Ok, my whole day has just been ruined! :(
First off, the near 60* we had yesterday has given way to 14* with near white-out snow fall, but I like winter over summer so that's ok. I'm driving back to work after a very delicious lunch out our local New York-style pizza place, happily listening to our local talk station that carries Rush's show and what comes over my speakers? A Ron Paul commercial!
I get enough of this guy in the blogosphere and I don't want him polluting my lunch hour!
Rant concluded...carry on
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
No Matter the Cost
Continued from here
I stormed into the governor’s office. “It was my understanding Governor that I and I alone, have command of all military personnel during this evacuation.”
Without looking up from his terminal, Governor Utain Twitz replied, “That is correct Commander. My authority is solely over this city and its citizens.”
I slammed my hands down on his desk, “Then why was my order for a rescue mission countermanded?”
He finally looked up at me, “Because Commander, an attempt to retrieve dead bodies is not in the best interest of the citizens of this city. Citizens whom I will remind you are also your primary responsibility. Or did I misunderstand your orders from Fleet?”
I tried to keep the fury out of my voice. I was only partially successful. “Your people are safe Governor. The Fleet will be here in less than one hour, Militia forces have organized the civilians into evacuation groups and the Dominion has been beaten back from the city. My troops are maintaining vigil on the walls and we’ve even retaken the trenches around the city. Now is the perfect time to send out a rescue mission.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way Commander. But as long as there is still a single civilian within New Downtime, we cannot risk weakening our defenses. Once the evacuation is complete, assuming you get clearance from Fleet, then you can go on your retrieval mission.”
There was no point in arguing further. The man’s stubbornness was legendary. He was right to a point. My official responsibility was to the people of New Downtime, but during a declaration of emergency, military command overruled any civilian leadership. He had no standing to countermand my orders. However, the city’s Militia was under his command. I didn’t doubt for second if I attempted to lead any kind of recovery mission out of the city, he would order my arrest. That would result in either a shootout between Coalition military and civilian Militia personnel or my spending a few hours in a cell until the entire issue could be cleared up by Fleet. Neither would be of any help to Dara. That didn’t mean I was happy with it. It definitely didn’t mean I was going to let him have the last word.
“Be aware Governor, I am going to begin organizing a rescue mission. I am also going to contact Fleet for confirmation of my authority to do so. Do not attempt to interfere. I will not hesitate to place you under arrest using my authority as senior Coalition officer during a declaration of emergency.” An empty threat really, and we both knew it. Neither of us really wanted to create the massive division and strife such a conflict would cause, especially since this crisis would only last another hour at most, I hoped.
I spun on my heel and left the office. Noe and Redding were waiting for me in the foyer. Both fell in behind me as I strode quickly out of the building and toward the command post and Yofin.
"What's the word Commander?" Redding asked.
"Jay'em, begin organizing a rescue mission, volunteer only. We launch the moment the last evac shuttle lifts off."
"Aye sir!"
“Redding, I need you to begin getting us supplies. Expect a team of about 5 to 7 men, plan for everything.”
“Yes sir.” As he replied, we entered the command post. Yofin saluted before returning her attention to the display, the other two officers went on to their assigned tasks.
I returned her salute, “Do we have any idea where they have her yet?”
“Nothing solid yet sir, but we do have a few possibilities.”
“Rescue beacon?”
“As long as they continue jamming, rescue beacons are useless, the Fleet might be able to punch through though.”
“Maybe, get me the Hedonism, I want to speak to Admiral Sean.”
“Aye sir.” As she moved to the comm station, she shook her head, tsking quietly, “Who names a warship Hedonism anyway?”
I chuckled. “She’s Admiral Sean’s flagship, it was his choice.”
“I have the Hedonism, Admiral Sean will be on in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, I’ll take it in my office.” She nodded and I walked through the door to the closet I’d claimed as my own. I sat at my desk, and waited for Admiral Sean to appear. God I was tired. I hadn’t slept in days. Of course, that was nothing to what Dara was certainly going through. My mind began to drift, images of what the Dominion did to prisoners began to drift through my mind…They weren’t asking questions. Searing pain shot through her skull. Why aren’t they asking any questions? Barely conscious, Major Daramis Mcejo’s mind was working at an agonizingly slow rate. Nearly every time she formed a complete thought, one of the two troopers conducting the “interrogation” would hit her, screaming at her as she sagged against the restraints. Always screaming, or yelling, or shouting, but no questions.
She wished they would ask something, anything, so that she could focus on denying them information. But they did not ask, and all she could do was anticipate every fresh stab of pain, or track the sensation of warm blood trickling down from her split lip, or from the gash on her forehead. She closed her eyes, but not seeing was almost worse.
When they finally stopped an eternity later and removed the restraints, Dara fell to the ground in a heap, without the will or the energy to move. They grabbed her arms and hauled her back to her cell, where she lay curled up on the floor, blinking at the intense darkness, trying to regulate her breathing.
A single tear coursed down her cheek and splashed onto the floor. She felt as if she were falling away from the memories and the pain, into a bottomless black. Moments before it engulfed her, her lips began to move and she whispered, “Rogue won’t leave me to die,” and then, “Why didn’t they ask any questions?”
“I said; did you have a question Commander?”
I blinked, shook my head. On the screen, Admiral Sean was staring at me with a smile on his lips. “Am I boring you Commander?”
“Sorry sir, been a while since I slept.”
“Understandable. You’ll be relieved to know that we have achieved orbit and the first wave of evacuation shuttles are enroute.”
“That’s excellent sir. I do have a request though. During the final assault on New Downtime, the Dominion captured a squad of troops alive. I’m not leaving those men behind sir.”
“Since you haven’t done it already I’m assuming the Governor refused to let you go after them?”
“We did have a…discussion regarding it. He’s convinced they’re dead.”
“I’m afraid I have to share that sentiment Rogue. The Dominion isn’t known for taking or keeping prisoners alive.”
“They’re alive sir. I know they are.”
“And how do you know that Commander?”
“I can’t explain it sir, I just do.”
“I need more than that Rogue. I won’t send good men to retrieve corpses based of your gut feeling.”
“I’m not asking for a full fledged assault sir. I already have a group of volunteers. All I need is permission, arms and equipment, a Ranger transport with pilot and maybe an additional surprise or two.”
“No Fleet support?”
