Aeon Von Ludwig Story

[Delta_Dav]

Still not Canon to the Lore
[Archer (Jet) Bandog recording. Tape 1]

"Its been 3 years since the End of the War, and 3 years that 15 people of Station Hoffnung joined NT, exiled. Among them, Ideo Hartman, Alphonse Douglas Curtiss, Aeon Von Ludwig, And I. Even if NT is not what we expected, with Clowns and Monkeys running around, its still enjoyable. We had also some contact to tell us how where things back home. Mostly, It was Aeon's mother, Maria, who told us how was things. She send mail, and even visited (illegally) some NT station."

"But ... Something Failed terribly."

"About one or Two week ago, I made a mistake that changed the independent Station of Hoffnung for ever..."
"... Short version of the story : My friend Alphonse had some Evil AI stuck in is head. While searching for it, the Evil AI, called CASSANDRA infected me as well, Took control at my body, took Doctor Boudle Hostage: She Died, shot some 3 Officer with a space : They survived. Later I was arrested, and has a last resort we used a other AI to stop CASSANDRA. This was a success. I later Gave CASSANDRA to the brother of Doctor Boudle..."
"... Now my mistake was... that there was still some remain of CASSANDRA in Alphonse. And she took over. She didn't use Alphonse to destroy NT or something like that, nooo. She went back home, at Station Hoffnung, on Enceladus... and... She killed everyone from the Syndicate division of Hoffnung. Only one guys survived. We had no idea why she did that."
"But the result was that Riegeln "King of Hoffnung" was pretty pissed because, well, is alliance with the syndicate was crumbling. So to save is ass, he decided to ... Give the station to the Syndis. He appointed the survivor has a Syndicate Hero, reinforced is security, and began finding any opposition to... Dispose of them."

"Now thats was a big no for Us, NT, and also the Daughter of Riegeln, Prinzessin Eole. Plus... Maria was taken as prisoner by Riegeln's"
"The princess so gave us a task : Under one day, Aeon, Ideo and I would have to return to Hoffnung, Find Alphonse and CASSANDRA, rescue Maria, and Stop Riegeln at once."

---

Jet Bandog, Aeon Von Ludwig and Ideo hartman, approaching Enceladus. 

---

[Archer (Jet) Bandog recording. Tape 2 : The Hunt for CASSANDRA]

We arrived after a long travel to Enceladus. Our gear ?... We didn't think about that, to be honnest. Aeon had is RP-4 Phaser, like always, with a bit of medical stuff. Ideo had a barrier, a smoke grenade and ... 3 RP-2 Flash. He didn't want to take a Taser gun or a Detective Special. "Only for NT shift", he said. We had also some diving suits, and Radio headsets.
The Shuttle was a NT one, so we had to land on the farthest outpost outside of the station, to avoid being seen. This was a underwater exploration Outpost, far from the reach of Syndicate drones. Shuttle slipped into a big opening in the Ice, and left us here. The rest of the journey was made in Aeon's old Pod, the original A-6 Hoffnung Intruder that he hid before he left. 

-"J'arrive pas a croire qu'après 3 ans il soit encore fonctionnel !"
-"C'est sur que c'est pas NT, les pods ne disparaissent pas apres 20 minute." 

We left the Outpost to get on station, while avoiding to take down the drones. We arrived to Hoffnung a while after. It was like seeing a old friend, a rusty paradise. 

 

Underwater Section of Hoffnung. Elevators link it to the upper section, above the Ice.

Because Hoffnung don't use NT pods, Ideo And I had to walk to station, while Aeon stayed far away, ready to help us if needed. Inside the station, things changed. The atmosphere mostly. It was heavier.
"- Hey look at the ground. Its smell like smoke. There was a riot." 
"- Seems like the news of the Syndicate taking over is not a shared Idea."
"- Yeah... Also, keep it down, You are no human, your voice can show that you are borg."
Its harsh but true. I had to wear this diving suit till the end. Hoffnung has no Robotist, or even Public cloning. If people start seeing a borg, our cover will be compromised. + soldier were all around, paroling the hallways, FAMAS rifle in both hands.

