• Options
• Login
• Register
• Desktop Style
• Accelerated Mobile Pages Theme

Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

• Index

  • ★Sonic Blast★
  • ⋆★Dreamcast Canvas Zone★⋆
  • Mystical Art Forest ★
  • Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0
• Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 06-07-2018, 08:45 AM

  Chapter 11
  Sunday, November 15, 2111
  Medical Services – Level M4
  Space Station ARK
  
  Vice Admiral Dr. Horatio Quack had come a long way from the Royal Acornian Army Medical Service. In fact, transferring to the KRSN and acting as its inaugural surgeon general was his swan song in a way. The avian grunted as he leaned forward over the railing of the fox's bed in the Med-Surg ICU, putting his penlight back into the pocket of his labjacket.
  
  "Well for a young man of nineteen that got cracked upside the head with a bottle of bourbon, everything seems to be in order." Quack gestured towards the foot of the bed with both hands. "I think we can finally cut the lieutenant loose, Dr. Robotnik."
  
  "Thank you, Admiral." Maria said, reaching out to massage Miles' right foot. "We can finally get you out of here entirely."
  
  "Good." Prower's voice betrayed the drowsiness he still felt. Each day since surgery seemed to be the same, staring up at the ceiling, falling asleep and being woken up periodically to be checked on. With the precision used to repair the injury to his skull, he barely had a bald patch in his fur or a scar. The fox started to lean forward and blinked. "May I ask the admiral a question?"
  
  "Of course, son." Quack nodded. Miles raised his eyes up and swallowed.
  
  "Why exactly is the surgeon general of the Navy doing a workup on me?" he asked. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but it just seems strange. Did my father request it?"
  
  "No, nothing like that." Quack raised his left hand up, then crossed his arms, flexing the fingers. "It was a request of the Judge Advocate." The avian blinked. "No one told you there would be a trial?"
  
  "Someone might have mentioned it." Miles yawned and stretched. "Captain Tower's being tried, then?"
  
  "It will be a combined panel consisting of random officers from both planets. I think the Royal Netherlands Navy got tapped for the judge." Quack explained. "My report is meant to assess your fitness to return to duty but also for the prosecution. Your father had no hand in this."
  
  "So, I will likely be called in then." Miles concluded. Maria sighed and removed a folded sheet of paper and walked up to his right side, holding it out.
  
  The fox stared at the document, sure enough a subpoena to come before the panel to speak as a witness for the prosecution. What he and others saw and did to be weighed and considered before either sparing or destroying another person's career in their service.
  
  "Two days then. I'll be there of course, it will be nice to sleep somewhere that isn't a hospital bed at least. Maybe I'll get to talk to Rotarl as well." Miles said, but Maria shook her head.
  
  "You won't be able to talk to Cadet Rotarl until it's finished, it's to maintain the integrity of the case." Maria explained, pointing at the paperwork. "The only reason I'm not restricted in the same way is because I didn't take...defensive action as well as our relationship."
  
  The fox lowered his head for a moment. He still smoldered within with the knowledge that Tower had been pursuing her while he was away on the Campbeltown. Worse, to have him condemn them as something unnatural. They had gone for some time longing for one another unknowingly until that confession in June. Ovi obviously had no qualms and even honored his request that they tell Geralt and the others on their own terms. The Robotniks were fine with it and in his father's characteristic fashion there was silence, even then he would stare the one-eyed field marshal down on that if there was a so-called problem.
  
  "Could I get unhooked, now?" Miles asked, raising his ears. Quack nodded and picked up the small remote attached to the bed railing and hit the call button. He stepped away towards the opening in the partition and waited for a nurse to appear. A Keplerian rabbit appeared and looked around in confusion to Maria first.
  
  "Dr. Horatio Quack, surgeon general." The avian pointed to his visitor's badge. "You'll see me in the records as the lead attending physician for Lieutenant Prower. Please prepare him for discharge."
  
  "Of course, Doctor." The rabbit bowed her head and walked up to the side where Quack had stood earlier, shutting the monitor down before removing the leads that were attached to the fox. Then she carefully removed the IV lines and tied the tubing up above the needle contacts, snipping them off into a biohazard container with a pair of scissors. The rabbit moved around to his right side now, lowering the railing. Maria opened a cabinet that was built into the wall and removed a white plastic bag. Quack stepped out with the nurse, closing the partition behind him to allow them privacy.
  
  Miles sighed quietly and swung his feet out over the right side of the bed, reaching up to pull the gown up over his head, setting it down at the foot. Maria walked up and started to remove his clothing from the bag, setting his shoes on the floor.
  
  "Uniform or regular clothes?" she asked.
  
  "Uniform." Miles looked over to his left while she laid out what he recognized as his Blue No.3 dress. He took the white shirt and pulled it on, closing the cuffs before buttoning it up, straightening out his epaulets. Then he took the necktie and clipped it on at the collar before taking his pants, shaking them and putting them around his feet, leaning down into them before buttoning them up. Next came the belt and then his shoes. He stood up and took a careful step forward, finding his wallet and keys being pressed into his hands. Nodding, Miles put the wallet into a back pocket and his keys into his left pocket.
  
  "Where now?" Miles asked.
  
  "I have an apartment here." Maria said, reaching up to run her fingers against the back of his head. "There's a chair, a couch and a bed and you'd best stay in at least one of them at all times. I'm taking compassionate leave for the week."
  
  "What about your residency work?" The fox gave a small growl of protest.
  
  "It's covered. Now go on and let me fret over you for a few days." Maria placed her hands on her hips and gave him a piercing stare.
  
  "Doctor's orders then." Miles reached down and took her hands, pulling her close, pressing his nose to the top of her head. Maria shuddered and ran her hands against his back.
  
  Tuesday, November 17, 2111
  
  Today Maria had let him prepare breakfast and didn't admonish him for the cholesterol. The two had polished off their fried eggs, bacon, toast and sausages with a kettle of tea downed between them. The reverie was broken by a warbling from his tablet, indicating an incoming call. Miles lifted it up and accepted the call.
  
  "Good morning, Lieutenant." Zincks blinked, the Campbeltown's bridge crew assembled behind her, leaning in and waving. The fox waved back and nodded.
  
  "Good morning, Captain." Miles replied. "And to all of you, it's good to see you. I must apologize for missing the return from liberty."
  
  "Apology noted." Zincks tilted her head. "Dress uniform, I take it the hearing is today."
  
  "That's correct. The first JAG hearing I've ever been too, hopefully the last." Miles said.
  
  "We've had a relief IWO who's doing well. For the time being until we return, you're being put on special duty." Zincks advised. "You'll be loaned to the Yard."
  
  "The Yard? Here?" Miles raised his ears in confusion.
  
  "Indeed, your presence here works well for the Navy. The Warspite, once her hull is completed, pressurized and launched, will need an available IWO to oversee the design and installation of the communications systems." The tanuki smiled. “Until the launch, I’m sure the Yard could use your expertise with repairs and it will give you some other opportunities.”
  
  The fox wrinkled his nose for a moment. Sure, the Campbeltown had a capable relief IWO aboard and it would be away for months but surely there was an open billet somewhere aside from the Yard. Was this an odd punishment detail? He shook the notion out of his head. Prower hadn’t even done anything that was inappropriate according to regulations except for allowing military property (i.e his head) to be damaged.
  
  “I suppose it would.” Miles raised his eyes. “I must apologize if I sounded displeased by the prospect. This was my first operational assignment aboard ship. But I am here, and you are all out there. If this is where the Service needs me, this will be where I am.”
  
  “You’ll work under Commander Amelia Rose, Yard Marine Engineering Officer.” Zincks advised. “Until midnight local station time though, you will remain under my command nominally. I will have the duty schedule updated accordingly.”
  
  “Thank you, Captain.” The fox raised his hand up to salute, which the tanuki returned before closing the connection.
  
  Conference Room 1
  Central Security Level, Space Station ARK
  
  Regularly used for conferences with the station’s security force, due to the circumstances involved with Captain Tower’s attack, it was decided to show no favor to a particular service by way of venue, the conference room would be repurposed for the general court martial. Miles could see both Keplerians and humans of differing branches of service sitting together in a panel behind the two tables where prosecution and defense sat.
  
  Tower was sitting behind the table that he saw at the left side, clad in his full Class A uniform with another Army officer, which he believed to be his defense. Another Army officer slowly sidled up to him and offered his hand. Miles looked down at the shorter officer who had greying short hair.
  
  “Hello Lieutenant, Lieutenant Colonel Sardis Cogley, for the prosecution.” The man introduced himself.
  
  “Good afternoon.” The fox raised his hand up to salute, which Cogley returned.
  
  “We’ll have you stay in the back here for now. Just stick to the MP and your master-at-arms and wait to be called.” Cogley advised, gesturing to a seat nearby. Miles looked and saw an enlisted MP standing at one side of the chair, Knuckles at the other.
  
  “Is he part of Tower’s unit?” Miles asked.
  
  “No, different company altogether.” Cogley shook his head. The fox nodded and walked over to the chair, both the human and the echidna going through the motions of salute with him before he sat.
  
  Of course, he didn’t sit for very long as the baliff turned to a connecting door which opened, admitting a tall, grey haired man with a trimmed beard in the uniform of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
  
  “All rise!” The baliff called out, causing the fox to come to his feet almost in unison. “The honorable Rear Admiral Albert Rakhorst presiding.”
  
  “Be seated.” Rakhorst said, settling down in his chair and picking up the gavel at his right hand, bringing it down on the block. “Declare the case.”
  
  “Admiral, this is the case of United Nations Combined Allied Forces and the United States Army against Captain Abraham Tower of the United States Army.”
  
  “Name the charges to the accused.” Rakhorst ordered, holding the gavel in hand.
  
  “Captain Abraham Tower, United States Army is being charged with the following: Conduct unbecoming an officer under Article 133, conspiracy of multiple counts under Article 81, conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline under Article 134, contempt towards officials under Article 88, breach of the peace under Article 116, provoking speech under Article 117, assault under Article 128, assault with intent under Article 134-4 and drunkenness under Article 134-16.”
  
  “Captain Tower, are you to enter a plea for all of the charges or individually?” Rakhorst asked.
  
  “Captain Tower is pleading not guilty to all charges except the charge of drunkenness under 134-16.” Tower’s defense explained.
  
  “Very well, proceed with opening statements.” Rakhorst said, leaning back in his seat. Cogley stepped up and then turned to face the panel.
  
  “Ladies and gentlemen of the panel, thank you for coming here today. The prosecution will prove without a reasonable doubt that Captain Abraham Tower had willfully and maliciously exchanged words with as well as attacked Lieutenant Miles Prower of the Keplerian Republic Space Navy on the date of Saturday, October 31, 2111 at the Blue Marble Lounge on this station. We have sufficient proof to convict and will provide the evidence to do so.” Cogley proclaimed. “That’s all that I have, Admiral.”
  
  “Very well, defense?” Rakhorst turned in his seat to look towards Tower.
  
  “Admiral, assembled panel members.” The defense attorney rose up. “Captain Abraham Tower has served in the United States Army since his late youth. He has served with no prior issues in his record and received excellent feedback from his command. This attack as you call it, is nothing more than a one-time lapse in judgement brought about by having too much to drink.”
  
  The fox tilted his head noticing that Cogley looked confused for a moment, then gave a look suggesting that he was about to shoot fish in a barrel.
  
  “Prosecution may begin by calling witnesses.” Rakhorst declared, centering his seat.
  
  “The prosecution calls Lieutenant Miles Prower of the Keplerian Republic Space Navy.” Cogley made a gesture behind his back as Knuckles and the MP started to step forward with the fox following between them. Knuckles gave Tower a look as the two escorted the fox to a seat beside Rakhorst.
  
  “Raise your right hand.” The baliff said, stepping up before the fox, who did as he was asked.
  
  “Under threat of perjury, do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?” The baliff asked.
  
  “I do.” The fox answered, lowering his hand.
  
  “State your name, rank and service number.” Cogley requested.
  
  “Miles Annorax Prower, Lieutenant of the Keplerian Republic Space Navy, service number 921016-080701, sir.” Miles supplied.
  
  “And what is your current duty station?” Cogley asked.
  
  “Information Warfare Officer for the destroyer KRSS Campeltown, sir.” Miles answered, looking the human in the eye.
  
  “Did you or did you not enter the Blue Marble Lounge aboard the ARK on the date of October 31, 2111?” Cogley asked, with arms crossed.
  
  “I did, sir.”
  
  “Were you on duty at that time?” Cogley stepped closer to the table.
  
  “No, sir. Captain Zincks had released us from duty until November 4th.” Miles replied.
  
  “Was there anyone accompanying you?” Cogley asked.
  
  “Yes, sir. Two women, Dr. Maria Robotnik and Cadet Janus Rotarl.” Prower said.
  
  “Were these two women known to you?” Cogley lowered his arms to adopt a more neutral stance.
  
  “Yes, sir.”
  
  “How do you know them?”
  
  “I’ve lived with Dr. Robotnik’s family before going into the service and well-“ Miles trailed off.
  
  “Well? Speak up, Lieutenant.” Cogley pressed.
  
  “Dr. Robotnik and I are in a relationship and have been for a few months, sir.” The words came out quietly but were audible. His face flushed as he looked at the panel.
  
  “Quite all right, Lieutenant. Now you also mentioned Cadet Janus Rotarl? How do you know her?” Cogley asked.
  
  “Cadet Rotarl was actually rescued in a boarding action that the Campbeltown participated in. She later joined the KRSN as a result and was visiting the ARK, sir.” Miles answered.
  
  “Which is what Cadet Rotarl also said in a written statement. I’d like the court to note this item as a testament to the lieutenant’s character.” Cogley said, looking to Rakhorst.
  
  “Make it so.” The rear admiral said, setting his gavel down.
  
  “You were in uniform as well, correct?” Cogley asked the fox.
  
  “That’s correct, sir.” The fox answered.
  
  “Did you drink?” The human asked.
  
  “Yes, sir. There’s no prohibition in General Orders as long as we kept ourselves in control and of good character in uniform.” Miles said.
  
  “How much did you drink?” Cogley asked.
  
  “No more than four glasses of Scotch, sir. And that might be an overstatement.”
  
  “And your mood at the time?” Cogley looked towards the panel.
  
