The planet Wayland. For billions of years, the gas giant had orbited it's star, unknown to the race that calls itself 'man'.
A hundred years ago, ships entered the system, and soon, a colony was born on the largest moon. Years later, the second moon was turned into a supply depot.
The system became a hub for commerce in that sector of the Confederacy, and famous for it. In the growing war, the system has been used as a military base for the Confederacy but, as yet, has not been touched by the conflict.
Now however, things have changed. The Confederate Second Fleet lies in wait above the planet, as a Brahe fleet has been detected hurtling towards the system. As the Brahe fleet drops out of hyperspace a fair distance from the Confederate fleet, there is high tension... and something else. As if every ship is being analysed by something just out of sight...

----

---Bridge, Unknown Vessel---
And once more, the fleets clash.
With this many ships here, they may spot us this time...

We are ready for that possiblity, correct?

The fleet is here, our suits are ready. But we will not make the first moves. We can not, will not be seen by either side. That would ruin the purpose of watching them.

Very well, sir


((You can call off the lynch mob, now, D1L ¬_¬))

*From the captains seat at the Helm of the chimera Grand Admiral Zak Segall becomes aware of a beeping noise and gently releases the small locket he had been clasping to leave it hanging from his neck, he opens his eyes and looks up at the flashing icon on the ships main screen as an officer stands up from his flight console and snaps to attention facing him*

Sir! The Enemey hav-


-I can see that. Put the ship into combat stations, alert all other vessels to prepare for immediate action, Nobody is to release their Mobile Troops untill I give the order.

lets see how well they handle a fully prepared fleet ...

On board the bridge of the Hyperion Isaac stares out of the main window at the world ahead and the barely visible specks that silhouette against it. Up on a raised platform at the back of the bridge Isaac sits whispering to Corvus who is already in his space suit ready for the fight. Finishing their private talk Corvus disappears out the main exit and makes his way to the hangar while Isaac stands and presses a button on his chair to open up the radio for everyone.

Comrades. We must see what we can do about this base of theirs. I’m not bothered about the larger moon, as the civilians have nothing to do with it. Yet. I want the supply depot raided if possible but destroyed if needs be. Either way I don’t want the Confederacy to have the help of what’s there.

You have your main orders. Suits are to be go to the transports for invasion of the base while any ships are to engage and hold off the Confederate fleet and protect those transports. Corvus is in charge of the ground forces for now and I’ll stay on board the Hyperion. Let’s go people.

Sitting back down and closing the link one of the other crew comes up to Isaac.

Sir. The fleet is as we expected. We think that we should have enough man power and ships to be able to send them running.

Good. Should they try to retreat leave them. We have enough to do without chasing them down too.

There is a beep on the Unknown Vessel's comm system and a voice is transmitted through. "This is Cosis. If things get ugly up there call me, I'll gladly assist ASAP. Over." With another beep the comm shuts off.

Your Polaris is an important ship, Mr.Cosis. I would advise you to stay close to the Sacrifice unless you feel a need to be elsewhere. Are your mecha prepared?

Admiral, the Brahe fleet appears to be preparing for an attack. I would advise we move below the field, for a better view...

The hidden fleet begins to move quietly below the anticipated main plane of the battle

"Understood. I couldn't prepare all the mechs. If I have to go out and fight, I'll be brining 5 Taurus(sp?) with me. I have other suits but if we are attacked, I assure you they will be ready, Admiral." Anthony turns from the comm and to his crew on the bridge. "I want Polaris to be close to the Sacrifice. The Admiral himself said this ship holds a lot of importance, and I'll be damned if I let it go down."

Danny Trenston moved slowly over to the front door. He'd heard mail come through and he was curious, Mail didn't usualy come on untill later, and so he thought it must have been urgent.
He picked up the letter, and recognised who it was from. As he opened it, he knew what it was going to say before he even read it.

''Daniel m Trentson,
a situation has come up, in which your services are required. Don your uniform and make your way to your nearest Confederacy base, ASAP, for re-instation, and for de-briefing.

It is known that you were banned from the military, but we are willing to re-instate you at full rank of Sgt First Class. Due to the fact, you have been Out Of Action for over two years, you will be made to complete two weeks of training sessions.

Although it is against many Officers wishes, You are needed, as you have prooved yourself before many times, as an officer, a pilot, and a team leader.

God Speed,

Director of Confederacy Recruitment''

Danny gave a smirk, this was the break he had been waiting for.
'i guess ''HaVoK'' is back in buisness' he said to himself, and quickly ran into the back to get his Officer Uniform on.

A few minutes later, he sped away into the distance, towards the closest training facility, fort Gamma. After two years of being a citizen again, it was time to kick some serious Ass.

The Amatsu drifts among the Brahe fleet, drawfed by some of the larger vessels. The trip through hyperspace had been uneventful, the calm before the storm.

"This is the the Amatsu, we read you, Hyperion. Standing by."

Under the middle of Amatsu's wrench-like shape, a large hatch blows open, revealing a pitch-black GM Custom. The latticework and securing arms that hold the giant machine retract upward into the ceiling of the bay, and the suit drops free. It carries a plain-looking rifle in it's right arm, except for a scope, square stock, and unusually thick barrel.

In her gundam, Yumi waits for an incoming tranmission, while watching out for any enimies.*

Just because I'm female, doesn't mean they can leave me out of anything....

In the towering Goverment head Office set in a massive repulsorlift City currently in its usual place of rest in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean...


*Taking in the city scene unravelling itself beyond the large pane of glass seperating her from the outside world the Cheif of State turns the matters of the day over in her mind before she is interupted by a knock at her door*

"Come In"

*An aide hurries into the room and stands nervously before the desk fingering a thin Envelope*

"Just Leave it there"

"Yes Mam, sorry Mam"

*the aide almost drops the envelope in his haste and scurries from the room*

"pitifull..."

*she turns to the desk and picks up a knife before proceeding to slit the envelope neatly open and withdraw its contents, a single sheet of printed paper*

following message received direct from Grand Admiral Segall, Wayland vicinity

Enemey troops have appeared, combat iminent.

Carl Tavares was being pushed around as a bunch of people were coming out into the halls and heading towards the loading area. He was very nervous after hearing the announcement from Lord Isaac. It would be his first time ever sitting in a mobile suit. It would also be the first time he would see the mech he was to pilot. It was written down in a piece of paper clutched in his hand. Carl Tavares was a very young person. He was 17 and was finishing high school when he received news that he was to be drafted into the war. He never took much interest before this, and he had never even seen a mobile suit. He didn't understand why they would pick him; he was very accident-prone. In his short training, he didn't well at all. He was in a simulation mech and had failed horribly. Carl followed the crowd, sweat running down his face, and he arrived at the loading area. He was already suited up in the ulgiest attire among the other gentleman. He looked down at the paper, it read "FA-78-1." Carl looked at the very end of the line of mechas and saw a very raggedy one at the end. He matched the number below it with the one on his paper. He gulped loudly. He was staring at his own mech. He nearly fainted.

*A communications aide steps up beside the command seat and salutes*

"Your transmission has been sent and recieved Sir"

"Good, Now nearby fleets will have been set onto backup alert ready to jump if necessary"

*Admiral Segall raises himself from his chair and turns to face the two cloaked figures who have emerged silently behind him*

"This may be your chance ladies, the one you seek may be near at hand. However you must refrain from any irrational actions, if you shoot off on a vengeance mission into the heart of their troops I will not be able to risk lives to rescue you"

Leanne: We Understand
Sasha: We are in no hurry, when the time is right he will die
Leanne: For now our desire is to stay here and protect you

"Sitting here? In this massive cage? How I long for the freedom of those brave pilots who only have to fight, how I long to lift the weight of command from my shoulders and be out there again reveling in the dance of the battle.
No Ladies, you have no need to protect me in here, If you desire to help then go and prep for combat"

*sighing, Yumi sets up comunication with Admiral Segall.*

"Admiral? Do you read me? What is my mission?"

*Yumi sighs impatiently, waiting for orders, but has the feeling to return to the base, and begines to do so, careful not to attract attention to the enemy.*

*The transceiver hanging from Zak's belt vibrates and beeps loudly, he reaches for it and thumbs the call activation*

"Flight sergeant Takan. All troops were under orders to remain undeployed untill my notice, I will however overlook your insubordination in the hope it was a mere mistake.
Untill the Enemey commence their assualt I will not make any foward offence, it needs to be seen that the confederate fleet do not spark confrontation or the politicians will be crawling over us like ants.
If you must take immediate action then take your squadron down the the supply depot and set up a defensive perimeter along with the rest of the 5th to 10th Divisions.
Your still so young sergeant, don't be to eager to put your life on the line.

*He strides to the front of the bridge and rests his hand on an ensigns shoulder.*

"Ensign Hicks, Send orders to the fleets second half to move into defensive positions around the supply depot, they may now release their troops. I hope that the Enemeys target here is to cripple our resources rather than attack innocent civillians and so I must take a risk on guarding the colony.
Instruct Divisions two to four to form up around us and if necessary be ready to intercept assualt troops heading for the colony"

"And send out a broadcast to the Enemy fleet, I wish to speak to their commander on the slight chance we can avert needless death."

In the main hangar bay of the Hyperion Corvus steps into the Tallgeese with his small escort and departs the hangar bay into space. In the blackness Corvus heads towards the nearest of the troop transports heading to the moons surface.

Landing in the main airlock and then into the hangar Corvus looks around at all the activity and people getting into their suits. He also notices several small groups of soldiers forming looking unsure as to what to do.

New recruits. They need someone to lead them properly but then we can't hold their hands all the time either.

Walking the Tallgeese to the middle of the hangar Corvus opens the speakers and at the first sound of the booming voice everyone turns around to listen.

Recruits and seasoned veterans. In this time of war we need to help those who need it on the field. There are many amongst us who have never seen battle before and so need our guidance.

Turning the metal hand to some of the groupings of recruits they look around puzzled.

These people need our help for now as we all did when we were new. Pay attention to them and help them. Do not leave them uncertain for that way they are no help at all.

Quickly some of the older troops begin to head towards the recruits talking them and helping them find and get into their suits.

Amongst the crowds though a lone recruit looks around evidentially very nervous and almost to the point of panic. Getting out of the Tallgeese Corvus floats down to meet the surprised recruit.

I take it this is your suit? It looks a fine suit it should serve you well. What is your name?

*flustered at the order, Yumi growls.*

I never got anything about this... Oi, how I hate to be female....

*Contacting her troops, Yumi gives orders.*

Okay, troops, lets do as the boss says. Set up defensive possitions with the rest of the 5th and 10 divisins, now.

*Yumi and her troops head off, following the orders of the Admiral.*

Carl looks over. "My n-name is C-Carl Tavares. This suit? Oh. . heh, you guys supplied it to me. But I'm just a nervous wreck, I might mess up this mission. T-that was a mighty fine announcement you made up there, Mr. Corvus, sir." His eyes scan all over Corvus' body for a sign of what rank he may be. But he doesn't see anything.

Looking at the Carl and then the suit then back to Carl again Corvus puts his hand on his shoulder.

Don't worry about it Carl. Everyone is nervous when it comes to their first real battle. Even of you don't do as well as some of the others that's okay because we're all here to help each other. I bet if you asked the people round here and they told the truth they would say that they were scared too.

Sir. We have conformation that we are about to begin the attack.

Well then Carl you had better get ready. Don't get too worked up about it though. If anything goes wrong then we're all here to support you. Nothing spectacular is expected of you in your first battle. No I had better go get ready too.

Jumping up in the low gravity Corvus gets back to the Tallgeese leaving Carl to get ready.

-
On board the Hyperions bridge Isaac looks at the moons for a last time and then the many thousands of mobile dolls deploy from the hangars of the carriers and capital ships.

Sir. We have an incoming communication from the leader of the enemy fleet.

Very well then put him though. We shall see what he wants before I kill him

In his quarters, near the bridge, Admiral Sori listens to Mozart's Sonata Facile, as his aide pages him over the intercom

Sir? It seems that the Imperium fleet is moving to attack.

Power up the BAC network. I want to catch as much as possible of this battle. Also... launch patrols. I want to make sure that we're not disturbed.

Very well

The sensor data from every ship in the Ronin fleet is transmitted to the flagship, giving the crew a near perfect over-view of the battle, and also predicts the possible moves by either side.

Feeling slightly better, Carl turns back to his suit. He sighs, looking around for a way inside the suit. He sees stairs nearby and goes up, he strolls down the walkway and stops in front of his suit. To him it looks old, but Corvus assured him it's good. He smiled a little and then stepped onto the hatch and inside his suit. He strapped himself in and put on his helmet. He stares down at the control panel, his smile fading. There were well over 30 different buttons and each had different functions. First thing he needed to do was to close the hatch. He looked around the panel, trying to remember his training. What if this was an out of date suit, he thought. He finally pushed a button and the hatch closed. He was satisfied. He then found the button to open the comm link. He tried to speak as clearly as possible but he was still very nervous. "FA-78-1 Here. . . R-ready to . . . "He trails off. Did he really want to do this? He spoke again. "Ready to launch." He sat back and slumped in his chair. He was about to go fight in a war that he really didn't care about a few months ago.

*The ensign looks up from his Monitor and hands the Grand Admiral his headset*

"Your through sir"

"This is Grand Admiral Zak Segall of the Unified Systems Confederacys second fleet.
Every single person on every single ship you see before you is willing to die to stop you gaining what you have come here for today. Every single one of them will fight you without a second thought.
I wont ask you to surrender or Retreat as It is plain you did not come here to do so. I merely ask you why you must wage a war against what is a perfectly peacefull system"

Looking at the screen Isaac stares for a moment before answering.

I have no doubt that all your men are willing to die but I doubt that many will still want to once they have seen their comrades die before them.

As for the battle I fight against the confederacy not the system. There is a supply depot on the second moon and so I will either take it or destroy it. I cannot allow you to have anything that may aid you in thr war.

One of the comms officers quietly comes up to Isaac and draws his attention and showing him a sheet of paper.

Well then we have waited long enough. Unless you can give me a reason not to kill you all then I shall make the first move.

Well?

A silent transmission is sent to the Hyperion amongst many other communications. The only notable thing about this message is it's nature.


▪ BNF-194 "Amatsu"
◦ BNF-001 "Hyperion"
From: Bridge (Owner not specified)

Initiating SHADOW protocol. Maintaining radio silence until further notice. Amatsu signing off.


The strange wrench-shaped ship accelerates ahead of the rest of the fleet. After gaining a kilometer of distance, waves of electricity begin to flow across the Amatsu's shielding. It begins to flicker and fluctuate, until the ship suddenly disappears completely.

Back with the fleet, the pitch-black GM stablizes out to match leveling with the surrounding ships. It's weapon suddenly doubles in size as the barrel extends to combat mode. The left hand draws a magazine with 8 massive rounds inside and jams it into the slot in front of the trigger.

"Isaac I cannot stand for all the policies of the confederacy, I can't justify some of the more dubious policys that have surfaced recently. But I do not see how disrupting the lives, ending the lives of so many people can justify a reform.
And as I remember the situation on Brahe it is not like the policies of the late Lord Bhaal were exactly better."

I dislike the disrespectful way you talk of the deceased. At least though Lord Bhaal's policies were beneficial to the masses and the planet in general. The policies of the Confederacy though are designed to do nothing other than keep those already in power, in power and to make them better off and not their people. I intend to finish Lord Bhaal’s wishes now that he cannot and destroy the corrupt Confederacy. If people’s lives need to be sacrificed then it simply means that it will be cherished when it finally comes. Now though I am afraid that we must end this talk and move forward. If you don’t get out of the way you and your fleet will be crushed.

Closing the link Isaac turns to one of the bridge crew.

Is the Hyperspace inhibitor ready and active?

Yes sir. It went active a few minutes ago.

Good. They’ll get a surprise if they try to jump in back up. The field won’t simply end the gate here it will scatter it and anything that comes through will come out of hundreds of gates in different locations. Or at least a part of the ship will come out in each location.

Now then people. Let’s go.

With the order given the ships begin to accelerate moving towards the fleet with the smaller ships in formation around the larger and divisions of thousands upon thousands of mobile suits taking up positions and in the centre of it all the Hyperion moves forwards dwarfing all but the largest of the Confederate battleships and even they still paled in comparison.

Carl sat there, on the verge of tears because he knew there was a strong possibiliy he'd die. Not from enemy fire; but his own wrecklessness. He again tries to remember his training, he looks at the panel and reaches for a lever. He pushes it halfway up. And then he slowly launches away. Carl tries to move forward with the others but instead flies back and bumps into a suit, luckily it was a doll. He tries again and successfully moves forward.

"The enemy have begun their advance, I think their intentions seem fairly clear. Instruct all ships to release their Mobile suits and dolls. Instruct them to stick with their divisions and that all command of divisions now falls to the respective admiral.
Mobile suits of the First division you shall remain around the ships and protect gun emplacements from being hit."

*Nems mind flashes back to the conflicts on the planet Brahe and then mutters quietly*

"Kayl...Where are you? We need somebody like you to stand against His old People and try to convert others to our side.."

*He slowly walks back to his seat and sits down to stare silently at the approaching enemey*

(Jack Conway): Crap... that radar is showing a big battle... two fleets are coming in close... Maybe I can see the unknowns and join them here... I'll scout the area...

Jack sighed as he changed the heading on his personal MS transport. He looked back behind him, through the glass that separated him from the cargo hold, and glanced at his mobile suit.

It's been a while Variable... but we need to stay in one place...

He turned back as he noticed three different MS' on the radar. Jack quickly attempted to identify them with passive radar... but no good. Those were different machines than ever before.

(Computer): "Ship targeted."

Oh crap. They're gunna attack. Better high tail it out of here...

Jack started a calculation that allowed him to make a jump out of the area. He would jump next to a abandoned mining planet... way off the area of the battle anf far enough to leave the MS patrol without a clue save following his heading. While the calculation was being processed, Jack opened a channel to the patrol.

"This is a neutral ship! Are you Ronin?"

Hovering out in space outside the Carrier Corvus moves forwards surrounded by the hundred thousand other dolls that would comprise the landing force heading towards the moon.

On board the Hyperion the many bridge officers start to order the formations of space ships heading towards the Confederate fleet.

With the orders being given the large formations of ships begin to break away from the central mass splitting up so to come at the Confederate fellt from all sides while the Hyperion itself heads straight forwards ominously towards the middle of the Confederate fleet and the moon base.

*yumi senses trouble, and shifts in her cockpit. She adjusts her radar, but nothing shows up*

What is going on?

