VC2 Chapter 25-Battle of Attrition

Sector 2100

Planet 2103

November 21, 2052

“Gentlemen, this is the battle of attrition.” the speaker sounded in the halls outside the medical hall were Charlie was rested.

Two soldiers stood guard outside and watched as Owens walked down the hall with some soldiers behind him.

“We're going to need everyone we got. I want you two to come with me.” Owens pointed at them as he walked past them.

“What about guarding Charlie?” one soldier question.

“We have bigger issues now. We have to defend our homes and values.” Owens stormed off.

The two soldiers looked at each other and then at Charlie.

“Let's go.” one solider said as he turned to look at the distant space battles.

The two soldiers quickly hurried after Owens upon realization of the current situation. Owens continued down the halls mustering what ever forces he can rally for the final offensive push.

“This is the battle of attrition. All forces must go into combat.” the speaker continued to broadcast.

Owens lead a small team of soldiers to the ship bay and pointed at the remaining ships.

“Get on a ship and go kill some bastards!” Owens pointed a several Revelation cruisers docked at their ports.

Owens put on his battle helmet and rushed towards the bridge of his ship.

“Sir, all available units are launched. We have no more extra troops.” an officer greeted Owens as he entered the bridge.

“Then let's give them hell.” Owens sat in his command chair and turned on his ships engines.

Owen's ship smashed into an enemy Nighthawk and destroyed it with some minor scratches to paint. It fired its thermal beams at a nearby Venom and made quick work of its shields before an allied cruiser fired a barrage of scatter missiles obliterating it.

“Battle projections indicate us winning.” an officer alerted Owens of his findings.

“Good, press on!” Owens looked in the distance for Jake's command ship.

“Sir?” an officer asked Owens unsure of his motives.

“Target Jake's ship. We kill him...we just might end the battle early and head home to rest.” Owens pointed a Revelation cruiser surrounded by ten more cruisers.

“That's straight up suicide.” an officer expressed his concerns.

“We all have to make necessary sacrifices in battles. Just like Charlie did...” Owens responded thinking of Charlie.

“Aye aye sir! Let's kill them all!” the officer nodded and shouted with renewed motivation.

“You heard the man, let's do it.” an officer aboard another ship transmitted their support for Owens.

“Ready when you are. White Tiger standing by.” Watts moved his fleet beside Owens.

“Charge!” Owens shouted and pushed the thrusters to max.

VC2 Chapter 24-Elysium Hornets

Sector 2100

Planet 2103

November 21, 2052

A Caucasian middle-aged man with glasses sat in the command chair overlooking an armada of Revelation cruisers painted with “E-H” on their hulls. He brushed his dark hair and then activated his transmission.

“This is Admiral Simon Watts of Elysium Hornets...we have arrived.” the man transmitted.

Owens appeared on screen and looked quite worn out. In the background in Owen's base, there were explosions in the distance.

“Good to see you here Admiral Watts. CMD has already launched their attacks on us. We need all available hands. My forces are being depleted by the dozens.” Owens replied grimly.

“Understood Vice Admiral Owens. We're on our way and engage at once.” Watts nodded and turned off his transmission.

“Orders sir?” the communications officer at his station asked out loud.

“Deploy White Tiger squadrons two to five and commence attack. I want all of Black Tiger squadrons to deploy at NB Headquarters. Fortify and hold defensive.” Watts flipped some switches on his seat as he adjusted into battle mode.

“On it sir!” the officer nodded and began to relay commands.

A good chunk of the armada split apart and began heading towards the battle far way. Another chunk headed towards the NB planet where the main battle was ongoing.

“Move to engage hostiles.” Watts activated his ships engines and began to lead the remaining fleet of ships.

“Commander Dolan and his fleets have engaged enemy at planet 1601.” an officer reported.

“Commander Walton's fleet is under heavy attacks near 1602. Advise we send backup.” the communications officer reported.

