The S/D - The Search/Destroy Agency (Strontium Dogs) - Bounty Hunters

[Athenian]

The Director's office was eerie when it was empty. Harvey limped in, uncomfortable in the silence. He found the files on the desk, with a post-it attached. It read "Approved. Recruit S/D-Breako. Put him in a Hammerhead until we can get mech services to look over his Manta. I'm waiting to hear more back from Shoultz but it should be a formality."

//PM sent. Welcome aboard, recruit Breako. Shoultz, reply by PM when you have completed the test.

---

Former member of "the most paranoid group of people in the community"
Discovery Community Forum Rules

[Athenian]

Harvey's Office, Sheffield Station.

The new desk was bigger, certainly. And a droid for a secretary was a change. Probably more personality than Brian, Harvey joked to himself.

There was one folder on the desk.

Harvey had seen many men down on their luck, but a former Guildmaster fallen on hard times was surely the most extreme example. It was true what Martinez had said one day, how there could never be life after the Guild for a Hunter, given the many enemies they acquired during their careers.

He sat down and wrote the approval memo.

"Application approved. Call-sign S/D-Shoultz. Recruit status. Probationary period. Assigned to Zone 1 (Liberty only)."

//PM sent. Welcome aboard.

---

Former member of "the most paranoid group of people in the community"
Discovery Community Forum Rules

[Athenian]

Harvey's Office, Sheffield Station.

Harvey opened the file and read over it. The flight report and initial testing on the potential new recruit was excellent. A real find. Tough, experienced civ escort with a zero reputation and nothing to lose. Found the simulator for the AP ships a little tricky but coped well. And, an endearing quality, a man of few words.

Incoming Transmission
To: S/D Recruitment Office
From: Scott Adams
Subject: Joining, of course
Priority: High


Hello sir/ma'am, I would like to inform you of me wanting to join you.

A little on myself. I was flying as an escort for Planetform, and I have great experience in the Eagle. One day, an incident within Planetform forced me to quit work... my boss, was on cardimine, and somehow, the BPA thought I was dealing it to him...

Now, I have been to trial, and the real dealer has been caught.... but, to be honest, I cannot work within any of the local businesses, as they will not accept me.

I come to you now to ask to join you.


Transmission ends

Harvey signed the approval form and wrote "Application accepted. Recruit status. Call sign S/D-Scott.Adams. Assigned Hammerhead from flight deck." He pressed a button his desk. A hologram of Brian appeared in the comm unit. Brian was in his office on the Doghouse, trying to extract a staple from his thumb with his teeth.

"Brian, get onto the offices of every major commercial enterprise we have ever done a job for. See if they can sell us an eagle or two. The number of former commercial pilots we are getting means we are wasting precious time training them in the AP ships. Maybe we can reinforce the hull and weapons mounts and soup these things up for the Borderworlds."

Brian sighed and nodded. He mumbled something, but Harvey couldn't understand him seeing as he had his thumb in his mouth.

The droid appeared at the door, raised a laser pistol and fired.



//Application received via PM. Welcome aboard. PM Sent.

---

Former member of "the most paranoid group of people in the community"
Discovery Community Forum Rules

[bluntpencil2001]

To: Search/Destroy Agency Recruitment Office
From: Mr. R. Deschain
Subject: Application
Priority: Low

Greetings, sirs.

I have enclosed my C.V, with details regarding my previous employment with the Bounty Hunters' Guild as a whole, as well as my additional contracts for the Bowex Corporation, as well as my reasonably well-regarded stint as a combat flight instructor at New Haven Academy.

In short, as a Bretonian, I began my mercenary career on Sheffield station, becoming familiar with AP-series vessels and their associated armaments in various assignments against those with prices on their hides.

Eventually, I sought other, greener, pastures and was given license to sub-contract out to Bowex as an escort pilot, flight instructor and general troubleshooter, targetting competitors and criminal nuisances for some time. This went well, but escort flying was a waste of my skills and being paid a salary, as opposed to being paid per job, doesn't quite fit my style at all.

I moved on, taking work as a flight instructor in the Connecticut system. Well-regarded, my training methods are seen as amongst the best, if I may say so myself. Whilst I, admittedly, like having a job that isn't mortally dangerous, again the age-old problem comes up...

Money. Yes, New Haven pays well, but I want more. I'm not in this to catch criminals, for excitement, for the satisfaction of a job well done. I'm not in this because mummy and daddy got killed by pirates and such a tragedy turned me into a jaded vigilante. I'm in this business because it pays ridiculously well, and I enjoy living an expensive lifestyle. I'm of the opinion that your organisation within the greater Guild whole gains a substantial number of contracts, plain and simple.

You could use the pilot, I could use the cash. If not, I can always freelance for the Bounty Hunters' Guild and send you postcards from the nearest Spa and Cruise resort.

-Roland Deschain, out.

Transmission Ends

C/V attached. Download Y/N?

