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Command Elevator/galley H.M.S-Norfolk New London,
05/7/ 827 AS, 10:15

My reputation? In a few months we both know what that will be. Isaak said jokingly as his course deviated to the command elevator from the Galley. Never the less suit yourself - faster we get this out of the air the faster you can be on your way. Isaak walked to the elevator ahead of Lucas, there was a print scan next to the elevator that Isaak utilized - granting them both access.

Both he and Lukas walked in, Isaak leaned against one end of the elevator. Studying Lukas for a second before speaking up. If at any point you need to take a break, don't hesitate to say so. I don't know what your relationship was with my... mother. But if you came to us I'm sure it wasn't the healthy type. Anything you want to clear up, between us before we walk into that office? Isaak asked, wondering if he could weed his way into any info he wouldn't share professionally.



Keller seems to nod once in understanding when Isaak brings up the topic of his mother, he doesn't have much to contribute on that subject beyond mere clarifications. It seemed a little bit like the brotherly attitude he adopted was being taken slightly for granted. "Your mother was my superior, she will insist that she still is. You're correct, things weren't exactly pleasant working with her, not towards the end anyway." He smiled once again to show he didn't seem to have a problem expressing this. The offer of taking a moment was apparently acknowledged when he first nodded but hadn't been commented on for whatever reason. He was a little bit too much like his mother for comfort, but lacked her cruelty.

At least there was that.
Command Elevator/Fleet Admiral's Office H.M.S-Norfolk New London,
05/7/ 827 AS, 10:25

I see... Well, offer still stands. Now let's not keep the Admiral waiting any longer, he's... straight forward. Just be professional, or try to be... it'll be fine.

The pair walked over to the end of the Hall, Isaak walked up to the threshold and caught the Admiral's attention. Sir, here he is, Lieutenant Lukas Keller. The crew was fascinated with his craft. Isaak proceeded to walk in and sit down. He had his own little seat ever since his visits to the Fleet Admiral's office became more frequent.


Hangar bay -> Vogtland HQVogtland Station, Dresden
05/15/827 AS, 20:00



-19:30, Vogtland Station Hangar bay-

The deck officer on Vogtland Station walked towards the hangar entrance, accompanied by guards without a doubt. Order Agents were dispatched to Vogtland Station frequently as of recent, at least none that they knew of.

As it touched down, the deck officer waved his hand. It was discreet, done at shoulder height, the guards responded by fanning out around the vessel - checking the exterior for anything out of the ordinary. Both turned back with thumbs up, indicating there was nothing they could make out visually - scans would determine the rest in a matter of seconds.

Lucien exited slowly, climbing down to the deck before waving to the deck officer and approaching. His fear hadn't sunk in at all yet, and though it had been a long flight - he seemed more attentive than ever. Good evening He said to the deck officer, nodding slightly after. Your business here... The deck officer dragged out the statement. Commander, Luciano Marquez. Lucien filled in his statement, to which the deck officer nodded. Commander, what is the nature of your stay here on Vogtland Station? He asked.

I've been deployed here as the Order's temporary ambassador under Grand Admiral Golanski's directive. I have all the necessary forms and identification if you require them. Lucien answered. The deck officer nodded and extended his arm, Lucien handed him the orders and ID. As the deck officer went to validate them, Lucien took a second to glance around the hangar bay. He could see all sorts of Hessian craft entering and exiting. Some were damaged, others seemed to be returning on routine patrols or missions.

Welcome Commander, and thank you for informing me of this. I will route this up accordingly if you would please follow me. We will escort you to our guest room where you will stay for the duration of your visit here. The deck officer spoke up, breaking his concentration on the area around him.


Thank you. Lucien said as he walked behind the deck officer towards the hangar bay exit.

-19:45 Flag officer's quarters, Vogtland Station HQ.-

Stress, anxiety, nightmares, personal demons, it was all too overwhelming. Just when life seemed to let up, it's weight and misfortune came crashing down like a rockslide. The Fleet Admiral of the Armed Forces knew about her dead son, she had nearly snapped trying to stop herself from killing the only living person that resembled a son - Lukas. Now, the Hessians were on the brink of destruction.

Anna stood at the command center, accompanied virtually by the Command members of the Kassel, and Saarbrucken garrisons. The group had been on the line for over an hour, planning, considering every possibility. But as far as most plans went, the situation was dire, an endgame.