“Alright, that's where we are headed. Ready all weapons!” Watts turned his ship and increase thrust.

Watt's cruiser sped forward at an amazing pace towards the battle near 1602. Hundreds of ships were in space firing at each other creating a spectacular display of lights. A CMD Fury battleship turned to its broadside weapons and fired a cluster of hex missiles.

“Hold on tight.” Watts sharply turned the ship left to avoid the incoming missiles.

The Revelation cruiser behind Watts was not agile enough and was splattered with tons of hex missiles leading to its demise.

“One cruiser is down.” an officer reported as the dead EH cruiser drifted in space.

“Break formation and cover each other's back.” Watts ordered as he turned his ships back towards the Fury.

The Fury turned and unleashed another barrage of missiles, but was easily avoided by Watt's quick reflexes.

“Fire all weapons!” Watts shouted as the Fury were in his ship's range.

Watt's cruiser fired a steady stream of scatter missiles towards the stationary battleship. The explosives seem have have minimal effect on the ship's shockwave shields.

“More hostiles incoming!” the radar officer alerted the crew as a three Revelation cruisers headed towards them.

VC2 Chapter 23-War Preparations

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

November 19, 2052

Tarbuck was seated in a roundtable full of NB senior officers. He looked agitated as Owens walked into the room and took his seat.

“I've called upon an emergency meeting to discuss the hostile actions CMD has brought to the neighbouring sectors.” Owens spoke cooly.

“Hostile? Mate, I'd use the word aggressive! Have you see the devastation firsthand?” Tarbuck interrupted angrily.

“I have...” Owens eyed Tarbuck sharply.

“Bloody hell! Well are we going to do something?” Tarbuck flustered.

“Let the man finish.” Wicker couldn't hold back his annoyance with the interrupts.

“Thank you.” Owens nodded at Wicker in appreciation.

Owens placed his datapad onto the table and linked up to the hologram projector. A hologram appeared on the counter of a base being attacked.

“They've annihilated over a dozen bases so far. It's only a matter of time they run out of targets and aim for us.” Owens watched as the base exploded.

“What about the Myrmidons?” Antonopoulos suggested.

“They are ready to fight.” Owens replied.

“I hate to bring the bearer of bad news...but have you guys seen their fleet? It's massive!” Stein interjected.

“I'm well aware of that. I know I'm not Charlie and not able to pull out new tricks like he does, but I do have a plan.” Owens tapped on his datapad.

“VEGA coming to help?” McClelland inquired as he rubbed his chin.

“This is not their fight so we're counting them out. Elysium Hornets will be joining our cause.” Owens projected another image.

“Elysium Hornet?” Tarbuck looked at the logo projection.

“Yes. They will come to assist if war breaks out upon NB.” Owens watched as the logo rotate clockwise.

“Question.” Wicker raised his hand.

“Shoot.” Owens responded as he disconnected his datapad.

“What are the chances they bring reinforcements?” Wicker folded his arms.

“Probable, but we have analyzed the possibilities. We should be able to do fine.” Owens answered.

Owens looked around the table for any more questions and then stood up.

 “Then it's settled. Get your fleets and defences ready. Dismissed.” Owens took his datapad and walked off.

VC2 Chapter 22-Core Militia Division

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

November 18, 2052

A young man who looked to be in his early twenties sat the the end of table gently loosening his collar as he was greeted by Owens.

“I'm Vice Admiral Owens...and you must be...?” Owens offered his hand.

“Jake. Jake Cornthwaite.” the man stood up and shook his hand.

Jake sat back down looking unamused at Owen's welcome.

“So, where's Charlie?” Jake said impatiently as he tapped his fingers along the rim of the table.

“You know him?” Owens grabbed a seat.

“Yes, we used to duel Nighthawks before. A good pilot like me.” Jake replied cockily.

“Ahh I see.” Owens nodded.

