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Post by Skyler on Jul 19, 2007 15:50:57 GMT -6
***RPG NOTE*** this takes place throughout the entire scene. Sorry I took so long to post it. It was on my work computer and I would get busy and be unable to post it…. After Skyler had finished the pre-flight check on his viper, he found a quite place to go over his part of the mission, and watch. This had the possibility of becoming one very boring mission for him. Following a shuttle across the fleet on an erratic course with multiple changes from point A to point B, easy huh? However, if by some chance the prisoners got lose, over powered one black shirt and three Colonial Warriors and took the shuttle, well, his part in this show would become a lot more interesting as he was faced with blowing some of his best friends into space particles. Then there was the possibility that his friends would already be dead and he would just be vaping the scum of the SSS, a group he felt should be released, right out of an airlock, or the very least lined up and shot. “Captain…?” Skyler turned to see Hutch standing there, a crooked smile on his face, his tattered hat askewed on his head. Hutch was the younger of the crew chiefs and one of the only other men that Micklin saw as an equal. Hutch was good, pulling all night, double, triple etc shifts getting the Vipers back in fighting shape, often using parts never meant to fly to keep them in the air. Skyler remembered the time that schrapnel holes were patched with recycled grog cans. He often wondered what Hutch could do with a fully staffed and equipped flight line. He also hoped for the day that flight line wouldn’t be needed. “Yes Hutch, what can I do for you?” “Nothing Captain, just saw you sitting here and thought I would speak. We don’t get to talk like we used to.” “No we don’t. We will have to get together in the O-club once we get back from this mission.” “I don’t know Captain, Officer territory and mechanics don’t mix to well.” “If my Crew Chief can’t eat there, I don’t Hutch. Name the place, my treat. Hell, we can bring Micklin too. The big Oaf needs to get out more.” Hutch smiled and nodded towards Skyler’s Viper. “Rebuilt the intake manifolds finally, also ground the valve seats, bored out the shafts and replaced the injectors. Ran her on the dynotron and she is running at about 120% of her original specs… even replaced those grog can patches we had covered up with a cheap coat of paint. Brand new mark XII laser generator pumps and all the instruments have been re-calibrated. Its like having a MKVII Viper in a Starhound’s Skin.” “Hutch, you are the man, when did you sleep last, that must have taken you several cycles.” “Sleep…? You know Crew Chiefs don’t need sleep, just add grease from time to time and we are fine.” Skyler noticed JustinB leave Brie’s shuttle and felt a slight pang of emptiness form in his gut, but it quickly left. The way he carried himself, he knew right then it was him, without a shadow of a doubt. “You know the Starhounds are the best, those fancy flying hunks of Felgercarb are nothing but a malfunction waiting to happen.” “Captain, the bugs have all been worked out of the MK VII’s, you know that.” “It still can not hang with a Starhound in a real fight. Yes it has slicked up controls and the engines are little newer and gets more parsecs to the gallon, but it lacks the…. The…..” “Ruggedness of the Starhound…” “That’s is, sorta… with the MKII Starhound , when you grab the controls, you know you are flying. You can feel it, the MKVII’s, they, I don’t know. Feel like a cheap sim trainer.” “Nothing cheap about them, you should try working on all that junk when someone breaks it. The first one we got from the Galactica a certain Lt. decided that he could alter the programming and improve on the overall performance, and he also decided to jack a music player into the system. It took us cycles to trace all those wires down, nothing but electronic felgercarb, that’s for sure.” Skyler noticed Brie checking her communications unit, while talking to Amy. Hutch also noticed the activity and knew that the mission was about to start. “Well, Sk…. Captain, I will let you warm up your bird, I have a few more that needs a tweak here and a turn there before shift ends.” As Hutch turned to leave, Skyler reminded him about the promise to grab some chow and catch up on old times, when they had time. Hutch just smiled, grabbed his tool roll and headed over to the next Viper in line, a MKVII with a bundle of wires hanging out from under the right wing. “Fancy felgercarb” he heard him mumble. Skyler cranked his head from side to side, apply pressure on the spin with his neck muscles when his ear was close to his shoulder and the loud pop of the vertebra made people queasy when they were close enough to hear it. One would think he was breaking bones. His comm. Unit beeped a message….. Five centons and counting, its show time….
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Post by Brie on Jul 25, 2007 8:56:32 GMT -6
Brie spoke briefly with Amy and Skyler, then returned to her shuttle. The prisoners would start arriving any micron. Brie noticed that Logan was talking with most of the mission team. "Lieutenant Janey," Brie called, one foot on the ramp to her shuttle, "could you help me out for a micron?" She entered the shuttle and waited for the young woman to join her.
