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To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 09-26-2010
Battleship Hood, Dublin System, Bretonian Core
"I've thought about everything. Everything I've done, and everything I've been through. The only thing I have to regret, is that I wish I could change a few things. Between you and I, I missed wearing that uniform and flying with those that fought for the same reason as I did. But I guess this is for the better. To bad I couldn't go back and simply rewrite history, while knowing what I know now." -- Ship Log 020, Austin Goodman
"So, I'm looking to acquire an Arrow interceptor." He said gently, walking into the ship dealers office, who suddenly dropped what he was doing and looked up quickly, with a half scared, and half surprised look on his face.
"Well, you..uhm, came to the right place. Mister?" The man said looking for any indication on who he was, "Goodman, but you can call me Austin." He said smirking slightly as he continued his way to the desk. The dealer quickly stood up and put a smile on his face, extending his hand towards Austin. "Well, welcome to the Hood's ship dealer. We have that vessel you're looking for alright. Tell me, you wouldn't happen to be looking for one because you wish to enter the races?"
"That's exactly why I'm looking for one, actually. I figured that with the last race here in Dublin, my Templar wasn't exactly up for the job, being a rather large ship, I would need another one just for the purpose of racing. That would be the Arrow Interceptor, as I've had experience in piloting one."
The man nodded and quickly sat back down, noticing that Austin wouldn't shake his hand and began entering his name in on the terminal. "Well, Mister Goodman, we do have a couple of Arrows in stock, in fact, we have one on the lot...and...it says you're a wanted fugitive?" The ship dealer looked back up raising an eyebrow. Austin simply smiled, "I wouldn't say that I was a wanted fugitive. More or less an idealist, or someone who doesn't put up with false accusations. Come on now, the people on board this vessel work with Mollys, so I doubt I'm much of a problem."
"Heh, very well Mister Goodman, follow me and we'll get you that new ship ready."
"Perfect."
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 09-26-2010
Battleship Hood, Dublin System, Bretonian Core -- Five Hours Later
"I could never see myself retire from what I've sworn to do. Fighting for the Crown against anything that stands in her way. I am a soldier, I was bred as a soldier, and I have an oath to follow. Even if it means being a fugitive and marked as a highly dangerous individual. Though, I never really saw my life heading in this direction, maybe after the war, but during it? We'll see how well I do." -- Ship Log 021, Austin Goodman
"The Bretonia's Revelation." He said, a smile hidden behind a wielders mask as he started to carefully crave the name Bretonia's Revelation into the hull of his Arrow, along the nose so that it was easily readable. "A great callsign, as far as I'm concerned. Could've been Bretonia's Redemption, but eh. Redemption is a bit over used." He continued to talk to himself as he finished up. He sat the tool down to the side and pushed the mask up, staring down at his work, "Well, the mysterious pilot behind the Arrow interceptor will sure spin heads during the races now. At least the Armed Forces won't know who the hell I am. Wonder how long I'll be able to keep this up."
He shrugged a bit and grabbed the tool, then slide down off the side of the nose and landed on his feet, then walked over and placed the tool back where it was before turning around to admire his handy work. "Next weekend we'll have that race, and Ozei will lose, at least against me." He smiled as he looked from his newly bought Arrow to his Templar, his smile turned into a small frown. I guess we're going to have to do something about you as we're lacking parts. It'd be at least a few days before I can get you fixed up. He thought as he stepped towards his Arrow.
"Let's go test you around the track for a couple of laps."
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 10-15-2010
Goodman Ranch, Planet Cambridge, Cambridge System -- Weeks after being graced.
"I'm surprised my former subordinate, Martin Bridge, actually graced me. My small contributions here and there actually worked? Or was it because I threatened to kill that Constable, that finally pushed them do to something that didn't end up getting me arrest? Questions that will never get answered. Theres also a dark presence that lurks here, these nightmares lately, can't seem to shake them..." -- Ship Log 022, Austin Goodman
He could hear multiple foot steps, and a familiar female voice calling out to him. "Oh Austin. Come out, come out where ever you are." There was a light giggle. He breathed slowly, holding his sidearm up, and pressing himself closely to the wall. Thoughts raced through his head, How did she get here? Who told her where he lived? He swallowed hard and could feel his own heart racing, a feeling that would only come to him during an intense combat situation in space.
There was another voice suddenly, another female voice, this one sounding more urgent. "Austin! Don't - " The voice was quickly cut off, and he could her a whimper as the girl was smacked. "Now, now darling. Don't listen to her. You know you want to come out and play. Remember, Austin? Every shadow is your weakness."
