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Post by Brie on Jul 12, 2007 16:07:01 GMT -6
Brie's comm buzzed again, this time signaling that she had a message. As she read it, a look of disbelief spread across her face. "Great. Just fracking great."
"What's wrong?" Amy wanted to know.
"Roxzanna-Rizou from the IFB has been given premission to tag along on this fracking mission. Like we don't have enough problems already, transporting a bunch of murderers who want to see me dead." Brie sighed. "Just fracking great."
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Post by Logan on Jul 13, 2007 11:33:07 GMT -6
Jorma and Duran exchanged glances of mingled annoyance and grudging respect. It was obvious that both were surprised that their concealed weapons had been found. But they both seemed surprised by Logan and Brik's demeanor. The degree of professional courtesy and understanding that the Warriors showed wasn't unusual for Gold Squadron, but they had heard stories of prejudice against Black Shirts ever since the Academy.
Jorma moved to Shuttle 1 and stationed herself by the open hatch, awaiting instructions from Major Brie. Doran followed suit in his position at Shuttle 2.
Brik took the confiscated weapons and called Manny over to ensure they were placed back in the Security Chief's office to await their respective owners' return from the mission.
Logan looked around the Bay. Brie was talking with Amy over by her Viper. She knew that the prisoners would be arriving soon. That meant another search. She sighed heavily. She saw Skyler over by his own Viper, going through his own thorough pre-flight check. And Hush and Janey were crossing the Launch Bay towards the shuttles.
She spared a moment to watch Hush and attempted to gauge what was going on in his mind. He wasn't close enough yet for her to really see his facial expressions and she wondered if he had heard the IFB broadcast. She was hoping for a spare micron to fill him in on her ruse with the reporter. She had just gotten him talking to her again and didn't want a misunderstanding based on faulty information to mess that up. And she was very concerned about his perception of her. That was something new and she wasn't sure yet why what he thought of her was so important.
Glancing back at Brie, she saw that the major's brow was furrowed as she read her comm unit. Even at this distance, she could read her lips and knew that something was wrong.
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Post by Logan on Jul 15, 2007 10:02:37 GMT -6
Persephone exited the shuttle and joined Logan.
"Familar with the flight plan?" Logan asked the lieutenant.
Persephone nodded.
"The prisoners should be here any micron. I think we'll have to search them, so be prepared for anything," Logan's tone belied the uneasiness she felt.
"Do you think there will be trouble," Persephone asked.
"I'd bet my last cubit on it."
Logan's eyes were locked on the approaching firgures of Hush and Janey. She wiped her hands on the back of her pants, aware that they were sweaty.
"I'm not going to have to search you two as well, am I?" Logan maintained her serious expression with difficulty. Janey looked uncertain but Hush just gave her an appraising look.
"She's kidding," Hush told Janey matter-of-factly. He grinned at Logan as Janey relaxed beside him.
"Brik and I just found hidden goodies on the two Black Shirts. We can't take any chances with these prisoners. I've seen them in action. They are ambitious and calculating."
It seemed that Hush and Janey must have missed the IFB broadcast because Logan saw no outward signs from Hush that anything was different from their conversation in the Ready Room. She thought about saying something, but didn't think it the time or place. We can deal with that after this is over.
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BRIK
Viper Pilot
Posts: 227
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Post by BRIK on Jul 16, 2007 0:09:36 GMT -6
Brik began his sentence where his companion's ended.
"I couldn't agree more. It can't be said enough: Do NOT under-estimate these people. In just about every personal situation, the victor is determined as much by desire as skill. Put yourself in the most heightened situation that you can imagine against a highly superior opponent that you MUST defeat. Then ask yourself 'What are you prepared to do?'. If you can, you've only just begun to understand how these people seem to operate all of the time."
Janey and Hush looked at each other and Brik could tell that they were actually considering his words. Good, they were willing to listen and to learn, a very good sign and a good omen for the mission, Lords knew they could use one. He let the thought sink in before continuing...
"Now, when they get here you want to be very aware of their behavior and movements and be prepared to render assistance at ANY TIME. And do NOT let them put ANY of us between you and them, they can use this 'stacking' to block one warrior while they attack the other. Also, maintain adequate spacing between yourself, the prisoners and your fellow Warriors at all times, for the same reason. Stay Sharp."
