Aquila Flight - Return and Recover (Interlude 0.5)

[Archander]

NSS Oracle - LRRS Light Carrier


Whether it was out of sheer luck, or perhaps fate, those pilots had narrowly escaped an orbital bombardment that rendered what was left of Fort Sentinel completely slagged. Perhaps the Reds got what they were after, or perhaps their spies had gotten wind of the formation of the Greens' new superiority wing. Either way, Fort Sentinel was just a smoldering crater. All members of Aquila Flight had successfully made it to the awaiting Long Range Reconnaissance and Support Light Carrier known as the NSS Oracle.

The NSS Oracle was a newly commissioned light carrier for Nepleslia that would attempt to fit the role of support escort and reconnaissance. The starship itself in size and stature would be very similar to the Orca-class Battlecruiser Fleet Carrier Variant with a light armament (half carrier variant standard) and, by Nepleslian standards, an equally lightly armored hull. This tradeoff was of course brought about by the desire to equip the Oracle with new advanced sensor arrays and communication modules as well as stand as a testbed for next generation ECM, stealth, and refined Nepleslian Aerospace systems.

During the battle with the Reds, the Oracle was not without having to fend off attacks just like the other transports in the area and lost 90% of it's Grunt Drone fighters aiding in the evacuation as well as in its own defense. Critical damage seemed to occur when a well placed torpedo broke through the Oracle's shields and knocked her FTL drive offline. Wounded but not crippled, the Oracle left just in time, right before the Red's unleashed their orbital weapon and decimated the base. Using her experimental Subspace Phasing Module, the Oracle slipped away using STL propulsion.

Currently with the Oracle underway and repairs being made to the FTL systems, it would place the ship at least 2 days out before being able to make the jump to Hyperspace to get to Nepleslia Prime and regroup with the NSS Thanatos.

===============================​

Medical Center - NSS Oracle
1600 Hours

All Aquilas recovered from the Attack on Fort Sentinel have undergone a full medical check and have been administered appropriate medicines and/or treatments for injuries sustained during combat.

(GM Note: Upon completion, those able to leave can make their way to the Officer's Lounge during the interim until assigned a temporary bunk or stay in the Medical Center.)

 

[Gunhand4171]

As Nero's chest seized up, his vision went blurry. He could hear the distant roar of the battle, and the yelling of his teamates. Though it didn't quite register. He was out of body, wanting to help, but his body wouldn't respond. He saw Jayden's craft explode, then his vision went to black.

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♫ Ghost in the Shell - Rise♫​

Nero faded back to his time fighting the 'Reds' with his old flight, the"Marauders". "This is Marauder Lead to all Marauders, keep on your toes. That means you Crux!" The squad lead yelled out. "Yes sir." called the much younger Nero. Being the newest to the Maruaders meant he was the baby of their little family. Sure the others teased, but Nero knew that they truly did care. Up until the end...

"Stay with me Crux." Came the silky voice of Marauder 7, know to the others as 'Athena'. But to Nero, she was Naomi. Nero and Naomi were inseparable, always together. Their relationship blossomed through the fires of battle. "Roger that Athena, I will watch your backside." Crux joked. "More like I will have to cover your nice ass." Athena shot back.

"Cut the chatter you too, we have incoming." Called the Flight lead.

"Jackels, today we are going to strike hard at the pride of the Greens. They think they have everything and can just tote around without a care. Well guess what? I couldn't give two shits about the lot of them. They don't deserve to fly in the same skies as we do, and today we come for blood." Diomides called to his detachment. "Jackel Flight, this is Jackel Lead. Weapons hot, and take no prisoners."

They came into Nero's sights like lightning. He knew who they were instantly, Jackel Flight. "Shit, everyone incoming!" called Maruader 3. He banked hard but wasn't fast enough to escape the opening salvo. "All Marauders engage!" Called the squad lead.

"Nero, follow close. Now is not the time for mistakes." Naomi called. Nero was terrified. The last time he faced them, he was nearly shot down, only to be saved by Athena. "R-roger..." was all the rookie could muster.

The chaos in the skies was disastrous. Soon all that remained of the Marauders was Nero, Naomi, and the squad lead. Everyone else succumbed to the enemy flight,only managing to take out three of the twelve fighters.

"Shit shit shit shit! What are we going to do?!?!" called Nero. "Time to evacuate the air space." Maruader lead called. "We are bugg...." He didn't get the chance to finish.

"You Marauders are like vermin. We are going to exterminate you like the filth you are." Diomides laughed maniacally after his missiles brought down the leader of Nero's flight. "You Greens disgust me, none of you are worthy. It's time for you to die."

"No!" Nero cried as the lead plane burst into flame. "Nero, we will be okay. Get out of here, I will cover you." Athena said, fear creeping in to the edges of her voice. "No, I won't leave you Naomi! Never!" Nero called.

"Oh... isn't that sweet. You two think that love will conquer all and save the day. That bullshit just made me throw up in my mouth a bit." Diomides spat at them then brought his attention to his own flight. "Jackels, remove them from our skies. We will claim this day in the name of the Reds!
"
"Roger that Jackel Lead. It will be my pleasure to erase them." Jackel 2 replied before unleashing a brutal torrent of missiles toward Crux's ship.

"Fuck! Incoming!" Nero yelled as he tried corkscrewing away from the missiles to no avail. "Damn it! I can't shake them!" Nero cried. The missiles grew even closer when Athena came over his comms. "Nero, my sweet sweet Nero. I love you. Remember that." She said sobbing. It was the first and last time he heard her cry...

Her plane came out of no where and took the full brunt of the salvo. Sending her craft into a firey inferno falling towards the ground. "NOOOOOOOO!" Nero sobbed. "No sweetie, don't leave me alone. I...I love you. Forever and always..." He cried.

"Ahahaha... Do you get it now Crux? Do you understand what it means to be weak and insignificant? You are a fuck up, and your precious woman took your place just to prolong your suffering. She couldn't stand being around someone so... useless... anymore." Diomides taunted.

"Don't worry Crux, I'm sure there will be someone better waiting for her on the other side." Jackel 2 added. "She was nothing more than a bitch and a whore."

Tears fell from Nero face over the loss of his beloved. Then came the taunts from Diomides and his wingman. Nero's blood came to a boil and his rage came pouring in with his pain. "You take that back...YOU FUCKING TAKE THAT BACK YOU, YOU BASTARDS!" He cried as he targeted the wingman and unleashed a massive salvo of 7 pufferfish missiles all on the ass who had defiled his girlfriend's name.

