Once Upon The Stars (Updated 08-22-04)

[Atrocities]

Who cares about the Glaicer. I want more evil characters and dark plots to take over the world. Oh wait, ooo I am writing this story aren't I? Well in that case, we shall go back to the Glacier and find out what is happening.

[Atrocities]

Bump for the Day

[The FryeR K]

Keep it coming...
I love sub-plots that expand the story

NEED MORE

[mlmbd]

Atrocities, you had better hurry! I can see that The FryeR K is getting the shakes. From withdrawl, most likley!

mlmbd

[Raging Deadstar]

Originally posted by Atrocities:
Who cares about the Glaicer. I want more evil characters and dark plots to take over the world. Oh wait, ooo I am writing this story aren't I? Well in that case, we shall go back to the Glacier and find out what is happening.

Hooray for more evil characters and evil plots!!

[CNCRaymond]

Like I have asked in other Posts, how do you guys come up with this stuff? How? I have been following this story since you first posted it, and it never failed to keep my interest. Bravo Atrocities.

I do however have a couple of questions.

1. If they did not already have artificial gravity, then how did they keep the Tempest in the Air?

2. What are Trax and Tanix? Are they humans or these new characters, the Alorians?

3. How far are you going to take this story? By that I mean to ask are you going to take this story in the same direction that other writers have gone? You know, a rendition of play-by-play story development, or are you going to keep it original and follow a different path?

4. Is there a back-story? About what happened prior to the ship crash landing?

5. Why do you write? What drives you to do it?

[Atrocities]

Thanks CNC.

I will explain the technology regarding the Tempest in greater detail in an up coming segment. It is slightly mentioned in a previous segment. The Tempest used Repulser technology to stay in the air. In fact all atmospheric ships use repulser technology. With the development of Gravametic technology, ships that once needed a tremendous amount of space to house there repluser generators will need only a fraction of that space to house a gravametric generator.

Additionally Gravimetric generators will alow large ships to leave the planet whereas in the past they could not because of there size.

Yes, I have a complete back story developed, and written already. That was one of the first things I did.

Yes in a way the story will follow a game of SEIV, but will not solely depend upon that game to keep new stories coming in.

Why do I write? I guess I do it because I have always been a writer. I have never applied my talent to story telling before. I have a lot of experience in writing scripts for ENG and other productions. I have spent the Last 8 years writing techniqual manuals, SOP's, and other documents for my former employer. Writing a story just seemed like a fun thing to do, and it is. In many ways the story tells itself and all I do is try to keep up.

I hope this answers your questions.

[ April 24, 2003, 11:35: Message edited by: Atrocities ]

[Atrocities]

Part XIII Trax

“I am telling you that I saw something moving.” Said Lieutenant Sam Hosi as he looked at the hand held scanner that Specialist Donald Valentine was holding.

“Well the motion scanner doesn’t show any movement.” Replied Valentine as he and Hosi slowly complete another half turn sweep of the parameter with the scanner.
“I don’t care what that things says, I saw something moving. I am going to call it in.” Commented Hosi with a hint of alarm in his voice as he turned away and started to key his COM.
“Fine go ahead and call it in.” Said Valentine in a whatever tone. “See if I care if you make yourself look like a fool.” Valentine lowered the scanner a split second before he felt the sudden and unusual sensation that comes only seconds before death. His bladder released its contents as the taste of iron began to fill his mouth. He had no feeling from the neck down, as if something had just reached out of thin air and severed his spinal cord. It was an odd sensation, dying that is, one that he had never pondered he would ever feel. He tried to blink, but his eyelids would not work. His vision began to blur as he lost all perspective of his surroundings. As he started to slump down to his knees, blood coming from his mouth and nose, his vision began to darken. His mind raced and before him he witnessed his entire life pass by. He could not speak, as he fell forward, face first into the snow. The Last thing he heard was the sickening sound of his own breath escaping from his lungs. Valentine was dead before he realized he had just been shot.

Sam felt something warm hit the side of his face before he could key his Com. He turned abruptly to face the source of the warm liquid that had just struck him, fearing that his Comrade had just spit on him, his anger flared. What he saw was not his Comrade standing next to him, but a blue flash followed by a sudden pain in his head. His ears began to ring as his head was thrust backwards. His vision immediately vanished replaced by nothingness. They say that a blind man can still see, but as Lieutenant Sam Hosi, the Officer in charge of guarding the landing pad, fell backwards into the snow he realized that was not true, for he saw nothing, nothing that is except for a brilliant inviting bright light that seemed to warm him as he moved toward it.

Slowly as if one was not sure that one was seeing something, an almost transparent form only slightly outlined by the falling snow began to approach the two bodies lying on the cold white ground of the Victorian Glacier. As Trax slowly walked up to the two dead men lying in the snow he holstered his all black very sleek looking Depleted Uranium Pulse Pistol (DUP Pistol). It was a shame that he had to terminate these two men, but one of them had seen him exit the Sky Chariot. His Optical Masking Net –or OMN- was one of the most sophisticated peaces of technology ever conceived, but it was not infallible.

