"Crossfire Tales"

[Jasonian]

Iota Station
Ventilation Ducts access pathways
Time until EMP detonation: about 9 minutes


The three drone probes dashed along the third level access pathway, with the voice of hill command guiding them, “That’s right… now up ahead there should be a ladder. Take it three… no… two flights up, and then proceed in the opposite direction you were just heading.”

“Copy, hill command. How many more… levels until we are…at the governmental sector?” said Venus breathlessly.

“The lowest level of the sector is only three above you, but you want the one with the main council room. That is six more levels up. So you have 9 more to go, counting the two you are about to accent.”

“That’s… too far. I don’t think we can make it… before the bomb goes off.” Venus remarked. She had quickly scampered up the ladder and was dashing toward the next with her team members in close pursuit.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve gone up 4 levels in about two minutes. At this rate, you’ll make it there with a couple minutes to catch your breath. Ladder! You passed it Venus. Go back, and take that ladder up three floors, and then keep going in this direction.”

“Copy that… hill command. Up three.” Venus wheezed as she began to climb.


************


The probes panted as silently as they could. They were sitting right near the proper grating. Below them was the first of three security checkpoints. Between each of them was a long hallway that could be sealed if necessary. After that, the council rooms.

“Ok Venus. You guys should get in position now. We predict that when the algorithm is shut down, those hallways will seal soon after. Jump down on our mark and run for it. 15 seconds after we tell you to, the EMP will go off. Got that?”

“Understood hill command. We are in position. But how will be get through all this?”

“The first checkpoint should be too surprised to stop you. They’ll seal the hallway, but you’ll already be on the other side. You should arrive at #2 right when the blast goes off, so they won’t be able to stop you either. Checkpoint three might have recovered by the time you get there, so you’ll have to make this fast.”

“Got it. Awaiting jump time.”

“Ok…5-4-3-2-1… NOW!!”

As with every other entrance during this mission, the probes crashed down through the grating and found themselves before a checkpoint similar to the one they had passed through back in the tower. Luckily, the falling grating had stunned one of the guards, and the other was too surprised to move. The probes made a run under the arch and into the hallway.

“Wha… stop!… er… SEAL THE HALLWAY!!”

As expected, the guards began to seal the hallway. But the probes were already too far into it. They made a roll under the falling synthsteel door and quickly got up. Behind them, they heard the sounds of laser fire in the sealed hall.

“FREEZE!”

The guards at checkpoint two were all poised to blow the team away. The probes stopped, and the head guard approached them. That’s when a small beep emitted from Venus’s wrist. The Cyborgs all clutched their temples and fell to their knees in either agony or confusion. The probes didn’t ask which feeling was in their heads, and began to dash through the second hallway.

Hill command definitely knew the algorithm’s logic functions, because, as they had predicted, once again the synthsteel doors fell. This time, however, the probes were farther from the end of the hallway. The first probe rolled safely under, and Seline followed. But the door’s falling speed increased, and Venus was trapped on the other side.

“NOOOOooo….” Seline screamed. She pulled out her zapper and fired at the door. This time, they heard no laser fire, nor Venus’s death scream. She was still alive, although trapped.

“Seline!” yelled the other probe. “Help me get this thing open!”

“That won’t be possible.”

Both probes whipped around and saw a Cyborg in flowing teal robes, flanked by about a dozen Cyborg soldiers.

“Your weapons. Throw them down now. We know what you can do with them… that’s right. And throw your knives down too.” The probes sombrely obeyed.

“Good. That was logical of you. Now, tell me this: who are you?” Neither probe said a word. “Hmm… this is not logical of you. I can tell you this: we will not harm you if you answer us right now. And you can easily see that, with or without your weapons, there is no way that any of you could finish whatever you came here to do, or even leave this base alive. Now talk. Next time I ask, it will be in a punishment sphere.”

Seline softly said, “We are free drones.”

The leader nodded, “Better. We already knew this, of course. But you are telling the truth. I advise you to keep doing so. Next question: why did you disable The Algorithm Tower with your energy wave weapon?”

“We… we did that so we could get here. So we could take over this base.”

“You thought that you could somehow force me to transfer control of this base to your weak faction? Intriguing… foolish, but intriguing. Next question: why –“

At that moment the door behind the two probes opened, and a flurry of lasers fire came shooting out, killing the entire group of Cyborg soldiers. Venus, hill command, and the other 6 probes stood there, faces rigid, all pointing their lasers at the one in the teal robes.

“What… but HOW? Impossible!!”

Venus laughed, “You machines fail to understand the adaptively of the human brain. Now, I think you have to die, and we have a base to take over.” With that, she shot the teal robed Cyborg, which crumpled to the ground.

“Venus! How did you get the door open?! And where did the rest of the squad come from!?” Seline excitedly asked.

“Ask me again sometime. Right now, we have a base to seize!” The probes all passed through the final door and entered the control room.

“Ahh… victory! OK people, let’s go. Empath group, you need to ‘convince’ the leaders of the military forces here to join us. Hill command, get on the com and send this all back to Domai. I’ll work on some security codes. I want the AAA Chaos guns in the base operational from this room, and someone has to man the radar. Let’s go!”


************


Free Drone Central council chamber


“And that’s… pretty much all there is.” Jeffred concluded. The council just stared at him, wide-eyed.

At the same instant, the entire council unfroze. Everyone started hammering things into their computers, talking to the com officers in the room, making notes, scribbling plans, and the like.

“Attention! Attention please!!” Domai yelled above the clamour. The council members turned toward him. “Sheldon, get all the needlejet groups aboard the Cloudbase except for Falcon group. We will all meet there in one hour. One Hour! The Cloudbase leaves then, so don’t be late.”

The council members quickly dashed from the room to prepare for the journey to the occupied territory.

[Captain Kirk]

Spartan Territory
near the Borehole Cluster

Major Adrian Conway descended the slope from a small knoll he had been standing on. The angle of the slope combined with the weight of his armor was forcing him into a shuffle-run. He stopped at the bottom and waited for his troops to catch up to him. Spartan High Command had sent them to look for any abandoned University buildings.

"Come on guys hurry it up" he yelled. He started to look around. Didn't want the native life to catch them by suprise. He gripped his chaos rifle and moved forward. He kept moving. This area was a small valley that High Command thought was a good location for the University to put a research outpost.

"No native life yet Major" yelled on of his Corporals. He nodded. His infrared sensors were picking up only nominal heat signs. Including them and whatever heat the suns were producing. Finally he stopped. He activated the recording datapad he had been sent. The cartographers back at Sparta Command would want to know about this.

He took a step forward and felt a peculiar sensation. Almost as if a ghost had passed through him. He also heard a strange buzzing sound. Could be the insect life or Locusts of Chiron. He was about to reach for his flame gun when he heard a gasp from behind him. That was when he noticed it. A curtain of yellow energy was all around them.

"All right guys don't panick. It looks like those UoP nerds have found a way to cloak themselves. Colonel Santiago will be intrigued to hear about this. But for now keep your eyes, ears, and sensors open. And those Yoopers shouldn't catch us by suprise" said Conway. His troops nodded all grabbing their chaos rifles. They kept moving forward.

Expecting University soldiers to jump them at any moment. Than he noticed on the horizon a cluster of buildings. They were beer barrel in shape. Not like the University tower design.

