2628 - An officers beginning

Dahan

Rear Admiral
After reading many peoples comments, suggestions and extra information I have made a fan fiction which I hope people would enjoy reading....

There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first Kilrathi War, then the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, then the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim. I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within. A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad which has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. This is the story of a young officer who is dragged into the conflict just prior to the first Kilrathi war.

An officer’s new beginning.

Introduction


TCS Academy
Houston, Earth, Sol
Star Date 2628


“Break left now!” Datangia swung his fighter port side as the missile shot past
“Thanks Gem. I owe you one!”
“You can buy me a beer when we finish. You’re on my wing” said Gem, as Datangia looked over to his starboard side to his wingman flying by, “Flight 2 what’s your status?”
“All clear”
“Keeping’ those bandits busy”
“Check, Datangia and I are heading for the corvette. Just keep those bandits off our backs”
“You got it boss”

* * *

Gem and Datangia sped towards the lone ship that was trying to leave the fight.
“Looks like it is trying to reach the jump point” said Datangia
“Check” agreed Gem, “I’m reading power fluctuations”
“We have to disable the engines!”
“OK, you hit the engines, I’m hitting the weapons. We got to jam their transmission”
“I’m right with you Gem let’s go” Datangia and Gem hit their afterburners reaching closer to the enemy corvette. Datangia switched on his missile weapon systems as he targeted the corvette’s engines, “I’m getting tone” as he reached closer to the corvette, suddenly the corvette open fired on them, “What the hell!? I thought the corvette had no gun ports”
“So did I” said Gem, “it’s too late, stay on target and hit those engines, we got to….” Gem never got to finish her sentence as her fighter exploded next to Datangia
“Fuck!” hissed Datangia as he swerved his fighter away from the blast, “Reddy, Flame! Gems gone need help fast!”
“Got our hand’s tied” said Reddy, “damn pirates are blocking us between us and you. You got to leave the corvette!”
“Can’t do that mate” said Datangia, “we leave it, reinforcements would come back. I can’t do that. I going to hit the engines and communications, I’m not letting them go” Datangia swung his fighter back targeting the corvette’s engines and preset the ship’s communications antenna as his secondary target. Swerving left and right, Datangia avoiding the ships fire inching in closer towards the corvette. His targeting system begun to emit a ticking tone attempting to acquire a target lock on the corvette’s engines.

The targeting system reached a firing solution and locked on to corvette’s engines, “Launching missile now!” said Datangia as he fired his missile as the engines, Datangia swerve his fighter starboard as he fired his missile, “engines gone, engines gone!” said Datangia as he attempted to acquire the corvette’s communication systems, “Watch it Datangia you got bandit on your six” Datangia check his sensors and saw an enemy blip heading to his location very fast, “Damn, too close” said Datangia as he turn his fighter around, he checked his load out, only one dumb-fire missiles left, moving his fighter away from the corvette’s firing range he face his opponent. Before he could do anything his missile lock warning blared loudly through his helmet speakers, he looked through his cockpit and saw a flicker of light followed by a big flash of white light, “Second Flight got missile lock got…” Datangia never finished his sentence, as his fighter was completely surrounded by white light followed by blackness.

“What the!?” said Datangia as he turned his head around trying to see what was going on, “Damn it, I almost had that corvette”
“Well you should have checked that fighter that was coming up from behind” Datangia heard Gem’s voice as the cockpit simulator opened up and saw his wingman and the others climbing out of their cockpit simulators. Datangia pulled off his helmet and shaking his sweating hair, “Damn it we weren’t told about the corvette’s weapons”
“We were not told anything about the corvette” said Flame as she leaned over to Datangia’s cockpit, “you of all people who have thought of that” Datangia gave Flame an angry look, as he was always referred as the ‘by the book’ type of guy, “who said that I would have thought of it. You knew that I was under pressure there”
“OK folks quiet down” said a voice behind the cadets. The group turn to see their flight instructor Lieutenant Colonel Regan, walking up towards them. “You all did very good given the circumstances, but Flame was right about something. We did not tell you all the information provided and you should have taken the initiative of assessing the situation.”
“Sir why did you not tell us that the corvette had any weapons online?” asked Datangia
“If you recall cadet” said Regan “in the briefing I said that the objective was to neutralise the enemy ship before jumping out. Assess the situation and follow the flight leader’s orders. I did not say anything else” Datangia looked over to his wingman and flight leader Gem who only shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.
“I wouldn’t worry too much Cadet Cheng” smiled Regan, “you did what you thought was best. Just remember don’t do anything heroics when you out there. Your wingman is the most value possession when you are in combat. You folks have three more weeks til graduation. We go through one more simulation and see what happens, until then read up your squad tactics and manoeuvres text otherwise dismissed.”

* * *

“I can’t believe that we are almost graduating!” said Gem, “We soon would be posted to our first ship!”
“Or naval base” reminded Reddy, “you forget that we have planetary bases as well as carriers. The real action is onboard the battleships, cruisers and destroyers”
“Ah there is always room for fighters” replied Gem, “what do you think Anthony what do you think?” Anthony sat listening to the conversation between the two cadets about the which was better, “Personally I don’t really care” replied the Australian born Chinese cadet, “As long I get to fly and do my fair share of duty and fun I am happy”
“Ah you’re such a let down Anthony” said Gem, “you never take any sides do you?”
“Why should I? Should I be concerned about what is better? Carriers or Battleship? Just read the report about the Panama Games and make your decision then”
“Why read the report when you could turn up to Commander Turner’s lectures” said Flame, “I’m sure you could learn all the things you need from the Commander”
“Hell no” said Gem, “the Commander gives me the creeps every time I look at him. I rather read the article on the network”
“Suit yourself” replied Flame as she finished the rest of her drink.

* * *

He sat on the bench looking over the lake watching the ducks gliding over the water. In three weeks he would be graduating. In three weeks he will no longer be a cadet. In three weeks he will be an officer in the Confederation military. In three weeks he would be following the footsteps as his father would be. In three weeks he will see where fate will lead him.
“Why the glum face cadet?” said someone from a distance, Anthony to face the voice and saw Colonel Regan coming with a small brown paper bag, “something on your mind Anthony?”
“I don’t know sir” sigh Anthony, “It’s just that in three weeks I’m graduating. I know that I should be happy, I am. But I got this feeling that I am not”
“Anything to do with the fire accident and the fact that your father pulled strings to keep you from being expelled from the Academy?”
Anthony tried to reply but couldn’t find the right words to respond with, “Sir I was with those other cadets when they lit the fire crackers. I was with them when the crackers blew up and lit the garbage refuse. I am accountable as much as they were”
Colonel Regan sat down next to the cadet and put his hand into the brown bag and pull out a handful of bread bits and fed them to the ducks that were nearby.
“That may be true Cadet, but you have to remember that being there is not being the same as being involved”
“No sir, but I still feel responsible for not doing anything”
“Are you worried that this might be on your permanent record?” Anthony nodded, “I thought you might feel that way” John wiped his hand on his pants and pulled out an envelop from inside his jacker, “you might want to take a look at this”
“What is it?”
“My permanent record”
“How did you get and why sir?”
“One of the perks of being a senior officer is that you can pull strings to get on hold on things you need. Something which I think your father would have done”
Anthony looked at his Academy instructor’s record until he came across a section mark as disciplinary record. The record show that his instructor had stolen exam papers, changed results, stolen instructors credit chip and received various different disciplinary action.
“You see cadet that not everyone leaves the Academy with a perfect record. Even Commander Turner has had problems during his younger days”
“Commander Turner!?”
“Don’t get too worked up Anthony” laughed John, “go and find your friends and enjoy your time left together. You have your whole life ahead of you”
“Yes sir and thank you sir” replied Anthony as he got up from the bench
“And Cadet”
“Yes Sir”
“When we are not on duty or teaching or anything call me John”
“Yes sir, John”
“And I like my record please” Anthony looked down and saw he was still holding on to his instructors record
“Sorry sir” smiled Anthony as he returned the paper.

* * *


One month later
Confederation Service Academy
Graduation Day
Houston, Earth, Sol


“Congratulations Tony!” said Ta-ke, giving his grandson a big heart, “we are so proud of you!”
“Thanks gramps” smiled Anthony, “It means so much that everyone was able to come”
“Oh darling we could not missed this for all the tea in China” said Anthony’s grandmother Jennifer, “Your mother would be so proud of you I know she would have like this” Anthony nodded as he too wished his mother was here.
“I can’t believe I would see this day” said Anthony as he wiped a tear from his eye, “I went through so much trouble and I thought the Commandant would expelled me from the Academy”
“Well you may have to talk to your father” said Ta-ke “I have a hunch that he may have something to do with it”
“Not dad again” groaned Anthony, “he promised me not to help me. After helping me with from that fire accident I told him that I would face the consequences and not to get away from it!”
“I know” nodded Ta-ke, “But I think that your dad does not what to see you suffer as much as he did”
“Am I interrupting something here?” asked someone behind
“Not at all Skip” smiled Ta-ke, “we just congratulating my grandson. How is the motley crew?”
“They are all well Ta-ke, all well” smiled Admiral Banbridge as he shook Anthony’s hand “Congratulations Lieutenant and welcome to the service”
“Thank you sir” replied Anthony, “I am looking forward to my first assignment”
“Don’t worry Lieutenant” chuckled Wayne, “You will get your assignment in a few days, but in the meantime enjoy what you have now. If you excuse me I have some people I have to see. Ta-ke we have to catch up for some rice wine”
“Don’t worry I intend to” laughed Anthony’s grandfather
“I didn’t know you knew Admiral Banbridge Gramps”
“Well his father and I went to high school together. Ah it has been a long time”
“How old are you grandpa?”
“As if I would tell you that” chuckled Ta-Ke, “I think you have another visitor Tony” as he pointed to another officer coming towards them, Anthony turned to see John Regan coming towards them, “Colonel” saluted Anthony as his former instructor came up towards him and return the salute, “Congratulations Lieutenant” smiled John, “Well done it has been a long time coming”
“Yes sir it has been. Thank you sir for everything”
“Your welcome Lieutenant. If you ever want to talk to someone I’m here”
“Thank you sir I will keep that in mind” replied Anthony as former cadet and former instructor shook hands for the last time.



* * *

Few Days later

Anthony looked at the data pad again for the hundredth time, making sure that he was reading the data pad correctly. His father after numerous times arguing with allow him to accompany him to

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Confed Personnel and Operations and Command
Date: 2629.134
Pilot: #39585610
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Security: ********
Subject: New Assignment

Statement of Assignment:
Congratulations on your graduation and to your first assignment. You are part of a long proud history of serving men and women in the Confederation. I hope you do and others proud in the service.
Upon receiving these orders you are to report to McAuliffe Naval Base, McAuliffe System, Vega Sector for assignment in the Enigma-Epsilon Sector

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anthony sat in the shuttle’s seat as he continuously looked between the data pad and outside the view port.
“You have been looking at that data pad too long Anthony give it a rest” said his father, “You’ve got an assignment you don’t have to worry about anything”
“I know dad” replied Anthony as he tried to get over the news that he was being assigned to a carrier. He was expected to station on a naval base or space station,
“I’m just a bit surprised that of all the assignments I expected I get assignment to a fighter base squadron, but a carrier squadron that is what most Academy graduates dream of. You didn’t do anything did you dad?” Francis chuckled at the question his son posed at him, “No Anthony I didn’t. After the fire accident at the Academy I decided not to intervene any more.”
“So this was purely by the choice by Command?”
“I guess so”
“How do that allocate personnel to bases and ships?”
“You’re asking the wrong man son. When we reach to McAuliffe you can ask Personnel how they allocate people”

* * *




McAuliffe Naval Base
McAuliffe, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

Anthony left the personnel office where he picked up his paper for his assignment –

Lieutenant Cheng, upon receiving this letter you will receive your assignment and confidential information of your new squadron and carrier.




Assignment: TCS Hibernia = Ranger Class Carrier [CV-79]
Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara
Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker
Executive: Major Joseph Lector

You will be assigned to the following squadron:

Squadron Assignment: Flying Tiger's Squadron
(28th Flight Group - Fighter Interceptor Squadron)
( CF-117 Rapier Fighter)

Squadron Leader: Major Amanda 'Silky' Mallamo
Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border

Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez
1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe
1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson
1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman
1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace
1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico
2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards
2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross
2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee



TCS Hibernia Fighter Complement
40 Fighters

28th ‘Flying Tigers’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
57th ‘Wild Aces’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
357th ‘Silver Arrows’ Squadron (Minotaur fighter)
8th ‘Black Bear’ Squadron (Bomber fighter squadron)

Upon receiving your orders report to the shuttle port for departure to the TCS Hibernia
Once aboard the Hibernia, report to the Wing Commander Lt. Col. David Parker



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I guess this is it” said Anthony as he dropped his duffel bag on the flight deck, looking around the station, “This place is huge!”
“Not as big back on Earth” smiled Francis
“Dad you didn’t have to come with me to McAuliffe, I would have made it here on my own”
“Captain’s privilege” said Francis, “when you’re commander of a ship you can get away from some things”
“Like I don’t notice already” there was an awkward silence between father and son as they looked at each. Suddenly embarrassed with the silence, Francis cleared his throat, “Anthony you be careful out there”
“Dad I will be alright” said Anthony, “don’t worry I will contact you once I’m aboard the Hibernia”
“OK” replied Francis as he offer his hand to him, Anthony smiled and stepped forward and hugged his father, “Thanks dad. Thank you very much”

* * *
 
Looks pretty good so far. I never really considered 'Confed the early days' or at least 'Confed the pre-kilrathi, pre-pilgram days', it'll be interesting to see where you go with this story.

