Cometfall

Submitted into Contest #76 in response to: Write a story told exclusively through dialogue.... view prompt

4 comments

Adventure Mystery Thriller

LOG RETRIEVAL FOR HORATIO NELSON 28/01/31-03/05/42

Connected.

[12:11 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Verify.

[12:11 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Angola. El Sobre. Iron. Sibilance.

[12:11 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Verify.

[12:12 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Kim. Amnesty. Clydesdale. Elephant.

[12:12 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Confirm Strategic Munitions.

[12:12 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Full Load: 12 TII-D5 SLBM.

[12:12 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Reason for text?

[12:13 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Radio communications compromised.

[12:13 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Status?

[12:14 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Scenario: Cometfall. Contingency A. Proceed with launch. Target coordinates to follow:

[12:16 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: 38.9072° N, 77.0369° W

[12:18 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Confirm orders received.

Disconnected

Connected

[12:22 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Confirm orders received. Scenario: Cometfall. Contingency A.

[12:22 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Whoever you are, you are very clever. 

Disconnected

Connected

[12:24 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Commander, execute Cometfall Contingency A at once.

[12:26 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Commander, execute Cometfall Contingency A at once.

[12:26 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: You’re wasting your time. 

[12:26 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: This is a legitimate order.

[12:26 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Refer to Operations Book. Clearance: Alfred. 

[12:29 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Understood.

[12:30 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Execute Cometfall Contingency A. Target Co-ordinates: 38.9072° N, 77.0369° W

Maintain communications link.

[12:31 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Pindar: Commencing launch sequence in current location will violate territorial integrity of nuclear-armed power.

[12:32 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Unimportant. Proceed.

[12:32 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Understood.

[12:57 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: ABORT

[12:57 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: CONFIRM ABORT

[12:57 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: COMMANDER CONFIRM ABORT

[12:58 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: CONFIRM ABORT

[12:58 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: CONFIRM ABORT

[12:58 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Abort confirmed.

[12:58 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Explain.

[13:01 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: SLBM Munitions ineffective. Maintain concealment. 

[13:01 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Ineffective?

[13:01 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Pindar, what’s happening?

[13:05 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Pindar, please respond.

[13:11 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Pindar, please respond.

[13:27 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: Commander Laughton, are you still receiving?

[13:29 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Confirmed Pindar. Status report?

[13:38 - 28/01/31] RNSC-P: This is Admiral Huntingdon. The preceding messages were not a drill. To repeat: This was not an exercise. The Cometfall scenario is in effect. It has been made clear to Strategic Command that your munitions are ineffective at this time. Maintain readiness and expect new orders. Dive low and run silent. And do not under any circumstances disclose your current location on this channel.

[13:39 - 28/01/31] RN-HN: Understood sir. Diving.

Disconnected

Connected.

[23:39 - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: Verify.

[23:39 - 29/01/31] RN-HN: Creek. Function. Thirteen. Abolition

[23:39 - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: Commander Laughton: I have a situation update for you.

[23:39 - 29/01/31] RN-HN: Verify.

[23:40 - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: Stagger. Chrysler. Merope. Resign.

[23:43 - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: As of now the Horatio Nelson is not permitted to make any form of communication to any other person or vessel outside of this channel. You are to treat all other contacts, including other British vessels, as hostile. Your priority is to maintain concealment. We do not believe the enemy is aware of your location at this time. 

[23:43 - 29/01/31] RN-HN: Other British vessels sir?

[23:45 - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: An hour ago His Majesty’s Government surrendered unconditionally. Any remaining military assets are considered hostile.

[23:45 - 29/01/31] RN-HN: How are you still operating?

[23:51 - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: Pindar bunker is underneath the ruins of Whitehall. We believe the invading force is unaware of our presence. We have had no contact with collaborators. 

[23:52 - 29/01/31] RN-HN: I see.

[23:52 - 29/01/31] RN-HN: NATO?

[23:53  - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: Destroyed. Ineffective.

[23:54  - 29/01/31] RN-HN: How did this happen Admiral. Who are they?

[23:55  - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: They are extraterrestrial in origin. Military capability is dominant. They seem interested in conquest not annihilation. Low civilian casualties. 

[23:58  - 29/01/31]  RN-HN: How many?

[23:58  - 29/01/31] RNSC-P: Information is not mission critical Commander. 

[00:02 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: What about PRC? Russia?

