As Austin Goodmen wandered down the empty streets of the city, it felt everything but romantic. The city was literally empty at this time of night, and he's been walking for what feels like hours.
He came across a simply put 'bicycle', which strangely enough had a pen and sticky-notes in the pouch. He removed both the pen and the sticky-note pad and began writing.
Quote:Dear Owner,
As an emergency I've used your bicycle that was outside your house. Along with a pen and pad that I found in the pouch. I'm an Armed Forces Lieutenant that needs it for transportation, now this sounds like a trick, I assure you it's not. Your belongings, the bicycle, will be returned with everything in the pouch in a matter of time, along with a hefty sum of credits.
-- Lieutenant A.G.
He sighed lightly and placed the note gently on the door before walking over to the bicycle and picking it up. "It's been ages since I've used one of these." He mumbled lightly, he got on and started off towards the Armed Forces base, surely enough they wouldn't remember him.
5 Hours and Ten minutes since leaving the old mans house...
Continuing to push the pedals as slow as they can, he rode up the hill to a brightly lit compound. It was one of Leeds many Armed Forces outposts. He rode past the sight that said "Fort Menwith Hill". A Spot light was sweeping the outskirts of the base, as he continued to push towards the gates, the Spot light hit him and he came to a sudden stop, nearly falling off the bicycle.
"Oi! Who are you!" Came over the loud speaker. Knowing they couldn't hear him he remained quiet and raised his hands above his head, giving a signal.
Shortly after, Three armed Marines came running out from a passage way to the side of the heavy gates. Rifles pointed, a third man followed behind them. "Men, stand down." The man said, walking forwards and into the spotlight, the Marines lowered their weapons but continued to point them in Austin's general direction.
Austin slowly got off the bicycle and sat it down gently.
"Son, what's your name?" The man sad calmly.
"Lieutenant Austin Rodney Goodmen, 5th Fleet, under the command of Admiral Nelson. Sir." He gave a salute.
"Admiral Nelson eh? You must have been out of it for awhile, He's the Fleet Admiral now."
"Fleet...Fleet Admiral? When...when did this happen?"
"A few days ago, the old man is going into retirement. With that he placed Nelson in charge of the Fleet."
"Bloody..hell. That's a new one."
"Indeed it is, lad. You said your name was Austin Goodmen, correct?"
"Aye, it is."
"Well then, welcome to Fort Menwith Hill, son. Is that your bicycle?"
"With all due respect sir, No it's not. I left a note to the owner, need to return it here in a few."
"You can do that tomorrow, you need to get some catching up done."
"Rather just be in my uniform and back to where I belong."
"We could use you in space aswell. We have a transport that leaves for Suffolk here in a few minutes, I'm sure the Captain would squeeze you in."
"Thank you sir. Uhm, sir, what's you name again?"
"Sergeant Major John Oxford, and I should be calling you, Sir."
Austin coughed lightly "Well, Sergeant Major, Do me a favor and take this Bicycle back to 324th Street in the city down there, House number 43. I owe them some credits, but right now I'm poor as hell."
"Can do, Lieutenant, we'll make sure the family get's paid aswell for the use of the bicycle."
"Very well, I have a Transport to catch."
He smiled and headed through the small passage way and directly to the small space port where a Transport was lit up on the pad. Slowly walking towards it he smiled reading the ships name near the front of the vessel. "Ah, the Merlin, good to see this again."
"Lieutenant?" A familiar voice came from behind, causing Austin to turn around.
"Franklin James?"
"The only bastard that flies the Merlin!" Franklin said with a grin.
"Well, when do we leave?"
"We? You commin' along aswell, just like old times then, 'cept your not injuried, and I'm not getting shot at by Kusarians."
"This transport is heading to the Suffolk correct?"
"Aye, she is. Come on then. All aboard." Franklin said ushering Austin up the stairs and into the bridge.
Franklin walked over to the controls and the airlock door began to close. He pressed a few buttons, as the ship's core roared to life, he switched on the communications array.