My only criticism is your description of the 'deaths' in teh simulaor. They seemed a bit rushed to me, maybe if you stretched it out a bit more, had the cadets trying to take evasive action, uttering nervous damage reports or something like that it would have sounded more believable.

Other then that, i liked it. I look forward to seeing the second chapter.
 
Thanks for the feedback. My fan fiction writing style aint perfect, but then nobody is perfect. Like everyone else they are trying.
Hear is Chapter One of 2628 - An officers beginning. I hope everyone enjoyed reading the "Introduction"...Enjoy...Dahan :)

An Officer’s beginning

Chapter 1
“New people”

Two months after settling in onboard the TCS Hibernia, Anthony is settling into the routine and adjusting his new life as a Confederation officer. Sitting down at the Observation deck, Anthony looks out the view port watching a transport flies past as it is escorted out by a flight of fighters from the Wild Aces Squadron. He looks back at his laptop trying to figure how to start his journal. He promised himself that once he gets assigned to his first post he would start a journal and reflect on what he has done. He didn’t expect it to be so difficult trying to figure out what to write in his journal. He could have write about every mission he did in the last couple of months but decided not to. He didn’t think he would want to read back on all the missions he did, a failed or successful mission. He pondered on what he should write and an idea comes to his mind. He started to type in his laptop…..



Personal Log
Star Date 2628.199
TCS Hibernia

Well it has been a couple of months since I boarded the Hibernia. My first assignment, wow I never thought I would see myself standing onboard the deck of a carrier in the Confederation Fleet. I suppose dad was right when he said that the first time is always the most memorable moment in their careers. Sure there would be other experiences to come, but then being a fresh recruit standing on the flight deck looking at all those fighters all lined up, technicians fiddling them around, people moving supplies around, the smell of lubricants, grease, oil fumes and other offensive odours bring a certain quality being onboard a ship for the first time.

My meeting with the Wing Commander was pleasant and unexpected. Lieutenant Colonel David Parker is one of most friendliest and open hearted officer I ever met. Sometimes when I go back to when I first met him I wonder if he ever really liked being in the military, he just seem to be too nice. I remember when I reported to the WC office, the Colonel had a pot of hot tea for me. He greeted me and shook my hand and offered me a seat. I was a bit speechless at first but regain my composure. At first I thought he was just sucking up to me because maybe he knew my father but in fact I later learned from Donovan, was that the Colonel makes every effort for every pilot who arrives on board the Hibernia especially Academy graduates feel comfortable and not to feel out of place or nervous. Well I guess Donovan was right, the Colonel has a gentle and kind side but he does have his professionally side which everyone see when he is on duty, but otherwise most would see the Colonel as the happy go luck fella who is just the same as everyone else onboard. The only difference between him and the next person is the insignia they wear on the shoulder pads.

The welcome party at the Rec Room was damn fun and the party host, Donovan the rec room bartender ensured that everyone was having a good time. Donovan introduce me and all the other new people who arrived on the Hibernia to the other pilots, techies and other ship staff onboard the Hibernia. I was able to meet my squadron commander, Major Amanda ‘Silky’ Mallamo and our XO, Captain Gregory ‘Balls’ Border. I was told by others not to call my XO Gregory as he hated it when his parents call him Gregory. I think it is something to do with being all formal and proper. Must be that upper English thing. His parents were from Cardiff and always live in a proper and dignified manner, dam pommie bastards. But then he would say otherwise about me being an Aussie and then he would go on about how England is going to take the Ashes back blah, blah and then Australia wins the Ashes series 3 to 1.
Samantha Ibanez also known as Jewel. Apparently rumours are around the place is that she always wears some kind of jewellery whenever she goes on assignment and wears something when she goes to bed. Strange girl.
Samuel ‘Torps’ Thorpe, apparently he is a direct descendant of one of Australian swimming legends in the late 20th and early 21st century Ian Thorpe. At first I didn’t believe him but when he showed me his photos of his swimming trophies I retracted my statement.
Dark ‘Drool’ Simpson, now this guy I cannot forget. The first guy I met who was given his callsign by his squadron. A group of guys went out partying after graduating from the Academy and apparently went to a strip club and Dark was literally drooling at every woman he saw. Even at the welcome party you could see a small drool at the corner of his mouth. Sometimes I shiver at the sight of him drooling over some pretty face. But then I am one for talk.
Carl “Brains” Wallace, recently transferred from Luna fighter garrison and arrived on the Hibernia with me. Not much I could say about him as he didn’t talk much nor did he mingle with many people at the party. He pretty much stood at the far end of the room looking outside at the stars mellowing in his own thoughts.
Jean-Luc ‘Pasty’ Rico, some French dude from Paris France. Man I never have seen a paler person. Anymore and I swear he could have been an albino, suppose why people call him Pasty.
Tyson ‘Skinny’ Edwards, nice guy from Scotland. Drinks like there is no tomorrow, always the first with the drinks and the last to leave. He seems to have a new drinking game every 5 minutes. This guy is an absolute larrikin.
Kathryn ‘Arrows’ Ross, a new graduate like me from Canada. Not much I could say but rumour has it that she brought along a bow and arrow with her. Must be to do with the callsign she has.
Michelle ‘Peck’ Lee, Academy graduate from Korea. Apparently if I remember during my time at the Academy she is always on dates with guys and don’t do kisses. She gives them pecks on the cheek. Who in the right mind does peck on the cheek!?

I also got to meet pilots from the other three squadrons onboard the Hibernia and they were great to hang out with. Apparently there is a pool going on amongst the four squadrons. At the end of each week the squadron with the least successful mission must buy rounds for the other three squadrons. Well as an Australian born individual, I can’t pass down a game where alcohol and as a Chinese I cannot turn down such a challenge. This would be interesting.

The day after arriving on the Hibernia and recovering from the excess amount of alcohol and with the help of anti-hang over pills provided from Medical I received my first flight assignment.
I was fortunate that my first flight assignment was an easy one. I think that Colonel Parker might have known that I might have drunk a tad bit too much and might assign me an easier task but I should not be getting any special privileges for my actions. Hopefully I don’t get into too much problems from the big party nights.

My wingman, Pasty and I had to escort a cargo transport which has jumped in from the Enyo system carrying new computer parts for Alexandria station which was undergoing an upgrade on some of its secondary systems.
Colonel Parker said it was standard escort mission; a simple nanny job is what some of the pilots call it these days, however the Colonel warned us of possible pirates, rogue officers or even Mari-ad terrorist that might try to hijack the transport so we have to keep a sharp eye out for trouble.

Fortunately I was lucky enough not to encounter any bad guys just had to pass through an asteroid field which caused a few minor dents to the ship.
Chief Petty Officer Oscar Mendez, who is the ships chief technician wasn’t harsh on me when I landed my fighter into the docking bay. He gave me a warning about when flying through asteroids which. The shields can protect me from the asteroids for only so much and then the ships starts taking damage to the hull and parts of the fuselage. Damn I hate to arrive back on the ship in a banged up fighter. Mendez gave me a few good pointers when I came back from my first assignment. I hope that in my future flight assignments I don’t get into too much trouble in getting my ship damaged.

Colonel Parker was happy that we didn’t encounter any hostiles and that he was happy that my first flight assignment went off without a hitch. Scratch one successful mission for the Flying Tigers.

* * *

Anthony closes his laptop as he heard bridge communication officer making an announcement on the speakers through the room.
“All Flying Tiger pilots please report to briefing room, all Flying Tiger pilots please report to the briefing room”
Standing up and having a big stretch, Anthony takes one last look out at the stars enjoying the view.
“Damn I got to stop looking out at the stars” Anthony said to himself as he walked to the lift. I wonder how dad is doing? He thought as he entered the lift and hit the barracks button. Leaning back on the lift wall, Anthony closed his eyes pondering on what his father would be doing, knowing him he would be wracking his brains trying not to worry about his son’s progress, trying not to worrying if his son might get hurt in an accident or worse yet died during a mission.
I better send a letter to him another vid-mail, he thought as the lift finally stopped at its destination.
* * *
 
The story seems to be shaping out alright, you've outlined the setting and the characters, to be hounest i'm not sure if your switch to the present tense works though. Its rarely a good idea to alternate between one tense to the other between chapters.

Another peice of CC is that, in my opinion, it would have been interesting to hear some brief details on the Mari-ad.

Other then that, i think its looking pretty good so far.
 
Thanks for feedback Plywood, reading your fan fiction puts my fan fiction to shame :) . But it gives me motivation to continue to write my fan fiction and hope people enjoy my vision I have in my fiction.
Any hoot I hope everyone has enjoy reading what I have written. Like I said previously it aint perfect but it is a worknig progress and hopefully in later chapters it will get better. :D

In the introduction and Chapter One we are introduce to 2nd Lieutenant Anthony Cheng who has recently graduated from Confederation Academy and has been given his first assignment on board the TCS Hibernia, a Ranger-Class light carrier. We met some of the people onboard the Hibernia, including his squadron the 28th squadron, the Flying Tigers.

This next chapter brings to light of an organisation that brings a threat within the Confederation. Hope you all enjoy it. :D

2628 An officers beginning

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
TCS Hibernia
Briefing Room
2628.260

Anthony arrived late after a long night at the bar in the rec room after the Flying Tiger’s won for the most successful missions among the four squadrons onboard the Hibernia.
“Well somebody looks they have been to hell and back” smiled Torps as he saw Anthony walked in the briefing very slow, “You’re not much different yourself Torps” said Anthony, as he sat down slowly next to Torps and ran his hand through his hair, “Man what a night! I swear I got to lay off the beer”
“Hey that’s your fault for challenging Skinny. You knew he would outdrink you. He’s Irish, it is in his blood”
“Yeah and it’s in Anthony’s blood to never turn down a challenge” said someone behind them, Anthony and Samuel to see Ibanez and the rest of the remaining squadron pilots come in. Anthony could see that everyone is pretty much recovering from last night’s ordeal at the rec room.
“OK next time if we win the weekly comp, we take some pills prior to the drinks” said Carl, “We party too much”
“Well you should control the amount you drank mate?” said Dark, “you should have known better”
“You’re one for talk” said Allison, “for someone who drools all night long especially last night. Who was the chick you were goggling last night?”
“I wasn’t goggling!” snapped Dark, “I was having a nice chat with Sarah”
“Oh so it’s Sarah now” jeered Allison, “we on a first name basis now”
“Quit it!” said Dark as people begin to notice that he was slightly blushing
“Who’s Sarah?” asked Peck
“She’s the Chief Comm Officer on the ship” replied Allison, “Dark has been eyeing her ever since he arrived on the Hibernia”
“I remember” said Anthony as he became wide awake and remembering last nights event, “Dark was chatting to Sarah and if I remember from all the beer you were getting close to getting some action”
“Oh fuck off would you!” snapped Dark, “Nothing happen alright, we just chatted and that was it” Allison was about to reply when their squadron commander arrived with Colonel Parker from the front of the briefing room
“Well ladies, I hope that you all enjoyed last night’s fun and games” said Parker as he walked up to the briefing platform, “giving last night events, looks like you all had plenty to drink”
“And plenty to talk about sir!” shouted Pasty down from the back, everyone else laughed and a few looked back to the front where Dark was sitting, slouching lower in his seat, trying to avoid being seen by the rest his squadron
“I’m sure that we have some stories to share” said Parker, “but right now we have a problem” Parker turn around to the map screen and activate it show a series of flight paths or 3 different flight groups, “You all may have heard from that when you received our assignment orders, that the Hibernia was going to the Enigma and Epsilon Sectors. We have been ordered from Command has cancelled those orders and order the Hibernia remain in the Vega Sector for an extended assignments” a groan could be heard amongst the squadron, “I know some of you expected to be heading to a different sector for something different, but we are now facing a new problem. Reports are coming in and Command concurs with what we found is that there is an increase in pirate and smugglers activities in this sector, a majority of these activities appeared to be concentrated in the Douglas and Day quadrant in the Vega Sector and we are not sure who is behind these activities. We hope that it is not the Mari-ad but Command wants to assess the situation and determine who is behind these acts” the entire squadron now shaken off their cobwebs and are suddenly alert when the WC informed of the current situation
“Because of the severity of this situation in this system, the Tiger squadrons will be deployed in 3 flights of 4 and are to patrol and scout the surrounding region” Parker indicated the flight path of the 3 assignment groups with the map wall behind him. “Alpha flight will be Silky, Torps, Skinny and Datangia. Your flight pattern will be this path following these four nav points” Parker indicated to the star map on the view screen behind him, “you are to rendezvous to each point scan the surrounding area and return back to base”
“Sir what are we to do if we encounter hostiles sir?” asked Skinny, Parker didn’t reply straight away as he ponder for a brief moment, “Personally Lieutenant I do not like shooting down people, but if they are appear hostile and attack without provocation you are to respond in kind”
“But sir” said Datangia, “but during peace time are we supposed to engage hostile forces only when we are ordered to if we encounter such?”
“Yes that is true. But given the circumstances we are dealing with these increase pirate and smugglers in this sector, Command has allow for the order ‘shoot on sight’. Any questions? Good now Bravo Flight will be ……”

