Good morning, heart ache. You old gloomy sight. Thought we said good bye last night. I tossed and turned until you seemed gone, .. but here you are, with the dawn. I wish I could forget you, but it seems you're here to stay. It.. grows by the day.
Good morning, heart ache. What's new? It seems I simply can't shake you. Might as well get used to.. having you around.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Letter of Appreciation
Captain Charles Raine would enter the office of his apartment, part of the Keep of the Knights of the Merciful Crown. Turning the lights on, he would head over to the fireplace and proceed to spark it skillfully. Removing his cloak and gloves, he would set them aside, moving to his desk to take a seat.
Something would catch his eye -- a new piece of mail in his personal account. He would let out a soft breath as he read it.
Captain Raine -
This is Cordellia M. Snyder. I wanted to let you know how I and the children were doing. Emile has grown up and now works for a large mining company. He loves what he does and is soon expected to marry and start a family. He sends his regards. Annette is nearly thirteen years of age and has taken quite an interest in the Navy, thanks to your influence.
As for me, I've remarried a fellow Caldari. His name is Hans. He owns his own transportation business. He's been a father to both of the children in every way possible.
Mr. Raine, we will never be able to show our appreciation for what you have done for our family. We think of you and your kindness often, and pray for your safety in the skies. Perhaps we might meet again. Our message is simply thank you, for giving us lives.
Sincerely,
Cordellia M. Snyder
Charles would close the piece of mail with a soft smile, leaning back in his plush chair, gazing into the embers of the fire place. He would lose himself in a moment of recollection..
~~~~
"We have to kill them, Charles. For the Empire," Captain F. Wentworth spoke to his fellow squadron commander. In front of them were two pirates whom had led a massive attack against Empire Space. Captains Raine and Wentworth's crew had been led into a trap and ambushed while out on patrol of the Huola system. The two pirates were all that remained of the small fleet that was easily defeated by the Naval squadron, led by Raine and Wentworth.
"Agreed," Charles would say, removing a pistol from his pressed uniform. Captain Wentworth would do the same, and both Amarrians would approach both of the captured Gallente who were forced down on their knees. Two shots would be fired, and the pirates bodies would slump over.
"Fine trophies. These ones are mine, by the way," Wentworth spoke of the corpses as he placed his weapon back in its holster. Charles would do the same, gazing upon the bodies. "Very well Frederick, if you simply must."
"Yes, I must," the Captain replied, his eyes looming in the distance to the ships the pirates had left behind. "What kind of isk you think those guys had been carrying?"
Charles would cross his arms over his chest and begin walking towards the downed Drakes that were now abandoned. "Only one way to tell."
The pair looted one of the Drakes with great success; parts that would be able to sell for more than a bunble back in Amarr and a plenty amount of isk. As they came to the second ship, however, they were greeted with a small group of slaves; among them a Caldari mother with two smaller children.
"Even better," Wentworth spoke. "Slaves. They're ours for the taking." He would begin rounding them up. Charles didn't know what to do with himself. He didn't keep slaves, but he dare not disclose that to Frederick. Being a Holder, he knew not to own slaves was suspicious and uncommon. A glance would be given to the mother Caldari and her children. Charles would speak out, "Those are mine."
Frederick would giggle. "Fancy the mother, do you?" Charles would smirk slightly, leading the mother and her children aboard his ship.
"Right, let's get back to station. We stick around here any longer, we're sitting ducks against those bastards," Wentworth grumbled. "I'll see you back there."
Charles would nod and proceed to his ship. But he wouldn't head back to base. Instead, he would make set his waypoint to Caldari space and let the mother and her children off at a major hub. He would take all the isk he had just looted and left it with them. The mother said nothing to him as he left them.
~~~~~~
Captain Raine would stand and take the letter to the fireplace, throwing it in and watching it intely catch fire and burn before his very eyes.
Something would catch his eye -- a new piece of mail in his personal account. He would let out a soft breath as he read it.