"This is the Captain of the Merlin, Franklin James, we're carrying some cargo to the Suffolk in the New London system, requesting flight clearence for take off."
"This is Menwith Hill control tower B, you are clear for launch. Please be aware we have some orbital debris coming in, small meteorites, shouldn't do any damage to the hull. Continue the laid out flight path currently being uploaded now."
"Copy that control tower B, we recieved the flight path and are preparing to take off. Is the flight pad clear from your view?"
"Yes it is, Captain. Prepare to take off in Ten..."
Franklin sat down in the seat. "Lad, you may want to take a seat in that chair over behind you and strap in."
"Nine."
Austin nodded and went to sit down, the ship rocked slightly causing him to recapture his balance, he finally made it into the seat and buckled himself in.
"Eight."
"Seven."
"Six."
Franklin smiled and unlocked the controls, gentally easing the joy stick back to make the nose point up.
"Five."
"Four."
"Hold on, lad. Here's the fun part." He pressed a series of buttons and the ship sounded like it stalled out.
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
"We have Lift off now!" Franklin laughed as he pushed the throttle forwards, the ship buckled slightly and lurched off the flight pad. Heading slowly and towards the docking ring.
"This is control tower B, Captain, You have cleared our air-space successfully, safe flight, the Docking Ring crew gives you an all clear for traffic. Godspeed."
"You aswell, Ma'am. Captain Franklin James of the Merlin, Out." Franklin shook his head and clicked the comms off just as the ship exited the orbit and through the docking ring, into the heavily smog-filled system of Leeds.
"Well then, shall we get on with life?" Franklin said turning around in the chair and looking at Austin, who was rather speechless at the time.
After a few minutes, Austin gave a nod. "I would have liked to go to my place on Leeds and get something other then what I'm wearing now. But I have a bunk on the Suffolk, and they'll bring me up to speed on the situtation." He paused for a moment remembering what the Sergeant Major had said. "James, did Nelson become the Fleet Admiral?"
"Lad," Franklin said turning just enough to look at Austin. "I work for a living. Don't keep track of this, and if it was true there would be an announcement made over channel 34, strangely that reporter has gone missing as of late."
Austin nodded once more. "Sounds fair, the lads on Suffolk will bring me up to speed as I said. Right now I'm going to try to get as much sleep as I can." He leaned back as far as he could, which wasn't far enough, and closed his eyes.
Dominic Watson landed the Templar on the hanger deck silently laughing to himself at the cowardly Communist that he just met. Once the Templar was safely landed he took off the helmet and climbed out of the ship.
His feet hit the deck and he stood up straight. He took a couple of steps then waited.
A few minutes later Dominic Watson say a blonde hair man walking up wearing a Bretonian Dress uniform, with the ranks of Lieutenant on them. "Sir." He said snapping a Salute.
"At ease, Ensign." The Lieutenant, who was Austin Goodmen, said lightly and with a smile on his face. "I see you took care of the old bird? Doesn't have any scratches on it does she?"
"No, sir. Are you the..Lieutenant that I was to replace, Sir?"
"Lieutenant Austin Goodmen, lad."
"Then yessir, she's all warm for you, no scratches either. Aside from the ones you placed on it."
Austin laughed. "Well then, Ensign. You are relieved of duty. I've seen the reports, you got quite a few ships downed under your wings, makes me wonder why you didn't join the active fleet."
"All due respect, sir. I'm just a desk jockey with a rather annoying past."
Dominic snapped another Salute, before dropping it and marching off to his prior station.
Austin looked over at the Ensign, "Quite the character." He said smiling, then turning and looking towards the Templar. "Time to take this bird out for a flight."
He climbed into the cockpit and placed the helmet on, turning the systems back online. "This is Lieutenant Goodmen, taking my Templar out for a spin or more. Call me if there's any trouble." He said into the microphone.
A tall, stocky Rheinlander looked out a window at the amassing fleet of Scorpion drones. A few of them used the Vorzeichen operating system he had engineered, and would be leading the spearhead in the coming storm. But right now, everything was quiet- like the nearby systems were holding their breath and wondering how long their luck would last. Not long now, and there would be no turning back.
