The Briefing - Part 4

in Scholar and Scribe3 days ago

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Prologue Chapter (Complete)

Part 1

Part 2


Chapter 1 (Current)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3


The door of the ship swung open, and bird stepped into the light of the docking bay. She wore her typical light armour, over battle fatigues. Her hair was now wet, and still tied up, but her face still had a few stains, although, they were much lighter than before. "Ready to ship out," she said, placing a hand on her hip.

Everyone stirred, except Lags, who remained still, leaning against the ship.

Thorann took a step forward and cleared his throught. "I'd like to say something before we do." He said, looking around at everyone as they stopped shuffling and looked back at him. "This may not be like the other operations, and I want everyone to remember that. No matter what happens, we have each others back."

"Always!" Triple said, fist clenched. He turned and lightly punched Lags, who slid across the ship a few inches.

"Watch it, you big oaf," Lags said, cracking a smile which made Triple chuckle.

"I sent each of you the brief, it's simple, but read it while we're enroute. There could be important information in there concerning the world, the people, and our goal." Thorann said, looking around. "There was an entire wave sent in, and barely any made it back. We may find stragglers, and while we may help if we can, our focus is Harvet Gnash." He looked at the recruit, and then back to Bird, and eyed the ship there after. "It's a time sensitive mission, it complicates things, so we have to keep our wits about us. If we're not off that swamp ball by time the Rotchi arrive, we'll all die."

"Thanks for that nice thought," Bird said, crossing her arms and leaning back slightly.

"Don't worry, I've lived a long fulfilling life." Doc responded with a wry smile.

"We'll be fine, now come on." Thorann said as he wafted his arms, waving them toward the ships entrance. "Lets get off this damn cruiser."

"Thorann Dert!" He heard his name being called. The words echoing around the area.

"Looks like you're on trouble Dert Bird," Triple said with a grin.

"Move your ass, Triple. Get on the ship," Lags barked, shoving the large man, pulling him from distraction.

Thorann turned around and saw O'Heara marching toward them. Behind he could hear the sounds of the others boarding, and could even feel their eyes at his back.

"I hoped you'd be gone by now," he said as he shook his head. "Or, maybe you think time will stand still for you."

"We're on our way out now you old Stronu," Thorann said with a grin.

"You coming down with us O'Heara?" Triple asked.

Thorann turned around and saw him sitting on the swivvel seat, with his hands on the turret controls.

Triple started to make the sounds of gunfire with his mouth and rocked the gun, firing at invisible enemies. "It'll be just like the good old days," Triple stopped firing for a moment as the recruit nervously boarded the ship. "Old Stronu, back in the fold."

"What I wouldn't give for that." O'Heara said wistfully. "While it would be great to be back in the thick of it with you degenerates, I'll be staying back. I just came down to see you lot off."

"Dragged yourself from the execution then? I'm honored." Thorann said. "Did you win the bet?"

O'Heara smiled. "The bastard came through for me big time," he said. "When you're back we can have a few drinks, and none of that crap they serve on Deck 28 either." He looked past Thorann and to the others. "That goes for all of you!"

"It's a plan," Thorann said as he turned around and hopped aboard Tera. He looked out into the docking bay at O'Heara and hit the door controls. The panel started to close, as Triples chair automatically sank back inside.