"What can I do for you, Major?" Janey asked. She seemed to have several conflicting emotions on her face.
"You can accept my apology," Brie said. "I know that there's a lot of competition between the squadrons. Some members of Gold Squadron tend to act superior. We usually get the best missions, partly because of experience, but mostly because I have seniority over both Major JustinB and Major Jorlan." She smiled slightly. "And I have a bigger mouth than they do, I speak up louder when the assignments are given. But that doesn't mean that any members of Gold Squadron should ever talk down to you. If they have, I take responsibility, and I apologize. I've read your file, Lieutenant, you're a fine warrior. You make any squadron proud, and I'm honored to have this chance to work with you." She glanced out the window, the first female prisoner was being escorted by two Blackshirt. "Here we go," she said, mostly to herself.
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Post by Logan on Jul 25, 2007 18:38:35 GMT -6
Logan didn't know what any of them were thinking, but she was glad to have that out of the way. having this reporter along was going to be bad enough. At least now, everyone knew what they might be dealing with on that front. The one thing none of them needed was extra pressure from Rizzou in the middle of transferring dangerous prisoners. Distractions could foul up any mission and this one had Logan on edge. Something didn't feel right. That was the only way she could describe it.
Seeing the prisoners approaching, Logan grasped Brik's hand and squeezed his arm. They didn't speak but knew what was going on in each others' minds. they had had this farewell many times over the course of the yahrens they had served together. brik grasped hands with Persephone and Hush and walked towards Shuttle 1.
"Alright, here we go." Logan stood and had to swallow her nervousness. Steeling herself for whatever bile came from Comeek's mouth was now no longer at the forefront of her worries. She knew that Hush and the Black Shirt could handle it. Doran stood by the entry to the shuttle, arms folded, waiting to escort the prisoners into the passenger area.
Logan exchanged a glance with Hush. He hadn't spoken since her revelation about what Rizzou might really be after on this trip, but she attempted a reassuring a smile in the hopes that he had understand her motivations. And could understand that her great plans had a way of getting away from her. This was a part of her personality that he hadn't seen yet. What an initiation, she muttered under her breath.
The female prisoners were just arriving at the other shuttle. At the Launch Bay doors, Logan could see the male group just entering.
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Post by Brie on Jul 27, 2007 9:02:35 GMT -6
The first of the female prisoners was brought onto Shuttle One. Brie recognized her only from her picture, she had never dealt with the woman directly. Shawney had been a backup pyramid dealer who, according to her file, hadn't made main dealer because she wasn't sexy enough. In her mind's eye Brie could see Pierce working on the poor woman, comforting her, using her own insecurities and self-doubts to mold her into what he had wanted. Brie almost felt sorry for her as Shawney was led past her. "Widow," Shawney spit out, snapping Brie back into reality.
"Whatever," Brie replied. She watched as Jorma fastened Shawney's seatbelt around her. All the prisoners were already cuffed behind their backs, it wouldn't be a comfortable ride for any of them.
The second prisoner brought on was Millie. Brie knew her well, she had been one of the guards when Brie had been in the brig. "Widow," Millie said, her voice full of hate.
"That's going to grow old so fast," Brie mumbled under her breath.
Third was Tanya, Millie's former security partner. "Widow," was Tanya's expected comment.
"You know, Tanya," Brie said, "I really need to thank you and Millie. You two did, after all, get me started watching General Sickbay, and it's been pretty good lately. Doctor Noah is playing two parts, and it's been kind of fun to watch. But don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to watch every episode, where you're going."
Tanya didn't say another word.
The fourth woman brought in was Raina. Brie knew her only from the picture in her file. She was very small, the uniform that she was wearing was falling off of her. She looked at Brie, her eyes filled with hatred. "Widow."
This time Brie didn't answer. She knew who was next. The woman she didn't want to see, the woman who had shot her, the woman who had bragged about her part in Turner's murder...Brie took a deep breath and held it as Trula walked by her. "Widow." Trula spit in Brie's face.
Without reacting Brie wiped her face on her sleeve. "Did Boleman tell you that he gave me all of your old clothes?" she asked.
Trula didn't answer at first, just stared at her. "You'll get what's coming to you," she said at last.
Something else dawned on Brie. Trula had been obsessively in love with Pierce, even more so than most of his female followers. "Did you know that Pierce was going to spare me? Although I would have had to do something for him. He wanted me to take the seal with him. But I told him that I would rather die then let someone as vile and disgusting as him touch m..."
