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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 19, 2005 23:16:49 GMT -5
This underground level of Site 187 features the crew barracks, a spiraling compound built inside of Silo 1. Each crewmember has his or her own small, yet comfortable set of quarters within.
Dimly lit, each apartment's mood lighting creates a soothing, warm environment. A small alcove accommodates a twin bed, and an artificial window inset into the far wall of the alcove displays a simulated, customizable view.
Each unit also is equipped with a small bathroom, featuring the standard accoutrements, and a food storage unit, inset into a far wall. Some of the units even offer a very real gas fireplace, and a large holovision tied into the galactic entertainment network. A futon comes standard, placed before the fireplace, and an intimate dining table and set of chairs rounds out the decor of this very private, very comfortable setting.
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Post by Wedge Lourde on Jun 19, 2005 23:30:17 GMT -5
I settled in, very tired from Op III, and sat on my bed. I opened my bag of personal belongings containing blankets, toiletries, posters, a laptop computer, posters, most of what I could take with me. I set up my Computer to the Galactic Wideweb. I went to a trasport shopping site for the local city, as I was going to buy a personal trasport vehicle for myself if ever I needed to buy items from the city. I checked out, shut the computer down, and went to bed. I stared at my Inner Sphere map I put on my celing. It was my first time in 2 days to put my head on something soft, and I knew I'd love every minute of it.
I set the view window to a soft, dark, lush jungle. Calm and relaxed, I fell into a deep sleep.
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Jun 20, 2005 2:01:31 GMT -5
This last mission had been a hard one, I seen a lot of people killed, and killed a lot of people. It would still be awhile before all of my wounds healed: my radiation burns from Tau Ceti IV, my gunshot wound from New Wessex, and finally my bruised ribs from The Samurai’s Destiny. I set my bag down next to my bed, wincing as it put strain on my ribs. I had returned my combat gear to the armory, but I still had my own laser pistol along with Captain Maxwell’s hold-out laser pistol. I put my own pistol underneath my mattress, safety on, and I held on to the Captain’s to return to him later. I undressed and walked into the bathroom, noticing its nice marble counter—it was good to be an officer. I took a shower and dried off, careful to not upset my wounds which I carefully re-dressed soon after. I started a fire in my new fireplace and then logged into my room’s computer terminal, the wall mounted screen coming to life.
Login: gtgarland Password: *******
New messages: [1]
Subject: Paycheck Sender: bemaxwell
Lieutenant Garland,
I’ve transferred this month’s, and respective back-month’s paychecks to your account plus your OP bonus, use it well. Additionally I forgot to tell you that your Vulcan battlemech was purchased by the Wyatt planetary militia; we just got the message from Comstar, it seems that the message was en route to Tau Ceti IV but never made it because of the damaged HPG. Fortunately, Comstar managed to back-up all of their messages and resend them to Sheratan. I know that your ‘mech was destroyed and while this isn’t Outreach, there are some battlemechs available for purchase on planet.
Good luck, Captain Benjamin Maxwell
I closed my messages and accessed my account balance—indeed I did receive my back paychecks. I’d have to see which ‘mechs were available on planet, but this was enough to get me a quality medium ‘mech at the very least… depending on how persuasive I was with the seller. I owed Maxwell a big one, I knew that the Legionnaires had fallen on hard times this past month, and it said a lot that the Captain was still paying his soldiers. I began a search over the holonet as to the whereabouts of battlemechs for sale on planet, but my guess was that some of the sellers wouldn’t want to publicly advertise. I’d have to dig deep to find the best equipment for the best price.
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Nicholas Schuster
Regular
DECEASED
"Blakists are like a virus. And WE are the cure."
Posts: 139
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Post by Nicholas Schuster on Jun 20, 2005 7:30:55 GMT -5
"...and these are your quarters, Agent Schuster. We've left a few jumpsuits in the bureau for you...they have 'visitor' patches on them for now...I'm sure that'll change once the Captains get your pay grade worked out. This keycard will get you into most areas of the base...we haven't got everyone programmed into the biometrics computer yet, though, so there are a few places you won't be able to get to. Where do you want your gear?"
"Over there...by the bed will be fine." I said, motioning to the foot of the alcove. Captain Maxwell had insisted on having a tech carry my gear for me - as my leg was still recovering, he said, and enough people had gotten hurt for one mission. The tech set the equipment down, and came back to me.