“So... where is he? He should be the one greeting me here first.” Jake looked at the open room.

“He's in a coma...” Owens stared uneasily being slightly offended by his remarks.

“Wait! What?” Jake shouted out in disbelief.

“It's a long story. I'm in charge of all operations. So what brings CMD here?” Owens asked.

Jake stood up from his seat and looked out of the window into space. The reflection on the window showed him smile a little and then he turned back to look at Owens.

“We'll be hitting nearby facilities for some fun and resources. We will be leaving NB alone and I hope you don't interfere for your sake.” Jake grinned mischievously.

“What is this nonsense?” Owens replied enraged.

“This is called insecting. Inter-Sector hitting. Plain and simple.” Jake replied cooly.

“This is a peaceful sector, why can't you go raid another sector? War is not good.” Owens hit his fist onto the table.

“Come on, don't be a sector cop. We're not fans of that.” Jake walked to the door.

“You think you can start shit here?” Owens threatened.

“Oh...we already have.” Jake winked and walked out.

* * *

Ten Revelation cruisers flew to a medium-sized mining facility stopped outside the combat turret defence ranges. Inside the bridge of a ship, a transmission was shown.

“Commanders, it's time to have some fun.” Jake transmitted.

“Engage the base!” the commander of the ship acknowledged and pointed forward.

The cruisers split into a line formation and began firing on the nearest mining modules. The defence turrets activated and began firing fast projectiles into the cruisers. Due to the sheer firepower of the combined cruisers, the turrets were being shredded into pieces by an array of lasers making quick work of the facility. In a matter of minutes, the entire facility was demolished and in ruins.

 “One down...who's next?” the commander looked at the next facility in view.

VC2 Chapter 21-Slow Days

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

November 18, 2052

Stein entered the Mess Hall and greeted Tarbuck who was taking a sip of cold beer.

“It's different with Charlie's absence.” Stein sat down beside the man.

“Yes it has. The mood here is not as lively as it used to be. We all worry about him.” Tarbuck pointed at the crowd of soldiers just standing about talking quietly to each other.

“Need a drink sir?” a solider attending to the bar offered Stein with a bottle.

“Sure, why not.” Stein took the cold beer into his hands and smiled.

“Let's make a toast.” Tarbuck wobbled as he stepped off his chair.

“To what?” Stein took a sip of the refreshing beverage.

“To Charlie! Of course!” Tarbuck shouted loudly unaware of his misdemeanour.

The crowds turned their head towards the Rear Admiral and raised their glasses.

“To Charlie.” the soldiers shouted in unison.

“To Charlie.” Stein raised his drink and clinked with Tarbuck's.

“Another one for me sir!” Tarbuck gulped his drink and slammed it on the table.

“I think you had one too many...” Stein sat Tarbuck down.

“Poor fellow woke up last night muttering about Sarah before going into a coma.” Tarbuck sighed and laid his head on the table.

“Come on, let's get you to your quarters.” Stein gently patted Tarbuck's back.

“Ahhhh, without Charlie handling diplomatic relations...things have been falling apart.” Tarbuck moaned and groaned as he got up slinging an arm around Stein.

“We'll talk about it next time. Let's worry about getting you sobered up.” Stein laughed lightly as Tarbuck walked into table.

As the pair slowly walked out of the Mess Hall, the alarms suddenly lit up and sounded off.

“Warning, new bases detected nearby! Warning, new bases detected nearby!” the alarm blared.

“Awww shit. My ears!” Tarbuck covered his ears in pain.

An officer rushed toward the two and saluted.

“Sir, initial reports that CMD is here.” the officer handed a slip of paper to Stein.

“Who the hell is CMD?” Tarbuck said groggily.

“Core Militia Division sir.” the officer replied without hesitation.

“Sounds like some noobs.” Tarbuck laughed lightheartedly.

