Even if the ship wasn't flying at light speed, it was enough for the succeeding stars that can be seen on the windows to form white lines. These lines were observed by a young man in a dark green uniform that had nothing better to do than to contemplate the stars. After several minutes, he remembered that he had to deliver a package in Section D and he leaves his dreams to come back down to the metal floor of the ship Orion.
Perhaps you wonder what does this 25 years old man not sleeping on a sleeper ship? Well, he was an engineer and his cryo-sleep ended two years ago. He was a member of the "welcoming committee". His team had to prepare the ship for the big wake-up call, when the remaining population from Cryter would restart their lives.
After he delivered the package on Section D, he headed to his room. He worked all day long and he was tired but, when he saw who was waiting for him, all that fatigue passed away. A girl in a sexy black and red lingerie was waiting with two champagne glasses in her hands. A bit confused, he took a glass and asked:
What's the occasion? Me, the girl answered, kissing him. That's enough for me... I'm pregnant. You're... PREGNANT?! Baby, this is wonderful! said the man and started to kiss and hug her desperately.
The champagne was on the floor but they didn't care. They had other things to discuss, more important things.
You're gonna be a father. And you're gonna be the sexiest mother ever seen. I hope you're ready for such a task. Heh, you know me. I'm ready for any task. For example, I'm ready to make you scream of pleasure tonight. Oh yea? Let's see what you got... but first, let's drink some more champagne. I got this from the colonial reserves. I hope no one will notice...
Now, it's time to meet our heroes. The father, Mao Rinkamo, engineer on the Orion sleeper ship. He met Simone Richards two years ago, exactly after they have been waken up from cryo-sleep. Since then, they live together and it seams that they want to expand their family.
The next day, Mao started his shift with a huge smile on his face. The others started to wonder what was going on.
Look at him, guys. I bet Simone gave him a night to remember, said one of his colleagues.
Everyone from his team was aware of his relation. It wasn't easy to hide it since there were only twenty men and women awake on the ship.
Not only the night, Mao answered; the whole life. Relax, don Juan, your mother gave you life, not Simone. Or, if you're a religious person, which you're not, the Gods gave you the gift of life. Yeah yeah, Peter. She offered me a child.
The others were stunned and started to ask more questions.
A child? She's pregnant? Boy or girl? Hey, I have no idea... it's too early for that. Indeed, it is, said doctor Edel whom happened to be in the area and he heard the discussion. I suggest you bring her to me for an exam. I think you two rushed a bit. At two years after the cryo-sleep... I hope we won't encounter complications.
Mao was listening to the doctor and began to worry.
Don't worry, if there are complications, I'm the best doctor from this ship. Besides, chances for that to happen are small, but a medical exam is always welcome.
I understand, sir. We will visit you in the next days. That's a promise.
After this episode, he continued to receive congratulations from his team members and when his shift ended, he went to see the doctor again. The doctor received him and invited him to sit on one of the chairs.
So, what's up? I'm here to make an appointment, said Mao.
Doctor Edel started to laugh.
Son, do you really think you need an appointment? There are only nineteen persons awake on this ship. I'm free almost all the time. You're right. Excuse me, I'm very excited about this. It's my first child and... Hey, hey, chill. Listen, bring your wife here tomorrow. I'll consult her and give you a nice OK, fine? She's not my wife, sir. What?! You can't have children without being married. This is what the Gods told us... but I don't believe this crap. But I tell you what; you, my son, should ask her to marry you. This will give you more courage, you know... Thank's for the advice. I will ask her. You do that. Now get out of here, I need to count the medical supplies... again.
Since they were on a sleeper ship, he couldn't get flowers or an engagement ring. He had to think of something else. He decided to make two gold platinum rings and a necklace. The rings were made of platinum and had a gold line in the middle. They were glowing like a star because of the chemical treatment that Mao used on them. The necklace was made of platinum and had a pendant, symbolizing a stylized angel. He decided to ask Simone to marry him.
Baby, I have something to tell you. Yes? I love you! I love you too! I think that we should be together for the rest of our lives. We will be, baby. Yes, we will, as husband and wife, said Mao, showing her the necklace and putting it on her neck. Simone, will you marry me? Oh, baby, YES, of course! said Simone, hugging and kissing him.
