A Congressman Falls. Final Chapter of Markus Rixus.

[J.Bates]

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK SYSTEM 2004 HOURS, DATE: UNKNOWN

He shakes his head. "Why would he do this?... From what I heard he was not the charitable guy that goes about saving someone else's skin... Eve can you pull up any records of other Junker ships travelling through Omega 47 or any of the neighbouring systems at that time and date?"

"Negative sir... I don't see anything there. Can't tell you much about Corsair, Hessian or any Bounty Hunter's around that sector either at that time." The screen flicks through flight records commissioned from Bornholm but nothing appeared to show anything about Omega 47.

"He was definitely hiding something though... You could see it in his face. It's obvious there's something more to this... Gah if only my Mother or Brothers could see it..." He sighs.

"I can play the final log... I have tried to enhance the video quality like you asked but some parts of it are corrupt." The final log shows up on the display.

"Go on. I hate seeing it... But I have to get to the bottom of this..." The video then proceeds to play.

Static was playing for the first few seconds and then a distorted image of Markus appears on screen, sweat was glistening on his forehead. Shouting, the hissing of gas and heavy rumbles from an engine could be heard in the background and the recorder appeared to be shaking.

"Keep fighting it!... We've gotta try and break free of its pull!" Markus shouts out off to his left. "Ah its working!.. Bornholm I've feared the worst has come and we may not make this one out alive!" A loud explosion is heard and sparks are seen flying out of dislodged cable behind him.

"We're getting pulled in! Pull out! Darn it! Send out a distress call! MAYD***STATIC**...CRR" A couple of voices are heard shouting. "The close range comms array is blasted sir!"

"We've lost engine number 3!" Another crewman is heard shouting out.

"Damn it!..." He face grew tired and sad almost showing he'd admitted defeat. "Alas... men we have no choice to but to hope we can pull through now..." He looks over to his right. "We'd tear ourselves apart if we keep this up any longer. Turn off the engines.. boost power to the shields, ditch all power to weapons if you have to. Isolate all weak parts of the ship and try to contain us. Don't let any radiation leak in and melt us.... We can only hope it may wormhole us through..." He looks back down at the camera, the shudder begins to lessen but static becomes more apparent on the screen.

He begins to talk again, the voice more distorted than before. "I dunno if this will reach you folks... But I have to admit that my men and I are going to our Doom.... Heh it was quite a journey I must say. But all good things simply cannot last. I'm sorry for the wives, partners, friends and family of these brave men. For some they are veterans and have been long time crewman for me, others it is one of their first adventures. Alas we may survive... we can only be optimistic at this stage."

A bang is heard and few sparks fly out, Markus continues on unperturbed. "This is the final log of Markus Rixus, I currently had never considered writing a will or caring much for what happens to my estate. Since my parent's death long ago, Marrion, my sister and I have never been in contact, I want her to know that I have always been happy for her fortune to find a loving and caring husband and to raise children. Jason however... " He chuckles softly to himself. "I know you've had troubles with him, remind's me when I was a child. Anyway I haven't got much time. This will be my last will and final testament of Markus Rixus. All of my assets and estates are to go to Jason Bates. Every penny, everything. A Red Jack to you Jason." He smiles. "He shall take my place as Congressman." The ship shudders and a loud creak is heard.

"Another few more minutes and we'll enter the event horizon sir..." A crewman calls out to his left.

"Very well... Well I haven't much time, I want the congress to know of this, Bornholm. Dispatch this directly to Puerto Rico. Let them know the news. Arbiter Hawk, Deputy Arbiter James Trenton, it has been an absolute pleasure to be under your command these last few years. I know at times I may not have always been there, but I know Jason my heir will not let you down."

The screen distorts even more and the visual quality begins to break down. "Come on hold out a little longer...Ah good. This final message goes out to the other congressmen I have served with over the years. Don't ever let others bring you down. Look after one another and together you'll... " A loud crash is heard. "Gah... I'm terrible at making up speeches. Heh, Power, Profitability, Security, Freedom, this is what makes us and I am proud that I have lived to become who I am with you brave women and gentlemen, to die as one, to die as a congressman! Farewell my Brothers and Sisters! Markus Out!"

The visuals break down into a turmoil of static and hissing and the video log ends.