Orion Starstation: The Orion Lounge

[Guest Soulus]

Soulus stepped into the crowded briefing room and allowed the door to close behind him. Various commanders sat around the room regarding the lone figure who stood upon the raised platform, in the front of the room.

Until the sound of the door closing sent every head turning in his direction. At that moment the entire galaxy seemed to freeze. He didn't recognize any of the commanders in the room, but he did notice that there were commanders from a different fleet.

"...never let your opponent see you hesitate. Hesitation can be viewed as a sign of indecision, indecision is a sure sign of weakness. Remember, you only get one shot.." Cmdr Rikon's voice seemed to say from nowhere.

Soulus remembered when she said that, it was over a game of chess, she had taught him how to play the old game. He was surprised at how easily the advice she gave him while playing chess, could be used in just about every situation.

The Lt.Cmdr took two steps towards the raised platform, that the FC stood upon and offered a crisp salute.

"Lt.Cmdr Soulus, of the Storm Dragon, reporting as ordered, sir." he said.

[ooc] at this time I don't have a ship, and I am not a part of any Fleet, so I have left some things open. And the pictures that I looked at of te MISCON briefing room was helpful, does the person giving the briefing stand on that platform?

[Joseph Bosch]

After alowing the other commanders to enter the brefing room i waiting for more till i went in and sat down in seat 8 where i pulled out a datapad to take notes along with waste time making a drawing of the FC with food all over him

Bosch :"Wheres the SC? is he not giveing the brefing i've never seen ISS and Orion fleet in one MISCON before must be a big mission"

------------------

Commander Joseph Bosch

GALCOMID: 76645

Ship:GCV-Obenbone

Quote: "Orion home and Soul i guard you"

ICQ:24625094

[Ben Somerset]

Somerset entered the briefing room, and looked around. Not suprisingly, he didn't personally know any of these people. He recognized a few of them from Navy reports on various and assorted subjects. Most notably the Commander of the Svoboda. That last incident with the Vesperons had made quite a stir throughout the GCN.

He noticed an empty seat on the second row, close to the center that was labeled Seat 7. He walked over to it and sat down. As he pulled out his minipad, he noticed someone sitting down next to him. He looked young to be a Commander, and his service stripes indicated as such. The Orion Commander pulled out a large datapad, and began doodling on it. Somerset was unable to tell exactly what he was drawing, but it seemed to amuse him.

As he was doodling, he turned over to Somerset, and said quietly "Where's the SC at? Is he not going to be giving the briefing? You know, I've never seen ISS and Orion in one MISCON before...must be a big mission."

Somerset agreed with him there. What the unidentified as yet Commander hadn't noticed, was that Somerset wore yet another insignia. That of Wraith Fleet, and the SIN Wing. It made Somerset too curious for words...why would they get Commanders from ISS, Orion, and Wraith Fleet together for? Whatever the reason, it had better be good. he thought to himself. If he was going to be missing out on visiting Jessica, he wouldn't accept much less than a full fledged galactic emergency.

------------------

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[Blades]

Thankful for the intrusion of new commanders entering the briefing room, Blades took advantage of this fully and tried to think of somthing appropriate to say once they were all seated.

His opening dialogue should be confident, stirring but not give away too much that might reveal important mission specifics that the SC himself would probably want to divulge. In truth, Blades was ill equiped to divulge any information, mostly because he didnt have any information to give, not to mention the fact that he was a lousy public speaker. At least when sober.

However, the natives were becoming restless, and some sort of decisive action was needed, if only to distract them from his own awkward nervousness.

"Gentelmen," he started. "thank you for attending so promptly. I believe the Supreme Commander will be joining us briefly to brief us on the nature of our assignment."

This opening retort seemed to go down well. Round one to Fleet Commander Blades.

"In the mean time, for those of you that I have yet to officially greet, welcome to Orion headquaters."

Blades smiled and looked at the assortment of young and old faces looking up at him from the lowered terrace. They all seemed to be respectably frowning.

Yet another good sign.

Round two to Fleet Commander Blades.

And thats where he stalled.

Desperately searching his brain for somthing to fill the void of silence that engulfed him, he grasped at the first bright idea that popped into his over worked head and stammered out his words before he had a chance to stop himself.

"So then ..... any questions?"

Shit!

------------------

Fleet Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

GALCOM ORION Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#43692958

[SpcFX]

The GCV-Jackal burst through the Jupiter jumpgate on itÔÇÖs way back to Galcom HQ after 2 weeks of mild ship testing in the Herin system.

ÔÇ£Cap, WeÔÇÖve cleared the jump gate. Scanning region.

You may want to take a look at this.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Well look at that.ÔÇØ Commander Giao blurts as he glances at the Tacops display.

Neatly lined up in a stationary position just outside the orbital path of Orion HQ lay 10 Mark II Battlecruisers. Under his breath he mumbled the name of each

vessel as itÔÇÖs IFF identifier flashed on the screen. Pushing himself away from the display he turns to the bridgeviewer.

ÔÇ£I havenÔÇÖt seen this many Battlecruisers in one place in quite a while!ÔÇØ he exclaimed

The Commander quickly brings his datapad to bear, briefly looking over his schedule.

ÔÇ£Hmm, WeÔÇÖre not due back at HQ for another 28 hours. Comms ÔÇô hail Orion, see if you can find out who the party is for. Nav ÔÇô Slide us into formation next to the Stratos, and donÔÇÖt scratch the solar panels.ÔÇØ A cracked smile came over his face as he nods at the Navigator.

ÔÇ£Tactical ÔÇô Prep a shuttle, I think its time to pay the new Orion Fleet Commander a visit.ÔÇØ

------------------

Cmdr Mark Giao

GCV-Jackal

Official BC3K Tester

[Guest Commander Hamblin]

"So then...any questions?"

Blades stumbled over that sentence when he spoke those four words. He had obviously just said the first thing that came into his head, which made it quite clear that either he didn't know anything about this mission or, as he said, he just wouldn't divulge any info until the SC arrived.

As much as I would have liked to see Blades humiliate himself for a third time, I decided to go up there and help the poor man. 'Besides' I thought 'He might be willing to ignore that incident in the lounge if I help him now.'

I got up and, as quickly as possible, made my way to the front of the room, where Blades was currently standing. I had absolutely no idea what the hell I was going to say, so I had to improvise what I said.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, let me assure you that the Supreme Commander is on his way and will be arriving...er...momentarily. The Fleet Commander, as...I am sure you are aware, is able to answer questions, but not...pertaining...er...to details of the mission. These will be...be explained by the Supreme Commander when he arrives."

