The Nighthawk. The newest centerpiece of the Commune's effort to modernize and upgrade their small but specialized battlefleet. As a modified 'Storta' destroyer, the Nighthawk has been refitted and redesigned according to to-the-letter specifications from Jared Nomak and his closest advisors. Manned at all times by at least one hundred crewmembers, the Destroyer silently cruises the mists of the edge worlds, ready to deliver heavy support whenever the stakes are high enough to demand it. Commandeered by Captain Pablo Alvarez, a decorated member of the Commune's armed corps, the destroyer rarely sees combat despite its obvious capabilities. Instead, its crew enjoys a mostly calm existence while the Nighthawk soars through the viridian clouds. Though soon, that may very well change.
The Overlord has docked with his personal fighter, preceded by several of his close associates who are already onboard. The official story is that Nomak himself wished to perform a routine inspection, though rumors circulate that he means to take direct command of the vessel instead - to use it as his mobile headquarters and frontline command post.
_ _ _ _
Bassam sat behind a table in the middle of the observation deck-turned-lounge, his thin frame barely visible under the dimmed flickering lights. He ran his index finger along the round, wooden table's smooth surface for a few moments, and after finding a single uneven bump, he stopped and pulled his hand away from the table, as if disgusted. He placed it on his lap instead now.
He sighed and relaxed into his chair, then reached into his jacket's pocket, finding a long forgotten pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He pulled them out and examined each object individually. The lighter was a mass produced but outdated model he found at a flea market on Malta, the peddler sold it to him with some doublespeak-laden story about nanoparticles and ignition, false tech speech galore. He didn't believe it, but he thought it was funny, so he bought it. The pack of cigarettes, he lifted from a corpse of a man he killed some time ago - he didn't exactly know why. A vain trophy perhaps. He doesn't even smoke with any conviction, only occasionally, to fit in and disarm those who provide him company.
He popped the lid off and looked inside, only one left. Might as well, not like it can kill him anyway. He pulled it out and looked at it from all sides, then put it in between his lips. He brought the lighter up to it and held the button to ignite. A small, green, blowtorch-like flame emerged from the opening and he waved left and right an inch away from the cigarette, carefully lighting it. Done.
He took a long drag and exhaled with no particular pleasure derived from it all, just a reminder of the masquerade he plays daily. Or played, as it now stands - Nomak is aware and his condition could be made public to the rest of the organization at any moment. This bothered him, he preferred to be seen as just another sheep in the herd, not a wolf in sheep's clothing. The knowledge of the wolf makes the sheep shrink back and flee, even he doesn't necessarily aim to bite.
He placed the cigarette into the ashtray in front of him and leaned forwards into a slouching position, putting his elbows on the table, forming a fist with one of his hands and wrapping the other around it, then leaned in to rest his head on them. A nap seemed attractive right now, he felt like he hadn't slept in days, and that was probably the case. Blessed sleep to rest the weary mind - or not.
The sound of footsteps jerks him back into consciousness, and he straightens up again, looking to where it's seemingly coming from - the hallway.
Dave was recently recovered from his two months old coma and took the reigns again of his science projects, including the ambitious Black Nova one. He heard about an officers meeting of some sorts and since he was head of the R&D Department he considered that he might join. He also needs to get back on track with certain other news and future plans that Jared will most probably present to the table. The brief news that he received on his personal PDA were not enough to make him acknowledge the current status of what Commune was actually going to do.
The meeting was aboard the Nighthawk. As soon as possible he took a Commune shuttle transport that served as his temporary transit from the Pandorum Research Labs. He arrived aboard the destroyer and walk steady with determined steps towards the meeting room. It was also the first chance to actually meet more members from the Commune in actual person and interact with them more. Many knew him by his name and his notorious science works but never got in touch to talk in person with them, for many he was just a shady figure or some at first, a long dead myth. He kept his privacy for some good reasons. He had his secrets as well kept currently away from the people of Commune. His "gifts".
The shining metal door opened automatically after identification and after the guard confirmed his ID as well. He saw the serious tone in the atmosphere inside, alongside an individual standing in a chair at the round wooden table. It had a good refined design and it look like it was picked by someone with good tastes. He was pleased to see it.
