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Post by Skyler on Nov 10, 2007 8:34:19 GMT -6
"Undomesticated Equines could not drag me away from your side Brie.” Skyler adjusted course to put him in the proper orbit for landing. “The joy you felt with Amy could have been because of the violence with her conception, as you said something good out of something so bad. Now your life has change so much, the mystery behind Turner, his missing in action, his death, the shadow of doubt has been resolved, the people responsible for his death have been handed over to the prison barge, the rest of that twisted group are being hunted down. The truth about Amy has finally come out, releasing that burden from your shoulders. You and Justin have found something special. As far as maternal instinct, well, you are a Squadron Leader, I can’t think of a bigger bunch of children to tend to then us.” Skyler checked Brie’s reflection in the canopy glass, he squeezed his hand thru the small crack between the seat and the frame of the Viper and grabbed her knee, to give her some form of contact, to enforce that she was not alone, that he was there for her, always. “It's okay to be scared, this is a new chapter in your life, one that for a change isn’t being written by someone else, it is being written by you, and Justin.”
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Post by Brie on Nov 11, 2007 15:39:55 GMT -6
"I'm not too worried about equines," Brie said, "but Doc Bkj is another story." She paused for a micron. "But you know, you're right. For yahrens my life was exactly the same. Then Hawke stuck his nose in where I had asked him not to...Turner's disappearance was like a mystery to be solved. I'm not stupid, I knew he was dead, but things were so much easier being officially sealed. Then that night, when you and I shared the Ambrosia, well, ever since then my whole life has been about change. I don't like change. And now......my relationship with JustinB has been like a whirlwind. Things moved way faster than either of us had planned. Obviously. I don't think we're ready." She bit her lip, and patted her stomach again. "But just like Pyramid, you play the hand you're dealt. If I am pregnant, this future Gold Squadron member will be loved like crazy. And I can always switch to decaf." Brie quieted as they made their final approach to land. She wanted to see Doc Bkj as soon as possible.
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Post by Logan on Nov 12, 2007 8:50:14 GMT -6
There were two guards on either side of each prisoner. Chief Ghim surveyed the line up and watched as the guards triple-checked the prisoner's bound hands and the new restraints that had been fitted around their ankles making the men incapable of moving more than a few inches forward at a time.
Logan and Hush stood to the side. Persephone was at Logan's side and seemed hesitant, but remained quiet. Logan had no idea what was going on in the girl's head, but suddenly she realized that she couldn't leave such a choice to the inexperienced lieutenant. Having shown such professionalism and willingness on the shuttle had made Logan forget that it had been Persephone's first mission. What a way to be initiated.
Her second thought was of the other shuttle and how someone needed to make a report to Major Brie as soon as possible and in turn, Commander Sheba. With Rizou returning to the IFB ship, Logan realized that having the Colonial Military get it's first debriefing from the reporter might not be the best idea. Even though Rizou had proven herself capable on the mission, she was still a reporter.
"Persephone," Logan said, turning to her wingman. "I have an important job for you." She hesitated as the girl stood up straighter, awaiting orders. "I need you to coordinate with the other shuttle team and get back to the Callisto to file an official report. Major Brie will want to know everything that happened on this mission and so will the Commander. If we have a resurgence of Pierce's followers to contend with, they need to know."
"But surely there can't be that many of them left?" Persephone seemed unsure whether she was being dismissed because of her performance or if Logan was being straight with her.
Logan glanced at Hush and was amazed that he nodded and moved to talk to Chief Ghim out of earshot. Can he read my mind?
Logan ran a hand over her unkempt hair and attempted to tie the leather strip more securely. "We didn't think that the handful of followers we knew about would be capable of overtaking two shuttles and almost crashing them into the Fleet either. And we expected trouble. No, there are more of them and they're planning something. I can feel it. Nothing else makes sense."
Persephone nodded and realized that Logan wasn't trying to slight her by not allowing her to stay.
"Listen, I need someone to do this and Hush isn't going anywhere."
Persephone grinned at Logan. "Yes, where you're involved, he seems most stubborn."
Logan sighed. "He's just afraid I'll get myself in trouble, I think."
Persephone seemed to consider Logan's words before answering. "It's more than that."
