VC2 Chapter 30-Galactic Gangsters

Galactic Gangsters

Sector 2400

Planet 2420

November 28, 2052

Jake piloted his ship towards a tightly guarded base next to a blue planet.

“You are entering Galactic Gangsters airspace. Prepare to die.” a soldier transmitted.

“Tell my old friend Cyber Joel that Jake is here to see him. We were friends during MOB.” Jake transmitted back.

“Standby and shut off your engines. We will summon Lord Cyber Joel.” the soldier ordered.

“Understood.” Jake nodded and switched off his engines as he watched three Revelation cruisers lift off from the base and fly towards him.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of meeting you here?” a masked man dressed in a black tunic and red trim and red cape appeared on the screen.

“Joel. I'm joining you guys. CMD sacked me for something stupid. I figured I find my old pals back from the old days.” Jake smiled hoping it would work in his favour.

“Interesting...come to my base. Let us talk...business.” Joel flashed a smile and then shut off his comms.

* * *

“For the last time, we need to be making cost-efficient venoms.” Antonopoulos explained his blueprints to Wicker.

Wicker studied the blueprints and scratched his head.

“I don't know man... They look like weak.” Wicker flipped through the pages.

“And cheap and heavy hitting.” Antonopoulos pointed at the phased projectiles add-on.

“On stock speed engines? That's a sitting duck.” Wicker debated.

“In a fleet of six, you can cover your blinds much easier. Think about it man, a battleship is like a battle station. Charlie and I discussed about it before, but we never got to actually test the ideas out.” Antonopoulos explained as he grabbed a pen beside him and started drawing.

“Go on...” Wicker rubbed his chin as Antonopoulos continued to draw the firing arcs.

“Look, it will work!” Antonopoulos pointed at the overlapping firing arcs.

“And a waste of time and money if it's not what you hoped it to be.” Wicker reasoned.

“I know we are low on finances after the war with CMD. But this could be the cannon fodder for our larger ships. We can keep bigger ships alive man!” Antonopoulos replied enthusiastically.

“Alright, alright. What do you need?” Wicker gave up.

“Give me six of your venoms. I will get my team to refit them based on these blueprints. That way it will save me time constructing the venoms from scratch.” Antonopoulos pointed at Wicker's fleet in the ship bay.

“Sure, it's not like I use Venoms a lot lately. How much time do you need?” Wickers shrugged at the thought of giving away his ships for free.

 “Six days man. Then I will show you my tests.” Antonopoulos thanked Wicker and rolled up his blueprints and left.

VC2 Chapter 29-The Council

Sector 2200

Planet 2215

November 25, 2052

Jake sat on his bed inside his new ship quarters contemplating his battle loss. He was sure that he had won initially, but somehow lost in the end. Perhaps he didn't expect the NB forces to become suicidal with their ships.

“Sir, the council has requested your presence.” an officer knocked on Jake's door.

“Tell them not now.” Jake waved him off.

“They said now. They are waiting on comms two.” the officer replied.

“Leave.” Jake walked to his desk and activated the communications.

The officer nodded and hurried off leaving Jake alone with a panel of officers hidden in the shadows.

“Jake Cornthwaite.” the centre figure spoke in a feminine voice.

“Yes madam?” Jake crossed his arms.

“Your stunning defeat has rippled through the ranks of CMD. It is unacceptable.” the female spoke.

“I had them. I didn't know they were going to kamikaze our fleets.” Jake replied in protest.

“Unacceptable!” another figure spoke in a deep booming voice.

“They had help.” Jake quickly responded.

“And your ships outnumbered theirs. That is no excuse.” the female spoke.

“What do you want? I did so much for CMD and one battle loss you lose it?” Jake angrily responded.

“Doesn't matter. The council has made its decision.” the female spoke.

“What? You going to kick me out now? Good luck finding a replacement.” Jake cursed.

