I'm placing this on hold for a short while to plan out the introduction of the final character (and RP it in-game), and to gain some community feedback. I've created a thread where feedback can be given, and any questions can be asked. You can see it here: http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37085
//Finally found some time to write again. I decided to introduce the 4th and final character now, but in a different way than the others. Her in-game ship will eventually be a Pirate Cruiser as posted in her Bio (see my signature for a link), but being that I can't yet acquire one I'm going to RP her 'repairing' it while using it as a base until I can.//
There was an odd feeling about the bridge of the once deserted pirate cruiser. For years, perhaps decades it had sat lifeless in space, and only recently had it been given life again. As it moved, the whole thing seemed to groan as if protesting. It was still in a severe state of disrepair. Most captains would simply scrap it for parts, but not this particular one.
Aj'enel stood at the main viewport with her attention on her latest find. A small but powerful bomber of IMG design. There was little evidence of how it ended up so far away from the lanes, but one thing was apparent, it was ambushed, and the pilot was killed. There were plasma burns on the rear and side hull panels, and a large impact mark on the left side just next to the cockpit. A missile no doubt. Likely what killed the unfortunate pilot due to it's location.
She had two choices, salvage the ship for parts to perform further repairs to the cruiser she now stood in, or repair it. Scans indicated that the actual damage to the craft was much less than it seemed. All systems were offline of course, but still functional. Either way, she had to get it on board. A rather tricky task with a cruiser and no crew. She had made many modifications including several automations which assisted her, but even with these, many pilots would not have been able to accomplish such a task.
The cruiser moved ever so slowly. Any accidental contact between the two vessels, and the salvage would fail. It moved ever closer, an eternity seeming to go by before it came near. Carefully, it moved around the bomber until it was in it's hold. Aj'enel sighed in relief, taking a moment before proceeding to the hold where the craft now lay.
Once she was able to get close to the ship could tell the true extent of the damage. Surprisingly, there was little. The exterior needed a lot of work yes, but many the key systems were completely unharmed, and the overall integrity of the hull was sound. Perhaps less than a week's worth of work would have it in perfect working condition once again.
After removing the previous pilot's corpse from the cockpit, a task made much easier by the sub-zero temperatures of space that it had been sitting in, she found herself sitting in the pilot's seat. She felt comfortable there, and immediately decided to repair it rather than scrap it. This magnificent ship deserved more than to be torn apart piece by piece.
Almost a week later, just as she had estimated, the repairs to the bomber were completed. This would be very useful since she had scrapped her original fighter (of which she wasn't fond of) to use critical parts for the cruiser not two days before. A risky move yes, but this time it worked. Everything on the bomber was finished. She had even managed to repair the existing weaponry, though some was slightly...obsolete. The obsolete equipment was simply scrapped for parts and replaced with the weaponry from her old fighter.
She climbed into the cockpit and began a quick diagnostic.....all systems were running perfectly. Interested in flying her new ship she quickly undocked, careful to set the proper codes on her cruiser's docking bays so she would still have access, yet others wouldn't. The ship emerged in the same nebula she had first found it in.
Aj'enel performed many maneuvers, learning the feel of the craft. Soon she was test-firing the weapons at nearby ice crystals as she did so.
She smiled in silent pleasure. Her first break from the nearly non-stop work she had been doing for the past year.
Now much more maneuverable than when she was aboard the cruiser, she began scouting the rest of the nebulae. The chances of finding another prize such as this were very small, but she didn't care. Anything that could be used as parts was worth looking for. After hours of searching she found nothing but a few pieces of debris that could barely compare to a paper-weight.
She returned to the cruiser considering her next course of action. Repairs were all but halted due to the need for resources so more salvaging was in order. However, this nebula and those near it had already been scoured clean. Looking over her maps, she found that this may be an advantage. This cluster of nebulae would be the safest place to hide her cruiser while she left to salvage in the bomber. If the bomber had been left here unfound for so long, the likelihood of someone happening upon her cruiser was small. So she engaged numerous security systems of her own design, and left the cruiser hovering there.
She tractored in the remains that were once a Xenos fighter. A grateful voice sounded over her comms. "Thank you miss..."
"Aj'enel, and you are welcome."
The Junker, whom was previously under attack by said Xenos before Aj'enel intervened, sounded surprised. "Now there's a name I've never heard before, interesting. My name's Geno, and if there's anything I can do to repay you...."
