I was serving a cup of tea, in a summer house on my domain, when suddenly I've heard that someone was calling me. One of my most trusted guards, Emilio Carvadez, came to me, and informed that they have an incident on the heliport. Some armed strangers descended from an Armored Transport, and they said they were looking for me. My guards asked for their arms, but they refused. My guards opened fire, but they weren't retaliating. They stopped shortly afterwards, and all of the sudden 2 Sabres were patrolling the skies. Suddenly, all shooting stopped, while I was approaching the heliport. A man, with a black uniform just came down from the ship.
- Please do not fire!
- Drop your weapons, or you will be dead! You have ten seconds to comply! 10... 9... 8... 7...
- Fine! All men, surrender your weapons! I am the Supreme Commander of the Hellfire Legion, looking for mister John Frost! Is he there?
As I have heard the man dressed in black, I ordered the guards to stand down. I went with my guest inside the summer house, and began to talk.
As I have entered the summer house with John, I began talking.
- Frost, there are a few things you should know...
- First of all, Aralie, why you entitle yourself as the Legions Supreme Commander? Thastus is the Supreme Commander!
- Not anymore... he died, almost 2 years ago.
- What about Kaine?
- Disappeared... we don't know where he is now. Mori step up as the Supreme Commander, but he was killed in action. His brother was held captive on Manhattan, he went to rescue him, and failed.
- Yea Phelps, but still... why you? What about Williams? Any bells?
- I have been rescued by Captain Aethelu (at the time) from Manhattan. That was Mori's last wish. I was installed as his successor.
- All right. Still, what are you doing here? And why you've brought that fleet with you?
- Frost, we are losing the war. We need your help. You are one of the best fleet coordinators I have ever seen. And your ability to command battleships, and win battles with impossible odds, is your specialty.
- What do you want? Just say it. I have other things to attend to as well. I'd like to chat all day with you, but I am a busy man.
- OK, I want you back in the Legion. I have the seat of Captain waiting for you, and the possibility to fly whatever you want. There is a problem though. Our resources are pretty scarce... we can provide you with a Sabre Fighter and a Gunboat. What do you think? Take it or leave it.
- Oh, this is big... Give me a few minutes to think all right?
Suddenly I saw Frost leaving the room, and contacted someone with a communicator. I have been invited in the Azureus Villa, and was told that 'don' Frost is attending to a meeting now. I made myself comfortable, had a meal and was patiently waiting for him to come back...
I attended to a meeting with the Senior Director of "Tel'Tak S.H.", and I requested a new delivery. Alot of scrap metal, or metal ore, Optronics, Engine Components, for the construction of some new ships. I was informed that all that was needed will arrive on Malta in 2 days. Enough time for me to prepare.
I took a large breath, and went back to see Phelps.
- Welcome back, Frost.
- Don't 'welcome' me in my own house, Phelps. It's called respect. Thank you in advance.
- All right, sorry. Have you considered my offer?
- Indeed I did. I am going to accept your most generous offer. With a few conditions though.
- All right, what you might want? We will see what can we do with our already thin budget...
- I do not need your monetary capital. I just want to get your permission on things. First of all, I want to buy myself a Battleship, for the good of the Legion. And a Destroyer as it's escort. Will you allow me to have a personal Battleship inside the Legion?
- Granted, as long as we don't pay for them...
- It's settled then. But! I will settle the names. And no one will order me anything if you come to visit me on my ship. Don't send lackeys to teach me how to fly my own ship. I think I can handle it, thank you.
- Of course... After all, you will pay for them...
- Good. I will see to it that you and your escorts will reach Leeds in safety. The KNF don't love you, and I know a few go-around paths to Leeds. You will thank me later.
- When will you come?
- I have to do some 'preparations' in order to get the Capital ships and their escorts in running order in a month. Fly safe, my friend.
- All right, and thanks for the hospitality. Drinks are on me when you get to Vespucci.
I saw Phelps leaving the system, and then I started thinking. I will have to talk with the Outcast Guard... glad I have good relations with their leader. I guess 100 more million credits won't do any harm for their war cause with the Corsairs...
Suddenly, I jumped out of my chair, left the cigar on the ashtray, and went to the communications panel.
- This is Alpha Charlie -9. I am seeking an audience with don William Bonello.
- This is the [101st] Maltese Guard Squadron The Ghosts of Razgriz duty officer Ricardo Alvarez. Don Frost, please state your reasons.
- I am willing to discuss about some non-reimbursable property and funds I am willing to 'donate' for the Outcast Cause.
- Understood, don Frost. Your request have been sent further to don Bonello. Expect his response on this matter. Over and out.
- Thank you. Out.
After this brief discussion I started thinking... and light another cigar. Liberty is a dangerous place, even for myself...