Oh well, when I died it wasn't so bad. You'll get over it.
[IC] The diary of Duncan MacLeod
- Thread starter di6turbed
- Start date
When I returned to Rohz Horizons I found that Boots and his team had finished working on The Helping Hand. She still felt out of sorts, but now it was a quiet anger. I knew that it was directed at those who had sought to harm us. Other than that, she was back to her old self. Boots and I went to the galley while the rest of his team took their equipment back to their ship.
Boots explained what had been done to her, and had done what he could to make it impossible to sabotage her again. Somebody had managed to ‘spike’ her systems, effectively knocking her out. Once they had done this it was easy for them to get onboard. They had then made modifications to the control systems, sensors, and communications systems. This had turned her into a lethal trap that would (if it had worked) appear to be one of those ‘unexplained’ accidents. When we entered an un-inhabited system the sensors would run a very high powered scan (this could have burnt out the sensors), and if there were no other vessel in range she would then aim straight at the star under full power, with her manual controls locked. Even when we crashed out of Super Cruise she would continue with her suicidal dive, and we would die together, unable to call for help (as the comms systems would no longer work). Even if I had made it to an escape pod in time I would still have died, as by then it would not be possible to get away from the gravitational pull of the star with the small thrusters an escape pod has.
Boots told me that this was a very sophisticated way to murder somebody, and beautifully done. He had replaced all of the modified components with new (still sealed when he got them) parts, and completely overhauled the software systems. He had found (within the comms logs) a simple message; “Job done, problem resolved, should no longer trouble us”. This was sent as a local broadcast, so anybody in range of the station could have received this, and there was no way of knowing who was actually listening for it. Boots also went on to say that, if it had not been for The Helping Hand and her custom equipment I would now be dead. Somehow some of her systems had started to wake up, and then the security systems activated and killed the intruder (Boots said the systems only showed one person onboard, when he had gone deep into the logs). He looked at me strangely; “You always act as though she is alive” he said. “I have always felt there is a person behind those screens; not human, but alive” I responded, after some thought. “Well, somehow she managed to wake up before it was possible. That saved both of you from a fiery death. I cannot explain it, but maybe you are right. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody, but I shall look at ships with a new insight”. I cooked a meal for Boots, his team and myself, we all chatted about various things, and then they left (as they now had a job requiring their specialist skills), with me telling Boots to keep safe.
The following day I took The Helping Hand out for a shakedown flight. It was more a re-acquaintance flight than anything else. It felt good to be out in her again, meandering around for a while. We then went to an area I knew we could expect combat, as I could feel that she needed to take her anger out on something. After a while the area got quiet. Either we had wiped out the local criminals, or word had got out there was big bad news in the area, and keep your head down. However, as we headed back to Rohz Horizons I got a bland communiqué; “Commander Duncan MacLeod died 12/03/3303”. I changed course towards LHS 3447.
Boots explained what had been done to her, and had done what he could to make it impossible to sabotage her again. Somebody had managed to ‘spike’ her systems, effectively knocking her out. Once they had done this it was easy for them to get onboard. They had then made modifications to the control systems, sensors, and communications systems. This had turned her into a lethal trap that would (if it had worked) appear to be one of those ‘unexplained’ accidents. When we entered an un-inhabited system the sensors would run a very high powered scan (this could have burnt out the sensors), and if there were no other vessel in range she would then aim straight at the star under full power, with her manual controls locked. Even when we crashed out of Super Cruise she would continue with her suicidal dive, and we would die together, unable to call for help (as the comms systems would no longer work). Even if I had made it to an escape pod in time I would still have died, as by then it would not be possible to get away from the gravitational pull of the star with the small thrusters an escape pod has.
Boots told me that this was a very sophisticated way to murder somebody, and beautifully done. He had replaced all of the modified components with new (still sealed when he got them) parts, and completely overhauled the software systems. He had found (within the comms logs) a simple message; “Job done, problem resolved, should no longer trouble us”. This was sent as a local broadcast, so anybody in range of the station could have received this, and there was no way of knowing who was actually listening for it. Boots also went on to say that, if it had not been for The Helping Hand and her custom equipment I would now be dead. Somehow some of her systems had started to wake up, and then the security systems activated and killed the intruder (Boots said the systems only showed one person onboard, when he had gone deep into the logs). He looked at me strangely; “You always act as though she is alive” he said. “I have always felt there is a person behind those screens; not human, but alive” I responded, after some thought. “Well, somehow she managed to wake up before it was possible. That saved both of you from a fiery death. I cannot explain it, but maybe you are right. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody, but I shall look at ships with a new insight”. I cooked a meal for Boots, his team and myself, we all chatted about various things, and then they left (as they now had a job requiring their specialist skills), with me telling Boots to keep safe.