* * *













15 minutes later
Flight Deck
TCS Hibernia

“Are you feeling alright Tyson?” asked Datangia as he saw moments before, Skinny and Pasty were having a heated argument on the flight deck before heading into their fighters.
“No mate, I’m fine” replied the Irishman, “just a matter difference of opinions”
“About what?” said Datangia as they both walked to where their fighters were being prepped for launch, “what could you two be arguing about. I thought you guys were drinking buddies?”
“Well it is nothing to do with that” replied Skinny, “it’s just that we have different opinions about what we think about the Mari-ad”
“Well I don’t know much about them, except there are criminal organisation and that is all I know”
“Well what you know about the Mari-ad is just the skim of the surface. I might tell you about it when we come back from assignment”

* * *

Alpha Flight
Enroute to Nav Point 2
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“OK folks we approaching point 2” said Silky, “Alpha 4 you pick up anything?”
“Nothing here Lead” replied Datangia, “Quiet as a tomb”
“Too quiet” said Torps, “if what they saw is true about increase Mari-ad activities we should be see some Mari-ad fighters around?”
“We do not know if it is Mari-ad” said Skinny, “Like the Colonel said it could be pirates; smugglers or the Mari-ad Command does not know what is happening out there we…”
“Cut the chatter” interrupted Silky, “I’m picking up four unidentified signals coming in at 045 mark 270”
“Confirmed” said Datangia, “I’m not picking up any ID signal from them. Could it be Bravo or Charlie flight?”
“Can’t be’ replied Silky, neither flights come across to our flight path. To unidentified ships please identified yourself and state your business” the four ships don’t respond but change their heading and move toward the flight group.
“I think that’s your response lead” said Skinny, “and me don’t like this”
“Unidentified ships approaching please identified and state your business” the ships still don’t respond. Silky switched her communication frequency as she contacts the Hibernia, “Home One this is Alpha flight, we picked four identified ships repeat 4 unknowns, all communications are ignored and are approaching us at attack speed we are preparing to engage, repeat we are preparing to engage”

* * *




About the same time
TCS Hibernia
Bridge
Enyo System, Vega Sector
“..all communications are ignored and are approaching us at attack speed we are preparing to engage, repeat we are preparing to engage”
“Confirmed Alpha flight” replied Lieutenant Jessica, “4 UFOs are on approach on attack vector. CO and WC gives green light. Watch your six”
“Well Captain it seems that we may have our hands full” said Parker as he and Captain Lang, the Hibernia’s commanding officer look at the view screen in front of them as they watch the four blue blips represent Alpha flight heading towards to the 4 grey blips, “you think it is the Mari-ad?”
“Don’t know Colonel. Frankly I think we should just sweep through the entire sector and clean up this mess with these pirates and smuggler scum, they are such a pest to Confed. We have already enough problems with the political tensions with both the Pilgrim Alliance and the Landreich. We do not want another problem with these criminal activities.”
“True, but what can we do? We don’t have enough….”
“Captain” interrupted Jessica, “Alpha flight are engaging” Parker and Lang return their attention back to the view screen as they watch battle unfold,
“What’s the status on the other flights Lieutenant?” asked Parker
“Both flights report in nothing has been spotted yet and continuing on to their flight paths”
“Switch to Flight Frequency 197, lets take a listen to how Alpha are doing” Parker and Lang listen in to the comm chatter as Alpha flight engage the unknowns

“….damn those are Mark 4 Strikers what are they doing here?”
“..don’t matter, they here and engaging, evasive manoeuvres”

“Strikers? Here?” said Lang looking from the view screen “Those fighters were supposed to be scrapped years ago, where the hell did they come from?”
“I don’t like this at all” said Parker, “if they are Mark 4 Strikers then we are in big trouble. Lieutenant inform Bravo flight to standby to assist Alpha flight once they reach their next nav point, inform them of the situation”
“Yes Sir” Parker and Lang continue to listen to the transmission

“….careful 2 you got one on your tail!”
“Can’t shake him”
“…Hang on 2 I’m coming..” background could be heard from the speakers as Parker and Lang could hear screeching and thumping sounds coming from the interior of one of the fighters
“….thanks 4”
“Well done 4”
“leave the pleasantries later people, we got 3 more”
“Copy lead”
“Roger that”



“I don’t like this” said Lang, “this is too tense. Rapiers against M4 Strikers. They are lucky it is 4 to 3”
“Sir I am sure my pilots would pull through” said Parker, “I’m sure they know what they are doing. I’m sure they….”

“hit! Hit! 2 is down repeat 2 is down”
“..did 2 eject?..”
“yeah I’m picking up escape pod”

“Lieutenant get a SAR team out there!” ordered Parker, “get Major Brady out with an element he is to escort that SAR shuttle and pick up that pod”
“Yes Sir”
“Well I guess you were right Captain” said Parker, “this is too tense”

* * *

Meanwhile at the same time back with…

Alpha Flight
Nav Point 2
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“SAR team on their way Alpha Lead, ETA 15 minutes”
“Roger that Home One” replied Silky, “we will hold on. Alpha flight, SAR 20 minutes we have to hold on til they get here”
“Copy that”
“Roger”
“Check”

Datangia check his clock on his HUD, 20 minutes can mean forever. But 20 minutes for Torps could mean 20 seconds if he gets shot in his pod. He must protect his wing mate until help arrives. Down to only one dumb fire and his rear shields are nearly offline he needs to survive for another 20 minutes to protect Torps. Just 20 more minutes. There were three Strikers left and they would need to keep they occupied until search and rescue arrive.

“Watch it four! you got one on your tail coming in hot!” Anthony checked his radar seeing the red blip coming in to his position fast. Trying to look behind him he could see a glimpse of the old space superiority fighter honing in on to his position. Checking his radar, he saw Silky and Skinny were busy with a Striker each, with little time he had left, he quickly banked his fighter port side just in time to avoid the laser fire that was about to hit him.
Datangia pulled his stick back attempting to swing his fighter, a loop around the enemy. Feeling the G-force pressing against him, he hit the afterburners increasing his speed and getting behind the enemy fighter as quickly as possible.
What seem like forever was just about a few seconds, Datangia swung his fighter right behind the enemy who was unaware of Datangia sudden change in position.
“You’re ass is mine now” growled Datangia as he pressed down his trigger laying a barrage of laser fire into the enemy fighter. Datangia could see the enemy shields shimmer against the laser fire before it strike through towards the ships hull and could see parts of the armour coming off
“Eat this!” Datangia flicked to his warhead system, targeting the enemy’s rear hull, “See you in hell punk!” as he fired his last dumb fire missile as it shot out from his missile port and jetted across the enemy fighter.
“Scratch one striker!” as Datangia saw the missile make impact on the enemy fighter exploding in a big fiery fireball.
“Good job 4” said Silky, “the other two Strikers are leaving”
“Are we going after them?” asked Skinny
“Negative on that 3” replied Silky, “I think we should hold back and wait for the SAR team”
“Copy that” said Skinny, Datangia could hear Tyson growling under his breathe. He would be annoyed as well if they let the two remaining fighters go.
“We are pretty beat up and we are in no condition to chase them”
“I hear you lead” said Skinny, “just a little bit annoyed”
“Don’t worry about it. We will get them next time” Silky switch frequency to the escape pod’s frequency hoping to see that Torps is alright. “Torps how are you holding up?” there was no response, “Torps do you read me? Torps!”
“Maybe his radio is shot?” said Datangia
“I don’t know” said Silky as she switched radio frequency, “Home One when is that SAR team coming?!”
“SAR team is on their way” replied Jessica, “just hold on”
“We don’t have much time. I can’t raise the escape pod and don’t know what is Alpha 3’s condition”
“Copy Alpha lead. We will let SAR team know”
“They better get here” said Skinny as he listens to the communication.




* * *

1.5 hours later
TCS Hibernia
Med Bay
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“How is he doc?” asked Silky
“He is a very lucky man” replied the Hibernia CMO, Lieutenant Shauna Tyson, “he suffered mild burns along his arms and legs. He received a laceration along his torso. He fell unconscious when he ejected and his escape pod transmitter was destroyed. Probably explains why you could not raise him”
“How long will he recover?” asked Datangia
“Oh about 4-5 days. We are going to keep him in for further observations and make sure that everything checks out. Until I’m satisfied he is staying here”
“Fair enough, thanks doc”

* * *




A short time later
TCS Hibernia
Rec Room
Enyo System, Vega Sector

“You been nursing that drink for a while mate” said Donovan as he watched Anthony turn his drink on the bar table
“I just don’t feel like drinking Donovan” Anthony sighed as he continues to gaze down on his drink.
“Bad mission huh?” Anthony didn’t replied and merely nodded at the question, “want to tell me about it?” asked Donovan
“I don’t know. I just don’t understand how the Mari-ad could obtain Strikers and how they could have almost taken us out. We almost lost one of our own”
“How much do you know about the Mari-ad Anthony?” asked Donovan
“Not much, apart from that I know they are sort of criminal or terrorist organisation”
“Well that is partially incorrect. Did you know that the Mari-ad was originally known as the Mari-gosa Party, a political party that was part of the Confederation Assembly which was considered of one of the largest political part at that time. They were in the Assembly for almost over 60 years until they were expelled from the Assembly and expelled from the Confederation.”
“Why were they expelled?”
“During their time in the Assembly, the Mari-gosa was an extremist left wing political party that believe certain changes should be imposed within Confederation. Such changes included the military budget spending/development where they believe only men should serve the Confed military and women should not serve on active front line duties”
“That’s bullshit, women fill a good proportion of the defence forces otherwise we would be undermanned”
“That is true but that is only one of the issues that the Mari-gosa party proposed” continued Donovan, “ In areas of economics, the Mari-gosa proposed all colonies pay a tax Confederation Central Government in this case Earth on all transports of goods and services. They believe that the outer colonies outside Sol should be pay extra taxes for being outside Sol”
“But aren’t the colonies paying tariffs already?”
“Yes but the Mari-gosa wanted to impose more tax, which a majority of the Assembly refuse to accept the Mari-gosa proposal”
”God isn’t that a little bit extreme. Reminds me of some of the extremist views back in Earth 20th century during World War Two”
”It does a bit” said Donovan, “ and the lists goes on with the Mari-gosa extreme view and ridiculous ideas. It wasn’t until long that the Mari-gosa started making exchanges with criminal organisation in trades and other illegal business to the point that the Mari-gosa became a criminal organisation. On the outside the Mari-gosa appear to be an extremist political party through the eyes of the Confederation but to others they were seen as an criminal organisation”

“As a results the Confederation Assembly conduct an inquiry to their dealings and found out about their illegal activities and was brough forward to the Assembly.
It was voted that the Party be stripped of their titles and privileges and to be expelled from the Assembly. It was about 10 years later after the expulsion did the Mari-gosa later change to the Mari-ad, no one knows why but it is believe that the former political party have formed an alliance with some of the old criminal organisations from Earth, the Triads, the Mob, the Russian Mafia and the Black American Hoodlum Gangs. We don’t know what happen but since the change the Mari-ad has led a campaign of terror destroying Confed facilites, hijacking cargo, abductions and other extremist activities.”

“One of the most serious act which compromised the security of Confed Military was that a cargo of Confed fighters were hijacked by Mari-ad terrorists and there whereabouts are unknown.”
“You mean the Striker fighters?” asked Datangia
”Maybe” said Donovan, “but that is another story I will tell you one day. You should get some rest. Get some sleep, forget about what happen today and start again fresh and you will better”
“Thanks Donovan. I appreciate it, good night”
“Good night mate, take it easy”
 
That was pretty good. I'm curious as to what sinisterness the Mari-ad have planned.

Minor criticisms, there was some tense confusion in some places, and to be hounest, the battle scene i thought could have benefited from some description in places where you just have dialogue, it made the scene seem kind of rushed.

This aside, a good chapter. I look forward to seeing the next one.
 
Thanks for the feedback, hopefully my next chapters will improve and become enjoyable for all the other readers.

Here is chapter 3 of "2628 - An officers beginning"
Here we will step somewhere else where we meet a major character in this fan fiction and learn a bit about the Mari-ad. Hope you all enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who has read my previous chapters. :) :D

Chapter 3

Meanwhile somewhere else within Confederation space…..



His steps were long steady paces at almost a meter apart, he carried himself with an upright posture, and a posture similar to what a military officer would walk, almost like as if he was marching.
Down the corridor, his footsteps could be heard across the shining marble floor, buffed and polish to the point he could see his reflection. Marble pillars along the corridor reaching up to the roof could be seen from one end of the corridor to the other end. Each pillar had an engraving of particular individual. In this case, the engravings were members of the Mari-ad council, past and present leaders of the secret organisation.
The Council consisted of 12 members at one time. No one knows how many exactly are in the council but it is believe to be that there are numerous members within the council and only 12 members are present at one time. There were rumours that among the council only 3 of the council members have sat within the council for the last 15 years and are consider to the most powerful leaders of the Mari-ad and are referred as the Unholy Trinity. To cross any of the three would lead to disastrous consequences.

Jonas did not stop walking when he neared the end of the corridor where a set of heavy large mahogany doors stood before him. As he reached closer the doors open inwards to reveal another room completely dark, save but by a single white light shining down on the room forming a circle. Jonas continues to walk through the doors and towards the white circle when he stands and wait for the council to convene.
As he waits for the council members to appear the large doors slowly closes making no sound whatsoever until he could not see the doors no more.

