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 Aug 9, 2005 7:57:33 GMT -5
Back aboard this damn contraption again... I muttered to myself angrily. I hadn't slept in three days, and the only thing keeping me going were the copious amounts of alcohol and narcotics. I was living in a haze. I knew I had to quit, but I couldn't...not until things got better.
Stumbling down a corridor, I crashed into several technicians, who yelled angrily as I shoved past. I had already decided I wasn't going to stay in the crew bunks this mission...I had studied the ship's blueprints and discovered a fine spot in a disused equipment alcove near the ship's sensor array. There, I could be alone, and nurse my sorrows, and maybe even study the mission brief. The Captain's presentation had gone in one ear and out the other during lunch, and I really didn't even know what we were after. Pirates or something, I gathered.
Suddenly, my knees started to feel wobbly, and I realized that one of my fixes must be wearing off - either the drink or the drugs...I couldn't differentiate any longer. I needed to get somewhere where I could indulge without fear of being caught, but my legs wouldn't take me any further, and I sat down, right in the middle of the hallway, crew stepping over and past me, oblivious to my plight.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Aug 9, 2005 8:16:50 GMT -5
The cafeteria slowly emptied, the cadre heading to various points throughout our facility to perform last-minute dustoff prep. As the crowd around Garland slowly dissipated, I packed up the portable holoprojector, and made my way over to him. I still was having trouble comprehending that he was really...alive.
"How are you holding up?"
Garland chuckled.
"All things being equal...pretty well, sir. Still a little bruised and sore, but - much better than I was."
I nodded. I couldn't even imagine what the experience must have been like. Even though the Commander had shared it with me in gripping, grisly detail the night he was discovered walking onto Site 187, barefoot and in tattered clothing, the atrocities he described were beyond imaginable. The fact that he was already recovered enough to participate in this mission spoke volumes about his inner strength.
As we made our way out of the mess hall, I extended my hand.
"Once again...welcome back, Commander."
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Aug 9, 2005 11:50:25 GMT -5
On my way to the infirmary after putting the supplies in the MIT, I was deep in thought about several matters when I came upon Nick just sitting in the middle of the hallway. He had a look of lost despair on his face. I ran to him.
"Nick, what's the matter?
" I ..... I ... don kno"
There was something obviously very wrong. His pulse was racing, he was sweating profusely. I tried to get him to his feet so I could get him to the infirmary but he was dead weight. I snapped my fingers at a passing crew member.
"Hey get over here and help me get this man to the infirmary."
We got him to his feet finally, and half walked half dragged him to the infirmary. We got him on one of the bio beds. I turned it on so it would monitor his vital signs. They were still very erratic.
"Nick, can you hear me? Did you take something? Nick talk to me."
He just kept mumbling incoherently. I finally decided to run some blood tests on him. I could smell alcohol on him but this was more then just alcohol. I drew some blood ran some test. He had some very serious drugs in his system. I couldn't believe it. Nick taking drugs. He was in no shape to go into battle. I called the Captain on the comm unit and requested his presence in the ships infirmary. This was something that needed to be addressed in person.
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Aug 9, 2005 15:07:26 GMT -5
I left quickly from the Messhall briefing to go to the loading dock and watch my newest war machine get loaded on the Liberty. The fancy tech on board had cost a small fortune, new stealth armor and Angel ECMs were barely out of prototype and I was strapping them on, cost be damned. Becoming invisible cost me nearly 25 million, and I was going to make damn sure that no engineer so much as scratches the Capellan finish.
"Good afternoon, uh..." The chief tech said as he looked for my rank stripes. I couldn't help but smirk.
"Free-agent. Don't worry about the formalities, you just see that the Marauder over there gets tucked away some place safe and sound, got it?"
"Oh you bet sir! I can assure you, she'll be safe as a new born babe." He said with giant, rasuring smile.
I began to walk off as I said over my shoulder, "Fella, where I come from, that doesn't mean much."
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Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Aug 9, 2005 15:15:41 GMT -5
The briefing ended and just about everyone swarmed over to Garland. I shook his hand and gave him a handshake and a pat on the back. Nothing major, it just wasn't my style and he understood.
Alice was called off to prepare for the Op with the Doc, so I decided to finish up my meal and headed over to the Mech Bay. Upon arrival I realized that my old mech was no longer around and Captain Maxwell had temporarily assigned me a new mech until I could purchase a new one or decided to keep this new one.
One of the Chief Technicians came up to me. It was Chief Warrant Officer Kidd.
Ah, Lance Commander Taylor. I see you've gotten some new stripes since you were last here.
Yeah, and misplaced my mech. So in the meantime I get to saddle up in what's under the tarp in Berth 09.
Ah, yes. It's a DRG-1C Dragon.