"Shit, evasive actions now!" Diomides yelled as he drove his ship down in a steep dive narrowly escaping the air burst. Jackel 2 also managed to evade though at the cost of his shields. A third Jackel however was unable to react quick enough and erupted in a fiery ball of smoke and ash.

"I am Wrath incarnate. I am the Harbinger of Death. I AM THE SOUTHERN CROSS!" He yelled as he dove and kicked his vogel drive into high gear phasing out of existence like a demon and appearing behind Jackel 2. "It's time to die you son of a bitch!" He called as he unleashed a long salvo from his cannon aiming for the cockpit.

Jackel 2 also tried to engage his Vogel however there wasn't enough time to react and the pounding gun fire punished his ship, punching through the armor near the cockpit, then ripping through the cockpit itself. Jackel 2's ship exploded violently, sending debris all around Nero's craft as he rocketed through the explosion toward Diomides.

"Ahahaha!" He laughed, clearly losing all sanity as he truly became Wraith incarnate. "Look Diomides, your wingman just got blown up. Not bad for a WEAK, USELESS pilot. And guess what. I coming for you next. PREPARE YOURSELF, BECAUSE I'M GOING TO SEND YOU TO HELL!" He laughed. "Now, DIE!!!" He screamed as he rocketed in close to Diomides. He sent out a payload of missiles in close range. Diomides was able to dodge most, but got hit by two of the missiles and his shield went down.

"No, Francis!" Diomides called. He took a moment and composed himself. "Well, look at that. This whelp has some teeth after all. To bad you won't get to use them again." He called pulling his craft into a step climb. The other Jackels watched in fear as the young Nero single handedly took out two of their ranks so quickly.

"No, Diomoides. It is okay, I will send you to oblivion with your little fucking wingman soon. I am going to kill you..." He said menacingly. Nero activated the vogel again and put himself on a head on collision course with Diomides. He rocketed his craft down with gravity and thrusters on full blast. Nero unleashed deadly salvos from his cannon and missiles. Diomides returned fire, but due to the loss of his shields he didn't stand long under the on slaught. His craft pitched out of the way as Nero closed in.

"Urgh!" Diomides growled as a round tore through his shoulder. "Damn. I'm losing power, all systems failing. This is Jackel lead. I...I'm going down..." Diomides called as his engines caught fire and he fell towards Terra Firma.

"No, how did this little shit take on the Boss and win? That is impossible!" called one of the Jackels.

"Nero tuned his craft to face the rest of the enemy flight. "Didn't you little shits hear me?" Nero said softly. "I am The Southern Cross. And now it is time to join the rest of your flight." he said targeting the remaining fighters. He unleashed his entire payload of missiles, including the last of his pufferfish. The sky was set ablaze with midair explosins.

"All Jackels retreat!' called one of the Jackels as he got caught up in the explosions. The rest of the Jackels turned tail and ran. Nero was about to give chase when he heard his girlfriend's final words. "I love you. Remember that." Nero slowed his craft watching the last of the explosions subside and the enemy retreating. He turned back towards home. He left the base with his family and returned an orphan...

==========================================================================================================================

♫Ghost in the Shell - Inner Universe♫​

Medical Bay of NSS Oracle
In route to the NSS Thanatos
1600 hours

First of Nero's senses to come back to him was his hearing. He heard the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat and nurses running to and fro. Next came his touch, as he felt all the tubes hooked up to him. He tried sitting up, but sharp pains flew through his body. He groaned, and a figure stepped up to him as his vision came back into focus.

Jayden had seen better days, and he was going to have to request a new Hostile since his had taken such punishment. Barely escaping with Sayoko, that seemed to be a miracle in and of itself. They were just simply hit too hard, and too fast with weapons much too powerful to stand up against. Too many variables to try and figure out and too much pain to really focus his thoughts on sorting things out, Jayden approached Nero's bed to see how Nero was holding up. With his left arm in a sling, Jayden may not have seemed as bad as his commanding officer, but didn't feel like a bowl of peaches either.

"Captain." Jayden stated with a slight curious edge to his voice.

Nero opened his eyes, flinching at first as the lights blinded him. He looked towards his XO with confisuion, "Ja...Jayden? Where...am...I?" He said, his voice raspy from being intibated. Suddenly Nero's eyes went wide with fear, as he remembered everything that had happened up until his untimely heart attack. He started to ramble and his heart rate spiked again. "No, no, no. Is..everyone okay?!? Are you okay? I thought you were dead. Where is Diomides? What happened to Fort Sentinel? Is Cipher okay?!?" Nero stammered out as his heart rate raised.

"Stop." Jayden said as he put his hand on Nero's chest lightly to keep him from sitting up. "Aquila Flight suffered zero casualties from this battle, but we almost lost three. I have a badly sprained shoulder and bruising all along my chest but I'll live. My left arm was dislocated and my Hostile is shot. The Reds bombed the base, then things turned from really bad to worse... They fired an orbital kinetic weapon and glassed what wasn't taken out by the bombing runs. Of our ships, we lost 2 Uno X. Yours is being repaired as we speak. Unfortunately all Vogel Drives have been rendered useless thanks to Diomides' Excelsior Array. So all our ships are undergoing refits with something comparable to."

Nero sighed, as he tried to slow his racing heart, to little avail. "Jayden, what happened to me? After Diomides's missiles hit me, I blacked out." He said, looking down at his body. He had an oxygen tube in his nose, multiple IV drips, and gauze wrapped around his torso.

"Short version, I saved your ass and almost died in the process. Consider that my good deed of a lifetime." Jayden said with a bit of irritation in his voice. "Your reckless style of fighting is even worse than mine. You don't know when to quit. You get too emotional on the battlefield. Makes you a good Ace, but we can't afford that kind of leadership Nero. I may not like that we all have to play nice and work together, but I won't tolerate my commanding officer throwing his life away for a vendetta. We are smarter and better than them and you know that. Don't sink to his level Nero." The harsh tone to his voice betrayed his concern, being something similar to how a brother would show his disappointment in another.

Nero let out a shuttering breath, dropping his gaze from Jayden. "Your right." He said softly. "I fucked up. I put my entire squadron in danger. This is all my fault. Shit, I was too weak to even fight a ghost from my past and my new family had to pay the price. Nothing I can ever say will make up for what I have done." He said, looking back towards his chest. Seeing the damage he caused to himself, "I'm sorry Jayden. You would have been a better CO than me. I am to emotional. Admiral Orion should have put you in charge." Nero said with genuine remorse. He turned his head away from his XO, not wanting to meet his gaze.

