Post by Yasulion on Apr 7, 2011 5:08:48 GMT
(This is fairly long, but it's almost finished. I am writing this for a school assignment.)
The interior light illuminated a coffee cup with a dim, blue glow. The countless consoles and screens in the ship’s bridge, alight with important navigational data and miscellaneous system readings existed as the only sources of light; a sharp contrast to the infinite void that almost seemed to try and claw through the hyaline, reinforced windows. The general demeanor of the crew seemed dismal and cold, as no one said much on the long trips from planet to planet. In reality most of them harbored a deep exhaustion. Such long trips, even with the aid of the ship’s state of the art acceleration drive installed on the Exitus Acta Probat, the trip could take weeks and the tedious job of monitoring the complicated navigational equipment could be very draining. To Aciel Morgan, the halcyon situation seemed abnormal a ship outfitted with such powerful military hardware.
With at least full hour left of flight time, Aciel retrieved a small plasma lighter from his coat. Upon pressing a small button located on the lighter’s side, a bright white cone of plasma burned through the dim ambience. He extracted a cigarette and lit it, creating a smoldering tip that burned with a dull, orange glow. Passively inhaling its calming smoke, he enjoyed the rest of his black, rich coffee while taking observations and mental notes. The crew began to seem more energetic, and soon they buzzed with activity as they took care of the various protocols and procedures tasked to them.
To most common people the upcoming fireworks would arouse a wild excitement, or at the very least a slight interest, but the crew must have seen it a thousand times before. Not even the incredible majesty ahead affected them now. The ship dramatically started to lose momentum, and slowly settled into orbit around a large and new planet. Suddenly, Capitan Poole’s oppressive voice shattered the serene atmosphere. “What do the officials say about the threat level of these things?” “Tier two. They hardly even have a nervous system yet, but as always there is a possibility of some unknown factor.” replied one of the technicians. That news had probably been expected. “Arm two of the usual and prepare to fire, I don’t see any point in collecting data for such an insignificant species.”
“Both warheads are armed and ready to fire sir.” Upon hearing that, the Capitan punched in a numerical code into a small illuminated keypad. “Fire on my mark…. Mark!
Two large nuclear devices departed the missile bay from the bottom of the ship as sirens blared and red lights flashed. The projectiles screamed at high speed towards the unsuspecting planet, and unparsed by the atmosphere they seeked out their predetermined end locations. Several minutes later, a flash burned through the cloud cover and large shockwaves expanded from two distinct points. A murderous and stream of radiation instantly sterilized entire continents, leaving nothing but a scorched and necrotic wasteland. Within days horrifically radioactive winds would immolate the planet, making the entire globe un-inhabitable. Any life or future that existed as the right to the life that resided there burned away, and those responsible looked on smug faces and a feeling of accomplishment.
Aciel looked on with a mask of uncaring. In reality he felt baffled by the entire situation. After a weeklong trip traversing millions and millions of miles, it had been all to commit a nuclear holocaust on a harmless planet for what had been described as the “security and prosperity of the Human race.” He drank the last of his coffee and tried to appear unconcerned with the abnormality. “Such an aberrant and pointless task.” Aciel thought to himself, remembering his previous assignments. Only two years ago, he had been mercilessly executing rebels and dissenters. No insurrection could succeed against the ruthless and cold policies of the Inquisition. Yet, something felt strangely wrong now, like strangling an infant.
Capitan Poole turned to one of his officers and began giving commands. “Notify the council that our job is completed; and note the time. Be sure to remind them that our ammunition is getting low as well.” Aciel noticed for the first time that the Capitan had something in a holster at his side. Upon further examination, the object appeared grey and metallic, being perhaps some sort of mechanical device. He first considered the possibility of the object being a tool, but quickly noticed the similarities to the weapons used during his years killing dissenters, and suddenly recognized the purpose and use of such an instrument. Surely, it had to be a nonfunctioning antique used solely for decorative purposes.
Lunch came after the genocide, being very welcome to the fatigued and hungry crew members. Everyone gluttonously wolfed down their five star slop, too ravenous to take the time to enjoy their meal. Aciel sat at the main table, across from the first Lieutenant in the third seat in order of succession. Capitan Poole drank a glass of whisky, as he ate in silence. No one even spoke of what they had done just a half hour before. Aciel smoked another cigarette as he tried to understand the reasons behind the actions of the people surrounding him.