Captain Raine -
This is Cordellia M. Snyder. I wanted to let you know how I and the children were doing. Emile has grown up and now works for a large mining company. He loves what he does and is soon expected to marry and start a family. He sends his regards. Annette is nearly thirteen years of age and has taken quite an interest in the Navy, thanks to your influence.
As for me, I've remarried a fellow Caldari. His name is Hans. He owns his own transportation business. He's been a father to both of the children in every way possible.
Mr. Raine, we will never be able to show our appreciation for what you have done for our family. We think of you and your kindness often, and pray for your safety in the skies. Perhaps we might meet again. Our message is simply thank you, for giving us lives.
Sincerely,
Cordellia M. Snyder
Charles would close the piece of mail with a soft smile, leaning back in his plush chair, gazing into the embers of the fire place. He would lose himself in a moment of recollection..
~~~~
"We have to kill them, Charles. For the Empire," Captain F. Wentworth spoke to his fellow squadron commander. In front of them were two pirates whom had led a massive attack against Empire Space. Captains Raine and Wentworth's crew had been led into a trap and ambushed while out on patrol of the Huola system. The two pirates were all that remained of the small fleet that was easily defeated by the Naval squadron, led by Raine and Wentworth.
"Agreed," Charles would say, removing a pistol from his pressed uniform. Captain Wentworth would do the same, and both Amarrians would approach both of the captured Gallente who were forced down on their knees. Two shots would be fired, and the pirates bodies would slump over.
"Fine trophies. These ones are mine, by the way," Wentworth spoke of the corpses as he placed his weapon back in its holster. Charles would do the same, gazing upon the bodies. "Very well Frederick, if you simply must."
"Yes, I must," the Captain replied, his eyes looming in the distance to the ships the pirates had left behind. "What kind of isk you think those guys had been carrying?"
Charles would cross his arms over his chest and begin walking towards the downed Drakes that were now abandoned. "Only one way to tell."
The pair looted one of the Drakes with great success; parts that would be able to sell for more than a bunble back in Amarr and a plenty amount of isk. As they came to the second ship, however, they were greeted with a small group of slaves; among them a Caldari mother with two smaller children.
"Even better," Wentworth spoke. "Slaves. They're ours for the taking." He would begin rounding them up. Charles didn't know what to do with himself. He didn't keep slaves, but he dare not disclose that to Frederick. Being a Holder, he knew not to own slaves was suspicious and uncommon. A glance would be given to the mother Caldari and her children. Charles would speak out, "Those are mine."
Frederick would giggle. "Fancy the mother, do you?" Charles would smirk slightly, leading the mother and her children aboard his ship.
"Right, let's get back to station. We stick around here any longer, we're sitting ducks against those bastards," Wentworth grumbled. "I'll see you back there."
Charles would nod and proceed to his ship. But he wouldn't head back to base. Instead, he would make set his waypoint to Caldari space and let the mother and her children off at a major hub. He would take all the isk he had just looted and left it with them. The mother said nothing to him as he left them.
~~~~~~
Captain Raine would stand and take the letter to the fireplace, throwing it in and watching it intely catch fire and burn before his very eyes.
Monday, February 21, 2011
I've once again settled into the ranks of the Knights of the Merciful Crown. Everyone has been more than welcoming and helping me situate to my new life style. I've been mastering a new ship, the Thrasher, a Minmatar Destroyer. It's proved useful in the militia. Many corpses have been mine in the name of the Empire, and for that, I am pleased. Nothing gives me greater joy than to service the Empire and wiping that scum from our solar system.
I have found myself to be flying aside Eran Mintor, who has been leading the fleets, as I am not seasoned enough to take it upon myself quite yet. The man is indeed a worthy foe, and despite what I may have thought of him in the past, a seemingly pleasurable .. friend. I never thought I would come to find myself calling him such a thing, but it is so. We share something, he and I. Our loss, our heart ache. I think it bonds us together in a way. He's even offered to help me with some of the estates I've been awarded from my time in the Navy and the ones that have been passed down to me from my father, rest his soul.
I've found it increasingly difficult to serve under the Crown Shalee Lianne. She divorced me in my absense, which is understandable, but still, the fact remains. My feelings, remain. Frederick always said my first loyalty is to the Empire and to serve it as if it were your wife, your mistress, your lover.. but it's hard not to be caught up by the very way she carries herself through the keep. Her hair. The scent of her perfume as she walks by. Her voice. To gaze upon her every day and be denied her touch.. I have never turned from a challenge, but I feel as though I am without strength to face this one.
I have found myself to be flying aside Eran Mintor, who has been leading the fleets, as I am not seasoned enough to take it upon myself quite yet. The man is indeed a worthy foe, and despite what I may have thought of him in the past, a seemingly pleasurable .. friend. I never thought I would come to find myself calling him such a thing, but it is so. We share something, he and I. Our loss, our heart ache. I think it bonds us together in a way. He's even offered to help me with some of the estates I've been awarded from my time in the Navy and the ones that have been passed down to me from my father, rest his soul.
I've found it increasingly difficult to serve under the Crown Shalee Lianne. She divorced me in my absense, which is understandable, but still, the fact remains. My feelings, remain. Frederick always said my first loyalty is to the Empire and to serve it as if it were your wife, your mistress, your lover.. but it's hard not to be caught up by the very way she carries herself through the keep. Her hair. The scent of her perfume as she walks by. Her voice. To gaze upon her every day and be denied her touch.. I have never turned from a challenge, but I feel as though I am without strength to face this one.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Return to the Knighthood
My mind had been a flurry of thoughts surrounding the return of mine to the Knights of the Merciful Crown. Aldrith.. and Shalee.. were kind enough to see me returned to my status amongst them, and for that I am grateful. They have made my transition out of the Navy easier. Still though, there were many questions lingering in the air. What of the estates I had to leave behind at the time of my reinlistment? Hopefully they have been cared for, as I would have cared for them in my absense.
I'd hoped certain friends were well. And of course, Shalee. I pondered her status. Had she proceeded with the divorce and married Mr. Mintor? What would be her reaction upon my return? Would she even have me?
Frederick was right, however. It didn't matter. There is no time for folly and such foolish things as love and marriage. Service to the Navy was much more important, service to the Empire was all that mattered. Whatever the circumstances may be upon my arrival, I must return. I knew I must serve her and the rest of the Knights in order to serve the Empire. I knew it was time to stop being selfish and move on, continue with my life as my father would have.
I had been met with a fellow that frequents the Keep named Vlad upon my first arrival. He was kind enough to welcome me back. I had some wine and we spoke of a fleet he had been building. Odd character, but nice enough.
The keep remained silent for several hours. I passed my time by unloading my belongings and making myself comfortable in the apartments that are available to all of the Squires and Knights of the Merciful Crown.
Shalee came in soon afterwards. She was shocked to see me, as I would have expected. She was very understanding of my situation.. of why I had left. How painful it had been for me to stay. Before I had time to express my feelings towards her, that they were in fact no more and that I could serve to the fullest of my ability without my emotions for her clouding my judgement.. she took the words right out of my mouth. She had called things off with Mr. Mintor and decided that she could be with no one, the Empire was her ultimate service. How about that. How relieving. We are now on the same page.
Still, when I gaze upon her.. I still feel a twinge. Something I don't like.
Captain C. Raine
I'd hoped certain friends were well. And of course, Shalee. I pondered her status. Had she proceeded with the divorce and married Mr. Mintor? What would be her reaction upon my return? Would she even have me?
Frederick was right, however. It didn't matter. There is no time for folly and such foolish things as love and marriage. Service to the Navy was much more important, service to the Empire was all that mattered. Whatever the circumstances may be upon my arrival, I must return. I knew I must serve her and the rest of the Knights in order to serve the Empire. I knew it was time to stop being selfish and move on, continue with my life as my father would have.
I had been met with a fellow that frequents the Keep named Vlad upon my first arrival. He was kind enough to welcome me back. I had some wine and we spoke of a fleet he had been building. Odd character, but nice enough.
The keep remained silent for several hours. I passed my time by unloading my belongings and making myself comfortable in the apartments that are available to all of the Squires and Knights of the Merciful Crown.
Shalee came in soon afterwards. She was shocked to see me, as I would have expected. She was very understanding of my situation.. of why I had left. How painful it had been for me to stay. Before I had time to express my feelings towards her, that they were in fact no more and that I could serve to the fullest of my ability without my emotions for her clouding my judgement.. she took the words right out of my mouth. She had called things off with Mr. Mintor and decided that she could be with no one, the Empire was her ultimate service. How about that. How relieving. We are now on the same page.
Still, when I gaze upon her.. I still feel a twinge. Something I don't like.
Captain C. Raine
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Talk Amongst Men
Captain Charles Raine looked to his fellow officer, Captain F. Wentworth in amazement. Isk, as far as the eye could see. Enough for their entire company to retire off of.
"It's as if you had never left," Wentworth finally said, breaking the silence that lingered in the air; aside from burning metal around them.
Captain Raine remained silent.
"You've never dreamt of such wealth, have you Charles?" Wentworth asked, pointing onwards to the salvage site.
Few things ceased to amaze Charles, but this was one of those rare cases. For once, he found himself at a loss of words as he stared off into what seemed like an oblivion of bounty. Finally, words came to him. "The Navy certainly has its fortunes to be had," Charles said, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes would scan the sight before them: The Empire taking it's glory and power. The pirates had been utterly foolish to try an attempt a surprise attack on their fleet. Wentworth and Raine had struck back with a vicious ferocity that went unmatched.
Wentworth looked to Charles. "Even this isn't glorious enough for you?" he said brashly. "We are successful officers in the Empire's Navy! Riches everywhere, title, status, prestige. But you would not have it." There was a silence in the air that followed.
"Why'd you come back, Charles? Hm? What is it? You'd fulfilled your duties and were earnest to be rid of the Navy."
"You know why, help was asked of me," Charles quickly countered.
"No, that's not the real reason and we both know it. The Navy always wants prior service officers back in their clutches."
Another awkward silence. Captain Wentworth threw his arms up in frustration. "It was that wife of yours when you returned, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was, as a matter of fact. If you simply must know. I returned to my father's estate.. and she had fallen in love with another."
Wentworth was quiet a moment, before sending a servant to fetch the two some wine. "I see. Who is this Amarrian?"
"He's no Amarrian," Charles replied bitterly.
Another silence as wine was brought to them. Each of them took a cup and took several long drinks before continuing.
Wentworth finally grinned at Charles. He would approach the young man and embrace his shoulder with his hand. "Listen to me. You should have no other. Your other should be The Empire. What greater honor is there than to serve? And fruitfully, at that!" he exclaimed, pointing onwards to their enormous bounty. "Do you really wish to be tied down?"
Charles pondered a long moment. "You're right."
"Of course I am," Wentworth joked, taking a gulp of wine. "I've been at this longer than you have."
The two would finish their drinks and begin to make arrangements for their fleet to move on.
Wentworth, tying a scarf around his neck, would look to Raine. "Charles, I'm sorry you got hurt in this process. But these are words to live by. When is your contract up?"
"You've still got to put up with me for another year."
Wentworth would roll his eyes, and then laugh heartily. "So be it. Let's get out of this shit hole, eh?" The two would make their way back to their ships.
"It's as if you had never left," Wentworth finally said, breaking the silence that lingered in the air; aside from burning metal around them.
Captain Raine remained silent.
"You've never dreamt of such wealth, have you Charles?" Wentworth asked, pointing onwards to the salvage site.
Few things ceased to amaze Charles, but this was one of those rare cases. For once, he found himself at a loss of words as he stared off into what seemed like an oblivion of bounty. Finally, words came to him. "The Navy certainly has its fortunes to be had," Charles said, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes would scan the sight before them: The Empire taking it's glory and power. The pirates had been utterly foolish to try an attempt a surprise attack on their fleet. Wentworth and Raine had struck back with a vicious ferocity that went unmatched.
