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Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Jun 17, 2005 17:59:33 GMT -5
Sorry I've been MIA. My internet connection has been sketchy so I don't get a ton of access.
I walked in line pensive about what exactly was going on. I knew that Commander Wayne had told me to stay here, but I had little idea of what to expect.
The Captain in charge of the Legionnaires had accepted my application to join the Legionnaires, stating that being qualified as a bodyguard was an impressive accomplishment and spoke to my abilities.
As my mand snapped back to the current situation, I wondered if being told to stay here was a punishment. I knew her secret and I knew no others that knew and the fact that I could be executed for helping a Clanner.
But here I was, seemingly a prisoner of the Clanners I secretly supported. It was all so confusing.
I wish I knew what was going on...and why are these people here as well. Did we all know the same secret?
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Post by MechWarrior Sergei Zhukov on Jun 17, 2005 18:31:21 GMT -5
We walked back along a familiar route through unfamiliar territory. The ground was littered with bodies every so often of the unit that was our friends most recently.
Eventually, we arrived at our destination. The Mess Hall was filled with people. Many were silent, nervous as to our fate. Elementals were posted at each door and were watching us. Waiting.
Mamba spoke first.
What do you think is going to happen? We have no chance against that many troops.
I don't know. But I do know that we need to do something about Schuster. Look at him, he's in no condition to be in this situation. He need medical attention.
Mamba looked up and shook her head.
You're right, but we cannot risk upsetting our captors.
Bah, I'm going to get him some help. If I die, so be it, but I won't let him die while I stand here like a fool.
I walked over to the nearest Elemental and presented myself. He didn't raise his weapon as we both were fully aware that I'd lose any confrontation. She spoke in a stern voice. Not one that made me think we were prisoners, but more of someone trying to maintain order.
What do you want?
Excuse me, but unless you're planning to kill us, that man needs medical attention. He will DIE if you don't help him.
Okay.
This is Gamma-11. We have a "marked" that is in need of medical attantion. It appears he may die soon without treatment.
(faint sound of radio traffic)
Understood. Come through corridor 2, Ill be waiting.
She moved slightly so that she could see the entryway. There were Elementals on the other side as well, but I figured she wanted to ensure she saw whomever was coming.
Go back to your friend. Medical assistance is on their way.
Thank you...
I returned to the rest of the Legionnaires. Mamba was the first to speak.
Well, what did they say? What is going on?
They are sending some medics for him. I didn't as what was going on.
If it's any consolation, I don't get the feeling we are being kept from going outside. It's more like they are keeping the outside from coming in.
Like, they are protecting us?
It would seem so.
I was brushed aside by a pair of what seemed like medical personnel. They quickly began working on Schuster.
About the same time, I saw Captain Maxwell enter the Mess Hall with Dillenger in tow.
If anyone has answers it's them...
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 17, 2005 19:27:43 GMT -5
Once the medics came for Schuster, I was a little relived he would get medical attention but still did not trust these people. I watched closely as they administered medicines to him. Suddenly Captain Maxwell appeared along with Captain Dillenger. Maybe I would seem out of line but I wanted some answers. None of this felt right. This whole thing seemed wrong. For the Legionnaires to just stand by while seemingly innocent people were killed like lambs lead to the slaughter. I walked up to Captain Maxwell, saluting him first.
Captain with all due respect Sir, what the hell is going on here? I did what you said and took Schuster, Kintaru, and Zhukov to your quarters, others showed up as well. After seeing the carnage in the hall ways, it 's hard for me to believe you would ask us to wait in your quarters while this was going on. Please, I need to know that this has some reasonable explanation. If we had some warning maybe we could have done something? I would rather die trying to save the people that helped us then just sit back and watch them be killed in cold blood as we did nothing. I'm sorry Sir if I am out of line but the things we have seen in the hallways on our way to the mess hall were horrible, nothing short of a massacre.
He could tell I was upset. He listened to me patiently. Then he spoke. Trying to help us understand what had just happened on the Ship.
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Jun 17, 2005 22:26:36 GMT -5
Captain, if you will I'd like to handle this.
If you feel that it's necessary.
Yes, I do believe it is. You see, you were ordered to your quarters for your safety.
Safety! Those people were slaughtered! I'd much rather die trying to save them than to sit back and watch!
Mamba ranted and raved about the current situation. In fact, she was so loud that she had the attention of not only all of the Legionnaires, but the rest of the Mess Hall, including the Elementals.
Mamba continued on before she realized everyone was staring at her.
Are you done? Because if you'd like to help traitors and their ilk fight off those that will not allow the Cloak and Dagger politics continue rampaging throught the Inner Sphere while the Word of Blake annhiliates planet after planet?
Or perhaps you are forgetting that the very man with whom you entrusted your life, ME went to great lengths to see that you were not caught in harms way.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have the matter of seeing that my unit's injured are tended to.
Mamba fumed.
THEY were murdered in COLD blood!
Captain Maxwell. Maybe it is best that you explain the situation to Commander Mamba. Some of us are not, as patient as you or I and might take her talk to be quite hostile.
I walked away flanked by a pair of Elemental Pilots, dwarfing me in their immense size. Captain Maxwell sat with his mouth slightly agape. I knew that he was aware of the fact that I was going through a lot and that the comments Mamba was not the kind of thing I needed to hear.
The weight of having so many of my enemies killed in such a manner sat atop my shoulders. It was at that moment I realized who I needed to talk to. Someone that I was close to, another clanner that knew the complexities of clan life and one that had experienced a similar event.
...Kabrinski.
I turned to one of the Elementals and requested their radio.
This is Star Captain Bekker. Contact Star Captain Kabrinski and tell her that I request her presence when she is available.
Understood sir.
I handed the radio back to the Elemental. One of the things that amused me most about the Elementals was the fact that despite their size and ferocity in battle, many were very friendly, at least to other Clanners.
I watched as my new crew boarded the ship and start the process of removing the bodies of those that were killed.
Sir, I just received word that Star Captain Kabrinski is on her way. Is there any special instructions that you wish me to relay regarding her arrival?
Yes, please see that this ship is cleaned up and turned over.
Anything else?
See to it that the Legionnaires are returned to active status. I'll inspect the marked to ensure they are the correct ones later.
Oh, and make sure that Captain Maxwell's rank is respected.
Yes sir.
The Elemental relayed my instructions and escorted me to the shuttle bay where I would meet Star Captain Kabrinski.
I didn't forget...
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Post by Kathryn "SplitTail" Wayne on Jun 17, 2005 22:52:12 GMT -5
[glow=green,2,300]- Meanwhile -[/glow]
Star Captain Kabrinski. Welcome back.
Thank you. It's good to be back in a Clan unitform again. I assume the takeover went well?
Yes, we sent out a distress signal and triggered a reactor breech. Rescue crews are in the area now, they are reporting it as a total loss.
Cause?
System Malfunction. Apparently, the controls shorted out during a maintenence check and the crew was unable to prevent the breech. No shuttles were launched successfully.
Very well.
With my mission complete, I would soon be re-linked with Star Captain Bekker. We would resume operations as part of our original Clan unit.
I was reminiscing when I received a transmission requesting that I make haste my transfer back to the "new" Clan ship we now had. I felt bad for Bekker. He had to see the deaths of many of his former unit, while fighting alongside his fellow Clanners.
Tell them we are on our way. I wouldn't want to keep the Star Captain waiting.
Yes maam. We'll arrive in 20-30 minutes.
He hasn't forgotten...
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 18, 2005 16:48:01 GMT -5
EDIT BY MOD: Comments removed. As a courtesy to other posters, further discussion of the matter should be handled via PM.
Captain Maxwell came closer, asking me to sit down with him.
I'm sorry Sir I am upset. I guess not knowing the reason for all of this, I over stepped my boundaries. I should have waited for you to explain the situation to us.
Yes, Commander you should have. We are not exactly in a position of power here. I understand your concerns. I had my own and discussed them with Captain Dillenger. Now if all of you will gather round I will try to explain what is going on here.
All the Legionnaires gather close to where Captain Maxwell sat. All but Schuster who was still being attended to by the Medics. Which I was very grateful for. Once we were all in place around him. He began to speak.
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Jun 18, 2005 19:44:47 GMT -5
EDIT BY MOD: Comments removed. As a courtesy to other posters, further discussion of the matter should be handled via PM.
Star Captain Kabrinski's shuttle has arrived sir.
Outstanding. How is the cleanup progressing?
Quite well, several of the upper decks are cleared of bodies and we are washing the blood and repairing damage on those decks as we speak. I would estimate another 2 or 3 hours before the cleanup is complete and an additional 4 hours to repair the damages.
Very well, keep me informed of the status. Oh, lest I forget, is all of my new crew aboard?
Two-Thirds are currently present and the last third will arrive in about an hour.
Very well. Dismissed.
The junior officer briskly walked away, presumably to the bridge where technicians were overturning equipment from House Kurita technology to the superior Clan equivalents.
I entered the Shuttle Bay and met the Star Captain as she exited her shuttle. She dismissed what troops came with her to another officer and she walked over to me.
How was your journey Sarah?
Acceptable Killian. I trust that things went smoothly here?
I sighed a little and we began walking at random through the ships corridoors.
Not as well as I hoped. I really don't know what to do about the Legionnaires. I gave Captain Maxwell a Rene that his unit will remained unharmed, but he asked if I was going to take them as Abtakha.
I see. Will that be really necessary?
I do not feel that it is, but he brings up the point that they have bore witness and that they are not of Clan Ghost Bear.
You are a good judge of character, Killian. You always have been. If you felt that he would cause any sort of problems in the future, you would not have allowed them to be exposed at all.
I exposed allies to danger needlessly Sarah. I should have warned them long prior.
Killian, listen to me. We all have to make difficult decisions, especially as commanding officers. You know as well as I do that you did what was necessary. You spared their lives because you considered them allies. Considering how many Clanners look down on mercenaries, that should say a lot.
You're right Sarah. What happened here was inevitable and I wouldn't have stopped my return for any reason. I have nothing to hide anymore and nothing left to fear.
Sarah placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile. I had not forgotten about the time we had spent together and now we were no longer separated.
Killian, would you like to show me the bridge? I'd like for the crew to meet their new first officer.
Yes, I think that would be an excellent idea. Our quarters won't be repaired for another few hours so I suppose we should make the most of the time while we wait. We will have plenty of time for rest once we arrive at the Legionnaire's new home planet.
Indeed. We have a lot to catch up on.
...all this time apart and we haven't missed a beat.
We entered the bridge and Sarah began inspecting the bridge to get aquainted with where everything was.
I turned to the Sarah.
Would you like to do the honors Star Captain Kabrinski?
Sarah stood up and made her first order aboard the Samurai's Destiny
Yes, I would. Helms, bring us to heading 215, full speed ahead. Destination Site 187.
Aye aye maam. Plotting a course for the Planet Sheratan. Estimated time of arrival 9 hours and 36 minutes.
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Jun 19, 2005 2:32:39 GMT -5
I watched as Mamba screamed at Dillenger—or whatever he called himself these days. Thing truly were getting crazy especially for a simple mercenary like me. I hadn’t even received my paycheck and I’d already been nuked, shot, and nearly strangled by an Elemental in the past few months. Sure, I’d been shot at a lot before, and I’d been in some sticky situations in ‘mechs, but never mixed with so much conspiracy.
I carefully brushed my fingers against my jacket, feeling the slight bulge in my pocket. Captain Maxwell would find that his hold-out laser pistol was missing from underneath his mattress; I hoped that he wouldn’t he needing it anytime soon. I was a light weapon and had a very small profile, small enough that no one would notice it and might even miss it in a quick search. Unfortunately with its small size came a price, it had almost no stopping power. The Elementals wouldn’t even notice the laser pistols little sting, and even a lightly armored trooper could withstand a blast from the pistol as long as it hit their armor. I didn’t see what I could do with the weapon at the moment, but perhaps it would come in handy later. I guess I could take out Dillenger—Star Captain Bekker that is, but I didn’t really want to trade my life for his. I wasn’t even sure that he should be killed, but he was the only unarmored clansmen in the room. I put my hand in my pocket, toggling the pistol’s safety. Unfortunately… or perhaps fortunately, Bekker left, two massive Elementals blocking any chance of hitting him. It turned the pistol’s safety back on and waited for Maxwell to explain what was going on.
It seemed that if Maxwell were to become incapacitated I would become the commanding officer in the present situation considering Dillenger’s new position. However, the insignia on Mamba’s collar caught my attention as I surveyed the ranks. So she was a Legionnaire now—an executive officer? What? She had just joined and she would be receiving even higher pay! I was really down on my luck, no ‘mech, no money, and given the present situation, possibly no life…
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Jun 19, 2005 8:43:04 GMT -5
The Samurai’s Destiny plotted it’s course and set off to our new home. A new place where we could continue our operations. A new place to live and thrive. Yes we were going home. I should have been feeling joyous. Instead I felt confused and saddened. Many of the crew that I was just beginning to know… were slaughtered, and I still had no idea WHY this had all happened. Unfortunately Maxwell wasn’t able to shed much light on the situation at all. He was just as shocked as we all were.
We had been relieved from our “pig pen” and were allowed to walk about the ship. Instead of separating from our group, The Legionnaires remained together. We decided to move to the lounge area, due to the fact that it was the most quiet place on board… and the less blood soaked. For several hours we sat in silence not knowing what to say. I especially was not in any mood to ask 50 questions which had no answers. As I tilted my head back trying to relax into the sofa I sat on, something caught my eye. An Elemental from Clan Ghost Bear was dragging a body away from a locker which had been punctured with several gun shots.
My mind flickered. My eyes widened. Suddenly the whole world changed around me and everything distorted into total blurriness. Everything except the body. I soon found myself back in the Kintaru Village. The body was now being dragged by Blake troopers. The slain person was a woman… but her face remained featureless. The body was then thrown on a fire which had accumulated a large pile of my fellow slain brothers. Every time I called out no sound was heard. Every time I tried to get up and run I was unable to. Madness filled my vision. Women and children were being lined up and slaughtered. Men were tortured for answers. Our houses were set alight. In the distance our crops changed from fields of lush green vegetation, to burning fields of death. And as I gazed into the mountain that over saw our tiny village, a swarm of crows flew over us. No, not over us. They flew towards me. The swarm flew into me and my sight was blackened out of existence.
I jumped out of my chair screaming and covered in sweat, the images of my nightmare still fresh within my mind, images that would never leave me… images I saw every time I slept. The others stared at me for a few minutes as I glanced around the room.
“Kintaru… are you ok?---” Maxwell began to say.
“Today’s slaughter was no different to the one I experienced when I was ten years old Captain…”I said in a hissing whisper just loud enough for Ben to hear me. The Captain listened.
“When we get to Site 187 you better supply us with some god dam answers… because if we ARE going to working with these animals… I want to know everything.” I said with pure anger in my eyes. Ben face grew with sadness and guilt… I wondered if he even knew what the future held for all of us.
“… WE deserve at least that Captain.” I said clambering to my feet as Maxwell sat back in, a look of blankness still on his face. I straightened myself out and adjusted my uniform and Katana.
“…I will not leave The Legionnaires Captain, however that does not mean I will idly stand by and let another massacre like this happen again, let alone follow orders to take part in such an act. ESPECIALLY when I HAVE my own agenda to take care of.” I shouted making my exit out of the lounge. The entire group remained silent, and I was pretty sure their feelings reflected mine.
As I made my way to my quarters something else caught my eye. This time I wasn’t overcome with horror. No, this feeling was much nicer. I looked out of the port window and saw Planet Sheratan in all its beauty.
Lets hope you were worth it… I said muttering to myself, the Planet growing larger in appearance as we closed into it’s orbit…
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Post by Wedge Lourde on Jun 19, 2005 10:17:05 GMT -5
Maxwell, Mamba, Garland, Kintaru, and I walked into the lounge area.It seemed as if Zhukov went somewhere else. Just as soon as we did, Kintaru exploded into rage, going on about the WoB destroying his village. His anger grew so strong that he ran out of the room and closed the hatch behind him.
Kintaru was right. The WoB is out there destroying villages, homes, stealing technology, even poluting planets or destroying them, and we're stuck here on a new Clan Ghost Bear JumpShip, going to this misterious "Site 187"...
... This had better be worth it, Maxwell... I said in my head.
I opened the hatch to speak with Kintaru. As I did, I saw a hallway with a window. Keith was looking out on the beautiful planet Sheretan.
I pulled out my Data pad to send my mech spec's repairs to Quartermaster... If he was still alive... I sat for a second to wonder if the Rene had an effect of him, too. I didn't want him to die, I was beginning to get to know him. Hell, knowing him, he probably hid in an LRM crate or something... I said to myself. I walked back into the lounge and typed my message:
[glow=brown,5,600] To Quartermaster, of the 'Mech Bay.[/glow]
=messagebeg=
Quartermaster, It is Sargeant Wedge. If you're still alive, please read this, it is the Armor and Ammo readings for my mech. Please reply, and I'll give you the readings
Thanks =messageend=
I sat and waited for a reply from Quartermaster. Nobody said much as we came into orbit of Sheraton...
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Post by MechWarrior Sergei Zhukov on Jun 19, 2005 10:43:18 GMT -5
Most of the Legionnaires went to the Lounge area. I decided to walk about the ship by myself. Star Captain Bekker, formerly Commander Dillinger had an air about him that I knew all too well. The role of a conflicted commander.
I'm not sure why I understood, but I knew that what ranspired here was a necessary evil. I hoped that sooner or later, others would come to understand as well.
Maybe some already did.
I walked to the lower decks where the cleanup was still underway. New crewmen were carrying bodies to a service elevator that probably led to where the bodies were being taken. A sense of duty washed over me and I walked to one of the officers.
