good-day Alexandra.”
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Andravus
Fleet Admiral
Joined: December 16, 2001
Posts: 39
From: Weeki Wachee, Florida
| Posted: 2004-02-11 19:10
Very nice story, more please. 
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Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
| Posted: 2004-03-07 09:14
The Beginning
Challenger woke up to the sounds of men walking down the corridor of the ship. He reached up and pushed the dimly lit green button and the room became illuminated. His new room was much larger then the one he was used to on the Assault Destroyer it was a good 20’ by 30’. With the most comfortable bed he had laid in for a long time. There were two desks one cleared off and the other full of papers and some pictures. He had his locker as well the same one that was on the destroyer. He rose to his feet and started to gather his things and get into his uniform. On the wall next to the door there is a computer consol imbedded into the wall with a speaker and red button. Challenger walks over to the wall and presses the button. A voice came back on the speaker.
“Sir?” Asked the person who was the officer on the bridge.
“Good morning, what is our status?” Challenger asked while buttoning up the last of his uniform.
“We are a good 10 hours away from point alpha and no word from Demorian’s fleet.”
“Okay then, I am going to be about let me know if anything changes.”
“Rgr.”
Challenger gathers his things and heads out of the door. Walking down the corridor he could see outside of the windows and see the other ships that are in jump with him. Various capital ships and cruisers all with the same mission. Continuing his walk he approaches the galley and walks in. the room is filled with about twenty tables and only half of them are accompany with crew of the ship eating their morning supply of food. Challenger walks over to the counter that has two attendants behind it waiting on people.
“Good Morning Admiral what’s your pleasure?”
“Coffee please black.”
Challenger grabs his coffee and proceeds to walk out of the galley. Continuing his walk down the corridors he then walks to the engineering department. The double door has on it large red letters AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. Challenger places his thumb on the pad next to the door and the door begin to unlock itself and open. He begins to walk in.
A loud voice rang out, “Attention!”
All of the crew in the department stopped what they were doing and stood with their hands at their sides.
“As you were men.” Challenger turns to the lead engineer. “How are things with my ship?”
“All is well sir we are running at full efficiency.”
“Very well we will be meeting some opposition today so be ready.”
“Of course Sir we are always ready.”
Challenger walked out of the room and started to move towards the bridge. Passing people in the hallway who were saluting him as he passed them. At the end of the final hallway there was an elevator and on the door the large words read BRIDGE CREW ONLY. Challenger steps into the elevator and the doors close there were only two buttons and another pad for fingerprint identification he places his thumb on the pad and the two elevator buttons lit up. Challenger pressed the button marked up and the elevator began to move upward. The doors opened to the rear of the bridge and Challenger stepped out. The overnight shift on the bridge was still going to be there for the next 30 minutes. The bridge presented a large view screen in the front there were 7 images on the screen the main one was the largest about 15’ across and 15’ high. There are 3 smaller images on either side of the larger one with all sorts of ship information such as ships system status, communication channels, armor and weapons status. There are two pilots stationed in front of the screen obviously not doing much but looking over their flight systems. The weapons officer is reviewing his systems he sits behind the ships captains chair. On the left of the ships captain there is the communications officer and to the right is the ships 1st officer. There are various chairs and control consuls spread throughout the bridge.
“Good Morning Admiral. You are a little early.” The shift commander gets up from the chair and straitens his uniform.
“Yes I am, I needed to look at the roster of ships that are with us. How long till we get to Demorian’s fleet?”
“It is looking like 2 hours now.”
Challenger turns to the communication officer, “Have you heard anything yet?”
“No sir still a little out of communications range and there is nothing on the long ranged antennas.”
“Okay keep trying let me know if anything changes.”
“Of course Sir.”
The shift commander speaks up, “Sir I assume I am all set here?”
“Affirmative I will start early today thank you. Your relieved, sleep well your going to need it.”
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Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
| Posted: 2004-03-07 09:14
The Fleet
Challenger sits at the command chair and begins to go over the fleet rosters that are currently flying with him.
Malduc, an excellent distinguished pilot is commanding the EAD type1 Vesuvius. He will be getting transferred over to Demorian’s command when we arrived.
Depthcharge, a commander that Challenger has flown with before is well known with his ability to multi-task fight. He will easily take on 4 or 5 ships at a time and give them hell. Depthcharge will be staying under Challengers command. He is piloting the EAD type1 Devastatrix.
