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10:59, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Hallus Station - Spacedock.

Posted by The VoidFor group 0
Chander Havail
player, 21 posts
For the glory
Of life
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 16:13
  • msg #63

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Chander of course noticed Zazan's reaction to the sword at his side the flaming falcon crossguard and sheath it set in was a clear indicator of Chander's... Trust. Indeed that trust was able to get him nearly anything he wanted if it was in line with his duties.

Admittedly someone might look at the addendum to his requisition for his familiar fieldwork kit as a little unusual but he had ordered enough and produced sufficient results to where they might just give him a ship if he said it was needed. The captain having a psiblade would actually help subdue in non-lethal fashion, something his own training was less than spectacular at, anyone who was essential but overly aggressive. She also might help him learn to apply it properly and that would make him feel a lot better about apprehending problems without wasting medical supplies.

Chander was proud of his loyalty, it was what made him almost unique. It did make some others nervous but only because they knew they didn't always try to do what was best for the Hegemony though they didn't know that it didn't always mean they were enemies. He tried his best at a reassuring smile. He would be glad he had classes about putting others at ease.
Diana Hersson
Captain, 367 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 16:44
  • msg #64

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Diana looked at Sara.

- "Not by that much, honestly. On current tech it's two power units for the navigational computer, another two for the spike drive, two more for the scoops and five for the Plasma Beam, totaling one over. Considering it's a prototype, saving even a single power unit would have it fit in a patrol boat, and Destroyers are known to have optimized power recycling for their weapons systems. If this innovation were to be introduced on other ships that's your patrol boat setup right there."

She smirked and took a deep breath.

- "Not that i'm complaining about a second full frigate mind you."

OOC: Yes, she's assuming Spike-2, but that's only natural.
Sara Gryphon
player, 12 posts
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 04:16
  • msg #65

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Turning away from the conversation in very much the same way, even in the few seconds it takes before she has to return her attention to it Sara once again snaps her attention back to Diana to speak to her directly.

”That explains where your calculations went wrong, you did not correctly hear the Captain's description of the spike drive as best in class, which necessitates the power distribution system of a full frigate in order to mount any kind of supplementary equipment in addition to the weapon.”
Diana Hersson
Captain, 368 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 05:32
  • msg #66

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Diana smiled in response.

- "In my defense, it IS a prototype, and i can only compare to contemporary hardware. Still i suppose i'll have to see her in action to determine its overall usefulness to the Squadron as a whole."
Anika Quarnstrom
NPC, 12 posts
Captain
INS-Talos
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 05:45
  • msg #67

Hallus Station - Spacedock

"She's quite the expert. Background in engineering, in fact." Anika has a calm and steady expression on her face, as if she's used to Sara being so direct and confident in her answers. "Commander, I can assure you Talos- we will demonstrate our value to your squadron as soon as we are presented with the opportunity."
Diana Hersson
Captain, 369 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 06:05
  • msg #68

Hallus Station - Spacedock

- "I do not doubt she will, Captain."

Diana turned to look up at Anika.

- "I suppose the immediate concern here is that, with the nav comp and enhanced spike drive, she will have the tendency to arrive in system hours before the rest of the squadron, leading to... potentially unfavorable engagements. As you said, she's not a slugger."
Sara Gryphon
player, 13 posts
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 09:00
  • msg #69

Re: Hallus Station - Spacedock

Not even bothering to look at her own captain when she rejoins the conversation as the captain is not looking at her Sara only returns her focus to Diana to make a more effective reply.

”While it is possible that any system will have enough hostile ships to detect, force an engagement with, and pose a serious threat to any scout ship before the main fleet arrives it is considerably more likely that the knowledge of such hostile ships gained by the scout ship in that time will have value to the fleet with minimal risk to a ship intent on evading close contact, particularly if the hostile targets can be lured into a disadvantageous position relative to the time and location of the fleet's predicted arrival.”
Anika Quarnstrom
NPC, 13 posts
Captain
INS-Talos
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 11:08
  • msg #70

Re: Hallus Station - Spacedock

"That is correct. The Talos is as fast as any Hegemony ship gets, including the Nighthawk ranger ships. The Maxim Shipyards TriPhased Spike-drive is top of the line for our engineering. Nothing we know of can outrun her."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:08, Sun 19 Sept 2021.
Diana Hersson
Captain, 370 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 11:25
  • msg #71

Re: Hallus Station - Spacedock

Diana had a somewhat doubtful look in response to Sara's words.