“No sir, just what I asked for.”
“What’s so important about those men to you?”
“They were under my command sir.”
“We command men knowing it might lead to their deaths all the time Commander. It’s a part of war. There’s a specific reason or a specific person you’re worried about.”
I took a deep breath. I’d hoped to avoid this. “The senior officer captured was Major Daramis Mcejo sir. We’ve served together for years.”
His eyes narrowed, “Your concern is strictly professional, right Commander?”
That was why I’d wanted to avoid it. Too many senior officers, despite years of service and combat experience, couldn’t understand the bond created by surviving hell.
“Strictly professional sir; the two of us, as well as two of the volunteers, survived Arneb IV. I refuse to abandon her to the Dominion’s tender mercies.”
He was silent. He hadn’t been there for the battle, but he had been there for the aftermath. “You realize that I can’t give you any additional support beyond what you’ve asked for.”
“Yes sir.”
“Ok, you’re approved. Don’t make me regret this Commander.”
“I won’t sir.”
“Now you mentioned a surprise or two.”
“Yes sir. I need one other little item.” The rest of the conversation went smoothly.
Several hours, and one much needed nap later, I stood outside New Downtime watching the last evac shuttle lift off. As it rose toward the waiting fleet, I glanced around at the eight men with me. Our transport had already put down in the woods under cover of darkness and would await our pick up request. We were ready. Jay’em looked down from watching the shuttle and then asked, “Orders Commander?”
I raised my rifle. “Gentlemen, I thank you, and our comrades thank you. Now let’s go get them.”
Redding grinned, “All for one sir!”
I grinned as well, “No matter the cost.” We headed off into the darkness.
I stormed into the governor’s office. “It was my understanding Governor that I and I alone, have command of all military personnel during this evacuation.”
Without looking up from his terminal, Governor Utain Twitz replied, “That is correct Commander. My authority is solely over this city and its citizens.”
I slammed my hands down on his desk, “Then why was my order for a rescue mission countermanded?”
He finally looked up at me, “Because Commander, an attempt to retrieve dead bodies is not in the best interest of the citizens of this city. Citizens whom I will remind you are also your primary responsibility. Or did I misunderstand your orders from Fleet?”
I tried to keep the fury out of my voice. I was only partially successful. “Your people are safe Governor. The Fleet will be here in less than one hour, Militia forces have organized the civilians into evacuation groups and the Dominion has been beaten back from the city. My troops are maintaining vigil on the walls and we’ve even retaken the trenches around the city. Now is the perfect time to send out a rescue mission.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way Commander. But as long as there is still a single civilian within New Downtime, we cannot risk weakening our defenses. Once the evacuation is complete, assuming you get clearance from Fleet, then you can go on your retrieval mission.”
There was no point in arguing further. The man’s stubbornness was legendary. He was right to a point. My official responsibility was to the people of New Downtime, but during a declaration of emergency, military command overruled any civilian leadership. He had no standing to countermand my orders. However, the city’s Militia was under his command. I didn’t doubt for second if I attempted to lead any kind of recovery mission out of the city, he would order my arrest. That would result in either a shootout between Coalition military and civilian Militia personnel or my spending a few hours in a cell until the entire issue could be cleared up by Fleet. Neither would be of any help to Dara. That didn’t mean I was happy with it. It definitely didn’t mean I was going to let him have the last word.
“Be aware Governor, I am going to begin organizing a rescue mission. I am also going to contact Fleet for confirmation of my authority to do so. Do not attempt to interfere. I will not hesitate to place you under arrest using my authority as senior Coalition officer during a declaration of emergency.” An empty threat really, and we both knew it. Neither of us really wanted to create the massive division and strife such a conflict would cause, especially since this crisis would only last another hour at most, I hoped.
I spun on my heel and left the office. Noe and Redding were waiting for me in the foyer. Both fell in behind me as I strode quickly out of the building and toward the command post and Yofin.
"What's the word Commander?" Redding asked.
"Jay'em, begin organizing a rescue mission, volunteer only. We launch the moment the last evac shuttle lifts off."
"Aye sir!"
“Redding, I need you to begin getting us supplies. Expect a team of about 5 to 7 men, plan for everything.”
“Yes sir.” As he replied, we entered the command post. Yofin saluted before returning her attention to the display, the other two officers went on to their assigned tasks.
I returned her salute, “Do we have any idea where they have her yet?”
“Nothing solid yet sir, but we do have a few possibilities.”
“Rescue beacon?”
“As long as they continue jamming, rescue beacons are useless, the Fleet might be able to punch through though.”
“Maybe, get me the Hedonism, I want to speak to Admiral Sean.”
“Aye sir.” As she moved to the comm station, she shook her head, tsking quietly, “Who names a warship Hedonism anyway?”
I chuckled. “She’s Admiral Sean’s flagship, it was his choice.”
“I have the Hedonism, Admiral Sean will be on in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, I’ll take it in my office.” She nodded and I walked through the door to the closet I’d claimed as my own. I sat at my desk, and waited for Admiral Sean to appear. God I was tired. I hadn’t slept in days. Of course, that was nothing to what Dara was certainly going through. My mind began to drift, images of what the Dominion did to prisoners began to drift through my mind…They weren’t asking questions. Searing pain shot through her skull. Why aren’t they asking any questions? Barely conscious, Major Daramis Mcejo’s mind was working at an agonizingly slow rate. Nearly every time she formed a complete thought, one of the two troopers conducting the “interrogation” would hit her, screaming at her as she sagged against the restraints. Always screaming, or yelling, or shouting, but no questions.
She wished they would ask something, anything, so that she could focus on denying them information. But they did not ask, and all she could do was anticipate every fresh stab of pain, or track the sensation of warm blood trickling down from her split lip, or from the gash on her forehead. She closed her eyes, but not seeing was almost worse.
When they finally stopped an eternity later and removed the restraints, Dara fell to the ground in a heap, without the will or the energy to move. They grabbed her arms and hauled her back to her cell, where she lay curled up on the floor, blinking at the intense darkness, trying to regulate her breathing.
A single tear coursed down her cheek and splashed onto the floor. She felt as if she were falling away from the memories and the pain, into a bottomless black. Moments before it engulfed her, her lips began to move and she whispered, “Rogue won’t leave me to die,” and then, “Why didn’t they ask any questions?”