Despite the fact that I stammered through some of it, it was generally well recieved by the crowd, and they got back to whatever conversations they were having before.

I quietly whispered to Blades "Sir, I hope this makes us even."

[Blades]

Blades turned at smirked at Commander Hamblin.

"Oh, this makes us more than even, commander. In fact, I've decided to make you my Leutenant. So, if there are any operational screw ups wthin my fleet, your going to have to answer for them."

Blades grinned an evil smile at him. "As for that 'incident' back in the lounge, forget it. I'm sure you wont have much of an oppurtunity to repeat that particular episode again, considering how busy you are going to be keeping the day to day running events of the fleet in line."

Blades allowed Hamblin to return to his seating.

"Oh, and commander?"

Hamblin turned and faced his Fleet Commander.

"Congratulations. You 'deserve' it."

------------------

Fleet Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

GALCOM ORION Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#43692958

[Guest Commander Hamblin]

I was stunned. Completely and utterly stunned. In fact, I was flabergasted.

Blades was grinning like an idiot now, mainly because he had, without any warning, made me second in command of the entire Orion fleet, and effectively thrust operational control of the Orion fleet firmly into my hands.

Typically, the Fleet Commander of a fleet does most of the paperwork, the political work, etc. In any important operation (Like this mission, for example), he's in charge.

The Exec, though, did most of the hands on work. The actual day to day running of the fleet was put squarely onto his/her shoulders, and now that honour, which who knows how many other people have held, was given to me, with no forewarning and no time to prepare. I wouldn't have believed it if it hadn't been happening to me right this very moment.

When I first joined Galcom, I remembered seeing the fleets. I remember reading up on them. I always imagined a large fleet of Battlecruisers, Interceptors, various other fighters, all charging towards the enemy, weapons firing, and I can remember wanting to be at the head of one of those fleets.

Then, of course, I found out it was, mostly, nothing like that, just paperwork, paperwork and MORE paperwork. And now, with a new head of the Orion Fleet, he placed me as his exec, the guy who does all the menial tasks of running a fleet, while the FC does all the other menial tasks AND gets to have all the glory.

"Oh, and commander?" Blades said as I was going back to my seating.

"Congratulations, you 'deserve' it." There was something about the way he said 'deserve'.

I simply smiled an awkward smile and returned to sit back down.

'Now I know why he wanted to see me after the briefing. Damnit, now I can't wait for the briefing to be over, I really need to discuss some things with him.' I thought.

------------------

Commander Hamblin

GCV Galatea

Orion Fleet

"For I dipped into the future, far as human eyes could see. Saw the vision of the world and all the wonder that would be..."

[This message has been edited by Commander Hamblin (edited 11-11-1999).]

[Guest Neath Southern Skies]

[rp]

The new fleet commander opened the doors to the briefing room & motioned us to "Please take your seats."

Finding a seat about halfway back, I relaxed partially as I settled into the inevitable wait that occurs at all meetings.

Suddenly the doors crashed shut & I turned my head to see a young Lt Cmdr enter the room with a crisp salute. No fleet patch was readily visible, which was uncommon, but not unheard of. I hadn't heard of the Storm Dragon before, but with no prefix, it could be a new, unassigned ship.

A babble of noise started around the room, as most of us had been expecting the SC to walk through that door. It gradually settled down as the unknown fleet commander took the podium. "Any questions?" he finished.

Another commander stood up to assist the Fleet Commander, but still didn't give any information away, as they whispered together before the commander returned to his seat with a stunned expression.

Standing up, I gave a casual salute, "Commander Robertson, sir. Just one at this stage, sir. What is your name? I haven't received the personnel file updates as yet."

[/rp]

By the way, there's actually 4 fleets' personnel in this room now. Orion, ISS, Wraith & Prime (I'm from Prime).

------------------

'Neath Southern Skies

Commander Robertson

GCV Southern Skies

"Shoot first, then shoot the survivors!"

[Lynx Pherrett]

I snagged one of the chairs closest to the door and watched everyone else straggle in and take a seat as the Fleet Commander headed to the front of the briefing room. The two ISS commanders sat together, the younger appearing slightly intimidated by the sea of Orion uniforms and grateful for the presence of his more experienced comrade. I saw Ben Somerset, currently loaned out to Wraith, stride into the room and find an empty seat. I would have tried to catch his eye, but just then the Fleet Commander started started speaking. . .

Before the opening comedy act for the Orion Follies was half over, I realized I'd had about enough of this. I half expected to hear "Who's on first?" or "This is another fine mess you've gotten us in to," but doubted either of the two standing up there had any more clues about 1000 year old comedy teams than they did about the upcomming mission. So, while Orion's answer to Oliver and Hardy continued to rehearse their act for Amature Night in the Lounge, I slid out my data pad for a quick status check and got a pleasant suprise.

Orion Command might be kind of flakey, but it seemed their logistics folks were first-rate. Cargo transfers had been completed 45 minutes early. The 5,500 units of ore had covered the supplies we needed with a few credits left over to fatten the old bank account. Two of the shuttles were already headed back to the Stratos, the third was just waiting on me. I sent a quick note to Kit, my Comms Officer:

]Back in 15, we leave ASAP. Have Ted and Celeste catch

]the mission brief if it ever starts, I'll review it with

]them later. LP

And one to the waiting shuttle:

]Fire her up and get your clearance,

]I'm on my way down. LP

"...be explained by the Supreme Commander when he arrives."

I took a quick glance around the room and noted the puzzled looks on quite a few faces. Then, after a moment or two of silence, individual conversations began to pick up again and I slipped out the door. Let them think what they want, I chuckled to myself, besides, since I'm from Prime Fleet they'll probably assume I've gone to check on what's keeping the SC.

As I strode down the corridors to the docking bays, I wondered, not for the first time, if the Stratos really needed a commander at all. The officers and crew were something more than just a cohesive team and I had long since given up any need to second-guess their decisions and actions. I might give the commands, but they were the ones who made it happen, and I was dead sure that they could figure out the appropriate way to handle damn near any situation without me.

"Cleared and ready to lift, sir," said the young marine over his shoulder from the pilots chair as I boarded the shuttle and took a seat next to the systems engineer who grinned at me as he looked up from his manifest.

"Got everything we need, Sanchez?"

"And then some, sir."

"Good." I turned to the marine. "Let's get out of here."

I felt the shuttle sliding forward even before the crisp "Yes, sir," reached my ears.

