Imperial Galaxy

[Ryaozk Zroday]

The ship bucked hard as an incoming mass cannon round rent the starboard thruster from the ship. Had Z's ship been angled slightly to port, it would have gutted the entire engine assembly, ruptured the reactor, and caused the ship to implode. As it was, the ship spun wildly out of control, Z's best efforts only managing to bring it back to steady just in time for more projectiles and plasma bolts to strike it.

"Hull breached in multiple places! Structure to 60%!" came the damage report. But Zroday had not been through all he'd been through, had not gained his rank as Admiral, had not survived so long, by being a good pilot. He had survived because he was a brilliant pilot, because he could quickly assess a situation and salvage it. Now came into play the final part of his plan.


"All stations, prepare for Collision!"

Wraith looked at him incredulously. "Collision!?"

Zroday ignored her, and turned his destroyer right at the battleship. He diverted all power to the warp drive, and held tight as the small ship was rocked by small rounds striking it. He had about 30 seconds then the next wave of mass shells would be incoming... and Akhlin's Tears would not survive another blast like that. The Battleship did exactly what Zroday predicted it would do. It Turned into Zroday's ship. Zroday slammed the controls to port, and fired what little energy was left in the emergency boosters. Slowly, what felt like way too slowly, Akhlin's Tears turned.


In your over-eagerness, you have given me the only chance I had of escaping, thought Zroday to himself. And yet, I realize I'm now living on borrowed time. I always have been. So do all soldiers. Every minute of their life is borrowed, after that first shot goes by their head. I shall not take that for granted again.

Less than 1000 meters separated the two ships. Finally, Zroday's engines were facing the battleship. 10 seconds, and this spot will be full of burning hot metal, but in 10 seconds, we won't be here, he re-assured himself. Wraith merely sat, holding on. Zroday knew that each of the Marines was praying to whatever deity they followed. He would not let them down. The view screen was full of enemy ships.... ship capacitor at 98%..... 99%... Flash of mass cannons.... Blue flame, Warp. Zroday's ship jumped forward, its prow armor rent asunder as the mass rounds began connecting just as the ship tore a slipspace tunnel. The Screeching and tearing of metal as one round tore deep into the small ship... then silence.... not the silence of Death that Zroday was familiar with.... but the Silence of Slipspace. It had worked..... Where his ship had been, Zroday saw in his minds eye the battleship being blasted into bits. He saw the brief de-sync in the warp fields create a milli-second of an opening... saw the his ship warp right through...... and then pursuit blocked by the warp fields.... Z knew that he could never do that again if he tried, knew that his ship would not last in warp much longer so bad was it damaged.... but they had escaped. Escape meant they had a chance to survive. And if they could survive, then they could Fight. Zroday knew this would only be one of hundreds of rebellions in the past.... but it would be his rebellion. Not to overthrow the Empire, but to be free of its mandates, that he and his soldiers could live in peace.




Zroday knew they would all die. But they would Die with a clear conscience. They would die fighting for what they believed in, not what they were told to believe in. And in that, they would Live.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

To even the best of Pilots, being stranded in dead space was not a good place to be. Due to damages sustained in battle, the ship had not been able to maintain warp speed, resulting in Angel of Death dropping the ship from warp before the warp drive was totally destroyed. As the ship re-entered the realm of time and space, Zroday felt the damages through the controls. That they were still alive and not rent asunder by the sheer forces of warp was a miracle in and of itself. He did not know if he could get another warp out of the vessel. After a long minute of silence on the bridge, Wraith finally went on comm to gather damage reports. Ten minutes later, both she and Z looked them over on her console.

"We should all be Dead, Z."

"I know."

"One day, you'll tell me why you took that risk?"

"I'll tell you now. Dying trying to find our freedom would have been far better than being taken captive by the Empire. We both know what they would have done to us."

"That isn't the risk I meant, Z."

"I know."


The ship was in bad shape. Engineering estimated they could rig the engine core to make one more warp, but that would be it. Their initial analysis of the structure was not so optimistic. They concluded that it would take weeks of field repair to get the ship to structurally be able to withstand another warp. If they were able to at all, that is.

Zroday looked at Wraith, "This is the part where I ask how you get Command to not try you with treason?"

Wraith frowned....


"Ah...." responded Z.

"I'm sorry, Z.... I truly am, but..."

Zroday held up his hand, silent for a few moments.

Then, at length, he responded.

"You're doing what you have to do. I understand."

Wraith could only stand quietly, too unsure of how to respond. After a few very uncomfortable moments, she stepped back, and walked away. Z could not help but notice how small and alone she looked.

Times have become desparate when these are the measures we must revert to. But I do not blame you. You know how dangerous a game you play, as do all your soldiers. And it has to start somewhere.


Z frowned and looked back at the damages. Their ticket to freedom or not, his only priority was getting these soldiers to safety.



I only hope my death is enough to pay for their sins.


Then he smiled.


Then again, I think I choose to live to fight another day.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

It took many long days, many hours of trial and error, and many a fear crossed their mind, but the ships crew was at length able to restore warp capability to it. Now came the estimation of trajectory. Angel of Death had been particularly sulky the last few cycles as he was unable to ascertain their exact location, a first for the highly advanced AI. Wraith had avoided Z up to this point. As Z worked on a damaged power conduit on the navigation station, Sabre walked up to him, and stood quietly for a few moments.



"I'm sorry Z. We've got nothing else, and you always made it clear that you would sooner us sacrifice you than any of our mortal soldiers. And it was Forge we were looking for...."

Z stopped working, and just stared at the station for a moment....


