Silent Moon By Commander Viac am Malacar del Kalix, AGCC Chronicler A17th 150th Valkyrie Ranger Battle Group Sil Xennonoc, Isle of Kalix Introduction For those who do not know, this is a continuing part of a series. A brief introduction is in order. This, the raid on Verin, was one of the first sorties run out of our new home, the Isle of Kalix. Our new equipment, and everything else, in the long history of this Corps, was again proven out when these two pulled off a major assignment by themselves, thus proving their Ranger Training. -- Enjoy -- Vivi / AGCC Begin Battle Contact Report Silent Moon It was a cold and dreary afternoon, when Lieutenant Arianna, and Sargent Major Quinana walked out of the CRQ. Commander Malan, had asked them to scout out the area around Quoph, and it's two moons. Something was in the wind, and reports said that there was a raider hiding someplace in the area. Ari and Qui were to go and find out what the real story was. Both were recently out of Karin, theValkyrie Ranger Training School, and Commander Malan, wanted them to get their feet wet, on a real mission, not just some training exercise. "Where to, my leader?" Qui asked Ari... "Well, Mal says, someplace near Quoph, and my guess is whom ever it is, they are hiding on one of the two moons. We will find out when we get there I guess, but knowing Mal, this isn't just a scouting party, we may be the lead unit.."Ari stopped, turned to her Mate... taking Qui's hands, their signet rings interlocking, and looking deeply into her Mate's eyes... "Come my love, it is our time to prove ourselves." "By ourselves? ALONE????" Asked Qui .. "We are Rangers now, my love, so I guess we are expected to do more than when we were just members of the Corps. Besides it could be interesting. To put the training to a real test, and see how well we can do." "Ari.." Qui started, -- "Umm, you got the orders from Mal, in writing?" "Yes, Viac gave them to me as we left" ... Ari opened the packet, and started to read through the missive. Then looked at the maps which came with it, detailing out the two moons of the Quoph. "You know Qui, I wish Mal would have said more, than just ‘We have a job for you two, it involves a scouting party, and reporting back to me when you are done. Do you accept?'" "Why Ari?" "Hmm, orders are more complex, which is what I figured." "Well, he did give you the location, when he said Quoph didn't he?" "Well he sort of laid some of it out, basically, what we knew, was to go and find out what is going on, but here, in the actual orders is a lot more... (reading to Qui) -- To - A-Q: You are to proceed to the Quoph Area, and locate the raider who had been causing problems for the locals. We suspect that whom ever it is, they are hiding on or near one of the two moons of Quoph, and your job is to find them. If possible, destroy their base, and as many of them as you think you can without endangering yourselves. Gather as much intelligence as you can about their operations, and when you finish this job, report back to base. Good luck, and good hunting ... // ss // Malan, Commanding. -- Let's head for the armory, and check out our weapons, and get loaded up for the trip." "Right behind you Ari." Qui replied. Ari and Qui, proceeded across the Fort to the Armory, and checked out their weapons. A couple of Xenonry side arms, and two long range Xenonry blasters. Then headed back to their quarters to get ready for the mission. On entering the 2nd Battalion "G" Company building, they noticed almost everyone was out someplace. Only Commander Sara was in quarters, and they stopped long enough to say hello, and just to let Sara know where they were off to, and not to expect to see them back for about two weeks. "Okay, you two, go and have fun! -- Be SAFE !!" Sara called down the hall to the two just entering their quarters. Stacking the weapons in the corner, until they were ready to load them into their packs, the two started to get the rest of the gear in order... "Ari?" Qui started .. "Which packs?" "Our mid level packs. We will need our climbing gear, and a few other things as well. We can stop by Quartermaster for the long range rations, when we are done." "Long Range Rations?" Qui made an awful face .. "Those things taste really bad !!" "You are remembering the stuff we got up at Karin. The new ones are better, at least that is what Kian tells me." "Has Kian actually tried them?" "From what I have heard, both QM Tess, and Kian have both lived for two weeks on them without any problems." "Live on them, but what do they taste like?" "We can ask them when we get over there.." Just then Sara popped in ... "Hey Gals, I couldn't help overhearing your concern about the new Long Range Rations. I had a few in my office -- Here - try some of this.." Sara handed them a sealed packet, which said LRR Meal # 28 Beef and Rice with extras. Serves Two. Ari opened the packet, and took a whiff of the aroma. "Not too bad, here Qui, what do you think?" Qui also took a smell. "Better than the old ones. Here, I got my field spoon, let's try some cold, and see how bad this one is." Both took a bite, and smiled. "SARA !! - Why aren't we all getting these? This tastes good!" "Well Ari, Mal got the first of the production for our Corps, and the rest will be supplied as they come on line." "How may different types are there?" "Mal told me, and Tess confirmed it we got all 30 types of rations in house. When you go over to QM to load up ask Tess for her recommendations, and I suspect that you will be surprised." "The extras?" Qui just had to know ... "A drink packet, which you can make into coffee, and a desert. Along with the usual seasonings, a