We hit vacuum and swung around the curve of the station to be greeted by an awesome sight. An arc of a dozen battlecruisers hung suspended in space, the occasional flashes as their thrusters fired mixed with the nav and anti-collision lights to create the image of a jeweled scythe ready to mow down the wicked. A tingle of anticipation tinged with fear ran down my spine.

"Man, that's really something," said the marine as he deftly took us under the arc and then brought the shuttle around to docking position with the Stratos. "This is gonna be big, isn't it, sir?"

"So it seems," I replied, trying to sound more casual and confident than I suddenly felt. A dozen commanders making smalltalk was one thing, but the sight of those ships brought home the magnitude of the situation.

As we cleared the sill of the cavernous landing bay and came to rest I reached past the marine and thumbed the comms to the bridge. "Catch some rays." I closed the channel without waiting for confirmation, ducked through the shuttle's door and headed into the ship.

Catch some rays was a standing order on the Stratos. Whenever we were in space and had no particular place to be, the Stratos would park 50,000km above or below the plane of the eliptic, oriented with her bow facing the nearest jumpgate and her solar panels gathering the maximum amount of energy. This served several purposes: her batteries would always be fully charged; it was outside the normal lanes of travel, reducing the chance of collision; it saved a few seconds if we needed to make a quick jump out of the system; and, most importantly, it gave us slightly better odds if a threat jumped into the system.

I went to the galley to grab some coffee and a sandwich to take with me to operations. The Stratos would already be sunning herself before I took my first sip, but I wasn't in any hurry. I'd actually get more out of the briefing by missing it, strange as that might sound. Live briefings always contained too many distractions for my taste and the pace was controlled by the briefer. You couldn't fast-forward past the BS or replay and study anything of importance, and the question and answer portion was a waste of breath because if it wasn't covered in the briefing then the answer was invariably "We don't know, we'll get back to you when we have an answer." If I dawdled long enough though, the tactical and combat officers would have already prepared their summary along with any recommendations. Their work routinely put anything comming out of HQ to shame, but, of course, they had the advantage of familiarity with me and could tailor their presentation accordingly. Their summary would guide my review of the mission brief, keying me into what was important. In a pinch, I wouldn't hesitate to skip the briefing altogether and take action based solely on their report.

Sandwich in one hand and coffee in the other, I set out for operations at a relaxed pace. The comforting thrum of the reactor, the hiss of air through the vents and the other normal sounds the great ship quelled the momentary trepidation I had felt viewing the assembled fleet. Everyone aboard knew something big was up, but I could feel some of the tension in the crew members ease as I passed them in the corridors with a word here and a nod there. Look, the Commander doesn't seem to be worried, why should I be? When I walked into operations I was glad I hadn't rushed.

------------------

Cmdr Pherrett

GCV-STRATOS

Official Tester, Battlecruiser Series

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"

-- George Santayana

"You got to change your evil ways"

--Carlos Santana

[Supreme Cmdr]

As I emerged from my ready room and walked into the forward command area, I could barely contain the knot that I felt in my stomach. The quiet humming of computer equipment and the background chatter from my commlink unit, didn't do anything to take my off what I was thinking. It seems as if I'm always running off somewhere and more I performed, the more likely I am to get thrust into some new assignment. When I gave up the safety of a desk job back on Earth, I thought I was doing it so that I could continue my adventures in space. Even with all the dangers, challenges and unforeseen problems, it was still some sort of safe haven.

I walked into the forward command area advised my officers, via commlink, to meet in Operations for an important mission brief.

As I punched in my access codes to call up the MISCON briefing, I kept wondering what all the hush-hush was about and what had occured since we were called out of Procyon three days ago. I read the mission briefing the first time, then again, to make sure I wasn't misinterpreting anything. What I saw just reaffirmed my notion that this Procyon conflict was going to thrust GALCOM into yet another conflict that would stress its resources across the galaxy.

I checked my inflight roster and noticed that a new team of marines from the 15th SMB were scheduled to come aboard in a few hours. Some of these guys, like some the ships going on this assignment, won't be coming back.

With a casual glance at the bridgeviewer, I turned and walked through the door. It was time to give the crew the news. Tomorrow at 17:00hrs Earth time, we launch.

quote:

---

THEATRE OF OPS PROCYON / OMICRON ERIDANI

MISSION CLASS OPERATION: GALACTIC SHIELD

TASK ORIGINATOR UFN

Commander, the situation in Procyon is steadily going from bad to worse and it

does not look like it is going to get any better. Though we have been an

observation force in the past years, maintaining neutrality in the region as

talks continue between the Empirians and the Vesperons over control of the

region, a new variable has been introduced to this conflict.

We now have confirmed reports that the Vesperons, in an attempt to tip the

scales, have been employing the use of mercernary raiders and Insurgents, to

further destabilize the region and claim victory. They have also initiated a

direct attack on the stations within the Procyon regions.

The UFN has broken off its diplomatic status with the Vesperons and as of this

morning, they were effectively no longer a tentative member of GALCOM.

In addition, the Procyon and Procin stations are under heavy attack and will

most likely be under hostile control by the time we have new forces in the

region.

This mission, commanders, is the largest co-ordinated strike in the history of

GALCOM. Never before has a strike of this magnitude, ever been executed to such

a scale. This strike will be co-ordinated on several fronts as follows:

PRIME FLEET will proceed to Canaan and (1) deploy a marine strike team from the

15th Space Marine Battalion to destroy the Badran and Frellis starbases as well

as all supporting assets in the vicinity (2) proceed to Omicron Eridani and

capture the Eridani and Ramis stations. On successful completion, the fleet is

to maintain a patrol profile in the system until otherwise advised.

ORION FLEET will proceed to Procyon and (1) deploy a marine strike team from the

7th Orbital Marine Battalion to destroy the raider base on Actis-IV as well as

the Insurgent base on Actis-V (2) defend or re-capture the Procyon station.

ISS FLEET will proceed to Procyon and (1) deploy a marine strike team from the

666th Covert Ops Arm to assist the 7th Orbital Marine Battalion in the

destruction of the raider and Insurgent bases on Actis-IV and Actis-V (2) defend

or re-capture the Procin station.

WRAITH FLEET will remain on patrol profile in Polaris and (1) deploy marine

strike teams from the 15th Space Marine Battalion and the 7th Orbital Marine

Battalion to destroy all Insurgent bases detected on Polaris-1 and Polaris-2 (2)

vector all non-military traffic out of Polaris 2, preventing them from entering

the strike zone. The task of the Wraith Fleet is particularly to terminate, with

extreme prejudice, any and all hostile ships, related to the conflict in an

attempt to prevent them from entering Procyon.

