The massive hanger space sprawls out inside the concave side of the station, gravity panels on all surfaces allow for maximum space usage. It's a bit disorienting to a surfacer, but any spacer is used to being able to look up and see "upside down" people and equipment on the far "ceiling" of a hanger. Equipment, personnel and small craft cover all sides of the hanger except for the opening to the void, protected by a force field to keep the atmosphere contained. Beyond this, the huge arms of the docking spars project out within the curve of the station, where your vessels are waiting. Your crews meet you here on the deck and the noise and bustle of early morning work is all around you. Each of you, except for the captain of the Harald Wartooth have 20 men and women waiting for them in formation.

Arne moves to his crew, and is lucky enough to have them queued first on the deck; he's not had much time to prepare, yet on the other hand, he's had years to prepare for this moment.

He pulls up in front of his team, and with the bearing and history of House Lofót, and all his years in Academy snaps off a top-10 snappy salute.

On it's return, he speaks - "At ease, Sigfred.  I am Master Arne Karsen; and just moments ago, Master Star Commander Essena Valna named me as Master of our ship.  It is an honor and a privilege for me to be here today, and be your new leader.

I have four main principles that I hope you will adopt and by which I intend to lead the Sigfred.

The first of these is Leadership.  Starting with me and extending to everyone else on the Sigfred, we all must lead ourselves first with Integrity and Purpose.  I practice what I preach and will expect that from every Officer and every Rate.  We can and will perform to the highest efficiency possible.

The next is Teamwork.  An inspired group of committed people working together for a common cause.  We will work as a team.  Reaching our goals will require individual excellence, but we will not be working in competition with each other.  We will be working in collaboration with each other.

The next is Work; Effort.  We will be taking substantial risks and mistakes may happen.  All of us must strive for best result that serves the Mission.  The unpardonable sin will be not giving your work your best effort, not caring about the quality of your work, or not getting better as we strive to be the best we can be.

The last is Results.  Everything we do will add value and contribute to the Mission.  I expect we will be the leaders by example in our role, highly respected the fleet, feared by any enemies of the Hegemony, and loved by the people who we protect and serve.

Sail with me, for the Astral Force and for the Hegemony.  The stature of our homelands are no more than the measure of ourselves.  Our job is to keep them free.  Our will is to keep the torch of the Hegemony; our freedoms, our civilizations, burning for all who come to us in peace and solidarity.  To this solemn purpose we have been called - the young, the brave, the strong, and the free.  Heed my call; Sail with me."

"Ratings you are dismissed to the vessel; Department Leaders to me, please."

"Department Leaders, at ease.  What still needs doing before we cast of at XX00? I expect to have an all-captain's meeting, but I want nothing undone prior to cast off, or I want to know what delays us, such that the departure needs be pushed back.  A quick stand-up then: Astrogation, do you have our course? If so, make ready. If not, you will; stand by.  Comms - you're a go? Deck - 100%? Engineering - 100% Systems Ready? Weapons - 100% Locked?"

OCC: I'm guessing that with a compliment of 20, the Sigfred has Astro, Comms, Deck, Engineering, and Weapons.  Any other departments?

Diana calmly walked over to the crew of the ship she had been assigned to, radiating a presence of calm and decisiveness. Like she had told Oscar a while ago, she had been an XO for a good six months, and even if that was on an Academy ship, it was leadership experience nonetheless. She felt it would actually work to her advantage, given that the crew now under her command was less jittery than a number of students would be, but in the end, it would ultimately come down to how well they could coordinate their efforts with the other ships of the patrol fleet.

She took up a position opposite to the crew, and waited for the other captains to get in position as well. Volsung would need to be the first to call his crew to attention, him being the designated squadron leader, after which they would each do so in turn in an organized manner. Even in a modern society such as theirs there were still rituals to adhere to.

Captain Takagara stood and surveyed the men and women of King Squadron at easy parade rest. Two captains to his left, two to the right. Eight-six spacers of the Indari Astral Service. Four combat-ready corvettes and a tender.

Surely sufficient to scout and pacify a supposedly empty system on the edge of the Dead Zone?

"Welcome to King Squadron, sailors!", he called out, voice firm though he would have preferred in many ways to have a smallcraft to himself, alone in the Black

"For some of you, this will be your first venture into the Black. For others, your last. Regardless, I expect each to do their duty, to serve the Hegemony and House Indari... to bring pride to the uniforms you wear"

"Captains, tend to your crew and ships!"

He smiled as Karsen leapt into action, firm and clear, and turned his attention to the spacer of the Angantyr

After Volsung had made his speech, and Arne had as well, Diana began her address to the crew.

- "Crew of the Valdar. I am certain that a number of you have already looked at the ships gathered here, and whispered rumors of the kind of mission we will be flying. Some of these may actually prove correct. But regardless of where we end up going, know that we will have each others' backs. We will go, we will do what we were assigned to do, and in a few months time we will all be back home enjoying some well earned shore leave."

She paused for a few seconds, then turned to her officers.

- "XO, Voidmasters, there will be a meeting in T minus one hour regarding the operational status of the Valdar, please have your departmental reports ready by then. You are dismissed."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Wed 29 Jan 2020.

Captain Mysh, in similar fashion to the others salutes and upon return addresses his crew.

"At ease....Whether it iz by design (divine or otherwise) or by the random forces of the universe, we have been brough together to man our craft, da INV-Randver. his accent strongly accentuating the letters. His voice gruff and strong.

I too once stood where you stand, and I know dat our causes for joining as different as dey come. Some join for money, some for duty, some for a future for you and your family, while othas join to escape a past. But today, one thing unifies us all.