Wentworth looked to Charles. "Even this isn't glorious enough for you?" he said brashly. "We are successful officers in the Empire's Navy! Riches everywhere, title, status, prestige. But you would not have it." There was a silence in the air that followed.
"Why'd you come back, Charles? Hm? What is it? You'd fulfilled your duties and were earnest to be rid of the Navy."
"You know why, help was asked of me," Charles quickly countered.
"No, that's not the real reason and we both know it. The Navy always wants prior service officers back in their clutches."
Another awkward silence. Captain Wentworth threw his arms up in frustration. "It was that wife of yours when you returned, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was, as a matter of fact. If you simply must know. I returned to my father's estate.. and she had fallen in love with another."
Wentworth was quiet a moment, before sending a servant to fetch the two some wine. "I see. Who is this Amarrian?"
"He's no Amarrian," Charles replied bitterly.
Another silence as wine was brought to them. Each of them took a cup and took several long drinks before continuing.
Wentworth finally grinned at Charles. He would approach the young man and embrace his shoulder with his hand. "Listen to me. You should have no other. Your other should be The Empire. What greater honor is there than to serve? And fruitfully, at that!" he exclaimed, pointing onwards to their enormous bounty. "Do you really wish to be tied down?"
Charles pondered a long moment. "You're right."
"Of course I am," Wentworth joked, taking a gulp of wine. "I've been at this longer than you have."
The two would finish their drinks and begin to make arrangements for their fleet to move on.
Wentworth, tying a scarf around his neck, would look to Raine. "Charles, I'm sorry you got hurt in this process. But these are words to live by. When is your contract up?"
"You've still got to put up with me for another year."
Wentworth would roll his eyes, and then laugh heartily. "So be it. Let's get out of this shit hole, eh?" The two would make their way back to their ships.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
All's Well That Ends Well
Things have been a whirl wind as of late. I've put my old Punisher, Segovax, aside and moved on to bigger and better. I've trained the Minmatar Thrasher .. something that some of other Amarrians I flew alongside of today made some type of comment.
Is he right, though? Am I a traitor, flying and using the same technology as our sworn enemies? No, he's not. Strangely, I get more pleasure out of using their own weapons to destroy them. It's ironic, in a way. Salt in the wound.
I have found myself insatiable in the need for kills on the battle field. My fellow militia men do it for looting of wreckage, or perhaps for bounties.. but not I. The only treasure I walk away from is the fact that I've slain another swine.
I found myself two jumps from Sosala, at a 24th Imperial Logistics support station only two jumps away from where we had been patrolling. A colonel whom had served alongside of my father was stationed there, and was somehow able to identify me over communications.. He told me of the recent heavy losses in the Amarr forces in that particular sector. Not only has the loss of resources been abysmal, but it has damaged the morale of the troops even moreso.
Naval Intelligence believes that these attacks are being masterminded by the local Minmatar sector commander, and it had been determined that our best option for ending these attacks is to eliminate him.
We had located a staging point that the sector commander is using for his attacks. That's when the Colonel asked me to to fly to these coordinates and wait for the commander and his escort to arrive, then eliminate him. He asked of it as a favor to Amarr.
Needless to say, I've much to prepare before I set out.
Is he right, though? Am I a traitor, flying and using the same technology as our sworn enemies? No, he's not. Strangely, I get more pleasure out of using their own weapons to destroy them. It's ironic, in a way. Salt in the wound.
I have found myself insatiable in the need for kills on the battle field. My fellow militia men do it for looting of wreckage, or perhaps for bounties.. but not I. The only treasure I walk away from is the fact that I've slain another swine.
I found myself two jumps from Sosala, at a 24th Imperial Logistics support station only two jumps away from where we had been patrolling. A colonel whom had served alongside of my father was stationed there, and was somehow able to identify me over communications.. He told me of the recent heavy losses in the Amarr forces in that particular sector. Not only has the loss of resources been abysmal, but it has damaged the morale of the troops even moreso.
Naval Intelligence believes that these attacks are being masterminded by the local Minmatar sector commander, and it had been determined that our best option for ending these attacks is to eliminate him.
