Prelude: 700 A.S. to 798 A.S.-Classified Location, Unknown Space.
The story of Tereus Mitchell starts at a classified research and development facility in a remote area of the Sirius Galaxy, which until recently was completely cut off from the four great houses. Tereus was born from a clandestine government research operation whose sole purpose was to create genetically conditioned, and perfectly loyal super soldiers. The ruling government entity foresaw the need to create a large military presence, one which would have a genetic advantage in terms of intelligence, strength, immunity to disease, endurance, etc. While these soldiers would need to be a cut above the rest, it was also necessary that they would be impartial, obedient, and have scaled down emotions so they would feel no fear, and would not easily be swayed by outside influences. The first seventeen batches failed.
It was found that because these genetic super soldiers were so, advanced, in terms of human evolution, i.e. intelligence, strength, etc, that they had a predisposition of disdain for their handlers. These soldiers viewed their masters as, inferior, and they staged a revolution. They failed, and subsequently all seventeen original specimen batches were killed, and their DNA was archived, while their bodies were systematically destroyed by incineration as per protocol. After many years of research, and failed trials, the scientists at this facility finally succeeded in creating a genetically enhanced specimen worthy of mass creation, and capable of becoming this governments super soldier. After an approval from the then in charge of the ruling government, mass production and training of these specimens was begun...
While in theory, Batch 2642 Delta was the answer that the researchers, and the government had been looking for there was one significant and irreparable flaw. While right out of the tank these specimens were indeed faster, stronger, and smarter, they aged abnormally slower then the typical Sirian. While this initially did not seem like a problem, it would eventually become one.
Specimens created from Batch 2642 Delta were pre-aged to roughly three years of age due to studies done on Batch 2642 Alpha, showing that this was the optimal age to begin the education process. A significant flaw to Batch 2642 Alpha and Beta had been corrected in Batch 2642 Delta, in which the mass amounts of knowledge being essentially downloaded into the infants mind, created split personalities in 45% of the batch, which resulted in schizophrenia, paranoia, and psychotic bouts. Batch 2642 Charlie corrected this character flaw with a 99.5% success rate, however caused significant slowing in the aging process, roughly 5 years to every 1 normal Sirian year. This was immediately recognized as a serious problem, as many of the original researchers were long dead, and their research was being carried on by clones, or by younger generations of scientists. It had been discovered early on in the research program that the knowledge stored in the DNA of the initial researchers greatly sped up the research process, instead of searching through a lifetimes worth of research data and notes.
Batch 2642 Charlies DNA structure was upgraded in Batch 2642 Delta, and the abnormal aging was corrected to 3 years to every 1 normal year. Unfortunately the scientists were unable to correct it further, and a chain of events led to a halt in research and development, and turned the priority to training and deployment. This turning of events was a coup de tat against the current government, and threatened to tip the balance of power throughout the entirety of the Sirius Galaxy.
Batch 2642 Charlie, and Batch 2642 Delta were the first to see live combat out of all the specimens created. Even though Batch 2642 Delta was pressed into service earlier then anticipated, the ensuing fire fights, and clandestine incursions helped to weed out the weak of the batch, and to hone the abilities of the specimens, through real life experience.
Approximately 798 to 803 A.S. - Early Years of development: Classified Training Facilities, Unknown Space.
This is where the official story of Tereus Mitchell starts. Specimen number 235 of Batch 2642 Delta, his early years were restricted to sleep learning the bulk of what normal Sirians learned through out their early years. After completing download of Sirian history, basic and collegiate education, and pre-exodus history, Delta 2642-235 was subjected to both daily physical conditioning, and sleep learning military tactics and drill and ceremony. Upon completion of basic conditioning at the equivalent age of six, by normal sirian years, five years by specimen years, Delta 2642-235 began advanced combat and maneuvers training.
At this point in time Delta 2642-235 was subject to daily conditioning, field exercises, and live fire scenarios. In this point of training, there was still a failure rate of 15.7% overall per batch, however it was deemed acceptable. Failure rate was determined by genetic abnormalities outside the allowed percentages, specimens weeded out due to strength, intelligence, or agility deficiencies outside the acceptable parameters, and those who were weeded out due to injury, illness, or death resulting from the rigors of training. There was a small percentage, under .02% that died from unknown causes in their sleep, or just dropped dead in classroom, or on the field for no apparent reason. Delta 2642-235 passed, and was placed within the top 2 percentile of his batch. The way that hierarchy worked within batches was based upon a specimens percentile placement, a specimen was sorted and assigned a duty based off of its performance rating.
Specimens with a rating of 40% or below were assigned menial tasks such as maintenance, cleaning, or in extreme cases, target practice. Specimens with a 41 ' 50% rating were circulated to regular military units, both naval and infantry, and still performed significantly better then their Sirian Peers. Ratings of 51%-65% were assigned duties varying from combat pilots to capital ship gunners. Ratings of 66%-70% were given NCO rankings amongst their peers, and assigned duties based off of their primary specializations, i.e. Marksmanship, tactics, land warfare, navigation, space warfare, etc. A rating of 71% - 80% were offered standard commissioned officer positions, and were assigned to fleet positions, often as a support officer to a seasoned captain, but occasionally as a senior officer themselves. A rating of 81%-85% automatically sorted specimens into advanced training, leaning towards intelligence, and clandestine operations, 86% - 90% yielded a specimen the ability to be placed in a covert / special operations unit, and continue advanced training, to include specialized equipment, and interference training. 91% - 94% guaranteed a specimen continued education, and an NCO position upon placement into a regular fleet or ground covert / special operations unit. 95% -97% guaranteed you an officer position upon assignment to a fleet or ground duty, not especially related to covert / special operations, but often relating to these specializations. 98% - 100% were forced into advanced training that yielded a failure rate of 46%. Upon completion of this training, which essentially boiled down to survival, specimens were assigned a rank based off of performance, and assigned to a unit consisting of specimens attached directly to the head of the government.
Approximately 812 A.S. - Kusari / Bretonia Wars ' Base of Operations: Classified, Unknown Space.
Clandestine Incursions: Various Locations within Bretonia and Kusari Space.
Delta 2642-235 completed his advanced training with a percentage of 91, which entitled him to a rank of Captain. He was promptly assigned to a covert unit within the government, tasked with carrying out clandestine operations Sirius Wide. His current age, according to Sirian Years at this time would place him at 15 years of age, approximately 5 years of age according to specimen standards. Up to this point Delta 2642-235 had been in training for roughly 9 normal Sirian years. He was placed in SGM Team 1, a primary operations unit within Clandestine Operations, consisting of 24 members. Under direct command of Charlie 2642-15, the leader of SGM Team 1, Delta 2642-253 was given an auxiliary command position of squad 3 of Team 1. Under his command was Delta 2642-265, a lieutenant, Charlie 2642-189 a Sgt. Major, and Delta 2642-278, a staff sergeant.
The details of incursions and events that Delta 2642-235 was involved in during the Kusari and Bretonia war have been convoluted by the kusari and bretonia military who saw them in action. The specifics of these incursions will probably never be fully revealed to the majority of Sirius, and have since been suppressed by Delta 2642-235. It is known that it was during the war that SGM Team 1 received their nickname. SGM Team 1 was dubbed Jin Roh by the Kusari Military, which loosely translates to Wolf Brigade. The name was given in part because of the glowing red eyes of the team members powered heavy battle armor, and also because of the ferocity and ruthlessness in which they carried out their missions. It was said that these red eyed animals were carried in on the wind, and that when they arrived they unleashed supernatural devastation and cataclysmic destruction upon the battlefield.
At this point in time, SGM Team 1 was using various advanced technology, decades ahead compared to the four great houses of Sirius. At the time, SGM Team 1 was rumored to have both equipment and personal cloaking capabilities, as well as advanced jamming and communication systems. It was said that prior to the appearance of the Jin Roh there was an almost deathly silence on the communications systems, and the battlefield had a highly ozonated tinge to it.
The Bretonian military files from this time period also make note of red eyed devils, and unexplained activity on the battlefield, however the reports mention them as the Demonic Hands of Justice, sweeping across the battlefields and plowing through the kusari forces like The Grim Reaper himself. It has been speculated that SGM-1 was used to destabilize the Kusari Military and Economy, due to threatening technological advances. While there are no declassified records released by the Kusari Government, It was thought that Kusari had been working on advanced mechanized units which could employ stealth technology, but no evidence has ever been produced.
It was rumored that Kusaris government had been compromised around 800 A.S. and this silent coup had been a major part of the events leading up to the war with Bretonia. Officially the Kusari / Bretonia War had been flared to ignition due to Bretonia taking over Tau 29 and Tau 31. Unofficially, Kusari had been compromised by outside beings, and had been developing advanced technology, to include instantaneous jump drives, stealth and cloaking technology, and advanced weaponry. It was during these trying times, starting prior to 800 A.S. and lasting to well into 814 A.S. that the Wolf Brigade was rumored to have been ordered to clandestine actions against the Kusari Government, however any access to these alleged files would be denied due to a 404 error, leading many to believe that such events were just rumors. Nevertheless the rumors continued to grow and spread through out Sirius regarding these Red Eyed Demons of the battlefield.
Approximately 816 A.S. to Current Times Liberty / Rheinland Wars ' Base of Operations: Classified, Unknown Space.
