Kurt Manning sat on board the Thunderhawk transport as it fell down Los Angeles atmosphere. On either side of him sat Marcus Scarman and Thomas Serov. The Liberty dropship was carrying the ground team down to the surface, destined to land in the Los Angeles international spaceport in just less than five minutes. Admiral Wilder sat across from Manning, a man Kurt had little background knowledge of. The mysterious future-man had seemed to keep himself away from the Bounty Hunter, for reasons Kurt didnt bother to ponder upon. Aside from that, the two men were civil and Manning held nothing against the Admiral. Thomas Serov was also a shady character, keeping himself to the others and not speaking directly to Manning if he could help it.
Kurt noticed similar behavior from many of the others, and he knew the Fleet Admiral didnt trust him. The only people he felt he could rely on directly were Reinhardt, Scarman and Anderson. Scarman he liked, after the two men had saved each others lives on a number of occasions. They both shared a sense of value in each other, an emotion he felt was justified by their past encounters, however sometimes a little one sided. Despite Kurts appreciation for what Marcus had done for him, throughout his life he had learned to be wary of everybody and not to give away as much as he had too. He felt that his philosophy applied and that perhaps Marcus was placing just a little too much trust in him. On the other hand however, Scarman was a good laugh and Kurt liked a man with a quick wit. Kurt also liked the young Captain Scarman was always floundering around, finding her shapely figure and strong personality rather appealing.
Reinhardt was a man Kurt respected. At sixty nine, the man had seen an awful lot in his time, wars, strife and conflict being nothing but a sideshow. Nanoscopic medical treatments and muscle boosting had kept the old man in good shape, showing Manning what patience and a little savings could hold for him in his own old age. Reinhardt was a solitary man and had a lot of experience, just the type Manning aspired to be. The only thing that held the Rheinlander back was his awkward sense of pride, stapling him down and branding him another fool suspended by morality. Kurt was not by any means an evil man, but he was comfortable with morally grey and didnt plan on leading his life on some righteous justice quest. He hoped to leave the Freedom Fighters and get back to bounty hunting as soon as he felt his debt to Scarman had been paid.
Anderson however he felt to be a fool. The man seemed a little na?ve at times and often didnt demonstrate his rank. If it werent for the constant examples of bravery, courageousness and sheer luck the man would probably have been killed long ago.
He was knocked from his thoughts as the Thunderhawk banked sharply and the engines gave an uncertain howl before thrumming back into a steady background hum. He felt a sharp loss of attitude and then a dramatic decrease in speed. Soon enough, the feeling of the landing struts coming into contact with hardened rockcrete thumped beneath his feet and the sound of hydraulic pressures being released soon filled the cramped troop compartment. The catches on his harness suddenly released him and retreated back into the seat. He stood up slowly and followed Serov towards the main entrance. With a hiss, the catches on the main entry were released and the large doorway swung down to the ground, slamming into the floor with such a force that it cracked the hard surface of the spaceport.
Manning followed Serov down the ramp, shielding his eyes and straightening his back. A heat haze lay all around them, amplified by the scorching sun hanging directly overhead. Commercial liners and interplanetary cruisers sat on landing struts being refueled or boarded. Other vessels and planes lifted off or taxied down the runways, a thunder of noise following them and drowning out any other sounds.
We need to get to the bunker! Marcus shouted over the din, a pair of antiflash sunglasses shielding his eyes from the glare. We can contact Edge from there and organize a transport.
Around half an hour ago, Victoria Wade had made it into the Senators private LA residence and met with the alternate version of Marcus Scarman. After things had been cleared, she had contacted the Yorktown and called for Scarecrow to come down immediately. Fleet Admiral Merlow had stayed back on board along with Admiral Anderson, leaving Marcus, Thomas and Jayce Wilder to come down to the planets surface. Marcus had asked to bring Kurt along with him for extra security, along with a detail the Freedom Fighter Marine Core.
Senator Scarmans men will be waiting for us in one of the spaceports audience rooms, the flight controller here has agreed to help us in any way he can. Marcus continued to shout over the noise. Once we meet up with Scarmans men, well be lead to his residence and meet up with Captain Wade. She will have told the Congressman everything; we need to prove it to be true as he probably wont be too convinced. We cant harm this mans campaign, but he also might be of great help to us when installing ourselves and indeed the civilians we have in cryostasis into society.
Marcus finished yelling just as a nearby orbital jump-jet reached the beginning of a runway. The howl from the engine drowned out any other sound as a large flame exploded from its rear end. With a deafening roar, the jump-jet accelerated along the runway and began to take off. Manning watched it go for a moment before following the others to a trio of carts that lay waiting for them at the end of their landing platform.
Doyen Robert Merlow was sitting near Lucas and Tomoko as they spoke. He was hunched over his drink, just blending into the crowd. It wasn't readily visible, but he was a well built man, strong but not overly so. His unmarked member's only jacket absorbed nearly all of the light thrown at it, making him nearly invisible in the bar. His Nodachi and Wasizaki are coated in the same material, hiding them from prying eyes. His glasses glinted in the dingy light, revealing his deep brown eyes. Across from him sat his second-in-command, Kyon. He was wearing a similar jacket along with a pair of dark sunglasses, hiding his eyes from view. He wore an assortment of weapons on him, all under his member's only jacket.
Robert himself was a cold individual, little room in his heart for compassion or love. Raised into the Kanzaki Yakuza, that was all he knew. Ruthlessness and cold calculation were how he lived his life. His buddy Kyon was more laid back, but his calm exterior hid his true ruthlessness. He was known to strangle his enemies with his bare hands with a smile on his face.
Tomoko began to walk out of the bar, her hips waving seductively. Merlow smiled and rose, following her out. They gave her some distance, but made it a obvious that they had something they intended that involved her. Tomoko heard the footsteps in the nearly empty hallway, provoking her attention. She walked on as if she noticed nothing, drawing a small blaster pistol from a hidden holster. She turned about suddenly, training her pistol on the nearest target. She was surprised to find that the two men behind her already had their pistols drawn.
"Tomoko Yamaguchi." Merlow called to her.
"Yeah?" she replied, her blaster trained on Merlow's head.
"We would like to accompany you to your latest job," Kyon added, "I hope you don't mind the intrusion."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" she asked.
Merlow holstered his Assault Pistol and bowed, "The name is Robert Merlow. Nice to make your acquaintance."
-----
Bridge, Tuatha de Danaan
Above Planet Los Angeles
California System / Liberty Space
Fleet Admiral Merlow looked out the viewing window into the green-blue seas of the Los Angeles. He was lost in thought yet again, thinking over the current situation. Two Admirals were on the surface and his most trusted friend was there with them. This Senator Scarman was an unknown in this equation. His public life was well documented, but his experience in dealing with such men he knew that you needed to know everything about them in order to truly understand them. He had Section 9 working around the clock trying to determine what this Senator's motives were.
Anderson came up behind him, clearing his throat, "Sir, is something bothering you?" he asked, considerable concern in his voice.
Merlow thought for a second. There was actually something else that greatly concerned him, but he didn't want to discuss it with a subordinate, "Just the situation, Anderson. I'm concerned with the Migrant Fleet. How're we supposed to find a place to settle the better part of two-hundred million people?"
"I'm not sure, Sir. Have you thought about doing what the Mithril Organization of the Evolved Universe did?"
Merlow gave him an incredulous look, "And become the pariahs of Sirius, dealing with criminal organizations daily and using terror as a tool? We're not going to debase the First Fleet and lower ourselves to that level."
Tessa walked to the window, tapping Admiral Anderson on the shoulder, "Sir, you're needed in Astrometrics."
Anderson nodded and walked off, leaving the two of them watching the planet. Tessa leaned in close, her mouth next to Merlow's ear.
"Sarah's in your quarters. I thought you might want to see her, considering everything that's happened."
Merlow breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Tessa. I really appreciate it. I'll be sure that Captain Hao gets the word on dinner tonight." he replied with a wink.
Tessa blushed. She may be a Reverend Mother, but she was also still a teen, "Thank you, Sir!" she squealed quietly.
Merlow gave her a pat on the back before taking his leave from the Bridge, leaving Tessa in command.
He walked down the hallway to the turbolift.
"Computer, Deck Three."