He felt that his 'partner' had doubts, and let it flow into his mind.
you are sure?
No. But if I'm right, he is far more useful to us than he could ever have been before. Between our adjustments and what the Armed Forces are doing on their own, he is even more of a hero than before.
and the fleet?
When the time comes, we'll have to pass through Omega-5, or risk a long trip through Rheinland that would certainly pick up our trail and warn them. This way, we only have to knock out two sensor batteries rather than seven- and these will be harder to replace.
you are very confident
Perhaps. But there's nothing worrying will do for me now. Is there any other intelligence data that's come through about our first target?
yes... head to the war room, the others are finishing the plans
The man took one last look at the fleet, then turned toward the inner part of the rock he could almost call home. It was going to be a long time before he could rest again.
Industerial Zone Alpha-3, Western Leeds, Outskirts...
Austin settled his Hussar down gently just on the outskirts of the city he wandered to two days earlier. He was intent on figuring out who the hell was piloting that Sabre, and if it was still salvageable. He climbed out of his Hussar and pulled out a standard issue rifle as well, slinging it over his shoulder and checking his pistol holster.
Once this was completed he set out on foot to search for the crash site, which he was hoping to find under an hour, the sun was also just beginning to set. Making the trip rather dangerous, mainly because of the creatures that lurk at night in the wastelands.
He was about thirty minutes out from his Hussar when he came to a dead stop. He heard foot steps behind him, which stopped as well. He reached for his pistol and turned about slowly. "Alright, Lad, Lass, whoever you are. You can show yourself."
Instead of grabbing his pistol first he reached into his back pocket and cracked open a glow-stick which lit up a small area so he could see better. "I said show yourself."
A man stepped into the light which his hands raised. "Don't...don't shoot me."
Austin stared at the man, then shook his head. "Reporter Jeffery Dixon, am I correct?" The man nodded. "Lieutenant Austin Goodmen, correct?"
"Aye, the only bloody man brave enough to be out here. Why the hell are you following me?"
"Sir. I need someone to talk to, I figured it was you when I saw your ship touch down. I've been in hiding on this part of Leeds since what happened to me."
"Eh? What happened?"
"Two terrorists tried getting information out of me about...a ship that was attacked."
"And this involves me why?"
"Well. I believe you know the two, it was on an Outcast ship, both terrorists."
Austin sighed, "Terrorists you say? Know the names?"
Jeff shook his head. "No, I don't Sir."
"Then I can't help you, now..go back to where you came from, I'm rather busy."
"At this time of night? You know creatures lurk out here."
"Well aware, heard the stories. I'm rather more interested in that Sabre that crashed out here two days ago."
"A wreck?"
"Aye."
The glow-stick flickered slightly. "This glow-stick only lasts so long, and I rather not waste them hm?"
Jeff stood silent staring at Austin as if he seen a ghost. "Uhm...Goodmen."
"What is it?" Austin had said, staring at Jeffery
"Just don't look behind you." Came the reply.
Something in the dark moved behind Jeffery, which caught Austin's eye. Sliding his hand slowly to his holster he un-clipped the strap on the holster then grabbed the butt of the pistol he carried, then slowly and carefully sliding the pistol out of it's holster carefully. His gaze drifted in the darkness for a few moments. Then as Murphy law's states "What can go wrong, will go wrong, at the worst possible time." the glow stick went out. Darkness engulfed where light once was.
"Great, just great." Jeffery said just as the glow stick went out.
Austin sighed lightly reaching into his pocket to pull out another glow stick, as soon as he cracked the glow stick open and held it out in front of him, Jeffery was gone. No sound was made. "People don't just disappear like that." He mumbled looking around for a moment, before turning around and walking off quietly in the direction he was heading before the encounter with the reporter.
After a few hours of crossing the dark wastelands, Austin tripped over a piece of metal and fell face first into the dirt. Coughing he pushed himself up and rolled over to his back. "Lovely." He mumbled as he checked to see if his nose wasn't bleeding. "Just lovely. Seems I found the place.." He stood up and shrugged it off. Looking up towards the sky. He shook his head and let out a sigh.