"No, you're wrong about that. You have passion, and genuine care. Orion put you in charge for a number of reasons. You just have to temper yourself and prove you are who you're supposed to be. I'm your failsafe, whether I like it or not, that's my role. You give hope and inspire, while I keep everyone focused and grounded just enough. Instead of focusing on how we fucked up, less figure out how to get back into fighting shape."

Jayden took a deep breath and fought to hide a whince, then stepped back from Nero. "My new fighter craft design is being pushed to the forefront of development, we should have the prototypes in the very near future."

As Jayden spoke, Nero fought to keep his emotions in check. "Thank you commander... that means a lot." He said, forcing himself to sit up. He winced as he sat up, looking around. He tried to get up, but one of the nurses refused to let him get up. "Jayden, I think I will be layed up in here for a while. Please get better soon." He said flashing his XO a smirk. Nero then turned to the nurse. "Miss, let my flight know that I am awake and fine please."

"I'll take care of things in the meantime, as well as relaying your current status as it's my job as your XO." Jayden stated, then gave Nero a half salute and turned about to walk out.

"By the way, I expected Deadman to have a heart attack in the air, not you." Jayden offered as a pointed jab, then left Nero's room.

"Smart ass." Nero laughed

 

[Whitehart]

It was that time of the day when the NSS Oracle was bustling and alive. Technicians moving here and there lugging their toolboxes, workers moving one piece of machinery somewhere elae for the upteenth time. Security making their rounds and the night shift off to whatever it is they do in their off hours.

Amongst it all walked this thin, light brown skinned, slick haired naval officer with a mighty fine moustache. Edward walked slowly, earbuds in his ears connected to a media player. His head was bowed watching the screen intently and not once looking up. Amazingly he would quick step to the side to avoid a hatch swinging open. Unfazed as he stepped over a poor technicians spilled toolbox. Stop suddenly to avoid the two men carrying the broken whatchamacallit. Miraculously even ducked as a marine turned quickly with his rifle inappropriately slung across his shoulder. He never paused in his forward momentum, he was a UDNO (Unstoppable Distracted Naval Officer).

Edward finally stopped in front of the Officer's lounge. At long last he looked up, took out the earbuds and put the player in his breast pocket. He neatly smoothed the curls of his moustache and went to step into the lounge only to then trip on the foot of the doorframe. Quickly and with apparent routine training he jumped back to his feet and with a look of embarrassment continued his entrance looking around to see if anyone he knew was there.

 

[Guard Dog]

When the forces of the brisk automated departure from the atmosphere rocked back into his body Leo let go and closed his eyes, grunting while the craft rises and rises up farther in a brisk yet controlled motion at dangerous speeds for the occupant. Forcing himself to concentrate on something else in the midst of the journey, memories began to foam up to the surface of his mind. Why he thought, was there lingering hesitation?

Less than a year ago​

"What's wrong knight are you still moaning about that dead bitch from back home?" croaked the guttural taunt of the fellow marine while Leo remained in a seated position off the edge of his bunk with the hint of reflective streaks where tears had previously streamed down his cheeks, silently mourning her memory before the interruption. The man who spoke was none other than Roman, undoubtedly the hardest and most eager of all of the men who remained barracked before their assignment.

Leo had just received training in normal marine combat but then also within his superior aptitude in controlling gunships, yet it reminded him frequently of his failed attempt to airbike in between his trite work and unfortunate dealings with criminals; more importantly he often now thought back on the corpse of his lover he left behind, the reasons why she had been shot; the guilt he felt. Knight had foolishly assumed rigor and structure could make him forget before death in combat. But there was no great war anymore to sacrifice himself in he could only join the spear head in hopes that a back water conflict might be a worthy calling. But in the realm of personal enmity he loathed the man before him far more than any enemy of the state.

Roman taunted him again, raising his cybernetic arm and pushing his unusually hard finger a few times into Knights chest while doing so. "What kind of man gets so bent out of shape over one chick anyway, I'm tired of seeing you crying like a bitch, pissing about this still"

It was instantaneous, the shift in Leo's mentality. A splint second where all his sorrow shifted to anger and hate, all his pent up emotion being channeled into a passion which filled him like a fire raging through the kindling of his broken heart. Becoming venomous the new found marine offered a single audible warning as he scrunched up his face in terrible fury, nostrils flaring with the intense breaths. "Get the fuck out of my face"

Without warning Roman punched Leo across the head with the cybernetic fist and he was thrown over the edge of his bunk; feeling his cheek bone crack the sound rang through his head to couple with the cries and cheers of marines nearby; trying to reorient himself visibly while pushing himself up off the floor, a long trail of blood laced with saliva oozing from the corner of his mouth before he spit it out and stumbled up to face the barrel chested man with the cybernetic arm.

"Grow a pair" croaked Roman again, and Leo began to actually smile even with the jarring pain in his face. He no longer managed to give a damn about what would happen. He had tried to fight him hand to hand before yet it never did work out in his favor no matter the rage; however where he couldn't match him for brute force with fists he exceeded the soldier before him in the realm of not giving a fuck regarding their status and position.

"Roman" remarked Leo as he stood before the man with a narrow line of blood tracing down the corner of his mouth.
"I think I found my Zen"

The larger marine started to laugh abruptly before retorting "What the fuck are you talking about teary little shit?"

In a blur of motion Knight drew a Zen armaments .45 caliber pistol and before anyone of the closer marines or even Roman himself could react he depressed the trigger several times and sent three full metal jacket rounds into the mans cybernetic arm, none exited the limb they simply rang about the inside as the gun smoke wafted up from the edge of the barrel and the deafening cracks reverberated through the barracks. Shouts from nearby could be heard and even beyond the barracks as other marines rushed from ten or so feet away to try and detain Knight.

In an uncontrolled fury Knight was busy beating at the fellow soldiers face with the handle of the pistol, having broken the mans nose so horribly that it was bent jagged against his own flesh and yet he persisted even as crimson sprung forth and Roman began to lose consciousness from the rapid strikes of blunt metal following him to the the floor while the smaller man wailed like a beast against him over and over roaring at the top of his lungs even as the other marines detained him, wrenched the pistol from his grasp and held him against the floor.

"WHO IS GOING TO CRY WHEN YOU'RE DEAD YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!.. WHO IS GOING TO GIVE A DAMN WHEN I RIP YOUR HEAD OFF AND SHIT DOWN YOUR FUCKING NECK!.. FUCK YOU ROMAN! GET OFF ME YOU BASTARDS! GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME"

It was then that one of the marines struggling with Leo decidedly knocked him out and he fell unconscious against the floor of the barracks between the others, their voices tracing through his mind after he head lost consciousness, other times interweaving with the gap in memory from that time.

Words ringing through his mind.

