Matt looks a bit surprised as he listens to Angelina's reasoning. The air around the table is tense and he feels very awkward in his seat. He looks at his Dad and wonders what he's going to say next.
"You know what Miss Dimitrova? I get whit yer saying - But I simply cannot agree. The LPI do great work planetside, and tackling small criminals - sure they do a good job. However what can those little fighters of theirs do against tha' mounts of Scylla's, Tridente's and bomber's that fly around up there? Nuffin! "David enough. Don't lecture the poor girl! She's a Lt Commander, I think she knows a bit more about the military than you do!" "I'm sure Miss Dimitrova does, but think about it eh? The Navy are tha' only real people in a position tae help! Ye cannae trust those merc's, I lost 3 transports in 6 months to merc's backstabbing tha' crews! I pay my taxes! The government should be doing more!" "Well you voted for Powell" "Argh, don't remind me!"
This pointless discussion had already lasted well over a half hour and was one that Matt had heard so many times before. He looked at John who raised his eyebrows understandingly. He seemed to be getting it in the next as well recently.
"Dad - Tell you what, I'll try and keep an eye on it. We do have bigger fish to fry and at the end of the day - I go where I'm sent." "Which is why ye should have joined tha' business! "No, that's your venture. You've done well getting bought over by Interspace and congrats on hitting your stock targets in these troubling times but seriously - It's not that we can't or won't help. I'm just not in a position to promise you." "Exactly David, now leave off will you, please! Honestly! Our boys are home. Now who's for dessert!
Matt laughs and lets out a big sigh and his father chuckles and nods. They look at each other and both realise that today is not the best day for argument. Matt picks up the bottle of whisky and pours himself and his Dad a large measure. He pours one for Angelina and John, his mother refuses a glass.
"Cheers - Happy Holidays" "Cheers"
Outside, the snow begins to fall and the night goes on. Jokes are shared, embarrassing stories of childhood and photographs showing the Smith boy's graduation parades. Julie even tries to wind John up.
John began to smile when he heard the words of his mother
"Ah well mom I dont want to rush this, it will happen sooner or later. At the moment I am quite busy in the navy so it is even a miracle that I was able to come here, but now let us enjoy the holidays!"
He smiled again and enjoys the time with his family
"You're a handsome guy John, go relax in more social places and I'm sure that'll sort itself out!
Julie looked across the room seeing Matt and her husband deep in discussion. They did not seem to be fighting or arguing however David seemed intent on making something known to his son
"....heavy tax bill. It's very difficult for us to compete in... Ah, hello Jules. You ok?" "What's going on?" "Nothing, nothing. We're only talking." "Mum, Dad is just being Dad.. There's nothing any of us can do but he still feels he needs to say something" "Ahh but there is!" "No, that idea of yers won't work fer tha' simple reason that we're on unfriendly terms wi'.." "What? Unfriendly terms with who?" "Gallia. Look there's a vast untapped market out there!" "If you want tae go get yer trade captains killed by all means, send them out there. The Navy can't operate that far out. Go lobby some Senator tae speak with the LSF or somethin'. Beauracracy is what is killin' business just now! "An' you think workin' behind that desk of yours helps things?
The conversation continued long into the night until eventually the effects of an unquantifiable amount of alcohol took their course.
Angelina Lookd the father of Matt and she laughs looking how he was moving and talking . She lookd Matt and she saw him that he wasn't drunk but he was working on it. Angelina was a little dissy from her drinks. and she was tired from all that arguing. She went to her bag and took a bottle of Rakia she opened it up.
"So someone wants to try this on but be warned it has a kick."
She took her class and had 3 shots for 4 secs.
"Hell thats nice. Makes you forget the Cold weather outside. So anyone wanna try?"
Matt's father exclaims he would love to try, then promptly stumbles over with a crash.
"None fer you big man. Ye've had enough." "Wow.. The floors unstable! Julie.. we need to *hic*"
There is another thud as Matts father's head hits the floor and he then promptly falls fast asleep. John and Matt's mother seem to have also had enough and pick David up to take him through to his bedroom. Matt and Angel are left alone in the living room.
"Well, that sums that up. We win hah! Happy Winter Festival!"
Matt leans over to kiss Angel as the snow continues to fall.
Indeed we win. We will aways win when we are together.
She saw Matt Leaning over to kiss her she as well leans over. She hugs him and they kiss. In-front was burning а Fireplace and outside the window was raining snow. They Kissd for abut 15 minutes before Angelina told him .
Hey want to go high in the moutons tomorrow and climb them.
Matt thinks and he says.
"Yes why not"
Angelina Noded and kissed him. She started felling tired and she told him.
Hmm I am felling tired lets go to bed we have a heavy day tomorrow.
They both went to bed. But they dint sleep for at least 20 mins cause they continued kissing. Finaly Matt hugd Angelina so that she is warm and they fell a sleep.
"I have holidays so let the secondary fleet deal with it. Why cant they have holdidays too, those ugly Strudelmunchers. Only busy with their war, sometimes I think they dont even have a brain!"
He finishs his coffee
"Bah to hell with it! Lets go and hunt some Schnitzelheads!"
