Dahan
Rear Admiral
After reading many peoples comments, suggestions and extra information I have made a fan fiction which I hope people would enjoy reading....
There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first Kilrathi War, then the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, then the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim. I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within. A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad which has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. This is the story of a young officer who is dragged into the conflict just prior to the first Kilrathi war.
An officer’s new beginning.
Introduction
TCS Academy
Houston, Earth, Sol
Star Date 2628
“Break left now!” Datangia swung his fighter port side as the missile shot past
“Thanks Gem. I owe you one!”
“You can buy me a beer when we finish. You’re on my wing” said Gem, as Datangia looked over to his starboard side to his wingman flying by, “Flight 2 what’s your status?”
“All clear”
“Keeping’ those bandits busy”
“Check, Datangia and I are heading for the corvette. Just keep those bandits off our backs”
“You got it boss”
* * *
Gem and Datangia sped towards the lone ship that was trying to leave the fight.
“Looks like it is trying to reach the jump point” said Datangia
“Check” agreed Gem, “I’m reading power fluctuations”
“We have to disable the engines!”
“OK, you hit the engines, I’m hitting the weapons. We got to jam their transmission”
“I’m right with you Gem let’s go” Datangia and Gem hit their afterburners reaching closer to the enemy corvette. Datangia switched on his missile weapon systems as he targeted the corvette’s engines, “I’m getting tone” as he reached closer to the corvette, suddenly the corvette open fired on them, “What the hell!? I thought the corvette had no gun ports”
“So did I” said Gem, “it’s too late, stay on target and hit those engines, we got to….” Gem never got to finish her sentence as her fighter exploded next to Datangia
“Fuck!” hissed Datangia as he swerved his fighter away from the blast, “Reddy, Flame! Gems gone need help fast!”
“Got our hand’s tied” said Reddy, “damn pirates are blocking us between us and you. You got to leave the corvette!”
“Can’t do that mate” said Datangia, “we leave it, reinforcements would come back. I can’t do that. I going to hit the engines and communications, I’m not letting them go” Datangia swung his fighter back targeting the corvette’s engines and preset the ship’s communications antenna as his secondary target. Swerving left and right, Datangia avoiding the ships fire inching in closer towards the corvette. His targeting system begun to emit a ticking tone attempting to acquire a target lock on the corvette’s engines.
The targeting system reached a firing solution and locked on to corvette’s engines, “Launching missile now!” said Datangia as he fired his missile as the engines, Datangia swerve his fighter starboard as he fired his missile, “engines gone, engines gone!” said Datangia as he attempted to acquire the corvette’s communication systems, “Watch it Datangia you got bandit on your six” Datangia check his sensors and saw an enemy blip heading to his location very fast, “Damn, too close” said Datangia as he turn his fighter around, he checked his load out, only one dumb-fire missiles left, moving his fighter away from the corvette’s firing range he face his opponent. Before he could do anything his missile lock warning blared loudly through his helmet speakers, he looked through his cockpit and saw a flicker of light followed by a big flash of white light, “Second Flight got missile lock got…” Datangia never finished his sentence, as his fighter was completely surrounded by white light followed by blackness.
“What the!?” said Datangia as he turned his head around trying to see what was going on, “Damn it, I almost had that corvette”
“Well you should have checked that fighter that was coming up from behind” Datangia heard Gem’s voice as the cockpit simulator opened up and saw his wingman and the others climbing out of their cockpit simulators. Datangia pulled off his helmet and shaking his sweating hair, “Damn it we weren’t told about the corvette’s weapons”
“We were not told anything about the corvette” said Flame as she leaned over to Datangia’s cockpit, “you of all people who have thought of that” Datangia gave Flame an angry look, as he was always referred as the ‘by the book’ type of guy, “who said that I would have thought of it. You knew that I was under pressure there”
“OK folks quiet down” said a voice behind the cadets. The group turn to see their flight instructor Lieutenant Colonel Regan, walking up towards them. “You all did very good given the circumstances, but Flame was right about something. We did not tell you all the information provided and you should have taken the initiative of assessing the situation.”
