Today is my Birthday. I'd never thought I would live to see it come with this war going on. Luckily there isn't a single Rheinland invasion today, must be their gift to me. *laughs*
I was surprised that my father's friend, the engineer, presented me with a gift. A brand-new Liberty Assault Battle Cruiser, this is a very advanced type of ship. I've never captained one before; hopefully, it will be as easy as counting 1 2 3.
Captain Saunders of the LNS-Roswell, a Liberty Dreadnought, gave me some advice on what to mount of the turrets. I was thankful that he guided me with the techniques in turret mounting. He was previously in command of one before. After that, we headed to the Arena System to practice my aim. It was hard at first to aim the Mortars, I was accustomed to the Forward Gun, but it went smoothly after a few tries.
Oh! I forgot, I must register this ship at once. *EDIT*
Source:San Jacinto Station, Virginia
Sender: Captain Remus Sius, Texan Armada
Encryption: Medium
Greetings,
This is Captain Remus Sius of the LNS-Douglas, Texan Armada. The Douglas was formerly a Siege Class Cruiser Vessel but due to the course of the war. I have been assigned to a Liberty Assault Battlecruiser.
Warning the following intel has been deemed CLASSIFIED and shall be seen by Liberty Navy personnel only! Level 10 encryption system detected!
6x Cruiser Primary Turrets
2x Battleship Primary Turrets
2x Cruise Pulse Cannons
Capital Armor Mark IV
Cruiser Graviton Class Shield
CM-4 Enhanced Countermeasure Dropper
CD98rc Reinforced Cruise Disruptor Missile Launcher
Crew:
100 Liberty Commandos
5 Bridge operators
15 Engineers
5-man Medical Team
I am now sending ship registration codes:
<<<<Sending Ship registration codes>>>>>>
Ship Name: LNS-Douglas
Captain Name : Captain Remus Sius
Ship Class: Liberty Assault Battle Cruiser
Ship Affiliations: Liberty Navy Guard
Identification Card: Liberty Navy Guard
Primary Ship Usage:
-Protect the Sovereignty of Liberty, including Texas and all adjacent Systems.
-To Ensure the Safety of the Planet Houston from any invasion fleet.
-To Protect the Citizens of Liberty, from Piracy and any who threaten their safety.
-Classifed Operation (Code 02A3)
If you have any other orders I shall comply immediately upon deliverance of said orders.
Today I went on duty guarding Planet Houston from unwanted ships. Faith has it that I met an old friend, Tharog Frosthearth, guarding the border. He was the one who saved me during the dangerous raid in Hamburg. I couldn't forget his bravery. Thanks to him, I evaded capture from the enemy.
From a fighter pilot to a Gunboat Captain, he became the Associate Director of a certain branch of the LSF called Liberty Customs and Border Security Force. Although I've never heard this branch until, he states that their main objective is to guard the Borders.
During this time, Houston Command hailed that I was to file a few papers, mainly about my new Liberty Assault Battlecruiser. I was about to finish until Houston control reported, "[font=Georgia][color=#FFFF66] Red Alert! Red Alert! This is not a drill, scanners have detected a Rheinland Battleship inside the system. All Liberty Navy ships please respond."
I quickly headed for the [color=#3333FF]Douglas and assured my crew that we'll get through this alive. The [color=#3333FF]Douglas guns were changed due to the fact that we were dealing with a Battleship. She was equipped with Dual Light Mortars, and a Battleship Mortar.
Once in orbit, we quickly spotted the Battleship near Planet Houston. It was Jarek.RM I don't know if he fired on the planet- I hope he didn't. A certain [LN]Matt.Smith came to respond to the situation, he was in a fighter. Luckily he was stupid enough to get in range of the Mississippi, she let loose all her guns to heavily damaged the big ship. Along with that, he was also targeted by the Douglas' Light Mortars and Mortar.
It was too bad that the Recruit was caught in the crossfire. He was shot by Jarek.RM. I tractored in his escape pod and told a nearby police officer to take him to the Mississippi for injuries. Tharog provided him with a distraction while I fired the heavy artillery. It took awhile to bring his hull to 50%. Suddenly Tharog's Gunboat came too close to the Battleship and was destroyed. He was still alive thou as he immediately took to the escape pods.