SCID Fleet will patrol all areas of conflict within Procyon and terminate any

and all detected space or planetary Insurgent assets.

Commanders, keep it simple. Keep it clean. Make it swift.

---

[Joseph Bosch]

After watching the brefing in miscon i order the GCV-Obenbone to be waiting for me to arrive.

Bosch : "I hope loses are low i'd hate to be sending comlink messages to there familys.

Then i looked to the Fleet Commander and just sighed as i got up to leave

------------------

Commander Joseph Bosch

GALCOMID: 76645

Ship:GCV-Obenbone

Quote: "Orion home and Soul i guard you"

ICQ:24625094

[Badgerius]

[RP On]

At the conclusion of the briefing, Hans once again snapped to attention, anticipating the rush of Commanders headed back to their ships. His mind, however, was racing. Not about the situation in Procyon, as politics never was particularly important to him. He went where they told him, and so far, they hadn't told him to go to Procyon.

What was worrying him though, was what forces the Supreme Commander had said would be participating in the attack.

"The 666th," he thought, "they actually exist!" If half the rumours he'd heard about them were true, they were the toughest, meanest, most advanced strike force in existance. Rumour had it that they could travel in time, walk through walls, read the minds of their enemies, had a mental link with their spacecraft, and didn't have to use wormholes or jump points to jump.

Officially they didn't exist. But the Supreme Commander had just said they were going to Procyon.

As the Commanders streamed out of the briefing room, Hans couldn't quite keep the smile off his face.

"Those Vesperon SOBs killed my squad back on the Diligence," he thought to himself, "but now the Hell's Angels are coming for their souls."

Some of the Commanders that returned his salute saw the cold gleam in the Marine Sergeant's eye, and shivered.

[rp off]

------------------

Commander Badgerius, GCV Diligence

On detached duty, GCV Calypso

ICQ 48801556

[Ben Somerset]

[RP]

At the conclusion of the briefing all of the Commander's stood, and were dismissed. As they left MISCON, Somerset was surprised at the scale of the operation. Instead of merely having one Fleet deal with the situation, all of them were going to be involved. That young Commander was right, it was going to be one big mission.

Somerset walked over to the nearest turbolift, and said "Transporter Room." The lift swiftly began moving, taking him to his destination. As he stepped out of the turbolift, he noticed the crowded corridors starting to thin out. Everyone seemed to know that something was going on, and were getting ready for it.

He entered the transporter room, and told the technician on duty, "One to beam to the Swiftsure."

"Aye-aye, sir." The technician said, as he began manipulating the controls. "Ready to transport, Commander."

"Energize." Somerset ordered, as he felt a slight tingling sensation envelop his entire body, and his vision disappear. The next thing he knew, his vision was returning, and the tingling sensation disappeared. He was back aboard the Swiftsure.

Williamson, his transporter Chief nodded, saying "Welcome aboard, Commander. Mr. Soran asked you to join him on the bridge as soon as you came aboard."

"Very well. Tell him I shall join him presently." Somerset said. What does he want now? Somerset wondered. He exited the transporter room, and headed for his quarters.

When he arrived, he removed his uniform jacket, and went to the computer terminal. "Computer, give me a link to GalCom HQ, Communications Research and Development Division. Commander Jessica Somerset."

One Moment Please the computer flashed at him.

I'm going to hate telling her about this... Somerset thought to himself.

[/RP]

I was going to finish up, but I don't have time at the moment. Thought I'd get up what I do have, though.

------------------

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[Guest Commander Hamblin]

Well, there it is. The orders had been given, the various Commanders were fileing out of the room. I got up, and re-read the briefing on my data pad, specifically the orders for the Orion fleet.

'Defend or re-capture the Procyon station.' I re-read that bit over and over. Capturing a starstation wasn't easy, and could very easily end up in large losses of manpower and equipment, on both sides, but usually more on the side of the attacking ships.

I activated my commlink unit. "Hamblin to Galatea."

"Galatea here, sir." Said Lt Cmdr Niki Tiretis, my exec. I had never come to the bridge and not seen her there. She was always an hour early for her shift. In fact she did it so often that I was considering making her shift start an hour earlier.

"Prepare for departure. Recall all crew and give them a sitrep. I'll be there ASAP."

Tiretis sounded concerned. "Sir, I don't think we're ready for another mission yet. We're still in pieces since our last mission."

"I understand, but we'll have to make do. Galcom needs every available ship in the region, and we've just spent the last five months there."

Tiretis sighed. "Aye sir, Tiretis out." I shut off the commlink and headed out of the room. I was going to get a status report from the department heads before going to Blades office.

I stepped onto the Bridge of the Galatea...and almost tripped over a number of wires trailing along the floor. I looked at the rest of the Bridge and saw the rest of it was like this as well. Wires, cabling, crates carrying sensetive equipment. It was a madhouse.

The Bridge was very crowded, much more than usual. There were system engineers, both from the ship and the station, walking about, carrying equipment, making repairs, doing the odd bit of maintenance, upgrading, doing whatever else needed to be done.

I noticed Tiretis standing next to my chair, reading through a report of some kind. She turned around and noticed me walking up. "Sir!" She said. She saluted and stood at attention. "Captain on Bridge!" She shouted.

At those words, the all the commotion, all the people currently on the Bridge stood up at attention. Even those that were wearing the insignia that showed they were from the station stood to attention, simply as a sign of respect to a superior officer.

It was amazing. Suddenly, the only noise that could be heard was the firing of the ships thrusters, as they fired slightly to keep the ship in place, and the humming of the nuclear reactor two decks below.

"Carry on." I said. And, suddenly, it all started up again.

I turned to Tiretis and said "At ease, Lieutenant Commander." She relaxed her stance, and stood with hands behind her back, as she normally did. "Report."

"We're in the process of finding the crew now, sir. They should be all back aboard in half an hour." I sat down in my chair as she continued. "We've finished upgrading the Bridgeviewer. The aft thruster coupling has been fully repaired. We can now use the afterburners again. And..." At this point, I could tell that bad news was coming. "Sir, unless we stay in drydock for at least another two weeks, we will not have the transporters, the launch bay, the solar panels, the forward turret and one of the IOD's."

I banged my fist against the arm of my chair. "Thank you Lieutenant Commander. I want us ready to leave within the hour. Tell Lieutenant Commander Maisel that I want this ship ready to leave within the hour."

Tiretis saluted again. "Aye sir." She then returned to her station. Maisel was the Galatea's chief engineer.