The door on the far side of the room creaked open. He took aim, pulling the trigger as he did. The room lit up four different times rapidly, then everything went quiet, even for a minute as the sound of something heavy hit the floor. He moved towards the door carefully, taking a sigh of relief. Swinging the door open, he saw a woman standing just on the other side, grinning. He looked down and took a step back, realizing who he just shot. "Lafiel..." He cringed, looking back up at the woman. "Innocent blood has been spilled, Austin, how sweet of you. Now you'll be wanted for murder. The murder of a Countess."
The woman began to laugh gently as Austin aimed the pistol at her. He pulled the trigger, he watched as the bullets passed through her, and her vanishing shortly after. "Every shadow is your weakness.." Echoed throughout the room.
"God damn it Siona!" He shouted, sitting up quickly, breathing heavily and looking around the room. It was night time. He slowly got out of bed, and wiping a beads of sweat from his forehead. Coughing rather heavily he began working his way out of the room and into the kitchen, getting a glass out of the cupboard and setting it down with shaky hands on the counter. "Damn..." He said out loud, staring at the sink. "Just another bloody dream."
He turned the sink on and cupped his hand underneath the warm water, then splashed it on his face. "She's in Rheinland...she'll be fine." He reassured himself, "And the Kithe family hasn't been seen in or around Bretonia in months." He began to laugh lightly. "Maybe they finally died. The Immortal, finally killed. The harlot slain."
Or maybe it's whats to come? The thought itself sent a chill down his spine, he shook his head and cupped his hands again, collecting water and splashing it on his fast. "Need to get out more often." He glanced over at the time and sighed lightly, The sun would be rising soon, he might as well just stay up.
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 10-31-2010
Goodman Ranch, Planet Cambridge, Cambridge System -- Two Hours after the Gaian Assault on the Stokes attack Fleet.
"Ariana Winston, you changed and I feel that it's my fault." -- Ship Log 023, Austin Goodman
He slumped down into his couch, and opened the flask. He stared blankly at the holo-screen before him, it was off. He raised the flask up to his mouth and tipped it back, tasting the sour taste of Rheinland's strongest brew hitting his tongue. He raised his free hand slightly and sighed after pulling the flask away from his lips. "Play audio file. Ten-Thirty, Eight-Eighteen."
Playing Audio File 10-30-818
[NLH]-Serrania: That was a long time ago though.
Austin.Goodman: *smiles lightly* Knew your voice sounded familiar Ariana..
Austin.Goodman: Six targets all enroute to ....Stokes.
[NLH]-Serrania: Bombers, move on the capital ships, fighters support.
Austin.Goodman: *grits his teeth* The hell are you doing?!
Austin.Goodman: Ariana, this is suicide...
Austin.Goodman: Damn it! For the Queen!
Austin.Goodman: Lads, Keep Ariana Winston alive!
Austin.Goodman: She's piloting the Serrania...
[NLH]-Serrania: Draw the fight away from the battleship!
Austin.Goodman: Ariana! You do realize this is suicide! Withdrawl your people at once, you CAN'T win!
*WARNING FILE CORRUPTED*
Austin.Goodman: *takes a deep breath*
Austin.Goodman: The hell happened to you...
[NLH]-Serrania: Talking to me?
Austin.Goodman: Obviously!
Austin.Goodman: Answer me, damn it Ariana!
[NLH]-Serrania: Well Austin... there's not much left anymore.
[NLH]-Serrania: I don't go by that name anymore..
Austin.Goodman: *shakes his head* Damn it...you just can't resort to suicidal things like this! Thats not who you are!
[NLH]-Serrania: I've lost everything - NLH is all I have
Austin.Goodman: You...didn't...
[NLH]-Serrania: Yes Austin, I lost everything
[NLH]-Serrania: My family, my friends... my love.
Austin.Goodman: He..I...
[NLH]-Serrania: I'm not talking about Sipher, though I lost him to that whore...
Austin.Goodman: *draws in a breath* Then who?
[NLH]-Serrania: It's too late, Austin...
Austin.Goodman: Ariana...
[NLH]-Serrania: Do you ever wonder with what purpose we are born...
Austin.Goodman: At times...
[NLH]-Serrania: I'm forging my own destiny now, Austin... I'm not asking you to accept it
Austin.Goodman: I'm..sorry..
[NLH]-Serrania: So am I...
