The bar at Buffalo was really hopping tonight with happy customers celebrating. A group of young Rogue pilots walk up to the bar. One of them asks the barkeep, "Whats all the excitement about." The barkeep looks up while continuing to fill a endless line of glasses and says, "Where you guys been, news is all the Rogue network. Two of our members have brought in the one of the largest hauls of Cardimine from Alpha, and have donated 50% of there profits to the general fund, which will help many young pilots like yourselves. If you want to know more I'd suggest talking to that older guy over there." He motions his head in the direction of a run-down half-drunk looking Rogue pilot. They grab there drinks and head over to the old pilot.
The group approaches the lone pilot, and one of them asks, "We were told by the barkeep you could tell us more about these guys '63 and '81. The pilot looks up and says,"Sure for a drink I'll tell you what I know about those guys." We'll get you that drink but, don't feed us some old wives tale." nods to the junior pilot in the group who goes to get the pilots drink.
"Have a seat boys, and I'll tell you what I know." reaching over to his new drink that just arrived, and takes a long swig. The young pilots all grab seats, with there attention all focused on the old pilot. The old pilot takes a deep breath.
"It started awhile ago, two young Rogue pilots, not unlike yourselves had just finished what was laughingly called training. They were sent out on a mission to raid shipping with several other new pilots. On there first mission they were about to strike some shipping, when a flight of Liberty Navy fighters showed up. Hopelessly outclassed by the Navy fighters, they fought back while most of there group was destroyed. They managed to escape before there ships were totally destroyed. Later they had a few successful missions, but most of the time they barely escaped death. They both agreed there had to be a better way to do this, and organization is the key. They came up with a plan, but it would require outside help."
He takes a drink and continues,"With training from the Outcasts, intelligence info from the Hackers, and manpower from some fellow Rogues who felt the same way as they did, the plan was brought to life." paues a second. "A bold raid using a unarmed beatup old freighter, was launched against Baltimore shipyard. The Hackers provided codes and intel, that would allow the plan to gain access to the base. The Outcasts provided weopons and commando type training."
"During a long holiday weekend, when staffing was at its lowest, and security was almost non-existant. This old freighter approaches the packed shipyard and was contacted to stay away as it is a restricted area. The freighter replied it was attacked and mechanical difficulties, needed to dock immediatly. The dock controller did a quick scan, and did see the damage and it was registered Synth Foods and no cargo detected. Hesitantly he agreed to let the ship dock, near the other ships, but nothing could be done till after the holiday was over. The freighter replied with a thank you and docked. Once the doors on the freighter opened, everything seemed to move incredibly fast. Security systems in the docking bay went off-line, which semed odd to the yard people. And in a blur no less than 50 armed men stormed out of the freighter, and with precision soon took over key areas of the yard. Two groups of men each spilt off and went towards freighters docked there, one was a train and one a container ship. The group led by Rogue63 took control of the train, the other group led by '81 took the container ship. Before they launched, explosive charges were setup onboard several of the freighters near where the stolen ships were located. Once all the raiders were back aboard the ships they departed the yard, and they explosives were detonated. The ships with the explosives were obliterated causing a chain reaction that destroyed several other ships and damaged many more."
Smiles as he takes another drink, "The shipyard was a wreck and with all the debris, it was assumed the train and container ship were destroyed in the explosions, wriiten off as losses by there owners as was planned. Concesions were made to the Outcasts and Hackers, these ship would be on occaision used to supply or haul cargo for them as required, but would remain under Rogue control. Outfitted with new weopons and manned by select crews these ships now roam space as raiders. The profit potential is unmatched, and will evertually change how Rogues are percieved. Better training and equipment for men as yourselves is being implemented. The ships roam all of Sirus but home is in Liberty."
One of the young pilots asks, "What about the stories about raiding the gold ships in Britonia and diamond ships in Rhineland."
"That is another story." says the old pilot
A buzzing sound emits from the old guys coat, he pulls out a communication device and answers it, replies he will be there shortly.
"Well I got to go boys." He stands up and as he reaches into his pocket, his coat opens to reveal his name tag on his uniform. "This round is on me, good luck you all." he places a small gold bar on the table with the non-mistakeable royal seal of Britonia on it. The young rogues stare in awe, the name tag read Rogue63.
OOC: This to be used as an introduction, and how me and my bud plan to interact on the server. Have met several ppl already, and enjoy what we see. Just acouple of guys looking to add to server.
Several weeks later at Rogue base Alcatraz in the California system.
A large gathering of Rogue pilots and guerrilla fighters take seats in the Great Hall awaiting the start of the meeting to discuss future and present events. Alcohol and other substances contribute to a rowdy atmosphere. A older Rogue pilot identified only by the number 63 stitched on his flight suit, stands up and and fires his gun into to ceiling showering the crowd with fragments of rock. Which immediatly gets the crowds attention
"Settle down people time to start this." he states as he walk to a podium elevated above the crowd.
"Recent events as most of you know there was a running battle between Texas and California that ended right next to this station. For the good news 2 Liberty Assault Frigates, 1 Liberty Cruiser, and one Gunboat were destroyed. " pauses as the the room erupts into pandemonium of cheers, after a few moments he raises his hands to quiet the group.
"And for the bad news 4 of our Outcast Destroyer class ships were lost with many of the members of there crews. But the battle was not for nothing, and the lives were not wasted. We stood up to a powerful enemy, and gave as good as we got. It is something to be proud of, no longer are we a group that can be just ignored, but a force to be dealt with. We may not win many battles, but our way of life will continue and we will propser. Continue to fight for the Rogue way of life." Pauses a second
"And for future plans, we can now devulge the plan we have in place and in operation. A prison ship was appropriated for us, and will be used in it's intended purpose." a low mumbling goes through the group "No, it is not for placement of Rogues or any criminals in the laws eyes." pauses for that statement to sink in. "We intend to fill the ship to capacity with Navy, Police, civilian and our good friends the Bounty Hunters." the group erupts into a frenzy of cheers.
"The first idea was to fill the ship and send it into the NY sun or even crash it into Manhatten itself, as a symbolic gesture to the people that try to make our life miserable. But we reconsidered, we do not wish to appear as barbaric in the eyes of the populace. What we decided is probably a fate worse....we plan to turn them over to the Outcasts for a profit of course. Where they can be sold as slaves, and spend the rest of there lives in the cardimine fields of Malta helping to produce the very product they wished to destroy." laughs aloud, and the group joins in.
"For the record we currently have 200+ guests ranging from civilian pilots to Fleet Admirals, and everything inbetween. The ships IFF will be transmitting the code Rogue63_S as a locator for dropping off additional guests. The ship has been rearmed, so unidentified ships will be fired upon. That is all, enjoy yourselves, the bar is open courtesy of Rogue 81 and myself, you've earned it."
With a loud bang, the last of the wreckage was off-loaded from the Junker ship in the large landing bay at Montezuma base. A trained eye could tell it was once a Outcast Sabre fighter.
Staring at the mess that was once his ship, Rogue63 shakes his head with disgust at his smiling partner in crime Rogue81. "So you think it is funny I blew my own ship up." says Rogue63, "those torpedos and mines should be banned, more dangerous to the user than the enemy."
Barely able to control his laughter, "I remember my 1st torpedo shot, way to go killer. Gonna have those boys paint a Rogue symbol on your kill tally." laughs loudly "Come on I'll buy you a beer, if you promise not to shoot any torpedos or mines when I am around." says '81 almost doubled over laughing.
The two walked to the meeting room, to update the fellow Rogues on the ships status, tactics and on-going operations. Although all Rogues are considered equals, they have become the "go-to" or defacto leaders, being the richest and most successful of the Rogues.
Entering the room, 63 and 81 head directly to the podium on the elevated platform as the talking dies down, 63 takes a swig from his beer and begins the presentation. 81 sits down next to a electronic board.
"Greetings fellow Rogues, it gives me great pleasure to be able to address you this evening on current events and status of our assets." pauses for a second. "We'll start with the heavy assests, our cruisers have been doing well, gathering prisoners and goods. Profits from these operations have been good, and currently have over 1000 prisoners of various backgrounds." loud applause from the crowd. "Thank you, but the capital ship operations employ many Rogues all of whom deserve praise."
"Our trading assests, main ships a captured container ship and a large train, have been very busy generating millions in credits." looks toward 81 and nods, "Rogue_81 here has surpassed the 300 million mark, trading diamonds, cardimine and other items." loud cheers as the large electronic board comes to life showing the sky rocketing charts of progress
"And something new we have been getting into to round out the fleet, Bomber operations." gun camera footage rolls of a combined attack on a Liberty cruiser. "What you are watching is a recent event in Magellen. '81 was engaged in combat with a cruiser, while in his bomber. I was lucky enough to be in the vicinity and was able to come to the aid of a fellow Rogue. Togather our bombers were able to over-whelm the cruisers defenses and press the attack to a successful end." And to make the point the video ends with a spectacular explosion of the cruiser. 63 backs away from the podium and takes a seat as 81 moves to the podium.
"And finally, we come to fighter operations." says 81, "We have aquired several Outcast Sabre VHF's and are customizing them to suit our needs." pauses, "although not entirely successful," pauses and smiles at 63 who looks alittle unnerved, "we feel that given time we will eventually get some tactics down that will be successful."
"On to final item, the diplomacy we have have in progress, to get to good level of dialog with fellow pirates in all areas of the Sirus system. Every group has it's own agenda, as do we, but the common item is the conflict with law enforcement in general. On this basis we will side with pirates anywhere we are, come to there aid when asked, join in on attacks on tough targets. We will not lose our identity, but the elimination of police, navy and mercenary forces will make our lives easier. That is the end of the brief, as usual the bar is open to all Rogues courtesy of me and 63 enjoy" loud applause and cheers as 63 and 81 lead the way to the bar.
Deep in the badlands at Buffalo Base, there is a gathering of the Rogue forces. Alcohol flows freely as do other substances not so legal in nature. The rowdy group now numbering in the hundreds, slowly settles down as two older Rogues walk through the group to the front podium. Both take a long drink from there beers as the room comes to almost silence. Rogue_81 takes a seat next to the podium to work the electronics console, and a large display comes up behind them on the wall monitor showing the exterior of Buffalo base.
Rogue63 nods at Rogue_81 and bright lights are now illuminating Rogue63 and the podiums. "Greetings fellow Rogues and allies, this is a great time we live in. Plans we formulated long ago are now taking shape, with your help and dedication we will achieve things before were thought to be impossible. This meeting is being broadcast on a open frequency, so that all of Sirus and especially Liberty will know we are not bluffing."
The monitor now zooms to a prison ship in the badlands flanked by cruisers, and swarms of fighters buzzing around. "Yes my friends, we have done it. The ship you see here was stolen and refurbished, to suit our needs. The ship now currently filled to capacity with 1840 prisoners from all walks of life, from civilian transport/fighter pilots all the way to fleet admirals. They are not just limited to Liberty based people, oh yes there are Britonia and Rhineland military and civilians as well. We have carefully documented each persons affiliation and nationality. Lists of names and ranks are being sent to all governments. Our demands are simple, we have contacted a SA personally and have asked for the following. 100 million for the safe return of all pilots and crew. If this is not agreeable to Liberty officials, we have no choice but to turn them over to the Outcasts. Where they will become slaves after devulging whatever information the Outcasts may require from them. From what I hear the interogations can be quite unpleasant. Then they shall spend the rest of there lives in the cardimine fields of Malta." pauses and nods to Rogues_81
The screen now shows what appears to be the inside of the prison ship, row upon row of cells filled to capacity with people. Camera zooms in to show faces, and uniforms that they still wear from the time of capture. Looks of despair, shock show on there faces. Someone cries out "What do you want with us, our government will get us out, they wont leave us here." another says almost broken down, "ok ok I'll do whatever you say, just let me out." screen cuts back to exterior view of prison ship.
"Yes this is a sad situation, but can be over rather quickly if our demands are met. We have heard our demand was passed on to high command. So it will be up to them. The fate of over 1800 men and women are in there hands. A happy homecoming or life in the cardimine fields of Malta. The Rogues await your reply, be warned we wont wait forever." says Rogue63. Nods to Rogue _81 who cuts off the feed to the transmitter.
Lights dims to normal settings, and the group erupts into a frenzy of cheers and shouts of Rogue power.
"Ok people we laid it out, if they accept we will all be richer. If not we will still make money selling them to the Outcasts. Either way we have made a point, the Rogues are no longer the pushovers or cannon-fodder we used to be. There bases, ships and pilots are no longer safe from our attacks. We are a force to be dealt with." says Rogue63 pounding the podium to accent the point of all this.
Rogue_81 taps Rogue63 and says something not heard by anyone.
Speakers in the big room come to life with congratualitory messages from various bases. "This is Beaumont base, well done Rogues.", "Malta here, we want to say good job Rogues and we await the arrival of our new guests.", Rogue_81 busy acknowledging the messages as they arrive.
"Ok people we have alot of work to do still, but as per custom the bar on this base, and all other Rogue bases are open to all membersm enjoy yourselves. We salute you and your efforts to make this happen." Both Rogue63 and '81raise there beers in toast to the crowd.
Several months later onboard a pirate cruiser in the Omega 49 system....
"Captain Grinch we have a incoming message from your brother Rogue63 in the California system." says the aide.
"Put it up on the main screen." replies Grinch and a moment later a video link is established with bridges of the the two ships.
"Greetings brother, seems like you and your boys have been busy in Liberty judging from all the debris seen from the outside monitors." says Grinch
"Yes brother we are busy and business is good more ships than we can loot passing through, wanted to extend an invitation for you to join us for awhile. Must get lonely out there in the outer areas. Come back to civilization for awhile. We can drink and plunder togather like the old days." Rogue63 pauses for a sec, "We have been running into some stiffer resistance lately from various organizations, and could use your help. I understand you have a ship under construction in Omega 49. I have transferred funds to complete the building costs and expedite the finish date. After you take delivery how about we do a shakedown cruise in Liberty." chuckles Rogue63
"I would love to and look forward to it. So what types of ships you encountering.." says Grinch, in the background of Rogue63 bridge comes a report
"More enemy ships inbound captain, one large vessal unable to get ship type at this distance, and several smaller vessals presumeably fighter type ships." reports Rogue63's 2nd officer
"Well brother, excuse me a minute maybe another fat merchant ship for us. We will privde data link so you can watch, also several satillites in area to pirate signal off of." Says Rogue63
Grinch watches as the Rogue gunboat moves in closer towards the larger ship, the haze obscures the visual of the unknown ship. It shows only as a very large closing shape, that strangely is taking no evasive manuevers but closing on the gunboat. He senses something is terribly wrong.
"Brother get outta there, this is not right a freighter would have turned away!" shouts Grinch
Onboard the Rogue gunboat Rogue63 was coming to the same conclusions and was about to order a evasive course, when the fighters started attacking them. As the haze cleared the unmistakeable outline of a Liberty Dreadnaught appeared in the distance. Firing cruise disrupters and strafing the gunboat the fighters pressed the attack. The gunboat returned fire and several fighters were destroyed.
In the background over sounds of battles the message was heard "Rogue vessel surrender and stand down your weopons or be destroyed."
