The majority of events to transpire with the Umbra and her crew across the past four months will forever remain off the record. For a while, they were designated as the deserters from the Core - an element which expended Liberty's trust and interests. In the end, the process was something more than simple bureaucracy. Liberty Security Force wanted to ensure that the people they were about to bring into their home could be trusted, that they wouldn't desert from Liberty as easily as they did from the Core. And there was no proof better than time and constant surveillance.
Houston was a temporary household for the Umbra's crew, where the ever vigilant gaze of LSF and local law enforcers and collaborators was constant. The bottom line of poverty was a change of contrast, but it was to be expected. In the first two months, Jeff's crew had limited access to freedom. They wouldn't be escorted by LSF officers on public or in person, yet widely spread security and surveillance systems monitored their every step. They also couldn't leave their designated region, let alone the planet itself. Jeff had personal doubts for the first two weeks. Was he doing the right thing? Would Liberty really accept them as not mere refugees, but servicemen to its interests? Him and the rest of the crew knew that this was only a matter of time.
Most of his crew retained their "devil may care" approach. They trusted Jeff for him to lead them, but ever since they got grounded, most of them found something to keep themselves busy.
Gramps wasn't too keen on staying on his home planet, he joined the Core for this very reason. However, he found himself to be a prodigal technician. A new purpose, albeit temporary, found him swiftly. Houston needed power plant technicians that weren't inmates working their time. It required professionals who know their job well. Gramps would once again find himself spending day and night among the gull of technology, with some of his coworkers reporting directly to LSF about his routines without his own awareness.
Andrei abandoned his callsign, which might've sounded more impressive in the Omicrons, but in Liberty it was a mark of inferiority. His original name, Andrew Wolf, albeit more blunt than Andrei Volkov, swiftly rung a lot of bells. His old friends from his Police days were still alive and in active service. Hiding his true purpose to be back in Liberty was a complicated task. Some of his friends already knew why he "returned", some of them were tasked with watching over him. However, big gatherings at local bars accompanied by rackets of laughter and alcohol would never be thwarted by something so trivial.
Of all places, Houston had, perhaps, the biggest demand in medical specialists. Brian's skills were highly sought after. Keeping unlawful elements in check was no simple task, not with how organized the crime was in Liberty. Shuttles full of injured police officers and bounty hunters would come and go every minute. Most of the time, he wouldn't receive any payment for his job. But every life he saved counted as a victory in his book.
The Umbra was towed to Juneau Shipyards and remained moored ever since. Jeff's last orders to Luma were to be as cooperative as possible. This cooperation went past any possible "moral" discussions with an AI and was more focused on the technical side of things. Umbra's file, albeit outdated, was the most substantial element of this venture, containing all the vital technical information about the ship and her crew. Project "Umbra", a prototype cloaking array - cancelled, as it was deemed as an expense of resources, - was the subject of interest for some engineers on Juneau.
For months, Umbra was thoroughly investigated, examined and refitted by both LSF and Juneau personnel. Due to Luma's cooperation, obtaining data on Umbra's internal circuitry was no challenge. Her expertise was crucial during the replacement of power arrays in order to make them compatible with Liberty tech. For a deserter ship, she was kept in a prestigious shape by her crew. The only obstacle was a rather unique material for spare components, which would prove to be difficult to obtain. Although, in Sirius, with sufficient funds and correct contacts, anything could be obtained. Jeff had plenty of both.
With the second month of their confinement, some positive news reached Jeff and his men. Their samaritan actions, albeit still raising a few sceptic eyebrows, proved their dedication to serve Liberty's public. Yet there was another question that remained unanswered - were they ready to protect?
Any purpose that was given to them by Houston, they had to abandon it. Before them was the process of reevaluation and requalification.
They spent the majority of their coming months at West Point. Beginner training service was redundant, all of them already served in the military of their respectful houses. Yet they had to prove their names as professionals of their crafts.
During his reevaluation, time and time again, Jeff proved himself to be an excellent tactician. His methods of solving strategic tasks were found quite unorthodox, yet creative and effective. His quick analysis of battlefield situation, of crewmen and their capabilities, as well as his overall humble professional behavior, earned him a lot of respect within the Navy. By no means was he an officer who would do the job by the book, but he would see it done right.
Umbra's Communications officer, however, was not without issues. Markus had a lot of problems with authority. The only person at the beginning and the end of his chain of command was he and him alone. However, each time he was administered to disciplinary action, he took it with a big smile on his face. Nothing could change his tenacious narcissism, but his knowledge of IFF signatures and communication arrays was irreplaceable.
Wolf's impressive talents as an artillerist quickly earned him a small fame, so much so that he was approached by some other captains who would offer him to join their crew, to have his reevaluation complete within days rather than months. But his loyalty was just as true. He would persevere through the reevaluation alongside his brothers in arms, even though every man in the Navy was now his brother, none were as close as the crew of the Umbra.
