Chronicle of the Unknown Sector. (#Wattys2015)

Part 16: Code Black.

It had been a long and eventful month after the awarding of Pablo's Solar Shield, whilst Serpent Company kept itself mobile and active in assistance of distress calls hailed to both Transcendence and the Abaconda. What struck the entire company as odd were no sightings of Ravener bio-signatures, whilst newer members and raw recruits joked about how the presence of the company caused fear among the Raveners, more veteran members ranging from simple riflemen to non-commission officers and even the higher ups knew that they were bidding their time for something major.

Pablo and Gab despite knowing the still threatening knowledge of Raveners decided to spend as much time together before their next deployment, for they saw no point in stressing or worrying in the meantime, it had been their first time of having a somewhat romantic dinner together regardless of the food and environment of the ship. "Nice that we finally get sometime alone hun." Gab expressed tiresome but happy taking long glance at her other half who in turn just looked back every few moments.

"I agree, need to loosen up from time to time. Come to think of it, been just over a month or two now hasn't it?" Pablo stated later pondering aloud with Gab's reaction being a few quick nods accompanied by 'Uhm'. Unknowing to either of them, their thoughts were identically matched for they both could see themselves spending the rest of their lives beside each other, however whilst the pair drew closer to exchange a kiss the alarm went off.

With a heavy sigh from Pablo and a groan of annoyance from Gab the pair departed to the bridge, "Status report?" Pablo ordered upon entering as flight crews tended to the ships systems whilst relaying information around.

"Sir, we just got a code black from Merydion" the Captain stated causing a sudden silence to fill the room.

Code black being a Ravener sighting made Pablo stare long and hard at the main screen, Planet Merydion unlike it's previous distress was in a state of chaos. "Prep for Flash-jump to Merydion on the double!" Pablo later ordered with Infantry Major's response stating immediately.

"But Sir, our forces aren't ready for drop so soon." This in turn caused Pablo to arch his head at the officers narrowing his eye then heading out.

The communications display dialed text on it instantly to the previous text,

"Alert: Code Black, requesting aid ASAP."

"Negitive: Unable to respond on mass, initiate planetary evacuations."

"Negitive: Planetary importance absolute." The conversation from Planet to Abaconda seemed to be going no where, yet a third user innervated with the following text.

"Ignis Serpentine: Deploying Crimson Scales." The comms going silent whilst officers rushed to the hanger spotting a gunship taking off prior to flash-jumping, everybody aboard the gunship kept silent whilst in flight as Gab handled piloting and Pablo stood still in place eye sealed shut.

"Commander? Don't you think this is a little reckless, even for your standards?" Dawnes asked making Pablo reopen his eye turning around to face the seven members sat before him.

"Sometimes it takes the most risky and often reckless action to turn the tides of a battle if not a war." Pablo explained in a moment of wisdom pointing at holographic map display of Merydion's city layout, "The vast walls of the city should give us an advantage if only minor, however long range scans show stranded garrison forces pinned down and the defence perimeter of sentry turrets are offline. Our job will be to get those turrets running and if possible relink cut off forces before rallying the said forces at the main gate" he later explained directing his words out with highlighting markers using his fingers upon the interactive hologram.