Clandestine Incursions: Various Locations within Liberty and Rheinland Space, Emphasis on Rheinland.
Delta 2642-235 was roughly 6.5 years of age by specimen years, and 19 by normal Sirian Years at the beginning of the Liberty and Rheinland war. It was at this point in time that He had been given his first senior command. After a little over four years of fighting with SGM-1, based out of The Errant Venture, Delta 2642-235 had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. It was also during these 4 years that he had been granted the right to choose a name, and be referred to as that name, instead of his batch and number. All surviving member of the original SGM-1 unit had been granted this right, because the officer who replaced Charlie 2642-15 post mortem said that it was too damned confusing using numbers to designate them. From that time on, Delta 2642-235 was designated Tereus. The surviving two members of Squad 3, Delta 2642-265, who chose to be called Zachary, and who had since been promoted to Captain, and Delta 2642-278, who chose to be called Tyler, and who had since been promoted to Lieutenant, remained under the command of Lt. Colonel Tereus.
During the first two years of the Liberty / Rheinland Incursions, Many replacements were sent to The Errant Venture to restock their ranks. The legends and whispers of the Wolf Brigade had reached all corners of the Sirian Galaxy, however it was during these early years, that they were rekindled. The Rheinland Military referred to these Red Eyed Demons as The Helghast, which in their native language loosely translated into Ghostly Plague. This nickname, The Helghast, had been given to SGM-1, because on the battlefield they seemed to materialize out of no where, raining death and destruction upon the Rheinland ranks, then vanishing into thin air.
By this time the technology used by Tereus and his team, had far surpassed that of what had been used at the beginning of the Kusari / Bretonia Wars. This was credited largely to all of the intelligence and research data that had been confiscated from the infected Kusari, and throughout other raids on military facilities. It was also around this time that Gallia had been discovered by the rest of Sirius, due to the traitors known as The Council. It was also around this time that information about the Sirius Grey Men based in Gallia had been released from an unknown leak within the Sirius Grey Men themselves.
At this point in time, it was discovered that Gallia, being the most resource rich part of the galaxy, had kept itself secret and guarded after being left behind in the exodus. A group of entities, known as the Sirius Grey Men had been funding the research and development going on at the secret labs from which Tereus had come. It was also made abundantly clear, that the research, technology, and intelligence stolen during the early years of the Rheinland / Liberty Wars, and Kusari / Bretonia wars was being used to create better and stronger technology for the greater Gallia Fleet.
It was also found that the engagements that Tereus had been involved in, were in anticipation that The Council was going to try to establish contact with the rest of Sirius. The hopes was that by fueling the conflicts between the other 4 houses, would dwindle their resources, making it easier to invade, and gain control in the near future.
Unfortunately The Council had made contact with the rest of Sirius, and the Secret of Gallia was no longer a secret. On top of that, the discovery of the technological advances that Gallia had, even if many of them, were far inferior compared to the Sirius Grey Mens, posed a threat of invasion into Gallia from the outside in a power struggle for the vast resources it held.
The Sirius Grey Men ultimately blamed all of its operatives in Sirius for the leak, or rather for not stopping the leak of information before it happened. As such many of its operatives were called back to Gallia for formal debriefing.
817 to 818 A.S. ' A Turn of Events Location: Undisclosed
It was also during these early years of the war that Tereus had received another promotion, giving him the rank of Colonel. It was around this time that he had adopted Mitchell as a surname. Tyler and Zachary had also been givern surnames. Due to their closeness both batch wise, and in physical appearance, they were given Marshall and jokingly referred to as the Twins. At the end of those 2 years, Tyler had been promoted to the rank of Captain, and Zachary had been promoted to the rank of Major.
Starting sometime around 818 A.S. there was a brief time in which Tereus had allegedly been in command of his own SGM team, however there is limited, and convoluted evidence, and the truth has never been substantiated. It is known that for a short while, Tereus was seen in the company of an Human Replica Droid named Kurani-HRD, a young Lieutenant who went by Calego, and several others, including an allegedly insane person known as H.M. Murdock.
It is however known that starting around 818 A.S. Tereus and company disappeared off the grid. It was later released that Kurani HRD had been given her own command, allegedly. She has not been heard from since. Major Zachary Marshall was documented as Killed in Action after being given a command somewhere in Rheinland Space. Captain Tyler Marshall had been re-assigned and has since not been heard from. Lieutenant Calego had also been re-assigned and has been formally recorded as Missing In Action, however his last whereabouts, and his mission have yet to be released. Captain H.M. Murdock had been re-assigned.
Around 818 A.S. Tereus Mitchell disappeared off the grid, along with The Errant Venture. It was rumored that he had been recalled to the newly discovered Gallia. It was also rumored that he had been killed...
Present Day - Discovery of Gallia / Uncertain Times. Location: Liberty System, New York
Colonel Tereus Mitchell, stretched his arms, and let out a yawn. He had been piloting his heavily modified Spatial for 58 hours straight. His trip back into Sirius had been wrought with close calls, and near disasters. He cut his engines and began a docking maneuver with a floating piece of debris in one of the many debris fields that existed in the New York System. He set his ship down inside one of the larger pieces of wreckage, and powered down into stealth mode. As He finished making final adjustments, He let his eyes close, and his mind drifted off into one of the many past battles He had participated in, and sleep overcame him swiftly.
In His mind He was 12 again by standard Sirian Years. He was on the training grounds outside the facility. It was nighttime, and he gripped the handle of His weapon tighter, in anticipation of the raid that was about to commence on the enemy encampment'¦He watched as He toggled his night vision on his battle suit...A red signal flare shot into the sky from his left...the raid had begun. He watched immobilized as this younger version of himself rushed into battle, spurred forward by the intimidating yelling of their instructors. Gunfire arced from one of the defense bunkers surrounding the encampment. Tereus raised his rifle and let off a short burst. The defender dropped to the ground lifeless, face hidden by the armored mask. No mercy, besides they were training droids anyway, all previous engagements had been against droids...
Outer perimeter breached, continue to main objective, the comm. spurted. Tereus ducked behind cover as two of his fellow cadets were mowed down by fire. Strange.. they just laid there. They would never pass by laying on the ground. No matter, he thought, My mission is clear, get to the main structure and secure the intel. Tereus watched as his younger self darted between cover, from building to building, checking corners, and staying in the shadows. Another stream of fire opened up on him as he darted to the last building, he watched as the training rounds hit the ground, throwing up clouds of dirt as they hit. Tereus waited under under cover until the training droids reloaded, then he broke cover, took a deep breath, and held it to steady his aim. Two Tangos, second level, he exhaled, slowed his breathing, and fired two short bursts at chest level. The two training droids dropped from the second floor, hitting the ground with a thud.
Tereus felt his blood pressure rise as he continued to watch his past continue to play out like a holovid. This was all so familiar, but what was the point of this? Why was He watching this? What was the point...Oh no, no, not this..
Tereus watched as He breached the main level of the target building. This is Delta 2642-235 I have breached the target structure, continuing to main objective, he spoke into the comm.
Acknowledged Delta 2642-253, proceed to objective site, your peers are not far behind. Command out.
Tereus was in His younger body now. He could taste the perspiration in his mouth, that salty sensation. He could feel the anticipation building within himself as he slowly ascended the stairs, gun at the ready, awaiting a trap or ambush from these pesky training droids. Halfway up the stairwell, he stopped to attach his silencer. He still had the element of surprise and he was not about to lose the advantage, in the event he had to down another one of these clankers. After a brief pause, he continued his slow, quiet movement up the stairs.
Tereus could feel his heart beating faster and faster, as his body moved uncontrollably toward the door to the control center...
No...Not This...Tereus watched as He opened the door with one hand, and then as the stun grenade left his hand as he tossed it into the group of droids in the room.
Tereus watched, his heart racing like a cheetah thruster, *bang* the grenade went off, he breached the room, raised his rifle, and fired, taking down three of the four droids in the room. The three bodies hit the floor, he turned, aiming at the last droid, and pulled the trigger'¦*click*, *click*, *click*, He was empty, a rookie mistake...The last droid turned, but it looked human...Oh no...
*Boom*, another stun grenade went off...
Wait, No, Hold Your...*Crack*, *Crack*...
Tereus Woke up in a cold sweat, clenching a knot in his chest. He grabbed the anesthetic applicator He kept on his waist, stuck it to his carotid artery, and pulled the injector trigger. He was out before the applicator fell from his hand...
Ahh, his body let out a sigh, blissful, dream free sleep...
Enemy vessels approaching, 15 kilometers and closing, spoke the ever so calm AI.
Rogue Gunboat Patrol...Time for some fun, Tereus smiled as He powered up the ships systems and charged the SNAC. Finally some excitement!
The Spatial sprang to life with the roar of the six modified Ageira engines. In the cockpit Tereus was manning the controls, punching buttons in preparation for the battle that would ensue. Initiating the cruise engines, Tereus closed to five kilometers, before returning to normal cruising speed. It would take roughly ten seconds for his weapons systems to store enough power for him to fire the SNAC. The patrol was closing fast, and powering weapons. Three kilometers, four seconds left. Two Kilometers, one point eight, one point five, Tereus opened fired with the Advanced Debilitator turrets, and Archangels, One Kilometer, Tereus fired the SNAC.