The next day, they went to Edel and he discovered that everything was in order.
This was happening in February, Colonial Sirius Year -3 (or 799 A.S.) when Mao was 25 and Simone was 23. One month later, they were getting married in a restrained ceremony where eighteen people came.
After the priest held his lecture, it was the time for the vows. I, Mao Rinkamo swear by the stars in the sky I'll be there. I swear like the shadow that's by your side I'll be there. For better or worse; Till death do us part; I'll love you with every beat of my heart. And I, Simone Richards swear that I'll give you every thing I can; I'll build your dreams with these two hands; We'll hang some memories on the wall and when, just the two of us are there you won't have to ask if I still care because as the time turns the page my love won't age at all.
After the vows, Mao tries to kiss the bride but it's stopped by the priest.
Eh... not yet... By the power that the Gods of Kobol gave me, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Eight months later, Simone was giving life to a girl. They decided to name her Roxane Rinkamo. Good news were coming to them. They were approaching the destination. The estimations were that in three years, they would reach the outer border of Sirius Sector.
Three years have passed since the birth of Roxane. A new page is opened in the history of the colonials. The Orion and Gemini have entered the Sirius sector, somewhere in the Omegas. The majority of the Colonials temporarily settles in Bretonia, and the rest is scattered throughout Sirius. Mao, Simone and their girl remain in Bretonia. Having a three years old child that had lots of needs, they were desperately looking for jobs. Being an engineer, Mao, found a job on Planet Leeds. The money were low but it was better than nothing for them. Simone, had to stay at home to take care of Roxy. Anyway, she didn't find a job. The harmony at the beginning of the relationship disappeared after they had the first contacts with the harsh world.
The first break in their relation happened when Mao got fired from his first job. They managed to take a loan from the bank and now they weren't able to pay it. Mao called Simone to explain the situation.
Eh... hi! said Mao on a serious tone. Hey, honey, what's the matter? I lost my job. I'm coming home. You lost your job? What are we going to do? We have to pay that load from the bank. Miao, what will we do? I do not know. Stop whining! Maybe if you had a job too, we wouldn't be in this situation. And what about Roxy? Someone needs to take care of her. Kindergarten, honey, kindergarten... We don't afford to take her to a kindergarten and I'm not taking my child to the one you found yesterday. Have you seen the conditions there? No? Than stop whining about this frakking crisis!
That day, instead of coming home, Mao went to a friend and refused to be contacted by Simone. Fights like this one occurred more often until one time when the situation went way of target, being impossible to repair it. This time, it all started when Simone managed to get herself recruited in the Bounty Hunters Guild. The man in charge with recruitment, was in love with her and Mao knew about that. It wasn't too hard to notice the slave attitude of that guy. Simone was asked by her husband about that hunter. That's the point where she exploded...
I've notice this man from the Bounty Hunters Guild, he's stalking you and tries to do everything you ask. That's a bit odd... said Mao as a side note. Oh, you're such a bastard! At least that man is doing everything he can for me and Roxane, not like you! Not like me? I work all day in two places to bring money to this house. And you... you go and meet that hunter and don't come looking for me.
Those were the last words they shared as a couple. In the same day, Mao was taking a liner to Liberty and Simone was being hired in the BHG. They still contacted each other, until a day when Mao got a message when he tried to call her saying that there's no one on that channel. Because of his ego, he refused the idea of looking for them and continued his life, being almost sure that they were alright in the Hunters Guild.
From now on, Mao's path is completely different and I will follow it. In Liberty, there were more job opportunities and he takes advantage of this. He chooses a company that offers serious money for their escort pilots but also, a high risk because they travel all over Sirius. The bosses of Ageira offered him a training ship, an Eagle on which he saw almost all of Sirius. He was trying to forget Simone and Roxane by meeting new people, especially women. Once, he was in Cambridge and he met a girl at a local bank. He was there to collect his money from a payroll. He saw this beautiful employee and...