"Agent Schuster, is there anything else you need?
"No, thank you...this will be fine." I replied, managing a small smile.
"If you think of anything else, you can always use the comm terminal built into your refridgerator, or the AVTPMail function on your BattlePOC." the tech replied, pointing at a small laptop parked on the dining table. He was trying to be helpful, but all I wanted was to be alone for a while.
"Thank you," I smiled again. "I'm sure I'll be in touch."
The tech gave a nod, and stepped out of my quarters. I lunged for the hatch behind him, locking it as soon as it thudded closed. It was quiet here - the only sound which served to break the peace was the gentle rush of the atmospheric system circulating air down from the surface. I limped over to the bed, and switched the view to an underwater aquatic scene. I eased myself down onto the foot of the bed, and looked around. The quarters were very nice...General Murlance had probably spent a fortune on this base, getting it ready for whatever abandoned plan he had had.
General Murlance...
My mind flashed back to the outpost on New Wessex. Like a grainy film, the worst moments of the mission replayed in my head. My fight with the General in the mess hall...firing a tank's cannons at an oncoming BattleMech...a knife driving deep into my thigh. The look on the General's face as I took his life...
I snapped out of my reflection, and looked down at my uniform. There was no blood spatter to be found. In fact, the uniform I now wore wasn't even the one I started out with. This one was charcoal-gray, and the lettering above the right breast pocket read "MAXWELL." Five circular pins on the collar displayed the rank of Captain, and a patch on the left shoulder displayed the crest of the Legionnaires.
I didn't remember putting this uniform on - but then again - until about eight hours ago, when a terrifying Elemental with medical augmentations bent over me and performed a myriad of ministrations on me, I didn't remember much of anything at all. I supposed there was a logical explanation for why I was impersonating an officer of a unit still unfamiliar to me.
I pulled the uniform top off, and hobbled into the bathroom. The lighting came on automatically, and I gazed into the mirror over the sink. My cheekbone had completely healed - whatever Clantech the Elemental had used to knit the bone had also killed the throbbing pain I had felt in the area, although the bruising and slight bit of swelling remained.
My torso and arms were still pretty banged up, although not as badly as I remembered. I could feel that my leg was still bandaged, and I guessed that the Elemental had probably done as best as he could to fix the muscle. I was sure that there would probably be some days of therapy ahead of me for that one.
The door chime squawked at me. I hung my head, and shuffled out of the bathroom, grabbing a Legionnaires blanket from the back of the futon as I made my way to the hatch. Draping it over my shoulders, I gazed at the door monitor. It was Commander Mamba.
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Post by Wedge Lourde on Jun 20, 2005 10:29:42 GMT -5
I walked back into my Quarters using my new password: ******. A voice from the codebox said I had one new message. I walked in to see a response from a Gellen Heights Personal Vehicle Dealership. There was a picture of a Black 2-seater with Optinal wheels or hover, leather or foam... I chose hover with leather, and I chose an optinal ClipMount if ever I needed a blaster in front or back. I sent them the specs of my Black Thunderhead. It was perfect, and only 20,000 pence. Now I just need to ask Maxwell if my leave of absence was accepted, how I would get there, and when I was needed back. It was a big city, and there we'rent instructions to the dealership...
I decided to send the message via my Personal Handheld.
[glow=brown,4,500] To Captain Maxwell[/glow]
=messagebeg=
Sir, I know that you request a pilot's presence at all times, but I got a very valuable deal on a Thunderhead PV. If I ever need weapons, I bought it with 2 installed mount clips for weapons. I beleive this is a very valuable deal, and I request permission to go to Gellen Heights to take this valuable deal. All I need is a transport there and your permission. The Thunderhead PV is 20,000 Pence, leaving my Check with 15,000 to spend... If my paycheck was 35,000.... Which I beleive it was...
Just this once, Wedge
=endmessage=
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 20, 2005 10:35:04 GMT -5
=messagebeg=
To: Wedge Lourde (wlourde@legionnaires.merc) From: Benjamin Maxwell (bmaxwell@legionnaires.merc)
Sounds like a great deal. After all we've been through this mission, I think everyone's earned some leave time. Go get 'em!
The Quartermaster can drive you into town if you like - alternatively, there is a taxi service...and make sure your comm unit's on you at all times.