The Battleship and I were now mano-e-mano. I tried my best to destroy his ship but his guns kept me a distance of 3k from him. The Cerberus turrets he packed were weighing down my shields. I had to evade him. Luckily 2 ships responded to my call, Agent.Mark (//Err forgive if I this is wrong) in a bomber and LNS-Maryland. The Maryland was a dreadnought- Thanked God for the assistance.
The tables were turned and we had the numerical advantage and firepower. Under the hail of Primaries ,SNACs and Mortars; Jarek.RM became a smoldering wreck of hull. We tractored several survivors of the crew.
Sadly in my haste to combat the Battleship, my technician forgot to install the new gun camera on the ship.
Is the captain of this ship brave or stupid? Such a waste of human lives.
The first few moments of today's activities were surprisingly quiet as there were no unlawful ships in sight. They were probably still sleeping in their stations. I hooked up with a primary fleet pilot named [LN]-John.Smith and we patrolled around New York. Nothing.... nothing at the Capital except for 2 Liberty Navy ships sitting around Norfolk awaiting orders: Henry.Ford, captain of a siege cruiser, and Trekki_Fan in a guardian.
Other than that, Trekki and I decided to go to *Classified* to buy him a stronger shield. On our way to Texas Jump Gate, we encountered a Rogue Gunboat by the name of Prevail.The.Shadows. The Captain was sitting besides the lane and because of the presence of the Siege Cruiser. The Captain was forced to resort to a hostage situation. After a long,hard, persuasive talk, he or she finally agreed to a deal.
The Captain made a deal to exchange the four hostages for 2 million S.Cs. Luckily there was no trickery involved... The Gunboat quietly left the trade lane using the New York Jump Hole that was located a few clicks below it.
It was very nice of that Captain of the Rogue Gunboat, Prevail.The.Shadows, to comply peacefully. I solved the hostage situation without using force. Although I never knew his or her name, I went on making a nickname for that person: Mr. Shadow, assuming he is a guy or Mrs Shadow assuming that she is lady.
After that, nothing much happened except for an incident in the same area in which the Gunboat was challenging a LSF Agent named LSF=Matt.Edwards . Interestingly enough, it was in this time when I realized that the Gunboat had a CAU Armor VIII. Sadly the Agent was defeated in the duel, we had to tractor his escape pod before escaping. This time he had some friends: The.Elusive.One and Concidus, both in Gunboats.
Without sufficient firepower, we weren't able to dent any of the ships and we were forced to retreat. The pirates kept insulting our navy's strength but I'd like to teach them otherwise. Their numbers grew in strength and suddenly we were outnumbered 2 to 1. At this time, I quickly went to Texas to get the Douglas. Oddly enough, I managed to evade the pirates littering the lanes. 2 reinforcements in the form of Gunboats arrived: LNS-Rockwood and LNS-Assault1.
The pirates were preparing an assault on our positions. I fired two warning shots to warn of the capabilities of my new ship. Out of the blue, LSF reinforcements came piloting 3 ships: 2 bombers and 1 Guardian. An alarm sounded off at the ship's bridge, my engineers informed me of an impending danger: The two shots overheated the inner core of the main Power Generator. It seems there are some glitches to be fixed. We had to immediately dock and watch the fight from Norfolk.
I feel sad for leaving at such an crucial engagement.
I launch from Norfolk with the Douglas. Upon launching, I encountered 2 pilots: LSF=Adam.Thomas and Stryker, the latter being in a Havoc bomber. Some guy named Venge disrupted the trade lane in West Point leading to Manhattan, after that I tried to find this man but to no avail. I stroke a conversation with him.
It seems that he doesn't read the law book very well enough to know that disrupting trade lanes is against the law; however, I held no hostilities with him. I decided to know more about him and why he does these unlawful things. His life's story is a bit long so he decided to cut it short. The main goal in his life is to find his family's history and while on his search, his family was killed by Liberty Navy capital ships. He said that they opened fire for no reason and without mercy.
That's very disturbing I thought, to think that you'd kill someone's family over a small argument. I'd never do that.... Never in my life have I taken out someone's family over a small thing *pauses for a few moments* Although that massacre at Hamburg- God forgive me....
While conversing with Venge, I met Tharog in Norfolk with his new Avenger. He was boasting about that new ship but I warned him about the disadvantages of it. Particularly its slow maneuverability, you got to be able to compensate for it's heavy armor. Speaking of armors, his ship doesn't have the UA Armor VIII. He could get hurt in that ship without proper armor.
