I rather think you're not in a position to be making any demands old chap. I would offer you some tea, but first I should remind you command doesn't really mind whether you're breathing or not.
He held his gaze, before laughing, dropping his pistol arm back to it's holster, the other soldiers not being so trusting
Goodman. I'm almost surprised you don't remember me. I certainly remember your time down here, before it became...
He gestured around him
This. Major General Ryan Williams at your service.
His mood turned grim for a second
Unfortunately the sole surviving member of the Command staff of the Leeds garrison is not a role I find joy in, but I do what I must, for Bretonia, and Her Majesty. Perhaps you can explain to me why you have a Gaul tied up and following you around, hopefully before these fine gents give him a piece of their mind?
It was only now that Austin would notice the ravenous glint in the eyes of some of the "soldiers" around him, except they weren't soldiers. They where, quite clearly, civilians who had made the choice to stay here, and fight for their homes and families.
Austin smiled, recognizing the familiar face of a former wingman, it was this moment that Austin lowered and holstered the pistol. "Good to see you too, Williams. I would actually prefer to stay alive today, and future days after getting off this bloody rock." He replied, looking in the direction of his captive, who looked disgusted and a bit in pain still from the gunshot wound earlier in the evening.
"Sorry to hear about your command staff. At least you have these people following your lead. Its the least anyone can do during these particular times." He finished, turning his attention back towards Williams, hiking his thumb over his shoulder. "Ryan, you might not remember how our previous admirals wouldn't exactly... allow us to go off the books and do things that would end the war quickly. Well, I was attempting just that before giving up my rank completely for a second time... and I found myself stuck here on Leeds... when the Gauls invaded and destroyed the Derby." He paused, shifting his thumb side to side.
"Sir... this man is a priority target for the Armed Forces, and it might just end the war in it's tracks. This man is the royal prince of Gallia. Joseph DeFrance... and if it was any other Gaul, they would have been killed by now." Austin drew in a deep breath behind his scarf, "We need to get him off planet. As soon as possible."
Williams looked alarmed at the arrival of Joseph DeFrance, but he wasn't looking at either the Prince, or Goodman. No, he was now looking at the men, not soldiers, that stood around the two wanted men.
Nobody touches these men. You don't talk to them, you don't even look at them, without my say so... Go help the civilians, ensure they aren't injured. I'll call for pickup...
He looked exhausted, beckoning Corporal Morgan forward. The young soldier moved, nudging Goodman and DeFrance to go close to the General.
We need DeFrance alive.. It could become a turning point..
He turned, pointing out a area on the paper map laid across the bonnet of the jeep to Morgan
Round our fighters up. Get them, and the armour, to secure this position. Keep it quiet. DeFrance, not here. It was a mistake. Identified as a gaul officer, he's going to be sent to command.
Morgan made a quick nod, before hurrying off to arrange things. He turned back to Goodman
Things are different down here.. War.. it really does change people. Look around you Austin. They're young, boys some of them. They have watched the gauls burn their homes, walked past the charred remains of wives, husbands, children. Almost all have seen the public executions this man carried out, and it has filled them with rage. At times.. At times they give in to it. I have watched a patrol tear a Gallic officer apart with their bare hands. I'm not proud, and I don't agree with it, but who am I to stop them? They have lost so much to these.. these monsters. I don't lead them because of a rank I hold, I lead them because I have gained their respect. Saved them where others couldn't, but nothing will stop their frenzy when it begins... What I am saying, is you have to keep this quiet, and I need to get you off world...
He pulled a communicator from his belt, flicing a activation switch.
Austin Goodman
Static.. then a beeping as the encryption locked on to the office of the Fleet Admiral
Your mad Williams. He's dead.
He's standing in front of me, but that's not my concern. I've got a much larger prize for you ma'am. You'll be a happy woman tonight.
What.
DeFrance.
Silence for a moment, then it started again
There's a freighter inbound. It'll be with you within the hour. Stay alive.
Of course my dear. We'll be waiting.
I've got a little surprise headed your way soon too. Keep them pinned. Fleet out.
He switched it off completely, stopping any leaked signal from getting to the Gauls, preventing them from tracking him down.
Now then Austin, would you like that cup of Tea sah?
