Hayabusa
Ryuu Suginaga stood on the surface of Planet Honshu in silence. It was not just him that was silent; the silence pervaded the broken and toppled buildings around him, the debris from fighters that had crashed during battles over the city, the occasional dead body covered by shattered glass and pulverised building materials as though to be just another piece of scrap discarded on the ground. Ryuu was vaguely aware of a child in the distance scrounging in an ash pile. The child coughed on the acrid smoke from a smouldering building nearby, each cough piercing the silence like a delayed echo of the many munitions that had brought the city down. Not too far away down a nearby street he could see the ocean shore, black with pollution, ash and debris, slowly spewing forth the dead fish that had once filled it with life. He stared vacantly at the atrocity surrounding him. This was the Outcast’s way of making an example of those who stood up to them. Ryuu stood amongst that example outwardly unmoved.
He stood so long staring that he lost track of time and was eventually startled by a voice from behind him.
“Oi,” said the gruff voice. Ryuu turned slowly to find a very dirty Outcast, pointing a shotgun at his head, standing several meters away. It was an unsophisticated but reliable weapon in conditions such as these. The Outcast looked Ryuu over before lowering the gun just a little bit and walking over to him. Ryuu was shocked as the Outcast searched him nonchalantly as though he were just another corpse and took his emergency ration which had been in a pocket on the leg of his trousers. The Outcast patted Ryuu on the back as he walked away.
“Welcome home Blood Dragon,” the Outcast said happily.
As soon as the Outcast was out of sight Ryuu ran back to his fighter as fast as he could and into its cargo hold. He tried desperately to slow his breathing. He closed his eyes. He opened them again quickly and his breathing got worse. He clutched at his sword in its sheath as though looking for strength or means of escape from the reality that now filled every corner of his mind. He started to cry.
Ryuu had been assigned a patrol through the northern section of Kyushu. It did not go near Planet Kyushu however he’d been told to specifically look out for SDN pilots who might be making a break from the planet. The patrol passed without event but Ryuu’s mind was still trying to process the situation in Kusari. His wing reached the Tau 23 jump hole nearly at the extent of the patrol. On the edge of scanners the wing picked up some unidentified fighters exiting through the jump hole and Ryuu was selected to go through the jump hole to investigate.
When he reached the other end he found only the regularly large number of Outcast ships. Then his com system chirped to life.
“You can’t hide forever!” came a voice over a system wide channel that was distinctly that of an Outcast.
“Is there a problem ... sir,” piped in Ryuu, the last word scraping off his vocal cords with some effort.
“They have me trapped on Java Station!” came the frantic reply of another person, “They have the station pinned down, please help me escape!” Ryuu was taken aback. “I’m just a simple miner,” finished the voice.
“I’m not in much of a position to fight the Outcasts,” said Ryuu, “They have Kusari by the balls.” Ryuu looked around at the numerous Outcast fighters nearby and was a little surprised to get no response from them other then what he fancied were a few chuckles.
“Help me escape and we’ll be able to free Kusari!”
“Do you really think that a single samurai and a lone miner can make that much difference?!” Ryuu’s voice starting to get a bit loader then it probably should have. ‘I can’t believe I’m arguing with some random person hiding from the Outcasts on a station half way across the system’ Ryuu thought.
“Yes,” said the mysterious miner.
“A miner in a ship with missiles and torpedoes, HA!” cut in an Outcast
“A fighter... suggests you are not so simple.”
“I’ll pay you to help me,” the mysterious person had now found Ryuu’s private channel.
“And what of the Outcasts? Will you stand and die with me on Planet Honshu when they slaughter the remainder of the population in retribution for a blood dragon’s defiance?!”
“My resources and connections would make it possible to avoid that.”
“Then where were you?!” cried Ryuu into the private channel, “Where were you when they turned those gleaming cities to rubble?!”
“I wasn’t here then, I wasn’t prepared,” said the miner solemnly.
Ryuu breathed quietly for a moment. Switching to system wide again he said “I don’t have time to waste here. I need to get back to Kusari.”
Back on the other side of the jump hole Ryuu found himself alone, his patrol nowhere to be found. Strange as this was he continued the patrol on his own hoping that his compatriots would be further along the patrol path. As he cruised along alone a battle was fought in his mind, waged between the reality he now knew and the hope he could not push from his heart. Off in the distance he could see Planet Kyushu.
The ‘miner’, in fully equipped multi-role fighter, engaged both outcasts alone, a bounty hunter nearby having already fallen to concentrated fire. One of the Outcast fighters began to trail smoke and the miner looked hopeful of at least taking that fighter with him. Ryuu cruised in, cutting his engines and coasting into the firefight with his low refire Rheinland weapons, salvaged from a downed SDN fighter, chugging away. Down went the last sliver of shields the hurt outcast had and the next volley connected with the fighter, several Iron Fist projectiles eviscerating the nose and part of the starboard wing of the Outcast fighter. Flames burst from within the vessel and its pieces were lost to the void.
Together Ryuu and the miner finished off the last Outcast.
“Now I must flee!” yelled Ryuu not waiting for any response from the mysterious fighter he had just saved.
The SDN’s first strike had come finally. The evacuation had only been able to achieve so much though. What’s more, with all the reports going around in all the houses (and don’t even start on the Junkers) even Carnifex was having trouble figuring out exactly what the situation was surrounding the rescuees let along in Kusari. He was glad it wasn’t his job to do so.
Glancing back at the long-range scanner logs of Tau23 over the last 24 hours he contemplated the Outcast activity shown. It didn’t look like anything unusual but he noted mentally the areas that were too dangerous for patrols. The Outcasts and their cardimine were now the big threat of the year and, thought Carni, a threat that warranted more action from those able to resist.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
#20 by Carnifex
The pay was good, that was for sure. And the pilots he was ‘training’ were already professional soldiers in their own right, all he had to do was make sure they didn’t go walking into trouble in unfamiliar situations. A sweet deal all things considered. But these were far from the best of times.
The tone everywhere Carnifex went within Bretonia, and most places he went without, was one of uneasiness. It were as though the weight of the events on Kyushu and Honshu was hanging on the hearts of everyone who had family, friends or any sort of life linked with the planets in their own house. All it would take for everything so many held dear to vanish was for good men to fail to act, and even if they did there were no assurances. Carnifex had heard stories of the bravery of men, and the consequences of the designs made by those whom they fought against, in his disenchanted youth before he’d been sent to Manhattan to be educated. He’d not had enough experience with the world to understand them then. He was beginning to think that that was changing.
Carnifex and many others were starting to wonder when the fighting would really take off, the longer the Outcasts remained in control of the effected planets the more men would die forcing them out. It had been a number of weeks since the initial acts of Outcast retribution against a Kusari government already tearing itself apart. In those weeks millions of people had died or suffered horribly. Almost as many people had died, it was calculated, as a result of the cardiforming as had died rebelling against the Outcasts in an attempt to stop them, a shining example of the strength of the average citizen which was something that Carni suspected the Outcasts didn’t appreciate. Outcasts fought out of drug induced hatred. Without cardimine every single one of the Outcasts would be nothing. They would die. Those citizens he had seen fighting and dying when he’d been in orbit of Honshu had been fighting for their right to life despite the fact that almost all of them would end up losing their lives in the process. Carnifex couldn’t tell if that was honour or stupidity.
All these thoughts ran threw his mind as he held up the now empty cardimine vial he had used while seated in his fighter all alone on the distant edge of a Leeds smog cloud.
“So much trouble over a chemical... strange...” he mused to himself out loud as the cardimine worked its way into his system like so many times before and with each passing minute he became less aware of the conflictions inherent in his own situation.
The tone everywhere Carnifex went within Bretonia, and most places he went without, was one of uneasiness. It were as though the weight of the events on Kyushu and Honshu was hanging on the hearts of everyone who had family, friends or any sort of life linked with the planets in their own house. All it would take for everything so many held dear to vanish was for good men to fail to act, and even if they did there were no assurances. Carnifex had heard stories of the bravery of men, and the consequences of the designs made by those whom they fought against, in his disenchanted youth before he’d been sent to Manhattan to be educated. He’d not had enough experience with the world to understand them then. He was beginning to think that that was changing.
Carnifex and many others were starting to wonder when the fighting would really take off, the longer the Outcasts remained in control of the effected planets the more men would die forcing them out. It had been a number of weeks since the initial acts of Outcast retribution against a Kusari government already tearing itself apart. In those weeks millions of people had died or suffered horribly. Almost as many people had died, it was calculated, as a result of the cardiforming as had died rebelling against the Outcasts in an attempt to stop them, a shining example of the strength of the average citizen which was something that Carni suspected the Outcasts didn’t appreciate. Outcasts fought out of drug induced hatred. Without cardimine every single one of the Outcasts would be nothing. They would die. Those citizens he had seen fighting and dying when he’d been in orbit of Honshu had been fighting for their right to life despite the fact that almost all of them would end up losing their lives in the process. Carnifex couldn’t tell if that was honour or stupidity.
All these thoughts ran threw his mind as he held up the now empty cardimine vial he had used while seated in his fighter all alone on the distant edge of a Leeds smog cloud.
“So much trouble over a chemical... strange...” he mused to himself out loud as the cardimine worked its way into his system like so many times before and with each passing minute he became less aware of the conflictions inherent in his own situation.
#19 by Skyler
Skyler was impatiently pacing the bridge. "Has no one gotten together to attack the Kyushu and Honshu systems and reclaim them from the outcasts and their horrors?"
"There have been all kinds of reports on the nets lately, but no word on anything involving a major attack that would clear the way enough for us to move in. Sorry chief."
"It's not your fault Griff. Gah! I can't stand this waiting. We're as close as we can get here at Holman, what with no stations that can support a super train between us and Planet Kyushu. But we're not close enough! There has to be something we can do besides wait. Have I said I hate waiting? I really hate waiting."
Griff suppressed a grin as he replied. "I know chief, and it's your drive that has gotten you where you are now. I'm sorry to say I can't think of anything we can do to get there before a military or merc force clears the way for us."
"Griff, you are brilliant! We have cash, we can hire bounty hunters and freelancers to clear us a path in and back out. That way we don't have to wait on governments to figure out what they're doing."
"I"ll get right on it chief! I'll check for any local freelancers that may wish to help...for a good profit anyway. And I"ll check the bounty hunters around here and in the northern Taus as well."
"Good. I'll send a message to my own contacts and see what I can find. I know many leaders of Bretonia, Liberty and Rhienland want to make a move, but convincing enough of the members of said governments can take so long it's terrible. But maybe we'll get some official help from the governments before we get a group together."
"I hope so sir. I hope so."