[00:04 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: We are not aware of any formal surrenders. Fighting is intensive. Our strategic view does not include them. We are relying on your Strategic Munitions for potential counter attacks.

[00:10 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: Are we the only ones?

[00:10 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: Yes.

[00:10 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: Admiral if you’re fucking with me or if this is some sort of drill you have to tell me now.

[00:10 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: This is not fucking happening.

[00:10 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: Calm down.

[00:11 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: You are probably the last remaining active military asset out here. You need to stay in control Commander.

[00:11 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: YOU TOLD ME MY MUNITIONS ARE INEFFECTIVE WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON. 

[00:11 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: NUKES DONT WORK???????

[00:11 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: Commander Laughton.

[00:12 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: I need you to calm down.

[00:12 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: It is imperative that you remain in control.

[00:18 - 30/01/31]  RNSC-P: Commander?

[00:23 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: Yes sir.

[00:23 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: How are the crew?

[00:26 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: The crew are not aware. They believe the launch protocol and going silent was part of an exercise.

[00:26 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: Understood.

[00:35 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: I trust you will be able to maintain discipline in any eventuality.

[00:35 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: Yes sir.

[00:41 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P:  We are trying everything to mobilise resistance. You will not be alone forever. 

[00:49 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: Yes sir.

[00:52 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: Commander Laughton, do you have any inclination to surrender or otherwise abandon your duties?

[00:55 - 30/01/31] RN-HN: Never.

[00:55 - 30/01/31] RNSC-P: Maintain concealment. Further orders will come.

Disconnected.

Connected.

[13:11- 04/02/31]  RNSC-P: Emergency

[13:11- 04/02/31] RN-HN: Verify

[13:14- 04/02/31]  RNSC-P: It’s become apparent that excavations are proceeding above us. We must assume the enemy is aware of Pindar bunker and are rooting us out. Should we confirm enemy presence this terminal and it’s logs will be destroyed to protect your vessel. The code-word to signify this will be “Huckleberry”. Confirm.

[13:14- 04/02/31] RN-HN: Verify.

[13:14- 04/02/31] RN-HN: Confirmed.

Disconnected

Connected

[01:41- 06/02/31] RNSC-P: Huckleberry

Disconnected

[11:27- 18/03/31] RN-HN: State your identity.

[11:28- 18/03/31] EdNME: Bienvenido. Contacto de Nuevo Estado de Mexico. Por favor, su confirme identidad

Disconnected

Connected

[19:57- 18/03/31] RN-HN: Is this channel active?

[20:00- 19/03/31] RN-HN: Is this channel active?

Disconnected

Connected

[09:02- 30/03/31] RN-HN: Anyone?

[09:03- 30/03/31] Church: Hello friend!

[09:03- 30/03/31] Church: Tell me, are you lost?

[09:03- 30/03/31]  RN-HN: State your identity.

[09:04- 30/03/31] Church: Friend, you are in touch with the Church of New Blessings.

[09:04- 30/03/31] Church: Might I ask how you came to us today, child?

Disconnected

Connected

[16:01 - 11/04/31] Sacramento Public Library: Hello.

[16:01 - 11/04/31] RN-HN: State your identity.

[16:04 - 11/04/31] Sacramento Public Library: I am John Hutton.

[16:06 - 11/04/31] Sacramento Public Library: Who are you?

[16:06 - 11/04/31] RN-HN: Are these comms secure?

[16:06 - 11/04/31] RN-HN: Your identity reads as Public Library

[16:10 - 11/04/31] Sacramento Public Library: I am at the library.

[16:12 - 11/04/31] Sacramento Public Library: Where are you?

[16:12 - 11/04/31] RN-HN: Security??

[16:16 - 11/04/31] Sacramento Public Library: I don’t understand. 

Disconnected

Connected

[03:28 - 29/04/31] RN-HN: Anyone?

Disconnected

Connected

[03:28 - 05/06/31] RN-HN: ?

Disconnected

Connected

Disconnected

Connected

Disconnected

Connected

Disconnected

Connected

[10:00 - 30/07/31] RNSC: Is this the Horatio Nelson?

[10:00 - 30/07/31] RN-HN: State your identity.

[10:00 - 30/07/31] RNSC: Thank god! It’s Admiral Huntingdon.

[10:01 - 30/07/31] RNSC: Glad you’re safe.

[10:02  - 30/07/31] RNSC: How are you? How’s the ship?