couple of quick energy snacks -- and of course the usual toilet paper packet." Sara replied "That's good to know, they seem like the older dried ones, but this is a lot better, at least we got the goodies packets left in them!" Qui added. "Okay, Gals, have fun now, and be safe! Mal expects you two to return in one piece!" The two smiled, and Sara left. Digging out their mid level packs, they start assembling the gear they will need for the mission. On the beds, the pile grows .. A half shell, ground pad, the digging tool which also serves as an axe and a climbing tool, wound kits, night lights, sleeping pad, water filters, and botes. They will be ready for anything! "Ari? How much clothing should we take? Ranger School said that we wouldn't need much - except our pant pads, and socks." "Uhuh - pant pads - take enough for two weeks! - AND socks as well." Ari replied. "Any other clothing?" "Outside of our field uniforms, I don't think so.." "I for one, am glad we finally got out of those infernal heavy duty uniforms Mal and the crew came up with", Qui started, "These new field uniforms, although thick and heavy, are not as hard to move around in." "I agree Qui, but we both remember what happened at Celina Pass, and if it wasn't for those heavy uniforms, we both would have been cooked, inside and out!" "Please! - Don't remind me, I was in misery for weeks. Thanks to our Medical people, we pulled through that one!" "I know, we both got it pretty bad there, but with the new Xenonry weapons, we can counter before it gets that bad Qui ... " "You see my pitons?" "Over by the four 300 meter ropes.." "Okay!" The loading takes about an hour, and the final check out, except for rations is just about complete. "Well partner, it looks good. Now to get into field uniforms, and draw rations, and we go!" They start getting undressed, Ari's tight body emerging from under the barracks uniform. Qui's eyes hungrily devour her Mate. "Mmmm Ari?" "Qui?" "Love me before we go?" "Come over here you goof!" - Ari drawing Qui onto her bed, and starting to stroke her breasts, as Qui's hand finds it's mark deep in Ari's tawny muff..... It isn't long before both are deep into each others tight bodies. The sweet scent of deep fem sex fills the room, as they both climax, deep in their own worlds. But duty calls, and they know what lies before them. "Love you, my Mate!" "Love you too Qui -- but let's get on with the job, before somebody comes looking for us!" A quick clean up, and it's into the Field Uniforms. Clean pant pads, to catch any remaining drips from their sex -- then clean socks, then into the jump suits which are the new field uniforms. Legs in first, then one arm, then slinging the thing across the back, the other goes in, and finally, the side zippers close them in tightly. Their athletic bodies just rippling through the half inch of protective cloth. Finally, the heavy climbing field boots, and they are ready to roll. Qui helps Ari don her pack, then Ari does the same for Qui .. A quick final embrace - and kiss -- and the two head for the QM office to draw rations. As they cross the Fort, nobody seems to notice - just as well - who would notice two Valkyrie Rangers in field uniforms, carrying Xenonry blasters, wearing packs, heading for who knew where - or to do what. It was all to common of a sight in this region of the universe. Entering the QM office, they head for Kian's office. "Kian!" Ari shouts! "Ari!" Kian responds ... "So where are you two off to tonight?" "Mission for Mal - we need two weeks rations." "LRR type I take it?" Both nod. "Good! - You will like these, and best of all, they feed two, so you don't have to take as many - each can split the load .. Umm -how long you going to be away?" Kian asks "Mal said two weeks." "Okay, that means you will need fourteen meals, for dinners, and - umm - probably fourteen morning meals. These new ones will last you all day, so two meals a day is the new rations." "We get a choice?" Qui asks "Nope, what ever we got on hand you get." Kian replies "Well at least make it a mix, at Ranger school we got the same thing every day for two weeks." Ari added "That is the idea of Ranger - to get you used to the hardships of the field. No, ladies, we won't make you eat the same thing every day. " Kian draws two of everything in the storeroom, then has them sign out for them. "Now - fourteen evening meals, and fourteen morning meals. Split between you two, makes for a twelve pound load, so you know what it weighs for climbing, and rope work." The two Rangers stuff the final load into their packs, and lock the Xenonry long range blasters into their carriers. Kian has them turn around a few times -- "You two look ready for anything! - It looks like old times again, when this Corps went out on month long treks, to do jobs for the Kerenth! - At least today we get back here in a few days, instead of having to stay on the road for weeks!" "Yes Kian, but we still need to make the long treks for reconnaissance, which is why we are going out alone." Ari replied. "Well be safe, and have fun, and we will see you two when you get back!" The two left, and headed for the docking port....... Chapter 2 Into the Unknown Peril Upon arrival, they checked out a Sperlon Scout. The Sperlon Scout is a fast ship, which is invisible to any detectors, and can move without being noticed in any sector. Algeron, the Dock Master said the fuel cell charges are full, and they should have no problem getting to Quoph and back with plenty of fuel in reserve. Just in case, he tossed in a couple of reserve cells -- just to make what Mal calls, "The Last Ditch" - if trouble arises. Walking down