- "Ehh... Without going into detail, during our previous mission we ran into a superior opponent when we were still scanning planets post-Spike -- i reckon it was the source of several innovations implemented into the Talos' structure. Regardless, it would be both wise and prudent not to assume we are technologically more advanced than any enemy we might go up against. And yes, that includes the advantage of speed vital in evasive action."
Zazan Mysh
Captain, 270 posts
Commander. Ship
Master of the INV-Randver
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 13:15
  • msg #72

Re: Hallus Station - Spacedock

Zazan, noting the temperature of the conversation and its venue chimes in. "I will be glad to have your technical knowledge, we could have used you on ze last cruise.

But ze time and place for tactical discussions should be either in ze ready room or underway. Secrets can be quite....leaky in ze current space-time.
he says, referring to all of the other personnel milling about, waiting for the ceremonies to begin.
Oscar Hargrave
Captain, 238 posts
Ship Master
INS-Harald Wartooth
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 18:41
  • msg #73

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Oscar kept quiet as the senior captains spoke over the squadron's newest addition. He did speak up after Zazan did, however. "A good suggestion," he added and looked to the rest of the hangar.
Sara Gryphon
player, 14 posts
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 19:03
  • msg #74

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Finished at last with whatever it was doing Sara seems to make a conscious effort to devote the majority of her attention to the conversation.  That focus switching quickly and precisely from each person to the next as they speak their piece.  Into a longer pause than the others she offers her own assessment of the situation.

”Security is always a valid concern even if everyone within a hundred yards is wearing a service uniform there could be any number of more advanced listening devices within detection range that would take a much more detailed search than this chaos allows to find with any certainty.  We can discuss fleet activities when we are in a more secure location if you have reason to distrust this one.”
Zazan Mysh
Captain, 271 posts
Commander. Ship
Master of the INV-Randver
Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 01:51
  • msg #75

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Zazan nods, "listening devices, or an opportunistic Astraling, or a crecheling who will be captured next week. Some of our crew are serving in lieu of penal sentences and so are not motivated by patriotism or protection of ze innocent.
Diana Hersson
Captain, 371 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 08:19
  • msg #76

Hallus Station - Spacedock

- "I was merely pointing out that one should never underestimate an opponent. Any mention of alien technology is, of course, a hypothetical example to fit the quotation."

Diana smiled, before glancing around the room.

- "Besides, most of those present here have varying forms of firsthand experience with interacting with certain metaphorical elements, so what we are saying is nothing new to them even if we're being coy about it."
Zazan Mysh
Captain, 272 posts
Commander. Ship
Master of the INV-Randver
Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 13:55
  • msg #77

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Zazan is surprised at the statement. "You may have been born on Bothislia Commander, but I see much of it has left you. I have never seen a Both take secrets so lightly."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Mon 20 Sept 2021.
Chander Havail
player, 22 posts
For the glory
Of life
Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 15:12
  • msg #78

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Chander made a not so small cough and gestured onward, "I believe there are to be ceremonies afoot soon. Discussion of technical specifications and possible origins is best suited to areas Captain Mysh has already mentioned. I really don't want more paperwork than I already have ahead of me, if you all don't mind. Feel free to catch up on personal matters but at this point I must insist."
Diana Hersson
Captain, 372 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 07:14
  • msg #79

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Diana smirked in response to Zazan.

- "Both-born, but Void-raised i'm afraid... I guess that makes me more pragmatic in how i define secrets."

She turned to Chander and gave a quick nod.

- "Indeed. Shall we cut this short and take our places for the ceremony to begin?"
Volsung Takagara
NPC, 132 posts
Ship Master, INS-Angantyr
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 06:19
  • msg #80

Hallus Station - Spacedock

A tone sounds out across the public announcement system, indicating that the formal ceremony is about to begin, to cease socializing and return to your assigned seating.

The former commander of King Squadron stands at ease at the podium on a raised platform overlooking the assembly. Off to one side, there are an array of images, cycling through the faces and service numbers of the deceased along with family members, banners and flag-draped caskets and urns.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the Astral Forces and families of the honored deceased, I stand before you to today at the request of Novarch Valna to introduce my comrades, the captains of King Squadron who served under me during the opening days of what is now being called the Ultima Black campaign."