“Officer, take the Admiral to his quarters to rest. I will take care of this.” Stein redirected Tarbuck's arm to the officer and glanced at the slip.

“Yes sir.” the officer nodded.

 “I'll get this to Owens at once.” Stein thanked and rushed off.

VC2 Chapter 20-Medical Bay

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

November 14, 2052

“This isn't how it's supposed to end.” Franklin stood next to a group of officers outside the medical bay watching as doctors operate on Charlie's body.

“This is the cost of war Lieutenant Franklin.” Tarbuck crossed his arms and sighed.

“He didn't ask for this. He never wanted to go find combat with this mission.” McClelland spoke out in defence.

“Then what? Even I wasn't notified of this black ops mission.” Owens watched as the doctors swapped a bag of blood to transfer.

“Are we allowed to speak of this?” Papagiannis looked at McClelland and then Owens.

“Poor kid went to find the girl of his dreams and you guys accuse him of picking a fight intentionally.” McClelland replied angrily.

“If I may say something here...” a middle-aged man with dark hair who had been quietly listening interrupted.

“Go on Captain Antonopoulos.” Owens looked at the man.

“If you knew Charlie well, that girl means a lot to him. He reminds me of my younger self.” Antonopoulos chuckled lightly.

“He still didn't deserve this.” Franklin spoke sadly.

“What did the docs say?” Tarbuck looked grim.

“He's in critical condition. The cryo pod actually made the difference between life and death. They were able to jumpstart his heart once we unlocked the pod. A lot of his organs were messed up by the crash.” Wicker looked at his datapad and reported.

“Is he able to pull through?” Owens expressed his concern.

“Doesn't say...chances are ...slim.” Wicker scrolled on his datapad.

“I believe in Charlie. I know he doesn't give up easy.” Antonopoulos looked at the doctors remove a foreign object out of Charlie's body.

“One can always have hope.” Papagiannis.

“There is nothing we can do here. We still have the stations to run.” Owens walked off.

One by one, the officers slowly exited the room until McClelland and Antonopoulos were left. McClelland look at Antonopoulos and nodded before leaving the man alone in the room.

 “Where are you Sarah...where are you?” Antonopoulos muttered to himself.

VC2 Chapter 19-Present Day

Sector 2300

Planet 2305

November 13, 2052

“Sir, our warp engines have overheated, we're being forced out of warp.” McClelland reported as he looked on his computer.

The Nighthawk violently exited warp space into an asteroid field. The ship slammed into an asteroid creating a spectacular display of fireworks sending debris and ship parts all over the space.

“Hull breach. Aft side, engines are shutting down.” an officer frantically typed on his computer.

“See that planet? We're going to land there with the remaining power.” Charlie pointed at the nearby luscious green planet.

Charlie steered the battered frigate clear of the asteroid field making sure he did not slow down or else they would not make the planet with such low speeds in the asteroid field.

“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.

                                                                        * * *

McClelland stared at the lifeless body of Charlie and zoned out into the crash debris in front of him. At the corner of his eye, he saw a section of the ship that was intact with three large capsules. One of the capsule glass case had been shattered, another was deformed by the crash, but one was fully intact.

“Get Charlie into that cryo pod now!” McClelland yelled as he dashed towards the capsule.

“But he's gone sir.” an officer grabbed an emergency fire pax and chopped off the tree impaling Charlie.

“Not fully. The brain is still alive for a few minutes. The cryo pod will put his brain into deep space hibernation just enough time for rescue. Do it now.” McClelland opened the capsule and keyed in some figures.

Two officers grabbed ahold of Charlie's arms and carried him to the capsule. McClelland inserted some needles into Charlie's arm and watched as the hibernation solution go into the body.

“Seal it up.” McClelland dashed to a nearby console for cryo sequence activation.

One officer buckled Charlie into the his place while the other monitored the flow of the hibernation solution. McClelland pushed a button on his console and watched as the glass door hiss shut.

