Name: Lt. Zach Burnett
Date of Birth: 04-28-804 AS
Citizenship: Liberty
Professional Experience:
- Civilian private pilot starting at the age of 20.
- 4 years enlisted with Liberty Navy as a fighter maintenance technician and crew chief.
- 6 years as a commissioned officer in the Liberty Navy, assigned to various battleships as a flight engineer. Held rank of Lieutenant before going AWOL.
References if any: WO1 Crow
Reason for Enlisting:
I had a pretty successful career during my time with the Liberty Navy. I was proud to serve my nation. After deploying in the campaign against the Gallic Royal Navy in Bretonia, A few months ago, I was assigned to the newly developed battleship LNS Acadia with a green crew under the command of a stoic but fair and benevolent captain. Everything seemed to be business as usual, until we set out on a mission in the California system against a battle group of Liberty Rogues. The mission itself was a success, but the Acadia had suffered battle damage and most of its supplies had been expended.
After separating from the main Navy battle group, the Acadia set out to Norfolk Shipyard for repairs and resupply when it first encountered a lone fighter, later known belonging to Task Force Prometheus. The captain seemed confused but driven by duty to apprehend and engage the single craft regardless. The skilled pilot managed to lure the Acadia into a trap and was shortly engaged by more fighters and a hostile battleship. We knew we were outmatched, especially in our weakened state. The captain gave the order to stand down and surrender in an attempt to save the lives of the crew, at least what was left of us. They enemy let us go... but why? To send a message?
After returning to Norfolk, the captain, I and several other officers were placed under arrest and thrown in the brig. Why me? Why us? Shouldn't we be commended for bringing the ship back in one piece after that? No. Of course not. According to the high brass, someone was needed to be held responsible. Surely it was a "technical" issue that allowed this. "Sabotage caused by my actions and under my watch" the reports say. I was scheduled to be court martialed. I've become the scapegoat to save face of a Navy warship's seemingly careless defeat, even with my captain's defense of my innocence. 10 years of honorable service, only to be betrayed by my superiors. Thrown away and paraded around as a sacrifice for better PR...
When in the brig awaiting trial, my direct commanding officer entered my cell unescorted. Was hoping for good news of my release, only to be greeted by a blaster put in front of my face. Possibly believing the lie and blaming me... possibly just simply ordered to tie up a loose end so I can't defend myself further on trial. I guess it didn't really matter... Not sure how, but I managed to somehow close the gap and disarm my C.O... Instincts said it's him or me... and I did what I had to do. Now, I'm a murderer AND a saboteur in the eyes of my organization. There's no going back... Now where do I go? Among the Rogues, Xenos, Lane Hackers or Junkers? Surely wouldn't fare any better... In haste, I commandeer a fighter and haul out as fast as I'm able from the station. It's only a matter of time before they catch up to me. I can't run and hide forever. I recall the comm chatter between the Prometheus ships and the Acadia. Saying something along the line of when we realize the Tyranny of Liberty, they were only a comm away. Maybe with them I can find sanctuary?