Then said, voice heavy, his age showing, "Sabre, You're right. If my death will satisfy Imperial Forces, than I'll do it gladly. But.... I also always taught you all to put your soldiers lives above your own. And Forge would have expected no different. It was failure to follow that tenant that brought us to this point."


Sabre was quiet, knowing that Forge would not have approved of their actions.... then said, "She's torn up about it, Z. She never agreed to it. Ever. It was the other Commanding Officers, myself included, that pushed the vote through."


Sabre turned to walk away, but Z said, "Sabre, I forgive you."



Sabre nodded to Z, and then walked. As he left, he heard Z say to him, "Use the remainder of your life wisely, my friend."



Z did not return to his task immediately.

Jaylor, what would you have me do at this point? If I run, then they will likely die for their actions. If I don't, then I surely shall.... and my time is not up. Not yet.


A distant memory of one of Jaylor's favorite sayings came to mind: Nothing is impossible, especially for a Prince. You are limited only by the options you perceive.


Z smiled. He knew that there was a way, and that he would not find it until that time. But he knew his chapter was not over yet.



Signaling a technician to finish the repair, he went to seek out Wraith.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

Z found her where he knew she would be. Sitting in a back corner of the Armory, her sniper rifle disassembled on the table in front of her, Wraith didn't look up when Z approached. As precise as a carefully calibrated machine, Wraith cleaned and inspected the weapon, a daily ritual, even while leading this large of a company. Neither spoke, the only sound coming from the rifle being cleaned and re-assembled. One final 'clack' as the chamber slid into place, and the rifle was set on the table.


"Forge would have been disappointed.... I know. But I couldn't just leave him without knowing if he had died or not..."



There it was, the demon Z knew she was and always would be fighting.

His response was limited to, "I understand."


"Then what should I do, Z? I'm completely lost, am in way over my head, I don't know how to save them all, except to turn you in..."


Z was silent, and Wraith was cold as ice in her mannerisms. It would have taken one of her squad mates to see through the face. Z knew it was the only defense she had against breaking down. Z knew that reverting to her sniper mentality was the only way she was keeping a cool head.

Wraith said nothing for a few moments, only looked at her empty hands... then exhaled and looked at Z.
Z smiled slightly.


"Let me offer you another solution. Simply avoid the Empire. That does not mean fight it, that does not mean run from it. Simply minimize engagement or contact, and use neutral stations for repair. The Empire is too weak to search for one rogue ship. Rather, let's find the Oblivion. It's not gone, I'd know if it was. I know it isn't. So, let's find it. Then we can decide what to do from there."


Wraith said nothing, considering the option. For her, Z understood why the proposal seemed improbable. She had been raised in an environment that had promoted Imperial Omnipotence. But, she also knew that if anyone could avoid the Empire, it would be a prince.


"All right Z, we'll play it your way for a bit."


Z nodded, then stood.

"Will you be retaining operational Command?"

Wraith thought for a moment.

"No, I shall relinquish it."


Z held out his hand to pull Wraith up, and she took it. He then said, "Then gather what's left of our squads. We have work to do."
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

The Observation Deck of Akhlin's Tears was not like the large, glass paneled deck of The Oblivion. But Zroday found comfort in watching the blacks of space. And so he chose there to read many of the old entries in his journal again. After re-reading for some time, he took up his pen, and set it's point to paper again.



I must admit several things to myself. Firstly, I've lost sight of Life. Secondly, I've lost sight of myself. And finally, I've lost sight of what is important. I have been reminded that life is not about my desire for vengeance. I have been reminded that life is not about looking for my next 'break.' And I've been reminded that there is so much more than me and my problems. Not even so much reminded, but re-purposed. I see that I once was a strong person. That I once was someone of unbreakable determination. I find that I once was a person I would have been proud to serve. I am not such a person at present. The Purpose of our lives is not to wallow in our own self pity, not to continuously think 'what about me,' though at times one needs MUST take care of themselves. The Purpose in our lives is to constantly strive to improve the lives of the people around us. That can be as simple as making them smile, or as easy as listening, or also as challenging as saving their world one day at a time. This is what I once believed, wholeheartedly. I have strayed from this, and as such, have lost sight of myself. What purpose do I serve if not to do this? For myself, I must answer none. Experience has shown me this is my answer. It is not for me to choose when I want to follow this principle, but to follow it to the best of my abilities at all times. I do not bear any anger with myself for straying, for I understand why. But, I do challenge myself to change this. And in this challenge, I challenge myself to find a meaning in life again. That has been a question I have been unable to answer as of late: "What do I want to do with this life?" I understand that my 'options are limited' as a Prince of the Empire. But as a human, I am boundless. So why should I not have an answer? I should not be unable to answer this. I seek this answer, but have been unable to find how to find it. I believe I have found the path. If I am able to correct the first and second failings, then the third will logically follow. I do not feel myself yet qualified to again seek the path of the Soldier, of the Warrior, but, I do know that I am qualified to seek the path of the Seeker. And in that Path, I shall find the answers to once again seek the truth to Humanity, such as it may be found. And to once again look into the mirror and be proud of who I see staring back, not have to turn away in disgust.


I choose to be Admiral Ryaozk Zroday, Commanding Officer of the Imperial Naval Special Forces on the Call to Oblivion. Not the Prince, but the Leader. I choose to be me.


Z closed the book, feeling better for having written the words, but knowing full well that that was only the very first, very easiest step. Now he had to live it. And the first step to doing that was finding a solution to a ship full of Marines. He knew he'd have to play by the Empire's rules for a short time to accomplish his goals.


And he needed to find the Truth to Forge.