*Kabloom*, Tereus was rewarded by a pretty explosion emanating from the Rogue Gunboats shields. Warning, Shields failing. The AI said ever so casually. The two escorting Bloodhounds had taken advantage of the splash damage from the exploding SNAC, multiplying the damage absorption of His Adv. Barrier Shield. Tereus used some reserve Shield Batteries. Shields restored, the AI stated.
Tereus swung his spatial into position, fifty meters behind the Rogue Gunboat at a three degree offset below it. The Gunboat paniced, trying to increase speed.
To late, Tereus fired another SNAC round, and continued to chain fire the debs and Archies. Moments later he was rewarded by the jettison of life pods, and the chain of explosions slowly building up, until in one final cresciendo, it exploded sending debris in all directions. Tereus used some more shield batteries, and swung His spatial around, engaging the Bloodhounds, who continued to pound his shields with concentrated fire. Unfortunately for them, they were rookies, had class four weapons, and made the fatal mistake of maneuvering into a jousting position, while in formation. Tereus opened fire, and the pilots were dead before they could finish their screams, as the energy blast from his four Archangels dissipated melting the cockpit bubble compromising their flight suits, and melting the flesh from their bones...Ahh Liberty, never a boring moment.
After tractoring in the life pods, salvageable supplies and weapons, and after securing the prisoners in the hold, Tereus set course for Norfolk Shipyard. He was hoping that he could off load these prisoners to the Liberty Navy or LSF, and save a trip to the Texas System. Besides Sugarland and Huntsville always became a headache, regardless of the increased payout. 1200 sirius credits per head was not enough of a profit to have to fill out paperwork in quadruplicate, or the painstaking docking process, and multiple scans, and it most definitely was not worth the lost time smiling like an idiot at that fat bastard of a warden. Tereus grimaced...how such a pig of a man ever got such a high level position was beyond him. All he knew was that the pungent odor that emanated from that man, along with the sweat stains which plagued that 300 pound oafs uniform, was enough for him to take a paycut.
Tereus manueverd out of the Debris Field, and began docking procedures with the trade lane to West Point Academy. ETA to Norfolk, 10 minutes, stated the AI. Ten seconds after that statement, Tereus was dropped from the trade lane. Wonderful..Lane Hackers.
Spatial, surrender your prisoners, and pay tithe of 2 million Sirius credits for your act of treachery against us and our friends! Demanded the lead pilot.
Tereus sighed. They never learn. He keyed his comms. Hacker Pilot, you must be drunk. I would like to point out that your small party of Dagger Light Fighters, and your one Sabre are no match for me, or this ship. Now be good little rejects and run along to play with your dolls. Tereus unkeyed his comm. and charged his weapons, ready to return fire as soon as the inevitable firefight broke out.
Why you insolent, nomad sucking...Engage that fool, He needs to be taught some manners. The comminque ended there, and the shooting began there. Typical gullible Lane Hackers, that was another 2800 credits ahead...
Tereus began evasive maneuvers. While the majority of the group was using low powered weaponry, the Sabre was using codenames, and sunslayer torpedoes. Unfortunately, He was overconfident, and not overly skilled. While the Daggers danced around his ship, barely denting his shields, The Sabre Pilot fired away with Krakens, and was lining up a shot with a sunslayer torpedo. Unfortunately for The pilot, that is exactly what Tereus was waiting for.
While the sunslayer torpedo was the best torpedo available to fighters, it had one critical and deadly flaw. It lingered in its firing cradle for a few seconds while building up momentum, and once released accelerated slowly. As the Sabre Pilot fired, and the torpedo began to build momentum, Tereus executed an engine kill, and 180 degree turn, and reversed thrust. The Sabre Pilot was clearly surprised, and that look of surprise was most likely imprinted on his face after death, because Tereus fired a volley, which hit the sunslayer torpedo as soon as it left the cradle. The volley of fire detonated said warhead, well within the Sabres shield. The poor bloke never got a chance to pull his ejection handle. Oh well, Thought Tereus, I warned him.
After seeing their fearless leader vaporize into nothing, the remaining three light fighter pilots, wisely tucked tail and ran.
By this time the Trade Lanes had come back on line. Tereus initiated docking procedures, and with an almost instantaneous *woosh*, His spatial was zipping towards West Point once again.
Minutes later the spatial did a hard deceleration, and exited the trade lane a few kilometers from West Point Academy. The comm. crackled to life: Freelancer, this is Liberty Navy Iota 1, Standby for a scan of your cargo hold...Your clear. Do you require escort to Battleship Missouri?
Tereus Keyed the comm.: No escort is necessary Iota 1, thank you though, and safe flights!
Roger Freelancer, Be advised there has been heightened pirate activity in this area. Intelligence believes its because of all the mining traffic coming out of Pennsylvania. Your clear, safe journeys. With that Iota 1 rocketed away.
Tereus Docked with the trade lane to Norfolk Shipyard. Two Minutes down the lane Tereus detected another lane hacker raiding party ahead, 5 kilometers and closing fast. Moments later He screamed by them, and could almost hear them cursing as they had dropped the lane a second too late. Tereus Chuckled.
After a short trip, the spatial once again decelerated, and Tereus began weaving through the trade traffic, slowly making his approach towards the massive Liberty Dreadnaught Missouri.
Tereus Keyed the comm.: Battleship Missouri, this is Colonel Tereus Mitchell, Requesting permission to dock. I have prisoners to transfer, and will require basic amenity access. He unkeyed his comm. and waited.
Colonel Mitchell, this is Missouri Flight Control, you are cleared for landing. Please proceed to hangar bay 3, a security detail has been dispatched to aid in the offload of the prisoners, and take them into custody. Credits will be transferred to your neural net account, minus docking and amenity usage fees. You still hold fifty thousand dollars worth of credit with our dock master, therefore fuel charges will be waived at this time, pending posting to your credit account. Missouri Out.
Thank you Missouri Control, maneuvering to hangar bay three, ETA one minute.
There was a hiss and a clank as Tereus set the spatial down on the hard metal deck plates of the hangar bay. As promised a heavily armed security detail was ready and waiting. Tereus signaled them from the cockpit, and lowered the boarding ramp. He walked to the cargo hold, and addressed the imprisoned pirates: This is your stop boys!
The leader of the armed escort stopped at the top of the ramp, threw a salute, then spoke: Permission to Come aboard Colonel?
Granted. Tereus stated as he dropped the containment field surrounding the prisoners. The security detail promptly secured the prisoners, and escorted them towards the brig.
One last thing Colonel, The leader of the security team stated, I need you to fill out these forms...
Damn, thought Tereus as he took the datapad, how I despise paperwork...
Bartender! Tereus stated, Another Sidewinder Fang please.
The bartender nodded in acknowledgement and set to work mixing the different beverages together to create the potent, yet blissfully satisfying alcoholic drink. A few moments of twirling bottles, shaking mixers, and finally a quick frosting, the bartender was done.
Here yah go sir, the bartender said as he slid the tankard of booze down the bar.
Tereus stopped the beverage with one hand, and in one fluid movement, raised it to his lips and took a long sip, letting the mixtures of alcohols numb his senses, while his taste buds exploded with joy. He slowly lowered his glass to the bar, and turned in his stool to watch the entertainers play in the far corner of the room.
This was a rare moment for Tereus, a moment when he could relax, kick back, and enjoy himself, He continued to sip on his drink, letting the melodies created by the entertainers fill his head. The setting in the Missouri Bar was, at this moment, one uncommon when visiting a warship in these trying times. The dimmed setting in the bar, was counteracted by the blast shields being open, letting in the cosmic rays of celestial light. As the band played on, the pulsating, radiant, warm light coming through the windows danced across the skin, creating a nice atmosphere. Tereus stood up from the bar, paid his tab, and chucked a few extra credits into the bartenders tip mug. The bartender nodded in appreciative acknowledgement.
Glass in hand, Tereus walked over to the windows on the observation deck, taking in the view, and letting the suns rays warm his slightly chilled body. He raised the glass again to his lips, taking another deep drink. The band had switched songs now, and the slower melodies and rhythm set the mood. Tereus reached into his jacket and pulled out a cigarette, he cupped his hand around it out of habit, and lit up. Inhaling deeply, Tereus held his breath for a moment, once again taking in the view, before exhaling slowly, creating a cloud of smoke.
After finishing his sidewinder fang, Tereus headed down to the equipment dealer to see if he could purchase some more shield batteries to replenish the ones used in his previous engagements. After paying for the batteries on his credit, Tereus headed back to the main deck, and made his way to the hangar bay. By the time he had arrived, the equipment dealer already had the equipment droids loading the supplies onto his ship. The refueling crew had finally arrived and began to replenish his H-Fuel cells. He waved at the crew, then made his way up the rear boarding ramp, closing it behind him as he armed the internal ship security. While the Spatial he flew looked like any other on the outside, this spatial had all kinds of aftermarket upgrades and goodies.
After arming the interior ship security, Tereus headed down to the storage room in the lower deck to take a quick visual inventory of supplies. While the spatial was already a formidable extended exploration ship right out of the shipyard, one of the major flaws that Tereus had found was the way that the interior had been designed. The IMG had done a good job of including everything that a small deep space exploration team would need, right down to the cryostasis tubes. The one thing they had done poorly was maximizing the space in the ship to its fullest potential.
