Adain Erylian

[Adain]

"We are approaching the trade-lane. Vector is clear and buoy's show no pirates."

"Alright, Gyro Leader heading through."

My mother stroked my hair as I peered out the viewport. Our speed doubled....tripled....the hair on the back of my neck stood up. -So fast-

"Alright, Shuttle One you are clear to enter the trade-lane."

"Roger."

"2, on their six."


I marveled at the calm in their voices. Those pilots must have had nerves of Duranium! The rings flashed by as we approached the Texas Jump Gate, a large structure that would warp us into a completely different part of space.

"Shuttle 1 the way is clear."

"Engaging polarity stabilizers, there's a fluctuation in the docking relay."

"Alright."

The shuttle shuddered slightly and then the speed skyrocketed, it happened so fast that the inertial dampeners didn't kick in for a moment. As suddenly as we entered, the shuttle shot out of the exit with equal speed.

"Engaging jump brakes."

"Proceed S-1."

"umm...Leader, we are picking up some Rogues off to starboard. We'll go check it out, S-1 proceed to Houston."

"Roger that 2, Shuttle departing."

My father stood up and walked over to a sensor panel. "2, we need you to get our back-path clear."

"No can do sir, we count three Rogues and Leader isn't going at it alone."

Our pilot spoke up, "Don't you worry Mr. Thompson, I'm capable."

His chuckle was cut off as soon as the computer chimed, "Trade-lane disrupted"

"Locking down!"

I was trembling as the view port suddenly shut and my mother grasped me to her body. "Jay?!"

"It's alright Honey....*sigh*"

"Five Outcast Sabres, time to leave. Opening channel."

*Outcast vessels we are on a diplomati-*

The shuttle was slammed with three Kraken Type II particle beams, "Pilot, open the hatch. I will speak with them."

The door to the cockpit hissed open and then shut, swallowing my father. Mother was praying for our safety as tears welled up in my eyes and the negotiations commenced.

"I need a secure channel."

"Yes, sir" The two chairs were suddenly separated by a barrier that allowed the diplomat to speak in privacy with the attackers.

*What is it you want Outcasts?*

The faint crackling from empty comm's was all to be heard from the mysterious criminals. Then, the computer beeped. The escort was back.

*Leader?*

*Great'€¦.Mr. Thompson you must leave the area'€¦.immediately.*

The shuttle began to move forward but two civilian Mini Razors battered the shields, causing the pilot to automatically stop.

*Don't think that La Nacion has forgotten about your end of the bargain Senor Adams. Where is the cargo?*
The squadron leader paused'€¦*On the shuttle*

*WHAT?!* My father roared. *Sgt. this better not be what I'm perceiving! My family is on here!*

*Be quiet Ambassador. You don't know anything of what is happening.*

*We don't mean to cut into your dispute senores, but'€¦.we will be needing that cargo.*

*Yes, you will. Shuttle pilot, shut down propulsion systems. Prepare to jettison all cargo.*

*Hermano, do you see that? The'€¦que..es'€¦Ha! 24'€¦.the cargo is short almost one hundred units! Did you think we wouldn't further investigate the goods, senor? It is your time, amigo. Adios.*

With that, the Outcasts began pulling away and faded off sensors. My father whispered to the pilot, "Get us to Houston, I need to talk with the Admiral." The Shuttle's engines flared to life, to be stopped by a train cruise disruptor. "Origin: Avenger Class Fighter" The computer chimed.

*Leader what do you think you are doing?*

*We will not let you saying anything to the Admiral about this, Thompson. 2, with me.* They surrounded the shuttle and waited'€¦.

"Raising shields, let's'€¦.erm'€¦leave."

My father rushed to the back and secured my into a strapped seat. "Daddy! Don't go!"

"I'm right here buddy. We're not going anywhere." Him and my mother enveloped me, comforting me and stroking my dark hair. "Everything will be alright, son." My mother said whilst tearing up. "My sweet, sweet boy."

*FIRE*

The shuttle began to shudder and quake. "Shields are holding. Trade lane 2k away. Retaliating!" My mother was sobbing now and my father vigorously slamming commands into the panel. I began crying, what was happening? Why had this happened? "Shields at half!" Amidst the chaos, the pilot missed the eight blips, signaling the entrance of eight Outcast Sabres.

*Target acquired, switching to group systems. Weapons primed. Alright hermanos, let them have it.*

*This is Sgt. Adams get in here boys!*

"They're not switching targets! An-'€¦oh my'€¦"

Four more Avengers came onto scanners. Both sides had planned an ambush, this was a battle.

*Officers take out the shuttle. Enlisted, provide cover support!*

"Shields are failing, sir! We can't get out of here, we can't win!"

*Hug the shuttle. The 'casts might help some.*

"Mr. Thompson!" the pilot peered back for a moment, fear had snagged his throat. "We ne-"

"Incoming Torpedo" The computer monotonously issued my family's fate. As the cockpit door hissed shut, there was a sharp shudder and loud explosion there-after.

My father gasped. "He ejected the cockpit in place of countermeasures'€¦..*quick sigh* Honey get over here'€¦." my parents met in each others arms as my father whispered into momma's ear. Her eyes closed tightly and she sobbed heavier, then nodded. Dad approached me; tears streaming down his face. "Goodbye son. We love you, " he hugged and kissed me, "and we'll see you again soon. I promise! Be good now'€¦ok-'€¦o'€¦okay?"

"Daddy! Daddy don'€™t leave!! Stay with me Daddy! Momma! Come here momma! Why won't you listen!! Come back!" I reached as far as I could, they were only 8 feet away, but the distance was like miles. I screamed, relentlessly; wishing my parents would come and comfort me. Hold me in their arms, and soothe my despairing heart. But they stood with their backs to me, sobbing'€¦.wailing'€¦.they had to leave me.

*Shields failing, hull breach imminent*

"Computer'€¦execute command Gamma Six. Authorization Thompson 9-3-8-Echo-4-Foxtrot."

The computer beeped and a metal door slid directly in front of my hands. I screamed louder'€¦louder'€¦stronger'€¦harder. It was just not enough, no matter what they couldn'€™t hear me. I clawed at the metal casing that was eating me alive, to no avail. My parents approached the container'€¦.

"We lov-"

*ZZPHTT*

My vision blurred and tunneled from the enormous jolt that signaled the pods launch. I stared onward towards the shuttle as the hole I just emerged from ignited and the hull flashed white and red. The ship quaked left and spun as a hole was ripped through it. I closed my eyes, praying that I would wake up from this nightmare, laying in my bed on Planet Manhattan. When I opened my eyes'€¦I almost thought I was right. There was no more lazers zipping past or ships nearly missing my pod.


As the pod drifted I saw debris. Parts of Avengers'€¦and Sabres. Pilots that were exposed to dead space, littered the area around. The shuttle was farther away still spinning slightly'€¦and a hole punched right through. I saw a briefcase close to the breach. -Daddy?....Momma?- Tears came to my eyes again'€¦.my face flushed red, I wanted to scream'€¦but'€¦couldn't'€¦choked spurts of unintelligible phrases pierced the silence. Minutes'€¦.hours'€¦.days...perhaps years, passed and I cried'€¦I sobbed and grieved until the dreadful blackness enveloped my mind. Easing my frail figure into sleep.

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