"All of you carried out your duty to your utmost, a credit to your training, your honor and your devotion to the Hegemony. There are too many of you to name in this brief introduction, but I will make special mention of Shipmaster Zazan Mysh," he gestures to Mysh, "Shipmaster  Arne Karsen who couldn't join us today, Shipmaster Oscar Hargrave and Commander Diana Hersson. Each of these officers served with unwavering faith, courage and skill against unknown and overwhelming odds in defense of the Hegemony. Although they no longer serve under my command, I am proud to have fought by their side.

Thank you all and may the Gods bless the Hegemony and the Astral Forces."


With that he steps aside, inviting one of the captains up to speak first with the din of applause and shouts of "Takagara" from the eager crowd.
Oscar Hargrave
Captain, 242 posts
Ship Master
INS-Harald Wartooth
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 17:13
  • msg #81

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Oscar rose and approached the podium, exchanging the proper greetings where required and flashing Volsung a smile as he passed. He placed his tablet on the podium, his short speech already pulled up. Looking over the crowd, nervous about spotting Arty's partner in the crowd. Oscar soldiered through the nervousness and began to read.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, no one expects to go into an unknown situation without risk. We all knew this the day we signed up. Loss still hurts. Ensign Artin Gerson was a valued member of the Fleet and a damn good officer. Medals and awards can do little to dampen the grief we feel. They will, however, ensure that the legacy of bravery lives on," he finished and presented a small plaque for the Wartooth's mess that would commemorate his former XO.

He then turned back to the podium. "Ensign Scarborough, front and center." When she had presented herself is when Oscar continued. "I hereby present to Ensign Scarborough the Naval Achievement Commendation for meritorious service while serving as Helm of the INS-Harald Wartooth during engagement with a foe of unknown capability. Her excellent maneuvering and fire control resulted in multiple confirmed strikes against a highly evasive target. By her exceptional ability, personal initiative and total dedication to duty, Ensign Scarborough reflected great credit upon herself and upheld the highest traditions of the Hegemony Naval Service," he finished and pinned the medal to her uniform. Oscar gave her a crisp salute and waited for the return one before dismissing her and ceding the podium to another captain.
Diana Hersson
Captain, 374 posts
The line between disorder
& order lies in logistics
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 18:29
  • msg #82

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Diana hadn't prepared much of a speech. She had made a few attempts, though most of her time had been absorbed with making arrangements and meetings, huddling over ship designs and blueprints and sending out letters to the various friends from college that had heard about her -- in Naval terms -- practically double promotion, the second of which she would be receiving today. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the various faces of the crew, and got started.

- "A long time ago, humanity fought over their right to exist with clubs and sharpened sticks. Over time, wooden clubs were driven out by metal swords, until those were replaced by guns. But the underlying principle remained the same: Brave men and women willing to risk their lives in order to preserve that which they loved. As those great warriors both known and unknown of the past paved their way to us, so too must we pave our way to those that come after us. During this memorial, we stand here to recognize the efforts of both the fallen and the living, to remember the part each of us must play in order to see the Hegemony blossom into a shining future. Forever throughout history, we are a family, our goal is one."

She paused for a moment, letting the silence speak for itself, before continuing.

- "Ensign Kathle Reedersen, front and center."

She waited for her XO to take position, and continued.

- "Through your actions, both during the latest mission as well as those that came before it, you have proven yourself more than capable of command. Your crew trusts you as you do them, and they do not hesitate to follow your lead. Ensign Kathle Reederson, it is my honor to hereby promote you to the rank of Ship Master. As part of your assignment, you will be given captaincy of the Valdar, and first choice of your command staff from amongst its crew. Congratulations, Ship Master Kathle Reederson."

Much like Valna had done for her a few months ago, she removed the torch-and-star of Ensign from Kathle's uniform, and replaced them with the crossed blades and rocket torch of Ship Master. For a moment, she had considered the symbolism of giving her her old ones, but that would make it feel as if she didn't fully earn her promotion. She waited for the clamor -- mostly Valdar crew, she noted -- to die down, before moving on.

- "But we are not quite done. During the previous mission, the crew of the Valdar went above and beyond rescuing survivors from the Sigfred, in addition to rescuing enemy combatants from the void without reservation or prejudice. Those prisoners were then held in the brig, and treated with respect and the utmost discipline according to regulations, proof of which being that not a single disciplinary action was noted during a time where the ship had close to three times its maximum crew count aboard. For this exemplary conduct under pressure, i have recommended the entire Valdar crew for a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Wear it with pride, for you have made the Hegemony equally proud of you."