The following day I took The Helping Hand out for a shakedown flight. It was more a re-acquaintance flight than anything else. It felt good to be out in her again, meandering around for a while. We then went to an area I knew we could expect combat, as I could feel that she needed to take her anger out on something. After a while the area got quiet. Either we had wiped out the local criminals, or word had got out there was big bad news in the area, and keep your head down. However, as we headed back to Rohz Horizons I got a bland communiqué; “Commander Duncan MacLeod died 12/03/3303”. I changed course towards LHS 3447.
Last edited:
The 17th year of which century?
Edit: I really love your work. Right On, Commanders!
Last edited:
Oops, corrected. Because of work (and I do work on Saturdays and Sundays) I had just entered a date that had got lodged in my mind. Corrected.
Last edited:
When I got to Dalton Gateway there was a message waiting for me. It simply said “There is to be a simple memorial service to mourn the passing of Duncan MacLeod, beloved brother of Helena MacLeod. It will be taking place at the Family Farm. It is requested that only Family and Friends attend”. There was an address on the reverse, with the date of the service, a few days hence. After I read it a couple of times I had to hope that, because it was underlined, Friends meant that I was considered a friend. I got my Dress Uniform out of storage on The Helping Hand, checked that it still fitted me, and arranged for it to be cleaned.
On the day of the service the weather was fine, clear skies, warm (but not too warm) with a gentle breeze. It had rained the night before (nothing heavy, just a light drizzle), so the air was clean, with the scent of spring. When I arrived at the MacLeod farm I found that the service was to be held in the open. The scenery was sublime, and I knew that, if my soul was not given to the stars this place would have captured it. I sat at the back of the congregation, where I would not attract any attention, but I could still hear and see the proceedings. The service was serene, and it was obvious that the priest knew the family, as he was able to talk easily about them (without referring to notes at all). At one point a young lady got up, and made her way to the podium. She was wearing a dignified black skirt suit, with a black veiled hat. Helena talked quietly about Duncan, and (although she was grief stricken) she spoke clearly, without hesitation. She spoke of Duncan’s hopes and dreams, and all the things he had done, and was going to do. She did not speak of his death.
After the service was over (there was no body to cremate or bury) I remained seated, my mind wandering as I just sat there. I have no idea how long I was like this, but I suddenly realised somebody was sitting next to me. It was Helena. We remained like that for a while, and then she turned to me and asked “Are you Admiral Razor?” I confirmed that I was. We then talked about Duncan; nothing major, just talked. Then she asked me another question. “Did you know Ian?”. I really did not want to cause her any more pain, so I answered “Duncan talked about him”. The way she looked at me told me she knew I had avoided the question, and I prayed she would not ask me again. After a few moments she said “I hate the stars for taking them from me”. I remained quiet, as there was nothing I could say. Although I loved the stars, right now I hated them for the pain they had caused this young lady. Then she stood up, and as I made to rise she motioned I should remain seated. She thanked me for all I had done, and then she made her way to the house. After a few moments I noticed that, while she looked around, she never once raised her eyes above the horizon. It was as though she was quietly telling the Galaxy that, while it had taken her brothers from her, it was not taking anything else, and that included her attention.
When the details of Duncan’s will were read out, it turned out he had been very thorough. I guess that, as he had been close to death on several occasions, he had realised he needed to keep his affairs in order. Almost everything he owned (that was not highly personal; such items were given to his family) was to be sold, with the majority of the monies to be given to his sister and the farm. The remaining credits (about 5% of his worth) was set aside for his crew, to make sure they had enough to tide them over until they gained employment elsewhere. However, the Eagle known as The Peregrine Falcon and everything within was to be given to Admiral Razor, with grateful thanks for all that he had done. I spoke to the executor, offering my services and assistance. I mentioned the name of a reliable ship broker (the same one I had purchased The Helping Hand from), and they were contacted. When I spoke to the brokers I requested that any ships should be completely overhauled (at my expense, as should their fees). One of the brokers agents asked me what was going on, and I explained. He said that everything would be done to keep things simple and smooth for the Macleod family.
