02-11-826 A.S, BATTLESHIP CONSTITUTION
Many minutes before docking of the great Liberty Dreadnought "Constitution" that was presumed to be missing by Liberty Authorities, many Junkers were surprised by Battleship visiting so near their shipyard, when it docked they were more shocked than ever. Captain Lucas Edison, commanding officer of Constitution, leader of their little rogue secret resistance have called in a meeting between Marines before docking into Drydock for repairs to discuss the operations and standing orders, the meeting was to begun in thirty minutes before leaving the outskirts of Hudson system, the Navy weren't patrolling at that area for obvious resource reasons. A young marine, Nicholas Williams, Bretonian man, was roaming in the holls and patrolling the area, he knew that there was nothing there but orders were orders, they didn't wanted to have another rebellion on the ship, he was thinking a lot about his family that he left on New London. The worst thoughts were that they could be killed by Gallic Warmachine that is runned of King Charles.
As the time was passing, the Constitution moved slightly to the East of the outskirts to begun cruise-run to Bering system, all Marines were packing up for a briefing by Captain himself, same for Nicholas. As the time passed all of them sat down in the room that had over 240 seats. There used to be more Marines on-board, now they are gone, they were killed by the explosions that took when Constitution got the beating from nomads. Behind the scene was a window where they could see thousands of stars. Nicholas was relaxed thanks to that, after some seconds. The windows started to close down and the bigger lights were turned on. Captain stepped up to the scene with some papers and stood up to us, looking at us from distance.
"First. Are you afraid of something? Don't give me that face, I know this place is empty and there is no more 200 people here, but god. I know we lost some friends but we need to trust each other and not fight against each other because I got to know there was some fighting. I know your afraid for you families on colonies and do understand that." He took a breath and started again talking "But we need to trust each other like I said before so let's do that? Alright?"After that, he took some paper and started looking at it, after some seconds, he took a breath again.
"I believe that you all know that you we are going to Puerto Rico, Junker shipyard, are you?" Five people looked at each other, most of people knew where are they going and what are they going to pack into. "I see some people didn't seen notes on neural net as I seen few people looking at each other here." He stopped for a moment to take a breath "We've moved our Battleship into East of Hudson outskirts to have easy access to Bering system, we expect no Navy patrols but still, be on the lookout for possible boarding parties because we don't know if one of our trusted crew members didn't send a party after us but anyway." He stopped a again to catch a breath "As we will be moving through Bering and Puerto Rico, we will close all windows in Constitution, one Window will be one and that will be a bridge, when we arrive at Puerto Rico all Long Range communication are to be cutted out so we don't track attention of possible LSF strike group within Junker Controlled system." Old man took another breath so he could talk again "When we arrive at Junker Shipyard, all windows will be opened and lights activated onboard, the emergency lights will be activated while flying through Bering and Puerto Rico, until arrival of said destination." Old man stopped for a moment and took out another paper "Yes, I need to have these papers or I will forget everything that I want to say, your job, Marines, is to guard Constitution enter airlocks, I want you to scan Junkers for any weapon, if they ask something about this thing going on, say that is standard procedure is happening on the board." After he said everything, he took all papers that he had and turned them into ball-shape and throw it to trash. "Anything questions?" Everybody were silent "Good, dismissed"
After Captain said that, almost everybody went out of the room, for one men who was the Bretonian, he made his way to Captain to ask a question who was about to leave the briefing room with his face as normal but a bit of a beard. "C-captain!" Bretonian shouted. Lucas surprised he turned around with his face again, a bit bearded. "Yes, marine?" Lucas asked with fast, they needed to be in Puerto Rico as fast as they can."J-just wanted t-t-" marine was stopped by shouting Lucas "Say that already, marine!" as he heard that, the marine became a bit pissed off "I wanted to ask how much time are we going to give fighting the nomads all together with our ship, sir..? Because I have a family in Bretonia.. and.. "
Lucas glanced at the marine and took his hand on his shoulder "I don't know, this can take months or years to defeat them completely in Liberty. I can understand your feelings, Bretonia is about to be defeated by this monster, King Charles, but now, we can't do nothing." He stopped for a moment "You see, if you leave the ship now, infected people can track you down in Bretonia and get to know our plans, and we don't want to happen, Marine, don't you?" Nicholas glanced at the face of his captain, he was smiling "Of course, I wouldn't leave this ship behind sir.. " Lucas was happy, he wanted that answer "Good, is this all?" marine said nothing. "Good, get back to patrolling the ship." As he said that, the young marine exited the briefing room with a bit smirk on his face, Lucas before leaving turned around to looked around the interior of the room.
"Don't fail us now.."
