The Never-ending Trail

[Neronian]

The Never-ending Trail

Sipher Rockwell was laying back in his Captains chair, just fiddling with a piece of leather peeling off from the seat, when the familiar beeping of the Communications array came on. A few button clicks created a screen of light, with a face to it that Sipher held very dear to him. Ah, Ariana! How have you been doing sweetie? Sipher started to give a nervous chuckle as he tried to explain his absence this time, We had a bit of Trouble, on the way here. We had to stop by the Freeport to get some repairs before we started leaking And then I fell asleep for a bit The story went on and on, as was usually the case during these explanations.
Its fine, really. Can I see you then? That is if youre not too busy writing excuses. Ariana had a certain kind of devilish humor that stabbed at you, but made you enjoy it.
Well, Ill be heading into O-3 Shortly. Want to meet up at the bar on FP-1?
Sounds Good.

For almost all of the times that Sipher and Ariana get together, two things always happen. First, Alcohol is consumed by all, and usually large amounts as well. Second, neither of the two will leave afterwards This time however Ariana had with her an aura of excitement. Moreover, it left Sipher itching to know what it was. It took about an hour or so before she finally spoke up about it.
I was talking with some friends earlier today, and one of them works for OSC, and he said that there is this new cruise, called the Rhodes. It is about to go All Over Sirius! When I asked him about it, he said they still had some tickets left And I was thinking we could go. She was literally frozen waiting for the answer.
A Cruise? Hell, I havent had a vacation in a good long while. My last one didnt work out too well either A brief flashback at being tied up in a shed on top of a mountain sent a chill down his spine for a moment. But Yeah, Im up for a Cruise.
Yay! Its settled then.
It took Sipher by surprise when she jumped onto him, but it was definitely not something Sipher wouldnt approve of.
Here. She said as she handed him an envelope with the security wrapping still attached, This is going to be great! Im going to head out right now and say Thanks! The bouncing of excitement continued.
Send him mine as well! Take care sweetie! After a quick glance, he pocketed the envelope and began walking back to the docking bay. Once there, a thought hit him like a brick. Crap How are they going to let me board a Cruise Liner with a Gunboat? Let alone an Outcast one. MaybeMaybe I can just pick up a Civvy again. Just like the Good Ol Days He continued debating this as he walked up the ramp, and all the way until he got to his position on the Bridge. Men, I have something to tell you. Soon I will be going on business leave across Sirius. However, this requires a deal of preparation, and as I will be traveling with people associated with the Houses, I think you all know how quickly things would get messy if I took the Selethinia. Therefore, I have come to the decision that I will take a normal Civvy ship. This will also take some preparations, and to make things short, effective the moment I step off this ship at Magellan, to the moment I come on in a few weeks time, Enrique will take command of The Selethinia.
Aye Capitan, I will serve you well. The second-in-command was a bright man, and was handpicked by Zechs for it. All hands, Engage cruise engines. Destination is Freeport 4, Magellan System
After that Sipher just headed back to his chambers, Enrique could handle basic navigation in his sleep. There he packed up a few things into a bag: Wallet, Flask, Pistol, and a few other things of sentimental value. He went to the desk and keyed it open, then began to search for any information about this cruise. The Rhodes Basic information Ticketing Travel Ma- Ahah. Yeah, theres no way I could pull off bringing this thing to an International Cruise Once he was satisfied, he keyed the desk closed, the last time for a while. He jumped onto his bed and just let himself relax. Half an hour went by without him even noticing, and then he got back up and started arranging with whichever contacts available for a ship purchase

Ah, Rockwell was it? We have your ship right in station, if youll just sign these papers well have you flying out of here in no time.
Of course. Sipher barely even glanced at what he was signing, Money had long been absent as an issue of daily life. Mostly because a normal citizen would consider Daily life for Sipher Rockwell insane Between Hunting down Nomad-infested Wilde, to Breaking an Armed Forces pilot out of a Kusarian Jail, things were not ordinary with him There you go. As he snatched the keys from the man and started walking towards the bay, he gave a wave and said, Thanks Again!
After a quick inspection, the heavily armored fighter was not what Sipher expected as a Normal Civvy Ship, But it was available and it was cheap, and it worked. Alright then Enrique, I trust youll take good care of yourself! He shouted down towards the man hanging out of the airlock.
And you too Capitan! Safe Travels! And with that, he disappeared back into the colossal mass of metal.
Well Here we go And now, all alone again, he began tinkering with his new toy.