“I said; did you have a question Commander?”
I blinked, shook my head. On the screen, Admiral Sean was staring at me with a smile on his lips. “Am I boring you Commander?”
“Sorry sir, been a while since I slept.”
“Understandable. You’ll be relieved to know that we have achieved orbit and the first wave of evacuation shuttles are enroute.”
“That’s excellent sir. I do have a request though. During the final assault on New Downtime, the Dominion captured a squad of troops alive. I’m not leaving those men behind sir.”
“Since you haven’t done it already I’m assuming the Governor refused to let you go after them?”
“We did have a…discussion regarding it. He’s convinced they’re dead.”
“I’m afraid I have to share that sentiment Rogue. The Dominion isn’t known for taking or keeping prisoners alive.”
“They’re alive sir. I know they are.”
“And how do you know that Commander?”
“I can’t explain it sir, I just do.”
“I need more than that Rogue. I won’t send good men to retrieve corpses based of your gut feeling.”
“I’m not asking for a full fledged assault sir. I already have a group of volunteers. All I need is permission, arms and equipment, a Ranger transport with pilot and maybe an additional surprise or two.”
“No Fleet support?”
“No sir, just what I asked for.”
“What’s so important about those men to you?”
“They were under my command sir.”
“We command men knowing it might lead to their deaths all the time Commander. It’s a part of war. There’s a specific reason or a specific person you’re worried about.”
I took a deep breath. I’d hoped to avoid this. “The senior officer captured was Major Daramis Mcejo sir. We’ve served together for years.”
His eyes narrowed, “Your concern is strictly professional, right Commander?”
That was why I’d wanted to avoid it. Too many senior officers, despite years of service and combat experience, couldn’t understand the bond created by surviving hell.
“Strictly professional sir; the two of us, as well as two of the volunteers, survived Arneb IV. I refuse to abandon her to the Dominion’s tender mercies.”
He was silent. He hadn’t been there for the battle, but he had been there for the aftermath. “You realize that I can’t give you any additional support beyond what you’ve asked for.”
“Yes sir.”
“Ok, you’re approved. Don’t make me regret this Commander.”
“I won’t sir.”
“Now you mentioned a surprise or two.”
“Yes sir. I need one other little item.” The rest of the conversation went smoothly.
Several hours, and one much needed nap later, I stood outside New Downtime watching the last evac shuttle lift off. As it rose toward the waiting fleet, I glanced around at the eight men with me. Our transport had already put down in the woods under cover of darkness and would await our pick up request. We were ready. Jay’em looked down from watching the shuttle and then asked, “Orders Commander?”
I raised my rifle. “Gentlemen, I thank you, and our comrades thank you. Now let’s go get them.”
Redding grinned, “All for one sir!”
I grinned as well, “No matter the cost.” We headed off into the darkness.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Complacency
Have you ever realized how much of our day depends on things we have customized to our particular whims? Or how much inconvenience it causes when those customizations are removed? It turns your smooth daily routine into a drive over a road that's full of foot-deep potholes!
In the way of explanation, I offer a review of my morning...so far:
For the past month or so, the IT department of my company has been telling me that my cubicle's desktop has some thing fatally wrong with its hard drive and that it would die spectacularly eventually. They also kept telling me that they would have to replace it with a new comp and that I should let them know a good time to do it. Well, I told them to do it while I was in Vegas, didn't happen. How about while I'm on one of my daily lunch breaks, it was only supposed to take an hour and I always leave for lunch at least an hour before IT takes its collective lunch break. (Side rant: That's always a fun hour when something goes wrong with the server/system/network and the entire IT team is off getting a burger somewhere) Nope...so, yesterday, I was out sick with a migraine. Which btw, SUCK!!!!
Perfect time I will agree...IT backs up (mostly) my desktop files, favorites, documents etc and swaps out PCs. I come in this morning still feeling slightly below the weather to discover I have a new PC. GREAT! Till I sit down. First off, the CPU is and always has been mounted below my desk. However, the old one was vertically mounted at the edge of the desk by the cubicle wall. This new one is horizontally mounted about 3 inches from the wall. Not too much but it now intrudes into the air space normally occupied by my thigh. This will take some getting used to.
Next, the keyboard is smaller, more streamlined. This doesn't make much of a difference to me honestly, but I was used to just laying my pen on the ledge above the function keys. That ledge doesn't exist anymore, a fact I did not recognize until while on the phone with a fellow vendor I laid my pen down and it rolled under the keyboard. D'OP!
Then we get to how many programs we take for granted. Like, JAVA. One of the multiple inventory lists I routinely check uses a JAVA pop up box. I go to check it and I get that great little invention the invalid plug in X. *groan* download JAVA, restart browser. Back to work.
Now, while in this pop up, Tab doesn't work, but I had mapped a key to act as a tab. Therefore, I am used to breezing through the various fields I either ignore or use the default settings. Apparently, key maps don't transfer. *groan again* Remap keys.
Ya know, my Outlook inbox has been strangely empty this morning. *shrugs* It's Friday, I was out yesterday and I had set up an auto-reply from my home PC that informed anyone who tried to contact me that I was out and to contact one of the other agents so I know I didn't have any inventory offers out there waiting for my attention. Still, it's strange that I haven't gotten any of the general info stuff. Co-worker asks if I got their email, I say, "What email?"
"The one I sent you (Duh, here's your sign Rogue.)"
I check, box is still empty...I hit send/receive. BOOM! Fifty or so emails come pouring in. Apparently, I was missed. Oh yeah, I had set Outlook to run an auto send/receive every minute (in my job, minutes can me the diff between getting a unit and not). That didn't transfer either. *groan* Reset.
But the most annoying...my play lists. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Yeah, my music transferred, (thank god!) as did the lists, but apparently something didn't because when I tried to activate one, I get the "file not found" error. So I have to go back in and remap the path, well, try to remap it. Turned out to be easier to just erase the broken ones and reload the lists.
Yeah, I admit it. I'm lazy and whining. Not a single one of these inconveniences took longer than a minute or two to fix, except the CPU mounting...still working on a solution to that one. But that's what they are, inconveniences. Little things that don't matter a hill of snot yet seem determined to drive you crazy!
We get lazy, we get complacent...we are creatures of habit and routine after all. When that routine gets disrupted, the effects are rarely pleasant.
At least my Internet browser favorites list transferred, though apparently, IE didn't like the way I had them organized and alphabetized them. *final groan*
This concludes today's rant, we now return you to your regularly scheduled slacking off.
In the way of explanation, I offer a review of my morning...so far:
For the past month or so, the IT department of my company has been telling me that my cubicle's desktop has some thing fatally wrong with its hard drive and that it would die spectacularly eventually. They also kept telling me that they would have to replace it with a new comp and that I should let them know a good time to do it. Well, I told them to do it while I was in Vegas, didn't happen. How about while I'm on one of my daily lunch breaks, it was only supposed to take an hour and I always leave for lunch at least an hour before IT takes its collective lunch break. (Side rant: That's always a fun hour when something goes wrong with the server/system/network and the entire IT team is off getting a burger somewhere) Nope...so, yesterday, I was out sick with a migraine. Which btw, SUCK!!!!
Perfect time I will agree...IT backs up (mostly) my desktop files, favorites, documents etc and swaps out PCs. I come in this morning still feeling slightly below the weather to discover I have a new PC. GREAT! Till I sit down. First off, the CPU is and always has been mounted below my desk. However, the old one was vertically mounted at the edge of the desk by the cubicle wall. This new one is horizontally mounted about 3 inches from the wall. Not too much but it now intrudes into the air space normally occupied by my thigh. This will take some getting used to.
Next, the keyboard is smaller, more streamlined. This doesn't make much of a difference to me honestly, but I was used to just laying my pen on the ledge above the function keys. That ledge doesn't exist anymore, a fact I did not recognize until while on the phone with a fellow vendor I laid my pen down and it rolled under the keyboard. D'OP!
Then we get to how many programs we take for granted. Like, JAVA. One of the multiple inventory lists I routinely check uses a JAVA pop up box. I go to check it and I get that great little invention the invalid plug in X. *groan* download JAVA, restart browser. Back to work.
Now, while in this pop up, Tab doesn't work, but I had mapped a key to act as a tab. Therefore, I am used to breezing through the various fields I either ignore or use the default settings. Apparently, key maps don't transfer. *groan again* Remap keys.
Ya know, my Outlook inbox has been strangely empty this morning. *shrugs* It's Friday, I was out yesterday and I had set up an auto-reply from my home PC that informed anyone who tried to contact me that I was out and to contact one of the other agents so I know I didn't have any inventory offers out there waiting for my attention. Still, it's strange that I haven't gotten any of the general info stuff. Co-worker asks if I got their email, I say, "What email?"
"The one I sent you (Duh, here's your sign Rogue.)"
I check, box is still empty...I hit send/receive. BOOM! Fifty or so emails come pouring in. Apparently, I was missed. Oh yeah, I had set Outlook to run an auto send/receive every minute (in my job, minutes can me the diff between getting a unit and not). That didn't transfer either. *groan* Reset.
But the most annoying...my play lists. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Yeah, my music transferred, (thank god!) as did the lists, but apparently something didn't because when I tried to activate one, I get the "file not found" error. So I have to go back in and remap the path, well, try to remap it. Turned out to be easier to just erase the broken ones and reload the lists.
Yeah, I admit it. I'm lazy and whining. Not a single one of these inconveniences took longer than a minute or two to fix, except the CPU mounting...still working on a solution to that one. But that's what they are, inconveniences. Little things that don't matter a hill of snot yet seem determined to drive you crazy!
We get lazy, we get complacent...we are creatures of habit and routine after all. When that routine gets disrupted, the effects are rarely pleasant.
At least my Internet browser favorites list transferred, though apparently, IE didn't like the way I had them organized and alphabetized them. *final groan*
This concludes today's rant, we now return you to your regularly scheduled slacking off.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tase him again Bro!
Remember Andrew Meyer? Yep...the idiot who (deservedly IMHO) was tased after disrupting a Q&A with John F. Kerry*
Well, it's been a while and the state of Florida has been running an investigation into whether the cops' actions were justified.
Guess what they found:
University of Florida cops were exonerated in the stunning of a student.
What's the poetic justice? The student may face charges.
The officers have been reinstated to full duty.
Just as I said before...he wanted to create a spectacle and martyr himself. Well, a martyr is only a martyr until he is revealed to be a fool.
Fool, thy name is Andrew Meyer!
TASE HIM AGAIN BRO!
* Who served in Vietnam
Well, it's been a while and the state of Florida has been running an investigation into whether the cops' actions were justified.
Guess what they found:
University of Florida cops were exonerated in the stunning of a student.
What's the poetic justice? The student may face charges.
The officers have been reinstated to full duty.
Just as I said before...he wanted to create a spectacle and martyr himself. Well, a martyr is only a martyr until he is revealed to be a fool.
Fool, thy name is Andrew Meyer!
TASE HIM AGAIN BRO!
* Who served in Vietnam
Monday, October 15, 2007
All for one
Continued from here
Troopers ran past me hurrying to their posts. I saw a few straggling civilians being herded by Militia into the shelters before they too rushed to their stations.
“Commander!”
I stopped and turned toward the sound. A young man carrying a sniper rifle caught up and saluted. “Corporal?”
“Sir, all snipers are in position.”
“Excellent, fire on my command.”
“Yes sir!” He turned and vanished into the front door of the last tall building before the city walls. I stared for a second after him before breaking into a run again. The gates began to close and I slipped through along with several other latecomers. With a resounding boom, the gates closed and sealed. Through the hazy distortion of the energy shield I could see the tree line off in the distance, soon the quiet plains in between would be covered in smoke, debris and blood.
I ran down the main road until I arrived at the final ring of trenches. There, I lowered myself down and set off again, I tapped a nearby Lieutenant’s shoulder and asked for Major Daramis’s location. He pointed and I thanked him. As I approached, I could overhear her giving final orders to the troops nearby and in the other rings.
“Major, could you use another soldier?” She turned around and looked at me with a grin like I hadn’t seen in years.
“Always Commander, even if you’re Navy now.”
I saluted, “Once infantry, always infantry Major. Where do you need me?”
She didn’t hesitate, “I’m going to command from the center. Captain Noe is taking the left flank and I’ve got Sergeant Redding on the right but he’s still pretty green. He only made squad leader a month ago. Our defense would be a more unified if you would take command over Redding’s men.”
