April 2920
Cathcart System
Months later...
It took Matthius several months but he managed to get back to UEE space by way of Spider. He avoided the systems he knew had heavy military presence after several systems provided mercenary forces and eager salvager's jumping at the chance of recovering a Vanduul Scythe. In those early weeks, he barley knew the navigation system let alone comms and weapons. So his best, and possibly last hope, was Spider where no one really pays attention to anyone for fear they might pry into their own business.
He managed to get a remote asteroid hangar where he could stash the ship for a few days while he attempted to make contact with the UEE and his family. After a few minute stroll, Matthius approached an information terminal and was about to key in his access codes when an old man stepped up.
"I wouldn't do that just yet if I were you." he said. The man was every day of 153 years with a long flowing gray beard and wrinkles that would make a sack envious. "I don't think you want to draw any more attention to yourself than you already have strolling in here with a..." He looked around and lowered his tone. ..."Scythe."
"The Name's Deerfield." The old man pushed on his cane a little harder to steady himself as he extended his right hand. "Anatoly Deerfield"
Matthius stood dazed for a few seconds, then took the old man's hand. "How di." Deerfield cut him off. "Don't worry, as soon as I got word of your arrival I locked down your hangar, it's safe from prying eyes. I suggest though, we get off the streets and go somewhere a bit more private." Deerfield waved a hand.
Right on queue a taxi vehicle pulled up beside them. The driver stepped out and opened the rear door, helping Anatoly into the car. Matthius took the opportunity to size up the driver. He was obviously packing body armor and multiple weapons judging from bulges around his 'uniform'. Uneasy about the entire encounter, Matthius got into the vehicle and griped his side arm a little tighter as he sat.
The driver took them 20 minutes deeper into the city. What was likely a five minute stroll included a few double backs and an extensive amount of turns. The driver even paused for a couple minutes just down the block from their final destination. One he received word in his head piece, he proceeded forward. The road ahead, about a block suddenly was barricaded in the front by a dump truck that was having a little way to much trouble picking up the dumpster. Matthius' heightened senses had him turn behind, where he could see the road behind was blocked as well, this time by a delivery truck which was now unloading supplies to the curb.
Matthius gripped his Arclight tighter.
Seeing the nerves tense up Deerfield put his hand on Matthius' shoulder. "Relax, it's precautionary to protect our organization." As if on queue, just ahead a flower shop lifted into the air. The façade of an apartment above it hid the structure as it raised 10 feet high. Matthius' jaw dropped a bit as he had just seen someone walk into the shop, yet now it was as if it wasn't there at all. The driver pulled into the spot where the shop was positioned and stopped the car. Outside of the light coming from the street, it was dark. A few seconds passed then floor shook a bit and began to slowly move downward. As it did, the light faded and finally became pitch dark. A few seconds more and lights illuminated the elevator chamber.
"I suggest you relax a bit. Perhaps take a look at this, we're in for a bit of a ride." Deerfield seemingly out of nowhere had a file a full inch thick. He placed the file on Matthius' lap.
Matthius took moment more to explore the elevator chamber, then opened the file. Inside to his amazement was his service record. Information about his past all the way back to when he was a cadet. "How.." he almost spoke. He knew that the answer he got wouldn't be the truth anyway, so he continued to review his life within the UEE military. There were service reports, records of achievements, and details that were classified even to himself. Then he saw it.
UEE Personnel File: Matthius Stormfury
KIA Report
Presiding Officer: Admiral Pinkton
KIA Report:
Matthius Stormfury along with 234 other UEE personnel fell victim to the Vanduul Juggernaut valiantly and with bravery around Tiber II. Matthius led a distinguished career including Medals in both Vanduul and Xi'an campaigns as well as a leadership medal of valor for his actions on Indra I that saved 34 civilians. Matthius will be missed and his next of kin will be notified and provided the appropriate benefits.
Note: The Grinder has taken far to many of our soldiers and Matthius was no exception. The UEE must do all it can to make his loss as well as the other 234 not be in vain.
"You sir, no longer exist and the UEE has 'provided' for your family." Deerfield broke the silence. Matthius was non to happy with the tone of the word provided in his sentence. It must have shown on his face as Deerfield seemingly answered the question rolling around in his mind. "Oh, I am sure they will be provided for after years of legal fees and battling to get the appropriate benefits of a Captain instead of a private, but currently most of you're benefits are likely going to Anvil as we speak to replace all those ships lost around Tiber II. "You were aware that Daniel Pinkerton, the Admiral's brother, is an executive at Anvil aerospace were you not?
The anger on Matthius' face must have shown as he was livid at the Admiral's campaign speech in his death notice. He wasn't surprised they thought he was dead or that they pined it on the Vanduul when in fact it was the UEE and their bombardment that killed over half of those lost, but the campaigning tone of his KIA Report and notion that Pinkerton might be funnelling profits to his brother through soldier's lives was to much.
As he sat fuming, Matthius barely noticed the thud as the elevator came to a stop. In front of them was a huge room with monitors, computers and a giant table with chairs. A few personnel sat working at various terminals. Ahead above the table on the far wall was a giant winged logo. The driver was opened the door for Deerfield, who began to make his way towards the front of the car. Matthius followed suit. "Welcome to Ballistic Logistics Mr. Stormfury."
Matthius stepped up beside the elder man. "So what, you've brought me here to recruit me?"
Deerfield chuckled then turned to a female aide who was approaching. "Alexis, please go and get the others. I believe it's time they meet the future leader of this organization." Deerfield turned back to Matthius. "No, I am going to spend the next few years handing you the keys to the castle, Matthius."