NSV13 - User contributions [en]

Ardata Security

2022-10-26T20:38:21Z

BetaCentari: /* History */

==Introduction==
Ardata Security collects, organizes, and protects all information relating to Nanotrasen and WhiteRapids. They are responsible for gathering intelligence on enemies of the corporation and relaying that intel to all relevant recipients. Ardata Security maintains their intelligence with nine different access levels, each requiring a higher level of clearance than the last.

=History=
The Ardata Security Company was originally an independent company specializing in data collection and protection. Selling such information to other companies and security systems to the general populace. They had poked the bees nest so to speak when they attempted to collect data on Nanotrasen. Having been caught in their corporate espionage, Nanotrasen performed a hostile takeover and absorbed Ardata Security into their conglomerate. Their skills were immediately utilized to better gather information on other Corps for prospective takeovers.

Since establishing WhiteRapids, Ardata Scurity has taken up a much larger role as a military intelligence agency, monitoring for and gathering intel for WhiteRapids to aid Strategic Command in making their decisions. They provide all manner of information such as fleet movements, coordination efforts, and logistical data to barely scratch the surface.

=Relations=
Ardata maintains a quiet presence admist the overall scheme of corporate politics. They prefer to keep themselves hidden, public opinion is close to non-existent.

Ardata Security

2022-10-26T20:37:42Z

BetaCentari: Created page with "==Introduction== Ardata Security collects, organizes, and protects all information relating to Nanotrasen and WhiteRapids. They are responsible for gathering intelligence on e..."

Whiterapids

2022-10-26T20:26:49Z

BetaCentari: /* History */

[[File:Whiterapids 1.png|alt=|thumb|''Whiterapids'']]
= Introduction =
Whiterapids, the right arm of Nanotrasen. They stand proud as the first proper corporate military. They’re currently the main military force combating and defending against the Syndicate. Each piece of Whiterapids functions like a well oiled machine to do the most with as little as possible, a necessary act, due to it's hopelessly tiny budget. Whiterapids continues to prove themselves to be extraordinarily clever with resource management and tactics, always using the cutting edge of experimental technology to keep the enemy on their toes.

=Organization=
Whiterapids is organized in a roughly branch-like structure, mimicking [[Nanotrasen]]'s makeup in principle.
*Grand admirals are part of Strategic command, as are generals(though generals are still the same rank as normal admirals, don't let them tell you otherwise.)
*Fleet admirals are primarily stationed in fleet command, where they control the navy directly, or through normal admirals.
*Normal admirals are wherever they are assigned to, mostly this will be in controlling Battle-groups or small fleets, though they are also known to hold temporary control over planets and colonies.

==Strategic Command==
At the very top, is a semi-independent military tribunal called 'Strategic Command', staffed by anyone including company reps, the council of grand admirals, generals, centcom advisors and officials, etc. They are the cream of the crop, and
are the ultimate deciders when it comes to Doctrine, Budget, Strategy, etc. They are in subordination to, and in direct contact with, central command, and often get their priorities dictated by them.
=== Fleet Command===
A loose conglomerate of all admirals barring grand, in direct contact with the supply corps and personnel bureau so as to facilitate rapid resource reallocation. These are the main handy-men of the whiterapids navy. They are subdevided in 3 rough groups:
*Whiterapids QRF; The "Quick Response Fleets" are allowed access to EAS, and the ability to go about their missions however they want for maximum flexibility. They are often single highly specialized ships that receive their orders directly from fleet/strategic command. To prevent loss of these crews, QRF uses a newly developed technique of making mass-backups regularly, and cloning them whenever they go down. A fact that has resulted in some VERY experienced crews, that are able to in some cases, staff entire ships with less than five people.
*Whiterapids Attack Division; Here we find those fleets that are constantly on the offensive, often being recalled to change targets or refit their ships.
*Whiterapids Defense Division; The saving grace, the defensive division is in charge of maintaining our front lines even if the attack and QRF divisions are out spearheading some insane offensive.
===Supply Corps===
The logistical center point of Whiterapids. In charge of keeping everyone well fed and ships well maintained.
===Bureau of Personnel===
Sentient resources, in effect. Handling all staffing across all of Whiterapids. In constant headache over QRF's propensity for mass-cloning, which muddles up staff records tremendously.

=History=
Whiterapids was formed in response to the beginning of the second syndicate war. [[Solar Government]] was not interested in fighting what amounts to a long war of attrition, and brought up the creation of a federation-wide naval force. Though their initial budget was less than stellar, [[Nanotrasen]] decided that it would be a great way to get their hands on their own navy, and discreetly flooded Whiterapids with bribes, personnel, resources, and money. This has resulted in a sort of split-allegiance of Whiterapids, where [[Solar Government]] is getting concerned that [[Nanotrasen]] may be trying to bypass the regulations keeping them from building their own navy to overthrow them.

Since then, Whiterapids has matured, and is now steadily on-track to becoming somewhat of a regional power player. To NT's delight.

=Relations=
As a Federation-Formed institution, Whiterapids does its best to maintain good relations with all members of the federation, alien or not. Though there are still some old fashioned traditions related to Human-only admiralty, anyone from anywhere can occupy lower positions such as interns or any lower branch of Whiterapids itself such as Supply Corps or the Bureau of Personnel. They will hire anyone willing, and do their best to convince the unwilling otherwise.

BetaCentari:

=Introduction=
Whiterapids, the right arm of the Federation. They stand proud as the central commanding force managing Nanotrasen’s military operations from their fleets to crew members. They’re currently the main military force combatting and defending against the Syndicate. Each piece of Whiterapids functions like a well oiled machine to do the most with as little as possible. Whiterapids continues to prove themselves to be extraordinarily clever with resource management and tactics, always using the cutting edge of experimental technology to keep the enemy on their toes.

=History=
Whiterapids was originally founded to be the military branch of the Nanotrasen corporate conglomerate. Organizing and employing mercenary companies and voluntary civilians alike, they would train, equip, and organize all operations requested of Nanotrasen. Though as SolGov grew fearful of Nanotrasen’s unchecked power, they established a rapport with Nanotrasen and to prevent an all out Corpo/Government war, founded The Stellar Federation.

===Central Command====
Along with the new binding title, trade agreements, a non-aggression pact, along with regulations and checks for both parties were implemented. This included joint control over Whiterapids and the founding of a new overseer for Whiterapids called Central Command. Alongside the new regulation came proper military organizational structure and branching which led to the efficient, well oiled machine Whiterapids is today.

=Relations=
Whiterapids does its best to maintain good relations with all members of the federation, alien or not. Though only human Admiralty is allowed in Central Command, anyone from anywher can occupy lower positions such as interns or any lower branch of Whiterapids itself such as Fleet Command or Bureau of Personnel. They will hire anyone willing, and do their best to convince the unwilling otherwise.

