Vengeance:
“My Lady there has been an incident with the prototype ship, No do not alarm yourself Karl is alive and effecting repairs even as we speak, it was sabotaged but Tina has managed to establish contact with him” Marcus explained the events as he understood them and assured her that as soon as Karl was recovered from the sector the ship had jumped into the Phoenix would return him to her side.
“Alright I can accept that Tina has to maintain the Phoenix in her current position Marcus what about this traitor”?
“He was caught attempting to flee the station Caleb’s employer has said that once the man has been questioned he will contact you directly”.
“Alright Marcus you may as well jump here we may need transport, however just in case this is part of a multiple strike strategy have the first response fleet ready for deployment”.
“That has already been done we have also have our strike flotillas ready should our enemies seek to attack our complex’s at this time”.
“Then you have done all that you can there Marcus make your way here and have the Vengeance ready to follow, better yet” Celine decided “transfer to the Vengeance yourself and await my summons I would prefer we have an experienced bridge crew aboard though I would rather not advertise her existence unless I am forced to. From what Aaron has said it seems likely that Karls ship will return to that pirate sector I want a missile squadron stationed there to make sure that neither he or that damn Split woman have any unwelcome surprises.
Marcus closed the link no doubt as frustrated as she was at the necessary delay before the Phoenix could return. She would have to inform Suki they might have to extend their stay here for a day or two but she would defer that till later there was no need to cause unnecessary concern. It was also unlikely that Suki would want to leave just yet she was still being courted by some of the major fashion houses in Argon space and was revelling in the attention. Which reminded her she was due to have breakfast with both her and Simone shortly shutting down her terminals she left her office to meet them.
“This does not make sense sir Karl would not be mobilising his forces this soon by his own estimates the Xenon threat is not likely to be at a state of readiness to warrant this action now”.
“I totally agree commander yet the evidence is irrefutable, as is the fact that he is avoiding responding to our attempts to contact him. Have you an explanation for this that makes any sense because we are having to take similar actions ourselves and we suspect the commonwealth forces will follow suit as soon as their spies inform them of our own increased alert status”.
Those were questions he could not easily answer, had the traders decided to take unilateral action and if so against whom? In his last reports he had confirmed that transportation and security was in place for the delegates from all parties to attend the peace conference. That should be taking place within a few weeks.
“Karl may be involved in one of his construction projects or he may have been injured we know there have been several attempts on his life that would render him unable to return our messages. What about Celine, have you tried speaking to her”?
“She is in Argon prime Commander, we have no way of speaking to her without compromising her part in the peace process amongst her fellow Argon”.
“That is if we could trust her to tell us what is going on” said senator Alten looking at Matthew his doubts about Celines likely integrity plain on his face.
“Sirs I can assure you that there is a rational explanation for this. Once Celine is aware of our concerns she will come here to answer the questions this sudden mobilisation has raised. I know these people they have devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to the peace process I am certain she will agree to this. I would ask to be given leave to contact them directly at their home station”.
“If you could give us a few minutes Commander we will discuss your proposal” Senator Alten told him.
Captain Hemmings followed him from the room and waited till the doors were closed behind them before speaking.
“You do realise you have just put your neck on the line Matthew, if matters are not as you suggest then you will be signing the death knell on your career? Oh I agree with your assessment of the situation but if you do get in touch with Celine I advise you to get her to demonstrate a significant example of the force they actually have when she arrives in system. Those idiots are agitating against the peace plan and are seizing on this silence from Reaver to undermine the whole process”.
“I had thought you opposed to contact with the commonwealth sir”.
“I have made no secret of the fact I have reservations about the various commonwealth races Commander but I am totally in favour of any measure that brings this senseless war to an end, it is an open wound that is bleeding the resources of our systems and consumed far too many lives already. For that reason alone I have impressed my own opinions on my command. You will be given orders to go to Reavers sector I would urge you to ensure that either he or Celine return with you”.
Quest for Vengeance: (AP Paranid Start) DID .
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Vengeance:
Celine opened the com link as soon as it chimed to find a concerned Marcus on the bridge of the Vengeance, given the amount of background chatter she knew his crew were extremely busy. “Report Marcus”
“Celine our installations in commonwealth space sectors are under sustained attacks by heavy groups of corvettes and bombers I will need to commit the M7M squadrons soon to redress the balance or we will begin suffering significant casualties”.
That was disturbing she studied the data feeds that Marcus was sending to her on a separate display and saw that the frequency of attacks had risen significantly since the prototype had made that unplanned jump to Xenon space, clearly their current attackers had the same motivation to gain the results of the Splits work in drive technology and to weaken the progress of the peace initiative. The attempts to kill Karl were she was sure driven by the pirate Cher t’gal and her brother it seemed then that they had joined forces with those who sought to disrupt the peace process. They must believe they had succeeded in killing Karl nothing else would explain their sudden boldness.
“Alright Marcus take the Vengeance to lost order and deploy the M7M squadrons as you deem necessary once it has arrived. Make sure they are kept fully supplied at all times with support craft as necessary using the Vengeance as a support base we cannot afford to lose any of them. Have the Viper pick me up as soon as possible”.
Marcus promised to send it immediately fortunately Celine would only need a few changes of clothes for the trip she had planned and was busy packing a carryall when Simone and Misha entered her quarters.
“I trust my Lady was not planning on travelling without me. I was alerted by the arrival of the Viper in sector I assume you intend to go aboard her”.
“I have a fighter heading for the docks as we speak Misha I am needed at home sector if you could remain here”?
“I think not my lady both I and Simone will return to home sector with you we have some concerns as to our inability to contact the Phoenix which we assume you can satisfy once we are in a more secure location”.
“The fighter has only space for one passenger Misha”.
“That is true but as I oversaw the equipping of the Viper I know all its fighters have cargo life support systems we can put up with the discomfort for such a short journey Celine”.
There was no point in arguing with them so Celine allowed they could follow her aboard the fighter. She left a brief message for Suki explaining they had a minor problem she had to deal with and that she would return shortly.
As soon as the fighter docked they were escorted to the bridge where the commander offered her the command chair.
“I think not Jase this is your ship and you know her far better than I do, I will however ask you to follow my mission orders leaving you to carry them out as you deem most effective”.
“Thank you Celine Marcus was unclear what those orders might be but I can assure you we are ready to return to home sector where we have ships waiting to replenish our supplies for extended operations”.
“That is just as well Jase I am afraid I will be placing this ship and ourselves in harm’s way whilst we chastise those who have the temerity to attack our Stations I will be calling in missile attacks on certain pirate bases and we will act in support of our frigates”
Jase smiled at that news for too long they had put up with pirates attacking their home ships now at last the tables would be turned her adrenalin rising she ordered the Viper to jump for home sector.As soon as they had cleared the gate defences a Mistral super freighter moved alongside and began the necessary crew and supply transfers. Simone however refused to leave Celine and whilst she had accepted the brief explanation for the necessity of the Phoenix remaining where it was she insisted that she be on hand to meet Aaron as soon as they were able to return to normal space. Celine could hardly deny her that and Jase was able to arrange quarters for her on the posted crew deck. Misha had easily resumed her place at Celines side and had managed to obtain a marine ship suit and a combat rig from the Viper’s cargo master from his stores and then promptly had a bed placed in a spare room in the quarters Celine had been loaned.
“This degree of close security is not really necessary aboard the Viper Misha”.
Misha said nothing in reply to that but the steady stare she gave Celine made it clear that she considered her assessment of the facts irrelevant to her decision. Accepting that there would be no point in pursuing the matter Celine let her have her way. The arrival of the Spartan in sector also required her immediate attention. Celine had his call diverted to the tactical suite where she had begun laying out her plans for the series of upcoming operations.
“Matthew I am afraid I am somewhat busy”.