At this time, a unknown ship contacted me about a pirate infestation at Manhattan. The three of us: Me, Tharog and Stryker made a quick scout of the report. Upon entering Manhattan area, we saw no hostiles in sight. I ordered a recon mission to each of the trade lanes: One to Detroit Munitions and One to West Point. The lane to Detroit was clear but over the comms an LSF Agent suddenly announced, "Attention all ships, avoid the Lane between Manhattan-West Point. There are several pirates in the area." So we proceeded to that area where we found the group of pirates [color=#33FFFF]Weecake, a Liberty Gunboat, reported.
We found several ships including Venge. The opposition was composed of 3 Outcasts and 3 Freelancers: Their ships was 3 fighters , 2 bombers and a Tridente. Our force consisted of 2 LSF Agents:LSF=Adam.Thomas and LSF=Scott.Robinson, which were in bombers I think., Stryker, who was in a Havoc bomber which had a nice look, Tharog, who was in his Avenger, and me in my LABC.
Tharog and I wanted to end the situation peacefully by treating them with kindness but there was some tension between one of the Outcast named Zaza.CC.D'light and Stryker. To solve the problem, I ordered Stryker to apologize to Ms Zaza whom the former tried to kill in an engagement a few days ago. At this moment, we saw the pirates moving in closer to our position. The LSF Agents were behind them so we had the tactical advantage. When the pirates started to circle us, I took the chance to fire the first shot.
*Makes the sounds of a Light Mortar* Boom! I quickly got the Gunboat by surprise. His shields were down the moment the first LM hit him. The second severely damaged his hull. I ordered our forces to fire on the heavily damaged Gunboat. Suddenly Stryker's bomber exploded under the crossfire, his ship was too close to the Nova torpedo he fired on the Gunboat. I tractored in his escape pod. Within minutes, the Gunboat had exploded to bits under the pressure of Solaris, SNACs,etc. The next target was Kaaz, an Outcast in a bomber. He was easy to target that I could hit him with my Battleship Razor. At this time, a few bombers started to shoot at me. They messed with the wrong guy at the wrong time. I switched power to the Solaris turrets which scared the wits out of them. They hastily avoid my ship in an effort to preserve their ships. I returned to firing at Kaaz who was already damaged. Within seconds, he was shredded by the sheer accuracy of the Solaris turrets. During this time, one of my light mortars suddenly malfunctioned. It fired one round that almost hit the LSF Agents; luckily, they were fast enough to avoid the large projectile that came in their way.
My Engineer informed me of a engine failure at Engine No.2 and a power failure in the Main Generator. My shields were offline for a few seconds but no hostiles fired on us, Thank God for that. We had to leave the fight after destroying 2 hostiles;however, an LSF Agent suddenly joined the secure comms to replace me. His name was LSF=Tony.Drake. He quickly asked if he was to bring a fighter or a bomber. I quickly answered, "Bring a fighter and proceed to Man-WP lane sir." and then I left without hesitation.
Sadly enough during the intense shooting, my gun camera was damaged so I wasn't able to record the destruction of the two ships.
Too bad I left early in the fight but lucky me I got two bad guys.
I woke up early in the morning to find that New York was under attack by Jarek.RM. He managed to sneak undetected inside my beloved capital. You don't see Rheinland Battleships in New York often. As usual I prepared my ship and crew to battle such persistent enemy, with the help of numerous ships: LNS-AbsolutionAssault7, Cpt.Qwark, Ak_Altynbek All Gunboat class ships. Collector and }NPP{DiggerBob, both fighters. And another first-ever Junker helping to destroy a Rheinland ship, the Maelstrom.
Within seconds we found the location of the beast, he sitting near the tradelanes from Norfolk-West Point. It seems he wanted revenge from me for destroying his ship. Poor fellow, I gave him a chance to surrender but he was too ignorant to even notice it. I gave the order to fire before he even got a chance to catch us off guard. His shields went down under the combined firepower of our ships. The gunners on board the beast must be amateurs because they utterly missed the buzzing bees at point-blank range. Alast the poor crew were forced to take to the pods, he himself was wondering why [color=#33FFFF]Eva, a Junker, would helped us.