“Sir why did you not tell us that the corvette had any weapons online?” asked Datangia
“If you recall cadet” said Regan “in the briefing I said that the objective was to neutralise the enemy ship before jumping out. Assess the situation and follow the flight leader’s orders. I did not say anything else” Datangia looked over to his wingman and flight leader Gem who only shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.
“I wouldn’t worry too much Cadet Cheng” smiled Regan, “you did what you thought was best. Just remember don’t do anything heroics when you out there. Your wingman is the most value possession when you are in combat. You folks have three more weeks til graduation. We go through one more simulation and see what happens, until then read up your squad tactics and manoeuvres text otherwise dismissed.”
* * *
“I can’t believe that we are almost graduating!” said Gem, “We soon would be posted to our first ship!”
“Or naval base” reminded Reddy, “you forget that we have planetary bases as well as carriers. The real action is onboard the battleships, cruisers and destroyers”
“Ah there is always room for fighters” replied Gem, “what do you think Anthony what do you think?” Anthony sat listening to the conversation between the two cadets about the which was better, “Personally I don’t really care” replied the Australian born Chinese cadet, “As long I get to fly and do my fair share of duty and fun I am happy”
“Ah you’re such a let down Anthony” said Gem, “you never take any sides do you?”
“Why should I? Should I be concerned about what is better? Carriers or Battleship? Just read the report about the Panama Games and make your decision then”
“Why read the report when you could turn up to Commander Turner’s lectures” said Flame, “I’m sure you could learn all the things you need from the Commander”
“Hell no” said Gem, “the Commander gives me the creeps every time I look at him. I rather read the article on the network”
“Suit yourself” replied Flame as she finished the rest of her drink.
* * *
He sat on the bench looking over the lake watching the ducks gliding over the water. In three weeks he would be graduating. In three weeks he will no longer be a cadet. In three weeks he will be an officer in the Confederation military. In three weeks he would be following the footsteps as his father would be. In three weeks he will see where fate will lead him.
“Why the glum face cadet?” said someone from a distance, Anthony to face the voice and saw Colonel Regan coming with a small brown paper bag, “something on your mind Anthony?”
“I don’t know sir” sigh Anthony, “It’s just that in three weeks I’m graduating. I know that I should be happy, I am. But I got this feeling that I am not”
“Anything to do with the fire accident and the fact that your father pulled strings to keep you from being expelled from the Academy?”
Anthony tried to reply but couldn’t find the right words to respond with, “Sir I was with those other cadets when they lit the fire crackers. I was with them when the crackers blew up and lit the garbage refuse. I am accountable as much as they were”
Colonel Regan sat down next to the cadet and put his hand into the brown bag and pull out a handful of bread bits and fed them to the ducks that were nearby.
“That may be true Cadet, but you have to remember that being there is not being the same as being involved”
“No sir, but I still feel responsible for not doing anything”
“Are you worried that this might be on your permanent record?” Anthony nodded, “I thought you might feel that way” John wiped his hand on his pants and pulled out an envelop from inside his jacker, “you might want to take a look at this”
“What is it?”
“My permanent record”
“How did you get and why sir?”
“One of the perks of being a senior officer is that you can pull strings to get on hold on things you need. Something which I think your father would have done”
Anthony looked at his Academy instructor’s record until he came across a section mark as disciplinary record. The record show that his instructor had stolen exam papers, changed results, stolen instructors credit chip and received various different disciplinary action.
“You see cadet that not everyone leaves the Academy with a perfect record. Even Commander Turner has had problems during his younger days”
“Commander Turner!?”
“Don’t get too worked up Anthony” laughed John, “go and find your friends and enjoy your time left together. You have your whole life ahead of you”
“Yes sir and thank you sir” replied Anthony as he got up from the bench
“And Cadet”
“Yes Sir”
“When we are not on duty or teaching or anything call me John”
“Yes sir, John”
“And I like my record please” Anthony looked down and saw he was still holding on to his instructors record
“Sorry sir” smiled Anthony as he returned the paper.
* * *
One month later
Confederation Service Academy
Graduation Day
Houston, Earth, Sol
“Congratulations Tony!” said Ta-ke, giving his grandson a big heart, “we are so proud of you!”
“Thanks gramps” smiled Anthony, “It means so much that everyone was able to come”
“Oh darling we could not missed this for all the tea in China” said Anthony’s grandmother Jennifer, “Your mother would be so proud of you I know she would have like this” Anthony nodded as he too wished his mother was here.
“I can’t believe I would see this day” said Anthony as he wiped a tear from his eye, “I went through so much trouble and I thought the Commandant would expelled me from the Academy”
“Well you may have to talk to your father” said Ta-ke “I have a hunch that he may have something to do with it”
“Not dad again” groaned Anthony, “he promised me not to help me. After helping me with from that fire accident I told him that I would face the consequences and not to get away from it!”
“I know” nodded Ta-ke, “But I think that your dad does not what to see you suffer as much as he did”
“Am I interrupting something here?” asked someone behind
“Not at all Skip” smiled Ta-ke, “we just congratulating my grandson. How is the motley crew?”
“They are all well Ta-ke, all well” smiled Admiral Banbridge as he shook Anthony’s hand “Congratulations Lieutenant and welcome to the service”
“Thank you sir” replied Anthony, “I am looking forward to my first assignment”
“Don’t worry Lieutenant” chuckled Wayne, “You will get your assignment in a few days, but in the meantime enjoy what you have now. If you excuse me I have some people I have to see. Ta-ke we have to catch up for some rice wine”
“Don’t worry I intend to” laughed Anthony’s grandfather
“I didn’t know you knew Admiral Banbridge Gramps”
“Well his father and I went to high school together. Ah it has been a long time”
“How old are you grandpa?”
“As if I would tell you that” chuckled Ta-Ke, “I think you have another visitor Tony” as he pointed to another officer coming towards them, Anthony turned to see John Regan coming towards them, “Colonel” saluted Anthony as his former instructor came up towards him and return the salute, “Congratulations Lieutenant” smiled John, “Well done it has been a long time coming”
“Yes sir it has been. Thank you sir for everything”
“Your welcome Lieutenant. If you ever want to talk to someone I’m here”
“Thank you sir I will keep that in mind” replied Anthony as former cadet and former instructor shook hands for the last time.
* * *
Few Days later
Anthony looked at the data pad again for the hundredth time, making sure that he was reading the data pad correctly. His father after numerous times arguing with allow him to accompany him to
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Confed Personnel and Operations and Command
Date: 2629.134
Pilot: #39585610
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Security: ********
Subject: New Assignment
Statement of Assignment:
Congratulations on your graduation and to your first assignment. You are part of a long proud history of serving men and women in the Confederation. I hope you do and others proud in the service.
Upon receiving these orders you are to report to McAuliffe Naval Base, McAuliffe System, Vega Sector for assignment in the Enigma-Epsilon Sector
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony sat in the shuttle’s seat as he continuously looked between the data pad and outside the view port.
“You have been looking at that data pad too long Anthony give it a rest” said his father, “You’ve got an assignment you don’t have to worry about anything”
“I know dad” replied Anthony as he tried to get over the news that he was being assigned to a carrier. He was expected to station on a naval base or space station,
“I’m just a bit surprised that of all the assignments I expected I get assignment to a fighter base squadron, but a carrier squadron that is what most Academy graduates dream of. You didn’t do anything did you dad?” Francis chuckled at the question his son posed at him, “No Anthony I didn’t. After the fire accident at the Academy I decided not to intervene any more.”
“So this was purely by the choice by Command?”
“I guess so”
“How do that allocate personnel to bases and ships?”
“You’re asking the wrong man son. When we reach to McAuliffe you can ask Personnel how they allocate people”
* * *
McAuliffe Naval Base
McAuliffe, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
Anthony left the personnel office where he picked up his paper for his assignment –
Lieutenant Cheng, upon receiving this letter you will receive your assignment and confidential information of your new squadron and carrier.
Assignment: TCS Hibernia = Ranger Class Carrier [CV-79]
Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara
Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker
Executive: Major Joseph Lector
You will be assigned to the following squadron:
Squadron Assignment: Flying Tiger's Squadron
(28th Flight Group - Fighter Interceptor Squadron)
( CF-117 Rapier Fighter)
Squadron Leader: Major Amanda 'Silky' Mallamo
Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border
Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez
1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe
1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson
1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman
1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace
1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico
2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards
2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross
2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee
TCS Hibernia Fighter Complement
40 Fighters
28th ‘Flying Tigers’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
57th ‘Wild Aces’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
357th ‘Silver Arrows’ Squadron (Minotaur fighter)
8th ‘Black Bear’ Squadron (Bomber fighter squadron)
Upon receiving your orders report to the shuttle port for departure to the TCS Hibernia
Once aboard the Hibernia, report to the Wing Commander Lt. Col. David Parker
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I guess this is it” said Anthony as he dropped his duffel bag on the flight deck, looking around the station, “This place is huge!”
“Not as big back on Earth” smiled Francis
“Dad you didn’t have to come with me to McAuliffe, I would have made it here on my own”
“Captain’s privilege” said Francis, “when you’re commander of a ship you can get away from some things”
“Like I don’t notice already” there was an awkward silence between father and son as they looked at each. Suddenly embarrassed with the silence, Francis cleared his throat, “Anthony you be careful out there”
“Dad I will be alright” said Anthony, “don’t worry I will contact you once I’m aboard the Hibernia”
“OK” replied Francis as he offer his hand to him, Anthony smiled and stepped forward and hugged his father, “Thanks dad. Thank you very much”
* * *
There was the Pilgrim conflict, the first Kilrathi War, then the Border Worlds and Black Lance Crisis, then the Second Kilrathi War and the war with the Nephilim. I take you back before it all began, before it all happen just before the first war occurred. Five years before the Battle of McAuliffe there was an internal threat which threatens to destabilise the Confederation from within. A criminal syndicate known as the Mari-ad which has been causing much strife within Confed space for the last 20 years has force the government to take drastic action against the criminal organisation. This is the story of a young officer who is dragged into the conflict just prior to the first Kilrathi war.
An officer’s new beginning.
Introduction
TCS Academy
Houston, Earth, Sol
Star Date 2628
“Break left now!” Datangia swung his fighter port side as the missile shot past
“Thanks Gem. I owe you one!”
“You can buy me a beer when we finish. You’re on my wing” said Gem, as Datangia looked over to his starboard side to his wingman flying by, “Flight 2 what’s your status?”
“All clear”
“Keeping’ those bandits busy”
“Check, Datangia and I are heading for the corvette. Just keep those bandits off our backs”
“You got it boss”
* * *
Gem and Datangia sped towards the lone ship that was trying to leave the fight.
“Looks like it is trying to reach the jump point” said Datangia
“Check” agreed Gem, “I’m reading power fluctuations”
“We have to disable the engines!”
“OK, you hit the engines, I’m hitting the weapons. We got to jam their transmission”
“I’m right with you Gem let’s go” Datangia and Gem hit their afterburners reaching closer to the enemy corvette. Datangia switched on his missile weapon systems as he targeted the corvette’s engines, “I’m getting tone” as he reached closer to the corvette, suddenly the corvette open fired on them, “What the hell!? I thought the corvette had no gun ports”
“So did I” said Gem, “it’s too late, stay on target and hit those engines, we got to….” Gem never got to finish her sentence as her fighter exploded next to Datangia
“Fuck!” hissed Datangia as he swerved his fighter away from the blast, “Reddy, Flame! Gems gone need help fast!”
“Got our hand’s tied” said Reddy, “damn pirates are blocking us between us and you. You got to leave the corvette!”
“Can’t do that mate” said Datangia, “we leave it, reinforcements would come back. I can’t do that. I going to hit the engines and communications, I’m not letting them go” Datangia swung his fighter back targeting the corvette’s engines and preset the ship’s communications antenna as his secondary target. Swerving left and right, Datangia avoiding the ships fire inching in closer towards the corvette. His targeting system begun to emit a ticking tone attempting to acquire a target lock on the corvette’s engines.
The targeting system reached a firing solution and locked on to corvette’s engines, “Launching missile now!” said Datangia as he fired his missile as the engines, Datangia swerve his fighter starboard as he fired his missile, “engines gone, engines gone!” said Datangia as he attempted to acquire the corvette’s communication systems, “Watch it Datangia you got bandit on your six” Datangia check his sensors and saw an enemy blip heading to his location very fast, “Damn, too close” said Datangia as he turn his fighter around, he checked his load out, only one dumb-fire missiles left, moving his fighter away from the corvette’s firing range he face his opponent. Before he could do anything his missile lock warning blared loudly through his helmet speakers, he looked through his cockpit and saw a flicker of light followed by a big flash of white light, “Second Flight got missile lock got…” Datangia never finished his sentence, as his fighter was completely surrounded by white light followed by blackness.
“What the!?” said Datangia as he turned his head around trying to see what was going on, “Damn it, I almost had that corvette”
“Well you should have checked that fighter that was coming up from behind” Datangia heard Gem’s voice as the cockpit simulator opened up and saw his wingman and the others climbing out of their cockpit simulators. Datangia pulled off his helmet and shaking his sweating hair, “Damn it we weren’t told about the corvette’s weapons”
“We were not told anything about the corvette” said Flame as she leaned over to Datangia’s cockpit, “you of all people who have thought of that” Datangia gave Flame an angry look, as he was always referred as the ‘by the book’ type of guy, “who said that I would have thought of it. You knew that I was under pressure there”
“OK folks quiet down” said a voice behind the cadets. The group turn to see their flight instructor Lieutenant Colonel Regan, walking up towards them. “You all did very good given the circumstances, but Flame was right about something. We did not tell you all the information provided and you should have taken the initiative of assessing the situation.”
“Sir why did you not tell us that the corvette had any weapons online?” asked Datangia
“If you recall cadet” said Regan “in the briefing I said that the objective was to neutralise the enemy ship before jumping out. Assess the situation and follow the flight leader’s orders. I did not say anything else” Datangia looked over to his wingman and flight leader Gem who only shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.
“I wouldn’t worry too much Cadet Cheng” smiled Regan, “you did what you thought was best. Just remember don’t do anything heroics when you out there. Your wingman is the most value possession when you are in combat. You folks have three more weeks til graduation. We go through one more simulation and see what happens, until then read up your squad tactics and manoeuvres text otherwise dismissed.”
* * *
“I can’t believe that we are almost graduating!” said Gem, “We soon would be posted to our first ship!”
“Or naval base” reminded Reddy, “you forget that we have planetary bases as well as carriers. The real action is onboard the battleships, cruisers and destroyers”
“Ah there is always room for fighters” replied Gem, “what do you think Anthony what do you think?” Anthony sat listening to the conversation between the two cadets about the which was better, “Personally I don’t really care” replied the Australian born Chinese cadet, “As long I get to fly and do my fair share of duty and fun I am happy”
“Ah you’re such a let down Anthony” said Gem, “you never take any sides do you?”
“Why should I? Should I be concerned about what is better? Carriers or Battleship? Just read the report about the Panama Games and make your decision then”
“Why read the report when you could turn up to Commander Turner’s lectures” said Flame, “I’m sure you could learn all the things you need from the Commander”
“Hell no” said Gem, “the Commander gives me the creeps every time I look at him. I rather read the article on the network”
“Suit yourself” replied Flame as she finished the rest of her drink.
* * *
He sat on the bench looking over the lake watching the ducks gliding over the water. In three weeks he would be graduating. In three weeks he will no longer be a cadet. In three weeks he will be an officer in the Confederation military. In three weeks he would be following the footsteps as his father would be. In three weeks he will see where fate will lead him.
“Why the glum face cadet?” said someone from a distance, Anthony to face the voice and saw Colonel Regan coming with a small brown paper bag, “something on your mind Anthony?”
“I don’t know sir” sigh Anthony, “It’s just that in three weeks I’m graduating. I know that I should be happy, I am. But I got this feeling that I am not”
“Anything to do with the fire accident and the fact that your father pulled strings to keep you from being expelled from the Academy?”
Anthony tried to reply but couldn’t find the right words to respond with, “Sir I was with those other cadets when they lit the fire crackers. I was with them when the crackers blew up and lit the garbage refuse. I am accountable as much as they were”
Colonel Regan sat down next to the cadet and put his hand into the brown bag and pull out a handful of bread bits and fed them to the ducks that were nearby.
“That may be true Cadet, but you have to remember that being there is not being the same as being involved”
“No sir, but I still feel responsible for not doing anything”
“Are you worried that this might be on your permanent record?” Anthony nodded, “I thought you might feel that way” John wiped his hand on his pants and pulled out an envelop from inside his jacker, “you might want to take a look at this”
“What is it?”
“My permanent record”
“How did you get and why sir?”
“One of the perks of being a senior officer is that you can pull strings to get on hold on things you need. Something which I think your father would have done”
Anthony looked at his Academy instructor’s record until he came across a section mark as disciplinary record. The record show that his instructor had stolen exam papers, changed results, stolen instructors credit chip and received various different disciplinary action.
“You see cadet that not everyone leaves the Academy with a perfect record. Even Commander Turner has had problems during his younger days”
“Commander Turner!?”
“Don’t get too worked up Anthony” laughed John, “go and find your friends and enjoy your time left together. You have your whole life ahead of you”
“Yes sir and thank you sir” replied Anthony as he got up from the bench
“And Cadet”
“Yes Sir”
“When we are not on duty or teaching or anything call me John”
“Yes sir, John”
“And I like my record please” Anthony looked down and saw he was still holding on to his instructors record
“Sorry sir” smiled Anthony as he returned the paper.
* * *
One month later
Confederation Service Academy
Graduation Day
Houston, Earth, Sol
“Congratulations Tony!” said Ta-ke, giving his grandson a big heart, “we are so proud of you!”
“Thanks gramps” smiled Anthony, “It means so much that everyone was able to come”
“Oh darling we could not missed this for all the tea in China” said Anthony’s grandmother Jennifer, “Your mother would be so proud of you I know she would have like this” Anthony nodded as he too wished his mother was here.
“I can’t believe I would see this day” said Anthony as he wiped a tear from his eye, “I went through so much trouble and I thought the Commandant would expelled me from the Academy”
“Well you may have to talk to your father” said Ta-ke “I have a hunch that he may have something to do with it”
“Not dad again” groaned Anthony, “he promised me not to help me. After helping me with from that fire accident I told him that I would face the consequences and not to get away from it!”
“I know” nodded Ta-ke, “But I think that your dad does not what to see you suffer as much as he did”
“Am I interrupting something here?” asked someone behind
“Not at all Skip” smiled Ta-ke, “we just congratulating my grandson. How is the motley crew?”
“They are all well Ta-ke, all well” smiled Admiral Banbridge as he shook Anthony’s hand “Congratulations Lieutenant and welcome to the service”
“Thank you sir” replied Anthony, “I am looking forward to my first assignment”
“Don’t worry Lieutenant” chuckled Wayne, “You will get your assignment in a few days, but in the meantime enjoy what you have now. If you excuse me I have some people I have to see. Ta-ke we have to catch up for some rice wine”
“Don’t worry I intend to” laughed Anthony’s grandfather
“I didn’t know you knew Admiral Banbridge Gramps”
“Well his father and I went to high school together. Ah it has been a long time”
“How old are you grandpa?”
“As if I would tell you that” chuckled Ta-Ke, “I think you have another visitor Tony” as he pointed to another officer coming towards them, Anthony turned to see John Regan coming towards them, “Colonel” saluted Anthony as his former instructor came up towards him and return the salute, “Congratulations Lieutenant” smiled John, “Well done it has been a long time coming”
“Yes sir it has been. Thank you sir for everything”
“Your welcome Lieutenant. If you ever want to talk to someone I’m here”
“Thank you sir I will keep that in mind” replied Anthony as former cadet and former instructor shook hands for the last time.