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[John Keel]

**Incoming Transmission**
**CommID: Nathan Varron**
**SourceID: Planet New London, New London System**
**TargetID: Search/Destroy Agency Recruitment Office**

Subject: Recruit Application

My name is Nathan Varron. I suppose you want to hear something of my backstory before you accept my application, but I'm at loathe to give it. Suffice to say I am a competent pilot with experience flying in the Liberty Police, before I was... er... dishonourably discharged. I flew a variety of ships, from light fighter to very heavy fighter and am capable in all classes up to VHF. Before my.. um.. incident.. I was a decorated officer with a number of successful arrests and cases.

I suppose you'll also want to know why I am no longer with the Liberty Police. Well, one reason is money. The pay there isn't good for the risks your taking. Yes, I know being a bounty hunter carries with it many a risk, but the pay is good and that's what I'm here for. As long as the money is coming in you can expect my loyalty.

The other reason is more complicated. Doubtless you have already researched my name and found several interesting items. Just let me say that the fools at the Liberty Psychiatric Ward are wrong. I am not out of my mind, on the contrary I am perfectly sane and capable. You may see me as a risk, but I like to think I'm a risk worth taking.

Regardless I will no longer keep you busy. Now if you haven't already run my name on your database, do so, I'm sure you'll find files that will interest you.

I look forward to hearing from you,

N. Varron

**End Transmission**

Searching for files: "Nathan Varron"........

File(s) found: 2

Opening file... 1

Liberty Psychiatric Ward, Planet Manhatten

Patient ID: Nathan Varron
Patient No.: 23451

After conducting a forensic assessment of Nathan, I can conclude he has a severe case of the Schizoid Personality disorder combined with an even more extreme case of Schizophrenia. Nathan has reacted very badly to my studies, even turning to violence. This violent streak is undoubtedly what caused the incident on Fort Bush. What is even more worrying is that Nathan does not seem particularly affected by the killing of his fellow officer, leading me to believe this deep seated schizophrenia was brought about by the overlaying Schizoid disorder. Even more cause for concern lies in the potential for a further psychological disorder to emerge from Nathan's personality, one which could lead to further violence.

These disorders have not been started by the incident, rather the effects of them have been brought to the fore. They have always been deep in Nathan's psychiatric build, and there have been signs from childhood of the beginnings of these disorders. His family history is not exactly stable, and from what I have gathered there was little or no father figure to guide him through childhood. This could explain the underlying feeling of resentment toward others who he percieves to be luckier than himself.

I believe the schizophrenia has meant Nathan has experienced delusions of paranoia, which would explain the imagined insult caused by his fellow officer that acted as a catalyst to this tragic incident.

After conducting a mental status examination I would suggest the court leave sentencing Nathan for a few months as his mind is no state to answer or respond to complex questions as would be posed to him in court.

Doctor J. Peters

Opening File.... 2

Liberty Herald

"Bringing you all the news you need to hear"

A shock escape yesterday occured when ex-police officer Nathan Varron somehow broke free from the high security Liberty psychiatric ward on Planet Manhatten. The ward is mostly reserved for ex-military pilots heavily affected by war and violence. Varron was moved there after been detained for the murder of fellow officer Robert Harris on Fort Bush. Witnesses on the station say that Varron exchanged a few words with Harris before a fight broke out. The fight lasted a short time before Varron pulled his knife out and stabbed Harris in the neck and twice in the stomach. Off duty police on station were able to detain Varron and was then moved to the psychiatric ward for analysis of the state of his mind. Comrades said that though Varron was always a little over enthusiastic when dealing with pirates or law breakers, he was always very competent and professional in his duty. Though one officer, who refuses to be named, had this to say:

"Varron was always a killer. You could see it in his eyes. I hate to say it but I'm not shocked that it's come to this, I went to the Captain months ago with my concerns about the guy. He's brutal."

Both pilots were decorated officers and had been in service for a number of years, with Varron holding medals for successful cases culminating in arrests.

But yesterday the Liberty Police reputation was further tarnished when Varron escaped from the facility and fled Manhatten. Pursuers lost him as he stole a starflier from the landing pads of Manhatten and raced away. His last known location was heading toward California, though police have not had any sightings since.

There is a funeral service to be held next week for Robert Harris, but the family have asked for no media coverage and for it to be a quiet affair.

This is Melanie Gibbs, for the Liberty Herald.

---

A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.
~H. L. Mencken

Levi Ripley // [Civilian]

[Athenian]

Harvey's Office, Sheffield Station.

The janitors were clearing up the debris. The droid's head was on Harvey's desk where he had thrown it after pulling it from the torso during the fight. There was a faint whiff of ozone and burning plastic.

The pistol had nearly taken Harvey's head clean off.

Cutter was at the door, grinning from ear to ear as he chewed on a vile smelling cigar.

"Say there, Mister Blackwater, ya had a rough day?"

Harvey found the Texan annoying at times, but he appreciated the levity.

"Well, Agent Feral, it seems I have become the focus of attention of some of the wrong type of people."

Cutter laughed.

"Hah. Is there any other kind in our line of work? Anyways boss, got me any rookies?"

Harvey handed him the files.

