Episode Twenty Two: Revelation (Part II)

[Beatrice "Honey" Cutter]

0206
Bridge, USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit

Honey locked eyes with Keller. He was sitting at the council next to hers. He alone seemed unperturbed by the chaos surrounding the people on the bridge. She recalled his mentioning his marriage had ended. She wondered if he too didn't care for life anymore. She wondered if he also wished something would take the decision from his hand.

<tag Keller>

She focused her attention again on the messages coming at her from space. She heard the calm voice as Nolen directed his pilots. She heard occasional shrieks of terror as pilots met their end. She moaned as she heard a familiar voice give an order. She knew that voice. It was the voice of the man who one time had tried to make her his brood mare. It was Zeus. As she listened he ordered the three cruisers to come to. He was reading them for an all out simultaneous attack on the Aeneid.

<tag all>

[James Calmara]

0206
Bridge, USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit

With all the stations manned Calmara had little to do but watch, to be honest that wasn’t a bad thing. With the recent events Calmara was keeping an eye on Walker, out of concern and also what Dr Coyle had said stuck in his mind.

He was ready when tasks were given out; surprisingly Oxford pulled him over placing him on a security detail, telling him to stick with Col. Walker’s team to keep an eye on him. “Will do sir. You takeing top or lower deck? ”

<oxford>

That in itself presented the engineer with a small dilemma. He’d just disarmed Walker for safety reasons, but now if the ship was to be defended adequately all the security personnel needed arming.

Slipping the pistol he’d removed, from his vest. Holding it by the barrel glancing from it to its former keeper, still making up his mind, Calmara approached and suggested “Colonel, you could probably do with rearming for this bit, its up to you though?” He offered the weapon butt first, waiting on his reaction and choice.

<walker>

He nodded in agreement. Then exited the starboard side, he was still armed with mission gear having not had time to ditch them anywhere, so no need to visit the armoury. They took the access ladders one team going up the other down. Once on the appropriate deck Calmara moved out, placing himself at a three-way corridor junction. Allowing him a clear line of sight of two other crewmen and of course Walker.

<tag anyone>

[Matthew Keller]

0206
Bridge, USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit

Honey and Keller looked at each other, both at consoles, Honey doing translations, while Matt was manning the weapons. He didn't care what happened anymore, he wasn't phased by much nowadays, including loosing his life.

Matt had seen that Zeus was planning to use every ship against the Aeneid, something he knew would happen. Keller turned in his chair towards Colonel Elwood, "Ma'am, permission to use my little secret weapon?", loading up the design of the weapon onto the main screen.

It was almost like an EMP, but worked on the frequency modulation of the Olympian ships main systems, like weapons and propulsion.

< Tag Honey & Elwood (Whoever) >

0208
Bridge, USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit

Matt looked at his screen again, and then to Honey. "Honey, I need you to send this encrypted signal to Nolen, it will activate the weapon", he said flicking the screen to make it jump to her console.

Keller activated the comm link to Nolen, "Recon One, this is Aeneid, get the package as close to target, prepare for weapons hot", he said hoping Nolen would be able to get into position.

"Prepare to route all available power to weapons, I think its time to end this party", Matt says ready to launch just about every weapon they had to use. This trick would no-doubt be a once off once the Olympians realize the frequencies are compromised.

< Tag Nolen & Honey >

[Nolen "Dragon" Syaira]

0208
F-302 'Recon One'
Charonium Orbit

"Recon One, this is Aeneid, get the package as close to target, prepare for weapons hot", he said hoping Nolen would be able to get into position.

"Prepare to route all available power to weapons, I think its time to end this party",

Nolen had managed to dodge and hide from the millions of enemy fighters roaming around the battlefield. 302's were already engaging them with more pouring out of the Aeneids bays. Then Nolen's radio beeped. He listened to Matt. "Roger that Aeneid, about time too" he said as he powered up again and headed for the nearest crusier. He switched the targeting systems on and targeted the target. "Aeneid, we are weapons hot" he said with a smile.

<Tag Matt>

[Beatrice "Honey" Cutter]

302 USS Aeneid Bridge

Honey could feel the ache in her back increase as the ship was hit by yet another blast. Her nerves were at the snapping point. It took just one lucky strike and the tin can they were in would open spilling its contents into the freezing depths of space.

