VC2 Chapter 2-New Recruits

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

October 18, 2052

Two women dressed in a technical uniform were busy on their computers linked to massive server.

“Irene, do you see the glitch in the system here?” a Caucasian blonde woman pointed at her own screen.

“All systems operational here Natalia.” the other brunette woman who appeared to be a bit shorter replied as she typed in on her keyboard.

“I'm using the backdoor to access the mainframe.” Natalia brushed her golden hair behind her ears as she crouched to inspect the server.

“It could be an isolated incident. Let me see if I can override to make the fix.” Irene grabbed a cable from her belt and linked it to Natalia's computer.

“Connection complete.” Natalia looked at her computer.

The two quickly worked on their computer as they made their repairs on the server.

“Done.” the women shouted in unison.

An alarm in the background sounded and flashed as the room lit up revealing a glass divider with several NB officers conducting an assessment.

“Irene Papagianni and Natalia Kraweic, record time in server fix. Top of the class again ladies.” a big Caucasian man with markings of Vice Admiral tipped his officer's cap as he spoke into the speaker.

“Thank you sir.” Irene smiled in satisfaction.

“Thanks Vice Admiral Owens.” Natalia flashed a smile.

The two women exited the training room and saw Owens and the other officers leave their observation room to enter another.

“Get some rest. I'll give you the assessment tomorrow.” Owens walked off.

Natalia high-fived Irene with joy as the two walked out of the facility towards the mess hall. Charlie was walking towards his office when he caught the two women strolling out of the training facility.

“Oh man it's the Admiral. I haven't seen him up close.” Natalia whispered.

“Act professionally.” Irene mumbled under her breath as Charlie approached them.

“Girls.” Charlie greeted.

“Sir.” the women saluted crisply.

“At ease. New recruits?” Charlie inspected their uniforms.

“Yes sir.” Irene nodded.

“Huh, I didn't get the memo on this one. No need to call me sir, just call me Charlie.” Charlie chuckled as he offered his hand.

“Irene Papagianni.” Irene shook Charlie's hand.

“Natalia Kraweic.” Natalia grinned as she shook the man's hand.

“Wait a minute. The last names sound familiar...” Charlie paused to think.

“Lieutenant Conrad Krawiec is my brother. Lieutenant Commander Chris Papagiannis is Irene's brother.” Natalia responded.

“Ahh that explains it. Well then, welcome to the NB family.” Charlie welcomed.

“Thanks.” the women replied simultaneously.

 “Well, I've got some ships to inspect. See you girls around.” Charlie winked as he walked off.

VC2 Chapter 1-Crash Landing

Sector 2300

Planet 2305

November 13, 2052

A tall asian man with black hair sat at the helm of a Nighthawk frigate. On his Admiral uniform, he was identified as “Chu” with a lot of decorated medals on his chest. Inside the bridge, lights were flashing red indicating that there was hull damage.

“Charlie, we've lost all engines.” an officer reported to the Admiral as sparks flew from his console.

“Send a distress signal out to Northern Base.” Charlie commanded.

“Aye sir. Patching transmission to NB.” the communications officer acknowledged.

“We're being pulled by the planet.” the officer reported as he changed his command station when an electrical fire broke out.

“I can see that. Get to the escape pods.” Charlie watched as the surface of the ship began to turn into a scorching red as it fell into its atmosphere.

“Negative sir. All pods are severely damaged by the fire.” a tall Caucasian man with a goatee with ranks of a Captain replied as he was managing his station flipping various switches.

“What's your recommendation McClelland?” Charlie turned his head towards the Captain.

“We have better chances here than launching a damaged pod.” McClelland strapped himself to his seat.

“Solid copy. Let's see if we can glide the ship down.” Charlie switched to manual controls.

“We're loosing hydraulics. Outer hull has already disintegrated.” McClelland reported as massive smoke covered the bridge windows.

“Mayday mayday. This is NB Charlie. We've been hit and we are going down. Repeat, we are going down.” Charlie sent a broadcast as he quickly strapped in.

Charlie attempted to pilot the crippled frigate at an angle to increase air resistance to reduce the speed. The bottom section of the ship was already molten red as the ship burned on its entry into the atmosphere.

“2000 meters. We're going too fast Charlie.” McClelland eyed his monitor.

“I'm trying.” Charlie yanked his controls hard and had no effect.

“I think the hydraulics are gone.” an officer reported.

“1500.” McClelland said.

“Shit man. Strap yourselves in. It's going to be a rough landing.” Charlie watched as the smoke in front of his ship clear up briefly to reveal a thick dense forest in their approach.

“500!” McClelland shouted as the ship began to spiral uncontrollably.

“Brace for impact!” Charlie shouted as he covered his head as the ship came crashing into the trees igniting everything in its path knocking him unconscious.