Excuse me sir, I know I'm not obligated to, but may I assist?
The officer looked at me puzzled, but then nodded his head.
I don't see why not. Just bring the bodies to the elevator. If it's full, send it up to the Shuttle Bays. Once all the bodies are done on this deck, you can move to another deck or help clean up the blood or repair the damage, your choice.
Aye aye sir.
Hey, why do you want to help anyhow?
Whoever they were, friend or foe, I served alongside them. They deserve at least a little respect from me, even if it is dragging their corpse to be buried or whatnot.
Ah, well then you'd better get to work. We are a little behind schedule and I'm told we are arriving at Sheratan in a few hours.
Aye sir.
I walked over to the first body nearby. This one had tried to put up a fight. He died with a rifle in his hands. I tossed the rifle aside and began dragging his body to the designated elevator.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 19, 2005 15:53:09 GMT -5
I walked over to the lounge with the other Legionnaires. Kintaru drifted off to sleep for a second, but came out of it in a rage. I understood how he felt, figured at this moment he wanted to be alone.
I suddenly thought of Schuster in the infirmary. I jumped up from my chair.
I'm going to the infirmary guys, I'll be over there if anyone is looking for me.
Poor Schuster had been through so much. I didn't want him to wake up in the infirmary with all those strange people tending to him. I wanted to be there so he could wake up to a friendly face.
I rushed in the infirmary door. I spotted Schuster over in his bed again. I walked over, looked down at him. He was sound asleep. I touched his forehead lightly. It was cool now. I looked around. Finding a chair I pulled it fairly close to his bed , sat down curling my feet under me, getting comfortable. I wasn't leaving his side until I knew he was ok, and he knew he was not alone on this ship.
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Post by Wedge Lourde on Jun 19, 2005 18:38:04 GMT -5
I looked out of the window again to see Samurai's Destiny go into Hyperspace. I'd probably never see Dillenger again... This was part of being a Mercenary group... I had to move on... Captain Maxwell, also holding a data handheld, walked in upon me and Kintaru looking out the window. He could tell I was troubled.
"Maxwell, do you think we'll ever see Wayne or Dillenger again?"
"Who knows. That's part of being a Mercenary. You can never know what to expect. For all I know, we may see him in 10 years, we may not. What I do know, is that we're about to land on Sheratan. This might be our home for a time."
"Thank's, it's great to be a part of this action. Life was quiet back home on Kentares. I've never moved around this much."
"I'm glad you're adjusting to this lifestyle nicely, most Recruits have a tough time. Thank you for bearing with us during the seige, if I were you, I'd be scared shit..."
Thank's, old friend.
My gaze returned to the beautiful planet. It was rough, but I think all of us Legionnaires made it through. And from what I knew, it was over. We had arrived at our new home, Site 187.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 19, 2005 21:52:15 GMT -5
The JumpShip Samurai's Destiny, under the command of its new Ghost Bear crew, exploded from hyperspace, settling into a parking orbit around the sparkling, emerald-and-blue gem known as Sheratan. A teardrop-shaped DropShip, the Liberty, disengaged from the JumpShip's docking gantry, falling toward the planet as it ferried its crew - thirty-two Legionnaires - toward their new home. As AeroTech fighters soared skyward from Sheratan's capitol city to greet the new arrivals, the mighty JumpShip - still emblazoned with the draconian House Kurita insignia - turned rimward, engulfing itself in a massive blast of phased energy, and leaping halfway across the galaxy to the unexplored territories of the Clans.
"Personal log - May 17th, 3068.
"Having parted ways with Captain Dillenger, the Legionnaires once again are beginning anew - and as we adjust to our new home, and look toward the future, I find myself trapped in the past, still searching for answers in all that has transpired. It is a humbling realization - that we were but a small part of a conspiracy so vast and so broad in its reach that its full extent may never be realized. More overwhelming still is just how many individuals, whom I trusted implicitly, were involved, and I now find myself wondering if these levels of betrayal are, or ever will be, behind us. For now, all I can do - and all we can do - is pick up the pieces, and move forward. Although Dillenger's offer of acceptance into the ranks of a Clan was tempting, for many reasons, we would never have fit in - and ultimately, our futures cannot be entrusted to anyone but ourselves. Although I wish him the best...I do hope that our paths continue in their separate directions for some time to come.
"Ultimately, it is for the best. The Legionnaires have a bright future ahead of them - something rare and precious in this age. I hope to continue to be a part of it."
I switched off the terminal.
Per victoria vadum nos praemium!
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