Succession

[TankTarget]

John Kyle took a deep breath; the Asgard Warriors had saved his bacon again. The relentless attacks of the SCRA were starting to have an affect but not because they were working, which they werent. The nomads and bounty hunter attacks had finally stopped in Drakes absence. But John did not have to worry about either of those things. Now he had a war to fight, Admiral Moris fleet looks good, as does Marks fleet. The AW in later times had begun to clash with more and more factions helping their Legion allies.

And so John felt he must do the same for them Even though Lucaiden wouldnt really give a rats ass if I die or notsuch is life. John thought. His com screen lit up and a face appeared, John had gotten used to the AW status report calls by now. They were regular and often John was stuck speaking to some new recruit that the higher ups enjoyed laughing at. However not today, John recognized the man, he did not know who the person was but he knew that the man was an Admiral hed seen with Luciaden once.

Greetings allied commander, this is Admiral Hilfe. The man said

John nodded and replied, Greetings Admiral. Whats going on?

As you know very well the Phantom Empire is not a friend but a bloodthirsty mortal enemy of the AW. They are becoming more active as of late, and while we do not require assistance it would be nice having more ships support us in the field. Hilfe said, he wasnt concerned; the AW was the only group that to this day had not worried about fighting phantoms.

John hesitated, he wasnt supposed to make decisions without Drake present but alas that was not possible right now. Where do you most need support? John questioned.

The Admiral stroked his chin, I will contact you again later, I must confer with my superiors. However I believe they will want at least one ship defending Omicron Theta. The Admirals image disappeared from the view screen and John walked away.

(*)

Fleet Admiral Arthur McClellan, commander of the Hellfire Legion battleship Balistner. Had been ordered out into the border worlds by Mark Kaine weeks before, his mission was observe why the nomad activity had gone down. There was no explanation, they simply retreated freeing the Legion to help its allies and defend itself from attack. Although McClellan was a capable man, he was stubborn only taking orders from Mark Kaine and Drake Thastus.

Lieutenant, plot a course for the jump hole I want to see what is going on. McClellans voice was harsh, a salty man would be the title given to one such as he in Sol. His pirate like voice shared a bit of Scottish decent with every word. He was a seasoned warrior and a former Bretonian Admiral whod found his way to the Legion.

Sir, there is an unidentified object appearing off our port bow, requesting instructions. The tactical officer awaited his Admirals instructions

Lieutenant, scan them and open a channel. The Admiral waited, when he was concerned his muscles tightened visibly. His burnt mahogany hair, fell just above his forehead, he stood 6 foot and was well built with eyes matching his hair. This is Fleet Admiral Arthur McClellan of the Hellfire Legion battleship Balistner state your business in these parts.

The channel remained quiet, until a face appeared. Arthur being a veteran knew what he saw, a Phantom warship and its commander staring him down. Surrender or be destroyed

Arthur took deep breath, Cut the channel. Gents, ready guns and warp drive for my mark. Lets see if this nomad technology works


(*)


John Kyle awaited the weekly transmission from the Balistnerthey had never been late in communicating with headquarters. And with them 12 hours behind schedule he knew something was up. Do we have anyone in that area who can get a hold of Balistner? Any allies maybe?

Sorry John, Mark Kaine had been standing behind him, We havent got anything out therenomads either got them or a malfunctioning comms array is behind it. If only we knew Mark thought

If only theyd known what lay ahead for the Legion