She took the box with unit commendations and, after pinning the commendation on Kathle's uniform, handed the box to Kathle with a silent grin. She figured it would be a good note to start her official command on, and given the incompetence of her predecessor she figured Kathle had been their captain longer than she had been, so this was a nice way to acknowledge that. She herself would pin Starwings on the four crew members that had joined in the boarding action, and a Wounded Heart on the two members among them that had been injured. Once all crew members had been provided their awards, she took her place in front of Kathle, allowing her now former XO to pin the Starwings and Meritorious Unit Commendation on her own uniform in turn, before taking her place on the stage again and waiting for the Valdar crew to take their places again.

- "As Commander of King Squadron, representing Ship Master Arne Karsen, whose injuries unfortunately made him unable to join us today. Front and center, crew of the Sigfred."

As the eleven remaining crew members of the Sigfred filed in, some of them still with visible injuries, she proceeded to pin Wounded Hearts on all of them. Even if there were a rare few that had technically been uninjured during their rescue, they had received psychological injuries from their fellow crew members dying, and she wanted to acknowledge that. Karsen would receive his in the hospital, and those that had died had had theirs sent to their families along with whatever of their belongings had survived the sinking of the Sigfred. Once done, she too sat back down.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Wed 22 Sept 2021.
Zazan Mysh
Captain, 274 posts
Commander. Ship
Master of the INV-Randver
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 21:57
  • msg #83

Hallus Station - Spacedock

As the squadron commander finishes, Captain Mysh stands and makes his way across the stage. At the podium, Zazan doffs his cap and pulls up his speech on his ghost talker transceiver, the text appearing in his left eye as his right looks to the men and women assembled in the hanger.

"Harken if you please, Lords and Ladies, men and women of ze Indari Hegemony, and esteemed guests.

Today, we celebrate ze prowess of Voidmaster Prime Bayali,
gesturing to the sailor to stand and approach. Gunner of ze Randver. While under fire, she executed her role with perfection, saving lives in the process. Zazan pins the accolade and shakes her hand. Continuing on, "We celebrate ze personal actions of Commander Hersson and Captain Hargrave, and ze Troopers of ze Randver, ze Valdar, and Angantyr for boarding hostile ships. For such bravery we offer Starwings. Finally, we offer Wounded Hearts to the crews of the Angantyr, Valdar, and Randver for service and sacrifice.  Commander Hersson had issued the starwings and wounded hearts to her crew already, and Zazan and Takagara stand and pin the medals to their boarding parties and wounded, Takagara also awarding Captain Hargrave. Captain Mysh's own starwings and wounded heart he wore on his uniform are in the style of the last war, showing signs of years of polish, contrasting with the modern designs being issued today.

"I am proud of our living."

Pausing for a moment, to recenter the ceremony, Captain Mysh gesturing with a scarred hand at the assembled images of the dead. He begins.

"Today we celebrate ze sacrifices of the few. We celebrate Artin Gerson of ze Wartooth" making eye contact with Captain Hargrave. Moving on to Captain Takagara, "Sukarno, Joko Nasution, and Indrawati Sukarnoputri of ze Angantyr.", to Hersson "Of ze Sigfred, Abhainn MacAlister, Balfour Torey, Torin Dal, Uilleam Wallace, Vanora Cameron, Daileass Eilig, Ferris Gawyn, Reid Gillivray, and Struan Grear. And of ze Randver, Ngarra Cunningham and Iluka. As he spoke, the faces of each sailor named appeared on screen, one after another. Captain Mysh paused, allowing the weight of the names and the faces be felt by those in attendance.

For some it iz enough to fight for ze Hegemony, fulfilling patriotic duty.
For some, it iz enough to fight for home, to protect family, community, and ze innocent.
For some, it iz enough to fight for money and for prestige, preparing for ze future ahead."


Zazan now looks to the men and women of the Randver, making eye contact Yinnar and the rest of his crew he knows came from the prisons of Athlas III

But for some who there iz no choice, for some ze past has laid out a path straight into danger, perhaps to death. I did not expect such men and women to fight for lofty ideals or places long since abandoned or an uncertain future.

Our paths converged within our ships, metal skinned beasts that breath plasma and electricity. Deep in ze black, under threat of death, individuals fall way. The souls of man and steel combine and motivations seldom exist in ze nanoseconds of combat. Ze men and women of ze Randver, of King Squadron, joined by fate, fought for each other, for mutual survival, and some paid ze ultimate price so that others may live.

