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Post by The Governor on Apr 11, 2016 6:48:05 GMT
As the Acruani ships exited FTL, they returned to the Faltaron system, where the commandos had been taken from. Carver saw it through the viewport, looking colder and more isolated than ever. He still hadn't quite processed everything that had happened during the battle. He had used minimal stimulants, but even so, his mind was clouded at the point where he had fought Sigma. That reminded Carver of the new aspects of his life. He looked down at the cybernetic hand that had been used to replace the left hand Sigma had cut off during the battle. It was the first thing he had noticed after waking up.
He could flex every synth muscle in the hand, had excellent control, and could feel everything as if he had never lost his old nerve endings. He also looked up at Archene, who had taken a great deal more damage than he had. Carver didn't understand how though. Archene was supposed to be free of human limitations. He wasn't crippled by grief and driven by anger. Carver hadn't seen much, but he knew when Archene faced Sigma, the Acruani would have had complete focus. At any rate, he had a great deal of explaining to do.
Nothing made that more apparent than when the doors of the Acruani transport opened, and the battle weary veterans of Nightmare Company exited the transport. After descending the ramp, Carver saw a large circle of men and women around the transport, all wearing the dark grey of Imperial Intelligence. In their centre was a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes set off well by her dark clothing. Director Isabel Silva Of Imperial Intelligence and Lieutenant Governor Of Karsopolis.
This didn't bode well at all. Carver had expected his mission to draw attention, but nothing like a confrontation with the Director. The agents all around the commandos showed no visible weaponry, but Carver knew that was deceiving. He suspected the guns would come out if he didn't cooperate, so he waited. Silva eventually said, “Sergeant Scott Carver, Archene, Leader of the Acruani. Corporal James Stuart, second in command of Nightmare Company. You’ve been missing for a while, and there is much to be answered. Please, the three named, follow me.”
With that, Silva turned and began walking towards one of the bunkers on the planet, and others followed.
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Post by Acruan on Apr 12, 2016 0:57:24 GMT
On their way back, Archene seemed to spend most of the trip in the same room as he did when they went to Line Maria. While it could be said that he looked somewhat sick when they firstly got to the transport, by the time they arrived at Faltaron, Archene was exactly as he was before they left. The gauntlet still in his left hand and his uniform perfectly pristine.
Seeing Silva waiting for them outside the transport, he already had a mild guess about what was to come. It was already something Archene expected as he did go around some procedures to ensure that their mission didn't happen to be found out by the Invaders too early. Even if he didn't, he already expected a similar scene. Regardless, he was sure that the repercussions in general would lean towards a positive end, regardless of the events to come.
As Silva began walking towards one of the bunkers, Archene simply answered, "As you wish," before following behind her.
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Post by The Governor on Apr 12, 2016 1:40:06 GMT
“Thank you for your cooperation,” Silva said as the group walked off. They made their way into a small office. Just before going inside, Carver felt a short flash of anger as he passed Phantom One Jack Markinson at the door. He had never liked the first ranked agent in Intelligence. He had spoken coldly to every survivor of Tau Volantis, especially to Carver, implying the sergeant was a security risk.
“Even if she’s not human,” the agent had said, “you’ll never stop loving her. I don’t know why you’re still in the military, but I doubt we can trust you.”
Carver hadn't said anything when he had been given command of Nightmare Company so long ago. He had still been in far too much pain to care what Makrinson thought. And feeling the anger now, Carvwr stepped inside the office. It was only him, Archene, Silva, and Stuart.
After hearing everything that had happened, Silva said evenly, “You’re extremely fortunate that this mission went so well. Even with the losses of equipment and personnel, the cost of this operation was within acceptable limits. Taking initiative, breaking protocol, and achieving results in spite of it all. Congratulations, Sergeant Carver. Your actions are more like the actions of my agents than the military. Because your mission was so successful, you won't be court martialled for dereliction of duty. Instead, you are given the rank of Master Sergeant, and you will remain in command of Nightmare Company.”
Silva then turned to Archene and said, “I won't complain much given the results of the mission, but I would have liked to know you were borrowing our forces.”
Lastly, she said to Stuart, “You, corporal, I’m disappointed in. The mission was successful, but next time you may not be so lucky. What if you’d failed fo stop this mission, and the entire company had been slain? You would be responsible and the Confederate war effort would be damaged. You should have tried to stop this unsanctioned action.” She then paused and added, “But it doesn't matter what I think. The Confederacy is stretched thin, and I won't weaken us further by dismissing capable soldiers. You will remain at your post.”
Silva then turned back to Archene and said, “While you were away, the Confederacy decided to host a conference between intergalactic powers. I’d like you to attend, given your role in the mission and status as Acruani leader. The news will also be emphasised at the conference. With any luck, it will allow for less tense relations with the Colonies.”
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Post by Acruan on Apr 12, 2016 5:27:12 GMT
Archene nodded at Silva before saying, "Contacting the Confederate government at the time would only increase the chances of the Invaders obtaining knowledge of the mission. Such event would lead to a certain defeat." He smiled lightly, "But I expected something of the kind to happen soon. I will be sure to be present during the meeting, speaking of the results of this wonderful joint operation, and its effects." He smiles, "Considering Colonial mentality, it will help greatly."
The Acruani didn't seem to have any reaction to both the promotion of the Sergeant and the... scolding of his second in command. Though should negative repercussions happen to Carver, doubtlessly the Acruani would have voiced certain thoughts. Nothing that should matter currently.
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Post by The Governor on Apr 13, 2016 2:53:25 GMT
Silva considered Archene's answer, eventually saying, “Excellent. I'm looking forward to the conference. And as I said, I won't complain much given the results of the mission. And now that I know where you were, I won't be as concerned in the future.” The Intelligence Director then added, “Thank you for improving the quality of our best equipment even more, and thank you for ridding the universe of two High Invaders. Even if the operation was costly, you've struck a great blow against them today. I’ll be recommending everyone involved for our highest military awards. You three and the rest of Nightmare Company will receive them at the conference. Although your disappearance shook me, don't think I’m ungrateful for what you've done.”
Master Sergeant Scott Carver now said, “Thank you Director. But Archene killed the Invaders. I fought Sigma, and lost. Despite that, I think I came out pretty well only losing a hand. I’d lose it again though. I faced a lot of demons during the mission, and I won’t allow the Invaders to hurt anyone else. The most fulfilling moment on that mission for me was freeing those Colonial POWs.”
Silva nodded, and turned back to Archene. “To further help Colonial relations and the war effort, the Governor has decided to bring an old Terran relic out of storage. The Subjugator. We finished its design that the Terrans didn't, and taking it was a poor move in hindsight. As such, we’re returning the original relic to the Colonies at the conference, and also sharing what we’ve built from it. But the Subjugator has sat in storage since the end of the First Intergalactic War. Could the Acruani integrate it with modern systems, ready it? And do you think sharing the Subjugator is a well timed move on our part?”
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Post by Acruan on Apr 13, 2016 3:22:20 GMT
Archene nodded at Silva's word, and though he didn't seem very surprised at the military awards, the man was once known for striving towards them. The least that could be said is that he was pleased, "There is no need to thank me, such upgrades would be soon suggested by Marcus." He seemed to ponder at the last of Silva's words, "Yes, we can surely make proper upgrades to it so that it can be integrated with more modern systems, Iraesh should have them for you soon. In regards to sharing them, the time may not be a bad one, but in the end, it depends more on Colonial reaction to recent events. Though the Confederacy and the Collective have made attempts to reduce tensions, it is clear that the Empire has... not make such well-thought attempts. My recommendation would be sharing it with them, in the end of the conference, or at a critical moment during it."
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Post by The Governor on Apr 13, 2016 4:17:53 GMT
“It’s good about the Subjugator. We’ll hold it until the end or main moment in the conference then.” She then turned to Carver and said, “Thank you for your explanations, Master Sergeant as well as your efforts. You and Corporal Stuart are dismissed. Once you’ve recovered, I’d suggest preparing the facilities here. Once the Battle Of Maarlox is concluded, all survivors are going to be moving operations here.”
Carver and Stuart exited the room, and went to execute their new commands as well as recover from the mission. Once they were alone Silva said to Archene, “Once again, thank you for your accomplishments. The conference will begin as soon as all intergalactic leaders can be gathered. So regarding the mission, how well did it go really? I know you killed two High Invaders, but how will this affect the overarching war effort? I’m asking only because the Acruani are renowned for analysis, and I think you would be a good advisor given recent events. And are there any questions you have for me?”
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Post by Acruan on Apr 13, 2016 4:47:11 GMT
"Perfect, once we are done here, I'll be sure to attend, though I will have to gather some other leaders from with the Collective." Archene paused briefly, "The mission went as I would expect from our previous analysis. The overall loses, both in space and on ground, were slightly lower than I would expect. The chances of them withdrawing before obtaining a complete victory on the ground was also low. Data gathered can help war effort in its own ways though the prime objective of the mission which would be incorporating that Marker into the Collective failed. There are others through out Line Maria still, but from our interactions with them, the chance of success is near nil." He paused briefly, "The defeat means 1 less White Marker and the temporary freedom of Line Maria, it is possible that there are more POW throughout the systems. And while this defeat didn't weaken them deeply, it can surely work very well to reduce tension and give our side some morale. In regardless to Acruani losses in space, those ships were to be recycled soon, the destruction only facilitated things for us, within a month we will be able to recover over 50% of the losses numerically, but our strength will already be back at its peak."
He looked at Silva for a few seconds, "There is little I can ask currently, only if there is any way the Collective can help the Confederacy currently."
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Post by The Governor on Apr 13, 2016 5:22:12 GMT
“Thank you for shedding light on the situation. It’s strange that the Invaders retreated. It’s unfortunate about the Marker, but the destruction will suffice for today. Do you have any idea why the Invaders left? Obviously they were ordered to, but I wonder why.” She then paused and finished, “This is all I still wonder about. After this question, you can do as you prefer. I can arrange loading for you on Karsopolis if you like. And if there's anything more we can do for the Collective, you need only ask.”
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Post by Acruan on Apr 13, 2016 5:36:10 GMT
"I assume they believed that enough damage was dealt against us, and may be attempting to give us a false sense of security, or merely they had no more plans to hold that territory once the White Marker was dealt with." Archene nodded at her, "I would be thankful for a transport. The other representatives should make their way to Karsopolis when all is ready."
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