| Jovian APAworks | Volume 1, Number 5 | April, 2001 |
"In the end the only thing you have is the love of those who love you." -- American Proverb
"How do I begin this entry? Kirkpatrick Kyle, Taii, rating Cyber Encryption and Security, 54-8117, Venusian Maritime Defense Force Special Forces, GSF9 Team 7........status: recovering. Our current mission is helping the Shar'Niva Tribe and it's 26 clans. We never pictured ourselves helping out Nomad tribes. Life is indeed interesting. I guess we needed to help make something right in this world when everything went so wrong. During the past four years that we've lived here, we have been making a difference in the lives of the people aboard Nomad colony "Lady Liberty".
"At first we didn't know how the indigenous population would respond to us or if they would even believe that Venusian special ops veterans wanted nothing more then to make something right and the chance to prove it through hard work and integrity. We figured that they would be suspicious because everyone else knows that special operatives didn't show up on your doorstep to engage in community improvement projects. Most of the indigenous people didn't even know what a special ops team did and most didn't care. We soon learned that the Nomad tribes were not "everyone" else in this world.
"The reasons that did cause suspicion about us had everything to do with the fact that we were foreigners, I forget the Nomadic runic term for it, and they wanted to see if we were true to our word about our desire to help them and possibly improve the quality of life for everyone. Well God was with us, or fortune as Stryfe calls it, because one of their auxiliary communications signal boosters was down and needed repair. After 16 hours of work and 290 cups of green tea we got that old Mk 3300 Mod 8 system up and running. Then there have been the pirate raids but we've dwelt with them. To date we've hunted and destroyed two pirate frigates, one windjammer (it was truly bizarre to behold a solar sail ship in this day and age), 3 attack fighters, and 6 mecha from two different pirate groups. Ever since the pirates have been leery about raiding LL. We've been told that Team 7 has developed a reputation within the pirate community, I think they call us Skull Crushers or something, who knows. Pirates are an annoyance but not to be underestimated. Orion has been uncovering some indications that there are some pirate bases located somewhere on the other side of the rings but that's another story.
"Team 7 now consists of me, Orion Blackwell, callsign Stryfe, rank Chui, rating intel and infiltration. Stryfe is a master of when it comes to gathering intel about someone or a group. He's also a connoisseur of spirits and wines. Rad EnMaster, callsign Conman, rank Chui, rating Bio Net specialist and heavy weapons support. Watch out when Conman and Stryfe get together for a night on the town, these two childhood friends are inseparable and they're always getting into crazy adventures. Our unofficial leader is Jason Kawamoto, callsign Lion, rank Taii, he lead fireteam alpha, and he's one of my best friend. Both Team 7 and the Nomads consider him a leader in some capacity because of his humbleness and natural ability to lead. Ever since the disaster of the Lima 7 op, he doesn't believe that he deserves the privilege of leading anyone. During the op, team commander, Lieutenant Commander Kazunori was killed and the team's leadership fell to Lion, but, the mission just fell apart...it wasn't his fault. Lion hasn't been the same since, none of us have been. Being here has been a healing for us all. I know he still blames himself for what happened, I hope one day he realized that it wasn't his fault but you can't tell a leader to believe such a thing.
"Lion's very withdrawn, don't get me wrong, he's very cordial and friendly with everyone but getting close to him proves difficult for anyone new. He loves the Nomad children and teenagers, us of course, and the new honorary member to the team, Candace Freedom. Candace's callsign is Jupiter...after her favorite planet in the system, she hails from Clan Snow Leopard. When we first arrived Candace helped us to gain the trust of the Shar'Niva's clans and to tell the truth she has helped all us heal in some way, especially Lion. To us Jupiter like the kid sister we never had and boy are we ever protective of her, especially Lion. He may not admit it yet but Lion has been much happier since helping her, he smiles more often now but the pain is still in his eyes, it's in all of our eyes. This is a lot of information but everything will explain itself, I hope.
"Well time to get the observatory telescope up and running for the North Side 5th grade elementary class. End Entry. Knightshift out."