Big Red, also a commander that Challenger has flown on missions with before is known to be an excellent commander and specializes in supporting injured allied ships in combat. For this mission he will be flying the EAD type2 Red October. A fitting name seeing how it got some of its technology from a Kluth commander that defected. Red will be staying under Challengers command as well.
Astral Viper EAD type1 ViperStrike; Death Angel EAD type1 Sacred Vengeance; Starfist EAD type1 Liberator all will be transferred to Demorian’s fleet. Challenger does not know these people well but they do have excellent reputations as commanders.
Jamesbond, EAD type1 Kaldra also has an excellent commander. Challenger does not know this commander well but will get to know him as he is staying under Challengers command.
Also coming along are some carriers. Not well known for their defense capabilities but their cargo does pack quite the punch.
Quinsisdos, Carrier Dreadnaught Tesseract.
Mad One, Carrier Dreadnaught Reckless
Bobamelius, Carrier Dreadnaught Myriad
Swiss, Carrier Dreadnaught Saber
Challenger does not know these commanders all to well either but will because they to are under his command for the mission. Challenger continues to read on and there are more ships that he is unfamiliar with the crew or commanders. Flipping some more pages he reads about the smaller class ships.
NeoViper, Torpedo Cruiser Pitbull. Obviously Challenger knows who this is, they are brothers after all. He also has 6 Torpedo Cruisers that are flying with him that are in his command. He is staying under Challengers Command.
There are about 15 Destroyer class ships that are all outfitted with their own special abilities. Challenger knows two of the commanders on the list. They will be staying under Challengers command.
AtomicChuck, Missile Destroyer Rapier
Pentara, UGTO outfitted Minelayer Destroyer Pirate.
Then there is the support craft. A group of 6 Heavy Supply ships commanded by one of Challengers excellent friends Vinco. Vinco will be leading the supplies and he is his own commander although he is more then happy to take requests.
Vinco, ICC outfitted Sabot Heavy Supply ship Megaera’s Wrath.
Along for the mission is ICC 2nd Rear Admiral Baikon. He is in Command of his vessel an ICC Carrier Cruiser outfitted with UGTO technology and UGTO fighters. He is also in command of an ICC Assault Cruiser, Supply Ship, and a Heavy Cruiser.
Flipping some more pages Challenger reads that the only ship he will receive from Demorian’s fleet is an UGTO Support Station. Demorian is currently in command of 2 and the higher ups would like to split that responsibility. Backslash whom Challenger has only heard about and never has met him before commands the Support Station Enquisitor.
“Sir”
Challenger looks up at his communications officer. “Yes?”
“We are receiving a distress call from Admiral Demorian.”
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Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
| Posted: 2004-03-07 09:15
Battle!
“Well put the message through.”
The main screen activates to show nothing but static. Slowly, as the communications officer is obviously busy adjusting the picture, an image of Demorian appears still some static though but enough to make him out. He is standing in his bridge there are traces of smoke in the air and occasional sparks falling to the ground in the background.
“Hello, hello can anyone hear me? If anyone receives this message we have changed our coordinates and we are still under heavy fire from multiple Kluth vessels including a Station of some sort. They are in and out of cloak almost impossible to detect. I have lost three quarters of my fleet and we are falling fast. I need assistance!”
“Pilot drop out of jump and realign. Comms signal the fleet and transfer the new coordinates to them let them know that we are going full speed and we will get there in half the time that they will. Red October will lead the Dreadnaughts, Neo will lead his cruiser squadron, tell the supplies they are on their own to help out who ever needs help the most get to them. Let the ICC fleet know what is up.”
“Aye, aye”
The pilot speaks up, “Sir we are ready to go.”
“Lets go then. What is our ETA?”
“15 minutes Sir.”
Challenger turns to the weapons officer, “Sound general quarters, armor to full, and ready our weapons.”
The lights on the bridge dim and all the unnecessary computers shut off. There is a blue ambience in the room now. The entire bridge crew has put on headsets to keep in contact with all the department heads on the ship. The elevator lift has opened in the back and 5 guards have stepped out with weapons and begin to hand them out to everyone to put onto their uniforms.
“Sir they are coming into view now.”
“Sir all department heads report battle ready.”
“Okay put them on the screen.”
The screen shows a field of about 30 or so ships all engaged in combat and a debris field everywhere. As the Black Nova gets closer the images begin to get a little bigger showing the true graphic image of what Challenger and his crew are flying into. Red boxes begin to appear around the enemy targets and green boxes on the friendly ships. There is a large explosion as a large ship blows into little chunks of metal.
