Lion followed Varn into the armory and walked up to the door leading to his quarters. He was satisfied to see that nobody had entered the room.
"Do you think we need to bring out the Cleaning Equipment?" He asked Varn with a subtle hint.
"You can clean your own room. I'm not touching it." Varn said jokingly. He sat down on his workstation and started waiting for the others to start showing up.
Kira waited in the armory as everyone poured in.
It wouldn't be long before the smugglers' ship would arrive in the Sol system given the ship's immense propulsion power, which was present in case of the need to evade security forces. Yanim, Rask, Virin, and Neasha sat facing each other on the bridge, appearing calm on the surface but clearly sending their signals of distrust with sidelong glances and hands always just a little too close to weapons. Despite the perils of the situation, Yanim couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure in all of it.
"You're all insane," Neasha said. "I never wanted to be part of a team. I'm doing just fine by myself, but even if I wasn't, I wouldn't trust you all to paint my ship, much less fly in it."
"You keep referring to it as 'your ship.' I don't think that's what it is anymore," Yanim replied. Neasha took a deep breath as Rask snickered.
"If you want the ship, why don't you just take it and let me go?"
"We don't know how to fly [I]'the ship;'[/I] and besides, you've already got a buyer lined up for the cargo. It saves us a lot of effort to keep you around." Yanim was enjoying wielding this sort of power. For once, she could simply demand things and they would happen. "We're going to need a pilot in the future, too. Something tells me you'd be a good fit for the job. Of course, we could always find someone else, if you're not willing. But either way, we're taking [I]the ship.[/I]"
Neasha was silent for a moment. She rubbed her eyes before slowly sliding down in her chair. "Alright, tell me your names again," she grumbled, exasperated, having finally figured out that she would have to cooperate if she wanted to stay in business. The three kanads introduced themselves, and then Neasha followed suit, so that everyone would be familiar with each other.
"Does it have a name?" Yanim asked after another silence.
"The ship? Yeah, it's called the Belladonna." Neasha answered.
"Keh." Rask grunted, shaking his head.
Yanim grimaced. "I don't like it, it's too human-sounding."
"Well it's a human-made ship..." Neasha said.
"We can rename it, can't we?" Virin suggested.
People started filling the armory. The meeting should start soon. Varn was preparing mentally for Viper to chew him out.
[I]Meanwhile in the Boome HQ. [/I]
Seth must have watched the broadcast of the Odenia incident at least 50 times by now. This was bad. Everything he planned up until now was in jeopardy. Why? Why would Saw do this? It makes no sense. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Varn mentioned the "Crimson son" in one of his reports but Seth had ignored it, feeling that Varn was bullshiting him. Now he wasn't so sure. Could the rumors of the old shadow syndicate be true?
His attention was shifted to the request for video conference. He accepted and the screen showed an all too familiar face. It was Mordecai, the Death vigil leader.
"Seth. I'm sure you've seen what happened regarding Odenia."
"Only more times than I can count. What do you want Mordecai?"
"Odenia is gone and with it the only people who could keep us in check. As a result the Union has descended into infighting. Omegas are moving on our territory and the Star dusts are fighting with the Kabelas over old feuds. The Gold dusts are useless without the Golden wave and can't fund the any stabilizing activity. In short, this entire organization was a disaster, just like I told everyone ten years ago."
"Is this why you called me? So you can brag how right you were?"
"No Seth. I called you to inform you that were dissolving the Union. It's back to the good old days from here. Don't worry. Our groups have no bad blood between them. I'm sure you'll have problems with other organizations though. What with working for HarkArk. Guilt by associations can be such a pain. I'll leave you now, I have to clean my back yard of any trash. "
Seth stood in his chair in silence. With the Union gone many of the restrictions were gone as well. He needed some time to think.
"Airlock secured, drop the payload," Rask's voice crackled through the comm. Neasha flipped a switch on the main console, opening the ramp which connected to the main tunnel. A small arm extended from the wall of the tunnel and gripped the payload container stack, pushing them to the threshold where they tipped onto two beds of rollers built into the ramp. The stack slid until it touched down on the Mercurial rock. The last part of the ramp retracted before the entire assembly was raised back into the ship's body.