Pop! Pop! Pop! "Nuts." Jason always seems to use that word whenever something went wrong. The 12-year, special ops veteran looked perplexingly at the panel of faintly lit fiber optic circuits in the darkened passageway of section 32. Emergency lamps dimly cast light onto steel passageway. Candace's petite figure knelt beside Jason. The 20year old female Nomad requested diagnostic information from her Venusian Military Industries M1200A2 data slate. The entire team had been trying to figure out why the lighting circuits had shut down on this section of grav deck two.
"Any luck guys?" Rad asked Candace and Jason, while scratching his short blond hair, confounded by this challenge. He and Orion tried to figure out how to reconnect power to the lighting circuitry. The Bio net specialist and intel specialist both took pulls from their Jovian Dark beers, looked at one another, then back at the fiber optic circuitry in the deck panel again. I bet this irony is funny to someone somewhere. Orion thought to himself.
Candace replied back to Rad without looking up from her data slate. "Negative Conman, we haven't found anything on our end yet." The 5'4"Candace loved calling everyone by their callsigns and using the military terminology they'd taught her thus far. Hmmm what if there's a short somewhere or a feedback loop somewhere in the system? She wondered to herself.
At that moment Jason thought of the same thing. Both of them had been doing that from day one. He asked Orion to try something. "Stryfe, what does your DS say about a possible circuit reversal on your end?"
Orion input the diagnostic question into the data slate, almost immediately the DS replied that there was a strong possibility of a feedback loop in conduit 187 on circuits Blue and Purple. "Ya, looks like a possible feedback loop on conduit 187, circuits Bravo and Papa, say again possible Foxtrot Li..." Orion stopped himself before finishing his reply to Lion, Lima 7. he thought. For a brief second Stryfe's blue eyes were focused on nightmarish memories before he turned back to the task at hand. Rad diverted his eyes elsewhere in thought. As a defensive measure the team seem to concentrate harder on the challenge before them.
In all of their four years of friendship Candace had never been told what had happened during the Lima 7 operation and she had never asked. She could sense the hurt in them and had always been able to see the pain in their eyes. Candace reached out and gently touched Jason's arm, silently asking him if he was all right.
Jason looked into her emerald eyes and smiled kindly to tell her that he was ok and to thank Jupiter for her kindness. "Affirmative Stryfe, possible feedback loop in conduit 187 on Bravo and Papa circuits. Nuts, how bout reversing those circuits over?" Scratching his long curly black hair as he asked Orion about the possible solution.
Another pull on the Jovian Dark and a shrug from the 5'7" Rad and 5'6"Orion as they answered back. "Sure why not. Standby Lion, Jupiter, we're going to try reversal." Rad's grey eyes fixed on the fiber optic circuits that he was reversing. Which promptly and suddenly glowed brighter then was normal. Rad scrambled to undo the reversal.
"WHOA! Quick, quick!" Orion yelled, his long black hair getting in his eyes as he launched forward to see if he could assist Rad.
Jason asked for a situation report, his face contorted into one of those I hope they're not blowing something up again looks. "Um Stryfe, Conman, what's your sit-rep?"
The lines were brighter now as Orion responded to Jason's request. "Well, we got the lights to energize here Lion."
Rad quickly finished reversing the circuits and the light dimmed back to the dull glow that was normal for FO circuits. "But it only lasted for a few seconds guys." Both men let out a breath and then took long pulls on their beers again.
"Uh huh. You didn't blow anything up did you?" Jason had to ask the question, he smiled and winked at his younger companion. Candace covered her mouth as she let out a giggle causing her long, straight, brown hair dance around her doll like face. Lion always loved seeing her laugh. She's been depressed more often then not as of late, it's good to see her laugh and forget whatever has her down. I'll make sure to talk with her later. Their friendship was such that they'd always been open and truthful with each other. He was fonder of her then he was willing to admit to himself. Those factors ensured that he would always be there for her when she needed.
Rad answered back. "No what would make you ask that?" Rad blinked several times from the bright light that had left blue spots in his vision. "Everything is fine. Really." Candace's giggling had become contagious and was rapidly spreading among the team. Stryfe was in a hysterical fit of laughter. Rad was snickering while he told Jason that they'd honestly lit up their section of the darkened grav deck. Stryfe's long black hair reacted to his own laughter and Conman's body was wracked with convulsive laughter. These two had been childhood buddies and it didn't take much to get them laughing. That was the way of things with childhood friends such as these, sharing a laugh with best friends was what was important. If one found it funny the other wanted to laugh with them. All throughout school these two had been the nominated as "Most likely to enjoy life".
