EV/EVO Chronicles: Three: chapters 3-6

The next part of my story. Look for more soon!

Chapter 3

"Uh-oh!" Mykal exclaimed.

"This is no time to get all panicky Captain. Stay focused. I need a scan on the extremely large vessel. I can't identify it very well from this angle, but it does look considerably larger than a Voinian Cruiser. Have Commander Reyies order our four fighters to take on any other fighters. Try and get out of Voinia's gravity field so we can jump out." I ordered.

"Sir, that is impossible. The monstrous unidentified vessel is carrying artificial gravity generators. We'll have to fight through this one," said an unidentified bridge officer.

"We have identified the extremely large Vessel Sir. It appears to be a Class Two Voinian Dreadnought. They have close to twice the firepower and are much larger than the original," said Captain Forse. "If I don't get out of this, I want you to tell my mother goodbye for me."

"You're talking crazy now. Of course we will get out of this, you just have to stay positive. Don't ever give up. We are all survivors," I exclaimed. I was about to be proven wrong.

The crew of the Dominant fought bravely, but we were no match for the force assembled before us. With blazing neutron guns, the Voinian ships devastated our fighters. In minutes, we were left escortless. As our shields started to go, the crew became increasingly nervous. One explosion, just aft of the bridge, toppled the navigation computer on top of Captain Forse. As he screamed for help, the shields went and the crew began panicking. While having Commander Reyies take control of the situation, I assisted Mykal. He had a fractured leg. I had two crew members take him to the medical bay.

When the Hull reached twenty five percent, I ordered the crew to evacuate. As the crew pilled into the escape pods, I waited for the captain to return. He didn't. I assumed he had already gotten to an escape pod and used the closest one to me, hoping the Voinians would not intercept any of the pods. After my escape pod ejected from the Dominant, I watched the UE cruiser blow up before my eyes. Unfortunately, we weren't safe yet. The Voinians were capturing numerous escape pods.

It was then that the impossible happened. I had heard rumors about it, but never really believed them, thinking they were fabricated by some drunks. But the simple sensors on my escape pod showed that the U.E.S. Incontrovertible had just jumped in. It was amazing, that after all these years my parent really weren't dead.

The former flagship of the UE launched it's fighters and prepared to save the crew of the Dominant from capture. The warship did a spectacular job of diverting the Voinians, and by the time it left the system, our escape pods were already out of reach of the Voinian vessels. We had been saved by a ghost ship. As we drifted from system to system, we were eventually picked up by a UE Carrier. The captain was friendly and brought us back to Outpost Sigma, even though he was ordered to go to Kelamoan. I received horrible news when I arrived at the station.

First, Voinia was not destroyed by the wreckage of Borb Station, and second, Captain Forse had not ejected, but instead decided to go down with his ship, joining his sister in the afterlife. This was depressing news. However, I had to tell d'Erlon about the Voinians battle group.

"Vice Admiral, the Voinians have a massive fleet consisting of at least one dreadnought. They destroyed the Dominant, and killed or captured several of her crew," I stated, and then immediately boarded the Eye of Sefor with my brothers. We would have an interesting conversation on the way to New Calcutta, the home of the Forse family.

"What do you mean you saw it?" asked Zach. He was very skeptical of my claim about the Incontrovertible, blaming it on some of my past psychological problems. But I know what I saw.

"You couldn't have seen it. It was destroyed a long time ago, along with Mom and Dad. You are clearly delusional. You need some serious help," said Adam. He was also pretty skeptical of my claim.

"Listen, I know what I saw. If the two of you choose to ignore reality, than go ahead, just don't question my sanity." I defended myself. It turned out that within a few months that the U.E.S. Incontrovertible would make it's appearance for my brothers. However, in the mean time, we had arrived at New Calcutta.

After several hours of searching, I had found the Forse's residence. It wasn't very large. I talked to Mykal's mother, and gave her her son's last words, and apologized. I spent several hours there talking about both Voldess and Mykal. Eventually I said good-bye and left Selena Sefor in her misery and emotional pain.

We traveled back to Outpost Sigma in silence. I was distraught by the utter loss of life I had seen. I would still be forced to put up with the hardships of life for another few years. When we returned to Outpost Sigma, the Vice Admiral's assistant told us we were late for an important meeting.