“So I understand Celine but the senate is concerned at your sudden readying of your forces and to be blunt they don’t trust you enough not to react in kind by bringing our own forces to a higher state of readiness”.
“Bloody idiotic arrogant terrans “Celine snapped “Sorry Matthew that was not aimed at you just those idiots who think that anything we do has to have something to do with them, we do have other concerns you know”?
“I have suggested as much Celine though not in those words but they are concerned and I have said that you will meet with them in Neptune to explain matters to them”.
“Impossible Matthew you can tell those idiots that I am far too busy our
stations are under repeated on going attacks and I am preparing to respond to them, I do not have the time to spare for a journey to Neptune just to ease the minds of your politicians they will have to wait”.
“Celine you don’t understand if they don’t get some assurances from you or Karl they will assume you have hostile intentions it could halt the peace conference before it begins”.
“I haven’t got the time to indulge them Matthew, if they want to know what I am doing I will show them, you had best come aboard the Viper to verify events but make it quick we leave the sector in two mizura, sorry that’s ten minutes the Spartan can dock at station till we return if you decide to take me up on my suggestion”.
Matthew watched as the screen switched back to the system display startled by Celines blunt and intransigent stance which was so unlike her it only confirmed her words that she was working to a specific goal and would brook no delays.
“Lt Hayden you’re with me, Larson take the com bring us in transport range
of that frigate and then dock at the station I will send further orders as necessary. Do not leave this sector till I order it understood”?
“Understood sir” Larson replied taking the command chair as Matthew headed below for the transporter platform with Lt Hayden following in his wake. Five minutes later they were joining Celine on the bridge of the Frigate and Matthew knew from experience that there was an air of imminent battle in the air as the crew worked at their posts giving running status updates to the ship’s Captain. Celine was in quiet conversation with the tactical officer at the map board that was to one side of the bridge where there were a host of additional displays with live feeds that were showing multiple Commonwealth sectors some of whose names he recognised as being areas controlled by pirate groups. He had time to consider what was going on and realised that the Phoenix was conspicuous in its absence and that Celine seemed to be planning to wage a war aimed at the pirates in half a dozen sectors.
“Celine has something happened to the Phoenix” he asked as soon as he reached her side?
“The Phoenix is fine Matthew unfortunately Karl is busy with a private matter for Rhonkar that he cannot extricate himself from and I have to respond to attacks on our stations before they become more than a bloody nuisance in a manner they will not fail to understand. Now I have arranged a live feed to be maintained from the bridge of this ship so that you can forward it to your politicians but make it clear they may observe only I will not have the time to discuss matters till later. Misha if you can show Matthew the com terminal he can contact them and arrange the transmission link. Captain Jump when ready”.
“Jumping to Hatvikahs west gate in ten Celine the Witch is in position and standing by”.
“Roberta, Matthew I advise you both take seats and fasten the restraints we will be engaging in combat manoeuvres as soon as we clear the gate” Misha warned as they joined Celine back at the tactical operations console doing the same herself.
The Jump sequence ended and as Misha had warned the ship’s Captain engaged full military thrust as they exited the transit area the ships turrets opening fire immediately after the first incoming missile warnings had sounded. Roberta began speaking quietly into her head set giving the observers at the Neptune orbital base a running commentary on events as they unfolded. Matthew noted that she was ignoring the requests from the Senators to speak to Celine at once explaining they were in a combat situation and that she was occupied with more immediate concerns before resuming her commentary that was accompanying the live video feed. That Left Matthew free to watch as the Captain engaged the swarm of fighters that were attacking her ship. The missile tubes were also constantly firing as were the missile defence systems as the headed for the centre of the sector altering direction several times to clear asteroids that lay along the line of the course she had chosen. Matthew was puzzled why the Captain did not simply turn and engage the fighters till he saw the carrier that was heading directly for them from the north gate area. That ship would find it difficult to engage this Cerberus so long as it stayed within the asteroid field.
The fighters must be based to that carrier no doubt attacking and looting civilian ships until their arrival in sector. It seemed strange to him that these pirates were allowed to establish sectors where they could act with relative impunity. He would have thought the races would act in concert to eliminate them. He turned his attention back to the gravidar display that showed the carrier’s inexorable progress as it reduced the gap between the Cerberus and itself. Its fighters had been whittled down to less than a dozen by this time and there was debris strewn across the sector.
“The Witch is ready Jase time to give the Galleon something to think about” Celine said which puzzled the hell out of Matthew as the ship changed course and accelerated straight at the Galleon as she had called it.
Matthew looked at the Data displays concerned at the weapons load outs of the Galleon it could carry photon pulse cannons in its mains so it seriously outmatched the weapons the Cerberus might be able to employ. The Captain evaded the first salvo of fire however and fired its own weapons at close range before climbing up and over the galleon and twisting to rake it with IBL salvo’s from its turrets before accelerating at a speed that far exceeded the design specifications of the ship and heading back towards the east gate once more. The ship shuddered as they were struck but at the limit of the galleons range the shields handled the impacts easily thought the Cerberus slowed unnecessarily to keep the Galleon at the limit of its weapons range.
The Captain launched a swarm of fighter drones which Matthew didn’t understand until he saw the missiles flash past them to strike the Galleon. A moment later the ship changed the course again and now its own fighters were launched striking as a single wing to chase down the remaining pirate craft that were trying to protect the Galleon. The result came swiftly and dramatically as cheers erupted around the Bridge at the successful capture of the galleon. Only then did Celine assume overall command and ordered the fighters to collect those pirates who had bailed from their ships. Small fast freighters entered the system and systematically cleared the debris before jumping out no doubt to return to their home station. The galleon was jumped out a short while later which surprised him.
“It was supplied with a jump drive and is on route to home station to be recycled” Celine explained seeing his puzzlement. “The Marines are already heading back to the Witch aboard that transport”.
“Is this normal practice Celine we tend to destroy our enemies’ ships rather than salvage them”?
“That’s probably because their weapons are incompatible with yours Matthew that galleon represents a value of over thirty million in credits and the weapons are not easily come by. We will soon be fitting them to our own ships to add more firepower to our fleet whilst reducing that of our enemies if we simply left it someone else would be free to salvage it and that ship has but one purpose”.
“You attacked that ship for that reason alone” he queried appalled?
“No we are not pirates Matthew that ship destroyed a trade convoy in Thuruks beard less than three hours ago as well as a number of the local militia ships that tried to protect it. It is based at the Anarchy port to the west which is where we are going next to eliminate them as a threat to our shipping. This is being repeated across the verse, the sudden increase in pirate attacks is seriously affecting our preparations for the coming conflict. Don’t look so shocked Matthew in the south the only law these scum respect is that of the predator, unlike them however we do take prisoners”.
Matthew was not mollified by that answer to his questions and he watched in grim silence as after those who heeded the warnings to evacuate the base fled to the west gate unharmed by Celines fighters who were patrolling the area the base was systematically destroyed. Just before it finally collapsed in on itself a fast transport accelerated away from it seeking to find safety beyond their scanner range but the fighter wing as if anticipating such an eventuality pursued it disabled it before it could escape in order for it to be captured and escorted to a military base in Aladna Hill where its occupants would be handed over to the local authorities.
The Frigates Captain waited for the fighters to be recovered whilst she was doing that Celine was receiving progress reports from other strike forces that had carried out similar attacks and updating their sector map displays accordingly.
“Captain if you could jump and dock at the Outpost in Aladna once the sector is secured I will brief them on the results of our actions today before we return to home sector” Celine requested as she received the last of the reports she was expecting over her com set.
“Of course Celine” Jase replied
“Roberta, Matthew if you will join me in the ward room please”.
Celine left the bridge Misha at her shoulder leaving the pair of them to follow her she seemed distracted she was receiving further coms over her head set as she entered the room and accepted a coffee from the crewmember who was waiting for them.