“I’ll break it to him easy.” She nodded and moved to the side, clearing the way for a squad of troopers double timing it through the trench.
I started toward my new assignment, paused beside her. “After this is all over, I want you to seriously consider transferring to the Navy, we could really use you.”
“We’ll see sir.”
A voice sounded in my ear, “Commander? OP Three, I have movement five kilometers due west.”
I keyed my comm, “Acknowledged. Yofin, what have we got?”
She responded instantly, “Their whole force is moving sir, this looks like it. They’ll be in maximum firing range in two minutes.”
“Right, Rogue out.” I met Dara’s eye, “Party’s on.” She nodded grimly, checked her rifle and saluted.
“Good luck Commander.”
I returned her salute, “And to you.” I made it through the trenches faster than I’d thought I would and found Sergeant Redding’s squad with ease. He acknowledged the abrupt change in command without expression. I glanced over his deployment and nodded my approval. He may have been lacking in combat experience, but he knew his stuff.
I keyed my comm again. “Where are they OP Three?”
“Four kilometers and closing fast, I see infantry mixed with artillery, no air units yet.”
“Acknowledged, attention all sniper units, hold fire until my order. Artillery, begin bombardment at three kilometers”
I stepped up to the trench wall, squeezing in between two other troopers. “Rogue to Daramis.”
“Go ahead Commander.”
“Major, after the artillery and snipers open up, you may fire at your discretion.”
“Thank you sir.”
“OP Three, three kilometers and closing.”
“Artillery, open fire!”
With the thunderous roar of nearly sixty artillery pieces, the Battle of New Downtime began. I watched the approaching forces to see the results. I wasn’t disappointed. Shells burst all through the formation, flinging troopers into the air and causing the ranks to disintegrate into chaos.
The trooper beside me snickered, “They weren’t expecting that.” The approaching troopers increased their speed. They seem intent to overwhelm us with sheer numbers.
“Snipers, fire at will.” Acknowledgements sounded in my ear, followed immediately by Dara’s.
“All forward units hold fire until my order. Remember you’re the only thing standing between the Dominion and all those civilians. Aim high.” The enemy artillery began to return fire. Above our heads shells exploded against the shield. They were close enough now to be seen as individuals, any time now Dara would order... “Ready weapons!” Simultaneously every trooper on the line flipped off the safeties and sighted along their rifles.
“FIRE!”
With another roar, five hundred rifles opened up. The approaching line collapsed under the withering hail. Return fire began to fill the air around us. An energy bolt struck the ground not more than 6 inches from my nose. Blinking dirt from my eyes, I cursed and reached up, slapped my visor down. Maybe Navy had made me a bit rusty. The harsh tones of blaster cannons filled the air as the jury rigged emplacements began sweeping the lead ranks.
More troopers fell. A shriek to my right, cut off almost before it began. A soft grunt beside me. I glanced over, the trooper to my right slid to the trench floor, his head missing. I forced my attention back to my line of fire. No time to call a medic, one wasn’t necessary. A beep from my rifle as it clicked empty. Eject the cartridge, slap a new one into place, resume fire.
Endless seconds passed. More bursts from above. Another man near me dropped. An energy bolt passed me so close I could feel the heat. Another reload, maintain fire. Yofin’s voice sounded in my ear. “Their first wave is falling back Commander, second wave forming out of rifle range.”
Dara had apparently also noticed the retreat. “Cease fire! Squad leaders, call out losses.”
“Acknowledged,” I grunted back. I released the trigger, turned and slid down the trench wall. Around me, troopers did the same. Medics raced past tending to the wounded and carrying fatalities out.
I looked around and motioned over to Redding. He gave me a quick tally and I called it in to Dara, “Major? Right flank has thirteen down, seven killed.”
Dara grimly absorbed the casualty reports then ordered replacements from the forces on the eastern side of the city. Throughout the entire time, the artillery fire on both sides continued non-stop.
“OP Three, they’re moving again sir!”
“Ready weapons!”
I stood up, looked outward. I slapped a new cartridge into my rifle; made sure my visor was locked and sighted. Again the forward lines came into focus. This time, missiles from above and behind me began screaming outward toward the vehicles mixed in.
“FIRE!”
Once again the fusillade of weapons fire cut through the lines like a scythe. This time however, their onward movement continued. I could begin to distinguish facial features when Dara’s calm voice sounded. “Flanks begin pulling back to second line. Center, we hold to cover their retreat.”
I spun around and shouted at the troopers nearby. “You heard the Major, fall back! Move! Move! Move!” As the last man in the area passed me heading for a cross trench, I fell in behind them double timing it through the trenches.
“Center units, fall back! Flanks, give us some cover!”
I shouted, “Rifles up! Fire!”
Dara passed me and shouted over the tumult of battle, “That’s it, we’re clear!”
I slapped a switch. Anyone who entered the first line of trenches or any of the crossovers to it would be in for a nasty surprise now.
“Commander, we won’t be able to hold them much longer. I recommend falling back into the city.”
I grimaced. “I was afraid of that. Yofin, where’s the fleet?”
“They have engaged the Dominion’s forces outside the sixth planet sir. Estimating another two hours before they can begin evacuation.”
“Blast! Ok, Dara, pull back to within the walls. Yofin, I need all Militia units on the walls. Also, inform the shield techs they’ll need to pull the shield back in to the wall’s perimeter.”
“Aye sir.”
Dara waited until I had completed my order before issuing her own. “You need to order the retreat sir.”
I smirked, “I prefer to call it ‘redeployment’, Major.” She grinned back at me.
“All forces, this is Commander Rogue, fall back to the city. Colonel Michaels, initiate Foul Nest. Missile teams, give us as much cover as you can.”
I nodded once toward Dara, “Fall back Major.”
“Aye sir. FALL BACK!”
I turned back to cover the retreat but Dara yanked me back down. “Sir, as senior officer you have to evacuate to the city.”
I stood silently, grappling with my need to stay with the men and the fact that she was right. “All right Major, but you and your people better be right behind me.”
“Naturally Commander.” She smacked my shoulder, then stood up and began firing back toward the enemy lines, barely a stone’s throw away. I joined the flow of men back to the city.
Passing the third and final line of trenches, I glanced back. Dara and her troops were still holding firm. Dominion forces reached the first trench and dropped in. She tossed a grenade, watched the result, then began retreating.
I passed through the hatch into the city. Militia forces were already taking up positions behind and along the top of the wall giving our retreat cover. I found a ramp and headed up to the top of the wall.
Looking out over the parapet, I saw the first and second lines of trenches had been completely overrun. The artillery pieces placed around the city had also been taken but my order to Michaels had had the crews render them useless. To my left, I saw Dara and her final few troops in a running light fight with the Dominion forces. A grenade from the Dominion flew over her head and detonated. The trench wall ahead of her and her squad collapsed. They were cut off from the city.
I shouted to the men nearby. “Cover fire, 7 o’clock!” We opened up on the Dominion but to no avail, as I watched Dara and her squad were overrun. I shouted again and then raced back down the ramp. I saw a familiar figure, “Redding! With me.” He didn’t hesitate, motioned toward his men and they immediately followed me back toward the now closed hatch. Captain Noe saw me and ran to intercepted.
“Commander no! You can’t go out there sir. She’s already dead!”
“You don’t believe that anymore than I do Captain! Now are you with me or not?”
“I can’t allow you to endanger the city sir; and that’s exactly what you’ll do if you open that hatch!” From the hatch a loud crash. In a way, I was calmed by it. He was right but I couldn’t -- wouldn’t -- accept what it entailed.”
“Blast it Jay’em! We’re not leaving her out there!”
“If she’s alive sir, we’ll bring her home. All for one.” I looked at him, and my mind’s eye flashed back to Arneb IV, when the four survivors of our squad, Captain Daramis, Lieutenant Noe, Private Redding and myself, gathered around a dirty table in a run down bar to toast fallen comrades, and vowed to watch over each other. All for one, one for all.
Troopers ran past me hurrying to their posts. I saw a few straggling civilians being herded by Militia into the shelters before they too rushed to their stations.
“Commander!”
I stopped and turned toward the sound. A young man carrying a sniper rifle caught up and saluted. “Corporal?”
“Sir, all snipers are in position.”
“Excellent, fire on my command.”
“Yes sir!” He turned and vanished into the front door of the last tall building before the city walls. I stared for a second after him before breaking into a run again. The gates began to close and I slipped through along with several other latecomers. With a resounding boom, the gates closed and sealed. Through the hazy distortion of the energy shield I could see the tree line off in the distance, soon the quiet plains in between would be covered in smoke, debris and blood.
I ran down the main road until I arrived at the final ring of trenches. There, I lowered myself down and set off again, I tapped a nearby Lieutenant’s shoulder and asked for Major Daramis’s location. He pointed and I thanked him. As I approached, I could overhear her giving final orders to the troops nearby and in the other rings.
“Major, could you use another soldier?” She turned around and looked at me with a grin like I hadn’t seen in years.
“Always Commander, even if you’re Navy now.”
I saluted, “Once infantry, always infantry Major. Where do you need me?”
She didn’t hesitate, “I’m going to command from the center. Captain Noe is taking the left flank and I’ve got Sergeant Redding on the right but he’s still pretty green. He only made squad leader a month ago. Our defense would be a more unified if you would take command over Redding’s men.”
“I’ll break it to him easy.” She nodded and moved to the side, clearing the way for a squad of troopers double timing it through the trench.
I started toward my new assignment, paused beside her. “After this is all over, I want you to seriously consider transferring to the Navy, we could really use you.”
“We’ll see sir.”
A voice sounded in my ear, “Commander? OP Three, I have movement five kilometers due west.”
I keyed my comm, “Acknowledged. Yofin, what have we got?”
She responded instantly, “Their whole force is moving sir, this looks like it. They’ll be in maximum firing range in two minutes.”
“Right, Rogue out.” I met Dara’s eye, “Party’s on.” She nodded grimly, checked her rifle and saluted.
“Good luck Commander.”
I returned her salute, “And to you.” I made it through the trenches faster than I’d thought I would and found Sergeant Redding’s squad with ease. He acknowledged the abrupt change in command without expression. I glanced over his deployment and nodded my approval. He may have been lacking in combat experience, but he knew his stuff.
I keyed my comm again. “Where are they OP Three?”
“Four kilometers and closing fast, I see infantry mixed with artillery, no air units yet.”
“Acknowledged, attention all sniper units, hold fire until my order. Artillery, begin bombardment at three kilometers”
I stepped up to the trench wall, squeezing in between two other troopers. “Rogue to Daramis.”
“Go ahead Commander.”
“Major, after the artillery and snipers open up, you may fire at your discretion.”
“Thank you sir.”
“OP Three, three kilometers and closing.”
“Artillery, open fire!”
With the thunderous roar of nearly sixty artillery pieces, the Battle of New Downtime began. I watched the approaching forces to see the results. I wasn’t disappointed. Shells burst all through the formation, flinging troopers into the air and causing the ranks to disintegrate into chaos.
The trooper beside me snickered, “They weren’t expecting that.” The approaching troopers increased their speed. They seem intent to overwhelm us with sheer numbers.
“Snipers, fire at will.” Acknowledgements sounded in my ear, followed immediately by Dara’s.
“All forward units hold fire until my order. Remember you’re the only thing standing between the Dominion and all those civilians. Aim high.” The enemy artillery began to return fire. Above our heads shells exploded against the shield. They were close enough now to be seen as individuals, any time now Dara would order... “Ready weapons!” Simultaneously every trooper on the line flipped off the safeties and sighted along their rifles.
“FIRE!”
With another roar, five hundred rifles opened up. The approaching line collapsed under the withering hail. Return fire began to fill the air around us. An energy bolt struck the ground not more than 6 inches from my nose. Blinking dirt from my eyes, I cursed and reached up, slapped my visor down. Maybe Navy had made me a bit rusty. The harsh tones of blaster cannons filled the air as the jury rigged emplacements began sweeping the lead ranks.
More troopers fell. A shriek to my right, cut off almost before it began. A soft grunt beside me. I glanced over, the trooper to my right slid to the trench floor, his head missing. I forced my attention back to my line of fire. No time to call a medic, one wasn’t necessary. A beep from my rifle as it clicked empty. Eject the cartridge, slap a new one into place, resume fire.
Endless seconds passed. More bursts from above. Another man near me dropped. An energy bolt passed me so close I could feel the heat. Another reload, maintain fire. Yofin’s voice sounded in my ear. “Their first wave is falling back Commander, second wave forming out of rifle range.”
Dara had apparently also noticed the retreat. “Cease fire! Squad leaders, call out losses.”
“Acknowledged,” I grunted back. I released the trigger, turned and slid down the trench wall. Around me, troopers did the same. Medics raced past tending to the wounded and carrying fatalities out.
I looked around and motioned over to Redding. He gave me a quick tally and I called it in to Dara, “Major? Right flank has thirteen down, seven killed.”
Dara grimly absorbed the casualty reports then ordered replacements from the forces on the eastern side of the city. Throughout the entire time, the artillery fire on both sides continued non-stop.
“OP Three, they’re moving again sir!”
“Ready weapons!”
I stood up, looked outward. I slapped a new cartridge into my rifle; made sure my visor was locked and sighted. Again the forward lines came into focus. This time, missiles from above and behind me began screaming outward toward the vehicles mixed in.
“FIRE!”
Once again the fusillade of weapons fire cut through the lines like a scythe. This time however, their onward movement continued. I could begin to distinguish facial features when Dara’s calm voice sounded. “Flanks begin pulling back to second line. Center, we hold to cover their retreat.”
I spun around and shouted at the troopers nearby. “You heard the Major, fall back! Move! Move! Move!” As the last man in the area passed me heading for a cross trench, I fell in behind them double timing it through the trenches.
“Center units, fall back! Flanks, give us some cover!”
I shouted, “Rifles up! Fire!”
Dara passed me and shouted over the tumult of battle, “That’s it, we’re clear!”
I slapped a switch. Anyone who entered the first line of trenches or any of the crossovers to it would be in for a nasty surprise now.
“Commander, we won’t be able to hold them much longer. I recommend falling back into the city.”
I grimaced. “I was afraid of that. Yofin, where’s the fleet?”
“They have engaged the Dominion’s forces outside the sixth planet sir. Estimating another two hours before they can begin evacuation.”
“Blast! Ok, Dara, pull back to within the walls. Yofin, I need all Militia units on the walls. Also, inform the shield techs they’ll need to pull the shield back in to the wall’s perimeter.”
“Aye sir.”
Dara waited until I had completed my order before issuing her own. “You need to order the retreat sir.”
I smirked, “I prefer to call it ‘redeployment’, Major.” She grinned back at me.
“All forces, this is Commander Rogue, fall back to the city. Colonel Michaels, initiate Foul Nest. Missile teams, give us as much cover as you can.”
I nodded once toward Dara, “Fall back Major.”
“Aye sir. FALL BACK!”
I turned back to cover the retreat but Dara yanked me back down. “Sir, as senior officer you have to evacuate to the city.”
I stood silently, grappling with my need to stay with the men and the fact that she was right. “All right Major, but you and your people better be right behind me.”
“Naturally Commander.” She smacked my shoulder, then stood up and began firing back toward the enemy lines, barely a stone’s throw away. I joined the flow of men back to the city.
Passing the third and final line of trenches, I glanced back. Dara and her troops were still holding firm. Dominion forces reached the first trench and dropped in. She tossed a grenade, watched the result, then began retreating.
I passed through the hatch into the city. Militia forces were already taking up positions behind and along the top of the wall giving our retreat cover. I found a ramp and headed up to the top of the wall.
Looking out over the parapet, I saw the first and second lines of trenches had been completely overrun. The artillery pieces placed around the city had also been taken but my order to Michaels had had the crews render them useless. To my left, I saw Dara and her final few troops in a running light fight with the Dominion forces. A grenade from the Dominion flew over her head and detonated. The trench wall ahead of her and her squad collapsed. They were cut off from the city.
I shouted to the men nearby. “Cover fire, 7 o’clock!” We opened up on the Dominion but to no avail, as I watched Dara and her squad were overrun. I shouted again and then raced back down the ramp. I saw a familiar figure, “Redding! With me.” He didn’t hesitate, motioned toward his men and they immediately followed me back toward the now closed hatch. Captain Noe saw me and ran to intercepted.
“Commander no! You can’t go out there sir. She’s already dead!”
“You don’t believe that anymore than I do Captain! Now are you with me or not?”
“I can’t allow you to endanger the city sir; and that’s exactly what you’ll do if you open that hatch!” From the hatch a loud crash. In a way, I was calmed by it. He was right but I couldn’t -- wouldn’t -- accept what it entailed.”
“Blast it Jay’em! We’re not leaving her out there!”
“If she’s alive sir, we’ll bring her home. All for one.” I looked at him, and my mind’s eye flashed back to Arneb IV, when the four survivors of our squad, Captain Daramis, Lieutenant Noe, Private Redding and myself, gathered around a dirty table in a run down bar to toast fallen comrades, and vowed to watch over each other. All for one, one for all.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
What happens in Vegas...Monday
After the night before, I can completely understand why the first thing on the conference agenda didn't begin until 10 am, and that was only for the Board and Committee members. The first thing that average delegates were able to attend would be seminars beginning at 11:15 am. My supervisor glanced at them the night before and neither caught his fancy, either for himself or for me. So instead of attending, we slept in, went to breakfast at the Rio's Carnival World Buffet. To say it was delicious would not do it justice. Soooooooooooo good.
Then we decided to see some sights and headed out to Hoover Dam. Having just saw Transformers, it felt like I'd just been there, but while the Dam was just as large as I imagined, the bridges that connected the towers were a lot smaller than they looked. Based on the size of the bridges, Starscream isn't really that big of a Transformer. Go figure.
Anyway, after we spent about 30 minutes at the Dam, we headed back to Vegas and attended the afternoon seminars. The one we attended was called, "Rental Taxation Issues". Let me tell you something. That thing wasn't nearly as exciting as it sounds. Though it started good, the suit that was opening the session began by saying that taxes had to be paid yada yada bad things happen when you don't pay your taxes and he had a friend who was going to tell us what happened when you don't pay your taxes. Elvis came on stage and sang "Jailhouse Rock". He was good! I still don't like Elvis though.
After that seminar (it honestly wasn't that bad), we met up with our company's group and one of our Regional managers was disappointed we'd already gone to the Dam because he hadn't seen it before, but since it was only a 25 min drive, and the dinner wasn't for another two hours my supervisor decided to go again. So we all piled into the van and headed out again. Back to the Dam, oohed and aaahed then headed back to Vegas, up to our respective rooms to change for Monday's evening activities.
Dinner was at the Flamingo along with an awards ceremony. It was a decent buffet though the chicken was dry. After dinner we were all given our tickets for the next show. After Sunday's "entertainment" I was a bit hesitant. But our company was sponsoring the event I attended. I got the added perk that our company got front row seats (I was literally resting my elbow on the stage.)
Monday night we saw The Second City. It's an improv comedy show. Saturday Night Live meets Who's line is it anyway? They were good, I had many hearty laughs though some of their stuff was a tad edgy. Though compared to Cool, they were positively prudish.
After the show, our group headed out to another night on the town. A couple of bars including one that was very good, across the street from the Mirage, outdoors, shaped like a carousel, with a live band. The music was great, the drinks I wouldn't know because I abstained. Simply because I was so tired that any additional alcohol (I'd had a drink at the show) and I'd fall asleep. Eventually I was nodding off enough that the big boss of the group handed me a twenty and told me to catch a cab. Fare was $7 back to the resort, I tipped the guy $3, went to the room and fell asleep. Tomorrow was my flight home.
Then we decided to see some sights and headed out to Hoover Dam. Having just saw Transformers, it felt like I'd just been there, but while the Dam was just as large as I imagined, the bridges that connected the towers were a lot smaller than they looked. Based on the size of the bridges, Starscream isn't really that big of a Transformer. Go figure.
Anyway, after we spent about 30 minutes at the Dam, we headed back to Vegas and attended the afternoon seminars. The one we attended was called, "Rental Taxation Issues". Let me tell you something. That thing wasn't nearly as exciting as it sounds. Though it started good, the suit that was opening the session began by saying that taxes had to be paid yada yada bad things happen when you don't pay your taxes and he had a friend who was going to tell us what happened when you don't pay your taxes. Elvis came on stage and sang "Jailhouse Rock". He was good! I still don't like Elvis though.
After that seminar (it honestly wasn't that bad), we met up with our company's group and one of our Regional managers was disappointed we'd already gone to the Dam because he hadn't seen it before, but since it was only a 25 min drive, and the dinner wasn't for another two hours my supervisor decided to go again. So we all piled into the van and headed out again. Back to the Dam, oohed and aaahed then headed back to Vegas, up to our respective rooms to change for Monday's evening activities.
Dinner was at the Flamingo along with an awards ceremony. It was a decent buffet though the chicken was dry. After dinner we were all given our tickets for the next show. After Sunday's "entertainment" I was a bit hesitant. But our company was sponsoring the event I attended. I got the added perk that our company got front row seats (I was literally resting my elbow on the stage.)
Monday night we saw The Second City. It's an improv comedy show. Saturday Night Live meets Who's line is it anyway? They were good, I had many hearty laughs though some of their stuff was a tad edgy. Though compared to Cool, they were positively prudish.
After the show, our group headed out to another night on the town. A couple of bars including one that was very good, across the street from the Mirage, outdoors, shaped like a carousel, with a live band. The music was great, the drinks I wouldn't know because I abstained. Simply because I was so tired that any additional alcohol (I'd had a drink at the show) and I'd fall asleep. Eventually I was nodding off enough that the big boss of the group handed me a twenty and told me to catch a cab. Fare was $7 back to the resort, I tipped the guy $3, went to the room and fell asleep. Tomorrow was my flight home.
Monday, October 8, 2007
If you don't like it here then leave!!
Sorry to interrupt my summary of my trip to Vegas but I saw something over the weekend that so angered me I had to post a rant. I live in a decent apartment complex and my neighbors are a varied mix of folks. Some have political bumper stickers, some don't. I have my Darth Vader antenna topper (Thanks again Mum!) which I am immensely proud of. Anyway, I pulled into my building's parking lot and I saw a car parked with the this on a bumper sticker:
Kansas - As bigoted as you think
Don't get me wrong, the only connection I have to Kansas is, I currently live here and my wife is from here though she, like myself, was born in Missouri, unlike me, she lived the majority of her life here. I on the other hand don't really have a "home state". I call Missouri my home since, in bits and pieces I have spent more time in Missouri than anywhere else. But I'm definitely Midwestern and while Kansas isn't home, it's close enough.
This state is NOT bigoted! I won't deny there aren't racists here, there are racists everywhere, for a short time there was one in my family (thank god my aunt divorced that loser).
I better than anyone should know this. Looking at me, you see a white guy, looking at my name, you see a Hispanic. Now I've seen employers (and colleges) who were obviously expecting to see a "minority" walk through their door for an interview and I've seen people who weren't expecting a white guy to have Mexican blood. But these are so few and far between as to be negligible.
In a way, that sticker is right, this state is only as bigoted as you think. Facts are it isn't but that won't convince the those who want to believe it is.
Oh, and the most ironic thing (least to me) is that right above that sticker (they've got it in their rear windshield) is a sticker for Kansas State University.
So I'll say it again...you think this state is so bad, then get out of it! It may not be home, but it's good enough for me.
Kansas - As bigoted as you think
Don't get me wrong, the only connection I have to Kansas is, I currently live here and my wife is from here though she, like myself, was born in Missouri, unlike me, she lived the majority of her life here. I on the other hand don't really have a "home state". I call Missouri my home since, in bits and pieces I have spent more time in Missouri than anywhere else. But I'm definitely Midwestern and while Kansas isn't home, it's close enough.
This state is NOT bigoted! I won't deny there aren't racists here, there are racists everywhere, for a short time there was one in my family (thank god my aunt divorced that loser).
I better than anyone should know this. Looking at me, you see a white guy, looking at my name, you see a Hispanic. Now I've seen employers (and colleges) who were obviously expecting to see a "minority" walk through their door for an interview and I've seen people who weren't expecting a white guy to have Mexican blood. But these are so few and far between as to be negligible.
In a way, that sticker is right, this state is only as bigoted as you think. Facts are it isn't but that won't convince the those who want to believe it is.
Oh, and the most ironic thing (least to me) is that right above that sticker (they've got it in their rear windshield) is a sticker for Kansas State University.
So I'll say it again...you think this state is so bad, then get out of it! It may not be home, but it's good enough for me.
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