You, along wiv De men and vomen who stand beside you are now an extension of this behemoth. We are itz circulatory system, itz lungs, itz nerves, with out us it cannot live, with out it, we are exposed to the black.

It iz my solemn duty to guide dis beast through the void, both metal and flesh. I will rely upon you to aid me in this task.

Let us begin. Please to your stations and prepare to deliver your reports in situ."

Zazan proceeds to board and begins his initial inspections.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Wed 29 Jan 2020.

Whilst his captains saw to their own, Volsung turned to the officers and enlisted of the Angantyr. His words were clear, his expectations simple, having spent some hours following their briefing working through the Master Star Commander's material, "We cast off at oh-six-hundred. All stations will report readiness to me and stand by for inspection. We sail for Ultima Black, keeping it for the Hegemony..."

Oscar looked at the other captains preparing their crews and then looked to his own. They all had three times his number in a crew. Oscar did not let it dissuade him. Standing in front of the men and women that would form his command, he was silent for a moment. Inhaling deeply and taking just as big an exhale, Oscar spoke in a clear, commanding tone. "Crew of the Harald Wartooth, I am Ship Master Oscar Hargrave, your new commanding officer. I want you to look around you. I am not going to stand on speeches, but I do want you to understand one thing. We are going to be the lifeblood of this squadron. We are going to ensure that for everything the Black throws at this squadron to knock it down, we will be the support for it to stand back up. Take it to heart. Expect personal meetings with me so that we can get to know each other. Until then, ensure all stores are secure and accounted for. We set sail in the next twenty-four hours. Dismissed," he concluded and turned to give a nod to Volsung that he was complete and ready to move forward.

With the crew settled, pending any command staff meetings, Oscar began a visual inspection and walk-around of his new command.

Captain Oscar Hargrave of the INS-Harald Wartooth Knarr-class Corvette Tender

Your crew is not only enthusiastic, but also devoted. They welcome you fully as commanding officer. Of course, this is only a handful of men and women, but you are already at home with your crew. They are already tightly bonded and they are happy to induct you into their social acceptance. In addition, they understand the chain of command personally. Each of them knows their duty and you soon learn, all of them are veteran spacers.

Captain Volsung Takagara of the INS-Angantyr Karvi-class Assault Corvette

Your men are eager to battle, but they are somewhat inexperienced. Most of them have never seen real combat, but you see them viewing you as someone to look up to. You noble status is not a secret and they see you as a sort of a celebrity, always asking you about your exploits, but their discipline leads something to be desired.

Captain Zazan Mysh of the INS-Randver Karvi-class Assault Corvette

Your men are not what you would expect. A ragtag group of spacers, many of who have been drafted over the years or pulled in from other endeavors and now here they are, manning your Assault Corvette. Frankly, you see they are not ready for battle. You will have to whip them into shape.

Captain Diana Herrson of the INS-Valdar Snekkja-class Interceptor Corvette

Your crew is both skilled and determined. Most of them have previously served on cutters, corvettes, patrol boats and frigates, used to fighting small actions with smaller warships. They welcome you gladly as their previous CO, you learn, was something of a political appointee, not in any way qualified. He ended up resigning and leaving the post open for you and they seem quite happy about that and to have you.

Captain Arne Karsen of the INS-Sigfred Langskip-class Skirmish Corvette

Your men are not what you would expect. A ragtag group of spacers, many of who have been drafted over the years or pulled in from other endeavors and now here they are, manning your Skirmish Corvette. Frankly, you see they are not ready for battle. You will have to whip them into shape.

The next step is to take your vessels out into the Black of space and proceed to drill into the next system.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:51, Sun 09 Feb 2020.

Upon the arrival of her personal belongings, Diana had the crew assemble in the briefing room again.

- "Right then, now that we're about to get underway, i will inform you of our current assignment. We are to spike out to Ultima Black for an extended patrol, along with the Harald Wartooth, Angantyr, Randver and Sigfred. In addition, as a gesture from me, i have bought shields for each crew member, to add to your personal gear. As i shield you, i request you shield me in turn."

With a brief nod, she motioned to her XO.

- "I will leave crew schedules to my XO. One thing i'd like to ensure is to have a full compliment of crew manning all stations upon spiking in and out, all else will be left upon the XOs authority while i get more familiar with interpersonal work relations among the crew. That is all."

She then stepped aside, waiting for the XO to say a word as well, before dismissing the crew to their stations. The meeting with her Viodmasters would come later and she had already informed them of it during the initial welcoming ceremony, so there was no need to bring it up again now.

Zazan tours his vessel, first with a brief survey of the exterior, matching systems to the ships drawings he had studyed. Once aboard he wasted no time putting eyes on each department and jotting notes next to the manifest and his already marked up drawings.

Seeing and interacting with his crew, he felt a slight unease. A group of crisp sailors would have been easier to deal with, but these spacers might need a Bothislian touch. He made a note to go over shipboard discipline with his XO when he got a chance.

Oscar felt the lines of his ship as he toured it. Each component, each tool, each passageway had been taken care of. Though they were small and not a combat focused crew, Oscar knew he was lucky. Already he could tell the signs of experience in the men and women of his command. Small, personal touches that only time in the Black could teach were important. Oscar allowed a smile to himself as he roamed the ship.

After greeting each spacer by rate and name, Oscar input meeting times each morning as he made a rough schedule in his tablet regarding the crew. They would be more than ship’s personnel. They would be a family.

Rituals and rites, considered Volsung as he oversaw his crew preparing to cast off. They were essential in the Black, the means for warding off accidents and ensuring the ship ran true.