"Okay, let's get out of here," Neasha said with a nod. As the Belladonna rocketed away, quickly putting distance between itself and the darkened surface of the Sol system's innermost planet, Yanim was deep in tranquil thought as she used her implant to compare hundreds of interstellar banks, searching for a new place to hide her money. Virin was taking stock of the ship's supplies, noting what would need to be purchased in the near future.
---
[quote]INTERGALACTICA
BREAKING: HANZA LLC TO PRESENT CHARGES AGAINST KANAD COLLECTIVE
Overshadowed by the surprise attack on Odenia, another disaster on a much smaller scale occurred this morning as the Hanza Fuel Farms, a popular stopover for interstellar trade, was attacked and destroyed by unknown agents using a large explosive device, killing at least 80. According to witnesses who arrived shortly after the loss of signal from the freight stations, several large salvaging ships from the Kanad Collective were found on scene, sorting through the wreckage. Attempts to recover the station's black box by a Hanza corporate shuttle were denied by the Kanads, who claimed that the device had been recovered but had not survived the blast.
However, Hanza has just released that a second blackbox, installed secretly on the communication array, had been found intact by one of its own salvage ships, and that partially-complete footage has been found implicating the Collective's own State Security Bureau III, a special operations unit historically known and frequently cited for violations of interstellar law, for planting and arming the device which eventually destroyed the station. The Collective government did not provide a statement when INTERGALACTICA reached out to them, but we are closely watching events as they unfold and will issue a special report with further details.[/quote]
---
"Yanim," Neasha said, prodding the kanad in the shoulder. "Yanim!"
"Hm?"
"Did you set up the safe account or not?"
"Oh, uh, yes. Here," she said, plugging her tail into a data port on the console. The routing information was fed through, encrypted, so that it could be sent to the buyers.
"What were you doing? You just looked like you were in a trance."
"I have an implant. I should have mentioned it before, it speeds things up considerably. I was just reading Intergalactica-"
"Okay," Neasha replied, "whatever. So long as the money is safe, and I get my share."
"It'll be untraceable; trust me."
Virin and Rask entered the room and took their seats. "We were just talking it over," Virin said. "I think we ought to land on Terra." Yanim wasn't opposed to the idea of further outfitting the ship, but she looked at Neasha.
"Okay," Yanim said. "Fine with me, so long as our pilot doesn't leave without us while we're out," she said. "Accounting details aren't the only thing I put in the ship's computer. I put a virus in there, and don't think you want to give me a reason to activate it."
Iska had parked Isoro in the workshop when Johnson ran up to her, informing that in Yanims abcense, Iska had been promoted to head of engineering, maintenance and design.
Iska let out a sigh, "[just fucking perfect]" she muttered to her self. She turned her attention to Johnson once more and asked if there was anything else, to which he replied that there was some kind of meeting in the armory.
Iska headed down there and as she entered the armory she spotted Lion and and Dwan standing with Varn.
Iska looked at Lion and Dwan with a bit of confusion, then turning her attention to Varn from whose facial expression allowed Iska to put one and one together.
She shook her head and walked over to her locker to stash her equipment and change to her casual boots, cargos and tanktop attire. When finished she went to sit down on a crate, waiting for Viper who was the last person missing.
Pippin stood near Kira, watching as each new crewmember arrived
Viper entered the Archius's hanger bay through an saidway maintenance access among the ship's lower hull, the Sanghvi was able to piece together what happen with Lion and Dwan through the Archius's camera logs and, while displeased with Varn's for rejecting his commanding officer's order, was more focused on this meeting within the armory.
It didn't take long for Viper to make it's way towards the armory through the familiar halls of the ship. Upon entering the armory, Viper found most of the operation crew had been waiting in place.
"I guess that's everyone?" Asked Lion, hoping to break the ice.
"I think so.", Dwan responded quietly, having noted how most of the crew was here.
Pippin nodded. "It's good to see you Lion."
"Likewise." Said Lion as he sat down on his desk.
Varn stood up from his chair. "Alright, I've been told that Sledge is undergoing some surgery and sadly wont be able to join us. So let's begin with the big question. Why are Lion and Dwan free and not in the brig? Because I let them out. Yes, I know I went against direct orders, but I ask you to trust me on this, it's really them. Lion can explain how they got back."