  “I was in good spirits, sir. Generous liberty time, Maria – Dr. Robotnik, had gotten into a surgical residency and of course reuniting with a friend, all for dinner. No reason not to be in a good mood.”
  
  “So, the three of you were having dinner and drinks when Captain Tower came in?” Cogley turned back to him.
  
  “Two, sir. I stepped into the smoking area to have a pipe. I did not see Captain Tower and Lieutenant Penders enter but I heard them.” Miles advised.
  
  “What did you hear?” Cogley asked.
  
  “Well, the bartender greeted them, sir. It sounded routine, two fellow blokes coming in for an Oktoberfest ale or something I thought at first. I had no preconceived notions of them, but then Captain Tower was coming onto Maria.” Miles explained.
  
  “How did she react?” Cogley crossed his arms again.
  
  “She told him in no ambiguous terms that she was seeing someone, sir.” The fox raised his ears.
  
  “And that’s when you finally appeared back in the bar?” Cogley asked.
  
  “That’s correct, sir.”
  
  “How did they react?”
  
  “Lieutenant Penders didn’t seem to react but Captain Tower didn’t seem to take that very well, sir. He demanded another drink and I thought I’d try to make peace by offering to buy him a drink.” Miles explained.
  
  “How did Captain Tower react to this?” Cogley asked.
  
  “He said he didn’t want my money and then he made several statements regarding my..alien nature that I took offense to, sir.” The fox said.
  
  “Did you attempt to correct him?”
  
  “I did, sir. Captain Tower continued to escalate and refused to answer to required identification. Lieutenant Penders did however identify himself and the captain. Ultimately it seemed he decided to leave us alone after I warned him and Lieutenant Penders suggested that he listen.” The fox said.
  
  “Then what did you do?” Cogley asked.
  
  “I went back to my meal and decided to pay for the bottle they took to their table to make peace, sir. Captain Tower returned and tried to appeal to me to drop the issue. I thought about it but decided I would at the very least see to a reprimand. That’s when he struck me from behind and I blacked out.” Miles said.
  
  “That will do,” Cogley said. “Your witness, defense.”
  
  The defense attorney looked at Tower for a moment, speaking quietly with the captain, whose face reddened. “I have nothing, sir.”
  
  “Very well.” Cogley looked up at Rakhorst. “Sir, I was considering calling another witness but actually I would like to present Exhibit A, the audio/video feed from the bar’s security system.”
  
  Tower’s eyes bulged as he looked to his attorney. The fox’s ears twitched as he picked up on a few words.
  
  “What tape?” Tower rumbled.
  
  “It was in the discovery.” The attorney said.
  
  “Well did you watch it?” Tower growled. “You idiot!” Those words came out loudly.
  
  “Captain Tower.” Rakhorst rapped his gavel against the block. “Control yourself. If I hear another outburst like that, I will have you removed. Do I make myself clear?”
  
  “Yes, sir.” Tower lowered his head, his tone feigning apology.
  
  “You may play Exhibit A.” Rakhorst said to Cogley, who snapped his fingers. The lights in the room dimmed as a large projection screen came online. Speakers in the wall provided the audio. All seemed to watch as the two humans and the fox walked in, sat down and talked. Then exactly as Miles said, he stepped out as Tower and Penders came in. Second by second, Cogley could see his case be reinforced and Tower was glaring at Miles as he heard his own ravings. A small satisfied smirk was on his face as he heard the glass break against the back of the vulpine’s head. It quickly disappeared as the feed ended.
  
  “So, with that, Captain Tower viciously assaulted Lieutenant Prower, forcing him to be hospitalized with an acute subdural hematoma that had to be surgically evacuated and as a result, the lieutenant had to spend some time in recovery. This deprived his ship of his services and had the potential to damage not only his career in the KRSN but also his livelihood.” Cogley proclaimed. “And this wasn’t some spur of the moment hit out of passion. This was calculated. You’ve heard the pickups near Penders and Tower. The only thing that may have prevented worse injury was Cadet Rotarl holding Tower at gunpoint with her superior’s gun. It is the prosecution’s recommendation that Captain Tower be found guilty, dishonorably decommissioned and imprisoned.”
  
  “Any closing statements from the defense?” Rakhorst asked.
  
  “None, sir.” The defense attorney sighed as Tower glowered.
  
  “You may rise, Lieutenant.” Rakhorst said. “Panel, you may retire to your chambers. Call for the baliff when you have reached a verdict.”
  
  The panel members started to rise as Miles did as well, deciding to return to his seat. Knuckles kept his eyes on Tower as the fox passed between the two tables. Prower quietly sighed as he settled down, hands on his knees.
  
  Roughly five minutes passed but it seemed more like five seconds as the baliff returned with a sheet of paper, the panel starting to take their seats in front of the fox. The baliff stepped up and set the paper down before the admiral, who studied it, then looked up.
  
  “Foreman of the panel, have you reached a verdict?” Rakhorst asked.
  
  “We have.” A French infantry captain said with near perfect English, standing.
  
  “Captain Tower, please rise.” Rakhorst commanded. The defense attorney rose with his client, turning to face the panel.
  
  “We find Captain Abraham Tower guilty of the listed charges under Articles 81, 88, 117,133, 134, 134-4 and 134-16.” The foreman said, lowering the paper that he had in his hand. “Unanimously.”
  
  “As you say.” Rakhorst banged his gavel against the block twice. “Captain Tower,” he prompted, causing all to look towards him. “Given the serious nature of these charges which consist of several felonies, and your unanimous conviction, along with the barbaric, intolerant and wantonly reckless nature of your actions, I have no choice but to agree with the prosecution’s recommendations for sentencing. I hereby order your decommissioning from the United States Army, reduction to the rank of Private and the revocation of all awards and privileges earned. You will also serve 2 years of imprisonment at Fort Leavenworth and 1 year of hard labor at the service of the Army Corps of Engineers with a bad conduct discharge afterwards.” Rakhorst banged the gavel again.
  

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 06-07-2018, 08:49 AM

  Chapter 12
  Space Station ARK
  Keplerian Republic Auxiliary Orbital Naval Yard
  
  Wednesday, November 18, 2111
  
  True to her word, Zincks had updated his duty schedule and after a solitary breakfast made in low-light so not to disturb Maria as she slept, Miles had made his way to the Yard. A female hedgehog with pink quills and green eyes was holding her coffee mug in one hand, staring at the cluster of monitors that showed the operational status of the ships docked as well as the status of her team.
  
  Miles stood still, waiting for her to notice him. Finally, her seat creaked as she turned it to face him, grumbling as the fox hastily saluted.
  
  “Lieutenant Miles Prower reporting from KRSS Campbeltown as ordered.” Tails declared with a gulp.
  
  “Commander Amy Rose. No one bloody well calls me Amelia in my shop if they call me by first name at all. That’s rule number one, Lieutenant.” Rose yawned, taking a greedy sip from her mug before looking back at her monitors, squinting. Sure enough, she found him in her group, bringing up his file and staring at it for a few moments before looking back at him. “You’ll do.”
  
  “Commander?” The fox tilted his head in curiosity.
  
  “The first thing you can do is supervise the yard repair party for KRSS Knothole. Since you’re information warfare, perhaps you could also do a forensic dump on her computer systems as well. Apparently the Acornians have been playing with some viruses and somehow managed to slip one into either her or the American destroyer that was in a division with her. One of them instigated a collision into the other, I’m fairly certain it was the William D. Porter though.”
  
  "After that?" Prower asked.
  
  "Well if all checks out, then look after our repair tender. KRSS I.K. Brunel." Commander Rose gave him a look as she saw the next question coming before it was formed. "Named for Isambard Brunel. You do know some history, don't you?"
  
  "Yes, Commander." The fox lowered his ears slightly. "If I may request the commander's leave to get started?"
  
  "Permission granted." Amy said, turning back to her monitors as the fox left the room.
  
  Friday, June 3, 2112
  Earth Orbit
  
  After familiarizing himself with his newfound Yard duties, Miles had found himself updating systems on not only Keplerian ships but ships from the allied services as well. The good thing was that after duty was over, he did not have to return to the Yard barracks, but to Maria's apartment. There were sometimes days or nights (depending on his rotation) where he wouldn't see her, wandering the station instead or curling up on her couch with a book in hand, pipe in mouth.
  
  But when she was there with him, the human would usually be flattened against him, wherever he sat or laid. With her hair tie off, it would scatter all around and usually get caught up in his ears. Those striking, intelligent blue eyes meeting his own but betrayed by the dark circles under them. Despite haphazard hair, worn eyes and runaway makeup, he still found her to be the best that either planet had to offer. On the days that he would have to leave right as she returned, Maria would cling to him and receive an apologetic lapping from his tongue before he pried her from him with care.
  
  Over that time, his responsibilities in the Yard grew as well, all the way up to becoming the de facto commander of the I.K. Brunel. After refamiliarizing himself on command procedures and a crash course through the KRSN's online training systems, he directed operations from the tender nervously at first but began to grow into it. The one thing that he still had to get used to was not correcting the crew when they called him captain.
  
  Today seemed like any other day on the Brunel, his cap now had gold trim on the visor to match with his command of the ship. The bridge layout was like the Campbeltown due to the similarity in hull setup, only weapon points were replaced largely with lifting equipment and mech pods. He had his pick of unassigned crew to staff the Brunel under Commander Rose's authority, and that also extended towards picking officer cadets from BRNC that needed the cruise time to complete their certifications. Naturally Officer Cadet Rotarl was invited and found herself packed in, working at the mech bay, being familiarized with the suits by the ratings.
  
  At times they would find themselves hopping from ship to ship, assisting civilian craft and sometimes providing consultation to chief engineers of military vessels. Instead of hopping back to the Yard to eat and rest, they would all stay on board, treating the Brunel like the other ships of war. There was a small galley staff, but they were efficient enough to put meals together and to handle the needs of the wardroom where the officers and cadets gathered.
  
  This was where things began to tilt downwards. The first few games of contract bridge went well for him and Rotarl until they ran into some sharp defenses. To make matters worse, the fox tapped his pipe out into his ashtray and reached into his zippered pouch to find it was empty, having run through his supply since dinner ended and the game began. Then came the bosun's pipes and the ship-wide intercom going off.
  
  "Captain to the bridge, ship reported in distress."
  
  He picked up the red handset phone at his position at the head of the table and dialed the intercom circuit itself.
  
  "All hands, action stations!" The fox declared, setting the phone down and tossing his cards at the table, digging in his pouch for a few more scraps of tobacco to put in, wrinkling his nose to find that it was in fact completely empty. He put his empty pipe into his mouth and chewed at the stem as he stalked to the bridge, settling into his chair. The executive officer, another full lieutenant, picked up his handmic and offered it to him.
  
  "Appears to be a shuttle, sir. Going rather quickly, maximum rated speed." The exec advised as Prower keyed the mic.
  
  “This is Lieutenant Miles Prower, commanding the repair tender KRSS I.K. Brunel. Please advise of your name and ship’s registry as well as the nature of your distress.” The fox said into the handmic.
  
  “I.K. Brunel, this is Dr. Ovi Robotnik of the Swedish flagged private shuttle EGB-01.” The voice on the other side was familiar but the transmission broke up in some parts. “Did you…did you say your name was Prower?”
  
  Tails rose up to his feet, lowering the mic and swallowing, feeling his pulse quicken. He raised the mic back up and pressed down on the transmit button.
  
  “That is correct EGB-01. What is the nature of your distress?”
  
  “Power systems are surging, and my engines are locked to full. Emergency reactor shutdown is not responding. Can you help me Brunel?” The calm voice coming from Ovi was betrayed by a slight edge of panic.
  
  Miles thought for a moment, looking at the master status board.
  
  “With your present course you’re going to go into the Warp Gate. We will follow you through and take you under tow if we can’t get you stopped beforehand. Remain calm, Doctor. Your craft’s generations better than the Space Shuttle. Continue to attempt shutdown, we will be with you shortly.” The fox said.
  
  “Acknowledged Brunel. I’ll..I’ll try.” Robotnik’s transmission cut off.
  
  “All engines forward, make revolutions for emergency flank!” The fox barked.
  
  “All engines forward, make revolutions for emergency flank speed. Aye, aye, Captain!” The helmsman behind him pushed the engine telegraph all the way forward, the bell going off in the bridge.
  
  The Brunel’s exhausts burned brightly as it started to hurtle forward towards the stricken shuttle on an intercept course as it also pressed forward at maximum speed towards the multi-colored swirl that was the Earth-to-Kepler terminus.
  
  “Tactical, a tractor beam on the EGB-01, please.” Miles said.
  
  “Tractor beam on contact Master 1, aye sir.” The engineering sub-lieutenant at tactical acknowledged. A blue hued beam started to appear before the bow of the ship on the external camera display. It contacted the shuttle, causing the tender to shudder from the added acceleration.
  
  “All right, let’s put the brakes on. All back full!” Miles bellowed.
  
  “Helm answers, all back full, aye aye!” The telegraph lever this time was yanked towards the helmsman, the bell followed by a loud alert klaxon. More shuddering could be felt in the floor as the tender and shuttle battled, engine against engine. The tender was meant to be able to tow destroyers on its own, a shuttle should have been a cakewalk.
  
  “What in blazes-“ The fox sputtered as he dropped the handmic, letting it swing as he went to the communications station, pushing the midshipman there aside, bringing up the information warfare systems. Why didn’t he think of that before? His fingers cramped, causing him to wince as he worked the keyboard and mouse, initiating a systems intrusion.
  
  Whatever that happened had created a power overload that wiped out most of the core system functions. Ovi only had communications due to redundant (yet reliable) radio. The fox brought his fist down on the station’s enclosure. The same overload was putting the shuttle’s engines to redline. If they didn’t get over there to bring it under control, it was likely going to blow.
  
  He marched back to his seat and steepled his fingers, contemplating his last resort.
  
  “Tactical, we’re not well armed but we should at least have a pop-gun, right?” Miles asked.
  
  “Yes, sir.” The sub-lieutenant carefully looked over his console. “That’s affirmative.”
  
  “Target Master-1’s engines and fire at will, but only to disable.” The fox ordered.
  
  “Aye sir.” The sub-lieutenant fed the target information into the fire control sub-computer. The exterior camera for the gun was blinded by the bright yellow-white muzzle flash of the railgun. The projectiles flew by the shuttle harmlessly as the gun attempted to correct, firing again. Unexpectedly, the tractor beam gave out while the gun also stopped.
  
  Unimpeded, the shuttle started forward, flying into the Warp Gate while Miles fumed. Why did he take the offered command of this garbage scow? He pointed out at the Warp Gate terminus.
  
  “Take us in. Maybe we’ll have some help stopping him on the other side.” The fox sighed resignedly as the tender followed. Suddenly the craft shuddered, but more violently almost as if something exploded near it, causing it to list to port. It made it through though, but to his confusion there was nothing but regular civilian shipping and escorts on the Kepler-22B side.
  
  Miles picked up the handmic.
  
  “This is the KRSS I.K. Brunel calling for EGB-01. Please acknowledge.” The fox requested.
  
  There was nothing but dead silence on the other side.
  
  “This is the KRSS I.K. Brunel calling for EGB-01. Please acknowledge.” He repeated, but silence was all that he got.
  
  “This is the repair tender KRSS I.K. Brunel requesting communication with the closest ships. Has anyone seen a shuttle in distress called EGB-01?”
  
  “This is the USS Lafayette.” A male, Cajun accented voice came back. “No shuttle of that registry’s passed through here.”
  
  “Brunel, this is the Master Yard, repeat the name of the ship you are tracking.” A female voice cut in.
  
  “EGB-01 under the Swedish flag, registered to either Dr. Ovi Robotnik or Eggbot Corporation.” Prower replied.
  
  “We’ve got nothing, Brunel. There was a strange disturbance in the Gate reported by the ARK a few minutes ago but other than that nothing. Sorry, I think you lost him.” The operator at the Master Yard said, nonchalant and professional.
  
  The fox slowly lowered his head and closed his eyes, gripping the armrest of his seat with his free hand while his left hand shook.
  
  “Acknowledged Master Yard. We..we are returning to our original station Earth-side. Brunel out.” The fox closed the connection and sighed, defeated. "Make way towards the Yard, helm."
  
  "Aye, aye, captain." The helm responded. He paid little attention to the ding of the telegraph bell and seemed to be in a stupor as the tender turned around and shot through the Warp Gate. Once they emerged from the other side, he grabbed the handmic again.
  
  "Put the Yard on." Miles said quietly.
  
  Communications adjusted, putting him on a dedicated channel for the Auxiliary Yard. He held the mic for a moment, staring down at it and took his hat off, setting it in his lap.
  
  "Lieutenant Prower calling for Commander Rose." The fox said quietly.
  
  "Rose here." Amy's tone was business-like as usual.
  
  "Commander, please call Dr. Maria Robotnik to the Yard. There's been an incident with her cousin's shuttlecraft." Miles requested.
  
  "I heard some of the chatter from the Master Yard." Amy replied. "I'll have her sent down as soon as possible."
  
  "Thank you, Commander." The fox's voice was hollow. He released the transmit button and looked up at helm. "Take us in for tethering."
  
  The tender made its way back to the Yard slowly, obeying docking regulations while also giving Commander Rose time for the call he figured she would be making. Once the tender was settled in, he rose up to his feet and put his hat on.
  
  "Start retention procedures for all station logs. No one is to leave the ship until Commander Rose says otherwise." Miles ordered. He then proceeded off from the bridge, making his way towards the gangway. Amy was waiting on the other side while the two familiar figures of Knuckles and Maria approached.
  
  "Miles?" Maria strode up the gangway, holding her arms out to him. "Are you all right?"
  
  "I'm..-" The fox hesitated and swallowed. "I'm fine, but I didn't call you here about me. It's about Ovi."
  
  "What about Ovi?" Maria asked, pulling him closer. He shuddered and closed his eyes, lowering his head. "What is it? I've never seen you upset like this before."
  
  He looked towards Amy, hoping that she might spare him from what he would have to say but the hedgehog just watched as if to ensure he'd do it himself. The burden of command, personified by her stare. You were in the Big Chair, Lieutenant. Swallowing again, he raised his head up and looked Maria in the eye, throat feeling dry.
  
  "Ovi's dead. There was an accident with his shuttle and I tried to help him. I lost him." The fox choked out. "It's my fault."
  
  "What?" Maria widened her eyes and reached up, pressing a hand to his face, causing him to flinch. "Miles, why would-"
  
  "Don't!" Tails snapped, causing her to step back. "Please," he relaxed his tone. "Don't, it's my fault." He looked back at the tender and took his cap off, starting to sidle past her, looking at Amy. "Commander, I..I'm resigning my command of the Brunel effective immediately. I'm no good for this, I should have never captained her. I'm no good at any of this." He pressed the hat out into the hedgehog's surprised hands as he came off the gangway, stalking away. Maria started to follow but Amy held her back.
  

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 06-07-2018, 08:50 AM

  Chapter 13
  
  Unknown Location
  (Assumed Kepler-22B)
  Unknown Date & Time
  
  Remain calm, Doctor.
  We will be with you shortly.
  
  Smoke was pouring from consoles that were split open by the crash. Ovi came to, sputtering as he tried to lean back into his chair, which had curled inward from the momentum. Groaning, the human put his weight into the cushion, reaching down to unbuckle the safety belt. Freed from it, he jolted himself away from his seat and tried to take a few steps, falling to his knees. Fire was burning from other consoles.
  
  He had to get away from here, there was no telling whether the reactor had shut down or if it was threatening up to go up. Pain rippled through his body as he crawled across the floor, fragments of display panels scattered all around. Robotnik heard a warbling sound, then saw the familiar figures of Orbot and Cubot coming towards him. He held his hands out towards them, coughing.
  
  "Help me!" Ovi called out. The two robots took off towards him, hovering over him, lowering down to wrap their arms around him.
  
  "Should we be moving him?" Cubot asked the other robot.
  
  "There are no spinal injuries at least." Orbot replied. They started to lift Ovi up and floated slowly towards the open door leading out of the pilot's cabin. The human coughed and spasmed, taking note of the forest that they were in.
  
  "Get as far away from the shuttle as you can. Minimum distance from engine explosion." Ovi pleaded. "Have you contacted emergency services?"
  
  "Nothing answers on the standard frequencies." Orbot reported as they continued to carry him away.
  
  "Do you know where we are at least?" Ovi asked.
  
  "There is no response from GPS." Orbot replied, shaking his head.
  
  "Is there anything out here that you can detect?" Ovi asked. The two robots swept their heads around, scanning.
  
  "One human in a vehicle coming this way." Cubot said.
  
  "Go to it! If anything, they can't be close to the shuttle if it goes up!" Ovi sputtered.
  
  The two robots would carry him off towards the vehicle which seemed to slow down and stop on the road it was on. Its lone occupant got out and stared at the strange sight as they set Ovi down on the road in front of him. He was a short, bald headed man save for a reddish-brown goatee similar in color to Ovi's. He wore a turquoise one-piece outfit and black boots.
  
  "Did you come from that crash?" The man said, slowly rolling Ovi onto his back, receiving a nod in response. The man pressed two fingers to Ovi's neck and looked down at a watch.
  
  "He is in no immediate danger, for now." Orbot said, floating directly over Ovi with his arms crossed. "Who are you?"
  
  "My name is Julian Snively, I work for the Guardian Unit of Nations." The man said.
  
  "You have to get us away from here," Ovi reached up and took Snively's arm. "If the reactor on that shuttle goes supercritical, it's fusion."
  
  "Fusion? Instead of fission? Where did you come from, exactly?" Snively asked.
  
  "Earth of course." Ovi said quietly.
  
  "But no one here has come close to fusion power yet." Snively protested. "I'd know. Are you sure it's going to go critical though? I should go have a look."
  
  "I don't recommend it." Ovi protested.
  
  "Well it won't matter if I'm wrong, will it? Just allow me a few minutes, if it's bad then we'll get on out of here." Snively suggested.
  
  "Go with him, Orbot." Ovi said weakly as he started to climb up to his feet. "May I get into your car?"
  
  "Of course." Snively reached into the open driver's side and removed a bottle of water, opening it and putting it into Ovi's hand. "Stay here though, when I get back I'll get you to a doctor."
  
  "Thank you." Ovi took a small sip of water and sighed in relief as the other human took off with Orbot towards the wreck.
  
  "What were you doing in that ship anyways?" Snively asked, deciding to strike up a conversation with the robot.
  
  "The doctor was on his way to a robotics conference on Kepler-22B." Orbot advised. "There was a problem with the engine and a repair tender tried to rescue him. The captain is a close family friend, Lieutenant Miles Prower."
  
  "Related to Amadeus Prower by chance?" Snively asked as they moved through the brush.
  
  "His son." Orbot replied. That caused Snively to come to a stop, blinking.
  
  "His son? His son's still school age if I recall, he couldn't be commanding a repair tender. And in any case, whose repair tender?" Snively asked.
  
  "The Keplerian Republic Space Navy's. KRSS I.K. Brunel." The robot seemed to stare at Snively in scrutiny.
  
  "I've never heard of it. As for Kepler-22B, that's a very far ways away." Snively countered. "Well, we'll see soon enough." As they advanced towards the shuttle, he climbed into the pilot's cabin and looked around, stepping carefully. Orbot picked up a fire extinguisher and tested it against one of the console fires.
  
  Snively noticed two cases that were heaped onto the floor and knelt to open one up, finding Ovi's tablet inside. He turned it on, amazed at the speed that it started. Orbot turned and stared at him again.
  
  "I didn't take you to be a snooper." Orbot admonished.
  
  "As my colleagues would say, I'm snooping as usual." Snively said, finding an app for shuttle control and diagnostics. "Here we go. Structure is shot, but you see-" He gestured towards the next compartment. "The reactor your friend is so concerned about is shut down." He thumbed away from it and started to look at the notes application. "This can't be right. The last entry date is in the year 2112. That's been centuries ago."
  
  "Centuries ago? Are you saying we're in the future?" Orbot dropped the fire extinguisher with a loud clang.
  
  "It would mean your friend is right, he is from Earth. Old Earth at least, but it leads a lot to question. The technology here is more advanced than what we have." Snively pocketed the tablet and closed the case that he was digging through. "Here, you can take these out." Then he turned away and took out a phone.
  
  "Put me through to GUN Command." Snively could be heard saying as the robot grudgingly lifted both cases in each hand. "You won't believe this but there's something monumental that needs to be recovered. That shuttle crash noted earlier? Yes. Get me Command, we need a recovery team out here."
  
  After acknowledgement came, Snively hung up the phone. He wasn't going to let this find go to where someone else could take the credit. At the same time, he promised Robotnik a doctor. The man would be his ticket to greater things, so he might as well show some consideration. He started to move out from the shuttle, gesturing for Orbot to follow, getting a low groan.
  
  "I didn't realize that I was in the company of a fellow scientist." Snively said, noticing that Ovi had gotten into the passenger seat. He went around to the back and opened the hatch for Orbot to deposit the two bags. Ovi was holding Cubot, absently patting the robot on the head.
  
  "Are we going then?" Ovi asked, turning his head towards the back seat.
  
  "We're waiting for a recovery team, we can't just leave your shuttle out here like this of course." Snively said.
  
  "From where?" Ovi asked.
  
  "The Guardian Unit of the Nation of course." Snively said, coming back into view after closing the hatch.
  
  "I've never heard of it, I've only heard of Republic Forces here." Ovi said, scratching at his hair.
  
  "That is because you're mistaken as to where you are." Snively explained.
  
  "As well as when, Doctor." Orbot cut in, floating around to the driver side door. "This man has never heard of Kepler-22B and referred to us as coming from Old Earth. The year was undeclared."
  
  "Day 46 in the year 3232 to be exact." Snively said.
  
  "Monday, February 16, 3232." Cubot and Orbot said almost in unison.
  
  "My, my. You have traveled far to refer to the days in that old-fashioned way." Snively mused with a small chuckle.
  
  "So, we've somehow made it into the future from the accident." Ovi said quietly. "Stuck in the future. Or are we really? Do your people know anything about time travel? Does the Warp Gate still stand?"
  
  "I'm afraid I don't know of this Warp Gate you speak of." Snively shook his head.
  
  "It's been a setpiece of the ARK for some time at least back when I came from." Ovi protested.
  
  "There was some advanced research done there under Gerald Robotnik but it has been shut down for the last few decades." Snively replied. "Wait a moment, you're a Robotnik as well. A distant ancestor!"
  
  "Geralt." Ovi corrected.
  
  "What?" Snively blinked in confusion.
  
  "Geralt, my grandfather. He was due to come on as chief scientific advisor to the ARK." Ovi countered.
  
  "Then we have an incongruity, Doctor. The ARK hasn't been around for very long. It was shut down after the Project Shadow raid." Snively put in. "Which means you are from an alternate timeline."
  
  "That was exactly what I was about to determine." Ovi leaned back in his seat and sighed in despair. "No Warp Gate, no way to reliably reproduce the problem that brought me here. I'm stranded then." Then he lowered his head. "My parents and grandparents, Maria, my friends." The man's eyes bulged. "Miles. He was the last one to hear from me. My poor friend."
  
  "Don't fret, Doctor. You still have friends here, you can count me among them. Your knowledge and insight about where and when you've come from will be of great importance to us. Why, you could work for G.U.N with me. My word carries some weight there. We can also fix your identity in the databases. Maybe even get your shuttle working again and devise a way to get you home." Snively offered.
  
  "You would do that for a man you barely know?" Ovi asked.
  
  "You're a Robotnik, regardless of where you come from that name still has some value to us here." Snively said, offering his hand. The other human leaned in and took it with a firm shake. Then the two could hear droning motors and propeller drives. Ovi lowered the window on the passenger side and looked up.
  
  "What is that?" he asked as he could catch a glimpse of what seemed to resemble an Osprey VTOL tiltrotor aircraft from the early 21st century coming down.
  
  "That is our ride out of here and back to headquarters. To better things for us both." Snively said, smirking.
  
  Tuesday, February 17, 3232
  Mount Freedom – G.U.N Headquarters
  United Federation, Mobius
  
  The trip on the tiltrotor had brought Ovi and Snively to a mountain installation in what oddly reminded Ovi of Colorado. Once the quartet of humans and robots disembarked, Ovi looked down at Orbot.
  
  "Is this familiar to you in some way?" Ovi asked Orbot.
  
  The robot glanced around before crossing his arms and giving a subtle nod.
  
  "Without a GPS link to confirm, I have a slight degree of confidence that we are standing outside of what would have been Cheyenne Mountain, former headquarters for the North American Aerospace Defense Command." Orbot replied.
  
  "What's preventing you from getting a GPS link, anyways?" Ovi asked.
  
  "The frequency does not answer. Either the system is not in place, which does not seem likely or it's on a different frequency. Or the frequency is encrypted." Orbot answered.
  
  "Pick at it, would you?" Robotnik noticed Snively coming to a stop as soon as he noticed that Ovi was not following. The three started forward as two soldiers from the tiltrotor took up the lead. Then they came to a stop before a man in digital camo patterned fatigues with four gold stars on each collar. He had a thin run of black hair with mutton chops.
  
  "What's all of this about time travelers, Snively?" The man grumbled.
  
  "Sir, first let me introduce you." Snively looked nervously towards Ovi. "Dr. Ovi Robotnik, this is General Hugo Brass, commander of the Guardian Unit of the Nation."
  
  "Robotnik?" Brass narrowed his eyes. "As in Gerald Robotnik?"
  
  "Yes and no, it's rather complicated." Snively swallowed nervously.
  
  "So now between dealing with the Overlander-Acornian War, we have another Robotnik in our hands. Just what I needed." Brass grumbled.
  
  "What? Madman? I'll have you know that I am a man of great character, General. I am both an engineer but also a businessman. My firm is rated as one of the best in the personal robotics industry." Ovi countered.
  
  "Was," Snively corrected quietly.
  
  "Was, I mean. Before the accident, yes." Ovi sighed and held his hand out. "I would like to learn more about where I am and the history. Ideally, I'd like to get back home but if I am stranded here, I am not going to make enemies if I can avoid it. I'd rather have friends, I could use them right about now."
  
  Brass stared down at Robotnik's hand and made a small grunt before reaching up to take it.
  
  "Take Dr. Robotnik to Medical for evaluation, then scare up a historian somewhere. I don't care if you must fly over to Central City University to take their chairman. I want a debrief and a good one. If all checks out, there might be a consultant job for you to fill." Brass said.
  
  Mount Freedom Canteen
  
  Ovi found himself sitting across from a man with greying brown hair and bushy eyebrows, wearing the familiar 'uniform' of a university don; brown suit, white shirt, bow-tie (red), khaki slacks and dark brown loafers. Two mugs of coffee sat between them as well as a large notebook and recording device.
  
  "Good afternoon, Doctor." The man said with a smile. "Professor Dillon Pickle, Central City University, Assistant Chair of History."
  
  "Dillon Pickle?" Ovi couldn't help but to laugh softly, earning a wider smile from the professor.
  
  "I like to think my parents named me that so that I would remember to take humor in the smallest of things." Pickle said, gesturing towards the recorder. "May I tape this?"
  
  "By all means, Professor." Robotnik nodded.
  
  "This is Professor Dillon Pickle with Dr. Ovi Robotnik, interview number one on day 47 of the year 3232." Pickle started.
  
  "February 17th on our calendar." Ovi interjected.
  
  "Yes, that way of recording is long antiquated here. So, I'll first start with a rather basic question, Doctor. Where and..when are you from?" Pickle started.
  
  "Well, I came from Earth, Sweden to be exact. The day was June 3, 2112." Robotnik answered.
  
  "Day 155 of 2112. Interesting. There's very little surviving sources from that era, and you called it Earth, not Mobius. How large was the human population there at the time?" Pickle asked.
  
  "That's a rather strange question. Vast, billions upon billions of people. Add in the Keplerians as well." Robotnik said.
  
  "The Keplerians?" Pickle blinked.
  
  "Yes, aliens that resemble Earth animals in a way." Ovi explained.
  
  "Ah, Mobians." Pickle nodded.
  
  "That reminds me, General Brass mentioned something about an Acornian war? There's Acornians here?" Ovi pulled at the collar of his shirt, nervously.
  
  "Indeed, there are. Is there something to be concerned about?" Pickle asked.
  
  "I should say so if they are anything like the ones I know of." Ovi made a face. "When we came across them in 2085, they were testing the effects of radiation on prisoners of war and nearly dropped the bomb on their enemies. Fortunately, Colonel Prower overthrew the Acornian king and sent him packing. Are they like that here?"
  
  "Not by far but they have been locked in a back and forth conflict with the Overlanders for some time." Pickle said, writing some notes down. "So, the Kingdom of Acorn was overthrown in 2085 where you came from and Earth, unblemished. Where did the name Keplerian come from?"
  
  "The planet they inhabited was detected in the last century, the 21st century by the Kepler Telescope. Kepler was a revolutionary scientist that it was named after. The actual name of the planet was Kepler-22B. A little bit smaller than Earth and not as densely populated as Earth, yet." Ovi said.
  
  "How were things around the time you left?" Pickle asked.
  
  "Never better, I'd say. Peace certainly, the Keplerian Republic relies on Earth for many things, we'd never go to war. But the Acornians are still out there, somewhere they established colonies. As a matter of fact, one of my closest friends sometimes ran into their pirates. He tried to rescue me from this predicament that brought me here." Ovi lowered his eyes.
  
  "Do you want to talk about him?" Pickle asked.
  
  "I don't see why not. His name is, was Miles Prower. I think he was nineteen at the time. Lieutenant in the Keplerian Republic Space Navy. A fox, two-tailed. Rather rare even for them. Very talented in mathematics and electronics. He lived with my grandfather for a time and-" Robotnik's face flushed. "He was in a relationship with my cousin, Maria." He took notice of the way Pickle's eyebrows raised. "Well why not? Miles was just as smart as she was, and he treated her like an empress. We leave questions about race at the door in the 22nd century, Professor."
  
  "Noted," Pickle waved his pencil around. "I was just surprised because if anything, that at least gives me some faith that humanity evolved where and when you came from. If I may ask, what is the distance between the two worlds? How do you get back and forth?"
  
  "It's a significant distance, 587 light-years. 37,128,836 AU if that's still a thing here. As for how we get back and forth, there was a Warp Gate established in the mid-21st century. The best I can tell you is that it's an artificially opened wormhole. May I borrow a scrap of paper and your pencil?" Robotnik asked.
  
  "Of course." Pickle tore a blank sheet out and held it out with the pencil. Ovi drew a circle on the top of the page, then another at the bottom, then a straight line between them.
  
  "Let's say that is a linear path between the two. 587 light-years as I said. The speed of light is almost 300 million meters a second, so it's 9.461 trillion kilometers covered in only one year. You still have another 586 to go and there is no way outside of maintaining generation ships or a significant advance to get there in a linear fashion, that's even assuming you can hit light speed to begin with." Robotnik explained. "We have neither the power source or the engine to come close to half of light speed. But what we do have is the Warp Gate. At some point, we apparently received old Keplerian artifacts in the early 21st. Seven gems that ended up in the hands of the United States, that's America. They didn't know what they did at first until they loaned them to CERN. Found out rather quickly that they were a near infinite power source when combined. Powerful enough to warp space-time itself to create a wormhole, but only to one destination, the Kepler-22 system. Or at least so we thought." He folded the sheet of paper in half, lining up the two circles, then poked the pencil through the center of each circle.
  
  "So, you thought?" Pickle blinked.
  
  "I went through the Warp Gate during a shuttle accident. Somehow, instead of ending up at the Kepler-22 system as intended, I'm here now. Now that I think about it, if I could find those emeralds here, I might have a way back home. I may very well be able to pioneer trans-temporal travel." Robotnik mused, twirling one end of his mustache around a finger in thought.
  

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 06-07-2018, 08:53 AM

  Chapter 14
  Conference Room 1
  Central Security Level, Space Station ARK
  
  Wednesday, August 3, 2112
  
  The walk to Conference Room 1 reminded Miles mainly of the time when he had to testify against Abraham Tower. But now this time he was facing the possibility of being the one who would be removed from service and decommissioned. Investigators within the KRSN as well as other agencies had questioned him and went over the records of the I.K. Brunel, records that were carefully preserved by his orders. Even then, the possibility of decommissioning or some other administrative punishment was nothing compared to the feelings of guilt that weighed on him.
  
  He had promised Ovi that he would help him, and those words had been empty. He had the responsibility of rescuing a man that was a close friend and failed. There were many possible ways that the actions which he took while commanding the Brunel could have contributed to the loss of EGB-01. A push or a pull in the wrong way with the tractor beam. Firing weapons at an unarmed ship, even a popgun. One factor, all the factors, in the end he was the one in command.
  
  A man was dead because of him. True to his word, he had resigned command of the Brunel, which was going nowhere anyways because of the investigation. He stayed to his normal yard duties, answering questions when needed. The hard parts consisted of the funeral, waiting for the review results and the fact that he was living with Maria the entire time. He had went to the funeral to pay his respects to an empty casket and despite Geralt and Maria both assuring him that they did not find him at fault, he was beside himself.
  
  Miles felt inadequate and dreadfully underqualified for a command role. He was certain that he had made a mistake somewhere in his captaincy. Now the board of inquiry was going to announce that they had found it and declare when he was to appear for general court martial, he was certain of it. He was about to open the door into the conference room when he felt a hand close around his left arm.
  
  "You're not going in there alone." Maria said. The fox flickered his ears before lowering them.
  
  "Are you sure you want to be around me? The negligent 'Captain' Prower? I'm going to get cashiered and sent off to break rocks. I'm certain of it." Miles said, dejectedly.
  
  "No, you're not." Maria ran her hand up along his arm, then finally pressed it against his cheek. "It was an unexpected accident. You need to let go of the notion that you could have done something different. The shuttle was out of control long before you got to it."
  
  "I still didn't help matters. I should have known better, I should have let him sail through and followed. I should have called for help from the Master Yard. He would have still been here today if I had." The fox protested.
  
  "You don't know that." Maria countered, gently running her fingers through his fur.
  
  "How don't I? I've been running the situation through the simulators, there's several different ways I deviated from the textbook." Miles growled. "That's by self-critique alone, I'm about to get ripped apart by a board of inquiry. Are you sure that you want to be around someone like me?"
  
  "I am, even when you're wound up and anxious over nothing." Maria said, now scratching at the back of his left ear. "I'm going in with you."
  
  The vulpine's muzzle flushed as he reached up with his right hand, gently taking the human's left and bringing it down to her waist. "So be it, then." He opened the door slowly and stepped in. This time the familiar face of Rear Admiral Seetan was watching him.
  
  "Lieutenant Prower, reporting as ordered." Prower saluted and removed his hat.
  
  "Lieutenant Prower." The wolf rose up from his seat, the room was otherwise empty. "Doctor Robotnik." He opened his briefcase and removed a booklet, pushing it out towards the fox. "The board of inquiry had convened and rendered a decision regarding evaluation of your conduct commanding the repair tender I.K. Brunel."
  
  Here we go, the fox thought, swallowing nervously. You are hereby guilty of gross negligence in the conduct of command of a military vessel as well as causing a death by way of negligence. You are to be decommissioned and sent to Who Knows Where for 5 years of hard labor.
  
  "After reviewing logs from the Brunel, along with interviews with the officers and crew, and peer review from other repair tenders along with consultation with engineering officers and science staff, the board has decided that your actions were considered to be above reproach and did not contribute to the loss of the shuttle EGB-01 or its inhabitants." Seetan declared. "You may review the board's report and retain this copy."
  
  "Sir?" The fox raised his ears in confusion. "That's it? Not guilty?"
  
  "Lieutenant." The wolf stared at him. "You would have had to have committed a violation of regulations, let alone a crime to be considered guilty or not guilty of something. I've heard you have been beating yourself up over the incident." Then Seetan looked at Maria. "I'm giving you the Navy's final word on the matter, it wasn't your fault. Do I make myself clear?"
  
  "Y-Yes, sir." Prower straightened his posture as rigidly as he could.
  
  "Also, be ready to switch out for a new posting. The orders will be cut soon enough. You will be reporting on the specified date that these orders give to Commanding Officer KRSS Warspite. Commander Rose and Lieutenant Commander Zincks put a favorable opinion of your skills in information warfare in your jacket, Lieutenant. You're going to be one of Warspite's plankowners." Seetan said. "That is all, dismissed."
  
  The two exchanged salutes and Miles returned his hat to his head. He turned on his heel and walked out of the room with Maria following beside him.
  
  Wednesday, November 30, 2112
  Auxiliary Orbital Naval Yard, Space Station ARK
  
  Launch day for a vessel usually drew public attention. Especially so for a battleship, whether sea or space. Such a vessel was a symbol of power, the intent of projecting it whether for attack or defense. Miles had come in his dress uniform as ordered. He stood at the back row of seats set for guest and looked at Maria, who wore a blue one-piece dress under her labjacket. Their eyes met before the fox bent his head forward, kissing Maria's forehead.
  
  "I'll be back to take you aboard." Miles said.
  
  "Go meet your crew." Maria replied softly, pecking his cheek. "Smile for the cameras, especially mine, dear."
  
  "I will." He took her hands and squeezed them. Then he stepped away, going down the aisle, politely taking hands with others that greeted him as he made his way to the other officers. A light blue furred female hedgehog turned to face him, he noticed she had the rank of lieutenant as he did, but he saluted before they shook hands.
  
  "Lieutenant Miles Prower, Information Warfare." he introduced.
  
  "Lieutenant Molly Thompson, operations officer." The hedgehog replied. "Just call me MJ." She ran her eyes up and down. "Glad to have you with us Lieutenant." The fox smiled and then looked back at Maria.
  
  "Lieutenant?" A familiar voice was heard nearby. His ears twitched as he turned to face Janus Rotarl, her own dress uniform devoid of decoration but she now had a sub-lieutenant's striping on her cuffs and on her shoulderboards.
  
  "Sub-Lieutenant Rotarl." His ears fully raised. "You got the Warspite?"
  
  "Assistant Weapons Officer." The mouse smiled. "As well as one of our pilots for the Swordfish spotters."
  
  "Very nice. You passed through rather quickly, it took me a few more years to finish my technical training." Prower said.
  
  "Quick study, Lieutenant." Rotarl looked over at the completed battleship. "Four turrets, two guns per turret. Two situated in the fore, two aft. High turret on each is 15-inch railgun, low turret laser, 6000 terawatts at maximum."
  
  "Quite the punch." Miles commented, nodding. "Seen the captain?"
  
  "He's speaking to dignitaries, your father's here as well." Rotarl advised.
  
  "As I would expect." The fox stiffened. It would likely be best to see him now and get that out of the way. He stepped away and raised his head, actively looking for the older vulpine, knowing his uniform well. It hadn't changed since he had last seen him. Then he heard the trill a bosun's pipes throughout the yard. Recognizing the meaning, Miles began to assemble back with the rest of the officer complement. They remained standing while the audience sat down.
  
  A brown-furred Keplerian squirrel with grey tined auburn hair atop of his head approached the podium. He could see his father standing behind him and recognized the squirrel as the Keplerian Republic president, Maximilian Acorn. Miles usually voted along the lines of Social Democrats in both the Keplerian Republic and the United Kingdom, at least on the issues but Maximilian was the type of president who would work with the majority party no matter who they were. He was no king, not a King Frederick by any means, but in the mold of a Franklin Roosevelt, returned to office due to his acumen time after time.
  
  "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming." Maximilian said, his voice amplified by speakers throughout the yard. Two human men in Royal Navy uniforms stood beside Amadeus. One looked to be ranked to an admiral, the other a lower rank, perhaps a commander or a captain. "It's been twenty-seven years since the establishment of our republic and eleven years since the creation of our space navy. When we cast off the yoke of the House of Acorn, we knew very little about our part of the galaxy except for the scribblings of royal astronomers. It held little meaning to us, whether we went around a star or if the star went around us. But our galactic neighbors, humans, changed both our insight but also our perspective. We were no longer alone and though they look radically different from us, they knew what we were going through. They went through the same trials, some ending in error and some in triumph. We now stand together, hand in hand, relying on each other to invigorate business, culture and technology."
  
  Miles could see his father's ears raise as he noticed his presence. Their eyes met, and he gave a small nod, getting one in return.
  
  "We also venture forth, exploring the remainder of the Kepler-22 system and beyond. In the process, we have come across remnants of our old government as well as opportunists that both prey upon the innocent. We were caught by surprise at first but then realized that we had an inherent responsibility not just due to territorial claims and treaties but because of sacred principles to defend our collective interests. Not just Keplerian, but of all that travel through our system in peace. On October 25, 2101, we took the first steps towards taking care of those responsibilities with the establishment of the KRSN. We owe a great deal of thanks towards the United Kingdom and especially the Royal Navy and Royal Space Navy respectively for making that possible. The service was initially made of old cruisers and destroyers that were otherwise going to scrap. Our crews, both officer and rating alike had to be trained by the British and still are, until construction of the Space Naval College is complete. We also had never made use of a ship larger than a cruiser." Maximilian continued, turning to look towards the Warspite, gesturing to her.
  
  "But that changes today. Our first battleship of the Dreadnought-class is completed. She has been named Warspite, in recognition of the contributions of the British and the storied reputation of the ships that shared the name. Aside from being our first battleship, there is one final first for me to announce." He turned towards the people standing behind him, gesturing to a human to step up. Miles could swear that he was wearing a KRSN uniform. The man had short black hair and a pale-olive complexion, rectangular rimmed glasses perched on his nose.
  
  "The Warspite's first captain will be our first human officer to complete our command exchange program. It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Captain Carlos Concha formerly of the Royal Australian Space Navy." Maximilian announced. Applause started from the seated audience and it traveled in a wave to the officers and ratings. Maximilian stepped back, and they watched as Rear Admiral Seetan stepped up to the podium with Concha. The two faced each and exchange salutes as the wolf removed a folded sheet of paper from his pocket.
  
  "To Captain Carlos Concha, attached to Britannia Royal Naval College. You are hereby ordered to report to Rear Admiral Crow Seetan, Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet and to take command of the battleship KRSS Warspite, pennant number 01." Seetan said, holding the order sheet out to the human. Concha nodded and took it, saluting the wolf again before Seetan stepped back, allowing him to turn towards the podium.
  
  "Hello everyone, thank you for coming." Concha said, placing his hands on the sides of the podium. "I'm truly excited and appreciative of the opportunity of serving in the Keplerian Republic Space Navy in command of her first battleship. In a sense, I think this has been in the making for some time. I was named for my grandfather, rest his soul and he was the reason why I pursued naval service. Incidentally, he was an enthusiast in naval history and especially regarding HMS Warspite, the super-dreadnought. He visited Marazion to see the museum dedicated to her first in 2017 and there had been several trips since. I was thirteen when he took me there for Warspite 150. Unfortunately, he's no longer with us but his collection will be moved into the wardroom. I hope our service aboard this new Warspite is worthy to the name. I will begin the task of her fitting out by greeting the crew." Concha stepped away from the podium and then down. He first started with the ratings, moving through each section and shaking hands with each rating with a few words of introduction exchanged between them.
  
  When he came to the officers, he started with the lowest in seniority. Prower could hear the nervousness in Rotarl's voice as she was first.
  
  "Sub-Lieutenant Janus Rotarl, Assistant Weapons Officer and Swordfish pilot." The mouse piped up.
  
  "Everyone starts somewhere, Sub-Lieutenant. I saw your marks and I won't be surprised if you make lieutenant soon." Concha said. The fox stood there and slightly tuned out until Concha made it to the bridge level officers, starting with Prower.
  
  "Lieutenant Miles Prower, Information Warfare Officer." Miles said, rendering the human a salute before offering his hand.
  
  "That would explain the stare I've been getting from the field marshal." Concha laughed softly. "You've already got some boarding and engineering expertise as well if I recall."
  
  "Indeed, I do Captain. I am of course at the ship's disposal." Prower replied.
  
  "I have every confidence in you, Mr. Prower and I've promised your father that I'd return you in one piece." Concha said.
  
  "Respectfully sir, this assignment is a plum for me. You might make admiral before I step off from her bridge." The fox countered.
  
  "My word, I have a lifer for an IWO." Concha laughed quietly. "Very good, Mr. Prower." He stepped off to greet Lieutenant Fields who was transferred to Campbeltown as communications officer, then Lieutenant Thompson. To his surprise, he heard Commander Rose and did a double-take, turning his head to the right. Sure enough, the hedgehog was now Engineering Officer for the battleship. The ship's surgeon was a human, Lieutenant Commander Julian Kiley. The navigator was a blond-furred squirrel, Lieutenant Ray, one of those few that gave no family name. Weapons was Lieutenant Commander Scott Percival, a lavender furred cat and finally there was the executive officer, Concha's second in command. Another Campbeltown transfer! Lieutenant Commander William Bolton was standing at the end of the line. He wondered how much of a flap it was going to be for Rose to be taking orders from the cat, who was a rank below her.
  
  "Right then." Concha said as he returned to the podium. "Engineering section, step forward." Commander Rose stepped up before the podium as her ratings and assistant engineering officer formed around her.
  
  "Engineering section reporting as ordered, sir." Rose announced.
  
  "Take your section aboard and start the reactor." Concha said. The two exchanged salutes.
  
  "Start the reactor, aye aye, sir!" The hedgehog turned to face the section. "Engineering section! Take your stations and bring the reactor online."
  
  "Aye, aye!" The assistant engineering officer replied, as the entire section started to step towards the gangways, filing into the ship and withdrawing portable work lights. Everyone turned to face the battleship, waiting. After a few minutes, they could hear a low hum as exterior lighting started to come online. Everyone began to clap as Commander Rose's voice could be heard on the speakers. "The reactor is online. Warspite is now disconnected from station power."
  
  "Very good." Concha extended his right hand out towards the ship. "The ship is open for viewing. There is refreshment set out in the wardroom and the crew messes. Ship's company is officially dismissed."
  
  The assembled crew started to break apart, some going to board immediately, some joining the audience and some leaving entirely. Miles left towards the audience and found Maria. She took note of how his tails were wagging about and pressed a finger to his nose.
  
  "What?" The fox raised his ears as he noticed the teasing smile on her face.
  
  "I don't suppose your quarters are going to be closed." Maria said quietly.
  
  "For one, I don't know where my quarters are at the moment and for another, I'm not going to run the chance of getting caught-" He looked around and lowered his voice. "doing that with my girlfriend, especially with people touring."
  
  "Oh fine." Maria adopted a pout. "I suppose some cake and punch sounds all right. But once we're finished on the ship, you're mine."
  
  "For the love of Nelson." Miles rolled his eyes theatrically. "It's the uniform, isn't it?"
  
  "Excuse me Lieutenant, but you get the same way when I have my clinic dress on." Maria pressed in harder on his nose. The fox poked her in the stomach with his index finger, causing a soft squeal of protest.
  
  "Behave yourself, darling." He chuckled and leaned in, kissing her on the mouth, catching her by surprise.
  

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 06-20-2018, 10:53 AM

  
  Chapter 15 - Defection
  Day 319, 3232 (Monday, November 15, 3232)
  Mount Freedom – G.U.N Headquarters
  United Federation, Mobius
  
  “Done for the day, then?” Snively asked. Ovi blinked and ran his access card through the slot for one of the timecard stations. He looked down at the card and fidgeted with it. The man was starting to differ from the color photo on its left, filling out thanks to both the break schedule he was forced to follow as well as regular invitations to Snively’s for breakfast and dinner. It was certainly a stark contrast to having the power to work at his own pace as a chief innovation officer of his own startup.
  
  “Indeed.” Robotnik answered, the two exchanging nods. He squinted, having to trade his glasses for a set of transition lenses due to the harsh lighting inside of the research wings. He shouldered his satchel which contained his tablet. Little did anyone know, Snively had helped him access protected information, information that the two were of the opinion should not have been both on principle as well as public interest. Especially when the people of subject in the files had their names and reputations drug through the mud. For all the security posturing here, the chink in the armor here at G.U.N was data and the reliance on Ovi to provide or retrofit 22nd century technology for their purposes.
  
  At first, he stayed on the straight and narrow, at least until Snively had dropped hints about G.U.N having some skeletons in its closet. That had also reminded Ovi of how Commander Brass had reacted when they first met. Snively alluded to seeing files but Ovi could not get to them, despite the two allegedly having the same set of access privileges. Either Snively’s privileges extended further due to his seniority or perhaps he managed to batter his way into the files that Robotnik’s tablet now carried. In any event, Ovi was impressed with the way that Snively managed to get the data, presumedly without detection.
  
  Commander Brass had been right to not trust Robotnik but from outwards appearance, he was doing nothing. The man would meekly submit to ‘random’ security screenings which extended to his equipment. But the intelligence and internal security personnel would draw blanks. Brass would ruminate over the possibilities, with the help of some high proof whiskey. But of course, once the President and his cabinet heard of the technology that Ovi knew of, he was their darling. In the next few days, Robotnik would be finishing fabrication on a CQB assault drone. Brass didn’t like it, he knew something was off, the same overhanging dread one felt before an ambush.
  
  Once the two men had arrived at Snively’s apartment in the city, Robotnik swept the room for bugs. As an added precaution he also unplugged Snively’s telephones by both power and data cables as well as his wireless access point. This was something they did time and again as a security precaution. With blinds drawn, the two huddled while Ovi brought his tablet back online. Putting it on airplane mode, he called up the files that Snively had smuggled out for him.
  
  “Day 319 of the year 3194.” Robotnik read out loud as a preface. The two would silently read on regarding the file. This contained a report on a G.U.N raid of Space Colony ARK and ultimately the final fate of his grandfather in this timeline, Professor Gerald Robotnik. Allegedly the professor had been working on unethical experiments involving genetic engineering. One such project created what the file referred to as a monstrosity, while the other was more tamely dubbed Project Shadow. Apparently, Gerald’s work had become so dangerous, the government had decided to hit the colony with a G.U.N assault. Gerald was taken into custody, but Project Shadow was presumed missing or destroyed. There were casualties as well, Ovi was expecting there to be some, at least on G.U.N’s side of the engagement.
  
  Instead he saw a list that largely comprised of civilians. Then his gaze held on one name among the dead; Maria Robotnik. Curious now, Ovi reached out with a trembling index finger to bring her file up. Born Day 170 of the year 3182, died on Day 319 of the year 3194. Terminally ill, supposedly the focal point of Gerald’s work. Snively blinked as Ovi turned away with the tablet, scrolling down. Then he froze on a photo of the young girl, she looked the same as he remembered her at 12 in his history, only with an ugly red stain in her abdomen.
  
  “I don’t believe it, I didn’t think that of all things that G.U.N killed civilians.” Ovi said, lowering the tablet. “I compromised on my stance against defense work to take your offer. I had told myself for some time that I would not do defense contracts, here I thought at least my developments would be used against other machines or uniformed men. I’m not going to let the likes of Brass use my creations to bring about the next culling.”
  
  “So, you’re going to quit?” Snively asked with a frantic rise in his voice.
  
  “Not immediately, but we’re going to clean up and gather all the prototypes that I have. We’re going to crash their data stores and get away from here.” Ovi replied.
  
  “Crash the data stores and escape the military? Are you out of your mind? Where would we end up going?!” Snively protested.
  
  “To the right side, Julian. We’re going to defect to the Acornians. The Overlanders are using Federation weapons. They’re just as bad in my eyes.” Robotnik declared.
  
  Day 321 (Wednesday, November 17, 3232)
  
  The prototype stood tall with its humanoid shaped gray and white armored body gleaming, the light reflecting off its finish. Commander Brass stared at Ovi while he made the final diagnostic checks over the robot. Robotnik met his gaze for a moment before lowering his tablet, stepping back to stand beside Snively. The two men nodded to each other before shaking hands.
  
  “Job well done, Doctor.” Robotnik said.
  
  “The same to you, my friend.” Snively replied.
  
  “Is it ready then?” Brass grumbled.
  
  “Indeed, it is. Shall I start it up?” Robotnik asked.
  
  “Let’s get it over with. As soon as it passes evaluation, I want mass production ready.” Brass said.
  
  “Right. We have a fight to win, after all.” Ovi said nonchalantly, beginning the activation sequence. The robot’s visual sensor started to glow red as it came online. Then it started to turn its body slowly in a circle. Ovi put his tablet into his labjacket’s pocket and placed his hands behind his back.
  
  “This is a test of CQB Drone Prototype 01.” Ovi said aloud. At the same time, activation sequences for the virus that he installed on Tuesday began to take effect. The very security systems for the network that he upgraded kept quiet. It didn’t register as malware even as other watchdog systems began to complain as the infection began to spread.
  
  “Acknowledged, Doctor.” The robot said out loud in a deep, male voice. “Test mission profile loaded and ready.”
  
  “What would you like to see first, Commander?” Ovi asked, moving closer to Brass now.
  
  “Well, does it shoot?” Brass asked, narrowing his eyes.
  
  “May I have a weapon, then?” Robotnik asked. Brass turned and held his hand out towards a trooper, who relinquished their carbine to the larger man. Brass looked it over carefully, then held it out to Ovi. “Don’t drop it.”
  
  “I don’t plan to.” Ovi said with a little bit of coldness. He took the gun and walked towards the robot, holding the rifle out to it. It took the gun and then started to march towards the makeshift firing range. Everyone began to put on earplugs and goggles, save for Ovi, who figured he would be protected by his glasses.
  
  “You may begin.” Robotnik said to the drone. The robot shouldered the weapon and fired in single-shot mode at the farthest target, striking it dead center, before moving up to its head. Then it changed firing modes, focusing on the other standing targets, firing on acquisition. Moving targets started to slide from left to right as well as up and down, all being shot up with precision. The robot took a step back, pointing the barrel up at the ceiling.
  
  Everyone removed their earplugs and Brass stepped up to the firing line, staring at the demolished targets, then at the robot.
  
  “Not bad.” The man said grudgingly.
  
  “It is also capable of acting as a pilot.” Robotnik said while the robot handed the weapon to Brass.
  
  “One of the transports then.” Brass said, motioning for everyone to follow. The drone started to move in formation with them, out of the testing lab. The lighting began to flicker, causing him to freeze for a moment. He looked back at Ovi and Snively, narrowing his eyes again in suspicion.
  
  “I took the initiative of speaking with flight operations to have one set up.” Ovi said, as the group moved towards the outside where the landing pads were. “A full albeit dummy load of equipment, crates weighted like a regular load.” Once they were in front of the tiltrotors, he started to lead the drone towards one of them. It opened the door to the pilot’s cabin and settled in. Then Ovi and Snively also began to board.
  
  “Now just wait a damn minute. You’re not going up in that thing!” Brass started towards the craft as the rotors began to spin. He reached for the pilot’s door and wrenched it open. The robot turned its head to look at him. “Stand down, immediately!” The commander ordered.
  
  “Commander!” Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Tower called out. “Something’s wrong with our computer systems. There’s been a complete failure across the board.”
  
  “What? Why didn’t you call it in?” Brass roared, distracted by the news.
  
  “Communications systems are down.” Tower answered, unholstering his gun as he saw the robot reaching to close the door. Brass turned and looked back at the drone, grabbing for its arm. The robot leaned in and slammed the door hard, causing Brass to howl in pain, trapped as his wrist broke. The tiltrotor started to raise up into the air while Tower lowered his gun, growling.
  
  “Get a flight team out here and get the others started up!” Tower yelled. “I want MANPADs ready on that damn thing.”
  
  Ovi watched the commotion unfold down on the ground, then leaned out to look at Brass, who fumbled for his own handgun.
  
  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Commander. It would be unfortunate for there to be another malfunction.” Robotnik said, adjusting his glasses. “We will let you go once we have reached our destination.”
  
  “I should have never let you join the organization.” Brass yelled over the roar. “I should have put you in a cell or killed you.”
  
  Ovi froze, lowering his glasses slightly as his face grew hot, cheeks reddening.
  
  “You mean like how your organization killed many innocent people? A little girl among them?” he yelled back. “You deserve far worse than this, but in fact-” He looked over at the robot. “I think I might grant you a small token of mercy. Let him go.”
  
  “What?!” Brass sputtered, reaching back down for his pistol. He kicked his legs up, trying to make the task easier, but suddenly felt himself falling away from the craft as the door was opened. He howled up at the escaping craft, silenced only when his body hit the ground. Snively looked over the side, then away, getting down on his knees as he crawled to the other end, violently retching. As he looked back, he noticed that Ovi was still staring down, a small smile forming on his face.
  
  Kingdom of Acorn
  Eastern Frontier
  
  Colonel Amadeus Prower grunted as he heard the radio burble. Turning his head towards the unit, he reached out and adjusted a control knob. The sound of static became a warble and then for a moment, he thought he could hear a voice. The fox’s ears twitched as he fiddled with the knob, much more slowly. There was the sound of a loud engine that dominated most of the transmission but then a voice could finally be heard.
  
  “This is Dr. Ovi Robotnik, calling down to any forces of the Kingdom of Acorn that might be listening.” A male voice, human no doubt. He looked around inside of the empty command tent, blinking before picking up the microphone attached to the radio set, pressing down on the transmit button.
  
  “This is Colonel Amadeus Prower of the Royal Army. What is your position?” His ears twitched again as he wondered whether this might have been a trick. What if the Overlanders were using radio-location equipment? What if this was some sort of ruse? Some sort of attempt to knock him and his command element out. After all, the Conductor of the Battlefield as he was known, was a thorn in the side of the Overlanders while making a great defensive effort against their offensive attempts.
  
  “I think-“ Robotnik seemed to be speaking to someone else. Amadeus could hear what sounded like a robot speaking but the voice was drowned out by the engine sounds. “I think we’re coming close to your position, Colonel. I desperately need asylum. We’re being pursued by another craft. My colleague and I were designing weapons for the United Federation that were to be used by the Overlanders against you. Can you help me in any way, Colonel?”
  
  “We might,” Amadeus took note of the way the man’s tone changed to that of relief. “Assuming your intentions are in earnest.”
  
  “They most certainly are! I’m happy to know there is at least another Amadeus Prower out there. I wonder, do you have a son?” Robotnik asked.
  
  “Me, a son? I do.” Prower replied.
  
  “Is his name Miles?” Robotnik asked, causing Amadeus to lower the mic. What in blazes, how would a human know that?
  
  “Yes, that’s his name. Would you mind explaining how you know that?” Amadeus growled softly.
  
  Suddenly Amadeus could hear a loud explosion outside. He then could see the outside of the tent illuminate as searchlights came alive, pointing upwards as the air raid sirens started to screech. He could hear men rushing out from their tents, shouting as they started to get to their gun positions.
  
  “Was that you?” Prower asked.
  
  “Indeed, it is, our pursuers launched a missile at us but we managed to evade it. I’d be in a better position to introduce myself on the ground, and I would greatly appreciate your help!” Robotnik said frantically.
  
  “Can you possibly drop a flare?” Amadeus asked. “We can identify you from that.”
  
  “I’ll see about it. Launch a flare 01.” Robotnik could be heard saying. Amadeus switched to the local radio net.
  
  “This is Colonel Prower, there is a friendly, repeat, friendly aircraft under attack that is going to drop a flare. Target any aircraft that is pursuing it and either bring it down or at least deter it.” The fox said. Then he switched back to the position he had the radio at. “Hang tight, Doctor. I have to go outside.” He made note of the frequency and stormed out of the tent, looking around. The fox then strode towards another Acornian which was carrying a backpack radio. “You there! I need your radio.”
  
  “Yes Colonel!” The squirrel came to a stop, holding the handset out to the fox. He took it in hand and adjusted the frequency on the backpack radio, looking up, watching the two tilt-rotors, the vapor and smoke trail from the flare coming from the lead craft. Then he looked around. “There should be open ground for you to land on.” He then plugged an ear as the gun positions started to open on the second aircraft.
  
  On their tiltrotor, Ovi and Snively looked down as their drone started to adjust the flight path. They could hear another missile coming from the pursuing craft, this time many flares coming out from the back of their craft as it banked to evade. Then came a loud clatter as bullets ripped through the fuselage, narrowly missing the men, but hitting the robot. It began to slump forward, smoke coming from its body, though it continued to guide the craft.
  
  This time, two missiles came up from the ground as fire converged near the pursuing G.U.N craft. On board, Abraham Tower growled and buckled his safety belt, watching his target starting to go down, smoke coming from the rear. He leaned forward, brows knit.
  
  “Are we out of missiles?” he bellowed.
  
  “Yes, we are, sir. I’d recommend that we get out of here. This fire’s getting rather heavy.” The pilot called out.
  
  “Damn it! Take us back then. If we’re lucky, then they’ll wreck.” Tower fumed. “Maybe the Acornians will do us a favor and kill them for us.” He looked out and could see the familiar profile of Amadeus Prower, staring up at them as their craft turned. Tower shut his eyes as the searchlights bloomed. He reached out and made a defiant one-fingered gesture. The fox recognized the gesture and returned it, then hung up the radio handset before starting to stride in the direction of the falling tiltrotor that had Robotnik.
  
  The aircraft was going in nose down, its engines starting to point upwards spasmodically. As it lowered down, it hit the ground and started to skid forward until it slammed into a set of trees, crumping the nose and further pinning the robot to the pilot’s seat. But a shaken Ovi and Snively seemed to come through without any difficulty. Once Prower arrived with a fireteam, Ovi looked up at him and crawled out from the craft before rising to his feet.
  
  “I never thought our paths would cross again like this. Of all the odds! Thank you, Field Marshal!” The man babbled.
  
  “Colonel.” Prower corrected, staring at him, then at the crates. “What’s with these supply crates?”
  
  “Supplies we stole from G.U.N to bring to the Kingdom. It’s a pity about my prototype but with the right materials and a factory, I can build more. It’s part of why I came here, Colonel. How would you like to win your defensive war?” Robotnik offered.
  
  “I’d say I would, but I’d also want to know what the pricetag is, and more about the man I’m bartering with.” The fox said.
  
  “You might think it to be extraordinary, but it’s true.” Robotnik said. He hopped back onto the craft, opening a crate, rummaging around in it. Then he brought up a large burlap sack, climbing back down with it in hand. Amadeus could smell coffee grounds, and none like the weak stuff they had that passed for them. “But I would be a poor host if I didn’t at least bring a drink to storytime. You have a coffee maker in your canteen, yes?”
  
  “Well yes, as long as there’s enough for my men.” Amadeus said.
  
  “More than enough. And if I overestimate myself, there’s more sacks. Come, let us drink and be friendly!” Robotnik declared. Amadeus nodded and gestured for the fireteam to follow, Snively rushing to catch up.
  

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 06-20-2018, 06:16 PM

  Chapter 16 - Infection
  Thursday, May 23, 2115
  Outer System Patrol – Kepler-22
  KRSS Warspite (01)
  
  Warspite was set to be the hammer that would strike the definitive blow of the remnants Kingdom of Acorn. It was possible that they would be dealing directly with either a 71-year old King Frederick or perhaps a new heir. This time instead of Acornian-piloted ships, there was a strange new turn in their slave and cargo transportation with automated craft. While there was a very small skeleton crew compared to what was on the likes of the Destructrix, at least of living people, there had been reports of armed robots. At first the boarding parties of cruisers and destroyers would have some trouble and losses, and in some cases the Warspite had to assist.
  
  Over the last two years, Lieutenant Prower had again led some of the relief parties from the Warspite. But he largely worked alongside Captain Concha, Lieutenant Commander Bolton and Lieutenant Thompson as well as remote consultations with others throughout the fleet, to try to determine the focal point where this traffic was coming from. At one point, they had gotten crafty though the fox didn’t like the idea of allowing slave cargo to proceed to its destination, though there was an assurance that they would strike once they found home base. He had carefully intruded upon the systems three of the cargo ships and worked out their courses from their navigation systems. The Warspite would take a small task force of destroyers and cruisers with it to one of them, while the Belfast and Caledon had their own task forces, with little Campbeltown joining the Warspite group.
  
  As expected the two craft being followed by the Belfast and Caledon groups were decoying away. It seemed that there was a routine in motion for transports to bounce around to stop acquisition of their home base. But the two cruisers with their support groups maintained their patience and stations, waiting for their targets to move on to the next point. Warspite however seemed to be on to something, the large battleship being fed information by datalink from the Campbeltown as it stayed ahead. The destroyer came to a stop as Commander Zincks appeared on one of the monitors directly in front of Captain Concha.
  
  “I think we’ve got something here, Captain.” The tanuki said, adjusting her cap. “There’s a large asteroid out here that’s giving out a large amount of ESM echoes. That ship that we were shadowing went into it. It’s certainly large enough to fit a few of those there.”
  
  “Let’s go ahead and tie the noose then, shall we?” Concha said, leaning back into his seat. “Helm take us forward. Campbeltown, I suggest that you get your guns and torpedoes warmed up.”
  
  “We’ll be making our approach. Recommend we try a system intrusion from both ships once we’ve gotten in range.” Zincks said.
  
  “Captain? Permission to cut in?” Tails said, looking up from his terminal.
  
  “Of course, Mr. Prower.” The human said.
  
  “I’m still in the transport that we hobbled, I could use that as a relay.” The fox suggested.
  
  “A good point, Lieutenant. Make it so, then.” Concha said with a nod.
  
  “He’s certainly come forward a good deal.” Zincks said. “We’ll be maintaining our station then, Campbeltown out.” The monitor went back to its normal display pattern.
  
  “Right, piggybacking on its internal communications traffic. This is some sort of major hub since there’s traffic for other transports, as well as long range telemetry of craft not present here. The two we also tagged show up in here as well.” The fox was surfing through the station’s network with ease so far. “I think this is it.” He started to check for any signs of defensive emplacements. “Some gun batteries and missile pods, no lasers. Doesn’t seem like anything here is manually operated. Blacking them out now.” He wrestled with their control systems and found the security ridiculously easy to cut through, but also trashed the weapons control system with a few pieces from his malware library for good measure.
  
  “So, the day has finally come for the king to be taken off from the board.” Concha stood up and took the overhanging public-address handset and put it to his ear. “This is Captain Concha, we are going to be boarding the enemy station. Our two objectives are as followed: First, we secure the station. Second, we take the House of Acorn into custody. I understand that tensions may be running high for those of you that might still remember what rule was like under them, or perhaps you have heard stories from your parents and grandparents. The idea of an eye for an eye may sound appealing, but I must remind you that we are a navy. We enforce laws, we save lives and only take them when necessary. I will not have any man or woman aboard carry out extrajudicial execution. Let the guilty be brought to the trial and the sentence they deserve. That is all.”
  
  Concha hung up the handset and looked around the bridge. “Bolton stays here in command, I am going ashore with Lieutenant Prower and the first boarding party.”
  
  By now, Miles was not surprised that he was tapped for another boarding party. Though he tilted his head as he turned in his seat. “Are you certain its wise for you to go ashore, Captain?”
  
  “This may be a raid, but I’ll be damned if I let you juniors have all the fun.” The human smiled and adjusted his glasses. “Besides, I want to see the look on King Frederick’s face as I read the arrest order to him.”
  
  “So long as we don’t have to carry you back in a box, sir.” The fox rose up to his feet and bowed his head. “Shall I lead you to the armory?”
  
  “Of course, Lieutenant.” Concha gestured with his left hand as the vulpine started to lead the way.
  
  Presumed Acornian Base
  Outer Rim of Kepler-22 System
  
  This time rather than using an umbilical to board, smaller transport craft from the Warspite started to make their way to the launch bay that they saw the transports enter. The large outer doors opened outwards on their approach thanks to Prower’s continued control over the station. He batted his tails around nervously as the transports locked into place. Where and when did the Acornians end up getting the same shield technology used on the ARK for their launch bay? Once their transports came to a stop, the outer doors on the sides opened as the shore party stepped out, their breathing being heard as audible hisses through their mask respirators.
  
  “Anyone have the impression that it’s a bit too quiet?” Another crew member piped up.
  
  “I would have expected some small arms fire.” Miles said, looking around. “Or at least guards to repel us. There’s not even any disembarkation from the other transports.”
  
  “Damned strange,” Concha said. “Let’s check the one you tagged then.” The shore party started to march forward, continuing to scrutinize with weapons in hand. Miles put his tablet on touch projection mode so that its display would appear in front of him. He drew his Webley with his right hand and kept it held down low at a safe position while they assembled around the transport in question. Using the touch display, he had the door open. The craft interior was dark, causing the party to turn on their headlamps. Miles boarded first, holding his gun out. His footsteps echoed as he moved through the transport, its deck plan like the Destructrix. Stopping, he started to bring the lights on and sighed in relief as they came on.
  
  The others in the shore party started to follow and fan out. Miles stepped towards the bridge and blinked, glancing around as he heard Concha grunt behind him.
  
  “What’s wrong with this picture, Lieutenant?” The captain asked.
  
  “I think this transport’s empty.” The fox turned to face him before striding forward, moving to leave on instinct. He marched out and walked over to another transport, attempting to intrude into its systems. This time there was no response. The vulpine blinked and holstered his gun, clenching on the manual release lock. The exoskeleton that he wore clicked and whirred as it assisted him in pulling the lock up and rotating it before pulling the door open manually. He tried another intrusion but got nothing, staring at the dimly lit interior before bringing his gun back up again. Slowly, the fox stepped further in and turned his body to the left at a T junction. Then as he turned to the right, he saw a red and black colored robot rising up to full height, its eyes glowing as it fired its weapon.
  
  The fox shrank back and fired at the robot with his Webley but heard it advancing in his direction. He backpedaled slowly, waiting for it to come into view before squaring it up in his sights, his breathing echoing inside of his helmet as he squeezed the trigger five more times before colliding with someone behind him. Tilting his head back, he could see another crew member as they knelt and pulled him to his feet.
  
  “Looks like you got him, Lieutenant.” The yellow flying squirrel said quietly while Miles shivered for a moment, adrenaline running through his veins. He opened the cylinder on his revolver and emptied out the spent casings, filling it with a speedloader’s worth of six, pushing the cylinder closed with his hand.
  
  “Something’s not right about this place,” The fox said quietly. He had an idea now, holstering his gun as the squirrel and another crew member stood outside with guns pointed at the interior. Searching through the network, he found some security cameras and started to flip through the feeds. Then he paused on what looked like a throne room, the Kingdom’s old flag behind the large chair. No one was there. In fact, there was nothing but a few robots here.
  
  “bowl of poo. Captain!” Miles called out. Concha moved forward towards him.
  
  “What is it Lieutenant?” The captain asked.
  
  “This place is a bloody ghost town is what it is. There’s nothing here. Everything’s picked clean, but this was the right place. Either someone tipped them off to our raid or-“
  
  “Or they had a plan in action.” Concha concluded. “Right.” He patched himself in to all the shore party’s radios. “Everyone back on our transports, we’re going back to the Warspite and then we’re going to head back home.”
  
  Friday, May 24, 2115
  Space Station ARK
  
  As more transports had arrived with liberated people that were being sent off to labor for the Kingdom of Acorn, the mass of people started to overwhelm the medical departments of the ships that were guiding the transports back. As a result, a new plan had been made to handle critical cases as a priority but to have the others assessed on the ARK. Dr. Maria Robotnik looked down at her tablet, then up at the people that were assembled before her. She ran her eyes through the crowd, looking for telltale signs to help determine who would be the most important. Triage was the name of the game here.
  
  Though not a trained medical professional, Lieutenant Janus Rotarl knew what they were going through. She stood beside Maria and looked to the human as Robotnik was making her decision. Finally, she tilted her head towards the mouse and lowered her tablet.
  
  “See that boy there? Keplerian avian of some kind, green. Named as Jolt.” Maria said.
  
  “Got it.” Rotarl started to move forward through the refugees and knelt beside the avian, holding out her hand. “Would you mind coming with me? The doctor would like to see you.” The avian raised his head slowly and nodded, offering the mouse his wing as they slowly moved forward. Maria held her own hand out, taking up the other wing carefully as they led Jolt into an open examination bay. Rotarl lifted the bird to sit up on the bed while Maria leaned forward, looking him over before placing a hand on his head.
  
  “I thought so, fever and lethargy. Sounds like there’s an infection in there. Can you tell me how long you’ve been sick for?” Maria asked while picking up a wireless thermometer and holding it close.
  
  “All the time,” Jolt said quietly, with a bit of hoarseness.
  
  “We’ll see what we’re dealing with then. If you could just hold your mouth open for me, please.” Maria said. The avian obeyed, opening his beak so that she could run the thermometer in, pressing it under his tongue. After a few moments, there was a small beep. Maria removed the probe and ejected the tip into a biohazard container, looking down at the new reading. 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a fever and not a false reading on her part. She reached for a blood pressure cuff and closed it over the avian’s upper wing, activating it. Maria gazed back down to her tablet, an elevated blood pressure.
  “We’ll need some blood,” Maria said quietly, making a request on her tablet for a phlebotomist. Then she reached out and placed a hand on the avian’s shoulder. “Is it all right if I take a look at you?” Jolt nodded.
  
  Maria started to unbutton the avian’s tunic now, feeling around on his chest. Perplexed, she thought she felt some scar tissue. She felt around further up and noticed more by the neck and then the back of his head. Blinking, Maria looked over at Rotarl in confusion, stepping back.
  
  “Does that feel like scarring to you?” she asked the mouse. Rotarl leaned in and ran her hand along the same places that Maria was feeling, then nodded.
  
  “It certainly does, what the Hell were they doing to this kid?” Rotarl asked rhetorically.
  
  “I don’t know,” Maria replied, as the door opened behind her.
  
  “Dr. Robotnik?” Another human, wearing powder blue scrubs said, holding a testing kit. “You requested blood draws?”
  
  “That’s right.” Maria took a step back while Jolt looked back at her now, seeming to be focused on her name badge.
  
  “Robotnik,” The bird said very slowly. Then he started to curl inwards, chittering loudly, drawing his wings in over his body. Maria stepped forward to take one of his wings, thinking that a fear of needles was what was coming over him. “It’ll be all right, we just need a little bit of blood.”
  
  Suddenly the avian shoved into her with strength that was surprising for one so enfeebled by his illness, knocking her back. Rotarl now started to come forward, helping Maria up to her feet at Jolt squawked at them, flapping his wings wildly before hopping off from the bed, pulling drawers out from the consoles. Then he waddled forward to pick up the rolling stool, holding it over his head and throwing it towards them. Maria ducked down as it crashed against the wall where her head was. Maria now hit the red security button on her tablet and began to double back with Rotarl in front of her. Suddenly she found herself bumping into someone and turned her head.
  
  “S-sorry about that.” Robotnik said apologetically. Then she realized that they were surrounded by other patients. Something was off with the way they stood and the way their eyes looked. She reached out and grabbed Rotarl by the shoulder to turn the mouse around. The mouse uttered a surprised growl and unholstered her sidearm, pointing it at them.
  
  “Get back!” Rotarl yelled, holding onto Maria’s shoulder as they continued to advance. Then she turned, finding other patients closing on them. At the same time, Maria was wondering where security was. Then a loud audible alarm started with the room lighting turning red. The mouse’s ears twitched as she thought she heard gunshots. Some of the patients had started to grab weapons from the ground. IV poles, scalpels, drawers and other blunt instruments. The mouse held the gun steady on the nearest one. “I said get back!” Then she pointed the barrel up at the ceiling and fired once, the report loud in such tight quarters, deafening the two for a few moments. Then the mouse holstered the weapon and picked up her own IV stand, shaking the bag off, snapping off the wheeled portion, swinging it before her, using it to knock them back.
  
  Maria reached for the door to the secure nurse’s station, slotting her card into it. She heard the telltale click and opened the door, pulling on the mouse’s shoulder so that Rotarl would follow. Once the mouse was through, she shut the door, noticing that the patients, whatever they were at this point, moving towards the clear but hardened plastiglass at the front. Maria reached for a phone and tried to dial out, getting static. Then she looked down at her tablet, a new idea in mind as she tried to open a video call with her grandfather. Suddenly her tablet’s screen went completely red and then shut down. Rotarl took her own tablet out, noticing it was still active since it was connected to a secure KRSN network. She hastily brought up the video call system, hitting the icon for Prower.
  
  KRSS Warspite
  
  Since the incident at the asteroid base, the Warspite was on its way back to the ARK. The Warp Gate was looming ahead but surprisingly enough, his tablet was vibrating at his hip. He detached it from its case and saw that an incoming call was coming from Rotarl. The fox looked back at Concha and bowed his head.
  
  “Ah Captain, I have a call coming through from Lieutenant Rotarl on the ARK.” He looked confused.
  
  “Go ahead and take it.” The human said. He opened the call and saw both Maria and Rotarl staring at him.
  
  “There’s something very crazy going on here at the ARK. We’re locked down in the hospital section.” Rotarl explained. “The patients we’ve picked up off the transports are going nuts, taking up arms.”
  
  “Well station security’s handling it, aren’t they?” Miles asked, ears raising.
  
  “Maria hit the panic button, but no one’s come, it’s long past the normal response time.” The mouse explained. “I’m about to call out to see if we can get some marines, but I was also curious as to how things looked on the outside.”
  
  “Well we’re on our way back to the ARK,” The fox said. Then he blinked. “Hold on for a moment.” He raised his index finger, turning his seat. “Captain? There seems to be an incident on the ARK. Has there been any trouble reported with any of those transports that we’ve been pulling in?”
  
  “Not that I’m aware of, but now that you say that, I’m curious. Communications, when was the last time we heard from Caledon and Belfast? They should have reported their arrival by now since they were ahead of us.” Concha inquired.
  
  “Their trackers are showing them at the ARK, I’ll see if I can raise them.” Lieutenant Fields said, turned back to her console, activating a voice connection. “KRSS Belfast, KRSS Caledon, this is KRSS Warspite, we’re requesting a check-in.” She placed a hand up to her headset, hearing just static. “KRSS Belfast, KRSS Caledon, this is KRSS Warspite, please respond.” Her ears raised as she looked back at Concha. “Nothing.”
  
  “I wouldn’t think that two cruisers would have simultaneous radio failures at the same place. Something stinks to high heaven about this.” Concha said, massaging his chin. “Take us through. Mr. Prower, until otherwise ordered I want the ship on complete EMCON.”
  
  “Complete EMCON, aye aye.” Miles looked back at his tablet, where Maria looked at him, holding her hand out towards the camera.
  
  “I have to go. We’re going to find out what’s going on, and I’m going to get you out of it.” The fox said, holding his hand out.
  
  “I know you will. Please hurry though. I love you Miles.” Maria said quietly.
  
  “I love you too.” The fox said, hesitantly reaching out to close the connection. Then he set his tablet back into its case as he focused back on his terminal, executing a complete shut down of all communications. The fox also enforced password changes for the local system accounts for all members of the Engineering, Communications and Weapons sections, getting the update prompt on his own system afterwards.
  

• RE: Protocol Cy-Fox v1.0

  Cy-Fox Unit 01 > 07-07-2018, 12:17 AM

  Chapter 17
  
  Friday, May 24, 2115
  Space Station ARK
  
  One of the transports that was moored with the ARK stood out from the others. It was not used for slave transport but had much more vital role. A gaudy coat of arms for the House of Acorn was painted on the side, a crucial element that was somehow missed by the prize crew from KRSS Caledon. This oversight cost them their lives, and even then, their dignity was further sullied by the loss of their uniforms and equipment. The precise way that the Knight Champion had handled them left both untarnished, but that couldn’t be said for the bruised, pulped heads of their former users.
  
  The Knight Champion was a hedgehog but not one seen before amongst the Acornians until earlier in the year. It had no quills for its body was completely metal, blue in color mainly, with accents of silver and gold. It stood taller than any of the other Acornians, armored body gleaming in the bright lighting of the royal ‘yacht’ RAN Hoherbaum, advancing slowly beside the creeping figure of King Frederick Acorn. The seventy-one-year-old Acornian squirrel wheezed, a helmet upon his head not unlike the Imperial German pickelhaube. He squeezed the fingers of his left hand into a fist, the motion causing a quiet clicking sound. Then he opened his fingers and held his hand up towards his face. This arm still took getting used to, having long been a subject of personal humiliation up until a surgical robot finally removed it and installed the vastly superior replacement he now wielded.
  
  “Now is our time to strike, my champion.” Frederick proclaimed, looking at the hedgehog. “You will lead us out. Any resistance is to be cut down with your usual brutal efficiency.” All that he received in response was a slow nod from the robot, who turned to face the gangway, opening the outer door before marching forward. Red lights pulsed throughout the yard as it made its way off the gangway, panning its head around from left to right. The hedgehog walked on towards the blast door that would lead to the inner part of the station, stopping in front of it. The barrel of a gun suddenly appeared out of a special port in the door as a male voice called out from overhead speakers.
  
  “This is Corporal Thorndyke,” The voice said, analysis suggested the man was young, stress patterns indicating he was keyed up. “Identify yourself.” The hedgehog looked down the barrel of the weapon and said nothing, moving closer.
  
  “That’s as far as you go!” Thorndyke called out. “Identify yourself or I will open fire!”
  
  The hedgehog’s red eyes glowed as it scanned beyond the door, four humans on the other side, their thermal profiles lighting up. It calculated the best possible approach and suddenly struck, reaching out to grab at the barrel of the weapon. Thorndyke squeezed the trigger, the 5.56 rounds bouncing off and away harmlessly, not even leaving a dent in the hedgehog’s armored body. It pulled in hard and Thorndyke instinctively but mistakenly continued to hold on to his weapon as he was pulled against the door. Struggling to pull his weapon back, Thorndyke stared down at the opening as the robot brought its other hand in, grabbing him by the wrist and clamping down hard. Pain exploded up his arm, causing him to yell.
  
  The robot then yanked the rifle away, throwing it behind it, the weapon clattering away. Continuing to hold Thorndyke’s wrist, it pushed inward and then violently pulled back, causing the human to crash against the door, his head only protected by the helmet. The hedgehog repeated the action more forcefully, again and again until Thorndyke’s body went limp. The three remaining guards pointed their weapons at the port but held their fire, not wanting to shoot their corporal who might have only been knocked unconscious despite the blood coming from his nose, mouth and ears.
  
  The hedgehog now pulled Thorndyke’s arm in towards itself to get a grip on the front of his uniform then wrenched his arm back in, raising him up to where it could see his belt pack. It reached in and grabbed a grenade, releasing Thorndyke before pulling the safety pin and releasing the spoon, waiting a few seconds dropping it through the port. The guards saw the grenade bounce, not having enough time to backpedal or even dive as it went off, knocking them back. Their vests might have protected them but there was still a likelihood for injury.
  
  The hedgehog watched their thermal profiles as they dropped. It tilted its head and reached in back through the hole in the door, arm telescoping out as it fished around to find the door’s release switch. It withdrew its arm after hitting the switch as the door rumbled, beginning to rise. Once there was enough clearance, it crouched and entered and surveyed the carnage. Then it picked up a carbine and pressed the barrel against each guard’s face, systematically confirming its kills.
  
  Space Station ARK
  Medical Deck
  
  The patients that had attacked them were still trying to batter against the locked door. Rotarl held her pistol in her right hand, handing Maria her tablet. The human angled it towards the mouse so that she could use it one-handed. The mouse was looking at a map of the station where icons representing alert parties were moving. She swiped down to a deck above Medical and noticed one near a maintenance tube that ran vertically along the station’s spine. Rotarl pressed on the icon and took inventory. Chief Master-At-Arms Knuckles was leading this group, seeing that name was a relief. So, Big Red was either back in the field or recognized the problem and took the initiative. She pressed the call button and waited for the connection to be made.
  
  The echidna appeared on screen, from the view it looked like he was carrying the armband version of the tablet. He held his carbine one-handed and then looked off to the side. After a few moments, Knuckles turned his attention back to the call.
  
  “Master-At-Arms Knuckles, reporting. What did you need, Lieutenant?” The echidna asked.
  
  “Master, we are currently pinned down in Medical by a large group of hostiles. They were the sick and wounded that were picked up in our anti-trafficking patrols, but it seems that there was a lot more to them. We’re secured for now, but I don’t know how long we can hold. Can you bring your party down and break them up?” Rotarl asked, twitching her ears.
  
  “As a matter of fact, we were on our way down to Medical. Rules of engagement?” Knuckles asked.
  
  Janus looked at Maria, twitching her ears again.
  
  “If they move in, there’s a very real possibility these people are going to be shot if they can’t be run out.” The mouse said.
  
  “Shot? But there’s children with them!” Maria protested.
  
  “I know that! But they’ve either been indoctrinated or placed under organized control. For all I know they might have been a willing part of the plan to invade here.” Rotarl reasoned.
  
  “Well don’t they have any non-lethal weapons?” Maria asked.
  
  “With all due respect,” Knuckles looked at Maria quickly. “Doctor, we’ve had a very hard time with non-lethal weapons. These people don’t go down no matter how many rubber bullets or shockers you put on them.”
  
  “What about gas, Master?” Someone spoke up from offscreen on Knuckles’ side.
  
  “We can try to go in with gas first.” The echidna reached down and pulled a black gas mask up, one specifically fitted for his kind. Maria could hear the hiss of the respirator as Knuckles nodded. “We’ll try it your way first, but if there’s resistance, I suggest you best duck down so that you don’t have to see what happens. That is, if the lieutenant orders this as our ROE.”
  
  The mouse’s ears lowered as she looked out at the attackers continued to swarm around, still holding improvised weapons. Then she looked at Maria and shook her head.
  
  “I’m sorry, Doctor. But that’s the best compromise that we can work.” Rotarl looked at the tablet. “Your rules of engagement are to breach with gas and attempt to rout the attackers. Lethal force is authorized if absolutely necessary.”
  
  “As you say, Lieutenant. Can you talk us in?” Knuckles asked, his voice muffled.
  
  The mouse switched back to the command display, looking at the tube that Knuckles’ party was at and followed it down to Medical. Having a landmark, she looked out the large window and then made a motion to have Maria turn the tablet to face the window.
  
  “You’ll be inserting directly by us.” Rotarl said.
  
  “Is that room airtight?” Knuckles asked.
  
  “I hope so. Worst case scenario we’ll probably have some coughing and irritation. But we have Dr. Robotnik to take care of that.” The mouse answered.
  
  “Got it, we’ll be down shortly. Out.” The echidna said, the connection cutting. Rotarl had Maria turn the tablet back so that she could look at it, swiping back up to the level above. As time ticked on, she watched the icon enter into the shaft and slowly ascend down in single file. They seemed to be on a large platform meant to allow for a group around their size to stand safely. The mouse frowned, wondering why they hadn’t opened the door yet. Then a flash of light caught their attention. Sparks and a blue glow could be seen down the center seam of the door.
  
  “It was locked down. So, whoever that’s gotten on here managed to mess with security systems. Great, just great.” Rotarl murmured. But the cutting had a side benefit, it was getting their attackers’ attention. Slowly they stepped away from the window and door to the nurse’s station, assembling near the maintenance access. As the torch made it down to the bottom, it seemed the team was pulling at the door to part it slightly. Then the attackers started to look down as six grenades rolled out onto the floor. Three of them touched off a series of bright flashes that made Maria and Janus look away. Then a yellowish gas started to bloom out from the other three.
  
  The attackers started to stagger back, reactively dropping their weapons and coughing. Whatever that was controlling them was allowing them to be organized towards a goal, a sort of hive mind, but to their disadvantage they were still organic by majority. The gas entered into their eyes, nose and mouth, penetrating further into their respiratory systems, bringing about irritation. The physiological response was instinctive. Some sneezed, they were almost all guaranteed to be coughing and squinting. There was disruption all around as the maintenance access door was further opened. Knuckles barreled in first, holding his weapon at the ready as the disoriented patients continued to stagger and collapse.
  
  For those that seemed to still have some fight, he and the other spacers knocked them down to the ground, dropping more gas grenades as needed to where Maria and Janus couldn’t see. The spacers were now taking zipties off from their belts and armor vest rigs, kneeling to start restraining them by their arms and feet. Suddenly there was a sound of fan motors starting up in the ceiling as the gas began to be vented out. Knuckles looked up after securing one patient, grunting.
  
  “What the Hell?” The echidna called out. Then alarm klaxons started to go off, red lights flashing all throughout the wing.
  
  “Fire alert, fire alert. Deploying sprinklers.” The voice of the ARK’s main computer personality could be heard. Water started to rain down within the wing as the spacers began to rise, bringing their weapons up. Some of the attackers began to raise their heads up, those unsecured now regaining strength to rise, snarling as they began to attack Knuckles’ team.
  
  “Get down!” Knuckles barked, slamming the full weight of his body into the nearest patient. Then he looked back at the nurse’s station and juked to avoid another that was coming at him, ducking down to cause them to overshoot, slamming into a wall. He made his way to the door as Maria and Janus went to it. Janus reached down to disengage the lock but got a flashing red light from the keypad.
  
  “It won’t open!” Rotarl yelled, beating her fist against the door. Knuckles looked back at his team and pointed at one of them.
  
  “Ray, get over here with your torch!” he called out.
  
  A yellow-furred Keplerian that resembled a flying squirrel started to make his way over, sparking his torch as the others continued to fight with the attackers. He brought the torch’s flame up to the top of the seam and started to run it down, more time focused where the locking mechanism would be before reaching the bottom. Rotarl reached out and pulled on the handle, grunting as the door gave. Knuckles reached out and grabbed the mouse along with Maria, putting them directly in front of him so that his large body could cover them as he steered them towards the maintenance tube.
  
  “On your feet! We are leaving!” Knuckles yelled out as his group began to break off from contact, holding their guns up, firing up in the air to dissuade them from following as they shrank back. Maria was climbing up the ladder first, trying not to look down as one of the echidna’s team that was waiting at the top pulled her up onto the next platform. Rotarl was next, though made her way up unassisted. They exited out the open door onto the deck as Knuckles’ team filed out with them.
  
  “They’re following.” Vector, a large reptilian said. Ray knelt and sparked his torch again, cutting into the supports at the top as the attackers began to climb up. Once they were cut loose, Knuckles stepped in with Vector holding him by the back as he stomped down on the top of the ladder, causing it to buckle and angle inwards, causing one to lose balance and collapse upon the ones beneath them. They tangled and plunged down, some hitting other platforms, some getting a more merciful end by traveling down to the bottom, wherever that was.
  
  KRSS Warspite
  KRSN Auxiliary Orbital Naval Yard – Space Station ARK
  
  The outer doors had opened on approach, the onboard transponder at least working to make that happen. As the battleship docked in its usual berth, tension ran high in the bridge. Once the ship was secured, Concha stepped up to Tails’ station and leaned against it. The fox looked up from his console, his ears twitching. Concha adjusted his glasses, sighing quietly.
  
  “You’ll want to go on a boarding party, won’t you?” Concha asked.
  
  “I will. I must get Dr. Robotnik to safety, Captain. I don’t know what’s going on within the ARK, but I can’t just sit idly here if she’s in danger. My mind is set, with respect, I hope you will give me permission but I’m going, even if it’s just with my sidearm.” The fox replied.
  
  “Lieutenant, you know that would be considered as desertion if I didn’t give permission. But I’ve given it some careful thought, I’ll task a team to you. If you all wear full gear. It’s just like a hostile ship boarding. But remember, there’s more than just her to look after. I expect you, if you do get in contact with her, to carry out your mission to secure the station and get people to safety. Do not take any unnecessary risks, we may need your expertise to help with whatever that’s affecting our fleet here.” Concha said. “Do I make myself clear?”
  
  “Crystal, Captain.” Miles rose up to his feet. “Requesting permission to assemble.”
  
  “Granted, Lieutenant. Keep in touch.” The human said, straightening up to return to his seat. Miles stepped away from his station and began the familiar trek to the armory. He began the methodical process of checking his gear, ensuring his Webley had a full cylinder and enough speedloaders to feed it. Then he got into a boarding suit, another team member checking its seals for him before giving a visible thumbs up. The fox put several grenades and tool sets on his belt before taking up a carbine, marching off to the gangway. He took a deep breath as the outer door opened, stepping out as his team followed him in single file.
  
  They emerged out into the yard interior, looking around. Seeing a transport ship, Miles tilted his head and looked it over. This one had an outer marking painted on it that was different from the other Acornian transports. Moving closer, he pointed with an open hand towards it. The team carefully moved closer and then came to a stop at the railing. Miles peered at the marking, recognizing it as the coat of arms for the Kingdom’s royal family, the House of Acorn. He looked over at the Warspite and opened communications to the bridge, his transponder whitelisted to go through past EMCON.
  
  “Lieutenant Prower to Captain Concha,” The fox said.
  
  “Concha here, what do you have, Mr. Prower?” The human replied.
  
  “There appears to be a transport right beside us that looks like it was carrying a high-value target. There’s no guards or other activity but I think we’d better get the main battery on it, just in case.” Prower advised. No sense in letting them have an easy way out.
  
  “Stand by,” Concha said. “Weapons Officer, put main battery and secondary battery on the target immediately starboard to us. Hold fire until instructed. Is that all, Mr. Prower?”
  
  “It is, we’ll be proceeding inside now.” Miles said. “Prower, out.”
  
  He turned and watched as the four gun turrets started to rotate to the right, the gun barrels adjusting their elevation for a point blank shot. It might be overkill, but at least if there was movement, one shot from any one of the turrets would put the transport out of action. He sighed in relief, perhaps they were going to bag King Frederick after all down the line. Then he started to move towards the open door that led to the interior of the station. As his team got closer, he noticed something was off. There were four bodies lying on the floor. Stopping in front of them, he knelt. U.S. Army green armor. Reaching for the closest body, he carefully rolled the victim onto his back and noticed the ugly crack in the helmet, as well as the blood pooled on the floor, coming from his mouth and nose. Miles noticed a chain on the man’s neck and pulled it up, revealing a set of dogtags.
  
  “Corporal Christopher Thorndyke, United States Army. Born April 6, 2097. Only just turned eighteen, didn’t you? Poor kid.” He reached out and closed the dead soldier’s eyes with his index finger. “Probably one of the first to go down. We’ll get payback for you grunts.” Miles slowly raised himself to his feet. “And we’ll make sure you get a proper service.” He raised his carbine up to ready position. “Keep your eyes peeled. I don’t want us getting caught by surprise like this.”
  
• Next Oldest Next Newest