"This is a serious breach of military regulations and must be punished" Spoke a marine officer in a deathly tone

"Agreed, however discharging him from our military is a poor decision" remarked a tender spoken female naval intelligence officer.

"He will not serve in my marines!"

"I've not offered a protest on that decision, I only state that his ability could be put to better use in the right environment and so after the assessment is finished Knight will accept a new rank of enlistment or face the brunt of his mistake"

"That kind of psychopath is only going to be dangerous for those working close to him; that service isn't to the state It's to himself"

The intelligence officer silently shook her head in disagreement before starting to walk off. "Won't last forever"

After docked in the present​

Leo knew the craft came to a stop as it automatically landed itself within the vessel, he felt so terribly sick to his stomach as he came out of the first taste of combat he ever experienced on such a scale. Walking over towards one of the lockers after looking back at the wounded uno as Leo got half to the locker, removed his helmet and began to throw up against the hanger floor. It was like a the way a wave recedes after it crashes against the shore, taking everything else with it. Knight was drained of energy and prevalent emotion, he could feel himself shaking partly as he removed the power armor more completely beside the locker; the adrenaline coming down. As he left to go find where he could get a hot shower and a chance of clothes some technicians made passing glances at the guy who puked.

Medical Center

He gave up on the shower shortly after starting to traverse the interior of the vessel he was unfamiliar with, relenting to the routine medical checkup after sortie, he was fine of course apart from obvious exhaustion and scar left far under the prevalent physical surface. Although while there he was informed that the flight lead was awake and stable, Knight didn't know this man very well apart from their brief encounter. He walked over beside Nero and looked down at the man a while as he tried to find his words; it was a strange sentiment he was trying to convey and he had no experience doing so. Though as he spoke and the grainy words escaped the depths of his dry throat they appeared sincere enough.

"Captain... Sir..." re orienting the direction of his words. "I want to thank you... If it wasn't for you I would be dead right now on that crappy desert back there without ever having flown a sortie. I think I've started to understand something. For a long time I believed that dying in sacrifice would bring the most honor. But I'm beginning to understand that it isn't all that simple. I was a fool to pray for death; when you wished to sacrifice yourself for your comrade I saw the difference between us a brief instant. You would die for those you care for and with them if it came to it but the choice was never to fill that motive and release what remains. We are all each, already dead men; and yet the gap between, the measured distance, of life and death, one and zero.... Somewhere along the way I lost count. When we were in those skies I knew why I wasn't on that fucking desert anymore, and likewise I know now why I'm still here alive. I apologize for ignoring orders Sir"

Knight would then offer a salute to Nero.

"Sir I would rather harness what I am and live for combat, than die for release. Let me fight beside you once again"

 

[Gunhand4171]

Nero was sitting up, trying to shake off the memory of Naomi. He looked down towards his chest and lightly placed his hand to his heart. 'I will love you. Forever and always.' He thought. 'Naomi, I promise you that I will protect my new family until my final breath.' A tear fell from his face as he remembered her beautiful ashen hair, always in a ponytail. Her red eyes, intimidating to some, but a safe harbor for him. Gone, taken away a long time ago...

Nero was broken from his trance as Ensign Knight had appeared by his bed. He looked at the young man. It seemed that the boy has had an epiphany. A man who has has lost it all, and went down a dark road the he himself once crossed. Nero watched as the young man snapped off a salute. Nero began to disconnect himself, much to the dismay of the nurses around him at the time.

He finally made it to his feet with one of the nurses aid, knowing the stubborn bastard wasn't going to stop until he accomplished what he had in mind. He stood hiding a wince with a genuine smile. He snapped off a salute. "Son, what you did was reckless." He started. "But, I know how you feel." He looked to Leo his eyes glistening. "I have lost someone dear to me too. I have walked the very road you walked. For me, I had forge that road alone. It was hard, but I learned to open up and love again." He said moving slowly and placing a hand on the ensign's shoulder. "You remind me of myself when I was younger. Full of passion and a drive which is unrivaled. I would be honored if you would stay with the Aquilas." He said taking his hand from his shoulder and getting back in his bed. He looked back to Leo. "And just know, I am here for you." He said giving the man a brief nod.

 

[Guard Dog]

Staring intently at the man before him as he would rise up to meet the salute he nearly winced upon watching the difficulty to which he accomplished the task, remained there with the salute however till one in return and briskly returned to a more at easy posture before listening to the words provided by the man, feeling his own hues grow increasingly wet with tears and struggling to keep them back knowing that they indeed shared much in this life. His lips appeared to twitch as he suppressed the urge to frown while the mans hand remained resting on his shoulder. Listening to the words it was only when the hand was removed from his shoulder that one of the tears overwhelmed the corners of his eye, the lone tear still streaking down his face upon the mans final words and nod.

"Thank you again Sir"

He then rushed to brush the tear off his face, nearly turning about completely to start walking away before Leo pauses and glances back at Nero with the best smile he could manage over his lips.

"...Get better quick Captain, I won't fly without you"

Burying his hands into his pockets the ensign hung his head partly and began striding towards the exit of the medical center, it had been a long time since he lost his composure that much and the first he wasn't berated for it. Finding the exit to the room he thought back on the battle of fort sentinel over and over again.

Instead of going to the officers lounge he decidedly traveled back to the docking bay to visit the uno he had flown into combat for the first and last time; she was an old machine but a perfectly fine one. Standing next to it silently in thought for a long time before one of the technicians bothered to speak to him, it appeared he was named pukey since he left and was actually invited to have a drink with them although he secretly suspected it was part of some brand of bet to see if he could hold a beverage or not. Leo spent the next while screwing about in the hanger and trying to redeem himself from the nick name by drinking what they threw at him in between questions about what had happened down there on the planet.

He would have stayed longer but they had to return to work eventually and he found himself alone again and half drunk by the end of the conversations so he explored the inside of the ship, striding through the halls and narrow passages; as he neared the officers lounge where many of the others likely ended up the ensign hesitated a moment before one more of the technicians passed him in the hallway.

"Oh what's up Pukes?"

With an exasperated sigh the door to the officers lounge slid open and he walked through.

"I have some really messed up luck" groaned Knight inwardly while walking into the lounge; the door sliding closed in his wake.

 

[Grey Library]

Ah, so that's what was going on. Stepping out to freshen up for a bit, Miranda was just outside the entrance of the Medical Center and managed to overhear Leo's conversation with Captain Vega. Slipping away from the entrance just as the doors slid open, she quietly waited for the Ensign to leave before sighing in relief. To think that I first dismissed him as a glory hog, then pegged him as a psychopath, the young officer mused, recalling the awkward journey to the NSS Oracle with said Ensign on her wing. Serves me right for judging a book by it's cover.

