Chapter I – Not As Peaceful as It Seems
Commander Riley smacked side the navigation screen in front of him.
"Dam this!" Riley shouted, "Why did I ever want to command this ship?" Just as he said that a figure walked through door and approached Riley.
"Ah Commander Riley!" The figure said rather sarcastically, "I have some grave news, Could you tell all command personnel to report to the conference chamber on the Ops deck next week at 19:00 hrs."
"Admiral Moon! I thought you were dead after the engagement at Black Hole Sun?" Riley Inquired.
"No, my ship was destroyed, I managed to get out on my fighter before it blew." Moon explained "anyway we have work to do now, do not forget to be at the conference chamber on the Ops deck next week at 19:00hrs!"
"Sir!" Bows Shouted.
"What is it Lieutenant?" Riley inquired
"Sir, scanners have detected a Xenon fleet closing on our position fast!" Bows explained.
"Launch the fighters! ALL CREW, BATTLESTATIONS!" Riley Ordered.
The Dauntless heavy cruiser began to move as Xenon Ns came in for an attack. Gamma HEPT bolts were fired from the defense turrets A mixture of fighters came from the hangar bays of the ship. The fighting got fierce as several Ns were gunned down by Gamma HEPT fire from the cruiser. But at that point a Xenon Destroyer moved into the fray and opened fire on the Dauntless. The Dauntless turned to face the Xenon Ship so it could get the deadly lance cannons into play. The fighting was so fierce now as all there was a lethal exchange of ordinance. The Dauntless launched 2 hornets at a couple of Ls that were firing at the bridge. The Hornets destroyed both targets as soon as they impacted. The Dauntless was now flying head on to the Xenon Destroyer, then 2 very bright beams of laser came from the Dauntless and went straight through the Xenon Destroyer, which has now been heavily damaged and crippled. A squad of 4 Trident bombers were launched from the dauntless and were flying towards the Xenon Carrier which was pumping out fighters left, right & center. Instantly the Tridents came under attack by Xenon Ms. Alpha PAC Blasts came from the Tridents defense turrets. 2 Xenon Ms got ripped to shreds by 8 PAC blasts hitting the engine and cockpit. The Bombers were now in firing range of the Xenon Carrier and Gamma HEPT bolts came from the Bombers and the Carrier. Just as the bombers were about to release their bombs an HEPT blast from the carrier took down 1 of the bombers and crippled one other. The crippled bomber’s crew ejected as the pilot made the bomber fly straight into the carrier’s bridge. A huge explosion rocked the carrier as the bomber impacted the bridge. More explosions followed as the remaining 2 bombers dropped their space bombs on the carrier. The carrier lies crippled with a huge hull breach. Then the 2 bombers turned around and fired their Gamma HEPTs at the dead carrier. The ship exploded and was nothing more than a piece of drifting debris. The Tridents returned to the Dauntless as the Dauntless’ fighters and turrets finished off the remaining Xenon fighters.
"Sir!" Bows shouted "We have won, but hangar bays 2 & 3 were heavily damaged."
"Good! Get engineering to the damaged parts of the ship" Riley ordered with a smile. "Lieutenant Gi, set the jumpdrive coordinates for Argon Prime, we must let the Argon know about the recent movements & activities of the Xenon.
"Yes Sir" Gi Acknowledged.
20 hrs later
The Dauntless emerged from the South Gate in Argon Prime.
"What the hell has happened here?" Riley asked? "Where are all the factories and the Titan Destroyer that operates here?"
The system was deserted and empty, bits of debris were floating around.
"Bows! Scan for any life out there, if you get any results get them onboard!" Riley ordered
"At Once Sir!" Bows acknowledged. " Sir I have got 2 life readings on the scanner, I’m dispatching a Ganymede Mk2 to recover them."
The Mk Ganymede was in theory still a normal Paranid Ganymede, but it is more of a passenger transport – due to it having a life support system installed. Also it houses a Beta PAC turret for defense.
The Ganymede left the transporter hangar and flew directly towards the 2 life signatures. 2 people in spacesuits were next to each other when the Ganymede stopped near them and the 2 survivors flew into the airlock of the Ganymede and were safely aboard. The survivors kept saying that it was big and it suddenly appeared out of no-where.
"It took down the Titan first then it just completely destroyed the system!" the 2 survivors shouted. "Get out of this system now! Or we are all gonna die!"
"Dauntless, This is rescue 1 we are coming in for a quick dock, as soon as we dock clear the system! According to the survivors what ever did this will come back!" the pilot said.
"Rescue 1 that is 10/4 dock as soon as you can, Dauntless out"
The Ganymede was entering the hangar when a huge Titanic object appeared behind the Dauntless!