Rig the charges then, keep me informed, you have your orders. The second they enter - destroy it. Each of the members nodded in response and acknowledged the command before breaking off the line. The lights came back up slowly, as they did, the door alarm rang behind her.

Enter. She said aloud, the door opened, and in walked one of the administrative personnel.

General, an ambassador for the Order, Commander Marquez has arrived. He was sent here to oversee the Order's involvement in this confrontation. He stated that the Grand Admiral is unable to reach us at the moment. Is there a preferred time you'd like to speak to him, or shall I defer him to...

What's his full name? Anna interrupted.

It says here his name is Commander Luciano J. Marquez... Anna immediately rushed over, ripping the PDA out of the officer's hands and examining it for himself.

General, is there something....

Send him up here, now. Defer every transmission to major Weiss. She interrupted again, shoving the PDA against the officer's chest before turning back. The officer stood there, confused for a second before turning around and exiting.

-20:00 Vogtland Station HQ, Guest level-

Lucien unpacked some of his things. Beyond a pillow and sheets were more relics than anything else. Things he had kept on him from his time before the Order. Things he knew his wife would remember to incase she didn't recognize him. It had been so long, he felt as though a part of his life was either truly coming to a close - or he was going to dial back into a new chapter again. He had prayed it would be the latter, since the day Golanski gave him this opportunity. His head was in the right place, he was ready to confront any type of response - even the one that likely killed him.

The door rang for a second before opening, in entered the duty officer for the HQ. The Generalmajor will see you - now. The words shot through him, and just like that the fear began to settle in. Very well, let's go then. It wasn't a long trip to the elevator at all, he could feel his heart pounding through his chest; his body practically radiated anxiety. As the elevator came to a stop, and the door opened. Lucien froze for a moment, taking in his last few calm breaths before following the officer down the hall. She will answer when she is ready, wait here. He rang the door and turned around, quickly descending back down the elevator.

Before he could even turn around and react, the door opened. He felt something grab his shoulder and pull him through the door threshold. By the time he realized what was going on, his wife had wrapped herself around him. He responded by doing the same, tears rand down his cheeks as he held on.

I'm sorry, I didn't know for years...

No Lucien, this isn't your fault.

You're not upset?

I don't want to hold a grudge against you. Against anyone I love. There's so much that happened, I couldn't stop myself. The two broke off, Lucien was a little shook by Anna's appearance. She wore the same scars she did in his nightmares, the same wounds. But more than all of that, she appeared tired, miserable, stressed.

What happened to you? He said, pressing his palm against her cheek.

I can't explain, I can't... can't put it into words. I remember what happened, but... you wouldn't believe me if I told you.

I would. Look at what this is doing to you. You can't stay here, like this.

I don't know what to do.

Come with me. His response left Anna, phased out for a second. She shook her head slightly.

How... Where would we go? I'm a wanted DEAD in every place that isn't here.

Do you still trust me?

You can't do that to me. Her head tilted and shook a little more as he responded, she struggled to maintain eye contact. Tears rolled down her cheeks in the process. Her breathing pattern shifted, almost as if she was about to start pacing.

Anna, I didn't come all this way to tell you how much I love you, and leave you here like this. Please, you owe them nothing... Lucien's sentence was broken by seeing his wife's reaction. She kept phasing in and out, putting her palm against her forehead.

Look at me. He said, interrupting her as he put his other hand on her shoulder. You don't need to stay, we can get away from all of this. But I need you to trust me.

After a few more deep breaths, she made eye contact with Lucien again. The blue in her iris faded back, as she calmed down. On one condition. Her tone returned to normal, there was a faint chuckle behind the response.

Anything.

I keep my ship. She smirked after replying, Lucien chuckled for a second. If we get into trouble, I'm still mostly counting on you. He replied.

I still haven't met that mystery pilot, so you're in luck... I need to pack some things, and I need you to do exactly what I say - otherwise we're both dead.

Outpost 415Planet Weisbaden, Jötunheimr
05/17/827 AS, 00:00



*Data transfer complete.* Heinrich took the small data drive and shoved it in one of her pockets. Lucien was helping her stow away some gear from the outpost. The outpost had been abandoned following the relocation of the SOA HQ and the Cologne offensive. All that remained were the fancy craft and the General's quarters. It almost seemed like a throne room, but all it carried were hateful memories. After years of being twisted and under the influence of an even more twisted experiment - Heinrich's brain had detached from the anger. It was still there, a part of her forever, but it didn't control her every action in the way it had for nearly fifteen years.