"These two have just arrived but the paperwork seems fine. Call sign S/D-Nathan.Varron and S/D-Roland.Deschain. We got the Hammerheads ready for pickup. Probationary status so see what they can do. Deschain seems pretty experienced, could be a real asset. Uh, Varron could be a mental case."

Cutter didn't even look up from the file. He was too busy pretending to be able to read.

//PMs sent. Welcome aboard.

---

Former member of "the most paranoid group of people in the community"
Discovery Community Forum Rules

[removed1]

Incoming Transmission
To: S/D Recruitment Office
From: Torre Magusson
Subject: Employment
Priority: Normal


To Whom It May Concern:

I'm Torre Magusson and I want to join. I need money and protection. Its as simple as that. The Rogues are after my head, and you guys are the only one I can turn to. Why? Well, lets starts at the beginning.

I used to be Cadet Torre Magusson of the Liberty Police. But you know what? Theyre all bastards. When something goes wrong, they point the blame on the most convenient scapegoat. And thats what they did to me, those ********. When an innocent civilian ship get blasted because a patrol was a bit too trigger happy, you knew bad PR, punishment, and finger pointing was coming.

Unfortunately, all the finger pointing, punishment, and bad PR was all laid upon one guy: me. My freaking wing mates put all the blame on me, just because I was a littleexcitable. And my boss ate that crap!

The media got wind of this, and the press made suck a stink that the higher-ups demanded action from my boss. Needless to say, I got kicked out of the force.

Afterwards, my name became mud, and no one would hire me for ANYTHING. I couldnt even get a job hauling water! With no income and still mad at the cops, I resorted to someillegal means to get money.

Unfortunately, my career as a criminal was thoroughly short. I joined the Rogues to get back at the cops, but my trigger-happy finger got me really in trouble when I kept shooting down my ownteammates.

Course, they were all ***** and didnt like me one bit, so maybe they were just being ********. Either way, they turned on me and tried to shoot me down. I was just able to get away, but not before I blasted the biggest bastards of them all down.

Unfortunately, he was real popular with the Rogues, so now theyre hunting me down in revenge. I tried to go to the cops for help, but they were real cold to me. In fact, everyone I turn either gave me the cold shoulder or tried to blast me down. I tried going underground, but they keep finding me. And now, my funds are almost gone. My only option is with you guys.

Look, you guys need guys who can shoot, and I fit the bill. Im not as trigger happy as I was before, so dont worry about me blasting down allies. You guys can protect me from the bastards after me, and give me a steady paycheck. Thats all I want. So, please, please help me. Im on my last leg here.

Torre, signing out.

End Transmission

---

Characters:
S/D-Torre.Magusson, Agent
"Don't mess with a guy with a itchy trigger finger"
Farragut, Independent Trader
"Pardon me. It appears I have lost track of several days somewhere. Do you mind telling me what week it is?

[Athenian]

Harvey's Office, Sheffield Station.

The fax machine, a primitive antique that had proved fiercly and strangely impervious to the most advanced hacking systems in circulation, deposited the initial approval form transmitted by the Doghouse.

Harvey picked it up and read it. Everything seemed fine. Sure this guy was a disgraced cop. Sure he made a pretty reckless criminal. Sure he seemed to have a propensity for violence. But most important of all, he had nowhere else to turn.

He signed the form and wrote a memo in the corner.

"New recruit approved, call-sign S/D-Torre.Magusson. Probationary status. Issue one Hammerhead VHF for induction."

//PM sent. Welcome aboard.

---

Former member of "the most paranoid group of people in the community"
Discovery Community Forum Rules

[alpha3]

...Incoming Transmission....

To: S/D Recruitment Office
From: Mark Williams
Subject: Application
Priority: Normal

I was born at Planet Texas. My parents were independent Bounty Hunters. They worked in team and they didn't let any bounty to swim away. I liked what they do and I wanted to do the same but they didn't let me. In secret I joined to Navy where I get lot of experience, but it wasn't that I wanted to do. 2 years later I left Navy and I went home but my parents disappeared. A week later I knew that my parents dead 1 year ago when they tried to hunt Hackers. I was without money ship and life. Well I get some money from inheritance and I bought a Manta and equipped it. I wanted to get some money but I afraid about I will die alone. It's the mainly reason why I would like to join of course I'd like to get money but I want to do that my parents did.

-Mark Williams

...End of Transmission...

[pieguy259]

Incoming Transmission
To: S/D Recruitment
From: Um. It was... something like...Carly? Carly... Denver... maybe... that'll have to do... Carly Denver.
Subject: Application
Priority: Urgent

Message reads: I... have no idea who I am. All I know is, I'm on planet Denver, and I have no ship, no credits, no memory and a splitting headache. I think... I think I was robbed, in a big way, and... I want to bring someone to justice. Anyone.

I can get to Manhattan from here, I think, just... just tell me where to go after that.

Um. Please respond.

Transmission ends

OOC: She is, in fact, my old character, Carrie McArthur, who was robbed on Denver and lost her memory.

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