VC Chapter 31-Spartans

Sector 1600

Planet 1605

January 25, 2052

“Tassos, are you seeing this?” Dimitris spoke into his communications as he watched ship and base debris float around the planet.

“Yes, look. I think there is a war.” Tassos pointed at some explosions at another nearby planet.

“Sir, incoming ships on radar!” an officer alerted Tassos.

“Dimitris, break formation and cover my six.” Tassos turned his head to look out the window to see two Talon frigates approaching.

“They are sending a message.” the officer replied.

“Send it through.” Tassos ordered as the Talons stopped in front of the Nighthawk.

“You are entering MoB controlled airspace. Go any further and you will be shot down and killed on site.” the transmission threatened.

“There are no bad guys up north. NB lives here.” Tassos explained.

“They have been marked as enemies. If you are friends with them, you will be as well.” the MoB officer warned.

Tassos ended the transmission and looked at his crew wondering what actions he should take.

“Orders sir?” the communications officer waited impatiently with his eyes fixed on the hostile Talons in front of them.

“Get Dimitris to fly back and get backup. I will buy him the time to call for help.” Tassos grabbed a Greek Spartan helmet under his chair and put it on his head.

Dimitris' ship turned away quickly and was quickly fired upon with polaron rays.

“They should have never messed with the Greeks. Fire all weapons!” Tassos adjusted his helmet.

The Nighthawk fired a stream of hex missiles and some short bursts of lasers into the Talon pursuing Dimitris. The mixed weapons effectively made work of its shields and tore the enemy Talon into bits and pieces.

“Go Dimitris, get out of here! You must relay the message that war is coming and it is time for the Greeks to rise again my friend.” Tassos turned his ship to attack the other Talon who had already begun firing its scatter missiles.

“Sir, we have a fleet of enemy Exodus cruisers on approach.” an officer alerted Tassos.

Dimitris sped his Talon quickly out of the northern system and into deep space. With rear thrusters III, he was able to quickly gain distance from the enemy reinforcements. He turned his head back to look at his General who was flying skillfully to engage the fleet of Exodus cruisers. Tassos was strafing and firing its hex missiles while maintaining a safe distance from the enemy ships' laser weapons. Hidden from the nearby planet, three Nighthawks appeared and started to give chase to Tassos' ships.

“Watch out.” Dimitris muttered under his breath as he saw the enemy lit Tassos' frigate up in flames.

“Preparing for jump.” an officer interrupted.

Tassos' ship was smoking heavily and then slammed into a Nighthawk tearing it into half creating a massive explosion.

 “Nooooo!” Dimitris watched as his friend's ship exploded and then lost visual as his ship jumped into warp. 

VC Chapter 30-Latecomers

Sector 1600

Planet 1601

January 25, 2052

“Commodore Wesley Paul!” a soldier dashed into his commanding officer's quarters where a big asian man with black hair was asleep in his bed.

“What is it?” Paul opened his eyes and got up.

“Vice Admiral Owens just issued a Code Red to all bases.” the soldier reported.

“Aww shit. Get my ships ready pronto.” Paul jumped out of his bed and grabbed his ceremonial katana off his wall for his good luck charm.

“Yes sir.” the soldier dashed off.

Paul clipped the katana to his belt and grabbed his pistol from under his pillow. He cocked the weapon and quickly slipped into his gun holster. He looked out his window and saw distant ships and explosions all around the planet's orbit. There was a massive war out there and it appears that NB was getting hammered pretty bad. One Talon flew over to the base looking pretty beat-up and landed on the ship bay. Captain Wicker jumped out of the smoking frigate as he dashed for cover before the ship exploded.

“That lucky bastard.” Paul laughed as he quickly made his way to the hangar.

“Commodore Paul, were you snoozing while I was out fighting?” Wicker greeted Paul with open hands.

“I run the night patrol. Need a ship or a lift?” Paul laughed as he pointed at his ships.

“Give me a ship to fight with. I don't like spectating.” Wicker pointed at a mass driver Nighthawk frigate.

“Ok, race you to space Wicker.” Paul ran towards his Revelation cruiser with full disruptor rays.