[NLH]-Serrania: I wanted to be a part of your life Austin.
[NLH]-Serrania: But it looks like it just can't happen
Austin.Goodman: *Sighs* I loved you Ariana...and I wanted you to stay safe..
[NLH]-Serrania: Would that mean giving up everything I've fought for?
[NLH]-Serrania: I... Austin...
[NLH]-Serrania: Am I doing the right thing?
Austin.Goodman: You've already made up your mind, Ariana...
Austin.Goodman: It's as right as me trying to protect you and not...being there.
[NLH]-Serrania: You... you're right...
[NLH]-Serrania: I'm sorry Austin, I'm really not well.
[NLH]-Serrania: Please forgive me.
Austin.Goodman: It's...alright...just don't get yourself killed..please.
[NLH]-Serrania: Try to stay alive yourself.
[NLH]-Serrania: I better go...
Austin.Goodman: *nods slightly* Good bye...
[NLH]-Serrania: Good bye...
[NLH]-Serrania: *tears a bit*
Austin.Goodman: I'm done...
BAF|FltAdm.M.Bridge: Done with what Austin ?
Austin.Goodman: Fighting...this life...
BAF|FltAdm.M.Bridge: I've heard about hard time that make or break people, not one after the other.
Austin.Goodman: Martin...it's not about that...
Austin.Goodman: I'm laying down my arms, and I'm just...going to stop caring about the war...
Austin.Goodman: It has costed me so much...
BAF|FltAdm.M.Bridge: Well... As a fleet admiral, I would tell you to stand and fight, because your are a soldier to the core.
BAF|FltAdm.M.Bridge: But as a friend... You gave Bretonia more than your share already.
Austin.Goodman: Bretonia isn't worth shooting the one you loved and didn't even tell her that you loved her...
Austin.Goodman: Bretonia isn't worth anything I've fought for...
Audio File Complete. Would you like me to replay it?
"Loop on. Play." He said, taking another sip from the flask and slouching down into the couch further, staring off into the blank screen. The audio file played again. "Why did you have to go and do something so stupid. He mumbled out loud. Attacking a Bretonian fleet straight forwards like she did wasn't her. Has it really been that long? That she thought she lost everything? He shook his head, taking a larger gulp from the flask and tossing it to the side, he pushed himself up and slowly walked towards the kitchen. Not being there, not showing up, completely dropping contact was all to keep her safe.
He opened the fridge and reached in, pulling out some more imported Rheinland brew. Popping off the cap he lifted it up to his mouth and began drinking once more. The audio file looped from the start again, and Austin walked back to the couch, setting the bottle on the coffee table, then slumped down once more. "Loop off, play it one more time."
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 11-14-2010
Battleship Derby -- Unknown Time (Presumed immediately after the failed assault on Stokes).
ERROR LOG CORRUPT -- ERROR LOG CORRUPT
"Medical teams to the docking bay. I repeat, get damn medical teams to the docking bay. Prepare to receive a fighter." The communications blared across the ship.
The Fighter, a burning Templar class that just barely managed to make it's way into the docking bay. The fighter slammed down onto the landing deck and screeched across before coming to a sudden halt. As the medical teams started towards the fighter with what little time they knew they had left, the cockpit door opened, and a figure was about to start climbing down as an internal explosion knocked him backwards.
Losing his grip on the handle, he plummeted down to the deck, his back hitting first, causing his head to ricochet on the metal floor. Everything started to go black and he could taste copper in his mouth, and could see two figures above him. "We got you lad, you're going to be alright." He heard them say at a distance, though they were right above him, afterwards, everything went black.
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 11-15-2010
Battleship Derby -- Medical Ward
ERROR LOG CORRUPT -- ERROR LOG CORRUPT
***
He could hear multiple foot steps, and a familiar female voice calling out to him. "Oh Austin. Come out, come out where ever you are." There was a light giggle. He breathed slowly, holding his sidearm up, and pressing himself closely to the wall. Thoughts raced through his head, How did she get here? Who told her where he lived? He swallowed hard and could feel his own heart racing, a feeling that would only come to him during an intense combat situation in space.
There was another voice suddenly, another female voice, this one sounding more urgent. "Austin! Don't - " The voice was quickly cut off, and he could her a whimper as the girl was smacked. "Now, now darling. Don't listen to her. You know you want to come out and play. Remember, Austin? Every shadow is your weakness."