He entered the room and his presence in the shadow almost made his eyes glow for a fraction of second with a slow dark purple glow. He stepped into the light revealing his posture. He came with his long used, black coat slowly reinforced on the shoulder pads and on the chest and rather ragged on the sides. The old Cerberus emblem was faintly seen on the left shoulder as the new Commune sign was strongly imposed on his left chest part of the coat. The pants were in a similar grey shade, with reinforced pads on the knees. He also wore a pair of long black military-grade boots. He glanced towards the new figure to him:
"Greetings, I've heard about the meeting that it's about to occur."
He slowly walked towards a chair, sitting down as he glanced constantly towards the figure.
Hussaini locked his gaze towards this newcomer that was approaching him. He observed him without moving a muscle, tracking him with his eyes only. He strained to see him in the dimly lit room, but as he approached further, he recognized him immediately. He never met him in person, but his work was important enough for Hussaini to take notice, and indeed what he saw of it impressed him.
"Greetings, I've heard about the meeting that it's about to occur." - Said Synk as he stood before the table before sitting down.
What meeting? He never heard of any meeting, he just wanted to get some peace in the lounge. But that would be just like Nomak, wouldn't it? To do things without telling him. Yes, very much like him. Might as well play along.
"Doctor Synk, is it?" - He asked with a friendly, civil tone, putting on a smile. - "I've heard a lot about you, Doctor. Impressive work, really."
"But where is our esteemed Overlord?" - He continued. - "It would be inappropriate to start without him."
"A drink in the meantime, maybe?" - He motioned towards the bar.
Dave glanced and replied in a friendly manner.
"That would be lovely indeed, perhaps some bretonian whiskey if possible. And yes, a pleasure to meet you, aside from Jared, I didn't saw any other people in person. I, well.. was a more reclusive individual for a long time. My work was more important."
He went with Hussaini towards the bar continuing his words:
"I think Jared would have to join soon. He just gave me a ping on the PDA about this. But you got me in a disadvantage.. I didn't recall your name, I am sorry, sir .. ?"
He glanced as at him as he briefly looked to his glass to put some whiskey in it.
Hussaini walked behind the bar stand, with Synk following closely behind. He stopped and faced the drinks closely packed into the shelf on the wall. He ran his fingers over the bottles while looking for the right one. Maltese Cardamine Liqueur, Liberty Ale...Cambridge Whiskey, bingo. He pulled the bottle out and looked at its back label, year of 801 A.S - good enough. He grabbed two glasses into his other hand, turned around and placed them on the stand, one in front of Synk and one in front of himself.
"I'm Hussaini. Bassam Hussaini." - He said as he poured the whiskey into the glasses, a tiny bit at a time, carefully distributing the alcohol content between the glasses. - "Me and Nomak go a long way back, we come from the same place, even. We founded the previous incarnation of our organization, so many years ago."
He finished pouring, picked up the glasses and handed one over to Synk. - "But that's ancient history. We should look to the future." - He raised his glass for a toast - "To the Commune, our good fortune, and the Great Work."
Dave glanced as he listened carefully to Hussaini and smirked, rising his glass to cheer.
"For Commune and our greatest endeavors to come".
He sipped from the glass and he continued.
"I was once Order, actually a para-military group called Cerberus. Something similar to Commune, but things didn't went so good because our Leader was killed on Canaria. I took the reigns then but.. Well my studies were fixated on the Nomads only and so... it went to dust. There are still remnants of it across Sirius."
He took another sip from the glass and he put it down. He looked a bit around and then glanced back to Hussaini.
"My opinions and visions were dangerous for the Order, so basically they wanted Cerberus down. Especially Golanski. We had a a time a lot of support, and could've taken the Order down and replace it. But.. let's say it was smarter to become quiet and prepare in the shadows. Basically the idea of Cerberus I see it now in Commune.. and while I am still alive. Golanski's goal was never reached. One day I will confront him, I know that. And many of those that let me down and abandoned the idea and are in Order, some old contacts noticed. I am looking forward to this."
He took a pause, looking at the window nearby glancing towards the stars and said in a slower tone.
Jack laid back in the chair relaxing as he let his mind wander, He enjoyed being alone in space, the peace and quiet gave him time
to think and reflect on things that happened in the past. He smiled as he fondly remembered his sister, memories from a better time
long ago but not yet forgotten.