Today is a promising day. Willard station reported signals that appear to be of Nomad signature in the Magellan system. We received the order to scout the area for the Nomad. Once in the Magellan system, we immediately activated the TLR to triangulate the source. We first explored the Barrier on the Bretonian side of the system. We were careful not to be seen by civilians. Nearing the Leeds jump hole I found this:
*Uploading files*
The Bradley. Scans indicate that the transport is registered as a Universal Shipping transport. It was reported missing ONLY YESTERDAY. Also we retrieved several gate part from the ship. Sadly though, we didn't find any survivors as the ship's hull had decompressed. However, we did find that the escape pods were gone. A probable explanation that they were kidnapped by the Lane Hackers in the area.
After that we explored the area near the jumphole leading system called Kansas, recent scans of the system made by Willard show a huge amount of Nomad signature in the north-eastern part of the system. Although I have never explored the area due to the presence of the so-called NTF organization, upon nearing the jumphole we immediately found the source of the signal.
*Uploading communication files*
Quote:LNS-Douglas: Lieutenant: Sir we have found the source.
LNS-Douglas: Roger don't lose it.
Keepers.Minerva: **The creature awakens from its slumber, shaked restlessly by the murmer of a thousand voices.**
LNS-Douglas: Keep your distance.
Keepers.Minerva: ***...'This one' questions the intent of the lightless...we bring it no harm~does it bring harm to 'Our' kin?...***
LNS-Douglas: *A Communicator activates* "We're sorry to disturb you"
LNS-Douglas: "Our intentions are of peace and curiosity"
Keepers.Minerva: ***...'This one' welcomes the lightless~teacher to pupil...'We' ask whom plays which..(?)...***
LNS-Douglas: Lieutenant: Sir, we're detecting it to be of Gunboat Class.
LNS-Douglas: Interesting.
LNS-Douglas: "We wish to ask your reason of what happened in Sol."
Keepers.Minerva: ***...As many minds feed in to one~'We' see much~'We' do not see /all/...***
Keepers.Minerva: ***...Those kin of war~the destroyers of the lightless star~'They' are -not- 'We'...***
LNS-Douglas: "Yes that civil war as your may call it is very disturbing. There was also a hint of disburbing your home as you call it?"
LNS-Douglas: "Recent encounters with your young ones tell of our society invading your home."
Keepers.Minerva: ***...The great Destroyer; born of the Bretonian star...(?)***
LNS-Douglas: "No, I'm from Liberty. Call me Remus."
Keepers.Minerva: ***...'This one' speaks not of the Remus-named~'We' sense no evil of him...***
Keepers.Minerva: **There is likely a tapping feeling on Remus' shoulder.**
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Heh, the minds games begin I see.
Keepers.Minerva: **Another pair of taps at his shoulder. They're light, and unhurried.**
LNS-Dougla: *looks at his back and sees no one but the marines guarding the bridge*
LNS-Douglas: Lieutenant: Incoming Rogues...
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Don't mind them Lieutenant. They won't hurt our shields.
Keepers.Minerva: **There is in fact an avatar of the Nammu there, a woman dressed in a baggy green sweater, glasses and jeans. She seems
Keepers.Minerva: **quite old, in her late fifties or early sixties. This is, of course, if Remus acknowledges her.**
LNS-Douglas: *rubs his eyes togerther* Do I know you from somewhere?
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Perhaps...this one's child name was Kye'Lo, and often frequents the Liberty stars.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Kye'Lo, seems familiar...
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: As does the Remus-named, it burns in the back of our mind...out of grasp, yet within sight.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: You don't know me do you?
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Perhaps...we believe the lightless know of it as...de ja vu.
Keepers.Minerva: **She stands un-nervingly still, her jaw and chest being all that moves, as she speaks.**
LNS-Douglas: Remus: It's interesting, you seem real and yet seem imaginary.
LNS-Douglas: *The marines look suspicious the Captain.* Marine: Sir are you alright?
Keepers.Minerva: **She smiles, bringing her hand up to run it down his cheek. Should he not draw back, it would appear real; warm and soft
Keepers.Minerva: **To touch.**
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: All things are but what your senses perceive.
LNS-Douglas: *Remus moves back* If you don't mind I'm a bit uncomfortable close to women. *looks at the marines* All part of the you-know
LNS-Douglas: -what.
LNS-Douglas: So are you the manifestation of the organism?
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: I am one with This One, a story most complex and spun thicker than web. Perhaps, should you not side with
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Those who wish to harm us, we shall explain one day.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: My intentions are to try to understand and establish diplomatic relations with the entity known to your kind as the
LNS-Douglas: light.