"There have been all kinds of reports on the nets lately, but no word on anything involving a major attack that would clear the way enough for us to move in. Sorry chief."
"It's not your fault Griff. Gah! I can't stand this waiting. We're as close as we can get here at Holman, what with no stations that can support a super train between us and Planet Kyushu. But we're not close enough! There has to be something we can do besides wait. Have I said I hate waiting? I really hate waiting."
Griff suppressed a grin as he replied. "I know chief, and it's your drive that has gotten you where you are now. I'm sorry to say I can't think of anything we can do to get there before a military or merc force clears the way for us."
"Griff, you are brilliant! We have cash, we can hire bounty hunters and freelancers to clear us a path in and back out. That way we don't have to wait on governments to figure out what they're doing."
"I"ll get right on it chief! I'll check for any local freelancers that may wish to help...for a good profit anyway. And I"ll check the bounty hunters around here and in the northern Taus as well."
"Good. I'll send a message to my own contacts and see what I can find. I know many leaders of Bretonia, Liberty and Rhienland want to make a move, but convincing enough of the members of said governments can take so long it's terrible. But maybe we'll get some official help from the governments before we get a group together."
"I hope so sir. I hope so."
#18 by Carnifex
On the way to Tau 31 Carnifex decided to spark some conversation to pass the time.
“Tell me Acton, what was a Bretonian SAS officer doing on the recently occupied Planet Kyushu?”
There was a short silence while Acton thought about how best to answer this. “I was... visiting, just before the Outcasts attacked. My superiors decided it was a good idea to have me remain as a source of information.”
“An informant with a fighter no more than a few moments away at all times...” mused Carnifex dubiously, “Sounds like the SAS to me,” he finished with a smile.
As they neared the Tau 31 Gate Construction Sight Acton sent out a short burst transmission. Moments later several border world fighters and a Krait civilian fighter appeared seemingly out of solid asteroids and hailed the small trio.
“Call sign and registry,” said one over the coms.
“Hood, Captain, 1466743CF,” replied Acton with practiced precision.
There was a moment of waiting and Carnifex could sense the suspicion of the other pilots.
“My call sign is Spitfire,” said the inquiring pilot finally, “My team and I are cleared to escort you back to Bretonia for debriefing Captain.”
“Understood.”
The fighters entered formation behind Carnifex, Ignition and Acton. Apparently they weren’t going to let any other them out of their sight.
Exiting as one group from the Tau 31 jump gate in Leeds they began to cruise toward the nearby Battleship York.
Carnifex opened local coms so that all in the group could hear him, “Ignition, you had best go through Liberty and head back to Deshima. Your ship is the fastest out of our two. Bunker down and be ready to defend the base. I hope it won’t come to that but if it does it’ll be better to have an experienced and respected hunter there.”
“Will do Carnifex, no hunters will submit to such horrendous criminals without a fight.”
Ignition’s ship slowly broke formation followed wordlessly by one of the border world SAS ships, presumably to see him out of Bretonia. They were being incredibly secretive these Bretonians.
Then, addressing the escorts, “Hood here was flying his fighter around during the height of the activity on Kyushu, his hull will be laced with this new poison that the Outcasts are using that kills everyone but them. You may need a forensics team to get it all but it’s there. I’m sure you know what to do with that.”
“So that’s why you wanted to get me here so safe. You smart devil,” said Acton in what was becoming a thicker accent with each passing minute.
After bidding farewell to Acton in space and docking on the York, Carnifex was greeted by someone he’d never met before but knew.
“Lord Marshall,” he said a bit surprised, “Nice to finally meet you.”
Nemesis stood a full foot taller than Carnifex’s small but stocky frame and had a commanding look in his eyes. “I think it’s about time we finalised the agreements for hiring some bounty hunters to show some of our newer SAS pilots the ropes when it comes to unconventional tactics and Edge world combat and survival. They may need the skills soon.”
“Can it be in a few hours, I could definitely use some sleep.”
“Tell me Acton, what was a Bretonian SAS officer doing on the recently occupied Planet Kyushu?”
There was a short silence while Acton thought about how best to answer this. “I was... visiting, just before the Outcasts attacked. My superiors decided it was a good idea to have me remain as a source of information.”
“An informant with a fighter no more than a few moments away at all times...” mused Carnifex dubiously, “Sounds like the SAS to me,” he finished with a smile.
As they neared the Tau 31 Gate Construction Sight Acton sent out a short burst transmission. Moments later several border world fighters and a Krait civilian fighter appeared seemingly out of solid asteroids and hailed the small trio.
“Call sign and registry,” said one over the coms.
“Hood, Captain, 1466743CF,” replied Acton with practiced precision.
There was a moment of waiting and Carnifex could sense the suspicion of the other pilots.
“My call sign is Spitfire,” said the inquiring pilot finally, “My team and I are cleared to escort you back to Bretonia for debriefing Captain.”
“Understood.”
The fighters entered formation behind Carnifex, Ignition and Acton. Apparently they weren’t going to let any other them out of their sight.
Exiting as one group from the Tau 31 jump gate in Leeds they began to cruise toward the nearby Battleship York.
Carnifex opened local coms so that all in the group could hear him, “Ignition, you had best go through Liberty and head back to Deshima. Your ship is the fastest out of our two. Bunker down and be ready to defend the base. I hope it won’t come to that but if it does it’ll be better to have an experienced and respected hunter there.”
“Will do Carnifex, no hunters will submit to such horrendous criminals without a fight.”
Ignition’s ship slowly broke formation followed wordlessly by one of the border world SAS ships, presumably to see him out of Bretonia. They were being incredibly secretive these Bretonians.
Then, addressing the escorts, “Hood here was flying his fighter around during the height of the activity on Kyushu, his hull will be laced with this new poison that the Outcasts are using that kills everyone but them. You may need a forensics team to get it all but it’s there. I’m sure you know what to do with that.”
“So that’s why you wanted to get me here so safe. You smart devil,” said Acton in what was becoming a thicker accent with each passing minute.
After bidding farewell to Acton in space and docking on the York, Carnifex was greeted by someone he’d never met before but knew.
“Lord Marshall,” he said a bit surprised, “Nice to finally meet you.”
Nemesis stood a full foot taller than Carnifex’s small but stocky frame and had a commanding look in his eyes. “I think it’s about time we finalised the agreements for hiring some bounty hunters to show some of our newer SAS pilots the ropes when it comes to unconventional tactics and Edge world combat and survival. They may need the skills soon.”
“Can it be in a few hours, I could definitely use some sleep.”
#17 by Thoren Karth
"Roger that. I'll keep the outcasts around here busy while you make it to Bretonia."
Thoren split off from the others and covered the last few K to Java. Hitting the coms just before docking he said, "Safe flying to you, the system should be fairly clear for a little while yet while they're off at Kyushu, so get going while the going's good! Oh and I"ll be sure to take you up on your offer sometime Carnifex."
Stopping in the mechanics bay just long enough to rearm and get some fast repairs Thoren headed back out to make sure the outcasts were to busy to go chasing off after a pair of bounty hunters and a civilian.
Thoren split off from the others and covered the last few K to Java. Hitting the coms just before docking he said, "Safe flying to you, the system should be fairly clear for a little while yet while they're off at Kyushu, so get going while the going's good! Oh and I"ll be sure to take you up on your offer sometime Carnifex."
Stopping in the mechanics bay just long enough to rearm and get some fast repairs Thoren headed back out to make sure the outcasts were to busy to go chasing off after a pair of bounty hunters and a civilian.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
#16 by Carnifex
"The Nagumo is under Outcast control which means we can't go through the jump gate into Tau 29 so the Tau 23 jump hole is our best bet," said Carnifex as he steered away from the only trade lane through the system intending to swing around behind planet Aso, "and with an Outcast base and a mine field between the jump hole in Tau 23 and the Tau 31 jump gate I think Java is the logical choice."
Switching to a secure private channel he addressed the SAS pilot, "What’s you're name mate?"
"Acton, Captain in the Armed Forces, my call sign is Hood," he replied.
"I'm Roy Chambers, but everyone calls me Carnifex, I'm a bounty hunter and all round nice guy," Carni said with a chuckle, “how’s the fighter holding up?”
Acton responded with characteristic Bretonian nonchalance, “A few scratches here and there but she’ll hold up till Java just fine.”
“You’re not docking on Java,” said Carnifex with an air of finality, “You’re flying a very special ship and we all need it to get to Bretonia in one piece without docking.”
Acton was silent.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m very serious.” Carni signalled for a transfer to Acton’s fighter and tractor beamed across to him his remaining shield batteries and nano-bots, “That should hold you together till we get to Leeds, just don’t do anything stupid.”
Now approaching the Tau 23 jump hole Carnifex watched it carefully as it grew closer, its gravitational boundaries glowing a gentle transparent white against the emptiness in which the icy Barrier cloud was visible lightyears away. They would be deep in the Barrier in the next few minutes.
Sure enough, after dropping through the jump hole they had come across only two Outcasts and the four of them had dispatched them with expert coordination. Java station grew closer with time and when they arrived Carnifex switched his com over to local.
“Thank you for the help Thoren, when you’re in a bind look me up on the BHG network, the first few kills are free. We’re heading straight for Bretonia, time may be of the essence. Good luck here, keep in touch with us, we could use a trusted contact within scanner range of the Tau 37 jump hole. You may hear from us soon.”
Switching to a secure private channel he addressed the SAS pilot, "What’s you're name mate?"
"Acton, Captain in the Armed Forces, my call sign is Hood," he replied.
"I'm Roy Chambers, but everyone calls me Carnifex, I'm a bounty hunter and all round nice guy," Carni said with a chuckle, “how’s the fighter holding up?”
Acton responded with characteristic Bretonian nonchalance, “A few scratches here and there but she’ll hold up till Java just fine.”
“You’re not docking on Java,” said Carnifex with an air of finality, “You’re flying a very special ship and we all need it to get to Bretonia in one piece without docking.”
Acton was silent.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m very serious.” Carni signalled for a transfer to Acton’s fighter and tractor beamed across to him his remaining shield batteries and nano-bots, “That should hold you together till we get to Leeds, just don’t do anything stupid.”
Now approaching the Tau 23 jump hole Carnifex watched it carefully as it grew closer, its gravitational boundaries glowing a gentle transparent white against the emptiness in which the icy Barrier cloud was visible lightyears away. They would be deep in the Barrier in the next few minutes.
Sure enough, after dropping through the jump hole they had come across only two Outcasts and the four of them had dispatched them with expert coordination. Java station grew closer with time and when they arrived Carnifex switched his com over to local.
“Thank you for the help Thoren, when you’re in a bind look me up on the BHG network, the first few kills are free. We’re heading straight for Bretonia, time may be of the essence. Good luck here, keep in touch with us, we could use a trusted contact within scanner range of the Tau 37 jump hole. You may hear from us soon.”
#15 by Thoren Karth
As Thoren entered formation with the other pilots he replied: "Glad I got to you in time. I've been shooting these darn outcasts for a few hours now. Was glad to see some friendlies show up. As for heading for the Tau systems I"m all for it. I've been based out of Java station for the past month and can get us all clearance to land if you all want to head there."
The four ships broke through the still raging battle above the planet and entered cruise.
The four ships broke through the still raging battle above the planet and entered cruise.
#14 by Carnifex
Carnifex dodged left, then right, the Outcast fighter bearing down on him with a speed that could not have been safe in a planet’s atmosphere. His shields flashed brightly under the weight of the fighter’s concentrated weapons and then dropped just as the ship shot past in a blur. Carnifex acted quickly, using some shield batteries to bring his shields back up and hitting his engine kill as he put it into a spin. He felt the ship stop pushing against him and become a dead weight as it slowly spun around and slowed down, the ever thinning air outside barely a whisper as the ship came to a halt for a frighteningly long second and then started falling nose first like a stone. Below him Carnifex could see the Outcast still fighting his momentum to bring himself around.
Just then he saw another fighter that had been obscured by the gleam of the system’s two suns off the planet’s ocean shoot in from the side and blast away at the Outcast’s shields. The Outcast seemed unphased by this and completed its turn toward Carnifex just as Carni came within range and opened up on the hostile. He dropped the Outcast’s shields, launched a mine and then dodged to the side just as the first volley connected with his shield. The mine fell toward the ship and exploded with a resounding crackling noise as pieces of metal and equipment were sheared off by the amplified force of the mine. The other fighter that had helped Carni had pulled into a vertical loop after its pass and was now upside down and just below the attacker. The Outcast used shield batteries but could not manoeuvre well while fighting the planet’s gravity and took heavy damage, it started to burn and pour out thick black smoke as it turned back toward the planet. Falling now toward Carni from above it looked like a demon from hell on a suicide mission. It closed to range and fired and then either the weapons themselves or a short circuit somewhere on the damaged ship, Carni had no way of knowing which, ignited the pure hydrogen fuel used by the fighter. It exploded in a weak flash followed by a roaring shockwave that knocked the nearby ships about and debris trailing red flame down toward the planet.
Carni checked his systems, the artificial gravity keeping everyone in his cargo hold from being bug paste on the hull was still working. His sensors picked up two more fighters rising from the planet and he was a little surprised when one was the little interceptor that had saved him earlier and the other was a bounty hunter he knew personaly.
“Ignition,” he said over short range coms as a smile snuck onto his face, “fancy seeing you around here.”
“I picked up your signal while I was seeing what was going on, came by in case you needed help,” he replied, “this guy here was taking on two multirole fighters on his own so once I saw you had help I ducked in and distracted them to give him a better chance. He’s tough too, took out their thrusters with precise fire and sent them tumbling to the deck,” he commented in an impressed tone.
All the fighters were now converging in the same area near the edge of space.
“There’s no time for medals now, all of us need to get out of here, the Outcasts won’t let the chaos in orbit continue for long and once they put a stop to it there’ll be no getting off this planet.” Addressing Thoren he said, “Thank you for your help pilot, you’ve got good timing that’s for sure. I suggest you come with us, we’re more likely to make it out of here in a group if we hurry.”
"We should head for the Tau systems as fast as possible," said the mystery pilot in the interceptor, "I'm in the Bretonian SAS and once we're close to Bretonia I can get us some escort."
Just then he saw another fighter that had been obscured by the gleam of the system’s two suns off the planet’s ocean shoot in from the side and blast away at the Outcast’s shields. The Outcast seemed unphased by this and completed its turn toward Carnifex just as Carni came within range and opened up on the hostile. He dropped the Outcast’s shields, launched a mine and then dodged to the side just as the first volley connected with his shield. The mine fell toward the ship and exploded with a resounding crackling noise as pieces of metal and equipment were sheared off by the amplified force of the mine. The other fighter that had helped Carni had pulled into a vertical loop after its pass and was now upside down and just below the attacker. The Outcast used shield batteries but could not manoeuvre well while fighting the planet’s gravity and took heavy damage, it started to burn and pour out thick black smoke as it turned back toward the planet. Falling now toward Carni from above it looked like a demon from hell on a suicide mission. It closed to range and fired and then either the weapons themselves or a short circuit somewhere on the damaged ship, Carni had no way of knowing which, ignited the pure hydrogen fuel used by the fighter. It exploded in a weak flash followed by a roaring shockwave that knocked the nearby ships about and debris trailing red flame down toward the planet.
Carni checked his systems, the artificial gravity keeping everyone in his cargo hold from being bug paste on the hull was still working. His sensors picked up two more fighters rising from the planet and he was a little surprised when one was the little interceptor that had saved him earlier and the other was a bounty hunter he knew personaly.
“Ignition,” he said over short range coms as a smile snuck onto his face, “fancy seeing you around here.”
“I picked up your signal while I was seeing what was going on, came by in case you needed help,” he replied, “this guy here was taking on two multirole fighters on his own so once I saw you had help I ducked in and distracted them to give him a better chance. He’s tough too, took out their thrusters with precise fire and sent them tumbling to the deck,” he commented in an impressed tone.
All the fighters were now converging in the same area near the edge of space.
“There’s no time for medals now, all of us need to get out of here, the Outcasts won’t let the chaos in orbit continue for long and once they put a stop to it there’ll be no getting off this planet.” Addressing Thoren he said, “Thank you for your help pilot, you’ve got good timing that’s for sure. I suggest you come with us, we’re more likely to make it out of here in a group if we hurry.”
"We should head for the Tau systems as fast as possible," said the mystery pilot in the interceptor, "I'm in the Bretonian SAS and once we're close to Bretonia I can get us some escort."
# 13 by Thoren Karth
Thoren stayed low to the water hoping the spray and smoke would hide him from most sensors as he searched for more launch sites. After destroying two more missile sites with sunlayers and laser fire he ran into trouble. Or to be more precise trouble found him. Two outcasts switchblades appeared on his scanners behind him as he came out of a cloud. Knowing they would catch him he dived for the nearest ruined city.
The outcasts followed and started firing as soon as they got into weapon range. Sliding right and then up and then left and right again he tried to avoid the fire and shake his antagonists, but to no avail. The switchblades were far to fast to shake though. With his shields down to a third he decided to do something crazy. Normally in space a pair of average outcasts in switchblades would be no problem for him, but now in the atmosphere his ship was far more sluggish than normal and while the outcasts were also more sluggish they had the advantage. Pushing the throttle as far as it would go and activating enough shield batteries to bring his shields to full he turned towards the largest building he could see. The switchblades followed close and kept shooting. This was a stupid move but it was the only thing that would get these outcasts off his tail. The outcasts were so close to him they couldn't see past the glow of Thoren's engines and never even noticed that this DSE pilot was about to hit the building. Thoren knew how good his shields were and he knew how fragile the switchblades chasing him were, if he made a mistake he'd be dead, but if he had gambled right the outcasts would be dead and he'd be clear.
With a terrible crash Thoren's Mamba Multi-Role fighter hit the ruined building and smashed it's way all the way through. The outcasts on the other hand didn't make it. Their shields failed and the ships exploded inside the building collapsing the structure.
As soon as he was clear Thoren headed out to sea where there was less likely to be enemies. As he cleared the smoke clouds his scanners locked on to an incoming fighter climbing from the water with a pair of outcasts on it's tail. Just then another fighter shot up and attracted outcasts attention to itself. To Thoren's surprise the first ship was flying a Bounty Hunters IFF. Wondering what a bounty hunter was doing here and not fighting in space Thoren turned and followed the ship as it sped away. Switching to coms he said: "DSE Thoren Karth to Bounty Hunter fighter. Do you need assistance?"
Just as he said it another outcast ship dropped from the sky and attacked the bounty hunter ship. Not waiting for an answer Thoren shoved the throttle to full once again and shot upwards and engaged the outcast.
The outcasts followed and started firing as soon as they got into weapon range. Sliding right and then up and then left and right again he tried to avoid the fire and shake his antagonists, but to no avail. The switchblades were far to fast to shake though. With his shields down to a third he decided to do something crazy. Normally in space a pair of average outcasts in switchblades would be no problem for him, but now in the atmosphere his ship was far more sluggish than normal and while the outcasts were also more sluggish they had the advantage. Pushing the throttle as far as it would go and activating enough shield batteries to bring his shields to full he turned towards the largest building he could see. The switchblades followed close and kept shooting. This was a stupid move but it was the only thing that would get these outcasts off his tail. The outcasts were so close to him they couldn't see past the glow of Thoren's engines and never even noticed that this DSE pilot was about to hit the building. Thoren knew how good his shields were and he knew how fragile the switchblades chasing him were, if he made a mistake he'd be dead, but if he had gambled right the outcasts would be dead and he'd be clear.
With a terrible crash Thoren's Mamba Multi-Role fighter hit the ruined building and smashed it's way all the way through. The outcasts on the other hand didn't make it. Their shields failed and the ships exploded inside the building collapsing the structure.
As soon as he was clear Thoren headed out to sea where there was less likely to be enemies. As he cleared the smoke clouds his scanners locked on to an incoming fighter climbing from the water with a pair of outcasts on it's tail. Just then another fighter shot up and attracted outcasts attention to itself. To Thoren's surprise the first ship was flying a Bounty Hunters IFF. Wondering what a bounty hunter was doing here and not fighting in space Thoren turned and followed the ship as it sped away. Switching to coms he said: "DSE Thoren Karth to Bounty Hunter fighter. Do you need assistance?"
Just as he said it another outcast ship dropped from the sky and attacked the bounty hunter ship. Not waiting for an answer Thoren shoved the throttle to full once again and shot upwards and engaged the outcast.
#12 by Ignition
Eyes still spinning from the brain crushing, eye watering acceleration that his Rhienland Cruise Interceptor dispensed with such ease Karl "Ignition" Wulff was approaching the Planet at maximum cruise, Just moments after violently decelerating from the nearby tradelane. The melee outside the planet was impressive as it was disorganized.
It reminded him of the Hessian raids within the scanner crippling dust fields of Dresden; complete purposefulness but completely chaotic.
As a seasoned pilot he knew that commuting to a furball like the one outside of Kyushu would end in certain death at the hands of a random missile or mine.
Nevertheless he dumped his ship out of cruise again, brain nearly flying out of his nose and took a pair of pot shots at critically damaged Outcast ship before reengaging his cruise engines and once again launching the tiny ship into massive acceleration within the blink of an eye.