Without thinking about when the council would arrive, the circle of white light which he stands begins to dimmer slightly and 12 smaller white light circles appear around him forming a large circle. Then one by one a hooded robe person comes in and steps within the circle, there was no distinguishable features to determine if it was a man or women. The only features about the person are the different colour robe which the members wore.

Red
Blue
Green
Black
Yellow
Brown
Grey
Purple
Orange
White
Aqua
Tan

Jonas stood patiently as the 12 members arrived one by one until all 12 circles had an occupant. Nine years ago he would have dreaded of coming and meeting the council. But after nine years of seasoning, dangerous mission assignments and self motivation, Jonas has become one of the most feared Mari-ad operatives many believe that he would one day become a leading member of the Mari-ad council.
What seems to be an eternity for Jonas was briefly no more than 3 minutes, when the leading council member, Black Robe spoke first to Jonas,
“Jonas you have been brought before the Council in regards to your oath and allegiance to the Mari-ad”
“Yes Lord Black” replied Jonas, “My allegiance is always to the Mari-ad. I will serve to benefit the Mari-ad”
“Yes I am sure you will” said Lord Black, “hence why we have ask you to come here for a special assignment”
“What does the Council wishes of me?” asked Jonas curiously
“We have reasons to believe that the Confederation have come very close to finding one of our hidden shipyard facilities in the Enyo system” said the White Robe member, “fortunately they did not find the facility”
“That is impossible Lord White!” said Jonas, “we paid the credits to the appropriate people in that system to stay away from that region of space and we were assured that the TCS Challenger would not patrol that region”
“We believe that as well Jonas” said Lord White, “apparently someone must have leaked of the information and a different ship was assigned to that region of space” Jonas wasn’t very happy with the information provided by the council. He will have to find out who leaked out the information and ensure that it never happens again.
“This would lead to your new assignment” said another voice from behind. Jonas to face the speaker who was the Red Robe, “we will provide you details of the ships which is assigned to that quadrant of space” a small white light shone down a meter from where Jonas was standing where a small pedestal stood with a data pad on top.
“This pad will provide you with all the necessary information you need about the ship assigned to that quadrant necessary contacts you may need in case of any complication” Jonas walked over to the table and picked up the data pad and walked back to the centre circle and read through the data pad scrolling through the officers and crew on board the ship
“The Hibernia? I never heard of that ship” said Jonas, “is it a newly commissioned ship?”
“No” said Lord Red, “the Hibernia was a ship that was in dry-dock for some time that under went a major refit. It has return to duty in the last two months we did not know much about it until recently”
“What is it you require me to do my Lords?”
“We want you to ensure that the Hibernia does not find any of our facilities in any systems, quadrant or sector in travels to” said Lord Red, “the Council has decided that we want to make use of this particular ship”
“May I ask what use does a light carrier be of any use to the Mari-ad?”
“We plan to steal for ourselves” said Lord Red. Jonas was shocked and almost dropped the data pad from his hand. To steal a ship especially a carrier was almost impossible to do. The Mari-ad have known to be able to steal transports, shuttle boats, old fighters and old corvettes to build up their personal fleet, they have even successfully stole a prototype and schematics of the defunct Striker fighters but to steal a capital ship such as a carrier let alone cruiser was almost impossible.
“My Lords, to attempt such a feat requires resources even we cannot muster. It is folly” a chuckle could be heard from Lord Black
“My dear Jonas” laughed Lord Black, “have faith with the Mari-ad. We will reveal to you in due time how we shall proceed with this operation. In the meantime you are to ensure that the Hibernia does not find any of our facilities or bases at any costs.”
Still uncertain about the operation, Jonas was about to ask another question when he was interrupted by Blue Robe, “No more questions Jonas, you have your assignment. We will call you again when the time arises. You are dismissed” the doors which lead into the council chamber rooms open again but from the opposite side from where Jonas entered, “Yes Lord Blue” Jonas bowed and left the council room with questions running through his mind, confuse and uncertain.

* * *
Jonas continue to kick against the dummy drone, spun around with a turning followed by a reverse kick, causing the drone to stagger back. Sweat was beginning to drip profusely around Jonas face and down his t-shirt. Jonas shot forward again with another series of kicks and punches at the same time avoid being hit by the drone’s limbs.
Jonas continue sparring with the drone with another five minutes when he deactivated the program. Jonas walked off the sparring mat, where Brutus one of his lieutenants was standing against the wall watching him sparring against the drone.
“Someone is a bit stress?” said Brutus
“The council has given us a new assignment” said Jonas as he wiped his face with his towel and taking a drink from his water bottle, “they planning for the impossible”
“Oh what could be impossible with Jonas leading the crew?”
“They want to steal a carrier”
“You got to be joking?!”
“No” Jonas shook his head and pass Brutus the data pad he received from the Council, “all the details we need are on there” Brutus skimmed through the pad reading the details which the council provided.
“Looks like the Council went into great lengths to acquiring this information” said Brutus as he continue to read the data pad, “it could be something which they have been pondering about”
“Well I am beginning to see why” said Jonas as he sat down on the bench facing Brutus, “we have the fighters, the transports, corvettes. We have a sizable force, a carrier would signify to the Confederation, even those damn Pilgrims that we are a force to reckon with” Jonas smiled at the thought of having a carrier, “besides it is not every day that an organisation such as ours get to fly a carrier throughout space”
“I could see that” smiled Brutus, “first a carrier what’s next a fleet” Jonas smiled even more at the thought, “who knows a fleet would be nice, hell the council might consider tried taking over the Confederation”
“Ah that would be interesting” said Brutus, “controlling the Senate and the Assembly would be good” the Senate and the Assembly was a place of power and Jonas could see where the Council was heading with their plans. By placing operatives within the Senate and or the Assembly they could gain access to all the vital and necessary information they need and perhaps control the entire Confederation or maybe yet the entire known galaxy. Jonas grinned at Brutus as a planned was beginning to form in his mind, “Brutus, call our people together we have work to do”
 
Thank you for all the readers, who have read my fan fiction. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read it. I hope over time it gets better.
Here is chapter four of the 2628 - An officers beginning


Chapter Four

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
TCS Hibernia
Rec Room
2628.263.0815

A day after Anthony’s near failed mission, things quieten down a little over the next two days with several missions were assigned to the Flying Tigers and the other 3 squadrons. With one short pilot and no new pilots coming in for another two to four months, everyone in the Tigers had to pull their weight around.

Anthony slumped down on one of couches by the view port looking outside at a transport being escorted by a pair of fighters from the Wild Aces squadron. Tired and feeling a bit grumpy Anthony arched his back against the couching and stretched trying to get rid of any stiffness in his body. Sitting in the cockpit for an extended period of time can be extremely tired and stress with little or no break in-between.
Anthony was about to stand up and head to the barracks for nap with he saw someone put a mug of a hot steaming drink for him.
“Sorry I don’t drink coffee” said Anthony
“Who said it was coffee?” replied the voice, Anthony looked up and saw it was Donovan, smiling who was holding another mug in his hand. From the scent he could smell from the mug, Donovan was holding it was definitely coffee. “You drink tea or green tea more preferable”
“How do you know I prefer to drink green tea?” asked Anthony as he took the mug in front of him and took a sip of the hot tea. Taking a small sip from the hot beverage revitalised a little out of him
“I saw you the other day come in with a small pack and remember you asked for a mug of hot water” said the bartender, “I remember you taking out a small packet and pour something into it. When you left I took the mug and had a whiff of what you had and had a vague idea what you were drinking”
“I’m pretty impressed that you know what I drink with smelling from the cup” Donovan shrugged, “Eh something I picked up here and there” Donovan sat down next to him getting himself comfortable, “So me thinks that you have a long couple of days”
“You could say something like that” said Anthony as he run his hand through his hair, “Parker has been assigning us missions after missions even since we ran into those Striker fighters”
“Those things have been bothering you a bit hey?” Anthony nodded, “you know anything about the Strikers?”
“Well a little” replied Anthony, “I knew they were supposed to be the next superiority fighter, instead of the rapiers. I remember that there was a race to see which of the two would be the main fighters use in the military but something went wrong” Donovan nodded, “Yeap I remember hearing on the TCN news that there was a technical problem with the Strikers engine performance that made them unstable during a long term mission without stopping over. Apparently the engines will overheat and shut down leaving the pilot stranded”
“I didn’t hear about that bit”
“No one did” continue Donovan the military prevented the media to broadcast that bit of information and were afraid that other political parties might take advantage of the situation believing that the military are resorting to desperate measures to keep fighters and pilots on line or on duty. As a result the Striker project was scrapped and the rapier project was activated and has become Confed’s main fighter”
“You seem to know quite a bit about the Striker” asked Anthony, “how did you pick up all these info?” Donovan smiled
“I hear things here and there” Anthony looked at the bartender, somehow in his gut feeling, there was something strange about Donovan about knowing a little bit extra about certain things. First were the Mari-ad and now the Striker fighters. Was it a coincidence or did he know more than he was willingly to show?
“You are a strange man Donovan” said Anthony as he finished his mug of tea, “thanks for tea. I’m going to get some rest before Parker calls up for our next assignment” Anthony got up and headed to the lift heading for the barracks.
Donovan watched him as Anthony headed to the lift. The bartender pulled out a small com-link inside his shirt pocket, “Blue Reign, this is Donovan. We encountered Mari-ad forces in the Enyo system, requesting data link on all available information and status in this sector” Donovan switched off his com-link and headed back to the bar where several people were waiting for drinks.

* * *

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
TCS Hibernia
Briefing Room
2628.263.1115

It was a while since he saw two squadrons combine during a mission briefing. For to have a two squadrons must be an important mission, the only other time for multiple squadrons to be launch was a magnum launch and that was when the Hibernia is under attack from hostiles forces, but in peace time there has not been any for many years.
Anthony rarely see members from the Silver Arrows squadron and the last time he saw any of them was at welcome party where he met the Silver Arrows CO, Major Shauna O’Brian and several of the other pilots from the squadron. Anthony sat down at the second row of the briefing room next to Skinny who was reading a data pad, “Whatcha reading Skinny?” asked Anthony as he sat down
“Just an update on the Senate’s debate on the appropriation funds for the military”
“Let me guess Senator More is having another spill about excess credits again?”
“The same one”
“I wonder what Admiral Banbridge has to say” said Anthony
“Knowing him he would probably have some fit about the Senator’s comment and everything else”
“Those two are always at the heart of every debate regarding military funding”
Skinny was about to say something when Parker arrived with Major O’Brian and Major Mallamo to the briefing stand.
“Settle down folks, we have a lot of ground to cover” as Parker approached the map screen, “as you know we have been patrolling and survey heavily in the Enyo system because Intel believe that there is a Mari-ad presence here and Command wants us to clean out the garbage” several grumbles of approval could be heard throughout the room “thanks to the last reconnaissance from the Wild Aces squadron we located an old carrier transport where Mari-ad fighters come to refuel and repairs. Command wants us to capture the transport, apprehend any Mari-ad operatives, obtain any vital information and destroy the facility if necessary.”
“Sounds like a big job for us hey boss?” said Jewel who sat behind Skinny and Anthony
“Hence why both the Flying Tiger and the Silver Arrows are assigned to this assignment” said Parker as he turned to activate the map viewer on the wall behind him, “we do not know what defence systems they have so we are going to do this by the numbers. The Tigers will be separated into two wings Alpha and Beta; the Silver Arrows will be separated into Delta and Gamma wing. Alpha wing will head in first with Delta wing and they are to take out any fighters and base defence’s they have. Beta wing will be escort the marine landing craft that will board the transport and capture it. Gamma wing will be on rear defence position where they will hold back in case any Mari-ad operatives do try to escape past us. If the situation becomes critical and if the marines find the transport too dangerous to hold, Gamma wing will come in and destroyed the transport. Any questions?”
“Are we expecting heavy resistance sir?” asked Anthony
“Uncertain Lieutenant” replied the Colonel, “Intel did not give us enough information and they are a bit sketchy on what we know about this system so we are flying blind at the moment. Hopefully if we play this through we should do this without problems.”

* * *

About 20 minutes later
TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck

“Your birds primed and ready Tony!” said Mendez as he passed the helmet to Anthony as he slide into the cockpit, “No problems with anything Nuts?” asked Anthony, “None what so ever mate. You’re all clean”

* * *
“Rapier SF 2812, you’re cleared for launched” said the Deck Officer
“Roger that control” replied Anthony as he push the throttle control up, accelerating his fighter out of the hanger bay into the dark void where the rest of squadron were waiting in formation for him, “Beta Lead this is Beta 6, I’m out and joining formation”
“Copy that 6” replied Silky, “All wings report in” a series of confirmation and acknowledgement from the other pilots and from the Silver Arrows Squadron, “All wings set course 1998.03 prepare for autopilot run. Alright people lets squash some bad guys”

* * *
 
Thank you to all the readers who have read my fan fiction, it is nice to see people reading it and giving some feedback to it. Currently I am having writer's block and currently heading interstate in a taekwondo competition for the Australian University Games.
In the meantime I would like to hear some feedback, good, bad, improvements what so ever, as it would help gradually improve my fan fiction writing ability.
Until stay tune for the next chapter for 2628 - An officer's beginning

As for people wondering what might happen or curious about the next chapter or so....
You might to get to know more about the Mari-ad
Who does Donovan work for?
Know anything more about Anthony?
What happen to Anthony's mother?
How did Anthony grandfather met Admiral Banbridge?
Where is Francis Cheng assigned post?
A secret about Anthony's Academy Instructor

These are just only a scratch of the surface of what will be hopefully an epic fan fiction which would hopefully lead to the Battle of McAuliffe which I have been developing for the last year.
A big thank to Bandit for all the information I asked and other people who provided me feedback and info.
Until then all the best!!