The frigate split into pieces and began tumbling in different directions. Some crew members were thrown out in the process as the ship mowed down the trees. Massive fire quickly spread out in the forest creating a long trail of smoke clouds.

“Owwww.” Charlie moaned in pain as he woke up from the sounds of some people screaming for help.

“Charlie!” McClelland unstrapped himself from his seat and wiped his bloody nose.

Charlie was wincing in pain as a tree branch had snapped off and impaled through the front window right into his abdomen.

“Hang on.” McClelland crawled under some metal debris before reaching Charlie's command chair.

Blood was dripping out from the tip of the tree spike and had already formed a small pool below the chair. An injured officer rushed to aid McClelland and began to put pressure on Charlie's wound.

“Put pressure there.” McClelland directed the officer's hands onto Charlie's stomach.

“No...no...no...” Charlie cried out in a state of shock once he saw the tree branch impaling into his body.

McClelland looked around the massive debris field and saw a few survivors who were moderately injured as well. There were no medic kits visible in the vicinity and the amount of blood leaking out of the officer's hand was too much.

“Captain, he's losing a lot of blood.” the officer shouted as he coughed from the smoke.

The Captain was certain that his Admiral was going to die due to lack of medical attention.

“Charlie. Hey Charlie.” McClelland gently tapped the man's face to keep his focus on him instead of the injury.

“Huh what?” Charlie breathed shallowly.

“You are going to die. It's going to be okay.” McClelland looked at Charlie with reassuring eyes.

“No...no...” Charlie shook his head as he coughed blood.

“It's okay. Let it take you. You won't feel any more pain.” McClelland held Charlie's head with his hands.

“I can't die...die. No...no...I can't.” Charlie stuttered.

“You did great Charlie, but you need to let go. Who do you love?” McClelland smiled softly in an attempt to divert Charlie's focus.

“I...can't die.” Charlie coughed again.

“Who do you love?” McClelland asked again as he watched the officer's hands covered in blood.

“Sarah...yes. Sarah.” Charlie reached his hand to grab McClelland's hand tightly.

“Let her take you to peace.” McClelland grabbed Charlie's hand tightly.

Tears formed beside Charlie's eyes as he blinked hardly. He was having difficulties seeing and could not make out McClelland's face.

 “God rest your soul Admiral Charlie Chu.” McClelland watched as the man closed his eyes into darkness.

VC Chapter 42-Road to Recovery

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

January 29, 2052

“He's in a stable condition, but still unconscious.” the doctor reported to Stella who was beside her husband alongside Dimitris in the medical facility.

“When will he wake up?” Stella gently shook Tassos.

“We don't know exactly. There are still more tests to be done ma'am.” the doctor grabbed a clipboard on the wall.

“Please come back Tassos. I am waiting for you.” Stella begged.

“That will be enough for now. We need to give him the rest.” the doctor patted Stella on the back.

Stella wiped her tears and then nodded at the doctor. She wrapped her arms around Dimitris and hugged tightly.

“It's ok. He'll pull through.” Dimitris comforted as he looked at the doctor pull the curtains around Tassos.

* * *

Charlie walked into the command bridge in his base and greeted his staff. He approached the window and looked out to see new cargo ships bringing in supplies. Some bases were being repaired while some were being rebuilt from scratch.

“So this is home now.” Owens walked up from behind and looked at the brown small planet below them.

“It sure is.” Charlie looked at his ship bay to see ships being repaired.

The ship bay was busy as it was crowded with lots of damaged fleets. Engineers and technicians were already working hard to repair the basic defensive ships. Wicker was busy directing ships to land the supplies whilst Du Preez was busy painting the new name on a Revelation cruiser.

“It's beautiful isn't she?” Owens looked at NB Pride.

“Yes she is.” Charlie agreed with a nod.

Charlie turned his head to look at the storage module to see that Parks' cruiser dropped off some resources. The cruiser then docked at a nearby hatch and she went inside the base.

“Excuse me Owens. I have some things to take care of.” Charlie spoke his mind.

“A missed date?” Owens chuckled.

“Sure, you can say that.” Charlie replied as he left the command bridge.

Charlie walked past the mess hall and saw Paul, Moxness, and Jaimes having a couple beers and waved at them as he passed by. He walked past Franklin who was knocking on Tarbuck's quarters and smiled politely at her.

“Hey Charlie.” Franklin greeted as Charlie walked past her.

After a turn around a corner, Charlie walked past the ship factory where Chase and Badyr were busy adding some customization to the stolen Apocrypha.

“How's the refit?” Charlie shouted.

“Going well.” Chase gave the thumbs up.

“Good!” Charlie replied with a smile and walked off.

“Charlie, NB Remali's rancors have proven to work in the battlefield.” Stein rushed beside Charlie with a folder.