“Is it going to work?” the officer watched as the capsule began to quickly freeze inside.

“We should be able to slow down the cell degeneration process. It's never been done before, but I sure hope to God that it works.” McClelland exhaled deeply and sat on the floor in exhaustion.

 “This is NB Rear Admiral Tarbuck, does anyone copy? Repeat, this is Rear Admiral Tarbuck, does anyone copy over?” a nearby computer fuzzed with static.

VC2 Chapter 18-Black Ops

Sector 2300

Planet 2315

November 12, 2052

“It's been two weeks sir and we have found no solid leads.” McClelland reported from the battle screen aboard Charlie's Nighthawk frigate.

“She's a drifter now bro. Or...what do we call it? Ah yes, a space pirate.” Papagiannis interrupted in the comms.

“You have something to say?” Charlie glared at Papagiannis.

Charlie swivelled around his command chair in annoyance when an officer approached him.

“Admiral, we have ships exiting warp ten seconds port side.” the officer alerted.

“Alright gentlemen, form up.” Charlie switched the battle screen.

Charlie's frigate flew in between Papagiannis' and McClelland's Nighthawk frigates and watched as the space left of them turned bright blue. Six Apocrypha cruisers with grey stripes exited warp and began to fire their hydra missiles.

“Contact! TFD!” Papagiannis shouted as the first wave of missiles splashed against his ship's shields.

“Break formation into kite formation. I want one by one by one strafing angle 30 degrees starboard. Do it now!” Charlie ordered as he began to turn his ship.

As the frigates began to turn away from the enemy cruisers, the mass drivers on the Nighthawk had already begun firing its penetrating rounds.

“Sir this is going to be hard kiting.” McClelland angled his ship and fired as he strafed his frigate away.

Charlie watched as one of his shots get dodged by the cruiser and shook his head in frustration. His weapons didn't have locking feature nor speed.

“Shall we call for reinforcements?” Papagiannis watched as his own round missed the enemy.

“No, we are black ops. We are dark.” Charlie immediately replied.

“I'm losing shields soon!” Papagiannis alerted.

“Warp out on my mark.” Charlie turned his ship away from the enemy cruisers in full speed.

“In three...two..” Charlie grabbed the throttle.

Suddenly a missile slammed into Charlie's engines and knocked the power out.

“I'm drifting!” Charlie jumped out of his seat.

“McClelland, we're ejecting pods. Pick us up now. Papagiannis, divert firepower now.” Charlie waved at his crew and pointed at the escape pods.

“Aye sir. I'll do my best.” Papagiannis watched as Charlie's frigate launched its escape pods.

He turned his ships forward and began to fire at the enemy cruisers while accelerating forward. McClelland quickly brought his frigate to the pods and hooked them into its cargo bay.

“My shields gone Charlie. I need to get out.” Papagiannis flew into the clear.

“Warp now.” Charlie exited his escape pod and rushed towards McClelland's bridge.

Papagiannis acknowledged the order and immediately warped out of the combat zone leaving McClelland's ship left.

“Officer on deck.” McClelland watched as Charlie entered the bridge.

“Let's get out of here.” Charlie commanded.

 “Chair's all yours sir.” McClelland got out of his chair and pointed.

VC2 Chapter 17-The Regulators

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

November 1, 2052

“Sir, I’m here to report that Commander Parks is no longer in the VEGA corporation.” a VEGA Captain spoke to Charlie on the hologram on his desk.

“What do you mean she’s no longer in the corporation?” Charlie crossed his arms and asked menacingly.

“She no longer works for us.” the Captain replied coolly.

“Do you know any reason?” Charlie looked suspicious.

“Not that I know of sir. All that the records indicated were that it was done on her own choice.” the Captain looked at his datapad.

“Ok thank you Captain.” Charlie frowned as he shut off the transmission.

Charlie grabbed the phone on his desk and dialed some numbers.