the gangway, they find SS340, and proceed to board the tiny speeder. "Ari? There isn't much room in here!" A Sperlon has two seats forward, the hyperspace drive, navagation controls and a tight galley, mid ship, and two compartments aft, one is the head, the other is for storage. An aisle separates the two, and can be used for a bunk if needed. "I know Qui, put our packs behind the seats, and climb in." The packs are stowed in the tight rear compartment, made smaller with the addition of the extra fuel cells .. Then Qui climbs into the left hand seat, as Ari pulls the hatch shut, then squeezes into the right hand seat. The girls fasten their helmets down tight, and Ari looks for the navigation system book ... "Ari?" "Nav book Qui." "Here!" Qui pulls out the Navigation Location Atlas from next to her on the outboard side. Looking at the index, Ari finds the "Q" section, then the Quoph data. Hitting the Nav System start button, the display lights up, and Ari punches in the code "982-773-2670". The Map of the Quoph area comes up. Next she highlights with the director, the near moon of Quoph, Verin, and hits the destination button. The green LED glows ... "Nav ready Qui .. Fasten your seat belt.." Both now clamp themselves into SS340, and Ari hits the start button. The whine of the Sperlon's Devon Hyperspace Drive Engines tells them that its ready to go. "Okay Qui, take us out..." Qui takes the manual controls, and starts the roll out, down the short runway, as the overhead doors open. It is a clear night sky -- the Sperlon jumps into orbit, and shortly, is circling Zayin. After a short check out that all systems are go ... "Let's roll Qui ... " Qui kicks in the afterburners, and they jump through light speed, into the unknown - heading for Quoph. As the Sperlon hits L2 - they become invisible. Moving faster than the speed of light - there isn't a detector in the Universe which can pick up this tiny speck hurtling through time and space. It is a bit over four hours later, and millions of miles later, that the Nav System drops them out of Hyperspace Drive, and into orbiting mode. Verin is below them. "Where do you want to put down?" Qui asks... Ari looks at the Silent Moon below .. The life detectors show no life on this rocky sphere, and it has a 12 % oxygen content. Spying a hidden valley on the third pass, Ari directs Qui to land there. "If they are working out of this moon, this would be the prime place Qui, lots of hidden places to hide from life detectors. If we don't find them here, we can move to the North Mountain Range and try there." "Okay Ari"... Qui manually starts the landing, ... "Contact light.." "Good landing Mate.." The two pull their packs out of the Sperlon, then each taking a masking control with them -- leave the Sperlon behind them, and a push of the button, and the Sperlon is gone! Qui and Ari both make a Nav check on their Quadrons, and look up. Above them in Golden Splendor, is the Quoph. A large planet, almost twice the size of Zayin. And off in the distance they can see Quoph's other moon, Laken. They decide to take the easy walking first, and head down the valley towards the plains. "Lovely place Qui, they may extend their society up here some day I hear." "Heard that too! - Air but no water from what I can see." "Yes that is the problem. Which is why Verin was never populated -- but several pirates have worked out of this place in the past, so we may just find signs of that now." Rounding the end of the valley, they come into the high plains. Nothing in sight. Just miles of desert, and more hills off in the distance. Ari indicates they should move that way. An hour later, they come to the distant hills, and decide to make camp here, and see what transpires. "Qui, if something is moving on this moon, we should not be. That would make it stand out, and we can investigate it then." "I agree Ari, here", Qui indicates a sheltered spot, "Lets camp over in this secluded space." "Good idea. We can watch without being seen." The two pitch their combined tent, and settle in for the night. Watching and wondering what is going on in the area. A LRR provides their first meal in hours, and they are famished. Splitting the ration, it provides more than enough for them. Ari decides that her Mate should sleep first, while she stands a guarded watch --- "Qui if anything comes up, I'll get you up, and we can go together to investigate, I'll wake you at the mid watch, and then you can stand for me." "Got it Ari ... Night .. " Qui settles in, and drops off fast to sleep. LONG about the mid watch, a slight movement catches Ari's keen eye. Not much, but movement none the less. Something moving across the plain which they had crossed earlier, then a cloud of dust arises. Out of the gloom of the mid watch night, a ship appears. It is an old beat up trading vessel, probably of the original Orion Class. Just what are they doing here, on this distant moon? The people who built these ancient ships lived millions of light years away - just who is THIS? Ari wondered. She went and got Qui up, and their Xenonry blasters out of their packs. Spying their actions, the two watch as QP (Quippoleth) beings get out of the ship..... "Qui? I think we found one of the pirates.." "Uhuh -- and what are they doing here?" "Don't know - let's watch and see." Six beings now march into the valley close to where the Sperlon is hidden. Then a hidden, and closely camouflaged door opens. They enter their lair. The door closes behind them, and the moon is silent again. Leaving the hulk sitting nearby as if it was a junk depository. They pack their gear, and decide to investigate this ancient ship. Stealing their