"You're right, Williams. These people deserve to tear into every gaul that they see. Just like how you and I deserve to kill the squints at any chance we may be given. War changes people and not for the better. I'm not proud of the things that I've had to do, the betrayal that I made to this my house. I can assure you, that I never wanted to be known as a hero, I never wanted to be a traitor or a fugitive, and I know that nothing I can do will ever change what I've done in the past. I will always serve the Queen and this country... even if it means I have to fight a war alone until my dying breath."
He paused, looking back over at the civilians and resistance fighters, "Williams, I know you don't need to make any promises to me, but you need to remind them what they're fighting for. These people cannot slip into the state of hell that I've been through. That many of our fellow pilots have been through prior to the fall of Leeds. You need to remind these people that they're not the same monsters that these Gauls are. Their Her Majesty's resistance, not murderers. A war crime is a war crime, and when this is all done and over with - regardless of which side wins or loses the war there will be regret."
He nodded lightly in the direction of DeFrance, "This man... deserves to be killed on sight. But it's not your call, and it's not my call, besides if it gives us an edge in this war, we will need to be able to take it."
He paused once more, listening to the radio play back, a small smile appeared on his dirt ridden face. "Once this is over with, and we both make it out of here alive... I owe you more than tea, Ryan." He replied holding his hand out towards the Major General.
He turns,indicating Austin follow as they walk further into town
We don't get many updates down here. Gauls try to piggyback off our transmissions to locate us, but we do get one or two things passed through. I'm warning you now Austin, the Fleet Admiral is a good woman. She keeps us supplied with what we need, but she will not be a happy bunny when she meets you. Some jumped up MP or something... Just do me a favour and tread lightly.
He looked tired, but the looks he received from the men under his leadership seemed to carry him. He was clearly proud to serve, and lead, these men and women.
I'll do my best to keep them civil Austin, but no-one is expecting miracles from them. I just attempt to guide them. It's all I can do right now.
They turned round the corner of a building, entering into a large courtyard. It had been cleared, presumably for the incoming transport
Pickup'll be here soon
He began playing with his mustache
Anything else I can help with before you go Austin?
Austin nodded, following shortly after letting go of the handshake. He was listening intently to what his former wingman was saying, the mention of a new Admiral didn't surprise him - considering the previous ones he had served under tended to be incompetent. When Ryan mentioned to him that he should tread lightly, he merely smiled. At this point he didn't have anything else to lose and with the future of the war resting on their hands, that didn't seem to bother him. After all... he's lived more than his fair share.
He remind quiet as they walked around to the large court yard, the scene was eerie yet beautiful. As if nothing was happening at the moment, it was almost peaceful expect for the dull aches of distant fighting. When Ryan mentioned his name, he looked over at the man, the smile disappearing from his face as he did.
He brought his arm up and rested it on the man's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "I'm getting off this rock, so what you've asked of yourself in my favour is nothing that you can help me with. However, you're a good man, Williams, one who has inspired these people to fight - that's more than anything I can ask for. I'm going to bring back reinforcements and supplies for you guys. Or I'll die trying to make sure it's done. You have my word. So keep your ass alive."
A low distant rumble could be heard. The engines of a starship.
They're close...
He looked up, but nothing could be seen just yet.
They'll be here soon, and so will the Gauls. I don't know who's going to be on that transport. They might try to arrest you Austin... Just comply for the time being. They'll take care of you.
He takes a deep breath, breathing out slowly
You've got a big day ahead of you Austin, good luck.
He shakes his hand once more, before stepping back and saluting, then turning to arrange the movement of his soldiers as quickly as possible
Austin looked up at the sky, in the distance he could vaguely make out the shape of an Armed Forces transport. The vessel was coming in fast for it's approach, but he didn't bother doubting the pilot's skills. Austin looked back down, shaking Williams hand before the man stepped back and saluted him.
Austin turned towards the two soldiers holding the prisoner, waving them over. "Let's get him ready for transport. This dust-off will need to be quick so that the rest of your people can get out of here." Austin shouted, the engines of the craft roared past on it's first initial approach, most likely ensuring that the area was indeed secured by resistance members and not the Gaul occupying forces. It wasn't long after the first fly over that the craft made it's final approach, hovering just above the courtyard as it drifted into position.