“You are hereby relieved of command and removed from any affiliation from CMD.” the female pointed at Jake.

“Whatever, I'm done with you guys.” Jake smashed his desk shutting the comms.

Jake sat on his chair and realized that two soldiers stood at the doorway with their weapons aimed.

“Come on...really?” Jake held his hands up in frustration.

“Council's order Jake. Pack your stuff and get ready to go.” the soldier waved his gun.

“Go where? I have no ship.” Jake stood up and grabbed his bags underneath his bed.

“The Council has provided you a Harrier frigate for your own journeys as a parting gift.” the soldier replied.

“A Harrier? The cheapest ship as a gift after all that I've done for CMD?” Jake shook his head in disbelief as he stuffed some personal items from his desk into his bag.

“It could have been worse.” the other soldier suggested.

“Hurry up. We haven't got all day.” the soldier nudged Jake with his gun.

 “Alright, alright off we go.” Jake slung the bag over his shoulder and took one last glance at his quarters before being escorted to his ship.

VC Chapter 28-Vice Admiral Owens

Sector 2100

Planet 2103

November 22, 2052

A large group of soldiers both NB and EH stood together in harmony as Tarbuck walked to the stage where a closed casket was laid by flowers and wreathes in a ship dock.

“Let us not forget Vice Admiral Stewart Owens of NB for his sacrifice so that we could all alive right now.” Tarbuck spoke solemnly.

Tarbuck looked down at the podium and then at the casket.

“Although we never recovered his body in the debris field. His soul and spirit lives on in space. It would have been what he wanted. A true NB expeditionary pioneer. A founding father of the NB community.” Tarbuck gazed into the space above him.

Captain Wicker walked over the casket holding a ceremonial wreath and laid it down beside the casket.

“Rest in peace buddy.” Wicker spoke softly.

Captain Antonopoulos was next in line to present his wreath for Owens followed by Captain McClelland.

“I know I don't speak much, but I will say this. Thank you old friend. I will not forget you.” Antonopoulos laid his wreath beside Wicker's.

“Oh Owens, we need more heroes like you. I know what Charlie would have said if he was here. You and him are much alike. You will be missed.” McClelland sighed.

One by one, officers from NB and EH paid their respects to Owens and Tarbuck concluded the ceremony with a 21 gun salute.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Friends and allies. We must not give in to our fears. We must be bold and strong. We must have faith in one another and stay united. United as one! Today we will rebuild what we have lost.” Tarbuck spoke his words of encouragement.

A Talon frigate flew into the dock carrying a huge chunk of ship debris and dropping it behind Tarbuck.

“That was Owens' ship. We will use that metal and rebuild the same ship Owens had. Let it remind us that his sacrifice continues to inspire us. Continues to shape us. And continues to strengthen us.” Tarbuck pointed at the debris.

The crowd cheered and clapped with renewed hope and energy. Tarbuck knew he had to carry the weight of NB for the time being. He waved to the crowd acknowledging their response.

“Today...” Tarbuck tried to speak over the cheering.

“Shhhh....” the crowd quietly settled.

“Today NB is making its mark in history. That we are a force to be trifled with. We will not go down easy.” Tarbuck pointed his finger at the crowd.

 “Today is a stronger and better NB!” Tarbuck shouted from his podium.

Northern Base Adventures: Polaki Sundown NB Helios Logbook

View Parts 1-10 on Youtube now!

Watch Now: Northern Base Adventures: Polaki Sundown NB Helios Logbook

VC2 Chapter 27-Turn of the Tide

Sector 2100

Planet 2103

November 21, 2052

Jake sat in his command chair as he watched the ragtag fleets approach his outer ships defending his main ship.

“Are you serious? Anyone seeing this?” Jake laughed hysterically and clapped his hands as NB and EH ships blew into pieces.

“Sir we are doing exceptionally well holding our ground.” an officer commended Jake.