"Liar!" Trula screamed, lunging towards Brie. With her hands restrained she couldn't really do anything, but it wasn't for lack of trying. It took the guards escorting her and Jorma to get her into her seat and fastened in.
"You know it's true," Brie said calmly. "Why do you think he stopped you from killing me? I was the one that he couldn't have, so I was the one that he wanted the most. Not any of you. He just used you." She looked at the entire group before her. "All of you." Feeling surprisingly satisfied, Brie headed to the cockpit.
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Post by Brie on Jul 30, 2007 8:59:20 GMT -6
Brie poked her head outside of the shuttle door and took one last glance around. There was no sign of Roxzanna-Rizou, and once the doors were sealed they wouldn't be reopened. That suited Brie just fine, but she also didn't want Logan to get stuck with the reporter. Shuttle Two was to leave ten centons after Brie's group, but that didn't mean the door had to stay unsealed those ten extra centons.
Once back inside, Brie took one last glance at the prisoners. Janey was busy trying to tighten Raina's seatbelt, the girl was so thin! Jorma was already strapped in, a canister of anaesthesine vapor in her lap. "Widow!" was said several times over when it was realized that Brie was there.
"Okay, we all know that I'm the 'Widow' and that Turner was 'The Great Traitor'," Brie said. "Big fat fracking deal. It's time to move on. I have." Brie looked at Jorma and then at Janey. "Prepare for launch, it should be in the next centon or two."
Brie returned to the cockpit and instructed Brik to start the engines while she sealed the doors. Roxzanna-Rizou wouldn't be riding in Shuttle One! Amy was given permission to launch and her viper appeared on Brie's scanner. "Gold Shuttle One, you may launch when ready," the familiar voice said in her earpiece.
Hands on the controls, Brie looked at Brik. "You ready?" Brik nodded. Without wasting another micron, the first of the two Gold shuttles launched.
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Post by Logan on Jul 30, 2007 12:38:44 GMT -6
The male prisoners were lined up at the hatchway. Logan looked at them and saw that Comeek was staring at her from the end of the line. When he saw her, he quickly looked down at his feet, but it wasn't fast enough for her not to catch the look of surprise and pleasure at seeing her there.
Standing on her left, she felt rather than saw Hush stiffen for a micron. She turned to him briefly and winked at him, attempting reassurance. No one else caught it as she had her head turned from the prisoners and guards.
The first three men didn't speak to her as she patted them down and turned them over to Duran and Hush to be lead into the shuttle and secured. The fourth prisoner, Ivan, stared her down. He had been on the Agro Ship. She had no clue if he thought she was still playing a part, but the venom in his eyes showed intense dislike. She knew he held a grudge against her for taking his place as pilot when she was posing as a SSS member. One of the guards led him past her and into the shuttle with the others.
Comeek was doing a good job of looking everywhere but at Logan. She ran her hands over him quickly, detecting no weapons of any kind, but she was very aware that he seemed to shiver at her touch. She bit down on her lip in barely-contained revulsion. She had just finished checking his boots and was raising herself to clear him for the shuttle when she thought she heard him groan. Looking at him, he met her eyes and couldn't seem to stop himself from looking greedily at her. He took half a step towards her but Hush was there before he could move any further. "Inside," was all he said. As he maneuvered Comeek towards the hatch, Hush glanced at Logan and winked at her.
Logan entered behind them and watched as all the prisoners were secured. Hush seemed to be enjoying restraining Comeek, who still hadn't uttered a word. Their silence bothered Logan. She had expected them to be spouting vitriol from the moment they entered the Bay.
The guards who had transferred the prisoners from the brig exited the shuttle and Logan saw that Persephone was at the controls. Hush and Duran took their positions in the seating area, casting wary eyes on the prisoners who were bound and secured in their seats.
Persephone turned to Logan. "Gold One has just launched. We leave in 10 centons."
The spell of quiet broken, Logan heard a commotion at the hatch and looked to see a man with a vid-cam scrabbling on the deck for a bag he had evidently dropped. Behind him she could hear an irate woman's voice shouting, "N'Rondar, you idiot. Hurry up."
Logan knew that trouble had arrived. And she couldn't believe that it seemed a reporter was going to give her more problems than a group of murderous delusional criminals. Muttering to herself, she motioned for Hush to follow her. "I knew I should have locked the hatch. Duran, keep an eye on them."
Blocking the hatch, Logan and Hush watched as N'Rondar retrieved his equipment and he and Rizzou focused back on the doorway into the shuttle. Finding Logan and Hush standing there, Rizzou's face transformed from the scowl she had been wearing to a smug smile. "Ah, Lieutenant Logan. What a surprise. I wasn't aware you were on this mission."
Logan smiled back and knew that the woman was lying through her teeth. "Of course you weren't. Listen, I'm not happy about you being here. Regardless of what you've been told, this is still a mission and I don't take people interfering in my duties lightly. Observe all you like, but you will stay out of the way and I don't want you talking to the prisoners. They are evil and would like nothing better than to spread their bile throughout the Fleet on the IFB. So no exclusives or any such felgercarb." Rizzou attempted to look shocked that anyone would think she would get in the way of an official mission, but Logan could tell that she was sizing her up as she spoke. N'Rondar seemed to be enjoying Rizzou getting told off for a change.
Rizzou simpered, "But of course, Lt. We won't get in the way."
"We leave in less than 10 centons. Get in, find a seat at the back, and strap yourselves in. I assume you have been briefed on this mission, how dangerous the prisoners are and the extent to which we are prepared to keep them from taking over this shuttle." Logan raised her eyebrow, hoping this last would scare the woman off.
"Oh yes. Commander Sheba herself briefed us on what we could expect. But the Fleet has a right to the stories of the risks it's Warriors take in their defense." N'Rondar was rolling his eyes behind Rizzou.
"Alright, let's go." Logan moved aside and allowed them access. Rizzou and N'Rondar entered the back of the shuttle and Logan noted that Rizzou cast scornful eyes upon the prisoners. She didn't look like she wanted to go within an inch of them, which suited Logan just fine.
Hush moved past Logan to take up his position again. As he passed her, he whispered, "She seems nice." Logan couldn't help the grin that crossed her face. She placed her arm on his shoulder as he passed and her look was serious as she said, "Keep an eye on her. I don't trust her anymore than I do the prisoners." He nodded.
Over in his seat, Comeek watched Logan closely.
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Post by persephone on Jul 30, 2007 22:42:54 GMT -6
Logan gripped Persephone's hand as they made their way across to the shuttle.
She saw the female prisoners approaching shuttle one. She felt nervous about seeing the male prisoners in any centon now.
But fortunately, she would not have to look at them during the whole trip to the Barge. She would be too busy co-piloting the shuttle. She had plenty to keep her mind off the passengers extremist reputation.
Then suddenly, the male prisoners appeared through the hatchway into the launch bay, and were all in single file, guarded by sentries heading towards shuttle two. They arrived to be first patted down before entering the shuttle. Persephone looked their way, swallowing a slight gulp of anxiety about this assignment. She then proceeded to climb the ramp to enter the shuttle while the final check of the prisoners was being done. As she passed them, one of them glanced her way giving her a vile and slimey look, pursing his lips into the formation of a kiss at her, before winking at her. She toughened her face at him, and held her chin straight, as she disappeared through the shuttle hatch.
She seated herself at the controls in the cockpit, and ran her emerald eyes over the scanners and the weight load as one by one, prisoners were seated and strapped in.
Hush and Duran took their positions in the seating area, casting wary eyes on the prisoners who were bound and secured in their seats.
Persephone turned to Logan. "Gold One has just launched. We leave in 10 centons", she said as she gave a final adjustment to her head piece, and switched a few controls in preparation.
Meanwhile work as usual carried on in gamma bay. Triton was going over his viper check with Sobek. But Triton found himself starring at his controls for 5 centons longer than he realised he been staring at them for.
"Hey Triton! You still in orbit with us? Or have you floated off somewhere?"
"Huh"? His blue eyes looked questioningly at his wingman, still not out of the mists of his thoughts of Persephone.
"Oh...sorry Sobek. I was..I mean.."
"Yeah, I can see your mind is really in the viper check. Look, why don't you go up to the bridge and watch the shuttles take off. They should be launching any centon now. If it'll make you feel any better, that is".
Triton gave Sobek a smile overcast still with worry about his gut feelings he couldn't purge.
"Thanks buddy."
Triton made his way up to the bridge to view the shuttle's taking off on one of the scanners. His blue eyes gazed at the monitor, praying in his mind for the safety of his girl.
"May the lords of Kobol be with you Persephone", he softly spoke as he let out a sigh. Triton heard the words spoken from one of the flight transfer officers at their contol panel, "Transferring flight control to Callisto shuttle craft two, launch when ready".
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