I am proud of our fallen. "


He casts one final glance at the crew of the Randver before surveying the whole of King Squadron and finally turning to make eye contact with the dignitaries assembled and his fellow officer corp. Zazan steps off the podium and barks, HAIL ZE GLORIOUS DEAD and snaps a salute at the images.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Wed 22 Sept 2021.
The Void
GM, 1024 posts
The Judgement
of Deep Space
Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 06:52
  • msg #84

Hallus Station - Spacedock

The moment Hargrave began to lean into his speech, there was a spell laid over the crowd. They  hang on his every world. His sorrow was theirs, his joy and hope, shared with them with will timed eager applause and shouts of praise that might have been considered disciplinary breaches in times of peace.

By the time Commander Herrson leads into her own oration, the audience is clearly spellbound. a sense of shared pride, of pain, anger, duty and purpose swells to the throats of all who attend. There are glimmers of tears welling in the eyes of spacers and officers alike throughout the hanger bay. Although you are focused on the transpiring exhultation of the squadron, others who were not originally party to this ceremony are watching from all sides of the vast chamber, attached to gravity fields above, below and all around in a 3D space agnostic of the concept of "Down."

The applause is even more rapid, zealous at the conclusion of her speech and at the rise of Zazan Mysh to the podium.

As he begins to speak, another hush falls over the crowd and all onlookers. For a moment, it seems as if every heartbeat present is in sync as if you are one vast organism of many parts. Each of the departed, a fallen friend to all, each of the living an honored family member. The slow passing of a colossal Hegemony battleship outside the bay magnetic fields goes almost entirely unnoticed as the combined charisma, heroism and passion of three captains of the Hegemony in succession bind everyone present into a tale of larger than life achievement, of challenges overcome, of sacrifice nobly made for all.

By the end of his speech, there is absolute silence in a space larger than any cathedral ever built on old Earth, larger than any structure known to man in any century before the Interstellar Age. The stars and planets and suns and ships outside drift in silent backdrop to this crescendo of conviction.

And then...

"HAIL ZE GLORIOUS DEAD"

The trance is broken and hundreds rise to their feet as one, raising their fists into the air, shouting with a single unbroken voice in response. "HAIL THE GLORIOUS DEAD!"

"HAIL THE HEGEMONY!"

The feeling is electric, you can feel the charge in the air all around you, through you, connecting you all as the applause is thunderous, echoing in the vast hanger. Officers and spacers alike rush to Zazan, placing their hands on his shoulders, offering to shake his hand and drowning him in words of praise as all around Herrson and Hargrave, they do the same to them, seeking out and surrounding whoever is closest with warm accolade.

Master Star Commander Valna steps up to relieve you, and you can see she is moved by this, her eyes glisten ever so slightly and she has a smile on her face you've never seen before, something pure and genuine, breaking through her hardened heart. For those of your who are more spiritual or devout, you swear you can feel the presence of Kares Nekhen here, pleased with you for such inspiration wartime leadership.

She has to wait to address the crowd as the fervor surges over all of you and slowly dies down.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:52, Fri 24 Sept 2021.
Chander Havail
player, 27 posts
For the glory
Of life
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 00:24
  • msg #85

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Chander enjoyed a good speech as much as the next but those were pretty good. He eagerly awaited what would follow. He always felt very odd at rest. Especially after Vul Belt. He had found his skill set that put him in a useful place in the Hegemony. He longed to be useful, working again. Meetings were less useful, ceremony was important and would get no disrespect.

He doubted he could much effect the stealth of something so large as a ship much less a fleet. He would have to learn new skills and a new place. He enjoyed challenge. Maybe his name had been fate after all.
Sara Gryphon
player, 16 posts
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 01:43
  • msg #86

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Just as attentive to the speeches as she was to everything before them Sara sits in her designated place silently watching.  It seems as if she follows most of the conversation and the details hidden beneath it as well as anyone who was part of the events, but that could just as easily be a form of mimicry behind her smiles and nodding pattern.
Essena Valna
NPC, 10 posts
Sat 2 Oct 2021
at 10:57
  • msg #87

Hallus Station - Spacedock

Master Star Commander's speech would have barely remembered after the other three, compared to you in this moment, she was a faded star and she could not hide this nor perhaps did she want to.


(OOC: Move onto the Ready Room too set up the Mission Briefing.)
This message was last edited by the player at 10:57, Sat 02 Oct 2021.
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