He could see why his men hadn't found the value in them, rushed into the berths too swiftly following the war with the brotherhood. He could see why they clung to his minor celebrity. He could see where such things might lead.

Sighing inwardly, he leant on that, redirected it. He told tales of discipline, shared why the standing watch was relieved in a precise manner, the value in a trim bunk and shared comedies - and tragedies - of what happened when such things fell by the wayside. His stories tried for subtlety, parables rather than sermons or the patronising fables of the interactive media of his own youth. He wanted them to find their way to such things, to build them into habits. But he was strict outside the tales and the stories, his boundaries clear and unambiguous

In reply to Diana Hersson (msg # 10):

Ensign Kathle Reedersen stepped forward at attention. She was tall, having the build of someone who grew up in microgravity. Unusual for this day and age, but there were still people who lived that way, due to poverty, cultural or religious reasons. Modern medical science would had resolved the complications long ago and she had obviously been cleared by the Military Medical Review Board. She looked down at you with a measure of respect and anticipation as she offered a resolute look on her face.

"Aye aye ma'am. We'll have that squared away ASAP." The tall slender woman turned to the other 18 members of the crew. "Valdar, dismissed!"

The crew concisely broke formation and filed out into the corridors back towards their ship, looking to be a well drilled and well prepared crew.

"Permission to speak, ma'am?" Your XO had returned to you once the crew had exited the briefing room. There was an eagerness about her, that was for certain in your mind.

In reply to Zazan Mysh (msg # 11):

Ensign Joyce Wardiaz was a patchwork thing. Strong, tall and broadly built with patch works of scar tissue all across her face and hands. Both her eyes were artificially grown and mismatching colors and her hair was an old spacer's implant, having long ago lost all her natural hair to hard radiation. A hint of faded tattoos peak out beneath her collar and wrists.

There was a weariness in her eyes and she stank slightly of gin, her uniform not clean, pressed or sitting rightly on her frame. She offered a quick snap salute though.

"Skipper. What're your orders?"

The rest of the crew stood there somewhat unevenly, watching you as if evaluating what was going on.

In reply to Oscar Hargrave (msg # 12):

Ensign Artin Gerson is more machine than man at this point and he does not bother to hide it. Both his eyes, his ears and his mouth and nose are replaced with obviously cybernetic implants. Tubes sprout from his neck and coil around down his back. Both arms and both legs appear to be machinery that he does not bother to hide. Unlike the more discrete cybernetics that are common place, he appears to flaunt his augmentations with the panels and skins cut away to show the obviously unnatural mechanics of his new body. The skin he does have is fresh, as if it was grafted onto replace something horribly damaged.

Leading the five members of your crew, he approaches you precisely and speaks in a somewhat charming and entirely unexpected upper-class Phoenix accent through his voice box.

"It's our honor to receive you, Ship Master. The Harald Wartooth has been made ready for your inspection, sir."

The other men and women are as still as statues, none of them are as obviously augmented as Artin is, however.

In reply to Volsung Takagara (msg # 13):

Ensign Bertim Carte is a career military man through and through. Though young, he's already served on a number of vessels and worked his way up through the ratings to earn his commission. He is cut from a different cloth than many spacers and you can see in his face and his bearing that he takes nothing more serious than this.

The rest of the crew is certainly green, though perhaps so are you in comparison to your peers. You instantly get the impression that Ensign Carte is uncertain of you, but is doing his utmost to conduct himself as befits an Officer of the Astral Forces and the Executive Officer of the INS-Angantyr

"Captain. We're ready to cast off. What are your orders?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

In reply to Ensign Kathle Reedersen (msg # 14):

- "Always."

Diana gave a brief nod, and motioned for her to sit down if she wanted to.

- "What is it?"

In reply to Ensign Artin Gerson (msg # 16):

Oscar nodded and smiled. “I look forward to working with you, XO,” he said, pronouncing the letters in the title individually. He gestured for his executive officer to follow behind him. Approaching the group of spacers, Oscar greeted each one after saluting and looking them over by shaking their hand. He couldn’t have been happier to have such professionals. Once he was done with the personnel inspections and introductions he turned back to Ensign Gerson.

“Lead the way, XO. It’ll be best if you give the tour. You know the quirks of this ship much better than me. Also, you’ll have to tell me what mods you have. I am sporting the Sabertronics Z-Line Optics Mark 9,” he finished while pointing to his own, more subtle implants. Looking closely, the tell-tale shimmer of metallic iris’ could be seen. Currently, the cosmetics were set to a light gray, bordering on blue.

In reply to Ensign Joyce Wardiaz (msg # 15):
With a small, wry smile, Commander Mysh addresses the bridge crew. "As zis is a ship, we are setting off for ze Float. Specifically we are for ze Ultima Black system. We of King Squadron are to search ze system and investigate as to ze reason for our listening outposts going silent. We are operating on limited intelligence, so be prepared for trouble from ze moment we spike in. Please make ready for departure and I will give further directions directly."

Zazan turns back to the XO before him.

"But ah, Ensign Wardiaz please walk with me." Leaning in to whisper to the disheveled XO "Zis shall be ze last time I see you in such a state. Elsewise you will be confined to ze Brig with three days bread and water. I hope zis provides clarity as to ze gravity of your position, nie? I cannot have you dispense discipline when you could be mistaken for an Astraling. ".