Commander in Chief of the Migrant Fleet / Former Fleet Admiral of the Liberty First Fleet Second Survivor of the Mentat Program. We must give and take with good measure. Give too much, we become complacent. Take too much, we incur the wrath of our own. Tread Lightly. --Supreme Bashar Robert Merlow--
The sleek black aircar landed deftly in front of the elegant Scarman residence. Marcus stepped out of the gulwing door and took in a deep breath. The air was fresh and the sun gleamed down on his face, pleasantly warming his skin. The Scarman residence sat in the foothills of the Hollywood ridges, a range of small peaks due east of Los Angeles central. The small mountain range acted as a barrier between the city and the coastline and thus protected the inhabitants from the planets mean coastal weather patterns. Unlike the old Earth city of Los Angeles, planet Los Angeles had a vicious weather cycle with dozens of typhoons and tornadoes forming out on the oceans on a monthly basis. Thanks to this, most of the cities were built far inland or next to the protective shadow of mountain ranges.
The graceful artistry of the building before Marcus almost took his breath away. It must have cost a great deal of money, as the houses grounds covered at least an acre, which was an achievement considering it had been built into the hill. The house had two floors, the main floor being the ground floor and the second floor being entirely underground. Parts of the house were half built into the hillside so that the back end was totally concealed within the rock surface whilst the front end came out on stilts. A large brickwork landing area protruded from the hill side in front of the houses main entrance, a narrow path flanked by exotic plants and hedgerows leading down to the mountain road below. Small paths lead off around the back of the building, one leading past a long glass window that ran around the left hand side of the building and disappeared around the corner. Marcus could see sofas and chairs inside and guessed it to be the main living area. To the left of the living room a narrow garden ran along the side of the hill, full of bizarre looking plants and colourful flowers. A narrow swimming pool sat in the centre of the garden, covered in shadow thanks to the position of the Californian star.
The front door opened up and a man in a suit exited the building. He walked down the steps in front of the main entrance and greeted the aircar driver. Marcus and his team walked idly out behind the driver, admiring the scenery and shielding their eyes from the sun.
Mr. Scarman has arrived, The driver said, looking aside at Marcus. The second man, who looked like a butler to Marcus, sighed in shock.
He looks exactly like him! The mans accent sounded Bretonian. Marcus gave him a friendly smile and nodded.
Bring them inside, The butler said, turning around and disappearing back through the door. The driver turned around and gestured for the Freedom Fighters to go inside. Marcus had brought a couple of the marine detail along with him for security, leaving the others behind to watch the Thunderhawk.
The driver held up his hand at them. Im afraid your guards will have to wait outside until they are checked,
Understandable, Marcus nodded at the marine Captain, a well built Russian who joined the Freedom Fighters back in their home dimension by the name of Lukas Aleksandr. He nodded back and held up his hand, holding his comrade back whilst the others entered the building.
Marcus was the first to enter, followed by Reinhardt and Manning and finally Serov and Wilder. The entrance hallway was as long as it was grand. The walls were lined with portraits of men Marcus had never seen before in his life and tall mirrors with golden frames. A grandfather clock stood at the end of the hallway with two doors either side of it and a flight of stairs disappeared down into the lower level to the right of the corridor. A number of doorways led off to both the right and the left, leading deep into the multitude of rooms the house had to offer. Marcus looked to his right, admiring one of the pictures. He paused however as another caught his eye. He saw himself, dressed in a suit and tie with a closely trimmed beard and a neatly sculptured hairstyle with his arm around a young blonde haired woman and a young girl. Marcus was mesmerized for a moment before he realized that he was looking at another man with a different life.
Please, make yourselves at home. Marcus was surprised to hear his own voice come from down the corridor. He turned to see himself stood there with a glass of wine in one hand and his suit jacket neatly folded in the other. Your Captain is just through in the living area speaking with my wife.
Senator Marcus Scarman walked down the corridor towards the gathered Freedom Fighters. The look on his face told Marcus that he was as shocked as he felt. He stopped in front of Marcus and looked him all over. To the others it seemed strange seeing the same man twice. It almost seemed unnatural.
Marcus wore his best Admirals uniform, which he had changed into at the airport. His navy blue slacks and his pressed Admirals jacket looked rich in the low light of the corridor. His gold trim and epaulettes glinted along with his impressive array of badges and medals. His admirals stars glistened at his collar, finishing the look nicely.