“That's good to hear Stein.” Charlie patted his shoulder.

“We need to standardize our fleets with the specifications. Please sign this paperwork.” Stein presented the folder.

Charlie opened the folder and quickly skimmed the contents. He grabbed his pen from his chest pocket and swiftly wrote his name.

“Thanks Charlie.” Stein took the folder back and ran off.

“No problem. Haha.” Charlie laughed to himself as he continued to walk past the factory and into the storage modules where Parks was busy unloading resource crates with her crew.

“You missed me?” Parks teased and crossed her arms as she saw Charlie walk over.

“Of course I did.” Charlie went up to her and gave her a hug.

“So what now?” Parks let go of the embrace and asked him.

“We rebuild what was lost. Start it all over again.” Charlie replied with a double meaning.

“We'll see how it goes.” Parks winked in her reply as she caught onto Charlie's cues.

 “Good. The future seems bright. This...this is the calm after the storm.” Charlie placed his arm around Parks' shoulder as they looked at the distant cool blue sun as the light rays struck the facility.

VC Chapter 41-A New Beginning

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

January 28, 2052

Charlie walked into a large assembly hall seated by lots of soldiers as he walked to the stage in his ceremonial uniform.

“Quiet down.” Tarbuck shouted as he stood on the stage beside several other Admirals.

“A few days ago...we faced a force that threatened to tear us from the core. A force so formidable that nearly brought us to extinction. A force of uncivilized men with desires of galactic conquest at the expense of others.” Charlie spoke as he read his sheet of paper.

The crowd was silent as the soldiers listened attentively from the Admiral. It was so terribly quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

“Many of our friends, allies, and families gave the ultimate sacrifice to preserve peace. We are forever in their debt for what they died fighting for. I know this is a tough time for all of us. We were beat and we lost our homes.” Charlie took a deep breath and scanned the crowd.

Vorzer, Parks, and the VEGA crew stood at the very back row with melancholic faces. Wicker was seated beside Franklin who appeared to have a broken arm. Jaimes looked at Charlie and nodded at him to continue on.

“From this battle, we gained new allies who fought with us to the very end. The Myrmidons and the VEGA corporation fought alongside us with honour and valour. I personally give my sincere thanks and deepest condolences for the sacrifices they made.” Charlie looked at Stella seated in the second row who was holding Dimitris' hand.

Charlie flipped his piece of paper and then paused as his mind flashed back to the battle.

“Charlie?” Owens walked beside Charlie and whispered in his ear.

“Oh, sorry. Today we will be renaming a Revelation cruiser to NB Pride to honour those who gave their lives to that were proud to be a NB member. Also, a monument will be built in the heart of NB listing the names of all the men and women so that the tales of heroics will be passed on for generations to come.” Charlie pointed at miniature structure on the stage as few soldiers pulled the curtains.

“You did well.” Owens walked up beside Charlie and patted him on the shoulder.

“Thanks.” Charlie retired from the microphones.

“Now, this new sector is our home. We will grow and become stronger than before so that there will be peace once again.” Owens spoke into the microphones.

After the assembly was over, Vorzer walked out of the hall and went to board his ship when Charlie caught up to him.

“I know this is bad timing, but a huge majority of our ships are gone. We're running low on defences, think Rumblelow could provide some ships?” Charlie asked.

“Yeah sure. I'll go ask Rumblelow.” Vorzer nodded and walked into his ship.

Vorzer made his way into the empty cruiser and turned on the hologram transmission.

“Yes Commander Vorzer?” Rumblelow's hologram appeared.

“NB has moved into sector 2100. Do you think we can get more ships for them?” Vorzer reported.

“Of course. Good work Vorzer, Rumblelow out.” Rumblelow ended the trasmission.

* * *

Rumblelow shut off the hologram transmitter and walked towards a guarded elevator. He went inside and scanned his eyes on a retinal scanner.

“Vice President Betram Rumblelow” the scanner greeted.

He pressed a button and the walls of the elevator opened up revealing a small corridor leading to a door. He inputted several codes on the access panel and the door hissed open. The room was dimly lit, but the ship models and books were visible in the cabinets. The centre of the room was a neat table and a large chair with its seated back facing to the door.

“What can I do for you Rumblelow?” a silhouette of a figure spoke from the chair hidden in the shadows.

“Everything is going as planned sir.” Rumblelow looked at the chair.

“Good. Anything else?” the figure spoke.

“Can we give NB more ships?” Rumblelow eyed the ship models in the cabinets.

“Do what you need to do to complete your task.” the figure replied cooly.

“Yes Mr. President.” Rumblelow acknowledged.

 “Good, that will be all.” the figure dismissed.

VC Chapter 40-The Pod

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

January 27, 2052

Charlie watched as Park's Apocrypha approached his base carrying the escape pod. The pod was dented and scorched moderately from the transport. The window of the pod appeared to have cracked from hitting debris.

