Echos of the Past

[Alpha 429]

BAF Gunboat Valiant Grid A4 Edinburgh 1800 (universal time) 7 Years ago


"What do you mean he has vanished?" said Jack obviously trying to control his rage. "I mean what i said lieutenant, your grandfather is missing, he left you this note saying that we werent to look for him. Obviously we are, the Gunboat Chivalry was dispatched to search the surrounding systems for any signs. Your grandfather knew a lot about current missions, we can risk him being captured and our enemies learning the valuable information he knows." replied Commander Rankin "Now your have the bridge until you are relieved in 8 hours Alpha. Dismissed." As Jack left Rankins office he was completely confused. First his grandfather announces his retirement suddenly a week ago, now he has disappeared and so has his ships, his money and half the stuff he kept in his house. No something wasnt right here Admirals retired or not dont just vanish. Unless they want to. It was getting all too confusing and Jack had to focus on the task at hand. He was first mate of the Gunboat Valiant, one of 4 gunboats assigned to the BAF Intelligence Division section 4. Section 4 was tasked with counter intelligence mostly and taking out key pirate leaders whether they be Corsair, Molly or even one of those useless Gaians that floated about Edinburgh trying to halt the terraforming of planet Ayr. But recently someone had hacked into the main database that held information from all 4 sections, and was supposed to be for the eyes of high ranking members in the Admiralty only. But still someone got in so everyone who had so much as touched a console in the past 6 months was under investigation. The 8 hour shift went in painfully slowly, just his luck. He walked back to his quarters tired and not looking forward to tomorrow, just a normal night for him.

He was woken up early the next morning by the sound of the room door sliding open and shut. He opened his eyes to see 2 marines standing there looking grim faced. He knew them, one was Jenkins and the other was Jones, he often spoke with them on his down time in the bar and once he was their temporary commander on a classified mission on planet Harris. Sorry sir but we just been given orders to place you under arrest. Said Jones holding up a pair of handcuffs. What? On what grounds? replied Jack jumping from his bed. HQ says they have evidence that it was you who was behind the security breach in the main intelligence database. Said Jenkins. You cant be serious. Said Jack pulling on his uniform. Sorry sir but could you come with us. They lead Jack down to the brig where he spent some time before Commander Rankin arrived. Sir, do they really have evidence? Said Jack as stood and saluted. Apparently they do however they are keeping their cards close to their chest. Forrest went off his nut with them. Vice Admiral Forrest was head of section 4 and a good friend of Jacks grandfather. It was that friendship that got Jack into Section 4 in the first place. But Im afraid its out of my hands now son, Im sorry ordered to take you to the York, then you will be transported to New London where you will b brought before the Admiralty. Continued to Rankin. Rankin headed towards the door but just before he left he said Jack. You do remember the punishment for treason dont you? Yes sir. Death. Answered Jack as Rankin left the room.

It seemed that standard BAF procedures were being ignored in Jacks case. It only took a week since he was taken aboard the York before he was standing before the BAF Admiralty. The evidence presented at the trial was all nonsense, which only added to Jacks confusion. Jack Alpha we the Admiralty of the BAF find you guilty of high treason against the house of Bretonia. Began Admiral Adams, However due to the many protests we have received from fellow officers we have decided that your punishment shall be banishment from Bretonia space. Should you ever again be found here you will be killed. Banishment, not execution, fellow officers sticking their necks out for him, somehow he doubted that, he had only been out of the academy for 8months, he had only been posted to one ship, he didnt know enough people to make a difference. But still he was to be spared and he should be thankful even if it didnt seem right.

He was taken to a transport and told that he was to board the zoner transport heading for Freeport 2. He was escorted aboard and left in his quarters. After the transport had disembarked Jack was summoned to the Bridge. Once there he was met by a middle-aged man who told him that he was the transport Captain. He led Jack into his small office and shut the door. Well Im afraid Im the bearer of more bad news Alpha. We were supposed to be transporting supplies to Freeport 2 however the whole system is running ahead of schedule so we are actually transporting zoner families to Freeport 9 in Omicron Theta. Alpha remained silent, by this point he didnt care where he was going as long as it was away from Bretonia and those who had set him up. We would prefer it if you would remain in yo. He didnt get the chance to finish as there was a loud explosion coming from the far end of the ship.

The warning sirens came on and both Jack and the Captain ran into the bridge. What the hell was that! shouted the Captain Sir strange ships are attacking us Im putting them on the main screen. Replied the Security officer. On the main screen strange black and grey ships appeared they seem to be reforming for their next volley. But Jack knew what they were. They were top secret BAF Black Ops ships. They were equipped with deadly experimental pulse torpedoes. They were in trouble. Get away from those consoles or your dead! screamed Alpha as loud as possible. Strangely they listened and all abandoned their posts, just in time the torpedoes blew out most of the consoles. If they hadnt moved most would be dead and the others would have severe burns. The comm is out everyone knows the drill get to your sections and get as many to the escape pods as possible. Alpha head straight to the pods help anyone you meet on the way. Shouted the Captain. Everyone moved out and Jack headed straight for the escape pods he had been told to go to in the event of an emergency. As he ran he was surprised not to have seen anyone. Until he rounded a corner when he saw a group of confused zoners, men, woman and children. The ships going to blow get to the escape pods. They didnt need told twice before they were running. The small children in their parents arms. As they ran by Jacks quarters he realised that his katana, The one is grandfather gave him was still in there. He couldnt leave it, it had sentimental value. Keep going Ill catch up. Jack doubted anyone would have stopped even if they had noticed he wasnt there. He ran inside and grabbed it and then continued towards the escape pods. He had only ran 100 yards when a piece of the roof collapsed and fell to the ground, the jagged torn part struck Jack on the head knocking him out. Lying on the ground with a cracked skull and a huge gash on his head Jack blacked out with the ships hull and internal structure buckling around him

To Be Continued..

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I know where it is Cortana, I just have to find it. - Commodore Puddles