The Warriors all nodded agreement and Brik stopped speaking to allow for possible last-minute questions. He thought that he heard the prisoners coming.
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Post by Amy81 on Jul 16, 2007 10:20:34 GMT -6
Janey took the sudden silence as an opportunity to pull Hush aside. She grabbed his arm and guided him away. At a good distance she turned to face him.
"Nothing like a good dose of Gold Squadron superiority" she observed.
"What?" Hush asked. "Brik? He's an expert, Janey. He's just sharing what he knows."
"Well, I didn't sign up for 'Hand to hand 101'. You didn't either. We ARE warriors. We took all the same courses. We aren't dummies."
"It's just experience" Hush said.
"And what's with Logan, anyway? 'I'm not going to have to search you two as well, am I?' Does she enjoy making me look like an idiot?"
Hush studied Janey closely. "What's with you anyway?" he asked.
"What's with you?" Janey asked back. Then it dawned on her. "Logan... you're REALLY hung up on her, aren't you?"
"We have a mission..." Hush began.
"Yeah. And I guess I'm the only member of Bronze invited."
"What does that mean?" Hush asked, his voice rising before he toned it back down again.
"It means keep your fracking head on straight. Ally got her head turned around and look what happened to her."
"What happened to Ally could have happened to anybody. And what about Weasel? His head was on straight."
Janey's face grew cold. "I can't believe you'd..." She threw her hands up disgustedly. "Go on. Go kiss Brik's feet. Or Logan's... whatever. I have a shuttle to check over." She turned abruptly and headed for her assigned shuttle.
"Janey!" Hush called out. "Get back here." But Janey was already inside the shuttle.
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Post by Logan on Jul 16, 2007 13:27:30 GMT -6
Logan noticed Janey pull Hush off to the side, but was distracted by Persephone asking her about the cockpit security.
"The doors will be closed, but unlocked. We need to have access in case there is any trouble. If one of us is need in the rear, the other can operate the shuttle solo if it comes to that." Logan couldn't help but look over Persephone's shoulder as she spoke. Janey didn't look happy. Then she was walking away, towards the other shuttle, her shoulders square and head erect.
Hush called after her but she didn't stop.
"Excuse me,"she laid a hand on Persephone's shoulder as she went around her, leaving Brik to finish the cockpit security discussion.
Hush was standing with his hands on his hips, looking after Janey. His brow was furrowed.
"Hush?" She spoke softly, so as not to startle him.
Hush turned to Logan. Something in his eyes told her that something was wrong. "Is everything okay?"
Hush glanced over his shoulder to the shuttle entry as Janey disappeared within. "Yes. Yes, it'll be fine. Just nerves, I think."
"I hope Brik didn't startle her, but it is best to be over-prepared sometimes. You know, Brik even threatened to search me. I can't imagine why he'd think I could possibly have any hidden weapons. Completely not in my nature."
Hush just grinned at her.
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Post by Amy81 on Jul 16, 2007 17:39:31 GMT -6
Hush grinned, blushing a little as he imagined searching Logan. For weapons, of course. Then he thought of what Janey had said, and he felt guilty. The grin faded fast. He looked past Logan to the shuttle Janey had disappeared into.
He wanted to go and talk to her, but knew it would just make matters worse. It was tough leaving it alone though. Was Janey right? Was his head being turned? Was he doing what some in Bronze thought Ally had done? Sold out to Gold? Invited disaster in the process?
It had turned into a disaster for Ally.
Hush vowed to himself that it wouldn't happen again. This assignment would go smoothly. He'd show Janey that it was okay. He was and always would be Bronze.
He wondered why Janey had suddenly gotten so short with him. Was it what Logan had said to her? It had to be more than that. He knew what Janey had endured on that basestar. And how Ally's getting shot affected her. And Weasel's death. And here he'd brought Weasel's name up like it was nothing. No wonder she walked away.
Maybe it was too soon for Janey to do something like this, another mixed mission. Janey was tough, hard as nails, but that was the side she showed people. How strong she was underneath, especially right at the moment, he wasn't so sure.