LNS-Douglas: As you refer to us as the "dark ones"
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: We understand such things, and this is why This One has not sought to devour your taint. But trust comes not in an
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Instant. Would you welcome unto your breast those of the Rheinland Stars with no hours trickling by the glass?
LNS-Douglas: I understand the sole purpose of this war with the Rheinlanders... Its a very sad sight.
LNS-Douglas: I do however do the necessary things to preserve life even the lives of what Liberty considers as enemies.
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: This one knows. This one understands. But trust must be fostered and nurtured, as one would a child.
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: And should it bloom, the rewards will be unfathomable.
LNS-Douglas: *Remus looks at the vast space* Yes I am a observer of the world. And I tell you it is quite a world.
LNS-Douglas: We try to explore everything but in exploration we find more questions to answer.
LNS-Douglas: *Turns to the woman* I see this encounter as a very promising one. Your kind has amazed me to much an extent.
Keepers.Minerva: **She nods gently.** We welcome words with those whom offer.
LNS-Douglas: I always hear of your kind as hostile but in reality hostilies come from both sides.
LNS-Douglas: Thats why peace can only be achieved if one side stops the fighting but also must the other side cease.
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Do be wary of our kin less trusting than this one...while many welcome peace, others do not agree.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Thank you for your kindness. If you could please, spread the word of mine to your kin?
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: This one shall. To your kin, utter the name Minerva.
LNS-Douglas: And what is the message?
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Merely that this one is naught but a scholar. It seeks knowledge, not war, and no harm shall come to those who
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Do not harm it.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: *nods* Please to meet you Minerva. I doubt if anyone will listen. The minds of which have been already sealed.
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: There is no success without chance. There is no chance without attempt.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Your right.
LNS-Douglas: *murmurs in the background* So it is possible of peacful communication with them.
LNS-Douglas: Seems so but it warns us of others who are aggressive.
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Does the Remus-named wish to utter more? Or may this one return to slumber?
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Enough gentlemen, we have disturb-errr him or her?
LNS-Douglas: I think her would be suited
Keepers.Minerva: Woman: Farewell to the lightless. We anticipate further contact.
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Once again I thank you for this encounter... Good luck out there.
Keepers.Minerva: **On next blink, she disappears from view, and the creature returns to dormancy.**
LNS-Douglas: Remus: Wonderful beings. *Communicator shut off*
We were surprised at the kindness it showed to us. The scientists on board didn't imagine a Nomad with this ability to understand and be calm against a ship of our size. The Nomad appears to be of Gunboat Class. I hope for more promising encounter like this. Although we were warned that not all are like "her". About me calling it "her". The avatar it took was a woman, she also had a name: "Minerva".
She would pass the information that my crew and I were of no harm to them. I would also do the same to the LSF.
I think this is the first step to establishing relations with the Nomads.
Months have passed since I wrote in this memoir. You may ask, "Why is that so?", after a long, thought-out moment. I decided to join the ranks of the Liberty Navy Primary Fleet. Joining up took some time but I was able to become an Ensign in less than two weeks.
Recruits Barney Ross and Remus Sius are promoted to the rank of Ensign as of now. Report to Captain Casero, although what you'll probably end up doing is shining boots or something. Be sure to give Captain Casero his favorite blanket as well as his cape. He really likes his cape. Continue to show the Navy's qualities and you two will go far. You may now fly the Avenger or Guardian class vessels. Congratulations and may the both of you have continued success.
Signed,
Admiral Galen Anderson
--End Transmission--
Its funny that I had some trouble in understanding what it took in becoming an Ensign. I only lacked an photographic evidence of the Liberty Navy Guard ID. I also disliked having to buy an Executioner for the 8 trial hours but if this is the challenge into becoming a Primary Fleet pilot then I must do it. My first report as an Recruit:
Source:Planet Manhattan
Sender:Recruit Remus Sius
Encryption: Medium
Greetings Sirs/Ma'ams,
This is Recruit Remus Sius reporting that I've completed 8 hours of my trial time and have successfully acquired the Liberty Navy Guard.
During the completion of my training assigments, I angered several Rogue and Hacker ships to which they tried to chase me all the way to Fort Severn. Enemy ships
I had 2 hours prior to the acquirement of my LN Guard. So I decided to patrol the rest of it out. During my patrol on the Cali system. I saw a suspicious comms of a trader. Based on my knowledge, he was being pirated. Once I headed towards the Willard Trade Lane, I immediately spotted a PT. I chased it all the way to Cali Minor where it stopped.