74 Hours Later. Tau-29 System.
New Contacts Capitan! Four... No, Six Fighter-Sized ships! Im getting Bomber readings on two of them! Naval Forces Design Sir! Another blast jarred the ship We lost Battery Five!
The man on the Commanders chair was not the usual one, but retained a manner of calmness almost exact to the seats previous owner. Cut the conduit to Battery Five; Engage temporary Reroute circuits to the Third battery. Overload the Cells and shoot a charge right between Hostile Nine and Hostile Seven.
Aye Capitan The gunners hands moved with lightning speed, and the eyes were glued to the Gun-Cam as the barrel glowed Red-hot and released a fluxing burst of energy, exploding right between two Hostiles, causing chain reactions in both. Direct Hit. Hostiles Nine and Seven have gone silent. However, Battery Threes barrel has melted down below safe levels. Any other shots wouldnt leave and would inflict collateral damage.
Understood. Cut all power to Battery 3 and reroute to the Shield Generator. Push it to 5% beyond Capacity.
Aye Sir.
Capitan! Ive finished decrypting the message that was sent out earlier, I dont speak Kusarian, but a rough translation would be; There is the Rockwell Ship. Permission Cleared. Time of Vengeance for Shikoku. All Guns Open. Over and Out. Sir?
The anxiety of the crew was tangible through the bridge. The enemy had come out of nowhere, and had come too fast. They had first come with only two squads, the heaviest vessel of only HF class. Then the Bombers came 3 Squads, consisting of a Bomber and two Escorts, came down upon The Selethinia, yelling in their native tongue. So far, three of the ships eight Gun batteries were inoperable, Shields were down to 28%, and the ships generators were on the brink of collapse.
The acting Captain brushed off this new development and brought up the intercom and in a familiarly calm tone said, Gentlemen, It has been a good stand, but our time here is up. Emergency Command 57 Is now in Effect. All non-essential crewmembers are ordered to abandon ship. I repeat, All non-essential crewmembers, Abandon Ship. The rest of ya Report to the bridge immediately. He turned off the intercom and aimed his words towards the Chief Engineer, Reroute as much power as you can to the Shields without it exploding in the next 15 minutes. I dont care where you take it from, just do it. Once again, his head shifted with dead seriousness to the Gunner, Manuel, Fire off rounds on random intervals at 7 in front of Hostiles.
Aye. Done, What now Capitan?
Excellent, all you who remain, Follow me. With a swift gesture and a quick pace the remaining crew of 4 ran down to the cargo bay, where they pried off a piece of fake hull and entered a code into the opened keypad, thereby revealing a Nuke to shame most so called Terrorists. Who has the wiring? Good, Place it on these positions, and strip the ends Excellent. He took the wiring that was now connected to the ships central conduit, and attached it to the detonator in his hand. Good work. Its been a pleasure killing Cannibals with you all. Now, Get out of here, before you regret it. After about a minute of no one moving an inch, a contagious smirk grew on the men. You make me proud Now lets show these Kusarian bastards not to mess with our Captain or the Maltese People A roaring applause was heard, and was silenced by the sound of wrenching metal as the explosion of radioactive particles engulfed and destroyed everything within a few kilometers

The news of a nuclear blast in the Taus, to which the Bretonian government points to Kusari, and the Kusarian keeps deadly silent about, didnt reach Sipher until a few days later. But when it did It hit hard.
The sound of pounded metal had been ringing throughout the hangar for about 10 minutes now, and it didnt look like itll stop anytime soon.
Why?! Why Did You Use It?! Another boom of metal crunching, with the subtle drops of blood hitting the steel floor. I know you couldve made it out! WHY DID YOU USE THE BLOODY NUKE?! This time the fist limply fell to his side after another smack on the blood-soaked hull. The weary and troubled man feel to his knees, heavily breathing, men watching the incident started calling for Doctors, and once there Sipher had no energy to fight against their probing hands. All there was to be heard was the faintest whisper, Im sorry Brother