"Sir this doesn't look like a Yooper outpost to me" said Private Sanchez. Conway nodded. He grabbed his farspecs and looked through them. He wondered why it looked like a base. Then he noticed a strange symbol on the side of one of the kegs. It looked like the German iron cross.

"Allright guys. It looks like this isn't the University after all. It could be another faction. An undiscovered faction. Keep your heads up and follow me" he said. Al of his soldiers nodded. After a while Conway noticed something coming towards them. He concentrated. Then he realized what it was.
It looked like a giant mechanical spider. And there were three of them. One of them ommitted a white flash. And an explosion shook the area.

"We're under attack" screamed one of his troops. Another explosion shook the area. Conway's MMI wnet off line. He staggered. They were out of range. To far way to shoot at. Then he was thrown forward. He looked around groggily. He blacked out.

- - - - - - - -

Colonel Corazon Santiago stood with Major-General Connor Nehm. Agents Shell and Donovan stood before them. After successfully downloading 100 energy credits form the Morganites they were being promoted to Commando status. Nehm who was the commander of Spartan Intelligence stepped forward. He shook both their hands.

"Well done gentlemen. You have made Spartan Intelligence proud" he said. Both men saluted and the Major stepped back. Than Santiago stepped forward. She had a grim look on her face.

"Gentlemen I have an assignment for you. This may be a difficult one. Our neighbor Provost Zakharov has signed a Pact of
Brotherhood with Brother Lal" se said. Both men nodded. She continued.

"I want you to find out exactly the reasons. Both factions are currently using Knowledge values. Though they claim to be researching for pure advancement of wisdom I believe otherwise. I want you gentlemen to find out wether they are collaberating on a covert weapons research program or not" she said. Both men nodded. She shook their hands and dismissed them.
[This message has been edited by Captain Kirk (edited January 08, 2000).]

[Cotroneo]

1200 hours
Construction Site: Data Angel Space Command, Secret Hollow

“Tell your people that they are doing a great job. I never knew we could produce this much infrastructure so quickly, without additional outside support.” Sinder said pleasantly to Spirit as they watched a couple dozen or so individuals working on the super structure of the soon to be Space Command building.

“Thank you, but our little secret weapon are those little guys over there, which were designed by Zebra’s technicians.” Spirit replied as he pointed to several robotic machines doing different tasks at the foundation of the building. “Those little guys do the dirty work, which lets our own people spend their time on the very tricky and delicate materials.”

“Excellent… I even hear Zebra likes the astrophysics laboratory you guys built for them. They started testing several isotopes and fuels for our launch system yesterday, which keeps us ahead of schedule by several weeks.” Sinder said, as they started to walk back to the command center.

“That’s good news Sinder, but we still have a very long rode ahead of us. But, with some luck and the fact that the sapper robots continue to bring up resources from the boreholes, we may accomplish this awesome task.” Spirit responded and took a drink from a water bottle he was carrying.

“Well if the Drones can do it, we certainly can.” Sinder laughingly replied as they neared the Command Center. The fact that the base was so small and compact, was a blessing in the fact that the different buildings were within a short walking distance. Sinder hated using the monorails of Data DeCentral and Morgan Industries to get where she wanted.

They both stopped when they saw Beetle, who was running towards them quickly, coming from the Command Center.

“Sinder!” Beetle said but stopped short as he regained his breath from the run.

“What’s wrong Beetle?” Sinder asked, as Spirit gave Beetle his water bottle, but was politely rejected.

“Virus… um… she… well… her beacon has gone blank. We were tracking her through a Peacekeeper GPS satellite, then all went blank. The beacon was directly corresponding to her heart and respiratory rate.” Beetle said rapidly, although it came out more like one large sentence.

“What do you mean blank, did the satellite go haywire? Perhaps they found out about our satellite tap and shut us out.” Sinder replied, although a bit confused.

“No… the satellite is working just fine… we double checked.”

“Perhaps the beacon on Virus’s body malfunctioned.” Spirit offered, although he had no probe experience and was unaware of the great reliability of beacon systems, originally developed by Morgan Industries.

“The beacon registered a quick increase in heart rate… then it dropped to zero.” Beetle said as he and Sinder lowered their heads in tribute of their old friend.

Spirit looked at his two new friends confused, still wondering why they didn’t believe that the beacon could be malfunctioning. It was ironic that Virus had been kicked out of the council by the election of Spirit, in place of her. Although, Sinder and Beetle didn’t hold it against him.

“Did you get any other information before her death?” Sinder asked to Beetle, but was disappointed at his declining nod.

“Everything was working as planned… I just don’t know how they could have caught her.” Beetle hated the feeling of not being able to save his friend.

“Do not dwell on it Beetle, we will lose many friends in our lives on this wasteland of a planet. We will also have our revenge in time, but we have a bigger problem now. Tomahawk is still out there with his precious information intact and theirs no way we can stop him from giving them our location.” Beetle and Spirit were stunned out how calm and unshakable Sinder was over her friend’s death, yet they understood that a leader must not let emotions take over. “Do we know the Peacekeeper’s headquarter comlink frequency?”

“Yes Sinder. What are you planning… your not going to give them our frequency are you?” Spirit replied a bit perplexed.

“I am not going to give our frequency away to anyone… Although I need to write a one-way message… I will explain latter.” Sinder finished and jogged off by herself towards the Command Center, leaving her two friends standing their baffled.

*********************************************

Sent to Comlink Frequency: 777Blue (Peacekeeper Command: Lal)
Error: No return Frequency

Subject Header: Retribution

My name is Sinder Roze…

You know I am out there… You also know that I am dangerous… Yet, you hunt my people and I…

You have taken a friend away from me… She will be missed and honored… Now, I will take a friend away from you…

If you continue to hunt me… you will also be nullified… as you have nullified my friend…

Knowledge is Power

End transmission

[Cotroneo]

1245 hours
Secret Hollow
Cloak Field Perimeter Patrol: Vega One

“Base Command come in… this is Vega One.”

Datajack Brain Soloman hated routine patrols, but the fact that he was the first individual to pilot the battle ogre in active defense duty made it worth while. Although testing was still being done, recent events in Data DeCentral has made the council feel that accelerating the program of incorporating the ogres into the active defense structure was well worth it.

“Go ahead Vega One.”

The cockpit of the battle ogre was filled with tons of computers and sensors to actually translate what Soloman was actually performing on the controls, into the Ogre’s original programming language. Only Zebra and his select few researchers/programmers could have translated the ogre’s computer language this quickly into a usable code. Although it stilled used 1’s and 0’s, in laymen terms, the different patterns and symbols were radically different.

“I got something on my sensors… several moving human forms approaching the outer field.” Soloman responded as he dried the sweat off his body from being in the machine for over an hour. Apparently, its original designers hadn’t designed their system around the human body’s perspiration system.

“Roger that Vega One, we see them on our scopes also. Don’t leave the field… hold your position and notify us if they continue there trajectory. We will notify the council.”

Its my luck that this happens on my patrol…

“Command, I have a problem… they have just stopped at the perimeter field… they may have realized that the field is actually there. Orders?” Soloman nerves strained as he his HUD zoomed to see a dozen or so soldiers standing just in front of the field.

“Council member Clark confirms that you have authority to attack if they penetrate the field… they must not report back to their support bases… we will start jamming them on all wave frequencies.”