[10:04  - 30/07/31] RN-HN: Well.

[10:04  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Good.

[10:07  - 30/07/31]  RNSC: I have to ask: am I still speaking to Commander Laughton?

[10:07  - 30/07/31] RN-HN: Yes.

[10:07  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Excellent.

[10:10  - 30/07/31] RNSC: We need to work out how to get you involved in the resistance. 

[10:12  - 30/07/31] RNSC: You’ll be pleased to hear that we’ve made significant gains in the past few months.

[10:14  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Most importantly, we’ve got secure comms. Even radio. I’m going to transfer you some frequencies you can use.

[10:20  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Still with us Laughton?

[10:25  - 30/07/31] RN-HN: How did you escape the bunker?

[10:25  - 30/07/31]  RNSC: We managed to fight our way to a tunnel. Took us to a transportation network. Spent the past six months off the grid, linking up with resistance elements.

[10:28  - 30/07/31]  RNSC: We’ve got quite a force massing.

[10:30  - 30/07/31]  RN-HN: You fought your way out?

[10:31  - 30/07/31]  RNSC: Bloody horrible stuff Laughton.

[10:34  - 30/07/31] RN-HN Since when did Pindar have tunnels?

[10:34  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Military secrets. We’ve always had little passages and that. Didn’t even know of it myself.

[10:39  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Anyway, let’s get you connected.

[10:39  - 30/07/31] RNSC: Frequencies are going to be sent shortly

[10:45 - 30/07/31] RNSC: All good there, Commander?

[10:50- 30/07/31] RNSC: Commander?

[10:45 - 30/07/31] RN-HN: Verify.

[10:47 - 30/07/31] RNSC: Commander, we don’t have the logbooks. We could take what we had to hand. I don’t have the counter signs.

[10:47 - 30/07/31] RN-HN: Verify.

[10:48 - 30/07/31]  RNSC: Commander, I can’t.

[10:48 - 30/07/31] RN-HN: Verify or I will disconnect.

[10:51 - 30/07/31] RNSC: Good luck, Commander.

Disconnected

Connected

[10:51 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Hello?

[10:51 - 02/11/34] NGNC: Unknown callsign, please identify.

[10:51 - 02/11/34] NGNC: Identify.

[10:53 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Horatio Nelson.

[10:53 - 02/11/34] NGNC: Standby.

[10:55 - 02/11/34] NGNC: Horatio Nelson we have no record of you. Identify yourself.

Disconnected

Connected.

[19:01 - 01/11/34] NAC: Is this the Horatio Nelson?

Disconnected

Connected.

[05:22 - 02/11/34] RNSC: Commander, come in.

[05:22 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Receiving.

[05:22 - 02/11/34] RNSC: Jesus Laughton you can’t broadcast insecure.

[05:22 - 02/11/34] RNSC: Have they found you?

[05:23 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Multiple pings, no contact.

[05:23 - 02/11/34] RNSC: Thank God.

[05:23 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Commander Laughton didn’t make it.

[05:23 - 02/11/34] RNSC: I see.

[05:25 - 02/11/34] RNSC: Who is in command?

[05:26 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Commander Smethwick. 

[05:26 - 02/11/34] RNSC: All right Smethwick. We need you to stay quiet. If you can, make your way to the following co-ordinates:

57°37'06.4N 153°56'40.0W

We will be able to take you in, brief you, and get you some rest.

[05:28 - 02/11/34] RNSC: Confirm?

[05:28 - 02/11/34] RN-HN: Confirm.

[05:28 - 02/11/34] RNSC: We’ll meet there. Good luck.

Disconnected

Connected.

[14:58- 10/11/34] RN-HN: Online?

[14:58- 10/11/34] Aft: Online.

[14:58- 10/11/34]  RN-HN: How’s it looking?

[14:58- 10/11/34] Aft: Not great.

[15:08- 10/11/34] Aft: Took us a long time to get back here. Not even sure we can get back to you. Enemy weapons tore through most of the adjoining sections. I don’t have high hopes for the reactor and engines. How long with emergency power?

[15:08- 10/11/34] RN-HN: Hours not days.

[15:08- 10/11/34]  Aft: Understood.

[18:34- 10/11/34]  Aft: It works! You get the lights back?

[18:34- 10/11/34] RN-HN: Fully. Great job. 