Well, you do look impressive Admiral Scarman. If you really are my twin, I certainly am proud for you.
We need to talk about that, Marcus smiled and rested a hand on his alternate selfs shoulder. It must have been his imagination, but he could feel a slight tingling in his own shoulder.
Of course, The other Marcus smiled back, Please come through.
He led the others into the living room where two women sat talking and a little girl sat playing on the floor. Captain Wade stood up and saluted as Marcus entered the room. He grinned at her and nodded.
At ease Captain, She smiled back and sat down once more.
Please, allow me to introduce you to my lovely wife Hannah Scarman, Senator Scarman gestured to the beautiful blonde woman sat opposite Victoria. Her hair was cut short, in a neat bob that framed her face nicely and she wore a red summery dress covered with white spots. A pair of strong brown eyes looked over at Marcus and widened as she saw him.
And my beautiful daughter Heather, The Senator then nodded across to the little girl sat playing on the floor.
Marcus looked over at her with a strange yearning in his eye. He didnt know quite what to feel for this child. She obviously took after her mother, the same mop of blonde hair and meaningful brown eyes. She looked up at Marcus and smiled at him.
He looked away, somewhat abashed. He thought of his own young son Matthew, and how much he missed him.
Pleased to meet you, Marcus smiled at Hannah Scarman. Now let me introduce you to my team. You already know Captain Victoria Wade.
Edge smiled at both Hannah and the Senator in turn before Marcus continued. These two gentlemen are Kurt Manning and Klaus Reinhardt; they are under my employ for security purposes. This is General Thomas Serov, my friend and ally and the closest friend of my commander and friend, Fleet Admiral Robert Merlow. The Fleet Admiral expresses his apologies for not being able to attend this meeting but he has pressing matters to watch over on board our flagship. Finally, Id like to introduce you to Admiral Jayce Wilder, also of the Freedom Fighters but with a very interesting story behind him.
It is good to meet you all, Senator Scarman bowed slightly before Marcus and his team. Im sure we will all become fast friends.
Indeed, Marcus moved over to sit beside Victoria as the Senator gestured for him to relax. But there are some pressing matters at hand and also the matter of explaining myself.
I am indeed interested in what you have to say Admiral Scarman, The Senator sat beside his wife and ran his hands affectionately through his daughters hair. The others entered the room and sat down in different seats, making themselves comfortable and taking in their surroundings. The butler closed the door behind them so that they could have their privacy.
Senator Scarman, what I am about to say is quite shocking and you may not believe me at first. I must urge you to keep an open mind.
The Senator nodded understandingly and kept his gaze expectantly focused on Marcus. Scarecrow took a deep breath and began, My name is Marcus Scarman
My name is Marcus Scarman, I pretty much am you. Marcus said, watching his alternate self for a reaction. I am your double, you are my double. I am from a different universe, a parallel dimension if you will. My comrades, myself and our fleet ended up here through circumstances in our home dimension, but that is a different story entirely. What I am saying is I am not your twin, I am not related to you. I am you.
The Senator was silent for a moment, taking in what Marcus had said.
I had no idea that my alternate self would be running for President, Marcus added, So when I rescued that old womans bag, I didnt consider the bigger picture. I told them I was your twin because I couldnt think of anything better at the time.
An interesting story, The Senator said, And indeed scientifically plausible, but extremely farfetched. If you werent sat here in front of me, I would be inclined not to believe you.
I understand your doubt; I was left in my native dimension after my friends were torn from it. I found it hard to believe at first. What we need to do is work out a story that will benefit your campaign, we realize that this is a big thing and that the fact of you having a twin might jeopardize your plans.
I appreciate your concern, you are right this may have adverse ramifications. The Senator stroked his chin.
There was a low clunk at the window as a man wearing blue coveralls placed a ladder against the side of the building. He wore a peaked cap down low over his face and carried a bucket and sponge.
Dont mind him, Hannah Scarman waved a disconcerted hand. Hes just the window-cleaner, comes around every Saturday.
Marcus nodded and turned back to the Senator. Please sir, a story this wild if not true could only have been made up in the mind of a child. I implore you to believe us.