* * *

“Bloody hell! Where are the reinforcements?” Tarbuck watched as his Revelation cruiser rammed an enemy Genesis into oblivion.

“No clue, but I've got your six.” Franklin flew her hex missile Talon behind Tarbuck's ship.

Two enemy venoms blitzed through a base and fired tons of scatter missiles at the bridge creating a display of fireworks. One fleet of Rancors appeared out of nowhere and began engaging the enemy from the flank. “NB Remali” was clearly painted on the ship as the venoms got destroyed by a counter attack.

“That man is full of surprises.” Tarbuck laughed.

Five Revelation cruisers appeared from Tarbuck's starboard side and began firing its hex missiles.

“That's Pleasure Palace's flagship. Heavily armoured and weaponized.” Franklin manoeuvred her frigate to dodge the missiles strafing left and right.

Three Revelation cruisers and a fleet of Nighthawks launched from a distant base. On the ships were the words “NB Wesley Paul” painted in gold colours.

“Am I late? Is there any fights left for me?” Paul sent a transmission to Tarbuck's ship.

 “Plenty. Now get cracking mate.” Tarbuck smiled as he flew his cruiser towards the incoming reinforcements as his ship shields got reduced to half.

VC Chapter 29-Myrmidons

Sector 1600

Planet 1616

January 25, 2052

Tassos Anastasios sat in his quarters looking at a list of cargo trade reports. He brushed his brown stubble as he flipped through the papers looking carefully for any discrepancies. After a thorough read, he stood up to take a stretch when his tall blonde wife walked in with a stunning dress.

“Tassos.” she walked up to him and planted a kiss on his lips.

“How are you my dear?” Tassos put his hands on her shoulders and looked her square in the eye.

“I am well, what are you doing love?” she asked.

“Same old paperwork.” Tassos tossed the report onto his desk ran his fingers through her golden straightened hair.

The couple's moment was interrupted by a tall dark-haired man with markings of a captain.

“Tassos, it's important.” the man held up a folder as he watched Tassos' wife sit on the desk.

“What is it Dimitris?” Tassos approached the captain.

“NB trade ships did not arrive today. It's been half an hour and we haven't been able to contact them.” Dimitris handed the folder to his commanding officer.

“That's not normal...NB are always right on the dot with their shipments.” Tassos looked at the ship logs inside the folder.

“Shall we send a fleet to investigate sir?” Dimitris suggested.

“Stella?” Tassos turned to look at his wife for a response.

“Unless you rather be looking at reports all day.” Tassos' wife replied with a shrug.

“Prep a fleet and let's take a trip north.” Tassos decided that it would be best to leave his quarters to get some action.

“Be home by supper.” Stella called out as the two men left the room heading for the ship bay.

Tassos and Dimitris made a light jog down the hallway and quickly entered the busy hangars. Crates of supplies were being unloaded by other trade partners while others came here to refuel their ships to continue on their space journeys.

“General Anastasios, your Nighthawk is ready for launch.” a soldier reported as he removed a thick cable from under the ship's wings.

“Good, thank you.” Tassos looked at the brand new ship with new paint.

“I'll get my Talon sir.” Dimitris dashed for a nearby pulse ray Talon frigate painted “C. Nova”.

“Did you install the rear thrusters IV as ordered?” Tassos walked to the back of the ship and glanced at the engines.

“Yes General. Two hex missiles and one disruptor ray built exactly to your specifications.” the soldier grabbed a clipboard on a crate and inspected.

“Excellent.” Tassos ran up the ramp and got into the cockpit where the remaining crew waited for him.

“Good to go sir?” an operator asked from his chair with a hand on the throttle.

 “Yes, let's go visit the Northerners.” Tassos sat comfortably in his command chair.

VC Chapter 28-Collateral Damage

Sector 1600

Planet 1604

January 25, 2052

Tarbuck ran across a debris-filled corridor as sparks of electricity ignited from the broken overhead lights.

“Oye! Get these non-essential personnel evacuated!” Tarbuck peeked his head into a room of scientists.

“Yes sir.” the guard nodded and began mustering the civilians.

Tarbuck continued down the corridor when a loud vibration rippled through the building. The path ahead of him collapsed as the ceiling appeared to be penetrated by projectiles. Fire ignited and sent an explosion knocking him to his feet.