Logan and her wingman looked at each other in silence for a micron, then Logan extended her hand. "Can I count on you?"
"Yes, Lt." Persephone shook her hand.
"The other shuttle will have landed on the women's side of the barge. Get over there and fill in the Major. And tell Brik I'm alright before he storms over here raising all kinds of Hades."
Persephone returned Logan's smle before she ran out of the landing bay.
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Post by Brie on Nov 12, 2007 10:57:44 GMT -6
The landing was simple. Although, being wounded, Brie would have been allowed to skip Decom, she knew she shouldn't. Having had contact with system locals made it even more important. Fortunately, someone yahrens earlier had come up with the idea to place a computer terminal in the Decom chambers, so Brie was able to file a brief report. Sending it to both Commanders, she filled them in on the locals they had met, their mentioning an "Alliance" and the fact that though they looked imposing, neither man had really been dangerous. She briefly mentioned the events of the transfer, promising to file a more detailed report after seeing Doc Bkj. As soon as she was finished with Decom she headed towards the Med Lab, Skyler at her side.
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Post by Brie on Nov 12, 2007 14:33:54 GMT -6
Ranny stood at the front of the dark room, counting the shadows in front of him. Seemed like just yesterday there had been triple the number. It didn't matter, they had time. He couldn't help but wonder how many of them were privileged enough to know that their Master was indeed alive. He hoped none, it made him feel special. Pierce made him feel special. Besides his wife he didn't know one other person in the room. Their Master wanted it that way. Less information, less risk. Ranny cleared his throat before starting. "I have called you all here to share a message from beyond. Our Master's plan has indeed been successful. He now wants us to remain quiet. Our orders from him are to wait. We must remain as calm, as patient, as possible. He has one last gift for us, one that you will be hearing about very soon. But otherwise, we must wait. Let the fleet forget about us, think we are defeated. We cannot call attention to the child. Kumarbi will soon be where our Master wants his son, and he needs to grow up without outsiders realizing who he is. Remember, the children of the fleet will know our Master's salvation." "The children of the fleet will know our Master's salvation," was repeated in unison.
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Post by Skyler on Nov 13, 2007 10:06:57 GMT -6
Skyler eased his Viper onto the deck plates of the Callisto. Textbook landing if there ever was one. He had been extra careful, because of Brie's wound. As he stood in the Decom chamber, his mind raced over the information that he had heard. He loved Brie with everything that he had, and would do anything for her. Even let her go. Even though he had made his mind up before the mission, this made the decision so final, so confirmed. He exited the chamber and found a crate to sit on where he could see Brie's chamber. In a few microns he would have his first Equine to face, Doc BJK. Brie exited the Decom chamber and looked at him, words were not needed. She started towards the life station and he fell in at her side....
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Post by Brie on Nov 13, 2007 20:00:13 GMT -6
A smile crossed his face as Pierce entered the shuttle that was headed for the Rising Star. There were few empty seats, but one was right next to Boleman! If he could fool his former opponent, he could fool anyone. He took the seat and pretended to be nervous. "You'd think after all this time I'd be used to these smaller shuttles, but I hate them," he said, directing his comment to Boleman.
"Yeah," was all that Boleman replied.
Pierce stared at Boleman for a micron, trying not to look obvious. "Sorry to bother you, but have we met?"
"I don't think so." Boleman wasn't in the mood for talking.
Pierce pressed on. "Are you sure? You look so familiar."
"I've been on IFB a little bit, a while ago," Boleman said, offering no further explanation.
"That's probably it." Pierce held out his hand. "My name is Holt."
"Boleman."
"So were you displaced from the Alpha too?" Pierce asked. "Or are you just headed to the Rising Star for some fun?"
"Neither," Boleman started. "I'm going to be working there."
"Oh, how nice," Pierce said. "These luxury ships are the greatest. I work on the Alpha myself. So what will you be doing? Let me guess, Pyramid Dealer, right?" Pierce was enjoying himself immensely.
"Please forgive me, but I'm really not in the mood for small talk."
"Sorry." Pierce smiled inwardly, and counted to ten. "I don't mean to poke my nose in where it doesn't belong, but are you okay? You seem a bit down. Sometimes it helps to open up, even to a stranger."