Austin watched as a man he hasn't seen in person until today, took the stage. He stared back at the man, giving him a rather confused, bewildered, and annoyed look. The Prime Minister only winked. To which point Austin sat up even more, despite the pain in his back.
"Less than a fortnight ago," began Mountbatten, "I was enroute from Liberty when my transport, the HMS Whitehall, was attacked by a Corsair raiding party."
He continued, after a short pause, "I won't elaborate, since many of you know the details, but if it weren't for a certain Ensign here today, you would now be bickering over who your next Prime Minister would be." There were a few surpressed chuckles at that.
Austin didn't chuckle, he only stared at the Prime Minister, his heart rate slowing down slightly. This, is strange..He thought.
"Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant, Austin Goodman!"
Sitting up quickly, and panting heavily. Austin glanced around the room, grumbled and got out of the bed. "It's bloody hot." He mumbled, rubbing his eyes until he could see a little bit better. Glancing down at the clock on a nearby desk he shook his head. 3:00 AM, he thought, Oh lovely. He shook his head and walked down to the second floor of his home. Flipping on a light switch as he walked by it. He continued forwards to a closet and opened the door.
Stepping inside, he started to look for a recording, one that he had recorded a while back to show to his future son and/or daughter. He rummaged through random boxes until he found the recording. Stepping outside of the closet and closing the door behind him, he walked slowly over to the holo-screen and inserted the recording into an open slot. He took a step back, turned around slowly and walked over to the couch then sat down. Picking up the remote he pressed play.
' Wrote:
Bretonia Broadcasting Corporation
817 A.S. - Earlier today, the Prime Minister's office confirmed rumors of an attack on the HMS Whitehall, which was carrying Prime Minister Mountbatten back from a diplomatic conference in Liberty. The attack was believed to have been carried out by a pair of independent Corsair pirates who were not connected to any known major Corsair faction.
Despite taking heavy fire, the Whitehall was able to escape from the pirates with only minimal damage, and is presently undergoing repairs at a secure BAF facility. Prime Minister Mountbatten himself is unharmed. The escorting fighter, piloted by BAF Ensign Austin Goodman, was destroyed in the fighting, but the Ensign's escape pod was retrieved, and he is also unharmed. BAF and third party reports indicate that Ensign Goodman's brave resistance was what allowed the Prime Minister to escape the firefight and make it to saftey.
While it is believed that this was an attack of opportunity, rather than a planned assault on the Prime Minister, the BAF continues to investigate the details of the attack. BBC will follow this story as it develops.
He watched the recording once before looking down at the Carina's Cross ribbon laying on the table. For once, he smiled at the ribbon, but let it sit peacefully while he played the recording again, over and over multiple times. After an hour of watching the news report multiple times over. He stood up and headed to the first floor. In his right hand he carried the ribbon. He approached his dress uniform, the one he wore for ceremonies, and pinned the ribbon 1/8 inches above the left breast pocket, making it as straight as he could.
However, he didn't doubt that one of the higher ranking officers will point out the fact that his ribbon is crooked, they had a knack for finding the smallest tilt.
"Goodie."
"Goodie..."
"Ooh...Goodie...."
"Bloody hell Goodmen wake up!"
Austin mumbled opening his eyes to a sight he wish he didn't see. A civilian Gull transport was on a collison course with his vessel, and the Captain of the vessel didn't seem to want to alternate course.
"Oi! Bloody hell!" Austin shouted hitting the thrusters to drift out of the way to the right, the fin of the Templar clipped the Gull's shielding, The slightly tap made the Templar spin to the right. "Bloody civilians..not moving for us." He grumbled into the secured communications, only to receive laughter.
"Shut up, Rockwell." "It is not, Rockwell." "It's bloody Rockwell if you keep this up." "It's Rocky! Get it right!"
Austin sighed and turned off his communications. He brought his ship to a complete stop once more and maintained orbit in Leeds, this time out of the shipping way. He shook his head once more and closed his eyes again. To get some sleep without anyone shouting at him.