"The Old man is alive... I don't know how I know, but he is."
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

Akhlin's Tears and 3 of the other 4 ships of Echelon Squadron cut through dozens of Small Naknuk fleets, leaving only broken hulls and and Imperial Jurisdiction in their wake. They continue their quest for The Call to Oblivion. Yet they have drawn no closer, leaving even Zroday with a nagging suspicion that the ship has really been destroyed. But they persevere, because each of the Marines on the ship now associate finding the ship with no longer being possible enemies of the Empire, and many of the officers hold a silent hope that finding the ship will lead them to Forge. None fully accept that the man may be dead. Zroday and Angel regarded star charts in the Tactical Briefing Room.


"So it continues, Angel. Despite everything, the Princes still carry out their orders, if not of their 'will,' then that of their superiors."


You almost sound as if you expected it to change?


Zroday smirks. "Hardly. I must admit an expectation of the effort failing, however."


Now you should know the determination of the Princes. You almost make me think you are a fool.


"That may be true."


So then, where to next? The Oblivion is not here, nor in the near area.


"Perhaps we are failing because we are seeking?"


An interesting position, I must admit, yet I do not see an alternative. Edgebur could have taken the ship anywhere.


"But the Heart of the Conflict is in this area, here in the Naknuk Quadrants. That is where he would stay. That is where he would feel he could make the most difference."


Of course assuming he was not destroyed trying to do such.


"While I don't appreciate the implication, I do admit it is just as likely. But our scouring of Imperial Records, for all that is worth, has not turned up a confirmed report. So I will continue to believe the ship is still out there."


From the door came Wraith's Voice.
"As Will I. Z, you'll find this interesting."

She walked over to the holo display and changed the projection to the port side probe camera. There, barely identifiable through ripped metal, was a wing to an Imperial Drop ship. And on it, unreadable until it rotated to catch the light of the system star, were the letters: TCO: 193-PI.

TCO had been the official tag for The Oblivion, and 193-PI had been the typical number and role format used by the ship's single ships and drop ships. That particular one had been a Marine Planetary Insertion drop ship. Which meant Edgebur had fought a protracted battle in this system long enough, or important enough, to set boots on the ground to achieve an objective.


Zroday and Wraith exchanged a look of professionally concealed excitement, and then Z turned to Angel of Death.


"I authorize you to find out what happened here."

Angel bowed, and departed.

Z then turned back to Wraith, who was already pulling some of her light 'ship-duty' gear off, namely utility gloves and Officer's Coat.

"Saddle up Z, time we went planet side."

"I'd say you read my mind, but you'd give me that glare that says 'I'm NOT a Prince and Proud of it."

Wraith smiled, and then accessed the comm system and issued Drop orders to her troops.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

Nothing quite simulated the feeling of being inside a drop pod. Sure, Z could have chosen to go in on the drop ships. In fact, most Imperial Priests would tear their hair out for his 'risking military assets,' meaning his clone. But, the fact remained that Z led from the front. He didn't sit on his ship, or in an armored command center while his soldiers, the closest things he had to a family in some cases, risked their lives. If he were to be shot, there were plenty of capable officers to lead, not to mention Angel's Command Mandate.

So Z closed his eyes, listening to the absolute silence, broken only by his breathing. Wraith would be getting in her pod soon, after arraying her soldiers, and would give the drop order.

Despite his best efforts, Z couldn't ignore all the nagging memories that kept creeping into his mind these days.

A little backwater world with a Hut and Bar on the beach, completely against Imperial Protocol, but possibly built out of sheer audacity for it. Jennuk and Wayakm had always been an interesting case for Z. Cold Logic and unbridled Rage couldn't always comprehend the actions of 'emotional' beings, as he'd called them in his own thoughts.

A Lounge in an Imperial Repair Station, one built, planned, and maintained by Fleeting Glimpse of Hope, off their many successful campaigns. So many things happened there. A small twinge of Regret made Z shift uncomfortably.

Countless 'adventures' that the Princes of the Empire managed to get up to when they should have been leading cold, heartless lives.

Perhaps things hadn't been so bad.

Perhaps I just missed the important things, focusing too much on what would happen rather than what was happening? thought Z.

Grand Admiral Akhlin Azhgle. Cool Confidence, Collected, Rational and Compassion. A stern teacher, the Sink or Swim type. But Z couldn't imagine life without her.

Then that traitorous Scum Yadnon.

I was all for the Merger of TFE and SGR, Remember that, Z. We all were. We just didn't expect things to turn out as they did.

Z leaned his head back against the back of his Pod.

Still, I'm not sure I could bear to face Akhlin these days. What would she think? I cannot be singlehandedly responsible for something so great as destroying TRE, but there is no doubt my Stand against the AM did nothing to help the waning fleet. Yadnon had to be removed. Do I still bear her ill will?

Z sighed.

That I can't say for certain. I have no respect for a leader who blatantly lies. Yet I can now acknowledge that I was most certainly a challenging prospect, put mildly. It is that kind of Rage the Empire banks on us focusing on its enemies, a blind, foolish rage that would level planets if need be. Can I now condemn Adrudh's Actions on Medivanis knowing that I too was and am just as susceptible to that flaw, if perhaps a little more controlled with it? So many questions I never took the time to ask. And now, here at the end of all things as we know them, I ask. For truly, nothing can ever go back to what it was. Such irony, that. We all make choices, and after every choice, nothing can ever go back to how it was. Yet often we ask for nothing more, than a returning to what things were. There is no doubt in my mind the Empire will one day set out its hounds of war on me. My only hope is that they don't go after my soldiers in the process.