Datajack Soloman flipped the protecting glass cover on top of the trigger up.

“Roger command… Authority to attack if penetration occurs Received.”

Soloman continued to watch the individuals from his zoomed in display, hoping that they wouldn’t be heroes and try to penetrate the field. But, his hopes were dashed when a large man put first his foot and latter his whole body through the field, giving him a full view of Secret Hollow, although from a distance.

“Command they have penetrated… Commencing engagement…”

Soloman put his pointer finger on the trigger… than pressed in, leaving his own innocence behind him. The drone of the reactor on the ogre became silent as a buzzing sound began to emit from the forward weapon systems.

His whole forward cockpit filled with white light, then regained its dimness as the first energy projectile reached its target.

*********************************************

1255 hours
Command Center, Secret Hollow
Sinder’s personal room

Sinder sat in her chair with her arms crossed on her desk. She had just finished her so-called retribution letter to Lal, and began to drift off in the memories of old times. But, to Sinder’s disliking she was brought back into reality as Clark, or Junior, ran into her room, without even knocking.

“Sinder, we got a problem… it’s the Spartans.”

People say that you can read a thousand words in a picture. Sinder’s face was a portrait of agony and frustration… always a problem to solve or a threat to defend from.

[dante^]

M.Y. 2235
Safe Haven, Nautilus Pirate Headquarters

Around the conference table, voices were raised in protest.

"A land base? This is ridiculous..."

"I do not believe this!"

"Captain, this is completely contrary to our beliefs. I urge you to reconsider your decision immediately."

Captain Ulrik Svensgaard raised both of his arms to silence the protests. "Calm yourselves, gentlemen. I had the same feelings as you did when Admiral Jenberg first suggested the idea of setting up a land base. However, all of you should listen to his explanation before we continue."

Admiral Karl Jenberg rose to his feet and cleared his throat. He entered a series of commands into the console in front of him and a massive 3-dimensional holo-projection of Planet appeared before everyone.

Jenberg gestured to the holo-projection as he spoke. "As all of you know, our faction only has three bases, all of which are located at sea. This is a great advantage to us due to our naval strength. In the event of an invasion, the enemy will have to face us on our own terms.

"However, we cannot just sit by idly while other factions consolidate their power on land. Our infiltrators have reported that hostility between other factions have increased greatly, and it is inevitable that we will be drawn into conflicts apart from the current vendetta on the Cybernetic Consciousness.

"Therefore, the importance of establishing a foothold on land cannot be ignored if we are to launch an effective offensive against hostile factions. The second reason for my proposal is that despite having obtained the plans for the construction of needlejets from the Cyborgs, our seabases are not suited to support a massive airforce due to the massive costs needed to construct landing strips or control towers on the water. Hence, in order for us to have a strong airforce, a land base will be required."

Admiral Jenberg nodded to Svensgaard and sat down at the table.

"You have heard Admiral Jenberg's reasons for proposing a land base, gentlemen. Does anyone have any opposition to his proposal now? Rear-Admiral Milstein?"

Rear-Admiral Daniel Milstein did not look like a military person at all. His slight figure and spectacles made him look as if he would be more comfortable in a library than on board a battleship. Despite his appearance, he had proved himself in many an occasion, and commanded a certain amount of respect among the senior officers among the Naval Corps.

"Captain Svensgaard, I have to remind you that we are a naval faction. If we decide to start building land bases all over Planet, will we not abandoning what we believe in? Our home is the sea, not on land, and we cannot allow ourselves to stoop to the level of the other factions, who bicker over whose territory belongs to who and start needless vendettas."

"Your worries are well-founded, Rear-Admiral Milstein. I assure you, we will not become a land-based faction. Our home is the sea, and will always be. The main reason for the construction of a land base is to support a viable airforce as well as ground troops which can be used to launch a counteroffensive against hostile factions from the air and land as well as by sea."

Svensgaard rose from his seat. "Due to the importance of this expedition, I will be leading the colonists module along with Admiral Jenberg. We believe that there is sufficent land near Mount Planet to set up a land base without infringing on Free Drone territories. This is a relative distance from our bases in the Sea of Mnesimache, but I do not see any major problems."

"Has Vice Admiral Rawlings returned yet?" Svensgaard turned to the Ensign seated to his left.

The Ensign glanced at the datapad in front of him. "I'm afraid not, Captain Svensgaard. Vice Admiral Rawlings' leave extends to the end of the week."

"Very well, Rear-Admiral Milstein, you will take charge of the Maritime Control Center until Vice Admiral Rawlings returns or until we return. That will be all. Dismissed."

****************

Alpha Prime, Cybernetic Consciousness Headquarters

Night was falling over Alpha Prime.

Phelan Ward put down the book he was reading. It was a theory on Fusion Power written by some Doctor Gamma Thinker or something like that. The book talked about how the tremedous energy used in bombs of enormous destructive power could be controlled and harnessed to create a clean, powerful and effective source of energy.

Phelan yawned. The book was extremely boring but it had the effect of keeping him busy for a couple of hours at least.

Inwardly, he was slightly unnerved at how quickly the Cyborgs were discovering new technology. He had read about plans of battleships and cruisers dated back to the time when the Nautilus Pirates were still using skimships.

Another part of him was relieved that the Cyborgs had not actually discovered the secret of Fusion Power yet. The theory was just that, a theory. If the Cyborgs did discover Fusion Power, it would mean better weapons, quicker and more durable vehicle chassises. If this did happen, the Cyborgs would surely win the war with the Free Drones and then go on to destroy the Pirates.

He sighed. Perhaps this was really what would happen. He would spend the rest of his days in Alpha Prime. He toyed with the idea of joining the Consciousness but dismissed that idea instantly. If he did that, he knew that he would become nothing more than a pawn controlled by the Algorithm.

The seemingly overconfidence of the Cyborgs
frightened him. He was allowed to read about the research the Cyborgs were working on, as well as watch the Cyborg infantry when they were training, even though he was a prisoner. It was like the Cyborgs were certain that he would never be able to leave Alpha Prime.

He had heard of trouble at one of the Cyborg bases called Iota Station. He had no idea what it was all about though. Military matters were one of the only things he was not allowed access to.

He prayed that it was the Pirates coming to save him, but deep in his heart, he knew that this was impossible, as was escape from the Cyborgs.

****************

Safe Haven, Naval Yard

Svensgaard watched from the deck of the Dreadnought as the massive colony module was loaded onto the Cruiser Transport. He became aware of someone behind him.

"Oh, hello, Thomas. Have you managed to
remember anything yet?"

Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde joined Svensgaard on the deck.

"I'm afraid not, Captain Svensgaard. I wish I could, but I really can't."

"Do not worry, my friend. Your memory will come back in time."

"I hope so. I really wish I could be accompanying you on this expedition, Captain."

Svensgaard smiled wryly. "I'm sure there'll be other opportunities in the future."

A shout from the Cruiser Transport signalled that the Colony module had been loaded with no problems.

Rear-Admiral de Bilde left the Dreadnought and walked down to the dock. He smiled broadly and waved as the Dreadnought and the rest of the escort for the Cruiser Transport began to move away from the Naval Yard.

The smile did not leave his face even long after the ships had disappeared far beyond the horizon.

[dante^]

AAA Chaos Cruiser Whiplash
The Sea of Unity
Near Free Drone Borders

Captain Kanejiro was bored. Patrols were never fun. Especially after Svensgaard had ordered that the raids on the ships belonging to the other factions be stopped.

Now, they had to avoid those fat Morganite transports whenever they came close. Kanejiro spat into the water in disgust.

"Hey Cap'n! Got a message coming in from The Maritime Control Center. You better come look at this!"

* * * Begin Transmission * * *

Transmission Codex: 00Z9845P
To: All Nautilus Pirate Ships
From: Vice Admiral Bernard Rawlings, Acting Commander, The Maritime Control Center

Captain Svensgaard has made the decision to revoke his previous orders. These orders are now issued through myself due to Captain Svensgaard being away on an expedition to set up a new base.

All Nautilus Pirate ships are now once again authorized to raid the transports belonging to the various other factions. The recovery of Alien Artifacts, as well as documents containing technology unknown to our faction
will be handsomely rewarded.

* * * End Transmission * * *

[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited January 10, 2000).]

[Raging Mouse]

Location: U.N. Court of Justice


Welles points down at the stains on the floor.

"This is where she died. Did you know her?"

Tomahawk is silent for a long time, neither denying or confirming. He seems to peer at the stains through half-closed eyes, rythmically clenching and unclenching his jaw. Meanwhile, Welles is silently informed from the technicians behind the false wall.

">He definitely knows the person who tried to assault him, sir. We got peaks on virtually every graph at the moment you first showed him her picture.<"

">Thanks, guys. What's he doing now?<"

">The readings are inconclusive, but I'll wager my career that he's adding a name to the mental file marked 'dead'. Also, he is doing some real furious thinking. Neurons flaring like fireworks. It's raising the temperature of his brain quite a lot, too.<"

Tomahawk looks up at Welles. "No, I can't remember ever seeing her."

He receives a dull look from Welles. "Was she someone close, mister Greenburg?"

(">Heyy, nice shot, major! He definitely doesn't like being caught lying!<")

Tomahawk gives Welles a dark look. "How did she get here? I thought this building's supposed to be impenetrable!"

'Bad move, sucker. I can use this topic against you as easily as the last one', Welles thinks. "I can guarantee you- no probe team we know of can reach you here."

Tomahawk is about to speak when his brain gives him a prediction on what the obvious retort will lead to. He hesitates, and is silent for a moment.

"What you mean is, you designed this building to specifically counter the modus operandi used by those probe-teams you are familiar with?"

"That's correct. And I must tell you, we have had live tests. Usually one or two infiltrators, with a handful of backup in the vicinity. But this woman came alone -with no backup we can trace. And she made it look easy."

Tomahawk simply nods, apparently deep in thought. Welles continues.

"We have dealt with probes from all the old factions, and she's not from one of them. The Free Drones have told us that all Cyborg citizens have implants of a certain kind -and this probe does -did- not have any. Most of the Free Drones still have barcode -ID's; nowadays it's almost a matter of pride. She didn't. And the Pirates simply aren't this sophisticated. So all that remains is that the Data-Angels still survive somewhere."

Tomahawk looks away. "And if they do?"

"Then they will be much more successful the second time they try. I must tell you; Lal thinks that secrecy is immoral -what a surprise- and our overall security is dreadful as a result. Since they have seen the inside of this building we must assume it's unsafe, but moving you would be even more risky. We can't let you 'disappear', because we are Peacekeepers and we don't do things like that." Welles almost sneers now. "Your only hope is that we can find them before they find you again."

(">Careful, Major. He's about where you want him now. Don't push him more or he might decide to risk not telling you out of spite<")

Tomahawk grabs one of the chairs and sits down. He sighs. "And what if I knew where they are?"

(">Well allright, maybe a little more won't be that risky...<")

"Then you'd be a damn fool not to tell me. We've got quite a dossier on this Sinder Roze -person. Your previous subjects at U.N. Humanity city are almost religious in their beliefs about her. They say she'll write a few bars of code, and alakazam! -Data Decentral is back in her hands. She has become a legend! There's a black rose on every flat surface that can be reached by a teenager. And again, because we are the Peacekeepers and believe in the freedom to express oneself, we do nothing about it. That is, nothing about the rebellious mood in Humanity City. We'd do lots about Sinder Roze if we'd know who and where he or she is."

"It's 'she'." Tomahawk seems to regain some of his confidence now that the decision is made. "And I think I know where she is. But I won't tell you until you can guarantee my security."

Welles shrugs and smiles. "Plausible deniability is a wonderful thing, isn't it? We simply won't tell Lal. And, hah yes, alakazam! A world of opportunities opens up in front of us..."


Location: U.N. Headquarters, Pravin Lal's office


Lal lets his gaze shift from one monitor to the other. One shows the report from Major Welles of security, the other shows the brief message from Sinder Roze. Lieutenant-General Zhu sits patiently in front of the desk. Eventually the commissioner leans back and massages his eyes.

"One question, Zhu. What will we do to mr. Greenburg?"

"He's enlisted into the Peacecorps' strategic division. We'd rather not have him there, but he'll prove a valuable asset. He's shown special interest in strikes against the Data Angels, which is understandable. We gave him a new identity and face, contrary to your regulations. I'd rather not tell you more."

Lal's expression speaks volumes about his appreciation of this.
"You think you will be able to control his.. ambitions?"

"No, probably not. But I'd rather have him close than see him disappear to, say, the spartans. They could use his -ah, drive- much better than we. And that would be bad."

"Right. We don't trust him, we know he's a powergrabber, so that's allright." Lal glances momentarily back at the monitors. "Now, about this other message. Knowledge is power, it says."

"Yes, indeed."

"It's too short to determine anything specific about it's origins. It could be some hacker with a grudge -other than Roze, I mean- or some psychotic, Planet knows there are lots of those about these days, or it could be the real thing. Or any combination of those."

Zhu nods. "Whatever it is, the sender has access to heavy-duty transmitters. We of course tried to triangulate for the source, but the best I can tell you is that it wasn't from close by."

"So let's assume it's the real thing. What can we do to improve security?"

"Easy. Construct covert-ops centers in every base."

"Yes, I guessed you would say something like that."

"I'm serious. There IS another way, but it would cost about as much as half again the project U.N. Headquarters is currently working on.. the Merchant Exchange?"

"No, we won't have another of those megalomanic projects in a long time. They ruin our economy."

"Well, then."

"Allright. I'll issue orders to all bases that don't yet have any C-O Centers to add them to the schedule. How many are there now, by the way?"

"Two. Here and at U.N. Court of Justice."

"Right." Lal brightens. "Fortunately, we might not have to build that many. This problem might disappear before any of our cities process their build-queues that far. Tell me, is it confirmed?"

"Yes. The Borehole Cluster has vanished. They have cloaked it, obviously."

"Good, good. It is time for Sinder Roze to suffer the fate of all cowards."

"And that is?"

"Why- They all get caught in the end!"

Zhu stifles a chuckle as he rises from the chair. "Yes, of course. Whatever was I thinking?"

Lal snorts. "Make sure our resident University ambassador receives both the report and the message."

"At once, Commissioner." Zhu exits the office.