“Good show, wasn’t it?” Aciel looked across the table and saw the man who asked. First Lieutenant Dexter Braziller stared at him across the table with an inquisitive look. “Yes sir, I found it to be a truly spectacular experience.” Replied Aciel. Dexter’s expression changed strangely to one of joy. “Did you really? I think it’s just wonderful!” “Why’s that, sir?” “Because.” Said Dexter with a borderline psychotic grin. “It’s a necessary step in securing a future for our species. Don’t you feel safer knowing they’re all dead?”
Lieutenant Braziller’s statement hit Aciel as strange. Surely that couldn’t be the only motivation. None of the organisms ever documented seem to have been overtly threatening. Before he opened his mouth, Aciel quickly decided to stay silent. Having worked in the Inquisition, he knew just how those who asked questions ended up, and Aciel had no ambition to end up in an unnamed gulag with a hole in the back of his head.
Several hours later, most people in the ship had gone to sleep. However, Aciel stared at the ceiling above him, deep in thought. For the first time in many years, he was having second thoughts. He knew that there could be no way out, no escape. Doomed forever to a flying casket with the purpose of stomping out the sanctity of life had not been the fate he had hoped for. At least there had been some merit in killing able bodied human beings, and he wished to return to those days sometimes. The next morning, Aciel would get his wish.
At 0700 the next day, new orders came straight from the Office of Safety. The pending assignment became to “purify” a small settlement of humans in a nearby system. Of course, the word purify carried a special meaning to it; a meaning of malice and extreme prejudice indeed. There would probably be no need to even voyage to the surface to ruthlessly slaughter the small group of defenseless people. After all, why waste the time when they could just firebomb them from orbit? That would be a very accurate guess.
Watching on with horror and a deep unsettlement, a long dead sense of unease grew in what remained of Aciel’s fractured conscience. Still unauthorized to anything but observe, he watched as the crew prepared to cast down hellfire on a hopeless tribe of human beings. In all likelihood, those people had probably been stranded as a result of a mechanical failure of whatever craft they had been using. After overcoming astronomical odds in being in close proximity to a habitable world when they went down, they now faced certain death at the hands of those who should have been saving them. However, the government had no remorse for them, and probably felt that they had developed “heretical thoughts” in their time marooned. Watching the crew arm and target the weapons only made Aciel feel more like an amoral coward. As much as he had wanted to speak out against what he saw taking place, Aciel knew that it would be instant grounds for court martial and perhaps even execution.
“Stop.” At first, Aciel choked on his words, but this time they had come through loudly and crystal clear. The entire bridge froze and all hearts in the room stopped, simultaneously frozen by shock. With the tension almost tangible, all eyes bored into Aciel’s face, unsure if that word had really just been uttered. Capitan Poole, who had been staring through room’s front window turned slowly. “Is there a problem, Second Lieutenant Aciel Morgan?” The room suddenly felt a little cold to everyone. Aciel continued to stand, and facing the Capitan he spoke again. “Sir, with all due respect this is an atrocity. What’s the point of this?” Poole’s expression became very lethal. “We do as we are told. No more, no less.” Now with rage simmering, Aciel’s voice became louder. “Sir, I understand that, but what we’re doing is completely pointless. Not just pointless, it’s disgustingly empty of any reason or value! What we’re doing is completely obscene! How goddamn insane are the people making these descisi-“ “Hold your tongue Lieutenant!” For the first time, Poole raised his voice to cut Aciel off, and the crew watching the spectacle recoiled in surprise. Without backing down, Aciel made the mistake of opening his mouth to talk again, however he would be cut short. A flash burned across the walls and a deafening bang exploded through the room. Aciel felt a thud impact his right shoulder under the collarbone. A distinct sound of splintering bone came at the same time.
Too shocked to speak, Aciel looked up and found himself staring down the barrel of a grey handgun held in Capitan Poole’s hand about ten feet away. Clearly not an antique, the weapon’s dull finish provided a terrifying contrast to the darkness of the muzzle. Poole didn’t even flinch. As he watched Aciel start to bleed, he spoke again. “This, Lieutenant, is the antique Colt 1911 that I have used to silence several men before you for the same crime. I know you’ve noticed it before. Did you think I wouldn’t use it? This is MY ship, and I do not tolerate mutiny or disrespect. However, I will give you a chance to have at least an honorable death as is my tradition.” Aciel’s bleeding continued to become more serious, and as the intense adrenaline rush began to wear off, he started to feel excruciating pain.