Dahan
 
Right, sorry its taken me a while to review.

This story definately seems to be getting better. Bringing in a Mari-ad protagonist is a nice touch, and your description and characters seem more realistic imho.

My only quibble is still some tense confusion in some places.

Anyway, i look forward to the next chapter.
 
Hello folks, I hope that everyone enjoyed reading what I have written. I hope Chapter Five is good as I wrack my brains trying to sort out everything that I had planned. This Chapter is a two parter as you see the Hibernia find the location of a hidden refuelling depot deep in the Enyo System.
I hope you enjoy reading it. Enjoy :)

Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
2628.263.1155
Beta Flight
En route to Mari-ad location

“Sensors show nothing within range Beta lead” reported Datangia, “You sure that Command and Intel got the right info?”
“Don’t know Beta 3” replied Balls, “if that transport is there, then we have to disable it and let the marines deal with the bad guys”
“You reckon they have any more of those Striker fighters Beta Lead?” asked Torps, “one experience is enough for me. Those fighters gave me the creeps”
“Know what you mean Beta 2” replied Balls, “after reading that report from that mission, I’m taking no chances. Alpha flight would probably be thinking the same thing as well. OK enough chatter people, ETA to destination, ten minutes. Check weapon systems and diagnostics” Balls received acknowledgement from the other five pilots in his flight group.

It has been a long time since Balls flew in a large operation with a squadron let alone two fighter squadrons. He remembers the last major operation he flew was with his first fighter assignment, the 150th squadron, the Daggerfalls. Three years ago, the Daggerfalls were station at Vega planetary defence squadron when they were called up to quell a violent protest over increase planetary tax tariffs, forcing many complications around the planet and nearby systems. According to the media the increase tax were used to fund the planetary education budget to upgrade their schools and education programs. However not many people believe that story. There were rumours that the increase tax was part of a plan to upgrade the planetary defence system with an early warning device to prevent any military or terrorist attacks. With the steady increase of Mari-ad activities and other extremist factions, Confed was not taking any chances with any group who poses a threat to their stability.

The continual disputes with the increase taxes escalated to the point where many of the local planet workers tried sabotaging shipping facilities preventing transports carrying vital cargo to depart or gain docking access until their demands were met. Some of the demands they wanted was decrease the tax rate, increase better working conditions and increase workers ages. Unfortunately a majority of their demands were not met. Some of the workers tried blocking the docks with their own ships preventing cargo transports to dock. The Daggerfalls were order to force any ships that were blocking the docks to leave the premises or to be towed away. Balls hoped that the protestors would leave quietly but like many protestors in the past, many refuse to comply with the orders and continue to block the docking facilities preventing the cargo transports to dock to unload their cargo.

The result was a disaster for Confed. Officially several ships that were in the blockade in the protest were disable and towed aware with several of the workers charged and sent to prison for a certain amount of years. Unofficially there were two transports that were forced to be fired upon by the Daggerfalls after attempts to reason the workers to leave the docks failed. Of the two transports, one was destroyed after it attempt to ram with one of the squadron fighters.
After the incident, Sector Command had recovered all information regarding the Vega tax riots and prevented all information being leaked out to the media and to the public hoping they would not experience another protest or riot.


Clearing his head from nostalgia, Balls check his systems and sensors. He could read signals from the pilots from his flight and the marine transport they were escorting.
“Beta Leader to Marine LC-1. What’s your status?”
“All systems are go Beta Lead” replied the pilot of the marine transport, “Captain says we are a go when you are ready”
“Roger that LC-1, standby. All right Beta Flight, standby we approaching the coordinates”
* * *

Roughly at the same time
Alpha Flight

Silky checked her sensors, she could detect a large electromagnetic signature, it was large enough to be a large transport and it had to be the one they are looking for, switching her comm-system she spoke to everyone “Alpha lead to all fighters, standby for attack pattern. Alpha flight take out any fighters, Delta take out any stationary defence and transport systems, Beta standby to escort the marines in” a series from acknowledgement came through from the designated flight leaders.

Gradually Silky could see the old derelict transport floating in space. The transport was actually an old carrier wreck probably the size of the ranger light carriers maybe smaller. She could barely see the dark exterior of the ship almost blended in with the blackness of the space surrounding them. Her sensors showed a grey blip where the transport. She also spotted several Striker fighters lying stationary around the old transport carrier as if they didn’t know they were arriving.
“Damn I thought it would be smaller!” said Peck over the comm.
“They didn’t say anything about size” said Drool
“Pipe down folks” said Silky as she checked the ships computer register them as hostile and the red blip replaced the grey blips which were the transport and the Strikers.
“All fighters, target confirmed. Engage, engage, engage!” Silky hit the afterburners, bursting forward towards the nearest Striker, switching to her missile loadout she selected her dumbfire missile and fire straight into the side of the fighter followed by a barrage of laser fire. The missile had tore through the ships hull, exploding on impact causing the ship to break apart from the warhead and the laser fire.
They didn’t see it coming thought Silky as she saw the missile hit the Striker, she thought that it might damage a fair bit an expected that the Striker’s shield would have deflect some of the missile damage but it didn’t. They have caught the Mari-ad with their pants down.

* * *

Ten minutes before
Aboard the Mari-ad supply depot
Command Bridge

Monty was finishing the last of his drink while watching a movie on his monitor. It was quiet on board the supply depot, half the time he was helping with the transfer of cargo from transports or watching some seedy adult movie from his bunk mate’s porn collection. Monty was about to pour himself another drink when the main hatch to the command bridge open and saw Scott come in and sat at one of the control consoles
“Having a nice peek are we Monty?” teased Scott as he took out a cup and pour himself a drink from Monty’s bottle, “Screw you Scott” snapped Monty as he continue to watch the movie, “Should you be watching the early warning systems?”
“What for?” asked Monty
“Well we don’t know if we would get any unexpected visitors. You know the rules?”
”Rules, schmules. Nothing happens here, besides we are deep in this system there is no way anyone could find us apart from other Mari-ad ships. Besides we have those Strikers out there ready when something happens” Monty pointed to one of the fighters he could see outside through the large window, when suddenly the fighter he was pointing at exploded, “What the?” stunned by the sudden explosion Monty sat looking dumb founded for a brief moment until he saw a fighter flew past the wreck.
“That’s a Confed fighter!” said Scott as he rushed to hit the emergency button, “it’s an attack!” a loud siren sound rang through the entire depot, and red lights started to flash throughout the depot, “all personal we are under attack by Confed forces repeat we are under attack by Confed forces, everyone to their stations” Scott activated the depots defence systems and checked his monitor and saw a large number of Confed fighters and a marine transport approaching towards them, “fuck it’s a raiding force. They are going to take over the depot. Monty send out the signal, Monty?” Scott turned out to see Monty and saw a dumb-looking man sitting on his chair, looking outside at the space fight, his lower jaw was open and his drink which he was holding was on the deck of the bridge spilt all over, “You fucking moron!” growled Scott as he walked over to Monty and pushed him off his seat forcing him land heavily on his side. It took him a few seconds to register what just happen, “wake up you idiot we are under attack!” Monty woke up from his stupor and focused on what was happening when a few more Mari-ad personnel arrived on the bridge and took their stations.
“Damn, why did I take this assignment” said Monty as he stood up and sat back at his station

* * *

Present time
Mari-ad Supply Depot

“We took out six Strikers on our first run Alpha Lead” reported in Jewel, “Delta has taken out the depots defence turrets, they didn’t see it coming”
“Copy that Alpha five” replied Silky, “Beta Flight you have a clear path send in the marines, watch out for any nasty surprises there might be more fighters around”
“Roger that Alpha Lead” replied Balls, “we coming in”
“Delta Lead what’s your status?”
“We taken out some of the Strikers that launch out of the depot and taken out the outer perimeter defences” replied Major Michael ‘Legs’ Brady, “we are clearing out any remnants. Alpha lead this was too easy. I don’t like it”
“Agreed, keep a heads up and let me know of anything”
“Roger that”

* * *
“Beta Flight that’s our cue. Beta 3 and 4 fly in point the rest form up around the transport. Marine LC, follow us in”
“Roger that Beta Lead” Datangia flew ahead of the group with Arrows as they sweep through hitting any stray defence turrets that remain enroute to the depot while Balls and the remaining 3 fighters formed a tight diamond formation around the marine transport.

* * *
Mari-ad Supply Depot
Command Bridge
“They have taken out the Strikers and perimeter defences” shouted one of the Mari-ad personnel, “Confed marine transport is landing in the hanger deck!”
“Get some people down there and hold them off!” ordered Monty, “we need to hold them off”
“Damn we got a cargo ship plus escort on their way towards us” said Scott, “I could not get through to them! They must be jamming us!”
“Shit! That cargo ship is carrying ship parts for our Striker shipyard. We are so screwed. Jonas is going to kill us. We got to warn them and get them out of here!”
“Too late” said one of the console operators as he pointed outside a group of Confed fighters flew towards where their transport was approaching
“This ain’t good” said Scott, over the intercom the bridge personnel could hear gunshots and a crewmen voice was on the speaker, “Confed marines have landed we need help down here!”
“We are so dead right now” said the operator
“The hell they are” said Scott, “Monty get some men down to engineering secure and lock it down. I rather have this destroyed then letting them have this”
“Got it!” Monty left his station and headed out towards the exit grabbing an assault rifle on the way

* * *

At the same time
Outside Mari-ad Supply Depot

“Delta Lead you reading this?” asked Silky
“We got it too” replied Legs, “it’s another cargo transport. A large one with a squadron of Strikers. Were they waiting for us?”
“Don’t know. We don’t have time. Delta Lead, take your group and delay those fighters. We can’t let them get to the depot!”
“Roger that”
“Beta Lead what’s your status?”
“Marine LC has landed, they meeting heavy resistance. Beta 3 and 4 took out some of the bugs”
“OK leave Beta 3 and 4 with the Marines, I want you and the rest of Beta to help Delta flight. We picked up a squadron of Strikers and cargo transport.”
“I saw it too” replied Balls, “I think our surprise attack just went down the gurgler”
“Eh it could be worse Beta Lead. Let’s get this show started”
“Copy that Alpha Lead”

Meanwhile
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge
Far away from the conflict

Colonel Parker and Captain Lang were listening to the battle through the communication channels at the same looking at the progress of the battle at the tactical map.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“We taken out some of the Strikers that launch out of the depot and taken out the outer perimeter defences. We are clearing out any remnants. Alpha lead this was too easy. I don’t like it”
“Agreed, keep a heads up and let me know of anything”
“Roger that”

“Beta Flight that’s our cue. Beta 3 and 4 fly in point the rest form up around the transport. Marine LC, follow us in”
“Roger that Beta Lead”

“Delta Lead you reading this?”
“We got it too, it’s another cargo transport. A large one with a squadron of Strikers. Were they waiting for us?”
“Don’t know. We don’t have time. Delta Lead, take your group and delay those fighters. We can’t let them get to the depot!”
“Roger that”
“Beta Lead what’s your status?”
“Marine LC has landed, they meeting heavy resistance. Beta 3 and 4 took out some of the bugs”
“OK leave Beta 3 and 4 with the Marines, I want you and the rest of Beta to help Delta flight. We picked up a squadron of Strikers and cargo transport.”
“I saw it too. I think our surprise attack just went down the gurgler”
“Eh it could be worse Beta Lead. Let’s get this show started”
“Copy that Alpha Lead”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking intently at the tactical map, Parker was rubbing his chin with one hand, while the other was squeezing a stress ball.
“Not good” said Parker, “not damn good”
“Colonel, Gamma Lead asking if they could join the fight and assist?” asked Lieutenant Jessica. Parker and Lang looked at each other uncertain of release Gamma Flight.
“We can ready Silver Arrows” said Lang
“This was not part of plan” said Parker. Looking at the tactical map Parker squeezed his stress ball tighter and took a deep breathe, “Lieutenant tell Gamma Lead they are free to engage and assist. The Silver Arrows are on standby alert. Tell Major O’Brian I want one flight launched and second flight on standby status”
“Yes Sir”
“A tad bit nervous David?”
“Shouldn’t a wing commander be?”
“Maybe”
“I’m sure your boys are will do well”
“That is what I’m afraid of”

Onboard the landing bay of the Mari-ad Depot
Outside the Engineering Control Room

“Corporal get those bastards out of that hell hole!” shouted Sergeant Collins as he pulled an injured marine away from the gun fight and around the corner, Collins press his microphone in his helmet, “LT, Mari-ad are heavy here near Engineering, they got us pinned down”
“Copy that” replied the voice over the comm channel, “what’s your status?”
“We got two WIA and one KIA” replied Collins, “we might some help here LT”
“Copy that, we sending a squad in to help”


