Transmission to: Joshua Ashfield

[Sonja]

Transmission; Start
Identification: Agent Christina Robinson
Location: Office Blue X-ray
Encryption: Secure

Joshua Ashfield;

You know I'm not the kind for pleasantries, so I'll start and end with "It's good to know you're still alive". That's the best that I can muster, I'm afraid.

Let me tell you a story. Here I was, sitting at my desk on planet Houston, compiling a report on personnel currently or previously in the Forces of Liberty, and among the myriad of names, yours catches my eye. Presumably that is because, as your surname begins with A, I wasn't yet asleep from looking at all those tiny words.

Currently, it's my job to look for people who may be both eligible and willing to join the Liberty Security Force. So, colour me surprised when I make some inquiries and find out that you're currently pulling a job as a Borderworld Exports escort pilot, and have been for some time.

Joshua Ashfield, why did you become disillusioned with the Liberty Navy? I know you moved from the Primary Fleet to another fleet, but I took a break shortly afterwards so I wasn't aware you had left for the hinterland of Bretonia.

You should already know that I'm not the particularly caring type, so I'll tell you that the real reason I'm contacting you is because I find myself in need of trustworthy and experienced people. Folks that I know get the job done, with as much force or finesse as required and without a care for the ethics involved. As my Special Operations Captain from yesteryear, I know you fit that description. The question now is, why did you leave Liberty? Don't pull a Hellfire Legion on me and say that you became disillusioned with the House you signed up to serve and protect.

The Republic of Liberty needs its people fully committed to her survival. If you've been following the news, you should be aware that we rest at the eleventh hour of her destiny. The enemy is at the gates, and the time where our survival is decided is fast approaching. We need you to return and fight the war you pledged to wage for Freedom and Liberty. I need your help Joshua. Hopefully, you're willing to consider it.

If it sounds like desperation, you wouldn't be wrong. And you should know that I don't get desperate easily.

Awaiting your reply,

Christina Robinson

[Ryummel]

****INCOMING TRANSMISSION****

COMM ID: Joshua Ashfield

Christina Robinson knocking on my door?

I feel surprised, but first and foremost, good to know you're also alive... and busy. I'd be rich if I earned a couple of credits each time somebody reacted surprised when I said I moved from a more-than-decent spot in the glorious Liberty Navy to a mere spot as escort pilot in some foreign company. However, I have to speak wonders of Bowex: their Exploration and Security wing could rivalize with few other paramilitary groups across Sirius.

I heard the troubling news about the Gallic Navy launching a direct assault against our homeland... and blowing up a border station in the process. Also heard about the end of the war on the Rheinland side, and in fact I had the chance to fly through the House while escorting both Bowex and Planetform convoys. But uh, sorry, forgot this is a call for help and not a chance for me to tell you about my tales over these past years -you and your agency already have access to all the information anyway, I'm sure-.

For the record, Christina, I don't regret a single second of my time serving in the Navy. However, if I had the chance to time-travel to the past, I wouldn't have gotten along with that many fellow Navymen. Being a loner doesn't feel that bad, after all.

Now, answering your question about my voluntary retirement from the Navy and 'escape' from Liberty: Aleesha disappeared, my brother Jasper did so as well, and the discovery of Hale's lover's true identity made me take a step. Perhaps it wasn't a step forward but a sidestep -everybody can have a temper tantrum, right?-. I was feeling some kind of void feeling inside me, and this job in Bowex certainly isn't helping me to clear such void out. You may guess right, I found your message both surprising and relieving, since it's an actual chance for me to fight once again for the House I always belonged to.

Sign me in, my pledge for Freedom and Liberty hasn't been forgotten.

****TRANSMISSION TERMINATED****

[Sonja]

Transmission; Start
Identification: Agent Christina Robinson
Location: Office Blue X-ray
Encryption: Secure

Joshua Ashfield;

I'm glad you responded to my message, Josh. I was beginning to think you were going to stand me up.

The news you've heard about the inevitable escalation of hostilities with Gallia isn't exaggerated. If you traveled to Liberty recently, you might have been able to get a glance of the remains of San Diego border station. It's not quite critical yet, but that time is approaching. Unlike when you and I were in the Navy, this isn't a problem we can solve using just our own resources. No amount of determination can replace an extra wall of bodies on your team. I wonder if your time as an escort pilot illustrated more clearly the limitations of force alone as a weapon, and encouraged the occasional more creative solution to hostile problems? That said, you were the Special Operations Captain. I doubt you need reminding that there's more than one way to get the job done.

I am happy to hear that you are still committed in service towards Liberty. It's a shame to hear that David Hale's choice of mate ultimately pushed you to leave, but you're not the only one who was disappointed by his selection. Perhaps worse is that this revelation followed disappearances of the people you cared for, further removing the personal reasons that we all need to put our lives on the line. Hearing that, I'm not surprised you decided to leave Liberty behind.

We haven't heard a peep from Cooper or your brother, so I hope you'll find a new reason to stay with Liberty. Patriotism by itself isn't always enough and it's surely not my pretty face that will keep you around.

If your service towards the Agency carries a price, now would be the time to let us know. Otherwise, I'll make the necessary arrangements to get you kitted out. There's no standard issue in the Agency, so pick your poison.

Should this meet with your approval, join me at West Point.

See you there,

Christina Robinson

[Ryummel]

****INCOMING TRANSMISSION****

COMM ID: Joshua Ashfield

Unless my old Guardian has been passed to a fresh Ensign in the Navy or has been destroyed in the process, I'd like to fly the thing again if possible. The ship's serial number in attached separately for security purposes. I presume it won't be hard to find about the ship's whereabouts.

I've submitted my resignation letter to Bowex offices and will be taking a shuttle back to Liberty as soon as possible. I'll await for further instructions.

See you soon, Christina.

****TRANSMISSION TERMINATED****

[Sonja]

Transmission; Start
Identification: Agent Christina Robinson
Location: Office Blue X-ray
Encryption: Secure

Joshua Ashfield;

Good news! I've managed to find your old Guardian that you desperately wanted to fly.

In truth, I had only to walk down the endless rows of military surplus Guardians that the Liberty Navy keeps, looking for the one with the Duck painted on the side. This took barely four eight-hour days of walking up and down the endless Abilene sodium chloride basin on Planet Houston.

Thanks for that.

Anyway, you should find the keys, and the ship, waiting for you on the Mississippi.

See you there,

Christina Robinson