I can't believe it yet, but the mission was a success...
(The wound on his left shoulder was taken care of. His black Core overall burnt and bloody around the wound.)
As you see... I made it out alive. Just this wound, but could have been worse, right?
It went mostly like it was planned, and there were no witnesses. Core will take some time to notice the Apahanta is... missing. I don't know if Auxesia dropped a fake signature in Minor or not, and I don't really care about it. Right now, we're at the Livadia Shipyard, as McCool allowed us to do the repair here. Multiple hull breaches, life support is damaged, the cruise engines need to be replaced completely. The sensor array was damaged, too, but that's it so far. Cloaking, communications, weapons, the energy core and most of the other sub-systems are operable.
As far as I can tell, the system override software the Lane Hackers gave us - and I'm still sure it was Yoshida himself, Maren! - seems to have worked. For five minutes, we had literally no controls when I activated it. After that, the Core network relay was disconnected and the computer overwritten. Core is now our enemy. Zoners aren't.
Raven and the rest of Auxesia did a good show. To be honest, I think they did it a bit too well, quoting exactly what Nodtviet said when Core attacked the freeport in Delta under his lead... well, it worked. Most of the Core-loyals left the ship once I ordered them to do so. However, about 15 stayed, for whatever reason, and the interior defense turrets took most of them out. Unluckily, me and some other guys had to take them out, and this is when this here happened.
(He pointed to the wound.)
This guy, Goldsmith, one of the physical enhanced guys. I'm not sure if he was aware of what was about to happen or if he just thought I was a potential boarding marine, but he tried to shoot me with a plasma rifle. Not one of those we usually used in the Core. That was a unique thing, and it missed my head only by a few centimeters...
Now, the Core-loyals are either in Auxesia's custody or dead, as well as 12 of my supporters are, and five of our guys are still in the medical bay. Luckily we have enough supplies in there...
Maren, the most difficult part of the plan is done... isn't it great? Once the repair of the Apahanta is done, we will move to Puerto Rico, hiding the Apahanta there for a while, just to make sure we're out of the zone of influence of the Core. It won't get easier now, but I'm sure we will make it somehow.
For now, I have to stay here and make sure everything goes like it should. I don't want to loose the trust of the CoF, so my presence here is needed. I guess I'll see you in a few days then. Just take good care of the Hoffnungsschimmer and of Nancy.
And don't wear a hat. I'll forget myself if you do so. No hats!
:::[INCOMING TRANSMISSION]::: :::[ESTABLISHING SECURED VIDEO FEED]::: :::[VIDEO FEED:LIVE]:::
ID:Maren v. Westefeld Location:CV-Hoffnungsschimmer, Omicron Kappa Subject:RE: We're done! ENCRYPTION:
Ezrael,
You can't imagine how glad I am that you're still alive! Having to wait on this ship was horrifying; Nancy wasn't there, so I had nobody to fuss over slash distract myself with. Having only heard that you were going to do it this very day by a quick text message made it worse. I personally wouldn't have trusted these Auxesians to do anything right, but as you'd already said: There was hardly a choice anymore. I am glad to be proven wrong in such cases, which still doesn't mean that I change my opinion much on this subject. As you said, Raven does quite the good impression of Nodtviet, doesn't she? No wonder people compare her to him.
I do hope Finn doesn't double down on his word. Please, if there are any signs of treachery, scream my name thrice into a mirror — by which I actually mean that you should contact me — and I'll get you and yours out of that ruin of a ship with the Hoffnungsschimmer. Oh, and do set the Apahanta to collide with Lividia once you leave. That is, if it were to come to this, which it won't, right? Right?
Actually, on second thought: That's a bad idea — Making more enemies would be... ugh.
Is there anything I could do while you're preoccupied with whatever needs to be done to at least bring the Apahanta back to a servicable status? I guess I could make myself useful in trying to dig out someone to relay the Hacker's message — that was definitely not Yoshida — to its proper recipient. I'd love to take Nancy with me, but, for obvious reasons, I doubt that is really an option.
Ugh, it seems I really need to sit down and watch TV all day, doesn't it? Well, the only thing new that I could tell you is that I met Noah Xonnel — I did tell you about him, right? — near the Freeport in Delta yesterday. We had a friendly chat. One could say that we've laid our differences aside. Now, please don't be mad; I just wanted to be courteous, but I told him that we might invite him to dinner once this entire fiasco is over. I know you probably have a very bad idea about him, but he's actually kind of a nice guy once you moved past the sour exterior.
Do get someone to look at your shoulder, though. The last thing you need is an infection due to not even cleaning this with some water.
...
I'm expressing my concern incorrectly again. I'm glad everything went smooth enough. I will gather everything that is necessary and be ready to move the Hoffnungsschimmer to Puerto Rico once you're ready.
Oh, and I will totally use the time you're unable to stop me to acquire a collection of the most eldritch hats in all of Sirius. For glory!
It's sweet to see you trying to act cool and failing in doing so. That's why you shouldn't think about hats. Hats are way less cool like you think they are. Uhm, ever saw those Bretonian Police guys with their stupid hats? No! That's a no-go. Don't wear a hat, Maren!