Aj'enel smiled, even though the junker could not see, and said in a friendly tone. "There is actually. I am in need of many materials, any that you could provide would be appreciated." She transmitted a list of the materials she still needed for her repairs.
Geno upon receiving the transmission hesitated before answering. "Quite a list you have here....yes, I could assist you in obtaining some of this. Mind if I ask what it is you need all this for?"
"Lets just say I found something that was lost long ago, and am intent on saving it."
Geno laughed. "I do understand that, however I believe it unwise for me to simply overlook something of this magnitude. Whatever you have, it's big."
Aj'enel's tone dropped to a slightly aggravated one. "What I have is a Junker whom until a moment ago I believed was grateful for me saving his life. If you do not wish to help me, then please leave now. I do not wish for any more trouble than necessary."
"No, I think you misunderstand my intentions. I'm going to go out on a limb here. You say you have something big, by my guess it's Gunboat class or higher am I right?"
"...yes..."
"Indeed, and you are the only one trying to repair such a ship?"
She was unsure whether she should answer, but decided she had the advantage if his intentions were hostile. "Yes, I alone am repairing an piloting the ship."
"...piloting it yourself as well. You are really something. And my point is, those repairs would go a lot faster with two working on them. Per..."
Now seeing what he wanted, she cut him off. "I appreciate your offer Geno, but I have nothing to give you as compensation."
"Oh, saving my life should suffice for at least a few week's worth of work, wouldn't you say? I shall also bring some of the items you have listed as I assume you wouldn't be here if you weren't short on resources. There is little other reason to be out here after all."
She couldn't help but laugh at this. A friendly tone returning to her voice. "Alright, I see your point, and accept your offer."
"Good. We can stay at the base a system away from here until you are ready. Now if you don't mind escorting me there, I think one of my engines is malfunctioning."
They both engaged cruise drives and headed for a jumphole nearly 30km away.
//Just a note, in this RP I play the part of Aj'enel, ryeguy146 is Geno, and the rest is jointly made (some is him, some is me). Thanks ryeguy146 for the great RP.//
They bobbed and weaved at half-cruise speed avoiding the many pieces of debris. Only 25k more to the Jumphole, then a straight shot to Allentown. Aj'enel did her best to shield Geno's ship due to the damage, but it did little to help.Geno did his best to keep his ship together and decided a conversation is what he needed to get his mind off of the dangers.
"Are you sure you're going to be comfortable visiting a Junker base? Many in Liberty do their best to avoid us."
"I do not have any problems with Junkers, and I don't plan on leaving my ship." With all the work she had just done to restore it, all she didn't need was for it to get stolen or damaged.
"At least we'll have most of what you'll need." Geno scanned the list with one eye on the debris field. "You plan to stay on your ship, I suppose that leaves me to round up the supplies then?"
"Hmm...." To her surprise, Aj'enel hadn't considered this. "Does Allentown have decent security?"
Geno snorted, stifling a laugh. "Not the best, as I said, most of Liberty avoids us. Except for the occasional Rogue. Your ship should be safe, but best not to trust anyone you don't have to. It should be an extra assurance that I'm here, and they know me, but Junkers are Junkers."
Aj'enel ran several scenarios through her mind, and decided her usual security tactics would suffice for the duratiion of their stay. "Very well. It would be rude of me not to assist after all."
"I had hoped you would join me, besides, I doubt you've ever seen a Junker base, it's something a mechanic like you should behold. Half of the docking bays are taken by gutted hulls that we're repairing. In fact, that's what I was out in Texas for; procuring parts for a particular ship we're working on."
"Sounds breathtaking, but won't this be interfering with your duties?"
"Not at all, it's not my ship, I just am paid to work on it. This fighter is, actually, the only ship I own. Odd for a junker, but I've become somewhat endeared to it. The personality of a customized ship, you know?"
"I know very well indeed." Aj'enel couldn't remember the last time she flew in a ship she hadn't modified.
"In any case, I doubt that I'll be offering you a tour. It's a bit closed off to visitors. But you'll see it when we get there; I suppose I should send this aquisition list ahead of us to get the ball rolling. I know just the guy to help us out."
"I'd prefer if this information didn't go too far if you don't mind."
"Of course, Kaden is a good friend of mine. I'll have him meet us in the bar to discuss everything if that would make you more comfortable."
Aj'enel hesitates. "That...should be fine."