“Right sorry about that it seems Karl will be delayed a little bit longer than I had hoped so tell me Matthew why should I bother going to Neptune at this time as you can see I am somewhat busy, too busy to waste my time at the whim of your politicians who seem a bit hysterical in their request that I rush of just to baby sit them”?
“I can only advise that Captain Hemmings has asked that you make the effort Celine Matthew replied truthfully”.
“Alright as Captain Hemmings has had the courtesy to make this a request but I will not be attending some damn committee meeting at the whim of your senators I have as much time for terran politicians as I do for Argon ones Matthew so advise them to have their questions ready as I will not be staying a sezura longer than I have to. You can use the secure com terminal in the Captains office Tasha could you show him where that is please and have a meal sent up for all of us please”.
“Right we may as well make ourselves comfortable” Celine allowed as Matthew followed Tasha from the room.
“Roberta sorry for not greeting you properly earlier but your arrival came at a rather inconvenient moment for us”.
“So it would seem Celine” Roberta replied removing her head piece and turning it off quite certain that Celine had known it had still been linked to the on going transmission to Neptune when she had just spoken.
“Sometimes it is necessary to let people know what you really think of them without appearing to have insulted them directly Roberta”.
“I gathered that Celine but Matthew was truthful when he expressed his concerns over our military’s response to your sudden mobilisation without alerting us”.
“Then I must accept some blame for that then” Celine admitted “but let us wait till Matthew returns before I explain matters in more detail”.
Celine opened the com link as soon as it chimed to find a concerned Marcus on the bridge of the Vengeance, given the amount of background chatter she knew his crew were extremely busy. “Report Marcus”
“Celine our installations in commonwealth space sectors are under sustained attacks by heavy groups of corvettes and bombers I will need to commit the M7M squadrons soon to redress the balance or we will begin suffering significant casualties”.
That was disturbing she studied the data feeds that Marcus was sending to her on a separate display and saw that the frequency of attacks had risen significantly since the prototype had made that unplanned jump to Xenon space, clearly their current attackers had the same motivation to gain the results of the Splits work in drive technology and to weaken the progress of the peace initiative. The attempts to kill Karl were she was sure driven by the pirate Cher t’gal and her brother it seemed then that they had joined forces with those who sought to disrupt the peace process. They must believe they had succeeded in killing Karl nothing else would explain their sudden boldness.
“Alright Marcus take the Vengeance to lost order and deploy the M7M squadrons as you deem necessary once it has arrived. Make sure they are kept fully supplied at all times with support craft as necessary using the Vengeance as a support base we cannot afford to lose any of them. Have the Viper pick me up as soon as possible”.
Marcus promised to send it immediately fortunately Celine would only need a few changes of clothes for the trip she had planned and was busy packing a carryall when Simone and Misha entered her quarters.
“I trust my Lady was not planning on travelling without me. I was alerted by the arrival of the Viper in sector I assume you intend to go aboard her”.
“I have a fighter heading for the docks as we speak Misha I am needed at home sector if you could remain here”?
“I think not my lady both I and Simone will return to home sector with you we have some concerns as to our inability to contact the Phoenix which we assume you can satisfy once we are in a more secure location”.
“The fighter has only space for one passenger Misha”.
“That is true but as I oversaw the equipping of the Viper I know all its fighters have cargo life support systems we can put up with the discomfort for such a short journey Celine”.
There was no point in arguing with them so Celine allowed they could follow her aboard the fighter. She left a brief message for Suki explaining they had a minor problem she had to deal with and that she would return shortly.
As soon as the fighter docked they were escorted to the bridge where the commander offered her the command chair.
“I think not Jase this is your ship and you know her far better than I do, I will however ask you to follow my mission orders leaving you to carry them out as you deem most effective”.
“Thank you Celine Marcus was unclear what those orders might be but I can assure you we are ready to return to home sector where we have ships waiting to replenish our supplies for extended operations”.
“That is just as well Jase I am afraid I will be placing this ship and ourselves in harm’s way whilst we chastise those who have the temerity to attack our Stations I will be calling in missile attacks on certain pirate bases and we will act in support of our frigates”
Jase smiled at that news for too long they had put up with pirates attacking their home ships now at last the tables would be turned her adrenalin rising she ordered the Viper to jump for home sector.As soon as they had cleared the gate defences a Mistral super freighter moved alongside and began the necessary crew and supply transfers. Simone however refused to leave Celine and whilst she had accepted the brief explanation for the necessity of the Phoenix remaining where it was she insisted that she be on hand to meet Aaron as soon as they were able to return to normal space. Celine could hardly deny her that and Jase was able to arrange quarters for her on the posted crew deck. Misha had easily resumed her place at Celines side and had managed to obtain a marine ship suit and a combat rig from the Viper’s cargo master from his stores and then promptly had a bed placed in a spare room in the quarters Celine had been loaned.
“This degree of close security is not really necessary aboard the Viper Misha”.
Misha said nothing in reply to that but the steady stare she gave Celine made it clear that she considered her assessment of the facts irrelevant to her decision. Accepting that there would be no point in pursuing the matter Celine let her have her way. The arrival of the Spartan in sector also required her immediate attention. Celine had his call diverted to the tactical suite where she had begun laying out her plans for the series of upcoming operations.
“Matthew I am afraid I am somewhat busy”.
“So I understand Celine but the senate is concerned at your sudden readying of your forces and to be blunt they don’t trust you enough not to react in kind by bringing our own forces to a higher state of readiness”.
“Bloody idiotic arrogant terrans “Celine snapped “Sorry Matthew that was not aimed at you just those idiots who think that anything we do has to have something to do with them, we do have other concerns you know”?
“I have suggested as much Celine though not in those words but they are concerned and I have said that you will meet with them in Neptune to explain matters to them”.
“Impossible Matthew you can tell those idiots that I am far too busy our
stations are under repeated on going attacks and I am preparing to respond to them, I do not have the time to spare for a journey to Neptune just to ease the minds of your politicians they will have to wait”.
“Celine you don’t understand if they don’t get some assurances from you or Karl they will assume you have hostile intentions it could halt the peace conference before it begins”.
“I haven’t got the time to indulge them Matthew, if they want to know what I am doing I will show them, you had best come aboard the Viper to verify events but make it quick we leave the sector in two mizura, sorry that’s ten minutes the Spartan can dock at station till we return if you decide to take me up on my suggestion”.
Matthew watched as the screen switched back to the system display startled by Celines blunt and intransigent stance which was so unlike her it only confirmed her words that she was working to a specific goal and would brook no delays.
“Lt Hayden you’re with me, Larson take the com bring us in transport range
of that frigate and then dock at the station I will send further orders as necessary. Do not leave this sector till I order it understood”?
“Understood sir” Larson replied taking the command chair as Matthew headed below for the transporter platform with Lt Hayden following in his wake. Five minutes later they were joining Celine on the bridge of the Frigate and Matthew knew from experience that there was an air of imminent battle in the air as the crew worked at their posts giving running status updates to the ship’s Captain. Celine was in quiet conversation with the tactical officer at the map board that was to one side of the bridge where there were a host of additional displays with live feeds that were showing multiple Commonwealth sectors some of whose names he recognised as being areas controlled by pirate groups. He had time to consider what was going on and realised that the Phoenix was conspicuous in its absence and that Celine seemed to be planning to wage a war aimed at the pirates in half a dozen sectors.
“Celine has something happened to the Phoenix” he asked as soon as he reached her side?
“The Phoenix is fine Matthew unfortunately Karl is busy with a private matter for Rhonkar that he cannot extricate himself from and I have to respond to attacks on our stations before they become more than a bloody nuisance in a manner they will not fail to understand. Now I have arranged a live feed to be maintained from the bridge of this ship so that you can forward it to your politicians but make it clear they may observe only I will not have the time to discuss matters till later. Misha if you can show Matthew the com terminal he can contact them and arrange the transmission link. Captain Jump when ready”.