Poole uncovered a small box, hidden in a compartment in the main console near the Capitan’s chair. “This, Second Lieutenant, is another antique weapon from another time. “ Poole lifted another handgun from the box. This time, the gun had a black finish and a less bulky appearance. “This is a CZ-75. Made long ago, I keep it around for this purpose. You will take this in your hand, and try to kill me.” Dumbfounded by the statement, Aciel once again rose to his feet. “You..Want me to try and kill you?” “Yes, that way you can die like a man. I will not have my subordinates die with complete disgrace.”
Poole threw the gun to Aciel, resulting in a perfect catch. “You’re lucky you caught that. If you had missed it, I’d have shot you right there for getting a scratch on it. Now take this magazine too, I assume you know enough about historic firearms to know how to load the thing.” Without hesitation, Aciel snatched the magazine out of the air with his left hand and loaded it into the CZ with his right hand, which caused a great deal of pain. “In this condition, I don’t stand much of a chance if I hold it with my right arm.” “Do as you please, either way chances are that you’ll be dead before you draw.” Aciel painfully pulled back the slide on his gun and chambered a round, then checked the safety. Though similar to the firearms he had been accustomed to, there existed a fine art in using such old weapons. What would win the duel for him would be marksmanship skills if anything, but that along might not be able to compete with Poole’s experience with his gun. The two readied themselves, staring dead into each other’s eyes. Everyone watching had fled by now out of fear of a stray bullet.
Seconds felt like hours to both men. Without warning, both guns raised and fired in what would appear as a blur. Two shots simultaneously crashed through the ship, and the sound of a body hitting a floor announced one man's death with a soft thud.
Aciel now stared at the ceiling, also bleeding from his abdomen. Captain Poole rested against a console with a hole in the center of his forehead. Aciel realized that in the end, he had solved nothing. Rapidly bleeding out, and after killing a superior officer he would receive no medical attention. First Lieutenant Dexter Braziller would become the de-facto Capitan, and he would continue to burn a path through the galaxy. Aciel had simply killed out of survival instinct, and it wouldn’t matter anyway after all. The darkness outside the windows seemed to call him home. Aciel’s vision darkened and blurred, and the void slowly overtook him. There would be no justice any longer.
The interior light illuminated a coffee cup with a dim, blue glow. The countless consoles and screens in the ship’s bridge, alight with important navigational data and miscellaneous system readings existed as the only sources of light; a sharp contrast to the infinite void that almost seemed to try and claw through the hyaline, reinforced windows. The general demeanor of the crew seemed dismal and cold, as no one said much on the long trips from planet to planet. In reality most of them harbored a deep exhaustion. Such long trips, even with the aid of the ship’s state of the art acceleration drive installed on the Exitus Acta Probat, the trip could take weeks and the tedious job of monitoring the complicated navigational equipment could be very draining. To Aciel Morgan, the halcyon situation seemed abnormal a ship outfitted with such powerful military hardware.
With at least full hour left of flight time, Aciel retrieved a small plasma lighter from his coat. Upon pressing a small button located on the lighter’s side, a bright white cone of plasma burned through the dim ambience. He extracted a cigarette and lit it, creating a smoldering tip that burned with a dull, orange glow. Passively inhaling its calming smoke, he enjoyed the rest of his black, rich coffee while taking observations and mental notes. The crew began to seem more energetic, and soon they buzzed with activity as they took care of the various protocols and procedures tasked to them.
To most common people the upcoming fireworks would arouse a wild excitement, or at the very least a slight interest, but the crew must have seen it a thousand times before. Not even the incredible majesty ahead affected them now. The ship dramatically started to lose momentum, and slowly settled into orbit around a large and new planet. Suddenly, Capitan Poole’s oppressive voice shattered the serene atmosphere. “What do the officials say about the threat level of these things?” “Tier two. They hardly even have a nervous system yet, but as always there is a possibility of some unknown factor.” replied one of the technicians. That news had probably been expected. “Arm two of the usual and prepare to fire, I don’t see any point in collecting data for such an insignificant species.”
“Both warheads are armed and ready to fire sir.” Upon hearing that, the Capitan punched in a numerical code into a small illuminated keypad. “Fire on my mark…. Mark!