The door on the far side of the room creaked open. He took aim, pulling the trigger as he did. The room lit up four different times rapidly, then everything went quiet, even for a minute as the sound of something heavy hit the floor. He moved towards the door carefully, taking a sigh of relief. Swinging the door open, he saw a woman standing just on the other side, grinning. He looked down and took a step back, realizing who he just shot. "Lafiel..." He cringed, looking back up at the woman. "Innocent blood has been spilled, Austin, how sweet of you. Now you'll be wanted for murder. The murder of a Countess."
The woman began to laugh gently as Austin aimed the pistol at her. He pulled the trigger, he watched as the bullets passed through her, and her vanishing shortly after. "Every shadow is your weakness.." Echoed throughout the room.
Suddenly everything changed,
He was sitting in the seat of a Templar, the weapons were blazing, quickly gaining his baring he realized he was in the middle of a fight, he could hear himself speaking, "Ian, I think we need to pull out." No reply came back over the communications channel. "Damn it Ian, Cadet, get your asses out of here. I've got a plan." He repeated, opening a cargo transfer with both Ian and the Cadet, transferring the last of his own nanobots to the two pilots. "Take them and go."
"You sure about it?"
"I'm sure, go!" He quickly switched to another target, and flipped his communication channels to open comms. "Whats harder to kill, a ship with full nanobots or one that's empty?" A smile grew across his face as he read Hiroito reply back, "In this case, one with full supplies."
"You lads might want to scan me." Shortly after he could hear his shields absorbing Kusarian weapon fire. "Shield Failure" the computer screamed at him as he pulled out of the majority of the fighting.
He glanced back towards his scanners and noticed the two pilots were still in range, "Lads...pull back." Silence settled on the communications once more, "Lads...pull back!"
"Ye sure Austin?"
"Yes I'm sure."
"Right, go with honor mate."
"They lack that.
"Kill them all"
Austin could see Ian grinning as the video feed ended, Austin smiled lightly as he pulled his shield around and slamming the thruster forwards, targeting Hiroito's ship. Suddenly the communications crackled alive. "Are you trying to be a hero?" It was Hiroito, using open communications.
"I am a hero." He replied back, "One who plans to die here."
Hiroito replied back, "This is just a foolish attempt to make us look bad. Besides, a true hero would have kept working for his army, like I have. Now I find you out of uniform. A Hero? No, you're a coward."
Austin took in a deep breath, "I serve the Queen. Only the Queen. I will die for her." Hiroito laughed into his communications, "Please, old speech. You said the same lies back then."
Another communications pinged in, "Spare your speeches and die Bretonian!"
Minutes later, there was an explosion, and the scenery changed once more.
"Ensign Gregory Edwards."
It was a rather cool day on Leeds. Four men, lined up in a single file line held Assault Rifles, wearing Military Police uniforms. Standing, tied to a pole not to far was Ensign Gregory Edwards, a pilot that flew with Austin for a short time.
"You have been tried and found guilty on the following accounts, Munity, Murder, Theft of Military Ships and Hardware, Communicating with the enemy and furnishing supplies to both the Corsairs and Kusari." The man paused. "Any last words?"
Gregory stayed quiet. Though he was staring directly at Austin, who was wearing his Armed Forces uniform.
"No last words?" The man said looking over at the firing squad. "Ensign Edwards, as you've been found guilty of betraying Her Majesty, and your fellow pilots. You shall be put to death by firing squad. Ready."
The firing squad cocked their rifles.
"Aim."
They raised their rifles to their shoulders and took aim.
The man calling the action walked over holding a piece of chulk and drew an 'X' on Gregory's uniform, backing out of the way. Once he was clear he stood at attention, looking at the firing squad.
"Fire." He said, a loud burst of rounds shot out, the bullets rippled through the air striking Gregory in the 'X' killing him.
***
A man walked out of the bathroom, sliding a concealed pistol into the back of his pants. He slowly started his way down towards the desk of the medical ward. Upon reaching the desk, he smiled and leaned forwards. "Good day ma'am, I'm here to see Austin Goodman. I'm his father."
The nurse looked up, and gave a small smile back. "Oh? Well, he's still out from the last check up, please wait here and I'll go see if he's awake yet." The nurse pushed herself up and started away from the desk she was sitting at towards a doctor. She whispered something to him and he nodded. Then she started off towards a room, and went inside. Ten minutes passed by before she came back out, smiling, and walking over towards the doctor.
"Doctor, his vitals are showing activity consistent with dreaming, and on the verge of waking up, shall I send his guest in?"