I circled around NY after that and upon reentering Cali I found a Phantom attacking a Junker. The previous PT was also present and an OC fighter was also engaging the Phantom. I engaged the Phantom but to no avail. My circuitry was responding oddly.... I wasn't able to shoot well so I provided a distraction whilst the Junker escaped. Phantom attacks Junker
The next day, I still had an hour and 30 minutes in my flight time. I hooked up with Vice Admiral Malone in his Dreadnought, the LNS-Minneapolis, He ordered me to patrol NY then Colorado and finally California. First I patrolled New York, finding signs of a SCRA ship but not of the trade lanes. I went to Colorado were it was clear as a toilet seat. Next I went back to Manhattan to find two Xeno ships. There were LSF ships on the scene and they took control of the situation but an odd thing happened. Junker ships suddenly showed up and kicked the Xenos out of Manhattan. The Junkers wished that this incident be noted by the Liberty Navy. Junkers vs Xenos
Vice Adm Malone then ordered me to California. Prior to entering Cali, I received transmission that the SCRA was moving to Manhattan. I contacted the Vice Adm and he immediately went back from target practice in Texas. I searched around Cali for any pirates but found none. I requested permission to head back to NY to which the Vice Adm granted. I was ordered to Manhattan where the SCRA was sitting behind. Upon scanning the vessel it was dubbed as "KSDG-L3375 Storm Coalition Gunboat". The ship's XO's name is Commander Daemon Steele. He was on a mission to quell the lies about the so-called Glorious Coaltion. I was ordered by the Vice Adm to question the man and gave me control of the situation. His mission was a personal experiment and was in no way going to harm people. During which a LN Gunboat named Cerberus endangered the mission by telling the Gunboat to leave. That Gunboat specifically didn't follow orders and proceeded to tell the ship to leave or he will open fire. Cmd Steele warned the Gunboat that he wasn't there to show hostilities but open a Q&A forum for those who are curious about the Coalition. We exchanged coffee to show my peaceful intention; although, I didn't have the necessary firepower to destroy the ship. The Executioner wasn't able to scan the more complicated equipment of the ship so I brought the Douglas, which had more sophisticated scanners, to scan the interior of the ship. After that, I proceeded to write this report.
I was happy that my superiors expect high performances from me but I fear that my fighter skills won't impress them so much. I do have an excellent understanding of Do's and Don'ts. Compliance to orders is also my specialty. Observing and Assessing certain situations is my talent.
With these characteristics, I hope I will soon be able to climb the ranks of the Main Fleet.
Inside the large and yet small Battlecruiser, a tall man was walking down a seemingly wide and long hallway. His footsteps were silenced by the red rug leading up to a door. He was wearing what appears to be a Liberty Navy blue uniform with a Lieutenant's insignia. Digital screens lined the hallway, showing the Battlecruiser's previous battles, leading up to a door that is guarded by a single statue who looked like a Marine. As the Lieutenant was nearing the doorway, the statue suddenly threw the XO a firm salute.
"Jesus, you almost scared me there, Barnes.", said the Lieutenant as he shakily rendered Barnes' salute.
The Marine didn't respond. He only returned to his normal position. Before the Lieutenant stepped on the scanner, he looked at rectangular bronze plate that hung on the door. It showed, "James Madison." He then went to the scanner which identified him as... well.... him. The door slides smoothy and James steps into what seemed to be a bedroom. It was quite small for Lieutenant but James knew he hated large places, much like the large dining room of the ship. There was a holopad waiting on his bed. It was from the Captain.
A hologram of the Captain appears, "James, take care of Douglas will you. I'm a bit busy raiding the Kanzler's backyard. Report any-"
James shuts down the holopad even before the Captain can finish. He already seemed aware that the Captain was filled with numerous duties as an Ensign in the Primary Fleet. He lied down on the bed tired. Dead tired. A couple of errands were just finished. It seems a few Marines decided to go to the bar and get drunk without permission. They were punished without the Captain's knowledge. James knew the Captain dislikes people keeping secrets from him but he did it anyways. He picked up his datapad and wrote today's event.
Quote:<<<<Accessing Madison datapad>>>>> Login: Lieutenant James Madison Password: *****
December 19, 817 A.S.
Greetings there Captain,
I finished your report for you. No thanks necessary. I know your eager to report your everyday battles.