Alright, what's left to pack? Anna said as she shut off the display monitor and turned towards Lucien. Just this... whatever this sarcophagus is. Lucien replied in a curious tone. It's body armor, different types of body armor. I'm wearing one type right now. Lucien continued to push the large container into a slot built into one of the walls. It fed the contents down to the hangar bay, just nearby the ships. It was meant more for packages, but the container with all the body armor was just small enough to fit as well. Must be uncomfortable. He said as he backed off from the container, catching his breath for a second before he turned back towards Anna. Some things never change huh? I look even worse than before. Where we're going I know someone who can help you. I promise. Guess I really do look worse. Anna... I'm joking... I'm still capable of that you know. You're talking to the real me now. What changed? Anna paused for a second before facing Lucien. I told you, I'll explain everything once we're... wherever your "safe haven" is. You know, after I've finally gotten some rest, am comfortable, or you know... maybe after we've gotten comfortable. Right... one thing at a time. One thing at a time, Marquez. She repeated back with a playful tone, smirking slightly in the process.



-00:00 415 Airspace, planet Weisbaden-

Head to the coordinates I've sent you, submit this authorization code to anyone who approaches. It'll buy you a one-way ticket to the Jumphole we'll use to get out of here. Anna said over the private comm to Lucien. His Nephtyhs just broke the planet's escape velocity, everything seemed to be going well on his end. What are you doing?! He replied cautiously, halting his advance out of orbit for confirmation. The last logged area I was present was here. I need to make them believe I'm dead. I'm going to destroy the outpost. The extra craft? It's just off orbit, you should be close. You can tow it to the Jumphole before I activate the autopilot. It's programmed to navigate in-formation with Hessian vessels - not foreign. Anna pulled back the throttles and pushed the yoke to the port side - banking the ship to the left. With the Outpost locked on, she began to make her run. "Goodbye." She thought to herself, just a second later she watched as the facility went up in flames. There was nothing left but rubble, no way of tracing back.

Let's get out of here. She said following a few deep breaths, it was a difficult "Goodbye."


[Image: 1WbK7zQ.png]

Apartment B-19-5 Planet Manhattan, New York
05/18/827 AS, 20:00

"Nothing like coming home late, doing extra paperwork, and doubting yourself all because of your job. Advancing was a terrible idea."

Out from the elevator doors walked a woman, dressed in civies. She must've been close to six feet tall, redhead, and a scar running across her face. Big, and almost intimidating woman - it probably went without saying that she was either a criminal or in the military.

Was there a difference?

Ugh, I need a drink. The woman muttered to herself as she approached her apartment room door. She placed one hand against her forehead while placing the other on a print scanner. *Welcome* The door unlocked, a rucksack, jacket, and shoes were all tossed off to the side as the woman entered the room. Kveykva. The lights went on, the apartment was completely disorganized. Files stacked in corners of the study/lounge area, papers were scattered across the work-desk where her laptop rested. Behind that very desk, was a large wall with multiple MRI scan photographs.

Beyond all the detective work against the wall though, was one thing that stood out - and that thing was a calendar.

Shit. No-no-no-no. The woman frantically pulled her PDA out of her pocket, dialing a number in and putting it to her ear.

Hey, Carlos, it's me.

Hey, did something come up?

Yea I got caught up with some bullshit on the way home. Look, I've got the next three days off, can we do tomorrow night instead? I'm sorry, please don't think I was backing out or something.

Nah tomorrow works fine don't worry... You uh, you ok? What happened?

I'm fine, there was a fight, but you know...

Jesus, I'm glad you're ok... Hey I've done a little digging in regards to that shit you mentioned, by the way, I might have something for you tomorrow... or the next morning.

Next morning sounds good, I don't wanna think about it right now.

Sure, take care ok? If you need me, give me a call. I don't care what time.

Thanks Carlos.

She tossed the PDA on her desk and walked over towards the door to her bedroom. Before entering, she took a second to look over at her fridge - obviously contemplating the drink she mentioned earlier. After a second, she decided to enter her bedroom without the drink and collapse on the bed inside. "One more attempt, one more. Please just let me sleep." She said to herself as she leaned over to her side. She reached for a notebook on top of a small counter-table next to her bed. She tilted it up, staring at it for a moment, contemplating if now was the time to start writing. Not tonight. She said to herself as she rolled over onto her back, and began tucking herself in. Døkkr. She said aloud, the lights shut off immediately after.