The first thing Tereus had done after purchasing this particular spatial, was to have The Errant Venture engineering team, completely gut the interior. After talking to Lieutenant Calego and thoroughly going over the plans, and design of what he had wanted done, the engineering team had gone to work. Working around the clock in shifts, it had still taken them a month to complete the overhaul and upgrade, but it was worth it. After everything was all put back together, the spatial had a full medical bay, full kitchen facility, a science bay equipped with a state of the art containment and quarantine chamber, and storage room on the lower deck. This was a welcome upgrade from the standard science bay, tiny galley, and enlarged storage facility from the original plans.
The main deck had been overhauled as well. A portion of the main deck, that in the past had been the home to large and bulky equipment, had been converted into the captains quarters. Due to the technological advantages that Tereus had access too in Gallia, and especially because of his line of work, the engineering team was able to create a 40% increase in space on the main deck, after they had overhauled the outdated Sirian Technology. The captains quarters included a full latrine, a large bed, rotating storage for clothing, and equipment, as well as a desk, and computer equipment. Some aftermarket hardware included a state of the art safe, and a mini armory. One of the nicest features of the captains quarters though was that Tereus could handle every aspect of ship control, from his room. This was important because, where most companies or organizations using this type of ship would have a crew of up to five or six, Tereus seldomly operated with a crew at all. While his ship could accomadate them, it was advanced enough that a single person could efficiently operate it.
The crew quarters had been enlarged, and had also been given a full latrine. On top of that weapons and rotating storage had also been added. Since Tereus rarely had need for a crew, he had converted it into a makeshift ship armory. He kept spare powered SRT Armor, anti-vehicle weaponry, and a plethora of small arms and explosives there. The original cargo bay had been enlarged, and re-arranged. Instead of the walls being lined with Cryostasis tubes, they were now lined with orbital drop pods. Due to advances in technology, the crew could now perform cryosleep from the comfort of their quarters. The bay had been enlarged, and could accommodate several different types of vehicles, and gear. As per his specifications two drop pods had been equipped with personal mechanized AS units. The middle of the cargo bay served as a brig and holding facility, it also doubled as the tractor bay. Lifepods being tractored would be sustained in a levitating force field preventing its cargo from being able to get out. The inside of the tractor bay also was equipped with auto turrets, in the event that a threat was posed, Tereus could set them to stun, or kill. In the event a prisoner or crew member needed to be placed in the brig, a force field was created inside, preventing access to the door and door panels, and also on the outside as a fail safe.
Amongst the various upgrades and enhancements added to the spatial was the capital armor upgrade that Tereus had installed. While it would normally severely limit cargo capacity in a normal spatial, Tereus had been able to do a level 3 upgrade, while still retaining a larger storage area then a typical spatial.
Tereus walked to the cockpit and closed the blast shields. After programming some exterior defenses, he made his way to his quarters, securing the door behind him, and also setting the localized security protocols. While the typical space farer may not go to such extreme lengths, it was habit for Tereus. Besides he hated uninvited guests. Tereus stripped, tossing his soiled clothes in the refresher, and then stepped into the shower. Tired, and clean, he put on a fresh set of clothing, placed his boots at the foot of his bed, and checked the weapon he kept under his pillow. Satisfied that everything was in order, he clambered on to his bed, laid back and closed his eyes, letting the fatigue overcome him.
*crack*, *crack*, *crack*. Tereus watched as the lifeless body dropped to the control center floor, and then in horror as the helmet rolled off towards the corner of the room. Delta 2642-182s lifeless gaze fell across him, as she exhaled her last breathe, and the blood started to run from her mouth.
Delta 2642-253, what is your malfunction! The instructor yelled, spittle spraying onto his goggles. Why did you hesitate, why did you call a cease fire.!? The instructor stomped over to 182s body, and gave it a kick, pointing, This was the enemy, we do not show mercy to the enemy...
The instructors voice was droned out and Tereus felt as if he was being sucked from his younger body, then in a flash the control room faded from view.
His dream started to flash forward, he was standing at attention, shirtless, in the rain, in front of his entire company. The instructor from earlier was giving some kind of speech, no, a lecture...Words like failure, and punishment, and example were spoken. The instructor stopped talking, and was now in front of Tereus, an evil glint in his eye. He raised his hand, and then dropped it. *Crack* One! Yelled the instructor, *crack* two! Yelled the instructor. Tereus could feel the lash lacerating his back. He watched still standing at attention as a pool of red formed on the ground then ran off the parade ground, along the gutter. Just as the blood had run from 182s mouth.
The dream fast forwarded again, he woke up in the infirmary. He could feel the bandages that had been placed on his back sticking to the sheets of the bed he lay on. He tried to sit up, and suppressed grimace of pain as he felt his wounds start to reopen as the bandages freed themselves from the sheets. He remembered hearing a conversation going on outside the room, muffled, but semi comprehendible.
A womans voice: I do not care Sergeant. Its unthinkable, they are children..
Then the Instructor: They are the future. They are soldiers. Whether they die here, or die out in the vastness of space it does not matter, as long as they learn and are capable of completing their missions...
The woman again: You cannot do this, engineered or not, they are just...
*SLAP!* the woman let out a whimper...
The instructor: They are expendable. Do not forget your place doctor, you are expendable as well..
The door slides open, and the woman comes in, holding her face, with tears in her eyes...She stares at Tereus, then rushes over, talking to him, and checking his wounds..
The dream moves on, He watches as the dead from the exercise are stripped of all clothing, and equipment and tossed into a giant pit. He watches as they spread petrochemicals on the bodies, He watches as he tosses in the flare...
Tereus bolted upright, breathing heavily, and wiped the perspiration from his face. He had worked up a cold sweat in his sleep. He turned, coming to a full upright position on the bed, and let his feet touch the cold metal of the deck plates. What was happening to him? What was the purpose of these Dreams?
Tereus stood, and walked over to the dispenser on the wall, taking a glass from the cupboard. He placed the cup under the nozzle and hit the water button. He waited for it to fill halfway, then took the cup and gulped the water down. He walked to the latrine turned on the sink, and splashed water on his face and dryed it with a towel, as he finishes drying his face, he stares at himself in the mirror.
Nothing is different, He thinks, That is me in the reflection, what is wrong with me?
He takes a look at his emotionless face, staring himself in the eyes, a few moments later, he forces himself to look away, and kills the lights, walking back to bed.
I must be losing it, Tereus thinks to himself, I will end up like the rest of the insane of the batch, crying and rocking, unable to control myself..
Tereus sat on the bed and thought in his mind, Your fine, you wont end up like them, it must have been the liquor..yeah it had to have been, nothing else makes sense, the past in umimportant..
He placed the anesthetic injector to his carotid artery once again, and pulled the trigger. He was out before his head hit the pillow, the injector hit the deck plates moments later with a *click, clack,clak*.
Delta 2642-235 was orbital dropped from SGM-1s Flag Ship The Errant Venture along with the rest of his squad, at approximately 0300 hours, exactly 8 hours ahead of the rest of SGM-1. His mission was simple, Orbital Drop to Quadrant 6, Grid 4, recon the defenses of the Kusari Stronghold located in that area, and make preparations for the rest of SGM-1, who would arrive at 1100 hours to assault the stronghold, and destroy the experimental mechanized prototypes held within. It was intercepted that Bretonian Ground Forces would be assaulting the Complex beginning at 1200 hours, and Clandestine Command had ordered SGM-1 to arrive ahead of the Bretonian Ground Forces, to destroy the prototypes, upload the research data to The Errant Venture for relay to Clandestine Ccommand, and then destroy all localized Data.
Squad 3 hit the ground simultaneously at 0321 hours and immediately went to work. Delta 2642-265 was in charge of comms, and immediately setup a secure encrypted link with The Errant Venture. Charlie 2642-189 and Delta 2642-625 established clear line of sight, and overwatch of the stronghold, painting the defensive turrets, and notating the strongholds weaknesses, in preparation for orbital bombardment by The Venture, to Commence at 1045 hours by The Ventures main batteries. Delta 2642-235 went to work tagging the overlapping security patrols electronically from his Mechanized AS which was in ECS Mode. After tagging the patrols, he went to work setting up time-delayed Electronic Intereference Devices around the perimeter of the stronghold. Seconds before orbital bombardment would commence, the EIDs would activate, and effectively suppress any communications to or from the Kusari Complex. 25 minutes after activation, the EIDs would self-destruct, effectively erasing any evidence, or possibility of reverse engineering by either Bretonia or Kusari forces. After all primary duties had been completed by his squad, they were tasked with recording troop movement, and monitoring comm. channels.
At 1044 Squad 3 engaged the EID's. Communictions to and from the Kusari stronghold were negated, and The Venture began orbital bombardment. Amidst the chaos, the explosions, and the cacophony of The Venture's orbital barrage, the rest of SGM-1 orbital dropped to within 1 kilometer of the stronghold. SGM-1 went at it, and made short work of infiltrating the stronghold, whose forces were in complete disarray.