Z had a plan. It had taken him a long time to come up with it. But then, he'd had a long time to come up with it.

A static Crack as Wraith opens comms to all her squads:

"All right, heads up. We do not, Repeat, Do NOT, know what we're dropping into. Pods will go first, supply a sitrep to Angel, who will then order the launch of the birds, or else scramble evac wasps. I have TacCom of Squad 1, Sabre TacCom of Squad 2, and the Admiral Operational Command. Squad 1 will scout the outlying DZ, while Squad 2 Secures the Main DZ. Once we have clear to Drop the birds, you'll be given ship by ship orders via Angel. You'll also have constantly updated SAT-IM by way of our Naval assets. See you Dirtside. Wraith Out."


Z smiled. She was so much Like Forge.

Then he felt his mood shift. One more child orphaned by the war, even if she was in her late twenties, Forge had been the closest Father she'd ever had.

Decompression around his Pod bay, a sharp his, and a massive lurch, then the inky blackness of Space. Soon he'd be falling into Hell feet first.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

As heat began to build up around his falling pod, Z reflected on the flight from Calaantara station. His ship had been so badly damaged most Imperial Engineers would have scrapped it. But, they managed to rig it to warp one more time. No, they hadn't happened to make it to a station on that warp. But, they did make it close to a low traffic space lane. From there, Echelon Squadron had arrived to assist in repairs of the warp core, and help the ship along to a neutral station. It had been a nerve wracking time, even by War standards, but, just one more stroke of luck that had been Z's life. Now, here he was, dropping with several of the soldiers he'd done so with so many times before, but a few notable changes. Wraith used to laugh the entire drop, until Forge would squelch her audio, then the rest of the squad would laugh. Sticky would always re-count his Det-Gear under his breath, and Off-key would make silent clicking noises of impatience with his teeth. He had never liked drops. The times he'd dropped with Helix squad, Falcon was always utterly silent. Sabre would have some strand of heavy music playing, while Det would counter with Old World Classical. Twitch was always an odd person, quiet like. Z hadn't thought to ask what had happened to the rest of Helix, or any of the others. He'd presumed they were dead or in Imperial squads.


He'd make sure to ask.

The Light coming in was burning orange as the pod dropped through the atmosphere. A bang and sharp jerk as the sails deployed, and Wraith's voice came back on Comms: "Initial reading shows nothing, Keep your eyes peeled though."


Z did find it odd for a moment that Wraith had chosen Drop pods, but then he reminded himself that she wasn't the same person he'd known. She had changed, and Z wasn't sure if he liked this new Wraith. She clearly didn't trust people, not that Z could blame her nor be shocked that she didn't trust him completely anymore. He had done something worse than taking up arms against her. He'd just left.


Z, you still have so much to learn...

However true that statement may be, he'd have to ponder on it later.

The Sails fell away and the shoot deployed outside the pod, and another sharp jerk inside. Impact would still be hard, but these pods were engineered for much worse. Z had lived and Died in them for long enough to know that. He smiled a grim smile to himself, and looked out the windows again, clenching his teeth for impact.


A sickening thud announced his arrival on this world, and echoes around him the arrival of others. The Pod hatch blew off, and Z hopped out, Assault rifle in one arm, reaching back into the pod for his sniper rifle with the other. They'd landed on what appeared to be an old river delta between two high cliff faces. Sand blew up as the pods landed, and the breeze coming off the body of water behind them blew it around them. Visibility was poor given the blowing sand and sharp sun, but Z could just make out a cluster of trees to the right.

I wonder what drew Edgebur to deploy soldiers here?, he began thinking to himself. But no sooner had he thought it than Wraith's voice cut through comms again: "All right, Squad 1, forward to that break in the cliffs, Squad 2, check out that wooded area to the right, and secure a landing zone for the birds."

Z looked around to see the soldiers start moving, and felt a hard shove in the back. As he recovered, he heard Wraith's Voice on Secure line: "You stay in front of me, and no sudden moves. You've got a lot of answering to do."

Z straightened up and nodded slightly, then began walking, "So why do you choose now to do this?"

Wraith sighed, "One, because everyone on that ship knows what everyone is doing all the time, unlike a secure line in a helmeted world. Two, because I'm angry NOW, Z, and I'm done trying to not be angry. Dropping with you and not them really rubs me the wrong way, so you just keep your mouth shut except to answer my questions, and walk. Maybe I'll feel bad about this later, but you've got it coming, and you know that."

"You're right, I know I've...." Started, Z, only to be cut off.

"Oh cut the crap, will you. I don't know whether to be glad you're alive, or shoot you myself. Then I have to remind myself that if I do that, I'll just send you right to the Priests, and I know I don't want you there, because for whatever reason, I still care about you. Never mind that you did the worst thing you possibly could to us, Never mind that you weren't there to help us when we really needed it, and never mind that my whole squad, my FAMILY Z, are all gone, as a result of YOU disappearing. All that aside, I still can't stop from being glad you're alive. And I hate myself for it. You Princes and your high and mighty ways, 'All hail us for being able to survive death' and all that BS. Z, I hate the fact that after all this, you still can make me smile. Sabre offered to shoot you if it'd make me feel better. I almost accepted, then I realized I'd miss the chance to do it myself, and I just don't...."

Z stopped suddenly and turned quickly to face Wraith, Drawing his pistol as he did. She was so engrossed in her rant that she was caught completely at unawares. The Whole squad froze, watching. On their secure Line, Z said to Wraith, "If you're going to do it, don't hesitate." He spun the pistol in his hand, offering the handle to Wraith. A few tense seconds passed, then she smacked it aside, and kept walking. Slowly the squad turned and followed. They seemed to all know this little battle of wills would take place sooner or later, and accepted that sooner was better than later.