Two large nuclear devices departed the missile bay from the bottom of the ship as sirens blared and red lights flashed. The projectiles screamed at high speed towards the unsuspecting planet, and unparsed by the atmosphere they seeked out their predetermined end locations. Several minutes later, a flash burned through the cloud cover and large shockwaves expanded from two distinct points. A murderous and stream of radiation instantly sterilized entire continents, leaving nothing but a scorched and necrotic wasteland. Within days horrifically radioactive winds would immolate the planet, making the entire globe un-inhabitable. Any life or future that existed as the right to the life that resided there burned away, and those responsible looked on smug faces and a feeling of accomplishment.
Aciel looked on with a mask of uncaring. In reality he felt baffled by the entire situation. After a weeklong trip traversing millions and millions of miles, it had been all to commit a nuclear holocaust on a harmless planet for what had been described as the “security and prosperity of the Human race.” He drank the last of his coffee and tried to appear unconcerned with the abnormality. “Such an aberrant and pointless task.” Aciel thought to himself, remembering his previous assignments. Only two years ago, he had been mercilessly executing rebels and dissenters. No insurrection could succeed against the ruthless and cold policies of the Inquisition. Yet, something felt strangely wrong now, like strangling an infant.
Capitan Poole turned to one of his officers and began giving commands. “Notify the council that our job is completed; and note the time. Be sure to remind them that our ammunition is getting low as well.” Aciel noticed for the first time that the Capitan had something in a holster at his side. Upon further examination, the object appeared grey and metallic, being perhaps some sort of mechanical device. He first considered the possibility of the object being a tool, but quickly noticed the similarities to the weapons used during his years killing dissenters, and suddenly recognized the purpose and use of such an instrument. Surely, it had to be a nonfunctioning antique used solely for decorative purposes.
Lunch came after the genocide, being very welcome to the fatigued and hungry crew members. Everyone gluttonously wolfed down their five star slop, too ravenous to take the time to enjoy their meal. Aciel sat at the main table, across from the first Lieutenant in the third seat in order of succession. Capitan Poole drank a glass of whisky, as he ate in silence. No one even spoke of what they had done just a half hour before. Aciel smoked another cigarette as he tried to understand the reasons behind the actions of the people surrounding him.
“Good show, wasn’t it?” Aciel looked across the table and saw the man who asked. First Lieutenant Dexter Braziller stared at him across the table with an inquisitive look. “Yes sir, I found it to be a truly spectacular experience.” Replied Aciel. Dexter’s expression changed strangely to one of joy. “Did you really? I think it’s just wonderful!” “Why’s that, sir?” “Because.” Said Dexter with a borderline psychotic grin. “It’s a necessary step in securing a future for our species. Don’t you feel safer knowing they’re all dead?”
Lieutenant Braziller’s statement hit Aciel as strange. Surely that couldn’t be the only motivation. None of the organisms ever documented seem to have been overtly threatening. Before he opened his mouth, Aciel quickly decided to stay silent. Having worked in the Inquisition, he knew just how those who asked questions ended up, and Aciel had no ambition to end up in an unnamed gulag with a hole in the back of his head.
Several hours later, most people in the ship had gone to sleep. However, Aciel stared at the ceiling above him, deep in thought. For the first time in many years, he was having second thoughts. He knew that there could be no way out, no escape. Doomed forever to a flying casket with the purpose of stomping out the sanctity of life had not been the fate he had hoped for. At least there had been some merit in killing able bodied human beings, and he wished to return to those days sometimes. The next morning, Aciel would get his wish.
At 0700 the next day, new orders came straight from the Office of Safety. The pending assignment became to “purify” a small settlement of humans in a nearby system. Of course, the word purify carried a special meaning to it; a meaning of malice and extreme prejudice indeed. There would probably be no need to even voyage to the surface to ruthlessly slaughter the small group of defenseless people. After all, why waste the time when they could just firebomb them from orbit? That would be a very accurate guess.
Watching on with horror and a deep unsettlement, a long dead sense of unease grew in what remained of Aciel’s fractured conscience. Still unauthorized to anything but observe, he watched as the crew prepared to cast down hellfire on a hopeless tribe of human beings. In all likelihood, those people had probably been stranded as a result of a mechanical failure of whatever craft they had been using. After overcoming astronomical odds in being in close proximity to a habitable world when they went down, they now faced certain death at the hands of those who should have been saving them. However, the government had no remorse for them, and probably felt that they had developed “heretical thoughts” in their time marooned. Watching the crew arm and target the weapons only made Aciel feel more like an amoral coward. As much as he had wanted to speak out against what he saw taking place, Aciel knew that it would be instant grounds for court martial and perhaps even execution.
