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.