Zazan begins acting upon his observations during inspection and working directly with his crew to  smooth out the rough spots as the Randvar starts going through the checks.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

In reply to Ensign Bertim Carte (msg # 17):

"Excellent, XO", offered Volsung in a soft tone, though one that brooked no softness within, "Signal our readiness to the rest of the Kings Squadron and request they confirm their own status and ETA; command wants us in the Black as early as possible but as a squadron"

Studying the Ensign's serious manner, he let his lips curl in a smile, "Once everyone is underway, I expect there to be a captain's conference. I will want your opinion on the crew, the Angantyr and our proposed operations between then and when we hit the spike limit, Ensign"

"Unless there are any pressing matters that require more urgent attention?", he concluded

In reply to Diana Hersson (msg # 18):

She stayed standing, showing respect to a superior officer, especially one she is not familiar with. "Captain, I appreciate your gesture to us." she refers to the shields. "I think it is symbolic and I approve of it, however, please be careful with showing such familiarity with your crew, at least at this point. They are eager to please now, but they also remember the last captain who was not respected. He was too soft, too feckless. I recommend you set a strong example in your discipline first, show them that you are different and they will lay down their lives for you."

She bows to you in the way of the Deep Spacers, showing respect and deference. This is a personal gesture, not a military one.

"I will shield you as you have pledged to shield us."

She seems to have said her piece and waits to be dismissed.

In reply to Oscar Hargrave (msg # 19):

The rest of your small crew is clearly seasoned and prepared. They greet you with ease and respect and you can tell that they approve of your first impression.


Ensign Gerson follows you like a shadow, his bulk and size is somewhat intimidating perhaps, but he also moves with a swiftness that seems unlikely for his mechanical form. As you look for a tour, he leads you towards a gantry tube that leads to the Harald Wartooth.

Stepping aboard, he salutes you, welcome you aboard as commanding officer along with the rest of the crew in the small corridor. You are now, officially, in command. From there, he leads you deeper into the ship and you notice that his augmentations retract and fold in somewhat, allowing him a smaller frame onboard the ship. He makes no note of it and no one else seems to notice or care.

Artin chuckles. "I'm not a huge fan of Sabertronics. Most of what I have is custom or highly modified. I do have Marran v6.1 Digieyes as they are the latest service-approved version for uberbaseline ocular implants. My spinal column and powerpack is based on the Helix Systems Atlas Plus series core system package. The rest of it..." He shrugs "My partner is a cybersurgeon on Haven."

He leads you down the spinal corridor of the vessel and stops at a large door, opening it with a keypad to reveal a mostly empty cargo bay packed only with a few crates stuck down in the center. "Cargo bay. Pretty straight forward. Sixty tons. Not really using it much right now... that's basically a poker table." He gestured at the crates.

Further down the hall, he travels down some steps into a massive engineering department, housing the Class-2 Spike Drive and fusion powerplant. It's as noisy as any other ship and full of warning notices and electrical panels. He also points out a hatch that leads down to the extended fuel storage.

From there, he takes you to the armory, ships locker, showing you the weapons, armor, and equipment offered for the ship. Pretty much anything you could need is available here in numbers suitable for the size of the crew.

After this, he takes you back towards the bow of the ship and shows you the workshops. They take up a decent amount of space, but they are heavily patched into the power conduits. From here, you can manufacture or fabricate nearly any part you might need for any military purpose. The systems are modular and indeed can fabricate parts to expand their own capabilities if necessary. The only real limitation is digital blueprints and raw materials, the latter of which are currently being used as a poker table and chairs.

One the way to back to the bow, you see the lifeboat hatches installed along the floor.

You enter the bridge. It's large for a ship of this size, providing space for a small crew to combat loneliness and confinement in the Black, but there's a lot of space on board the Knarr-class. You have a offset seat to the starboard side of the bridge while two other crew stations stand ahead of you and to your portside. The center as pilot and tactical, and the far left handling sensors and comms.

In reply to Zazan Mysh (msg # 20):

Ensign Wardiaz waits to the side while you give your orders directly. As you ask her to follow, she does and at your chastisement, you can feel her tensing at that but she seems to get over and nods. "As you command, skipper." Her mismatched eyes narrow slightly. "It won't happen again." She follows you to the docking tube to the Randver, a starship named after a legendary viking king like the rest of the squadron. The XO enters first and you find your ragged crew mustered to greet you and acknowledge your new command.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:25, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

In reply to Volsung Takagara (msg # 21):

"As you order, Ship Master." He turned back to the crew. "Angantyr, prepare to cast off and get under way." The crew files off orderly to the ship, presumably getting everything ready to go before you launch and break for the outer rim.

"Ship Master, my only concern is that for the mission and my crew. There are questions about why are we carrying out what appears to be routine milk run in an otherwise desolate star system." He paused. "You may be surprised, but yes, we hear rumors before orders are ever issued."

"As for my opinion, I can give you that now." The Angantyr's executive officer continues, "The crew is devoted and disciplined, but they lack experience. They're mostly newly enlisted and I find this concerning. They should still be in training units, if I may be frank. As far as the Angantyr herself... she's a good ship. She has legs for patrol, she can dip into an atmosphere to attack surface targets if needed and she's got more survivability than some vessels I've served on. In terms of firepower, that Plasma Cannon will slag most ships in her class with a few hits and she's fast enough to catch anything she can kill and outrun anything she can't. The assault pods make it easy to tear open the hull of any freighter we come across... those boarding tubes will punch right through an airlock in a few seconds and like that your men can be across to the other side, taking quick control."

Taking a breath, he continued. "As far as the mission. I think it's a milk run, not worthy of a squadron of corvettes. However... this crew is inexperienced. Perhaps it's for the best. I doubt we're going to do much than spend a standard month scanning continents and asteroids, finding nothing but ice and rock."