The beauty of clandestine work is, that even though you know you did it, you can always pin it on someone else, misdirect, and have a good laugh as you watch events unfold. Such was the case with the Kusari stronghold. Through a simple downgrade of The Errant Venture's weapon systems, the forensic evidence left by the bombardment would point all fingers at Bretonia. The explosive residue, as well as a 'dud' charge would point to a Bretonian wetworks unit, and a few shell casings, along with a dozen bullet ridden Kusari unfortunate enough to be guarding the Prototype Bay, would inexcusably point all fingers at Bretonia for this cowardly attack. The genius of it all though, is that from a simple incursion such as this, and the blatant denial of Bretonia, would fuel the war between Kusari and Bretonia for years to come.
SGM-1 slipped away after completing their tasks. The unit had been assigned specific jobs, from elimination of enemy troops, to the upload of all localized prototype data, before corrupting it. Delta 2642-235 was tasked with the preparation for the rest of SGM-1, but he could track everything going on from inside his cloaked Mechanized AS. By 1120 SGM-1 was on its way back to The Errant Venture, courtesy of Cpt. H.M.Murdock.
*Tereus was awakened by the chirping of his Holo Console*
Rolling out of his bed, Tereus stumbled to the console, punched in his access code, and the screen flickered to life. A shadowy blurred figure appeared on the screen.
'Greetings Colonel,' the synthesized voice came through the terminal 'We know its an odd hour, but we have received some disturbing information that requires your immediate attention'¦'
Tereus nodded, and listened intently, absorbing all the pertinent information as the voice droned on'¦
''¦We have received reports that a dispute between Rheinland and Bretonia has arisen out of the non-payment of a fine, levied upon a Bretonian House Corporation. While this may seem trivial, it is the decision of Sirius Grey Men, brought forth from a unanimous vote, that peaceful negotiations between Rheinland and Bretonia fail. We have calculated the casualties of both sides, and it has been deemed, acceptable. As you know Colonel Bretonia is at war with Kusari, and they are not faring very well. Should peaceful negotiations fail, Bretonia will find herself at full scale war on two fronts. This will effectively destabilize the area, and commit full military resources by Kusari, Bretonia, and Rheinland. We don't have to mention how useful this would be, especially since the traitorous Council, breached the minefield sooner then expected, and revealed our existence to the rest of Sirius. Colonel it is of the utmost importance that Rheinland and Bretonia go to war. It shouldn't be too hard, seeing as both are a very proud people, and we all know pride is as sharp as the most masterfully crafted Kusari blade.'
Tereus nodded, 'I understand sir, it shall be done as The Grey Men will it.'
'One more thing Colonel,' The voice quipped, 'We are sending you two new operatives who you are to incorporate and utilize in your unit. One, Major Sam Nightwood, and a man who goes by Shadow Prowler, they are under your command, and have been briefed, utilize them.' With that the screen flickered, then turned black. The transmission had been severed.
Tereus opened the bottom drawer on his desk, and removed a bottle of 12 year old Gallic Cognac. Pouring himself a hefty glass full, Tereus lifted the cup to his mouth, and drank it down in one swift movement. Corking the bottle, He placed it back in his desk, before shuffling back to his bed, and laying down. Tereus was calm, but edgy. He stared at the armored bulkheads of his quarters, nestled within his Spatial. It concerned him that the Grey Men would just assign him two new team members, given He did need the help. Since He had lost command of The Errant Venture, and its sizable crew, and its resources, Tereus had been extremely busy. He had failed his mission, and he was dealing with the punishment. It was justified, and Tereus understood why the Grey Men had relieved him of his command. He had become to reliant on others. It wasn't like he was completely stranded and cut off though. He had Murdock, He had his contacts in Sirius, and He still had a sizable discretionary fund which was constantly replenished by the Grey Men.
Tereus closed his eyes, and began to think, to formulate a plan. He had two new team members on the way to his location now. He had no knowledge or information about these men, their background, their strengths, their vices, or their expertise. Yet the voice had told him, utilize them'¦It was quite disturbing. Tereus' mind was racing, and before he knew it, he was falling into the blissful arms of sleep.
Tereus was standing on a ridge overlooking the ocean that surrounded the training facility. He was holding a lock of her hair. Despite his disciplining, despite the endless training missions his superiors had him going on, he couldn't get her out of his mind. 182's lifeless body, the blood trickling from her mouth, the look on her face, and the burning of her body, which his superiors had made him do, then stand at attention and watch until the last embers of the fire, blew away as grey ash. Tereus had talked to one of the female doctors about it, why he kept thinking of her, what was wrong with him, and she wouldn't say much, only, such things were best left alone, and unspoken.
He couldn't though. He couldn't let it go. It ate away at the back of his mind. Why would his instructors do that. Why did they have him kill her. He could see her face, clear as day, but she was smiling. He saw her constantly, in a fleeting image in the corner of the latrine mirror, in his dreams, in the lake where they did conditioning'¦he could hear her voice in the breeze. The doctors and instructors said nothing was wrong with him'¦but it was driving him insane'¦the look on her face, when she let out her last breath, trying to mouth a message to him'¦she smiled, and she had the calmest, most peaceful look on her face..it was driving him insane.
A salty breeze blew across his face, and as he stood there eyes closed, it was almost as if she was caressing him once more, nurturing his wounds, holding him as he squirmed in pain. At that moment a gust of wind snatched the lock of hair from his hand, and he felt paniced as he saw it blow away, over the edge of the cliff, carrying higher above the ocean'¦
Tereus awoke, gasping for breath. He had a tightness in his chest, and his face was wet. 'What is wrong with me?' Tereus thought, as he rushed to the refresher to wash his face, and gain his composure. He had seen what had happened to others. How they broke down, rocking back and forth, holding their knees to their chest, he had participated in the cleansing of these weaklings, put the bullet in their heads, then buried them. He would not allow himself to end up like that'¦.Insane.
Tereus stared at himself in the mirror. 'Get a hold of yourself Colonel. You have a job to do. This is your purpose. This is why you were created. With out purpose, you are worthless, and worthless things are discarded.' Tereus stepped into the refresher, and turned on the water. He had a long day ahead of him, he needed to get ready.
Tereus jumped out of the refresher, grabbed a towel, and dried himself off as he walked back into his quarters. The routine was keeping him sane. He pulled on his thermal suit, then his tactical trousers. He strapped his side arm to his thigh, the spare mags to his hip. Tereus pulled the nano-armor over the thermal suit, then pulled on a faded, blackshirt, and strapped on his shoulder holster. He quickly slipped on his boots, and tossled his hair with the towel before throwing into the refreshers cleaning bin. He grabbed his flight jacket and made for the cockpit.
The day ahead was going to be busy, and Tereus was mentally preparing himself for the tasks at hand. As he punched in the ship access codes, he went over to the cockpits food synthesizer, and conjured up a nice warm stim drink.
'Ah,' Tereus thought, as he took the first sip of the day, ' Nothing like a good cup of morning stim.'
Tereus wandered back over to the Spatials flight controls, then nestled down into the pilot's chair, or the Throne, as he liked to refer to it. Setting his stim down in the chairs grav clamp, he quickly set to work punching in coordinates, and starting the pre-flight checks. Fuel'¦95%, Engine Efficiency 120%, Thrusters, online. Tereus punched in a few more coordinates into his nav map, and the spatial roared to life. With a groan of stress, the six modified deep space engines burst to life, and the ship lurched forward as it gained momentum.
Tereus turned, and toggled a few switches, turning on the automated shoot back system, the exterior ship scanners, and the ships frequency disrupter. The disrupter was handy, for navigating to rendevous points unnoticed. From his hiding place deep within the Jersey Debris Field, any miner, or pirate patrol would just see his ship as an anomalous EM spike, most likely from the last breath of a dying ship core.
As Tereus navigated the large chunks of debris, he started to run hypothetical scenarios of the first meeting with his new unit members through his head. While the Grey Men had stripped him of command of The Errant Venture, their keeping him alive, or rather, alive and in one piece, meant that they still had a use for him'¦despite this, it wasn't uncommon for the Grey Men to dispose of operatives such as himself, through untimely accidents at a rendevouz that never existed.
His failure in Liberty the first time wasn't of a grand magnitude, but it wasn't insignificant either'¦Tereus pushed the thought from his mind, and moved on to matter of logistics of the location where he would meet Major Sam Nightwood, and the mysterious Shadow Prowler. The rendevous was set for Hangar 12, Deck C, on Barrier Gate Station in Coronado. The fact that it was at a large and busy facility was reassuring, but it also meant that an unfortunate and fatal accident wouldn't arouse too much suspicion, should it happen.
'Gah,' thought Tereus. 'Always thinking of death'¦.' It wasn't unnatural. Tereus should have died many times, over the course of his existence and service, unfortunately Lady Fate had something else in mind, and he kept living to fight another day.
Tereus expertly navigated the spatial out of the debris field, popping up halfway between Norfolk Shipyard and Fort Bush. Turning of the frequency disrupter, Tereus navigated the spatial in to docking position with the tradelane. A few seconds later, His spatial was cruising through the tradelane, hurtling towards Norfolk.
With a hard deceleration and*woosh* the spatial dropped out of the tradelane, just a few hundred meters from Norfolk Shipyard. Despite its outdated technology, and Shipwright drones, compared to the grand shipyards of the Grey Men, Norfolk Shipyard had a working man's class nostalgia to it. Many a Liberty warship had been built here, and many a ship had seen its last days here, waiting decommission, and dismantlement.