[Bearcat]

Forest Primeval

Colonel Michael Harlem stood facing a rank of soldiers. They were all dressed in green armor. The Gaian symbol was printed on their left brest. And all of them were holding chaos rifles. This was the latest division to be sent into Morganic territory. Deirdre was confident in victory. Now that she was jamming Believing theories and ideas down their throat.

Harlem had accepted the new ideas. But that was onl yto save face and remain in his postion. He knew many high ranking Gaian officials had been replaced when they refused to side with the new Fundamentalist regime.

"Left..right..left right left" he yelled out the marching routine. All of the soldiers snapped into position and marched towards the transport. One of his soldiers broke into cadence. Harlem knew that now Deirdre (taking a cue from Miriam) wanted her soldiers to sing "Onward Christian Soldiers". However Harlem preffered the old Gaian marching drills.

"Keep it moving" he yelled. He silently knew that over half of these soldiers wouldn't come back home alive. Morgan had vastly improved his defense since the last battle. He knew that the new religious fervor was supposed to power their troops. However he just didn't trust the ideals.Somehow, someway this would all end.

[Cotroneo]

1300 hours
Morgan Interstellar
Warehouse District 1-3-5 Red Sector

Specter and Master Kurita stood standing in front of a dark ebony colored door. It’s polished finish made it shimmer throughout the illuminated hallway.

“This is the door Master?” Specter, or ‘specimen 01’, asked.

“Yes, this door will take you outside. Do not be scared my student.” Kurita replied, still feeling the love a father feels for his son.

“Is the outside world really like what the simulations showed me?” Specter asked as he swept away little particles of sweat, which had formed, on his forehead.

“I sense your fear.” Kurita stopped and turned to face Specter. “Remember your training… you have gifts these humans never have dreamed of.”

“I know… Will I ever see you again?”

Kurita turned back again, facing the door. “No, but I have taught you everything. You are the Master now.”

“I will succeed… your honor will be maintained.” Specter said as he grabbed the old fashioned doorknob.

“You will succeed. Just remember to judge your actions adequately. The council will demand many things from you… never do anything that goes against your ideals.”

“I will.” Specter turned the knob and walked out.

The sun’s rays beamed hard on him, almost causing him to take a step back into the hallway, but he refused to stop. As he got used to the harsh light and took several more steps, he noticed that he was in an alley filled garbage and filth. He saw that the alley led to a large street, which was filled with people.

Specter turned around when a large banging sound came from behind.

The door is gone… My home… is gone.

Suddenly words appeared in front of his eyes, as his optical contacts received and processed their first bits of information. The orders he had been waiting for from the Apex council.

*********************************************

Specimen 01

Mission Password: Intrepid

Proceed to Morgan Interstellar Airport: after arriving at destination: board flight Baker001: Destination: Great Zion, Believer Territory

After departure off aircraft: Travel to Location 05,11 grid 18, known as the Borehole Cluster

Retrieve at Destination 05,11 grid 18: Three Alpha113s, or known by local inhabitants as “Battle Ogres”

Authorized to bring back Alpha113s with any force necessary

You will bring back all three Alpha113s to Great Zion: deposit them in Warehouse District 3-1-2 Lord’s Angel Sector

After completion: Await new Orders at Warehouse

Estimated Resistance: Light: Population known as Data Angels
If capture: Activate Self-Destruct: program Omega

Estimated Mission Timeframe: 4 days-3 hours-12 minutes-45 seconds

Apex Council

[This message has been edited by Cotroneo (edited January 09, 2000).]

[Jasonian]

Cloudbase council room
Seas to the north of Mount Planet
Travelling north to Iota Station


The Free Drone Nation’s council was about to begin. Venus was still absent, of course, and James Sheldon was in the command deck on the floor above to run the base. Hain was also gone, choosing to remain at Free Drone Central to continue his work as governor. This left Domai, Malcolm, Jeffred, Atlasia, Rockmore, and Newman.

Domai began, “This has been an interesting couple of weeks. Our fourth base has been founded, our military projects are nearing completion, including our “conventional” missile at Living Standard, and finally the seizure of Iota Station yesterday. It is time we finish this council meeting so we can concentrate on the affairs at our new base.”

“Miss Atlasia, I believe you had something you wished to bring up?” She nodded. “Very well then. The floor is yours.”

Atlasia rose, “Our technological progress has been slow. Due to the fact that we focus more on producing what we can instead of researching what we don’t have, and the fact that our labs our small and under-funded, I feel it is necessary to take measures to ensure we don’t fall too far behind in this ‘tech race.’”

“The way I see it, we have three options: we can construct new advanced labs at our bases, we can increase government funding for our science program, or we can switch to the “Knowledge” values.”

The council groaned. This is all they had they had heard from Atlasia since the faction had started. Even Domai looked bored with the topic, but he said, “None of those options are very appealing, but I feel it is time we enacted one of them. We shall vote on which option to enact. I have already talked to the absent council members.”

The council gasped. Rockmore jumped up, “Foreman! You can’t be serious! At a time like this, we must concentrate on building up our military might! An extensive science and research program can only hurt us at this time!”

“I disagree Rockmore. What happens when the other factions get new weapons, or new armor, or new sources of power, and we still have our current technology? How many people must we send to their deaths before we change? None. The decision has been made. It is not under discussion. Please vote now.”

The council murmured at Domai’s hard stance. They had not seen Domai talk this way for quite a while. Rockmore fell back into his chair defeated, but couldn’t help admiring Domai’s strict and commanding stance with the normally unruly council.

One by one, the council members rose and delivered their votes.

Domai, “The Knowledge values would increase our efficiency and labs. I vote for values.”
Malcolm, “Changing to knowledge would increase our relations with the University. I vote for values.”
Jeffred, “New labs represent a more permanent solution to this problem. I vote for labs.”
Atlasia, “Extra funding is useless without high-tech facilities. I vote for labs.”
Rockmore, “We can not slow our bases with expensive labs, nor compromise our security with the Knowledge values. I vote for more funding.”
Newman, “Raising funding would take away from psyche funding, which is how we maintain control, and knowledge would hurt our security. I vote for labs.”

Domai pulled out a note, “The votes from the other council members are as follows: Venus: more funding, Sheldon: values, Hain, values.”

“The totals are: more funding: 2 votes, new labs: 3 votes, Knowledge values, 4 votes. It is settled then. When we return to Free Drone Central, the change will be announced and conversions will begin to the Knowledge values.”

The council murmured their reactions to this turn of events, and Domai said, “Now, we will review the build queue at Coral Warehouse. Rockmore, deliver your –“

~~ Council room: BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!~~

The council members dove to the floor seconds before the room violently shook. Domai climbed to his feet and hit the com on the table, “Sheldon! What is going on up there?!”

~~ We’re under attack! The Cyborgs are launching missiles at us!!~~

“Missile interceptors? Launch our interceptor and shoot them all down!”

~~ Negative Domai. Not missile interceptors. Missiles. And lots of them. The jets would have no effect. We’re trying to shoot them down with the base guns, but that one got through. ~~

Domai cursed, “Sheldon! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!”

~~ Because I’m trying to shoot down missiles, sir! … Oh my god! Domai! You and the council have to get to the hangar bays and board an escape jet. I don’t know how long we can hold out, and you have to survive! ~~

“But… Sheldon…OK people. You heard him. Let’s go!” The council members broke into a sprint toward the hangar bay stairs. A floor up, Sheldon was starring into a sea of missiles, all aimed at him and him alone.