"Go ahead and send his guest in."
"Aye, sir."
The nurse turned and walked quickly over to the man. "Well, Mister Goodman, you can see your son now. It's been cleared by the doctor. He should be waking up soon. His room is just down the hall and it's the room on the right. Please be aware that he has suffered some head injury and might have lost some memory."
The man nodded lightly and smiled, "Thank you."
The door opened, and a man wearing civilian clothing entered and pulled up a chair next to the bed, and sat down. Austin, on the other hand, opened his eyes slowly, and blinked, trying to clear his vision up. He started breathing heavily as the blinding white light began filling his eyes. "W-where am I?" He managed to mumble in a raspy voice.
"Derby's medical ward." The man said, smiling lightly as Austin turned his head towards the man. "Father?" He closed his eyes and shook his head, then opened his eyes back up and stared at the man, a minute passed as his eyes finally focused in. The man was smiling, and gave a nod. "I'm here son." He smiled lightly, and stood up. The mans hand went behind his back and pulled out a small pistol, which was already cocked. "Everything will be alright."
The man kept his smile and pulled the pistol out into view, aiming it at Austin. "Everything..will be alright." He repeated, slowly easing his finger down on the trigger.
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 11-19-2010
Battleship Derby -- Medical Ward
ERROR LOG CORRUPT -- ERROR LOG CORRUPT
The door was pushed open and another man stepped into the room, holding a rifle to his shoulder. "Drop the pistol now." He shouted, the man aiming the pistol at Austin looked over and saw the armed guard.
"Do anything stupid and Mister Goodman dies."
"Lad, you won't make it off this ship alive if you shoot that man."
"Watch me." The man smiled and turned his head back towards Austin, "Good Night Mister..."
A shot range out, hitting the man in the side of his head, blood splattered on the opposite wall, his corpse collapsed where he was standing. The Guard moved into the room, followed by two more and a nurse. The Nurse quickly moved over to Austin and began checking on him. "Sirs, he's fine."
One of the guards nodded, "Let's get a body bag and clear this body out of here. I want a guard on outside Austin's door. No one is allowed in and out unless they have a medical identification card, or an Armed Forces clearance."
"What's going on?" Austin mumbled, looking over towards the nurse, who pulled a needle out from the IV. His vision started going in and out, shortly everything was dark once more. He heard voices in the distance, "Find out who the hell that guy was, I want a report forwarded to the DIS."
"Aye, Sir."
***
He stood there in the docking bay staring at a child standing next to his Templar, his vision began to dull. "Hey, kid..it's not safe to be out here." He shouted, beginning to move towards the kid. He suddenly stopped, the kid had disappeared, the hangar he was in, vanished. His Templar was all that remained, yet after a minute passed, that disappeared.
Darkness was all that surrounded him down, the rhythmic pattern of water slowly dripping was heard in the distance, the air itself chilly to the bone. "The hell?" Cautiously he spoke out loud. Taking a few steps forwards and hearing his voice as well as his feet hitting the ground echo.
Upon his last step he stopped and turned around, seeing movement pass him. "Whoever's out there, I suggest you stop playing games." His voice echoing. He took a step back as something charged at him from his front, he stumbled backwards, ultimately falling backwards.
An image of a man appeared, the rest of his face was dark, but Austin could see the smirk, the grin, on the mans face as a pistol was raised...then, everything went silent.
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 01-02-2011
Planet Cambridge -- Space port, Shopping District
He wandered around aimlessly, for what seemed to be like an couple of hours.
Without much success, one should mention. The glances and disgusted stares were still apparent, everywhere he went. Even on his home planet. His wandering lead him to a random bench, upon which he decided to sit down on, letting out a rather heavy sigh.
He looked up to see a couple of uniformed officers making their way out towards the nearby beach, both were female and laughing it up, a third uniformed officer was quickly running their way shouting for the two to wait. Obviously the three were ensigns on shore leave. He continued to watch the three until they disappeared out of view.
To him, there seemed nothing left. No adventure. Nothing but the quiet surroundings of his home, and maybe the occasional firefight against hostile forces while aiding the Armed Forces. He leaned back, and took in a deep breath, closing his eyes and began to remember the older days of serving in the Armed Forces, the day he was known to Bretonia as a hero who saved the Prime Minister, and even that was without trouble and disobeying orders.