He sighed as his thoughts were interrupted by the repeating beeping sound, the ships autopilot navigation system alerting him that he had arrived at his destination. He adjusted the cockpits chair forward and switched to manual flight control heading in to dock with the Nighthawk he transmitted the authorization codes before initiating the docking procedure. In truth he'd have preferred to stay in space, he disliked meetings where formal pleasantries were present but he still knew that playing politics was necessary to further the progress of one's goals.
Setting his ship down on the landing pad inside the ships docking bay he looked out the ships window to see a man escorted by two guards either side walking towards his ship. Opening the entrance to the ship Jack walked down the ramp towards the three men below. Upon reaching them he looked at the man in the center and gave a silent nod.
Then he started talking " I'm Jack Light " He paused for a moment before speaking again " I was informed there was going to be a meeting aboard this ship. I'm sure they're expecting me "
The man Jack spoke to nodded in response " Yes... we were expecting you. A few of the others have already arrived "
Jack smiled politely " I would appreciate it if you could direct me to where the meeting is to take place"
"Of course" He turned to the guard next to him and spoke with a tone of authority in his voice. " You there, escort Mr.Light here to the room where the meeting is to take place" The Guard turned and gave a salute speaking with a confident voice " Yes Sir. "
He then turned and motioned at Jack to follow him as he lead him through the ship.
Jack looked around as the guard escorted him through the ship. He noticed some of the ships crew going about their duties they were obviously highly trained and very disciplined from what he could see. It didn't take long before the guard escorting him stopped. He turned to face a metal door and raised his hand and knocked on the door. As they waited Jack took the opportunity to adjust the business suit he wore. After a few seconds the door slid open and the guard stood to one side. Jack entered the room and looked around noticing a few familiar faces he smiled "Gentlemen...." He paused for a moment gaugeing their reactions. " I do hope I'm not too late."
Bassam listened to Dave keenly, keeping his glass close to his mouth and sipping once in a while. He found his attitude pleasing.
"Of course. It is human nature to fear the new and the unknown. The unenlightened fear the light because they do not understand it. But once its rays reach their skin, they quickly change their mind." - He took one big sip and grimaced, then put the glass down on the bar stand.
"Likewise, the dim-witted fear and shun the visionaries, because we see things that are out of their reach." - He paused for a moment - "You know by now what the Commune truly is, Doctor, and I'm glad you found your calling here. We have a vision for a brighter future, a future where mankind holds the reigns of its own destiny, soaring to greater heights at an unimaginable pace. But the many have elected to not share in our vision, out of fear, stubbornness or simple spite."
He took a deep breath before continuing.
"But we have likewise elected to ignore their decision, and drag them into the New Age regardless, kicking and screaming if need be. It won't be a smooth transition. There will be casualties, the guilty, the innocent, all kinds - destiny doesn't discriminate. But in the end, when it's all over, and the light of our vision finally shines on those who remain...they will be grateful."
A knock on the door interrupts his train of thought and saves Synk from an endless monolog that was about to happen. Hussaini turns his head towards the door and looks at the newcomer as the door slides open.
"Gentlemen....I do hope I'm not too late." - It was Jack Light, a familiar face.
"Ah, Mister Light, we were just conversing over a drink. The Overlord should be here soon." - He motioned with his hand. - "Please, join us."
Dave nodded to what Hussaini said in agreement. He took more of his whiskey and pondered on his words. He considered that Hussaini was a good contact to collaborate with. He knew that Jared had the habit to gather the most interesting of people around his circle.
"Yes.. transcendence is the highest goal that we can deliver to the mankind, if well.. let's say they will be willing to see it."
He then was distracted by the new individual that came to the room. He heard Hussaini call him "Mr. Light".
"Hello there, I'm Dave Synk, I don't know if we've met." He extended an arm to salute him politely.
Jack smiled "Ah good, I was worried the meeting would have to commence without me... I ran into some unexpected delays of a hostile nature during my journey here" Jack began to walk further into the room taking up a position standing by the window.
He looked out the window at the endlessness of space for a moment before turning around and smiling. " It's good to be among friends again. Being in space for such long periods of time I can sometimes get out of touch with everything that happens within our organization. I understand from my communications with Lord Nomak that we might be working on a few missions together Mr.Synk , I'm sure he will go into more detail once he arrives"