Among the evidence collected in the file; one particular photo stands out, it was taken at The Eclipse known to both Phil Rocconan and Mr. Unknown as a place where unlawfuls of the Sirius sector go to drink, and make shady deals. Rocconan closes the file and places it back on Mr. Unknowns desk, then takes another drag from his cigarette.
Well, this changes things. I suppose youd like to know what I was discussing with Cain Shepard, a member of the Slavers Union.
Mr. Unknown nods his head in acknowledgement.
Okay; remember that Taylor girl? If not, Ive brought some pictures with me.
Phil places his now-spent cigarette in the ashtray and reaches into his pockets once more, taking out a datapad.
Here.
Mr. Unknown takes the datapad and hooks it up to his computer, downloading the images from it. To Phils surprise, he doesnt flinch.
As you can see; Miss Taylor died from a cut to the throat. Apparently; she was causing problems for Shepard, by refusing to get on his ship, the Utopia and he didnt have time to force her into its cargo hold with the other slaves so... he killed her.
Rocconan lights another cigarette and continues.
She is the reason that I met Shepard at The Eclipse, he paid me 100k so that I would have my men cover it up.
He was remorseless; the death of one so young didnt concern him, only the credits that he couldve gotten from her sale; and frankly, that scares me. If I am to work for you, I need your guarantee that I'll be safe when meeting with Cain Shepard.
(Mr. Unknown smiles at Mr. Rocconan as he pulls out a bottle of scotch, two glasses, and an expensive cigar from yet another drawer. He pours the scotch in both glasses so they are each about half full, lights up his cigar, and hands Mr. Rocconan one of the two glasses.)
Mr. Unknown: No worries my friend, no worries at all. My resources are vast, and I take care of those under my employ. I have plenty of men to protect you and if all else fails I can even hire protection. So, trust me when I say you will be well looked after. Do we have a deal?
(Mr. Unknown raises his glass and after a brief pause of contemplation Mr. Rocconan follows suit. The two touch glasses then quickly down their drinks. Mr. Unknown steps out from behind his desk and extends his hand to Mr. Rocconan which is immediately accepted.)
Mr. Unknown: Well played, I knew youd be an excellent acquisition. Please let my secretary know if there is anything you need from me, and in the meantime you should be expecting to hear from me again real soon.
(Mr. Rocconan nods in acknowledgement, then turns and walks out of the office.)
Mayday, mayday this is rogue patrol alpha twelve requesting emergency assistance from Rogue Destroyer. Im coming in hot with a Liberty Security Force pilot on my tail.
(Just outside the Rogue destroyer a pilot calls for help as a lone LSF officer blasts away at him. The rogues fighter is already in critical condition with a flame trail on its rear and a wing missing.)
Copy that proceed to bay one and we will have an emergency crew meet you there.
(The destroyers guns power on as it receives the emergency transmission and they begin to try and hit the LSF pilots Avenger, but to no avail as the guns are just too slow and the Avenger easily dodges the plasma blasts. The rogue pulls in front of the docking bay and proceeds to head in, but before it can enter the destroyers shields)
Docking sequence initializedARGH!!! (Explosion)
Rogue Patrol Alpha do you copy?... I repeat do you copy?!... Rogue Patrol Alpha are you there?
(The destroyer desperately calls out, but nothing except static is heard. Then)
Another one pays for wreaking havoc in Liberty space.
(A mysterious voice is heard hacking the communications channels, the destroyer launches a wing of fighters, but it is too late. The LSF fighter has already moved out of scanner range.)
*An Hour Later*
(The same LSF ship as from before is seen docking on a Liberty Cruiser with an unknown identity. Once on the landing deck the Avengers cockpit slowly depressurizes with a long loud steady hissing sound and stepping out from within is Mr. Unknown. He removes his helmet and places it in the seat of the avenger then looks at a nearby mechanic)
The ships controls have a tendency to stick to the left, fix it or Ill fix you.
(The mechanic salutes him then hops to his work on the avenger. Mr. Unknown proceeds down a long corridor, then up a turbo lift to the lobby outside his office. As he walks through lobby his secretary quickly greets him with a smile.)