“Jumping to Hatvikahs west gate in ten Celine the Witch is in position and standing by”.
“Roberta, Matthew I advise you both take seats and fasten the restraints we will be engaging in combat manoeuvres as soon as we clear the gate” Misha warned as they joined Celine back at the tactical operations console doing the same herself.
The Jump sequence ended and as Misha had warned the ship’s Captain engaged full military thrust as they exited the transit area the ships turrets opening fire immediately after the first incoming missile warnings had sounded. Roberta began speaking quietly into her head set giving the observers at the Neptune orbital base a running commentary on events as they unfolded. Matthew noted that she was ignoring the requests from the Senators to speak to Celine at once explaining they were in a combat situation and that she was occupied with more immediate concerns before resuming her commentary that was accompanying the live video feed. That Left Matthew free to watch as the Captain engaged the swarm of fighters that were attacking her ship. The missile tubes were also constantly firing as were the missile defence systems as the headed for the centre of the sector altering direction several times to clear asteroids that lay along the line of the course she had chosen. Matthew was puzzled why the Captain did not simply turn and engage the fighters till he saw the carrier that was heading directly for them from the north gate area. That ship would find it difficult to engage this Cerberus so long as it stayed within the asteroid field.
The fighters must be based to that carrier no doubt attacking and looting civilian ships until their arrival in sector. It seemed strange to him that these pirates were allowed to establish sectors where they could act with relative impunity. He would have thought the races would act in concert to eliminate them. He turned his attention back to the gravidar display that showed the carrier’s inexorable progress as it reduced the gap between the Cerberus and itself. Its fighters had been whittled down to less than a dozen by this time and there was debris strewn across the sector.
“The Witch is ready Jase time to give the Galleon something to think about” Celine said which puzzled the hell out of Matthew as the ship changed course and accelerated straight at the Galleon as she had called it.
Matthew looked at the Data displays concerned at the weapons load outs of the Galleon it could carry photon pulse cannons in its mains so it seriously outmatched the weapons the Cerberus might be able to employ. The Captain evaded the first salvo of fire however and fired its own weapons at close range before climbing up and over the galleon and twisting to rake it with IBL salvo’s from its turrets before accelerating at a speed that far exceeded the design specifications of the ship and heading back towards the east gate once more. The ship shuddered as they were struck but at the limit of the galleons range the shields handled the impacts easily thought the Cerberus slowed unnecessarily to keep the Galleon at the limit of its weapons range.
The Captain launched a swarm of fighter drones which Matthew didn’t understand until he saw the missiles flash past them to strike the Galleon. A moment later the ship changed the course again and now its own fighters were launched striking as a single wing to chase down the remaining pirate craft that were trying to protect the Galleon. The result came swiftly and dramatically as cheers erupted around the Bridge at the successful capture of the galleon. Only then did Celine assume overall command and ordered the fighters to collect those pirates who had bailed from their ships. Small fast freighters entered the system and systematically cleared the debris before jumping out no doubt to return to their home station. The galleon was jumped out a short while later which surprised him.
“It was supplied with a jump drive and is on route to home station to be recycled” Celine explained seeing his puzzlement. “The Marines are already heading back to the Witch aboard that transport”.
“Is this normal practice Celine we tend to destroy our enemies’ ships rather than salvage them”?
“That’s probably because their weapons are incompatible with yours Matthew that galleon represents a value of over thirty million in credits and the weapons are not easily come by. We will soon be fitting them to our own ships to add more firepower to our fleet whilst reducing that of our enemies if we simply left it someone else would be free to salvage it and that ship has but one purpose”.
“You attacked that ship for that reason alone” he queried appalled?
“No we are not pirates Matthew that ship destroyed a trade convoy in Thuruks beard less than three hours ago as well as a number of the local militia ships that tried to protect it. It is based at the Anarchy port to the west which is where we are going next to eliminate them as a threat to our shipping. This is being repeated across the verse, the sudden increase in pirate attacks is seriously affecting our preparations for the coming conflict. Don’t look so shocked Matthew in the south the only law these scum respect is that of the predator, unlike them however we do take prisoners”.
Matthew was not mollified by that answer to his questions and he watched in grim silence as after those who heeded the warnings to evacuate the base fled to the west gate unharmed by Celines fighters who were patrolling the area the base was systematically destroyed. Just before it finally collapsed in on itself a fast transport accelerated away from it seeking to find safety beyond their scanner range but the fighter wing as if anticipating such an eventuality pursued it disabled it before it could escape in order for it to be captured and escorted to a military base in Aladna Hill where its occupants would be handed over to the local authorities.
The Frigates Captain waited for the fighters to be recovered whilst she was doing that Celine was receiving progress reports from other strike forces that had carried out similar attacks and updating their sector map displays accordingly.
“Captain if you could jump and dock at the Outpost in Aladna once the sector is secured I will brief them on the results of our actions today before we return to home sector” Celine requested as she received the last of the reports she was expecting over her com set.
“Of course Celine” Jase replied
“Roberta, Matthew if you will join me in the ward room please”.
Celine left the bridge Misha at her shoulder leaving the pair of them to follow her she seemed distracted she was receiving further coms over her head set as she entered the room and accepted a coffee from the crewmember who was waiting for them.
“Right sorry about that it seems Karl will be delayed a little bit longer than I had hoped so tell me Matthew why should I bother going to Neptune at this time as you can see I am somewhat busy, too busy to waste my time at the whim of your politicians who seem a bit hysterical in their request that I rush of just to baby sit them”?
“I can only advise that Captain Hemmings has asked that you make the effort Celine Matthew replied truthfully”.
“Alright as Captain Hemmings has had the courtesy to make this a request but I will not be attending some damn committee meeting at the whim of your senators I have as much time for terran politicians as I do for Argon ones Matthew so advise them to have their questions ready as I will not be staying a sezura longer than I have to. You can use the secure com terminal in the Captains office Tasha could you show him where that is please and have a meal sent up for all of us please”.
“Right we may as well make ourselves comfortable” Celine allowed as Matthew followed Tasha from the room.
“Roberta sorry for not greeting you properly earlier but your arrival came at a rather inconvenient moment for us”.
“So it would seem Celine” Roberta replied removing her head piece and turning it off quite certain that Celine had known it had still been linked to the on going transmission to Neptune when she had just spoken.
“Sometimes it is necessary to let people know what you really think of them without appearing to have insulted them directly Roberta”.
“I gathered that Celine but Matthew was truthful when he expressed his concerns over our military’s response to your sudden mobilisation without alerting us”.
“Then I must accept some blame for that then” Celine admitted “but let us wait till Matthew returns before I explain matters in more detail”.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
Matthew was silent as he absorbed the implications of all that Celine had told him he had known there was opposition to those who supported the peace initiative but he had not realised that they had a sizable military force to try and forcibly achieve their aims. Given the large numbers of pirate vessels in the commonwealth it was easy to see the reason for Celines desire to prevent the two groups forming a more enduring and thus more dangerous alliance. Celine also revealed the extent of their knowledge of pirate operations both in terran and commonwealth sectors. So much for his assumption that pirates would not be tolerated in his home sectors he thought. The area around Mi ton’s refuge and LooMancksrat’s Legacy however seemed to have been untouched by the recent operations against the pirates a point he put to Celine.
“Let us just say that those sector’s Karl wishes to deal with personally Matthew it is a family matter”.
Matthew knew better than to pursue the matter further knowing full well that he would learn no more, he was fairly certain though that if those pirates had earned Karls personal enmity they would suffer spectacular reprisals. Celine had also taken note of Anton Hemmings suggestion that they make a show of force when they arrived in Neptune and it was that suggestion that had them to a restricted area of their home sector approaching the massive ship that lay ahead of them.