Ignition was fearful that the constant abuse of the tachyon dischargers were going to quickly burn them out. Although he had good relationships with the Bretonian Navy he was almost certain that their particle collectors would be incompatible with the tachyon based technology crammed within the sleek knife-like frame of the Rhienland vessel.
Obtaining a replacement from Daumann would not be easy, or cheap considering Karl's status in Rhienland, his money, while ample from working for the BHG was no good in Rhienland anymore.
A messy and convoluted system of middlemen would be required. He thought the part would be stolen as soon as it crossed into Liberty due to the petty nature of the criminal element there.
Karl would often muse at how superior the design and engineering of his ship was compared to the other alternatives, he felt he owed his life to this and only this on more than enough occasions that he cared to remember.
Despite this, repairs were becoming increasinly difficult to carry out. Ignition feared he would eventually have to abandon this ship for something more...commercial.
He thought the Bretonian one was too big, The Liberty version had a nice shape but he felt the intake manifolds were too obvious so far up ahead of the ship.
The Kusarian version was festooned with those "damn useless fins that only served to close the distance between him and the magnetic anomaly detector a Mine".
None of that mattered though, he felt lucky that he and his ship had been in the position to simply not return to base all those years ago. The abandoned cigar collection was still a mass of grief at the bottom of his guts though.
An obnoxious tone eventually snapped him out of his daze.
Carnifex's signal was just on the other side of the planet. Ignition knew that despite the svelte design of his Interceptor entering the thick Kyushu atmosphere at cruise speed would be suicide, furthermore his cruise systems would not work within an atmosphere.
What the cruise interceptor had in agility and pursuit abilities it lacked in sub-cruise speed. Often putting him at a disadvantage against the more veteran Bounties, the rookies however fell for his traps every single time, and this brought Ignition a brief sense of elation.
However this vanished, as he went deeper and deeper into the Kyushu atmosphere the possibility of quickly bailing out of an ambush became an increasingly unlikely prospect.
The interceptor wasnt designed to brawl and was at a serious disadvantage against the what Ignition considered to be a ridiculous amount of combat interceptors being fielded recently.
This moment contemplation had allowed Ignition to cross the vast Kyushu oceans in what seemed like an instant. He made visual contact with Carnifex's ship and was quickly able to deconstruct what he was doing.
Unfortunately, The advanced electronics suite present within Ignition's interceptor precluded him from joining Carnifex in his efforts.
While he could read the serial number off a targets weapon from across the system, there was barely enough room for him to sit in the ship.
The interceptor had truly become a vehicle of trade-offs and this was one that Ignition quickly began to regret.
It reminded him of the Hessian raids within the scanner crippling dust fields of Dresden; complete purposefulness but completely chaotic.
As a seasoned pilot he knew that commuting to a furball like the one outside of Kyushu would end in certain death at the hands of a random missile or mine.
Nevertheless he dumped his ship out of cruise again, brain nearly flying out of his nose and took a pair of pot shots at critically damaged Outcast ship before reengaging his cruise engines and once again launching the tiny ship into massive acceleration within the blink of an eye.
Ignition was fearful that the constant abuse of the tachyon dischargers were going to quickly burn them out. Although he had good relationships with the Bretonian Navy he was almost certain that their particle collectors would be incompatible with the tachyon based technology crammed within the sleek knife-like frame of the Rhienland vessel.
Obtaining a replacement from Daumann would not be easy, or cheap considering Karl's status in Rhienland, his money, while ample from working for the BHG was no good in Rhienland anymore.
A messy and convoluted system of middlemen would be required. He thought the part would be stolen as soon as it crossed into Liberty due to the petty nature of the criminal element there.
Karl would often muse at how superior the design and engineering of his ship was compared to the other alternatives, he felt he owed his life to this and only this on more than enough occasions that he cared to remember.
Despite this, repairs were becoming increasinly difficult to carry out. Ignition feared he would eventually have to abandon this ship for something more...commercial.
He thought the Bretonian one was too big, The Liberty version had a nice shape but he felt the intake manifolds were too obvious so far up ahead of the ship.
The Kusarian version was festooned with those "damn useless fins that only served to close the distance between him and the magnetic anomaly detector a Mine".
None of that mattered though, he felt lucky that he and his ship had been in the position to simply not return to base all those years ago. The abandoned cigar collection was still a mass of grief at the bottom of his guts though.
An obnoxious tone eventually snapped him out of his daze.
Carnifex's signal was just on the other side of the planet. Ignition knew that despite the svelte design of his Interceptor entering the thick Kyushu atmosphere at cruise speed would be suicide, furthermore his cruise systems would not work within an atmosphere.
What the cruise interceptor had in agility and pursuit abilities it lacked in sub-cruise speed. Often putting him at a disadvantage against the more veteran Bounties, the rookies however fell for his traps every single time, and this brought Ignition a brief sense of elation.
However this vanished, as he went deeper and deeper into the Kyushu atmosphere the possibility of quickly bailing out of an ambush became an increasingly unlikely prospect.
The interceptor wasnt designed to brawl and was at a serious disadvantage against the what Ignition considered to be a ridiculous amount of combat interceptors being fielded recently.
This moment contemplation had allowed Ignition to cross the vast Kyushu oceans in what seemed like an instant. He made visual contact with Carnifex's ship and was quickly able to deconstruct what he was doing.
Unfortunately, The advanced electronics suite present within Ignition's interceptor precluded him from joining Carnifex in his efforts.
While he could read the serial number off a targets weapon from across the system, there was barely enough room for him to sit in the ship.
The interceptor had truly become a vehicle of trade-offs and this was one that Ignition quickly began to regret.
#11 by Scourge
Scourge peered out into the smoking ruin of Honshu's capital city. The air had been filled with smoke and ash, and the buildings and structures below were crumbling, not a single rooftop could be seen. The light flickers of weapons could be seen flailing across streets, and artillery shells arcing in the sky and falling down upon their prey, the Kusarian rebel forces, who were desperately, but slowly failing to stop the cardiforming of Honshu. Scourge's fighter had been hovering over the City Hall, waiting to make an attack dive over a bastion rebels, who had made a push over Honshu's city square.
For a moment, Scourge had admired their tenacity; the rebels who would not even flinch in the face of death to save the last vestiges of their home. Of course, Scourge felt no pity or remorse for his past, and imminent actions.
Scourge and two other Outcasts swooped down into a diving formation. Their claymore bombers screaming at the top of their lungs, targeted the City Hall in which the rebels strong point was. The three bombers locked on to the Hall, and what came next was 6 sunslayer torpedoes, bringing the joy of death.
Within a matter of seconds, the near thousand year-old City hall that stood as the pinnacle of Honshu came crashing down. With it, the image of Kusari had been lost in Honshu. All that stood in its place, was the inevitable future of the Outcasts.
For a moment, Scourge had admired their tenacity; the rebels who would not even flinch in the face of death to save the last vestiges of their home. Of course, Scourge felt no pity or remorse for his past, and imminent actions.
Scourge and two other Outcasts swooped down into a diving formation. Their claymore bombers screaming at the top of their lungs, targeted the City Hall in which the rebels strong point was. The three bombers locked on to the Hall, and what came next was 6 sunslayer torpedoes, bringing the joy of death.
Within a matter of seconds, the near thousand year-old City hall that stood as the pinnacle of Honshu came crashing down. With it, the image of Kusari had been lost in Honshu. All that stood in its place, was the inevitable future of the Outcasts.
#10 by Carnifex
Carnifex once again dropped out of the Jump Hole between Shikoku and Kyushu on the prowl for blood. He’d been hunting for almost 24 hours now. His cardimine had kept him going but he still felt sleep would be a good idea soon. He hadn’t had trouble finding criminals to kill during the hunt but hadn’t found any worth the trouble of capturing. Checking his scanners he didn’t see any ships nearby but the com lines were lit up like the system had become a battleground. Confused, Carnifex tried to make sense of the chatter but most of the channels were being used by more than one person at a time and no few were in hysterics. Most of the noise seemed to be coming from the direction of Planet Kyushu.
Carnifex looked at the planet out through his cockpit window not expecting to see much from this distance but something was wrong. He slowly realised that the planet was a different shade of blue. At first he didn’t believe it but when he looked for continents he had trouble seeing them, small as they were on Kyushu. An icy feeling of dread crept over him. Planets don’t just change colour. His engine already charging up for cruise he listened to the channels hoping to glean some idea of what was going on from the panicked and stressed voices.
---
Planet Kyushu looked like a dying beast being swarmed by carnivorous insects. From what information Carnifex could gather together out of the com channels the Outcasts were poisoning the planet, seeding its atmosphere with something that killed everyone but made them stronger. Apparently word of what was happening was getting around fast and pilots from all over Kusari were converging on the planet in an attempt to save friends and relatives. The Outcasts in orbit were apparently doing their best to stem the flow of raging citizens but in the end were like a sieve to so much sand. Carnifex engaged some nearby Outcasts who were already far outnumbered by the incensed locals. The scrum was intense. The locals were fighting with the fearlessness of desperation and hate. There were even a few who, when their ships were severely damaged, would ram them in spite into Outcast fighters that had their shields down. After working his way through the battle closer to the planet he slipped away into the atmosphere.
Off on the horizon he could just make out visually a black and blue haze that his sensors told him was the burning remains of a city swarming with Outcast fighters picking the bones of the island clean. Steering away from the bruise on the horizon Carni started flying low over the ocean wondering if anyone had made it into boats and escaped the tiny percent of landmass on Kyushu. After a while he came across a heavy equipment transport boat, probably no longer in use at the start of the crisis but now a refuge for those fleeing death. Carnifex set down on the wide, flat deck and opened his cockpit. He was struck by the smell of the air, clean and fresh from the ocean, oily and dirty from the old barge, but giving away nothing of the acrid corpses of land dotting the planet. He was greeted by a tall and proud but tired looking man.
“We need your ship,” said the man sternly with a touch of Bretonian accent about him, “how many people can your hold carry?”
“Ten, twenty if they squ...”
“Good!” interrupted the man as he turned to another nearby refugee, “Alex, get a group out here and load them up.”
“Wait,” said Carnifex, “what happened?”
“The Outcasts started blowing up missiles above the cities, said something about operation Thor’s Hammer and a great day for the Outcasts. I thought there was an attack so I got into my fighter as soon as the first explosions started. Then people started dying in the streets and the buildings... I flew over a school...” he trailed off, his eyes wondering down to the deck as he remembered. Frightened looking people clutching random valuables were already being led toward Carnifex’s fighter.
Putting his hand on the man’s shoulder to draw his attention Carni said, “You say you were in your fighter, do you still have it, we made need the escort to get out of orbit.”