Daisaku's abilities in Close-Quarters Combat were instantly noticed by West Point's combat instructors. Some found his quiet demeanor frightening, some were impressed by it. However, one question about him was constant. Why would he choose to be a helmsman? A mystery that always remained and will remain unanswered. Perhaps, he found some semblance of amusement in this. Perhaps, he finds navigation meditative.
The rest of the crew passed their reevaluation without any issues or advances worthy of note. With their temporary ranks of Specialists, they remained at the academy, helping other Navy servicemen on the station as much as they could, whether with their expertise or skills. They were now complete and recognized officers, their past within the Core was almost irrelevant at this point, both for themselves and other Navy personnel.
But it was time for them to reunite with their ship.
All of them were wearing their ceremonial navy outfits. Their ship, painted in Liberty Navy colors and decorated with its emblem, was resting in Norfolk's docks, right in front of their view. Their long journey was coming to an end. Ahead of them was a new chapter. It wasn't evident visually, but on the inside, Jeff trembled with anticipation. Four months away from his ship, three of them spent in constant doubt. Now, she was right there. And he was standing right in front of her, with Liberty Navy uniform on his body. His crew was full of excitement just as he was. Even Dai, albeit there was no sign of change of attitude in him. For a briefest of moments, he allowed himself to reminisce on the events of past months. He couldn't help but feel some semblance of relief. A slight smirk appeared on his face as he observed the Umbra with his arms crossed on his chest.
"Attee-e-e-ention!" Another navy officer in ceremonial clothes, seemingly of a high rank, walked into the hangar, saluting Jeff and his crew. They swiftly formed a line perpendicular to the ship, standing up straight, saluting the officer. "Crew, stand ready to welcome the Fleet Admiral!" The officer positioned himself by the entrance, giving way to the special person. It was his honor to hold this ceremony.
Martin enters the room and salutes the greeting Officer, stood to attention in his dress uniform. Walks over the small stand, adjusts the microphone and looks our to the room. Scanning seeing everyone in their new uniforms, holds his head high and takes a breath.
"Ladies and gentlemen, newly commissioned officers, welcome, formally, to the Liberty Navy. Please, stand easy."
The room relaxes and everyone adopts the at ease position, though, seemingly, still seem quite uptight and nervous.
"I am stood here before you today for many reasons. The first, to congratulate you all. For your hard work and dedication on the trials and tribulations of graduating from West Point Military Academy, something any Officer of the Liberty Navy has undertaken. It's no small feat of accomplishment and what you have all achieved, both as individuals, and together as a cohesive unit. The latter, is credit to your cohesive nature having served the Umbra.
Secondly, I am not ignorant to the fact that you are all here by choice. You were all given time and the opportunity to go elsewhere, yet here you all are. Left your home system, your homes, likely your families, all for a new family. A new life. A fresh start, here, in Liberty. This venture was not undertaken, nor approved lightly. You now bear the ranks and uniform of the Liberty Navy, to which you have already been sworn in during your initial phases of training at West Point. So wear it with pride. Continue to serve the Umbra and your Captain with pride, dedication and with the highest regard of duty, as you once did."
Over the coming days, weeks and months, you will become familiarised with Salt Lake Station. The Fleet Headquarters for the Forty-Sixth Fleet. She will serve as your new home and all intents and purposes, your permanent residence when not otherwise deployed on the Umbra, or assigned elsewhere. You will treat your fellow Officers with the highest level of respect and as your Fleet Admiral, expect the upmost levels of professionalism from each and every one of you at all times. The citizens of Liberty will look to you for protection and expect the very best from you, and you will given them nothing short of your very best.
Once again, well done for everything you have achieved. Welcome to Liberty and the Forty-Sixth Fleet. Captain Asterius, they're all yours. Dismissed".
The Captain turns to Martin, braces up and salutes. The Fleet Admiral cordially returns the salute, turns about and walks out of the room.
The room filled with air of ease once the Fleet Admiral took his leave. The crew wasn't intimidated by his presence or by his speech - it was a rather relieving experience for them all. Acknowledging that their past was finally behind them, that they earned a fresh start without abandoning their promises to each other. Gathered in a tight circle, Markus, along with Wolf and few other members of the crew, headed off to the docking bay, ready to board the ship they were separated from for months. A ship they once thought would never be seen again.
Jeff stood by the observation mirror. All this time, the "real" purpose of his defection revolved around his mind, keeping him awake at night for the first few weeks of his departure from the Omicrons. A purpose he held dearly to his heart. He wasn't doing it because he had a conscience call. He wasn't doing it for charity. He didn't want to join Liberty because they were the only option for their defection. He didn't want to help Liberty out of compassion or sense of duty.
