Echo's of the past.

Beta Ray (the squadrons only rated Beta fighter pilot) is seated in the ships mess, nursing a mug of coffee.He is coming to a fairly uneventful nightshift; lost in his own thoughts he barely notices as Jackie V slides onto the bench seat opposite him. “You look beat babe, how long do you have left on shift?” Red rimmed fatigued eyes slowly focus on Jackie as his mind struggles to come up to speed. “Two hours I think, you wore me out this morning….I’m sorry but I think that I might need to recover in my own bunk tonight.” A smile playing at the corners of Beta’s mouth as he speaks. “I suppose that you are right, people are starting to talk. Just the other girls so we should be safe, they won’t let the info leak out to the brass” Jackie whispers leaning in keeping her voice low. “Maybe we should just let people know, it wouldn’t really be that big a deal.” Beta sighs in mild frustration. “Beta, you know that you would get your butt kicked.You’re senior to me AND you know the rules regarding fraternization.” Jackie exclaims in a hushed but firm tone. “ ANYWAY , we have a big issue that Xander and what is left of the team will need to know about.” In so saying, Jackie V pushes a data slate across the table to Beta Ray .“Read this!” Sliding his finger over the confirmation tab, the screen of the data slate comes to life. Beta quickly scans the text, the colour draining from his face as he does so. He is now fully alert, and feeling quite nauseous. He rereads the text, carefully analyzing every word, his eyes fixated on the final image. “…And you intercepted this transmission, no one else knows?”Beta Whispers hoarsely, his throat dry. Jackie’s face is pale, her voice subdued.“No I think that it’s just us. The message is on a timed loop tight beam broadcast, however, it’s just a matter of time before another ship drifts into the comms beam path and this becomes general knowledge. I think that the message is being transmitted roughly every twelve hours, we might get lucky and no one else will hear of it for a day or two….I just don’t know darling.” “Listen, try and get some rack time babe, I’ll inform Xander and set up a meeting to decide how to proceed.” Nodding, Beta Ray plants a parting kiss on Jackie and stumbles off to his bunk, the image and message burned into his brain. “This is Captain Cook , if you are hearing this I am either dying or dead. Beta, Xander, I need your help, the survivors of Formicarium need your help!” “There are many survivors here, more than we initially thought. Formicarium is part of a linked network of hubs where the populous sheltered. Our actions to liberate these people failed, I am fighting a losing battle to hold this bastion.” “Please, I beg of you, save these people. It is too late for me, as you can see. But not for all of those that have been enslaved!”

 Xander will watch the video in silence. Already not in the greatest of moods with the events that happen after the rescue of the Elders. Remains silent for a few minutes after the video had ended. Beta Ray has been teamed up with Xander to know he was angered and waits quietly, which is not normal for him, till Xander speaks. Hoping not an angry tirade. To Beta surprise when his friend did speak it was almost a whisper. "I had failed them. I let you humans preach one thing then do another. No offense Beta, but how can your people teach leave no one behind, yet months ago when we found out there were other from Ventom. They did nothing. No I played this game before and I will have not have any further part of building a new oppressive empire.I want to be part of something better to build something better. If an empire dream is shared by you Beta then this where we part. Of course how silly of me when old friend their work to be done. We are going to bring our missing home. Not just those for the Alexis, but we need to also find out the fate of the Command Carrier Daedalus. Since they went missing in the same area. They want anything we have done or do to be classified ultra secret then so be it, we play their game."    Xander voice becoming louder "Need a list for those that are trust worthy and not follows of the Edward way of thinking. Need to have a meeting with Captain Grant. I will give him a courtesy notification of the basic plan and we might need his help to move some personnel and equipment around. I will also need to talk with Jones and Hadron the ship needs some adjustments. Get me and meeting with Lron and Rodar I have need to barrow few Karbarrian shuttle crafts and maybe some volunteers. Ships would be nice, but get what we can that will not draw to much or any attention. Once you have those we can trust identified I will speak with them. This has to be volunteer mission." Xander thinks for a second then turns to Jackie V.  "Jackie need to to get with the Zentraedi comms officer here on the Cook and if you have to use the cyclops to do what I am about to ask you have my permission. You have command of this part, so any you need to get to get it done do so. I need you to get in contact with some or any of the Zentraedi ships still out there. I know their out there, remember we seen a group of them at Arcturos tracking the same Robotech Master signal we were. Time for them to come out out of the cool. I would call among someone in the UEEF, but do not know who to trust at this point. So we need to look for outside support. I will have a mission brief ready before we depart. Once we get on our way and before we go comm silent. I will need the mission information sent to General Breetai and Admiral Hunter marked of course Ultra Secret for their eyes only. For future talks Mission reference will be referred to as "He thinks for a second" Operation Galvanic and target location code name Tarawa. Any questions?"       

