High above Shadow base on Yuma, on New Athos, Agent Bravo was monitoring the transmission between different island cities and he enjoyed his task, making sure that everyone is doing their part and that no one will dare to threaten another citizen. Watching the people going around their affairs, content to have a quiet life, made him feel happy for a few hours. This is what he was fighting for, this was his reason to do what needs to be done, to protect this way of life.
On New Athos was a monotone, farming activities being what attracted him but on his third monitor a new message came. One from Octavarium to Admiral Richards. He focused on his monitor and he smiled. Everything, every message in the Republic is one time or another passing through a relay which is connected to CIS bureau and each agent was assigned diverse messages to check.
Reading it, he smiled at the proposal and lay back "They are funny. Good try." and returned to watch the agricultural activities but not even 20 minutes later the reply from Fleet Admiral Michael came and he could not believe his eyes. "No, is impossible. He was ... he is ... " and with shaky hands he marked the message as a priority and contacted Zeta.
"This is Zeta. What is it Bravo?"
"I intercepted a message, priority One marked now. We speak of treason here at the highest order"
"Let me see...... Yes, Yes. Hmm Admiral Richard. This is serious."
"Yes sir, it is. Orders?"
"Even if he withdraw his counter offer to Octavarium, we must act accordingly. He was willing to sell Crayterian Space to anyone asking. OK, I see that we have a problem. A rotten limb in our great Nation. We must take care of it."
"Yes sir"
"Agent Bravo, go to landing pad C, take two shuttles and a full platoon of AIT and any CIS operatives on the island. Proceed to Olympia and arrest Admiral Richard. I will cut communications when you are near the ship. Anyone who stands in your way is considered to be an Enemy of the Republic and must be dealt with. "
"Yes sir" he managed to say and he was running down the corridor towards the landing pads "Gods Above, our beloved Admiral?" Putting the helmet on he checked the status of his combat suit and ordered the New Athos Garrison to send one platoon of AIT. "All CIS on New Athos, respond to landing pad C" and he started to run, knowing that the Garrison is near the pad.
Reaching the Pad, he noted that the AIT was there and also 20 CIS agents, in their black combat suits.
"All aboard the shuttle. Take off in 4 minutes. Hewlett, take the helm."
His heart pounding, he waited until the Soldiers and CIS were aboard and he hoped in, right before the trap door was about to close. Looking at them, he noted that some required some explanation.
"Hewlett, procedure Omega. Communication Blackout"
"Yes Agent"
"Now, head to Olympia."
"Roger. ETA 7 minutes. Prepare for afterburner.... we are in orbit of Yuma"
"OK , We have been ordered to arrest Admiral Richard." and he waited for the people to take in the news "He is aboard Olympia, Sabah, supervision some repairs. We will RV with another platoon from Sabah and dock with the ship. We may be in for some fighting, but before you fire your gun, make sure that you know whom is whom. Shadow Base will cut any communications when we reach the ship and will dispatch reinforcements from the planet. The moment we dock, we head ourselves straight to the CIC, we hope to join our agents there and arrest the Admiral. Time to complete this mission, 40 minutes. Any questions? "
"Agent, this means that Order 86 was activated?"
"Yes. Anyone aiding the Admiral is falling under the same order, thus live ammunition been authorized. But again, remember whom you are shooting."
"Agent, there may be opposition?"
"Yes, Olympia and it's crew been through a lot, some of them may be still loyal to Admiral. So, Gods help not to happen like that, or else will be bloodshed"
"What times..."
"What times indeed, but he must be eliminated. Our Republic and our Nation needs goes first. We will eradicate anyone who will threaten the integrity of the Republic and her heroes"
"For those we left behind"
"Bravo, we are 3 minutes away, I have shuttle 33 on my right. Agent Abynoss is leading another party of 50 people. They will try to secure our way out."
"Roger. Please send the signal to Shadow"
"Yes Agent" and in a few seconds from the transmission, the comm chatter around Sabah and Olympia stopped.
Lurking in the shadows of the repair bay, Olympia looked massive and Bravo could not help but wonder how many of the crew will be loyal to Richard.