When I collected The Peregrine Falcon I found everything was neat and tidy, and in its’ proper place, except that I found, in a locker in the bunking space, the storage module with the tablet within (the module was unlocked, and there was padding keeping things protected). There were also notes written down, in a neat and methodical script. I thought for a few moments, and then put the notes into the module without reading them. Then I closed it, sealing the contents away forever. I got permission to launch, and then flew The Peregrine Falcon to a quiet system I knew and had visited a couple of times, outside of the Human Bubble. I dropped into normal Space near to the Primary Star (there are several stars there). Turning her around so that the airlock was directly facing the star, I collected the module, got into my EVA suit, and cycled the airlock. Carefully making my way out, I made sure my suit boots had a good hold on the hull, and turned to face the star. Making sure I firmly held the module I then launched it towards the star. As it disappeared towards the stellar inferno I said “Rest in peace, Duncan and Ian. I hope that your souls can fly amongst the stars together. I wish I could have helped you more, or known you better”.
The End
On the day of the service the weather was fine, clear skies, warm (but not too warm) with a gentle breeze. It had rained the night before (nothing heavy, just a light drizzle), so the air was clean, with the scent of spring. When I arrived at the MacLeod farm I found that the service was to be held in the open. The scenery was sublime, and I knew that, if my soul was not given to the stars this place would have captured it. I sat at the back of the congregation, where I would not attract any attention, but I could still hear and see the proceedings. The service was serene, and it was obvious that the priest knew the family, as he was able to talk easily about them (without referring to notes at all). At one point a young lady got up, and made her way to the podium. She was wearing a dignified black skirt suit, with a black veiled hat. Helena talked quietly about Duncan, and (although she was grief stricken) she spoke clearly, without hesitation. She spoke of Duncan’s hopes and dreams, and all the things he had done, and was going to do. She did not speak of his death.
After the service was over (there was no body to cremate or bury) I remained seated, my mind wandering as I just sat there. I have no idea how long I was like this, but I suddenly realised somebody was sitting next to me. It was Helena. We remained like that for a while, and then she turned to me and asked “Are you Admiral Razor?” I confirmed that I was. We then talked about Duncan; nothing major, just talked. Then she asked me another question. “Did you know Ian?”. I really did not want to cause her any more pain, so I answered “Duncan talked about him”. The way she looked at me told me she knew I had avoided the question, and I prayed she would not ask me again. After a few moments she said “I hate the stars for taking them from me”. I remained quiet, as there was nothing I could say. Although I loved the stars, right now I hated them for the pain they had caused this young lady. Then she stood up, and as I made to rise she motioned I should remain seated. She thanked me for all I had done, and then she made her way to the house. After a few moments I noticed that, while she looked around, she never once raised her eyes above the horizon. It was as though she was quietly telling the Galaxy that, while it had taken her brothers from her, it was not taking anything else, and that included her attention.
When the details of Duncan’s will were read out, it turned out he had been very thorough. I guess that, as he had been close to death on several occasions, he had realised he needed to keep his affairs in order. Almost everything he owned (that was not highly personal; such items were given to his family) was to be sold, with the majority of the monies to be given to his sister and the farm. The remaining credits (about 5% of his worth) was set aside for his crew, to make sure they had enough to tide them over until they gained employment elsewhere. However, the Eagle known as The Peregrine Falcon and everything within was to be given to Admiral Razor, with grateful thanks for all that he had done. I spoke to the executor, offering my services and assistance. I mentioned the name of a reliable ship broker (the same one I had purchased The Helping Hand from), and they were contacted. When I spoke to the brokers I requested that any ships should be completely overhauled (at my expense, as should their fees). One of the brokers agents asked me what was going on, and I explained. He said that everything would be done to keep things simple and smooth for the Macleod family.
When I collected The Peregrine Falcon I found everything was neat and tidy, and in its’ proper place, except that I found, in a locker in the bunking space, the storage module with the tablet within (the module was unlocked, and there was padding keeping things protected). There were also notes written down, in a neat and methodical script. I thought for a few moments, and then put the notes into the module without reading them. Then I closed it, sealing the contents away forever. I got permission to launch, and then flew The Peregrine Falcon to a quiet system I knew and had visited a couple of times, outside of the Human Bubble. I dropped into normal Space near to the Primary Star (there are several stars there). Turning her around so that the airlock was directly facing the star, I collected the module, got into my EVA suit, and cycled the airlock. Carefully making my way out, I made sure my suit boots had a good hold on the hull, and turned to face the star. Making sure I firmly held the module I then launched it towards the star. As it disappeared towards the stellar inferno I said “Rest in peace, Duncan and Ian. I hope that your souls can fly amongst the stars together. I wish I could have helped you more, or known you better”.
The End
Last edited:
From the stars we came. To the stars we return, from now until the end of time. We therefore commit this body to the deep.
Last edited: