Reporter: Vance R. Kaerion, Aka "Kestrel"
Scientist(s): Vance R. Kaerion, Aka "Kestrel"
Date: 11/17/02

Experiment Conducted:

It had only been a few days since I was dropped off on the wayward starship, and my squad and I were quite happily cleaning out the new Karhaanian Inhabitants. Unfortunately, we had been facing a steady stream of the "Onos" creatures, or the Big Ugly Cow Things as I called them. My idea came to me when a Big Ugly Cow Thing ambushed a group of us as we were debating the finer points of Zero-G Syncronized Swimming, and my squadmate, who had been wearing a jetpack much like my own at the time, was ripped to small pieces.

As the beast turned to chase my other two squadmates, I picked up the unharmed jetpack, shaking the bloody slab of meat that had been attached out of the harness, and examined it. I found it to be in good working order, and slung it over my shoulder in approval. If I could combine the two jetpacks and maybe even add an emergency booster, maybe I could avoid an ambush attack! I knew how many lives could benefit from my experiment, so I waved to my fellows, who were shooting into the oversized beast.

One of my squadmates yelled back in my direction-I assume it was telling me to head to base, after all..they could handle one of those 2 or 3 ton beasts with little trouble. I headed back proudly, my ears still echoing with my comrade's screams of victory. The commander was so pleased with my actions, he said I could take a break to explore my new possibility.

A few days later, after having welded my jetpacks together, and adding an extra booster filled with powder from my LMG shells, I was ready to take to the field.

The commander harbored a few objections to my return to battle--I must appreciate his concern for my well-being, but the life of a warrior does not permit such luxuries! I waved to my squadmates, and stepped over the edge of the elevator shaft leading into our base, and softly jetted down, followed by a second scout.

He kindly took point, and I followed. However, before we had taken more than two steps, a Big Ugly Cow Thing appeared in front of us (I dont know how they move so fast!) and proceeded to tear apart my scout. I slammed on the emergency ignition button I had fashioned for the jetpacks, however, they refused to respond. When the creature plowed into me, it must have jarred them, because both packs activated, and sent me careening out of the hole at an incredable speed! The subsequent collision with the ceiling caused me to black out, but I did so knowing I was successful!

Upon awaking, I was tucked away on a peaceful hospital ship. I assume the burning on my back must have been from all the heat from the two jetpacks, and the painful sensation on my skull from the collision with the bulkhead. I was informed I was being transferred to a new division--A reward for my amazing work-and that I had a ride along-pet. I have decided to call him Skulky.

1 - Field Commander (2nd Quadrant) [11/17/02]:Private Kaerion's unauthorized 'experiment' resulted in his ricoceting off of several walls, the destruction of an armory, three turrets, and the subsequent explosion of the illegal gunpowder 'booster' damaged the second armory and wounded two marines, as well as severely burning the private's back and sending him into a duct. Several minutes later, a retrevial team was sent to recover the Private, and it was found that a Skulk had attached himself to the Private's head. After several minutes of attempting to force the animal to release the Private, several marines managed to club it into unconciousness. The specimen was loaded into a special-storage carryall, and is being conveyed alongside the Private.