A small smirk crossed his lips, remembering that very day. He had ignored directed orders to return home with an escort delegation, and had instead stayed with the Prime Minister's ship, as the Prime Minister himself allowed him to. The following morning without much escort the Prime Minister's ship left Manhattan, and started it's journey home when it was ambushed in New London along the Kensignton - Manchester gate lane. At the time, he was only an ensign and flew a newer class of the Paladin, ones that were known to have problems. Of course it didn't stop him from foiling the attempted assassination attempt. A day that made him a hero, a day that should have never of happened.
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 01-17-2011
"Millions of our enemies will fall."
Lilith LaCroix, 819 AS.
Lilith LaCroix, 819 AS.
Orkney - 819 AS
Actual Events have been depicted in the GRN/BAF/KNF Event.
"Blue Squad, sound off."
"Blue Two here."
"Blue Tree, ready and waiting for instructions."
"Blue Four, Ready Goodman."
"Blue Five, Systems are a go."
"Admiral, Blue squad is a go. We're reading multiple Kusari hostiles inbound to the fleet. My wing is moving into position to intercept all incoming hostile fighters."
"Copy that Austin. All wings, prepare to combat, break their advance!"
"Blue Squad, weapons free, follow my lead."
He pushed the throttle forwards and the Templar roared to life, quickly pushing forwards the thruster as well. The scene was chaotic from the beginning. Multiple Kusari capital ships, and fighters had began pouring out of a nearby asteroid field, it was an ambush. The Bretonian Fleet was thinned out from the beginning, and had managed to get away from the slaughter within the Tau's for a brief second. Apparently a spy was caught, or rather a Bretonian turncoat, on board the Regina, and attempted to assassinate the commanding officer, Percy Nelles, the assassination attempt failed, from what he had heard, but not without it's causalities.
Now, it seemed the two fleets were facing off in open space. A crippled Bretonian Fleet, and a fresh Kusari Fleet, and the Kusarians weren't going to give an inch to the wounded Bretonians. It wasn't in their code of honor, everyone knew this. The chances of survival were slim to none. He had only seconds to glance around, to his right he spotted Commander John Clay's wing, Red Squadron. They were former wing mates back when Austin served and wore the uniform, probably the only other friend he had now. Aleski had disappeared, and Rockwell, well, Rockwell was assumed to be dead again. He guessed he could call Blair a friend, but the two never really seemed to get a long, or it was the nearly drunken mans way of being a friend, he wouldn't know. He didn't particularly care at this point in time.
Slowly looking left, he spotted the other two wings. Green Squadron, and Orange Squadron, both lead by capable pilots, both who also flew with Austin. Snapping back to reality, he looked across his HUD, attempting to find a quick kill, which wouldn't be as possible considering this was probably the Shogun's fleet, highly trained, extremely deadly warriors and pilots. He'd heard rumor that Hajime Hiroto might be on the field, but he alone wouldn't be an easy kill. He smirked at the thought of finding the man and having a dog fight. Two ace pilots attempting to take each other down in the middle of a fur ball. Problem was, all these ships looked the same, "Blue Squad, sending targeting information. Let's get him boys." He said lightly as he manually selected a stray Kusari vessel attempting to flank the incoming formation. Acknowledgements came across the communication channels, along with the other Squadron's targets.
Within minutes, the two sides collided, fighters clashing against each other, and the Bretonian fleet beginning long range bombardments on the Kusari capital ships, which kept pushing forwards. Like a snowball rolling down a large hill, the fur ball got bigger and bigger as fighter wings joined the fray, it was only a couple of minutes before the first Bretonian fighter was down, static came over the communications, and it sounded as if the kid attempted to scream for help. He didn't know, it was another faceless soldier who died in a futile attempt to protect the Queen. The lad probably joined the Armed Forces for the adventure, as Austin had two years ago, before that adventure took him to unknown territory, now a Templar laid scattered and torn to bits, across the field. It was a thought that struck every pilot, but no one faltered. A war was to be won, if not here, than in the future.
He glanced over in the midst of the chaos, catching barely the glint of something flying towards the starboard side of his own vessel, taking an estimated guess, whatever was out there was moving in towards the fray, and it wasn't alone. It had disappeared behind a massive Dunkirk that had seemed to stray towards the fighter swarm. His eyes widened as the Dunkirk began exploding. He caught a familiar ship drifting towards the exploding Dunkirk, who was probably unaware of what was about to happen. "Ensign, you're drifting too long. Theres a damn Dunkirk about to explode..get out of there." Static was fed back to him as his own HUD went dark.