“Contact The Regulators. I want a team to do black ops.” Charlie spoke into the phone.

Charlie nodded as he paused to listen and typed on his computer.

“Yes, I’ll be authenticating this shortly. Standby for electronic submission.” Charlie looked at his computer and keyed in some letters.

* * *

As McClelland was walking down the corridor to the Mess Hall when his datapad on his belt beeped to alert him. He looked at it and smiled.

“Finally a mission to get out of this boring place.” McClelland thought to himself.

“You got it too?” Papagiannis walked past him as he also flashed his datapad.

“Same mission?” McClelland asked.

“Black Ops?” Papagiannis winked.

“See you at briefing room then.” McClelland walked off.

McClelland walked past the Mess Hall and glanced at Tarbuck talking to a group of people.

“Man it sucks that Captain Du Preez is gone.” a Sergeant spoke out loud.

“Well, he is and I don't expect him to be back.” Tarbuck replied.

“Admiral, had it been me in his place? I would've stayed with NB. Too many friends here.” the Sergeant patted his buddies.

“Aww shucks Sarge. You're such a liar.” a Corporal laughed.

“Sucking up to the Admiral now?” another Sergeant interrupted.

“Oh come on, it's only fair that I take the vacant spot as a Captain.” the Sergeant winked.

McClelland chuckled to himself as he listened to their conversation. He grabbed a bottle of water and left the room.

 “What's next after this Black Ops? Locate Du Preez the defector?” McClelland thought to himself.

VC2 Chapter 16-Debriefing

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

October 27, 2052

Charlie sat at his chair looking at a photo on the wall. The photo was a group of NB personnel huddled around a NB flag being painted at the space station. At the bottom of the frame was a plaque labelled “Birthplace of Northern Base”.

“So he left us?” Charlie turned his head to look at Admiral Tarbuck who was seated in front of his desk.

“Yes Charlie.” Tarbuck replied with a frown.

“And he didn't say when he was coming back?” Charlie turned to look at the photo where Du Preez was.

“Not that I know of. It could be weeks, months, or years...” Tarbuck shrugged as he stared at the photo with Charlie.

“Or...never...” Charlie stood up from his chair and looked outside his office into space.

“He was a good man.” Tarbuck look at Charlie's back.

“Yeah, it's unfortunate.” Charlie sighed.

“Well Charlie, we're family. We've been through so much since we began this to leave it all behind. There was no way I was going to leave you guys for what you've done for us.” Tarbuck stood up and placed a hand on Charlie's shoulder.

“Yes. Yes.” Charlie turned his head.

Charlie sat back down to his desk and looked at the photo frame on his desk.

“Please excuse me Tarbuck. I need a moment.” Charlie stared blankly.

“You got to do your thing?” Tarbuck winked.

“Huh? What...God no!” Charlie was caught off guard at Tarbuck's joke.

“Hahaha.” Tarbuck chuckled as he stood up.

“It's just that I haven't heard from Sarah ever since she left the base.” Charlie looked disappointed.

“She'll come around if she's the one. Besides, plenty of girls here and you just had to choose the hardest one.” Tarbuck reassured.

“If you only knew mate...if you only knew...” Charlie reminisced.

“Come to the mess hall and have a drink with us bud for old times' sake.” Tarbuck offered.

“I'll sit this one out.” Charlie grabbed the photo of Sarah and smiled.

“Suit yourself mate.” Tarbuck walked to the door.

Tarbuck paused at the doorframe and turned around to look at his friend. He had never seen him in that kind of state before. A state that made him lost and broken not because he missed someone, but rather because he was in love.

“Hey Charlie look, I'm here if you ever need me. Families take care of each other.” Tarbuck gave his sympathies.

“Thanks...” Charlie muttered quietly.

 Tarbuck nodded in acknowledgement and then closed the door as he walked out. Charlie continued to look at the photo of Sarah with a face of sadness. At the corner of his eye, a teardrop formed and trickled down his warm face as he began to sob.