Seratoga Communications vessel Time 02:46 standard fleet. Standby Comms and Control station Bravo2   Flickering aqua light gently strobes the darkened room.The sole occupant, eyes glazed, idly chews on a long spent stim stick. “How did it come to this?” he muses. His career had stagnated, he was far too valuable to be relegated to these mundane tasks. The quiet tones of instrumental music play over the dull drone of the Seratoga’s analytical systems, permitting the young Corporals mind to wander from his self-appointed task. Perhaps this was to be an uneventful search after all, another waisted evening. The subtle change in pitch of the work stations processor almost went unnoticed as he lent forward in his seat to kill his program. Pausing, finger hovering over the “terminate search” icon, eyes scanning the lines of text on the screen, his fatigued mind suddenly grasped the pattern that was emerging. The Data Mining programme that he had created looked to have discovered something interesting!A series of messages, between an Officer of rank and a subordinate. Perhaps this information might be useful, or used correctly, might be traded for something of value. Skilled fingers dance across the workstation keyboard, redefining search criteria, ferreting out information that tied these individuals together. Information that might be used as leverage or traded with other parties to enhance his position. So, it appeared that the famed Veritech pilot Beta Ray was in a relationship with a junior communications Officer. Some of the personal messages were quite sordid. “Perfect!” Communications Corporal Enderson exclaimed with malicious joy. Beta Ray was held in high regard amongst the fleet, information of this manner could be quite damaging to the careers of both the personnel implicated. In which case it would certainly be of great value. “I might even be able to blackmail this young Jakie V into sleeping with me!” he chuckled to himself. “Now that would be worth it to put one over those fucking Fly boys!” “Hmmm, which of their friends knew about this and hid it? Who else might be complicit in hiding this violation of the Hunters Code of Conduct?” Enderson smirked to himself as he returned to the Workstation….

“Well this has been a most productive day” thought Enderson as he tipped the contents of his rucksack out onto his bed. His “ Data Mining and Pattern Algorithm ” computer program running in the background was linking all manner of menial data. Some of which was paying off. Dirty little secrets that he could exploit, leverage that he could apply in the right areas to unlock even bigger secrets.Granted it didn’t always work out, he still had some pain in his jaw from where he had tried, unsuccessfully, to proposition another Communications Officer called Jackie V for sexual favours. But by god had he hit pay dirt when he stumbled across an alien passenger called Amethyst . Discovering an unrequited love interest, Enderson drafted a hurtfully reply message from some Zentraedi Officer that she was infatuated with.With a limited number of friends and no family aboard any of the vessels, she was easy to emotionally manipulate. The wealth of information that she had provided him about some hidden Campaign on a nearby planet called Arcturus … The number of personnel involved, the loss of life and assets.The clumsy way in which command had failed to cover their tracks….Well given time he was sure that he would be able to ferret out information so valuable that he might even be able to use it to “ purchase ” a position on the Ships Council. The door to his room chimed. “Ha!” he thought to himself. “Some pathetic looser coming by to drop off their payment. "Hmm wonder where my look out guy went?” he thought absentmindedly as he thumbed the door control. “Oh it’s you!” Enderson exclaimed with a smirk. “Well, you had better have something good to trade if you don’t want those pictures and documents concerning you going anywhere….” The figure in the doorway gives no response. “Please come on now, it’s very simple.I have you over a barrel, you are going to give me something of value or I am going to fuck you”. Enderson snarled, the power that he held now over his victims was like a drug to him. Rank meant nothing anymore, he could operate with impunity given what he knew… Slowly the figure in the doorway drew something from within his dress jacket.Muted light from the hallway played across the hard edges of the object. “Nice trade! That’s a 50 calibre pistol from the…” Enderson , so sure of his position of power, didn’t even think to flinch as the heavy pistol was leveled at his head. The single shot that followed a moment later, showering the contents of his head over wall of his room.

“Sir!” Captain Benson cried out in horror, ducking as a heavy name plaque narrowly avoided his head. “I should have let that hit you.Honestly Benson your predictable stupidity is starting to wear thin…” Colonel Edwards raged.“You seem to be totally unaware of the game that we play here, or what is at stake”. “Sir, they disobeyed my orders on Karbarra .The honour for that victory should have been mine, you placed me in control of that theater of the conflict.” Benson spat back, shaking with rage. “Benson, for the love of god, breath and think!” Edwards shouted, turning to his desk and retrieving a bottle of sipping whiskey and two glasses.Pouring them both a liberal glass he thrust one into Bensons hand.“Drink this, gather your thoughts, then continue.” Hesitantly the Captain looked at the glass, then back at the Colonel.  Edwards sighed, throwing back half his glass “It’s just fucking whiskey, don’t be so damn spineless”. Accepting the challenge, Benson followed suite with his glass, coughing and spluttering as the strong liquid burnt his throat.Chuckling to himself as the Captain tried to recompose himself, Edwards took this moment to speak first. “The murder was not common knowledge, you played that card far too soon and cast away it’s potential value.If it wasn’t for one of my agents aboard the Seratoga , well there would had been no way to correctly work the situation to our favour.I must say, I am curious as to what you were doing aboard that ship, did this Enderson happen to stumble across something that you would have preferred remain in the dark?” Paling under the Colonels scrutiny, Benson choked and stammered a reply.“How did you …I wasn’t…He said…” Removing his face mask to reveal the hideous scaring, Edwards held up his hand to silence Benson . “We all have parts of us that we would prefer the world not to see.I know why you were there.I have all of Enderson’s files, I have his program.In short, I know what he knew.” The set of Benson’s shoulders collapsed, it was all over, with this information Edwards would own him now. Looking back at that horrifically scared face, the crooked smile, he felt like prey before a snake.Waiting for the strike that would end him, knowing that he probably wouldn’t see it coming. “Oh come now Benson , don’t look so glum. This is actually a day to celebrate.” Edwards drawled as he sipped at his glass.“Let me explain, if we still desire to follow the path that the sub council set forth, then our numbers are too few to stage a successful coupe. There are two paths forward to achieve this goal. Firstly, we need to encourage more members of the sub council and high council to join us.With the program that the unfortunate Enderson created, I believe that we shall gain a new following and strengthen our existing member ties. But those damn Hunters have too many loyal friends.  So the interception of this message from Arcturus has been quite fortuitous.There is now legitimate reason to split our forces so that we may face whatever enemy is at our back door. With careful placement we have been able to alter manning rosters, troops sympathetic to the hunters goals shall be cooling their heels on an ice planet.