(He sighs with a smile, panting a bit, then continued.)
Jokes aside...
Maren, I know you would like to do more than just waiting for this to end, but do me a favor and don't rush anything. Stay on the Hoffnungsschimmer or do your stuff, but don't do the anything stupid. At least not without me. The Lane Hackers are patient, and they do their moves only when the situation allows it. At least I hope so. The VWA can wait. I'm serious on that.
Don't do it on your own.
You're free to put that out of context.
Just take care of the Hoffnungsschimmer and Nancy. Once the Apahanta leaves the repair bay, we need to transfer the Kishiro Service Robots to it. Right now they are all stored all over Deck 2. Don't go down there, it's a mess. There wasn't enough cargo space in the bay. What you actually can do is install the voice software on the KSRs we use as butlers on the Hoffnungsschimmer. I never found the time to do that. Would be cool if they could respond to our orders. Speaking of it, I know you did that with the one KSR that tried to walk through a wall. Funny joke, Maren, funny joke.
Anyway. Maren, you really want this Xonnel guy on my ship? I mean, if you really want it, then it's okay. But if he makes one wrong move, I'll crush his nose. I swear. I mean it. One doesn't convince people to commit suicide...
I'm sorry, Maren, I'm a bit tired, and I'm still far away from a bed, and my shoulder hurts like ass. I'm just glad to hear your voice, and that's what matters. So, try to enjoy the time. Take all the opportunities you can take, but promise me to not do stupid things. Call Nancy and some male strippers instead and enjoy them, but don't do stupid things!
:::[INCOMING TRANSMISSION]::: :::[ESTABLISHING SECURED VIDEO FEED]::: :::[VIDEO FEED:LIVE]:::
ID:Maren v. Westefeld Location:CV-Hoffnungsschimmer Subject:Nancy. ENCRYPTION:
Ezrael,
It has been some time since I heard of you. Is everything alright? I hope you've gotten your shoulder looked at and that those who were injured in your crew have been taken care of.
...
Damn it! I've had such a nice plan on what to say, but I always forget when I'm actually in front of the bloody camera! Well, that's three hours of deliberation down the drain. Not that I don't have enough time on my hands, that is. I mean, the stuff with the KSRs was pretty difficult since I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time, but having a manual and patience helped. The robots can now talk and, uhm, you know what the best thing about it is? — They all have different voices! One even sounds like Nodtviet with a cold. Also: I didn't do anything to your wall walker.
Been spending a lot of time with Nancy. Wonderful girl, although I feel like she is slowly corrupting me, Ezrael! She's filling my head with all sorts of things! We've even found an alternative on hats, believe it or not, but I feel like I can't really show that here, since that doesn't really promote Wholesome Family Values, if you know what I mean. I always found that white is a nice colour, though.
Speaking about filling someone's heads with things, I made a grave mistake. Nobody got touched this time, I swear — and no male strippers! I'm not talking about that. What I mean is that Nancy has developed an interest in Cardamine. I tried my best to educate her about it, but I feel like I simply don't have the heart to put my hand down decisively. In the end, I feel like it is her choice. It just seems like her interest is deeply rooted in her desire to feel happy again, and Cardamine's, well, immediate effect pretty much causes a feeling of euphoria.
It seems like the wrong approach to seek happiness in a substance, rather than within oneself. I am worried about her. What I really would hate to see would her her seeking out shady people to sell her that stuff and getting screwed over in the process. To satisfy her initial curiosity I allowed her to see for herself what it is like. Don't worry; she'll be fine. Once doesn't make you dependent. I really don't know what had ridden me, Vertiga. I talked to her about it again, telling her how agonizing withdrawal can be, how she'll get problems having kids. It didn't seem to faze her.
I convinced her to deliberate what she wants to do with the rest of her life at least until you return, Ezrael. Please, help me talk some sense into her.
ID:Ezrael Vertiga Location:Unknown Subject:About an angel ENCRYPTION:
Sweetheart,
I'm sorry for the late response - I wanted to answer this once I saw it - but we're busy with the engine right now, and our guys are still working together with the Livadia engineering team. Ehm, it's most likely we don't get a full repair in time since our Zoner friends don't know the flaws and fortunes of a Mako that well, but the hull and the primary systems will be back in time. The rest, well, I guess we need to do it in Puerto Rico then, or somewhere else. I mean, we don't need a shipyard to fix everything.
To be honest, I'm very tired right now, and I didn't sleep very much. All I want now is a bed full of sleep, and after that, a bed full of women. At least one of those things is in range. We really should work on the other thing, but let's put that on the to-do-list with all the other 99%-to-fail plans.
The crew, or what's left of it, is alright. I mean, the Zoners helped us really much. Not just the repair, but also medical assistance, and we pretty much owe them more than one. On the other hand, I didn't see the bill yet, so there is still good chances of me having a good laugh. Heh!
Did I mention how tired I am? Anyway. Sweetheart, I'm glad you took care of little angel. I mean, that cardamine thing? She's an adult, she should be able to make her own decisions...