The three of us rushed to the Briefing room. Assembled before us were the leaders of all the major governments in the galaxy, including the renegades and strands. They had decided to put down their differences and eliminate the Voinian threat once and for all. And they wanted the Rigadaz triplets to lead the attack.

Chapter 4

The government leaders assembled before us were glad to see Zach, Adam and myself. Predictably, it was Admiral McPherson who spoke first. "Greetings. The United Earth government has communicated with the leaders of all the significant governments throughout the known galaxy. We hope that you three will help us take a stand against Voinian oppression."

"I'm sure you are aware that the Azdgari are currently waging a three way war with the Zidagar and the Igadzra," says commander Eniret, an influential Azdgari leader, "But we are fighting together against the Voinians."

"We are aware that our weapons are not extremely strong against Voinian weapons, but we will make due. Our ships outnumber theirs several times over. We are confident we will succeed," Claimed Admiral Nisha, The leader of the Zidagar navy.

It was the unidentified leader of the Igadzra that spoke next. "If you chose to assist us in our fight against the tyranny and oppression of the Voinians, you will be rewarded well. All governments will assist you to obtain whatever you desire. The UE has also provided you with assistants. The Zopyar sisters from Molos will help you lead us to victory!"

It was then that I noticed the group of middle aged women sitting with Admiral McPherson. There were three of them, sitting quietly and radiating beauty.

"I'm sure we have all had enough of this. I ask that we resume our meeting tomorrow," Said Freeport Fred, one of the leaders of the Renegades. Surprisingly, half the people in the room muttered their agreements and began to leave. Zach, Adam and I went to talk with the Zopyar sisters. There names were Jessica, Clorice, and Sarah. My brothers and I spent the night with them, eating together in the mess hall, and then looking through the docking ring, admiring the several alien ships there. I instantly fell in love with the Igazra. Zach was entranced by the Zidara, and Adam dreamed of flying an Azdara. I suppose that is when we acquired our nicknames; "Banana Boy", "Purple People Eater", and "Insectoid", respectively. They stuck with us for the rest of our lives.

After a lovely night, we saw the Zopyar sisters to their rooms aboard the station and retired to the Eye for some rest before the big meeting tomorrow.

Upon waking up, We were disturbed by the unidentified Igadzran leader. "I felt it necessary to inform you that the Council of the Gadzair system has forbidden any government from participating in this attack. I believe that the three of you will move to the top of their search and eliminate list if you decide to lead this attack." he informed us, "However, that does not mean that I don't want you to assist us, I just thought I would inform you of the Council's vile intentions." His words had no effect on our desire to lead the group that would finally rid the galaxy of the Voinians.

By nine hundred hours that morning we had returned to our meeting. This time, it was the first elder of the Emalgha who spoke. "We know that the Voinians needed some kind of help to assemble such a fleet. Their original dreadnought had nearly destroyed their shipbuilding productions. With the loss of half of it's territory, the empire is in no position to build yet another dreadnought, not without some outside help."

After hearing the Emalgha elders words all three strand leaders stood up and unanimously shouted "The Council!".

Commander Eniret took the pleasures of explaining the situation to the rest of the leaders. "The Council has refused to allow us to fight against the Voinians. There could be no other purpose than for them to do this other than with an alliance with the Voinians. They have enough resources to construct several dreadnoughts. It must be them!"

The rest of the group mumbled in agreement. Admiral McPherson spoke next. "If this is true, than we are in over our heads. Dealing with one dreadnought would be enough of a strain on our resources. We can not handle any more. Zach, with your time spent in the United Earth Military, I was wondering if you and your brothers could infiltrate Council station in the Gadzair system and confirm the beliefs of the strand leaders. If the Council is indeed involved we will need to accurately plan and prepare for the coming attack."

Admiral Nisha spoke up. "That is all but impossible. The council never lets anyone in their system except for authorized vessels which have a history with the rulers of the council. How do you expect a group of civilians to work there way onto the station?" sneered the Admiral.

"We are important civilians. We helped defeat the Voinians at the battle of Sol. Just because we chose to resign makes us no less important." Adam started defending us.

"I am not doubting your ability, I am just pointing out that everyone has there limits. No one is unstoppable," Nisha said.

The Chief of staff of all fleets in UE space stepped between Adam and Nisha's cold gazes. "Gentleman, please stop your petty bickering. It really has no relevance to our discussion. Please, can we get back to the main topic? Besides, Admiral, you will find the Rigadaz Triplets quite indestructible." He tried to calm my brother and his new rival.