way across the valley, being sure to hide their movements, the two girls work their way towards the Orion. As they get closer, they can see that this is not an Orion, but something else disguised to look like one. It is a Quipoleth Sternon Raider, as they can plainly see as they approach. With an Orion outer shell, to hide who they are. "Well? Now what do we do Ari?" "Not sure, but the orders say to destroy the raiders base, and probably them as well. Let's make our report then we can attack the ship, and the hidden lair." Qui takes her Quadron, and makes the notes, and locations. "Done Ari -- send it now?" "No wait -- we don't want an outgoing transmission to tip someone off that we are here." They move into a position to take advantage of the best range for effective fire, and get both targets. "First the Sternon, then the lair Qui." "Yes, the Sternon going up should bring the people out to investigate what is going on." A semi quiet whine, as the Xenonry weapons come on line. Two electric blue rays flash across the plain, and hit the Sternon. In an instant, it is vaporized, with a gigantic fire ball. Shortly the hidden door opens, as beings wondering what is going on, come out to investigate. Several more blue rays flash, and the people, and then the lair is vaporized in another fire ball. Now just a smoking hole, where once there was something - and a big pile of ash, where the Sternon was. "Well we got that group Qui." "Uhuh - and how many more are there?" "Not sure - let's get back to the Sperlon, and send the contact report, and see what is next." In a bit the two return to where they left the ship, and in a few minutes the thing is unmasked. They stuff the packs in, and then climb aboard. Qui makes up the contact report in it's final form, and sends it back to base, requesting further instructions. "Going to take a few hours for the interspace relay to go and come back to us, Ari? Want to sleep a few hours?" "Probably a good idea Mate. But first, let's mask the Sperlon, so we are not detected." "A good idea, but if somebody is using life detectors, they could spot us." "AND just where would they look? It might say that there is life in this area, but no one could be found." "Okay, Mate, just a suggestion." The two mask the Sperlon, then drop off to sleep. Several hours later, an alarm sounds, indicating that there is an incoming message from base. Qui reaches over, and hit's the print out button, and in a few minutes, a hard copy of the reply comes out of the machine. "It's from Mal - ‘Good work, you two, but I think you got only part of them. Current reports say that there are several raiders in that area, and you may have found only one. Continue your mission, and keep in touch. // ss // Mal ‘ seems we aren't done yet Mate -- now what? "Not sure Qui, maybe if we sit here for a bit, and watch from this safe point, we might see more, then again, none of these birds ever travels in groups." Ari checks the life detector, then looks around ... "Uhuh - they don't trust each other, so - (taking a deep breath) -- my guess is they are the ones in this area. I guess we got lucky this time, next time we may have a bigger job to dig them out." "I agree Ari -- lets give it a day or so, then move up north." "Want to explore the lair?" "Any life signs outside of us?" "Nope" "Let's go for it!" The two girls, now move across the valley, and into the blown lair. Inside they find more evidence of what has been going on. Maps -- booty -- and more indication that this may not be the only part of this party. "Qui - look at this -- it is a detailed map of the area, with points indicated where they have been working. Take a quick photo of it to send back to base, and let's keep on looking around." "Got it Ari, -- -- HEY!! -- Look over here! -- We saw six? Right?" "Uhuh" "There is enough stuff in here for a couple of dozen people." Just then a noise behind them draws their attention. Another hidden door opens, and four more people pour out of it, blasting at Ari and Qui. Their field uniforms are taking the hits, photon fire, but deflecting the worst of it. Minor damage is taken in the form of bruising, but no major wounding. Ari and Qui power up their Xenonry side arms and start returning fire. A final incoming blast from a photon blaster hits Ari just above her muff, in the lower belly. Ari folds over, both from the absorbing the incoming, and from the pain she feels deeply within her. She winces, but stands back up. They continue to return fire -- In no time, the lair is now a real smoking hole. No more people come out of the hidden second chamber. "Qui?? You okay?" "Ya, a bit banged up, but I think okay. At least everything so far is responding and working - -you??" "I think I took one in the arm, badly, but it still functions. Belly hurts, but I can take it. Get photo's of the rest of this place, and let's really blast it, then get out of here. They may have confederates who might be coming back." Qui makes quick photo's of the rest of the lair, as they left it, and then the two of them make a quick return to the Sperlon. "Let's get, while the coast is clear Qui" As Ari fires up the power packs, to get moving. In a few minutes, the Sperlon is airborne, and heading for the Northern Mountains. "GAD I HURT!!" "Ari???" "Not sure -- just now, after the fact, I feel like ...." her voice trailing off, as she passes out. "ARI????" Qui shakes her Mate. A quick check tells Qui that Ari might be hurt deeper than she thought. A quick unzipping of her field uniform, and inspection of her body told Qui nothing. She could feel the heat rising towards her Mate, looking at her naked form, but then realized