“Stop.” At first, Aciel choked on his words, but this time they had come through loudly and crystal clear. The entire bridge froze and all hearts in the room stopped, simultaneously frozen by shock. With the tension almost tangible, all eyes bored into Aciel’s face, unsure if that word had really just been uttered. Capitan Poole, who had been staring through room’s front window turned slowly. “Is there a problem, Second Lieutenant Aciel Morgan?” The room suddenly felt a little cold to everyone. Aciel continued to stand, and facing the Capitan he spoke again. “Sir, with all due respect this is an atrocity. What’s the point of this?” Poole’s expression became very lethal. “We do as we are told. No more, no less.” Now with rage simmering, Aciel’s voice became louder. “Sir, I understand that, but what we’re doing is completely pointless. Not just pointless, it’s disgustingly empty of any reason or value! What we’re doing is completely obscene! How goddamn insane are the people making these descisi-“ “Hold your tongue Lieutenant!” For the first time, Poole raised his voice to cut Aciel off, and the crew watching the spectacle recoiled in surprise. Without backing down, Aciel made the mistake of opening his mouth to talk again, however he would be cut short. A flash burned across the walls and a deafening bang exploded through the room. Aciel felt a thud impact his right shoulder under the collarbone. A distinct sound of splintering bone came at the same time.
Too shocked to speak, Aciel looked up and found himself staring down the barrel of a grey handgun held in Capitan Poole’s hand about ten feet away. Clearly not an antique, the weapon’s dull finish provided a terrifying contrast to the darkness of the muzzle. Poole didn’t even flinch. As he watched Aciel start to bleed, he spoke again. “This, Lieutenant, is the antique Colt 1911 that I have used to silence several men before you for the same crime. I know you’ve noticed it before. Did you think I wouldn’t use it? This is MY ship, and I do not tolerate mutiny or disrespect. However, I will give you a chance to have at least an honorable death as is my tradition.” Aciel’s bleeding continued to become more serious, and as the intense adrenaline rush began to wear off, he started to feel excruciating pain.
Poole uncovered a small box, hidden in a compartment in the main console near the Capitan’s chair. “This, Second Lieutenant, is another antique weapon from another time. “ Poole lifted another handgun from the box. This time, the gun had a black finish and a less bulky appearance. “This is a CZ-75. Made long ago, I keep it around for this purpose. You will take this in your hand, and try to kill me.” Dumbfounded by the statement, Aciel once again rose to his feet. “You..Want me to try and kill you?” “Yes, that way you can die like a man. I will not have my subordinates die with complete disgrace.”
Poole threw the gun to Aciel, resulting in a perfect catch. “You’re lucky you caught that. If you had missed it, I’d have shot you right there for getting a scratch on it. Now take this magazine too, I assume you know enough about historic firearms to know how to load the thing.” Without hesitation, Aciel snatched the magazine out of the air with his left hand and loaded it into the CZ with his right hand, which caused a great deal of pain. “In this condition, I don’t stand much of a chance if I hold it with my right arm.” “Do as you please, either way chances are that you’ll be dead before you draw.” Aciel painfully pulled back the slide on his gun and chambered a round, then checked the safety. Though similar to the firearms he had been accustomed to, there existed a fine art in using such old weapons. What would win the duel for him would be marksmanship skills if anything, but that along might not be able to compete with Poole’s experience with his gun. The two readied themselves, staring dead into each other’s eyes. Everyone watching had fled by now out of fear of a stray bullet.
Seconds felt like hours to both men. Without warning, both guns raised and fired in what would appear as a blur. Two shots simultaneously crashed through the ship, and the sound of a body hitting a floor announced one man's death with a soft thud.
Aciel now stared at the ceiling, also bleeding from his abdomen. Captain Poole rested against a console with a hole in the center of his forehead. Aciel realized that in the end, he had solved nothing. Rapidly bleeding out, and after killing a superior officer he would receive no medical attention. First Lieutenant Dexter Braziller would become the de-facto Capitan, and he would continue to burn a path through the galaxy. Aciel had simply killed out of survival instinct, and it wouldn’t matter anyway after all. The darkness outside the windows seemed to call him home. Aciel’s vision darkened and blurred, and the void slowly overtook him. There would be no justice any longer.