She listened to the cries and screams coming from her head set. She could often pick out familiar voices. She heard the sultry voice of Destiny De Andres screaming to a wing mate to bank left so she could take out there pursuer. She heard the same kinds of calls and orders in both languages.
No
Honey opened a comms link for Keller. She listened as he gave Nolen instructions to route all available power to weapons. She sat waiting hoping.

Suddenly Honey was thrown from her chair as the ship was struck. She arose cradling her elbow as a call came over the intercom. We have a hull breach. She gasped then called out this info to the captain.

<TAG Keller, Nolen and anyone else who hasn't quit>

[Travis Oxford]

0208
Bridge, USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit

Pondering over the question Travis pulled a face, it was something he hadn’t thought about much. “I might take the top level. Not that it makes any difference which team sweeps which one.” Checking his side arm, Travis looked at James, “Good luck.” Moved towards the door motioning few NCO’s to come with him. Connecting his earwig to his radio, Oxford disappeared down the hallway with the men.

~*~

0210
Bridge, USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit

After watching the teams leaves, Elwood looked at the ones in the room. Former Lieutenant, currently a Corporal, Keller spoke after a while, facing the main screen Elwood studied it, “Let’s see what it does Corporal.” She watched as Keller did what he had to do, used the weapon he had shown the moments before.

0220

Noticing their pilots fighting and hearing the sounds through the speakers, she told changed her frequencies to the Squadron Leader Syaira’s channel, “Squadron Leader, get you men to fall back to the ship. We leave as soon as you men are on the ship towards Tartaros.”

{{TIME JUMP}}

0630
Local Planet Time
Tartaros Orbit

Exiting the hyperspace safely, Elwood got her team scanning for any nasty surprises that might be around the corner. When nothing showed up on the screen, she had the radio transmission signal to SD-1 activated, taking a moment, “Sierra Delta One. This is Aeneid,” she began, “Please stand by to be boarded and state your team status. Over”


<<Tag All/SD-1>>

((I hope no one minds the time jump ))

[Robert "Scarecrow" Cromin]

0205 - 0208
Jumper
Charonium Orbit

Captain Cromin had vacated the weapons console for Sergeant Keller and as he looked at the radar he saw the amount of incoming fighters that the Olympians had released and he knew Nolen would probably not make it especially the leadership on the Aenied seemed to be in chaos. Captain Cromin without permission made his way to the hangar bay and it seemed at that time the last 302 was just flying out. Cromin went to the NCO in charge of maintenance and take off to ask if there was another fighter. "Sergeant Coffee, I need a bird right now, those guys out there are in trouble" The sergeant responded saying that all the fighters were gone and the only thing left was a jumper that was being transported to Charlie command offworld. The Sergeant said he needed clearance from Colonel Elwood in order to release the jumper but he sort of hinted at the direction it was at. Captain Cromin made his way into the jumper and it lit up as soon as he sat down. He got that bird to fly fast out of the hangar and made his way to where Nolen was at as he painted the target on one of the enemy ships. Cromin hailed Nolen on the Radio just as he shot down a fighter that was about to take Nolen out. "Cromin to Nolen, come in, you can thank me later i just saved your butt sir, again i might add, how are you holding up out there . . . i am here to ensure that you complete your mission. I will be going into stealth mode for the moment but trust me sir, i am covering your butt, over."

<Tag Nolen and all>

[James Calmara]

0206-->0630
Bridge SubDeck , USS Aeneid
Charonium Orbit-->Tartaros Orbit

Nestled in the corridor junction Calmara had dropped into a crouch, his back to the bulkhead, sweeping left to right then back again, staying on the balls of his feet as he did to maintain a better body position no matter where he was facing, This was one of the simplest yet hardest tasks as far as Calmara was concerned all he had to do was watch, yet with nothing happening the mind did tend to wander, it seemed to want to wander a little more in light of the mission just completed and the potential fall out after.

The impact causing the hull breach jolted Calmara he grabbed at the bulkhead with his free hand to steady himself and was immediately tensed up tightened his grip on the rifle barrel waiting. The Olympians did have a history of deploying shock troops shortly after a heavy barrage. Thankfully they jumped to hyperspace for a little hop towards Tartaros to pick up the flagship team, Calmara was hopping that their mission had been successful and gone a little smoother that would almost, but not quite, make the loss more bearable.