that this was not the time to make love. There are no outward signs that she was hit.. Then again. The Sperlon, on auto pilot, goes into orbit above the Northern Range, and Qui has a problem. Ari is out cold, for some reason. The Med Bot tells her that Ari is in some kind of shock, and how to proceed. Qui now does so, and also sends an urgent missive to Medical Officer Vion back at base, requesting assistance. In a long hour of high speed interspace communications, Vion confirms what the Bot said, and now tells Qui how to proceed from there. It might be a couple of days - or not, depending on how deeply Ari was hit. What the Bot said, was this -- ‘Internal damage from an unknown source has caused the blood pressure to drop sharply. Patient is in deep shock. Keep warm, and monitor vital signs. Use field med Bot to repair damage if patient gets worse." A billion miles from home, and this has to happen! Qui thought to herself, and my Mate! -- my beautiful Mate! - Now what? ... Qui got out the field med Bot, and let it work. It seems that an old injury from the Celina Pass days has reopened, and Ari was bleeding into her belly. The Bot closed the damage, and now all they could do was wait to see what happened next. While waiting, masked in orbit, Qui noticed that there was indeed another pirate raider in the area, and where it was working out of. Ari was right - it was in the Northern Mountain area. Two days later, Ari finally came out of it. "Qui??? .....QUI?.... " Ari asked plaintively. Qui startled by her Mates cries -- turned to her... "Ari? . You back with us?" "Qui what happened? What's going on?" Qui filled Ari in on what had happened, and her injuries. What the Med Bot did, and the rest of the stuff which had been going on. "I guess that last blast right in the belly really did do more than I thought Qui, it felt like fire all the way into my muff." "That explains it, I guess. The last thing I remember at Celina was you peeing blood out of your pant legs." "Ya some joker hit me right in the bottom of my belly, and I took a full blast from a photon blaster right above my muff, and this one too, burned just as badly." "When we get back, you should have Vion do a full workup, and get your belly fully repaired this time." "I thought it was Mate. I could pee okay, and everything seemed to work, but I guess another hard hit in the same area opened up the old wound." "Well Mate? What do you want to do?" "The job Qui, that is what we were sent out here to do. I should be okay tomorrow -- I hope." "I think I have a lock on their location Ari, but can you climb?" "If I have to, I will, after all I am a Kyre Ranger. To stop us, you would have to kill us." "I think they almost did my Mate. You going to be all right?" "All is in order Mate. I will, and I can, and I must do this job. Let me worry about my internal problems, as long as my body will hold up, we are going forward." In the end, it was two more days in orbit before Ari was really up to the job, of moving around. The cramped Sperlon, did provide some room to move around in, and head calls were a bit tense until Ari got her bottom to respond like it was supposed to. In the end, both were about as ready as they could be at this point in the mission. Qui picked out the next landing spot, about a mile from the raider base, and then the long climb and march into the location would begin. Chapter 3 Into the Night Ari was still a bit stiff after they landed, and the masked Sperlon provided a base to work out of. For a few days Ari took it easy, and Qui did some quick looking around for an easy way to get her and her Mate up the rocky cliffs now facing them. It was the only way, and the only way to hide that they were here. The job now was to work out of a hidden canyon, and climb over the top of it, it attack the raider base. Ari looked like a half folded sheet of paper, as her mid lower belly was stiff, but she would find a way to work with it. "You okay Mate? You look like a "C"".... "Fine Qui, just get on with it. One way or the other, I will do this job. Just get on with it." Not sure Mate - the way you look - I am not sure we can just get on with it !" "DAMN IT QUINANA! Help me straighten up, and we will." Qui helped Ari finally get her body erect. From the look on her face Qui was not so sure that Ari was okay internally, but she insisted on going on, so as her Mate, and an officer she had to follow Ari's orders. Qui got out their climbing gear, packs, and weapons. Helped Ari into hers, and then got into her gear. It was a short walk to the face, and then almost 500 feet or so up. At least it wasn't a vertical ascent. Qui took the lead, and Ari followed. Every step, every move up, increased the pain in Ari's legs. Her muff seemed to be the focal point of the pain. Just she didn't want to let the side down. At least she wasn't peeing blood anymore. For now. Just the soreness of the area, her muff, lower belly, and her legs at the top, the pain was excruciating. This climb would either finish her off, or somehow she would prove to be a true -- Ranger. It took more than an hour of careful working to get the two of them to the top of the ridge face. Peeking over the edge, they found that they were closer than they thought to the Quippoleth raider base. More QP personnel than at the other site, this one looked like it was the Mother Base. Ari looked ashen, but motioned to Qui to go on. Somehow, someway, they were going to pull this off. "Ari, you really should not do this, my Mate." "Damn it Mate -- we are going forward. Never mind how I feel, Mal expects us to stop this raider, and we are going to do it. IF IT KILLS ME." They laid