“Yes, but if I go with yo...”
BOOM! A pair of Outcast fighters screamed across just meters above the deck and began to wheel around for a strafing run.
“IF YOU STAY YOU DIE!” yelled Carni over the din and then sped back into his cockpit without waiting for an answer.
Closing his cargo hold doors and pumping his engine Carni made it off the deck moments before weapons fire tore the hulking old ship in two. Spinning around he could see a small Kusari interceptor lifting off the already tilting ship. The Outcasts were using border world multirole fighters with torpedos mounted, much slower in atmosphere but one torpedo anywhere near Carnifex’s fast attack fighter and he’d be a goner. In an atmosphere the explosion would translate through the air much better then it could in a vacuum.
He decided not to wait around for that to happen and made a break for space, the two fighters pursuing him. Weapons fire shot past as he climbed away from the ravaged planet hoping that fighting the planet’s gravity well would prove too much for any torpedoes. Then he saw it peel off to the left out his window as. Carnifex checked his sensors to see that the small interceptor had used its speed to put itself between the Outcasts and Carni and lured them away.
Slowly the blue of the sky faded away and the brilliant flashes of light coming from the battle around Kyushu became visible. Carnifex avoided the fight but a single Outcast fighter spotted him and prevented him from escaping. This time he had no choice but to engage.
Carnifex looked at the planet out through his cockpit window not expecting to see much from this distance but something was wrong. He slowly realised that the planet was a different shade of blue. At first he didn’t believe it but when he looked for continents he had trouble seeing them, small as they were on Kyushu. An icy feeling of dread crept over him. Planets don’t just change colour. His engine already charging up for cruise he listened to the channels hoping to glean some idea of what was going on from the panicked and stressed voices.
---
Planet Kyushu looked like a dying beast being swarmed by carnivorous insects. From what information Carnifex could gather together out of the com channels the Outcasts were poisoning the planet, seeding its atmosphere with something that killed everyone but made them stronger. Apparently word of what was happening was getting around fast and pilots from all over Kusari were converging on the planet in an attempt to save friends and relatives. The Outcasts in orbit were apparently doing their best to stem the flow of raging citizens but in the end were like a sieve to so much sand. Carnifex engaged some nearby Outcasts who were already far outnumbered by the incensed locals. The scrum was intense. The locals were fighting with the fearlessness of desperation and hate. There were even a few who, when their ships were severely damaged, would ram them in spite into Outcast fighters that had their shields down. After working his way through the battle closer to the planet he slipped away into the atmosphere.
Off on the horizon he could just make out visually a black and blue haze that his sensors told him was the burning remains of a city swarming with Outcast fighters picking the bones of the island clean. Steering away from the bruise on the horizon Carni started flying low over the ocean wondering if anyone had made it into boats and escaped the tiny percent of landmass on Kyushu. After a while he came across a heavy equipment transport boat, probably no longer in use at the start of the crisis but now a refuge for those fleeing death. Carnifex set down on the wide, flat deck and opened his cockpit. He was struck by the smell of the air, clean and fresh from the ocean, oily and dirty from the old barge, but giving away nothing of the acrid corpses of land dotting the planet. He was greeted by a tall and proud but tired looking man.
“We need your ship,” said the man sternly with a touch of Bretonian accent about him, “how many people can your hold carry?”
“Ten, twenty if they squ...”
“Good!” interrupted the man as he turned to another nearby refugee, “Alex, get a group out here and load them up.”
“Wait,” said Carnifex, “what happened?”
“The Outcasts started blowing up missiles above the cities, said something about operation Thor’s Hammer and a great day for the Outcasts. I thought there was an attack so I got into my fighter as soon as the first explosions started. Then people started dying in the streets and the buildings... I flew over a school...” he trailed off, his eyes wondering down to the deck as he remembered. Frightened looking people clutching random valuables were already being led toward Carnifex’s fighter.
Putting his hand on the man’s shoulder to draw his attention Carni said, “You say you were in your fighter, do you still have it, we made need the escort to get out of orbit.”
“Yes, but if I go with yo...”
BOOM! A pair of Outcast fighters screamed across just meters above the deck and began to wheel around for a strafing run.
“IF YOU STAY YOU DIE!” yelled Carni over the din and then sped back into his cockpit without waiting for an answer.
Closing his cargo hold doors and pumping his engine Carni made it off the deck moments before weapons fire tore the hulking old ship in two. Spinning around he could see a small Kusari interceptor lifting off the already tilting ship. The Outcasts were using border world multirole fighters with torpedos mounted, much slower in atmosphere but one torpedo anywhere near Carnifex’s fast attack fighter and he’d be a goner. In an atmosphere the explosion would translate through the air much better then it could in a vacuum.
He decided not to wait around for that to happen and made a break for space, the two fighters pursuing him. Weapons fire shot past as he climbed away from the ravaged planet hoping that fighting the planet’s gravity well would prove too much for any torpedoes. Then he saw it peel off to the left out his window as. Carnifex checked his sensors to see that the small interceptor had used its speed to put itself between the Outcasts and Carni and lured them away.
Slowly the blue of the sky faded away and the brilliant flashes of light coming from the battle around Kyushu became visible. Carnifex avoided the fight but a single Outcast fighter spotted him and prevented him from escaping. This time he had no choice but to engage.
# 9 by Scourge
Scourge took in the midnight sky of Planet Malta. He was enjoying the smell of fresh wild Cardamine, soaking it up in the breeze, feeling it on his face. The musky scent of other exotic fragrances had touched his nose as well. The news of the cardiforming of Honshu and Kyushu delighted him as he sat down in his chair, and lit up a Rheinland Swisher.
The news the Outcast high council was something that was revolutionary for the Outcasts. Even for the people in the militia like Scourge, it meant that Cardamine would flow three times as fast and as much as it did before. The floodgates would be opened. The rest of the universe would feel the scent-the taste- the euphoria- the beauty of Cardamine, and the joy that each and every outcast felt.
Talisman turned the corner atop the Spire in which Scourge sat. The lights were dim, only a few candles flickered in the corridor, while the brilliant green of Malta's sun shining on Vesuvius lit up the night sky. The marblestone of the Spire climbed the crafted peak-side, which was met by other spires across the horizon. Talisman, sure of what he was going to say, seemingly forgot as the Heaven of Malta captivated him just as it swallowed up Scourge.
"The Outcasts have played a fine hand today. The flow of Cardamine will never cease." Scourge said, seemingly knowing that Talisman was there.
"We have had a grand victory. Those who attempt to stop our glorious flow will bleed out like pigs."
"There is talk of a small crusade against us, based in Tau 23."
---
The light from the sun lost its blinding effect as Talisman and Scourge had exited the Tau 23 jumphole from Tau 29. They had been on a quiet hunt, searching for the crusaders who had made it their profession to stop cardamine smuggling.
"Java Station seems to be their choice of location," , Scourge said. He had inhaled another dose of Cardamine, his lungs filling with the sweet sensation. Space was cold, but Scourge could not feel it under the alteration his mind had felt.
"Such a small base, for such a large campaign against us. Come, Scourge, I want to taste their death." Talisman's bloodlust could be felt in Scourge. He knew his urge to maim and kill.
"Easy Talisman. There will be plenty of time for that," Scourge smiled at his brother's feelings, but knew that their two ships would not be able to crucify such a base. Then another dose had been inhaled, and he had felt enlightenment all over again. We shall attack this base, and send it a message that the Outcasts are prepared to force their will on all who oppose them."
"Its only a matter of time before everyone feels the Malta dust."
"We turned Malta into heaven. Now we will turn the rest into hell."
The news the Outcast high council was something that was revolutionary for the Outcasts. Even for the people in the militia like Scourge, it meant that Cardamine would flow three times as fast and as much as it did before. The floodgates would be opened. The rest of the universe would feel the scent-the taste- the euphoria- the beauty of Cardamine, and the joy that each and every outcast felt.
Talisman turned the corner atop the Spire in which Scourge sat. The lights were dim, only a few candles flickered in the corridor, while the brilliant green of Malta's sun shining on Vesuvius lit up the night sky. The marblestone of the Spire climbed the crafted peak-side, which was met by other spires across the horizon. Talisman, sure of what he was going to say, seemingly forgot as the Heaven of Malta captivated him just as it swallowed up Scourge.
"The Outcasts have played a fine hand today. The flow of Cardamine will never cease." Scourge said, seemingly knowing that Talisman was there.
"We have had a grand victory. Those who attempt to stop our glorious flow will bleed out like pigs."
"There is talk of a small crusade against us, based in Tau 23."
---
The light from the sun lost its blinding effect as Talisman and Scourge had exited the Tau 23 jumphole from Tau 29. They had been on a quiet hunt, searching for the crusaders who had made it their profession to stop cardamine smuggling.
"Java Station seems to be their choice of location," , Scourge said. He had inhaled another dose of Cardamine, his lungs filling with the sweet sensation. Space was cold, but Scourge could not feel it under the alteration his mind had felt.
"Such a small base, for such a large campaign against us. Come, Scourge, I want to taste their death." Talisman's bloodlust could be felt in Scourge. He knew his urge to maim and kill.
"Easy Talisman. There will be plenty of time for that," Scourge smiled at his brother's feelings, but knew that their two ships would not be able to crucify such a base. Then another dose had been inhaled, and he had felt enlightenment all over again. We shall attack this base, and send it a message that the Outcasts are prepared to force their will on all who oppose them."
"Its only a matter of time before everyone feels the Malta dust."
"We turned Malta into heaven. Now we will turn the rest into hell."
#8 by Skyler
"Sir, I've got someone from Atka research station on the secure channel who's asking for you." called Griff from the com station.
"I'll be right there." came the reply from Skyler as he headed back up the boarding ramp.
Griff handed the mic over to Skyler as he came up.
"Skyler here."
"Skyler I assume you've heard the news?" said the voice on the other end of the line.
"Assuming you're talking about the Outcast attacks on Planet Kyushu and Planet Honshu and that they're starting to cardaform them, yes. By the way, who is this?"
"This is your old pal James Conway."
"James! I haven't heard from you in ages. To bad it has to be at a time like this."
"Aye it's been a long time since you were out in these parts. But the reason I called was we've got a large quantity of medical supplies and some other stuff you might find interesting has been stockpiled here. Universal doesn't happen to have any assets around here do you?"
"Let me check." Skyler switches the mic off and puts on a headset and moves over to another station to check for any Universal transports in the Sigmas. "I'm assuming you're talking about taking that Stuff to Honshu?"
"Thants right. Of course you'll have to find someone to take out the Outcasts there before it will do much good."