Geno sent a part of the list to his friend, not enough to identify the ship that was to be repaired, but enough for the general idea. "He should have at least some of it scrounged up by the time we get there. Anything else you need, identifying features, we can purchase ourselves. Maybe that would be for the best anyway."
"Well, we don't have the lagest of ships so...." A proximity alarm sounded warning that they were nearing the jumphole. "I'll go first, just in case that xenos signaled for reinforcements."
Geno tightened formation and smoothed the dust off of his dashboard, asking the ship to stay in one piece. She slowly enters the jumphole, leaving Geno sitting alone. Moments later she reports that the other side is clear. Geno follows tenativly and manages the transition with little damage to his fighter. "I have to say, I wasn't so sure that would go well. I have a tendancy to be talkative when I'm nervous, I hope it won't bother you too much."
Aj'enel laughed "No. It's been quite a while since I've heard the voice of another."
"In any case, I believe that I should be able to continue our half pace cruise speed the rest of the way. Speaking of which, do you know the way?"
"Yes." She had never been to this system, but had aquired maps of it from a wrecked ship she had salvaged.
"Excellent." Geno enters formation and prepares his engines for cruising speeds. "Lead on, my dear!" They both enter cruise and begin the long trek to the base.
Aj'enel glances to one side, viewing the nearby planet. "Interesting system."
"It is, Pennsylvania has been a good home for myself and the other Junkers here. Not too close to civilization, but not too far to find their best scraps. The only problem we have here, as you've seen, are the Xeno. They seem intent on wrecking anything that flies."
"And the junkers don't see fit to defend themselves?" Aj'enel didn't mean for that to come out as it did.
"We do well enough, but they seem to be causing more and more problems in Liberty as time goes on. We don't have too many overt enemies, but we count the Xeno among them."
"Indeed, and I apologise, it was rude of me to say that."
"Not at all! Everyone does the best they can, unfortunately, sometimes we end up in crippled ships." Geno laughs at his own joke. "But how else can one become a skilled mechanic?"
Aj'enel laughs. "Well, there is no better way than your own ship."
"It would seem so. There, I'm picking the base up on scanners. Looks like we're going to be lucky and have a smooth trip. Good thing, I doubt that my ship would last another encounter."
"Yes....I'd hate to have to explain how I acquired your pod." Aj'enel giggles slightly.
"Ah, that you would, my dear, and with such a nice bomber, one must know where they would take their payment. Well, perhaps I overestimate them. We have never been known to be so overly defensive of our own people. Each of us is, more or less, on our own."
"Sad way to live."
"It's not so bad, consider it more of a loose knit family. We help eachother out, but would not risk ourselves for much."
"I do not understand, but I do believe you."
Geno laughs. "Of course, it's impossible to know the Junkers until you know them. But I suppose that you will soon enough, no?" Geno opens a com link to Allentown Base. "This is Junker Geno requesting permission to dock, I'll need one additional bay for my friend here. And tell Kaden that I've arrived."
"Roger, but ya tell Kaden yourself, you know better than anyone else how to find him" Came the response.
She can't help but laugh. Thankfully, she had her comms disengaged when she did.
Geno keyed up the comms and called Kaden's room but with no response. "I'll have to apologize for my friend, he is usually... well, he usually is so hard to deal with, but he'll have the parts, no doubt. I imagine that he'll be at the bar already. Warming up with a drink with some Rogues, no doubt."
Aj'enel says nothing. Not particularly liking the idea.
"Much has happened these past months.....very much.... TAG has apparently gone into hiding...all for the better. Kri'en, well he's being smart and staying away. I have no idea what he's doing to occupy himself. With the absence of TAG, Jadaan has gone back to his business. It bothers me to see hims so pleased at it, but I left it as his choice.
As for myself, I have been rethinking my choices in...occupation, among other things. Where to begin....*Jarach' taps on a nearby console as he thinks* The Outcasts have been growing more and more unpredictable, as has my 'commander'. That and their 'use' of my skills is ridiculous. Not that I trusted them before, but I believe it is time a choice was made. The choice of staying or leaving. After a short period of thought I find myself favoring the latter. I shall think on it a while more though, how long depends on my patience, which is wearing thin.