Best regards,
Ben
<<Sir, I know that you request a pilot's presence at all times, but I got a very valuable deal on a Thunderhead PV. If I ever need weapons, I bought it with 2 installed mount clips for weapons. I beleive this is a very valuable deal, and I request permission to go to Gellen Heights to take this valuable deal. All I need is a transport there and your permission. The Thunderhead PV is 20,000 Pence, leaving my Check with 15,000 to spend... If my paycheck was 35,000.... Which I beleive it was...
Just this once, Wedge>>
=endmessage=
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 20, 2005 14:53:58 GMT -5
Our new home is beautiful, I thought as I looked about as we were being taken to the planets surface. My heart was still heavy anytime I thought of the senseless destruction and killing of the innocent on Tau Ceti IV. Thinking of the team I was now a member of, I knew there was a lot of them that had families and friends on that planet. I could understand their feelings of loss, from my own experience. Well, I needed to put that behind me like all the other things that happen that are out of my control.
Settling in my new quarters I was very pleased with them. The accommodations were more then I could have hoped for. Running my hands over the beautiful marbled counters, cool to the touch. The bathroom was amazing. The tiles were done in shades of blue. The shower was more then big enough. I decided to jump in, it looked so inviting. The hot water falling against my tired body felt like a massage. I almost hated to get out, but I did.
Getting dressed quickly, I decided to go and check on Schuster. I wanted to make sure the tech had gotten him settled in. I left my quarters, sliding my card through the electronic key system, it locked behind me. Walking down the hallways of the crew quarters, it felt good. It really felt like home. Finally coming to Nicks door I pushed the door chime and waited for him to come to the door. He opened the door. I kind of let out a small laugh. He was wrapped in a blanket. He looked so young and cute like that. Not exactly the first vision of a special agent that would come to mind. .
Hi Nick, hope you don't mind me calling you Nick? How are things going? Did the tech settle you in ok? I made sure to give him orders to make sure you were settle in and that all of your needs were seen to.
He looked a little confused and bewildered at first. I just stood there waiting for him to gather his senses and speak.
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Nicholas Schuster
Regular
DECEASED
"Blakists are like a virus. And WE are the cure."
Posts: 139
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Post by Nicholas Schuster on Jun 20, 2005 15:16:06 GMT -5
I hadn't been expecting visitors. Really, I hadn't even been wanting visitors, but I remembered Commander Mamba had been very attentive to me during the worst of our mission. I didn't know why she had done it, much less what, if anything, she hoped to gain from it, but nonetheless, I knew I was indebted to her.
I pulled the blanket closer around me.
"I'm sorry...I - I wasn't expecting any visitors, Commander. Please - come in."
Mamba walked in, and I closed the hatch behind her.
"Not a lot of variety in these things, huh?" she mused, poking her head into the bathroom and the utility closet.
"Although my fridge is on the opposite wall from where yours is."
Mamba came back out of the bathroom as I finished pulling a contouring "Legionnaires" top over my head. I pulled it to my waist, and sat on the side of my bed. Mamba came over and sat beside me.
"So how are you doing?" she smiled, looking directly at me. It threw me off - and I looked down at my hands. Although there was no judgement in her eyes - and no malice - I still felt somewhat...aloof.
"Good...much better than I was. It's just...weird. A week ago today I was waking up in my own bed...on my own planet...with all the people I knew...and now, today, I'm on the other side of the galaxy, taking up refuge with complete strangers, with the weight of knowing that all of House Steiner now considers me a traitor. It's going to take some getting used to, I guess..."
Mamba placed her hand on my shoulder as I hung my head. There was so much more I wanted to share...but I wasn't ready. Not yet.
"Nick...we're not strangers anymore...we're your friends...and your family...and we care about you. I care about you. I want to know that you're okay - not just from a readiness standpoint...but from a personal standpoint as well. I can tell you have a lot on your heart - and that's why I've always taken an interest in your well-being."
It was hard to hear those words. I hadn't had someone truly 'care' about me beyond the scope of a mission objective in a long time, and the words struck poigniently in my heart. She was right. I had been going constantly for nearly nine months - with no interruption - on mission after mission, embroiled in one conspiracy after another - and having my life nearly ended on so many occasions that I had lost count. I was near the breaking point. I choked back emotion, and looked at the Commander.
"Thank you. You really don't need to worry. I'm sure I'll be okay."
