December 2012
He sat at the table with the others, a smirk on his face as they all places their bets. "Alright ladies.....time to ante up or fold 'em" He chuckled and looked to his cards. They all showed there before he laughed. "Haha Four Jacks." They all groaned as he won yet again. He wasn?t even the one shuffling the cards so they couldn?t say he was cheating, He crossed his arms and grinned as they handed him their money. "Pleasure doing business wit ya gentleman" He chuckled and counted before getting up
"Are you going to keep taking advantage of the crew to fill your pockets Corporal Ordo?" Alyx was making her way into the break room, a bottle of water and an apple in hand. She wasn't dressed in her uniform, so there was no need to salute or greet the woman, she was more or less off duty. One leg folded over the other when she took the seat across from him, her water being set aside. Even as he stood, she set a few credits on the table. Silver eyes studied him, waiting for a reaction while she adjusted in her spot. Her work out attire was still sweaty and there was a bit of blue blood slightly clinging to it. "Deal me in." Said to the dealer while she continued to study Ordo. It was time for her to find out what made this soldier tick. "So, Corporal, why are you in the service of the Empire?" Her hand extended to take each card that was dealt to her.
He looked to her. "No ma'am, they wanted to line their pockets with my money. I merely showed em how a Dwarf pays cards." He watched them deal her in, telling Arden he was not allowed in since he nearly robbed them of everything. "As for the Service bit. Meh family has been in the Empires service for as far back as we can track. Every generation someone is chosen to serve. I happened to be the lucky one that got chosen. Was a mechanic before joining." He patted his trusty multi wrench in his back pocket. "So I figured I would at least do that family proud." He crossed his arms and leaned on the wall.
The cards in her hand didn't seem to appeal to her, so they were folded the second she saw them. No one likes 6, 3, well unless you're crazy enough to pull it off. Something Dust could get into. She motioned for him to sit, money or not, she had come to the game to play against him. Someone had to beat him and no one seemed to object that. "So rather than join of your own free will and of your own desire, you joined to make mommy and daddy proud." Silver eyes didn't lock on him, no, she knew his sort. She'd seen his sort come and go when training them. Some had what it took to fill the family shoes, others... well... others either went crying home or, the rest was history.
He laughed rather loudly. "Lass I accepted because I knew I was better them me cousins. I can turn a wrench and shoot straighter then any of them gooses." He thumped his chest and crossed his arms. "I accepted to prove something of myself lass. Because being an ordinary mechanic did not cut it, I felt no purpose."
Silver eyes studied him. "Don't call me Lass, all right?" Alyx contemplated the rest of what he said and shook her head. "If that was the case, you shouldn't have waited to be chosen, you should have volunteered. Showed yourself you're ready rather than them picking if you're ready or not." Her hand waved while she pushed away the credits that placed her in the large blind. It was dealing time again. "What I'm wondering, is your heart in it, 100%."
"It?s a tradition. In my home we have a hall dedicated to those who were chosen and made something of themselves. No one who ever volunteered ever made it up there." He narrowed his eyes at her. "And never question if a Dwarf is fully dedicated to what he does. Our jobs are who we are. Yes some are crooks, some honest merchants but what he does defines us."
"I will question you, Dwarf, because as far as I'm concerned, someone looking out for their own damn reputation has no place in this Empire. When you joined to serve the Empire you left what you are behind you. You have no ties to the Ordo clan here. You cannot depend on them to save you when times are hard Corporal. By looking to better your own damn reputation, you show everyone else who's going to serve with you that all you're going to look out for in the end is yourself." Alyx placed a few more chips in the pot as she spoke calmly. Her red Mohawk fell in her face and down over her left shoulder," You want to know what defines you as a man Ordo? It's those who you surround yourself in. Lord Belarus has a loving family and an Empire that serves him devotedly. Lady Belarus has the love and kindness of Lord Belarus and their children, but above that she's won the hearts of sprites more humble than you." She paused, "Ash Belarus is still loved by his empire and his family, even though he's no longer with us." Silver eyes flickered to her cards then back to him. "I mean no offense, but your reputation means #$%^&* to the Empire, as well as the family you left behind. What matters most is how you help those around you and how they help you, because together, you're what make the empire strong. Not just one man or one family."
= Charles Blackstone has entered the room =
Charles walked disgruntledly into the break room. He now hated his new body. But after 4 days of self-training to get himself back up to his former state of being, it was understandable. A soft nod towards Alyx and Arden "Lt. Commander, corporal" And he was off towards the couch of the break room. His trench coat shrugged off revealing the grass and dirt stained uniform underneath along with parts of leaves attached to it still.
He narrowed his eyes at her once more. "You know what; you can question me all you like. My actions speak louder than me mouth, hard as that is to believe." He clenched his fists, resisting an old Dwarven urge. "You doubt my dedication, fine, remember that when it?s your arse being saved by me. And if after all of it you aren?t convinced....transfer me."
Brows rose a little to consider him. "Blackstone." She nodded to him softly then glanced to Arden once again, considering while he could, one leg folding over the other. "Corporal, come with me. Blackstone, you're welcome to join as well." Then she stood and started out of the room.
Charles grumbled a bit. He grabbed his trench coat and looked at Arden "what the hell did you do now?" He smiled at Arden before double checking himself. All pieces still attached. 4 days in the back woods of rhy'din had done him in. His body ached all over and he was starving, but looks like R&R time was cut way short as he followed Alyx out of the room.
He kept his fists clenched and followed. He didn?t say a word, the others in the room they left were worried, and they had come to know the Dwarf and whatever was about to happen was going to be bad in one way or another.
Alyx had led them to the sim room, her hand was moving at a lightning speed over the print. Chirps and clicks came from her while she sat there, going over the data. Taking a remote in hand, she came back down the stairs of the observation deck and headed into the sim. It looked like a briefing deck with a center devoted to a holo-projector. Silver eyes motioned for them to take a seat at one of the lecture style desks as she turned on the hologram. A large ship appeared, sides orange and black spanned for miles. It was in a fleet. Shifting on her feet, she studied Arden and Charles before speaking. "This is a purge ship. Nano Empire."
Charles looked at her and followed her in, sitting down at one of the seats. He spoke out of turn "Hate those things in real life" He grumbled talking about the purge that he happened to get caught up in.
He crossed his arms and kept his mouth shut, he was not in the mood for sarcasm. He looked to Charles before looking back at Alyx. He sniffed a moment and tapped a finger off his arm.
The image changed to a Unity installation. Her gaze turned on the pair, telling them she was very serious. 'Unity." She stood there, allowing them to get a good look at it before both pieces were segmented in the holo screen. "These two Empires, these two forces threaten the very nature of life you two treasure." She said as she looked to them. "That I treasure." She frowned a little. "This is my home, your home, and frankly both want to see it the destroyed. The difference, however, is that one wants it all gone, whereas the other just wants my kind gone." She stood there, her eyes fixing on Arden and then Charles. "In my years of service I have seen many planets fall to the Nano Empire and other systems swayed by Unity. By dividing us, these two forces have made us unstable, a smidge weak." Finally she waved her hand. "The point of the matter is simple, if people continue to remain divided; then we may as well hand over the Empire to them on a silver platter. That doesn't just mean as a unit, that means as an individual as well." She sat down, her head tilting as she studied the two men. "I'm aware of the differences you two share, but they have no place here. You two are brothers in arms; your lives are going to depend on each other."