While on 'guard' *Jarach' says this word in disgust* at planet Malta, I met another outcast...well not really an outcast, he is just posing as one. Yes, odd for me to get to know another in such a way, but he is different as I've come to find out. This one named Delexis does not come from Sirius either, but after some....comparison of past events, we've surmised that he is not from my galaxy...though there were many similarities. Not that I share my past, but he is...gifted. He can read thoughts, and while I can block such abilities I wasn't aware of his capability at the time.
I don't believe anything I know about the other three has been leaked, only information about myself. Which while it may be foolish, I'm not so sure that I care. Delexis is rather...unstable, but for some reason I 'trust' him. Not in the normal sense of the word of course, but enough that I've been assisted by him in a less than common way.
The dreams were returning more and more. Those that should not be happening. None of my training was helping, so I avoided sleep, biding my time to try different methods. Five days I went battling fatigue to avoid them. Of course I began losing, and feared the loss of my mind. Then Delexis did something, I don't know what or how, but in minutes I was back to 'normal'. With what he's implied they will return, so perhaps this time I'll face them instead of fight them. It goes against all my training, but seems my only option. I just hope that they do not effect my efficiency as the old teachings say they do.
Now that I'm able to think clearly once again, he's presented me with a proposition. I will not mention what it is, but I am very compelled to accept." Jarach' paused, considering once again the choice of leaving the outcasts and making his decision. "I am leaving the outcasts and will accept his proposition. Leaving won't be easy. They don't take kindly to those who know what I've learned just taking off into Sirius, but there's little they can do. I'll even....name my ship if need be. Yes, to name a machine, but it would provide a 'guise which Delexis says would be very effective.
I won't tell Jadaan for now. He's safe with TAG in hiding, so doesn't yet need to know."
He pauses the log, staring out the window of his bomber at the orange planet before him. What to call his ships... He had never named a machine before. Humans seemed to do it well enough so he glanced at some of the ships that passed by; their names not appealing to him. Of course he couldn't use one that another ship has, but it never hurt to scout around for ideas.
Jarach' engaged cruise drives and headed away from the planet, away from the many ships, where he could think in solitude. Almost an hour passed before he found a suitable name for each ship and detailed a course of action.
He resumed his log. "The 'name' of my fighter will be Darkfall, the bomber will be Ascendantlight. Not the most appealing names, but they shall suffice.
Timing will be crucial. I'll take my bomber with it's current designation far away from Omicron Alpha. Once that is done I shall discreetly return on a smuggling vessel, retrieve my fighter, then flee to Omicron Theta. I shall give the ship it's name there, then give the bomber it's name afterwords. If I'm successful they will lose track of both ships, rendering them unable to pursue me.
As for any other foreseeable problems, fortunately, I don't believe the Corsairs or Bounty Hunters to 'know' me, so they shouldn't cause any problem in the future regarding this.
The longer I linger, the more difficult this will be. So I shall proceed immediately."
He stopped, running his next actions through his mind once again before doing them. Then he engaged cruise engines toward the Omicron Eta jumphole.
The ships slid into the docks with little commotion, most everyone in sight is daring around a hulking mess of a ship; the remains of a Liberty Gunboat from the looks of it, though in poor shape. Geno attempts to pop his cockpit but it seems sealed by damage incurred from the fight with the Xeno. "Um... I hate to be a bother, but would you care to save me one last time?"
"How so?"
"Well, you'll find a plasma cutter nearby, just... do be careful."
It was then that she noticed his predicament. "Oh! Hehe...just a moment."
Aj'enel sets some codes and security devices in her ship before exiting. She then takes the plasma cutter and proceeds to Geno's ship. As she begins freeing the hatch, Geno gets his first look at her. Black hair, green eyes, thin build, and her hand as steady as a rock.
The hatch is freed within moments. "There you go, and you shouldn't need to acquire a new one. It looks like it can be easily repaired."
Geno examines the cut as he climbs from the fighter "Ah, just perfect! I find myself in your debt for the second time Aj'enel." Geno extends his hand. "You have my thanks."
Aj'enel shakes his hand.
"Now, shall we find my friend before he gets into a brawl with the Rogues? I think it would be best not to leave him to his own devices." Geno nods to a passage.
"Indeed..." Aj'enel proceeds, less than pleased at the situation.
Geno leads the way and seems fairly comfortable in Allentown Base. In no time, they find themselves in a crowded room with a more rowdy crowd on the far side of the room. They appear to be embroiled in a drinking game of sorts, but the rules are indecernable. Geno motions to a table far from the commotion and looks for his friend. "Ah, there he is! Kaden! Get over here!" Geno yells across the room.