*She looks about. Waiting for orders or a transmission. Something to tell her what is going on.*

(( Hey AL, assuming your not in the first Division you now have independant controll over your actions. Make up some orders from your divisions Admiral to be transmitted to you if you want.
Basically its up to you to choose how your character acts in this story, just make sure you fully read and understand others posts before you make your own. ))


*Watching the now fast approaching Enemey fleet Zak flicks the switch opening the tannoy system to the first division*

"The enemys main force is directed at the supply depot. Unless they have hidden reinforcements en masse then we out number their forces. The fifth to tenth divisions should be able to engage the enemey and hold them off without much risk to the depot itself.
We shall draw to the side and let the enemey in to enclose them and strike from all sides. The only advantage they have is the faster reaction times and capabilities of their mobile doll troops and this advantage can be overcome by the skilled piloting and bravery of all human soldiers."

"If you're Ronin, I'm interested in giving you my services. Mobile suit patrol, I say again, I'm interested in joining the Ronin, over."

With the different divisions of ships and mecha ready all the ships main engines ignite as one and the fleet makes it’s way steadily acceleration towards the Confederate task force. After only a few minutes the larger ships weapons come in range of each other and all of a sudden the darkness of space becomes a fireworks display as multicolour beams streak across space hitting enemy ships causing them to explode in spectacular fashions. As the distance closes yet more the smaller ships open fire intensifying the huge display between the two fleets. With the ships going at each other from a distance the suits close in an each other and begin a huge combat of their own.

At a distance from the main fighting a large squadron of suits circumvent the battle as much as possible and head for the moon with Corvus in the Tallgeese at its head. With the moon near the immense squad comes under flak although they continue on regardless taking some losses with finally the forerunners of the group coming to the surface faced with thousands of Confederate troops and defences.

Come on then people. Let’s show them what we can do

Carl gulps loudly. He is nervous with sweat. He moves forward at a slow speed as to try to save his own skin. If he wasn't scared that he would die any minute, he would probably be amazed by all the explosions that lit the area. Around him the A.I driven mobile dolls surged outwards with intricate precision. All he could focus on as he stared out the view screen was the immensity of the enemy force opposing them, masking the subtle beauty of the naked stars. Carl takes his eyes off the screen and begins to scan the control panel. There was a button that interested him. He pressed it. A device came down in front of his right eye, Carl was now able to sense other suits and dolls. He was still nervous, how would this help if he didn't even know how to fight? Carl again began to scan the panel and came across a cannon. He pressed it and a cannon opened up on top of his head. Carl moved forward again and sensed a doll coming towards him. Carl shrieked and shot blindly around. After a while he looked up and saw floating pieces of debris that, no doubt, belonged to the doll. Carl's confidence rose and he continued forward.

Sir, the fleets are engaging. We are getting massive energy readings from the area. It's a veritable firestorm...

Admiral!, an unidentified ship is hailing one of our patrols! It claims to wish to join our forces!

Hm. Send him over to the Polaris. I don't want trouble in my hangar bay.

Wait... find out how he detected us. If he's blown our cover, I'll have him shot.

Move all patrols in by 15km. If they do detect us, I won't be caught with my metaphorical pants down.

As for the battle, launch probes into the area, from different angles. They should register as missiles on either sides sensors.

From the Sacrifice, dozens of small probes are launched. They dart off in different directions, and then towards the heart of the battle

Achilles comes up on Corvus' right wing, with it's rifle pointed to the ground. As flak explosions continue to pound the sky around them, Reiche speaks up across the squad intercom. "I'll take out the nearest triple-A's. That should give you guys a straight shot without all this--" A puff of black smoke explodes dangerously close to the Achilles. "--noise."

With that, Reiche decreases his rate of descent and seems to rise above the squad when they're really dropping faster than him. Inside the cockpit, Reiche activates the massive sniper rifle and it's scope. Using it's infrared sight, he picks out a flak battery and drops a 24,000 MPH explosive six-inch wide hammer on it. The round collides with the anti-aircraft cannon so rapidly it expands and crushes the artillery piece into the ground in a millisecond.

*Those people on the bridge not engaged in the operating of the ship or direction of troops look up to see their Grand Admiral Standing still and tense, his fists clenched and a distant expression on his face*

"these precious few seconds before engagement, these moments of contemplation before the chaos of the melee. These are the moments when we can really look at where we stand in our lives. When we can face the immediate possibility of death and laugh at it.
For we are soldiers, we are the Light of humanity. The only people who can realise how precious those moments of peace really are and stand up to protect others from having to face these demons themselves.
We are the ones who are truely alive..."

*he lifts his hand upwards to point at the enemy heading straight towards the depot.*

"1st to 4th divisions full combat modes, full thrust and ENGAGE"

With the majority of the ground forces safely down then ships that had run round the battle with the landing force for defence turned around and began to do what little they could from another direction. With the Confederate forces grouped together defending the moon from bombardment the Brahe forces scattering about them made it hard to target them as effectively as the swarming Brahe ships. With the heavy siege frigates firing from a distance the large force of suits and corvette class ships along with missile frigates and battleships begin strafing runs of the Confederate force.

They need to stay together to defend the moon from our cannons but that also means that they sacrifice any manoeuvrability. All we need to do is keep working at it. Hopefully enough of the landing forces made it through to take the base.

(Jack Conway): "I see. Polaris it is."

Jack used the given coordinates and used the transport's hyperdrive to go to the location.

"Polaris, this is TransVariable, requesting to land, over." I hope that they will let me in... I've tolerated the Confederacy long enough... I hope that Variable will be enough to strike back at them...

A crew member turns to Anthony. "Sir, a mobile suit is requesting to board. Shall I allow him to proced?" Anthony blinks. "Why is he boarding my ship?" Another crewmen answers. "Sir, the man first approached the Sacrifice and request to board. The admiral told him to board here." Anthony sighs. "I see, let it be my ass if he's a spy." The second crewman chimes in again. "The admiral requests that we find out just how he found us as well.." Anthony sighs again. He grealy dislikes the situation. "Very well, Greg." Anthony turns to the first crewman. "James, open the hanger and allow him to enter. But I want armed guards to be waiting for him and to escort him here, understood?" James nods. "Sir!" James opens a comm channel with the TransVariable. "This is the Polaris. You are deemed access to hanger one. Once inside, disarm and exit your mobile suit. Failing to do so will have dire consequences."

"Well, my mobile suit is in the transport... It's unoccipied right now, I'm the only one abord. But Hangar One it is, TransVariable out."

Jack had to think things over a lot to figure out why they had him here... No matter... his Gundamium MS would be a focus just as much as he actually figured out how to lock on the Ronin mobile suits and ships.

I could have so much money from Confed if I stayed with them and came here as a spy... I could probably get in and out with enough data... But I learned not to trust them any longer.

Jack moved the transport into the first hangar and landed it by following the directions of the flight director. He took his pistol off and placed it on the captain's seat, secured the ship, took off the self-detonator for Varible, and opened the crew hatch to the outside. He walked down it and was met by an armed foot patrol.

On the moons surface and dotted amoungst and above the supply depot the hundreds of space leos begin thier counter offensive at the descending Brahe ground assault teams.
Meanwhile The ferocious battle being waged between all the ships and suits making up the space defenses reaches full tempo. Explosions from confederacy and brahe ships and suits continually flash and strobe lending the sky and the battle an almost artistic flavour.

In the midst of the confusion the Chimera and the rest of the fleet enter the fray from behind laying in a sustained barrage at the larger ships


*Fully calm and composed Zak adresses his division as they hold their place at the edge of the battleground*

"Target only the capital ships, we dont want to risk hitting our own forces and concentrated fire upon the larger vessels will cripple their command points.
All Panthers hold the line and prepare to defend against any enemies who break away to engage us up close, the bigger ships will need all their firpower kept on their own targets"

*With a faint trace of whistfullness he watched the blazing light display and wondered just how many people had already given themselves for the cause in these first few minutes.*

Onboard the Hyperion Isaac watches the many display screens surrounding him filled with dots representing ships and troops in space and on the surface while others bring up reports from ships captains either giving information on how the battle goes or in most cases casualty reports of either side.

Sir. The Confederate fleet has started to regroup and are focusing on our capital ships. What shall we do sir?

Looking at all the displays Isaac had already seen all this as it had happened.

Use the smaller ships to launch a counter attack on the enemies other small ships after our own capital ships and have the capital ships that are under attack pull back slightly and use their longer range cannons rather than the short range weapons. Have our own suits assault the enemy capital ships. They should be able to keep out of the way of their slow turreted cannons easier than ships.

With the orders given the Capital ships begin to pull back slightly to a safer distance but keep firing with their long range but lower accuracy weapons.

As they move backwards thousands upon thousands of ships and mecha head forwards from the back lines to take on Confederate ships head to head.

-
Meanwhile on the moon the majority of flak cannons are silent either destroyed or because there is nothing in the sky to aim at with the majority of the troops now down.

Moving forwards the masses of assorted types of suits begin a slow march forward to the facility itself as the space Leos come out of their hiding places to engage the troops with hails of fire being exchanged between the two forces so that from space above the atmosphere less moon appears to be ablaze.As the two sides collide in the middle melee weapons are drawn and the battle for the moon begins properly with tens of thousands of suits locked in combat.

In the middle of the battle the immense form of the Tallgeese can be seen above the other suits with a space around it that suits fear to enter for the unfortunate Leos that do approach a fiery death is given to them either from beam sword or heat whip.

One of the guards comes up to Anthony and checks him for a firearm. Upon find him clean he nods to who appears to be in charge. He looks at Jack. "It seems you have complied. A very wise decision. Now please come with us to the bridge. Mr. Cosis would like to have a word with you."

A siren begins to echo around the bridge of the Sacrifice, and crew members rush to their stations all over the ship

What the hell just happened?!

Frigate group 6 fell out of position, sir. It appears the lead ship's nav computer malfunctioned... They accidently entered Confederate sensor range. Don't know if they've been detected.

*sigh* Right. Order all ships to battle stations. If they send something to investigate, it won't have a chance to send anything back.
Hm... and ready the Judas

Sir!

Is that wise? How will a MS help you co-ordinate the battle?

My crews are capable enough, I think. And anyway, one must be prepared for any circumstance.

Greg looks up at Anthony. "Sir, we have be ordered to move to battle stations."

Anthony curses to himself out of frustration. Today was definately not his day. "Just what happend?"

Greg chimes in again but his eyes remained glued to the comm console he's manning. "Apparently the nav computer for the leader of frigate group 6 malfunctioned. Now they're in the Confederate sensor range. It is not yet known if they've been detected."

Anthony moans. "Bloody brilliant...Alright I want this ship ready to attack at the drop of a coin. I want everything ready."

Greg nods. "Yes sir!"

Anthony collapses into the captains chair. He really didn't want some Confederate fools to come after his ship. It was much easier to go for salvage on the battlefield. Of course, Anthony was no coward and he was quite competent with a mobile suit. However he wasn't exactly the prime example of one with a fighting spirit. Besides, all he had was the Duel Gundam suit. The Mudrock hadn't even been complete, and it wouldn't be for a while. Oh well... He couldn't call this ship his own if he wasn't damn ready to command it. He'd fight if it had to come to that.

Jack noticed the alert.

Ahh... we're going into combat? An chance to prove myself for once...

It didn't seem as if he could help a lot though, the guards were still investiagating the TransVariable's nav computers... and Jack's MS, the Variable, was still in its cargo bay. And odds are, he'd be taking orders during intense combat; a thought that Jack hated. He always moved around independantly during his operations... he'd really like to meet the captain of the ship so that he could convey his story... but once again the guards were in his way...

*an aide leaves his position and hurries up to Zak*

"Sir! We have reports from Admiral Drake of the 7th devision that their long range sensors picked up unknown energy readings at point 50450. He thinks we might have a spooks incident"

"Unknown? There are then two possibilities, they could as you say be Ronin vessels but we cannot discount the possibility that the Brahe Forces have a suprise planned for us.."

*He turns to the man sitting quietly watching him from a nearby chair.*

"Sryaac I give the temporary command of the first Division over to you, I shall go and investigate this mystery Myself"

*The man nods without a word and Zak faces the aide once again*

"Tell the hangar to prep my suit before I get there."

"Is this rational sir? For you to go off when the task could be performed by any other-
-this position of command responsibility grates upon my rationality ensign. The only command I desire is to be at the controls of a mobile suit with only myself to rely upon and look out for. Goodbye"

*He swoops out of the bridge and heads off towards the hangars*

Sir... this is most unusual... there's a single, small signal approacing at high speed. Too small to be anything other than a mecha. Your orders?

When he gets into range, target him with the AA on this ship only. Order all other vessels to remain neutral. I want to test this pilot. If he turns back before entering range, let him go.

Aye, sir.

The Admiral turn to his aide

We've seen that a major part of combat appears to be duelling between leading combtans... do you belive that is what this pilot will attempt to do, if he survives?

I cannot say. It may just be a reckless pilot coming to check out the signals, or a challenge. It's hard to tell...

Hm. Prepare to move the fleet anyway. Let's head towards the Confederate lines, but slowly. Let's be rid of this pest before letting everyone know we're here...

The lead guard walked up to Jack. He had an untrusting look on his face. "Just how did you find us?"

"What do you mean 'just how'? You're there... your radar jammers are set at just a few frequencies. I use one that Confed barely uses at all; they save it for covert operations so that it is less likely to fall into enemy hands. Besides, I never found you; I found a MS patrol that must've strayed outside of their zone."

Jack was getting impatient talking to officers with no authority.

"I'm still offering my services, but if it's at this much hassle... I'll offer them as a mercenary."

*Heading towards the noted point at full thrust the Wing Gundam Zero Custom leaves the signs of combat far behind and the massive white wings give it the appearance of a Stellar Angel on a solitary crusade*

ADA: Visual Confirmation of the targets should be possible within 53 seconds, My readings are picking up increasing numbers of possible Hostiles as we approach.

"Thankyou ADA, Send out a broad frequency repeater transmission of the following... 'This is Grand Admiral Segall of the Confederate Second Fleet, please state your intentions and Identity. As unidentified vessesls you are Tresspassing upon Confederacy Space and as such are liable to be upon the receiving end of Violent Action. With love from the powers that be' end transmission"

ADA: From the programming and expereience I have of the subtleties of human communication I would say that there was a slight amount of un-official and patronizing inflection added upon the end of the message.

"You never cease to suprise me ADA, I didnt think it was possible for Artificial Intelligence to expand upon its programming by itself untill I met you."

ADA: Just remember to be carefull..

"How many times have you said that to me? Im still here aren't I?"

"Does anyone else know where we are?" The man stopped. The question was rather irrelivant now. The Confederates had detected us. He sighed. "Fine, the bridge is this way." He starts to walk to the bridge.

Segall?
Zak...?


This is the Tanis Expeditionary Force Super Carrier Sacrifice of Angels Be advised you are entering our airspace. Any agressive movements will be considered an act of war

The turrets on the Sacrifice target the Zero, as a hatch opens on the top...

Oy, that took long enough.

Jack took out a PDA and began running a program for diagnostics on the systems of Variable. He made a few adjustments, like entering in the locations of the two capital ships that he knew about into the mobile suit's map as friendly ships. He preceded to mark all Confed ships as enemies as well as draw up maps for their positions.

Ha, working for Confed was one of the better parts of my life... now I know everything I need to know that would help the Ronin engage them effectively. And I know exactly where those weak points are...

The man leads Jack through various hallways through the Polaris until the come to the bridge. "Mr. Cosis, this is the man from the TransVariable who requested to board." Anthony turns to Jack and looks him over. He expression remains indiffrent. "What's your name?"

"Jack Conway, former covert mercenary for the Confederation. I'm requesting to side with you. I've never liked the Brahe Imperium, poor tippers, and ever since Confed's gotten to destroy my personal life... I need a place to go, then I saw a patrol or Ronin MSs and thought, 'join the Ronin... you've heard about them under the channels...' And here I am."

"Hmph. Why should I trust you?"

"Well ADA I think that cuts off the possibility of them being Brahe secret forces. It seems we will finally make contact with these spooks.
Make sure you record all the data you can pick up on them"

*The Wing Zero continues foward and As the fleet expands upon his view screen Zak notices an Extremely long thin ship hanging at the middle of and dwarfing the other ships.*

"ADA send out another transmission - Tanis Expeditionary Force I am merely on a scouting Mission and request permission to board or speak to whoever is in charge. I am not here to perpatrate acts of agression against you unless provoked"

"Because, i have two things that I bet you didn't know. One: I've got all of the current locations for major Confed vessels in the area. Two: because they're also already in contact with the Imperium."

He held up his PDA so that the officer could see.

"It's time to strike. And if your admiral could see this, he'd know too."

He held up a disk.

"This disk contains the frequency I'm using on my transport's and my MS's radar. It's a frequency that allows any user to see any large troop deployment and capital ships that have either MS carrying capability, or the ability to support these ships. Would you say that you could trust me now?"

"Some very useful information, I'll give you that." Anthony stands from his chair. "However, we are not here to wage war and it is not up to me if we fight or not. Though I do plan on showing your information to the admiral...and if he deems it so you may stay."

"Understandable, but can I get back in my ship for right now? I need to tweak around with Variable, my mobile suit. It's gotta be changed back for operation in a zero-G environment. Those little optimizations make all the difference."

From the hatch on top of the Sacrifice, a mecha emerges. There's something very odd about it, stranger than most Ronin vessels. The armour seems to shimmer, and the large railgun on it's back looks like it could take down a frigate in a single blow.

On second inspection, it looks likes an evolved Valkyrie...

Gunnery Control, cease targeting that mecha...

Admiral Segall of the Confederacy... I am Admiral Hayate Sori of the Tanis Expeditionary Force. From what we've seen of your forces combat, you seem to have a code of honour, and cannot respect someone until you have seen them fight. It's an interesting ideology...

So, want to see what we 'Ronin' can do?

The Valkyrie lifts from the deck, and flies towards Zero in fighter mode

"Very well. But if I found out you've caused trouble you'll pay with your life."

"Thank you sir."

Jack walked himself back the transport. He looked from the bridge to the cargo hold. He thought about how what adjustments to make Variable run better. He went down and began to work on it, hoping that the MS will be tight as he gets out to zero-G. Whenever that will be.

*In The Admirals absence the ship battle continues, The 1st - 4th fleets now finding themselves under a sustained barage they nevertheless continue to lay into the Enemy.
This change of focus onto the other fleets however leaves the 5th- 10th devisions engaged in the melee more breathing space to attack the smaller vessels now that the big guns are pointing away from them.
At the orders of the various divisions admirals the majority of the suits now descend to provide the dwindling forces at the depot more support and leave the dog fighting up to the Strike ships.*



*Zak watches the suit lift off and propel itself towards him, With the two suits heading straight at each other the distance is closed in mere moments.
Zak Pulls out the Zero's beam sabre but doesnt activate it.*

"You have already informed me that any hostile actions will be a sign of war on your part, it is not for me to decide wether or not to initiate war with another force at this time.
However if you wish to duel I can bend the confederate laws of engagement. After all dueling is only a sport"

*At this he ignites the beam sabre and tucks the Zero's wings in behind him. Moving the sabre into position pointing downwards on his right side he extends the left arm in a welcoming gesture*

"Shall we dance?"

Down on the surface of the moon the squads of Confederate Leo’s begin to fall back slowly as their numbers dwindle as they are quickly irradiated by the onslaught due to the lack of any proper elite troops on the field to give orders or boost morale.

Still at the head of the attack Corvus in the Tallgeese finishes dispatching another unfortunate Leo.

At this rate we’ll be inside the base well before the battle in space is over. Then we’ll be able to return and help out there too. Evidently the Confederates underestimated the force that we would send to the moon.

After dispatching yet another Leo with a beam Sabre to the cockpit lights inside his own begin to flash as thousands of dots begin to appear on the sensors.

So they’ve decided to try stop us. They may even be some more experienced pilots amongst them. Finally I may get a challenge.

With the reinforcements coming in from space the Confederate Leo’s slow their retreat and eventually hold firm once more.

-
Sir. We have detected several large squads of Confederate mobile suits leaving the battle and heading for the moon. Shall we have some of our own break off and reinforce our own troops on the moon?

No. Leave them. We sent more than enough troops down as it was. The extra troops will probably only leave the numbers even and with Corvus at their head that still makes it good odds for us.

Sir. We’ve just had another report from some of the outlying ships. The Wing Zero was seen leaving the area of the battle and heading out into open space.

Retreating? No. Not him. Not leaving the rest of his troops behind. Then what is it? Have a ship deployed towards the sector that the Wing Zero was headed. I don’t want them to engage anything. Just silently spy.

Carl, despite having just desytroyed a mobile doll, went around and surveyed the area. If he was able to avoid a possible fight, he would. But he seemed to notice that the opposing force were not cooperating much anymore. In fact, they looked as if nobody was commanding them. And on top of that, there were less suits around. Carl pondered these questions and continued to stray away a little bit. But as he was doing so, he got struck by a cannon by another doll. It came as a surprise, and hit him in the right leg. Carl again tried to turn around but was not able to do so quick enough. The doll struck his suit hard across the face with it's giant metallic hands. Carl fought to stay on his feet. His mind was racing, this was the type of thing he most feared and again questioned why he was even picked to be a recruit. But nevertheless, it was now a matter of life and death. He went back a little to get some room and when he got the chance, shot out a missile from his shoulder. It hit the doll in the head and it fell. Carl now sat in the cockpit and tears fell down his eyes. He knew what he had to do when he got back on base after this battle was over.

What's the use... they won't let me go...

Jack finished the touches to Variable.. and he decided to start asking around for where the briefing room was. He got that information and quickly left for that room. He walked in and started using his PDA to upload the radar data to the dynamic map table. He started thinking about what route to take.

The Achilles had been engaged in the ground fight for it's entire duration, mowing down entire lines of Leos with its rifle. Now that the battle was starting to die down some, picking targets had become more tedious. There were fewer groups of targets to fire on and more individual targets--It was a good way to exhaust ammo without realizing it. After finding a nearby target, Reiche charges the unfortunate Leo and stabs it through the cockpit with his rifle. Without a second thought he fires out the other side, blowing a hole through the torso of a second Leo. The shot creates a horrible spray of blood from the pilot he impaled on the rifle, something rarely seen on the mobile suit battlefield.

HaVoK manned his MS in a styleinsh way. He had three enemies on his tail, and even as skilled a pilot as he was, would find it hard to keep himslef from being shot down. Quickly, he flew round and switched the MS off, all except the life support. There he stayed for just over a minute, when he saw an enemy approch, he waited till the enemy was right in front and then fully charged his thermite plasma projectile launcher, and fired. The suit disintigrated before his very eyes. He could se the pilot insifde, struggleing for air, as his systems failed and his air faded. HaVoK felt no remorse, it was the enemy that he had learned not to care for after all.
Swiftly he moved onto the next target. His MS 'Triod' was operating in stealth mode. and could only travel exteamly slowly in this mode, but HaVoK manooveed into the wake of the Enemy, and loaded up the Electronic surge Projectile launcher, and fired. An electric pulse ran through the enemy, leaving him defenceless, and then, HaVoK fired his pulse repeating cannon, destroying the enemy. He'd just taken two of the latest of MS technology, and hadn't evemnn a scra...
Briefly, he saw his MS engulfed in flame, before pain ran through his body, and all went black.
The third enemy flew by, and off into the distance.

HaVoK got out of his seat with an annoyed expresion. ''Whyh do they incorporate pain into VR training?''
'because you don't feel all cuddly when you get shot out of the sky kiddo' an officer behind him noted. ''you let your guard down, when you knew there was another one out there. in reality, you'd now be being used for KFC's extra crispy range''
HaVoK still had a week and some to go before he saw the action again. Even though the news reports were showing intence fighting, he knew, he wanted to go in, show the sons of bitches what you got for fighting with the confederacy. Still he'd been out of military action for over two years, and realy was thankfull of the VR training.
''ok danny, lets move on to another scenario, this time, don't screw up'' the officer ordered.
HaVoK sat down in the chair and put on his flight helmet, he needed the practice.

Kara Takahashi watched anxiously from the seat of her custom MS, the "Dreadwing", as Admiral Sori triumphantly maneuvered to strike the Confederate forces in his modified Valkyrie. She desperately wanted to join him in the heat of battle, but had been given strict orders not to engage the enemy unless commanded to do so by a superior officer.

"Arrrrgh! This is so frustrating! I want to go whoop those damn basterds' asses, and I'm stuck here doing absolutely diddly squat. I thought the admiral wanted me and the 'Specials' to assist him in this bout. Jeesh.......that's the last time I expect him to keep his promises. Now what am I supposed to do - just sit here on minimal power and watch as the Admiral and everyone else assaults the Confederate fleet? I WANT SOME ACTION, DAMMIT!!! Grrrr....."

As she sat there fuming, the boldhearted pilot codenamed "Ranmyaku" tightly gripped the main controls of her MS and hoped she'd receive some decent orders soon before she flipped out.

"You say he LEFT the fleet and ran off by himself?"

"To investigate an unknown enemy appearence..."

"Yes..yes..Inform me immediatley upon his return. Goodbye"

*Elizabeth thumbs the switch to end the long distance communication and sits fuming with silent anger.
After a few moments she stands and walks to a cabinet to the left of her desk. She types in a password and withdraws a large file which she returns to her desk with and sits back down.
The folders front baring only the figures 'L03' was folded out of sight as she opened the folder to withdraw the contents held within.*

"We shall have to do something about you Mr Segall.."

I confess my actions are more out of professional curiousity rather than agression... The culture of duelling in your Confederacy strikes me as amusing, that the fate of battles rests on a single, meaningless fight.

As the Judas hurtles towards the Zero in fighter mode, the rail gun pack is jettisoned, and the suit unfolds into Battloid mode, beam rifle at the ready.

According to what we've analysed, you should have the first move...

"Always a pleasure to meet a gentleman on the battlefeld. It can be comforting to know that holding the reigns of all those pumped up killing machienes is a person of courtesy and order."

*Zero's wings unfold and the suit puts on a surge of speed towards Sori with its head cannons laying down a wide spread suppressing barage more usefull for distracting the enemy then causing any real damage against advanced suits*


-------------------------------------------

*As the thousands of Mobile suits descend into the defense of the supply depot a brilliant white and pitch black model fly a different course heading for the large blue monstrosity decimating the ground leos.
The two suits touch down either side of their target, the white suit raises its large beam cannon while the black suit deploys several circular object to hover around in front of it creating an energy field.*

Sasha: This is the Yin.
Leanne: and the Yang.
Sasha: We've come to put an end to your massacre.
Leanne: We've come to give you something to do.
Sasha: Will you fight us?

In the middle of the battlefield Corvus and the Tallgeese stand to face their latest threat.

So this is the best they can do? They insult me. They send two little girls to fight ME? Foolish people. No wonder they keep on loosing the battles in this war. No matter. I will give me something to pass the time. Hopefully they wont die too fast.

Passing the beam sabre to the left hand the Tallgeese the picks up the Mega Cannon mounted to his shoulder with his right hand and points it towards the other mecha with the large cannon.

Very well then I will accept your pitiful challenge. Hopefully you two can give me more entertainment than these pitiful Leos.

Estuans interius
ira vehementi
in amaritudine
loquor mee menti

With blinding speed, the Judas blasts vertically upwards, firing a volley of thin blue/white beams from it's rifle as it goes.

Very impressive suit you have there, Segall... it seems to take the technology you use to the limit... Heh.

*The yin launches itself past the tallgeese towards the Yang and brings its sheild to bear infront of them both whilist the Yang Lets off of surge of energy with its Custom Beam Cannon*

Edit: Sorry bhaal after reading your next post i just realised i'd been getting my yin and yang mixed up here.

Sasha: Maybe our suits arent quite as technically adept as yours.
Leanne: But through the interplay of the opposing forces
Sasha: Making a single flawless whole
Leanne: We shall bring you down.

------------------------------------------


*Zak excutes an evasive roll in anticipation of the conter attack and reives a single glancing strike along the torso*

"This suit should never have been made, this suit was the product of psychopathic design. But I have neutralized its more dangerous systems"

*He manuevers the suit upwards after his opponent still clutching his ignited sabre*

"However I believe that a mans true colours become apparant when face to face with their opponent. Not engaging in marksmanship, anybody can pull a trigger"

Factus de materia,
cinis elementi
similis sum folio,
de quo ludunt venti

Ah yes, this will be that 'Zero System' I heard about... shame, that would make this fight more interesting.

The Judas flips back down to Fighter mode, and hurtles out of the way of Zero. When it reaches a safe distance, Hayate holsters the rifle on a leg, and pulls out a pair of sabres. When he ignites them, their eerie deep red colour is clearly visible against the ethereal blue of his suit

A sword fight, eh? How archaic.

Yet, you may have a point.

Quickly moving when he saw what was about to happen the Tallgeese begins to accelerate upwards using it's huge engines leaving a small crowd of unfortunate Confederate and Brahe forces to take the blast.

Before the blast has even had a chance to dissipate the Tallgeese fires it's own into the two suits although the shield of Yang blocks it.

Technically your suits are not that far behind mine but the suit is not all that matters. The skill of the pilot is what matters just as much as anything and I'm afraid you two that I have been at this a lot longer than you.

Cutting the engines the Tallgeese begins a slow, short decent gently coming to a rest where it had been moments before.

Your suits are designed for ranged space combat. I wonder how you two can cope in a melee.

Jettisoning the Mega Cannon to the floor pulling the beam sabre from its shield mounting again the Tallgeese quickly accelerates closing the distance between the suits in seconds and taking a swipe at Yin.

*At the advance of the Tallgeese the Yang surges backwards to a greater distance whilst Sasha brings the yins physical sheild up to block the blow before igniting it to reveal its own beam sabre. Using this she launches a volley of strikes against her enemy while sending the field generators back to protect the yang from other hostil fire.*

Sasha: You seem to hold yourself in in high regard and yet through all your battle experience you of all people should not advocate the mass use of mobile dolls.
Leanne: How can a war really be taken seirously when one side is mainly using toys to do their work for them.

-----------------------------------------


*Coming to face his now stationary target Zak halts the Zero's movement for a moment*

"We seem to seek the same values in combat Mr Sori, one might think we came from the same background or that under different sates of affairs we could be friends"

*Zak brings the zeros beam sabre round in a crackling green arc of focused power to come to halt against the red sabre of his enemy
as the two suits glisten from the reflections of the ongoing distant battle*

Using his own much larger shield Corvus deflects the blows and steps back slightly out of easy reach.

I find it strange for you to say that as you sit there inside a suit yourself. You use these things to protect you from the terrors of a true battle. I doubt you have ever been in a real battle. Without suits of any kind just hoards of men killing each other with shot and shell. The bodies of people being ripped appart around you with their blood spraying on your face. Have you even been in a war like that? I have. By using dolls people save themsleves from true horrors like that. The species live to fight and will carry on to do so no matter how terrible so instead we relegate it to little more than a game to keep people's lust satisfied and save them from horror.

Cum sit enim proprium
viro sapienti
supra petram ponere
sedem fundamenti

Hayate laughs, and kicks the Zero away

I will not deny that the name Segall appears familiar to me, but I do not belive I can have met you.

He begins to press an attack on Zero using both beam sabres to get around Segall's single one

Leanne: Our primiray role is as bodyguards
Sasha: So you could say we've seen our bit of real physical combat.
Leanne: And we've seen mutilation when our parents were ruthlessly torn apart
Sasha: But what use is it using mobile dolls? If everybody were to use dolls to fight then the war could never really be won. What nation is going to decide that after all their automated defences have been destroyed they will simply keel over and surrender?
Leanne: As long as the people remain they will come out to fight and so in the end all war boils down to humans, why bother with the dolls?

*Sasha lifts off with the Yin to begin a downward assualt in an attemp to hem in the Tallgeese while the Yang fires its cannon again*

--------------------------------------------

"Hah, the way the confederacy stupidley glorifies its admirals as militaristic celebrities I would be suprised if anybody hadn't heard the name Segall.

*Zak moves the zeros sabre in a flurry of forced defensive movements before engaging its thrusters to shoot it up and over the enemy and going for a full commitment arcing strike*

Using the superior speed of the Tallgeese Corvus quickly pulls off to the side avoiding both blows although coliding with a Condfederate Leo in the process sending the lighter Leo flying in the low gravity and bringing the Tallgeese to a stop. With the two opposing suits seperated and unprepared for the quick comeback the Tallgeese rams into the side of Yang sending it a few dozen meters back with a dant in the right side of it before it comes under control again.

You are right. Even those helpless and without weapons will find a way to come back and here we stand coming back at the Confederacy who has kept us down for so long.

With the Yang away slightly the Tallgeese begins its own series of attacks with its saber onto the Yin.

Stultus ego comparor
fluvio labenti,
sub eodem tramite
nunquam permanenti

You forget our isolation. Our government actively blocked Confederate transmissions... hence our current observations observations.

The Judas boosts in a back flip, and the sabre blades seem to switch ends as the suit flips, going for Zero's exposed abdomen

*battling backwards the Yin parries blow after blow through a gradually weaking defensive flurry, eventually a strike gets through and begins to dig deep into the active arms shoulder armour.
Struggling back up the Leanne see's an oppurtunity of an exposed rear and the fact that sasha was loosing. She stumbles foward and once again fire the cannon in a sustained burst at the enemys back*

-------------------------------



*The swinging strike from the front flip stops the danger of the opponents attack and then follows through by launching a pressing kick down to knock the enemy out of reach*

"But just who are you? Where do you come from? And why have you chosen to come here?"

Feror ego veluti
sine nauta navis,
ut per vias aeris
vaga fertur avis

A quick downward thruster burst stops the Judas in space, and Hayate deactivates both sabres.

I am Hayate Sori.
As for where, we call our world Tanis. Given the current size of the Confederacy, I would say it's about 60 light years from your borders. A fair journey.
And why? We came here to learn. We have been gone for so long, we wished to know what had become of our 'ancestors'. We came here to observe, and found a war raging. We may not have as large a fleet, but we make up for it in other ways.

What about you, Segall? Why are you here?

(Due to the lack of activity from other members I will be taking control of the Confederate moon forces in orange although the members on the Confederate side can come in and take their place and/or use them for their own means)

After striking into Yin various alarms ring in Tallgeeses cockpit showing what’s just happened. Taking the initial part of the blast the Tallgeese moves sideways and pulling Yin into the place where he once was leaving Yin to take the second half of the blast. With the superior armour on the Tallgeese it takes thankfully little major damage although some minor melting is obvious around one of the engines. Unfortunately though for the already damaged and weaker armoured Yin damage is evident although how much is major difficult to tell.

Well you were right that you two helped each other in battle but in the end you just get in each others way.

-
In the Hyperion on the bridge Isaac still stands taking note of how the battle is progressing.

Slowly but surely the Confederate force is slowing down and being destroyed. I think it may be time to launch a major assault.

Turning to one of the main screens with a crewman sitting at it Isaac looks at the display shortly before pointing at several markers on the screen representing small groups of ships.

I want all those ships to break away from their current positions and head for the Confederate flag ship. Without that there hopefully the rest of the fleet will dissipate and without their Segall gone then they wont know what to do although the loss will be less without his death added to those of the crew.

With his orders the crewman begins to send hails to all the appointed ships until he begins to get to the end of the list.

Captain Shadow break off from your current position and head to the co ordinates that I am about to send to you. Good luck..

-
On the surface of the moon as the battle between the Tallgeese and the twins continues the fight of the rest of the suits carries on. In the middle of the battle several of the Confederate suits break off and head towards one of the suits that seems to be in some form of command wielding a large sniper rifle they attempt to quickly close the gap.

Come on. If we can take down this one we’ll be heroes. Come on lads. CHARGE.

It seemed like Jack wasn't going to do much of anything. So he decided to take a look around with his radar system.

Seems like the fighting isn't going too good for Confed. Serves 'em right. That's the division that killed her... Anyways, I'm not sure if these guys trust me yet... I've given them the freqency... there's no going back now. I'm with the Ronin or I'm dead. That's it.

He took a walk back to the bridge and looked at the view screen. He saw the expance of space in front of him... it felt different now... he was treading on a new ground, a new path; this wasn't going to be easy.. but now he might be able to but some finality to his path. He knew it would come. He knows it now, his finality has been found.

((Please note: I still have at MOST, one more week to spend at camp, I will most likely be home by Friday at the latest, but today and tomorrow, I will post what I can, but once my activity stops, someone else, like Bhaal, can take over for my guys.))

New Profile (http://www.gamercrossfire.net/bb/showpost.php?p=9312&postcount=12)

*Captain Drake receives the hail and yells out to his men*

We just received a hail from Commander Isaac, you know what that means, MOVE! I want the commando forces deployed, revert all currently deployed mecha too the new positions!

*Shadow also earned commander of some special forces, it is not a large amount, as he has not mastered massive military movement yet, and is still learning from Isaac, who is not his designated teacher, but shadow admires him, and watches his tactics.*

Its time to show them the power of my new ship, the Damnation.

*Shadow turns his ship to the new coordinates and begins powering up his weapons*

We will hit them with all we have. They will tremble before me, and I will prove my skill.

*Shadow has finished turning the ship towards the flagship*

Deploy the final avenger! Show them its power. It may not finish them, but it will weaken them.

To self: I hope...it has been so long since a hardcore battle like this. But I have trained myself and picked out every flaw i had. My men are perfect, and so am I...