I sighed. GALCOM was really putting it's foot down on this one, hoping to end this conflict before it goes any further. I just hope that we don't accidentaly slip...

[This message has been edited by Commander Hamblin (edited 11-13-1999).]

[Guest Matt Stryker]

Stryker listened to the brief, and his thoughts went inwards for a moment. When all the commanders left, so did Matt. He moved back to the Launch Bay and took a shuttle to The BlackStar.

He was able to give sketchy details to the crew, partly because his mind still reeled at the taking/capturing of a starbase. Still, orders were orders.

As he slipped into his command chair on the Bridge he piped a message to Commander Hamblin.

"GCV BlackStar ready and waiting, nice to be back in space."

With this he ordered his crew to prep the ship for immediate departure. His eyes turned to the void and he began to wonder, how many of them would come back.

------------------

Matt Stryker (Commander)

GCV - BlackStar

Orion Fleet

[Guest Cmdr Josh Dilvorn]

As the mission breifing came to a conclusion Dilvorn took out his datapad and sent a single line to the Conquest:

]Prepare for departure in 5mins.

-----

Within milliseconds of pressing send the message was picked up by the station relays where it was coursed through the station's communication circuits and eventually flashed up on the Comms officer's terminal.

-----

As Dilvorn rose he noticed that he was one of the last commanders to leave MISCON, everyone else had rushed out as soon as the breifing was concluded.

A little over eight minutes later Dilvorn stepped onto the bridge of the Conquest.

LtCmdr Kjari Deharo, the tac officer, turned to face him, "Cmdr on the bridge."

"As you were, I want your recomendations ASAP." the commander replied, "Comms, do we have departure clearance?"

"Affirmative sir" came the response from Lt Sarah Peale.

"Mr Young, engage pre-launch sequence." The ensign had only been out of the Academy for 6 months but already had expertise beyond his years. "Cmdr, airlocks sealed, station walkways retracted. All systems in the green. Ready to disengage docking tractors."

"Very well ensign, take us out. Steady as she goes."

"Aye, aye sir. Bringing thruster control on line. Disengaging docking trators. Thrusters set at 25%."

As the battle cruiser emerged through the docking bay doors the bridge was treated to a magnificent view of the combined GALCOM fleet. "Bring us along side the Svoboda, stand-by for orders."

Dilvorn rose from the command chair and walked towards his ready-room. "DeHaro, you have the bridge."

------------------

GCV Conquest

ISS Fleet - Tactical Support Arm

"You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone"

ICQ: 12159264

[This message has been edited by Cmdr Josh Dilvorn (edited 11-13-1999).]

[Guest Commander Hamblin]

A message was recieved from the GCV BlackStar. I activated the commlink computer and read 'GCV BlackStar ready and waiting, nice to be back in space.'

I smiled, a small smile. 'Looks like Matt's ready.' I turned in my chair to face the bridgeviewer and noticed it was getting really fuzzy. 'Could you...could you clear that up a bit...could...damnit, could you clear that up, I can barely see the rest of the fleet.'

I noticed in the corner of my eye that Tiretis, for a split second, smiled a small smile, as though she was amused. Then, she regained her professional attitude, and carried on with what she was doing.

I smiled again. It was the first time in five months I had seen her smile. Still, five months was too much time to have spent in a combat zone. And now, we were about to go back in. The least everyone could do was smile every once in a while, at least to keep your sanity.

I checked the time and realised I had an appointment to see Fleet Commander Blades. I turned in my chair to face the aft of the Bridge and said "Ms Tiretis, you have the Bridge. I'll be in Fleet Commander Blades office if you need me."

"Yes Sir." she replied.

I walked to the turbolift and got in.

------------------

Commander Hamblin

GCV Galatea

Orion Fleet

"For I dipped into the future, far as human eyes could see. Saw the vision of the world and all the wonder that would be..."

[Supreme Cmdr]

The crew briefing in Operations was quite uneventful. As I scanned the battle scarred faces of the troops, along with some green commanders, I couldn't help but wonder what was going through their minds. You can almost tell those eager for action from those who had seen action and regarded each new mission with skepticism.

Eitherway, some of them were going to die, perhaps in fact, all of them.

After hosting a few questions from my Combat Officer and gone over some new secure communications protocols with my Comms Officer, I gave the order to set flight for GALCOM HQ where we'd get new supplies and weaponry, in time for the mission launch that was to come any day now.

[Guest Cmdr Josh Dilvorn]

Dilvorn was sitting in his ready room going over tactical reports and maps of the Procyon region. Beep Beep. The sound of someone at the door. "Yes. Come in." It was DeHaro. "Cmdr, here are the recommendations that you wanted."

"Thankyo.." Dilvorn was interrupted by the COMMLINK, "Lt Peale to Dilvorn. Sir, the Supreme Cmdrs ship is heading back to Earth, my guess is she is going to re-stock at GALCOM HQ."

"Understood Lt. Nav, bring us into formation with the SC's ship and lay in a course to GALCOM HQ."

"Affirmative sir, plotting intercept course. Engaging hyperdrive."

------------------

GCV Conquest

ISS Fleet - Tactical Support Arm

"You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone"

ICQ: 12159264

[This message has been edited by Cmdr Josh Dilvorn (edited 11-13-1999).]

[Blades]

Fleet Commander Blades was half burried under a pile of paper work. However, this was a good thing. He prefered the chaos of organising the smooth running of the stations logistics requirements to the pressures of commanding a battle cruiser. However, he wouldnt admit to this.

Since the briefing, he had been troubled. For the first time, he was responsible for the actions of an entire fleet. He wasnt prepared for this, didnt want this. However, fate dictated that he had to lead, and lead he will.

Commander Hamblin knocked quickly on his office door and quick stepped inside.

"You wanted to see me, Fleet Commander?"

Blades nodded. "Correct. Here are your orders."

Blades handed a datapad to the taller commander and allowed him to briefly overlook the instructions.

"But sir," started Hamblin. "I was under the impression that you were goin to lead the ORION presence into the hotzone."

Blades nodded cheerfully at him. "And under normal circumstances I would, Commander Hamblin. However, as you can see this station is a mess and running well under optimal capacity and to be frank, there isnt anybody here better qualified to sort this mess out than myself."

"Sir?" questioned Hamblin.

"Look, your orders are simple. You are to lead the Tsunami Battle Group into the hotzone and carry out the mission directives. Upon completion of the objective, you are to return here and resume your normal duties as my XO. For the duration of this assignment, you are in command of the Tsunami."

"What about my ship?"