[18:38- 10/11/34] Aft: Now the bad news. Hull’s ruined. Nothing we can fix. I don’t know how long we’ve got before she comes apart. Could be hours, could be years. I definitely wouldn’t try running her at full speed.

[18:39- 10/11/34] RN-HN: Understood. Get back over here and brief us in full.

Disconnected

Connected.

[14:00- 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Code Green. Commence operation. Give the alien bastards hell.

[14:00- 09/06/37] RN-HN: What?

[14:00- 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Who is this?

[14:02- 09/06/37]  Relay Base Yucatan: Who is this? You’re listed as a Resistance frequency.

[14:06- 09/06/37] RN-HN: This Commander Smethwick of the Horatio Nelson.

[14:06- 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Stop fucking around this is the real deal. Commence.

[14:07- 09/06/37] RN-HN: I don’t know what you mean. How did you find my contact frequency?

[14:07- 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Man… seriously.

[14:07- 09/06/37] RN-HN: I’m serious. This the Horatio Nelson.

[14:07- 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Standby.

[14:15 - 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Jesus fucking Christ, are you fucking with me?

[14:15 - 09/06/37] RN-HN: No.

[14:15 - 09/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Hold on.

Disconnected

Connected.

[15:01 - 09/06/37] Quito Base: Horatio Nelson?

[15:01 - 09/06/37] RN-HN: Here.

[15:01 - 09/06/37]  Quito Base: What’s your status?

[15:03 - 09/06/37] RN-HN: We’re operational.

[15:03 - 09/06/37] Quito Base: I’ll cut to the point. Are you still carrying nukes?

[15:06 - 09/06/37] RN-HN: Yes. 12 TII-D5 SLBM.

[15:06 - 09/06/37] Quito Base: Can you launch.

[15:10 - 09/06/37] RN-HN: We can launch. We probably won’t make it. Significant damage.

[15:10 - 09/06/37] Quito Base: Will you?

[15:11 - 09/06/37] RN-HN: Will it work?

[15:10 - 09/06/37] Quito Base: I can’t promise. 

[15:12 - 09/06/37]  RN-HN: Tell me when.

Disconnected

Connected.

[02:00 - 17/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan: Are you ready?

[02:11 - 17/06/37]  RN-HN: Target co-ordinates?

[02:12 - 17/06/37] Relay Base Yucatan:

28°54'17.1N 89°36'35.5W

Good Luck.

[02:12 - 17/06/37]  Relay Base Yucatan: Thank you.

[02:13 - 17/06/37]  RN-HN: It’s an honour.

Disconnected

Connected.

[02:12 - 03/05/42] RN-HN: Guess where I’m messaging you from?

[02:14 - 03/05/42] Scav City: Royal Navy - Horatio Nelson… you know it says so right there?

[02:14 - 03/05/42] RN-HN: Your no fun

[02:14 - 03/05/42] Scav City: It’s “you’re”. 

[02:13 - 03/05/42] RN-HN: Whatever. Come pick us up. 

[02:13 - 03/05/42] Scav City: Find anything?

[02:13 - 03/05/42] RN-HN: Fuck yeah.

[02:15 - 03/05/42] RN-HN: About half the sub. There’s bodies and everything. We rigged up some of the systems to our power unit (obviously) and here we are. Havent found the back end. 

[02:16 - 03/05/42] Scav City: You id any bodies?

[02:17 - 03/05/42] RN-HN: Got the man himself. Smethwick was in his room. Dead obviously,

[02:18 - 03/05/42]  Scav City: Fuckin’ ace. They’re gonna love this.

[02:18 - 03/05/42]  RN-HN: I know. I’m amazing.

[02:18 - 03/05/42] Scav City: whatever. Let’s get her up. They’re gonna love this for liberation day. 

January 15, 2021 22:12

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4 comments

Amy Jayne Conley
12:11 Jan 23, 2021

This had me hooked!! I'll admit, the format was a little unusual for me - I've never read anything like this before - but DAMN was I invested in the end!! So vague, yet just enough info that we knew exactly what was going on. And I bet each reader sees it differently! So good - I could see this being expanded for a movie! :D Great work!

Reply

Pepe Bellerin
10:30 Jan 26, 2021

Thank you so much! :D

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William Flautt
02:44 Jan 21, 2021

Wow. I might have to read one or two more times! Such a cool sci-fi take. Love it. Very creative.

Reply

Pepe Bellerin
10:17 Jan 21, 2021

Thank you!

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