With the Aeneid dropping out for its final pickup, with no orders to the contrary, the engineer stayed on task and tried his hardest to keep his mind on task, all the while keeping a keen eye on Col. Walker.

< Tag anyone>

[Travis Oxford]

0630 - 0636
Local Planet Time, USS Aeneid
Tartaros Orbit

Miranda frowned as Garcia’s voice and intel came over. What was more baffling was that it had been a trap. Yet, she had to wonder how that was possible. When she heard two different sets of footsteps entering the bridge. One, she noted belonged to Master Sergeant James Calmara, the other belonging to his Commanding Officer Major Travis Oxford. Motioning for Oxford to take over, she left the bridge to speak with Loveridge.

Stepping up, Travis gave Calmara a perplexed look as he picked up the earphones. Was the woman crazy enough to leave him charge? Knowing it would be for few moments, “Aenied to Sierra Delta One. We copy. Be ready to be beamed aboard.” Then nodded at the person in charge to beam the Flagship team on Aenied. Even he was baffled as to who the team could have lost. But sad fact was each team had lost a member.

“Medical Personnel required on bridge immediately. One injured is being beamed aboard.”

Facing the personnel in the room, he looked for Doc Cutter, finding her he walked over, bend down to meet the woman on her level, “Message from Commander Garcia, John’s been found.”

<<Tag Honey/All>>

0638
Bridge, USS Aenied

Once the team was aboard; Travis faced Jerry, to ask who they were missing, seeing the man’s expression he swore. Loss of Doctor Garcia was another blow the expedition wasn’t ready to handle this soon after ‘Clone Kat’s’ death. Two women, highly valued to the exploration, seem to be hidden in this vast universe.

He saw the medical personnel’s come and making a beeline for John. Walking over to Garcia, he knew it was pretty clear that the mission had gone south. “We will find them, Sir.” And they will. Somehow, someway. SD-1 and 2 would get their team members back.

<<Tag Jerry/All>>

[Jerry Garcia]

<Continued from Tartaros>

0636
Bridge of the Aeneid

The trees disappeared and the bridge appeared around them. Pooja was gone....Taken from him by the people he had just released. The only good that came from this mission was finding Sgt Cutter. Jerry had been kneeling with Tim beside him when they were beamed up, so he rose to his feet. and started to walk away.

0638

Tim, please see to John care. As he spoke Travis appeared in front of him, and looked him in the eyes. We will find them, Sir. Jerry showed no response, his eyes glazed over. He moved toward the hatch to leave the bridge, he saw Elwood and Loveridge looking in his direction. Was this mission really worth it?

He went through the hatch without waiting for a response.

<Tag anyone>

[John "Cutty" Cutter]

0636
Bridge
Aeneid

John saw the change in scenery, just as he came crashing to the deck plating. He had been seated on a large rock when they were beamed up, however the rock stayed on the planet, while he did not.

That's going to leave a mark. The medical team started to move around him. He turned his head to the left and saw blonde hair moving in his direction. As unconsciousness settled over him, he manged to say three words, Honey! I'm home.

<Tag Anyone>

[James Calmara]

0638
Bridge, USS Aenied
Tartaros Orbit


After leaving the Olympians behind at Charonium there was no longer need for additional security, the stand down order followed shortly after with most of the security details returning to their ready positions. Calmara with no where else to go returned to the bridge, coincidently linking up with Maj. Oxford, he fell in step making his way onto bridge.

Truth the bridge was still rather an unpleasant place for Calmara to be in light of recent events, but with the help of experience put this firmly to the back of his mind and carried on. Shrugged wordlessly in response to his CO’s confused look in response to being given command for a few moments, then stood next to the centre chair waiting the arrival of SD-1 and hopefully the rescued Titans.

The reality was very different however not only were their no Titans joining them a swift head count of people with number one patches showed one missing, the recovery of Sergeant John Cutter and yet another solitary alien captive meant that the expedition had broken even. But this thought did little to dispel the sense of loss currently being felt. Maj. Oxford to his credit did his best to remain positive something Calmara whole heatedly agreed with “I second that we will, but to make that happen we need to be around so let’s get home, leave this place behind shall we.” As the ship turned and was engulfed in the bright light that signified a hyper launch, Calmara took a few steps back and lent against the galactic display, then the realisation that he’d let Col. Walker out of his sight dawned, he crossed to the console on the right side to run a scan for his locater chip hoping it was nowhere near Lt. Garrets.

