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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 27, 2005 9:01:13 GMT -5
72 hours later...
"Harbor Control, this is DropShip Liberty on approach to JumpShip Excalibur. Requesting docking authorization."
"Copy that, DropShip Liberty. We have received and verified your authentication codes. Continue on approach, and vector to Pylon Three, second berth. Your docking liason is Tech Sergeant Hathaway."
"DropShip Liberty copies. Beginning final approach."
The JumpShip Excalibur was a massive vessel, dwarfing the support craft and harbor control stations which surrounded its jump point. As other vessels, of all shapes and sizes, queued up around us, awaiting docking instructions, our comparatively diminutive DropShip made its way into the shadow of the mighty beast, vectoring upward to the docking pylon which would secure it to the Excalibur's superstructure during the voyage through hyperspace. This procedure, which was almost always a difficult undertaking for the awkwardly-shaped Thorin, was one that the Liberty performed flawlessly. Our new DropShip's spherical architecture and modern docking control systems interfaced exceptionally with the Excalibur's pylon, and we found ourselves secured to the body of the larger craft in exceptionally short order.
"All stations, secure for hyperspace, and stand down." Yeoman Hobson announced, as the main screen flashed to an external view from our pylon's vantage point. The sense of scale it conveyed was truly impressive - the Excalibur's huge, sweeping, gray hull appeared almost planetary in scale behind the smaller vessels which vyed for docking positions across its expansive surface. Tiny support craft zipped past, performing myriad last-minute checks on the leviathan's systems before departure, flitting about like bumble bees in search of nectar.
I locked out my command console, and rose to my feet. Though the three-and-a-half day journey to the jump point was typically routine, and seldom called for a command presence on the bridge, I always felt more comfortable overseeing the procedures personally - and to that end, I had spent the greater portion of the trip in the captain's chair, using my time to analyze hyperpulse communications, crew and cargo manifests, navigation charts, and anything else I could get my hands on which related to the Phoenix and its sudden disappearence, venturing off the bridge only to eat and sleep. My search had yielded very little in the way of concrete results, but one thing was becoming quite clear to me - if foul play had been involved, whoever was behind it knew what they were doing. They had left little, if any, obvious evidence behind.
I needed a break - and now that we were bound to the Excalibur for the next several hours, I had run out of self-justifying excuses to not take one. The bridge staff was already beginning to trickle to the ship's lower decks in search of food and recreation, and I knew that this was probably going to be the last chance I had to relax before the mission truly got underway.
Stepping into the lift, I keyed the selection for the Mess Hall. It seemed as good a place as any to get started.
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Post by MechWarrior Josef on Jun 27, 2005 11:07:16 GMT -5
I made my way through the Dropship, pushing though techs and pilots. Reaching the lift, I pushed the button for the bridge. The door closed and the lift went upwards towards the bridge.
I stepped onto the bridge. Captain Maxwell was conversing with Commander Garland. I walked up to them.
"Captain"
"Ah yes. This is the new Mechwarrior I was telling you about Commander. Alex I'd like you to-
"Josef,"I said, smiling. "Not Alex"
I turned to Commander Garland and saluted.
"I happy to be serving under you Commander."
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Post by Holms Net on Jun 27, 2005 11:50:33 GMT -5
Our new dropship was indeed a marvelous ship. Larger and younger than the Thorin, she seemed to be a great ship to use. I had gone straight to my quarters before the ship launched and mostly just moved between there and the cafeteria, which weren't far from each other. I hadn't truly taken the time to explore the ship as I was going about other business, prepping myself by going over the mission a fea times a day, keeping on a daily schedule, things like that. However, after we were attached to the massive Excalibur, I decided to take a walk through the ship and see if I might be able to learn it well enough to navigate it in case it was needed. I knew how to get from the 'Mech Bay to the crew quarters, and from there to the cafeteria, but that was about it.
I decided first to find my way to the bridge of the ship. Locating one of the holo-maps near the cafeteria, I found myself and found the quickest route to the elevators, which would bring me to the bridge floor. It took about 5 minutes to successfully navigate through the halls to the nearest way up. I called for the elevator and waited, taking note of what floor I was on. I had noticed a few spots that were uniquely identifiable on the path from the crew quarters, which could be used to navigate the halls in case the holo-projectors were down from a power failure. There was a small set of stairs right next to the elevator, which I hadn't noticed until after the elevator arrived. Fortunatly, there was no one on it, so I decided to take the stairs instead. Even the stairs of such a ship were magnificent. However, what confused me was a scorch mark above me, on another set of stairs going up. It suggested the ship had at least seen some combat, or some sort of malfunction had occured. I was probably over-thinking on something too simple as this.
It did not take long before I had arrived at the doors to the bridge. However, I did not enter as I had no purpose aboard it. I turned and headed towards the nearest holo-map, which I had seen outside a door one set of stairs below the bridge. There were quite a few 'techs scrambling about the floor, and I figured that there would not be much else to see aboard the ship that would be useful on any other floors. I called up an elevator and stepped inside, pressed in a few buttons, and was heading back down to the creq quarters. The walk had gotten me hungry, so I stopped by the cafeteria for a lunch-time meal. I saw Commander Garland eating a meal himself, and decided to go over and sit down at his table.
"Hello, sir. How's it going so far?"
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 27, 2005 14:22:21 GMT -5
Garland joined me on the mess deck shortly after his introduction to MechWarrior Josef. He had been on the bridge attending to a few matters, and had evidently taken the lift right after me. I nodded to him as we noticed each others' presence, but didn't have time to speak to him directly before Sergeant Holms Net engaged him in conversation.
I made my way through the line at the Liberty's AutoVendor, grimacing as a half-assed attempt at chicken a la king slopped down onto a styrofoam plate in the food slot. Carrying my tray to a lone table near the galley's sweeping, forward-looking windows, I sat down, and picked at my food as assorted ComStar programming blared from the holoscreen mounted on a nearby wall. As I dug into my semi-palatable meal, the Excalibur made the jump to hyperspace, and the starfield outside the windows transformed into a dazzling display of multicolored streaks of light and coherent energy.
I was thankful I wasn't the type to get spacesick.
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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 27, 2005 14:35:22 GMT -5
I stood, frozen, next to the Captain's table as the ship made the jump. I wasn't expecting it, and so when it did happen, I was quite alarmed - nearly to the point of dropping my tray. But as the leading edge of the hyperspace flash evened out, and the more-normal view of faster-than-light travel took over, I relaxed, and realized where I had stopped walking. Captain Maxwell looked up at me quizzically.
"Everything ok, Schuster? You look a little pale."
"Me? Oh, yes sir - I'm perfectly well. I was just - surprised."
Captain Maxwell allowed a brief smile, and then gestured at the empty seat across from his.
"Would you care to have a seat? I'd just as soon not catch my death of food poisoning alone."
I laughed, partially because of the humor in the remark, and partially because I knew there was more truth in it than either of us cared to admit.
"I would, thank you, sir."
I took the chair across from the Captain, making note of his meal as I sat down. It looked like cigarette butts in a gallstone sauce - which I took to mean was that it was supposed to be some kind of a chicken dish. My meal, though heavily charred, was still semi-recognizable as a chef salad. I guessed that all AutoVendors were created equally horrible.
I poked at my 'food' for a while, sitting in an awkward silence as Captain Maxwell gazed out the windows, taking a bite or two of his food every now and again, without ever really making eye contact. Finally, I broke the silence.
"Captain, may I ask you a question?"
The Captain turned from the window to face me again, a wistful gaze fading from his eyes as he was drawn back to the present, and to his more formal demeanor.
"Of course, Corporal. What's on your mind?"
I lowered my voice.
"Captain...what do you really think happened to the Phoenix?"
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 27, 2005 14:58:06 GMT -5
After we joined with the Excalibur, I had a sudden urge to go exploring. The Excalibur was even more magnificent then the Samurai Destiny was. The urge to go have a peek at her was very strong, but I felt I shouldn't unless I checked with someone first.
I headed over to the Liberty's mess hall. It was dinner time and I was sure most everyone would be there. I walked into the hall and spotted Captain Maxwell right away. Schuster was sitting at the table with him. I walked over to his table. Snapping a salute
Good evening Sir. Corporal Schuster.
Good evening Lt.
They both replied simultaneously. I looked down at Their plates of food. My stomach suddenly felt sick.
Auto Vendor huh?
Yes, I'm afraid so. It's not too bad, but it could be better. Captain Maxwell replied as he laughed a little. Schuster just made a funny face.
I'll be right back Sir if you don't mind me sitting with you. I have something to speak with you about. I want to grab some food first.
No not at all Lt. Go get your food, I'll still be here.
I quickly walked over to one of the vending machines, not daring to go to the Auto Vendor. I pushed the button for my selection, PB& J. I went to the drink machine, selecting milk. I grabbed the milk, quickly walked back over to Captain Maxwell's table sitting across from him, next to Nick.
PB& J huh Lt., smart choice. Captain Maxwell laughed again.
Yeah, that stuff that comes out of the Auto Vendor disguised as hot food, is beyond recognition. I laughed softly too.
So, what can I do for you Lt. Mamba?
Well, Sir, I was wondering if it would be a problem for me to explore the Excalibur. The ship looks amazing from the outside. I would love to see it on the inside.
Well, I think I could arrange for one of their techs to give you a tour, but we wouldn't want you just wondering around by yourself.
That's great Sir. Thank you.
No problem. We all continued to eat our food ...if that's what you could call theirs.....We talked about other things and the Op as we ate. When we were done. I went with the Captain, so he could arrange my tour of the Excalibur. My excitement must have been apparent. I'm sure my face looked like a child on Christmas morning.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 27, 2005 17:14:34 GMT -5
"I'm sorry sir, but absolutely no civilians are allowed aboard the Excalibur before, during, or after hyperspace, except in emergency situations. If you'd like to arrange a tour of one of our JumpShips, it must be done through our corporate headquarters at Vesta 3." Tech Sergeant Hathaway rattled, physically obstructing the airlock which mated the Liberty to the Excalibur.
"Certainly you could make an exception for a former MRBC officer..."
Hathaway grimaced, trying to maintain his composure.
"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear, Captain. We are a corporation. We function outside of the auspices of the MRBC, the Great Houses, and whomever else might carry enough influence to get you aboard this ship. We operate on a strictly for-profit basis - and our only obligation to you is to get you to your destination without vaporizing you. Now - I can offer you this, but I'm afraid it's the best I can do," Hathaway grumbled, pressing a holodisc into my hand. "It's a holographic tour of our vessel...for promotional purposes only. Now, unless there's an emergency, I have to seal this airlock. Is there anything else I can do for you, Captain?"
"No...I respect your policies. The Liberty isn't exactly open to tours either. I appreciate your help." I chuckled, politely, and stepped back onto the deck of the Liberty. Hathaway snapped a polite salute, and sealed off the hatches which stood between our vessel and the mighty JumpShip. I took a deep breath, smiled, and handed the holodisc to Mamba.
"Souvenir?"
Mamba sighed, dejectedly, and accepted the gift.
"Ah...we still have a little over an hour before we have to prep for hyperspace exit...maybe I'll take this down to the simulator and have a look around."
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Jun 27, 2005 21:43:55 GMT -5
As I ate my delicious meal—I had a strange affinity for the autovendor’s nutrient soup—I was joined by several Legionnaires. Sergeant Holms Net and Mechwarrior Josef sat down across from me, bringing their respective meals. I smirked at their expressions as they realized what they had just purchased; we could travel 30 light-years in a single bound but we couldn’t produce a good artificial meal.
“I’m glad to see both of you—we’re going to be spending a lot of time together these next few days… if not weeks. I’m very fortunate to have you both in my lance. Mechwarrior Josef, this is your first operation with the Legionaries?”
His response exploded with eagerness, “Yes sir! This may be my first OP with you guys, but I assure you that I won’t let you down.”
“That’s always good to hear Mechwarrior; it’s nice to know that someone has got my back.”
We continued to chat, discussed our theories as to what really happened to the Pheonix from Periphery pirates to a second Clan invasion. Both Holms and Josef rose to leave after finishing their meals, but I beckoned the Sergeant to stay.
“Sergeant, please have a seat. As you know, you are my second in command, and if anything happens to me, I want you to take the lance. Also, if you don’t like something I’m doing, or if you’ve got an idea please voice it because I’d really like to hear anything you have to say.”
Holms’ reassuring response perhaps hid some of his own fears, “Nothing is going to happen sir, we’ve always come out ok.”
I pondered his reassuring words—had we really always come out ok? Last OP I was shot, Schuster was stabbed, and Murlance was killed, albeit with my approval. As I started to ponder disasters to myself I thought of something worse: what if my decision caused the death of one of my fellow Legionnaires? I sat pondering this, staring out into the starry expanse.
My train of thought jumped rail as I received a message over my personal comm... Lieutenant Commander Garland to the bridge.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 28, 2005 15:11:29 GMT -5
This is going to sound silly but this is my number fifty post. YAY!!!! * does a little happy dance* lol I know silly silly silly.
I was very disappointed that I wouldn't get to see the inside of the Excalibur for real. The halo disc would have to do. I smiled slightly at the Captain.
"Ah...we still have a little over an hour before we have to prep for hyperspace exit...maybe I'll take this down to the simulator and have a look around. Thank you so much Captain Maxwell for your efforts."
You're welcome Lt. Mamba. Sorry it didn't work out the way you wanted.
OH no Captain this is great. I'll still get to see the inside and I won't have to do all the walking.
We both laughed. Then a voice came over the Captains com calling him to the bridge.
Got to run see you later.
Aye Sir thanks again.
The Captain took off with a brisk walk, heading toward the bridge. I took off in the other direction to the simulator room to watch the disc.
I was not watching where I was going, looking down at the disc, when I almost ran into Lt. Commander Garland.
Oh my gosh Sir I'm sorry. I saluted him. He gave the salute back.
It's ok Lt., but I can't stop right now I was called to the bridge.
Aye Sir. I just stepped out of his way. Suddenly forgetting about the holodisc in my hand, my thoughts wondered to the bridge and what might be going on, for both of them to be called there suddenly. I snapped out of my trance and decided to go looking for Nick and Kintaru. I wanted to see if maybe they had heard anything. Maybe we were already at our Jump point. I went flying down the halls looking for them both.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 28, 2005 15:38:18 GMT -5
Slocum Jump Point - House Liao Seven days from Slocum planetary orbit
A tiny pinpoint of light coalesced into existance against the blackness of space, slowly growing in size and intensity. A series of markers, positioned around this disruption, began flashing warning strobes, as the anomaly grew rapidly. Beams of ultrawhite light lanced out from the center of the rupture, spilling forth into the cosmos as an artificially-created wormhole exploded into being.
From the center of the maelstrom, the JumpShip Excalibur thundered into the calm of normal space, its hyperdrives glowing a cool blue as they disengaged. Harbor control vessels swarmed the leviathan starship, escorting it to a waiting docking scaffold, where its compliment of ships seeking passage were disgorged, and the preparations for the JumpShip's next flight were made.[/color][/i]
"All hands, report to your stations. We are beginning our approach to Nav Alpha. Operation Phoenix Down is now commencing."
As the Liberty nudged away from its docking cradle, and maneuvered into open space under its own power, Yeoman Hobson called up the sector's star chart. Our position was highlighted by a flashing blue triangle; the last reported position of the Phoenix, Nav Alpha, was shown as a green diamond. The route between the two icons was represented as an animated white line.
"Course to Nav Alpha locked in. The Phoenix was last reported approximately 3000 kilometers out from our current position, in the Tseng asteroid belt."
"They certainly didn't make it very far. Very well, Yeoman. Take us in."
I swivled to face Lieutenant Commander Garland, who had just arrived on the bridge.
"Commander - sound general quarters. I don't want us to be caught off-guard."
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Jun 28, 2005 19:49:24 GMT -5
Per Captain Maxwell’s request I activated the comm, speaking into the microphone.
“This is Lieutenant Commander Garland, all crew report to duty stations. Pilots, prep your aerospace fighters for launch, mechwarriors remain on standby. Gunnery, charge main weapons and scan for targets—we still don’t know what took the Pheonix down. Everyone, stay alert—and good luck. Garland out.”
I clicked off the comm, the bridge activity doubling. I could hear crew members moving swiftly to their station below decks, the noise of their quickened footsteps reaching the bridge. The ships gravity began to return to normal as our main thrusters engaged… sending us off into the unknown.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jun 29, 2005 7:47:11 GMT -5
The bridge was bathed in darkness, interrupted by the cool blues and reds of the bridge's alert lighting, and the electroplasmatic glows of the situation monitors that blanketed the command center. Proximity alerts sounded off as the Liberty entered the Tseng asteroid belt, and Yeoman Hobson deftly maneuvered around the rocky formations which comprised it. I moved to stand beside the navigator's console, both to get a better view of the main screen, and to watch the sensor sweeps as they were displayed on the helm.
"Anything, Mr. Hobson?"
Hobson's fingers flew deftly across his consoles, adjusting sensor resolution, varying scan intensities, and cross-referencing coordinates
"Nothing yet, sir. It's as though...wait...hold on...I do have something."
The hair on the back of my neck stood upright.
"What is it? Can you get an external view?"