Matt, John and Angel quickly say their goodbyes to Mother and Father at the Smith Residence. Father looks heavily hungover, later in the afternoon he may understand but just now - He's more interested in his coffee. A hovercab races the Navy pilots back to their Guardians at Denver City
"This is Lieutenant Smith, Matt, authentication Alpha Tango Two One One Zero - Requesting priority clearance into high Denver orbit - Recognise Red Alert Signature over." "Acknowledged Lt Smith - You have clearance, Good Hunting!
Matt charges out of the dock and roars into space, followed by John and Angelina. This holiday period was not what he expected. He had hoped that his father would accept his choice in woman. He was wrong. He had hoped that his mother would keep his father more in check. He was wrong. He had hoped that Dad would not raise the issue of Naval Patrols. He was wrong. He had hoped that the Rheinlanders would take the winter festival off. He was wrong. Matt began to wonder if the whole idea of trying to have a relationship, or even try to be on speaking terms with his family while there was a war on was a good idea. He whacked his head off the cockpit dashboard annoyed. He then set the autopilot while they jumped to New York and got the half bottle of whisky out.
"Screw it, it's the festival. Zander's ain't gonna catch me an' I have hunting tae do."
Matt swigs out of the bottle and laughs in delight. The alcohol flows through his system and makes him more determined and angry. He pushes his way in front of a trade convoy at the Texas jumpgate and laughs, almost insanely. Today, The Rheinlanders die.
And so ends the first chapter. Our heroes are charging through Texas to face off against the Rheinland war machine. Virtues of Hope and Peace have no place now, even in this festive period. While Sirius sleeps off the celebration of the day - The people of the Navy fight on during the night. Matt drinks some more and becomes almost unknown to his colleagues. So drunk on alcohol and blood-lust that even the Rheinlanders don't know what hit them. Matt charges into the battle and records 4 kills without even breaking a sweat. The Rheinlanders quickly retreat and peace is temporarily restored. Matt laughs with glee, he doesn't even notice his ship took a direct mine hit and that he's bleeding from his head. He is too wrapped up in the glory of the moment. Briefly he wonders if peace will ever come, but he dismisses it. It won't be in his lifetime. However, it's a battle he will keep on fighting - even if it kills him.
Angelina was snacing the enemy bomber and they were falling like stines from the sky. Angelina Notices Matts crazy flying and contacts him.
"Matt control yourself your gonna get yourself killed. Take it easy"
Angelian told him that with great concern. After most of the Rheinland Military armada was destroyed something Big appeared on their sensors. When it got in range they saw that it was a Rheinland heavy battleship patrol. Consisting of 2 Cruiser 4 Gbs and a Battleship with 7 fighters as escort. She was silent for a few seconds but she give orders.
" We are gonna need something a little bigger for those guys".
She turned on herr comms to HC.
" This is Lieutenant-Commander Angelina Dimitrova I am requesting Heavy support for a enemy Capital ship patrol in the Texas system."
"This is Naval High commad please stand by."
She Sighs abd they go evasive for the time being. They were swarmed and before you know it.
She talks to John and Matt.
" Boys hang on support shod be on the way".
New contacts appear on the sensors Angelina Matt and John think d that that was the enemy back up.
Matt sounds pissd as he is seeing the contacts.
"Great they are brining in backup"
Angelina starts to be sarkastic.
" We shod be flattered."
John Looks at ho scope and saw they are not Rm they are Naval contacts
the wing contacts the three of them.
" This is Delta-6 we are here to support you over."
Angelina sighs and she is pissed as a second battleship jumps in
" Command we are facing now 2 Rheinland Military battleships, I need a ETA on that support."
Command respond.
" Stand by"
Angelina pissd hits her chair, afer few minutes command contacted them.
" You are negative on that support. I suggest you do what you can and get the hell out of there."
Angelina facepalms. But for their luck a Liberty Dreadnought came in and Started firring. Devastating the Cruisers, Gunboats and fighters. The Liberty ship catch the Rheinland ships off guard so they were easy taken out. With a Bang. the Comm officer makes contact.
"Comm officer: Are you all alright"
"Angelina: Roger. What is the name of the ship."
"Comm officer: Captain Dimitrov sends his regards Miss Dimitrova"
Angelina smiles and she sounds happy.
"Angelina: Is Captain Dimitrov on board the Pacific now"
"Comm officer: Roger he is onboard but he is in engenering we took some hits".
"Angelina: Is it bad"
"Comm officer: negative, Tyou have clearance to dock and spend the night on board the Pacific.
"Angelina: Roger that Matt John Proseed to land"
All three dock on the Pacific and stand there So that Captain Dimitrov can come and walcome them.
he calms calmly. Angelina Matt and John walk to him. Dimitrov Raise his head.
" I will Like to Welcome you aboard the LNS-Pacific. Welcome." After all formal introductions as protocol. Angelina Hugs her Brother.
" Long time no see Georgi"
Dimitrov smirks.
" Indeed it is long time sis but I got sector locations and reports to write.
Join me to Dinner lather this evening"
John find himself work on the Pacific and Angelina Takes Matt to the Medical bay.
" Matt what happend out there?" She looks at him worried
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