“You have got to be kidding me Celine and don’t try and tell me that you found that ship and salvaged it they are never sent beyond terran space and none have been reported missing to my knowledge”. Mathew gasped pointing at the Kyoto carrier in the main viewer.
“I won’t deny it Matthew we boarded the Kyoto when it arrived here with a significant escort group including two Claymore bombers a month ago and attempted to take control of this sector. It managed to reduce a number of derelict hulls we had placed near the gate to ashes when it arrived the Captain soon realised we had been expecting for him. Once we destroyed his escorts and then his shields and weapons he was quite keen to surrender. He provided us with all sorts of useful information as did his crew who were mercenaries for the most part by the way”.
“That won’t change the fact that the Senate is going to have a fit when they learn of this Celine that is one of the most prized products of the ATF shipyard they will demand its return”.
“Then they will have to wait Matthew the original ship was reverse engineered, we have made some design changes but as soon as production is complete on its sister ship they can have a replacement providing of course they pay the appropriate construction fees and the costs of the improvements we have made. As for the ATF designers I don’t think they will mind too much once we demonstrate the nature of the modifications we have made to their design. The Vengeance is a significant improvement over the original Kyoto but that you will see for yourself in due course. Your Spartan will be rendezvousing with the Viper shortly so you can transfer aboard. I will be taking command of the Vengeance momentarily I will let you know when we will be arriving in Neptune there is a matter I have to take care of first but hopefully it won’t take long. I have had some reports prepared as regards the latest intelligence updates we have on the Xenon build up, take care the pair of you and I will speak to you again when we arrive no doubt”.
Matthew watched Celine move swiftly down the corridor puzzled he had thought she would have been more concerned over the attempted incursion by that mystery Terran squadron somewhere someone was keeping the loss of those ships hidden or had managed to add them to the list of ships lost during the war and kept them at an unknown location till they were ready to be used. It was a matter he would be reporting to USC command as soon as they arrived back at base.
They made the journey to the vengeance aboard one of its Venti’s that had been docked aboard the Phoenix a few moments before they reached the hanger deck they waited for it to be locked into its launch position before they climbed into the cargo bay and seated themselves on the fold down seats that were normally concealed within the bay’s walls. As soon as Celine confirmed they were strapped in the fighter launched. Celine began issuing orders over her com link as soon as they cleared the Vipers shields getting the Vengeance prepped for an immediate jump and ordering the Blade be launched and docked at home station to clear the ships largest docking bay. The pilot had obviously been told of Celines desire for haste as he opened the cargo access as the fighter came to a stop allowing them to head for the elevators before the ground crew approached the ship to move it and secure it properly in its bay.
The lift was being held for them they entered it quickly waiting impatiently for it to reach the bridge level Celine removed her head piece as the lift opened and walked the short distance forward into the bridge deck where frantic preparations were being made to initiate a jump. Celine assumed the command chair and powered up the dedicated displays. The primary feeds being forwarded to her head set as she punched in the jump configuration Aaron had transmitted that should put them within com range of the Phoenix.
“Simone if you could take the station next to mine I suspect I am going to need you to translate Aaron’s tech jargon for me”.
“What’s happening Celine”?
“I don’t know but Aaron is concerned enough to ask for our immediate presence, hopefully once we get within range he will be able to give us more information”.
Matthew looked on as the Kyoto they had named the Vengeance jumped out of system wondering if Celine was going to meet up with Karl the uncharacteristic haste she had demonstrated in their parting indicated it was a matter of immediate concern to the traders and having just decimated the pirates across the verse it seemed the most likely cause. That ship was still going to cause major controversy in the corridors of power with the various Sol military commands. There would be those who would be demanding an immediate attack in force here to either take control of the sector or to destroy it regardless of the detrimental effect this would have on their ability to deal with the Xenon threat when their predicted attacks began.
“Captain I think you should see” this Roberta said bringing his attention back to one of the display screens.
“All right Lt what am I looking at”
“This is a view of the sectors one and only gate sir, and that is an ore mining facility that is being tractor beamed to a position at the edge of its transit threshold. Any ship that tries to enter this system via that gate is going to impact on it. Did Celine give you any indication she was anticipating an invasion here” she asked?
Matthew considered that and realised Celine had done just that even in ensuring that he would be able to see this happening was a warning she wanted him pass on to his superiors.
“Prep the ship for a jump and priority dock to our Command base in Mars Lt Hayden the Senator’s in Neptune will have to wait till we have reported in”.
“Understood Sir" Roberta replied saluting smartly and signalling helm to carry out those orders.
Matthew was silent as he absorbed the implications of all that Celine had told him he had known there was opposition to those who supported the peace initiative but he had not realised that they had a sizable military force to try and forcibly achieve their aims. Given the large numbers of pirate vessels in the commonwealth it was easy to see the reason for Celines desire to prevent the two groups forming a more enduring and thus more dangerous alliance. Celine also revealed the extent of their knowledge of pirate operations both in terran and commonwealth sectors. So much for his assumption that pirates would not be tolerated in his home sectors he thought. The area around Mi ton’s refuge and LooMancksrat’s Legacy however seemed to have been untouched by the recent operations against the pirates a point he put to Celine.
“Let us just say that those sector’s Karl wishes to deal with personally Matthew it is a family matter”.
Matthew knew better than to pursue the matter further knowing full well that he would learn no more, he was fairly certain though that if those pirates had earned Karls personal enmity they would suffer spectacular reprisals. Celine had also taken note of Anton Hemmings suggestion that they make a show of force when they arrived in Neptune and it was that suggestion that had them to a restricted area of their home sector approaching the massive ship that lay ahead of them.
“You have got to be kidding me Celine and don’t try and tell me that you found that ship and salvaged it they are never sent beyond terran space and none have been reported missing to my knowledge”. Mathew gasped pointing at the Kyoto carrier in the main viewer.
“I won’t deny it Matthew we boarded the Kyoto when it arrived here with a significant escort group including two Claymore bombers a month ago and attempted to take control of this sector. It managed to reduce a number of derelict hulls we had placed near the gate to ashes when it arrived the Captain soon realised we had been expecting for him. Once we destroyed his escorts and then his shields and weapons he was quite keen to surrender. He provided us with all sorts of useful information as did his crew who were mercenaries for the most part by the way”.
“That won’t change the fact that the Senate is going to have a fit when they learn of this Celine that is one of the most prized products of the ATF shipyard they will demand its return”.
“Then they will have to wait Matthew the original ship was reverse engineered, we have made some design changes but as soon as production is complete on its sister ship they can have a replacement providing of course they pay the appropriate construction fees and the costs of the improvements we have made. As for the ATF designers I don’t think they will mind too much once we demonstrate the nature of the modifications we have made to their design. The Vengeance is a significant improvement over the original Kyoto but that you will see for yourself in due course. Your Spartan will be rendezvousing with the Viper shortly so you can transfer aboard. I will be taking command of the Vengeance momentarily I will let you know when we will be arriving in Neptune there is a matter I have to take care of first but hopefully it won’t take long. I have had some reports prepared as regards the latest intelligence updates we have on the Xenon build up, take care the pair of you and I will speak to you again when we arrive no doubt”.
Matthew watched Celine move swiftly down the corridor puzzled he had thought she would have been more concerned over the attempted incursion by that mystery Terran squadron somewhere someone was keeping the loss of those ships hidden or had managed to add them to the list of ships lost during the war and kept them at an unknown location till they were ready to be used. It was a matter he would be reporting to USC command as soon as they arrived back at base.