“Sir that was the EAD Independence.”
“Put us in the middle of it all and let’s clean house. Target the biggest most important one of those alien bastards.”
The Black Nova jump is complete now and begins to bear left and pulls in behind a large Kluth vessel. “Fire!” The Black Nova opens all of her weapons bays and begins to shoot her weapons. The Cl2000 begin to hit first tearing right into the Armor of the enemy. The Kluth vessel fires back with some bluish looking torpedos as they travel to the Black Nova her torpedos passes the Kluth’s and rip into its hull. The Kluth’s weapons hit against the Black Novas Heavy Armor putting a small dent into it. There is a loud rumble now as the IT and AR missiles leave their bays and more torpedos are fired. The missiles rip into the hull with some explosions as the torpedo’s hit. The Kluth vessel is trying to turn on Challengers ship now while increasing speed. They are now in range to unload the EMP and Flux weapons. There is a beaming yellow light that is produced as the light shoots out forward and covers the Kluth vessel in yellow electrifying bolts of energy. The EMP is now shooting as well helping to disable the ship even more. The Cl2000 have recharged and are now being fired as well as the Cl550’s, particle cannons, and the Torpedo’s. The Kluth vessel is now covered with explosions as it begins to loose control of itself and begins to explode.
There are three cruisers that are bearing down on the Black Nova from her rear and they begin to open fire. Torpedo after torpedo rip into the Black Nova’s Armor.
“All stop! Bring us around”
While turning there is another Large Kluth Dreadnaught type ship bearing down on the forward side. The Black Nova opens fire on the ship with her Missiles while inbound she continues to turn and face the Cruisers. The Cruisers are continuing to fire as the Black Nova engages all three at the same time. Simultaneously firing all her weapons in three different groups. The Kluth ships have taken a couple of layers of heavy armor now and the ship is starting to feel the enemy fire. The three cruisers have taken heavy fire and are beginning to show signs of defeat.
“Full speed ahead!”
The Black Nova begins to apply speed while still shooting at their targets. The middle of the three cruisers is starting to explode shortly followed by the one on the left. Challengers ship flies past the third as the large Kluth vessel behind him continues to shoot its weapons. The Black Nova begins to turn to the right and puts the Kluth cruiser between her and the Kluth Dreadnaught. The Kluth Dreadnaughts weapons are well placed into the cruiser now destroying it.
“All stop come about again.”
The Black Nova is now firing against the Kluth Dreadnaught. As she comes around and begins to increase speed she is now in range of all of her weapons. There is a bright flash on the screen as the Black Nova opens up with all of her weapons tearing into the nose of the Kluth vessel. The enemy is now crippled and the Black Nova is moving up the side of it. Weapons reloaded she fires into the enemy dread producing a brilliant light as the dread is destroyed. Challenger looks up at the status screens all is in the green and armor is at 62 percent. The screen is now scanning to search out more enemy vessels. The enemy Station is spotted and there are about 8 various size ships flying towards Demorian and his other ships that are very war-torned.
“Pilot get us in between the enemy and Demorian’s fleet.”
“Aye, aye.”
The Black Nova makes a short jump and begins to turn into the enemy still a little to far out of weapons reach. The Black Nova has activated her ECCM to look for cloaked ships. As the screen pans over to the 8 ships that are inbound another 12 appear on the screen bringing the total to 20.
“Oh dear God!”
“Sir, message from Demorian he is sending us what he can to help.”
A cruiser and 2 EAD Dreadnaughts drop out of jump next to the Black Nova. All three ships are hurt but battle ready. The ships are continuing to come in un-phased by this action. There are multiple smoke trails now flying out ahead of the enemy.
“Sir Incoming! Missiles, multiple targets.”
The Phalanx systems begin to fire filling the black space with tracer rounds. some meeting the missiles head on destroying them. A dozen broke through and the laser PD systems are now firing. A few slammed into the Black Novas armor bringing her down to 54 percent. The Black Nova returns fire with her missiles as they speed towards one of the smaller ships slamming right head on into it immediately ceasing its existence. There is a swarm of about 50 small fighters that fly out in front of the UGTO ships and head right to the Kluth.
“Sir our help is here!”