“Lower it down.” Wicker waved at the Parks.

The Apocrypha slowly hovered above the ship bay and dropped the pod onto the ground with a loud metallic bang.

“Get it open.” Wicker waved at team of engineers standing behind him.

A battered Revelation cruiser slowly made its way from outside and docked into a vacant spot. Dimitris was the first to rush out followed by his crew.

“That's Tassos' pod! I recognize it.” Dimitris shouted from the stairs as he quickly made his way down.

“Well, hurry it up.” Wicker watched as the engineers began cutting the hull of the pod.

“Captain Wicker, the hull is too thick for our cutters.” an engineer pointed at the metal.

“Take out the window.” Wicker crossed his arms.

“Yes sir.” the lead engineer replied.

The team quickly made their way to the broken window and began dismantling the window. The window shattered and air hissed out.

“We've got a few bodies in here.” the engineer called out.

Charlie watched as woman stepped out of Dimitris' ship escorted by a few MYRM guards. She immediately rushed towards the pod when she heard news of the bodies.

“Nooo!” the woman cried.

“Get her away from there.” Wicker commanded to a few guards as the woman dashed passed some of the engineers.

Some soldiers grabbed her and held her back away from the ship as the engineers carried out the bodies one by one.

“That's my husband. That's my husband in there!” the woman sobbed hysterically.

“I need a medic team here!” the lead engineer examined the bodies for pulse.

A team of medical personnel on standby rushed to the scene and began performing artificial resuscitation on some of the bodies with the weak pulse. One of them which appeared to be an oxygen-deprived Tassos and was completely motionless.

“Nooooo...” Stella cried as she collapsed to the group in distress.

“Clear!” a medic shouted as he sent a jolt through Tassos' chest.

“Come on Tassos.” Dimitris muttered under his breath and prayed.

Charlie looked at Tassos' body and then at his wife. He was lost for words and his eyes watered with sadness. Some of the medics were already shaking their heads at the other bodies that they were working on. Tassos was lifeless as a medical officer pressed his hand manually on his chest.

“Whyyyy?” Stella screamed as she lunged forward.

 The soldiers grabbed the distraught wife and pulled her away from the scene as the medics continued to work with Tassos' heart. Wicker looked at the ground in frustration and then watched Charlie shake his head and then rubbed at his teary eyes.

VC Chapter 39-Casualties of War

Sector 1600

Planet 1601

January 26, 2052

“Push forward.” Yale relayed the order to the VEGA ships as his Apocrypha led the charge.

“Parks and Yale, glad you folks got my message.” Vorzer transmitted as he flew his ship in retreat.

“Funny how it's me saving you now.” Parks giggled she watched her thermal beam weapons charge up.

“Just get the NB guys enough time to port out.” Vorzer briefed.

The swarm of VEGA ships collided with the SIN and MoB fleets and immediately opened fire. The Exodus cruisers were basically used as cannon fodder to protect the Rancors loaded with thermal beams. The weapons on the Rancors were maximized effectively as both sides fired continuously.

“Commander Parks. We have a distress beacon on an escape pod two kilometres starboard side.” an officer reported.

Parks took out the macrobinoculars from her command chair and looked right at the cluster of debris. In the cluster of broken ship parts and base components was a small pod with a weak flashing light.

“MYRM painted on the pod. Is that friendly?” Parks read the words out.

“Yes commander. They are here to defend NB.” Vorzer replied as he watched Wicker's frigate carrying Tarbuck into a NB base about to relocate out.

“Ok, I'll go pick that pod up.” Parks replied as she steered her ship away from battle towards the escape pod drifting in space.

Parks paused for a moment to scan the battlefield as her ship latched onto the escape pod. Time seemed to have slowed down as she watched the darkness of space get lit up by ship weapons and explosions. Shrapnel from the explosions flew in all directions like a distant fireworks display. Bodies got vacuumed out of the ships as the hulls broke apart.

“All NB bases have ported out. Repeat, all bases are safe. Fall back!” Vorzer's voice on the comms seemed to brought Parks back to attention.

“We are being overrun!” Yale cried on the comms as his fleets were smashed wave after wave.

“Come on Yale, warp out.” Vorzer watched as Yale's cruiser was pierced with projectiles.

“No can do Vorzer. My engines are fried! Get out of here while I buy you time. Go!” Yale turned his ship towards the enemy and fired.

“Commander Yale...” Parks rotated her ship to assist Yale.

“No Sarah. You must go. You have made me proud.” Yale smiled on the transmission as his ship tore into pieces.

“Nooo...” Parks watched as her mentor's ship get obliterated.

“Parks! Warp now!” Vorzer replied as the enemy ships neared Parks' Apocrypha.