Was a joke, of course I will talk to her about it, and after THAT, she can decide to not take cardamine. I mean, erh, whatever. Sugartits, I'll definitely find a solution, okay? Trust me. We've come so far, and we earned her trust and all that chit, so that will be a piece of cake. I mean, if we're lucky, she will forget about it, and if we're unlucky, she will even forget about us again.
I really should work on my upcheering skills.
Keep up the faith, Sweetheart. We will do it. Once I've talked with McCool again, I'll inform you about how things are going to be here. God, I'm tired. That's why I decided to make this audio only... you know, I'm not looking good right now, and I want you to remember me looking hot and perfect as you love me. Be patient, and try to keep the angel away from your drugs. Make her drunk or something, but no cardi for her. We need to show her how cardamine-addicted people can ***** up.
I wish I would have some happy words for you right now, sugartits, but one more minute and I loose my consciousness. I guess once I get into the horizontal, I'm done. Sooo...
We're about to finish the primary repairs here. You know, just all the stuff we needed a shipyard for. The rest can be done at other stations and will just take some time. The cruise engine is back online, weapons are functioning, shields, hull, cloaking, sensors, comms, everything is fine, almost. That means, we can leave Livadia now. That it good, because it means that I'm allowed to leave the Apahanta as well.
McCool invited us to hide us in Omega-49, so, well, we wanted to go there anyway, huh? The systems is really close to the SCRA territory, but as far as I know, they respect the CoF's and OSI's laws. And if not, I still can play the Pimakhova-card. Maybe that helps. Anyway.
I'm coming home, Maren. Isn't that great? I can't wait to be with you and Nancy again. And, oh my god, my bed! You can't imagine how uncomfortable it is to sleep alone, without your driveling head on my chest.
We will do the final preparations now, and the Apahanta will stay hidden in nebula for a while, but away from Livadia and the jump hole. Just in case Core patrols Livadia. We don't want them to ask questions. In the meanwhile, I can come over. At least for a night. Officially just to get the KSRs to the Apahanta. Inofficially, well, for whatever we want to do...
:::[INCOMING TRANSMISSION]::: :::[ESTABLISHING SECURED VIDEO FEED]::: :::[VIDEO FEED:LIVE]:::
ID:Maren v. Westefeld Location:CV-Hoffnungsschimmer Subject:RE: Omega-49 ENCRYPTION:
Ehm, Ezrael,
I really need to find a Sugartits equivalent for you.
This is glorious! I've packed everything together on the Hoffnungsschimmer ages ago! And not just, well, on the ship. I've tracked down the target and ejected it into space as was necessary. Nancy was with me and, oh boy, that was a good thing. because my hands hurt like crazy after this. Didn't take a single scratch, though; how's that for this Sweetheart?!
...
So it's Omega-49, then? To be honest, I did not expect you to be able to move freely like that. Call me a pessimist, but I had expected them to seize you and your crew for interrogation, since, well, you've been with the Core. I really am assuming the worst in people I don't know, ain't I? I'm glad to be proven wrong.
And I don't drool in my sleep! That's you! You're literally slobbering on your own chest so you can tease me about it! At least you stop me from rolling out of bed the entire time. Happened, like, twice over the last three days. I really should stop sleeping on the corner of the bed, I think.
Ugh, why I am still standing here banging on about useless stuff. I'll come and get you with the Corvo. How's that for a knight in shining armor that'll swoop you off your feet?
:::[INCOMING TRANSMISSION]::: :::[ESTABLISHING SECURED VIDEO FEED]::: :::[AUDIO FEED:LIVE]:::
ID:Ezrael Vertiga Location:Unknown Subject:Being late ENCRYPTION:
The timing of this couldn't be worse, and I feel so unbelievably sorry. Sweetheart, for a few days, I won't be around. It's... difficult.
I'm so sorry. So really, really sorry. I don't want to make a false impression to you. I just need some time to recover from all what happened. It's ridiculous, as you are the one that has suffered so much more than I did, but, I... I don't know. Just a few days. One or two, or three. I don't know yet. I'll spend some time with Leon and my crew here on the Apahanta. We're in... I better don't tell you. Please, stay on the Hoffnungsschimmer, and don't leave Omega-49. Just stay there, take your time to recover, and help Nancy helping you and herself.
Don't worry, I'll come back. It's not the end. I love you...
ID:Maren v. Westefeld Location:CV-Hoffnungsschimmer, Omega-49 Subject:(none) ENCRYPTION:
"Is that so? Yes, it really is bad timing," sounded the hoarse voice of Maren. "Do excuse me for not using video, but I look like death right now. It's alright, though: Nancy will be there." There was just the tiniest bit of accusation in her tone. "To be fair, I don't rightly know how to respond to this. Sure, I'll stay on the ship, I guess. Nothing to do outside anyways. I'm not going to look for you, although I have a good inkling of which parts I'd have to search if I were allowed to find you."
She cleared her throat; an audible clattering of the device was heard. "I'm glad that you at least told me that you went away, although it's sad that you didn't trust me enough to impart this on me in person. Who can blame you, though," she trailed off and remained silent for a while. "I'll wait for you. Sort out what you need to sort out, and don't get killed. I love you."