Welcome to the Royal Bank of Cambridge! What can I do for you, sir? First of all, you can give me the money for this payroll, then you can come out to dinner with me and then... we'll see. Oh wow... I didn't expected that, said the excited girl. I finish work at 7. Perfect. We have a deal. What's your name, sunshine? Monique. Nice to meet you. I'm Mao. See you at 7, said Mao while he was taking distance from the counter.
He was living his dream. He had enough money, he was travelling a lot, he had pleasures and a doze of adrenaline once in a while. But he was missing something. He didn't have any real friends. The other pilots hired for similar jobs were very quite, even hostile to the colonials.
His luck changed one day when he was escorting an armored transport from Kyushu to New York. Their transport was attacked by dragons in Shikoku and they had to fight. He managed to take out two fighters while the other mercenaries died. Then, the dragons tried to run but he followed them and destroyed their ships. The medical staff from the transport asked to meet him when they arrived at destination and he made a good friend that day.
You showed some skills out there, pilot. What's your name? Mao Rinkamo, doctor. Nice to meet you, Mao. Allow me to shake the hands of my savior, said the doctor, shaking his hand. I was doing my job, sir. Bull****! We all saw your hunter instincts. You followed the target. Great job! Listen, I would like to make you my personal escort if you don't mind, added the doctor. Oh and, call me Jack from now on. No doctor Jack, no other bull**** like that, just Jack, ok? Sure, sir... I mean Jack. Good, said the doctor with a smile on his face. Tomorrow we go to Cambridge and then, to Omega-3. Get some rest because we'll have a long trip tomorrow. Alright, Jack. See you later...
In the next months, Jack and Mao became good friends. The doctor helped Mao to obtain more money from Cryer, and Mao was his personal escort, even when he wasn't traveling for business related to the company.
Years passed and Mao, slowly forgot about Simone. He continued to meet random girls until he found her. She is Aina Masami, a 29 years old kusarian woman that moved to Liberty to escape the women persecution in Kusari. At least, that's what she said. They met in a restaurant. He was meeting doctor Jack and she was there, having lunch alone.
Jack, look there, on the right. That girl sitting alone at the table... Oh? Ah, I see her. I bet she's waiting for someone. Oh yeah? You don't let a girl like that to wait for you, said Mao, raising from his chair and going to talk to the lady. Good luck, whispered Jack.
Seeing him approaching her table, Aina became agitated, like she was fearing of him. Then, when he started to talk to her, she realized there was nothing to worry about.
Excuse me, miss, I noticed that you're sitting here alone, what do you say if I invite you to my table over there, said Mao, pointing at his table. I'm with a friend... Tell you what, mister... Call me Mao. Alright, Mao, let's not go to your table and to your friend but stay here with me and later we can go and have some fun elsewhere. What do you say? Well - Mao was hesitating - I agree, responded while making a sign to Jack that he will have to go without him. Good. So... what's your story? Do you always pick up girl in the restaurant? No, actually I pick them up everywhere. Hmmm... naughty boy. And after you pick them, what are your intentions? Do you take dinner with them and let them pay? asked Aina and started to laugh. Hahaha... no no no, I don't know your name. So? Why do you need my name? Well, I told you mine so... So I should tell you mine? Not at all, my dear Mao. Now tell me, what are your intentions after I finish my food?
Seeing that this girl was more like a direct speaker, he decides to "attack".
I was thinking that we finish here fast and attack a bedroom and have fun. You're on, cowboy! Maybe you'll know my name after all.
This was the start of a wild relation. The girl finally told him her name after taking care he won't remember it in the morning... but he did remember it and the whole night. Even Aina was surprised, saying that last night was a fairy-like one.
Their relation got more serious and Mao helped Aina to find something to work in Cryer. She told him about her family and how the women in Kusari were treated. She was somehow obsessed of this. She started to study about pharmaceuticals at the Colorado Academy of Science. Everything was going smooth for the new couple. They bought a nice house on Planet Denver. It was near a huge river and they even had a boat. Mao was still working with Jack and his situation started to improve. He decided to make the next logical step and ask Aina to marry him, but Jack told him it's a bit too fast.