there for about an hour getting the feel of the place. Watching the guards, surveying the layout. Trying to decide if they should actually go ahead and have at them, or call back, and let the Corps come in and finish the job off. "You going to be okay Ari?" "Ya - ya just fine. We are close enough for Xenonry fire to do the job. Let's get a bit closer, and then let all hell loose at them." "If you say so Mate !" The two crept towards the base. Ever closer they went, and when they had halved the distance, Ari decided that it was close enough to do total damage. The semi quiet of the night was rent by the slight whine of Xenonry powering up. They set the range and power to full, and picked the targets carefully. It was two Rangers, against three ships, and almost 100 Quippoleth raiders. It was going to be a one shot wonder. All or nothing. If they managed, it would be total, if they failed, they would not return. They also powered up their side arms, if it came to that, both wanted to be ready for it. "3 - 2 - 1 -- FIRE" Ari gave the order. Electric blue streaks shot into the night. Hitting one raider ship then the other, finally both hit the last. Three large fireballs announced their presence. They pasted the ships again, and that finished them off. The raiders figured out where the fire was coming from, and poured everything they had at the position. Ari and Qui took a lot of incoming, mainly photon fire, but kept the returning fire hot and outgoing. In groups, then singly, they blew them away. in the end, there was not much to tell. A lot of ashes, several piles of junked melted metal, and the base? Nobody knew how many more were waiting for them there, but they had to get it as well. "Ari? Can you walk yet?" "Ya Qui", Ari stood up .. "I guess I am okay .." "Go back? OR..." "Or what Qui? let's do it. They rushed the base, and started to pour fire into it. Fire was returned as best it could from the now burning and vaporizing mess. Ari was hit several more times, several right in the area of her muff. Qui winced as Ari took a step, folded, straightened out, and went ahead. In time, they finally silenced the base as well. "Ari?" "Qui - take photos of the mess, and let's get out of here." "Ari? You going to make it?" "DAMN IT QUI -- get on with it." Qui shot a bunch of photos, and then helped Ari back to the cliff edge. "Now what Mate?" "What do you mean now what? I can still function, just get us down from here, and into the Sperlon, AND let's get." It was a long descent, it took almost as long to go down as it did to go up. Qui doubled the ropes, and rappelled down, Ari, got on the rope, and slowly, forced her legs to work. It took longer than she expected to get down. Once on the ground, Ari folded up again. "Ari?" "Qui, I can't go on." Standing there, half bent over, she opened her jumper, and peed blood. A lot of it. The growing pool of life's force around Ari frightened Qui. She knew something had gone totally wrong with her Mate. Dragging her into the Sperlon, she loaded the Med Bot, and had it check Ari.... The diagnosis was not good. She was totally ripped up internally, and her vitals were dropping. Could Ari hang on? Qui didn't know. Qui could not, by order of the Commander - Mal - leave advanced battle gear behind if they could, even in death, they were to pull the overloads, and blow them, and all their gear to the heavens. She packed their gear, and Ari in for the flight home. It was going to be a long four hours back to base. Chapter 4 The Long Black Hours Now with everything ready, Qui fired up the Sperlon, and got into orbit. Checking that everything was okay with the ship, she got up to check on Ari, who was lying strapped in at the back of the cramped crew cabin. "Okay Ari, we are in orbit, and ready to head home. You going to make it my love?" "Qui, remember me, and remember how much I loved you ... " Ari's deep blue eyes just closing ... her voice trailing off.... "ARI!!!! ARI!!!" Qui shook her Mate. Ari was out. Tears now flowed copiously, as Qui determined that Ari would not die on her. The Med Bot did what it could to keep her somewhat alive, but Qui knew in her heart, that Ari had given all for the Kerenth, and this was probably her going home to die, if she didn't die enroute. Climbing back into her seat, she sent an urgent message back to base, that Ari had given all, but was still with them, and to meet them when they got in. Then she hit the gas, and the Sperlon, jumped to L2, and they were gone. It was a long four hours back to base. Qui getting up from time to time, to check on her Mate, Ari was still alive, but barely. Qui hoped that Ari would at least make it back to Kalix, if nothing else, to pass at home. The Nav System did it's best to find the shortest way back to base. It was still a good three, and a half hours more or less, unless she could get more speed out of the Sperlon. But how? Remembering her training, there had to be some way to coax more speed out of one of these flying crates. Then she remembered Mal's safety device - the extra fuel cells. If she could splice the extra cells in, and the Sperlon's engines didn't overload, or explode, she could get L3 out of this crate. She had to try. Ari was dying. Opening the engine control panel, Qui could see how the thing was wired into the main fuel cells. By making a bridge, she could set the two additional cells to work in series with the existing cells, and thus, double the input. Would the engines hold? OR BLOW? If they went, it was all over for both of them. If she managed to pull this off, she hoped Ari would hold on long enough to get her into the Fort's E-1 room, and maybe save her Mate. Qui was not ready for being last Mate. Not now, not this young -- and losing Ari would ruin her for life. Her Mate, so deeply entwined in her life. She just had to give it all - and hope for the best. As Ari did - gave her all, and hoped for the best. Qui spliced the jumpers, then held her breath, aimed for the socket, then closed her eyes. A stab forward and the jumper went into the socket. A bright flash as the jumper entered, and a high pitched whine as the engines now took a new bite on the load. It held for now. Checking Ari, she was still out, and the Med Bot said for now, she is still alive, but barely, she returned to the cockpit. The speed indicator said "L3.5" - unheard of in this class. The Sperlon was holding together, but red warning lights and the occasional alarm were going off like a pin ball machine. The Nav System made several mid course corrections ahead of time, and Qui knew they were doing the job -- and hoping that Ari would hold out -- just a bit longer. AND that SS340 would also hold out. Passing Navaron, Zayin's moon, the starboard engine blew apart. The Sperlon was now starting to come apart. In just a short time, the Nav System dropped them out of Hyperspace Drive, and into planet orbit. Qui was getting close. "DAMN - hold together just for a few more minutes" Qui pleaded with the faltering speeder. Another ten minutes - all it would take was another ten minutes, and she could get the ship back on the hard deck at Kalix..... The Sperlon was not cooperating. Manual controls only made the thing vibrate worse, and she fought all the way down. Finally the Docking Lights of the Kalix Port beckoned ... home was just so close, and yet --- -- Qui fought it all the way. Now entering the Docking Port, the Port engine exploded, and the Sperlon dropped to the deck, with a hard bang. Flames poured out of every square inch of the speeder. The ground crew did it's best to put out the fire -- "What about Ari????" Qui wondered after all was done... The Fort's Med team was ready, and in the middle of the fire, they got Ari and Qui out of the damaged speeder, and into the E-1 ... now all was with the Ain Group. Qui had given her all. Ari had given all. It was up to the powers that be to determine what lay ahead. It was a tense and dark night ahead. Mal and the Lead Mates came down to see what had all happened, and to pull the records out of the burned out speeder, to find out the total story. In ten days of fighting, and patching up Ari, and finishing the job, they had done it. It told of heroics, and stamina, worthy of a Ranger. It told of Mates fighting first for the Kerenth, and secondly for each other. How Arianna had fought her last fight, and Quinana had stood with her to the end. In the end, it would make for a honor worthy of any Ranger. Mal had another crisis on his hands. Ari and Qui had done it again, and now were both back in E-1 fighting for their lives. He could not let these two valiant warriors die -- not again -- not now. Qui in the front of the speeder, had suffered severe burns, both from the splicing of the fuel cells, and now the landing fire. Qui was cooked. Ari in the rear, was pulled first, and then rushed into the E-1, and checked. It did not look good. What should have been intestines, was all mush. Nothing was left of her internals. It was only going to be a short time before Ari passed unto the ages. Qui had gotten her Mate home, to die on Kalix soil. Vion arriving on scene, took one look and grimaced. She knew what these two meant to the Lead Ring, and Mal most. Biometric internal organs were pulled -- could Vion splice Ari back together? All she could hope for was a few more hours. As far as Qui - she had 3rd degree burns over forty percent of her body. Qui maybe could last for a few days, and then both would pass unto the ages. Mal came down to the E-1, and had a look. Ashen, he faced Vion ... "Well?? What can you do?" "Mal, I am a doctor, not a god!" Mal gave her "the look".... Vion knew what that meant. Do it or die. These two just did, and now it was up to the Fort Medical team to do for them, what they had done for the Kerenth, or die. She had the medical team prep Ari for the reconstruction, and she would do it herself. As far as Qui, they were already working on her - applying biometric skin to graft the burns. Mickael would have to do Qui on his own, Ari was now Vion's concern. Completely opening up Ari's belly, she took a look. Most of the upper organs were intact, but from the belly button down - - nothing. It would be here that she would have to rebuild this Valkyrie. Eight hours of surgery lay ahead. Cleaning out her body cavity would be first. Her sex ports were undamaged - thankfully, so she would regain the use of those when done - the rest? Totaled. It was now cut and splice, and hope for the best. It was a long eight hours later that Vion finally closed Ari's belly. A neat small suture - so there would be no major scarring. It was now in the hands of the Ain - and Vion hoped that Mal would understand if this did not go right. Ari was moved to the intensive care unit. Qui was also coming along nicely, and Mickael had done an admirable job of grafting skin to Qui's face, hands, and upper body. Hopefully, she would make a full recovery. Now both in the ICU, it was a matter of time. Several days later, it was starting to look a bit brighter. Ari was starting to respond, and her new internal organs, were taking a bite on the load. She might make it with a little luck. Qui was also taking to the grafts, and outside of some small scaring, she should be okay as well. The Lead Lock came down to the ICU daily, to check on the two, and were pleased that they were making it. Vion breathed a sigh of relief when they were discharged into the regular unit. It meant that her knitting had taken, and Mickael's handiwork was taking as well. A month later, and Ari and Qui were out of the Med unit, somewhat stiff, sore, but almost back to their original shape. Vion had done a better than original job, and Ari was now better than before. Qui's scarring was not too bad - and wasn't all that noticeable. In time it too would fade. In the final analysis, Mal held a Court of Inquiry into the whole affair, and lauded the two for their performance in this -- this affair for the Kerenth - of taking out two Quippoleth Raiders on their own, and Ari going on in the best Ranger Tradition, and Qui doing all that she could, both in the job, and later on, in getting Ari back to base, to save her Mate. In the end, Ari and Qui, returned to quarters. Home at long last from the ordeal. Commanders Bel and Sara were there with the whole Battalion to give congrats to these two valiant warriors. Then reality set in, as the two turned finally and at long last into their own space. They held each other and cried into their Mate, as they had never done before. It was over, and they had lived through another tough assignment. "Ari?" Qui asked... "Yes my Love?" "Come, love me!" Ari pulled Qui into her bunk, and hands found their places as they began their dance of love. It ended as it began .. For the A17th 150th Valkyrie Ranger Battle Group Commander Viac am Malacar del Kalix AGCC Chronicler 72.198.640 ACE Epilog / Postscript It was several days later, when the Lead Lock - "Hex" - had assembled in the CRQ lounge, to discuss this, that we finally figured out what had happened. Seems since Celina, we have changed out our uniforms, and although the old ones proved to be pretty much proof against anything, they were heavy and bulky to move in. A major handicap. Clairice from the Ain, suggested that we look at their uniforms, not in the Dark Gray Green of Ain, but in our own traditional Black. This we did. The Ain Group uniforms were almost a half inch thick, proof against most weapon systems, but they did not have all the internal padding ours did. They were lighter, and easier to move around in. Skin tight, they provided enough protection from photon and phaser fire, as well as some from Xenonry fire. Here in lay the problem. Ellie, our chief Engineer provided the final answer -- "Mates, the problems is in Hydrostatic Shock. Our old uniforms provided a more solid internal back up to the shock waves from the incoming fire. Something has to stop the force of the incoming round, and our old uniforms provided that pad to absorb the impact, in the several layers of material and the positive stop of the chain mail wall. The new uniforms do not have the chain mail wall - a barrier of steel to absorb the energy. Thus, the body has to provide the final internal stop for the energy. Which is why Arianna's lower belly was so torn up. As you know, most try to hit the area between the legs, near the sex, as this is the least protected area of any uniform, to allow them to pee without having to get totally undressed -- Thus, Ari was hit repeatedly in the lower belly, to try to destroy her internal organs which would put her out of action, and in the end kill her. The Engineering Department suggests that we develop some kind of mail pad for that area, which can be moved to allow our troopers to pee, and yet still protect this vital, and vulnerable area." Tess said she and Vion would look into the problem, and work with Ellie and the Engineers to come up with a pant pad type of device, which could be moved, and still protect the lower belly, and sex area. Verlis thanked the crew for the vital new information on the Quippoleth raiders, and what they were using, and this would be passed along to others to keep an eye out for Orion type ships - which could be Sternon Raiders in disguise. In the end, Mal suggested some kind of awards for the job? For Arianna, and Quinana ... Val, our Executive Officer and one of our Ranger Officers suggested the Ranger Endurance Award .. Second Class for their outstanding work, in fighting off the Quippoleth Raiders alone, and especially for Qui, in getting her Mate back here, in one piece. For Ari, for going on, in spite of her internal damage -- and completing the job in true Ranger fashion. All agreed. ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Sil Xennonoc 76.204.640 ACE By Order of the Command Lock Lieutenant Arianna am Aricar del Kalix and Sargent Major Quinana am Aricar del Kalix are hereby awarded the Order of the Ranger Endurance Honor, both the device and the ribbon Second Class, for actions on the Quoph Moon of Varin. 76.166.640 ACE Lieutenant Arianna for her carrying on, with severe internal damage to her body, and Sargent Major Quinana for her getting Lieutenant Arianna through this ordeal, and bringing her home, in a damaged Sperlon Scout. In concluding this successful sortie, they stopped single handedly, a major problem for the Kerenth, and in doing so, provided a shining example to others to carry on, to the successful conclusion of a mission. // ss // Malan am Malacar del Kalix, AGIC Commanding A17th 150th Valkyrie Ranger Battle Group. ** ** ** ** ** *** ** ** *** ** ** *** *** *** *** *** *** **POV from interviews after action, records from the Sperlon, interspace communications, and our own observations.** Commander Viac am Malacar del Kalix AGCC Chronicler A17th 150th Valkyrie Ranger Battle Group 76.301.640 ACE Isle of Kalix, Kalix End of Battle Contact Report - 30 - © 2007 Mark B. Fridl, All rights reserved.