*The bottom of the Damnation opens up slightly and a long cannon is deployed from it, it roates slightly to focus on the target and begins powering up at the much less powerful long range guns begin to fire at the enemy flagship. Not doing much damage, but serving their purpose*

*Backing off at the cease in combat Zak deactivates his own sabre and hangs in space staring into the eyes of Sori's suit as if to look into the mans eyes himself*

"Why am I here? Because of the powers that be and my dependance upon having some meaning in my life.
I have no wish for power to control others, no wish to be the one that makes those descisions about who will die or live. Yet here I am at the head of ten million.
Why am I here? Because I have no where else to be, nobody else to run to and nothing else do. If the Military decide that I can actually be usefull then I follow their wishes.
Some could say I have become a mere puppet whos strings are held by those shadowy few with the real power behind the people. But I still hold my own head and can influence and nudge the situation to suit my needs.
Why am I here? The simple answer is because I have been commanded to protect this supply depot from the invading 'horde'. The truth however is that I put myself into battles for the feeling of belonging it brings to me. The feeling that fighting was what I was made for."

-

*Sasha stuggles vainly to move the damged arm but the blast had obviously finished off any internal cicuitry that the sabre had opended up, cursing savagely she grasps the dropped sheild sabre with her other arm before blasting off and upwards with the Yang following and laying in covering fire to aid their retreat*

Leanne: Had things been different we would have fought you to the death
Sasha: But we cannot risk oblivion while the guilty one still lives himself.
Leanne: Some day after we hve defeated him we may meet again.
Sasha: Untill then farewell, you have won the fight

I see. A puppet... sad really.

He takes a look at the data readouts on the screen to his right

It looks like your men need you. Go. We can resume this later.

...and I belive that it may be time for us to make an appearance aswell.

On the moons surface Corvus watches as the two suits take off and flee the battle. Picking up and reatatching the mega cannon a large force of troops come up having also broken through part of the Confederate lines.

Sir. We have managed to get through part of their lines and in other areas the Confederate force is beginning to crumble again although they're still mounting a sizeable resistance. What shall we do?

Looking around and taking a check of the battlefield Corvus' stare winds up on the supply depot's main buildings.

You and the rest of your men are going to come with me. We are going to see if we can get into the buildings now that we are past their main force.

Lifting off slightly the Tallgeese speeds its way across the open landscape of the moon unopposed as the small force quickly follows behind as they head towards their goal.

-
In space as the battle rages on the small taskforce finally assembles in its assigned meeting point and slowly begins cleaving it's way through the spread forces of the Confederate fleet as it heads towards the Confederate flag ship as slowly the siege weapons start to come into range and firing at the flag ship with limited accuracy but still doing damage with the ever hit. All the time moving steadily forwards.

*Yumi fires her beam rifle, trying to keep the enemy at bay. As she fires, an enemy catches her from behind and knocks out her rifle. It is a mobile doll*
Dammit! My rifle!
*She engages her sabre, and begins fighting the MD head to head. She is barely managing to block the attacks. She casts a transmission to another of her fleet.*
I need assistance! I don't think I can hold on against him any longer!
*As she continues to fight the MD, one of the other confederates takes out the MD*
Ally: Are you okay, Yumi?
Yumi: yeah, just a little out of my head.
*The ally says nothing, and the battle continues.*

*within a minute of blasting straight off on a direct course to the supply depot the zero arrives to witness the scene of a mass invasion*

"All troops this is Your Grand Admiral speaking, retreat to your transports and fight your way out of here. This depot is no longer worth your lives."

*He hurtles in a storm into the attacking forces in a scything mealestrom of destruction to distract the enemy from the retreating leos*

As had been previously ordered, the 'Ronin' fleet acends towards the main plane of battle, turrets already tracking targets on either side. In the centre of the fleet, the huge Sacrifice preps hundreds of mecha, and the Judas stands on top of the Sacrifice, watching the battle grow before it

*Yumi, hearing the transmissin, begines fighting her way out of the Melee, help the others if she can, whispering to herself, she says*
Corvus, I will make you pay. You won't get away with my sister's death.

From the Hyperions bridge a communications window opens up from Corvus.

The Confederate moon troops are retreating. What do you think should be done?

Take down as many as you can before they get back to space to help them up here but don't take any risks with it. Only engage them in small skirmishes we know we can win. They're on the run and will be gone dead or alive but I would like to keep as many of our troops down there alive until they are.

Looking over to one of the other monitors Isaac notes the position of the small fleet sent to the flag ship and sits back in his chair looking out the main window as the fireworks continue.

Sir. Another small fleet has entered sensor range and is heading towards the main battle field. What should we do?

It must be them. Damn. Hold fire. They may be neutral or even friendly but if they fire one shot at us I want them turned into confetti.

Carl walked around and is not battling. He notices that a lot if not all the Confederate troops are retreating. He is happy to see that they are ignoring him. He is eager to finish this battle and get back onto the Hyperion. He's shaking from nervousness.

*Elizabeth composes her face into her best argument killer and walks briskly into the council room, she takes her seat at the head of the table and faces the other members*

"I have called you together to discuss certain matters concering the current millitary organisation and deployment. I believe that those people at the head of our defensive and offensive fleets are being given to free a reign over decisions of a potentially highly sensitive political nature and have plans to bring the control back over to the safe hand of the government"

*A emotionless voice sounds up from Elizabeths left*

"Your ideas are interesting. How would you propose we go about this dramatic change of events?"

"A new set of rules and restrictions, imposed by suitabley agents planted in positions of power to oversee the workings of those admirals we see as dangerous"

"such as?"

"Zak Segall for one."

On top of the Sacrifice, Hayate ponders his actions

<Am I doing the right thing? Define right. If by 'right' you mean to bring an end to this combat, then yes. If by 'right', you mean to prevent the loss of life, you are wrong>

<They outnumber us... but most of their weaponry is beam-based. They will get a hell of a surprise when we show them our resonant armour. But, one cannot take sides, at least not yet>


As the Ronin vessels reach the main plane of battle, their armour seems to shimmer, and seems strangely ethereal. A stray beam slams into a Ronin frigate, but the frigate simply seems to glow faintly for a second, with only a small charred patch where the beam struck

Anthony stands from his chair, he hoped the captain was right. Regardless he was ready to fight. As profesional as Anthony tried to be, in truth he enjoyed combat. He hadn't ordered the construction of the Mudrock if he hadn't. "I'm going to the mobile suit hangar. I want my MS team there waiting for me. As well as that ex-Confed. we picked up. If he wants to be a part of our forces he's going to prove it to me." James nods and turns on the Polaris speaker system. "Attention all Polaris crew, The 1st MS Team is to report to the hangar ASAP. Jack Conway is also requested to report to the hangar."

Having heard the command to move out and prepare for heavy combat,
Kara Takahashi was overjoyed.

"At last," she thought, "I can finally show those Confederate assholes what I'm made of, and maybe avenge my father too. Daddy, I sure do hope you're with me this time - I'm going to need all the help I can get to go up against these odds. Hell, this is just how I like it....."

Noticing that one of the frigates had been fired upon, Kara frowned in anger. She knew that it was well armored enough to take the blast, but still - the strike was most uncalled for. Though having been ordered to be on standby with the other 'Specials' and remain alongside the Sacrifice, she didn't care. Whoever that stray shot came from which hit the frigate, was about to get a serious whooping from Kara. Using her keen eyesight, she pinpointed precisely where it had emanated from and piloted the Dreadwing straight for the location. It apparently was a lone Confederate MS pilot in what looked like a grungy old Capricorn in bad need of a new paintjob. She couldn't help but laugh when she saw it. For such an outdated and clumsy MS to be in use for heavy combat, the Confederate ship this pilot came from must be seriously depleted of all its best fighters - and the pilot was probably a mere rookie to boot. But just as Kara was about to get a hold of him on commlink to give him a warning, the Capricorn turned around and faced her with its weapon. Aiming some kind of massive Beam Cannon dead-center at her c*ckpit, the Confederate pilot caught Kara entirely by surprise and she had very little time to attempt evasive maneuvers to escape being burnt to a crisp. Putting the Dreadwing's thrusters to full and taking a sharp left, Kara rocketed away from the line of fire of her opponent - but nearly too late. The force of the maneuver caused her to go into a harsh roll and she was badly jolted around. Somehow, her shoulderstrap came undone and she was no longer secured in her seat. Finally coming to a stop within several feet of a fellow Ronin's MS, Kara assessed her damages while doctoring a bloody nose and gave a report to the Sacrifice on what had occured.....

"Dammit! Those Cofederate basterds are using subterfuge against us! I just nearly got my goose cooked by a mere Capricorn. This is Ranmyaku, lead pilot of the 'Specials', asking for immediate assistance and help in docking for repairs.......and......."

Noticing an odd discoloring of her jumpsuit, Kara grimaced.

".....and asking for immediate medical assistance as well."

Well, I'm already on my way to the hangar... Gotta see what everyone is using so I can stay a bit more uniform...

Jack started walking at a brisker pace now. He probably had a deadline to be there, and he knew now that he might actually see what the Ronin can do as a whole. His PDA beeped a three tone alarm. Jack flipped it up. It was a Confed request for services... with a mission attached... He downloaded the mission to his map databank and deleted the request.

Thanks for nothing, stupis arses.

Jack arrived at the hangar to find that Variable had been taken out of the transport. Problem was... there were no weapons on the mobile suit... he'd had to have to grab his cannon, sabre, and a mobile suit style energy pistol before the launch.

*With the majority of the confederacy forces succesfully clearing the area Zak decides its time to take matters into his own hands.
He withdraws the sabre from the midriff of an imobilized Virgo and launches away as the explosion consumes another nearby hostile. Soaring over the heads of the marching lines of enemy mecha he reaches the depots main complex and smashes head frist through the outer walls.
Inside the generator building he hovers upwards towards the centre of power and plunges the sabre into its midst before slicing sideways and around in a large arc.*

"Maybe if the enemy were only men what I am doing would bring me some remorse. However I have no qualms in obliterting dolls."

ADA: Reactor is critical, explosion and extreme chain reaction throughout the depot imminent.

"The goverment would no doubt wish the power supplies held here left untouched for a rescue mission but I see this as the only way to salavage any victory for this battle."

*As the surrounding building takes on a superheated glow the Zero activates its verniers and bursts away into space followed by the blinding flash of the energy being released and then the following explosions as power suply after power supply all over the depot ignite and overload.
From a distance Zak watches as the blasts spread out enveloping hundreds upon hundreds of suits in their midst*

"Yet however many insects you destroy the swarm may seem un daunted"

Jack finds a briefing area with pilots gathering. He walks over and leans against the wall instead of taking a seat.

On the bridge o the Hyperion Isaac sits and watches as the explosion on the moon expands in a dome of light.

Not surprising really. I would have thought they would have waited a bit longer until our suits had begun actually heading for the base although that's good for us as we loose only minimal amounts of suits.

Sitting in his seat watching the light show and the dots on monitors of the Ronin Isaac contemplates the next move.

Well I suppose it's up to the Ronin now. The Confederate forces are beaten although still fight on and the base is no longer an objective.

((having not been around for most of yesterday, I am going to guess as to what to do...btw, I am done at camp, they sent me home, I was un-needed, so i can participate with a more major role now, so don't ignore me anymore, i can play my own part.

Also, to make it easier on you, anthing in italics that is also blue is an order. Anything in blue not in italics, is just shadow speaking.))

*Shadow, noticing small transports shooting up from the nearby moon sends an order to his men*

Do not forget your mission, we are to attack the flagship, not anyone else unless they interfear, anyone who fires a shot on a not combatant will be punished severly, with 48 straight hours of flight combat training.

*Shadows large battleship closes in on the enemy flagship. Seeing the enemy force falling apart, he gains much confidence*

Issac better pay more good, or let me join their fleet officaly after this one, I hate playing the role of mercenary for them, it makes us both look bad...

*Shadow issues another order to his gunners*

This is Captain Drake speaking, cease fire of all unnessacary weapons, divert all of the power from them to the "Final Avenger." We are going to hit them as hard as we can with our big toy. Drake out.

And now, computer, begin target aiming sequence for the Final Avenger. Enemy ship class is 6 long-medium range, maximum fire power...

*After about 45 seconds, the energy exhaust ports of the Damnation begin to glow a bright blue-white color as the Final Avenger's barrel begins to glow also. The computer finishes it's targeting sequence stating a 98% hit percentage*

Fire....

*The massive cannon glows even brighter and then releases its massive beam, causing the entire Damnation to shake violently. The blue beam impacts with the enemy flagship. Not a direct hit, so it does much less damage than hoped for.*

Damage report...

Sir, it was a near hit, minimal damage was done.

98% isn't perfect than...

((Guys, forgive me if i seem a little too powerful, I just have this REALLY BAD habit of doing that. If it seems out of place, just tell me here, or on IM, and I will edit my post. Sorry))

<Hm... It looks like the Imperials have acheived their primary objective. But... I won't allow total annihilation of a fleet, no matter which side it's for. These Imperials don't seem like the kind of people to allow a retreat, after what we've seen before... but I cannot take sides>

All forces, Prepare to enter large-scale combat. Attempt to avoid their main missile batteries, we can absorb beam fire, but not missiles. Imperium forces are priority, but consider Confederate units targets of oppertunity.

The Ronin fleet moves so it faces the main fleet. Hayate smiles as he notes that his Sacrifice is longer than the Hyperion... if not taller.

However, not one ship fires.

*Drake stands on the bridge of the Damnation*

What the hell is that? A third fleet approching? Damn...Get Issac on the horn, I want to talk to him. I have no clue who these people are or if I should fire or not.

*A comm link is established with the Hyperion.*

Issac, this is Captain Shadow Drake speaking, I have no knowledge of this other fleet approching, shall I fire? Or continue pursuit of the flagship? I will continue firing on the flagship till I have your response. But do not take your time.

*The Damnation's heavy beam cannon begins to charge again, about to fire once more*

This time I won't miss...whoever you are.

*Suddenly, a small transport leaving the moon that was damaged and out of control runs into the side of the guns large barrel. Creating a large hole in the side*

Get me a damage report on that right now!!!

Sir, an out of control transport ship crashed into the barrel of the Final Avenger. Its out of commision for now, we don't know if it can ever be fixed or not. Your new orders sir?

I...Pull the Final Avenger back into its housing in the ship. Don't even touch it right now. Repower the long range artillery cannons, and continue to batter them with everything else once we get into range! DO IT NOW!!!

*The Helmsmen runs off relaying the orders to the rest of the ship though speakers. In a matter of minutes, the long range artillery cannons begin firing explosive shell like projectiles at the enemy flagship, exploding on impact. Many of the shots miss, but the ones that do it make it worth it. The Damnation continues to move forward.*

Sir, excuse me, but haven't you noticed that the enemy has not returned fire? Its like nobody is controlling it...((hint hint))

Yes, I have noticed this, but thank you for your input. They must have something up their sleves. Slow down to 50% speed and be prepared for evasion tactics at any second. But continue firing with whatever we are within range to use.

*From a distance a single streak of light can be seen making a purposefull path amoung the chaos as it approaches the Chimera and enters the hangar bay.
As the Wing Zero Custom comes to a halt in its deignated space Zak leaps from the cockpit onto the gantry, he sprints along and through the doors at the far end before swiftly making it to an elevator towards the bridge.
Upon arrival he is shocked by the confusion and dissaray*

"PEOPLE"

*Spinning to face him the personell look momentarily shocked then snap to attention*

"SIR, we are at your command SIR"

*allowing a faint smile Zak strides into the center of the room and gazes back out of the viewscreen towards the sudden intrusion of the Tanis fleet*

"I want a full regroup of the remaining forces using the chimera as the focus point, all ships are to assume defensive strategeys and upon no means is anybody to fire at the new arrivals to the battle.
Damage report on this ship?"

"Sir we have major surface scarring with multiple losses of gun turrets and breaches in decks twelve and five. however engines are still fully functional and the hyperdrive has sustained no damage."

"Then we shall concentrate our fire on the sunside surounding ships, cut a way out and then jump to headquaters. Inform all mobile suit pilots to be ready to board as soon as we reach a safe jumping point"

From the bridge of the Hyperion Isaac looks out as the Confederate forces begin to pull into the center and pull out from the battle.

It looks like this battle is soon to come to an end. Thankfully our losses have been minimal compared to theirs.

Steping out of the lift Corvus comes onto the bridge still decked out in his space suit wearing his helmet.

From what I've seen about the moon base there was quite a bit of damage to the base itself but some of the equipment, materials and suits are still in salvageable order either thrown clear by the blast or tough enough to survive the damage.

Good. Not a total loss at least. We'll begin the salvage of the moonbase and the surrounding area of space once the Confederates have retreated.

Looking at the screens the dots representing the Confederate forces begin to pull away from the middle of the battle.

Sir. They're retreating through one of the less heavily defended areas. What shall we do.

Have the ships in the way move out. They can't stand up to the focused fire power. Have the ships that are chasing the flagship pull back but see what they can do from a long range.

Depite no order being transmitted, the Ronin fleet changes position, to cover the Confederate retreat

Attention, Imperium fleet. The retreating navy here can be considered under our protection. I strongly advise you not to attempt to engage them.


---
On board his Judas, Hyate checks some of the readouts from the Sacrifice

What's the status of the Lucifer cannon? If the Imperials attack, I want to make sure that they get the message.

You dare threaten US? Foolish people. Very well. We have no plans to attack them anyway. We have won this battle as it is. They can run for now but they cannot run forever. Eventually they wil surrender or die.

At the commands of the comms officers the fleet slowly begins to pull away and come into formation around the Hyperion and their newly aqquired moon although weapons still ready to take on the small Ronin fleet should there be need.

That was not a threat, merely a warning. We do not wish to choose sides in this war, but cannot sit idly by. Until the Confederate fleet has left, we will remain here.

I belive you underestimate us. But, no matter. It appears that conflict will not be occuring. But if it does, remember that it is unwise to judge us be size alone.

*Shadow, ever listening to the radio chatter hears the cease fire issued to the Imperium ships and decides to concur, but not without chastising Issac a little*

If you are going to employ me, I expect to hear these orders from you. Not just by monitoring your signals. You never let me in on things the last time we worked together! Honestly...

*Shadow closes the comm link, not wanting to even hear Issac's response*

If he is going to treat me like dirt, then he will have to put up with the repercussions. Damn his imcompetance, he knows I want in on this, he knows I deserve a command posistion for my past work. Why the hell doesn't he do it. I am not a child anymore...

Sir, we have turned the ship around and retreated to a safe distance, we are currently on a defensive status. Awaiting orders...

Keep the ship at a safe distance until I receive instructions. If we are fired upon, move in and give them some well aimed shots from the heavy cannons. We don't want another massive battle flaring up. If the damn Avenger wasn't damaged we could kill their engines...

As the MS Dreadwing is towed into the Polaris for emergency repairs, the techs hurry to open the main hatch and get Kara out of it. The heat from the Beam Cannon blast which narrowly missed her had melted the hatch controls and a blowtorch was needed to open it up. Finally, after 10 mintues or so of work on it, the hatch was pried open with some crowbars and Kara was able to get out of her MS. Climbing down to the ground, she cursed loudly when she saw what damage had been done. And as an alerted Cosis comes to see what was going on, having heard most of Kara's 'colorful' report, he demanded to hear from her what the hell she was doing so far away from the Sacrifice where she had been ordered to remain alongside with her squad. Turning to face him, Kara looked frustrated and annoyed - blood still dripping down from her nose since she couldn't find a tissue for it.

"I couldn't let those basterds get away with shooting at us! Even if it was just a stray shot, sir. And if I hadn't of left I wouldn't have discovered that they're using camouflage tactics against us - imagine, if you will sir, a tiny beetle expertly wielding a Nodachi. That's how it seemed for me against that damned Capricorn just now. Damn.....F***ing Confederate.......ohhhhh....."

Suddenly, Kara closed her eyes and collapsed - falling backwards onto a tech who had just stepped behind her to examine from a distance some of the damage on the Dreadwing. The tech freaked out when he discovered she had gotten blood on his uniform and wasn't breathing that much, and immediately shouted for a med team to get her into the sickbay at once.

Jack's PDA beeped. He opened it up and read the alert.

"High energy use detected from Ronin vessel 'Polaris'. Casualities reported; unknown fatality count. Last reported casuality: pilot fainted in hangar after resque from a MS with a melted hatch, non-lethal status."

"Wow... What is happening there?" He began to use local satellites to get a figure on the action there.

"Battle at unknown status. Confed flagship is retreating. Ronin flagship is standing ground."

"Are you guys getting this?"

*With their new aims in place and the support of the covering Ronin fleet it is without further destruction that the 2nd Fleet breaks free of the mass of ships into open space*

"Sir, we are free to jump at your signal"

*Zak glances over at the navigator and nods before speaking up*

"Before we leave I would like to send a closed transmission to our apparent protectors. Addressed to Hayate Sori"


"Yes sir"

*Zak folds down his headsets mouth peice and gazes back out to the receeding forces*

"I have no knowledge as to what your motives are in covering our retreat, I do not know wether it was purley for our benefit or not but whatever the case. I Zak Segall place myself in your debt Hayate and I hope to see you again. End transmission"

*Zak then signals again to the navigator who initiates the jump procedure leaving Zak to stare out at the streaking lines as the crippled fleet heads for Earth*

*As shadow stands on the bridge of the Damnation, he watches the Confederate ships jump into hyperspace. His second in command comes onto the bridge.*

Sir, they have escaped, it appears that there was no clear victor, your orders?

Bring the task force back in, have them take off their suits. This battle is over...prepare to return to base...

Yes sir, right away sir.......

*Shadow goes into his quaters and begins filing a battle report.*

Why did we let them get away, we had them in the palm of our hands....

It appears our presence here is no longer needed. All units, space-fold to the edge of the system, to recover mecha, then we will jump to our rendezvous point with the Daemon and the ArchAngel

Energy ripples along the Sacrifice and the rest of the Ronin fleet, as the space around them bends. In the blink of an eye, the fleet and all it's mecha de-fold at the very edge of the Wayland System

As for you Segall, I will find you again...

"What the heck?"

Connection lost. Signal lost. Cannot reconnect to the Sol satellites. Connecting to Wayland satellites... primary system failure.

Damn, looks like I can't connect here... I might be able to try the back-up systems; but only if I can get out there and issue a change to just one satellite... He looked around and tried to find the commanding officer on the deck.

Watching the two fleets disappear into the depths of space Isaac watches until they have all gone in their flashes of light. Once the last of the ships are off the scanners he begins to move around giving minor orders to various crew before going up to the captains chair and opening the com systems too all ships.

Good work men. We have won this battle with thankfully little losses and although our main objective for capture was destroyed the fact that we have won the battle is more important and we have liberated another system from the Confederate dictatorship. Now we salvage, repair, rest and celebrate. There's a colony on the other moon and I don't doubt that it's full of pubs. Remember we have liberated these people not conquered them so play nice. Good work.

*Shadow receives the radio message and reports to his men*

You all heard the 'boss'. We are off duty for now. I am going to talk to issac.

*Shadow reopens radio commuication with the Hyperion*

Issac, I need to talk to you about something...serious. My men now also wish to have a part in this war against the tyrant confederation. They don't want to be known as the mercenaries that just helped out. They want their names to be on the records as part of your fleet. You need not admit me, but please, allow them the glory they most definatly deserve.

This can be worked out at a later time. But for now we have other things to do. Once we have settled down then we can discuss this.

As the fleet breaks up from around the Hyperion the vast majority begin to head towards the moon colony with in personel shuttles while a large salvage squad begins to head out into space where the battle had taken place to look for survivors or salvageable parts from ships.

Sir. I'm a bit worried about the men going to the colony. Don't you thinj that they may get a bit rowdy and not "play nice" as you put it?

I have little doubt that some of them will although I have set up some of our troops though as a peacekeeping force for the colony although they are well aware that they will be protecting them from us and much as the other way around.

Giving some final orders to a select few Isaac head for the lift at the back of the bridge.

I think that this place can run itself now. I though am off to the pub. Or one of them at least. Until I get back Corvus will be in charge but I doubt anything mcuh will need doing.

*Short scenes pass in a perpetual motion through Zaks unconsious dreamscape. The blur of colour and motion pauses for a moment to hang upon a idealistic winter scene of snow resting upon the fur trees surrounding the white sprinkled cottages of a small remote village.
Standing amidst the gently settling flakes a heavily dressed woman whos long raven black hair and cloak stands out in stark contrast with the immediate area.
From a first person perspective the scene bounces slightly as is wont to happen from the oscillating motion of a persons walk and the scene approaches the woman stopping inches from her up turned face and focused upon the shimmering deph of her eyes*

"Natalie, will you wait for me? Will you be here when I return?"

"I'll be here Zak, I promise you that. I just dont understand why you have to go.."
"Someday i'll be able to tell you, someday i'll be able to share everything with you."
"I love you Zak"
"And I will miss you so much. Hayate and I leave first thing at dawn, stay with me till then"
"Then let us rejoice in the night, let us hope for a far off dawn..."

*Zaks eyes snap open and he clutches at his heart before curling up and letting loose a single silent tear to traverse the contours of his face and fall softly onto his pillow*

"Who is she? I feel such sorrow that I can't be with her...yet I can't remember who she is. And Hayate? why, what can this mean?
Why do I have these dreams? Why must i be cursed with this perpetual feeling that I dont know who I really am."

*Yumi sighs as she sits in bed. She can't sleep, for yet another day goes where her sister is not avenged. She is drawing, a portrait of a young man siting in the rain. a tear fall from her face to the picture.*
Why must it be like this...? I'm so sorry...
*she coughes. It's not harsh, but it hurts.*
Heh, I should see the doctor befor this gets worst. Last time I didn't see the doc, I fell ill...
*she finishes the scetch and starts another, this time, the man is laying in a pool of his own blood.*
You will pay, Corvus... you will pay...

Indeed Isaac, I understand, when you are ready, please contact me as soon as possible. Shadow out.

Turn the ship towards the colony and dock in orbit over the largest city. We will take our transports down to the planet. The men have the night off, pilots must return by 2am, engineers must return by 12am. They need to work on repair on the 'Final Avenger'. I feel we will need it soon. As a terror weapon primarily. It is only worth using against capital ships anyway.

*The large ship turns towards the moon colony and slowly makes its way into orbit about the port city of which its name is not know, as Shadow has never been here before. Shadow disembarks in his private transport shuttle, which was outfitted with weapons as a precautionary measure to protect against bounty hunters and law enforcement of the confederacy, which does not take too kindly to mercenries who kill their government officals. On his way down, shadow gets lost in deep thought...*

"Why do I continue to fight like this, just to attain the glory of joining an actual fleet? For revenge against my former leaders? Or do I do it for the thrill of the game that I hunt. Am I that crazed that I only go on to kill? I have nothing else in my life except to fight. I live to fight and I fight to live. I have no family, no friends, no woman...I have nothing but war. My family was killed by the damned confederacy...I long to see my brother who esacped, but to where I know not. Maybe he too is a merchenry, in search of me. We are the only two that escaped that fateful day when fathers ship was boarded and they shot selena and mother and father in front of us. I remember Andy, he picked up a pistol and shot the officer and we ran to escape pods, his was shot by a small blast and knocked off course to another planet. While I landed safely. One day, when the confederacy is no more, and the fighting is over. I will find my brother, and we will travel space together as we did when we were children...."

Carl, having just heard the announcement by Lord Isaac, is beside himself. He has no intention of going out to "celebrate" in a few pubs that he hardly helped in liberating. He knows he must speak to Isaac, he heads for the Hyperion. Though he does not know that Isaac is also out celebrating. He lands in the loading dock and gets out of his suit, shaking. He walks around the halls screaming at the top of his lungs, tears falling from his face. "LORD ISAAC! WHERE ARE YOU?!" He grabs the nearest guy, shaking him, pleading to know where Lord Isaac is at. Yet they do not tell him. LORD. . . Isaac. . .

On board the Hyperion in the shuttle bay a crewman runs up to Isaac as he begins to get onto his personal shuttle.

Sir. I'm glad I caught you. There's a new recruit in one of the other hangar bays. He seems to be freaking out. We've managed to get him to calm down a bit but he just keeps calling for you.

Stepping down a few up the ladder Isaac stops and then turns to the crewman.

Have him brought here. I'll wait for him. Hopefully we can get him calmed down.

Carl grabs the nearest guy and begins shaking him. "I ask you again! Where is Lord Isaac?! I must find him! I must get OUT OF HERE!"

Running back down the corridors the same man that had spoken with Isaac returns ti the room where Carl was being held.

Lord Isaac is awaiting you in shuttle bay 1. It's right down the end ofthe hall. It's almost a mile so I'd suggest you get going and not keep him waiting. I don't see why he's agreed to see you at all so you must be lucky.

Cosis frowned as Kara fainted. He hardly had time for this. A med team pilled into the hangar and lifted Kara on to a stretcher. They then proceded to take the wounded pilot the the medical bay. There is a flash of light as the Polaris space-folds with the rest of the fleet. A beep sounds out and Anthony takes a comm unit off of his belt. He is answered by James. "Captain, we were ordered to space-fold and have arrived at the rendezvous point." Anthony mumbled. "Alright, I'll tell my MS team that the previous order is cancelled. I'll be at the bridge soon." Anthony turns off the comm unit and walks up to a group of five pilots. Four men and one woman. They talk amongst themselved until the see Anthony approaches. They stand at attention. The woman in the center speaks. "Captain, we have awaited you at the hanger as were your orders." Anthony nodded. "At ease, as you can tell we space-folded. Our combat status is over. I apologize for wasting your time. You can consider yourselves off duty until I give another order." The woman nods and walks off. "Oh and Amy." The woman turns around. "If you see Mr. Conway, he's part of your team now. So get aquainted." Anthony turns around and walks toward the bridge.

Carl stops and surveys the man. "Sh-shuttle bay 1? Thank you. . . "

Carl runs out, and without a care of going to go change to look honorable or anything, he stampedes down the hall. About ten minutes later, he arrives at the bay. He looks around frantically and finally sees a man who is tall and looks as if he works out daily. He was dressed in a lrge black cloak. He approaches the man. "I am looking for Lord Isaac. Can you help me find him?"

Standing around Isaac turns to see the person who was most likely the one that the other crewman had been talking about.

You have found him.

Walking towards the man Isaac comes within arms reach.

I take it that you are the person who was after me. So tell me. Why do you wish to see me so badly?

---Edge of Wayland System---

All forces, if all mecha are recovered, you may jump to our rendezvous point at your discretion. It's one day at maximum hyperspeed, and the Daemon should already be there. The Archangel is more distant, and will arrive a day or so later. Upon arrival, feel free to use the facilities aboard either of them.

We will remain here until the rest of the fleet has departed, brinnig up the rear.

Several frigates open up hyperspace gates, and jump though, whereas others remain close to the Sacrifice, hoping to save power by going through it's gate

"Tell me something, Lord Isaac. Do I look like the type of guy that could help you win this war? Do I look like the type of guy that will bring home a victory? I'm 17, I didn't even finish school yet. . . I DID NOTHING OUT THERE IN THE BATTLEFIELD! I avoided as many fights as possible, I only took down two dolls. And everyone knows that dolls are inferior to human suits. And NOW, there's a third party that is deciding to jump in! I never asked to enter this stupid war, I never really even cared about it. I just want to get OUT!!!" His face turns red with rage and tears fall from his eyes. "I cannot fight! I'm a nervous wreck! I dunno WHAT your computers might have told you that you decided to recruit me, but I hope you saw me out there and agree I am better NOT fighting!"

*Zak stands looking vacantly into his mirror as he dresses, his mind elsewhere. Breaking through the cloud of his thoughts is the high tone signalling an emergeance from hyperdrive, he hurriedly pulls on his jacket of office and speeds from his quaters to reah the bridge while raching for his comlink.*

"Whats going on?"

"We received orders from command sir, we're to rendezvous with Grand Admiral Dalaas third fleet at these coordinates. Sorry you were given no prior notice but we only just received the message and would have overshot the target had you been consulted."

"You acted well, i'll be at the bridge in a minute"

*He steps out of the lift he had been ascending in and out into a short corridor, through the door at the end and steps into the bridge. As he reaches his chair the view screen flickers into life to reveal the ageing cheerfull yet dangerous face of Francis Dalaa.*



"Good Morning Zak, sorry to interrupt your beauty sleep"

"Don't worry, I was already awake. So Fran, why are we here?"

"You always were one to cut straight to the point. Well, the mission assignment is to merge my fleet with your remaining forces and stage an invasion upon a Brahe Imperium ship yard. However..."

"Oh no, dont give me that expression, nothing good ever comes out that mouth when your wearing that expression."

"Sorry Zak, Ive had to bring an umm...'Advisory Officer' along for the ride. Orders from the Cheif of State, it seems they think it's time you had a babysitter."

Standing silently for a minute Isaac stares at Carl.

So you don't want to be a soldier then? Most people your age are all too willing to go to war to hunt for glory. You were likely selected because of the generalisation about people your age. Things are always easily sorted though.

Walking back up the ladder of his shuttle Isaac turns to Carl once more.

Come down to the colony with me and take some time to relax and think. Someone like yourself must have some skills. An engineer or a member of the bridge crew or any number of other jobs. Come and we'll talk about it.

He follows Lord Isaac, reluctantly. At the same time he's wondering what gifts or skills does he have? Once inside the shuttle he asks: "And what if I don't have any skills, sir?" He sits there pondering his own question. "H-how far is this place we're heading to?"

*Shadow enters a tavern with one of his secretaries*

I want you to notify me immediatly if we get word of Lord Isaac's ship entering the colony at all, and I want to know where he goes. I must speak to him, and this is the BEST time. Everyone has calmed down and wants to relax. He should be at ease for the moment. So let me know IMMEDIATLY.

Aye aye sir. I will keep a close eye out.

*Shadow sits down at the bar and orders a drink and slowly sips it. He also eats the shaved ice in it as it calms his nerves.*

Been a long day....

The colony is probably half an hour away at most. We should be there soon.

Getting into the main section of the shuttle the luxurios interior.

As for your skills everyone has something that they are good at. Can you fix things? Pilot ships? Operate Radar?.

"Operating Radar. . that sounds interesting. But I can fix things. I've been fixing things around the house since I was 5 and it's not small stuff either. My dad made me go to work with him and fix random items that broke down. But please, sir, explain operating radar."

*Upon hearing the signal. yumi rushes toward the bridge. As she runs, she has to stop to cough. She has woken up late, both from staying up late, and from developing a cough and refusing to see the doctor.*
Admiral is going to KILL me...
*She recovers, and continues to run to where she needs to be, and to get her orders, though thuroghly panicked from waking late.*

Operating Radar. You just sit there on the bridge of a ship staring at a screens with dots representing all the different ships and all you have to do is tell the captain or pilot if something worthwhile happens like some more ships have come in or you're too close to another ship. It's a simple job but you have to stay alert. Fixing things though is a lot more useful. There are many things that are always going down on alrge ships or need rebuilding or upgrading.

As the shuttle begins to take off the loud engines echo through the ship and begins to quiet agains once in the vacuum of space.

We will see what's going to happen. You may be able to work both at different times if you're interested but we'll sort out the details later. Soon we can go and have a drink with the men.

*The secretary returns to the tavern where Shadow is still sipping his cola.*

Sir, we have detected Isaac's shuttle, it is coming into this very town. We assume he is coming here, as this is the best tavern in town.

*Shadow perks up from his drink*

Wonderful, thanks alot. You are dismissed until the time i designated earlier.

*Shadow thinks to himself*

Even if he doesn't come to this tavern, he won't be hard to find. He won't go to a run down bar with thugs and the like, I know him, hes not that kind of man. Or at least he wasn't three years ago...He seems to have class about him. He should come here. Finally.

*The secretary runs back in*

Sir, I forgot to tell you, we took the liberty of hailing his shuttle and requesting he come here when he is finished with his business.

*Shadows head sinks*

Now why did you do that? I didn't want to seem imposing for once....Oh well, the past is behind us. Dismissed.

Carl presses his forehead againsta nearby window. "Is that the place? Do you have a special pub in mind? There seems to be a lot. . " Looks closer at the colony. "Someone seems to be waving us down. . . "

Leaning over to look out of the window Isaac see's the person too.

Well we may as well see what they want at least. Next time though they should probably just use the radio. I suppose I had better tell the pilot.

Getting up from his seat Isaac dissapears into the shuttle cockpit as shortly after it lands at one of the docking ports close to the person who was waving at them. Once at a stop Isaac returns from the front to Carl.

Well we had better see what they want. Then we should go find a bar or something.

Going to the door of the shuttle they find it already open with the steps in place put there by some of the landing crew. Outside the shuttle and down the steps the man who had been trying to get their attention from inside the shuttle stands waiting.

My Lord. I am here on behalf of Shadow. He wishes you to meet him in one of the local taverns.

Him again. Well I suppose we may as well. Take us to him then.

Walking off down the streets the three of them head towards the tavern to meet with Shadow.

Carl runs to keep up with Lord Isaac, as Isaac is taller, he has longer strides. "Who is Shadow? And what could he want?"

Minutes after Segall and Dalaa finish their video conference a transport shuttle bearing the new Advisory Officer leaves the Basalisk and sets in a course to the nearby Chimeara.
All around the Flagships the maintenance vessels accompanying the 3rd fleet set to work to repair the war torn 2nd's remmnants.

*Zak stands in the sealed off waiting area of the Chimearas main ship landing bay accomanied by a full ceremonial honor guard bearing their traditional staffs and wearing their impractical robes of position.
The shuttle soon arrives with the airlock initiating behind, it sets down to lower its landing ramp and releases Francis Dalaa and the man who must be the new idea. The two make their way onto the bay floor as Zak and the guards walk out to meet them.*

"Ah Segall, what a pleasure it is to finally see the man himself. I have heard so much about you"

*Zak takes a moment to survey the man before replying, he shows all the signs of an aristocratic position and most probably an upper class upbringing. From the pristine clothing to the well groomed head and the way he managed to look down his nose at Zak while actually being shorter than him.
Zak took an immediate dislike to him as he did with all people who automatically assumed themselves to be a better person before they got to know anybody.
Physically the man stood at about 5'8" and was verging on plump, he looked around his mid forties and had slick jet black hair that could have been dyed as it showed little trace of gray. The mans eyes were stoney cold but gave off the impression of vast self confidence without much trust in anything else.*

"The pleasure is all mine Mr ..."