They made the journey to the vengeance aboard one of its Venti’s that had been docked aboard the Phoenix a few moments before they reached the hanger deck they waited for it to be locked into its launch position before they climbed into the cargo bay and seated themselves on the fold down seats that were normally concealed within the bay’s walls. As soon as Celine confirmed they were strapped in the fighter launched. Celine began issuing orders over her com link as soon as they cleared the Vipers shields getting the Vengeance prepped for an immediate jump and ordering the Blade be launched and docked at home station to clear the ships largest docking bay. The pilot had obviously been told of Celines desire for haste as he opened the cargo access as the fighter came to a stop allowing them to head for the elevators before the ground crew approached the ship to move it and secure it properly in its bay.
The lift was being held for them they entered it quickly waiting impatiently for it to reach the bridge level Celine removed her head piece as the lift opened and walked the short distance forward into the bridge deck where frantic preparations were being made to initiate a jump. Celine assumed the command chair and powered up the dedicated displays. The primary feeds being forwarded to her head set as she punched in the jump configuration Aaron had transmitted that should put them within com range of the Phoenix.
“Simone if you could take the station next to mine I suspect I am going to need you to translate Aaron’s tech jargon for me”.
“What’s happening Celine”?
“I don’t know but Aaron is concerned enough to ask for our immediate presence, hopefully once we get within range he will be able to give us more information”.
Matthew looked on as the Kyoto they had named the Vengeance jumped out of system wondering if Celine was going to meet up with Karl the uncharacteristic haste she had demonstrated in their parting indicated it was a matter of immediate concern to the traders and having just decimated the pirates across the verse it seemed the most likely cause. That ship was still going to cause major controversy in the corridors of power with the various Sol military commands. There would be those who would be demanding an immediate attack in force here to either take control of the sector or to destroy it regardless of the detrimental effect this would have on their ability to deal with the Xenon threat when their predicted attacks began.
“Captain I think you should see” this Roberta said bringing his attention back to one of the display screens.
“All right Lt what am I looking at”
“This is a view of the sectors one and only gate sir, and that is an ore mining facility that is being tractor beamed to a position at the edge of its transit threshold. Any ship that tries to enter this system via that gate is going to impact on it. Did Celine give you any indication she was anticipating an invasion here” she asked?
Matthew considered that and realised Celine had done just that even in ensuring that he would be able to see this happening was a warning she wanted him pass on to his superiors.
“Prep the ship for a jump and priority dock to our Command base in Mars Lt Hayden the Senator’s in Neptune will have to wait till we have reported in”.
“Understood Sir" Roberta replied saluting smartly and signalling helm to carry out those orders.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
The Vengeance arrived relatively close to the Phoenix in the emptiness that was the void.
Misha looked at the Phoenix on the main display “Oh Shit Celine does that look familiar to you”?
Celine had already recognised what Misha had seen as soon as they had put the Phoenix up on their main display the Hull was alive and rippling with those strange energy waves that she had seen arising from the remnant of the debris they had found in Gunnes just before it had torn itself loose from whatever had trapped it there. Seeing Simone’s lack of understanding she quickly explained the events that had occurred then relating as best she could Aarons explanation for what had happened after they had returned to Home station a while later as they moved slowly closer to the Phoenix to establish a com link. The link when it was made was of poor quality but Celine was relieved to see Tina appear on her side display who quickly ceded her position to Aaron so that he could explain what he thought was happening.
“Is Simone with you ma’am he asked I think she might be able to help me work out what’s happening”?
“She’s right here Aaron studying our sensor readings hang on I’ll switch this link to her terminal. Coms get me another link setup to Tina now”.
“Celine despite what is happening we do have some good news Karl he is making good time on the repairs on the prototype and should be in a position to return to Lost Order within the stazura. Once he does that we can collapse the tether and follow him there” Tina assured her once she had her own link to Celine set up.
“What about the Xenon in the sector he is in, you said he was being attacked by them”?
“He is Celine and with increasing severity but so far he has been able to able to avoid them by maintaining his distance from the larger ships pursuing him”.
“Define larger Tina I have noted you tend to minimise the dangers you face on occasion”
Tina smiled at that and described the attacks Karl had reported to date it seemed that the attacks were indeed increasing in the scope of the firepower that Karl was having to face. It did not make sense though for the Xenon to attack him in such a manner their normal tactic was to await the arrival of their capital ships before using smaller corvettes and fighter class vessels.
“They don’t normally” Tina agreed “the only explanation I have to offer is that they want to eliminate Karl’s ship before he can escape the sector, their attacks suggest that they are having to travel a significant in sector distance so that only their fastest ships have been able to reach his position so far”.
“That makes sense Tina which means that whatever they are hiding in that sector is something extremely important to them. These wrecks Karl found before the Xenon began showing up did Karl manage to get any detailed scans on them”?
“He did Celine they are the source of the radiation that permeates the entire region near them it’s why Aaron wanted Simone here to study them as it is more in line with the gate anomalies she was researching”.
“Then we had best hope both she and Aaron can come up with some answers between them our primary aim must be to ensure Karl is able to return to commonwealth space safely but we may not get a chance to reach this sector again and given the efforts the Xenon seem to be making to keep us from finding out what is going on there we have to determine what threat it poses to us before we just leave”.
Tina agreed with that assessment and they began discussing ways of maintaining a track on that sector that did not require Karls continued presence there, a glance to Simone showed she was deep in quiet but intense conversation with Aaron and was trying to get some coherent overall picture of what was happening to the Phoenix and if there was some link to the sector Karl was in. Simone left the bridge shortly after that and still speaking to Aaron over her com link she moved aft to the main computer room on the deck below this one. Celine knew better than to interrupt her by asking why she felt that was necessary and realised that they might be in for a long wait before they came up with some possible answers. Only then could they decide their next course of action Celine had hoped to be able to speak to Karl but Aaron was using what limited bandwidth the tether gave them to maintain contact with the prototype to obtain the information its sensors had gathered on the sector and more importantly on the radiation sources he had chanced upon in that sector. It was lunch time the following day when Simone looking as though she had not slept came into the wardroom and seated herself accepting a coffee that Misha placed in her hands.
“From your expression I take it both you and Aaron have come to an some unpleasant conclusions Simone, trust me the best thing is just to spit it out and tell us how bad you think it might be”.
“You are right Celine you remember that Ark ship you came across in Gunnes and later here in the void? Well that ship was trapped when the shockwave from the gate destruction in Brennan's leaked through into this void space creating a short lived bridge between the two. The same thing is happening now to the Phoenix a similar type of energy is being produced in that sector and is affecting it via the subspace tether”.
“So given that we can break that connection by having Karl simply return to Lost Order you obviously intend to advise us against that solution why”?
“Because I have seen this sort of energy before Celine in data recordings taken when Maha mi realigned the gates in the hub complex, the Xenon are trying to recreate the hub or at least the technology it uses those wrecks Karl found were we suspect prototypes for ships that could take control of the entire gate system. That’s why they were so large the amount of power they would require is staggering when you consider the gate hub uses the entire output of the sun beyond its boundary walls to function. It would also give them a means to travel beyond the gate systems if they rendered all the gates inactive it would break apart the universe as we know it and leave them free to travel the in the larger universe where they could wreak untold harm on a scale that is beyond comprehension. Fortunately they do not have the secret of the Arks propulsion systems as yet but they are close to achieving it or one similar enough to achieve the same purpose even at sub light speeds their expansion would be unstoppable”.
“What if we destroyed the gate system Celine asked not revealing how she knew that was possible if necessary”.
“That would just achieve their ends all the sooner though they would suffer almost total annihilation, however if they are indeed seeking to escape the gate system Celine the technology they have developed so far whilst flawed would allow some of them to survive. There is a gate somewhere in that sector and it has to be destroyed so that they can’t access it Aaron is working on a means to locate it but we will have to go there and break its connection to the rest of the gate network and the sooner the better”.
“Alright Simone the best thing you can do for the moment is get some rest I will consider how best we can achieve the goals you have set us given our circumstances, don’t argue girl you are dead on your feet I want you rested and ready for when we do act and I will be telling Tina to order Aaron to do the same”.