Kaden saunters over and glances at Geno and nods, then seems to suddenly notice Aj'enel and smiles.
"Aj'enel, This is Kaden, a mostly worthless individual, but my friend." Kaden performs a sweeping bow, spoiled only by is slight inebriation.
Aj'enel smiles. "Pleased to meet you."
"Kaden, have you picked up the parts I asked you about?"
"I have managed to procure the majority of them, though a few are fairly rare on station these days, what with the gunship and all." Kaden replied.
"Well, lets have them then, we can take the price off the debt you owe me."
"Ahh... you sly one, very well, I'll show you the parts, right this way." Kaden leads them down an adjoining hall to what appears to be a requisition room. "Locker #517, you know the password Geno." Kaden smiled and walked off.
"I doubt that's the last we'll see of him, but let's get this over with." Geno moved to a locker, typed in the password and opened the door. "Well, let's take a look, shall we?"
Aj'enel stepped inside.
"Anything important seem to be missing? We can purchase additional parts here as well, but I imagine that Kaden did his best in grabbing what he could."
"Just a moment please..." She says absently as she begins inspecting the parts. Not enough time to do a thorough check of all of them, but her 'first glance' was still better than most."Yes, these should do, and they seem to be in good condition." In truth, she had noticed fractures on several couplings, but it wasn't anything she couldn't fix.
Geno addressed a group of young greased smeared boys and girls behind them. "Alright the lot of you, I want these in the docking bay next mine. I'll pay you all when they're delivered, and not a moment before. If I see any damage has come to them, it'll be your asses." Geno smiled. "That should take care of that, let us see to your more... sensitive equipment, shall we?" He motioned towards the requisition counter.
She smiled, then followed.
Geno said his hellos to the man at the counter and passed him a list of the last parts on the list "We'll take anything on the list that you can spare, Sir."
"Well, I don't have it all, ya know? Most of it is destined to the project, but I'll see what I can round up." Was the reply.
"Anything else Aj'enel?"
"No, whatever can be spared will be fine." She was glad to be getting any parts at all.
"Okay." Geno said addressing the clerk again. "Thank you, and please have the children deliver it to the same place when they return, I'll give them just as much again for their payment. Well, I do believe that I have some repairs to make as well, the first of your parts should be at the docking bay too." Geno led the way down yet another hallway which opened up near Aj'enel's bomber.
Aj'enel paused a moment, not realizing they had come full-circle.
Geno, without further words, begins to grab pieces of scrap from off of the wall and weld them onto his ship, his attention rapt on his work. She loads up the parts onto her ship, then after watching him work for a few moments, decides to help. She takes a second welder and plate and begins working.
Geno begins to say something as she does this, to which she holds up a hand and points to his own work, indicating he should continue. In no time, the scrap of metal that was Geno's fighter began to look more and more like the light fighter "Starblazer" it once was. Geno wipes the sweat from his forehead with a gloved hand and steps back to admire the work. "Ah, she's starting to look like she should. I have a few other parts to acquire to finish up, you can either stay with your ship, or come with me."
Aj'enel politely opts to stay with her ship. She didn't like leaving it sitting any longer than necessary.
"Very well my dear, I will return as soon as I can." Geno jogs off in the direction from which they came.
She takes a seat on the nose of her bomber and begins admiring the work in progress around her. After watching a few moments and seeing a few inefficient repairs, she almost gets the urge to assist, but knows better than it.
There is a knock on the window of the bomber, Kaden had shown up. She turns around to see what he wants. "Ah, good to see you Aj'enel, it is so rare that we are graced with the presence of one such as yourself. And a beautiful ship to match." Kaden pretended to eye the ship, but was looking elsewhere.
Aj'enel can't help but smile at this. "Kind words Kaden."
Geno sprints back with a bag on his back and shouts at Aj'enel to get into her bomber. "We have to go!" He then notices Kaden. "Kaden! It was you, wasn't it?"
"Me? Whatever are you talking about, I've been here with Aj'enel, haven't I?" Kaden replied with a smile.
Aj'enel looks confused, unsure of what's happening.
From the passage leading to the bar, a group of rough looking Rogues saunter in. "Naw, ya don' be botherin' me Kaden, do ya?"
Geno, clearly outmatched, pulls a knife and begins to back towards his fighter. "Aj'enel, we need to leave."