In reply to Ensign Kathle Reedersen (msg # 22):

Diana nodded in return.

- "No need to worry, i already have something in mind. Now that i have you alone, there is a readiness drill i'd like to plan."

She took a deep breath, and continued.

- "You are to visit all the Void Masters individually, ask them for a date and time during the Spike, and that they do not share the selected date and time with anyone. Then, at said random dates and times selected, there will be a readiness drill where the ship will be put on full alert, with all stations to be manned. Each department will be timed, with the losing department earning themselves two or three days of latrine duty. For combat readiness, fast and efficient response is key, obviously we cannot be expected to comm an ambushing ship and ask them to wait five minutes for us to get ready to fire back, so i would like to emphasize this while we are Spiking."

She smirked.

- "The Void Masters also are not to be made aware of these drills beforehand and those times and dates are to remain a secret even to me, nor will i be exempt from punishment if i end up tardy. I have no intention of playing favorites, nor hold myself to a different standard than i would my crew. And if a time and date does end up getting leaked... well, we would be aware of who would not place a lot of value in discretion."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

In reply to Ensign Joyce Wardiaz (msg # 24):

As the crew of the Randver get to their stations to execute their assignments, the short frame of Commander Mysh is seen energetically walking the length of the ship. He focuses on identifying and questioning deficiencies (with instructions to follow up forwarded to the XO). He also clearly expresses a number of personal expectations specifically regarding cleanliness and order in the armory, the engineering deck, and the bridge.

In reply to Ensign Bertim Carte (msg # 25):

Captain Takagara nodded at his XOs worries as they were enumerated, letting him exorcise them fully before he spoke in response. His words were considered, spoken slowly as he watched how they were received.

"She is an excellent ship, the Angantyr, XO", he began with clear pleasure, "Her capabilities well-suited for handling raiders and smugglers, illicit operations and any scouting remnants of the Brotherhood we root out"

"It will be our task to season her crew, to ensure she can fulfil her potential", he suggested, reframing the XO's concerns as both challenge and duty, "It is a task I have undertake before, on the Chagatai for her combat pilots. Devotion and discipline will help, a firm foundation for learning if we are granted the time..."

"If the rumours you have heard are true, then we may be, but too long and they may lose the edge we give them..."

"But the Astra Force believes differently than the rumours, else they would not send a squadron, not for a milk run, not even to season them. No, I think they have heard other rumours and that are what we must seek out, Ensign"

Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile, "Now, let us be aboard and you can show me the ship whilst we make ready to cast off"

In reply to Ensign Artin Gerson (msg # 23):

Oscar nodded and made the appropriate comments and asked pertinent questions when required. He noted the spacious interior and his upbringing screamed at him that something was wrong, there was too much space to deal with. Ever since leaving Bothislia even the spaces aboard ships could seem vast. He pushed the feelings aside and resumed paying attention to Ensign Gerson.

When they were finished and on the bridge, Oscar looked over the three seats and rubbed his chin. "I would like your thoughts on something, XO. We are getting ready to follow the rest of the squadron into an unknown situation on the frontier. I think that we should run duty shifts in pairs for 8 hours until we arrive in the target system. We will then shift to the battle rhythm duty shifts of 12 hours in trios. Do you agree?"

Arne, once aboard, has the XO beat to General Quarters; he knows what bad discipline looks like, and this isn't as bad as it is sloppy; lackadaisical.

But lackadaisical gets you just as dead.

"Im glad to see everyone at their post, and in good order too." It wouldn't do to be overly critical out of the gate, but there were problems here that couldn't be resolved quickly...or alone.
're
After the basic tour, Arne calls for his department heads to the bridge in 10 minutes; and pulls his XO into the bridge alone.

"Clear the bridge please; I'd like a moment with my ship and my XO."

Once the bridge is clear, Arne click-clicks his tongue; "Do you feel like there's a lot of work to do? I feel like there's a lot of work to do. Why don't you tell me a bit about the station heads, and the prior captain.

Once all the station heads are in, Arne makes clear, again, his four principles.  Then, hand to where his house blade would be, he faces them all; "As you were."  he looks to them all.  "We're going into harm's way, and the fastest way to die is to not know that you're in danger.  Right now, we're in danger, and not just to ourselves.  We're the only vessel of our type, and be the best that means people are relying on us.  The other ships, sure - but our entire civilization, our whole way of life may turn on us helping our crewmembers be the best they can be - to be the men and women that every citizen of the hegemony will look up to.

I ask you, in the name of all that is good in the all the worlds, will you do this with me?
 Will you give your sacred honor?"

Following the pep talk, Arne wants a time line for an extended briefing with each department head, and a 5 minute 'stand-up' right now, before any Captain's meeting.

OCC: sorry again about the blank-out
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

The massive hanger space sprawls out inside the concave side of the station, gravity panels on all surfaces allow for maximum space usage. It's a bit disorienting to a surfacer, but any spacer is used to being able to look up and see "upside down" people and equipment on the far "ceiling" of a hanger. Equipment, personnel and small craft cover all sides of the hanger except for the opening to the void, protected by a force field to keep the atmosphere contained. Beyond this, the huge arms of the docking spars project out within the curve of the station, where your vessels are waiting.

Unlike your last time here, this place has been decorated with podiums, banners and emblems of the Hegemony as well as images of the fallen, epitaphs to the lost crew and the Sigfred herself. All attending in their dress uniforms and camera crews around to record the events for family members who couldn't make it to the ceremony, part award ceremony for medals but also a memorial for men and women fallen in battle. Your commander, newly promoted Visarch Essena Valna is here to hand out medals, make a speech and in general conduct the dignity of the squadron on this station.