* * *
Few Days later
Anthony looked at the data pad again for the hundredth time, making sure that he was reading the data pad correctly. His father after numerous times arguing with allow him to accompany him to
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Confed Personnel and Operations and Command
Date: 2629.134
Pilot: #39585610
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Security: ********
Subject: New Assignment
Statement of Assignment:
Congratulations on your graduation and to your first assignment. You are part of a long proud history of serving men and women in the Confederation. I hope you do and others proud in the service.
Upon receiving these orders you are to report to McAuliffe Naval Base, McAuliffe System, Vega Sector for assignment in the Enigma-Epsilon Sector
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony sat in the shuttle’s seat as he continuously looked between the data pad and outside the view port.
“You have been looking at that data pad too long Anthony give it a rest” said his father, “You’ve got an assignment you don’t have to worry about anything”
“I know dad” replied Anthony as he tried to get over the news that he was being assigned to a carrier. He was expected to station on a naval base or space station,
“I’m just a bit surprised that of all the assignments I expected I get assignment to a fighter base squadron, but a carrier squadron that is what most Academy graduates dream of. You didn’t do anything did you dad?” Francis chuckled at the question his son posed at him, “No Anthony I didn’t. After the fire accident at the Academy I decided not to intervene any more.”
“So this was purely by the choice by Command?”
“I guess so”
“How do that allocate personnel to bases and ships?”
“You’re asking the wrong man son. When we reach to McAuliffe you can ask Personnel how they allocate people”
* * *
McAuliffe Naval Base
McAuliffe, Day Quadrant, Vega Sector
Anthony left the personnel office where he picked up his paper for his assignment –
Lieutenant Cheng, upon receiving this letter you will receive your assignment and confidential information of your new squadron and carrier.
Assignment: TCS Hibernia = Ranger Class Carrier [CV-79]
Commanding Officer: Captain Justin Lang
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Jessica O'Hara
Wing Commander: Lieutenant Colonel David Parker
Executive: Major Joseph Lector
You will be assigned to the following squadron:
Squadron Assignment: Flying Tiger's Squadron
(28th Flight Group - Fighter Interceptor Squadron)
( CF-117 Rapier Fighter)
Squadron Leader: Major Amanda 'Silky' Mallamo
Executive: Captain Gregory 'Balls' Border
Pilots: Captain Samantha 'Jewel' Ibanez
1st Lieutenant Samuel 'Torps' Thorpe
1st Lieutenant Dark 'Drool' Simpson
1st Lieutenant Allison 'Shorts' Goodman
1st Lieutenant Carl 'Brains' Wallace
1st Lieutenant Jean-Luc 'Pasty' Rico
2nd Lieutenant Tyson 'Skinny' Edwards
2nd Lieutenant Kathryn 'Arrows' Ross
2nd Lieutenant Michelle 'Peck' Lee
TCS Hibernia Fighter Complement
40 Fighters
28th ‘Flying Tigers’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
57th ‘Wild Aces’ Squadron (Rapier fighter)
357th ‘Silver Arrows’ Squadron (Minotaur fighter)
8th ‘Black Bear’ Squadron (Bomber fighter squadron)
Upon receiving your orders report to the shuttle port for departure to the TCS Hibernia
Once aboard the Hibernia, report to the Wing Commander Lt. Col. David Parker
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I guess this is it” said Anthony as he dropped his duffel bag on the flight deck, looking around the station, “This place is huge!”
“Not as big back on Earth” smiled Francis
“Dad you didn’t have to come with me to McAuliffe, I would have made it here on my own”
“Captain’s privilege” said Francis, “when you’re commander of a ship you can get away from some things”
“Like I don’t notice already” there was an awkward silence between father and son as they looked at each. Suddenly embarrassed with the silence, Francis cleared his throat, “Anthony you be careful out there”
“Dad I will be alright” said Anthony, “don’t worry I will contact you once I’m aboard the Hibernia”
“OK” replied Francis as he offer his hand to him, Anthony smiled and stepped forward and hugged his father, “Thanks dad. Thank you very much”
* * *