Z holstered the pistol, and followed.

"So let's get this straight. You want me dead, but you also don't, right?"

Wraith was Silent for a few steps, then said, "I don't know, Z. You bring back alot of painful memories. You also came back. Took your Damn Time about it, sure, but you came back. Like we all believed you would. You just came back too late to stop it."

"I never Knew Wraith. I left because I was literally losing my mind. It's said that the last thing a Prince does before assimilation is go psychotic. It took every ounce of my being to stop from fading. I forgot who I was, what was right and wrong, and who my friends and enemies were."

"You forgot us?"

"I forgot my own name for a while. It was actually you all that brought me back from the Brink."

"Damn....."

Z heard the smallest of exhalations as she stopped from laughing. Odd things, helmets with blank face plates. They made you appreciate the little things so much more.

"Z?"

"Yes?"

"I don't know where we stand right now. But, even though I'm still angry, I'm glad you're back. Just don't leave us again."

"Life is long, Wraith."

"Ever, Z."

Yes, you still have much to learn Z. But, isn't that the point?


Now that that was settled, they both focused on the task at hand: Finding Forge.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

"Landing Zone Secure, Angel, Bring the Birds in" said Wraith on her Command Line. Z and Wraith had an over watch post on one of the cliffs, while the rest of Squad one secured the pass and Squad 2 began setting up a field command center in the wooded area. They weren't sure what they were looking for, only that they'd know when they found it.

"Okay squads, listen up," continued Wraith, "We're looking for anything that might show us why Falcon or Edgebur deployed troops here. Our best satellite imagery puts what appears to be a bombed out military installation 3 clicks West. That will be the first place we search. Be Advised, we do not confirm the remains of the industrial zone to the South are abandoned. This planet looks like it was carpet bombed, but we know how well those are at actually wiping out civilizations. And we know how much the Nak's like their tunnels. SAT-IM also shows what looks like an evac launch zone just past the military installation. We're gonna search there first. If SAT finds another promising site, we'll put boots there too. Wraith out."

On her secure line with Z, she said, "We've found drop pods near that military base. And what looks like shelled out tanks. Worth investigating. And to answer your question, No, it all looks abandoned."

Z was silent in return, watching.

"I still want to know why you felt you had to take off, Z. We could have helped you."

"Or you could have been murdered by my insanity."

"You wouldn't have killed us."

"Are you so certain?"

"Yes, I am."

Silence prevailed again. Slowly, the sound of the Drop ship engines grew louder, until finally they broke the low clouds, and landed in the sand.

"You think I should have recce'd the area more before putting boots down."

She said it as a statement. Z wasn't sure what bothered him more, the fact that he'd just been thinking that, or that she could still tell.

"Wraith, what happened to the other squads?"

Wraith looked up at the sun peeking between the clouds, then sighed. "Oh, I s'pose we have time."

Z checked her point of View Icon on his HUD. She was looking out over the sand, at the water surface.

"I already told you about Sticky, Off-key, and Falcon. I don't know where Hammer Squad is. They weren't deployed in that fiasco. Only Priest and Vicious made it ground side out of Silver Team. Vicious took a Mortar shell as soon as she stepped out of her pod. Woman had some Nerve. She got back up, picked up a Launcher, and blasted that damn tank. Unfortunately, you don't survive Sniper rounds to the dome." Wraith paused for a moment. "Priest made it to the Installation, but you know how it is, losing as much as the man had. He charged blindly into a few Nak heavies. Knifed one, emptied his clip in another, and cut stuck a grenade in a third, but was smashed against a wall by another, and shot with a blast cannon at point blank. You know old Serpent Squad, too. They smelled trouble and took off for the 'back route.' Got themselves caught in a nasty crossfire too. Missing in action, presumed Dead. Then there is Helix. Told you about Falcon, and you can guess about Sabre. Det's pod was hit on the way down. Survived, but was too injured to continue active duty. We sent him out on a medevac. Some nights I can't sleep wondering where he is now. And then Twitch. MIA. It's confirmed he made it planet side. He also participated in the battle. Commandeered himself a tank, did some very nice slap shooting, and then bailed before the enemy returned fire. Later he was seen Knife Fighting with a Nak Heavy. After that he was seen again pulling a wounded Falcon to Safety. After that, no one knows. I've tried to get information on them, Z, but, it's kinda hard when locked out of Imperial mainframes."

Zroday nudged her shoulder plate. "You've done well to remember all that after all you've been through between then and now, Wraith."

"Z, I made it my personal mission to remember every name of every soldier that died that day, physically or otherwise. I won't ever forget."

"Then you're more like Forge than I could ever have guessed at."

Wraith paused for a moment, "..... Thanks, Z."

Zroday smiled, and then laughed softly.

"What?" asked Wraith.

"A short time ago, I didn't know my own name. Now I can't imagine being called anything but 'Z.'"


"Well then, Admiral Zroday, shall we get this Operation moving?"

"I believe so, Colonel Staughl."


Both laughed, then Wraith began issuing orders to her soldiers.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

Z had been out of squad work for a while, but it didn't take long for him to realize how awkward these soldiers felt working together. As they moved to the target zone, he even began to be able to pick out who had been former squad mates before their squads were broken apart or else suffered losses. Some of the Marines, No, these are more Commandos than Marines, Z he reminded himself, Some of the commandos responded instinctively to how another one or two moved or stopped, while others, there was the slightest pause as the Squad commanders would use standard signing to signal their intent. Wraith had ordered comm silence when they got within two miles of the compound. The terrain had been rough, even by Commando standards.