Outside the Mari-ad Depot Command Bridge
Main Access Corridor

The fight for control for the Command Bridge was heavy; Lieutenant Marcus Harris and his squad were pinned down by the heavy fire from the Mari-ad personnel who barricaded the main corridor leading to the Command Bridge. Ducking back around the corridor to avoid fun fire, Marcus received a transmission from a squad heading towards main engineering,
“LT, Mari-ad are heavy here near Engineering, they got us pinned down”
“Copy that, what’s your status?”
“We got two WIA and one KIA; we might some help here LT”
“Copy that, we sending a squad in to help, standby” said Lieutenant Harris as he look around the corner to see the fight between the marines and the Mari-ad “Corporal what is going on down that!?” a marine came running up to him from a conceal position, his fatigues had several singe marks, a graze was spotted above his left eyebrow and cut across the right cheek, “it’s heavy LT, those damn bastards are giving us hell. We can’t break through we can’t risk any heavy stuff we might damage the bridge”
“Yeah I know it ain’t pretty” replied Harris as he switched his helmet communication to his CO’s frequency, “Captain this is Harris”
“Copy that, what’s the situation” replied the voice on the earpiece
“We are meeting heavy resistance both on the Command Bridge and Engineering. Sergeant Collins is down at Engineering and has requested for assistance, I’m sending some marines down there to help can you send help up here to the Command Bridge”
“Negative we a bit short here” replied the CO, “we got Mari-ad coming back they are, hang on LT” Harris could hear loud gun shots and muffle shouts and explosion. Harris could hear the Captain talking to someone and was not sure what it was about, “Harris we got some help coming up towards you. Our escort pilots are volunteering to help you. They coming in with a with a couple of marines”
“Copy that thanks Captain”




Mari-ad Dept
Main Hanger Bay

Anthony and Kathryn were listening in on the chatter on the marines channel when they heard Marine Captain Richard Grant nearby near their fighters

“Copy that, what’s the situation” said Grant, “Negative we a bit short here, we got Mari-ad coming back they are,” Anthony ran towards Grant getting his attention, “hang on LT. What is Lieutenant? We are bit pressed here”
“Sorry Captain” said Anthony, “but I could help listen that you want some help and I thought I might give you a hand” both Anthony and Grant docked as they heard a loud explosion at the far end of the hanger bay, “Are you sure about this Lieutenant? Hate to lose you when we need you fly boys to escort us out of here?”
“Don’t worry Captain” replied Anthony, “I think we can help you” Anthony wave Kathryn over to where he was with Grant, “Arrows, we giving them a hand. They got some trouble”
“Sounds fine and dandy to me, as long we hurry up and get this over and done with”
“You sure you can do this?” asked Grant
“Sir we have basic ground assault training” said Anthony, “I don’t think that we are that incompetent” Grant smiled as he called over a marine over
“Jasper, grab Lee and Kinder and go with these two. Get to the Command Bridge and help Lieutenant Harris”
“Yes Sir” said Jasper, “Lee! Kinder! We are moving!” Anthony saw two marines behind a stack of metal containers firing at a group of Mari-ad behind a space-lifter wreckage
“OK Lieutenant get to the Command Bridge and help them” said Grant, “tell Harris that once the Bridge is secure tell him to help Collins down at Engineering”
“Check” replied Anthony as he ran down to one of the access corridors out of the hanger grabbing an assault rifle from Jasper
“Harris we got some help coming up towards you. Our escort pilots are volunteering to help you. They coming in with a with a couple of marines”
“Copy that thanks Captain”




* * *

“How the turrets coming!?” asked Scott
“We are giving them hell Scott” replied one of the Mari-ad who was manning the gun placement
“Good we will give them a fight alright” said Scott as he rushed back inside the Bridge
“Sir you got a communiqué from Jonas” said a man running from the communication console holding a comm-radio, “he ain’t sounding too happy”
“Shit” replied Scott as he received the radio, “This is Scott”
“Scott what is going on at the depot?” asked Jonas, “I thought you have everything under control? Where is Monty?”
“No sir” replied Scott, “Confed forces have attack the depot by surprise. We are holding them off sir, they are not getting through. Monty’s down at engineering securing the area”
“You disappoint me Scott. You performance is unacceptable”
“But sir we have not lost the depot! We are holding the Bridge and Monty is holding Engineering. We are fighting the Confed back”
“Not any more” replied, “your services at no longer needed with the Mari-ad”
“What do you mean?” asked Scott when he noticed one of the monitors on the bridge consoles changed from looking at a schematics of the entire depot to series of numbers of command codes appearing, “Sir what is going on?”
“This depot is compromised as are the men on this station. I am going to blow the depot”
“You can’t do that!” shouted Scott as he gripped the radio harder
“Oh yes I can” said Jonas, “The Mari-ad does not like failure of any kind. To do so is to face dire consequences. Good bye Scott” the radio went dead and the low sound of radio static could be heard
“Jonas you cannot do this! Jonas” Scott did not get a replied from Jonas “You fuck! You are not getting away with this!” as he ran back to the barricade with the rest of the Mari-ads.

* * *

“Lieutenant’s Cheng and Ross to help you” saluted Anthony as they arrived to where Harris and his marines down are pinned down by the Mari-ad protecting the entrance to the Command Bridge
“Welcome aboard Lieutenants” saluted Harris, “you just made it to the happy hour. We need to break through that barricade!”
“Alright, Captain wants you to clear it out ASAP and help Collins once we secure the bridge”
“Then we are running out of time” said Harris, “get a fire team and blow that wall down” pointing to where the makeshift wall the Mari-ad made behind, “time to finish this”
“You got it. Jasper grab that launcher, Arrows lets go”

* * *

“Scott I think they got reinforcements!” shouted a Mari-ad, Scott came running back to the fight as he caught a glimpse of five people running across the other side of the corridor carrying something large and bulky, “Damn we are taking this too long”
“Shit they got a launcher!” shouted a Mari-ad fighter pointing to where the five men where hiding, Scott followed where the man was pointed and could see a glimpse of a marine lifting a launcher onto his shoulders and taking aim towards them
“Shit take that bastard down!” shouted Scott

* * *

Anthony and the rest ran across from where Harris was hiding around the corner to another corner avoiding the flying bullets and laser fire, “God damn it, I was not payed for this shit!” shouted Arrows as slid up against the wall,
“Welcome to the marines’ sweet heart” said Jasper, “you’ll love it” Jasper turned to Anthony as he help him to hoist the rocket launcher onto his shoulders, “you ready Lieutenant?”
“Tell me when!” shouted Anthony try to get his voice heard over the loud gun fire, Jasper pulled a rocket from his pack and inserted into the launcher behind Anthony and tapping him on the shoulders, “Lee, Kinder! Give him some covering fire!” the two other marines ducked around the corner to shooting a barrage of bullets towards the Mari-ad only to meet a heavy return fire from the Mari-ad, “fuck!” Anthony ducked back around the corner avoiding the heavy fire, “I think they saw us with the launcher”
“Gee you think” mocked Arrows as she shot a few rounds towards the Mari-ad, “just hurry up and shoot that wall down”
“Love to see you try with all this gun fire” said Anthony as he lifted the launcher back on his shoulders, “OK on three, one, two, three” Anthony swung his body around the corner and without properly aiming the launcher, Anthony pointed the heavy weapon towards the wall and press the trigger, “fire in the hole!” Anthony quickly pulled back around the corner just in time to hear the large explosion detonating.

* * *
“Not too bad for a first time” said Harris as he patted Anthony as they survey the damaged they made through the corridor towards the bridge, “we’ll make a marine out of you yet”
“No thanks Harris” smiled Anthony, “I am happy to stick with flying”
“LT we got a problem here” a marine was running out of the bridge towards where Harris and Anthony were standing, “What’s the problem?”
“One of the consoles activate some kind of self-destruct system and I can’t deactivate it”
“Damn” hissed Harris, “they must have known they were not going to win so they rigged the depot. Is there anyway to deactivate the system?”
“Negative LT” replied the marine, “it is some what connected to the Engineering section system”
“Shit that is where Sergeant Collins is” said Arrows; Harris putted on his helmet and tune in to the marine frequency to find Collins, “Sergeant do you read me?”
“I hear you LT” replied Collins, “We almost got the bastards flushed out”
“Hold your position. The depot is rigged to a self destruct system, it is connected to Engineering and we cannot deactivate it”
“Shit, we got marines spread out throughout the depot clearing the area”
“Get in quickly and find the system quickly and deactivate it. How much time do we have?”
“We got 15 minutes” replied the marine
“Sergeant you have 10 minutes to get in and out”
“Copy that LT”
“Damn that is cutting it close” said Harris as he switch channel to Captain Grant, “Captain we have a bomb here and can’t deactivate it we have 15 minutes to evacuate!”
“Roger that Lieutenant, quickly download all data and information from the Command bridge and get back to the hanger bay ASAP!”
“So much for an easy mission” said Anthony as he looked around the damage bridge and the wrecked corridor
“At least we didn’t have to do deal with any Strikers” said Arrows
“I rather take on those Strikers any day Arrows. They are much easier to deal with” said Anthony as they headed out corridor and towards the hanger bay.
“Right Anthony, sure they are” teased Arrows as they ran down the corridor as they could hear in the background Lieutenant Harris barking orders to clear the bridge.

TO BE CONTINUED.......
 
Not bad, not bad at all. I don't really have anything to add in terms of constructive criticism so i'll stick with a conventional update soon.
 
Thanks for all those readers who have been reading my fan fiction. The number of viewers gives me the motication to continue to write.
It aint perfect Plywood, but it is getting there. It is something different. Thanks for the feedback.
 
Apologise to everyone wondering when my next chapter will be up next. At the moment having a bit of a mini writers block as I am having trouble finishing the last bits of pieces to the second part of chapter 5.
 
Hello all, I have finished Chapter Six and it took me a while to knot out the bits and pieces. When you read this it might be a bit confusing and I tried to iron out all the things. This chapter had three alternative ending and I decided to choose this ending as it leave it open for the next chapter which allows me to prepare it with some background.
Anyway I hope you enjoy reading this and thank you to all the readers who have read my fan fiction. Enjoy :) :D

Chapter 6

Somewhere Deep in the Enyo System, Vega Sector
During the same time on the attack on the Mari-ad Depot

Unmarked Transport
Bridge

“You sure you wanted to destroy the depot Jonas?” asked Brutus as he watched Jonas activated a series of controls on the console in front of him, “the Council would not approve of this”
“The Council does not need to approve any of my actions” replied Jonas, “I always deliver results to them with acceptable loses”
“But with a supply depot deep in Enyo?”
“Yes”
“But that depot is in this system. That depot allows all our ships and transport to refuel. Especially for our shipyard”
“We can build another one. We have the all the financial and industrial resources at our disposal. I think we can afford a replacement”
“But Jonas”
“Enough!” Jonas slammed his fist against the bulkhead next to him stunning the other people on the bridge “I am in charge of this team and this operation. What I say goes. If you don’t like it, I am sure one our crew here will be happy to show you to their airlock”
“No Jonas, that won’t be necessary” replied Brutus as he walked to where a crewman was operating one of the operation consoles, “Damn that man” he said under his breathe.


Elsewhere
Beta Flight and Delta Flight
10,000 clicks away from the Mari-ad Depot
En route to intercept the Mari-ad transport and escort
Prior to Depot detonation

“I confirm 14 targets Delta Lead” said Balls as he checked his sensors “two transports and one squadron of Strikers, repeat two transports and 12 fighters”
“Copy that Beta Lead” replied Legs, “I read 14 targets. All fighters prepared to engage. Gamma Wing how soon can you get here”
“ETA five minutes”
“Well you better get here quick” said Balls, “we are two fighters short and we don’t like to go in half cocked”
“Hang on mate; just don’t start the party without us”

* * *

“Careful Beta 2 you got one on your tail!” warned Balls as he saw a Striker falling in behind Torps
“Damn it! I can’t shake ‘im!” Torps banked his fighter left to right avoid fighter fire from the Striker behind him, “this guy is trying to chew me up real good”
“Hang on Beta 2, I’m a coming” Balls pushing the afterburners, getting in closer to the Striker, Balls switch his missile guidance system on and armed his heat seekers.
“Hurry up Beta Lead I don’t have all day!” Torps sounded desperate as Balls notice that Torps’ shields were getting eaten away. Balls watched as he MGS (missile guidance system) slowly acquired a heat signature lock on the Striker, “Say good night asshole! Missile away!” Balls fired the missile when he heard the final lock tone on the fighter. The missile shot through the Striker’s shield and impact on its engine causing an explosion and a small shockwave. Balls swerve his fighter port side avoid the fighter debris.
“Thanks Beta Lead I owe you one!” replied Torps as he moved his fighter along side Balls
“No worries. Now let’s help the others shall we”

* * *

“Shit those transports got turrets rigged to them!” said 2nd Lieutenant Michelle ‘Leet’ Llane as she banked her fighter hard right avoiding the transport fire, “watch it folks, these transports got teeth!”
“You hit Delta 5?” asked Legs
“Negative Delta Lead. Just a grazing on the shields. I’m all good” Leet moved her fighter around for another pass with Legs forming up beside her
“Alright form on my wing Delta 5, we going to take those turrets out first”
“Copy that”, Legs and Leet begin their run towards the transport moving the fighters left to right, avoiding the turret fire from the transport
“Damn fire is pretty intense” said Leet, as she moved her fighter out of the way in time before a set of turret fire from both transport fire upon her, “they must be hoarding something big”
“Don’t know right now, don’t care either” said Legs as he also moved his fighter away from the heavy fire, switching to his missile banks and switching to dumb fire, “I’m going for the transport’s rear turret, cover me Delta 5”
“Copy that got your back, got” Leet was about to finish her sentence when she was interrupted by a barrage of enemy fire came in from behind, “Shit! Delta 5 evasive manoeuvre!” both fighters broke their attack run on the transport evading from the Strikers that was behind them, “Where the hell did they come from!” asked Leet
“I don’t know and I don’t want to find out. I did not pick them up on sensors!” said Legs “Are you alright Delta 5?”
“Damn no” replied Leet, “rear shields are gone and engine’s a bit shot, my rear hull ain’t good. I got to pull out”
“Shit not good” said Legs, “Delta 5 pull out. Delta Wing what’s your status?”
“I’m good”
“Just a few scratches”
“Got a bump here but good”
“Clean as a whistle”
“Gamma Lead how’s your boys?”
“Not too bad boss” replied Captain Colin ‘Cowboy’ Forbes, “we are holding our own here against these Strikers. Beta Wing are doing OK. Might need some help.”
“We got our hands full. You got to hold them of a little bit longer. Home One this is Delta Lead, we got two transports here, can’t scan them. Want do they want us to do with them?”
“Delta Lead, the bosses wants both transports disable” said Lieutenant Jessica, “Take out those turrets and engines”
“Copy that Home One. Delta 6 form up on me we taking on the transports, Delta 2, 3, 4 get rid of those Strikers” Legs received acknowledgments from the rest of his wing group.