Tereus' daydream passed, and he navigated at normal thruster speed towards the tradelane to Westpoint Military Academy. After waiting for a large convoy of Deep Space Engineering Alabatross', and a squadron of police patriots, Terues' spatial finally docked with the lane, and began its hyper travel to Westpoint.
A warning chirped to life on the spatial's command console, then quickly silenced as he rocketed past the DSE Convoy, and the not so happy Police patrol. The pirates, a lane hacker, and a few rogue bloodhounds, seemed'¦disappointed, at the sudden appearance of the two albatross' the eight DSE Security Escort Fighters, and the six police patriots. Tereus had to laugh, it was definitely not those pirates day.
With another quick deceleration, the spatial lurched forward, as it was spit forth from the tradelane, like an unwanted irritant from the sirian body. West Point Military Academy was surprisingly slow, considering the time of day.
'Just makes it easier for me' thought Tereus, as he cruised down towards the Caliornia Jump Gate.
It was smooth sailing all the way to Coronado, with only a slight upset traveling the lane to Planet Curacao. It appeared that a drunken mercenary had managed to crash his sabre into the Trade Lane in his drunken stupor'¦somehow mating his sabre, with the lane. It was really quite comical'¦well to bystanders. As Tereus chuckled, the massive Barrier Gate Station slowly faded into view. It really was a sight'¦a conglomerate of large hollowed out asteroids, mickey moused together by cross beams, and catwalks, all rotating around a makeshift city built on top of another hollowed out asteroid.
Tereus keyed his comm., 'Barrier Gate Control, this is Freelancer Delta 235, requesting permission to dock, with amenities, and resupply.' Tereus unkeyed the comm., and waited.
A voice crackled forth from the communicator, 'Freelancer Delta 235, you are cleared to land in Hangar 5, Deck A. A berth has been prepared for you, and technicians are standing by, please contact the Deck Quartermaster to arrange resupply and payment. For an additional five hundred thousand Sirius credits we will offer a complete restock of ship stores, and VIP status whilst on Barrier. Are you interested?'
Tereus paused, then responded, 'Sure why not'¦everyone's gotta live a little. Transferring credits now'¦' Tereus punched in his account access code, then wired the funds via neural net.
'Credits received, Have a pleasant stay Freelancer, a suite has been prepared for you in the Barrier Gate Resort. If you need anything, please, don't hesitate to ask.' With that the comm. Fizzled to silence.
Tereus let the spatial autodock, and went to work sealing off certain areas of the ship. The medlab, the assault bay, the armory, his quarters, and the cockpit, would all be locked down to avoid the ever nosy deck technician. He had given general access to the storage bay, and he set the rest of the spatial's compartments to auto-defense mode. In the event a deck tech got nosey, he would be unpleasantly surprised, and most likely wake up in the infirmary with his short term memory erased.
Tereus grabbed a silenced stealth carbine from the cockpit weapons locker, and tucked it away in his jacket, before taking the turbo lift to the cargo hold, and opening the bay doors. The deck plates separated, and the cargo bay lift slowly descended to the station deck plates with a hydraulic hiss.
Tereus waved to the Deck Master, who hurried over to him, with three deck technicians on his heels like a Labrador chasing a ball.
'Deck Master, I have compiled a list of supplies, that I need delivered, loaded, and properly stored and secured in my hold, by the time I get back. I will be staying in the Barrier Gate Resort, Suite 819, should any issues arise. I will be on Barrier for two standard sirian days.' Tereus handed the data pad to the Deck Master, 'See to it that these supplies are loaded safely, undamaged, and in a timely fashion, and I will reward you.' Tereus finished, as he slipped five hundred Sirius credits into the Deck Masters palm
'Yes suh!' The Deck Master quipped, and he quickly started barking orders to the technicians, who went to work. Tereus walked across the hangar deck, and then stopped to watch the technicians, as they scrambled to attach the hoses to the H-Fuel cells for recharge, ran plasma conduits to recharge the ships plasma stores, and even went as far as to pull out a lift, and wash down the cockpit transparisteel.
Tereus chuckled. If only they knew what the ship really ran off of, they would in complete disbelief. The fact of the matter was, that Grey Men technology was so advanced, primarily due to the infinite resources that the Gallic System offered, as well as a significant technological advantage over the rest of Sirius right off the the sleeper ship, that the power core of Tereus' spatial, was not much larger then a Nomad Power Cell, and had a exponential power output, compared to it. The H-Fuel was actually used to create the ships water supply, among other things'¦the technological specs were a bit over the top, even for Tereus, but the amount of H-Fuel that was stored on the spatial, was enough to sustain a full SGM crew of twelve for well over a decade. It was really a fascinating bit of tech.
Tereus laughed in his mind, and walked to the Hangar Quartermaster's office.
'Welcome to Barrier Gate, Freelancer, Control radioed ahead. Here is your VIP pass, a map of the station, and a complimentary bottle of vintage kusari wine.' The quartermaster handed the bottle to Tereus with a smile. The bottle was cryo treated, and cold to the touch. 'If there is anything else we can do for you, please just ask, and we will do our best to accomadate you.'
Tereus smiled, then leaned forward, and reduced his tone to a suave whisper. 'You know, there is actually something you can do for me.' Still smiling, Tereus slipped the quarter master a thousand Sirius credits, and the man's eyes widened at Tereus' generosity. 'I have some friends that I am supposed to be meeting, but I seemed to have lost their transmission, with their arrival plans.' Tereus paused, looked around, then continued, 'I know its not'¦your job,and I am not even sure your allowed, but I was wondering if you could keep me apprised of all Fighters, and freighters that dock, over the next 12 hours.'
The Quartermaster paused'¦then graciously accepted the cash, 'Sir, I think that is within my right. Is there anything else I can do for you today?' The quartermaster grinned.
'You know there is one more thing you can do for me,' Tereus stated. Slipping a holo list to the man, 'I need discrete acquisition of everything on this list, in the quantities specified'¦its all legal, just I like'¦anonymity'¦makes things easier. If you get this for me, I will make it well worth your while, here's a little something to get you started.' Tereus smiled that nonchalant suave smile, and slipped the man another eight hundred Sirius credits.
'Sir,' the quartermaster stated, 'You and I are going to get along just fine.'
Tereus took a stroll around Barrier Gate, taking in the sights, stopping here and there, chatting with the vendors. To anyone but the untrained eye, Tereus was merely sight seeing. In actuality, he was getting the lay of the land, feeling things out, and checking for tails. In the industry its called, 'running errands'. You wander around, make frequent stops, and you record anyone you see more then twice. Tereus was still perplexed as to why the Sirius Grey Men felt the urge to send him two new recruits, months after they had relieved him of command of his prized flag ship, The Errant Venture.
Tereus wandered on, and slowly started circling back around towards the Barrier Gate Resort. He finished his 'shopping' then made his way into the hotel. Walking in, it was quite a marvelous piece of architecture, considering the outside of Barrier Gate Station wasn't much to look at. Entering through exquisite front arch area, Tereus paused to take in the view. Marble floors, and Obsidian columns set the foundation for the sixty story hotel, seemingly carved into the side of the asteroid itself. As Tereus crossed the vast lobby to check in he was inundated by smiling and overly helpful attendants eager to please a VIP guest. Mostly it was just the dog and pony show, to try to pump more credits out of him, but hey, that's what discretionary funds are for right?
Tereus entered the turbolift and keyed in the top floor. Suite 819 was misleading, and was apparently a presidential suite at the end of the hall. It worked, because the setup of the suite to the rest of the floor, and the floorplan itself is what he would have picked out. He paused a moment as he walked down the hall, and seemingly stooped to adjust his bootstrap. As he crouched down, he placed a small holo cam on the wall, facing the turbolift, with a clear view of the entire floor. Satisfied that the cam was covertly placed, he adjusted his boots a second longer, then stood up, brushed his pants off, and walked to the end of the hallway. He fumbled a moment, pretending to look for his room key, keeping with the façade, and then dropped it as he produced it from his coat pocket. As he stooped down to pick it up, he placed another holocam at the lower right corner of the door, tucking it behind the trim.
Tereus picked up the room key, then unlocked the door, pushing the door open with a swift movement. Despite popular belief, slowly opening a door to a room where you may befall an ambush, is not to your advantage. Rowdily pushing it in with force, will effectively bruise, and throw off guard anyone standing behind it, waiting to catch you off guard. With a loud *oomph*, the door slammed into the unwary would-be intruder. In one swift movement, Tereus drew his silenced stealth carbine, and closed the door behind him with his heel. He grabbed a hold of the disoriented intruder, pushing them into the living room area of the suite, carbine jammed in their back. Tereus forced the man into one of the seats, then flipped the switch. Tereus quickly holstered his carbine.
'Not quite the welcome I expected, Delta 235.' The man stated with a smile 'Can I at least get a shot of bourbon, and some ice?'
'Sir'¦My sincerest apologies'¦I'¦' Tereus scrambled to the bar, placed two cubes of ice in a chaser, and poured some bourbon. He hurried over to the man and handed him the glass. 'General Grey, Sir'¦erm'¦I had no idea'¦'
General Grey chuckled at his former pupil, 'Ah Delta 235, always eager to please. It really is my fault, knowing your training, I should have expected something like that.' He raised his glass to Tereus, 'Next time I will know better.'
Tereus stood at rigid attention, apprehensive as to why the commander of the Sirius Grey Men's military operations would be hiding in his suite, on Coronado of all places.
