Chapter 17: Encounter
Date: 27 December / 817 A.S.
It was the last day of their week off, Eva insisted to have a drink at a bar before they leave. After the first day, nothing special happened, they had a lot of fun, drinks and spend most of their cash. Eva is getting impatient, what is taking Adam so long to check us out? Finally he walks through the front door, the street was filled with people from all over Sirius. Come on, lets get to the bar! Eva yells as she drags Adam along with her. Their favorite bar has just opened its doors. There were only 2 other people inside, they where sitting at the bar while one of them Is telling something in a foreign language. Adam and Eva take a seat on the other corner of the bar, because its so quiet in the bar they can hear every word the 2 men are saying. It sounds like they are from Rheinland. Adam orders 2 beers, once theyve been served Eva looks around, I will miss this, the last day of peace. Starting from tomorrow it will be all business again. She says with her cheerful voice. The 2 man at the other corner of the bar look at her, they put their heads together to discuss something. From time to time they peek at Eva. Adam, whos sitting with his back to the Rheinlanders did not see this. Eva gets closer to him and whispers Those creeps are peeking at me. Adam turns around just when both men where looking in their direction again. Both man stand up and walk in their direction, they are wearing pilot uniforms, Adam stares at the insignia on their chest. Theyre Hessian. Eva whispers.
The 2 pilots are standing in front of them, You 2 should leave, your smell is making me sick. One of them says and he spits on the floor. The bartender looks at him but is to afraid to say something about it. Dont worry, were only having a drink. Adam says and he turns his back to the 2 men. So are we! But you Hispanians smell so bad it ruins the taste of my beer! Adam smiles Dont you think its just your mouth being to close to your nose? Next everything happens really fast, the hessian pilot grabs Adams shoulder and pulls him of his chair, Adam falls to the ground. The pilot starts hitting him while Adam is trying to block most of the pilots swings. The other pilot and Eva are looking at the fight, suddenly Eva jumps up and joins the fight. She jumps on the back of Adams attacker. God damnit! Manfred get this witch of my back! he yells to his friend. 2 strong hands close around Evas neck, the pilot had no problem lifting her from the floor. Eva tries hitting him everywhere she could reach, slowly her hits lose force as her face is turning purple. In her desperate attempt to escape from the pilots tight grip her necklace with the broken pendant becomes visible. For a second the pilot stares at it, he loses grip and Eva falls to the ground. Eva?! he yells in disbelieve, his friend is distracted by this, allowing Adam to hit him in his face. Adam crawls to Eva, she was laying on the ground, gasping for breath. The pilot named Manfred reaches for something on his belt, a gun. He points it at Adam, Get away from her! This is the daughter one of our deceased admirals, shes Hessian. You have abducted her years ago. You will pay for this! Adam sees how Manfred slowly pulls the trigger, suddenly Evas fist hits Manfred between his legs, he drops his pistol and falls to the ground. Adam looks at the other pilot, he was unconscious, it looks like his nose is broken. Eva takes the gun and stands up, her neck was bruised on the places where Manfreds hands have been. We need to go Adam! she yells. Together they run out of the bar, Adam looks around and he sees someone getting into a taxi shuttle. He runs up to the shuttle and grabs the passenger at the back of his jacket. Sorry we need this one! he says as he pulls the man out of the shuttle. Adam and Eva quickly get in Gran Canaria spaceport, now! Eva yells. The shuttle takes off, Eva looks out of the window when the 2 hessian pilots come out of the bar. One of them points at the shuttle while the other one is talking to a small device. They are calling for back-up, we need to get off planet quickly. She says with a saddened voice. Adam looks at her neck, gentle he touches the bruises, Are you alright Eva? They look into each others eyes I think so. She whispers. Theyre faces are getting closer, You saved my life back there, he was about to shoot me. Adam says, Eva moves her head even closer to Adams, You would have done the same thing for me. She whispers. She kisses Adam, he was overwhelmed but did not stop her. Suddenly they both are frightened by a voice, Hey lovebirds! Weve arrived at the spaceport! they where both caught in the moment and forgot they werent alone. They got out of the taxi shuttle, Adam takes Evas hand, she has the feeling her heart is making a flip. They look into each others eyes We need to run! Adam says and he starts heading for the spaceport, dragging Eva along with him.
The news about what happened to Adam and Eva on Gran Canaria spread fast among the Corsairs, everybody heard about their encounter with the hessian pilots. Other HAF pilots like talking about their adventure when they arent on patrol. In the Tripoli bar a young pilot is telling his amigos what he heard about the Gran Canaria adventure. At the same time, someone nocks on Adams door.
Adam its me. Open up! Eva yells through the closed door.
Adam rushes to the door and unlocks it, as he opens it Eva literally falls into his room. He acts fast and catches her before she hits the floor.
You need to be more careful Eva! Why do people keep telling me that?
Adam closes the door, as he turns around Eva hugs him.
I hate to do this in secret Adam, it doesnt feel right. She whispers in his ear I know But its against regulations to have a relationship with a subordinate.
Suddenly a short jingle sounds from the intercom, announcing an incoming message.
General Adam and Lieutenant Eva are requested to head to the almirantes office as soon as possible
They look at each other, both thinking the same. Someone found out about them. Frightened they head to Sir Darks office. Adam nocks the door.
Enter
Adam grabs the doorknob and notices his hand is sweaty, if Sir Dark found out about him and Eva, they will both be removed out of HAF. They enter the magnificent office and salute their leader.
Please sit down, both of you. I have an important matter to discuss with you. We can explain everything sir. Explain? Theres no need for that senorita, you are here because I have an announcement to make.
Adam felt much better after hearing this. Fear made place for curiosity. They look at Sir Dark, hes taking time before he continues.
You are here Because your new ship is finished. We will travel to Rhodes shipyard together so you can do your first inspection. Almirante thats wonderful news! It sure is, thank you sir!
The shuttle bringing them to Rhodes enters the Encuera cloud, for 5 minutes the only thing they see is a dense fog. Slowly a gigantic shade appears from the fog. There was only one ship docked to the shipyard, a brand new Dreadnought. Adam looks at the station, where is his new cruiser? Its to big to fit inside the station. The shuttle moves closer to the dreadnought.
Pilot, enable the spotlights Yes sir!
The pilot switches a button and the armor of the dreadnought in front of them is illuminated. Adam looks at the word, painted on the dreadnought and he couldnt believe his eyes.
Heraklion Sir? Is this a dream? Not at all General! After all, a new rank deserves a new ship. New rank? Sir, what are you talking about? It seems you are fit to become a Mariscal, Adam you will take command over the foreign pilots. Foreign sir? Yes, the pilots who werent born a Corsair.
The almirante starts laughing. Adam looks at Eva, she was speechless her stare was fixed on the dreadnoughts name.
Time to inspect this beauty!
Sir Dark guides them through the entire dreadnought. Adam is amazed by its massive size, the tour took at least 2 hours. They returned to the ships main gate, theres a lot of activity here, Adam recognizes his crew from the old cruiser loading the ship with supplies. Sir Dark sees the surprised look on Adams face.
I thought you would like your old crew back. Of course this ship is larger then a cruiser so I assigned additional personnel to the Heraklion. Im speechless sir You will not regret this! I know Mariscal, thats why I christened this dreadnought Heraklion. From this moment, shes in your command. Thank you sir!
Adam and Eva salute the almirante as he leaves the ship. Together they head to the bridge where the helm crew was already preparing everything. Adam walks to the commanders chair, his hand glides over the armrest. He still couldnt believe this was really happening.
Mariscal, we are ready to undock.
Adam looks at Eva, then he looks around the massive bridge. Every member of the helm crew was watching him.
Close the doors, start undock procedure.
Doors closed, starting undock procedure! Plot a course to Omicron Gamma jump hole.
Yes Sir! the navigator yells. Pilot! Half throttle, cruise engines in 10 seconds!
Copy that sir! Radio, get me in contact with Rhodes control.
Connection established sir. This is Mariscal Adam aboard the dreadnought Heraklion. Thank you for this magnificent ship Rhodes!
This is Rhodes control, were just doing our job amigo, Safe flights and God speed! Aye, God speed!
Adam sits down in his chair, the dreadnought has reached cruise speed. Adam felt better then ever, he could conquer all of Sirius. What adventures would the Heraklion bring him? What does the future holds for HAFs new pride?
The Heraklion is on guard duty near the Crete docking rings, the surrounding space is empty and quiet. Adam is staring at the millions of distant stars, thinking about Eva who is on patrol in Omicron 41.
At the same time somewhere in Omicron 41 Eva is patrolling all the jump holes . It is a rather boring routine job Not much ever happens in O-41, but today is different.
This is Lieutenant Eva Cortez in the M10 Titan Vendetta, Im approaching Omega 5 jump hole. Do you copy?
But no one answers, all she hears is static. Suddenly she hears an unknown voice.
Guten tag fraulein Cortez. Dont bother contacting your amigos, we have all your frequencies blocked. We are in control.
What?! Why?
If you want to live, disable your weapons and follow us.
A section of Red Hessian fighters close in on Eva, she has no other choice then to obey. The hessian fighters force her to jump to Omega 11 where some more fighters where awaiting them.
Dont try anything stupid, approach Freital base and dock.
Once the engines of the Vendetta where shut off and the canopy opened in the ships hangar, a group of armed hessians surrounded her ship. Eva jumps out of her fighter and she expected the hessians would chain her. But they didnt, they where just standing there.
Welcome to Freital base! So we finally meet I am brigadegeneral Kaspar Tadeus Meisnerr.
Why have you brought me here?!
Senorita or is it fraulein? Didnt you have the slightest idea my subordinates you met on Gran Canaria would report back to me? You should have killed them when you had the chance.
You still didnt answer the question.
I have brought you here, to rejoin us. Become a Red Hessian, that is your destiny.
Ive altered my destiny a long time ago.
Did you now? Something tells me you wont refuse this You will join our ranks And you will fight and destroy the ship that is known as the Heraklion.
Eva stares at the brigadegeneral, did he really expect her to co-operate?
Why would I fight the Corsairs? I rather die!
Thats what I was afraid of. Bring her in!
A door to the right of Eva opens, 2 hessians walk in to the room escorting someone, who appears to be a Corsair. It was hard to tell because the person had a bag over her head. The prisoner is forced on her knees on the brigadegenerals side. He draws his gun and puts it to the prisoners head.
You would die for it Eva But the question is would she?
He pulls the bag of the prisoners head. She got beaten up pretty bad, but despites the blood and bruises Eva recognizes her.
Kate? Are you ok? What have they done to you?!
So? How about it fraulein Eva? Will you co-operate?
Dont do it Eva!
Eva sees the brigadegeneral slowly pulling the trigger of his gun.
I Ill do it Just dont harm her!
Eva No
A wise decision fraulein.
Let her go! Its me you want.
I think we will keep fraulein Kate here as insurance In case you are ignorant enough to change your mind.
Kate is escorted out of the room again, Eva has no other choice then to co-operate, she might have saved Kates life But this means shell have to kill Adam.
Eva stares at the small light bulb hanging in their cell, shes sitting on a uncomfortable bed. Kate is writing something in a little notepad, suddenly she puts her pen down.
We should escape, or at least fight for it.
I know But how? We are in this small cell without any guns.
Kate stands up and walks to the massive steel door, theres only 1 small square hole in it. From time to time a guard slides the cover in front of the hole away and stares into the cell.
Havent you seen the youngster standing guard behind this door?
She nocks on the door once, second after the little cover slides away and 2 eyes appear.
What is it you filthy dog?!
I have to go to the bathroom.
Again?!
Dont sound so amazed! Were women, so why give us a cell without a toilet?
Fine!
The small hole is closed again and they here the guard pressing the buttons on the doors keypad. The door slides open and the guard walks in. Before he could react Kate grabs him and smashes his head to the doorpost multiple times.
Dont *smack* Ever *smack* Insult *smack* Me *smack* Again!
The guard falls to the ground and Kate grabs his machinegun. She reaches to his belt and takes his pistol as well, she hesitates a minute but then throws the pistol to Eva.
Lets get out of here!
They start running through the long corridor, when they pass an open door, Eva catches a glimpse of the surprised hessians inside. They hear them yell and soon they where chasing them. The hangar was close, they can already see Evas fighter, Kate is running in front of Eva, she starts to run even faster and Eva has trouble to keep up. By the time Eva entered the hangar, Kate was already climbing aboard the fighter.
Hurry Eva! Ill start it already!
Dont let her get on that fighter!
*BANG!*
Eva screams from pain and falls to the ground. With tearful eyes she looks at her bloody knee. Kate yells her name and was about to jump out of the fighter.
No! leave me. Go! Tell Adam where I am!
Kate hesitated for a moment, but then got back in the fighter.
I will not abandon you hermana! We will come back!
The fighter slowly lifts off and heads to the docking bay airlock.
oh my god, shes going to blow up the airlock! Grab this prisoner and get out of here!
2 hessians roughly grab Eva at her arms and drag her back to the corridor, the airtight door slowly closes while they see Kate shooting the first docking bay door. Eva hears footsteps behind her, slowly she looks around. It was the brigadegeneral.
How troublesome Our insurance just escaped Ah well, theres always a more inhumane way to have you obey my orders. Bring her to medical at once.
The brigadegeneral walks away and Eva is dragged to medical. At the same time Kate had already reached the Omicron 41 jump hole, she was surprised the hessians werent chasing her. She crosses O-41 in a hurry and jumps to gamma.
This is captain Kate Ferrer aboard the M10 Titan Vendetta, hailing Mariscal Adam aboard the Heraklion! Come in please!
Kate? What are you doing in the Vendetta? Where is Eva?!
We where abducted by the hessians, we tried to escape but Eva fell behind!
So thats what it is? Head to Tripoli! I need to know all about this!
An emergency meeting was called on Tripoli to discuss about a plan. What will they do? Is Eva still alive? Why did they abduct her? Everyone was asking the same questions
// this chapter is based on the HAF-RHA event "rescuing Eva" for the "fun factor" I copied unedited parts from the chatlog during the event, into the chapter, I hope you'll enjoy it!
One day after Kate had escaped from Freital base, the HAF ships where gathering outside Tripoli. Their mission, search and rescui Lieutenant Eva Cortez. At the same time on Freital base brigadegeneral Meisnerr had ordered one of his subordinates, Gryneus, to take Eva aboard the RHA cruiser Jeschke and head to O-47. Neither Adam or Gryneus knew... they would meet sooner then espected.
[RHA]Florian.Waap: Hostiles spotted!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Enemy ships spotted.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: All personnel, man your battlestations! This is not a drill! I repeat, This... is not a drill!
HAF-A-Marques: escorts, be ready, turn on your guns
[RHA]Mertesacker: Watch that thing's turrets
[RHA]Ernst.Neurath: what do we have here? a futile attempt, it seems
The 2 fleets closed in on each other and stopped at 9K, Adam stared at the Jeschke, was Eva really aboard that ship?
[RHA]Florian.Waap: Zere is no vay through! You shall fall before our might!
[RHA]Faust_Siebert: ze cannibals... your attempt to free her iz futile
Adam stares at Kate, did he really heard what he thought? If a Hessians says so... She must be aboard the Jeschke... Or is it a trap?
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Now tell me Gryneus, Where is Eva!
[RHA]Ernst.Neurath: Eva wont be seeing light today, cannibal
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: You dogs will pay for what you've done! All ships, Engage!
By this single word every ship reacted instantly and the comm frequency was overloading because of various, unique warcries.
[RHA]Mertesacker: Keep your heads boys
[RHA]-Markus.Claus: Lets move!
HAF-C-Juan,Gonzales: *Sighs*
HAF-A-Marques: engaging then, MUERTEEEEE
Curios"|Sails: order recived, targets locked on
Corsair-Rodrigo_Benitez: Si Amigo, Charging Engines
[RHA]Faust_Siebert: charging weapon!
HAF-M-Aldebaran: ARGGG
[RHA]AdoIph.Hessler: fur Rheinland!
Corsair-Rodrigo_Benitez: You would be the one who dies Gringo...
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Your escort are going down Gryneus!
The HAF and RHA escorts got dragged into a nasty dogfight. Adam is still staring at the Jeschke in the distance, he wanted to be sure Eva was really aboard that cruiser...
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: You still haven't told me what you did to Eva, Gryneus!
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: You will never know it Senor.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Damn you! Kate, scan the Jeschke!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: yes sir.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: She's aboard the Jeschke sir! shall we move in?
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Not yet.
The battle was heating up quick and it didn't take long before the first ship was destroyed... A corsair ship owned by one of the Sails who answered the call... And decided to help. Everyone aboard the Heraklion was watching the battle as a second fighter was destroyed. The entire crew cheered as they watched the Hessian fighter's remains float through space. Suddenly Kate calls to Adam
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: Sir, the Jeschke is in our range, permission to engage sir?
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Not yet Kate... not yet.
He had it all planned out, if they engaged the Jeschke now, all his escorts would engage the Heraklion. Kate made a weird sound when the first HAF ship got blown up, Mariscal Alde was tractored in by the Heraklion and brought to medical. Not so long after that, a second ship got destroyed. Again the Heraklion tractored the escape pod in and Almirante Marques was brought to medical as well. Adam was getting mad and he yelled at Gryneus.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: Tell me Gryneus, what have you done to Eva?! Scanner show that she's aboard your ship. So tell me!
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: She's in a safe place. Since she's got Hessians roots we didn't hurt her.
This was an answer Adam didn't expect, would they really leave her unharmed? From what Kate told him, Eva already got shot once during their escape... Now that the Corsairs where outnumbered Kate got worried and while Adam was watching the massive fight, Kate was looking in the other direction, to 2 lone fighters that got separeted from the fight...
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: Herr Siebert take out Rodrigo asap!
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: And get back to the Battle.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: keep your hands off Rodrigo!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: get back to your station Kate!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: yes sir...
Apparently Kate was worried about Rodrigo... but why? Adam just didn't understand, he looked at her and noticed tears rolling down her face, she looked him in the eyes and said.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: Sir we have to help our escorts...
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: negative, we might hit our own ships!
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: Kate is Right Adam.
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: Another Titan is about to blow up too.
Adam stared at the titan that was already burning, he lost it... all those ships that are already lost... to rescue 1 Corsair... Suddenly the burning titan explodes, before Adam could give the order to tractor in the escape pod, Kate had already pushed the button. Seconds later Grimly hailed the Heraklion.
Grimly,|Sails: adam, we won't make it
Grimly,|Sails: avoid useless loss
Adam looked Kate in the eyes, and as everything was told just by doing so, she nodded. Adam stared at the Jeschke again and replied to Grimly.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: I hear you Grimly... charge the mortars, switch to pulse cannons now Kate!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: To all battlestations... Engage!!!
The Jeschke slowly turned around and powered up it's engines.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: don't run you dog!
[RHA]RHC-Jeschke: Gryneus: Get the Battleship!
All of Gryneus' escorts turned on the Heraklion, yet they only did little damage to it's shields. The Jeschke fires 2 mortars and the pilot of the Heraklion tried to evade them. But it couldn't be, the shield went down to 75%. Slowly the Dreadnought closed in on the cruiser, once they where in range they opened fire. The Jeschke fought well and evaded even better. 4 more mortars where fired and the Heraklion's shield went down. Another mortar.... Armor down to 75%, the shield was slowly loading again. Suddenly the Heraklion got it's perfect shot, the Jeschke stopped firing when the dreadnought's gunfire pierced it's hull. The cruiser was consumed in a large ball of fire.
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: the Jeschke is going down!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Kate: tractoring in Lieutenat Eva sir!
The RHA vessels suddenly stopped shooting and started powering up their cruise engines, they where defeated.
[RHA]Mertesacker: We don't stand a chance
[RHA]Florian.Waap: Withdraw!
HAF-M-Heraklion: Adam: to all ships, do not pursuit. The Lieutenant has been saved.
The Corsair fleet started their return to Gamma. Adam gave 1 last look at the scrap field in the distance... a scrap field that where perfectly operational ships 2 hours ago.
// Big thanks to everyone participating in this event!
Greetings amigo, so, you was thinking ?what if others dont come?, ill feel disapointed... huh?, but was a good event, thanks to our mates in game, the RHAs, the Sails, the Benitez and some indie too.
Adam stares at Gran Canaria through the luxury liners window, its been only 13 hours since he resigned from HAF and left Crete, its been 14 hours since he heard that Sirius wide transmission from his foster father He still cant believe his foster mother died, yet he decided to honor her last wish and return to planet Manhattan. He looks at the person next to him, Eva notices and smiles at him, he knows he put her through a hell yesterday by telling her he was leaving, it has to be hard for her to leave the only home she has ever known, Crete. The person sitting next to Eva calls a stewardess and asks for a bottle of Liberty ale, even though Kate was also saddened by the news about Adams foster mother, shes happy to return to her home planet. Adam looks at Eva again and hesitates, he had to say it.
Eva Im truly sor.
Dont tell me youre sorry Adam, I decided I want to go with you.
I know but still
Why dont you 2 relax and enjoy the flight, its still 2 days until we arrive at Manhattan.
You might be right Kate
*hours later*
It was almost midnight and everyone aboard the liner was asleep, suddenly the ship slows down and all the lights where switched on, a lot of passengers where awaken by the bright light. Adam stares out of the window and sees 2 Kusarian ships, but they couldnt be in Kusari? Its not on their route. A stewardess passes them and Adam calls for her.
Whats going on? What are those ships doing out there?
Please sir theres no need to panic.
She wants to continue but Adam grabs her wrist.
Tell me whats going on.
Ouch! Youre hurting me!
Tell me!
Fine but keep it quiet those ships demand a donation to let us pass.
You mean theyre pirates?
Yes
Adam lets go of the stewardess and stares at the ships again, Eva wakes up as well.
Whats going on?
The ship is being pirated.
So far a pleasant flight
Point taken what the
Adam stops staring at the ships and grabs Eva at the moment the ship trembles, a tremble that not even Kate could sleep through.
Whats happening?
She asks drowsily.
Those pirates are shooting the ship!
Suddenly the intercom crackles and the captain speaks to his passengers.
This is the captain speaking, we are being engaged as we speak, do not panic and head to the escape pods!
All the passengers start rushing for the escape pods, pushing and hitting each other. In all the commotion Eva got separated from Adam and Kate.
Adam wait! Eva is gone!
What? Eva!? . EVA?!
He runs back to look for Eva, Kate tries to follow him but she is dragged along by all the other passengers, shes pushed into an escape pod along with other passengers, slowly the door closes. Halfway almost closed
[color=#FFFFFF]*KABOOM!!!*
The luxury liner explodes, debris, luggage bodies are scattered in the surrounding space.