Pippin shook his head. "I don't belive Lion and Dwan shoud have been locked up, but letting them out like that, it could cuase unnesecary conflict, and knowing you lot, that could turn violent. We could have worked this out better."
Viper stared at Dwan and Lion as they stood in the room unopposed as the rest operational crew stood in wait before the Sanghvi turned it's head to watch Varn as he gave his explanation to everyone in the room.
"An violation of orders is still a violation of command, officer Varn." Viper sternly said as the soft-carbon finished his speech. "Then again, your loyalty to Archius isn't in question in this meeting, as there is far more pressing concerns for us to tackle."
Viper said before turning it's head to Lion. "But first, explain how you two survived the total destruction of the fuel station." Viper asked to Lion with a sense of curiosity in it's voice.
[I'm too tired to rewrite the entire thing soz :v:]
Lion straightened up and glanced at Dwan quickly before looking at the rest of the crew. "Where do I begin?"
...
As Lion finished re-telling how he and Dwan survived he looked at Varn. "I've already told Varn the same thing as well while we were in the brig. On camera."
[Copy-paste is your friend. :v:]
"That he did. You can review it on the security tapes. The other problem right now is the lack of captain. We need someone to take control of this ship and make sure we stay on-course. Honestly, I can't think of anyone better than Lion for the position. But, if anyone want's to dispute me, go right ahead. Now's your chance."
Dwan watched as everyone reacted to Lion's story. "Now, I know you guys can't really believe what you just heard, but it is the truth.", he said. "As far as I know, due to the Odenia incident that had just happened, Saw can't assign a new captain to us.", Dwan stated, as he heard what Varn said. "I agree. I don't think anyone in this crew is more qualified to be temporary captain than Lion.", Dwan added.
Viper stared at Lion as he gave his explanation, holding an cold and unflinching stare at the synth before turning to Varn and then down to Dwan as they backed up his story. The Sanghvi remained unsure of the two's legitimacy and the contractor's trust as well but the crew's seem to trust them well enough. But with the current state of morale of Archius, any further action against the rather heroic figure of Lion would be futile and would met heavy resistance from the rest of crew.
The Sanghvi took an moment think over the scenarios as it stared down at the metal floor of room before resuming its stance in front of Lion. Lion's story was fairly implausible but the Sanghvi's suspicion had to put on hold as they haven't proven themselves a threat yet.
"I accept your...Story, officer Lion." Viper said grudgingly as it tilted it's head and nodded.
[video=youtube;-eUFEyp_O9w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUFEyp_O9w[/video]
Lion nodded. "Well then." He looked around the crew. The past weeks had sure been an adventure. He stood up and walked to the center of the room. "Regardless what you think about how Dwan and I survived, know this; I trust all of you with my life. There haven't been a single moment when I had any doubts towards anyone of you."
He looked at each and every face. "This adventure has been a rollercoaster. It has gone up and down in a rapid speed. We've hit a few bumps on the way as well. Yet, we still stand strong."
Lion sighed and looked down. "We've lost some very good people along the way. Riker, Zarbon, Tussor and our own Captain. Some people would've given up by now. We won't."
He clenched his fists before pointing at the door. "The Crimson Son is still out there! They think they've won."
He turned around to look at the crew. "Yes, we took some hits. Yes, HarkArk is practically in pieces. Thing is, they did one crucial mistake: they didn't finish us off."
With his left hand pointing towards the floor Lion continued his speech. "We are the Archius. Veteran soldiers. Elite pilots. Master engineers. Lethal mercenaries. We are a true force to be reckoned with, a force that the Crimson Son pissed off. Badly."
"This is it, the moment when we either defeat the Crimson Son once and for all or die trying. While the outcome might be uncertain, one thing is not: We'll fight together."
He paused and looked at the door. "We're going to need all the power and strength you can muster. It won't be easy and as such I recommend that anyone who has any doubts should leave the room. Now."
"Right" Pippin walked forward. "Now's the time to call in your favours people, and I'm sure you have plenty."
Lion nodded once again. "Exactly, because we're gonna need all the help we can get. First though I'd like to know who's with me and who's not; this is the time to speak."
"I had my doubts before. I'm not a soldier, hell, I'm hardly even an engineer. I let those doubts get the better of me before. They kept me out of action. If they hadn't, I don't know, maybe the captain would still be alive. I won't let you down again."