'Tereus,' The General continued, 'Why are you so uptight. This is not an official visit, and therefore, its not necessary to deal with all the formalities.' The General stood up, and walked over to the bar, picking up the bottle bourbon, 'Do you mind?' He said, as he raised the bottle, tipping it towards Tereus.
'Not at all Sir!' Tereus stated.
'Tereus relax, at ease, don't make me order you to call me by my first name.' General Grey grinned, and as he turned he handed Tereus a glass of bourbon, motioning to the seats, 'Come and sit, relax. That's an order!' General Grey made his way over to the high backed plush recliner, and motioned to the seat across from him. Tereus, hesitantly walked over and sat down, not quite sure how to react to this surprise visit.
805 ' 816 A.S. ' The Great House Wars / Homefront War Location: SGM-Deaths.Head
*A rare image of the Deaths.Head, believed to have been taken somewhere in the Omicrons*
Major Delta 235 aka Major 'Tereus Mitchell' was stationed with Captain Murdock, and Lieutenant's Marshall on General Grey's flagship, SGM-Deaths.Head. General Grey's ship was the pride of the Sirius Grey Men's military might, and technological genius. Boasting a crew of 25,000 naval members, 15,000 marines, and 1500 elite Delta Batch soldiers, the Deaths.Head was a force to be reckoned with. Along with its large crew, The Deaths.Head had ten full naval fighter wings, five bomber wings, three reconnaisance wings, fifteen battalions worth of advanced AS Mechs, and various and assorted support ships, and ground vehicles. The ship's massive assault bays were capable of launching five hundred Mechanized AS into battle at once.
Major Tereus sat on a storage crate in the southwest corner of Assault Bay ' 03, adjusting the optics on his stealth carbine. Lieutenant T. Marshall was helping Captain Murdock retrofit a landing craft to accommodate the four Mechanized AS that the team would piloting into battle today.
'No Felix, that doesn't go there'¦now where is my'¦Felix..put it down, I need that!' Murdock yelled at seemingly nothing, and waved his hands in the air. 'Felix how exactly am I supposed to strap down these launch tubes, if you keep drooling all over my tools'¦No'¦Don't give me that look'¦..'
Lieutenant T. Marshall just shook his head in amusement, as he continued to install the AS Launch tubes. Everyone new Murdock was insane, but no one bested him when it came to support piloting. He may be insane, but when everything went to hell, and you had to evac under heavy fire, you wanted Howlin' Mad Murdock, picking you up. Lieutenant Z. Marshall chuckled as he cleaned his sniper rifle.
'Attention on Deck!' An officer from another nearby squad yelled. Tereus and the rest snapped to attention, and a few moments later, General Grey turned to face Tereus, at the front of his entourage of command staff. Tereus gave a brisk salute.
'Sir SGM-1, third squad, all accounted for!' Tereus yelled.
General Grey took a moment to look over Tereus' squad, then saluted. 'Good work Major. At ease.' The General nodded towards the rest of Tereus' Squad.
'Major, walk with me.' General Grey said casually.
'Sir!' Tereus stated, falling in step with the General.
'Major, I need to pull you and your squad off your current assignment to deal with a critical situation that is happening in our home space.' The General paused, clearly concerned. 'I will provide a ship, and anything you will need, but I need you ready to depart in thirty minutes. I will brief you in-transit. Do you understand?'
Tereus stopped, as the General turned and faced him. 'Perfectly, Sir!' Tereus saluted.
'Good, You are dismissed Major.' General Grey, moved on with his entourage of senior staff.
Tereus sprinted back to the rest of his squad, who were just wrapping things up.
'It looks like we have a change of orders. General Grey is supplying a ship, and we are to be wheel's up in thirty minutes.' Tereus paused, seeing the transparent look of bewilderment on his men's faces. He continued, 'Don't ask, that's all I know, General Grey said He would personally brief us enroute. All I do know is that there is some issue brewing back in Gallia, and we are going to take care of it.'
'Colonel. Colonel. TEREUS!'
Tereus was brought back to the present by General Graves elevated voice. He blinked, then spoke, 'Sorry Sir! I don't know what came over me. It won't happen again Sir.'
General Grey looked concerned, then pulled his chairs closer to Tereus. 'Tereus how long have these flashback's been going on.' His voice had the utmost sincerity and he was clearly sympathetic. 'Tereus, as a soldier its not un-natural for you to relive your past, in your mind'¦' He paused, gathering his words, then continued, 'However becoming enveloped in them, as I just witnessed you do, is not good. How long has this been happening?'
Tereus took a sip of bourbon, letting the alcohol entice his taste buds, before swallowing. 'I'm fine sir, and ready for duty.' Tereus deflected. 'Its nothing'¦really sir I am fine.'
General Grey looked Tereus straight in the eyes, analyzing him for a moment. When the General looked at you, into your eyes, it was like he was staring into your soul, to the deepest parts of your being, and yet, it wasn't intimidation, as much as it was'¦an uncanny sense of understanding. 'Tereus, you served under my command for, how long, eleven years?'
'Yes Sir.' Tereus responded.
'In eleven years, have I ever misled you, or done you wrong?' General Graves said, calmly.
'No Sir.' Tereus replied.
'Then, trust me now. I know that you have been through a lot. I know that as a Delta, you aren't quite sure of who you are, or what you are. I have read your dossier, so I know that you an inability to fail. I don't know what drives you, but I know at this rate, it will consume you.' General Graves paused, swirling the ice in his chaser, he looked at it for a moment, then continued, 'Tereus, I would go as far to say that your afraid of ending up like so many of your brethren did'¦I want to let you know that in order for that not to happen, you need to have some sanctuary in your life. You need to be able to let go, to forgive, and to move past.' General Grey paused again, 'Tereus, I would go out on a limb, and say its because of HER.'
804 A.S. ' Classified Training Facility Location: Withheld
Cadet Delta 235 was six years old by sirian age, but he looked like an average Sirian teenager. He had already grown to a height of one hundred and seventy-eight centimeters, and was healthy at a fit eighty-six kilograms. He was top of his group, and had earned himself a cadet officer position, through his prowess, ingenuity, and outstanding success rate. Cadet Delta 182 was a fine specimen. She was one hundred and sixty centimeters tall, and forty-nine kilograms. Her blond hair came just past shoulder length, and needless to say, she had the attention of not just other cadets, but some of the instructors as well. She also held a cadet officer position of equal rank, and was often seen with Delta 235 when not training or on missions.
As a cadet officer, Tereus' and Aerith's days long, and filled with reports, briefings, training, mock missions, and more training. Cadet officers were also given advanced training, assuming they qualified, in both the cognitive, and physical areas of evaluation. Tereus and Aerith both fell in the ninety-ninth percentile of performance ratings, and therefore had been placed in the advanced training program. This program included, but was not limited too, advanced mechanized AS pilot training, extensive weapons and combat training, advanced armor training, and advanced ship systems training. The advanced training program could closest be related to any house special operations training, except that it was more intense, offered more training, and did so in a shorter amount of time. It also yielded a fifty-four percent success rate, that meant out of every one hundred cadets placed in this program, forty-six were written off. This failure rate was due to a number of reasons which SGM Command had listed in a report. The following is an excerpt of the report, which shows most common reason for failure, and description:
'¢ Insanity: Cadet unable to adapt to the strenuous and continuous bombardment of both physical and mental training. Most often cadets suffering from this show the following:
1. Complete mental break down, often unable to do anything except huddle in fear, or unresponsive, seemingly in a vegetative comatose state. Comatose condition often happens with out warning. Most common instances are that a cadet will not wake after regulated five hours of sleep, or the cadet will collapse or stop 'functioning' mid training.
2. In the rare occasion, cadets placed in the advanced training program go 'berserk' and rampage. These specimens are to be terminated with extreme prejudice, and all DNA is to be properly disposed off.
3. In the event of either of these situations, Instructors are ordered to take the cadet for medical examination. If the condition is deemed 'uncurable' specimens are to be terminated, and all DNA properly disposed off.
'¢ Permanent Injury: Cadet is injured during training exercise beyond functional repair. Instructors should note that 'functionality' is based off of a cadets 'field' of expertise. i.e. A cadet trained in advanced weaponry, MOS of Sniper, cannot function properly, if ocular injury occurs, beyond repair through an implant. In extreme cases of ocular injury, an implant may be used, however often, ninety-one percent of the time as per case studies done to date, the cadet functions only at eighty to eighty-five percent of 'functionality' due to the implant, and loss of depth perception. These cadets are still useful, however will be drummed out into standard units, as needed. Note: The following is a list of special circumstances, which may call for drastic action:
1. Cadet Pilot: Any ocular, or nerve damage incurred in advanced training to pilots, whether naval, or Mechanized AS, must be 're-progammed' for another field. Currently ninety-two percent of cadets which fall in this category are successfully 're-programmed' and successfully integrate with their new position. The other five percent either become vegetative and comatose after 're-programming' or become insane. See Insanity, for instructions on how to deal with such cases. Note: Currently only one cadet, Charlie 214, identified as one H.M.Murdock, has completely rejected 're-programming' and still retains all skills necessary as a pilot. In this instance cadet shows 'above' average piloting skills, with a side effect of semi-insanity. SGM Command has reviewed this case, and has deemed Charlie 214 cleared for active duty, under close supervision.