"There's always a catch in life isn't there...ah well can't be helped. That would have to be done regardless."
"You got a transports around?" asked James again.
"Just finished looking. The closest ones we've got are in Frankfurt. But as we'll have to wait until the Outcasts are pushed back far enough to get in it shouldn't be to much of a problem getting to you in time."
"Okay we'll have the supplies ready when your ships get here. Oh one thing, we don't have support for trains at this base, so don't send any."
"Don't worry, I know all about docking restrictions for large ships....I"ll be sure to send only Armored Transports and Longhaul Freighters."
"Roger that. Atka out!"
The com clicked and Skyler pulled off the headset.
"Griff, any news from New London?"
"Uh....let me check. Yep here we go. Some guy there says they have a large group of aid workers that are getting ready to go. They just need transports."
"That's where we come in. Get all of our non essential transports in the area to assemble at New London. We'll provide the transports for this mission."
"Yes sir!"
"Now we need someone with the firepower to clear a path through the Outcasts to both Planet Kyushu and Planet Honshu."
"I'll be right there." came the reply from Skyler as he headed back up the boarding ramp.
Griff handed the mic over to Skyler as he came up.
"Skyler here."
"Skyler I assume you've heard the news?" said the voice on the other end of the line.
"Assuming you're talking about the Outcast attacks on Planet Kyushu and Planet Honshu and that they're starting to cardaform them, yes. By the way, who is this?"
"This is your old pal James Conway."
"James! I haven't heard from you in ages. To bad it has to be at a time like this."
"Aye it's been a long time since you were out in these parts. But the reason I called was we've got a large quantity of medical supplies and some other stuff you might find interesting has been stockpiled here. Universal doesn't happen to have any assets around here do you?"
"Let me check." Skyler switches the mic off and puts on a headset and moves over to another station to check for any Universal transports in the Sigmas. "I'm assuming you're talking about taking that Stuff to Honshu?"
"Thants right. Of course you'll have to find someone to take out the Outcasts there before it will do much good."
"There's always a catch in life isn't there...ah well can't be helped. That would have to be done regardless."
"You got a transports around?" asked James again.
"Just finished looking. The closest ones we've got are in Frankfurt. But as we'll have to wait until the Outcasts are pushed back far enough to get in it shouldn't be to much of a problem getting to you in time."
"Okay we'll have the supplies ready when your ships get here. Oh one thing, we don't have support for trains at this base, so don't send any."
"Don't worry, I know all about docking restrictions for large ships....I"ll be sure to send only Armored Transports and Longhaul Freighters."
"Roger that. Atka out!"
The com clicked and Skyler pulled off the headset.
"Griff, any news from New London?"
"Uh....let me check. Yep here we go. Some guy there says they have a large group of aid workers that are getting ready to go. They just need transports."
"That's where we come in. Get all of our non essential transports in the area to assemble at New London. We'll provide the transports for this mission."
"Yes sir!"
"Now we need someone with the firepower to clear a path through the Outcasts to both Planet Kyushu and Planet Honshu."
#7 by Thoren Karth
Thoren Karth Came out of the Tau-23 jump hole and headed straight for Planet Kyushu. The Oucasts had moved faster than anyone could have imagined and the consequences were horrific. As soon as he had heard the news he had jumped in his Mamba and redlined the engines all the way to Kyushu, dodging Outcasts the whole way.
As Thoren neared the planet a flight of Outcasts came to meet him. But he was in a bad mood and nothing would stop him. The fight was short and brutal, Karth 4, Outcasts 0. But that was only the first encounter. Fight after fight, wave after wave. They never seemed to end. There were some Kusari ships around that helped, mostly serving as distractions which was a life saver for Karth as he blasted the enemy heedless of his own safety.
Finally he made it to the planet. After blasting a transport full of cardamine that was trying to dock he forced his way down into the atmosphere. The sight was horrifying.
The air was dark with smoke from buildings and burning Cardamine and other plant life. He could see many burning cities from where he was flying. Suddenly a huge missile shot up into the sky a few klicks ahead of Karth and exploded in a blueish cloud. "So that's how they're doing it." Cursed Thoren. "Looks like I have a new mission. Take out as many of those missile launchers as I can before they take me down!"
With that he locked onto the launch site of the missile that he had just seen and put his Mamba into a steep dive. "I'm glad I'm flying a Mamba and not one of those Outcast ships. The extra control flaps and wing size makes for much better atmospheric control than what they have. Wish I was in that Liberty Multi-role fighter though. Ah well can't be helped, here we GO!"
The smoke had reduced visibility to near zero and for a few moments Thoren had to fly by sensors alone, which was something he was not used to and hated doing. But he soon broke clear of the cloud and skimmed the water of the sea as he approached the first missile launch site.
KABOOOOMMM!!!!
The explosion of the Sunslayer torpedo buffeted Thoren as he pulled away from the smoking wreckage of the first launch site.
"One down and Sirius knows how many more to go."
As Thoren neared the planet a flight of Outcasts came to meet him. But he was in a bad mood and nothing would stop him. The fight was short and brutal, Karth 4, Outcasts 0. But that was only the first encounter. Fight after fight, wave after wave. They never seemed to end. There were some Kusari ships around that helped, mostly serving as distractions which was a life saver for Karth as he blasted the enemy heedless of his own safety.
Finally he made it to the planet. After blasting a transport full of cardamine that was trying to dock he forced his way down into the atmosphere. The sight was horrifying.
The air was dark with smoke from buildings and burning Cardamine and other plant life. He could see many burning cities from where he was flying. Suddenly a huge missile shot up into the sky a few klicks ahead of Karth and exploded in a blueish cloud. "So that's how they're doing it." Cursed Thoren. "Looks like I have a new mission. Take out as many of those missile launchers as I can before they take me down!"
With that he locked onto the launch site of the missile that he had just seen and put his Mamba into a steep dive. "I'm glad I'm flying a Mamba and not one of those Outcast ships. The extra control flaps and wing size makes for much better atmospheric control than what they have. Wish I was in that Liberty Multi-role fighter though. Ah well can't be helped, here we GO!"
The smoke had reduced visibility to near zero and for a few moments Thoren had to fly by sensors alone, which was something he was not used to and hated doing. But he soon broke clear of the cloud and skimmed the water of the sea as he approached the first missile launch site.
KABOOOOMMM!!!!
The explosion of the Sunslayer torpedo buffeted Thoren as he pulled away from the smoking wreckage of the first launch site.
"One down and Sirius knows how many more to go."
#6 by Swordsman
===================================
WILLARD RESEARCH STATION, CALIFORNIA SYSTEM
===================================
"They're getting impatient, I know you seen the news today, Trinadad."
The young woman turned on the holo screen attempting to break the scientist's concentration, but to know avail.
His focus was solid as he peered through the high powered microscope, giving only a half-hearted "Mmm". Doctor Gabriel Trinadad was one of the Liberty Navy's top biologists. He'd worked on various projects and studied top secret organisms found in the far reaches of Sirius. His current studies regarded something he'd pursued before and had been pursuing for nearly ten years. An herbicide for cardamine that had minimal to no negative effect on human, animal and other plant life. He'd been on the team to produce the chemical that came to be known "TX Gas" a chemical that did target only the cardamine, but had such a high toxicity level that using it on any area bigger than a small garden could contaminate hundreds of miles of surface and ground water, killing animals and humans alike by the thousands. Next to the scientist was a series of petri dishes, each containing a small chunk of cardamine grass and its roots. The plants laid in various liquids and showed different reactions to each, obviously test subjects. The plant in the dish marked "TX" with shriveled and blackened as it if had been burned, the planet in the dish next to it was purple, hinting at a reaction with in the plant's pigment.
"Doctor are you listening?! They are going to change Planet Kyushu and Malta into cardamine factories! We could have two new Malta's in the next few years if we don't find an herbicide that we can use!"
"We'd better get on that then.." He replied rather nonchalantly, eyes unmoving from his microscope.
The young woman looked toward the ceiling in frustration and left the lab, leaving the holo-screen to run on.
"Two more Malta's...." The doctor murmured to himself, finally standing up right in thought. "Two...more...Malta's.."
WILLARD RESEARCH STATION, CALIFORNIA SYSTEM
===================================
"They're getting impatient, I know you seen the news today, Trinadad."
The young woman turned on the holo screen attempting to break the scientist's concentration, but to know avail.
His focus was solid as he peered through the high powered microscope, giving only a half-hearted "Mmm". Doctor Gabriel Trinadad was one of the Liberty Navy's top biologists. He'd worked on various projects and studied top secret organisms found in the far reaches of Sirius. His current studies regarded something he'd pursued before and had been pursuing for nearly ten years. An herbicide for cardamine that had minimal to no negative effect on human, animal and other plant life. He'd been on the team to produce the chemical that came to be known "TX Gas" a chemical that did target only the cardamine, but had such a high toxicity level that using it on any area bigger than a small garden could contaminate hundreds of miles of surface and ground water, killing animals and humans alike by the thousands. Next to the scientist was a series of petri dishes, each containing a small chunk of cardamine grass and its roots. The plants laid in various liquids and showed different reactions to each, obviously test subjects. The plant in the dish marked "TX" with shriveled and blackened as it if had been burned, the planet in the dish next to it was purple, hinting at a reaction with in the plant's pigment.
"Doctor are you listening?! They are going to change Planet Kyushu and Malta into cardamine factories! We could have two new Malta's in the next few years if we don't find an herbicide that we can use!"
"We'd better get on that then.." He replied rather nonchalantly, eyes unmoving from his microscope.
The young woman looked toward the ceiling in frustration and left the lab, leaving the holo-screen to run on.
"Two more Malta's...." The doctor murmured to himself, finally standing up right in thought. "Two...more...Malta's.."
#5 by Thoren Karth
Thoren Karth had been away from Java station for over a month. As he approached it from the Kyushu jump hole he spotted a flight of Outcast Switchblades headed for the station."Why in Sirius to they do that? Sending 4 fighters at a base and it's defensive fighters is just plain stupid. And I thought Cardamine was supposed to help them think clearer."
"Java station to unknown DSE ship. We're reading incoming bandits."
"I see em Java. Moving to intercept."
"Roger that DSE. Go evasive. We have a fighter wing coming to assist you."
"Completely not needed, but thanks for thinking of me!" With that Thoren charged into the Outcast formation guns blazing and missiles flying. One switchblade went down in the first pass. The pilot clearly had not expected a single fighter to make a head on pass against four enemies. The fight then went into a high speed dogfight. The switchblades were faster and more maneuverable, but Thoren's multi-role fighter had heavier shields and more firepower. And he was far more experienced than the Outcasts. He had two more enemies down by the time the IMG fighters arrived. The surviving Outcast new he was dead and tried a last suicidal charge. He didn't even get close before the combined fire of the four IMG Cobras and Thoren's Mamba turned it into scrap metal.