Truth was, he understood what Janey had been saying. It felt to him as well that Brik was treating them like first orbit cadets. But he didn't want to get sucked into a Gold-bashing session cause of Logan. Things seemed finished with her, but now they didn't, and he didn't want to ruin his second chance if it really was true. So it figured that when he didn't agree with Janey, she got more upset and felt like she did.
But frack it, they were all on the same side! A thought he knew he wouldn't have entertained before that first combined mission, before he met Logan. The more he thought, he realized, the more confused he was making himself about the whole thing. So he forced himself to set it all aside for the moment as best he could.
"So" he asked Logan, "anything else I need to know?"
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Post by persephone on Jul 17, 2007 22:01:00 GMT -6
Triton made his way to meet with his wingman, Lieutenant Sobek. All the while still holding the feeling of Persephone in his arms, and their kiss. Why can't I purge this gut feeling? he thought to himself. His thoughts, worry and the knowledge he held of the prisoners his girl was about to transport, plagued him that he didn't even notice he was missing the corridor down to gamma bay. Fortunately Sobek caught him striding past in a world of his own. "Hey, Triton you going to do that viper check with me today or would you rather keep going to the main engine thrusters compartments?" Stopping in his tracks when he finally realized someone was talking to him, he turned back to face his wingman. "Oh Jeez.. Sobek, I don't know where I was going to be honest. Guess I got a lot on my mind today." The tall browned skinned lieutenant stood with his arms crossed, examining his wingman's face with his dark eloquent eyes. A native Leon with much innate wisdom to offer about things military and life governing. But wasn't the kind of character to waist time fracking around with anything professionally nor personally. He believed in getting things done in the best possible way yet with admirable diplomacy. "I guess you do, Triton, by the look on your face. But we still need to do our viper check, and gamma bay is thissa way". Sobek pointed a finger as he turned his hips briefly in the direction of the corridor behind him, with a slight grin on his mostly serious face. Sobek was a highly reputable man and an excellent warrior having been among Gold Squadron from earlier days of the Callisto, after being transferred to the new Battlestar from the Pegasus . He took his duty seriously, but had a compassionate spirit. He liked his new wingman, and held even more regard for him being the Commander's cousin. He saw a young Captain Apollo every time he looked at Triton. Their likeness was uncanny. Triton held many similarities in character as his great warrior cousin, but possessed many of his own qualities unique to himself alone. "Okay. why don't we talk about whatever 's on your mind Triton, while we head down to the bay. A warrior has to have a clear mind at all times. One of the first things you learn in the academy. You go into combat, or even a routine patrol with all that jumble inside your head, and you might just make a colossal slip up, costing you everything", Sobek quietly lectured. Triton listened respectfully, very glad to have such a respectable wingman and with a lifetime of experience to lend guidance and re-assurance to him when he needed it most. ******************* Meanwhile Persephone listened to Brik's remaining last centon discussion about security. She looked over at her wingman, then back at Brik, and asked him. "Logan seems distracted, is she okay? I really haven't had much chance to get to know her a little more. You know her better than I do. Is there any matters I should perhaps be mindful of to handle with ah, perhaps some delicacy?" The large man smiled at her with slight amusement, and she wondered what that look was all about. BLOOPER REEL:Actors ready themselves for the scene, director shouts, "...And ACTION!"
She looked over at her wingman, then back at Brik, and asked him, "Logan seems destructed, is she okay?...
Immediately Brik picks up on the slip of the toungue.
"DESTRUCTED? " Brik questions Persephone with that twinkle in his eye, bending slightly to let his head fall forward in a burst of laughter. Persephone joins him in the chuckles, "Oh YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN....", she says, hitting him on the shoulder with her hand...chuckling some more.
Brik still laughing uncontrollably, shouts over to Logan, "HAY LOGAN, DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE ABOUT TO DESTRUCT???", ;Dhe points repeatedly at Persephone for being the one who's fracked up her line, she has an ever growing smile on her face, shaking her head in more chuckles.
Camera's flash to Logan, as she walks a little toward the two, replying, "YEAH, I KNOW...GET IN LINE, IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO JOIN ME... ". She raises her eyebrows adding to the jest on set.
Everyone is giggling now.
Brik turns back to Persephone adding, "Ohhhh you're gettin' all your merds wixxed up again??", mischief in his eyes to tease Pers.
"You ain't seen nothing yet how I can frack up lines.... ", she assures him.
