The attack carried out by the terrorist group ‘Remembrance’ ended in the total loss of present States Union Space Naval Forces, while the Remembrance forces retreated unscathed with their evil work done and the defence platform no more.
- The above newspaper article was pulled direct from the journalist's computer. They were here-after apprehended and remain in holding.
- Source of the leak who fed them this information; Unknown, integration ongoing.
- Status of the gag order on public information surrounding Defence Platform 3; Stable, for now.
Signed; Lt. Mcdee.
TA419 - 17/02,
TSU Assult-Carrier Curadh, Captain’s Office.
“Admiral, is it true?” Fred Synapse asked of the bald-headed leader on the other side of his computer screen.
“Are you somewhere secure?” Grand Admiral Columbae replied.
“I would trust any of the crew with my life!” Synapse snapped back. He immediately regretted it. Columbae was a good man and a good friend. With these constant raids, the Curadh rushing from place to place daily, perhaps they were getting to the old man - only a little, mind.
“Of course, I’m sorry,” Columbae all but bowed.
“No, no, Sir. I’m sorry that was out of line. I’m secure here.”
“Then yes, it’s true.” the Grand Admiral sighed, “Remembrance as good as waltzed right up to Platform 3 and simply blew it up.”
“Mother of–” Synapse muttered.
“There’s nothing the Curadh can do about this. Maintain your mission, Captain. Leave the rest to me,” Columbae said, sounding tired as all hell.
“Sir,” Synapse said, “I have another question. We keep picking up ships. Seven now; strays from everywhere. Is it really ok for the rouge unit to grow this much?”
Stolen novel; please report.
Columbae paused, “Yes, it's probably for the best. You’re the best measure I have right now. I don’t doubt you can keep them in line. I’m counting on you, old friend.”
“Very well, Sir.”
****
TA419 17/02,
TSU Assult-Carrier Curadh, Canteen.
Chas Collins took a seat in the Curadh's canteen. Today was a rare day with no battles in sight, apparently due to a rather scathing defeat somewhere far from the Curadh sending ripples throughout the organisation.
That rumoured defeat wasn’t of much concern to Chas and the young man found it rather pleasant to have worked out all morning before stopping in the rather homely canteen; getting his food from the dinner staff behind big box windows along the back wall of the room filled with benches and tables of dinners.
Despite being here for a little while now, Chas hadn't had many opportunities to settle into life aboard the spaceship. Almost every day was a battle; the sheer number of skirmishes was abnormal for any unit, or so his fellow pilots told him. He was definitely tired, but he didn't feel as mentally fatigued as he'd been expecting. After the Vandis incident, his mental scape had been a mess for weeks. Flashes of his friend's demise and their blood on his skin had plagued him. He’d itched and showered constantly - now, however, between a liberal dose of sleeping medication and all this combat to keep him occupied - Chas was finding himself oddly lighter.
"He-yo Chas," Ensign Gemon said, taking a seat across the table. A hand gently squeezed his shoulder as Ensign Yazan came from behind and took a chair beside him.
"Afternoon Sirs,"
"’Sirs’ still is it?" Yazan said with a laugh, "Imagine you as a 'Sir' Gemon."
"Hah! Same goes for you! Everyone knows you only made ensign by an admin error."
"Oh ya? If I'm an admin error, you're just a general-purpose mistake."
Chas found himself chuckling at the two's banter and ever-present smiles. They made for warm company.
"This old chestnut again, eh? Would it help if I just demoted you both back?" Commander Moncha said as he strode up and took the final spot at the table.
They continued back and forth a little more before the Commander raised his hand to ask for a moment's quiet. He turned to fix his eyes on Chas, "Heard you really went at it in the gym, good stuff, kid."
Chas nodded, "Thank you, Sir."
To his surprise, he noticed Moncha's expression was a little more serious than normal; in fact the two ensigns had also begun to look a little more concerned, a rare thing on their faces.
"Ya know, Chas, on down days like today, if ya ever need to talk, we're here for ya. We've all been where you are; starting out in this business is no mean feat."
"I appreciate it, Boss, but honestly, ‘am actually feeling pretty good," Chas smiled. He was proud of that smile because it came naturally; he knew he was forcing nothing, and that surely meant he was succeeding in his new career.
The trio around him did their best to return it, but there was no earnesty in their faces, for Chas's smile had the opposite effect. Overconfidence was one of many reactions to this life, one they'd seen on many a recruit before - but Chas was different. With the Casnel at his fingertips, the ship’s doctor confirmed some Magi capacity, and his skills were improving daily; where might that confidence lead? To the trio at the table, Chas’s smile was slowly but surely beginning to be anything but reassuring.