"You know where my loyalties stand." Varn allowed an grin to form on his face. "Besides, who will make snarky comments during battle?"
Viper gave Lion an strange look as he told an rather heroic speech to the rest crew, his words felt reassuring and genuine but his presence still felt extremely odd to the Sanghvi. Nevertheless these feeling had to pushed aside at the moment as another thought started to fill it's busy mind, what and who are we really fighting for?
The Sanghvi gave off puzzled look over at Kira as she stood in the room with her arms crossed, focusing down at her Privateer badge.
Why was this artifact so important to the CEO of one of the largest private empires in galaxy and this Crimson son syndicate in the first place?
Payback in name of Jeremy and other crewmembers was well justified in the eyes of the everyone else but then again revenge will only lead to more bloodshed and misery the Sanghvi thought as it leaned it's back against the wall.
The Crimson son operative that had ended Jeremy life gave him respect as he ended him, he wasn't doing this for the lust of power or greed but because of an reason, a ideal that that these men follow and believe in that they will kill and die for.
Viper felt that this was important to find and understand it, earlier thoughts of tearing apart this "Establishment of evil' was misguided, the Sanghvi thought as watched Varn reassured his loyalties followed by an joke to lighten the mood of the situation in the armory.
Whatever there fighting for, it's too late for Viper to back down, the crew was relying on their Chief security officer to protect and safeguard them in upcoming battle.
"As you terrans say, I'm in." Viper said to the rest of crew as the Sanghvi pick itself up off the wall and turned to face the rest of the crewmates in the room. "But first, we need to know anything and everything about our enemy."
"Privateer Kira, If theres anything more you know about them or the Oracle, I recommend that you tell us immediately." The Sanghvi asked the soft-carbon as it turn to face her.
Iska stood up from the crate and look at Lion with a serious expression. "Iska follow you, to only one last time" she expressed with a serious tone. She looked over at Bubal, who returned a ensuring smile. With Yanim gone, she felt that she would also have to think about herself. "Iska has father, family and clan to take care off, but Iska will do one last favor to crew". She left the room and Bubal followed, they had a lot of catching up to do.
Kira stared at Viper for a second, she gave herself some time to focus. "The Crimson Son, Viper, I know you think I may be able to know more about them but to tell you the truth I don't know much about them other than they're been attacking for years now. Their soldiers are loyal to their own, I never saw one of them flinch or surrender." Kira turned.
"They act like machines but don't in a way. I've never seen such determination, myths out of the shadows waiting for the moment to strike. Cyborgs maybe."
"The Oracle, I'm starting to question what does Harken Saw intend to do with it." She looked up, exhaling. "By any chance Harken Saw or whoever we have left to continue fighting contacts us, we have to regroup and find the truth." Kira stated.
"Is that really the best idea Kira? We should lay low for a while, keep away from anyone the Crimson Son would expect us to contact."
"Regardless." Begun Lion while looking at the crew again. "We're in it together."
"Before we start seeking out the Crimson Son we need to do a status check."
He looked at Varn. "Varn, I'm promoting you to Senior Enforcer. Viper needs all of his staff more than ever."
Lion then started delegating out work for the crew.
"Viper, go through the footage from the exterior cameras and analyze the Crimson Son attack patterns. When you're done every member of the Archius will know how these gearheads move."
Lion then looked at Pippin.
"Pippin, you're damage control. Go through the entire ship and make sure that evrrything works. Use the small army of service robots that Yanim left behind."
His attention then turned to Varn and Dwan. "Varn, military inventory. Map out every single weapon we have and make sure that both they and the various vehicles we have work. Report any damage to Pippin."
"Dwan, civilian and utility inventory. I want to know how much Food, drinks, fuel, medical supplies and ammo we have. Don't exclude anything."
Finally, his eyes shifted to Kira. "Kira, I need you to go through all the priority channels and find where Saw is. It is crucial that we regroup with him. I'm guessing he has one or more cards up his sleeve for these kind of situations."
Lion then crossed his arms. "Once your task is done I want you to send a report directly to me. Get to work!"
Lion sent a PM to Iska just as he finished delegating out tasks. "I need you to run ship-wide diagnostics. Make sure all systems work. Coordinate with Pippin. Let me know when it's done."
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