As he said that, he turned around to made his way back to bridge of his Battleship, Constitution.
As Constitution was nearing the Bering jumphole tension was rising as the place was guarded by criminal organization the "Liberty Rogues" that had base near by of hole. When Vessel was nearing, the officer of communication started to hear either drunken pirates or defensive Rogues who were patrolling the area, the ship activated the cruise systems as their were nearing very closely. When they rushed to the hell, the base activated it's defense and all defense wings of the Rogue base started to chase Battleship but for the crew of Constitution, they escaped to the hole, thankfully. Rogues feared that the company was to come on outside of hole so they gave up and continued their daily tasks a Rogue who either get drunk or don't. On other side, Captain of Liberty Dreadnought followed the instructions that he created with his multi-officer, John Karlen. All windows from the inside were closed for time of passing the Bering system to not caught the attention of either Separatist that operated there or Unioners, who would not care to strike them down. As always, Nicholas Williams, was ordered to patrol until they arrive at shipyard, same as before just in other section of the ship. He still remembered the words that his Captain his said. Month? Year? Years? In month, the Nomad won't be defeat, in year maybe, but in years?! The Bretonia by that time could have captured by this "king", they call him. He is the king of the death, and nothing more.
As Constitution was moving, cameras were activated around the board so crew members could watch what is happening, the emergency light were activated on all holls, only normal lights were still activate in crew members quarters and more. The crew members could see the jumpgate to Texas system, 35 kilometers away from them on the north from them, once they considered it home. As they neared the waypoint, they changed their autopilot coordinates to Puerto Rico jumphole, the part of their destination to repair Constitution fully and get it combat ready for future battles. Once they jumped, Captain ordered to cut all long range communications while the windows were being open up with lights being activated. When they neared about ten kilometers to shipyard, they waited for a ship to give a us a proper clearance.
.:j:.Junkers.Bargain: *static* Ahoy there, Cap'n! *static*
2019-02-11 14:10:11 SMT
Constitution: Radio: This is Constitution, Captain Lucas Edison speaking, in this the young man that I talked in the transmission that I talk
2019-02-11 14:10:12 SMT
Constitution: ed with?
2019-02-11 14:10:30 SMT
Death: Liner|Neko.no.Rakuen suffered a self-inflicted catastrophic decompression.
2019-02-11 14:10:33 SMT
Death: Fire_Steel suffered a self-inflicted catastrophic decompression.
2019-02-11 14:11:03 SMT
.:j:.Junkers.Bargain: *static* Aye, this is Tobias Banks. Cheques cleared, all the boys fears are put at ease. *static*
2019-02-11 14:11:21 SMT
.:j:.Junkers.Bargain: *static* You're clear to moor at your convinience, an' me boys'll jump aboard and get to work. *static*
2019-02-11 14:11:35 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Roger, navigation is setting course for docking.
2019-02-11 14:11:56 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Full ahead is on.
2019-02-11 14:13:19 SMT
Constitution: Radio: It seems like other docking ring is.. used.
2019-02-11 14:13:26 SMT
Constitution: Radio: We will dock in this one.
2019-02-11 14:13:42 SMT
.:j:.Junkers.Bargain: *static* We're a busy port. Still, we cleared out what we could for ya. *static*
2019-02-11 14:13:52 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Vieques Shipyard, we are requesting to dock, over.
2019-02-11 14:13:57 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Roger.
2019-02-11 14:14:26 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Ship docked into mooring fixture.
2019-02-11 14:14:31 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Disabling shields now.
Shields Disabled
2019-02-11 14:14:54 SMT
.:j:.Junkers.Bargain: *static* Smoothly done. Welcome ta Vieques, Cap'n. Make yourselves at home, you'll be 'ere a while. *static*
2019-02-11 14:15:10 SMT
Constitution: Radio: I will.
2019-02-11 14:15:23 SMT
Constitution: *Captain respond with a smirk on his face*
2019-02-11 14:16:04 SMT
.:j:.Junkers.Bargain: *static* If ya need anythin' at all, don't hesitate ta call. For now, I best get back ta me other duties. Take care. *static*
2019-02-11 14:16:18 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Roger.
2019-02-11 14:16:22 SMT
Constitution: Radio: Safe flight.
Once they done it, the last marines on-board went to guard airlock to fill out the operation that Lucas Edison requested: to scan Junker engineers for any weapons or suspicious material.
Tobias flicked the switch to the comms with a satisfying click, cutting his broadcast to the battleship. The battered and stained keyboard let out a furious racket as he typed away, redirecting his comms to the station. The hum of the CRT and the crackle of the ever-malfunctioning radio filled the tiny room. Another click and he was live.
