The Line in the Stars (IC) [PG/14]

[Azlan]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Conference Room

Morgan stood as the other officers indicated they did not have anything further, "very well.  Commander MacDuff, I will be meeting with the other ship captains at 1300 hours, I would like to have you there as well.  Be here at the appointed time.  Thank you, dismissed."

Morgan paused for a moment, "Major Kanzoria, we will need to speak with Ixiah at some point, it is essential I evaluate him personally before we are forced to rely on him in a time of crisis."

The major smiled and shrugged, "I will see if I can persuade him to cooperate for such a meeting.  He might appear harmless and innocent, but the creature has a cold and calculating mind that can exploit the weakness shown by others if judged strictly on appearances... plus he's a moody sort, he will push our patience as far as it will stretch.[/size]"

Vulpecula IV - Absalom's leave: Drunk tank

Orlo groaned and sat up carefully, "Oh my head..."

Dixon was reclining on one of the cots in the cell and hit large lapine ears twitched as the fox groaned, "you need to drink more water when you get smashed, mate.  Less hangovers if you're well hydrated."

A rather gruff looking canine MP banged on the cell door, a sound which only made Orlo groan louder, "Master Sergeant Zin Orlo, Sergeant Absalom Thomas and Sergeant Peter Dixon... been brawling tonight eh?  Drunk and disorderly.  Your officers will be by to collect you, I don't imagine they will be too happy."  The dog stopped to examine his datapad, "let's see, combat mecha pilot and two Corp Engineer mecha pilots..."

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Lee's quarters

The COMM unit on Lee's desk beeped incessantly, dragging the badger out of his repose.

"Chief Warrant Officer Cohen, this is Lieutenant Yarven of ISF Army Military Police at Sanctity City.  Your Sergeant Absalom is in custody for drunken brawling.  You will need to come planetside ASAP and collect him.  I am unable to raise Ensign Cahreia, so if you'd also claim his two accomplices Master Sergeant Orlo and Sergeant Dixon I'd appreciate it.  Yarven out."

[Poofyspikes]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation -  Lee's Quarters

"What the... I'll get right on it, Lieutenant." Lee blindly reached out at the intercom, shutting it off. Muttering a variety of choice oaths, he staggered out of his room and in the general direction of the exit. A few privates unlucky enough to get in his way received sharp smacks upside the head. Emerging from the port into the Vulpeculan sun, Lee consulted a city map and stormed off in the general direction of the holding cells.

Vulpecula IV - Drunk Tank
Kicking open the door to the holding area, Lee stomped on over to the ISF guard at the desk. "I'm Chief Warrant Officer Cohen, here to pick up three sergeants - Thomas, Orlo, and Dixon. Where the hell are they?"

[Eibborn]

Absalom shifts slightly. He is reclined against the wall opposite the door with his eyes closed and a hand shielding his eyes from the light. "D'you know," he says slowly to the world in general, "Noise doesn't do squat to me after drinking. But light, man, it's like needles in my brain. I didn't even drink all that much..."
He opens an eye cautiously, blinking drearily at the canine MP. "D'ye know when they'll be here? The officers, I mean. An' who'll it be?"

[Azlan]

Vulpecula IV - Drunk Tank

The MP regards Absalom with a critical eye, but he says nothing at all until a loud bang is heard behind him somewhere and a loud, angry voice can be heard. 

The voice sounds familiar to Absalom, but he can't really make out the words.

The MP turns and gestures behind him, "Aye Chief Warrant Officer!  Your charges are here and yours.  I just need your signature on the release forms.  That was pretty fast getting down here all the way from orbit at the space docks."

(OOC: Lee was on the ship, which is in planetary orbit.  Absalom went down to the planet itself for his R&R)

[Poofyspikes]

(OOC: Oh, crap. I need to start paying more attention to these kinds of things. I'll remember to take a shuttle next time instead of base jumping from outer space. Also... who will determine the punishment? Ink/Morgan?)

Vulpecula IV - Drunk Tank

"Well, the power of rage is a wonderful thing. Just let me at those papers and they won't trouble you anymore. I guarantee it." Lee hastily signed the proffered papers and, deciding it would be more ominous, calmly strolled towards the drunk tank door.

In a voice that was entirely too cheery and while wearing an unsettlingly big smile, he greeted his reason for waking up this early. "Good morning, sunshine! Ready to face your imminent doom?"