Aj'enel sighs, having seen this kind of situation before. Within seconds she's in her bomber and ready to go.
"My room was ransacked, they took everything but a few clothes and some of my books, I think it was them."
Kaden grins but says nothing. Geno slowly climbs into his fighter and powers up the engines and what meager armaments it had working.
Before she engages undocking procedures, Kaden, whom is still next to her ship, finds a gun pointing at his head through the cockpit window. "If any of this causes me any problems, I'll be returning for you."
"My ship will be more than space worthy, lets get out of here before this one stirs up more trouble. I knew that he was spending too much time with the Rogues..." Geno lowered the hatch and motioned that Aj'enel should do the same.
Still eying Kaden, she closes her own, holsters the gun, and is soon in space again.
Geno's starblazer lifts, rotates to the docking doors and flies into the black just behind her. He keyed the comms. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that would happen, I... What a mess."
Aj'enel hesitates, considering what could come of it. "It's not your fault, and if they try to follow, I'll handle them. As for your 'friend' Kaden, I don't think it's wise for you to contact him again, at least not for a long while."
He began to give his confirmation to her suggestion, but proximity warnings lit up the cockpit, five rogue Bloodhounds led by a Hyena fly from the nearby Texas Jump hole at cruise speeds. "Ah, ye'd best be stoppin' an' doin' as we say or I think it'll be time for some fireworks," The Rogue leader said over the comms.
Aj'enel curses something that Geno had never heard and spoke over closed comms. "Ok, you head for the Texas jumphole an try not to get shot, can you manage that?"
Geno gave her the thumbs up and lit up his cruise engines and began a wide sweep around to the back of the rogue wing.
"Good. Now.." She initiated comms with the rogue leader. "Rogue leader, I suggest you leave peacefully."
"Ah, ye thinkin' so? Yer outnumbered as I see it. An' yer friend has abandoned ya, as is the Junker way" Came the gruff reply. "Ya still wantin' to be the one giving warnings girlie?" The Rogue leader sent two Bloodhounds to try to flank Aj'enel's bomber. "Jus' give up an' we won't be TOO harsh."
Now pist at the situation, and being called 'girlie', she grins as she cuts several sharp turns, evading the bloodhounds completely, working her way closer. "I think not rogue, as you have made one fatal error." She charges her SNAC and four cannons, two of which were powerful 'codenames', as she reaches the perfect vantage point. "You sent lackeys to do your own dirty work." She fires the four cannons at the hyena, then a single shot from the SNAC as the shields went down, instantly vaporizing it. She continues evading the two bloodhounds as the other three join in.
Knowing this would be close, she opens comms with Geno. "Are you still in one piece?"
Static enveloped the channel for a period of time, but finally she heard Geno's voice. "Yea, they completely ignored me. I think they wanted your bomber, Aj'enel. How are you?"
She laughs. "Still here, but I can't say the same for the rogue's leader. Look, I could take these four rookies on, but I don't want to risk this ship and these parts in such a battle. So what I want you to do is head toward Houston. I'll either kill or lose these rogues in the debris field, then meet you there."
Geno paused incredulously for a moment. "...Are you sure? There were five ships there, you can handle that?"
Aj'enel pauses, not seeing the fifth as she evades the fire from her pursuers. "Yes, just...be on the lookout, I don't need to be saving you twice in one day."
"Three times, you mean?" Geno pauses before reminding her about the cockpit incident. "Anyway, very well, I will be waiting for you on Houston, or should I just orbit?"
"You should be safe in orbit, there is a battleship there after all, now get moving. I'll be coming through the hole in about ten seconds, and they won't be far behind!"
Geno was already part of the way to Houston before giving his affirmative. Luckily, the repairs that Aj'enel had helped him with were holding and cruise engines were at full capacity.
She burst through the hole, thrusting then killing the engines and turning so she was drifting backwards while facing it. As soon as the first bloodhound came through she opened fire, a SNAC round took down his shield followed by cannons which finished the job. Two of the others then came through, so she turned and thrusted away, engines still killed so she drifted among the debris. Without enough energy to fire the SNAC again, she fired only her cannons, which did quite a bit if damage. "You rogues should leave now. Wouldn't want to see you floating home like your friends."