We had located a staging point that the sector commander is using for his attacks. That's when the Colonel asked me to to fly to these coordinates and wait for the commander and his escort to arrive, then eliminate him. He asked of it as a favor to Amarr.
Needless to say, I've much to prepare before I set out.
A Fresh Start
My surroundings are unfamiliar to me, as are the people. Since my recent discharge from the Naval Academy, I've felt lost through an endless warp.
My father always encouraged me to keep a journal when I was a boy; though, I have not written in some time.
No one aside from myself remain bearing the Raine name. Still, I remain true to my race, my people.. my spirit. Amarr. My love.
I've come in search of my wife, Shalee Lianne. Her and I were wed by our family some years ago. Regrettably, we lost contact. Finding her, I've discovered she's now in the loving arms of another. Nothing has ever grieved me so.
All is not lost, however. I am in shock as to how much property and fortune my father has left me. I had no idea we had so many estates all over the galaxy. Still, such wealth does not suit me. I must follow the Amarr.. my family. To the war front.
I have been blessed to have befriended an ace pilot, who surely has no match. His call name is Sabotage. Such short time I have been here and have already learned so much thanks to this generous veteran of the skies. It would seem I am setting a name for myself and climbing the food chart in the battle system. Slowly, but surely.
I have been spending much time lingering near Minmatar space. I usually do not express such a dislike for something, but the Minmatar leave the foulest of tastes in my mouth. The man that Shalee is in love with is a Minmatar.
I have been nothing short of cordial with the both of them, though it is wearing on me. Shalee has introduced me to Knights of the Merficul Crown, a place I feel most welcome, but seeing her with the Minmatar.. it is too much for my heart to bear sometimes. I consider leaving every day, but the thought of never seeing her or any of the other friends I made also weighs heavily upon me.
Is it wrong that I take console in the battlefield?
Love and war.. so humorous how closely they are linked.
I've much to train. I've come to adopt a Punisher I've grown rather fond of. Segovax is what I've named it. It's the name of a gladiator in an old fable my father used to tell me. We'll see how long it lasts in these brutal conditions.
And now, I must rest. I have much trading and traveling to do. I wonder if Shalee still has the wedding band we gave each other on that day. Or even if she still cares.
My father always encouraged me to keep a journal when I was a boy; though, I have not written in some time.
No one aside from myself remain bearing the Raine name. Still, I remain true to my race, my people.. my spirit. Amarr. My love.
I've come in search of my wife, Shalee Lianne. Her and I were wed by our family some years ago. Regrettably, we lost contact. Finding her, I've discovered she's now in the loving arms of another. Nothing has ever grieved me so.
All is not lost, however. I am in shock as to how much property and fortune my father has left me. I had no idea we had so many estates all over the galaxy. Still, such wealth does not suit me. I must follow the Amarr.. my family. To the war front.
I have been blessed to have befriended an ace pilot, who surely has no match. His call name is Sabotage. Such short time I have been here and have already learned so much thanks to this generous veteran of the skies. It would seem I am setting a name for myself and climbing the food chart in the battle system. Slowly, but surely.
I have been spending much time lingering near Minmatar space. I usually do not express such a dislike for something, but the Minmatar leave the foulest of tastes in my mouth. The man that Shalee is in love with is a Minmatar.
I have been nothing short of cordial with the both of them, though it is wearing on me. Shalee has introduced me to Knights of the Merficul Crown, a place I feel most welcome, but seeing her with the Minmatar.. it is too much for my heart to bear sometimes. I consider leaving every day, but the thought of never seeing her or any of the other friends I made also weighs heavily upon me.
Is it wrong that I take console in the battlefield?
Love and war.. so humorous how closely they are linked.
I've much to train. I've come to adopt a Punisher I've grown rather fond of. Segovax is what I've named it. It's the name of a gladiator in an old fable my father used to tell me. We'll see how long it lasts in these brutal conditions.
And now, I must rest. I have much trading and traveling to do. I wonder if Shalee still has the wedding band we gave each other on that day. Or even if she still cares.
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