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 Jul 20, 2005 6:29:01 GMT -5
Commander Miyamoto walked out into the corridor, visibly attempting to maintain a detached attitude. I would have left him be, but I had some personal questions that didn't get covered in the briefing, and I thought now was as good a time as any to get them cleared up.
"Commander...do you have a moment?"
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Jul 20, 2005 6:32:06 GMT -5
No sooner than I had left the briefing room than did I run into the corporal again.
"Commander....do you have a moment?"
"Oh, yes. What can I help you with there uh.. schuster?"
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Post by Holms Net on Jul 20, 2005 7:23:59 GMT -5
I had sat listening the entire briefing, not paying as much attention to the briefing itself, though. I was still concentrating on the Op, just wasn't as intent on what the Captain and Commander were saying. Still listening, of course.
I wasn't really sure about this Jade clanner, but I had experienced quite a lot of things before, and I knew that a clanner could still help, even a Jade Falcon. It seemed many people had different thoughts about the matter, I even despised Clan Jade Falcon as a whole. But as this clanner was working on our side... although not exactly voluntarily, she was, I wouldn't have any complaints until... if, she decides to turn on us.
The briefing finally came to a close. I had stayed sitting down for some time, taking in the rest of the briefing into my mind, and letting the large crowd file out the door so I didn't get smashed before the Op even started. After the crowd filed out, I stood up and headed for the door. I heard Miyamoto whispering to Maxwell as I left the room, however I couldn't make out anything that was said.
Still deep in thinking about the Op, staring at the ground as I walked as I usually would while thinking, I nearly bumped in to Corporal Schuster, who was waiting just outside the briefing room. I had taken a quick step back after I saw his shoe, and looked upto see a friendly face, looking at me as if I was half-dead. I moved my hand to my forehead and gave a salute, which the Corporal gave back momentarily. I smiled and walked off, thinking about what Schuster had been through yet still held a bright attitude around him.
Although I had grown accustomed to eating in the cafeteria (compared to at home where you eat anywhere you want), I decided to eat the food in my room, so I could look through more of the files of the Op. This would probably be the toughest yet, and I wanted to know as much about it as possible.
After a good hour of looking at the briefing, I finally had finished eating my food. I took the tray back to the cafeteria, than made my way back to my room. I tried to look at the briefing again for any fine details I might have not come across or any tactical procedures that would make the strike easy, however, I had not gotten nearly enough sleep since we had information of Op V. I had been looking through every inch of the briefing. For some reason, I was driven to know as much as I could, some sort of thought in the back of my mind driving myself to read it. Garland's death still lingered throughout my mind, which could, potentially, be the reason why I was so much into the briefing. I would want to be prepared so myself, nor any others, would have to die in this Op.
I was getting tired, and I finally managed to put myself in the bed. It didn't take long before I fell into a well-needed sleep.
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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 Jul 20, 2005 7:49:49 GMT -5
"Oh, yes. What can I help you with there uh...Schuster?"
I had to get myself in check. Miyamoto was no longer just an ace pilot who had descended out of the heavens at the last minute to save us during our run-in with the hijackers...he was now also our commander. I couldn't let myself forget that. I came to attention.
"Sir...permission to speak freely?"
"Go ahead."
"Sir...I just wanted you to know that I support you, and whatever decisions had to be made to ensure the successful outcome of this mission. If Thastus is here, there's a reason, and I respect that. She may be a Clanner, but she's our Clanner. I'm sorry not everyone sees it that way. It must be difficult being in your shoes."
The Commander allowed himself a slight smile and a nod as I continued.
"Also, Commander, I was wondering if you could tell me anything more about the leaders of the rebellion. What kind of men are they? I like to know who's going to have my six before I get out on the field with them...sir."
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jul 20, 2005 8:33:50 GMT -5
My combat boots thudded on the metal grating of the Liberty's corridors as I made my way toward the starboard docking port. A flurry of questions raced through my mind, as a text reminder flashed on my comm unit, informing me that the transport had arrived. Was I doing the right thing? How could I be sure Thastus would cooperate with us? Had she been 'socialized' to the cultural norms of the Inner Sphere? After all these years, how would the former Clanner behave?
Commander Miyamoto's parting words flashed through my mind...
She might seem tame now, but she's still a ruthless killer deep down. A loss in battle can't reverse years of desensitizing.
His advisory had had more impact on me than perhaps even he realized. While I had maintained an air of confidence and stalwart resolution throughout the briefing, inside, a conflict of morals and and judgment had been taking place, and I wanted to get the hell out of the conference room the moment the mission overview had concluded, to clear my mind. I was feeling deeply conflicted, and I hoped that meeting Thastus would help ease some of those concerns.
However, I questioned the likelihood of this happening.
I stepped onto the lift that would take me down to the docking level. Punching the corresponding button, I leaned against the elevator's far wall as it began to descend. Moments later, it stopped, and two crewmen boarded. They both glared at me angrily, as one of the pair selected a destination.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen."
There came no reply. The taller of the two men...Crewman Weissman, according to the tag on his jump suit, stepped toward me, staring me down. I held my ground.
"Don't you talk to me, Captain. I may have to take orders from you, but I don't have to like you. And I definitely don't like you. I've worked as a technician for merc units across the Sphere for twenty years, and I have never, ever seen a commander step as far out of line as you have. The risks you've taken, the mistakes you've made, and the lives you've cost paint the picture of an incompetent leader. One who is unfit to command."
I was taken aback by the crewman's bluntness.
"Crewman, I understand tensions are running high because of the mission profile, and Thastus' pres-"
"This is just the latest slap in the face of the Legionnaires, Captain! You have a long history of recklessly endangering your crew - one that seems to have no end in sight - and frankly, we've had about all we can take of it."
"Crewman, I am happy to discuss your concerns in private..."
Weissman took two rapid steps forward, and grabbed the front of my tunic in a massive fist. At the same instant, I instinctively gripped his wrist as he glared into my eyes.
"We're through talking, Captain. Just know this...your days are numbered. Watch your back."
The lift doors slid open. Much to my chagrin, a tall, slender woman, wearing a dark-colored jumpsuit, flanked by two Longinus battle armor units bearing the crest of the Legionnaires, was standing in the docking port, and bore witness to the final moments of my encounter, as the enraged crewman released my tunic from his grip. I cast an imperious glare at him, and exited the lift, adjusting my uniform as I walked toward the new arrival. Before I could introduce myself, she spoke.
"Captain Benjamin Maxwell. I am Aisa Thastus. I will be your bondsman for the duration of this mission."
Thastus paused, glancing at the closing lift doors, through which the angry stares of the crewmen could still be seen.
"I see you've already briefed your crew."
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Jul 20, 2005 9:06:19 GMT -5
I stared at the retreating freebirth savashri as the lift doors finished closing. It was obvious who their anger was directed at - it was the reaction common to nearly all freeborn upon their first encounters with me.
I had grown used to it. I found solace in knowing that they would never reach the pinnacle of development that I had already achieved as a trueborn warrior, and the two honorless carcasses that had just finished roughing up their Captain were yet another example of the putrid dezgra that inhabited the Inner Sphere. Fantasies of executing the pair in a most horrific fashion played through my mind.
"Colonel Thastus," Captain Maxwell began. My head snapped toward him as I heard him address me by a title that none had uttered nearly six years.
"That is no longer my rank, Captain. Need I remind you that I am an isorla, and have neither rank no position. It is improper to address me as though I did."
The Captain gestured for me to walk with him, and I slung my carryall over a shoulder as I took up step.
"Though I am aware of your status, Colonel," he continued, again using the title, which was quickly trying my patience, ”I am also aware of your accomplishments, and know that achieving the rank that you did, within your Clan, was no small accomplishment. Whatever personal opinions I may harbor about the beliefs and practices of the Jade Falcons, the fact that you fielded a Star Colonel’s rank speaks for your prowess as a warrior, and that is something that no one can take away from you. I address you as such out of respect for that simple fact.”
Captain Maxwell was a strange man. His logic was flawed. Freebirth had no ‘respect’ for the Clans, and little for anything else. Five years had done nothing to improve my view on this standpoint. We stepped aboard the lift.
“Captain. If you truly respected me, you would understand why I do not wish you to use that title. Clearly, you do not. ‘Thastus’ will be acceptable.”
Maxwell simply nodded, and pressed one of the lift’s buttons.
“Where are you taking me?”
”The infirmary. We need to get you checked out.”
I balked at the reply.
”Standard procedure.”
This was going to be a long assignment…
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Jul 20, 2005 13:26:53 GMT -5
I walked out of the briefing room and headed to gather my stuff. After getting my things ready I went to check on my Belial. I walked up to her and looked at a technician.
"How's she doin?"
The tech looked up.
"Oh. Corporal Alex. She's prepped and ready to go. Oh and congradulations on the promotion."
I smiled at the tech.
"Thanks. Keep up the good work."
"I will sir."
I then left and headed for the drop ship. This is going to be one heck of a fight.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jul 20, 2005 14:21:53 GMT -5
The infirmary was quiet. No one coming in for exams. I took this time to get together the inventory of medical supplies and machines I could carry with me on the drop to the planet.
The Eligus had it's own carrying case, so that could be carried separately. I was looking over the list of medical supplies I wanted to take with me. Checking it off as I packed them into my carrying cases, on paper and mentally as well.
Medipatches Making sure I took a good supply of these. Medipatches are placed directly on the wound and function like automated bandages. The patch injects painkillers, antiseptics, and other chemicals to speed the healing process. An excellent thing to have in the field.
Sedative Patches. Again a good supply of these. They would take the place of the hyposprays I use in the infirmary. The hyposprays were too bulky to carry a significant amount of them. This small electronic device was originally designed to replace anesthetics, and sedatives. When applied to the skin it emits a small electric signal that travels to the neurons of the brain. The signal puts the subject to sleep in a matter of seconds. These can come in handy even for taking down unsuspecting enemy.
Splints and Wraps For stabilizing broken bones. For there is usually not enough time to use the bone re generator in the field.
I was pretty satisfied with the supplies that I had packed. I was double checking everything when Captain Maxwell came into the infirmary with a tall women dressed in black. I had never seen her before so I assumed it must be the Jade Falcon clanner that would be joining us. My tech Wyatt addressed the Captain first.
Good evening Captain what can we do for you?
Before he could answer I stepped forward and took over.
I'll take care of this Wyatt. Captain what can I do for you?
Dr. Saturina, this is Colonel Thastus. I need her to be examined, to make sure she is in good health, and combat ready.
Yes, Captain I understand. We will perform a thorough exam on her. Rest assured I will make sure she is in the best of health before I would give her clearance. Just as I would for any member of our team.
Before we start the check up Colonel Thastus, I'll need you to go down to the reception outside of the Infirmary to just sign in your credentials again? The Infirmary databases are separate from the ship's database systems. I know its a pain, but the techs are working on re-writing the programming for it. Captain if you could escort her to the reception area, we will take care of her when she is done.
The Captain took her to the reception area. I went back to checking my supplies. I was missing something so I went in the back room to look for it. I noticed Kintaru walking in and Dr. Edwards went over to assist him. Once in the back room I couldn't see Kintaru and Dr. Edwards but I could hear what they were saying.
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Jul 20, 2005 14:56:30 GMT -5
I looked at the physician with as pleasant a demeanor as I could summon, while inside, a mix of rage and reassurance built. The rage stemmed from the fact that, shortly, I would be subjected to a battery of degrading medical exams; when, clearly, I was in strong enough physical condition to break the good doctor like a twig.
The reassurance, on the other hand, stemmed from the fact that looked like she could hold her own in a fight as well. Turning to me, she extended her hand.
”Colonel Thastus. I’m Doctor Saturina.”
“Doctor.” I nodded, awkwardly shaking her hand. I still hadn’t grown accustomed to the tradition, and avoided it whenever possible.
”Please follow me to the exam room. I’ll need you to disrobe, and put on this gown.”
A garish blue hospital gown, two sizes too small, was pressed into my hands. I scowled. Captain Maxwell suppressed a smile.
”I’ll be waiting in receiving,” he mused, making his way to the waiting area, where he eased into a chair, and began leafing through a holomag. At that moment, I decided I loathed him nearly as much as the examination I was about to undergo.
Stravag.
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Jul 20, 2005 15:02:19 GMT -5
“Careful!” I shouted as Dr Edwards began to remove the bandages. Pain wrapped itself around my body as the bandages were removed. The fabric had lightly “infused” with my still tender burn-like wounds, causing my to flake off. I sat on the edge of the medical bed and paused with embarrassment. I had been… snappy with people since my recent defeat with Ren. Dr Edwards remained quiet, looking pretty sorry for himself.
“…Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.” The Doctor briefed in heavily. I knew what was coming.
“Mr Kintaru… I honestly doubt your in the proper condition to be going out to battle. Though your wounds have been healing at a much faster rate than we predicted, you still need time to allow your skin to regain it’s strength…” This wasn’t the first time I had heard this speech before. Next would be…
“… And we also recommended that you temporally stopped your training. BUT IT SEEMS you didn’t take heed of our advice and the tissue isn’t up to the standard it could’ve been at. IF I was the head of this Infirmary you’d still be in bed with your vitals being displayed on monitors!”
“However, you AREN’T head of the Infirmary, are you Dr Edwards?” said a familiar voice from behind.
“D-Doctor Saturina! I-I-”He stuttered like the nervous freak Edwards ALWAYS was. The Doctor was like paper: always folding under stress and pressure.
“There is no need to finish your sentence. We have the clanner visiting us for a standard check up. I’d like YOU to perform it.”
“Y-Yes, certainly Dr Saturina…” the doctor quivered, rushing around for his equipment and setting up the relevant scanner’s for alien bacteria and parasite checks. I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Including myself, only a few people knew what scared Dr Edwards more than anything. Next to heights, the “good” Doctor was petrified of clanners. He had had no obvious run ins with any clanner… he was just taken in too much by the stories. However, his cockiness had earned him the right to check over the clanner. A fitting punishment for such a person.
“In the mean time, I’ll help you with that Mr Kintaru…” Dr Santurina said. As she turned her back, I decided to take things into my own hands and forcefully pulled the bandages off, winching at the pain continually. She suddenly turned back when I wasn’t expecting it and caught me red handed. I looked as if I was a child who had just been caught sticking his hands into the forbidden cookie jar.
“And what the hell do you think your doing?” The doctor replied with such furious anger that it made me jump, causing slight pain. I regained myself.
“Doctor… I’m old enough to take these off by myself, don’t you think?”
“Kintaru, your arrogance is begging to get on my nerves!” she said in an unpleasant tone. She was right though… ever since my first visit to the Infirmary in the last Operation that took place, I had… changed. I was beginning to lose my temper a lot quicker. I was getting upset over the littlest of things. And yes, I was becoming very arrogant. More so than usual. Worst of all, it was beginning to affect my training. Though it wasn’t a reoccurring incident, I had suffered extreme beatings and I had pulled through them. But… not this. This was different. Something was hurt and it could never be healed, not even with today’s technology. My pride.
I sat there in silence and avoided eye contact as Saturina removed the last of my bandages.
“… I still don’t know why I released you Kintaru…” the doctor said quietly. I kept silent and tried to keep my eyes on the skirting board of the Infirmary. Anything to avoid showing her that I knew she was right…
“Right, I’m just going to get some more flexible bandages to assist you with your movements. I’ll be right back.” she said, walking off and out of my sight as she took a left turn down towards the medical store rooms.
Just then the Infirmary doors behind me whooshed open and the sound of foot steps muted the silence. Turning ever so carefully I saw Captain Maxwell bringing in someone I’d never seen before.
“Ah Kintaru, how are things?” the Captain replied, sounding as if he wanted to desperately avoid talking to the strong looking woman who now stood beside him. This didn’t look good.
“Not to bad thank you sir, just getting “re-dressed”.” I replied as I raised and slowly lowered my hand to unveil my scarring, as if I was introducing them to it. Perhaps not the wisest or appropriate manner to act in front of a clanner… but oh well. Shit happens. I wasn't exactly in the mood for careing.
“You must Aisa Thastus… the clanner? I’m Kei-teh Kintaru. it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I said in as much of a pleasant as my body would permit me. Slight pain pinched around my chest as I twisted and extended a hand out to the clanner. She looked at it for a brief moment.
A Kintaru huh? I heard they had all been wiped out long ago. Interesting…” she replied with such a cold tone to her voice. I was instantly filled with anger. She just so casually mentioned the extinction of my family…
“… If you are as strong as your family’s reputation holds up to be, it will be looking forward to your display on the battle field… Alpha-2.” she replied in an equally cold tone. For some reason… her last sentence relaxed me. She wasn’t mentioning the passing of my family as if it shouldn’t be respected. The clanner told it how it was. Somehow… her saying that showed more respect than any ceremony could ever do. Well… it was good enough hearing that from a clanner.
Just then, Dr Edwards stumbled over several lengths of cables in a panicky rush. He fumbled around untangling quickly gathered medical items, avoiding eye contact with the clanner. As he finally entangled the last knot… curiosity got the better of him. His head slowly turned to his right as his eyes peered over thick rimmed glasses. His breath was taken away from him as he came face to face with piercing dagger like eyes that stabbed into the depths of the young Doctor’s soul.
“Well?! Have you finished pissing around yet?!” Thastus replied angrily. Edwards shrieked like a girl and ran off in a panicky fit. As he did, Doctor Saturina poked her head out of the corridor she was returning from. She watched as Edwards shot past her, screaming all the way. Her head then turned towards us, as if to say “what the hell did you guys do?” To which we simultaneously replied:
“It wasn’t us…”
Life on the Liberty was always so… interesting.
Just to clarify: Aisa’s post takes place after the events depicted in Kintaru’s posts. - Keith
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Jul 20, 2005 15:05:02 GMT -5
The corporal's praise was reasuring to say the least. What was that? 'my shoes'? I'd have to check what kind of dosier they have put together on me.
"Well, from what I underrstand there's two figure heads. Mikhail Shveshnikov and Peytre Alexeev. As you may have heard, Mikhail won't be in the battle and for a good reason. He's a former representitve for west vojovda and has tremendous political support. They are hoping Mikhail can help rebuild Valasha's political system."
"Now Peyter Alexeev will be in the battle with us. He's been leading an underground for years and he's fairly experienced in standard Valashan army tactics. As to his personal goals, I can't see him having to gain anything through failure. I imagine he'll be fighting just as hard if not harder than everybody else."
"I hope that puts your mind at ease corporal."
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Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Jul 20, 2005 16:01:14 GMT -5
I exited the briefing at it's conclusion and walked towards my quarters. I didn't try to make any contact with any of the other Legionnaires.
As I entered my quarters, I sat on my bunk for a moment. I thought about about Operation Bulldog, my old unit and the upcoming Op. Something didn't feel right and from my past experiences, that wasn't a good thing.
I decided to resume my regiment of physical training since I had not done any in the past 2 days. I pushed myself hard trying to keep my mind clear on the current Op.
I just hope they don't need to send that other letter out...
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Jul 20, 2005 17:29:21 GMT -5
After examining my 'Mech I walked over to the Quatermaster and Lourde. "Would you two like to join me for dinner?"
I waited for a reply. I felt like I needed to get to know some of the other Legionnaires before my second OP.
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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 Jul 20, 2005 17:42:49 GMT -5
"Thanks, Commander...it does."
I saluted, and headed down to the galley. I was going to hit try my luck at the AutoVendor one last time before the jump.
As I made my way down the ladderway, I passed several grumbling crewmen. I couldn't make out what all of their conversation was about, but I did catch a few words, and bits of sentences. The most troubling were references to Captain Maxwell and his mental status, and a few threats of violence against 'the Clanner.' I was worried that the crew was beginning to fracture...
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Quartermaster
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES
No guts, no glory, no universe!
Posts: 45
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Post by Quartermaster on Jul 20, 2005 17:51:21 GMT -5
"Oy! Wot's that? Free dinner?" I exclaimed, as Alex extended his invitation. I threw me welder's kit on the floor, and followed him down to the galley.
I hope I remembered to power down that Raptor...
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