Challenger’s fleet joins the small group of UGTO ships. Neo drops in front with his cruisers and begin to speed into battle. The rest of the fleet now increases speed to back them up. The ICC fleet has dropped out of their jump near the Kluth station and begins to pound on it. Neo has now met the Kluth head on and his whole squadron begins to open fire putting a hurting on the Kluth. They fire back at the menacing UGTO cruisers immediately destroying one and severely damaging two others. As the ships pass each other they are now head on with the rest of the UGTO fleet. All hell breaks loose as all the ships begin to fire at their targets. The Black Nova fires all of her weapons destroying a destroyer and a cruiser. All of the ships take heavy fire and one of the Dreadnaughts that jumped to Challengers side is now dead in space and beginning to explode. More weapons fire is exchanged as both sides are loosing more and more ships. Another volley of fighters are inbound from the carriers. They meet their targets with a vengeance and begin to fire on the larger Dreadnaught ships.
“This is Vinco, anyone needs assistance call it out we are in the area.”
Challenger looks up at the status and the ships armor is down to 10 percent now. “This is going to hurt real soon here, but others need help more.” Challenger thinks to himself. Demorian and his small group of ships have joined the battle now. A few more UGTO ships have been destroyed including a supply ship that has jumped in to help out. More exchange of fire continues to go on. There is a Kluth Dreadnaught bearing down on the Black Nova it is full of hull and armor and begins to open fire. It’s weapons tear right into the ship and right through what little armor she had left. The entire ship jerks to one side as the awesome power of the Kluth’s weapons explode all over the Black Nova. The Black Nova fires back and tears right into the Kluth’s armor and begins to hit the hull. The ships pass each other as more fire is exchanged. Some of the Black Novas rear armor has recharged itself as the Kluth’s weapons begins to tear into it. Challengers ship fires its disabling EMP and Flux weapons into the Kluth ship rendering it useless now. As the Black Nova turns to finish the dread there is a Kluth destroyer that is heading right into the path of Challengers ship. The Kluth vessel begins to fire its weapons right at the bridge area immediately tearing right through the armor.
“Get our Armor Plating up. Now!”
Armor Plating has now been activated as the main screen goes offline. The status screens show that the weapons are still firing at the disabled dread. The destroyer is pulling a kamikaze run now right into the Black Nova’s bridge area. There is a large crash and the small ship slams into the Dreadnaught.
“Damn that chicken, disable the armor plating lets get back to work.”
The main screen comes back to life now as the ship is now turned on the disabled Kluth Dreadnaught and begins to fire slowly destroying it. Challenger looks up at the status board and sees that the armor is down to 3 percent and hull integrity is at 84 percent. As the last of the weapons slam into the Kluth ship small pods start to appear. Starting to increase in numbers to almost 30 they begin to move towards Challengers ship. The phalanx systems have begun to fire at them as the approach the Black Novas defenseless hull. About 20 of them have broken through and are now attaching to the ships hull. There is a large explosion as the Kluth Dreadnaught has now been destroyed.
“Sir, Intruders I count 80 of them!”
“Dispatch guards to their positions I want them dead or captured.”
“Already done Sir.”
Vinco has joined Challengers side now sending drones out to destroy the enemy pods. Soon repair drones will follow to assist rebuilding the hull. There are only three Kluth ships left now two Dreadnaughts and the Station. Ships that are in better shape are starting to engage them. The Black Nova sits back and begins to send volleys of Missiles to the enemy Station. The intruders attempt to capture the Black Nova but have failed and most are dead now and a few captured. Admiral BackSlash has brought his Station right next to the enemy Station and has begun to trade fire with it tearing it down quickly.
“Pilot let go to Demorian’s position it looks like they are all set over there.”
“Rgr, jumping in 20 seconds.”
The Black nova begins to turn to Demorian’s position. The screen stays focused on the Kluth ships. Both of the enemy Dreadnaughts have been destroyed and the rest of the UGTO ships begin to surround and fire on the enemy Station. There is a large explosion now as the enemy Station begins to crumble apart. There is a very odd looking shock wave that is a huge green wall being spread out in all directions.
“Sir this is going to hurt.”
“Jump then get to Demorian.”
“Aye, aye jumping now.”
“Oh no,” says the navigation officer.
“What is the problem?”
“Umm sir that shock wave… well… Sir…” he sounds very shaken up.
“Well what?! Come out with it already.”
“Sir I do not see any of the fleet over there on the scope anymore.”
“What?!”
“Sir the shock wave is coming fast we need to get the hell out of here. Demorian’s fleet and the support craft are also turning to jump out now.”
“Lets increase speed to max then.”
“Aye, aye,” the shaky pilot answers.