Sipher awoke, and hadnt the energy to move much yet, but he saw the Unfamiliar Ceiling, and immediately arose to examine his surroundings. The hospital had the typical Everything-White color scheme, and the typical equipment, but there was an aire of the unknown about him, and he just couldnt put his finger on it. His right hand was wrapped in an antibiotic sleeve, wrapped in bandages. Sipher drew a blank on the entire incident, and spent the time until the doctor came in wondering about all the different things that mightve happened.
I see youre awake. You did quite a number on that hand of yours. But nothing too serious Your chart says youve had four bullets in that arm of yours..? Im surprised I havent seen you before. Anyways, Ill write you a prescription for some Painkillers. The doctor started removing the bandages and the sleeve and put on a professionally sarcastic smile. Please do Come Again.
A sigh left his mouth as he got up from the bed and regained his composure. Sure thing Doc. Dressed and looking his self again, Sipher left the Hospital. He spent the next few hours just pacing, rationally thinking his next move this time instead of just punching things Enrique If only I could know why The Kusarians. They wouldve had to send out four or five squads of their finest to make them do what they did But whyDoes it really matter though? The fact is theyre dead, all of them, and my Brothers spirit with them No Not his spirit. His work All that ship was was his work! As long as I keep him with my thoughts, His spirit cannot die, it WILL NOT die. But I cant just let this carry on like this. Something must be done. What can be done? My old self would have every chance in the world to take it to the Kusarians Yet not anymore. AWOL. I left the service in the middle of a war, just to settle my own selfish thoughts. If only that could be forgivenHow? How to forgive a crime equal to treason? Inside. I need someone from inside. Goodmen? No. Not Goodmen. Goodmen is hanging by a thread with Bretonia, and is acting all Lone Wolf style. Who Else? Ashley? No, she doesnt trust me one bit. WHO? Hobart. Ill talk to Hobart, The recently promoted Captain. Maybe He can help. Of course, He can help. He Will Help

Yes. May I speak to Captain James Hobart, of the Armed Forces? No? Hes not available I see. May I get his address? Of course you can tell me! Im his new trainee, Ensign Rockwell. Thank You. Goodbye. A beep of the com and Rockwell was off. Hobart Here I come.
It took close to an hour to find the place, but find it Sipher did. He casually got out of the car and went up to the door A couple knocks No response. Try again Still, no response. Sipher rolled his eyes as he slipped his hands into his pockets and faked looking at a bird in a tree while he pulled out a rod of metal attached to a battery. He slid it into the keyhole and flipped a switch as the rod started to glow red-hot and expand. A turn of the rod opened the door with a perfect fit. That worked even better than on paper

---

"The pen is mightier than the sword." -Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons." -General Douglas MacArthur

[Banza]

Next day, battleship Suffolk, New London system.

-Good day. I would like to speak with Sir Nelson. Is he in office?-

-Please hold on captain, Fleet Admiral is quite busy man this days.-

-Oh well. I will wait here then. I also got rather important subject that needs to be mention to Sir. Essex is running low on eggs supplys. Some of pilots are rather unhappy.-

-Yes...-

-Did you know that Mollys are...-

-Please captain. I have work to do here.-

-Alright. I wont cause you any problems then. I will be waiting here, in quiet.-

[pbrione]

Battleship Suffolk, New London System

Commodore Andrew Moore looked up from his desk in the Suffolk Staff Command Room.

"The Fleet Admiral will see you now Captain."

Captain Hobart picked up his officer's hat and, holding it smartly to his chest, marched down the corridor through a door into a large office, saluting sharply upon entering. Sir Stanley, still using his old office on the Suffolk whilst the Harlow was refitted, glanced up at the waiting Captain.

"Captain Hobart. What can I do for you?"

"Well Sir, I have... a favour to ask of you sir."

"Indeed? Go on..."

---

Sir Stanley Nelson




<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>

[Banza]

Hobart stood there for a few moments, checking out Admiral's office.

-Nice colors sir. What a perfect sense for colors actually. You know sir, you could be artist. I love your office. I really do.-

Few moments of silence.