[Raging Mouse]

Location: U.N. Headquarters

"..Captain Manuel Cormora, the U.N. Badge of Exemplary Service."

Manuel hears the applauds as if from a distance. Reacting purely on practice, he comes to attention and takes two brisk steps forward. He then turns to the right, and marches towards Captain-General Steppleton. She salutes. Manuel salutes. She presents him with the box containing the medal, and opens it. Manuel takes the medal and attaches it to his uniform. Next he takes the box and places it in his pocket. They both salute. Manuel turns left to face the audience, and the reporters, then left again. He marches back to his position along the row of officers, and returns to his place. Another name, and the man to his left goes through the same ritual.

One wild night later.

Manuel massages his temples to stop his head from exploding. He is waiting outside the room of one Colonel Moore, who will brief him on what is to come.

At nine o'clock, precisely, the door opens. Manuel rises and walks briskly into the room. He stops in front of a desk, behind which Colonel Carolyn Moore sits.

"Good day, Captain."

"Good day, ma'am."

"At ease. Take a seat. I can see you have enjoyed your decoration. It is in part on that matter you are here now. Also, I will give you further orders. But let's deal with the good news first, right?"

"Suits me fine, ma'am."

"Good. Let's see now.. With your first decoration comes additional bonuses; different for each medal. A purple heart earns you some R&R, and the 'Guardian of Unity'-cross gives you free longevity-treatment for as long as you like. And in between comes the rest. If you get further medals of the same kind there will be a monetary award instead, again proportional to the medal."

"Really? I didn't know this."

"That's because the army likes it that way. We then know that the person who gets the medal did it for his country, rather than the glory involved with medals. Basically, a diametrically opposite procedure than the one adopted by the Morganites."

"I understand. Has there been any seekers of glory?"

"Unfortunately, yes. But we're not here to discuss them. Now, in your case you have one of these bonuses: One; a flat in a district and base of your choosing, though not in the luxury-zones. Two; a car, assigned to you whenever you are on leave, and a permanent one when you retire. Or three; an increase of your salary, and a corresponding increase of your pension."

"That's.. wow.. great!"

The colonel smiles. "You don't have to choose now. Just remember to stay alive on your next assignment so you can enjoy one of these luxuries, allright Captain?"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Good. Speaking of which. Let's see.. ah, yes. Your company lost fifteen soldiers. Here are a hundred candidates for reinforcement; choose thirty of them. Central command will then decide the fifteen of these you will get."

"Right."

"After that, your company will participate in a simulated assault on a Hive base. It will be very realistic thanks to the MMI -implants. The purpose of the simulation is to give the veterans a reminder on combat-tactics against the Hive, and to integrate the reinforcements into the company. That way, you will be fully prepared for your next assignment, operation 'Noisemaker'."

Manuel leans forward in his chair. Carolyn continues.

"This will be one of the greatest military campaigns in Peacekeeper history. Your primary goal is to tie down as many Hive forces as possible. Secondary objective is to conquer Communal Nexus; a base that you have fought in before."

Manuel nods slowly. "Those Hive bastards have surely reinforced it even more, it being such an obvious target."

"Definitely. However, a large part of their tactics has been to deny us any chance of approaching the base. Most of their defending units are dug down in the terrain between the base and the border. You will bypass that with your airdrop-abilities. Our needlejets, and some missiles, will strive to achieve air-superiority, and the attack choppers will stop any attempts by the ground units to hit you in the back. You should only have to deal with the few ground units inside the base."

"That's no walk in the park nevertheless."

"That's why we're sending the best we have."

"Right. Anything else?"

"No. Good luck, Captain. Dismissed."

Manuel walks out of the room.

[Captain Kirk]

University Base

Agent Patrick Donovan ran down the street. He looked up to see a couple of University Enforcement guards coming towards him. They were lightly armed with shredder pistols. Donovan had a chaos pistol. He chose not to use it. He ducked down an alley. He flipped on his quicklink. He dialed Shell.

"Yeah Pat, Shell here" crackeled the voice n the other side. Right now Shell was on the other side of the base. This was a classic Spartan strategy developed by Santiago herself. By not grouping probe agents together they increased their success rate by 20%.

"Look Tris this place is swarming with UE. I might not make it into the labs. You've got to try and make it on your own" he said. A bum wandered by reeking of fungal gin. He coughed once and gasped for clean air. Then a reply came through.

"Allright I'm right outside the Network Node. You stay were you are. I'll call you if I need backup" said Shell. Donovan noticed an old bottle of imported Morganic booze. Desperatly trying to look like a bum he wandered out into the street. The Enforcement guards barely glanced at him.

"Hey I'm inside. Keep me linked" said Shell.

"I'm accessing their main computer terminal. I've got their files. Boy I would like to get some research data from these weak ass bastards" quipped Shell.

"You know what our assignment is" replied Donovan. He heard a grunt from the other end. Shell was working fast.

"Nothing so far. A bunch of files on new techs or theories. Wait what's this. Something called Organic Superlubricant. Hmm. Looks harmless enough. Nothing" he said. Donovan knew that there probably wasn;t anything. But then again Santiago showed signs of paranoia. And everyone seemed to think that the Spartans were xenophobic.

"Okay I don't see anything let's get out of here" said Shell. Donovan dropped the booze. Although these UoP freaks were vulnerable to probe action they could catch teams. So he hurried down the street.

"Boy I fell sorry for these Yoopers if a Believer team were to get their hands on these files" said Shell. Donovan didin't reply. He just smiled. They were to rendevouz at the magrail station. Then it was on to Peacekeeper territory.
[This message has been edited by Captain Kirk (edited January 10, 2000).]

[Barshy]

"Damnit! How do they expect us to compete with Morgan if they keep slapping us with environmental regulations?" cursed Mr. Jeffreys, CEO of The Lord's Cure, an expansive pharmaceutical company.

"Sir, please refrain from using filthy language," reminded the CEO's secretary. Normally, no one would talk to his/her superior that way, but Believers always exercised their right to preserve moral righteousness in whatever means possible.

"Yes... thank you. Hmph. Well, at least finally we can get those tree-crazy protesters off our back." He leaned back in his leather chair, ruminating.

"In fact, the Lord could be using this to our favor. We could get an edge over the Morganites... Secretary, get me the Marketing Director." CEO Jeffreys always called his subordinates by their titles instead of their names. It probably helped reinforce his position of power.

A few minutes later.

"CEO, you wanted to tell me something?" answered the Marketing Director.

"Yes... As you know, these recent environmental regulations are hurting our production. However, is there a way we could launch an advertising blitz boasting about our care for the environment, or something to that effect? It could give us the edge we need over our Morganite competitor."

"Sir, it might boost our profits in Gaian territory, but I don't know about our domestic markets. Believer citizens are rather indifferent to what happens to Planet..."

"Marketing Director, I never made it in the real world without taking risks. We can afford it. Run an ad blitz for a few weeks and let's see if God's hand will bless our sales," CEO Jeffreys responded with a tone of finality.

Relieved that the burden was placed off his shoulders, the Marketing Director complied, and left the office.

