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The stars spun vertically, then stopped in total obscurity. The Earth looked vacant where the Zaku Prototype came to a rest in zero-g. Thomas Gustav felt vacant. Though he was overtly proud of being a pilot for the Duchy, and boasted as much whenever able, he felt restlessness. His world seemed confined, uninspired. Space, with all its vast and unlimited potential, was empty and daunting. His happy-go-lucky attitude seemed to dampen as the Earth spun on its axis, turning night to day, day to night. He felt asleep in his present wakefulness and his eyes began to water. His hands settled on the controls of the Prototype Zaku and he put his head back. In this brief hiatus he dreamed of Kishiria. But only for an instant. Space wouldn't be empty for long, and this filled Specialist 1st Class Gustav with an unbridled giddiness. Time to make his mistress proud. "Begin combat prep." "One contact, sir," called one of the young ensigns aboard the Charon. "It's the one Lietenant Nasr's been waiting for." "Acknowledged. You all know the plan. Prepare to launch---" "Belay that, sir. Contact heading right for us. He knew we were coming." The captain of the Charon hesitated for a brief moment, recalling the original plan - if you could call it a plan. They'd all attack the lone target and hope for the best. What was one Zeek doing out here all by himself, anyway? It didn't matter... "Launch squadrons two through four and contact the Sleipner. Inform the Lt. Nasr of the situation. I doubt this will impinge on his plans, but he ought to know." One, lone Columbus-class. Even if it had any mobile weapons aboard, they'd be no match for his Gelgoog and its beam weaponry. Thomas Gustav felt renewed. No, invigorated. He felt gre---a contact? Multiple contacts? A blanket of static fell over his monitoring equipment as the familiar blindness of m-particles scattering set in. As he looked up, he saw a swarm of fighter craft and doubt began to nestle back in. Without further delay, he activated his weapons and let loose. His initial dishevelment afforded him two lucky shots. The first beam lanced a Saberfish and sent it headlong into another within its dense formation, the other went wide and nearly enveloped the Charon's bridge. He continued to use up his twenty-five shots, shooting with little regard for precision. He was terrified and little else mattered but survival. A volley of missiles half struck, half spun him on a corresponding axis with the Earth. The static dissipated and a voice came over the radio. "If you value your life, Zeek, hang it up." A GM-E was speeding towards him, as was another GM-variant that evoked utter confusion in the young specialist. Sowrd sphereoids circled around them. "Listen to Petty Officer Nightmare," Dani jibed,"and no one will die needlessly." David restrained a bitter comment. The Newtype needed to learn how they did things in the real Space Forces. He would teach him - someday. The wonky-looking Zaku raised its arms in defeat, obviously taken aback by the sheer numbers of enemies that surrounded him. The proud visage of the Sleipner roared overhead as they took the pilot into custody. Arcaile Nasr - 6 VP gained, no damage Dani Jhouti - 6 VP gained, no damage David Renault - 6 VP gained, no damage Thomas Gustav - 5 VP gained, 1 days damage, captured |