New members of the squadron are here as well, a mysterious new captain known only as Sara Gryphon has joined you as has Herrson's new XO, Chander. Volsung Takagara is in attendance, although he seems in a somber mood and as you all know, Arne Karsen is still in a coma, yet to awake from the brutal wound he received in the line of duty.

Before the Visarch will take part, you each have a speech to make, short or long and present medals to your own crew as you see fit. This ceremony is all about your crews, ships, your squadron.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:36, Wed 15 Sept 2021.

Agent Havail preferred to go by his first name after getting to know his teams better but knew that it was going to be his job to buffer for his new CO. He wasn't sure how good he was going to be though he knew he had all the qualifications. He was decorated, he was apparently capable... He knew he would be useful to have around on a personnel level he was just a little anxious about it all. Team leader to nearly ship leader. Most people wouldn't even see the man of only average grace as Shivari. Part of the reason he had been inducted. Despite all his... Averageness- he had a record and mindset that was anything but.

That averageness was certainly put into the background here, while wearing his crisp dress uniform because his perseverance was pretty much his only unusual trait.  He moved among the crowd and the sea of people and equipment parted around him like he existed in a different phase of reality. His ceremonial skana was an impractical weapon for him but he'd be damned if it didn't gleam more since it came to him than any time in its existence.

The unlikelihood of someone he had to kill being here did make him a little on edge, his mind not even consciously calculating the variables for stopping key people in the bay to allow egress.

By reflex he snapped sharply to attention and his instinctive listening to his precognition had him give a respectful if slightly sharp, "Ma'am," though he didn't cognitively know who he was addressing.

Diana arrived in the Spacedock, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. It was the size of the room, she decided, looking up and seeing people walk on what her senses told her should have been the ceiling was making her somewhat disoriented. Mostly to distract herself, she gave a quick look over her shoulder to see if she could spot the face of Chander, her new XO, but her fairly short height made it difficult to make out much among the hundred-or-so crew members that made up King Squadron. She wondered if among the sea of unfamiliar faces beyond those of her own crew, the new arrivals were present as well. Knowing the Hegemony, they probably were.

Taking a deep breath, she turned around again after giving Kathle, her former XO, a smile, and waited for the others to arrive in time for the ceremony to begin. She figured her new XO must have already spotted her, as her hair and height made her easy to pick out of a crowd provided she reached above shoulder height of the people around her, but she did not have the opportunity to go walking across the seating area looking for someone just to make small talk. She felt eyes would be on her enough as it was, given that she had only been an Ensign mere months ago.

His reflexive action brought him out of his reverie and he saw the distinct woman he was apparently behind. He repeated a more proper salutation again this time adding, maybe a bit of unnecessary formality, "Captain, Chander Havail reporting as ordered."

Having only one blade kill in his career his awards looked more like an assault trooper of much larger presence. His callsign of Harbinger hardly fit him face to face. "It's my first assignment to a ship as anything other than security, so please be gentle with me, Ma'am. I hope to keep the small details out of your way day to day so you can handle the larger picture things."

Off to the side stocky Zazan stands next to his tall  XO discussing cyberware as Zazan shows some of the cyberware he recently acquired.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Wed 15 Sept 2021.

Oscar entered the hangar and looked at the assembled group. He habitually rubbed his mustache before quickly stopping and forcing his hands to be still. Seeing Zazan speaking with his XO and Diana talking to someone new, Oscar made his way to mingle with various attendants and dignitaries in attendance. More than once he caught himself about to run his hand over the freshly shaved scalp and the multiple new cyberports and criss-crossing sub-dermal wires running down his neck.

Diana returned Chander's salute after it had been her new XO that initiated it, smiling in response to his introduction.

- "Not to worry, i've found XO duties to be quite similar to security in that it requires you to identify problems before they become a problem. You'll be fine."

Of course, she didn't know the kind of security Chander had been referring to due to his mostly redacted file, so her definition of problem solving was quite possibly very different from the ones Chander had been used to solving. A common misunderstanding.

Chander nodded giving no indication of his own definition of dealing with the problems. His team in Vul was in need of almost everything nearly all the time, with no hope of resupply. They had used more enemy supplies than Hegemony ones. He still had a case of bullets that belonged to some faction that he wasn't sure even existed anymore. The good news was, he got familiar with rationing and making supplies go a little further with almost no decrease in quality for the troops.

He wondered how often it would be called upon. "The team is a bit larger than my last but I've also heard you have extraordinary care for your people. I admire that and promise that you can be as lenient or aloof as you feel is needed. I will ensure safety and discipline. Unless it is skilled mechanics I can be your guy. The more we keep internal sensors online the more I can do from just one station.

Did you have any questions for me or want to meet anyone in particular before we move on? I can be your choice of discrete or shock and awe," he offered.

Commander Takagara is there, although he sits alone. His promotion was already secured and it seems he is destined to be returned to the Takagara Home Fleet for assignment having proven himself enough in the wider world to be brought back into the trusted fold. A typical fate of any nobleborn sent out in the Great Black to prove their mettle.

He is focused on his datapad and doesn't look up, it doesn't take much empathy to see that he's not exactly pleased about what is happening but he is expected to take part in his duties and meet his obligations all the same. Unless someone approaches him and attempts to get his attention, he simply sits out the entire ceremony until the end and then promptly leaves.