"THOREN!" cried one of the pilots "Where have you been!?"
"Hey there Jim. I've been sight seeing around the other side of Sirius. Lets dock and I"ll tell you all about it."
As Thoren, Jim and the other pilots entered the bar a shout from behind the counter boomed out: "Thoren! We thought you were dead!!"
"Oh I"m not dead. Not yet anyway. Sorry I never got around to telling you I was leaving for a bit. I was in Tau-29 and got a call from an old friend of mine that the Outcasts were going to attack somewhere in the Omega-41 system."
"Omegas? Why would you go there? And how in space do you know someone there well enough to go running of on a moments notice?"
"HAHA I wasn't always out this way you know. After first signing on with DSE as part of their counter pirate task force I was sent to the Sigmas. I flew there for some time. When the Outcasts made their sudden push into Omicron Theta and then into Gamma I was there. I stood with the Corsairs against the oncoming hoards. We were forced back though we dealt them a good blow even in our losses. Even though they came all the way to Omicron Gamma they couldn't attack Planet Crete because we had given them such a beating!"
"Planet Crete? What's that?" asked a young pilot sitting at the counter listening
"You must not get outside much. Planet Crete is the legendary home of the Corsairs. It's on the complete other side of the known systems. As I was saying. The Outcasts couldn't attack Planet Crete because I and the corsairs who I was with had bled their numbers so low. They had to get re-enforcements before they could mount an assault. But before they could the whole thing in Kusari happened. Nippon came to power and the Outcasts played a large part in that and it drained their resources. But then they made a move from Omicron Theta into Omega-41. It was just before that happened that a friend of mine on Freeport 9 got wind of the attack and sent me a message. As I said I was in Tau-29 shooting Outcasts. I didn't have time to even rearm before heading down through Britonia and through the Omegas to Omega-41."
"The battle was a small one. In the end the Outcasts won the day. I still haven't figured out why they wanted to go there. They haven't made a move since then."
"But I know it doesn't take a month to get there fight a battle and get back. Where did you go from there?" asked the barkeep
"Well from there I wandered up into the Sigmas. I stayed there for a week or so and fought more outcasts and a few other random pirates. Then I ran into some guy who was actually a good pilot. But he was flying as part of a group called "The Black Flag Corsairs". Strange name and they have nothing to do with The Corsairs. Anyway we had a good fight and chase all across Sigma-17 and 13. But I finally got him with a surprise maneuver. And from there I wandered back here through Kusari."
"Well we're glad you're back. The Outcasts have been increasing their movement of Cardamine into Kusari through the Kyushu jump hole. And take a look at this Outcast news feed we intercepted." Henry said in a grave tone.
Thoren watched in horror as he heard and saw the plans the Outcasts had in store for Planet Kyushu and Planet Honshu.
"We can't let this happen!" he said with passion. "It will take time to completely cardiform a planet. And it will take a steady supply of Cardimine from Malta. That's what we have to do. Take out that Cardamine before it ever reaches Kyushu."
"But you're only one man. And we have enough trouble here, we can't spare any ships to help you hunt the card haulers."
"I'm one man, but I'll find more. Speaking of which did that guy who was looking for me ever come back? Fantom wasn't it?"
"Yeah it was Fantom. No, he never did come back."
"Well I"ll have to start fighting and looking for people to help stop the barbarism of the Outcasts! If anyone comes here and you think they may be interested in helping stop the flow of cardamine would you have them contact me?"
"Sure thing Karth. You get some rest, I've had someone get a room for you."
"Thanks Henry. I"ll see you soon." Thoren said as he headed out of the bar.
"Oh and Karth, it's good to have to back!" called the barkeep after him.
"Java station to unknown DSE ship. We're reading incoming bandits."
"I see em Java. Moving to intercept."
"Roger that DSE. Go evasive. We have a fighter wing coming to assist you."
"Completely not needed, but thanks for thinking of me!" With that Thoren charged into the Outcast formation guns blazing and missiles flying. One switchblade went down in the first pass. The pilot clearly had not expected a single fighter to make a head on pass against four enemies. The fight then went into a high speed dogfight. The switchblades were faster and more maneuverable, but Thoren's multi-role fighter had heavier shields and more firepower. And he was far more experienced than the Outcasts. He had two more enemies down by the time the IMG fighters arrived. The surviving Outcast new he was dead and tried a last suicidal charge. He didn't even get close before the combined fire of the four IMG Cobras and Thoren's Mamba turned it into scrap metal.
"THOREN!" cried one of the pilots "Where have you been!?"
"Hey there Jim. I've been sight seeing around the other side of Sirius. Lets dock and I"ll tell you all about it."
As Thoren, Jim and the other pilots entered the bar a shout from behind the counter boomed out: "Thoren! We thought you were dead!!"
"Oh I"m not dead. Not yet anyway. Sorry I never got around to telling you I was leaving for a bit. I was in Tau-29 and got a call from an old friend of mine that the Outcasts were going to attack somewhere in the Omega-41 system."
"Omegas? Why would you go there? And how in space do you know someone there well enough to go running of on a moments notice?"
"HAHA I wasn't always out this way you know. After first signing on with DSE as part of their counter pirate task force I was sent to the Sigmas. I flew there for some time. When the Outcasts made their sudden push into Omicron Theta and then into Gamma I was there. I stood with the Corsairs against the oncoming hoards. We were forced back though we dealt them a good blow even in our losses. Even though they came all the way to Omicron Gamma they couldn't attack Planet Crete because we had given them such a beating!"
"Planet Crete? What's that?" asked a young pilot sitting at the counter listening
"You must not get outside much. Planet Crete is the legendary home of the Corsairs. It's on the complete other side of the known systems. As I was saying. The Outcasts couldn't attack Planet Crete because I and the corsairs who I was with had bled their numbers so low. They had to get re-enforcements before they could mount an assault. But before they could the whole thing in Kusari happened. Nippon came to power and the Outcasts played a large part in that and it drained their resources. But then they made a move from Omicron Theta into Omega-41. It was just before that happened that a friend of mine on Freeport 9 got wind of the attack and sent me a message. As I said I was in Tau-29 shooting Outcasts. I didn't have time to even rearm before heading down through Britonia and through the Omegas to Omega-41."
"The battle was a small one. In the end the Outcasts won the day. I still haven't figured out why they wanted to go there. They haven't made a move since then."
"But I know it doesn't take a month to get there fight a battle and get back. Where did you go from there?" asked the barkeep
"Well from there I wandered up into the Sigmas. I stayed there for a week or so and fought more outcasts and a few other random pirates. Then I ran into some guy who was actually a good pilot. But he was flying as part of a group called "The Black Flag Corsairs". Strange name and they have nothing to do with The Corsairs. Anyway we had a good fight and chase all across Sigma-17 and 13. But I finally got him with a surprise maneuver. And from there I wandered back here through Kusari."
"Well we're glad you're back. The Outcasts have been increasing their movement of Cardamine into Kusari through the Kyushu jump hole. And take a look at this Outcast news feed we intercepted." Henry said in a grave tone.
Thoren watched in horror as he heard and saw the plans the Outcasts had in store for Planet Kyushu and Planet Honshu.
"We can't let this happen!" he said with passion. "It will take time to completely cardiform a planet. And it will take a steady supply of Cardimine from Malta. That's what we have to do. Take out that Cardamine before it ever reaches Kyushu."
"But you're only one man. And we have enough trouble here, we can't spare any ships to help you hunt the card haulers."
"I'm one man, but I'll find more. Speaking of which did that guy who was looking for me ever come back? Fantom wasn't it?"
"Yeah it was Fantom. No, he never did come back."
"Well I"ll have to start fighting and looking for people to help stop the barbarism of the Outcasts! If anyone comes here and you think they may be interested in helping stop the flow of cardamine would you have them contact me?"
"Sure thing Karth. You get some rest, I've had someone get a room for you."
"Thanks Henry. I"ll see you soon." Thoren said as he headed out of the bar.
"Oh and Karth, it's good to have to back!" called the barkeep after him.
#4 by Scourge
Banzai stared out in the stars of Kyushu, from the halls of battleship Nagumo. His day was just beginning, but sleep nor his coffee made him any less tired. Shoju entered his room, seemingly just as exhausted as he.
"Another day fighting the small folk, eh Banzai?"
"I suppose so, "he said," the damn foreigners are getting more bold with every passing cargo scan."
Shoju and Banzai had been wingmen in the Kusari Naval Forces of Nippon, assigned to scanning and levying all foreign entities that pass through Kusari. With the allowance of Outcasts moving through Kusari with Cardamine, had many smugglers believing they had a free way through kusari if they carried it as well. It was our job to insure that those who carry cargo are levied and those who carry cardamine and are not Outcasts are either removed or destroyed.
Shoju and Banzai finished their coffee, and made their way to the bar.
Upon their arrival, another few officers were throwing some gossip around.
"Did you hear?" one officer said, "some guy from the IMG is on a crusade in tau 23 to stop all cardamine trade from getting into the houses."
Shoju and Banzai looked at each other.
"this may be a small opportunity of paying our friends back," Shoju said, "a sort of a good deed to go out there and find that guy, and put an end to him."
Banzai had been thinking the same thing.
"Tell you what mate. Were both dead dog tired from the rounds we've been making this week. We both need some sleep. We find this guy, and we kill him. I think that will give us some R & R time"
Shoju smiled, getting tired of guard duty himself, agreed.
"This guy wants to start up a cardamine war," Shoju said, "lets give him a war of his own."
The two gave a pump to the arm and a pat on the back, and set out to the landing deck.
"Another day fighting the small folk, eh Banzai?"
"I suppose so, "he said," the damn foreigners are getting more bold with every passing cargo scan."
Shoju and Banzai had been wingmen in the Kusari Naval Forces of Nippon, assigned to scanning and levying all foreign entities that pass through Kusari. With the allowance of Outcasts moving through Kusari with Cardamine, had many smugglers believing they had a free way through kusari if they carried it as well. It was our job to insure that those who carry cargo are levied and those who carry cardamine and are not Outcasts are either removed or destroyed.
Shoju and Banzai finished their coffee, and made their way to the bar.
Upon their arrival, another few officers were throwing some gossip around.
"Did you hear?" one officer said, "some guy from the IMG is on a crusade in tau 23 to stop all cardamine trade from getting into the houses."
Shoju and Banzai looked at each other.
"this may be a small opportunity of paying our friends back," Shoju said, "a sort of a good deed to go out there and find that guy, and put an end to him."
Banzai had been thinking the same thing.