Third Moon of Fantoma Tirol Capital City Tiresia   Captain Benson glanced up from his data pad, why they were pandering to the servicemen was beyond him. To organise a concert for these peasants, left a bitter taste in his mouth.   ” Surely, they could be better entertained with cheap ale and low brow humour.   Belching their own names, flatulence?” Benson chuckled to himself. “Canon fodder, their families must be so proud.” Yet General Edwards had insisted that the REF SERVICE CLUB host a concert for these Cro-Magnon beings. Featuring the famed Tirolian Muses, Sirella, Adadriel and Saira . Something in the way the trio crafted their harmonies touched him deeply, quite unlike the talents for the guest star of the show, Miss Lynn-Minmie. “Perhaps I am just being jealous?” Captain Benson pondered to himself. “Though T.R. certainly has been spending more time with her than required…”   Unexpectedly the General came marching out of the club, having only just arrived.   Face flushed and angry, in contrast to the featureless steel of his faceplate, Benson quickly averted his eyes lest he incur the Generals wrath. T.R.Edwards had barely gotten out the door when his driver came rushing up to him. "Sir, a code 'Pyramid' signal from the Royal Hall."   Casting a withering glance at the man, General T.R.Edwards didn't break stride. "Get me there. Now. Benson , with me."     In the catacombs under the Royal Hall, past room after room of inert Inorganics stacked like cordwood, Edwards hurried. Onwards to the chamber where the deactivated Invid brain, The Living Computer drifted at the bottom of its tank.   On a nearby communications screen, Edwards saw an image.   The Invid Regent !   Of course; he had seen photos and sketches from the intel summaries, had taken a good look at the captured invid scientist Tesla , and he could extrapolate from there.   The Regent , for his part, glared down at the half-masked Human and drew conclusions of his own. Still, the Living Computer hadn't been destroyed, nor had the Inorganics. Evidently this Edwards couldn't be the leader of the Human expedition, always there was a furtiveness about the way in which the Regent's communications signals were received.   “ Edwards , nothing has been offered in regard to this peace accord.” The Regent boomed menacingly.   "Call back the forces that have launched this unprovoked sneak attack on my realm, or I shall utterly and completely wipe them out of existence!" A bluff perhaps, yet with battlelines still to be drawn, the Regent needed to gather intelligence.   Where were the forces of this new enemy, their number, their combat effectiveness?   The introduction of this new enemy had resulted in a savage blow, and severed supply lines he believed secure.   "If you truly believe that you have the ability to deal with these forces, can I rely on you to be thorough?" Edwards asked.   A misunderstanding, a translation error? With shock, the Regent realized the game he was playing wasn't the one he had counted on. "Is there some semantic problem, or do I understand you to mean that you do not care that the pitiful Sentinels will be crushed like vermin?" the Regent replied in disbelief, perhaps these humans had not   allied themselves with the Sentinals. General Edwards smirked. "You and your boys haven't been doing so well, huh? Mmm, here's something you might want to keep in mind, next time."   Edwards turned and grabbed a memory disk holding the full G-2/G-3 analyses of the Farrago , including its one glaring Achilles' heel.   As the information transferred, the Regent could scarcely believe what he was seeing.   Personally, he examined an indicator there at the Home Hive to make sure all this critical information was being recorded. He had just been handed the key to destroying the Sentinels.   "Haven't you got anything for me?" Edwards asked disingenuously, with a nod toward the somnolent Living Computer.   The Regent, still recovering from this phenomenal success, fought to maintain his composure "Hmm. Yes, yes, I do, provided that your information is accurate. I think that you and I must talk, General Edwards ."   "By all means. But let's do it here on Tirol , eh?" Edwards's replied in a tone didn't brook much debate.   The Regent pondered the matter, the balance of control was altering. The question being would Edwards be a tool he could utilize or simply another lifeform to crush? "Indeed, we will, friend General, indeed we will. Let me make arrangements and get back to you on the matter."   Edwards made an ironic salute with a forefinger. "Don't take too long; there's a lot to do."   "As soon as I've attended to the Sentinels ." the Regent agreed.   "If they beat your boys on Karbarra , they'll be headed for Praxis next."   "Ah. Thank you. I look forward to communing with a, um, kindred spirit."   Edwards inclined his head in a courtly fashion, then blanked the screen. When he straightened, he saw Captain Benson and the Ghost techs looking at him in complete shock.   "Wipe those looks off your faces!" Edwards jerked a head at the screen, and by implication at the Regent. "When the time comes, I'll handle him, too."

Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} Tirol Capital City Tiresia The catacombs under the Royal Hall     “So Benson …” Edwards began with a slow drawl. It never failed to amuse him to see the man squirm under his scrutiny. “Where are we sitting, how are our numbers?” Caught off guard, the captain stumbled over his words. “Sir, we are, um. Sorry, what information do you seek?” “I wish to know the proposed attendance for this evenings gala concert my good man” General Edwards stated off hand. “Well Sir, it would appear that interest is strong and…” “NO, YOU DIM WITTED FOOL!” Edwards roared in fury. “I don’t give a damn about those performing monkeys, I need to know the numbers of senior command that support my leadership!” “Of course Sir!” Benson replied hastily, face reddening at the shame of the rebuke. “Well, with the information obtained from the Data Mining Computer Worm , support levels sit roughly at 49%.” “Hmm, so close.” T.R.Edwards mused. “You catch more flies with Honey than Vinegar sir…” Benson replied. “Your change of tack with this concert, these reward systems should garner support.” “Flies, like the common man, are attracted to shite” Edwards snapped back at his 2IC, in truth it irritated him that he had not organised the event. That was Lynn- Minmie’s work, the two-dimensional singing pin up girl. The same one who rebuffed his advances and showed interest to that upstart Wolfe . “Yes, you are correct Benson, sometimes it is easier to catch prey with a lure, than an empty line.   Talking of prize fish, what news of The Cook ?” The colour fled from Bensons face, he had been dreading this question. “Sir, in relation to The Cook , there has been a problem…” Expecting T.R.Edwards to fly into a rage, he paused, steadying himself for the verbal assault. The senior officer, for his part remained calmly seated. Silently watching, reactionless, his face a mask of stone. Unsure of how to continue, Benson , bumbled over his wording as he attempted to mentally recall the information. Having verbally practiced this report, his mouth felt suddenly dry. “ The Cook , is not in Karbarren orbit sir, nor that of the ice planet Arcturus . We, don’t have a location fix on this vessel at this current time.” “I was concerned that you would fail me Benson , however I had not expected it to be this soon.” T.R.Edwards replied calmly.   “Thankfully however, I tagged this catch before releasing her to swim away.” Surging powerfully from his chair, T.R.Edwards , stabbed fingers against the control interface of the Living Computer . Bubbling the floating Invid brain stirred from it’s slumber, slowly rising up from the bottom of its tank. “Locate The Cook , locate my agent.” T.R.Edwards instructed the huge fleshy mass, watching intently as electrical nerve impulses played across the surface of the brains ridges.   Tense moments passed with T.R.Edwards becoming increasingly irritated. “Located, agent is active. Instructions?” The Living computer replied finally. Benson found himself releasing his breath, unaware that he had been holding it in fear. “Have him assume control of The Cook , time to real this catch in.” T.R.Edwards replied smugly. “Agent reports that these actions can not be taken, Vessel stuck.” The Brain replied, oblivious to the mounting anger evident in Edwards. “What in FUCKS name! Instruct that pathetic low life piece of shite that he shall return my prize to me. At all costs!” T.R.Edwards spat, the brain oblivious to his rage.