Simone took her at her word without protest and went aft to find her quarters leaving her to wonder at what they would have to do to enable them to reach the sector Karl was in yet ensure he was able to return safely to commonwealth space. The Phoenix had the tracking lock on his ship and they could use that to get there and the Vengeance could in turn follow them there once in sector Karl could jump out and the Phoenix would be able to either jump out following Karl or dock the Phoenix on the Vengeance but she had no idea how they could extricate themselves from that sector once they had destroyed the gate they knew was there or even if they could duplicate the actions of the first fleet to arrive in the commonwealth by destroying an active gate.
The Vengeance arrived relatively close to the Phoenix in the emptiness that was the void.
Misha looked at the Phoenix on the main display “Oh Shit Celine does that look familiar to you”?
Celine had already recognised what Misha had seen as soon as they had put the Phoenix up on their main display the Hull was alive and rippling with those strange energy waves that she had seen arising from the remnant of the debris they had found in Gunnes just before it had torn itself loose from whatever had trapped it there. Seeing Simone’s lack of understanding she quickly explained the events that had occurred then relating as best she could Aarons explanation for what had happened after they had returned to Home station a while later as they moved slowly closer to the Phoenix to establish a com link. The link when it was made was of poor quality but Celine was relieved to see Tina appear on her side display who quickly ceded her position to Aaron so that he could explain what he thought was happening.
“Is Simone with you ma’am he asked I think she might be able to help me work out what’s happening”?
“She’s right here Aaron studying our sensor readings hang on I’ll switch this link to her terminal. Coms get me another link setup to Tina now”.
“Celine despite what is happening we do have some good news Karl he is making good time on the repairs on the prototype and should be in a position to return to Lost Order within the stazura. Once he does that we can collapse the tether and follow him there” Tina assured her once she had her own link to Celine set up.
“What about the Xenon in the sector he is in, you said he was being attacked by them”?
“He is Celine and with increasing severity but so far he has been able to able to avoid them by maintaining his distance from the larger ships pursuing him”.
“Define larger Tina I have noted you tend to minimise the dangers you face on occasion”
Tina smiled at that and described the attacks Karl had reported to date it seemed that the attacks were indeed increasing in the scope of the firepower that Karl was having to face. It did not make sense though for the Xenon to attack him in such a manner their normal tactic was to await the arrival of their capital ships before using smaller corvettes and fighter class vessels.
“They don’t normally” Tina agreed “the only explanation I have to offer is that they want to eliminate Karl’s ship before he can escape the sector, their attacks suggest that they are having to travel a significant in sector distance so that only their fastest ships have been able to reach his position so far”.
“That makes sense Tina which means that whatever they are hiding in that sector is something extremely important to them. These wrecks Karl found before the Xenon began showing up did Karl manage to get any detailed scans on them”?
“He did Celine they are the source of the radiation that permeates the entire region near them it’s why Aaron wanted Simone here to study them as it is more in line with the gate anomalies she was researching”.
“Then we had best hope both she and Aaron can come up with some answers between them our primary aim must be to ensure Karl is able to return to commonwealth space safely but we may not get a chance to reach this sector again and given the efforts the Xenon seem to be making to keep us from finding out what is going on there we have to determine what threat it poses to us before we just leave”.
Tina agreed with that assessment and they began discussing ways of maintaining a track on that sector that did not require Karls continued presence there, a glance to Simone showed she was deep in quiet but intense conversation with Aaron and was trying to get some coherent overall picture of what was happening to the Phoenix and if there was some link to the sector Karl was in. Simone left the bridge shortly after that and still speaking to Aaron over her com link she moved aft to the main computer room on the deck below this one. Celine knew better than to interrupt her by asking why she felt that was necessary and realised that they might be in for a long wait before they came up with some possible answers. Only then could they decide their next course of action Celine had hoped to be able to speak to Karl but Aaron was using what limited bandwidth the tether gave them to maintain contact with the prototype to obtain the information its sensors had gathered on the sector and more importantly on the radiation sources he had chanced upon in that sector. It was lunch time the following day when Simone looking as though she had not slept came into the wardroom and seated herself accepting a coffee that Misha placed in her hands.
“From your expression I take it both you and Aaron have come to an some unpleasant conclusions Simone, trust me the best thing is just to spit it out and tell us how bad you think it might be”.
“You are right Celine you remember that Ark ship you came across in Gunnes and later here in the void? Well that ship was trapped when the shockwave from the gate destruction in Brennan's leaked through into this void space creating a short lived bridge between the two. The same thing is happening now to the Phoenix a similar type of energy is being produced in that sector and is affecting it via the subspace tether”.
“So given that we can break that connection by having Karl simply return to Lost Order you obviously intend to advise us against that solution why”?
“Because I have seen this sort of energy before Celine in data recordings taken when Maha mi realigned the gates in the hub complex, the Xenon are trying to recreate the hub or at least the technology it uses those wrecks Karl found were we suspect prototypes for ships that could take control of the entire gate system. That’s why they were so large the amount of power they would require is staggering when you consider the gate hub uses the entire output of the sun beyond its boundary walls to function. It would also give them a means to travel beyond the gate systems if they rendered all the gates inactive it would break apart the universe as we know it and leave them free to travel the in the larger universe where they could wreak untold harm on a scale that is beyond comprehension. Fortunately they do not have the secret of the Arks propulsion systems as yet but they are close to achieving it or one similar enough to achieve the same purpose even at sub light speeds their expansion would be unstoppable”.
“What if we destroyed the gate system Celine asked not revealing how she knew that was possible if necessary”.
“That would just achieve their ends all the sooner though they would suffer almost total annihilation, however if they are indeed seeking to escape the gate system Celine the technology they have developed so far whilst flawed would allow some of them to survive. There is a gate somewhere in that sector and it has to be destroyed so that they can’t access it Aaron is working on a means to locate it but we will have to go there and break its connection to the rest of the gate network and the sooner the better”.
“Alright Simone the best thing you can do for the moment is get some rest I will consider how best we can achieve the goals you have set us given our circumstances, don’t argue girl you are dead on your feet I want you rested and ready for when we do act and I will be telling Tina to order Aaron to do the same”.
Simone took her at her word without protest and went aft to find her quarters leaving her to wonder at what they would have to do to enable them to reach the sector Karl was in yet ensure he was able to return safely to commonwealth space. The Phoenix had the tracking lock on his ship and they could use that to get there and the Vengeance could in turn follow them there once in sector Karl could jump out and the Phoenix would be able to either jump out following Karl or dock the Phoenix on the Vengeance but she had no idea how they could extricate themselves from that sector once they had destroyed the gate they knew was there or even if they could duplicate the actions of the first fleet to arrive in the commonwealth by destroying an active gate.
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Sabrina Bergin
- Posts: 2239
- Joined: Sat, 12. Apr 08, 10:53
Vengeance:
“Karl thank god I feared I wouldn’t be able to speak to you before we started on this”
The picture quality was terrible but she was able to see the weariness in Karls eyes whilst only a couple of Tazura had passed for him they had endured almost two Wozura in real time aboard the Vengeance as they had come up with the only strategy that offered them a slim chance of surviving what lay ahead of them.
Karl placed a hand on his display and they both knew what each other felt that this might be the last chance they had to speak to each other.
“I wish there was some other way Karl breathed”
“As do I Karl we all know what has to be done the danger we face is too great to avoid that task, I’ve spoken to everyone and they have all agreed we have to do this. They are preparing messages for their kin which the Phoenix will take back for us, I guess I am one the few aboard who can speak to the ones we love directly”.
“There is still hope Celine”
“There is always hope Karl and I won’t give up on that no matter what happens”.
“I don’t know if I could go on without you Celine”.
“You must Karl or you will make a mockery of all we have striven to achieve for all the races of the verse, swear to me you will not give up Karl that’s the only thought that is giving me the courage to face this”.
“Then I swear it Celine but there will be no joy in my life till you return to my side”.
“Nor in mine till you stand at mine” she whispered treasuring the chance to share this time together.
Time passed irrevocably though and soon they were forced to make their farewells as they parted to complete their assigned tasks.
The bridge was not entirely quiet but the conversations were subdued as they waited for the Phoenix to begin the sequence of events that would place them on an uncertain path to the future.
The sombre mood however could not be allowed to continue. “Weapons status reports please” Celine asked in a light confidant tone that she hoped hid her own fears as she took her seat. “Marcus could you ensure our pilots are in the ready room I don’t anticipate launching them immediately so there will be no need to be sat in the cockpits of their fighters”.
“All pilots are on standby awaiting your orders ma’am”
His routine tone of command matching the one she wanted to convey to the crew the noise level increased as the crew busied themselves at their stations and her screens were soon filling with status reports from all departments.
“We have a time signature from the Phoenix ma’am called the helmsman we will follow them in fifteen sezura”
“Very good helm tactical weapons free on completion of transit I will not be deploying a satellite so scans keep your eyes peeled helm stand by for course and vector changes once we know what we are dealing with. Engineering are you ready”?
“We are at full power Celine all reactors and drives are at one hundred percent” came the crisp response from Calter the terran chief who had worked tirelessly to ensure the ships reactors were brought online and made fully operational since before they had left Home sector.
“The Phoenix has left our scans ma’am” came the advisory over her headset as she felt and heard the reactors pitch change as the chief pushed them beyond the limits he had suggested they might achieve.
Then they arrived in the sector the Phoenix had led them too It was a strange place that was certain in the distance she could see the shattered hulks that Karl had described silhouetted against the intense light that seemed to dominate large areas of space all around them.
“We have satellite coverage” tactical announced “The prototype ship has jumped out and it seems Tina has been busy since she arrived she has launched fighter drones and one Tenjin slaved to us”.
“Oncoming message” coms said in her ear as she saw Tina on the bridge of the Phoenix the jump timer counting down in the back ground.
“Celine the Tenjin will jump to the gate in couple of mizura that should give you a target good luck and good hunting”.
Celine had no time to respond as the phoenix still tracking the Prototype flashed out of the sector.
“Tactical I want the recorders running on the Tenjins sensors let’s not waste what must be the verse’s most expensive satellite”.
There was a ripple of amusement at that remark from the bridge crew as they waited for the fighter to jump to the distant gate with luck the area near the gate would be clear but given the steadily increasing number of ships that Karl had been facing she doubted that would be the case. Still one could hope she thought refusing to let doubt enter her thoughts they were committed now for good or ill and would have to deal with events as they panned out. The drones were already heading for the nearest Xenon Corvette which had yet to detect their presence. Celine began giving orders to the helm to keep them at a distance from the Xenon. The Tenjin jumped and immediately began relaying its sensor feeds to the tactical station who were tracking a large fleet of Xenon ships headed towards the position of the satellite Tina had placed amongst the debris field near one of the wrecks. With the gate position now fixed and locked into the navigational Celine decided to give that fleet a wide berth and headed at a tangent towards it that would put them well beyond sensor range. For Aaron and Simone’ plan to disconnect the gate from network to succeed they would need to remain in close proximity to it for some time. Once they had ensured no other ships would be entering this sector they would start hunting down the ships that were trapped here.
“Karl thank god I feared I wouldn’t be able to speak to you before we started on this”
The picture quality was terrible but she was able to see the weariness in Karls eyes whilst only a couple of Tazura had passed for him they had endured almost two Wozura in real time aboard the Vengeance as they had come up with the only strategy that offered them a slim chance of surviving what lay ahead of them.
Karl placed a hand on his display and they both knew what each other felt that this might be the last chance they had to speak to each other.
“I wish there was some other way Karl breathed”
“As do I Karl we all know what has to be done the danger we face is too great to avoid that task, I’ve spoken to everyone and they have all agreed we have to do this. They are preparing messages for their kin which the Phoenix will take back for us, I guess I am one the few aboard who can speak to the ones we love directly”.
“There is still hope Celine”
“There is always hope Karl and I won’t give up on that no matter what happens”.
“I don’t know if I could go on without you Celine”.
“You must Karl or you will make a mockery of all we have striven to achieve for all the races of the verse, swear to me you will not give up Karl that’s the only thought that is giving me the courage to face this”.
“Then I swear it Celine but there will be no joy in my life till you return to my side”.
“Nor in mine till you stand at mine” she whispered treasuring the chance to share this time together.
Time passed irrevocably though and soon they were forced to make their farewells as they parted to complete their assigned tasks.
The bridge was not entirely quiet but the conversations were subdued as they waited for the Phoenix to begin the sequence of events that would place them on an uncertain path to the future.
The sombre mood however could not be allowed to continue. “Weapons status reports please” Celine asked in a light confidant tone that she hoped hid her own fears as she took her seat. “Marcus could you ensure our pilots are in the ready room I don’t anticipate launching them immediately so there will be no need to be sat in the cockpits of their fighters”.
“All pilots are on standby awaiting your orders ma’am”
His routine tone of command matching the one she wanted to convey to the crew the noise level increased as the crew busied themselves at their stations and her screens were soon filling with status reports from all departments.
“We have a time signature from the Phoenix ma’am called the helmsman we will follow them in fifteen sezura”
“Very good helm tactical weapons free on completion of transit I will not be deploying a satellite so scans keep your eyes peeled helm stand by for course and vector changes once we know what we are dealing with. Engineering are you ready”?
“We are at full power Celine all reactors and drives are at one hundred percent” came the crisp response from Calter the terran chief who had worked tirelessly to ensure the ships reactors were brought online and made fully operational since before they had left Home sector.
“The Phoenix has left our scans ma’am” came the advisory over her headset as she felt and heard the reactors pitch change as the chief pushed them beyond the limits he had suggested they might achieve.
Then they arrived in the sector the Phoenix had led them too It was a strange place that was certain in the distance she could see the shattered hulks that Karl had described silhouetted against the intense light that seemed to dominate large areas of space all around them.
“We have satellite coverage” tactical announced “The prototype ship has jumped out and it seems Tina has been busy since she arrived she has launched fighter drones and one Tenjin slaved to us”.
“Oncoming message” coms said in her ear as she saw Tina on the bridge of the Phoenix the jump timer counting down in the back ground.
“Celine the Tenjin will jump to the gate in couple of mizura that should give you a target good luck and good hunting”.
Celine had no time to respond as the phoenix still tracking the Prototype flashed out of the sector.
“Tactical I want the recorders running on the Tenjins sensors let’s not waste what must be the verse’s most expensive satellite”.
There was a ripple of amusement at that remark from the bridge crew as they waited for the fighter to jump to the distant gate with luck the area near the gate would be clear but given the steadily increasing number of ships that Karl had been facing she doubted that would be the case. Still one could hope she thought refusing to let doubt enter her thoughts they were committed now for good or ill and would have to deal with events as they panned out. The drones were already heading for the nearest Xenon Corvette which had yet to detect their presence. Celine began giving orders to the helm to keep them at a distance from the Xenon. The Tenjin jumped and immediately began relaying its sensor feeds to the tactical station who were tracking a large fleet of Xenon ships headed towards the position of the satellite Tina had placed amongst the debris field near one of the wrecks. With the gate position now fixed and locked into the navigational Celine decided to give that fleet a wide berth and headed at a tangent towards it that would put them well beyond sensor range. For Aaron and Simone’ plan to disconnect the gate from network to succeed they would need to remain in close proximity to it for some time. Once they had ensured no other ships would be entering this sector they would start hunting down the ships that were trapped here.