“Tarbuck!” Jaimes dashed towards the fallen rear admiral and dragged him to safety.

“Mate, I want you get the Apocrypha out of here.” Tarbuck wiped his face with his charred uniform.

“What about the base sir?” Jaimes asked.

“How many turrets are operational?” Tarbuck picked himself up and looked outside.

“Two coil drivers left, sir.” Jaimes pulled up his datapad and glanced at the readings.

“Bloody bollocks! Leave them on auto and get off his station.” Tarbuck spat on the ground.

“And you sir?” Jaimes placed his datapad back to his belt.

“I'm blowing this facility up. Give as much collateral damage I can to the enemy. Now, go! That's an order commander!” Tarbuck shouted as he made a mad dash for the command bridge.

* * *

“I didn't sign up for this! This is a death wish.” Matthew grabbed a helmet and ran to a docked Talon frigate.

“Matt, get back here!” Chase shouted as he watched his friend walk up the landing hatch.

“Suit yourself. If anyone is coming, I'm leaving right now.” Matt hollered as he climbed up the ladder.

Chase watched as two pirates ran towards Matthew's Talon hoping to hitch a ride out of hell.

“Well shit...” Chase looked at Badyr as the Talon flew out of the ship bay.

“You will know a person's true colour in times like this...too bad...” Badyr shook his head.

Chase looked at the hangar and saw one Apocrypha cruiser and two Talon frigates. Before he could choose which ship to use to fight, Jaimes and a few soldiers dashed into the hangar.

“Hold it!” Jaimes shouted.

“Jaimes, what's going on?” Chase asked the panting man.

“We need to get the Apocrypha to safety. This is the future of winning wars.” Jaimes breathed heavily.

“Apocrypha it is! Come on men!” Chase waved at his crew.

“Better hurry, Tarbuck is blowing up this station.” Jaimes ran alongside Chase towards the Apocrypha.

“Badyr, grab a Talon and escort us out of here. We'll leave one Talon for Tarbuck if he has enough time to get out.” Chase pointed at the nearest mass driver Talon.

 “Aye Captain.” Badyr waved two pirates to follow him.

VC Chapter 27-Code Red

Sector 1600

Planet 1601

January 25, 2052

A young Caucasian man with brown hair stood in the command bridge overlooking the planet and grabbed his macrobinoculars from a pouch marked “Lieutenant Krawiec” to scan the horizon for incoming hostiles. In the distant was an armada of ships flying towards the planet.

“Vice Admiral Owens, we have a battalion of fighters heading towards our planet.” Krawiec paged on the speaker.

“How many Lieutenant?” Owens rushed out of his office with his uniform unbuttoned.

“Seem to be fifty? Seventy ships?” Krawiec panned at the incoming ships.

“VEGA?” Owens grabbed a pair on macrobinoculars from another nearby officer.

“No, doesn't look like it. Looks like...wait...MoB?” Krawiec caught the ship marks on its hulls.

“What do they want?” Owens walked to the communications control.

“Well, they don't look friendly...” Krawiec pointed at a distant satellite blown to bits by mass drivers.

“All hands, battle stations! This is not a drill! Repeat, this is not a drill!” Owens pushed the pager on the command bridge.

A loud siren sounded off almost immediately when Owens finished paging. Combat turrets had already rotated to aim at the incoming ships whilst pilots were scrambling to get to the bay.

“Sir, MoB is sending a transmission.” a communications officer reported.

A man dressed in full battle suit appeared on the hologram table and folded his arms.

“I'm Pleasure Palace MoB and I am here to bring the message from our senior officers that NB has no room here in this sector. Prepare to be eradicated.” the man threatened and ended the transmission.

“Krawiec, get me in contact with all NB forces. We are Code Red.” Owens ordered as he dashed to his office to get suited for flight.

“Understood sir.” Krawiec saluted crisply.

A fleet of Revelation cruisers broke from its formation and began to hit a smaller base in the distance. In a matter of minutes, the base was destroyed and getting pulled into the planet's atmosphere.