Mamba looked at me dubiously. She knew better.
"I don't buy that for a second, Nicholas." She lowered her voice. "You know what I think? I think you - and I - should get out for a while. After all...you DO need some...casual...clothes," she laughed, pointing to the tattered Captain's uniform on the bed and my absurd combination of skintight top and battle dress bottoms. I couldn't help but smile.
"There...you see? You're beautiful when you smile. Come on...let's find Kintaru and go into town."
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad...
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 20, 2005 15:52:32 GMT -5
After our talk together in Nicks room, I felt he was feeling a little better about his situation. I wanted him to feel comfortable. I knew what it was like to be alone, feel like you don't have any friends or family left. I wanted to make his transition to our group as easy as possible. He got dressed in the bathroom as best he could with what he had available.
Ready to go Nick?
Yes, I guess. I'm really ready to get some other clothes.
We both laughed. We went out of his room and headed over to Kintarus quarters. I rang the door chime. We waited for him to come to the door. He opened the door. He looked surprised to see us.
Hi Kintaru. Nick and I were going to go to town to do some much needed shopping. We thought you might like to joins us. Have some fun, explore the city, have some food. So, what do you say?
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Jun 21, 2005 10:50:12 GMT -5
I stepped into my new room with a sticking head ache. With everything that had happened, I needed a long cold shower to sharpen my sense and wake me up. I dumped my gear on my bed, stripped off, grabbed a towel and showered myself.
As soon as I had dried off and got changed I decided to really inspect the room. General Murlance had indeed spent a lot of money on refurbishing the place. New beds. New lamps, switches and carpet. The place even smelt “new“. This place was FAR better than my previous accommodation on Tau Ceti IV. Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. I unpacked what few belongings I had and decided to lay down for a while. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, or perhaps it was compared to what I had been previously sleeping on. The Samurai’s Destiny, although known for its combat worthiness, was not known for its comfort.
The Samurai’s Destiny…
I thought about the crew of the ship that I had served along side with… although it was a brief affair I still didn’t understand why they were slain. Like fresh meat to the grinder, they were pounded out of existence… and I could do nothing about it. Much like what happened ten years ago…
I pulled the Jade Map Stone out of my pocket. I held the emerald coloured stone in my hand and twirled it in the light. Its glimmering added to it’s beauty. Every time I saw this stone I often thought how fantastic and mesmerising it looked, yet if it fell into the wrong hands there was no knowing it’s influence it could have. The fortune of the treasure was beyond comprehension. Twice this burden had slipped off my shoulders. This was my burden… no, my DUTY, to protect this stone. A third time would NOT happen. And god help the bastard that tried to steal it from me again. I now had a new sense of determination in my heart.
A knock at the door disturbed my thoughts. Stumbling to my feet I answered the door to see who it was.
“Hi Kintaru. Nick and I were going to go to town to do some much needed shopping. We thought you might like to joins us. Have some fun, explore the city, have some food. So, what do you say?” Commander Mamba said with a cheery smile on her face. To her right stood Schuster, looking a little uncomfortable. I was a little surprised to receive such an offer, I had considered myself to the “loner” of the group.
“It would be a good opportunity to get to know the place… Give me a minute” I said, pushing the door to. I re-emerged from my room wearing my dark hooded cloak, concealing my face, my hands and my katana. Nick and Mamba flashed me an odd look.
“… we need to get you into something with style…” Mamba said. I blushed a little as both Nick and the commander laughed at me.
“very funny” I said smiling. We all let out a hearty laugh as we made our way out of the facility.
Something had happened. I felt feelings I hadn’t felt for a long time, feelings that I had been locked away from me for ten years. I now felt I belonged to a caring family…
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Jul 17, 2005 7:11:27 GMT -5
Things were setteling down now, and I could finally start getting to know the crew and craft I'd be working with. I had completed the swearing in and the appropriate paper work easily enough and now was eager to know the fiber of my coworkers.
My quarters were satisfactory, I shared a bunk with Sergent Holms Nets, for at least untill a return to the Sheratin Base. He was a pleasant enough fellow with a neat and tidy manner I could respect. We hadn't actually met yet, but I had assurances from the captain that it would be to my liking.