"Frankly, that is why I prefer the Nethros Consortium... their equipment might be expensive and hard to come by... as well as proscribed in some regions, but you cannot fault their craftsmenship." She runs her nails along her neck, drawing attention to the intricate bronze circuit patterns and synthetic skin, hard as metal and as flexible as silk. "Of course, the waiting list is long..."

She looks up as the new commander approaches and cuts the discussion with Zazan short for the moment until Diana moves on.

"As I was saying, you could spring for a spinal replacement for ultra-high-Gee tolerance and there's no one who does it better, although, Grammaton Cybernetics is admittedly gaining ground in structural augmentation..."

Zazan traces the lines of the eelskin capacitor mesh on his fingers as he talks, "I will not lie Ensign, I do not know if I am brave enough to have my spine removed....And such extensive augmentation are common on Lynn's World? Ze cost seems quite prohibitive for an entire culture to be so focused on body modification.

Iz it a case of economies of scale? Are there many cyberware shops based on ze planet?"

In reply to Chander Havail (msg # 38):

Diana nodded in response.

- "Then i shall leave crew discipline to you. One thing to keep in mind though is i hold everyone to the same standards, from Ensign to Captain: You will be expected to issue disciplinary action even to me and yourself if the situation calls for it, without regard for rank."

She looked at Chander.

- "But for what it's worth... i prefer discretion. Shock and awe can work, but sustained over longer periods of time it just builds resentment and hurts morale. But again, if and when you deem it necessary to act in such a manner..."

"Ma'am, I generally reserve shock and awe for enemies outside the Hegemony, but if you should need it... I am ever at your disposal. I appreciate your trust and understanding. I make special effort to apply precision and practice to everything I do. Is there anything more I can do? I'm not sure if TK generators are standard to your complement but I can run more than one at a time if you think that might help," he said allowing himself to fall a half step behind his new CO, having someone to answer to might take a little getting used to but, for now at least, she was merely an extension of the Hegemony. He had every confidence.

Diana tilted her head as she looked at Chander.

- "TK gens? No, but we've got a comm server unit on every ship to act as backup in case the ship loses Comms. You a Psi? What spec?"

Chander smiled softly and answered, "Mostly TK, though I have some Precog and Biopsi that came out in dire circumstances in the field. I can keep people for medical attention as much as we may need and I have a knack for making important decisions or timing important action. Then comes the fact that I can do just about anything the strongest grunt can do, with the range of my senses. I'm not as strong as some but I am consistent. I prepare and train before I try something and have stuck to my wheelhouse. I don't leave things to chance as much as I can manage. I am proficient with Metafocal Grenades and TK Sling which I've used to lovely effect in the past."

He took a slightly concerned look to his face, "Have you had issues with psi in the past that are going to make knowing all this harder to work with me?"

Diana gave a brief chuckle.

- "Oh, quite the opposite, i'm a Bio myself. Mastered stabilization and healing, in fact. Secondaries are spread across the board though, some TK and a little precog and teleportation. It's just that i try not to be very vocal about it, though i won't hesitate to use them if the situation calls for it."

Chander opened his eyes slightly then nodded, "I tried to hide my power to keep people at ease and lost a pair of members in Vul Belt's tunnels. Lost another two even after that but with 6.5 being the average team losses in that victory I console myself a little. Battle isn't a place to hold back unless you are sure to walk out. Most of my remaining teammates may not trust a TP still but they loved having a good TK to put rocks and shrapnel into enemies around corners. I have nothing to hide anymore though I don't always offer the information up. As CO I felt you should know before it becomes part of my fixing a situation."

As he processed her confession he quirked one eyebrow, "Do you use a psiblade?" there may have been a hint of jealousy in his voice already.

Diana shook her head.

- "No psi gear, couldn't afford it on my own dime and i was an Ensign three months ago, so no chance of getting it requisitioned either. So i grabbed a rail rifle -- pretty useless in ship combat, but the scope on that thing puts binocs to shame. Three hundred mag is nothing to scoff at."

"Lynn's World..." you could see the expression on face soften as she thought about it, eve though her bionic eyes didn't change the skin around them did. "They often call it the Chromeworld or the Shining Star."

"Augmentation and cyberware isn't uncommon in the Hegemony, even the most backwater of worlds will have a cyberdoc somewhere, but Lynn's World is the core of the industry." She gestures at your implants broadly. "Even if you've never been within light years of it, you probably have a microprocessor or optical grid that came from there in parts or was designed there and exported to any of a dozen other planets. They say Vauln's presence is strong there and indeed, there is a great sky-cathedral over the Angelis Archipelago devoted to His worship."

Moving through the officer's crowds. a tall blonde woman with green eyes, wearing an Indari Hegemony Astral Force Officer's Uniform, hands folded behind her back and a sword in scabbard at her side as was the style of many of the Astral Force Officer Corps. She has the tall near two meter build and sturdy muscular common among the Hegemony nobility. She bears the golden crossed-swords and rocket torch symbol of a Master and the command bar on her hat and shoulders, indicated she has command of a starship. Her name tag says "A. Quarnstrom" on it.

With her, and almost barely noticeable in the shadow of the amazonian blonde, is another woman in pristine uniform. She also bears the signet of Master although she lacks any other decoration, surprising for someone of that rank. Darkly beautiful with features more perfectly proportional than anything nature intended, she looks just like what most people think perfect women should look like. Standing at exactly 5'3” and likely not to weigh more than 100lbs soaking wet she couldn't blend into a crowd without a heavy jacket and a deep hood if she tried.

"Good morning, Commander." The tall woman smiles down at Diana and offers her a crisp salute, the customary introduction when reporting for duty to a superior officer. "Shipmaster Quarnstrom of the frigate Talos reporting for duty to King Squadron."

