5 minutes...... oldwrench tries story telling

[oldwrench]

What happened to chapter 43????
I thought I posted it.
must have forgotten to hit the submit button
good thing I saved it
well, now I have two chapters to post, hope you enjoy them, things will heat up again later.

Chapter 43


General Parker walked into his office and found Tom already there, sitting in a chair and
working on his laptop. “I’ll be leaving for Mar Sara in a few days,” the general told him.

Tom looked up, “I thought someone had convinced the admiralty that you shouldn’t be
allowed to go.”

“I went over their heads,” George smirked, “let’s see them try to stop me.”

Tom gasped, “you went to........”

“Yes I did,” George laughed. “They won’t be able to oppose a direct order from the
emperor himself.”

“You’re going to make some people very upset, sir” Tom said, shaking his head.

“That’s just fine. Maybe we’ll smoke out the rat that’s been causing the delays,” the
general said as he sat down. “We just can’t wait any longer. There’s still no word from the
Krikav, or the Ticonderoga. We can’t just sit on this, we have to act, and I have to be there so this
doesn’t turn into another massacre.”

“I just hope this doesn’t put a black mark on your career, sir.” Tom told him.

“The emperor wants this mess cleared up as much as I do, Tom. That’s why he agreed to
see me.” George sighed, “We’ve got to find out who’s behind these incidents, before it causes a
war....... How is the interrogation of Ashford coming?”

“We seem to have wrung all we’re going to get out of him.” Tom replied. “I still think he
knows more, but he’s either to afraid or to stubborn to say any more.”

“Alright, I want you to cut him loose.” The general said as he looked at his messages.

“Let him loose? But sir, he may know more.” Tome complained

“That’s alright,” the general said, without looking up, “keep a close watch on him. I’ll bet
he’ll contact whoever he works with within a few days........... Hmm, What’s this? I have a
message from Tod, an R&D tech from Victorville, he’s demanding that I recall the Krikav. Says
it’s of vital importance. Say’s we have to return his mech and the pilot.”

Tom stopped typing in mid stroke, “What? That’s the researcher who lost that mech with
the cloaking system.”

“How the heck does he know that his mech’s on the Krikav?” George asked, “I thought
you couldn’t find a trace of it.”

“We can’t.” Tom looked thoughtful for a moment. “The Krikav was at the moon base for
resupply at that time, and we haven’t been able to confirm that they don’t have it. Maybe that’s
what makes him think they do.” Tom worked at his keyboard for a few moments. “Records show
there was a new firefly assigned to a pilot aboard the Krikav. You don’t suppose.......”

“As soon as you wrap up this Ashford business, get out to Victorville and find out what
you can from this tech. Maybe he found something that we don’t know about.” The general
looked back down at his computer, dismissing Tom.



Chapter 44


The colonel looked around the room at the pilots of his command. “Each of you is going
to have to help the techs re-arm and repair your mechs. The master tech informed me that we are
short of techs. We should have two techs for each of your mechs, but we were only assigned one
for each. Since the losses of the pirate wars, the EDF has been as short of techs as they are of
pilots. I know some of you may not be technically inclined, but any pair of hands will be a help.”
Dan sighed, he knew the one pilot that should be helping the techs wouldn’t be able to.
“Lieutenant Ross, since you’re the only one who can see through their cloaks, I want you outside,
keeping watch. I know it’s going to be tough, but you will have to stay alert round the clock.”

“Sir,” Chad spoke up, “the ships sensors should be able to detect the cloaked mechs, if
they had the right software. I asked Ghost and she said the software we were using should be able
to be converted for the ship to use.”

“Ghost?” The colonel asked. “Who’s that?”

“Oh... that’s the name I gave my mech, sir.” Chad replied.

“Ghost....... Hmm, a fitting name, but, you asked a mech? That doesn’t make sense
lieutenant, mechs can’t answer you.”

“But Ghost can, sir. She’s an AI, I couldn’t have learned to use the mechs systems so
soon without her help.” Chad explained. “She’s something special, sir.”

The colonel touched his communicator, “Yuki, report to the cafeteria. ...........We’ll see
what the controller thinks of your suggestion. If she can use it, it would be a great asset.”

There was some murmuring among the pilots about the revelation of an AI in Chad’s
mech, but it all stopped when the ship’s controller entered. “Pilot Yuki, reporting as ordered sir,”
the young girl announced.

“Ah, Yuki, lieutenant Ross’ mech told him you could use the sensor program she has to
detect the enemy mechs using the ship sensors. Do you think that would be possible?” The
colonel asked.

“That would not be possible, sir” she replied.

The colonel frowned, darn, just when he’d had his hopes up.

“Mobile suits are not able to converse with their pilots,” she continued.