Multiple ships across the board seemed to have the same problem, including the Ensign's ship, which slammed into the exploding Dunkirk, getting caught in the secondary explosion, which probably killed the poor man. Austin scrambled his hands across the cockpit attempting to bring the systems online, or at least some control. A loud clank resonated through the hull of his ship. Something had slammed into him, which knocked his own ship out of it's original trajectory. "Damn it." He cursed out loud, "Come on...damn systems. Come on!"
Looking back up he could see a spark from one of the nearby ships, and it's own cockpit lighting up. Sadly it was a friendly, though it gave him a little bit of hope, just as his own internal sensors began to function. Quickly he brought his targeting HUD back up, scrambling to get his ship back to working conditions, "Blue Squad, if you get this transmission reform on me. ASAP."
Chaos began to consume the comm channels, and the Admiral was trying his hardest to get the pilots back in order. To his starboard side, again, he caught multiple more glints. Another Kusari fleet? He thought, though his thought process was quickly interrupted when his ship's computer screamed at him.
"Shield Failure!"
He swung his ship into a hard roll to the left and dived down, a Bretonian destroyer was making an artillery pass at this point and he yanked the stick all the way back pulling up hard. The Kusari pursuer copied the exact maneuver that he just pulled, "I'm being tailed, someone shake it off me."
"Copy that, Sir. Going in." A voice cracked over. For what seemed like an hour, was only a couple of minutes as the Kusari ship broke off from the dog fight, seeking another target. Austin took in a quick breath and slammed the throttle forwards once more, pulling the stick to the right and back. Targeting data streamed across the HUD, and he took aim. Unleashing a burst of Tachyon into the target, which exploded. He smiled thinking he downed the ship, but as his own vessel began passing through the debris, his smile quickly disappeared as he sharply pulled the stick to a hard right, avoiding a near collision with another Templar. "Oi! Who the hell was that!" A familiar voice came over the radio. Austin laughed lightly, "Seems that makes you an ace today, Clay. Nearly took me out as well. Let's avoid doing that again."
"Ah, Austin, blasted bugger. Get your own damn target!" The man replied, laughing as well, but his laugh was cut short and he called out another target for his Squadron.
The channels roared to life again, "Frak. Uhm...Admiral we have unknown vessels on scanners. Port side!"
Austin hesitated a glance, found nothing, then looked out towards Starboard. The vessels were closing in, slowly now but more noticeably. "The hell?" He mumbled, everything seemed to stop in that short, short moment. A massive fleet, he had to estimate of at least eighteen capital ships, and dozens of smaller crafts of an unknown make flying in a perfect military formation, heading straight towards both the Kusari and Bretonian fleets.
He swung his ship towards the unknown ships as one of the ships began transmitting. "Enemies of his majesty, hear me. You have come here to die."
Without thinking, Austin shouted over the communication, "Blue Squad! Reform! New targets inbound. Disregard the Kusarians! Charge!" He slammed the throttle forwards again. Flying towards the unknown fleet. Orders were barked between the Admirals and Captains of the Bretonian capital ships, who started to move their ships back into formation. The last remaining Kusari capital ships seemed to fall in as well. "Red Squad! Charge!" Clay had shouted, following shortly after Austin's own call.
"For his majesty, King Charles XI, who is our Sovereign! Engage and destroy all enemy ships!"
The chaos ensued once more, with a mightier fleet on the field. Enemy fighters began to over-whelm the weary Kusarian and Bretonian pilots, mighty capital ships began to drive a splinter formation into the holding line of Dunkirks and Kusari battleships, driving a wedge between the two. Heavy fighting became a bloodbath within a few minutes as this new enemy slaughtered and drove through the outclassed Dunkirks.
Austin only caught a glimpse of a Dunkirk being torn in half, it was the Regina. That small glimpse, took him completely off guard as the Regina began to have secondary explosions. His jaw slowly dropped, realizing what had just happened. The Flagship, with Admiral Percy Nelles, was just destroyed. A surge of anger and fear washed over him, orders to pull back to Tau-23 were being given. His squad seemed to be the last one that was making its way to the jumphole, without him.
"Warning, hull breech eminent." His computer screeched. He snapped back into reality seeing red flashes from his console lighting up across the board, there was a loud pop as something was torn off, one of his thrusters. "Damn it...damn it!" he shouted, his hand reached for the ejection lever. Pulling it back hard, he was slammed into the back of his seat as part of the cockpit was ejected into space.