-Well.- Hobart continue -This aint easy sir. And it is fair complex story. And a long one too.
I will try to keep it simple and short. After all, you are quite busy Sir this days.
I need to talk you about Ensign Sipher Rockwell, Bretonia Armed Force officer. Or he used to be one.
Anyways. Kind of Goodmen type of bug. Very big mouth one. And very good pilot.
So, Sipher Rockwell joined our ranks some half year ago, before fall of upper Leeds to Kusari hands.
He served well in our ranks, but eh. Here is that complex part of story.
He was, shall we say, forced to leave Armed Force. Becouse of, family matters. Very important family matters. Sometimes we just cant ignore those who we call our close family members, can we Sir?

He was, er missing from duty, few weeks. Two months at most! But, yesterday, I finaly saw him again. At Essex bar, Dublin system.
He told me sad story, why he had to leave our ranks, in order to deal with family matters.
It was really touching one.

Reason, why I am here, speaking about that fella is... Well, leaving millitary ranks while at war, was never fine thing to do. He thought, he might have problems with he reapply in recruitment office. Act of desertion. Silly things if you ask me Sir. Did I mention how good pilot is he, Sir? I once saw him shooting off wings from Chimy.-

Hobart stop for few moments to catch air.

-Really Sir, you have 'that' sense for colors. Did you ever try to paint Sir?-

[pbrione]

Nelson gave the Captain a hard stare. He knew the officer too well to be fooled by his evasive remarks. Suddenly, Nelson stood up, turned and stood with his back to Hobart, looking at a photograph on the wall behind him. It was a picture of Nelson himself in the uniform of the Queen Carina's Regulars, receiving his first officer's commission from one Captain Isaac Brock the day he began active service. Nelson was silent for a few moments before speaking.

"We were all young and reckless once Captain, even I. I remember the day I received my first commission, I was so confused as to address Captain Brock as General." He smiled briefly, before continuing, "he was an excellent officer. A fighter ace, like young Rockwell. No doubt would have beaten me to my job were he still alive." Nelson turned from the photograph to look Hobart in the eye, "Killed. In action against corsairs, his wife died when Stokes fell. We lose too many good officers every day Captain. Logistics are constantly sending me reports telling me we lose far more fighters than we do pilots, that it is the ship shortage, not manpower, that is holding us back, but they're wrong. We may have enough men and women to fly all our ships with plenty to spare, but truly good officers, those who we need to form the backbone of our forces, are few and far between. Promotions are rapid for those who are qualified, you know this yourself from experience." He glanced briefly back at the photograph of himself and Brock, "We lose good officers every day. I'm not about to throw another one away."

He sat down behind his desk and brought up Rockwell's file on his computer.

"Reckless? Perhaps. But bold. We need more officers prepared to take risks against the Kusari if we are ever to win this war, our defensive strategy has proven far too costly. He's listed as 2 months AWOL." Nelson paused, looking stern, "Family visits require leaves of absence, Captain, which require permission. Rockwell must know this. As he didn't ask for permission, he can't possibly have been visiting family. This record therefore must be inaccurate. Instead he must have been missing, presumably injured or captured in the line of duty for 2 months and has miraculously returned to us alive. I shall correct the record; 2 months AWOL replaced with 2 months MIA. I shall assume he has already been debriefed on his actions during those months by yourself, so he can return to active duty immediately. Transferred to...."

Nelson paused for a moment and Hobart, trying to catch up with what was being said, tentatively said "York Fleet?"

Nelson smiled "Quite. Transferred to York Fleet. And a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, which I'm sure is overdue judging by service records. You have your officer Hobart. Make sure you keep an eye on him - we may all have been reckless once, but those that stay that way rarely survive for long."

"Indeed sir! Thank you sir!" Hobart saluted the Fleet Admiral and made to leave the office.

"One more thing Captain" Nelson called after him.

"Sir?" asked Hobart, pausing.

"Tell him that he's lucky the Fleet Admiral believes in second chances. But I don't believe in third ones. Next time, he would be shot, understood?"

"Yes sir." Nodded Hobart, before quickly turning out of the room and hurrying back down the corridor, glad to have survived the meeting without suffering the misfortune of a transfer to the MacDuff Fleet.

---

Sir Stanley Nelson




<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>