"I'll be fine," Boleman said. "It's just that...my fiancée left me, taking our son with her."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Pierce said. If you only knew.
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Post by Brie on Nov 13, 2007 20:07:08 GMT -6
They stood outside the closed door for several microns. Finally Brie took a deep breath. "Might as well get this over with." They walked in.
Obviously the medical staff was expecting her. "Major, we have a private examining room set up for you," a young med tech said. "Number three." Brie started in that direction, Skyler matching her step for step. "Um, you can wait out here, Captain," the med tech said.
"Captain Skyler stays with me," Brie said sternly. "Or I'm out of here." She continued to walk towards the private room.
The med tech sighed and opened the door. "I guess for some privacy you can change in the turboflush room," she said. She pointed towards a medical gown. "But Doc Bkj isn't going to be too pleased." She barely allowed Skyler to enter before closing the door on them.
"I'll be right back," Brie said, picking up the gown. She returned less than a centon later, sat down, and took Skyler's hand for support. "One Equine down."
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Post by Brie on Nov 15, 2007 11:23:55 GMT -6
"I hear you're giving my med tech a hard time," Doc Bkj said as she walked into the examining room.
"Darn right," Brie replied. She gripped Skyler's hand tighter. "And I'll do the same thing with you if you tell me Skyler has to leave, because he's staying."
"He can stay, for now," Doc Bkj agreed. "Let me take a look at your wound." Brie allowed Bkj to examine her right arm but didn't let go of Skyler with her left hand. "Not too bad, but it looks like it might be getting infected. One shot will..."
"Wait!" Brie interrupted. "Doc, before you do anything else...could you run a pregnancy test?"
"Oh," was Bkj's reply. She took a vial of blood. "I'll have this back in ten centons or so."
As Bkj left Brie held on to Skyler's hand even tighter. She sat there silently for a centon. "Skyler," she said at last, "there's something else that you need to know. This was something that I decided during the mission, before I began to suspect that I might be pregnant, so the results of the test won't affect my decision. I'm leaving Gold Squadron. Lazant's position at the Training Academy is open, and I'm going to submit my name. I've done my time, I'm through."
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Post by Logan on Nov 16, 2007 9:19:53 GMT -6
Logan turned to Hush. "Are we ready?"
"Are you sure you want to do this?", he asked her, eyeing the prisoners warily as Ghim moved out with the guards flanking the prisoners, Hush and Logan bringing up the rear.
"Yes. But I wish I had my blaster."
"That makes two of us," Hush nodded in understanding.
As they marched at a slow pace due to the shuffling footsteps of the bound prisoners, Logan took the opportunity to have her first look at the Prison Barge. The ship looked like it was falling apart. The crews had obviously cobbled together any pieces of scrap metal they could find to make repairs to the corridor walls and floors, the ceiling slats were open in spots, exposing bundles of wire. She was amazed that she couldn't see gobs of spit holding things together.
At the end of the corridor, Ghim opened a wide security door and spoke with someone on the other side. After a micron, he turned and motioned to the first two guards. They led Ivan through, followed by Sid and his guards, then Vreemer and finally Comeek.
The corridor out of the landing bay had been cobbled together, but clean. Here Logan noted two guards on either side of the wide corridor lined with doors. The walls and ceiling seemed to be in better condition here, but Logan was trying not to look down if she could help it.There was so much filth on the floor, their boots made no sound, almost as if they were walking on packed dirt. Hush frowned at her. She made a note to ask Ghim later about the conditions. But she knew what he'd say. With the Fleet being out in the black for so long, the cleanliness of the Prison Barge wasn't a top priority.
They reached a set of doors side by side and Ghim opened the first. The two guards in the lead ushered Ivan inside. One released his restraints while the other held his rifle on him. They both retreated and locked the door behind them.This was repeated with Sid in the next cell.
Ghim nodded to the four guards who had discharged their prisoners and they left, walking back through the doubledoors that the entire party had entered.
"We have to go to the next section for the rest. No more empties here and I don't want this lot sharing cells." Ghim eyed them all gruffly and walked to the end of the corridor where a lone door, smaller than the last, waited.
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