<Tag Anyone>

[Beatrice "Honey" Cutter]

O630
Bridge Aeneid

Honey stared blankly back at Oxford. How could the man have such an evil sense of humor? Three words. John's been found. Practically spit in her face. No word of how he was. Honey knew if this was true Troy would have told her with kindness. Not slapped her in the face with it. She sat stunned and unbelieving.

0636

Honey still did not believe Oxfords words. Yet,she rose to her feet when she heard the order to beam the team on board. She was moving slowly when she heard him. Honey I'm home. She flew towards him with a shriek. She stopped kneeling before him. She felt the tears begin to flow freely as she took him in. He was bruised.He was beaten. He was skinny. But yet he was still so beautiful.

She heard him groan a bit when she flew at him encircling him with her arms. She could stay like this forever. What seemed like seconds later she felt someone pulling at her. She did not recognize the face of the man trying to disentangle her from her husband. NO No one was taking him from her again. Beatrice release her hold on john and withdrew her side arm. Pointed it at the hapless medic. No you cant take him again.

The circle of people withdrew leaving John and her in a circle. A part of her knew she was being unreasonable. Yet she couldn't stop. She cradled him against her as Troy told her they wanted to help him. Yet she did not waver until she caught the eyes of her old friend Jerry. She read such pain in his eyes that her hand wavered.


<tag troy,cutter garcia,keller and anyone who wants to disarm me

[John "Cutty" Cutter]

O630
Bridge Aeneid

John heard the shriek as Honey became a blur of motion. He was laying flat on the deck as she landed next to him, wrapping her arms around him. Unaware of any harm she could cause him, she pulled him close, and his broken ribs screamed for attention. AAHHH! was all he could manage.

A small crowd had gathered around him. The med team to assist him and people trying to give them room to work. John opened his eyes to look her way, Sorry... was all he said as he gave into the pain.

Cdr Garcia was leaning in close, Honey. Let the docs take him to the infirmary. Go with them. Be with John. He was moving away as John watched.

Tag Anyone

[Beatrice "Honey" Cutter]

0631
Aeneid Bridge

It was questionable when the events that lead to Honey's actions had begun. Possibly the precursor to her waving a gun at those on the Aeneid bridge had begun when she first awoke in the infirmary without John.

For months she refused to listen to any possibility other then his return. But over time she had become convinced she would not see him again. That's why when Oxford had first told her Cutty was rescued she could not believe it. She had built walls in her mind. Then when he appeared in front of her out of air,well she just fell apart.

She only knew that someone was trying to take him from her again. She couldn't let that happen. As she looked about Jerry moved towards her. She continued to point her gun at him. As she looked in his eyes she saw such pain. Could there be a part of him that wanted her to pull the trigger?She heard him speak. But his words didn't register

She listened to all the voices around her. As she did she felt her body become very hot. This was followed by a ringing in her ears.
She could feel someone remove the gun from her as the world became distant. She felt the floor rise up to meet her as she blacked out.

<tag all>


Infirmary
0700


Honey awoke with a start. She noticed that a guard was stationed near her cot. She had to smile. He was twice her size and looked so uncomfortable.

She looked hopefully about for John. She could sense activity on the other side behind a curtain. She got up and began to move towards the noise. He guard interposed himself in front of her.She caught the eye of Loveridge and Oxford who were standing near. They gestured her over.

As she moved around the curtain she let out a gasp. It really was him. She looked at the multiple IVs,one giving him blood and the o2 flowing and felt a tear fall. She walked to where one of the medical people had just brought up a basin of warm soapy water. She took the wash cloth from his hand

She moved to her husbands side and began to run the hot cloth across his chest . As the dirt lifted she saw all the new marks on him. She felt the tears flow freely. She continued the gentle stoking with the cloth. She put her hear in each movement. She knew John could feel this for he relaxed beneath the gentle pressure.

She looked up at those who had just entered adn smiled

<tag all>