Jack, my friend, I have decided. This weekend I'm asking her. You know what I think about this. You are rushing things... You only know her for 9 months. Think about it, Mao... it's too fast. Yes but she loves me and I love her, responded Mao. Since I met you, I think that more than 10 women loved you, said Jack laughing. Damn you, Jack, you're always right. So, you think I should wait more? Yes, that's exactly what I think you should do. OK, fine... I'll wait three more months.
Next day, when they had to move to Ontario, Mao was engaged with Aina and Jack told him that for the first time in his life, he acted without taking his advices seriously.
Aina Masami was of kusarian birth. Unfortunately, she wasn't a normal civilian. She was a Golden Chrysanthemums. She ended up in Liberty after she managed to escape from a chase in Kusari. The Kusari Naval Forces lost her in Shikoku but locked all gates and guarded all the jump holes. Lucky her, she managed to jump to Galileo before the Jump gate was sealed. Since then, she is traveling undercover and under a false identity in Liberty. She became a known customer for the cardamine dealers on Manhattan and, before she met Mao, she was a thief, making money for the drug by robbing civilians.
Aina's family was from Honshu and her mother ran away when she was persecuted and abused by her father. Aina was old enough to understand what was going on and he joined the Chrysanthemums. She killed her father when he was going to a ceremony where he was about to take a prize for entire career as a researcher for Samura.
She became cardamine addicted and a good fighter pilot for the Chrysanthemums. Her mother died in an accident on Ainu. A huge scaffold collapsed, killing her and five more women. She had no brothers, nor sisters, this being one of the reasons of why her father was beating her mother.
When she met Mao in that restaurant, she was hunting a rich guy to rob. But this new direction of her life was somehow better. She found a guy that had a good financial status, she had a job and she was having fun, nearly every night going to underground clubs, dancing, singing, having sex and taking cardi. She was living her dream.
She didn't care about love and sentimental things. Mao's friend, Jack always said she has a heart of ice and that she's weird from many points of view. he even suspected her for taking cardi. She managed to remain unnoticed.
After she broke up with Mao, Simone moved to Manchester, on Sheffield Station. Alexander was her protector in the Bounty Hunters Guild. Roxane, who was 12, was learning the ways of the hunters, taking lessons about space geography and history.
Simone and Alexander are making a good team on one of the Bounty Hunters Bombers. On the professional part of her life, Simone was doing well but sentimental, she missed Mao. It was hard to talk to her girl and not being able to tell her where her father was.
Mommy, a boy at school told me that his father is piloting a ship. Is Alexander my father? No, Roxy. He's not your father. Your father is somewhere in Sirius. I don't know where. But shouldn't you two be together? We should, responded Simone with a tear rolling on her cheek. Why are you crying, mommy? You father is...
She never managed to finish those kind of discussions with her girl. Usually, Alex was there to change the subject.
Your mommy and your daddy had to live separate for a while and now they couldn't find each other. I'm sure that daddy is still looking for Simone. Why aren't you my daddy? Maybe I will be. You want me to be? Yes!
Those kind of discussions Simone tried to avoid at all costs. She spent more time in space than at home because of that. Results started to appear. She was distinguished with a medal for good performance in battle after she took out a Gaian gunship in Edinburgh.
After six years since she was awarded with that medal, she had to retire from activity. Simone was very sick. A rare, incurable disease was grinding her. Alexander made efforts to save her. He managed to obtain the transfer papers for Simone and Roxane to Rostock Station in Omega-15. The Hunters had a laboratory there and they wanted to try a new antidote. This was Simone's last chance.
But things went in a very bad way. The convoy was attacked by Corsairs and Roxane was kidnapped. because of her illness, Simone was left there. The Corsairs didn't know if the disease was contagious or not so they decided not to risk. Alexander managed to save Simone before their ship exploded.
Nooo!!! screamed Simone unknowing that Roxane was taken by the Corsairs. Calm down! Everything will be alright. She's dead. They killed my daughter! No, she's alive. Roxane is alive. What? Where? Take me to her. Now! The Corsairs took her, but she's alive. Nooo!!! Save her! Alex, please, save her! SAVE MY DAUGHTER! I will. I promise I will save her.
The situation was critical. Alex managed to take Simone to Rostock but the cure was not working. Alex talked to the doctors about this.