I also have with me extra proof to back up my claim, Marcus continued, removing his palm computer from his belt. Admiral Jayce Wilder here, as I said before, has an interesting story of his own.
Scarecrow took a deep breath before launching into Wilders history. Basically, when I cam through into this dimension, I brought with me a number of problems. I managed to sort them out, thankfully. But Admiral Wilder here was dragged from his own native universe and flung into this one. He was saved just before his ship was destroyed in a cataclysmic act of heroism.
Interesting, The Senator looked over at Jayce, who nodded in confirmation. But how does this prove that you are indeed from a parallel dimension?
Our scientists have discovered, Marcus carried on, that matter from different dimensions, albeit being fundamentally identical, carries the subtlest of differences. They have been dubbed as differences within the matter type.
He handed the Senator his palm computer, which showed the telltale double helix of human DNA.
There is a representation of human DNA, taken from samples of Miss Wade here, Admiral Wilder and one Scott Caprice, a young man who helped us secure a couple of starship size refit berths out in the Sigma systems.
As you can see, they are each typical strands of DNA, aside from the obvious differences in the individuals. If you direct your attention to these aspects however,
Marcus pointed out several slight differences in the way the DNA was structured around the edges, You will notice the subtle differences caused by the three subjects difference in home dimensions. The matter type of Mr. Caprice is identical to this example of an argon strand originating in this dimension.
Marcus tapped at the console and an image of the element argon appeared on the screen. The smaller details between Caprices DNA and the strand of argon were identical.
Now, this is taken from the hull plating of the LNS Tuatha de Danaan, our flagship and the DNA of Victoria Wade.
Marcus looked up briefly as the window-cleaner threw a bucket of water at the window, washing away a horde of soap suds.
Yeah, you can see the matter type is the same again, as the Danaan was originally built in the same universe Captain Wade was born in.
Marcus changed the picture one last time, The story is the same with Admiral Wilder, and here you can see his DNA along side a sliver of metal taken from the ruin of his ship. The matter time is again, identical. Place these examples next to each other and the matter type is different. They originated in different dimensions.
This is compelling evidence Admiral, The Senator nodded, given the situation, I will go on your word for the moment. I would like to meet with your Fleet Admiral and discuss things. There are obviously matters concerning a fully armed battlefleet from another dimension flying willy-nilly around Sirius.
That is indeed a matter, especially as our fleet is also guarding several sleeper ships full of cryogenically frozen settlers, but that is a story for a different time. Marcus grinned hopefully. The Senator nodded respectfully, easing the tension building within Marcus. The window-cleaner clanked his ladders on another window as he moved along.
Well, Im glad you decided to be so open with me about this. I mean your story does seem somewhat wild, but given your situation you could have just returned to your ships and left me to do the clean up job. I mean its known that I wasnt in the Montgomery Village shopping centre at that time, it would have been difficult to get around that.
Senator as you learn to know us better you will come to understand that the Freedom Fighters are as good and honest as they come. If we are ever involved in anything, be it as spectators or if we are directly in the heart of it, you can be sure that we will see it out until the end and do our best to make sure that the best interests are met for the greater good. In this case, we gave you this problem and we promise to help you explain what has happened.
That is greatly appreciated Admiral, Senator Scarman smiled thankfully.
There is now only the matter of what you want to do, Thomas Serov spoke for the first time. Its a big story as it is, if we tell the press the truth, no one would believe us.
Thats right, this story is too off the mark to make public, Hannah Scarman patted her husbands arm. We need to work together to come up with a suitable story.
If necessary, I will pose as your twin brother. Marcus gave the Senator the most sincere look he could muster.
There is one small thing, Klaus Reinhardt said. That I need to clear up,
Scarecrow looked at him incredulously. Klaus, what?
It isnt Saturday, Reinhardt stated simply. Its Thursday.
Everyone stared at the Rheinlander as if he had gone mad.
Im sorry, I dont follow you. The Senator said, raising an eyebrow.
Your wife said that the window-cleaner comes every Saturday, today is Thursday. Klaus looked across to the window.
Then who Hannah Scarman followed his gaze, looking puzzled.