The remaining bloodhounds had already begun to scatter at the sight of their floating friends. They tractored in the escape capsules and thrusted into the debris field. Geno had entered orbit and was hiding on the far side of the planet, so as not to draw attention. Aj'enel sighed in relief, knowing it would have been too close if the others had engaged while her energy reserve was still low. She engaged cruise drives and headed for Houston to meet up with him.
Once she neared the planet, she contacted Geno again. "Hello junker, fancy seeing you here." She grinned. Geno let out a laugh of relief and flew to meet Aj'enel, expecting to see damages rather than the fit ship that had undocked from Allentown. "Now, I suppose we best be heading for my ship now....unless you wish to go back to Pennsylvania..."
"Not at all, I think I'll be letting that place die down a bit before I return. They'll have forgotten all about it within a month or so, and I haven't lost all THAT much. I still have my books and my clothing." He forced a smile and felt silly, knowing that only he could see it.
"Well, good to hear you didn't lose everything. Now, lets be off, it's quite a ways." Geno forms up and leans back in his chair to watch the stars fly by. They travel through system upon system, seeming like they had crossed half of Sirius. Many of these systems were familiar to Geno, but soon they began passing into ones he'd never seen before.
Geno turned more of his attention to his scanners and nav map and confirmed that the constellations that he was seeing were not familiar. "Where are we? I thought we were returning to your... ship?"
"We are currently in Omicron...Theta, and yes, we are going to my ship."
"Ah..." Geno lays back and resumes watching for constellations, creating his own as necessary. "So, you were a ways away when you found me then."
"Yes, until recently I have been scavenging my own supplies from wrecked ships around here, but those are now proving more difficult to locate. At least any that are in one piece. So I had to go elsewhere. Fortunately beforehand, I had stumbled across this beauty here, but instead of tearing it down I decided to restore it due to it's good condition."
"Ah, well, I'm glad you did. It proved most useful against my... friends back there. I still cannot believe that he'd do that." Geno sighed. "It is too hard to find reliable people these days. Backstabbing seems to be the norm."
Aj'enel says nothing. Soon they emerge from the gas cloud in which they we previously in. Their course bringing them to a freeport. "We need to stop here and get food and water. My supplies on my ship were rather low when I left it. Won't be but a moment."
"Sounds fine, I think that I'll just relax in the dock if you don't mind; admire the ships."
As soon as she docked, Aj'enel found the dock master, who upon seeing her seemed to recognise her. Words were exchanged, and a few minutes later several containers were loaded on her ship. Geno stepped from his Starblazer and walked casually among the other ships around him, admiring a few heavy fighters in particular. She eyed him as she talked to the dock master. Several moments later, their conversation ended, and she approached Geno. "See anything you like?"
"Ah, an Arrow in particular. Not much of a Junker's vehicle, but fast and a fun ride, or so I've heard." Geno shrugged and moved towards his own more humble ship. "What's next on the agenda?"
Aj'enel looked around to makes sure nobody else could hear them. "My ship is but one system away, won't be much longer."
Geno nodded eagerly. "Ah! I've been looking forward to seeing it. After the work you managed on my ship, I just imagine yours." She smiled at the compliment, then motioned for them to leave. Geno hopped into his fighter and powered up his systems, waiting for launch. Moments later they launched to space, then proceeded back into the cloud. Soon they found another jumphole and proceeded through. Aj'enel paused to scan the surrounding area before continuing, in which they headed deep into a cluster of nebulae.
"I've always loved nebulas, not as much as a good scrap heap mind you, but the beauty of it, the potential." Geno once again lay back and enjoyed the scenery and relied on autopilot to follow her.
"Yes, there is a beauty to them" She said as if she hadn't considered it in a long time. After several minutes of flight even deeper into the nebulae cluster, she cut cruise drives an used impulse instead. Geno sat up in anticipation, the swirling colors of the nebula forgotten as if they were never there.
As they moved forward, Aj'enel began sending a confirmation code. Right as she finished it a large blast hit her ship. She cursed, though her ship was unharmed.
Geno was startled. "Uh... what was that?"
"A security measure...I was just closer than I thought..." A foolish mistake she didn't intend on repeating.
"Oh... wow. You are protective. Any measures that I should watch out for... inside the ship?"
She laughed. "You are the smart one Geno, and yes, there are, but I'll handle them once we land."
"Most excellent. I am not as skilled in repairing humans as I am machines."
Aj'enel laughed at this, she couldn't help it even considering what had just happened. She soon regained her composure and initiated docking procedures with the as of yet unseen cruiser.