Diana smiled and returned the salute, having to look up at Anika due to only reaching up to her chest. She was too used to it to let that bother her though. The other woman with her was around her own height, which was amusing on its own, and she figured since she hadn't spoken up yet to be Quarnstrom's XO. She did pause for a moment to tap her chin.

- "The Talos... I had heard we'd be joined by a new frigate to replace the Sigfred, but i could have sworn it was captained by someone named Gryphon. You'll have to excuse me, what is its type and class?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:49, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Zazan notices several ship masters talking to the Squadron Commander decides he'd better go make introductions. Thanking his Ensign for her insight and perspective, he makes his way over to Commander Hersson. As he walks, he briefly makes eye contact with Hargrave and indicating with a subtle head jerk that the captain's presence was requested.

Looking back at the group, Zazan remarks to the youth of the group group officers he approaches. When he was their age he spent most of his time suited up enjoying the lovely Bothisilian weather before ruining someone's day. A younger Zazan couldn't imagine living life in the federations clean naval stations.

Pushing the brusque thoughts away, Zazan draws up to the group and introduces himself briefly, "Good Morning, pardon ze interruption, I am Captain Mysh, Master of ze INS-Randver and King Squadron XO."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Oscar was enjoying the conversation of a particularly interesting young man from House Aesgar when he was notified by social cues that his presence was requested from Zazan. Politely excusing himself, Oscar could see that there seemed to be an impromptu meeting of brass for King Squadron. Joining the group as seamlessly as he could, Oscar took note of the new faces and waited to make his own introductions.

"Shipmaster Hargrave, of the Angantyr. I'll be the squadron's intelligence operations and Marine lead for the next rotation."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Quietly waiting behind the larger, and obviously in charge, woman the smaller and more youthful one doesn't react immediately to the conversation, she seems to be able to focus on the people talking well enough, and tracks each new person as they join in, but almost instantly returns her gaze to something much farther away in even the smallest of gaps in the conversation.  Over time it becomes clear that she is looking at more than one thing in the distance as well, her gaze tracking slowly across the hangar bay, and returning to the exact same spot to track along after each distraction from the nearby set of introductions.

"You must be mistaken, check the orders again. Gryphon is my executive officer." She gestures to the small slight woman at her side. "The Talos is the first ship of her namesake class, a prototype long-range fast frigate with significant enhancements in automation. She's outfitted with advanced navigation for quick interstellar jumps, best-in-class spikedrive and fuel scoops for long term mission duration."

She states this proudly, green eyes beaming as she describes her unique command. "The shakedown cruise was a success last month and command has decided that it's time for her to be put to the test in a real-world scenario."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:11, Sat 18 Sept 2021.

Diana simply nodded.

- "Understandable. As a prototype a lot of the documents were classified and redacted, so i had limited information to work with. Regardless, let's hope for a good field test so we can spread those innovations along the rest of King Squadron next time we hit the drydock. Our command ship is a frigate we've ordered custom built from the budget we had been assigned, this should be her maiden flight."

Chander was a bit increased in formality having greeted the others properly when they arrived, he offered to Diana, "Ma'am, There are a lot of powerful people here now so I'll just listen shortly. I'm no ensign and have requisitioned such gear before. I bet I can get that gear we were talking about sent to the ship before we get aboard, if you would like, Ma'am."

He was uncertain how much they knew about her and knew that it wasn't his information to share but even as her ship XO he wasn't nearly of a rank to cause any issue or be familiar with her.

Diana raised an eyebrow in amusement, but decided to humor her XO for now. If he could arrange such things then it was a skill that was bound to come in useful sooner or later.

- "Well, if it could be arranged, i certainly wouldn't be the one to turn it down."

In reply to Anika Quarnstrom (msg # 55):
07:35, Today: Zazan Mysh rolled 3 using 2d6.  Perception, what is Gryphon looking at?

Zazan glances off in the direction of Gryphon's gaze but can't make anything of it.

His remaining eyebrow does raise slightly at the conversation between Hersson and her XO. As he tries to figure out what is so irregular about the exchange, and as he takes a closer look at the man, he notices an insignia that turns his stomach over.

Between the enigma that is Hersson's XO, the prototype ship, and the ever more eclectic officer corps, squadron's dynamics have become exponentially more intricate, and now possibly dangerous.

"When we have a chance to discuss with more privacy I would like to discuss what our wolf-pack is evolving into. What sort of teeth does ze Talos possess?"

ooc: edited for spookyness
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Sat 18 Sept 2021.

While not quite interrupting her captain Sara does cut her off when the direct question about the Talos's capability is asked, her gaze snaps over to Zazan in an almost aggressive way, but the answer itself is both calm and polite, and is even followed by a slight smile that should really just be called a smirk.

”The Talos class is not intended as a brawler, it mounts a single Plasma Beam intended to act as much as defensive deterrent as to be used as an aggressive weapon.”

Diana thought, and nodded.

- "Yes, the fuel scoops and enhanced spike drive did already imply she's more of a deep reconnaissance vessel. Enhanced sensors too, i reckon? And is the Talos a patrol boat or a full fledged frigate?"

Flicking her attention over to Diana Sara and answers her question without even a moment's delay.

”Considering a Patrol boat lacks the power distribution systems to support either a fuel scoop system or any kind of advanced electronics in addition to a Plasma beam and fast drive system that question seems to answer itself.”

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 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.

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 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."

"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."

- "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."

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.”

"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 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, 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 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.

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 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.

- "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 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 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 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?"

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.