Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 21, 2005 4:32:05 GMT -5
"Commander, thank you for coming so quickly." I nodded to him by way of salute. "I have been intrigued by a story claiming that you were shown an Atlas class battlemech which was for sale ? I was wondering if you could verify this story for me please ? "
" Yes, it is true, though from all appearences that Atlas had been standing around in the jungle for at least a year. I doubt very mech that it could have even moved under it's own power and was definitely not combat worthy. But that was months ago, I doubt that it is still there. If it is, it's probally only good possums and squirrels by now. In any case I have asked Technician Forester to attend as well has he took some technical readings of the mech and can give you a more detailed report of what was there."
Almost as if on cue, Technician Forester entered the room, nodding greetings to all present.
" Forester, thank you for coming. Sorry to drag you away from your duties."
"Sir."
" The scan we took of that Atlas in the jungle, the night I purchased Savior, do have those on hand ? "
" Certainly Sir"
" Morgan here for perculiar reason is intersted in that Atlas. Any chanch of humouring him and giving him your assesment please ?"
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Sept 22, 2005 22:46:05 GMT -5
I watched as Forester unhooked his data pad and began to search through it, going into a digital world of his own. I envied the technician’s skills; he truly was a master at his art. After searching through countless folders the technician’s warn data pad brought up Forester’s personal notes on an AS7-K Atlas. Although we had no imagery we had at least a thousand words in notes, and that was, apparently, worth a picture. The ‘mech unfortunately, from the notes, was not in prime condition. It was missing its most important weapon, the Dragon’s Fire Gauss Rifle which it ordinarily would have housed in its right torso. It also seemed that someone had stripped it of both of its Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Lasers and perhaps most devastatingly its Matabushi Sentinel tracking system. I was fairly certain that the Legionnaires could replace the weapons missing weaponry, but an advanced targeting system such as that was hard to come by—Morgan would probably need to make more than one trip to get what he wanted. But as far as I could tell the ‘mech could be long gone and perhaps there was something better in its place—hell perhaps the ‘mech dealer was long gone—I didn’t even know how to find him—he always found his clients. I still didn’t understand how the dealer had come up with such a strange variety of ‘mechs ranging from all of the great houses and even a clan ‘mech or two. Looking back up from his pad, Forester began to speak.
“It would seem, Mr. Blake,” Morgan Blake’s position in the Legionnaires still hadn’t been decided, “that I do have some data on the Atlas, but I don’t know if you’re going to like it.
Over the next half-hour Forester went over his notes with the recovering Blake and even tried to recall undocumented memories about the ‘mech from the texture of the seat to the smell of the cockpit. I still had never sat in a new ‘mech—I wasn’t even sure that I’d ever seen one. Excusing myself from the conversation between the two, I walked over to the doctor, quietly complementing her on her excellent surgical skills—Morgan Blake truly was a new man. I was sure that it’d take awhile before he’d be fully recovered but considering that he had called upon me after having only recently finished surgery was a good sign. I waved to Doctor Edwards as I made my exit, receiving a fumbled salute in return—I sure as hell hoped that it’d be Jessica taking care of me if I ever got hurt—that man would probably accidentally leave a piece of medical equipment in me after a surgery. As I left I noticed Aliesha watching me, I didn’t speak or even salute—I had no idea how a clanner would feel.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 23, 2005 3:25:03 GMT -5
I listened attentively but from the outset I knew that this was not the Atlas I was searching for. I was interested in a pre-recovered technology era Atlas AS7-D. The venerable king of the Succession War era battlefield. Forester was very good. He had even taken the serial number of the Atlas' chassis, stamped there by Independence Weaponry on Quentin in the Draconis Combine. This confirmed that it was not the Atlas that I was searching for, looking different for having been refitted with recovered technology.
Listening to Forester over the next half hour or more it became very apparent that he was a first class technician and certainly took a great deal of pride in his work. It would be an absolute pleasure working with this man in the mech bays. He obviously realized as well by the end of our conversation that I had spent many hours inside the service access panels on many mechs and shared his passion for tinkering with them.
It had been so many long months since I had been able to indulge in a truly technical conversation with another technician that I quite forgot where I was and why I was lying in a hospital bed.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 23, 2005 17:04:03 GMT -5
I was keeping myself busy around the infirmary while Garland and Forrester talked with Morgan. Morgan was a strong man. I had not wanted him to speak much if at all after the surgery, but he was doing well. If there was any pain he did not give any indication of it.
Garland left the group, walking over to me, whispered that Morgan looked good. He complimented my skills. I smiled at him, thanking him for the compliment.
"My patient's are my top priority. I always give my best, and nothing less."
"It shows Jessica"
"Thanks again"
Garland smiled, then made a slight salute, said he would see me later and then left.
Morgan seem to be enjoying his conversation with the technician, so as long as he was feeling ok, I was not going to bother him. These guys as a rule knew how much they could take. My mind flashed back to Nick. No.... I'm not going to think about that. I looked over briefly at Aliesha, standing there like a guard dog. Clanners were very interesting people to me, but you could never get close enough to one to find out anything about them. I went back to my duties around the infirmary.
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Post by Tech Sergeant Forester on Sept 23, 2005 20:30:28 GMT -5
When I first started talking to Morgan, I didn't know what to make of him. Just out of surgery and already asking about some mech we had seen months ago.
I soon realised that this was a personal quest though. Morgan wasn't asking because he wanted to pilot the mech but because he was trying to track down a particular mech. He didn't exactly say so, but his questions certainly indicated it. Anyone who can remember an individual twenty digit chassis number off the top of their head has got a serious case of fixation.
Most of the mech jocks know how to move em and fire em, not many know what really makes em work. Sure plenty can do a bit of minor stuff, most even know how to reload the ammo bins but Morgan KNEW how they went together. This guy had obviously spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours crawling around inside mechs, fixing them, adjusting them, making modifications. From the detailed descriptions he gave, I reckon his jury rigging would beat most 'professional' customisations hands down for reliability and functionality.
This made Morgan one hell of an enigma, a mech jock who would make an excellent technician, had real technical experience on the widest range of mechs I had ever heard of, had piloting experience, if only simulator, in just as many different mechs and there was not one bit of official data to say that he even existed before he showed up on our doorstep asking to join.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 26, 2005 14:59:17 GMT -5
I tried not to interrupt Morgan and Forester while they spoke, but I swore they were never going to stop talking. I finally walked over to the two of them.
"Alright guys, this conversation needs to come to an end. I need to tend to my patient. Maybe you could take it up again when I release him. Which, will be soon since he is doing so well. I just need to remove the bandages, check him out and I think he should be ready to go to his quarters. I'm sure he will be well taken care of by Aliesha. She will have instructions to call me immediately if they need me for anything. So, Forester, if you would please be on your way, I will finish up with Mr. Blake."
Both of them looked a little amused at my forwardness. Guess they didn't think such a small person, dedicated to heal could be so bold. I stood with my hands on my hips waiting for one of them to respond.
"Yes ma'am I will go now. Morgan I'll be around, just get in touch with me if you want to talk some more."
"Yeah ok Forester. Sounds good. Guess I better do as the Doc says."
They both chuckled at that. I just stood there with a "still waiting" look on my face. Forester got up and left the infirmary. I turned my attention to Morgan.
"We can take the bandages off now. If I hurt you let me know."
Morgan just grunted. I slowly and gently took all the bandages off. Other then some swelling and bruising that would go away in a few days, his face looked great. I smiled at him.
"Would you like a mirror?"
"Yes"
"Now remember there will still be some swelling and bruising for a few days but it will go away."
I handed him a mirror, and waited for his response.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 26, 2005 16:09:55 GMT -5
I was still chuckling slightly as I took the mirror from Doctor Saturina.
" Doctor, you have done an excellent job. I did not think that this was possible, especially after those clan doctors didn't do anything. I don't know how to ever repay you. Thank you very much."
I handed back the mirror, a look of genuine gratitude on my face. My whole face, for the first time in many months.
I could see Aliesha in the background nod approvingly, there was even a faint smile on her face. Smiling back to her, it was like the two of us were celebrating a victory won together. For some reason, it seemed quite natural.
Getting out of the hospital bed I almost fell. The effects of the anesthetic had not yet fully worn off and my legs had decided to fold up underneath me. Doctor Saturina was quick to catch me and with Aliesha rushing over to assist, the two were able to help sit me on the edge of the bed.
Taking a few minutes, this time with Aliesha's assistance I was able to stand without immediately collapsing again and made my way to the infirmary door. Turning to Doctor Saturina as she held the door open for us.
" Doctor, if ever you need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. You have given me more than I believe you realize and I wish to repay you. Nothing is too big a request."
Aliesha and I made our way slowly back to my quarters. Despite my bravado and desire not to show any sign of weakness, I knew that the anesthetic had hit me harder than I had first thought it would. I was glad for Aliesha's presence, I knew she would be standing guard at my door until she was certain I could defend myself again. It was a reassuring thought, one that caught me by surprise.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 27, 2005 15:44:52 GMT -5
Morgan was very pleased with the results of the surgery. His being happy about it, serve to enhance my happiness. He couldn't seem to stop thanking me.
"Morgan the work I do, especially when it brings such good results, is more then thanks enough for me. I'm just glad that you are so pleased with it."
He nodded smiling as he and Aliesha went out the door. She seemed in a hurry to get him to his quarters. Most likely because she felt more comfortable taking care of him herself. Her loyalty to him was amazing. I knew she was honor bound to him but I seen more. Which I'm sure she would deny if ever asked but it was there.
Normally I would not have let him leave in his condition. He was still unstable from the anesthesia, but I knew the guys hated staying in the infirmary any longer then they had to. I also knew Aliesha would not let him out of her sight. She would take very good care of him.
I made a mental note to myself to do as Morgan had requested and find the time to get to know Aliesha. Maybe help her to adapt to her new life. There was no going back for her to her old one.
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Post by Aliesha on Sept 27, 2005 16:19:10 GMT -5
I had stood by patiently. Although inside I was seething. The conversation between Morgan and Forester seem to be taking for ever. It took all my will power not to break in and tell them to hurry. I wanted to get Morgan back to his quarters, where I knew he would be safe with me protecting him and seeing to his needs. This was my job. I felt the Doc had done hers but now I was gonna take over.
Finally the Doc stepped in, shooing Forester out. It was about time. I was about to explode. The Doc took Morgans bandages away. Without even thinking my face went soft with a smile. The Doc had done a fantastic job on Morgans face. His face was whole again. I knew he would be pleased. I knew this had bothered him for a long time.
As soon as he looked in the mirror I knew he was pleased with the results. Morgan and I exchanged happy glances. This feeling of being happy for someone just because they were happy was foreign to me, but somehow with Morgan it did not bother me to have these feelings.
Once satisfied with that, he started to get out of bed. He almost fell. With the doctors and my help he got back on the bed. With my help he was finally able to stand. He said his goodbye to the doctor, and we were on our way to his quarters. It was a little slow going because he was still a little wobbly, but I finally got him there.
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Oct 5, 2005 21:46:42 GMT -5
A tiny pinpoint of light materialized before my eyes, slowly growing brighter and brighter in intensity, as it resolved itself. I squinted, the light painful against my retinas, as I began to look around.
I was in a medical bay - not the one I recognized from the Liberty, but rather, a much larger, much more advanced one. Across the black marble floor was embossed a very familiar logo - the chrome coat of arms of the Legionnaires.
As I glanced around, a hand brushed across my shoulder, and before I could react on a conscious level, my fingers were wrapped tightly around the jugular vain of a familiar-looking male physician. Meek choking sounds escaped from his constricted airway as I maneuvered him around to stand, hunched-over, before me.
"Doctor Edwards. What has happened? What day is it? Where is Ren?!?"
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Oct 6, 2005 14:28:52 GMT -5
I heard a choking noise behind me, I spun around to see Asia with her hands around Dr. Edwards throat in a death grip. I reacted quickly running to her side, pulling at her hands gently as I tried to soothe her into releasing her grip.
"Asia Thastus, it is ok, let go of him. You are with the Legionnaires on Sheratan. You are among friends. Please calm down. I will tell you everything you need to know just release the Doctor."
She looked at me, not sure if she could trust me or not. She did seem to finally realize she wasn't in danger, so she began to release Dr. Edwards from her grip. Dr. Edwards pulled back quickly gasping for air. I looked him over to make sure she had not crushed his wind pipe. He was ok, she was expert at applying just enough pressure to send her victim into fits of gasping spasms and fear, without actually killing or damaging them.
Dr. Edwards left the infirmary quickly. I didn't try to stop him. I knew he would need some time to recover from the trauma. Poor guy, he was afraid of clanners as it was. I doubted he would ever go near her again.
" It was not necessary to do that to him. You are perfectly safe here. Now, what is it you need to know Asia Thastus?"
"I did not know where I was, and he was too close. Besides I did not hurt the little Stravag bitch. I only meant to scare some information out of him."
"Well you did that I'm sure, but he was probably too scared to even respond. So how can I help you. What is it you need to know to put your mind at ease?"
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Oct 6, 2005 14:54:20 GMT -5
I took a long, deep breath, sucking air in through my teeth as I suppressed the overwhelming adrenaline response that surged through my body. I slowly sat down on the bed, and stared cooly at Saturina.
"I must know...what...has...happened?" I hissed, punctuating each word.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Oct 6, 2005 15:19:47 GMT -5
"Fine, I can tell you everything that has happened till now. I'm sure you know what happened up to the point we took you off the battlefield and to the Liberty."
"Of course."
"You were severely injured by Ren. So, you were taken to the VTOL and then flown to the Liberty along with Captain Maxwell."
"Kei-teh tried to fight Ren but at first was not successful. His brother Saburo whom I have since found out reunited with Kei-teh. He came to Kei-tehs defense. Saburo had a machine that almost took care of Ren but it failed. Kei-teh came back with a last attempt at defeating Ren. In the end he was successful, but at the cost of his own life."
At this point of the story, I had to fight back the tears. I could not appear weak in front of the clanner, so I took a deep breath and continued.
"We found Garland, and transfered him and Saburo back to the Liberty. Once everyone was accounted for and back on board we came back to Sheratan. You are now in the infirmary on Sheratan, site 187."
"To sum it all up. Ren is dead, the mission was accomplished and we are back home."
"What of the machine Ren wanted to use to take over the universe?"
"It was destroyed. Now if you have no other questions I need to get back to my duties. You need to rest."
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Oct 6, 2005 15:24:34 GMT -5
I nodded. Doctor Saturina had shown remarkable strength in sharing with me what must have been...uncomfortable...news, and I admired her resolve.
"Thank you, Doctor. What is my status? Am I permitted outside of the infirmary?"
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Oct 6, 2005 16:25:09 GMT -5
" Your condition is stable. The paralyzes you experienced was a temporary side effect from the blast from Ren's suite. However, your burns are still healing. If you feel more comfortable being assigned to some quarters where you would have privacy, I can arrange that."
"Yes, Doctor, if I am allowed to leave the infirmary I would prefer to be in my own private quarters if at all possible."
"No problem. It shall be arranged. I will also give you a cream you need to apply to the burns twice a day. If you have any concerns about them, or they don't seem to be healing right, come and see me immediately."
"Yes Doctor, understood."
I went to the phone to call the base Secretary to arrange for Asia's quarters assignment. I knew it wouldn't be a problem. There was plenty of quarters available that had not even been lived in. I could not leave the infirmary so I arranged for someone to take Asia to her assigned quarters, then left a message on the Captains voice mail, to let him know her status.
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