The last image he saw before passing out was of his own Templar exploding. The force of the explosion, and the acceleration of the cockpit speeding out of the ship itself, caused a massive amount of pressure that pushed against him. As quickly as it all had happened, he began to fade out.
"Alone, I saw the death of the world."
Lieutenant Edwin Goddard, Lone survivor of the HMS Regina.
Lieutenant Edwin Goddard, Lone survivor of the HMS Regina.
To a brighter future? - Wolfs Ghost - 07-19-2012
Goodman Ranch, Planet Cambridge, Cambridge System
"You know it's bad when you find out that someone isn't who they say they are, and then make the mistake of sleeping with them, actually expecting more from the relationship, but getting blown off completely. Even if you're there trying to help. Thankfully two people can play the lying game, and I feel I won't be seeing the last of Nancy "Sangria" Sweetwater. The question is, do I look the other way like I've done in the past with so many women and betray my country? Or do I stand and fight? Time will tell...
On the other hand, it's good to see that Kiriko Hidamari has been learning English, and has even improved over the years since when I first met her. I'd hate to admit it, but the lass is like a younger sister to me. Anyways, I need to make sure no one finds this log, and... uh... see about getting my wrists fixed." -- Ship Log 040, Austin Goodman
On the other hand, it's good to see that Kiriko Hidamari has been learning English, and has even improved over the years since when I first met her. I'd hate to admit it, but the lass is like a younger sister to me. Anyways, I need to make sure no one finds this log, and... uh... see about getting my wrists fixed." -- Ship Log 040, Austin Goodman
Austin sighed lightly, slowly unwrapping the bandage that was neatly applied around his right wrist, taking note of the blood that had started showing through even more than when it was first bandaged, not exactly a good sign as far as he was concerned. He grit his teeth as he started pulling hair that was mixed with dried blood, looking at his wrist as it was caked.
All he knew was that his doctor wasn't going to be pleased to see him, and was most likely going to ask what exactly happened. Which, the only thing left to do was apply a fresh pair of bandages so his doctor doesn't ask how long it's been since he's gotten medical treatment and that task was going to be a pain for him. But he accepted it with open arms.
Making his way from the couch into the nearby kitchen, Austin slowly pulled open the drawer, looking for the roll of gauze he had lying around, the last roll was probably in his ship. The one parked outside of his house as he glared at it from the kitchen window. "To far away... need to find something here... come on think." He said aloud, as if speaking to someone even though no one was actually around.
"So, Mister Goodman, first off long time no see, secondly, how did this happen? You didn't get into a fight with Corsairs again did you?" He said, outloud wandering around his house as if trying to figure out the right story he wanted to say to the doctor once he got there.
"Well, you see Carla, I was on a top secret mission to acquire intelligence on classified sources, and... I was almost captured. My own handcuffs were used against me, but thankfully I managed to put the fact that I was powerless in the back of my mind and actually remembered that Bretonian handcuffs have a weak spot near the center, and if you pulled hard enough... pop." Of course, the story he was telling himself wasn't exactly a complete lie. These marks were from handcuffs digging into his skin, and he was almost powerless in the situation he woke up from. He felt it was necessary to... exclude certain information that happened.
Finally, after ten minutes of searching and trying not to tear his house apart, he found what he was looking for, the roll of gauze. Without wasting much time, he peeled off the remaining strap of old bandages, tossing it to the side and started to slowly wrap his left wrist, using his chin to hold the gauze in place before taping it down. The exact same thing followed as he started on his right. It took him a couple of minutes to complete the entire ordeal, leaving just enough time to hunt down his spare PDA, and typing in the number that the Reaver had given him into a local database, finding nothing short but an invalid number. He shouldn't have memorized the number. "Figures." Scrolling to another number on his contacts, and entering it. Only to get an answering machine a few seconds later.
"This is Doctor Carla Wellings, if you are receiving this message, I'm either working, or at home resting from a long day of work. Please leave a message, thank you."
A beep rang in his ear, just as he finished yawning.
"Doctor Wellings, this is Austin Goodman, uh I figured you missed me so I'd like to make an appointment as soon as possible... have some sliced up wrists that I'd like you to work on, and no... it wasn't attempted suicide, so don't call back asking that. Alright, cheerio."
Now, it was just a waiting game, as he had one more thing to do, and that was to make a report on secured comms to the Armed Forces, Police Authority and the Intelligence Service. He called into question his own motives as he approached the small communication center he had set up a long time ago.