Spite. He was doing it out of spite. To show the Core what happens when they go against an ally so beneficial as Liberty, when they put their own pride and claims above all else. That was Jeff's motivation. A motivation he perfectly masked behind righteousness and regret, for only one man to know about it - Director Anoke. Jeff never questioned what kind of atrocities would they be asked to perform on LSF's command. He didn't care for Liberty. He wanted to fight the Core. And he needed allies more powerful than the Order or Corsairs.
Infiltrating Liberty, no matter how long it would take for them to be sure of his loyalty, was the first step of his plan. Now that he secured himself a position in ranks of Liberty Navy, nothing would stop him if the Core would become an enemy of Liberty. A fact Jeff was most assured of, now that Liberty Officials had his word about the Core's growing ties with the Maltese.
The only thing that remained for him at this given moment, however, is to let the Umbra's original owner know.
video call:
Jeffrey Asterius - to - Tricia Reyes
...> T: Hello?
...> J: Hey, Trix.
...> T: He-e-e-ey, Captain! Long time no see!
...> J: Yeah. You heard it already?
...> T: Of course! I'm the Right-Hand Woman of LPI, I'm -supposed- to know everything!
...> J: Wow. Well, there goes the surprise.
...> T: [chuckle] I still can't believe it happened. You know, I expected for you to get intercepted by the Core on your way out.
...> J: Really? That much faith in me?
...> T: Yeah! Their condition must be really bad if they let you slide like that without them bombarding us with communications about your whereabouts!
...> J: Hah, trust me, I'm shocked myself.
...> T: Oh, I can imagine. [sigh] I never expected to see my precious in Navy colors, let alone Liberty Navy. Never crossed my mind, either.
...> J: Well, she's here now. Soon to be seen right outside your office's window.
...> T: How are you planning to bring an entire battleship into Manhattan's atmosphere?
...> J: I thought "Lucius" was your office.
...> T: A-hah, no. That's just a joy ride. Alright, Jeff, tell me: how are the others doing?
...> J: Others? They're fine. Spike had some issues getting around the Navy protocol and subordination, still does, but not as much.
...> T: Still a thorn in everyone's side, is he?
...> J: Yeah. But he gets around. Wolf is glad to be back in service, it seems. He spends a lot of time chatting with other officers and helping them around.
...> T: Uh, who's Wolf?
...> J: Come on, Trix. Andrei?
...> T: Oh, him! I always thought he was a coalitioner!
...> J: Hah, no. Turns out he served in LPI as an officer, but he left for omegas to work as a merc.
...> T: Wow. He -never- told me.
...> J: It's stated in our ship's file.
...> T: Jeff. You know I -never- got to open -that- file. I'd rather it never existed.
...> J: Right. Always leaving bureaucracy to me.
...> T: Because you're good at it! You have no idea how much paperwork -I- have to deal with! It's awful!
...> J: What next? Gonna hire me as your secretary?
...> T: [chuckles] Thought for food, Captain.
...> J: Yeah, in your dreams, Reyes.
...> T: [amused chuckle] Woah! Got some fire in ya now, huh, hotshot?
...> J: How do you think? Being a commanding officer does that to you!
...> T: Alright, back to others. Tell me about our odd kusarian bird!
...> J: Dai? You won't believe it, but he actually earned himself a small name among CQC instructors.
...> T: Really?
...> J: Yep! they even ask him why he's a helmsman for a battleship and not a field agent.
...> T: And he never answers, does he?
...> J: Negative.
...> T: Mhm, that's the Dai I remember. He'd never tell me, either. Alright, anyone else to talk about?
...> J: Hm... No, I believe that's all I have to say. Gramps is doing better now that he has actual mental help, but he still prefers the engines to anything. Brian hated the whole process, but he gets around.
...> T: Yeah, I remember he hated Liberty.
...> J: Well, he still counts it as working for me, not for them.
...> T: Alright, that's good. He's one of a kind medic, wouldn't want to see him patching up some hobos on the streets of Manhattan for no pay.
...> J: That's what medics do, Trix.
...> T: You know what I mean!
...> J: [chuckles] Yeah, I get you.
...> T: Alright. Thanks for catching up.
...> J: Any time. See you in space soon?
...> T: Ugh, I'd love to. You have no idea how much time I spend in the office. The paperwork never ends.
...> J: Alright. I'll blow some Rogues up for you.
...> T: Alright, big guy! Don't forget to take pictures! Both for me and your higher-ups!
...> J: [chuckles] Sure. Alright, I gotta go. Tell Isla I said "hi".
...> T: I will! Take care!
...> J: See ya, Trix.
video call:
end
His tablet blared before turning off. No matter his false motives, seeing Tricia so happy was a moment he would treasure till the end of his life and beyond. However, the time of this brief vacation was running short. Soon, he will have to do his duty. He took the last view of his battleship, knowing full well that, for the upcoming future, he will not get to see it from the outside.
As he left the observation deck, this chapter of his life was coming to a close. A new one eagerly awaited to be written.