[Image: 37Y9Rst.png]

Crossroads Bar Planet Manhattan, New York
05/19/827 AS, 20:00

"Just act normal, turn off the military gig for one night."

You never told me what happened here. Carlos said, dragging his finger across his face. Seemed like he had a little buzz on, the pair had been drinking for the past 30 minutes. Shooting to shit over random stuff to kill time until they both got drunk. His gesture was referring to the scar on her face, the bartender behind the counter shifted over a bit. Probably eavesdropping out of curiosity, the scar did give some people the spooks.

One of the abandoned factories on Texas supporting the old gate construction project had been held up by some unfriendly bandits and Outcasts. Outcasts are real dangerous to deal with because you know... She made a funny gesture, acting as if she were snorting Cardamine. Anyhow, my group was walking on an entrance, ready to breach when an IED went off. I was on point, luckily I was far enough to not get blasted to bits. But my face and my ribcage caught some shrapnel... And here we are. She said turning towards Carlos as she finished, the bartender walked over between them.

Cool story, you a Cop? The bartender interrupted.

Homeland Security. I was originally a cop though, yea.

Why'd you switch over? Carlos asked, re-capturing her attention. She shook her head in response.

We knock some off for military, you know.

Thanks.

Well that's good because she's probably got more tolerance than me.

You got a name I can put in here for you? First and Last.

Una Kidman. She said taking another sip from her glass just after.


[Image: gjZo69q.gif?1]

Apartment B-19-5 Planet Manhattan, New York
05/20/827 AS, 09:00

"Comfy... Don't wanna wake up...."

Una wrapped herself around Carlos, who was already awake. She pretended to still be asleep, too lazy to bring herself to wake up or at the very least acknowledge that he was awake. It was the first time in a long time where she felt she had slept well. Maybe it was the sex prior, or maybe the booze hit differently - either way it felt better the next day. A few moments had passed before Carlos tilted his head to try and wake Una - who was already awake of course.

I don't wanna wake you, but you're as tall as me and I don't wanna shove you. It was the most bullshit whisper ever. Una's bluff broke and she chuckled.

Were you awake this whole time? He said normally in response to the chuckle.

I was almost asleep again before I heard that fake-ass whisper. She muttered, smirking in the process.

Well, I've got some stuff to show you - as promised.

Ughhh I was soooo comfy. She as Carlos rolled out of bed and she collapsed against the mattress, finally managing to open her eyes.

We should switch jobs for a week. Then I won't wake up as quickly.

You would quit after the first day - guaranteed. If only she were lying about that part.

-09:30-

Una sat down on her couch eating breakfast as Carlos set up his laptop, and set down a few papers to the side. He had brought quite a bit of "stuff", after the papers dropped down; Una's interest was almost enough to stop her from eating. Almost.

I did a lot of digging, some of this stuff is interesting. One point above all though, is that we can finally say for certain - you aren't the only one in your family with odd brain-scans. That did the trick.

Who?

Your family's records are incomplete on your mother's side of the family past your grandmother because your grandfather wasn't a civilian.

He was military.

Una... he was a war hero - he died recently. Carlos opened a tab on his laptop with the news article. As Una began to look at it thought, Carlos handed her one of the folders. It was a copy of the medical record.

How did you pull his record?

This is where it gets a little more weird, it wasn't stored on any military database. Took hours of shifting through potential sources to pull it. Even then parts of it were erased, there's only one hint on the end. It's a stamp. I couldn't backtrack on the source, and I don't think that's a coincidence at all.

Una turned the folder, his MRI scans were a near-dead match-up. Along with some of the other inexplicable properties that ran in Una uniquely compared to her family. Carlos wasn't kidding, half the record had been erased. At the end of it, there was just a stamp reading: KLASSIFIED ON BEHALF OF - and then some strange symbol just beneath the text.

You catch his name? Sound familiar? He said, turning back towards Una and leaning against the wall.

Wolfgang Heinrich? Well I mean he's my grandfather. But I don't know any relatives besides my grandmother with that surname.

Well I do have a theory... But I suppose it doesn't matter too much right now, we need to find out what that insignia means. Whatever was up with your grandfather was not unheard of by any account. By default that means if someone catches wind that yours is similar...

You think that whoever hid parts of his record would come after me? Whatever group this symbol belongs to?