Blades stood from his chair. "We both know your vessel is in need of serious repairs before it's even remotely space worthy. Those repairs are under way but will take time to complete. Once she becomes operational, I shall assume command and meet you at the target."

Hamblin was taken aback. "But what about the Supreme Commanders directives. Surley he expects you to lead ORION in this endevour?"

"The Supreme Commander would probably appreciate a smoothly running starstation more than my presence on site. I have every confidence in you, commander."

"Yes sir." replied Hamblin, somewhat puzzled.

"Inform your crew of the change in assignment, and have them board the Tsunami immediately. My people are already *assisting* the tech crew working on your vessel."

"Aye aye, sir." said Hamblin, saluting.

Awkwardly, Blades saluted back. "That is all." he said, concluding the meeting.

As Hamblin shuffled out of his office, Blades slipped back into his seat, confident that he had dodged the bullet on this occasion. However, he knew it was only a matter of time before he actually had to lead the fleet in an open engagement. He just hoped that that time would be later, rather than sooner. At least then, he might be partially ready.

------------------

Fleet Commander Blades

GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó

GALCOM ORION Fleet

'For Queen and country'

ICQ#43692958

[GREG MILLER]

Off in the emptiness of space a huge shimmer of light appeared out of nowhere, and cast out of the middle was a silhouette of a battlecruiser, on a direct heading for Orion Station. It was the GCV- SARK exiting hyperspace, returning home from her shakedown cruise.

Back on the bridge, Cmdr Gman was looking over final reports from all departments.

ÔÇ£Well, looks like this ship is as fit as a fittle, Fleet Commander Blades should be pleased to hear we are ready to serve Orion Fleet.ÔÇØ I said to the bridge crew, ÔÇ£All of you are a fine group of officers, this ship will be a force for our enemyÔÇÖs to reckon with. Comms officer, please inform the crew that I will be approving shore leave for our short stay at Orion Station, and to prepare for docking procedures.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Yes Sir!ÔÇØ the Comms officer replied.

My flight officer turned to me, ÔÇ£Sir do you think there will be a problem obtaining docking clearance, due to the fact that we are returning to Orion a day ahead of schedule.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£No, there should not be, half of the fleet is on patrol duties.ÔÇØ I replied.

Now with in 50 clicks of Orion Station, I studied the giant bridgeviewer in front of me, suddenly I noticed there were a lot of ships in orbit around Orion Station. This is odd because in the event that all of Orion member ships are recalled to homeport, we surely would have been recalled as well.

Without hesitation, I order my Tactical Officer to identify the mass of ships around Orion Station.

ÔÇ£Are those all Galcom vessels, Tac Officer?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Some are Galcom, some are Earthcom, Sir, not all are Orion Fleet ships. ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Is the Tsunami in Port?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Affirmative, Sir!ÔÇØ

Making note that the GCV- Warmonger was part of the orbiting mass or shinning steel that now encircled Orion Station, a instantaneous thought ran through my mind

ÔÇ£Something big and important must be going on.ÔÇØ

Now within 30 clicks or Orion Station I ordered my Flight officer to contact the station dock master and secure docking clearance.

The Flight officer immediately reported, ÔÇ£Docking clearance has been refused, due to the fact that all docking facilities are full, and that we are to proceed to these coordinates for orbiting Orion Station.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Proceed as instructedÔÇØ, I ordered.

At that very moment, my Comms officer speaks out; ÔÇ£I just received a priority 1 message from Orion Fleet Command. Sir you are to transport over to Orion Station immediately for an emergency debriefing by Fleet Commander Blades.ÔÇØ

With out a pause, I sprang up from my command chair, turned and headed out of the bridge giving a few final orders in the process.

ÔÇ£Combat Officer, you have the bridge, and inform the crew that something has come up, and all shore leave is now cancelled. I will notify them, immediately upon my return!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye, Aye sir!ÔÇØ he replied.

On my way to the transporter room, I called out to empty space, speaking to no one in particular, ÔÇ£Gman to Transporter Room, upon my arrival, beam me directly to Orion Starstation.ÔÇØ

Then I heard a voice cut through the background noise around me, ÔÇ£Acknowledged Sir.ÔÇØ

As I rounded the corner and the doors in front me opened, I made a B line straight for the transporter pad.

Just as I placed my first step onto the pad, the Transporter Officer notified me that the beaming destination is set.

I swiftly turned about face, stood still and said, ÔÇ£Energize!ÔÇØ

With in seconds I was doused by a blue light, and started to tingle all over. Before I knew it, I was now aboard Orion Starstation.

Upon entering the Fleet CommanderÔÇÖs reception area, I was informed by the secretary that Fleet Commander Blades was expecting me, and will be here shortly.

------------------

CMDR GREG MILLER (GMAN)

GCV- SARK

ORION FLEET

[email protected]

[Guest Commander Hamblin]

I walked out of Blades office, thinking over the brief meeting that had just taken place. I had barely been Blades XO for half an hour, and already I was going to get my first taste of fleet command.

I was half excited and half afraid. I had little real experience in fleet command. The only experience I had was back at the academy, years ago, in the training simulators.

I quickly activated my commlink as I stepped into a turbolift, heading for the transporter room. "Hamblin to Tiretis."

My first officer answered quickly with a "Tiretis here, go ahead sir."

"We've had a change of orders. We won't be taking the Galatea out on this mission. Report to the GCV Tsunami ASAP for a briefing. The entire crew is to transfer over from the Galatea to the Tsunami." I spoke quickly into the commlink. Luckily Tiretis took all of that in and, with her normal professionalism, carried out the orders with great effeciency.

"Aye sir. Anything else?"

"Negative, Lieutenant Commander. Carry out your orders then report to the Tsunami operations room with the rest of the senior staff."

"Yes sir, Tiretis out."

She cut the commlink. Knowing her, she would immedately drop everything and carry out those orders. She was that type of person, willing to follow orders to the letter even if it meant her life. She was fiercely loyal to Galcom. I had always been able to count on her to keep her cool and follow orders in a crunch.

Her only problem was not being able to bend the rules even a little bit. She was a bit to set in her ways.

An hour later, I had gotten to know the Tsunami. Physically, the only difference I could tell between it and the Galatea was the fact that right now, the Galatea was in pieces, and the Tsunami looked as though it had just come off the construction line. But there was something about it. Something which made it seem as though I was tresspassing on someone elses territory. It was probably a Captain's instinct. This was Blades' ship after all.

