Hey, no problems. Now, are you going to tell us what exactly were we escorting?
I'm afraid that's sensitive client's information, Captain.
Oh, come on. We did an awesome job of blitzing that ambush there, it must've been something important. At least drop me a hint...
Sorry, Captain. Trade secrets. As usual, we've wired the money over and welcome any opportunity to transact with you again in the future. Goodbye, Captain.
Bah! Good riddance! She nearly got us killed and won't even explain why. Captain, I say we refuse to take any more escort missions after this!
Wow, calm down Ava... it's not like we could reject funds at this juncture...
Eh?
Wha?
Hey-
Like you have any right to complain!
Hey, it's not my fault it ends up like this!
GIRLS! SHUT UP AND QUIT WHINING! JESUS! DON'T YOU HAVE RYDERS TO CALIBRATE?!
Uuuu.... the Captain's really angry now.
Later...
Wow... what a surprise. Yet another Codexian Blood Bowl League on the verge of being abandoned before it even started.
Not really, Ava. Just kid stuff. *CTRL+F4* What's up?
I've the latest battle reports from the Alliance.
Cool. How's it look?
They've made further gains against PACT since we beat them back at Ongess...
You mean since PACT 'retreated under the threat of innocents being slaughtered.'
Still butthurt?
You know I hate to lose.
Hmmph, you never change. Latest Intel also suggests Arcadius is gathering his forces at Cera for a final stand before the Alliance enters PACT territory.
Cera... why? Why did he choose Cera? Could there be another meaning behind this?
Captain, if the Alliance can beat PACT at Cera, the gates into Alliance territory will be thrown wide open. If that happens, the whole Alliance fleet can simply overwhelm PACT forces and invade multiple worlds simultaneously. Not even the Legion can be at two place at once.
That may be so, Ava. But will the Alliance go that far?
Captain, throughout its history, the Alliance has never fought a war beyond the Neutral Rim. In my opinion, it seems inconceivable they plan to conquer all of PACT space.
Hahah, Ava. War has a way to change a person's mindset. Admiral Grey doesn't fight a war unless he intends to win.
...did it change you too?
Heh... *picks up the photoframe of his sister*
Steve, it's been a long fight, but it seems like the end is in sight.
*puts it back down* I would've preferred to celebrate her birthday on Cera. Doesn't look like we'll make it on time. I wonder how's she doing now...
Hey, Vany. It's late. What do you want?
Big bro... I can't sleep.
What, why?
I... I dreamed there's an evil spirit pressing against me. So hard that I couldn't breath. I was so scared, big bro.
...What are you? Six years old? C'mon. What would your friends say if they know? Ghosts don't exist, girl!
Big bro, it's real! I can feel its presence! I'm so scared! *Sob* Please help me!
What the fu- Are you crying?
Big bro, I'm scared- I called mom, and she said I should sleep in your room tonight...
Wha- Ugh. OK. Fine. You can sleep on my bed tonight.
But what if it comes back?
That's why I'm here. Sitting in front of my computer the whole night. Don't worry. Ghosts are afraid of skeptics like me, unlike you. Now go get some sleep.
T-thanks, Big Bro.
Yeah, yeah... now let me play my games, okay? *tap a few keys on the keyboard* Seriously.
Big bro...
What?
Can you turn off the lights?
Sigh...fine, fine. Yeah, fuck it's late anyway. I'll sleep too. Good night. *flicks light switch off*
Captain!
You spaced out for a bit.
Oh. Sorry, just remembering things.
Steve.
Suddenly, I felt her hand on my shoulder.
Ava?
These shoulders have carried much. Isn't it time to let some things go?
... Not yet. Not while PACT's flag still flies over our home. Not yet.
Take care of yourself.
Is that all?
Yes. See you at the bridge.
Bye.