Odd, thought Z. While I never called them Imperial Shock troopers, I've even stopped calling then anything Empire related. What should that say?

Z smiled at his one introspective thoughts. A flashing light in his HUD caught his attention. Wraith was pinging his secure comm.

"Yeah, what's up?" asked Z.

"You were tilting your head just off to the side like you do when you're thinking," she responded.

"So I was. It's not important," he responded as he saw a few squads hold position.

"Z, people talk," she replied, signaling for the remaining squads to hold.

"And I'm not afforded the luxury of being a people," said Z, using a tree as temporary cover.

She sighed slightly and clicked teeth in irritation. "Get up here and take a look."

Wraith was moving up to the top of the ridge they had been working up. Z could already tell that the valley on the other side would be sunny, making their trek harder. What he didn't expect was it to be charred and barren. Z and Wraith knelt behind a couple boulders, using there helmets zoom feature to scan the remains of the military installation. Whatever had been fought for here, there wasn't much left.

"I knew it was a long shot, Z, and almost didn't bother until Angel found a huge energy source under that base. Either someone has moved back in, or Imperial forces didn't finish the job," she said, "But then he also found something else."

She flashed several images to his HUD from her armors internal processor. They were meant to be disguised as fissures in a natural volcano, but from birds eye view, one could just make out the grating inside them. Air vents and steam channels of an underground factory.

"No, I don't know what they're in their building, or if there are even people in there, but if it's still running, it might have information we need," she said, interpreting the slight shift in Z's posture correctly.

"You know what amazes me, Wraith?"

"What's that?"

"That despite everything, despite you being angry with me, and me changing quite a bit recently, and the long time in which alot has happened, you can still read me like a book," he replied.

"Well, whether you think you've changed or not, the person you've always been is still there, though sometimes it takes a fair bit to get you to drop the mask you're wearing. And I told you, the closest thing I can remember having to a family is gone. You're what's left. Sure, We were always close to Helix Squad, but... it's not the same," she said, as she dropped her chin a bit, the only physical sign she'd give that she was hurt. "So you'll have to forgive me if it bothers you, but, I'm not letting you go again. Call me a coward, but I'm afraid I'll lose myself if I lose you. I have to force myself to believe that Falcon and Forge are gone, for better or worse, every day just so I don't go crazy with grief. Maybe you can understand that, maybe you can't. But, it's not entirely for you that I choose to keep you around. Alot of it is for me, and for those that have followed me since Forge...... went MIA," she finished.

Z was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "I'll never call you a coward. I've known all kinds of individuals throughout my career," Z said. For a moment he hesitated. Wraith was a professional, she wouldn't take it the wrong way. Z hoped he was right, the last thing he needed was another emotional burden right now, but he needed Wraith at her best. He reached over and put his hand on her shoulder, and waited for her to look at him, "And you'd be right up there with the best of them. I can tell you without a doubt that most the Princes in the Navy are nothing compared to the soldiers they order to their deaths."

Wraith was silent for a few moments, then said, "You remember the Suicide Kings?"

Despite himself, Z laughed, and so did Wraith. It was her way of saying thanks, without ever saying it. She was a professional, as was Z.

"We could use a few like them nowadays, eh Z?"

"If only, if only," Z replied, shaking his head.

"Let's get ready to smash and Grab."

They were going to be conducting Search and Seizure again, just like old times, thought Z ...... But then again, nothing could ever go back to how it had been.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

The Commando's had moved down the slope as quickly as they reasonably could, no one wanting to stay on the burned hillside too long without knowing what was the status of the installations weapons. To be truthful, there was no good way to approach a facility like this. Limited Cover on the ground, located in a valley with only two approachable directions from air, Z could only imagine the battle that took place here. He had participated in his fair share of similar fights. Many good soldiers had died, he could feel the sorrow bleeding off the valley. But the facility still stood... that in and of itself was odd to Z. Did Edgebur not have enough Boots to finish the job? Or had they suffered losses too heavy? Or had they gotten what they were after, and destroying the facility was not part of it?

I guess I'll have to do some record slicing to find out thought Z to himself.

And all the while, that eerie, foreboding silence loomed.

"It's odd, isn't it Z?" Wraith said on her secure line to Z, causing him to start. If she'd have been looking his way, she'd have laughed, as Z was sure several of the Commando's behind him were doing.

"What's that, Wraith?" responded Z.

"This valley is burned out, SAT-IM finds this as the only place on the planet that likely suffered heavy assault, and yet, that facility is still functioning," she responded.

"Yes, I'd just been thinking the same, and I find it most likely they got what they were after, but there was no need to destroy the facility," said Z, as they drew near to what used to be a clearing. "I'm also going to guess that the entrance is around here."

Wraith motioned for her squads to spread out and search for the entrance, while she beckoned Z to come over to the small hillside she was standing by. It did not escape Z that the dirt was fairly freshly moved.

"Needed a better camouflage, I'd reckon," said Z, feeling how densely packed the dirt in the 'hillside' was. It rose about 8 feet into the air very quickly, much as a dirt wall on a bunker might.


Z nodded to Wraith, and they both pulled out their trenching tools and started working at the 'wall,' trying to see what was behind it.

"Scan it," Z said to a nearby Commando, as he kept working at the wall. Z waited for the scan results to return, then looked at them in his HUD. The dirt had been moved recently, for sure. It's density suggested fairly heavy compacting. Which meant the walls underneath it were nothing short of high impact grade. No blowing a way in then. It was down to finding a door and hacking a way in, or going in through a vent. Z didn't like the sound of the latter, too many things that could go wrong. But they couldn't just stand out here forever either. He was becoming increasingly aware of feeling like he was being watched.