In conditions such as rain, dust storms, or falling snow, air borne particles can and often do accumulate on the individual thus providing a faint out line. A OMN worked by using the principles of light refraction. To see something it had to be illuminated by light. The OMN refracted the visible light spectrum away from the individual warring it along an electromagnetic surface bending it, so to speak, away from the source thus making the person warring it nearly invisible.

It was Trax’s own body moving through the falling snow that generated an optical phenomenon known as ghosting that the trooper had seen. Stowing away on the Generals Sky Chariot was indeed risky, but given the time factor, an affordable one. Once Trax stopped moving he had but only a few seconds to respond to the threat for the falling snow would begin to accumulate on him thus compromising his position. The OMN under these conditions would protect against electronic detection, such as motion and heat sensors or scanners, but not the human eye. As the snow fell, Trax stood motionless only twenty yards in front of the two troopers. Trax knew that it was only going to be a matter of seconds before one of them noticed him becoming visible as the snow accumulated on his body, therefore he had no alternative but to terminate them.

Trax understood very well that there was no way to completely hide ones movements in the snow although the repulser shoes he was warring would prevented him from leaving noticeable foot prints in the snow, his OMN would only offer limited invisibility protection in the open while the snow fell. It would be far better to be inside away from the falling snow for as long as possible. Limit his movements and gather intelligence was the missions’ primary objective. Trax brushed the snow from his shoulders and looked around the area. He saw no one but realized that this would not Last for long once these two men failed to report in the situation would become caustic. This was a set back but one that could not be avoided. Time was now going to work against him and Trax understood that his best chance at success and at remaining hidden would be to hide these bodies.

The best option open to him at this point was to drag them back onto the Sky Chariot, but the Sky Chariot had only a limited amount of space and not many good hiding places. Especially places to hide two dead bodies. His best bet was to use his spare Optical Masking Net and cloak them both. To prevent the snow from accumulating on them Trax dragged the two dead men under the Sky Chariot before activating the OMN. It was a small device, with a limited range, but with the bodies stacked on one another, the OMN did successfully camouflaged them.

Within minutes Trax had made his way to the Operation Tent. He listened intently to the discussion in the tent waiting for someone to enter. It was only a few seconds later that two men approached the tent and opened the door to enter. Trax was well inside and standing in the clear before the tent door was closed.

“Ah Calvin and Dr. Ramzies,” Said one of the men. Trax gathered that he was Ron Lindley Chief Engineer of the project. “This is General Thomas Christopher, his Pilot, sorry I forgot your name.” Ron looked over at Richard slightly embarrassed.
“Captain Richard Hess” Said Richard as he offered his hand to the men. Calvin took Richards hand and then Toms as Ron continued the introductions.
This lovely lady is Colonel Erin Rogers and this gentleman is Carl Wilhelm, from the Space Exploration Division.”
“A pleasure.” Commented Calvin as he shook everyone’s hand. Dr. Ramzies was taking off his coat and had not seen Carl when he heard Carl’s name. He stopped cold and slowly turned. Calvin was shaking hands while Ron finished up the Introductions.
“Gentlemen and Cornel, this is my associate Calvin Kurd and Dr. Bill Ramzies one of Doctor Mentors team members.”
Carl looked right at Ramzies and smiled.
“Bill it has been a while.” He said in fake tone of politeness.
“Not long enough you bastard.” Replied Ramzies hostilely.
“Come now, is that the way you greet all of your old friend?” Commented Carl in a mocking tone.
“Old friend?” Said Ramzies coldly. “I don’t ever recall us being friends Colonel. But I will tell you what I do recall.” He said as he took a step forward.
“Bill.” Said Dr. Mentor as he put his hand on Ramzies shoulder. “This is not the time or place for old vendettas.” Ramzies looked slightly over at his friend all the while never taking his eyes off of Carl. He smiled slightly then turned and offered his hand to Tom.
“General, it is a pleasure to see you again.” He said to Tom with a smiled as Tom smiled back and took his hand. “Despite the company.”
“It is Bill.” Replied Tom kindly. “It is good to see you again.” Tom flashed a look in Carl’s direction and smiled. “Despite the company.” Tom Christopher knew Bill Ramzies from Carl’s court marshal. They both had served under him at the Pennington Massacre, and had spent a few nights in the bars in the Capitol city together during the proceedings. They had gotten to know one another quite well, and even stayed in contact for years following the court marshal, but eventually lost touch with one another over the years.

Both men laughed at the Irony of the situation for here they were standing together after so many years, in the presence of the very man that both hated. A man who had unwittingly brought them together for the first time years before and whom they had testified against in a court marshal for mass murder.

“After we are done here, why don’t you join me in the mess tent for a drink?” Bill asked kindly.
“I would love to.” Replied Tom.