“But Ghost can,” Chad burst out, “she’s special.”

Dan looked at Chad, then back to Yuki, “I’d like you to check that out, Yuki. If you can
use that program, it would be a big advantage.”

“I will attempt to establish a link with the computer of Blue Dragon four, sir,” Yuki
replied. She stood unmoving for several seconds. “Lieutenant Ross is correct, Blue Dragon four
is able to communicate with it’s pilot.”

“What about the sensor system? Can you use the software?” Dan asked.

“Ghost and I have just had a thorough discussion concerning cloaking and quantum
physics. I have downloaded a copy of the sensor programing.” Yuki told them in her emotionless
voice.

“Can you use it?” The colonel asked.

“The program will have to be rewritten to match ship system protocols.” Yuki stated, then
stood still again for several seconds. “It is installed and operating, sir. According to system tests,
the sensors should now be effective against the enemy’s cloaking system. The ship sensors
should give us slightly better range than those of Ghost.”

“Already?” Dan was surprised for a moment. “Yes, I imagine it wouldn’t take you long.
You can return to the bridge, Yuki.” Dan looked around at the pilots, this was good, Chad would
be valuable helping repair the mechs, with his tech background. “Alright, I’ll expect all pilots to
be in the hangar and working with the techs in thirty minutes. Let’s get those machines ready for
combat. I have a feeling this isn’t over yet.”

[oldwrench]

Maybe Arisa as a kitten??

[Zeratul2k]

This part made me laugh: "Ghost and I have just had a thorough discussion concerning cloaking and quantum physics."

I don't think I need to say why, though :p

Keep it up!

[Zeratul2k]

I was going to edit my last post to add this little reference to why that line made me laugh, but found out too much time had passed and couldn't anymore :(

So here it is: http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/7/31/

[oldwrench]

Good one Zera. I really was trying to subtly show that the computers could discuss, in seconds, what would take us hours.

[oldwrench]

Back again, one more chapter. Again, there is intrigue going on aboard the Krikav. Well, they better get the ship ready to defend itself, I doubt that this will be the last battle.

Chapter 45


Greg sat at his desk, he had to enter the pile of papers that was the list of repairs needed
on the Krikav’s mechs. Time to get things organized and get things done. Only having half the
techs he needed was going to be a problem. He looked at his computer screen and noticed his
subspace transmitter rig was still on. There was just one message from his friend, “are you still
there”. He typed off a quick message before shutting the system off.

Jack had been worried when he got the last message from Greg, so he hadn’t shut off his
receiver, but waited for any news. When he saw the message Greg sent he was relieved, he called
Tod. “I just got word from Greg,” he told the R&D man. “They came through alright. Had one
Lancer wrecked, and damage to a few others, but your mech did alright................ No, he didn’t
mention any damage to it, so don’t worry. I’ll try to contact him tomorrow at the same time.”


The pilots filed out of the cafeteria, most of them going to their rooms for a few minutes
before reporting to the hangar. Chad stopped Arisa in the hall. “Ghost doesn’t need any work, I
didn’t use any amo, and almost no fuel. I could..... um, if you’d like..... I could help you get your
mech running again. I was in a tech group before they made me a pilot.”

Arisa smiled, she would like that. She really wanted to get Keon back operating, and any
help would only speed up the process. Besides, she kind of liked being around Chad. “That
would be great,” she told him. “There must be something wrong in the fiber network, but I can’t
imagine what would have happened. The VCM output controls work, the tech tested it on that
end. I ran the diagnostic routines on the main console and the feedback loop shows the output
module is getting a signal. I wouldn’t think all the emitters would go out at the same time, and
there isn’t an indicator of a dead emitter.”

Chad just stared at the girl for a few moments, what she said made perfect sense. If the
diagnostics didn’t show a fault in the console, it most likely had to be a break in the fiber optics.
The output had four redundant emitters, running through two paired fiber cables. There just
shouldn’t be this kind of failure................. But, how did she know that? Pilots weren’t trained to
use the technical diagnostic routines. “Um, that sounds right. I mean, that there must be a break
in the fiber somewhere.” Chad told her, coming out of his daze. “But, that would be really
strange.......... Um, how do you know about that stuff?”

Arisa giggled, “remember, my family’s industries build the things. I grew up with
mechs.” Arisa turned and headed for her room. “I’ll meet you at the hangar in a few minutes.”

John stopped by Georgianna’s door, he raised his arm to knock, but hesitated. No, it
probably wasn’t a good time. John was sure she could use some support. Having Reina damaged
and being that close to dying had to be hard on her, and that, on top of the specter of Tarsonis
coming back to haunt her. Yes, he knew Georgianna well enough to know she could use
someone to lean on right now, but she’d made it all to clear, she didn’t want it to be him.

Colonel Hellwind sat at his desk, thinking. Things just didn’t add up. That odd sabotaged
mech, when they were supposed to get a new one. The orders to come out of warp at a different
location, only to walk into an ambush. The fact that the Ticonderoga was there, and he hadn’t
been informed of it. The cloaked mechs. Right now though, he wondered what had gone wrong
with the ship’s sensors. Dan called for the ships tech that had repaired the sensors. He needed to
know what had been the problem.

There was a knock at the colonels door, and he called for the tech to enter. Dan looked up
but was surprised to see Captain Aiden Pride standing by his desk. “Colonel,” Aiden said
standing at attention, “I would like you to accept my resignation.”

Dan sat for a moment, he hadn’t really expected this. “No, I won’t,” he told the captain.

“You have to, Dan,” Aiden pleaded, “it was my fault, I almost got Jeff killed. I can’t be
trusted in combat, They never should have given me a command. I’ve been.....”

“I know all about your black outs, Aiden.” Dan told him. “I told Jeff to keep an eye on
you, so it’s just as much my fault he was hit as it is yours. I knew I was taking a chance, but
damn it, Aiden, I need you. You’re the most experienced man I have. Right now I can’t afford to
waste any resource I have.”

Aiden leaned on the desk and hung his head. “I can’t go out again, Dan.” He said quietly.
“I can’t put any more of the pilots in jeopardy. I have to resign. Putting me out there is worse
than being a man short.”

“I still won’t let you resign,” Dan told him, “you can be my tactical officer. I need your
knowledge and insight. We’re in a mess here, and I don’t think it’s just from outside.”

Aiden frowned, “You think there’s an enemy on board?”

“That’s what I’d like to know,” Dan replied. “Stick around, I called the tech who repaired
the sensors. Maybe we’ll find out more.” There was a knock at the door and the colonel called
for the person to enter. The ships tech was a bit older than Dan, a career man, and highly
experienced. “Could you tell us what the problem was with the ship sensors?” Dan asked him.

“Yes sir, The main power supplies were burned out,” the tech told them. “There is a
redundant system, two separate systems, both were burned out.”

“Isn’t that a bit unusual?” Dan asked.

“Highly unlikely, sir,” the tech answered. “Those systems are pretty well developed. I
can’t remember when I’ve seen one fail, much less both at once. If it weren’t that the controller
was on the bridge the whole time, I’d say somebody shorted those boards out.”

“Yes, well, thank you for your help,” Dan told the man, then dismissed him. “That’s it
then,” Dan told Aiden, “There must be a saboteur on board.”

“But Dan, like the man said, Yuki was on the bridge the whole time. Wouldn’t she have
said something if someone messed with any of the panels?” Aiden questioned.

“Maybe not,” Dan countered. “What if one of the ships techs did it. She might not have
thought anything of it. Let’s go to the bridge, we need to question Yuki.”

[oldwrench]

Well, after a bit of delay, I got another chapter written. Now to get those mechs repaired. Hopefully we're past the sabotage. Chad promised to get Arisa going again....... isn't that sweet. Hope she appreciates that. And poor John, will anyone ever appreciate him? well, I guess you'll have to read on to find out.


Chapter 46


“Could I use a net tester, an NT-10, sir?”

Greg looked up from his computer screen at the tall young man and smiled. “Sure, Ross,”
the master tech replied, “in cabinet four in the tool room.” Greg was glad the pilot had come to
help with the repairs. He looked out into the hangar and saw the girl pilot of red group’s Lancer
climbing up to her mech. So that was it, he smiled again, the boy was trying to impress the girl.
Well, if it got him some help, he was glad of it.

Greg watched Chad carrying the test equipment out of the tool room. “So Ross, I hear
you’re a tech,” he said.

“I was sir, before they made me a pilot.” Chad replied.

“They may have made you a pilot, but you’re still one of us,” Greg told him. “Where
were you stationed?”

“Edwards EDF base, Earth, sir,” Chad told him. “Master Tech Darryl Ernhardt was my
superior.”

“Old man Ernhardt?” Greg looked surprised. “Is that old coot still around? He was my
superior when I was a new recruit. I suppose he filled you full of his tall tales.”

Chad’s eyes lit up, “You knew him too? He told me all the stories about his family and
racing back in the days of gasoline cars. His family was really amazing.”

Greg laughed, “Well maybe, if you believe all the stories he tells.”

“But it’s true,” Chad told Greg as he left the room, “He showed me some pictures, and
even some really old video of the races.”

Chad climbed the steps to the Lancer platform. He saw Arisa come around from behind
the big machine. Chad almost stumbled, Arisa had changed into her military, casual issue, cloths,
shorts and a short sleeved shirt. They fit loosely on the petite girl, making her look even smaller.
For some reason, Chad found he couldn’t look away.

“Oh, is that a fiber optic tester?” Arisa asked.

“Ah..... ya,” Chad stuttered. “Right, it tests the output from the control boards and can put
a signal out through the fiber. It works for pretty much any board, if you have the right cable.”

“It looks different than what they used in the labs back home.” Arisa told him.

“Well, it’s military,” Chad said, “This stuff all just looks like grey boxes. I need to check
the cable, they used a couple different types of connector. I need to pick the right adapter cable.”

Chad watched Arisa climb into the cockpit of the Lancer, he almost forgot to breath.
Arisa sat in the pilot’s seat and unsnapped the cover under the main control panel. She sat up and
handed the panel to Chad. “It would probably be better if it were the main panel,” Arisa claimed.
“That fiber cable must be a tough job to replace.”

“Ya, it’s a real pain,” Chad replied, “But I still can’t understand how both cables could go
bad at the same time. There are two separate pairs of cables that join at that connector. With four
redundant networks like that, this just shouldn’t happen.” Chad strapped the light band around
his head and switched it on. “We’ll know in a few minutes,” he told her, then leaned over the
console and looked underneath it.

Rose stood in the hangar door, she saw Chad and Arisa on the platform by the Lancer.
She watched as Arisa got in the machine and Chad got ready to check the console. Rose almost
choked trying not to laugh as Chad leaned into the cockpit. She quickly pulled out her
communicator and fumbled with the control to turn on the camera function. She had to get a
picture of this, it was to good to pass up. Arisa sitting in the pilot seat and Chad bent over the
console, he literally had his head down between Arisa’s knees. Chad was going to have a hard
time living this one down.

Chad disconnected the fiber cable connector then stood back up. He sorted through the
adapters then connected one to the tester cable. “Once I have this hooked up, we’ll know if the
board has any output,” he told Arisa, then ducked back under the board.

Arisa watched Chad choose the adapter and duck under the console. She was impressed
by how the tall young man could so easily reach under the board. He seemed so sure of what he
was doing, so competent. Then she heard his muffled voice from under the board. “Wait a
minute........ What’s this?”

Chad picked at the edge of white he saw sticking out of the board connector. A small
scrap of white fell out into his hand. Chad backed out and stood up, he showed Arisa a small
scrap of paper. “How the heck would that have gotten in there?” Chad questioned. “Your mech
worked fine when we had that training, it couldn’t have been in there then............ Somebody had
to have put that in there. But why? Who?”

Arisa stared at the scrap. She frowned, “Kirk! That bastard. He said he was going to stop
me. Next time I see him, I’ll break more than his nose.”

“What, that guy?” Chad looked down at the frowning girl. “Would he know enough to do
that?”

“Yes, he does. We both had mechs since we were little kids. He learned how to work on
mechs long before he joined the EDF.” Arisa told Chad.

“I hope you fix him good.” Chad replied. “I’ll hook the cable back up, then we’ll see if it
works.” Chad ducked under the board and plugged the cable in, making sure the latch was
secured, then stood back up. “Ok, give it a shot.”

Arisa nodded then put her hands into the sensor gloves, she switched on the motion
systems then carefully moved her arms. The huge machine smoothly followed her movements.
Chad felt really good, seeing Arisa’s bright smile. She was literally bouncing in the seat as she
shut off the motion sensors. “Yes!” She squeaked as she stood up, “Thank you!” She grabbed
Chad’s shirt and pulled him across the console and kissed him. Arisa quickly sat down and began
running through the Lancer’s system checks.

Chad stood back up, blushing furiously. Wow......... I mean........ well, he’d never been
kissed before, not even by his mother, that he could remember. “Um...... ya........ Ah, you’re
welcome, I guess........... anytime.” Chad picked up the board cover, and handed it to Arisa.
“Here....... I’d better get the tester back to the tool room......” Chad closed up the tester and
hurried from the platform.

Rose checked the pictures she’d taken. She was glad she’d waited a few extra minutes,
the last two were priceless. Wait till Dom and Ben saw these.

[oldwrench]

I've looked for something that I would like for the uniforms. The pictures come from Gunparade March. In my mind, the cloths would be similar, the shirts less fancy, and with short sleeves, with pilot insignia on the sleeves.

The dark haired girl would be a good model to base Megumi on. The redhead would need to be a bit better muscled to fit for Georgianna.

[Kira]

I wonder if my chapters are too long >< haha. As always once again, good chapter and good to see you still writing gpa ^^

[Sakura]

Haven't read on... still looking at kitty Arisa, drooling...