* * *
“Scratch one bad boy” laughed Silky as she shot through the Striker she destroyed. Silky pulled her stick back, pulling her fighter 180 degrees, scanning for a new target
“Nice shooting Beta Lead” commented Torps, “they are down to six Strikers. Pasty pulling out”
“Is he alright?”
“His fighter is pretty banged up, it didn’t look pretty. He is forming up with Delta 5 who is also pretty banged up. They holding back”
“Alright let’s quickly finish this and get the hell out of here” both Silky and Torps moved their fighters and headed back to the fight where Gamma wing is engaging with the remaining Striker fighters.
“Damn those Striker fighters are good” said Torps, “don’t understand why Confed didn’t decide to use them as the primary fighters”
“Don’t know either, something which the brass thought something wrong. We can discuss finer details of technical of fighter capabilities. We got Mari-ad to deal with”
* * *







Deep in the Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
Mari-ad Supply Depot
Main Hanger Bay - 15 minutes before station self-destruct

“You got to be shitting me!” said Grant as he sat down on a crate after receiving word from Lieutenant Harris of the station’s self destruct, “What’s the situation with Sergeant Collins?”
“Good and bad sir” replied Harris over the comm-channel, “the good news is that the remaining Mari-ad in Engineering Control surrendered when one of their people were shot. I think it was one of the station commanders. The bad new is that Collins was able to find the explosives and the detonator but cannot access it because it is tuck away behind the main reactor chamber and no one can squeeze in to deactivate it”
“Damn half our luck!” Grant took off his helmet and gave his hair a shake, “Harris download everything you can from the station’s database and haul your ass back to the hanger you got ten minutes”
“Aye Sir”
“How did our two fly boys go?”
“Not bad for a first time, they are on their way back to the hanger now”
Shaking his head in disapproval, Grant look around the hanger bay where several of his marines were rounding up the surviving Mari-ad people and collecting the dead and injured that lay around the area. Grant walked up to a marine sergeant who was delegating duties to several marines who was with him, “Sergeant we are running short on time, this base is going to blow in 15. We have ten minutes to clear out, people and all!”
“Yes sir!” replied the marine sergeant as he turned back to the other marines, “you heard the Captain, clear the area out, 10 minutes, double time!”
In the next few minutes, Grant saw what could have been the fastest clean up and recovery operation he had ever seen.

* * *

Mari-ad Supply Depot
Engineering Section
At the same time

“Fucking bomb!’ growled the marine specialist as he tried to reach the detonator wires. Sergeant Collins and his marines were able to subdue the remaining Mari-ad personnel that were holding up in the engineering section. After a quick survey around the large room, they were able to find the bomb tucked away between four pylons near the central reactor chamber which power the entire depot.
“Is there anyway to reach those wires?” asked Collins as he looked on with a great deal of nervousness
“No unless you have time to chop down those pylons” replied the specialists, “whoever planted the bomb was a genius to placing it or was some dumb witted asshole who didn’t know where to put it in the first place”
“Don’t blame me then” replied Collins, “you got five minutes. If you cannot reach the wires, we are to leave”
“I hear you”

* * *

Meanwhile back onboard
TCS Hibernia
Command Bridge

“Say what!” both Lang and Parker turn to face Lieutenant Jessica, as their communications officer provided them an update on the Mari-ad outpost
“Captain Grant says that a self destruct system has been activated when they attempted to secure the facility. They have about 15 minutes before the depot explodes”
“Damn this is not good” said Parker as he looked back on the tactical map, “for a brief moment I thought we might have had a flawless victory”
“Nothing is flawless Colonel” said Captain Lang, “helm set course for the depot maximum speed”
“Aye Sir”
“What do you have in mind?” asked Parker
“We don’t have much time and I don’t think we would get to the depot in time either. We are going to get as close we can get to the fighters and recover them as quickly as possible. We don’t know what kind of damage that depot might if it detonates. I do not like to see what it might cause” Parker nodded in agreement as he looked at the tactical map, squeezing his stress ball, “we might get a few injured people out there. We better inform medical team of the possible situation”
“Agreed”
“Lieutenant what is the status on Beta, Delta and Gamma Wing on those transports?”
“Beta Lead confirmed both transports have been diable. Several of their fighters are damage during the fight. They said that the transports were rigged with turrets”
“Damn that was not good. Navigator show me the location of those transports” the officer at the navigation console the tactical map viewer Lang was watching showing the location of where the Hibernia was currently position, the location of the Mari-ad depot and the two transports which was found, “they are quite a fair distance from the depot and I don’t think the blast shockwave may not reach them so it should be alright” tapping the map with his pointer Lang ponder about his next move, “Colonel, is Major O’Brian squadron ready?”
“He is with the first flight already deployed around the Hibernia. Second flight is on standby”
“Damn we almost have a full launch of fighters. Now we know we have not done this for a long time. I do not remember having to launch nearly all our fighters, especially in peace time”
“What do you want with O’Brian’s flight group Captain?” asked Parker
“Tell O’Brian he is to escort our marines to the transports. We will deploy the transport once we close in on the depot position. Deploy the marine transports and O’Brian’s Charlie group are to escort them to the transport and bring them back once the marines taken control of those ships. Recall Beta and Delta Flight back to the Hibernia. Gamma wing should be alright with them and Charlie will support them”
“Yes Sir”

* * *

Back at the Mari-ad outpost
Main Hanger Bay
Approximately 10 minutes before detonation

“Report Lieutenant?” asked Grant as he saw Lieutenant Harris arrived back to the main hanger bay with his marines, “did you get everything?”
“Yes sir. We download everything from the depot’s computer and database. We did not have a look at what was in it. But we know we got everything in their computers”
“Good work. Now let’s clear this place out” Grant switched his radio to Collins frequency, “Sergeant what is your status?”
“Not good sir” replied Collins, “we found the bomb, but can deactivate it. The detonator is out of our reach and we cannot reach in close enough to disable the bomb”
“Sergeant you have five minutes. If you cannot disable the bomb, evacuate”
“Copy that sir, out”
“It ain’t looking good” said Grant as he saw the marines began loading up and boarding the marine transport, “we don’t have much time. Lieutenant, get everything in on the double, we will leave very soon. Tell our two flyboys to warm up their fighters we will be getting’ ready”
“Yes sir” replied Harris

* * *

Mari-ad Outpost/Depot
Engineering Room
Approximately 8 minutes before detonation

“That’s it. We cannot wait any further” said the specialist, “there is no way I can reach the bomb. It is placed too well in. I cannot do anything about it!”
“Fine then” said Collins, “we are leaving. Corporal, get those prisoners back to the hanger bay now and load onboard the transport, everyone clear the area!”

* * *
Mari-ad Outpost/Depot
Main Hanger Bay
Roughly the same time

“Well play time is over Arrows” said Datangia, “let’s get our birds ready”
“Right with you, running quick check system. Everything looks fine and dandy”
“All systems are green over here. Captain Grant, we are ready to escort you back to the Hibernia”
“Very good Lieutenant” replied Grant, “we are waiting one more group to return then” Grant was about to finish his sentence when several explosions occurred around the hanger, “What the hell just happen!” Anthony peer out through his cockpit and saw several fires and burning wreckages on the outer area of the hanger bays, Anthony keyed to Grant’s radio frequency “Captain Grant what just happen?”
“Explosion hit all main access corridors throughout the depot. Sergeant Collins can’t reach to us. He is trapped!”
“Shit! Not good!”

“Lieutenant how much time do we have?”
“About five minutes, six tops” replied Harris
“Get some marines and blow that access corridor open for Collins, we got to clear it out in time”
“Yes sir!” Harris grabbed several marines and heading towards the blocked corridor that lead to the engineering section

* * *

“What the bleep is going on!” said a marine as Collins’ detachment round the corner to where the corridor would lead them to the main hanger bay
“”Pipe down Watts” said Collins, as the sergeant walk up to smouldering wreckage in front of him. The entire corridor in front of them was blocked from the collapse ceiling above. Smoking could be seeing coming out of the wreck from the explosion that caused the damage, “Watts can you scan how far we are from the hanger bay?” the marine took out a small device and scan the wreck in front of him attempting to measure the distance between them and the hanger, “we got about 30 metres of wreckage between us and the hanger. We cannot use any explosives”
“Why not?”
“I am not sure if we have enough to blow through and even if we do, we probably cause more debris or wrecks to fall through”
“Is there any other access out of here?” Watts access his device search for any other access; grimly he shook his head, “Sorry sir. We are trapped here”
“Damn” hissed Collins
“We cannot die here!” screamed one of the captured Mari-ad, “we cannot die!” Collins walked up to man and backhanded the Mari-ad across the mouth, “shut up you!” Collins looked at the block corridor and look back at his marines. He saw in their eyes what he was going to do, “Captain this is Collins, we scan the wreck blocking our way to the hanger bay and all other possible access. There is no other way out. Leave us sir”
“Like hell we are sergeant” snapped Grant, “we don’t leave our people behind. You know the rules!”
“Yes sir, but if you try to blow through the wreck you might cause more damage to the area maybe cause more wreckage to fall through”
“Damn it. Are you sure there is no other way out?” Collins looked back at Watts who shook his head again, “No sir there isn’t. Please Captain go”
“Damn it Collins I cannot leave you!”
“No sir but we can” said Collins, “Captain we are going back and attempt to deactivate the bomb. We may not survive this but we are going to try. Captain it has been a pleasure serving with you” Grant was quiet for moment before replying back to Collins, “Sergeant you are a good man. You served the Confederation proud. I will make sure your deeds are never forgotten. Grant out”
“You cannot this!” scream the Mari-ad whom Collins slapped earlier, “you cannot just stay here and die. There has to be another way around”
“Shut up you” said a marine as he backhand the Mari-ad, “you don’t like this? Well too bad”
“Marines lets go back and see what we can do about that bomb” said Collins as he picked up his rifle and headed back to engineering while the other marines picked up the Mari-ad and lead them back.

* * *

“Captain we cannot just leave them there!” pleaded Harris, “we cannot just do nothing!”
“Collins checked the area he was in” replied Grant, “there is no other way out. Lieutenant get those marines back in the transport”
“But Captain”
“Now Lieutenant that is an order!” barked Grant
“Yes sir” replied Harris as he recalled the marines back towards the transport


* * *
Four minutes before detonation

“Everyone all aboard Captain?” asked Datangia as he did a final check
“Everyone is onboard. Let’s get out of here Lieutenant” replied Grant through the radio, “time to go”
“Copy that”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Bridge
At the same time

“Time?” asked Lang
“Four minutes and counting Captain” replied Lieutenant Jessica
“Status on our transports?”
“Captain Grant says they are about to leave the depot. O’Brian’s wing is currently enroute to the Mari-ad transport and Beta and Delta Wings are returning back to the Hibernia”
“Very well”

* * *

Mari-ad Depot
Engineering Room
At the same time

“Can’t reach it Stevens?” asked Collins
“No Sergeant. There is nothing I could do” replied the marine specialists
“Oh well it has been good while it lasted” said Collins as he pulled out a cigar out from one of his pockets, “Eh well I thought I might as well enjoy this”
“I thought I was the only one” said one of the marines. Collins looked over and saw one of the marines pulled out a cigar from one of his pockets, “when did you start smoking cigars?”
“Well ever since we saw you smoking at the rec room Sergeant” laughed the marine, “well here is a good tour of duty with you” said the marine as he nodded at the sergeant.
“Well it was good boys, it was good” said Collins as he lighted up his cigar and took a long suck from it and blowing out a large smoky ring, “I enjoyed very much. Marines forever boys”
“Ho!”