***************************************

New Jeruselum

Sister Miriam was in good spirits. Finally, after years of prayer, Lady Dierdre had finally found the Lord... Yet, Miriam had to admit she was surprised that Dierdre had converted so quickly. Somehow she didn't know how easily Gaian society would adapt, but she placed their fate in God's hands.

She had to now face the inevitable. Now that they were pact sisters, she had another impending war on her hands... One with CEO Morgan. The tradeoff was that Dierdre would declare vendetta against the University, and perhaps now the deadlock would be tipped in Miriam's favor.

As far as this new Cultist faction, Miriam remained unworried. Though the impending doom of Judgement Seat was imminent, Cultist "soldiers," or mindworms, or whatever those spore-sniffers were, would never make it to the mainland. Any attempt to do so would result in immediate eradication. The diplomatic ball was in Cha Dawn's court.

She stood up, and was about to walk over to her private quarters for morning prayer, when the screen behind her bliped.

A yellow triangle was on the screen, with the word "Morgan" underlying it. How typical, Miriam thought.. Only such a meglomaniacal selfish fool would use his name to represent his people.

Saying her usual quick prayer, she pressed the commlink button, and the familiar face of Morgan appeared on the screen.

"Sister Miriam, how have you been? I hope your economy is robust and your companies are flourishing," greeted Morgan, with a smile Miriam could immediately tell was filled with pride... Pride at his achievements, self-worth measured by the amount of energy tokens in his reserves. A typical business-man like smile, ready to manipulate dimwitted minds into the losing end of any negotiation.

"It is difficult to flourish when our competitors resort to shameful and immoral business practices to line their pockets with tainted gold. Nevertheless, our businesses derive their satisfication from their trust that the laws of God are more pleasant than the business laws of exploitation," Miriam answered cooly.

Morgan laughed heartily. "You haven't changed a bit, my good Sister. I know you are a woman who likes to get to the point, so to the point I shall go," Morgan started in his usual regal manner.

"Your so-called Pact Sister, 'Lady' Dierdre Skye and her tree-crazy fanatics continue to spit in the face of your God by continuing their Planet-worshipping economics. Perhaps you would like renounce your friendship and sign a treaty with me?" Morgan offered.

Such a straightforward offer, Miriam thought. She already knew the answer, but decided to play this negotiation on Morgan's terms.

"CEO, your point is remotely valid. However, abadoning my pact with Dierdre is utterly dishonorable, since she is now a fellow believer," she responded, then smiled. "Nevertheless, what would you offer me if I were to take your suggestion?"

Again, Morgan laughed. "Now that's what I like to hear! Every man or woman has his price. Very well then, my offer is 2000 energy credits."

Miriam was taken aback. She wasn't going to accept any offer anyways, but she wasn't prepared for this. 2000 energy credits?? Did Morgan truly have that much energy? According to the last infiltration report, Morgan only had 1500... Perhaps he had ways of concealing his true wealth from even Miriam's superior probe teams. After all, secrecy is the key to getting the upper hand in competition.

Such energy would allow Miriam to quickly recruit and improve her military strength... imagine the possbilities.

However, with a reflex ingrained in her heart for hundreds of years, she realized that Morgan had appealed to her love of money, and this love, this root of all evil, was taking her over at this moment.

"No, CEO Morgan. I will not accept her offer. In fact, I would suggest you make truce with Dierdre before I am forced to honor my Pact and declare vendetta upon you," Miriam answered with her holy resoluteness.

Morgan shook his head. "It is Dierdre who has pressed this vendetta, and it has helped me realize how badly I need to rid Planet of her kind before the lucrative business plans of my followers and others are strangled by those tree-crazy lunatics."

Morgan looked down, and Miriam noticed that he had changed since she last saw him on the Unity. Such anger in his face, she noticed. No longer was he in charge of a company, now he was in charge of a faction, and no longer could disputes be settled with contracts or lawsuits. Disputes now had to be settled with physical force.

"Sister Miriam, I pronounce Vendetta upon you. It is truly sad that you have decided to follow Dierdre's path to poverty. Morgan out."

Miriam sighed. Another vendetta on her hands. Perhaps her pact with Dierdre was not such a good idea after all, for she could begin to imagine the various spheres of influence on Planet shifting back and forth, escalating into a world war that her old friend Lal sought so hard to prevent.

An appropriate time, therefore, for her morning prayers. God would take care of everything. No matter what happens, in the calm or the storm, God would be there for His followers. No matter how many vendettas embroiled in, God would be on their side. And God would grant them victory.

[Jasonian]

The Cloudbase Academy
Command Deck
Sea to the north of Mount Planet


“Scanners! Report!”

“The first wave of missiles has been destroyed with only one impact, Captain Sheldon. We have the second wave on scopes now. ETA:… 56 seconds.”

Captain James Sheldon nodded. Outside the command deck’s shielded window, he could see that wave two. The missiles were coming fast, and it would not be long before the base’s heavy chaos guns lashed out to try to destroy them. That meant the station would start to spin again. He was already feeling slightly ill, and the rotations were not doing him any good.

“Roger that scanners. Com station, I have a message to engineering: when we signal, I want this thing moving ahead full.”

One of Sheldon’s advisers spoke up, “Sir, that might not be wise. The energy we use to increase our speed might take away from our crucial shield and weapon reserves.”

“That’s true. But we can’t stop these things all day. We can assume we will be shot down before they run out of missiles. If we increase speed, we have a chance to find and destroy the source of those missiles. Is the wide-range EMP cannon online?”

The adviser nodded an affirmative and said, “Yes, but we would deplete our energy reserves if we use it. By the time we could recharge, we would be blown to pieces by any missiles in the sky. I suggest you not use that unless we are very close to the source.”

The wide-ranged EMP cannon wasn’t much more then a controlled EMP bomb detonation on the Cloudbase itself. Extensive shielding prevented damage to the base, and the shockwave would travel quite a distance. Although it would simply scramble computers at the range they would use it at, the idea was to disable the target momentarily, thus letting the chaos guns concentrate and destroy them. It was risky using that much energy, but it seemed fairly reliable.

During their conversation, the second wave had came into range and was being blasted away. This time, two missiles got through. The base shuttered, and Sheldon pitied the poor council members trying to make their way to the hangars. No doubt, they had been thrown to the floor once more.

“Damage report!” Sheldon barked.

“Antigrav functioning normally. Shields strained but not failing. Weapon systems are still untouched. Computer reports slight damage to the wide-range EMP cannon, although it says that it should be safe to use still.”

Sheldon and the aide exchanged a quick glance as the station lurched and the waves began to move more quickly under them. Sheldon said, “Com station: tell the pilots to get to their jets. They might need to make a hasty lift-off.”

“Copy that Captain.” Said com station. “Oh, we’ve received confirmations from the escape jets. Domai, the council, the students, and the researchers are all onboard their respective jets and are ready to leave at a moment’s notice.”

“Captain!” exclaimed the scanner post, “We’ve spotted something on the surface ahead of us. Probing further… information received. Transmitting it to the overhead screen.”

Three of the overhead monitors came to life. One of them showed a rocky island, the second showed an isle of the deep in some rough fungus. But it was the third that mattered. On it was a Missile Destroyer, painted in teal.

“That’s it! Aim the wide-range EMP cannon at that destroyer. Fire when in range.” said Sheldon commandingly.