Whiterapids

2022-10-01T16:18:46Z

BetaCentari:

File:DRE-Logo.png

2022-10-01T16:16:30Z

BetaCentari:

Guide to Factions

2022-10-01T16:16:20Z

BetaCentari: /* Draconic Empire */

=[[File:Whiterapids.png|32px]][[WhiteRapids]]=
Mercenary company turned military operation centerfold. Who you work for.

=[[File:SolGov.png|32px]][[Solar Government]]=
World government who polices the rest of the galaxy the best they can. Big brother, always watching.

=[[File:Bluentlogo.png|32px]][[NanoTrasen]]=
The super corporate conglomerate that controls a majority of the human economy. Who you REALLY work for.

=[[File:DRE-Logo.png|32px]][[Draconic Empire]]=
The expansionist empire of lizardfolk who have only recently known peace and don't like it.

=[[File:DoL_Logo.png|32px]][[Dominion of Light]]=
The largest collection of moths <s>and lamps</s> and ethereals as a religious, non-confrontationalist body.

=[[Tortugan Raiders]]=
Ruthless cutthroat pirates and raiders. Dirty tactics, savagery, yar-har.

=[[Syndicate]]=
Public enemy #1. Kill on sight.

Guide to Factions

2022-10-01T16:15:41Z

BetaCentari: /* File:DoL_Logo.png|32pxDominion of Light */

=[[File:Whiterapids.png|32px]][[WhiteRapids]]=
Mercenary company turned military operation centerfold. Who you work for.

=[[File:SolGov.png|32px]][[Solar Government]]=
World government who polices the rest of the galaxy the best they can. Big brother, always watching.

=[[File:Bluentlogo.png|32px]][[NanoTrasen]]=
The super corporate conglomerate that controls a majority of the human economy. Who you REALLY work for.

=[[Draconic Empire]]=
The expansionist empire of lizardfolk who have only recently known peace and don't like it.

=[[File:DoL_Logo.png|32px]][[Dominion of Light]]=
The largest collection of moths <s>and lamps</s> and ethereals as a religious, non-confrontationalist body.

=[[Tortugan Raiders]]=
Ruthless cutthroat pirates and raiders. Dirty tactics, savagery, yar-har.

=[[Syndicate]]=
Public enemy #1. Kill on sight.

Guide to Factions

2022-10-01T16:15:23Z

BetaCentari: /* Dominion of Light */

=[[File:Whiterapids.png|32px]][[WhiteRapids]]=
Mercenary company turned military operation centerfold. Who you work for.

=[[File:SolGov.png|32px]][[Solar Government]]=
World government who polices the rest of the galaxy the best they can. Big brother, always watching.

=[[File:Bluentlogo.png|32px]][[NanoTrasen]]=
The super corporate conglomerate that controls a majority of the human economy. Who you REALLY work for.

=[[Draconic Empire]]=
The expansionist empire of lizardfolk who have only recently known peace and don't like it.

=[[File:DoL_Logo.png]]|32px[[Dominion of Light]]=
The largest collection of moths <s>and lamps</s> and ethereals as a religious, non-confrontationalist body.

=[[Tortugan Raiders]]=
Ruthless cutthroat pirates and raiders. Dirty tactics, savagery, yar-har.

=[[Syndicate]]=
Public enemy #1. Kill on sight.

File:DoL Logo.png

2022-10-01T16:14:41Z

BetaCentari:

Dominion of Light

2022-10-01T16:11:32Z

BetaCentari:

=Introduction=
The Dominion of Light are the majority group of mothpeople and ethereals in the Federation. The Dominion is their own governing body in their home system in Sector 5 and takes the form of a theocracy surrounding their ideological figure “The Torch”. They act as a recycler and major trade group within the Federation. Many salvaged ships, nuclear waste, and other difficult-to-deal-with materials are traded to them to turn into useful materials to trade back to the Federation.

=History=
The Dominion of Light and the religion they follow, both predate human and mothperson written history. The mothpeople and ethereals are believed to have lived far longer than most sapient species and were only held back by their, relatively, desolate homeworld. A nearly tidally locked planet called, in Moffic, Jagåle. This planet is mostly a rocky desertscape in which half the surface sees the sun for half the year and doesn’t see it for the other half. This left the mothpeople and ethereals to roam their planet, severely slowing down their progress as a civilization.

===Guiding Hands===
It’s thought that the Ethereals provided much of the needed support in order to allow the mothpeople to settle their own planet and develop the technology required to send their people into orbit. Since then, the mothpeople and ethereals have become an entirely space faring species, opting to build stations, generational ships. and even megastructures to support their civilization and provide a much safer place for their people to live their lives.

===Megainfrastructure===
They’ve currently built several megastructures which are always under expansion and construction. The most impressive one by far is the one around their homeworld of Jagåle. It’s built as a nearly complete ring around their home planet and houses a majority of their population. They have other stations around the Dominion system and most importantly, a Dysonsphere-like structure used to harvest energy from their home system's star, an impressive feat that’s yet to be accomplished by any other major organization or species.

===Contact===
First contact with the Dominion of Light was remarkably peaceful, the negotiations of their Non-Aggression Pact and trade agreements went swiftly and reasonably. Since joining the Federation, the Dominion stands as humanity’s most peaceful neighbor in the greater galaxy.

=Relations=
The Dominion is non-confrontationalist, not to say they won’t defend themselves should it be required but their civilization has little more than is necessary to protect themselves and their territory. They are frequently antagonized by independent pirate vessels and targeted by opportunistic Syndicate forces.

===Disagreements===
Dominion doctrine fundamentally disagrees with Draconian philosophy and refuses expansionism if it encroaches upon another species’ territory. This has led to much political debate between the two bordering on violence. The Federation makes much effort to settle disagreements with compromises though unless they settle their own differences there may be a violent conflict in the near future.

Draconic Empire

2022-10-01T16:11:15Z

BetaCentari:

=Introduction=
The Draconian Empire is the government and ruling body that governs over a majority of the lizardfolk within the Federation. Though their history is troubled and violent, they’ve come to a relative peace and are working on developing their new world government though from their three moons as the surface of their homeworld is currently uninhabitable. The Empire is, other than humanity, the most expansionist group within the Federation and continues to show its war scarred history. Without an enemy to fight, many parts of The Empire turn inward to seek conflict.

=History=
With humble beginnings, the lizardfolk homeworld was nothing more than a lush jungle world with vast deserts between the jungles that gave way to a warm, rich planet for the lizardfolk to fight over. Since their beginnings as a sapient species, their written history details a culture saturated with war, conflict, and violence. They’d reached early space age technology when their civilization came to a grinding halt and nearly wiped itself out when they discovered nuclear weapons.

===Survival===
For their sake, thankfully they developed a modicum of terraforming technology and were able to establish moon colonies and save their species for the time being though this did nothing to stifle the bad blood between the surviving three clans. The war continued shortly after they took to their moons. They focused almost entirely on developing weaponry and defense, as such their spacecraft were rather primitive when they were discovered by Solar Government research vessels.

===First Contact===
At the time, all three clans were engaged in a battle outside of the Zerridiss-Clan’s moon. Two of the three clans, Trita and Giram, immediately opened fire upon the research vessels and were quickly dispatched though not without some damage to the SG vessels. The Zerridiss vessels however attempted to hail the SG vessels having witnessed the other two’s immediate destruction. The small decision is likely what would eventually lead to the Zerridiss uplift that allowed them to take control of the other two moons and establish the first Empire of the Draconian People.

===The First Draconian Empire===
The Draconian Empire. What was once a vicious fever dream held by each of the three cans that controlled each of the moons around Ziokah was now a reality for the Zerridiss clan. Having been uplifted by The Solar Confederate Government during the heat of their civil war, the Zerridiss clan produced the first royal heir to their Empire whose line of succession continues to rule the majority of lizards to this day.

=Divergence=
The Draconic Empire's history is a long saga of turmoil and war. Negotiating has rarely been seen as an option until the first Empress who united the
three moons under a single banner, Rules-The-Moons.

During her inspiring leadership, she managed to show her people the ways of charisma, negotiation, and compromise but many traditionalists still exist within
the empire. Her successor, Pets-The-Kobalds, had unfortunately died from mysterious circumstances, and couldn't continue her predecessor's style of leadership. leading to further divergence between the now two parties; the Pragmatists and the Militarists.

===Pragmatists===
Pragmatists are the current controlling party of the Empire. From the teaching of Rules-The-Moons and Pets-The-Kobalds, they try not to think of war as
a solution but rather a last resort. Though they are only in the beginning stages of actually implementing these philosophies and it is taking time for
them to acclimate to such a dramatic change to their ideals and problem-solving.

Their negotiation skills are very obviously and expectedly lacking, often treating negotiations like a trade more than a compromise with little nuance or time spent deliberating on such discussions. They have been highly encouraged and supported by members of the [[Dominion of Light]] though the Militarist party use these poor negotiating skills as fuel for their argument against the Pragmatist way of rulership.

===Militarists===
The Militarist party is expectedly focused around the military operations of the Draconic Empire and major portions of the government despite not being in direct control. They see the attempts of peace and negotiations from the Pragmatists as naive and foolish, a betrayal of their history and culture. They have, several times, ignorantly denied Rules-The-Moons' diplomatic ability and skill that had established the rapport with the alien species that had discovered them and gave them the technology to started the Empire the begin with. They tend to use The [[Dominion of Light]] as an example of where negotiation would bring their people, to laziness and forgetfulness of their ancient martial traditions.

=Relations=
The Empire is quick to aggression, much of the military is always left on edge with no one left to fight and only in the last three generations have they ever tried any amount of diplomacy. They respect strength, which they see in SolGov but not many others. They hold a low opinion of the Dominion, seeing them as the weakest link in the Federation for their focus on science and research instead of military.

===Contributions===
As a part of the Federation, the Draconian Empire works to produce munitions, weapons, and animal products. They’ve been requested to send tradesmen and other workers to be employed by various companies and organizations within the Federation as a whole to improve interspecies relations.

===Too Close For Comfort===
There are confirmed reports of the Syndicate contacting The Empire, the nature of this contact isn’t wholly known though it’s surmised the Syndicate is, like with many other alien species, attempting to gain sympathizers, recruits, and perhaps to dissuade their participation in the empire.

Dominion of Light

2022-10-01T16:07:15Z

BetaCentari:

=Introduction=
The Dominion of Light are the majority group of mothpeople and ethereals in the Federation. The Dominion is their own governing body in their home system in Sector 5 and takes the form of a theocracy surrounding their ideological figure “The Torch”. They act as a recycler and major trade group within the Federation. Many salvaged ships, nuclear waste, and other difficult-to-deal-with materials are traded to them to turn into useful materials to trade back to the Federation.

=History=
The Dominion of Light and the religion they follow, both predate human and mothperson written history. The mothpeople and ethereals are believed to have lived far longer than most sapient species and were only held back by their, relatively, desolate homeworld. A nearly tidally locked planet called, in Moffic, Jagåle. This planet is mostly a rocky desertscape in which half the surface sees the sun for half the year and doesn’t see it for the other half. This left the mothpeople and ethereals to roam their planet, severely slowing down their progress as a civilization.

===Guiding Hands===
It’s thought that the Ethereals provided much of the needed support in order to allow the mothpeople to settle their own planet and develop the technology required to send their people into orbit. Since then, the mothpeople and ethereals have become an entirely space faring species, opting to build stations, generational ships. and even megastructures to support their civilization and provide a much safer place for their people to live their lives.

===Megainfrastructure===
They’ve currently built several megastructures which are always under expansion and construction. The most impressive one by far is the one around their homeworld of Jagåle. It’s built as a nearly complete ring around their home planet and houses a majority of their population. They have other stations around the Dominion system and most importantly, a Dysonsphere-like structure used to harvest energy from their home system's star, an impressive feat that’s yet to be accomplished by any other major organization or species.

===Contact===
First contact with the Dominion of Light was remarkably peaceful, the negotiations of their Non-Aggression Pact and trade agreements went swiftly and reasonably. Since joining the Federation, the Dominion stands as humanity’s most peaceful neighbor in the greater galaxy.

=Faction Relations=
The Dominion is non-confrontationalist, not to say they won’t defend themselves should it be required but their civilization has little more than is necessary to protect themselves and their territory. They are frequently antagonized by independent pirate vessels and targeted by opportunistic Syndicate forces.

===Disagreements===
Dominion doctrine fundamentally disagrees with Draconian philosophy and refuses expansionism if it encroaches upon another species’ territory. This has led to much political debate between the two bordering on violence. The Federation makes much effort to settle disagreements with compromises though unless they settle their own differences there may be a violent conflict in the near future.

2022-09-24T14:09:24Z

BetaCentari: /* Dominion of Light */

=[[File:Whiterapids.png|32px]][[WhiteRapids]]=
Mercenary company turned military operation centerfold. Who you work for.

=[[File:SolGov.png|32px]][[Solar Government]]=
World government who polices the rest of the galaxy the best they can. Big brother, always watching.

=[[File:Bluentlogo.png|32px]][[NanoTrasen]]=
The super corporate conglomerate that controls a majority of the human economy. Who you REALLY work for.

=[[Draconic Empire]]=
The expansionist empire of lizardfolk who have only recently known peace and don't like it.

