Chapter 9: Paths Revealed

Admiral Val stood there, looking at Dutch while holding his small glass. Dutch was tensed up, there are 2 C.F.M. MP's right behind him.

Val sat down and took a sip of his drink, "Dutch, why were you so spontaneous about that station? I understand that Vetra is like family and she was backing you, but your motives weren't clear nor did your reasons make sense!" Val said calmly.

Dutch didn't want to be arrested or seen as a traitor, but would Val even believe Dutch?

"Sir, it's going to be hard to explain. You see-" Dutch got interrupted.

"Dutch, you have been in this fleet since you were a basic infantryman for the Reaver Corps! I will listen and give you a chance!" Val said.

Dutch sighed and got prepared for the worst.

"I've been having nightmares, for a long time now, but recently these nightmares have manifested into hallucinations! During one of these hallucinations, it said some random crap, so random I wasn't sure what it meant! Till I saw the station, that is. TDS- 5263, was said by my hallucinations and it was shocking to see it." Dutch explained.

Val leaned forward and sipped his drink, "Dutch, what if I told you. You are being watched, suspicious of being a traitor?" Val asked.

"That's Bullshit!" Dutch shouted.

"Do you recall your home colony? Ivbor? How General Ghesh took to you and Vetra in? Even after how you disappeared for 3 years? From when you were 12 to 15? Without a trace! Many factors are being stacked against you, I have been holding them off. Well General Ghesh too, the council seems a bit determined that within those 3 years, you became a defector or something."

Dutch couldn't believe what he was hearing, "How can I prove my innocence to them?" He asked.

Val sighed, "Truth is. Despite what I have said, there is no evidence and without you or Vetra. We wouldn't of ever had an idea of what is causing the PA events."

Dutch raised his eyebrow, "What… are you saying?" 

Val clicked a button, 2 storage devices popped out. He pulled them out and handed one to each of the MP's.

"Dutch, when you and Vetra gave your descriptions and ideas about the PA's, they actually took you 3 seriously and tried to find a lead…" Val paused for a moment.

The MP's let off a smolder of light and suddenly the C.F.M. MP's, turned into ElochRepublic soldiers!

"Oh fuck! We been infiltrated sir!" Dutch shouted as he got up.

"... calm Dutch, they're with us. I am gonna give you some in sight. You and Vetra proved to be right, it is a weapon and we have an idea of who is involved. The Eloch Republic, one of our secret allies. Did some spy work for us. The Draco Empire has a small data trail, but a trail none the less." Val said calmly.

"Sir, are you saying. That we know who's causing these PA events?" Dutch asked anxiously.

"Yes, but no legitimate proof. Well legal proof. The Eloch Republic Shadow Commandos are here to get those files decrypted safely somewhere else." Val said with a content tone.

"Sir, aren't they safe with us?" Dutch asked worried.

"No, that station probably sent a distress call out and if it's what we think. It holds the proof we need, Taunis or the whole Avage Allegiance won't allow us to just leave. I notified all fleets to stay away, for the reason. We are sure, a fleet is coming to take us out. If they don't or we hold them off long enough. We will lose much of the fleet, Dutch. If something happens, you need to know some stuff or at least a set of directions. I can only trust a few amongst this fleet!" Val said as he began walking to the window behind his desk.

"Sir? Why?" Dutch felt his heart sinking in fear.

"Because if they do send a fleet, we likely won't make it. The C.F.M. only has 6 fleets, the G.T.M.I, no the whole Avage Allegiance has 135 fleets! We will likely not win this, hopefully we succeed in our mission. If it does happen, we are attacked and the fleet falls. Take this, only use it when the fleet falls or you are separated from the fleet in an escape." Val said as he pulled another device from his pocket. He walked over and handed it to Dutch.

"Admiral, you keep mentioning the Avage more than Taunis alone. Is there something I should know?" Dutch asked as he was handed the device.

"Dutch, do you know what the C.F.M. stands for? Our cause?" The Admiral said as he walked back to the window.

"Sir, we are the Colonial Frontier Militia! We are a force that stands against the G.T.M.I.'s tyranny!" Dutch replied.

"That was our purpose, in the beginning. Dutch, Taunis is the low front runner of the Avage Allegiance. They are more expanded territory and have a wide manufacturing capability, but they are nothing compared to their allies! Who have better equipment militaries but Taunis deals with all the public stuff, well with us. This possible weapon was a degree of the entire Avage Allegiance!" Val seemed a bit nervous as he was speaking.

"Sir, why are you telling me all this?" Dutch asked as he looked at the device, that he was handed.

"Your mission, you will be accessing New Horizon facilities." Val said as he turned to Dutch.

"New Horizon? Sir, what do 1,000 year old explorers have to do with our current events and issues?" Asked Dutch.

"New Horizon might of have actually known about what the source is, the source of PA…" Val said trembling.

"Sir, how?" Dutch was very confused.

At that moment, an alarm went off. "It is 0800 hours, preparation reminder! " a voice said.

"We will continue this later, if there is one." Val stated, he signaled for all 3 of them to leave. 

The Shadow Commandos took the echo holo forms of MP's again. As the 3 walked out, one of them looked at Dutch and raised his hand for a shake.

"It was nice meeting you Captain Tvankiv! I hope to see you again!" The Commando said to Dutch, as they shook hands.

Dutch went to shake the other Commandos hand, "Like wise, maybe next time. You can tell me your names?" Dutch asked as he let go.

The Commandos begun to look around.  

"I am Dion 1, he's Dion 2. I'm the Human. Sade Travels!" Dion said as him and Dion 2 walked away.

"Likewise!" Dutch said as he walked away.

While Val and Dutch had this meeting, Vetra and Dr. Silma, the Gorgon Mamba doctor. We discussing, unfortunate news.

Vetra could hear a ringing and all sounds were muffled. She was in shock.

She heard a sound and came too.

"Ms. Lisnova? Are you okay? Can you hear me?" The doctor with his hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry, j-just. I can't believe my ears!" Vetra replied, shocked as hell.

Dr. Silma sighed, "I am sorry to bring these dire news to you, but it is my job!"

Vetra felt like crying.

Her eyes began to water up, "How long? How long do I have?"

Dr. Silma looked down and back at her, "With how fast it is spreading, I'd say a few months, but that's no promise. It's unsure, the disease is killing your immune system faster than it can fight! Though, this disease isn't common, almost rare in fact! You're not alone though, thanks those who have given themselves to research, living and dead. There may be a way to slow it down. I can look into it, but for now… I suggest you inform your loved ones and take a leave. The pro--" Dr. Silma was interrupted.

"I got a duty to perform, this can't be affecting me that bad!" Vetra shouted.

"Lieutenant, the symptoms are dense and frequent coughing, organ or motor function failure or even both, temporary blurred sights, and loss of senses. The coughing is the first and I am going to assume. You have been coughing but manage to hide it?" He said with a raised brow.

"I-I didn't realize, that was part of it! No, I been feeling faint and manage to keep it together till I'm alone, but the coughing hasn't been much of a thing. Other for the way here on the elevator, I don't remember the last time I actually coughed!" She said very upset.

"Maybe the symptoms are delayed? Vetra, our analysis shows this disease has been in you for years, but most victims of this disease. Most get it at a young age and only manage to last 2 or 3 years, but results show it's been dormant for maybe 10 or more years! Maybe it's a spontaneous reaction from this very late delay?" He explained.

"How young?" Vetra asked with interest.

"Well, this disease is found only in Valarians, interestingly. If what you said is true, maybe it's not spreading as fast as previously thought? You would of have been frequently coughing about a week ago, but you said you have barely coughed? Hmm, if there are no symptoms before the Operation, than i see no reason for you to remain, but if ANY symptoms show before it. Tell Admiral Suad and pull out!" He said irritated.

"Thank you doctor!" She said a bit brightened.

As she went out the door, the doctor whispered to himself.

"I am gonna lose my job, I'm too soft on them! Sssilma, be the big man! For their sssafety!" He said, very angry at himself.

Vetra and Dutch had ran into eachother, shortly after the unfortunate bad news they both got.

Vetra was walking out of an elevator and started towards the Recon Quarters, she was very distracted with the bad news she had received. Unaware that she was about to run into Dutch, who was waving at her, trying to get her attention. Standing there till she realized him, she bumped into him and she quickly realized he was there.

"OH! Dutch! Hey, what are you doing?" She asked in surprise.

"Heading to the Star Corps Quarters, I'll see on the ground?" He said with a smile.

"Sure, let's not get hit with stun rounds this time, ok?" She said with a forced smile. Unwilling to tell Dutch.

Admiral Suads voice came onto the speakers.

"It's time for ALL units to get their gear and load up! 204th Assault Battalion and 89th Iron Division, starboard side! 133rd Spartan V's and 182nd Armour Division, port side! 163rd Star Corps and 35th Recon Battalion, Bow side! 204th Flamer, nose of the ship! If I have to repeat myself, I'm shoving my scaley boot up someones ass!" He barked.

Vetra and Dutch had both gone to the armory, Vetra felt sick to her stomach and nervous. Suvi, who was next to her. Noticed and tapped her shoulder. 

"Hey sis, everything ok?" Suvi asked with a concern.

"O-oh nothing! Just thay steak! It's not setting too well!" She quickly lied.

"Well, take some meds! Can't have you distracted, we may not be the best soldiers, but even Taunis is against sending distracted soldiers in!" Suvi said with a smile.

"Ha! Yeah, Suvi. I had a question, girl to girl. Human to, well Valarian. It's been something I was curious about. Why do you flirt with Dutch so much but you 2 aren't dating?" She was trying to change the subject.

"Oh, trust me. If he was up for it, I would definitely go at it, but you know Dutch! He's "Professional" with his colleagues!" She replied with a smile and mocking tone.

"Well, want me to help you?" Vetra asked, in attempt to keep her distracted.

"Well, if I'm being honest. I actually respect Dutch. Me and Him are the only higher commands of the Star Corps. No time for drama and all! Besides, do you have an eye for anyone?" Suvi asked giggling.

"No, most people are quite grossed out by my scars. Believe it or not, I use to have a crush on Dutch but he's pretty much family. Grew out of it when we got older. Either way, I think you 2. Would make a good couple!" She said laughing.

"Yeah… it has nothing to do with food, does it?" Suvi asked in a very serious tone.

Vetra was shocked, Suvi had went right back to it. Vetra was quickly trying to think of something to get off the subject of her.

"Vetra… I've served by you, for what? 5 years? Gear on or not, I know when your upset or lying. Some times." Suvi said as she scooted closer.

"Ok, you can't tell anyone! *she begun to whisper* the doctor said, my body isn't reacting well to the stress of the action and it could worsen if I don't take a leave!" She said into Suvi's ear.

"Nothing fatal right?" She asked with serious concern. 

"No! It could get worse if I don't, i could end up seriously hurt. It's just me and Master Warrent Officer Jecko. I can't just up and leave!" She exclaimed.

"Yeah, well it's bullshit shit how Jecko never sets boots down on the ground! It's always you!" Suvi said in anger.

"Well, I do have more experience!" She said as she laughed.

Sergeant Revan and Corporal Vall walked up behind them.

"See you on in the hanger girls!" Said Revan as he walked up and fist bumped them.

"Remember, don't eat the colorful fruits! They're never good!" Vall shouted as he walked away with Revan.

Suvi laughed and shook her head.

Both the girls and many others finished getting ready and grabbing their equipment.

Suvi and Vetra had gotten to the bow of the V.C.S. Amora. 

Soldiers were lined up and in formation. There were troop transports ready to be loaded. As they were confused, Vetra saw Dutch and approached him.

"Aren't we supposed to be dropped in by pods?" Vetra asked in confusion. 

"Did you hear underside? I didn't, I heard bow. Ha! Pods aren't ready, Suads pissed. Engineers and crew fucked up. We are going over to the trooper carrier ship and dropping in with squad pods. God I hate those!" Dutch told them.

The girls looked at eachother, moments later the 3 had gotten their soldiers to load up and head to the closest Troop carrier ship. As they flew over in the large troop transports, everyone looked out the windows, as they flew over. They watched the 204th and 89th dropships flew out of the hangers and the fleers orbital cannons began to lay fire, the surface areas hit. Started to glow red on impact.

Dutch, felt uneasy as memories flashed, the wall of fire…..

Info- the C.F.M. have had to recomision many vehicles. From old tanks to fleet ships.

The V.C.S. Amora is a recomision and repurposed cargo ship. It's the largest ship in the 6th fleet and has the room to house thousands of soldiers. This is seen as a problem, for if it is taken out. The fleet could lose 60% of their ground forces. So it is surrounded by ships that are meant to take hits.

The 6th fleet is made up of roughly around 15 ships. 

Though the C.F.M.'s main planet is where gear and weapons are made. They can make only limited vehicles. Originally only small gunships and cargo ships, when they took it from the G.T.M.I. but they have upgraded. From hover bikes to troop transports, but the flow is limited. Due to resources also going to the population and other C.F.M. planets. 

Side note, the link doesn't work here, but i started a discord to help reach out to all of you.

Add my discord Gunnerjackel97#5687 and I'll send a sever link.