Lion was laughing at the thought of those two scrambling about and the look their faces must have had brought tears to his brown eyes. "Well at least we can say that we were successful for a little while everyone." He wiped his eyes as he laughed, all the while watching little Jupiter fall over giggling on the deck now. How does she make us laugh like this so easily? Doesn't matter, I'm just glad she does.
Kyle's 6'3" frame had just come up one of the service ladders at frame 1651 when he energized his M2 communications headset and was welcomed with the hysterical laughter of the team. He distinctly heard Candace's giggling and smiled to himself. When he heard Lion's laughter that made him smile more knowing that his best friend was forgetting everything for the moment and just caught up in some happiness, even if for a little while.
He stretched and rubbed the back of his short black hair then blinked his grey eyes to clear them as he walked toward Lion and Jupiter. Soon Knightshift was laughing with everyone, giving a much, needed respite in the darkness that had encompassed lives they shared together as a team. They were enjoying something that really mattered in life, companionship of friends bound by the sound of laughter.
It took several moments before they could regain their composure. There was much coughing and snickering and giggling as they tried to be "professional". Professionalism was blown out the air lock as soon as Kyle looked down and plugged in the lights, immediately bringing light to the darkened sections of the grav deck. "Well I'll be. The first rule of diagnostics." Kyle said, Lion's only response was nuts and everyone burst into side splitting, tears of laughter again. This time it lasted for well over 15 minutes.
After a hard days work Team 7 relaxed at their favorite Chinese restaurant the Red Dragon Inn. Hot tea, cold beer, and plates of steaming sweet and sour, spicy dishes and heaps of white rice with vapors of steam rolling lazily upwards toward dark wood ceiling fans and rice paper lamps. Candace's education in proper chopstick etiquette was advanced once more. Talk of the day's challenges, the latest movies, military history, and jokes complimented dinner. Smiles, jokes, and praise abounded as everyone enjoyed the delicious feast before them.
After dessert and their traditional fortune cookie, which Orion let everyone know was developed in early America and not ancient China; everyone went to the Star Gazers Colonial Park. Team 7 had built the park and built a recycling stream in the park. Later they imported Koi from Japan, which had adapted beyond everyone's expectations. Team 7 found the water for the stream after discovering Alpha 22, an H class asteroid (H for Hydro). Alpha 22 contained 50 million cubic feet of drinkable water and 30 million cubic feet of heavy water locked within its hard mineral shield. The heavy water was a viable fuel source for LL's M-Pods, and converted MAAV-36 Piranha assault craft. Lion knew that the Piranha Marine Advanced Assault Vehicle chewed up plenty of fuel. That was something that Team 7 was trying to enhance so their colony could get more out of the 20 Piranha's or Steel Jacks as they were known. Our colony. Jason smiled to himself Jupiter likes hearing us call this as home now. Lion knew that she liked hearing the team call Lady Liberty their home. She seemed to be afraid of the team leaving her and they reassured her that they never leave a teammate behind. Lion wondered why she was afraid of them leaving her but had never inquired and decided that he would wait until she was ready she would tell him.
The park was beautiful, especially with the stars gazing down upon its onlookers. After the reminder of operation Lima 7, everyone was very introspective tonight. Kyle, Jason, and Candace found a nice spot on top of a hill that was adorned with several sakura trees. Rad and Orion lay on their backs watching the stars and soaking their feet in the stream.
After about half an hour of talking with Lion and Jupiter, Knightshift excused himself and found a quiet apple tree further down the hill. He had a letter to write to Leyla. Candace and Jason sat under the sakura trees and talked about anything that came to mind. It didn't matter what the conversation was, Candace liked talking about anything with him. She found that not only was he easy to talk to but that he also was someone you felt comfortable and safe talking to. While sitting she held her legs to her chest and rested her head on her arms. "Lion do you ever wonder about where the future will go for us, I mean as a team?" Candace looked through the delicate strands of brown blond hair that had fallen over her pretty face.