Not too shabby. So, let's get her up and running. I need to calibrate my new Neurohelm.
We came up to my mech and CWO Kidd looked at the clipboard that was handed to him by one of the junior techs.
Well, she's operational and full diagnostics show nothing is out of sync. So let's get that Neurohelm calibrated and your mech named huh?
Yeah.
I rode the elvevator to the Dragon's cockpit. It sat much higher than my Bushwacker did, which wasn't always a good thing. However, this was one weight class up and the added tonnage meant that I was now being permitted to pilot a larger chassis. Which meant I was becoming more important, or at least being recognized as a better pilot.
I went through the steps of calibrating my brand new Neurohelm that I had ordered before last the last Operation. It fit much nicer than my old one and I looked the looks of it too.
Once the calibration was complete, I made sure all my mech's settings were how I wanted them. Once I was satisfied I rode the elevator down.
You like it?
Yes Chief, it's not a bad ride at all. Nothing wrong with riding a Heavy after only being allowed to use a Medium for a long while.
Well, from what I hear, you're capable of an Assault Class the way you pilot.
Well, let's not jump the gun there Chief. Assault Classes are for elites and Commanding Officers mostly.
Sooner or later you're going to see that you're as good as we tell you Lance Commander. Just keep that in mind. It's not the equipment that's been bringing you home, but how you're using it.
I'll keep that in mind Chief. I suppose if I can walk the walk, I better start talking the talk.
Indeed. Well, I'd better go check on the rest of your Lance. Oh, be sure to tell one of the techs the name for the mech. I'll personally paint it on.
With that said, he turned and hopped onto a passing ammo tram and waved goodbye.
I think I'll call it Ryujo "Sacred Dragon".
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Aug 9, 2005 19:35:43 GMT -5
William entered the communal bunkroom on the Liberty, a travel bag slung over one shoulder. Finding his bunk, he stowed his gear in the nearby locker and took a deep breath.
I'll never get used to the smell of old socks on these Union-class boats. I wish someone would fix the bloody recirculator. Thing's probably been operating since the old Star League.
William removed his Tikonov Mark VII laser pistol from his holster and began field stripping it on his bunk. The Mark VII was an extremely accurage custom design with a greater range thatn virtually every other laser pistol on the market, but its delicate electronic innards were very tempermental and required frequent cleaning. It was really a weapon for competitive shooting not actual combat, but his father had given it to him and the sentimental value was important. Removing the small power cell, he began using a lint free cloth to clean the fragile energy coils inside the barrel.
The Mark VII was a replica of the earlier Mark VI, a famous (some say infamous weapon) that only two copies were made of. One for Maximillian Liao, the insane Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation during the Fourth Succession War, and one for his renegade military advisor, Pavel Ridzik. It was said Mad Max used it to execute courtiers who had displeased him.
William stared at his blurred reflection in the chrome outer casing of the pistol. This weapon too had a dark history...
It took the life of the only woman I ever loved...
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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 Aug 9, 2005 21:03:52 GMT -5
I walked into the bunkroom and sat my things down in the usual spot. If you could call it that. I sighed as I looked around. It felt good to be back in the Liberty. I saw Rhodes sitting down staring at a stripped down pistol. I walked over to him and sat down. I put a hand on his shoulder.
"You alright Rhodes?"
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Aug 9, 2005 23:04:22 GMT -5
William was brought out of his reverie by Thorn's hand on his shoulder.
You alright Rhodes?
Yeah, thanks Alex. Just dwelling too much on the past for a moment.
Reassembling the pistol and putting it away in his locker, William rose from his bunk and stretched.
Enough doom and gloom for one day...I'm headed down to the mech bay to check the maintenance logs on the Hellhound before we boost. Thanks again for bringing me back to reality.
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Post by steelecho on Aug 10, 2005 9:31:22 GMT -5
As soon as the briefing ended, I made haste to get up and go prepare myself for the coming Operation. I didn't want to impede on the homecoming of what appeared to be a rather beloved Legionnaire.
I walked briskly to the Mech Bay, and walked to where my BattleMech, Hammer was berthed. I patted it's massive feet lovingly.
Ready to fight big guy?
I got into the elevator and rode up to the cockpit. I climbed inside the cockpit and sat quietly with my eyes closed. I gently placed my hands on the controls and imagined the coming battles. Goosebumps ran down my body, hair stood on the back of my neck and the adrenaline began to pump throughout my body.
Like a being possessed by a demon, my demeanor changed and I could feel my senses tighten to an almost frightening state.
As I released my grip, the world spun momentarily and things came into a clear view.
Not yet Brian, not yet.