A squadron of NB talons launched from a nearby base and fleet towards the menacing Fury battleships. Before the talons could land any good shots on the battleship, it was taken out by an escort of pulse laser Nighthawk frigates.

“Another base down Lieutenant.” an officer reported as a nearby base blew up from a hail of hex missiles.

“Focus fire on those Furies. Those are the ones carrying the payload.” Krawiec pointed.

“Firing fusion torpedoes sir.” the weapons officer acknowledged by pushing buttons.

The fusion torpedo turret swivelled to aim at the battleships and fired off five long missiles from its pod. The first one stuck a nearby enemy Revelation while the remaining hit its mark taking out one Fury's shields.

“Lieutenant Krawiec!” Owens shouted from behind the busy man.

“Yes sir?” Krawiec turned his head.

 “You are in command of the bridge now.” Owens said loudly as he put on his pilot helmet and dashed towards the hangar.

VC Chapter 26-Communication Warriors

Sector 1200

Planet 1205

January 24, 2052

“The enemy is hailing us in comms.” the communications officer announced.

“Patch them through.” Parks crossed her arms and faced the battle screen.

A thin tall Caucasian man with minimal hair on his head dressed in an unconventional space uniform had a very pissed face.

“Surrender now and I will spare the lives of your crew.” the man demanded.

“And who I am speaking to?” Parks shrugged feeling unintimidated.

“I am Deividas, leader of MoB, surrender yourselves immediately. Final warning.” the man ordered.

“A mob? Haha, you call three ships a mob? Why don't you surrender and I'll see to it that your death will be quick.” Parks taunted.

“Wait till you see our full force. Hey...is that Charlie of NB? That bastard.” Deividas looked in the comms and saw Charlie in the background.

“That is none of your concern. Your battle is with me pirate and the rest of the VEGA corporation.” Parks turned her head to look at her communications officer for cues of Vorzer's support.

“Charlie, you are a traitor by working with VEGA.” Deividas announced.

“I am not working with the corporation.” Charlie mouthed his side.

“You are so full of shit. You think I'm stupid?” Deividas pointed his finger.

“Believe what you like. You are entitled to your own opinion, but I am speaking the truth.” Charlie sighed.

“Bullshit. You and NB will all be marked as enemies to MoB now. We know where you are and there are no place for your kind.” Deividas angrily declared.

“You are an unreasonable man.” Charlie kept his cool as he took deep breaths.

“Ah hem. Okay...enough. Comms are over.” Parks interrupted with a cough as she saw the cue from her officer.

The battle screen shut off the communications link to Deividas' ship and returned to the space view. Charlie watched as three thermal Apocrypha cruisers flew around the planet and began beaming on one of the venoms. The Revelation cruiser noticed the incoming defensive VEGA ships and began to turn away to retreat.

“Cowards.” Parks watched as the Revelation quickly made a warp into space and disappeared leaving two obliterated Venoms floating in space.

“I need to warn my folks about MoB.” Charlie clenched his fist in frustration.

“Always caring about people over your own needs huh.” Parks watched as one Apocrypha approached her ship and began linking to its port.

 “You know me too well Sarah.” Charlie looked at Parks right in the eye.

VC Chapter 25-Fallen Heroes

Sector 1600

Planet 1604

January 24, 2052

In the NB ship bay was a docked Apocrypha surrounded by tons of engineers and scientists studying the components that make up the powerful cruiser. At the bottom of the bay were two platoons of soldiers standing neatly in their ceremonial uniforms.

“Today we gather not only to celebrate our successful capture of the Apocrypha and its thermal weapon technology, but we also pay tribute for the men and women who gave their lives for the mission.” Owens spoke to the crowd from his stand.

The front row of soldiers were notable NB officers who have joined in to paid their respects for their admiral. Jaimes stared at the portrait of Charlie in his military uniform with melancholy not able to accept the reality.

“Admiral Charlie Chu who led the mission along with several others are all presumed to be deceased after Chase's daring snatch and go in Tachyon Industries. Their ultimate sacrifice will be written down in our history so that these acts of bravery, honour, and valour will be remembered.” Owens looked at his piece of paper and paused.

Tarbuck looked at Owens and nodded for him to continue on with his eulogy.