With great sadness, she looked at the remnants of Yale's ship and put the engines to warp. Space warped around the ship and she was out of the hot zone.

“I'm sorry commander.” an officer gave his condolences knowing that it was Yale who taught her piloting and tactics.

 “Me too. These bastards will pay for this.” Parks rushed out of the bridge overwhelmed with emotions.

VC Chapter 38-Death at the Doorsteps

Sector 1600

Planet 1602

January 26, 2052

“You have got to be shitting me.” Tarbuck watched as hundreds of fleets headed towards them in a straight line.

“No fair.” Chase complained at the enemy reinforcements.

“You think MoB likes to play fair? They know no honour in fights.” Dimitris watched as one of his cruisers blew up.

“Charlie, I highly recommend that we fall back. Get the bases relocated off this sector.” Vorzer noticed his ships dropping out of formation as they exploded.

“What about our homes and everything that we worked on?” Owens interrupted.

“There is no more home if they are like this everyday.” Tarbuck eyed his smoking base and then at his ship.

“Fall back. Get the lower level bases ported out of here!” Charlie concluded after some thought.

The line of SIN ships smashed into the testudo formation splitting it in half. Tens of ships went down in the initial ram followed by a couple more in the centre. The centre was exposed and the weaker ships were quickly disposed of by an array of projectiles.

“This is Tarbuck, I'm abandoning ship. Repeat, abandoning ship.” Tarbuck broadcasted as his cruiser went into a blaze of fire.

Wicker piloted his Nighthawk beside Tarbuck's cruiser and watched a small escape pod launched out right before the ship exploded into oblivion. He manoeuvred the frigate and latched onto the escape pod and made a daring escape from the ships firing at him.

“This is Wicker, I got Tarbuck. We're getting the hell out of dodge.” Wicker replied on comms as his ship took a minor hit from an explosive shell.

Charlie watched as the other Destiny corvettes got shot down by a fleet of SIN Revelation cruisers. His ship turned to retreat when Dimitris' fleet passed him leaving a trail of smoke.

“Use the smoke to cover us.” Charlie pointed at the smoke beside his corvette.

“Aye sir.” the officer replied.

The Destiny cleverly flew right into the smoke coming out of Dimitris' ship and was disguised from the enemies' visual. One by one, the retreating ships were shot down as the enemy ships pursued.

“Admiral, all low level bases have already ported out. Waiting on orders.” Krawiec sent a transmission.

“We need some cover!” Charlie replied as he looked at cruiser in front of him smoking heavily.

“We're in position with what we have sir.” Moxness moved his ships alongside a row of Venoms marked “NB Remali”.

“I got some ships to spare.” Paul strafed his fleet of Revelation cruisers in front of Moxness.

As soon as the retreating fleets passed the final defensive line, the weapons on the ships roared to life as it began to lay down a heavy suppressive fire.

“Won't last long. Make it quick.” Moxness looked at the shields draining from his ships.

One by one, the NB bases began to warp out when suddenly the space behind the defensive line began to warp as ships began to pour in. Tons of Rancors, Exoduses, and some Apocryphas warped out of the space.

“Who the hell are they?” Tarbuck watched from his escape pod as ships warped beside Wicker's frigate.

 “The VEGA corporation.” Vorzer replied with a devilish smile.

VC Chapter 37-Home Front

Sector 1600

Planet 1602

January 26, 2052

“Any inspiring words Admiral?” Chase watched as the their ships were quickly reaching the enemy ships.

“This is Admiral Charlie Chu to all allied channels. Today, were are not only fighting for our lives, but we fight for our homes, families, and friends here. These mobsters think they can come here and rule the sector thinking they can take what they want and that nobody can stop them. We reply to them with a message that this...this is our home and we will fight back to defend freedom and peace!” Charlie spoke intensely on the communications during a period of silence.

“Yeah!” the officers in Charlie's ships shouted in unison.

“Hoorah!” Krawiec cheered in his comms from the base.

“My men will follow you to the death.” Dimitris replied honourably.

“That was some speech Charlie.” Owens felt his strength renewed as his ship was busy repelling invaders.

“It sure was. Let's take back our homes from these wankers!” Tarbuck cheered.

“It was an honour sir.” Paul smiled and clapped lightly.

“Now....fire all weapons!” Charlie commanded as the first MoB ship rammed into the front row of cruisers.

Weapons on both parties lit up intensely in the sky. Lasers flew everywhere followed by a bombardment of projectiles and explosives. The lead MoB ship was already peppered with fire and engulfed in flames as the testudo formation pushed forward.

“Enemy battleships port side!” Chase interrupted in comms as Trident's fleet broke formation and unleashed a barrage of hex missiles.

“Shields are still holding Charlie. Don't worry about us.” Dimitris watched as his Revelation cruiser absorb the explosions.