To resume a bit of Ideo's Investigation : We had news about the life on board during those last days. Some people was make prisoner, Maria  for example. They were put on a special Brig, on the surface. Eole, was "Grounded". Her Father locked her in her chamber, a bit after she made the call to us 3. But Alphonse was still on station. After is little take down of the Syndicate, CASSANDRA auto rejoined the Sturm V2 super-soldier program, because Alphonse was the only subject still alive (The reason why is a story for a other time). 
We wanted to go in the secret Cloning Lab on station. I knew where it was, I wanted raid there during the War. It was behind a access locked door.

"-Bandog, can open it ?"
"-Sure Can do !"
Beep bop.
"-Its still closed Bandog"
"-Huh...."
Beep bop.
"-...Bandog ?"
"-Ahh Merde... ill Call Aeon."
Beep bop.
<<... Eh Bandog ? .. you can't... open it... Its Not a NT door... And you are a NT... Borg...>>
"-... Oh."

After we had to manually Hack it, We found nothing in the lab. We overheard some Scientist stating in French that the V2 Sturm was put in charge of a Squad, at the Surface.
We took the nearest Elevator and got on our way.
The Atmosphere was somehow more stressful above the ice, since the bridge was here. With the regular military police, there was also the Black Armored Sturm soldier patrolling around the Bridge. We didn't approach.
We still searched for Alphonse.
But... CASSANDRA found us first.

[---- IDEO HARTM----//////// ARCHER BAN////// NT ----PERSONEL DET----//// TECTED]
This broken voice was heard by some Sturm Soldier and some Member of the Military Police. He was here. Alphonse. Standing in behind us, Shotgun in one hand, marching toward me and Ideo. He was still in is Security Officer uniform, with the Old NASSA helmet, contrasting with the rest of the others Sturm Soldier Helmets. He was walking, All of the others soldier aimed at both of us. 
Alphonse was like a shell, empty, moving like a robot, twitching too.

-"Come on CASSANDRA. Release him. I was a much better Host" I said.
[YOUUUU--------//// ARE///// WEEAK- ARcheR BandoG]
-"Still, I am partially the cause of your Downfall"
[YOU will be /////:::---------- TUER. GETOTEN. KILLED] 

Alphonse Douglas Curtiss

-"Was he always that scary ?"
Ideo had a Grin on is face. he had a idea, a stupid one. I looked at him curious.
-"Look behind us, and be ready to pull me away at high speed. Hoffnung has a major Security flaw..."
-"Witch is ?..."
-"No sunglasses."
He Used 2 of is Flashes at once, perturbing all soldiers who didn't have the time to react. Only Alphonse was unfazed, still equipped with some Sec hud and followed us. There was the 6th podbay nearby, where I called Aeon. 
It took No time to Alphonse too catch up, and started shooting the space at us. Only protection we had was Ideo's Barrier, but... It was limited. The other Sturm soldier came in... We had no chance. 

Then Suddenly Aeon.



The Pod flew inside the bay, shooting MK2 phasers at the Alphonse, The Sturms, and all other Hoffnung's pods. It was Chaos, a total surprise. The A-6 Pod was shot at. It was nearly on fire. Smoke can be seen. Yeah, Alphonse's shotgun dealt a lot of damage. 
So Aeon rammed into him and the other soldiers, disarming them. Alphonse, still standing, tanked the phaser shoots again, walking towards his shotgun... So Aeon rammed him again. 

-"Hey we don't want to kill him !"
-"Sorry !"