Arnold never looked away from the others, but slightly leaned over and spoke softly into Carl’s ear. “You don’t have many friends do you?”
Richard having heard the comment snickered quietly next to the two men.
Carl did not respond, he simply looked on, but Trax could see, that he was not pleased. Aside from having enhanced hearing, he also had excellent eyesight and a keen ability to read people. He could see and sence that Carl Wilhelm was cleverly masking a tremendous amount of rage.

“As nice as reunion can be, I think it best that we return to the task at hand.” Commented Captain Macmillan O’Connor politely.
“Of course.” Commented Bill politely as he looked over at Calvin. “Go ahead.”
Calvin frowned slightly and took in a deep breath before he spoke.
“The ice is much denser than we had anticipated and it will take us another few more hours to safely cut through it.”
“That is not good news.” Ron said as he leaned forward and looked at the display on the table. “I thought your Gravimetric scans showed the ice to be of lower density Doctor Mentor?”
Mentor feeling slightly chapped by the comment was more than willing to defend his himself and his work.
“If you will recall Mr. Lindley, my team and I are up here to test the prototype and to discover its flaws and such.”
“Forgive me Doctor.” Commented Ron politely. “I did not mean to offend you.”
Mentor just smiled at him and nodded politely but was still miffed at him.
“Well then, I would suggest that we all get some rest.” Commented Rogers. “I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a rather long day.”
“Agreed. My men have made accommodations for you and your party General.” Said Captain O’Connor.
“Thank you Captain.” Replied Tom as he put his coat back on. “Bill how about that drink?”
“It would be a pleasure.” Replied Bill Ramzies as he fastened his coat and stepped toward the door. “Follow me.” Bill offered as he and Tom left the tent.
“Dr. Mentor?” Carl asked politely. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions regarding your work?”
Mentor looked puzzled. He had the blank stair that a Carma beast often displays in ones headlights just prior to being struck.
“Excuse me?” He eventually asked.
“Your work on Gravimetric Technology Doctor would be of great benefit to the Space Exploration Division.” Replied Carl.
“Oh yes, of course. Yes, you may ask me whatever you like.”
“Perhaps we could talk in a more inviting environment?” Asked Carl.
“The mess tent?” Offered Mentor. “It has comfortable chairs Mr. Wilhelm.”
“That would be fine, and please, call me Carl.”

As the two men left the tent an officer approached Captain O’Connor who was organizing the materials on the table and began to whisper in his ear.
“Sir Team Six is past due and has not reported in.”

Trax could see O’Connor’s face harden at the news. It had only taken thirty minutes and already they knew they were missing men. Trax had under estimated the security of this site. A mistake that has now complicated the mission. Trax watched as O’Connor took a step away from the table and began to look about the tent with a perching glare. A glare that would send shivers up the spine of even the most hardened dark soul.

O’Connor scanned the tent from right to left before centering his stair directly at where Trax was standing. Trax for the first time in his life felt a flash of fear overwhelm him. ‘What? How could this man see me?’ He asked himself as he held his breath. But O’Connor had not seen him. He turned and barked an order at one of his officers. “Double the guard on the entrance to the object. Send out Team Ten and Eleven to search Team Six and notify all other Teams to be on alert.”

Rogers was putting on her coat when O’Connor gave the order. She looked over at Richard then back at the Captain. “Captain?” She asked. “What seems to be the problem?”
“I have two men missing Colonel, and that is damned unusual.”
“Do you believe that the security of this site has been compromised?” She asked more out of caution then curiosity.
“Yes I do.” He replied as he keyed his Com. “Winston get your *** in here!”
“Captain, Is there any thing we can do to help?” Asked Richard.
“You can notify the General for me and ask him to return here.”
“Consider it done.” Replied Richard as he started to put on his coat and looked over at Ruddy Arnold. “Sergeant stay here and assist Colonel Rogers.” Ruddy looked at Richard and despite what he thought about saying just simply nodded his acknowledgement.

Trax knew instantly that this Captain O’Connor was no fool. He would have to be far more cunning than he had been in order to avoid detection. Trax doubted that they would discover the bodies masked and hidden under the Sky Chariot but if they were then the operation would be completely compromised. Trax considered for a moment the potential for detection and decided his best option was to return to the Sky Chariot and prepare to destroy it and the bodies to prevent the discovery of the OMN and the means by which he was hidden. Above all else, his primary directive was to project the Illuminati’s technology. He waited for Richard to exit the tent and followed him out. Richard took off at a jog toward a series of tents; no doubt one of them was the mess tent. Trax knew that time was seriously working against him so he wasted little time on stealth as he made his way toward the Sky Chariot.

[ April 26, 2003, 12:42: Message edited by: Atrocities ]

[Atrocities]

BUMP, Did any one read this?

[Krsqk]

I read it. Very nice...looks like things are heating up nicely at the excavation site. Now, if I could just get ahold of one of those suits...

Keep up the good work--I eagerly await each new installment!