Wicker manoeuvred his ship left and right finding gaps in the formation and firing off mass driver rounds to engage the enemy. Barely nothing was getting through the turtle formation leaving the ships in the centre completely unharmed.

“We lost one Apoc!” Vorzer watched as an Apocrypha blew up in the front row leaving a massive gap.

“Tighten the formation! Push forward!” Charlie commanded as he watched one his Destiny corvette rush to close the gap.

“Charlie, my shields' are all out mate. I'll falling back.” Tarbuck steered his critically damaged ship into the centre of the formation.

“I got you covered bud!” Chase strafed his ship into the gap just in time before an enemy Revelation punched through the line.

“Sir, we got a problem!” the scanners officer reported as he looked at his radar.

“What is it?” Charlie got out of his seat and dashed to look at the radar.

 “That....are not friendlies.” the officer pointed at a line of several hundred ships heading towards them from the side with the names “SIN” attached to it.

VC Chapter 36-Strength In Numbers

Sector 1600

Planet 1602

January 26, 2052

Deividas watched the row of ships forming up making a blockade between the NB bases and his ships. He looked at his communications officer with exasperation and waved him over.

“Look at these shitheads. I knew they were working with VEGA.” Deividas scratched his nearly bald head.

“Shall we advance sir?” the officer asked his commanding officer.

“Send RGC MoB and Trident MoB to wreck them up. Let's see how much of a fight they have left.” Deividas commanded.

“Right away sir.” the officer rushed to his station to relay the orders.

“One more thing Lieutenant, time to call in NightTrain SIN and the crew.” Deividas added.

“Strength In Numbers clan?” the Lieutenant peered over his computer station.

“Yes, a pain train.” Deividas snickered evily.

Twelve Revelation cruisers marked RGC MoB disbanded from the formation and twelve Fury battleships marked Trident MoB formed up behind the offensive wave. The engines roared to life as the ships pushed forward towards the NB line.

* * *

“Okay ladies and gentlemen, they are sending their first wave!” Charlie broadcasted as the MoB ships slowly sped towards them.

“Charlie, do you know about the ancient Greek testudo formation?” Dimitris asked as he scanned the enemies.

“The turtle formation?” Charlie looked at the ships beside him and then looked at the enemy's.

“Yeah, box up with the Revelation and Apocrypha crusiers to absorb as much damage while the smaller and mid-sized ships are in the centre. We don't have enough ships so we need to save as many as we can.” Dimitris recommended.

“I agree Dimitris, good plan. Everyone, hunker down! Cover all sides with heavies.” Charlie commanded to all the local ships.

The Revelations and Apocryphas started to shift into a neatly packed box protecting the other classes of ships. Some battleships have already rotated to have its broadside weapons ready while others held their position maintaining a good 360 coverage of fire.

“We're in position and waiting for orders.” Tarbuck watched as the MoB ships formed into a V wedge formation.

“That wedge will ram right through us.” Wicker expressed his concerns.

“Dimitris, this is your ancient war tactics. What do you suggest?” Charlie looked around for ideas.

“We ram with our testudo formation.” Dimitris thought deeply.

 “You heard the man! Everyone, forward! Keep the formation tight as possible and fill in the holes if it breaks.” Charlie commanded his order as he increased his thrusters on the Destiny.

VC Chapter 35-The Last Offensive

Sector 1600

Planet 1601

January 26, 2052

Krawiec looked at the long range scanners on the bridge and noticed that the VEGA Corporation arrived with ships and began engaging MoB ships.

“Lieutenant, we have multiple ships in the vicinity coming towards us.” the radar officer reported.

“I can see that. How did the VEGA Corporation find out where we are?” Krawiec wondered as he rubbed his chin.

“Sir, VEGA is hailing all NB bases in comms.” the communications officer alerted.

“Patch them through, I want to know what's going on.” Krawiec watched Owens' ship in the area punching through MoB Rancors with its weapons.

The screen appeared and Charlie appeared in the seat of a cool looking ship with a serious face.

“Hello everyone of NB! I am not dead. Keeping things short, VEGA is here to work with us as partners. It's a long story, but I see we got an invasion to repel. Let's take back out homes!” Charlie greeted with a smile.

“It's the Admiral...” an officer stood up from his chair with his jaw dropped.

“Damn right it's him. Let's kick the intruders out!” Krawiec shouted with enthusiasm.

“Hoorah!” the officers in the bridge cheered with renewed hope.

“Fire everything we got!” Krawiec looked outside as a MoB Fury battleship headed towards them.

The remaining operational turrets swivelled to aim at the incoming ship and fired. Streams of torpedoes and projectiles flew towards the heavily armed battleship, but it continued forward as its hull rammed through the projectiles like it was nothing. Suddenly, four streams of laser beams hit the front of the Fury as an Apocrypha flew towards it over the bridge.