I used my speed to put the comatose Alphonse in the pod, and we flew away, hiding in some ice mountain. Hoffnung was on red alert. The Hoffnung pods launched to find us : Marsouin type and Orca type... Maybe the secret last type to... But Hey, we were okay for now. Alphonse was unconsious, only Cassandra was screaming.
[DETONATION IN : 60 s]
[59s]
[58s]
[57s]
-"... Ta gueule CASSANDRA. NT knows already your Fake Countdown Trick." Responded Ideo, preparing to go outside to repair the Damage.
-"Thanks for the Rescue Aeon, you are on Fire"
-"Ahh, No Problem !" 
-"No, Aeon, you are on fire. On your Jumpsuit.
-"... VERDAMMT."

Now we had Alphonse back. With Aeon spare brute automender, props to be a roboticist, Alphonse ... Wounds was cured. The Burn and the Brain Damage ? Ahah, nope. But one of our objective was a succes... 
Now there is a problem : with a station on High Alert : How do we save Maria and take down Riegeln ?

---

[Archer (Jet) Bandog recording. Tape 3 : The True last Von Ludwig]


Surface level of Hoffnung. It has also a "Space" Elevator to help shuttle or Warp 0 pods to Take off. 

When Ideo came back inside, the 3 of us talked about our plan. We know that Maria is on the surface level, in the political opposition brig. But now, we had no way to enter : Too much pod guarding the place and the station on High Alert... 
"-can You take down the pods Aeon ?" Asked Ideo
"-huh... No. This pod is a ambulance, not a fighter pod. Beside, it has a little navigation issue, it drift a little bit to the right..."
"I have a idea. We can take Alphonse Helmet, disguise our self, then get Eole and approach Riegeln."

But we didnt have the time to agree on the plan that we were found by a "Marsouin" type pod. Its Hoffnung's version of the mini-putt. But they are armed too. Aeon Flew out of the way, commencing a short dogfight. Even with the mini-putt down, the pod sensor alarmed us for some more pods and drone approaching. Suddenly, Aeon had a idea. His pod had still acces to some Area here. One of it was the Emergency Hospital Space Elevator shaft. But he had also a other plan. 
-"Ideo, You still have your Smoke Grenade ?"
-"Yeah !"
-"Use it ! Everyone, keep your internals !"
Suddenly the Pod was filled with smoke from the inside, we saw nothing. We heard a CRASH. Did Aeon make us collide on the top platform of the elevator ? Yes. He opened the pod, letting the smoke out. He tried to simulate a crash. Then he activated the Elevator... And boom, they were back on the surface level, in the hospital. The Medical staff was surprised, no one used this shaft since long... Some doctors were going to say something, but... It just took a little minute for to recognize Aeon in this smoke. They just silently nodded, and returned working. They know him. Maria worked here. And maybe in a alternate universe, Aeon was going to Work here too. 

We were discretely heading for the Brig when we heard a familiar voice on the Intercom.
"Hey Aeon : ICH HABE DEIN MUTTER ! Come to the Bridge so we can talk."

Its was Aneo Riddle. So he was the New Syndicate Hero. Aeon rushed to the Bridge, recklessly. He didn't listen to us, telling him to stop and that it was trap. I told Ideo to find Eole, while I pursuit the boy...The path to the bridge was full of Sturms, But they let us pass... This was a trap. 

We entered the room. Aeon Pulled out is phaser. In Front of us : Aneo Riddle. The Blond guy is [i]the enemy and the Cousin of Aeon, took is place multiple time to make some traitorous acts in NT. He was wearing the Syndi Turtleneck. He was kicking Maria brutally in the head, and the poor women was crying trying to look up, to see her son. She was too wounded too talk. Aneo too had a gun in hand, a Hydra Pistol, pointed toward her. And behind him, A man with a old rifle, under a black coat and fedora. Its the Head of security on Hoffnung, and the brother of Aneo: Krieg Riddle. And finally next to him the King, Riegeln. Grinning.