I walked into the operations room. The senior staff from the Galatea were all gathered there. They were:

Lt Cmdr Niki Tiretis, Tactical officer

Lt Cmdr Ileen Maisel, Chief Engineer

Lt Paul MacGrady, Helmsman

Ensign Frances Pickup, Nav officer

Lt Cmdr Kil Colgan, Combat officer

Dr Brian Tamastara, Medical officer

Lt Peter Dillard, Comms officer

Lt Cmdr John Ford, Research Engineer

I stood in front of them and said "Alright then. We've recieved new orders. It seems that Fleet Commander Blades has given us his ship, at least until this mission is over. As you are aware, the Galatea is in no condition to take on a mission like this.

"Also, as you may or may not be aware, I was recently promoted to Second in Command of the Orion fleet. Now, as I understand it, I will still remain more or less in command of the Galatea, but I am not too sure on the details yet.

"Anyway, right now, we don't have time for this. As you are aware, the situation in Procyon is getting worse, and Galcom has ordered all of the fleets to enter the system and put a stop to it, once and for all. Even Earthcom will be helping us out on this.

"Now, it seems that Fleet Commander Blades is currently very busy with running Orion Starstation. So, rather than leading Orion fleet, he has given that job to me." I paused, to let all of this sink in. I then tapped on the datapad I was carrying and called up the orders for the Orion fleet.

"Our orders are to 1, take the fleet into Procyon and deply a marine strike team from the 7th Orbital Marine Battalion to destroy the raider base on Actis IV as well as the Insurgent base on Actis V. Kil, I expect you to co-ordinate this with the rest of the fleet. I would like to see your recommendations for marine deployment within two hours." Colgan nodded in acknowledgement.

I carried on reading. "And 2, we are to defend or re-capture the Procyon station. Niki, I expect you to coordinate this with the rest of the fleet. I also want your recommendations for fleet deployment and maneuvers within two hours as well. We're going to be attemtping the capture of a starstation, so we've got our work cut out." Tiretis nodded as well.

I deactivated the datapad, and looked up at all of them. I turned to Dr Tamastara. "Brian, I want you to look over the marines, make sure they're all healthy, before we go out. Make sure that the ship's surgeons on each ship in the fleet do the same, we want to make sure that they can do their job. I also want to be prepared to set up triage facilities in all non-essential areas of the ship. We're going to have a lot of casualties, and the medibay could get overwhelmed." Brian acknowledged with a "Yes sir." that sounded as though he didn't like this state of affairs one bit.

I turned to Maisel and said "Ileen, have you had a look at this ship yet?"

Maisel nodded. "I had a quick look before the briefing. Very nice. I could get used to this. Unlike the death trap the Galatea's become." She said, with a slight smile. I smiled. Maisel had a reputation for always being able to tell a joke, even in the worst of situations. She had helped to keep the morale of the crew up while we were in Procyon. I would need to rely on that more than ever now.

"Good. Prepare this ship for departure."

"Aye sir." She saluted.

"Peter," I said, turning to my communications officer "I don't think I need to tell you that I want you to keep an open comm channel to the rest of the fleet at all times. I don't care if the ship is falling to pieces around you, you will keep that comm line open. Understood?" He nodded in acknowledgement.

I turned to Tiretis. "Niki, is everyone aboard yet?"

She nodded. "Yes sir. All surviving crew from the Galatea accounted for. We had to recruit some people from Orion starstation to make up the numbers, but most of the crew is the same."

I sighed, a deep sigh, before saying "Now...understand that some of you may not return from this mission. It is extremely dangerous, as you can tell. If any of you want to contact your families, or loved ones, then do it now. You won't have a chance to later. You have your orders. Dismissed."

The filed out of the room, looking somewhat sombre. They had managed to survive five months in Procyon. And now they would be going back out there again, and they might not return. They could very easily die out there. I had to live with that on my conscience, just as I had to live with it with every officer I had lost under my command.

I waited until Tiretis came out of the door, and immediately headed for the Bridge. "Lieutenant Commander." I said to her.

She stopped and said "Sir?"

I walked up to her and said "I had assumed that you would contact your family. Everyone else is. You may not come back alive from this mission."

She sighed. "I would much rather be working on the Bridge, sir. Like you said, we've got a lot of work to do."

"The work can wait while you at least spend ten minutes talking to your family. Don't you have any friends or loved ones you might want to contact?" I knew it wasn't a captain's place to interfear with the personal lives of the crew under his command, but I knew that Tiretis would immedately head for the bridge. She would foresake talking to her family simply because there was work to be done.

She said "Sir, I don't think it is appropriate for you to be concerned about my personal life."

"I don't give a damn. When one of my officers is having trouble, I try to help them. In all the time we've been serving together, I have not once seen you talking to your family, or any friends. When we go on shore leave, you always voulnteer for the night watch on the Bridge, or you spend the time on the ship, somewhere, doing something. You barely get along with anybody else on the ship. And now, we are about to go into a situation where you may not come back alive. I am concerned for you, Niki. Now, come on," I smiled at her. "Give me that smile I saw on the bridge. I swear, that is the first time I've seen you smile in a long time."

She looked up and smiled a small smile. "There we go," I said. "Now, if you call your family up, and show them that beautiful smile of yours, I'm sure that whatever past problems you've had with them will be forgotten."

She smiled again, and said "Alright then, sir. I'll do it. For all the time we've been serving together, I'll do it." She turned around, and walked to the turbolift.

'Man, nice work, James!' I thought to myself, triumphantly. At least this had, temporarily, taken my mind off of the upcoming battle in Procyon. I thought again of that smile she had. I knew that I would be fully prepared to claw my way out of the bowels of hell just to see that smile again. 'She could make some lucky guy very happy someday, if she survived. She could have even made me...'

I suddenly stopped on that train of thought. A train of thought like that could only lead to disaster. Not only was it frowned upon when two officers in Galcom got together (Although, it wasn't strictly forbidden.) I didn't want to have to cloud my judgement by falling in love with a fellow officer. I needed to remain calm and collected if I was going to lead the Orion fleet in an engagement this big.

I turned and headed to the turbolift. I got in and said "Bridge." The 'lift headed towards the bridge at a nice pace. It was quieter than on the Galatea. I suppose I had gotten used to the slight grinding of metal you heard every so often on the Galatea's turbolift (The turbolift shaft was knocked a little out of shape, so ever so often the side of the turbolift car would scrape against the shaft).

When I arrived on the Bridge, I smiled. There was nobody here yet, so it was nice to see a Bridge so completely quiet.

I walked slowly up to the command chair, and sat down slowly. "Ahhhhhh." I couldn't help saying, as I settled into the very comfortable chair. "Blades sure does know how to live." I said quietly to myself.

