The Scarman Enigma

[|Scarecrow|]

Lucas Anderson strode down the corridor matching the pace of Admiral Wilder as the two men made their way to the bridge. Lucas wore his brand new Admirals uniform, showing his new stripes proudly.
You look comfortable in that uniform Lucas, Jayce commented as they stepped into the turbolift.
I feel comfortable, Lucas said before turning to the elevator command unit, Bridge,
Just remember that it carries a great responsibility, Wilder continued, Not just to everyone of a lower rank, but primarily to your crew. Im assuming the Fleet Admiral has assigned you to a vessel already?

Lucas shook his head, Ive been assigned to watch over the Avalanches repair and refit detail, but Marcus is getting her back once she is brought up to speed.
Ive heard word of a new batch of ships going under production, Merlow might have one in store for you, Wilder grinned.
Mark twos, Anderson asked, hiking an eyebrow.
Yep, matching the spec of the Danaan and her sister ship. Ive been assigned to the Crimson Fury, shes as close as damn it the Avalanche I left behind.
Wilder seemed to look past Anderson for a brief moment, as if remembering something deep within him.

Its going to be a new crew, Lucas said as the turbolift arrived on deck one, I know it will be hard getting used to them all. Now Im an Admiral myself I assume I will be given a vessel of my own, it will be strange not being aboard the Avalanche.
It is different, Wilder said as they stepped out of the elevator, But you get used to it, I had a number of commands back way before I took over the Avalanche, in my home dimension. You get used to them all.
Ive had a couple of commands myself, Lucas nodded, But they were all temporary, I always had someone to look up too.
You need to get used to being on your own, Wilder advised, punching in his access code and waiting for the entrance door to the bridge to slide back into its berth. As an Admiral, people look up to you. Be it for moral support or advice, you have to be ready.

Lucas nodded in understanding as they entered the bridge. The two men stood to attention as Fleet Admiral Merlow spun his command chair around to face them.
At ease gentlemen, He said, waving a hand. Weve arrived in the California system and are operating stealth protocols. We will be rendezvousing with the Yorktown shortly. Admiral Anderson, I need you to take a team over to the Yorktown and assume command. I dont have any issues with the way Captain Doyle has handled things, but I need a more experienced hand at her helm for the moment.
Aye sir, Lucas saluted smartly.
Admiral Wilder, Robert continued, Admiral Scarman and his accomplices are going to make contact with Congressman Scarman, Marcus alternate self in this universe. There has been a major mishap and identity crisis and we cant have the Congressmans campaign jeopardized because of us. If you go with them you can back them up with their story, as for an explanation, we are from another dimension sounds a little implausible.
Understood sir, Wilder nodded.

---

Victoria sat in the busy coffee house trying to keep her head down. A PCU sat open in front of her, primarily for her own amusement than for anything else. She had been sat in the cramped caf? for the best part of an hour now, the message to the Congressman having been broadcasted a few minutes before her departure from the Yorktown. She tapped idly at the computer units keypad, sighing as she did so. She absently opened a game of cards on the machine and began to play. Falling into the game, she didnt notice the two suited figures enter the caf? and walk around each ends of the room, advancing on her. One went and stood over by a window whilst the other sat in front of her.

She jumped as the man sat down in the chair opposite her and held in a gasp. She smiled in relief and sat back, closing the monitor of the PCU.
You made me jump there,
Captain Wade, The man said emotionlessly. He wore a bland black suit with a white shirt and a matching pair of bland sunshades. He had a wire coming out of his interior jacket pocket which spiraled up to end at a small device inserted into his ear. Victoria also noticed a blaster under his jacket along with several other devices and a palm computer held in his left hand.
Thats me, She confirmed, shutting down the PCU and moving it to one side so that the agent could see her rank and insignia.

And you claim to be a member of the, The man looked at the palm computer in his hand, Freedom Fighters.
Thats true, She said again, keeping her voice as level as she could. Something about him chilled her. Its a long story; if you could take me to your superiors I would be happy to tell them everything.
Congressman Scarman is indeed concerned over this new turn of events, but is willing to hear what you have to say. He also wishes to meet with his Brother.
That also can be arranged, Victoria nodded, glancing across at the other agent. How far away is the Congressman?
Not far, you are lucky he was spending the week in his Los Angeles residence. He would like to see you personally within his own walls.
Well, the sooner the better, Victoria gave the man a winning smile, but to no effect. The agent simply stood up, grating the chair across the floor.

Victoria shuddered at the noise and picked up her PCU. The first agent halted her however and took it from her. He gave it to the second agent and then began to walk towards the door. Victoria followed, trying to keep her posture as neutral as possible. From what she had seen, these men meant business and certainly didnt back it up with any manners. She held her tongue and followed the first agent out into the street.
A sleek back aircar sat parked in the road opposite the caf?. The first agent walked across to it and opened one of the rear doors, gesturing for Edge to enter. She ducked under the raised door and sat down in the back. The other two men got in the front and booted up the aircar. It rose gracefully into the air and sped away from the caf?.

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| S C A R E C R O W |

"See you space cowboy..."