"Alright boys an' girls, its showtime. You've all got your orders, an' I expect ya to follow 'em to the letter. No pickin' fights that don't need pickin', no nickin' anythin', but don't take no guff. These fellas are on our turf, they gotta play by our rules. So I want Richter's lot first in the door. Move in squads, make sure its all safe an' friendly for us, an' don't be stupid. Don't start a fight wit' the marines aboard if ya can 'elp it, 'cause they got ya outgunned an' outnumbered. If ya run into trouble, act like damned adults an' use your words. Then pull out an' call me direct, I'll take it up wit' their Captain. But I want that ship confirmed safe for me an' mine, don't let them forget that part o' our bargain."
A large greying Rheinlander shouldered his way to the front of the rabble in the airlock, battered rifle slung over his shoulder. He moved like he was once a military man, straight backed and proud. But with a few years of hard knocks under his belt written across his face, there was no doubt about whether or not this guy fights 'fair'. Many of the rabble shrunk under his gaze, while others grouped up behind him preparing to get to work. Various small arms and flashlights were on display.
"Once we get the all clear, I want Coleman ta take you gearhead lot in an' get ta work. Remember, we're doin' this in sweeps. Inspect all ya can before gettin' stuck in, you know why. I want a detailed inventory o' all the junk we're gonna need for these repairs. Take photos for the chief designers so we know what we're workin' with. This job is gonna take us a while as it is, so don't get sloppy, don' get lazy. I want this place up an' runnin' before the Navy are on our arses."
A short wide man hefted his tools, the weight made laughable by his industrial robotic arm. He smoothed over his chopper moustache and stubbed out his cigar butt, flicking it into a corner as various overall'd folks gathered around. It was starting to get crowded in the gangway.
"Those of you that haven't got orders, thats 'cause ya ain't needed. See to ya other work an' quit gettin' in the way. This ain't a damn sightseein' tour. The Bargain an' I're just runnin' up to Carolina an' back. If ya all ain't lookin' busy by the time I get back. Well. We'll be 'avin' words. Now get ya skates on."
The transmission let out a harsh blast of static as the Junkers Bargain began to pull away from the station. The two respective team leaders stood side by side, backed by their cohorts, as the airlock opened...
02-11-826 A.S, BATTLESHIP CONSTITUTION
The airlock, connection ship to ship and station to ship was starting to open, when it did, it revealed several Junkers Engineers, infront, Nicholas noticed one man holding a gun, and other of his team mates too, it looked like Rheinlander, very large one with a battered rifle, the team leader reported to a bridge that they see an armed man, he stood up to him to talk with him. He was really surprised of his size. "I'm Major Michael Johnson of the Battleship Constitution, your repair crews will be safe with us, if you wish to join them you will need to leave your weapon behind for safety of our own too, sir." says the team leader looking to the giant Rheinlander.
The large Rheinlander narrows his eyes and clenches his jaw. Before the awkward pause lingers on too long, the shorter fellow chimes in with his thick New York accent in an attempt to defuse the tension.
"Good to meet ya, Major. Names Joe. Joe Coleman. Some folks call me Banjo. I'm the closest thing Mr Banks has to a Chief Engineer. The angry lookin' fella is Richter, our sort of uh... Chief Security Officer. Now we ain't lookin' to cause a fuss. These boys just need to have a little poke around to make sure we're not walking into a deathtrap. The bossman said full unrestricted access, right? 's all part of the deal. If you want to send your own guys along as an escort, we won't stop ya, but if I know ol' Richter here he ain't goin' nowhere without some firepower. Now my boys, the ones lookin' to patch up that ol' rust bucket of yours, they aren't settin' foot aboard 'til they know its safe. So we can stand around here eyeballin' each other for a few hours while our bosses talk it out over comms, or you can let us get to work. I ain't picky which, I'm gettin' paid either way."
02-11-826 A.S, BATTLESHIP CONSTITUTION
Lucas, the Captain of his old, tired, Battleship, was watching through camera of the airlock, hearing that they were talking. He took a breath and was thinking more and more about what he should do. Give this Marine leader a hand or either tell them to stand down and let this "Chief Security Officer", as the man called Joe Coleman said. After some seconds, he grew tired. "Miss Boyne, give an direct contact with the Marine leader, now."
"Yes sir, patching through now." as she said that, Lucas took a PDA and started adjusting microphone. As for the Marines in the Airlock the kept a silence, the team leader didn't knew what to do and Junkers were looking at him. After some long two minutes for him, the comm lighted up in his helmet. "Excuse me for a moment" Michael turned around. "What is it, Bridge?" asked Major with a bit frustrated voice "Be nicer, Major and don't stress. Captain speaking." Lucas takes a breath "Give this 'Chief Security Officer' an exemption from checking for his weapons. I don't want to start some fight." he stopped for a moment "This is an order, Marine." Major was shocked after he heard that "Sir.. but you said o-" "Major, YOU are going to pass this man, if other junkers have any weapons, your going to confiscate them, NO 'but'."