The ship begins to increase speed as she quickly over takes Demorian’s fleet. Demorian’s ship the Black Horizon is matching Challengers speed. Challenger watches on the screen that is now pointed to the rear and watches the spreading green wall over take the rest of the fleet and is quickly catching up to Challenger and Demorian.
“Sir we aren’t going to make it…”
The shock wave is now upon the two Dreadnaughts. Challenger takes a deep breath hoping that the life he took in will keep him safe. There is nothing on the screen now but bright green light. The status boards show the hull integrity red now. It is quickly dropping.
There is a loud bang!
A bright light.
Complete silence.
Then pitch black darkness…
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BackSlash
Marshal
Galactic Navy
Joined: March 23, 2003
Posts: 11183
From: Bristol, England
| Posted: 2004-03-07 13:24
good stuff, i like a lot...more though please : )
hope i dont die 0_o
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[ This Message was edited by: BackSlash on 2004-03-07 13:25 ]
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$wiss
Admiral
Joined: November 08, 2002
Posts: 640
From: Prancing in the meadows with Jesus
| Posted: 2004-03-07 15:44
props, nice stuff
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Jamesbond
Grand Admiral
Galactic Navy
Joined: February 05, 2003
Posts: 146
From: Venice Florida
| Posted: 2004-03-07 20:29
Excellent story !!! Cant wait to read chapter 7
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Grand Admiral of the GTN Fleet.
One Creed, One Bond, One FLEET
GTN: HONOR IS ALL!
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Challenger
Marshal
Joined: March 28, 2002
Posts: 886
| Posted: 2004-03-14 08:10
Vacation
The water was hitting the beach the noise of it was so calm and relaxing. The warm air the cool breeze and the sound of the birds playing. The sun was beginning to set on the ocean and there is a brilliant display of light now red, orange, blue, and yellow. One could easily just lie back in the chair and forget about everything in life and just close their eyes and slip away into a happy eternity. There was a voice off in the distance… sir…….Sir…….SIR!!!!
“Sir are you okay?” there is a pause… “Sir, open your eyes!”
Challenger cracks his eye lids open for a moment. All the memories of the recent battle were lost for a moment and he stayed focused on the warm beach. He tries to turn his head but there is a sharp pain that gets sent through his body when he does. This wakes him up and brings him more back to reality.
“Huh?” Challenger manages to muster out.
“Sir, we are still alive we are dead in space. The crew is attempting to patch the ship back together. We were hit by something…. Its okay we were all affected take your time to get your bearings.”
Challenger tries again to lift his head and still the pain was present though he places it back onto the ground and can no longer open his eyes at all. For some reason he is far too tired to try to move around. There are noises on the deck of the ship the sounds of a few people moving around. Some moaning to as if some have suffered the same fate as himself and are laying down trying to get things back together again. Challenger is able to open his eyes now fully. He begins to look around and assess the situation. He lifts his left arm up and sees that it is covered of blood and there is a bandage placed high on his arm. The other one seems to work to. He lifts his head and there is only slight pain now. With his right hand he manages to press on the floor and help himself to sit up. He slides himself back and leans on the Commanders chair.
There is nothing but static on all of the screens. The only one sitting at their positions is the communications officer. He is franticly pushing buttons trying to call out to people. The bridge is very dimly lit and there is smoke in the air that is slowly being vented out. The occasional spark lights up the bridge and reveals heavy damage all around.
Challenger speaks out not knowing if anyone can hear it, “What happened?”
The communication officer spoke up first, “As far as we can tell sir there was some sort of shockwave we think. One that we have never seen before and it got to us and crippled our ship. We think that all shared the same fate I am trying to communicate with everyone else.”
“Okay good work.”
Challenger manages to gain enough strength and tries to raise himself into his chair. After a moment he is able to and sits into it. The first officer come over and sits in the chair next to his.
“How are you feeling?”
Challenger looks over at him. His uniform is filthy and he has blood all over the front of it. There is a blood soaked bandage on his chest. The man has a sad look on his face and he is looking pale.
“I am okay I think. What is our status?”
“I have tried to get into communication with the entire ship. I have only been able to contact some of the ships departments. I have dispatched people to the other to get the status on them. Our hospital is up and full of people right now. One of their technicians have already been here and patched up some people. Engineering has taken some casualties and they are trying to get things back up and running again. Communications is down and they are working on getting things up as well. Security reports that all the invading kluth have died except for two and they are being held in our brig. I am unable to get an accurate count of how many we loss but as far as I know we have lost about 300 men. All power has been transferred to life support, the hospital, and engineering staff that are trying to patch things up for us.”
