Matt Smith & Angelina Dimitrova

[mtjsmith]

Matt, John and Angel quickly say their goodbyes to Mother and Father at the Smith Residence. Father looks heavily hungover, later in the afternoon he may understand but just now - He's more interested in his coffee. A hovercab races the Navy pilots back to their Guardians at Denver City

"This is Lieutenant Smith, Matt, authentication Alpha Tango Two One One Zero - Requesting priority clearance into high Denver orbit - Recognise Red Alert Signature over."
"Acknowledged Lt Smith - You have clearance, Good Hunting!

Matt charges out of the dock and roars into space, followed by John and Angelina. This holiday period was not what he expected. He had hoped that his father would accept his choice in woman. He was wrong. He had hoped that his mother would keep his father more in check. He was wrong. He had hoped that Dad would not raise the issue of Naval Patrols. He was wrong. He had hoped that the Rheinlanders would take the winter festival off. He was wrong. Matt began to wonder if the whole idea of trying to have a relationship, or even try to be on speaking terms with his family while there was a war on was a good idea. He whacked his head off the cockpit dashboard annoyed. He then set the autopilot while they jumped to New York and got the half bottle of whisky out.

"Screw it, it's the festival. Zander's ain't gonna catch me an' I have hunting tae do."

Matt swigs out of the bottle and laughs in delight. The alcohol flows through his system and makes him more determined and angry. He pushes his way in front of a trade convoy at the Texas jumpgate and laughs, almost insanely. Today, The Rheinlanders die.

And so ends the first chapter. Our heroes are charging through Texas to face off against the Rheinland war machine. Virtues of Hope and Peace have no place now, even in this festive period. While Sirius sleeps off the celebration of the day - The people of the Navy fight on during the night. Matt drinks some more and becomes almost unknown to his colleagues. So drunk on alcohol and blood-lust that even the Rheinlanders don't know what hit them. Matt charges into the battle and records 4 kills without even breaking a sweat. The Rheinlanders quickly retreat and peace is temporarily restored. Matt laughs with glee, he doesn't even notice his ship took a direct mine hit and that he's bleeding from his head. He is too wrapped up in the glory of the moment. Briefly he wonders if peace will ever come, but he dismisses it. It won't be in his lifetime. However, it's a battle he will keep on fighting - even if it kills him.

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