2. Cadet Officers: Any cognitive damage to cadet officers, must be formally followed up. If the cadet passes all tests, he / she will be cleared to continue training. In the event of a failed exam, cadet is to be re-evaluated for proper placement.
3. Cadet Medical Officer: Any serious injury to a cadet medical officers hands, ocular, or nervous system, will require immediate evaluation. In event of 'augmentation' cadet will be required to prove competency. Failure to prove competency will result in 'Re-programming' Special note: Re-programming to combat class, often leads to self-inflicted death. It is undetermined at this time why this happens, just that it happens. SGM Command is currently looking into this 'Character flaw'.
Tereus and Aerith, both cadet officers, were in charge of separate units of cadets. Both units were the 'elite' of this particular batch of Delta's that had made it to advanced training. Each unit was unique in that Delta 235's unit was comprised of all male specimens, while Delta 182's unit was comprised of all female specimens. While mixed gender units did exist, it was found that at this level of training, gender mix often resulted in distraction, which had resulted in an unacceptable rate of error in the field. Both units had been thoughtfully named, respectively 'Tereus' Terror's' and 'Aerith's Angels'.
While mixed gender units were not allowed at the 'advanced' levels of training, fraternization was. Tereus and Aerith could often be seen together, wandering in and around the compound during r and r, or in between briefings. Despite Delta 235 and 182's purpose, the compound staff, and instructors were all in agreeance that they made a 'Cute' couple. While it was clear that nothing inappropriate had occurred, as all cadets were monitored 24/7, it was agreed amongst all staff and instructors, even the base commander, General Grey, that they were the closest thing to a 'real' couple out of all specimens trained thus far.
Training, mock missions, and briefings took up a majority of Tereus' and Aerith's time, but when they weren't doing any of those, they were inseparable. They could often be seen taking walks along the cliffs outside the base, overlooking the bay. While monitoring was 24/7 often via satellite uplink, and tracker, the cadets were given relatively free reign, considering the circumstances. It had been noted early on in the Alpha batches, that while graduated cadets were competent for their purpose, they lacked self reliance, individuality, and free thinking. If one of these soldiers were dropped into battle, with orders to annihilate the enemy, they would do so, and not stop until they were either dead, or all enemies were. The one trackedness of the Alpha's led to a restructuring, that wasn't perfected until the Charlies.
While many staff, including General Grey found Tereus' and Aerith's mock relationship refreshing, not all felt the same. SGM Command had been keeping tabs on both since they had been evaluated in the ninety-ninth percentile, however they had been particularly impressed by Tereus' ability to adapt and overcome in seemingly impossible circumstances. It was later documented by General Grey, that while in training, Tereus had been able to overcome and prevail in six of eight deemed 'Impossible' trials, undergone by all cadets in advanced training. The other two had been impasse', however Tereus had shown a higher cognitive rate, which wasn't beaten until the Foxtrots. SGM Command's plans for Tereus, and several members of his unit, The Terrors, were entirely different then the track they currently seemed to be traveling. It was executively decided by the highest authority in SGM Command, that Tereus and Aerith's relationship must be broken up.
The adventures that Tereus and Aerith shared togethere were many during their time in advanced training, however the one which General Grey referred to, was the incident which was incurred prior to the final exam, and that fateful day. It was during a routine medical exam, which all cadets in advanced training were required to take quarterly, that Aerith was pregnant. While this was omitted via black bar in the base reports, SGM Command's were not. It spurred an internal investigation, which led to a complete audit of base surveillance, a few summary executions or transfers, and a revamp of the Program's Security Policy. During this investigation, it was found that Delta 235, and 182's trackers had been disabled for various periods of time, over the course of a year. This disturbing evidence, sent a wake up call to the SGM, that they may not be as in control as they initially thought. While reviews of the security logs showed that Tereus and Aerith were the only cadets who had done this, the concern of the SGM was a cross of the genetic material of the two, and what it could create. Delta Batch was already far exceeding the SGM's wildest dreams, and Tereus and Aerith were living evidence to that. The concern was that over the course of this experiment, the number of 'Specimens' far exceeded the number of normal 'SGM Elites'. The current ratio, at time of the incident showed a ration of around fifty to one. This meant that fifty specimens were in service to every one normal SGM Elite. The discovery of free thinking on this level, in two of the brightest cadets, and then the discovery that Aerith was pregnant, led to an executive decision, to nip the theoretical problem in the bud.
SGM Command investigated this occurance over the course of a year. At the end of that year, it was decided, through reports, equations, and statistical data, that Delta 235 was the candidate with the most likely success rate. It was also decided that the only way to keep the two, truly, separated, was through termination of Delta 182. Through extensive research, and formulation, it was also decided that if Delta 235 was witness to the 'Termination' which would be caused through training accident, He would be ninety-seven percent likely to fill the void of Delta 182's existence with self initiated training, which would drive him forward, truly making him the finest specimen to date. There was a two percent chance that Delta 235 would go insane, and a one percent chance he would self 'destruct'. After much debate, the decision was made. Delta 182 must go.
*Crack, Crack, Crack* Tereus was lost in his nightmare, staring at the lifeless body of Aerith, her soothing smile forever imprinted on her corpse. His mind raced forward, the formal inquiry board, the cadet court, the judgement and his public punishment'¦.
'Tereus, Tereus! Snap out of it!' A splash of cold water brought Tereus back to the present, empty glass still in General Grey's hand. 'Tereus, you can't keep on like this.' General Grey sighed. 'I know you think its your fault that Aerith died, but I can tell you that it was an accident, and you need to let go.' General Grey put his hand on Tereus' shoulder. 'Look son, I know that your life has been one filled with training, tragedy, and war. Its unfortunate'¦' General Grey paused a moment, collecting his thoughts and words, 'Despite this fact, you have to let go. It was unfortunate and an accident, but no one can predict these things, its'¦not fair, and I am not saying it's right, I am just saying its fate.'
General Grey stood looking at Tereus for a moment, then took Tereus' glass, walking over to the bar, and pouring them both another round.
General Grey spoke again. 'Tereus, I came here to inform you that after much review, and debriefing of your former unit, and in particular the Human Replica Droid Kurani, it is the decision of the highest authority of SGM, that the revealing of Gallia was inevitable and unstoppable.' General Grey took a sip of his freshly poured bourbon, then continued, 'It has been deemed appropriate by SGM that you be reinstated as Commanding Officer of the SGM Carrier Errant.Venture. It has also been deemed that you are to be rewarded and honored, in light of this judgement. You once again have the full financial backing of SGM, and anything you need shall be given to you to further your mission here within Sirius.'
The General paused for a moment, finishing his bourbon. 'Tereus, it has also been decided that Captain Murdock is to be elevated to the postion of Lt. Colonel, and you are to be given all former crew and unit members,' at this point, General Grey once again paused gathering his thoughts before continuing, 'Except for the Marshall twins, and the original members of your unit based in New York.'
Tereus looked perplexed at this statement, and General Grey could see it in his eyes.
'Aww what the hell, you would find out sooner or later anyway.' General Grey stated, as he poured himself another round of Bourbon, He took a long swig, then continued, 'Zachary Marshall was killed in action, while on assignment to quell some of the dissidence which is occurring on our home front. Tyler Marshall is Missing In Action, along with the remainder of your unit which was with you in Liberty.' General Grey, stopped, and analyzed Tereus, who just nodded, and waited for him to continue. 'Kurani h as been assigned an intelligence position under direct command of the SGM.'
As General Grey continued, and poured another glass of Bourbon, Tereus was one again pulled into his nightmare. He remembered after the training accident, and his punishment passed down by the cadet and formal court, that He had thrown himself whole heartedly into training. He couldn't explain it, but He felt empty after her death, and He tried to fill that emptiness with his training. He couldn't remember how many hours he had spent training, and honing his skills in a figher, or an AS. Running, lifting, shooting, swimming, all of those things had consumed his time, and energy after her death. He realized now that as time had gone on, and he had grown, nothing had really changed. He still was empty, and he filled that emptiness with a façade of charisma, his work consumed him, and that sense of insanity was the fear that he may wander through his existence and never be 'whole' again.
Tereus snapped back to reality as General Grey finished speaking.
'One more thing Tereus, then I shall leave you in peace. I am ordering you to maintain a constant repertoire with SGM doctors. I have a concern that PTSD is starting to become a psychosis, and its not something I would expect you to understand, but'¦..' General Grey sighed again, 'This really is important. I don't want to order you to do this as your commanding officer, as much as I want to plead with you as a friend. Talk to the doctors, and try to let go, otherwise that emptiness will consume you.'
General Grey gulped down the last of his Bourbon, then stood up. 'Well Tereus, I have other matters to attend to. Thanks for your hospitality, and the booze!' He chuckled as he grabbed his jacket from the chair. General Grey could see Tereus starting to get up as He stood. 'Tereus sit, relax, I will see myself out. Besides, this wasn't technically a business call, as much as It was I wanted to inform you of the good news before you get it third hand.' General Grey smiled at Tereus, as he headed for the door. 'Cheer up killer, it will get better.' As General Grey opened the door, his mood changed to a more fatherly and sentimental one. 'Tereus, seriously, talk to the Doctors, it will help.' With that, he turned and walked out, securing the door behind him.