Austin pulled the red Hover-car to a stop outside of the club and opened the door climbing out. He shut the door and started towards the main entrance, which had two guards standing outside.
"Right, lad. Hold it right there." One of the Guards said stepping infront of the door. Austin stopped.
"Lieutenant Commander Austin Goodmen, Armed Forces." He said holding his head up. "I need to speak with someone."
The Marine smiled lightly. "A Pilot eh? Little far from the pilots club. Suggest you turn your flyboy ass around and go there instead. No one here wants to talk to you. Specially, you, the so called 'Hero'." Austin sighed as the Marine took two steps forwards. "I really, need to speak with someone inside."
"No can do, you'll have to fight if you want to get in." Said the other Marine walking up. "Obviously, a flyboy like you can't handle Marines." He replied as he took up a fighting stance. "Ready flyboy?" The other Marine followed suit.
Austin unbuttoned his dress jacket and threw it to the ground to the side. He then undid the tie he was wearing and let it fall to the ground aswell, unbottoning the top button of his class b (Class B is a JROTC term for uniform without the heavy jacket.) He then took off the holster carrying the ceremonial pistol and dropped it next to his jacket and tie, before taking up a fighting position.
The first Marine launched out throwing his right fist towards Austin, it was a surprise attack that caught Austin off guard, though Austin managed to block it barely with his right arm, he toke a step back, waiting for the next attack. This time the Second Marine, who was behind Austin attacked with a sharp kick to the ribs. Taking the hit Austin stumbled to the side before recovering and backing away until both Marines were in view.
"That the best you got flyboy?"
"Nope." Austin smiled lightly
Taking two steps to the side, then moving as quick as he could in dress shoes, he swung out with a right hook towards the first Marine. The Marine blocked it but wasn't expecting the follow through of a knee to the gut, which was hard. The first marine lurched forwards and clutched his gut with both hands, Austin then brought his right elbow down to back of the marines neck, forcing him to fall.
Before Austin had the time to turn and face his next target, the second marine ran up behind him and grabbed him from the back, locking Austin's arms out. "As much as this seems manly." Austin muttered, "and no one mentioned any rules.." He watched as the first marine stragged to his feet. "I really have to say..." Austin trailed off as he leaned forwards just enought to gather momentum to headbut the marine behind him, breaking the marines nose. "Now I'll have a bloody headache." Austin muttered as the Marine let go.
The first marine reeled back and went to punch Austin, but his fist was grabbed.
"Enough! All of you stand down!"
"Sorry Sergeant Major!" The marine with the broken nose shouted holding still holding his nose.
"Who are you, chap?" The Sergeant Major said.
Austin stood back up straight, "Lieutenant Commander Austin Goodmen."
The Sergeant Major stood straighter. "Ah, Commander, sorry about the boys here they haven't really been in any combat lately. What can I do for you?"
"I need to speak with Sergeant Major John Oxford."
"That's me."
"Good, I'm planning an Assault on Fuchu, I'll need a civilian transport, and a few marines. I was thinking of the marine squad that'll be station on the Buckingham when that vessel is ready to fly."
"Assault on Fuchu? Admiralty accepted this?"
"Nope. I'm going to be doing it without them. Well aware of the reprocussions as well."
"Commander...I'll have to talk with my men about it. But, I can tell you I'll be happy to help. You got a transport yet?"
"Not yet, still need to work on that. Hopefully I can ring in someone that owes me."
"Not many people are suicidal Commander."
"Well aware of that Sergeant Major."
Austin knelt down picking up the holster and putting it back around his waist, before picking the tie up and stuffing it in his pocket. He then picked up the Jacket and threw it on. "You may want to get him a medic, heard the nose break."
Oxford laughed lightly, finally letting go of the fist that was reeled back. The Marine lowered his fist then jogged over to his friend, and led him inside the Officer's club.
"Right, Commander. I'll let them know what's being planned."
"Good to know. You also know how to get ahold of me as well." Austin replied back pulling out a piece of folded paper with a number scribbled on it. Oxford nodded then turned around heading back inside.