“Need a hand?” Chase sent a transmission as he piloted the stolen cruiser.

“Thanks man!” Krawiec watched as the Fury's shields get taken out and then got sliced in half with the kinetic drivers rounds.

* * *

Charlie watched as his ship flew towards the MoB fleet cluster with the two Destiny corvettes beside him. In the centre of the cluster was Deividas' flagship guarded by fleets of Venoms and Revelations.

“We kill the head, we can win this.” Charlie sent a transmission to Vorzer's ship.

“Heading my way Charlie.” Vorzer replied as he flew above Charlie's ship.

“Hey buddy, I think you are going to need a hand.” Chase flew his ship into formation.

“You missed me mate?” Tarbuck piloted his battle-damaged cruiser beside Charlie.

“At least I didn't miss the fireworks.” Wicker strafed his Nighthawk over into the block formation.

Charlie looked at the NB bases being peppered by the enemy ships and noticed Moxness, Paul, Owens, and some others holding a defensive line as other ships formed up.

 “The Myrmidons are here to fight alongside our brothers and to honour Tassos' sacrifice.” Dimitris interrupted with a transmission as two fleets of Revelation cruisers flew from the outer planets to join the cluster of ships.

VC Chapter 34-The Enemy's Enemy

Sector 1200

Planet 1201

January 26, 2052

Charlie walked down the vacant corridor beside Rumblelow as they headed towards the ship bay. Inside the bay were three Destiny corvettes in new coats of dark blue paint and an Apocrypha in repairs from the earlier battles.

“Those three ships are yours to command. More rebels you take down, the more you are rewarded.” Rumblelow pointed.

“The weapons?” Charlie tried to locate the weapons.

“All loaded with thermal beams and decent rear thrusters.” Rumblelow chuckled.

Charlie caught a glimpse of Parks standing in the command bridge watching him while Rumblelow was giving him the briefing.

“Vorzer's fleet is outside and waiting to escort you back to where you come from.” Rumblelow pointed at the distant ships beside the base.

“Thank you for your hospitality.” Charlie offered his hand.

“Well, thank you for taking the offer.” Rumblelow shook his hand.

Charlie turned his head to look at Parks one last time before he walked up the ramp into a corvette. Parks watched him with her arms crossed and smiled as Charlie gave an informal salute.

Charlie walked into the bridge of the ship and noticed it to be very similar to the Apocrypha layout.

“Vorzer is hailing us on communications.” the communications officer reported.

“Put him through.” Charlie replied.

“Charlie, don't you want to go home? I don't have all day.” Vorzer crossed his arms.

“Yeah...yeah. I'm new to the ship okay?” Charlie waved at the officers.

The three corvettes lifted off the ground and flew out of the bay towards a group of three Apocrypha cruisers orbiting the planet. The ships quickly joined formation and headed out to open space. Space began to warp around the ships as they began to make the jump to another sector.

“Coming out of warp now.” the officer alerted Charlie as he sat in the command chair wondering how he would explain this VEGA alliance he had negotiated.

The blue cloudy space surrounding the ships began to fade as the ship exited warp. The corvette flew into a large piece of debris and shook the ship sideways.

“Impact! Shields still holding” an officer reported.

“What the hell is going on?” Charlie looked out the window to see lots of debris floating in space.

The fleet of VEGA ships had jumped right into dead centre of a massive space battle. Revelation cruisers flew past them and fired at NB Bandit’s base while some Talons deployed to attack the invaders.

“Those are the Megalomaniacs!” an officer caught a glimpse of names on the Revelation cruisers.

“I thought they were the good guys?” Charlie watched as a MoB Fury battleship annihilated a base.

“No, they aren't. They are enemy to the corporation.” the officer replied as he watched Vorzer's fleet beginning to fire up its thermal beam weapons at the MoB ships.

 “More fleets incoming! These ships have MYRM markings on them. Who the hell are these guys?” an officer looked at the ship scanners looking dazzled.

VC Chapter 33-The Offer

Sector 1200

Planet 1201

January 25, 2052

Charlie looked at the fat man sitting in front of him as he explained that the VEGA corporation had traced the location of NB via the tracking beacon on the stolen Apocrypha. He was certain that the cards he had been dealt was not in his favour especially when Rumblelow told him that he had an armada designed to take out rebel forces.

“What do you think? Ally with the corporation and take out the scums.” Rumblelow chuckled.

“For the last time, NB is not a clan, but a community. We do not have the military firepower to go against these rebel groups.” Charlie explained.

“Then why attack us and steal a ship?” Rumblelow scoffed.

“To even the odds so we don't get wiped out from existence.” Charlie sighed in frustration.