I looked around. Now this was what a Bridge should look like. Spit and polish, nice and clean, no wires hanging out of the bulkheads, no consoles shot to hell, no sparks shooting out every now and then from certain consoles, no cabling lying on the deck, no conduits trailing all over the place, no flickering lights and a chair that could make even Karl Reines himself show the smallest of smiles.

I thought of the impending mission. It looked hard. It was probably going to be difficult to pull off. If Orion fails, then it would be on my head, and the entire mission could fail. I hoped, dearely, that I was up to the task, and God wouldn't fail me now...

------------

Commander Hamblin

GCV Galatea

Orion fleet

"For I dipped into the future, far as human eyes could see. Saw the vision of the world and all the wonder that would be..."

[This message has been edited by Commander Hamblin (edited 11-16-1999).]

[Ben Somerset]

[RP]

One Moment Please glared off of the computer screen until it was suddenly replaced by someone sitting down at a video pickup. As the person sat down, Somerset recognized it as his wife. My wife... he thought.

It was hard for him to believe that he was a married man. Ever since his first failed marriage, Somerset had been married to the Navy, to the Swiftsure. Now, he had a real wife, of flesh and blood. Someone who he found slightly more enticing than he did his ship. He wanted to be a good husband, and not make the mistakes that had ruined his marriage with Alyssa. "Hello, my dear." he said to Jessica.

"Hi, my darling." she replied with a smile. "How is everything?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. We finally put in at Orion for repairs." he told her.

Jessica's face lit up, and she asked, "Do you think you'll be able to get leave?"

Somerset frowned. This was the part he wasn't going to like. "I'm afraid not, dear. The Procyon problem is heating up, and they're sending in the Fleet to deal with it. You know I wish I could come home and see you, but I can't. Why does it seem these things always happen at the wrong time?" he asked, more to himself, than to her.

She didn't look happy, but there was at least understanding in her eyes. "I don't know. Just promise that you'll be careful, darling."

He nodded, saying, "I promise, dear. I won't even muss a hair on my head. I'll talk to you soon. I love you, my dear."

She smiled, and said "I love you too. Take care, Ben."

"I will, Jessica. Somerset out." he said, and the image of his wife was replaced by the emblem of the GCN. He stood, and donned his uniform jacket, as he headed for the bridge.

"Commander on the Bridge!" a Marine announced as Somerset approaced Soran.

As Soran rose, Somerset asked "You needed to see me?"

"Yes, Commander." his first officer replied. "We are still 18 hands short, and are about to head into a hostile situation. I am concerned about departing undermanned."

"That shall be dealt with promptly. Contact Orion's personnel Department, and tell it's commanding officer that it's time he repaid his debt to Somerset. He'll understand, and we'll get our staff." Somerset said.

Soran looked puzzled, but only said, "Understood."

-----

"The last of the replacements are aboard, sir." Soran informed him. It had taken less than an hour to fully man the ship, which had been 18 hands short. Quick work, even for a starstation.

"Departure stations." Somerset ordered as he keyed the comm to Engineering.

"O'Malley here, sir."

"How is the Engine Room?" Somerset asked.

"Still in shambles, like tha' rest o' the ship, if ye couldna tell you'self."

Somerset could tell. Loose wires, broken panels, and the rattling vent that annoyed him were only a few signs that the Swiftsure was not quite combat ready. "Will we be combat ready by the time we get to Procyon?"

"We should be, sair. Why else do ye think I train me crews so hard?"

"Point taken. Keep us together for awhile longer, Shawn. Somerset out."

"All stations report ready for departure, sir." Ishikawa reported from the Nav station.

"Melanie, get me the dockmaster." Somerset ordered.

"Control reading, Commander." the communications officer replied.

"Control, this is Swiftsure, requesting permission to depart."

"Acknowledged, Swiftsure.Permission to depart granted. Proceed course 234, mark 128 to rendevous with Fleet. Good luck, and good hunting. Orionout."

"Lt. McAllister, course 234, mark 128. Full impulse."

McAllister began inputting commands as she said, "Aye-aye, sir. Full impulse."

The Swiftsure surged forward, as she headed to join up with the rest of the fleet. Once she was in position, Winforth at communications reported, "Message from the Flagship, sir. We are to proceed to GHQ for resupply and rearming, in cruise formation."

"Acknowledge the message. Mr. Ishikawa, plot a course for GHQ, standard cruise velocity. Ms. McAllister, move us into standard cruise formation."

The view on the main screen changed as the Swiftsure moved into position. "Course plotted and laid in, sir." Ishikawa reported.

"We're in position, Commander. Flagship is sending the count to Jump. Jump in 4, 3, 2, 1...mark." she said, and engaged the hyperdrive. The Fleet quickly traversed the light barrier, and was moving at what decades earlier would be considered an unimaginable speed. Now, it was normal. The complexities of the universe only seemed to grow, and grow.

------------------

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[Charles Lindsey]

Commander Chavik rubbed his eyes. He had been going over Sygan's books for days. Nothing much was wrong, just a few things that could be better. That they were a bit out of the way of the normal space lanes didn't seem to bother the traders and the Credian Scientists stationed on Toron 1 found them much more convenient than the long journey to the rest of their system. The traders on Toron 2 kept a good stock but sometimes needed supplements and Sygan reciprocated. Also, certain traders would go to nullspace if there were a station and a way to make money there. All in all, Sygan held it's own and generated a little extra besides. Perhaps some of the tips Chavik had given would reduce overhead a little more.

This little side trip had come at a quiet time. Rattler was off on one of his jaunts and Akira was keeping an eye on him. Things had been quiet in the region as well so Chavik decided he would pay a visit to Sygan and see how things were going.

His crew had needed shore leave as well. it wasn't wuite time for that so Chavik had arranged a working vacation. Each shuttle loaded with crew were making trading runs between Polaris 1 & 2 and Activ IV & V. They were doing quite well for themselves as well Chavik noticed as he occasionally checked his balance in Centcom. Just then his commlink beeped. Chavik answered it and discovered his communications officer Kathy Siamet on the line. "Sir, the shuttles have returned and are reporting massing of raiders and Insurgent mercanaries. in Actis IV."

"Well, they aren't ours. Get Spectre and see if you can trace Rattler down. Anyone else as well. Have the Phoenix loaded with as much Irirdium as she can hold. Shuttles as well. Inform Spectre we are going down there to check things out."

"Aye sir."

"I'm on my way, Chavik out."

------------------

Commander Chavik

ICV Phoenix

"We Shall Arise From The Ashes"

Official BC3K Tester