To be honest, she had kept the Hornet's port turret armed throughout the entire flight back, just in case Guard Dog happened to go berserk. It was a harrowing experience flying with a powder-keg of a wingman, but thankfully he didn't notice the chaingun trained in his general direction. With luck, we won't have to do that again.

Now that the coast was clear, Miranda finally moved to enter the Medical Center. Seeing that the good Captain was awake, she saluted. "Sir, it's good to see that you're fine." Lowering her raised arm, she then looked aside as unease clouded her features and continued in a more subdued tone. "If I may, Sir, why did the Reds send that many soldiers? Close to a hundred planes, a strategic-level weapon and even orbital bombardment is way too much for a base attack, even one the size of Fort Sentinel."

Having said her piece, the bomber pilot then lapsed into silence, steeling herself for the usual "Classified Information" dismissal.

 

[Gunhand4171]

Nero sat there watching Leo leave as Miranda walked in. He quickly wiped a tear from his eye and looked to his bombardier. She gave the Captain a salute and he returned it like wise. "Thank you." he said listening to the rest of what she had to say. "To be quite honest, I am not really sure why the Reds would have launched such a large attack." He said thinking back to the events that had led up to the attack.

He motioned for Bannings to move closer. "We know they had a man on the inside," he said softly. "because of the explosions in the hangers. Plus the sabotage to Jayden's craft." He looked down wincing at his injuries again. "I want you and the rest of the Aquilas to be careful about what you all say in the open about the sabotage. For all we know, they probably made it on to this ship. So keep your Guard up. I will try to get a meeting with everyone soon." He finished. He looked back to her giving a tired smile. "If you need anything let me know okay?"

 

[Grey Library]

"Right, thank you Sir." Her worries weren't completely alleviated, but Miranda took comfort in the Captain's honesty. At the very least, she knew she could count on her superior to give her straight answers, rather than hide behind his rank. "Well, I should let you rest now. Get well soon, Captain." Offering Nero a brief smile, she turned and slipped out of the Medical Center before the other Aquilas began to pile in. Well, that's that, I suppose, Miranda thought as she headed to the Officer's Lounge, slipping past the busy crewmembers of the Oracle on the way. Time to meet my colleagues properly, when we're not busy dodging bombs.

After a short jog with Help's guidance, she finally reached the Officer's Lounge. Casting an uneasy glance at Leo, Miranda quickly averted her eyes and headed for the lounge's minibar, casting a small wave to Edward as she passed the self-proclaimed UDNO (Unstoppable Distracted Naval Officer). Fishing out a small teabag, a mug and a granola bar she began to fix herself a small meal, humming as she worked.

"Anything for you all?" she called out as she filled her mug with boiling water, looking over her shoulder at the other Aquila pilots in the lounge.

 

[Whitehart]

Waves back at Miranda and addressed her and Leo. "Hey. Yeah, I wouldn't mind a coffee. I don't think we met personally, I'm Edward. I used to be Naval Intelligence. Your Miranda right," Edward asked pointing at Miranda and then pointed at Leo, "and your...Guard Dog. Sorry, I didn't get your first name."

Edward seemed rather relaxed but inside he was still shook up from the Fort Sentinel attack. He had managed to go the fight without shooting anyone down but then again, he had a different style of toolbox than most. He was happy to have found his player so he can decompress.

 

[Guard Dog]

Glancing about the interior of the officers lounge he felt rather out of his element there and was suddenly glad that he had already had a few drinks before arriving less things stand to be more awkward than they already were, none of these people knew him by all right he didn't have any business being there at all if the squadron hadn't found a use for some additional wings in such a critical situation Leo unsurprisingly went towards the mini bar as well. The brief moment that his azure hues met with Miranda he could see that she was still only providing that suspicious glance.

"Oh please I could go for some vodka" he inquired abruptly of the suspicious woman.

Leo wondered if it was because he was new blood outside of their tactical squadron or more likely because of his nature; Knight noted that the man Edward used to be naval intelligence and then abruptly wondered if he had already shared knowledge with the strange female about his past; a good explanation for why she wouldn't have trusted him, even he wouldn't have trusted himself being told that same story in a formal setting. He hesitated a moment after being referenced by his call sign but more importantly taken back by the politeness about the whole thing; feeling then suddenly foolish for having assumed the worst before answering.

"I'm Leo...I hope you're not bothered that I'm here" looking from the man who pointed at him then over towards Miranda a short moment in thought before his attention and observations returned to Edward.

However he didn't boast of his previous position, he felt that he had no right that it was shameful to admit he was a marine at all after attacking his own with such force. The corps would never accept him back Knight didn't want to ruin any chance at the redemption he sought by compounding mistakes which were inevitably the result of his inability to control passions.

"I probably don't belong in an officers lounge is all, I'm an ensign. But I don't have anywhere else on the vessel to go... So..."

He tried to find his words, realizing abruptly that he was becoming desperate to find some brand of conversation; he had managed to go through all of flight training concentrating on the education instead of social foibles, and in a pinch with marines he could always resort to sports and farts.

 

[Whitehart]

With a look of astonishment Edward said, "No way, Leo, you belong right here man. Grab your drink, pull up a seat. You did what most others only dream about. You defended Nepleslia. Heck, you deserve to be here more than I do even. You earned it man, kick back. If your bored I got plenty of vids or video games if you prefer. I mean we totally deserve it." Edward was a fairly easy going guy. He didn't have any real close friends but he figured might as well come on strong, this is your new family.

 

[Lamb]

Strawberry milk and rum swirled together in the tall clear glass sitting on the counter of the Officers' Mess while Virgil poured it lightly and easily with a delicate touch usually reserved for kissing or stroking small animals. He smiled with a contented sigh and held the glass under his nose to sample the sweet scent that was usually reserved for bed time at home, then sipped as that reservation was broken for the bittersweet celebration of a dogged sortie in which, despite the unfortunate nature of it, his team mates had all returned alive. Flying with a fighter wing was nothing like lonesome prospecting flights on Nepleslia Prime, and despite how little he knew them Virgil was far too concerned for their survival while he flew next to his wingmates.

He was, of course, absolutely disgusting. Where other pilots would be covered with sweat and haggard exhaustion, Virgil's boyish features took to the exertion rather well. His normally quaffed blonde hair was roguishly tussled in that perfect way that men in Yamataian fashion magazines always look, and his brow was creased by helmet marks and straplines in such an odd way that he seemed like he'd come from wrestling in a hay bale instead of high-flying maneuvers while outnumbered by enemies with a secret weapon. Looking like this manicured softly-shaded pretty-boy, Virgil dared to cross over into the lounge with his beverage and approach his two fellows with a soft smile.