“No duh. I know what I'm doing.” Jake waved him off.

“Incoming cruiser at high speed. Collision imminent!” an officer alert Jake as he was still busy celebrating his success.

Out of nowhere in front of him, a fiery Revelation cruiser smashed through a venom battleship and continued its course towards Jake's ship at high speeds.

“Concentrate all fire at the incoming cruiser!” Jake pointed as his smile suddenly disappeared when he realized it was Owens' ship.

A steady stream of lasers peppered Owen's cruiser shredding the forward hull, but it was not slowing the massive hunk of metal flying towards them.

“Evasive manoeuvres!” Jake strapped to his command seat and grabbed for the controls.

“If I'm going down, you are going down with me!” Owens broadcasted on the comms.

“Shit....” Jake tilted his ship left, but was too late.

Owens' ship smashed into Jake's ships creating a massive shockwave rippling through the hull. Massive chunks of debris lodged into Jake's cruiser creating significant hull damages. Owens' ship was nothing but a huge piece of metal floating in the space while Jake's ship was rapidly losing its hull integrity by the vacuum of space.

“Sir! We need to evac now!” an officer lying on the ground shouted as he stood to his feet.

Jake unbuckled from his seat and realized that the NB and EH fleets had broke through his defences ramming their ships with his in an all out display of courage and bravery exemplified by Owens.

“Get a ship over here to pick me up. We are leaving now!” Jake shouted as he dashed towards the escape pods.

Jake rushed into the escape pod and notified the pilot waiting inside.

“Sir?” the pilot asked.

Jake looked at the NB ships getting closer.

“We're going now!” Jake bit his lip in anger at the loss of his ship and fleet.

“What about the others?” the pilot asked as other officers ran towards their pod.

“We're out of time. Launch!” Jake hit the button to the escape pod and shut the access door.

“Yes sir.” the pilot nodded regretfully and launched the pod into space where a CMD Talon frigate was waiting to pick them up.

 The Talon frigate latched onto the escape pod and warped into space leaving the remaining battered CMD ships on their own.

The Last White Knight (A Poem)

The Last White Knight

By Charlie Chu

When they first met, there was a spark,

Something long forgotten inside his heart.

A feeling of thrill and tranquility,

A hopeful chase a possibility.

In that moment he looks to the past,

The feeling he was longing at last.

For battles never won in time,

A white knight appears covered in grime.

For years he have faltered,

Hoping his life would be altered.

To lay down his sword and armour,

To uphold his oath and not harm her.

For chivalry and for goodness to fight against evil,

It would have worked if it'd been medieval.

Despite the impossible odds, he mustered his courage,

To continue his oath despite ongoing discourage.

For a knight in this present time,

Had already long lost his prime.

Beneath the armour was a complex man,

A complex man with an intricate plan.

A plan to win her heart and fill his soul,

A hollow chest with a big black hole.

To be at peace and fulfill his dream,

To be together as a team.

So the chase began and the knight moved on,

Giving her a surprise at the arrival of dawn.

The surprise failed, but he was ready,

For he had a backup planned already.

Steady and unfaltering he held to his oath,

Understanding the needs for a growth.

Like watering a plant and watching it grow,

A relationship is just like that as one should know.

For days and for nights he tried to woo her,

Abiding by codes as they were.

The long lost code of chivalry,

Has become turned into infamy.

Tainted by society and other dark knights,

For he is the few dressed in whites.

For the others are gone or switched to black,

Those who walk this path almost never turn back.

Since it's a simple victory to win the hand,

The chivalrous knights began to disband.

On the battlefield of hearts,

A battle of martial arts.

He became injured and began to bleed.

Unaware of what's going to lead.

For he had never bled in a while,

He was worried and faked his smile.

Knowing the symbolism behind his injury.

The following scenes played out like scenery.

On the rainy night at her door.

He gazed at her with much adore.

She was dressed in black clothes,

He gave her a hug and there she froze.