=[[Dominion of Light]]=
The largest collection of moths <s>and lamps<s> and ethereals as a religious, non-confrontationalist body.

=[[Tortugan Raiders]]=

=[[Syndicate]]=

Guide to Factions

2022-09-24T14:06:22Z

BetaCentari: /* Draconic Empire */

Guide to Factions

2022-09-24T14:03:18Z

BetaCentari: /* 32pxNanoTrasen */

2022-09-14T18:12:10Z

BetaCentari:

''Enter Credentials: _''

'''''### ERROR: ACCESS LEVEL SUBSYSTEM ENCOUNTERED A FATAL RUNTIME. ABORTING...'''''

''Welcome, CentComm Intern null!''

''Loading Incident Report #4431''

'''''Incident Report #4431'''''

''"Audio log #342. Captain Michael Wilderforth of the SGV Apollo, under the Expeditionary Corps, en route to uncharted system S-10324 in the far reaches of the Delphic Expanse. We are on day 153 of our exploratory patrol. The scientists aboard are having a swell time with all the samples they've collected thus far. They tell me the boys back home will be ecstatic with all the new finds, but I can't tell the difference between the dirt samples and the 'soil' samples they have. I'll just take their word for it."''

'''Some shuffling of paper.'''

''"We shoooouuuuullllldddd be able to finish up a couple more systems before heading back to Sector 1. Astrological scans of 10324 show 6 celestial bodies and 3 anomalies. Nothing of note yet, as usual. We're about to scramble the Sabres and we'll do a quick fly-by of all celestial bodies for the scientists to launch and land to do their thing."''

'''Some chatter is heard in the background, but nothing clear enough to be discerned.'''

''"Copy that, sounds like we're clear for FTL jump. Captain Wilderforth, signing off."''

---

'''''-Translated Transcript from Apid Listening Post 8, afternoon of the First War-'''''

''"Commander, we're detecting anomalous frequencies and waveforms from just outside Helianth's orbit."''

''"Hm? What kind? Pull up the reports."''

''"Yes, ma'am. Compiling reports now."''

There's a pregnant pause.

''"... the fuck is this?"''

''"I'm not sure, Commander. None of these are... normal."''

''"Send this to Petalla station, stat."''

''"Right away. Should we elevate the alert level?"''

''"No, not yet. There's no reason to when we have no idea what that is. Could be a solar flare for all we know. Keep a steady head and await confirmation."''

''"Aye aye!"''

---

'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #72, location: Combat Information Center-'''''

''"Whoa! Hard port, Spencer! Jesus!"''

'''The sound of the hull creaking under the force of the thrusters boosting takes over the recording. Sounds like some things are also falling off of tables.'''

''"The hell?! Why'd you jump us here?!"''

''"Apologies, Captain! It looks like I miscalculated the FTL vectors. We overshot a bit."''

''"A bit?! Son, you were supposed to bring us to the outer ring so we can start scanning from the outside in. You damn near jumped us into the goddamn sun."''

'''Wilderforth groans, and a few chuckles are heard through CIC.'''

''"Nevermind it, then. Director, tell your boys to start analyzing that red dwarf since we're close. We'll adjust our route and make for the first planet once you're ready. ATC, scramble the sabres and reverse launch order. We'll be sending out 6 and 12 out first."''

'''A round of 'aye ayes' and the sound of an airlock hissing open and closed.'''

---

'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #75, location: Astronomics-'''''

''"Director Swanson, a moment."''

''"Yes, Samuel?"''

''"I'm getting some... really weird readings on planet Charlie."''

''"Weird how?"''

''"Well... look."''

'''A pause, then a few clicks from a console.'''

''"Is that.... a massive energy signature from Charlie?"''

''"I... I really don't know, Director. It's almost like there's just.... a massive concentration of rich minerals on moon 2."''

''"Hm... no its too far away from moon 2. Its almost looks like a 3rd moon that's locked with it, really. Strange, our preliminary scans didn't detect a third. Good find, Sam. Mark it and we'll have the ground teams investigate it."''

---

'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''
''"Blues 1 through 10, you are clear for launch on Deck 1. Blues 11 through 20, clear for launch on Deck 2. Blues 22 through 30, your Flight Leader is missing. Standby while we whoop her ass for being late again. Prespool and prep for launch."''

'''Several groans fill the channel before someone clicks their mandibles loudly.'''

''"HEY! NO CLUTTERING THE MAIN ATC LINE. If you want to bitch, go to ATC3, Blue 22 through 30."''

'''A few apologies, then finally silence for a few moments.'''

''"ATC1 to Main, my warriors have launched. Magcats 1-10 are clear on Deck 1 and recharging."''

''"Copy that ATC1. Keep those cats clear. Blues 1-10 are green to begin training exercises."''

''"Understood. Relaying."''

''"ATC2 to Main, my warriors have also launched. Cats 1-10 on Deck 2 recharging."''

''"Affirm, ATC2. Same with you, keep those cats clear and your kids are green to begin their exercises."''

''"Copy that, Main. Relaying."''

'''There's a lull in communications.'''

''"ATC3 to Main, they finally dragged Blue 21 to her fighter. Blue 21 is spooled. Blue 21-30 are sparked. Ready for launch."''

''"Affirm, ATC3, good to launch and once they've achieved formation they can proceed with exercises."''

''"Thank you, Main. Relaying."''

''"Main to bridge, Blue Squad are out on their exercises."''

''"Copy that Main, we'll keep our patrol slow."''
---
'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #80, location: Combat Information Center-'''''

'''There's the sound of an airlock opening and someone running in. Sounds like they've ran quite a bit.'''

''"C-Captain! We've a problem!"''

''"Director?"''

''"That... that energy signature by Charlie? Its... its..."''

''"Captain! DRADIS just lit up like a Christmas tree! We have hostiles!"''

''"God... the hell did we find? Charge the weapons! 86 the sabre launch and bring us to Code Amber. All sabres that have already launched are ordered to abandon ship. I repeat, all launched sabres are ordered to abandon ship and to Fulton back to the Apollo."''

''"Are we engaging, sir?"''

''"No. We're not a diplomatic envoy, but we're not going to make this harder for one. Prep FTL and get us out of here."''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''

'''Several alarms are going off, and it sounds like everyone in the room is speaking frantically with someone else, either via comms or in-room. Finally, someone clicks a few times and the room stills.'''

''"Calm down. We knew this day would come. We don't know what they want yet. Let's look at the facts. Snapdragon."''

''"Commander. The unknown ship is about the size of our frigates. It's currently en route to Saltu. We've seen it launch smaller ships to Chrysantheria and Nuciferum. We can't discern what kind of technology it has, or any weaponry. They have not attempted to send hail, either. I don't think they know we're here."''

''"Right. It has not engaged yet. I doubt they don't know we're here, not with that kind of tech. Let's scramble the Squads just in case, bu-"''

'''A siren goes off.'''

''"What the fuck is that?!"''

''"T-they've launched another ship, ma'am! Headed straight for Petalla!"''

'''''"WHAT."'''''
---
'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #83, location: Combat Information Center-'''''

''"WHO LAUNCHED THAT SABRE?!"''

''"N-No one sir!"''

''"Then WHY do we have a sabre en route STRAIGHT TO THE MOON???"''

''"T-They manually launched! They disengaged the magcat and launched!"''

''"Goddamnit patch me in!"''

'''Frantic typing, then static over a speaker.'''

''"Sabre 7, what the fuck do you think you're doing?"''

''"Moving in to investigate sir! A new sentient lifeform! Can you believe it?!"''

''"Get your ass back to the Apollo this instant! We are not a diplomatic envoy, we are a research vessel and we are not equipped with ANY of the faculties needed to approach a brand new space-faring species. Get your ass back on board now! I don't know who you think you are but you are NOT going to-"''

''"Captain! Fighters inbound!"''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''

''"Don't we have a Squad out right now? Set intercept course! Lock onto that thing and don't let it near our moon!"''

''"Ma'am, it's the Cadet Squad. Blue is out there right now! They're not armed! They're just supposed to be doing exercises!"''

''"Queen's mercy..."''

''"Should we recall them?"''

''"No. It'll leave Petalla defenseless."''

'''There's a tense pause.'''

''"Set Code Amber. Scramble Red and Orange, STAT. Patch me into Blue Comms."''

''"They're on three different channels, ma'am."''

''"Set them to ATC 3 and inform them of the alert change."''

'''A heavy sigh.'''

''"May the Queens of our past guide our wings toward our future."''

---
'''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae. Audio: ATC Main-'''

''"Congratulations cadets. You have now officially graduated. Welcome to your first sortie."''

'''Silence.'''

''"I’m sure you are all aware of what’s happening and what you’re seeing before your eyes.”''

''“Will we be RTBing soon, Commander?”''

''“Yes. But for now, you’ll need to stay out and defend us while we get the others armed and spooled. I will be personally guiding you. Follow my lead and I’ll make sure you make it home. Be strong for Saltu. Be strong for your Queens. You have been training for this, we have been preparing this for this day we knew would come! I We will demand respect from these foreigners, and we will secure our place in this galaxy!”

'''Clicks and roars fill the channel.'''

''“All right. Pull into Arrow Formation. We’ll make towards the frigate and the fighter. Flight Lead Blue 1, your group will split off and guide that fighter away from Patella, Serpine II Formation. The rest of you, we’ll make for the frigate and resume a loose Helianth form for observation. I know you don’t have armaments, but they don’t have to know that. Let’s keep it clean.”''

'''A round of aye ayes as the Flight Leads coordinate their groups.'''

---
'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, Sabre 7, snippet #3, location: Helm-'''''

''"This is Sabre 7, we got bogeys inbound!"''

''"Damn it! RTB now!"''

''"I'm- I'm trying! God's, they're quick!”''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''

''"Blue 1 to Main, we've reached the fighter. Assuming Serpine II and herding them back to their ship."''
---

'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, Sabre 7, snippet #4, location: Helm-'''''

"Fuck! They're flying really close to me! I'm trying to keep her steady but they're giving me nothing to work with."
“Keep your nerve, they haven’t shot you down yet and they would if they wanted to. Keep steady and just dock.”
---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''

''“Flight Lead Blue 1 to Blue 2 - 10, watch out! They’re wobbling a lot. I don’t know what’s wrong with them, but I don’t want you hit.”''

'''A round of affirms.'''

''“Flight Lead Blue 1 to Main, we’re almost to the frigate.”''

''“Copy Blue 1. Join formation. Everyone shift to Helianth IV. Once that fighter goes back, pull in the formation tighter. Don’t let them move.”''

---
'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, Sabre 7, snippet #6, location: Helm-'''''

''"They're blocking my way back to the ship!"''

''"Focus. Find an opening. They're flying a regular pattern, just time the opening and go!”''

''“Captain, I’m no pilot, I don’t think-”''

''“Just concentrate. You can get back home.”''

''“Okay... okay... I think I got it, I just need to- OH GOD!”''

''“What’s happening?”''

'''''“THEY CHANGED COURSE LAST MINUTE! I- I CAN’T-”'''''

'''Static.'''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''

''“By my Queen... they crashed into their own frigate.”''

'''Quiet murmurs.'''

''“What happened? Blue 1, Blue 11, Blue 21, status report.”''

''“Uhm... Blue 11 to Main. I’m not sure. We... I don’t think we pushed them in any way. We just adjusted course to let them through and the new fighters in...”''

''“Blue 21 affirms.”''

''“Blue 1 affirms. My squad merged into formation seamlessly.”''

''“Right, well resu-”''

'''“I’VE BEEN HIT I’VE BEEN HIT OH MERCIFUL QUEENS I-”'''

'''Static.'''

''“What happened? What’s happened to Blue 27?”''

''“Blue 27’s been shot! Some sort of green... beam? She’s broken formation!”''

''“Damn it! This is what we were afraid of... All available Blues Swarm! Swarm! Swarm! Blue 27, do you copy?”''

''“A-Aye Commander. I’m t-t-t-t-trying to regain control-l-l-l-l.” It’s clear she’s shaken up quite a bit.''

''“Pull back, I’m sending in Greens to retrieve you. Switch to ATC4. Stay strong.”''

'''There’s a soft click as channels are switched.'''

''“What’s the status of my Reds and Oranges?”''

''“ATC 1 to Main. Reds 1 - 50 are armed and sparked. Reds 1 - 25 are on their corresponding magcats, ready for launch. Reds 26-50 on standby to load once the first wave launches.”''
''“Flight Leader Red 1 to Main. We’re itching for a sortie. My Stingers are ready to relieve Blue.”''

'''All 50 of Red Squad affirm, their voices booming as one. Red 1 chuckles.'''

''“ATC1 you are green to launch all 50 of our Reds. Red 1, keep your girls in Trelli Form until all 50 are launched, then move to the frigate in Arrow II.”''

''“ATC2 to Main, Oranges 1 - 50 are prespooled and armed. Oranges 1-25 are on their corresponding cats, 26-50 on Standby.”''

''“Affirm, ATC2. Hold until my signal. Keep those engines cold.”''

'''Another click.'''

''“ATC4 do you copy?”''

''“ATC4 to Main, I read you.”''

''“I need Greens launched ASAP to retrieve Blue 27. She’s been hit.”''

''“You got it. Greens 1 - 10 are already prespooled and catted. Green 1, do you copy?”''

''“You got Flight Lead Green 1. I’ve already sparked, as well as the rest of my squad. We’re ready to launch immediately.”''

''“Affirm. Main to ATC4, you are good to launch Greens 1 - 3. Bring her home safe.”''

'''A lull in communications.'''

''“Blue 27, this is Green 1, do you copy?”''

''“Y-yeah. I hear ya-a-a-a.”''

''“Keep course as you are, Blue 27. We’re lining up for lock and... there. Do you remember protocol?”''

''“I... yes. I do. Uh, engage safeties... release hold of the stick...”''

''“Good girl. Green 2 and 3, confirm lock?”''

''“Locked.”''

''“Locked!”''

''“All right, time to bring you home, Blue 27. Green 1 to ATC4, requesting Medical upon arrival, we are RTB.”''

---
'''''-Blackbox data from NSV Artemis, Tycoon-Class carrier. snippet #1, Marked Location: [REDACTED] Locally Sourced Audio: Combat Information Center-'''''

''“Hm. It’s not every day you get CC to holo in. Must be an important ship to have us respond to it. Helm, you got the beacon on the map?”''

''“Yes. We’re two jumps out, Captain.”''

''“Get us there STAT. I’d rather not stall any longer than is necessary. You’re approved to make the final jump, just let me know when you do so. I’ll go check on the departments. Should be a fairly simple engagement. We just need to get that ship out of there.”''

''A round of aye-ayes.''

''“Good. Set to GQ. ATC spool the fighters. I’ll be back.”''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae. Location: Combat Information Center-'''''

''“Something’s coming.”''

''“What do you mean?”''

''“Those weird wavelengths... they’ve popped up again.”''

''“Again? Wait, then that me-”''

---
'''''-Blackbox data from NSV Artemis, Tycoon-Class carrier. snippet #1, Marked Location: [REDACTED] Locally Sourced Audio: Combat Information Center-'''''
''“Oh god. Oh my god. That’s- This is- oh fuck.”''

''“Captain?”''

''“I... hold on. Fuck. They’re swarming them. Launch the fighters! Engage with that... juggernaut of a ship. Fighters need to focus on pulling aggro from the friendly vessel. Let’s move!”''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae. Location: Combat Information Center-'''''

'''ATC comms are lit up with expletives, cries for help, and Flight Leaders attempting to pull their squads together. There’s the sound of something dropping to the floor as if someone threw a headset to the ground.'''

''“Commander?”''

'''Sounds like someone’s pacing. Besides the panic over comms, the room is quiet.'''

''“This isn’t... This wasn’t the plan. This isn’t what the Queens wanted.”''

'''A frustrated sigh, then the sound of a button being held down.'''

''“Commander Kniphofia to all ATCs. We are in code Delta. Free to engage with all unknowns with extreme prejudice. Launch all available Squads. I will be relinquishing control of ATC Main-”''

'''The hull creaks loudly, protesting under weapons fire.'''

''“I’m afraid we are also under fire. Coordinate, and bring pride to your Queens!”''

'''A click as a button is released. A sigh as alarms go off in the distance.'''

''“Contact Petalla. The worst has come. And get us moving!”''

---

'''''Combat report #4. Shift ID 3701. NSV Artemis.'''''

We... We barely got out of that alive. Some of us didn’t.

Never before have I seen that sheer amount of fighters in the sky. Never before have I seen such coordination. Those aces flew tight formations and not once did they ever stop swarming our ship. A lot of my men just crashed to their deaths. We wasted too many rapiers on environmental casualties. At some point I just told them to stop launching.

That carrier didn’t do shit, either. Just ran. I’m not even sure it had armaments. The pilots did all the work; took and delivered all the hits. We spent too much time trying to get close to the carrier when we should’ve focused the gnats. But what can we do? PDC can only do so much and NAC is useless.

But it was technically a success.

The SGV Apollo was able to escape, and we as well by the skin of our teeth. Our ship is in disrepair, but at least I know they won’t follow.

There’s a quote that reminds me of our new additions to the galaxy. How did it go...?

“When we attack today, our arrows will blot out the sun.”

-Captain Rachel Addison

Incident Report No. 4431

2022-09-14T17:55:35Z

BetaCentari:

''Enter Credentials: _''

'''''### ERROR: ACCESS LEVEL SUBSYSTEM ENCOUNTERED A FATAL RUNTIME. ABORTING...'''''

''Welcome, CentComm Intern null!''

''Loading Incident Report #4431''

'''Incident Report #4431'''

''"Audio log #342. Captain Michael Wilderforth of the SGV Apollo, under the Expeditionary Corps, en route to uncharted system S-10324 in the far reaches of the Delphic Expanse. We are on day 153 of our exploratory patrol. The scientists aboard are having a swell time with all the samples they've collected thus far. They tell me the boys back home will be ecstatic with all the new finds, but I can't tell the difference between the dirt samples and the 'soil' samples they have. I'll just take their word for it."''

Some shuffling of paper.

''"We shoooouuuuullllldddd be able to finish up a couple more systems before heading back to Sector 1. Astrological scans of 10324 show 6 celestial bodies and 3 anomalies. Nothing of note yet, as usual. We're about to scramble the Sabres and we'll do a quick fly-by of all celestial bodies for the scientists to launch and land to do their thing."''

Some chatter is heard in the background, but nothing clear enough to be discerned.

''"Copy that, sounds like we're clear for FTL jump. Captain Wilderforth, signing off."''

---

'''''-Translated Transcript from Apid Listening Post 8, afternoon of the First War-'''''

''"Commander, we're detecting anomalous frequencies and waveforms from just outside Helianth's orbit."''

''"Hm? What kind? Pull up the reports."''

''"Yes, ma'am. Compiling reports now."''

There's a pregnant pause.

''"... the fuck is this?"''

''"I'm not sure, Commander. None of these are... normal."''

''"Send this to Petalla station, stat."''

''"Right away. Should we elevate the alert level?"''

''"No, not yet. There's no reason to when we have no idea what that is. Could be a solar flare for all we know. Keep a steady head and await confirmation."''

''"Aye aye!"''

---

'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #72, location: Combat Information Center-'''''

''"Whoa! Hard port, Spencer! Jesus!"''

'''The sound of the hull creaking under the force of the thrusters boosting takes over the recording. Sounds like some things are also falling off of tables.'''

''"The hell?! Why'd you jump us here?!"''

''"Apologies, Captain! It looks like I miscalculated the FTL vectors. We overshot a bit."''

''"A bit?! Son, you were supposed to bring us to the outer ring so we can start scanning from the outside in. You damn near jumped us into the goddamn sun."''

'''Wilderforth groans, and a few chuckles are heard through CIC.'''

''"Nevermind it, then. Director, tell your boys to start analyzing that red dwarf since we're close. We'll adjust our route and make for the first planet once you're ready. ATC, scramble the sabres and reverse launch order. We'll be sending out 6 and 12 out first."''

'''A round of 'aye ayes' and the sound of an airlock hissing open and closed.'''

---

'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #75, location: Astronomics-'''''

''"Director Swanson, a moment."''

''"Yes, Samuel?"''

''"I'm getting some... really weird readings on planet Charlie."''

''"Weird how?"''

''"Well... look."''

'''A pause, then a few clicks from a console.'''

''"Is that.... a massive energy signature from Charlie?"''

''"I... I really don't know, Director. It's almost like there's just.... a massive concentration of rich minerals on moon 2."''

''"Hm... no its too far away from moon 2. Its almost looks like a 3rd moon that's locked with it, really. Strange, our preliminary scans didn't detect a third. Good find, Sam. Mark it and we'll have the ground teams investigate it."''

---

'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''
''"Blues 1 through 10, you are clear for launch on Deck 1. Blues 11 through 20, clear for launch on Deck 2. Blues 22 through 30, your Flight Leader is missing. Standby while we whoop her ass for being late again. Prespool and prep for launch."''

'''Several groans fill the channel before someone clicks their mandibles loudly.'''

''"HEY! NO CLUTTERING THE MAIN ATC LINE. If you want to bitch, go to ATC3, Blue 22 through 30."''

'''A few apologies, then finally silence for a few moments.'''

''"ATC1 to Main, my warriors have launched. Magcats 1-10 are clear on Deck 1 and recharging."''

''"Copy that ATC1. Keep those cats clear. Blues 1-10 are green to begin training exercises."''

''"Understood. Relaying."''

''"ATC2 to Main, my warriors have also launched. Cats 1-10 on Deck 2 recharging."''

''"Affirm, ATC2. Same with you, keep those cats clear and your kids are green to begin their exercises."''

''"Copy that, Main. Relaying."''

'''There's a lull in communications.'''

''"ATC3 to Main, they finally dragged Blue 21 to her fighter. Blue 21 is spooled. Blue 21-30 are sparked. Ready for launch."''

''"Affirm, ATC3, good to launch and once they've achieved formation they can proceed with exercises."''

''"Thank you, Main. Relaying."''

''"Main to bridge, Blue Squad are out on their exercises."''

''"Copy that Main, we'll keep our patrol slow."''
---
'''''-Blackbox data from SGV Apollo, snippet #80, location: Combat Information Center-'''''

'''There's the sound of an airlock opening and someone running in. Sounds like they've ran quite a bit.'''

''"C-Captain! We've a problem!"''

''"Director?"''

''"That... that energy signature by Charlie? Its... its..."''

''"Captain! DRADIS just lit up like a Christmas tree! We have hostiles!"''

''"God... the hell did we find? Charge the weapons! 86 the sabre launch and bring us to Code Amber. All sabres that have already launched are ordered to abandon ship. I repeat, all launched sabres are ordered to abandon ship and to Fulton back to the Apollo."''

''"Are we engaging, sir?"''

''"No. We're not a diplomatic envoy, but we're not going to make this harder for one. Prep FTL and get us out of here."''

---
'''''-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae, heavy carrier-class vessel. Marked location: Petalla orbit, afternoon of the First War-'''''

'''Several alarms are going off, and it sounds like everyone in the room is speaking frantically with someone else, either via comms or in-room. Finally, someone clicks a few times and the room stills.'''

''"Calm down. We knew this day would come. We don't know what they want yet. Let's look at the facts. Snapdragon."''

''"Commander. The unknown ship is about the size of our frigates. It's currently en route to Saltu. We've seen it launch smaller ships to Chrysantheria and Nuciferum. We can't discern what kind of technology it has, or any weaponry. They have not attempted to send hail, either. I don't think they know we're here."''

''"Right. It has not engaged yet. I doubt they don't know we're here, not with that kind of tech. Let's scramble the Squads just in case, bu-"''

'''A siren goes off.'''

''"What the fuck is that?!"''

''"T-they've launched another ship, ma'am! Headed straight for Petalla!"''

'''''"WHAT."'''''
---
"WHO LAUNCHED THAT SABRE?!"
"N-No one sir!"
"Then WHY do we have a sabre en route STRAIGHT TO THE MOON???"
"T-They manually launched! They disengaged the magcat and launched!"
"Goddamnit patch me in!"
Frantic typing, then static over a speaker.
"Sabre 7, what the fuck do you think you're doing?"
"Moving in to investigate sir! A new sentient lifeform! Can you believe it?!"
"Get your ass back to the Apollo this instant! We are not a diplomatic envoy, we are a research vessel and we are not equipped with ANY of the faculties needed to approach a brand new space-faring species. Get your ass back on board now! I don't know who you think you are but you are NOT going to-"
"Captain! Fighters inbound!"
---
"Don't we have a Squad out right now? Set intercept course! Lock onto that thing and don't let it near our moon!"
"Ma'am, it's the Cadet Squad. Blue is out there right now! They're not armed! They're just supposed to be doing exercises!"
"Queen's mercy..."
"Should we recall them?"
"No. It'll leave Petalla defenseless."
There's a tense pause.
"Set Code Amber. Scramble Red and Orange, STAT. Patch me into Blue Comms."
"They're on three different channels, ma'am."
"Set them to ATC 3 and inform them of the alert change."
A heavy sigh.
"May the Queens of our past guide our wings toward our future."
---
-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae. Audio: ATC Main-
"Congratulations cadets. You have now officially graduated. Welcome to your first sortie."
Silence.
"I’m sure you are all aware of what’s happening and what you’re seeing before your eyes.”

“Will we be RTBing soon, Commander?”

“Yes. But for now, you’ll need to stay out and defend us while we get the others armed and spooled. I will be personally guiding you. Follow my lead and I’ll make sure you make it home. Be strong for Saltu. Be strong for your Queens. You have been training for this, we have been preparing this for this day we knew would come! We will demand respect from these foreigners, and we will secure our place in this galaxy!”
Clicks and roars fill the channel.
“All right. Pull into Arrow Formation. We’ll make towards the frigate and the fighter. Flight Lead Blue 1, your group will split off and guide that fighter away from Patella, Serpine II Formation. The rest of you, we’ll make for the frigate and resume a loose Helianth form for observation. I know you don’t have armaments, but they don’t have to know that. Let’s keep it clean.”
A round of aye ayes as the Flight Leads coordinate their groups.
---
"This is Sabre 7, we got bogeys inbound!"
"Damn it! RTB now!"
"I'm- I'm trying! God's, they're quick!”
---
"Blue 1 to Main, we've reached the fighter. Assuming Serpine II and herding them back to their ship."
---
"Fuck! They're flying really close to me! I'm trying to keep her steady but they're giving me nothing to work with."
“Keep your nerve, they haven’t shot you down yet and they would if they wanted to. Keep steady and just dock.”
---
“Flight Lead Blue 1 to Blue 2 - 10, watch out! They’re wobbling a lot. I don’t know what’s wrong with them, but I don’t want you hit.”
A round of affirms.
“Flight Lead Blue 1 to Main, we’re almost to the frigate.”
“Copy Blue 1. Join formation. Everyone shift to Helianth IV. Once that fighter goes back, pull in the formation tighter. Don’t let them move.”
---
"They're blocking my way back to the ship!"
"Focus. Find an opening. They're flying a regular pattern, just time the opening and go!”
“Captain, I’m no pilot, I don’t think-”

“Just concentrate. You can get back home.”
“Okay... okay... I think I got it, I just need to- OH GOD!”
“What’s happening?”

“THEY CHANGED COURSE LAST MINUTE! I- I CAN’T-”
Static.
---
“By my Queen... they crashed into their own frigate.”
Quiet murmurs.
“What happened? Blue 1, Blue 11, Blue 21, status report.”
“Uhm... Blue 11 to Main. I’m not sure. We... I don’t think we pushed them in any way. We just adjusted course to let them through and the new fighters in...”
“Blue 21 affirms.”
“Blue 1 affirms. My squad merged into formation seamlessly.”
“Right, well resu-”
“I’VE BEEN HIT I’VE BEEN HIT OH MERCIFUL QUEENS I-”
Static.
“What happened? What’s happened to Blue 27?”
“Blue 27’s been shot! Some sort of green... beam? She’s broken formation!”
“Damn it! This is what we were afraid of... All available Blues Swarm! Swarm! Swarm! Blue 27, do you copy?”
“A-Aye Commander. I’m t-t-t-t-trying to regain control-l-l-l-l.” It’s clear she’s shaken up quite a bit.
“Pull back, I’m sending in Greens to retrieve you. Switch to ATC4. Stay strong.”
There’s a soft click as channels are switched.
“What’s the status of my Reds and Oranges?”
“ATC 1 to Main. Reds 1 - 50 are armed and sparked. Reds 1 - 25 are on their corresponding magcats, ready for launch. Reds 26-50 on standby to load once the first wave launches.”
“Flight Leader Red 1 to Main. We’re itching for a sortie. My Stingers are ready to relieve Blue.”
All 50 of Red Squad affirm, their voices booming as one. Red 1 chuckles.
“ATC1 you are green to launch all 50 of our Reds. Red 1, keep your girls in Trelli Form until all 50 are launched, then move to the frigate in Arrow II.”
“ATC2 to Main, Oranges 1 - 50 are prespooled and armed. Oranges 1-25 are on their corresponding cats, 26-50 on Standby.”
“Affirm, ATC2. Hold until my signal. Keep those engines cold.”
Another click.
“ATC4 do you copy?”
“ATC4 to Main, I read you.”
“I need Greens launched ASAP to retrieve Blue 27. She’s been hit.”
“You got it. Greens 1 - 10 are already prespooled and catted. Green 1, do you copy?”
“You got Flight Lead Green 1. I’ve already sparked, as well as the rest of my squad. We’re ready to launch immediately.”
“Affirm. Main to ATC4, you are good to launch Greens 1 - 3. Bring her home safe.”
A lull in communications.
“Blue 27, this is Green 1, do you copy?”
“Y-yeah. I hear ya-a-a-a.”
“Keep course as you are, Blue 27. We’re lining up for lock and... there. Do you remember protocol?”
“I... yes. I do. Uh, engage safeties... release hold of the stick...”
“Good girl. Green 2 and 3, confirm lock?”
“Locked.”
“Locked!”
“All right, time to bring you home, Blue 27. Green 1 to ATC4, requesting Medical upon arrival, we are RTB.”
---
-Blackbox data from NSV Artemis, Tycoon-Class carrier. snippet #1, Marked Location: [REDACTED] Locally Sourced Audio: Combat Information Center-
“Hm. It’s not every day you get CC to holo in. Must be an important ship to have us respond to it. Helm, you got the beacon on the map?”
“Yes. We’re two jumps out, Captain.”

“Get us there STAT. I’d rather not stall any longer than is necessary. You’re approved to make the final jump, just let me know when you do so. I’ll go check on the departments. Should be a fairly simple engagement. We just need to get that ship out of there.”
A round of aye-ayes.
“Good. Set to GQ. ATC spool the fighters. I’ll be back.”
---
-Translated Transcript from HRH Destoratae. Location: Combat Information Center-
“Something’s coming.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those weird wavelengths... they’ve popped up again.”
“Again? Wait, then that me-”
---
“Oh god. Oh my god. That’s- This is- oh fuck.”
“Captain?”
“I... hold on. Fuck. They’re swarming them. Launch the fighters! Engage with that... juggernaut of a ship. Fighters need to focus on pulling aggro from the friendly vessel. Let’s move!”
---
ATC comms are lit up with expletives, cries for help, and Flight Leaders attempting to pull their squads together. There’s the sound of something dropping to the floor as if someone threw a headset to the ground.

“Commander?”

Sounds like someone’s pacing. Besides the panic over comms, the room is quiet.

“This isn’t... This wasn’t the plan. This isn’t what the Queens wanted.”

A frustrated sigh, then the sound of a button being held down.

“Commander Kniphofia to all ATCs. We are in code Delta. Free to engage with all unknowns with extreme prejudice. Launch all available Squads. I will be relinquishing control of ATC Main-”

The hull creaks loudly, protesting under weapons fire.

“I’m afraid we are also under fire. Coordinate, and bring pride to your Queens!”

A click as a button is released. A sigh as alarms go off in the distance.

“Contact Petalla. The worst has come. And get us moving!”

---

'''''Combat report #4. Shift ID 3701. NSV Artemis.'''''

We... We barely got out of that alive. Some of us didn’t.

Never before have I seen that sheer amount of fighters in the sky. Never before have I seen such coordination. Those aces flew tight formations and not once did they ever stop swarming our ship. A lot of my men just crashed to their deaths. We wasted too many rapiers on environmental casualties. At some point I just told them to stop launching.

That carrier didn’t do shit, either. Just ran. I’m not even sure it had armaments. The pilots did all the work; took and delivered all the hits. We spent too much time trying to get close to the carrier when we should’ve focused the gnats. But what can we do? PDC can only do so much and NAC is useless.

But it was technically a success.

The SGV Apollo was able to escape, and we as well by the skin of our teeth. Our ship is in disrepair, but at least I know they won’t follow.

There’s a quote that reminds me of our new additions to the galaxy. How did it go...?

“When we attack today, our arrows will blot out the sun.”

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.”

-Captain Rachel Addison