Marcus followed everyone elses gaze across to the window and froze as he finally saw the window-cleaners face. Sayne Jadyn stood by the large pane of glass, smiling jovially and waving down at little Heather Scarman
Everyone out, NOW! Thomas Serov shouted. He stood up so fast that he knocked his seat over backwards. The Scarmans looked up at him with a mixture of fear and anger in their eyes. Young Heather began to cry. Jadyn turned and began to jog across the garden, away from the house.
Listen to him, Marcus yelled, standing and grabbing the nearest object to hand. His hands clasped an ornate vase, smooth to the touch. He hurled the vase at the nearest window pane. The heavy ornament smashed into the glass and ploughed straight through. The glass seemed to simply come apart and cascade to the ground. Time seemed to slow as Marcus grabbed Heather Scarman and launched himself at the shattered window. Reinhardt and Manning were close behind, Manning hauling the Senator out of his seat whilst Reinhardt took hold of Hannahs arm.
Marcus bolted through the glass, using his back to shield the panicking little girl in his arms from the shower of glass that rained down from the smashed window. Everything seemed to speed up once more as he cleared the window and began to run out into the yard.
Back in the living room, Klaus dragged a screaming Hannah Scarman out after Scarecrow, the Senator following after a hearty shove from Kurt. Manning waited for a few seconds for Victoria, Wilder and Serov as they skirted the furnishings and made for the shattered window. He followed them out and began sprinting across the yard as they did. He made no further than ten meters distance from the wide expanse of the living room when the entire room detonated in one mighty explosion, blasting out into the yard and firing up into the sky. The shockwave knocked Manning, Wilder and Serov and Victoria face down into the brickwork as the heat blasted out into the plain summers day. A second explosion followed the first, reinforcing the fire and tearing throughout the Scarman residences living room. The entire bay windows were blown out, along with several segments of wall and some of the ceiling. The living room was totally destroyed.
Marcus braced himself against the heat wave in order to protect Heather. By now she was screaming for her mother, tears rolling down her cheeks. Marcus grimaced as the second blast tore into the sky, searing his ears and face. He turned around to look at the house, carefully placing Heather on the floor. He looked as fire rose from the front of the house, licking at the sky hungrily.
Heather darted around him and ran across to her mother who was trying to break free from Reinhardt. The burly Rheinlander had done the same as Marcus and protected her from the blast, but now he was having to protect himself as she hammered away at his forearms. When she heard her daughters voice she forgot completely about Klaus and scooped her child up, cooing at her and swaying from side to side.
Scarecrow turned to look for the Senator. He didnt have to look far as his alternate self appeared before him, looking scruffy and covered in soot from the blast. The Senator swung his arm back and punched Marcus across the face.
What the hell have you brought for my family! He yelled at Marcus as he fell backwards over himself. Why have you brought this on us!
Marcus crawled backwards and leaned against the cool metal of the aircar, wiping his jaw. Blood and soot came away on the back of his hand.
Its not my fault! He protested. I had no idea he had followed us!
Whos he? The Senator yelled, his fists clenched, Who the hell is he!
Marcus hauled himself up to his feet, trying to get the image of his own fist flying at his face out of his imagination.
That was a known criminal named Sayne Jadyn, He said, wiping his lip again. Im sorry, it looks like weve given you one too many problems.
Damn right you have, The congressman glared at Scarecrow before turning around and quickly making his way over to his wife and daughter. He put his arms around them protectively and looked over at the ruins of his house.
Marcus turned and looked away, his gaze sweeping across the sprawled city of Los Angeles down below.
Damn it, He cursed passionately to himself. He turned back around and shouted for Aleksandr. The marine captain ran across and stood to attention before him.
Lock down the area captain, Sayne Jadyn is here. I want him captured.
Right away sir, Captain Aleksandr saluted and turned to go.
Lukas, Marcus halted him. Give me your M9,
The Captain turned and tossed his M9 Enforcer into Marcus waiting hands. He then turned and jogged across to Victoria Wade and his fellow marine.
Marcus checked the M9s cartridge and then loaded a round viciously.
Youre mine Jadyn! He shouted, You hear me, you will answer for this!
"You wouldn't be the first to say that!" I hollared as I stumbled through the undergrowth towards my ship that rested on it's landing struts. The overall's were coming off my right shoulder. "I was surprised though Marcus, that a man with such military smarts that you left yourself wide open for an attack. May want to let your 'twin' know that he should step up his security!"
