shortstoriestemporary

Prison Barracks
Kubrick's Mech Fort
New Hessen
Fourth Quarter, 3028

"Now what do we do?" Jasmine's eyes squinted, looking for hope among her fellow imprisoned
lancemates. Though her soft, narrow, oriental face shown only expressions of youth, maybe
even those of a 16 year old, concealed beneath she possessed sharp wits unlike many of her 26
years of age. She turned to Leghorn, biting her lip in anticipation of her commander's thoughts.

Ace Leghorn, a green pilot of 42 years of age, furrowed his large dark eyebrows. New to this
mercenary way of life, he struggled to solve these grave problems plaguing his newfound team.
After disobeying orders to protect his men, Ace and his command lance were court-martialed
and imprisoned. The assault lance, four other members of the team, had escaped in their Mechs
shortly after Capellans had ordered their surrender. Ace now had to decide if they would
attempt an escape, or serve out their 4 month sentence behind bars. After several minutes of
weighing his options, he addressed the others.

"Since we have no contact with our other lance, we will wait for news about them. I have only
one plan for escape. It entails more bloodshed than I prefer, and its rather risky. So...we wait.
What's everyone's opinion? Shall we wait?" Though Ace asked for everyone's opinions, he
knew he couldn't let them sway his decision. Even if he HAD overlooked something, his duty
was that of a commander. This was one of the few beliefs about this job that he held to. He
musn't doubt his abilities or show weakness to his men.

"Uhrr. I 'spect that suits me." Vender Stepps grumbled. Another new pilot, he was well over
Ace's age. At 59, his mind had yet to serve him well. Vender had learned only recently that he
was, at best, a follower and most definitely not a leader. Though his new job was dangerous, it
held more action and thus proved more enjoyable to him. Grunting once more, he curiously
eyed his lancemate Megan.

Megan T, an exceptionally attractive 19 year old female, fixed Vender with a hard stare. Curling
her full, pouty lips down into a frown, she hinted disgust at the older man's sudden interest in her.
Despite her age, Megan was considered a veteran pilot. Her 5 years of battlefield experience in
the Capellan March, natural gunnery and piloting talents, and rather well-developed figure all
contributed to her snobbish attitude. Though many found these traits intimidating in such a young
female, Ace typically made expert use of her Mechwarrior skills, even on occasions when she
protested otherwise. Even now she turned her glare past Jasmine to Ace, and said quite
predictably, "Well I believe we should try breaking out immediately. The Capellans are only
going to extend on our '4 month' stay." Having explained her thoughts, Megan gave Jasmine an
icy stare. "Well?"

Jasmine Geutie bit her lip once again. Trying to hide her opinion of Megan's attitude, Jasmine
failed as she gradually made a sneer. The two young women were at odds in so many ways.
They could never quite mask their disappointment in one another. Though Megan lacked the
beauty of Jasmine's youth, Jasmine lacked the sexual appeal which Megan excelled in.
Constantly differing in attitudes as well as a jealousy in one another's physical qualities, the two's
relationship remained rocky to this day.

"I believe Ace has an excellent point. Besides, if the Capellans do lengthen our stay, we can
attempt escape then." Jasmine looked to Megan for her disapproval. Expectedly, Megan
ignored Jasmine's attention. Jasmine immediately turned back to face Ace. "What's the backup
plan, Ace?"

Ace looked wearily at the three members of his command lance. He wasn't quite sure if he
should share such information openly, but decided that if the plan were to be put in action then
everyone would know of it. He might as well tell them now.

"I know an assassin. She's a freelancer. Though she usually does her work in another system in
the Periphery, she occasionally travels for work-related reasons. I think she could break us out
of here...if it comes to that." he whispered. As he thought about the assassin he talked of, young
Alexus Capone, Ace began to wonder what the woman was up to lately.

"I say we hire her now, immediately." Megan grimaced. "What good is it if they kill us before we
get another chance to contact her? C'mon Ace. We can trash this base after we escape."
Ace ignored Megan. He arrived at a conclusion after thinking to himself. "Suzy is gonna break
us out of here. There's no real need to hire the assassin. For now at least, we wait for Suzy. If
something goes sour with the breakout, then we can contact the assassin."

Just as Ace finished explaining the plan, a tremble could be felt throughout the building.
Something was going on outside. Moments later, the warning sirens began to wail. It seemed
the Liao base was under attack.

Ace smiled. He knew exactly what was going on. "It seems Suzy is quite anxious to see us
again." he said. Looking to the door of the small cell, he waited patiently for either enemies or
allies to arrive. "Form up on either side of the door, people. We are breaking out of here."