Tirol Capital City Tiresia The catacombs under the Royal Hall “Gentlemen, I have requested your attendance to discuss the matters of the intended peace treaty.” T.R.Edwards began, parading in front of his board of advisers akin to an elder statesman.  The schemes that each had interwoven together politically, socially and financially  designed to facilitate mutual destruction, bound the group tighter far tighter than those of kinship. “It is my belief that this dull creature, the Regent , I believe it calls itself, will wish to display its prowess. Like some simplistic rutting beast, it will attempt to intimidate us with a grandiose display of power.” Edwards continued, he had memorised this speech, rehearsed and anticipated the likely counter responses to his proposals. Carefully reading the expressions of these senior officers, looking for dissention.  “Quite honestly, we should not be surprised if this primordial slug tries to intimidate us by flashing its genitalia at us!” The crude attempt at humour was met with polite yet forced laughter. “I would encourage a united display in kind!”  The statement had been designed to catch the board members off guard, judging from their poorly masked expressions, he had succeeded. “Sir, this makes me uncomfortable to ask, but what is it that you are proposing?” Cpt.Benson inquired. Edwards , inclined his head, traces of a smile faintly playing at his lips.  The question was staged, Benson had been fully briefed on the intended plan, and was performing his role admirably.  “A reasonable inquiry Captain, thankyou for asking. Gentlemen, I am not an unreasonable man, these ideas are but drafts, fluid and mobile.  I encourage your input.” Edwards replied courteously.  “As we are all aware, the Zentraedi race were culturally and socially neutered.  When the famed Lynn- Minmie , performed her glorious rendition aboard the SDF1 , the enemy forces were thrown into chaos. Displays of public affection are known to repulse them.” Memories of the aftermath of the Zentraedi Holocaust, remained still as vivid in his mind as the day his one true love died in his arms. The day Rick and Lisa Hunter abandoned him to die at Alaska Base .   “I pray that you enjoyed last week’s performances gentlemen?” Edwards continued, silently choking back the rising fury of the memories invoked by the devastation of Earth, of his abandonment. He HAD to maintain control, there were strategic steps that were yet to be implemented. Nods and murmurs greeted his inquiry. “Careful Edwards.” He told himself. “Don’t loose them!” They feared him, as rightly they should, however that had been a short-sighted approach, his newly intended plan should prove to be far more effective. “If you are in agreement, I propose that we utilize similar tactics in greeting this Regent.” He finished humbly.   “Sir, I do not wish to overstep my rank and position on the board, but it would be difficult to predict how effective the performance might be. Are there other measures that might be taken?” On cue, presented in the correct tone, Cpt.Benson responded respectfully.   “Hmmf, yes, well young Captain. Thankfully there are older and wiser heads on this board.” Lieutenant Learman rebuked. “As the honourable General Edwards described, this self-proclaimed Regent behaves like a simplistic beast. An overwhelming demonstration of power, of our numbers! That should be a sufficient demonstration, that should strike fear into the beast!” A chorus of supportive voices echoed about the conference room.    Lt. Learman was not well liked, however the idea had merit, and should it fail, the blame would fall solely apon his shoulders. Like hungry jackals, the other board members lay in wait to take advantage of any sign of weakness. “I applaud your idea Lieutenant, though we must take care. This Regent has previously displayed an animalistic low cunning, should it detect a redeployment of our forces, it may sink its teeth into our exposed flanks.” General Edwards replied running his hand across the light stubble on his chin. Emboldened, another ambitious Lieutenant spoke up. “General Edwards, I wish to table a proposal, one that may permit us to satisfy both requirements.  The ship yards, both here and at Karbarra, are capable of producing vast numbers of vessels.” “How much lead time do you truly think that we have?” Lt. Learman interjected derisively. “No where near enough Lieutenant, not for complete vessels. However maybe we do not require functional vessels, only the appearance of them!”  “An interesting prospect!” General Edwards interjected before the conversation could become derailed. “Are you suggesting the use of decoys? A bold strategy Lieutenant!” “Yes…Yes sir that was precisely my line of thinking.” The Lieutenant stumbled, was that what he was going to suggest, unsure he simply agreed to save embarrassment? “General!” Lt. Learman interjected.  “Maybe not decoys as such, but the shells of our battle cruisers. We could easily increase the appearance of our numbers by anchoring these armoured shell vessels in orbit around the planets.  Husband our resources, and should the peace talks fail, the hulks can be drawn back into the factories for completion!” Clearly proud of his proposal, and hijacking the attention back to himself, Lt. Learman sat back lauding the attention and approval of his fellow officers.  The subsequent show of hands, in conjunction with General Edwards nod of respect, sealed the motion. Smiling to himself, Lt. Learman took delight in the envy evident in the cautious glances cast his way.   Back in the Generals private quarters, Captain Benson and T.R.Edwards  review the events at the UEEF military board.  “Masterful work Sir!” Cpt.Benson gushed in admiration. “Thank you Benson . Something you said in passing inspired me to trial a different approach. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” General Edwards replied, taking pains to indulge the man. “But how could you know that he would suggest the use of decoys? The increase in ship production?” The bewilderment clearly evident on Cpt.Benson’s face. “Psychology my dear man, some officers are more susceptible to suggestion than others.  Lt. Learman is one such candidate.” General Edwards replied flippantly, drawing the two of them a local Tiresian liquor. An outlandishly overpriced extravagance, but apt for celebrating a success of this nature.  “ Learman , and a number of other members of the board, have received production debriefs for both the Karbarren and Tirolian ship yards these last weeks.  The UEEF military entertainment channel, at my request, l has been running a series on historical warfare, the use of misdirection in the Cold War era.”   “Very well Sir, you manipulated their decision process, but to what end?” The captain enquired, perplexed. “This creates the illusion of choice, Benson , the illusion of choice.  If the members of the board believe that their voices matter, that they are influential in forging our new direction, they will flock to our cause.” Edwards replied coolly, his eyes hard and uncaring. “Those who are easily manipulated shall be rewarded with favourable promotions and postings. Those who can not see the preferable ease provided by following this new path, well shall be redistributed to locations and postings that are less desirable. Locations and postings where their non-compliance will have minimal effect.” “Talking of non-compliance, would you care to join me to witness the effects of our latest interrogation techniques?”  The question was rhetorical, having witnessed some of the earlier unsanctioned interrogations, Benson paled at the thought.    “Oh, come now Benson , we have a special guest this evening!” The General stated, revealing little, yet Benson noted the mania that crept into the man’s one good eye. “Dear God, he enjoys this!” Benson exclaimed to himself in horror.

Beaten and bruised an aged figure lies huddled in the corner of a makeshift cell.  More akin to an animal cage, his clothing torn, blood matting his hair, he breaths raggedly. A harsh cold light flickers to life, back-lighting two figures walking down a long hallway toward him.  Glinting metallic figures stand like silent watchmen along their approach as the pass cell after cell.  Each containing a creature as pitiful as him. “ Cosgrove , oh my, it doesn’t look as though you have been treated well at all!” General Edwards exclaimed in mock concern. “ Cpt. Benson , don’t just stand there gaping, unlock the cage for this poor creature!” Fear gripped Benson savagely. “Sir, we do not have an escort, the last guard was almost killed!” “You were told to open the cage.” Edwards replied quietly, his one good eye narrowing at this disobedience.  “Of course, Sir.  I meant no disrespect, just wanted to reiterate the danger such a man represents.” The subservience in the captain’s voice was music to the general’s ears.  “Well firstly this is no man, this creature is little more than a rat.  Look at the state of it, nesting in rags, covered in spittle. Time to answer more questions, you traitorous RAT!” Edwards spat at the man as the door to the cage swung open, Benson nimbly moving aside to ensure that the Edwards was the closest target. Inside General Cosgrove , lay unmoving.  “No, I have nothing to say to the likes of you!” The crackle of electricity sounded harshly in the quiet of the hallway, as the imprisoned man writhed in pain.  Flashes of neon sparks spasmodically illuminating other occupants, eliciting sobs of fear and desperation.  Each occupant fitted with a similar shock collar, all had tasted the pain inflicted on but a mad man’s whim. Grasping the prisoner by one ankle, T.R. Edwards dragged the unresponsive man down the hallway towards the interrogation room, a smear of burnt flesh and blood trailing in their wake. “Come Benson, let us see if there is anything salvageable from this rat creature.” Edwards called back over his shoulder. “Life signs are stable Sir, though these burns will require treatment.” One of the Ghost Technicians replied while others of his team continued applying the induction sensors and control headpiece.  The cannibalised array of components represented a significant leap forward in the REF’s understanding of the technologies utilised by the Robotech Masters .  They most certainly had not been intended to be operated in the manner in which General Edwards was currently trialling them.  