Sir, I am glad you are back. I have the data pads you requested, and it seems that part of the unpleasant business has been taken care of.
Thanks Sarah. Ill look these over immediately, but what are you doing tonight?
Nothing, sir.
Have dinner with me then. After flying around for a few days in that cramped avenger I could use the company of a good woman.
But, sir your wife expects you home tonight?
(Mr. Unknown laughs)
I said I wanted the company of a good woman not an annoying nag. You know she is that last person Id like to spend a relaxing evening with. I only married that horror of a woman as it was expected of me.
I know the story, and Id be delighted to share the night with you, but you already knew Id never say no to you.
You never do.
(Both smile at one another for a brief moment until Mr. Unknown moves on into his office. Once inside he heads around his desk and sits down in the chair. He fires up his computer and begins to look at the data pads.)
Interesting
(Mr. Unknown thinks aloud to himself.)
So, Black Dog was not much of a problem at all for my problem solver. This is good. Though its been several days and Ive yet to hear anything back in regards to the other listed on the hit notice.
(Mr. Unknown moves on to the next data pad.)
Ah, Mr. Rocconan a man after my own heart it seems. Well, I think its time I use his connections to obtain the items I need.
(Mr. Unknown presses the intercom button.)
Yes sir? What can I do for you?
Send a message to Phil Rocconan that Id like to schedule a meeting between him, myself and this Cain fellow. Let him know Id like to do it as soon as possible and on neutral ground.
Right away; Ill send it via secure channel. Anything else?
Yes two things let our problem solver know he can receive his payment whenever he likes and that I would like to meet with him as well to discuss a high priority target.
And the second thing?
Wear something sexy tonight Im taking you to the Forepaughs in New London.
In orbit of Planet Houston, Phil Rocconan sits in the cockpit of his Guardian-class Liberty Very Heavy Fighter. So far; he’d had an uneventful day but that changed when the ship’s computer beeped, informing him that he had an inbound transmission. Now; who could that be? Phil thinks to himself as he looks at the display;
INCOMING TRANSMISSION
COMM ID: Sarah
Mr. Unknown’s secretary; I’d better answer this, it’s probably important, he presses the accept button; “Hello Sarah; I take it that this isn’t a social call?”
“No, I'm afraid not. Mr Unknown would like to schedule a meeting between yourself, your Slavers Union connection, and Him on neutral territory. He is adamant on putting his plans into action ASAP, so time is of the essence here.”
“Understood; I’ll make the call to Shepard tonight, but I can’t guarantee that he’ll go for it.”
“Ok, but keep in mind that if all parties involved follow Mr. Unknown’s plan we will all profit.”
“In that case; I doubt we’ll have a problem, as profit seems to be the only language that people like Shepard understand.”
“Wonderful. Mr Unknown will be pleased. Once you have the meeting and neutral location arranged, just let me know, and I'll add it to his schedule. Thanks.”
“No problem Sarah; I’ll contact you after I’ve talked to Shepard.”
COMM LINK TERMINATED
Phil moves his fighter into position and activates Planet Houston’s docking ring thinking, What have you gotten yourself into this time, Mr. Rocconan?
Full House; it looks like I win again boys says Cain Shepard with a smile as he brings the poker chips on the worn card table towards him. Each of the other players let out a quiet groan, except for one; Billy Smith, a relatively new addition to the Utopias crew who at just nineteen, also happens to be the youngest.
Thats the seventh hand in a row! *No one* is that lucky exclaims Billy at the top of his voice he never did know when its best to keep his mouth shut. Hearing this; the other crew members give him a look, one that indicates hes made a huge mistake.
Shepard glares at him for a while before finally speaking; Are you accusing me; the *Captain* of this fine ship, of cheating Billy?
Foolishly missing the chance that his Captain had just given him to retract his previous statement; Billy replies with a stammered, Y-yes...
Well Billy; it appears to me that youre not aware of what happened to the *last* guy who accused me of cheating, Shepard nods at the other crew members and two of them restrain Billy; why dont you guys give him some first hand experience?
W-what are you doing? Let go of me! Billy says; struggling to get free from the mens grasp, as they drag him down the corridor.
Captain! Exclaims Shannon White; the Utopias tech specialist, as she bursts into the crew quarters.
What is it Shannon?
Theres a man named Phil Rocconan on the comms; says its urgent that he speaks to you.
Very well; Ill take the call from my quarters.
One more thing, Captain.
Yes, Shannon?
When young Billy and those other men came past me it looked like they were headed for the airlock
Correct; Billys going to be taking a little trip out into space.
Without a space suit?
Without a space suit.
Mustve accused you of cheating...
Yep; there is a brief moment of awkward silence which is broken by Shepard, Anyway, I better go see what Phil wants. You are dismissed.
Yes, Captain! Shannon salutes and walks towards the bridge.
Cain enters his quarters and turns to his king-sized bed, looking at the two scantily clad young women lying on it. You two; *out*, I have to take an important call to take.
Aww; do we have to Master? You know we dont like being around your crew
If any of my men lay a hand on you; Ill deal with them personally but, if you allow them to do so, it is *you* that will be punished; youre *mine*, got it?
The girls reply with a timid, Y-yes Master; before leaving the Captains Quarters.
Cain sits down at his desk; and takes out the cards he had tucked up his sleeve, placing them in his drawer while he malevolently chuckles to himself.
(Mr. Unknown walks onto the bridge of his ship and looks at his right hand man.)
Mr. Unknown: Set out course for Planet Leeds in Britonian space. I am going to be taking Sarah to the fanciest restaurant there. She loves their exquisite cuisine.
Officer: Roger sir, I am setting course in now, and engaging cruise engines. We should be there within a few hours.
Mr. Unknown: Splendid, I have a few things to take care of in the mean time.
(Mr. Unknown leaves the bridge and makes his way down to the docking bay where one of his engineers is working on several Starfliers. The engineer stands at attention once he sees his commanding officer.)
Mr. Unknown: At ease, no need for formalities right now.
Engineer: Yes sir!
Mr. Unknown: Now the reason I came here have you completed the modifications to the emergency comms system?
Engineer: Yes sir! I am just installing the last one now, but might I as what are they for?
Mr. Unknown: No, you may not! That is a private matter only concerning me. Lets just say that they will be helpful in fulfilling my master plan. Carry on.
[Little did the engineer know that Mr. Unknown was planning on sending the pilots of these starfliers on a mission of no return. He specially designed the comms systems to send out an encoded message the second they were activated to a certain terrorist.]
(Mr. Unknown smiles slyly as he turns and walks toward his office. As he enters the lobby he is promptly greeted by his secretary and love interest Sarah.)
Sarah: Hello, sir. Hope all is well and on track for our date this evening.
Mr. Unknown: Not to worry my sweet, everything is moving forward according to plan. You may leave now to get ready if you wish.
Sarah: I will do that, but first I wanted to tell you Phil sent a message stating the meet was set and Shepherd will be there.
Mr. Unknown: Fantastic. I cannot wait to meet this Shepherd fellow. He seems like a man after my own heart.
Sarah: You are seriously twisted, but I guess thats what I love so much about you. Now if youll excuse me I will take my leave now so I can get ready for our date.
Mr. Unknown: Ok I will have an escort meet you at your quarters once we reach our destination.
(Sarah walks out and Mr. Unknown enters his office and sits at his desk. He puts his feet on his desk, and looks up at the ceiling while contemplating his plans. Mr. Unknown smiles and begins to think aloud.)
Mr. Unknown: Everything is slowly falling into place for phase one. Soon there will be so much chaos and corruption within Liberties borders that the people will scream for a new leader. Then, phase two, I will seize the opportunity and declare martial law appointing myself as sole leader. Finally, phase three, I will make Liberty strong once again and expand its borders into Rhineland space like should have happened before those damn nomads interfered. I will do all that I can to make Liberty stronger then it ever has been!
*In the V.I.P. room at a premiere restaurant on planet Manhattan, The Nepal *
A certain high-ranking LSF official and his wife are enjoying a quiet dinner. Nestled high up in the V.I.P. room, which was soundproofed and surrounded by fogged glass to provide the occupants with an unrivaled private dining experience.
How is your duck my dear? the man said after taking a sip of his wine.
Absolutely superb, she said with a smile, youve been so busy lately, its nice to get out for a change.
Yes, work has been very. he paused and looked toward the door as a shadow appeared in front of it, Its about time, I was beginning to think our waiter got lost on the way back with more wine.
As the doors slid open the sounds of the fire alarm came sounding through. Both occupants of the room jumped at the sudden increase in sound. As they both turned to see the source of the disturbance their eyes rested on a man standing in the doorway. Behind him was a scene of complete destruction. Debris and fires littered the rest of the once beautiful restaurant.
The red mohawked man in the doorway wore a wide smile on his face, held a smoking blaster in one hand, and a large blood soaked knife in the other.
Good Evening, MonStar said sorry for the interruption..
MonStar holstered his blaster as he walked toward the table. As he neared the table, faster than most could see, he dashed toward Mr. Unknowns wife. In one fluid motion he grabbed the womans throat with an upside down grip with his left hand and plunged the large knife into her chest. He took her to the ground out of sight of Mr. Unknown. A few seconds later he arose, spun around, and threw the womans heart onto Mr. Unknowns dinner plate.
MonStar calmly sat at the newly vacant chair, picked up the napkin and started wiping the blood off his hands.
but I hear your wanting to see me? MonStar said with an evil grin.
"hmm. it seems my next target is either trying to avoid contact, or has run into some sort of trouble..." i thought. " i might as well report in to this Mr. Unknown man."
i swivelled on the chair, and moved towards the head unit. as i started to speak, i switched from the public line to the private one, i had been asked to use.
" eyup. this is your 'Clean up man' speaking. tis been a long time, so i thought id best report in to ya. heres the fact, laid out in front of yo eyes. my next taget, The Liberty dreadnought Thewise has managed to avoid contact for over a month now. im pretty much dry to any leads to this fool. if you got any information on him, ill have it eh? my next report should obviously include the demise of this Dreadnought Commander. chat soon. out"
seems a bit crude for a report, but hell, i aint no military. he wil have to get accustomed to me if he wants me to get the job done...
(Mr. Unknown sat back in his chair, examined the burning room, the bloodied heart on the plate, and the man sitting before him. His look was not that so much of shock as it was a cautious look with a twinge of boyhood excitement in his eyes. Contemplating each word as he spoke Mr. Unknown said every word carefully and slowly so as not to upset the man in front of him.)
Mr. Unknown: Welcome, MonStar. I wasnt sure how long it would take you to get my hidden messages. Seems weve gone through nearly a regiment of rookie star-flier pilots just to arrange this meeting. Though I think you and I both know you were aware of the message long before the last pilot you killed. No worries though I have a man to clean all of this up.
(Mr. Unknown returns his attention to his wifes heart sitting on his plate.)
Mr. Unknown: Now you just had to go an ruin a nice roast duck. *Laughs slightly* As for the wife, I think you saved me a lot of money in the long run. She was a gold digging cold-hearted witch of a woman. The divorce was inevitable, and would have been an expensive and messy one at that.
(Mr. Unknown looks back up at MonStar, realizes he is growing impatient with the small talk, but cant resist pushing his luck a little bit.)
Mr. Unknown: So did you have any trouble finding the place? Get a good parking space?
(Mr. Unknown laughs cautiously as he can see the annoyance level rising on the face of MonStar.)
MonStar tucked the now bloody napkin into his collar, picked up the civil ware, and started finishing his latest victims meal.
Mmmmm, MonStar said finally after a long uncomfortable silence, good choice. Tasty.
About the pilots, he said wiping his mouth on the one semi-clean spot of the napkin in his collar, I found your message in the first distress call. As I ran into more and more of them, your persistence began to spark my curiosity. I said to myself, this is no normal law abiding citizen. Able to send these sheep to the slaughter, MonStar clapped his hands together in applause, A man after my own heart, Bravo!
MonStar removed the napkin from his collar, threw it on the table, leaned back in his chair, and showed his usual eerie smile. Your message indicated you have some information that might interest me. Well here I am, interest me.