A burst of static on Company Comm caused Wraith and Z to pause, "Found a way in, Colonel," Came a voice Z was unfamiliar with.

"All right Creed, we're on our way," responded Wraith. "Block, radio Sabre, tell him to get the ships ready, Epsilon Squad and Testament Squad, Secure the exterior, all other squads form up on Creed."

"Ma'am you always get the Fun," Came a voice over the comm. Z was fairly certain it was a humorous voice, but it was hard to tell, not knowing the person behind it.

"That's right Slapstick, and if you don't make sure I can strut out of this complex when we're done rigging it to blow a new lake in this planet, then I'm going to personally kick your ass up and down the Galaxy until we find the Oblivion."

Z heard several laughing voices on the Comm. So it was a joke, one that he'd have to get the backstory on. They were making their way toward Creed when suddenly Z felt very, very disoriented.... so much so that he stumbled and had to catch himself against the dirt wall. He closed his eyes to focus, but wasn't able to.

So many voices... so many thoughts, so many minds.... but so many of them rang with the same tune, so few sung their own songs anymore.

I had forgotten he thought to himself.

He wasn't sure when she had got to him, but he felt pressure on his shoulder plates, and opened his eyes to see Wraith right in front of him, hands on his shoulders, asking if he was all right.

It took Z a moment to put his thoughts back together, but he finally responded, "I'll be all right, Erin. I'd just forgotten about the Psi-net. And was just reminded in a rather unpleasant fashion."

Commando Squads didn't use first names often, generally only when the meant to drive a point home. She took it for what it was, gave Z a small shove, and said, "Good, I can't have you faltering now. My soldiers lives might depend on you being in top form. Get it in gear, Trooper."

Z smiled and nodded, then they went to the entry point Creed had found.

Yes, I'll have to do much thinking when we're done here.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

'Entry Point' was about the only word that fit it. While it may have once been a window, all the Commando's could see now was blasted out wall section that had been crudely covered with old metal plates. It'd still take a decent sized blast to get through them, but it sure beat the alternatives.

"All right, let's open it up and see if they rigged it up with traps, shall we?" said Wraith. It took a short time to get the explosives in place, but it only took a second for them to blow the plates to pieces. A few subsequent explosions confirmed that explosives HAD been set inside, should the wall be breached again. That meant their might be more.


"Send in the Drone," Wraith said over her comm, though it didn't need said.

"Sabre, I'm sending you POV imagery for our recon drones, holler if you see anything," Wraith said over another secure line as she patched video data through to Sabre's command center.

"Roger that, Ma'am, confirming receive," he replied. "How's the Admiral?"

"He's..... different," she responded.

"Oh?" asked Sabre.

"I don't know, it's hard to explain, it's like he's back, but it's like he never came back."

"Changed, is a good word, Wraith."

"Yeah..."

"Just remember that Princes aren't like us, it's entirely possible for him to forget everything, at the mere push of a button, really. All they have to do in those cloning vats is to....."

Wraith cut him off, "I know, I know... it's just hard."

"We both lost our families, Wraith."

"Look at me, here getting sentimental over...... stuff."

"Yeah, well remember that he's killed the closest thing he had at one point to a family, and I wouldn't put it past him to do it again, if he felt he had to, Wraith."

"You might be right. How's that video stream?"

"Bit of static, but we can work with it."

"When we call, you come running. We don't know what's in here."

"Roger that, Ma'am."

"And how did you know about that?"

Sabre took a moment to respond, ".... Let's just say certain prices have had to be paid over the years. The least of those some privacy."

Wraith didn't like the sound of that. It set off so many of her finely tuned 'Warning lights' that she forgot what she was doing for a moment.

Sabre? An Imperial Intel Agent? she thought, dumbfounded. No way.

But she'd been wrong before, and she knew it. But Would Sabre stab them all in the back like that, or was there something she didn't know about?

Her contemplation was cut short by a static burst in her helmet. She started, then heard a 'Ma'am?' over her comm.

"Yes, what?"

"I asked if we had permission to enter, the Drones report all clear?" came the response from one of her Squad commanders.

She was angry. It was becoming more and more common these days, her inability to control her temper the way she used to be able to.

"Well, did we come all the way here to just make some loud noises and blow up a wall? What do you think? Yes, if the drones say it's clear, then Shift it! Proceed with caution though, cause we all know how reliable Imperial tech and science is. Crap, All of it!"

She exhaled deeply, then punched the dirt wall.

I have to get a better control over this..... she thought as she grit her teeth. She knew Z was looking her way, watching.

But I won't give you the satisfaction of thinking you can still fix things the way you used to, before you stabbed me in the back..... she thought, as she turned and walked to the new hole in the wall without so much as glancing at Z.




Z frowned. Rage is a deadly enemy, Erin. Don't let it consume you.... as it has done to so many, including me.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

Occasional Checks of "Clear" were all that permeated the radio silence. In the darkness of the complex interior, every noise was exponentially magnified. Yet they knew that somewhere this facility was highly active. Still, the only thing the upper levels told of was battle, and abandonment. Such things suggested a droid ran facility, or else a much reduced personnel roster and loss of contact with supply chains. Either way, it looked grim.

"Stairwell located," came a call over the communications, "Sending in drones."

Wraith's voice came from somewhere in the dark over the comm device, "How's things up top?"

"All clear"

"Nothing here, Ma'am," came the responses.