I decided to stop by the mech hold, and eye my new baby. The CN9-K Centurioun I had been drooling over on Hamal for a good 4 months. She was glorious, with her hardy dull-white armor paneling and menacing weapons. What's this? Barrel corrosion? I was going to have to see a technician directly.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jul 17, 2005 23:44:41 GMT -5
There was always someone on duty in the infirmary, but my shift was done, I was headed to my quarters. I was tired. I couldn't stop thinking of Garland in the moments my life was quiet. Which is why I seldom let my life slow down enough to think. If I could have just found him in time. That was dumb, he was beheaded. Sighing softly, I was deep in thought as someone was about to walk past me. I looked up. This was the new guy. I took this opportunity to introduce myself.
Excuse me, but aren't you Gen Miyamoto? He nodded. I'm Dr. Jessica Saturina the ships head physician. It's nice to meet you.
I held out my hand to him, he took it and shook it firmly.
It's nice to meet you Dr..
I'm on my way to my quarters. It's been a long day. I thought I would stop and introduce myself though. I like to know all the crew. I like them to be familiar with me, so that if the time comes they will be comfortable with me taking care of them. Drop by the infirmary anytime you want to have a look see. It is top of the line, state of the art equipment. Captain Maxwell believes in the best for his men.
That's good to know Doctor, but I'm hoping I won't have any need for your services. He laughed slightly.
Well, I don't think anyone wants to come and visit me in that manner for sure. Well, it was good to meet you. Come by some time.
I shall try.
Miyamoto then walked on past me, on his way to his destination once again. I went to my quarters took a shower, fell into bed, falling to sleep immediately.
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Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Jul 18, 2005 18:07:56 GMT -5
I awoke with a slight headache, most likely from calibrating the Neuohelmet earlier. I rolled off my bunk and began to get into position for my daily regiment of pushups and crunches, but realized that the Doc might not approve.
Grumbling, I stood up and prodded my still sore ribs. I chuckled a little as I realized that for the first time, I'm actually taking the Doctor's orders.
Looks like she's starting to get to me and she doesn't even know it yet...
I pushed the thought from my mind and turned it to other personal affairs.
I pulled out a datapad and began writing a letter to my mother back on my home planet of Tharkad.
Dear Mom,
I just completed my first Operation with my new mercenary outfit, The Legionnaires. Things are going well for me here and I think I will fit in just fine. I know you worry about me, but we both know that I'm one of the more capable pilots.
We made quite a bit of money and as promised I'm sending you 20% of this Operations paycheck, which should be enough to take care of things back home. I know it's a little more than I said I would send, but I want you to buy something nice.
I'm still working on making some friends and meeting as you put it, "a nice girl". Perhaps I'll fulfill that wish of yours sooner, rather than later.
We are heading straight towards another contract and this one sounds to be a lucrative deal, which is admittedly, going to be dangerous. I promise to stay sharp and not to play hero...too much.
Your son, Marcus.
I transferred the money and sent the letter out. Hopefully, she would read it before she went to bed.
"a nice girl..."
I made my bunk and decided to take a walk back to the Mech Bay to see the status of my Bushwacker.
Perhaps I'll run into that nice Doc again...
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Aug 2, 2005 16:35:38 GMT -5
The last hours on the planet Valasha had been wet, cold and very emotional. I was so relieved when we were rescued. For a time I thought I was going to lose Kintaru to his brothers murdering blade. I did not lose him that way, but he stayed behind on the planet. It was to be only three months, so I hadn't lost my friend forever, but I would miss him terribly. The flight back to our home on Sheratan was filled with thoughts of Kintaru and the tasks that might lay ahead of him.
Back in my overly comfortable quarters on my home Sheratan, I had almost forgotten what warmth and comfort could feel like. I took a much needed hot shower. I put on some dry clothes. I desperately wanted to lay down on the much inviting bed but I needed to go to the infirmary to check on things there. I had been told we had some casualties there and I wanted to make sure everything was running smoothly, and that the patients were getting excellent care. I was still chilled from my stay on Valasha, so I picked up a sweater throwing it on, I headed for the infirmary.
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Post by steelecho on Aug 2, 2005 17:41:30 GMT -5
Wow, Merc outfits sure spare no expense for their crew quarters. Heh, this place looks better than my old place on Solaris VII.
I put my new uniforms neatly into the closet and decided I'd go find the commons and see if any good Arena matches are on.
Time to find out what sort of enlisted personnel this outfit has.
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