Incident Report No. 4431
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### ERROR: ACCESS LEVEL SUBSYSTEM ENCOUNTERED A FATAL RUNTIME. ABORTING...
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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