[Azlan]

(OOC: Ensign Cahreia or yourself are normally responsible for the disciplinary action of your subordinates)

Vulpecula IV - Drunk Tank

The MP reviewed the paperwork and stamped it in all the necessary places before filing it away.  He prepared to open up the holding cell.

In a voice that was entirely too cheery and while wearing an unsettlingly big smile, he greeted his reason for waking up this early. "Good morning, sunshine! Ready to face your imminent doom?"

Orlo groaned and looked to see what hammer wielding maniac decided to hurl the mighty moljinar at his head, "oi, Cohen... must you yell?  Some parasite infested lycan chief hit me over the head with a chair.  Innocent victims of hate we were..."

Dixon whispered into Orlo's ear, "don't lay it on too thick Zin... if we are lucky, he'll just drop us off with Cahreia, who'll ask for a score and give us a bit of extra cleaning duty.  We don't want this Cohen fellow to be involved."

[Eibborn]

Absalom sighs and sits up straight, facing his superior. With a quiet, "Damn," he waits for the Chief Warrant Officer to begin a lecture, or take them back to the ship.

[Azlan]

Vulpecula IV - Drunk Tank

Normally, a lengthy dressing down would be appropriate, however, the MP watch officer stepped in and opened the door and immediately ushered everyone up and out of the holding area.  The MPs moved everyone quickly through security, out and into the landing area and onto the waiting shuttle that Cohen had taken down from the Revelation. 

Everyone was back onboard the ship before they knew what happened.  The only excuse the watch officer had given was that he did not want them underfoot when the Lycans were released to their officers.

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Conference Room

The captains of the ships composing Revelation's scout fleet filed out of the conference room.  The meeting had gone reasonably well.  All the officers were competent and reasonable individuals.  Colonel Nexx had proved to be very insightful.

With his aid, Morgan had managed to intimidate the ISIS security trooper and gain access to the room where Ixiah was held.  A typical guest room as any other, modestly furnished.  There was no sign of the alien guest, until he caught sight of a footpaw peeking out from underneath the covers on the bed.

Morgan cleared his throat and after a slight pause, a fox face appeared from underneath the covers.  The sighting was brief, for it disappeared back underneath.

The without warning, the covers exploded outward and a blue fox appeared in front of the bed, striking the best "hero pose" he could.  His strange attire and his current pose made him appear like a character from a dōjinshi, even more so when he suddenly went cross-eyed and tumbled over.  Apparently these aliens get dizzy from standing up quickly like any normal creature.

"I thought it best to meet you, but there is no need for silly theatrics.  I am Captain of this vessel and fleet leader of the scout fleet that shall be hunting for your former masters."

"You must be quite mighty indeed to have gotten in here, you'd have needed to beat up the major to do so."  The young fox commented.

Colonel Nexx shook his head, "not so, I still have authority among the troopers as respect for my former position."

Morgan locked eyes with Ixiah, who immediately went to a big puppy dog eyed kit.  He shed emotional cues that triggered major feelings of pity in Morgan.  Morgan could sense that this pitiful creature was suffering greatly... because of the belled collar.  A choker like collar with a golden bell on it, Morgan wanted to reach out and undo the fastening...

*whap* Morgan was whacked on the back of the head by a handy rolled up magazine.

"Snap out of it!  Don't let him do that!"  Nexx half yelled at Morgan.

Ixiah looked ever so pitiful, "please forgive me, this thing pains me so.  You can't blame me for trying, but I shall do as you asked... we already agreed to it.  Plus you will need me to aid against other of my kind that may be overseers at the outposts you seek to eliminate."

[Paladin Sheppard]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation

After finishing up breakfast, Kal headed down to the hangar bay. Meeting his LAM's crew chief they spent the next few hours on general maintenance of the Raptor.

"You keeping that railgun instead of the PB cannon Lieutenant?" The chief asked as they were working on the weapons systems.
"Yea, I know the PB has more firepower, but I like the rate of fire on the railgun. By the way chief you know anything about mounting a vibro blade on a Raptor?"
"It can be done LT but you'd have to get the airboss' permission for it."

Steping over to a nearby terminal Kal was interrupted by Major Hadem. "I overheard Kal I, was thinking the same thing according to Intel these guys don't like to mix it up much." Kal finished typing up the request and Dom put his signature on it before he sent it up the line.