VC2 Chapter 15-Forked Roads

Sector 2300

Planet 2313

October 24, 2052

“Captain Du Preez, you are a fine gentlemen with extensive battle records.” a tall man spoke out loud casting his shadow over the tired Captain sitting at a chair.

“What do you want space pirate?” Jurie replied back unintimidated.

“Look Captain, we save you and your Admiral here from the TFD. Can't you be thankful for that at least?” the man replied with annoyance.

“Where's Tarbuck?” Jurie turned his head to look around in the shadows.

“He's resting in our medical bay.” the man replied.

“How much coins are you looking for?” Du Preez stood up from his seat when two pirates appeared from the darkness and pointed their weapons at him.

“Please, we're all civilized men here. There's a reason I didn't lock you to that chair Du Preez.” the man waved off the pirates.

“Then what is it that you want?” Du Preez replied impatiently.

“I....want you to join us.” the man revealed his face as a bald middle-aged man with a devilish smile.

“Danny Kars?” Du Preez's jaw dropped.

“Of course my friend. Look at yourself pal, staying with your group is only going to get yourself killed with these puny NB ships.” Danny chuckled.

“NB has been good to me...” Du Preez replied.

“And it's time to move on. Don't you think?” Danny finished his sentence.

“Um....” Du Preez was unsure of what to respond.

“Look mate, Black Sails could use a man of your skills flying one of our superb spaceships. Just think about it for a second. Imagine...never losing a battle.” Danny waved his hand in the air and smiled at his own thought.

“I can't...I just can't leave them.” Du Preez replied.

“Think of it as a way to improve your combat skills when NB needs your help. Surely you want to help them out when they are at war? They could use the better ships and skills you could have potentially gained flying with us.” Danny nudged Du Preez as he grabbed a chair beside him and sat down.

“What about Admiral Tarbuck? What does he want?” Du Preez asked.

“That's his decision and his future to decide. I can fulfill your dream of becoming a better pilot.” Danny grinned.

“And if I say no or he say no?” Du Preez looked suspiciously.

“I will return the two of you back to NB, but this offer will expire unfortunately.” Danny stood up and looked at his watch.

Du Preez stared at his feet uncertain of which decision to make.

 “Hurry now. I don't have all day.” Danny walked out of the room.

VC2 Chapter 14-Marginal Escape

Sector 2300

Planet 2303

October 21, 2052

“Launch escape pods now.” Wicker flew his frigate beside the unstable Exodus cruiser.

“Sir, we're taking heavy...” an officer transmitted halfway before his Nighthawk exploded by the incoming fire.

“Captain Wicker, we've lost ship two and five now.” an officer alerted his commanding officer who was busy looking at the escape pods launching out of Stein's ship.

“Hurry man.” Stein transmitted as his escape pod flew aways his fiery ship.

“Lock on the pods and get out of here now.” Wicker watch another ship of his get pelted by projectiles.

Wicker's Nighthawk flew towards the pods in empty space and began to attach cables to pull into the ship when an explosion rocked its hull. A grey-striped Apocrypha had made its way past the small Nighthawk blockade and began firing scatter missiles.

“Shields at 50 sir!” an officer shouted from his station.

“Are the pods locked in place for warp?” Wicker gripped his seat as his ship shock.

“Yes Captain.” an officer aboard a nearby Nighthawk reported his visuals.

“Punch it!” Wicker ordered as he pushed the engines to warp.

Wicker's ship jumped out first beside two damaged Nighthawks also joining in on the warp. As the last frigate was about to jump to safety, the Apocrypha rammed itself into the Nighthawk splitting the hull in pieces denying its freedom.

“Where's ship four?” Wicker watched as one Nighthawk exit out of warp near the NB outpost.

“They didn't make it sir.” the officer aboard the other Nighthawk reported.