"-Well well, The rest of the House of Ludwigs is here ! Its a big event we have here. Let us... Oh... Oh... nein..."
"-Was ?!"
"-Yeah, Was ?"
Questioned Aeon and Aneo.
"... Im not in a mood to do a speech. Kill her."
"Aneo, I swear ill Kill you, If you touch the trigger of your gun. Ill Empty all of my gun in your head. Ill Then rip you open and take your  Brain out so your dead body can eat it."
"-Erst : Beurk, thats is how you do surgery in NT ? Zweite : You shoot me, you die, say hello to two .308 rounds ! Its hurt very much too... So the only thing you can do is Listen..."
"-Where is your Honor and Pride Aneo ? We are the sons of Knights ! We have fighting honor ! You are all about this Knighthood and Tradition, But no Riddle, and No Von Ludwig  took Hostages in past! You are a Coward, just some Dog, for your King master ! 

Aneo stayed silent. He looked back at Riegeln, who just Sighs. Rigeln without a word, raised is hand up in the air. He had given a order. Aneo looks at the crying mom on the ground then the gun. He put is other hand down, like to be shielded, looks up at the ceiling.

BANG



-COWARRRRRDDD  ! 
Aeon moved foward and Shot all of is rounds on Riegeln, But Krieg jumped in the way. The RP-4 phaser's bolts make no damage to is coat, but Riegeln was hit with one bolt. Aneo, still shaken by the shots, manage to miss (no, not joking) his furious Cousin, Who rush on him and beat him multiple times on the face. I tryed to put the Old rifle away, but I end up loosing a Arms to Krieg's Revolver. The other Sturm Soldier enter the Room. Its over, we are surrounded. Aeon, let the coward go away, bleeding; While he sits near is dead mother. They Can't clone here, or even borg.

Riegeln, a bit hurt after the blast, looks at Aeon, Disgusted.
"-The Last Ludwig... For 5 minute, Krieg, kill it too." 
I was trying to put me in front, but... I must protect myself, because of law 3. The doors open suddenly, and a wounded Alphonse enters the room. He still have the shotgun, and he advance towards us. 
"-Wait" Says Riegeln, looking at the soldier : "Let him do it. This is the proud product of my Super Soldier Project ! He will make us Proud !"
[KKKKKiiiiiiiiiiLLLLLLLllll------/////////]
Alphonse raise is Shotgun toward us. Finger on the trigger. But... his Other Hand raises too, showing us a thumbs up : Even if it was CASSANDRA talking, Alphonse retook control ! He Shot at Kriegs arm, who goes flying, then does the same on the sturm soldiers, surprised. They shoot back, but some of them are killed or Taken down from behind.  Ideo has found Eole, and she made a little army of convict, enough to get in the room. She walks towards Riegeln : 

"Salut père ! Ceci est un Coup D'état !" 
"Comment ose -"

Eole doesn't listen more. She shoots at the kneecaps of the king, who fell on the grounds. He try to pull himself up, but Eole already put a gun at his head

"Ne fais pas ça!  Tu as gagné je te lègue le pouvoir ! J'abdique !"
"Parfait. Si tu n'es plus roi, la seule personne je j'éxécute aujourd'hui est un traitre."


[/i]

---

[i]
[Archer (Jet) Bandog recording. Tape 4 : The Aftermath]

"King Riegeln is no more. He became a other body, the last of a reign of favoritism, coward and scummy leadership, to become the first of the Princess Riegeln reign. First thing : This station will never fall under the hands of the Syndicate, or Even NT. It will stay neutral, Hidden and Independent. But to keep the station safe, she will not send to exile Krieg and the sturm soldier: They are some nice solitary prison for them. Aneo fleed after the beating he took. He will maybe join the main Syndicate Force, or create a Underground division in Hoffnung. The Station seems to like the change of leadership. The Military Police was reformed. Eole announced creating a new robotist department. We were allowed to stay a week. To reconnect, to catch up after 3 year of exile... Ideo had many friends here, he could tell them about his cases in NT. I took some of our files and photo we had... Turns out, some of the old crew survived. I should tell Aeon but... Maria had a funeral at her honor. I dont think that Aeon will accept her death. He seems destroyed. He lost more than is mother. 

Seems that this time, he is truly the Last Ludwig. 



[/i]