Michael took a deep breath after he heard an order to pass this giant Rheinlander who looked like a Liberty-Rheinland war Veteran and turned around to the man that he talked about his big friend. "Seems like your friend got a expansion from standard protocol checking from Captain himself as he is watching cameras, hes free to pass on. But other Junkers will be needed to pass the metal-check gateways, if there is someone who had heart surgery with metal or any-type of that will be given a total exemption from it. Are we now good?"
The stout fellow takes a moment to set down his toolbox, making a show of getting comfortable sitting atop it. The Rheinlander turns his head to his companion, the most movement he has exhibited since the Marines arrived. He could have been cast in bronze he is so statuesque. The pair share a look.
"So let me get this straight Major. You want Richter here to clear the ship... on his own? Don't get me wrong, he probably could! I wouldn't want to test him on it, at any rate. Problem is, it's a big ship, that'd take all sorts of time. Plus we wouldn't send him in alone, we look after our own. Junkers're well known for it. So it looks like we're waitin' for the bossman to get back, an' we're never gonna hear the end of that."
The stern visage of Richter cracks a smirk for a moment at the last line, clearly amused by the idea or some sort of private joke. The two share a quiet moment as the mechanic lights a new cigar. Before the match is even out, Joe jerks his head up as if an idea just struck him.
"Hold on a minute cowboy, did you say metal detector? This really is going to take forever! What do you think are in these toolboxes? Breath mints? You're on a Junker base, pal. Even the foods got metal in it. You want us to patch your hull with tape and chewing gum? Look, if you're that worried about a fight, send three armed men of yours for every one of ours to keep an eye on us. So long as they don't get underneath our feet when we're trying to work, then everyone is happy. Right Richter?"
The Rheinlander side-eyes his colleague for a few moments before giving the slightest of nods, confirming his begrudging consent.
02-11-826 A.S, BATTLESHIP CONSTITUTION
Nicholas, the young marine, was surprised of answer from one Junker, and started to be stressed, as for the bridge, Lucas too, all of the people aboard that were hearing what is happening in Airlock docking were stressed. "I grew tired of this, all marines stand down and cancel all orders of standard protocol of checking for any weapon, they seemed to be pissed of, and this is a good as know I they don't have any weapons, and say to them sorry for inconveniences." As the comm from the bridge closed on their locked up helmets, the leader took another deep breath.
"No no no, you took me wrong. Of course your Chief Security friend, Richter, will be with you while me and other of my four friends will be escort you to Engineering section to meet up with our Engineer officer, and Captain decided to stand down the metal scanning protocol, so you can finally pass. We are sorry for any inconveniences."
"Now thats more like it! C'mon boys, lets get to work."
The group of Junkers let out a combined sigh of relief. Nobody wanted to get into a brawl with trained Marines, especially not in the cramped environment of the docking platform. The only one maintaining their stern demeanour, predictably, was Richter. He gives the Major a curt nod, respectful of a man doing his duty, before striding onto the Constitution slightly ahead of Coleman. After a bit of anxious milling about, the armed portion of the station staff begin filing in after them. As the group make their way onto the ship, its clear there are only about two dozen men brandishing any form of firearms, the vast majority carrying tools and other technical equipment. The small armed group split off into a few smaller squads, moving down various corridors, starting their sweep of the ship. They are clumsy and probably draw a few snickers from the servicemen escorting them, as the Junkers are not trained soldiers. Various mechanics follow in their wake, setting about their task of recording what they find, careful not to draw the ire of the Marines.
"We know we will not find anything. It is... formality. To make Congress feel safe. It will not take long. Captain would not be foolish enough to start trouble, nor will we."
"These sorts of things are always a lil' tense to start. Nobody likes having strangers on their ship, especially armed ones. With the awkwardness over, we'll be able to patch you up and get you back out in space in no time. I'm lookin' forward to meeting this Chief Engineer of yours. Always enjoy talkin' shop."
02-11-826 A.S, BATTLESHIP CONSTITUTION
Liam was making his way to Engineering section of the ship, he's running late as was working on something in his personal workshop. The salvaged military equipment that David Mellark gave was crucial, maybe they could find something use full enough for Constitution operating system or some Liberty tech. As he was passing he saw one Marine and two Junkers talking with each other, he heard one man talking about him over holl. He made his way little fast and tried to took him by surprised."Well, your talking shop is behind you, my friend!"