"We are scanning an unknown obj….It has opening fire!" Bows reported
"Emergency jump to Kingdom End!" Riley ordered
"Ai Sir!" Bows Acknowledged
A weapon that has never been seen before then hit the Dauntless hard. The engines were damaged but as the Unknown ship prepared to fire again the Dauntless vanished into hyperspace.
At last the Dauntless appeared at the South Gate in Kingdom End. The system was still there and carried one as if nothing had happened.
"Greetings Argon Ship! This is the Boron Carrier Shark! Welcome to the Boron Kingdom!" The Shark Captain Greeted
"Greetings Carrier Shark! We have grave news indeed!" Riley Reported
"Argon Ship, you appear heavily damaged, I have a feeling that the news is indeed grim! Please dock at the shipyard where Boron engineers will repair the damage to your ship. Queen Atreus has requested you to fly to the Trade Station and go to the main meeting hall, also bring your command crew with you." The Shark Captain reported
"Thank you carrier Shark, We are flying to shipyard now Dauntless Out!"
Several things raced through Riley’s mind – how would the Boron take the news of ‘phantom ships’? Would they just laugh at him or believe him? Also what was that ship that destroyed Argon Prime and attacked the Dauntless? Was it Xenon or was it some race we have never met?
1 day later
The transport docked at the Boron trade station, Riley and the command crew walked off the ship and were shown to the meeting hall where they saw Queen Atreus and the Shark Captain. They took their seats and the meeting began.
"Greetings Commander Riley and the Crew of the Dauntless!" Atreus said. "I hear you have some news?"
"That is correct your majesty" Riley acknowledged. "We just finished a Xenon raiding force in the system Split Fire. We then jumped to Argon Prime to find it completely deserted and void of life except for 2 survivors, who we rescued, they are currently being treated in the infirmary of the ship. We were just about to depart when an unknown ship suddenly appeared behind us and fired at us. The engines were heavily damaged and we were lucky to make it out of the system alive." Riley Reported
"Ha ha ha ha" the Shark Captain laughed "Phantom Ships! He he he!"
"Enough Captain!" Atreus ordered. "Even if this sounds weird we must send a scout ship into Argon Prime and bring back a report of the sightings. Commander Riley, Do you know which race controls this ‘ship’ at all?"
"No your majesty, but we are certain it is not Xenon, Argon, Paranid, Split, Teladi, Pirate, Goner & Boron." Riley Stated
"Hmm maybe it could be a new race? We will send in a scout squad of Octopus ships and see what the report says" Atreus said. "Also Commander Riley, if you could also assist by flying around the other races and asking about new race sightings and new ship sightings."
"Understood! We will do what we can" Riley acknowledged.
Riley and the command crew flew back to the Dauntless and to their amazement the ship was repaired and it had 5 Eels added to the fighter compliment as well as 10 Piranhas. The Octopus scouts were seen leaving the shipyard en-route to Argon Prime. Riley went straight to the bridge when he got back onto the Dauntless. He Saw Admiral Axen Moon waiting for him.
"Riley, the ship that attacked you has got some sort of device which allows it to go undetected until it opens fire. I have got R & D researching the theory now. I suggest you head first for Teladi Space for your mission they will be able to tell you if any new pirates have come into the scene." Moon explained.
"Thank you sir! Hopefully the skilled R & D team will make a breakthrough!" Riley acknowledged
Moon nodded at Riley and left the bridge.
"Ok Bows, prepare for departure!" Riley ordered
Chapter 2 - The Smell of Spaceweed - coming soon
comments please - go easy though- this is my first story
cheers
CG
ps. also i am thinking about introducing a personal touch later on - in other words if any of you would like to be in this story then please say
My Story (The Long Lost & Forgotten Empire) Chapter 2 (Part 1 of 2)....
Chapter II – The Smell of Spaceweed
Admiral Axen Moon was sitting at a table in the mess hall smoking a joint of Spaceweed when he noticed a new person that he had never seen before looking for somewhere to sit and eat the stuff that looked like dog food. Being friendly Moon told the person they could sit with him.
"Thanks" the person, said quite nervously.
"I see you are new on this ship?" Moon inquired
"Yes, name is Gold, Rank – Commander" Gold explained.
"Ah, well I’m Admiral Moon, welcome aboard this ship Commander Gold!" Moon greeted.
"Well Admiral, I should know everything about this ship sir. I designed her!" Gold explained
Admiral Moon pretended to be amazed but he was kind of jealous that Gold designed this ship. Someone he has just known for 5 minutes has already taken his pride of ship designing away. Moon had designed the Trident bomber, which proved to be lethal against capital ships.
"Well it has been good meeting you Commander!" Moon said pretending to be friendly. "I have work to do so I will leave you to eat your mess."
Gold saluted Admiral Moon and Moon saluted back.
"See you around Sir!" Gold said cheerfully.
Meanwhile on the bridge Riley was looking at the navigation screen.
"Only 1 more sector to go before we reach Teladi Space" Riley announced. "What the hell is that?" Riley shouted. Outside in space a weird object flew by. It was definitely a ship, more like a heavily customized Paranid Prometheus.
"Sir! We are being hailed by the ship!" Bows explained
"Greetings Dauntless, allow me to introduce myself" the pilot said, "my name is Zog and I am part of the Golden Opportunities Guild based in Bala Gi’s Joy."
"Greetings Zog! I am Commander Riley, Commander of this ship, em can we help at all?" Riley greeted.
"Yes, I was sent by the Boron Kingdom to help you on your search for this ‘new’ race." Zog explained "the Octopus scouts never returned from Argon Prime, so what ever attack you and killed Argon Prime is a big threat to the Universe."
"Indeed Zog, please dock in hangar 1" Riley ordered
"Thank you Commander! Zog Out"
Admiral Moon came up to the bridge and asked Riley whom that was who just docked in hangar bay 1. The look on his face was not a pretty sight.
"Admiral, that was Zog, If our records are correct believe you already know him?" Riley explained.
"Zog? What does he want?" Moon replied looking annoyed.
"He was sent by the Boron Kingdom to assist with the mission" Riley explained further.
Admiral Moon gave Riley a dirty look and left the bridge. Riley began to wonder if Zog and Moon do not get along? Riley went back to his seat and looked at the security screen. He could see Moon appoaching Zog. Riley was about to order security to go there, but he watched. Until Moon laid a punch into Zog’s gut. Riley then ordered security personnel to go to that location and break up what was now a fight. Admiral Moon was punched around the head and beaten to the ground by Zog. Zog then drew a knife and was about to stab Moon, but security troops stunned him and Moon with shock rods. Both of them were then taken to the Brig.
"Dam Moon!" Riley shouted! "What is his problem?" Riley was getting suspicious of Moons intentions that he ordered Moon to be fitted with a tracer tag. Zog was released from the Brig shortly after he was put in, and he headed straight for the mess deck to grab something to eat.
Commander Gold walked onto the bridge and Riley turned and noticed him. Riley was a good friend of Gold.
"Gold!" Riley Shouted, "it has been some time!"
"Ah, Riley, indeed it has" Gold greeted.
Gold noticed the screen that was showing Moon in the brig. Gold began wondering why Moon was in the Brig. It was certainly the same person he met in the mess hall.
"Riley, why is Admiral Moon in the brig?" Gold inquired
"He had a fight with the new person on the ship, Zog" Riley explained.
"Zog!, what is he doing on the ship?" Gold asked
"You know him?" Riley replied.
"Yes, he is a member of Golden Opportunities, I’m the Commander" Gold explained, "Zog would not start a fight Riley!"
"He did not!" Riley stated, "Admiral Moon started it!" Gold started to wonder how Zog knew Moon?
Part 2 – coming soon!!
comments?
i will start part 2 later tonight
cheers
CG
Chapter II – The Smell of Dead Spaceweed
Admiral Axen Moon was sitting at a table in the mess hall smoking a joint of Spaceweed when he noticed a new person that he had never seen before looking for somewhere to sit and eat the stuff that looked like dog food. Being friendly Moon told the person they could sit with him.
"Thanks" the person, said quite nervously.
"I see you are new on this ship?" Moon inquired
"Yes, name is Gold, Rank – Commander" Gold explained.
"Ah, well I’m Admiral Moon, welcome aboard this ship Commander Gold!" Moon greeted.
"Well Admiral, I should know everything about this ship sir. I designed her!" Gold explained
Admiral Moon pretended to be amazed but he was kind of jealous that Gold designed this ship. Someone he has just known for 5 minutes has already taken his pride of ship designing away. Moon had designed the Trident bomber, which proved to be lethal against capital ships.
"Well it has been good meeting you Commander!" Moon said pretending to be friendly. "I have work to do so I will leave you to eat your mess."
Gold saluted Admiral Moon and Moon saluted back.
"See you around Sir!" Gold said cheerfully.
Meanwhile on the bridge Riley was looking at the navigation screen.
"Only 1 more sector to go before we reach Teladi Space" Riley announced. "What the hell is that?" Riley shouted. Outside in space a weird object flew by. It was definitely a ship, more like a heavily customized Paranid Prometheus.
"Sir! We are being hailed by the ship!" Bows explained
"Greetings Dauntless, allow me to introduce myself" the pilot said, "my name is Zog and I am part of the Golden Opportunities Guild based in Bala Gi’s Joy."
"Greetings Zog! I am Commander Riley, Commander of this ship, em can we help at all?" Riley greeted.
"Yes, I was sent by the Boron Kingdom to help you on your search for this ‘new’ race." Zog explained "the Octopus scouts never returned from Argon Prime, so what ever attack you and killed Argon Prime is a big threat to the Universe."
"Indeed Zog, please dock in hangar 1" Riley ordered
"Thank you Commander! Zog Out"
Admiral Moon came up to the bridge and asked Riley whom that was who just docked in hangar bay 1. The look on his face was not a pretty sight.
"Admiral, that was Zog, If our records are correct believe you already know him?" Riley explained.
"Zog? What does he want?" Moon replied looking annoyed.
"He was sent by the Boron Kingdom to assist with the mission" Riley explained further.
Admiral Moon gave Riley a dirty look and left the bridge. Riley began to wonder if Zog and Moon do not get along? Riley went back to his seat and looked at the security screen. He could see Moon approaching Zog. Riley was about to order security to go there, but he watched. Until Moon laid a punch into Zog’s gut. Riley then ordered security personnel to go to that location and break up what was now a fight. Admiral Moon was punched around the head and beaten to the ground by Zog. Zog then drew a knife and was about to stab Moon, but security troops stunned him and Moon with shock rods. Both of them were then taken to the Brig.
"Dam Moon!" Riley shouted! "What is his problem?" Riley was getting suspicious of Moons intentions that he ordered Moon to be fitted with a tracer tag. Zog was released from the Brig shortly after he was put in, and he headed straight for the mess deck to grab something to eat.
Commander Gold walked onto the bridge and Riley turned and noticed him. Riley was a good friend of Gold.
"Gold!" Riley Shouted, "it has been some time!"
"Ah, Riley, indeed it has" Gold greeted.
Gold noticed the screen that was showing Moon in the brig. Gold began wondering why Moon was in the Brig. It was certainly the same person he met in the mess hall.
"Riley, why is Admiral Moon in the brig?" Gold inquired
"He had a fight with the new person on the ship, Zog" Riley explained.
"Zog! what is he doing on the ship?" Gold asked
"You know him?" Riley replied.
"Yes, he is a member of Golden Opportunities, I’m the Commander" Gold explained, "Zog would not start a fight Riley!"
"He did not!" Riley stated, "Admiral Moon started it!" Gold started to wonder how Zog knew Moon?
6 Hours Later
Admiral Moon had a queer look on his face when he was finally released from the brig. It was if he is planning something, but no one knows what he is up to.
Commander Gold and Commander Riley were on the bridge, the Dauntless had just entered Ceo’s Buckzoid, but a small pirate force attacked the Dauntless. Fighters were launched and immediately attacked the pirate fighters. The 2 Orinocos were quickly gunned down by the Dauntless’ turrets. The 1 Mandalay was finished off by an Alpha HEPT blast straight through the Cockpit vaporizing the pilot as well as the ship.
The fighting turned fierce as even more pirates entered the system.
"Dam! Where did they come from?" Riley Grunted
"Hmm, it seems if the pirates knew we were coming here," Gold Acknowledged, "they were lying in wait for us to appear from the gate."
"I wonder how they knew we were coming?" Riley asked?
"Sir, I have a feeling it is to do with Admiral Moon" Bows explained, "the guy gives me the creeps sir!"
"Hmm, I must admit there is something strange about him." Riley agreed, "I noticed he changed the pass to the R & D and had deactivated the security system. We still have not been able to get it back online."
"Hmm, I have a feeling that he is up to something?" Gold inquired, "you said you put that tracer on him?"
"Yes, he is currently in R & D." Riley said promptly.
Just then screen in front of Bows flicked on and Zog appeared in the screen.
"Commander Riley!" Zog shouted desperately
"What is it Zog & why are you in R & D? That area is restricted!" Riley explained.
"Riley listen to me! I may lose com completely at any second, Moon has got some sort operation set up down here, he told the pirates about the ship entering Teladi space, that is why we were ambushed! Moon is a traitor! He is working for someone else, I am unsure who though!" Zog explained, "Riley, I suggest you have Moon arrested before it is too late!"
"Zog, get your ass out of there! Moon is coming down on your position!" Riley shouted "MOVE!"
"Dam! Riley, I’ll meet you on the bridge!" Zog acknowledged.
Moon was aware Zog was spying, he drew a laser pistol and followed Zog. Moon fired 2 shots off at Zog but they missed and burned a mark on the wall. The R & D section was flashing red on Bow’s screen.
"Sir! Weapons have been fired in R & D!" Bows reported
"Dispatch security troops and have Admiral Moon arrested for treason!" Riley ordered.
Moon fired another shot this time hitting Zog in his right arm, but Zog kept on running towards the Exit of R & D. The security team blew the main door apart and entered R & D and found Zog running towards them and Moon following. Moon fired off 4 more shots killing 2 of the troops and wounding one of other. The rest of the troops fired back at Moon by they missed him as he ran back down the corridor towards the Transporter Hangar. The troops followed him firing even more shots but still missing Moon. Moon eventually got to the Transporter hangar and boarded a docked Paranid Ganymede Mk2. The engines fired up. The ship had just left the hangar as the Troops arrived, and fired on the ship. The Beta PAC turret fired back, killing 5 troops. The remaining troops then dived for cover. Moon had escaped and there was no telling where his destination was. The tracer tag on him was useless outside of the Dauntless.
"Dam!" Riley shouted, and smacked the navigation screen with anger.
"Riley, we have a mission to get on with, we can worry about Moon later" Gold explained.
"Your right Gold, we must carry on with the mission" Riley agreed, "but I’m gonna find Moon! When I do, he will die painful death!"
Chapter III – An Unexpected Surprise - Comming Soon!
i re-named the chapter to the smell of dead spaceweed
comments?
cheers
CG 
Chapter III – An Unexpected Surprise
The Dauntless appeared at the West Gate in Siezewell and flew toward the Shipyard in that sector. Gold had a thought that maybe Siezewell is a link to the mysterious planet Earth? Gold looked plain in the face whilst thinking and did not respond when Riley called him.
"GOLD!"
Still Gold remained silent but then turned round and gave Riley a queer look. Gold was not himself; it could easily be seen by the expression on his face and his attitude. Gold finally talked to Riley,
"Sorry Riley, I must leave the ship for a while and put forward something to the Golden Opportunities council. Therefor I must return to Bala Gi’s Joy and dock at the GO shipyard."
Riley looked very surprised at Gold for announcing that he is leaving just like that; it must be a good reason as Gold is either busy or not busy even when not busy he seems to be busy!
"Gold, I hope to see you again mate!" Riley Explained "Look after yourself!" Gold tried not to notice Riley, but Gold turned round and acknowledged.
"You’ll see me again Riley! Just you count on it!" Gold nodded at Riley and left the bridge and headed towards hangar 3 where his customized Argon Elite was.
Riley looked out of the bridge and saw Gold’s ship blast off out of the hangar and then suddenly vanish into space. Riley then walked over to his seat and slumped himself down and scratched his head. The Teladi shipyard was now within auto docking range of the advance-docking computer manufactured by B.N.J. Heavy Spaceworks. The Dauntless was equipped with one. Riley was still wondering where Moon had gotten to and weather he was still alive so when he finds him there will be something to hurt. Riley turned and looked at Bows, hesitated then said,
"Bows dock the ship at the Teladi shipyard and ask for the Teladi in charge."
"Yes sir" Bows acknowledged. The Dauntless’ docking computer came online and performed a perfect dock to the shipyard. The Trade screen flashed up on Riley’s screen. Riley began to think about buying a Space Fuel Distillery.
"Bows, has the cargo bay got enough space to store a factory?" Riley inquired.
"Sir, looking at our current ship specs, there is more than enough room, but why are you thinking about buying a factory?" Bows acknowledged.
"I just remembered that a long time ago I was going to buy a factory and place it in Bala Gi’s Joy with Golden Opportunities," Riley explained.
"Oh, I see. Well it is your decision sir," Bows acknowledged.
Riley looked at his screen and selected the Space Fuel Distillery and confirmed he wanted to buy. At that moment the credits were deducted from his account and the Space Fuel Distillery components loaded into the Dauntless’ cargo bay. 3 Teladi Vultures were also bought along with 1 Falcon, 2 Hawks and 2 Bats. The ships were ordered to dock with the Dauntless, this went through virtually instant as the flashing amber lights could be seen at the Shipyard’s doors.
Bows turned to Riley and said,
"The Teladi in charge of this sector is waiting for us in the shipyard sir!" Bows explained.
"Ok, let’s go and meet him" Riley acknowledged.
30 Minutes Later
"Dam Teladi customs!" Riley grunted, "ok, where do we go now?"
As Riley wondered where him and the command crew should go someone using an intercom spoke,
"Welcome Commander Riley! If you follow the green linessss on the wallssss you will find me in a sssssmall meeting room" the person said with a Teladi accent.
At last Riley and the command crew found the room and Teladi in charge of the sector waiting for them.
"Greetingsssssss! Can we make some profitssss together?" The Teladi greeted.
"Greetings Chairman! We are on a mission, and we have come here in search of some help." Riley explained.
"We Teladi would be delighted to help you in any way!" The chairman replied. "What isssss your problem then?"
"Thank you chairman! Not so long ago the system Argon Prime was destroyed by an unknown force, we were lucky to make it out alive! Anyway, we then went to Kingdom End and the Boron Scout ships never returned from Argon Prime. The Boron Queen asked us to go around the other races and seek out any information regarding any sightings of strange ships or another race never seen before. Also it may be new Pirates that have got hold of big ships. Have you any news on this?" Riley explained.
"Now that you mention it, there was a report of carrier like ship that wassss ssseen flying through the ssssector Sssscale Plate Green. It issss definitely not Xenon or any other race known. Also it isss not a Pirate ship either. Thissss sssship wassss sssseen ssseveral timesss! Maybe you will sssee it for yourssself ifff you fly to Sssscale Plate Green?" The chairman reported.
"Thank you for this information chairman!" Riley acknowledged, "we will be flying to Scale Plate Green and will check it out!"
"Glad to be of asssssissstance!" The chairman said cheerfully.
Riley and the command crew left the room and headed back to the Dauntless.
10 Hours Later
The Dauntless was now in Split Space flying to Scale Plate Green to investigate the ship sightings that the Teladi Chairman told them about. Riley was again thinking about Moon and seeing his Laser Rapier cutting Moons head off. Riley smirked when he thought of that part.
He also started wondering if Moon already knew about these Unknowns?
Just then the Dauntless was hailed by a Split Mamba.
"Captain, this is Cho‘lnt of the Split Dynasty, we have been told that you are on a mission and we have have some information for you!" Cho’lnt said in a typical rude Split accent. "Fly to family Pride now and dock with shipyard , Cho’lnt out!"
"Bows set the course for the shipyard in family pride!" Riley ordered, "best not to piss off these Split!"
"At once sir!" Bows acknowledged.
Riley then had another thought, should he actually go to Family Pride and see what the Split say or Carry onto Scale Plate Green? As he was thinking he could see a battle in the distance, the battle was quickly getting nearer to the Dauntless. Riley clearly saw it was the SAS and the Enforcers having a fight, and a big fight to!
The Enforcers drew the SAS nearer to the Dauntless in search of some ‘helpful’ fire. But Riley ordered all gunners to hold fire. The 2 destroyers were seen flying towards the Battle with all guns blazing!
Riley had to think what he would do here!
Chapter IV – In The Thick Of It - coming soon!
Comments? - is there anything that MUST be in this story at all?
cheers
CG
Chapter IV – In the Thick of It
The 2 destroyers came right into the battle firing every gun they had. The Dauntless was hit several times by Gamma HEPT blasts that were flying around everywhere. Even more HEPT fire then hit the Dauntless hard. One of the destroyers had turned round and attacked the Dauntless.
"ALL GUNNERS FIRE!" Riley Ordered.
The Dauntless’ turrets turned round and fired back at the Destroyer. 4 Hornet missiles were launched from the Dauntless and Trident Bombers were dispatched to attack the Destroyer. A wing of Elites was also launched in case any fighters attack the Dauntless.
"Which race is operating this destroyer?" Riley demanded.
"It is a Split Python sir" Bows answered.
"What is it with these dam Split? First the want to help us and now they dam well attack us!" Riley acknowledged.
Just then a huge explosion rocked the Dauntless as Hornet missile from the attacking destroyer impacted the engines.
"Engine integrity at 35% Sir!" Bows reported
"Ok, lets play some chicken with this Python!" Riley ordered. "Turn the ship and fly dead on to that Python, we shall ram him."
The Dauntless started to move, but a Python is much faster than the Dauntless is. The python dead not chase the Dauntless; the Trident Bombers were harassing it.
The Dauntless stopped and began to turn around so she was in direct line to the Python.
"All Crew, CLEAR ALL SECTIONS NEAR RAMMING CAP!" Riley ordered.
The Dauntless then moved out with a turbo boost, and flew directly towards the Python.
About 5 seconds later there was an almighty crash as the Dauntless impacted the attacking Python, seriously crippling it.
The Python lies motionless but still active as its Guns were still blazing. The Squad of Tridents then went in and released an ordinance of space bombs, which turned the Python into a drifting hulk.
"That showed him!" Riley cheered!
"It sure did sir!" Bows acknowledged, "but if you notice our Split rankings have turned to enemy!"
"OK, re-set a course to Scale Plate Green!" Riley ordered. "Oh, and dispatch an engineering team to repair our engines to full integrity."
"At once sir!" Bows said cheerfully.
The SAS and Enforcer fight seemed to be calming down and the other Python had already left the sector. Riley had another thought about Moons whereabouts. It is all Riley seemed to think about now.
Zog then appeared on the Bridge, he had obviously been and had his wound on his arm treated as he appeared in good health.
"Ah, Zog, thank you for flushing Moon out like that!" Riley thanked. "It was dangerous of you to be there, as a token of your courage, I hereby award you the Service Medal, congratulations!"
"Thank you Commander Riley!" Zog acknowledged whilst saluting Riley. Riley saluted back and turned to look at the screen that started to flash. It was a call from B.N.J. Heavy Spacework Industries.
"Greetings Commander Riley! I am Boris, owner and president of B.N.J." Boris greeted.
"Ah, Greetings Boris! What can we do for you?" Riley acknowledged.
"We have been in talks with the Golden Opportunities research and development team and we have both produced an advanced computer for tracking these ‘unknown’ ships that have been sighted." Boris reported, "we have decided that the Dauntless would be a great ship to install the components. I am currently en-route to you and will meet you in Scale Plate Green, well that is where Gold said you will be."
"Thank you Boris! We shall meet you in Scale Plate Green then!" Riley replied.
"Thank you Riley! Boris Out."
Riley was exited about Boris computer. If it does track the unknown ships then it will give the Dauntless a better chance against one of them!
10 Hours Later
The navigation light in front of Riley flashed; the Dauntless was now about to enter Scale Plate Green. Riley again thought about what he was going to see if they could see an unknown ship. He was also very exited about getting that computer off of Boris!
Chapter 5 - Contact! - comming soon!
a smaller chapter - but any comments?
cheers
CG
Chapter V – Contact!
"My god!" Riley said as the Dauntless entered Scale Plate Green. "LAUNCH ALL FIGHTERS!" A huge battle was in progress between the Teladi and the unknown ships. A Teladi Bat came to scan the Dauntless to see if it was a friendly, but an unknown fighter shot the Bat. The Bat spun out of control and collided with one of the Lance cannons and put it out of action. Luckily the pilot ejected and managed to get aboard the Dauntless. The Unknown fighter turned and attacked the Dauntless, but the Gamma HEPT bolts from the Dauntless’ turrets completely ripped the fighter to little pieces of debris.
"Riley, I am tracking Boris’ ship he is heading towards us, but 3 of the unknown fighters are on an intercept vector" Bows reported.
"Zog, this is Riley, take your squad and escort the ship at bearing 215!" Riley ordered, "Make sure that ship stays in one piece!"
"On way now Riley, I have Squad also following" Zog acknowledged.
"Dauntless! Dauntless! This is Boris! I require immediate assistance! I have 3 bogies on my tail! Shields at 75% and falling!" Boris shouted.
"Boris, I have a fighter squad that has just reached your location, they will be engaging and escorting you any minute" Riley acknowledged.
"I see them!" Boris said with more delight.
Zog and his squad engaged the fighters attacking Boris’ ship. Zog engaged one of the ships and fired. The Alpha HEPT bolt tore a hole in the ship and vaporized the Pilot. But the fighter’s wingmen attacked Zog. Zog’s ship was hit hard by what seemed to be Beta HEPT fire. Boris’ ship was out of the way and was close enough to be protected by the Dauntless. Zog turned and fired back at the Fighter attacking him, he saw the other unknown fighter spin out of control and explode, obviously his Squad had destroyed it. Zog launched a Hornet missile and the unknown fighter was completely vaporized when the hornet hit.
"Well done Zog! Boris is safe, just fly near the Dauntless and be ready to escort a flight of Tridents we are launching to attack that Unknown capital ship" Riley said.
"Thank you Riley! My Squad is ready" Zog replied.
Boris appeared on the Bridge with the computer component.
"Greetings Commander Riley!" Boris greeted "I have this to install to your ships main computer!"
"Greetings Boris! I am glad to meet you and receive this computer!" Riley greeted. "Hopefully it will give us an edge over these Unknowns?"
"Well it was a joint measure with BNJ Heavy Spaceworks and the Golden Opportunities Research and Development Team. We have produced a computer able to detect these Bastards from a great distance, I’m talking sector wise." Boris explained.
Riley look surprised and said,
"So that is where Gold went to then?"
"Yes, Gold headed up the research and I headed to production of the component." Boris replied. "Gold should be on his way back, but his squad of fighters came under Pirate attack."
"Hey, what the hell is that?" Riley asked as a weird looking ship passed by.
"That, hmm, looks like Rantamplan?" Boris replied, "Well if you see ships chasing after that ship, it is definitely Ranta!"
Boris and Riley both laughed.
"Ok Riley, I better go and install this component, where is the main ship computer mainframe located?" Boris asked.
"The mainframe is on the Ops deck, 2 decks below the bridge" Riley answered.
"Thank you Riley!" Boris replied as he left the bridge.
"Zog, is your squad ready?" Riley asked.
"Affirmative Riley!" Zog replied.
A squad of 6 Trident Bombers was launched from the Dauntless and headed towards the main battle, where the Unknown capital ship was currently attacking a Solar Power Plant. Zog’s fighter squad escorted the Tridents to their target. The fighting was very fierce; Teladi Falcons were a very common sight due to them being stronger and more deadly than the Hawk and Bat. A Phoenix destroyer was seen entering the system and headed directly for that unknown capital ship that the Trident Bombers were now firing on. The Tridents flew over the hull of the ship and released the space bombs. Multiple explosions were seen from the Dauntless as the bombers heavily crippled the unknown ship. The Teladi Phoenix attacked the crippled ship and finished it off, then it went after the remaining unknown fighters. The Tridents were flying back to base when they came under attack. Zog’s squad immediately engaged the attackers and the Bombers’ turrets were firing Alpha PAC shots back at the attackers. One of the bombers was hit very hard by a shot from one of the attackers that was then destroyed by Zog. The bomber was heavily damaged and none of its turrets were functioning. With no defense the bomber was an easy target for the enemy.
"Zog, look after that bomber that has had its turrets gunned away!" Riley ordered.
"Sure thing!" Zog replied, but it was too late, the Crippled Trident was at the receiving end of several bright green laser bolts. The bomber span out of control, the gunners had been killed and the pilot was injured, but he managed to eject from the ship before it exploded.
A rescue ship was scrambled from the Dauntless and it headed towards the Trident Pilot. Zog ordered his squad to protect the other bombers as he stayed with the Trident Pilot.
"Pilot, is there a rescue ship coming?" the Trident pilot asked in great pain.
"Yes, it is on its way. Oh by the way, call me Zog" Zog replied.
"The name is Duke, good to meet you Zog!" Duke responded, "Thank you for staying to watch over me!"
"No problem, I never leave an injured or fallen comrade behind!" Zog replied.
Duke had a smile on his face as the rescue ship took him into the main airlock.
"Dauntless, this is rescue 1, returning home with 1 injured pilot aboard."
"Acknowledged rescue 1, good work! Riley out."
The remaining Tridents had now docked safely on the Dauntless. Teladi forces were now chasing the remaining invaders out of the sector.
"All fighters, return to Dauntless, well done!" Riley ordered.
Zog’s squad was the first to return after that message and were followed in by the surviving ships.
"Ok Bows, take the dauntless back to Kingdom End!" Riley ordered, "We must let the Boron Queen know of our success"
"Yes sir!" Bows replied with some joy.
Riley looked out of the bridge window and saw a ship he had seen before.
"WAIT!" Riley shouted, "That is Moon!"
Chapter VI – Apprehension - coming soon!
any comments?
cheers
CG
Chapter VI – Apprehension
"Riley come back!" Bows shouted, but he was too late Riley had left the bridge and was heading to the main hangar bay. Riley got there and could see that there was only a Trident Bomber available to fly so he got aboard it and took off and went after Moon.
"Ah Commander Riley, you think you are going to kill me in one of those?" Moon laughed
"Moon, you will die!" Riley shouted
Moon turned his ship and engaged Riley. The Trident bomber riley was flying did not have its full crew so the gun turrets were not functioning. As Moon came in, Riley fired Gamma HEPT at Moon’s ship, Moon fired back and damaged on of the Gamma HEPTs on the Trident.
"Sir! Get back at once! Moon will kill you for sure! You are in a bomber vs. a fighter!" Bows said.
"Moon must die!" Riley replied. Just then, Moon fired again, this time seriously damaging the control system of the Bomber. Commander Gold was seen entering the system at that time and headed toward the Dauntless.
"Riley, what are you doing?" Gold asked.
"Moon must die" Riley replied again.
Riley fired again at Moon’s ship; he managed to damage the engine of Moon’s ship a little. Moon again fired back, this time plunging the Trident into uncontrollable spin. The Trident was just about finished as Moon fired more shots this time seriously crippling the bomber. Riley tried to Eject but the ejection system malfunctioned.
"Time to die! HAHAHAHAHA!" Moon shouted.
"Nooooooooo……..!" Riley shouted as Moon’s last shot hit the Bomber, which spun further out of control and exploded.
"No! Riley No!" Gold shouted, "You will pay for this Moon!"
"Don’t worry Gold, you time will come HAHAHAHA!" Moon then vanished from the sector. Morale onboard the Dauntless was in a state of Flux as word of the death of Commander Riley was spread. Gold appeared on the bridge and saw Bows very upset.
"I told him not to go!" Bows said angrily.
"Riley was a good friend. I am upset to see him go" Gold replied sadly.
"Attention all decks, this is Commander Gold, I assume command of the ship due to the death of Commander Riley. A service will be held in the main hangar bay tomorrow at 14:00 hours, this is one tribute we will send to Riley." Gold said down the ship's intercom.
"Ok Bows, you may be relieved from duty for now, I am heading to my cabin, I need the quiet, this is a shock." Gold explained.
Chapter VII - A New Hope - Comming Soon!
comments?
cheers
CG
Posted: 2001-06-10 20:14
Posted: 2001-06-25 19:03