Secured to an ornate automated surgical table, the incumbent form of Cosgrove lay secured, sensor arrays connecting interconnecting him to the slab.  Dense bundles of data cables trace away from the surgical table to the captured Invid Living Brain. “You believe that this will work sir?” Captain Benson uttered in a hushed voice. “If he talks, or worse yet if he dies in this interrogation it will be difficult to cover up.” “From the information that the technicians have been able to recover, this device was designed to repair, reprogram or erase the memories of the Masters army of clones.” Edwards mused, tracing a finger against the outline of the metal mask that hide his scared disfigurement. Would this device be capable of rebuilding his face? Doubt clouding his face, Benson broached the unspoken question. “But we don’t know how to operate it sir, how can we even hope to extract the knowledge we seek from this man.  One wrong combination may well gift us a dissected corpse.” The shudder of fear Benson was unable to suppress, was but another reason that Edwards doubted the man’s suitability for the role. He simply did not have the stomach for wet work. “Well, that is the reason that the Living Computer has been interfaced with the table.  It’s processing capabilities should be more than sufficient to enable, safe efficient processing of all variables.”  The false bravado with which he presented the statement sounded fake, even to his own ears.  Thankfully, none were brave enough to verbalise their objections. “Let us begin. Two battleships have been lost under his watch, the Tristar Illustrious and the captured Zentraedi Battle cruiser The Cook .  “The Illustrious was stolen by the criminal Grant , but what the hell happened to The Cook?” Edwards raged. Spasming and convulsing, Cosgrove mounts a feeble mental defence against the invasive assault.  Countless days of abuse have pushed the man well beyond his limits, his mind is laid bare.  Imagery of debriefing with Squadron Ghost Bear , the acquisition of replacement munitions, the subtle shift of personnel.  Brow furrowed, T.R.Ewards felt a hint of respect, the skill with which this traitorous man had used misdirection… He however had refused to align himself with the Board, and appeared to have an agenda of his own? Mental imagery began to flicker on command console. “What are we seeing?” Benson voiced to one of the ghost technicians.  “Unsure sir, it might be that the patients stress levels are too high, which could be causing interference.” A medical Technician replied with concern. “We could apply a sedative, some pain relief?” “A sedative yes, however this man is an enemy to our cause. He must be allowed to suffer for his crimes against us!” General Edwards spat the words out spitefully. “But let us focus the inquiry now, where has he sent this little squad and why?” Solar navigation charts appear apon the command console, one by one waypoints of interest and strategic value highlight. A sub-light navigation path begins stepping its way from Karbarra outwards into the void. Oddly the path splits, dual navigation tracks diverging from each other. “A false trail perhaps sir? Or multiple departures, a split team?” Benson was trying to impress him with his tactical insight.  Comically childlike, General Edwards allowed him to prattle on, curious if he truly had anything to offer to the conversation. Once again, the dual navigational paths split, four lines tracing apart, the speed accelerating. Some seconds later, each split once again. “Do you think that he is subconsciously trying to resist our interrogation Sir?” Benson enquired to the room, attempting to impress the Ghost Technician staff with his analysis of the information displayed. “Perhaps.” Edwards mused, the stirrings of concern mounting in his gut. “ Cosgrove is quite effectively sedated, isn’t he?” Ignoring Bensons blathering, he locked the medical technician with a hard stare. “Yes sir, exactly as was requested Sir!” The technician replied confidently.  “Well then, why is it that he is…” Sudden realization dawned apon the General as the speed to the navigational plotting increased. Navigational waypoints, deep space supply depots, shipping lanes, trade depots.  Cosgrove was not intentionally trying to mislead them.  Something had gone wrong, terribly wrong! “Shut it down, SHUT IT DOWN NOW!” Edwards roared. Racing from the viewing platform to the automated surgery slab that Cosgrove was secured to.  “The system had been compromised, protect the data!” The report of the aftermath of this day would be locked away under the UEEF security act.  Extensively redacted, witness statements would indicate that one Captain Benson chose to disconnect the data interface cabling networking the Living Brain from the prisoner. This act severed the connection and disrupted the attempted acquisition of materials and information sensitive to UEEF operations.  It is also noted that the subject of integration at this time, inadvertently suffered the ill effects of neural feedback.  The subject was subsequently medically discharged, a dishonourable discharge overturned on the grounds of mental incapacity, sustained in defence of the service .