"I'm still not certain, sir - it's not broadcasting an IFF signal - so I can't determine much else - but it looks like a recorder buoy."
"On screen."
The main screen flickered to an external view, provided by one of several cameras mounted across the Liberty's spherical hull. The camera zoomed in on a seemingly-vacant point in space, and then flashed through a series of considerable magnifications, pixelating heavily, and then resolving into a coherent image. A digital grid was laid across the background of the object that now filled the center of the screen, and an electronic outline traced its contours for easier distinction.
"This object does match the specifications for the Phoenix's recorder buoy as set forth in the blueprints provided to us by House Liao, sir."
I nodded grimly. A jettisoned recorder was never a good sign.
"Any traces of the ship itself? Debris, bodies, cargo...anything at all?"
"Not so far, sir. Shall I dispatch scout drones to examine the surrounding fields?"
"Yes, please do. In the mean time," I turned to Lieutenant Commander Garland, "we need to get that recorder aboard, verify who it belongs to, and crack it open to see if it yields any answers. Commander, I'd like you to personally oversee the recovery effort - I don't want there to be any possibility that the security of this Op is breached, especially taking into account what we've just discovered."
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Post by Holms Net on Jun 29, 2005 8:50:00 GMT -5
Most of the Legionnaires were waiting in the hanger with their 'mechs, although not in them, but standing right outside them in case anything happened. The Aerospace pilots were aboard their ships, and you could see some of them powered up and ready to launch, though some others were still awaiting to be started. I quickly checked over my old Raven to make sure everything was set up correctly. Although before the launch she was ready to go, anything that could of happened might of damaged her. However, after a short external check, it seemed everything was still in top shape. As I was examining the newly placed jump jets to make sure they were set up for the maximum profeciency, I heard a clank somewhere nearby, and heard engines igniting. Most likely drones being sent out, having found something.
I was eager to know what was found, however I did not have access to the bridge. I thought, however, Lieutenant Mamba might. I went over to where she was standing. And gave a brisk salute.
"Lieutenant, can we go see what the Captain has found?"
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jun 29, 2005 16:23:04 GMT -5
I was in the Mech bay along with all the others on stand by. Sergeant Holms Net walked over to me. Giving a salute to me, I saluted him in return.
"Lieutenant, can we go see what the Captain has found?"
Well, Sergeant we are all on stand by per Lt. Commander Garlands orders. I don't think it is wise to leave our stations. I'm sure if we need to know what is going on they will inform us of the situation. Meanwhile it is just best we stay here and stay alert. We need to be ready to go at a moments notice, since we don't really know exactly what we are dealing with yet.
Yes, Lieutenant Mamba I understand
He looked a little disappointed, which I understood completely, I wouldn't mind knowing what was going on myself. Sergeant Net returned to his own mech. Like the rest of us keeping himself busy making sure our mechs were ready to go, as we waited for any word from the bridge. Just as the thought was there I received a message on my com.
Spectre- 1 to Echo-2 We need you on the bridge, come right away. Bring one of the Mech Warriors with you.
Aye, Sir I'm on my way, Echo-2 out.
I looked over at Sergeant Net. I quickly walked over to him.
Sergeant Net, I've been called to the bridge. I want you to escort me. It sounds important and I might need you.
Aye, Lt. Mamba
He fell into step next to me. We took the lift to the bridge. We stepped out of the lift and found Lt. Commander Garland.
We both saluted him
Lt. Mamba reporting as requested Sir, and I brought Sergeant Net with me.
We both stood at attention awaiting his orders.
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Post by Wedge Lourde on Jun 29, 2005 19:28:25 GMT -5
Sargeant Net, Mamba and I went to the bridge to see Captain Maxwell. I looked to see Maxwell,the newly ranked Lieutenant Commander Garret Garland, and a new face at the controls. Captain Maxwell turned to face us, and saluted. Mamba and I saluted back. Net was conversing with the pilot.
Is Yeoman Hobson an NPC? Or, was there once the dropship fellow on the website?
"Wedge, good to see you. Enjoying the flight?"
"Definatly, who is the pilot? I don't recall ever seeing him."
"His name is Yeoman Hobson. He's a Legionnaire, not a normal pilot."
"I see. Nice to meet you, Hobson." "Maxwell, what did you need?"
"We received a signal that may be the Phoenix. It is coded, and we need to crack it and see what it says."
"Well, Captain, let's get to work!"
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