*A faint smile flickers over Dalaas face as she watches Zaks discomfort at having to treat a politician with respect before she interjects on his behalf*

"Uh Mr Gregovitch. However we have little time for formalities, we must get to the basics as we are scheduled to jump at 2100 standard space time."

"Well then, I shall lead you to my office"

*He turns to head off as Dalaa falls into military step beside him leaving Mr Gregovitch to hurry along behind*

Seeing that Carl is having a hard time to keep up Isaac slows his pace a little to drop back beside Carl.

Shadow is a mercinary that works for the Imperium and has for quite some time. He's been pestering me lately to recruit and become a member of the Brahe Imperium officially rather than just a mercinary. He's one that's in this war for the glory like so many others but have little understanding of the "why?" of it all.

After going down several more streets and turning several more corners the man who had been leading them stops in front of a large building.

This is the place. I have other things to do so I'll leave you two to it.

With the man running off the two of them enter the building and walk into a wall of noise as hundreds of Brahe troops celebrate although all turning and giving a bow or a salute to Isaac once their drunken state allows them to notice who he is and parting before him as he looks around in the crowds for Shadow.

*Shadow sees Isaac walking and gets up to greet him*

Deeply sorry my lord, I did not tell them to bring you to me. I did not want to be imposing, I was going to find you. Please forgive me...

*The group sits down and Shadow orders Isaac and Carl drinks*

Well I assume you know what I would like to talk about. But I will just refresh your memory.

My men and I long to be memebers of the Brahe Imperial Fleet. As you remember, I worked within the fleet in the last war, but no officaly, as I was never given a rank. I was not very skilled back then, but I help as much as i could. And now that I have trained for extended periods of time, and have become known as the greatest merceny this side of earth, I would like to have the honor of joining your fleet once again. This time with full enlistment honors. The same with my men, they would like to be a part of the special forces. They are well trained, and hard-charged. They live to fight.

My ship itself would also be a great asset. It is decked out with all kinds of weaponry, from conventional to lasers. It is just as useful as my men.

What do ya say sir?

Sees Shadow, but not before scanning the room at all the bright faces, each having a mug in their hand full of a gold liquid. "Mr. Shadow, sir. . sorry to interrupt, but I'm not sure I'm old enough to drink."

I assumed that, I don't have alcohol either. I ordered us all colas. I am against heavy drinking. I only drink at formal occasions, and i drink so little. Drinking weakens the body, in doing so weakens the mind, which makes you a less effective person.

*Yumi manages to get to her waiting squadron. They are all in uniform, while Yumi is not. A woman, about Yumi's age, with red hair and hazle eyes, looks up at Yumi.*
???: What are we to do?
Yumi: we are going to the simulator units, Karina. We need a little practice... and besides, if Admiral finds out we've been cutting out on our training, he'll kill us.
*The squadron makes it's way to the simulator units. Karina, however, walks along with Yumi.*
Karina: Are you okay? You seem a little pale.
Yumi: Yes. Just a little cold. *she coughes. The coughs are getting worst.*
Karina: Are you sure? If we go into battle and you pass out, you might be killed. I know you want to avenge your sister's death, but she wouldn't want you to die because of carelessness.
*Yumi stops walking. Her eyes are full of tears.*
Karina: I-I'm sorry...
Yumi: *she wipes away the tears and smiles.* n-no. It's okay. You're right... After the practice, I'll go see the doc...
Karina: Thank you. I wouldn't want to lose a friend to any Brahe scum.. and, Yumi..
Yumi: yes?
Karina: You need to change into uniform... I don't think the admiral would be too happy to see you looking like a gothic in the simulation room...
Yumi: *rolls her eyes, trying to hide her embarassment* Allright... you caught me... I'll be with you all in a minute... *she goes to change into uniform, cursing how stupid she is to forget something so simple.*

Picking out a person other than one of the Brahe soldiers from the crowd Isaac holds him to a stop.

Excuse me but what is the minimum drinking age for this colony.

The man looks quickly at Isaacs uniform and even in his drunken state gathers that he must be someone of importance.

W...w...well sir there isn't one really. One was never set. If yer parents said you could ave a drink then ye cud.

Thankyou for that.

Letting go of the man he wonders back into the crowd unaware that he had just been speaking to the probably the most powerful man in the known galaxy.

Well there you go then. Round here you can. You can enjoy yourself.

Turning back to Shadow Isaac stares for a short while.

I think that putting you and your crew straight into the elite forces will make you very unpopular and there's nothing even I can do about that. What I will do though is enroll you into the special forces although your entire crew will have to be enlisted as regular soldiers at the bottom of the ladder although they will all be under your control so it wont matter about that although when I need them they will have to answer to the chain of command. Do you agree to the terms?

"No thank you, I think I'll just take the cola." He takes a sip of his drink and listens on about what Shadow and Lord Isaac are talking about. At the same time his mind is racing over what he spoke with Lord Isaac about on the shuttle. Could he help build and fix items, rather than be out there fighting?

My crew being on special forces I like. But what rank am I being instated at, I personally think me also being entered as a regular is too low...

Also, I don't want any of your current elites harrasing my men until they see how good they are. I can assure you my men will deliver. They have in the past, I would expect no less.

All we need now is my new rank...

*Shadow gives Isaac a precarious look. For he thinks he will be given a lowly captainship so that the others in the fleet can treat him like a toy. Even though he is sure his skills also surpass that of many of the higher up commanders. Maybe even some of the admirals. He doesn't expect a lot, but he doesn't want crap either.*

I think you haven't understood me. You alone will be entered as a member of the special forces. Your crew will not be. As for your rank within the special forces as far as they go you will be on the bottom of the pile but as far as regular ships captains go you will not be above them but nor will you be below them. You are going to be much more independant than they are.

*Leaning back in his chair at the small corner situated conference table Zak closes his eyes as a moment of silence falls. For the past two hours the two grand admirals had sat going over details for the offensive movement.
For the most part Mr Gregovitch had remained silent and listening but he had interjected at points with strong disagreements to certain decisions.*

"So as I see it Mr Gregovitch you would have us loose this battle."

"Mr Segall, Outright attack will be seen as an act of senseless aggression by people all over the confederacy, We must make an anouncement and set terms of surrender previous to engagement so that the Brahe forces can't be seen as abused."

"Forgive me if im mistaken here but the usual idea of a suprise attack is that the enemy is 'suprised'. I would say that giving them a wake-up call first would pretty much defeat the point."

*As if he feels his authority is being undermined the mans face reddens and his tone increase slightly in anger.*

"Need I remind you Mr Segall that I have been given full power to set the orders for this mission and that anything you decide must be verified by me?"

*Zak sighs and decides he's had enough*

"Need I remind you Mr Gregovitch that I don't give a rats arse what you think, I am not going to risk the lives or what is left of my people so you can play your pathetic political games."

*Dalaa looks shocked and scared*

"Zak! step down, you dont know what these people can do to you. They can rip you of your position in an instant and make the rest of your life a misery."

*With a dangerous Smirk on his face Mr Gregovitch stands and makes to leave.*

"Don't worry about him Dalaa he'll have his job for the time being, however he seems to have shown his true colours now and my superiors will be very interested to hear about it."

*With a backward glance at Zak the man exit the office and the door slides shut behind him*

"Hah! Do you know what a blessing it would be to be rid of this position Dalaa? Do you know how happy they could make me by setting me free. But no they still need me, they don't have anybody else to take up the position."

Excuse me, I did misunderstand...Everything sounds good to me. But what exactly do you mean by "more independant'?

((I am not trying to drag this out, I honestly do want to make sure I understand everything. And negotiations never go fast))

Well as a member of the special forces units you will have more free choice as to what to do in battles and where you want to go during other times rather than simply being told that you are going to be doing something somewhere.

Ok, sounds alright to me. What will the men refer to me as? Captain, or by my name? For once I would like to have a true rank.


And that is my last issue.

(I'm off on vacation for a while now and I may or may not have internet there so you may have to go on without me for a few days. I should be back by Tuesday.)

The specials have no official rank. They merely are and their importance withing the organisation is decided by Corvus their leader although even that is just his personal whim at the time and nothing to do with seniority. Although you are the captian of the ship so you are still "captain" officially in that respect and will be reffered to in such a manner by all personel on any ship. Well if you'll excuse me for a while there are some things I need to check on. I may or may not be back later depending on the circumstaces.

Getting up Isaac walks out of the building with crew saluting in his wake.

Carl sees Lord Isaac walking out. He turns back to Shadow. "I-I have a mobile suit. What kind do you have? I don't think I'll have much more use for mines though, I may be going from soldier to mechanic on this ship. . . Doubt I'll use my suit much. Must be an honor to be part of the special forces, but what's it like being a mercenary?"

((Do we have permission to take control of Isaac or Corvus if it is nessacary for story continuation at the moment? I guess toryu or nem could answer this...))

My mobile suit? Oh, its a custom, I even named it, its called The Calamity, a fine ship if their ever was one. Two shoulder mounted miniturized blaster cannons. They have the power of a medium sized ship mounted cannon. Very useful in close and long range combat. I stole the ship from a Brahe captain I killed before I defected to brahe's side in the last war.

I never liked it too much honestly. Free-lancers tend to make bad names for everyone. I am one of the few good ones. I only work on a job that I agree with. My men and I have high morals unlike many other mercs. We strive to improve the universe by taken out the evil confederation. We do not needlessly kill unless warrented.


But in general, its very exciting, their are head-hunters out there from the confederacy being payed a lot of money to get me and my men all killed. None of them have our exceptional skills thought. Its quite amusing when they send a novice out to try and skill someone who invented the techniques he is using.

*Shadow chuckles slightly, trying to lighten the mood*

So your going to become a mechanic eh? Thats cool, I started out as a mechanic three years ago. Specialized in weapons repair and design. If you couldn't already tell by my ship and mechs design. Mechanics are very important people, they make it possible for us pilots to fly. Without you, our ships and suits would fall apart. They play a pivitol role in any battle. Doing on the spot patches until full repairs can be made is a much have skill. You must be able to think outside the box, and use what resources you have with you. I sometimes like to hang out with the mechanics on my ship, and help them out, reminds me of my simpler days working in the gun bays. If you ever need a help or advice, gimme a call, I will see what I can do.

Hey, I got an idea, maybe you can work on my ship! You ask Isaac if that is okay, I would be honored if ya would work with me. I see a bright future for you in mechanics. Maybe someday you will take my path and become a warrior. Don't worry, I started off with a crappy suit like you had during todays battle. In times of war, theft from the enemy is warrented whenever needed.

But seriously, see if you can get placed on my staff, I will have one of my assistants send a message to HQ tonight. Now that I am part of the fleet, you can be stationed with me. HQ has to listen now, they can't ignore me cause I am a merc anymore.

I am going to be heading back to my ship now. If you need transportation back to your own, or you would like to stay on mine till we get back home, I can provide you with transportation also.

*Shadow gets up from the bar and steps towards the exit. He stops and turns to carl.*

Well come on now...

Carl gives a weak laugh at hearing Shadow say he might become a warrior someday. He then finishes the last of his drink, gets up, and follows Shadow out of the place. This is much appreciated Mr.--err, Captain Shadow. Thank you for allowing me to fly with you. You were a mechanic before, ay? Well, I'd be honored to be part of your staff. Thank you again, sir."

*Shadow trys to keep the conversation goin a little on the way up to the ship in the shuttle*

You never know if you will end up fighting one day or not, if your anything like me, the stories the warriors tell of the exciting battles and glorious victories will draw you to wanting to fight. If you ever wanna have some fun, I can let you use my ships on board simulatiors. My pilots use them all the time. Nowing how to fly a ship can help you when fixing one in some ways.

((Amazing to see you were able to read my character's mind, Shadow. =P))

"I'll never bring myself to go back out there again. Simulators though, I guess I could work with. Especially if, like you say, it will help me to understand how to fix a mech. Anyways, aren't we w-wasting time? Where is your ship?"

Meanwhile, in the medical bay on board the Polaris, Kara Takahashi slowly begins to regain conciousness to find herself in the intensive care unit. Noticing that she was hooked up to several monitoring devices, she worriedly looks for a doctor or nurse around to inquire about her condition. Finally, after a few minutes, a doctor came to check on her and she was able to speak with him - a rather nervous tone in her voice.

"Doc.....what the hell happened? I thought all I had was a bloody nose and some cuts and bruises. My whole body aches and my chest feels like some damned idiot nearly stepped on it with a MS, not to mention the fact that I'm feeling so f#cking exhausted right now. So.......what's wrong with me???"

The doctor took off the glasses he'd been wearing to clean a smudge on one of its lenses, and while doing so he responded to Kara's query.

"Well, Miss Takahashi....."

"Just call me Kara." she interrupted.

"Kara, well I'm sorry to inform you of this but you also had 2 broken ribs and a third that was nearly crushing your heart - not to mention a small amount of internal bleeding. You were wheeled into surgery as soon as this was discovered. So far since the surgery was completed you've been unconcious for about 9 hours or more. We were actually beginning to get a little worried that you might have slipped into a coma. I'm very relieved to see you're up - but I'd try not to move that much in your condition. You need to remain bedridden until your ribs have fully healed. Oh, and by the way, all pilots have been ordered to remain off-duty until further notice from the Admiral. So no need to worry about 'missing out on the action', if you know what I mean. I'm going to go now, and a nurse will come by shortly to help make you comfortable and assist you with anything you might want. I suggest that you relax and do your best to recuperate - no trying to get out of bed in the night and such. I'll see you later, and please do relax..."

The doctor put back on his glasses and after making several notes on a clipboard he'd been carrying and checking Kara's monitors, walked away. Though frustrated and greatly annoyed that she was put on 'standby' status by the Admiral (which was soooo boring), Kara was concerned about what had happened. How the hell did her shoulderstrap come undone? Something definitely fishy was going on - she always made sure her straps were secure before even leaving the hangar in the Dreadwing. This might require some serious looking into.....

*Shadow opens up the metal blind on the window and points to a large, ship covered in black hull plating, their are technicians hovering around the very bottom of the ship near the bay where the Final Avenger deploys from. Small lights can be seen where the engineers are welding sheets of metal over dents and scratches. While on the inside, even more men are working on the Final Avenger itself, fixing the large hole in the massive blaster.*

That my young friend, is my ship, The Damnation, it has more firepower than many of the Fleets capital ships. It was made as payment for a huge year long job I preformed for the Castian government. Castia is a colony on the outskirts of confederate space, directly outside its control. I went head hunting for some confederate officals that were planning to take over their colony. The ship is entirely to my specs. It has short and long range weapons. And one massive laser cannon called The Final Avenger that I also received as payment. I can cut a massive hole in the hull of any ship. Not strong enough to kill, but quite powerful anyway. I try only to use it in serious situations. It works best as a weapon of terror though. Many people submit apon setting it and picking up its massive energy signiture as it powers up.

That is one of the first things I want you to work on, but not until you have been trained in repairs.

*The shuttle enters the docking bay of the ship and the two get out.*

Admires the Damnation but then realizes something. "We're not going to the Hyperion? Um, sorry if this is a problem, but all of my personal belongings are the Hyperion, and is it just okay for me to change to another location? Sorry if this poses another problem, but I don't fancy flying my mobile suit either. Is there another way we can transport it to your ship?" Smiles weakly.

Sure, I can fly it. I haven't flown a suit in weeks. I wanna test it anyway, see if I can make it better. ((He actually means increase its speed and then deck it out with guns.)) And we can just give you a shuttle with increased engine speed to transport your stuff. And don't worry about the move, I will radio your ships CO and inform him that a transfer was made for training purposes.

Take this shuttle, I was using experimental engines on it, don't worry, its safe.

*The two get in and they speed off to the Hyperion*

"Very well, then. I must warn you though, from what I've seen, my mobile suit is a very old model. Probably been in storage for a few years and collected dust." The shuttle flies off and within minutes, lands in the docking bay on The Hyperion. "Okay, my mobile suit is number. . ." Checks paper in his suit, which he was using from battle, he didn't bother changing. ". . .FA-78-1. Well, I'm off." Carl hurries off down to his quarters and gathers all of his belongings. At the same time, Shadow is off speaking with his CO explaining Carl's move and why. Shadow then proceeds to Carl's mobile suit and powers it up. Shadow radios Carl telling him he is ready and just waiting on him. Carl doesn't reply back, he picks up the last of his things and speeds out of there. He jumps into the shuttle and looks around examining the panel. He powers it up. "I'm ready here." With that, Carl is off.

Ok then, lets go...

*Shadow powers the MS and heads off towards the Damnation. Noticing the MS is amazingly slow and hard to handle.*

I am gonna be blunt, this thing SUCKS. It is slow, and unmanuverable. Its horrible. The computers respond with delays. This is gonna take some work. I will work on it myself in my free time, and you will oberve and help, its good practice.

*After what seemed to be amazingly long, the two arrive at the ship and dock. Shadow sends the MS to the service hanger*

To an Engineer: Hey, could you clean that thing off? Its horribly dirty...

Ok Carl, your room is down this hall, its number 206, about 7 doors down. When you are settled in and ready, come to the bridge, I will give you the quick tour...

*Shadow quick steps off to the bridge.*

"This ship is smaller than the Hyperion, isn't it? Hmm. . I have to walk about a mile just to get to the docking bay on the Hyperion. But I guess this is better." Carl walks off to his room. As he is unpacking and getting situated, he realizes there is a smile on his face. It is the first time he is truly happy since he was recruited into this army. About twenty minutes later he takes a shower and changes into better clothing. He walks out and heads towards the bridge.

*Alone in the smallish docking chamber set to the side of one of the main hangar bays Zak sits cross legged on the gantry in front of the Wing Zero Custom. With his hands placed lightly together and his eyes closed he begins to regulate and slow the flow of his breathing.
As he calms and clears his mind he opens up his senses to feel the flow of life throughout his body, the pumping of his blood and the gentle pulsing of energy from every single cell.
Delving deeper into the meditation he begins to reach outwards paying attention to the mintute and far off sounds around him, the fluctuations of air and vibrations of movement throughout the ship, past the physical awareness he latches onto the faint sources of the life force produced by all organisms on board. He lets the feeling wash through him purging all stress and tension from his body leaving him as a pure white flame in the spiritual plane*

How...How do I suddenly know how to do this? I feel as if I've done it hundreds of times before yet have no memory of it. What is it that meeting Hayate as done to me? What is it thats triggered these secluded memories within me?

*From his new perspective of things he focuses his sense upon Zero and is met with an intense blinding surge that causes him to jerk backwards and loose his concentration.*

"Was that..was that the Metatron?"

Yes Carl, this ship is much smaller than the Hyperion, but it is not a tiny ship at all. Any bigger and It could have been a full Capital class ship. But I am happy with her. Shes strong, and fast, anything you would ask for.

*Shadow arrives at the bridge and informs the command crew, which takes his place in his absence, of the new arrival and then goes to the main windows which make up the front wall of the bridge, giving a wide view of the outside area, shadow stares down at the planet, watching it slowly spin. He then goes to his chair and sits down and sighs.*

Been a long long day...

Carl arrives at the bridge and sees Captain Shadow taking a small breather in his chair. "Well, I'm here."

((I know this post is short, but it's just to get things going.))

*Shadow notices Carl and stands up and strectches and yawns first before talking*

Sorry, I haven't had a lot of sleep lately. Ok, lemme show you around the ship.

*Shadow leads Carl down to the MS hanger, with its 3 rows of 15 suits each. Shadow points out the different parts of each suit, explaining what the major ones do.*

Each of these suits are owned by one of the pilots on this ship. Many of them are customs, outfitted to maximize their skills and many have liknesses to the pilots themselves.

*Shadow points out the suits that are larger and explains that many of them have likenesses in appearance to the pilots, the bigger pilots have bigger ships. Some of them have holsters for their guns, others have simple openings in the hull for them.*

A ships design, weapons, and appearance can greatly reflect the character of the pilot, so you should always take care when fixing a MS to keep it looking the exact same way as it should. Some guys get offended if you change the paint jobs or shape. Ah, here is my ship. (http://www.mahq.net/mecha/gundam/seed/gat-x131.jpg) The Calamity, the original was a nice suit, but I updated its shoulder mounted artillery into actual cannons, so you know, the difference between artillery and cannons is artillery fires in an arc, and takes a long time to hit the target, cannons fire straight, and faster. Knowing that can come in handy in some repair jobs. Also, my suit has a special saber that I designed using stolen plans, its a massive beam saber, I remember Bhaal himself had one that I sorta based mine off of, its more of a broad sword than a saber. Fine weapon, it can short out normal sabers under the right conditions. Now lets continue on...

*The two continue walking around the ship, shadow points out the service hanger, and the computer control room, the engine room, power output station. All the good stuff. He also introduces him to many pilots and other ship crew, who kindly greet him and welcome him.*

As the Sacrifice moves through hyperspace with its attendant frigates nearby, the crew take the time to have a rest. All over the ship, they are either in the recreation areas, or simply sleeping. Exept one.

In the cavernous main launch bay, Hayate looks out over a half-built frigate, into the rushing engery patterns of hyperspace, lost in thought

<Why do I seem to know that man? It's impossible for us to have met; there's been no contact between our sides for 150 years...

Yet... somehow...

Hah. No matter. There's only one way to resolve this. But there are moer pressing issues now. I doubt we will get through another engagement without fighting. We must be ready>

*Zak settles himself into the simulator cockpit and reaches for the information uplink connections which he carefully attaches to his temples. This done he reaches out to grip the movement control and hits the power button*

"Please state suit of choice"

"leo"

"Please state simulation of choice or custom build"

"Project Vesper"

"Loading....Loading....Loading....Good luck."

*The surge of light penetrates and overpowers zaks mind switching off all bodily senses to the outside world and leaving his nervous system open to the virtual reality of the simulation.
For a moment all that precedes the light is utter black but then the millions of distant white stars come into view followed by the wave upon wave of mobile suits flying alongside him towards their ominous target.*

"Here I go again.."

"You have a nice place, and the crew is nice. I can't wait until I begin practicing with you. You said we're gonna fix up my mobile suit. Can't wait, when do you think we'll be able to start that. Oh, and you mentioned those flight simulators. I gotta warn you, I failed the training session before I was brought into battle. But hey, if you say it'll help me here, then I'll do it."

We can start on the suit tomorrow, I wanna get some sleep now.

The training they gave you is ment for someone who has been though 2 weeks of intense study of suits and suit design and manuvers, I will start you with the most basic programs I have, and you will work your way up the ladder. You'll be a damn fine pilot in no time.

*Shadow walks down the living quaters hall wtih carl and stops at a room with 4 gold bars on the door.*

I am going to get some sleep now, your rooms down the hall, don't forget that, We will start early tomorrow. Good night.

*Shadow steps into his room, and is so exhausted from the long day he doesn't even undress, he just collapses on his bed and falls asleep.*

Carl goes to his room. He sits on his bed and thinks to himself. But he is not thinking about his parents back home, or his girlfriend either. He's not sitting in fear that tomorrow might call about a battle and he'd be forced to fight, he is not thinking about the nights he spent crying in anger after he found out he was recruited. Carl lays his head on the soft pillow. All he knows is that he will be doing something he enjoys. His eyeslids slide over his eyes and he falls asleep.


Next day, Carl wakes up early and takes a shower.

*Its about 10am and Shadow is just waking up, many of his crew are already awake, even though they were givin permission to sleep till noon for a hard days work. Shadow, now very refreshed and energized is ready to take on the challenges of the day, and to start Carl's training, both as a mechanic and as a pilot. Shadow hops out of bed with a spring in his step and takes a shower. Shadow throws on his loose fitting kaki pants and tee shirt with a standard issue uniform jacket over it and walks to the bridge.*

Well good morning everyone. How are we today.

Good morning Captain Drake, everyone on the ship seems to be amazingly refreshed with the extra sleep. Ready to take on the day. Sir. Your orders?

Hmm, Contact the fleet command and find out what we are doing today, and ask them if there are any meetings I should know about. Get a crew roster sent to command so they can register you all as soldiers under my command. Make sure they know that you are speaking for Special Forces Captain Drake. Otherwise they may ignore you. Basiclly, we just need an itineray and any other special annocements that we need to hear. I have some special matters to attend to today. So Officer Briggs, your in command of the bridge until I finish today.

Aye aye sir. Don't worry about us, we know what were doin.

*Shadow steps down to Carl's room and knocks on the door*

Carl, are you awake yet? We can begin your training now. When your ready, meet me down in the service bay, if you get lost, just ask someone on the bridge where to go using the comms that are at every intersection.

Carl is just getting out of the shower when he hears Captain Drake speaking to him. Carl doesn't reply, he just nods to himself and get's dressed. He then moves on to the bridge, he does not know where the service bay is, so he does as he is told, and asks one of the people on the bridge. He finds a comm near his room and requests help. One of the guys on the bridge come up.

The service bay is just down the hall.

With this information, Carl makes his way to the service bay, where Captain Shadow is already waiting.

*Shadow sees Carl walking into the bay and walks up to him and hands him a laptop with his name etched into it*

Good morning Carl, this laptop has all the information you will ever need to be a mechanic, carry it with you when doing repairs, it can teach you everything you need to know, except the basics of common sense. You can't trust this to tell you everything, its like working on any vechicle, you just need common sense. You said you fixed things often as a kid. Well then this shouldn't be any problem for you. But if you need help, ask one of the many mechanics on the ship. But I will give you a basic overview of common repairs...

*Shadow gives Carl a review of the most common repairs that would be done on mechs almost daily. In the middle they stop for lunch and then go back. Around three in the afternoon, Shadow finishes showing him the last bits of info.*

Well, there you have it, now, I want to go check on the things. In thirty minutes meet me at the simulator stations. I showed them to you yesterday, but once again, if you get lost, just use one of the comms to ask someone on the bridge. They know your new, so they don't have any problems with helping you. I suggest you put on some comfy clothes, cause this is gonna be some intense training, we will go till 10 tonight. So be ready...

*Shadow walks to the bridge for a moment, finding out that there are no meetings, or orders for the day, Shadow goes to the sim stations and starts loading up the basic new pilot training programs.*

*Zak steps out of he simulator 67.21 minutes as is shown on his performance printout. He quickly checks the other catagories registering 97.8% accuracy, 37 disabled targets and 14% structural damage recieved.*

"Hmm not bad, for a Leo."

*As he strides away past the groups of other practising squadrons he thinks back to those battles of years not long passed, of the trials the sadness the moments of elation and fear. And friendship.*

Oh Jaina, why did you have to go. Why did you have to leave me to this path when together I could have been the carefree soldier at your side.

*His memories begin to delve deeper, through years of lone employment, minor skirmishes, monotonous labour. Untill they begin to cloud over and get lost within the mists of time.*

Just how old am I? why can't I remember my childhood, my youth. Why can't I remember how I came to be the man I am today.
And why...why have I never thought about thise before?

*Yumi makes it back to the simulator, now in uniform, and thuroghly embarrased. She states for the same simulation as Zak, not realizing it. just before she is thrown into the simulation, she thinks*

I swear, Karina, after this is all done and over with, I'll kick your ass...

*Yumi smiles an silently laughs at how two friends seem like rivals as she is thrown into the simulation*

Back in is room on the Hyperion Isaac looks over the many hundreds of reports about the battle.

Well it shouldn't be too long now before we've done all that we can with the wreckkage. Then I suppose we need to go to the nearest shipyard to drop all these things off and to have proper repairs done and pick up more numbers. Not long to go now.

---Deep Space---

An enormous flare of light signals the opening of a hyperspace gate, and the Sacrifice, with attendant vessels emerges from the maelstrom of energy, ending up close to a vessel almost as large as the Sacrifice itself

Hey, Sacrifice, what kept you? We've been sheperding your small ships for hours!

Final checks and all. Any news on the position of the ArchAngel?

Got away early, should be here in a few hours...

Cut the chatter, you two.

All vessels, recreation decks are open on both the Sacrifice and Daemon, I suggest you take this oppertunity to get some rest

Carl watches as Captain Shadow leaves. He then sits there in silence for a few seconds, admiring the laptop and going over everything that was shown to him that day. A few minutes later, in his room, he puts the laptop in a special case that he can swing over his shoulder to carry around. He leaves it there and lays on his bed. He closes his eyes and rests for about 10 minutes before he gets up again, changes into a pair of jeans and a shirt. He heads out and once again, asks one of the crew members on the ship, through the comm, how to get to the simulator station. He gets the directions and is soon off.

*Zak checks his watch and see's that there are still over three remaining hours till the designated set off time, He reaches a viewport at the ships outer hull and stares out at the masses of craft lying motionless. He reflects for a minute about how and why Humans deemed it neccesary to ever contemplate ammasing such destructive potential before he turns away and heads back to his cabin.
Within 15 minutes he reaches his private admirals suite and is greeted by Sasha and Leanne seated patiently at his dining table.*

Leanne: Good evening sir
Sasha: We offer our sympathy towards the situation concerning the new procedures.
Leanne: We met mr Gregovitch earlier, he is very...
Sasha: Irritating.

"Well it's certainly nice to see you back safe and well. As to mr Gregovitch he could be a sign that the ruling system has finally overstepped its reason in it's struggle for control."

Sasha: You are giving more thought to taking certain actions?
Leane: You think the time has come?

"I think that my decisions will be made for me over the course of the coming assignment. Untill then I shall play along with their little games as best as I can.

*Yumi finishes up the simulation and reads her results. They are poor: 69.04% accuracy, 12 disabled targets and 70% structural damage recieved.*

This isn't good.

WHat is making the results so poor. This isn't from lack of training...

*Karina walks up on Yumi, reading the results over Yumi's shoulder.*

Karina: Are you okay? *puts a hand on Yumi's forehead* This isn't your usual resaults. They are usually alot better!

Yumi: I know... Something is getting to me... Something deeper than the matter about my sister...
I just don't know what...

I'm afraid to go home tonight... I'll ask Karina if I can stay the night... Someone... I have a feeling someone is waiting for me at home

Karina: There's a promise that you are forgetting, Yumi...

Yumi: What the hell is she talking about... *coughs* oh yeah... Right... I have to see the doc...

Karina: You seem upset. Is something bothering you?

Yumi: I tell you later.... I have to go see the doc, then the Admiral... See you later, Karina... *walks off to go see the doctor, dropping her results. Karina catches them.*

Karina: This is not like Yumi. She is never this worried, her results are terribly, and she's forgetting about things... I better have Zak suggest a break from all this battling for Yumi...

"It's about time... I'm going over to the Sacrifice... Is there a transport going there, sir?" I betcha they've got better simulators there...

"Excuse me." Amy and the rest of the MS team walk up to Jack. "I take it you're Mr. Conway. I'm Amy Cosis, second in command of the first MS team on the Polaris."

"Aye, that I am. Nice to meet, you... Commander Cosis? I don't like to call people by their first names when we meet in the military. Self-imposed custom. I used to be a hired-gun, so I tried not to become attached." he looks around at the Mobile suits... "This is going to bite... My mobile suit is a different color than these... I'm going to stand out.. they're going to try to pick me out of a wing formation for sure... If they get a chance to do it..."

"If you're as skilled as you're made out to be then I wouldn't worry. If it bothers you I can have some of the mechanics change you're MS' paint job to match our own MS. However, that's besides the point. You're part of our team now. You are under my and the Captain's command. You might not be used to this since you were a mercenary, but you'll have to get use to it. If you have a comm link or something similliar let me see it so I can contact you."

"Here." He showed her PDA to her. "This is my MS' commlink, and here's my PDA comm-ID. Now you've got my info. I'll keep my MS the same... for now... and so, I'd like to make it over to the Sacrifice... for a beer or two and a chance to meet my new wingmates."

As she rested uncomfortably in her bed in the Med Bay of the Polaris, Kara Takahashi was unaware that the dark shadow of a humanlike figure had entered her curtained-off part of the intensive care unit. It steadily drew near to her and appeared as though it were examining her monitors and the IV stuck in her arm. Taking from inside its clothes, the strange figure brought forth what looked like a needle of some kind with a yellow liquid contained within. Just as it was about to stick the needle into Kara's IV tube, the lights over her bed flashed on and a nurse appeared to check on her status. The stranger (who was a man dressed in all-black gear) pushed the nurse down hard and attempted to escape. Immediately, she rushed to alert the entire ship that there was a dangerous intruder aboard and then went to see if Kara was okay. The needle had been stuck in the IV, but it's contents hadn't been shot in. Another nurse came in looking utterly frightened, and stated that several members of the 'Specials' had been killed in their own quarters - a long needle protruding from their chests. With this in mind, they both removed the needle from Kara's IV tube and made sure she was okay amid the noise from personnel searching for the stranger. Already a miniscule bit of the yellow liquid had entered it, and whatever it was made Kara's heart beat faster than it should for someone asleep.

Urgent Message to Admiral Cosis: "Sir, there is a dangerous assasin or spy of some sort aboard - already he has murdered 5 of our top pilots of the 'Specials', and from the last report I was given nearly succeeded in killing Ranmyaku where she's been recovering in the Med Bay..... Personnel from all over the ship are actively helping in the killer's capture. That's all I have for now, Sir."

*Shadow is resting in a desk chair when Carl walks in. Upon hearing his footsteps on the metal floor he stands up and presses some buttons on the simulator control pannel. The door opens.*

Ok, This is the basic, introduction to MSs program, it will teach you how to do everything, and basic manuvers. I will be in the observers seat in the back, watching how you do, don't worry, there will be no combat simulations for a little while.

*Shadow and carl step into the simulator and it turns on.*

Its all your now...

Jack checked his PDA... he intercepted an alert. "A spy? Holy crap! Commander, have you gotten this alert?"

Amy frowned. This was rather surprising. A intruder? Could it be one of the Brahe or Confeds? More likaly it was one of our own. "Yes. ..William is NOT gonna like this." Amy turns to Jack. "As..troubling...as this news is. It is not the concern of this team. Of course if you see any suspicious behaviour alert me and I will alert the captain. We could stay here, if you wish."

Anthony's eyes flare with rage. "A intruder?! On my ship?! William how did this happen?" Anthony's eyes were like daggers to William. Depending on what he said would determine whether or not he would be held responsible for this inciddent. "Unfortunately sir, we do not yet know how an intruder got on-board. It's likely they are our own people who might have defected to-" Anthony tapped his fingers on the arm of the Captain's chair. "To who? We aren't at war." William looked up, aggitated. "It's only a theory, sir. This intruder will be found. I promise you this." "Well I hope you make good on that promise. You're dismissed." William walks out of the bridge.

"If they're on this ship..." Jack put his PDA down and drew his pistol. He loaded a clip of 16 slugs and cocked the pistol. "Tell someone to stop the transports between the ships. And gimme a security team. Let's go spy hunting." He realized that it wasn't going to be that easy. "Or whatever you'd want me to do that'd be fine with me."

Meanwhile back in the middle of a large underground Millitary insallation situated in central Africa

*Elizabeth follows a step behind the installations head General who approaches a set of rusty old double doors and swipes a card through the locking mechanism at its side.*

"Here we are Madam, in this room remains the full initiation and monitoring system of the original Lance project. As you know this equipment is centuries old and hasnt been in use for almost as long. However we shall get our technicians working on it straight away."

*Elizabeth strides in and the ancient glow panneling proves its durability by starting up with a slightly strained hum*

"Excellent General, I'm sure we can put this to good use."

Still on the Hyperion Isaac sits reading reports of the salvage operation as it neers completion.

Well we should be ready to leave tommorow so the crew still have some time left but we'll have to be ready by then.

At one of the many sensor stations in the Sacrifice, the crewman manning it notices something strange, and reports it to his superior.


Attention Polaris, you have stopped all traffic. Is there an emergency onboard?

Carl hesitates and begins his training. He starts off with very basic stuff, such as moving around. He just needed to get used to handling the mech. He did well for the first hour, but then as he made a 360 degree turn and walked forward, but instead of moving forward, he jumped up in the air. He didn't let this bother him. He continued for another hour until he felt he got it down. Then he moved on to using weapons. This is where he made the most mistakes. Everytime he would pull out a weapon, he'd let it off a little too early and shoot himself. It took him the better part of 3 hours to get this down, and he was still kinda shaky at the end of it. He then spent the rest of the time working other systems of the mech, and even training in different types of mechs. Carl was about to go over weapons again when Captain Shadow tells Carl that we're done for the day. Carl hadn't realized that 6 hours passed already. The two get out of the mech. Carl is going over what he learned. "It's not as easy as it looks is it? Well, I don't care. You're not gonna get me to go out there and fly again. This simulator is good though, and if it helps me understand the mechanics. . . . How are some of the more advanced programs?"

James responds to the transmission. "This is the Polaris. We have a bit of a crisis on our hands. There is an intruder on-board that has murdered 5 of the top pilots in the 'Specials'. There was also an attempted murder on the life of Kara Takahashi. We're doing everything in our power to find the perpetraitor."

A shadow looms over the Polaris, as another, slightly larger Frigate takes position above it. Evidently, the admiral has been informed of the situation

Polaris, this is the Marine Frigate Fenris.

We can send over a Marine detatchment if you require the assistance

Starting from the front of the large array of the clustered Confederate formation ships begin to peel away by moving slowly foward before accelerating swiftly and then vanishing without a flash.
After a minute or two the area is silent and once again undisturbed by the relativley petty affairs of men.

*Zak turns to leave the bridge, now having completed his obligatory task of ordering his ships to jump. He hits the door switch and hesitates for a second before leaving the room.*

"Mr gregovitch should you wish to contact me at any time over the next four days then you have my number, feel free to ask my advice on any trivial matters you feel unsure about. How to use a simulator, activate the food dispensers, I really have nothing better to do."

*He now exits before hearing any reply and therefore misses the look of loathing the man throws in Zaks direction as he settles himself relishingly into the admirals chair and grins around at the officers.*

The advanced programs arn't that bad, its all weapons training and advanced combat manuvers, then i may do a sim against you using my mech stats. That is a real battle simulation, if you do well with that, I may make you go out into battle, just to see how you do.

"Interesting. . . Well, I guess I enjoyed this small practice. Wow, it's getting late. We'll finish up tomorrow. Oh, and err. . . didn't you say we would work on my mech?"

Ok, I forgot about the mech, we will do that tomorrow, consider it practice for working on the other peoples mechs. And don't worry, we can make your mecha formidable fighter, give it some new weapons and engines. All the good stuff. But now, we much sleep. Good night Carl, ya done good today.

*Shadow walks out of the bay as the automatic metal doors slide open and then close behind him. Shadow goes to his room and immediatly goes to sleep, but not without sending a radio message to the Hyperion.*

This is Captain Drake of the Damnation, Please put this message through to Lord Issac, "Issac, my men are restless, they want to know when we will next be moving into battle, please contact me on my ship as soon as possible. Thank you." Please get him that message as soon as possible. Good evening...


*Shadow proceddes to go to sleep.*

Carl walks off, but not before looking back and seeing the Captain talking into the radio. Carl heads down the hall and into his room and falls into a dreamless sleep.

On the Hyperion the reports from the salvage teams finally end with all the worthwile debris finally collected. Signalling one of the officers Isaac delegates the tasks.

We need to signal the fleet and tell the to get all their crews back onboard their ships and make ready for the jump through hyperspace to the nearest shipyard where we can put our collection to use. Also have the fourth through to eigth squadron remain behind and defend this area should the Confederates decide to come back soon.

*The next morning, Shadow is on the bridge of The Damnation and receives a radio transmission from The Hyperion and shadow puts it on the main speaker.*

Captain Drake, this is the Hyperion, we are calling to inform you to gather up your ships crew

Already done...

Ok sir, well, you and your crew will be following us though hyperspace to a nearby spaceport. We will be leaving in the next few hours. At the latest sometime this afternoon. Be ready...Hyperion out.

I love how we are already entirely ready for this, its like they think of us like rebels, never wearing uniform, or following orders. I think we may be more organized than command itself. *Laughs* They underestimate us. But we are ready to prove ourselves.

*Shadow turns on the comm system, and in his comical style of waking up his crew, blows an air horn into the mic, waking everyone up in an instant, he then sends the following message.*

Good morning boys and girls, its gonna be a fun day today. We got new orders, we are to prepare to jump to hyperspace by this afternoon. So get dressed and prepare the ship for the jump.Thank you, Drake out.

Carl woke up with a start. He got up and heard the news over the comm. He gets up and takes a shower and changes into his clothes. He walks out to the cafeteria, looking to get something to eat. When he finishes, he gets up and begins to wonder how someone gets ready for a jump into hyperspace. He begins to ask around but everyone seems to just ignore him. "Um, excuse me. How do we get rea-- Oh, sorry about that. Sir, how do we--" Carl finally gives up and takes a small breather.

*Shadow gets on the main comm again.*

Carl, could you please come to the bridge, I will give you your orders.

On the moon colony the troops begin to pull out in their thousands being recalled to their ships after a short break as the docks fill with them getting on the shuttles back and lighting up the darkness of space with the engines. With the gathering of the crew well underway and many of the ship already prepared for the jump to hyperspace the ones who are to stay behind break off from the main formation of ships and take up orbit around the now desolate moon which once held the Confederate supply depot. With the salvage holding ships returned from the last of their exploits a large group of them go into hyperspace before the military ships.

Well there they go. Once the rest of the crews are assembled then we can go too and get the fleet reinforced after our losses and repair what we couldn't patch up in space.

Carl hears the announcement over the comm, gets up, and walks out. He tries to ignore all the stares from the people. He jogs down the hall, as to not keep the captain waiting, and arrives at the bridge in under 10 minutes. He walks up to Shadow, panting. "Yes, Captain?"

((AL if your character wanted to see me you'll need to organise it. The fleets grand admiral wouldnt just call up a sergeant for a random chat))

*Sitting on his bed with the lights set to minimum Zak starts to sink into the meditative state again. This time he slips through the stages slightly faster and after some minutes finds himself aware of the life forces ebbing around the ship.
Unsure as to how exactly doing so he reaches out to touch a nearby force and is enveloped in the sudden emotions and thoughts of another person. For a few seconds he finds himself looking through a crew members eyes and feeling their anticipation for the coming conflict, however the persons sudden spark of shock caused by the awareness of the intrusion jolts Zak back to his body and once again out of the trance*

I wonder...I wonder just what potential this can give me.

*Shadow chuckles at Carl's panting*

You didn't have to run here son, I may be a stickler for discipline, but I know how long it takes a man to walk from one end of the ship to the other.

Nevermind now, I take it you haven't done a hyperspace jump before, it may feel a little weird, it can upset the stomace if you have a senistive one. Um, bascilly, just sit down somewhere after putting any loose items in a secure place, cause this ship seems to shake a bit when we jump, I am gonna get that checked out at the port, but after you secure your stuff, come on up to the bridge and just hang out up here. It'll be fun.

*Shadow smiles and then sits down in the captains chair.*

Carl grins apologetically. He bows to Captain Shadow and walks out. He goes to his room and makes sure everything is secure. Anything that was most likely to fall or tip over was held down with heavier items. About 20 minutes later he figures there's still some time until the Damntation goes into hyperspace, so he strolls around for about an hour. Carl then makes his way to the bridge, where he also finds half of the ships inhabitants. He takes a seat at a nearby chair. "Not too long now, I guess. . . "

Ok guys were ready.

*Shadow sends a message to the Hyperion*

This is Drake, my crew and I are prepared for the jump at any moment. You may commence when ready. *closes radio link*

Ok guys, we are going to a shipyard, which means don't make fools of yourselves, you work for Brahe now, if anyone asks your rank, just say your under the command of Captain Drake, they should understand. On paper you are regular soldiers in the fleet, but unofficaly, in my eyes at least, you could be special forces no problem. Ok, Helmsmen, power up the hyperdrive.

On the Hyperion signals come in from all the ships signalling their readyness as the last of the designated ships also break away from the main fleet.

Well that's the last of them. We should be ready now. Well lets go then and leave this place.

With the Hyperspace engine charged and engaged a blinding light surrounds the huge vessel and slowly fades to reveal the Hyperion no longer there. Seconds later the other ships in the fleet begin to glow and fade until the fleet is gone.

"Well, I can't authorize that action..." He looks over to Amy. "Commander, get someone official on the horn quick, I think we've got our search team coming in." Jack cocked his pistol and put away his PDA for now.

*Shadow turns to his men*

Its time for the fun kids!

*Shadow has this almost insane look on his face, like he is having too much fun. He then presses a blue button that engages the hyperdrive and the ship starts to shake moving some empty chairs and other such items and then a blue light englufs the main windows and it fades to show unusal light streaks going past the main windows.*

Well kids welcome to hyperspace, enjoy your stay, and please don't feed the animals, or the sub-space anomalies. Thank you.

I swear this guy is crazy...

I agree, but he's a damn good pilot, so i let em slide.

It takes about a half second to get used to, but Carl quite enjoyed the trip through hyperspace. He almost wished it would last. . . but it finished before this thought even popped into his head. "Wow. . . that was pretty cool."

*Shadow turns to Carl*

Isn't it now? I think its a real rush. High speeds, the fact that any tiny particle of solid mass could impact iwth out ship and tear it to peices at that speed. Its just amazing. Now, we just need to dock at the shipyard and begin major repairs on The Final Avenger.

*The ship docks at the port and about 15 engineers come up to it and walk into the main cannon's holding area.*

Near a multicoloured nebula in the darkness of space a shipyard looms bustling with activity with hundred of ships entering and leaving its many hangars. With its doughnut like shape at over one hundred miles in diameter it can house even the largest of battle ships. After a few hours the fleet drops out of hyperspace in flashes of light temporarily adding hundreds of stars to the darkness of space. With the fleet assembled they begin their move forwards towards the shipyard and begin to pour in through its many bays docking wherever possible with the Hyperion leading the way docking at the largest port barely large enough to hold it. With the ships in the atmosphere is returned to the main bays as hundreds of engineers swarm into the docks as the crews begin pouring out.

*Shadow is talking to some of the the shipyard engineers.*

Ya see that big gun in the bottom of my ship? Its got a pretty nasty hole in the side from when a transport rammed into it. I need that fixed as fast as humanly possible. Thanks.

*After three solid days of idle waiting, thinking, planning, simming, commanding and self exploration Zak wakes on the morning of the forth and final day of the hyperspace trip. He swings his legs out over the side of his bunk and rubs his eyes groggily*

"I hate extended journeys, I hate being coopedup and I HATE recycled air."

ADA: Good morning

"What the-"

ADA: My operating system appears to have been relocated to your quaters, I have no control or sense from the Wing Gundam Zero Custom.

"you what? Your here? but I didn't...DAMN somebodies tampering with MY suit."

ADA: That would be a logical assumption.

*Zak jumps from the bed wearing merely his tracksuit trousers and cross the room to the control panel, He quickly works to load ADA onto a storage disk and then leaves the room at a sprint towards the hangars.*

In the shipyard the with the crews now off the ship and the engineers on the crew gather in the many rest rooms and bars on the station while Isaac meets with the stations heads in the conference room around a huge table.

First of all how long do you think the repairs will take to the fleet?

Well sir most of the ships seem to have taken thankfully little damage so we can focus our teams on the more important work. I would say no more than a week.

Good. I don't want to give the Confederacy too much breathing room. Well secondly how long will it take for our reinforcements to arrive?

Well the first of the ships should start coming in a couple of hours with the rest still needing time to get ready to jump in but the last of the ships should start to come in within a couple of days hopefully.

Gathered round the table the group begin to discus the finer details of the repairs and operation long into the night.

*Shadow stands on a control platform for the hanger is ship is in that lies high above the ship itself allowing him to oversee everything, with a control panel connected to many cameras he sees all that is going on in and around his ship.*

Very good...very very good. Repairs on the ship, and the suits should be done in the next 3 days. This is also good practice for Carl to train his own skills.

I wonder if I can find Isaac anywhere around here...

*Shadow steps back from the panel and walks into an automatic door and starts heading for the CO's room.*

((I'm tired of witing for Gale and Kara to post, to the story is going to be dragged kicking and screaming along.))

A massive hyperspace gateway opening ahead of the Sacrifice indicates the arrival of the ArchAngel.
Unlike his Confederate counterpart, Hayate doesn't have time to meditate on minor details, seeing as he has a fleet to organise. In the large briefing room aboard the Sacrifice, Hayate and his aide detail the next actions for the fleet

Now we have been reinforced by the Archangel and the Daemon, we can match a Confederate battle group on equal footing. they still outnumber us but, as you are aware, we have other advantages.

We received a signal from one of our beacons in this system. From all our records, this system has no planets, so we assume there must the an artificial structure large enough to warrant an entire fleet assembling there. This also meants that the Confederates may be on their way there.

We will head there to observe. However, after the events of last time, I have no doubt that one or other side will make agressive moves. I want everything prepared before we jump.

In the darkness of their room the officers still contemplate the distribution of engineers and the exacting formations of ships when Shadow walks in from the hallway breaking the officers out of their focus on each other and on to Shadow standing in the doorway.

You. Just wait outside for a while okay. I'll be with you shortly.

After another half hour or so Isaac finishes up with the arrangements as they all leave casting disaproving glares at Shadow as they go through the hallway until eventually Isaac comes along behind them walking to Shadow.

So I take it you want to see me.

Terribly sorry, your assistant told me the meeting was over, I would have never walked in if i new you were working sir. Forgive me.

*shadow looks around nervously a little, not meaning to get in trouble he got nervous of punishment*

Well, I wanted to know what the plans are for our movements and attacks will be, if their are any yet. Thats all.


Also, am I always going to have to come striaght to you to hear any news? I hate having to go though eight people just to talk to you. Its terribly annoying.....

Walking down the hallway further and taking a route opposite from the other men in front Isaac signals Shadow to follow.

As for the attack front we'll likely be moving out in around a week or more depending on how long it's going to take to sort out all the repairs. I can't be much more specific than that as timing these things can be hard and I can't tell you where we'll be heading as that's classified for now.

A little further down the hall Isaac comes to a large set of doors and quickly opens them revealing a bar filled with several dozen of the higher ranking captains in the fleet. Finding an empty table in the corner Isaac sits and waits for Shadow to join him.

As for the news you just need to get yourself some contacts around here so you can know what's happening faster. As for the getting to me but although I may not act like it I am still one the most powerful men in the galaxy and no offence but you are still comparatively low down in the ranks. The fact that you can get to me at all though is more than most people can hope for.

*Sitting down at the table, shadow glances menacinly at the other officers as if saying "stop staring at me ya snob"*

I understand....well, did we ever figure out anything about that third force that intervened during our battle? They appeared out of nowhere...I sure want their cloaking technology...

*Zak skids to a halt at the closed hangar doors and hammers the opening mechanism. After a few agonising moments the doors slide away to admit him to the room and the scene of Mr Gregovitch standing at the Zeros feet while two technicians can be seen rummaging around inside the cockpit.*

"Hey"

*Mr Gregovitch looks up calmly and turns to face Zak without the slightest hint of shock.*

"Ah Mr Segall I was hoping you'd be having a lie in but now your here you can make your self usefull. Where are the disks containing the Zero system?"

"...Zero what?"

"Don't play dumb with me. I have seen the full report about the incident on Brahe and the preliminary leaked reports from test run on the suit while it was taken temporarily from your possesion after your lapse of control."

"The system you speak of is a mistake of human design, it's a danger to civillization as we know it and should never be utillized again."

"But the fact remains you havent destroyed it have you."

*Zak is knocked off track at this statement, something that hits straight to the core of one of the main inner debates running throughout his mind these past months.*

Why...why havent I destroyed it? I know it's not safe but I know that were I to risk using it again, to use it completely it could push my skills into a higher plane. It's a chance I can't bring myself to throw it away

"Why, have I hit a nerve?"

"What do you want with the Zero system?"

"It is a military masterpeice that can not be ignored. We need this system integrated into every mobile suit. Imagine it Zak, the confederacy could become unstoppable."

Well I would like to get my hands on one of their ships so we can take a look at all the technology they have on board. Our own researchers are only starting to develop some of the things that they already seem to have. If we did get something of theirs than with the size of the Imperium producing it then this war could be over a lot quicker.

Damn... sitting around here waiting for orders to trickle through... We're wasting time.

Jack turned to the commander once more. "I'm not waiting for those Marines." He raised his pistol and turned the safety off. "I'm going."

Jack ran down a hallway to the medical ward, hoping to find some clues of who this person was working for... He got looks from the Ronin crew, but decided that he needed to continue his bold step to search the ship himself. He ran on, looking for any security personel that would be willing to come with him. None of them seemed to be free, all of them seemed to be at a station keeping guard.

He reached the hospital station and found the surviving victim. Still sleeping in her bed. "Doctor! What was used to poison her?"

"This needle... and we're currently analyzing the poison right now... Her vitals jumped quite a bit... I'm guessing it's a drug to accelerate and over work the heart."

"That's similar to a Confed drug I know of..."

A pair of shuttles drop from the Marine Frigate and head to emergency airlocks on the Polaris

This is a CT operation, so CT rules apply. Wedge, Piette, remain on the shuttles, no-one enters. Rest of you, we'll head for the bridge first, see what information we can get. Move out!

"Well, we're having a hard time tying to figure out what it is... it a older formula, as noted by the needles."

"Yeah, I know that the Confederation spys use a lot of different techniques.. and they enjoy using some old technology sometimes... I'd put my money on the fact that it's probably a Confed spy, but I dunno what the Brahe Imperials use.. so it's still up in the air..."

"Well, Ranmyaku seems to be recovering at a satisfactory rate... We expect her to fully recover in a few days or so. But knowing that she was asleep during her attack, she won't be able to tell you anything about her attacker."

Jack's PDA beeped.

'Marine Transports arrived. Scans indicate armed crew boarding ship.'

"Well, that's good news to hear." He looked back up to the doctor. "Well, just keep me posted with her condition." Jack turns to the bed where Ranmyaku is laying. "I wouldn't want anything to happen to Ranmyaku. I've seen a bit of information that the Confeds have intercepted about this girl. Very impressive. I would like to fight along side her one day, because I would've never fought against her in my right mind." He turned, pulled his pistol back out, and walked out of the medical bay. He noticed some liquid drops on the ground that formed a path. He started following them through the corridors.

After a quick breifing, the Marines (http://www.groundcontrol-das-spiel.de/crayven/images/marine.gif) split into two squads. One heads along the length of the ship, the other heads down to Medical, to hunt for clues. As they head down, one of them bumps into a strangely-dressed man who's looking at the floor

Hey! Watch where you're going! And why aren't you in uniform?

The other mmarines near Jack enter the pose that roughly translates as "We don't know who you are, or what you're doing, but we have large assault rifles, and you have a pistol"

"Gah... sorry soldier. I'm tracking this liquid.. I think it's going to lead me to the spy." He continued walking briskly, looking up to see if he could find where the possible spy could be.

*Mr Gregovitch reaches inside his jacket and withdraws a hand gun, He lifts it to point at Zak before speaking again*

"If you refuse to cooperate I have the power to sentence you to court marshall for an act of treason towards the standing government."

"Mr Gregovitch you are standing upon a ship manned by thousands of crew members loyal to ME. As a you are currently part of this crew I could have you sent to the brig for the act of mutiny."

"I don't fear your actions mr Segall, they would hold no ground with your superiors any longer. And You may be suprised at how many crew members would back me if things came to a dissagreement.
For all our sakes and for the coming conflict I suggest you hand over the system."


"Fine, you want the system i'll give you the system. If it doesn't bother you that upon installation you'll find the whole force looses its rationalit and loyaltiy towards you before begging to decimate itself."

*Ignoring the protruding gun zak strides up to the suit and activates a small hatch on its leg with a press of a button on his belt. The hatch slides away and he removes a small stack of disks.*

"Here, take them."

"Oh no Mr Segall, I couldnt trust you so easily. To prove their authenticity you must load them back into your suit for the coming battle, I assume with their help theres no risk of you dying and loosing them."