Geno, once again, began to search in the clouds for the approaching ship. As they traveled slowly forward, the massive pirate cruiser came into view. Many signs of damage were present, but it was apparent that it was still operational. His eyes danced across it, instantly imagining what it could be, the possibilities... "That is one beautiful heap of scrap er..." He coughed nervously "I mean that it's an excellent ship Aj'enel."
She smiled, knowing what he meant. "Yes, it is quite a large 'scrap heap' right now." She fought the urge to laugh at the tease as their ships came into dock.
There was an audible clang when they hit the hull plating due to the dampeners being damaged. As the hold doors closed behind them, Geno noticed large turrets mounted along the walls. All of them pointed at the two ships. His nervousness increased and he fought the urge to chatter insanely. Aj'enel entered the proper codes and they disengaged. She stepped out of her bomber and began unloading supplies.
Geno opened his hull and began to forget about the dangers as he allowed his eyes to take on the massive cruiser. "This is going to be very, very fun."
She smiled as she unloaded the last of the food and water onto a transport. "Glad there's someone else who sees the beauty in it as I. We can leave the parts on the ships. The food and water will go in a nearby store room, then I'll show you to your quarters. I'm sure you're tired after this long day." She motioned for him to follow as he gazed at the ship surrounding him.
He stumbled and was forced to take his eyes from the ship and instead follow Aj'enel. "Um.. yes, that sounds like an excellent idea. A bit more action today that I am used to, you understand."
"Well, you'll find that there's no danger while on this ship." She paused at a door, which she opened and pulled the trolly into before exiting back into the hallway and continuing on. "You'll find that it's not much, since amenities have been the bottom of my list. Much better to ensure a stable power core than to have a plush lounge."
"You'll not hear a single complaint from me. I purposely did not show you my quarters at Allentown. They were... well, this is just fine, thank you."
She smiled again as she stopped at a door and opened it. The stale air emanating from within. She turned on the lights which revealed the contents of the room. A standard navy-style bed, a desk with a chair and reading lamp, and a chest of drawers. "Feel free to use anything from the adjacent rooms..I won't be having any need of it."
"It's perfect. More than I'll need. I have to thank you Aj'enel. This is quite an experience for me, and I hope that I can make myself useful on your ship." Almost as an afterthought he said "Does it have a name?"
"No, I never name my ships."
"Ah... Very well, I will see you tomorrow Aj'enel. Where will I be able to find you? This is a sizable ship."
She smiles. "You'll not have any trouble locating me I'm sure." She turns to walk away. "Good night Geno, sleep well."
Geno laid out his few clothes in piles and laid down on the bed and reflected on the day. He had almost been killed; twice, and now he was on a dream vessel with a pilot possibly more skilled than himself. He considered the possibilities and drifted off to sleep.
An so Aj'enel goes to her own quarters, which are noneother than the bridge itself. Drifting to sleep as she had done so many times the past year.
"He found me. All this time, and it was picaro himself that found me. My own fault I suppose. I should have never returned to alpha, even with the new...identity.
I shall not go into details, only that he caught me off guard gaining the advantage. He could have killed me and collected that bounty, but instead he offered me a position on his squad. A second chance of sorts. Of course I chose the position rather than death, even with recent events.
I'm still weary of this though. Granted he is a 'Don' of the Outcasts so he can have done whatever he pleases, but it's his pleasures that I worry about. For once I truly do no know what to do. I suppose, being that I'm being watched constantly, I shall follow orders....make the best of it as it were.
It's almost amusing....almost. The time spent to become a part of this squad, and when I flee them is when I get the position.....*laughs*. That, and I have decided to keep the names I had to give my ships. Be it that they are a representation of my attempt, or perhaps I have grown accustomed to them, I do no know. I only know that I am compelled to continue using them, despite the uselessness.
Delexis has taken it well. Of course, he's had his own bad news; those that would hunt him have come to the omicrons, so this just adds to it. Now I can't support him so he's practically on his own again. My position may be of an advantage to him though. Anything that happens in the Omicrons tends to reach Outcast ears."
Jarach' pauses to check the status of a system diagnostic he'd been running. He glances around the hangar and noting the several Outcast pilots that are watching him before continuing.
"I must travel to Liberty now...to retrieve my bomber. Picaro already knows of this so no misunderstandings will be made. Perhaps when I return I'll make another entry....then again perhaps not.."
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