The scene is cut to re-shoot again.
Director shouts,"Okay, places everyone...you got the right word this time Pers?"
She nods, still grinning ;D."Not another word from you, Brik.. ." He covers his grin.
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Post by Brie on Jul 18, 2007 8:24:53 GMT -6
The entire mission team is to meet me immediately outside of Shuttle One.
Major Brie
Less than a centon after Brie had sent the message her team was standing in front of her. "Just a couple of quick things," she started. "The prisoners will be here in approximately five centons. They have already been stripped searched and given a change of clothes, but Logan, Brik, I still want you to perform a quick pat-down. They will then be loaded into the shuttles. Janey and Hush, I want the two of you to secure the prisoners in their seats and make sure they're properly restrained. Their hands will already be fastened behind them. Besides the poison that comes out of their mouths they really shouldn't give you any trouble, but don't hesitate to use the anaesthesine vapor if they even look at you funny."
"The shuttles will be following different courses, neither of them direct. The flight plans have been programmed into the shuttles and the vipers. Skyler and Amy, pay very close attention to your scanners because our paths are supposed to be clear. No other ships are allowed anywhere near the shuttles."
Brie paused for just a micron. "Oh, and Roxzanna-Rizou is coming along. I'd obviously prefer she didn't, but it’s not a classified military operation or a matter of fleet security, so she was able to get permission under the Freedom of Information Act. I know she’s a pain in the........just don't antagonize her. Be polite, answer her questions simply and don't give her any extra information. I guess that’s about all." She glanced at her wrist chrono. "The prisoners will now be here in approximately four centons."
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Post by Logan on Jul 19, 2007 14:01:52 GMT -6
"Perfect. Just fracking perfect."
Logan couldn't believe it. Rizzou? What was Core Command thinking? And she had a sneaking suspicion that the reporter's sudden interest in this mission had little to do with a prisoner transfer.
"Want to lay odds on which shuttle Rizzou will be riding in?" She asked Brik the question, but didn't expect a response. They both knew that the timing was far from coincidental.
Hush looked at Logan quizzically. She was standing with her hands on her hips, her right hand almost subconsciously seemed to be reaching for the place where her blaster usually resided. Finding no blaster, her fingers flexed momentarily, then rested on her hip. Her eyes were on the ceiling of the Bay far overhead.
Heaving a deep sigh, she brought her eyes back down to the group of Warriors amongst whom she stood. Brie was speaking with Skyler and Amy a few feet away.
Brik laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder and opened his mouth to speak. Glancing quickly at Hush, Janey and Persephone, he seemed to change his mind and closed his mouth.
Logan looked at each Warrior in turn and then spoke. "Alright. Once the prisoners get here, Brik and I will do the search. You all know what to do and don't need me drilling you like a bunch of first year cadets. The lot of you have faced worse than this mission and will probably face worse again in the future."
She exchanged glances with Brik, who nodded.
She couldn't help but stare into Hush's eyes as she spoke. She didn't mean to, but she wasn't about to take chances on clarity. This was important.
"There was an IFB report a few microns ago that you all obviously didn't see. Rizzou announced that the CO of Black Squadron, Major JustinB, has a new love interest. Why this is 'news', I haven't a clue."
Hush looked confused. Logan dove in feet first.
"She thinks the love interest...is me."
Hush's eyes sparked with questions. Before anyone had a chance to ask anything, she pressed on.
"I don't have time to explain fully, but I was trying to do him a favor that has backfired on me."
"Royally," said Brik.
"Well, she has been all over the ship looking for a mysterious redhead that the Major was seen with on the Starliner Alpha before the jump. Evidently, Warriors' lovelives are now top news in the Fleet. She cornered me, for obvious reasons," at this point she pulled a strand of hair from behind her ear,"and was so infuriating that I let her think it was me just to get her to leave the Major and his ladyfriend alone. No one deserves to be harassed that way. Especially not Warriors who have far little peace in their lives as is."
Persephone said, "She'll be asking us about this?"
Brik laughed. "My dear, that is the reason she's coming. Has to be." He turned to Logan and she knew it was a mark of their friendship that kept him from teasing her about this now. "You had noble intentions, my friend, but you really stepped in the felgercarb this time."
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