CFV-Olympia, Sabah Shipyard, Coronado, 1333 Crayter Standard Time
Richard was not happy. Repairs taking long, parliament accusing of him having a brainfart, two consecutive defeats in Omicrons, not even Olympia was enough to turn the tides. Richard remembered how Olympia limped back to Sabah. Wounded, eager for revenge... Then a comm channel opened. It was Daniel Garvey. "Michael, we need to talk." "No Garvey. We do not. Parliament wasted an opportunity, we could buy an eternal loyalty and enough money to make ten more Deimoses!" "By the gods Michael! Land means nothing to you? All you think is your fleet and your ship! How much we spent on that bloody ship by now? 8 Billion? We could produce at least 6 more Deimos with that money!" Michael got angered. "ENOUGH!" he shouted. As the ship's walls echoed his voice, he bruteforced the comm and closed it. Everyone saw his message to Octaviarum as treason. Yet it was an opportunity missed for him. An officer came to him rushing moments after. "SIR! A Crayter Shuttle. Requests docking. Why would anyone need to dock on us right now?" "What? Deny the request." "Right away, Sir!" The shuttle however had tricks, after all it had CIS agents in it. The hangar bay, contrary to denial, opened and welcomed the shuttle. Same officer came rushing again. "Sir they just hacked our hangar bay and got in! Who are they?!" Richard knew who they are. "By the gods...Karl, they are Intelligence." Richard opened ship wide comm. "To all hands, we have uninvited guests at shuttle bay, they are Crayterian but still uninvited. Put the ship on Yellow Alert and release us from docking clamps of Sabah." Of course the agents were inside at this point and they heard the order too. Richard continued. "Welcome to my ship, Agents, i demand to know the meaning of this and talk to your leader."
Enigma had been in her office aboard Sabah Shipyard when her communicator went off buzzing, multiple communications flew to the screen. Her eyes flickered over the screen, reading what was going on with a raised brow before she finally spit her coffee across the table. The cup was slammed on said table as her chair flew backwards against the metal wall, suddenly everything was a rush. Heading to the weapons locker and opening it, Enigma grabbed her service Pistol and standard Issue rifle before opening a direct communication to Agent Bravo.
"Bravo, Enigma. I am aboard Sabah and will be on deck of the Olympia with a party of two in 45 seconds. Sabah is quiet, but be prepared to have an entire curious station trying to find out what's going on."
She ran down the corridors of Sabah, toward the mooring point gangways. People were already watching her curiously, mumbling began across the hallways. A running agent of the CIS never meant anything good, but they had no idea what was going on. Approaching the gangway to the moored Olympia, Enigma noticed two guards outside, she approached them slowly. Still about fifty feet back, her communicator buzzed once more.
"Bravo, I am outside the gangway to the Olympia now. Confirm 86 is in effect, I will try to sneak as far into the ship towards CIC as I can."
A casual coffee break away from prying eyes.
A sudden beep.
A tense read of a message.
A sprint.
A quick gear-up.
Going from a nice afternoon to a battle-ready situation in 15 minutes - Asteria was still unsure if it's just a day-dream. She was used to handling things on a tight schedule, sure. She also had her share of critical and sudden tasks. But to be part in this kind of operation... it was a first. Betrayal wasn't something she hoped she'd have to face... but it was something she prepared for nonetheless.
Having joined Bravo on his shuttle along with the other agents, she listened to his instructions and steeled herself, voicing "For those we left behind" along with the others.
Everyone being on-board Olympia by now... Richard's order came out as odd, to say the least. Asteria smirked, took a hand to her holstered gun and turned to Bravo.
"Seems he wants to talk. Do we try and get him to come forth or simply go in after him, sir?"
"Enigma, send your Location. Will send a detachement of AIT to support you. Zeta instructions: 86 in effect. Anyone who oppose will be eliminated."
Looking, he fond Asteria. "Asteria, he may want to talk but there is only one end result. Arresting the Admiral"
A simulation projection came with the Ship and he ordered to CIS "Agent Draconis, take 10 AIT and secure auxiliary control and command room. Agent Xavier, another 10 AIT and secure the reactor room. You must make sure that Olympia cannot jump. Transfer all command over to the second CIC. Use CIS protocol."