“Excellent work then.”
The communications officer speaks up, “Sir internal communications are up.”
“Good,” Challenger presses a red button on the armrest of the chair. “All department heads and officers report to my ready room when available.”
Challenger slowly gets out of his chair and heads to the ready room that is connected to the bridge through a doorway. While inside he heads over to a small drawer and presses the button for it to pop out. Nothing happens he then starts to pry at it until it finally opens. Inside he grabs a clean uniform shirt and removes the torn bloody on that he is wearing now. While placing the new one on his first officer walks into the room shortly followed by the rest of the ships officers. The room full of people now Challenger makes his way over the chair at the head of the table and sits trying not to show any pain. There are people standing in the back and all the chairs are full of people now. The crew looks very shaken up some with very messy uniforms. There are a couple that look almost half dead.
Challenger is the first to speak. “First of all I must say what a excellent job you all have done so far. In battle and also during the current crisis we are facing now. As far as I know we do not know what is going on yet and we need to figure that out. I would like to know how my ship is doing so Paul why don’t you start there.”
Paul is the ships chief engineer and was on duty when the whole incident happened. He places his paperwork on the table and opens the front cover.
“Well as you know we are extremely low on power. What ever it was that hit us took out our reactor cores. The jump drive is functional but useless unless we have some power to give to it. The armor plating was in place as soon as we started taking severe damage and it is taking us a long time to get to it. But everything is telling me that it is working.” He looks down at the table in a very concerned look. “I lost 12 engineer members and another 26 crew members during the whole ordeal. That is all I have to report.”
“Okay Paul good work. Leave me with the names of those lost. We also lost our communications officer Mirah. I am promoting Mike here to the officer position I know it is last second but do you have a report?”
“Yes mostly sir. As you all know the internal ship communications is now up and I am close to being able to communicate with anything within a 5000 Gu radius of us. The closest vessel that we could think of that might be near us is the Black Horizon. We are non-stop with trying to communicate with her. Equipment wise as far as I know everything was destroyed on our outer hull. We could get some type of a probe out there to help things along. I will need some power though and I need to work on it with the armory.”
“Okay sounds good to me. Let me know when you need that power and it will be transferred to you. Tactical what is our situation?”
The tactical officer Charles sits up in his chair. His uniform is covered with grease and grime. “Happy to report sir that all weapons are now functional. Like everyone else though all they need is power sir I already talked to Paul and he told me that the main drives are almost up completely. Our torpedo bays are a quarter of the way filled to capacity. We are completely out of missiles though. Oh and…” Charles begins to crack his knuckles and places his hands on the table. His hands show signs of bruising and some small cuts. “About our Kluth prisoners we only have one now still alive that is. I am afraid to say the rest have perished in the attack.” He cracks a little smirk.
“Good but I would like to keep our last one alive. It might become useful later so lets focus on that. You continue to work with Paul on the power situation. Did you loose any men?”
“Yes, during the Kluth’s attempt to board us we lost 18 Men. I have lost another 32 in the battle. Our Phalanx systems took some heavy damage and the crews that were manning them also perished 36 total sir.”
Challenger sighs. “Very well, as soon as we get back on our feet we will see about starting to assign replacements.”
Challenger looks around the room at all of his crew. The look on their faces was something he had never seen before. It was the look that the Elk had given him right before its impending doom. It was a look that stuck with him for all of this time.
“That is all I needed to hear. Please leave with me all your written reports and list of all that you know for certain are dead. Just to let you all know I am not giving up on this ship or its crew and I do not expect any of you to either. If there is anything you need let me know. We will control the situation and we will rise above it. That is all Dismissed.”
Everyone began to leave the room setting their paperwork on the table. In another pile were the names and numbers of all that were lost. As the last of the officers left the room Challenger began counting all the people that passed away. The total was 972 men and women. Challenger leans over and places his head in his hands and takes a deep breath.
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MadWookie
Cadet
Joined: August 15, 2002
Posts: 112
From: Mass. USA
| Posted: 2004-03-15 09:25
Very nice story  More plz
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Forseth (Ret)
Fleet Admiral
Joined: June 01, 2003
Posts: 828
From: Forseth
| Posted: 2004-03-15 10:01
thnx for the great reading material. sure helps me pass time in microsoft office class 
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