"Tell you what mate. Were both dead dog tired from the rounds we've been making this week. We both need some sleep. We find this guy, and we kill him. I think that will give us some R & R time"
Shoju smiled, getting tired of guard duty himself, agreed.
"This guy wants to start up a cardamine war," Shoju said, "lets give him a war of his own."
The two gave a pump to the arm and a pat on the back, and set out to the landing deck.
#3 by Thoren Karth
As Thoren Karth walked into the bar on Java station he noticed the bartender waving him over.
"Good to see you again mate." he said.
"Good to be seen Henry, how are things holding up around here?"
"Things are holding up as well as ever. Oh and the reason I wanted to talk to you right away was there there was this guy who came through a few hours ago that was asking for you."
"Oh really? What kind of guy was he?"
"Well he seemed to be kinda a rough fellow, didn't seem to be the pirate type though. Definitely had some kind of military backround, probably an officer, but he must have been done with that for some time to be in the shape his was in."
"Well if he comes around again ask him to leave a message, or a way for me to contact him. He didn't happen to give his name did he?"
"Actually he did. I was rather surprised considering how careful most people are around strangers up here."
"What was the name he gave?"
"Oh right. It was Fantom13. I"m guessing that's his callsign and not his real name though..."
"Well considering that it has a number in it I would say that is most definitely not his real name." Thoren said in a sarcastic tone.
"I don't know why I try to help you sometimes." Returned the bar keep.
"Because I pay well and help kill the Outcasts that attack this base and your miners..."
"Well I suppose you do at that. Here's a drink on the house for taking down that last attack wave."
Thoren Downed the glass in one swig and sets it down on the bar. "Thanks Henry, I needed that after all the work I've been up to today."
"All right Thoren, off with you now. And don't worry about that stranger, if he comes around here again I"ll make sure he stays long enough to meet
you."
"All right, I"ll be taking a nap before heading out again."
Thoren walked out of the bar wondering if maybe his luck had changed and maybe this guy who was looking for him would help him in his war with the Outcasts and their drug Cardamine. Or of course he could be someone who wanted him dead and was here to kill him. But either way he needed to find out who this guy was and what he wanted with him. Only time would tell.
"Good to see you again mate." he said.
"Good to be seen Henry, how are things holding up around here?"
"Things are holding up as well as ever. Oh and the reason I wanted to talk to you right away was there there was this guy who came through a few hours ago that was asking for you."
"Oh really? What kind of guy was he?"
"Well he seemed to be kinda a rough fellow, didn't seem to be the pirate type though. Definitely had some kind of military backround, probably an officer, but he must have been done with that for some time to be in the shape his was in."
"Well if he comes around again ask him to leave a message, or a way for me to contact him. He didn't happen to give his name did he?"
"Actually he did. I was rather surprised considering how careful most people are around strangers up here."
"What was the name he gave?"
"Oh right. It was Fantom13. I"m guessing that's his callsign and not his real name though..."
"Well considering that it has a number in it I would say that is most definitely not his real name." Thoren said in a sarcastic tone.
"I don't know why I try to help you sometimes." Returned the bar keep.
"Because I pay well and help kill the Outcasts that attack this base and your miners..."
"Well I suppose you do at that. Here's a drink on the house for taking down that last attack wave."
Thoren Downed the glass in one swig and sets it down on the bar. "Thanks Henry, I needed that after all the work I've been up to today."
"All right Thoren, off with you now. And don't worry about that stranger, if he comes around here again I"ll make sure he stays long enough to meet
you."
"All right, I"ll be taking a nap before heading out again."
Thoren walked out of the bar wondering if maybe his luck had changed and maybe this guy who was looking for him would help him in his war with the Outcasts and their drug Cardamine. Or of course he could be someone who wanted him dead and was here to kill him. But either way he needed to find out who this guy was and what he wanted with him. Only time would tell.
#2 by Carnifex
Further down the cardimine hill, on the borders of Liberty, Carnifex was enjoying the benefits of chaos in Kusari. Any hold on Ames Research Station that the Kusari Naval Forces used to have before the Outcast/Dragon invasion quickly faded away with their manpower and the vultures had moved in. The first had been corporate types looking to trade, then freelancers looking for a base to supply from. The pirates had been next and where there were pirates there were bounty hunters. The station had in effect become the freeport it had once been. There were few real Zoners left though; few had the stomach to return after the "loss" without a trace of the entire population of the station that had been taken by the old Kusari.
With no peace keepers patrolling the lanes the pirates had been getting bold. With almost all bounties in Kusari being politically sticky hunters were looking elsewhere. Carnifex had gotten back from a small patrol along the outskirts of the Denko cloud just half an hour ago, holds laden with loot from kills. Many pirates were getting sloppy now that Kusari was focused inward.
Another reason for their success was cardimine. With the Outcasts in every corner of Kusari cardimine had become as cheap as fuel and more widely consumed, almost every pirate that a hunter got a hold of had been virtually swimming in the stuff. Many criminals simply weren't used to it and over did it when they were attacked, making them irrational fighters. They were often easy picking for a skilled hunter. This combined with the ‘no questions asked’ attitude of those running Ames were what Carnifex was enjoying most; he’d been addicted to card since he fell in with the Lane Hackers in his disillusioned youth and did not often get a chance to enjoy it openly.
He let the euphoria filter through his body as loud music filled his small private quarters aboard the station. Already in his mind his next hunt, the battle for the death of the very pirate on whose cargo he was dependent. This was the line that Carnifex walked every day, his life inseparable from both the highly structured society of the houses where he earned his living and from the dirt that they stood on that would sometimes try to suck them down into the mire and often succeeded.
Carnifex let all of this slip from his mind as the smell of cardimine filled the room and the low rumble of the music grew more distant in his mind.
With no peace keepers patrolling the lanes the pirates had been getting bold. With almost all bounties in Kusari being politically sticky hunters were looking elsewhere. Carnifex had gotten back from a small patrol along the outskirts of the Denko cloud just half an hour ago, holds laden with loot from kills. Many pirates were getting sloppy now that Kusari was focused inward.
Another reason for their success was cardimine. With the Outcasts in every corner of Kusari cardimine had become as cheap as fuel and more widely consumed, almost every pirate that a hunter got a hold of had been virtually swimming in the stuff. Many criminals simply weren't used to it and over did it when they were attacked, making them irrational fighters. They were often easy picking for a skilled hunter. This combined with the ‘no questions asked’ attitude of those running Ames were what Carnifex was enjoying most; he’d been addicted to card since he fell in with the Lane Hackers in his disillusioned youth and did not often get a chance to enjoy it openly.
He let the euphoria filter through his body as loud music filled his small private quarters aboard the station. Already in his mind his next hunt, the battle for the death of the very pirate on whose cargo he was dependent. This was the line that Carnifex walked every day, his life inseparable from both the highly structured society of the houses where he earned his living and from the dirt that they stood on that would sometimes try to suck them down into the mire and often succeeded.
Carnifex let all of this slip from his mind as the smell of cardimine filled the room and the low rumble of the music grew more distant in his mind.
#1 by Thoren Karth
Thoren was so close to the Outcast pilot that he could see the shocked look on her face as her ship went from full shields and hull to no shields and critical hull in one pass. She probably never even saw the mine that put an end to her surprise for all time.
"Thoren Karth to Java station. That's the last of them."
"Roger that. Our scans confirm no bandits."
"Heading to the Tau-37 jump hole. There always seems to be a few Cardamine smugglers coming through from there."
"Roger that Thoren. Good hunting to you. We'll be awaiting your return."
"Glad to hear it. I might make a stop at Falkland base so if I don't show up in a few hours don't be surprised."
Alone in his cockpit Thoren thought about the situation.
"The Outcasts have been shipping Cardamine from their home on Malta for hundreds of years. While the house police have tried to keep it out of their space they haven't met with much success. But no one seems to have ever thought of attacking the smugglers closer to their origin. Sure I may be the only one out here trying to make a difference in this undercover war, but every ship I shoot down means one less smuggler and one load of Cardamine that never makes it to the people who the Outcasts are trying to addict."
Here he's interrupted by a group of Switchblades as they start to attack him. After a short intense fight they're taken out of the equation for good.
"Sure the outcasts still have their route on the other side of Omicron Alpha through Omicron Beta and down through the Sigmas. But their main route is here coming through Tau-23 and Tau-37. Unfortunately just about the only ones who have cared about stopping the incoming Cardamine are the house police. But with the Outcast and Dragon conquest of Kusari and the late Outcast takeovers in Corsair space, more people are taking an interest in the outcasts and how to stop them. Perhaps I will be able to find some good pilots to join me in this quiet war."
He then jumped into the Tau-37 jump hole and prepared to continue the fight on the other side.
"Thoren Karth to Java station. That's the last of them."
"Roger that. Our scans confirm no bandits."
"Heading to the Tau-37 jump hole. There always seems to be a few Cardamine smugglers coming through from there."
"Roger that Thoren. Good hunting to you. We'll be awaiting your return."
"Glad to hear it. I might make a stop at Falkland base so if I don't show up in a few hours don't be surprised."
Alone in his cockpit Thoren thought about the situation.
"The Outcasts have been shipping Cardamine from their home on Malta for hundreds of years. While the house police have tried to keep it out of their space they haven't met with much success. But no one seems to have ever thought of attacking the smugglers closer to their origin. Sure I may be the only one out here trying to make a difference in this undercover war, but every ship I shoot down means one less smuggler and one load of Cardamine that never makes it to the people who the Outcasts are trying to addict."
Here he's interrupted by a group of Switchblades as they start to attack him. After a short intense fight they're taken out of the equation for good.
"Sure the outcasts still have their route on the other side of Omicron Alpha through Omicron Beta and down through the Sigmas. But their main route is here coming through Tau-23 and Tau-37. Unfortunately just about the only ones who have cared about stopping the incoming Cardamine are the house police. But with the Outcast and Dragon conquest of Kusari and the late Outcast takeovers in Corsair space, more people are taking an interest in the outcasts and how to stop them. Perhaps I will be able to find some good pilots to join me in this quiet war."
He then jumped into the Tau-37 jump hole and prepared to continue the fight on the other side.
Introduction
This thread started as an independent role play and then turned into a commons very quickly when the Outcasts started cardiforming two of the planets in Kusari. I have/will reproduce it here as writen even if, as with a lot of bar threads, it is incoherent in parts.
It follows on from and runs alongside The Last Days of the Kusari Empire and depicts the story of the Outcast occupation of Kusari, particularly planets Kyushu and Honshu.
It follows on from and runs alongside The Last Days of the Kusari Empire and depicts the story of the Outcast occupation of Kusari, particularly planets Kyushu and Honshu.
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