How could anyone ever be more wrong.

Chapter 5

As we prepared to leave Outpost Sigma, Admiral McPherson stopped us. "This mission is vital to the survival of the universe as we know it. You must discover if the council is involved in this mess."

"Yes sir!" we all intoned at once.

"And Adam?" the Admiral asked.

"Yes, Admiral McPherson?" Adam quickly responded.

"Try to get along with Admiral Nisha. He is making a strong effort to help us defeat the Voinians and doesn't need an overly eccentric fighter pilot snipping at his heels," McPherson belittled him.

As soon as McPherson was out of earshot, Zach and I heard Adam mutter under his breath, "Well, Nisha started it."

We took off and made our way slowly to the Gadzair system. The trip took longer than I had expected it to; I had never noticed how slow the Eye of Sefor traveled both at sublight and lightspeed. I guess I had been spoiled when admiring the faster crescent vessels. Nevertheless, we made it to Igadzra in time. While enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of the planet, we were permitted to use the deserted spaceport bar to plan our infiltration.

Within a few days I had a plan. It almost mirrored my plan against the Voinians. One of our crescent fighters would jump in and divert the councils attention while the Eye would enter the Gadzair system and land and try to learn of any involvement. Luckily, before we left Outpost Sigma, UE scientists installed yet another one of their cloaking devices into our ship. With a cloaked ship, our infiltration of Council Station would be that much easier. We launched the fighter and took off ourselves; and prepared to engage in combat.

As we jumped into the system I discovered my plan had failed. The Council was not fooled by the fighter and kept their warships close enough to the station that it would have caused a problem for the Eye, were we not cloaked.

Not for the first time, I was glad that UE scientists spent so much time installing their cloaking devices on numerous special vessels, The Eye of Sefor included.

Despite the large blockade of numerous and varied crescent warships, we made our way unscathed onto the Station. Once we were there however was a different story. As we got out of the ship, the commanding officer, Lieutenant Marsh, was shot by one of the numerous Neutron blasters firing at us. Fortunately, it was not life-threatening. As we dived for cover I began to wonder where the Council had gotten the Voinian weapons. That topic didn't stay on my mind for long.

Our crew was outnumbered from the start. Luckily, the large number of boxes and pieces of metal all over created a good cover for us. As the fierce shoot-out continued, I ordered we get back to the ship. I retrieved the Lieutenant and ran for the Eye. Most of the crew made it back and we took off.

Taking off turned out to be a bad idea. The Orbiting vessels were shooting a cross pattern of fire that would eventually hit and uncloak our ship. "Take evasive action! We can't be hit!" I started shouting.

The exercise was pointless. Within the fist few seconds, our ship was hit and the cloaking shield was down. In the next few moments, I made a rather stupid decision. I decided to pilot one of the two remaining Crescent fighters. Sarah Zopyar took the other one. Now I finally wished I had one of those heavily armored Voinian fighters.

There were several fighters surrounding the Eye. I pulled up on the stick, barely missing the phase cannon fire on my tail. I rolled around and found myself behind a Lazira. I switched to SAD launchers, I wasn't going to waste my shot with the weaker phase cannons, acquired a lock and pulled the trigger, releasing two SAD modules. They tore through the Lazira's shields and I gave him a burst of Phase fire, disabling his vessel.

Suddenly, a pursuit missile smashed against my fighter. As I was sent spinning out of control I finally saw it again. The U.E.S. Incontrovertible appeared behind the Council's warships. My brothers could not deny it's existence now. It slowly snuck up on the Council vessel's and had a Crescent Warship pinned down as Sarah and I teamed up and attacked the nearest Warship. The Incontrovertible's appearance had thrown the Council of stride, and we quickly retreated.

I found myself back on the bridge in no time, overjoyed that I had survived my first battle in a fighter craft. Maybe I was gloating a little bit too that I had proven myself right to my brothers about our parents. Unbelievably, they were still skeptical. "Obviously a deception," said Zach, "You are really too gullible, Igor."

Now I was angry. They had seen it with their own eyes, and still they refused to accept that it was real. Some people had no faith. Sarah and I wandered down to the medical section to see how Lieutenant Marsh was doing.

We made our way back to Outpost Sigma rather slowly. During our trip, my brothers and I were spending a lot of time with the Zopyar sisters. Even though I swore to myself I would never feel attraction to another woman after Voldess, I think I was falling in love with Sarah. My brothers were also becoming involved with Sarah's sisters. Before we returned to the Station, all three of us were engaged.

Chapter 6

When we returned, the Strand rulers immediately started "briefing" our crew one by one. Their interrogation lasted for two days, but they were satisfied with the end result. They had discovered our love with their three vessels, the Azdara, the Igazra and the Zidara, and so we received these warships as a reward for a good job on our mission. Other governments provided us with money and various items when they learned of our success. We started upgrading our ships as soon as the deeds were in our hands.

At that moment, my brothers and I decided that we were done with Sefor Trading Co. We relinquished command of the company to Selena Sefor, the last surviving member of the Sefor family. Jason Marsh, the lieutenant from our previous vessel, the Eye, decided to stay with Zach aboard his new Zidara.

As the leaders were holding another of their frequent meetings, The Zopyar sisters and my brothers and I were married at the same ceremony. Our marriage's were not perfect; in fact, there were many arguments. I always felt like I was betraying Melissa, but Sarah and I loved each other.

The day after my honeymoon, I turned my attention to naming my new Igazra. I was sure Zach and Adam were probably doing the same now, if they hadn't done so already. Remembering that one of my previous crew members had called me the "Banana Boy" I finally decided to call my new warship the Banana Boat.

I put Sarah in charge of outfitting my ship and decided to attend another of those boring governmental meetings. I saw my brothers there and learned about their plans for the immediate future. Jessica and Clorice were already upgrading the Magneato and the Grasshopper. They needed to get back to the trivial governmental functions as well.

"Glad to see you could finally join us," Admiral McPherson started, annoyance seeping through his voice. "I hope you enjoyed your time off with your wives and new gifts, a sign of our gratitude. The next few weeks will take a lot out of everyone."

Commander Eniret started saying, "The Council is obviously in league with the Voinians if they have neutron weapons, and didn't fall for Igor's bait. They have a lot of metal and tools surrounding the docking ring so something must be up. Normally, the whole station is deserted. Why they have not yet announced their involvement with the Voinian empire is a mystery, however one that will have to wait."

Verane, also an Azdgari, and the leader of the Zacha, spoke up for the first time. "Something is wrong here. The Voinians have had their Dreadnought ready to fight for at least two months now. Why have they not used it to attack Earth yet?"

"As disturbing as that statement was, Verane, many of my people's freighter's and warship's have seen this vessel in Voinian space. My only guess is that they are collecting more warships and spreading enthusiasm throughout their space. Our reports indicate that the effectiveness of Voinian raids in our sectors have increased by twenty percent. I'm sure it's been the same for the UE," the Emalghan First Elder said.

The meeting dragged on for three more hours. I couldn't stand being away from Sarah much longer. When the meeting had ended, I rushed back to Sarah and spent the rest of the night with her.

A few weeks had passed and our upgrades had arrived and were installed. The three ships were ready for combat whenever they were needed. As it turned out, they wouldn't have to wait that long.

We spent days going over different plans to eliminate the Voinian dreadnought and it's corresponding fleet. The various government leaders decided to have whatever Warships were needed to be sent to Earth. The outpost was left with a skeletal defense and everyone set out towards Earth. Earth seemed like the most likely place the Voinians planned to strike at. The Human race had humiliated the Voinians on numerous occasions there, pulling victories out of certain defeat.

As I boarded the Banana Boat, I realized I had never traveled through hyperspace before on her. This would be an interesting trip. She still smelled like a new ship. It was an exhilarating experience, being in command of such a mighty warship. I had over one hundred men and women under his command. The feeling of power this gave me is beyond description. I could do what I wanted with their lives, and the crew of any ship passing by within range of my weapons.

I knew these were natural feelings for any man in command of so many people. But still, they didn't feel right. I decided maybe I should give in to my wife's wants and go see a psychologist. Maybe.

We arrived at Earth, the Capital of the United Earth government within a few days. Defenses were prepared in the same hive of activity as they were in the days of the Voinian War. Within a few days everything was ready for the coming attack. Fighter's were prepped, ground based weapons were warmed up, all recent Voinian battle codes were sent to the Capital, and the UE defense fleet was ready for anything the Voinians decided to throw at them.

The preparations couldn't have been finished at a better time. The Voinian fleet jumped in the next day.

(This message has been edited by moderator (edited 11-02-2001).)