I got up and rode the elevator back down. As I did so, I watched my Lance Commander getting into his Battlemech. I wondered to myself who was the better pilot and decided that I wanted to outdo him this Operation.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Aug 10, 2005 10:36:05 GMT -5
"Captain Maxwell - to the infirmary, please. Captain Maxwell, to the infirmary."
Damnit...what now?
We were less than fifteen minutes from dustoff, and I needed to be on the bridge, not reporting to the infirmary for yet another innoculation or check-up. I halted the elevator and flipped open my comm unit.
"Infirmary - this is Captain Maxwell. Can this wait?"
"Negative, sir. Doctor Saturina insisted that you report on the double."
I sighed.
"Very well. I'm on my way."
I switched over to the bridge comm.
"Maxwell to Garland."
There came a brief hiss of static.
"Garland here."
"Commander - I've been called to the infirmary - apparently, it can't wait - so as soon as all assets are aboard, please take us up. I'll join you on the bridge as soon as this matter is resolved."
"Aye, Captain."
I snapped my communicator shut and punched the infirmary's deck number. The lift reversed direction, whisking me down several levels, depositing me at my destination a few moments later. I strode into the medical bay, and was met by Technician Wyatt.
"Thanks for coming, Captain."
"Not a problem. What's going on?"
"I think I better get Doctor Saturina to explain..."
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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 Aug 10, 2005 10:53:43 GMT -5
I looked up and watched Rhodes leave. I shrugged and let him be. I got up myself and headed back to the 'Mech bay again to check on my Black Knight.
As I stepped into the large bay I saw several of the pilots from my lance. I was hoping that through this new rank system we had we would all soon become like brothers.
I walked up to my Black Knight and drug my hand across the massive foot. A technician walked up.
"I got her repainted sir."
"Thanks."
"She is a fine piece of equipment sir. Excellent choice."
"Yes she is."
I looked up at the cockpit. I sighed and then rode up the elevator and hoped in. A sense of calm and control swept over me. I ran my fingers across the cockpit. After a few moments I jumped back down and went to talk with my lance commander, Taylor.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Aug 10, 2005 12:53:49 GMT -5
I was in attending to Nick when Wyatt came and got me.
"The Captain is here Dr. He is waiting for you."
"Thank you Wyatt. Stay here with Nick, I've given him something that will help him. Just keep an eye on his vitals."
I went out to the waiting area to find Captain Maxwell waiting for me. He didn't look happy at all.
"Dr. Saturina what is so important that you had to get me off the bridge this close to dust off?"
"Captain I'm sorry, but I have a situation with Nick Schuster that I felt needed to be handled quickly and I felt you should be informed but not over the radio."
"What's the problem with Schuster?"
"I found him just sitting in the middle of the hallway, babbling incoherently. I got him here with the help of a crew member, he is in bed right now. Captain, I found some very serious drugs in his system. I can clean out his system and get him back on his feet, but I can not in good conscience release him for mech piloting or combat of any kind. Something is going on with his mental condition since the last Op. I wished I had caught this sooner but I didn't. He would be ok for duty aboard the Liberty where we could watch him, but you would be putting him at a very big risk if he were to go into combat. You can go in and see him he should be able to talk to you. I'll leave it up to you Captain, but I am very concerned about him."
The Captain was very quiet. He looked like he was deep in thought. I stood quietly waiting for his response.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Aug 10, 2005 15:23:38 GMT -5
The Liberty gave a slight lurch as its docking clamps disengaged. We were nearing dustoff.
"Has he simply become hooked on drugs, or is there something more at work here? How combat-ready can he be made?"
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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 Aug 10, 2005 15:29:51 GMT -5
I drifted in and out of consciousness, my ability to differentiate reality from fantisy completely impaired. It felt like insects were crawling across my skin, and I was alternately trapped between boiling hot and freezing cold, with nothing in between. I felt like I was going to die. I hoped that was what the end result of all this suffering would be.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Aug 10, 2005 16:38:32 GMT -5
The Captain finally spoke, but only asked how combat ready he could be. I mulled this over a few minuets.
"Captain, Nick should not be in a situation where he is alone, having to make life and death decisions. Even though I can pull him through this, his mental status couldn't be a stable one for him to get this far. I would have to say he is hooked on the drugs at this point. He had too much in his system for it to just be a casual thing. I feel you'd be risking his life and the lives of others to put him in a mech or ground combat. Clearing the stuff from his system is only part of the battle, the hard part is going to be to find out what's going on with him and see if we can help him. With the Op already on its way there isn't a lot I can do now, but I feel if we leave him on the ship, he could be of use here. Maybe you should come see him for yourself."
I turned, walking back into the infirmary where Schuster lay, sweating, shaking and delirious. I turned to the Captain.
"As you can see he is in pretty bad shape."
The Captain went closer to Schusters bed. He looked very concerned.
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