"All right," said Wraith, "Wolf squad, keep the route from the stairway to entry point clear. All other squads, rally on the stair."

Z moved toward the HUD marker for the staircase, wondering if his secure line with Wraith was gonna activate. It took a minute or to longer than he expected, but eventually it did.

"Since you've been out of field work for so long, I don't know that I can rely on your scouting capability. So, you'll join up with Creed and move toward the ventilation shafts. I've uploaded a TACMAP Icon to your HUD. Find the vents, and what they are venting. Understood?"

"Yes Ma'am," replied Z. It was a quiet noise, but Z clearly heard a clicking of teeth, as if out of annoyance.

"When we get back to the ship, Colonel, we're going to have a serious talk, do I make MYSELF understood?" replied Z.

"You think you just get to...." started in Wraith.

"Yes, I quite believe I can, and you know damn well that if it comes to it, you and these marines would all die at my hand. You also know I choose to risk my life for theirs, and that I've given it in the past."

"I hardly think that concept applies the same to a Prince, Zroday," she said. She only used his full last name when she was angry.

"Look, there is a time and a place for this and it isn't....." started Z.

"And why not?" she cut him off.

"Because in case you hadn't noticed, the Security cameras in this facility are still on, masked in the air ducts so a drone wouldn't detect them," responded Z as he watched the light reflect off his helmet lamp on a minute lens."

An alarm sounded in the distance, emergency doors began sealing.

"A well laid trap," said Wraith. On her Command line, she said "Find Cover, quick! Sabre, get those birds moving!"

Z just registered Sabre's response when an auto turret dropped from the ceiling, whipped around to target the Commando across the room from Z, and open fire. Z had tried to yell, tried to raise his rifle to shoot, but it had moved too fast. The Commando fell dead after the auto turret ripped through his armor, and then it turned to fire at Z. Z jumped behind the remains of a barricade, dumped the empty magazine, and readied himself to take out the turret.


"Dammit Z, they've got Droids!," yelled Wraith. Z heard the depressurization of sonic weapons passing near Wraith.

"Get your squads regrouped, and have them secure defensible positions," said Z, entering that calm state of battle mentality.

"I hate it when you talk like that," said Wraith, and began trying to salvage her soldiers positions.
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty

[Ryaozk Zroday]

Excerpt from The Omega Project Combat Manual:

.... and at these times, your physical being gives you tools to help survive such situations. Many a Fool has cast aside Fear for what it was, and charged into a situation that has ultimately led to their death, sooner rather than later. Fear is a very useful tool. It allows you to heighten your senses for the trials ahead. However, you must be careful to not allow Cowardice to root itself in Fear. Fear should be a tool at your Command, while Cowardice causes us to turn from our great destinies. Cowards can never succeed.

Another tool your physical being lends in times of stress is adrenaline. This chemical reaction gives you much greater speed, agility, reflexes, strength, and endurance than you will have in calm times. This can be the decisive edge you may need against Princes of the Empire that you will one day have to face. They too will have it at their disposal, but your bodies are capable of responding to its effects better than theirs. While we do not approve the wanton murder of Imperial Assets, there are Princes that betray our beloved Empire. This occurrence is rare, but it does happen, and that is one service you will provide to our Empire: Restoring Order when it is upset from within.

While both of these tools are useful, your body gives you one far greater than both. This tool will give you focus beyond anything our chemical enhancements can provide, and will be as Adrenaline to the tenth power. It is up to you to master this tool, however, because it can control you. Your Anger and Rage burns like a Funeral Pyre in the dark of night. Let it drive you when all else fails, and let the injustices inflicted upon our glorious Empire by the barbaric Out Nations fuel your Rage. Some of you will not be strong enough to master this Tool. But most will. Find those who cannot, and know their weakness, for it is likely one day you will have to use this weakness against them, because their anger will consume them, and they will not be dutiful heroes of our great nation.

While your body provides many internal tools for surviving the impossible, any good Soldier knows what external tools he or she will need to survive........

Archival Note: Subjects were required to read this manual at 4 standard years of age. Text was nominated for The Epsilon Project, but at the Cataclysmic Failure of the Omega Project, Said Project was discarded.



Excerpt from Subject Log: Ryaozk Zroday

I know not what the future may Hold, Jaylor. I know only that what was done here has broken me forever. I've nothing but fury left. At times, I can control it. But at other times..... I know you wouldn't be proud of this. Maybe, someday, I can find a way to overcome it. But for now, They WILL pay dearly for what they've Done. And I shall be the one who collects.

Archival Note: Database for Omega Personal Records is corrupted shortly after this message.


Excerpt from Omega Project Active Roster, Classified: Red Clearance Only:

Admiral Jaylor Kaahn: KIA, Betrayal of the Empire
General Chester Garner: KIA, Convicted of Forging Documents to Cover up G.A. Kaahn's Deception
Chief Artificial Intelligence 11-92x 'Eljah': Corrupted, External Virus
Chief Scientist Endara Sammeal: KIA, Assassinated
Chief Imperial Specialist 'Sev': Active, Promoted for uncovering a plot against the Empire
Class Leader Timsez Malhez: KIA, Lost with all hands on The Hand of Judgment
Student 001: KIA, Complications during augmentation
Student 002: KIA, Battle of Eltari 4
Student 003: KIA, Training Accident
Student 004: MIA, Assumed KIA
Student 005: KIA, Lost with all hands on Sabre's Edge

Archival Note: Cause of Rebirth Failure unknown
_________________
"You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"
Fleeting Glimpse of Hope
The Risen
Heart-breaker Elite
Hell-Raiser/Fleet-Builder
Truth, Honor, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty