Location: Planet-side military installation 462-b
System: Classified
Constellation: Classified
Region: Hemitar
3 Hours after Jarik's abduction at the hands of an RMS blackops team
Jarik Utoni woke with a start, the room he was in was pitch black and he found that he couldn't see his hand in front of his face.
"Good morning kid."
Jarik jumped at the sudden sound of a voice behind him and turned to face it.
"Don't worry, I'm just here to beat the living shit outa' you!"
Jarik heard the fist fly before it hit him square in the stomach, he doubled over and wretched into the blackness.
"Aww kid, don't give up now, the captain said you were a perfect recruit."
Jarik heard the fist again and this time he swung his head out of the way in time.
"Good, good, I was hoping you would put up a Little fight."
Jarik's eyes were beginning to adjust to the darkness, and he was barely able to see his assailant.
"I admit this is my favorite part of the training." the man continued, "Shall I recite the orders for you?"
He took another swing at Jarik but by this time Jarik had timed his movements to compensate.
"'Beat the living crap out of each recruit'."
Jarik saw the glint of the man's goggles. whatever they were they made him able to see.
"I choose who lives and dies in here kid."
He took another swing and clipped Jarik's shoulder sending him spinning to the ground.
"Gotcha!"
Jarik saw the man's shadow leap towards him, and Jarik moved. Before he could react Jarik had delivered a barefooted kick to the man's face shattering the goggles. He staggered back clutching his face and tore off the ruined goggles throwing them to the ground.
"I'm gonna fucking kill you!"
He ran towards Jarik but with his eyes gone he couldn't see the wall he ran into.
"Where are you?!" The man got on his hands and knees to feel around.
3 minutes passed before the man grew silent.
Captain Jor Atkin looked at his watch. "Time" he said, "Let's take a look at the damage shall we?" He keyed the switched and opened the door and found the body of Private Wilson laying in a pool of his own blood.
"Ah, fuck." he looked around the room for the kid, and there he was, a look of contempt plainly visible on his face.
Jor smiled, "Congratulations 'Burn' you passed the first test."
Jor looked back at the body,
"You're a bloodthirsty little fella aren't you?"
Jor could feel the kid searching for weaknesses, it chilled him to the bone.
"My name's Jarik..." he finally said
"No," Jor responded "You will answer to 'Burn' from now on."
"I am Captain Jor Atkin and from this day forward I am your commanding officer."
"Now you need to report to the medical wing of the base, I'll have my personal guards escort you."
((The Implant))
Jarik Walked down the rust brown halls of the base, escorted on either side by huge men, almost as scary as Jor was.
"Here." one of them motioned into a room.
one of them picked him up and placed him on the table. An AIMED walked into the room it's synthesized voice chirped forth
"Burn, please lie still whilst I administer the localised anaesthetic."
Jarik, interested now allowed the AIMED to administer to a spot in the side of his head.
The AIMED noting it's subjects sudden interest in the procedure continued to explain.
"What we are doing now is applying the Hardpoint,"
The AIMED showed Jarik the device,
"What this does in act as an anchor to the Nano-assemblers who will build the circuitry in your head to the specifications contained within said implant."
The AIMED filled a syringe with Nano-assemblers an turned towards Jarik.
This will itch please try to hold still.
Jarik Felt the ants enter his head, squirming and scratching. Only the restraints holding his arms to his side kept him from scratching out his eyeball.
"Make it stop!" he screamed.
"Please remain calm"
Jarik squeezed his eyes shut and just screamed.
It felt like forever but the ants stopped scratching, Jarik slowly opened his eyes.
"Implantation successful, Ocular implant is responding to external stimuli."
"Burn please access your implant."
Jarik could feel the implant in his mind, like an extra room in his brain. He found the door for the room and opened it. The room changed colors, a little subtext in the foreground of his vision let him know what he was seeing. Infrared, X-ray, light enhancement, Zoom - 2X - 4X - 10X - 150X.
Jarik switched to x-ray and looked around the room finally looking towards the mirror.
Behind this mirror sat Captain Jor Atkin and Corporal Jessica Loon.
"Corporal, are you sure you locked out the X-ray capabilities in that implant?"
Crpl. Loon consulted the database
"Captain, we locked out all but light-enhancement, somehow he has broken through the neural blocks and has access to every capability."
Jor frowned and looked at Jarik's medical printout
"We'll just have to work with it then."
His eyes widened and he turned towards Cprl. Loon
"I want him in the sniper program in three years Corporal, get it done."
Crpl. Loon keyed the command into the computer.
"And his training until then?"
Jor smiled,
"If a class has covert in it's name I want him taking it."
Loon showed her surprise this time,
"But that will take..."
"Yes," he said "over 5 years of training."
He looked back into the room at the seven year old Brutor who at this point was looking directly at him.
You will do great things Jarik Utoni, he thought, it's in your genes.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Taken
Agent Azik Crane of the RMS tactical squad alpha-omega scanned the busy market for prospects. Standing at just under 5'6 and sporting a short cut mohawk Agent Crane was a frightening representation of the Krusual tribe. He stopped for a drink, even with all the assurances from HQ this still felt like slavery. HQ said these kids would grow to become the silent protectors of the Minmatar ideals. Azik spat, it still felt like slavery, but disobeying command was like signing your death warrant. He spotted a child, a young Brutor, no more then 7 years old, as he stole from one of the vendors. He reached for his comlink,
"Dragonfly to Baker, I have acquired a subject, stand by for relevant information."
"Copy that Dragonfly awaiting package."
Agent Crane moved through the crowds to get a good visual on the subject who was now enjoying the fruit he had stolen in the shade of an awning. Information collected from the Census breu and other sources scrolled across his vision until a complete data package had been built, this he sent to HQ as he read it himself.
Subject: Jarik Utoni
Race: Minmatar
Tribe: Brutor
Sex: M
Age: 7
Mother: Lizbeth Utoni (deceased)*
Father: Gerad Utoni (Deceased)**
Wanted for: Petty theft, Arson,
Known Accomplices: None
- - -
* - Mother died in an industrial accident
** - Father died of an overdose of Crash
Agent Crane's comlink chirped,
"Dragonfly, this is Baker, you are cleared to apprehend the target individual and prep him for transport."
"Roger that Baker, apprehending subject."
Jarik saw the man with the funny haircut watching him. The scary man was talking to himself while sneaking glances in his direction. Jarik had seen that look before, Tovar's gang had always looked at him like that right before they chased him out of the market. He'd shown them though, his friend, the fire, had made sure they would never bother him again. Jarik saw the scary man approach him slowly.
"Hello Jarik, do you want to come with me?" Jarik started to shake his head
"I know a place with a lot of fruit just like that one."
The man knew his name, he had never told anyone his name.
"Go away."
The man started to reach towards him
"Here, let me show you."
"No!" Jarik stood up "Leave me alone!"
"I can't do that kid."
His hand darted out and took hold of Jarik's forearm. he struggled feebly at the iron grip of his attacker.
"Let go!"
The man began dragging him through the market and the man started to talk to himself again.
"Baker this is Dragonfly, target secured, I'm heading to the dock."
Jarik struggled again in the mans grip, then he saw the fire merchant. He was in his regular spot near the dock as he was dragged by he snatched one of the firemakers and placed it on the man's arm, willing the man to burst into flames.
Agent Crane felt the pressure of something against his arm, then he felt the heat, then the pain.
"AARRRGGH!" he screamed and let go of the Jarik's arm to clutch at the burning hole in the center of his forearm. With his good arm he radioed HQ
"Target escaped, I've got a giant fucking hole burned in my arm and the kid got away!"
"Stand by Dragonfly, Medics have been dispatched and containment teams will capture the subject."
The medic arrived shortly and the backup teams, all in plainclothes attire, chased after the fleeing kid.
"Fuck," he said as the medic tended to his wound, "I hate kids."
Jarik ran, he could see that men were following and they were fast! faster then Tovar's gang had been. He took a hard right into a narrow alley but found that the other end was already blocked by a huge Brutor.
"you're not going anywhere kid."
Jarik tried to dart around him but found himself dangling by the feet before he cold even scream. The Brutor held him upside-down with one hand and with his free hand reached into his jacket for a syringe. Jarik panicked and reached for the firemaker but the man had already injected the warm fluid into his neck. As he lost consciousness the firemaker slipped from his hands and clattered to the ground.
Jor slung the now unconscious kid over his shoulder.
"Hey Jor, doesn't he remind you of you when you were that age?"
"Yea, except for the whole, 'Burn holes into guy's arms' thing."
Jor bent down to pick up the firebrand that the kid had dropped.
"Hey guys, look at this."
Jor showed them the firebrand, the Minmatar Republic symbol covered by pieces of charred flesh was visible on the firebrand.
"Azik got branded with the symbol of the republic!"
They were all laughing as Jor keyed his comlink,
"Target codename 'Burn' has been subdued and disarmed. We are en route to the transport."
"Rodger that Zeus, alternative surveillance confirms that 'Burn' is in custody."
"They're getting younger every year" said one of the men behind him
"Relax Kiver, he'll be in training for at least 5 years."
"Jor, don't tell me that abducting kid's doesn't bother you, you're parents...."
"Don't even go their Kiver, this kid will be one of our soldiers, I will train him to be the best, as I do all of our soldiers. He will know me as Captain Jor Atkin and you will address me as such for the duration of this mission."
Kiver stiffened up "Yes sir."
"Now let's get back to the ship."
"Dragonfly to Baker, I have acquired a subject, stand by for relevant information."
"Copy that Dragonfly awaiting package."
Agent Crane moved through the crowds to get a good visual on the subject who was now enjoying the fruit he had stolen in the shade of an awning. Information collected from the Census breu and other sources scrolled across his vision until a complete data package had been built, this he sent to HQ as he read it himself.
Subject: Jarik Utoni
Race: Minmatar
Tribe: Brutor
Sex: M
Age: 7
Mother: Lizbeth Utoni (deceased)*
Father: Gerad Utoni (Deceased)**
Wanted for: Petty theft, Arson,
Known Accomplices: None
- - -
* - Mother died in an industrial accident
** - Father died of an overdose of Crash
Agent Crane's comlink chirped,
"Dragonfly, this is Baker, you are cleared to apprehend the target individual and prep him for transport."
"Roger that Baker, apprehending subject."
Jarik saw the man with the funny haircut watching him. The scary man was talking to himself while sneaking glances in his direction. Jarik had seen that look before, Tovar's gang had always looked at him like that right before they chased him out of the market. He'd shown them though, his friend, the fire, had made sure they would never bother him again. Jarik saw the scary man approach him slowly.
"Hello Jarik, do you want to come with me?" Jarik started to shake his head
"I know a place with a lot of fruit just like that one."
The man knew his name, he had never told anyone his name.
"Go away."
The man started to reach towards him
"Here, let me show you."
"No!" Jarik stood up "Leave me alone!"
"I can't do that kid."
His hand darted out and took hold of Jarik's forearm. he struggled feebly at the iron grip of his attacker.
"Let go!"
The man began dragging him through the market and the man started to talk to himself again.
"Baker this is Dragonfly, target secured, I'm heading to the dock."
Jarik struggled again in the mans grip, then he saw the fire merchant. He was in his regular spot near the dock as he was dragged by he snatched one of the firemakers and placed it on the man's arm, willing the man to burst into flames.
Agent Crane felt the pressure of something against his arm, then he felt the heat, then the pain.
"AARRRGGH!" he screamed and let go of the Jarik's arm to clutch at the burning hole in the center of his forearm. With his good arm he radioed HQ
"Target escaped, I've got a giant fucking hole burned in my arm and the kid got away!"
"Stand by Dragonfly, Medics have been dispatched and containment teams will capture the subject."
The medic arrived shortly and the backup teams, all in plainclothes attire, chased after the fleeing kid.
"Fuck," he said as the medic tended to his wound, "I hate kids."
Jarik ran, he could see that men were following and they were fast! faster then Tovar's gang had been. He took a hard right into a narrow alley but found that the other end was already blocked by a huge Brutor.
"you're not going anywhere kid."
Jarik tried to dart around him but found himself dangling by the feet before he cold even scream. The Brutor held him upside-down with one hand and with his free hand reached into his jacket for a syringe. Jarik panicked and reached for the firemaker but the man had already injected the warm fluid into his neck. As he lost consciousness the firemaker slipped from his hands and clattered to the ground.
Jor slung the now unconscious kid over his shoulder.
"Hey Jor, doesn't he remind you of you when you were that age?"
"Yea, except for the whole, 'Burn holes into guy's arms' thing."
Jor bent down to pick up the firebrand that the kid had dropped.
"Hey guys, look at this."
Jor showed them the firebrand, the Minmatar Republic symbol covered by pieces of charred flesh was visible on the firebrand.
"Azik got branded with the symbol of the republic!"
They were all laughing as Jor keyed his comlink,
"Target codename 'Burn' has been subdued and disarmed. We are en route to the transport."
"Rodger that Zeus, alternative surveillance confirms that 'Burn' is in custody."
"They're getting younger every year" said one of the men behind him
"Relax Kiver, he'll be in training for at least 5 years."
"Jor, don't tell me that abducting kid's doesn't bother you, you're parents...."
"Don't even go their Kiver, this kid will be one of our soldiers, I will train him to be the best, as I do all of our soldiers. He will know me as Captain Jor Atkin and you will address me as such for the duration of this mission."
Kiver stiffened up "Yes sir."
"Now let's get back to the ship."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Poetic Justice
Three days he had been in this forest.
Three days out of his 16 years of life.
Three days of watching, waiting.
But finally, there he was.
Operative Jarik Utoni, callsign; 'Burn' called up the information on his target and used his ocular implant to confirm identity.
Target: Amarrian holder, Admal Shaznadas.
Crimes: Slave owner, Taking of slaves in Minmatar space, murder of Matari diplomat.
Image relay: target confirmed
Confirmation from HQ: Confirmed
Operative 'Burn' you are cleared to take out the target
Jarik shook his spotter, a Sebiestor female known as 'Mag', awake.
"That bastard finally show up?" She whispered.
"Yea, he's at the compound now and I have his bio-signature locked."
"Great," she said, "More waiting"
Jarik smiled "You didn't complain about waiting while we were on the ship..."
Mag smiled in return, "We didn't have to worry about making too much noise on the ship."
An incoming datastream from their transport broke the mood
'Burn',
Amarrian covert ops vessels have been detected making drops on the planet, looks like the cat's out of the bag. you need to get the job done and get back to me ASAP.
-'Spook'
"What's the word?" 'Mag' asked
Jarik turned the wrist com so she could read it.
"We need to go loud to wrap this up, so I'll have to go to plan B"
She grimaced, "you really do have a thing for fire don't you?"
Jarik smiled, "Thought you would have understood me before sleeping with me."
She searched her bag for the x-ray lens and handed it to Jarik
"What? Heck no, I just needed the sex, the less I know the better."
Jarik smiled as he finished prepping the rifle and took the x-ray lens from her.
"We're kids right? we don't know any better."
She laughed openly at that.
"Right, if you ignore the 5 years of training to kill people and the 5 years of actually killing people, we're totally still kids."
After 3 more minutes of preparations in relative silence they were ready
"Mag, find him"
"Got him, Burn, 150m in the slave quarters, looks like he's in the middle of a beating"
"Poetic justice then, Wall thickness and composition?"
"First wall 1cm of steel, second wall 6cm of brick."
Jarik adjusted the ammunition composition to compensate.
"Mag, Wind speed?"
"3 knots south southwest, Burn"
Jarik Adjusted the sights and looked through the scope. Mag was right, the outline he could see with the X-ray sight and utilizing the Bio-signature gave him the distinct impression that he was beating someone.
"Is there a pattern to his movements?"
"I count 3 seconds per 'strike' Burn. His head is stable for two seconds and then one second when it sweeps forward in an arcing motion."
"In 9 seconds I send it."
Mag nodded and they both shielded their hearing.
3...
2...
The figure of Admal stopped the rhythmic striking moving and turned to present his profile
Exhale...
Trigger...
Jared was crying, his mother was getting beaten mercilessly by the master, he didn't understand.
"Why why why why why?" he cried into his father's arm
Jared turned to face the master and screamed,
"WHY?!"
Admal stopped beating Jared's mother and turned to face him.
Then his head exploded.
"Target down, Burn, let's evac."
Jarik smiled and set a burning match to the gasoline soaked underbrush as he pulled out to the evac pods.
During the accent the burning underbrush began to take the shape of the Minmatar Republic symbol, something he had been working on for the two nights he was there. Jarik smiled as Mag realised what he did.
"That's gonna anger the brass."
"It always does Mag, it always does."
Three days out of his 16 years of life.
Three days of watching, waiting.
But finally, there he was.
Operative Jarik Utoni, callsign; 'Burn' called up the information on his target and used his ocular implant to confirm identity.
Target: Amarrian holder, Admal Shaznadas.
Crimes: Slave owner, Taking of slaves in Minmatar space, murder of Matari diplomat.
Image relay: target confirmed
Confirmation from HQ: Confirmed
Operative 'Burn' you are cleared to take out the target
Jarik shook his spotter, a Sebiestor female known as 'Mag', awake.
"That bastard finally show up?" She whispered.
"Yea, he's at the compound now and I have his bio-signature locked."
"Great," she said, "More waiting"
Jarik smiled "You didn't complain about waiting while we were on the ship..."
Mag smiled in return, "We didn't have to worry about making too much noise on the ship."
An incoming datastream from their transport broke the mood
'Burn',
Amarrian covert ops vessels have been detected making drops on the planet, looks like the cat's out of the bag. you need to get the job done and get back to me ASAP.
-'Spook'
"What's the word?" 'Mag' asked
Jarik turned the wrist com so she could read it.
"We need to go loud to wrap this up, so I'll have to go to plan B"
She grimaced, "you really do have a thing for fire don't you?"
Jarik smiled, "Thought you would have understood me before sleeping with me."
She searched her bag for the x-ray lens and handed it to Jarik
"What? Heck no, I just needed the sex, the less I know the better."
Jarik smiled as he finished prepping the rifle and took the x-ray lens from her.
"We're kids right? we don't know any better."
She laughed openly at that.
"Right, if you ignore the 5 years of training to kill people and the 5 years of actually killing people, we're totally still kids."
After 3 more minutes of preparations in relative silence they were ready
"Mag, find him"
"Got him, Burn, 150m in the slave quarters, looks like he's in the middle of a beating"
"Poetic justice then, Wall thickness and composition?"
"First wall 1cm of steel, second wall 6cm of brick."
Jarik adjusted the ammunition composition to compensate.
"Mag, Wind speed?"
"3 knots south southwest, Burn"
Jarik Adjusted the sights and looked through the scope. Mag was right, the outline he could see with the X-ray sight and utilizing the Bio-signature gave him the distinct impression that he was beating someone.
"Is there a pattern to his movements?"
"I count 3 seconds per 'strike' Burn. His head is stable for two seconds and then one second when it sweeps forward in an arcing motion."
"In 9 seconds I send it."
Mag nodded and they both shielded their hearing.
3...
2...
The figure of Admal stopped the rhythmic striking moving and turned to present his profile
Exhale...
Trigger...
Jared was crying, his mother was getting beaten mercilessly by the master, he didn't understand.
"Why why why why why?" he cried into his father's arm
Jared turned to face the master and screamed,
"WHY?!"
Admal stopped beating Jared's mother and turned to face him.
Then his head exploded.
"Target down, Burn, let's evac."
Jarik smiled and set a burning match to the gasoline soaked underbrush as he pulled out to the evac pods.
During the accent the burning underbrush began to take the shape of the Minmatar Republic symbol, something he had been working on for the two nights he was there. Jarik smiled as Mag realised what he did.
"That's gonna anger the brass."
"It always does Mag, it always does."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Immortals (pre-capsuleer)
Dear Jarik Utoni,
It is with utmost pride that I inform you of your acceptance into the capsuleer program.
All relevant data has been to you and you are instructed to report to deck 5-a at 1400 hours tomorrow for implant insertion and cloning. Again, congratulations.
-Aunirad Fegill
-Chief Advisor
-Republic Military School
Jarik read over the message on his datapad for the umpteenth time. A capsuleer, an immortal, feared and respected galaxy wide. Yitri Ole, his professor, didn't seem as happy about his acceptance but darn it if it wasn't the best thing that had happened to him in since receiving his first starship post aboard a Cheetah. Jarik set the datapad down and dimmed the lights, "Tomorrow" he said aloud "I ascend to immortality."
The next day Jarik took the station transport further then he ever had before. "Deck 5-a" chirped the transport A.I., "Medical facilities, Clone Vat bay, transfer for shuttle 32k and 76b." Jarik disembarked and followed the flow of traffic to the Cloning facility. he was met by a AIMED which scanned his documentation and took a DNA sample. "Your clone will be ready for use within the hour please report to room 10d for implant integration." This is it, Jarik thought as he neared the surgery room, immortality awaits. The AIMED sat him down and put the breather over his face "Breath deeply and count back from 10" it instructed "Ten, Nine, Eight, seven, six..... f-five....." Jarik slumped into a dreamless sleep.
He awakened in the recovery room, his neck was really sore, but when he reached back to rub it he felt it, the capsule interface implant. for a split second he wondered how it worked but before the thought manifested itself his mind brought up a schematic of the implant and it's connection to his spinal column. he remembered things, that he didn't know before, how to pilot a Minmatar frigate with just his mind how to activate a projectile based ship mounted weapon with the neural pathways, how to control a camera drone with a thought. These memories weren't his own, but at the same time he couldn't tell them apart from his memories or ship based life.
He was shaken from his daydreams when the man laying in the gurney opposite suddenly woke up. Jarik watched as the same thoughts that had plagued him earlier registered in the man across from him. Jarik spoke up,
"Small 200mm autocannon I"
The man, startled, looks at Jarik and then said,
"Structure hitpoints: 40 HP, Mass: 15kg, Volume: 5m3, Capacity: 0.3m3"
He looked startled at his own words.
"We know stuff" Jarik said "That we didn't before."
The man smiled, "We've become immortals" they both grinned.
"I see you ladies are up!"
They both turned to see a huge Brutor, Sargent Keth Hawk, read his badge
"You, Jarik!" he turned to face Jarik "Pop quiz, how many high-power slots in a Slasher-class Frigate?"
Jarik though for a second, diving into the memories he had been given,
"Two" he finally said
Sgt Hawk turned to the other man,
"Shane, what type of hardpoints are available for use in those highslots?"
Shane seemed to think for a second before replying,
"One launcher hardpoint and two turret hardpoints. and only two may be used at the same time due to high-power connections restrictions"
"Very good Shane" Sgt. Hawk turned to Jarik again,
"Tell me about the Slasher's Capacitor and fitting restrictions Jarik"
It was getting easier to call up the information he needed
"The available powergrid on a Slasher is Exactly 20 MW, the available CPU is 100 tf. It's capacitor's capacity is exactly 156.25 GJ and when full depleted will recharge in precisely 117187.5 seconds unassisted."
The Sgt. nodded and turned back to Shane,
The quiz went on for at least 2 hours examining every detail of the slasher front and back from an implanted memory. Finally Sgt. Hawk seemed satisfied,
"One more question" the Sargent smiled
"What is the collective shield defence efficiency on an unfit Maelstrom against Angel Pirates?"
The two just-born capsuleers looked at each other dumbfounded.
Jarik spoke first, "I don't know sir..."
Hawk smiled, "Good," "Congratulations boys, you just passed the memory test, the real training begins tomorrow at 1400 hours at the pod gantries." Sgt. Hawk stepped out and Jarik and Shane got up.
"Gonna go talk to my parent's, they'll love to hear this!" Shane said "See ya around!"
"See ya!" Jarik replied as he gathered his clothes from the locker
So began the first day of the rest of his life, as an immortal, as a capsuleer.
It is with utmost pride that I inform you of your acceptance into the capsuleer program.
All relevant data has been to you and you are instructed to report to deck 5-a at 1400 hours tomorrow for implant insertion and cloning. Again, congratulations.
-Aunirad Fegill
-Chief Advisor
-Republic Military School
Jarik read over the message on his datapad for the umpteenth time. A capsuleer, an immortal, feared and respected galaxy wide. Yitri Ole, his professor, didn't seem as happy about his acceptance but darn it if it wasn't the best thing that had happened to him in since receiving his first starship post aboard a Cheetah. Jarik set the datapad down and dimmed the lights, "Tomorrow" he said aloud "I ascend to immortality."
The next day Jarik took the station transport further then he ever had before. "Deck 5-a" chirped the transport A.I., "Medical facilities, Clone Vat bay, transfer for shuttle 32k and 76b." Jarik disembarked and followed the flow of traffic to the Cloning facility. he was met by a AIMED which scanned his documentation and took a DNA sample. "Your clone will be ready for use within the hour please report to room 10d for implant integration." This is it, Jarik thought as he neared the surgery room, immortality awaits. The AIMED sat him down and put the breather over his face "Breath deeply and count back from 10" it instructed "Ten, Nine, Eight, seven, six..... f-five....." Jarik slumped into a dreamless sleep.
He awakened in the recovery room, his neck was really sore, but when he reached back to rub it he felt it, the capsule interface implant. for a split second he wondered how it worked but before the thought manifested itself his mind brought up a schematic of the implant and it's connection to his spinal column. he remembered things, that he didn't know before, how to pilot a Minmatar frigate with just his mind how to activate a projectile based ship mounted weapon with the neural pathways, how to control a camera drone with a thought. These memories weren't his own, but at the same time he couldn't tell them apart from his memories or ship based life.
He was shaken from his daydreams when the man laying in the gurney opposite suddenly woke up. Jarik watched as the same thoughts that had plagued him earlier registered in the man across from him. Jarik spoke up,
"Small 200mm autocannon I"
The man, startled, looks at Jarik and then said,
"Structure hitpoints: 40 HP, Mass: 15kg, Volume: 5m3, Capacity: 0.3m3"
He looked startled at his own words.
"We know stuff" Jarik said "That we didn't before."
The man smiled, "We've become immortals" they both grinned.
"I see you ladies are up!"
They both turned to see a huge Brutor, Sargent Keth Hawk, read his badge
"You, Jarik!" he turned to face Jarik "Pop quiz, how many high-power slots in a Slasher-class Frigate?"
Jarik though for a second, diving into the memories he had been given,
"Two" he finally said
Sgt Hawk turned to the other man,
"Shane, what type of hardpoints are available for use in those highslots?"
Shane seemed to think for a second before replying,
"One launcher hardpoint and two turret hardpoints. and only two may be used at the same time due to high-power connections restrictions"
"Very good Shane" Sgt. Hawk turned to Jarik again,
"Tell me about the Slasher's Capacitor and fitting restrictions Jarik"
It was getting easier to call up the information he needed
"The available powergrid on a Slasher is Exactly 20 MW, the available CPU is 100 tf. It's capacitor's capacity is exactly 156.25 GJ and when full depleted will recharge in precisely 117187.5 seconds unassisted."
The Sgt. nodded and turned back to Shane,
The quiz went on for at least 2 hours examining every detail of the slasher front and back from an implanted memory. Finally Sgt. Hawk seemed satisfied,
"One more question" the Sargent smiled
"What is the collective shield defence efficiency on an unfit Maelstrom against Angel Pirates?"
The two just-born capsuleers looked at each other dumbfounded.
Jarik spoke first, "I don't know sir..."
Hawk smiled, "Good," "Congratulations boys, you just passed the memory test, the real training begins tomorrow at 1400 hours at the pod gantries." Sgt. Hawk stepped out and Jarik and Shane got up.
"Gonna go talk to my parent's, they'll love to hear this!" Shane said "See ya around!"
"See ya!" Jarik replied as he gathered his clothes from the locker
So began the first day of the rest of his life, as an immortal, as a capsuleer.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Shadows of the past (part 3 of 3)
This mission wouldn't be easy, Celt Nurvalkin spared no expense on his personal Angel Cartel army. and his planet side compound deep in angel controlled space was evidence enough.
A Cheetah class covert ops ship aligned to the planet and a single cloaked Caldari-made dropship rocketed for the surface. Inside the dropship sat Kris and Jarik. Outfitted head to toe in rust brown heavy commando suits and flanked my military grade MTACs (Mechanized Torso-actuated Chassis) the two knew that what awaited them on the surface required strength over stealth.
"Jarik," said Kris "what's the plan?"
Jarik looked over at the eager Brutor sitting opposite him, armor gleaming red in the glow of the entry into the atmosphere.
"Secure the landing zone" he said, "Then set up the MTACs"
the intercom chirped,
"We're three minutes out, scopes are clean, we're going in silent."
"Thank you pilot."
The dropship landed 30km from the compound gates, hidden behind a hill.
they disembarked and rushed to the hill to set up their rifles. The gates were headily guarded, tanks, MTACs, and mounted autocannons had a deadly killzone set up in front.
"Kris, deploy the MTACs." Jarik said, "Set yours up for tactical sniper and artillery support" Jarik smiled, "I'll run with anti-infantry." Jarik jumped into his MTAC and felt the armor plates close around him and the specially designed capsuleer interface slip into his implant. Looking around he eyed the equipment he wanted for this op.
"Ready" he heard Kris say over the Comlink.
"Good, take out the autocannons first then drop as many mechanized units as possible."
"Aye Aye Jarik, Elders be with you."
Jarik urged his suit into a full sprint as Kris began firing at the autocannons.
There's the front lines, Jarik thought and began spinning the arm mounted 80mm Chaingun. the combined attack from two front's had the Angel soldiers caught offguard and they quickly fell to the withering fire from Jarik's chaingun. "Jarik, behind you!" Jarik dodged just as an Angel Cartel MTAC suit clobbered the ground where he stood before. Acting quickly he delivered a Crushing blow to the operator's cabin and the MTAC ceased moving. Suddenly the remaining Angel's retreated into the base and the loudspeakers came to life.
"Jarik, my old friend" it was Celt "So good of you to stop by." Jarik switched his feed to broadcast.
"Come out and fight Celt, unless you're as cowardly as I remember..."
"How DARE you call me a coward!" came the angry response "You think a coward could have built all this?"
"You think a coward would have the balls to join the Angels and make an empire?"
Jarik smirked, "Then why don't you face me now Celt? Pick your ass up and prove you're not a coward." Jarik's smile died the instant Celt's MTAC deployed, A full twelve feet taller than his and bristling with heavy weapons.
"How do ya like me now bitch!" Celt screamed as he fired a rocket directly at Jarik.
Kris couldn't believe what he saw, Fuck, that thing must be at least three times the size of Jarik's! He tore off the sniper rifle attached to his MTAC. I need something bigger! That's when he saw it, a 300mm howitzer artillery filled up the place where 4 other MTAC's would have been. It was a spare from the Cheetah and had one round pre-loaded in the barrel. Kris quickly dragged it out and awkwardly mounted it on the back of the MTAC. Aiming for the head of Celt's XHeavy MTAC braced himself for the inevitable destruction of his MTAC when he fired it. "I got your back Jarik" he yelled and activated the weapon.
The sound of the 300mm cannon was deafening, it took exactly .4 seconds to reach the target and when it hit, the small nuclear fission explosion sent all the Radiation alarms off inside Jarik's MTAC, the single shot leveled most of the mansion complex leaving Jarik miraculously preserved under the headless wreck of Celt's MTAC. Jark knew that the a shot that loud had to come from a 300mm howitzer. he sprinted as fast as his damaged MTAC would carry him to the top to discover that what he had feared had been true all that remained of Kris' MTAC were the legs, severed at the knee the rest of the crippled remains were buried in the side of the now defunct dropship. Jarik, tears welling in his eyes, tore the top off of the dropship and extracted the wreckage of an MTAC. Carefully cracking open the cockpit he discovered to his amazement that Kris was alive! "Hey boss" he said weakly "I think my back's broken"
"Nothing a few cloning sessions can't fix" Jarik said beaming, "Thanks for the assist by-the-way."
"I couldn't just let you sit there and die." he responded, "Besides now we don't have to carry all that expensive equipment back with us."
The former pilot of the dropship climbed out of the cockpit nursing a broken arm
"I've taken the liberty of calling the SOE for help, they're about 10 minutes away, and they'll be able to take care of Kris."
Jarik's Comlink chirped, It was from Yitri Ole:
I'm sure he'll be happier to hear it from you Jarik, Kris has been accepted into the Capsuleer program, he's to report directly to the Capsuleer representative at the Republic Military School as soon as possible.
Jarik turned turned the datapad towards Kris' prone form, "Looks like you've gotten what you wanted Kris" Kris' eyes grew wide.
Jarik's mind was on something else however, his past.
A Cheetah class covert ops ship aligned to the planet and a single cloaked Caldari-made dropship rocketed for the surface. Inside the dropship sat Kris and Jarik. Outfitted head to toe in rust brown heavy commando suits and flanked my military grade MTACs (Mechanized Torso-actuated Chassis) the two knew that what awaited them on the surface required strength over stealth.
"Jarik," said Kris "what's the plan?"
Jarik looked over at the eager Brutor sitting opposite him, armor gleaming red in the glow of the entry into the atmosphere.
"Secure the landing zone" he said, "Then set up the MTACs"
the intercom chirped,
"We're three minutes out, scopes are clean, we're going in silent."
"Thank you pilot."
The dropship landed 30km from the compound gates, hidden behind a hill.
they disembarked and rushed to the hill to set up their rifles. The gates were headily guarded, tanks, MTACs, and mounted autocannons had a deadly killzone set up in front.
"Kris, deploy the MTACs." Jarik said, "Set yours up for tactical sniper and artillery support" Jarik smiled, "I'll run with anti-infantry." Jarik jumped into his MTAC and felt the armor plates close around him and the specially designed capsuleer interface slip into his implant. Looking around he eyed the equipment he wanted for this op.
"Ready" he heard Kris say over the Comlink.
"Good, take out the autocannons first then drop as many mechanized units as possible."
"Aye Aye Jarik, Elders be with you."
Jarik urged his suit into a full sprint as Kris began firing at the autocannons.
There's the front lines, Jarik thought and began spinning the arm mounted 80mm Chaingun. the combined attack from two front's had the Angel soldiers caught offguard and they quickly fell to the withering fire from Jarik's chaingun. "Jarik, behind you!" Jarik dodged just as an Angel Cartel MTAC suit clobbered the ground where he stood before. Acting quickly he delivered a Crushing blow to the operator's cabin and the MTAC ceased moving. Suddenly the remaining Angel's retreated into the base and the loudspeakers came to life.
"Jarik, my old friend" it was Celt "So good of you to stop by." Jarik switched his feed to broadcast.
"Come out and fight Celt, unless you're as cowardly as I remember..."
"How DARE you call me a coward!" came the angry response "You think a coward could have built all this?"
"You think a coward would have the balls to join the Angels and make an empire?"
Jarik smirked, "Then why don't you face me now Celt? Pick your ass up and prove you're not a coward." Jarik's smile died the instant Celt's MTAC deployed, A full twelve feet taller than his and bristling with heavy weapons.
"How do ya like me now bitch!" Celt screamed as he fired a rocket directly at Jarik.
Kris couldn't believe what he saw, Fuck, that thing must be at least three times the size of Jarik's! He tore off the sniper rifle attached to his MTAC. I need something bigger! That's when he saw it, a 300mm howitzer artillery filled up the place where 4 other MTAC's would have been. It was a spare from the Cheetah and had one round pre-loaded in the barrel. Kris quickly dragged it out and awkwardly mounted it on the back of the MTAC. Aiming for the head of Celt's XHeavy MTAC braced himself for the inevitable destruction of his MTAC when he fired it. "I got your back Jarik" he yelled and activated the weapon.
The sound of the 300mm cannon was deafening, it took exactly .4 seconds to reach the target and when it hit, the small nuclear fission explosion sent all the Radiation alarms off inside Jarik's MTAC, the single shot leveled most of the mansion complex leaving Jarik miraculously preserved under the headless wreck of Celt's MTAC. Jark knew that the a shot that loud had to come from a 300mm howitzer. he sprinted as fast as his damaged MTAC would carry him to the top to discover that what he had feared had been true all that remained of Kris' MTAC were the legs, severed at the knee the rest of the crippled remains were buried in the side of the now defunct dropship. Jarik, tears welling in his eyes, tore the top off of the dropship and extracted the wreckage of an MTAC. Carefully cracking open the cockpit he discovered to his amazement that Kris was alive! "Hey boss" he said weakly "I think my back's broken"
"Nothing a few cloning sessions can't fix" Jarik said beaming, "Thanks for the assist by-the-way."
"I couldn't just let you sit there and die." he responded, "Besides now we don't have to carry all that expensive equipment back with us."
The former pilot of the dropship climbed out of the cockpit nursing a broken arm
"I've taken the liberty of calling the SOE for help, they're about 10 minutes away, and they'll be able to take care of Kris."
Jarik's Comlink chirped, It was from Yitri Ole:
I'm sure he'll be happier to hear it from you Jarik, Kris has been accepted into the Capsuleer program, he's to report directly to the Capsuleer representative at the Republic Military School as soon as possible.
Jarik turned turned the datapad towards Kris' prone form, "Looks like you've gotten what you wanted Kris" Kris' eyes grew wide.
Jarik's mind was on something else however, his past.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Shadows of the Past (Part 2 of 3)
Location: Ammold V -Republic Military School
Jarik Utoni disembarked the private shuttle in dock at the RMS Headquarters. A Sebiestor Private who's nametag read "Vahk" greeted him at the dock.
"I'm sorry sir but you'll need to surrender your weapons before entering the station proper."
Jarik flashed a look of annoyance, "Private Vahk, I'm looking for Yitri Ole, and I have permission to carry these weapons." He reached into his coat to obtain the writ of permission. "See for yourself, signed by the high commander." Vahk looked over the writ, "Everything seems to be in order then, Captain Ole is teaching a class at the moment in the third tier, sim room 194-6b." "Thank you private." Jarik saluted, Vahk returned the salute. "Have a good day sir."
Yitro Ole was pissed off, Most of these students didn't have enough patience. Even his best marksman had jumped the gun and missed by almost 6 meters. "No No NO!!" he yelled as another pair missed by almost half a kilometer, "You need to exhale then pull the trigger, if you can't hit a target at 8km in a vacuum what makes you think you'll be any use at all planet side!!"
Suddenly he heard an incredibly loud retort of a special forces issue Heavy Anti-Material Rifle. Yitri looked through his spotting scope, the simulated Amarrian labeled "Target" was clutching at a golfball sized hole in it's chest right before it exploded in a shower of simulated gore.
Firing post 15, Target Destroyed flashed on the overhead display showing a replay of the target being obliterated by the explosion.
"Firing post 15! Front and center!"
Jarik Utoni was cleaning the rifle when he heard Yitri's order. Grabbing the rifle center mass he double timed it to his mentor's spotting tower.
"Jarik Utoni, Graduate with Honors reporting as ordered sir!" He saluted.
Yitri slowly exited the tower, "Jarik Utoni? is it really you?"
Jarik smiled, "Yes sir"
"You were the best marksman we've had in a log time Jarik, I was sorry to hear you had applied to be a capsuleer."
Jarik revealed his Capsule interface implants, "The promise of riches is bait that no fish can ignore" Jarik took on a more serious tone, "Unfortunately this wasn't just a social visit, after your class we need to talk."
Yitri frowned, to the console he said "Load mountain run 447-522" he turned to the recruits as the simulation room morphed into a Mountain range "You are all required to make it through this course in a day, survival gear is provided in the box. Failure to complete the course will result in a washout." the student's groaned and started preparations.
"Now Jarik, let's go to my office."
Yitri Ole's office was clean and empty of all but the necessities, what looked like an Oak desk was in the middle of the room, filing cabinets surrounded it in the back and army recruitment posters adorned the wall opposite.
Yitri sat down and motioned for Jarik to take the seat opposite.
"You know I had a young man in here the other day Jarik" Yitri began, "He said you sent him, name's Kris."
"Ah, yes" Jarik smiled, "I'm glad to see he found you."
there was a pause and Yitri frowned
"He wants to be a capsuleer."
Jarik nodded "So did I, when the opportunity arose, and so did Celt."
Yitri's expression grew pained, "That boy became a monster after he was denied."
Yitri continued, "He terrorizes anyone foolish enough to walk alone on the streets in the lower levels."
"I'll be blunt" Jarik said,
"I need to kill him."
"Kill him?" Yitri's surprise was evident "Whatever for?"
"He attempted to assassinate me" Jarik said "I can't let him live after that."
Yitri nodded, "Well I can provide as much intel as you need if you do one thing for me."
"What's that?" Jarik asked,
"Take young Kris along with you. He's only 17 but he's the best marksman we have and needs a strong mentor to guide him"
"Alright I'll grab Kris and do a few rounds in the simulator."
Thanks Jarik, for everything."
"You too old friend, You to."
Jarik Utoni disembarked the private shuttle in dock at the RMS Headquarters. A Sebiestor Private who's nametag read "Vahk" greeted him at the dock.
"I'm sorry sir but you'll need to surrender your weapons before entering the station proper."
Jarik flashed a look of annoyance, "Private Vahk, I'm looking for Yitri Ole, and I have permission to carry these weapons." He reached into his coat to obtain the writ of permission. "See for yourself, signed by the high commander." Vahk looked over the writ, "Everything seems to be in order then, Captain Ole is teaching a class at the moment in the third tier, sim room 194-6b." "Thank you private." Jarik saluted, Vahk returned the salute. "Have a good day sir."
Yitro Ole was pissed off, Most of these students didn't have enough patience. Even his best marksman had jumped the gun and missed by almost 6 meters. "No No NO!!" he yelled as another pair missed by almost half a kilometer, "You need to exhale then pull the trigger, if you can't hit a target at 8km in a vacuum what makes you think you'll be any use at all planet side!!"
Suddenly he heard an incredibly loud retort of a special forces issue Heavy Anti-Material Rifle. Yitri looked through his spotting scope, the simulated Amarrian labeled "Target" was clutching at a golfball sized hole in it's chest right before it exploded in a shower of simulated gore.
Firing post 15, Target Destroyed flashed on the overhead display showing a replay of the target being obliterated by the explosion.
"Firing post 15! Front and center!"
Jarik Utoni was cleaning the rifle when he heard Yitri's order. Grabbing the rifle center mass he double timed it to his mentor's spotting tower.
"Jarik Utoni, Graduate with Honors reporting as ordered sir!" He saluted.
Yitri slowly exited the tower, "Jarik Utoni? is it really you?"
Jarik smiled, "Yes sir"
"You were the best marksman we've had in a log time Jarik, I was sorry to hear you had applied to be a capsuleer."
Jarik revealed his Capsule interface implants, "The promise of riches is bait that no fish can ignore" Jarik took on a more serious tone, "Unfortunately this wasn't just a social visit, after your class we need to talk."
Yitri frowned, to the console he said "Load mountain run 447-522" he turned to the recruits as the simulation room morphed into a Mountain range "You are all required to make it through this course in a day, survival gear is provided in the box. Failure to complete the course will result in a washout." the student's groaned and started preparations.
"Now Jarik, let's go to my office."
Yitri Ole's office was clean and empty of all but the necessities, what looked like an Oak desk was in the middle of the room, filing cabinets surrounded it in the back and army recruitment posters adorned the wall opposite.
Yitri sat down and motioned for Jarik to take the seat opposite.
"You know I had a young man in here the other day Jarik" Yitri began, "He said you sent him, name's Kris."
"Ah, yes" Jarik smiled, "I'm glad to see he found you."
there was a pause and Yitri frowned
"He wants to be a capsuleer."
Jarik nodded "So did I, when the opportunity arose, and so did Celt."
Yitri's expression grew pained, "That boy became a monster after he was denied."
Yitri continued, "He terrorizes anyone foolish enough to walk alone on the streets in the lower levels."
"I'll be blunt" Jarik said,
"I need to kill him."
"Kill him?" Yitri's surprise was evident "Whatever for?"
"He attempted to assassinate me" Jarik said "I can't let him live after that."
Yitri nodded, "Well I can provide as much intel as you need if you do one thing for me."
"What's that?" Jarik asked,
"Take young Kris along with you. He's only 17 but he's the best marksman we have and needs a strong mentor to guide him"
"Alright I'll grab Kris and do a few rounds in the simulator."
Thanks Jarik, for everything."
"You too old friend, You to."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Shadows of the Past (Part 1 of 3)
The recent assassination attempt against Jarik had been bothering him for weeks. Who was responsible? Why did they want him dead? More importantly, how can he keep it from happening again?
He had already taken care of the first part; he had the name of the broker the assassins were hired from. Aradath Fortuni, Ethnic Amarrian, height 5"11, weight: 240 lbs Location: Jita V - Moon 17 - Caldari Constructions Production Plant. Aradath operated his "Business" out of an old storefront in the lowest levels of the station.
Jarik surveyed the security from a distance utilizing the scope of his high powered anti-material rifle making notes on the back of his hand. The matte grey corridors of the Caldari built station were going to make it impossible to approach on foot. He would have to use stealth and utilize the training recieved at the RMS. He reached into his pocket, clutching the cool and familiar shape of his lighter. "Just like old times" he whispered to himself.
Jarik hoisted himself into the rafters above the station floor and slowly made his way towards the entrance of Aradath's brothel. He pulled the detonator off of his belt and flipped open the cap. Jarik smiled as he remembered something his Mentor, Yitri Ole, used to say; "Plan B is always C4."
Jarik Pressed the detonator, in an instant the building to the opposite of Aradath's was gutted, the explosion instantly killed the two guards nearest and all but the two guards at the Brothel door ran over to investigate. Yitri ole's saying came to mind again as Jarik flipped the detonator over to reveal another button. "Time for plan B" he whispered as he pressed it. The second explosion tore apart the investigating mercs leaving only the two at the door frantically sweeping the room for something to shoot at. Jarik waited until one was directly below him before executing him with a kick to the neck. Then he quickly disarmed and subdued the remaining Merc. "How many mercs remain?" he asked, "Or do you wish to join your friend here?" The merc's eyes grew wide "Three more inside plus two unarmed bouncers." his eyes pleaded for mercy. "Where is Aradath? I need to have a word with him." Jarik waved his revolver in the man's face. "In the private room!" He squeaked. Jarik smiled, "Thank you." and knocked him out with the butt of the revolver.
The Main dance floor was sparsely lit; a ritzy Galliente holoreel was playing abandoned during the rush to get out. A fist materialized from the shadows, nailing Jarik directly in the jaw. Even in his dazed state Jarik was able to instinctively block and counter the next punch with a shoulder dislocating strike that sent the bouncer, screaming in agony, to the floor. The other bouncer had opted for the slower but more painful chair to the face. The blow sent Jarik tumbling through a glass display case containing various narcotic substances, grabbing a handful of vials he waited for the bouncer to investigate and smashed the vials in his face the man went down screaming and clutching his face having gotten a concentrated dose of over a dozen illegal drugs. Jarik wiped the blood from his face, three more armed guards.
He made his way to the thick wooden door behind the bar; "Hello?" he said to the door "Who are you and what do you want?" came the gruff response "Do you happen to be Amarrian" Jarik asked, "No..."Good" Jarik said and unloaded his revolver into the center of the door. He opened the door and stepped over the body and took a peek around the corner. Nice of them to bunch up like that he thought as he cooked a grenade and tossed it behind the fortifications. The resulting explosion blew off the door and the unmistakable twang of Amarrian cursing could be heard coming from inside. "Come and get me you son of a slave whore, come and get what's coming to you!!!" Jarik chuckled as he primed the flash grenade and tossed it through the hole. More cursing followed by screams as Jarik kneecapped him and smashed his face into a desk. "You hired assassins to kill me, WHY?" The Amarrian grimaced in pain "It was a job for a regular client, he offered ISK to kill you and make it look like some political bullshit." "I need a name." Aradath managed a grin, "Names are an expensive commodity." Jarik smashed Aradath's grin with his fist "So is your life it seems, speak quickly or die slowly." Aradath lost it "You want a name you cock-sucking heathen, how's this; I was hired by an old friend of yours, I think you might remember his name, Celt Nurvalkin." Jarik's eyes widened. "Yea," Aradath continued, "I see you remember him, classmate for years always second best after you, he has money now, Jarik, and sway here, and you would be wise to..." Jarik put a round in Aradath's head, the blood and gore painting the walls of the office.
Celt Nurvalkin, back at the RMS they were rivals, the only thing Celt could do better than Jarik was diplomacy, and he did that with bribes and promises he was planning on breaking. It didn't surprise him that Celt was a criminal now, what did surprise him was that he would come over 20 jumps into Caldari space to try and kill him. Looks like it was time to take down Celt, and to take down Celt he needed information. Information was the bread and butter of one man in particular; Yitri Ole, professor of covert operations at the Republic Military School deep in Minmatar space.
He had already taken care of the first part; he had the name of the broker the assassins were hired from. Aradath Fortuni, Ethnic Amarrian, height 5"11, weight: 240 lbs Location: Jita V - Moon 17 - Caldari Constructions Production Plant. Aradath operated his "Business" out of an old storefront in the lowest levels of the station.
Jarik surveyed the security from a distance utilizing the scope of his high powered anti-material rifle making notes on the back of his hand. The matte grey corridors of the Caldari built station were going to make it impossible to approach on foot. He would have to use stealth and utilize the training recieved at the RMS. He reached into his pocket, clutching the cool and familiar shape of his lighter. "Just like old times" he whispered to himself.
Jarik hoisted himself into the rafters above the station floor and slowly made his way towards the entrance of Aradath's brothel. He pulled the detonator off of his belt and flipped open the cap. Jarik smiled as he remembered something his Mentor, Yitri Ole, used to say; "Plan B is always C4."
Jarik Pressed the detonator, in an instant the building to the opposite of Aradath's was gutted, the explosion instantly killed the two guards nearest and all but the two guards at the Brothel door ran over to investigate. Yitri ole's saying came to mind again as Jarik flipped the detonator over to reveal another button. "Time for plan B" he whispered as he pressed it. The second explosion tore apart the investigating mercs leaving only the two at the door frantically sweeping the room for something to shoot at. Jarik waited until one was directly below him before executing him with a kick to the neck. Then he quickly disarmed and subdued the remaining Merc. "How many mercs remain?" he asked, "Or do you wish to join your friend here?" The merc's eyes grew wide "Three more inside plus two unarmed bouncers." his eyes pleaded for mercy. "Where is Aradath? I need to have a word with him." Jarik waved his revolver in the man's face. "In the private room!" He squeaked. Jarik smiled, "Thank you." and knocked him out with the butt of the revolver.
The Main dance floor was sparsely lit; a ritzy Galliente holoreel was playing abandoned during the rush to get out. A fist materialized from the shadows, nailing Jarik directly in the jaw. Even in his dazed state Jarik was able to instinctively block and counter the next punch with a shoulder dislocating strike that sent the bouncer, screaming in agony, to the floor. The other bouncer had opted for the slower but more painful chair to the face. The blow sent Jarik tumbling through a glass display case containing various narcotic substances, grabbing a handful of vials he waited for the bouncer to investigate and smashed the vials in his face the man went down screaming and clutching his face having gotten a concentrated dose of over a dozen illegal drugs. Jarik wiped the blood from his face, three more armed guards.
He made his way to the thick wooden door behind the bar; "Hello?" he said to the door "Who are you and what do you want?" came the gruff response "Do you happen to be Amarrian" Jarik asked, "No..."Good" Jarik said and unloaded his revolver into the center of the door. He opened the door and stepped over the body and took a peek around the corner. Nice of them to bunch up like that he thought as he cooked a grenade and tossed it behind the fortifications. The resulting explosion blew off the door and the unmistakable twang of Amarrian cursing could be heard coming from inside. "Come and get me you son of a slave whore, come and get what's coming to you!!!" Jarik chuckled as he primed the flash grenade and tossed it through the hole. More cursing followed by screams as Jarik kneecapped him and smashed his face into a desk. "You hired assassins to kill me, WHY?" The Amarrian grimaced in pain "It was a job for a regular client, he offered ISK to kill you and make it look like some political bullshit." "I need a name." Aradath managed a grin, "Names are an expensive commodity." Jarik smashed Aradath's grin with his fist "So is your life it seems, speak quickly or die slowly." Aradath lost it "You want a name you cock-sucking heathen, how's this; I was hired by an old friend of yours, I think you might remember his name, Celt Nurvalkin." Jarik's eyes widened. "Yea," Aradath continued, "I see you remember him, classmate for years always second best after you, he has money now, Jarik, and sway here, and you would be wise to..." Jarik put a round in Aradath's head, the blood and gore painting the walls of the office.
Celt Nurvalkin, back at the RMS they were rivals, the only thing Celt could do better than Jarik was diplomacy, and he did that with bribes and promises he was planning on breaking. It didn't surprise him that Celt was a criminal now, what did surprise him was that he would come over 20 jumps into Caldari space to try and kill him. Looks like it was time to take down Celt, and to take down Celt he needed information. Information was the bread and butter of one man in particular; Yitri Ole, professor of covert operations at the Republic Military School deep in Minmatar space.
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