"I'm not sure, right now things seem pretty simple and no one is bothering the colony or it's neighbors for that matter. As long as the leadership here doesn't do anything to hurt anyone, I think that we'll be ok." Jason smiled at her, watching the dancing starlight accentuate the subtle read highlights in her silk like hair.
"Lion, can I ask you a question?" Candace suddenly looked down. Please don't leave me. Her heart was starting to race and she was afraid that he would leave because that the colony was safe and being warriors team seven no longer had any reason to stay, right? Wait that makes no sense at all, they've stayed here for four years just fixing things and occasionally having to fight off pirate raids but I have to make sure. What if he says that they are going to leave, then what do I do?
She must be afraid again, ya I can sense it. "You can always ask me anything Jupiter." She needs reassurance that it's ok to ask questions. "Anytime you need and don't worry, it doesn't matter what it is, ok?" Jason asked her a question hoping she would turn and see the reassuring smile he wanted to give her.
"Ok." Her answer was barely above a whisper. "Are you guys going to leave me?" He's going to hate me, I just know it, and so will the others. How many times have I asked that question? I know the answer to it. You're so stupid Jupiter. Silent tears began to flow down her cheeks. They added to the shame she felt and as a result she couldn't bring herself to look at him.
I have to be as gentle as I can be right now, she needs that. "Never little Jupiter, never will we leave you. We never leave a teammate behind." Jason felt very bad that for some reason her world was so fragile that for her it could fly apart and shatter her security. Why are you feeling this way Jupiter? "Jupiter please look into my eyes. I want you to know that I'm telling you the truth."
Bravely she lifted her head and looked into his brown eyes. He could see that she had been crying. She saw no deception, just honesty and strength but something else too, something familiar. You've been there too. I want to help you but how?
"We'll never leave you." Jason smiled at her but her reaction was one that he wasn't prepared for and it caught him off guard.
"I believe you but you must hate me and think I'm just a stupid girl because I always have to ask you." The tears started to flow down her face again. "I'm sorry." She sobbed. Jason reached over and hugged her close. "You must think I'm crazy." She half cried and laughed.
Jason tenderly told her that to be in this team you had to be a little crazy which made her laugh more then cry. He smiled and laughed with her telling her that he was the craziest one of the whole bunch. I hope that she'll open up more and tell me what's wrong, maybe I can help, I want to help. Slowly and gently sakura blossoms drifted upon them on the warm breeze that enveloped the park. For a long time everything around them disappeared. "We'll always protect you." Lion paused before going on. "I'll always protect you, always." I hope we can make your life happier. Jupiter thanked him and hugged him tighter. Sakura continued to fall around everyone.
Down the hill the rest of the team smiled as the two of them hugged each other on the hill. Kyle looked up and offered up a prayer that his best friend would heal soon and move on with life.
Okiura Toshihiko's traditional Japanese kimono fit him perfectly and helped to integrate him with the surrounding environment of his personal meditation room. The samurai sword that lay by his side was over 4000 years old and had been passed down through his royal clan bloodline into the hands of Clan Toshihiko's leaders. He was nihyuakusei or the 200th generation to hold the sword.
Toshihiko's thoughts were of the future and his own perpetuation through the politically turbulent ranks of Venus. Outwardly his demeanor showed only strong discipline but inwardly he had an evil, plotting smile. It was the type of slyness that was dangerous, not because of its arrogance, there was none here but because of it's patience and intelligence. It was the type of evil that no one was going to find because this evil looked just like everyone else. Soon I will gain control of the GSF9 in its entirety and then the next step can begin. Natural hues of wood, bamboo, and rice paper brought from ancient Japan by the founders of Venus, coupled in harmony with the correct number and variety of décor that like Toshihiko, integrated into the environment perfectly.
This room was like the Venusian political environment into which Toshihiko flowed. He was the loyal servant of the Kaicho, totally obedient, totally trusted. Soon it will be time it to awaken. Toshihiko slowly opened his eyes. Yes soon.
Editors Note: This is a multi-chapter piece by Lion Wolf. You can read the next chapter here, Fate.
| Jovian APAworks | Volume 1, Number 5 | April, 2001 |
Jovian Chronicles is © 2001, Dream Pod 9, Inc. All rights reserved. Jovian APAworks is not affiliated with Dream Pod 9 in any way. Submitted material remains the property of the creator.