Re: Beyond the Horizon
-----In the cabin of Raven Darkwater --------
--------aboard the Spitting Cobra------------
Raven sits in the dark; he has been unable to really sleep since he Last set eyes upon her. Why did they leave so much un-spoken? He should have demanded that high command send another to lead the mission. He should have said something.
It has been 9 days since Amber led the sweepers into Z’trop and there has been no contact with them since. The plan was for us to wait for some contact before going in. If no contact is ever made, then we are abort our mission as it is likely the minefield is still intact. We are all that stands between the survival and complete destruction of our people.
The shipyards were completely un-prepared for supporting a full-scale war so the arrive of new ships is slow.
Raven turns to the recorder and prepares to enter a log.
“Stardate 2411.8” Raven begins; “Beta fleet remains at post near the Z’trop warp point. We still have not received any word if the minefield has been taken down. Two more destroyer class ships have arrived; bring our fleet total to 14; 5 escorts, 6 frigates, and 3 destroyers.” Raven pauses for a minute and then continues; “First I would like to request that the crew of the Little Thunder be given full honors for their actions and be increased in rank. Second, I would like to request that Steve Rain, the older brother of Amber Rain, have his rights restored and be allowed to leave the prison colony on Wayland III. He record is to be cleaned.
Third, My crew and those of the other ships in beta fleet are not to be held responsible for following my next set of orders.”
Stopping the recorder, Raven rises from the chair and moves to the view port. Looking out toward the warp point, “Damn you, Damn you all to hell!”
Raven quickly turns and head out into the corridor.
****On the command deck of the Spitting Cobra****
The comm. Officer reports “We have just received word from High Command that Alpha fleet has gained control of the skies over Alkalurope IX. They lost one ship and another took a lot of damage. 139 crewmen were killed. They also report that 3 ships of unknown firepower are heading toward them at high speed. Alpha fleet reports that they will not retreat and plan on standing holding the planet. They also inform us that we are to remain at station.”
Vic Dodge replies, “Inform the Capt.!”
“He is not in his cabin.” Responds the comm. Officer.
Just then the door slam open and Raven enters the command deck.
Vic starts to report, “High Command says…”
Raven, paying no mind to him, turns to the comm. Officer; “Any word from the sweepers?”
“No sir!’
“Prepare the fleet” replies Raven.
Vic stops mid report and says,
“You are not about to do what I think you are about to do? “
Raven continues giving orders “All hands on deck!”
“Sir, All ships are responding, do you wish an open comm.?”
“Yes”
“Comm ready sir!”
Vic says, “High Command will not like this.”
“**** High Command!” Raven quickly snaps.
“Attention all hands! We have not heard from the sweepers since they went in. It is time we bring them home.” While still on open comm., Raven turns to his own command crew; “Any problems with that?”
Not one person said a word.
“Good, then all hands, battle stations!”
“Helm, As soon as the fleet is in position, take us in.”
Raven then quickly moves to his jump chair as the ships of Beta fleet prepare for what lays on the other side.
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Next ----
Is Amber still alive or has the sweepers been blown away?
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side note:
I am hoping that my attempt to develop my main characters and give you a sense of how they are is playing out well.
[ 02 December 2001: Message edited by: Dracus ]
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