Think about it. Your grandfather performed the impossible according to these news articles and de-classified military reports. You can't explain why you're as good of a pilot as he was. You told me that with half the experience, and half the time overall - you've got your boss nagging you to switch departments. Whatever was up with your grandfather, I think they didn't want it running any further.

Una was hypnotized by the file, trying to make sense of any of the blurred out or encrypted parts. But there was nothing she could figure with the naked eye. After a deep breath, she closed the file and tossed it on the desk before turning her attention back to Carlos.

So what's your theory then?

[Image: xTgZFau.png?1]

9th Street Medical Center Planet Curacao, Cortez
05/29/827 AS, 11:00

Well... HOW DO I LOOK?! Anna said, throwing her arms and hands extended over her head. She wore a big smile, casual clothes - she seemed happier than ever. The doctor walking out behind her smirked a little bit, anticipating Lucien's shocked reaction.


Tu eres... hermosa... Lucien reacted, taken away by the healed appearance of his wife. Before he could even bring himself to say anything further, Anna rushed over and hugged him. Lucien was paralyzed by the moment, still trying to bring himself to react as Anna finally broke off. Told you so. He said with a confident smirk finally. Anna chuckled a bit as she wiped tears from her eyes and looked back up at Lucien. Gracias Victor. Lucien said, turning towards the doctor who followed her out. Anytime, hermano. The doctor replied. Lucien walked over and hugged him. I'm gonna go take a walk outside. Anna said as the automatic door opened up into the oasis outside. Curacao was one of the most beautiful planets in Sirius, and one of the best hiding spots.


Luciano you have good... but interesting taste in women, Victor said as he broke off from Lucien and starred out the window. I told you so, about her. He replied. Si, and I believe you. She had some seriously distorted brain scans; and above all that she's still... different.

I know.

In any case though, she looks... Back to normal. Don't rush things, and if you need anything from me. Give me a call.

Likewise, Victor. Gracias.

Lucien gave him another hug quickly before following Anna out the door. As he exited he could see her waiting for him over by one of the taxis. She leaned against the door, keeping it open as Lucien walked over. Don't hold up the taxi for too long, someone might call the police. He said sarcastically as he entered the taxi. He expected to see a crowd of frustrated passengers, but no one seemed to care.

The couple sat down towards the rear of the Taxi. As it took off, Lucien turned over to find his wife collapsed onto his shoulder. Do you at least have some energy for when we get back? He asked. Do you? She replied. Go easy on me. He said cautiously. I've been brainwashed for 13 years, you're doing all the work.

[Image: Z1e1NDT.png?1]

515th Planet Curacao, Cortez
05/29/827 AS, 22:00

Life on Gran Canaria was paradise, in the middle of everything - but so distant from everything at the same time. The two had money, quite a bit of money as it so happened. Lucien's time around the world had given him contacts, rest areas, retreats, hideouts. All courtesy of being a part of the Order.

The home the two had adopted was as beautiful as the planet itself. On the seaside, looking over the beautiful ocean and skies. Even the storms that came now and then were a thing to behold. The whole scenery had Anna hypnotized, even now; after the best felt ten minutes since Lucien had been taken away - her attention was instantly taken back to the scenery outside. It had Lucien doubting himself a little, but he convinced himself Anna was still trying to take in how quickly things were changing.


Anna sat by the entrance to the balcony, one leg crossed over the other wrapped inside one of the bedsheets. She leaned back against the door threshold, starring into the night sky. The gusts of wind were warm and gentle. Everything felt just right, not too cold, not too warm. It was the kind of nighttime setting that made everyone calm, everyone happy. The type of weather that could take someone's attention out forever. Sort of like it was now.

Thinking he had given her enough time to take things in now, he walked over and sat down next to her. Tossing one arm over her shoulders.

Was it bad?

No, I love you. She replied, kissing him before leaning back into the position she was in before. This is just so much to take in, a week ago, I was one of the most powerful women in the world. I had an army at my fingertips, but I hated it so much, all I could feel was hate. It was like I was never in control. Someone else pulled the strings, and they got what they wanted. Anna paused for a moment, turning towards Lucien with watery, bright blue eyes before continuing. But now, I feel like myself again. I'm not Generalmajor Heinrich anymore - I'm Anna Heinrich. I can feel again, I can feel fear, sadness, happiness, love. Everything that was taken away.




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