Charles nodded softly; he really had nothing to say at this point. Everything she was stating to him was either known or was observed knowledge.
"Suit up boys and meet me back here in thirty." She said as she strode out of the room. The thirty minutes was to give her time to clean up. She was a sweaty, bloody mess, and it certainly didn't inspire.
Charles "Are we going into sim or going into actual op Lt. Commander?" He needed to know so he could get his gear if needed. He was on sim deck and left all live fire weapons back in the armory
"Come prepared for whatever, it depends if I get it cleared by the boss." She said at the door. Her grin was sent back to him and then she was stepping out of the room.
Charles laughed a bit as he hand landed on Arden shoulder "Go get ready bud" He jumped from his chair. As he exited he muttered "Final, some real action" Off to the armory he went. Arriving there he grabbed his sniper rifle and ammo. He turned around and grabbed his assault rifle and his ammo belt. Then he went to his room, grabbing a new uniform that was at least clean, but he had no time for a shower. He was going in a sweaty, bloody mess. His job wasn't to inspire, his was to be a soldier.
All he did was sniff through his nose before exiting the room. He shook his head and headed back for the lounging room. If he had thirty minutes, he had time for a pint or two.
Alyx had timed it so she'd be the last to return. When she did, she was dressed in her command uniform for away missions. Silver eyes looked around the sim operated briefing room as she waited, her arms folded over her chest.
Charles returned to the briefing room. He did not have his trench coat, rather he had his regular Redstar uniform on with his tactical very overtop. He had his weapons on his back, locked into place and without ammo, just in case they are only getting a sim.
He walked back from the lounge. A yawn came from him as he rubbed the back of his neck. A low burp, nothing to loud unless you standing right beside him. "Alight...So...what are we doing now lassy?" He shook his head and smiled a little.
"All right boys, we're going to be on a very important assignment. We're an escort team. This means lock and load, listen up, and follow me." With that she moved from the sim room and down the hall to the drop room. While they walked down the hall, Alyx spoke calmly. "A few hours ago, Lady Belarus released a very important cure. This cure is going to save thousands of lives, most of them children." She said while she moved. "We're to see to it that the initial supply arrives at its designated location safely. Do you copy?"
Charles "Roger that seems simple enough. Let me guess there?s a catch" He followed her silently towards the drop room. He pulled his assault rifle to his arms and added a silencer to the tip of it.
He checked his weapon and loaded it. "Boyo there always be a catch. Ain?t ye learned anything?" He shook his head and checked his padding and made sure that he was fully loaded. Another low grade belch as he growl/sighed in happiness. "And remind me to pay who ever stocks the ale here....they get some good stuff." He chuckled lowly before looking to them. He would stroke his beard before tying it to make sure it did not get in the way.
"No catch kids, not today. Simple point A to point B mission. You don't like it..." She glanced to Ordo as she grinned. "Request a transfer." Then she pointed to the cure being loaded onto the ships. "Help out; I'll go sign us in." She nodded while she made her way away from them and off to the lead in the distribution process.
Charles nodded. Simple missions are good at least. He slung the rifle back onto his back and trotted over softly, his footsteps barely able to make noise. He got to work, running shuttle runs to help load the cure onto the ships.
He would sling his weapon onto his back and grunted picking up crate after crate and loading them onto the shuttle. He could hear the resentment in Alyx's voice but he did not care. He was half drunk, ready for a mission and eager to prove that this dwarf can kick *** better than the rest. He was a mechanic by trade, skills centered on repairing and building, but hey he got plenty of time to work on new skills.
"All right kids, we're ready to roll!" Came a few moments later. Alyx was boarding the cargo ship as she looked over the package. "Strap in and ready for departure. Move it!" There weren?t many soldiers in the unit, but there were plenty of doctors and nurses, mostly civilians. As she looked over the group she shook her head and pointed to a hatch," Ordo, grab a private and secure the openings, Blackstone, make sure the package is strapped securely."
Charles gave a half salute half nod as he boarded the cargo ship, and made way into the cargo hold, checking the straps on the different packages, then double checking them quickly before moving back to his seat quickly
He did as ordered. He would secure one hatch before heading to the other. "All openings secured ma'am." He thumbed up before getting comfy. He held his weapon tightly, hating these shuttle rides. He would breathe slowly, looking around and turning a little pale. To him the safest place was on the ground, Terra Ferma under his boots always calmed him down.
Alyx moved towards the control room and strapped into the co-pilot's chair. Taking the controls in hand, she called out over the coms to the rest of them. "Buckle in, we've got a ride ahead of us." Switches were flipped and engines were started before they shot off into space and the planet below.
Charles was strapped in. He didn't mind the rides, except the fact that they were bumpy. But he still was calm about it all. His weapons remained locked into the vest on his back as his eyes peered straight forwards, occasionally he looked out at the doctors and nurses, who, some were gripping for dear life.
He would strap himself in and locked his weapon next to him on the rack. He would close his eyes and closed his hands. His father always told him on shuttle drops to keep your mouth open just enough so it would not because you to clamp them shut. He breathed slowly, trying to keep his mind on the task at hand, but his main point of thought s was how this seemed all too easy of a mission.
This one was bumpy, rough, and all around wild. But that might have been because half way through and there was a JERK in the shuttle to show this, Alyx took control. She loved flying, more than she would ever willingly let on. The ship spiraled out of control for a few moments before it righted itself. With the skill of one as old as her, it felt like a feather was cutting through the breeze and moving like a leaf down to the planet, the sudden smoothness was sure to put everyone at ease.
Charles had to wonder who was worse at flying, Alyx, or dust. Both were... interesting at least. Bumpy, rough and wild were the least of it. Good thing all the packages were secured, or there might be randomly thrown boxes everywhere. He even gripped at his seat before the whole thing became calm.
He looked around and thought this would be the perfect time for some well-placed Dwarven humor. "Got to do better than that if you want to kill me Lassy." He chuckled after gripping tightly to his harness. He would take a few more deep breaths before thinking he might have just issued a challenged. In his mind all he could do was pray to the ancestors for a smooth trip.
"Mister Ordo is that a challenge?" Uh oh, poor Charles. When her voice came over the coms it was laced with deviousness. A voice echoed out in the shuttle,' Delicate contents Miss Redstar!' It was enough to keep the fun out of the adventure. The shuttle lowered down on the LZ a moment later, as smooth as could be. Its feather soft landing coming with a psshhh to the landing gear. She flipped a few switches. "All right Ordo, Blackstone, cover the exit."
Charles nodded and stood up quickly. His movements were swift. He unlatched all the cargo for the doctors before stepping out with his assault rifle in hand towards the exit looking out for anything at all. Easy mission yes, but he also has been missions that have gone wrong, that were considered easy.