Opening a comm to Enigma "Enigma, I sent 5 AIT and 5 agents to meet with you. Take the third auxiliary portway. Remember the 86 is in effect"
Now that he saw his men are on the way he turned towards Asteria "First time you have to act against our own? All will be good. Remember the drill. Now lets see what Admiral wants to do"
Switchinf to general comm "Greetings Fleet Admiral Richard. My name is Agent Bravo,CIS. First let me congratulate you sir for the victories you had figting the Gauls. But now we have other problems. CIS managed to get it's hand on a certain communique towards Octavarium. They had to try but your reply made you a person of interest. Since this is general comm,I will let your crew know what you almost done" he pausef for effect "Our admiral was almost approving at the request from Octavaroum to sell Tau 44. To sell what we have been trying to gain back from the Gaul ever since the Invasion. He was ready to butcher our Republic for 10 billion. To forego our heroes and those that died to protect the Republic for 10 billions. Our beloved President was not even consulted before his reply. Seeing this and taking into consideration that you, Admiral, command the Fleet, we, CIS, the Guardians of the Republic are afraid that you are not fitt to command anymore and you are also guilty under article 3 of the Colonization and Crayter Legal Codex, which makes you a traitor. An Order 86 was issue which means we can use any force necessary to arrest you and anyone aiding you. Yes, that Order circumvent the whole ship. Any Soldier or Fleet Personnel aiding the Admiral may be arrested. Stand down Admiral and you will taken before the Quoroum for your Judgement.No harm will come to you"
Ending the comm, he turned now to Asteria "I gave him the option, lets wait for his response. Meanwhile, Combined Group, move towards CIC" and he took his place ahead of the column "We will arrest the Admiral even if we have to fight deck by deck"
Listening to Bravo's comms, Enigma and her two following agents had already approached and subdued the two guards on the gangway and made their way inside, meeting the five AIT and the five Agents. They had saluted the Director shortly before Enigma signaled the group to move forward, taking the less used maintenance gangways and corridors. They met little resistance on their way up, but hearing Bravo's Ship wide communication had made it harder for them now.
"Bravo, Enigma. Did you have to tell them all that? My group and I are about thirty seconds from the Bridge, I assume Richards will be there. We've taken maintenance corridors and gangways. I will need an escape once the Admiral is subdued."
As they approached the end of the maintenance run, they had to cross a number of hallways to reach the bridge and she was sure there was going to be resistance. They stacked up on the door, waiting shortly before the door opened and the thirteen man group entered the hallway. Some of the soldiers aboard were surprised by their arrival, not giving them resistance while others were locked in hand to hand combat. The AIT Troops, along with the five Agents that Bravo had sent engaged the resisting, Richards loyal soldiers while Enigma and her two escorts quickly made their way to the bridge, getting into position at it's door.
"Bravo, I am outside the bridge, troops in contact, no shots fired as of yet though hand to hand. The troops you sent are keeping my rear clear and I am about to breach on your signal."
"Director, I am trying to get his attention on me. I know that he have more then enough loyal soldiers and his CIC is easily filled with 20-25 people. Please wait until he sends his troops to meet me and then break in. And, he is a Crayterian, he deserves options and also to know the consequences if he refuse. Also, we may have turned some of them, thus making our lives more easier. We are marching towards the ship Forum. If he is going to opposeus, he will do it there. Bravo out."
CFV-Olympia, Sabah Shipyard, Coronado, 1333 Crayter Standard Time
Richard listened Agemt Bravo and then started to talk. "Treason? You DARE to talk treason, orchestrated by ME? You FOOLS! It was an opportunity! Which you, CIS, and Parliament wasted! I demand you to surrender and put down your weapons." Then Richard swiftly grabbed his prototype Purifier Mk V. "I refuse your request to surrender. Want me to face your so-called justice?" He took a breath and then made eye contact with Marine Detachment Leader. "Over. My. Dead. Body." He then sealed CIC room and bridge. "Those who loyal to me shall be rewarded and have my eternal gratitude for them. Men! Defend the ship to last blood! I shall fight alongside you, my brothers and sisters! For those we left behind!" He entered his own secret command codes to prevent the ship from being taken out of his control. Then issued command to 'Corinth' Mark VIII AI Unit of the ship. "Corinth, Set coordinates to Omicron Delta and initiate FTL Drive charge!" Then nav officer arrived next to him. "Sir, are you out of your mind? The ship can damage Sabah Shipyard and get damaged in the process!" A shot from Richard's 'Jungle Phoenix' pistol could be heard. .700 Nitro calibered gun pierced through Nav Officer's body. "You useless piece of shit!" Fortunately majority of his crew were loyal to him, they could not believe Admiral selling their beloved home for 10 billion. Commander Mia Frostband approached at Admiral and gave orders to loyal AIT troops. "Alpha squad, make way to gangway of Sabah. Beta Squad, defend the CIC. Charlie, assist marines at Hangar bay and halt CIS. I want them outnumbered 5 to 1!" The fight ensued at Hangar bay and several decks. CIS agents were expert combatants and could even surpass elite AIT personnel. Meanwhile humming and buzzing could be heard all over the ship, power flickering and engines running. FTL Drive was charging and it would be ready for jump in 6 minutes. Richard opened comm to Adam Bourke, Chief Engineer. "Adam, hack and seal Hangar Bay and activate automated point defense turrets! I dont want anymore intruders. Set the turrets to shoot down any shuttle approaches. Regardless of IFF" Adam sighed and cursed. "You heard me Adam. DO IT!" Then suddenly Olympia's Council origin secondary turrets started to fire at several directions and shot down a CIS shuttle approaching. And then an AIT troop shuttle as well. Damaged the docking clamps holding Olympia. Thus Olympia was free. However as soon as the ship was free, Carrier Malachite and Phobos was alerted. They sent fighter wings and tried to intercept Olympia. However Olympia managed to blow up at least 2 squadrons before engines started to sparkle and flicker and eventually auxiliary engines turned off. "Damn it, screw the guns! Reroute all the power to FTL Drive, disable limiters on the Powercore and overcharge the Drive!" Then Chief engineer complied. Ship's lighting darkened, souns of flashlights opening heard… Meanwhile CIS agents was advancing, albeit slowly, plus non-loyal crew joined CIS forces and was attacking their fellow crewmembers as well. Richard then witnessed one of the CIS operatives sneaking in and unsealing CIC room. As the operative succeed, Richard pulled his pistol and shot the operative in the head. He opened general comm again. "We are many more, Bravo. Surrender and i will forgive and forget this intrusion." As the fight continued, Richard opened a projection of the ship that showed him where the fights happened. He then proceeded to sit at his Captain's Seat that suddently seemed like a king's throne...
There was commotion everywhere, fighting all around. Enigma's 10-Man backup had subdued the fighters behind them and joined on the stacked, sealed door where they waited. Fighting engufled the entire ship, and the sounds of the secondary armament was heard as a shock rocked the ship. It was free of Sabah, and by the sound of it, it was preparing to get out of here. They needed to strike before the Olympia could leave Coronado. Enigma nodded, her second man prepared the breaching explosives on the sealed door and they all took a step back.
"Bravo, Enigma. Sounds like you got a fight on your hands, we're preparing to breach at this time, detonation of explosives in 10 seconds. Hold out as long as you can, we will try to get the ship under control asap."
She then nodded, the explosives engineer nodded and began the countdown, they turned away from the door, ready to strike. Five.. Four.. Three.. Two.. One.. Detonation. The explosion filled the hallway with smoke, the sounds of metal twisting under the force of the shape charges filling the room. As soon as a bit of the smoke cleared, the group charged into the bridge, a gunfight ensued with resistance soldiers, two of the AIT members quickly fell as they spread around the room. They all took care not to shoot Richards but the men around him, Enigma's group took losses, but the highly skilled elite CIS Agents were able to prevail over the Bridgecrew and AIT Soldiers who were defending the treasonous admiral. Enigma then stepped out from behind her cover, the barrel of her weapon pointed straight at Richards.
"Put down your weapon, stand down and stop the vessel Richards."
The march towards the Bridge was halted by a group of soldiers. Bravo looked around and saw that his odds were rather good.
"Soldiers of Crayter, lay down your weapons and you will be treated fairly. This I swear on my honor" and he saw that from the mob, 11 people joined him, another 28 came a few minutes later.
He counted his soldiers and saw that opposing the mob are 50 AIT left and 21 Agents.
"Good odds"
Looking over his opponents, he noticed that most of them had sideguns. "Soldiers, Disperse! You..." but he couldn't continued as someone discharged his weapon and all hell broke loose.
"Formation, defensive formation" he yelled and saw the CIS running firward with their nanoglass shields and forming a wall. "Columns of 10! Non lethal charges. AIT, FIRE!" and at the energetic discharge incapacitated a large majority of Richard 's crew.
"Form 5 columns." he ordered and saw the ait falling in line "Three CIS for each column. Each group must subdue any rebel soldier."
Looking at Astarte, he smiled "You are with me kiddo"
On his march he met people which sided with the CIS troops but lots of them choose to oppose. Raport are coming by, two columbs being stopped on the aft of the ship, Draconis and Xavier managed to reach their targets and after securing them they start to scour the ship for enemy elements.
Enigma message caught up with him while he tried to pacify deck 6. "Director, my troops are pacifying the ship as we speak. We suffered some losses but casualty report will come later on as we are still under the 86 Instructions. You can do your move. We are holding"
"Come on boys, Hold the line! We shall push this traitors and retake Olympia.For Crayter!!"
"For Crayter!" the squad shouted.
Meanwhike, on the ship comms, the CIS message of surrender plays on