As the rain drizzled on the knight's light armour,

He realized he could no longer charm her.

For another man has expressed his interest in her,

The knight's vision began to blur.

For he had followed the code,

A code that had grew too old.

As this was not of her pace,

Being in the slow chase.

I'm sorry about this she said.

And then he felt dead.

The hole in his chest became bigger,

As he asked what was the trigger.

She explained that he wasn't aggressive in his pursue,

Whatever we had no longer grew.

The silence of the rain,

Complements his pain.

Not only as he bled in battle physically,

He has begun to bleed emotionally.

Hoping it to be all a dream,

In his mind he began to scream.

A scream of pain and defeat,

As he pictured himself on his feet.

I have failed you and myself he told her.

A new wound he was had to incur.

To mark the failure of the gentlemen's code,

He turned around and hit the road.

The road that leads to the dark calls to him,

As his chances in the light are none to slim.

He looks worn out and battered,

The easy way out has him flattered.

For he is the last honourable white knight,

He grabs his sword and heads for the light.

As it is in his blood to never turn dark,

Awaiting for a re-spark.

VC2 Chapter 26-Endless Odds

Sector 2100

Planet 2103

November 21, 2052

Owens piloted his cruiser towards Jake's armada of heavy armed ships. He knew it was going to be going to be suicide, but he knew the cause was worth fighting for. NB was a symbol of freedom and civilization known to the galaxies. If it gave in to tyranny, it would have lost the reputation Charlie had began.

“I'm with you till the end Vice Admiral.” McClelland broadcasted as he navigated his fiery Revelation cruiser and his remaining fleet beside his.

“I think you are forgetting about me.” Tarbuck piloted his battered ship into the ship cluster.

“Let's give them hell!” Owens fired his weapons at the nearest hostile.

“They are swarming me. I need help!” Stein broadcasted from his position where he was getting overwhelmed by Nighthawk frigates.

“Stein, you have to hold out on your own. We must continue with our push to kill Jake to win the war.” Tarbuck replied as he watched a nearby allied ship explode beside him as they pushed closer towards Jake's command ship.

“Screw this shit. I'm done. If you guys can't have my back, I won't have yours.” Steins replied in frustration as his ship got peppered by lasers.

“Stein, it's not like that...” Owens replied as he watched Stein's ship begin to warp.

“I'm done with NB. Good luck with your battles.” Stein transmitted and warped his fiery ship out of the battle.

“God damn cowards.” Owens slammed his fist on his console.

“We're still here Owens. We will not stray away like Stein did.” Watts interrupted.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Owens watched as the space began Jake's ship opening up warp.

“Incoming enemy reinforcements!” an officer alerted Owens.

“It's a fricking ambush!” Wickers watched as hundreds of Fury battleships appear out of the warp.

“I have you exactly where I want.” Jake broadcasted on all the open channels.

“Ahhh hell. Fall back everyone.” Owens watch as the ships in front of him exploded as the Fury battleships unleashed a steady stream of fire.

“Sir, fleets two to five are down!” the communications officer shouted.

“I'm down to my last ship!” another officer hollered from his station.

Owens bit his lip as he watched in slow motion as nearby allied ship get taken down one by one. He knew he had lost control of this sector and will lose NB and EH if they continued on with this fight.

“Tarbuck and Watts. I want you to evacuate all personnel, ships, and bases off this sector. Initiate relocation protocols now!” Owens stood up form his command chair and looked at the crew in his bridge.

“I'm going to buy enough time for our allies and friends to get out safely. You can use the escape pods and evacuate now and I won't hold it against you.” Owens looked at the his crew.

“We're not going sir.” the crew responded in unison acknowledging their fate.

“Come on Owens, what are you doing?” Tarbuck watched as Owens ship continuing fire and charging forward into the enemy fleet.

 “I'm doing what is necessary...for all of us.” Owens replied.