"Hello," He greeted them, nodding respectfully (which caused his hair to swish pleasantly), "I hope I'm not interrupting you two. Could I..." Virgil gestured to the nearest table. "Maybe could we all sit together? Get to know each other as something other than green silhouettes in the sky?"

 

[Archander]

NSS Oracle - Medical Center

Jayden sat on the edge of a bed as a nurse checked him over once again making sure nothing was broken. Even with the Hostile armor, that hard landing would most likely have killed anyone else. Even the technicians wondered just what the hell happened once Jayden crawled out of the cockpit of the Quattro Trainer. His armor practically fell apart while medical staff assisted him out not to aggravate his dislocation more. As the young nurse scanned him she wore a obviously confused look on her face.

"Commander, there must have been some sort of higher power looking out for you. The amount of damage your armor suffered doesn't seem to match up with your current status. The rate at which you seem to be healing... 24 to 48 hours... you might have an ache or two." She said as she stood up from him and tucked some of her chin length blonde hair behind her ear, moving to pull his records on her medical issue DataJockey.

"Age 5, you were the only surviving sibling out of three, and the youngest at that, to survive a brutal virus. It left you crippled. Severely crippled. Just before your 13th birthday, your father was successful at getting you a NH-22C transfer. Thereafter it says you've only requested one other transfer, using your father's resources, to a standard NH-31 Minkan? There's nothing else in this file that would explain how or why." She stated, the discussion turning into more of an inquiry.

"Everything in my file is all that's required for public record, anything else is on a need to know basis for those with proper clearance. If everything is in order, are we done here? I only returned for the sake of appeasement, and not my own." Jayden stated flatly despite the curiosity displayed in front of him. "Do you think you can help me get my shirt back on so I can leave?"

"Seeing as I'll get nothing else out of you to better assist with your medical care, yes, yes we are finished. Are you like this to all those you interact with?" The blonde haired nurse seemed a bit taken aback by his seemingly short attitude with her.

"Do you normally forget your ID badge while servicing those on the ship, or is it just because you didn't want me knowing your name?" There was little in the way of his tone or inflection that would give the nurse any inkling of interest in her, and yet she blushed all the same. Maybe it was how focused his gaze was on her, or perhaps just that she caught his gaze more directly since she wasn't reading through his medical dossier.

"I... I merely forgot it. Lexi... That's my name, well... that's what my friends call me. Not that you would call me that or anything. Aha... I'm... Alexandria Winters. That's my name. Yep." She stammered and fumbled for her thoughts, feeling like she was making a fool of herself in front of him.

"Ms. Winters, my shirt please." Jayden breathed deeply with a deliberate slow pacing both in and out as he watched her fumble around for his dark green t-shirt. With her help, he once again was fully clothed and his arm neatly placed in the required sling.

"Be sure to have your badge with you next time, I won't be so quick to overlook a mistake like that again." With a slight nod, he stepped away from her and left her standing there red faced and flustered, silently berating herself for not holding it together better in front of him.

Jayden seemed lost within his thoughts as we made his way to the Wardroom aka the Officer's Lounge where it seemed they were to regroup at until the Captain made arrangements for Aquila Flight to bunk. "Am I getting soft? Just yesterday I would have ripped that nurse a new one for such a blatant mistake. Maybe it's just the meds." His inner voice seemed laced with concern, not just on the present but on a number of different things, including his near death experience and the vision of his dead sisters.

"I'm the XO of this flight. We literally just meet up and the Reds are shoving ordinance down our throats. My ship was sabotaged and they have advanced fighter crafts while ours are still being held up at the Thanatos. Worse yet, the ghost of Nero's past has returned to haunt and seemingly torment us. Something just doesn't add up." Jayden's inner monologue continued, waving off the salutes from the enlisted or lower ranking officers.



Wardroom (Officer's Lounge)

Jayden found his way to where a few of his flight members has already ventured to, and pulled his DataJockey out as he made his way to the bar. There was so much logistics that needed to be caught up on, data to be entered, reports to be completed and sent up to Command. With a heavy sigh he shook his head and looked to the bartender while stowing his DataJockey away. "Vodka... I'll take a bottle of your finest Vodka. And it's gotta be icy cold. I'll take a rocker with some ice cubes too." He said as he turned to look at the table with his newly formed flight members.

"You're just one of the guys right now, they all just fought as hard if not harder than you on the field of battle. You don't have to go over there and be a complete ass." Jayden thought to himself as he sized up their banter. "Right, but you aren't the type to let your guard down and make nice either." His inner conflict was hidden at first glance, but anyone looking at him long enough could tell there was something preoccupying his thoughts on multiple levels.

"Just roll the dice." He thought as he approached the table carrying his frost rimed bottle of ice cold vodka and his rocker glass half filled with ice.

"I take it word's gotten around that the Captain is ok?" Jayden asked, looking around the table. He had probably interrupted someone speaking with his interjected question.

 

[Guard Dog]

Knight hadn't predicted such a warm response from the intelligence officer, his eyes widening partly while moving to take a seat at the bar and abruptly feeling with the context of his remarks that he was actually perhaps accepted by them; at the very least this one kind individual before him. A smile creeps over his face and he props his forearms against the edge of the bar before eventually laughing. It might have been the first moment he truly started to unwind from the occurrence, remembering the raw number of enemy craft.

"I guess we do" The gesture of solidarity seemed to please him

Surviving from the exchange at all was an accomplishment in of itself but it was owed in large part more to the actual officers. Survival was really all you could take away from it after all their mission was a complete failure, the odds stacked against the base were on a level bordering uncanny they had no chance of achieving victory under the circumstances. Leo thought back on all those from fort sentinel; those who never left the surface of that planet. The smile faded from his lips only a short moment before the inquiry from Jayden graced his ears, decidedly taking the initiative to answer the inquiry.

"Last I saw he was even standing; Captains to stubborn to stay there for much longer I predict"

Would then ask abruptly and seemingly out of the blue. "Hey what the fuck is going on here anyway why did sentinel get glassed"

 

[Archander]

"Ah yes, Ensign Knight. Removed from the Marines because of his brash and unruly behavior. Volatile. Haskins gave him the highest marks in his class with his close second being Ensign Cigaro. Of course fate would have it that he'd fall right into my lap." Jayden thought to himself quickly. "Back to business it seems."

"My guess, if I had to make one, would have to do with a normally classified project Codename: 'Hell's Scythe'. Or rather, in response to the base getting glassed, is no longer classified for us. The Reds probably got wind of our new bleeding edge tech. Hell's Scythe is now authorized for use by Aquila Flight, however I'm not currently at liberty given our situation to give any more details verbally at this time." Jayden offered to the group, knowing full well that wasn't going to appease them. Hell, it didn't hardly appease himself.

Setting down the vodka to the table, he poured himself half a glass full and swirled it around in the ice cubes before taking a large sip.

"Though, to be honest, Diomides and Phantom Flight being involved is beyond me. Naval Intelligence's last known information about Phantom Flight dates back three or more years ago as having been killed by the Mishhu. And there's nothing about Diomides since back when Nero shot him down back when he was a Marauder. Maybe more was going on at Sentinel than even I was privy to." Jayden said matter of factly while setting his glass down.

The fact that he hadn't sat down was simple enough. One question led to many, which would lead to many more once answers ensued. Business came first it seemed.

 

[paladinrpg]

Space above Fortuna

As the Quattro Trainer began a screaming afterburner boost into the black beyond the atmosphere, Sayoko could feel the G forces pressing against her frame. Though she had been gashed in the forehead by the missile strike that downed her Uno X, the adrenaline pumping through her system in the escape and the Hostile's active medical functions caused her to ignore it. But now she was painfully aware of the dull throbbing and hemosynthetic blood that was slowly dribbling down her forehead into one of her green eyes. It dulled her vision somewhat, but through those two windows to the world she still saw the tail end of the orbital bombardment being conducted by the Red armada to finish the job on what was left of Fort Sentinel.

Tinted with a red miasma, a lump formed in her throat as she suddenly recaptured a long-suppressed memory from four years ago. The lurching feeling of being on the Nepleslian evacuation transport that rescued her and what was left of her UOCPKF brigade from Tange, going in and out of consciousness. There was blood over her eyes then too from her numerous wounds suffered while under the control of the Mishhu Parasite, yet even in its haze she managed to comprehend the sanguine scene out the window of NMX cruisers pounding the planetary surface and slaughtering the unlucky citizens that were not able to make it to the spaceports in time. The brutality and the mercilessness of the enemy was too eerily similar, she couldn't separate the reality from the flashback.

The lucid recollection caused Sayoko's brave facade to begin to crack, and if Jayden was conscious enough he would notice the Jiyuuian shiver several times and then completely surrender the controls to Lilith the ACE for the rest of the trip towards the Oracle. Her willpower and fighting spirit suddenly had left her, and she just wanted to do nothing but curl up in a ball. Just like back then, as hard as she had fought, she still had been useless in the end.

======================
Officer's Lounge, NSS Oracle

After landing safely inside the carrier and exiting the Quattro Trainer, their XO Jayden had been taken to the medical facilities first due to the seriousness of his injuries, while triage determined hers were not as severe. Her NH-22C body had already begun to seal the head wound and regenerate new flesh, though the medics on scene still treated it with at least a cursory gauze wrapping and antiseptic. Left to her own devices and dazed by the recent experiences hitting too close to home of her past battles, Sayoko instead chose to walk the halls of the Orca carrier silently and alone for a time. The green haired woman turned heads of many a technician, yet slipped through all of their bustle like a spirit. Her feet instinctively knew the path to go after all, having served some time on a similar vessel in the IPG Naval Detachment. That was where she had cut her teeth on learning the ins and outs of piloting the Uno and the Quattros with the Interceptor Division pilots... but it was also where she had disgraced herself yet again, running from a conflict with a flight of NMX battlepods when the heat got too great.

Was she always going to be running away? The ghosts of the past, it seemed, always found her again.

Sayoko was the last to arrive to the impromptu gathering of the remains of the Aquilas, as she entered the lounge and stood there looking around for a moment at who was present without a word. Her scarf was pulled up protectively around the pilot's face that was seemingly drained of some of its color, and the bandage around her forehead that was hastily placed only added to the image that she had just seen some sort of devil and lived to tell the tale.

 

[Grey Library]

"Very well, coffee and vodka coming right up." Plucking out a bottle of Kuzynetski vodka and a shot glass, Miranda quickly brewed another mug of instant coffee and loaded everything onto a small tray. Carrying the assorted drinks to the lounge table that the Aquilas had clustered around, she patiently waited for Jayden to finish, listening intently to his explanation for the unusually large raid. So something like that's afoot. "Hell's Scythe" sounds like bad news, looks like we're due for some "interesting" times.

"Drinks are here!" Miranda announced after Jayden concluded, in an effort to break up the tense atmosphere. Sliding the cup of joe to the waiting Edward, she set down the bottle of vodka and the glass in front of Leo. "Please remember to pace yourself." she murmured as she slid the clinking glassware over to the strange man, her expression neutral.

Sitting down at the table, the young bombardier settled down and sipped her tea, sighing in contentment. "Sir, where are we going to next?" Miranda asked as she set down her steaming mug, looking straight at the ranking officer.

 

[Gunhand4171]

Nero layed in his bed as another round of meds got pumped into him and he fell asleep. He dreamed of Naomi again, not being able to get her off his mind since his encounter with his phantom. He replayed that battle again, and again, and again. Watching Naomi's craft burst into flames. Her soft sobbing and her final words echoing. He woke in a cold sweet, a nurse slow stroking his head and wiping a tear from his face.

"It's alright Captain, you were having a bad dream." The nurse said with a soothing voice. She looked to his vitals and everything seemed fine, though she had wondered if she needed to up his doseage so he could rest without the tormenting dreams hindering him. Moments passed as she padded Nero down, then in walked another nurse to check on Nero's status.

"Hailey, how's the Captain doing?" Asked Alexandria, having retrieved her ID badge.

"Well... I'm not seeing anything out of order with him. But... He could probably answer better for himself." Hailey, the other nurse, replied.

Nero, after waking again, became very embarassed. He watched the new comer and he sat up quickly. Too quickly as he gasped in pain."Urgh, I'm... fine," He said softly. He looked up at the girls badge. "Ms. Alexandria." He said trying a small weak smile.

"Are the meds not working for you Captain? Aside from the dreams your having. I assume you're also suffering from a broken heart as well?" Alexandria inquired. She took a look at his chart, then back to him. "Maybe we should up the amount of pain killers?"

Nero's smile fades as she hits the nail on the head. "Yes ma'am." He said softly "I am." He starts to tear up again. He lowers his head to not be seen. "The meds are okay. I will be fine..." He finished trailing off.

"We'll give you some time to pull yourself together Captain. Some wounds never quite heal... do they?" Alexandria offered before she and Hailey started for the door.

"Your right about that darling." He said. He wiped his face forcing the tears back. As the girls left the room, he unplugged himself and started to get dressed. He was hopeing a walk might just clear his head. He grabbed a crutch and limped out into the hall trying to sneak past his nurses.

Alexandria had noticed Nero trying to sneak out, but instead of keeping him, she seemingly distracted the other nurse so he could get out of his head and perhaps get himself pulled together. He'd only notice a slight nod his way just before pushing Hailey toward a volumetric display with various bit of information on it.

He returned Alexandria's nod. Knowing he would probably catch some flak for this later. He walked the halls, drawing odd looks and salutes from the crew. He returned them the best he could and found his way to the Hanger. He looked around till he found his Uno, pretty shot by the looks of it. "Hey Cipher, you in their buddy?" He called to the AI. "Sir? What are you doing out here? I am calling the nurses to come get you.'' Nero frowned. "You damn party pooper. And to think I was going to thank you for saving my life." He chuckled. "I am just glad your safe sir. By the way, someone is coming up behind you." His AI finished.

"Captain Vega, I wondered how long you'd be licking your wounds in the infirmary. Still haven't pulled yourself together I see. Same as it was back then. It's just one woman, there's plenty of fish in the sea Nero! Bleeding heart aside, it's high time we had a bit of a chat about you and your Aquilas." The familiar voice called to him as they approached.

Nero turned, rage in his eyes. "Easy for you to say Xander. Your wife is still alive, you have a lovely daughter." He remembered the ID card putting two and two togther, "That one woman was the fucking love of my life. I will never write Naomi off as easily as you would like me to!" He said a little too loudly.

"Have you forgotten? My first wife died having my daughter. I'm on my third marriage and probably need to start working on my fourth if we're going to be forthright about things." Xander Winters didn't harbor the same anger Nero did, but then again he was definitely more of a Marine. He even referred to some of his crew as squids to their faces, finding it humorous despite being told less than 30 secs later he was a squid himself. "Personal shit aside, we have more important things to attend to. That being said, I'm going to cut to the chase. You may be the same rank as me, but this is my ship. Are we clear on that Nero?" His tone was serious, as he looked to his wounded friend.

"Crystal Captain..."He said, the last of his anger fading. "I am sorry old friend, it is good to see you. Now what do you want to discuss?" He said looking remorseful as possible.

"You and your crew are some lucky sons of bitches, let me tell you. I thought we were going to have to leave the Aquilas behind. I thought you killed Diomides years ago. And what the hell was that weapon he used to take out our drones? I mean, fuck Nero... The ghosts of your past seem to have become demons now." Xander said, his voice raising a bit with a bit of angered excitement. "We need to take care of this problem as quickly as possibly before it gets too big to handle."

"And what's with your XO... Solaris is it? You need to keep your man in check son, I won't tolerate him hitting on my daughter Lexi." Xander added sternly.

" Well, to answer your first question. Yeah I thought I did too. Second question, I am not quite sure. He called it the Excelsior array. Third, I hope you don't forget who the original demon is." He said pointedly "And fourth, no shit." He finished. "Oh, and there is nothing wrong with my XO. Your daughter's a big girl... she will be fine. Shit, I'd be happy that it was Jayden, not some dumb grunt with something else on his mind. Trust me, Jayden is good people." He stated

"What about dumb grunts? Nero, don't forget I was a proud grunt before the Navy begged to have me command their ships." Xander shot back.

"The only reason the Navy called you in was because they thought you were too soft to be out on the frontlines anymore. Shit, I mean your not as sharp or as spry as you used to." He shot chuckling. "They even have your daughter watching your old ass."

"At least I was a Marine, you didn't even make it through basic. The Navy was too easy on you. They let just about everyone in." Xander countered. "And my daughter is here because she's more capable than you'll ever be."

"You're right about that. Your daughter is one sharp cookie." Nero added. "But, were talking about your old ass here. I might not have made it through basic, but you forget that it was based on the fact that I excelled in the piloting section of training. That is when the Navy called me. I was too smart to fit in with the 'Grunts." He finished

"Bah, you were too soft to be a grunt. Too busy being a pretty boy chasing a piece of ass through the air." Xander smirked then continued. "Just like old times, at least for the moment. I do believe the rest of your flight are at the Wardroom. Why don't
we head up over there and have a drink. I'll make sure to remind your XO about the eyes I have watching him when it comes to Lexi. Always watching him." Xander gestures with his fingers to Nero.

"Alright Winters, I'm up for a drink." He said moving towards the Wardroom. He pulled a cigerette out of his pocket and lit it offering one to Zanders as they entered the Wardroom and moved to the bar. "I'll have a glass of whiskey on the rocks." He told the bartender scanning the room.

"Seriously, you just had a heart attack and you're right back to smoking? You want to die don't you." Xander said with a raised eyebrow as they entered the Wardroom. Jayden and the others were engaged in conversation, though it didn't seem like Jayden had officially joined the table. "Not going to join your crew Nero?" Xander said as he walked to the bar.

The bartender came back with his drink. Nero took it nodding, instantly taking a sip. "I just needed my drink first." He said turning to his old friend. "Thanks Captian." He said patting Winters on the shoulder. He walked up to the others. "Hey there kiddos. Y'all doing all right?" He said looking them over.

"You aren't rid of me yet Nero. Why don't you introduce me to your flight." Xander said as he followed Nero over to the table where everyone was sitting.

"Aquilas! Captain on deck!" Jayden called as he moved to attention and saluted as best as he could with his left arm in a sling.

"Belay that Aquilas, this isn't a formal meeting." Xander said quickly.

"It's all right XO. Everyone this is Captian Xander Winters. He is an old friend of mine." Nero said as he rattled off everyone's name at the table. "Mind if we sit?"

 

[Whitehart]

"Umm, yeah, yeah have a seat I guess," Edward stammered. The table was becoming unusually loaded with superior officers. "But hey listen guys, i know we just went through a pretty big ordeal together and we all have some pretty big questions. Like who are Phantom flight, why did they attack Fort Sentinel so strongly and my personal favorite, what was that big emp weapon cause..ooo shiny," Edward said this last bit raising hands in subdued jazz hands.

"All those things matter but let's be honest here, I don't even know your real names... I think we deserve some time to wind down from work and get to know each other like Virgil suggested. Don't get me wrong, i could just hack your files," Edward pauses to look at the Captains at the table with a 'you got me' smile," but I would never do such a thing. "

"Also I'm sure Smokey will be here very soon and we can go around the room, introduce ourselves, maybe hold hands, sing a little song together. Who doesn't love a little icebreaker, amiright?" Edward elbow nudges Leo beside him in a jovial manner.