"That'll be the day." replies Rogue63, "Lets get outta here, engage cruise engines, course back to Montezuma."
"Captain, cruise engines off-line temporarily those fighters disrupted them. Working to bring them back up, maybe 1-2 mins." replies engineering officer
"Evasive course best speed to asteroid field, continue targeting fighters." ordered Rogue63
The first salvo from the Dreadnaught slammed into the gunboat flinging people not strapped in like ragdolls.
"Captain our shield is down to less than 50%, heavy casualties onboard." says aide
Another salvo slams into the gunboat, sparks and equipment shatter on the bridge.
"Captain shield is gone, hull strength is down to 75%, casualities at 80%." replies aide
"Get the cruise engines going now or we are done. Evacuate all injured to escape pods and jettison them."says Rogue63
Cruise engines can be heard starting up in the background
"Brother the battle is not going well, will try to meet you at Montezuma. Good luck " says Rogue63
"I'll be ok just get yourself out of there." replies Grinch
Watching the battle from a pirated satillite signal, the crew onboard Grinchs ship watch in horror as another salvo tears into the gunboat. Another brilliant blast of light eminates as the gunboat is blown in 1/2, the rear part disentegrates into several minor explosions. A large chuck of the forward 1/2 is thrown into the asteroid field.
"Send message to pirate forces in California search for survivors, whoever finds my brother will be rewarded with 1 million credits." says Grinch as his fists clenched with rage
"Captain we have intercepted a signal from the dreadnaught. It is a after battle report, sent to SA headquarters." says the aide
"SA eh.....contact the Troll send him the information. After we get the ship we are going to Liberty." angrily says Grinch
Shipyard Supervisor says,"Mr Grinch your ship is ready for trials, the required funds and ship trade-in paperwork has been completed. The weopons you ordered were delivered and tested prior to installation. Of course any defects found on the trials will be corrected at no cost."
"I have urgent business to attend to, we will do a short cruise in this system to test ship functions, then we will depart. There better be no major defects or I will be back to visit you personally." says Grinch as he walks off.
Later in space near Planet Gran Canaria...
"Captain we found a few minor problems running through checks of various systems, nothing we cannot correct ourselves. All requested items and personal gear have been transfered to this ship. New crew members have been added as requested to augment the ones we already have. We are at full capacity for a ship this size, had to turn some volunteers away."says the 2nd officer.
"Very well" replies Grinch, "Any news from California on the search?"
"Searching the asteroid field has proven difficult, alot of debri in the area not making things any easier, have not heard anything in a few hours. Will send a message to Montezuma for a updated status." replies the 2nd officer
"Incoming Bounty Hunter fighters, they are coming in to attack us."says sensor officer
"Put the guns on manuel control, I want to see how good the crew responds to it. The fighters pose little risk, if our shield gets to 50% or less let me know." orders Grinch
It was a suicidal attack, the fighters were dispatched in a matter of minutes. The few hits they got on the ship were absorbed by the shield which never got below 95%.
"Tell the gun crews well done, the computer control would not have done much better." said Grinch
"Incoming message from Montezuma, a search team found a large section of the gunboat and tractored it back to Montezuma. After getting it onboard the station, they cut through the remaining bulkhead which survived the blast. Inside they found several survivors all in critical condition, your brother was among them." reported the 2nd officer
"That is good news, get the name of the leader of the search crew and transfer 1 million credits to him, to disperse to his team as he sees fit, along with my personal thanks." says Grinch, "Set a course through Britonia space to the Cortez system, we are going to Montezuma. We will destroy every military/ police vessel encountered, and loot every freighter not on our friendly list along the way. Also send me all info reguarding the SA, ships used, command structure, bases and equipment. I will view the info from my cabin. Also have Montezuma send any updates in my brothers status immediatly. If he needs special attention from other doctors, have the Rogues kidnap them as necessary. I will pay all expenses." turns and walks toward his cabin
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