I'm sorry. You came too late. There's nothing we can do for her, now. If you could bring her one month ago, we could have saved her. Now, it's too late. I understand... how long will she be... alive? I give her two or three weeks. The disease is in the last stage. It's very advanced. So, I have two weeks to save her daughter and bring her back.
Alexander organised a whole intelligence network and he found out that Roxane was still alive but in the hands of The Order. This was doing the mission even harder. He contacted undercover agents in the Order. They gave him information about where Roxane was held on Mora Station. This was a warning signal for Alexander. He knew that The Order was using that base for all kind of experiments. An agent sent him some photographies. He was shocked of what he saw and had to tell Simone that her daughter is dead.
Simone, said Alex after knocking on the door of the medical room. Alex, is that you? Yes. How's it going? Did you save Roxy? Simone, I'm sorry... No, no, no!!! screamed Simone and started to cry. An inside agent sent us some photographies. She's dead, I'm sorry. Photographies? Show me! Simone, I think you better don't look at them. SHOW ME!
Hesitating, Alexander gives her a data-pad with some images on it.
NOOOO! My girl! No, no, no!
Alex takes back the data-pad and wants to exit the room when...
I want to have her body... bring her to me, Alex! Simone, that would be too risky... BRING HER TO ME!!!!!!!!!
Alexander leaves the room and starts making plans to recover the body of Roxane. He knew is was suicidal to try and get there. But he's somehow saved by one of his infiltrated hunters. His position was at risk so he had to aboard the operation. In this case, he could "steal" something from The Order.
Abyss to Piranha. Here's your next mission. Before retreating, you must recover the body of that android you saw on Mora Station. Roger that, Abyss. Will be hard but expect the package to be delivered in two days, over and out...
After two days, the hunter "piranha" was back at Rostock with the "package". Roxane was in one piece but all her memories were deleted. She was like a blank hard disk, ready to be filled with information. The Order completed the model since the last photography and they did a great job. Alex takes her to Simone which was in a very bad condition because the two weeks were over; this was the fifth week since the doctor gave the "ultimatum".
My girl, she's alive...
Those were the last words of Simone Richards. She died on Rostock.
In the next years, Mao got no word from Simone and he was unaware of what is going on with her and her daughter. He had his own problems. The company he was working for had to reduce its personnel and he was fired. Unable to find something else to work, he had to take a hard decision. He went to the Taus to gather information about the Colonials. He found out how they evolved and established the Republic. He also found out that they are recruiting pilots for the military. He took the chance that the colonials were offering. He decided to invite Aina to live with him on MInato, a base built by the colonials in Tau-44.
Aina, my love, I know how to move forward and forget about the problems. I'm all ears, said, with irony, Aina. Where are you? I'm in Tau-44. Listen... the colonials established the foundation for a new republic here. This is my chance, baby. No... it's our chance. I will be joining the military fleet.
Aina looked away from the screen and said something...
Are you OK? What is it? No, no, I'm fine... Oh good... Anyway, I want you to pack our things and come to the Taus. I already sent the application and the recruitment officer told me there are great chances for me to get in. This is great. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see their new ships. I heard they have one named Nyx... Hai, hai... I have no money, how will I be able to come there? Wrong. I sent you some credits. Check your NeuralNet. They also gave us this apartment, said Mao while turning the camera so that Aina could see the room.
It was a large room with a wall of glass. You could see some plants on the other side.
Minato is a planet? Eh? Wha... oh, the plants? Yes? Ah, there is a biodom on the other side... Just come here, you'll love it. Fine, Mao. I will pack today. Love you! Love you too.
After three days, Mao was a cadet in the Colonial Fleet. He returned to the bar on Sulawesi after his first training mission in a Nyx. He was with a couple of new friends.
Did you see that last shoot? asked Ryan. No man, I was busy running from that guy... Atreides or something. He was kicking my ass too bad for my first day, answered Mao and all of them started to laugh. I think we did well for our first day. I don't, said a man standing in a darker corner of the room. You are too slow. One of the worse recruits I... Who the hell are you? asked Mao. ...ever had to instruct. Damn! I'll be outside, said Ryan. Relax, cadet! I'm not using my rank in the bar.