Austin sighed lightly and walked over to the hover-car and opened the door. "That was rather quick." He mumbled looking into the mirror, he sighed lightly and shut the door. "Well, now it's a waiting game, once more."
He turned on the radio and listened to the current song....
I live on the wrong side of life,
Im the one you fear as you hold your wife.
I run were the darker crowds run.
On the rain swept streets were black rain runs.
I play were the darker kids play
Im the one who goes out when you end your day.
I dance were the darker crowds dance,
In the pitch black clubs in a clove stained trance
I see things the darker kids see
Though you wouldnt believe all thats happened to me.
Ive been to the backside of hell,
And Ive played with your fear and enjoyed it well
This our time, the nights our day
We ll dance this fading life away.
He turned slightly watching a steel piece fall down from the hangar roof. It hit the floor with a loud crash, making Austin chringe slightly. He turned back around looking at the pilots standing at parade rest infront of him in a two squad formation.
A smile crept across his face. "Good morning chaps." He said in a calm voice, the squad replied back in unsion.
"Good day, Sir."
"Alright. Today we'll be going over...." He trailed off as a drill instructor walked over, Austin sighed lightly and backed away. "All yours." He said smiling a bit more continuing to step backwards as the drill instructor took over the formation. There was another crash as Austin turned about staring at a few more steel pieces falling down and hitting the floor. "Bloody hell. You'd think they'd get this place built up already." He grumbled walking towards an exit.
After exiting the building a person ran over to Austin, and saluted. "Sir, transport to Port Jackson is ready, they're waiting for you. Believe it or not."
"Port Jackson?" Austin said walking with the man. Who nodded.
"Aye, Sir. Port Jackson, the new colony on Planet Syndey."
Austin came to a stop and turned towards the man, sliding his hands in his pockets. "Why the hell do they want me there?"
The man shrugged. "I have no idea, Sir. However the transport isn't leaving without you."
"Is it a military transport?"
"No, Sir."
"Civilian then, do they want me in uniform?"
"Aye, they do Sir. I'd suggest you start moving towards the launch pad."
Austin sighed and dismissed the man. Than turned to his left and started off towards the launch pad a few yards away.
Twenty minutes later...
Austin climbed up the ramp, taking off his cover in the process. He stepped through the airlock than a nearby secondary door to the passanger quarters. He stepped in and saw tons of dirty refugees, and a few pilots.
"Commander Goodmen, welcome aboard." Someone to his left said.
"It's..Lieutenant Commander." He muttered to the lady as he stepped down the aisle and sat down in an empty chair.
The intercom went off shortly after he sat down. "Welcome aboard. We will be leaving Leeds in a few minutes here, heading straight for Planet Syndey." There was a click as the intercom went off. A few minutes later the engines came roaring to life, the vessel lifting off.
Five hours and twenty minutes later....
Austin woke to a light humming sound as the vessel settled down. He rubbed his eyes and stood up stretching a bit before walking towards the door and out the airlock. The moment the airlock door opened he shut his eyes quickly and covered his eyes with his hands. The suns made the planet bright. He felt a slight chill on his skin as a light breeze hit.
Recovering from the sudden exposure to the light he started down the steps, taking in a deep breath of the fresh oxygen. A small smile came across his face as he looked around slipping his hands in his pockets. He started towards the small colony which wasn't far from the grass landing pad. He was the first one off the vessel followed by a lot of refugees behind him. A couple childern ran past him screaming and laughing, enjoying the new sight.
He continued to smile as he entered the colony, the fence was just being built up, to keep the Corsairs out. However the colonists haven't had a problem with the Corsairs on the planets surface. A few people had stopped and looked at him then rushed over and helped the new colonists.
Austin continued towards a decent looking building, probably the only decent looking building in the entire colony, he figured it was the colonies, Mayors office, sure enough it was. He pulled open the door and stepped inside, taking a quick look around he stepped towards a door that was marked 'Mayors Office'. He went to knock but the door opened by itself.
Pulling back his hand he stared for a minute before stepping inside.