Oh and while on the Douglas around Norfolk, I encountered a Gallic Merchant. He seemed eager to check out our ship. Those Frenchmen.... Anyways I also scanned that ship of his but the scanners had a malfunction. It may take awhile before we can read those files. Anyways happy hunting, Sir!
<<<Message Sent>>>
<<<<Logging out>>>>
He closed the datapad and went to look out the window. There he could see the New York Sun bearing its light unto the windows. A few civilian ships were passing by as well as Liberty Navy ships. It seemed as New York was busy today. He sighed and then exited the bedroom.
"What a busy day." As Remus said going through the seemingly wide and long hallway.
The hallway seemed like the previous one, only this time there was no Marine stationed near the end nor a door. The Captain was wearing an Ensign's uniform. A bandaged hand reached for a near-empty Gallic wine inside his uniform.
"A first favor ready to be fulfilled. You got your wish Remus."
Nearing the end of the hallway, he stopped and looked at his bandaged hand. The wound still fresh appeared to be a cut made by glass. He uttered a few words and suddenly what seemed to be a wall swung open and led to his quarters. The quarters were a bit large than the Lieutenant's but its appearance were the same except for a few personal furniture and mementos. The ensign walked towards his bed. He pulled out a datapad from his uniform. A message was waiting for him. It was from his XO.
Quote:Greetings there Captain,
I finished your report for you. No thanks necessary. I know your eager to report your everyday battles.
Oh and while on the Douglas around Norfolk, I encountered a Gallic Merchant. He seemed eager to check out our ship. Those Frenchmen.... Anyways I also scanned that ship of his but the scanners had a malfunction. It may take awhile before we can read those files. Anyways happy hunting, Sir!
"Ha, it seems that he's getting tired from writing all my reports. Maybe I should give him something to do. Like commanding the Douglas."
James, I've decided to give you command of the Douglas. Your primary mission will be finding a person known as "Rachel", a slaver holding a friend of mine hostage. You are to bring this person alive as well as the hostage. I will also give you command of the Marine Company aboard the ship.
P.S. Have fun and Don't disappoint me!
<<<Message Sent>>>
<<<<Logging out>>>>
He then hid the datapad inside his uniform and placed the wine bottle on a drawer near his bed. The Ensign can still remember the events that occurred during the day. An ex-Order's friend kidnapped. A Hacker that decided to let him go.
"That Hacker was a nice woman. Although I hated the fact that she started to use Cardamine simply because everybody was using it. I'm looking forward to our next meeting." He smiled looking out the window. No ships passed by. Liberty must be sleeping..... but then again a Junker/wife of a Rheinland Admiral reminded him that Liberty never sleeps.
It had been a long time since Remus ever so wrote in his memoirs. The thrill of one reminiscing the events of today was steadily tempting Remus to write. Question is, what made him stop writing?
San Jacinto Station, Virginia (Some few months ago)
"This will take two months by the looks of it.", said a man who look like that of an engineer. "That bad huh?", said another wearing what looked to be like a Lieutenant Commander's uniform. He then looked behind the engineer. There was a glass window which one can view a large hangar. A light illuminated part of a figure that looked like a ship. This part of the ship had its hull broken off. Streaks of burnt marks littered the lightened area.
The Lt Cmdr motioned for his aide to show him the casualty list. 30 dead....55 wounded...It was the worse casaulty list he had ever seen. Almost half of the ship's crew had been neutralized.
He looked at the engineer,"Greg, I want the best repair crew working on that ship."He looked at Greg with fierce eyes as though he was the enemy. Greg was stunned by the gaze of the Lt Cmdr. He merely nodded and immediately left.
"Barnes, contact Captain Remus Sius. He needs to see this."Barnes made a firm salute and then left for the communications center. The Lt Cmdr. walked down the hall... he could see parts of the ship illuminated by different sets of lights through the glass windows. He would have to shoulder the fault which was made by his foolishness.
"How did those cruisers get our position?!"He slammed a fist at the glass window. The glass window could have broke and the hallway could have decompress but it may be his fist's weak strength or the intense density of the glass that had prevented such an accident. He hadn't realize what he had done but the pain in his fists wasn't as strong as the pain in his heart. Suddenly...
"Calling Lieutenant Commander James Madison, please report to the TCU immediately." James didn't hear the PA at first. It repeated once more. He had then come to his senses and exited the hallway through a sliding door.