"What the hell do you want Jadyn?" I heard him yell, his voice clearly closer than before, he was catching me, all apart of the plan. The Black Flag Scarman peaking out from around my ship with his assualt rifle.
"I want what any man in my position wants Marcus! Revenge for what you did on Bretonia! You really don't remember do you? You called for attack formation delta on the tower, southern districts on the planet! I warned you they had a .50 caliber machine gun posted at the top, but you wouldn't listen! You were to f***ing headstong, and you got a promotion and metal for your failure!
"Remembering yet Scarecrow? Or are you still having a typical case of 'convient amnesia'? That day at your ceremony when you ranked up, I ripped off my rank and left! Of all the suffering I had to go through with the Freedom Fighters experements, I got nothing in return, you took all the glory for slaughtering our team! Fahrenheit Zero Alpha Project, and Sadakur! What did you go through?! Nothing? You're just a pawn in my game Marcus 'Scarecrow' Scarman, remember that! And when I'm finished, I'll make sure you get what's coming to you...
...Murderer!"
He came around a tree and I hit the trigger on my remote, my ships guns swung around and I fell to the ground as they tore across the tree line, ripping the wood and bark to shreds as they fired. Limbs fell from trees, and the smell of plasma scorched the air. Black Flag Marcus only smiled and opened fire with his assualt rifle as I stopped the ships guns from firing, I climbed up into the ship and motioned for him to follow. He climbed in to the ship, I allowed the ships engines to lift the ship off the ground, the ship swung out quickly and jetted off into the sky, weapons fire dotted the forest as Scarman, in a futile attempt fired his M9 rifle at the bottom of the ship...
I've lost people who meant the world to me...and I'm still doing just fine. I'm coming for everything they said I couldn't have.
Marcus ducked and rolled to one side as the plasma cannon opened up. Torrents of scorching green energy licked their way through the small clump of trees, melting tree trunks and liquefying foliage. A burning piece of debris landed on Marcus leg, just above the knee. He couldnt tell if it was a piece of bark or a smoldering leaf, but it melted its way through his scorched slacks in an instant. He howled in pain and tried to brush the glop of plasma from his leg, only burning the palm of his hand as well. After the steady stream of plasma fire ended, Marcus heard the chatter of an assault rifle echo between the tree trunks as bullets strafed through the leaves. Several of them kicked up some dirt mere inches from where he lay before the chattering finally stopped and the whine of a repulsor jet filled the air.
Scarecrow caught a glimpse of something jet black rising out of the trees. With a deafening sonic boom, the fighter roared away from the Scarman residence, taking Sayne Jadyn with it. Marcus aimed his Enforcer at the rapidly disappearing shape and squeezed off a couple of futile rounds before dropping the pistol and letting his head fall into the bush behind him. He grimaced at the pain in his leg and tried to think of something else. The face of his beloved Tomoko filled his imagination, smiling down at him and stroking his face. She suddenly looked concerned however and began checking his forehead. Her dark hair began to lighten and her facial features began to fade away. Marcus found himself looking up at the soot-covered face of Victoria Wade. She had a nasty looking graze across her left cheek and a slim trickle of blood oozing from beneath her hairline.
Hes fading in and out of conscious, She said, looking away for a moment. Hes taken some plasma detritus to the leg.
Help me with him, Marcus heard the voice of Thomas Serov, We need to get him back to the Danaan.
With that, Marcus let his head loll backwards and began to feel reality slipping away. He was soon drifting in a world of black, his pain no longer there and blissfully unaware of his current situation.
Emergency Command Center, Liberty Embassy
Planet Kurile
Sigma-17 System / Federal Republic Space
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
Personnel were scurrying about as Merlow entered the Command Center. Officers and politicians from all branches of the Liberty hierarchy were running about the room, trying to ascertain what exactly was going on outside. An EM Pulse had very recently hit the building, effectively disabling all of the outer defense systems and enabling whoever was attacking them access to the building. The soldiers posted outside hadn't reported in, probably due to radio failure, and those inside found that communications with the outside world were jammed.
Merlow walked over to the communications officer, Ensign, any luck with contacting Freedom Fighter command?
She shook her head, No Sir, we've got nothing on any of the channels. The internal comms still work, and I've already notified everyone to bunker down in their sectors.
Good. See to it that protocol is followed. He shifted his focus from the comms station to the head security officer, a Marine Lieutenant Colonel.
Colonel, status?
Sir, it's not looking too good. Our perimeter sentries haven't reported in, and the soldiers we have left inside just aren't enough to secure the building in the event of an invasion of the Embassy. We can hold, but not for long.
Get all nonessential personnel into the shelter and have the men barricade the possible avenues of attack. Booby trap them if you must, but be sure that you leave yourselves a way out.
Yes Sir. I'll tell the men.
*BOOM*
An explosion rocked the building, shaking it violently and throwing everyone to the floor. Merlow hit his head on a screen and fell to the floor, the world fading out around him...
FADM's Quarters, Tuatha de Danaan
In orbit around Planet Los Angeles
California System / Liberty Space
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
Merlow awoke with a start, blinking real hard as everything began to come back into focus. He was in bed, next to his girlfriend Sarah. They had been dating for the last few years, ever since the reinstatement of the Liberty Freedom Fighters in their last universe. This was months before the Bretonian Conflict. Despite the battles for the the both of them, on and off their respective battlefields, they remained together through everything.
He tried to rise slowly, attempting not to wake her. He failed. She held onto his arm lightly and started mumbling.
What is it now? she mumbled into his ear, I can never escape that damned beeping...
I don't know, he said, now sitting up, but it's never anything good.
She gave a deep sigh, Well, be quick about it. I don't have much to do, you know.
He leaned down and gave her a kiss, I know. I'll be sure to be quick about it. He rose out of bed and walked to his closet, choosing his BDUs from the clothes on the rack. Dressing himself appropriately, he retrieved his weapons from hidden compartments in the closet. Strapping them on, he looked himself over in the mirror You look like hell, he thought to himself, Try sleeping sometime, will ya?
With another quick kiss to Sarah, he left the room, met in the hallway by Seras.
What's the problem now, Lieutenant? He asked as she passed him a datapad.
Sir, Admiral Scarman is in sickbay. she said with a somber tone.
Wait, what!? he said, pausing in the hallway for a moment, How did he--?
Dr. Sagisawa says it was plasma-affected debris from a ship's engines. The wounds aren't lethal, but they certainly incapacitated him. General Serov is there, along with Captain Wade. They brought him back about thirty minutes ago.
Merlow looked over the datapad passed to him, absorbing the information, Sayne, he breathed, that bastard was responsible for this?
He caused quite the stir on the surface, Sir. We should have sent a HiME detail down with them.
Merlow shook his head as they approached Sickbay, That was my call to make. I thought that they could handle themselves there, apparently I was wrong...
The door slid open, revealing the clean, blue-white interior of Sickbay. Scarman lay on one of the numerous beds in the recovery ward, the console at the foot of the bed giving constant readings of his condition. His head wound was sealed with faux-skin and a single IV protruded from his arm, hooked into the console. Serov stood next to Dr. Sagisawa, speaking with her while Victoria Wade sat in a chair next to Scarman, a worried look on her face.
Doctor, status? Merlow asked, approaching from behind.
Ah, Admiral, good to see you're awake, Dr. Sagisawa greeted, turning to face him, Admiral Scarman's wounded but stable, his wounds were pretty serious. He shouldn't of stood so close to the ship's exhaust.
How long will recovery take? he asked, quite concerned.
Well, with that IV in him, it shouldn't take more than a few hours. The nanites should do the job quite well.
Rob, interrupted Serov, I'm not liking this at all. Sayne came out of nowhere and managed to penetrate Senator Scarman's estate.
I know, Merlow replied, I read over the report. Any recommendations?
We issue a security detail for Admiral and Senator Scarman. Plainclothes Sadukar and a few HiME should do the job.
I'll let you handle that. Merlow approached Captain Wade, Captain, are you alright?
Commander in Chief of the Migrant Fleet / Former Fleet Admiral of the Liberty First Fleet Second Survivor of the Mentat Program. We must give and take with good measure. Give too much, we become complacent. Take too much, we incur the wrath of our own. Tread Lightly. --Supreme Bashar Robert Merlow--
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