“EMP cannon in range in… 1 minute. Charging the cannon now.” Said the weapons station. But Sheldon commanded, “Slow us down and divert energy from engineering. We don’t need it there anymore.”

A tense minute passed, and then a blinding light filled the landscape. Sheldon recoiled and attempted to squint out. When it had subsided, he saw the wave heading for the now-visible Cyborg destroyer. Soon, the wave vanished into the ocean, leaving the destroyer motionless.

“Target disabled, sir.” Scanner added uselessly.

“Right. Divert energy from shields to weapons, and blow it out of the sea.” Soon, large chaos blasted lashed out from the Cloudbase, cutting deep into the photon wall and causing major internal damage. After only a few shots, the ship started to smoke and sink into the choppy waters as the base passed overhead.

The command deck let out a whoop of joy. The tense crew members got up and started to congratulate each other and slap each other on the back. Even Sheldon breathed a sigh of relief.. That’s when the explosions started.

“Wha… PLACES PEOPLE! Scanners, what the heck is shooting as us now?!” Sheldon yelled angrily.

“Ahh… check the first monitor, Captain.”

Sheldon ran back to the monitors and saw that two chaos skimships emerging from a cave in that rocky island. ‘Son of a… two more ships?!’ “Right. Shields up! Weapons charged. And launch Talon and Razor groups to go sink them the old fashioned way.”

“CAPTAIN SHELDON! Priority message from engineering! That blast damaged the antigrav devices! We… we’re going down, Captain!!”

Sheldon turned to look at the increasing size of the waves, his eyes filled with terror and his face, dread. He knew that the base could survive a water landing and float until repairs could be made on the antigrav devices, but all their hangars, chaos guns, and shield generators would be underwater. If they recalled the jets now, they could safely dock, but they would be sitting ducks. On the other hand, if they launched everything, they could save the base, but they couldn’t re-dock. Free Drone Central was too far back, but Iota Station…

“Jet command: calculate the fuel requirement to land safely at Iota Station for the escape pods, and do it now!” Sheldon commanded.

“Umm… well… I don’t know exactly how much fuel it would take, but I’m fairly certain they could make it.”

“Jet command! I don’t have any use for your guesses. Tell me exactl—“

The aide spoke up again, “Captain Sheldon. There is no time. Make your decision before we crash!”

Sheldon looked torn between the decision to possibly crash his air force into the ocean or to keep them on the base; safe but useless. “Launch all of our remaining jets, including the escape pods. Begin repairs on the antigrav devices. And brace for impact!”

As the defeated skimships joined the Cyborg destroyer at the bottom of the sea, the Cloudbase splashed into the seas and bobbed there like a cork. Overhead, the escape pods and the Talon, Razor, Blade, and Yoop bomber groups began the long trip towards their new territory.

[Barshy]

New Jeruselum

"Agent Wyvern... Agent Wyvern!" hissed the University transmission.

Elizabeth, eyes like a zombie glued to the task at hand, awoke from her trance. It was one of Zakharov's colleagues, the one in charge of the Weapon.

"Elizabeth, the biological component of Weapon must be disabled. Zakharov... discovered I had been playing around with retroviruses and reprimanded my research. Unfortunately, our pact with the Peacekeepers restricts us from such atrocities. Many research facilities have already disposed of any signs of biological warfare, as the Peacekeeper inspection teams have begun poking their noses into our labs." The bitterness in his voice was apparent to anybody.

"Command received," Elizabeth replied monotonously, and clicked off the transmission. She didn't know whether to curse or to sigh with relief at this latest news... Regardless, she had to obey.

She reached over a disabled the virus release switch.

******************************************

Safe Haven

"One more please," Don ordered the bartender. For the first time in his life, he had tasted alcohol. Violently repulsed at the sight at first, now he couldn't get his hands off it. This particular version was called "rum" by the locals.

The other probe team members shifted nervously. In classic Believer fashion, they would have "called him out," which meant rebuking him for his drunken debauchery, but they had just accomplished their mission, and felt Don was justified.

Don stared at his fifth cup of rum. The "Pirates" they were called. He laughed. It sounded like characters from a storybook. Nevertheless, after studying their datalinks, he knew they shouldn't underestimate their power. Afterall, these Pirates managed to capture so many ships.

The spirit of individualism appealed to Don's sense of adventure. Often times he disliked the restrictive nature of the Believers, of Miriam, the Ministers, and even Elizabeth. He felt free, yet his faith told him that God was the only source of true freedom. He could never lose that.

Just a few more days, he thought. He loved Safe Haven.. The people were a bit brash, but they were fun. He already made a few friends, who weren't afraid to show him a good time... But, he noticed, his fellow probe team members weren't having such a good time, and for their sakes they should return home soon.

Upon introspection, Don figured he should be going home too. The one thing he felt he lost here at Safe Haven was that sense of home, and family, which no one here seemed to care about. Don had no family, but he had friends. And... Elizabeth was back. He could not wait to reunite.

"Let's go," Don told his probe members in a half-drunken state, and wobbled out of the bar.

*******************************************
Gaia's Landing

Lady Dierdre Skye once again stood in front of those windows that could see all of Gaia's Landing. This time, she saw more than mere trees and plants, but a working Being that created them all.

Her spirits had suddenly revived these past few days... For the first time in her life it seemed, she was no longer working at her cause alone. She had God, the most powerful force in the universe, by her side. By her side to punish the Morganites for raping His creation.

Opposition to her latest changes was rife, but she knew they would come to see the light eventually. The existing churches throughout Gaian territory received federal funding for the first time. The endless vendetta demoralized her pacifist followers. Through faith, Deirdre reasoned, her followers would make it through this time of warfare.

"Lady Skye," came a familiar voice behind her.

She turned around, and looked into the face of Sister Miriam. Ever since becoming pact sisters and sisters in Christ, they had free and open communication.

"Dierdre, I am pleased to report that I have declared Vendetta upon our mutual enemy, CEO Morgan. I trust that you will reciprocate by pronouncing Vendetta on Zakharov so we can put an end to his murderous 'research.' Sorry for this short conversation, but I have little time, so I must go. May our Pact of Sisterhood endure forever, Lady." She smiled, and the screen turned black.

Dierdre stopped. She saw this coming a mile away, but for some reason was a little shocked at this development. Thank God Miriam hadn't pressed Dierdre for a decision at that moment.

After finding God, Dierdre knew He would support her cause against Morgan, but she had forgotten that a Pact with Miriam would entail another war against Zakharov, pact brother of her pact brother, Pravin Lal.

She was unconcerned with Lal. The only reason they were in a pact was because he was so precariously close to her territory. She definitely respected his humanitarian initiatives and was indifferent about his quest to unify the factions.

Zakharov was different. She never hated him, but had always distrusted him. After all, she had worked under him during the course of the Unity, and time and again was annoyed at Zakharov's tendency to throw all aside for the sake of his research.

What would Zakharov say? Obviously he knew about her pact with Miriam. Should she contact him or wait for him to contact her? Miriam would surely want vendetta declared soon... Moreover, if embroiled in a vendetta with Zakharov, how would Lal react? A war against Lal would spring the Peacekeeper tiger to the south into action, pouncing on her bases. Would peaceful Lal do such a thing?

Her mind was in torment... The ball was clearly in her court. She hoped the God she placed her trust in was real, for now only God could solve this entangling mess.