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.