He moved and was silent. He pulled down his goggles and looked around. "EM readings negative, barely anything on life sign scanners either Ma'am.....My beard itches.." He did not like this, this was too easy and something seemed off about this. He pushed up his goggles and moved out a little more, trusting his own two orbs.
"Well keep that itch in check Ordo." The planet was quiet, maintained, and well destitute. There were several buildings, but many lay in disrepair. The empire had been at work repairing what damage had come to this Planet, but most of its surviving inhabitants were either sick or dying. This was why they needed the cure. The doors were about to lower as Alyx's voice called out. "Masks up." She came out of the pilots station with her own sleek crimson mask over her nose and lips, not that she needed it.
Charles pulled his black mask on silently, the thing looked like something from the times of world war two that had been retro fitted with the modern tech. Either way it worked. His eye piece scanned "I?m not getting anything out there" his voice was muffled by the mask
He pulled on his mask and nodded. "Aye...Nothing on the scanners. Either we have a cloaking device in place or this be an ambush....And Lass My beard itches when something bad be about to happen." He moved slowly, thumb moving to take his weapon off safety. He held it tightly to his shoulder and looked around; glad he was still partially drunk.
There was a little psh from her as she moved, tisking both the men's paranoia. The hatches opened and she stepped out, her weapon still sheathed in its place. "Let's get the package on the move kiddos, we're burning lives!" She looked back to the doctors and the nurses, the other civilians that were moving, their masks covering their faces. "The air is infected with this disease, the first phase is to find a cure, save the people, then we aim to clean the atmosphere and provide these people a new lease on life, so let's make sure it happens boys. Do you read?"
Charles "roger that ma'am" He moved to the cargo bay, pushing one of the large crates out towards the end of the ramp so it could be unloaded. He looked at Arden "keep scanning, just in case" He nodded towards him before grabbing a few boxes himself to carry.
He would provide cover; he kept his thoughts to himself since the LC did not seem to get the same feeling. Infected air or not, something bad could happen and he always trusted his beard. He would walk on ahead as the Docs and Nurses moved slowly with them. "I?m telling ye this place feels wrong...." He would look around a bit, taking time to examine the surroundings.
Perhaps Arden would find out why when they rounded the corner. Alyx not even moving to pluck the weapon from its holster. There were medical facilities as far as the eye could see. Sick lay out in the make shift tents that littered the streets. She glanced to Arden and Charles," This planet's too sick to ambush strangers, at ease." Then she moved for one of the medical research tents.
Charles stopped moving and looked softly. His eyes were dry, blank. "I?ve seen this before...." He muttered lowering his head. His lips twitched just slightly at the memories before following Alyx. He had a job to do; he didn't come here to remember his past. He came here to prevent it from happening again.
"I'll ease when we're off this planet." He lowered his weapon a little but he would not lower his guard. He looked around, scanning them to update his codex, he liked to keep a log for every mission he went on, a mementoes as it were since he could not really take souvenirs. He looked to Charles and shook his head. "Wake up Boyo."
She turned to face Ordo, her hand moving to snatch him by the arm and push him back around the corner. "Do you have a problem with my orders Corporal? I told you to at ease and I meant it. The last thing these people need to see is a soldier put off by their condition. Do you understand me? These people need to see people there to help, not people who are ready to judge them as some threat." With that she let the Dwarf go and turned back around. Coming out from around the corner with a roll of her shoulders she spoke to Charles," Wake up Blackstone. Follow the doctors, they'll show you where to drop off the package." Alyx then moved for a silver haired woman standing in the thick of things, no mask to be seen. Sarah Belarus greeted her with a weary smile. "First shipment, Lady Belarus."
Sarah Belarus simply nodded, thanked Alyx, and went on with her work. Her priority very clear. The Lady Belarus simply intended to help these people recover from a troubling ordeal.
Charles nodded "Yes ma'am" He sounded halfhearted almost as he looked about at all the tents. He followed the docs until he dropped off the package of the cure. He frowned under his mask. Dawning some gloves he dropped his weapons off near the packages and went to figure out some way to help. It wasn?t the orders, but sometimes you had to break orders to do the right thing. He went off, following a few doctors towards one of the smaller tents, inside were two young boys. One seemed dead, the other seemed dying. The doctors looked at them softly, they did their best with applying the cure to one boy, but it was doubtfully in time. He looked weak, his body like more so a skeleton with skin draped on it. Pitiful site really. Charles kneeled next to the boy and looked him dead in the eye. His own eyes tearing just slightly "Hey," He spoke softly "you are going to be alright bud, ya ?hear" The young boy coughed a bit, i guess that was his laughter "that?s what they all say... that?s what they told my brother" His head slightly turned to look at the other boy "He died... I?m all that?s left, my family is gone" Charles understood all of this. His gloved hands found the weak hands of the boy, gripping onto him "all the reason for you to live, and fight on. Believe me, i was once where you are now. ?He smiled under the mask "Don't let go, and don?t give in. your family, is right here" His pointing finger touched the boy over his heart, which was beating, slowly "They won?t ever leave you there" He patted the boy on the head before reaching to his kit. Pulling out what seemed to be a bear. Yes it was a hand carved bear "Made this in the field a long time ago, when i thought all had forsaken me. It?s a symbol of strength" He rest it in the boys arms softly as a doc came over. He looked at Charles with a somber tone before walking back. The boy could make it, maybe, but it was doubtful "Strength" He muttered to the boy. The boy looked up "Mister...." He coughed a bit more "Thank you-
?he fell quiet, a long pause before taking a breath again, and again, he was on his last limbs of life. Charles didn't leave his side, pulling up a chair softly stroking the boy?s hair. Minutes passed, and the boy didn't take a breath "Damn... damn it all..." He muttered a soft tear falling. He left the bear there with the boy as he walked away from the tent, his face blank
He growled and switched his weapon to safety. "I am not judging them....It?s this entire planet." He slung his weapon onto his back and clenched his fists tightly. He looked around, he could see their pain but that did not settle the feeling in his beard any. Sure they were suffering and yes he would do anything to help. Hell he would rip off his own breathing mask if it meant helping someone but in the end, his gut was all he had to go on.
Alyx watched Charles for a few minutes, okay, more than a few minutes. Sarah was nodded to, and her team moved in to take up the brothers carefully. Setting a hand on Charles' shoulder she spoke," Snap to Blackstone, see to it the rest of the supplies make it from the ship. We've got a few more runs to make." She paused and narrowed her eyes on Arden. "Ordo, stick to the Empress and make sure to assist her in any way she needs it."
Charles looked softly at Alyx "Yes ma'am" he pulled of the gloves and disposed of them before gathering his gear and replacing those gloves. He didn?t stop moving however. Back at the cargo ship, the nearly 3 ton crates of the cure required 5 men to move, yet he was nearly single handedly pushing them to the unloading stage. He then started the shuttle runs again; his eyes were grey, but not a tired grey, no, far from that.
He would nod and headed to where the Empress was. He looked back narrowing his eyes a moment before sighing. He looked to her and unslung his weapon, if he was going to be able to protect her should something happen. He would make sure things were strapped to his vest, latched down everything. "I?m ordered to help you highness." He bowed his head to her.
Sarah would keep Arden busy, really busy. He'd learn how to distribute injections in mere minutes while Alyx dropped off supplies to each tent. Apparently, from what Arden heard. Each individual infected with the disease was foreign to the planet. It was brought by Unity when the society wasn't compliant with conversion. They were instead issued a slow painful death. When everything was distributed evenly Alyx spoke up. ?Job?s done on the surface for now Ordo and Blackstone, time to take off."
He looked around and had to think a moment. "Aye.." He responded slowly. Something about this felt so wrong. "Requesting...permission to stay behind." He stood, looking from Alyx then to the camp. Something about leaving them like this felt so? so wrong to him.
Charles nodded softly entered back into the ship after delivering the last load. His emotions were at their peak. He looked at Arden confused "Thought you had doubts about this place" He looked at him. A sigh escaping his lips behind the mask looking at Alyx
Alyx paused to study Ordo with her brow arched up. "Explain Corporal." Sarah Belarus went about her business, attending to women, children, and men patently. Alyx's silver eyes fell on Charles, wondering if he wanted to do the same.
"Aye I have doubts...but if Unity hit this place once....what?s to stop them from coming back once they are better." He pointed. "Look at em. We are going to cure them and then what? Leave without so much as a garrison force here to protect em?" He growled. "Is that what we do?"
Charles growled a bit but stopped himself. He can't let his emotions slip now, not with the state that he is in. However his grey eyes flashed white for a moment before lowering
"Ordo, quiet. If we intended doing that then we would have left nature to its own vices. These people once cured will be relocated and the planet will be cleansed of the disease Unity left behind. When the planet is safe to occupy once again, it will be recolonized. Copy that?" Alyx knew he had reasons to be upset, but the Empire wasn't as heartless as to leave them after saving them.
He clenched his fists. "Aye but.." He looked back. His gut and beard were telling him to stay. Just knew something was going to happen. He looked back and shook his head. Oh he was going to hate himself as he turned towards the shuttle and pushed his way past the two of them. He sat silently, eyes glued to the deck as he strapped in.
Charles sighed and looked at Alyx. His eyes were screaming to let him and Arden stay. But orders were to be different. He went towards the far end, away from everyone else on the ship and strapped in. Under his breath he instantly started to curse in every tongue or way he could.
"Do you two want to make sure these people make it off this planet safely?" She asked as she studied the pair of men, smirking," Because I'm leaving, but if one of you stays, so does the other, and your unit. That would also but Blackstone in charge. You'd have to learn to work together and send me hourly reports." Was she breaking orders, or following them all along. Who knew?
He looked to Alyx. "Ma'am with all due respect. Our arse?s would be slung no matter the choice." He unlatched the harness and stood. "We stay only to find we were ordered back to our post on the ship. Or we go to find out we were meant to be here. There be a fifty, fifty chance of being arse raped." He clenched his fist, why in the ever loving name of the Ancestors did Charles not say anything.
Charles looked over at them silently "Ill state this, I?ll let the team decide, but I cannot say I can go whole hearted into this." Although his body was older the images of other chemical attacks were still so fresh, and with the death of the boy, there was just no way he could, too much loomed over his head.
"This isn't just a team choice Sergeant; this is your choice too. Make it fast." Then she stepped aside to start securing hatches and seats. Her head shaking for a moment and a grin splayed on her face beneath that mask. It was a shame they couldn't see just how tickled she was.
Charles grunted as he stood up along with the rest of the team "Looks like I got some reports to fill out" He double checked his mask before jumping off the ship standing there looking back at them
He would jump off the transport and patted Charles on the shoulder. "Ata Boyo." He would nod to him and checked with the others. Making sure they had all they needed. His gut said they would be here for a little.
"I'll be back in 48 hours to check on you kids. Treat the Lady Belarus with respect and don't get in her way. Remember to be on your best behavior and work as a team. These people are looking to the Empire and you're its example. Good luck boys!" She said before stepping back on the ship. Settling in the pilots spot, she kicked the shuttle in gear and moved back in the direction of the ship. However, once she was out of sight she landed the ship and set up shop with a unit already waiting for her outside of the city. "Well, the boys are in the city making good. Keep us hidden and let's see how they take it."
The second unit would do just that. State of the art camo keeping them hidden from all sights and serving as the unseen observer for the unit on the ground and in the city.
[He slapped Charles on the back. "Take a moment to breath Boyo...Alright boys...Get thins set up!" HE shouted to them as they moved to get the check point operational. He would check on things and even took out his multi wrench and began to turn it on a few things. Even got the camps generator working more smoothly.
Charles nodded "I?ll be fine corporal, do me a favor, get word to the empress that she has 8 Redstars to work with for 48 hours, see what she has in mind" He nodded him off as he collected gear "Private, once you get all set up, go and get the lay out of the camp" The private saluted and double timed it around the camp. 48 hours, enough time to learn the layout
"Aye...and remember Boyo, I?m ere to help ye out." He patted the boy on the chest and went to the main tent. He would head to the tent the lady Empress was in. A bow of his head was given. "My lady you have a squad here for the next 48 hours. We are on station for anything you may need ma'am." He bowed once more and turned to depart the tent. Boy did he step in it this time.
Charles nodded "And remembers I?m here to help you and my team out" He smiled. The private returned huffing for air "Private." He had a stern look that faded, he wasn't good at the faking anger look "Good job, grab some R&R for a few minutes, corporal Ordo went to get our orders from the empress" He looked about the camp silently watching the civilians buzz about before looking at the buildings silently.
Sarah thanked Arden for reporting to him and mentioned something along the lines of continuing to help administer the cure before dismissing him.
He would head back to the checkpoint and sighed. "Well same as before...Administer the cure to those that need it. Ye ask me I think we stepped in it Boyo." He looked to Charles and shook his head. "My beard Aint stopped itching since we landed.....What say you Boyo?" He crossed his arms before placing his boot on an empty crate.
Charles looked at him "Figured that" He looked about and then back at Arden "Not sure, the place is odd but I don?t think its unity. Bah, let?s not worry about it." He straightened up "Alright, private, you and these three" Points to 3 men that were around their gear "Gear up and head over there" Pointed to some med tents on the west side. "Ordo, me you and these two" points to the two that were conversing over something "Were going to the north side and seeing what we can do. Meet back at 1100 hours"
"Alright Boyo...It is my recommendation you take half to the north and I take the other half south. Fire teams." He would check his weapon before slinging it onto his back. "This stinks of Unity's handy work Sarge. Better safe than sorry." He would look to the privates and selected three of them, Johnson, Rodriguez and Templton. "Lane 2 Sarge if ya need us. Come on boyos." He would whistle an old Dwarven tune as they headed out.
Charles nodded "I got your arse covered mate" He chuckled "James, Rhodes, get to those tents over on the left, Batten you are with me" He motioned them to follow. And off they went towards the tents. The two privates worked in tandem while Charles and the soldier he grabbed did it differently. Charles prepared the cure for delivery while Batten delivered it.
He sat at the table with the others, a smirk on his face as they all places their bets. "Alright ladies.....time to ante up or fold 'em" He chuckled and looked to his cards. They all showed there before he laughed. "Haha Four Jacks." They all groaned as he won yet again. He wasn?t even the one shuffling the cards so they couldn?t say he was cheating, He crossed his arms and grinned as they handed him their money. "Pleasure doing business wit ya gentleman" He chuckled and counted before getting up
"Are you going to keep taking advantage of the crew to fill your pockets Corporal Ordo?" Alyx was making her way into the break room, a bottle of water and an apple in hand. She wasn't dressed in her uniform, so there was no need to salute or greet the woman, she was more or less off duty. One leg folded over the other when she took the seat across from him, her water being set aside. Even as he stood, she set a few credits on the table. Silver eyes studied him, waiting for a reaction while she adjusted in her spot. Her work out attire was still sweaty and there was a bit of blue blood slightly clinging to it. "Deal me in." Said to the dealer while she continued to study Ordo. It was time for her to find out what made this soldier tick. "So, Corporal, why are you in the service of the Empire?" Her hand extended to take each card that was dealt to her.
He looked to her. "No ma'am, they wanted to line their pockets with my money. I merely showed em how a Dwarf pays cards." He watched them deal her in, telling Arden he was not allowed in since he nearly robbed them of everything. "As for the Service bit. Meh family has been in the Empires service for as far back as we can track. Every generation someone is chosen to serve. I happened to be the lucky one that got chosen. Was a mechanic before joining." He patted his trusty multi wrench in his back pocket. "So I figured I would at least do that family proud." He crossed his arms and leaned on the wall.
The cards in her hand didn't seem to appeal to her, so they were folded the second she saw them. No one likes 6, 3, well unless you're crazy enough to pull it off. Something Dust could get into. She motioned for him to sit, money or not, she had come to the game to play against him. Someone had to beat him and no one seemed to object that. "So rather than join of your own free will and of your own desire, you joined to make mommy and daddy proud." Silver eyes didn't lock on him, no, she knew his sort. She'd seen his sort come and go when training them. Some had what it took to fill the family shoes, others... well... others either went crying home or, the rest was history.
He laughed rather loudly. "Lass I accepted because I knew I was better them me cousins. I can turn a wrench and shoot straighter then any of them gooses." He thumped his chest and crossed his arms. "I accepted to prove something of myself lass. Because being an ordinary mechanic did not cut it, I felt no purpose."
Silver eyes studied him. "Don't call me Lass, all right?" Alyx contemplated the rest of what he said and shook her head. "If that was the case, you shouldn't have waited to be chosen, you should have volunteered. Showed yourself you're ready rather than them picking if you're ready or not." Her hand waved while she pushed away the credits that placed her in the large blind. It was dealing time again. "What I'm wondering, is your heart in it, 100%."
"It?s a tradition. In my home we have a hall dedicated to those who were chosen and made something of themselves. No one who ever volunteered ever made it up there." He narrowed his eyes at her. "And never question if a Dwarf is fully dedicated to what he does. Our jobs are who we are. Yes some are crooks, some honest merchants but what he does defines us."
"I will question you, Dwarf, because as far as I'm concerned, someone looking out for their own damn reputation has no place in this Empire. When you joined to serve the Empire you left what you are behind you. You have no ties to the Ordo clan here. You cannot depend on them to save you when times are hard Corporal. By looking to better your own damn reputation, you show everyone else who's going to serve with you that all you're going to look out for in the end is yourself." Alyx placed a few more chips in the pot as she spoke calmly. Her red Mohawk fell in her face and down over her left shoulder," You want to know what defines you as a man Ordo? It's those who you surround yourself in. Lord Belarus has a loving family and an Empire that serves him devotedly. Lady Belarus has the love and kindness of Lord Belarus and their children, but above that she's won the hearts of sprites more humble than you." She paused, "Ash Belarus is still loved by his empire and his family, even though he's no longer with us." Silver eyes flickered to her cards then back to him. "I mean no offense, but your reputation means #$%^&* to the Empire, as well as the family you left behind. What matters most is how you help those around you and how they help you, because together, you're what make the empire strong. Not just one man or one family."
= Charles Blackstone has entered the room =
Charles walked disgruntledly into the break room. He now hated his new body. But after 4 days of self-training to get himself back up to his former state of being, it was understandable. A soft nod towards Alyx and Arden "Lt. Commander, corporal" And he was off towards the couch of the break room. His trench coat shrugged off revealing the grass and dirt stained uniform underneath along with parts of leaves attached to it still.
He narrowed his eyes at her once more. "You know what; you can question me all you like. My actions speak louder than me mouth, hard as that is to believe." He clenched his fists, resisting an old Dwarven urge. "You doubt my dedication, fine, remember that when it?s your arse being saved by me. And if after all of it you aren?t convinced....transfer me."
Brows rose a little to consider him. "Blackstone." She nodded to him softly then glanced to Arden once again, considering while he could, one leg folding over the other. "Corporal, come with me. Blackstone, you're welcome to join as well." Then she stood and started out of the room.
Charles grumbled a bit. He grabbed his trench coat and looked at Arden "what the hell did you do now?" He smiled at Arden before double checking himself. All pieces still attached. 4 days in the back woods of rhy'din had done him in. His body ached all over and he was starving, but looks like R&R time was cut way short as he followed Alyx out of the room.
He kept his fists clenched and followed. He didn?t say a word, the others in the room they left were worried, and they had come to know the Dwarf and whatever was about to happen was going to be bad in one way or another.
Alyx had led them to the sim room, her hand was moving at a lightning speed over the print. Chirps and clicks came from her while she sat there, going over the data. Taking a remote in hand, she came back down the stairs of the observation deck and headed into the sim. It looked like a briefing deck with a center devoted to a holo-projector. Silver eyes motioned for them to take a seat at one of the lecture style desks as she turned on the hologram. A large ship appeared, sides orange and black spanned for miles. It was in a fleet. Shifting on her feet, she studied Arden and Charles before speaking. "This is a purge ship. Nano Empire."
Charles looked at her and followed her in, sitting down at one of the seats. He spoke out of turn "Hate those things in real life" He grumbled talking about the purge that he happened to get caught up in.
He crossed his arms and kept his mouth shut, he was not in the mood for sarcasm. He looked to Charles before looking back at Alyx. He sniffed a moment and tapped a finger off his arm.
The image changed to a Unity installation. Her gaze turned on the pair, telling them she was very serious. 'Unity." She stood there, allowing them to get a good look at it before both pieces were segmented in the holo screen. "These two Empires, these two forces threaten the very nature of life you two treasure." She said as she looked to them. "That I treasure." She frowned a little. "This is my home, your home, and frankly both want to see it the destroyed. The difference, however, is that one wants it all gone, whereas the other just wants my kind gone." She stood there, her eyes fixing on Arden and then Charles. "In my years of service I have seen many planets fall to the Nano Empire and other systems swayed by Unity. By dividing us, these two forces have made us unstable, a smidge weak." Finally she waved her hand. "The point of the matter is simple, if people continue to remain divided; then we may as well hand over the Empire to them on a silver platter. That doesn't just mean as a unit, that means as an individual as well." She sat down, her head tilting as she studied the two men. "I'm aware of the differences you two share, but they have no place here. You two are brothers in arms; your lives are going to depend on each other."
Charles nodded softly; he really had nothing to say at this point. Everything she was stating to him was either known or was observed knowledge.
"Suit up boys and meet me back here in thirty." She said as she strode out of the room. The thirty minutes was to give her time to clean up. She was a sweaty, bloody mess, and it certainly didn't inspire.
Charles "Are we going into sim or going into actual op Lt. Commander?" He needed to know so he could get his gear if needed. He was on sim deck and left all live fire weapons back in the armory
"Come prepared for whatever, it depends if I get it cleared by the boss." She said at the door. Her grin was sent back to him and then she was stepping out of the room.
Charles laughed a bit as he hand landed on Arden shoulder "Go get ready bud" He jumped from his chair. As he exited he muttered "Final, some real action" Off to the armory he went. Arriving there he grabbed his sniper rifle and ammo. He turned around and grabbed his assault rifle and his ammo belt. Then he went to his room, grabbing a new uniform that was at least clean, but he had no time for a shower. He was going in a sweaty, bloody mess. His job wasn't to inspire, his was to be a soldier.
All he did was sniff through his nose before exiting the room. He shook his head and headed back for the lounging room. If he had thirty minutes, he had time for a pint or two.
Alyx had timed it so she'd be the last to return. When she did, she was dressed in her command uniform for away missions. Silver eyes looked around the sim operated briefing room as she waited, her arms folded over her chest.
Charles returned to the briefing room. He did not have his trench coat, rather he had his regular Redstar uniform on with his tactical very overtop. He had his weapons on his back, locked into place and without ammo, just in case they are only getting a sim.
He walked back from the lounge. A yawn came from him as he rubbed the back of his neck. A low burp, nothing to loud unless you standing right beside him. "Alight...So...what are we doing now lassy?" He shook his head and smiled a little.
"All right boys, we're going to be on a very important assignment. We're an escort team. This means lock and load, listen up, and follow me." With that she moved from the sim room and down the hall to the drop room. While they walked down the hall, Alyx spoke calmly. "A few hours ago, Lady Belarus released a very important cure. This cure is going to save thousands of lives, most of them children." She said while she moved. "We're to see to it that the initial supply arrives at its designated location safely. Do you copy?"
Charles "Roger that seems simple enough. Let me guess there?s a catch" He followed her silently towards the drop room. He pulled his assault rifle to his arms and added a silencer to the tip of it.
He checked his weapon and loaded it. "Boyo there always be a catch. Ain?t ye learned anything?" He shook his head and checked his padding and made sure that he was fully loaded. Another low grade belch as he growl/sighed in happiness. "And remind me to pay who ever stocks the ale here....they get some good stuff." He chuckled lowly before looking to them. He would stroke his beard before tying it to make sure it did not get in the way.
"No catch kids, not today. Simple point A to point B mission. You don't like it..." She glanced to Ordo as she grinned. "Request a transfer." Then she pointed to the cure being loaded onto the ships. "Help out; I'll go sign us in." She nodded while she made her way away from them and off to the lead in the distribution process.
Charles nodded. Simple missions are good at least. He slung the rifle back onto his back and trotted over softly, his footsteps barely able to make noise. He got to work, running shuttle runs to help load the cure onto the ships.
He would sling his weapon onto his back and grunted picking up crate after crate and loading them onto the shuttle. He could hear the resentment in Alyx's voice but he did not care. He was half drunk, ready for a mission and eager to prove that this dwarf can kick *** better than the rest. He was a mechanic by trade, skills centered on repairing and building, but hey he got plenty of time to work on new skills.
"All right kids, we're ready to roll!" Came a few moments later. Alyx was boarding the cargo ship as she looked over the package. "Strap in and ready for departure. Move it!" There weren?t many soldiers in the unit, but there were plenty of doctors and nurses, mostly civilians. As she looked over the group she shook her head and pointed to a hatch," Ordo, grab a private and secure the openings, Blackstone, make sure the package is strapped securely."
Charles gave a half salute half nod as he boarded the cargo ship, and made way into the cargo hold, checking the straps on the different packages, then double checking them quickly before moving back to his seat quickly
He did as ordered. He would secure one hatch before heading to the other. "All openings secured ma'am." He thumbed up before getting comfy. He held his weapon tightly, hating these shuttle rides. He would breathe slowly, looking around and turning a little pale. To him the safest place was on the ground, Terra Ferma under his boots always calmed him down.
Alyx moved towards the control room and strapped into the co-pilot's chair. Taking the controls in hand, she called out over the coms to the rest of them. "Buckle in, we've got a ride ahead of us." Switches were flipped and engines were started before they shot off into space and the planet below.
Charles was strapped in. He didn't mind the rides, except the fact that they were bumpy. But he still was calm about it all. His weapons remained locked into the vest on his back as his eyes peered straight forwards, occasionally he looked out at the doctors and nurses, who, some were gripping for dear life.
He would strap himself in and locked his weapon next to him on the rack. He would close his eyes and closed his hands. His father always told him on shuttle drops to keep your mouth open just enough so it would not because you to clamp them shut. He breathed slowly, trying to keep his mind on the task at hand, but his main point of thought s was how this seemed all too easy of a mission.
This one was bumpy, rough, and all around wild. But that might have been because half way through and there was a JERK in the shuttle to show this, Alyx took control. She loved flying, more than she would ever willingly let on. The ship spiraled out of control for a few moments before it righted itself. With the skill of one as old as her, it felt like a feather was cutting through the breeze and moving like a leaf down to the planet, the sudden smoothness was sure to put everyone at ease.
Charles had to wonder who was worse at flying, Alyx, or dust. Both were... interesting at least. Bumpy, rough and wild were the least of it. Good thing all the packages were secured, or there might be randomly thrown boxes everywhere. He even gripped at his seat before the whole thing became calm.
He looked around and thought this would be the perfect time for some well-placed Dwarven humor. "Got to do better than that if you want to kill me Lassy." He chuckled after gripping tightly to his harness. He would take a few more deep breaths before thinking he might have just issued a challenged. In his mind all he could do was pray to the ancestors for a smooth trip.
"Mister Ordo is that a challenge?" Uh oh, poor Charles. When her voice came over the coms it was laced with deviousness. A voice echoed out in the shuttle,' Delicate contents Miss Redstar!' It was enough to keep the fun out of the adventure. The shuttle lowered down on the LZ a moment later, as smooth as could be. Its feather soft landing coming with a psshhh to the landing gear. She flipped a few switches. "All right Ordo, Blackstone, cover the exit."
Charles nodded and stood up quickly. His movements were swift. He unlatched all the cargo for the doctors before stepping out with his assault rifle in hand towards the exit looking out for anything at all. Easy mission yes, but he also has been missions that have gone wrong, that were considered easy.
He moved and was silent. He pulled down his goggles and looked around. "EM readings negative, barely anything on life sign scanners either Ma'am.....My beard itches.." He did not like this, this was too easy and something seemed off about this. He pushed up his goggles and moved out a little more, trusting his own two orbs.
"Well keep that itch in check Ordo." The planet was quiet, maintained, and well destitute. There were several buildings, but many lay in disrepair. The empire had been at work repairing what damage had come to this Planet, but most of its surviving inhabitants were either sick or dying. This was why they needed the cure. The doors were about to lower as Alyx's voice called out. "Masks up." She came out of the pilots station with her own sleek crimson mask over her nose and lips, not that she needed it.
Charles pulled his black mask on silently, the thing looked like something from the times of world war two that had been retro fitted with the modern tech. Either way it worked. His eye piece scanned "I?m not getting anything out there" his voice was muffled by the mask
He pulled on his mask and nodded. "Aye...Nothing on the scanners. Either we have a cloaking device in place or this be an ambush....And Lass My beard itches when something bad be about to happen." He moved slowly, thumb moving to take his weapon off safety. He held it tightly to his shoulder and looked around; glad he was still partially drunk.
There was a little psh from her as she moved, tisking both the men's paranoia. The hatches opened and she stepped out, her weapon still sheathed in its place. "Let's get the package on the move kiddos, we're burning lives!" She looked back to the doctors and the nurses, the other civilians that were moving, their masks covering their faces. "The air is infected with this disease, the first phase is to find a cure, save the people, then we aim to clean the atmosphere and provide these people a new lease on life, so let's make sure it happens boys. Do you read?"
Charles "roger that ma'am" He moved to the cargo bay, pushing one of the large crates out towards the end of the ramp so it could be unloaded. He looked at Arden "keep scanning, just in case" He nodded towards him before grabbing a few boxes himself to carry.
He would provide cover; he kept his thoughts to himself since the LC did not seem to get the same feeling. Infected air or not, something bad could happen and he always trusted his beard. He would walk on ahead as the Docs and Nurses moved slowly with them. "I?m telling ye this place feels wrong...." He would look around a bit, taking time to examine the surroundings.
Perhaps Arden would find out why when they rounded the corner. Alyx not even moving to pluck the weapon from its holster. There were medical facilities as far as the eye could see. Sick lay out in the make shift tents that littered the streets. She glanced to Arden and Charles," This planet's too sick to ambush strangers, at ease." Then she moved for one of the medical research tents.
Charles stopped moving and looked softly. His eyes were dry, blank. "I?ve seen this before...." He muttered lowering his head. His lips twitched just slightly at the memories before following Alyx. He had a job to do; he didn't come here to remember his past. He came here to prevent it from happening again.
"I'll ease when we're off this planet." He lowered his weapon a little but he would not lower his guard. He looked around, scanning them to update his codex, he liked to keep a log for every mission he went on, a mementoes as it were since he could not really take souvenirs. He looked to Charles and shook his head. "Wake up Boyo."
She turned to face Ordo, her hand moving to snatch him by the arm and push him back around the corner. "Do you have a problem with my orders Corporal? I told you to at ease and I meant it. The last thing these people need to see is a soldier put off by their condition. Do you understand me? These people need to see people there to help, not people who are ready to judge them as some threat." With that she let the Dwarf go and turned back around. Coming out from around the corner with a roll of her shoulders she spoke to Charles," Wake up Blackstone. Follow the doctors, they'll show you where to drop off the package." Alyx then moved for a silver haired woman standing in the thick of things, no mask to be seen. Sarah Belarus greeted her with a weary smile. "First shipment, Lady Belarus."
Sarah Belarus simply nodded, thanked Alyx, and went on with her work. Her priority very clear. The Lady Belarus simply intended to help these people recover from a troubling ordeal.
Charles nodded "Yes ma'am" He sounded halfhearted almost as he looked about at all the tents. He followed the docs until he dropped off the package of the cure. He frowned under his mask. Dawning some gloves he dropped his weapons off near the packages and went to figure out some way to help. It wasn?t the orders, but sometimes you had to break orders to do the right thing. He went off, following a few doctors towards one of the smaller tents, inside were two young boys. One seemed dead, the other seemed dying. The doctors looked at them softly, they did their best with applying the cure to one boy, but it was doubtfully in time. He looked weak, his body like more so a skeleton with skin draped on it. Pitiful site really. Charles kneeled next to the boy and looked him dead in the eye. His own eyes tearing just slightly "Hey," He spoke softly "you are going to be alright bud, ya ?hear" The young boy coughed a bit, i guess that was his laughter "that?s what they all say... that?s what they told my brother" His head slightly turned to look at the other boy "He died... I?m all that?s left, my family is gone" Charles understood all of this. His gloved hands found the weak hands of the boy, gripping onto him "all the reason for you to live, and fight on. Believe me, i was once where you are now. ?He smiled under the mask "Don't let go, and don?t give in. your family, is right here" His pointing finger touched the boy over his heart, which was beating, slowly "They won?t ever leave you there" He patted the boy on the head before reaching to his kit. Pulling out what seemed to be a bear. Yes it was a hand carved bear "Made this in the field a long time ago, when i thought all had forsaken me. It?s a symbol of strength" He rest it in the boys arms softly as a doc came over. He looked at Charles with a somber tone before walking back. The boy could make it, maybe, but it was doubtful "Strength" He muttered to the boy. The boy looked up "Mister...." He coughed a bit more "Thank you-
?he fell quiet, a long pause before taking a breath again, and again, he was on his last limbs of life. Charles didn't leave his side, pulling up a chair softly stroking the boy?s hair. Minutes passed, and the boy didn't take a breath "Damn... damn it all..." He muttered a soft tear falling. He left the bear there with the boy as he walked away from the tent, his face blank
He growled and switched his weapon to safety. "I am not judging them....It?s this entire planet." He slung his weapon onto his back and clenched his fists tightly. He looked around, he could see their pain but that did not settle the feeling in his beard any. Sure they were suffering and yes he would do anything to help. Hell he would rip off his own breathing mask if it meant helping someone but in the end, his gut was all he had to go on.
Alyx watched Charles for a few minutes, okay, more than a few minutes. Sarah was nodded to, and her team moved in to take up the brothers carefully. Setting a hand on Charles' shoulder she spoke," Snap to Blackstone, see to it the rest of the supplies make it from the ship. We've got a few more runs to make." She paused and narrowed her eyes on Arden. "Ordo, stick to the Empress and make sure to assist her in any way she needs it."
Charles looked softly at Alyx "Yes ma'am" he pulled of the gloves and disposed of them before gathering his gear and replacing those gloves. He didn?t stop moving however. Back at the cargo ship, the nearly 3 ton crates of the cure required 5 men to move, yet he was nearly single handedly pushing them to the unloading stage. He then started the shuttle runs again; his eyes were grey, but not a tired grey, no, far from that.
He would nod and headed to where the Empress was. He looked back narrowing his eyes a moment before sighing. He looked to her and unslung his weapon, if he was going to be able to protect her should something happen. He would make sure things were strapped to his vest, latched down everything. "I?m ordered to help you highness." He bowed his head to her.
Sarah would keep Arden busy, really busy. He'd learn how to distribute injections in mere minutes while Alyx dropped off supplies to each tent. Apparently, from what Arden heard. Each individual infected with the disease was foreign to the planet. It was brought by Unity when the society wasn't compliant with conversion. They were instead issued a slow painful death. When everything was distributed evenly Alyx spoke up. ?Job?s done on the surface for now Ordo and Blackstone, time to take off."
He looked around and had to think a moment. "Aye.." He responded slowly. Something about this felt so wrong. "Requesting...permission to stay behind." He stood, looking from Alyx then to the camp. Something about leaving them like this felt so? so wrong to him.
Charles nodded softly entered back into the ship after delivering the last load. His emotions were at their peak. He looked at Arden confused "Thought you had doubts about this place" He looked at him. A sigh escaping his lips behind the mask looking at Alyx
Alyx paused to study Ordo with her brow arched up. "Explain Corporal." Sarah Belarus went about her business, attending to women, children, and men patently. Alyx's silver eyes fell on Charles, wondering if he wanted to do the same.
"Aye I have doubts...but if Unity hit this place once....what?s to stop them from coming back once they are better." He pointed. "Look at em. We are going to cure them and then what? Leave without so much as a garrison force here to protect em?" He growled. "Is that what we do?"
Charles growled a bit but stopped himself. He can't let his emotions slip now, not with the state that he is in. However his grey eyes flashed white for a moment before lowering
"Ordo, quiet. If we intended doing that then we would have left nature to its own vices. These people once cured will be relocated and the planet will be cleansed of the disease Unity left behind. When the planet is safe to occupy once again, it will be recolonized. Copy that?" Alyx knew he had reasons to be upset, but the Empire wasn't as heartless as to leave them after saving them.
He clenched his fists. "Aye but.." He looked back. His gut and beard were telling him to stay. Just knew something was going to happen. He looked back and shook his head. Oh he was going to hate himself as he turned towards the shuttle and pushed his way past the two of them. He sat silently, eyes glued to the deck as he strapped in.
Charles sighed and looked at Alyx. His eyes were screaming to let him and Arden stay. But orders were to be different. He went towards the far end, away from everyone else on the ship and strapped in. Under his breath he instantly started to curse in every tongue or way he could.
"Do you two want to make sure these people make it off this planet safely?" She asked as she studied the pair of men, smirking," Because I'm leaving, but if one of you stays, so does the other, and your unit. That would also but Blackstone in charge. You'd have to learn to work together and send me hourly reports." Was she breaking orders, or following them all along. Who knew?
He looked to Alyx. "Ma'am with all due respect. Our arse?s would be slung no matter the choice." He unlatched the harness and stood. "We stay only to find we were ordered back to our post on the ship. Or we go to find out we were meant to be here. There be a fifty, fifty chance of being arse raped." He clenched his fist, why in the ever loving name of the Ancestors did Charles not say anything.
Charles looked over at them silently "Ill state this, I?ll let the team decide, but I cannot say I can go whole hearted into this." Although his body was older the images of other chemical attacks were still so fresh, and with the death of the boy, there was just no way he could, too much loomed over his head.
"This isn't just a team choice Sergeant; this is your choice too. Make it fast." Then she stepped aside to start securing hatches and seats. Her head shaking for a moment and a grin splayed on her face beneath that mask. It was a shame they couldn't see just how tickled she was.
Charles grunted as he stood up along with the rest of the team "Looks like I got some reports to fill out" He double checked his mask before jumping off the ship standing there looking back at them
He would jump off the transport and patted Charles on the shoulder. "Ata Boyo." He would nod to him and checked with the others. Making sure they had all they needed. His gut said they would be here for a little.
"I'll be back in 48 hours to check on you kids. Treat the Lady Belarus with respect and don't get in her way. Remember to be on your best behavior and work as a team. These people are looking to the Empire and you're its example. Good luck boys!" She said before stepping back on the ship. Settling in the pilots spot, she kicked the shuttle in gear and moved back in the direction of the ship. However, once she was out of sight she landed the ship and set up shop with a unit already waiting for her outside of the city. "Well, the boys are in the city making good. Keep us hidden and let's see how they take it."
The second unit would do just that. State of the art camo keeping them hidden from all sights and serving as the unseen observer for the unit on the ground and in the city.
[He slapped Charles on the back. "Take a moment to breath Boyo...Alright boys...Get thins set up!" HE shouted to them as they moved to get the check point operational. He would check on things and even took out his multi wrench and began to turn it on a few things. Even got the camps generator working more smoothly.
Charles nodded "I?ll be fine corporal, do me a favor, get word to the empress that she has 8 Redstars to work with for 48 hours, see what she has in mind" He nodded him off as he collected gear "Private, once you get all set up, go and get the lay out of the camp" The private saluted and double timed it around the camp. 48 hours, enough time to learn the layout
"Aye...and remember Boyo, I?m ere to help ye out." He patted the boy on the chest and went to the main tent. He would head to the tent the lady Empress was in. A bow of his head was given. "My lady you have a squad here for the next 48 hours. We are on station for anything you may need ma'am." He bowed once more and turned to depart the tent. Boy did he step in it this time.
Charles nodded "And remembers I?m here to help you and my team out" He smiled. The private returned huffing for air "Private." He had a stern look that faded, he wasn't good at the faking anger look "Good job, grab some R&R for a few minutes, corporal Ordo went to get our orders from the empress" He looked about the camp silently watching the civilians buzz about before looking at the buildings silently.
Sarah thanked Arden for reporting to him and mentioned something along the lines of continuing to help administer the cure before dismissing him.
He would head back to the checkpoint and sighed. "Well same as before...Administer the cure to those that need it. Ye ask me I think we stepped in it Boyo." He looked to Charles and shook his head. "My beard Aint stopped itching since we landed.....What say you Boyo?" He crossed his arms before placing his boot on an empty crate.
Charles looked at him "Figured that" He looked about and then back at Arden "Not sure, the place is odd but I don?t think its unity. Bah, let?s not worry about it." He straightened up "Alright, private, you and these three" Points to 3 men that were around their gear "Gear up and head over there" Pointed to some med tents on the west side. "Ordo, me you and these two" points to the two that were conversing over something "Were going to the north side and seeing what we can do. Meet back at 1100 hours"
"Alright Boyo...It is my recommendation you take half to the north and I take the other half south. Fire teams." He would check his weapon before slinging it onto his back. "This stinks of Unity's handy work Sarge. Better safe than sorry." He would look to the privates and selected three of them, Johnson, Rodriguez and Templton. "Lane 2 Sarge if ya need us. Come on boyos." He would whistle an old Dwarven tune as they headed out.
Charles nodded "I got your arse covered mate" He chuckled "James, Rhodes, get to those tents over on the left, Batten you are with me" He motioned them to follow. And off they went towards the tents. The two privates worked in tandem while Charles and the soldier he grabbed did it differently. Charles prepared the cure for delivery while Batten delivered it.