He was Captain Pavel Broden, one of the officers that had to teach the rookies.
And about you, Mao, we'll meet in the simulators. Watch your back.
After those last words, the guy finished his drink and left the bar. The two cadets looked at him till he was out of sight and then they started to make jokes about their superior. A news alert on the holo-monitors captured Mao's attention. He went to a table and used the commands to see the full news buletin.
"Another transport was attacked today in Kyushu. Kusari officials reported that this is the work of the Golden Chrysanthemums, a local organization that fights for the rights of women in Kusari and for instauration of matriarchy. Today's attack ended with the death of the crew and the passengers. We currently have no information about colonial citizens on board of that ship but the destination was Minato Harbor, Tau-44. As soon as we receive new information, we will provide them to you..." Man, this is bad, said Ryan. It's worse. Aina was on that ship. God damn it! No! Who? My fiancee, Aina Masami. What... man, I'm sorry.
Mao went to Minato docking commandment.
Is it true, that was our transport? Yes. Who are you? I'm in the fleet. Oh... I'm sorry, sir. We are a bit crowded with all the events. How can I help you? Do you have the passengers list? Yes. Wait a minute... here you go. Anything else? No, thank you, said Mao and went to his apartment.
He found Aina on the passengers list. He was devastated. In the following weeks he was interested in the investigation, trying to figure it out who attacked them and why. He found out that Aina was on the missing persons list so there was a chance of her still being alive but weeks passed and those hopes vanished.
With nothing to live for, Mao started to focus on his military career and soon, he became Captain in the fleet. He and another captain from the 88th battlegroup, Marc Williams became best friends. He and Marc were named simply "The Two" and were known to be the biggest "enemies" of the current commanders. They were actually requesting explanations for every order they received. This ended when their superiors decided to take actions against one of them. The unlucky one was Mao. In front of the battlegroup, Flight Captain Broden steps forward and starts to speak:
Fellow pilots, we have gathered here today, for a rather unpleasant event. The Quorum have received a number of complaints over last weeks, regarding one of our captains. Obviously, a few good words were not enough to help the man change his attitude, therefore, we have decided to take rather more effective approach to the matter. Charges are following: insubordination, bad judgment in combat, setting bad example to men, unacceptable leadership behavior, way too out of line insulting other fellow pilots and personnel, stirring up negative attitude about various topics. Note that this charges do not come from combat performance only, but rather from all aspects of ones life. Therefore I hereby announce that Captain Mao Rinkamo is effective immidiately demoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Hand over your stripes and keys of your Gunboat Fl. Lieutenant. Until you prove yourself clean of the charges set above and until your attitude changes in general, you will stay at this rank. Continue, and you may see the door from the Republic. That would be all. Dismissed!
In front of all those accusations, Mao decided not to accept this, knowing that Broden had some unfinished business with him. His answer came and it wasn't on such a lovely tone.
You scum! You bring your personal vendeta here?! Very professional, captain. So let's see... Insubordination?
I always followed orders from my superiors. Next? Bad judgment in combat? There's no proof to stand for this statement nor an actual complain coming from one of my comrades. Setting bad example to men? Another statement that has no background. Unacceptable leadership behavior? "Leadership behavior", you idiot! Leader's actions are not judged. That's why they are leaders. Way too out of line insulting other fellow pilots and personnel. Pilots that can't find even their head?! Insulting was too easy. I should have kicked them in their face for the mistakes they made. Stirring up negative attitude about various topics. Well, this is the only true statement in here. That's me and my attitude. But I don't find this a reason to demote me. Looks like I touched something here... You don't like when people start asking questions about some aspects of what you do... But I will not stay and talk with people like you. Consider this to be my resignation from the colonial fleet. May the Gods look after your souls. Adios!
Broden signaled the two marines to escort Mao out of the room.
Thank you, I know the way out of here.
He didn't want to leave but he did. Marc followed him and they both ended up working in the defense wing of IMG. Same enemies, less restrictions.
I think this was a good choice, said Marc. Well... we still kill outcasts everyday, no?
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