[Lushin]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation

Romulus walked out of his sleeping quarters, got some breakfast, then headed down to the hangar area to check out the ship that will be carring his squad into the upcoming battles.
"Well let's make sure this hunk of metal and bolts won't fall apart the first time we get shot at. I have no problems with dieing on the ground in the middle of a firefight but I'd rather not get blown up before I even get to the battle"

[lucas marcone]

INARI class cruiser, Revelation

lucas strode into the hanger. "hay boys, what's up?" he was feeling a bit cheery despite the monotonous busy work and endless small talk with the other people.


ooc: i for got which cruiser I'm on so if I'm wrong in this tell me and ill fix it.
after feeling unnecessary i took a break, and just wanted to say I'm still in this.

[Poofyspikes]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation

After hopping off the shuttle, Lee turned to his charges.

"Since Ensign Cahreia's nowhere to be found, I guess I'll just have to take it upon myself to punish the lot of you. So, I hoped you three enjoyed whatever got you drunk last night, because that'll be the last drop of booze any of you will see for the next month. If I catch any of you with so much as a Dixie cup of beer, I will  kick your asses and then double your alcohol probation. Furthermore, you'll join the cleaning crew for the rest of your leave. Now get the hell out of my sight." Lee headed to the bridge to report to Captain Summers and ensure that his punishment would be carried out.

[Eibborn]

When Lee was safely out of hearing range, Absalom said with a somewhat wry grin and shrug, "Reap what you sow, I guess. I wasn't plannin' on getting sloshed on-ship or anything, anyway. I'm not that dumb."

[Azlan]

[OOC: It is amazing how time flies... I've been a tad busy]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Bridge

Lee entered the bridge and noticed that the elusive Ensign Cahreia was already there speaking with the captain.  A strange blue fox in outlandish attire was poking around the bridge like a curious little kit as Colonel Nexx and Major Kanzoria glared at one another with barely veiled contempt.

"Sir, spacing them seems rather harsh for a small brawl..."  Ensign Cahreia objected in near abject panic.

"You misunderstand me, I said we would space you if another such incident occurs.  The Lycans are in an uproar because one of the brawlers, Master Sergeant Orlo, was a fox.  The Vulpeculans are equally so because a fox was attacked."  Captain Summers commented without humor, in his current nicotine lacking mood he might actually go through with it.


INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area


A female human technician leaned out of a maintenance hatch and glared at Romulus, "who are you calling a hunk of metal and bolts???!!!  This is one of the finest assault shuttles in the whole fleet!  He might not be as armored or armed as those mech dropships over there,"  She gestured to the two huge aerodyne craft tethered into heavy-duty catapults, "but he's very capable."


In another portion of the hanger areas...


Major Hadem studied Kal for a few minutes, "you'll need a fair amount of practice with the blade before it will be effective in a mecha.  I also heard we may be getting dicey with space pirates, and from what I hear, they just love the use of melee weapons."


And in yet another...


Orlo's ears drooped downwards, "Pete and I so enjoy our spot of wine with our cheese and grapes..."

"I guess this will be a dry voyage Zin..."  The rabbit added.

[Paladin Sheppard]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area

"Already got some simtime logged boss," Kal said as they walked back to the Raptor. "I'm not surprised the pirates use em, you don't have to worry about running outa ammo. How long you think it'll take the Airboss to ok it?"

[Lushin]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area

Romulus looked at the technician with an half awake look on his face. "I've heard that phrase alot only to have the thing falling apart on entry. I don't know how well a HALO jump would work on something that doesn't have an atmosphere and maybe no gravity. If my men or I die I would prefer it be in battle shooting our rifles not sitting on our asses in a dropship while it blows up from enemy fire. I've seen too many good soldiers die like that" Romulus shakes his head and looks at the tech again. "I'm sorry, that's not something you need to concern yourself with. I need some rest" Romulus turns to head back to his counters.

[lucas marcone]

"It's all talk guys, all that matters is how battle worn it is. the more war it's seen the better. so how has it fared in past wars miss?" lucas was the kind of guy that though tests were not as important as real time reactions with the "human error" factored in.  he waited for her answer

[Azlan]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area: Dropships

The human female swung down from the maintenance hatch and landed feet first on the deck and glared at Lucas, "miss? miss!  I am Chief Petty Officer Amanda Wilcox.  I am the technical head for this old boy here and can vouch for his reliability with my very life, for I am the crew tech and will be riding it with you!" The human turned to jab a finger into Romulus' chest... er, possibly stomach to illustrate who she was speaking of.

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area: LAM bay

The hatch at the opposite end of the bay opened and a rather late middle-aged feline of black fur entered the bay and strode right over to Hadem and Kal. 

Hadem snapped to attention at the approach of the Airboss.

He handed Hadem the note, "it's fine by me, we've got a good supply of ammo for railguns and I don't mind the vibroweapon.  Just be sure your vibroweapons safety course is completed before your next flight."  He half turned and paused long enough to add, "We may see some changes in flight line ups and patrols now that we are part of a carrier group.  I want to keep any intership rivalries to a minimum and so does the CAG.  Carry on."

[Paladin Sheppard]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area: LAM bay

Kal stood at attention at the same time as Hadem, saluting in unison with the major.

"Aye aye, SIR!." Relpied Kal as the Airboss headed off.

Turning to Hadem, Kal said, "well Maj. I geuss I better finish up the refresher."

[lucas marcone]

"Gee, sorry SIR." He said in a tone that sort of showed that it was his oversight, but it also implied that she was pushy "I can see I'M not wanted here! Later Rommy......Good luck with that un'." he said walking off to the LAM bay.

[Azlan]

Battleship Alliance - Bridge

"Sir, all preparations have been made and final supplies have been loaded.  All non-fleet personnel and guests have disembarked."  The operations chief reported as he handed the General the final report.

The human general nodded and signed off on the appropriate area, "com, inform all department heads to secure for maneuvers.  Fleetcom, inform all ships to take up positions for morning jump."

Both com officers answered nearly in unison, "Aye sir."


INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Bridge

"Captain, we have received orders from the Alliance to take up jump positions."  The com officer reported smartly.

Captain Summers nodded, "signal the rest of our detachment to form up on our lead."

[Azlan]

At the appropriate time the next morning, the fleet was fully assembled and ready to jump.  The destination was the final staging area.  The fleet would hold at that location until the scout fleets located the final approach vector for the enemy.  It would be there that the final attack plans would be drawn up and where the fleet would move from to confront the deadly dyson sphere.

Precisely on schedule the fleet jumped from the Vulpecula system.

Epsilon System - Fleet staging area

Within a few days the fleet arrived in the Epsilon System, the system was dominated by a huge Blue sun.  Only five planets orbited this giant and of those five, four were brown dwarfs (massive gas giants).  The outer most planet was approximately twice the mass of Earth and it was near it that the fleet assembled at.  The airless rock, named Hecate, was a military base of unparalleled size, taking up nearly 25% of the planet's surface area.  This installation was unknown to all the PCs and quite a few of the other members of the fleet.

From the space stations in orbit around Hecate, numerous vessels approached.  All bore the colors of the ISF Navy, except one ship, but all were of designs not before seen.

Quite a bit of hyperwave traffic broke out as the Lycan senior captains accused the ISF of concealing this base and secretly developing weapons.  A point countered by the Vice Admiral Becky... er, Rebecca Urocyon.  These ships were created for one purpose and one purpose only, to attack the Dyson sphere.  The ships were mostly all of the "Frontal Assault vector" type as well as nearly a whole squadron of a very advance looking corvette sized vessel.  A singular unique vessel lead these vessels, its lines were different from any of those from the ISF or the member states.

On the bridge, Ixiah remarked, "The Inquisitor... the human ship that defeated me the last time.  I hope history repeats itself with it."

A FleetCom message went out to all ships, "This is General Aren Zaccarri, I shall be relocating my flag to the Inquisitor, Admiral Urocyon will still be commanding fleet operations from the Alliance.  All scout fleets are to assemble and begin their missions at 1500 hours.  Good luck."

Epsilon System - Scout Fleet 1 jump point

Over the Central Com, the 1MC, Captain Summers addressed his crew and the other ships of his fleet, "In a few short minutes we shall begin one of the most important missions of this campaign.  Only the gods can truly know what will come in the days ahead, but trusting to our training, officers and instincts we shall persevere.  From this point we are all on active alert, defense condition yellow.  All personnel to stations."

Precisely on time, the First Scout Fleet jumped into the great unknown.

[OOC: No significant posts are needed at this point, but are welcome.  We begin serious campaigning after this point.  The arrival post and what might occur there will be up soon.]

[Paladin Sheppard]

INARI Class Cruiser, RevelationHanger Area: LAM bay

Lt Kal Jerico was checking the straps and seals for his g-suit when the Captain came over the 1MC.

"In a few short minutes we shall begin one of the most important missions of this campaign.  Only the gods can truly know what will come in the days ahead, but trusting to our training, officers and instincts we shall persevere.  From this point we are all on active alert, defense condition yellow.  All personnel to stations."

Grining he tosed Major Hadem a salute and mounted his Raptor. Starting up his LAM's computer he completed the security steps and brought the mecha up to launch mode.

"Cool Hand, two lit and in the green, all weaps safed and set. Standing by"

[Lushin]

After the announcement, Romulus banged on his suqad's bunks.
"Alright guys grab your gear and paint your game faces on. Things might be getting interesting when the jump ends"
Romulus did the same as his men. He grabbed his personel armor (flat vest, that kinda thing). He grab and loaded his pistol, turned the safety on and holstered it. Took his rifle, loaded a clip into it, load a round into the chamber, turned the safety on, and slung it over his shoulder. He grabbed his helmet but didn't put it on yet. He checkec his men to make sure all their equipment is on right and their weapons are ready for fighting.
"Wall make sure you got enough ammo for that gun of yours. I know I tell you this everytime but fire in bursts. There will be no spray and pray in this squad. if you need more ammo head down to the armory and get what you need'
"Sir, yes sir" Donovan saluted Romulus and headed out to grab some more ammo.
"Nitro make sure those explosives are niot armed until we need them. I dunno what we may be need but try to bring like 2 or 3 of everything you have. No idea what we may have to blast through"
"I'm on it sir" Remus went to carefully packing expsoives in his specially made careing case/backpack.
"RC do a radio check, double and triple check that thing. I don't want to get on that thing and find out the radio doesn't work"
"Sir" Sheebus saluted and went to do standard radio testing. He tests it about every few hours. He also makes sure the radio pack will have enough power.
"Hacker you been studying up on whatever they gave you for that things computer systems? Makes sure you bring your Daapad with you so you can download whatever you can about these things computer systems. I'm sure those Intellgence guys would love that"
"I'll do what I can with their systems sir. I wasn't given awhole lot to work with" Micheal saluted and made sure his Datapad was packed away in his gear.
"Ben if you see anything that you think the Intellgence guys woud like grab it if you can carry it. Just don't go to grab it while we're bing shot at"

[Azlan]

Lyrae Omicron: Nadir Jump Point

After a few hops into dead or uninhabited systems, the fleet jumped into the Nadir jump point coordiantes for Lyrae Omicron, a mid-range red-yellow star.  From this jump point perpendicular and south of the orbital plane, the scout fleet assembled.

Orbiting the Fifth planet, a moderate temperate appearing world, sat a large, old commercial space station.  As no corporate or government owned outposts exist this far out, and due to the obsolete nature of the design, as well as the orbiting fleet of out-dated surplus warships and converted civilian vessels, this could be only one thing... the pirate outpost.

This system was far from charted space lanes and the closest military presence, Hecate.  Due to sensor stealth, the scout fleet remanded as of yet undetected.

The captain examined the tactical display and then turned to face his comm chief, "condition red, sound general quarters."  He then turned towards Colonel Nexx who was still on the bridge, "You had best get back to your ship.  One more thing, we have a mission for our resident special forces team, I think you know what I mean.  Get their opinion and then give them a choice."

"Understood."  The colonel nodded as he left the bridge.

Major Kanzoria took an observers seat.

General Quarters sounded, "ALL HANDS TO BATTLESTATIONS.  THIS IS NOT A DRILL.  ALL HANDS TO BATTLESTATIONS."



INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area: LAM bay

"All LAM units standby for action."



INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Deck: Fighter bay

"All Fighters scramble and form up on your leaders, formation alpha."



INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - SpecFor room

In an obvious hurry, Colonel Nexx swept into the area as Romulus's team was assembling. 

"Sergeant, we have a special mission for you.  There are actually two, but it is only feasible to attempt one operation."  The Colonel paused, "the situation is this, the pirate fleet outnumbers us by 2 to 1 odds, but their ships are old and do not possess a significant threat to our newer vessels.  Except for the Pirate's corsair, the ship is an old and outdated Azul class dreadnaught, but it is still formidable and could push the balance of power in favor of the pirates.  The second is the station, the pirates are dependent on a centralized command and control center.  The older ships in their fleet require a more advanced processing system to coordinate their actions.  However, we cannot just shoot down the station because of the colonies on the planet.  If the station was knocked out of orbit, it could wipe out the planet's ecosystem as it impacted the planet."

He paused again, "the captain has allowed you to choose the mission your unit is better equipped for.  Neutralizing the station or the dreadnaught.  Both are penetration and sabotage inside enemy lines."



INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Mech Area

"All units mount up and board the assault craft and standby."

[Paladin Sheppard]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hanger Area: LAM bay

'Cool Hand' Watched as the fighters were loaded into the launch tubes and fired into space. He settled into his chair a tad more and ran more tests and checks of his controls, as his LAM rotated to face one of the tubes and waited for the order to load and launch into the void.

[Supercheese]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hangar Deck: Tactical Control Room

"All fighter squadrons scramble. I repeat, all squadrons scramble."

"Form up on your flight leaders in formation Alpha. Primary assault units take the lead - intercept vectors are being issued."

Such was the situation in the Tactical Control Room as orders were being barked over comm lines as fighters took off en masse outside in the hangar.

Commander MacDuff noticed a situation on the flight deck. "Chief - looks like we have a few pilots who don't know how to take turns. See if you can sort things out." The Commander pointed out the window towards two fighters vying for the same launch space. "They're costing us valuable time."

"Yes, sir!" the leopard manning the station said as he hastily opened communications with the pilots.

Seeing one of the fighters backing off, the Commander continued to his station, where a junior officer was waiting with a report.

"Sir, here are our orders. All wings are progressing with launch protocols and are forming up here," she indicated a location near the front of the fleet on the screen in front of the Commander's chair.

"Very good. Has the computer come up with a match to one of our simulations?"

"Yes - we have a near-identical match with #0624-S. Incoming sensor data indicates fighter positioning should be conducted accordingly. What are your orders?"

"Continue as planned. Form up at the location given by command, and organize in formation alpha. Deploy based on computer analysis, but give escort priority to special forces units."

"Yes, sir." The female ensign walked away, leaving the Commander to observe his readouts. He began pulling up more data predicting fleet movement as he prepared himself to coordinate the fleet's fighter squadrons. His mental preparations were well underway, and he hoped no surprises would disrupt the situation. However, he knew this was a bit much to hope for, so he kept his nervousness in check by visualizing all the fighter squadrons in his mind. He saw them move, he saw them engage the enemy, and he saw some of their number diminish. It was up to him to issue orders that maximized damage and minimized losses.

The tactical readout indicated that the scout fleet was still undetected... for now.

[Lushin]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - SpecFor room
Romulus saluted the Colonel and stoud at attentiom while he spoke.
"Ok so we either take out a ship or take out a station. Well sir, it sounds like it would be better if we disable the station, may disable more ships that way. *looks at his squad and they nod at him* We'll take the station sir, then if the dreadnaught is still poseing a problem we can try and take that out as well. Now sir, with your permission we'll head down to the hanger and find a ride over to the station" *Salutes the Colonek again*

[Azlan]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hangar Deck: Tactical Control Room

Across the fleet, all fighters launched and formed up under the orders issued by TacCon, 240 fighters stood poised to engage in combat.

The communications console activated and a marine Lt. Colonel appeared, "Commander MacDuff, all LAM forces are standing by and prepared for launch... awaiting authorization to proceed."


INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - SpecFor room

Colonel Nexx nodded and returned the salute, "good hunting and be careful, these pirates seem uncharacteristically well organized."

The colonel exited immediately and took his shuttle back to the Phalanx.


INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Bridge

The captain tapped his comm unit as a transmission came in from Nexx's shuttle, "Captain Summers, the target will be the station."

Summers nodded to no one in particular, "acknowledged.   Nexx I want you to have the Phalanx fire your mass drivers at that dreadnaught when we begin the operation, it is unlikely you'll hit her, but we want to keep her occupied."

[Supercheese]

INARI Class Cruiser, Revelation - Hangar Deck: Tactical Control Room

Commander MacDuff gave authorization for LAM launch immediately after he received notice they were ready.

"Make sure all orders and priorities are synchronized across the squadrons. I don't want anyone left in the dark. We have our attack priorities from command. I want all forces under TacCom to know who they're escorting, what they're firing at, and how well their friendlies are doing at all times. Snap to it, people."

Affirmatives resounded throughout the room, and the next units to launch moved into position outside in the background of the Commander's vision. Feeling something nag at the back of his mind, he accessed the most recent sensor data and fed it into his personal analytical program. The program had already been sifting through data since the Commander arrived, and the updated information didn't reveal anything new. It showed that the pirates had a lower match index than he had expected - but the tolerance he had included in the simulations allowed for several percent more.

Seeing that the new results would not change his orders, MacDuff folded his wings and began running a quick mental simulation of his own, but he didn't dedicate too much brain power to it, in order to remain sufficiently alert.