Charlie watched as Parks and Vorzer stood outside listening attentively as he was being interrogated by Rumblelow. He was certain if he declined the offer, the VEGA corporation will send his armada to strike into the heart of NB destroying everything he worked for.

“I'll accept the offer, but we need more ships to fight.” Charlie weighed the risks.

“The corporation will supply you Destiny corvettes, a smaller version of the Apocrypha. Prove yourselves to us and we will supply you bigger and meaner ships.” Rumblelow waved Vorzer over.

“Yes sir?” Vorzer walked up.

“You will be watching the NB and reporting their performances back to me.” Rumblelow pointed.

“Permission to speak freely sir?” Parks intruded.

“Go on.” Rumblelow crossed his arms.

“I would like to volunteer on this assignment.” Parks stepped forward.

“No, you have a conflict of interest.” Rumblelow looked at Charlie and then back at her.

“Vorzer...” Parks muttered under her breath as she saw Vorzer smile slyly.

“That will be all. Charlie is to be sent back to NB tomorrow morning.” Rumblelow stood up from his chair and walked to the door.

Charlie watched as Vorzer and Rumblelow walked off to discuss further details of the mission as Parks stood at the doorway.

“Don't worry. I'll be fine.” Charlie walked to the bed to lie down.

“Oh I'm sure. Vorzer is just so hot-headed at times and loves a good fight when he sees the opportunity.” Parks pulled a chair over and sat down.

“You know what I don't understand Sarah?” Charlie suddenly got up and looked at her.

“What?” Parks replied softly.

“Everything I did was for you. I waited years for you...years!” Charlie cried out loud.

“I know...don't make me feel bad.” Parks looked at her feet.

“One would think that after all the time of no contact, I would move on and give up. But they are wrong.” Charlie reached under his shirt to to grab his military tags and a small locket.

He pulled the locket from his neck and put it into her hands. Parks opened it and saw a picture of herself taken before the Earth incident. The colour was slightly faded due to aging, but the outline was still clear.

 “I've always kept you close to my heart.” Charlie walked up beside her and kissed her cheek.

VCNBA Concept Art 1

Vega Conflict Northern Base Adventures Chapter 8 Concept Art 1
*Exclusive on Memoirs of Zyrok*

VC Chapter 32-The Vice President

Sector 1200

Planet 1201

January 25, 2052

“This is your place for now.” Parks grabbed a bundle of blankets as she showed Charlie a small room with a bed.

“Sarah, I know we haven't seen each other for a while, but I must return to my people.” Charlie expressed his gratitude as Parks placed the blankets on the bed.

“That is beyond my control now. VP Rumblelow will be seeing you shortly. I'm just trying to make your stay pleasant compared to the other captives.” Parks walked to the door.

Vorzer stood at the doorway with his arms crossed displaying a cool composure as Parks stood beside him.

“Rumblelow will be here in thirty minutes.” Vorzer chimed in.

“I'm not going anywhere.” Charlie looked at his room and sat on his bed.

Parks hit an access panel and the door slid shut as two soldiers walked over to stand guard. Vorzer and Parks walked down the corridor and towards the mess hall. The walk was silent when Vorzer stopped in his tracks and looked at Parks.

“Ok, it's been bugging me now. Who is this Charlie Chu?” Vorzer eyed intently.

“A guy I used to know back on Earth.” Parks replied.

“Should I be concerned?” Vorzer raised his eyebrow.

“No. No you should not. Wait...wait...are you intimidated by him?” Parks laughed lightly.

“Of course not. I can beat his ass anytime.” Vorzer cracked his knuckles.

“Macho man huh.” Parks shook her head and continued to walk.

The two officers entered the mess hall and saw a couple of officers and soldiers drinking beer and socializing.

“Oh, look at that chick! I'll get some of that.” a young Lieutenant Commander whispered to his buddies.

“What did you say punk?” Vorzer overheard the conversation and pushed the young man away from his friends.

“Nothing Commander...Vorzer.” the man replied with a small grin as he took a sip of his drink.

“Good.” Vorzer shoved the man out of his way.

“What a dick.” the man muttered under his breath.

Vorzer was waiting for the man to insult him to give him reason to smack him around. He quickly turned and threw a punch to the man's jaw. The man collapsed to the ground passed out and was going to get another pummel when Parks grabbed his arm.

“Vorzer, don't.” Parks replied as she saw a chubby middle-aged Caucasian man with decorated medals standing at the door accompanied by four Captains.

“Vice President Rumblelow on deck!” one Captain announced.

Vorzer and the remaining soldiers jumped to attention staring blindly forward as Rumblelow made his appearance in the room.

“Where is this Charlie of NB?” Rumblelow spoke in a deep voice as he looked at Parks with hands behind his back.

“Detention cell block two, sir.” Parks replied.

 “Take me to him at once.” Rumblelow demanded.