* * *
TCS Hibernia
Main Bridge
Three minutes before detonation

“Captain, Flight Deck Officer, reports that all ships have returned, except for Charlie and Gamma Wing which are with the Mari-ad transports” said Lieutenant Jessica
“Very good” replied Lang, as he continue to watch the tactical screen where the two remaining fighter wings were protecting the marine transport that was boarding the Mari-ad transport, “well we better get ready for the explosion then. Lieutenant alert all crew and stations to brace for possible impact. Make sure Gamma and Charlie Wing and those transports to be prepare for the possible shockwave”
“Yes Sir”

TCS Hibernia
Flight Deck
Two minutes before detonation

Anthony took off his helmet and shaking his head when Nuts climbed up beside him on the cockpit, “You better get out of there! Command issue an alert for impact. You better brace yourself quickly” Nuts quickly helped Anthony unstrap himself from the cockpit and climbed down the ladder and bolted to the nearest exit lift.
“Clear the flight deck!” Anthony heard the Flight Deck Officer call out on the PA system. Pilots, deck crews, marines and Mari-ad prisoners were rushing towards the exit lift.
“One minute til detonation”

* * *

TCS Hibernia
Bridge

“One minute til detonation” said Jessica
“Commander what is the ships shields status?” asked Lang
“Shields are operating at 100 percent Captain” replied the Hibernia’s executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Jessica O’Hara
“Lieutenant Jessica, is the flight deck clear?” asked Parker,
“FDO reports all clear Colonel” replied the communications officer
“Time Lieutenant?” asked Lang
“30 seconds” Lang pick up the radio microphone and activated the PA systems,
“All crew, this is the Captain. Standby for impact, repeat standby for impact”
“All crew are secure Captain” said O’Hara from her station
“Very good”
“15 seconds”
“Okay this is it” said Parker
“10 seconds”
“Any last minute changes before we brace ourselves?”
“I don’t think there would be”
“5..4..3..2..1”

Lang and Parker looked at the main viewer where they could see the Mari-ad outpost. At first nothing happen, then they saw small explosions started to appear at one end of the depot slowly spreading across the entire depot, followed by a large explosion, followed by a series of large explosions. Bit and pieces of the depot were beginning to fall off the depot, followed by large pieces of the depot.
Finally a massive explosion could be seen from the centre of the depot breaking it half.

“Shockwave detected Captain” said O’Hara “heading towards us”
“Will it head to our other ships?”
“No they are out of range”
“What level is the shockwave?”
“Level 4 Sir”
“We would feel that” the ship began to shudder violently as the shockwave passed through the ship, the loud sound of the ships hull being pushed against the massive energy wave deafens all over the bridge with many people barely able to hear each other talk. The crew people around the bridge and around the ship held onto something secure bracing themselves against the shockwave.
“You sure that this is a level 4 Commander?” shouted Parker trying to get his voice heard over the loud creaking sound, “feels like a level 6 or 7”
“Sensors read a level 4” shouted back O’Hara, “this isn’t right”
“Hold on!” called out Lang, “we wait or the wave to pas through” What seem like forever was merely 10 seconds when the Hibernia was knocked by a large shockwave caused by the massive explosion caused by the depot’s self destruct bomb.
“Report Commander?’ asked Lang when the ship started shuddering. O’Hara moved over to the command console and looked over the console screen, “Shields are intact sir. I guess we were lucky” O’Hara scroll through the ships internal sensors and assessing the ships status, “so far no damage to the ship and no injuries reported in”
“Good. Lieutenant inform Captain Grant, Majors Mallamo and Brady to report to me in the debriefing room in one hour with their reports”
“Aye sir”
“Well Colonel I guess we lost the depot. It could have be invaluable”
“Maybe but once Delta and Gamma Wing comes back with those transports, we might learn what is going on out here. These Mari-ad attacks and these operations they are doing are becoming more aggressive and I don’t like it one bit”
“Agreed. We will meet the people in one hour and see what is going on”
 
Chapter 7 - "Everyone generation there is a maniac"

Hi folks
This Chapter has been a wierd one for me as I have tried to make sure everything sounds right and I hope everyone still enjoys my posts.
Thanks for all the readers who have beeing reading my fan fiction.


Chapter Seven
“Every generation has a maniac”


At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot
Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
Approximately four hours after the destruction of the depot.


It was a quiet sombre day for the marines. Captain Grant invited both Anthony and Kathryn Ross to join him and the marines in the rec-room for drinks in memory of Sergeant Collins and the marines that died on the station. Both were uncertain of why they were invited but they didn’t want to be rude and turn down a personnel invitation from the marines.

Anthony and Kathryn entered the rec-room and saw a large group of marines sitting around several tables that were pulled together. Grant saw the two pilots entered and waved them over.
“Datangia, Arrows glad you can join us” said Grant as he pass them mug of what look like beer, “it would mean a lot to us”
“Um thanks Captain” replied Anthony, “although I am quite flatter that you guys invited to something personal”
“That may be true Datangia, but you help us at the depot and we intend to repay a debt to you”
“Thank you Captain” said Arrows, “I’m sure Sergeant Collins would be happy with what we done”
“Agreed” said Grant, “Marines! A toast to our fellow marines. To Collins and to his marine detachment!”
“Collins!” the rest of the marines stood up from their seats and lifted their mugs in salute to their fallen comrades. After their toast the marines began to drift away into smaller groups and conversing with one another. Datangia and Arrows sat with Jasper, Lee, and Kinder who were with them when they attacked the bridge on the Mari-ad depot. The group were talking, reminiscing about their time with either the fighter corps or the marines when the doors to the rec-room open a group of pilots arrived led by a loud boisterous young pilot who seems to be bragging about their recent mission,
“Ah it was beautiful” said the loud pilot, “that fighter was behind me and then I pulled on burners and did a tight 180 loop around the fighter. The guy didn’t see it coming, next minute I was behind that Striker shooting all guns at its rear and lobbing a dumb fire behind it. Man it was a beautiful sight”
Datangia looked over at the group and from the look of the pilot who was bragging, he knew that there was going to be trouble. The new group continue to talk and laugh as they reached to the bar when the lead pilot ordered a round of drinks for the group.
“A toast to our beloved Major Brady and to the Wild Aces!” the rest of the people in the group raised their mugs in salute to the lead pilot. The lead pilot drained his mug completely and slamming a mug back on the counter and grinned at the bartender. “Donovan another round for us”
“Better hold your liquor Ferrari” replied the bartender, “you might be up for another flight assignment”
“Nope not until tomorrow Donovan” said Ferrari, “Colonel says that after today’s mission. We are going to hold until they collected all the data and reports from all the units that were involved. Besides this is worth drinking for any way” Ferrari turned around leaning back against the counter smiling at his friends, when he notice a small group of marines near the bar.
The next couple of hours, Ferrari and his group of fellow pilots drank probably more beer and other alcohol than any other group or individual present in the rec-room. The group grew louder and rowdier and some of the people who were in the rec-room decided to leave as they were causing a disruption.
During their copious amount of excessive drinking, Ferrari notice a small group of marines sitting by the bar talking among themselves. Ferrari got up from his table, taking his drink along with him, he stumble across to the marines and grabbed a chair nearby and sat down next to them.
“So what are you marines doing onboard?” slurred Ferrari as he tried to remain sitting upright
“We were assigned here” said on the marines sitting closer to him, “we were part of the detachment that were sent to that Mari-ad depot and to secure it”
“Bah Marines!” spat Ferrari, “we don’t need no stinking marines. The way I see it, we don’t the marines and we fighter pilots could have secure the depot without you guys meddling around with it”
“What did you say!” said the marines closer to him stood up. One of the marines tried to pull him back to his chair, “Easy Chad, the guy had too much too drink”
“Yeah but he insulted us” replied Chad as he turned back to Ferrari, “Look mate I do care about who you are and which unit you are from. But we marines have our responsibilities as much as you do and there is no reason to bad mouth about us”
“Like as if I care” smirked Ferrari, “you marines are nothing more than a waste of deck space. Out here the people who are in charge are the Navy and the Fighter pilots. You are nothing more but cannon fodder. This is for us navy and fly boys. Not sweaty grunts”
“Who do you think you are” said the pilot who tried to pull Chad, “what gives you the right to judge us” the rest of the marines at their table stood up all with an angry look. On the other side Ferrari’s friends on the other table notice where their friend was and notice the marines standing up facing him. As one the pilots stood up and march over to where their comrade pilot was.
“You wanting to pick on me” grinned Ferrari as he noticed his friends were coming to back him up, “you think that you grunts could take us out?” some of Ferrari’s friends were snicking at the marines and some of them were flexing hands expecting a brawl to erupt.
“This is not going to be good” said Datangia as he looked on from where he was sitting with the others “we better stop this before it gets out of hand” Datangia stood up with Jasper as they headed towards the two angry looking group who were now badgering each other into a fight. Datangia stood in front of Ferrari’s groups while Jasper stood in front of Chad’s group
“Guys cool it before we might get thrown into the brig” said Datangia as he tried to calm the angry pilots, “I think that we had too much to drink”
“Hey Cheng you are one of us” said Ferrari, “pilots stick together. If one goes we all go right?”
“No I don’t think so mate” replied Datangia, “you over step your boundary and you should have shut that trap of yours”
“What did you say?”
“I said that you should watch what you are saying. You are going to get yourself into trouble. You do know that you are being a real jerk”
“No you are being a real asshole” snapped Ferrari as he pulled back his right arm back and threw a punch at Datangia. What happen next caught everyone by surprise. Everyone thought that Datangia would be knocked out and be sent falling on the fall instead what seem like almost impossible was Datangia was able to deflect the punch with his left arm, his right hand came across, grabbing Ferrari’s jumpsuit by the collar, lifted him up and slammed him down across the table, knocking the glass and mugs onto to the floor.
“What the fuck!?” said Jasper as he saw Datangia’s quick action response
“Now I am going to say this one more time” said Datangia as he draw his face closer to Ferrari, “I won’t you to leave the marines alone and you and your friends are going to leave the rec-room and get yourself clean up otherwise I will report you to the Colonel about this”
“Like as if who would believe you” sneered Ferrari
“Well for starters I would” said a voice in the background. Everyone turn around and saw Colonel Parker sitting by a table in the far corner of the rec-room where no one had really noticed that the Wing Commander was sitting there with his drink.
“Colonel!” Datangia quickly pulled Ferrari up from the table and adjust his uniform, “I can explain this”
“No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at 1700 hours”
“Yes Sir”
“Now for Lieutenant Prost” said Parker as he walked up to the drunken pilot, “your actions and performance are out of order and you are a disgrace to the Confederation forces. Lieutenant as from this point onwards you are relieved of duty until further notice. You will not take part of any assignments assigned to your squadron and will spend the next seven days in the brig. Your pay will also be cut to a third for next month”
“You can’t do that Colonel!” said Ferrari
“Oh yes I can. Watch me” replied Parker, “Corporal Jasper, please take a couple of your marines and escort our pilot to the brig and inform the Master of Arms that the Lieutenant Prost is to remained in the brig for seven days and only to be release on my orders”
“With pleasure Colonel” smiled Jasper and two other sober marines came and took the drunken pilot out of the rec-room” once Jasper and the marines led a struggling pilot out of the rec-room, Parker turned to face the rest of the group who were still standing and smiled “I believe that we were trying to have a nice quiet drink here gentlemen?”
 
oh i like this, you never get to really hear about the marines in the WC universe, good writing waiting to see more
 
Amendments to several sections

Hello all
I have hope that everyone has enjoyed reading what I have written so far.
I have reread some of my previous chapters and I would later to add/change some of the details I wrote.

Re-edited Version of the 2628 - An officers beginning - Synopsis

Throughout history we gain a glimpse of the events that happened with the Confederation. There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first war with Kilrathi, the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim.

But a quetion remains? What ever happen with the Confederation prior to the wars?

I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war with the Kilrathi occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe with the Kilrathi, there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within and the outlying systems.

A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad, once a political party within the Confederation Assembly has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years, has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. The war between the Confederation government and one of the most powerful criminal organisation has been become a drain on resources for both sides of this conflict especially with both sides are experiencing continuing problems with the Pilgrim Alliance.

This is first story of many where it follows the life of a young officer, a freshly minted graduate from the Academy, 2nd Lieutenant Anthony 'Datangia' Cheng who is thrusted into the conflict prior to the first Kilrathi war.

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The second adjustment is from my last chapter, Chapter seven where there was some errors which needs to be corrected

Chapter Seven
“Every generation has a maniac”

At the remnants of the Mari-ad Depot
Enyo System, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector

TCS Hibernia
Flight Wing Recreation Room
Approximately four hours after the destruction of the depot.

The time and date is set for (2628.263.1800)

Other ammendment -

“No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at 1700 hours”
“Yes Sir”

Edited Version

“No need Lieutenant. I have seen enough and I know what to do” said Parker as he stood up from his table and walked over to the now large group of people, “Lieutenant Cheng I am very impressed and surprised at the course of action you took. Although I would have taken a different approach. I would like to see you and Lieutenant Ross in my office at tomorrow in my office at 0600 hours. We have some matters to discuss”
“Yes Sir” said Datangia as he stood back with his group allowing Colonel Parker to walk up towards the drunken Ferrari.

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Well that are just some minor adjustments to what I have written but there may be some further adjustments in the near future. Chapters 8 will be out soon and hope will enjoy reading it.
All the best and take care!! :)
 
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