“He was my friend. I remember the day he came to me and saw what I had in me where others had not. Charlie gave me a place where I could call home. A place where everyone had the right to freedom from VEGA's tyranny. We will finish his dreams together...as a team...and bring back galactic peace, civility, and diplomacy.” Owens finished and then folded the paper into his chest pocket.

Owens walked to the portrait of Charlie and saluted before he sat down beside Tarbuck. Du Preez stood up and straightened his uniform before he took this turn at the stand.

“I didn't write a speech to prepare for, but I can tell you that I remember the selfless acts Charlie always took part in. I was doing a patrol in defending the sector one day and our fleets got hammered by a surprise raid. Charlie came with his Nighthawks and covered my troops to safety while he tanked the shots for my crew. He was an admiral who never saw less of his men or women.” Du Preez bit his lip as he finished and saluted the portrait before walking to his seat.

One by one, the row of officers paid their respects until the end of ceremony was near. Twenty one soldiers shuffled from the sides with their pulse rifles and aimed at the sky.

“Ready...fire!” Wicker commanded with his ceremonial sabre.

The rounds of lasers echoed in the bay as the ceremony neared its end. Franklin and Stein watched as the NB flag was folded by six soldiers and given to Owens.

“It's sad that he didn't have a family.” Stein sighed deeply.

“We were his only family...” Franklin reminded.

 “Yeah...rest in peace old friend.” Stein muttered under his breath.

VC Chapter 24-Megalomaniacs

Sector 1200

Planet 1205

January 24, 2052

“Where are you going now?” Charlie walked with Parks into the bridge of the Apocrypha cruiser.

“VEGA headquarters.” Parks looked around the bridge to access her crew.

“It takes this little people to operate this ship?” Charlie examined the bridge operators.

“Ever since we became the target, our ships are designed for low crew capabilities as well as full automation.” Parks watched as an officer approached her.

“Shall I lock him to something ma'am?” the officer looked uneasy as Charlie observed.

“No it's fine. You wouldn't dare, right Charlie?” Parks passed a cold stare.

“Of course not Sarah.” Charlie reassured as he found a spot to hit in the sights of the uncertain officer.

“Good. You haven't changed one bit.” Parks grinned.

“Do you think I'll forget about our history?” Charlie sighed in reflection.

“Commander, incoming ships from planet!” an officer shouted as he looked on the radar.

“Battle stations everyone. How many ships Lieutenant?” Parks strapped herself into her command seat.

“Scanners read three Venom battleships and one Revelation cruiser commander.” the Lieutenant looked at the charts.

“We are not match for them with one cruiser. Contact nearest VEGA combat ships in the district.” Parks barked.

“Enemies are closing in.” the Lieutenant reported as the Revelation started to give chase.

“Forward thrusters at max speed. Clear us from the battleships.” Parks commanded cooly without breaking a sweat as the Revelation fired its dual long range mass drivers towards them.

Charlie watched as Parks commanded her crew in a professional and skilled manner and was amazed at her calm composure under enemy fire. He watched as one projectile missed the rear thrusters while the other round struck its port. He noticed the faintest paint mark on the Revelation cruiser and saw the words “The Spy MoB”.

“Incoming transmission Commander Parks!” the communication officer pointed at the battle screen with a message icon.

Parks tapped a few buttons on her chair and the screen opened to show a very muscular Caucasian man in VEGA uniform that showed no facial expressions.

“Commander Vorzer here responding to distress call. State your coordinates and enemy vessels.” the man spoke in a low voice.

“Commander Vorzer, this is Commander Parks near planet 1205. We are being ambushed by one Revelation and two Venoms. Request support fire pronto.” Parks replied as she watched her ship get pelted by tens of hex missiles from the enemy Venoms.

 “Copy Commander Parks, we are on our way with three Apocryphas. ETA one minute. Vorzer out.” Vorzer ended the transmission.

VC Chapter 23-The Wrong War

Sector 1200

Planet 1201

January 24, 2052

“Commander, he's awake.” a medical officer interrupted Parks in her captain's quarters as she was reading a book.

“Good, I'll be there shortly.” Parks closed her book and stood up to straighten her uniform.

Her desk was very neatly organized with two picture frames of her receiving medals for her war campaigns. On the back of her wall was a small Australian flag clipped to a small flagpole beside a photo of her graduating the VEGA Officer Corps program. She looked at the mirror to adjust her ranking pins on her collar to make sure they were flush to the edges. Parks had no idea how to begin conversation with Charlie because it had been years since she had seen that man. She walked out her quarters and closed her door so people knew she was somewhere on the ship.

“How is he?” Parks asked the officer as she followed him to the medical bay.

“Stable condition and ready for VEGA interrogations.” the officer reported.

“Good to hear. Please excuse us.” Parks replied as she entered the medical bay and waved the the remaining medical technicians.

The technicians left the room leaving her and Charlie alone in the room.

“Sarah?” Charlie turned his head to identify the woman.

“What are you doing here?” Parks grabbed a seat beside Charlie and whispered.

“What am I doing here? You captured me.” Charlie eyed the handcuffs on his bed.

“Do you have any idea what happens when you get caught by the VEGA corporation?” Parks said with frustration.

“Good to see you Sarah. You're not a fan of greetings...” Charlie attempted to change the subject so he can catch up with her on missed events.

“Charlie...you broke into Tachyon Industries. You are lucky it wasn't another VEGA officer or they would not be so kind.” Parks ignored Charlie's comment.

“I didn't expect...” Charlie glanced at her uniform to identify her rank.

“Didn't expect what?” Sarah interrupted.

“That I would ever see you again after the Earth incident.” Charlie replied as he studied her face closely.

“We all had sides to choose...to survive. VEGA corporation was kind to take me in and train me into an officer.” Parks crossed her arms.

“Commander Parks now eh? How many people did you have to massacre to earn that rank?” Charlie questioned.

“Yes, I am a commander for the corporation, but you are wrong Charlie. What about you Charlie? What organization are you and what rank?” Parks countered.

“If I tell you who I am and what rank...I'm afraid your superiors will execute me publicly like they have done before.” Charlie thought about his friends unaware of his living existence.

“You think I'll let that happen?” Parks took out a set of keys from her belt and unlocked Charlie's restraints.

“What's going on?” Charlie had a very confused look.

“Just hear me out okay? There are two sides to every story.” Parks took the restraints and clipped it to her belt.

“Go on...” Charlie rubbed his wrists and then reached to touch her hand in appreciation.

“The VEGA corporation are not the bad people here Charlie. We are the number one corporation in resource collection and perhaps the wealthiest in the universe.” Parks watched as Charlie listened attentively.

“That's probably from hitting all the miners who oppose you.” Charlie assumed.

“No, those people are the ones who destroy our resource ships. Bandits, thieves, and pirates all want our resources for their own monetary gain especially the Antimatter. The Antimatter is the only resource our VEGA technology can harvest from the alien artifacts compared to those savages. Since we are the ones able to harvest Antimatter, we became the target.” Parks continued to explain.

“Please continue.” Charlie looked amused.

“When word got out that VEGA started hitting back against these barbaric pirates, others joined in hitting us thinking that we are the evil corporation. Just like you.” Parks pointed.

“Why don't you tell the others?” Charlie raised his eyebrow.

“Do you think they will believe me after our name has been tainted?” Parks laughed lightly.

“I guess so...” Charlie thought deeply.

 “Charlie...you are fighting the wrong war.” Parks ended her storytelling.

VC Chapter 22-Deception

Sector 1400

Planet 1411

January 23, 2052

“Commander Parks, we have an unauthorized ship launch in bay twelve.” a Lieutenant reported to the blonde officer who stood in the medical bay watching Charlie undergoing medical treatment.

“Oh, there's more of them?” Parks turned her head as she snapped to attention.

“Yes, ma'am. A few stragglers managed to steal an Apocrypha along with Mr. De Waal.” the Lieutenant reported.

“Shoot for its engines.” Parks commanded.

“That won't be necessary Commander.” Yale walked in escorted by VEGA soldiers.

“Oh? Do tell.” Parks crossed her arms.

“Do you really think they can easily get a ship without being caught? If so, then you are wrong.” Yale chuckled as he reached for his datapad on his utility belt.

“You are letting them steal a high-tech ship...wait till Rumblelow hears about this.” Parks threatened.

“In fact, he authorized this Parks. We know they are here for the technology, but we can never seem to find out where their base is.” Yale passed the datapad to Parks to examine authenticated mission orders.

“A tracking ship?” Parks looked at the datapad and scrolled down to read its contents.

“Once they bring it back to reverse engineer, we will strike at the heart when they least expect it.” Yale took the datapad back and clicked it back onto his belt.

“Impressive...” Parks looked outside the window as she watched the stolen Apocrypha quickly fly away from the facility and into warp.

“Who is he?” Yale tapped on the medical window pointing at the unconscious Charlie.

“One of the captured intruders.” Parks replied cautiously.

“Then he must be interrogated for information once he's awake.” Yale responded.

Parks knew about VEGA interrogation methods and was certain that Charlie would probably not survive the first few stages of questioning. She had not seen Charlie for a very long time and now his fate was in her hands.

“My captive...my interrogation.” Parks challenged Yale.

* * *

“Warping now.” Chase pressed the button on the command chair.

“How's Matt?” Badyr eyed his injured comrade who was breathing lightly beside him in the bridge.

“He'll live.” Jaimes replied as he looked at the ship scanners.

“They are not firing back...that is weird.” Chase watched as the space around the ship begin to warp.

“That's because of me. They would have blow you out of the sky already if I wasn't in here” De Waal spoke as he struggled in his handcuffs.

“Sure. Whatever you say.” Jaimes thought about his missing friend as closed his eyes to rest.

VC Chapter 21-Ship Stealing

Sector 1400

Planet 1411

January 22, 2052

“Jaimes, I don't want to complain, but things are not looking good.” Chase dashed down a hall with lasers shooting behind him.

“Stay focused.” Jaimes ignored Chase's complaint.

“Has it not occurred to you that this mission is not going as planned?” Chase stopped to take a breather.

“Nothing ever is. Now get moving.” Jaimes waved at an open door.

“Chase! Badyr's injured.” Matthew assisted his injured comrade by helping him walk.

“How is he?” Chase look concerned as Badyr's face exhibited massive amounts of pain on his right leg.

“A round pierced his right thigh. No major arteries hit.” Matthew crouched down to look at Badyr's leg.

“We have to go now.” Jaimes peeked out the door to see a squad of soldiers rushing towards them.

“Chase, leave me.” Badyr sat on a chair as he bit his lip in excruciating pain.

“I'm not leaving you.” Chase slung his weapon over his back and lifted Badyr to his feet.

“Grenade!” a pirate watched as a fragmentation grenade rolled into the room.

The pirate watched as Chase was unaware of the incoming danger and quickly jumped on top of it. A small muffled boom was heard and the heroic pirate was dead.

“Davis!” Chase cried in sadness.

“Go go go!” Jaimes waved at the back door.

A dozen Vega soldiers rushed in and sent waves of laser rounds into the room. Another pirate was caught in the process of escaping while Jaimes managed to run away with a nick to his shoulder.

“Matt! Watch out.” Chase watched as one round struck Matthew in the back.

“Gahh!” Matthew shouted as his body armour absorbed the shock.

“Hangar bay. Let's go.” Chase pointed at a sign.

“Charlie, do you read. We are getting hammered and need to extract.” Jaimes spoke to into his communications unit as he ran to take point.

The radio buzzed static and gave no response leaving Jaimes with the worst-case scenario which was that Charlie's team had been wiped out.

“An apocrypha!” Chase hollered as he saw the magnificent ship docked in its bay.

“Guards.” Matthew pointed as he saw a small group of guards escorting a man with a suitcase.

“I think that guy has the blueprints.” Jaimes inferred.

“Then let's take the guards out, get the briefcase and steal that ship.” Chase dashed out into the open guns blazing.

Chase took out the front of guards while Jaimes took out the remaining defenders leaving the business-like man alive.

“Don't shoot!” the man begged.

“Why not?” Chase pointed his gun at the man's head.

“Because I work for OmniPotent corporation and can give you a deal on ships.” the man pointed on the logo on his suitcase.

 “Move it then.” Chase grabbed the man by his collar and walked towards the Apocrypha.