Stein made his way into the bridge and looked at the quiet crew. Three Revelation cruisers approached Wicker's fleet from the NB outpost and went into escort formation.

“This is Commodore Moxness bringing you guys home.” a muscular Caucasian man of some age appeared on the battle screen.

“Copy Commodore Moxness, we're heading home.” Wicker acknowledged.

“Debrief at HQ in twenty.” Moxness ended the transmission.

Wicker left his command seat and saw Stein standing next to the bridge entrance behind him.

“Hey.” Stein walked with a big grin on his face showing gratitude.

“He lost lots of his men.” Irene walked up behind Stein and whispered.

“Oh...oh...” Stein's grin faded as Wicker walked towards him.

“Good to see you Stein.” Wicker patted Stein's shoulder and walked out of the bridge.

“Uh...you too bud.” Stein stared blankly not knowing how to respond.

“It's been a rough day.” Irene sighed.

 “Yeah, no kidding.” Stein took a deep breath of relief.

VC2 Chapter 13-No Man Behind

Sector 2300

Planet 2303

October 21, 2052

Wicker sat in his command chair in his Nighthawk frigate as he waited for Johnson and Papagiannis' ships to arrive.

“Captain Wicker, we still haven't received contact from Tarbuck, Du Preez, or Stein. What should we do?” an officer informed his impatient commanding officer.

“You have got to be kidding me. TFD will be arriving any time now with reinforcements.” Wicker got off his chair to look at the incoming NB and VEGA ships.

“Captain Wicker, we have the blueprints and are ready to proceed to LZ Mike.” Johnson sent a transmission.

“Copy that Johnson.” Wicker replied back.

“Sir?” the officer reminded Wicker of his presence.

“Proceed to LZ Mike, let's hope that they are there.” Wicker barked and then went back to his seat.

“Aye aye sir.” the officer walked back to his station.

The fleet of ships steered away from the planet and headed towards deep space. Wicker led the group in a tight formation and shut off the ship's engines as they reached their checkpoint.

“Captain. What's going on?” Irene expressed her concerns.

“Half the team is missing.” Wicker stared blankly into the open space.

“Sir! We are detecting multiple warp signatures closing in on our vector.” an officer shouted as he looked at his computer.

“Friendlies?” Wicker pointed at a seat nearby for Irene to sit.

“Negative sir. That's not our guys.” the officer replied.

“Captain Wicker, we need to go now! TFD reinforcements are here.” Johnson broadcasted his concerns as the space began to warp a blue glow.

“Johnson and Papagiannis, go go go! Warp out now!” Wicker watched as more spots in space began glow blue.

Johnson and Papagiannis' ships began to warp out one by one leaving Wicker's frigate fleet still stationary in space.

“Sir, we have one Exodus cruiser with an NB tag flying toward us in serious condition.” an officer looked at his radar.

“Wicker, this is Stein. We have sustained heavy damage and can not warp. Wait for me man.” Stein's voice sounded on the communications.

“Shit shit shit.” Wicker pounded his chair as he watched Apocrypha cruisers with grey stripes warp out of space and the last ship from Johnson's fleet warp out.

“Hold on Stein. I'm going to get you buddy.” Wicker steered his frigate out of formation and towards the fiery Exodus cruiser.

“Shall we buy you time with the remaining ships?” an officer aboard another Nighthawk frigate sent a transmission.

“The mission is complete. You way warp out now and there will be no repercussions, but I'm not going to leave friends behind.” Wicker broadcasted to all his ships as he watched more and more Apocrypha cruisers jump into space.

“We leave no man behind Captain Wicker. We're with you.” the officer replied.

 “Got your six Captain.” another officer turned his ship to engage the enemy.

VCNBA Season 1 Front Cover Version 1.0

Northern Base Adventures Front Cover
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VCNBA Concept Art 2

Vega Conflict Northern Base Adventures Book Cover Concept Art 2
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