His attention turned towards the craft above. The landing gears began opening and the pilot was taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that the craft was placed perfectly in the courtyard. It wasn't long until the ship had began descending, eventually landing and stirring up dust which had caused him and several others to bring their arms up to shield their faces from the small particles and rocks.
The dust had began settling when the humming of the ramp lowering could be heard and Austin lowered his arms to see a team of Marines disembark. Two of the six marines made their way directly over to Austin. A butt of a rifle made contact with his stomach forcing him to double over in pain, but he offered little resistance as they stripped him of his sidearm and placed handcuffs tightly around his wrists.
Two more of the Marines brought out a small amount of supplies, giving Williams a quick salute before they secured the two prisoners and filed back into the ship.
"Welcome back, Goodman." A familiar voice spoke over the inter-comms as the doors began closing. He looked up to see who it was, but couldn't see past the closed bulkhead a few meters ahead.
The ship rumbled as it's engines were engaged, and it wouldn't be long until the craft was up in on a burning vector into space.
One of the marines hit the bulkhead, indicating they where secure and ready to go.
This is your captain speaking. We thank you for flying Air Bretonia, and wish our guests the best of luck in their time with us. It WILL be eventful!
A few chuckles from the marines as they strapped themselves in tight. It was soon clear why, as the transport fired forward as if from a cannon, gaining speed quickly. Once things had begun to settle, they started the ascent, moving up through the atmosphere to make a safe exit. The ship was shaking, clearly the pilot had to fight for control, but it soon settled, flying smooth apart from the ship moving with the engines, the small shudder that seemed to rattle through all vessels.
The trip back to Bretonian space was short, only a few hours to fly. The ship shuddered violently once, then the familiar feel of docking-ring-induced-reentry washed over the vessel. As it touched on the landing pad, the boarding ramp began to open, the whir and hiss, then the bright light from the pad on Planet New London.
Exiting the ship, they found themselves within the compound outside Wellington Base, the Army HQ on Planet New London. The marines filed out, taking up their positions and allowing the CO of the op, a Major, to step to the front. A few still held their rifles in a ready position, whereas others had slung it over their shoulder, holding the strap tight.
It was a brisk walk into the complex, but they didn't head for the holding cells. Instead, they made their way to one of the barracks, and dropped off Austin, before continuing with the prince, leaving him in a more secured area, clearly designed for such a visitor.
A couple of officers stood outside Goodman's room, one even came in, removing the cuffs, and leaving some food. All he got from them was "The Admiral will be along shortly". But through all this, he was alone, with no idea of what was to follow.
It felt like ages after the Guard had left, the food looked to be cooled off or devoid of any heat after the length of time that he had been sitting on the bed, staring at the door. It was also the first time he allowed himself to become lost in the calm noises coming from beyond the confines of the room. But by no means was he relaxed. Being on the run for as long as he has, considered a war criminal by his own house - though thankfully thought as dead - didn't exactly allow him to relax. In fact, he was more relaxed on the battlefields of Leeds knowing that any second his life could have ended. This calm was eerily worse than the battlefield. Though he had somehow managed to hold it together. He was still a fugitive.
There was no doubt that someone didn't recognize him after he and the Prince were escorted away from the transport. It wasn't as if they'd arrived at the dead of night during peace times. Plenty of personnel were on the grounds as they disembarked, and word likely traveled fast, even though most people would assume that he, too, was a Gaul prisoner.
His attention slowly wained from the door as he patiently waited for the arrival of this... Admiral. The possibilities of it being someone he knew, were slim to none, and it wouldn't surprise him if it was someone like Charles Davis... who hated Austin for what he would consider legitimate reason. After all, most of the Admirals he had served under, or became friends with, were either killed in combat, mysteriously disappeared, or retired and decided to not care about the war anymore.
Eventually, his boredom settled in and he drew in a soft breath as he forced himself up to his feel. His muscles were screaming in agony from the sudden decision to stand up and move but he did it regardless of how he was feeling, opting to have his back turned to a potential threat than face it head on at this point. He ended up standing in front of a nearby mirror, studying the man before him in the reflection. A slightly disgusted look was smeared across his dirt caked face, his matted hair, beard and mustache unkempt from the months he's been on the field.
If he was going to prison today after this meeting his only request would be an hour for a long hot shower.
